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New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay

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Ron Bernardini stands in front of his cherished turquoise 1952 Ford Crestline.
A scene from the 2025 AHEPA charity car show in Port Jefferson. Photo by Caroline O'Callaghan
A scene from the 2025 AHEPA charity car show in Port Jefferson. Photo by Caroline O'Callaghan
A scene from the 2025 AHEPA charity car show in Port Jefferson. Photo by Caroline O'Callaghan
From left to right: Town Clerk Kevin J. LaValle, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, AHEPA President George Kallas and Ray Iasili pose while receiving awards at the fourth annual AHEPA Ch. 319 car show. Photo by Caroline O'Callaghan

By Caroline O’Callaghan

The Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption of Port Jefferson was the poised backdrop for the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association Chapter 319’s fourth annual charity car show on Saturday, June 21. The multisponsored event was held to raise money for the organization Agape Meals for Kids, whose mission is to help provide essential meals to local children who experience food insecurity. Residents and local representatives bore the heat in support of a great cause. 

Visitors and car enthusiasts enjoyed the show of vintage vehicles, locally provided food trucks and virtual driving simulation games.

To mark the fourth consecutive gathering, several supporters of the car show were honored during a humbling ceremony. One of those supporters was Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D, 4). Kassay noted the large number of sponsorships was in direct correlation to the significance of the event for its community. 

“The sponsorships behind us really show just how much support there is for this work for these individuals, how much work goes into getting these funds from our local businesses to the charities that are supported like Agape Meals for Kids, which we’re so grateful [to have] for our local children,” said Kassay.

Kassay also honored Ray Iasili, who has been a devoted admin of the AHEPA Ch. 319 car show since its conception, with a Proclamation Citation for his outstanding service to the community. 

“I see you’re shaking your head because you’re a humble man, but truly, the work that you do, you will never know the depth of support that you’ve brought to families and continue to do so. You know it in your heart, and our families feel it and we need to recognize you and that work today,” Kassay told Iasili. 

Kassay was referring to the enormous impact that the car show has had on Agape Meals for Kids. The charity’s president, Irene Michalos, was also honored. Michalos praised AHEPA Ch. 319 for their exponential contributions since Agape began its mission four years ago. “When we packed our first 137 backpacks in December of 2021, we couldn’t have imagined that number would grow to over 18,000, but here we are and your support made that possible,” Michalos said to the crowd. 

For those who came out to show their cars and compete in its competition, the small event gave way to big kindnesses. Ron Bernardini came through with his turquoise 1952 Ford Crestline. The car was a showstopper to visitors, and Bernardini was happy with the turnout. 

“Today’s a very small show, but a very nice show,” said Bernardini, “the people were all very lovely and they appreciate older things, so they’ve been very kind and very complimentary.” Bernardini continued, “People respect older things that are taken care of, and what can I say? This car is the embodiment of that.” 

The future of the annual AHEPA Ch. 319 charity car show is bright, according to Iasili, who hopes the event continues to grow.

“I just love everybody that comes out and helps and supports,” Iasili said. “Let’s do it again next year for a bigger crowd.”

–Photos by Caroline O’Callaghan

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Route 347 and Nicolls Road overview in Stony Brook.

By William Stieglitz

The New York State Department of Transportation, in cooperation with local officials, is considering multiple design proposals for an overpass bridge at the intersection of Nicolls Road and Route 347, including  a new “preferred alternative” design that is distinct from the two designs previously made available to the public.

These previous proposals, explained Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook), included a diamond design and a clover design. The diamond design, similar to the intersection of Nicolls Road and Middle Country Road, would have an overpass providing straight passage for one road, but would require a traffic light for the perpendicular road underneath. “It would only solve half the traffic problem, not all of it,” said Kornreich.

The proposed clover shaped design. This rendering portrays ramps and would not require traffic lights. Photo courtesy Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich

The clover design, similar to the intersection of the Long Island Expressway and Nicolls Road, would feature looped ramps and no traffic lights. However, this would require more space, placing the ramps directly behind some homes. 

