Nesconset Homeowners Receive New Septic System From Suffolk County

By Linda Allocco

Photos by Linda Allocco (click on photos to enlarge)

County Executive Bellone -“This is a small part of what we need to do”On Thursday, August 20th, County Executive Steve Bellone, along with various Suffolk County officials and regional environmentalists, attended the installation of an advanced onsite septic system at the Nesconset home of one of Suffolk County’s Septic System Lottery winners.

In October of 2014, County Executive Bellone announced 19 Suffolk County homeowners would receive free installation, six month monitoring and five year maintenance of an advanced wastewater treatment system. According to Bellone, this pilot program is part of the County’s attempt to stem the high concentration of nitrogen that threatens Long Island’s drinking water.

Out of 137 applications, 53 homes met the requisite qualifications. In December of 2014, lawmakers at the Suffolk County Legislature pulled the names of 19 winners. Jim and Donna Minet of Nesconset were one of those chosen to participate in this program.

The Hydro-Action system installed at the Minet’s home uses an extended aeration activated sludge process wherein microorganisms which treat wastewater remain in the treatment process for more than 24 hours.

“The County wants to thank Jim and Donna for participating in a program that is vitally important for our County’s future,” Bellone stated.

Referring to the $383 million in funding Suffolk County has received from New York State and the federal government for proposed County sewer projects, Bellone explained that although the County hasn’t seen this kind of money in 40 years, there is much more work that needs to be done. 

“This is a small part of what we need to do,” Bellone said. “We won’t tolerate the decline of our water quality. This problem won’t be solved overnight and I expect future administrations to be just as committed to it.”

In Suffolk County, about 360,000 residents rely on septic systems. That is roughly seventy four percent of Suffolk households.

Bellone remarked, “Sewers aren’t enough. We need a compressive way to look at other means to figure this out, like this one,” referring to the Minet’s new advanced wastewater treatment system.

Attending the Thursday morning press conference, along with the County Executive and the Minet family, were Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy, Suffolk County Water Quality Czar Peter Scully, Suffolk County Director of Planning Sarah Lansdale, Suffolk County Director, Division of Environmental Quality, Health Services Walt Dawydiak, Suffolk County Public Works Special Projects Supervisor Boris Rukovets, Business Development Manager of Hydro Action Pete Sabo, Executive Director of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment Adrienne Esposito, marine scientist Chris Clapp from the Nature Conservancy, and member of the Suffolk County Council on Environmental Quality Mike Kaufman.

Extolling the program, Legislator Kennedy, referring to Long Island’s sole source aquifer, stated, “What we put in, we run the risk of drinking.”

Suffolk County Water Quality Czar Peter Scully “We are in it for the long haul”According to Suffolk County Water Quality Czar Peter Scully, “This is long journey where every step is an important step forward. We are in it for the long haul.”

Echoing the sentiment of everyone in attendance, homeowner Jim Minet expressed excitement about the program. “We are raising two children on Long Island and we are concerned about their future.” 

Although the size of the septic system surprised Minet, he concluded it is a small price to pay to help improve Long Island’s water quality.

According to Pete Sabo, Business Development Manager of Hydro Action, at the end of the pilot program, Suffolk County will be in a better position to provide guidelines and approve nitrogen-reducing systems for use in homes all across the county.

Book Review - "Little Beasts"

BOOK REVIEW

‘Little Beasts’ – Matthew McGevna - 286 pages – Akashic Books - Reviewed by Jeb Ladouceur

There’s no questioning that Long Island’s Matthew McGevna is an excellent writer, maybe even an inspired one … but so is my cousin Chesley. The difference is that Chesley makes no claim to being a novelist.

When a writer enters into a compact with readers who have invested a small amount of money, but more significantly, eight or ten hours of their valuable time, in return for a well-told fiction, the least the author can do is provide a tale that fits the genre’s general description. In ‘Little Beasts,’ based on the notorious Pius murder in Smithtown, McGevna lives up to the deal only fifty percent of the time … strangely, in the second half of the book.

This is particularly unfortunate, because one can envision crowds of eager, but soon-to-be-disillusioned readers, immersing themselves in Matthew McGevna’s promising imagery when, on the very first page they read: ‘This is the town of Turnbull…The smell of salt from the ocean to the south is faint in the hot air…’

“Aha!” We say, “Smithtown’s been re-named Turnbull, and transported to the author’s native South Shore.” Perhaps it’s just as well. North Shore residents … and especially we sometimes provincial inhabitants of Smithtown … don’t appreciate being reminded that one of the most brutal crimes in the annals of juvenile homicide was committed right down the street. Let the stigma fall on the likes of a thinly disguised Mastic Beach (where the gifted McGevna was born and raised) … ‘a stretch of land on the south shore of Long Island that juts out into the Great South Bay like a sore thumb, has one road in, one road out.’

