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Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich

Town of Brookhaven announces formation of new BESS task force

by Sabrina Artusa - April 24, 2025

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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.

Winners of 11th annual Helen Stein Shack Picture Book contest honored

by Press Release - April 10, 2025

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On April 7, board members and staff of Emma Clark Library in Setauket, along with the family of the late Helen Stein Shack, local elected officials, and representatives from the Three Village Central School district, honored teens at the 11th annual Helen Stein Shack Picture Book Award.

The Helen Stein Shack Book Contest calls for teens in grades 7 through 12 who live in the Three Village Central School District to create a children’s picture book. Each entry could be the work of a single author/illustrator or a collaborative effort between an author and an illustrator. The contest was divided into two grade categories, grades 7 through 9 and grades 10 through 12, with one First Prize Winner and one Second Prize Winner selected from each group.

Yen Lo, an 8th grader at Murphy Junior High School, won first prize in the Grades 7-9 category for her children’s book “Benny and the Lost Balloon” while Joyce Lee, a 10th grader at Ward Melville High School, won first prize in the Grades 10-12 category for “What’s a Friend?”

Second Prize in the Grades 7–9 category went to Athie Kim, an 8th grader at Murphy Junior High School, for “Dinky” while Elizabeth Wright, a 10th grader at Ward Melville High School, captured second prize for her book, “Kitty and Fish” in the Grades 10-12 category.

Library Director Ted Gutmann, along with the family of the late Helen Stein Shack, presented the winners’ books — bound and added to the Library’s Local Focus Collection — along with $400 checks to first prize winners Yen Lo and Joyce Lee and $100 checks for second prize winners Athie Kim and Elizabeth Wright. “The artwork in all of them and the stories are just great,” he remarked.

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, and a staff member from Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay’s office were in attendance to present certificates to the winners. The winners also received certificates from New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo and Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich.

The award is named in honor of Helen Stein Shack, whose family approached the Library with the idea of establishing an endowment as a tribute to their mother, a teacher and lover of libraries, especially Emma Clark Library. Their gift covers the cost of the awards and passes along Ms. Shack’s joy of reading and lifelong learning to future generations.

Ed Taylor, Ms. Stein Shack’s son, told the guests that when he reflected on the contest, he thought of what he called the 3 C’s:

The first being creativity, of course. If you go look at the books, the first thing that strikes you is the artistic talent of these kids…they’re also very creative at storytelling. It’s not easy to invent your own story and even more difficult to invent a story and tell it in language of kids that are 10 to 12 years younger than you are…The second “C” is courage. Even though you have all that talent, it’s still not easy to put your stuff out there and have it judged by others…I didn’t have a third “C” so I thought and I thought, and then it hit me – cash!

Mr. Taylor’s gesture to the large checks beside him, which were given out to the winners later in the ceremony, received a chuckle from the audience.

Three Village Central School District Board President Susan Megroz Rosenzweig proudly addressed the winners, “You came up with a wonderful story, you created beautiful art, and then you gave us the gift of joyful reading.”

Library Board President David Douglas, Treasurer Suzanne Shane, Secretary Angeline Yeo-Judex, and Trustee Linda Josephs were also on hand to congratulate the winners. In addition to Susan Megroz Rosenzweig, Superintendent Kevin Scanlon, Assistant Superintendent Brian Biscari, Ward Melville High School Principal John Holownia, Murphy Junior High School Principal Michael Jantzen, Ward Melville High School English Department Chairperson Joanna Cadolino, and Murphy English Teachers Tina Costanza and Deidre Murphy were all in attendance.

Guests enjoyed sweets by The Bite Size Bake Shop, a local Three Village-owned business that has been donating desserts to the ceremony since the contest began.

When Supervisor Dan Panico spoke, he emphasized the importance of libraries and reading and commented, “To think that these books may be read by children themselves or perhaps by parents to their children and may end up being the books that children who go into adolescence and adulthood will remember, to me is something that is remarkable.”

To sum up the value of libraries and seeing our extraordinary youth through this annual contest, Legislator Steve Englebright stated, “You gave us a chance to preview the future.

The Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, located at 120 Main Street in Setauket and on the web at www.emmaclark.org, provides public library service to all residents of the Three Village Central School District.

