The Independent 042920 by The Independent Newspaper

April 29, 2020

Arts & Entertainment

Real Realty Landscaping During A Pandemic

Carmichael and Corman on NPR podcast

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which he filmed in two days and one night. “Roger, who just turned 94, is one of the most engaged human beings I’ve ever met,” Carmichael said. “He really listens, and answers your questions with thought and passion. I was initially surprised,” she said. Corman, who is sometimes referred to as “the Pope of Pop Cinema,” wasn’t always taken seriously during his career, when he made scads of lowbudget films, like the Edgar Allan Poe series with Vincent Price, “Frankenstein Unbound,” “Galaxy of Terror,” or “The Trip,” penned by Jack Nicholson and starring Peter Fonda. It was said in Hollywood that Corman could negotiate a movie deal over a pay phone, finance it with money from the change slot, and shoot it in the phone booth. But he managed to jumpstart the show biz careers of names like Nicholson, Diane Ladd, and William Shatner, and mentored other directors like Francis Ford Coppola, James Cameron, Martin Scorsese, and many more. It is detailed in his book, “How I Made 100 Films in Hollywood and Never Lost A Dime.” In his later years, Corman has finally received appreciation for his efforts, heaped with lifetime achievement awards and the subject of a documentary film, “Corman’s World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel.” Meeting him at a party in Los Angeles a few months ago brought Carmichael to invite him on the show. Then she found herself woodshedding — watching some of his movies that she hadn’t seen in decades.

Landscaping During A Pandemic

Jazz-Inspired Judy Celebrates 20 Years

By Bridget LeRoy bridget@indyeastend.com

When looking around for a new podcast, how about an oldie but goodie? “Jazz Inspired,” independently produced by Sag Harbor’s jazz pianist/raconteur/author/chanteuse Judy Carmichael, is celebrating 20 years on National Public Radio, and Carmichael — who has tickled the ivories for rock stars and rulers — has had a plethora of diversely interesting people on her show, from show biz types like Robert Redford and Seth MacFarlane to architect Frank Gehry and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. The show is not about jazz musicians, said Carmichael this week. “I wanted something that would keep me interested, frankly, doing a show where I could bring in all kinds of different artists and come at it differently in terms of inspiration and creativity. That’s a broader subject,” she said. “I mean, Redford — he’s been at this awhile. He’s been asked pretty much every question about his career that anyone could ask. But when I say, ‘I think of your process as a jazz process,’ it’s a whole new subject.” Carmichael said she studies up on her guests, “and I really think, ‘What about them is different? What will have a bigger meaning for my audience: What will inspire them to find their own creativity?’ That’s what I’m really interested in.” Her most recent episode, taped toward the beginning of March but airing on 140 NPR affiliates across the country (including Southampton’s 88.3 WPPB-FM) the week of May 2 through May 8, is an interview with horror film legend Roger Corman, best known for the original “Little Shop of Horrors,”

How to reap a beautiful garden despite the lockdown

Jazz-Inspired Judy Celebrates 20 Years

Sadness In Wake Of Canceled Spring Season

Independent/Courtesy Landscape Details

Judy Carmichael and director Roger Corman. Independent/Courtesy Judy Carmichael

“It was funny to watch a bunch of those ‘B’ horror movies again,” she said. “And he’s famous for very short shoots, low budget, and what I thought was, ‘This wasn’t just to save money. What was he getting out of this creatively, to do this, this way?’ And it’s a very jazz process,” she said. “He has a great sense of humor,” she recounted of her interview. Acknowledging, with gratitude, the many illustrious folks she’s been lucky enough to interview, Carmichael said, “Even in that circle, Roger’s mind is so interesting. And the connections he makes, where we went in the conversation — I’m really proud of it. When we finished, Roger’s assistant said she had never seen him that happy,” Carmichael said with a laugh. “I think it’s more important than ever for people to tap into their creativity right now,” urged Carmichael. “Artists have an unusually high tolerance for uncertainty and delayed gratification. So, this is our time to learn things, to create things.”

For more about Carmichael, her website is www.judycarmichael.com. To listen to her dozens of previous interviews and learn more about “Jazz Inspired,” the site is www.jazzinspired. com.

“I think it’s more important than ever for people to tap into their creativity right now.” — Judy Carmichael

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April 29, 2020

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Letters

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

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.

Batty Dear Editor, Based on information available, I believe the COVID-19 outbreak came from bat research at the Wuhan Center for Disease Control & Prevention, which is across the street from the Wuhan seafood market falsely blamed by China for the outbreak. Another bat research facility is the Wuhan Institute of Virology, only 10 miles away. The following information is from the article listverse. com/2020/03/20, which I liberally paraphrase and quote. Chinese scientists in the two Wuhan labs have been conducting experiments on coronavirus in bats since 2012 and the COVID-19 strain is solely specific to the coronavirus infecting bats at the Wuhan labs. It is believed a researcher at the labs was infected with COVID-19 and transmitted it to people in the Wuhan area. China has a history of students working in labs becoming infected. In November 2019, the WIV posted job openings

Tully’s View

for students interested in “molecular mechanisms that let coronavirus lie dormant for a long time without symptoms.” This is a trait of COVID-19. “On February 14, 2020, President Xi of China gave a speech on the need to contain COVID-19 and announced a new law for biosecurity at laboratories. The Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology then sent out instructions on strengthening biosecurity in labs that handle the novel coronavirus.” The Wuhan labs are the only ones in China that handle these viruses. Are the Chinese experimenting with viruses as weapons of mass destruction, and COVID-19 got away? The safety and security of research labs throughout the world must be evaluated and improvements made where necessary to protect us. Donald Moskowitz

You Don’t Own It Dear Editor, As tourist season approaches, and all that is going on conContinued On Page 38.

Associate Editor & Web Editor Taylor K. Vecsey Managing & Sports Editor Desirée Keegan Features Editor Bridget LeRoy 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 Vay David Georgia Warner Brittany Ineson Ernest Hutton 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

Independent/Irene Tully

Director of Business Development/ Branding Amy Kalaczynski Director of Marketing & Real Estate Ty Wenzel Graphic Designer Lianne Alcon 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 Jan Mackin Bookkeeper Sondra Lenz Office Administrator & Classified Manager Tammy Dill-Flores 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 ©2020 Entire Contents Copyrighted Financial responsibility for errors in all advertising printed in The Independent is strictly limited to actual amount paid for the ad.

April 29, 2020

The Independent

News & Opinion New York Governor Andrew Cuomo delivers his daily press briefing on COVID-19 April 25. Independent/ Courtesy Darren McGee, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office

Independent Pharmacies Becoming Testing Centers The higher the availability the more open the eligibility By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Saturday an executive order that will allow licensed independent pharmacies across the state to become corona-

virus testing sites. There are currently 5000 pharmacies statewide, the governor said, and each will be allowed to conduct the tests, gathering

samples that will be sent to area labs. “We now have more collection sites, more testing capacity,” Cuomo said April 25. “We can open up the eligibility for those tests.” Cuomo also said the state expanded testing criteria to include all first responders, health care workers, and essential employees, allowing those individuals to be tested even if they do not have symptoms. “The more testing capabilities we have, the more we will open eligibility,” Cuomo said. “Hopefully one day we get to the point where anybody who wants a test can walk in and get a test. That was the dream.” After the state’s randomized antibody survey of about 3000 people across region, results found 13.9 percent had

them, indicating they had been infected with COVID-19. Extrapolated, this meant nearly 14 percent of New Yorkers have been infected with the novel coronavirus, or as many as 2.7 million state residents. Long Island’s infection rate was 16.7 percent, above the statewide figure but below New York City’s 21.2 percent calculation, Cuomo said. The data, collected at 40 locations in 19 counties, led to a preliminary death rate calculation of 0.5 percent of those infected. The governor still cautioned the data was preliminary. “What does it mean? I don’t know,” Cuomo said. “These are people who were out and about shopping. They were not people who were in their homes, they were not people who were isolated, they were not people who were quarantined.” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone estimated by the state’s percentage that about 250,000 residents would have had it, but only just over 32,000 people have tested positive. “That tells us there are just a huge number of people who have had the virus who did not know they had it because either they were asymptomatic or assumed they had some other illness,” Bellone said, adding it also shows “how contagious this virus is” and “how quickly it moves.” Nearly 300 Long Islanders were recently infused with plasma donated by individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 as part of experimental treatments underway at Stony Brook University’s Renaissance School of Medicine, Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, and Catholic Health Services Continued On Page 37.

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News & Opinion

April 29, 2020

Sights & Scenes Across The East End Surfers, bikers, and beachgoers were out and about this weekend on the East End. Here are some sights and scenes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit www.indyeastend.com as we continue to add images from across the East End.

A fleet of motorcycles line the streets of Montauk village on Saturday, April 25. Independent/T.E. McMorrow

Beachgoers wearing masks at Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk on Saturday, April 25. Independent/Gordon M. Grant

East Hampton Town Marine Patrol speaks with a surfer at Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk on Saturday, April 25. Independent/ Gordon M. Grant

Beachgoers at Georgica Beach in East Hampton on Saturday, April 25. Independent/Gordon M. Grant

A surfer wears a face mask at Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk on Saturday, April 25. Independent/Gordon M. Grant

The Independent

Property Tax Delay A Relief For Many Governor likely to announce a school closure decision this week By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com Suffolk County has been working for weeks to identify a temporary tax relief solution for homeowners reeling from the COVID-19 crisis. On Monday, Executive Steve Bellone announced he heard from the Federal Reserve in Washington that the county can obtain short-term borrowing in the midst of the pandemic. First, Suffolk identified its goal of getting access to the new program that was created as part of the federal relief bill. That program is the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. “We identified the municipal liquidity facility the solution,” the executive said. “And what that would do is give us the ability to do short-term borrowing to deal with the significant loss of revenue and the cashflow problems that resulted

in that. It’s impacting us particularly as we try to provide temporary property tax relief. That’s because as a result of the Suffolk County Tax Act, it does not receive any of the property taxes residents pay to towns in December and January until the end of June. He sent a letter to the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Steven Mnuchin, asking to have that guidance adjusted. He has also been working closely with Congressman Lee Zeldin, who also sent a letter, got in contact with the secretary, and arranged a phone call. “It allows early access,” Bellone said, which allows the town to expand property tax forbearance options. “Mortgage relief is needed during this pandemic,” he said. “Property taxes are still a significant portion of the

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Corning Tower at Empire State Plaza was lit “New York Tough” in honor of the health care professionals and essential workers at the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Independent/Courtesy New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office

monthly payment for many homeowners on Long Island.” Asked whether he was considering a rent freeze, as New York approaches the May 1 due date for most payments, and the possible extension of mortgage payments so homeowners aren’t hit with a bigger expense once the current moratorium expires, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said: “We’re looking at that right now. We’re looking at all options.” The governor declared a 90-day relief period beginning March 19, waiving mortgage payments based on financial hardship for people not working or working parttime as a result of his executive stay-athome order for nonessential workers. Attorney General Letitia James said April 24 she wrote to 35 major New York mortgage suppliers asking for a threemonth forbearance to prevent foreclosure if a mortgage payment is missed. This would allow homeowners to renew the leniency up to a year if the financial hardship is related to COVID-19. James also asked any associated late fees be waived.

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Cuomo said he will likely decide this week whether to keep schools closed for the remainder of the school year. The state continues to see progress with the decline in hospitalizations of those infected with COVID-19 — it has for two straight weeks — but Cuomo said it’s troubling that well over 1000 people are newly-hospitalized with the novel coronavirus daily, and that 1200 to 1300 New Yorkers continue to get infected every day. For the first time this month, Cuomo reported Sunday, April 26, that New York’s daily death toll from COVID-19 dropped below 400. Statewide, he said there were 367 deaths — less than half of where the number was at the height of

the outbreak —including 349 in hospitals and 18 in nursing homes. This is a continued decline from 422 on Friday and 438 on Thursday. As of Monday, 17,303 people have died. “It’s dropping somewhat,” Cuomo said. “But it’s still devastating news.” The Long Island Rail Road announced April 24 the first employee with a COVID-19-related death, station appearance maintainer James Houlihan. On April 23, Corning Tower at Empire State Plaza in Albany was lit “New York Tough” in honor of the health care professionals and essential workers at the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Health care professionals and essential workers are the ones on the frontlines every day carrying us through this crisis,” Cuomo said. “New Yorkers owe their lives to these true heroes who define what it means to be ‘New York Tough,’ and remind us that even if it is a long day, love wins, always.”

Reopening Upstate On April 27 Cuomo said that parts of New York, primarily upstate, will most likely reopen, ending his PAUSE executive stay-at-home order after May 15 in those areas. Although not good news for Suffolk County, it is an indication novel coronavirus numbers are dropping to the point where a return to normalcy is being discussed. Downstate statistics, though on the decline, are still too high to consider lifting the governor’s mandate. Long Island is more “problematic,” Cuomo said. “We’re going to reopen in phases.” Phase one involves opening construction and manufacturing activities, and those businesses that have a low risk.

News & Opinion

April 29, 2020

President Woodrow Wilson.

New York Harbor.

War Effort Exacerbated 1918 Pandemic Lack of federal leadership doomed many Americans, historian says By T. E. McMorrow t.e@indyeastend.com

This is part three of an ongoing series on the H1N1 influenza A virus that killed 675,000 Americans between 1918 and 1919. We are telling the story, as much as possible, through the words of reporters of the time, from either The New York Times archives or newspapers on the East End, such as The East Hampton Star. Over there, over there, Send the word, send the word over there That the Yanks are coming, the Yanks are coming The drums rum-tumming everywhere. So prepare, say a prayer, Send the word, send the word to beware We’ll be over, we’re coming over, And we won’t come back till it’s over, over there. -George M. Cohan, 1917 By August 16, 1918, the tide of World War I was beginning to shift decisively in favor of the allies, whose efforts were bolstered by the ever-increasing influx of American troops onto the battlefield.

The banner headline across The New York Times’s front page that day trumpeted recent victories, along with a call to yet more arms: “British Take Two Towns Above Roye, French Gain On Oise; Our Troops Reach Vladivostok, British In Caucasus; ‘Send 4,000,000 To France And Win The War,’ Says March.” Across the Atlantic, the viral disease commonly known at the time as Spanish Influenza, flu Grip, or Grippe was establishing a foothold in New York City. The growing crisis was not helped by the fact that ocean liners from Europe were discharging infected passengers into the city on an almost daily basis. On page 16 of The Times that day, a headline read: “Liner Had Five Deaths Due to Influenza,” followed by the subhead: “Eleven New Cases Arrive on Another Ship, but Authorities are Not Alarmed,” then, in all caps: “NO FEAR OF AN EPIDEMIC,” followed by: “Health Officer of the Port Says He

Does Not Intend to Quarantine Against the Disease.” The first sentence of the article read: “Eleven more cases of Spanish influenza, or whatever it is, were reported at quarantine yesterday from a ship arriving from one of the Scandinavian countries.” The Times reported that most of the passengers aboard the ship on which the deaths occurred were Dutch, and that the deceased were all East Indian, who had been traveling in steerage. The five bodies were buried at sea. About 200 passengers became ill on that trans-Atlantic journey. Colonel J. M. Kennedy of the U.S. Medical Corps was the chief surgeon of the New York Port of Embarkation. He explained to The Times why he was not quarantining the ship nor any ships on which passengers had died after contracting influenza. “It would be utterly impractical to establish a quarantine at this port against this disease,” Kennedy said. “We can’t stop the war on account of Spanish or any other kind of influenza. To quarantine against it would mean to isolate the patients somewhere and fumigate every ship. That would clog the harbor and produce interminable delays in the sending of troops and supplies overseas, and that cannot be permitted.” Michael Beschloss, a historian who has written nine books on the U.S. presidency, blames the White House and its lack of federal leadership and empathy for what quickly turned into a pandemic. On April 24, 2020, on “Meet the Press Daily” on MSNBC, Beschloss said Woodrow Wilson is “a monumental negative example of how not to be

Ocean liners from Europe were discharging infected passengers into the city on an almost daily basis." president during a pandemic.” “The influenza began among American soldiers,” Beschloss told host Chuck Todd. “President Wilson was privately told, ‘Don’t put them in close quarters, don’t send them to Europe, they will infect one another and they will spread it through the populations of Europe.’ Instead, he put them in close quarters on ships that were called ‘coffin ships,’ because so many people died.” Despite America ultimately losing 675,000 lives to the disease, Wilson never made one speech about the pandemic to the American people. “He thought it would be bad for the morale of Americans during World War I,” Beschloss said. “That is just about as bad as you can be as president.” The historian said beyond a lack of empathy, Wilson’s failure to lead “did not allow Americans to protect themselves in a way that he would have if he were to have said: ‘Here is the magnitude of the problem. This is what you can do to make sure your family is safe.’” Continued On Page 32.

The Independent

The Beating Heart Of The Hamptons A community united By Nicole Teitler nicole@indyeastend.com

By the end of April, there will be over 26 million Americans who have applied for unemployment. In correlation with those rising numbers comes the increase in the number of individuals and families suffering from food insecurity. As a way to tackle this problem, local food pantries are making enormous efforts to help those in need. Heart of the Hamptons is a nonprofit organization based in Southampton, founded over 30 years ago as a small food pantry and emergency assistance outreach center. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, upward of 50 drop-by volunteers could be seen at its headquarters at 168 Hill Street. Now, volunteer screenings and proper scheduling have become essential, including pairing cohabitants together, as the organization focuses on food distribution. “The Heart of the Hamptons community has only gotten stronger and more powerful in providing our mission to ‘help people in our local community who are in need, without discrimination, in a dignified manner,’” Heart of the Hamptons Executive Director Hilton Crosby said. “I have never been more proud to be a part of a team of people that can accomplish so much during such difficult times.” Bags are pre-packed for families of four with enough groceries to create 39 meals. They include non-perishables such as cereal, oatmeal, pasta, canned tuna, vegetables, soups, beans, and fruit. All of these items are purchased from

wholesale distributors every Tuesday. Frozen meat comes from the late Harry Chapin-founded nonprofit, Long Island Cares, which varies based on supply, and produce is donated from Hapco Farms in Westhampton Beach and Fresh from the Start in Riverhead. Based on availability this can include onions, spinach, parsley, avocados, mangos, apples, oranges, cabbage, horseradish root, tomatoes, potatoes, and carrots. The first half of March, 3156 meals were distributed, and by the second half, 7488. Each week, the number rises. As of April 22, 188 families received supplies — 74 of which were new — totaling 7370 meals, indicating the nonprofit could see a distribution of 28,000 meals each month for the forseeable future. “I can’t think of anything worse than children going without food,” said philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, who lends her help to multiple organizations. “Right now, the need to raise funds is massive, so my desire to help is even greater. Working to help Heart of the Hamptons is an honor. It is very rewarding to be one of many helping during this pandemic. Together we can all create change.” Shafiroff’s recent donation enabled the organization to provide 10,000 meals. “We are so fortunate to exist in a community that is so faithful and commandeering towards its own. Not just now, but always,” Crosby said. “The amount of love and support is so tre-

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Heart of the Hamptons Executive Director Hilton Crosby. Independent/Edoardo Gelardin

mendous right now that we are starting to worry if we can keep up with expressing enough gratitude.” Water Mill native Tim Malone grew up volunteering with organizations like The Hamptons Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, the Rotary Club of Southampton, and Heart of the Hamptons through the Southampton school district. When the pandemic hit, he started a GoFundMe fundraiser that since its March 21 launch has raised nearly $37,000 of his $45,000 goal. “My parents instilled giving back from an early age,” said Malone, who with his fiancé, CNN television journalist Don Lemon, also advocate for rescues, adopting three from Southampton Animal Shelter. “I think as blessed as we are, it is so important to continually give back and support those around us.” Fellow CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s brother, gave a shout out to Lemon onair in March. “I think during these tough times, you see the best in people,” Malone said. “It is so important that this mindset continues when the dust settles. I

hope we remember all the people who stepped up to keep our towns and villages running during these tough times and when everything is over, we continue to always help each other.” Heart of the Hamptons distributes every Wednesday between 10 AM and noon at its Southampton headquarters. Those in need can sign up the day of or register by calling 631-283-6415. Registration requires a name, address in the Town of Southampton, and the number of children, adults, and seniors in each home. Three grocery bags are distributed to each family — an extra bag to any household with more than three people — and are placed on a drive-thru table set up outside. As customers arrive, they remain in their cars as bags are brought to them. “The donor base is primarily made up of thousands of local people who donate $20 to $100,” Crosby said. “The thing that I really love about the Heart of the Hamptons community is our ability to adapt to the identified needs. We are able to come together and problemsolve on a daily basis.” To learn more or donate visit www. heartofthehamptons.org or www.gofundme.com/f/stock-the-local-pantries.

