Supervisor Romaine to Celebrate Ground Hog Day with “Holtsville Hal” on Saturday, February 2

Farmingville, New York – On Saturday, February 2, Supervisor Ed Romaine will celebrate Ground Hog Day at the Town’s Holtsville Ecology Center. Brookhaven’s own prognosticating ground hog, “Holtsville Hal” will come out of his burrow at 7:00 am. Refreshments will be served.  

WHEN: Saturday, February 2 at 7:00 am

WHERE: Town of Brookhaven Holtsville Ecology Center
249 Buckley Road, Holtsville, NY 11742

Supervisor Romaine and Deputy Supervisor Panico Close on the Last Undeveloped Hundred Acre Parcel in the Mastic-Shirley Area for the People

Pictured left to right at the closing on 98.8 acres to be preserved as open space are Eliot Monter and Jerry Monter, owners of Colony Preserve, Supervisor Ed Romaine and Deputy Supervisor Dan Panico.

Farmingville, New York - On January 29, Supervisor Ed Romaine and Deputy Supervisor Dan Panico closed on 98.8 acres of land, formerly the site of The Links golf course in Shirley which closed in 2010.  Present at the closing along with the Supervisor and Deputy Supervisor were Eliot and Jerry Monter, the principles of the Holiday Organization, the previous owners of the property. The 98.8 acres will be used for natural park land, and includes a 6.5 acre lake. In October 2012, Deputy Supervisor Panico accepted a $1 million check from the Holiday Organization on behalf of the Town of Brookhaven to be used for a recreational facility in the Mastic, Mastic Beach and Shirley communities.

“Deputy Supervisor Panico has worked long and hard with the Holiday Organization to secure this open space and the one million dollars. The result of both will be of great benefit to the Mastic, Mastic Beach and Shirley community as well as all Brookhaven residents. I thank Dan and the Holiday Organization for a job well done.”

Deputy Supervisor Panico said, “By working out this compromise that is in the community’s interest, we were able to acquire the last 100 acre undeveloped parcel in the Mastic, Mastic Beach and Shirley area.  It is my sincere hope that one day this property will provide the recreational atmosphere and central sense of place for the communities to come together in a peaceful and serene park like setting for all to enjoy.”

The Holiday Organization is constructing the Colony Preserve condominiums on the site adjacent to the Town’s open space property. The Colony Preserve offers two residential choices; The Manors, which include 150 units of luxurious condominium living for active adults 55+ and Country Woods, 75 single-family homes nestled in a landscaped haven. The company has been in business for more than 60 years and has created exceptional communities for families throughout Long Island.

Supervisor Romaine Visits Holy Angels Regional School in Patchogue to Celebrate Red, White and Blue Day during Catholic Schools Week

Supervisor Romaine (front, second from left) presents a proclamation to Father Tom Pers, Pastor of St. Francis De Sales parish and Holy Angels Principal Michele Mulderrig. Also pictured are 7th grade teacher Victoria Angelino (left) and Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri.

Farmingville, New York – On January 29, Supervisor Ed Romaine was a guest “teacher” at the Red, White and Blue Day event at Holy Angels Regional School in Patchogue. Supervisor Romaine addressed 6th, 7th and 8th grade classes and spoke about government and American history. He also gave the students a brief lesson on Brookhaven Town history and presented a proclamation to school Principal Michele Mulderrig and Saint Francis De Sales parish Pastor Father Tom Pers.

“As a former teacher, it’s always fun to get back into the classroom and talk with students,” said Supervisor Romaine, “These youngsters are the leaders of tomorrow and from what I saw at Holy Angels today, the future will be in good hands.”

Supervisor Ed Romaine speaks with the 6th grade class at Holy Angels Regional School during the Red, White and Blue Day event.

“Meatball” Attends Town Board Meeting to Promote Pet Adoptions at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter and Adoption Center

Councilwoman Jane Bonner was the happy recipient of love and affection from “Meatball” during the January 22 Town Board meeting. Animal Shelter Director Maureen Schneider is pictured on the left.  

Farmingville, New York - At the January 22 Town Board meeting, Brookhaven Animal Shelter and Adoption Center Director, Maureen Schneider introduced “Meatball” and “Emma,” two dogs that are currently available for adoption. “Meatball” is an American Staffordshire terrier mix that is less than a year old and “Emma” is a Schnauzer mix puppy. At the meeting, Ms. Schneider reported that since January 1 of this year, the Animal Shelter has taken in 82 dogs, 15 cats and 14 kittens and adopted out 31 dogs, 16 cats and 3 kittens. She also noted that 30 dogs were redeemed by their owners.

Supervisor Romaine said, “I hope that people will have it in their hearts to visit the Animal Shelter and adopt these two adorable dogs, or any other dog or cat. All these animals want is to be part of a loving family. When you bring one home, you’ll have a loyal friend and companion for life.”

Councilwoman Jane Bonner, who serves as Town Board Liaison to the Animal Shelter said, “The animal shelter staff does a great job caring for the dogs and cats, but it doesn’t compare to living with a family. There are so many animals to choose from, so I’m sure that when you visit the shelter, you’ll find a furry friend to take home.”

All pets adopted from the Animal Shelter are spayed and neutered. The adoption fee for dogs includes the four in one vaccination, rabies inoculation and license. The Animal Shelter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Closed Wednesdays), Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is located at 300 Horseblock Road in Brookhaven, New York, 11719. For more information, please call the Brookhaven Animal Shelter and Adoption Center at 631-286-4940 or visit www.brookhaven.org/animalshelter.