Port Jefferson Free Library unveils new Teen Center

by Heidi Sutton - March 20, 2025

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By Heidi Sutton

It’s been 10 years in the making but it was all worth it when the doors to the new Port Jefferson Free Library Teen Center swung open after a ribbon cutting event on March 14. A large crowd, including Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow, New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, and Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, attended the celebration which continued into the evening and at an Open House on March 15.

According to a press release, the library purchased the 1812 Bayles house at 205 East Main Street 10 years ago with plans of turning the former “Scented Cottage” store into a Teen Center which had been operating out of a rental space across the street from the library.

New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich present certificates to staff of the Port Jefferson Free Library. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media

A designated “Safe Space,” the new Teen Center features “multiple small rooms offering teens the ability to browse the library’s book, video and game collections, get homework and college application help, play board and video games, access craft supplies or participate in the busy schedule of program offerings,” according to the release. The Center, which is geared for teens in grades 6-12, also features a 3-D printer, homework stations and laptop computers.

Working with BBS Architecture and Belfor Property Restoration, the library preserved much of the building’s charm, including 5 fireplaces, a beehive oven, the front “Dutch Door,” and the original pine floors. A covered front porch was added after Kate Von der Heyden of the Port Jefferson Historical Society shared historic photos which showed a previously existing Greek Revival-style porch. Amendments include a wheelchair lift and wider doorways.

“The reputation of this institution transcends the boundaries of the village. This is a draw for kids not just in this community but all the surrounding communities. I want to thank you for putting this together and for doing it in such a sensitive way that it maintains the streetscape and the look and feel of the village; it is such a great enhancement,” said Councilmember Kornreich.

“I am so grateful to this library board, to the leadership here and to the community for having the foresight to obtain this historic building, maintain it and renovate so that it can continue to be part of the beating heart of our library system and be a safe, wonderful and fun place for the teens,” said Assemblywoman Kassay.

“… So proud to walk through these doors for the first time and see what’s inside. I want to use it! There’s a nook and cranny for everything. I’m so glad that my nieces and my nephews and their friends will be able to use it as they come through middle school into the high school … It’s an incredible facility and what a great resource for them,” said Mayor Sheprow, who went on to thank Head of Teen Services Sal Filosa and Library Director Jenny Bloom for bringing the Teen Center to fruition.

“Growing from our one-room rental space to multiple rooms with a covered porch offers a variety of spaces for teens to relax, do homework, play games, or create art. We hope they consider the Teen Center to be their new ‘home away from home,” said Filosa.

“The restoration of the Bayles House and development of the new Teen Center has been the dream of a decade of Board Trustees, Staff, and community members, and the Library is very proud to welcome the community to the grand opening, and for teens for generations to come,” added Bloom.

The Teen Center is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., Friday from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 631-509-5707.

HIGH HOPES: Community comes together to help the ospreys

by Press Release - March 13, 2025

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Sometimes it takes a village.

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) and Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) joined members of the Four Harbors Audubon Society (4HAS) and Three Village Dads Foundation for an osprey pole raising at the West Meadow Creek inlet in Stony Brook on March 9.

According to a joint press release from Englebright’s and Kornreich’s office, an osprey pole was recently removed from Suffolk County’s Old Field Farm. Despite successful nests in earlier years, 4HAS members observed in recent years that sporadic activity in the area surrounding the pole was scaring away adult ospreys for long periods, leaving the birds’ eggs or newborn chicks susceptible to predators.

Elaine Maas, 4HAS co-chair of co-Chair Education and Outreach, and John Turner, 4HAS co-chair of Conservation Committee, who both sit on the society’s board, brought the issue to the attention of Englebright. The county legislator reached out to the Suffolk County Parks Department to discuss relocating the pole to a nearby location. Maas and Turner also contacted Kornreich’s office to request using town property abutting the county park for a new pole in an area that is less accessible than the old nest.

On Saturday, March 1, concrete, water and a mixer were delivered to the Brookhaven property. JM Troffa Hardscape, Mason and Building Supply provided the concrete, while K. Dymond Industries lent the use of their equipment. Members of the Three Village Dads Foundation and 4HAS, along with Englebright and Kornreich, were on hand to dig a hole and set a pole sleeve in concrete for the new osprey pole.

