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Arts & Entertainment

First Phase Of Reopening Begins

Historic Films Archived In Greenport

VOL 27 NO 37 MAY 27 2020

Historic Films Archived In Greenport

By Bridget LeRoy bridget@indyeastend.com

It started with a love of music and a degree in film, and it led to a combination of both for Sag Harbor resident Joe Lauro, founder of Historic Films Archive, which has been headquartered in Greenport since 2006. “By nature, I’m a collector,” Lauro, who is also the bassist for The Hoodoo Loungers, said. “It’s part of my being. I’ve collected 78 RPM records since I was 15, and I’ve always loved film. Those instincts on how you ferret out older things, and research to find elusive items from the past served me well with the archive we have, which is just about the largest commercial archive of American music on film in the world at this point.” After his stint at NYU film school, “I had to make a living,” he said. Like so many people, he did “this and that.” After working with another film archive company, managing it for seven years, Lauro decided to go it alone. “I went off and opened my own shop. And it’s fun for me,” he said. “When people need old music material, or old archival stuff, they come to us. It’s highly digitized, you can put in a keyword — it’s all state of the art.” Lauro’s partner in Historic Films is filmmaker Andrew Solt, who owns the rights to “The Ed Sullivan Show” library. “Don Kirschner, the legendary producer, put us together.” The company also has the rights for the famed

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Joe Lauro finds Fallen Honored black and white, in color Despite COVID-19 Pandemic

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Rare color footage of the 1963 March on Washington. Independent/Courtesy Jules Cahn Collection c/o Historic Films Archive

Pathe news, which usually played in movie theaters before the main features from the early part of the 20th Century until 1970. Lauro waxes about the “constant joy of discovery” he still experiences after over 20 years in business, and the new clips that never fail to evoke an emotional response in him. “A recent ‘Eureka’ moment was this amazing footage that was shot by a fellow named Jules Cahn, a man from New Orleans, who documented all the jazz parades, and all the black culture of New Orleans in the 1950s and ’60s,” Lauro said. His company represents the footage. “It’s all in color, and we’ve had it transferred into 2K. That, in and of itself, would be amazing on its own,” he said. But wait, there’s more. “But within that, I found some color footage of the March on Washington, which is very unusual,” Lauro said. The march, which took place in the late summer of 1963, was held to advance the Civil Rights Act, and culminated with Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech. “You see black and white all the time,” Lauro said. “But we have this 20-minute roll of all of these intimate

moments, beautifully shot. I’ve never seen this — there were tents set up, where they were giving out things to people, it’s just beautiful. We only discovered this two months ago, and we’ve used it three or four times already.” The documentary film industry is one that is not as affected as other arts during this time of the pandemic. “It’s a lot of research,” Lauro said, “and there’s a lot of documentaries being done. All these ‘in the editing room’ projects are continuing on with a vengeance,” he said. “It’s exploding, because everyone is looking online for

something to do. Any films that people can do at home, that’s what is happening now.” In his own documentary project on the Newport Folk Festival — which featured Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, and other folk heroes in the early ’60s — Lauro is sending microphones to the festival’s participants to record audio, but plans to show them “when they were still young and beautiful,” he said with a smile. For more information about the film available, or just to browse, the Historic Films Archive website is www. historicfilms.com.

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Sights & Scenes Across 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.

On Friday, May 22, Southampton Arts Center, in partnership with the Village of Southampton and the Southampton Association, held a dedication of the space on its Job’s Lane wall with the unveiling of five 12-foot-long banners displaying a photo of each 2020 Southampton High School graduate. Independent/Richard Lewin

Selfies at Montauk Lighthouse. Independent/Richard Lewin

One of three passengers that got off the 5:45 PM Long Island Rail Road train arriving in Montauk, on Friday, May 22. Independent/ Gordon M. Grant

Main Beach in East Hampton over Memorial Day weekend. Independent/Richard Lewin

A sign urging people to respect Montauk on display at Ditch Plains Beach. Independent/ Gordon M. Grant

Signs throughout Sag Harbor urge visitors to wear masks as part of “The Mask Project” campaign. Independent/Lisa Tamburini

May 27, 2020

The Independent

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

Tax For Eternity Dear Rick, A relatively small group of citizens propose to incorporate Wainscott. We all are opposed to the Beach Lane landing of cable. This is a pie-in-the-sky dream that has a calamity waiting to happen to the taxpayers of the hamlet. Not everyone has an abundance of discretionary funds. Many of us are on fixed incomes. Look at the age demographics. Taxes we already pay will not vanish. The mere cost of a new layer of government will require a village and staff. Highway department with trucks and massive equipment, building department code enforcement, and a wide assortment of departments; health care costs, vacation pay pensions, and a plethora of additional benefits will be incurred. A large tax increase will force many of us out of the place we

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

call home! After the loss of countless litigation, the taxes remain for eternity. A good example: If a police department is initiated, it takes five people to staff one radio car 24/7 — cars, a chief, headquarters, detectives, etc., if they decide they want their own. So, they have to contract out for something we already have and pay for. The so-called village will also have to contract to Suffolk County for the headquarters budget for special services now spread townwide. I refer them to last year’s Climate Leadership and Community Act, to limit New York’s supplies of affordable energy. This law allows the governor to use state agencies to take almost any step to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. The Department of Environmental Conservation used this law to stop the proposed Williams pipeline to bring gas from New Jersey to Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island, because gas has to be trucked in, so conContinued On Page 38.

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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 Kyle McKee 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

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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.

May 27, 2020

Teachers Visit Neighborhood And Greet Students Photos by Gordon M. Grant Teachers and staff from the John M. Marshall Elementary School did a processional parade through neighborhoods to greet their students in East Hampton on Thursday, May 21.

The Independent

News & Opinion First Phase Of Reopening Begins New state loans also available, LIRR disinfecting trains By Taylor K. Vecsey taylor@indyeastend.com

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, seen here on May 21, expects Long Island will meet the necessary metrics to start reopening on May 27. Independent/Governor Cuomo's office

Long Island remains on track to enter the first phase of reopening its economy on Wednesday, May 27, as long as the number of contact tracers is reached as expected, and deaths continue to decline. As of May 25, Long Island as a region, technically, had still only hit five of the seven metrics needed to meet New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s requirements for reopening. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said on Monday that the region is still on schedule, and will have over 1000 contact tracers trained by then. The region still needed to see a 14-day decline in hospital deaths or fewer than five deaths on a three-day rolling average. Statewide as of Monday there have been a total of 23,488 deaths in New York, 1840 of which were in Suffolk. On Day 84, May 23, for the first time in two months, the number of daily deaths statewide dropped below 100, to 84. In the last 24-hour reporting period, at press time Monday, an additional six people had died in Suffolk, the lowest since March, Bellone said. Statewide there are 362,764 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 39,090 in Suffolk. Hospitalizations have also continued to decrease. Suffolk hospitals are at 64 percent capacity, and 61 percent for intensive care unit beds, both well below the 70 percent metric. As long as the expectations hold, construction, manufacturing, fishing, and curbside retail may begin again on Long Island as part of the first phase of reopening. Veterinarian practices were

allowed to open statewide starting May 26. Bellone asked that people remain vigilant as restrictions begin to loosen. “There is no one that wants to get this right more than the business community,” Bellone said during his daily briefing on May 25. “In order for the reopening to be successful, businesses must protect their employees and their customers. Otherwise, it could lead to another slowdown.” Over the weekend, the county was dismayed to see a gathering of people inside a Long Island bar, a clear violation, he said, of the executive orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Videos and photos that showed people inside Dublin Deck in Patchogue, some eating and drinking, went viral on Saturday. “The owners have come out and apologized for that,” Bellone said, adding that their excuse was that patrons getting food to-go were invited in out of the rain and things got out of hand. “We are going to have a summer here. Families and kids are going to enjoy our beaches this year. We just have to stay smart and strong.”

State Loans Available New York is beginning its own program to help small businesses, nonprofits, and landlords struggling as a result of the current crisis. New York Forward Loan Fund, a new economic recovery program, has over $100 million to offer. It will target businesses with 20 or fewer employees — 90 percent of all small businesses — and less than $3 million

in gross revenues. Economists are projecting that more than 100,000 small businesses have closed permanently since the pandemic began. Minority-owned businesses are especially at risk, the governor said. Landlords who have lost rental income are also eligible. Nonprofits must provide direct services and have an annual operating budget of less than $3 million. The U.S. Small Business Administration loans are part of the $2 trillion federal stimulus bill, known as the CARES — Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security — Act, passed in late March, as well as an additional $484 billion aid package passed late last month. Only those who did not receive a loan from the SBA Paycheck Protection Program or SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan are eligible for the state program. More information can be found at esd.ny.gov/nyforwardloans. Pre-applications are now available. Businesses in industries that have already reopened will be given priority.

Disinfecting Trains When Long Island enters into the first phase of reopening, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will continue to take steps to protect those riding the Long Island Rail Road. Cuomo said that the MTA is cleaning and disinfecting trains and buses daily. Additional cars will be added to LIRR trains to allow

for social distancing. The governor also reminded New Yorkers that wearing a mask or face covering is mandatory when riding public transportation.

Correction An article in the May 13 issue of The Independent about the Dutch resistance fighter John LaGrappe Dominicus was inaccurate. We wrote he hid “in the chicken coop to kill clandestine German pilots that had landed.” According to his granddaughter Dominique Cummings of East Hampton we should have written, “that while his family slept, he went out at night to help rescue downed allied airmen that were shot down and hid them in the chicken coop until they could be moved to a safe place.” We stated schools were mistakenly bombed by the Americans. In fact, the planes from Great Britain that day . . . Smoke rings were set up by pathfinder planes and due to bad weather and high winds, the smoke rings moved and they missed their target. Four elementary schools were hit instead. John LaGrappe Dominicus was a hero and was recognized for all of his efforts after the war ended. The Independent salutes this hero, who was recognized on VE Day when his flag was raised in East Hampton Village.

News & Opinion

May 27, 2020

The Independent

New York Primary Is Back On Democratic presidential nominee vote will happen June 23 By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com

A three-judge federal appeals panel affirmed an early May ruling reinstating New York’s June Democratic presidential primary. The election will take place on June 23 as planned, and New York must reinstate qualified presidential and delegate candidates to the Democratic primary ballot. The appeals panel declared U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres, who sided with Andrew Yang, a former candidate who sued the state in federal court, ruling the New York State Board of Elections’ April decision to cancel the contest “authoritarian and illegal.” Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders’s campaign also filed a third-party brief in support of the lawsuit. The state had

appealed Torres’s order, which also said “the removal of presidential contenders from the primary ballot not only deprived those candidates of the chance to garner votes for the Democratic party’s nomination . . . it deprived Democratic voters of the opportunity to elect delegates who could push their point of view in that forum.” Election officials had argued that holding a “largely symbolic” presidential primary — because former Vice President Joe Biden will be the only name on the ballot after all other Democratic candidates had suspended their campaigns — would be costly and put people’s health at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have reviewed all of the re-

maining arguments raised by defendants on appeal,” the three judges wrote in the May 19 decision, “and find them to be without merit.” In response to the court’s ruling May 19, Yang tweeted he was “thrilled that democracy has prevailed for the voters of New York!” Sanders’s campaign manager, Faiz Shakir, also applauded the appeals court’s decision. “With today’s decision, which affirmed the district court’s recent ruling, we expect New York to work to make voting safe, rather than wasting taxpayer money trying to disenfranchise New York voters,” read a statement. “This ruling is a victory for democracy.” The New York State Board of Elections co-chair Douglas Kellner said another appeal would not be filed. “Commissioner [Andrew] Spano and I have decided not to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court so we can focus all of our attention on the daunting task of managing the primary election in a way that minimizes the risks to the public and to election workers,” Kellner said, “while we continue to urge the voters to take advantage of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s executive orders to permit the widespread use of absentee ballots during the public health emergency.” Most local registered Democrats

have already received letters from the Suffolk County Board of Elections with a New York State COVID-19 absentee ballot application. “Governor Cuomo has enacted numerous executive orders during the COVID-19 emergency to allow eligible voters to vote by absentee ballot instead of voting in person at a polling place in June,” the letter from Democratic Commissioner Anita Katz and Republican Deputy Commissioner Erin McTiernan read. “These orders give you an opportunity to fill out the enclosed application and receive a ballot via mail.” This only currently applies to the primary election, and New Yorkers still have the option of going to a polling place if desired. If a ballot needs to be sent somewhere other than a resident’s home, the first section of the absentee ballot application will need to be filled out. The application must be postmarked by June 16 or personally delivered to the Suffolk County Board of Elections no later than the day before the election. The ballot itself must either be personally delivered to the board of elections no later than the close of polls on election day, or postmarked by a governmental postal service no later than the day before the election and received no later than the seventh day after the election.

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News & Opinion

May 27, 2020

Shinnecock Billboard. Independent/Desirée Keegan

Judge Says ‘No’ To Removing Shinnecock Billboard State Supreme Court’s Sanford Neil Berland says signs “pose no harm” By Taylor K. Vecsey taylor@indyeastend.com The Shinnecock Indian Nation is celebrating a small victory when it comes to its controversial electronic signs along Sunrise Highway. On May 19, New York State Supreme Court Judge Sanford Neil Berland denied the state’s request for a preliminary injunction to remove the Nation’s existing 60-foot-tall monument and doublepaneled electronic billboard on Sunrise Highway in Hampton Bays. The judge’s ruling dissolved the temporary restraining order, issued May 24, 2019, after the New York State Attorney General’s Office brought a lawsuit against the officers of the Shinnecock Indian Nation on behalf of the commissioner of the State Department of Transportation. Berland found the state’s request to halt the construction and operation of the signs was “unwarranted” and that the state would suffer “no irreparable harm” if the billboards remained while the case proceeds. The first electronic billboard was built a year ago amid much controversy on the south side of the highway’s eastbound lanes in an area known as Westwoods. A temporary restraining order was issued to stop the construction of the other on the opposite site of the highway, also on property that’s part of Westwoods, which is bisected by the state right-of-way for Route 27. The judge called the property in question “indisputably long-owned and occupied by the Shinnecock Indian Nation.” “Ultimately, the burden will be upon the state and town plaintiffs to refute the defendants’ contention that the Nation

has sovereign control over the Westwoods property,” Berland wrote. “On the current record, it is impossible to conclude that the plaintiffs will succeed in doing so.” The Nation continued to operate the monument billboard while the lawsuit was pending. Most recently, at the request of the Town of Southampton, the billboard displayed public service announcements relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our signs are clearly within the Shinnecock territory,” the Shinnecock Nation Council of Trustees said in a statement. “It is the Shinnecock Nation’s right to conduct economic development on Nation lands.” Berland acknowledged that the monuments and its signs stand to generate revenue for the tribe through advertising. “Further, the electronic signs, however eye-catching they may be — which, presumably, is the intent that underlies them — pose none of the disruptive consequences that the federal District Court attributed to the previously proposed gaming venture,” Berland said, “and, unless constructed and operated without regard to accepted engineering standards, which appears not to be the case, pose no unacceptable safety risk.” But the judge did not rule completely in the Nation’s favor. He denied the Nation’s motion to dismiss the case, and scheduled a June 1 video conference to discuss the request to impose contempt sanctions on the state. What is next for the tribe? Tribal Chairman Bryan Polite said the Council of Trustees is contemplating next steps.

The Independent

Religious Leaders Cautious About Holding Services Cuomo: State loosening restrictions, allowing up to 10 to gather By Taylor K. Vecsey taylor@indyeastend.com Religious gatherings were allowed to begin again across New York last week, albeit only small ones. Religious leaders on the East End are figuring out how to best serve their congregants, while also ensuring their safety. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced May 23 his lift on the state’s absolute ban, adding groups no larger than 10 people could come together for nonessential gatherings. Three days earlier he’d encouraged drive-in or parking lot services for religious gatherings. “You can have a safe gathering of 10 people. You can also have a wholly unsafe gathering of 10 people,” he said May 23 during his daily briefing from the New York State Executive Mansion. “You can

have an unsafe gathering of three people. You can have an unsafe gathering of two people. It only takes two . . . It’s all managing risk versus reward.” The guidelines still include the social distancing mandate — staying at least six feet away from other people — and wearing a face covering. Cuomo also reminded people to continue washing their hands regularly and using hand sanitizer. “We know that [the novel coronavirus] can rear its ugly head at any moment,” the governor said. “Wear a mask, wash your hands, socially distance, use hand sanitizer. Those masks can save your life. Those masks can save another person’s life.”

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Meanwhile, President Donald Trump announced new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifying houses of worship as “essential,” and called on governors nationwide to allow them to open. “I understand their desire to get back to religious ceremonies as soon as possible. As a former altar boy, I get it,” Cuomo said May 20. “I think at this time of stress and when people are so anxious and so confused, those religious ceremonies can be very comforting, but we need to find out how to do it safely and how to do it smartly.” But “a religious ceremony by definition is a gathering, a large number of people coming together,” Cuomo said, pointing to New Rochelle in Westchester, which became the first hot spot for the novel coronavirus in the state because someone who had COVID-19 went to a religious service and it spread quickly. “The last thing we want to do is have a religious ceremony that winds up having more people infected,” Cuomo said. He also convened the Interfaith Advisory Council to discuss proposals to safely bring back religious services. On the East End, religious service leaders are being cautious. Soon after hearing the governor’s decision, Rabbi Daniel Geffen of Temple Adas Israel in Sag Harbor said he has no plans to hold in-person services, saying virtual services suffice congregants for now. “While we appreciate the need for many communities to make those kinds of decisions (especially for Orthodox communities, which require 10 men to make up a minyan – quorum), for us, it is simply too great a risk at this time,” he wrote. “And since we have been able to effectively use technology over the last few months, there is far less urgency to make that decision.” “Certainly, we will be continuing to reassess as the situation warrants,” he said, “but for now and for the foreseeable future we will remain online only for Shabbat, holidays, and programs and the building will only be accessible for essential staff.” “We are working diligently with town and village officials to be able to put something together quickly of the drive-in nature,” said Rabbi Josh Franklin at the Jewish Center of the Hamptons. “Probably won’t be this week, but we will be announcing something soon.” The Diocese of Rockville Centre, which oversees the Catholic congregations on Long Island, is planning for a gradual reopening of parish churches. Sunday Mass is still not happening and the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains in effect, Ryan Creamer, pastor at Most Holy Trinity Church in East Hampton said. Sunday Mass continues to be recorded and avail-

The Rev. Jim Erwin has been handing out packaged communion to congregants as they drive up to St. Ann's Episcopal Church in Bridgehampton. Independent/Courtesy Rev. Erwin

able for viewing on the parish website. However, Father Creamer announced some changes at his church. Confessions are being heard on the back porch of the parish office on Saturdays from 3:30 to 5:30 PM, beginning May 30. “This will allow for confessions to be heard confidentially, while maintaining the appropriate distance and allowing a line to form outside the back of the office where appropriate distance between penitents can be maintained,” a statement from the church said. Individual baptisms may be held, but limited only to 10 family members inside the church. Funeral Masses may also be offered inside the church if the family chooses to limit attendance to 10 people. Communion will not be offered, but in situations where someone is in danger of death, communion can be offered as part of the Anointing of the Sick/Last Rites during a private visit. First Communions, which had been rescheduled for June 20 and 21 in the Parish Hall, and the Confirmations scheduled for August 22 and 23 remain scheduled for those times. Weddings, however, remain a question mark. Scheduling questions should be directed to the parish office. At St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Bridgehampton, the Rev. James Erwin said regular services will not take for at least another month. “Our bishop, out of an abundance of caution, considering our senior population in most churches, will stay with the original plan of opening back up July 1,” he said. Reverend Erwin said he has rented a tent for the front lawn for all services in July. “I feel it will be better/healthier to be in open air,” he said. “Plus being located on Main Street, we will be letting the public know we are back and welcome everyone in.” Desirée Keegan contributed reporting.