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News & Opinion

April 29, 2020

Hearing On Music Permits Goes Virtual East Hampton Town officials believe amended law will strike winning note By T. E. McMorrow t.e@indyeastend.com

After several months of fine-tuning a proposed amended musical performance permit law, the East Hampton Town Board has scheduled a third public hearing on the matter for May 21. The law is designed with two major differences from previous versions, which board members believe will be music to the ears of those who previously opposed it. The May 21 hearing, scheduled to start at 11 AM, will be quite different than the previous two, which drew large crowds to town hall. This time, there will be no crowd at all. Instead, following guidance on social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be a virtual one. The

public will have the opportunity to see and hear the meeting live and provide comments, and a transcript will be available online, which the public will be able to add follow-up comments to. NancyLynn Thiele, a senior town attorney, explained the changes to the law, which were made after hearing comments from opponents at the last two meetings, in March of 2019 and January of this year. Unlike previous proposals, the town clerk’s office will not be in a position to deny an application for the annual renewal of a permit based upon convictions of the owners of an establishment. Instead, if it is determined the owner or management have been

Zeldin: More Funds For Small Businesses Admits mistakes in rollout By Rick Murphy rmurphy@indyeastend.com

Congressman Lee Zeldin appeared on a webinar hosted by Discover Long Island April 25, and said that just a day earlier Congress approved additional funds that will be made available to

small businesses ravished by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kristen Jarnagin, the president and CEO of the tourism promotion company, noted 80 percent of its

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Crowds like this one from last year’s public hearing on music performance permitting will not form due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Independent/T. E. McMorrow

convicted three times over the previous permit year, the renewal will be referred to a special board consisting of appointed chairs of the town’s zoning board of appeals, planning board, and architectural review board. Thiele believes the current proposal has taken politics and possible conflicts of interest out of the review board’s composition. The convictions would have to be for specific violations of one of a narrow set of laws regarding safety and noise.

According to the town’s website, the public can watch the live meeting locally on Channel 22, and live online from the public meetings link on the LTV website www.ltveh.org. If any members of the public would like to provide comments on a public hearing, they can call in to speak during the meeting. The call-in number for the meeting is 351-888-6331. Residents will also be able to email comments on the proposal, to be submitted after the meeting.

members fall into the small business category, and more than a few couldn’t secure U.S. Small Business Administration loans through the first round of federal funding. Some guests in the webinar spoke of their frustrations during the public portion. Zeldin acknowledged there were many problems during the initial rollout, but also noted the daunting task of trying to stabilize an economy in freefall. For example, 25 million jobs were lost in the last month. “Nothing was going to restart this economy,” Zeldin told those gathered on Zoom. “Some of the lenders did a tremendous job, while others fell Continued On Page 32.

Congressman Lee Zeldin. Independent/Justin Meinken

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The Independent

An East Hampton Town Marine Patrol officer at Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk on Saturday afternoon. Independent/Gordon M. Grant

Day-Trippers Head East Police department in East Hampton said weekend crowds were cooperative By T. E. McMorrow t.e@indyeastend.com

At the same time Town of East Hampton police are dealing with the large number of day-trippers in Montauk on warm, sunny weekend days, the town board is wrestling with what exactly the beaches and parks will look like this summer season. Police Chief Michael Sarlo addressed the board April 21 on the matter, detailing how on the previous weekend, state park employees closed down some of the accesses to the state parks out in Montauk, including Shadmoor, Camp Hero, and the Montauk

Lighthouse. “That caused overflow of parking out onto the roadways,” Sarlo said. The accesses were closed because the parks were becoming too crowded for visitors to practice the required six-foot social distancing guidelines implemented by the state due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several officers were dispatched to the area where cars were illegally parked and issued citations. “They are state parks, and they are state jurisdiction,” Sarlo said,

meaning it is up to the state to police them. The department is stretched thin Sarlo explained: “We have over 70 miles of shoreline and over 100 access points to sand in our town. There were just a couple of locations where crowding was a problem.” On Monday, April 27, Sarlo told The Independent “state parks had reduced parking in their big lots and closed down around 2 to 2:30 PM” this past weekend. “They did have additional state trooper and parks police presence this weekend,” he added. The chief said April 25 was a very busy, sunny day with “lots of people outside.” His department issued 165 parking tickets town-wide, mostly for no beach permit, but some were for vehicles in no parking zones. “Ditch Plains was packed with a good surf break forecast for Saturday morning, and officers did their best to encourage social distancing, as well as give warnings and get the word out about the parking,” Sarlo said. “We had officers on foot along Main Street most of the day and got very good compliance with social distancing and keeping masks on. People online for takeout, and even some of the groups of motorcycle riders parked

along main street had masks on.” The town announced last week it was going to start enforcing summer beach parking rules a month early. “It’s important to note that despite all of the complaints and buzz regarding the crowds visiting Montauk, the hamlet has seen an increase of exactly one new positive COVID-19 case reported since April 10,” Sarlo said. “If people take care of following their own protocols for social distancing, wear a mask, and limit their trips for essentials, we can continue to flatten the curve for our community.” Meanwhile, the town is anticipating what the beaches and parks will look like this summer. Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc and Councilman David Lys discussed the challenges at an April 21 town board meeting. “The Suffolk County health department will have to be involved,” Lys said regarding social-distancing guidelines at beaches. If the beach is open, he said restrooms will have to be, too. Both agreed even if the beaches are technically closed, people will still attempt to swim in the ocean, which Continued On Next Page.

News & Opinion

April 29, 2020

East Hampton Village police blocked vehicle access to the top of Main Beach Saturday afternoon to prevent overcrowding. Independent/Gordon M. Grant

Day-Trippers

Continued From Previous Page. leaves the potential for drowning, since there would be no lifeguards present. All town parks, including Montauk Skate Park, and the Amagansett Youth Park, are closed. Basketball rims have been taken down. When possible, Lys said, town-owned parks will be padlocked.

Cones prevent parking at Main Beach in East Hampton. Independent/Richard Lewin

Cars line Charles F. Altenkirch County Park at the Shinnecock Inlet in Hampton Bays. Independent/Jessica Mackin-Cipro

Patrolling Southampton Beaches Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman said he’s feared enforcement issues at parks and beaches related to COVID-19. Public Safety & Emergency Management Administrator Ryan Murphy said his department has not run into any issues so far. “A bay constable said some photos of people from the public are showing more congestion on the roadways and in parking lots than on the beaches,” he said. “Sometimes there’s a misinterpretation.” Some images of six people two feet

apart sitting on the sand are of those cohabitating, which isn’t a violation. On Instagram April 25, Southampton Village Mayor Jesse Warren said: “If you choose to go to the beach, please make sure you’re wearing a mask or face guard, and socially distance by being six feet apart.” Swimming at state park beaches and in pools at will remain forbidden through May 31. The State Parks Department announced last Friday that beaches will open then instead of the traditional

plan, Monday, May 25, shortly before Memorial Day weekend. Long Island’s had already been closed through May 15 with all nonessential businesses. The parks themselves have remained open for people wishing to walk or jog, or even ride bikes in some places. New York also suspended all new camping, cabin and cottage, and pavilion/shelter reservations for the 2020 season until further notice. If someone has made a reservation for the season beginning June 1, and the parks department says the facility is safe to open, a reservation will be hon-

ored, but visitors who wish to cancel an existing reservation may do so and receive a full refund. In order to protect officers while limiting the spread, members of Southampton’s police department and public safety officials are wearing N95 masks and face shields, gloves, and Tyvek suits. Southampton Town Police Chief Steven Skrynecki said there have been two instances, which he called the “most complicated thing for us to manage,” where officers responded to calls involving members of the public who tested positive for COVID-19. DK

The Independent

Living Alone, But They’re Not Alone Meals on Wheels client list doubles with closing of East Hampton Senior Center By Karen Fredericks karen@indyeastend.com

Meals on Wheels volunteers prepare food. Independent/Maureen Ruddy

For over 30 years, East Hampton Meals on Wheels has been serving homebound residents from Montauk to Wainscott. Over 70 percent of its clients are older than 80; its oldest is 94. Currently, the nonprofit delivers two meals per day to clients, Monday through Friday. Weekend meals are provided on Friday upon request. When the COVID-19-related lockdown was ordered, the organization was committed to stepping up during what was clear, from the beginning, to be extraordinary times. It reassured the community on its website that during the novel coronavirus outbreak the organization “will con-

tinue to deliver nutritious meals during this crisis. Our priority is to keep our clients and volunteers healthy.” But there was no knowing that soon after posting that message, the East Hampton Senior Center, a major community resource providing meals to a large number of non-homebound seniors, would close due to the pandemic. “Seniors who weren’t homebound, but concerned that going out shopping would expose them to the virus, began calling upon us for our services,” said Meals on Wheels President Tony Giannini. New client requests rose quickly, and in just a few short weeks, Giannini

said the list had doubled. “We receive no federal, state, or county financial aid. Our ability to fund our efforts relies on private donations and sliding scale donations from clients able to provide them, and almost half are unable,” he said. “Compounding the difficulty of the new and unprecedented situation is the fact that most of our volunteers are seniors themselves. While most have continued working with us, we have no choice but to be prepared for a shortage on that front, as all involved must ask, ‘Is it unwise for them to be out and about?’” All volunteers wear gloves and a mask, Giannini said, and Meals on

Wheels delivery drivers remain in their car while the food is placed in their vehicle. He said the nonprofit takes all necessary precautions and follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and New York State Department of Health guidelines for everyday preventative actions that can help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Colleen Rando, Meals on Wheels’ secretary, who, with her husband, Rob, also volunteers, said during a home visit she noticed a Christmas card sent by the organization still atop the client’s mantle. Continued On Page 38.

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News & Opinion

April 29, 2020

Guarded Optimism Over East Hampton Finances

someone is unable to pay. By the end of June, Bernard said, the town will have a better sense of where it is with taxes, and for the summer season, as well as the status of construction and building permits and what the town’s mortgage tax revenue will be. The mortgage tax revenue the town receives is collected by the county and is paid out 90 days after the end of the first quarter. Normally, Bernard said, he would have a good feel from the county regarding how much the town would be receiving. That is not the case this year, given that government at all levels is struggling to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. Van Scoyoc said he would reach out to the county to help Bernard get that information. What would happen if the town’s revenue stream falls short of projections made before the onset of COVID-19? “We do have some surplus, which is a great thing. This emergency has illustrated how important it is to have a buffer on our finances. We do have a pretty ample surplus in all funds,” said Bernard. He added the town’s surplus is large enough that “it could theoretically keep us going for three months if we had no income whatsoever.” “The next six to eight weeks are going to be the important period to tell

Surplus on-hand, taxes come in By T. E. McMorrow t.e@indyeastend.com

Despite the steep economic downturn caused by COVID-19, East Hampton Town’s budget officer Len Bernard is guardedly optimistic about the town’s financial future, both short-and long term. He addressed the East Hampton Town Board on April 21. “This is tax collection season,” he said. The town has already collected 65 percent of all real estate taxes due, “which is good,” he said. “The other 35 percent is due by May 31. That hasn’t changed as of yet. If we were to fall short, we would have to make an adjustment. The school districts would be impacted probably more than us in terms of not getting a full collection,

but, again, I don’t want to alarm anyone. I really do think that we are going to meet that 100 percent mark by the end of the day.” What would happen if someone is late with their real estate tax payment? “It gets a little complicated,” Bernard said. I don’t think people know this: May 31 is the last day you can pay your taxes (to the town.) After June 1, if you come in to pay your taxes, you have to pay your taxes through the county." That can cost the taxpayer more money, he said.” However, Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc said the county does have the authority to move the deadline back if

The town has already collected 65 percent of all real estate taxes due, “which is good.” — Len Bernard us where we are going to be for the rest of the year. If we find that we are going to have a shortfall in revenue, then we are probably going to have to take some action come July and that action would probably be related to spending,” said Bernard. Van Scoyoc and Bernard agreed that now is the time to plan for a potential shortfall by looking at line items that could be partially frozen. Bernard concluded by thanking his entire staff, who have kept the town’s finances going throughout the current crisis.

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The Independent

Fisheries At Risk Policies on dissolved oxygen and pH levels harmful to aquatic life By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com

Stony Brook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences professor Dr. Christopher Gobler and Stephen Tomasetti detailed in an April 24-published study in the journal of the American Association for the Advancement of Science the harmful effects policy shortfalls on coastal hypoxia and acidification have on aquatic life, and ways to facilitate improved protection. During the past two decades, scientists have learned how hypoxia, or low oxygen, and acidification, decreasing pH, can act and interact to harm marine organisms. Hundreds of low-oxygen or dead zones have been identified across the globe. Ocean acidification, a process resulting from the continued buildup of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide in the oceans, has been discovered. And yet, regulation of dissolved oxygen and pH in

coastal waters have remained unchanged. Changes in human population centers and agricultural fertilizer use have accelerated delivery rates of nitrogen and phosphorus to coastal waters, often stimulating rapid accumulations of primary production. Resulting eutrophication processes, when a body of water becomes overly-enriched with minerals, are of less environmental relevance in well-mixed, ocean ecosystems. When they occur in warm, stratified, and/or poorly mixed waters, they can result in hypoxia and acidification. The Clean Water Act aims to restore and protect the waters of the United States from impairment; waters that do not meet state standards are listed as impaired, a designation that can initiate critical remediation actions. According to Dr. Gobler, the current saltwater dissolved oxygen and pH criteria of many states allow

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Fish kill in Riverhead that occurred as a consequence of low oxygen. Dr. Christopher Gobler and Stephen Tomasetti outline how current environmental policies make these events more likely to recur. Independent/ Courtesy Stony Brook University

for harmful conditions to persist without amelioration. The pair of scientists are asking for more stringent numeric criteria. “Our understanding of the dynamics of dissolved oxygen and pH and the effects on marine life have advanced dramatically this century to the point that it is now clear that criteria for pH and dissolved oxygen are likely to leave important marine species vulnerable to harm,” said the director of Stony Brook University’s Center for Clean Water Technology, and endowed chair of Coastal Ecology and Conservation. Many ecologically and/or economically important shellfish and finfish that experience decreased survival and/or growth when exposed to hypoxia are further impaired by concurrent acidification. The reduction of both levels in coastal waters can individually adversely affect aquatic life, affecting a suite of physiological processes and increasing mortality rates, however, current regulations also do not consider their more severe combined effects. Not until the scientific field of ocean acidification had been established had their combined effects been broadly considered. “Revising dissolved oxygen and pH criteria to reflect the latest science are important actions that will leverage the existing nationwide efforts to improve water quality and will help to produce and maintain the best possible outcomes,”

said Tomasetti, a Science Teaching and Research to Inform Decisions fellow. “We believe that continued collaboration between scientists, community members, and all levels of government can revitalize our coastal waters.” Environmental experts working to protect marine life see the need for better protection of coastal ecosystems. “Together, ocean acidification and eutrophication are a double whammy, reinforcing each other — and increasingly harming marine and aquatic life,” said Dr. Lisa Suatoni, deputy director of the oceans division at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “Tomasetti and Gobler cogently present an emerging truth: to address this combined impact, we need to reexamine our current regulations and the criteria we use to assess water quality.” The policy forum suggests that by incorporating recent acidification research into dissolved oxygen and pH policy, further improvements to coastal ecosystems are achievable. Many coastal states have established advisory groups consisting of researchers, stakeholders, and state officials to share information on the issue of coastal acidification. This study concludes with recommendations to improve the protection of coastal animals, suggesting revisions of existing water quality criteria, further scientific experiments, and additional pH monitoring.

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April 29, 2020

News & Opinion

All For The East End Almost Halfway To Goal Feed The Need campaign receives $450,000 worth of donations By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com

Only a few weeks after the kickoff of its Feed the Need campaign, the nonprofit All For The East End has raked in more than $450,000. A number of donations were rapidly received, including grants from the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, the Willem de Kooning Foundation, the Town of Southampton, Nicolette Donen and Clifford Ross, and an anonymous donor. Many online credit card donations were also collected. The goal is to raise $1 million to address food insecurity on the East End. All For The East End partnered with the Long Island Community Foundation to administer the grant process, which has been streamlined to expedite dishing out the funds. Partner food pantries currently include the Church of St. Rosalie in Hampton Bays, Heart of the Hamptons in Southampton, Old Whalers’ Church in Sag Harbor, East Hampton Food Pantry, Springs Food Pantry, St. Therese of Lisieux Church in Montauk, and Community Action-Southold Town in Greenport. These groups are just beginning to receive the critical funding as the COVID-19-related crisis continues to worsen. “There is an incredible need,” said Hilton Crosby, executive director of Southampton’s Heart of the Hamptons. “We provided 7331 meals in the month of January, before the pandemic. Last week, 7370 meals went in two hours. It’s staggering. Just coordinating volunteers and packing grocery bags has been challenging.” CAST Executive Director Cathy Demeroto said her organization’s line wraps around the corner. “We were spending about $1200 a week before the pandemic, now we are spending $ 7000 a week and it’s getting worse,” she said. “We have seen people pass away; this virus is scaring everyone. I’m worried about my volunteers.” One of those seeking help is a 19-year-old Southold High School senior who is hoping to graduate this year. She’s been living on her own, with her father living in Connecticut and her mother

in Guatemala. She was learning how to cook through a CAST program while working as a busser in a Greenport restaurant, but lost her job because of the stay-at-home order. She had to make a choice between paying rent and buying food. “The pantry people are very nice to me,” she said. “I wish I could give them something in return.” “I am overwhelmed and gratified to see the amazing generosity that is coming not only to All For The East End, but to many local organizations,” said All For The East End president Claudia Pilato. “The need is so great, but we are all working together to help our community. This is only the beginning of both the effort and the need.” Springs Pantry Chairperson Holly Wheaton said before the spread of COVID-19 the pantry fed 65 families weekly. Last week, it served 190. “It’s very humbling — just surreal — but I have to say it’s remarkable to see the community coming together from all walks of life,” Wheaton said. “People who were helping us before the pandemic now need help. I don’t think the numbers are going to go down.” Other pantries have seen an even more explosive increase in demand. Vicki Littman, chairperson of the East Hampton Food Pantry said by this time last year her group fed 1039 individuals in the first quarter, and would be slowing down services by now, because seasonal workers would be going back to work. “Last week alone we fed 604 people,” she said. “They are so grateful. They call us their food pantry family . . . We’re going to get through this together. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help.” Shinnecock Hills Golf Club president Brett Pickett said he’s happy he can assist. “We are incredibly grateful to All For The East End for organizing this mission to get food quickly and efficiently to those most in need in our broader community,” he said. “It is an honor to

A Springs Food Pantry volunteer prepares a bag of groceries for someone in need. Independent/Courtesy All For The East End

support Feed the Need on behalf of our members and employees.” Citing a rapidly-growing economic crisis related to the novel coronavirus, community, business, and government leaders, led by Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, came together to address food-related needs and other emerging issues. A community outreach program was also formed, which will include pantry representation, as well as local elected officials, clergy, and business leaders, to direct the resources

where they’re needed most. “The shutdown of our economy is necessary for public health, but it’s hitting our workforce hard,” Schneiderman said. “Food pantries are seeing a surge in families seeking assistance. Fortunately, those in a strong financial position to weather this storm are opening their hearts and their wallets to help those in need.” Registered nonprofit organizations can apply for a grant on the organization’s website. For more information or to donate, visit www.aftee.org.