Before the preparation for the new pole, the Suffolk County Parks Department removed the old one at Old Field Farm to prevent ospreys from nesting at this nonviable spot.

Volunteers delivered the new 20-foot pole donated by Haig and Jack Seferian of Flagpoles, Inc., and the nest structure built by Elite Home Improvement to the site on Sunday, March 9. Three Village Dads Foundation and 4HAS members and Flagpole, Inc. also donated or paid for additional materials to cement and build the nest structure. The volunteers were again on hand, preparing the nest box for the birds and raising the pole.

Maas and Turner were among the volunteers on March 1 and 9. Maas said the pole was raised just in time as the ospreys, who migrate south to Florida or South American in the winter, usually return to Long Island around St. Patrick’s Day. She added she was “grateful for the widespread community support.”

Kornreich thanked the members of Three Village Dads Foundation and its chairman, David Tracy, as well as 4HAS.

“We were up against a time crunch because the ospreys start nesting in a few weeks, and the Dads really delivered,” Kornreich said. “Thank you to Elaine Maas and John Turner from Four Harbors for bringing this situation to our attention, and we are glad we were able to help connect the dots and find a solution.”

Englebright echoed the sentiments.

“It was good to see the community come together in the interest of protecting these remarkable birds,” the legislator said.

Ribbon cutting held for Global Language Reads in Port Jefferson

by Heidi Sutton - January 25, 2025

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Global Language Reads ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of Councilmember Kornreich’s office

It was a great turnout for the ribbon cutting of new Port Jefferson Village business Global Language Reads at 402 Main Street on Jan. 15.

Hosted by the Greater Chamber of Commerce, the event was attended by Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow, New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, former New York State Senator Ken LaValle, Port Jefferson Village Trustees Kyle Hill and Robert Juliano, PJCC President Stuart Vincent, Third Vice President Douglas Quattrock, family and friends who came out to congratulate owner Caterina Lemos-Cunha and wish her the best of luck in her new venture.

“I’m excited to welcome Global Language Reads to our community. This new bookstore offers a unique collection of books in multiple languages, providing an opportunity for locals and visitors to explore stories from around the world,” said Councilmember Kornreich.

“Global Language Reads is a wonderful addition to our town, celebrating diversity and encouraging cultural exchange. I can’t wait to see this new business thrive and contribute to the cultural fabric of Port Jefferson. Be sure to take advantage of the variety of exciting activities they host! From movie and game nights, to engaging book clubs, to the science society and debate club for young adults, there’s something for everyone,” he added.

For more information, visit www.glrbooks.com.

Experts answer battery energy storage facility questions during community forum at SCCC Selden

by Sabrina Artusa - January 24, 2025

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Project Manager Camille Warner from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority presents information about lithium-ion batteries as the panel listens. Photo by Sabrina Artusa

By Sabrina Artusa

Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico (R) held a community forum to discuss battery energy storage systems on Tuesday, Jan 21 at Suffolk County Community College in Selden.

The forum featured a panel of professionals including an energy storage safety specialist, a deputy town attorney, a Stony Brook University professor and a chief fire marshal.

Two battery energy storage facilities are proposed in Setauket by the Shell Group company Savion Energy. One facility is already being built in Patchogue.

The batteries

The forum began with a presentation by Camille Warner, project manager of a clean energy siting team for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

Lithium-ion batteries are intended to hold energy, thus increasing the resilience of the grid by “provisioning essential resources” such as solar or wind energy. When renewable energy isn’t available, like when it is cloudy or windless, the batteries would release the energy stored, therefore prolonging the amount of energy we are able to derive from renewable resources.

Lithium-ion batteries “store the most energy per unit weight or volume of any other battery system,” Warner said. To add, the batteries can help supplement energy during peak hours or when grid prices are high.

One system is proposed for a lot off Sheep Pasture Road and another is proposed between Parsonage and Old Town roads.

Moss landing fires

A 350-kilowatt facility in Moss Landing, California. started a fire on Jan. 16. It was extinguished by Monday, Jan. 20. The cause of the fire is unknown, but it necessitated the evacuation of residents.

“At Moss Landing there was just open racks in an open building which had no fire breaks in between. We also know that the system was designed in 2017…The codes were not mature…the codes have gotten so much more mature,” Paul Rogers, an energy storage specialist for Energy Safety Response Group and a former New York City Fire Department Lieutenant, said.