“It would affect a small number of people in a negative way,” said Kornreich. “However, for the vast majority of people, the thousands and thousands of people who use that intersection every day, by having the full clover leaf, now there are no lights at that intersection.”

The “preferred alternative” design, explained NYS Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay (D–Port Jefferson), was initially shown to her in May when she met with the DOT. The new design, she was told, “resulted from internal DOT conversations about design feasibility and traffic needs.”

Since that meeting, she has emailed the DOT with a list of questions regarding details of the design and plans to engage the public with updated information.  She asked if there is statistical data to support one design over the other two as well as accessibility differences for ambulances and commuters. 

She advocated for sound walls to prevent residents and businesses from being impacted by additional traffic noise, as well as landscape installations that could help drainage, water quality and beautification. Furthermore, she requested visual references of designs of other NYS DOT bridges for community consideration.

“My office has been coordinating closely with residents who have worked for many years to keep this intersection clean and welcoming for our community,” said Kassay. “I am grateful for the passion they have for our community and their willingness to go above and beyond to care for Nicolls Road and Route 347.”

Three Village Civic Association President Charles Tramontana said that while the DOT has been in contact with Kassay and Kornreich, the DOT had not been meeting with them regarding this phase of the project, and that they are awaiting updates. “We definitely have questions,” he said, referencing how he’d want to know how the chosen proposal would affect the clearing of woods and its aesthetic ramifications. 

Tramontana said the lack of communication presented a problem, citing as an example the DOT recently removing trees from the north side of the intersection, without the association being told it would happen beforehand. Tramontana said, “In everything, we always strive to have good communication so that there’s no surprises, there’s no rumors, everybody knows exactly what’s going to take place. That’s what we’re looking to facilitate as a civic association.”

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Local leaders at the Lawrence Aviation Site on June 2. Photo by Sabrina Artusa

Local stakeholders wait with bated breath as the June 30th deadline for the MTA to close on purchasing 40 acres of the closed Lawrence Aviation site approaches. Each passing day chips away at the possibility of a new railyard that would enable the electrification of the Port Jefferson Rail line. 

The Superfund site has been eradicated of the toxic pollutants that degraded the soil and water and is nearly cleared from the registry. Part of it will be used as a solar farm and part will be preserved as open space. The missing piece is in the hands of the MTA and DOT. 

Despite pressure from local stakeholders and politicians and the near absence of any pushback or even hesitation from the community, the plan stalls. A year ago this month, the DOT and MTA had a deadline for the MTA to purchase the property. Two extensions and 12 months later, little, except for the mounting impatience from the community, has changed.

In order for the MTA to move forward, the DOT, which currently owns a section of the Greenway that would need rerouting before construction can begin, must provide permission.

Business owners, environmentalists, legislators, town, county and state politicians are all rallying for a common cause: the benefit of the Long Island community. 

The delay causes numerous problems: it keeps commuters riding on with an inadequate and dated mode of transportation; it prevents electrification, which would be quieter and reduce pollution and it keeps the frequency of train travel on the current schedule, instead of increasing the number of trips.

The site has been in limbo for a year and is priced at only $10–such is the Suffolk County Landbanks’ desire for a deal. Now, the DOT needs to reach an agreement with the MTA allowing them access to the land that would facilitate the sale and enable the construction of a railyard. Local officials like Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D–Port Jefferson) are advocating with state officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul (D). With her help, perhaps the DOT and MTA can reach an agreement before this opportunity chugs away on an outdated line, in a plume of diesel smoke. 

