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Suffolk County Legislator Robert Trotta

Commack High School Regeneron finalist, Ishana Chadha, honored by Suffolk County Leg. Trotta

by Press Release - March 17, 2025

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0-15 — Pictured from left, Commack Superintendent Jordan Cox, Research Coordinator Jeanette Collette, Legislator Rob Trotta, Regeneron finalist Ishana Chandha, Principal Carrie Lipenholz, Science Director Laura Longo and Ishana’s mother. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office

“As a graduate of Commack High School North, I am always proud to recognize the achievements of Commack’s students,” said Legislator Rob Trotta at the March 4 General Meeting of the Legislature as he introduced Ishana Chadha who was selected as one of the 40 finalists in the annual Regeneron science competition. The contest had 2,471 entrants from 795 high schools.

For her project, she researched a protein gene that affects cognitive disabilities. It is entitled, “Understanding Neuronal Migration in Brain Development: The Role of Oligophrenin1 in Modulating Radial Migration of Pyramidal Neurons by Interaction with Pacsin2.” Ishana is particularly interested in this field as her great grandfather had Alzheimer’s disease and she recalls the impact it had on her great grandmother, parents and herself. In addition, she aspires to be a neurosurgeon.

Legislator Trotta noted that Commack has a tradition of students excelling in this competition as they have had 13 other Regeneron scholars over the years. He congratulated Ishana and thanked the school officials for their support, as well as her parents.

Preservation Long Island honors 2024 Preservation Award recipients at Cold Spring Harbor ceremony

by Press Release - February 14, 2025

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Awardees from Setauket, Mattituck, Sag Harbor, Fort Salonga, and Garden City recognized

Preservation Long Island hosted an awards ceremony and reception on January 25 to honor individuals and organizations who have exemplified excellence in their efforts to preserve their community’s valuable historic resources.

Held at Preservation Long Island’s headquarters gallery in the Old Methodist Church in Cold Spring Harbor, the evening brought together honorees and guests for a celebration of preservation excellence. Attendees enjoyed live jazz music, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres while viewing historic paintings, artifacts, and antique furniture from Preservation Long Island’s permanent collection.

Preservation LI Board President Michelle Elliott Gokey welcomed guests and provided an overview of the biennial Preservation Awards that recognize extraordinary achievement in historic preservation across Long Island.

Executive Director Jackie Powers, emphasized the significance of the awards and acknowledged the public officials in attendance, including Suffolk County Legislators Steven Englebright and Robert Trotta (both 2024 awardees), Huntington Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo, Michelle McCarthy, Chief of Staff to Huntington Town Supervisor Edmund Smyth and Kevin Stuessi, Mayor of Greenport.

Guest presenters awarded certificates to the recipients of Preservation LI’s 2024 Preservation Awards and the 2024 Howard C. Sherwood Award:

1. Project Excellence Award: The Hawkins-Elzon House Restoration: Presented by Zachary Studenroth, Architecture and Preservation Consultant

The Safina Center received recognition for restoring the Hawkins-Elzon House, which now serves as the nonprofit’s headquarters. The award was presented to Carl Safina, founder of the Safina Center, and New York State Legislator Steven Englebright, both in attendance.

2. Organizational Excellence Award: Suffolk County for the Preservation of Owl Hill: Presented by Tara Cubie, Preservation Director, Preservation LI

Suffolk County was recognized for preserving Owl Hill, a 1907 mansion and 27 acres of open space in Fort Salonga, protecting it from redevelopment. Legislator Robert Trotta accepted the award on behalf of the county and County Executive Romaine. Also in attendance was Richard Martin, Suffolk County Parks Department Director of Historic Services. Independent historian Corey Geske was acknowledged for identifying the home’s renowned architect.

3. Project Excellence Award: The Church, Sag Harbor: Presented by Jeremy Dennis, Lead Artist & President, Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio

Artists April Gornick & Eric Fischl, along with Lee Skolnick & Jo Ann Secor of Skolnick Architecture, were honored for their leadership in transforming a 19th-century Methodist church into a vibrant arts and cultural hub. The award also recognized the site’s landscape design and amphitheater by renowned landscape designer Ed Hollander, accepted on his behalf by Jackie Powers.

4. Project Excellence Award: Mattituck Creek Tide Mill: Presented by Tara Cubie

The restoration of the historic Mattituck Creek Tide Mill was celebrated, with the award presented to Anthony Martignetti, a restauranteur, author, and designer. The careful restoration, undertaken with contractor Glenn Heidtmann of Heidtmann and Sons, was conducted under guidance from the New York State Historic Preservation Office. The Old Mill is set to open as a restaurant in Spring 2025.