News & Opinion

May 27, 2020

Epidemiologist On Pandemic: ‘We Will Prevail’

what the role of those antibodies are at this stage.” The hope, Dr. Polsky said, is in developing a vaccine. “I can’t put a timeline on it, but there will be a vaccine, and there will be one or more medicines that treat this thing.” He explained his optimism. “There is enough known about this virus. We have the advantage of knowing its entire genome. And we know its close relatives, the first SARS virus, and the MERS virus. There is a fair amount of information on these viruses so that the idea of developing a direct-acting anti-viral vaccine is something that should be achievable.” As medical consultant to the town, Dr. Polsky will be weighing in on approaches various businesses should take as they begin to get the green light to reopen, like the restaurant business, as well as businesses already open, like hotels. A week before Memorial Day, the East Hampton Town Board sent the governor a letter asking that he bar East End hotels from booking tourists. Local hotel industry representatives blasted the letter. Paul Monte was one of many who said he felt his industry had been “blindsided” by the letter. How should these businesses conduct themselves going forward? “I don’t know what the answer is. The hospitality industry is an up-close and personal industry and that applies to restaurants as well. You go into a restaurant wearing a mask and pull it down each time you take a bite of food? How can that be pleasant?” However, Dr. Polsky believes outdoor dining in East Hampton this season can be a solution. Restaurants that have ample outdoor seating areas, and are willing to reduce capacity to ensure a safe distance between tables, and minimize contact between staff and guests, are likely to get a thumbs

up from Dr. Polsky, if and when the industry gets a green light to operate later this summer season. Hotels present another challenge. Because guests must be treated as if they are potentially infectious, masks must be worn by staff and guests. Staff members should have little if any contact with guests. If protocol is followed, “I can’t imagine it is going to be a very pleasant experience for the guests.” Dr. Polsky’s name was first suggested as candidate for consultant by board member David Lys. Fellow councilman Jeffrey Bragman endorsed him as well. Dr. Polsky and his wife began coming out to East Hampton over 20 years ago. “We started as transients, then started renting a house for the season.” They found a year-round rental they liked and took it, with an option to buy. Continued On Page 39.

more, the merrier when it comes to the science of combatting the viral pandemic. Bragman asked the board to consider appointing two additional scientific consultants, who, like Dr. Polsky, reside in the town. The councilman said both expressed interest in lending their expertise to the many difficult choices the town will have to make in the coming weeks and months. Dr. Michael McDonald, whose resume states that he is “actively engaged in biosecurity, pandemic management, resilience and regeneration operations,” both in the United States and abroad, would bring expertise in battling disease. He also specializes in coping with and responding to natural disasters. Bragman’s other recommendation was Dr. George Dempsey, who practices

medicine in the Town of East Hampton. “Dempsey is a well-respected local physician,” Bragman said on Monday. “He provided an early and emphatic warning to ramp up an immediate and energetic response.” At the May 19 meeting, town board members declined Bragman’s invitation to discuss adding the two additional consultants. Bragman said Monday that both could prove invaluable in a crisis that centers on science, along with Dr. Polsky. “Together, these three doctors provide a breadth of medical knowledge necessary to inform town board decisions.” He added that he did not understand why the board would not at least consider the offer of service from the two doctors.

East Hampton Town appoints Dr. Bruce Polsky to advisory position By T. E. McMorrow t.e@indyeastend.com As with local governments across New York State, East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc and town board members have been battling the COVID-19 pandemic on many different fronts, from stocking food pantries to staffing newly opened beaches, while working to keep the public safe. On May 19, the board adopted a resolution naming Dr. Bruce Polsky to the post of medical consultant to the town. Dr. Polsky, who is a leading epidemiologist, as well as an associate dean and professor at NYU Long Island School of Medicine, will advise the town on the science involved as the town and businesses slowly reopen following the two-month shutdown caused by COVID-19. The Independent spoke with Dr. Polsky, who is providing his services to the town gratis, on May 22. “I consider it a civic duty,” he said. Dr. Polsky was asked to compare the battle against COVID-19 with the last great worldwide viral pandemic of 1918-1919, caused by the virus known then as Spanish influenza. While the two viruses are quite different, they share one grim trait: they are highly infectious. The 1918-1919 pandemic struck in three waves. After the first wave, late

winter/early spring 1918, there was a lull of several months before the second, and deadliest wave struck, seemingly all at once across the country and around the world in September and October 1918. “A virus never really totally disappears,” Dr. Polsky said. “It is present at low levels. No one knows exactly what causes it to re-emerge with a vengeance like it did in the fall of 1918. I believe that wave of infection was responsible for most of the deaths in that pandemic.” But why did it become widespread at that time? “Some people believe that it caught fire because school went back into session, and people were congregating more. But it is not exactly known why. It’s very speculative.” Could COVID-19 be following the path of the 1918 influenza pandemic? “We could be looking at a repeat of that pattern. That is the fear. That is the concern and that is why when you hear over and over scientific experts comment on that, that is why the majority of us have favored a cautious relaxation of our restrictions.” If you have had COVID-19, will the antibodies developed in your system make you immune to reinfection? “We don’t know. If someone tests positive for antibodies, we don’t know

East Hampton Town Councilman Says More Science Needed Bragman suggests two well-known doctors but board declines By T. E. McMorrow t.e@indyeastend.com East Hampton Town Board member Jeff Bragman joined the unanimous vote by his fellow council members May 19 to appoint Dr. Bruce Polsky scientific con-

sultant to the town regarding COVID-19 related issues. But, while he enthusiastically endorsed Dr. Polsky, Bragman feels the

Dr. Bruce Polsky, seen here outside his Springs residence, is optimistic that a vaccine will eventually conquer COVID-19. Independent/T. E. McMorrow

The Independent

Volunteers, both young and old, placed small flags at cemeteries across the East End. joined local veterans in honoring the fallen during an unofficial ceremony at the war memorial next to the Hook Mill on Monday. In Sag Harbor Village, members of the Chelberg & Battle Post 388 of the American Legion still marched, but no ceremony followed.

Sheriff ’s Salute Jenette Payne with son Sidney, 4, helps to put flags at the graves of veterans on Saturday morning in remembrance of Memorial Day at the Cedar Lawn Cemetery in East Hampton. Independent/Gordon M. Grant

Fallen Honored Despite COVID-19 Pandemic Flags placed at local cemeteries, sheriff’s office held virtual service By Taylor K. Vecsey taylor@indyeastend.com

This Memorial Day, the traditional placement of flags at the graves of those in national cemeteries who served our country did not happen due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but efforts were made. “People in this county are amazing, amazing people — truly,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said on May 24, the Sunday before Memorial Day. “We saw that this weekend. We saw that with people, by the hundreds, coming out in just a matter of a few days to answer a call.” The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs banned groups from placing flags in national cemeteries because of the novel coronavirus, despite a Department of Health-certified county plan to keep people safe while carrying on a 25-year tradition. The ban still stood after the county executive appealed the decision.

“While I appreciate your numerous requests to continue with the group placement and retrieval of gravesite flags, the health and safety of our visitors, volunteers, veterans, and team members must be our primary consideration at this time,” Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs at the VA Randy Reeves wrote in the letter dated May 20. “Staff at Long Island National and Calverton National cemeteries will begin display of the ‘Avenue of Flags,’ which will remain on full display throughout the Memorial Day weekend to be viewed by visitors to the cemetery.” “There is not a word of that statement that we do not agree with 100 percent,” Bellone said of the letter during a press briefing on May 22. “At the end of the day, it’s just common sense. If we can reopen our beaches and have thousands of people coming to our beaches this weekend, in a relatively

small space, how is it that we cannot have our Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts on over 1000 acres at Calverton National Cemetery safely be able to place flags? In this wide-open expansive cemetery, to be able to place American flags to be able to honor our heroes who are buried there?” Bellone said he felt the ban was a decision of “a lower-level bureaucrat” and questioned whether the VA secretary was even aware of it, even though the county has been working with congressmen Lee Zeldin and Tom Suozzi on the issue. Even still, Bellone went to Calverton National Cemetery, which was open for individuals to visit, and took with him the hundreds of leftover flags from the thousands that were donated to the county for placement at the private cemeteries on Sunday morning. A friend, Miguel Moreno, a volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol on Long Island who he happened to run into at a gas station on his way, joined him. The pair spent two hours, he said, placing flags at the headstones of veterans, including at the gravesite of Moreno’s aunt, an Army nurse who served during the Korean War. “We honored as many of our American heroes as we could,” Bellone said, adding that there were many flags already placed, though not at every headstone. “Clearly, we were not the only ones who did that.” While Memorial Day observances were largely canceled, some took place, just on a smaller scale. In East Hampton, the fire department and East Hampton Village Mayor Rick Lawler

Held in conjunction with the Suffolk County Correction Officers Association and the Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs P.B.A., the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office ceremony May 22 honored the 72 Suffolk correction officers and deputy sheriffs who have died in service since 1887. The ceremony took place on the grounds of the Suffolk County Correctional Facility in Riverside. “This is a solemn occasion, but the month of May is also a time that people throughout America show their heartfelt appreciation for the men and women who proudly put on their uniforms each day, and go out into our communities or behind these cement walls in service to us all,” Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. said. The service, which was streamed on the sheriff’s Facebook page through Facebook Live, included traditions such as the Flag Ceremony, a 21-gun salute, the playing of “Taps,” and the singing of the National Anthem. The names of the 72 officers who died during service were also read, including Andrew Reister, a Southampton native who died in 2008 after he was choked by a patron while working as a security guard at a bar. Suffolk County District Attorney Tim Sini also spoke, virtually, during the service. “For those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, we can never, never repay what we owe to them, but we can remember them each and every day and we can honor them through our actions,” he said. “I want to thank law enforcement especially during these unprecedented times. We often call you our heroes, but during this pandemic, you deserve a promotion. You’re our superheroes.”

News & Opinion

May 27, 2020

While it was not the traditional Memorial Day services, veterans in Sag Harbor were sure to honor fallen heroes. Independent/Lisa Tamburini

Members of the Chelberg-Battle Post 338 of the American Legion marched in Sag Harbor early on the morning of Memorial Day. Independent/Lisa Tamburini

An impromptu ceremony was held by veterans on Monday, May 25, at Main Beach in East Hampton in remembrance of Memorial Day. Independent/ Gordon M. Grant

American flags were placed at the graves of veterans on Saturday, May 23, in remembrance of Memorial Day at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in East Hampton. Independent/Gordon M. Grant

In past years Ken Walles has been the lead organizer of The Montauk Memorial Weekend, three days of events honoring our veterans. This year he arranged with Bozena Krasnicki of Montaukâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pink Frog CafĂŠ to place eight flags in front of her shop. Flags unfurled for the weekend included: U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, POW/MIA Flag, and two styles of Old Glory, the current version and the Betsy Ross Flag of the U.S. Independent/Richard Lewin

East Hampton Village Mayor Rick Lawler joined members of the East Hampton Fire Department along with local veterans in honoring the fallen during an unofficial ceremony of recognition at the war memorial adjacent to the Hook Mill on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. Independent/Michael Heller

The Independent

School Board Elections Done By Mail Some races hinge on voter participation By Rick Murphy rmurphy@indyeastend.com

The pandemic threw a giant curveball at school districts, and those locals who want to run for school board. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo decided against walk-in voting, saying budget and school board votes will be done by absentee ballot. Would-be board candidates, rather than gather petitions and submit them to the Board of Elections, merely had to fill out an application and file it with the district clerk by 5 PM on May 12. In many cases, the public still doesn’t know who intends to run because some districts have yet to reveal the names of those running. Here’s what we know. Voters in each district will get a ballot in the mail in early June that is due back on June 9.

Amagansett In Amagansett, there are two threeyear terms on the board of education up for grabs, and three candidates. Kevin Warren is the only incumbent on the ballot. Meredith Cairns and Kimberly Slicklein are also seeking election. Cairns is on the Amagansett Library Board of Trustees, a member of the Parent Teacher Association, a Girl Scout troop leader, and a former prosecutor with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Former board member Hank Muchnic chose not to run.

East Hampton John Ryan and Jackie Lowey’s terms

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are expiring, and former East Hampton School Board President George Aman has thrown his hat in the ring. “I’m running and I believe Jackie is as well,” Ryan told The Independent. His is a three-year term. Aman was named president a decade ago, and resigned after three years on the board in 2013 to pursue other administrative positions that became available in the area. Prior to taking the helm in East Hampton he served as the superintendent of the Amagansett School District for 10 years. Across his more than 40 years of experience that includes being a math teacher, he served as a principal in Liverpool, NY, and was an assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in Riverhead and in Longwood. “I believe that both John and Jackie are good board members, but I have 40 years of experience,” Aman said. “I believe I am more qualified.”

East Quogue There are two board spots open in East Quogue, those of Kristen Jankowski and Brian Babcock. “Mrs. Jankowski will be seeking re-election, Mr. Babcock is not,” said Chris Hudson, the board president. The challengers are Kristina LaRusso and Joseph Sanicola.

Greenport One seat is open in Greenport, and incumbent board member and vice president Kirsten Droskoski filed a petition for re-election, according to district officials.

There are three expiring terms in Sag Harbor, those of Brian DeSesa, Diana Kolhoff, and Alex Kriegsman. “Diana Kolhoff is the only board member . . . that has stated that she will not seek re-election,” said district Clerk Victoria Handy. Former board member Sandi Kruel has filed a petition to run, as have Ronald Reed and Helen Roussel. Kruel has a long history with the Hamptons Collegiate Baseball League and was named its president in 2018. She served multiple terms on the school board before leaving in 2017. Her son Nick, who played for Pierson High School, is a major league pitching prospect. Roussel founded the Dyslexia Advocacy Action Group to promote dyslexia awareness and works closely with local schools. Reed is an artist and architect. DeSesa and Kriegsman are attorneys.

Southampton

Dorothy Capuano, an incumbent whose term is expiring, is running for another three-year term in Hampton Bays.

Mattituck/Cutchogue

Southold

This year’s nominees are Pat Arslanian, a retired teacher; Mary Lynn Hoeg, a former board member; and Brian Mealy, the incumbent. There is one open seat on the Mattituck/Cutchogue board.

Incumbent Southold school board members Scott Latham and Brian Tobin each filed petitions to seek another term on the school board. Two seats are open.

Montauk

Tim Frazier and Pat Brabant, both incumbent members of the school board, are both up for re-election and both intend to run. Brabant is a builder by trade and Frazier, a school administrator.

Hampton Bays

Riverhead

www.PeconicLandTrust.org or call 631.283.3195.

Sag Harbor

In Southampton, there are two board seats available, each a four-year term. Anastasia Gavalas and James McKenna, whose terms expire on June 30, have indicated they will run again. McKenna is the former MattituckCutchogue Union Free School District Superintendent.

Montauk School Board President Diane Hausman, who holds one of five seats, is up for re-election. Hausman, the only candidate, has chosen to run again.

To learn about opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in your neighborhood,visit us online at

and Therese Zuhoski. All three intend to serve another term. Seven challengers have stepped up to run in this contentious district. Three former board members: Angela DeVito, Amelia Lantz and Ann Colter; Stephanie Ranghell, who holds master’s degree from Dowling College; Gregory John Fischer, who holds an MBA from University of Albany; Ryan Gregor, Virginia Healy, and Yolanda Thompson.

There will be three school board seats filled in this year’s election. They are currently held by board President Gregory Meyer, Christopher Dorr,

Springs School

Information on school board candidates in Bridgehampton, Shelter Island, Tuckahoe, and Westhampton Beach was not received by press time.

May 27, 2020

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Homeowners impacted by COVID-19 shutdown can seek tax bill extension

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Temporary Property Tax Relief Coming

News & Opinion

MPT

W ON, NE

By Taylor K. Vecsey taylor@indyeastend.com Suffolk County officials are looking to extend the deadline for property tax bills until July 15 for those economically impacted by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus and the subsequent shutdown of the economy, County Executive Steve Bellone announced on May 20. After discussing the developing situation for the past five weeks, the county’s Municipal Finance Working Group, made up of town supervisors, library district representatives, fire district commissioners, school district officials, and village mayors, unanimously approved

Bridgehampton Students Grow Plants

Judiann Carmack-Fayyaz, who teaches environmental design and technology at Bridgehampton School, is seen here May 21 stocking the Bhumi farm stand on Pantigo Road in East Hampton. The young plants were grown by students at Bridgehampton School, Carmack-Fayyaz explained. “All the proceeds go to our agriculture program,” she said. “We have a big greenhouse and we have the little farm stand. We are not opening the farm stand because of COVID-19, so farmer Frank [Trentacoste] is allowing us to sell them here.” TEM

a temporary tax relief plan last Wednesday. The 45-day property tax extension means all fees and penalties associated with late payment will be waived if the bills are paid before July 15. “We know that there has been economic devastation that has been brought on by this terrible virus,” Bellone said during a daily briefing, held via Zoom. The relief will provide homeowners with “a little breathing space.” The county executive submitted a letter to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to approve the plan. As of Monday, the plan had not yet been approved, but is expected to be in the coming days. Qualifying homeowners are those who have lost at least 25 percent of their income because of COVID-19. Commercial businesses with a net profit of $1 million or less that lost 50 percent of its revenue because of the novel coronavirus are also eligible. All owners will have to do is sign an attestation form, which can be received by calling 311. Bellone said there are many small business owners still struggling to secure the Paycheck Protection Program loans from the federal government. This move will give homeowners more time to pay their property tax bills, since many still have not received unemployment checks with the state’s backlog. Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, who sat on the municipal finance committee, briefly spoke on that Wednesday call. “I guess, no one loves paying their property taxes,” he said. “Without property taxes, we cease to exist,” he added, noting it pays for fire, police, school, and other essential services. Money in escrow through mortgage payments will still be used to pay property taxes on time, Bellone said. The working group will continue to discuss economic impacts. “We will continue to meet as we talk about the historic challenges that we all will be facing from a financial perspective,” Bellone said, adding he believes the federal government needs to provide additional relief. “We’re going to have a long road ahead no matter what. We’ll see where we are six weeks from now.”

