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December 11, 2019

Santa Came To Town! Photos by Justin Meinken The frosty winter air didn’t stop hundreds from marching down Main Street toward the Hook Mill in the annual Santa Parade December 7. Everyone from the Springs School Band, to the Lions Club, and many other groups waved to onlookers as they led the way for Mr. and Mrs. Claus on their sled with their fleet of reindeer. The windmill was then illuminated by the East Hampton Village Trustees, and will continue to light up the town throughout the holiday season.

LVIS Holiday Photos by Richard Lewin Touches of the holidays were everywhere at The Shops at Ladies’ Village Improvement Society of East Hampton on Saturday, December 7. There was something for everyone on your holiday gift list at the open house, from top designer fashion to books, jewelry, and more.

The Independent

Letters The Independent accepts exclusive letters of 500 words or less, submitted digitally by Friday at 4 PM. The Independent reserves the right to not publish letters deemed slanderous, libelous, or otherwise questionable. Letters can be sent to news@indyeastend.com.

True Colors Dear Editor, Now that Southampton resident, Michael Bloomberg, has recently declared himself as a candidate in the 2020 Presidential election, let’s look at how he has behaved locally. Numerous articles have been published in The Southampton Press, The Independent, Newsday, The Real Deal, and the NY Post, amongst others, concerning his proposed land grab of Tuckahoe Road, near his Southampton home, and that runs through Shinnecock Golf Course, of which he is a member. Bloomberg went as far as trying to bribe Tuckahoe School District to get on board with his greedy scheme. One has only to read numerous media articles to be reminded of what took place. (See 9/13/16 The Southampton Press/27East; 7/5/17 The Real Deal; 5/5/17 27 East; and 8/28/19 NY Post, for some examples). I believe Newsday and Channel 12 also carried this story. Tuckahoe Road has been used for over a century without any recorded safety issues. Yet, Bloomberg tooted safety as a reason to close our public road.

Tully’s View

Publisher & GM James J. Mackin Executive Editor & Associate Publisher Jessica Mackin-Cipro

If this is how Bloomberg handles local issues, how would it be any different on the national stage or local arena? He has shown his true colors to me, and therefore Bloomberg will not be earning my vote in November 2020. Sincerely, Joan Tutt

The Problem Dear Editor, About 15 years ago, I pointed out to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the town supervisor the problem with the Shinnecock Inlet. The incoming tide on the ocean comes from the east. As seen in pictorials on the website, www.lishore.org/photos/ShinHist/index.html, after the 1938 development of the inlet and the years following, the inlet took on a diagonal slope. I believe the Southampton side eroded considerably, the Hampton Bays side remained stable, and the rock jetties were installed in a north-south location for navigation purposes. Since then, the Hampton Bays side of the inlet has been in peril. I, as an avid boater, noticed when I fished the incoming tide, if I started my drift a quarter to a half-mile Continued On Page 38.

Executive Editor Rick Murphy

Director of Marketing & Real Estate Coordinator Ty Wenzel

Associate Editor Bridget LeRoy

Graphic Designer Lianne Alcon

Deputy News & Sports Editor Desirée Keegan

Contributing Photographers Nanette Shaw Kaitlin Froschl Richard Lewin Gordon M. Grant Rob Rich Jenna Mackin Lisa Tamburini Irene Tully Ty Wenzel Justin Meinken Tom Kochie

Senior Writer T.E. McMorrow Copy Editor Lisa Cowley Writers/ Columnists / Contributors Denis Hamill Nicole Teitler Zachary Weiss Dominic Annacone Joe Cipro Karen Fredericks Isa Goldberg Vincent Pica Bob Bubka Gianna Volpe Heather Buchanan Vanessa Gordon Joan Baum Jenna Mackin Georgia Warner Laura Euler Brittany Ineson Head Of Sales Daniel Schock Advertising Media Sales Director Joanna Froschl Sales Manager BT Sneed Account Managers Tim Smith Sheldon Kawer Annemarie Davin John Wyche Art Director Jessica Mackin-Cipro Advertising Production Manager John Laudando

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Bookkeeper Sondra Lenz Office & Classified Manager Maura Platz Kathy Krause Delivery Managers Charlie Burge Eric Supinsky Louis Evangelista Published weekly by: East Hampton Media Holdings LLC Subscriptions by 1st Class Mail: $91 yearly The Independent Newspaper 74 Montauk Highway Suite #19 East Hampton, NY 11937 P 631 324 2500 F 631 324 2544 www.indyeastend.com Follow : @indyeastend Email : news@indyeastend.com ©2019 Entire Contents Copyrighted Financial responsibility for errors in all advertising printed in The Independent is strictly limited to actual amount paid for the ad.

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December 11, 2019

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The Independent

News & Opinion Fear In Montauk’s Latino Community EH Town Supervisor sits with public, hears suspicions, concerns By T. E. McMorrow t.e@indyeastend.com At a gathering prompted by anger over the death of a Colombian man who was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver October 30, East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc and Councilwoman Sylvia Overby met with Montauk Latino community members at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Catholic Church in Montauk Tuesday evening, December 3. The meeting, which was arranged by Organización Latino Americana’s Eastern Long Island branch and lasted over 90 minutes, covered an array of subjects, starting with what some see as bias at the town’s justice court. Van Scoyoc and Overby pledged to the audience of about 20 that they would work on improving communication between the town board and the Latino community. “We are here to listen,” Overby said. The meeting was held at St. Therese’s Parish Center and not at Town Hall because of fear in the immigrant Latino community of being exposed in a public place, several participants that night said. They also said that that the palpable fear in the community suppressed that evening’s turnout. Holding future meetings at the Montauk School was briefly discussed, but it was clear that those present felt much more at ease on church property, as opposed to the public school. That fear, the town board members were told, is not just relegated to those who are in the country without

East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc sat down with Councilwoman Sylvia Overby, right, and translator Ana Kestler, left, as Montauk residents spoke to them at the parish center of St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church on December 3. Independent/T. E. McMorrow

legal documentation. Even immigrants who have since become citizens feel intimidated. One woman said, in Spanish, “Many people, members of our community, were invited today. We heard that they weren’t coming because they thought the authorities were going to be here. That is how you can see clearly the fear in our community. It is in our houses. Our homes. Our children. The fear of what could happen to us, especially as immigrants. They are afraid.” Ana Kestler was the court-certified translator. That only two members of the town board attended the meeting was done a specific reason: If three of the five members of the board attended, it would have made for a quorum, and the meeting would have become an official town board meeting, requiring the presence of a town attorney and the town clerk, as well as the recording of speakers’ names. The goal on December 3 was something much more informal. “We reached out to the town board,” said Minerva Perez, the executive director of the OLA’s Eastern Long Island chapter. “There were a lot of questions and concerns about the death of John James.” John James Usma-Quintero, 28, was riding his bicycle on the northbound shoulder of Flamingo Road, up the long, steep hill shortly after sunset October 30 when he was struck and killed by an allegedly drunk driver, Lisa Rooney, 30, of Montauk. Rooney’s 2019

Chevrolet Silverado pickup continued a couple hundred feet before it smashed into a guardrail near the crest of the hill, according to the police. Rooney, who is the daughter of state supreme court justice Bruna DiBiase, is due back in East Hampton Town Justice Court Wednesday, December 11, after spending a month in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. “Her parents are very important people. That is what the community is thinking,” said Carlos, who only gave his first name. “Many Americans who were born here told me if that happened to them and they were the ones driving, they would still be in jail.” He asked the supervisor, “What have you done about this case? What exactly do you know about this case?” Van Scoyoc explained that Police Chief Michael Sarlo could not attend to explain the details because the case is still under investigation. He said it is likely going to take time, months, maybe longer, before any upgraded charges can be brought, if warranted. It was Rooney’s release from custody on October 31 on $1000 bail that angered many in the community, and in the room, December 3. One speaker said he understood East Hampton Town Justice Rana’s reasoning behind setting the $1000 amount. Rana was doing so because setting bail at any amount will soon be eliminated in all alleged drunken driving cases in

New York state. Still, he said, it seemed unfair. Another speaker said that the low bail amount caused members of the Latino community to look back at past bail practices in East Hampton Town Justice Court, in which bail was set at $8000 or $10,000 on Latinos in DWI cases where there were no injuries reported. One man said, “We trust the police officers here. It took a while to build that bridge because we came from a society in Latin America where we did not trust our police officers. They really became a community that we trust. We like them. We don’t doubt them. But with the court, it is unbelievable. It’s so sad. What happened?” He continued: “We feel like Montauk, East Hampton, is our town. Why this case is so important is that somehow, we must trust. For an immigrant to go face a judge, even for a parking ticket, is very, very intimidating. Facing a judge when you feel that there is a little [bit] of racism is terrifying. That is why this case is so important. What are we going to do? How are we going to regain trust in our court?” The idea of the community meeting with the two town justices, Steven Tekulsky and Lisa Rana was advanced, but Van Scoyoc cautioned that, because they are part of the judicial branch of local government, there would be many matters on which they would not be able to comment. Continued On Page 32.

News & Opinion

December 11, 2019

Scallop Die-Off Prompts Symposium Scientists inform public about causes By Brittany Ineson news@indyeastend.com

A panel of experts discussed the Peconic Bay scallop die-off with the public at Stony Brook Southampton. Independent/Brittany Ineson

On Friday, December 6, scientists, students, and concerned citizens gathered in the Avram Theatre on the Stony Brook Southampton campus with one thing in mind — scallops. Dr. Christopher Gobler, professor of marine science at Stony Brook University and director of the New York State Center for Clean Water Technology, was one of the speakers. “As it turns out, as we’re all aware, there was a very unfortunate environmental occurrence in the Peconic Estuary this fall,” he said. “Tonight is about getting out the facts.” The “environmental occurrence” that Dr. Gobler referred to is climate

change. The scientist panelists were proficient in their knowledge of scallops — Dr. Bradley Peterson, Dr. Bassem Allam, and Dr. Stephen Tettelbach. And the fact is that the scallops are dying off. The Peconic Bay Scallop is the most iconic fishery on eastern Long Island. From the 1960s through 1985, the Peconic Estuary boasted the largest individual bay scallop fishery on the east coast. While harmful algal blooms caused the collapse of the fishery at the end of the 20th Century, recent restoration efforts had significantly improved landings. Unfortunately, a catastrophic environmental event caused mass mortality among

bay scallops during the late summer and early fall of 2019. The opening of the bay scallop season in November made it clear this die-off was widespread and near complete among harvestable scallops in most regions, leading to great concern regarding the cause of this event as well as the impacts on the economy of eastern Long Island. On the very same day as this symposium, Governor Andrew Cuomo made a request that the U.S. Department of Commerce issue a disaster declaration for the Peconic Bay scallop fishery, further proving the urgency of the event. “The unexpected and sudden loss of

the bay scallop resource represents a total collapse of this important commercial fishery and a devastating financial hardship for fishermen and maritime businesses that warrants immediate need of disaster relief to the industry,” Cuomo wrote. Dr. Gobler noted Cuomo’s efforts, stating that “the governor’s support of New York State fisheries has been remarkable.” The question is: Why are the scallops dying off? Dr. Gobler believes that a combination of low oxygen, high temperatures, and stress during the spawning Continued On Page 32.

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The Independent

Floating Wetlands For Montauk’s Fort Pond Program to test organic method of reducing toxins, algae bloom By T. E. McMorrow t.e@indyeastend.com

Fort Pond, as seen from Industrial Road. Independent/T. E. McMorrow

Two floating wetlands are coming to Fort Pond in Montauk after the East Hampton Town Board approved a $25,200 grant at its November 21 meeting. The grant goes to Concerned Citizens of Montauk. CCOM is already testing Fort Pond on a regular basis for both the levels of toxic chemicals in the water, as well as for algae. Laura Tooman, president of CCOM, said Monday that the idea of a floating wetland was brought to CCOM’s attention by Jason Beury, a

landscape conservation designer employed by Ruschmeyer’s, and the resort’s general manager, Tyler Aposhian. Ruschmeyer’s overlooks Fort Pond from its perch on a hill across Second House Road. Over the past few years, she said, Ruschmeyer’s has made a concerted effort to contribute to the health of Fort Pond. For example, Tooman said, it ripped out the impervious asphalt parking lot, from which pollutants could flow downhill straight into Fort Pond, and replaced it with a pervi-

ous surfaced lot. It also began using rain barrels to capture runoff from the roofs on the sprawling site, and planted native plants on the property. A floating wetland is a mat, Tooman explained, in which plants are planted. There will be two mats anchored on Fort Pond, one on its north shore near the rocks by Edgemere Street and Industrial Road, the other on the south shore near Kirk Park, totaling 3000 square feet. The two mats will have different configurations, depending on the exact

location, to be determined through CCOM’s work with the town’s natural resources department, headed by Kim Shaw. It is a pilot program, Tooman said. At the end of the season, the mats will be taken up, and the plants tested to see how much they grew, and how much of the nutrients in the water, like nitrogen and phosphorous, that would otherwise feed the algae blooms were absorbed by the plants. The plants will then be recycled back into the earth.

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News & Opinion

December 11, 2019

Obituary

Betty Cobb, 89 Betty Cobb, an 11th generation native and resident of East Hampton, passed away peacefully at her daughter Diane Goncalves’s home on Wednesday, December 4, following a lengthy illness. She was 89. Born on July 17, 1930 in Southampton to Vivian Merrill of Amagansett, Betty was raised and educated here and in Massachusetts by her adoptive parents, William E. and Alberta Rebecca Spencer, formerly of upstate Chateauguay. Following her graduation from East Hampton High School in 1948, Betty attended Becker Junior College in Worcester, MA, where she received her associate’s degree in secretarial science. Upon graduating, she accepted a position as an executive secretary at a firm in Boston, where she met her husband-to-be, Walter E. Cobb, of New Bedford, who predeceased her in 1996. After their 1953 marriage, the couple relocated to her childhood home

Historic B&B, House Tour The East Hampton Chamber of Commerce will host its 27th annual B&B, inn, restaurant, and attraction holiday tour on Saturday, December 14. The self-guided tour begins at noon, and host sites will welcome guests until 4 PM. Admission is $15 online and $25 at the door. It begins at three locations: The Baker House 1650, White Fences Inn, and 434 on Main. Immediately after the tour, from 4 to 6 PM, select participants will offer holiday bite and pour specials for $10. Sites include Nick & Toni’s, Townline BBQ, Cove Hollow Tavern, The Milk Pail, Rowdy Hall, Calissa, Tutto il Giorno, The Maidstone, Bistro Ete, and Babette’s. Other participating sites include the Pollock-Krasner House, 1770 House Restaurant & Inn, The Huntting Inn, East Hampton Art House Bed & Breakfast, Southampton History Museum, Southampton Inn, and Topping Rose House. To register or find out more, visit www.easthamptonchamber. com. JM

on Osborne Lane, where she would remain to raise their three children, Gary, Kevin and Diane, until poor health necessitated her relocation to her daughter and son-in-law’s home in Springs several years ago. Having worked for the Village of East Hampton as an accounts clerk during the administrations of six mayors, she had been retired since 1995. She was an avid flower gardener and beach lover who also enjoyed traveling and playing table games with her many friends and family members. She will be remembered by many as a dear friend and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was predeceased by her halfbrother, Jim. In addition to her children, Betty is survived by her beloved partner of more than 20 years, Vinny Grimes; her son-in-law, Candido Goncalves; daughter-in-law, Tami, Gary’s partner, Nancy; her grandsons, Jason, Bryan, Michael, Eric, and Wilson, granddaughters Khloe, and Kayla; great granddaughter, Brooklynn; great grandson, Jace; half-sister, Hazel Chase and her daughter Jean; nephews Todd and Wayne Whittier, Wayne’s wife Mary and their children Samantha Staebner, John, Diana, and John’s son, Kolton. Several generations of Merrill cousins also survive including Bobby, Mary Ann, Lisa, David, Ron, and Deborah. A funeral Mass and reception was held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Wednesday, December 11, followed by an interment of ashes at Cedar Lawn Cemetery. The family suggests that donations in Betty’s memory be made to either East End Hospice or St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

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The Independent

Herrick Park To Get Redesign? Village committee wants more user-friendly space By Karen Fredericks karen@karenfredericks.com The public got its first chance to comment on plans for repurposing East Hampton Village’s Herrick Park to encompass a wide range of uses for a community with divergent needs. The well-attended meeting at the East Hampton Middle School on Thursday, December 5, was the perfect setting, as the school leases some of the athletic fields at the park, and is probably its biggest single-user group. Representatives of LaGuardia Design Group — the Water Mill firm hired last July to conceptualize, explore, and design a more efficient use of the park grounds — and East Hampton Village Trustees Rose Brown and Arthur Graham, who ran for office with a promise to redesign the park, were in attendance. Other local officials, merchants, and

businessmen and women who formed a committee to advance the redesign, and representatives of the Ladies’ Village Improvement Society, the Village Preservation Society of East Hampton, and the Garden Club of East Hampton were also in attendance. The presentation began with Chris LaGuardia of the design firm sharing his observation that, currently, most visitors to East Hampton Village don’t even know the park exists. “After walking Main Street and turning north onto Newtown Lane many perceived the village ended at the Stop & Shop entrance to the Reutershan parking lot,” he said, proposing the creation of a plaza-like entrance to the park with two rows of trees drawing in pedestrians, which would lead to two playgrounds,

one for older and one for younger children. There would be basketball and pickleball courts, and benches situated beneath the tall shade trees for passive enjoyment of the property. At the end of the entrance would be a flagpole standing in the middle of a rotary. LaGuardia also told the audience that the playing fields will be updated, repaired, and reconfigured, and after the land is graded, soccer, football, and rugby teams would have enough room to share an all-purpose regulation-size field. The most active use and noisiest features will be relocated near Stop & Shop and the downtown business district, the farthest from residential areas. Other proposed features include a fountain, an amphitheater, and an arboretum that could also serve educational purposes as a spot for the public to learn about indigenous plant and wildlife. There are also plans to unify the park with the village center, include a clearly-marked path from Main Street to the existing public restrooms, and create a more direct access from the Hampton Jitney stop to the parking lot, including motion-sensor lights to address safety concerns. The village owns two adjacent lots, at 14 and 16 Pleasant Lane, which were purchased with Community Preservation Fund money, and would, under the

Chris LaGuardia discusses the Herrick Park redesign. Independent/Karen Fredericks

plan, be merged into the park to provide additional space. Audience members expressed concerns about increased noise, nighttime light pollution, and whether pets — specifically dogs — would be allowed. One father of young children expressed the desire for a snack bar. Another audience member expressed hope that passive enjoyment of the park would be given equal weight to the athletic field and other active purposes, and suggested additional bathrooms. Organizers stressed the plan is in its infancy phase, and nothing is set in stone. Continued On Page 32.

