Polling sites for this year’s school budget and BOE elections. Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, left, and Comsewogue High School. Left file photo by Elana Glowatz; right courtesy CSD
Port Jeff and Port Jeff Station/Terryville residents will head to the polls this Tuesday, May 16, for elections that will help shape the complexion and trajectory of their public schools.
Port Jefferson School District
Taxpayers of Port Jefferson School District will weigh in on another proposed capital bond, this time a $15.9 million infrastructure package to upgrade aging and outdated facilities at the high school. The bond vote comes just over six months after district residents rejected a pair of capital bonds in December, which together had totaled nearly $25 million.
District officials suggest the new bond proposal reflects public input and voter feedback received during last year’s election cycle, eliminating the proposed artificial turf athletic field at the high school and scaling down the financial request by about a third.
“We listened and we pared it down,” Jessica Schmettan, the district’s superintendent of schools, told the Port Jefferson Village Board of Trustees during a May 1 public meeting at Village Hall. “It may not be as small as what people would have liked to have, but we really feel like this will get us ahead.”
Among the proposed capital improvements would be updated heating and cooling systems; demolition of the exterior music portable and relocation of music rooms; renovations to locker rooms and related athletic spaces; and repurposing of existing team rooms to accommodate tech ed and makerspace facilities.
Given the logistical constraints of getting these projects approved through voter referendum, the district also aims to restructure its long-term payment strategy, building up capital reserves and incorporating infrastructure investments into future annual budgets.
District voters will also decide upon the proposed annual budget for the 2023-24 school year. At $47.1 million, total appropriations are up slightly from $46.1 million the previous year. The tax levy increase for district taxpayers is 1.98%, which is within the allowable limit.
This year’s election for the district Board of Education will be uncontested, with only two candidates running for three-year terms each. Incumbent trustee David Keegan is seeking reelection, while Shannon Handley, a BOE candidate in 2021, pursues the open seat of trustee Ravi Singh, who is not running for reelection.
Voting will take place Tuesday in the cafeteria at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Comsewogue School District
The proposed 2023-24 annual budget at Comsewogue School District shows $110.8 million in total appropriations, with a tax levy increase of 3.7%. A second proposition will be on the ballot, which, if approved, would authorize the school district to withdraw $4.5 million from its $15 million capital reserve established in 2019.
The proposed capital improvements include the completion of the roof at Comsewogue High School; renovations to the high school’s courtyard; theatrical lighting at John F. Kennedy Middle School; and masonry work at Clinton Avenue Elementary School to fix leaks.
These enhancements qualify for state aid, according to district officials, who estimate these expenses will not affect the tax levy.
In the election for Comsewogue’s Board of Education, incumbent BOE president Alexandra Gordon and trustee James Sanchez are running unopposed.
Voting will be held Tuesday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the gymnasium at Comsewogue High School.
Student Mia Nowlan is reading aloud to a first grade class. Photo courtesy Andrew Harris
By Camila Perez Solis
Comsewogue High School’s work-based learning program is generating momentum, with students taking classes that lead them toward their desired professions.
The U.S. Department of Education defines work-based learning, or WBL, as “the alignment of classroom and workplace learning; application of academic, technical, and employability skills in a work setting; and support from classroom or workplace mentors.”
This innovative approach for preparing students for the real world is gaining traction at Comsewogue schools.
Kalliope Gonias is a social studies teacher at CHS who started the Intro to Teaching class. Through this curriculum, students get an up-close look at what it takes to become an educator.
Gonias offers students a practical approach to teaching, providing hands-on experience at Clinton Avenue Elementary School. Through this unique learning style, the theories and techniques students acquire in the classroom are put into practice.
Due to an overwhelming success and positive student response, plans are already underway to extend the program for a second year.
Mike Mosca, principal at CHS, commented on the value the WBL program provides for Comsewogue students. “Our goal is to give our students real-world experiences in various careers and fields,” he said. “High school students working with Clinton Avenue Elementary School teachers is just the beginning. We plan to add more opportunities for all our students through our growing community partnerships.”
Nick Trubia is one of Gonias’ Intro to Teaching students. He commented on the unique opportunities the WBL program affords him and his peers.
“I am going to school for education, and I really enjoy going to the elementary school,” he said. “We are also learning about what education entails, the theory and different kinds of policies,” adding, “It is fun and a great experience if you want to be a teacher.”
