The Times of Middle Country - March 2, 2023

Part I: Suffolk County exec race prompts turnover across local government

BY RAYMOND JANIS EDITOR1@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Municipalities throughout Suffolk County will undergo significant leadership changes in 2023.

enforcement personnel with new technologies if elected. “I come from the technology sector and feel we can do more when it comes to law enforcement, giving police the tools and training they need to fight crime and help prevent crime,” he said.

He emphasized county support in promoting small business sectors and encouraging those wishing to start a new business.

ELECTION 2023

Three-term incumbent Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) cannot run for reelection due to 12-year term limits for county offices. Bellone’s absence at the top of the ticket has triggered a game of musical chairs across local governments, with an Election Day picture coming into focus.

County executive

Two major party candidates have emerged to fill Bellone’s seat. Venture capitalist and former federal and state prosecutor Dave Calone entered the race last summer and has since gained the backing of the county’s Democratic Committee. Between increasing economic development initiatives and expanding transportation options, Calone regarded Suffolk as a place of growing opportunities.

“I felt like we needed someone with a privatesector background to help capitalize on those opportunities for our region,” he said, adding that his prosecutorial experience could help alleviate the issue of crime throughout the area.

Calone said he would connect law

Calone may have a tall task ahead as recent election results suggest county residents are moving toward the right, with Republicans gaining a majority in the county Legislature in 2021 while flipping the district attorney’s seat.

To counteract these trends, Calone pledged to focus on local issues, which he suggested are matters of personal qualification rather than party affiliation.

“I think Suffolk County is less about left versus right, but who is going to have the vision to move Suffolk County forward,” the Democratic nominee said.

Opposing Calone is Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine (R). He received his party’s nod during a nominating convention held Thursday, Feb. 23, in Ronkonkoma. Before becoming supervisor, Romaine was county clerk for 16 years starting in 1989 and did two separate tours in the county Legislature, one before and the other after his tenure as clerk.

“I’m running to work for the future of our

county and its residents,” he told TBR News Media. “This is an opportunity to move Suffolk forward. And, quite honestly, nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity.”

The town supervisor added that he intends to campaign on the issues and policies he has overseen at the town level. He offered that fiscal responsibility and public trust in government remain top priorities.

“I’m looking to hold the line on taxes,” he said. “I’ve done it five different times with our budget, and I would like to do that with the county, reduce the county debt and improve the county bond rating to AAA.”

Romaine also addressed his environmental concerns, such as water quality and quantity. He

Dave Calone, left, and Ed Romaine are the Democratic and Republican nominees, respectively, for Suffolk County executive. Left from Calone’s campaign; right from the Brookhaven town website

Elections

Continued from A3

proposed modernizing information technology systems, filling critical posts within the police department and resisting Albany’s development agenda for Long Island.

“I’m not a fan of the governor’s plan to urbanize our suburban communities,” he said.

Despite recent electoral history, a Republican has not occupied the county executive’s chair since Bob Gaffney left office in 2003. Asked why 2023 should be any different, Romaine suggested the coming election offers county voters a new direction.

“I think this is an opportunity to chart a new course,” he said.

Town supervisor

In declaring for county executive, Romaine vacates his post as town supervisor. Brookhaven Deputy Supervisor and Councilman Dan Panico (R-Manorville) and Village of Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant (D) have stepped forward to fill the seat, securing their parties’ respective nominations last week.

Panico, whose 6th Council District consists of the town’s southeastern hamlets, was first elected to the Town Board in 2010 following the untimely death of Councilman Keith Romaine (R), the supervisor’s son. Panico had previously served on the Brookhaven Planning Board and as a senior deputy Suffolk County clerk.

“I believe in the power of town government to have a dramatically positive effect on the lives of the people that we represent and the communities that make up Brookhaven,” Panico said in an interview.

The deputy supervisor emphasized fiscal stability and open space preservation as two signature campaign positions.

“My record on open space preservation and the environment, I believe, is unmatched in this race,” he said, adding, “I am also fiscally conservative, and I have been able to work effectively with the town boards that I’ve served on … to accomplish meaningful goals in this town.”

Republicans currently hold eight of the 10 elected positions within the town government, with one council seat vacant. Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (Stony Brook) is the lone Democrat.

