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NSWCA Elects New 2023 Board

Locust Valley Water District Chairwomen Patricia Peterson named Board President

January 16, 2023, Carle Place, New York, USA – At a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting sponsored by the Plainview Water District, the Association elected a new governing Board for the 2023 term which runs through December 31, 2023.

The newly elected NSWCA 2023 Board includes returning President Patricia Peterson of the Locust Valley Water District; 1st Vice President Ralph Atoria of the South Farmingdale Water District; 2nd Vice President John F. Coumatos of the Bethpage Water District; Secretary Joseph Perry of the South Huntington Water District; and Treasurer Michael Kosinski of the Roslyn Water District.

“This new Board consists of an experienced group of talented and dedicated voter-elected commissioners from local water suppliers,” President Peterson stated. Our 21 members districts within Nassau and Suffolk Counties have the important responsibility of providing quality water that meets or exceeds all local, state and federal standards, to the 620,000 consumers we serve, without interruption and without compromise. I am confident in the leadership of our association as we fulfill our mission of being an authoritative voice in water supply by educating the public regarding sustainability, conservation, and the health of our aquifer.”

Safeguarding LI’s Water Supply

The home to one of the world’s greatest aquifer systems, Long Island’s water has come under great scrutiny in recent years due to emerging contaminants. As stewards of the water served to over 620,000 people, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioner’s Association (NSWCA) member water districts have long been out front in the fight to safeguard Long Island’s water supply and sole source aquifer.

These emerging contaminants, sometimes referred to as ‘forever chemicals’, are in large part a pervasive legacy from Long Island’s industrial past, including WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Space Race that resulted in the United States becoming the first nation to put a man on the moon. Other emerging contaminants are byproducts of everyday household products such as non-stick kitchenware, food packaging and detergents, even paints, cleaning products and water-resistant clothing.

The presence of such contaminants is not limited to Long Island, this is a nationwide concern. New York State’s aggressive stance on emerging contaminants and definitive corrective actions began with the implementation of some of the country’s strictest regulations, and progress is being made.

NSWCA President Patricia Peterson stated, “Each of the NSWCA’s 21 member districts has different situations and different needs, but all emerging contaminants are being addressed with proper engineering, technology and filtration treatment systems. The single most significant fact for the public to understand is that all the water that goes into the distribution systems of all of our 21 NSWCA member districts meets or exceeds all local, New York State and federal MCL regulations, all of the time.”

The NSWCA member districts have been proactively involved in rectifying the problems even prior to the New York State mandates, standards and regulations. Given the advances in technology and the impetus from Albany, NSWCA member districts have constructed some of the most advanced water treatment systems in the country to ensure a plentiful supply of potable water.

“For example,” President Peterson commented, “Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) systems have been successfully designed, constructed and installed to remove 1,4-dioxane, and Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filtration has proven to be the most effective means of removing PFOS and PFOA substances. Even with the presence of forever chemicals, it is far from a hopeless situation and much more of a hopeful situation. The science and technologies of today, as deployed by our 21 NSWCA member water districts, have proven to be effective remedies to yesterday’s legacies and they ensure the purity, potability and compliance of the water of tomorrow. Our commitment to safeguarding the future is unwavering.”

NSWCA Welcomes Voter-Elected Water Commissioners

2023 Re-elected and Newly elected Commissioners

Carle Place, New York, USA – Re-elected and newly elected water commissioners from 21 local water districts who are members of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) were sworn into office on January 1, 2023 to begin their three-year term. Each local water district is comprised of three commissioners on each board.

NSWCA President and Locust Valley Water District Chairwomen Patricia Peterson commented on the election results, “Local voters came out to cast their ballet in meaningful elections for the men and women of their choice who harness the responsibility of safeguarding our water today, and into the future. This process is a sterling example of local representation by and for each community as water commissioners and voters must reside within their respective district.”

Voter-elected, commissioner-run districts (21 in total) provide water to over 620,000 consumers in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Peterson added, “I am extremely pleased to welcome all our new and returning colleagues to the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association.”