But alas, these compelling descriptions prove only to be teasers. Though the well-crafted poetic pictures and metaphors fill 150-or-so pages, and taken individually are pleasing … in the aggregate they produce disturbing repetition that ultimately leads to that most disastrous of literary afflictions … boredom.

I tried to find some justification for the author’s flirting with this paradox … because Matthew McGevna is such a promising young poet. Perhaps, I thought, these irritating vignettes having to do with peer pressure and teenage angst, are clever devices, intended to annoy us. ‘Little Beasts’ is an annoying story, after all. But such rationalization has its limits … and one soon runs out of excuses for McGevna’s psychological reiterations.

One of the problems associated with the re-telling of a story whose outcome is a matter of public record, is that even when fictionalized it can hardly be made fresh. It’s the reason Shakespeare is offered in so many vastly different interpretations. Nobody ever passed on a promising production of ‘Hamlet’ because ‘…I’ve already seen it.’

But there are only so many variations on a theme wherein a child is suffocated by being force fed with rocks! … and perhaps that’s why McGevna wears us out with so much run-on psycho-baloney about the commission of the crime. Maybe he’s trying to re-invent it.

It doesn’t work.

What does succeed, though … to near perfection … is the account of one defendant’s experiences during the Pius murder trial. That event occupies the last one-third of ‘Little Beasts,’ and more than qualifies as a novella in its own right. Modern murder trials are so comprehensive in describing the crimes they address, that the entire narrative, which occupies so many early pages of this book, could have been eliminated and left to testimony delivered in the courtroom.

Perhaps the classically-trained and capable Matthew McGevna will one day reward his admirers (among whose ranks I now count myself) with such a trimmed-down version of this gripping story.

Again, he certainly is blessed with all the necessary skills.

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Award-winning writer, Jeb Ladouceur is the author of ten novels, and his theater and book reviews appear in several major L.I. publications. Ladouceur’s newest thriller THE QUANTUM SYNDROME is patterned on the Atlanta child murders of the 80s and is set on Eastern Long Island. His next novel is titled “THE SEQUEL.” It will explore the odd relationship between Harper Lee and Truman Capote. The Website is www.Jebsbooks.com.

A $9 Minimum Wage For Town Employees? Not Today Says Councilwoman Nowick

archived photo of Councilman CreightonCouncilman Robert Creighton’s proposal for a $9 per hour minimum wage for town employees never even came to a vote at the August 11th Town Board meeting. The resolution was seconded by Councilman Wehrheim and as the vote began, Counciwoman Nowick moved to table the resolution. The five member Town Board agreed, including Mr. Creighton.

In a meeting in his office, Cerighton expressed disappointment and resolve. The disappointment was directed at Councilwoman Nowick, who Mr. Creighton said had supported the idea in discussions. The disappointment was for the young people who work as seasonal help who make below New York State’s $8.75 minimum wage.  Municipalities are exempt from paying minimum wage.

Councilman Creighton acknowledged that his proposal to raise the minimum wage to $9 an hour would not impact the 2015 seasonal employees. His resolution would become effective in 2016. He also acknowledged that the number of employees affected is small. His resolution was a reaction to his awareness that there was a disparity in the per hour salaries seasonal employees were being paid and how much a wage hike would mean to them. Some seasonal employees have been hired for $8 and others were being paid as much as $15 an hour.  “Honest to God, I believe the kids deserve the $9 per hour minimum wage.” said Creighton. Also in his mind was the $30,000 salary increase for Councilman/Deputy Supervisor Tom McCarthy, and the thousands given to Department heads.

Before making the proposal, Creighton checked with Town Comptroller Donald Musgnug and learned that a minimum wage of $9 for the approximately 150 seasonal hires would cost the town $7,000 less than Councilman McCarthy’s salary 2015 salary bump. The cost to the town for the $9 per hour minimum wage would run $23,000. “This seemed to be the appropriate time. If the resolution passed it would allow the Supervisor to include it in the 2016 Town Budget.” said Creighton.

“Really”, said Supervisor Vecchio. “A minimum wage when most of our employees make much more than that. Mr. Creighton is making a political decision. He is pandering to the families of the kids who work as seasonal help. We are facing a serious challenge in our 2016 budget. To keep within NYS’s  2% cap we are allowed a 0.73 percent increase. That doesn’t cover the increase pension and health care costs.” 

Mr. Creighton pointed to Newsday’s August 16 article by Lauren R. Harrison, “In the article the Supervisor said I am pandering for votes and playing politics. That’s unbelievable. Vecchio calling me a panderer? Everyone knows that Patrick Vecchio is the ‘King of Panderers’.” 

Councilman Creighton pledged to reintroduce the resolution and hopes to see it on the agenda as early as September 8. As of Wednesday, August 19 the resolution was still not in the system. 