To replicate its success at the ballot box, Panico said his party “must continue to listen to the people whom we represent.”

On the opposite side of the aisle, Garant seeks to become the first Democratic town supervisor since Mark Lesko resigned midterm in 2012. In early February, she announced her retirement from the Port Jeff village government after serving 14 years as mayor.

“There was no intent or forethought that I was retiring to put my hat in the ring,” she said. However, plans for her run came together shortly after the announcement when town Democratic leaders asked for a meeting.

“It was believed at that time that Romaine would be going up to the county executive level, which kind of left an interesting opening,” Garant said.

The outgoing village mayor said she plans to apply the lessons learned at the village level to town government.

“The [Brookhaven] landfill fees represent 42% of the overall revenue in the town,” she said.

Given her background negotiating with the Long Island Power Authority in a tax grievance dispute settled in 2018, she considers herself uniquely qualified to tackle the loss of public revenue.

She added, “A self-sustaining waste management plan that speaks to utilizing the current infrastructure without expanding the carbon footprint, that’s something I’m very interested in grappling with.”

Along with the landfill closure, Garant said she would continue to focus on development, arguing that the town must “balance the quality of life and get some development done.”

While acknowledging that her party has “a lot of work to do” to be competitive this November, she remained optimistic.

“We have a very awesome slate” running for Town Board, she said. “I’m enthusiastic about what the slate brings, and I think the message we’re bringing is going to resonate.”

Port Jeff mayor

With Garant taking herself out of the running, Deputy Mayor and trustee Kathianne Snaden is the first declared candidate in the race for Port Jefferson Village mayor.

“When I first ran in 2019, my reason for running was to be the voice of those who never thought they had a voice,” she said. Since then, Snaden has gradually assumed greater responsibilities with more committee assignments, saying, “I think I’m in an

even better position now to do that for the community.”

As the village’s public safety commissioner over the last four years, she considered the issue a paramount policy concern. “That has always been my number one concern in the village — to keep the community and the residents safe,” Snaden said.

More recently, she was assigned trustee liaison to the building and planning departments. “Over the last year or so, I’ve been doing a lot of work up there to help streamline and make the process easier for anybody looking for an application,” she said. “That’s something that I want to continue to work on.”

Snaden also mentioned that close coordination with the school district, greater parking opportunities and improved resident mobility would be areas of focus if she were elected mayor this June.

Snaden is currently alone in the mayoral contest. Whether others step forward to run, she said she remains “focused on the work that I’m doing now and [that’s] what I will continue to do in the future.”

This is the first of a two-part story. Part II will cover upcoming legislative elections at the county, town and village levels.

Margot Garant, left, and Dan Panico, center, are the Democratic and Republican nominees, respectively, for Brookhaven town supervisor. Right, Deputy Mayor and trustee Kathianne Snaden, mayoral candidate in Port Jefferson. Left from the Port Jeff Village website; center from Panico’s Facebook page; right courtesy Snaden

New Lane Elementary students enjoy a visit from Love on a Leash therapy dogs and their owners. Photo courtesy MCCSD

Unwinding With Therapy Dogs

New Lane Elementary students enjoy therapy dog program

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SCHOOL

Middle Country Central School District’s New Lane Elementary School students recently had the opportunity to learn about and benefit from the Love on a Leash therapy dog program during a visit to the school by several of the organization’s therapy dogs and their owners.

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The following incidents have been reported by Suffolk County Police:

Five people hurt in Setauket house fire

Suffolk County Police Arson Section detectives are investigating a residential fire that occurred in Setauket on Feb. 28. Sixth Precinct officers responded to 19 Franko Lane after a 911 report of a fire at 1 a.m. The Setauket Fire Department arrived at the scene and extinguished the blaze. Five residents of the house were transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation but it does not appear to be suspicious at this time.

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Groceries stolen from S. Setauket Stop & Shop

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole groceries from Stop and Shop, located at 260 Pond Path in South Setauket, on Feb. 14 at approximately 2:40 p.m.

Man arrested for stealing from gym lockers

Suffolk County Police arrested a West Babylon man for allegedly stealing property from fitness center lockers during the past five weeks. Suffolk County Police received reports of credit cards and wallets stolen from lockers, both secured and unsecured, at LA Fitness locations throughout the county since January. Following an investigation, Carl Francois was arrested during a traffic stop on Carleton Avenue in Central Islip on Feb. 22 at approximately 1:15 p.m. Francois, 56, was charged with 27 counts of alleged Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th Degree and two counts of Grand Larceny 4th Degree. He is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date.