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News & Opinion

December 11, 2019

Landmark Maintenance Award Program

Board member. “This is also an incentive to concerned and alert owners of undesignated historic resources to seek landmark designation,” Wesnofske said. “In addition to the maintenance award, local town landmarks are also eligible for a tax abatement program for qualifying improvements and, more significantly, eligible for the purchase of a historic preservation easement by the Town of Southampton.” Owners interested in finding out if their property is one of the 980 identified historic resources in a 2014 town survey that might qualify landmark status and subsequent benefits, those looking for applications for a historic designation, or anyone seeking additional information should check the Landmarks & Historic

Southampton Town offers funds to repair and preserve historic buildings By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com Owners of eligible historic properties can apply for Southampton Town’s landmarks maintenance award program. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, December 31. “Southampton’s rich heritage and identity are reflected in its historic homes and buildings,” said Councilman John Bouvier. “Through the landmarks maintenance award program, the continued protection and preservation of important structures that are owned by people under financial constraints is encouraged and supported by the town.” The award program, offered for the seventh year and managed by the town’s Landmarks & Historic Districts Board, supports projects that contribute to the preservation and long-term sustainability of designated properties. Example projects include exterior rehabilitations, structural stabilization, window replacements, door and shutter restoration, and the resolution of water-penetration issues. According to Ed Wesnofske, chairman of the Landmarks & Historic Districts Board, the town has awarded $83,000 to owners over the last six years, “and award has been made to designated landmarks in Water Mill, East Quogue, Shinnecock Hills, and Hampton Bays that applied for a variety of exterior maintenance conditions.”

To be eligible for the award, a historic resource must already have been designated a town landmark. Owner-applicants are also required to have basic or enhanced School Tax Relief status. The work must be completed in a year and documented by a Landmarks & Historic Districts

In addition to the maintenance award, local town landmarks are also eligible for a tax abatement program. Districts Board page on the town’s website.

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EH Affordable Housing Ceremony Photo by Richard Lewin Friday December 6, was the ribbon-cutting at 181 Accabonac Road in East Hampton for the much-anticipated “Manor House” affordable housing complex. The condominium project is the first of its kind for East Hampton Town’s affordable housing program. New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele and Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming joined East Hampton Town Board members and Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc in praising the initiative.

The Southampton Inn is inviting its guests to shop locally, experiencing the unique boutiques, shops, and services in historic Southampton Village by offering each guest a holiday stocking stuffed with special offers from local merchants and attractions. Merchants are within strolling distance of the inn, so guests won’t need to drive. Shoppers can then return to the inn and use the holiday gift-wrapping room or enjoy a mug of hot cider from Claude’s restaurant. The Southampton Inn and restaurant are located at 91 Hill Street in the heart of Southampton Village. For reservations or more information, including other specials, , call 631-283-6500 or visit www.southamptoninn.com. DK

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The Independent

Bridgehampton Street Races Were Historic Southampton Town receives marker to be placed on Montauk Highway By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com

Southampton Town is receiving a historical marker for the Bridgehampton automobile races to be placed along Montauk Highway. There will be a dedication ceremony Friday, December 20, at noon, at 2415 Montauk Highway to recognize the historical significance of the Bridgehampton Fire Department’s annual carnival and motor races, which was Southampton’s first organized street racing at the turn of the 20th Century. The town’s historic division of the town clerk’s office received funding

for the historical marker from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation Historic Roadside Marker Grant Program. The foundation believes historic markers play an important role in local historic preservation by commemorating significant historic people, places, and things from 1740 to 1920. On the heels of the 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Races, the Bridgehampton Fire Department’s carnival, held annually dating back to 1911, began holding automobile and motorcycle races in 1914. At the close of the carnival, two

Bruce Stevenson in an early race. Independent/Courtesy Bridgehampton Road Rally

automobile races 35 miles long were held for 30-horsepower cars. Both wealthy sportsmen and local young men took part. The races began on Main Street and followed a course around Bridgehampton and through the scenic farmland. “Those races ran laps over a rectangular course that included Main Street, Halsey Lane, Paul’s Lane, and

Ocean Avenue,” reads the website www.bridgehamptonrally.org. “Homemade and modified cars piloted by local drivers like John Ambrose, Moosie Thompson, Court Rodgers and Norris Hopping put pressure on visiting racers as they reached speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. These early races continued through 1921.”

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News & Opinion

December 11, 2019

The Independent

New Assistant Super For Students Southampton names Hampton Bays resident with extensive background By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com

Patricia McCauley Desiderio has been named Southampton Union Free School District’s new assistant superintendent for student services. “We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Desiderio to the Southampton family,” said Superintendent Dr. Nicholas Dyno. “Her professional experience is quite impressive, and we are certain she is a perfect fit for this position.”

Since 2006, Desiderio, a Hampton Bays resident, has served as the director of pupil personnel services in the Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District. She began her career as a secondary education teacher at Lowell High School in Bayside. After five years, she was hired as assistant director of family support services at AHRC Nassau, a Brookville-

Teacher To Lead National Workshop Southampton educator will head conference on agriculture By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com

This summer, Southampton Intermediate School family and consumer sciences teacher Christina Cassel will be teaching agricultural skills to educators across the country. She was selected from a pool of 120 applicants to present at the National Agriculture in the Classroom conference in Salt Lake City, UT. “I am very excited to meet other

educators and collaborate with them,” said Cassel, whose workshop will focus on the life cycle of apples and how to effectively integrate cooking lessons into the classroom to teach students foundational skills, nutrition, and healthy eating habits. The goal of the conference is to bring educators together to collaborate

based nonprofit supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During her six-year tenure there, she directed all family support services and ran a residential summer camp. In 1996, she successfully implemented a Head Start after-school program at the Herbert G. Birch School in Washington Heights. In 2000, she was appointed principal of the Bronx Children Center School, and two years later, a New York State Improvement Grant team leader with the New York State Education Department with offices in Eastern Suffolk BOCES. She then served as the principal of the Child Development Center of the Hamptons Charter School in East Hampton from 2004 to 2006, where she developed a building-wide coteaching model. Desiderio holds a bachelor of science degree in general education and special education from Buffalo State College, a master of science in special education from Queens College, and certifications in district administration, building on ways to use agricultural concepts to teach nutrition through reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Agriculture in the classroom has become a passion for Cassel. She was named New York Agriculture Teacher of the Year in 2018 and granted a full scholarship to attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom conference in Portland, ME. She was also the 2018 recipient of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s $1500 White-Reinhardt Scholarship, which provided her the opportunity to attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom conference in Little Rock, AR in June. An East End native with parents who were poultry and dairy farmers, Cassel has been teaching eighth graders at Southampton Intermediate School for the past five years. She studied food service and management and culinary arts at Johnson & Wales

Patricia McCauley Desiderio. Independent/Southampton Union Free School District

administration, permanent teaching, and special education permanent teaching. “I’m excited to share my wealth of experience and lifelong-learner perspective as the new assistant superintendent for student services at Southampton Schools,” Desiderio said.

Southampton Intermediate School family and consumer sciences teacher Christina Cassel. Independent/Courtesy Southampton Union Free School District

University in Providence, RI. She is an ardent supporter of organic and local farming, and has taught her students how to grow food in the school’s garden and use what’s grown in culinary dishes.

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News & Opinion

December 11, 2019

School News News and happenings submitted from schools across the East End Compiled by Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com

Riverhead Riverhead Choir At Radio City The Riverhead High School chamber choir performed before a packed audience at the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall on December 3. The choir, directed by Dena Marie Tishim, was given this opportunity after Reverend Mary Cooper of the House of Praise in Riverhead secured a spot in the show and offered to pay a portion of the performance fee. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these students to perform in the historic venue where the Tony Awards are held annually,” said Tishim. Prior to the performance, the students dined at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, whose waitstaff consists of Broadway stars and off-Broadway hopefuls. They also watched Riverhead’s All-State percussionist William Green perform on tambourine alongside the waiters and waitresses. The group also performed in Choral Day at Long Island University on November 22, where it sang for college professors and received valuable feedback. The students mingled with those from other schools, including Huntington, Northport, and Jericho, and sang with them in a grand finale. Upcoming performances by the Riverhead High School chamber choir will be Friday, December 13, at 6 PM, at the Jamesport Meeting House Carols and Cookies event, and Sunday, December 15, at 6 PM at the First Baptist Church’s A Gift to the Community event.

Prestigious Music

Recognition

Just three months into the school year, Riverhead High School junior Lauren Enos has earned multiple recognitions from prestigious music organizations. Enos, who plays the clarinet, was selected to perform in the New York State School Music Association All-State Music Festival as a first clarinetist in the symphony orchestra and a bass clarinetist in the wind ensemble. She was chosen based on her performance at the NYSSMA Solo Evaluation Festival last spring. The junior was recently named principal clarinetist for the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra and the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education’s All-County Music Festival. She

will also be performing as first clarinetist for the Hampton Music Educators Association. For Enos, the clarinet is a large part of her life. She practices daily and performs with her school’s band and community groups. She also takes private lessons with Anton Rist, principal clarinetist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. During the summer, she attended the Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan, where she advanced her skills as a member of the wind ensemble. She has been invited to attend the summer 2020 camp.

Math Wizards Fourth-grader Riley Kidney and thirdgrader Shane Wallace have been named Riley Avenue Elementary School’s math students of the month. To earn the award, the students participated in the school’s new “math problem of the week” challenge, spearheaded by teacher Linda Wallace. They answered a series of challenging math questions every week, providing the best explanations.

Breakfast With Santa The Riverhead High School cooking club will present its fifth annual pancake breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 14, from 8 to 11 AM at Riverhead High School. Tickets are $6 each and children under seven eat for free. The annual fundraiser allows the cooking club to purchase holiday gifts for local children. Advance tickets are available at the high school in room 115.

Westhampton Escape Room Raises Funds The eighth-grade students in Kelly Russell’s critical literacy class at Westhampton Beach Middle School gave back to the Westhampton Beach School District Hurricane Foundation by organizing an escape room fundraiser on December 3. The inspiration for the event began in seventh grade, when the students learned about the United Nations Messengers of Peace program as part of their curriculum. Expanding on the lesson this year, they decided to organize and plan the fundraiser, which raised more than $800. The students designed an “evil science lab” escape room, and participants were given clues and moved through 10 rooms to solve riddles, find a blueprint, and race back to the school’s cafeteria

Riverhead High School’s elite chamber choir performed at Radio City Music Hall on December 3. Independent/ Courtesy Riverhead Central School District

Hampton Bays Middle School’s Harmonizers performed at Radio City Music Hall on November 23 to a sold-out audience of 6000. The 26-member vocal ensemble sang a cappella renditions of holiday songs before the curtain opened on the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes. Nickolette Kacharaba conducted the group and Carolanne Mazur accompanied on body percussions.

35,000-square-foot expansion of the school building, which includes a new gymnasium, cafeteria, fitness center, locker rooms, and a technology room. The real-world experience for students ranging from kindergarten to seventh grade takes place every two weeks and allows students to ask questions and tour the construction site. “This opportunity enables our students to develop a wide range of skills from communication, collaboration, responsibility, confidence, and leadership,” Superintendent Robert Hauser said. “We are pleased that they can master these abilities right outside our school building.”

Tuckahoe

Lifesaving Skills

to crack the final code. The event also included a student-run bake sale and a photo booth featuring various props.

Hampton Bays Harmonizers At Radio City

Veterans Day Honoree In recognition of Veterans Day, Tuckahoe’s National Junior Honor Society created a slideshow presenting all Tuckahoe family veterans. Students wrote notes and designed awards for local veterans to thank them for their service. Letters and awards were distributed to Mr. Grisnik, Mr. Skuggevik, and Mr. Capalbo. Tuckahoe librarian, Ms. Verdeschi, also distributed notes and awards to veterans at the Hand-Aldrich Post 924 American Legion during the Veterans Day ceremony in Hampton Bays. All the veterans expressed appreciation for the students’ efforts, including First Vice Commander Rick Robinson, who responded with his own official letter of appreciation to the students.

Bridgehampton Construction Student Ambassador Program The Bridgehampton School District has introduced a construction student ambassador program where students have the opportunity to meet with the architects, construction managers, and constructors who are involved in the

As part of the nationwide “Stop the Bleed” campaign Bridgehampton School staff, educators, and administrators participated in hands-on lessons and are now trained and equipped in a bleeding emergency. The collaboration with the Stony Brook Trauma Center, Southampton Hospital, and members of Bridgehampton’s Emergency Medical Services helped to provide faculty and staff members with lifesaving skills to use in case of an emergency.

Filmmakers Share Their Work Five Bridgehampton High School students attended a League of Women Voters “Running and Winning” workshop. Accompanied by guidance counselor Ms. Danielle Doscher, students Jaden Campbell, Olivia Cassone, Gylia Dryden, Alanah Johnson, and Melissa Villa learned about the rewards and challenges of holding public office. They heard from and interviewed women who were elected officials including judges, legislators, mayors, and town clerks. The students also learned about the voting registration process, filled out practice registration forms, and developed their own voter campaigns.

The Independent

Police Alleged Shinnecock Killer, Drug Dealer Held Police say he shot reservation man in August, was part of distribution ring By T. E. McMorrow t.e@indyeastend.com Michael Gaines, the man state police say murdered a Shinnecock Indian Nation reservation resident in August, while at the same time being part of the drug distribution ring allegedly operating out of the reservation, was scheduled to be arraigned in Riverside December 10 on two sets of felony charges.

On August 16, according to an indictment by a grand jury November 19, Gaines, 42, broke into the residence of Mtundo Vanterpool, 43, and shot and killed him. During the same time frame, according to a separate indictment made by a grand jury that led to the arrest of at least 27 members of the

alleged Shinnecock drug distribution ring, Gaines was involved in selling quantities of cocaine, with a specific sale cited by the grand jury taking place on July 17. After the murder, state police say that Gaines fled the jurisdiction, but was picked up several days later in Bethel, NC after allegedly breaking into a car. He was held in Pitt County until his extradition last week. The state police are overseeing both investigations. Gaines is charged in the November 19 indictment with murder in the second degree, burglary with a deadly weapon, and burglary where a serious injury occurred. He faces five narcotics-related felonies out of the November 1 indictment as well, including a charge of selling narcotics, and possession with intent to sell. Gaines, who has

Michael Gaines. Independent/ Courtesy Southampton Police Department

a history of violence and drug activity for which he has served time in state prison, faces a possible sentence of life in prison if convicted on the murder charge alone.

Legal Reforms Coming, But Where Is The Money? They will ultimately pay for themselves, says one advocate By T. E. McMorrow t.e@indyeastend.com

FR EE

IN SP W EC HO TI LE ON H –C O AL USE LT OD AY

As proponents of the changes to criminal procedure law coming January 1 across New York state are urging full speed ahead, some district attorneys and police departments are saying, “Show me the money.” However, according to Khalil Cumberbatch, the chief strategist for New Yorkers United for Justice, one of the advocacy groups that pushed for

the change, the reforms will actually end up paying for themselves. While the elimination of bail for almost all crimes has gotten the bulk of the attention in the media, it is another aspect of the reforms that has local jurisdictions searching for funds. That reform involves the discovery process, the procedure through which a prosecutor shares a list of witnesses

An overhaul of the criminal procedure law governing pre-trial process in criminal cases is just a few weeks away from implementation. Independent/T. E. McMorrow

and evidence it intends to use during trial with the defense. The language in the current law requires that “the prosecutor shall disclose to the defendant and make avail-

able” the information it has gathered. However, there is no actual timetable given. This loophole has long been exploited by prosecutors. According to Continued On Next Page.

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Police

December 11, 2019

Gunshots, Home Invasion Rattle Riverhead

In another matter Riverhead Town police say they have their man involved in a fatal hit-and-run. They say Christopher Oborski, 45, ran down a pedestrian December 2 on West Main Street during rush hour. The victim was then hit by another vehicle, and died from the injuries sustained in the collisions. Oborski, headed east, kept going after striking the victim, while the second driver, headed west, pulled over and remained on-scene. Police said they narrowed in on Oborski thanks to information provided by the public. Detectives seized a damaged SUV said to belong to the suspect at a body shop in Riverhead. Oborski was charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident, a Class D felony. Police have not released the victim’s name, pending notification of next of kin. each other.” That will have to change under the new laws. Cumberbatch said that when it comes to financing, the three main areas of reform coming — that is, bail, discovery, and the right to a speedy trial — need to be seen as integrated. Currently, the system is clogged with low-level offenders who simply cannot make bail. “You are stuck in a jail cell at taxpayers’ expense,” he explained. “Pre-trial reform saves money in the criminal justice system,” said Cumberbatch. The system, he said, “will have more reserves to invest in the more serious cases.” But, the question of funding continues to be brought up by those implementing the changes. One place the money is not coming from is the state. On November 6, Governor Cuomo told the New York Post, “I think they’ve gotten additional funding, and they’re getting additional funding, so no, I don’t think they need more funding.”

Riverhead Town police had little information the hours following a terrorizing home break-in early Sunday morning, December 9. Police said they received a call

that shots were fired at 3:16 AM December 08 at the Doctors Path Apartments, with the first accounts reporting two hurt, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Responding units located sev-

eral subjects supposedly involved in the incident, and four individuals were taken via emergency vehicles to the hospital. Police said volunteers from the Riverhead Fire Department, and ambulance corps from Riverhead, Flanders-Northampton, and Westhampton Beach along with Suffolk County Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services were on the scene. From what police could gather, two armed subjects smashed through an apartment door, guns blazing. Multiple shots were reported, but none of the reported injuries appeared to be gun-related. Police think the occupants of the apartment engaged in a fight with the gunmen. No charges were filed as of press time. At least one neighbor said the complex has been a go-to for drug buyers for quite some time.