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The Independent

Police Hampton Bays Shooting Deaths ‘Accidental’ One bullet fired from gun killed both By T. E. McMorrow t.e@indyeastend.com

The Southampton Town and Suffolk County Police Departments, along with the county’s medical examiner’s office, have determined that the shooting death of a Hampton Bays couple early last month was not a murder-suicide, as had been suggested in some media reports at the time. Jonathan Fava, 26, the owner of the house at 49 Ponquogue Avenue where the shooting occurred, and Kelly Lynn Bray, 25, died at area hospitals. Southampton Town Police Chief Steven Skrynecki talked about the investigation with The Independent on April 24. Police had received a 911 call from a distraught woman reporting the shooting a little before midnight March 4. The woman was an acquaintance of the cou-

ple, who were engaged and the parents of an infant. The acquaintance was fully cooperative with the police during their investigation, he said. While the chief would not say if the woman was in the room with the couple when the gun went off, he did say that woman consistently told police she “heard one shot.” The child was present in the house in another room at the time, and now is in the custody of a relative. The chief said that the weapon involved was an unregistered Glock semiautomatic pistol. He said the couple were drinking alcohol when the incident occurred. While Skrynecki said it was impossible to absolutely determine whether or not the shooting was intentional, investigators now believe that both Bray

Man Charged With Theft Of Dirt Bike

FR EE

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

An East Hampton man was arrested late morning April 17, charged by town police with grand larceny for the alleged theft of a 2009 Yamaha PW80 dirt bike from a commercial garage in Springs. The incident occurred the evening of February 16, police said. Nakia Mabry, 43, recently posted a very similar Yamaha PW80 dirt bike on the website letgo.com, which allows for the direct sale of used items from seller to buyer. Mabry developed as a suspect after detectives viewed a surveillance video from the commercial site located on Washington Avenue. Mabry was processed at police headquarters after being arrested on the felony charge, and was released to be arraigned on a later date. According to East Hampton Town Police Detective Sergeant Dan Toia, the investigation is ongoing. TEM

The March 4 shooting deaths of a young couple were caused by a single bullet, police have determined. Independent/T. E. McMorrow

and Fava thought the Glock was not loaded when the trigger was squeezed. A single bullet entered and exited one of the victims, before becoming lodged in the other, causing the death of both. Skrynecki would not say where on the bodies, exactly, the bullet struck. “Once again, we see the danger here,

tragically, of mixing alcohol and guns,” the police chief said. Police have been unable to trace the gun to its original owner. “The gun does not have a footprint,” Skrynecki said. Besides the pistol, police said they found several long guns in the house at the time.

Two Aggravated DWIs

A Northwest Woods resident was arrested by East Hampton Town police on a misdemeanor charge of aggravated drunken driving after being involved in a roll-over accident on Crystal Drive in Springs. Erik Miguel Rocha-Gallegos, 25, was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban a little after 9 AM Sunday, April 26, when he lost control of it, police said. The Chevrolet left the road, struck a brick barrier and a tree, then rolled over. The tree came down on top of a parked 2003 Volkswagen. Rocha-Gallegos was standing outside the vehicle when police arrived, and allegedly offered no explanation for what had happened. At police headquarters, a breath test allegedly indicated there was enough alcohol in Rocha-Gallegos’s system to justify the raised aggravated driving while intoxicated charge. He was held until he could be arraigned the following day, and was then released. Sag Harbor Village police recently arrested a village resident, also on an aggravated DWI charge. Sofia Fernandez-Nava, 22, was pulled over on Brick Kiln Road for allegedly driving a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee on a driver’s-side tire so flat it was down to the rim. The arrest happened early morning March 30. Fernandez-Nava’s breath test at Division Street headquarters produced a high reading, police said. She will be arraigned at a future date. TEM

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Police

April 29, 2020

Firefighters Rescue Man 30 Feet Up In Tree Worker hit in head by falling branch By Taylor K. Vecsey taylor@indyeastend.com

A man suffered a significant head injury while doing work 30 to 40 feet up in an oak tree in East Hampton and was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital after being rescued from the tree on Saturday morning. The East Hampton Fire Department used its tower ladder to reach the semi-conscious man April 25, according to Chief Gerard Turza Jr. The man, whom the chief described as a landscaper performing tree work in the old section of the Oakview Highway trailer park just after 9 AM, was wearing a rope safety system that stopped him from falling when he was hit in the head by a large branch he cut above him. His fellow workers on the ground called 911. The East Hampton Village Ambulance Association and East Hampton Town police received the call first

and quickly asked for help from the fire department. From the ground, the chief could see that the man, slumped over, was bleeding. The man’s name was not released. “As he started to regain consciousness, he was starting to fumble around with it, and our fears were he was going to disconnect himself from the safety rope,” Turza said. They tried to shout out up some simple commands, in Spanish, as the man only spoke Spanish. The ladder, which can extend up to 100 feet, hoisted two firefighters and a paramedic with the ambulance association up in the enclosed elevation platform to assess the man and bring him down. Since he was still able to move his legs, they moved him inside the bucket and then disconnect his safety lines. Emergency medical service person-

Members of East Hampton Fire Department, along with members of the East Hampton Village Ambulance Association, rescued an injured man working high in a tree on April 26. Independent/Michael Heller

nel treated the man, once on the ground, and then transported him to the airport in East Hampton, where a Suffolk County medical evacuation unit was waiting to fly him to Stony Brook University Hospital, the closest level-one trauma center. There were several challenges, Turza said, including working in a confined space at a high elevation with a patient who was somewhat combative due to the head injury. The chief said the two agencies have practiced this kind of scenario, and worked seamlessly together to execute the rescue. “The fire department does an amazing job,” said Lisa Charde, chief of the ambulance association, “and it really is a privilege working side-by-side with them.”

Another challenge that presented itself was the narrow streets within the trailer park. The ladder truck’s chauffeur did an excellent job navigating the tight street and positioning the truck, Turza said. Fire and police personnel closed off the entire park to traffic during the rescue. Also, first responders are taking extra precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All firefighters are wearing masks, either N95 or surgical, depending upon the tasks they are performing. In addition, the department had to extensively decontaminate the turnout gear belonging to the two firefighters in the tower platform, as well as an additional firefighter who helped remove the patient from the truck to the ground. The tower platform itself was also decontaminated, along with other equipment, due to the blood.

Plane Crashes Off Runway At East Hampton Airport Single-engine aircraft experienced trouble after takeoff By Taylor K. Vecsey taylor@indyeastend.com

A plane slid off the runway at the airport in East Hampton on April 25. Independent/Michael Heller

A small plane that had just taken off from the airport in East Hampton experienced engine trouble and the pi-

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The Independent

Editorial Beachgoers, Please Wear A Mask We see striking images of empty streets in New York City, Europe, and China on the news and social media, but that’s not the case in Suffolk County, yet another hot spot for the COVID-19 pandemic. What we see on the East End is traffic and crowded beaches and parks. While many East Enders are taking the coronavirus pandemic seriously, some are just not listening. As a local newspaper, it is our job to keep the public informed. A quick drive to the beach by our reporters and photographers tells us that the rules of social distancing and wearing masks in public are just not being followed by everyone. New York State has declared an executive order mandating the use of masks or face coverings in public. Signs stating this order line our roadways. If you’re leaving your house, please cover your face. When the U.S. Surgeon General claimed in early March that masks are “NOT effective in preventing general public from catching Coronavirus,” it led to a spread of misinformation that was detrimental to the public and no doubt cost the lives of many Americans. We know better now, and we all must do our part. East Hampton has called for more security at Montauk beaches, and has limited permits at town beaches, while Southampton Village continues to urge the use of masks. But if hordes of Long Islanders take a day trip to Montauk to hike Camp Hero, it becomes a public health issue. We are lucky on the East End that most of our homes — sized mansion to cottage — have some type of yard or private outdoor space. When it comes to our public space: use it, don’t abuse it. Previous generations were called upon to fight wars, while we are called upon to pause our lives, stay home, and wear a mask if we go out in public. The economic impacts of this virus are devastating, but there will be no business to go back to if the virus is still rampant. We need to continue taking all necessary precautions for our health care heroes, working tirelessly for our community who shouldn't be exposed to another surge in cases. It is up to state and local officials to figure out how to regulate the use of our outdoor spaces, but we need to act fast and together. The weather is only going to get warmer and residents more restless. We see the best of this community in a time of crisis. East Enders are doing everything they can to help food pantries, health care workers, and small businesses. Let’s all do our absolute best. We all need to take this seriously. We all need to save lives. Let’s not reverse all of the hard work we’ve done for a day at the beach.

Congress has recommended that women, as well as men, register for the military draft and for combat duty.

JUST ASKING

By Karen Fredericks

What are you watching on television during the quarantine? Steve Zellman I’m watching “Outlander.” It’s a great series and we’re almost near the end. They’re in Arizona. I got my parents to watch it, too. Although they have to watch it with subtitles since the accents are so thick. But they are loving it.

Milt Abrams “The Wire.” I watched it ages ago, when it first came out. I remember it as one of the best shows I ever saw. When it was over I thought it would be good to watch it again someday. I guess that in these crazy times that “someday” is now.

Dee Forman “The Crown.” “Downton Abbey.” All those historical English series are so comforting. Oh, and “Poldark.” I discovered it after someone told me it was the all-time most popular BBC series. Or, was it PBS? Anyway, it’s a lot of fun. It’s a historical drama about England in the 1700s.

Charles Lerman “Billions.” And “Homeland,” which is great. And it seems so timely. And by coincidence, the guy who is in “Billions” was in the earliest seasons of “Homeland.” But, in truth, I’m happy to watch anything that keeps me from having to watch the news, which is just too depressing.

Did they also recommend that men register for diaper duty?

Is it just me? © Karen Fredericks

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.

April 29, 2020

Arts & Entertainment Jazz-Inspired Judy Celebrates 20 Years Carmichael and Corman on NPR podcast By Bridget LeRoy bridget@indyeastend.com

Judy Carmichael and director Roger Corman. Independent/Courtesy Judy Carmichael

For more about Carmichael, her website is www.judycarmichael.com. To listen to her dozens of previous interviews and learn more about “Jazz Inspired,” the site is www.jazzinspired. com.

“I think it’s more important than ever for people to tap into their creativity right now.” — Judy Carmichael

The Independent

Independent/ Maria Reininger

East Hampton Rocks Four kids, two moms, leaving few stones unpainted By Nicole Teitler nicole@indyeastend.com When kids were let out of school indefinitely, two East Hampton moms were wracking their brains on productive ways to keep their children occupied. “There’s no place like home? That’s a lie. I believe I speak on behalf of the majority of parents in saying I have a newfound respect for teachers,” said Grace LaFemina. Her two daughters, June, 8, and Ann,6, have been adjusting as well. “The most important thing they have learned is how to make their own sandwich,” she said. LaFemina met Brianna Stone 12 years ago, before either of them were parents. Together, they’ve started a new homeschool pastime — painting

rocks. “It’s something to do where the supplies are easy enough to get, and with endless possibilities of what to put as a special message to brighten someone’s day,” Stone said. Stone’s two boys, Aiden, 9, and Colin, 5, attend the Springs School with LaFemina’s daughters. With homeschooling two boys, it’s been equal parts bribery and reheating coffee, mixed in with a lot of Googling math on the couch. “I toss sight words at my five-year old while he complains he is hungry for the 45th time before 9 AM. I have to say, all of these teachers are doing an incredible job working with our kids

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over a computer, giving them the right tools they need to make this transition the easiest it can be for them,” said Stone. To give their kids a break from the computer screen, the families have been taking time creating inspirational and punny, pieces of art on rocks — “I lava you” and “Be the change.” The colorful stones even promote healthy eating with, “I carrot about you” or “Stay up beet.” Each individual art work spreads a message of positivity, kindness, and even that “sip happens.” What began as just their kids painting rocks turned into a community of participation, and the parents have joined in too. Roughly 100 rocks are collected a week, totaling in about 400 rocks to date. Each painted with a base coat, message or image, and seal coat. From there, the rocks are placed around town, from Wainscott to Montauk. “We are focusing on public areas with foot traffic to say thank you to first responders and local businesses right now. So many people are out walking during this time and we hope they can see a rock and smile. We are trying to teach our children to give back to the community and not expect anything in return,” LaFemina said. By tagging #EHRocks on social media, it’s almost a virtual scavenger hunt. Instagram shows the creations nestled by trees and by Napeague Harbor. “The kids truly love walking around different neighborhoods and distributing them to other people rather than receiving any in return. It truly does make their day when they see people admiring their rock or seeing someone post one that they worked so hard on,” Stone said. “The way they think of special messages to encourage

people and brighten their days, really does put a smile on my face. It makes you sit back and realize they are listening and learning these lessons about kindness we try instill in them every single day.” As both women stock up on wine, a mom essential during the COVID-19 crisis, they can’t help but smile at their new day-to-day lives — from Stone’s sons wondering why she’s ‘dressed up’ in jeans to LaFemina’s daughters wondering why they have to put on clothes at all if they’re just staying in. When you see a rock, be sure to tag #EHRocks and @EHRocks1, where their kids check in daily to see if anyone posted a rock of theirs. Once the pandemic is over, the ladies plan on creating a community kindness garden where the rocks can be shared, taken, or placed elsewhere.

June displays her rocks. Independent/Courtesy Brianna Stone

Arts & Entertainment

April 29, 2020

Susan Scarf Merrell: How Writers Adapt From feature film to Southampton writers conference, it’s a strange year By Bridget LeRoy bridget@indyeastend.com It’s not every day your first novel gets made into a major motion picture that is due for theatrical distribution during a national movie house shutdown. But, all in all, Susan Merrell of Sag Harbor seems to be adapting to it all quite well. “Writers are pretty solitary to start with,” she said with a laugh. Last week, on Friday, April 24, the film adaption of Merrell’s book, “Shirley,” starring Elisabeth Moss and Michael Stuhlbarg, was supposed to be released after its award-winning showing at Sundance Film Festival in January. Now, that’s not happening. “There will be information about that soon,” she said. But Merrell is not fazed. The experience of even being a part of seeing her characters (based on the famed author Shirley Jackson) come to life, has been, Merrell enthused, “incredible.”

“I teach my students to read great books and to think about the way that their work can reinterpret and grow from what came before. And so, my novel was so much a rethinking and reimagining and homage to Shirley’s work, and then seeing this movie,” she paused, reflecting. “I can’t even tell you.” And there’s also the upcoming Stony Brook Southampton summer writers conference July 8 through 12, which is going to be virtual this year. Merrell is co-director of the event. “The writing community really needs the support and activity. It feels like time is melting somehow,” she said, alluding to Salvador Dalí’s famous painting, “The Persistence of Memory.” “What we need is persistence right now. All of our faculty agreed to stay with us, but we have dropped the prices, so more people will be able to attend and not have to worry about

Susan Scarf Merrell with Elisabeth Moss, on the set of "Shirley." Independent/Courtesy Susan Scarf Merrell

lodging or travel. But we’re doing a lot to build community around it. We owe it to the people who, for the last 45 years, have produced or attended this conference,” said Merrell. In the meantime, Merrell will be reading from “Shirley: A Novel,” on Wednesday, May 6, through the Amagansett Free Library. “I don’t want

to feel like there’s a hole in my life,” she said. “It’s important to get out there and stay involved with the readers and writers out there.” Register for the 5 PM event by emailing director@amagansettlibrary. org for the Zoom link. To learn more about Merrell, her website is www.susanscarfmerrell.com.

Sag Harbor Cinema Fund Donating $250,000 Money will benefit Bridgehampton Child Care Center, CMEE, OLA, and more By Jessica Mackin-Cipro jessica@indyeastend.com

To help community members in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Sag Harbor Cinema Community Relief Fund will donate $250,000 over a six-month period to organizations that are dedicated to food security and emergency relief on the East End. “We have received so much love and support from the community that it is particularly wonderful to have the ability to help others now,” said cinema chair and artist April Gornik. “Not only are these donors helping sustain our community, they have also worked with us to deter-

mine greatest need with a deeply committed, hands-on involvement.” The ﬁrst round of grants will be made in May and funds will go toward Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center, Children’s Museum of the East End, Eleanor Whitmore Center, Hamptons Art Camp, Meals on Wheels – East Hampton and Montauk, and Organización Latino-Americana. “This effort reﬂects Sag Harbor Cinema’s intention to focus on all aspects of the community it serves, and directly connects with the interests of the East End based couple who made the donation,” stated a press release.

Independent/ Gordon M. Grant

“The cinema’s mission is to provide entertainment and artistic excellence that enhances the quality of community life in the East End. Our mission also builds community by providing an anchor institution on Main Street,” said Sag Harbor Cinema board president John Alschuler. “These funds that will provide food, childcare, and other beneﬁts, build upon that mission at this extraordinary time, and will further express our values and our mission.” Sag Harbor Cinema Arts Center is

dedicated to rebuilding, maintaining, and operating the historic Sag Harbor Cinema with programming and education for all ages. “The rebuilding of the historic Sag Harbor Cinema and its return to full operation will continue to be the priority of the organization, with its array of programs and educational opportunities designed to serve its diverse community,” the release read. “We look forward to serving our community as soon as it is safe for people to gather again.”

The Independent

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Arts & Entertainment

April 29, 2020

HAMPTON DAZE By Jessica Mackin-Cipro

Fashion In Sweatpants Films to make you feel in vogue jessica@indyeastend.com @hamptondaze I decided to make fashion documentaries my focus this week, while watching films wearing a constant cycle of sweats (daytime pajamas, nighttime pajamas, repeat). I’ve always been a big fan of fashion docs and decided that now is a good time to watch something glamorous, at a time when we might feel our least glamorous. Better yet, put on your finest just for fun, pour a glass of champagne, and watch one of these films. Here are a few I recommend. Sag Harbor Cinema is offering films on its website with its Sag Harbor Cin-

ema @ Home initiative. One of the films on offer is “The Times of Bill Cunningham,” directed by Mark Bozek. I had originally planned to see this film at the Angelika Film Center in Manhattan, which felt like a perfect fit, but the novel coronavirus had other plans for us to all stay in. In the film, Bill Cunningham, the legendary New York Times photographer and fashion historian, shares his life story in his own words, from a recently unearthed 1994 interview, along with photographs from his archive.