5. Howard Sherwood Award for Preservation Advocacy: Brian Pinnola (Posthumous): Presented by Architect Paul Bentel

The evening concluded with a special tribute to Brian Pinnola, a devoted advocate for historic preservation, former board member of Preservation Long Island, and past president of The Garden City Historical Society. Brian’s lifelong dedication left a lasting impact on the community. The award was accepted in his honor by his partner, Maureen Soltren.

Photos by Len Marks Photography

Suffolk County Leg. Trotta’s Winter Coat Drive a success

by Press Release - January 25, 2025

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0-7 — Some of the hats knitted by Sue Harrison for children and adults. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office

For several years, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta has been working with Smithtown based SMM Advertising and the Retired Senior Volunteer Programs (RSVP) to conduct a winter coat drive to benefit the residents of Suffolk County who need warm winter clothing.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta with some of the coats residents dropped off at his office in Smithtown. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta’s office

“The response was phenomenal. We received numerous donations from so many residents,” said Legislator Trotta. “In addition, for the third year in a row, Sue Harrison knitted hats for the children and adults,” added Trotta.

“Every donated coat and warm garment represent a message of hope and care from one human being to another. Thank you to RSVP and Legislator Rob Trotta for all your support and enthusiasm each year to make our Coat Drive a success,” said Tricia Folliero, Vice President, SMM Advertising.

The donated winter wear was distributed to the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry, St, Vincent de Paul’s Food Pantry at St. Jospeh’s Church in Kings Park, St. Gerard of Majella Outreach, Infant Jesus Outreach, Church of the Resurrection Outreach, Echo Arms Adult Home, Lighthouse Mission and Pax Christi Men’s Shelter.

“The Friends of the Retired and Senior Volunteer program is overwhelmed by the response of our RSVP volunteers and our community members to take this opportunity to care for our community. The number of blankets and coats that they provided was incredible and so often the donation came with a willingness to continue to help. We are grateful to be working with Leg. Trotta and SMM Advertising.,” said Maryflorence Brennan, Executive Director of RSVP.

Drivers may be owed ‘millions’ after red-light camera ruling

by Dylan Friedman - January 17, 2025

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Red-light-camera-springfield-ohio — Photo from Wikimedia Commons by Derek Jensen

By Dylan Friedman

Suffolk County’s red-light camera program officially ceased on Dec. 1.

The program generated hundreds of millions of dollars in fines and fees since its inception 14 years ago.

“The intent for it was to make things safer for our roads,” Suffolk County Legislator Robert Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) said.

However, despite the original intent, the program’s effectiveness has been a frequently contentious issue. Supporters emphasize a decline in severe accidents and fatalities as proof of its success. Conversely, detractors argue it has led to an uptick in rear-end collisions due to individuals stopping suddenly to avoid camera detection. Critics also label it a “cash grab” for the county, which reported earning approximately $13 million from the program in 2023.

In a recent CBS News report, county data showed an 11.3% drop in accidents with injuries and an 8.6% overall increase in crashes.

“The data showed that the rear-end accidents skyrocketed in those intersections [where the cameras were placed],” Trotta said.

According to Newsday, while Suffolk County had independently decided to terminate its red-light camera program, the decision swiftly followed a recent appellate court ruling invalidating Nassau County’s $100 surcharge on top of the standard $50 red-light camera ticket. The court found that Nassau County’s surcharge violates state law. It is worth noting that Suffolk County also previously collected a similar surcharge until 2023.

“If I saw road improvements or it went back to the school system, it would make me feel better about paying for these tickets,” said Nicholas Harding of East Patchogue in a CBS News interview.

Nassau County intends to challenge the recent court ruling that invalidated the county’s ability to levy surcharges on red-light camera tickets. Notably, the county’s red-light camera program remains operational during this appeal process.

However, according to a Fox News report, the recent appellate court ruling regarding the collection fees from these red-light cameras could potentially entitle drivers to “hundreds of millions of dollars,” although the exact amount remains uncertain.

“The purpose of the lawsuit is to get back every dime that was paid in excess of the statutory amount of $50 and $25 in Suffolk. In Nassau, it was even worse. It was an extra $100,” attorney David Raimondo said in a recent statement. “I’m hoping the residents of Nassau and Suffolk have some sense of justice … let’s hope they’re happy when they get their refunds.”

So, if the recent ruling is not directly related to the ending of the red-light camera program in Suffolk County, why else is the program ending?