Comsewogue Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Quinn noted how WBL lends itself to a different style of classroom engagement. “You can see an immediate change in every student when they are doing hands-on learning,” the district superintendent said. “The teaching experiences are valued by students and staff.”
She added that she believes these new additions take academics at Comsewogue to a whole new level.
Camila Perez Solis is a foreign-exchange student from Ecuador and a junior at Comsewogue High School.
Two students paint birdhouses at the Comsewogue Community Garden. Photo courtesy CSD
Students in the Comsewogue School District showed their green thumbs this Earth Day by coming together with members of the community to recreate the Comsewogue Community Garden.
Students and their families planted flowers, fruits and vegetables and beautified the garden by creating birdhouses and decorative signs.
“Creating and rebuilding our community garden each spring teaches our students lessons about the importance of community service, taking care of the environment and how to be self-sufficient,” said Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Quinn. “This was a great way to celebrate Earth Day and show our appreciation for our planet and the environment.”
Clinton Avenue Elementary School nurse Kelly Klug spearheaded the garden and organized the Earth Day event for community members to come together and rejuvenate the important resource. All produce grown in the garden is harvested and donated to families in the community facing food insecurity.
For more information about the Comsewogue School District, please visit the District’s website at www.comsewogue.k12.ny.us.
Comsewogue freshman goalie Isabella Borruso with a save. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue sophomore attack Jackie Riviezzo passes. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman attack Gianna McNulty looks for a cutter. Photo by Bill Landon
University of Florida-bound Alyssa Deacy looks for a cutter. Photo by Bill Landon
Timeout, Comsewogue. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman midfielder Jayla Callender pushes upfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman midfielder Kamryn McCrary passes upfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue sophomore attack Jackie Riviezzo drives toward the crease. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman goalie Isabella Borruso with another stop in net. Photo by Bill Landon
Bryant University-bound Gabby Constant wins the draw for the Warriors. Photo by Bill Landon
Warriors score. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior midfielder Alyssa Deacy looks for a cutter. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman midfielder Vienna Guzman passes upfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue sophomore attack Jackie Riviezzo passes to an open shooter. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue sophomore attack Jackie Riviezzo changes direction. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman midfielder Jayla Callender pushes upfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman attack Gianna McNulty drives toward the cage. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior midfielder Alyssa Deacy looks inside for the Warriors. Photo by Bill Landon
Bryant University-bound Gabby Constant scores. Photo by Bill Landon
Warriors win. Photo by Bill Landon
Warriors win. Photo by Bill Landon
West Babylon came knocking on Comsewogue’s door Thursday night, April 27, in a Div. II contest in which both teams held matching records at 3-6. The Warriors relentlessly pursued victory, though it would take five overtime periods to determine them the victor.
West Babylon scored back-to-back goals in the opening minutes of the second half, edging ahead 7-4. But the Warriors’ offense came thundering back, rattling off three unanswered goals of their own and tying the game at 7-7 with two minutes left in regulation.
Neither team could find the cage as the time on the clock expired, forcing overtime. Scoreless through the first four three-minute overtime periods, Comsewogue freshman Vienna Guzman’s stick would be the difference maker, breaking the stalemate and winning the game 8-7.
Comsewogue’s Gianna McNulty scored and had two assists. Teammates Gabby Constant and Kamryn McCrary scored two goals apiece. Freshman goalie Isabella Borruso had seven saves on the night.
The win lifts the Warriors to 4-6 in their division with four games remaining before postseason play begins.
Above, Comsewogue High School Business Honor Society students and school administrators with Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, center wearing blue and yellow, during a pet food donation event. Photo courtesy Deniz Yildirim
By Deniz Yildirim
Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) recently teamed up with the Comsewogue High School Business Honor Society to help pets on Long Island.
On Tuesday, April 25, Hahn met with students and club advisors Anthony Ketterer and Anthony Rovello to pick up over 100 pet-related food items.
‘Unfortunately, many have to face tough choices between paying the bills, feeding themselves and feeding their pets.’
— Kara Hahn
Students, such as senior Riley Hughes, earned community service hours by making dog toys. Hughes also braided multiple strands of fabric to create a colorful chew toy. The team collected wet and dry food, treats, leashes and more.
The business department presented its collection to Hahn on a table in their classroom, then listened as she addressed the organization about the importance of giving back to the community.
