Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Bonner attends VFW Post 6249’s 4th Annual 5K Run honoring veterans

Councilwoman Jane Bonner proudly joined families, friends, and community members on May 31 to honor four outstanding young men who achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. The ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of Anders Dalberg, Nicholas Comito, Aidan Elder, and Jeremy Westerlund, each of whom completed a service project that significantly improved a local community space.
Councilwoman Bonner presented each Eagle Scout with an official proclamation from the Town of Brookhaven, recognizing their leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions to the community.
“The Eagle Scout rank represents the highest level of achievement in Scouting, and these young men have truly earned it through their incredible service and commitment,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “They have made meaningful improvements in our community, and we are so proud to recognize them for their achievements.”
Anders Dalberg contributed his skills and hard work to enhance the facilities at the Warrior Ranch Foundation, an organization dedicated to the healing and well-being of veterans, first responders, and rescued horses. Anders fabricated and installed fly traps to protect the horses, built sturdy frames for hanging tarps to provide shade, and installed swing boom arms to aid in training sessions for the horses—all efforts that will help the foundation continue its important mission.
Nicholas Comito focused his project on improving the Greenway Trail in Port Jefferson – Setauket, a popular local path used by residents for walking, biking, and running. Nicholas installed reflectors along the full 3-mile trail and at all intersections to improve visibility and safety. He also poured two concrete pads in front of benches to provide easier access for individuals using wheelchairs and cleaned up trash along the trail to help preserve its natural beauty.
Aidan Elder chose to serve St. Anthony of Padua Church CYO Fields in Rocky Point, where he designed and built a new information kiosk to help visitors navigate the space. In addition, he installed new handicap parking signs to improve accessibility, refreshed and replanted old planter boxes, and restored two statues on the property—bringing renewed life and charm to the grounds.
Jeremy Westerlund completed his project at Trinity Lutheran Church, where he created a more inclusive and engaging outdoor space for the church’s nursery school. Jeremy designed and built a handicap-accessible picnic area, constructing two ADA-compliant picnic tables along with two standard ones. He also built a colorful and interactive music wall for the playground, enriching the play experience for young children of all abilities.
Councilwoman Bonner emphasized the value of encouraging leadership and community involvement in young people, and praised the scouts for their initiative and service.
On June 2, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner attended a special presentation at Leisure
Village, where the Leisure Village Senior Club proudly donated $11,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital.
In recognition of the club’s outstanding fundraising efforts and generous contribution, Councilwoman Bonner
presented the group with an official Town Certificate of Appreciation. The donation reflects months of
dedication, teamwork, and compassion from the senior residents who were determined to make a meaningful
impact on the lives of children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
“It’s incredibly heartwarming to see the Leisure Village Senior Club come together for such an important
cause,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “Their selflessness, community spirit, and generosity are truly inspiring,
and I was honored to recognize their efforts on behalf of the Town of Brookhaven.”
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital continues to lead the way in treating and defeating childhood cancer and other serious diseases. Contributions like this help ensure that families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food—because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
On Saturday, May 31, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner hosted a Special Recycling Event at the Rose Caracappa Senior Center in Mount Sinai, drawing a record-breaking turnout of residents committed to environmentally responsible disposal practices.
On Monday, June 2, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner had the honor of swearing in the returning Board of Directors of the Mount Sinai Civic Association during the Civic Association’s monthly meeting.
The board, led by President Brad Arrington, includes Vice President and Recording Secretary Steve Koepper,
Membership Secretary Jennifer Roth, and Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary Monica Stone. Their
reappointment reflects the community’s strong support and appreciation for their ongoing commitment and
effective leadership.
“I’m honored to join the Mount Sinai Civic Association in celebrating this outstanding team,” said
Councilwoman Bonner. “Their hard work and dedication have made a meaningful impact in the community,
and I look forward to continuing our partnership as they build on their successes.”
Established in 1916, the Mount Sinai Civic Association has been a pillar of advocacy and action in the
community for over a century. The Association plays a vital role in working with officials to address zoning
issues, land preservation, traffic calming, public safety, and community education. From engaging residents in
local political, educational, and social matters to preserving the character of the area, the Civic has remained a consistent and effective voice for the people of Mount Sinai.
For more information about the Mount Sinai Civic Association, please visit https://mountsinaicivic.org/
On Sunday, April 13, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner attended the grand opening of Studio 45 in Rocky Point, a cardio dance and strength training facility owned by Dr. Kimberly Roff, an Associate Professor at Touro University .
Located at 53D Broadway, the studio offers health and wellness classes featuring a full body workout with cardio dance and teach elements of Yoga, Pilates, and kickboxing blended in as well as additional strength training. “I know the Rocky Point community is passionate about rebuilding and revitalizing Broadway and what a great idea to start a fully woman-owned business there,” said Councilwoman Bonner.
Studio 45 can be reached by calling 631-495-5668 or online at www.studio45rockypoint.com.
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.
On April 5, Councilwoman Jane Bonner attended the North Shore Little League (NSLL) Opening Day ceremonies. The NSLL, which was established in 1963, offers boys and girls, ages six through sixteen, the opportunity to play organized baseball and softball with their peers at fields on Route 25A in Rocky Point.
Also at the Opening Day ceremony was 2nd District State Assemblywoman Jodie Giglio and Quentin Palifka representing Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon.
Councilwoman Bonner said “The North Shore Little League is great for kids to have fun and enjoy spending hours playing America’s pastime. I always know that summer is just around the corner when I hear the words ‘play ball!’ on opening day.”
For more information about the North Shore Little League, to volunteer or join their e-mail list, go to www.nsllrp.org or call 631-744-3355.
On February 24, Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico and Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner were on-hand when the Town of Brookhaven demolished a vacant and abandoned “zombie house” at 118 Route 25 A in Rocky Point. The property will be restored to open space, part of the environmentally sensitive Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest.
The house was covered with graffiti and the source of many resident complaints leading to numerous Town of Brookhaven housing code violations. It was demolished in accordance with Chapter 73 of the Town Code which provides a “fast track” to rid neighborhoods of unsafe structures. The cost of demolition and debris removal is the responsibility of the property owner, and the Town places a lien on the property that is then placed on the tax bill. Suffolk County reimburses the Town and then they collect the money from the property owner.
“Councilwoman Bonner works very hard for the residents of Council District 2, and I support her efforts to clean up dilapidated properties. The Town will continue this program until all neighborhoods are cleared of these dangerous eyesores,” said Supervisor Panico.
Councilwoman Bonner said, “Thank you to the DEC for the purchase of the property and incorporating it into open space never to be developed. This blight has been removed and Brookhaven Town residents can rest assured that I will continue to preserve and protect the quality of life in my Council District and throughout the Town.”
At the February 13 Town of Brookhaven Board Meeting, Councilwoman Jane Bonner recognized Rocky Point School District music teacher, Craig Knapp, for being named 2024 ‘Educator of Note’ by the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF).
Mr. Knapp is the 18th music teacher to be recognized by LIMEHOF. The ‘Educator of Note’ award recognizes exceptional teachers who demonstrate a commitment to music education, play an active role in the community, and have a significant influence on the lives of music students of all backgrounds and abilities.
The ceremony took place at LIMEHOF’s museum location in Stony Brook and featured musical performances by current and former students, live and video-recorded speeches from colleagues, and a video presentation about Mr. Knapp’s career.