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Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

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Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine
Local Officials & Solid Waste Experts to address the environmental and economic challenges & their current impact on Long Island

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Stony Brook University’s Waste Reduction and Management Institute and the Evan R. Liblit Scholarship Fund have announced the 2025 Larry Swanson Long Island Environmental Symposium will be held on Wednesday, June 25 at Suffolk County Community College’s Brentwood Campus  from 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

County Executive Romaine will be joined by local and solid waste experts and service providers to discuss the various challenges the industry is currently facing, including the need for a regional solid waste management plan.

“There are many obstacles related to solid waste on Long Island that impact our regional economy and environment,” said Romaine. “We must continue to discuss the challenges that are in front of us and lay ahead to preserve our future while ensuring we take a coordinated approach to dispose solid waste and recycle glass and ash responsibly.”

Topics to be addressed at the third annual event include regional solid waste management planning, the critical role of waste to energy facilities in managing solid waste, development of a glass recycling master plan and regional glass recycling and removing food from the waste stream.

Long Island elected officials and solid waste experts will gather to address the future of how Long Island will manage its ever-increasing waste including:

  • Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine speaking regarding Suffolk County’s efforts to facilitate environmentally sound and cost-effective waste management;
  • The work of the WRMI in developing a regional solid waste management plan;
  • The critical role of waste to energy facilities in managing Long Island solid waste and waste to energy ash processing and recycling;
  • Separation of recyclables from mixed solid waste and construction and demolition debris;
  • Regional glass recycling;
  • Removing organics/food scraps from the waste stream

The WRMI was created by the New York State Legislature to confront the increasingly complex waste issues arising on Long Island, where per capita waste generation exceeds that in the rest of the U.S. Long Island is also a place where future landfills have been prohibited to protect the Island’s drinking water, which is solely derived from an underground aquifer. Michael E. White serves as the WRMI’s Interim Director at Stony Brook University.

“This year’s Larry Swanson Environmental Symposium comes at a critical time for determining the future of solid waste management on Long Island,” said Interim Director of the WRMI Michael E. White. “WRMI is proud to be a partner in bringing forth the Symposium and to have the opportunity to present the need for regional solid waste planning on Long Island along with the work of WRMI to develop such a plan connecting with local government, the solid waste industry and stakeholders.”

The Evan R. Liblit Memorial Scholarship Committee provides scholarships at Stony Brook and hosts events and webinars aimed at improving recycling and solid waste management.

The event will take place at the Suffolk Federal Credit Union Arena (Lecture Hall D105) at Suffolk Community College’s Grant Campus, 1001 Crooked Hill Road in Brentwood.

Attendance is free, however guests must register by clicking here or by contacting [email protected].

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ELIJA Farm offered a variety of ready to plant herbs and vegetables at the grand opening of the farmers market on June 5. Photo courtesy of ELIJA Farm

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine has announced the grand opening of the Suffolk County Farmers Market at the H. Lee Dennison Building, 100 Veterans Highway, in Hauppauge. 

The municipality’s first ever farmers market debuted on June 5 and will be open to the public every Thursday, excluding June 19, at the facility’s north parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct. 2.

“Hosting a farmers market at the Dennison Building is a tremendous way to promote our local farms and artisans while providing our residents and county employees easy access to healthy foods and fresh produce this summer,” said County Executive Romaine. “The agricultural industry is pivotal to our local economy, and we will continue to explore ways to support our farmers and producers.”

The following vendors are scheduled to appear at the market:

Sal & Jerry’s Bakery, Turturici & Sons Inc, Ann’s Garden, South Shore Mushrooms, Ocean Fog Farm, Pat’s Bakehouse, Ahsak Skin care, the ELIJA Farm, Vincent Farms Natural Foods, Rooted Organics LLC, All Baked Up, MNH Group, Inc. dba Tea + Munchies, Seed & Triumph, and Sunflower Cafe.

For more information, call 631-853-2047.

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

By Sabrina Artusa 

While the Lawrence Aviation Industries site in Port Jefferson Station is clean and cleared from the superfund registry, the atmosphere around the prospective rail yard is murkier than ever. 

The MTA has yet to secure the 40 acres allocated to the rail yard, which would be crucial to electrifying the Port Jefferson line. As the June 30 deadline approaches, local officials and environmental leaders met at the site on June 2 to urge the MTA to sign and for Governor Kathy Hochul to apply further pressure. Brookhaven bought 40 acres to preserve as open space and the county bought the other 40 acres to use as a solar farm. 