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NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay
Legislation Expands Access to Modern Septic Systems, Protecting Groundwater and Waterways Across New York
In a major environmental and affordability win, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay announced the unanimous passage of her legislation (A8807/S8241-A) in both the New York State Assembly and Senate. The bill updates the reimbursement structure of the New York State Septic System Replacement Fund, making it easier and more affordable for New Yorkers to upgrade to advanced septic systems that significantly reduce water pollution, according to a press release.
The legislation increases the reimbursement rate to 75% of eligible costs, up to $25,000 per project, enabling more homeowners to install “clean water” septic systems that remove nitrogen, phosphorus, and other harmful contaminants before they reach groundwater, bays, harbors, lakes, and rivers– and the taps of the 8 million residents of Long Island. Assemblywoman Kassay stated, “Most New Yorkers want to do their part to protect our environment, but sometimes budgetary restrictions prevent families from making those efforts. I am proud to deliver legislation that not only further protects our water, but also addresses affordability issues.”
Outdated or failing septic systems are a major source of nutrient pollution across New York, contributing to harmful algal blooms, fish kills, and water quality degradation. While advanced septic technologies are significantly more effective at treating wastewater, their cost often puts them out of reach for many families—unless supported by state funding.
Environmental and public health advocates praised the bill’s passage as a vital step toward reducing pollution and advancing clean water infrastructure.
Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, said, “This critical legislation will be a catalyst for the public to be financially incentivized to replace their old, antiquated polluting cesspools and septic systems. No longer can we allow inadequately treated sewage, nitrogen pollution, and other contaminants to flow from our septic systems and enter into groundwater and our harbors, bays, rivers, lakes, and beaches. These grants will provide substantive financial assistance to allow people to make the change! The replacement program is already very popular with the public; however, this increase in funds will galvanize residents who were reluctant to make the switch because they needed a bit more financial help to act. We are very excited that this law got passed and thank Senator Harckham and Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay for getting it done!”
Kevin McDonald, Senior Policy Advisor, The Nature Conservancy, added, “Pollution from traditional septic systems harms wildlife and threatens clean drinking water across our state. On Long Island, the problem is especially severe where nitrogen pollution is harming our bays, harbors, and drinking water supply. To restore clean water and protect public health, we need to support property owners in upgrading septic systems with technology that can treat nitrogen pollution. The Nature Conservancy applauds the Senate and Assembly for passing legislation to enhance the state’s Septic System Replacement Fund, which will ensure clean water septic systems are within financial reach of more property owners. Thank you to bill sponsors Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay for championing this important policy change and to Governor Kathy Hochul and the Environmental Facilities Corporation for advancing this important grant program.”
The legislation builds on New York’s Clean Water Infrastructure Act and supports the long-term protection of drinking water supplies, recreational waterways, and marine habitats in regions such as Long Island, the Finger Lakes, and the Thousand Islands. “The passage of this legislation is another important step toward cleaner waters in, on, and around Long Island. Both our drinking water supply and the surrounding coastal waters will benefit from the legislation as homeowners are provided with significant additional financial incentives to install nitrogen reducing, state-of-the-art sanitary systems at their residences,” stated John Turner, Senior Conservation Policy Advocate, Seatuck Environmental Association. “We have no doubt that when this bill becomes law more Long Islanders will participate in efforts to safeguard their ground- and coastal waters. Kudos to Assemblymember Kassay for her leadership in sponsoring this critically important environmental protection measure,” John Turner concluded.
“In Suffolk County, the state’s largest county outside of New York City, there are over 380,000 outdated cesspools and septic tanks in use,” stated Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni. “Many of them are located in my district on the East End of Long Island. Onsite wastewater treatment systems reduce the amount of effluent and pollutants expelled into the environment, reducing the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus into surface and drinking waters, including Long Island’s sole-source aquifer. A.8807 falls in line with the priorities and needs of Long Island, and the environmental goals for the great State of New York. I commend the Senate and Assembly sponsors of A.8807, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Governor for the increased attention to the need for modernizing residential wastewater management across the state.”
The bill’s next step is for Governor Hochul to sign and chapter it, which could take place in the coming weeks or months. Strongly motivated by the environmental and affordability benefits of this legislation, Assemblywoman Kassay will continue to work with her colleagues in government and environmental advocates to ensure that this bill is signed into law.