You Can Never Have Too Much Wine Local vineyards and liquor stores offering pickup and delivery By Nicole Teitler nicole@indyeastend.com

When Governor Andrew Cuomo deemed liquor stores, and the sale of alcohol in general, an essential business, there were great huzzahs in his favor. Alcohol sales have dramatically risen since the COVID-19 outbreak and, with the blending of days, happy hours have become a nightly ritual via Zoom or Houseparty apps. But not all alcohol is created equal. Having tequila five nights in a row — okay, seven — may be frowned upon, but wine every day seems perfectly acceptable (just ask any mom right now). As delicious as those California or exotic, worldly grapes may be, there’s nothing sweeter than buying local. Whether you want it for yourself or feel like sending a care package to loved ones, here’s a roundup of what local East End wineries and vineyards are offering. Castello Di Borghese is offering free local delivery to the North Fork on orders of $50 or more, and free delivery

anywhere from Riverhead to New York City on orders of $200 or more. Chronicle Wines now has 20 percent off all orders with free local shipping when you spend $50. Or, for those in the giving mood, add East End 20 percent donation to the cart and donate the 20 percent to a local fundraiser — Long Island Wine County PPE, North Fork Teachers Association Student Computer, or Long Island Aquarium. Clovis Point in Jamesport has wine available for pickup daily from 12 to 4 PM, with free shipping on six bottles or more. Croteaux, RGNY, and Shinn Estate Vineyards now offer a special Strong Island Relief Case, priced at $225, where $25 will go towards local hospitals. It includes three bottles of Shinn’s 2018 Coalescence, three bottles of Croteaux Vineyards 2018 “Jolie” Cabernet Franc Rosé, three bottles of RGNY’s 2018 Scielo Tinto, and three

The film is narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker, and features previously unpublished images from the iconic street photographer who captured the trends of fashion on the streets of Manhattan for decades. “As long as there are human beings, there will be fashion, because people want to feel good about themselves,” said Cunningham during the interview. Visit www.sagharborcinema. org to rent for $9.99. I also watched the “Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel” documentary for the first time. It’s a 2011 documentary about the life and career of Vreeland, a fashion editor famous for her time at Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and The Met’s Costume Institute. The film features recorded audio and filmed interviews with the editor, as well as interviews with colleagues, family, and friends. From her move to New York City in the 1920s, where she was inspired by the dancing, jazz, and new fashions to becoming the editorin-chief at Vogue, and turning the magazine into a much-loved artistic publication, the film gives much-needed

glamour. “Iris,” a 2014 documentary about fashion icon and designer Iris Apfel, is another one of my favorites. The now 98-year-old style maven has been an undeniable presence on the New York fashion scene for decades. The film chronicles her life. “The September Issue” is a 2009 documentary film that goes behind-the-scenes with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. The film follows Wintour and her staff during the production of the September 2007 issue of American Vogue. The September issue is traditionally the most important issue of the year. It depicts the effort that goes into making the magazine, and the passion that Grace Coddington has as creative director. “McQueen” is the 2018 biographical documentary based on the life and career of British fashion designer Alexander McQueen. From his early start as a tailor, to creating his own masterful line, to his untimely death. McQueen died by suicide in 2010 at the age of 40.

bottles of RGNY’s 2018 RG Viognier. In addition to the Strong Island Relief Case, RGNY offers quarantine survival kits as a way to be creative at home while enjoying its wines — a color and sip coloring book, an at home blending session, and a wine tasting kit. Free local delivery across the North Fork and free shipping across New York State. Duck Walk Vineyards offers togo sales at its South Fork location Friday, from 11 AM to 5 PM and Saturday and Sunday, from 11 AM to 6 PM. It also offering a 20 percent discount and free shipping on six bottles or more. Kontokosta Winery offers free shipping on all phone and email orders of three bottles or more plus a 40 percent discount on cases of its 2018 Rose and a 30 percent off cases of 2015 Cabernet Franc. Lenz Winery is offering free shipping on all orders. Lieb Cellars now has 20 percent off online orders and free shipping when you spend $50. It even offers kegs of wine, for when you’re really, ahem, thirsty. Enter code FNF at checkout. Macari Vineyards has shipping included on all orders; type in DRINKLOCAL at checkout. It additionally has a no contact pick-up window at its Mattituck location from 11 AM to 5 PM daily. McCall Wines offers curbside pickup in Cutchogue for both its wines and grass-fed beef. Palmer Vineyards offers a 25 percent discount and free shipping on orders $300 or more with the code

CLUB35 at checkout. Paumanok Vineyards offers free shipping throughout New York State when ordering $100 or more, free local delivery across the entire East End, and 20 percent off orders $300 or more. Or, enter code PICKUP to pick up orders at its Aquebogue location. Pindar Vineyards in Peconic is open daily from 11 AM to 5 PM for bottle sales, on Saturdays and Sundays until 6 PM. It is also offering free shipping on six bottles or more to New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Raphael Wine in Peconic offers pre-order and pre-pay curbside pickup Saturdays 11 AM to 2 PM. Roanoke Vineyards in Mattituck is available for curbside pickup daily 11 AM to 5 PM. Sannino Vineyard’s tasting house is open for bottle purchases to go from 12 to 5 PM daily, with curbside delivery available as well. Order online for half-priced cases, along with a buy one get one option when you buy a full 24 bottles from select options. There’s free shipping from Orient Point to Riverhead with a $25 fee for Long Island and NYC. Shinn Estate Vineyards has instore pickup available in Mattituck or free shipping on $50 orders or more. Suhru Wines offers a quarantine care package in both white and red options, with 15 percent of each package price donated to local hospitals. Wölffer’s drive through in Sagaponack is open daily 11 AM to 6 PM.

The Independent

RICK’S SPACE By Rick Murphy

A Pea Into The Future Salvation is just a shout away rmurphy@indyeastend.com

The ragged couples stared up at the sky, hoping for some sort of redemption. “Fish! Damned fish!” she was screaming, lurching like a regurgitating bovine. Like survivors on a tiny uncharted island, they had been waiting for supplies for weeks. Surely a plane would drop via parachute a package that would help them cope for another week or two. But though many airplanes passed (many, many, since they lived by East Hampton airport), none dropped a package for them. “I can’t take it anymore!” she yelled to no one in particular. “I would give an arm for a celery stalk, for a thimble of mayonnaise for this canned

tuna fish.” Back in the glory days they had tuna salad for lunch, heaping creamy platefuls with lettuce and cucumbers and olives, the imported kind, the ones with pits in them. He was a writer of renown, she an artist with a loyal following. Once they were the toasts of this prosperous seaside town. They remember particularly the Friday night barbecues. Plump, juicy hamburgers, with melted cheese they devoured with bacon and ketchup. “Do you remember those glorious nights?” he had asked her recently. “Ketchup? What is ketchup?” she responded, her black drawn eye sockets staring into oblivion. They both stared at the potato in the produce drawer of the refrigerator.

“Should we eat it tonight, my darling? Should we have one last ﬂing?” “Can we melt some butter on it?” he pleaded. “What is butter?” she replied softly. They had all but decided to ask — nay, beg — for some food scraps, but as they kneeled by their windows, surveying the passersby, the horrible truth was revealed. These were not their regular neighbors, their friends. These were the Citiots, the infected night stalkers who came with their hideous disease like lepers. “They cough at you and gain control of your mind that way,” she told her husband. “They eat all the celery.” The couple vowed to fight back once they regained their strength. “But what can we do?” she asked. “Kill the interlopers! Eat their burgers!” The ground began to tremble and the afternoon sun grew dim. A rumbling sound intensified as it neared. The pair trembled, fell together to the ground, their tattered clothes falling from their boney bodies. A giant green vehicle pulled into the driveway. “Is it soylent green?” she wondered. Then, they gasped as they saw the name of their savior on the side. It was the Lord himself: Peapod.

The pair groveled before him as he brought out plastic bags of every description. One had water, all the way from Poland. Others had laundry detergent, and plastic wrap, and Brillo pads. And then . . . Like a rainbow over the horizon . . . Like a mirage in the Sahara . . . Could this be heaven? They saw a package of it . . . Better than all three! Toilet paper! Rolls of it! “Oh my God. Our prayers are answered!” “Should we unroll one?” Karen asked. “No, never!” “Should we put one in the bathroom?” “No, never! Let’s make a statue and vow never to use it, ever!” We threw jewelry and trinkets at the God-Pilot of the Peapod truck. Six boxes of Pepperidge Farm cookies . . . Potato chips, 40 percent less fat of course . . . Frosted Mini-Wheats! Alas, no burgers. And no chicken. No celery! “Will you come again?” “Yes,” the Peapod god said. “Did you reorder?” he asked. I told him “Yes, a week ago.” Then I’ll see you in about three years,” he said, smiling. “Be well. Don’t go outside!”

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Arts & Entertainment

KISS & TELL By Heather Buchanan

Rituals For Saying Goodbye Normality sifts through a sieve kissandtellhb@gmail.com The collective grief is palpable. It is like an unwelcome relative who shows up for every holiday but now never leaves. The human spirit is about not only surviving but thriving, yet even the most evolved know that holding hard truths and hope at the same time is the spiritual equivalent of sand running through your fingers. We are living in a time of goodbyes from losing a loved one to a job to ever wearing heels again to possibly a home. I dream of simply being held. Love and loss in the time of corona embraces the unembraceable. Our emotions are masked, gloved, and separated by at least six feet.

Many of our normal rituals for saying goodbye have been stripped away as a safety measure. This ranges from the heartbreak of not being able to say goodbye at a death bed in a hospital to a kiss on the cheek after a latte. Can we learn to be more careful with our words to each other, knowing that they may be our last? Maybe you are mourning the relationship you wish you had with a partner or child or parent. In all this stressed togetherness, people are discovering what the true quality is of their relationships. Some have risen to the challenge, showing caring, compassion, emotional honesty, and resilience

to be a good quarantine mate. For other relationships, the stress fracture has turned into a broken bone, and while you might have been able to emotionally limp through a busy and distracted life, the truth is that you now cannot even walk. For those in isolation, there can be the mourning for what they don’t have. Maybe if they had said goodbye to their fear of commitment and surety something better is just around the corner, they might not find themselves alone. Tinder is not so much fun in a pandemic. And what happens when we look inside ourselves? What if we thought about saying goodbye to that which does not serve us? Is there the courage, honesty, and will to delve into that personal realm? We are living with our real hair color, unpainted nails, makeupfree faces and five o’clock shadow. We are unadorned. Armor may protect our vulnerable parts, but it also traps them inside. Can we show up to ourselves to create a ritual for saying goodbye? Sit in a quiet place and light a white candle and focus. Sprinkle some salt water around you in a circle for protection. Be sure to tell your inner critic or that judgmental voice that they are not welcome here. Invite in posi-

In all this stressed togetherness, people are discovering what the true quality is of their relationships. tive energy from whatever source has meaning to you. Imagine your best self and your best life. What has not served you to reach that goal? Can you say goodbye to it, whether it be a relationship or an addiction or a distraction or a self-belief? Imagine tossing it into the ocean and seeing it be carried away in the waves. Can you hold the hope and the fear of what this will mean like the grains of sand in your hand? There is no business as usual anyway. Sometimes when the world is shifting, the greatest time for change is when you sit still.

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The Independent

OLD DOGS, NEW TRIPS By Vay David & John Laudando

Looking Ahead Places to visit when it’s safe to travel olddogsnewtrips@gmail.com

So many of us who love to travel are wondering when it will again be possible, since fears of contagion abound. But planning ahead right now can give us something to look forward to when we no longer need to stay home to be safe. Rather than planning international trips at this time, we thought we’d consider places closer to home, which for us is East Hampton. Here’s our current list.

neuil Hall, and Paul Revere’s home, then head to more modern attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts. It’s a great walking town, and food choices are far more varied than those famous baked beans and clam chowder.

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Founded in the mid-1660s, Annapolis is much more than the home of the U.S. Naval Academy, although the academy’s Beaux Arts campus is said to be well worth seeing and even includes the crypt of John Paul Jones. It’s “a charming town, with brick-lined streets and structures that date back centuries,” situated on Chesapeake Bay. And don’t forget those Maryland crab cakes!

CHARLESTON, SC — There are so many reasons to visit Charleston, but its proximity to the water and a stroll amongst the beautiful homes that line its waterfront top the list. You can enjoy excellent restaurants, the Marion Square Farmers Market every Saturday from April to December, and limitless southern charm. Did you know that, for jazz buffs, Charleston is considered a close second to New Orleans? And its annual Charleston Festival of Houses and Gardens is high on our bucket list, though Charleston is chock-a-block full of historic homes and gardens you can visit most days of the year.

BOSTON, MA — Massachusetts’ capital is the largest city in New England and a cradle of our country’s revolutionary history. It abounds with historical sights, museums, and live performances. No wonder it’s one of America’s 10 most popular tourist locations. From the classic to the contemporary, you can explore Boston Common, Fa-

DELAWARE — It’s a small state with big things to offer. For us, one plus is that it’s part of the Delmarva Peninsula, which we were charmed by on a driving trip many years ago. The DuPont family owned three of Northern Delaware’s main attractions — Nemours, Winterthur, and Hagley. Although most of us may attribute the slogan “Better Living

The Jefferson Memorial on the banks of the Potomac. Independent/John Laudando

Through Chemistry” to DuPont, that’s actually evolved, from its actual and longer slogan, into a wry comment. But the DuPonts certainly did have access to better living, as their homes, gardens, and library so clearly illustrate. Delaware’s coastline offers many small towns and villages that would make a lovely day on the road. PHILADELPHIA, PA — A city I’m happy to visit often! Just the art museums available in Philly make it worth the trip. The Philadelphia Museum of Art — that of the famous steps — offers amazing exhibitions that often do not make their way to New York. And, just an hour before it was closing, a friend and I discovered the Barnes Foundation with a huge collection of Renoir. And don’t miss the wildly colorful Magic Gardens, one man’s fantasy. Philadelphia is a very walkable city, and its food choices are amazing. I sometimes dream of going back to DiNic’s Roast Pork in the Reading Terminal Market now that I know that the “greens” you can add to their incredible pork sandwich are, in fact, broccoli rabe

— yum! And Philadelphia’s historic sites — too many to mention. WASHINGTON D.C. — You name it, D.C. has it. History, art, food, culture, cherry trees, monuments, history, monuments, and a river running through it. And, like Philadelphia, it’s easy to reach on a pleasant train ride from New York City. They say the best things in life are free, and so are an unbelievable amount of the best things to see in our nation’s capital. You may think of the Smithsonian as that old-style building you’ve seen in photos, but it includes many of the finest museums in the nation, for free. Each one is easily as interesting as the last, and they’re mostly located a short walk from the National Mall. As a result, D.C. is one of the very best budget vacations for a family. Restaurants there offer cuisines from as many nationalities as you could imagine, and some of the most interesting and affordable can be found as part of those wonderful free museums. While you’re home, why not make your own wish list of places you’d like to visit?

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April 29, 2020

Arts & Entertainment

READING OUR REGION By Joan Baum

A Cape Cod Tale ‘Summer Longing’ examines characters in Provincetown

How welcome: a beach read that centers on a beach, not to mention an engaging novel that manages to be romantic and real without needing recourse to the “F” word. Jamie Brenner, whose last summer romp, “Drawing Home,” took place in Sag Harbor, still graces our East End, though her latest novel, “Summer Longing,” revisits Provincetown, or P’Town, as insiders would say. The site of an earlier novel, “The Forever Summer” (2017), the Cape Cod vacation spot figures in “Summer Longing,” not just as setting but inspiration: the idea that a place can reconstitute character, not only for visitors but for a tightly-knit all-yearround community. Though the cast of characters can at times get confusing as to who is related to whom, Brenner crafts a complicated heartwarming melodrama that

embraces a number of contemporary issues. It has some unusual protagonists, a 58-eight-year old divorcee from Philadelphia, Ruth Cooperman, and a young biracial lesbian couple, “Fern and Elise, “washashores” who have been in P’Town long enough to qualify as “townies” and who are trying to make a go at a new tea business and having a baby. A recent and wealthy retiree who gave up an international cosmetics company, Ruth decides to rent a seaside cottage in P’Town, where she met her husband 40 years earlier, and get some quiet, reﬂective time. Though at the Cape only that one time, decades ago, she has “indelible” memories of what she was like at that critical juncture between youth and adulthood, before she got married and founded her business. Her relationship with her re-

Virtual Entertainment Compiled by Nicole Teitler nicole@indyeastend.com

Cat Cam Feeling feline? Southampton Animal Shelter has a live, 24-7 cat camera in the shelter. The life of pets is always more amusing when they think no one’s watching. Visit www.southamptonanimalshelter.com.

FILM Sag Cinema At Home Sag Harbor Cinema now has first-run films and newly restored classics on its website to purchase for rental and watch online. See all films at www.sagharborcinema.org.

Friday Flashback Every Friday, HamptonsFilm will have a new film you can find on online streaming platforms, and at the same time share a YouTube video of one of

sentful daughter Olivia, a social media publicist in midtown, never good, has deteriorated even more, and though she and her ex, Ben, a recently retired anesthesiologist, are friendly, they rarely talk, much less meet. Olivia is her father’s child, determinedly not her mother’s. Ruth seems at first a little imperious in her determination to get away from it all. Fat chance! Shortly after she gets to her rental, she discovers a baby on her doorstep! No ID, but left with milk and a bottle. Whose could it be? “No one in town had had a baby. It had to be a summer person’s,” the townies say. And so the narrative moves with the reluctant but inevitable involvement of Ruth. As the occasional italicized passage (interior monologue) puts it, “You can leave your marriage. You can leave your company. But motherhood must be reckoned with.” Elise, however, is thrilled to take on the abandoned baby, and some of the townsfolk’s women are eager to help. Indeed, a major theme of “Summer Longing” is that P’Town can be transformative, mainly because it is so accepting. In an acknowledgments section, Brenner, who first visited Provincetown in 2015, thanks those who befriended her and introduced her to P’Town lore: fishing, arts and crafts, holiday festivals, shops, restaurants, oyster farming. She doesn’t just create a charming postcard, however. She shows the town as it is in summer off Commercial Street — noisy, crowded, and, in spots, expensive. And there’s Museum for a virtual feeding time with environmental educator Miles Todaro. Visit www.sofo.org for upcoming programs and how to get the links.

Remote Lectures its conversations related to the film. HamptonsFilm will also have its Now Showing series links available every Monday online. Visit www.hamptonsfilmfest.org.

Live From Guild Hall Guild Hall in East Hampton will be posting new content every day taking a look back at some of the great moments in its history of arts and education programming. Go to www.guildhall.org.

WORDS Jazz Inspired Judy Carmichael’s NPR radio show “Jazz Inspired” is now online. Go to www.jazzinspired.com.

Feeding Time On Saturday, May 2, from 1 to 3:30 PM, join the South Fork Natural History

Southampton History Museum presents remote lectures every Thursday for the month of April via Zoom. Join the museum staff on local history topics at 11 AM. On April 30 will be “High Style in the Gilded Age: Jeanette Ralston Chase Hoyt.” Visit www.southamptonhistory.org.

Friday Nights Live Friday nights, Parrish Art Museum presents new live-streamed, partially pre-recorded programs of talks and tours. Head to www.parrishart.org.

Alone Together On Saturday, May 2, at 2 PM, Oysterponds Historical Society presents a virtual lecture series with a history on Poquatuck Hall via Zoom. Visit www. oysterpondshistoricalsociety.org.

Author Talk On Saturday, May 2, at 3 PM, the

even a bad-mouth in the townie bunch, out to sow discord. Yes, “Summer Longing” is a woman’s book: sentimental, simply written, paced to show the evolution of friendship and love. But though 20- and 30-somethings do claim attention, it is Brenner’s sympathetic and savvy understanding of older women, particularly those with family who were and still are fired to exercise creativity in the wider world — and of the conflicts these twin desires engender — that makes this summer read timely and significant: a sense of the hard, small stones, sometimes difficult to navigate, that lie underneath the smooth sands of a beach. Happy Mother’s Day. Amagansett Library will have an author talk via Zoom with clinical psychologists Linda Anderson, Sonia Banks, and Michele Owens, on their new book “Silent Agreements: How to Free Your Relationships of Unspoken Expectations.” RSVP by emailing director@amagansettlibrary.org.

Susan Merrell On Wednesday, May 6, the Amagansett Library will have a 5 PM author talk with Susan Merrell via Zoom. RSVP by emailing director@amagansettlibrary.org.

MUSIC Candlelit Fridays Every Friday at 5 PM, Wölffer Estate Vineyard hosts a “sip and listen” to music on its Instagram Live @wolfferwine.

Sip And Sing Every Friday at 5 PM, Bay Street Theater will host a virtual sing-along broadcasting via Zoom right to the comfort of your own home. To receive the Zoom link, go to www.baystreet. org and sign up for the newsletter.

