Assemblymember Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (D-Sag Harbor) recently welcomed Speaker Carl Heastie to Suffolk County for an East End tour, announcing a $250,000 funding allocation to support the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center’s Pre-K program. The center, dedicated to the well-being of marginalized East End children and families since the 1950s, continues to uplift and support the community it serves.

An additional $1.75 million was directed towards the Montauk Playhouse Community Center, signifying a substantial investment in developing an aquatic facility and a multi-purpose cultural space, enhancing the recreational opportunities available to residents.

In August 2023, The Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation and the East Hampton Town Board hosted a Groundbreaking Ceremony at the historic Montauk Playhouse. This event represented a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to transform it into a vital community center that caters to the arts, education, recreation and human services for Montauk and the East End.

East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc said, “We are grateful to Speaker Heasties and Assemblymember Fred Thiele for the very timely and significant grant, which will supplement funds raised for completion of the Montauk Playhouse aquatics and cultural center project.”

Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center Executive Director Bonnie Cannon said, “I am overjoyed with the announcement by Speaker Heastie that $250K funding will be utilized to refurbish our building for a new preschool. For our East End underserved, affordable childcare or just childcare is often hard to find in our community. This funding will allow us to continue our mission of serving our East End marginalized children and families. Thank you, Speaker Heastie, and a special thank you to Assemblyman Fred Thiele for your continued support. Your commitment to the education and well-being of the children in our community is truly remarkable. The newly refurbished building will provide a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where our children can learn and grow. Thanks again.”

Assemblyman Thiele said, “This East End tour highlighted our remarkable local businesses and the dedicated community groups that tirelessly serve our neighbors. The $250,000 in funding for the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center ensures that it can continue providing an inclusive environment that promotes growth, knowledge, and empowerment for our local marginalized families. The $1.75 million for the Montauk Playhouse Community Center secures its future, opening new recreational opportunities for our residents. Together, we are building a brighter future for our community. Special thanks to Speaker Heastie for his generous support that will make a significant impact on our community.”

Speaker Heastie’s tour concluded with a visit to Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack, where he took a vineyard tour and observed the wine-making process with Wölffer Estate Vineyard CEO Max Rohn. With over three decades of dedication to innovation and sustainability, Wölffer Estate Vineyard has played a prominent role in producing wine, cider, and spirits, greatly benefiting the Hamptons community.