SUFFOLK COUNTY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES

 NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                 

June 15, 2015 

County Issues Advisory against Bathing at 64 Suffolk County Beaches Due to Heavy Rainfall

Crab Meadow Beach Huntington, NY

Due to the heavy rainfall that occurred overnight and today (6/15/15), the Suffolk County Department of Health Services has issued an advisory against bathing at 64 beaches. The advisory is based on the potential for the presence of bacteria at levels that exceed New York State standards.

The beaches covered by the advisory are located in areas that are heavily influenced by stormwater runoff from the surrounding watersheds and/or adjacent tributaries and, because of their location in an enclosed embayment, experience limited tidal flushing. 

The department recommends that bathing and other water contact be suspended in affected areas until the waters have been flushed by two successive tidal cycles (at least a 24 hour period) after the cessation of rainfall.  This advisory will be lifted Wednesday morning, 6/17/15, unless beach water samples reveal elevated levels of bacteria persisting beyond the 24-hour period.

For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at 852-5822, contact the department’s Office of Ecology at 852-5760 during normal business hours, or visit Suffolk County Department of Health Services beach monitoring webpage.

Suffolk County Department of Health Services:

64 Beaches Included in Bathing Advisory of 6/15/15

suffolkcountyny.gov                   Facebook.com/SuffolkCountyHealthServices           Twitter.com/SuffolkCoHealth

The Centerport Fire Department responded to reports from a resident of two people in a kayak stuck in the mud in the middle of the Mill Pond in Centerport on Tuesday evening, August 4, at 8:56 p.m. Firefighters arrived and located the couple in a kayak about 100 yards off shore by Prospect Road. Rescuers were not able to reach the kayak due to the thick mud which restricted boat access. Centerport Fire Chief Brian Mark requested the assistance of the West Islip Fire Department for their Hovercraft vessel, which floats on air and can travel over mud, ice, and swampy areas where a conventional boat could not reach. Firefighters launched the Hovercraft from an access area on Centershore Road, and were able to reach the kayak in several minutes.  The female occupant was rescued at 10:02 p.m. and safely brought to shore, as the Hovercraft made a return trip to rescue the male occupant at 10:07 p.m. The couple were checked by the Centerport Rescue Squad and were uninjured but covered in dark mud. The Suffolk Police Aviation unit assisted with a helicopter that provided lighting during the rescue. The Suffolk Police Marine Bureau and Huntington Harbormaster also assisted. Forty firefighters and emergency medical personnel participated in the rescue and were on the scene with a heavy rescue truck, ambulance, rescue boat, fire police and the Hovercraft. The rescue was successfully completed in just over an hour and with no injuries, under the command of Chief Brian Mark and Assistant Chiefs Tom Boyd and Rich Miltner.

                                                                      Story and Photos by Steve Silverman    

Centerport Fire Department water rescue team members gear up in exposure suits.

Centerport and West Islip firefighters assist in bringing the Hovercraft to shore following the rescue.

The West Islip Fire Hovercraft launches in the mud of the Mill Pond in Centerport to rescue trapped couple in kayak

The rescued couple covered in mud with Centerport firefighters and rescue personnel.

Centerport Fire Department rescue truck and firefighters on the shore of the Mill Pond in Centerport.

Firefighters from the Centerport and West Islip with the Hovercraft at the Centerport firehouse following the rescue.

Those In Blue Protecting You Huntington NY– Report Our intention in publishing crime stats is to provide the facts for our readers. Too often reality is overshadowed by perception. This is the reality as reported by the police. We include all the arrests and incidents for the specific time period and it is taken directly from police records. We do not target or omit crimes from one particular hamlet. Judgments are often made on manipulated statistics, false perceptions or on what politicians want you to believe. This data is not manipulated, nor changed. It is intended to keep our readers informed.

ARREST REPORT STARTS HERE:

INCIDENT REPORTS Starts Here:

Crab Meadow Beach Huntington, NY

Due to the heavy rainfall, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services has issued an advisory against bathing at 29 Huntington beaches. The advisory is based on the potential for the presence of bacteria at levels that exceed New York State standards.

The beaches covered by the advisory are located in areas that are heavily influenced by stormwater runoff from the surrounding watersheds and/or adjacent tributaries and, because of their location in an enclosed embayment, experience limited tidal flushing.