Legal Reforms

as a prosecuting attorney. The problem for district attorneys across the state is the complexity and diversity of the materials it is required to share. Suffolk County DA Tim Sini has created a new Intake Bureau of assistant district attorneys whose sole job is to marshal together all relevant items for sharing within 15 days. That bureau operates around the clock. Sini has estimated implementing the reforms will ultimately result in a 10-percent increase in his department’s spending. The county budget passed in November included funding for 47 new positions within the DA’s office. County executive Steve Bellone’s proposed budget contained the following statement: “The State of New York provided no funding for the implementation of the new laws, even though it mandates the provision of additional services and imposes substantial new administrative burdens related to discovery and the new accelerated time limitations. The County must bear the

financial burden of the new mandates.” Cumberbatch, who spoke December 9 with The Independent regarding the reforms, said “The funding issue is tricky. We can’t dismiss the money concerns that are raised across the state.” However, he added, “We can’t dismiss the need for reform.” Cumberbatch pointed out that some district attorney’s offices in the state have been practicing early discovery for years, such as in Brooklyn, where they have what is known as an “open file” discovery system. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, in written testimony presented to a New York State Senate’s Codes Committee hearing on the new laws in September, wrote, “We embrace the new discovery law, but we — just like the other offices — need the resources to implement it.” The entire criminal justice system needs to be digitalized, Cumberbatch opined. In Suffolk County, he said, the DA deals with a couple dozen law enforcement agencies. Currently, he said, “They don’t have data bases talking to

Arrest made in last week’s hit and run By Rick Murphy rmurphy@indyeastend.com

Continued From Previous Page. Brian DeSesa, who handles criminal law cases for the Adam Miller Group on the East End, the lack of a specific timeframe often results in a long delay from prosecutors in turning over evidence. This can lead to a defendant, particularly one who is in custody, to make a plea-bargained deal that might not be in his or her best interest. “You’re making a deal without knowing all the relevant facts,” DeSesa said. The new law governing discovery is quite different. It requires it be done “as soon as practicable but not later than 15 calendar days after the defendant’s arraignment.” “The DA’s office must now work diligently to locate things such as medical records in an assault case, or any notes the arresting officer may have,” said Melissa Aguanno, a criminal law attorney with Edward Burke Jr & Associates, another local firm. As with DeSesa, Aguanno previously worked

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The Independent

Editorial

JUST ASKING

How did you feel when you were pardoned by The President?

Rights . . . And The Right Thing

Is it just me? © Karen Fredericks

The Independent was the first of the local newspapers to endorse a proposed New York State law that allows undocumented workers to apply for a driver’s license, and it has since passed. Licenses will be issued beginning this week under the Green Light Law. The ongoing opposition is duly noted. On paper, it seems giving an undocumented resident a license primarily reserved for a U.S. citizen is a slap in the face to law-abiding Americans, but a bit of historical perspective is warranted. Foreigners routinely have driven legally in this state and country; college students from overseas have for years without incident. The argument that the roads will be unsafe is patently wrong: The roads will be safer, because those who want to obtain a license will get the necessary training and take the DMV test to assure that are versed in the fundamentals. The argument that terrorists will be able to move around the country more easily is a silly one; the radical extreme groups that wish to cause carnage on U.S. soil have a wealth of believers to carryout their dastardly deeds — they merely have to choose those among their ranks who are already licensed. We suspect there are plenty. The main reason to champion this proposal is a humane one: these are our neighbors, our co-workers. The primary beneficiaries, of Latino descent, have proven themselves again and again to be diligent, hard-working members of the community with deep ties to the schools and churches and a real desire to participate in the process. The fact they are undocumented is unfortunate; the fact that they are among us overrides that. Their path to citizenship can best be served by allowing them the tools to achieve their goals, and that means driving to work, being able to pick the kids up at school, and scheduling out-of-town doctors’ appointments. Many other states already license undocumented workers. It was legal in New York until after 9-11. There is significant opposition, mostly along party lines, which is unfortunate. This is not a political issue, but a humanitarian one. One provision that should be tweaked disallows the federal government — read ICE agents — from using information obtained in the licensing process. Once again, New York, in its desire to play politics, drops the ball on this. Agents on the trail of suspected or convicted violent felons need all the information available and should be able to access files as needed. We are not seeking to condone criminals, we are seeking a better life for our law-abiding neighbors.

Tom Hanks only plays good guys and heroes, never a villain or a bad guy.

By Karen Fredericks

Forrest Gump. Sully. Saving Private Ryan, Mr. Rogers. What's up with that?

Turkey pardoned by Donald Trump My relief was HUUUUGE. I told him I know all about that “Russian dressing” . . . if you know what I mean (wink, wink). So he doesn’t want me talking to anyone at the table. And who is that Pocahontas he keeps talking about? She must be some chick who was at the first Thanksgiving.

Turkey pardoned by George Bush Dubya was never known for being a genius. So I told him I was a chicken. And he believed it. So he pardoned me. And I Scooter Libby-ed away, faster than you can say, “giblets with gravy!

Turkey pardoned by Bill Clinton Well, of course, I was beyond thrilled to be pardoned. And deeply relieved. But Clinton kept saying something about getting his hand on my thigh. Or maybe . . . it was my breast. I don’t know. I wasn’t listening too closely. It was so creepy. I just wanted to get out of there.

Turkey pardoned by Ronald Reagan Reagan was king of Trickle Down Economics. So I tell him about Trickle Down Turkenomics. I’m super ticklish. You pour gravy on me and I start laughing like crazy, Then the gravy trickles down onto the tablecloth. What a mess! Nancy’s gonna get really mad. He’s no dummy. He pardons me and picks another turkey for the dinner.

Next thing you know he'll be playing Mother Teresa.

Karen was chosen Best Cartoonist by the New York Press Association in 2017 and again in 2019. She’s the recipient of multiple awards for her illustration of the international bestseller How To Build Your Own Country, including the prestigious Silver Birch Award. Her work is part of the permanent artist’s book collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

Feature

December 11, 2019

Women Making A Difference Fundraisers in December and January By Valerie Bando-Meinken valerie@indyeastend.com

The Twin Forks Professional Women’s Circle networking meeting. Independent/Justin Meinken

“It all started over breakfast at Main Road Biscuit Company in Jamesport,” said Jani Rothberg, treasurer of the Twin Forks Professional Women’s Circle. No stranger to the hardships and challenges women face breaking into historically male-dominated professional environments, Rothberg, a certified public accountant at Markowitz, Fenelon & Bank, LLP has always sought networking opportunities to aid in her profession. Rothberg had the opportunity to meet with Ana Stuckart, vice president and senior branch manager at M&T Bank, to develop a working relationship in the event the two had an opportunity to refer clients to each other. But these two women who broke through their fields also had a desire to share their knowledge, mentor younger women, and fill needs that they recognized in their own communities. As the idea to start a women’s networking group took shape, Kelli Lanino of KL Wealth Strategies, LLC joined the newly-formed circle as its vice president. The three women scheduled meetings striving for “a warm and

welcoming, inclusive environment.” According to the board, the meetings started to draw seasoned professionals with varying backgrounds and careers. Their willingness to share their experience and knowledge of embracing hardships and juggling a family life and personal relationships made them relatable to others in the process of developing their careers while facing the same struggles. During their early meetings, Stuckart, the group’s president, said, “We realized that we had a collective knowledge base and could, through our collaboration and education, give back to our communities and empower those less fortunate.” “It was evident that the circle was evolving,” Rothberg said. “Although our supportive networking role is our base, we started to talk about mentoring younger women, coaching those considering career changes, and empowering women of all ages who may be underprivileged and don’t have the confidence to see themselves in a role that ensures their future — especially women who have been beaten down

both emotionally and physically.” To do this, she thought, the circle needed to become a not-for-profit. This move gave the group the ability to fundraise and support likeminded charities who share the goals of the Twin Forks Professional Women’s Circle’s mission “to provide mentoring to young ladies in high school and assist them in determining their career paths as well as provide scholarships for young women to attend postsecondary educational institutions after graduation from high school,” Rothberg said. “We plan to do this by working with organizations like i-tri, The Retreat, and in the near future, the Butterfly Effect Project and other nonprofit organizations which offer mentoring and job-training opportunities to young adults. We hope to provide charitable contributions to these already-established organizations as we identify needs and of course as our fundraising allows.” Although the circle’s board is comprised of women, with Michele BiggartMorris from the Burner Law Group, P.C. recently taking on the position of

secretary, Stuckart emphasized all are welcome. “We are looking to create a diverse and inclusive environment to those who may be looking for enhanced networking opportunities and for those who wish to be part of giving back to the communities we live in and be part of having a positive impact on the lives of those within these communities,” she said. The group’s diversity already runs the gamut with professionals in accounting, banking, insurance, real estate, child care, and elder care. There’s even self-made local business owners and an artist. The Twin Forks Professional Women’s Circle received its certificate of incorporation and not-for-profit status November 5 and has two upcoming fundraisers — a holiday party at Villa Paul restaurant in Hampton Bays on December 11, and a second on January 9 at The All Star bowling alley in Riverhead, with all proceeds to be donated to i-tri. Contact the circle by emailing twinforkspwc@yahoo.com for more information and to reserve a spot at these events.

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The Independent

South Fork News Compiled by Jenna Mackin news@indyeastend.com

EH Chamber Party & Charity Drive The Baker House 1650 and the East Hampton Chamber of Commerce will host the annual holiday party and charity drive on Wednesday, December 11, from 5 to 7 PM at the inn, located at 181 Main Street in East Hampton. Bring nonperishable canned items, which will be donated to local food pantries. Complimentary passed hors d’oeuvres and wine will be available, along with updates on all the happenings in December and the new year. Admission is free for members or future members and $15 for non-members.

Joint Networking Holiday Dinner Westhampton Chamber of Commerce and the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce invite you to a joint Holiday Networking Dinner at Buoy One in Westhampton, on Thursday, December 12, 6 PM, $25 per person and cash bar.

Sag Harbor Chamber Dinner Party Il Capuccino Ristorante will be hosting Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce’s annual holiday dinner on Thursday, December 12, from 6 to 9 PM. For $25, it includes a cash bar and a holiday dinner menu featuring: hors d’oeuvres, the famous garlic rolls, salad, entrée, and dessert. Il Capuccino Ristorante is located at 23 Main Street, Sag Harbor. Please RSVP to John Leonard at jleonard@lojl.com.

Sag Harbor Stroll The Sag Harbor Stroll will be held on Friday, December 13, from 5 to 7 PM. Shoppers will discover deals as they navigate their way through participat-

ing boutiques, spas, and salons while toasting to the season with celebratory lite bites and warm drinks at each location. The toast will begin at near.main on Washington Street at 5 PM, where several guides will lead shoppers to 30 participating businesses.

Candlelight Tours Of Rogers Mansion Celebrate the holidays with a self-guided tour of a candlelit Rogers Mansion on Saturday, December 14, from 1 to 4 PM. Guests will see the 20-room home as it was in the 1920s, filled with holiday decorations. Also, the exhibit “High Style in the Gilded Age: Southampton 1870-1930” displays ball gowns worn by Southampton women, along with their incredible stories from that era. Refreshments will be served. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.southamptonhistory.org.

‘The Polar Express’ & SCC’s Cookie Walk Join the Southampton Cultural Center for a free screening of “The Polar Express” on its new state-of-the-art projection system and SCC’s annual Cookie Walk on Saturday, December 14, from 2 to 6 PM. The cookie walk will feature delicious, homemade cookies available for sale. There is no charge to attend the event and screening, which will take place continuously. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www. scc-arts.org.

Wellness Weekend At The Baker House 1650 Baker House 1650 will host a one-of-akind Holiday Wellness Weekend to con-

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Dell Cullum will be at the Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt’s inaugural walk and book signing of its StoryWalk series at Mashashimuet Park on Saturday, December 14, at noon to sign copies of “The Wild Adventures of Scurry the Squirrel.” Independent/Dell Cullum

cur with the 27th annual East Hampton Holiday Tour. On Saturday, December 14, from noon to 8 PM, and on Sunday, December 15, from noon to 6 PM, The Baker House will introduce participants to items of its favorite partners in wellness, including Arlotta cashmere, Bija Essence, Le C Boutique, Luzern Laboratories, Peruvian Connection, and Shan Resort Wear. Light bites, bubbles, and cocktails will be served. For more information, visit www.bakerhouse1650.com or The Baker House’s Facebook page.

StoryWalk and Book Signing “The Wild Adventures of Scurry the Squirrel” follows “Box Turtle at Long Pond” as the second in Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt’s StoryWalk trail series. Its installation is complete and will be celebrated with an inaugural walk and book signing at Mashashimuet Park on Saturday, December 14, at noon. The author, East Hampton wildlife handler, rescuer, and educator Dell Cullum, and illustrator, Michele Mott, will be present. Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt will celebrate the end of its 22nd year with a year-end toast to the Greenbelt. Join for good cheer, food, and conversation on Sunday, December 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. All are welcome. Festivities will be at Ed’s Lobster Bar, 1742 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike.

High School Playwrights Festival Southampton Arts presents the Young Artists & Writers Project’s 11th annual High School Playwrights Festival on Saturday, December 14, at 7 PM. Five courageous, funny, and poignant short plays will be showcased, written by

and starring students from Hampton Bays and Pierson High Schools and the YAWP summer workshops. The festival will happen at the Avram Theater at Stony Brook Southampton’s campus. Free admission. For more info, log onto www.youngartistsandwriters.com.

Holiday Cabaret The Friends of the Rogers Memorial Library will offer “A Hamptons Holiday Cabaret” with vocalist Valerie diLorenzo and Amanda Borsack Jones as her accompanist on Sunday, December 15, at 2 PM. There is no charge for this program, but seats reservations are strongly suggested. Register at www.myrml. org or call 631-283-0774, ext. 523.

Kiwanis Club & Christmas Tree Sale The Kiwanis Club of East Hampton inducted a new member at its December 3rd meeting at The Palm. Lauren Nichols, who was sponsored into the club by past president Henry Uihlein, is director of the Amagansett Free Library. The club will be having a Christmas Tree Sale at The Bayberry, 50 Montauk Highway, Amagansett. The sale will take place weekends in December from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ easthampton.kiwanis.

Vigil At The Windmill On Saturday December 14, at the Hook Mill windmill in East Hampton at 4:30 PM, there will be a vigil to honor all the lives lost to gun violence, and commemorating the seventh anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings. Sponsored by private citizens and the East Hampton Clericus.

December 11, 2019

Arts & Entertainment Portals To The Worlds Beyond Franklin Hill Perrell juries exhibit at Alex Ferrone Gallery By Nicole Teitler nicole@indyeastend.com

Now through January 19 the Alex Ferrone Gallery in Cutchogue is showcasing its seventh small works national juried exhibition, “Portals.” The theme depicts gateways of all kinds through various mediums, all 12x12 inches or smaller, representing artists across 22 states. The juror this year is Franklin Hill Perrell, who enjoyed working for over two decades as chief curator for the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn Harbor, where he managed more than 50 exhibitions. Now living in Southold, this is Perrell’s first time working with Alex Ferrone Gallery. His top pick was “Unseen This Eternal Wanting” by Marisa White from Colorado Springs; second place went to “Crypt Door” by Loretta Marcus of Cutchogue; and third “Skyview Apartments” by John Manno of Brooklyn. The Indy caught up with Perrell to discuss the show.

How does the art community on the North Fork compare to that in Nassau County? I think it’s so exciting out here. There are terrific artists in Nassau and up island — Smithtown, St. James, Huntington, Cold Spring Harbor. However, I would say the North Fork is as close as you’re going to get to East Hampton or Springs during the 1950s. You’ve got a tremendous synergy. It’s creative people out here, and they’re strong in all media. You have several galleries out here that are making significant statements. On Wednesday nights I’ve been going to Greenport Harbor Brewery in Peconic and we have a group of art-

ists that gathers there. Half a dozen to two dozen people who will meet at any given time. There are gallery nights all over and a lot happening, in addition to the 50 to 100 studios.

What does the theme “Portals” mean to you? It’s the idea of mystery — the unknown. One opens a door or a window, it’s a metaphor about changes in life circumstances. The rites of passage like birth, marriage. Going to the beyond. I love where you have that idea of suggestion of something unknown and something that can engage the intellect and the imagination, the spirit of something emotional in us as opposed to something that has an instantaneous meaning or something should be pragmatic or something should be descriptive. I love it where an image has some power in that perspective. Portals are always in a painting or the work of art. The most compelling idea for a portal is a change of consciousness so that we have the physical world that’s before us. And then we have the world imagination or other realms.

With over 60 works how did you choose the winners? I did not know the name or identity of these artists. I was simply looking at images. I must have examined maybe 150 pieces, initially digital reproductions, and I examined them on the computer screen, which obviously when you have the physical work, it’s a little bit different. While the show does have various media it’s mostly photography

“Manto di Meraviglia” by Angela Savoy. Independent/Courtesy Alex Ferrone Gallery

and it reproduces very well digitally. I had the opportunity to survey a lot of really exciting works. The initial round was to make a decision as to which works would make the cut to be in this particular show. It may be that there were some nice pieces or wonderful pieces that failed to resonate with me, but they would probably go well with somebody else. Then I had already a fairly good idea of themes within the selection. But I noticed how people were pursuing this. Then I saw all the work physically and examined them, and then made selections as to which would be the prize winners.

Describe how Marissa White’s piece, the first place winner, resonated with you. I was looking for something that would surprise me and would amaze me. I thought to myself, this is a classic. When I saw the piece I recognized that if this was blown up to the scale this could hold its own in any museum, in any collection with other major work. The concept of the piece, the beauty of the execution, the originality; and it was a very touching piece. There is

something 18th Century about it. An image of a young woman opening an armoire or wooden cabinets and she’s peering in but we don’t see what’s in the interior. Behind her is a lamb that’s observing her, investigating whatever is in there. It has a sense of poignant mystery to it. I just really haven’t seen anything quite like that.

What would be your portal image if you painted one? There’s a 1930s-era hotel, the Lido Towers, in Lido Beach on the South Shore in Nassau County. The building looks a little bit like a Byzantine church. What approaches this building is East Broadway, which is punctuated visually by a sequence of light posts. The eye is drawn toward a center point by the perspective of these light posts. In my painting there is a curve and a doorway of two doors, and way in the distance is this hotel. That is my emblem of the land of dreams. So, if I had to submit for the show, I would have given that picture. Alex Ferrone Gallery is located at 25425 Main Road in Cutchogue. For more information visit www.alexferronegallery.com.

The Independent

The series starts with a free screening of Giuseppe Tornatore’s “Cinema Paradiso.”

“Cinema Paradiso” is the first in a series of films about films. Independent/Courtesy Sag Harbor Cinema

Sag Harbor Cinema Celebrates Film Last series before the movie house re-opens By Bridget LeRoy bridget@indyeastend.com

On Monday, December 16, it will be three years since the iconic Sag Harbor Cinema suffered a devastating fire. But rather than remember that date with sorrow, the folks from the new Sag Harbor Cin-

ema are celebrating the date by launching a new film series about — what else? — the power of film. For the weeks leading to SHC’s reopening, Here Comes the Cinema! is a

feast of movie houses of all kinds and a tribute to the magic of cinema as a shared experience. The series starts on December 16 with a free screening of Giuseppe Tornatore’s classic and endearing ode to his childhood, “Cinema Paradiso,” at the Bay Street Theater at 7 PM. The screening will be followed by a conversation with SHC board member and screenwriter Bill Collage. “Whether it’s a scene or an entire film, cinemas and the movie-going experience have been at the heart of so many movies. It seemed a natural theme for this last pre-opening series, and also a good way to acknowledge the extraordinary collective effort that made possible the rebuild of the Sag Harbor Cinema,” stated SHC’s founding artistic director Giulia D’Agnolo Vallan in a press release.