According to Newsday, although former Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. (D-Sag Harbor) sponsored an extension bill in the state assembly, no member of Suffolk’s senate delegation, comprised of four Republicans and one Democrat, introduced a corresponding extension bill prior to the adjournment of the last legislative session in June.

Additionally, according to Newsday, extending the program in Suffolk County would have required approval from both the county and state legislatures, a process that would have occurred during an election year, potentially increasing complexity and political considerations.

Suffolk County Leg. Rob Trotta congratulates Troop 539’s newest Eagle Scout

by Press Release - January 11, 2025

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0-3 — Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, right, is pictured with Eagle Scout Michael Canonic (center) and Suffolk County Legislator candidate Frank Black. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta attended the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Michael Canonic, a junior at Kings Park High School. During his 16 years, he has had many challenges as he is deaf and learned to listen through a cochlear implant hearing aid from a young age. Although no one in Michael’s family works in the car repairbusiness, his goal is to open up his own auto body shop to repair vehicles damaged in accidents.

For his community service project, Michael designed and created an outdoor learning space located off of the library at the William T. Rogers Middle School in Kings Park.

“Becoming an Eagle Scout is a testament to your character and leadership skills and is something that you have accomplished while still a teenager. This recognition will stay with you for the rest of your life and can never be taken from you,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta. “What you have done is very impressive and we will expect great things from you in the future,” added Legislator Trotta.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta congratulates Smithtown’s newest Eagle Scouts

by Press Release - December 3, 2024

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Pictured at Troop 888’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor are Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, (center), Eagle Scouts Douglas Antaky, Sean Bauer, Tyler Liebold, Michael K. Power and Anthony Zitoli.

Five scouts earned the rank of Eagle Scout at a ceremony at the American Legion Hall in Smithtown on November 30. Celebrating their achievement were Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, family, friends and fellow scouts and scout leaders, and other guests.

Douglas Antaky refurbished the playground at Sweetbriar Nature Center and built a new zipline platform, added a child safety zipline with handles and a seat and built a seesaw to replace the damaged one for his Eagle Scout Community Service Project.

For his project, Sean Bauer designed and planted a memorial garden at Angela’s House in Smithtown, a home for medically frail children. His brother Nicky has epilepsy and autism and has benefited from their support. Sean raised funds by selling a cookbook with recipes from family, friends and scouts.

Tyler Liebold renovated the deck hockey rink at St. Pat’s, which included removing a planter and installing brick pavers, changing and painting a door and siding on a storage shed, and installing pavers outside of the shed. Tyler’s project was a labor of love as he played hockey here from first grade until 11th grade.

Michael K. Power’s Eagle Scout project benefited both the staff and students at Ascent, a school for individuals with autism. For the staff, he built a lectern and bookcases, and he raised the garden beds and bought gardening tools for the students to learn how to garden.

Anthony Zitoli also did his project at the Sweetbriar Nature Center where he restored several picnic tables and benches by replacing the wood, sanding it and staining the furniture.

At the ceremony, Legislator Trotta presented each Eagle Scout with a proclamation recognizing their achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout. “This is a very proud moment for these young men, and this accomplishment will be with them for the rest of their lives,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

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Pictured at Troop 888’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor are Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, (center), Eagle Scouts Douglas Antaky, Sean Bauer, Tyler Liebold, Michael K. Power and Anthony Zitoli.

Winter coat drive underway in Smithtown

by Press Release - October 31, 2024

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Coat-Drive-Rob-Trotta — Photo from Leg. Trotta's office

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, SMM Advertising and Retired Volunteer Services Programs (RSVP) will hold a winter coat drive to benefit the residents of Suffolk County who are in need of warm winter clothing from Nov. 1 through Jan. 7.

They are collecting gently used or new coats, jackets, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and blankets for infants, children, teens and adult men and women.

“As people prepare for the winter and clean out their closets or plan to give a new coat as a gift, it is important for all of us to help our fellow neighbors who need warm coats by contributing to this drive,” said Legislator Rob Trotta.

Donations may be dropped off at Legislator Trotta’s district office, 59 Landing Avenue, Suite 1, Smithtown, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For directions or questions, call 631-854-3900.

Jacob Wolmetz of Commack recipient of 13th Legislative District’s 2024 Youth Award

by Press Release - July 16, 2024

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0-13 — Pictured at the Youth Award Ceremony in Hauppauge are from left Legislator and Minority Leader Jason Richberg, who sponsored this legislation, Legislator Rob Trotta and Jacob Wolmetz

In 2020, the Legislature established the Annual Youth Award to recognize an exceptional young person in each Legislative District. Legislator Trotta named Jacob Wolmetz, a sophomore at Hauppauge High School, as his district Youth Award recipient. Shannon Griffin, the social worker at the school, nominated him.

