Community resolutions for 2024

Angie Carpenter, Town of Islip Supervisor

“The years seem to be going faster and faster, and certainly 2023 was a quick one for sure. I can still hear my mom’s words echoing… ‘The older you get, the faster it goes.’

With that in mind, it is incumbent upon each of us to make certain that every day counts. From the town’s perspective, my resolutions center on keeping us on track financially, while at the same time tending to the quality-of-life needs of each and every resident with the utmost of care and dedication. We also must continue our resolve to protect and improve our infrastructure. Personally, I’d like to finally get out and play on our wonderful town golf courses and pickleball courts. It’s my sincerest hope that everyone has a year filled with happiness and good health.”

Jim O’Connor, Councilman, Town of Islip 2nd District

“As we usher in 2024, I embrace similar New Year’s resolutions as so many that embark on a new journey of personal growth and transformation. These resolutions include spending more quality time with friends and family, prioritizing self-care, pursuing new passions, and becoming our best versions. As an Islip Town councilman, I will continue to serve and advocate on behalf of my constituents and for the betterment of our communities. Happy New Year, and may our resolutions guide us towards a year filled with joy, success, and peace.”

John Lorenzo, Councilman, Town of Islip 4th District

“I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. I try my best to make sure every day of the year I am working on myself and my community to be better.”

Andy Wittman, Town of Islip Receiver of Taxes

“As we enter another new year, I look back on some of the successes the tax receiver’s office had in 2023.  One in particular that stands out, is through the generosity of hundreds of residents in the Town of Islip, my office successfully collected and donated over 5000 gently used and new books to The Book Fairies organization, not-for-profit whose mission is to redistribute books to under-resourced communities on Long Island and NYC.  As a Rotarian for over six years, one of Rotary International’s missions is to help foster literacy.  I am so grateful to have been a small part in helping this endeavor.  One of my resolutions is to exceed that amount in 2024 through ongoing community outreach.”

Legislator Anthony Piccirillo, 8th District

“In 2024, my resolution is to continue to make government more transparent and accountable.”

State Senator Alexis Weik, 8th District

My resolution is to focus on the positive. There is so much that CAN be accomplished and negativity never gets you there.

It's a goal Ive been working towards for a few years but this year already feels like it needs a strong infusion of strength, energy and positive attention.

I hope I can inspire others to let go of the negative thoughts and attitudes that may have taken hold, especially over the last couple of years.

Life is difficult but meant to be enjoyed, meant for family and friends.

We have amazing communities that can only benefit from our love and friendship.

Congressman Andrew Garbarino, 2nd Congressional District

“My 2024 resolutions involve delivering results for my constituents, particularly improving public safety and strengthening our local economy. Personally, I’ll be joining the masses in dusting off my gym clothes.”

Dr. Timothy Hearney, Superintendent, Bayport-Blue Point School District

“For me, the New Year provides the opportunity for reflection and renewal. One of my personal and professional focuses for the year will be on the importance of wellness and working with our students and staff to create even more fulfilling and balanced lives.

Taking time each day for deepening connections or mindfulness practices is proven to reduce stress, improve focus, and boost one’s overall well-being. As a district, we regularly strive to help our students and staff embrace the practice of self-care and to seek support when needed, and our work in 2024 will build upon our past efforts.

In addition, we will continue to support our students’ overall educational needs—by challenging them academically and providing them the support necessary to be successful with as many opportunities for personal academic growth.

Our work in these areas is essential to the district’s mission of making BBP a place “Where You Belong, Where We Believe in you, Where Anything is Possible.”

Dr. Joseph Centamore Superintendent, Connetquot School District

“I am very excited for the New Year. The first part of the school year saw our students and staff excel in and out of the classroom, with wonderful contributions from our numerous community organizations. There is even more to come as we approach the second half.

For my New Year’s resolution, I want to continue to grow in my capacity as Connetquot’s superintendent of schools so I can enhance my ability to serve as a vital resource to our staff, parents, and community as we further our efforts to meet the academic and wellness needs of our students.

