The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 12, St. James invites the community to the opening reception of The Long Island Young Artists Exhibition on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The evening will feature live demonstrations by artists and complimentary hors d’oeuvres and prosecco. Call 631-250-9009 for further details.
In an effort to eliminate 1,4-dioxane in county drinking water, Suffolk County Water Authority has proposed installing additional treatment systems at sites throughout the county, though costs could be high if plans see the light of day.
In a presentation to Suffolk County legislators, SWCA proposed installing 31 new advanced treatment systems at a number of sites where the levels of 1,4-dioxane are higher than the New York State proposed limit, which is 1 part per billion.
Jeffrey Szabo, SCWA chief executive officer, said the authority is continuing to develop technology that will eliminate toxic chemicals such as 1,4-dioxane.
“We have been working with the health department on our AOP (advanced oxidation process) systems and the results have been successful,” Szabo said.
A concern of 1,4-dioxane is that it can’t be removed through conventional treatment methods and involves a complex process of mixing the contaminated water with hydrogen peroxide, treated with ultraviolet light, which then gets sent to tanks filled with carbon where the rest of contaminants are filtered out. The hamlet of Central Islip currently has the sole advanced oxidation process system capable of removing 1,4-dioxane on Long Island.
The authority says that its systems can destroy 1,4-dioxane molecules to virtually undetectable levels. Szabo said there are close to 100 wells in Suffolk County that need to be treated for the toxin.
The proposed plan could take five to six years to install all 31 treatment systems, according to the authority’s chief executive officer and it would cost between $1.5 and $6 million in capital costs alone for each system.
“We are trying to get this done as quickly as possible, there are things still up in the air,” Szabo said.
The authority is waiting on the state Department of Health to adopt an official maximum contaminant level (MCL) standard. According to officials, they expect to get confirmation sometime in early 2020.
Szabo stressed that the authority and other water providers will need time to adjust to the new standards as well as to implement the new systems.
“This will take time, each system has to get approved by the department of health before it can be installed,” Szabo said.
In the case of the AOP pilot system in Central Islip, officials said it took over two years to get approval from the Department of Health.
“We want to reassure the public that we are doing everything we can,” Szabo said.
1,4-Dioxane has been designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a likely carcinogen associated with liver and kidney damage after a lifetime of exposure to contaminated drinking water. The chemical has been found in industrial solvents, detergents, shampoos and other products.
In July, the state health department began the process of adopting the MCL of 1 part per billion. The department would become the first in the country to set a limit on 1,4-dioxane. Similarly, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) has planned to offer $350 million in grants for treatment.
At a forum in February, the Long Island Water Conference estimated the cost of treatment systems for close to 200 water wells contaminated by 1,4-dioxane to be at $840 million.
The authority said it is hopeful it can begin to implement the plan sometime in 2020. In addition, two additional AOP systems are currently in development for pump stations in East Farmingdale and Huntington.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Port Jefferson flotilla, is sponsoring a competition for high school students called Solution for Pollution. Supported by a New York Sea Grant, the competition is aimed at Long Island public and private high school students, who can submit concepts for reducing trash in our waterways and on our beaches. The focus will be on the Long Island Sound, with special reference to associated harbors. The goal will be to create cost-effective methods to return our waterways to a trash-free sea.
Waterway trash pollution is both unsightly and unhealthy. Trash can contain contaminants that are toxic to marine animals and humans. Much of this trash is the result of individuals and governments assuming that the waterways that we enjoy and live near are virtually infinite sinks for refuse. We observe in the water and on beaches piles of trash comprised of plastic bags and other plastic products. According to National Geographic, there are more than 5 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean.
Cash awards will be given to the top three winning entries. Entries are due by April 1, 2020, and winners will be announced soon after on May 15.
Go to https://solution4pollution.org for detailed information.
To obtain information on New York State required boating courses or to have your vessel inspected by an auxiliary member, contact the Port Jefferson flotilla by email: [email protected]; or phone 631-938-1705. Visit www.cgapj.org for more information.
Herb Herman is the flotilla staff officer for public affairs, Port Jefferson Auxiliary Flotilla 22-6.
It’s that time of year when deer look to mate, and that can result in dangers for motorists on local roadways.
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Environmental Conservation are advising motorists to take care when navigating roads during October, November and December. While deer can be seen all year round roaming around the North Shore, during the fall it’s breeding season.
Two-thirds of the crashes between deer and vehicles occur during the three-month span, according to a press release from the agencies.
