CLOSE
Town of Brookhaven

by -
0 733
GSA Troop 833 during a recent clean-up of the PJS/Setauket Greenway Trail. Photo from Herb Mones

KEEP BROOKHAVEN BEAUTIFUL and Keep America Beautiful, Inc., in cooperation with Supervisor Panico and the Town of Brookhaven, invite you to join the Great American CleanupTM. Every spring, individuals and groups join the Great American Cleanup, the nation’s largest organized cleanup, beautification, and community improvement program.

The facts on litter are sobering. According to the most recent litter study there are more than 50 billion pieces of litter on the ground. That’s 152 pieces of litter for every American. But there is good news. In the past ten years, littering along US roadways is down 54%! Last year alone, over 64,000 clean-up events were held in the US, resulting in over 146,600 ACRES of parks, public lands, waterways, trails and playgrounds cleaned up by volunteers like YOU!

So, don’t wait for someone else to do it…pick a location…and volunteer for this year’s Great Brookhaven Cleanup! Join thousands of Brookhaven residents to help make Brookhaven … a cleaner, greener, more beautiful Town!

  • Identify a specific site that you would like to improve.
  • Visit the site to plan your event and get permission from the property owner if necessary.
  • Possible activities:
    • Litter cleanups on streets, parks, playgrounds
    • River, lake and seashore cleanups
    • Nature trails, woodland trails and field cleanups
    • School cleanups
    • Commercial Site / Shopping Center cleanups
    • Beautification / community improvement projects
  • Recruit family members, friends or neighbors to help.

Several organized events will be taking part in this year’s clean up including:

Farmingville

Farmingvile Residents Association will hold its 19th annual Spring Clean-Up at Triangle Park, corner of Woodycrest Drive and Horseblock Road, Farmingville from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Supplies will be provided. 631-260-7411

Lake Ronkonkoma

Lake Ronkonkoma Improvement Group hosts a clean-up of Lake Ronkonkoma on May 17 at 10 a.m. Meet at Michael Murphy Park. Call 631-451-6222 for more info.

Port Jefferson Station

— The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce is  teaming up with the Port Jefferson Rotary Club and Old Town Blooms for a clean up of at the PJST Chamber Train Car, corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway in Port Jefferson on Saturday, May 17 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Jayne Blvd, behind D & D from 10 a.m. to noon; and any area along Old Town Road, Crowley, School St, Block Blvd or Yale Street Parks from noon to 5 p.m. (on your own). 631-821-1313

— Three Village Community Trust’s Friends of the Greenway will hold a Setauket to Port Jeff. Station Greenway clean-up on Saturday, May 17 at 9 a.m. It will start at the Port Jefferson Station trailhead at NYSDOT parking lot by Routes 112 & 25A.  www.threevillagecommunitytrust.org

*If any organization would like to add their event to this list, please email [email protected]

 

by -
0 536
2025 Town of Brookhaven Arbor Day event. Photo from TOB

On April 25, the Town of Brookhaven celebrated its 10th Annual Arbor Day Seedling Giveaway at Town Hall in Farmingville. The event yielded a strong turnout and portrayed a clear message: every small effort contributes to a greener, healthier community. Held in the south parking lot of Brookhaven Town Hall, the event offered residents a variety of free native tree seedlings, mulch, and compost, while promoting broader environmental stewardship initiatives.

Approximately 1,400 young trees and shrubs were distributed, with the hybrid poplar emerging as the most popular tree, followed by the bear oak. On the shrub side, prairie willow and sand cherry were resident favorites. All remaining plants will be put to good use on Town open space by the Division of Land Management.

Supervisor Dan Panico praised the success of the initiative, noting, “Every little bit helps—especially in our wetlands—for the health of our bays and bodies of water. We’re restoring 187 acres of wetlands down in Mastic Beach, but we have projects going throughout the entire Town. This Arbor Day project was started by former Supervisor and current Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, and I know he’d be proud to see we’re giving away three times the amount of seedlings today.”

As part of the Town’s continued commitment to sustainability, residents also had the opportunity to purchase composting units and rain barrels in advance through the Town’s online store. In total, 86 rain barrels and 63 composters were purchased. Due to high demand, the online store is being reopened to allow more residents to take advantage of this program. Orders can be placed at https://brookhaven.compostersale.com/, and the next scheduled pick-up date is Friday, July 25.

