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Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa

By Raymond Janis 

At the Suffolk County 9/11 Memorial outside the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge Monday morning, Sept. 11, county officials, first responders, faith leaders and veterans held a memorial ceremony to honor the lives lost during the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

The service included music, prayer and ceremonial name reading, paying tribute to Suffolk County residents who had perished on that fateful day.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D), county Comptroller John Kennedy (R), county Clerk Vincent Puleo (R) and county Legislators Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) and Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport), among others, participated in the name reading dedication.

Striking at the heart

“We stand before a monument with names etched in glass to honor, to remember the individuals who were killed on September 11, 2001,” said Bellone, who reflected upon the initial aftermath of 9/11 and the nation’s solidarity.

The nation and world, however, have undergone considerable transformation in 22 years since the attacks, Bellone added.

He suggested the terrorists sought to strike at “the heart of this nation and what we represent, the values that we believe in — freedom and democracy.”

Despite initial disruptions and the carnage inflicted, Bellone maintained that Americans worked to coalesce and persevere.

“We responded, we recovered, we rebuilt and came back stronger than ever,” the county executive said.

More than two decades later, Bellone expressed apprehensions over existing currents, highlighting the “division” and “arguments in our own country about elections.” 

A day of healing

Bellone called upon citizens to return to the values that had once united them. He maintained that internal dissension rather than external threat represents a greater risk to the nation’s future.

“If this nation, if this republic, if this democracy is ever to fall, it will not be because of external forces,” he claimed. “It will be internal division and strife.”

He added that 9/11 can serve as an annual reminder of America’s capacity to heal, overcome differences and rediscover common values.

“It is incredibly important that we have these names etched on the wall,” he said. “Because the absence of them — their lives and what they meant to their families and communities — is felt every single day.”

He concluded by saying, “How do we honor them? I believe each and every one of us [can] use 9/11 as a day to remind ourselves, to commit ourselves to coming together — to heal as a nation and as a community.”

The ceremony ended with a collective singing of “God Bless America.”

Dr. Joseph Rella at his last graduation ceremony at Comsewogue High School in 2019. File photo by Kyle Barr/TBR News Media

The Suffolk County Legislature has approved naming Port Jefferson Station’s Terryville Greenbelt in honor of former Comsewogue School District Superintendent Dr. Joseph Rella. The initiative was led by Legislator Kara Hahn, in honor of the highly regarded teacher, principal and administrator who passed away in February 2020 at the age of 69. 

 Described as “one of the most courageous and inspiring educators ever,” Dr. Rella began his 25-year career with the Comsewogue School District as a part-time music teacher at John F. Kennedy Middle School. He also served as principal of Comsewogue High School prior to becoming school superintendent in 2011, a post he held until his retirement from the district in 2019. 

“Dr. Rella was absolutely beloved in the community. Every child in the Comsewogue School District knew he cared about them, knew he believed in them and knew he loved them,” said Legislator Hahn. “His impact upon the district, his students’ lives and this community have been profound and through this tribute we honor the lasting legacy of his actions.” 

Located within the Central Suffolk Special Groundwater Protection Area, the Terryville Greenbelt is situated between Route 112 and North Bicycle Path in Port Jefferson Station.  The greenbelt area is over 75 total acres that Suffolk County and the Town of Brookhaven have each pursued preserving through individual and joint purchases of open space parcels. 

“The Terryville Greenbelt adjoins Comsewogue High School so forever linking this preserved land to the school where Dr. Rella served and to the greater community seems fitting,” said Leg. Hahn.

The bill, which has been co-sponsored by neighboring Legislators Sarah Anker and Nick Caracappa, now goes to County Executive Steve Bellone for his signature. It is anticipated that once the naming becomes official, a ceremony will be held in recognition of Dr. Rella’s contribution to education and to his community. 

“Dr. Rella cultivated a community where people came together and respected one another in all of their differences. His mission was we are one, working together to be the best we can be. His focus was always to ensure the best for the students and their families” said Joseph Coniglione, Comsewogue SD Assistant Superintendent for Staff and Student Services. 

“He created a culture of kindness throughout his career and having a wellness space dedicated in his memory is a tremendous honor for his family, our schools and this community.”