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The Independent

South Fork Police Chiefs Talk Weekend In Montauk, drinking an issue while fishing is too good in North Sea By T. E. McMorrow t.e@indyeastend.com

After much trepidation and planning, the holiday weekend was a fairly smooth one for law enforcement, according to the police chiefs of East Hampton and Southampton Town Police Departments, though there were some bumps in the road. Total calls for the East Hampton department were down significantly from the same time last year, Chief Michael Sarlo said Monday. From Friday through Monday morning at 6 AM, total calls had dropped from 347 last to 226 this year, a decrease of almost 35 percent. This decrease is almost certainly due to the absence this year of the normally raucous bar scene in Montauk. While day-trippers flooded Montauk while the sun was

up, the streets of downtown Montauk were basically deserted throughout the weekend at night. One bar, Liars’ Saloon, was shut down Friday evening for allegedly skirting the rules put in place by the state in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. That shutdown is detailed elsewhere. “We had several other businesses selling alcohol to go, in cups with straws, which created a bit of a scramble for us Sunday afternoon,” the chief said. “We need to make it very clear, we are not trying to hurt these businesses, which are already suffering, but we need compliance with the orders and to maintain public order. We can’t allow open alcohol on the streets and we can’t condone the

People enter and exit the beach on assigned sides at Nick’s Beach in Montauk on May 24. Independent/Gordon M. Grant

businesses just selling drinks alone without a take-out food order. The intent of the governor’s order was to allow restaurants to keep their inventory moving, and help the businesses in this difficult time, it was not to turn the streets into a freefor-all. To-go drinks should be brought home.” “We also had several take-out businesses once again have their parking lot areas get very crowded, as lines formed to order and customers waited for their orders. Most were wearing masks and

maintaining social distance, but we are working with these establishments to adjust their lines and ordering procedures to help them reduce crowding,” he added. Sarlo was sympathetic to the needs of the business owners. “We understand how difficult this is for our local businesses, and we sympathize with their predicament.” It’s been years since the bar scene in the Southampton department’s jurisdiction has been a major issue. However, Continued On Page 33.

Dead Humpback Whale Floats Ashore Necropsy performed By Taylor K. Vecsey taylor@indyeastend.com A dead humpback whale floated ashore at Cupsogue Beach County Park in Westhampton Beach at the start of Memorial Day weekend. The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society was alerted on the morning of May 22 about the dead whale floating

A dead humpback whale floated ashore at Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton Beach May 23. Independent/ Courtesy Atlantic Marine Conservation Society

approximately one mile offshore near Moriches Inlet. Both the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound and a private vessel called the New York Stranding Hotline. AMSEAS worked with New York State Department of Environmental

Conservation Friday to tow the carcass near the shore in expectation it would wash up. The equipment to bring it all the way to the beach was not available at that time, and they brought it about 700 feet from the shoreline so it would wash up the next day.

By Saturday morning, the whale did make it to shore and a necropsy was performed. Rachel Bosworth, a spokeswoman for the AMSEAS, said the team members practiced social distancing during the exam. Continued On Page 33.

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Police Sheriff Touts Proactive Mask Use Only one inmate contracted the novel coronavirus in Suffolk jails By Taylor K. Vecsey taylor@indyeastend.com

While the novel coronavirus spread rapidly in Long Island communities, especially those densely populated, over the last two months, only one inmate contracted the virus in the two Suffolk County jails. Correctional facilities can be hotbeds for the spread of any virus, but the Suffolk County Sheriff’s office kept the COVID-19 infection rate dramatically low. Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. believes that

Bad Eggs Steal Chickens

FR EE

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

More than 60 prime chickens were stolen off a farm during a daring overnight heist on May 23. Abra Morawiec and Chris Pino, the owners of Feisty Acres Farms on Route 48 in Southold, surmised a truck had pulled onto their property some time after 8:30 the previous night. The dastardly deed was done by 3:30 AM. About two-thirds of their poultry was pilfered, the owners said. The chickens were a couple weeks away from beginning to lay eggs. Though the stock is reduced, the farm is still operational. RM

was because of the early use of face coverings inside the jail, frequent sanitation of the facilities, and social distancing practices enforced at the correctional facilities in Riverside and Yaphank. As of Tuesday, May 19, 21 correction officers out of 858 — less than two percent of the correctional staff — have contracted the novel coronavirus. Also, four out of 252 deputies have been diagnosed. There are eight officers with active cases. Currently, there are no COVID-positive patients in the jails, where there is an average daily population of 515. On April 8, a 60-year-old inmate at the Riverside jail, who had been behind bars since August, was symptomatic and diagnosed at a local hospital. The housing area he had been in was closed, and 23 other inmates who lived in that unit were moved to a separate isolation pod and monitored for symptoms for two weeks. Officers who had come into contact with that inmate — 18 in total — went into self-quarantine. The inmate has since made a full recovery. In addition to the one inmate who contracted the virus at the jail, one inmate entered the jail with the virus. According to a spokeswoman, this inmate told the staff he or she was positive, and the medical staff had it confirmed. The

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr., right, visited a grocery store and spoke to shoppers about how masks can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Independent/Courtesy Suffolk County Sheriff’s office

individual, who is still incarcerated, was put in quarantine, recovered, and has since tested negative. Toulon said it should serve as an example for the general public that COVID-19 can be controlled by following the advice of public health officials. He has been handing out masks in public and talking to people about the importance of wearing a mask. “I think if more people knew how we have controlled the spread of COVID-19 inside the jails by wearing face coverings and maintaining physical distance from others, that people would understand that they do have some control if they take personal responsibility,” he said. The sheriff began planning for the possibility of the outbreak in February and his team was ready to implement health and safety protocols in early March, when the county saw its first COVID-19 case. Visitation was stopped and has not yet resumed. Attorneys may still see their clients, but with courts closed and teleconferencing available, there are fewer attorney visits. Anyone who enters the jail,

whether they are attorneys or officers reporting to work, must wear face coverings and abide by social distancing rules. Signs were posted in English and Spanish for inmates about proper hand washing techniques and social distancing rules. Inmates were also each given two cloth masks, one to be worn while the other is washed, and some took part in a program to make masks. “The mixed messages have put too many people in danger, led to further spread of the virus, and caused immeasurable damage to the economy,” he said. “I strongly advise people to adopt the practice of wearing a face mask or a simple face covering and staying a safe distance from others in public places. Our jails are proof that it works. We need to stop the spread so that we can move forward and get our economy up and running.” The sheriff’s office is working on a plan on how to resume normal activities at the jails. The sheriff reached out to his counterparts in Nassau County and Westchester to form a regional planning work group to discuss best practices and how to open up safely.

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The Independent

DA: Beware Of Fentanyl-Laced Cocaine Arrests made after cocktail causes fatal overdoses in Riverhead By Taylor K. Vecsey and T. E. McMorrow taylor@indyeastend.com t.e@indyeastend.com

At the start of Memorial Day weekend, Suffolk County District Attorney Tim Sini issued a “buyer beware” notice to drug users about a deadly cocktail of cocaine and fentanyl that may be on the streets in Suffolk County. The public safety alert, as he put it, comes as police in Suffolk are seeing an increase in overdoses, including in Riverhead, where at least three cocaine overdoses have been linked. Three arrests were made last week in connection to two fatal overdoses — one of which was from cocaine. “My office is investigating whether the presence of a deadly mixture of fentanyl-laced cocaine is responsible for causing overdoses in Suffolk County,” Sini said in a statement issued late in the eve-

ning May 22. “If you use cocaine, you are playing Russian roulette with your life.” The urgent message from the DA’s office came after law enforcement received intelligence information that cocaine laced with fatal levels of the opioid fentanyl may be on the market. The White House’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas New York/New Jersey program is investigating 19 overdoses in Troy, NY — three of which were fatal — in less than 48 hours, all involving fentanyl-laced cocaine, according to a report issued on May 22. Additional overdoses in the surrounding areas are also being investigated for any links to what was found in Troy. “These reports have led to a height-

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ened concern that this deadly drug cocktail could be on the streets in Suffolk County,” Sini said. “The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a shortage of the supply of cocaine in our area. As a result, dealers are becoming desperate and greedy for profits, so we believe they may be deceiving their customers and selling them fentanyl, which is cheaper and more readily available.” On May 21, Sini announced the arrest of 15 individuals linked to an alleged multimillion-dollar drug trafficking ring on Long Island, in which defendants were allegedly marking up the price of cocaine because of the supply shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Preliminary statistics show a 16 percent increase in fatal and non-fatal overdoses in Suffolk County as compared to this time last year,” Sini said. “We do not want to lose even more lives to this poison.” There have been several fatal overdoses in the Riverhead area recently — three in less than 24 hours. On May 20, the Riverhead Police Department reported a woman suffered a near-fatal opioid overdose at 3:08 AM. Later that same day, at 10:13 PM, Riverhead police received another 911 call regarding two men suffering apparent drug overdoses at a different residence. Upon arrival, police officers administered Narcan to one of the men, who first responders determined had died. The second victim was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center for treatment. “A preliminary investigation revealed evidence that all three overdoses were connected to cocaine use, and the District Attorney’s Office is investigating whether the cocaine was laced with fentanyl,” the statement said. The DA’s East End Drug Task Force arrested Tarell Holloway, 32, of Riverhead, in connection to that fatal overdose. Holloway was charged May 22 with criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree — all felonies. It was the second arrest made this week in connection to a fatal overdose in Riverhead. Earlier that week, on May 20, Sini announced the arrest of two alleged drug dealers from Lake Grove, who police said were responsible for the narcotic overdose death of a man in Riverhead in late April. Edward Primavera, 30, and Brooke Edwards, 35, were charged after a three-week investigation. A search warrant at their home allegedly revealed crack cocaine, fentanyl, and scales and packaging materials, along with over $1500 in cash. Primavera is charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree,

criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, and two misdemeanor counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia. Edwards is facing two felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, one of which is a possession with intent to sell charge. She is also charged with two misdemeanor narcotics possession counts, as well as a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. If convicted of the top count, they each face a maximum sentence of eight and one third to 25 years in prison. Primavera has at least one arrest in his past. On Christmas Eve 2011, he was arrested in Nesconset after a car accident, charged with three misdemeanors, two alleging that he was in possession of illegal drugs, and the third, a weapons possession charge as he allegedly had a pair of brass knuckles.

Liars’ Saloon. Independent/T.E. McMorrow

EH Police: Liars’ Not Truthful

Liars’ Saloon on West Lake Drive in Montauk was “skirting” the law regarding COVID-19 openings on the night of May 22, according to East Hampton Town Police Chief Michael Sarlo, and was shut down by town fire marshals. “Liars’, along with several other bars, were skirting the executive order guidelines which allow the service of alcohol ‘to go,’” the chief said. “The provision states alcohol must be sold along with purchase of food orders and cannot violate any of the open alcohol laws. Liars’ does not have a kitchen or serve food so they are not allowed to be open yet.” “Additionally, they had allowed patrons to congregate in the parking area and along the property. The gathering was dispersed and the business was issued a warning along with the complete guidelines from the state,” said Sarlo. A hand-written sign reading, “Closed until further notice” was posted on the front door. TEM

Police

May 27, 2020

Felonies Charged In Sag Harbor, East Hampton Grand larceny for alleged Vespa theft, two charged with DWI By T. E. McMorrow t.e@indyeastend.com A traffic stop of a Napeague resident riding a 2011 Vespa led to his arrest by East Hampton Town police on a grand larceny charge. Patrick Fromm, 49, was riding the blue Vespa on Stephen Hands Path in East Hampton on the afternoon of May 15 when he allegedly drove through a stop sign, leading to his being pulled over. When the officer ran the plate number on the Vespa, he learned that it had been reported stolen from outside an Amagansett residence in early April. Apparently, the key was in the ignition of the Vespa when it was stolen. Besides the felony grand larceny charge, Fromm is now facing misdemeanor counts of aggravated unlicensed driving and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Police said they also found a small quantity of marijuana in Fromm’s backpack, lead-

ing to simple violation possession charge. Fromm was released with an appearance ticket, to be arraigned at a future date. East Hampton Town and Sag Harbor Village police each made one arrest over the weekend on driving while intoxicated charges. Both men arrested are facing felonies. Johannatan Merchan-Heras, 25, who lives in Sag Harbor, was found passed out in the driver’s seat of a 2007 Honda Civic — slumped over the center console, police said — a little after midnight Saturday. The Honda was in park with engine running on the side of Madison Street in the village. Failing sobriety tests, he was placed under arrest and taken to police headquarters on Division Street, where a breath test allegedly showed Merchan-

Police: Lock Your Cars Man arrested in connection with string of thefts from vehicles By Rick Murphy rmurphy@indyeastend.com The Suffolk County Police Department has been reminding residents to lock parked vehicles as the number of reported thefts has been on the rise since the beginning of the year.

Reports of stolen motor vehicle thefts increased 21.3 percent and thefts from a motor vehicle are up more than 30 percent during the first four-and-a-half months of 2020 compared to the same

BURKE & SULLIVAN PLLC

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East Hampton Town Police Department headquarters. Independent/T.E. McMorrow

Heras had twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system. Due to a prior DWI conviction following an arrest in East Hampton a little over a year ago, he faces felony DWI charges, along with unlicensed driving as a felony, and a misdemeanor charge of driving a vehicle that does not have an ignition interlock, required due to his prior conviction. He was arraigned Sunday morning via video conference and was released. Segundo Guailla-Timbe 47, of Hampton Bays, was driving a 2004 Volvo station wagon west on Cedar Street in East Hampton when he swerved off the road, striking a mailbox near Gould Street, East Hampton Town police said. An officer dispatched to the scene reported that Guailla-Timbe was still be-

hind the steering wheel when he arrived, telling the officer he was driving home from work. Placed under arrest on a DWI charge, he was taken to police headquarters in Wainscott, where a breath test reportedly indicated Guailla-Timbe had .22 of one percent of alcohol in his blood, triggering an aggravated charge. While the DWI charges he is facing are at the misdemeanor level, the unlicensed driving charge police made is a felony, because back in 2001, GuaillaTimbe was arrested by Southampton Town police on a misdemeanor DWI charge. The resulting suspension and revocation of his license had never been resolved. He was arraigned via video conference the next morning and released.

timeframe in 2019. Many victims of vehicle thefts have not only left cars unlocked, but also left key fobs in plain view, allowing potential car thieves to easily enter the vehicle and with the press of a button, start the engine, and drive away. The area of Hampton Bays south of Montauk Highway just west of Shinnecock Bay and Canoe Place Road has seen of flurry of break-ins of late. On May 22, shortly before 11 PM, an investigation into a string of larcenies from vehicles came to a head with the arrest of Richard J. Kruger, 26, of Mastic Beach, who was observed by officers

entering a vehicle in a driveway near the intersection of Palo Alto Drive and Westerly Court in Hampton Bays. When a Southampton Town patrol officer approached Kruger, he attempted to flee, police said, but officers caught up with him. Kruger was found to be in possession of items stolen from the vehicle. Kruger was ultimately charged with 14 misdemeanor counts for his alleged role in ongoing pattern criminal activity in the area of Woodridge Road, Lynncliff Road, Palo Alto Drive, and subsequent side streets and cul-desacs. He was charged with eight counts Continued On Page 30.

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The Independent

Editorial U.S. Census Action Needed Now East Hampton, Southampton, Southold, Shelter Island, and Riverhead are all on track to suffer a crippling undercount in the current U.S. Decennial Census, the field operations of which have been suspended since March 17 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An undercount on the East End would impact the area for the next 10 years. That impact will be felt at the same time that funds for recovering from COVID-19 are being divvied up at the state and federal levels. A Decennial Census, required by the Constitution, is done in two steps. The first, in which the Census Bureau records every residential space within the United States, was completed last year. In March of this year, the second step began, the actual headcount. Despite the fact that COVID-19 severely impacted our nation, the Census Bureau successfully contacted, as it has over the last several decades, 95 percent of all the residences in the country via the U.S. postal system. However, that method is not available for more than half of the East End’s population. As in five percent of country, there are large neighborhoods and hamlets in which over half the residences do not receive direct mail. Because the Census Bureau cannot match physical addresses to post office boxes, they contact these residences by sending a census worker. That hasn’t happened this year due to COVID-19. How badly is the East End behind? Nationally, the bureau has received responses from 60 percent of all residences contacted. The East End? East Hampton, 25 percent, Southampton 31.5, Southold 33.5, Shelter Island just 9.2, and Riverhead, where most residences receive mail, 50.7. Most people only will fill out a census form if they are given a gentle nudge. But in places like Hither Hills, Amagansett, Bridgehampton, and Shelter Island, there has been no nudge, no contact at all from the Census Bureau. Even if field operations begin within the next week, it is too late for business as usual. We know town supervisors and governments are overwhelmed right now by the COVID-19 crisis. But, somehow, a postcard needs to go out to each PO Box on the East End, asking the recipient to go to www.my2020census.gov, or call 844-330-2020 for English, or 844-468-2020 for Spanish. Such a mailing may even be eligible for FEMA funding, since the crisis was caused by COVID-19. All media outlets need to get the message out, in print, online, and on the air: complete a census for your residence. It is quick and easy.

JUST ASKING

By Karen Fredericks

What's been the hardest part of school closing? Stefania Cujo I miss my friends. Most of all I miss our cartwheel club. We’d meet every day after school and we’d teach the younger kids how to do cartwheels. Now sometimes we have video calls, but it's not the same as being together.

Juan Espinoza Having classes online can be stressful. It’s not as good as having the teacher in the same room as everyone. If they’re trying to explain something and you have a question you have to type it. And sometimes that’s not the same as just saying what you’re thinking.

Sophia Brown The worst part is not getting to see your friends like you used to get to do. We speak on the phone and we use FaceTime, but it’s not the same as just seeing them every day in school.

Robin Slattery The hardest part is just not seeing your friends. There’s phone, internet — FaceTime — even Zoom and Google chat, but I miss just being around everyone the way we used to get to.

Remember those cutout dolls? You cut out paper dresses and folded the tabs over the front of the paper doll? If they made them life-sized, we could wear them on video chats and Zoom calls. No one sees your back anymore.

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.