Wanted for petit larceny

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate two people who allegedly stole two scooters and additional items from Target, located at 107 Independence Plaza in Selden, on Feb.20 at 5:40 p.m. The merchandise was valued at approximately $350.

PJS man arrested for drug/weapons charges

Suffolk County Police arrested a man during the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Port Jefferson Station on Feb. 22. Following an investigation by Suffolk County Police Narcotics and Criminal Intelligence detectives, Suffolk County District Attorney Office detectives, and assisted by Suffolk County Police Emergency Service Section and Sixth Precinct officers, a search warrant was executed at a residence at the Liberty Station Apartments, 1599 Route 112, at approximately 6:05 a.m.

Detectives found Nicholas Cox to be allegedly in possession of a loaded .25 caliber Lorcin semi-automatic handgun with an extra magazine along with approximately 50 grams of cocaine and fentanyl, along with drug packaging materials. Cox, 32, was charged with alleged Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree, three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree, and two counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd Degree.

— COMPILED BY HEIDI SUTTON

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS.

Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Do you recognize this couple?

Photo from SCPD

Therapy Dogs

Continued from A5

Elementary School. “Our students find comfort and a way to de-stress around these specially trained dogs. The sessions also allow our students to learn new social skills while interacting with the therapy pets.”

Love on a Leash is a not-for-profit organization that provides a platform to encourage volunteers to engage in a

meaningful and productive therapy dog program. The organization’s mission is “to bring comfort, happiness, and healing to more people nationwide by increasing public awareness of pet therapy.” The organization provides its volunteers with an accessible certification process that qualifies them to provide pet therapy in their community as part of a qualified therapy team.

For more information about the Middle Country School District and the latest District news, visit www.mccsd.net.

NOTICE OF CORRECTION

Readers’ Choice Correction

The Readers’ Choice publication that appeared in our 2/23/23 issue listing the winners contained an error in the cesspool service category.

Rocky Point Cesspool was listed with the wrong phone number and website. The correct information is: Cesspool Service

Rocky Point Cesspool • Rocky Point, NY 11778 631-744-3915 • rockypointcesspool.com

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Eye on the Street: Armed guards in schools

BY CAROLYN SACKSTEIN DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Given the nationwide proliferation of violence in schools, the Smithtown Central School District Board of Education recently voted to vet and hire a private security firm to patrol the exterior perimeter of all schools with armed guards. Long Island schools from Greenport to Copiague have experienced threats of violence made by students. Following the Parkland, Florida, school shootings in 2018, some districts opted to provide armed security personnel, including Hauppauge, Miller Place and Mount Sinai. With an ongoing public debate over the most effective way to protect children in schools and public spaces, TBR News Media took to the streets of Port Jefferson village Saturday, Feb. 18, asking people for their opinions on armed guards in and around schools.

Nicole Carhart, West Islip

When asked about armed guards on school campuses Carhart said, “It depends. It is good for people to keep safe. You want to make sure they are not using it against others.”

Gannon Lawley, Anchorage, Alaska

“I am against armed guards in almost all places, especially schools. It doesn’t strike me as the kind of thing that would be good for a school or a learning environment. It arises from an aversion to armed guards in general. It’s a hippy peace thing for me.”

Joseph Vergopia, Manhattan

When asked to comment on Smithtown’s decision to put armed guards on campus, he responded, “That’s the stupidest idea I ever heard, because more guns on the street are just a ridiculous way to curb gun [violence].”

Monell thought Smithtown’s decision was “a positive outcome.”

Louis Antoniello, Terryville

Jeremy Torres and Xiao Han Wu, Stony Brook

Jeremy Torres from Stony Brook village was with his wife, Xiao Han Wu, originally from Beijing, China, and young daughter. Torres said, “With today’s crazy environment, I would prefer police on

the campus. As long as [private security] has proper training and qualifications and gun safety, I would trust that. You can’t just have anybody.”

Han Wu said, “Because I see a lot of news like shootings

in the schools and all that and having a kid, that definitely makes me more concerned about the safety in schools. I feel comfortable, they put armed guards [on campus]. I also prefer police.”