Photo courtesy of Suffolk OTB

Suffolk County Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey and Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine, along with county elected officials, Suffolk OTB President/CEO, Tony Pancella, and executives from Northwell Health, held an emergency aid press conference with Long Island Ukrainian leaders on March 22 at Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel in Islandia.  

Suffolk OTB, which operates the casino, made a $10,000 donation to the Northwell Health Ukraine Relief Fund to send vital medical supplies to hospitals in the embattled nation.  The check was accepted by Donna Moravick, Executive Director for South Shore University Hospital, on behalf of Northwell Health President and CEO, Michael Dowling.

Additional money will be raised throughout the month of April from Jake’s 58’s Donate Your Change for the Ukraine campaign. The program gives casino bettors the option to effortlessly donate excess change while cashing out winnings and funds at kiosks located throughout the casino. “At times like these, people always come together to help those most in need, and the patrons at OTB will undoubtedly do their part,” said McCaffrey.

Pancella hopes to double, or even triple, the initial $10,000 donation. “Our patrons are very generous, and we want to do all we can to help the Ukrainian people during this tragic invasion of their homeland,” he said.

Long Island volunteer firefighters were also on hand to announce a donation of flame-retardant gear to help Ukrainian first responders put out fires left in the wake of bombs and shelling.  The equipment was donated by the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund. “The Fire Service is a brotherhood that takes care of its own,” said Brian Farrell, the organization’s president.

The World Health Organization has verified at least 43 attacks on healthcare facilities in the Ukraine since the Russian invasion. More than 300 healthcare facilities are within the conflict zone and 600 others are within six miles of territory currently under siege. The funds raised at Jake’s 58 will pay for medical supplies that will be transported to Poland and eventually delivered to the front lines.  

“We have a moral obligation to help ease the suffering of the Ukrainian people. This generous donation will help address the immediate needs of individuals, families, and communities by providing medical assistance on the front lines. I want to thank Jake’s 58 for their contribution to the Northwell Health Ukraine Relief Fund,” said Dowling.

“Thank you to Northwell Health and Jake’s 58 for their efforts to help the people of Ukraine by funding and facilitating the delivery of critical medical supplies,” said Legislator Al Krupski, whose office has been active in collecting provisions for the St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Riverhead. “I also want to thank the members of our firefighter community for donating gear to help firefighters and first responders in Ukraine.  Despite the dreadfulness of this war, it is heartening to see communities and institutions from across Long Island come together to help a country and a people in desperate need.”

“I commend Michael Dowling, President and CEO of Northwell, and Tony Pancella, OTB President and CEO, for creating this team effort to provide essential medical supplies to Ukraine. I believe the patrons at Jake’s 58 will be generous and compassionate in supporting this endeavor,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

“The situation currently unfolding in Ukraine is horrifying to say the least,” said Suffolk County Legislature Minority Leader Jason Richberg. “We need to do anything and everything we can to support the innocent people being affected and displaced every day. Thank you to Northwell Health and Jake’s 58 for your leadership and efforts in raising funds for much-needed medical supplies that I have no doubt will have an impact and help support countless individuals and families in Ukraine.”

Legislator Nick Caracappa said, “It is inspirational to see how our community, in both the public and private sectors, are working together to assist the people of Ukraine. This besieged nation needs our support, and I was pleased to attend the press conference. I applaud Jake’s 58, Northwell Health, and all who coordinated this fundraising effort.”

Legislator Dominick Thorne stated, “It is my honor and privilege to stand with the people of the Ukraine. Their bravery in the face of reprehensible attacks is inspirational.”

Legislator Caracappa poses with security guards from Newfield High School in Selden

Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa recently visited Newfield High School to recognize seven security guards who were instrumental in apprehending an intruder on school grounds.

Legislator Caracappa poses with security guard from Newfield High School in Selden

On September 23, 2021 at approximately 10:49 A.M., security guards reported that an unknown male entered onto school grounds apparently to confront a student just outside of the school doors. The security guards confronted the man who acted aggressively, in such a way that they believed the man might be armed with a gun. The man fled, and the security guards started to chase the man who escaped over a fence and into the surrounding neighborhood.

Notifications were made to the Suffolk County Police, and four surrounding schools, Newfield High School, Selden Middle School, Jericho Elementary, and North Coleman Elementary School were all placed on lockdown. At 11:10 A.M. the subject was apprehended by Police Officers in the woods just north of 153 North Coleman Road, Centereach. An extensive search by multiple canine units was conducted from the Newfield High School to the apprehension location with negative results for any firearm; however, two knives were located where the subject jumped over a fence. At 12:35pm the lockdown was lifted, and nobody was injured during the incident.