He also mentioned that the Moss Landing BESS did not go through any large-scale fire testing. It is a current standard to test the failure of a BESS.

The BESS systems proposed in Setauket will not be operated in a designated-use building, so the scale of any possible fire would not reach the level of the one in Moss Landing. The Brookhaven systems are compartmentalized.

While residents were evacuated during the fire, testing has not revealed dangerous levels of hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, particulates or carbon monoxide.

Chief Fire Marshal Christopher Mehrman said that it is doubtful an evacuation would be needed if the Brookhaven systems were to ever catch fire as it isn’t likely the fire would ever escape the property.

When Panico asked what radius from a fire would experience diminished, and potentially harmful air quality, Mehrman said: “There is no defined radius. There are many factors that play into it – wind, time of day … whether there is a weather inversion that is keeping [the gasses] close to the ground or it is just flying up and going away.”

Safety measures

The Energy Safety Response Group has worked with the state to refine the code.

Precautions include a specific plan in case of failure. Experts must be present within four hours of a fire to help the fire department and should be available over the phone immediately.

“Someone who will take responsibility and start the decommissioning process should a fire take place … so the fire department can be relieved,” said Rogers.

Rogers also said that in addition to the National Fired Protection Agency’s compressed gasses and cryogenic fluids code, the state plans to add extra mandatory safety measures in preparing for and preventing BESS fires.

Annual training will be provided to fire departments, annual inspections of the systems will take place, and the BESS will be peer reviewed by a third party before and after being built, paid for by the developing company. “This is not in NFPA 55. We went above and beyond the gold standard as far as I am concerned,” Rogers said.

Rogers also said his group provides thorough, site-specific training to fire departments. In the case of a fire, the fire department is advised to let the module burn itself out and to use water to prevent the spread to other racks.

“Limit the spread of the fire. That is the whole goal of this … we want to keep it within the box,” Rogers said.

Explosions caused by thermal runaway are unlikely, according to Mehrman, who said, “Vapors burn off rather than lead to an explosion. We have not seen any battery storage facility fire that has failed beyond the perimeter.”

Other concerns

Deputy Town Attorney Beth Reilly addressed legal questions as they pertained to the town code.

In accordance with the town code, which dictates that noise levels cannot exceed 65 decibels at the property line from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or 50 decibels after 10 p.m., the site will include buffers and vegetation to limit noise.

Panico, in response to financial queries, said the company “will pay taxes in accord with any other development” and “this is in no way being done with anything related to the landfill.”

Both Setauket sites are zoned appropriately, so the systems are permitted in those areas, despite their proximity to residential areas.

Panico acknowledged the relevance of battery energy storage systems by appreciating the benefits of renewable energy in the fight against climate change. “There is a value from harnessing power from the wind and the sun,” he said.

Councilmembers Jonathon Kornreich (D-Stony Brook), Neil Manzella (R-Selden), and Neil Foley (R-Patchogue) were also among those in attendance.

To view the forum, please use this link:

https://brookhavenny.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3822/media

People of the Year: Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich works toward a better Brookhaven

by Rita J. Egan - December 27, 2024

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unnamed-2 — Jonathan Kornreich. Photo by Michael Rosengard/North Island Photography and Films

By Rita J. Egan

Jonathan Kornreich (D, Stony Brook) may have grown up in Smithtown, but his heart is in the Town of Brookhaven.

The long-time Stony Brook resident and Town of Brookhaven councilmember is seen frequently at community events and civic meetings with his staff members Amani Khan and Abigail Choi, interacting with constituents, listening to their concerns and aiming for what’s best for all.

Before being elected to the TOB board during a special election in 2021, Kornreich, the only Democrat on the board, was known for his leadership skills and open-mindedness as a board member of the Three Village School District for 14 years. He was also president of the Three Village Civic Association for seven years and served on the executive boards of the Boys and Girls Club of Suffolk County and the North Shore Montessori School.

For his work, Kornreich has been named TBR News Media Person of the Year for 2024. This year’s honor is the councilperson’s second time receiving the recognition as he was named the news outlet’s Man of the Year in Education in 2012.

Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico (R) called the honor “well deserved.”

