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Girl Scouts of South Huntington pay a heartfelt tribute to vets

by Jennifer Donatelli - November 11, 2024

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By Jennifer Donatelli

The Girl Scouts of South Huntington honored our nation’s veterans at their third annual Girl Scouts Veterans Luncheon on Nov. 5. Assemblyman Steve Stern was the guest speaker, thanking the veterans for their service and for serving as examples for others to follow. The event took place at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Cold Spring Harbor, with more than 50 veterans in attendance. The veterans were welcomed with live patriotic music by the Strum Bow Long Island Chamber Ensemble, and 95 Girl Scouts greeted them with candy-filled goody bags and personalized cards.

Cinema Arts Centre to screen ‘The Girl Who Wore Freedom’

by Press Release - November 8, 2024

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Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a special screening of The Girl Who Wore Freedom on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. The documentary explores the untold stories of the men, women, and children of Normandy, France, who lived through German occupation, the D-Day invasion, and the liberation by Allied forces.

Long forgotten by the world, twenty thousand French civilians were killed during the Battle of Normandy. But those still living in Normandy haven’t forgotten, and continue to celebrate and embrace Americans for their liberation and the ultimate gift of freedom. Exploring D-Day through the personal stories of French survivors and American veterans, The Girl Who Wore Freedom captures the journey from war to forgiveness, and gratitude, honoring the legacy of those who fought for freedom.

Trailer

80 Years After Witnessing the D-Day Invasion, Their Memories of Liberation Come Alive in NormandyTuic

Tickets are $16, $10 members. To purchase in advance, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org or click here.

2024 Veterans Day events on the North Shore

by Heidi Sutton - November 7, 2024

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Veteran_sDayCeremony-VFW3054-EastSetauket-53-11-11-23-PhotoByGregCatalano-scaled — A scene from last year's ceremony in East Setauket. Photo by Greg Catalano

November 11 marks the annual observance of Veterans Day, a day on which we honor the millions of brave men and women who have served in the Armed Forces. The following communities on the North Shore will pay their respects:

Calverton

Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Road, Calverton will hold a Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. for a Veterans Day Ceremony. 631-727-5410

East Setauket

VFW Post 3054 will host a veterans recognition service at the Memorial Park at the corner of Shore Road and Route 25A in East Setauket on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. Residents are invited to join local veterans for a short ceremony that will feature the laying of wreaths from local community groups. 631-406-1938

Farmingdale

Long Island National Cemetery, 2040 Wellwood Ave., in Farmingdale will hold a veterans’ honor ceremony on Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. 516-749-7085

Greenlawn

Hosted by American Legion Post 1244, a Veterans Day ceremony will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Pulaski Road, Greenlawn on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. with neighboring American Legion posts plus many community groups and Scouts. 631-487-4776

Huntington

The public is invited to join Town of Huntington officials, the Veterans Advisory Board and local officials for a Veterans Day Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 10:30 a.m. on Veterans Plaza in front of Huntington Town Hall, 100 Main St., Huntington. 631-351-3012

Kings Park

VFW Post 5796 presents a Veterans Day Parade will be held in Kings Park on Nov. 11. Step off is at RJO Intermediate School, 99 Old Dock Road, Kings Park at 10 a.m. and ends at Veterans Plaza in front of the Kings Park Library and 1 Church St. The parade will be followed by opening prayers, guest speakers, Moment of Remembrance and wreath laying ceremony followed by closing prayers. 631-269-6421

Port Jefferson

American Legion Wilson Ritch Post 432 invites the community to attend a Veterans Day Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park on East Broadway in Port Jefferson (across from Village Hall) on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. 631-626-2911

Rocky Point

Join the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6249, 109 King Road, Rocky Point for a Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. 631-744-9106

Smithtown

Smithtown American Legion Post 833, and Smithtown Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10870 will hold a Veterans Day Ceremony honoring our nations veterans at Veterans Plaza, Main St., Smithtown on Nov. 11 at 10:45 p.m. 631-724-1804.

Sound Beach

The Sound Beach Civic Association will hold a Veterans Day service at the Sound Beach Veterans Memorial Park on New York Avenue on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. Miller Place School District students will provide patriotic music. All are welcome. 631-744-6952

St. James

Sgt. John W. Cooke VFW Post 395 will host a Veterans Day Parade in St. James on Nov. 11. The parade will kick off at 10 a.m. and heads down Lake Avenue to St. James Elementary School. 516-987-6201

Setauket

Caroline Episcopal Church, 1 Dyke Road, Setauket will host “A Day of Honor,” a service of appreciation and remembrance for those who have served (and currently serve) our country and communities, in the armed forces and as first responders, on Nov. 10 at 9:30 a.m. Join them for a unique service with music, special guests, and prayers for peace. 631-941-4245

— Compiled by Heidi Sutton

Suffolk County Community College named Best for Vets for sixth consecutive year

by Press Release - November 5, 2024

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Military Times, for the sixth consecutive year, has named Suffolk County Community College a Best for Vets college. The ranking is the largest and most comprehensive annual list recognizing the top colleges and universities for military service members and veterans. These rankings have become a vital tool for veterans seeking guidance on maximizing their educational benefits.