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Set in a small village in Sicily just after the World War II, “Cinema Paradiso” follows the friendship of a young boy with the town projectionist. In the dark of a cramped movie theater, the boy, who later in life becomes a prominent Cinecittà movie director, is exposed week after week to the wonders of film by his mentor. The film won the 1989 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, as well as a special jury prize at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival. Collage has been a feature film screenwriter for over 25 years. His produced credits include “Exodus” starring Christian Bale; “Assassin’s Creed,” starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard; “Tower Heist,” starring Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy, and more. He has worked with directors Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott, Zhang Yimou, Ron Howard, Darren Aronofsky, Cary Fukunaga, and Anton Corbijn, among others. Coming up on Sunday, December 22, at 2 PM is Woody Allen’s “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” and a conversation afterward with Sag Harbor artist Eric Fischl. To find out more about this winter series, which continues through February, visit the Sag Harbor Cinema’s website. Admission is free, but must be reserved by going to www.sagharborcinema.org. To make a reservation by phone, contact the Bay Street box office at 631725-9500.

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Arts & Entertainment

December 11, 2019

RICK’S SPACE By Rick Murphy

The Holy Days An extended vacation on company time rmurphy@indyeastend.com

This year is a special one that rolls around once every decade — Christmas (yes, that’s how you spell it) and New Year’s Day both fall on a Wednesday. This may not seem like much, but to some working blokes, it means you can piece together quite a few days off in a row with a couple sick days and a sympathetic boss. For school kids, it represented a real opportunity for some serious vacation time — crucial to me, because I could get out of Brooklyn and come out to Sag Harbor for the duration. Here’s how it works: It starts on Friday, December 20, when you call in sick or kill a relative off. Notice I am announcing publicly l am doing this because I know either my bosses don’t read this swill or I don’t really do much around here anyway. That gives me F, S, S, M, T, W, Christmas; T, F, S, S, M, T, and Wednesday, New Year’s Day. Some business owners and certain schools (I’ll get to that in a minute) insist on reopening the day after New Year’s Eve. This is cruel and inhumane and should be outlawed. First of all, if you are any kind of true American, you spent New Year’s Eve dancing, frolicking, and drinking in excess. In fact,

you didn’t get home until New Year’s Day. The hangover didn’t begin until noon, and it was only reaching a crescendo the next morning when the alarm went off. New Year’s Day is also the day when they play 43 football games, and if you are like me, you feel duty-bound to bet on all of them. It is the only day of the year you will refer to the University of Manatowic or the Sniveling Gonads of Cascade College. Most businesses just remain closed for extra two days, but the Catholic Church, in all its wisdom, would reopen the schools for the two lousy days. This was because the nuns had a really weak union. Put another way, if they tried to do that and Jimmy Hoffa was in charge, there would be a few more wreaths laying around. That meant another lie to tell Sister James Miriam, the steel-willed principal whose office was referred to as “The Torture Chamber.” Since it was only once a decade, I felt comfortable telling her my grandmother had passed. That might have worked in a normal school, but at St. Francis of Assisi, the deaths of family members were recorded like the Black Sea Scrolls for just these occasions. When I called in to inform about

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grandma’s unfortunate demise, it only took five minutes for the call back. “Mr. Murphy, your grandmother died last November when you were supposed to take the State Standardized Algebra exam.” “No, sister, that was my other grandmother.” “You mean the one you killed off the morning after the Dodgers won the World Series because your block party was still going on at 11 the next morning?” I ended up swearing my grandfather married quite a few women in his day. “He liked ‘em old and sick,” I said. Do the math: With the extra four days added on, you get 18 — quite the holiday. I went to Long Island University for college. You didn’t have to fight for days off there. Once you paid the outrageous tuition, the only requirement was you don’t miss more than three classes unless you had permission from the professor, which was pretty easy to get. I never met a college professor who couldn’t be bribed with a joint. Our goal my freshman year in college was to basically never attend. It started off in mid-to-late September only to run into the Jewish holi-

days, closed for Thanksgiving break, closed for Christmas break, closed for winter break, and closed for spring break. With a couple of sick days and a bag of pot, you could go weeks without checking in. I remember my father getting up for work every morning and trying to wake me. I would mumble something about having the day off and roll over. “Don’t you EVER have school?” he finally asked. “Yeah, I think I’m scheduled for a day next week to try out for the baseball team.” “But don’t you ever LEARN anything?” “Well,” I said, after pondering the question for a while. “I’m learning how to make omelets for breakfast since you and mom have to work every day.” “So, I’m paying seven grand a year for you to learn how to cook eggs?” “And pancakes,” I pointed out, proudly. I was going to ask him to pick up bacon on the way home, but I felt guilty. I mean, I could have walked over to the supermarket since I had off all day, but I didn’t. I’d get my mom to pick some up on her way home.

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The Independent

The Retreat Aids Families In Need Adopt-a-Family program warms holiday hearts big and small By Nicole Teitler nicole@indyeastend.com The holiday season comes around for everyone, but isn’t as joyous for some as it is for others. As comfortable families check off items on their shopping lists, others struggle to purchase a single gift. What should be a time to celebrate can be an annual reminder of how little some have. The Retreat, a haven for families in need since 1987, incorporated an adopt-a-family program over 15 years ago. In its initial stages, it assisted about a dozen families by providing gifts for children during the holiday season. Since then, it has grown to aid 100 to 150 families annually, providing for all ages and even pets, across Long Island. “Many of these moms and dads are overwhelmed with the thought that

strangers do care about them and their children,” executive director Loretta K. Davis said. “Typically, parents say, ‘Please do not worry about me. It would make me happy if I had a gift for each of my kids — that’s all.’” She said those the program helps are grateful. “Their reactions when they see the gifts and realize the generosity that pours out of this program — they are touched and so are we,” Davis said. “This program inspires us and warms our hearts. And at the same time, it brings confidence and appreciation to our families.” Adopt-a-family collects donations through the middle of December, including winter clothes, games, bedding, cookware sets, art supplies, and

A drive at Kmart in Bridgehampton. Independent/Courtesy The Retreat

even gift cards to grocery stores and gas stations. Beyond adopting a family, organizations and individuals across communities host collection drives to obtain other items from books to pajamas. All items are distributed not just during the holidays but throughout the year, helping those in need year-round. “Most of our clients comment on the fact that, without the program, they would not be able to provide as nice a holiday, if any, for their children,” said Regina Mysliborski, counseling director for The Retreat. “These are individuals who are under more stress than

the average person. The mothers and single clients are always very grateful for the small items that they receive — hats, coats, gloves, boots, scented candles, books, baking items, bath salts — because they would never think to buy any of these things for themselves. They are either focused on their children and keeping as much normalcy for them as they can, or they are focused on staying safe and meeting their basic needs.” To learn more about ways to give, to volunteer, and for more information, visit www.theretreatinc.org.

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December 11, 2019

Arts & Entertainment

HAMPTON DAZE By Jessica Mackin-Cipro

Bergdorf Goodman Windows. Independent/Jessica Mackin-Cipro

Holiday In New York City The best of the Big Apple jessica@indyeastend.com @hamptondaze There’s nothing like a visit to New York City during the holiday season. For those who want to venture out of the East End for some additional cheer, I’ve created a list of my top picks of festive things to do and see in the Big Apple. Because it’s New York City, I find it’s best to stick to the classics. Here are some of my top holiday destinations:

mix fantasy, fashion, and surprise. This year’s windows evoke the spirit of a holiday fête.

Tiffany Blue Box Café

Serendipity 3

Located on the fourth floor of the flagship Tiffany & Co. on Fifth Avenue, this café serves American classics. If you can get a reservation, it’s definitely worth the visit. I went last year and, spoiler alert, there were multiple ladies dressed as Audrey Hepburn — a site worth seeing.

The legendary restaurant and general store founded in 1954 later became the backdrop for the 2001 film “Serendipity” with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. Try the famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate.

The Plaza Hotel Every year I stop by The Plaza on Fifth Avenue for a glass of champagne and some holiday cheer. It’s the quintessential New York holiday experience. You can even honor The Plaza’s most famous fictional resident with an Eloisethemed tea in The Palm Court.

Bergdorf Goodman Windows After The Plaza, be sure to stop and gaze upon the Bergdorf Goodman window displays, called “Bergdorf GoodTimes.” These Fifth Avenue displays

Ice Skating My pick would be Central Park’s Wollman Rink on Fifth Avenue. Stop by the Central Park Carousel while you’re there.

Catch A Show Although your initial reaction might be to avoid midtown this time of year, it’s worth the hustle and bustle to see the Radio City Rockettes, a Broadway play, or George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

The Tree Of course, it’s not a holiday trip to the city without seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. My suggestion: Make the trip over later in the evening when the crowds have died down. It’s worth fighting sleep to get the tree all, or partially, to yourself.

The Independent

Celebrate the Season With Us!

KISS & TELL By Heather Buchanan

A Letter From Santa Addressing those gifts I asked for

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Dear Heather, I love your column! Except maybe when you make sitting in my lap sound kinda creepy. Santa, I assure you, is very aware of #MeToo. Mrs. Claus also is a big fan, and thought tying the lamb with mint dental floss when you run out of string a very helpful hint, and wants in on your fantasy female retirement community. As to your Christmas wish list, George Clooney, as you know, is happily married to an intelligent and beautiful barrister who fights for human rights and rocks a jumpsuit like no one’s business, so just put that back on the “Dream On” list next to teaching dolphins French. But know that love does work in mysterious ways, and Santa’s elves keep an eye on all the dating apps and although they can sometimes have a twisted sense of humor, their little hearts are usually in the right place. And as for snow, sorry. Climate change, you know? Can’t really guarantee a white Christmas anymore. Maybe make some mud angels? But not in your best coat. I also thank you for your concern about world peace. I would have to refer you to my notes on world leaders, otherwise known as the “Naughty List,” which is currently being subpoenaed by Congress for a closed-

11/26/19 10:31 AM

Know that sometimes I do not give you what you want because it is in your best interest. door session. However, I would encourage you, on the micro level, to continue to act in your own corner of the world with grace and compassion, intelligence, understanding, and small acts of kindness. I know people are battling over politics, but what matters most is your own moral center. Never lose track of that compass. If I had reindeer fighting over red or blue noses, we’d have a hot mess crash before we got past Greenland, which, by the way, is another gift which will never end up under a certain someone’s tree. I know you want Phoebe WallerBridge to be your spirit animal, but she already has a waiting list a mile long. And yes, I am encouraging her to do a third season of “Fleabag.” Know that sometimes I do not give you what you want because it is in your best interest. See how that turkey deep fryer and home perm worked out. To be clear, your stocking will not contain a gift certificate for belly fat freezing, sheep placenta extract, or a face hammock. I will consider the juicer, but only if you don’t use it mainly for piña coladas. And the sloth symbolic adoption? Santa isn’t great with sarcasm so not sure if that’s a thing or not. That brings us to the Jo Malone rose scented candle. Yes! No problem. Love, Santa

December 11, 2019

Arts & Entertainment

READING OUR REGION By Joan Baum

Nelson DeMille Co-Authors New Series With Son First novel, ‘The Deserter,’ is ﬁlled with chaos and corruption Nelson DeMille’s 21st novel, “The Deserter,” couldn’t be more timely and exciting. It plays off the desertion and misbehavior case of infantryman Bowe Bergdahl, who went missing in Afghanistan in June 2009. Held captive by the Taliban, Bergdahl was released in 2014 in a prisoner exchange. Alluding to this real-life event, DeMille, a combat-decorated U.S. Army veteran, crafts a suspenseful tale that bristles with intrigue and dark humor. It turns on the search for Captain Kyle Mercer, whose desertion in Afghanistan has become a “public relations nightmare that the Army was desperate to get control of.” He’s been spotted by a former colleague in a whore house in Venezuela. At 76, Nelson DeMille has begun a book series with a co-author — his 35-year old son Alex DeMille, an awardwinning screenwriter, director, and editor. “The Deserter” is the first of three novels (of a contracted six) that will feature the DeMilles’ risk-taking, wise-ass 38-yearold protagonist Scott Brodie, a Chief Warrant Officer for the U.S. Army, and his subordinate partner, the beautiful, skilled Maggie Taylor. But though Scott and Maggie served, respectively, in Iraq and Afghanistan, the setting in “The Deserter” is corrupt and violent Venezuela, a place, Nelson DeMille confesses, he dared not go

this time to do first-hand research. Indeed, Venezuela is constantly in the news these days, a horrific example of a once oil-rich country degenerating in just a few years into chaos, poverty, hyperinflation, and crime, most, if not all, of it courtesy the government itself as well as cartels, local and national police, and politicians, on the left and right. Although the book’s colorful inside covers display a helpful map, a mileage scale would have been welcome, because much of the action involves tactical moves between Caracas and the Southeast jungle region of Canaima National Park, bordering on Guyana and Brazil. Still, the bottom line is that sickos and criminals are everywhere and into everything in Nicolás Maduro’s world, thanks to “an unholy alliance of the regime, the military, and the colectivos” who own drugs, politics, prostitution, and know how to work opportunistic enablers in Washington, D.C. The book describes what daily news confirms — that Venezuela is “so bankrupt and f-----that even the corruption wasn’t working.” It’s often impossible to tell the good guys from the bad, Special Ops from Black Ops. But the nagging question remains: Why did U.S. Army Captain and Delta Force soldier Kyle Mercer flee to Pakistan in 2017, wind up get-

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ting caught and tortured by the Taliban, and move on to a hell hole like Venezuela? Enter Brodie and Taylor, whose mission it is to capture Mercer — preferably alive. The chase accelerates at a dazzling clip early on. Twists snake into new complications, especially as the authors reverse their cat-and-mouse game and make both the good guys and the bad guys hunted and hunter. The plot not only thickens, but deepens, as the theme cynically exploits the competition among America’s intelligence personnel, particularly those working for the CIA. Crimes get “nice code names,” and thus are no longer considered crimes but unconventional “war-winning strategies.” But everyone in “The Deserter” is ethically challenged, including Scott and Maggie. Everyone has a heart of darkness. Of course, what makes close-tocliché heroes engaging is when they’re so damned smart, sarcastic, sacrificial, and therefore sexy. Scott has an A+ bulls--t detector as well as a finely tuned take on rules: “. . . as they say in the Army, ‘Whatever I hit is what I was aiming for.’” The old recruitment joke rings true: “Join the Army, see the world, meet new people, and kill them.” He’s been around long enough to know he’s been” f----- more times by Intel guys than by hookers.” As he mutters to himself, “The truth will set you free. John 8:32. The truth can get you

killed. Scott 1:1.” Not for nothing is Nelson DeMille a past president of the Mystery Writers of America and an International Thriller Master recipient, whose appearances at Authors Night in Amagansett generate long lines. As for his new collaborator? He’s quoted as having said laughingly to his son, “Want to make some easy money?” He knows, however, as does his son, that integrating the elements of fiction does not come easy. The apple may not fall far from the tree, but the tree’s got strong roots and an intricate branching pattern. As “The Deserter” evidences, both DeMilles are pros.

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The Independent

Gallery Events Compiled by Bridget LeRoy bridget@indyeastend.com

Winter Salon Show VSOP Projects in Greenport is presenting its third annual Winter Salon exhibition. Co-curated by the gallery’s director Jonathan Weiskopf and Greenport artist Dena Zemsky, the Winter Salon showcases work in a variety of media by a collection of established and emerging artists working within the North Fork community. There will be a reception with the artists on Saturday, December 14, from 5 to 8 PM. Matchbook Distilling Co. and The Lin Beach House are offering complimentary, small-batch cocktails at the party.

In The Abstract Folioeast in East Hampton is offering

up In The Abstact, featuring the works of six East End artists: Roisin Bateman, Diane Englander, Nicholas Howey, Amy Wickersham, Janice Stanton, and Gus Yero. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, December 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the gallery’s 55 Main Street location. For more info, visit www.folioeast.com .

In Process @ The Watermill Center On Saturday, December 14, the Watermill Center offers its ongoing series of open rehearsals, workshops, artist talks, and studio visits that invite the community to engage with the work of international artists-in-residence — Emily Furr, Dawn Kasper, Ni’Ja

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Whitson, and Sasha Wortzel. The Watermill Center invites audiences of all ages and backgrounds to gain insight into the creative process of artists, cultivating an understanding of how artists from across the globe develop new work. Reservations are required. The Watermill Center is also offering tours on December 14 and 20. Walk through history with a guided tour of the buildings, grounds, gardens, art collection, and study library. The collection contains over 5000 pieces representing all continents and many eras, from the Stone Age to the present. Situated on eight acres of land, the center is surrounded by verdant lawns and outdoor sculpture, meditation, and rooftop gardens. Visit www.watermillcenter.org to find out more.

Shadow And Light Shadow and Light, featuring tapestries by Helena Hernmarck, opened on November 23 at the Shelter Island Histori-

CMEE Toy Drive The Children’s Museum of the East End is collecting new, unwrapped toys and gently used winter clothing for its annual holiday drive. Donations will be distributed during a pair of gift bazaars at the museum scheduled for mid-December. “The holiday season can be an especially difficult time for families struggling to get by on the East End,” said Steve Long, the museum’s president. “It’s important to us that the toys and winter clothing we collect during the holiday drive are donated to children in our local community.” Items will be distributed to dozens of low-income children who attend Head Start preschool at CMEE and at other East End locations. “Year after year, the generosity of museum members and visitors during the holiday drive never ceases to amaze me,” said CMEE’s director of education Liz Bard. “This support makes a huge difference in the lives of so many children

cal Society. Hernmarck is a Swedish-born, award-winning artist and weaver best known for her monumental tapestries designed for architectural settings. Her work is in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Art Institute of Chicago, Minneapolis Institute of Art, and other institutions throughout the world. “The Shelter Island history center is honored to have her works exhibited,” said executive director Nanette Lawrenson. The exhibit, “Traces of Care,” depicting a portion of the 1652 purchase agreement of Shelter Island, will also be on display Wednesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM. The pieces will remain in the Shelter Island Historical Society collection. Admission is free, but donations are always appreciated. For more information, visit www. shelterislandhistorical.org. in our community.” Donations can be dropped off at CMEE anytime during regular operating hours. For those who wish to participate but are unable to visit the museum, CMEE has created an Amazon wish list that can be accessed by visiting the museum’s website, www.CMEE.org.