The department recommends that bathing and other water contact be suspended in affected areas until the waters have been flushed by two successive tidal cycles (at least a 24 hour period) after the cessation of rainfall.  This advisory will be lifted on the morning of Thursday, August 13, 2015, unless beach water samples reveal elevated levels of bacteria persisting beyond the 24-hour period.

For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at 852-5822, contact the department’s Office of Ecology at 852-5760 during normal business hours, or visit Suffolk County Department of Health Services beach monitoring webpage.

Centerport FD Takes First Place in Huntington Firemen’s Softball League

Centerport Fire Dept Softball team, Story/Photo by S. Silverman

The Centerport Fire Department Softball Team captured the Huntington Town Firemen’s Softball League Championship, having finished the season with an outstanding record of 21-3. Team members pictured, kneeling from left are: Mike Gunther, Kyle McLaughlin, Tom Boyd, Brian Ciafardoni, Nick Malico and Brianna Simpson. Standing: A.J. Jensen, Chris Cunningham, Cody Cunningham, Manager Robert Ciafardoni, Brian Bienwald, Pete Reilly and Jim Malico.

Petrone Votes a Raise for Himself & Cuts White Collar Union Pay 

Huntington’s white-collar workers union have agreed to a concession package that includes a two year pay freeze, a lag payroll for 2013 and a 10% health insurance contribution in the same budget year that Supervisor Petrone voted himself a $4360.00 pay increase. The approximately 200 member union membership, voted in favor of the concession package in an effort to avert threatened layoff’s.

In a vote at the last town board meeting Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, Councilwoman Susan Berland and Supervisor Frank Petrone voted to give the Supervisors position a raise, while negotiations to freeze the white collar union workers who make around $38,000 annually were in progress.

Councilman Mayoka proposed a resolution to reduce the salaries of the current town board.  Councilman Cook seconded the resolution. The resolution was adamantly rejected by Supervisor Petrone, Councilwoman Berland and Councilman Cuthbertson.

Refering to the new union contract, Newsday quoted Petrone as saying “it’s about shared sacrifice”.

According to Newsday, Petrone stated “When you look at what all the other employees have given over the years from blue collar, to appointees, the electeds, it all averages out in terms of everyone giving,” he said. “What they have agreed to makes it so nobody loses their job. If the contract did not go, there would have been layoffs.”

Yes Supervisor, it is all about sacrifice, so where is yours?

The Supervisor was also quoted in another local newspaper in response to the resolution offered by Councilman Mayoka and seconded by Councilman Cook to cut Town Board salaries by 10%. The Supervisor’s quote is shown below:

“It’s inexcusable and it’s dirty. They should be booted out of office because they’re not representing the taxpayers,” Petrone said.

The white collar union agreement includes a two year wage freeze and a 2.75% percent increase in each of the last three years of the contract. Eligible employees will also receive a step increase at the end of the contract. All members will now contribute 10% into their health care costs starting in 2013. Previously, only members hired after April 7, 2007, were required to pay into health care costs. Members also will forego 10 days of pay in 2013, through a lag payroll program which will be paid out upon retirement. A lag payroll only provides a cost savings for the town for one year. This is known as a “one shot” revenue source that will not help mitigate the town’s multi-year structural deficit.

The concession package will be officially voted on by the Town Board at the December 18th board meeting.

Increased patrols to combat drinking while operating motor vehicles and vessels

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Edward Webber has announced a compre

Marine Police Boat

hensive boating and driving while intoxicated crackdown plan to help keep residents safe during Labor Day weekend.

Suffolk County Police will be patrolling for DWI and BWI offenders on Suffolk roads and waterways. The enforcement effort will include officers from Marine Bureau, Community Support Units, Motorcycle Section, SAFE-T (Selective Alcohol Fatality Enforcement) Section as well as patrols.

“In an effort to ensure Suffolk County residents have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend, we are asking everyone to make responsible decisions,” said County Executive Steve Bellone. “Police are taking a zero-tolerance approach with those who drink and get behind the wheel of a car or boat.”

“Our officers will saturate the roads and waterways of Suffolk County to target drunk drivers and boaters,” said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Edward Webber. “All too often, officers respond to crashes during which people are seriously injured or killed due to a driver’s irresponsible actions.”