Harned Road On County Schedule To Be Repaved

Richard Kerr at intersection on Harned/Jericho/Indian Head and Sunken Meadow ParkwayA drive down Harned Road is never dull. Traffic, pot holes, pavement breaking off and then there’s the roller coaster like part of the roadway you experience as you head north nearing the busy Jericho, Harned, Indian Head Rd., Sunken Meadow Parkway  intersection. The road has been deteriorating for years, but that is coming to an end. According to Supervisor Vecchio Harned Road in Commack will be repaved in October.

It can’t happen soon enough for those who live near the road. Commack resident Richard Kerr has been advocating for the reconstruction/repaving of Harned Road. Mr. Kerr says he has sent emails to Town officials about the road. The message he received back was that the road was a Suffolk County roadway and that it was the responsibility of the county to make the repairs. 

It was Mr. Kerr’s understanding that Smithtown was in litigation with Suffolk County over the maintainence of Harned Rd.  “Not true”, said Supervisor Vecchio “There is no litigation over Harned Rd.  The Supervisor went on to say that there were discussions between Suffolk County and Smithtown over who would maintain the road after it was repaved by the county.

“Having the road fall apart while the town and county fight over who’s responsible is not the way government is supposed to operate.” said Mr. Kerr. There are many other residents who agree with Mr. Kerr. “We pay taxes, a lot of taxes and to allow the road to fall apart is a poor reflection on our leaders and their concern for the public” said one Commack resident who wished not to be identified.

Suffolk County Legislator Kennedy (13th LD) did not discuss with Smithtown Matters whether or not there is controversy about ownership of Harned Rd. She has confirmed with Suffolk County Department of Public Works Commissioner Gilbert Anderson that Harned Road will be repaved and that the work is scheduled for some time in October.

Mr. Kerr seemed satisfied with the news.

What’s Cookin’ with Chef Guy Reuge

By Nancy Vallarella of What’s Cookin’? – Smithtown

Chef Guy ReugeLife’s plate is full for Chef Guy Reuge, and the menu is always changing.

Two hundred people attended Chef Guy’s Annual Pig RoastThis past Friday, at Mirabelle Tavern in Stony Brook, two hundred attendees gathered for Chef Guy’s Annual Pig Roast.  From prep to the finale, Chef Guy was present overseeing and collaborating with Sous Chef Eric Werner.

The alfresco dining experience had all the fixings of a traditional BBQ event with many elevated extras.  Red and white checkerboard linens dressed the tables where guests placed their overflowing plates filled with traditional BBQ fare and some stand-out menu items. Stand-outs included: roasted suckling pig, BBQ spare ribs, pork and foie gras sliders, shrimp succotash, pork and dried fruit stuffed apples, local fish salad with lemon mayonnaise, southern grits with bacon, and red beet and watermelon salad.  So many choices made it difficult to leave room for dessert.  The talented Rob Baione performed.  His music motivated guests to take a break from eating and get up to dance or sing along.

Next Saturday, August 22, Chef Reuge will be headed east to McCall Vineyards and Ranch in Cutchogue. There he will be honored along with Jim Trezise President of NY Wine and Grape Foundation at Dan’s Harvest East End. 

If you enjoy food and wine, you will want to be there too!  Over 40 local wineries (large and small production) will be pouring their best.  As for the food, 2014 honoree, Chef Tom Schaudel has confirmed he will be there to honor Chef Guy. Chef Schaudel will bring along the best of the best from all four of his restaurants A Lure, A Mono Osteria & Wine Bar, Jewel and Petulant Wino.  Nassau county’s newcomer -  Hush Bistro ‘s celebrated chef Marc Anthony Bynum is also on board along with over 30 other restaurants and chefs from all over Long Island. 

This is the first year Dan’s Harvest East End will have an official host, Chef Geoffrey Zakarian. Chef Zakarian is a well-known Iron Chef, a judge on the Food Network’s Chopped, co-host of Food Network’s The Kitchen and author of the Perfect Pantry.

Stop eating now and join in on this extraordinary culinary event. If you hurry, there still may be tickets available: www.danstasteofsummer.com

Chef Guy will travel west to Cold Spring Harbor for the newest Reuge/Lessing collaboration; Sandbar. They have been renovating space on Main Street (formerly occupied by Charlotte’s Bistro) for several months. As of now, the opening is scheduled for Saturday, September 19^th. Check Sandbar’s Facebook page for updates.

On September 26^th & 27^th head into Manhattan. Times Square will be transformed for the Best of France.  This event has morphed from the Taste of France held in Bryant Park in 2014 and 2013. Grand Wine Tasting and Gastronomy are only the tip of the Eiffel Tower.  The Best of France is documented as the “world’s largest event dedicated to France”.  French craft demonstrations, French markets with bistro spaces, musical and dance performances, fashion shows, technology and art and culture round off this event. This year’s Chairman of Food – Chef Guy Reuge. www.bestoffrance.org

Just prior to the holiday season keep an eye out for the release of Chef Guy’s new book. With approval from culinary greats (Daniel Boulud, Sara Moulton, Andre Soltner of Lutece and Jacques Pepin) it is sure to be a gift hit with foodie friends and relatives.