Brookhaven has been recognized as a Tree City USA community, reflecting the Town’s ongoing investment in environmental initiatives, open space preservation, and public engagement through events like the Arbor Day Giveaway.

by -
0 664
Brookhaven Health and Wellness Fair returns May 17. Photo from TOB

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico has announced that the 5th Annual Health and Wellness Fair will take place on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brookhaven Town Hall. Sponsored by JVC Broadcasting, as well as Stop & Shop and ShopRite, this eagerly anticipated event has become a cornerstone of the community’s commitment to promoting health and wellness for residents of all ages.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from various health and wellness industries, who will provide valuable information on topics ranging from fitness and nutrition to mental health and healthcare services. The fair is designed to connect the community with local resources, empowering residents to lead healthier, happier lives. To add to the excitement, plenty of free giveaways will be available throughout the event.

This year’s fair will feature over 50 vendors offering a wide range of services, including:

  • Health screenings and wellness resources
  • Mental health and counseling support
  • Fitness and nutrition guidance
  • Senior and caregiver services
  • Insurance and community outreach programs
  • Interactive activities and giveaways for all ages
  • Healthy snacks, compliments of our generous sponsors

Some of the participating organizations include:
NYU Langone Health, Aetna Better Health, Stony Brook Medicine, Suffolk County Psychological Association, Redefine Fitness, Sunshine Prevention Center, Getting Zen with Erin, and many more!

Adding a dynamic element to the day, JVC Broadcasting will be on-site conducting interviews with participants, vendors, and attendees. These interviews will be aired on 103.9 LI News Radio, offering listeners a chance to hear firsthand accounts of the event’s positive impact on the Brookhaven community. Supervisor Dan Panico emphasizes that the Health and Wellness Fair reflects Brookhaven Town’s dedication to providing opportunities for residents to engage with essential health-related resources.

“Our Health and Wellness Fair is not just an event—it’s a celebration of our community’s commitment to fostering a healthier future for everyone. We are grateful to JVC Broadcasting for their support in making this event a resounding success,” said Panico.

Brookhaven Town Hall, located at 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville, will serve as the welcoming venue for this annual event. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars and join in celebrating health and wellness on Saturday, May 17. It promises to be a day filled with learning, community connection, and inspiration.

For more information, call 631-451-6331.

by -
0 824
Photo courtesy of TOB
On April 29, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle (standing) was a guest speaker at the Centereach Senior Club monthly meeting held at the New Village Recreation Center. He discussed the role of the Town Clerk’s office and how it can help Brookhaven Town residents. He also spoke about service improvements by the Town Clerk’s office, engaged with civic members, and touched upon senior scams to be aware of.
Town Clerk LaValle said, “Thank you to the members of the Centereach Senior Club for having me. I enjoyed answering questions about the services we provide and the projects I’m working on to enhance those services.”
The Town Clerk’s office is located at Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill in Farmingville. For more information, office hours, and services, call 631-451-9101 or go to www.BrookhavenNY.gov.

by -
0 608
Earth Day is Every Day beach clean-up at Cedar Beach on April 19. Photo courtesy TOB

On Saturday, April 19, the Town of Brookhaven hosted an “Every Day is Earth Day” clean-up at Cedar Beach in Mt. Sinai. Seventeen dedicated volunteers collected 45 pounds of litter and debris from the beach and shoreline, showcasing their commitment to preserving the environment.

“The hard work and dedication of our residents made a meaningful impact on our community. Together, we’ve helped make Brookhaven cleaner and greener,” said Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner.

Residents are encouraged to participate in future clean-up events to continue this important mission. For more information,  visit BrookhavenNY.Gov.

by -
0 3744
Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich speaks at the Three Village Civic Association meeting on April 7. Photo by Sabrina Artusa

By Sabrina Artusa

At a recent Three Village Civic Association meeting, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) announced the formation of a new battery energy storage advisory committee consisting of scientists, fire department representatives, school superintendents and civic leaders. 

The advisory group substitutes for an official Town of Brookhaven task force, as suggested by the New York State Research and Development Authority. NYSERDA’s Battery Energy Storage Guidebook recommends creating a task force representing “interested stakeholders” to help create or amend the protocols, processes and strategies involved in implementing a battery energy storage system. 

“The Town of Brookhaven at large has not made a battery advisory task force as recommended by NYSERDA,” Kornreich said. “So I am making my own.” 

With several engineers to help navigate the technicalities, scientists to analyze alternate forms of energy storage, civic leaders like Three Village Civic Association President Charles Tramontana to tap into the sentiments of residents, and local school superintendents who are looking out for the next generation, the task force aims to disseminate their findings, dispel misinformation and scrutinize the systems from various industry perspectives. 

