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Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

Suffolk County Community College renames nursing school in honor of Jane F. Shearer

by Press Release - October 16, 2024

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Suffolk County Community College has announced the renaming of its nursing school to the Jane F. Shearer School of Nursing, honoring the memory of Jane F. Shearer, who dedicated over 30 years of exemplary service to the college. Jane, who served as the Eastern Campus Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and President of the Guild of Administrative Officers, passed away from cancer in 2019.

Jane long appreciated the vital role that nurses play both locally and globally. Upon her passing, her generous and loving family chose to endow a scholarship to support nursing students in perpetuity at the college. To further their commitment, the family subsequently decided to share her name in memoriam by establishing the Jane F. Shearer School of Nursing at Suffolk County Community College.

“Naming an academic program or campus space for an individual or an organization is a meaningful way to signify a valued connection between the namesake and the college” said Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College. “Jane’s passion for education and her unwavering support for our students will continue to inspire future generations of nursing leaders. The college community is grateful to the entire Shearer and Vidovich families.”

“Suffolk meant so much to Jane, and Jane meant so much to so many people,” said John Vidovich, Jane’s brother. “This naming gift will further Jane’s legacy and help to foster future generations of nursing students.”

The college’s Foundation recently hosted the First Annual Jane F. Shearer School of Nursing Luncheon at the Watermill in Smithtown. During the program, the family announced that proceeds from the event will help defray the costs associated with paying for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), which is needed in order to become a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) in New York. Many nursing students at Suffolk County Community College often balance multiple jobs to manage tuition costs, and this final exam fee poses a significant financial hurdle.

Honorary luncheon chair, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, stated that tomorrow is not promised to anyone. “Jane’s family has made a remarkable gift that will ensure the quality of healthcare being delivered across Suffolk County will always be of the highest quality. Ongoing excellence in the education of tomorrow’s nurse leaders is assured through this gift.

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The Practical Nurse Program at Suffolk County Community College is located at the East campus in Riverhead.

The Associate Degree Program in Nursing at Suffolk County Community College is available at the Ammerman campus located in Selden and the Michael J. Grant campus located in Brentwood.

MAKING HISTORY: Port Jefferson hosts annual APHNYS conference

by Heidi Sutton - October 7, 2024

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By Heidi Sutton

The Association of Public Historians of New York State held its annual conference in Port Jefferson from Sept. 16 to 18. The event, held at Danford”s Hotel and Marina, drew more than 100 government-appointed historians and affiliates from across the state.

Participants attended workshops, panels, and presentations that explored this year’s theme, “It’s a Whale of a Tale: Outstanding Narratives in New York State History,” and took part in walking tours of the Drowned Meadow Cottage Museum, The Mather House Museum at the Historical Society of Greater Port Jefferson, and Bayles Boat Shop and enjoyed exploring the beautiful seaport village.

Guests were also treated to a special historic photography exhibit on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, A Glance at the Empire State: A collection of photos from the past, curated by Port Jefferson Historian Chris Ryon. The exhibit is on view through October.

Pictured at the event are, from left, Town of Brookhaven Historian Barbara M Russell; Suffolk County Legislators Steve Englebright and Chad Lennon; Suffolk County Historian Peter Fox Cohalan; New York State Historian Devin Lander; Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine; and APHNYS President Christine Ridarsky.

Editorial: Local hero serves to remind us of what really counts in this life — benevolence

by TBR Staff - September 30, 2024

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holding-hands-858005_1280 — Pixabay photo

TBR’s coverage this week of a heroic cop who plugged a colleague’s bullet wound, with his own hands, to prevent him from bleeding to death, (see story in paper,) is a truly inspirational example of the human spirit.

In a world of such chaos and confusion, what does it say about this man that his primal instinct was to save an injured person? Not to analyze or question him, poke or prod him.

But to save him.

What it says is that we are fundamentally good. We may get that fact a little mixed up at times, but if we can step back from our stubbornness and fixations on the characteristics that separate us, it will become apparent that we all should be focusing on the one characteristic that is already within us, that is baked into our DNA: kindness

And, no. Not kindness in the corny or insincere sense that many people use to deceitfully act as if they are holier-than-thou. “Kindness” in a genuinely caring way about the welfare of those in your life and community.

We can all learn a lot from an action as noble as the one performed by this man.

Over the past few years, there has been contentious debate, analyzing the roles police officers serve in our everyday lives. Some people believe that they overstep, while others feel that they are under appreciated.