May 27, 2020

Arts & Entertainment Historic Films Archived In Greenport Joe Lauro finds black and white, in color By Bridget LeRoy bridget@indyeastend.com

Rare color footage of the 1963 March on Washington. Independent/Courtesy Jules Cahn Collection c/o Historic Films Archive

The Independent

The Independent’s

Kids’ Zoom

WHO: Kids from all towns on the East End are invited to participate. The first 20 to sign up from each grade division will receive a Zoom link to participate. DIVIDED BY GRADE: 3rd and 4th 5th and 6th 7th and 8th The winner and runner-up from each grade division will compete against each other in the Final.

HOW: Each grade division will be hosted as a private Zoom meeting for participants only. The Final will be an open Zoom meeting for the public to watch. HOST: Bridget LeRoy DATES: Wednesday, June 3rd at 10:30AM

FINAL: Monday, June 8th at 10:30AM (winner and runner-up from each grade division) Winners and runner-ups from each grade division will receive gift cards from BookHampton and John’s Drive-In Sign up by emailing your name, town, and 2019/2020 grade to events@indyeastend.com Sponsored by BookHampton and John’s Drive-In.

(3rd & 4th graders)

Thursday, June 4th at 10:30AM (5th & 6th graders)

Friday, June 5th at 10:30AM (7th & 8th graders) *grade of 2019-2020

May 27, 2020

VOIC Y D

EPE

THE

Arts & Entertainment

D O P NDENT

Introducing The Independent’s podcast series:

9Indy Voices0

Indy Voices shares community news, interviews, and panel discussions with community leaders. Topics will include local arts and culture, environmental Issues, real estate and anything else that is on the minds of the East End community. Indy Voices celebrates everything East End. www.indyeastend.com/indyvoices

LISTEN NOW ON

Listen to EnvironmentAL Scientists, NGOs and Community leaders tackle water conservation issues on Long Island HOSTED BY CNN’S DON LEMON.

Apple Podcasts GOOGLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY • ANCHOR.FM simplecast • BREAKER DEEZER • RADIO PUBLIC

Talks are from our Water Views Festival on June 6, 2019.

and many more!

SERIES: WATER VIEWS

The Independent

Time Capsule Southampton History Museum compiling COVID-19 stories By Brittany Ineson

In 1942, a 13-year-old girl journaled her experiences as she lived through one of the most traumatic events of her young life. Over the span of nearly eight decades, Anne Frank’s journal has been translated into about 60 languages and read in classrooms, libraries, and homes around the world. It just shows you how one seemingly insignificant and simple task can ripple throughout history, impacting each life it touches. This is exactly what the Southampton History Museum is attempting to do amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. The Southampton History Museum launched “The Corona Journals,” a project intended to motivate and inspire people to share their experiences in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the quarantine.

“As a historical society, our number one priority is to preserve history,” said Southampton History Museum’s special events assistant, Liana Mizzi. “We thought it would be a cool idea to get everyone’s personal input on what’s going on during this time for them and have first-hand accounts of what it was actually like to live through something like this.” Having started at the very beginning of the quarantine, the museum hopes to have a robust and lengthy collection of submissions to add to its library at the end of this pandemic. Entries can be handwritten, typed, filmed, or drawn — whatever is your most natural form of expression. “It’s pretty cool to see the diverse perspectives of everyone and how different people are handling this,” said

Mizzi. “We have a lot of poets out there right now, which is interesting. But if you have a small video of what you did or some pictures of that apple pie you baked, send them in! We want it all.” NYC teacher and project participant, Rebecca Frank, gladly welcomed the task, as she was self-isolating in her bedroom with not much else to do. “It felt good to put my emotions out there,” said Frank. “It had me reflect on this whole experience. I thought the project was a great idea and brought it to my own classroom as a spring break project for my students.” And while the events that took place in 1942 to inspire a young Anne Frank to express her experience on pa-

per are much different from the events we face today, they do share a common thread: the need to express oneself when the world around you is so busy that no one seems to be listening. Eighty years from now will the generations after us dust off this little time capsule and wonder what it was like to live through something like this? Will they listen? For more information on how to submit an entry, visit www.southamptonhistory.org/the-corona-journals. You can also mail physical items to PO Box 303, Southampton, NY, 11969 and email any of your journals, pictures, videos, etc. to Mizzi at lmizzi@ southamptonhistory.org.

LongHouse Scholarship

Gianna Ekstra’s multidimensional photography.

LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton awarded a $3000 scholarship to Pierson High School senior Gianna Ekstra. This scholarship, now in its third year, is underwritten by Ray Smith & Associates, Inc., a master arborist based on the East End. “I see a lot of students [at LongHouse],” Ray Smith said. “It’s amazing how interested they are in the reserve

and some of the artwork they do is amazing. I thought I’d try to contribute the best I can.” Ekstra will be attending New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology in the fall majoring in fashion design with a minor in art. She hopes to combine her love of art and nature into her own clothing line. DK

Gianna Ekstra at the 2019 LongHouse Student Annual with her winning fashion design — “Vogue” — inspired by Tamiko Kawata’s “Sea Anemone.”

Arts & Entertainment

May 27, 2020

PRESENTED BY

#INTHISTOGETHER

DISCOVERTHEHAMPTONS.NET

The Independent

Virtual Concert For Food Pantries All For The East End, Sag Harbor American Music Festival partner up By Nicole Teitler nicole@indyeastend.com All For The East End and the Sag Harbor American Music Festival will stream a virtual concert on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 at 8 PM. “The Best Jams” one-hour special features some of the area’s most iconic musicians will support AFTEE’s “Feed the Need” campaign. “Musicians and artists are always ready to lend a hand for a good cause and in 2020 we have a whopper of a cause, right here at home,” said Gene Casey, who will be performing. “We applaud the work All for the East End does and are excited that the Sag Harbor American Music Festival has teamed up for this event and are thankful and honored to be a part.” AFTEE has granted more than $300,000 to local pantries including Heart of the Hamptons, and the Montauk, East Hampton, Springs, and Sag Harbor Pantries. They’ve also aided St. Rosalie’s Church in Hampton Bays, Community Action Southold Town,

and Blaze Church in Flanders. “We are very grateful to the local artists who are generously coming together to support food pantries and other organizations working tirelessly to make sure no one goes hungry,” said AFTEE President Claudia Pilato, who noted that demand has been five times higher during the COVID-19 crisis. “This need for financial support will last well into the future. AFTEE is committed to being here for the East End, and we thank the entire East End community for being part of the AFTEE team,” added Pilato. Held live on LTV’s Facebook/Instagram Live and YouTube, viewers will have a chance to see, and listen to, Dante Mazzetti, Hoodoo Loungers, Inda Eaton, Jake Lear, Joe Delia, Ludmilla Brazil, Mama Lee Rose, Nancy Atlas, Points East, Sara Hartman, The Second Hands, and Winston Irie. The concert will also include special appearances by Loudon Wainwright III,

Inda Eaton. Independent/Mike Lavin

Randy Brecker, Ada Rovatti, and more. “I have been reading headlines about the pain in New York; it has been hurting my soul,” said Sara Hartman, who grew up in Sag Harbor. “I live halfway across the world, an Atlantic ocean away. Berlin is my city but Sag Harbor is still my hometown. I think it is incredibly honorable and important to be organizing and holding events like these. It is important to know your neighbors, to reach out and be kind to the people in your local area. I do believe we can affect real change, do real good, if it starts small.” The event is produced by SHAMF and the HooDoo Lounger’s Joe Lauro’s company Historic Films. Lauro’s company will edit and produce the

video. Founded in 2012 as a non-profit, SHAMF is celebrating 10 years of bringing music to a wide audience. In years past, the festival has included three main stage evening concerts and two days of entirely free musical programming in galleries, restaurants, and other local businesses. “Bringing people together through music is what we are about. We are thrilled to be of service to AFTEE, helping raise awareness and funds for ‘Feed the Need’ while connecting these iconic local performers directly to our community,” said Kelly Connaughton Dodds, president and co-artistic director of SHAMF. Learn more www.aftee.org and www.sagharbormusic.org.

After being pelted with Instagram ads from the company every day, I finally gave in when I came across TRUFF hot sauce in the supermarket. It’s a small yet hefty bottle of hot truffleflavored hot sauce, with a hefty price

tag to match — $18 for 6 oz — and I can’t decide if I’m proud or terrified to admit that it was worth every penny! This week, we’ve selected some of our favorite secret sauces, and luckily, they don’t all cost an arm and a leg!

MARKET PAGE By Zachary Weiss

No Shame In Being Saucy

TRUFF Hot Sauce, $17.98

Sir Kensington’s Chili Lima Crema Everything Sauce, $4.99

Nando’s Peri-Peri Sauce, Medium, $3.99

Momofuku Ssam Sauce, $10.57

Arts & Entertainment

May 27, 2020

HAMPTON DAZE By Jessica Mackin-Cipro

Memorial Day Weekend Recap The Sun Still Sets, Wölffer, pizza parties, and more jessica@indyeastend.com @hamptondaze

“Let’s Make Pizza” with Chef Laurent Tourondel to benefit Guild Hall.

This wasn’t the usual Memorial Day weekend on the East End. But the community came together to provide a handful of fun events, virtually and safely. On Thursday night I logged onto the Maureen’s Haven virtual benefit. Maureen’s Haven brings together houses of worship and other organizations across the East End to provide temporary shelter for the homeless. The event honored Jesse Thistle, the author of autobiography “From The Ashes.” The evening also included a live performance by Points East. Friday night I headed to Wölffer’s

Instagram live for a performance by Lynn Blue Band. I sat on my front porch and had a glass of wine and pretended to be in the field next to the vineyard at the wine stand surrounded by friends. It’s a place where I’ve spent many Memorial Day weekend Fridays. On Saturday, acclaimed food writer Florence Fabricant was in virtual conversation with BookHampton owner Carolyn Brody, discussing “The Ladies’ Village Improvement Society Cookbook.” The book consists of a collection of 100 recipes for everything from entertaining to everyday life. Recipes are

by LVIS members as well as renowned chefs and celebrities with a Hampton presence like Martha Stewart, Ina Garten, Hilaria Baldwin, Alex Guarnaschelli, and Eli Zabar. You’ll also find recipes from local figures such as farmers and vintners. Sunday was a pizza party. Awardwinning chef Laurent Tourondel — the owner of the BLT group, which includes Sag Harbor’s LT Burger and Sag Pizza — hosted a special “Let’s Make Pizza” night to help raise money for Guild Hall’s Restart Fund. I enlisted the help of my chef husband and we enjoyed an afternoon making pizzas with Guild Hall, right from our own kitchen. Last summer I had interesting experiences at both The Surf Lodge and Governors Ball. (What I wouldn’t give right now to be trampled by 50 Cent or caught in a lightning storm on Randall’s Island). So, when I heard that The Surf Lodge, Governors Ball, and Bumble were teaming up for “The Sun Still Sets” streaming performance, I figured virtually might be the best way for me to experience this. So, from the parking lot of Coopers Beach as the sun was setting (while we waited for the drive-in movie to begin) we listened to RÜFÜS DU SOL, Bob Moses, Sofi Tukker, Snoop Dogg, and more. The stream benefitted the World Central Kitchen, founded by Chef José Andrés, to fight hunger. Following our little concert in the car, it was time for the Southampton Arts Center’s screening of the 1981 Steven Spielberg classic “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” The evening was made possible by the generosity of Simone and David Levinson. The Independent also joined as a media partner. We brought a picnic and enjoyed as we watched Indiana Jones try to beat a band of Nazis to a unique religious relic. This event also served as a food drive benefiting Southampton’s local food bank, Heart of the Hamptons. Attendees were encouraged to bring nonperishable items to donate.

The Indy Playlist

We've started a Spotify where we will feature weekly playlists. Here are a few songs we've enjoyed this week and hope you do too. Find us @indyeastend. Hell N Back - Bakar One Way Or Another - Blondie House Arrest - Soﬁ Tukker, Gorgon City Flashing Lights - Kanye West Calm Like You - The Last Shadow Puppets Chatterbox - New York Dolls Let Me Out - Gorillaz Ft. Mavis Staples & Pusha T Disparate Youth - Santigold Good as Hell - Lizzo Back Down - Bob Moses Gin N Juice - Snoop Dogg On the Road - Houndmouth Puttin' On The Ritz - Fred Astaire Take Me - RÜFÜS DU SOL California Girls - The Beach Boys

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The Independent

Virtual Digital Photos Guild Hall hosting annual exhibition By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com

Students photographed themselves in a car’s side-view mirror. Independent/Sag Harbor Union Free School District

This year, Sag Harbor Union Free School District’s fourth and fifth-grade annual digital photography exhibition will be hosted by Guild Hall of East Hampton from June 18 through August 1. Sag Harbor Elementary School art teacher Gary Osborne said the project has been running for 17 years. “We do not want to break a tradition where the community is able to experience the students’ artwork and to train their eyes to see beauty in nature and our surroundings through the children’s digital photography,” he said.

Professional photographer and Sag Harbor Elementary School artist-inresidence Clarence “Shep” Sheppard is teaching the students the technical concepts of digital photography to highlight an object reflective of their “shelter-inplace” experience. The fourth-graders’ project theme is everyday objects in quarantine, and fifth-graders’ is developing masked portraits. “The photos will tell a story about the times that we are living in right now,” Sheppard said. Anthony Madonna, the Patti Ken-

Congressional Art Competition Zeldin hosts sixth annual discovery contest featuring high school work By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com

Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition is sponsored by the members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as each congressional district.

This is Congressman Lee Zeldin’s sixth year hosting the Artistic Discovery Contest, open to all high school students in his district. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s art competition will be entirely online. High school students can submit their original artwork online by

ner Fellow in arts education at Guild Hall, reached out to Osborne in April to ask what his institution could do to help continue to showcase student artwork, and his team is currently retooling the Guild Hall website to host the online gallery. “Especially at this time, students may feel that they are creating in a void,” he said. “But by exhibiting their work at Guild Hall, where some of the most famed and storied artists of the Hamptons have exhibited, online, for anyone, anywhere to see, this collabo-

ration instills an additional excitement and esteem for the work they are creating with Shep.” The digital photography project is made possible in part by the Reutershan Educational Trust, a privatelyfunded art program created by Sag Harbor resident and architect Hobart “Hobie” Betts. Pierson High School art teacher Peter Solow, who coordinates the trust, said the school also hopes to bring the physical photography exhibition to Sag Harbor’s John Jermain Memorial Library in the fall.

May 31 to be considered for this year’s competition. The winners of this year’s competition will be announced June 2 on Zeldin’s Facebook page. The first-place winner’s artwork will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year and receive a $3000 scholarship from The Savannah College of Art and Design and Tennessee Wesleyan University should the winner choose to pursue an art career at one of these institutions. The second and third-place winners will have their artwork displayed in Zeldin’s Patchogue office. Artwork entered in the contest may be up to 28 inches by 28 inches, up to four inches in depth, and not weigh more than 15 pounds. If artwork is selected as a winning piece, it must arrive framed and must still measure no larger than the aforementioned maximum dimensions.

Paintings may include oil, acrylics, and watercolor; drawings pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers; collages must be two-dimensional; prints include lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints; mixed media submissions must use of more than two mediums, such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.; and computer-generated art and photography may also be submitted. All entries must be original in concept, design, and execution, and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image — including a painting, graphic, or advertisement — that was created by someone other than the student is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted. To learn more and submit artwork, local high school students can visit zeldin.house.gov/artcompetition.

Arts & Entertainment

May 27, 2020

KISS & TELL By Heather Buchanan

I Used To Love A Parade Can we be less ‘us and them’, more ‘in it together’? kissandtellhb@gmail.com Every Memorial Day, I would be woken up by gunfire. The Honor Guard would stand at the end of Main Street in Sag Harbor Village and signal the start of the annual parade with a five-gun salute. While I appreciated the marching bands and Girl Scouts and local political officials and volunteer firemen in their trucks, it was always the antique car with the World War II veterans that I looked forward to most. When my father was alive, we would bring his wheelchair outside to the curb and watch as he would salute his fellow soldiers. They would always salute back. I would anxiously await to see how many passengers that particular honorary car would carry, knowing each

year those precious numbers would dwindle. To not have the parade with the cheering crowds for the first time this year felt like a pause in a tradition that might have been one of their last. While the sun is out and my geraniums have been planted, hot dogs procured for the grill, Montauk Wave Chaser chilling, the momentary sense of normalcy is fleeting. My usual refrain in terms of guests, “the more, the merrier,” is now “sorry, social distancing.” When I pass by the American Hotel, I see ghosts of Memorial Day past where I would sit on the porch with Janet O’Brien for our annual ladies’ luncheon and greet passersby with hugs and kisses. I valued this metaphorical check-

ered flag that the season was off and running. It was the promise of new life and energy and much needed income and halleluiah . . . men. The beaches would be filled with people enjoying our prize and glory and we would share picnics and play Kadima and greet each other’s dogs. Remember when you could say hello and pet someone’s dog? Instead of looking at people with smiles and anticipation, now we look at each other with fear. You cannot see someone’s facial expression behind their mask, and we miss all the emotional cues. The air is filled with judgment. The individual anxiety is heightened by the collective anxiety. We are at a time where “We are all in it together,” is more “We are all in it apart.” There is of course the health crisis and the heartbreak of losing loved ones. And there is also the grief of losing a job, income, career, livelihood without any good options. That lifeline which is normally thrown this time of year to much of our community has been cut. A Hamptons summer season is filled with fundraisers for charitable and cultural institutions, live music, fine and casual dining, yoga and Pilates and barre classes, dinner parties, boat charters, salons, spas, and shopping. While this experience is non-essential,

it is essential to the people who make the bulk of their living in the summer season. It is not just missing the past but the dream of the future which is at stake. As we face a health crisis and a financial crisis, can we be less us and them and more in it together so that we can all again one day watch that wonderful Memorial Day parade?

The beaches would be ﬁlled with people enjoying our prize and glory and we would share picnics and play Kadima and greet each other's dogs.

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The Independent

Virtual Entertainment Compiled by Nicole Teitler nicole@indyeastend.com

WORDS East Hampton Library

of the book, call 631-725-4926 or email caniosbooks@verizon.net.

East Hampton presents free, live events. On Wednesday, May 27, at 6 PM will be a sci-fi discussion on “The Psychology of Time Travel” with Kate Mascarenhas and on Thursday, May 28, at 3 PM is a live panel discussion on the benefits of sustainable energy. Visit www.eastendlibrary.org.

Guild Hall

SoFo Talk

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

Southampton History Museum presents a discussion on the film “Conscience Point” with director Treva Wurmfeld. Independent/Courtesy HamptonsFilm

THEATER

WHBPAC Movies

Sag Cinema at Home

Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center has screenings available on its website for a fee through May 31; “The Woman Who Loves Giraffes” and “Corpus Christi.” Available through June 15 is “The Whistlers,” and through June 16 is “Once Were Brothers.” Go to www.whbpac.org.