In a TBR News Media article from October of 2018, Lori Ketcham, a rehabilitator with Middle Island-based Save the Animals Rescue Foundation, reminded residents that deer don’t hesitate when they are crossing a street, especially in the fall.
“The boys only have one thing on their mind,” Ketcham said. “They’re following the scent so they’re just running. They smell a girl down the street. They run, and they don’t care if there are roads in the way.”
Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV commissioner and chair of the governor’s traffic safety committee, said drivers should exercise extreme caution during the autumn months.
“When you see a deer-crossing sign along a highway, that means deer have been seen at that location and have collided with cars there,” Schroeder said. “Those signs are meant to warn you to be extra cautious when driving through such locations.”
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said drivers should be alert during both dawn and dusk. The animals tend to be more active during these periods of the day while visibility is also reduced.
The state agencies also recommend decreasing speed when you approach deer near roadsides as they can bolt out or change direction quickly. If you see a deer, look for others as they are herd animals and usually travel in groups.
Motorists are also advised to brake firmly and avoid swerving if they encounter an animal, as swerving can cause collisions. The DEC recommends not approaching an injured animal as they can strike out with their legs or hooves.
Here are a few additional tips in case of a deer collision:
● Move your vehicle to a safe place. If possible, pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. If you must leave your vehicle, stay off the road and out of the way of any oncoming vehicles.
● Call the police. Alert authorities if the animal is blocking traffic and creating a threat for other drivers. If the collision results in injury, death or more than $1,000 in property damage, you must fill out an official crash report and send it to the DMV.
● Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights, a hood that won’t latch and other safety hazards. If your vehicle seems unsafe in any way, call for a tow truck.
According to the 2018 State Farm Insurance deer-vehicle collision study, it was estimated that there were 1.33 million deer, elk, moose and caribou collisions between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018, in the U.S. — down from 1.34 million cited in the company’s 2017 study. New Yorkers had a one in 165 chance of crashing into the animals in 2018, according to State Farm.
New York State Sen. Jim Gaughran (D-Northport) represents Huntington and its surrounding communities with his seat in Albany but also speaks for all New Yorkers as chair of the Local Government Committee, which is responsible for looking at issues that impact the villages, towns and counties.
Over the last month, Gaughran has organized roundtable discussions with many elected officials in his district, on Long Island and in upstate New York. Two common threads continue to surface: environmental concerns, such as water quality and sewage treatment, and high taxes.
Many elected officials, Gaughran said in a telephone interview, were frustrated and feel restricted by the permanent 2 percent tax cap. Gaughran said his feeling is that all elected officials represent taxpayers. If you can imagine how much higher taxes would be without the cap, which was previously temporary, the costs would be even higher.
The following Q&A summarizes some of the ongoing discussions taking place that aim at reducing people’s tax burden:
Why are Long Island taxes so costly?
I’ve been a state senator for nine months and pay property tax, and as a citizen I’ve seen taxes go up and up and up. One of the reasons I ran for office was to address this concern. Before the 2 percent tax cap became permanent this year, municipalities could raise taxes to whatever level they saw fit. Also, the federal government’s elimination of the state and local tax deductions is essentially a tax increase for Long Islanders.
Long Islanders regularly complain about high taxes. Can that reality change? What are some of the best ideas that can be implemented to address concerns?
We are looking at ways to allow villages to build clean energy. There are certain provisions in certain laws that need to be tweaked to remove impediments. Towns and villages already have the authority to initiate projects.
What ideas hold the strongest potential for reducing costs?
Consolidation of services holds the greatest potential. We’d like to make changes to create more opportunities to share or consolidate services such as road repair and police and water districts. It’s not my job to tell local governments what to do. There’s reluctance, so we need to maintain independence. We want to give people the tools they need and provide incentives and take away impediments so governments can share services such as road repair and snow plowing. Villages can combine services with other villages, towns can consolidate services with villages. A simple example: When it snows the Town of Huntington sends out its plows, the Department of Transportation has its plows and villages have plows. You have three different plows in the same area. It’s silly to have plows take care of some roads and not others.
The many different election districts for fire, schools, libraries, villages, towns, county, etc. make it hard to monitor expenditures. Are there any discussions about changing that?
My jurisdiction as chair of the Local Government Committee pertains to village, town and county governments. There’s an education committee that addresses school issues. But, for the 2020 primary elections, state and local primaries will be combined and held in September, which will save tens of millions of dollars over time. The problem is that budgets are on different cycles and it’s been a tradition, but its worthy of investigation.