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Heather Banoub and Carl Mills. Photo by Sabrina Artusa

By Sabrina Artusa

Carl Mills, Stony Brook University associate vice president of government relations, and Heather Banoub, assistant vice president of community relations at the university, were joined by Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D, Port Jefferson) to speak on budget priorities, which include adding housing options to the campus. 

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. Photo by Sabrina Artusa

Besides pushing legislation to grow their advanced specialty care facilities throughout the county, Mills said Kassay is helping the university with legislation to allow the university to contract nearby fire districts for access to equipment. Currently, the university has its own fire services but still works closely with surrounding departments. 

“It will be a cross benefit not only for the university but the taxpayer if we can contract for surplus equipment that fire districts have,” said Mills.

The university is also planning a housing project that can provide up to 1,900 beds so Simon Scholars, medical residents and junior faculty can have on-campus housing options. The project is not meant to allow the university to admit more incoming students, but to “allow young professionals” a space on campus. 

Some residents were concerned that traffic will not be able to sustain growth and neighboring communities will suffer. “I know you guys want to grow, that is your job, but I live there and traffic still sits in front of my house,” one resident said. Mills said a traffic study is being conducted. 

Legislation is needed to execute this project, which Mills said is not unusual for this “long-term project.” The university will form a housing and development corporation, which would lease the property, submit a request for proposal and solicit bids. 

“We don’t have the funding as it stands to do this on our own,” Mills said. “We have financial challenges in that we don’t know what is happening on the federal level.” 

The project would require the relocation of the track behind LaValle Stadium and off Route 25A. 

In August 2024, many students were pushed off campus or into cramped accommodations after two dormitories were flooded. “As the flagship university, we just can’t be in that position,” Mills said.

Funding projects

In her first budget cycle as a state assemblymember, Kassay reported on several budgetary items, such as securing $1 million for SBU’s cancer research center, $1 million for clean water research and $330,000 for a nursing training program at the Long Island State Veterans Home.

She also helped eliminate the Metropolitan Transportation Authority payroll mobility tax from municipalities. The tax impacts employers, so the elimination offers relief to the Town of Brookhaven and other suburban municipalities. Small businesses are still affected by the tax, but to a diminished degree. 

Kassay said she is excited to support a bigger, better bottle bill, which will extend the array of items that can get recycled and increase the deposit return to 10 cents. 

She also said she is working to diminish needless plastic waste by requiring restaurants to give the option of plastic utensils for a takeout order rather than instantly including them. 

The legislation would mean that “restaurants, when doing a takeout order cannot give you those items unless you consent to taking those items. So they can ask you, and you can say yes, or you can ask them… and that is absolutely legal,” Kassay said. “They just can’t force them.” 

“For us facing enormous waste problems here, this isn’t going to solve it entirely but it is sure going to help in as far as reducing waste.” The legislation has failed in Suffolk in the past, but Kassay is optimistic that the move would be a win-win for businesses and consumers alike. 

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Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

By Emily Mandracchia

On May 27, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R) and Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina (R) were joined by Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. (D) and other town supervisors and county officials to announce the results of a large-scale crackdown of illegal cannabis shops involving multiple jurisdictions throughout the region. 

With the goal of maintaining public safety and wellness, New York State law officially stipulates the prohibition of cannabis and other THC-related products at mobile retail or civic settings that may include vendors, such as farmer’s markets, street fairs, historical or religious societies among others. 

New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay

According to District 4 Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D, Port Jefferson), this crackdown also includes prerolled joints, THC vapes and edibles or tinctures containing THC. Regardless of whether the vendor possesses a license to operate a brick-and-mortar dispensary, the sale of such products is still considered illegal on the basis of the mobile venue sale. Violators are subject to what Kassay refers to as a “hefty” fine and any further disciplinary action deemed necessary.

