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.
Legislator Stephanie Bontempi greets attendees at the event. Photo from Leg. Bontempi's office
On June 8, at the Huntington Public Library (Station Branch), Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R – 18th L.D.) joined with Legislator Manuel Esteban (R – 16th L.D.) and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s office to co-host a Senior Medical ID Card event.Although the event was geared toward seniors, the cards were issued to anyone 18 years of age and older.
Legislator Manuel Esteban poses for a photo at the information table with a Deputy Sheriff and the venue’s librarian. Photo from Leg. Bontempi’s office
“It really is essential to have your most vital medical information on you at all times, especially if and when you are not able to speak for yourself,” said Bontempi.“Whether it’s an allergy or another serious medical condition, the sooner first responders know about these issues, the better they can assist you; that’s why I got one for myself.”
Those attending the event filled out a form to outline their essential medical information and the best person to contact in case of an emergency.This information was then transferred to a photo ID card produced and issued right on the spot within minutes.
Legislator Stephanie Bontempi with pet food
and supplies that were generously donated to the drive by residents. Photo from Leg. Bontempi's office
Upon the conclusion of this year’s joint pet food drive with Long Island Cares, Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-18th L.D.) took a moment to express her gratitude to all of the generous donors.This is the second year in a row that Bontempi teamed up with Baxter’s Pet Pantry, which is a program of Long Island Cares dedicated to assisting pets in need.
“Many of us are familiar with the issue of food insecurity here in Suffolk County, but our animal friends are often suffering just like people, but are overlooked,” said Bontempi.“Whether it is a lack of food or other basic supplies necessary for a pet’s health and happiness, these are things we have to bear in mind.”
The items donated this year ranged from dog and cat food, pet toys and other comfort items.“Just as humans do not live by food alone, neither do our pets,” added Bontempi.“Pets bring so much positivity into our lives; we owe the same love and happiness they provide to us.”
Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta invited Northport High School senior Kaitlyn Ruiter and her parents, Anna and Walter, to the Legislature’s General Meeting on May 23 to recognize Kaitlyn for winning a Grammy as a member of the New York Youth Symphony, where she plays double bass. The New York Youth Symphony won a Grammy for its album, “Florence Price, Jessie Montgomery, and Valerie Coleman.” This is the first youth orchestra ever to win a Grammy. Legislator Trotta congratulated Kaitlyn on this major achievement and expressed his admiration for her musical talent.
Pictured with Grammy winner Kaitlyn Ruiter (center) are, from left, Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi, Kaitlyn’s parents Anna and Walter, Northport High School orchestra teacher, Michael Sussino, and Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.
Purple rocks with faces and names painted on them represented local lives lost to fentanyl. Photo from Kara Hahn’s office
Grieving residents and elected officials gathered on Tuesday, May 9, for a press conference in Hauppauge hosted by Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) for National Fentanyl Awareness Day. A pebble was dropped into a jar every 8 1/2 minutes during the press conference, representing the average span that another individual dies from a fentanyl overdose in the United States. Purple rocks with faces and names of lost loved ones painted on them were placed on the ground in front of the podium, representing the 175 lives lost each day due to this epidemic.
Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, at podium, hosted a press conference on May 9 to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl. Photo from Kara Hahn’s office
In addition to Hahn, several other elected officials attended and spoke at the press conference, including county legislators Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville), Manuel Esteban (R-East Northport), Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) and Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport).
Several parents and family members of individuals who had lost their lives due to an opioid addiction also spoke. One common thread speakers emphasized was that prevention is key.
Something as simple as parents talking to their children about the dangers of drugs could encourage them to never experiment in that area. Dorothy Cavalier, currently chief of staff for county Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai) and future candidate for Anker’s term-limited post, said that she’s “seen the great work that we can do and the amazing things that can happen when people just talk [to their children].” She warned that children might receive a pill from another kid at school thinking that it will help them focus while studying, but it might be laced with fentanyl.
Doctors overprescribing drugs for other issues could also lead to an addiction. Esteban said that there needs to be accountability for doctors to disincentivize giving out dangerous drugs too freely. “We need laws to hold doctors responsible who overprescribe,” he said. Piccirillo added that the county has won lawsuits against large pharmaceutical companies and put that money back into the community to help parents and children that are battling this addiction issue.
Several speakers also touched on the need for better treatment options for those attempting to overcome this battle with addiction. “We need programs that give people a fighting chance,” Esteban said. “Studies show they need at least three months. Why are we not funding these programs?”
The mental health crisis was also discussed as a factor in this rising issue. Bontempi emphasized that part of this has to do with putting too much pressure on children and keeping expectations too high. Claudia Friszell, who lost her son to an overdose and is a drug treatment advocate, said, “We need to talk to our kids about dealing with stress and our emotions.”
Kennedy emphasized that we “need more funding for mental health treatment, which includes substance misuse.” She said that it should be a focus to get the federal and state governments to fund programs that get treatment to every individual who needs it.
Suffolk County Legislators Kara Hahn and Stephanie Bontempi hug after latter’s speech at the May 9 press conference to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
Many speakers wished to remove the stigma around drug addiction. Carole Trottere, who lost her son in 2018 and helped organize this event, said, “Some people think these kids deserved what they got or they knew what they were getting into.” She added that some people will say that all those who have died from overdoses were “just a bunch of drug addicts.”
Blue Point resident Dorothy Johnson, who lost her son in 2011, wants to remove that shame and stigma. She said that when returning to work after her son passed, no one wanted to talk about it with her. Johnson works in her community to get people discussing this issue so that those in need know they are not alone.
Steve Chassman, executive director for the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, emphasized that if a person is struggling with addiction they should reach out for help. “If you’re out in the cold from opiate or substance use, it’s time to come in from the cold, and we will help you,” he said.
Hahn began the press conference by informing the attendees of the fentanyl death statistics in the United States: seven every hour, 175 each day, 1,225 each week, more than 5,250 each month and more than 63,000 each year. The hope is that an environment is built where those battling drug addiction feel supported enough to seek help before they become another number in the rising fentanyl death total.
In a press release from Hahn, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.
The release noted that since taking office in 2012, Hahn “has sponsored several pieces of legislation designed to help stem the tide of opioid deaths in Suffolk County.”
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