“There are so many families who need help,” the county legislator said. “Unfortunately, many have to face tough choices between paying the bills, feeding themselves and feeding their pets.”
The proceeds from this effort will go to Baxter’s Pet Pantry and the Port Jeff Station-based animal shelter Save-A-Pet.
Comsewogue Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Quinn and High School Principal Mike Mosca also attended the event. “It is important to help those who cannot advocate for themselves,” Quinn said. “I’m so proud of our students.”
Deniz Yildirim is a librarian at Comsewogue High School.
Shoreham-Wading River senior William Miller wins at “X” for the Wildcats. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River senior Ryan Herr looks for a cutter. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River goalie Jaden Galfano with a save. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River midfielder Liam Kershis pushes past a defender. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue attackman Dylan Rocchio grabs a loose ball. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue attackman Dylan Rocchio passes upfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior Justin Bonacci from behind the cage. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue attack Brayden Arias pushes upfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Timeout, Warriors. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior James Krieg drives towards the crease. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River midfielder Liam Kershis pushes, looks for a cutter. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River midfielder Liam Kershis looks for a cutter. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue attack Brayden Arias scores. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River midfielder Liam Gregorek breaks free. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue attackman Dylan Rocchio fends off Liam Gregorek. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior James Krieg fires at the cage. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior Ryan Fleshner wins at “X” for the Warriors. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior Justin Bonacci drives on defender. Photo by Bill Landon
Loose ball. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue attackman Dylan Rocchio fires at the cage. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River midfielder Liam Gregorek breaks free. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue attackman Dylan Rocchio readies a shot on goal. Photo by Bill Landon
Wildcats win. Photo by Bill Landon
Photo by Bill Landon
The Wildcats of Shoreham-Wading River, at 5-0, took on the 3-1 Comsewogue Warriors at Thomas Cutinella Memorial Field on April 19 in what’s always been a bitter Div. II rivalry.
Shoreham-Wading River struck first with a pair of goals in the opening quarter, but the Warriors rattled off five unanswered goals to surge ahead 5-2 before the Wildcats could counter. Liam Kershis’ stick retied the game at 5-all as both teams traded goals before the halftime break.
Comsewogue attack Brayden Arias split the pipes to put his team out front 8-7 with four minutes left in the third quarter. Kershis then struck again with nine minutes left, retaking the lead 9-8 before teammates Ryan Wilson split the uprights and Alec Gregorek scored his fourth goal of the game as insurance goals.
Kershis found the net again with less than two minutes, putting his team out front 12-9 for the final score.
Comsewogue freshman Maggie Burrell makes the play. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue seventh grader Adrianna Napolitano makes the catch. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue junior Laurel Chiaino takes a cut. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior Alexa Schuch drills the ball. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior Alexa Schuch drills the ball deep. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman Emma Short delivers the pitch. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue junior Jules Manteiga at the ready. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue sophomore Natalia Pashkin at the warning track. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue eighth grader Peyton Chiaino takes the sign. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman Emma Short throws the runner out at first. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue sophomore Natalia Pashkin throws in from centerfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue junior Jules Manteiga makes the catch at third base. Photo by Bill Landon
Timeout, Comsewogue. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior Sam Lugo drills the ball deep. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior Sam Lugo drills the ball deep. Photo by Bill Landon
Sam Lugo. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior Alexa Schuch smacks a grounder. Photo by Bill Landon
Safely on at first. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior Alexa Schuch slides. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue sophomore Natalia Pashkin at the ready. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue sophomore Natalia Pashkin makes the play. Photo by Bill Landon
Sam Lugo. Photo by Bill Landon
Timeout, Warriors. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue eighth grader Peyton Chiaino behind home plate. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman Emma Short throws another runner out. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman Emma Short covers home after a passed ball. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior Alexa Schuch with a line drive. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue junior Jules Manteiga lays down a bunt. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman Emma Short hits a rope. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman Emma Short slides safely into second base. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue junior Laurel Chiaino hits a fly ball. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue seventh grader Adrianna Napolitano makes the catch. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue sophomore Natalia Pashkin makes the play from centerfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue eighth grader Peyton Chiaino with the play at the plate. Photo by Bill Landon
The Comsewogue bats spoke loudly in the bottom of the second inning when Laurel Chiaino, with bases loaded, drove in three runs with a stand-up double, followed by Emma Shorts driving in two more to put the Warriors out front 9-2. This lead, however, wouldn’t last long.
