By Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine
Cover credit – County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches)
Being a grandfather has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Watching my own children become parents lends itself to more happiness than I can possibly share now. So, on behalf of myself, my wife Diane and my entire administration, I extend a happy Grandparents’ Day to all the grandparents of Suffolk County.
As within my own grandchildrens’ lives, the unconditional love you share with your grandchildren is invaluable. Grandparents are often said to “close the space between generations.” Thinking about this statement, it’s really true. We are able to support our children in their great leap into parenthood and our grandchildren’s development. We become the bedrock of our families.
Everything old becomes new again, and a small part of that truth is us sharing our stories and our interests with our grandchildren. Reinforcing the traditions I impressed upon my own children, watching them take root in my grandchildren and then nurturing this growth is heartwarming.
Regularly, there are so many outlets to engage our grandchildren. I personally like to play board games with my grandchildren and take them to the beach. Here in Suffolk County, there is no shortage of free music events and craft fairs to enjoy. Other popular activities to share include scrap booking, storytelling, gardening music and dancing.
This September 8, enjoy Grandparents’ Day and enjoy this time with your families. It goes by too fast.
And for those 55-years and older who still have that drive, I want to share the ability to become a foster grandparent. It is the ability to share that spark and that passion another time. Foster parents receive monthly care rates, Medicaid coverage, and supportive services.
It is not so much a do-over as the ability to do-again. Old age is more a state of mind than a physical reality. As such, we are never too old to make a difference in a child’s life.
To inquire about becoming a foster grandparent, please visit https://suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Social-Services/Family-and-Children-Services.
Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) has served as Suffolk County Executive since 2024. He has previously served as a Suffolk County Legislator, Suffolk County Clerk, and Brookhaven Town Supervisor.