This year, an impressive 304 schools made the list, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the military community in their educational journeys. Suffolk County Community College is honored to be ranked 10^th in New York and 14^th in the Northeast among public colleges as a 2024 Best for Vets College.

“Suffolk County Community College is proud to be recognized as a ‘Best for Vets’ school for six consecutive years,” said Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Edward Bonahue. “Military-affiliated students need support to transition back into civilian life and into the learning environment. Suffolk County Community College honors their service by providing the needed tools for success.”

“The designation is a testament to Suffolk County Community College’s strong academic programs as well as the college’s collaborative efforts to provide exemplary service to military-connected students,” said Shannon O’Neill, Suffolk County Community College’s Director of Veterans Affairs.

Each year, Military Times surveys colleges and universities nationwide to evaluate their veteran-focused programs. These survey responses, along with public data sourced from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs, undergo a rigorous analysis by the Military Times data team to produce a trusted, unbiased ranking.

Paws of War unveils new veteran support center in Nesconset

by Press Release - October 20, 2024

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Paws of War has expanded its Nesconset headquarters with the opening of its Veteran Support Command Center, advancing its mission to support veterans and their service dogs. The new facility provides a safe haven for veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD, mental health crises, addiction and homelessness, offering the assistance and resources they need. Contractors who donated their time, labor, and materials for the construction attended the ribbon-cutting event.

The project was led by Bulovas Restorations with support from subcontractors Bri Co Electrical, Premier Flooring Solutions, East End Designs LLC, SOS Store On Site, Park Ave Building and Roofing Supplies LLC, Colucci Carting, and ADI Contracting LLC.

“When veterans and their companion animals are in crisis, every second counts. Many of our heroes suffer from addiction, mental health issues, and homelessness. In times of crisis, they won’t part with their pets and continue to struggle,” said Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War.

“Our support center is a major step forward in helping veterans overcome challenges while keeping their pets safe and by their sides.”

Veterans and first responders with service or companion animals, some homeless or facing medical emergencies, need special attention to ensure they gain access to services. Often, having a service or companion dog limits access to housing and health care options. In many cases, these heroes refuse support because they won’t leave their pets behind.

For homeless veterans with emotional support or service animals, Paws of War provides short-term, temporary, or long-term homes. If an animal isn’t permitted in a shelter or the owner is experiencing difficult circumstances, Paws of War fosters the animal at their kennel, where trained experts care for the dogs until they are reunited with their owners.

The organization also adopts dogs if a veteran can no longer provide care or if the veteran passes away. Through partnerships with local agencies, veterans and first responders have access to programs that address their personal needs, including housing, substance abuse and addiction, mental and physical health services, as well as veterinary care and sheltering options for their service animals.

The new Command Center offers a welcoming environment for veterans to share experiences with others facing PTSD and mental health issues.

The 2,000-square-foot facility includes six offices, workstations, a therapy area and meeting rooms. The increased space and staff enable a quicker, more coordinated response to help more veterans and their animals.

91-year-old proves age is just a number: veteran volunteer leads bus shelter restoration

by Dylan Friedman - September 27, 2024

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By Dylan Friedman

A Port Jefferson bus shelter in front of the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce building on West Broadway has been given a new life thanks to the generosity of a team of philanthropic local Rotary Club individuals, including 91-year-old Al Kopcienski of Miller Place.

Kopcienski, who worked on the original structure in 2006 and the recent restoration of the structure’s roof and windows on Sept. 17, said that the motivation for the project came simply from seeing how many people used that bus stop.

“If you think about it, that was a bus stop for a year and a half since Suffolk County started the bus route, and at the beginning there was nothing there. Anybody waiting for a bus [in the rain] would have to stand out … with umbrellas, if they had them — if not, they got wet,” he said.

“And then, with the original shelter they built, if you had a slight rain, you couldn’t stay there because you got wet. But with our design, people could stay in there and wait for the bus. It’s amazing how many people use the bus stop there. That was our motivation to accommodate the people that use mass transit,” Kopcienski added.

He graduated from Port Jefferson High School in 1950 and worked with his brother in farming before running a plumbing, heating and fuel business for 33 years. Kopcienski formally retired in 1989.

Among his many voluntary posts, he has served as president of Mount Sinai School District Board of Education, more than 60 years with Port Jefferson Rotary Club, and with Miller Place Fire Department where he served as chief from 1967-68.