Sag Harbor Cinema presents films to watch remotely with “Down and Out In America,” “Band of Outsiders,” and “Our Mothers.” See them at www.sagharborcinema.org.

Friday Flashback

Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center welcomes ages 16 to 28 for an Emerging Voices virtual night on Thursday, May 28, at 4:30 PM. Go to www.whbpac.org.

South Fork Natural History Museum will have Paul King talking about “Camouflage in Nature” on Thursday, May 28, at 4 PM. Register at www.sofo. org.

BookHampton BookHampton in East Hampton will have virtual events. On Thursday, May 28, at 5 PM will be Alexandra Carter, author of “Ask for More” in Conversation with Lynn Sherr; Friday, May 29, at 3 PM is the weekly Sue Monk Kidd, “The Book of Longings” book club and discussion; and Saturday, May 30, at 10:30 AM is story time with Tracy Newman, author of “Itzhak: A Boy Who Loved the Violin.” Get the links at www.bookhampton.com.

Zoom With Tom Clavin Sag Harbor author Tom Clavin will share the story of the third book in his Wild West trilogy, “Tombstone: The Earp Brothers, Doc Holliday and The Vendetta Ride From Hell” via Zoom on Saturday, May 30, at 5 PM. Fans of “Wild Bill” and “Dodge City” will want to tune in. Presented by Canio’s Books. Visit www.caniosbooks.com to get the link to register. To order a copy

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.

Jazz Inspired

National Theatre Live Guild Hall in East Hampton will host @Home National Theatre Live: “This House” from Thursday, May 28, at 2 PM through June 4 at 2 PM. Go to www.guildhall.org for details.

‘Primavera’ The Neo-Political Cowgirls welcomes everyone to steam “Primavera,” an interactive, mythical celebration of spring in theatrical scavenger hunt form. Head to www.npcowgirls.org.

FILM Fest Favorites Hamptons Doc Fest will have available “Very Semi-Serious,” directed by Leah Wolchok starting Wednesday, May 27. Visit www.hamptonsdocfest.com.

‘Conscience Point’ Southampton History Museum presents a discussion on the film “Conscience Point” with director Treva Wurmfeld on Friday, May 29, at 5 PM. RSVP at www.southamptonhistory.org.

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 its conversations related to the film. The organization also has links to its “Now Showing” series available every Monday. Visit www.hamptonsfilmfest. org.

Sip And Watch Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center will have a virtual viewing club Sip and Watch with Pop Fiction Women as they watch the first season of “Dead to Me.” It continues through June 4. Register at www.whbpac.org.

MUSIC Emerging Voices

Rites Of Spring On Saturday, May 30, at 2 PM, the Rites of Spring Music Festival will host Benjamin Britten and Roman Mythology, led by Terry Keevil, oboe. Visit www. ritesmusic.org.

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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Arts & Entertainment

May 27, 2020

B11

Join in Congratulating

the Class of 2020! issue date June 17th

(deadline June 11th) Join The Independent in congratulating the Class of 2020 by placing a congratulatory ad in our Special Graduation Section. Your support will encourage the graduates to continue on their path of success!

WE WILL CREATE YOUR AD FOR FREE Find out more by contacting our advertising department for more information.

Phone 631 324 2500 Fax 631 324 2544 Email dan@indyeastend.com Website www.indyeastend.com

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B12

The Independent

RICK’S SPACE

and Ditch Plains parking lots.”

By Rick Murphy

Patriots: We’re planning to send a diversionary force from Napeague that will head east to provide ground cover. They’ll overrun the plover nests and cause a panic. We should be able to slip through the guards disguised as weeping environmentalists.

The Battle Of The Beach Keeping our heads above water rmurphy@indyeastend.com

“Pa, are you sure you want to liberate the ocean beaches?” “We have to, son. I wouldn’t want you to have to look your boy in the eye someday and tell him he can’t use the beach because we didn’t fight for our rights.” “Tell me again what happened Pa . . .” “Well, we had a pandemic.”’ “That’s when the plague killed all the toilet paper?” “That’s right, boy. And the hamburgers, too.” “Must have been sad.” “It was, son. All the ketchup and

mustards were crying and begging for one last chance. The cheese promised to stop melting. Even the pickles were upset.” “So, what does that have to do with the beach?” “They figure if you keep the little people off the beach, they can keep it for themselves.” “We gonna try and liberate it, Pa?” “I reckon. Listen up.” *** Town press release: “East Hampton Town Police Department traffic control officers will be stationed at Indian Wells, Atlantic Avenue, South Edison,

Town: Marine Patrols in quads or 4x4 vehicles will be assigned to Indian Wells and Atlantic Avenue, the Napeague Lane area, and the Montauk beaches. Designated additional police officers will be assigned to patrol Indian Wells and Atlantic Avenue, Ditch Plains, and South Edison. Patriots: OK, these boys can be tough. Luckily for us, no matter where they say they are going, the Marine Patrol trucks will be either going to or coming from the 7-Eleven in Sag Harbor. Just carry a fishing pole and call whoever you see “Bubby” and you’ll be fine. Town: The town’s beach reopening plan has been submitted to and approved by the county health department and an internal medicine and infectious disease specialist who the town board appointed on Tuesday as a volunteer consultant. The East Hampton Town Trustees have unanimously endorsed the plan. Patriots: Don’t worry about the Trustees. We will offer them a “Benefit Plan.” They’ll roll over faster than you can say “dredge this.” Town: In addition to enforcing beach regulations, police officers will continue visiting businesses to advise them that people must have a mask with them in public and be prepared to put it on when not able to maintain a sixfoot social distance.

masks, but you can buy a J-Lo at the five and dime or a Kardashian. In addition, there will be plenty of surgical masks blowing all over the beach and floating in the water. Town: “The opening of beaches on a trial basis will be closely monitored. We ask for everyone’s patience and cooperation so that we may all enjoy continued progress against COVID-19, and make the best of a summer that will be like no other,” Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc said. Patriots: This is the guy that wants to shut everything down. We used to have a town board but, one by one, they disappeared. Each of you will carry a picture of this gentleman, Jeffrey Bragman, who used to be on the board. If you see him, do not attempt to free him but give him food and water, put a mask on him, and call Marine Patrol to get him a Slurpee. *** “Will I see the ocean again, Pa?" “Sure, son. We can always take a ride over to Beach Lane in Wainscott and . . . well, never mind. By the way, if you see this Van Scoyoc guy, one word of advice: genuflect, son, genuflect.

“They ﬁgure if you keep the little people off the beach, they can keep it for themselves.”

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Arts & Entertainment

May 27, 2020

B13

THANK YOU ESSENTIAL WORKERS! The Independent would like to thank our

NURSES & DOCTORS

EMTS

MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS PARAMEDICS

PHARMACISTS

DELIVERY EMPLOYEES

CAREGIVERS SOCIAL WORKERS

DENTISTS FARMERS

ANIMAL ADVOCATES

CHEFS & RESTAURANT EMPLOYEES

POLICE OFFICERS FIREFIGHTERS

GROCERY STORE WORKERS FOOD PANTRY WORKERS

And to everyone who is helping to keep our community flourishing!

B14

The Independent

Hamptons Spa Sand Debuts Take luxury home for a fraction of the price By Nicole Teitler nicole@indyeastend.com

Dawn Watson was head of public relations for real estate company Douglas Elliman in the Hamptons and across Long Island for several years, until she was furloughed during the pandemic. In making lemonade out of her lemons, Watson turned her time towards creating a small line of premium artisanal sea salts for the bath — Hamptons Spa Sand. “This is something that I’ve wanted to do for a really long time. I’m obsessed with simple pleasures and enjoy luxuriating, especially in the bath, so I came up with my own natural fancy spa-type treats,” Watson said. “Now that I have some extra time on my hands, I’ve finally been able to pursue this hobby as a real business.” The sea salts are exclusively made

on the South Fork in a variety of colors and scents. Watson takes the natural sea salt, finely grinds it up, then adds custom fragrances and color for the final touch. Rosé, hydrangea (the Hamptons’ most ubiquitous flower), beach, sunset, sunrise, and more scented salts on the way, all represent a piece of the East End. “No matter where you may be, now it’s possible to enjoy a day at the beach— anytime, anywhere,” Watson said. The price is right at only $5 or $10 per pouch. Hamptons Spa Sand is committed to protecting the environment, and each product is sent using ecocompostable packaging. Visit www.hamptonsspasand.com.

Independent/ Dawn Watson

V I N TA G E R A D I O LIVE & LOCAL

May 27, 2020

B15

Dining Summer Secret Take Beacon lobster rigatoni bayside By Hannah Selinger

Every year, we set our Memorial Day clocks by the reopening of the Beacon, David Loewenberg’s now decades-old restaurant that possesses the best sunset view in Sag Harbor. This year is different, but also, it isn’t. Like every other year, Beacon opened right on time, on May 21, just before the holiday weekend, another season’s welcome bell. Unlike every other year, there was no clamoring for the sunset seats. Sam McCleland’s food is still a fresh reminder of Beacon’s concept: sea, sun, season. Tuna tartare comes with capers, whole grain mustard, cucumber, and red curry paste, a gentle spice ruminating on the back palate. Crispy fish tacos with salsa verde, pepper jack, and a tomato emulsion are cause for celebration, sunset or not. And who wouldn’t be moved by spring peas, nearly as sweet as their accompanying caramelized carrots, over mixed greens and mache, adorned with herbbuttermilk dressing? The ever-popular sesame-crusted tuna still reigns supreme, served with

soba noodles and a Napa cabbagejicama Asian slaw. I am the type who has never once said no to Milanese, and the Beacon’s pork version is no exception, this one served with frisée, roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions, and a truffle vinaigrette. But the most decadent entrée by far is a Loewenberg classic, the lobster rigatoni. Make way for lobster, cheddar, roasted corn, basil, and cream. If you’re feeling bathing suit-conscious, you can opt for the half portion. I am never feeling that way, for the record. In the netherworld of Suffolk on Pause, orders can currently be placed between 3:30 and 7 PM, by calling the restaurant at 631-725-7088. Orders can subsequently be picked up between 5 and 7:30 PM on Thursday and Monday and from 5 to 8:30 PM Friday through Sunday. The restaurant currently plans to go to seven days and also add a lunch service in June. One useful reminder worth considering, as you mourn the lost sunset. Sag Harbor is, in some ways, the envy

Independent/ Jason Penney

of the Hamptons. With its perch on the bay, it has some of the best sunset views around. Camp out in the parking lot, sure, but if that won’t do, drive across the bridge and over to Long Beach, where the parking lot is open after hours. A picnic can be as easy as sitting on the roof of one’s car with an unobstructed view of the sun slipping into the bay. In every other year — in every other season — we have had cause to complain about crowds and wait times, but there’s none of that now. It’s only us, the food, and wherever we choose to take it. The whole world is ours. Flip a coin and pick the best place in Sag Harbor, even if that place is your own kitchen table. There is, too, some hope. Not ev-

18 Park Place East Hampton 324-5400 Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner Take Out Orders

ery seasonal space has chosen to reopen in uncertain times, but the Beacon has embraced the moment, knowing that people are still hungry, for sunset, sure, but also for sesame-crusted tuna, no matter where they happen to be eating it. Another restaurant opening is a gift, a reminder that things will eventually go back to normal, or some relative version of it, and that we can still have our needs and wants met, the large plate of the lobster rigatoni, thank you very much. And so, season here — for the Beacon tells us so — we soldier on. Consider this an opportunity to find the very best sunsets, sesame tuna in hand, and tell no one of them. It can be the secret of the summer, the one no one but you knows about.

Prime Meats • Groceries Produce • Take-Out Fried Chicken • BBQ Ribs Sandwiches • Salads Party Platters and 6ft. Heroes Beer, Ice, Soda Wholesale 725-9087 Retail 725-9004

Open 7 Days a Week

B16

The Independent

EAST END TASTE By Vanessa Gordon

Six Healthy Takeout Dishes I don’t think I have had so much fun ordering takeout as I have in these recent weeks. My family and I try to order takeout at least three times a week to help support local restaurants. Though we have our go-to selections, this has been a way for us to try new restaurants and mix it up a bit. Those comfort dishes sure are fun to enjoy, including a recently delivered tray of the yummiest giant chocolate chip cookies from The Hamptons Aristocrat to our favorite BBQ platter from Smokin’ Wolf. To help us stay on track while indulging a little that one day per week, we try and focus on well-rounded, nutritious dishes for takeout that may take too much time to prep and cook at home. I have compiled some of my favorite health-conscious meals available for takeout. These dishes are available at restaurants across the Hamptons from Southampton to Amagansett.

Amagansett Coche Comedor This fun spot serves up inspired Mexican cuisine with a variety of great options for bringing the celebration to the home. A healthy-minded choice that tastes amazing is its Beet & Chayote Salad. The salad is made with Chioggia beets that have a touch of sweetness, chayote (green) squash, mint, queso fresco, and citrus vinaigrette. 631-267-5709

Bridgehampton Yama Q Yama Q has been a favorite of my family’s for many years. The entire menu is full of so many healthy selections. Go with the Hijiki (black seaweed) and vegetable dumplings to start. Follow that up with Red Thai Curry Vegetable Stir-Fry. We always get it over udon noodles. It also has a reduced-price beverage menu. Text in your order: 631848-7712.

East Hampton Bostwick’s Chowder House I always get hungry any time I think about Bostwick’s! When I am taking a mini vacation from ordering the lobster rolls, I order the Blackened Fish Taco with Cajun spiced mahi with fresh mango salsa, or the Tuna Poke Tacos with marinated raw tuna, mango salsa, and wasabi cucumber sauce (two tacos per order). Trust me, these fish tacos are famous for a reason! 631-324-1111

Sag Harbor The Bell & Anchor The Bell & Anchor has so many great staple dishes to have again and again. For some great color and texture, order the Vegan Plate. This dish mixes pineapple-cashew quinoa with spinach, roasted cauliflower, picked vegetables,

Full Service Catering • Take Out Catering • Grab & Go Daily Lunch Specials • Event Planning

Independent/ Bostwick's

and coconut curry for that dash of spice. 631-725-3400 Lulu Kitchen & Bar Know you have made the right choice for dinner with Lulu’s Vegetable Stew. The stew is made with chickpeas, harissa for that added kick, and market vegetables. Add on one of our fridge favorites like the Carrots & Chickpeas Salad or Roasted Beets Salad. Orders may be brought directly to your vehicle upon arrival. 631-725-0900

Southampton Saaz My longtime favorite at Saaz is the Chicken or Vegetable Biryani. The Biryani is made with whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and garnished with nuts and raisins. For rice, I choose the brown basmati or lemon & herb rice. As a starter, I am fond of the Steamed Chicken Momos or chicken dumplings served with beetroot chutney. Plus, you cannot go wrong with no delivery fees. Delivery is from Manorville to East Hampton. 631-259-2222

Favorite Alternatives Hamptons Aristocrat has a beautiful array of healthy dishes to choose from including Sprouted Kale, Sesame Noodle Salad, and Green Goddess Quinoa Salad. At Smokin’ Wolf, we love to order the Veggie Burger topped with Mango BBQ sauce with an a la carte side of collard greens. Remember to refer to the Limited Menu/Limited Lunch Menu when placing your order. Hamptons Aristocrat: 631-384-9617 Smokin’ Wolf: 631-604-6470

A Quick Tip For Home My daughter and I have been experimenting with infusing our water with freshly sliced fruit, vegetables, and herbs. It is a great and simple activity for children and it is so much fun to have them as the taste-testers. Our most recent infusions are cucumber, raspberry, and mint; and strawberry, lime, and thyme.

Which health-focused takeout dishes have been some of your favorites? Share your photos with us on social media by tagging @IndyEastEnd, @EastEndTaste, the restaurant you ordered from, and #EastEndTaste. We look forward to seeing them!

Dining

May 27, 2020

B17

RECIPE OF THE WEEK Chef Joe Cipro

Grilled Salmon With Truffled Sweet Pea Risotto And Parsnip Crisp Ingredients (serves 4) 1 1/2 lbs salmon filet 6 oz risotto (uncooked) 1/2 white onion 1 bay leaf 5 oz peas (fresh or frozen) 1 oz white truffle oil 2 oz butter 1/2 c parmesan cheese 1/2 c white wine 1/2 gallon water 2 medium sized parsnips 2 c canola oil Salt and pepper to taste

Directions Begin by dicing the onion and heating a large pot over medium heat with one ounce of oil. Sauté the onion until translucent and add the bay leaf and risotto. Stir with a wooden spoon to coat the rice, then deglaze the pan with the white wine. Allow the wine to reduce for a moment, then add the water. While the risotto cooks over medium heat, heat up the grill, then peel and slice the parsnips into thin strips. The risotto does need constant attention and stirring through the cooking

process, however be careful not to stir too much. While the risotto continues to cook, heat the rest of the oil in a small pot over medium heat. When the oil comes to temperature, fry the thin strips of parsnip until golden brown. Once the grill is hot, you can grill your fish. First, lightly oil the flesh side of the fish, then season with a bit of salt and pepper. Put the salmon flesh side down on the hottest part of the grill.

Once you have the desired marks on the fish, you can move it to one of the vegetable racks on your home grill and close the lid for about five minutes to finish the cooking process. Meanwhile, when the risotto becomes thick, add the butter, cheese, truffle oil, and peas. Continue to stir until all the ingredients have been incorporated into a creamy cheesy rice dish. Plate the risotto and top with a piece of salmon and the crispy parsnips.

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

B18

The Independent

Nick’s On The Beach Donates $10,000 To Montauk Food Pantry

Independent/ Courtesy Nick's on the Beach

By Jessica Mackin-Cipro jessica@indyeastend.com

Nick’s on the Beach in Montauk, formerly the Sloppy Tuna, opened Memorial Day weekend with a grab-and-go menu. The plan is to bring back good food, good vibes, and good fun, while complying with COVID-19 safety measures. “We’re keeping the menu simple, and have window service in place from two sides of the building, with lots of distancing markers. We love Montauk and are working hard to keep our operations safe and keep Nick’s Beach clean,” said manager Jeff Capri.

To kick off the season, the restaurant’s management team is donating $10,000 to the Montauk Food Pantry. “I continue to be moved by the generosity of our community,” said Alice Houseknecht, the director of the pantry. “The number of families we serve has tripled; this really assists people who need help.” There will also be an opportunity for anyone purchasing food or beverages to make a donation to the pantry. All donations will be matched up to an additional $10,000.

The oceanfront restaurant serves casual American food, drinks, and cocktails. It opened with a limited menu. You can find items like quesadillas, burgers, wraps, and lobster rolls, as well as frozen cocktails. Options also include mini-wine bottles paired with charcute-

rie platters and a variety of ice cream and root beer floats. Nick’s plans to open at 11:30 AM daily, and will stay open during the evening. Free masks will be also available. More info can be found at www.nicksonthebeachmtk.com.