Adding to the omnipresence of this law enforcement dilemma, just this week, County Executive Ed Romaine (R) announced in his proposed budget that the Suffolk County Police Department intends to put an extra 330 officials, including cops, detectives and corrections officers, on the force.

However, no matter how one feels regarding the political intricacies of our society, we can all agree that every cop — every human being — should aspire to this level of goodness.

Many people preach the importance of benevolence — an act of kindness, but, far too often, people are not willing to give that word meaning. Police officers take an oath to protect and defend.

So, maybe, if we follow in the example of those who are willing to sacrifice their lives — or in a less severe instance, their comfort — for the care of people, we can live in a society that is a little more temperate, a little more understanding and a lot more loving.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine discusses his proposed 2025 budget during virtual press conference

by Toni-Elena Gallo - September 26, 2024

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Romaine-Budget-2015_01_barkleyw-e1647548079953 — Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. File photo

By Toni-Elena Gallo

On Monday, Sept. 23, County Executive Ed Romaine (R) held a virtual press conference, which explained the key points of his 2025 Suffolk County Recommended Operating Budget.

One of the first things Romaine mentioned is that he has ensured that this budget complies with tax caps “and all other requirements for both the county and the state.”

He added that the proposal allows for $4 billion dollars, which is an increase from last year’s budget of $3.9 billion.

Speaking more specifically on what he wishes to increase spending on, Romaine expressed a strong desire to further secure our communities’ safety.

The budget “will add 200 [police officers, also] deputy sheriffs, corrections officers and detectives,” Romaine said.

“We feel that the police department needs to be adequately staffed, to address any safety issues in all, including the discouragement of illegal activities, such as gangs, drugs, etc., and to prevent any increase in crime,” he added.

Romaine has increased law enforcement staffing, particularly in the District Attorney’s Office to aid in the Gilgo Beach investigation.

Another issue the County Executive intends to tackle is the diminished sales tax revenue, from this year to last, which has contributed to Suffolk slightly raising the property tax for 2025. Homeowners in Brookhaven, Smithtown and Huntington will see an increase of about $49 per year.

“Sales tax came in at about $50 million less this year than what was projected, pension costs went up by about $43 million and health care costs went up by $66 million, which accounts for the increase in the county budget,” Romaine explained.

“So while there is a small increase, it, nevertheless, is a solid budget, which will allow the county to deliver services and provide what is needed.”

As to why we have seen such a significant decrease in sales tax, Romaine chalks it up to residents’ reduced spending, as prices for items, such as gasoline, increased.

“People are tightening their wallets. This is a difficult time, an inflationary time. For example, gasoline sales, for the first six months of 2024, went down by 9.6 percent, to give you an estimate, and we do include sales tax on gasoline,” Romaine said.

“That is an indication that the economy is debating its future. But we’ll see what happens. A lot will depend on the national election.”

Romaine’s budget proposal refers to his intention to improve Suffolk’s infrastructure, improve emergency service efficiency, by making changes including the reduction of 311 wait time to under five minutes and to continue support for veterans, as well as to increase staffing in underfunded departments like Child Protective Services and the Department of Social Services.

It also points to the allocation of funds for a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and virtual CISO, following the 2022 cyber-attack. It will modernize the county’s IT infrastructure, to enhance security.

Additionally, Romaine wrapped up the press conference with a future initiative he hopes to see come to fruition.

“Once this budget is adopted, and once we see the revenues coming in in 2025, I am hoping to propose a reduction in the sales tax on home heating fuel. That’s propane, natural gas and, obviously, home heating oil. I find this tax regressive.”

The county Legislature must adopt the budget by Nov. 6.

Suffolk County Executive Romaine announces grant funding for homeowners impacted by historic August storm

by Press Release - September 19, 2024

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Residents are Advised to Apply Here; Deadline is October 7

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced today that new grant funding is available for homeowners who sustained damages from record flooding in Suffolk County on August 18-19. The program, which will be administered by the Long Island Housing Partnership, Inc. designated by the New York Homes and Community Renewal agency, seeks to offer emergency home repair assistance and reimbursement to impacted homeowners.

“Suffolk County experienced a catastrophic storm that impacted thousands of residents who are still recovering,” said Romaine. “As we continue to assess damage and work to provide our communities with relief, I thank our partners in New York State who will provide eligible homeowners with much needed financial assistance.”

Grant funding is available to eligible residents on a first come, first serve basis. Funds allocated under the program will be limited to emergency housing repairs necessary to make the home safe, sanitary and habitable. The program is intended to assist eligible homeowners whose damages were not covered by insurance or other disaster recovery funds. Non-urgent repairs are not eligible.