“I am happy to recognize the efforts of these men; Michael Banks, Frank Crocitto, Matt Finelli, Emmanuel Rancy, Anthony Rivera, Russ Scott and John Webber,” stated Caracappa. “Their keen efforts helped ensure the safety of students and staff, and were instrumental in assisting the police with the apprehension of the intruder. My gratitude goes to Newfield High School’s Principal, Scott Graviano and his heroic security guards for their dedication to public safety.”

Legislator Caracappa with Moira Kochis, Social Worker for Middle Country Central School District

Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa (Fourth District) recently visited Eugene Auer Elementary School in Lake Grove, a school supply collection site for Middle Country Central School District. Moira Kochis, the District’s donation coordinator, arranged to meet with Caracappa to accept a large array of school supplies collected from his drive this past August.

“On behalf of the MCCSD Social Work Department, thank for your donations of school supplies,” said Ms. Kochis.  “We greatly appreciate Legislator Caracappa’s generosity and thoughtfulness.  We will put the supplies to good use for our families.”

“It was a pleasure meeting Moira and presenting the school supplies so generously donated to my office by our residents, particularly Niko Gentile, a local Boy Scout who collected items to donate as part of a badge project. This allowed me to share with Ms. Kochis, who in turn will distribute to students in need. I’m grateful to represent such a great community that’s always willing to step up and help,” said Leg. Caracappa.

Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa (4th LD, Selden) recently went on a “field trip” to tour the First Legislative District, courtesy of his colleague, Legislator Al Krupski (Riverhead).  The purpose of the visit was to see some of the beautiful farmland, beaches, bays and other natural resources the east end has to offer. The tour included a visit to the Cornell Cooperative Extension’s (CCE) Education Center in Riverhead, as well as the Shellfish Hatchery at CCE’s Suffolk County Marine Environmental Learning Center at Cedar Beach in Southold.

Caracappa was provided with in-depth information from CCE on how public funding and private donations are put to use to preserve resources. Part of Cornell University, and established in 1917, CCE is comprised of educators, researchers, specialists and support personnel who are dedicated to making Suffolk County a desirable place to live and work. CCE’s professional team helps preserve our county’s vast heritage, protect our eco-systems, support families and provide our youth opportunities for community service and research-based education in science, technology, engineering and math.

 “This week I had the pleasure of touring the First Legislative District, and all it has to offer,” stated Legislator Caracappa. “We began our day at Cornell Cooperative Extension, then visited some of the farms, beaches and older structures, followed by a tour of the CCE’s Shellfish Hatchery at Cedar Beach. They do fantastic work in spawning oysters, scallops and other shellfish to assist the repopulation process in the Long Island Sound. I’d like to thank Legislator Krupski, CCE’s Executive Director Vanessa Pino Lockell, Marine Program Director Chris Pickerell, and all of their wonderful staff members for showing me how taxpayer dollars are being put to great use to preserve Long Island’s precious resources!”

Stock photo
Leg. Nick Caracappa

The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1, and will end on November 30. Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa would like to encourage residents to be prepared. “Most of this past year’s focus has been on the Coronavirus pandemic, but we must still remember that the hurricane season is upon us.  It is important to be aware and prepared,” stated Legislator Caracappa. “Let’s all be prepared for the worst, and hope for the best.”

The following tips are provided by ready.gov/hurricanes. Please visit the site below for a comprehensive list of suggestions for before, during, and after a hurricane or tropical storm: https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes#before

Know your Hurricane Risk

Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Find out how rain, wind, water, even tornadoes could happen far inland from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall. Start preparing now.

Make an Emergency Plan

Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plan. In your hurricane plans include the office, kids’ daycare, and anywhere you frequent. Ensure your business has a continuity plan to continue operating when disaster strikes.

Discuss the latest Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it may affect your hurricane planning.

Know your Evacuation Zone

You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane if you live in an evacuation zone. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with household, pets, and identify where you will stay.

  • Follow the instructions from local emergency managers, who work closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies and partners. They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety measures.

Recognize Warnings and Alerts

Have several ways to receive alerts. Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA)- which requires no-sign up.