I wish our entire educational community health, success, and happiness this New Year. 2024 is sure to be the Year of the Thunderbird!”

Dr. Marc Ferris, Superintendent, Sayville School District

“Happy New Year to the Sayville community!

My resolution for this year is to continue our Sayville Schools motto of caring and learning within the district. Sayville Schools is committed to teaching students to be independent learners, caring citizens, communicators, collaborators, critical thinkers, and joyful learners.

Our district’s leadership team appreciates every single individual working to enhance the learning of students in the district!

I’m sure in 2024 our incredible students and staff will continue to amaze with their hard work, dedication, and creativity!”

Jennifer Fowler, Director, Sayville Public Library

“My New Year’s resolution for 2024 is to read more! I know that may sound funny coming from a librarian—but the truth is, it can be difficult to find the time to sit with a book. In a busy life, I think many of us forget the simple pleasure of turning to the first page of a new story, the thrill of figuring out whodunnit, or the satisfaction of finishing a challenging novel. I especially enjoy reading about characters with different points of view that enable me to see the world with new perspectives. In many ways, I owe my life to books, and am excited to nurture my relationship with them in 2024.”

Mike Firestone, Director, Bayport-Blue Point Library

“I resolve to enhance community engagement by expanding diverse programming, fostering partnerships, and embracing innovative technologies to make our public library an even more enriching resource for all.”

Ronnie Devine, President, Bayport-Blue Point Board of Trustees, 2024 Grand Marshal for BBP St. Patrick’s Parade

“The beginning of each year offers an opportunity for us to reconnect, recognize and reflect.

The ability to reach out to help someone is the most warming feeling. Simple kindness and caring are the best gifts that we can share together.”

Eileen Tyznar, President Emeritus, Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce

“I want to utilize my knowledge, experience, and the relationships I have built through our chamber, to further expand my service to the community by increasing my involvement with various types of nonprofit organizations.  Taking on new challenges while continuing to advocate for those facing challenges of their own through my advocacy firm is important to me.

[I want to] further develop relationships with our veterans to ensure that those who have served our country receive the support and services they deserve.

Sayville has such a rich history, including historical sites and landmarks that are in need of restoration. I want to ensure these sites and our community history are protected, preserved, and accessible to future generations.

Personally, my resolution is to take more time with my family and friends and enjoy all the little nuisances that life has to offer!”

Terry Maccarrone, Chairman. Sayville Farmers’ Market

“To be perfectly honest, I don’t really make New Year’s resolutions because I don’t really find them helpful because they’re just not binding—in order to improve yourself, you need to flip your mindset, not your calendar. However, what I do strive for is using the New Year for self-reflection and for setting personal and professional goals for the upcoming year. First and foremost, I want to be more self-disciplined in my use of time—I tend to over-extend myself by saying ‘yes’ to too many things. If I’m successful with that, other aspects of life should naturally fall into place. I hope to improve the operations of the Sayville Farmers’ Market for the benefit of the local community by seeking unique vendors with excellent products, while continuing to support local charitable and community organizations. I also have several new business endeavors I’m looking to progress. But my biggest goal is to finish renovating my damn kitchen!

Remember: Happiness is a Choice—so choose it!”

Jamie Atkinson, Vice President, Community Ambulance Company

“In 2024, my New Year’s resolution is to profoundly impact lives by prioritizing increased kindness, meaningful conversations, patience, and infusing empathy and compassion into daily interactions. Recognizing the chaos in our world, I understand that those we encounter daily may silently bear challenges like financial issues, food insecurities, tragedies, health concerns, addiction, stress, and anxiety.

Professionally, my commitment extends to fortifying community bonds through ongoing outreach events. These occasions provide crucial opportunities for connection, enabling us to share stories, embrace our collective history, and reinforce the ties that bind us.

Let’s collectively appreciate and savor the brevity of life, actively contributing to our community where everyone feels deeply connected and valued.”

Geselle Barile, Scoutmaster, BSA Bohemia Girls Troop 572

“In 2024, my resolution is to deepen my impact with youth in the community by continuing to volunteer time to assist young adults through BSA mentorship programs, organizing engaging educational initiatives, and fostering an environment that encourages their personal and collective growth.