Under the program guidelines, homeowners must be income eligible, defined as an annual household income equal to or less than 150% of County Area Median Income based on household size. Homeowners may not qualify for full grant award, and in no event will the total grant award to any single applicant exceed $50,000. Homeowners associations are not eligible.

The deadline to apply is October 7, 2024. Residents are advised to apply here.

Residents with questions or who need additional information are advised to contact the Flood Relief Program at [email protected] or call 631-435-4710.

Gov. Hochul secures federal aid for Suffolk as storm ravages county

by Toni-Elena Gallo - August 29, 2024

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By Toni-Elena Gallo

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R) and Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico (R), declared a State of Emergency, following the Aug. 18-19 devastating storm.

Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) responded by procuring President Joe Biden’s (D) approval for a federal Emergency Declaration. This allows for federal resources and assistance to be provided for the necessary repairs, prevalent in hard-hit western and middle Suffolk. FEMA will provide emergency protective measures, such as the protection of critical infrastructure facilities. According to the state’s website, “with this Emergency Declaration secured, New York’s disaster recovery experts are continuing to work with local and federal partners, to determine the state’s ability to also request a federal Major Disaster Declaration and low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.”

Hochul toured the damage of both Stony Brook University and the site of the Mill Pond dam collapse. At the event, Hochul said, “In the wake of unprecedented rainfall, we continue to support Suffolk County to ensure those impacted can get back to life as usual as quickly as possible. … But seeing the people of Long Island come together to rebuild, shows the true strength of New York.”

Over in Port Jefferson, the toll of the extreme weather event is still being felt.

Rob Gitto, of the Gitto Group in Port Jefferson village, was blindsided by the severity of the storm.

“We were watching the storm closely, as we do with other major storms. I went to bed at 11;30 p.m. We checked our cameras, watched our radars and it looked like everything was going to stop in an hour,” Gitto said.

“But, this was a unique storm, where it apparently came from the North to the South, so it was a different situation. In fact, one of my employees was on standby, and went down to both [our] buildings, at around 12:30 p.m., and everything seemed fine. But, I just happened to wake up at 1:30 a.m., and whenever I can see the floors of one of the lobbies glistening, I know it’s water,” he added.

Gitto went down to the area immediately, and walked into a disaster area.

“Unfortunately, there was nowhere to pump water at that point. This particular area is taking on quite a bit of the village’s stormwater. You can see it in video footage, coming down the hill, and hitting the CVS, Barnum property, first, and then it seeped into The Brookport property.”

He said that Brookport, on Barnum Avenue, was made with the “latest and greatest” drainage requirements, but the almost-11 inches overwhelmed the system. Flood doors were on some of the water entry points, but those were, also, quickly overcome. The properties do have flood insurance.

Gitto said his main priority in the coming months will be to replace the cardio equipment in the two gyms, rip up the carpets, take out the damp sheetrock and repainting.

Rocky Point is not faring much better. Hagerman Landing Road, a dead end street, had five homes severely flooded.

In the coming weeks, more information will become available about updated financial aid disbursements.

For all the latest coverage, go to our website at tbrnewsmedia.com.

Wind farm project to revolutionize Long Island’s energy

by TBR Staff - July 25, 2024

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SRW groundbreaking (1) — Sunrise celebrates groundbreaking project. Photo courtesy Sunrise Wind.

By Serena Carpino

Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) announced Wednesday, July 17, the start of construction on Sunrise Wind, an offshore wind farm about 30 miles off the coast of Montauk. The project is spearheaded by Ørsted, a global leader in renewable energy. To celebrate the groundbreaking of the project, officials from Ørsted met with several government leaders at the Boys & Girls Club in Bellport.

Earlier this year, Sunrise Wind received its Record of Decision from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management for clearance to begin construction. At the time, the project was run by Ørsted and Eversource, another clean energy leader.

Sunrise Wind is now fully overseen by Ørsted, which agreed to buy Eversource’s 50% share at a value of $152 million, a significant decrease from the projected purchase price in January, set at $230 million due to a reduction in the anticipated capex for the project. The two closed a deal earlier this month, with Ørsted expecting the wind farm to be operating in 2026.

David Hardy, Ørsted executive vice president and CEO of Region Americas, in a statement said, “Sunrise Wind has been significantly de-risked and achieved important milestones since we agreed with Eversource to buy their share. The transaction is a value-accretive opportunity for Ørsted as we continue to develop the project.”

