Pictured from left, Past Commodore and Treasurer Eileen Kelly, Past Commodore Bill Dick Jr., Rear Commodore Bill Dick III, Commodore Peter Parks, Vice Commodore Janet Rossi, Father Patrick Riegger, MSYC Chaplin Charles Glover, and Councilwoman Jane Bonner.
On Sunday, June 22nd, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner joined members of the Mount Sinai Yacht Club and the local maritime community for the 20th Annual Blessing of the Fleet, a yearly tradition honoring Long Island’s boating community.
The event was held at the Mount Sinai Yacht Club, and included club members, clergy, and residents to celebrate the start of the boating season. This year marked the 20th anniversary of the event, which has become a tradition of the Mount Sinai community’s summer calendar.
“It is always a pleasure to take part in this community tradition,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “The Blessing of the Fleet is not only a celebration of our coastal way of life, but a reminder of the importance of safety, community, and stewardship of our waterways.”
Councilwoman Bonner commended the Mount Sinai Yacht Club for two decades of dedication to the event and expressed her appreciation to all who make the Blessing of the Fleet a special occasion year after year.
The redesigned and fully stocked food pantry. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office
On June 7, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner joined community members, volunteers, and local faith leaders to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Food Pantry at St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church in Shoreham.
The event began with a special blessing of the newly renovated space by the Rev. Jenn Pilat, followed by the pantry’s first official “self-shop” session, marking a significant milestone in the church’s mission to combat food insecurity with dignity and compassion, according to a press release.
Pictured from left are the Rev. Jenn Pilat, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, and Deacon Richard Ohlsen. Photo from Councilwoman Bonner’s office
Councilwoman Bonner presented Rev. Pilat and the St. Anselm’s community with an official Certificate of Congratulations from the Town of Brookhaven, honoring their commitment to service “The re-opening of this pantry represents the best of what can happen when a community comes together to lift each other up,” said Bonner. “This is a space built on generosity, respect, and a shared dedication to ensuring that no one goes hungry.”
The food pantry, located at 4 Woodville Road in the lower parking lot of the church, has been redesigned into a spacious and welcoming “self-shop” model. With new refrigeration and freezer units, the pantry can now offer fresh produce, dairy, frozen meats, and shelf-stable items, giving clients the opportunity to shop for food with greater autonomy.
The transformation was made possible through generous grant funding from Episcopal Ministries of Long Island and the dedicated work of volunteers who collectively contributed over 700 hours annually to keep the pantry running. Lay leaders Michael Solomito, Chuck and Donna LaSalla, Deacon Rich Ohlsen, and the Rev. Jenn Pilat were instrumental in reimagining the space, inspired by visits to other local food pantries.
The pantry serves residents from Shoreham, Wading River, Rocky Point, and Longwood, and currently operates every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit www.stanselmsofshoreham.org/ or call 631-744-7730.
. Pictured above, from left to right: Tim Heidrich, Brian Heidrich Jr., Councilwoman Jane Bonner, and Brian Heidrich Sr. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office
On Saturday, June 7th, Councilwoman Jane Bonner proudly joined the Coram Fire Department at their annual Installation Dinner to recognize the outstanding dedication and service of its members. The evening celebrated decades of commitment to public safety and welcomed the department’s newest rising stars.
Recognized during the ceremony was Brian Heidrich Jr., who earned the distinguished title of “Probie of the Year”. Councilwoman Bonner was photographed with Brian, his father Brian Heidrich Sr., and his uncle Tim Heidrich, both of which are fellow firefighters. This represents the proud tradition of service carried on through generations. Pictured above, from left to right: Tim Heidrich, Brian Heidrich Jr., Councilwoman Jane Bonner, and Brian Heidrich Sr.
Councilwoman Bonner presented official Town of Brookhaven certificates to two long-serving and highly respected members of the department. Patti Ann Ankum was honored for 28 years of service as an emergency service dispatcher, and Commissioner Tom Lyon was recognized for an incredible milestone—50 years of service to the Coram Fire Department.
“These individuals have dedicated so much of their lives to protecting and supporting our community,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “It’s an honor to recognize their commitment and to thank them for the selfless work they’ve done over the years.”
The Coram Fire Department Installation Dinner served as a reminder of the strength and unity within the fire service community, and Councilwoman Bonner expressed her continued gratitude for their courage, professionalism, and dedication.
From left, (standing) Chief of Department Sean Martin, Third Assistant Chief Ken Kowalchuk, Commissioner John Buchner, Commissioner Ken Staufer, Commissioner Hank Strong, Second Assistant Chief Jeremy Freund, (sitting) Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Commissioner Debra Handel, and New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio. Photo from Councilwoman Bonner's office
Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio joined local leaders, first responders, and residents in honoring the members of the Rocky Point Fire Department at their annual Installation Dinner held on Saturday, May 17th at Majestic Gardens in Rocky Point. The event marked the formal installation of the department’s 2025 officers and celebrated the continued dedication and service of the department’s firefighters and volunteers.
“It’s always a privilege to be with the brave men and women of the Rocky Point Fire Department,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “Their selfless commitment to protecting our community is truly inspiring, and this evening is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work.”
The Installation Dinner is a time-honored tradition that brings together the Rocky Point community in support of its fire and emergency medical services. The evening featured speeches, acknowledgments of years of service, and the swearing-in of newly appointed leadership within the department. Councilwoman Bonner expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the department for their ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and for the sacrifices they make every day in service to the community.
On December 7, Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner (in red coat) joined the Sound Beach Civic and other local organizations at the “Adopt-A-Spot New York Avenue” location.
The Councilwoman presented Town of Brookhaven Certificates of Appreciation to the volunteers who help to keep the north shore community clean and trash-free, including Sound Beach Civic Volunteer groups; Boy Scout Troop 204; Girl Scouts of BSA Troop 2019; Martin Streeff (Streeff Tree Experts); Eugene Radenberg (Community Landscaping); Gayle Hessler (Gardens by Gayle); Soundview Garden Club; the Civic Hamlet Beautification Committee; and Sound Beach Civic President, Bea Ruberto (right).