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The Independent

Dining Balsam Farms Delivers

Independent/ Hannah Selinger

Skip the supermarket lines with fresh food at your doorstep By Hannah Selinger

Shopping local does not necessarily mean honoring your local restaurants these days. Even with the summer season still weeks in the distance, local farms have opened their doors to cater to locals’ needs, especially as we find ourselves in the throes of crisis. In Amagansett, Balsam Farms is providing a particularly handy delivery service, available two days a week, offering a wide array of items — some of which are local, and many of which, owing to the time of year, are not — brought right to your doorstep. Balsam Farms actually began a small delivery service last year, as an add-on to its already-popular CSA program. That add-on was an additional $300 to the seasonal box rate, which falls somewhere around $900 (although the price depends on how much you decide to customize it, because Balsam allows you to upgrade your box with items like fresh eggs from Iacono Farms, cheese from Mecox Bay Dairy, mozzarella from Villa Italian Specialties, fruit from Briermere Farms, and more). In other words, it already had a system in place, and that framework made it possible to act quickly when the community was desperately in need of fresh groceries. Peapod, the delivery service owned by Stop & Shop, and one of the sole large store providers offering delivery to the East End, has been notoriously unreliable since mid-March, with unavailable delivery times and a lack of fresh produce. Lines at the local grocery stores have made it difficult for residents to get meat, produce, and

other perishables on a regular basis. Enter Balsam Farms. Since season is not yet in full swing, as far as farm bounty is concerned, some of what you’ll find on offer is not currently local. The farm is selling local sweet potatoes, though, as well as beans, potatoes, mushrooms, herbs, lettuces, spinach, and kale. You can find fruits and vegetables from elsewhere (yes, you can get bananas, for all those banana breads you appear to be making, internet), too. The farm carries a small selection of baked goods, like zucchini bread, ciabatta, baguettes, sourdough, apple pie, cookies, and brownies. It also has refrigerated foods, like guacamole, eggs, yogurts, milk, half and half, cheeses, and more. You can stock your pantry with shelf-stable foods: pickles, hot sauces, jams, relishes, jellies, and more are all available from Balsam, most of which were made using peak produce during the best part of the season. There are even snackable treats (I’m looking at you, North Fork potato chips). For Sunday — or whatever day, really — you can invest in Balsam’s bloody Mary mix. Buy a single bottle, or buy a full case. If coffee is more up your teetotaler alley, Balsam sells that, too: both

whole-bean and ground, Honduras organic single-estate, which are roasted at Java Nation in Bridgehampton. Last year, Balsam began carrying Acabonac Farms’ meats, and some of these are available for delivery, including ground beef patties, stew meat, and grass-fed New York strip steak. There is also a fairly comprehensive selection of charcuterie and other types of sausage: salami, dry-cured saucisson, chorizo, Andouille sausage, bresaola, finocchiona, and both hot

and sweet soppressata. For those who have experienced the chicken famine of 2020, Balsam Farms also sells chicken breasts and thighs. There is a $50 minimum for delivery, and deliveries take place on Fridays and Tuesdays. To place orders, register for an account at delivery.balsamfarms. com. Soon, as the weather warms up, Balsam will have more than its share of its very own produce to offer up to the world. And you’ll want to be first in line when that happens.

Dining

April 29, 2020

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Cappelletti Restaurant: Dinner For A Night, Or The Week Sag Harbor spot dishes takeout daily By Nicole Teitler nicole@indyeastend.com A graphic design done by Robin Tagliasacchi that is currently hanging in the restaurant.

Cappelletti Restaurant in Sag Harbor first opened its doors in 2006. Included in its design feature was a separate take-out area, in addition to the dining area. Now, as all restaurants move to takeout or delivery only, the Cappelletti take-out counter is fully functional seven days a week. The restaurant is currently offering a full menu with a range of options, beyond the pasta. It fulfils all cravings: cheeseburgers, black Angus steak, lamb chops, chicken. Enjoy its seafood choices of flounder, salmon, shrimp, steamed clams, mussels, and calamari. Dive into the risotto, a salad, pizza, and its notable focaccia sandwiches. Each entree is served with

homemade garlic rolls. For those planning ahead, or who are quarantining with a bigger bunch, there’s also the catering menu — think trays of deliciousness that last the whole week. Wash it all down with a beer, wine, and even a mixed drink. All of this available for home and curbside delivery. Customers are allowed in the take-out area but the limit is two people at a time. “We are taking extra measures to keep our clients and staff safe,” owner Robin Tagliasacchi said. All staff members wear masks and gloves. All commonly touched surfaces, such as touch screens, credit card keypads, and door knobs, are constantly sanitized. “Even

the pens get sanitized after each customer uses them,” Tagliasacchi noted. Cappelletti also assures all employees that there will be no layoffs, keeping up company morale. “I have to say that the customers have been so generous toward our employees. They express their gratitude verbally that we are open, they are showing their gratitude in more practical ways to our staff . . . it gives the employees a good feeling that what they are doing, showing up to work every day without fail, is a valuable contribution to people’s lives at this time,” Tagliasacchi said. “We are so very proud of our staff. They are strong wonderful, people with that New York spirit

“We are so very proud of our staff. They are strong, wonderful people with that New York spirit.” — Robin Tagliasacchi

— pushing on and taking care of their families as best they can.” Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 11 AM to 10 PM and Sunday 11 AM to 9 PM. Visit online at www.cappellettirestaurant.com.

Meals for

Heroes providing high quality meals to the brave ﬁrst responders that are working to keep our community safe and healthy.

Help lessen the burden on our ﬁrst responders. Gift them a restaurantquality meal for $35, vouchers will be issued to our local heroes at EMT stations, East Hampton Police department and Southampton Hospital. These vouchers will not expire and can be used on or off duty, to provide a great take away meal anytime they like.

Meals can be contributed by phone: 631-527-5372 website: highwayrestaurant.com or direct message through their Instagram: @HighwayHamptons

Please consider a meal donation.Together we will keep the community strong People and companies who donate will be recognized in The Independent newspaper.

in partnership with

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The Independent

Suffolk Culinary Student Thanks Medical Workers Bakes dozens of cookies for Stony Brook Southampton Hospital By Jessica Mackin-Cipro jessica@indyeastend.com

Justin Ranghell. Independent/Courtesy Justin Ranghell

Justin Ranghell, a 24-year old Suffolk County Community College Culinary Student from Center Moriches delivered nearly 200 cookies for those working on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic. This included his sister Melissa, a nurse, and her colleagues at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. “She was coming home exhausted and dejected. It was heartbreaking to me,” Ranghell said. “I decided I needed to do something.” Ranghell teamed up with his

brother Jeromy, a fellow restaurant industry worker, who was able to help Justin purchase needed baking ingredients wholesale. “This was a great opportunity to give back to the frontline workers that are fighting for us each and every day,” Ranghell said. “I hope to do it again to express my thanks and appreciation.” “We’re proud of Justin and his selfless effort, and join him with our thanks to medical workers, first responders and all those on the frontline battle of

the fight against the coronavirus and its spread,” said Suffolk County Community College interim president Louis Petrizzo. “Justin is community-minded, focused, well-liked by his peers and working hard to learn and hone his craft,” said Suffolk Culinary Arts assistant professor Richard Amster. Ranghell will graduate from the college’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality program in August and also works at The Halyard restaurant in Greenport when not in class.

Melissa and Justin. Photo was taken pre-pandemic. Independent/Courtesy Justin Ranghell

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Dining

April 29, 2020

B13

Guest-Worthy Recipe: Chef Lauren DeSteno Rigatoni with shrimp and cuttlefish ‘sausage’ and pecorino fonduta By Zachary Weiss

Who Chef Lauren DeSteno

Instagram @MareaNYC/@ChefDeSteno

Chef DeSteno’s GuestWorthy Recipe

Rigatoni with shrimp and cuttlefish “sausage” and pecorino fonduta

Why?

“This dish is quite unconventional. The combination of shellfish and cheese is not common (even considered taboo by some), but it works incredibly well together. The cuttlefish and shrimp both have a bit of sweetness on their own, but are complemented by the earthysweetness of the garlic and the peas. This all gets balanced by a bit of dry white wine and then brought together by the fonduta. We use both pecorino and Parmigiano in the sauce (fonduta), giving the dish a bit of bite and the inherent umami that brings it all together.”

Ingredients 1 c heavy cream 1/3 c finely grated ParmigianoReggiano 1/3 c plus 1/4 c finely grated Pecorino Romano 1 lb rigatoni 1 lb cleaned cuttlefish or squid, medium diced

1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and medium diced 1 c peas 1/4 c extra virgin olive oil, plus more for finishing 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced Red pepper flakes 1/4 c dry white wine 1 Tbsp thinly sliced fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves Kosher salt Juice of 1 lemon, or to taste

Directions To make the fonduta: Put the cream in a small, heavy saucepan, bring to a simmer over low heat, and reduce by half, about eight minutes. Whisk in the Parmigiano and a third of a cup of the pecorino. Remove the pan from the heat and keep covered and warm. To make the pasta: Fill a large pot about two-thirds full with water, salt it liberally, and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about nine minutes. Heat a large heavy pot over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil and tip and tilt the pot to coat it, heating the oil until it is shimmering and almost smoking. Add the garlic and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until softened but not browned, about two minutes. Stir in the red pepper flakes and

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cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the diced shrimp and cuttlefish (or squid) and cook, until the shrimp is opaque, about two minutes. When the pasta is done, use a heatproof liquid measuring cup to scoop out and reserve about one cup of the cooking liquid and drain the pasta. Pour in the wine and use the wooden spoon to loosen any flavorful bits cooked onto the bottom of the pot. Cook until the pan is almost dry, about four minutes, then pour in about a third of a cup of the pasta water and bring it to a simmer. Add the fonduta and stir until incorporated. Peas can be added for some color and spring flavor. Tossing in one cup of

cooked green peas when you add the cooked pasta to the sauce pot would brighten it up a bit. The pasta water is a secret weapon in this dish; the starch in it will help the sauce emulsify and coat the pasta. Add the cooked pasta to the pot, along with the remaining quarter-cup pecorino and parsley, and toss well. The sauce should be moist but not soupy. If it is too dry, adjust the consistency with a little of the reserved pasta cooking liquid. If it is too wet, continue to cook and toss until thickened. Season to taste with salt and lemon juice and finish with a drizzle of olive oil. Divide the pasta among plates or wide, shallow bowls and serve at once.

Still serving the best Italian food and garlic rolls since 1973

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Limited but Delicious Menu with All Your Favorites Closed Mondays

Check with us on line www.IlCaps.com Well Wishes to All 30 MADISON STREET, SAG HARBOR, NY • 631-725-2747

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The Independent

Food & Beverage News By Jessica Mackin-Cipro jessica@indyeastend.com

L & W Market L & W Market in Bridgehampton is bringing back a favorite tradition, Thursday Ramen. Place your order by Wednesday night, or before it sells out, and pick up on Thursday between 5 and 6 PM. Menu offerings change weekly. Call at 631-537-1123 or visit www.landwmarket.com.

Virtual Food Drive Long Island Radio Broadcasting and Green Hill Kitchen and Que Restaurant in Greenport are hosting a virtual food drive to benefit Island Harvest Food Bank, to help those on Long Island who are struggling to put food on the table during the COVID-19 pandemic. Donations for the virtual food drive can be made by visiting either the WEHM, Beach Radio, or WBAZ website. Click the food drive banner to access the virtual supermarket and shop. A goal of $10,000 is underway.

Mother’s Day Special Green Hill Kitchen & Que is offering

take-out and delivery specials on Sunday, May 10, in celebration of Mother’s Day. All orders must be placed by Friday, May 8, and delivery and takeout will be available on Sunday, May 10 only. The cost is $40 per person. Some of the menu items include smoked prime brisket, smoked ham with charred pineapple, potato gratin, brownie bites, and more. Visit www. greenhillny.com or call 631-477-4900.

Feeding The Hungry Honest Man Restaurants, the operators of Nick & Toni’s, Rowdy Hall, Townline BBQ, Coche Comedor, La Fondita, and Honest Catering, is partnering with the East End Food Institute to provide meals to families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Honest Man Restaurant employees will join East End Food Institute’s kitchen team at the commercial kitchen, located on Stony Brook University’s Southampton campus, to prepare and deliver 400 family meals (1600 servings) weekly to the Springs Food Pan-

L & W Market in Bridgehampton is bringing back Thursday Ramen. Independent/Courtesy L & W Market

Honest Man Restaurants is partnering with the East End Food Institute to provide meals to families in need. Independent/Courtesy Honest Man Restaurants

try in East Hampton and Heart of the Hamptons, the food pantry in Southampton. The meals will be distributed to families in need each Wednesday from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM in Southampton, and 3 to 6 PM in Springs. “We are excited to be partnering with East End Food Institute,” said Toni Ross of Honest Man Restaurants. “It’s a trifecta of wins: we will be reemploying restaurant workers, supporting local farmers and purveyors, and addressing food insecurity at a time of great need.” Kate Fullam, the executive direc-

tor of East End Food Institute, said “This partnership showcases what I am most proud of at East End Food Institute. Our team and supporters are creative and collaborative, with the ability and willingness to be nimble in support of community service in the context of our mission to support local food.” East End Food Institute’s mission is to support, promote, and advocate for the farmers, vintners, fishermen, and other food producers and providers on the East End of Long Island. Donations can be made by visiting www. eastendfood.org.

Dining

April 29, 2020

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo From Home With Gurney’s

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Independent/ Courtesy Gurney's Montauk

By Jessica Mackin-Cipro jessica@indyeastend.com Gurney’s Resort in Montauk invites East Enders to celebrate Cinco De Mayo from the comfort of their own home, with a special recipe and cocktail. Below, Gurney’s has provided a recipe for its 1 Tequila 2 Tequila cocktail from Showfish at Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina by Jarhn Blutstein. The 1 Tequila 2 Tequila is the most requested drink at Showfish and the perfect one to impress your friends during a Cinco de Mayo virtual party. And it doesn’t stop there, because after “2 Tequila,” it’s time for tacos. Below you’ll find a special fish taco recipe by executive chef Dane Sayles.

1 Tequila 2 Tequila Ingredients 1.5 oz Blanco infused pepper tequila .5 oz Reposado tequila .5 oz fresh lime .5 oz agave mixture 2 strawberries (hulled) *garnish with Aleppo pepper/kosher salt rim

Instructions Take a lime wedge and coat a third of the rim (about a half-inch deep) of your glass and dip it into your salt/spice rim. Muddle strawberries in your mixing tin. Add the rest of your ingredients with ice to the tin. Shake and then strain over fresh ice into your rimmed glass.

Gurney’s Montauk Fish Tacos Ingredients (Serves 8) 4 lbs of white flaky fish cut into fourounce pieces, such as fluke, flounder etc. 1 ½ c Adobo sauce 16 blue corn or regular corn tortilla Kosher salt

Garnishes Pickled red onions Chipotle mayo Lime wedges Cilantro leaves

Instructions In a medium shallow bowl combine white fish and adobo sauce. Cover

and marinate for 15 to 20 minutes. In a large nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat, heat vegetable oil. Remove fish from marinate and season with salt on both sides. Cook three to five minutes per side, until cooked through. In a medium nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat, brush with canola oil or vegetable oil and warm tortilla two minutes per side. Assemble tacos: serve four-ounce fish over warm tacos with a drizzle of chipotle mayo, pickled red onion, cilantro leaves, and lime wedges on the side.

Adobo Sauce Ingredients (Yields 2-3 c) 2 Roma tomatoes, diced 2 c dried chipotle peppers or can in adobo sauce ¼ c cider vinegar 3 garlic cloves ½ Spanish or white onion 1 tsp oregano ¼ tsp allspice ¼ tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp black pepper ½ tsp ground cumin ½ tsp kosher salt 2 Tbsp brown sugar 3 Tbsp olive oil 1 c water

Instructions

Heat a pot on medium high. Add olive oil, garlic, and onions. Start to sweat until onion and garlic are translucent. Combine tomatoes, chipotle peppers, and sweat until tomatoes start to release water. Add all the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 25 minutes, uncovered. In a food processor blender, puree the adobe mix until smooth. If it is too thick, add a touch of water. Cool and reserve in refrigerator until needed. If using dried Chipotle Peppers Presoak: Cover dried peppers in a sauce pot with water and bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 30 minutes. Set aside to cool and use when needed.

½ tsp salt 1 bay leaf 2 medium size red onions, julienned

Instructions Combine all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve all salt and sugar. Strain the hot liquid and pour over julienned red onions in a bowl, container, or jar. Cool at room temperature, and cover and refrigerator until needed.

Chipotle Mayo Ingredients

Instructions Puree all ingredients, except mayo and sour cream, in a food processor or blender until smooth. Combine puree with mayo and sour cream, and whisk until smooth. Store in an airtight container or jar and refrigerate.

1 can Chipotle in Adobo

Prime Meats • Groceries Produce • Take-Out Fried Chicken • BBQ Ribs Sandwiches • Salads Party Platters and 6ft. Heroes Beer, Ice, Soda

Pickled Red Onions Ingredients 1 c red wine vinegar 1 c water ½ tsp whole black peppercorns 1 Tbsp brown sugar

1 c mayonnaise ½ c sour cream 1 tsp oregano, fresh ½ tsp coriander 1-piece garlic clove 2 Tbsp lime juice

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The Independent

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Real Realty

April 29, 2020

Real Realty Landscaping During A Pandemic How to reap a beautiful garden despite the lockdown

Independent/Courtesy Landscape Details

22 C-2

The Independent

Landscaping During A Pandemic How to reap a beautiful garden despite the lockdown By Ty Wenzel ty@indyeastend.com

ere is to a renewed love of this beautiful planet. Through this turbulent moment in our collective experience, we have learned that our gardening and landscaping work needs to keep in mind that sustainable and non-toxic methods are more important than ever. Might we suggest instead of a lawn, our readers plant organic vegetable gardens and wildflower meadows? If your light-loving grass grows beautifully in direct sunlight, the aforementioned will flourish as well — without the pesticides. The Parrish Art Museum’s natural growth looks more modern than the miles of green. Most important, it is hard to deny that through the global lockdown, we have given the planet a chance to heal. One thing is for certain. We can at least take refuge from the outside world and practice social distancing ‘til the cows come home in our gardens. As the weather warms, we are reminded that work needs to get done to prepare our landscapes. We spoke with some of our favorite landscapers in the region for their ideas on preparing for the season and trends they were excited about. German expat Holger Winenga moved to the U.S. to work in landscape design, renovations, and installations in New York and Virginia. He is one of the most well-known horticulturists on the East End, which is not a surprise since he comes from a world-famous line of horticulturists. Winenga is the lead on horticulture at LongHouse Reserve and manages large swaths of landscapes. “We have been working on weeding and mulching all planting beds at LongHouse to get a head-start on weed-control for the summer. Now is the time to remove early-flowering weeds before they go to seed,” Winenga said. “Most beds are still covered in daffodils. In perennial borders, it easily happens that tall daffodils crowd out fragile perennials. It works best to plant larger clumps of daffodils just in empty spaces between the perennials or grasses. In a perennial border, it would work well to plant the smaller daffodils. Other more naturalized areas with hay-scented ferns, Ostrich ferns, and spreading groundcovers can handle

thickly planted daffodils without any trouble.” “In the next few weeks we will be planting some new and exciting hardy perennials and ornamental grasses. As an annual tradition, we add 10 new varieties of witch hazels to LongHouse’s already large collection,” he said. “Early vegetable crops like kale, arugula, radishes, and some lettuce mixes have been sown. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash will follow when they are safe from night frosts. Around Memorial Day it is safe to plant out our tropical garden and some annuals in patio pots,” added Winenga. When asked what trends he saw for the current season, he responded, “It seems like everybody wants to have a little vegetable garden to grow their own food (or peace of mind). Right now, it is such a convenience to not have to go to the grocery store and pick early herbs, arugula, or mesclun from your backyard. I have had wonderful crops of herbs in large pots on the patio last year. Even patio planters with early harvested lettuce and tomatoes planted in the center did amazingly.” This year’s trend at the LongHouse is to focus on sustainable and long-lived perennials and perennial groundcover in larger quantities to fill areas between and under shrubs and keep weeds out and reduce future maintenance while beautifying the gardens. To add pop, we loved his suggestion of adding dahlias. “This season we hope to set a new trend in using dahlias in a very different way than normally found in gardens,” Winenga explained. “Carefully chosen color combination in coordination with our perennial plantings and placed as if we would plant late blooming perennials, these Dahlia plantings will be a lot less maintenance and fuss than the overfertilized giants that need daily tying up and deadheading.” Gardening during the lockdown is quite a challenge for the profession. Winenga said, “Safe gardening needs to be followed at all times right now. At LongHouse Reserve, we are following strict guidelines to keep everybody safe: Each gardener works in a different