Dr. Patrick Sabo, a fellow Port Jeff Rotary Club member with Kopcienski who worked on both the original shelter and its recent restoration, was quick to commend his colleague for his contributions.

“I have to give kudos to Al Kopcienski. He is in his 90s, he is still a Rotarian, and he still volunteers to drive an ambulance during the week. He’s the one who built the bus shelter in 2006, and he was down there with us putting the roof on it. I got to give him a lot of credit,” Sabo said.

At the remarkable age of 91, Kopcienski’s passion for community service continues to burn brightly. While he jokes about not replacing the shingles on the Port Jefferson bus shelter again, his ongoing involvement in projects at Chandler Estate in Mount Sinai and Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck in Center Moriches continuously demonstrate his unwavering dedication to making a difference, regardless of the endeavor.

The Chandler Estate “laid fallow for a long time, and Dr. Sabo, he and I … we opened up paths, and now we have people that go for walks, bird watching and [enjoying] animals and stuff like that, and sits right on Mount Sinai Harbor,” Kopcienski said.

“Another big project we have is a hands-on project, Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, which is a camp for disabled children out in Center Moriches. Probably 40 years ago, we started going out there and giving it a day’s labor, cleaning up the place, painting, raking leaves, this, that, and everything just to get the camp ready for the summer kids,” he added.

As Kopcienski continues to inspire others with his tireless volunteer work, the Port Jefferson bus shelter stands as a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of his fellow citizens. Even at the age of 91, his unwavering and consistent dedication to service remains an extraordinary example for all.

Veterans Resource Fair heads to Farmingville Sept. 16

by Press Release - August 31, 2024

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Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico has announced that the Town of Brookhaven Department of General Services, Division of Veterans Services, and the Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency will host the first annual Veterans Resource Fair on Monday, September 16 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will be held in the 2nd floor Media Room at Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill in Farmingville. Representatives of the following agencies will be in attendance:

Brookhaven Town Veteran Services Division’s mission is to serve our Veterans and their families by gathering and providing information on benefits available through the Veterans Administration, State, County and local governments.
Suffolk County Veteran Services Agency is committed to aiding our county veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces as well as their dependents and survivors through the pursuance of veterans benefits at the county, state and federal levels and referrals to other agencies for possible assistance with dignity and respect.
“Healing Through Art” Veteran and East End Artist Joh Melillo has found solace from PTSD through the art of painting. By offering free workshops for veterans who also suffer from trauma, John teaches the practice of painting, and the veterans create and take home their very own artwork.
The mission of the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project is to assist Veterans, service members, and their families to achieve and sustain personal health, wellness, and purpose in their post-service lives through the support of trained Veteran peers.
Long Island Cares proudly provides Veterans programs ranging from food assistance and job help to personalized referral services.
The mission of The Long Island State Veterans Home is to provide high quality and compassionate health care services for veterans and their families.
Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program prevents homelessness by helping very low-income Veterans and their families gain access to the resources they need in order to successfully transition to, or maintain, permanent housing.
Paws of War’s mission is to honor and support our veterans, active military members, and first responders with services that enrich their lives through the rescue and training of service dogs for independence, adoption of companion animals, rescue of overseas animals in war zones, and other essential services to assist our heroes in need.
Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management coordinates the county’s response to natural and man-made disasters. OEM personnel are responsible for development of the Comprehensive All-Hazards Emergency Management Plan, the operation of the county’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) and work with local, state, and federal officials in all aspects of shelter management, planning, resource management, and emergency response and recovery activities.
Suffolk County Community College Veterans Resource Center assists veterans in maximizing their benefits, supporting a successful transition to college life and achieving their educational and personal goals.

For more information about the Veterans Resource Fair, please call the Brookhaven Town Department of General Services at 631-451-6331.

Maple Family Centers presents $50K donation to LI State Veterans Home at Stony Brook

by Press Release - July 27, 2024

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sbu veterans 2 — On behalf of the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University, Deputy Executive Director Jonathan Spier (second from left) accepted a $50,000 donation from members of the LaSpina family, owners of Maple Family Centers: (from left) Joe LaSpina, John LaSpina, Teresa LaSpina McCarthy and Anita LaSpina. Photo courtesy of Maple Family Centers

Maple Family Centers, a family-owned and operated group of bowling centers, presented a $50,000 donation to the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University on July 16.

Maple Family Centers, which owns bowling centers in Rockville Centre, Coram and Flushing in New York as well as two bowling centers in Florida, has raised more than $750,000 for the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL), a national charity that supports recreational therapy programs to speed recuperation and boost morale of America’s veteran and active-duty service men and women.