Re-elected and newly elected water commissioners from each District are as follows:

 

Albertson Water District Commissioner Janell Giordano Newly elected
Bethpage Water District Commissioner Theresa M. Catapano-Black Re-elected
Carle Place Water District Commissioner Tim Stellato Re-elected
Cathedral Gardens Water District Commissioner Joseph Corino Re-elected
Franklin Square Water District Commissioner Anthony Boccella Newly elected
Franklin Square Water District Commissioner Ralph Pugliese Re-elected
Garden City Park Water District Commissioner Robert Mirabile Newly elected
Glenwood Water District Commissioner Peter A. Hesse Re-elected
Greenlawn Water District Commissioner John McLaughlin Re-elected
Hicksville Water District Commissioner Nicholas Brigandi Re-elected
Jericho Water District Commissioner James Asmus Re-elected
Locust Valley Water District Commissioner Peter Brown Re-elected
Massapequa Water District Commissioner Raymond J. Averna Re-elected
Manhasset-Lakeville Water District Commissioner Steven Flynn Re-elected
Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner Michael F. Rich III Re-elected
Plainview Water District Commissioner Michael Chad Newly elected
Port Washington Water District Commissioner Mindy Germain Re-elected
Roslyn Water District Commissioner Dr. Sanford Klein Re-elected
South Farmingdale Water District Commissioner Gary Brosnan Re-elected
South Huntington Water District Commissioner Paul Tonna Re-elected
West Hempstead Water District Commissioner C. John Sparacio Re-elected
Westbury Water District Commissioner Barry Green Re-elected

Passing of Past Supt. Richard “Woody” Woodwell of the Hicksville Water District

NSWCA Members ~

It is with sadness that we report that former Superintendent Richard “Woody” Woodwell has passed away. Arrangements are pending at this time.

Woody served the Hicksville Water District for over 50 years, starting in 1947 as a laborer at the height of the expansion of the Hicksville community. He worked his way through the ranks becoming a meter reader, water servicemen and water plant operator before serving as Hicksville Water District Superintendent from 1983 to 1998.

Woody was a Korean War veteran and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a member of the Long Island Water Conference and the American Water Works Association. Woody lived in Syosset and is survived by his son Justin.

Can Spring Be Far Off?

Despite some of the the coldest temperatures seen on Long Island for many years, Spring, 2023 is fast approaching. One sign of spring is Major League Baseball spring training  getting under way over the next week or so. With the advent of spring and warmer weather, conservation of water, Earth’s greatest natural resource, takes on a great priority.  Here are some very important conservation tips to observe:

  1. Check all outside hoses and connections against leaks and winter’s ravages.
  2. Planting your garden to start the season?  Start off right. There are many beautiful groundcovers that require less watering including lavender, daylilies, forget-me-nots, aloes, marigolds, and zinnias.
  3. Avoid wasting water by installing a spring-loaded shutoff nozzle on each garden hose to avoid water waste.
  4. When sprinkling your grass and flower or vegetable beds, try to avoid watering the driveways and sidewalks.
  5. Water retention in your garden is enhanced by compost, not to mention a wealth of nutrients.  Start a compost pile and add it to your garden.  Mix in some along wood chips or peat moss and your water retention will be boosted.
  6. A slow-drip irrigation system will help avoid over-watering, and also save money on your water bill.
  7. Watering lawns and gardens at the most opportune times conserves our precious resource. Water generally evaporates most rapidly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Restrict watering to before or after those times and you’ll likely use less.
  8. Most people overwater lawns.  Keeping the length of your lawn approximately 2 inches long.  This will help reduce evaporation and require less water.
  9. Cycle watering in areas where runoff occurs, especially on slopes or compacted dry soils.
  10. Hate raking?  When you’re finished mowing, leave the grass clippings on the lawn. This will boost water retention and help grass grow thicker.

Hicksville Commissioner Gil Cusick

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Gil Cusick, former Hicksville Water District Commissioner.  He served the District for 28 years from 1975 to 2003.