area to keep safe distance. Wearing a mask when near other people is essential. Still keep at least six-feet of distance, even with mask. Thoroughly washing hands on a regular basis is very important. Disinfecting your hands when touching surfaces like door handles needs to be practiced as thoroughly. Never touch your face unless you just washed your hands. If you need to do gardening with other people, keep a separate set of tools for each person in a designated area. If you have a gardener or work with other people, make sure they practice ‘safe distancing’ at all times. Bathrooms should not be shared, unless they get thoroughly disinfected after each use!” Michael Derrig, owner of Landscape Details, has been a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects for over 28 years. He was awarded the 2019 Star of Design in the Landscape Design category by the exclusive Decoration and Design Building in New York City. He’s also one of our favorite landscape architects, whose landscapes with their elegant aesthetic inspires us year after year. “Now is the perfect time to maintain and take good care of what you have invested so much time and resources in . . .your garden!” he said. “Maintenance is essential not only for aesthetic reasons but also for the long-term health of your garden. Removing limbs and other debris reduces places for rodents to harbor, pulling invasive weeds reduces competition with your ornamental plants, and perhaps one of the most beneficial things you can do this time of year is to build and beef up available nutrients in your soil by adding compost and other organic materials. These are just a few of the great ways to prepare for the gardening season ahead and to help keep Landscape Details, and you, busy!” Derrig added: “Moreover, the governor has deemed landscape maintenance an essential service, knowing that what we do now can significantly help control insect populations such as mosquitos and ticks in our landscapes, further benefiting public health later in the season. We are proud and thankful for our team members who are out in our community helping to maintain your properties.” Chris Hall, co-proprietor of CP Complete, explained how his landscaping work falls under the umbrella of his construction business. “It is a nonessential business and we are not permitted to work at this time,” he explained. The lockdown has improved his client relationships, though not in the way he expected. “Professionally, what has occurred is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to work

closely, although not in person. Social distancing has been eased by the use of Zoom, FaceTime. Ironically, it has allowed us to interact with clients even more closely and often on a daily basis. We have not had the normal seasonal pressure to make decisions quickly. It has led to more of a collaborative effort and yielded incredible results. The projects we have underway are set to become the among the most rewarding and distinctive ones ever.” When asked about his favorite inspirations of the season, Hall said, “We continue to see bringing the luxuries of indoor living to outdoor space. The contour of the land, once seen as a challenge, is now seen as an incredible opportunity. Rolling hills allow for natural implementation of negative edge swimming pools, luxury pool houses, interior home renovations with natural light through full size basement windows and doors, and multi-level patios that create private expansive views.” Hall added, “We’ve implemented beautiful stacked stone wall design, introduced a wider variety of plants and trees than ever before, created outdoor living space that revolves around family and extended family. Comfort and practicality are replacing ostentatious, over the top design. Maybe it’s a sign of the times, but I also see the trend of recognizing the importance of bringing people together and planning for multigenerational gatherings. We are currently adding bedrooms and bathrooms, creating finished basements on an unprecedented scale, and building pergolas and pool houses as added outdoor living space.” Declan Blackmore, owner of Summerhill Landscapes, echoed some of the aforementioned ideas. “People will be spending a lot more time in their backyards this summer, so I see vegetable gardens, maybe a new berry patch, a bocce court, and why not a pitch and putt course for the kids? I am working remotely from home and conducting a lot of video conferences calls with clients, architects, and staff managers. We are very fortunate for family, friends, and our good health, and wish the same for everyone.” “Cutting and rose gardens, along with herb and vegetable gardens are hugely popular! While sheltering in place, clients are really thinking and getting excited about gardening in their own back yard,” Derrig explained. “Making your garden a productive space, both in terms of output and experiences, is a great way to spend time with family. There is so much satisfaction and joy to be gained from harvesting from your personal garden, whether it is to brighten rooms with floral displays or use the bounty of the garden in

Real Realty

your own kitchen.” Derrig confirmed the anxiety-easing idea that gardening is a calming endeavor in itself. “Productive gardening is a trend that we expect to see a lot of this summer and one that we hope will continue for many seasons to come! And during this time of uncertainty and stress, nurturing your own garden is a fantastic way to relieve some of the anxiety we all are experiencing and serve as a source of pride for you and your loved ones.” So often we find that we don’t have the time to stop and smell the roses. Here’s our chance to finally take in the beautiful region we live in and (probably) take for granted in our daily grind. “We are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful places in the U.S, even the world!” exclaimed Derrig. “From the ocean and beaches to our outdoor spaces and parks, there are so many things we are all re-valuing as truly important to us. Family, friends, and community are of course most important but we have been warmed by the expressions of appreciation for the beautiful gardens we have helped clients create, gardens that are now such an important part of their daily lives.” Derrig concluded: “One really terrific surprise during this time is that many people who normally are not able to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of spring

April 29, 2020

in the Hamptons, or their own gardens, are fully experiencing the endless beauty at this special time of year. Take a deep breath. Stop and smell the roses, the hyacinth, the viburnum, or admire whatever brings you the most joy in your garden. You’ll be better off for having done so. Be safe and be well.” We at Indy couldn’t agree more, so we organized a quick guide to the most important task requirements for a rich and healthy garden our readers can implement to grow their own beautiful garden: • The first order of business is to get your tools in order and order your plant foods and soils. This is the perfect time to sharpen the blades of your shovels, trowels, and clippers. You will also want to replenish your plant supports, like vegetable cages and trellises. • Pruning wakes up trees and shrubs that need to be cut back because old wood can inhibit the plants from starting to engage in the regrowth of healthier architecture. Some that need pruning this time of year would include flowering dogwood, crepe myrtle, all roses, wisteria, butterfly bushes, and honeysuckle. You can also use this time to guide vines like wisteria and ivy. Do not prune

•

rhododendron, forsythia, hydrangea, lilac, magnolia, camellia, or weigela until after season. It’s vital to start clearing out the debris and weeds in the yard unless you’re starting from scratch with bare soil. If you don’t have compost on hand, you can order it by the bag or pick some up from the local dumps for free. Pull weeds out by the roots or they will grow and compete for the nutrients in your soil. Speaking of soil, once frost has completely lifted, you can start to work the garden beds. You will want to loosen the ground because it becomes compacted during the cold months. Any sharp tool is fine to use, a tiller is even better, to up to 14 inches to loosen up the soil. Once loosened, add your compost and mix it in for nutrients to completely incorporate itself so that your plants will reap its benefits in the form of health and growth. This is the time to set up your new garden beds, and window and patio planters. Of course, use soil that has been mixed with compost or nutrient amendments so that your beautiful plants will grow faster and healthier. Make sure, for planters, that they have good drainage with at least one hole for water to escape. This is the best time to divide

C-3 23

your clumping flowers and plants. Springtime is when you split your overgrown clumps of Hostas, Shasta Daisies, Daylilies, and Siberian Irises. Just dig them up around the perimeter of the clump in the form of a root ball, disentangle the roots, and pull apart the root stocks and tubers. It may be necessary to cut the clump apart with a knife before you replant them right away. This is the best way to propagate and literally grow your garden. • Apply a thick layer of mulch wherever you can. This will keep weeds from sprouting. But don’t on new seeds because they won’t get the sunlight they need. We only have one home – earth. If you follow these simple guides and listen to our experienced sources, your own little piece of it can be healthy, sustainable and beautiful. Keeping a landscape healthy keeps its owners and neighbors healthy – it is a trend we can believe in. To view more about Winenga or LongHouse Reserve, go to www.longhouse. org. To learn about Landscape Details, visit www.landscapedetails.com. To learn more about Summerhill Landscapes, visit www.summerhilllandscapes.com. To learn more about CP Complete, visit www.cpcomplete.com.

8 PINE ISLAND $12,000,000

13 GOOSE POND CIRCLE $2,700,000

1 RICE GATE CIRCLE $2,775,000

5 COPP LANDING $5,950,000

Bedrooms: 4 / Baths: 4 / Half Baths: 1

Bedrooms: 4 / Baths: 5 / Half Baths: 1

Bedrooms: 4 / Baths: 4 / Half Baths: 2

Bedrooms: 6 / Baths: 5 / Half Baths: 3

This sophisticated 56-acre estate lies on a private island offering expansive views of the salt marshes and is connected by a causeway to Spring Island. Its unique architecture seamlessly blends Lowcountry vernacular with Japanese influences. It’s a true work of art.

Sitting on 3.33 acres, this “Story Book House” captures remarkable views of the Colleton River and offers easy enjoyment with a dock already in place. The main residence provides a gracious, open floorplan and details the luxury of quality and craftsmanship.

This inspired Lowcountry contemporary home overlooking the Colleton River is filled with light and warmth. Dramatic windows and sight lines create a special environment assembled with the finest materials and attention to detail.

Overlooking the Colleton River, this might be the most perfect Lowcountry retreat ever created. Live oaks, Spanish moss, and water views greet you from the outside, while beamed, vaulted ceilings, antique heart pine floors, and warm paneled walls inside make you feel at home.

Located in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, embraced by the Colleton and Chechessee Rivers, Spring Island’s architecture and amenities are woven carefully into a landscape of breathtaking natural beauty. We invite you to see what’s possible at Spring Island.

S P R I NG I S L A N D.C O M 843.987.2200

24 C-4

The Independent

Deeds

Min Date =3/28/2020 Max Date = 4/3/2020

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

Featured For Sale 155 Hill Street, Unit 12 Southampton Village

$1,395,000

Web ID: H108552

Maryanne Horwath

Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker

631-204-2720 516-617-8938 maryanne.horwath@ elliman.com

Area

Buy

Sell

BRIDGEHAMPTON

BH Real Estate Holdings

Strough, S

800,000

2302 Main St

CALVERTON

Birycki, S & J

Krusell, D by Exr

449,000

132 Donna Dr

CUTCHOGUE

Roditis, N & K

Hopkins, C & D

1,780,000

800 West Rd

EAST HAMPTON

Hochard, N & Vanegas, M

Zunno, F

647,000

141 Kings Point Rd

Schuerlein, B & Simcik

Daniels, E Trust

530,000

9 Bruce Ln

60 Squaw Road LLC

Tyler Hamptons LLC

2,950,000

60 Squaw Rd

Nguyen, T & Kieu, H

Herbert, R Trust

737,500

88 Springy Banks Rd

MTGLQ Investors LP

Carpio, Rubio, & byRef

772,303

76 Three Mile Harbor Hog

Thackrah, M & Agudelo, C

Andry, A Trust

600,000

34 Harbor Blvd

Silverman, H & K

Goode, C

645,000

12 Hollyoak Ave

Ettinger, M & J

Leone, F

1,645,000

16 Long Hill Rd

McConville &Costello

Tadeushuk, P

600,000

27 Huntting Rd

Vichinsky, C

Berkelhammer & Hoffman

2,100,000

32 Oak Hill Ln

Iberia Partners LLC

Trampler, G & I

832,500

27 Barnes Ave

Ochoa, R & Calderon, C

Villas, J by Admr

600,000

118 Mulford Ave

294 Abrahams Path LLC

Dunn, R by Exr

812,500

294 Abrahams Path

Acacia Greene LLC

Sheehy, J

3,100,000

11 Marina Ln

EAST MARION

Gaipa, C & A

Gaipa Jr, W & L

409,000

8520 Route 25

EAST QUOGUE

King, R & T

Lombardi, F & L

495,000

10 Chestnut Ln

Cox, C

Braddish, D

690,000

478 Montauk Hwy

Teremetz Cum Laude

3060 North Road LLC

486,000

3060 Route 25

Skehan & Castro-Skehan

Corwin, R

550,000

644 Third St

Fannie Mae

Salcmann, P&P by Ref

524,088

161 Upper Red Creek Rd

Bennett, K

Flanagan, R

491,625

19 Florence Rd

HPC Home LLC

Puccio, L

676,300

47 Hampton Rd

LAUREL

Fraser, S

Collins, K

1,125,000

6495 Great Peconic Bay Bl

MATTITUCK

JJS Edgewater LLC

Drum, H Trust

975,000

610 Park Ave Ext

Finnegan, M & I

Davis, P

605,000

1710 Pike St

Stanich, R & S

Fallon, R & S

1,350,000

36 N Farragut Rd

Bank of NY Mellon

Lavenas, S by Ref

201,276

236 Edgemere St, Unit 413

NEW SUFFOLK

Arias, M

Wetzel, A

999,000

35 Second St

QUOGUE

Weinberg, A

DLC Trust

2,050,000*

27 Bay Rd

GREENPORT HAMPTON BAYS

MONTAUK

Price

Location

Real Realty

April 29, 2020

C-5 25

Deeds Featured For Sale 21 Whalebone Landing Rd. Southampton

$1,895,000

Web ID: H347376

Marc (Aaron) Curti

Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker

631-204-2744 516-903-8406 aaron.curti@ elliman.com

Kristin Regan

Lic. R.E. Salesperson

631-204-2750 631-680-4609 kristin.regan@ elliman.com

Area

Buy

Sell

Keber, C & J

Siphron, M by Exr

2,350,000

106 Quogue St

Moore, P

Federal National Mrtg

539,000

131 Sandpiper Dr

Kieser, E & C

NF Development LLC

515,254

20 Tyler Dr

Beyel, M & Wright, T

Kreskowski, E

420,000

188 Hallock St

Drayton, J & St. Rose, S

Point 62 LLC

550,000

14 Hillside Dr E

Brown, R

Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Angelo Jr, G

2,050,000

10 Hillside Dr E

Split Properties LLC

Nelson, A Trust

725,000

131 Noyack Ave

Cando, J & Chacho, M

Zuchelli, D & J

675,000

2357 Noyack Rd

17 Sag Harbor LLC

Ellison, J

1,975,000

17 Sims Dr

Amsterdam, D & W

Dixon Rivera Villaordu

1,950,000

24 Pheasant Rd

SHELTER ISLAND

Hintermeier & Schulte V

Librett, H

850,000

9 Sunshine Rd

SOUTHAMPTON

McLaren, T

Culver, W & P

621,000

30 Oldfield Rd

Goldin, R & Monahan, G

Wells Fargo Bank NA

725,550

177 Bridies Path

Rishel, M & Boyd, D

Brown, H by Exr

390,000

33 Rose Ave

Mingot, C & J

Miller, L

999,000

199 Shinnecock Hills Rd

Park Avenue 22 Resid

Yeager, D

706,000*

513 Montauk Hwy

Burden, D Trust

McCormack, S Trust

610,000

82 St Andrews Circle

145 Elm Street LLC

Rosalia, F & L

3,375,000

145 Elm St

147 Elm Street LLC

Rosalia, F

1,060,000

147 Elm St

385 Great Plains LLC

Parker, U

16,500,000

385 Great Plains Rd

Carrington, A & S

Haigh, R

550,000

2230 Cedar Dr

Rutkin, M

Fraser, S

1,599,000

800 Lakeside Dr

WADING RIVER

Velasquez, L

Bitalvo, A & V

639,900

61 Cambridge Ct

WAINSCOTT

Henigson, D & Shoucair

Fallon Family Prtnrs

1,675,000

73 Wainscott Rd NW

WAZAA3 LLC

Barris, J & L

4,400,000

2 Lee Lane

HP 300 LLC

Parker Jr, S & J

7,250,000

300 Blank Ln

Sullivan Crawford Trst

Sharfman, L

8,350,000

10 Holly Ln

Paragiannis, P & V

Mariolis, J & I

825,000

8 Buttercup Ln

Senter, T & L

EPEZ LLC

1,125,000

580 Dune Rd, Unit 9

HSBC Bank USA NA

Hamor, M & A by Ref

673,367

9 Jennifers Path

Hof House LLC

DeMartino, M

620,000

43 Rogers Ave

RIVERHEAD

SAG HARBOR

SOUTHOLD

WATER MILL WESTHAMPTON WESTHAMPTON BEACH *Vacant Land

Price

Location

The Independent

Fleming: Get Money Where It’s Needed Legislator collaborates to help small businesses get federal funding By Rick Murphy rmurphy@indyeastend.com

Federal emergency funds designed to stabilize small businesses devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic were gobbled up within days of being allocated. The trouble was, officials acknowledge, some money was taken by entities that didn’t really qualify for it. Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming saw it firsthand, as constituents were forced to close the doors to their businesses because they couldn’t get a piece of the initial round of funding for small businesses, passed as part of the $2 trillion COVID-19 relief package, to minimize financial loss. She hosted a webinar with Bernard Ryba, director of the Small Business Development Center at Stony Brook University, April 22, to discuss the second round that’s underway.

“Mistakes were absolutely made with how the first round on money was distributed,” Fleming said April 24. As it turns out, even administrators of the program agree with the legislator’s assessment that well-connected large corporations are getting millions while cultural organizations and nonprofits still search for hyperlocal help. Many though, like large hotel and restaurant chains, were unaware they had done anything wrong until notified. The initial loan rollout was marred by bank errors or indifference, and a cumbersome approval process. Some of the money has since been returned. Another $484 billion in aid against the novel coronavirus was finalized in Washington, D.C. on April 21. Fleming said she will make her office available to

SH Village Board Members In Snarl-Fest Adopted budget discussion results in choice words, creates deeper divide By Rick Murphy rmurphy@indyeastend.com

Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming. Independent/Justin Meinken

offer guidance and work with the Stony Brook development center for the same purpose. The U.S. Small Business Administration and thousands of its affiliated banks were overwhelmed by an unprecedented crush of applications, forcing a temporary halt to some lending activities. “Although the programs succeeded in quickly pumping hundreds of billions of dollars into an economically-devastated business community, many small companies are still awaiting funds,”

Fleming said. “The devastating impacts of the pandemic to small businesses is so widespread that it calls for vigilant efforts to ensure the money goes to businesses it’s meant to protect.” Ryba has over 30 years of business experience, including public accounting, 15 years with Pfizer, Inc., and exposure to brokerage and high-technology industries. He achieved New York and national recognition as New York State’s Small Business Development Center state star financial advisor of the year.

Any semblance of civility among Southampton Village Board members flew out the virtual window during a contentious Zoom meeting April 21. The chasm widened between Mayor Jesse Warren and incumbent board member Richard Yastrzemski, and the three other board members Kimberly Allan, Mark Parash, and Andrew Pilaro. The occasion, at least written on the agenda as part of the official board meeting — despite the fact the trustees and public were at remote locations — was to approve the 2021 village budget. Warren was under the impression the process would unfold without a hitch.

“We went through the budget process,” he said. “We held a public hearing.” But when it was time for a final vote, he said he was “ambushed” by Allan, Parash, and Pilaro, who wanted the document altered. The most contentious line item in the $32.4 million budget was $350,000 Warren earmarked for the environment. Board members wanted to know how exactly it would be spent. Warren responded in vagaries, noting the village has a host of environmental issues that need addressing, among them Lake Continued On Page 36.

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April 29, 2020

North Fork THE

1826

China Talk Has Candidates Seeing Red Political opponents say they should focus on task at hand By Rick Murphy rmurphy@indyeastend.com New York State Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo and Riverhead Town Councilwoman Jodi Giglio are calling on the country to declare the COVID-19 pandemic an act of terror. Both are seeking seats this election year, and their opponents immediately accused the pair of showboating. Palumbo is looking to be elected to state Senator Ken LaValle’s seat, and Giglio garnered the GOP nomination to replace Palumbo. Her stint on the Riverhead Town Board ends this year, and LaValle

announced his retirement in January. The impetus for the legal maneuvering is it might free funds from the Terrorism Risk Insurance Fund — a U. S. federal law signed by President George W. Bush on November 26, 2002 creating a federal backstop for insurance claims related to acts of terrorism — which then could be made available for businesses negatively impacted by the novel coronavirus. Palumbo said there are $1 trillion in the fund, and that China cannot be sued directly for causing the spread of the virus.

“This would allow that to happen,” he said. Laura Jens-Smith, who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for the state Assembly seat, scoffed at the idea. “This is a crisis,” she said, “it’s not a time for grandstanding.” There is no love lost between JensSmith and Giglio, who served together on the Riverhead Town Board until JensSmith lost the supervisor’s seat in a hotly-contested race last year. “Small business owners need relief now,” Jens-Smith said. “Folks can’t get through to unemployment, people are scared, and Jodi and Tony have decided to play United Nations delegates.” Democrats will choose between Jens-Smith and Will Schleisner in a June 23 primary. The board of elections is sending absentee ballots to all known eligible voters in case the virus affects turnout. It’s possible that polls will be closed altogether, or voting will be postponed again — the primary was originally scheduled to take place April 23. There are four declared Democratic

Riverhead Town Councilwoman Jodi Giglio. Independent/Desirée Keegan

candidates for LaValle’s Senate seat so far: Parents for Megan’s Law founder Laura Ahearn, of Port Jefferson; Southampton Town Councilman Tommy John Schiavoni; Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Valerie Cartright; and college student and activist Skyler Johnson.