Our newspaper has noticed that a $2 million home in Southampton pays $6,000 a year in taxes, while a house in Fort Salonga valued at half the value pays more than twice the amount in taxes. Is there any way to address the inequities?
In Suffolk County, tax assessments are done by town. It’s always been done on the local level. I would be against the state imposing local control. One of my big fights is to increase state aid for schools. The most important investment to make is education. Perhaps the money can come from economic development funds.
High property taxes often are attributed to school spending. Education is important, but is there a way to consolidate services?
School districts dictate their own fate. There’s nothing stopping two districts from combining. It’s not a board issue, it’s the voter. Last time it was tried, I think it was on the North Fork, the referendum failed. Long Islanders are reluctant to lose local control. It’s a fact of life. More funding for school and state aid will help.
It’s often stated that increasing costs for retirement benefits in the public service sector (teachers and police) is one of the main reasons for high taxes. Is that true?
The fact is that the vast percentage of costs when you look at a pie chart in any government anywhere is to pay the people that provide the services. We’re fortunate to have many dedicated volunteer fire departments on Long Island. The people offer protection and it’s a tremendous savings. Some communities pay for fireman and it’s a huge cost.
Generally speaking, a lot of people in the public health sector, whether its teachers, police or city health employees, work because it’s something they want to do. Salaries are often lower than the private sector. Their pension benefits are protected. It’s something they’ve invested in. It’s their money. The State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli administers the system. Most years it’s the number one or a top investor in the bond market. Are there abuses at different levels of government? Perhaps, but it’s often caught.
What steps can people personally take to address the situation?
Everyone should participate in local government: village, town, school. People need to pay more attention. Everyone should vote.
Photo from Gaughran’s office
A new study in the Sept. 20 issue of Science has found that in the United States and Canada bird populations have fallen a staggering 29 percent since 1970.
Such a dramatic drop has scientists concerned that the decline could be a sign of an ecosystem collapse. Habitat loss is considered a prime culprit.
Huntington resident Coby Klein understands the big picture. He’s an ecology professor at Baruch College and a guide with the Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society.
“If the arctic continues to become warmer and drier, it will cause larger and more frequent fires,” he said. “Fires kill birds and destroy nesting habitats and drive down populations of sandpipers, gulls, terns, waterfowl and birds of prey that migrate through or winter on Long Island.”
The best thing people can do, if you really have an interest in protecting birds and the environment, he said, is to vote.
Otherwise, the Audubon Society is committed to transforming communities back into places where birds flourish. Sterile lawns, ornamental species, pesticides and herbicides mean that on a local level, the landscape no longer supports functioning ecosystems.
Klein himself said that he lives on a postage-stamp-sized lot and the only native plant that thrives in his yard is poison ivy. But he notes that the Audubon Society is sponsoring a campaign called Creating Bird-Friendly Communities. The program is designed to educate the public on what they can do to help reverse the damage done and revive disappearing bird populations.
Growing native plants is a key component to re-establishing the ecological functions of cities and towns, according to the society and its experts. And they say the concept is easier on the back and wallet.
To flourish, birds need (a) plenty of food, (b) shelter where they can rest, (c) clean water to drink and bath in and (d) safe places to raise their young. Native plants and the insects that co-evolved around them are vital to a healthy system. The more native plants, the Audubon emphasizes, the more food and shelter. More bugs, caterpillars and seed pods on more public and private land is part of the solution.
The Audubon’s Native Plants Database, which is on its website, suggests plants according to ZIP code. The choices were hand-selected by local experts and include information about the birds and creatures it benefits. Serviceberry, for example, is recommended for Long Island’s North Shore communities. The small, shrublike tree with dense branching produces white flowers in the spring followed by red, purple or black berries. It attracts butterflies and caterpillars, as well as warblers and woodpeckers and about nine other types of birds. The database can be a good first place to explore landscape options.
The Long Island Native Plant Initiative’s website is another good resource. The local nonprofit gathers wild seeds and makes native plants commercially available. It also grows and sells the native plant species to local nurseries to increase availability. Polly Weigand, the executive director, recommends requesting native plants from your favorite garden center to increase demand. It’s goal is to reach more businesses in the nursery industry. Once people get into the habit of providing suitable habitats, birds become less vulnerable and are potentially more capable of adapting to climate conditions, according to the Audubon.
Native gardens, experts agree, are also relatively maintenance free and require little to no special irrigation system or fertilizers or toxic chemicals. So, it saves time and money and is a healthier option for people in the long run.