Products that are listed to contain less than or equal to 0.3% THC are not restricted by NYS law insofar as they are properly labeled according to both federal and state cannabis and hemp product regulations. Kassay recalls that residents are often surprised when she informs them that, currently, there are “no licensed cannabis dispensaries in the Town of Brookhaven, and that any shop that has been selling intoxicating cannabis products has been doing so illegally.”

Accessibility to intoxicating products at pop-up venues enable their legality and accessible use to impart a more present danger onto the surrounding public. Kassay said herself that she had visited a street fair and witnessed a vendor unlawfully selling cannabis products firsthand. Kassay writes, “In speaking with the event’s coordinators, it came to light how many community members aren’t aware that it is currently unlawful for intoxicating cannabis products to be sold at pop-up markets in New York State.” 

Catalina stated similarly that there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence that suggests the cannabis sold to minors is often laced with unknown chemicals and additives; people have “no idea” what they are buying. Further, those who applied for licenses but have not been approved often still sell cannabis in the interim. Increase in road accidents, medical afflictions and the deterioration of the quality of business communities and public safety all served as catalysts for the agreement that the current NYS cannabis policy required further refinement.

New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management will be engaging the public with a proposal regarding future licenses for cannabis sales at pop-up events like street fairs and farmers markets, which would require both a licensed vendor and a licensed grower to be in attendance. 

For now, the crackdown offers a temporary solution to the problem — provided that the official proposal will most likely be introduced in June 2025 with a public comment period to follow.

In the meantime, it is recommended that any suspicions of illegal cannabis sale are reported to the NYS Office of Cannabis Management. Illegal sales encompass those that are without license, made to minors, illegally packaged products, incite adverse medical reactions, or otherwise spark enforcement concerns. For more information on these guidelines, visit cannabis.ny.gov/report-an-incident. 

To receive this NYS OCM proposal when it is released and to engage in the public comment opportunity or to share any other questions or concerns, please contact Kassay’s office by emailing [email protected] or calling 631-751-3094.

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The two-part boating safety course is at the Setauket Fire Department station on Nicolls Road, on April 14-15. File photo

By Sofia Levorchick

This year, New York State put Brianna’s Law into effect, requiring all boaters to possess and carry a New York State-approved boating safety certificate regardless of age. 

Named after Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old Long Island girl who was killed in a 2005 boating accident, this law acts as a precautionary measure to teach all boaters safety rules to prevent reckless and dangerous behavior on the water.

Previously, only operators born after Jan. 1, 1978, needed the certificate. Now, all boaters, regardless of age and experience on the water, must obtain the safety certificate.

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D, NY4) sent out an invitation for a course taking place on Saturday, May 31 at the Setauket Fire Department  at 190 Main Street in Setauket. See more information below.

“With our many miles of coastline, my office understands our constituents’ close relationship with our waterways,” Kassay said. “We are grateful to the Setauket Fire Department for offering their facilities for this event, furthering our shared goal of greater public safety.”

Brennen Siele, the senior harbormaster on the North Shore for the Town of Brookhaven, thinks this course requirement is necessary for safe waters. He pointed out that boaters’ most common and preventable mistake is lacking the safety equipment they should have on board. 

“When we come and check them, it’s a surprise to them that they need certain things,” Siele said. “So just from a safety standpoint, it seems important that these people take these classes, even if they’ve been on the water for years.”

Safety certification courses were offered before the law was implemented, and some boaters have already taken them. 

Chris Zenaty, a Stony Brook boater, took a safety course over 25 years ago when he first started boating. He retook the course last year with his son after his original certification expired. He thinks that this new law is essential for ensuring safety on the water.

 “It makes people more aware of their surroundings,” Zenaty said. “Before, you could go out and buy a 50-foot boat with having no experience in boating and cause significant damage to life and property without having any boating training.”

According to both Siele and Kassay, local boaters have generally been reacting positively to the law.

“From conversations around our marinas and neighborhoods, it seems that local boaters are largely on board with this new regulation,” Kassay said. “It teaches newer boaters the maritime rules of the road, which will help to avoid conflicts and collisions.”