Greenport & Southold Students Say Thank You Kids pen letters to Eastern Long Island Hospital health care staff By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com

A special delivery brought smiles to health care workers at Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital. On April 17, Greenport and Southold school districts Superintendent David Gamberg handed over hundreds of handmade thank you notes from stu-

Hundreds of letters from Greenport and Southold students, displayed by doctors and nurses, now adorn the lobby of Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital. Independent/Courtesy Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital

dents in the district to hospital staff on the front lines of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Each letter was personally addressed to a Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital employee. “During these trying times, it is so touching to receive such powerful words of encouragement from our local youth,” the health care center’s chief adminis-

trative officer Paul Connor said. “Many thanks to Mr. Gamberg for spearheading this heartwarming initiative.” Gamberg was accompanied by Ryan Case, director of educational technology in the Greenport Union Free School District. With schools closed due to the novel coronavirus, the project was part of an initiative implemented by both school

districts to encourage students to engage in non-screen time community service activities over spring break. For more information about how to help Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital and the Eastern Long Island Hospital Foundation, call 631-477-5164 or email elih_donations@stonybrookmedicine.edu.

The Independent

Sports Sadness In Wake Of Canceled Spring Season Student-athletes, coaches understand decision was made with safety in mind By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com

“I feel awful for my seven seniors who worked so hard to prepare for baseball this year and wanted another shot at the state championship,” Pierson baseball coach Jonathan Schwartz said. “As upset as I am, I know that it’s worse for them.” The varsity head coach was responding to the news that Section XI had decided April 21 to officially cancel the spring sports season. Those seven Whalers had made it all the way to the state semifinals in 2019. “This team was all-in this year, starting in September, until the time we stopped,” Schwartz said. “They deserved to have that chance, but now they won’t, unfortunately.” Players like senior right-handed pitcher Matt Hall never gave up hope that the season could continue, even days before the decision was made. “It’s really tough to have it possi-

bly end like this,” Hall said previously. “We are all just hoping that we get the opportunity to play, even if it’s a shortened season.” He had been going to batting cages and tossing pitches at the field to stay in shape, and before New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s executive stay-at-home order, his team could be seen back in February social-distance practicing. Hall says although the news hurts, he knows why the governing body of Suffolk County athletics made the decision. He’s also remaining hopeful he won’t miss out on all that was to come his senior year. “I was upset when I heard the news from Section XI, but I understand that it had to be done,” he said. “Now I’m just hoping that us seniors will be able to go back to school soon and enjoy prom and our last year of high school.”

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Pierson’s baseball team defeated Tuckahoe 5-2 last season for the regional championship title and a state championship tournament berth. Independent/Courtesy Sag Harbor Union Free School District

Not An Easy Decision Section XI Executive Director Tom Combs and Nassau County’s Section VIII Executive Director Pat Pizzarelli both announced their rulings within hours of each other, coming to the same conclusion. “It was not an easy one to make,” Combs said. “In what the world is experiencing at this time, it is the most prudent decision to make. This decision was made in the best interest of the health and safety of all of our student-athletes, staffs, and communities.” He said it was made final after New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's extension of school closures to May 15 and “much discussion and consideration,” especially over the past 24 hours. The ruling was voted on unanimously and affects all 2020 spring sports teams at all levels. Hampton Bays softball coach Rich Doulos said he was “devastated” receiving the news of the cancellation. “With all that’s going on around us, playing again represented hope that we could get through this and be together again in a safe place and environment such as the diamond,” he said. “I have three seniors and all of them played for me at the varsity level since they were freshmen. We have a strong bond and it was very difficult to tell them there was no senior year. I know I’m taking this hard, so exacerbate that 10 times as I know how pas-

sionate my girls are about softball. As a program, we will pick up the pieces and move forward as best we can just like everyone else.” Those seniors include Lily Candelaria, who will be playing at New York University next year, Pam Grajales, and Rebecca Heaney.

Looking At Bigger Picture Some parents and fans took to social media to say the executive directors jumped the gun. Suggestions were made to either host a senior game in the summer, if possible, or consider summer leagues if safe. Thomas McCandless, of Lindenhurst, said he believes schools will eventually be closed for the remainder of the school year anyway. “I think they should have waited until May 1,” he said. “This was hope for a lot of kids to get back to a normal routine. They jumped the gun on this. I do believe, though, that we are not going back to school as well, so it’s irrelevant.” Westhampton Beach girls lacrosse coach Mary Bergmann said she too feels for her athletes, but understands. “In the bigger picture, we are in the middle of a pandemic, and we know this decision wasn’t made lightly and was made ultimately to keep everyone safe,” the head coach said. “I fully support that. But I think all of us Continued On Page 37.

Sports

April 29, 2020

Mourning Loss Of Bridgehampton’s Bobby Hopson School’s all-time leading scorer in basketball, educator, dead at 48 By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com Current Brooklyn Nets analyst Tim Capstraw said Bridgehampton graduate Robert “Bobby” Hopson “was not only a Hall of Fame athlete, but he was also a Hall of Fame person.” The news of Hopson’s April 21 death at age 48 after a long battle with diabetes shook his former Wagner College head coach. “Bobby was incredibly well-liked and respected among all he encountered,” said Capstraw, who coached Hopson from 1990 to 1994. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.” Hopson was inducted into the Wagner College Hall of Fame in 2009, and into Bridgehampton’s 10 years later. A 1990 Killer Bees graduate, he still holds the record for the most points scored in school history — 1720. “Bobby was exceptional in every facet of the game of basketball,” his induction plaque reads. “In addition to his scoring prowess, Hopson was also regarded as a tremendous defensive player and rebounder.” His high-level performances earned him a spot on the First Team All-New York State and All-Long Island team his junior and senior years. Hopson collected three All-League nods, and ended his senior season scoring over 700 points. “On behalf of our school community, we are saddened by this loss,” Bridgehampton Athletic Director Michael DeRosa said. “The Hopson family has a long history in our district and community and Bobby’s death is very personal to many of us. His achievements while a student here . . . and his accomplishments throughout his adult life are forever enshrined in our school’s Hall of Fame. As he was a determined and inspiring presence in our school community, we can only be more grateful and mindful of his character, the contributions he made to society, and his positive influence on our staff, alumni, athletes, and many Bridgehampton students.” Hopson was unfortunately not a member of any of the famed state-winning championship teams, although he came close several times. He said during

his Bridgehampton induction speech it was tough not winning the title, but “the luck of the draw.” “The hardest thing for me was living up to this person next to me,” he said at the 2019 ceremony, referring to his halfbrother Carl Johnson, who introduced him, before laughing and reiterating the fact that “it was very difficult — trust me. Growing up, I remember going to state championship games and I had three opportunities to go myself, but in those three games we lost by a total of six points, so I always say I was seven points from going to a state championship.” But he did assist Johnson during his first year as head coach of the Killer Bees, and Johnson said he was grateful to have his brother by his side. “I could sit him down at the other end of the court and not worry,” Johnson said, before adding jokingly: “He’s accomplished a lot, but he’s never beaten me in a one-on-one.” Johnson agreed as fierce as Hopson was on the court, he was even greater than that off the court. “No matter who he came across, people loved and respected him,” he said. “No one who knew him had one bad thing to say about him — even his opponents had much respect for Bobby on and off the court. He was a great guy, just unbelievable.” The gritty 6-0 guard scored 1568 career points to rank fifth all-time at Wagner at the time of his graduation. Hopson was a member of the Northeast Conference All-Newcomer team as a freshman after averaging 10.8 points per game while shooting 43.5 percent from the field and over 80 percent from the free-throw line in just 13 games. He registered nearly 18 points per game as a sophomore while converting 46 percent of his chances from the floor in 26 games en route to earning First Team All-NEC honors, which he also garnered as a junior while averaging 16 points per game. The Seahawks’ most valuable player as a junior was also a member of the NEC AllTournament team in each of his final two seasons. In his senior year on Grymes Hill, Hopson suited up in 27 contests and

Bobby Hopson ranks in the top 10 in multiple career statistical categories at Wagner College. Independent/ Wagner Athletics

was named second-team All-NEC after averaging 17.9 points per game. He was named to the Metropolitan Writers Association Second-Team after that final campaign. With a career scoring average of 16.3 points per game, he currently holds spots in the top 10 in no less than nine major career statistical categories. “Bobby was a charismatic person who was liked by all,” said Wagner Director of Athletics Walt Hameline. “The Wagner community is deeply saddened by the news.” Hopson’s 511 career field goals are good for 10th all-time. As part of his repertoire, he had the ability to score big from three-point range, netting 192 career threes, which ranks fifth on the alltime career three-point list. Even more impressive, his career 41.3 percent threepoint conversion rate is second all-time in Wagner history. After college, Hopson became a special education teacher, working in the Bridgehampton school district for two years before moving down to Florida to teach. “He was a pied piper,” Johnson said. “He just had a way with children. He loved kids. Of course, his dream was to play in the NBA, but once he knew that wasn’t going to happen, his dream was to try to be the best teacher he could possibly be.”

What Wagner called one of Hopson’s finest performances was the thenjunior’s 32-point outing in a pulsating 65-64 Northeast Conference title game loss to Rider University that thrilled a nationwide audience on ESPN. With just 11 seconds remaining, he drew a foul with the Seahawks trailing by two. He hit the first shot, but missed the second, and after teammate Quincy Lewis grabbed an offensive rebound, Hopson wound up with the ball again before hitting a foul-line jumper to put Wagner ahead, 64-63. Although it was short-lived, with Rider’s Darrick Suber hitting a jumper of his own for the gamewinner, the ESPN commentator can be heard during Hopson’s shot shouting: “What a player.” And fans and Hameline were seen jumping to their feet. “But it’s not always about championships,” Hopson said during his Bridgehampton Hall of Fame induction ceremony. “I truly had a great time, and there were other things besides basketball I got to experience in life.” Hopson is survived by his 14-yearold daughter Kaialani Hopson, who Johnson said his brother “loved more than anything;” three nieces; and one nephew. Johnson asked in lieu of flowers that donations be made in Hopson’s name to the American Diabetes Association or Diabetes Foundation.

The Independent

Hamptons Baseball League Delays Start Date

A Westhampton Aviator competing in the Hamptons Collegiate Baseball League championship last summer. The team topped Riverhead to take the series and the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s league-record fourth title. Independent/Gordon M. Grant

Schedule uncertain as other collegiate leagues cancel seasons By DesirĂŠe Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com

In a letter to Hamptons Collegiate Baseball League players, president Sandi Kruel said the opening day date of June 1 is no longer possible as a result of New York Governor Andrew Cuomoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stay-at-home order being

extended to May 15. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately, we are currently in a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wait-and-seeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; holding pattern,â&#x20AC;? Kruel said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is obviously the most challenging time we have experienced as a league. We know athletes want to

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play baseball, and we want to get the players on the field.â&#x20AC;? National Alliance of College Summer Baseball member leagues had a conference call April 25 and each league shared updates regarding the status of its 2020 summer season. In that call, each discussed the different ways states are addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cape Cod Baseball League decided Saturday to cancel its season due to the impact of the novel coronavirus. The Valley Baseball League made that call to cancel on April 2. Both conclusions were reached with safety as a priority and with respect to local stay-at-home orders. The National Alliance of College Summer Baseball said in a statement it was â&#x20AC;&#x153;saddened that these two leagues with such rich history have been forced by COVID-19 to cancel their season,â&#x20AC;? but

supports the decisions. Currently, stay-at-home orders continue to vary widely across the footprint of the alliance. The remaining 10 leagues are continuing discussions about next steps. Some have already pushed expected start dates later, and others are likely to do the same. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have been discussing various scenarios and potential adaptations for when and where baseball can safely be played. However, each scenario is limited by the extension of stay-athome orders, and when these extensions occur, each scenario needs to be adapted to fit the evolving circumstances,â&#x20AC;? Kruel said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will continue to discuss alternative scenarios, keeping in mind that a season is only possible if adequate safeguards can be put in place to keep the players, personnel, and fans safe.â&#x20AC;?

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Sports

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CHIP SHOTS By Bob Bubka

This Lord Is Noble In Many Ways The full Nelson bobvoiceofgolf@gmail.com It’s been suggested many times that the glass is either half full or half empty, and, being the eternal optimist, I’m choosing to assume it is half full. I sense that there will be light at the end of this COVID-19 tunnel sooner rather than later. Personally, being confined to the house is tough enough, so not being allowed to travel to work the golf tournaments requires some new adjustments. Out of nowhere, I had an idea that might help. I went shopping for a new recliner that would come close to replicating a first-class airline seat. The first three or four days, it did seem to help — it lifted my spirits. However, the early euphoria quickly dissipated to more like the feeling of sitting on the tarmac waiting to take off. So, the seat replacement idea went straight into my overcrowded “bad idea” file.

As of today, the PGA Tour is set to resume its tournament schedule the second week of June in Fort Worth, home to Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson. In fact, Hogan and Nelson both caddied at the same golf club in the 1920s when they were just 12 years old. They learned the game in the caddie yard at the Glen Garden Golf & Country Club and that was the start of their golf journeys, both historic and legendary. Hogan and Nelson were both born in 1912, which oddly enough was also the same year Sam Snead was. There’s no other year in the history of any sport that the three greatest participants ever to play the same sport were born in the same year. Nelson was an incredible man who I got to know quite well. His name still lives on in the title of the annual AT&T Byron

INDY FIT By Nicole Teitler

At-Home Gym For $51 Three products you can find on Amazon that will keep you in shape nicole@indyeastend.com @NikkiOnTheDaily It doesn’t matter how many workout classes are streaming online right now — for free or at a low cost. At the end of the day, life in quarantine is a tremendous buzzkill on our fitness routine. Sure, the snack pantry continues to look good, but our bodies, not so much. And not all of us are runners or cyclists thriving outdoors. But after so many weeks of allowing ourselves to fall off the wellness wagon, it starts to take a toll on overall health, not just physical. Beyond the external, keeping in shape affects what’s going on internally — cardiovascular health, flexibility, immune system, etc. When it comes down

to it, working out can also fight off potential threats, like diseases. Right now, the World Health Organization is recommending 60 minutes of physical activity a day for those 5 to 17 years old, and at least 150 for anyone older than 18. “Regular physical activity also improves mental health and can reduce the risk of depression, cognitive decline, and delay the onset of dementia and improve overall feelings of wellbeing,” the World Health Organization website states. If you’ve never had to work out at home before, preferring the gym or various fitness classes, you may not know

Nelson PGA Tour event, which unfortunately was cancelled due to the novel coronavirus this year. I always considered it a privilege and a thrill to cover the yearly event, and it was always arranged for me to spend quality time with Nelson. Lord Byron, as he was affectionately known, will forever be remembered for winning 11 consecutive PGA Tour events during his historical 1945 season. I can assure you, it is a record that will never be broken. Byron was an incredible talent, but an even more impressive gentleman. My favorite Nelson memory took place when he was honored by the World Golf Hall of Fame with a special display of his career accomplishments. Nelson had been inducted in 1974, but it wasn’t until the late 1990s that a new, modern site was built in St. Augustine, FL, that could house all the trappings of the greats of the game. I was invited to speak to and spend some time with this legend of the game — in full view of all his memorabilia, trophies, and recognition. But first, I must digress. For many years on Monday after the Masters, I would play at one of my favorite courses in the country, the Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken, SC, just 45 minutes from Augusta. The Palmetto clubhouse is actually a miniature replica of the famous one at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, and oddly enough they are the only two ever designed by American architect Stanford White. On the wall in the pro shop was a

large plaque that displayed the past winners. Guess who won it in 1945? Yes, none other than Byron Nelson. Now, back to the Hall of Fame. As I was stood with Nelson viewing the display depicting all his victories, I made the comment that his win at Palmetto wasn’t listed. The then 92-year-old said, “Yes, we did win.” He then went on to describe the hole that he and his partner had won it on in great detail, and then even told me which club his partner had used to set up the win. He then shared with me that the winning check was for $5000, which was big money in 1945, but said his partner signed the check and gave it all to him. I laughed and said, “Boy he must have been rich.” “He did all right,” Nelson said. “His name was Eugene Grace, and he was the president of Bethlehem Steel.” The year Nelson and Grace won that member-guest at Palmetto was that same record-setting 1945 season that Nelson won an unprecedented 18 out of 30 PGA Tour tournaments, which included the unbelievable run of 11 consecutive victories. Well known for his fluid swing and amazing accuracy, Lord Byron chalked up a total of 52 career titles, which included five majors — the Masters in 1937 and 1942, the U.S. Open in 1939, and the PGA Championship in 1940 and 1945. I still believe that Byron Nelson could very well be the finest gentleman in golf that I have ever met in the 40-plus years that I have covered professional golf.

where to begin. Here are three essentials that are readily available for purchase on Amazon with endless possibilities on how to use them. Even after quarantine, you’ll find these purchases to be beneficial for travel, time with friends, or for that quick fitness fix from the comfort of home. The Gaiam yoga mat (4mm) isn’t just for yogis. The $22 mat is great for all workout types. The thickness is better for those needing more cushion on the joints, but still lightweight enough to carry from room to room. If you need a little extra padding under your knees or hands, it’s also thin enough to fold to create that extra comfort. Don’t want those hands and feet slipping off? It has a nonslip texture, which is great for really anything you do on it. Place it over carpet, hardwood, or even a nicely-manicured lawn. Plus, it comes in tons of designs and patterns that gives added pleasure to working out. The XYLsports jump rope is a quick way to get in cardio without ever leaving your room. The best part about this $11 9-foot, 8-inch adjustable rope is that it also comes with a padded grip. Coil it up and take it anywhere, from the bedroom to the beach, for an easy workout that slims the waist and benefits the heart.

Fold the rope in half and use it stretch out arms and legs for improved flexibility. What’s great about a jump rope is that it’s a mindless activity, so you can do it while binge-watching your favorite show. Fit Simplify’s resistance loop exercise bands come with a set of five varying resistance levels, for those starting out and/or needing the additional challenge. The $18 bands are a tremendous aid in target-training and an alternative to machines — which most don’t have access to right now. Place them below your feet to build arm strength, wrap them around your legs to burn those glutes, and add them to any guided workout like Pilates or yoga for extra difficulty. Fit Simplify products even come with eBooks that include workout tips. If you have an injury, use the bands to rebuild strength or retrain your muscle. And because they’re lightweight, it’s easy to carry them around in the bag they come with. There’s also a company lifetime guarantee. I would also recommend following these with a foam roller. Foam rollers relieve muscle tightness and soreness, help with pre or post-workout recovery, increase blood flow, and support lymphatic drainage — the removal of toxins from bodily tissue. Find the right one for you; they range in hardness, size, and texture.

The Independent

1918 Pandemic

chusetts, and Camp Upton in Yaphank. On September 20, the first reference in The East Hampton Star to the virus appeared on page 3. It was a single sentence in the column called Brief Notes from Amagansett: “Geo. V. Schellinger has been sick for several days with influenza.” On September 24, on page 9, The Times reported 114 new cases in the city, and 65 deaths from the disease at Fort Devens. To combat the virus, Copeland told The Times isolation was not needed. Instead, 10,000 signs were positioned in subway and elevated train cars, and in trolleys across the city, as well as in theaters that read: “To prevent the spread of Spanish influenza, sneeze, cough, or expectorate (if you must) in your handkerchief. You are in no danger if everyone heeds this warning.” Next week: The Times begins to run

Continued From Page 9.