Funds that Maple raises for BVL are distributed to local organizations serving veterans in communities across Maple’s footprint, including the Long Island State Veterans Home, a 350-bed skilled nursing facility that also provides adult day healthcare and rehabilitation services for veterans and their families.

These donations, which support therapeutic recreation programs for veterans, would not be possible without the generous support of Maple bowlers, who understand the company’s mission to brighten the lives of veterans every day and enthusiastically contribute to the cause.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the LaSpina family and Maple Family Centers for their generous donation to the Long Island State Veterans Home,” said Fred S. Sganga, FACHE, Executive Director of the Long Island State Veterans Home. “Their unwavering support significantly enhances both the quality of life and the quality of care for our nation’s veterans. The LaSpina family’s commitment to our veterans is truly commendable, and we are immensely grateful for their dedication to ensuring our heroes receive the respect and care they deserve.”

Amputee softball players visit St. Charles Hospital

by TBR Staff - June 19, 2024

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Wounded Warrior Josh_amputee — Josh Wege (with baseball hat) a United States Marine, retired Lance Corporal and Brian Gentilotti, United States Airforce. Photo courtesy St. Charles Hospital

By Christopher Schulz

Three members of the USA Patriots softball team — formerly known as the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team — visited patients at the St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson Friday morning, June 14. The group initially met in the hospital’s recreational center before proceeding to meet the patients.

The softball players, Josh Wege, Jeffrey Hackett and Brian Gentilotti, shared their stories with the approximately 30 staff members and 10 patients.

Wege said he lost both his legs fighting in Afghanistan as a Marine in 2009. The military vehicle he was riding in hit a bomb that “turned into a landmine” which “traumatically amputated [his] right leg” and mangled his left leg. He now has two prosthetics in place of his lower legs.

Despite his traumatic injury, Wege keeps pushing forward.

“The biggest motivator I would say is to get my life back,” he said. “There are some things that you feel like are just taken away from you”. He later added that he “felt broken” inside that he did not have the same agility and speed he once had as a star athlete.

“You don’t want to feel broken so you start chasing the life that you had,” he said.

Hackett, on the other hand, pushes forward every day for his family. After losing his left leg, “I still wanted to stay in the Army so that pushed me to get back to a normal life,” he said.

In addition, Hackett expressed his respect toward the patients. “They all have their own story. It’s all about making goals and taking that step further,” he said.

One such patient, Shawn Coyle, does not need prosthetics but is in need of a wheelchair at all times. He has avascular necrosis affecting both hips. Coyle says he was diagnosed with the condition six months ago but has only been in the hospital for a couple weeks now.

He has already had surgery on one of his hips. The surgery for his other hip will happen in a few months. When asked about how he felt about the softball players coming, he jokingly responded that he wanted to play with them.

“I like softball,” Coyle simply stated. He also found it “inspiring” to see them and would love to play again his own sports — basketball and baseball — someday. “It’s a process but you’ve got to just keep working at it,” he said. “I feel like they’re like regular people,” referring to the players.

Both Wege and Hackett expressed their desire to come back to St. Charles Hospital or any other hospital to visit and support people who are in the same position they were once in.

“You either stay where you’re at or you just keep inching forward every day and try to get your life back. We like to give that message to people and even talk to kids in schools because they’re curious and they have never met a wounded warrior before, [especially] at the state that we’re at,” Wege said.

“This is stuff we like to do,” Hackett agreed.

Long Island State Veterans Home celebrates 80th anniversary of D-Day

by Press Release - June 15, 2024

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The Long Island State Veterans Home commemorated the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion with a special service and the presentation of Proclamations of Meritorious Achievement to two Normandy Invasion veterans on June 6.

New York State and Suffolk County awarded Proclamations of Meritorious Achievement to 100-year-old U.S. Army veteran Frank Agoglia and 102-year-old U.S. Army Air Corps veteran David Wolman, both residents of the Long Island State Veterans Home.

Agoglia, who landed his glider in Ste. Mere Eglise, France, behind German defenses, and Wolman, who worked 72 hours straight as an air traffic controller during the Normandy invasion, were recognized for their heroic service during D-Day and Operation Overlord.

A candle-lighting ceremony honored the 150,000 Allied troops who landed on the beaches of Normandy, all service members who served during World War II, the 41 million men and women who have worn the uniform in defense of freedom, the more than 600,000 members of the armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and the current 2 million members of the

“For over 33 years, the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University has had the honor and privilege to have cared for this special generation of veterans,” Executive Director Fred Sganga said. “We will never forget the service and selfless sacrifice of so many soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen. Today, we thank all of our World War II veterans for their fortitude and perseverance eighty years ago – for answering the call, in order to make the world a safer place. World War II veterans set high standards for bravery and courage and passed the baton to later generations of servicemen and servicewomen, who met the challenge by continuing to defend America and her allies around the world to this day.”

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