Indy & SoFo Food & Toy Drive The Independent has teamed up with the South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center to gather holiday toys and food. The toys will be used by the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center to enhance its academic and social-emotional curriculum. Non-perishable food donations will be passed to local food pantries. Drop off cans or boxes of food at The Independent office at Red Horse Plaza, 74 Montauk Highway, Suite 19 in East Hampton; at the museum at 377 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike in Bridgehampton; or at Calissa restaurant at 1020 Montauk Highway in Water Mill.

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Arts & Entertainment

December 11, 2019

Entertainment Guide

Truman Capote’s short story “A Christmas Memory,” on Wednesday, December 18, at 4 PM. Scheider first read “A Christmas Memory” at the Amagansett Library in 2015. Refreshments will be served. Seating available for the first 15 guests. Visit www.amagansettlibrary.org.

Compiled by Nicole Teitler nicole@indyeastend.com

FILM The Polar Express Southampton Cultural Center presents a screening of “The Polar Express” on Saturday, December 14, at 2 PM. Head to www.scc-arts.org.

Cinema Paradiso On Monday, December 16, at 7 PM, Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor will screen “Cinema Paradiso” in association with the Sag Harbor Cinema; the beginning of the winter film series “Here Comes The Cinema!” Visit www.baystreet.org or www.sagharborcinema.org.

Prize-winning poet Philip Schultz reading from “Luxury” on Saturday, December 14, at 5 PM. Visit www.caniosbooks. com.

THEATER

Tesla Talk

Mixed Nuts

The Full Moon Arts Center in East Moriches will have a presentation with Jane Alcorn, board president of Tesla Science Center, on Sunday, December 15, at 1 PM. Visit www.fullmoonartscenter.org.

A Christmas Carol

WORDS

Jamesport Meeting House will host a reading of “A Christmas Carol,” adapted by Jenifer Maxson, on Sunday, December 15, at 4 PM. Learn more at www.jamesportmeetinghouse.org.

Gallery Talk

Bill O’Reilly

Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill will offer a gallery talk on Friday, December 13, at 6 PM with Janet Goleas, Priscilla Heine, and Bastienne Schmidt. Visit www. parrishart.org.

The Paramount in Huntington will host Bill O’Reilly: Understanding Trump on Sunday, December 15, at 7:30 PM. Grab tickets at www.paramountny.com.

Canio’s

Christian Scheider is back at the Amagansett Free Library for his annual reading of

Canio’s in Sag Harbor welcomes Pulitzer

A Christmas Memory

Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor will serve up a variation on “The Nutcracker” with “Mixed Nuts 2019,” presented by Studio 3 from Friday, December 13, through Sunday, December 15. For a full list of showtimes, visit www.baystreet. org.

The Nutcracker

hosts the Goo Goo Dolls with Beach Slang and David Cook on Wednesday, December 11, at 8 PM; Buckcherry on Friday, December 13, at 8 PM; and Night Ranger on Saturday, December 14, at 8 PM. Head to www.paramountny.com.

Jazz Night

The Jam Session presents Jazz Night at Ed’s Lobster Bar in Sag Harbor on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Go to www.thejamsession.org.

Ray Red Townline BBQ in Sagaponack has live music every Friday from 6 to 9 PM. This Friday, December 13, will be Ray Red. See www.townlinebbq.com

Suffolk Theater

Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center with Peconic Ballet Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, December 14, at noon and 7 PM; then again on Sunday, December 15, at noon and 5 PM. For more information, visit www. whbpac.org.

The Suffolk Theater in Riverhead welcomes New Millennium Big Band in a celebration of Sinatra on Friday, December 13, at 8 PM and a live radio play of “It’s A Wonderful Life” on Sunday, December 15, at 6:30 PM. Grab tickets at www.suffolktheater.com.

MUSIC

Gene Casey

The Paramount The Paramount Theater in Huntington

East Hampton Library welcomes Gene Casey on Saturday, December 14, at 6 PM. Go to www.easthamptonlibrary. org.

Commercial Free Christmas Day Sponsored By:

B10

The Independent

REPORTING FROM BROADWAY By Isa Goldberg

Large Cast Gives Intimate Performance ‘The Inheritance’ has minimal set, engrossing characters Eloquent story telling is the gift of “The Inheritance.” Arriving on Broadway after a successful run on London’s West End, the drama is the work of the American playwright Matthew Lopez, whose OffBroadway plays have garnered critical and popular attention. A master of writing, he is the master of the odd conceit. In “The Whipping Boy,” African American slaves celebrate a Passover Seder, days after the end of the Civil War. And in the bright comedic tale, “The Legend of Georgia McBride,” the playwright demonstrates a humorous, jarring sense of pop culture. Closer to the characters in “The Inheritance,” “Reverberations,” produced at Hartford Stage, delves into an intimate gay relationship.

While this new work has been described as “‘Howard’s End’ meets ‘Angels in America,’” it also has roots in a more old-fashioned Broadway play, “Love! Valour! Compassion!” Like Terrence McNally’s drama, the setting is upstate New York. More importantly, both plays draw on characters whose self-awareness speaks to their contemporary appeal. Running nearly seven hours, “The Inheritance,” a play in two parts, is a work of epic sweep and bold narrative conceits. Here the action drives the actors into the audience, as they drag us into their fictional world. It’s a very playful way of breaking the fourth wall, the theatrical convention that separates audience from actor. In fact, it’s become the theatrical conceit of the

Lois Smith and Samuel H. Levine in “The Inheritance.” Independent/Matthew Murphy

moment. We see it in Adam Rapp’s “The Sound Inside,” currently on Broadway, not to mention “Derren Brown: Secret.” Stephen Daldry directs this production with speed and effervescence. It’s completely engrossing. With a large cast that we don’t always see in Broadway plays these days, the production feels intimate, and larger than life, at the same time. Sometimes the elegance is in the language, at others, in the poignancy of gay love. Performed on an open stage, the minimal use of props and set pieces demands resourceful actors. And this cast of nearly 30 men is outstanding. As the narrator and one of the central characters, Kyle Soller is fetching, but sincere and grounded. Paul Hilton, who poses as E.M.

Foster (“Howard’s End”) at the beginning of Part I, morphs into a vulnerable mentor with grace. Playing two opposing characters, Samuel H. Levine, in his Broadway debut, gives a breakout performance. In this production, the only woman is Lois Smith (Margaret), who is also outstanding. Her advanced years radiate the warmth and nurturing that only a woman can. It’s she who drives home the story of gay life in America from the years leading up to the AIDS epidemic to present time. For Margaret, it is a deeply personal history. Creating theater in real time brings a gripping form to Lopez’s drama. Politically, it arrives at a timely moment, at the precipice of new challenges to hard fought advances in gay rights.

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Arts & Entertainment

Indy Snaps Festa Al Camino: Keep Sag Harbor Warm Photos by Richard Lewin On Thursday, December 5, at Tutto Il Giorno in Sag Harbor, co-owner Gabby Karan de Felice and The SHED Workspace co-founder Amanda Fairbanks welcomed friends and supporters of the Sag Harbor Food Pantry to the second annual Festa Al Camino (“Feast by the Fireplace” in Italian). Among the guests were Caroline Cutaia, Evie Ranunno, and Kate Robertson from the food pantry. Matthew Malone, principal of Sag Harbor Elementary School, thanked guests for attending.

For more Indy Snaps visit www.indyeastend.com.

SH History Hearthside Cheer Photos by Richard Lewin Southampton History Museum’s Executive Director Tom Edmonds and his staff took time out of their regular Friday meeting to offer a sneak preview of the offerings for Saturday’s “Hearthside Cheer: Designer Tree Auction” at the Southampton History Museum’s Rogers Mansion.

December 11, 2019

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B12

The Independent

Indy Snaps Wölffer Lighting of the Vines Photos by Lisa Tamburini One of the season’s most anticipated events, the Wölffer Estate Vineyard’s lighting of the vines, was a jolly time to sip and admire in Sagaponack on Saturday, December 7.

For more Indy Snaps visit www.indyeastend.com.

LTV Holiday Party Photos by Lisa Tamburini Local luminaries came out to light up the LTV holiday party at the television station’s studio in Wainscott on Friday, December 6.

December 11, 2019

Arts & Entertainment

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MARKET PAGE By Zachary Weiss

Alcohol Accoutrements

The holiday season only rolls around once a year, so don’t waste it sipping on cheap swill in a plastic cup! Here, we’ve

selected some of our favorite wine, spirits, and boozy accessories to majorly upgrade your holiday soirée.

Upgrade your home cocktail presentation Black Cow Vodka Made from Cow’s Milk, $30

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Clos19 Limited Edition Campbell-Rey Straws, $90 Lenny Kravitz x Dom zPérignon Limited Edition Gift Box, $191.99

Billykirk x Cooper & Thief Bartender Bag, $250 W.M. Brown x Monkey 47 Negroni Tweed Trunk by Box Brothers, Price Upon Request

Ettinger 8 Oz Captive Top Leather-Bound Hip Flask, $70

Bollinger 007 Limited Edition, Vintage 2011 with Bond-style opening mechanism, $230

Louis XIII Miniature Coffret, $600 Cheers After-Alcohol Aid, $35

B14

The Independent

Dining Hello Oma: Café To Catering More than your average prepared foods market By Hannah Selinger

Kristofer Kalas’s new, thimble-sized space, Hello Oma, opened on Race Lane a few months ago, and has been churning out coffee, chocolate, baked goods, pizza, and other prepared foods ever since. It’s hard to know how to categorize Hello Oma. Is it a café? Yes, kind of. Is it a restaurant? It’s kind of that, too. Is it capable of providing you with your holiday dinner? Yep. This year, Kalas, whose background involves working as a private chef, offered brined and trussed turkeys, as well as a selection of pies, sides, and other Thanksgivingrelated foods, all of which was available for pickup right before the holiday. Which is to say: This is also a catering hall, albeit a very tiny one. Kalas comes from a long line of food people. Two of his godmothers are farm owners, and he gets a great deal of his produce from Regina Whitney’s East Hampton farm and Franca Tantillo’s Berried Treasures in the Catskills. One of the concepts he heartily embraces is that of zero waste. Summer chamomile is hung to dry to be used in winter tea. Disposable cups are verboten. The café uses glass jars, for which they charge a small deposit. This place is making an impact with sustainable practices. The restaurateur has long-since produced his own chocolates, and they’re the opening of the Hello Oma show. But there is truly no singular item for which Hello Oma is wellknown — because there are numerous

The inside of Hello Oma on Race Lane in East Hampton. Independent/Hannah Selinger

food things at which it excels. That includes the pizzas, which are made daily and change with the seasons. The café also offers pizza classes to community members. For $110 per person, participants can learn about fermenting and making dough, stretching it, topping it, and baking it into a pizza. Hello Oma also offers a barista course for $75. Guests will learn how to pull the perfect espresso, steam milk, make pour-over coffees, and produce such niche items as matcha and chai lattes. What else can you grab at Hello Oma? A breakfast sandwich, muffins, a kardemummabullar (Swedish cardamom bun). There is cake, because, well,

why not? A steady roster of breakfasty foods like overnight oats, chia and mango, and truffles will ensure you’re never hungry by midday. “Oma,” which means grandmother in German, is why the café hopes to evoke a homey atmosphere: “A place to call home, away from home.” Mostly, though, you should know the people at Hello Oma are dedicated to making real food. The company’s nascent website lists the producers — from growers to meat purveyors — it uses so that you, as a consumer, know exactly where your food is coming from. Why shouldn’t you know where your breakfast sandwich eggs came from? Why wouldn’t you want to know the

provenance of the apples in that perfect pie? A marriage of the modern specialty market and the local farm stand, Hello Oma offers the convenience of a one-stop shop with the ethos of a farm down the road. It will be interesting in the coming year to watch this business expand on its vision. Will Hello Oma broaden its scope? Offer sit-down dinners? Sell the bespoke chocolates online? I cannot say for certain, but I can say the mantra espoused on the website says more about who’s behind the company and what it aims to accomplish. “Come inside. Sit down. Enjoy. There is no rush.” Indeed, the Hello Oma life is one we should all consider embracing.

Dining

December 11, 2019

B15

Holiday Cocktails Where to have a cup of cheer By Nicole Teitler nicole@indyeastend.com

There’s extra warmth in these holiday cocktails, and sitting at the bar brings a new sense of comfort when surrounded by family and friends. Across the East End, restaurants are filling their menus with special cheer, a treat that screams ‘tis the season. On the South Fork, Calissa in Water Mill has an Amarcord with Hennessy VSOP, Grand Marnier, apple, and brandied cherry. Wölffer Kitchen, at both the Sag Harbor and Amagansett locations, serves a bourbon thyme cocktail with Bulleit and fresh lemon. At The Clubhouse in East Hampton,

try a Godiva chocolate martini with Grey Goose La Vanille, Godiva liqueur, creme de cacao, and half-and-half. At East Hampton Grill, try the Smuggler’s Old-Fashioned with Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva rum, blood orange, and Angostura aromatic bitters. Over on the North Fork, The Frisky Oyster in Greenport has a Beast of Bourbon with Old Forester, Breeze Hill Farm cider, lemon, and FeverTree ginger ale. Also in Greenport, try the Merchant’s Mistress with Maker’s Mark bourbon, peach puree, thyme, and merlot float from The Menhaden.

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At First and South, enjoy a chamomile scotch sour with Oban 14-year scotch, chamomile, Vermont maple, and fresh lemon. Over at Brix & Rye, taste the New York Sour with rye whiskey, lemon, egg white, and red wine. Then enjoy

something different at The Halyard in Greenport with a Mariner’s Coffee with Tia Maria liqueur and whipped cream. Tweed’s in Riverhead has an espresso martini with Stoli Vanilla, Kahlúa, and espresso.

B16

The Independent

RECIPE OF THE WEEK Chef Joe Cipro

Blueberry Tart With oatmeal crust Ingredients

Directions

Tart Crust: 3/4 c all-purpose flour 3/4 c ground rolled oats 1/4 c whole rolled oats 1/2 c confectioners’ sugar Zest from 1/2 an orange Zest from 1/2 a lemon 1/2 tsp salt 6 oz cold butter (cut into small cubes) 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 egg

Tart Crust: Combine the flour, ground oats, sugar, salt, and citrus zest in a bowl or food processor and mix together. Slowly add in the cubes of cold butter, until the butter is coarsely cut into the flour. Whisk the egg and pour it into the butter and flour mixture, a little at a time, pulsing if using a food processor, until it is incorporated. Remove the dough from the bowl and work in any extra dry ingredients, including the whole rolled oats. Freeze the dough for an hour. When it’s ready to be worked with, carefully cut thin slivers from the ball of dough and push them into a tart tin, fitting them together like a puzzle. Refreeze the shell once it’s formed

Blueberry Filling: 8 pts fresh blueberries (washed and sorted) 3/4 c granulated sugar 1/2 c blueberry jam 2 tsp powdered gelatin (bloomed in 1/4 c water)

in the tin for about 30 minutes before blind-baking the shell. To do so, set the oven to 325 degrees. Cut a large section of parchment paper and place it over top of the tart shell, filling it in with dried beans to hold the shell down. Bake the shells filled with dried beans for 45 minutes at 325. Allow them to cool at room temperature while you make the filling. Blueberry Filling: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine six pints of washed blueberries and the

sugar. Cook over medium heat for 30 minutes, stirring often. After 30 minutes, turn off the heat and stir in the blueberry jam and the remaining two pints of blueberries. Stir together for the next five minutes, allowing the residual heat to soften the blueberries. Fold in the bloomed gelatin and allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for another 20 minutes. When the tart shell and filling are cooled, fill the tart with the blueberry filling and refrigerate until ready to serve.

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Dining

December 11, 2019

B17

Guest-Worthy Recipe: Chef Philippe Corbet Lulu Chef’s Mussels By Zachary Weiss

Who:

Lulu Chef’s Mussels

1/2 c peeled and thinly sliced shallots Juice of 2 lemons 2 c of heavy cream 1 lb unsalted butter, cubed 2 Tbsp minced garlic 1 Tbsp cooking oil 1/2 c chopped Sundried Tomato 3-4 lb mussels, cleaned 1 Tbsp chopped fresh chive Salt & Pepper

Why?

Directions

Chef Philippe Corbet

Instagram: @chefrey73

Chef Corbet’s Guest-Worthy Recipe:

These Chef’s Mussels are easy to prepare and great to share among friends and family. Simple enough to prepare in a hurry for surprise guests and delicious enough to impress everyone. Serve family style for all your guests to share.

Ingredients 2-1/4 c white wine

Make A Beurre Blanc Combine white wine, shallots, and lemon juice in sauce pot. Bring to simmer and let the mixture reduce by twothirds. Add the heavy cream to the pot. Bring to simmer and reduce by half. With a hand blender, slowly incorporate the butter cubes. Add salt and pepper to

taste. Reserve in bain-marie or on stove at low heat to keep it hot. Cook The Mussels In a large pot over medium heat, add your cooking oil. Add the minced garlic and let sweat down. Add your mussels over the garlic. Toss.

Finish & Garnish Take your beurre blanc and pour over the mussel mixture. Mix in your sundried tomato. Let cook until all mussels are completely open. Finish with the fresh chive, et voila! Don’t forget the baguette or French fries!

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B18

The Independent

Food & Beverage Compiled by Bridget LeRoy bridget@indyeastend.com

IWT Costume Party Indian Wells Tavern in Amagansett is hosting a “Naughty or Nice” Christmas party on Friday, December 13, from 10 PM to 1 AM. DJ James Ryan will spin live tunes and there will drink specials. Guests are encouraged to dress in festive wear and a prize will be awarded for best costume. The restaurant is also offering winter promotions including NFL football specials, and Monday “burger, brew, and appetizer” dinners for $2, Tuesday taco nights, and more. For more information, visit www.indianwellstavern. com.

Art Of Eating To Go

Art of Eating is offering a special holiday catering to-go menu for holiday entertaining. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day orders must be placed by Tuesday, December 17 and must be picked up no later than 11:30 AM on Christmas Eve (December 24) at The Barn in Bridgehampton on 264 Butter Lane. For those celebrating the holiday season on varying days, please contact Art of Eating for ordering information. To view the full menu, please visit www.hamptonsartofeating.com.

Union Burger Bar Union Burger Bar in Southampton offers an assortment of specialty gourmet burgers, fresh hand-cut fries, maniacal milkshakes and desserts, and an elaborate craft beer and small batch bourbon selection. There are no reservations, and the place fills up fast. As with Union Cantina, its nextdoor neighbor, Union Burger Bar has

specials. Mondays and Tuesdays boast discounted tap beer and appetizers. Wednesdays, chow down on $5 burgers starting at 6 PM. On Thursdays, there’s burger and beer specials, also beginning at 6 PM. For more information, visit www.unionburgerbar.com.