“This is a community grafted and supported plan that elected officials from all levels of government have worked very hard on for 15 years now,” said Adrienne Esposito of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “And we are in the last few days to make it successful and get the job done.” 

The Setauket–Port Jefferson Station Greenway will have to be rerouted in order for the MTA to proceed with the rail yard. Since the DOT owns that land, they have to sign an agreement with the MTA and work out an easement between them. 

Romaine said the DOT is hesitating in giving the MTA the go-ahead. “Let’s not pass this up because the DOT is blocking this,” Romaine said. “Let’s everybody row in the same direction…let’s electrify this line.” 

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay is pushing legislation to advance an easement agreement between the DOT and MTA. 

The bill, currently being reviewed by committee, ensures the DOT will not be prevented from rerouting the Greenway. Further, it states that if the DOT intends to expand Route 25A, as they originally intended,  the easement would not impede that move as a bridge could connect the Greenway instead.

“The DOT is authorized and directed to work with the MTA and other interested particles and/or owners of real property surrounding the Greenway to negotiate and execute the…easement within six months after the effective date of this act,” the bill reads. 

After the event at the Lawrence Aviation Site, Kassay said the DOT reached out to her with suggested amendments. 

“New York State has lofty green energy goals, lofty goals for decarbonization and I can not do enough to press upon them how vital this opportunity is to make more green the MTA,” said Kassay, who has been pushing for assistance at the state level. “This is not an opportunity we can lose.” 

 An updated, electrified line is something residents from Port Jefferson to Smithtown can benefit from: fewer breakdowns, cleaner air and a smoother ride. The train can be used by Stony Brook University students and can provide redevelopment opportunities.

“In order to build housing, and to put that housing where it makes sense for rail service, this could only help. For the economic development that is needed, this could only help,” said Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico.  

The Suffolk County Landbank is selling the land to the MTA for $10. Sarah Lansdale, the Suffolk County commissioner of economic development and planning, said the MTA cut off communication with the landbank last September. 

Further,  she said that the landbank submitted two FOIL requests asking for records specifying any plans of potential development for the area. The DOT declined possessing such records.

“The Department has no plans or designs for the reconstruction of NY25A from its current location to the property that was acquired where a section of the Setauket–Port Jefferson Greenway trail exits near Sheep Pasture Road and where Suffolk County and the LIRR are proposing to create a rail yard,” a March 24 letter from Department of Transportation Deputy Counsel Norman W. Kee to Suffolk County reads. 

After not receiving the requested records, Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning submitted an appeal.

The June 30 deadline is about a year from the first deadline in 2024. Two extensions later, if the MTA and DOT do not reach an agreement and the MTA does not purchase the property, the project cannot move forward. 

“We are going to show her how it’s done,” Esposito said as she held up red tape for Romaine to cut. 

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Legislator Steve Englebright, left, congratulates Corey Fischer, center, along with Suffolk County Legislator and Minority Leader Jason Richberg. Photo from Legislator Englebright’s office

Corey Fischer knows what it’s like to be bullied by peers and to lose a close friend. However, these experiences haven’t overshadowed his ability to help others.

Fischer, along with other impressive teenagers from Suffolk County, was recognized by County Executive Ed Romaine (R) and all 18 County Legislators at an event at the H. Lee Dennison Building on Monday, May 12. Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) chose the Ward Melville High School senior to be recognized at the special event.

“We get a chance to see the future at an event like this, and the future looks pretty good,” Englebright said.

When the now 18-year-old was bullied in elementary school, he met Jackson, a boy from Port Jefferson Station, while playing the video game Fortnite online. Soon, they exchanged phone numbers and talked on the phone every day. Jackson battled acute myelogenous leukemia, but despite his diagnosis, he was a strong individual who gave Fischer wise advice and tips whenever the subject of bullying came up.

Jackson beat cancer, but a year later, he relapsed. After a bone marrow transplant, he suffered from Grafts vs. Host Disease. Tragically, Jackson succumbed to the disease at the age of 12.

To remember Jackson, Fischer has honored him by assembling and donating comfort baskets to oncology ward patients at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, where Jackson was treated. Fischer used grant money and his own to create the packages brimming with special items for patients, such as comfort socks, fidget spinners, coloring books, cards and more. He also founded the Jackson Initiative, which inspired his classmates to join him in creating cards and assembling the baskets.