In addition, Hardy highlighted the companies’ achievements and expressed gratitude for Eversource. “As a centerpiece of New York’s clean energy economy, Sunrise Wind builds on our momentum from South Fork Wind [another wind farm developed by Ørsted and Eversource], further expanding the local offshore wind supply chain and workforce. We thank Eversource for their years of partnership and ongoing support.”

The Sunrise Wind plan is to create 800 direct union jobs and $700 million in economic revenue. Officials expect that, upon completion, the 924 megawatts of clean energy generated by the farm will power around 600,000 homes.

Groundbreaking ceremony

Leaders in attendance at Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony included Elizabeth Klein, director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Doreen Harris, president and CEO of New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R).

Ørsted was congratulated for this advancement in the development of Sunrise Wind. The importance of this project was stressed in helping New York State officials achieve their current energy goals: utilizing 70% clean energy by 2030 and 100% by 2040.

“Today’s shovels in the ground … marks yet another step forward in advancing offshore wind in New York state, and realizing the potential of this powerhouse industry in accelerating the state’s energy transition and growing our economy,” Harris said.

In addition, Klein commented that the wind farm is a key step in allowing the Biden-Harris administration as well as New York to meet their renewable energy goals, reiterating that “BOEM is proud to join the State of New York and Ørsted in celebrating this milestone as we work together for a cleaner energy future, while providing good-paying jobs and ensuring economic opportunities are accessible to all communities.”

Sunrise Wind has also received significant bipartisan support, with many politicians commenting on the benefits of the wind farm.

“The day has finally come when this important project starts to take the final step toward becoming a reality,” Romaine said. “These projects will help transform the region and keep Suffolk County more affordable. I thank Governor Hochul for her efforts and commitment to clean energy in New York state.”

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D) also highlighted the significant impact that offshore wind farms will have on improving New York’s economy and reducing harmful emissions.

“Today’s groundbreaking marks the start of construction on Sunrise Wind — New York’s largest job-creating and clean-energy producing offshore wind project that will change the energy landscape in New York for the better,” he said.

“Built with union labor, Sunrise Wind will provide clean energy for hundreds of thousands of New York homes and boost the regional economy. New York’s energy needs are vast, and so is the urgent need to reduce the greenhouse gasses driving climate change,” he added.

Schumer emphasized that he would continue to work with other government officials to further future renewable energy projects.

Letters to the Editor: July 18, 2024

by TBR Staff - July 19, 2024

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letters_page-scaled-1-700x467 — File photo by Raymond Janis

America’s ‘war on opioids’

Fifteen years ago, a local 13-year-old boy died on his couch after overdosing from opioids. It was a shock to our community, and it set the ominous precedent for the opioid epidemic that has ravaged our country. As I often ask, why is it taking so long to stop the ever-increasing overdose deaths? Americans are dying inside our borders thanks to our adversaries who are funneling deadly drugs that have killed more Americans than multiple U.S. wars. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more than 1 million Americans have died from opioid overdoses. In 2023, over 100,000 Americans died of overdoses, including an estimated 366 from the powerful opioid fentanyl in Suffolk County.

As the former Suffolk County Addiction Prevention and Support Advisory Panel chair, I can tell you firsthand that the “war on opioids” is not even close to being over, even as we see a slight decline in death rates. We need to see this epidemic as a real war that our adversaries are waging against us and use military force to stop the needless deaths of so many of our fellow Americans. Those actions include sanctions on China, a hard crackdown on drug cartels and the border, and a united front throughout this country to address the carnage of the drug epidemic.

That means putting some of the proposed $850 billion in military spending toward our own internal “war on opioids.” The Supreme Court recently ruled that the Sackler family, the owners of Purdue Pharma that produces OxyContin, cannot be shielded from liability. This decision holds the Sacklers accountable, however it also puts $6 billion in settlement funding, targeted to address the opioid epidemic, in jeopardy.

Let’s stop wasting time over political bashing and focus on what we need to do to make our country stronger and safer. We can end this war by uniting and finding effective strategies to identify drug dealers through law enforcement, providing services for those who need addiction and mental health support, and educating our kids on the dangers of opioids.

So much money has been made in legal and illegal opioid drug sales, yet no money can replace the loved ones we’ve lost who battled addiction and did not know they were casualties of America’s “war on opioids.” It’s time to end this war!

Sarah Anker

Former Suffolk County legislator and chair of Suffolk County’s Addiction Prevention and Support Advisory Panel. Current NYS Senate District 1 Democratic candidate.

A statement by Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey

Violence has no place in our political process, whether in our capitols or on the campaign trail. We are thankful that former President Trump was not seriously harmed and we send our prayers to the loved ones of the rally spectators who were apparent victims of this callous assassination attempt. Kudos for the bravery and quick response of the Secret Service and members of law enforcement.

