Brookhaven Notebook: Video Slam to Address Teen Issues; Town Employees Talk Efficiency

It's the stuff you learn in health class – or the hard way, in the hallways or on social media websites. But on Friday, Brookhaven teens will speak their minds in a video slam sponsored by the Town of Brookhaven Youth Council.

The council accepted submissions of videos containing positive messages about the issues teens face, and will be screened Friday at Town Hall at 7 p.m. Videos will be judged based on message, creativity, and originality.

Some of the entries – like this one, about separating fantasy from reality when playing violent video games – have been posted on Facebook and YouTube.

Town Employees Generate Ideas for Efficiency

Brookhaven officials have been accepting ideas for how to improve the town government from the very people who work for it.

Since March 1, the town has been soliciting ideas via the "IDEA Award" website. According to the website, "IDEA" stands for "Initiatives to Determine Efficient Action." It has generated more than 40 different ideas, which users can comment or vote on.

In a statement on the website, District 5 councilman Tim Mazzei said, "If you see a way that the Town can do its job better, or do the same job for les money – we want to know about it.”

The contest will be run quarterly each year. The winning idea will net the originator a seat on the following quarter's IDEA campaign committee, as well as a presentation at a Town Board meeting and a special parking spot at Town Hall.

Earth Day Inspires Tree Planting at Town Hall

Town Hall is now home to a new Kwanzan Cherry Tree, planted on April 20, which supervisor Mark Lesko described as a symbol of the town's commitment to protecting its environment.

"For more than 40 years, Earth Day has served to remind us that we live on an ecologically diverse and sensitive island and that we must do whatever we can to preserve it for future generations," Lesko said.

Brookhaven to Host Shredding Days

A document shredding day for businesses is set for this Friday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the town landfill in Yaphank. Residents will have their turn the following day, May 7, same time and location.

The town landfill was recently in the spotlight after it was thought to be the source of a lingering in the air near a local school.

Pre-registration for the shredding event is required; call 631-451-6222 to sign up.