The fourth annual Grateful Fest, the popular outdoor Grateful Dead tribute-band concert, will be held Sunday, September 27, from 12:00 to 6:30 p.m. on the Great Lawn, west of the Vanderbilt Mansion, overlooking Northport Bay and Long Island Sound.

Proceeds will benefit Vanderbilt Museum education programs. (Rain date: October 4). The Vanderbilt is located at 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, NY.

Thirty artists will paint to live music by regional Grateful Dead tribute bands Half Step, The Electrix, Reckoning and Unbroken Chain. Concert-goers bring beach chairs, blankets and picnic lunches. Tickets: adults $25 on-line, $35 at door; children 5-15 $10 on-line or at door; children under 5 free.

Click here to purchase tickets.
Rich Rivkin — who produces the Grateful Fest as well as the annual Woodstock Revival concert — says “Grateful Fest is where the vibe attracts the tribe! Your eyes and ears will thank your brain.”

County Issues Advisory against Bathing at 64 Beaches

Asharoken beach no swimming

Wading River Beach remains closed

Due to the heavy rainfall, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services has issued an advisory against bathing at 64 beaches. The advisory is based on the potential for the presence of bacteria at levels that exceed New York State standards.

The beaches covered by the advisory are located in areas that are heavily influenced by stormwater runoff from the surrounding watersheds and/or adjacent tributaries and, because of their location in an enclosed embayment, experience limited tidal flushing.

The department recommends that bathing and other water contact be suspended in affected areas until the waters have been flushed by two successive tidal cycles (at least a 24 hour period) after the cessation of rainfall.  This advisory will be lifted on Saturday morning, September 12, 2015.

Wading River Beach, which was closed on Tuesday, September 8, 2015, due to high levels of bacteria, remains closed to bathing.

For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at 852-5822, contact the department’s Office of Ecology at 852-5760 during normal business hours, or visit Suffolk County Department of Health Services beach monitoring webpage.

Suffolk County Department of Health Services

64 Beaches Included in Bathing Advisory of 9/10/15

Annika Bennett and Kirsten Maxwell are Featured Performers

Two talented young singer-songwriters – Annika Bennett and Huntington’s own Kirsten Maxwell — will perform song swap-style and accompany each other on a few of their own songs when the Folk Music Society of Huntington’s Hard Luck Café concert series resumes at the Cinema Arts Centre (423 Park Avenue, Huntington, NY) on Thursday, Sept. 17. The 8:30 p.m. concert in the Cinema’s Sky Room will be preceded by an open mic at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are  $15 ($10 for Cinema Arts Centre and FMSH members). For more information, visit www.fmsh.org or call (631) 425-2925.

Annika Bennett is an award-winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.  Although she’s only 17, Annika’s songs reflect a level of craftsmanship and her lyrics a depth of wisdom that belie her youth. They are definitely not about teenage angst. She has written scores of songs and performed extensively throughout the New York metropolitan area.

Last year, Annika received ASCAP’s prestigious Robert Allen Award for Excellence in Songwriting and was the Audience Choice winner of WNYC Radio’s Battle of the Boroughs (Queens) competition. A semi-finalist in the 2014 International Songwriting Competition, Annika also participated in RealWomen RealSongs – a group of female artists who each wrote a prompted song a week during 2014. Winner of the 2015 Your Big Break Contest sponsored by the Gold Coast Arts Center, Annika also closed out the juried Emerging Artists Showcase during this summer’s Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.

Kirsten Maxwell is a folk music “triple threat.” Her talent is equal parts singer, performer, and songwriter.  Often compared to timeless singers like Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, and Judy Collins, the 23-year-old is unlike any young female singer of her generation.

Over the past year, Kirsten has quickly made a name for herself on the Long Island music scene. Now venturing out into New England, she won a songwriting contest sponsored by the Rhode Island Songwriters Association (RISA) — taking the prize with two original songs off of her debut album, Crimson.

Kirsten began singing and performing at age 5 as part of the Amato Opera Children’s Chorus. She continued classical vocal studies at The Crane School of Music, where she developed captivating control over an otherwise naturally passionate voice. Kirsten graduated from SUNY Geneseo last year with a BA in Creative Writing, which enhanced her innate songwriting abilities.