However, Siele noted that the surge in demand could make it difficult for boaters to get the safety certificate in time. 

“I think for the first year, it’ll probably be challenging, because a huge influx of people are trying to take these classes right before the boating season,” Siele said. “A lot of these classes are filling up, and people are having a hard time getting into them.”

Because of the demand, there might be an initial grace period for compliance. Harbor Patrol plans to be somewhat lenient initially, as long as boaters can show patrol officers proof that they are registered to take a class and are otherwise in compliance with safety regulations. 

“Boaters need to take the safety on the water a little bit more seriously than they have in the past,” Siele said. “They don’t take into account how many things that can go wrong or the safety equipment that’s necessary when things do go wrong.”

Despite the initial challenges in course availability, officials and long-serving boaters agree that the new law marks a crucial step toward fostering safer waters for all. 

“Even our saltiest sailors and experienced fisherfolk understand that their time on the water is made safer by every motorized vessel operator taking this course,” Kassay said.

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New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay is inviting boat, jet ski, and motorized vessel operators to take the required New York State Safe Boating Certification Course at the Setauket Fire Department, 190 Main St., Setauket on Saturday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This 8-hour course covers the basic principles of safe and responsible boating. It reviews nautical “rules of the road”, required safety equipment, special boating activities, and more. Students who complete the course will obtain a NY Safe Boating Certificate. Must be at least 10 years old to participate.
Cost: $85 + $10 permanent card fee
Course materials provided on-site
Can’t make that date? Find more classes across the state: www.register-ed.com/programs/new_york/252

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Pictured from left, Three Village Historical Society Executive Director Mari Irizarry, NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and The Long Island Museum of American Art, History & Carriages Co-Executive Director Joshua Ruff

New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, her staff members, Long Island Museum staff and board members, and fellow government representatives gathered with members of the community at The Long Island Museum in Stony Brook on Thursday, May 15, for a special “Meet Your Elected Officials” event.

This event was coordinated by Assemblywoman Kassay’s office and the Long Island Museum, and was held in conjunction with the museum’s exhibition, Building the Ballot Box: Long Island’s Democratic History, which is part of the Agora New York Voices and Votes project. The exhibit, which explores the history of American democracy, was on display at the museum through May 18. 

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright and NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay.

The event provided attendees with an opportunity to engage directly with local elected officials, including Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright, while reflecting on the significant role Long Island played in the development of American democracy. Assemblywoman Kassay formally invited local legislative representatives— from the town, county, state, and federal government positions to participate or send staff to table at this event. 

“My staff and I are grateful for the Long Island Museum’s collaboration in coordinating such a meaningful event. It was a perfect opportunity to connect with our community and celebrate our shared history,” said Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. “This exhibition not only highlights the rich democratic heritage of Long Island but also encourages active civic participation. It was truly a pleasure to engage with the community, offer them resources, and discuss how we can continue to work together for a better future.” 

“It was wonderful to be able to join Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay to greet members of the public at the Long Island Museum against the backdrop of their extraordinary exhibition Building the Ballot Box: Long Island’s Democratic History,” said Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright. “It was a privilege to welcome our contemporary voters in the presence of paintings by William Sidney Mount that depict citizens practicing democracy in our community more than 150 years ago.” 

“The Museum has been proud to host the Voices and Votes and Building the Ballot Box exhibitions and we so appreciate Assemblywoman Kassay and her office for planning this great forum for conversation with the community, which offered people a relaxed chance to enjoy the project in its final days,” shared Joshua Ruff, The Long Island Museum of American Art, History & Carriages Co-Executive Director 

The Building the Ballot Box exhibition is a traveling project that explores the history of voting rights and the democratic process, with stops at 12 museums throughout New York State through 2026. The exhibit highlights the critical role of voting and civic engagement in shaping American society. 

For more information, please call Assemblywoman Kassay’s office at 631-751-3094. 