The visiting Sharks of Eastport-South Manor rallied in the top of the third with seven runs of their own to make it a new game at 9-all. Comsewogue showed discipline at the plate, laying off several pitches and drawing the walks to inch ahead to lead by five runs in the bottom of the third, but ESM wouldn’t go quietly, mustering another surge in the closing innings to retie the game at 16-all.
The youngest player on the Comsewogue roster made the difference when seventh grader Adrianna Napolitano, with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, ripped a single and drove in the winning run, securing the Warriors the 17-16 victory in this League VII contest on April 3.
Comsewogue will hit the road with a pair of away games before returning home Wednesday, April 12, to face the Rocky Point Eagles. The first pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m.
Ira Costell, above, president-elect of the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association conducted its monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 28. Out of the about 40 people in attendance, there were only 20 members eligible to vote in the night’s elections for civic officers.
Elections
The election for president of PJSTCA was between Ira Costell and Christine Allen. Each nominee had an opportunity to speak for three minutes before questions opened up to the floor.
In his speech, Costell explained that he has a master’s degree in city and regional planning. “I have a background with planning and development issues, which face our community right now,” he said. “We’re under an enormous amount of pressure from a number of the development activities that are going on, from the Staller project [at Jefferson Plaza] to the post office to a number of PRCs that have been proposed.”
Costell added that drug prevention remains an area of concern, as he lost a nephew to drug use and has spent years going to Albany working to remedy the ongoing drug epidemic.
In Allen’s speech, she explained that while she is not a politician, she would speak to anyone about anything in service to the community.
“I’m not partisan,” she said. “I lean in the direction of truth and honesty.” Allen has also been a homeowner in Port Jefferson Station for 17 years, and she has three children in high school.
“I’ve worked with the town and the state numerous, numerous times over the past 22 years,” she said, adding, “I’m down to do the work, to follow the rules, to pay attention and to listen to everybody’s concerns and questions. And I’m willing to learn.”
When a member asked what the candidates would do to reach out to the community to increase civic participation, Allen noted that social media is a great way to raise awareness. She added that she has experience in this area, since she runs a local community page.
Costell suggested that running a forum or a clinic could be a good way to get the word out. He also agreed with Allen that increasing social media presence would be beneficial for the civic association.
For the position of vice president, Carolyn Sagliocca ran unopposed. In her speech, she mentioned that she went through the Comsewogue School District and has been a homeowner in Port Jefferson Station for more than 30 years. One of her primary focuses is public safety.
“I’ve been sending letters to the New York State [Department of Transportation] to let them know about our dangerous intersections at Terryville Road on 347 and also on Woodhull Avenue,” she said.
She’s been actively working on a beautification project at the back of the HomeGoods shopping center, where bushes have been planted and a new sidewalk has been constructed. “We need the revitalization here,” she said. “I look forward to working with you and for you. This is your association — it’s not mine. What you want is what we do.”
Following the speeches and questions from the members, the voting took place. The final tally for president was 16-4 in favor of Costell. The uncontested Sagliocca was automatically elected as vice president. The new officers will be sworn in during next month’s meeting.
Reports and announcements
Comsewogue High School student Max reviewed several events that occurred this past month, including a popcorn fundraiser to raise money for the prom, a college fair, an international night that included cultural performances and international foods, the Comsewogue band performing in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and a volleyball tournament in which the students triumphed over the teachers.
Suffolk County COPE officer John Efstathiou gave a report on the recent crime statistics in the precinct. In total, there were 35 criminal incidents in March, down from 39 in February. Total noncriminal incidents dropped from 553 to 542.
He warned that there were six catalytic converter thefts this month and that members of the community should park their vehicles in their driveways whenever possible, although that isn’t a foolproof solution to the problem. “They’re getting under the vehicle however it’s positioned,” he said.
Lee Brett, Terryville Fire District commissioner, explained that the parking lot as well as the cesspools are being renovated at the Terryville firehouse. He said he is optimistic this project will be completed soon.
Additionally, he announced that Washington Memorial Park in Mount Sinai is going to be renamed Gerard Reggio Park. Reggio was a serviceman from Port Jefferson Station killed in Vietnam, in 1969. A celebration for the name change will be held at a later date.