Annika Bennett impressed folks with her original song “California” as she closed out the juried Emerging Artists Showcase at this summer’s Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. Here’s a link to a video of her performing it another time at the festival:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c9Pwnx0TLk

Here’s a link to a video of Huntington’s own Kirsten Maxwell performing her rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDp-ZlqyQYQ

Now in its 47th year, the Folk Music Society of Huntington (www.fmsh.org) presents two monthly concert series, a monthly folk jam and an annual folk festival in conjunction with the Huntington Arts Council. Its First Saturday Concerts series resumes Oct. 3 at the Congregational Church of Huntington in Centerport with singer-songwriter and consummate entertainer Vance Gilbert, who possesses “the voice of an angel, the wit of a devil, and the guitar playing of a god.” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

This seminar at VFW Post 1469 210 West Pulaski Road Huntington Station

promises to change the way you see local government and the protections available under the Rule

Councilman Cook

of Law for owning and investing in commercial and residential real estate in the Town of Huntington.  This seminar will illustrate why unnecessary applications and payments to local government restrict investment in local areas, and lead to an ever more dramatic downturn in the local economy.

In 2003, New York State brought into existence a new uniform code for building code and property maintenance code which preempts local codes inconsistent with the state provisions.  The state provisions are meant to encourage investment.  But local governments have suppressed knowledge of their existence, and unfairly and illegally oppressed local residents and investors for more than a decade. 

Tom Horn and Lawrence Kelly are two attorneys who have successfully used the state laws to insist East End Towns and Villages follow the Rule of Law in dealing with commercial and residential real estate owners and operators.  Tom Horn is a former Fire Marshal and Safety Officer for East Hampton Town, having served as a School Board Member, Union President and Master Electrician.  Lawrence Kelly is a former Suffolk County District Attorney, County Attorney and Senior Rule of Law Advisor for the United States State Department in Southern Iraq. 

Lawrence Kelly

Horn and Kelly have looked at Huntington Town activities and will bring a curtain up on the hypocrisy and dysfunction evident in their review, and provide solutions as to how these can be addressed. 

Councilman Eugene Cook  is candidate for Huntington Town Board who believe that this information is important for voters of Huntington to hear, understand, and act upon in making Huntington government conform its conduct to the Rule of Law and promote investment in the community.  That was the intent of the State Legislature in enacting the new uniform codes, to provide a level playing field for individuals interested in investing in towns like Huntington all across New York State.  No political favorites, no targeting of the opposition, simply respect for the Rule of Law. 

We hope you will join us as we seek to inform the public and make Town of Huntington a better choice for investment and growth opportunity for the next generation of Huntingtonians.  Please join us OCTOBER 13, 2015 at the VFW Post 1469 210 West Pulaski Road Huntington Station at 7:00PM. 

SADD Presents: Recovery, Awareness, and Prevention Week

Huntington, New York-Northport High School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) will be dedicating an entire week to cultivating prevention, supporting recovery, and promoting awareness of drug and alcohol abuse. SADD has partnered with the Northport-East Northport Drug and Alcohol Task Force, County Legislator Doc Spencer’s office, the Northport Police Department, and the Suffolk County Police Department’s 2nd Precinct. The week will begin with a community event on Thursday, October 22, 2015, at the Northport American Legion Hall, where family members will share their experiences with addiction. The Suffolk County Police Department will then provide Narcan training for the community.  *Narcan is used to treat a narcotic overdose.*

Following this there will be an aggressive drug take-back campaign starting at the Northport Library on Saturday, October 24, 10am-2pm, and Sunday, October 25, 1pm-5pm, manned by the Northport Police Department. The 2nd Precinct will also man a post at the East Northport Library on Saturday, October 24, 10am-2pm. Community members will also be given the opportunity to participate in an anonymous drug drop-off, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at each SCPD precinct.

The following week, all of the schools within the district will take part in a series of activities designed to educate and raise awareness on the drug epidemic. Speakers will also be invited to share their stories with the students. The week will culminate in a press conference outside the Northport Village Hall, where officials will report to the community on the results of the week.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that the United States is in the midst of a prescription painkiller overdose epidemic. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, 43,000 people are dying a year from overdoses. The Long Island Expressway has been identified as the “Heroin Highway.” Last year on Long Island alone, 341 individuals lost their lives to overdose. The community is in a state of crisis, and Northport High School’s SADD program has made the commitment to do something about it.