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Dining

May 27, 2020

Guest-Worthy Recipe: Chef Alfred Portale

B19

Independent/ Courtesy Chef Alfred Portale

Roast rack of lamb with black cherry au poivre sauce By Zachary Weiss

Who

1 Tbsp coarse salt Zest of 1⁄2 of a lemon, julienned Fresh ground black pepper

Chef Alfred Portale

Instagram @ChefAlfredPortale

Chef Portale’s Guest-Worthy Recipe Roast rack of lamb with black cherry au poivre sauce

Why? “This recipe is a quick, easy, and versatile sauce recipe that’s perfect for lamb, roast pork, and classic with duck.”

Ingredients For the Lamb Marinade 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced  2 Tbsp olive oil  1 tsp oregano  2-3 sprigs rosemary, coarsely chopped

For the Black Cherry Au Poivre Sauce 2 Tbsp shallots, finely minced  1 Tbsp coarse cracked black pepper Coarse salt  1⁄2 tsp corn starch  2 Tbsp aged sherry wine vinegar  1⁄2 c dry red wine  1 c beef stock  2 tsp water  1/3 c St. Dalfour black cherry preserve

Directions Place lamb in a shallow container. Combine all the ingredients for the lamb marinade in a small bowl. Coat lamb with marinade. Cover and refrigerate up to six hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 375. Remove lamb

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11:30 ‘TIL 8PM 103 MAIN ST, SAG HARBOR, NY 11963

631.725.3167

from marinade and season with salt. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a sauté pan on the stove top over medium heat. Place lamb in the pan, fat side down, and cook for five minutes.   Place pan in the oven to continue cooking. Turn lamb after 10 minutes.  Continue to roast the lamb until it is nicely browned and medium rare, about 10 additional minutes. Return pan to stove top and place lamb on a plate to rest. Pour off all but one tablespoon of the fat from the pan. Add shallots and black pepper to pan with the saved tablespoon of fat and cook over medium

heat for two to three minutes. Stir continuously.   Deglaze pan with vinegar, reduce, and then add red wine. Reduce and add beef stock. Combine water and corn starch in a bowl, stir to make a slurry and then whisk into the sauce in pan. Simmer sauce until slightly reduced and lightly thickened.  Strain into small sauce pot.  Stir in black cherry preserve. Taste and season with salt. Carve lamb and arrange on plate.  Spoon the black cherry au poivre over lamb.  Serve remaining sauce table side.

B20

The Independent

DINNER & COCKTAILS TO GO WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY 4 - 8 PM PICKUP ORDER 9AM - 7PM

631-537-3660 Menu: www.bridgehamptoninn.com

2226 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton

News & Opinion

May 27, 2020

Real Realty Anthony Porco of Rosewood Developers When Long Island is your canvas and building is in your blood p. 24

Independent/Courtesy Rosewood Developers

22 C-2

The Independent

Deeds

Min Date =4/25/2020 Max Date = 5/1/2020

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

Featured For Sale 95 Peconic Hills Drive Southampton

$1,015,000

Web ID: H349711

David Donohue

Lic. R.E. Salesperson

631-204-2715 516-650-4419

david.donohue@ elliman.com

Marta Bubka

Lic. R.E. Salesperson

631-204-2717 631-512-1673 marta.bubka@ elliman.com

Area

Buy

Sell

AMAGANSETT

189 Marine LLC

Otis CMS Real Estate

21,000,000

189 Marine Blvd

AQUEBOGUE

Warnasuriya & Rodrigo

Genovese, G & M

580,000

45 Wake-robin Ln

Jivanelli, M

Allen, D

400,000

143 Trout Brook Ln

Iles, P & Z

U & Me Homes LLC

2,950,000

16 Sellentin Way

88 Rose Way & Titan Rose

Sampieri, R & J

4,666,666

88 Rose Way

CUTCHOGUE

Duff Jr, D & A

Rimor Development LLC

727,900

Harvest Pointe, Home #65

EAST HAMPTON

Favre, M & J

Antonelle, M

999,000

2 Wildflower Ln

Capel, N & Hannan, A

Yarghi, K & N

3,100,000

6 Terry’s Trail

Padilla-Segarra, E

Shapiro, D

603,000

49 Lincoln Ave

Schumann, W

Bell, V

624,000

26 Springwood Way

Burns, J

Rodan, M

832,500

58 Long Woods Ln

Jordan, R & D

Campese, M

1,900,000

148 Three Mile Harbor Rd

Bahnsen Family Trust

Cara, J & D

1,547,500

81 Accabonac Rd

Libretto, T & Goldfarb

Goldberg, M & J

850,000

24 Central Ave

106 Briar Patch Rd

Briar Patch Associates

6,000,000

106 SBriarPatch&19.2&20.2

EAST MARION

Jozic, B & V

Burton, N by Exr

775,000

12960 Route 25

EASTPORT

360 Montauk Highway

Tuttle, H by Exrs

350,000

360 Montauk Hwy

GREENPORT

Diggs, K

Dalton Studios LLC

562,500

63 Washington Ave

PHH Mortgage Corp

Hilton, T&S by Ref

380,000

325 Bridge St

Schnepper, S & M

Detiger, P

750,000

9 Bay View Terr

R & T Realtors LLC

Martinez, etal by Ref

327,000

12 Old Squiretown Rd

Reinoso, Quintuna & Mal

Griffith Ross Holdings

529,000

49 West Tiana Rd

Egan, A & A

Hourigan, G & L

615,000

9 Jefferson Ave

Fraenkel, D

Leone, A & A

564,500

1355 Deep Hole Dr

12425 Sound LLC

Marjam 50 LLC

435,500

12425 Sound Ave

MONTAUK

Town of East Hampton

Twiggs, T & N

1,035,000*

85 S Edgemere St

ORIENT

Citigroup Mortgage

McElroy, D by Ref

2,150,000

1470 Grandview Dr

QUOGUE

Pheasant Run Partners

WB Properties LLC

770,000

9 Pheasant Run

18 QQ Lane LLC

Murray, A, J & F Trusts

2,600,000

18 Quaquanantuck Ln

Riverhead Retail Prtnr

245 West Main Street

1,000,000

243-245 & 255 W. Main St

Fisher Organization

Junior’s Auto by Ref

231,000

182 Old Quogue Rd

JJJ East End LLC

Rempe, L by Ref

257,929

59 Topping Dr

BRIDGEHAMPTON

HAMPTON BAYS

MATTITUCK

RIVERHEAD

Price

Location

Real Realty

May 27, 2020

C-3 23

Deeds Featured For Sale 21 Old Town Road Southampton Village

$1,150,000

Web ID: H351143

Raphael Avigdor

Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker

631-204-2740 917-991-1077

raphael.avigdor@ elliman.com

Aleksandrina Penkova

Lic. R.E. Salesperson

631-204-2742 631-871-9353

aleksandrina. penkova@elliman.com

Area

Buy

Sell

McGrath, S & H

Taub, C

600,000

22 Island View Dr

Town of Southampton

Reiser, K Trust

815,000*

828 Brick Kiln Rd

18 Howard LLC

18 Howard Street LLC

4,000,000

18 Howard St

Aqeel, S Trust

Sag Development Prtnrs

2,450,000

15 Church St, #D-214

GMTAB 51 LLC

51 Palmer Terrace LLC

4,200,000

51 Palmer Terr

Town of East Hampton

Smith, M Family Trust

890,000

776 Route 114

Town of East Hampton

Lloyd, S & M

787,000*

Unnamed Rd

Katz, J Trust

Bernard, S & Stonehill

800,000

9 Great Circle Dr

Liberty Lawn & Landscape

Eicke, E

500,000

17 N Ferry Rd

Kusner, T & P

Mankowski, C

1,100,000

11 Dickerson Dr

Gardner, J & K

Bernstein, M & J

985,000

4 N Silver Beach

Cramer, S & S

Moore, A & M

900,000

16 Turtle Cove Dr

Miller, B & J

Sbarra, V & J

890,000

358 West Neck Rd

Drazan, A & C

Reilly Building Corp

3,770,000

32 Long Springs Rd

Nordlinger, G & S

125 Coopers Farm LLC

2,800,118

125 Coopers Farm Rd

CGZ Development LLC

Fifteen Prospect Mgmnt

3,000,000

15 & 29 Prospect St

Patelli & Robinson Pate

McClain, M by Exr

1,475,000

31 Bellows Ln

133 & 135 Toylsome

Lambare NY LLC

5,600,000

135 Toylsome Ln

SOUTHOLD

Farnam, J

Kritsberg, M

555,100

1625 Leeward Dr

SPEONK

Baker, C & S

Walker, G & K

770,000

9 Hickory Bend

WADING RIVER

Ackerman, C & Tymann, L

Sheehy, D & B

450,000

292 Sound Rd & lot 1-007

Tiamsic, G & S

Siemsen, K & T

640,000

54 Mainstone Ln

Chwatsky & Feinblatt, R

Judelson, C Trust

1,425,000

1 Cove Point Ct

Borress, G & M

Mardini, M & Lenz, M

2,073,750

1 Goose Glen Ct

WESTHAMPTON

Perrell, P & A

Barletta, C & E

800,000

9 Farm Ln

WESTHAMPTON BEACH

47 Brittany LLC

Giovati, R

567,500

47 Brittany Ln, Unit 47

Nolan, R & K

Ellis Real Estate Dvlp

1,235,000

38 Oak St

Starr, E & R

Oppenheimer McCarroll

1,075,000

4 Stillwaters Ln

SAG HARBOR

SHELTER ISLAND

SOUTHAMPTON

WATER MILL

*Vacant Land

Price

Location

24 C-4

The Independent

Anthony Porco Of Rosewood Developers When Long Island is your canvas and building is in your blood By Ty Wenzel ty@indyeastend.com

nthony Porco continued in his father’s footsteps when joining and eventually leading his father’s luxury building company, which was founded in 1954. That’s a lot of time to understand the landscape and zoning laws of Long Island, which is the canvas into which Rosewood Developers has built some of the most beautiful homes. Of late, they have put more emphasis and resources into building in the Hamptons. Indy visited one of their masterpieces on Pelham in Southampton and found their work to be showstopping yet complementary to its existing environs. We caught up with Porco to learn more about their work, their history, and where they see themselves flourishing in the near future.

Rosewood Developers is a family owned and run building enterprise. Can you tell us about the team members and the history of the firm? Rosewood Developers, Inc. is a family owned second generation business established in 1954 by my father Anthony Porco, Sr. with the intention of producing impeccable homes for their discerning clientele. Rosewood Developers is known for our integrity, loyalty, and our flawless reputation of using the highest standard of skill, quality goods and materials for each home we construct. We are builders of fine custom single-family dwellings. With a proven track record, Rosewood Developers has a consistency of completing jobs in a timely manner while maintaining professional quality and distinction. I have followed in my father’s footsteps with the same dedication, hard work, and integrity. Other family members have come aboard to carry on the tradition like I did at a very young age, learning the craft and learning what it takes to build a superior home.

What are some differences

between building in Suffolk and Nassau counties? Even though Rosewood Developers is based in Melville, I am also a resident on the East End while also having an office there as well. We have built homes in both Suffolk and Nassau counties which include Centerport, Dix Hills, Northport, Huntington, Huntington Bay, Cold Spring Harbor, Muttontown, Brookville and the Hamptons. Over the past five plus years, our focus has been strictly building homes in the Hamptons. The differences between building in Suffolk and Nassau counties are the primary rules and regulations as far as building codes which vary from county to county. Also, the architecture of the homes change from county to county as well, but even within the counties, styles of homes can change within different perimeters. For an example, on the East End you have a mixture of modern, transitional, and traditional homes sometimes on the same block as they get closer in proximity of water views.

The home on Pelham in Southampton is exceptional. How would you define the style of the homes you build? I would define the homes that I build in terms of style as mostly traditional and transitional. Both categories are distinct on their exteriors and have similar architectural floor plans, which are open concepts.

What is your favorite town to build in? My favorite town to build in is the township of Southampton because the town has a friendly atmosphere and has a diversity of the homes in this area.

Do you work with specific architects or do you design the home in-house? I use various architects based on the style of the home we want to build. I

Anthony Porco, center, with his nephews, Mathew Porco and Richard Lavelle. Independent/ Courtesy Rosewood Developers

am very much involved in both exterior and interior elevations when designing a home with architects.

What is the full range of services that Rosewood Developers offers? Rosewood Developers provides new construction that can be customized to a customer’s needs and desires. All of our homes are designed with their own distinct architecture. Each home that we design is never duplicated so that they stand out on their own, which makes it a fully custom design.

How important is green building? Can you give any examples? The main focus of Rosewood Developers, which our reputation is based off of, is building a quality home with solid infrastructure, which includes building green. All of our construction materials that we use are the highest quality in order to achieve our goals. To specify, when it comes to green building, we use the highest density insulation throughout our homes. We also use high performance heating and cooling equipment to achieve a high index for our HERS Reports. Quality windows are a big factor when achieving a high-quality green home. Geo-thermal and solar panels are also used to substantiate a highquality green home.

How involved are you with the homeowners when building? Do they bring their own architects or do you provide this? Rosewood Developers is based on a hands-on operation to monitor quality in the build. I am 100 percent involved

in all phases of construction from start to finish when working with the homeowner. At the end of the day, it’s my job to make the homeowners’ vision turn into a reality. The choice of architect can vary depending on the customer. Sometimes a customer will have a particular architect they would like to work with. On the other hand, most of my custom homes are built by architects we use.

In what ways are you evolving as a builder? I am constantly researching new product information and new techniques of construction that will enhance our product.

Are you incorporating any trends that you’ve seen in any of the homes you’re currently building? A developer always wants to keep up with new trends in the industry. Some of the trends that are tasteful I will incorporate depending on the demand. The most important thing, even with trends, is to be distinct and custom.

When you’re not building luxury homes, what do you do for fun? When you are a custom builder and you care about your end product and your relationship with your customer, the fun is to make sure that happens. When I do have some down time away from building, I love to spend it with my large family that consists of my brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. Rosewood Developers can be reached by calling 516-443-9978, emailing rosewooddevelopers@live.com or visiting www.rosewooddevelopers.com.

News & Opinion

May 27, 2020

Amagansett’s Hodge Goes To The Extreme

Independent/Dave Hodge Photography

Team of explorers test out new Mars spacesuit in analog environment By Nicole Teitler nicole@indyeastend.com In August 2019, a carefully selected team of renowned explorers traveled to Iceland to test out a new spacesuit, the Mars Suit 1 analog suit, including Dave Hodge, a nature and research photographer who lives in Amagansett. They spent 10 days crossing the Vatnajökull glacier and inside the Grímsvötn volcano, which mimics the polar regions of Mars, as it is one of the country’s most remote terrestrial analog sites. The mission provided potential information and insights to identifying life on Mars through geothermal energy, repurposing frozen water for rocket fuel, and long-term human habitation. “There was nothing for 10 hours in any direction. Being inside the suit, in that remote base, did really feel like you were on another planet,” said Hodge, who is a member of the Explorers Club, which promotes scientific exploration and field study. He is also a member of its business development board. Looking at the rows of ice and mountains, “It’s very confined inside. You’re looking at this beauty and you can’t really touch it, you have to be protected. The main feeling was a spectacular beauty being in a space suit looking out at this new world. I feel like that’s as close as you can get on this planet.” Founded in 1904, the Explorers Club’s past members include notable names such as Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Theodore Roosevelt, Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, Mary Leakey, Jane Goodall, and Jeff Bezos. It’s famous for its firsts, including journeys to the North Pole, South Pole, the deepest point of the ocean, landing on the summit of Mount Everest, the surface of the moon — all of those missions carrying the famed club’s flag. The Iceland Space Agency Glacial Expedition with Volcanic Research Mission was an official Explorers Club Flag Expedition, granted only to expeditions that meet high standards of both science and exploration. Flag 60 was carried by Hodge. “It’s a great honor to have the flag and it’s a big responsibility, to make sure we get to report back to the club.