With little leadership at the federal level, New York was on its own. Dr. Royal S. Copeland was New York City’s health commissioner. On August 20, he told The Times that his department had found very few cases of the virus, and those they found were of mild form. Ships continued to arrive with sick passengers, and on September 13, on page 7, an article in The Times assured New Yorkers with a story headlined: “City Is Not In Danger From Spanish Grip.” The lead sentence read: “Although 25 cases of Spanish influenza were recently taken from a ship arriving at New York, persons in this city are in no danger of an epidemic, according to Dr. Royal S. Copeland.” Within a week, major outbreaks of the disease were reported at two army bases — Fort Devens in Ayer, Massa-

a daily scoreboard to keep track of reported new cases and deaths as health officials continue to refuse to shut down the city, while the virus continued to spread there and across Long Island.

Zeldin

Continued From Page 11. down. This is not a time for profit. It’s life and death.” With some institutions, “there was a lack of transparency and oversight,” the congressman said, adding several hedge funds even applied for money. Zeldin said the program was still able to disperse all the allocated funds. “Some of the smaller institutions did a tremendous job,” processing applications for emergency funding, he said, and banks were successful dispensing 74 percent of loans for under $1 million and 90 percent for loans

Classiﬁeds

under $150,000. The Paycheck Protection Program also worked well for the most part, the congressman said. The program was under fire for granting Shake Shack $10 million in stimulus funds, but the chain quickly repaid the money. In one local case, a spokesman from Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead said although the company was given money to rehire workers, the amount made it unworkable. “I would have to bring back 103 workers and use the money in eight weeks,” he said, saying he wanted the money to pay workers who feed and care for the fish, jobs that must be done year-round even if the aquarium is closed. Zeldin urged small business owners who are having trouble accessing funds to call his office at 631-289-1097 and ask for assistance and apply for the second round of funding.

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SH Village Board

that the maneuvers were “sneaky.” Warren spent the last 10 or so minutes of the meeting addressing the board and public simultaneously, repeatedly stating the board wanted business as usual and pointedly ignored the spirit of reform and new direction exhibited by his victory in last year’s mayoral race. The Community Party countered, issuing its own missive following the meeting: “Mayor Warren is one of the five trustees . . . He cannot spend money, change the code, or hire without a majority vote of the board. However, he has failed to heed his own words.” “For the record, the 2020 village budget was proposed solely by the mayor without any meaningful input solicited from the trustees,” the statement continued. “It does fall under the 2-percent tax cap and has 4.7 percent tax levy. Since Mayor Warren exclusively added the expenses that increased the rate, it should be his responsibility to explain the tax levy increase to the public . . . the bottom line is, he has no desire to cooperate.” Attention turns to the June 28 elec-

Continued From Page 26.

Agawam, “the most polluted lake in the state.” The others wanted the money broken down further, assigning a sum to each project under consideration. Warren balked, and the board members stiffened. The $350,000 “environment” fund was removed, thus freeing up the money for other unspecified projects. Allan, Parash, and Pilaro voted to earmark an additional $150,000 to the highway department for unspecified projects, including potentially more asphalt paving, which was suggested earlier in the month by Parash, the liaison to the department. The three opposing board members are all part of the Community Party, and Warren said politics is dictating their actions. “This is a party bankrolled by LLCs, real estate, and big business,” he charged. He said his budget was waylaid, “ignoring all past practices,” and

Jesse Warren and Kimberly Allan. Independent/Courtesy Jesse Warren, Paul Dempsey

tion. Allan, up for reelection, has tabbed Zachary Epley, the son of former mayor Mark Epley, as a running mate. Yastrzemski’s term is up, and he did not return a call for comment as to whether

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he will run again. Joseph McLoughlin, a former board member, has indicated he may run again. Warren, Parash, and Pilaro all have another year left of their terms.

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News & Opinion

April 29, 2020

Testing Centers

incurred after March 1 that were not previously budgeted for.

seeking to determine if the antibodies in plasma from recovering COVID-19 patients can help stop the infection in people still battling the novel coronavirus.

A Call For More Money

Continued From Page 6.

A New Testing Site Southampton Village Mayor Jesse Warren, Dr. Peter Micholas, and other private citizens have teamed up to open a testing site in Southampton Village. The drivethrough testing site will be located at 330 Meeting House Lane at the Hudson River Health Care office. Testing begins Thursday, April 30, at 10 AM, and will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays thereafter. The testing involves Q-tip-like nasal swabs. Results could take two to five days. Hours for testing may increase or decrease, depending on demand and funding. Organizers said expenses will be paid privately through the nonprofit organization Hamptons Health Society, Warren personally, and through fundraisers. More information on pricing and insurance will be forthcoming. Testing will be free for those who can’t afford the fee. A toll-free number will be available soon, and those experiencing symptoms will be prioritized. Senator Charles Schumer announced last week that hospitals and health care providers in the state will receive $4.3 billion of an extra $10 billion allocated for designated coronavirus hot spots, like those across New York City and on Long Island. The funding comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to help the strain the virus has put on the health care system. The senator said in an April 22 statement that New York hospitals and providers have reported losing hundreds of millions of dollars per month from cancelled elective procedures to increased spending on supplies and equipment to handle COVID-19 patients. Schumer said he pushed President Donald Trump and his administration to allocate funding for hot spots. “These costs obviously do not exist evenly across the country, and it is therefore crucial that subsequent rounds of funding provide an adjustment for hot spots like New York,” he said. “The lion’s share of hot spot funds — more than $4 billion — are on the way to New York right now, and we sure need them. Our hospitals and providers have been the vanguard in the fight against the coronavirus. And these critical dollars will help keep the fight against the virus going strong.” Suffolk County received $257 million in federal funding through the CARES Act. The federal funding can be used for coronavirus response-related expenses

Congressman Lee Zeldin, a member of the bipartisan White House Opening Up America Again Congressional Group and bipartisan Congressional Coronavirus Task Force, is calling on the Department of Treasury and Federal Reserve to allow Suffolk County to qualify for financing assistance through the federal Municipal Liquidity Facility and urging the administration to cover 100 percent of the cost-sharing burden of Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster relief, which currently requires the state contribute 25 percent of funds. He also spoke regarding the House of Representatives’ passage and president’s signage of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, which includes $310 billion in funding for the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program; $60 billion in funding for the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program; $25 billion for testing research, manufacturing, procurement and administration; $75 billion in reimbursements to hospitals for coronavirus related costs; and $825 million in additional funding for community health centers. “As one of the areas hardest hit by coronavirus, Long Island’s health care workers are in desperate need of this funding to continue the fight on the ground, our shuttered small businesses need this vital lifeline to survive, and by investing in coronavirus testing, we can carefully advance towards reopening our economy,” Zeldin said. “This small business funding should have never been allowed to lapse, and I hope that Congress will continue to work together going forward in a non-partisan way. On Long Island, this is about survival, and we must deliver additional critical priorities such as funding for state and local governments hardest hit by this outbreak as we consider a Phase 4 coronavirus response bill.” Earlier this month, Zeldin was informed by local officials that Suffolk County’s stockpile of personal protective equipment was out of surgical masks, regular-sized N95 masks, gowns, face shields, and body bags. Since then, the congressman has worked with Bellone, the White House, and suppliers to deliver over 1.2 million pieces of equipment for local health care and other frontline workers. Following an April 24 call with the White House, Tyvek suits, gloves, face shields, surgical masks, hand sanitizer, and more was delivered to Suffolk County at no cost.

The Budget & The Primary A recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic though, and a government

spending spree on testing, health care, and aid to businesses and households, will nearly quadruple the federal budget deficit to $3.7 trillion, the Congressional Budget Office said Friday. The 2020 budget deficit will explode after Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed four coronavirus response bills, the funds of which are added onto the $24.6 trillion national debt in just the remaining six months of the current fiscal year, according to the report. Added onto that debt could be nearly $2 billion in election funding to states, largely to aid in the expansion of postal voting ahead of the presidential election. Democrats, citing concerns about a possible resurgence of the virus in the fall, have been calling for expanded mail-invoting ahead of November’s general election, but the proposal has faced push back from Trump and Republicans. On the election front, the New York Board of Elections decided to cancel the June 23 Democratic presidential primary, it announces April 26, citing the risk of spreading COVID-19. It’s a move opposed by supporters of Bernie Sanders, who were looking to gather convention delegates to help shape the party’s platform in August. Democratic Chair of the state Board of Elections, Douglas Kellner, called the nomination contest a spectacle. “What the Sanders campaign wanted is essentially a beauty contest that, given the situation with the public health emergency, seems to be unnecessary and, indeed, frivolous,” Kellner said. On Monday, Sanders’ campaign released a statement, calling the decision “an outrage, a blow to American democracy” and accused the state party of having a “checkered pattern of voter disenfranchisement.” The primary, originally scheduled for April 28, had been pushed to June 23 due to concerns over the novel coronavirus. Rick Murphy contributed reporting.

Spring Season Continued From Page 28.

feel for the seniors who had to miss out on their final season, and especially for single-sport spring season athletes or seniors who aren’t playing in college.” Fortunately, most of her seniors, including six-year starter and midfielder Belle Smith (Boston College), fouryear midfielder and attack Toni Cashman (SUNY Cortland), and four-year attack Emma McAuley (LIU Post) are going on to play in college. Four-year senior defender Hanna Tufano is not. “They are amazing,” Bergmann said of her seniors. “I’ve seen these girls grow up and become young ladies. They were a part of going to

a county championship game and helped us make playoffs every single year. We are working tirelessly to figure out ways we can celebrate our teams and our seniors because they deserve it. These seniors are losing a lot of the things they were looking forward to, but maybe we can give them memories that 10 years from now they can look back and smile about; albeit different types of memories.”

Huge Loss Smith said thinking back to putting up posters and organizing dinners for senior days past upsets her. “I’ve appreciated our graduating seniors with excitement, knowing someday I’d be the one receiving it,” she said. “It’s super unfortunate, however, we can only control the controllable. I’m grateful that I myself have had five years playing lacrosse for Westhampton Beach, which fills me with great gratitude.” She said it also doesn’t hurt that she will be playing in college, or that her last high school game was actually a gold medal win over Canada as a member of team USA in the World Lacrosse Women’s U19 tournament. Among its seven seniors, Pierson also bids farewell to Harry Cowen and Nick Egbert, both of whom would have been co-captains with Hall. While none have committed to playing at the next level, Egbert was hoping to try out for his college team. The other seniors include Henry Brooks, Pierce Summers, David Petersen, and Gabe Ramundo. For Schwartz, and all other coaches, what will also be missed this season, besides the championship chasing and senior celebrations, is the passing down of knowledge, and that extra experience for the underclassmen. “Another huge loss this season was the chance for our younger guys to learn from the seniors, and for the seniors to pass on that process, work ethic, and overall culture we’ve built the last few years,” the head coach said. “We’ll have to rely on guys like Tucker Schiavoni, who will be a senior next year, to pass that all on.” Hall said even though the situation is far from ideal, he knows he will never have this much free time on his hands, and is trying to appreciate what he has, and look back at the positives that have come from his high school athletic career. “This whole experience has taught me to make the most of every situation,” he said. “I am so grateful to have played with my teammates for as long as I have. We had fun on and off the field. We made some great memories that I will remember for the rest of my life.”

The Independent

Letters

going on the offense. Thanks, Rex Farr Editor’s note: The writer is referring to the article “‘Biggest Real Estate Sale Ever’ Almost Done?” in our April 22 issue.

Continued From Page 4. tinues, there are more and more people taking walks and wanting to spend time on the beach . . . I am one of them! I love the warm weather and the beach and I wish everyone had the opportunity to spend time where I live. With that being said, I feel as though people need a reminder of respect and common sense. On a daily basis, I have people cutting through our property to access the beach. They are flat out walking through our neighbor’s driveway and walking across our lot. It is getting ridiculous that our property is becoming a public access to those who feel like they have the right. Not only is it inconsiderate, but dangerous. What happens if they hurt themselves, cut their foot, hit their head while walking under our house. In the nicest way possible, I try to inform people that where they are is private property and that there is a public beach access a few houses down. I typically get a head nod, or an “ok,” but on occasion, I get a titled person telling me, “you don’t own the beach,” or “how do you know this is private property?” or, my favorite, a look of disgust that I took away their short cut. It is not right that I have to spend my time informing people that trespassing is illegal and wrong. Whatever happened to respect and common sense? Julie Charczuk

4000 Strong Dear Editor, Just read your article, thank you. There is a mistake we would like corrected and that is we are 4000 plus concerned citizens who signed our petition along with 25 environmental and civic groups — Sierra Club, Pine Barrens, Bob Deluca and the Group For the East End, Audubon Society, NFEC, to name just a few. Can you correct? It’s crunch time and we’re

A People Problem Dear Editor, In light of the recent report of two cats in New York being tested positive for COVID-19, I wanted to provide some context. Please keep in mind, at this time the CDC and the USDA are not recommending routine testing of animals. As discussed in this COVID Council webinar, COVID-19 is currently considered primarily a human-to-human disease, with dogs and cats being a minor footnote. SARS-CoV-2 infections have been reported in very few animals worldwide, mostly in those that had known close contact with a person with COVID-19 and the current evidence is overwhelming that COVID-19 is primarily a people problem. That said, we all know that testing is limited right now, even in people. It’s very likely that far more than two million people have had COVID-19 (often without being aware) and there are probably some animals that we have not identified as well. The positive cats recently reported in New York fit with what we discussed in this webinar. There is no evidence that this is a serious illness in pets, there is no evidence that pets can give this to people, and the best advice is still to socially distance with your pet. Dr. Steve Weinrauch Chief Veterinary Officer at Trupanion

Troublesome Hi Rick, I read your story with great interest. We live in the Northwest Woods in East Hampton and have an ongoing problem with our Optimum service. I have

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called and texted Optimum multiple times and even set up a service call last Saturday. Then they called back and said “we are aware of the issue, others have the same issue and we are working on the network issue, which doesn’t require a tech visit. If it’s not resolved in a day or two, call us back.” Obviously, it has not been resolved and it’s becoming really troublesome with everyone working/studying from home. The error message from Apple when we try to back up our devices that “the last backup could not be completed because of poor network conditions.” To back up, I have to drive to town. We cannot stream more than one device at regular speed . . . and we pay $270/month for two cable boxes plus internet. It’s really a crisis now. David Tobin Editor’s Note: The writer is referencing the article “Schumer Slams Local Internet Providers,” published on July 2, 2019.

Meals On Wheels Continued From Page 14.

“It was the only card there,” she said. “It was proudly displayed, front and center, many months after the holiday.” “It’s important to remember that our home visits are also wellness checks,” Giannini added. “My own 89-year-old father, a Meals on Wheels client himself, lives in Indiana. My sister had just visited him, but after she left, he took a fall and couldn’t get up. If it weren’t for the timely visit from Meals on Wheels, who knows how long he would have waited for help. Meals on Wheels saves lives. I speak from personal experience. And with profound gratitude.” He reiterated donations have never been as important as they are now, and with the probability that summer fairs will be cancelled, which is where a major portion come from, the nonprofit is looking to safeguard for the future, too. “The homebound population we serve depends on us for more than just food,” Giannini said. “In many cases our volunteers provide the only social interaction our clients have. We are a reassuring presence to them, a daily reminder that while they may be living alone, they are not alone.” To learn more information, find out how to volunteer, or to donate, visit www.ehmealsonwheels.org.

Plane Crash

Continued From Page 19. afternoon. While the plane was damaged, the pilot and her two passengers were not hurt, officials said.

The single-engine Piper Archer had just departed runway 28 and was about 400 feet up in the air when it made a sharp turn, according to Justin Ricks, a pilot who witnessed the April 25 incident. On Saturday evening, he said that he and three other former Sound Aircraft Services employees were riding their motorcycles and made a pit stop at the airport when they noticed the plane turn 180 degrees. “We call that the impossible turn — it’s a real hard one to make at that altitude,” Ricks said. They knew the maneuver meant the plane had lost power and the pilot was trying to land the plane, though they did not hear the engine fail. “The pilot maneuvered excellently.” The pilot, who he declined to name and whose name officials have not yet released, landed the plane on runway 10, and it went off the runway and crashed through a fence. “She made an emergency return and she did exactly all the right things to make it back,” Ricks said. “Her aviation ability was beyond question.” The plane traveled across Daniels Hole Road in Wainscott and came to rest in the field across from the airport. The crash was reported at about 1:50 PM. Ricks and his friends Michael Norbeck, Matthew Conrad, and Matthew Monk all drove over to the field where the plane came to rest. The plane was “banged up,” but Ricks said the pilot and her two passengers were not injured. Those involved in the incident were able to get out of the plane on their own, though there was substantial damage to the wings and fuselage, East Hampton Fire Department Chief Gerard Turza Jr. said. The three women were checked by East Hampton Village Ambulance Association personnel, but refused medical attention. Firefighters helped to secure the plane. They ran through a checklist to ensure there were no fuel leaks and that the electric power was turned off, which the pilot had already done. Turza said she was “very skilled and very knowledgeable.” The fire department also stood by as airport personnel towed the plane back to the airport. It will be examined by the Federal Aviation Administration, which will investigate the cause of the accident, a normal procedure. Jim Brundige, the airport’s manager, who was reached earlier on Saturday afternoon, said the airport will put together an official report. Daniels Hole Road, which was closed for about an hour, was reopened after the plane was towed.

Obituaries

April 29, 2020

Cyril Fitzsimons, 77 By Taylor K. Vecsey taylor@indyeastend.com Cyril Fitzsimons, who owned and ran Cyril’s Fish House on the Napeague stretch for 25 years until it closed in 2016 amid controversy, died in the Bronx on Friday, April 24. He was 77, and died of COVID-19 complications at the Triboro Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in the Bronx, where he was recovering from a stroke. The eponymous roadside bar was one of the most well-known and popular rendezvous on the East End, famous for its signature drink, the BBC — a concoction of Bailey’s Irish Cream, banana, and colada. In an interview with The Irish

Stephen Nobbs, 73

Times in 2012, Fitzsimons said the company would go through 22 cases of the Irish cream liqueur in just one week. Crowds of people packed the small hotspot and flooded the street, while cars lined both sides of Montauk Highway and traffic slowed to a near stop because of its popularity, day and night. Though it operated for decades, numerous zoning code violations in its final year led to its demise. In 2016, after a four-day trial in East Hampton Town Justice Court, Clan Fitz, the corporation that owned the business, was found guilty on 45 charges. The owners of the property sold it, and

Stephen Alan Nobbs of Southampton and Jupiter, FL died on April 5. He was 73. Prior to succumbing to pneumonia, Nobbs fought a years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Remembered by his loving wife, Carol Nobbs, as “the most honest British banker in the world,” he had a brilliant 40-year career as executive vice president of Barclays bank. An avid skier, diver, and gardener, Nobbs was highly regarded by his friends and peers for his spirit of adventure, intellect, quick wit, and charm. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his stepdaughter, Carla Maresca Eichler, as well as brothers, sisters, and several nieces and nephews. He will be celebrated with a ceremony of life in the future. In lieu of flowers, his wife has requested donations be made in his honor to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital.

Mourners gathered on the Napeague stretch in front of Morty’s Oyster Stand, the former site of Cyril’s Fish House, for a memorial service April 25. Independent/Gordon M. Grant

a new restaurant, Morty’s Oyster Stand, later opened. Fitzsimons, always donning a straw hat and holding a cigarette in his hand, sometimes seen wearing colorful sarong wraps, was remembered Saturday with an impromptu memorial in front of the stand. “He was one of a kind,” said Tina Piette, a longtime friend and Amagansett attorney, on Monday. She remembered him as “extremely generous” with charitable organizations and those in need. “He would give you the shirt off his back,” she said. “He never said no.” He often donated money to Republican committees and the Catholic church, both here and in Anguilla, a British over-

seas territory in the Eastern Caribbean, where he spent winters. He was also a part owner of four bars there over the years. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Fitzsimons emigrated to the United States in 1965, at the age of 19. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and saw action in Vietnam. He returned to Ireland in 1968, but came back to America in 1984, where he opened a bar in Manhattan and eventually moved to Amagansett in 1989, opening Cyril’s Fish House. He is survived by his children, Richard and Kimani Fitzsimons; brothers Michael and Philip Fitzsimons; and sister Elizabeth Fitzsimons. A memorial service is being planned for a future date.

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