Currently, Fischer is working with two doctors on a project that he conceptualized, focusing on patients’ mental health. When implemented, children can choose from an assortment of Emotion Cards to place on a whiteboard in their room to make it easier to communicate their feelings to healthcare practitioners.

Fischer will head to college later this year and is planning to enter the field of psychiatry.

“With his extraordinary compassion for his fellow human beings, career success will certainly be part of his future,” Englebright said at the May 12th event. “For being an inspiration to all ages, Corey Fischer is Legislative District 5’s Youth Award recipient for 2025.”

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Photo courtesy SCPD

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina are warning residents of a new scam that has targeted multiple residents.

During these incidents, the victims were contacted by an individual claiming to be a bank representative who convinced them their bank account was compromised. Each victim was convinced to physically turn over their bank card and pin, which were later used to withdraw money from ATMs.

It is important to keep the following tips in mind in an effort for you to protect yourself and your bank account.

— Don’t answer unknown calls.

— Scammers can spoof a number to make it look like a legitimate company is calling. If they start asking for money or making demands, hang up and call the company directly.

— No one from a company is traveling to your home to pick up a bank card. If someone claims your bank accounts have been compromised, hang up and call the number on the back of the card.

— Do not provide personal information, wire money or send gift cards.

Please share this information with friends and family to help others avoid becoming a victim!

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2025 Suffolk County Senior of the Year Reception. Photo from Town of Smithtown
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2025 Suffolk County Senior of the Year Reception. Photo from Town of Smithtown
2025 Suffolk County Senior of the Year Reception. Photo from Town of Smithtown
2025 Suffolk County Senior of the Year Reception. Photo from Town of Smithtown
2025 Suffolk County Senior of the Year Reception. Photo from Town of Smithtown

Eight exceptional senior volunteers were recognized at the 2025 Suffolk County Senior of the Year Reception on Thursday, May 15th, at 2:00 p.m. in the lobby of the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge. The annual event, hosted by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, recognizes senior residents who have made a meaningful impact on the lives of older adults throughout the County.

 
“The volunteers at the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department truly represent the best of who we are as a community. Their work – whether it’s delivering meals to homebound neighbors, crafting heartfelt gifts for veterans and those in need, or bringing joy through activities and fundraising – creates an impact that ripples far beyond the walls of the senior center. I am deeply proud to celebrate these selfless individuals and all the nominees for their extraordinary service and commitment to others. I especially want to thank Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and the New York State Office for the Aging for recognizing the outstanding contributions our local seniors make every day in our community.” – Supervisor Edward Wehrheim
 
Smithtown’s esteemed honorees recognized at the 2025 ceremony were Madeline Johanson, Nick Arettines, William Caulfield, William Maynard, Peter Ruh, Norman Scheff, Stephen Sutich, and Joann Magri. These remarkable individuals were nominated by Doreen Perrino, Program Director of the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department, and her staff.
 
“These honorees are a lifeline for the senior community of Smithtown. They may create and donate quilts and cards to local care facilities or deliver meals to a homebound senior who looks forward to their smiling face each day; their kindness and dedication are instrumental in uplifting the senior community and strengthening the fabric of Smithtown itself.” – Doreen Perrino, Program Director.
Each Suffolk County nominee is also recognized for their contributions by the New York State Office for the Aging.
 
From organizing community favorites like the Tender Years Treasury to donating quilts and handmade gifts to institutions such as Brooksite MultiCare, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, the Long Island State Veterans Home, and the Northport VA Medical Center, Smithtown’s senior volunteers are a lifeline of kindness throughout the region. Their dedication not only uplifts the senior community but strengthens the fabric of Smithtown itself.
 
Each Suffolk County honoree is also recognized by the New York State Office for the Aging for their contributions.
 
For further information regarding the programs available at the Smithtown Senior Citizens Center or to learn more about becoming a volunteer, call the Senior Center at 631-360-7616.

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Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD

Hela Ressa loves to knit and crochet. She loves it so much that she has taught the skill to thousands of yearning learners for more than 25 years in Smithtown. So it was only fitting that her adult students celebrate her upcoming 100th birthday with a surprise party before her adult ed class at the Smithtown administration building on May 12. She turns 100 on June 19.