Dates for future events
Suffolk County Police Department 6th Precinct will hold its next community meeting Tuesday, April 11, at 10 a.m. at 400 Middle Country Road in Selden.
Comsewogue Public Library will be holding a budget vote and trustee election at the library from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 4. Visit www.cplib.org/budget-vote to get more information.
Next month’s civic meeting will take place April 25 at 7 p.m. at the Comsewogue Public Library.
Tenzin Tanaka playing on a swing set at his mother’s home. Photo by Samantha Blandi
By Chris Mellides
When a family member is diagnosed with cancer, the road ahead can be hard and uncertain. And when this diagnosis befalls a child, the situation appears even more dire. While it can be difficult for families affected by this disease to seek assistance, it is all the more meaningful when a community answers the call and comes together to offer its support.
At a Comsewogue School District Board of Education meeting Feb. 6, Colleen Tanaka, a care coordinator for kids with special needs and single mother of two, stood to address the room. She shared the story of her 8-year-old son, Tenzin, who in June 2022 was diagnosed with T-ALL leukemia. Tanaka’s eldest son, Paxton, has been attending school, though Tenzin has yet to do so since the family’s move into the district.
Tanaka said that when her youngest son began feeling unwell he was taken to see his pediatrician, an ear, nose and throat doctor and an allergist. Tenzin was originally diagnosed with parainfluenza virus type 3, which can cause a variety of respiratory illnesses and was in line with some of the symptoms he was experiencing. This would ultimately be determined as a misdiagnosis.
“He really was just very fatigued, not keeping down food,” Tanaka said. “They put him on medication and within two days he was vomiting water. The poor kid could not stand without wanting to pass out and his lips were just bloody and chapped.”
When Tenzin was admitted to the emergency room at Stony Brook University Hospital, the mother said that the doctor examining him was visibly concerned, immediately calling for bloodwork, followed by an X-ray to rule out the presence of any tumors, according to Tanaka.
Tenzin was officially diagnosed with leukemia on June 2 and was immediately admitted into the hospital for further treatment.
“I think the biggest thing is that this child went from being a typical 8-year-old whose biggest worry was getting up and going to school to, like, we almost lost him the first night,” his mother said. “He was that sick.”
One of the attendees at the Feb. 6 meeting was Joan Nickeson, who sits on the facilities and legislative advocacy committees at CSD. Nickeson sat directly behind Tanaka and, upon hearing the mother speak, described feeling as though “the planets aligned.” At the close of the meeting, Nickeson asked Tanaka whether there was anything she could do to help.
“I immediately asked if she had a Venmo account and donated some money because she revealed that she was a single parent,” Nickeson said. “When families are faced with these sort of diagnoses, often one parent in a two-parent family loses their income to care for their child, and she’s a one-parent income family.”
Tenzin’s story also drew the attention of the school board, including BOE trustee Rob DeStefano, organizer of the Terryville Volunteer Connection. Board members, along with the district’s superintendent of schools, Jennifer Quinn, spoke with Tanaka, offering supportive suggestions and well wishes.
“I felt like I moved into this district and nobody knew what was going on with our family,” the mother said. “It wasn’t until I went to the board meeting and then the outpouring started.”
DeStefano said that since learning about Tenzin and his family, he has noticed a massive response from the community.
“Hearing any of our neighbors enduring this challenge is initially a gut punch for sure,” he said. “But upon processing the situation, the response is to explore ways to assist and ensure they know they are not alone.”
As the organizer of the Terryville Volunteer Connection, DeStefano works with community members to help champion local causes. The goal of the group, he indicated, is to connect residents with causes that build pride and spread good throughout Long Island.
“The connection among our local residents, our schools and the students within is strong,” the school board member and volunteer organizer said. “We are a family of Warriors and that is once again proven by the awesome outpouring of support we’re witnessing here.”
Paxton Tanaka, left, plays with his younger brother, Tenzin, at the Tanaka residence. Photo by Samantha Blandi
Fundraisers
As a local resident with three children attending Comsewogue School District, Laura Feeley took a creative approach to helping Tenzin and his family during their time of need, starting a district-approved T-shirt fundraiser that went live on Feb. 8.