“He is very caring, conscientious, and is frequently in my office as we discuss issues — and a myriad of issues — that affect the first town council district,” Panico said. “He’s proven himself to be a very diligent individual here at the town.”

Herb Mones, Three Village Community Trust president and TVCA land use chair and former president, has known Kornreich roughly 20 years and said he admires Kornreich’s willingness to help out with community matters and concerns. Mones added he also appreciates how Kornreich shows up for cleanups for the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail and the Stony Brook train station and joins residents in tasks such as raking and picking up trash.

Joan Nickeson, Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce community liaison, said the chamber has had the same experience with the councilmember.

“Upon his election, Jonathan rolled up his sleeves, intent on maintaining open dialog and to improve community life in the Port Jefferson Station and Terryville hamlets,” Nickeson said.

Nickeson said Kornreich has a “can-do attitude” and such assistance has produced tangible solutions for the chamber of commerce’s Train Car office and park.

“We continue to depend upon his intuition, skill navigating Town Hall and support of small local businesses, and partners in Port Jefferson Station and Terryville,” Nickeson said.

Tackling the district’s issues

The myriad of issues facing Brookhaven’s Council District 1, which includes Stony Brook, Old Field, Poquott, Setauket, East Setauket, Belle Terre, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station and Terryville, recently has included a dam collapse that drained Stony Brook Mill Pond after a summer storm. In addition to the devastation the storm left behind, among local issues, Kornreich deals with constituents’ concerns regarding land development in the area and, more recently, two proposed battery storage facilities for East Setauket. Kornreich is also working with the TOB on relocating the historic Roe Tavern to East Setauket Pond Park as part of the redesign and expansion of the open space. In his spare time, he has worked on raising funds to renovate the American Legion Irving Hart Post 1766 in Setauket.

Regarding tackling the more complex matters, Panico said Kornreich puts “public service ahead of politics.”

“I think he’s always a person who has a good compass when it comes to right and wrong,” the town supervisor said. “I think he’s a good listener and a person who does what’s right, even though that decision may not appear to be popular at the time.”

Mones described Kornreich as “sincere with a tremendous amount of integrity with communicating and dealing with complex issues.”

“I feel that Jonathan has a certain unique capacity to communicate with people, understand their points of view and then express himself after being thoughtful and deliberate in his way,”

Mones added that Kornreich is unique in leadership because he’s not showy or flashy.

“He is calm, thoughtful and able to bring about a certain amount of consensus by his speaking to people that way.”

Mones said that when the two worked together on the civic association board, Kornreich’s ability to talk to various people and develop relationships where he understood people’s interests drew newer members to the civic association.

Regarding the land use issues the council district faces, he said Kornreich goes out of his way to listen to everyone from residents to developers and get them to work together and see what needs to be done to move forward.He added that Kornreich will bring developers back to reality when developers have proposals that may be “considered over the type in their asks for number of units or the type of build out of a store” and ask, “how could you expect that this would occur.”

Recently, at the civic association’s last meeting of the year, while there was no formal agenda, attendees had questions regarding the proposed battery storage facilities. Mones said Kornreich was more than happy to field questions.

“He’s not fazed by that idea of having people questioning, proposing ideas,” Mones said. “He’s willing to be that listener and try to help in whatever way he can with the community.”

Community gathers for annual Menorah Lighting in Port Jefferson Station

by Press Release - December 26, 2024

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The weather was brisk but a good time was had by all at the annual Menorah lighting at the Train Car in Port Jefferson Station on Dec. 25. An annual tradition hosted by Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce, the event was conducted by Rabbi Aaron Benson of the North Shore Jewish Center.

New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, members of the chamber including President Jennifer Dzvonar and members of North Shore Jewish Center enjoyed the festivities.

— Photos courtesy of Will Dzvonar

Three Village Rotary hosts annual Holiday Electric Light Parade

by Steven Zaitz - December 20, 2024

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By Steven Zaitz

A cold and gray afternoon turned into a bright and cheery night in Setauket on Sunday, Dec. 15.

The annual Three Village Rotary Holiday Electric Light Parade hit the streets with an easterly march on Route 25A. Starting with a caroling choir near the water at Setauket Pond Park, the crowds began to gather at dusk along the parade route, which ran from Setauket Elementary School to Veterans Memorial Park.