That then goes into an archive that is accessible to scientists and researchers all over the world; it will remain permanently in that collection,” Hodge said. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Rhode Island Space Grant consortium granted funding for the development of the suit, known as the MS1. Designed by Rhode Island School of Design’s Michael Lye, it included input from HI-SEAS crew members (the long-duration mission simulations run by the University of Hawaii on Moana Loa) and NASA’s Johnson Space Center Space Suit Engineering team, incorporating geometry from NASA’s Z-2 prototype suit. It weighs roughly 50 pounds. Lye began working with NASA in 2004, when he taught an advanced design studio class in the Industrial Design Department at RISD. He now oversees a team of students every April that enter NASA’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge competition and sends students for internships every summer. A team of 14 RISD students also contributed to the design of the MS1 simulator suit, beginning work in the fall of 2015. “It’s specifically intended for use here on the surface of the Earth. It is not capable of being pressurized or used in a vacuum, but rather it is intended to be used during mission simulations or concept operations for research of all kinds including planning, testing, or developing future missions. It can also be used for psycho-social research programs like Hi-SEAS,” said Lye, who explained that “using a real spacesuit on Earth costs millions of dollars.” “It attempts to overcome those problems in a low-cost, accessible, usable, and reliable way for the Earthbound research projects that are currently going on around the world.” The MS1 was tested using different shapes, sizes, and genders, rather than just the traditionally athletic built male. The team endured heavy winds, limited visibility, unknown terrain variables, and risk of volcanic eruption during their time in the Grímsvötn vol-

cano’s caldera, a 200-meter-deep lake with a 20-kilometer-wide rim consisting of steam vents, and hot grounds with active magma below — a geothermal site in the middle of Europe’s largest ice cap. Chosen for its remoteness, geological and topographical nature of the location, “it’s as similar as possible to surfaces of other planets and the moon,” Hodge explained. The MS1 was also tested on its ice climbing capabilities where the bottom of the glacier meets the land, a location made famous from the film, “Interstellar.” Ali Watson, who works with Hodge at his company UnExplored Media, was the only female Explorers Club member to join the mission and was the executive producer for “ISAGEVR1,” a documentary about the mission. “A lot of what we do is push the limits of innovation around exploration. We’re trying to look at how we can push human potential,” said Watson. “The space race is valuable because regardless of whether we will get to another planet in time, the most important thing to come out of this is the technology that will help us in extreme environments.” Space technology acts as a catalyst to applicable research at home. In researching for the outer world, it also provides information useful for climate change, or even virus precautions. “The technology that’s being developed is valuable. There’s so much crossover between space and protecting our home,” Hodge said. Lye said, “The MS1 is really a research tool that allows NASA or other

scientists to collect the best data possible here on Earth before beginning the extremely high-risk missions into space or Mars. The MS1 is another tool in the arsenal of research, testing and understanding what future missions might encounter.” Other team members included Benjamin Pothier, an elected fellow international of the Explorers Club, specializing in personal experience; Helga Kristín, Icelandic geologist, specializing in magma behavior and the first geologist to wear the MS1 in Iceland; Gunnar Gudjonsson, a founding partner and the Chief of Field Operations for the ISA; Abbey Smith, executive producer and lead on sponsorships; and Sóley Argrímsdóttir, lead on nutrition and health. The suit met all of the team’s expectations. Built primarily for more moderate temperatures, the MS1 electrical systems fared well. Except for an overflow of ventilation, which could produce frost bite and fogging in extreme colds, there were fewer issues than anticipated. “The entire time in Iceland I barely touched the extensive tool kit that accompanies the suit. The challenging thing about a project like this is there is always room for improvement. Is it ready for future missions? Yes. Could it be better with additional work? Yes. So, there is definitely work that I’d like to do,” said Hodge. There are plans to refine the details and create a model closer to emulating a fully pressurized suit on Mars. To learn more, visit www.icelandspaceagency.is

The Independent

What Would Be 124th LVIS Fair Canceled Anticipated event will not take place due to the pandemic By Karen Fredericks karen@indyeastend.com

Held on the last Saturday in July for the past 123 years, the Ladies’ Village Improvement Society Fair is one of the oldest and most anticipated summer events in the Hamptons. But this year, it has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For children, highlights have included pony rides, a petting zoo, bouncy castles, and a non-stop carousel. For adults, it was a booth overflowing with flowers and plants so abundant the Garden of Eden might look barren in comparison. There was a vintage clothing booth that’s a Hamptons best-kept se-

cret of fashionistas and collectors from far and wide. There was a silent auction featuring hundreds of luxury items. For the past five years, sisters Bonnie Pizzorno and Pam Cataletto, known as the “fair pair,” have been the committee chairwomen for the fair, in existence since 1896. They have captained an army of hundreds of member volunteers who make the grandiose event happen. “This year’s fair was to be the official kickoff of the LVIS 125th anniversary celebration,” Pizzorno said. “We hoped we wouldn’t have to cancel the event that, over the last decade, has

LVIS Fair circa 1900. Independent/Courtesy The East Hampton Library, Long Island Collection

been a major factor in allowing the organization to raise $5 million spent on our mission of maintaining the trees, the village greens, the nature trail, and to fund scholarships for many local students, as well as women going back to school to earn a college degree.” She added, though, there was no denying the reason for cancelation, and she’s already looking to the 125th fair. “After weeks of careful consider-

ation, the deciding moment came when I asked myself if I could really envision the women volunteering at the entry gates, taking the temperature of each visitor before they were allowed into the fair,” Pizzorno said. “We can only hope those who receive our community report, which is our annual fundraising letter, will remember us with their donations this year. We’ll need that to continue our work.”

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News & Opinion

May 27, 2020

Southampton Is Getting A Choice

said. “The tariff enables a competitive market for electricity on Long Island and a choice which Long Islanders do not have today. The next hurdle will be price.” The tariff, or rule change, allows bid soliciting from energy suppliers with the goal of creating local renewable electric energy purchasing options — be it wind, solar, or tidal — to provide a lower price per kilowatt hour than currently being offered by LIPA. PSEG Long Island will continue to be responsible for delivering the power to customers and ensuring that the electric grid remains safe and reliable, LIPA Director of Communications Sid Nathan said. Over the past two years, Southampton has led the effort to bring CCA to Long Islanders. The town was the first on Long Island to pass the enabling legislation to support the creation of a program, and first to contract with an administrator to coordinate the effort to create and implements the program — two critical steps. “We have a sustainability community that’s next to none,” Bouvier said. “I need to give a whole lot of credit to Lynn Arthur and Deputy Supervisor Frank Zappone for keeping us on a straight line going forward with this.

LIPA approves CCA tariff for potentially cheaper renewable energy By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com

The Town of Southampton can officially take the next step toward Community Choice Aggregation. The Long Island Power Authority Board of Trustees approved a rule change May 20 empowering Long Island communities to participate in the program and pursue local energy goals. Community Choice Aggregation gives municipalities the choice to buy electricity for residents and small businesses at sufficient scale to negotiate favorable terms and choose renewable energy with savings. “It’s exciting. It’s a good thing, a very good thing,” Southampton Town Councilman John Bouvier said. “We’re the first town to have actually engaged our third-party administrator. The first immediate step is to read over the tariff changes until it’s fully understood. It allows us to do more and gain more information so that ultimately, when we get to that point as to whether to adopt a program, we’ll be able to make that choice.” The CCA tariff describes the terms and conditions regarding fees and data protection to be exchanged between the utility and the administrator, if and when a program is launched. Bouvier said reading this information under the new program, which will be enabled beginning June 1, it seems to be exactly what the town hoped for and expected. Consistent with the commission, LIPA staff recommended a uniform fee of $0.80 per account for account data provided to CCA programs. The fee will be allocated 20 percent for aggregated data and 80 percent for customer lists. “We have eight steps to get to where we want to get,” Bouvier said. “All of this is for us to assure ourselves that Community Choice Aggregation will actually deliver to us what we want, and what we want is lower rates on a fixed price and the access to renewable sources of energy.” While all of Long Island benefits

from the vote, CCA is a tool essential to Southampton in order to meet its goal of utilizing 100 percent renewable electric energy by 2025. When community choice power is launched, Bouvier said, it is estimated to eliminate between 175,000 and 350,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases and fast track the town’s alignment with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s clean energy mandates — the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act — which declares critical standards for the environment, including 70 percent renewable electrical power supply by 2030. Although this rule change is a significant hurdle now cleared, an implementation plan will need to be developed and approved by the Department of Public Service. It will be made under the direction of the town’s CCA state-certified administrator, Joule Assets, Inc., selected by the town in October 2019. Joule will then assess the energy marketplace to identify sources of renewable energy and the range of competitive pricing. “We have the third or fourth highest rate per kilowatt hour of any municipality in the nation — Long Island in particular,” Bouvier said previously. “It’s important that whatever we do, we end up being able to give our consumers a fixed price — a contract over 10 years or something like that — where they know what their bill is going to be.” Community Choice Aggregation would be an opt-out program. It’s been successful in Westchester County, and is in operation in four other areas outside the LIPA region. Lynn Arthur, energy chair of the Sustainable Southampton Green Advisory Committee, said over 100 state municipalities have passed enabling legislation. “Almost three years in the making, the Community Choice Aggregation tariff is groundbreaking and a victory for Long Islanders,” Arthur

“We have the third or fourth highest rate per kilowatt hour of any municipality in the nation — Long Island in particular,” — John Bouvier We’ve all worked hard for this.” In 2016, authority was enabled for the rest of the state, and each of the New York investor-owned utilities implemented associated tariffs. In its order, the Department of Public Service stated that a well-designed program will increase the ability of individuals and communities to manage their energy usage and facilitate the deployment of clean energy.

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The Independent

North Fork THE

1826

Riverhead Advancing EPCAL Sale Community groups opposed to the deal urge caution By Rick Murphy rmurphy@indyeastend.com

The Town of Riverhead seems intent — and content — to move forward with a deal in place to sell Enterprise Park at Calverton acreage despite persistent warnings from community and environmental groups opposed to the deal. There is renewed consternation about the purchasers, the Ghermezian family, primarily because the source of their financing is malls, and malls have been shuttered across much of the country because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But Calverton Aviation & Technology, doing business as Triple Five Group, put together by the Ghermezian family, apparently met a town-imposed deadline for furnishing financial data before May 22. It apparently produced an income stream that satisfied the town. “Today, CAT provided Midnight Capital’s ‘Letter of Interest for an Industrial Construction Loan’ citing purpose of loan for construction of 1,000,000 square feet of industrial development, together with a letter from Arieli Capital

expressing interest in joining Triple Five, and lending its financial strength and investment expertise to CAT’s planning and construction and development at EPCAL,” wrote Riverhead Town Supervisor Yvette Aguiar. “The town appreciates CAT’s timely and voluntary submission of these documents and the town board will immediately begin a thorough review of these records.” Rex Farr, coordinator of the EPCAL Watch Coalition, is urging Aguiar to “seize the opportunity to free the town from a very bad deal.” Farr’s group represents scores of citizen and environmental groups that oppose the $40-million deal for 1660 acres with some 1000 acres to be held in reserve, and has thousands of signatures on a petition urging the town to break the deal. This week, Farr provided new fodder: a series of documents showing the mall business that is the bread and butter of the Ghermezian business empire in serious debt.

TREE SERVICE

Enterprise Park. Independent/Rick Murphy

The Mall of America, owned by Triple Five Group, is delinquent on its $1.4 billion mortgage, according to published reports. Triple Five missed its April and May payments, according to a May 20 report in the Financial Times, citing documents prepared by Wells Fargo & Company, the trustee of the debt and the master servicer for the loan. The borrower notified Wells Fargo of “COVID-19-related hardships,” according to a May 21 Bloomberg report. The mall, a more than two-million-

square-foot complex in Bloomington, MN and the largest mall in the United States, has been shuttered since March 17. It is planning to reopen June 1. Triple Five asked Minnesota officials for relief last month and a proposal to allow forgivable loans from special tax funds is pending in the state legislature. Bloomington city officials oppose the proposed legislation. The city manager wrote in a May 12 letter to state lawmakers: “We simply have no assurance or confidence that a loan will help the longterm viability of the project.”

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May 27, 2020

Cutchogue Resident Will Lead 106th Rescue Wing Combat veteran takes over on June 5 By Taylor K. Vecsey taylor@indyeastend.com

New York Air National Guard Colonel Shawn Fitzgerald, a Cutchogue resident, has been named the next commander of New York’s 106th Rescue Wing based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton. “I’m honored to be selected as the next wing commander of the 106th Rescue Wing,” Fitzgerald said. “I’ve had the good fortune and pleasure to be a part of this wing for almost 14 years, and I look forward to continuing to work with this great team of selfless airmen.” A career Combat Rescue Officer, the father of two has completed multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, will be the first wing commander who is not a rated pilot, and is the second Combat Rescue Officer to command an Air Force rescue wing. He will replace Colonel Michael Bank, who led the wing since 2016 and is moving into a role at New York Air National Guard headquarters in Latham. The change of command will take place June 5.

“An Air Force rescue wing is a unique agency — combining fixed wing aircraft, rotary wing aircraft, and Guardian Angel (search and rescue) professionals along with the associated maintenance, support, and medical military service members,” said Major General Timothy LaBarge, commander of the New York Air National Guard. “A rescue wing is the premiere Air Force agency dedicated to providing worldwide personnel recovery, combat search and rescue capability, expeditionary combat support, and civil search and rescue support to federal and state authorities.” Fitzgerald graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1996, but chose to join the Army instead of the Air Force after graduation because his father and grandfather had served there. Fitzgerald was an infantry platoon leader, battalion reconnaissance platoon leader, company executive officer, and battalion operations officer in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort

Camping Reservation Issues Site crashes due to demand By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said the opening of the camping reservations system did not go well. The site, which was accepting new reservations, went live May 22 at 7 PM, and crashed. Reservations have since been postponed while the county works on updating the website. “We had an overwhelming re-

sponse,” Bellone said. “It’s the pent-up desire to be out and engage in activities outdoors and have things that people and families can do.” Reservations will be open again from June 15 forward once the site is back up and running. The reservation window has been extended to 180 days. Camping units must be self-contained, and there

Campbell, KY from 1997 until 2000. He served as an instructor at the Army’s Ranger School from 2000 to 2002, when he joined the 173rd Airborne Brigade, stationed in Vicenza, Italy. For the next two years he served as the brigade assistant operations office and was part of Operation Northern Delay, a combat parachute jump staged by 1000 soldiers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade to seize the Bashar Airfield in Erbil during the coalition invasion of Iraq in March 2003. “As an operations officer, Fitzgerald played a part in planning the mission,” a statement read, “which was the largest airborne combat jump into one drop zone since World War II.” While a company commander in Afghanistan in 2005, he said he saw firsthand the Air Force rescue work and decided to join. He left the active Army and joined the New York Air National Guard in 2006. Fitzgerald served as the director of operations for the 103rd Rescue Squadron from 2006 to 2011, as commander of the 106th Operations Group of the 106th Rescue Wing from 2011 to 2012, and then commanded the 103rd Rescue Squadron from 2012 until 2015. He currently serves as the 106th Rescue Wing’s vice commander. He has graduated from Air Command and Staff College, the Naval Postgraduate School, Air War College, and the Advanced Joint Professional Military Education course at National Defense University. He has also completed a homeland security course at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, and is certified to serve as a dual status commander, leading National Guard, active duty, and Federal Reserve military forces during a domestic response operation. is no tent camping. There will also be no walk-up reservations at this time, but reservations can be made 24 hours in advance for the first day of camping. “We will give people plenty of notice before the site opens again,” Bellone said, “so everyone has a fair opportunity to secure a reservation.” Campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks were also allowed to reopen statewide on May 25. On Sunday, Bellone said county residents can also purchase green key cards, which give them access to county parks, and outer beach permits in-person at several county parks this week. On the East End, the locations are Indian Island County Park in Riverhead and Sears Bellows County Park in Hampton Bays. They can also be purchased at Smith Point County Park in Shirley and Blydenburgh County Park in Hauppauge.

Colonel Shawn Fitzgerald

During his military career, he has been awarded two Bronze Stars, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Aerial Achievement Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Afghanistan and Iraq campaign medals, the NATO Medal, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, the Army Combat Infantryman Badge, the Ranger Tab, Military Freefall Parachutist Badge, and Master Jump Wings.

Riverhead Waste Disposal Facility Reopens

The Town of Riverhead yard waste disposal facility, located at Youngs Avenue, resumed full operations Tuesday, May 26, and will follow an alternating odd/even calendar day schedule, determined by the last digit of each yard waste permit number. Through Friday, May 29, the facility will be open from 8 AM to 4 PM; on Saturday, May 30, from 10 AM to 2 PM; and closed Sundays. Starting June 1 and until further notice, the facility will be open from 8 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday. Permits for the 2020 season are required and were made available for purchase at the Riverhead Parks Office located at Stotsky Park — 55 Columbus Avenue — beginning May 20. Yard waste permit fees are $15 for a single-day pass and $50 for a full-year pass. Permits are also available by mail. Contact the Sanitation Department at 631-727-3200 ext. 391 for further information. DK

The Independent

The Deadly Third Wave Of The 1918-19 Pandemic After a catastrophic fall in 1918, the winter of 1919 provided no relief This is part seven 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, particularly from The New York Times, which are available to the paper’s online subscribers. By T. E. McMorrow t.e@indyeastend.com

A nurse wears a cloth mask while treating a patient in Washington D.C.

I’ve got the blues, I’ve got the blues I’ve got the alcoholic blues No more beer, my heart to cheer Goodbye whiskey, you used to make me frisky So long highball, so long gin Oh, tell me when you comin’ back agin — Albert Von Tilzer, Edward Laska 1919 On January 15, 1919, five more state legislatures joined the 28 who had gone before them in voting to approve the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, making it the law of the land. The amendment outlawed the production or sale of alcoholic beverages. It would take effect on January 17, 1920. The era of Prohibition and the Roaring Twenties were about to begin. On January 15, the front page of The New York Times announced that President Woodrow Wilson was meeting with British Prime Minister Lloyd George in Paris, as Wilson continued to press for the creation of a League of Nations, to prevent future wars. The world had endured what was known then as the Spanish influenza epidemic. The viral pandemic had swept across the world in early 1918, and later re-emerged as a deadly conflagration in

the fall of that year. Most of the 675,000 Americans, and the 50 million people worldwide killed by the disease, died in the fall of 1918 in the second wave of the pandemic. The virus, now classified as H1N1 influenza A, continued to spread death around the world in early 1919 in its third wave. On January 20, on page 7, The New York Times ran a report that began, “Influenza at Wingdale Prison Farm . . . Several convicts and guards have been stricken ill with Spanish influenza at the prison farm. The epidemic is so serious that work had to be suspended. Four more, including three convicts, whose condition is critical, have been returned to Sing Sing Hospital.” In that same issue was a story out of Oregon with a strangely tongue-incheek headline: “OVERHEATED LEGISLATORS MUST GO — From today until all danger from the present influenza epidemic has passed members of the Legislature whose temperatures are above normal must leave the State House immediately, both houses decided yesterday. Official clinical thermometers for taking the legislators’ temperatures have been provided.”

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Horrible spikes of deaths continued to appear. The New York Times on January 29, 1919 stated: “APPEAL FOR NURSES TO FIGHT INFLUENZA. Henry Street Settlement Reports Itself Unable to Cope with Situation. 1000 DEATHS LAST WEEK. Slight Increase Yesterday, but Dr. Copeland Says There Is No Cause for Alarm.” “Lillian D. Wald, head of the Henry Street Settlement, issued an appeal yesterday for nurses and for money to bring nurses to the city to aid in the fight against pneumonia and influenza. At the settlement it was said that only 155 nurses were available and that many cases had to go unattended.”

The settlement’s nurses, it was said, “were caring for 2000 cases a day at the present time . . .” Dr. Royal Copeland, New York City’s health commissioner, had refused throughout to shut down the city. One of the triggers to the deadly fall wave may have been children returning to school, which Copeland would not close. Instead, Copeland touted possible cures and vaccines. No cure was ever discovered. It would be many years before scientists developed vaccines to deal with the various strands of influenza that emerge around the globe each year. Next week: The End of the Pandemic

Lock Your Cars

face additional charges. Anyone with information on similar crimes is asked to contact the Southampton Town Detective Division at 631702-2230. “Always lock your car doors, it’s that simple,” Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said. “The increase in thefts of and from vehicles is a direct result of owners not taking the extra step to ensure their cars are secured. It can make the difference between becoming a victim or not.” Desirée Keegan contributed reporting.

