The Summit Council of Bay Shore-Brightwaters

Barbara Fishkind -Chairperson
Chris Kayser- Vice Chairperson

The Summit Council of Bay Shore-Brightwaters, founded in l995 and incorporated in 1997 states a clear vision: “The Summit Council of Bay Shore-Brightwaters seeks both to enable and encourage all residents to improve their quality of life through team-work, pride and open communication.” It fulfills its mission by being the unified voice of the hamlet of Bay Shore. Initially the challenges facing the Summit Council were great, but with the help of several action committees, much was accomplished. Based on the responses of hundreds of survey returns from the first Bay Shore School District-sponsored Community Summit, the following committees were formed: Redevelopment, Beautification, Cultural Arts, Code Enforcement, Quality of Life and the Neighborhood Community Forum.

Shortly, other needs were expressed and Youth Services, Historic Preservation and Restoration , Governance, and Public Relations Committees were born. Committees meet regularly in the Superintendent’s Office, and in locations around town , while the Bay Shore Schools Office of School-Community Services provides the communication thanks to the support of local businesses. The good work is widespread and continuing. The most gratifying aspect of the Bay Shore-Brightwaters Summit Council and its committees is the collaborative nature of the work being accomplished.

The Summit Council responds to the needs of the community while uniting the many service organizations in town. To learn more about the Bay Shore-Brightwaters Summit Council, call the Office of School-Community Services at 631-968-1252.

Committees

Summit Council Code Enforcement Committee
Colleen Valdini and Mary Louise Cohen

The Bay Shore-Brightwaters Summit Council Code Enforcement Committee, formed more than 10 years ago, plays an important role in the revitalization of Bay Shore. The committee’s mission is to serve as a conduit between the local neighborhoods and the appropriate agencies responsible for code violations. Working collaboratively with the Bay Shore School District and the Long Island Housing Partnership, the committee sponsors "Buy…Don’t Rent" Workshops for first time homebuyers. The Code Enforcement Committee works with businesses, government and residents to improve the Fifth Avenue corridor. Summit Council Code Enforcement Committee members are proud to improve the quality of life for all that work, live and play in the Bay Shore-Brightwaters community. Call the Office of School-Community Services for more information 968-1252.

The Bay Shore Beautification Society
Susan Boudreau and Gail Farrell, Chairpersons

The Bay Shore Beautification Society came into existence ten years ago as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the appearance of Bay Shore. Incorporated two years ago, the committee raises all funds needed to underwrite its many projects: planting of tree pits and purchase of wrought iron trash pails for Main Street, hiring of a part-time worker to help improve the street’s appearance, working with Verizon to bury the overhead wires at the Band Shell and of course coordinating and purchasing more than 450 hanging baskets that grace the lampposts of Main Street. During the holiday season, volunteers hang wreaths provided by the BID, roping and red ribbons on the lamp posts, the band shell, the library and Bay Shore welcome signs. An Annual Winter Fest and a spectacular “Light the Night” community event highlight the holidays. The newest project is the creation of a Memorial Garden on Main Street. Fund-raisers include the sale of the "Doors of Bay Shore" poster created by a local photographer and a fabulous luncheon in June each year. Thanks to the collaboration and the incredible efforts of the Beautification Society, with the support of The Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce, Islip Town and Suffolk County, residents and visitors can take pride in our community. For more information, call The Office of School-Community Services 631-968-1252.

Summit Council Community Forum
Chris Kayser, Chairperson

Community Forum, twenty-three neighborhoods working together, strives to keep the neighborhoods united and informed. Through interesting and collaborative forums, various issues in the community are addressed: safety, security, crime, traffic, etc. The Railroad Cleanup, an annual event, brings together residents, students and business owners while building pride in the neighborhood. For more information or to become a volunteer, call the Office of School-Community Services at (631) 968-1252.