The red shirts for sale are emblazoned with a yellow lightning bolt on the front, reminiscent of the logo worn by DC Comics’ The Flash, Tenzin’s favorite superhero. The back of the shirts bear the name Tenzin’s Fan Club.
Feeley said that there has been a fair number of T-shirts already sold, adding that she hopes the fundraiser will reach 200 shirts in the near future.
“I thought it would be a great idea to not only show moral support by wearing the T-shirts, but also raising funds,” she said. “I think people need to know how much mental, monetary and social strain it puts on not only the child but the whole family.”
Feeley added, “It’s a devastating disease and holds so many negative repercussions. This is why I think the shirts are a great idea — it’s showing the family we care enough about them to show it on our backs. Tenzin is a strong fighter who deserves all the support that we can give him, along with his family as well.”
A GoFundMe was created by a close friend of the Tanaka family at the time Tenzin was diagnosed. It has already raised over $16,500 as of March 7. The mother, while appreciative, said that the experience felt strange to her and that she wasn’t keen on the idea at first.
“It was a lot to process, but it was a saving grace because I was able to pay some of my bills at that point,” Tanaka said. “I’m very fortunate that I have people that know my situation, care about me and went out of their way to make sure that in that time there was something in place because I don’t know what I would have done.”
In addition to the GoFundMe page, a program through Meal Train was created for Tanaka’s family, which the mother is grateful for and helps her take her mind off of cooking for her children after sometimes spending all day at Stony Brook Cancer Center where Tenzin receives his outpatient care.
Asked about her experience with Meal Train, Tanaka expressed her appreciation for the service. “It’s almost like a website that gives a little information on the family and people can go on there and pick dates that they either want to cook a meal and bring it to us, send a meal or donate money,” she said.
The Tanaka family enjoying a day together at their home. Left to right: Tenzin, Colleen and Paxton. Photo by Samantha Blandi
A great kid
Tanaka said that while Tenzin is currently on a feeding tube and undergoing chemotherapy, his medical team has recommended that when the third grader feels hungry he should eat.
The mother said that her son’s favorite place to eat is at Applebee’s and that she has lost count of the number of times she’s had to make Uber Eats and DoorDash orders to be delivered to the hospital. Later, Applebee’s became more involved with the family and has even pledged to donate Tanaka a meal each week while Tenzin is receiving care.
“I guess one of the PTA moms or somebody had reached out to Applebee’s and told them that this kid loves it,” Tanaka said. “And they had given us a couple of gift cards and things. So, we actually went there and he got to sit and actually eat there. I know it sounds crazy, but to him that was the best part of his day.”
When asked to describe her son, Tanaka was forthcoming. “He is quite the individual,” she said. “Tenzin is very headstrong, determined and he’s always been that way.”
Tenzin’s mother added, “He’s very into Minecraft
and Lego building. He’s probably one of the kindest 8-year-olds I’ve ever met — just very empathetic, always thinking of others before himself. He’s just a great kid.”
Quinn conveyed just how welcoming the district has been to Tenzin, despite him being a newcomer. She also noted how endearing the community has been in assisting him and his family.
“I can’t express how proud I am to live and work in a community that is always so willing and able to step up and help anybody when they’re in need, like true Warriors,” she said, adding, “Tenzin is the definition of a Warrior.”
The superintendent added, “I think the big takeaway is how brave he is and how as I said before, no child should ever have to face something so terrible. But we’re going to be here with him. … We’re really looking forward to him getting past this and putting it behind him — and living a full, happy life.”
Correction: In the print version of this article, we reported an incorrect timeline for Tenzin Tanaka’s recovery. Tenzin is expected to receive treatment until October 2024, not this spring, according to his mother. We do regret the error.
Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine, second from left, presented proclamations to PJSTCA president Ed Garboski, third from left, and Sal Pitti, third from right. Photo by Raymond Janis
Sarah Lansdale, Suffolk County economic development and planning commissioner. Photo by Raymond Janis
Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, above. Photo by Raymond Janis
Deputy Suffolk County Executive Peter Scully. Photo by Raymond Janis
Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine. Photo by Raymond Janis
The Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association met Tuesday, Feb. 28, for an evening packed with local business.
Lawrence Aviation
Sarah Lansdale, the Suffolk County economic development and planning commissioner, updated the body on the proposed conceptual layout of the Lawrence Aviation Superfund site in Port Jefferson Station.