Continued From Page 19.

of petit larceny, three counts of criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree, one count of criminal possession of stolen property in the seventh degree, resisting arrest, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, as he allegedly had a quantity of Xanax in his possession without a prescription. Southampton detectives are still investigating multiple thefts from vehicles in the Hampton Bays area. Kruger may

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Sports Athletic Directors Address Class Of 2020 Send well-wishes and thank seniors for the memories By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com Suffolk County athletic directors were seen in a video posted earlier this month thanking senior varsity athletes, and asking them to stay physically and mentally tough. “Although this year didn’t end the way you wanted it to — we’re heartbroken for all of our student-athletes, especially our seniors — we’ve really enjoyed watching you on the fields over the past few years. You’ve given us a lot of thrills,” Section XI Executive Director Tom Combs said. “It’s something you’ll always remember. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.” On May 2, Section XI athletic directors were seen in a tribute video to the Class of 2020 recognizing students and asking them to look beyond their current situation. “I just want to say thanks to the Mariners seniors for all of the memo-

ries over these past four years,” Southampton Athletic Director Darren Phillips said. “Use the lessons you’ve learned through playing sports, and apply those principles to everything you do, and you will undoubtedly be successful. To all the 2020 senior athletes, I wish you all the best in the next phase in your journey of life.” Others like Bridgehampton’s Mike DeRosa, Riverhead’s Brian Sack, and Southold’s Steve Flanagan also sent well-wishes with feelings of sympathy and longing for the season that could have been. “Hey Hurricane Nation — Kathy Masterson here wishing all our students-athletes a great time. We miss you guys,” the Westhampton Beach athletic director said. “We wish we were out on the field watching you play, and to those we will, I can’t wait to see you again. To my seniors, nev-

Shelter Island Students Thank Coaches On national appreciation day, athletes share messages of support, unity By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com Shelter Island student-athletes on National Coaches Appreciation Day May 20 thanked their on-the-field leaders for their guidance and help, even during difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic. “Thank you for leading the Shelter Island cross country team to five county championships, and me, to five individual state championships in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track,”

said star runner and senior Kal Lewis in a message to coaches Bryan Gallagher and Toby Green. “I couldn’t have done it without you, and I’m grateful for your expertise and dedication over the past six years.” “Thank you to all of the coaches I’ve had over the last four years at Shelter Island High School,” senior Audrey Wood said. “Thank you, coach [Cindy] Belt, for

Westhampton Beach Athletic Director Kathy Masterson. Independent/Westhampton Beach Union Free School District

er forget how much we love you and miss you, and always remember, it’s always about the beach.” “It’s been great watching you guys play,” East Hampton’s Joe Vasile-Cozzo reiterated. “Good luck, stay safe, and hopefully we see you soon.” “We wish the best of health to you and your families,” Hampton Bays’ Drew Walker said. “Good luck.” The athletic directors were seen in a video of a similar style to those student-athletes had posted while practicing and waiting for news on the probability of there being a spring sports season. Athletic directors were digitally passing lacrosse, golf, and basketballs, and heading soccer balls as they delivered their messages. helping me through the hard times I had. I had a problem with serving in ninth grade, and she helped me, told me not to give up on myself, and eventually I got my serves over. Thank you for helping me push through and become the volleyball player I am today.” “Thank you, coach Belt, for introducing me to volleyball and helping me grow my skills in a sport I really love,” another student-athlete said. Many thanked their coaches for all they’ve done, not just in helping them learn the skills they needed, but for supporting them in life. They shared hopes and wishes, and thoughts of looking forward to next year. “Thank you for all your hard work,” a student-athlete said. “Can’t wait for another great season.” Athletic Director Todd Gulluscio said although he wishes the district could celebrate together, he’s glad the coaches

“Seniors, we wish you nothing but the best going forward,” Shelter Island Athletic Director Todd Gulluscio said. “Everyone, stay safe, stay strong, but most importantly, help your families through this difficult time. Be well.” “Thank you to all you essential workers and best wishes to the Class of 2020,” Mattituck’s Gregg Wormuth said. “Be well, stay healthy, and remember we’re all in this together,” Greenport Athletic Director Chris Golden said. “We’ll get through it.” “Thank you for all the memories you’ve given us over the years,” Section XI Assistant director Pete Bliberg said. “Don’t ever forget where you’ve come from.”

Shelter Island Athletic Director Todd Gulluscio thanks coaches for their dedication and hard work. Shelter Island senior standout runner Kal Lewis thanks his coaches. Independent/Shelter Island Union Free School District

could at least be recognized virtually. “Thank you so much for the dedication and hard work you’ve put in yearround for our athletic program and student-athletes,” he said. “It would be impossible to have this wonderful program without your efforts.”

The Independent

Team Up 4 Community NYSPHSAA community service challenge runs through June 1 By Desirée Keegan desiree@indyeastend.com Team Up 4 Community has again partnered with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association to encourage student-athletes to give back to their communities through the Community Service Challenge. “Through community service, a big part of the interscholastic athletic experience, students, coaches, and administrators are able to give back to the people that support them each and every day,” said Team Up 4 Community, an organization that promotes youth athletic community service and outreach. The W20 Foundation project boasts over 17,211 participants who have donated 90,733 total hours and raised $355,744 for local

causes this past fall and spring. There are 67 participating teams on Long Island and several who have completed campaigns on the East End. Fall sports teams at Riverhead High School helped make a dream come true for a 12-year-old diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia by raising nearly $4000 through a Make-A-Wish raffle. The 60 participants from the Riverhead cheerleading, field hockey, and tennis booster clubs donated 60 hours of their time and the money was presented to the Riverhead resident, allowing him to fulfill his dream of going on a shopping spree at Best Buy to purchase new electronics and gadgets.

COVID-19 Student Impact Survey The University of Wisconsin-Madison, through an anonymous online questionnaire, hopes to get a better understanding COVID-19’s impact on approximately 10,000 male and female athletes between the ages of 13 and 19 who were high school athletes within the last 12 months. Each participant will be asked to complete a short survey — under 10 minutes — that asks questions about their mental well-being, physical activity, and overall quality of life. The survey asks about symptoms of emotional distress such as depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety. The university is using the survey only for research, not to diagnose mental health issues, and will not share the results. If someone is experiencing emotional distress, he or she should contact his or her physician or other health care provider, such as a mental health professional. The survey can be found online at uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/ form/SV_cVft70JKnEBOIMl. Contact Dr. Tim McGuine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine at 608-265-6516 or email McGuine@ortho.wisc.edu with any questions. DK

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Westhampton Beach freshmen Sean Bass, Sydney Anastasia, Keira Csabon, and Kaitlyn McDermott with friends and helpers at their lemonade stand raising money and awareness for childhood cancer. Independent/ Westhampton Beach Union Free School District

Westhampton Beach athletes have raised awareness and support for childhood cancer. Four student-athletes — Sean Bass, Sydney Anastasia, Keira Csabon, and Kaitlyn McDermott — showed their support and brought awareness during the Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. These four athletes witnessed the struggles that their friend, who had childhood cancer, went through, and how Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation supported her during her difficult time. The freshmen wanted to give back to an organization that continues to help children fight, so they developed a plan for their own lemonade stand and took the idea to Principal Christopher Herr for approval. After being given the go-ahead to start this year, the four athletes hosted a lemonade stand to raise funds for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. The Foundation funds research for childhood cancer treatments and supports the brave kids battling cancer. They were at every home varsity football game this year to raise funds and

awareness. Administrators, coaches, and student-athletes are eligible to apply on behalf of the school, team, or group and participants can enroll through June 1. “Is your school or team doing something special during this unprecedented time?” NYSPHSAA said in a statement. “Nominate them for the spring community challenge.” To do so, sign into an existing or create a new account at www.teamup4community.org/nysphsaa, and create a challenge by entering the title of the event, the number of participants, hours volunteered, and amount of money raised, if any, although not a requirement. You can add photos and video, and must provide a description of the event. “This is your chance to recognize all the work your team did and showcase all the good you’ve done for your community,” Team Up 4 Community said. “Check out the rubric to help you craft your event description and improve your chances of being selected as a Community Service Challenge winner!”

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Sports

May 27, 2020

CHIP SHOTS By Bob Bubka

Shooting Your Age Remembering Shelter Island summer resident Sidney Beckwith’s love of golf bobvoiceofgolf@gmail.com Memorial Day weekend provided ample opportunity for all of us to pay tribute to the many heroes who sacrificed their lives in defense of this great country, and for that we are truly grateful. As you all know, the holiday marks the unofficial start of the summer season on the East End, and this one will be different from the past as we deal with the novel coronavirus. COVID-19 has kept live sports from being played, but spectator-free live golf has returned to television. For the second week in a row, a charity match was played to benefit the fight against the pandemic. “The Match: Champions for Charity” event featured some of the biggest names

in the sports universe. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson partnered with NFL star quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Tom Brady to raise $20 million, double what was hoped for. I am sure that golfers everywhere took some delight in seeing shots being hit that reminded them of their own game. The weather was far from great, but I have to give the players credit, as they played through a lot of heavy rain at times and seemed to have fun doing it. The Match was played on Woods’ home course, The Medalist in Hobe Sound, FL. He and Manning played best, winning the match one-up. Brady, who partnered with Mickelson, really

South Fork Police

fishing had valid permits. Those who did not were issued either citations or warnings. The chief attributed the surprising increase in fishing in the Southampton township to two factors. First, that, farther west, many such locations are still closed, particularly in the outer boroughs of New York. In addition, party boats are not going out. Also, he said, “fishing reports are good, and word gets around.” The chief said he was happy with the way the weekend went for his department. Few problems were reported at the ocean beaches that were fully staffed and open for the weekend in both towns. Right now, in East Hampton Town, those

Continued From Page 16.

this year, there were locations town police had to monitor this past weekend, according to Chief Steven Skrynecki, and those locations were a bit of surprise: bayside fishing areas. Many fishing areas at the ends of roads on the bayside of Southampton were packed, to the point where police had to act to ensure social distancing. The area around Towd Point in North Sea was a particular problem. “There was an unusual influx of people into the township for fishing, much more than normal, much more than expected,” Skrynecki said. Police checked to make sure those

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struggled at times, but he did hole-out from 100 yards, which was exciting. Starting June 8, tournament golf returns with the Charles Schwab Invitational in Fort Worth, TX. No spectators will be allowed on the grounds, but it is a giant step to getting things back to normal — whatever that is. My focus always seems to be on those playing golf for a living or involved in the game in some way. Since golf can be a lifelong game, at some point, if their game and health stay sharp, a golfer may be able to shoot their age one day. These thoughts surfaced for me when I learned that a true golf legend on the East End, Shelter Island summer resident and 101-year-old Sidney Beckwith, had passed away. To say Beckwith loved golf would be an understatement. I’m pretty sure very little thought is given to the possibility of shooting your age, but Beckwith felt that complete satisfaction a whopping 1464 times. He kept meticulous records, and every time he shot his age he insisted that everyone playing with him sign the scorecard and attest to the score. Beckwith was a member of Gardiner’s Bay Country Club on Shelter Island. I was fortunate enough to have played with him once or twice. I always found Beck-

with to be a perfect gentleman who really enjoyed golf. With that joy in his heart, it comes as no surprise that Beckwith, who was president of the club back in 1962, led the search to find a PGA professional worthy of the head professional position. Beckwith threw his support behind Bob DeStefano, and what a wise choice that was. Bobby D, as I call him, served Gardiner’s Bay for 50 years. As a youngster growing up in New Jersey, DeStefano was a good player who won the Club Caddies tournament four years in a row. His junior golf program was known as one of the best, he was highly regarded by his members, and was widely recognized as one of the elite club professionals on Long Island. Beckwith’s achievements led me to dig through the record books. I was amazed to find out that shooting your age or below it is really pretty rare. The odds are one in nine million. Incidentally, John Powell, at 86 years young, shot a jawdropping 22 shots under his age in a PGA section senior event in California, and record that still stands. Remember to stay safe and do your best to keep up your game with age. Not everyone has that luxury, and just think, the older you get, the easier it will be to shoot your age.

include Nick’s Beach in downtown Montauk, the beach at the end of Ditch Plains Road in Ditch Plains, and Atlantic and Indian Wells beaches in Amagansett. In Southampton town, the three beaches that are staffed and open on weekends now and going forward are Ponquogue Beach in Hampton Bays, Sagg Main in Sagaponack, and Long Beach in Sag Harbor. Some bayside beaches will be opening in June in both towns.

“It was a robust animal with a full stomach, showing it had been eating,” Bosworth said in a statement. “There was some evidence of previous entanglement, orca predation, and healed wounds on the fluke.” The cause of death is inconclusive. Samples were taken and sent to a pathologist. Results may take several months to come back. The whale’s remains were buried on the beach. Shorebird monitors, such as the state’s endangered piping plovers, were not disturbed during the necropsy, the AMSEAS said. Sightings can be called into the New York State Stranding Hotline at 631-369-9829.

Humpback Whale Continued From Page 16.

The whale, a 32-foot male, was moderately decomposed, according to the AMSEAS.

The Independent

Is Stargazing The Newest Craze? With less light pollution due to coronavirus lockdowns, it might be By Brittany Ineson Since the arrival of COVID-19 much of the world has been experiencing a new normal, one consisting of less cars on the road, less planes in the air, and more time spent at home. It’s a change that, according to NASA’s monitoring instruments, shows a decrease in nitrogen dioxide levels around the world. It’s possible this decrease in NO2 pollution, due to novel coronavirus-related lockdowns, could be allowing stars to be seen more clearly.

Stargazing is “a wonderful thing to do nowadays, as it is quite safe as long as you go stargazing by yourself or with your family,” said William Taylor, NASA solar system ambassador and senior educator at the Hamptons Observatory. “We don’t recommend sharing astronomy equipment right now, but there is still so much to see with just a pair of eyes.” Some celestial events to look forward to are Mercury at its greatest east-

ern elongation on June 4, a full moon on June 5, a penumbral lunar eclipse on June 5, an annular solar eclipse on June 21, and the summer solstice on June 20. As theoretical physicist Brian Greene once said, “I have long thought that anyone who does not regularly — or ever — gaze up and see the wonder and glory of a dark night sky filled with countless stars loses a sense of their fundamental connectedness to the universe.” Maybe this

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Horse lives and will destroy us. Arthur J French

Continued From Page 4. sumers are forced to rely on dirtier energy. Plus, water pollution from burying a pipeline. (The DEC and the sand pit win over public concern of aquifer pollution.) That also applies to digging on Beach Lane. The law allows the governor to push through his pet project disregarding local objections. Non-carbon heating systems and a laundry list of projects. At present, the legal maneuvers by the group are not funded by a government source. Well, then lawsuits will be initiated by a “village” and the legal costs will be on the backs of every single resident. Wainscott has a small population that lives south of the highway, and will be like a fly in the ointment. The governor will squash them like a bug merely by nonstop litigation. Every municipality has a piggy bank and that is the taxpayer. The score big hedge-fund honchos behind the project and a governor who wants this is: Them, 100, and little old Wainscott residents, zero! The Trojan

Need Clarity Dear Editor, Confusion and mixed messages abound concerning reopening the economy. Is it happening too soon or not soon enough? Will I be safe dining out or shopping in small stores where social distancing might be difficult? Businesses, patrons, and employees need clarity and reassurance as we head into a reopening phase. As New York and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grapple with reopening guidelines and timelines, we all want our economy to rebound as quickly as possible, but caution and health concerns may be a greater hindrance to reopening efforts than state timelines. With so much misinformation about the coronavirus, we need to be guided by science, not rumors or internet memes. May I make a suggestion?

Why don’t we, through our county health department, create a COVIDcompliant status for bars, restaurants, shops, and retailers? Currently, the health department issues food handlers certificates for those who come in contact with food. Why not a similar certification for COVID protocol? I, for one, would feel better entering a shop knowing that the owner and staff have been through some sort of formal teaching about how to best handle the looming presence of the novel coronavirus. Here’s what I picture: The health department gives a quick online video course for business owners who can take it in their own time. The tutorial will allow the health department to provide the latest information available so that businesses can operate in the safest possible manner. The video course would cover sanitary protocol, the proper way to route customers through shops, mask use, and what to do in case of emergency. Upon completion of the course, the health department would issue a certificate to be hung in the place of business,

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much like New York City issues ratings for restaurants. COVID complaint would offer a measure of trust and comfort that the business we are patronizing has received official information and is committed to engaging in best practices to keep their employees, customers, and clients safe. We all want to do the right thing for our families and ourselves. Let’s reassure the public, teach best practices, and make our local shops and businesses as safe as we can, as we all adjust to the new reality. Laura Jens-Smith

Well Done Dear Desirée, Your May 20 issue story “LIPA To Vote On Community Choice Aggregation” was very well done. You really nailed it with the most salient points orchestrated masterfully in how you laid out the article. Thank you. Lynn Arthur Energy Chair of the Sustainable Southampton Green Advisory Committee

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May 27, 2020

Signs Of The Times Photos by James J. Mackin The mixed bag of temporary signs displayed at businesses are abundant on the East End. Expectations of reopening in phases will certainly produce an ever-changing vista.

IT'S ONLY NATURAL

A Prickly Pear cactus. Independent/Courtesy SoFo

By Frank Quevedo

Our Native Cacti Only the strong will survive When it comes to living along the coast, South Shore residents know only the strong will survive. Such is the case for the eastern Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa). It’s a plant that has adapted and evolved well over time to not only survive, but thrive among the coastal dunes, dry sands, and sandy fields of Long Island’s South Fork communities. The prickly pear’s normal range does not typically include true deserts but can be found in harsh sandy en-

vironments east of the Rockies, from Massachusetts southward to Florida and west to Minnesota and Texas. This is a low-lying plant, and in winter, it can easily be mistaken for some deflated, dried-up plant. But with the vernal equinox and spring rains, the plant revives and rapidly absorbs water in its oval shaped pads. The pads become thick and vibrant green. The pads act as a shield not only to hold moisture but to reflect sunlight and protect the plant from frequent salt spray.

EH Epidemiologist

Coming Plague.” The book is sold out on Amazon, Dr. Polsky pointed out. “I have been at this a long time. When I say I have hope, it is not based on an emotional level. It is based on the fact that we have the tools to be able to solve this, if we, as we are doing in the scientific community, marshal our forces to do that, that we will prevail.”

Continued From Page 11.

Five years ago, the owner told them he wanted to sell. Now, they split their time between Manhattan and Springs. The talk returned to COVID-19. One book is a must-read, Dr. Polsky said: Pulitzer Prize-winning author Laurie Garrett’s 1994 work, “The

As the season progresses, the plant begins to flourish and produces beautiful waxy yellow flowers that most nectar-eating insects can’t resist. The center of the flower has a reddishorange fruit, once eaten fresh and raw by Native Americans. Some tribes made candy and chewing gum from the fruit, or mashed it into a sort of applesauce. Mashed fruit was also boiled down into syrup, juice, or jelly and stored for the winter. While Eastern Prickly Pear normally occurs as scattered individual plants or in small colonies, sometimes they can form impressively large colonies if it persists at the same location for a long period of time. This plant’s

flower opens only for a single day, but a colony as a whole may continuously flower for as long as a month. Two of my favorite places to see established colonies of prickly pear are across from Long Beach in Sag Harbor and along the east side of Lighthouse Road after crossing the Ponquogue Bridge in Hampton Bays. If you miss seeing prickly pear cactus at these two locations, please visit the South Fork Natural History Museum’s native butterfly and wildflower gardens, there are small colonies that can be seen there. Frank Quevedo is the executive director of the South Fork Natural History Museum.

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