Councilwoman Kepert Tours the Newly Completed Mott House Replica in Coram

Councilwoman Kepert (second from left) with members of the Gordon Heights Community in front of the newly restored Mott House in coram. 

Farmingville, New York - On Wednesday, January 23, Councilwoman Connie Kepert, along with members of the Gordon Heights Chamber of Commerce, took a tour of the newly completed Mott House located at 68 Middle Country Road in Coram.

The Mott House was built in 1824 on land originally owned by William C. Howell. Seaman Albert Mott and his wife, Joanna, later lived in the home with their seven children. The Town of Brookhaven began construction of the replica after the original house collapsed during renovations in 2009. The replica was built using several pieces of the original 185-year old house that were able to be salvaged. The house will be used by the Town of Brookhaven Parks Department and the Gordon Heights Chamber of Commerce, who will host educational forums and community events there.

“I am very happy and excited that this project has been completed and the Mott House will once again serve as a beautiful and historical landmark for this community and a gathering place for the Gordon Heights Chamber of Commerce,” stated Councilwoman Kepert.

Town of Brookhaven Opens More Warming Centers

Farmingville, New York - Supervisor Ed Romaine has announced that the Town has opened two more warming centers. The Town is now providing five locations for residents who are without heat to find warmth and comfort during the current extreme cold weather conditions. All town warming centers will be open from Friday, January 25 through Sunday, January 27. The hours of operation are 9:00 am to 11:00 pm. All the centers have TV, a selection of DVD movies and board games. Coffee and tea will also be available.  WiFi internet service is only available at Rose Caracappa Senior Center.

Warming Center locations are:

Rose Caracappa Senior Center, 739 Route 25A in Mt. Sinai

Bay Area Nutrition Center, 369 Neighborhood Road in Mastic Beach

Henrietta Acampora Recreation Center, 39 Montauk Highway in Blue Point

St. Michaels Recreation Center, 100 Wilson Avenue in Gordon Heights

New Village Recreation Center, 20 Wireless Road in Centereach

For more information, call 451-TOWN (8696) Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Supervisor Romaine Honored by Suffolk County for Being Recognized as Public Servant of the Year by The Suffolk Times and Riverhead News-Review

Farmingville, New York –  At the January 22 Town Board meeting, Suffolk County Clerk Judith Pascale presented Supervisor Ed Romaine with a proclamation from the County in recognition of being honored as the 2012 “Public Servant of the Year” by The Suffolk Times and Riverhead News-Review. Supervisor Romaine, who was elected Town Supervisor in November 2012, was honored for his work as a County Legislator, having served the residents in the towns of Brookhaven, Riverhead and Southold from 2006 to 2012.

Supervisor Romaine said, “I am proud to receive this award and I thank the Suffolk Times and Riverhead News-Review for this honor.”

“Ed Romaine is a tireless public official,” said County Clerk Pascale, “He has worked hard to protect and promote the interests and concerns of his constituents.”

In honoring Supervisor Romaine, The Suffolk Times highlighted his work in support of a number of issues including; securing land for a 9-11 memorial in the Reeves Park area of Riverhead; getting fire wells placed in the pine barrens; helping flood victims on Horton Avenue in Riverhead; the acquisition of the North Fork Preserve in Northville to be used as parkland; fighting against the MTA Payroll Tax; and making sure that East End residents were provided bus service.

To learn more about Supervisor Romaine and the Town of Brookhaven, visit www.brookhaven.org or go to the Supervisor’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/edwardpromaine.

Councilwoman Walsh Congratulates Eagle Scout Dylan Russ

Farmingville, New York – On January 11, Councilwoman Kathleen Walsh attended the Eagle Court of Honor for Dylan Russ, which was held at the Farmingville Firehouse. Dylan’s Eagle Scout project was rebuilding a section of railing for the bear exhibit at the Holtsville Ecology Site Zoo. In his speech Dylan thanked his family for their support and inspiration, especially his grandfather. He also thanked the employees at the Ecology Site for their assistance while working on his project.

“I am proud to be here for Dylan”, said Councilwoman Kathleen Walsh, “Our future looks bright when young men such as he are doing wonderful things for our community. The families who visit the Holtsville Ecology site will appreciate the work you have done and so do I.”

Supervisor Romaine and Councilwoman Bonner Swear in New Officers of the North Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce

Farmingville, New York – On January 21, Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine and Councilwoman Jane Bonner swore in the new officers and directors of the North Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce at their annual Holiday and Installation Party. The event was held at Windows on the Lake in Ronkonkoma.

Supervisor Ed Romaine said, “The North Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce is an outstanding organization that contributes so much to the community. I would like to thank all the incoming and outgoing officers and directors for their time and service to the community.”

“I thank the North Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce for their service to the North Shore businesses and their efforts to improve the quality of life in the community,” said Councilwoman Jane Bonner, “Congratulations and best wishes for a successful year ahead to the new officers and directors.”

The new officers and directors of the chamber are:

Jennifer Dzvonar - President
Donna Boeckel - 1st Vice President
Ray Annicelli - 2nd Vice President
Sheila Wieber - Treasurer
Roseanne Vanessendelft - Recording Secretary
Joseph Bencomo - Corresponding Secretary
Joel DeGregorio - Executive Director
Joseph Savastano - Director
Reeni Brill - Director
Carol Genua - Director
Robert Cassidy - Director
Valerie Cassidy - Director
Joseph Berendowski - Director
Brian Yonks - Director
John W. Gebbie - Membership Director

For more information about the North Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce, go to www.northbrookhavenchamber.org.