More importantly, continuing to promote equal opportunities and ensuring that scouting activities and leadership roles are accessible to all youth in our neighboring communities as well.”

Maryann Almes, President, Oakdale Historical Society

“My resolution for 2024 is to slow down.  The world moves very, very fast.  It seldom allows one the time to enjoy the people, the places, and the things surrounding them that make life sweet.  Here in Oakdale, we are surrounded by beauty and history, yet very few acknowledge it as they rush by.  I want to take the time to notice, to slow down, to appreciate and to share a conversation.  The body, mind, and soul will thank me, I am sure.”

Cliff Miller, Founder, Friends of America’s VetDogs, Sayville

“To continue working hard guiding our Friends of America’s VetDogs group in sponsoring at least four more service dogs for veterans in need this year (making 40 in total), and carefully naming each dog to honor an unsung hero of our military. 

Continue traveling to new far-off destinations, making time to meet my brother firefighters around the world.

To work for as much longer as I can in my retirement job at the funeral home, helping families dealing with the loss of a loved one. 

And to be a better husband and soulmate by not allowing all of our above activities interfere with our projects at home!”

Bob Draffin, President, Bayport Civic Association

“Happy 2024, everyone!  For my New Year’s resolution, I would like to inspire more folks to volunteer to help out in their community.  Our community service organizations are aging out and need reinforcements to continue all their good works.  I realize how precious everyone’s time is these days, but giving of yourself to help others can be a truly rewarding experience.  There are so many voluntary opportunities to choose from, whether it is through your local fire department or ambulance company, to coaching youth athletics or joining your local Rotary, Lions, or Kiwanis Club.  Food pantries, soup kitchens, and church outreach programs are in need of assistance as well.  Civic associations and chambers of commerce also can use new members to continue their ongoing community projects. There are so many opportunities to give back to our wonderful community, and I would ask my fellow residents that in 2024, please consider one more way you can help out to make our community even better.”

DawnMarie Kuhn, President, Bohemia Civic Association

“In 2024, my resolution is to learn something new every day. As a lifelong student inside and outside of the classroom, I hope to continue to grow and learn something new every day. I also have a goal to read 50 books this year.”

Jim Swike, President, Greater Sayville Civic Association

“I had hip replacement surgery very late last year, and am well on the path to return to a full normal way of life. It took a lot of pre-hab and re-hab to get to this point.

For anyone in our community, yourself, family member or friend that needs this surgery, I am willing to discuss hopes, fears, and successes. Please reach out.”

Rabbi Shimon Stillerman, Director of Chabad of Islip Township

“I am not so used to this because generally when I think about these things when it comes to the Jewish New Year, which is Rosh Hashana, which usually falls in September. I can share what my resolutions were then, and how they might have evolved a little bit since Oct. 7, which the Jewish world is really dealing with.

Personally, my resolution is to recognize the beauty of the Torah and to study much more personally, because through the study I will be able to share much more as a rabbi. Another resolution I have made is to spend much more quality time with my children.

As far as the Chabad of Islip is concerned, we wish to continue our mission as a Jewish organization, which is primarily focused on being there for every single Jew, regardless of their affiliation or background. We wish to do so even more so now with everything that is going on, to make sure that no one feels isolated, and to do everything I can to crush any antisemitism that exists locally as well.”

Rabbi Jessica Rosenthal, B’nai Israel Reform Temple Oakdale

“As a community leader and partner, I resolve to strengthen relationships with allies and partners outside of the Jewish community, to work towards building more understanding, love, and tolerance.

As the rabbi at B’nai Israel Reform Temple, I resolve to continue to find new and creative ways to embrace Judaism, friendship, belonging, inclusion, and connection.

And in my personal life, I seek to live a healthier lifestyle and to find and embrace gratitude and joy in the precious moments I share with family and friends.”

