(Huntington NY) – Councilwoman Susan A. Berland and Suffolk County Legislator Lou D’Amaro joined hundreds of students, teachers, administrators and parents Wednesday morning at the Memorial Field behind the South Huntington Library to kick off the annual Birchwood and Maplewood Intermediate Schools’ “Mini-thon.”

Coordinated by the schools’ Physical Education Departments, each runner in the “mini-thon” predicts how long he or she will take to run one mile and practices yearlong to achieve their goal. Students who come closest to their prediction receive awards, but at this fun event, everyone is considered a winner.

“It is said that hard work, training and determination takes you a long way, in this case, it took these students a mile!” commented Councilwoman Berland. “It was a pleasure to join the students, teachers, administrators and parents in kicking off this year’s ‘Mini-thon.’ These students worked all year to prepare themselves for this event and it’s a great way for our young Huntington residents to stay in top physical shape in preparation for an active summer. I applaud the South Huntington School District for instilling the importance of health and fitness in their students from an early age.”

“I congratulate all of the students who have learned that whether it is in academics or athletics, personal growth and achievement is the true mark of success,” said Legislator D’Amaro. “I thank the South Huntington School District for finding a way to make everyone feel like a winner!”

Learns how scouting is building female leaders of tomorrow

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,WF,I-Huntington Station) recently met with Yvonne Grant, CEO, and Mary Garrote, Director of Development, for Girl Scouts of Suffolk County at their headquarters in Commack.

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci meets with Yvonne Grant, CEO, and Mary Garrote, Director of Development, for Girl Scouts of Suffolk County at their headquarters in Commack.

“The Girl Scouts have been molding leaders of the future for nearly 100 years in Suffolk County,” said Lupinacci. “One interesting fact for our local girls is that the first troop in Suffolk and Long Island, the 12th troop to form in the nation, was right here in Huntington. Today, the Suffolk County Council serves more than 40,000 girls between the ages of 5 and 17, and more than 3 million girls worldwide participate in the Girl Scouts program. I want to thank all those who work so hard each day to build our young women into tomorrow’s leaders.”

Those wishing to join their local Girl Scout chapter can find additional information by visiting http://www.gssc.us/forgirls/joingirlscouts.asp.

(Long Island, NY) Senators Lee Zeldin (R, C, I- Shirley) and Phil Boyle (R, C, I- Islip) presented a New York Senate Resolution commemorating Rabbi Steven Moss’s 40th Anniversary with B’nai Israel Reform Temple in Oakdale. The presentation took place at the Suffolk County Police Memorial Service in Yaphank on Friday, May 17th.

Rabbi Moss (center) is in his Suffolk County Police Uniform, where he serves as Chief of Chaplains.

(East Patchogue, NY) Assemblyman Edward Hennessey helped to kick off the Town of Brookhaven’s Great Community Cleanup at St. Joseph the Worker Church located on Narragansett Avenue in East Patchogue.

Volunteers gathered for a full day of neighborhood cleanup with the promise of a barbeque after the work was done. Assemblyman Hennessey wrapped up the day with volunteers from the Medford Civic and Taxpayer Association and Medford residents who turned their cleanup efforts to Long Island Avenue and the Medford Train Station area.

Assemblyman Edward Hennessey (far right) joined forces with Brookhaven Town Supervisor Edward Romaine (far left) and volunteers from the Hagerman Fire Department to pitch in for Community Clean Up Day in East Patchogue. Also pictured is Curby, the Town of Brookhaven’s recycling mascot.

Assemblyman Edward Hennessey (far right) joined forces with Brookhaven Town Supervisor Edward Romaine (far left), South Country Community Ambulance Chief Gregory Miglino, Jr. (front kneeling) and volunteers from both South Country and Hagerman Fire Department for Clean Up Day in East Patchogue. Also pictured is Curby, the Town of Brookhaven’s recycling mascot.

“When we keep our streets and neighborhoods clean and work to make them attractive, it sends the right message to those people passing through and others who may want to settle down and call the pretty little corner lot that sparkles home. Thanks to all for inviting me to participate and a bigger thanks to the hardworking volunteers who made it happen,” said Assemblyman Hennessey.

Lupinacci hosts 2013 Women of Distinction ceremony

(Long Island, NY) On Saturday, a group of eleven local women were honored for their efforts to help build better communities. As part of his 2013 Women of Distinction ceremony, Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,WF,I-Huntington Station) celebrated the efforts of the 11 women in the fields of business, education, humanitarian work, military service, community/civic affairs and healthcare.

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci joins the 2013 Women of Distinction honorees.

“Our community is blessed to have tremendous women who have enhanced the lives of countless residents from Long Island and beyond,” said Lupinacci. “These women are responsible for amazing acts of self sacrifice and progress that have transformed our communities. Whether it’s opening the world of reading to young minds, raising awareness of domestic violence, or helping those less fortunate across the globe, each has made a lasting impact on the lives they’ve touched. They come from all walks of life; they are mothers, grandmothers, doctors and teachers, and I encourage everyone to thank them for their dedication and service.”