 

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Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (far right) celebrates Assembly District 4 Women of Distinction Honorees including Angeline Judex who is pictured here second from right with her colleagues from the Long Island Explorium.
 On Saturday, May 3rd, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay hosted the 2025 Assembly District 4 Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony at the New Village Recreation Center in Centereach. The event brought together Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, and more than 100 community members, friends, families, and local leaders to honor the leadership and community impact of the exemplary women who live in Assembly District 4.

“The room was filled with warmth, wisdom, and gratitude as we reflected on the power of leadership, service, and compassion. From heartfelt stories to new connections, this event reminded us of the importance of recognizing the women who quietly and boldly make a difference every day,” said Assemblywoman Kassay. “Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make this day and every day brighter.”

Residents, businesses and other members of the community were invited to nominate women residing in Assembly District 4 to be considered for the 2025 Assembly District 4 Women of Distinction Award in the categories of Business, Community Volunteer, Education, Government, Healthcare, Law Enforcement/First Responder, Non-Profit, Science, and Veteran. Over the course of 2 months, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay’s office received over 30 nominations. Of those 30, one honoree was selected from each category:

2025 Assembly District 4 Women of Distinction Honorees:

Melissa Negrin-Wiener – Business

Dr. Yanping Yu – Community Volunteer

Gretchen Oldrin Mones – Education

Hon. Valerie M. Cartright – Government

Erika Detto – Healthcare

Kerry Schneider – Law Enforcement / First Responder

Dana Callender – Non-Profit

Angeline Judex – Science

Melanie Corinne – Veteran

Nominees Recognized for Their Contributions:

Business:

Maryann Deriso

McKayla De La Pena

Maria Nardiello

Julie Vitrano

Betty Diaz

Community Volunteer:

Shoshana Hershkowitz

Alice Rose Damico

Lisa Perry

Patricia Schindler

Education:

Kristen Hoffman

Ellen Boehm

Government:

Lillian Clayman

Vivian Viloria-Fisher

Healthcare:

Dr. Michele Kaider-Alstodt

Dr. Lynda Loudon Sheppard

Law Enforcement / First Responder:

Elicia Murphy

Non-Profit:

Sarah Abruzzi

Amy Tuttle

Makai Ballo

Shaorui Li

Lisa Jaeger

During the event, the honorees and nominees were invited to say a few words and were presented with proclamations and certificates to thank them for their contributions to the community. This event marks the first Assembly District 4 Women of Distinction Awards, which will be hosted annually by the office of Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. Beginning January 2026, members of the community are invited and encouraged to submit nominees for next year’s awards.

For more information about this and any other program or concern, please call Assemblywoman Kassay’s office at 631-751-3094.

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From left, members of VFW Post 4927 - Post Quartermaster Cameron Clawson, Mike Costarelli, and Paulie LaRocco with Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay

On Sunday, May 4, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay co-hosted a community blood drive with local VFW Post 4927 in Port Jefferson Station and the New York Blood Center. Throughout the day, donors came from across the district to donate blood, visit the VFW, and enjoy some of the homemade treats that were personally baked by Assemblywoman Kassay and her team, and take home a box of Girl Scout cookies that were provided by the New York Blood Center.

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay said, “Hats off to everyone who showed up and participated in Sunday’s Blood Drive—you are all life-savers! Every donation made has the potential to help save the life of someone experiencing surgery, chronic illness, or life-threatening conditions. Each single unit can save up to three lives, meaning the donations at our drive will potentially impact 81 people. Community efforts like this remind us of the power we have to support one another—and that even one donation can make a world of difference. And every event is made sweeter with homemade cupcakes and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies– all baked with love! Many thanks to our partners at VFW Post 4927 for hosting the drive and tapping their members, and the New York Blood Center for sending an incredible team of professionals.”

This event marks the first blood drive event that will be hosted annually through Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay’s office with the VFW Post 4927.

For more information about the blood drive or future events, please call Assemblywoman Kassay’s office at 631-751-3094.

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