SADD Advisor Tammy Walsh states:

“My work as an activist for this cause has often left me frustrated and wondering if we have really left an impact. Particularly as we continue to see the number of casualties rise, it can seem as if it is a futile effort. This week, specifically, the Narcan training, and the drug take-back program give me a renewed sense of hope that we are doing something that will have tangible results. The drugs we are taking off the streets could stop a kid from overdosing or possibly getting addicted. The Narcan training we are providing is empowering people to be in a position to save lives. We are still in this fight.”

For questions about these events, please contact Darryl St. George, Educator and SADD Advisor, at darryl.stgeorge@northport.k12.ny.us

Download (PDF, 173KB)

“I Support Jennifer and urge the residents of Huntington to do the same”

From the office of Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci:

Over the past five years, I have had the pleasure of developing a strong relationship with Jennifer Thompson. Ms. Thompson, a Northport-East Northport School Board member, is a strong and hard-working individual who is committed to fiscal responsibility and bringing accountability back to the Town of Huntington. Jennifer has a track record of trusted leadership throughout her time on the Northport-East Northport School Board. As a former School Board member myself, I have great respect for School Board trustees who seek to continue their public service in an elected government capacity.

Chad Lupinacci endorses Jennifer Thompson

During Jennifer’s time on the School Board, she fought for controlled and responsible spending, supported teachers, and brought a listening ear to the School Board. These are the same qualities that Jennifer intends to bring to Town Hall. Her priorities, like her running mate Eugene Cook, are rooted in restoring accountability to our local government and bringing a brighter future to Huntington. With her experience, her commitment, and her proven track record of getting things done, I am confident that she will bring the changes that Huntington so desperately needs.

In my time speaking with Jennifer, she articulated her plans for a brighter future for Huntington.  This begins with reducing taxes, controlling spending, and fair play for town contracts.

Overall, Jennifer is an extremely strong candidate who offers a fresh perspective on the issues facing the Town of Huntington. I proudly and enthusiastically support Jennifer and urge the residents of Huntington to do the same.

Petrone Votes a Raise for Himself & Cuts White Collar Union Pay 

Huntington’s white-collar workers union have agreed to a concession package that includes a two year pay freeze, a lag payroll for 2013 and a 10% health insurance contribution in the same budget year that Supervisor Petrone voted himself a $4360.00 pay increase. The approximately 200 member union membership, voted in favor of the concession package in an effort to avert threatened layoff’s.

In a vote at the last town board meeting Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, Councilwoman Susan Berland and Supervisor Frank Petrone voted to give the Supervisors position a raise, while negotiations to freeze the white collar union workers who make around $38,000 annually were in progress.

Councilman Mayoka proposed a resolution to reduce the salaries of the current town board.  Councilman Cook seconded the resolution. The resolution was adamantly rejected by Supervisor Petrone, Councilwoman Berland and Councilman Cuthbertson.

Refering to the new union contract, Newsday quoted Petrone as saying “it’s about shared sacrifice”.

According to Newsday, Petrone stated “When you look at what all the other employees have given over the years from blue collar, to appointees, the electeds, it all averages out in terms of everyone giving,” he said. “What they have agreed to makes it so nobody loses their job. If the contract did not go, there would have been layoffs.”

Yes Supervisor, it is all about sacrifice, so where is yours?

The Supervisor was also quoted in another local newspaper in response to the resolution offered by Councilman Mayoka and seconded by Councilman Cook to cut Town Board salaries by 10%. The Supervisor’s quote is shown below:

“It’s inexcusable and it’s dirty. They should be booted out of office because they’re not representing the taxpayers,” Petrone said.

The white collar union agreement includes a two year wage freeze and a 2.75% percent increase in each of the last three years of the contract. Eligible employees will also receive a step increase at the end of the contract. All members will now contribute 10% into their health care costs starting in 2013. Previously, only members hired after April 7, 2007, were required to pay into health care costs. Members also will forego 10 days of pay in 2013, through a lag payroll program which will be paid out upon retirement. A lag payroll only provides a cost savings for the town for one year. This is known as a “one shot” revenue source that will not help mitigate the town’s multi-year structural deficit.

The concession package will be officially voted on by the Town Board at the December 18th board meeting.

Increased patrols to combat drinking while operating motor vehicles and vessels

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Edward Webber has announced a compre

Marine Police Boat

hensive boating and driving while intoxicated crackdown plan to help keep residents safe during Labor Day weekend.