Summit Council Cultural Arts Committee
Tiana Christoforidis, Chairperson

One of the priorities expressed on the original survey form in 1995 was to improve the cultural arts offerings in the community. Some of the activities planned, promoted and supported by this committee include Arts on the Avenue, printed notecards of Bay Shore’s historic sites, Bay Shore’s Symphonic Band, and participation in the Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce Performing Arts Festival in the spring of each year. One of the main goals of the committee presently is to promote the many arts events in the community: Great South Bay Boulton Performing Arts Center, Bay Shore Schools’ Concerts and Musical Shows, South Shore Restoration FireHouse, summer band concerts at Dr. King’s Park, an annual community photo contest and numerous other cultural arts events. For more information, call the Office of School-Community Services (631) 968-1252.

Summit Council Governance Committee
Ken Beskin, Chairperson

The Governance Committee plays an important role in bringing together the various not-for-profit groups, elected officials, and at-large members. Since the Council’s incorporation in 1997, this committee prepares all amendments to the by-laws and oversees membership applications. For more information, please call the Office of School-Community Services (631) 968-1252

Summit Council Historic Preservation and Restoration Committee
Susan Barbash, Chairperson

Established in 1999, this committee promotes Bay Shore’s historic architecture. The members of the active committee work closely with the Bay Shore Historical Society, the Bay Shore Public Schools, Rotary, South Shore Restoration and Sagtikos Manor Historic Society. During its short life, the committee published a unique coloring book, “The Bay Shore-Brightwaters Big Book of Houses,” sponsors an annual bus tour of the community, established a bay district highlighted with beautiful signage, encouraged a community wide “Historic Walk for Health,” provides plaques to Historic Homes that meet set criteria, provided information about artist Raphael Guastavino and his “Tile House” and photographed beautiful architectural details of Bay Shore High School. For more information, call the Office of School-Community Services at (631) 968-1252.

Summit Council Public Relations Committee
Diane Hartill, Chairperson

Employing various strategies to publicize the Summit Council’s achievements and the Annual Summit event, the committee also sponsors a preschool, “Getting to Know You” Party introducing preschoolers to the public schools, published a brochure highlighting South Shore Birds, and works with school officials to build pride in the public schools. For more information, call the Office of School-Community Service (631) 968-1252.

Summit Council Quality of Life Committee
Christina Nardone, Chairperson

Is there a neighborhood problem or matter that’s not getting the attention it deserves? Reluctant to address it as an individual? Quality of Life issues run the gamut from litter to problem housing to criminal activity. The Bay Shore/Brightwaters Quality of Life Committee (QOL), in collaboration with the Code Enforcement Committee chaired by Steven Flotteron, exists to present and represent our communities’ concerns and aspirations to the appropriate town, county or state agencies. We also work closely with the Third Precinct’s COPE officers in an effort to curtail criminal activities such as drug use and prostitution that have a profound impact upon our quality of life. Informative workshops are scheduled to meet the needs of our diverse population. One example, a forum on Alzheimers, benefited many of the caregivers in the community. The committee is comprised of local residents, business owners, school personnel, and town and county officials. For more information, call the Office of School-Community Services at (631) 968-1252.

Summit Council Redevelopment Committee
George Rider, Chairperson

Bay Shore Summit Council’s Redevelopment Committee participated in the revitalization of Bay Shore’s downtown development. Initially, the committee aided in the drafting of the original Summit Steering Committee documents and then worked behind the scenes on projects and initiatives. The Redevelopment Committee maintains a good working relationship and a link with elected officials, the Chamber of Commerce and BID (Business Improvement District).

Summit Council Youth Services Committee
Viki Zimolka, Chairperson

As one of the subcommittees of the Bay Shore- Brightwaters Summit Council, Youth Services is directly involved with the student population. Over the past several years, this group has accomplished many of its objectives. It was responsible for the development of a parent guide, a directory of local not -for -profit professional services, the coordination of the Bay Shore Day at the Long Island Ducks, and the hosting of several breakfasts for representatives from local community agencies that support our youth.

The Youth Services Committee now focuses on "mentoring and volunteerism." Providing students with appropriate adult mentors, shadowing opportunities and volunteer activities, will give individual students a wonderful foundation for future growth. To meet this important new initiative, the committee will be reaching out to the community to promote volunteerism, mentoring and work experience.

If you are a business owner or work in a field that could accommodate an internship program, please contact Viki Zimolka at (631) 968-1252 and become a mentor. It’s a valuable and rewarding experience for everyone involved! Interested residents are invited to attend.