A platoon of 18th century-style musket men fired off the keynote salvo, shooting their weapons into the air with fiery, ballistic bangs.

Kids from the Roseland School of Dance, Ward Melville junior cheerleaders, youth soccer players and all sorts of decorative holiday floats warmed the spirit of the crowd, which was estimated to be about 700. Over 40 groups and organizations participated, as toy and hot chocolate vendors wheeled around their wares.

Of course the star of the show, Santa Claus, eventually rolled down 25A, as well as a huge Disney-themed float featuring Mickey, Donald, and Pluto. Brookhaven town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich rode atop a float as did Deb and Michael Rosengard, both of whom served as Grand Marshals.

Selden native delivers a holiday surprise to patients at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital

by Toni-Elena Gallo - December 15, 2024

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Front row, first from left: Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) surrounded by law enforcement officers. Top row, middle: Joan Alpers, the director of Child Life Services at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, and Landan Hoenig, founder of Teddies for Happiness. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

By Toni-Elena Gallo

Selden resident Landan Hoenig has always been an altruistic young man.

When asked why Hoenig was interested in starting his two-year-old initiative Teddies for Happiness, his grandmother Christina Rundberg replied, “he has always been this way.”

“Landan is always getting involved with different things — very involved with our church when he was young. He’s just an all around good kid,” Rundberg continued.

A law enforcement agent unloading gifts from his vehicle, assisted by Stony Brook Children’s Hospital employees. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

This charity operation came to fruition in 2023, when Hoenig, a student at St. Joseph’s University who works as a traffic control officer for the Southampton Town Police Department, had interned with the Town Police in Spring of 2023 through the Suffolk County Community College Criminal Justice Program internship class, and was energized by his experience.

“Doing the internship with them and then getting a job as a traffic control officer with them, actually helped inspire me to create this event,” Hoenig said.

He originally planned to donate only teddy bears to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital but decided to expand the drive to include all types of toys when finalizing his idea. “I had only two months of prep time to put it all together. It was a very small turnout because, with two months, I really wasn’t sure what I was doing, but it was still very successful,” Hoenig explained.

Hoenig credits having a nine-month prepping period this time, helping make this year’s drive on a bigger scale.

“I knew what I was doing this time.”

In a similar format to 2023’s drive, Hoenig gathered the donated toys at a car show, this year held at the Levitt Ballfield Park in Centereach. Eighteen law enforcement agencies were involved in attracting attendees, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers, New York State Police and Stony Brook University Police Department, as opposed to last year’s two, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police and Centereach Fire Department. There with their service vehicles, they invited visitors to engage with them as well as listen to music with radio stations 106.1 WBLI and 102.3 WBAB, eat Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwiches and cookies, provided by the restaurant chain and, most importantly, donate toys.

“About 150 to 200 people came, and I have eighteen boxes of toys. Half of them I put here at the hospital, and the other half I’m bringing to St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church in Selden, where they will be split up between the Saint Cuthbert’s Food Pantry and a local women’s shelter,” Hoenig said. The name of the shelter was not disclosed.

According to Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D, Stony Brook), while the Town of Brookhaven did co-sponsor the event and provided the car show’s venue, “all the credit for the hard work goes to Landan for his enormous time commitment in following up with all of these agencies.”

After numerous law enforcement agencies pulled up to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital on Friday, Dec. 6, including the Suffolk County Police Department and a van from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s office, numerous law enforcement agents unloaded their vehicles with the assistance of hospital volunteers.

Addressing the small crowd which gathered to assist and watch Hoenig carry out his mission to “provide joy to people no matter what type of situation they are in, even if it’s just a little bit of joy.” Hoenig thanked “not only the Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, but the great, amazing officers who want to help people. I cannot be more thankful, so thank you for being able to help me.’

“It was so fun organizing all of the boxes for two hours last night, because I am a last minute person,” he laughed.

Joan Alpers, director of Child Life Services at Stony Brook Medicine, was extremely grateful for Hoenig’s charitable spirit. “We are grateful for all of our main donors at this time of year, and he is one of our significant donors, and we’re happy to have him come back.”

“Thank you, I can’t wait to come back next year,” Hoenig smiled.

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