Dear Suffolk County Residents,

Respectfully yours,
Anthony Palumbo
Senator, 1st District

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a community question-and-answer forum hosted by the Port Jefferson Civic Association at the Port Jefferson Free Library. The discussion covered a wide range of issues important to our region, including environmental conservation, affordability, housing, and public safety. I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from residents, answer their questions, and discuss my work in Albany, including efforts to protect our natural resources, address the rising cost of living, and advocate for policies that strengthen our communities. Thank you to the Port Jefferson Civic Association for hosting this informative event and to everyone who attended and shared their thoughts. Open dialogue with constituents is invaluable, and I remain committed to listening to the concerns of the people I represent.

To those who observe Tisha B'Av, I hope you had an easy and meaningful fast during this most solemn time. Tzom Kal.

We recently welcomed Eastern tires into the Cutchogue community. It's so important to have a local family-owned tire shop in our area. This one does much more than just tires, too. 

Homeowners are invited to attend a free School Tax Relief (STAR) Program Seminar hosted by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance on Monday, July 27, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Middle Country Library – Selden Branch, 575 Middle Country Road, Selden. This informative seminar will explain how the STAR program can help reduce school property taxes and provide attendees with the opportunity to have their questions answered by knowledgeable staff. Whether you are already enrolled or want to learn if you qualify, this is an excellent opportunity to better understand the benefits available to New York homeowners.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Orient Community Blood Drive on Monday, July 20, at Poquatuck Hall. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, 31 units of blood were collected—enough to help save up to 93 lives. Every donation makes a meaningful difference, and I am grateful to everyone who gave this lifesaving gift.

The need for blood donations remains constant, and I encourage those who are eligible to join me for my next community blood drive on Wednesday, August 5, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Box Pickleball, 605 Old Country Road, Riverhead. As part of the New York Blood Center's "Blood for a Brew" campaign, donors will also receive a free beverage from a participating local brewery or coffee shop. I hope you'll consider donating and helping ensure our local hospitals have the blood supply they need to care for patients in need.