“There are better ways to protect the school systems. [Examples would be] electronic locks on the schools, where you have to use a pass key to get in, electronic locks on the classroom doors and gymnasiums. If there is an issue in the school, where somebody does get in, the entire school can be locked down with kids and teachers in the classroom through the main office. They can just lock it down electronically. Nobody can get into the classrooms. Would you rather have more guns where now you’re getting into a gun fight on the street? Doesn’t matter if it is someone who has been trained to use a gun or not. If you look at the statistics and the percentages of how many times you hit with your first or second shot, those percentages are very low. Where are these bullets going? They could be going into the windows of the school. They could be going into neighbors’ houses. The best thing to do is spend your money on securing the building, and electronic locks are the way to go. You can also have security cameras all around with people watching the security videos. They can see who is coming on campus. You’re stopped at the door, they ask what you’re doing there, you’re on camera, you show your ID. You sit and wait to pick up your son or daughter. You can drop something off for them at security. That’s how you secure a building. Leaving the building open without electronic locks and just having people walking the perimeter with guns is not the way to go.”

Hector Monell, West Islip

Online scammers swindle residents, disturb local downtown

BY RAYMOND JANIS EDITOR1@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Internet fraud, a worsening cybercrime phenomenon, has reached downtown Port Jefferson.

Through various tactics, online scam artists have successfully targeted storefronts and events throughout Port Jefferson, scoring hundreds of dollars in profits.

SOCIAL ENGINEERING

During the 4th annual ice festival in late January, scammers sold eight fake tickets for a mac ‘n’ cheese crawl organized by the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. On the day of the event, victims presented their fraudulent tickets.

COMMUNITY

The tickets “looked very official,” said Barbara Ransome, the chamber’s director of operations. However, when chamber staff asked those presenting these scam tickets when they had purchased them, their response revealed that something was out of place.

“They said, ‘We got them two days ago,’ and that’s when I realized this was a scam because we had been sold out … for at least a week and a half,” Ransome said, adding that the popularity of the event created an opening for scam artists. “My speculation is that this person saw that these tickets were sold out, saw that people were looking for them and created this whole fraud situation.”

At Theatre Three on Main, a similar practice has gained traction. Although the theater sells tickets at $35 per seat, online ticket scammers have capitalized by selling back-row seats at enormous markups.

Douglas Quattrock, the theater’s director of development and artistic associate, reported one such incident where a couple spent nearly 10 times the going rate. “We had a couple that paid $672 for a pair of tickets,” he said.

Although only “a handful” of theatergoers have fallen prey to these ticket scams at Theatre Three, Quattrock considered the practice disruptive to operations.

“Being a smaller not-for-profit, we try to keep our prices very family oriented,” he said. However, he added that “scammers see this market as very attractive.”

But online scams are not limited to ticket sales. Jena Turner owns the Port Jeff-based gift shop Breathe, which offers nontraditional healing remedies and psychic readings.

In an interview, Turner reported that multiple phony social media accounts have emerged, using her photos and business name to solicit payments from unsuspecting patrons.

“Right now, I know that there are five accounts that stole my photos and are pretending to be me,” she said.

Social engineering

Nick Nikiforakis, associate professor in the Department of Computer Science at Stony Brook University, said internet fraud is

becoming a growing concern for small business sectors, which are increasingly vulnerable to malicious cyber activities.

He contends that online criminals have shifted their sights on smaller boutique organizations because large corporations are investing more resources into cybersecurity systems.

“Effectively, you have cybercriminals who are customizing their attacks toward small businesses,” he said.

Turner’s case, according to Nikiforakis, represents a common social engineering scenario.

A social engineer “makes an online account for a company with a brick-and-mortar presence and then tries to take the recognizable name and the good faith that the business has built,” the associate professor said.

He added, “They are targeting online users, pretending to be the person running this business,” tricking their victims “to send them money, divulge information or in some way get people to participate in a scam.”

A downtown dilemma

Turner said she has reported her digital imposters but has received no relief in removing these scam accounts from the Instagram platform.

“I had reported it to Instagram several times — and by several, I can say probably more than 20,” she said. “Instagram hasn’t done anything about it.”

