Due to the pandemic, the usual Fall clean-up has changed form. Thanks to the Brookhaven Free Library for this wonderful alternative:

All welcome
October 1-31, anytime
The Great Give Back is a community service initiative created by the Suffolk County Public Library Directors Association and the Suffolk Cooperative Library System to provide a day of opportunities for the patrons of Long Island libraries to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences.

This year, we are celebrating the positive difference we all can make during the month of October. By acting separately, or in small groups, we can collectively impact our community for the better! Call the Library to request a cleanup kit (garbage bags, gloves, hand sanitizer) and commit to cleaning your block, a neighborhood park, a local beach–wherever, whenever and with whom you are comfortable doing so. Then, email bfl@brookhavenfreelibrary.org a picture of your haul so we can see your efforts and provide service hours (if needed). Please register at the Library.

Dear Community,

In light of the Confederate flag placed on a Brookhaven Fire Truck we as a Board have sent a letter to Chief Di Pinto Jr. which we are posting here for the community to read.

It is at this challenging time that the Board looks to the BVA’s mission as stated in our bylaws: The Object of the Association shall be to aid in the preservation of the natural beauties of Brookhaven Village; to encourage and assist in all improvements pertaining to the public welfare; to cooperate with the public officials in the faithful performance of their duties; to guard, in every way, the interests of the residents as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.

We continue our mission to guard the interests and to stand for all residents. We strongly disagree with everything the Confederate flag represents and we don’t condone the use of that flag anywhere in our community. We agree with Chief Di Pinto Jr.’s statement that racism has no home in our Firehouse or our community.

The BVA Board supports diversity across all lines of difference, including age, economic circumstance, ethnicity, sex, race, range of ability, religion, sexual orientation and gender ID.
The BVA Board will move forward towards inclusion, diversity and equality in our policies and activities in the community.

Our community comes together with strength and unity. We see examples of this every Memorial Day Parade and at every Clean Up Day. We saw the strength in unity this past spring as neighbors responded by helping each other through the pandemic. The Board will continue to support that unity and strength.

In service and support,
The BVA Board

Dear Chief Di Pinto Jr.,

The BVA Board is writing in response to the display of a Confederate flag on a Brookhaven Fire truck.

The Board is eager to see quick and transparent resolutions to the investigations begun within the State Division of Human Rights Department and the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission. The Board looks to you, Chief Di Pinto Jr., for your continued open and clear communication with our community on the steps, actions and results your department is procuring.

The BVA Board has a history of working with the Brookhaven Fire Department for the good of our community. We look forward to continuing that partnership in a way that employs and celebrates the fundamental principles of any community: diversity, equality and inclusion.

The BVA Board cannot more strongly agree with your statement that racism has no home in our Firehouse nor in our community.

Sincerely,
The Brookhaven Village Association Board