Suffolk County Police will be patrolling for DWI and BWI offenders on Suffolk roads and waterways. The enforcement effort will include officers from Marine Bureau, Community Support Units, Motorcycle Section, SAFE-T (Selective Alcohol Fatality Enforcement) Section as well as patrols.

“In an effort to ensure Suffolk County residents have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend, we are asking everyone to make responsible decisions,” said County Executive Steve Bellone. “Police are taking a zero-tolerance approach with those who drink and get behind the wheel of a car or boat.”

“Our officers will saturate the roads and waterways of Suffolk County to target drunk drivers and boaters,” said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Edward Webber. “All too often, officers respond to crashes during which people are seriously injured or killed due to a driver’s irresponsible actions.”

The fourth annual Grateful Fest, the popular outdoor Grateful Dead tribute-band concert, will be held Sunday, September 27, from 12:00 to 6:30 p.m. on the Great Lawn, west of the Vanderbilt Mansion, overlooking Northport Bay and Long Island Sound.

Proceeds will benefit Vanderbilt Museum education programs. (Rain date: October 4). The Vanderbilt is located at 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, NY.

Thirty artists will paint to live music by regional Grateful Dead tribute bands Half Step, The Electrix, Reckoning and Unbroken Chain. Concert-goers bring beach chairs, blankets and picnic lunches. Tickets: adults $25 on-line, $35 at door; children 5-15 $10 on-line or at door; children under 5 free.

Click here to purchase tickets.
Rich Rivkin — who produces the Grateful Fest as well as the annual Woodstock Revival concert — says “Grateful Fest is where the vibe attracts the tribe! Your eyes and ears will thank your brain.”

County Issues Advisory against Bathing at 64 Beaches

Asharoken beach no swimming

Wading River Beach remains closed

Due to the heavy rainfall, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services has issued an advisory against bathing at 64 beaches. The advisory is based on the potential for the presence of bacteria at levels that exceed New York State standards.

The beaches covered by the advisory are located in areas that are heavily influenced by stormwater runoff from the surrounding watersheds and/or adjacent tributaries and, because of their location in an enclosed embayment, experience limited tidal flushing.

The department recommends that bathing and other water contact be suspended in affected areas until the waters have been flushed by two successive tidal cycles (at least a 24 hour period) after the cessation of rainfall.  This advisory will be lifted on Saturday morning, September 12, 2015.

Wading River Beach, which was closed on Tuesday, September 8, 2015, due to high levels of bacteria, remains closed to bathing.

For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at 852-5822, contact the department’s Office of Ecology at 852-5760 during normal business hours, or visit Suffolk County Department of Health Services beach monitoring webpage.

Suffolk County Department of Health Services

64 Beaches Included in Bathing Advisory of 9/10/15

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,I-South Huntington) recently joined Leadership Huntington, an organization of professionals from the Township of Huntington, to discuss the New York State Assembly and legislation which will affect the 10^th Assembly District. During this forum, Lupinacci answered questions regarding the 2015-2016 budget and the upcoming legislative session.

“Huntington, which is primarily located within the 10^th Assembly District, is fortunate to have organizations such as Leadership Huntington. Their profound contributions to the professional and business communities certainly make our area more unified in a collective effort to improve the quality of life for each resident of Huntington,” Lupinacci began. “This group was not only very informed about local politics and policy, but also in tune with upcoming legislation which may affect our area following the commencement of the 2016 Legislative Session. I applaud Leadership Huntington and their efforts to engage all of Huntington’s residents, especially with information regarding New York State government. I find Leadership Huntington a very useful asset to gather insight from the business and professional communities of Huntington, and I look forward to further cooperation with this organization in the future,” Lupinacci concluded.

Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. James L. Tomarken announced today that two mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquito samples, Aedes japonicus and Aedes vexans, were collected on September 30 from Bay Shore (1) and October 6 from Greenlawn (1). This year, 200 mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus. Mosquito surveillance has concluded for the year 2015.

West Nile virus, first detected in birds and mosquito samples in Suffolk County in 1999 and again each year thereafter, is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Four humans have tested positive for West Nile virus this year.

To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.

To learn more about how mosquitoes are captured and tested for mosquito-borne diseases in Suffolk County, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtaO-GkF8Yc

To learn more about how mosquitoes are prepared for West Nile virus testing, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebOvsdiln-8