Dorothy Knowlton Johnson, Board of Directors Ellasgift.org and President, Maxed Out Drug Prevention

After losing my only child to substance-use disorder on Sept. 1, 2011, I took my pain to advocate and educate our communities on the devastating opioid epidemic. No one is immune.

Although there are many resolutions for 2024, as a 501(c)3, an essential key is to build a strong foundation of a board of directors who will actively engage supporters and sponsors who support our mission statement. As I reflect on the past 12 and a half years as an independent grassroots parent/community advocate, my priority has been to shed the shame and stigma of substance-use disorder in our communities through educational presentations and events.

After the loss of my son, I planted a community tree as a symbol of growth and awareness to shed light on the opioid epidemic. The tree is on the grounds of the Bayport-Blue Point Library. For 11 years, the tree has been lit purple for International Overdose Awareness Day. From the ground up, Maxed Out Drug Prevention with Ellasgift.org will continue to educate and provide community events to raise awareness that death from overdose is preventable.”

Terri Lister-Blitman, Executive Director, Long Island Maritime Museum

“This year, I have two New Year’s resolutions: to increase efforts to reduce my ecological footprint and to take more time out to enjoy nature with my husband, Ken. We are so blessed to live on such a beautiful bay. We really need to make every effort to take care of Long Island –the wonderful coast we call home.”

Marshall Brown, Founder, Save the Great South Bay

“To become a better champion of local nature.”

Jennifer McNamara, Founder, Johnny Mac Foundation, Blue Point

“I always dislike resolutions because I don’t think a day should change who you are or what your ambitions are. For the Foundation, this year it is my hope that with more help from the community we can assist more people and causes. It is a hard time for nonprofits, but there is so much more I feel we can do.”

Sue Miller, President, Women Sharing Art

“With old age comes wisdom and acceptance... but also a whole lot of ‘stuff’... collected in my home of over 43 years!  Time to declutter!  Got to do it!  I promise you 2024, I’m gonna do it!!

So proud to be part of a community that gives so much, and that we are resolute to reaching out more.  In this crazy time we live in, I pray for kinder, gentler, and more respectful people.  We can do it! We must do it for our children and grandchildren!”

Tess Parker, artist, go-to-muralist for the South Shore

“As a single, childless 30-something millennial woman, I am very career-driven. With time, hopefully comes growth. In 2024, I plan to continue my professional growth into this year creating community-based art projects. Two local projects I am emotionally and creatively invested in this year are a mural at the brand-new Roe Skate Park in honor of Billy Schettino and a mural/installation to honor the Gilgo Four, their loved ones, and show the world that Long Island cares about all victims. The more supportive opportunities I receive as an artist allow me to expand my mural business, ideally this year to a point where I can travel more at both a national and international level through mural festival submissions. Would love to take my newly retired and single dad traveling with me and find him a good woman! “

Richard Remmer, owner, The Snapper Inn

“With the Snapper Inn celebrating 95 years, my entire family reflects on how much it means to us to be part of the Long Island community.  That being said, my New Year’s resolution to say thank you is by continuing to support organizations that help make Long Island such a special place, including Long Island State Parks, Save the Great South Bay, Seatuck and Long Island Cares.

Wishing you a happy and healthy new year from the Remmer family.”

Karl Auwaerter, owner, Bayport Flower Houses

“I generally don’t really make New Year’s resolutions as I try to make those improvements throughout the year as the need arises. I will say that in general, I always remind myself at the beginning of the year to live peacefully, give back more than I take, respect opinions that differ from mine, and spend more time with my family and dog.”

Barbara Leogrande, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Sayville

“As we bring in 2024, the value of time and health has never been more apparent. This year, let’s shift our New Year’s resolutions from the usual self-improvement goals to something deeper and more meaningful. Let’s cherish each moment, invest our time in the people we love, and in activities that truly bring us joy.

This year, let’s make a pledge to prioritize our health, not just physical but mental, too. We’ve seen how crucial it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, so let’s continue to encourage each other to stay active, eat right, and take the time to relax and recharge.

Remember, it’s not about having more time; it’s about making the most of the time we have. Here’s to a fulfilling and healthy 2024!”