Update on oysters in Manhasset Bay (See

Council Member Mariann Dalimonte Provides Update On Oysters In Manhasset Bay

North Hempstead Council Member Mariann Dalimonte recently met with team members from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County to evaluate the progress of the oyster restoration project in Manhasset Bay. Council Member Dalimonte is proud to report that the oysters, which were reintroduced into Manhasset Bay in August 2022, are alive and growing.

On Friday, November 18, Council Member Dalimonte, North Hempstead Bay Constables, Associate Marine Program Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension Suffolk County Lorne Brousseau, and a diver took a boat out into Manhasset Bay to assess the reintroduced oyster population, which consists of one million oysters. They noted that the oysters were not only alive, but they have grown since they were planted this past summer. The positive status report is an excellent indicator that this project is working as intended. The team will go back out in the spring of 2023 for another evaluation, after which it will be determined if more oysters should be introduced into Manhasset Bay.

“I am so excited that the reintroduced oysters are currently flourishing in Manhasset Bay,” said Council Member Dalimonte. “Having and maintaining a thriving oyster population in one of North Hempstead’s most essential waterways will help to reestablish marine habitats, improve the quality of the water, provide economic stimulus by attracting visitors to nearby downtowns, and ultimately enhance a destination that is beloved by residents across the greater North Hempstead community.”

Additionally, Council Member Dalimonte visited the Suffolk County Marine Environmental Learning Center on Tuesday, November 15. This is the location where the oysters were grown prior to their reintroduction into Manhasset Bay this summer. Council Member Dalimonte was given a tour of the facility by Chris Pickerell and Josh Clauss, both with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County. The trip was organized with the help of Meagan Fastuca, Environmental Control Specialist for the Town, as part of the Town of North Hempstead’s Climate Smart Community Task Force. —Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

Council Member Dalimonte excited to report the reintroduced oysters are alive and growing.

(Photo submitted by the Town of North Hempstead)

Assemblywoman Sillitti Hosts Second Annual Food Drive

Assemblywoman Gina L. Sillitti (D-Port Washington) announced she is hosting the second annual food drive with local partners to support Long Island families during the holiday season. The four food drives will be taking place during the month of December.

“As your representative, I’ll always support Long Island families in any way I can this holiday season,” said Sillitti. “These four food drive events in coordination with valued community organizations are a great opportunity for us to support our neighbors in need and combat food insecurity on Long Island. By working together, we can build a more caring, inclusive community for all of our families.”

Please be mindful of the expiration dates of donated goods. Gift cards cannot be accepted. Please visit nyassembly.gov/Sillitti for a comprehensive list of items you can donate. We can all combat food insecurity by coming together as a community, noted Sillitti.

Sillitti invites residents to attend one of her upcoming Food Drive events: • “Curb your Mitzvah” Food and Toy Drive

Sunday, Dec. 11:10 a.m.–12 p.m. at Sid

Jacobson JCC – 200 Forest Dr. Greenvale • Shelter Rock Church Manhasset Food Pantry

Monday, Dec. 12: 12 p.m.–1:30 p.m. at 626

Plandome Rd., Manhasset • Our Lady of Fatima Food Pantry

Thursday, December 15: 9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. at 10 Cottonwood Rd., Port Washington —Submitted by the office of Assemblywoman Sillitti

Assemblywoman Sillitti at St. Aloysius.

(Contributed photo)

Local Fire Departments Host Training Day For Junior Firefighters

Three local fire companies, the Great Neck Alerts, Manhasset-Lakeville and Port Washington, held a joint training day at Manhasset-Lakeville’s Company No. 2 for members of their respective junior firefighters’ programs. About 45 junior firefighters, ranging in age from 12-17, braved the chilly, rainy weather early last Sunday morning to participate in several firefighting drills, also referred to as “evolutions”.

Outfitted in full firefighting gear, the juniors received “hands on” essential training in ground and aerial ladder skills, hose line operation, and search and rescue techniques. Ladder training included learning how to raise and stabilize a ground ladder against a building, and how to safely mount and dismount a ladder. An aerial ladder extends directly from a fire truck to the roof of a building. The juniors learned how to mount and climb the 50 ft. ladder that extended from the fire truck to the roof. On the roof, they learned how to perform roof operation skills.

Search and rescue drills were conducted in two separate buildings, one that included a maze where the juniors, working in teams, had to search and rescue several “hose dummies” or victims and bring them to safety. For the hose line operation evolution, there were two separate hoses with 5 or 6 juniors operating each hose. They learned how to change the pattern of the water from a straight stream to a fog, a useful skill when learning how to disperse and apply water effectively on a fire.

There were several advisors and volunteer firefighters on hand from each of the three departments who provided the training and also shared their extensive knowledge and expertise of fire fighting. The participating fire departments plan to continue holding joint training sessions in the future in an effort to help train the next generation of firefighters.

—Submitted by Manhasset Lakeville Fire Department