Those with Disabilities

If you or anyone in your household is an individual with a disability identify if you may need additional help during an emergency.

Review Important Documents

Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents like ID are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure password protected digital space.

Strengthen your Home

De-clutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture; consider hurricane shutters.

Get Tech Ready

Keep your cell phone charged when you know a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.

Help your Neighborhood

Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others

Gather Supplies

Have enough supplies for your household, include medication, disinfectant supplies, masks, and pet supplies in your go bag or car trunk. After a hurricane, you may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks.

  • Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, making essential purchases and slowly building up supplies in advance will allow for longer time periods between shopping trips. This helps to protect those who are unable to procure essentials beforehand and must shop more frequently. Only take the items you and your family may need so that others who rely on these products can also access them.

Have a great summer, and stay safe!

State Sen. Mario Mattera speaks at the May 21 press conference. Photo by Julianne Mosher

Last week, May 21, dozens of people from all walks of life gathered in front of the state office in Hauppauge to talk about how New York needs to fix its roadways.

Spearheaded by county Legislator Nick Caracappa (R-Selden), he had a bipartisan group of local and state representatives, as well as advocates for the safety of drivers, riders and walkers. 

The idea behind the press conference was to demand that Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) fund more money toward fixing our roadways.

Ironically enough, that morning, a $30.6 million investment for resurface and repair projects was granted for Long Island state roads. 

But the meeting was still relevant. 

We heard the stories of motorcyclists, bike riders and people who choose to walk alongside state-run roads. They said how terrifying it is to navigate through the craters within the streets that are otherwise called potholes.

They are dangerous, and we applaud the legislator for standing his ground demanding more. We all complain that the roads are terrible around here — some towns are better than others because they have jurisdiction over their lanes. But when it comes to state roads — roads like Route 25 which drives completely through our newspapers’ coverage area, the Long Island Expressway and the Northern State Parkway — not only is it scary when you unintentionally hit a pothole, but it can be damaging to our vehicles.

Is New York State going to pay us back for the blown-out tires we’ve gotten driving to work? Are they going to repair our dented rims? 

No, they won’t. But the least the state can do is continuously fix up the large holes that sink into the blacktop. 

We know that it’s hard to keep up with. We know a lot of work goes into it. But after Friday’s conference, we know that there are many of us who want our major roadways to be safe.

Last week Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa coordinated a yard cleanup at the Santora/Bonacasa VFW Post 400 in Farmingville. In addition to Caracappa and Post members, assistance was provided by Affatato Paving, Boy Scouts from Troop #124, Cub Scouts from Pack# 124 and other community members.

The cleanup effort was organized as a result of illegal dumping of concrete and debris that occurred on Post #400’s grounds. “I was astonished to learn that an individual or business would dishonor our veterans by selfishly littering on the post’s grounds,” stated Legislator Caracappa.

“I knew they needed help, and was pleased with the response and outpouring of support I received from Affatato Paving, the Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts from Troop 124 in Holbrook, and many others. As we honor our veterans during the month of May, which is National Military Appreciation Month, I thank all volunteers for a job well done.”

Legislator Nick Caracappa (right) with Suffolk County Chief of Police Stuart Cameron

Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa recently attended a press conference at Suffolk Transportation in Ronkonkoma to promote Suffolk County’s School Bus Safety Camera Program.

Legislator Caracappa observes a school bus with the illuminated stop sign.

The purpose of the press conference was to inform Suffolk County residents of Resolution 208-2021, which Legislator Caracappa co-sponsored and was approved by unanimous vote as “a local law to strengthen the county’s school bus photo violation monitoring program.” The law, which will take effect on May 1, 2021 will allow cameras to be placed on school buses to capture photos of vehicles attempting to pass stopped school buses.

“I was pleased to co-sponsor this bill as it will provide additional safety measures for families and their children across Suffolk County. We are attempting to change the habits of thousands of reckless and distracted drivers who continue to pass stopped school buses while their lights are flashing and stop signs extended,” said Leg. Caracappa.

“This was a true multi-community effort to bring this law forward. I would like to thank those organizations who participated in this monumental legislation, including our PTA’s, School Boards, Superintendents, School Bus Drivers and our Police, to name a few. I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues in the Suffolk County Legislature to pass this bill unanimously as this was not about politics, it was about protecting the children within our respective communities.”