Kevin McCaffrey

Suffolk County Legislature

A statement from Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

Hatred and acts of violence toward an elected official or candidate for office regardless of political affiliation have no place in this country. As Americans, we stand united on the principles that make our country strong. While there are no reported threats in Suffolk County at this time, my office will continue to monitor the situation.

Ed Romaine

Suffolk County Executive

Two Suffolk County beaches extend hours during heat wave

by Press Release - July 17, 2024

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13900226_10155138127649535_2529432265111830260_n — Smith Point County Park Facebook

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced on July 16 that two County beaches are extending their hours during the current heatwave. Swimming at Smith Point Beach in Shirley and Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton Beach will remain open an additional hour, closing at 6:30 p.m. until further notice.

“Residents cannot be left high and dry in the heat wave,” said Romaine. “Increasing access to these most popular county beaches is a matter of public health and sound decision-making.”

Romaine also emphasized the importance of safety.

“Safety is the most important part of any day near the water,” said Romaine. “Please adhere to the rules, pay attention to lifeguards and signs. Be careful.”

Romaine offered the following Safety Tips:

Only swim within the buoys with a lifeguard on duty.
Be conscious of riptides and remember to swim parallel to the shore to get out current before heading back to shore.
Swim sober.
Never swim alone.
Check local advisories before swimming.

Kent Animal Shelter breaks ground for new kennel

by Heidi Sutton - May 30, 2024

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By Heidi Sutton

Twenty years in the making, Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton is finally breaking ground on a new dog kennel and isolation facility on the 2.8-acre campus at 2259 River Road. The announcement was made at a press conference attended by local officials and Kent’s board of directors, staff and volunteers on May 24. A few adoptable dogs made an appearance as well.

The current dog kennel, which was built in 1968, will be demolished and replaced with a 3000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility with additional kennel space, more dog runs, puppy facilities, and meet-and-greet rooms. A former caretaker’s cottage on the property will be replaced with a dedicated isolation and quarantine facility for sick animals that arrive at the shelter. The project is expected to cost around 4.3 million.

“I am so excited today because we have been waiting to do this about 20 years now and there have been many roadblocks along the way,” said Kent Animal Shelter’s Executive Director Pam Green. “I am grateful to everyone that came along with us [including] the board of directors. It’s been a long time. Our goals and our mission are the same — to rescue as many animals as possible, bring them here, give them medical attention, vaccines, surgery, whatever they need to bring them to their permanent homes. That hasn’t changed since the founders in 1968 and it remains the same today.”

Green went on to thank Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio for being so supportive of the project.

“It is a great day because Kent Animal Shelter does so much to help animals that are homeless find their forever home,” said Suffolk County Executive Romaine during the event. Romaine adopted his dog Lucky from the no-kill shelter several years ago. “He is my pride and joy,” he said.

Giglio praised County Executive Romaine for getting the project “over the finish line.”

“When he was the Town of Brookhaven Supervisor and sitting on the Pine Barrens Commission he realized the importance of this great project. He has always been a supporter of Kent Animal Shelter, also of the environment, myself included, which is why when I heard they were so close to getting the permits and getting across the finish line I had some grant funding that was presented in my lap.”

Giglio then presented a check for $75,000 to the board of directors for a new Innovative/Alternative (I/A) septic system to change the sanitary system over which is a requirement for Suffolk County given the shelter’s location in the Pine Barrens. “And I know the county is working on more funding for this great project,” she said.

“We will look to make sure that Kent has the funding they need to move forward on this project. They do a great job,” added Suffolk County Executive Romaine.

Joann Waski of the Riverhead Town Council and former Planning Board member also attended the event. “On behalf of the Town of Riverhead we’re so happy that we were able to move this project forward and we hope that a lot of the animals get adopted. You have a great program going on here,” she said.

“I want to also thank all the volunteers for everything that they do to make this place so special for all of these animals that are sometimes forgotten. May they find nice homes and may people enjoy their visit to Kent Animal Shelter and find a pleasant environment just like the one that they will create when they adopt [pets] and bring them home,” said Giglio.

The project, which is being handled by J. Petrocelli Contracting, Inc. in Ronkonkoma, is expected to be completed in approximately six to eight months. In the interim, all of the adoptable dogs have been transferred to Bide-A-Wee at 118 Old Country Road in Westhampton Beach while the cat shelter will remain in Calverton. Hours for both locations are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

For more information, call 631-727-5731 or visit www.kentanimalshelter.com.

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