Legislator Bontempi and staff members riding the
Suffolk County Transit S1 Route on February 2nd, 2024.
Legislator Bontempi's staff members riding the
Suffolk County Transit S1 Route on February 2nd, 2024.
At the request of local residents, Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R – 18th L.D.) was able to successfully reinstate the original path for the Suffolk County Transit S1 Route, effective March 3rd, 2024.
The decision to revert the bus route came after concerns raised by Madison Street residents following the recent change to the Suffolk County Transit S1 Route in October. The route travels between the Amityville Long Island Railroad Station to Halesite, including stops at the Walt Whitman Shops and the Huntington Long Island Railroad Station. An additional stop was added at Huntington Hospital, which required the bus to travel along Madison Street across from Heckscher Park. However, the re-routing of the bus line disrupted the daily lives of residents on Madison Street and those visiting Heckscher Park. Madison Street already experienced traffic congestion, and the added buses exacerbated the issue, posing a significant safety risk to both residents and park visitors.
Legislator Bontempi received numerous emails and phone calls from constituents residing on Madison Street and decided to investigate the issue herself. She and her staff observed the Suffolk County Transit S1 route along Madison Street, visited the area of concern on multiple occasions, and rode the bus from the Walt Whitman Shops to Halesite to gather first-hand knowledge of the route. While riding the bus and speaking directly with one of the bus drivers driving the S1 Route, it was confirmed that the buses rarely needed to stop at Huntington Hospital and that the current route configuration was inefficient, and unnecessarily putting the driver’s safety at risk when maneuvering on Madison Street, a high foot-traffic neighborhood. Further, because of the recent route change, it was also noted that past stops along New York Avenue/R110 were removed, directly impacting the frequent users of the bus that worked in the local businesses along New York Avenue/110.
After extensive research into the ongoing issues along Madison Street, accompanied by constituent input, Legislator Bontempi reached out to the Suffolk County Deputy Commissioner of Public Works, the Director of Downtown and Transit-Oriented Development, and the Suffolk County Director of Transportation to request an immediate change in the route. The decision was made to revert to the original route, which continues north and south along New York Avenue/R110. The re-routing to its original path reflects a commitment to responsiveness by the government and prioritizes the well-being of residents.
Public officials from the Town of Huntington celebrate new downtown revitalization stimulus funds for local communities. Photo from Stephanie Bontempi’s office. Photo from Leg. Bontempi's office
On October 31, at Heckscher Park, Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport) joined with her colleagues in government to announce the local recipients of the Suffolk County JumpStart and JumpSMART grant programs.Combined, these two programs are focused on stimulating downtown revitalization, economic activity (especially tourism) and the arts.
The organizations and/or projects receiving the funds are: Huntington downtown parking and waterfront improvements ($1.25 million –JumpStart); Greenlawn downtown streetscape improvements ($650,000 JumpStart); 1653 Foundation – Artists Alley in Huntington downtown ($250,000); Heckscher Museum of Art – development of an outdoor café on the terrace of the museum ($100,000); Huntington African American Museum ($500,000); Huntington Arts Council – door and window replacement and ADA upgrades ($157,000); Huntington Cultural Affairs Institute – Chapin Stage ($170,000); Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society – electric hookup for overnight guests and humidity control ($100,000); YMCA of Long Island – Huntington ($500,000); and The Whaling Museum and Education Center – expansion of museum ($300,000).
“This is an exciting time to be in the Town of Huntington,” said Bontempi.“All of these projects will add so much to not only our local economy, but our enjoyment of our community.This will also attract visitors from near and far. Huntington is a special place.”
Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi with Cooper Keil in the district office. Photo courtesy of Leg. Bontempi’s office
Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport) welcomed Cooper Keil to her district office Thursday, Sept. 7, presenting him with the county Legislature’s Distinguished Youth Award (silver).
This award was developed to recognize young individuals ages 13-18 for their commitment to their community, and to encourage their personal development and familiarity with the county’s park system.
“The multifaceted aspect of the Distinguished Youth Award incentivizes volunteer service and an appreciation for learning about one’s community and its surrounding environment,” Bontempi said. “Cooper fully embraced the core spirit of the award program. He is a great role model for his peers, and I look forward to hearing about his future successes in the years to come.”
Cooper is currently a student at St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington and is looking forward to the beginning of his junior year.
To learn more about the Distinguished Youth Award, visit www.scnylegislature.us/896/distinguished-youth-award. Registration for the program is ongoing.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone delivers his remarks.
Photos from Steve Bellone’s Flickr page
Suffolk County first responders honor the fallen during a memorial service Monday morning, Sept. 11. Photo from Steve Bellone’s Flickr page
A scene from the 9/11 ceremony in Hauppauge. Photo from Steve Bellone’s Flickr page
Suffolk County first responders honor the fallen during a memorial service Monday morning, Sept. 11. Photo from Steve Bellone’s Flickr page
A scene from the 9/11 ceremony in Hauppauge. Photo from Steve Bellone’s Flickr page
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.”