“The goal is to really make information available to everyone,” said Nancy Goroff, a retired professor of chemistry at Stony Brook University and former trustee for the Long Island Power Authority. “From my point of view a key aspect is figuring out what conditions, what parameters must be met in order for the battery energy storage systems to be safe. If we decide there are not a set of parameters for it to be safe, then we would recommend against building. I think it is more likely that we will come up with a list of parameters and conditions that can be met for the committee to make a consensus. “

“It is always better to have more information than not enough,” said Three Village civic member George Hoffman, who is pleased that a task force has been formed and commended Kornreich on the initiative.  “I think it will make the public more comfortable.” 

The group is tasked with comparing the facilities with peaker plants, a power plant that activates during times of high demand, considering alternative technologies and analyzing existing and emerging codes and safety measures.  

“I have reservations about lithium batteries,” said Kornreich at the civic meeting. ”But, I am not an expert on batteries and in the vacuum of policymaking a lot of info that informs policymaking decisions, not just here but everywhere, seems to come from people who have vested interest one way or another.”

With three proposed facilities in his district, Kornreich is concerned about the spread of misinformation. Organizing a group of “high level people who can really dig into this and study it” is a step toward developing a more complete and informed determination on the systems. 

In Port Jefferson Station, New Leaf Energy is proposing an 8.75-megawatt system while Savion has proposed two facilities in Setauket, 373 megawatts and 65 megawatts. 

Goroff said that anticipating and measuring safety risks is a big concern of the group. Already she has started to form ideas on how to mitigate risk by using information about previous fires. For instance, she said that by looking at BESS Failure Incident Database, she estimates that “the time of installation is the riskiest time for a fire” and that the group may make recommendations for certain standards in the installation process to address that.

Goroff acknowledged that some public discourse is “inaccurate and greatly exaggerates the risks.” 

 “At the same time,” she continued, “there are real risks and we want to make sure that those are reduced. We also need to get our arms around how big the real risks are separated from the misinformation and disinformation.” 

The group has had one meeting so far, with another soon approaching. They aim to have a report of recommendations by the end of June. 

“I do believe that it is possible to build BESS in a safe way,” Goroff said. 

by -
0 1691
A scene from last year's Arbor Day tree giveaway event at Brookhaven Town Hall. Photo courtesy TOB

In celebration of Arbor Day, the Town of Brookhaven will hold its annual tree seedling, mulch and compost give away in the South Parking Lot of Brookhaven Town Hall, located at 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville on Friday, April 25 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Recently recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA community for the 10th year, the event on April 25 is also part of the Town’s “Greening Brookhaven” initiative.

The tree seedlings available for pick-up are Red Pine; American Hazelnut; Bear Oak; Hybrid Poplar; Wetland Rose; Bristly Locust; Sand Cherry and Prairie Willow.

Free mulch and compost will also be available in bulk — residents must bring shovels and containers to load it into their vehicles. All items will be available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

In addition, residents will be able to pick up their orders of discounted backyard composters and rain barrels at this event. Orders must be placed by April 22 through this secure website brookhaven.compostersale.com.

Residents of Brookhaven Town may pick up free mulch and compost at the following Town facilities:

  • Brookhaven Town Hall, South Parking Lot, One Independence Hill in Farmingville
    Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm and Saturday-Sunday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Percy Raynor Park, Route 347 and Belle Mead Road in South Setauket
    Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Rose Caracappa Center, 739 Route 25A in Mt. Sinai
    Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Brookhaven Landfill, 350 Horseblock Road in Brookhaven Hamlet
    Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 2:45 pm and Saturday from 7:00 am to 12:00 noon
  • Manorville Compost Facility, Papermill Road in Manorville
    Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm (Closed for lunch 11:50 am – 12:30 pm)
  • Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road in Holtsville
    Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
  • Robert E. Reid, Sr. Recreation Center, Rte. 25A and Defense Hill Road in Shoreham
    Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Mastic Complex (Keith Romaine Park), 300 Mastic Beach Road in Shirley
  • Centereach Pool Complex, 286 Hawkins Road in Centereach Park closes at dusk

Free mulch and compost are for residential use only. Contractors interested in purchasing Town of Brookhaven mulch and compost should inquire about discounted rates at the Brookhaven Landfill or the Manorville Compost Facility. For more information, call 631-451-TOWN (8696) or visit the Town website.

 

by -
0 1274
Brookhaven Highway Superindent Daniel P. Losquadro

Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Daniel Losquadro has announced the launch of a new website to encourage community feedback in developing a Townwide Vision Zero Action Plan to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries on Town-owned roadways by 2045.

Brookhaven Town is currently developing an action plan to achieve this vision and is seeking feedback from the community. The action plan will incorporate the Safe System Approach, as supported by the Federal Highway Administration, to achieve Vision Zero by means of safer roads, safer speeds, safer people, safer vehicles, and enhanced post-crash care.