“We have come up with a plan of three basic uses of the property,” she said. “One is a light-industry use … for a proposed solar development. The property south of the Greenway is proposed to be for open space … and then a railyard, or railroad usage, on the northeastern section of the property.”
Lansdale also reported that the U.S. Department of Justice recently approved language within a global settlement agreement between 11 claimants, adding, “Now we’re getting them to sign on to the agreement. Of the 11, we have three remaining that have yet to sign on.”
The county is working to finalize a bid package to demolish the remaining buildings on-site during the warmer months.
County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) thanked Lansdale for continuing her efforts on behalf of county residents.
“Very few people want to deal with difficult, complex projects like this,” Hahn said. “This was very difficult, we are so close, and I’m just grateful.”
Civic member Ira Costell objected to a Feb. 23 op-ed in The Port Times Record, “Village elections and Port Jeff’s rapidly changing challenges,” in which former Port Jefferson Village trustee Bruce Miller suggested expanding the limits of the village to derive tax revenue from the Superfund site.
“I think that’s something we need to discuss and take a position on shortly,” Costell said, adding that such a proposal “impacts our community and a potential tax base to the Comsewogue School District.”
Civic president Ed Garboski and vice president Sal Pitti objected to the annexation proposal. Corresponding secretary Charlie McAteer said a discussion on the matter would be appropriate during next month’s meeting.
County sewers
Deputy County Executive Peter Scully delivered a presentation outlining the county’s clean water initiative, remarking that a comprehensive sewer plan has eluded county officials for decades.
“Most of Suffolk County is without sewer infrastructure,” he said. “Sewers throughout Suffolk County have not happened for a variety of reasons,” namely the enormous costs associated with their construction.
Cesspools remain the only waste treatment technology available to many county residents, which Scully indicated can impair the sole-source aquifer upon which residents depend for their drinking water. Leakage associated with septic tanks, Scully said, can contribute to brown tides, rust tides, algal blooms and fish kills throughout the county’s waterways.
To address the problem, the administration is pitching the Suffolk County Clean Water Plan, which includes a one-eighth of a penny per dollar sales tax, to create a local match program for federal and state subsidization of sewer infrastructure.
“Right now, there are tremendous funding sources available on the federal and state levels,” he said, noting the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by Congress in 2021 and the recently passed New York State $4.2 billion environmental bond act.
“Those are the two sources of funding that we’re all anxious to make sure our communities get a fair share of, and to do that we need a local match,” the deputy county executive said. “The [clean water plan] funding source that we’re talking about provides that local match.”
Reports
Andrea Malchiodi, assistant director of Comsewogue Public Library, announced that the library’s budget vote and trustee election would take place Tuesday, April 4.
Comsewogue High School students Kylie and Max updated the body on the news from the Comsewogue School District. Kylie reported that the high school’s business academy and work-based learning program were both approved career and technical education pathways by the New York State Education Department.
Max noted Comsewogue’s recent athletic achievements, with the Warriors girls and boys basketball teams advancing to the postseason. The wrestling team vied for the county final, while the varsity cheerleading team competed at the national tournament in Florida.
Suffolk County COPE officer Casey Berry said the vehicle theft crime surge throughout the local area remains unresolved. “Lock your cars in your driveway and when you’re going to Starbucks,” she told the body. “Don’t leave the fob in the car.”
Berry also reported that officers within the department are being more active. “I think COVID affected law enforcement as well as the rest of the community in many ways,” she said, adding, “Our leadership is saying, ‘We really need to protect our community.’”
This boost in police activity, Berry added, is reflected by rising numbers of summons written by police officers, along with the department’s ongoing body camera initiative.
Civic elections
Garboski reported the results of the nominating committee created last month after he and Pitti declared they would be leaving the hamlet before the year’s end, thereby vacating their posts.
Christine Allen and Costell were each nominated for the position of civic president, and Carolyn Sagliocca was the sole candidate nominated as vice president. The three candidates publicly accepted their nominations.
Additional nominations will be accepted from the floor during the next meeting March 28, on which date a vote will take place. The newly electeds will formally enter their posts in April.
During the meeting, Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine (R) presented proclamations to Garboski and Pitti for their long service to the Comsewogue community.
“You cannot put a price on the time, effort, energy, knowledge and dedication they have brought to this task,” Romaine said. “They have worked around the clock to improve the quality of not their lives, but the quality of life of everyone in this community.”