Legislator Bontempi (center) at the forum. Photo courtesy of Leg. Bontempi's office
On September 7th, Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R – 18th L.D.) participated in the American Jewish Committee’s “Municipal Leaders Against Antisemitism” meeting at the Mid-Island Y JCC.Included in the dynamic forum were other elected officials and specialized law enforcement officers from both Suffolk and Nassau counties.Among the topics discussed were the U.S. National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism and the various methods employed by local governments to stamp out hate.
“This was a very timely discussion, as anyone keeping up with the news knows that we need to do more as a society to eliminate hate,” said Bontempi.“Whether the issue is a hate crime or a hurtful incident rooted in ignorance, we can do so much more via proactive law enforcement and education.If you see something, say something.”
Bontempi brought up Suffolk County’s 311 system, now that it is being promoted as a means of reporting antisemitism.She explained that she is going to ensure that the system is both accessible and reliable, as time is of the essence with these matters.
“We have to take incidents involving hate much more seriously,” added Bontempi.“Especially when youths are involved, we can use these occurrences as teachable moments, even for offenders.At root, we all want to be treated as human beings, so understanding the issue through education can go a long way.”
On July 25, Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R – 18th L.D.) recognized Trisha Northover, pictured with her son Tristan, as this year’s Women Veterans Appreciation Day honoree for the 18th District. Photo from Leg. Bontempi's office
By Rita J. Egan
One local veteran has come a long way since she left Afghanistan, and she credits the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the local American Legion Post and her nursing career for her success.
U.S. Army veteran Trisha Northover spent her younger years traveling between her dad’s home in Kingston, Jamaica, and her mom’s in Greenlawn after her parents’ divorce. She said in her early 20s, a friend’s father, a firefighter, died on Sept. 11, and the effect that his passing had on her friend helped Northover find her passion.
Photo from Trisha Northover
“I saw the impact that it had in her life,” the veteran said. “She became a totally different person after she lost her dad, and I wanted to do something.”
At 24, she joined the army. Interested in a medical career, Northover said she learned everything she needed to know about medicine in the military. Initially, she studied basic EMT skills and then nursing. After 18 months of training, she became a licensed practical nurse.
She spent nine years and nine months in the army, primarily stationed at West Point, where she had her son Tristan, now 16. Working at the academy’s hospital and clinic, she cared for the cadets.
Northover was deployed to Afghanistan for 10 months as a combat medic during Operation Enduring Freedom, and she said she witnessed back-to-back traumas during her deployment. For her service, she has received a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NATO Medal and Army Commendation Medal. For her unit’s service in Afghanistan, they received a Meritorious Unit Commendation award.
American Legion
When she returned to Greenlawn, Northover said she learned firsthand how helpful American Legion Post 1244 members are. Struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, Northover said it took some time to find a full-time job.
“I didn’t have a lot of support financially,” the veteran said. “I was still figuring it out.”
Northover added post members brought her and her son Thanksgiving dinner the first year she returned from Afghanistan. She soon became a post member, and recently, the 42-year-old was named post commander.
Being involved in a post and talking to fellow veterans who have had similar experiences is vital, Northover said. She described it as “a camaraderie like no other.”
Photo from Trisha Northover
“We’re all being pulled in a million directions, but spending time in the company of the members of my posts, working for them, doing different things, it gives me a sense of purpose, and it honors my service if that makes sense,” she said. “It gives me an outlet for my service because a lot of times when you come back, you feel like you’re not a part of a team anymore, and being in the American Legion absolutely gives me the feeling of being a member of a team and working toward a mission.”
With her membership in the American Legion post and her job as a licensed practical nurse at the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University, Northover has the opportunity to meet older vets. She said she always does her best to take photos and converse with them. She always thanks them for their service, especially World War II vets.
“These men are living history,” she said. “We study the war in the history books, and so much in the world literally changed because of that war, and to be with the men who were fighting — they’re leaving us. They’re not going to be here forever.”
While she still experiences tremendous anxiety, which made working at other jobs difficult at times, she said the veterans home has been a supportive place to work as they understand her PTSD.
Getting help
In addition to being able to talk with fellow vets at the American Legion and at her job, Northover credits Veterans Affairs for helping her manage her disorder with different types of therapy, from talk therapy to acupuncture. The disorder, she said, is a result of her time in Afghanistan.
“It was something that I’ve had to really work on to be able to not only talk about, but to not feel a certain way when I even talk about it,” Northover said.
She added the post-traumatic growth she has gone through has made her more resilient. “I know that I survived that so there’s not much that I can’t overcome,” the vet said.
Northover said the VA has realized traditional treatments aren’t for everybody, and patients can receive treatment outside of the VA hospital, including equine therapy and working with service animals.
“I don’t think a lot of people realize that they can change the quality of their life,” she said. “We can’t necessarily not have PTSD or not have insomnia or the trauma, but you can get to a point in your life where you can live a life that’s still full and purposeful if you really just accept the help that is offered.”
Validation
At the end of July, Northover was among fellow women veterans recognized at the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting in Hauppauge. She said she was honored and humbled.
Trisha Northover and Leg. Stephanie Bontempi
“These women have done so many wonderful things not only in their personal and military lives but for their community, so it was really great to be honored,” she said.