Smithtown Central School District Superintendent, Dr. Mark Secaur, shared a letter with Ressa congratulating her accomplishments. The letter read in part, “Your hands have crafted far more than scarves and sweaters….Through your lessons, we’ve learned to slow down, to create with purpose, and to find joy in the quiet rhythm of our craft…you have made a lasting difference in the lives of so many.”

Ressa emigrated to the United States from Germany more than 70 years ago. She settled on Long Island and began teaching knitting and crocheting classes at Sears Roebuck Department Store in 1969. Since then, Ressa has taught the adult education class in seven school districts and at a community center throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.

For her efforts, Ressa received a proclamation from Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, and Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Werheim.

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Photo: Legislator Steve Englebright, left, congratulates Stephen, right, and Diane Weitzman, the Fifth Legislative District’s Jewish Americans of Distinction for 2025. Photo from Legislator Englebright’s office

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) recently recognized Stony Brook residents Stephen and Diane Weitzman as the Fifth Legislative District’s Jewish Americans of Distinction.

Legislator Englebright and his fellow legislators joined County Executive Ed Romaine (R) in honoring Jewish Americans of Distinction from all 18 Legislative Districts on Wednesday, May 7. The event, organized by Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport), was held in the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge.

The Weitzmans have been staples of Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook since 1980. According to Rabbi Emeritus Adam Fisher, “no couple has given more to our community.” He described the Weitzmans as the type of congregants who are right there to assist if something needs to be done.

Diane Weitzman was the financial secretary for the temple from 1986 to the end of last year, except for three years when she was a board trustee. She also taught religious instruction for more than 20 years.

Stephen Weitzman taught religious courses, including for adults, in the temple’s school for 43 years and served as interim principal three times. He has also been a member of the temple’s morning study group since its inception in 1989.

A temple board member from 1986 to 2001, Stephen served as congregational president three times. In addition to his contributions at Temple Isaiah, he was on the North American Board of the Union for Reform Judaism for 16 years and is a past president of the URJ Greater New York Council.

“The Weitzmans’ dedication to Temple Isaiah makes them a blessing to the congregation and their community,” Englebright said. “Stephen and Diane, congratulations on being named Legislative District 5’s Jewish Americans of Distinction.”

 

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“Adopting Local Law No. -2025, A Local Law to Further Protect Animals from Persons Convicted of an Animal Abuse Crime" is signed into law on May 7.
Legislator Stephanie Bontempi with Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Chief Roy Gross of the Suffolk County SPCA, Suffolk County DA Ray Tierney’s BEAST UNIT, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina, and legislative colleagues at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge.
From left, Suffolk County Leg. Stephanie Bontempi, Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross, and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine.

Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R – 18th L.D.) joined Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, the Suffolk County SPCA, Suffolk County DA Ray Tierney’s BEAST Unit, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina, and legislative colleagues to officially sign into law “Adopting Local Law No. -2025, A Local Law to Further Protect Animals from Persons Convicted of an Animal Abuse Crime” on May 7.

This legislation was unanimously passed at the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting on April 8th at the Legislature.

This local law amends the Suffolk County Code to establish a misdemeanor penalty for individuals on the convicted animal abuser registry who are found to be owning animals in violation of Suffolk County Code Sec. 229-28(F). 

In 2010, the Suffolk County Legislature enacted legislation to create the animal abuse registry, one of the first of its kind in the United States. Any Suffolk County resident aged 18 or older who is convicted of animal abuse is required to register their name, address, and photo with the registry. The registry is maintained on the Suffolk County Police website. Individuals must remain on the registry for 10 years and are prohibited from owning animals during this period.

The Suffolk County SPCA approached Legislator Bontempi to request this code amendment, highlighting a loophole in the current County code. The code did not impose any penalties on individuals listed on the Animal Abuse Registry, who were found to possess animals in violation of the County code. By passing this local law to strengthen the code, any individual who is required to register and is found to possess an animal in violation of section 229-28(F) will be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and will face penalties associated with that class of crime.

“I would like to thank Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross and his entire staff of volunteers for bringing this important issue to our attention, as well as County Executive Ed Romaine, my colleagues at the Legislature, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, and Police Commissioner Catalina for their unwavering support. Together, we are finally able to close this loophole and further protect our animals,” stated Legislator Bontempi. “In Suffolk County, we will not tolerate the abuse or neglect of animals. By closing this loophole, we will ensure that those offenders who disregard the will law face consequences.”

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