The 2013 Women of Distinction honorees were: Alyssa Sue Taff of Huntington, Denise Elmore of Huntington Station, Florence Johnson of Huntington Station, Fran Leek of Huntington, Gail King of Dix Hills, Irene Moore of Huntington Station, Lesa Dresher of Huntington Station, Lidia Szczepanowski-Goldsmith, Esq. of Dix Hills, Dr. Maureen Theresa Murphy of Melville, Patricia Dillon of Huntington, and Tracy Lobdell of Huntington Station.

“Once again, I want to thank those who nominated these women and most importantly, thank these distinguished women for their continued commitment to a better Long Island,” Lupinacci concluded.

(Long Island, NY) The New York State Senate today passed three bills to help farmers succeed by improving agricultural marketing efforts and better connecting farms to consumers across the state.

The “Buy From the Backyard Act” (S978), sponsored by Senator Thomas Libous (R-C-I, Binghamton), requires state agencies with food contracts to buy at least 20 percent of their food from New York sources. The bill expands upon an existing law that encourages state agencies to purchase local food products. Mental health facilities, prisons, universities, and state institutions that have food contracts would be required to purchase at least 20 percent that is grown, produced, harvested or processed in New York State.

“If every household in New York spent just $15 per week on local food, we could pump $5.5 billion into New York State’s economy,” sponsor Senator Tom Libous said. “And that’s just households. The Buy From the Backyard Act will help state agencies join in supporting our farmers and stimulating the economy. We’re investing taxpayer dollars right back into our state.”

Two pieces of legislation sponsored by Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) would help optimize the ways farmers can best connect with customers, suppliers and distributors. A bill passed by the Senate today (S2147) directs the state to develop a long-term strategy for sustaining farming and food production by expediting and encouraging consumer trends towards the consumption of locally and regionally grown foods.

Another bill passed today (S2152) creates the strategic farm and food product development coordinating council to promote beneficial relationships. The Council would connect farmers with processors, wholesalers, distributors, and state institutional entities such as schools and prisons in order to promote the use of New York-grown products in New York.

“New York State has significant high-quality agricultural assets that are widely known to produce excellent products,” said Senator Valesky. “From both economic and health perspectives, it makes sense to connect our own in-state markets to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to local products. This legislation will enable us to do this efficiently and effectively.”

The bills have been sent to the Assembly.

(Long Island, NY) “The three airports operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PA) collectively represent the busiest airport system in the United States,” said Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Nassau). “The noise generated by all these overflights has increased steadily over time, and it’s incumbent upon the PA to conduct a noise study to ensure that aircraft noise is given proper consideration by airport operators when they determine which runways and approach paths to use.”

Hannon’s legislation, passed unanimously, is Senate bill 3841, which would require the PA to conduct a noise and land use compatibility study as set forth in 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 150. That report would then be submitted to the Governors and Legislatures of New York and New Jersey, and would require the PA to hold biennial public hearings at which the public would be heard regarding aircraft noise issues.

“JFK, LaGuardia and Newark/Liberty airports offer convenient departure points for our residents when they wish to fly,” said Hannon. “Unfortunately, that comes at a price – aircraft noise for those on the ground. Over the years, this has steadily increased as more and more overflights have been squeezed into our airspace. Although this is primarily an issue under federal jurisdiction, I am calling upon the PA to immediately undertake a noise study and to report those findings to New York and New Jersey, so that we can safely and sensibly address airplane noise over our area.”

Part 150 of the federal aviation regulations provides a mechanism for considering the issue of aircraft noise and developing a plan to address noise issue that gives due consideration to residents effected by aircraft around the United States, including major Northeast and Atlantic region airports. Further, FAA grant funding may be available for conducting such a study as well as noise abatement efforts that may be recommended.

“With summer coming, we all like to open our windows to let the fresh air in,” said Hannon. “But this is becoming increasingly more difficult with the number of aircraft flying over our area. While safety is obviously paramount, the PA and Federal Aviation Administration must also consider the impact that this is having to residents who are constantly being subjected to the noise. My legislation will require the noise study and public hearings to ensure that airplane noise is considered when airport operators determine which flight paths and runways will be used on any given day.”

This legislation was referred to the Assembly.

(Long Island, NY) The New York State Senate today passed legislation to encourage the building of more “green” homes by creating a property tax exemption. The bill (S1710), sponsored by Senator Mark Grisanti (R-I, North Buffalo), would help increase demand for environmentally friendly housing by allowing local municipalities to offer a real property tax exemption of 35 percent for a maximum of 20 years.

“Green homes are gaining in popularity and can make a home more desirable in a slow market,” said Senator Grisanti, Chairman of the Environmental Conservation Committee. “Homeowners want a home that will reduce their energy costs, be healthier for their family and be kinder to the environment. With this legislation I am eager to help builders decide that the investment in green building will be beneficial. Green builders are not only making homes that exceed building codes and are cost effective to own but also minimize environmental impact. New York State wants to provide incentives for all new construction to head down this road, I urge my colleagues to act in the Assembly.”