This fall consider practicing less drastic and costly yard cleanup. The Audubon recommends leaving the seed heads of perennials in the garden and skipping the raking. Leaf litter, they say, is free fertilizer, and a good place for birds to forage for worms and other critters. If tree limbs fall, they say, consider building a brush pile that will provide birds with shelter from the wind and predators. Branches settle and decompose over the seasons and make room for the next year’s contributions.
Plant asters and woody shrubs like bayberry and winterberry this fall. The waxy fruit of bayberry provides an important source of energy to migrating birds. Evergreens, too, like cedars, firs and holly, provide shelter and something for birds to eat in winter. In general, milkweed, goldenrod and sunflowers are important plants for the rest of the year.
“When you plant native species in your home landscapes it’s a protective way of ensuring that invasive ornamental species seeds don’t spread and dominate the rest of Long Island’s landscape,” said Weigand.
Overall, the objective is to lose some lawn, or create pathways through it, and create habitat layers. Tall canopy trees produce nuts and provide nest cavities for shelter. Shrubs and small trees throw fruit for bird food and herbaceous plants supply seeds and a habitat for pollinators. Decaying leaves produce the base of all habitats. It also happens to be where moth pupae live, a favorite food of baby birds.
Start small, the Audubon states, and cluster plants in groupings of five or more of the same species. Pollinators, they say, prefer to feed from masses of the same flower. And remember to include a birdbath or hollowed out rock where rainwater collects, so birds have a supply of fresh water.
In the end, you’ve created a backyard sanctuary and a sure method for healthy, sustainable living.
Popular downtown Kings Park businesses, such as the Park Bake Shop and the Kings Park Shipping and Business Center, have said for years that they lacked adequate parking for their customers. Their decade-old complaint has finally spurred action that has become one of the county’s most significant investments in a downtown: $500,000 for a new parking lot that will provide 23 stalls for local businesses.
“I was shocked when I got the call,” said Lucy Shtanko, who owns the bakery with her husband, Gabe.
On Thursday, Oct. 3, County Executive Steve Bellone (D) sat beside Smithtown’s Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R) inside the busy bakery to sign the new Jumpstart economic initiative.
“When we’re focused on families, communities rather than political nonsense,” Bellone said. “We get things done.”
Bellone said that Kings Park had all the qualities worthy of economic development efforts. It has a train station, natural resources, a good school district and is located between Stony Brook University and Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Most importantly, people worked together to make it happen.
“When you talk about revitalization, you have to start with community right from the start, otherwise it will fail,” Bellone said. “This community has done it right.”
Shopowners Shtanko and John Nobles, who own the shipping center, said they had gathered years ago more than 750 signatures and worked with civic groups and other businesses to mobilize action. Their persistence has ultimately paid off.
Wehrheim, who lives in Kings Park, said that the town had already purchased in the late summer of 2018 two vacant lots for the additional parking at a cost of $279,000.
“We cannot do this alone,” the supervisor said. “We rely on higher levels of government and there couldn’t be a better partner than Bellone.”
The jumpstart funds will pay for the entire project from start to finish, according to the supervisor’s office. But, not for the land that has already been purchased. Costs include surveying, erosion control and environmental protection, excavation, grading, pavement, concrete, handicap accessible sidewalk entrances, landscaping, all new electric lighting, traffic control signage and labor.
The parking lot is expected to be particularly useful for the Park Bake Shop and the Shipping Center and restaurants The Reel Kitchen, Dragon House, Red and Relish. The additional parking will also likely help with leasing out shops that have been vacant, according to town officials.
Since the downtown is laid out rectangularly with the train station serving as a corner hub, some business leaders foresee Kings Park becoming a more popular destination. Joann Galletta Hahn, president of the Kings Park Heritage Museum, predicts that people will be more likely to stroll the business district.
Bellone noted that when the chamber, civic, businesses, residents and government join together, anything is possible.
Twenty-four hours after the jumpstart announcement, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) signed a bill that essentially secured funds for $20 million in sewer upgrades for Kings Park. The upgrades are considered essential for the downtown business development.
“I thank the governor for signing this important bill into law,” said State Sen. John Kennedy (R) who was the bill’s original sponsor. “And I am grateful the project can now proceed.”
The overarching consensus of the community after the announcements: Great things are on the horizon.
The jumpstart project will begin immediately with the surveying. The town expects to finish the parking lot in May or June of 2020.
Huntington council members Mark Cuthbertson and Joan Cergol are urging Huntington residents to register to be an organ donor as the town is hosting an Organ Donor Enrollment Day October 10. Residents can sign up at Town Hall or Huntington Hospital.
New York State ranks last in the country with only 35% of registered organ donors versus the average of 50% registered across the country.