Winter Wine Experience The Baker House 1650, decked out in holiday finery, is offering a winter wine experience to its guests. On arrival at the East Hampton Main Street inn, guests will receive two mini bottles of Moët & Chandon rose champagne delivered to their room, along with a welcome gift bag. The hotel will arrange round-trip transportation to the Wölffer Estate, where guests will taste two flights of wines paired with a deluxe cheese board. This package includes a $100 dining credit toward several East Hampton town restaurants. Learn more at www.bakerhouse1650. com.

Yes, Soup For You! The Clamman Seafood Market in Southampton offers free soup with lunch orders all day Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can call in your orders to 631-283-6669, and pick up onsite at 235A North Sea Road.

Family-Style Asian Dinner On Friday, December 20, the Bridgehampton Inn & Restaurant’s executive chef Brian Szostak presents a familystyle Asian dinner, featuring crispy duck buns with orange-hoisin glaze and cucumber, beef negimaki, and crab rangoon — and that’s just the ap-

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petizers. Main courses include choices like okonomiyaki, Thai fish cakes, and charred Korean short ribs with kimchi rice. How about green tea cheesecake for dessert? The three-course meal is $85 per person, served in the inn’s charming Colonial dining room. For the full menu and more information about the inn, check out www. bridgehamptoninn.com.

Gotta Latte? Hampton Coffee Company’s locallyowned and operated espresso bars & cafés in Water Mill, Southampton, Westhampton Beach, and Aquebogue are featuring a variety of special holiday beverages, warm seasonal muffins and

cookies, and local holiday gifts in every price range. New this season is its shaken eggnog crème cold brew. The roastery’s bold, home-brewed cold brew is prepared with real eggnog and topped with a cinnamon sprinkle. Returning are the peppermint mocha, peppermint hot chocolate, and eggnog latte. The popular eggnog latte is also made with real eggnog, gently steamed, and combined with espresso and topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. Holiday muffins include the eggnog cinnamon streusel and “gingerbread guys.” Gift sets are also available. Visit www.hamptoncoffeecompany.com to find out more.

Dining

December 11, 2019

B19

DOPO FALL SPECIALS 5:00 to 6:30 • Happy Hour Half Priced Cocktails, Beer & Wine By The Glass & Complimentary Bar Snacks

Tuesday & Thursday • Prix Fixe $35 3 Courses: Appetizer, Pasta/Main Course, Dessert

Wednesday • Pasta Night $28 Appetizer, Pasta, 1 Glass Of House Wine Not Available During Holiday Weeks

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B20

The Independent

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Real Realty

December 11, 2019

Real Realty Jon Vaccari: Saunders agent closing deals with an eye for design

Independent/Courtesy Saunders & Associates

22 C-2

The Independent

Deeds Area AQUEBOGUE

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EAST MARION EAST QUOGUE

GREENPORT

HAMPTON BAYS

MONTAUK

Buy

Min Date = 11/9/2019 Max Date = 11/15/2019

Source: Suffolk Research Service, Inc., Hampton Bays, NY 11946

Sell

Price

Location

Dragone, N

Palazzo, R

437,000

63 Rolling Meadow Ln

Seinfeld, D & L

Bloom, B & A

446,000

33 Willow St

Sheaffer, C & Cruz, M

First Chester Assocs

2,800,000

54 Chester Ave

Cheesbrough, P

Sarkozi, M Trust

4,000,000

28 Hildreth Ave

Kulp, D & Davidson, A

Happe, S

540,750

21 Maple Rd

Sachs, R

North Fork Methodist Ch

849,000

Main Rd Rt 25

Liguori, L&K Trust

Rimor DevelopmentLLC

808,220

Harvest Pointe, Home #10

Lotruglio, M & H

Hazard, B

1,675,000

1465 Harbor Ln

Anderson, C

Sherman, J

750,000

8 Atlantic St

Niemi, J & Evans, M

Madhavan, S

1,150,000

19 Town Ln

BG Development H LLC

RRS Properties LLC

1,850,000*

39 Conklin Terr

Aliprandis, E & T & Allen

Moraitis, H

540,000

5325 Rocky Point Rd

Borer, J

Plaskow, H

690,000

4 Whitewood Ct

Labarbera, C & A

Equicap Holdings Inc

890,000

21 Marlin Rd

Katz, A & C

Stebbins, C & K

608,000

710 Island View Ln

Krumholz, T

Croak, J

605,000

506 Wiggins St

Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amico, D & King, A

Roberts, D & M

1,235,500

133 Sixth St

Bikkina, Bapineedu & Ku

Burriesci, L & Demar, D

3,900,000

18 Cedar Point Rd

Orellana & Monserrate

BWINBTWRE Corp

580,000

61 Bellows Pond Rd

Oettinger, M & E

Schmidt, S&M Trusts

615,000

6 Nautilus Dr

Clevenger Beach LLC

Mazzucco, R & L

1,500,000

53 Kettle Hole Rd

Town of East Hampton

Akin IV, R & J & Mook, S

1,600,000*

26&34 Flanders&31Farringt

ORIENT

Tanz, J &Bassett-Tanz

Marquez, S

500,001

830 Greenway E

QUOGUE

Leavitt, D & J

Slifka, D

2,100,000

7 Tall Pines Dr &lot94-16

RIVERHEAD

SAGAPONACK SAG HARBOR

SHELTER ISLAND

SOUTHAMPTON

SOUTHOLD

Bank of NY Mellon Tr

Flanagan, D by Ref

333,000

79 &93 Point Rd &lot 7

Amini, J

Hampton Luxury Homes

355,000

34 Peconic Trail

Winer, A & Joyce, C

Volpe, N

950,000

769 Manor Ln

Sonnenstein, R & L

Bossio, A

355,000

402 Winged Foot Way

Norfolk Developers

Olson, A by Exr

525,000*

Midway Dr

Viera, D

Chiaramonte, S

305,000

127 Southern Pkwy

Tara Lane Associates

Goodale, E & REJ Corp

130,000*

1281 Pulaski St

35 Lincoln Lane LLC

Talo at 673 Sag Main

7,725,000

673 Sagaponack Rd

Rea, W

Paul Porco Custom Homes

730,000

76 Crescent St

Myerson, H

Coblence, N

1,300,000

21 Parkway Dr

20 Menantic LLC

Weilbacker & Truelove

1,952,000

20 S Menantic Rd

Wilcox Family Trust

Draper, K

1,450,000

4 Conrad Rd

Bogart, N Trust & Joyce

Olinkiewicz, J

1,450,000

5 Dickerson Dr

Settembre, G

Palumbo, A & J

615,000

50 Hubbard Ln, Unit 37

Murch, A

Fairfield Southampton

233,375

104 Tuckahoe Ln, Home 47U

Stein, T

Tsandikos, G

1,200,000

520 Hampton Rd, Unit 9

Gorodetsky, A & Y

Goldstein, C & L

265,000*

6297 Horton Ln

Kondak, S

Dunn, T & Portocarrero

598,000

55 Shepard Dr

PGA Capital LLC

Deutsche Bank Trust

325,500

3795 Main Bayview Rd

WATER MILL

Heller, A & Weisberg, D

Poolhaus LLC

2,250,000

206 Mecox Rd

WESTHAMPTON

Mawn, T & A

Gazza, J

8,000*

Scrub Property

WESTHAMPTON BEACH

Dune Road ROW Corp

Viscovitch, G & C by Exr

45,000

Private Row

*Vacant Land

Real Realty

December 11, 2019

Jon Vaccari:

firms, showing them everything I had to offer, including my background in finance. I ended up joining Saunders because I loved their approach to marketing and the boutique-ness of the firm. Two weeks after joining, Terry Cohen asked me to work with her. That’s how I joined the Terry Cohen team. We are opposites, but we get along so beautifully. She has so much knowledge, it’s mindboggling. The nice thing between us is the trust and respect. We have each other’s backs.

Saunders agent closing deals with an eye for design By Ty Wenzel ty@indyeastend.com

elling high-end homes in the multi-millions requires more than hopes and dreams — it requires a talented someone seeing that home in its most beautiful state possible. Beyond decluttering and staging, Louisiana native and Saunders & Associates agent Jon Vaccari has decades of experience as a commercial and residential developer and interior designer. Sprouting from finance, which morphed into a world of interior and fashion design, Vaccari’s work has honed his high-end aesthetic to where he can illustrate to an exclusive prospect how to make the absolute most of a vision. He sees the sale as selling a lifestyle, not just a house.

panels, stone floors. It’s such a successful project because it’s modern, but comfortable at the same time. I had an interior design business for 25 years.

You have the most beautiful home. Tell us about it.

It has evolved. I started out at the University of Miami before living in California. It went from that Miami bling to the California bungalow style. I traveled to Paris a lot, fell in love with the 1940s, and slowly started mixing the looks as you do more and more projects. I always loved ‘70s coffee tables. I love mixing textures, fabrics, and wood.

I had to evacuate from New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, and went to Miami. Later on, Steve was doing his residency in New York and told me to check out Sag Harbor. I saw a picture of a house with a boat in the back yard and knew it was my dream to live near the water again. I got on the train and came out here and rented a house. I had a margarita at B. Smith’s on the pier and said, “I’m not leaving.” Steve and I grew up in the South near the water, we fell in love with Sag Harbor because of that. So, we bought a house in the village, which was a farmhouse we renovated. But we still didn’t have the waterfront that we wanted. Property values went down a little and there was this house with the most beautiful view we’d ever seen out here. It was too small, but we decided that if the house next door ever became available, we could make it a project. We bought it and waited. When it finally did a yearand-a-half later, we took an aggressive stance and ended up with an acre of waterfront land. We worked with architect Blaze Makoid, who we became very good friends with. We live in our house in the winter, so we didn’t want to make it too contemporary. I’m a strong believer of bringing the outside in, with all the light we have access to, so that you get that even flow. We did that with the wood floors, wood

Did you study interior design? I first majored in finance, but I ended up working in California marketing with accounts in interior design and fashion. When I switched my education to interior design, I was being published in magazines like Veranda and Southern Accents. My teacher had said I could teach their class.

How would you describe your style?

Can you give us an example of how you bring your experience to clients? I can walk into a space and someone may say that it isn’t for them. “You just have to move this, you paint this, you get rid of this.” It’s so easy, and they eventually see what I’m seeing.

You seem to know about upand-coming neighborhoods. Tell us about them. Bay Haven in Sag Harbor is an amazing area. Everyone has waterfront access, and can walk around safely. That and Redwood are my favorite neighborhoods in Sag Harbor. In the last six months, three waterfront properties came on the market. Two are already sold.

Why do you think you and

C-3 23

your team are closing in this market? New construction is really hot. They’re the ones closing. They don’t have the time or want to go in and fix something up. They want something done without the hassle. We also price right. If you don’t price it right, it sits, has a reputation of being on the market for a while. If you do price it right, you’ll be done in three months. The market is educated. They can compare and do their homework. You have to be competitive. After pricing right, you then have to clean it up or stage it. We don’t hold back on what we think will sell the house. There was a seller that didn’t listen to us and went with another salesperson. While that’s fine, the house is still on the market.

Any advice for buyers in the current market? There are some great houses out here right now. They’re in their mindset of “new, new, new.” Go in with a more open mind and you will see good houses in good locations. It’s hard to get buyers’ minds around it sometimes. For sellers, it’s the staging and presentation. To reach Vaccari or inquire about his properties, call 504-914-1239 or email jvaccari@saunders.com.

You're a developer as well? The first Sag Harbor farmhouse was small, but we almost tripled the size. In New York City, we converted two warehouses in SoHo into a 5000-squarefoot city apartment. We also put together a penthouse on Greene Street with a 40x20 terrace. That was a beautiful project. We developed houses in Miami and Palm Springs as well. Eventually, we started a family and wanted to bring up the kids in the country.

Real estate seems like a natural progression for you. I was flying back and forth to New Orleans because my firm was able to stay open. As the city was coming back after the hurricane, we had lots of projects. I just got worn out after the kids were born and decided to stay put as they got closer to their teens. Real estate was always something I loved, and I know so much about it from the building, renovations, to the interior design. I got my license and interviewed with several

Unique Waterfront Opportunity To Build A 10,000 Sq. Ft. Home 24 Forest Road, Sag Harbor | $8,995,000 Shovel Ready! After over three years, the approval process is complete. Start digging tomorrow with approved plans. A unique waterfront opportunity to build up to a 10,000+/- sq. foot home on 2+/- acres with a deep water dock and spectacular open water views overlooking Sag Harbor Bay. Taking all these points into consideration, this is the absolute BEST water front deal on the market in Sag Harbor. Contact Jon Vaccari at 504-914-1239 or email jvaccari@saunders.com.

The Independent

HamptonsRE Takes On Zillow Local brokerages create consumer-friendly portal By Laura Euler

Dissatisfaction with Zillow and its consumer platform Out East has been fomenting among East End agents ever since it took over former Hamptons Real Estate Online in early 2017. Many agents were upset that functionality they wanted was lacking. Just this week, a new portal, HamptonsRE.com, was launched by a group of brokerages to help fix that. Members of the not-for-profit Hamptons Real Estate Association that created the webaite include the The Corcoran Group, Sotheby’s International Realty, Saunders & Associates, Brown Harris Stevens, and Halstead. “The impetus for the site was to create something that’s owned by the brokers,” said Robert Nelson, president of the board of the Hamptons Real Estate Association and senior managing director at Brown Harris Stevens. “A broker signs a listing with an owner and then the broker wants to control how that listing for the owner is presented to the world.” Many agents complained that Zil-

low was not only deaf to suggestions, but that the site obfuscated which agent actually listed each property. With HamptonsRE, Nelson said, “Consumers can hopefully easily find a listing for sale or to rent and then can speak to the agent that has the listing, who knows all the pertinent information about it.” This isn’t the first time that local brokerages have banded together to try to create a multiple listing service. In 2016, 13 local firms banded together to create the East End Listing Exchange, but the site faltered when Zillow bought Hamptons Real Estate Online, which had been the de facto Multiple Listing Service for decades, and was replaced by Out East. Zillow overhauled both the consumer site and the listing software, which annoyed both agents and users alike. To counter this, many of the firms involved with East End Listing Exchange decided to refocus to create a new consumer portal rather than an MLS.

CPF Revenue Continues To Sink Real estate sales at all-time low By Rick Murphy rmurphy@indyeastend.com

Think of it this way: You’re 14. You’re going to set aside some of your allowance each week so you can buy an old truck when you turn 17. For a while, it’s working well. You put 10 bucks or

so away, and before you know it, you have 100 or so. And then, your mother abruptly cuts your allowance and all you can manage is banking a few dollars each week. Then she cuts it again. And

HamptonsRE.com was designed by Michael Gabriel of Gabriels Technology Solutions, which is perhaps the premier provider of real estate websites, customer relationship management, and market software for real estate agents. The new site is user-friendly and feature-rich, with a polish that had been lacking on other sites. While making good use of map technology, the site also indicates via color whether a listing is in contract, reduced in price, or has an upcoming open house. Transparency and ease of use has been emphasized. The only thing lacking is the ability to drill down to the actual property lines of a listing, as on Zillow.com, and a way to search most-recently reduced listings, as on Trulia. “That’s the beauty of this platform,” said Andrew Saunders, president of Saunders & Associates. “It’s very elegant and it has the ability to evolve and be enhanced over time. We’ve never had that ability before. This platform was created by brokers for brokers and we can enhance it almost in real time.” “If someone walked into a real estate office in the old days, they sat down with the person that probably had the listing. There was a sign in the window, and they liked the property,” Nelson said. “The site is really just giving the public and the owners the best service. We hope that all the companies see the benefit of it.” But not all local firms are on board, including Douglas Elliman, Compass, Nest Seekers International, Bespoke, and Town & Country. The site also only offers about 60 percent of the sales listings in the area. A tool like this can be seen as most useful when confident that everything that’s on the market is represented. “We’ve had meetings that every single agency, large and small, has been

Many agents complained that Zillow was not only deaf to suggestions, but that the site obfuscated which agent actually listed each property.

again. Soon, you have to start spending your little nest egg just so you’ll have shoes to wear while walking to school. Welcome to East End real estate, 2019. Municipalities have lots of things they want to buy, too, and usually have a nice stash of cash to purchase with. That’s because the Community Preservation Fund is like an allowance, only better: every time a property sells, the fund is injected with cash thanks to a two-percent tax. The fund can be used to purchase and preserve, either historic or environmentally significant land. But the “allowance” is shrinking. The Peconic Bay Preservation Fund hit a new low, it was announced last week. Revenues are down 22 percent when compared to the first 10 months of 2018. More bad news: 2018 wasn’t any-

thing to write home about, kids. Assemblyman Fred Thiele, one of the architects of the CPF program, pegged 2019 revenue at $63.35 million after 10 months. In 2018, it was $81.27 million. Worse still, monthly CPF revenues for 2019 have been lower than the same month for 2018 every month thus far. It’s a trend, folks. Since its inception in 1999, the Peconic Bay Regional Community Preservation Fund has generated $1.445 billion. Real estate pundits are sending mixed signals. Some think the market has finally bottomed, and others, pointing to a glut of unsold properties on the market, think there is still room to sink. Forget the truck. Better put the shoes on hold, too.

invited to — presentations going back as far as June,” Ed Reale of Sotheby’s said. “And we’ve reached out by email, by phone, and various other ways.” “We’re fierce competitors on the street,” added Nanette Hansen of Sotheby’s. “The firms sat down together because we saw that there was a need for a beautiful, elegant consumer website with accurate information that would be a very good consumer experience for both renters and buyers.” Saunders said the process of creation is difficult. “This has been in development in one form or another for a protracted period of time,” he said. “I’m not aware of any other region in our country where brokers have gotten together to develop a public-facing portal. We can get to the unique characteristics of the market we serve. The fact that this was able to get created and rolled out is what I’m most proud of.”