Northover discovered she was chosen when a member of Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi’s (R-Centerport) staff emailed her. Northover was nominated by Mary Flatley, a fellow American Legion Post 1244 member and a former recipient of the same county honor.
Flatley described Northover as a fantastic person with many great ideas for the post. “She’s a very grounded person and selfless,” she said. “I’m happy she’s our commander.”
She added, “I think Trisha is going to prove herself as an outstanding leader.”
In a statement, Leg. Bontempi said, “When I learned about Trisha’s accomplishments as a soldier and her dedication to helping her fellow veterans, I knew she had to be this year’s honoree. Trisha served our country with distinction, and to this day she is making a difference in many lives.”
Northover said it’s an honor when people thank her for her service, and the recognition from the county made her feel that her service was validated even further.
“I had to reconcile a lot of things, and if it was worth it, within my own self, to go through what I went through in terms of the war,” the veteran said. “Having moments like this have really reinforced to me that people are really grateful and thankful that I did what I did because I fought for freedom and America.”
From left, Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (3rd from left) and Legislator Manuel Esteban (center) at the forum. Photo courtesy of Leg. Bontempi's office
John Venza, one of the presenters, speaking to the audience. Photo from Leg. Bontempi’s office
The Northport Public Library recently collaborated with Suffolk. County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-18th L.D.), Suffolk County Legislator Manuel Esteban (R-16th L.D.) and Suffolk County Legislator Robert Trotta (R-13th L.D.) to facilitate a timely discussion on addiction, mental health and today’s youth.One of the objectives of the event, entitled “Breaking the Stigma,” was to encourage more frequent and honest dialogues on the topics in both public and private circles.
“The issues of addiction and mental health are too important to ignore or tiptoe around,” said Bontempi.“These serious issues warrant our full attention, and part of the process leading to that is recognizing that they are simply part of the human condition.We need to address our issues, not be ashamed of them.
“The night’s presenters included John Venza and Gordon Gooding who spoke respectively about concerns surrounding addiction and the stressors associated with everyday life.The presentations made it clear that there are no shortage of challenges out there, but there are also many treatment options and preventative tools.
“If you are a parent or caregiver of children, staying up-to-date on the growing body of knowledge and resources in this arena is so important,” added Bontempi.
Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (right) at the Boys State and Girls State reception at the Northport American Legion.
Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R – 18 th L.D.) recently attended a reception at the Northport American Legion honoring the 2023 students of the Boys State and Girls State programs. As proud parents, members of the American Legion and elected officials looked on at the event, the youths shared about their individual experiences and what they learned.
“Boys State and Girls State are terrific programs that really do not get the attention that they deserve,” said Bontempi. “The programs are unique in that they don’t only provide a practical education in civics, but also promote patriotic values that inspire young people to be engaged citizens and leaders.”
A noteworthy component of the programs has the students act out the legislative process by taking on simulated elected roles and tackling a relevant issue. Exercises like these, combined with other educational activities, fill an often overlooked gap when it comes to preparing young adults for the future in this increasingly complex world.
“Without understanding government on a basic and local level, many people are shortchanging themselves,” added Bontempi. “The earlier people are equipped with this knowledge, the easier it will be for their voices to be heard. I am so grateful that the American Legion continues to deliver these opportunities to the up-and-coming generations.”
If you would like to learn more about the Boys State and Girls State programs, please visit: https://www.legion.org/boysnation/about.
Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (right), Thomas Lemp (center) and his wife, Mary (left).
Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R – 18th L.D.) recently honored the 2023 Healthcare Hero from the 18th Legislative District, Thomas Lemp. Lemp currently serves as an EMT with the Huntington Community First Aid Squad (HCFAS).Prior to serving with the HCFAS, he served in the Greenlawn Fire Department as a firefighter, and is credited with creating the department’s Juniors Program.
“Thomas is a true role model, who has clearly been a consistent local source of inspiration,” said Bontempi.“It is volunteers like Thomas, who make a tremendous positive impact, but rarely get the accolades they deserve.We are lucky to have him here in the 18th District.”
The Suffolk County Legislature’s Healthcare Heroes program was created in 2021 in order to highlight noteworthy individuals serving in the healthcare field.Every year, each Healthcare Hero from the various legislative districts has their biography read into the record at a general meeting, followed by a presentation of proclamations, typically at the respective district offices.
Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (standing left) thanks the presenter and welcomes attendees at the Cold Spring Harbor Library.
Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-18th L.D.) recently joined with the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter to deliver an informative presentation to the public entitled, “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s.”This event took place at the Cold Spring Harbor Library and drew people of varying ages interested in the sensitive subject matter.
“Alzheimer’s is a major issue that affects both individuals and families,” said Bontempi.“Being aware of the warning signs can put those involved in a much better position to deal with the condition and seek treatment when the issues appear.”
The event’s presenter outlined the signs most commonly associated with the onset of Alzheimer’s, and educated the attendees on assessment tests and other helpful resources available.The importance of early detection was made abundantly clear.
To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter, along with their programs and resources, visit: https://www.alz.org/longisland.