Nikiforakis noted that there are considerable technical limitations for social media companies

in policing social engineering activities. While they could theoretically verify with storefront owners whenever a platform is created in their name, online scammers often find creative ways to circumvent such safeguards.

“Things can be done, but this is inherently a cat-and-mouse game,” he said. Social engineers “are not attacking a security vulnerability. … They are abusing people’s faith and trust in institutions and recognizable brands.”

Lacking assistance from Big Tech, Turner said she took matters into her own hands, creating a video in which she wrote out her authentic social media handle by hand.

“I made that video, and I just keep reposting

it on my story and on my Facebook so that people aren’t falling for it,” she said. “That’s been really helpful.”

But, she added, “We have over 8,000 followers, so not everyone has seen the video. Unfortunately, the scam is still ongoing.”

To respond to the number of ticket scam incidents, Theatre Three similarly released a statement on its website condemning thirdparty ticket vendors. “The only place to buy tickets from us should be www.theatrethree. com,” Quattrock said.

Still, he encouraged patrons to remain on guard for potentially inflated ticket prices and to approach online transactions cautiously. For those who may suspect a ticketing scam, he implored them to call the theater directly before completing the transaction.

“If it looks suspicious to you, just call the theater and verify that they’re on the right website,” he said.

As online fraud persists throughout the local area, businesses and customers are not without recourse. Nikiforakis indicates that awareness of the typical social engineering strategies can help users protect themselves from participating in online scams.

“There are standard social engineering tactics, such as giving the victim a sense of urgency or taking advantage of their appeal to authority,” he said. “For both patrons and companies, by actively resisting this, you can slow down and potentially defend yourself against an attack.”

“There are standard social engineering tactics, such as giving the victim a sense of urgency or taking advantage of their appeal to authority.”

— NICK NIKIFORAKIS

Pixabay photo

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EMAIL class@tbrnewsmedia.com

The following are someof our available categories listed in the order in which they appear.

• Garage Sales

• Announcements

• Antiques & Collectibles

• Automobiles/Trucks etc.

• Finds under $50

• Health/Fitness/Beauty

• Merchandise

• Personals

• Novenas

• Pets/Pet Services

• Professional Services

• Schools/Instruction/Tutoring

• Wanted to Buy

• Employment

• Cleaning

The Classifieds Section is published by TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA every Thursday. Leah S. Dunaief, Publisher, Sheila Murray, Classifieds Director. We welcome your comments and ads.

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA will not be responsible for errors after the first week’s insertion. Please check your ad carefully. • Statewide or Regional Classifieds also available - Reach more than 7 million readers in New York’s community newspapers. Line ads 25 words : Long Island region $69 - $129 – New York City region $289 - $499 – Central region $29 - $59 – Western region $59 - $99 - Capital region $59 - $99 – all regions $389 - $689 words. $10 each additional word. Call for display ad rates.

EMPLOYMENT/CAREERS

SIGN FABRICATOR / INSTALLER

Well established sign, exhibit & display company looking for a FULL TIME SIGN FABRICATOR AND INSTALLER. Would be responsible for sign and display fabrication and installation.

-Construction planning and ordering materials

-Work closely with our designers to manage projects from fabrication to delivery

-Work with shop tools and equipment

-Estimating lead times and project costs

-Graphic design skills are a plus

-Background in the sign/display industry a plus Miller Mohr & Kelly Design Group in Setauket. 631-941-2769 • info@mmkdg.com

Help Wanted

PUBLISHER’SEMPLOY-

MENTNOTICE:Allemploymentadvertisinginthisnewspaperissubjecttosection296 ofthehumanrightslawwhich makesitillegaltoadvertise anypreference,limitationor discriminationbasedonrace, color,creed,nationalorigin, disability,maritalstatus,sex, ageorarrestconvictionrecord oranintentiontomakeany suchpreference,limitationor discrimination.Title29,U.S. CodeChap630,excludesthe FederalGov’t.fromtheage discriminationprovisions.This newspaperwillnotknowingly acceptanyadvertisingforemploymentwhichisinviolation ofthelaw.Ourreadersareinformedthatemploymentofferingsadvertisedinthisnewspaperareavailableonanequal opportunitybasis.