December 11, 2019

North Fork THE

1826

Be Your Own Winemaker Sannino Vineyard’s new and improved Vine to Wine program By Nicole Teitler nicole@indyeastend.com

Sannino Vineyard in Cutchogue is inviting the community to take part in its sustainable viticulture practices through the new-and-improved Vine to Wine membership program. Started in 2007 by Anthony and Lisa Sannino, Vine to Wine is a $3000-per-couple exclusive inviting members to become part-time vintners. Sannino’s team, Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing certified, guides others to learn the winemaking process from the very beginning stages, and in all cellar activities. Members will harvest the grapes, crush them, ferment the wine, press, rack, and prune. There’s even barrel tasting. “It’s hands on. People are actually involved in everything that we do commercially to produce wine,” Anthony Sannino said. “They are a partner in harvesting the grapes. It’s a full-day event. They witness and take part in checking for the pH and sugars. They’re tasting and they’re developing benchmarks for a finished wine they won’t get until one year later.” Sannino has been involved in wine making since he was 13 years old. It all started while visiting Ischia, a volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples, Italy. Alongside his uncle, Sannino began learning about grapes in the very cellar his great grandfather produced from. Years later, in 2006, he and his wife, Lisa, purchased their own vineyard. The Vine to Wine program is a multi-week process, spanning across five or six visits. Beyond producing the wine itself, it’s about connecting to the vineyard and investing in it emotionally, not just physically. The membership brings likeminded people together and also includes eight cases of memberonly wines, two tickets to the annual

“It’s hands on. People are actually involved in everything that we do commercially to produce wine,” Anthony Sannino said. Harvest Festival around Columbus Day — plus discounted tickets for additional guests, two art of blending class tickets, complimentary tasting for two per visit, unlimited wine tours for two, picnicking rights on premise, a 20-percent discount on all other tastings and purchases, and a 15-percent discount if you stay at the property’s bed and breakfast. Recently, the vineyard introduced Sannino Superiore, which includes all the above plus a custom-made wine with label. “It’s geared to a different clientele that is a bit more specific about their own, custom wine,” Sannino said. This holiday season, grab a bottle of Sannino’s Cabernet Franc to pair with all types of meals. Sannino Vineyard Tasting House is located at 15975 Route 48 in Cutchogue. Learn more and sign up online at www. sanninovineyard.com.

Sannino's Petit Verdot. Independent/Courtesy Sannino Vineyard

Putting The Green In Green

Supervisor Laura Jens-Smith announced that Riverhead will be making an additional $300,000 investment into its parks and open spaces, bringing the supervisor’s total investment in these areas to over $500,000 during her tenure, which has included opening the bike trail at Calverton Enterprise Park. In the release, Supervisor Jens-Smith said, “Riverhead’s parks and open spaces have been neglected for too long. Residents have been calling for these changes for years now, as they’ve seen their recreation areas ignored due to lack of funding. New pickleball courts, playgrounds, walking trails, and improvements to our dog parks are being funded to answer those calls and meet the needs of our hamlets.” Some areas of investment include creation of the Sharper Hill Preserve, upgrading various play surfaces and equipment for sports and playgrounds, and other projects. Councilman James Wooten added, “The open vistas and public parks surrounding our town showcases how beautiful this area of Long Island really is. This funding will go directly in maintaining and restoring our resources, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents and guests visiting alike.” BL

The Independent

Riverhead School District Promotes Teacher New assistant principal also named at Pulaski Street School By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com Jason Rottkamp and Callan Lonergan. Independent/Riverhead Central School District

The Riverhead Central School District has named one of its own, Jason Rottkamp, as its new fine arts director. “It is always wonderful when we can promote one of our fine staff members,” said Superintendent Dr. Aurelia Henriquez. “Jason Rottkamp has been with us since 2005 and has truly proven his leadership and passion for educating our students. We are pleased to name him as our new fine arts director.” Rottkamp, a resident of Hampton Bays, started in Riverhead as director of both the elementary and high school bands. He still serves as the high school band director. He also served as

principal of the Riverhead High School summer school program in 2012. Since 2018, he has been the principal of Eastern Suffolk BOCES Alternative High School at the H.B. Ward Technical Center. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve the Riverhead community in a more global capacity,” he said. “I look forward to seeking input from all stakeholders to help create and maintain a robust, first-class fine and performing arts department.” The Riverhead school district has also welcomed Callan Lonergan as the new assistant principal of Pulaski Street Elementary School.

North Fork News

3D Printing for grades four through six will be offered at the Mattituck-Laurel Library on Thursday, December 12. In this hands-on class, students will learn the basics of 3D printing, including how to use the software Tinkercad to create and design 3D objects, at 5:30 PM. Students may bring a new USB to save their design. A holiday book discussion, “Mr. Dickens and His Carol” by Samantha Silva, will be held on Thursday, December 12, at 6:30 PM. Be sure to stop by and pick up a copy of the book. The library will screen “Ophelia,” a re-imagining of “Hamlet”, told from Ophelia’s perspective, on Friday, December 13, at 1:30 PM. Poinsettias are the most striking flower for the holidays. On Friday, December 13, at 4:30 PM try your hand at this DIY craft with librarian Lynn Maaiki. The Friends of the Library meet-

department. She began her career as a special education teacher at P.S. 108 in South Ozone Park. The assistant principal, who assumed her new position December 2, said she hopes to share her knowledge of the responsive classroom framework, which fosters social-emotional learning and academic growth through developmentally responsive teaching. “I am so excited to join the team at Pulaski Street School,” Lonergan said. “I look forward to collaborating with the staff and students and continuing to move toward the district’s vision of inspiring and empowering all students to become tomorrow’s leaders.”

For more information, visit mattitucklaurellibrary.org.

will offer a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’s seasonal favorite, “A Christmas Carol,” on Sunday, December 15, at 4 PM. For more information, visit www. jamesportmeetinghouse.org.

Mashomack’s Holiday Open House

Compiled by Jenna Mackin news@indyeastend.com

Mattituck-Laurel Library

“We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Lonergan to the Riverhead School District,” Henriquez said. “Her background in teaching and administration will certainly be a benefit to the students of this district.” Lonergan, a resident of West Islip, was most recently employed at Central Boulevard Elementary School in the Bethpage School District. There, she served as a special education teacher and teacher-mentor, a role in which she developed instruction and guidelines to support fellow teachers. In addition, she served as an administrative intern and was also an intern in the district’s pupil personnel services

ing and holiday luncheon will be held on Tuesday, December 17, at 9:30 AM. Come join the Friends for a pot-luck luncheon following the business meeting, which will be the last meeting until spring. Health insurance counseling will be offered on Tuesday, December 17, from 1:30 to 3 PM, featuring individual, confidential, accurate information and guidance for seniors and other Medicare eligible persons, sponsored by the Suffolk County Office for the Aging. Kindness counts. One hour of community service will be offered for teens for each meeting attended starting on Tuesday, December 17, 5 PM. Sew pillows and blankets for hospitals and nursing homes. DIY Peppermint Sugar Scrubs for teens will be held on Wednesday, December 18, at 3 PM. Make your own peppermint scented body scrub to use for yourself or give as a gift.

Celebrate the season with mulled cider, eggnog, and the good cheer of the season, the perfect complement to the Bass Creek Cottage’s festive decorations. Join in the holiday spirit with neighbors and friends, sing favorite songs and tour Mashomack’s 19th-Century Victorian mansion, decked out in her holiday greens on Saturday, December 14, from 2 to 5 PM. For more information, visit www. nature.org or call the Mashomack Visitor Center at 631-749-4219 for further information or e-mail MashomackPreserve@tnc.org.

Jamesport Meeting House Carols Be part of the holiday tradition at the historic Jamesport Meeting House again this year. Celebrate the season with “Carols and Cookies,” Friday, December 13, at 6:30 PM. Dena Tishim will be back with her Riverhead High School Chamber Chorus to perform seasonal selections and lead attendees in a sing-along of popular carols, followed by cookies and mulled cider in the lecture room. Jenifer Maxson of Shelter Island

Jazzy Holiday Party Join the Custer Observatory in Southold for a holiday celebration under the stars on Saturday, December 14, at 4 PM. Dinner will be offered, followed by a performance at 6 PM of live jazz by Ahmad Ali and Friends. Ali is an accomplished jazz and R&B singer, songwriter and guitarist and host of WUSB’s radio show Café Ali. Stargazing will follow. For more information, visit www. custerobservatory.org.

RH Chamber Of Commerce Riverhead Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, December 19, from 8 to 10 AM, at the Banquet Hall at LI Sports Park. Come hear what the organization has accomplished this year and what lies ahead in 2020. Meet the board of directors and other chamber members, all while enjoying a delicious breakfast catered by one of its newest members, Got a Guy Eatery. Cost: $20 for members and their guest and $30, non-members. For more information, visit www. riverheadchamber.com.

December 11, 2019

Sports Girls Basketball Preview Kneeland takes over for Barron at Pierson; Westhampton, Southampton, East Hampton return all but one By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com A feisty pair has returned to Pierson’s basketball court. Senior point guard Chastin Giles and sophomore guard Sofia Mancino bring back all the grit that first-year head coach Woody Kneeland will be looking for after the Whalers graduated 10 seniors from last year’s squad, including his niece, Katie Kneeland, who led the team in points (377). “Chastin is tough as nails, so is Sofia,” Kneeland said. “Sofia is a vocal leader where Chastin leads by her play. Both make their teammates better.” The pair will steer a 10-girl roster, but Kneeland said he looks at it as he’s 10 players deep, knowing the girls who returned and many of the younger ones joining having coached the junior varsity team while being an assistant on varsity under former head coach Kevin Barron the last two seasons. His brother George, Katie’s father, who has worked with the basketball teams at Pierson at different levels over the last 18 years, also returns as an assistant. “There’s a lot of new kids coming up and there’s definitely an inexperienced factor, but they’re all great players,” Kneeland said. “I’ve been putting them through the ringer with the best of the Class A school during the nonleague games (0-3 against Eastport-South Manor, Westhampton Beach, and Sayville). I’m making it tough for them because I want them to learn quickly.” The Whalers JV team, along with

the varsity girls, finished their league schedules undefeated last season. From his old team he’ll be looking for Grace Perello, who the coach said has a “scorer’s mentality,” to contribute some of what was lost with the departure of his niece, but said he sees all the girls being big contributors on either side of the court down the line. Heidi Wilson replaces Kneeland as the JV coach. “We’re more balanced than last year,” he said. “Once we get rolling and get some confidence, we’ll be there.” The coach said if any opponent thinks taking Giles (287 points last season) out of the game is an automatic win, he’d ask them to think again. “It’s not going to work,” Kneeland said. He’ll still be looking to her tremendously though. “Chastin is a college-level basketball player,” he said. “She helps the other girls get easier baskets too because she gets them in the right spots.” Senior guard and forward Mahlia Hemby is also returning, along with classmates Kathryn Powell, a center, and Kneeland’s daughter, Halle, a guard, both of whom rejoin the Whalers after not playing last season. “Kathryn is strong on offense and defense. Halle adds to the defensive side,” Kneeland said. “They’re going to play.” There’s been a consistent basketball culture in Pierson as of late, with the teams making the postseason the last six

Pierson senior Chastin Giles finished last season averaging 12 points per game on 82 field goals, 21 three-pointers, and 60 free throws. Independent/Gordon M. Grant

seasons, and Kneeland is hoping this year is no different. The Whalers are looking to defend their Suffolk County title won last year while going 17-3 overall. “They’re a fast, tough bunch. They’re some of the fastest kids I’ve seen,” Kneeland said, laughing. “The athleticism is there. They also play great

defense. These girls are going to have a complete game soon and I’m excited about it.” Pierson will play Hampton Bays on the road in the Whalers’ first League VII game of the season on Wednesday, December 11, at 5:45 PM. The team travels to Continued On Page 32.

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The Independent

Boys Basketball Preview Pierson, Westhampton have new coaches, Southampton still strong By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com

For Will Fujita, leading Pierson’s boys basketball team is referred to by his family as “coaching for the enemy.” That’s because the first-year varsity coach played for rival Southold, and is good friends with head coaches at his alma mater, Greenport, and Shelter Island. “My family still gives me a bunch of grief,” he said, laughing. “We’re a tight-knit group, and they’ve all been accepting and super helpful as I adjust. I played against them when they were all coaches, too.” Fujita was the Whalers’ junior varsity coach the past three seasons. The 2012 Southold graduate and current orchestra teacher said he’s excited to have the opportunity to take over for Hank Katz, and feels he’s in a unique position stepping into his new role. “I’m very fortunate and excited,” he said. “Being a part of the JV team helps — I have that rapport. I know all these guys minus one player and I think we have a clear expectation, know what we anticipate from each other, which is nice.” Pierson lost just one senior, starting point guard Cooper Schiavoni (133 points last season), and returns a slew of talent in senior guard/forward Henry Brooks, senior guard/forward Nick Egbert (123), senior center Harry Cowen (62), senior point guard Peter Schaefer (64 points), and sophomore forward Wilson Bennett (96). Also back is junior Habtamu Coulter, and new to the

team is sophomore Cecil Munshin. Brooks is on the cusp of reaching his 1000th career point, having racked up 456 points last season. “This year we hit the ground running,” Fujita said. “These guys are good at identifying their roles and playing to their strengths.” To keep things more relaxed, the coach has anticipations not for wins and losses but for what he expects out of his guys every single day. “The biggest things are to play gritty and be consistent,” Fujita said. “You’re not always going to be able to shoot the ball well, but you can always bring energy. You won’t always feel 100 percent, but you can always give 100 percent.” The coach said the Whalers’ strength is their work ethic, which is why the guys have been able to get ahead of his plans in practice. He said all the extra time put in helps when it’s a tossup as to who will remain at the top of the league come the end of the season. “They’ve been very focused, which helps us develop the game in more detail,” Fujita said. “They work hard and it’s infectious.” Pierson opened League VIII play with a 67-31 win over Ross December 6. Brooks had 19 points, Summers and Munshin each added nine, and Richard Barrano and Bennett tacked on six apiece. The Whalers host Shelter Island Friday, December 13, at 6:15 PM, before

Senior Henry Brooks averaged 22.8 points per game last season on 127 field goals, 39 three-pointers, and 85 free throws. Independent/Gordon M. Grant

several nonleague contests and a tournament wrap up the end of the year.

Westhampton Beach Boasts New Coach Westhampton Beach will be led by Tim McDermott this season, taking over for seven-year coach John Baumiller, and with the new coach also comes the

return of former Hurricane basketball players who were gridiron greats. Twin seniors Jaden and Jesse AlfanoStJohn, Shavar Coffey, Aidan Cumisky, and Jeff McBurnie are hoping to bring their winner’s mentality to the basketball court. Returning to the team are junior Continued On Page 31.

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Sports

December 11, 2019

Swimming Toward Success East Hampton begins league play By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com

East Hampton’s swim team saw two straight ties and a recent loss to Half Hollow Hills prior to the start of League II play this week. On December 3, the Bonackers fell to the multi-time county champion at Hills West 106-69. Suffolk County championship qualifiers were the 200-yard medley relay team; 200 freestyle relay; 400 freestyle relay; Joey Badilla in the 200 individual medley; Colin Harrison, Owen McCormac, and Aidan Forst in the 50 freestyle; Nicky Badilla and Harrison in the 100 butterfly; Forst in the 500 freestyle; Badilla in the 100 backstroke, and Jack Duryea and Curran O’Donnell in the 100 breaststroke. East Hampton freshman Tenzin Tamang was named the swimmer of the meet by the Bonackers’ captains.

“The captains decided on Tenzin for this honor because he competed in the 200 individual medley and the 500 freestyle and scored in both events,” head coach Craig Brierley said. “What made the choice apparent was when he followed those performances up with a personal-best time as the lead-off leg of the 400 freestyle relay that inspired the other three in the relay to dominate the event to finish in first place.” The Bonackers followed the loss with an 85-85 tie to Connetquot/East Islip December 5. “This meet was extremely competitive and exciting for all who were able to be there,” Brierley said. “The score was close throughout the meet, with a few lead changes as it came down to the last event to decide the winner.” Connetquot outscored East Hamp-

Pierson junior Jack Duryea. Independent/Desirée Keegan

ton 10-4 in the final event, the 400 freestyle relay, for the event to end in a tie. O’Donnell was named the swimmer of the meet for dropping over four seconds off his 100 breaststroke time for a new personal best that also earned him second place. It helped put East Hampton ahead heading into the final event of the meet. Curran also went best times in the 200 medley relay and the 200 freestyle relay at the meet. Saturday was the team’s annual Maroon v Gray meet at the YMCA East Hampton RECenter, which also ended in a tie. There was a breakfast organized by the parents that followed. Gray team captain, Aidan Forst,

recognized East Hampton junior Daniel Sarlo as his swimmer of the meet and Captains of the Maroon team Miles Capolla and Will Midson chose Pierson junior Jack Duryea as their recipient of the title. East Hampton travels to Lindenhurst Thursday, December 12, for its first League II meet of the season, which begins at 5 PM, and travels to Deer Park Wednesday, December 18, for a 5 PM meet. “Our boys have been very excited to get the season started and were looking forward to their first competition,” Brierley said. “They battled well in all of their races and put up a lot of personal best times.”

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The Independent

CHIP SHOTS By Bob Bubka

A Year To Remember Looking back, and forward to 2020 bobvoiceofgolf@gmail.com

It has been a magical year in the golf world. We have so much to be thankful for as fans of this wonderful. As we move through the holiday season, I’ll take a look back at that magic before casting my trained eye on the future and the incredibly tantalizing scenarios that might be revealed as we usher in a new decade. The top story of the year was a movie we have watched many times before. To be honest, this viewing may have been the best because it has been 11 years since its last showing. Of

course, I’m talking about Tiger Woods winning his 15th major championship at the Masters. The number is not the big new,, but that it opens the floodgates for endless conversations as to whether Tiger can equal or surpass Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18 major championships. To pass the Nicklaus record, Tiger must win four more majors and, put into perspective, only 10 players in the history of the game have won four or more in their careers, and three of those took place in the 1800s. There are two play-

ers, Brooks Koepka and Rory McIlroy, that already have four major trophies in their display cases. With only four major championships per year, does Tiger have enough time to add four more to his tally and can he do it? Will he even win one more? Smart money says no, but I know Tiger has different thoughts. The major championships of 2019 had so many highlights. One of my favorites took place at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. The last time the Open had been played in the area was 1952. The whole country was just bubbling with excitement before the start, and grew more excited as Shane Lowry brought home the Claret Jug. Plenty of congratulatory pints were consumed as Lowry held the trophy overhead. Undoubtedly, it was the most popular victory I have ever witnessed. The U.S. Open was also terrific. How could it not be when contested at Pebble Beach? I often refer to Pebble as Maidstone West. Another first-time major winner took home the trophy when the likable Gary Woodland got the job done. Defending champion Koepka secured his fourth major title in his backto-back PGA Championship win. If he returns fully fit from his current knee injury, and I expect he will, I think he has a realistic shot at winning doubledigit majors. One player still seeking his first

major is Matt Kuchar. The alwayssmiling Kuchar is always around the top of the leaderboard, but so far, just hasn’t been able to close the deal for the win. Over the last 10 years, Kuchar has played in 244 events, finishing in the Top 10 86 times. In fact, in the last decade, he has made the cut in 91 percent of the events he entered. Earlier this year, the 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson lost his form and his world ranking plunged. At the end of 2018, he was ranked 26th. Coming into the Hero World Challenge, it was down to 42nd. Well, a win cures most ills, and Stenson is trending upward once again and is back to where he started this year, at 26th. Pete Cowen, Stenson’s longtime instructor and one of the best teachers in the game, had a most unusual plan to help him regain form. I must admit it was a strange sight watching Stenson hit balls on the range while wearing a blindfold. I think that earns the tagline, “Don’t try this at home.” This week, the biennial team competition, The Presidents Cup, will take place in Melbourne, Australia. In the 13 previous cups, the U.S. has won 11, tied one, and lost just one. On paper, before the competition begins, the U.S. is expected to win quite easily, however, as we all know, anything can happen. I’m going to thoroughly enjoy watching Tiger manage his dual role of player and captain.