Jacob is President of the Social Awareness/Students Against Destructive Decisions Club and Vice President of Model United Nations. He is also involved with the Student Council, Ignition (a freshman mentoring program), Natural Helpers, and on the Principal Honor Roll. He is the student representative for Cohen’s Strong Mental health, a program that works with Northwell Health to promote mental health in schools. In that capacity, Jacob has advocated for funding in Albany and Washington, DC.

Active in the French Honor Society, Jacob received both the bronze and silver medals from Le Grands Concours, a national French contest, in which he placed sixth in the country on the 2024 exam.

Legislator Trotta said, “Jacob is a bright young man who has accomplished a great deal for his age. All of his school extracurricular activities and his efforts to solicit funding to promote mental health in schools impresses me. He clearly has developed leadership skills, and other qualities of humanity so desirable in young people. I wish him much success with his future endeavors.”

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta and Bonnie Steinmuller share gardening tips at the Smithtown Senior Center

by Press Release - June 27, 2024

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Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta was the guest speaker at the Smithtown Senior Center’s Garden Club in May. After speaking about his vegetable garden and blackberry and raspberry plants, he was invited to come back this month.

Legislator Trotta invited Bonnie and Andrew Steinmuller, owners of ARS Landscape & Design and Podcat Farms located at 527 West Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown to join him. Bonnie was able to attend, but Andrew had a previous commitment. The young couple are raising their family in Smithtown while fulfilling their dream of having a farm, nursery, and local landscape/design business.

Bonnie gave a brief overview of her background and how she and her husband started their business. Then, gardening tips where shared by all. Such as, if you grow strawberries as they do at the Senior Center, they paint little rocks red with black dots to deter the birds from pecking at the real strawberries. Did you know that a mixture of water, coffee grounds, eggshells and a banana peel – simmered and strained – makes a healthy solution for watering plants and vegetables? Some people recommended shaving Irish Spring soap to keep the bugs and deer away from plants and others recommended tying some human hair on a plant to discourage the deer. Bonnie noted from her experience that if deer are hungry, they will eat anything, but they do tend to dislike plants with a strong odor. According to Patty Bornhoft, Senior Citizen Assistant at the Senior Center, if your fence is solid, the deer won’t jump over it as they cannot see what is beyond it and don’t want to take the chance of being injured.

Both Legislator Trotta and Bonnie shared some of their vegetable plants with the seniors and, in addition, Bonnie gave them a summer plant for all to enjoy at the Smithtown Senior Center.

Suffolk County Legislators Englebright and Trotta honor healthcare hero

by Press Release - June 27, 2024

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6-25-24 Suffolk County Legislature meeting, Riverhead. — Suffolk County Legislators Steven Englebright, right, and Rob Trotta, left, honor Keri Moschetto as a healthcare hero at the Legislature’s June 25 General Meeting. Photo from Steven Englebright’s office

Suffolk County Legislators Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) and Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) joined forces to honor Keri Moschetto, a licensed practical nurse, at the Legislature’s General Meeting on Tuesday, June 25.

All 18 County Legislators were asked to choose a healthcare hero to recognize at the monthly meeting. While Moschetto, an East Setauket resident, lives in Legislator Englebright’s district, as a nurse and unit coordinator at The Smithtown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care, she works in Legislator Trotta’s district.

In addition to being honored for her everyday responsibilities, the LPN was recognized for an act of bravery.

“Keri went above and beyond her call of duty earlier this year when upon hearing a Code Red signal at her workplace, she ran from the second floor to a first-floor room, where a fire was reported,” Englebright said. “Risking her own safety, she pulled a patient out of a smoke-filled room.”

Moschetto’s responsibilities at the center include a variety of duties, such as caring for 22 post-acute care patients and managing the nurses and certified nursing assistants assigned to her unit. She also maintains care plans, monitors labs, participates in family meetings, acts as a liaison between doctors and families/patients and coordinates MD visits.

According to her colleagues, the clinical venue continues to be a challenging place to care for patients, especially during and after the pandemic. The LPN has easily handled all these complex and difficult tasks with humility.

Dr. John Folan, the Smithtown Center’s medical director, said of Moschetto, “In all my career as a physician, providing care to innumerable members of our community, there are few, if any nurses, who compare with Keri’s skill, work ethic, and, most importantly, her compassion. She uniquely demonstrates medical knowledge much beyond her training.”

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