Green building increases a home’s value while decreasing utility expenses, maximizing the use of natural resources, and minimizing environmental impact. Green buildings are crafted to exceed building codes while remaining cost-effective to own and operate.

The creation of the green development home tax exemption would facilitate growth in the green home market by offsetting the increased up-front building costs for many environmentally friendly home features. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimates that U.S. homebuyers are willing to pay between 11 and 25 percent more for green homes and that the demand for green homes will rise 900 percent over the next five years. Additionally, over 40 percent of current home remodels are constructed with green products.

Homeowners in municipalities that choose to participate in offering the exemption would be eligible if their new home meets specific NAHB or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. Features of the home could include use of recycled content in building materials, renewable energy sources, utilities that conserve water, low- or no-VOC finishes, among others.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.

(West Hempstead, NY) – For the West Hempstead Water District, the 25th annual Drinking Water Week brought some extremely gratifying recognition and a coveted trophy to boot. The District was declared winner of the annual ‘Best Tasting Water Contest’ competition held May 5th through May 11th on the campus of Farmingdale State College.

Pictured from left to right: John Sparacio, Chairman of the Board Of Commissioners, West Hempstead Water District, and Robert P. York West Hempstead Water District Superintendent, proudly hold the winning trophy for “Best Tasting Water in Nassau County.”

Sponsored by the Long Island Water Conference, visitors were asked to sample drinking water from 21 water districts in a blind taste test. The West Hempstead Water District was chosen “best of breed,” ahead of all other Nassau County water districts.

Commissioner John Sparacio, Chairman of the Board Of Commissioners commented, “This is a wonderful honor. Our people work hard to deliver the best tasting water without interruption. It’s also reassuring to know that West Hempstead customers can turn a tap and get the county’s best tasting water at a fraction of the cost of bottled water. In fact, our water is below the national average cost.”

District Superintendent Robert P. York added, “It’s a friendly competition and a wonderful way to promote the quality and value of water here on Long Island. Everyone at the District is very proud to be selected Nassau’s champion.”

The West Hempstead Water District serves some 8,000 customers from 11 wells, pumping over 11,000,000 gallons on average per day. The District maintains over 120 miles of water mains.

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) launched National Drinking Water Week to stress the importance of maintaining good quality drinking water. The week was given official government recognition in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan.

For more information, contact Mr. Robert P. York at 575 Birch Street West Hempstead, NY 11552, via phone at (516) 483-1180 or visit www.westhempsteadwater.org

Agency Contact: Jamie Stanco/Gary Cucchi, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. (631) 756-7160, Email: jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com, gcucchi@pmgstrategic.com

(Bethpage, NY) – On Friday, May 10, 2013, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association (NSWCA), co-sponsored the first-ever Long Island Groundwater Symposium, along with the Long Island Water Conference and the Suffolk County Water Authority. The five hour informational program was highlighted by moderated panel discussions featuring water supply industry professionals and elected officials. Topics of discussion included water availability, water quality, infrastructure management and long term protection of Long Island’s groundwater supply.

Robert McEvoy of Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association and Chairman of Oyster Bay Water District seen moders a panel discussion on Infrastructure Management during the first-ever Long Island Groundwater Symposium.

“We’re focused on education and awareness regarding our drinking water supply,” said NSWCA President Gary Brosnan, who is Commissioner of South Farmingdale Water District. “We are hopeful that the Symposium opened some eyes and will help Long Island consumers become more proactive about conserving and preserving our most precious natural resource.”

Attendees included educators, advocates, water commissioners and superintendents. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone provided opening remarks and commented, “This is a historic day. There is a tremendous responsibility for taking reasonable action to protect this resource and to continue to provide quality water to Long Island.”

Former NSCA President and Oyster Bay Water Commissioner Bob McEvo chaired the discussion on Infrastructure Management.

In addition to discussing Long Island’s groundwater issues, tasting ballots were cast for the 28th annual “Best Tasting Water Contest” with Suffolk County Water Authority taking the prize for “Best Tasting Water on Long Island”.

It has been over 20 years since the last major island-wide symposium focused solely on groundwater. The program provided a broader awareness of the value of Long Island’s sole source aquifer to some 3 million people, and the challenges facing this critical natural resource. The event is part of a month-long dedication to water as Earth’s greatest natural resource.

About Nassau-Suffolk Water Commissioners Association
The NSWCA is comprised of Water Commissioners from 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County Water Districts. NSWCA is dedicated to communication, efficiency and best practices among Long Island’s water districts. As part of its mission, the association holds monthly educational meetings sponsoring experts on topics that include law, cost efficiencies, rules and regulations and issues germane to water utilities.

For further information, please contact the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association President contact Mr. Gary Brosnan at 516 249-3330 or via email, gary@sfwater.com

For information regarding your District’s Water Commissioners, please contact: Mr. Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. at 631-756-7160. or via email, jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com.