Take The Plunge Heart of the Hamptons makes waves with its cool fundraiser By Nicole Teitler nicole@indyeastend.com

What’s the coolest thing to do this weekend? The Heart of the Hamptons’ 16th annual Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, December 14, at 10 AM at Coopers Beach in Southampton. Upon the explosion of a very small cannon, hundreds will dive into the Atlantic Ocean, many in festive costumes, to support the nonprofit founded more than 30 years ago. Local fire departments, ambulance companies, ocean water rescuers, and surfers will all be onhand in the event of an emergency, for those concerned about any frosty temperatures. After the plunge, hot drinks and food will be served at the pavilion. The event is the biggest fundraiser

of the year for Heart of the Hamptons, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting the organization’s year-round food pantry; home-delivered meals; clothing room; heating, rental and utility bill assistance programs; and handyman service for seniors. Through the help of over 50 dedicated volunteers, Heart of the Hamptons works alongside local schools, civic organizations, churches, and other food pantries to ensure needs of the community are met. Its services aid over 500 households and 1500 people. In October, the organization distributed 6782 meals to 232 households. In addition, three women, Betty Arnister, Suzanne Berkowski, and Barbara

Polar Bear, Chris Cuomo, Hilton Crosby, Caleb Crosby, and Mary Crosby. Independent/Courtesy Heart of the Hamptons

Sacher, knitted 20 hats and 20 pairs of mittens to be given to children through the holiday program. Since its humble beginnings in 2004, the Polar Bear Plunge has raised more than $800,000. Last year, Heart of the Hamptons raised close to $98,000. This year, it upped the ante, and is well on its way to its $125,000 goal. The

Bathing Corporation of Southampton has pledged to match all plunger donations. Registration can be done as a team or individually, at $25 per person. All participants receive a free hat. Heart of the Hamptons is headquartered at 168 Hill Street in Southampton. Register online at www.heartofthehamptons.org.

Sports

December 11, 2019

INDY FIT By Nicole Teitler

Nothing Faux About It Take the facelift challenge nicole@indyeastend.com @NikkiOnTheDaily

Mariela Amato founded No Faux Wellness with a single thing in mind — authenticity. After all, the name literally means “not fake” in French and is a play on “NoFo,” the abbreviation for the North Fork area. Her passion for meditation, beauty, holistic medicine, herbalism, aromatherapy, and tea culminated in creating a safe place for women to be themselves. As a certified face workout instructor of the Glowinface method, an eco-green airbrush makeup artist, vinyasa teacher (200 RYT), mat Pilates instructor, and a graduate of Ziva meditation, she is certainly suited to design a space of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Any events coming up? The Buti + Glow + Unwind End-Of-

Boys Basketball Continued From Page 28.

point guard Will Razzano (44 points last season) and Andy Wilcenski, and new to the team are Nick Waszkelewicz, Jack Halloran, Justice Goode, and Logan Hagopian. McDermott is a teacher in the district and has been coaching for 14 years, serving as the middle school coach the past four, and also completed stints as the junior varsity head coach in East Islip, Wantagh, and MacArthur. Westhampton looks to improve upon its 3-16 record from last season, already boasting a 2-2 overall record. The Hurricanes lost to Elwood-John Glenn, 76-53, December 6 in the team’s League VI opener. Jaden AlfanoStJohn finished with 15 points, Razzano added 14, and Jesse AlfanoStJohn tacked on 10. The Hurricanes hosted BayportBlue Point December 10, but results were not available by press time. Westhampton travels to Shoreham-Wading River December 14 for a 10 AM tipoff.

East Hampton Battles In Revamped League V East Hampton will face some stiff competition this season while coping with the loss of three of its five starters.

Year Celebration at SoIntse Hot Yoga in Wading River on Friday, December 27 at 6PM. It will focus on Buti Yoga, which includes more cardio along with tribal music and fun neon lights. We follow to rest with the “glow” part of the event, which consists of our signature mindful masking — guided meditation with face mask application. (We use only clean and green high-end quality products along with our products that are formulated by our own aromatherapist and herbalist.) Our goal is to have a custom formulation that suits the theme of each event. After that, we will put on skincare and have some healthy snacks and champagne/wine to unwind and watch a mini presentation to introduce the No Faux facelift program that we’ll Turner Foster (219 points last season), Malachi Miller (306 points), and Max Proctor all graduated, and returning to the team are senior Jeremy Vizcaino (249), one of the two starters back from last season, and classmates Logan Gurney (34), Liam Leach (46), and Nick Esquivel (140). They’ll help the Bonackers battle teams like Half Hollow Hills West, Harborfields, Kings Park, and Islip, which all made the playoffs last season. East Hampton was close to doing the same, but one win short, a last-game-of-theseason heartbreaker. New team members for head coach Dan White boast some height. There’s 6-5 Charlie Condon, 6-3 Travis Wallace, and lefty Topher Cullen. East Hampton opened league play with a 78-50 loss to Half Hollow Hills West December 6. Luke Reese finished with 12 points, Leach added nine, and Vizcaino and Condon scores seven apiece. The Bonackers travel to Islip Thursday, December 12, at 6 PM before hosting Rocky Point Monday, December 16, at 6:15 PM.

Southampton Still Strong Southampton lost three big seniors, but returns some top scorers from last year’s squad — senior All-Conference

No Faux founder Mariela Amato. Independent/Courtesy No Faux

be launching in January at the studio. Then there’s the No Faux facelift five-week challenge at Special Effects Salon & Spa in Greenport. Our first group sessions completed in December. We will launch our next group sessions in February, so there’s time to sign up.

Are you open year-round? Yes. We are a mobile business that partners with venues to host our mindful beauty and wellness events. We also offer our No Faux facelift through one-on-one private sessions in person and online. Starting in 2020, we are hosting our fivestandout Dakota Smith (190 points last season), and classmates Sincere Faggins (293), Artemi Gavalas (123), and James Malone (52). Faggins led the team in three-pointers last season (27) and Gavalas, coming off the bench, was right behind him (26). While the Mariners lost some size with the graduation of twin brothers Marcus (238 points) and Marquise Trent (265), and Kristian Wheeler (131), the team gets a boost head coach Herm Lamison is excited for with the addition of Zy’aire Pittman, a senior who played for Riverhead last year and racked up 159 points, senior Lucas Bontempo (42), junior Steven Kraszewski (59), and sophomore LeBron Napier (110). Southampton faces multiple nonleague opponents like Division I’s Ward Melville, Central Islip, and Longwood to round out the end of the year as practice to improve upon its early 2018-19 finish with an upset to Mattituck in the opening round of the playoffs. The Mariners will begin League VIII play on the road against Hampton Bays January 7 at 5:45 PM.

Bridgehampton Building Back Up After claiming the school’s first Class

week group challenges online as well. There are also mindful beauty onesession makeovers, which include a mindful masking session, ancient tools, and face fitness along with natural skincare and tea, and finished with green makeup artist services. We hosted mindful beauty spa parties at the vineyards this past summer, so our main goal is to partner with North Fork based businesses, especially in the warmer months. Learn more about Amato, the services offered, and her team at www.nofauxwellness.com. D Long Island championship before suffering a regional final loss to Marathon, Bridgehampton bid farewell to half its team come graduation, including J.P. Harding, Jahqur Carr, Jonny DeGroot, and Nate DePasquale. The Killer Bees then lost their top two returners to transferring. Nae’Jon Ward went to Center Moriches, along with Greenport standout Ahkee Anderson to really beef up the Red Devils, and Elijah White to St. Paul’s School, a preparatory boarding school in Concord, NH, where basketball players have gone on to compete for Division I programs. Senior Will Walker saw significant minutes last season, and will be relied upon heavily by head coach Ron White to lead the young, small team. Also back are sophomores Anthony Cabrera, Nick Saunders, and David Simms. New to the team are freshmen Jack Boeshore, Dylan Fitzgerald, and brothers Kris and Scott Vinski. The Killer Bees opened League VIII play against Southold December 10, but results were not available at press time. Bridgehampton will host Smithtown Christian Wednesday, December 18, at 6 PM.

The Independent

Fear In Montauk

November court date was adjourned because Rooney was in rehab, no one notified the victim’s family. “It all adds up to the feeling of not being fair.”

Continued From Page 6. Van Scoyoc said that back in 2014-2015, a Latino advisory committee had been set up to improve communication between the Latino community and the town board. It ended in 2016, after the presidential election. The supervisor encouraged community members to reach out to him and other board members. He said his door is always open. Those words were good news to Adriana Cardona, a 30-year Montauk resident. She told the board members, “I think the first step towards getting better at communicating with each other is that — letting us know. I had no idea that you can make an appointment to talk to you or to talk to any other board member. That’s the first step: to let the Latino community know that that we can reach out to you if we need to. Communicate with you. I didn’t know that. I think a lot of people didn’t know that.” Overby told Cardona, “Well, you’re the messenger.” Other serious issues were broached, including wage theft from immigrants and rental exploitation. But it was Usma-Quintero’s death that was the main topic. Cardona said, as the meeting broke up, that when Rooney’s

Scallop Symposium Continued From Page 7.

Girls Basketball Continued From Page 27.

Port Jefferson December 16 for a 4:30 PM matchup.

Hurricanes Have Room To Grow

Although losing just one senior to graduation, Westhampton head coach Katie Peters says the absence of center/forward Lindsay Rongo creates a completely different dynamic within her team. “Lindsay Rongo was big for us,” she said. “She was a strong defensive player, was a leader both on and off the court. She was also good for putting in eight to 12 points when we needed it. She was a spark when we needed it, and would recognize that.” That’s not to say she doesn’t think she has the talent to fill her shoes. Peters thinks returning juniors Molly Skorobohaty and Caroline Henke could do just that. “They play strong defense. They hustle,” the coach said. “And they have Continued From Page 10. experience with valuable game minutes.” “Budget and timing are unknown,” Young returners with lots of playing Brown said, adding the meeting was the time are Rongo’s younger sister Olivia first of many to fine-tune before final(132 points last season), a guard, who izing and plans. “We expect the process started multiple games as a freshman, to take many years before seeing the new and sophomore guard Molly McCarthy Herrick Park.” (180 points), who the coach said is more confident this season. She expects big things from both girls, but will be leaning on seniors Belle Smith (453 points last season) and Layla Mendoza (132 points) to lead the way. Smith, an All-American lacrosse standout and All-County volleyball player surpassed 1300 points last season to break the Hurricanes’ scoring record. Smith has a good on-court chemistry with Mendoza, who missed the second half of the 2018-19 season with a torn ACL. “They’re picking up right where they left off,” Peters said. “Layla has a strong interior post game. She’s fast, she’s athletic, she can jump. She and Belle are a dynamic duo. It’s tough to stop both of them.” Junior Amanda White, who played at St. Anthony’s the last two seasons, will be added value at guard, classmate Ella Donneson will aid under the boards, and sophomore Molly Mensch will add points fighting from the post. Donneson and Mensch are both up from the JV team. “There’s a lot of room for us to grow in a lot of ways on both ends of the court,” Peters said. “We’ve talked about Cashmere scarves with my original artwork now available. getting back to where we were, but unAlso original paintings, prints and photography. derstand there’s a lot of games to play. W W W. L I A N N E A L C O N.C O M We’re going to take it game by game. We Cashmere scarves with myfirstoriginal now sign-up for the newsletter to receive 20% off your order and keepartwork up with upcoming exhbitsavailable. and new works can’t overlook anybody. Each day we’ll Also original paintings, prints and photography. try to play our best and be our best and let the chips fall where they will.” Mendoza finished Westhampton’s sign-up for the newsletter to receive 20% off your first order and keep up with upcoming exhbits and new works AlconArt5.indd 1

season likely were contributing factors. “The four horsemen of the ocean climate-change apocalypse,” as Dr. Bradley Peterson called it. “Warming, hypoxia, acidification, and harmful algal blooms. It is important to think of the cooccurrence of these.” With this perfect storm causing the scallops to vanish, it is through restoration efforts driven by institutions such as Stony Brook University’s New York State Center for Clean Water Technology, and continuous funding, that Dr. Gobler and his colleagues are able to continue to find a solution, keeping baymen on their boats and scallops in the seas.

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12/5/19 11:44 AM

League VI-opening 50-39 win over Elwood-John Glenn December 6 with 25 points and 10 rebounds, and Smith had 13 points, 10 steals, and six rebounds. The Hurricanes traveled to Bayport-Blue Point December 10, but results were not available by press time.

Southampton Also Replacing Key Player Southampton will be without Taylor Pike, the Mariners’ primary ball hander in 2018, who scored 256 points last season. The team fell one win short of making the playoffs, and Pike’s 13.5 pointsper-game average was a major contributing factor in that. But there is talent returning to this League VII team, too. Sophomore point guard Madison Taylor is a travel basketball player who finished with 142 points last season; sophomore Gabby Arnold will continue guarding against opponent’s toughest competitors (75 points); and junior guard/forward Cristine Delgado led the team in minutes last season and is a strong defender who stays out of foul trouble (109). Back on the team from last season is Ishanti Gumbs. She played for Riverhead last season as a junior and finished the season with 150 points. Senior Alysha Thomas (68 points), captains this Mariners team with classmate Caraline Oakley (60). Thomas competed on the same Amateur Athletic Union team during the offseason as Gumbs and Taylor. Sophomore Carli Cameron, from the soccer team, is up from JV, and juniors Riley Zorko and Bimela Ramkhelawan are also new additions. The Mariners started the season with a 71-36 win over Smithtown Christian December 6. Delgado had 15 points, five steals, and three assists; Taylor scored 11 points; Oakley had eight points and 15 rebounds; and Thomas added eight points and 12 rebounds.

East Hampton Looking To Build East Hampton is hoping to improve upon its one-win 2018-19 season, but will have to do so while also bumping up to face new League V opponents. As with other schools, just one player, Connie Chan, graduated from last year’s team. Seniors Emma Silvera (98 points), Alden Powers (14), Tia Weiss (41), Emily Brewer (53), and Kailey Marmeno (31) have returned along with juniors Paige Cardone (74) and Eva Wojtusiak (19). Ashley Peters and Armani Gordon are new seniors joining the varsity squad with freshmen Baye Bogetti, Caroline DiSunno, and Claire McGovern. The Bonackers host their first league opponent, Islip, Thursday, December 12, at 4:30 PM.

December 11, 2019

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PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN. Oh most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine splendor of heaven blessed Mother of the son of God, immaculate Virgin assist me in the necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and Tel: 631-267-2150 show me herein you are my Fax: 631-267-8923 mother. Oh Holy Mary email: Mother of God, queen of primemod@aol.com www.primelinemodHeaven and Earth! I humbly larhomes.com beseech you from the bot23-26-45 tom of my heart to seccor me in this necessity. There HAMPTON BAYS Luxury are none that canwitstand house share rooms. Apply at your power. Oh show me www.LocalHouseShare.com. herein you are my mother. Oh Mary conceived without 11-4-14 sin, pray for us who have reINDUSTRIAL RENTAL WAREHOUSE approx 1,260 sq. feet and beautiful office 620 sq. feet w/bath, shower, kitchenette ready to move in. References, security, utilities not included. Long term lease available. $2,200 per month. 631-287-1618. 14-1-14

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course in three (3X). Holy Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3x). Holy Spirit, you who can solve all problems, light all roads to that I can attain my goal. You who gave me the devine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me and that in all instances in my life you are with me, I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be seperated from you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Say this prayer 3 consecutive days. After 3 days the request will be granted. Publish this prayer after the favor is granted. 14-1-14

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The Independent

East End Business & Service Air Cond & Heating

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The Independent

Letters

tion, I came to realize I knew (quite well) part of your family. Adele Stokes, your aunt, was not only a tenant and neighbor of mine â&#x20AC;&#x201D; she was a friend. I can remember many nights going out with her, Nelson, and my boyfriend, along with the Mannings and the McElwreaths, who all lived at Two Fifth Avenue. What fun and what good times we had! It was like living in the Gatsby era with that crew! I was much younger, but Adele was most capable of recognizing a party girl when she saw one. When Adele got sick, it was very sad. Some of the sparkle dimmed at Two-Five and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when I met your mother, Eleanor. Adele always spoke very highly of her and so I knew what she meant when I finally did meet her. She was warm, caring, and compassionate, and a comfort to Adele. Well, that was a long time ago. I fi-

Continued From Page 4. south of the inlet, I would drift west past the west jetty, and as I drifted toward the north, I would begin drifting east. My theory suggests the jetty on the west side of the inlet is not long enough nor angled correctly to counter the incoming tide much to affect the protective sand bars as shown on some of the pictorials of the inlet development. Sincerely, Rich Romanski

Party Girl Dear Mr. Murphy, To start with, please know I love reading The Independent, in particular the stories you and Jessica Mackin-Cipro write. While reading the November 20 edi-

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nally sold my apartment on the 16th floor and five years ago I bought a house in Mattituck, where my husband Bill and I go year-round. We love being close to nature, land, and the animals, but we maintain our house in Douglaston. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s such a pleasure reading your stories, and many times I get big belly laughs from them. Who knows if our paths will ever cross, but if they do or donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wishing you, Karen, and your baby Coco Belle a very blessed and Merry Christmas. Yours sincerely, Barbara Rehren

White House Chaos Dear Editor, As a former Navy enlisted and officer, I am highly concerned with the CommanderIn-Charge Of White House Chaos interference in Navy matters.Â

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The Commander-In-Charge Of White House Chaos overruled the Navyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to demote Chief Petty Officer and Navy Seal Edward Gallagher. Gallagher was convicted of posing with a dead detainee. Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rationale was that he was standing up for our military. Trump also overruled the peer review ordered by RADM Collin Green, head of the Navy Seals, and by doing this he is undermining the Navyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chain of command and adversely impacting discipline within the Navy. The peer review would have been conducted by senior Navy enlisted personnel. The Commander-In-Charge Of White House Chaos, who knows nothing about our military, might have Navy personnel in command second guessing their authority, which could be detrimental to Naval operations in the world and could adversely impact our national security.Â Donald Moskowitz

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The Independent

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