Most recently, the Town has been studying crash data, speeds, traffic volumes, infrastructure, field observations, and demographics throughout all Town-owned roads to identify focus locations for roadway safety improvements. The study will culminate in a strategic plan outlining long-term goals and actionable steps for the Town’s future.

“I would like to encourage residents to visit the project website at www.BrookhavenVisionZero.com to engage via the interactive map and community questionnaire,” Losquadro said, noting the interactive map allows comments and suggestions to be entered at pinpoint locations. “Please be encouraged to have a hand in ending fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways.”

by -
0 1055

The Town of Brookhaven’s Parks & Recreation Department has announced an array of upcoming spring programs at their various recreation centers for 2025:

Henrietta Acampora Recreation Center
39 Montauk Highway, Blue Point, NY 11715
631-451-6163

Yoga
Yoga that meets you where you are today. This class includes standing postures, strengthening exercises on the mat, seated stretches and guided relaxation. Our practice supports strength, agility, flexibility and balance while reducing stress. Please bring a yoga mat, yoga blocks or a rolled towel. 
Day/Time: Mondays, 1:00PM – 2:00PM
Dates: April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 12, 19
Fee: $47.00 per 6-week session
Register: Click HERE 

Watercolor Art Class
Meet fellow artists, try a new hobby or work on an old project. Bring your own materials and work in a relaxed environment. Instructor will give demonstrations along with group and individual guidance. 
Day/Time: Tuesdays, 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Dates: April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3
Fee: $47.00 per 8-week session
Register: Click HERE 

Sprouts & Friends 
Join Sprouts & Friends for a fun, safe and creative way to learn to move through music and release energy. Our mission is to create joy while helping your little ones grow, learn, develop and explore through playful activities. 
Day/Time: Mondays, 11:30AM – 12:15PM
Dates: April 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, June 2
Fee: $47.00 per 6-week session
Per caretaker & child
(Ages 6 moths to 5 years)
Register: Click HERE 

Sprouts & Friends Baby Class
Join Sprouts & Friends for a fun, safe and creative way to learn to move through music and release energy. Our mission is to create joy while helping your little ones grow, learn, develop and explore through playful activities. Please bring a blanket for your baby to lay on.
Day/Time: Fridays, 1:00PM – 1:45PM
Dates: May 2, 16, 23, 30, June 6
Fee: $47.00 per 6-week session
Per caretaker & child
(Ages 3 – 12 months. Non-walkers only.)

Register: Click HERE

New Village Recreation Center
20 Wireless Road, Centereach, NY 11720
631-451-5307

Watercolor Art Class
Meet fellow artists, try a new hobby or work on an old project. Bring your own materials and work in a relaxed environment. Instructor will give demonstrations along with group and individual guidance. 
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Dates: April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28
Fee: $47.00 per 8-week session
Register: Click HERE

Studio Art Acrylics & Drawing Class
Unleash your creativity and explore the versatile mediums of pencil, charcoal and pastels. This hands on course is designed for artists of all levels. Students will learn to capture light, texture and depth, using pencil for fine details, charcoal for bold contrasts, and pastels for vibrant, expressive color.  Join us and discover new ways to bring your drawings to life. 
Day/Time: Fridays, 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Dates: April 11, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, June 6
Fee: $47.00 per 8-week session
Register: Click HERE

Robert E. Reid, Sr. Recreation Center
Defense Hill Road & Route 25A, Shoreham, NY 11786
631-451-5306

Sketch-N-Stretch
Looking for some fun for your little one during spring break? Join us in this spring themed yoga and art program. We will blend yoga and art to inspire movement, meditation and creativity. All children will have the opportunity to bring home a completed 8 x10 painted canvas. All supplies included. 
Date: Tuesday, April 15
Time: 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Fee: $25.00 per child
(Grades K-2)
Register: Click HERE

 

 

by -
0 585

Supervisor Dan Panico has announced that the Town of Brookhaven will hold its fifth Annual Health and Wellness Fair at Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville on Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Fair will feature representatives from the health and wellness industries who will provide valuable information and plenty of free giveaways. The Health and Wellness Fair sponsor, JVC Broadcasting, will be on-site performing interviews to be aired on 103.9 Long Island News Radio and promoting the event on its five Long Island radio stations.

Health & Wellness businesses who are interested in participating can visit www.BrookhavenNY.Gov/Health to complete a vendor application. If you have any questions, please call the Department of General Services at 631-451-6331

Request to be a vendor.

View Flyer

 

123...73Next Page 1 of 73
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©