Gilbert (Gil) Cusick passed away in the early morning of February 3, 2023, at the age of 90.  He was born in Manhattan and raised by his adoptive parents, Fred and Marion Cusick, in Hempstead, NY. Gil first met his future wife Marilyn Simpson Cusick at Jones Beach and through their mutual interest in artistic roller skating, in which they had great success skating as a pair, including winning a NY State championship in dance.  Gil and Marilyn were married in 1953 and settled in Hicksville.

Gil was a life member of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers union Local 580, a trade which gave him the opportunity to help build some of New York City’s most iconic structures. Gil joined the Hicksville Fire Department in 1967 and served as Captain of Hook & Ladder Company 6.  For many years, Gil was instrumental in the planning and execution of the Fire Department’s annual Labor Day tournament. In 2012, he was honored with the designation of Honorary Chief in recognition of his service to the HFD.  In 1975, he was elected to the position of Commissioner of the Hicksville Water District, a position he would hold for 28 years. Gil and Marilyn were long-time devoted members of the Hicksville United Methodist Church.

Gil was predeceased by his siblings Fred Cusick and Betty Cusick Mayo.  He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years Marilyn, his daughter Susan Cusick-Carpenter and son-in-law Jeff Carpenter, his grandson Matthew Carpenter and great-granddaughters Isabella and Charlotte, and grandson Evan Carpenter and his wife Alyssa.  He is also survived by his nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit Monday, February 6, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Tuesday, February 7, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Home, 47 Jerusalem Avenue, Hicksville 11801.  A funeral service will be held at Hicksville United Methodist Church, 130 W. Old Country Road, Hicksville 11801, at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, with burial at Plain Lawn Cemetery in Hicksville immediately following the service.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Gilbert’s memory may be made to the Hicksville United Methodist Church.

Commissioner Bill Wieck Passes

Former Greenlawn Water Commissioner William Wieck has passed away. When the long time Greenlawn Water Commissioner’s term ended in 2017, he left in place a legacy of public safety, fiscal control, water supply protection…and 26 years of meeting the needs of an expanding population.

A proud US Army veteran, ex-chief of the Greenlawn Fire Department and Past President of Huntington Fire Chiefs Council, Bill shepherded the cost-effective refurbishment of Greenlawn Water District infrastructure through a dedicated preventive maintenance program that began in 1992. The NSWCA sends its deepest sympathies to Bill’s family, friends and professional associates.  He will be greatly missed.

Visitation: Tuesday, January 10, 2023 Greenlawn Fire Department Headquarters: 23 Boulevard Avenue, Greenlawn, NY 11740  2:00pm – 9:00pm

Firematic Services: 7:00 pm

Prayer Service: Wednesday January 11, 2023 10:00 am

Interment: at Calverton Cemetery  to follow prayer service.

Happy New Year 2023!

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association wishes all our members, supporters and the public we are elected to serve a most healthy and prosperous new year in 2023. May the new year 2023 bring abundant rainfall to assist all NSWCA member districts in our public education and  conservation efforts!

Services For Ernestine Falco

The NSWCA has learned of the passing of Ernestine Falco, wife of former Commissioner Lenny Falco, Sr. of the Franklin Square Water District.

Arrangements:

Franklin Square Funeral Home, 42 New Hyde Park Road, Franklin Square, NY

  • Thursday, December 1, 2022,  7:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm
  • Friday, December 2, 2022,        4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Mass:   St. Catherine of Sienna

9:30 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2022, 33 New Hyde Park Road, Franklin Square, NY

Services for Cameron “Cami” McLaughlin

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Cameron “Cami” McLaughlin, wife of Greenlawn Water Commissioner John McLaughlin. The NSWCA extends condolences to the McLaughlin family.

Arrangements are  Wednesday, November 16, 2022 as follows:

Nolan’s Funeral Home, 5 Laurel Avenue, Northport NY 11768 (631) 754-2400

  • 2:00 – 5:00
  • 7:00 – 9:00

 

In Cami’s memory, donations to Huntington’s Disease Society of America, HDSA.org, would be greatly appreciated.