A recent study showed that 92 percent of New Yorkers support organ and tissue donation, only 35 percent of New Yorkers are registered as organ donors. Every 18 hours, a New Yorker dies waiting for a lifesaving transplant.
That means that people can wait an average of 7 or more years to receive a lifesaving transplant. Meanwhile every 18 hours, a New Yorker dies on the waiting list. Now in its fifth year, Organ Donor Enrollment Day presents New Yorkers with a convenient opportunity to make their support known and to sign up as an organ and tissue donor. This year, Huntington Hospital is hosting Organ Donor Enrollment Day as a facet of its partnership with the LiveOnNY to facilitate tissue and organ transplants.
“I can tell you from personal experience that organ and tissue donation saves lives,” Cuthbertson said. “My son, Hunter, received a bone marrow transplant a few years ago and he is doing fine today. He was lucky, his donor was his brother. Only 25% of family members are a match, that leaves 75 percent of people needing transplants to rely on the kindness of strangers.”
Cergol also spoke on her experiences.
“A family friend’s son needed a heart transplant and I watched as he became weaker and weaker waiting for a heart, thankfully that call came and he received his transplant,” she said. “Not every New Yorker is as lucky as he was, we need to bring New York out of last place and save lives.”
Doing their part to help change the statistics, Cuthbertson and Cergol announced yesterday that preparations were underway for the 3rd annual 5k Run to Save Lives to be held on Sunday April 19, 2020 at Oldfield Middle School.
The run annually brings together competitive and recreational runners with transplant recipients, donor families and organizations promoting organ donation and highlighting the need for people to enroll as organ donors. More than 250 people participated in the 2019 race, which raised $16,000 for organ donation groups.
It’s not too early to sign up. People can register online at: https://events.elitefeats.com/april-2020-town-of-huntington-5k-to-save-lives
To sign up to be an organ donor, please go to www.liveonny.org
Compiled by David Luces
The Greater Smithtown Chamber of Commerce met for its annual luncheon Sept. 26 at the Chop Shop Bar & Grill on Main Street in Smithtown and swore in its new officers.
Executive Director Barbara Franco introduced guest speaker Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R) during the event, who explained to the business leaders how recent investments in the town infrastructure is improving business in the Town of Smithtown. New sidewalks, parking lots, housing and sewer projects were among some of the completed and planned initiatives touched upon during his presentation.
The chamber board consists of a president, two vice presidents, a treasurer and a secretary plus 10 other volunteer directors, who are business owners in the community. The organization meets monthly and is committed to networking to improve economic development opportunities in the town. Currently, the chamber consists of 325 members.
It’s next event is a Fashion Show Gala at Watermill Caterers, which is scheduled for Wed., Oct. 23 from 6 to 10 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Smithtown Food Pantry.
Greater Smithtown
Chamber of Commerce
President: Christopher McNamara, Mac Abstract Land & Trust
1st Vice Pres.: Ayman Awad,Village of Old Field Pulse
2nd Vice Pres.: Jeff Troiano, Troiano Agency – Allstate Insurance
Treasurer: Ann Aboulafia, Aboulafia & June, CPAs
Secretary: Susan Hughes, BNB Bank
Executive Director: Barbara Franco
Directors:
Robert Bernstein, Citi-Mortgage
Brittany Lawton, American Cancer Society
Mary Ellen McCrossen, St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center
Paul Mastrorocco, Brookhaven Opticians
Jennifer O’Brien, Jennifer O’Brien Agency – State Farm
Ron Reed, Reed Resumes
Alyssa Solarsh, Esq., Taylor, Eldridge & Endres, P.C.
John Vigliante, Branch Funeral Homes
Deanna Varricchio, Town of Smithtown Receiver of Taxes
Past President, Robert Cartelli, Outstanding Plumbing & Heating
Photo by Elise Margolin
By Heidi Sutton
Christmas came early for many little girls and boys as two members of the Radio City Rockettes, Mindy Moeller (left) and Taylor Shimko, stopped by the Smithtown Library’s Main Branch on Sept. 25 to meet their fans and take part in a kids craft program.
Each child took an instant photo with the Rockettes that was placed in a keepsake snow globe. The globe was then decorated with stickers.
Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim presented the two dancers with a proclamation thanking them for their time and “the joyful memories made today with the children and families of Smithtown.”
The day was especially meaningful for the supervisor’s 6-year-old granddaughter Danica (in the pink ballet outfit) who loves to watch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular show and aspires to become a Rockette when she grows up.
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