Help Wanted

CLERICALPOSITION

AVAILABLE

Part-time12-20hoursperweek, MUSTHAVEworking knowledgeofExcel,Musthave basicofficeskills.QuickBooks knowledgeaplus,Email Resume:Districtoffice@ seldenfd.org(631)732-5570.

P/TSALES/CUSTOMER SERVICE

Insidepositionsellingadvertisingforanaward-winning communitynewsmediagroup, Faxresumeto631-751-4165or emailresumeto Class@tbrnewspapers.com. Seeourdisplayadformore information.

SERVERS/BUSSERS/ MAINTENANCEDISHWASHERNEEDEDp/t,weekendsapply inpersonMajesticGardens 420Rte25ARockyPoint,NY

CLERICAL

PART�TIME

12�20 HOURS PER WEEK

MUST HAVE working knowledge of Excel. Must have basic office skills. QuickBooks knowledge a plus

SERVERS/ WAITSTAFF/BAR NEEDED

Part-time, weekends required. Reliable and responsible. Will train, apply in person.

MAJESTIC GARDENS

420 Rte. 25A Rocky Point, NY 631.744.9500

Help Wanted

WE’REHIRING! TECHNICALMANAGER

WE’RE HIRING!

TECHNICAL MANAGER

The successful candidate will be a vital member of the Production Department at the Staller Center for the Arts, reporting to the Production Manager. The Technical Manager will directly operate and oversee theatrical equipment, events, and production requirements in the Main Stage (1000+ seat concert hall/proscenium theater), Recital Hall (375+ seat concert venue), and the Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery.

Bachelor’s Degree (foreign equivalent or higher). In lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, an Associate’s Degree (foreign equivalent or higher) and two (2) years of work experience in performing arts may be considered. Two (2)

ADMINISTRATIVEOPENINGS

MonticelloCentralSchool SchoolBuildingPrincipal(2 positions)TheMonticelloCSDis seekingforwardthinkinganddynamicSchoolBuildingPrincipals whocanleadMCSD’shighly engagedfaculty,staff,parents, studentsandcommunity.The successfulcandidatewillhavea visionofeducationalexcellence, behighlymotivatedanddemonstratetheabilitytoimpactstudentlearning.Startingsalary: $125,000,commensuratewith experience.NYSSDA/SDL/SBL CertificationRequiredplus2yrs. ofpreviousadministrativeleadershipand5yrs.exp.asa classroomteacherpreferred. PleaseapplyonlinebyMarch 5thathttps://monticelloschools. tedk12.com/hireEOE

SIGNFABRICATOR/ INSTALLER

Wellestablishedsign,exhibit& displaycompanylookingfora fulltimesignfabricatorandinstaller.Wouldberesponsiblefor production&signanddisplay fabricationandinstallation. Constructionplanningand orderingmaterials,Workclosely withourdesignerstomanage projectsfromfabricationto delivery/installation,Workwith shoptoolsandequipment, Estimatingleadtimesand projectcosts,Graphicdesign skillsareaplus,Backgroundin thesign/displayindustryaplus“ MillerMohr&KellyDesign GroupinSetauket. 631-941-2769 info@mmkdg.com

Thesuccessfulcandidatewillbe avitalmemberoftheProduction DepartmentattheStallerCenter fortheArts,reportingtothe ProductionManager.TheTechnicalManagerwilldirectlyoperateandoverseetheatrical equipment,events,andproductionrequirementsintheMain Stage(1000+seatconcerthall/ prosceniumtheater),Recital Hall(375+seatconcertvenue), andthePaulW.ZuccaireGallery.

FullTime|sl3|deadline: March10moreinfo&applicationdetailsatlinktr.ee/staller SEEOURDISPLAYADFOR MOREINFORMATION

Career Services

COMPUTER&ITTRAINING PROGRAM!TrainONLINEto gettheskillstobecomeaComputer&HelpDeskProfessional now!GrantsandScholarships availableforcertainprograms forqualifiedapplicants.CallCTI fordetails!844-947-0192(M-F 8am-6pmET).Computerwith internetisrequired.

MORE INFO & APPLICATION DETAILS AT LINKTR.EE/STALLER ©132800 Part-Time Sales/ Customer Service Fax resume to 631-751-4165 email resume: class@tbrnewspapers.com • Retain & grow client base • Computer experience and excellent spelling skills helpful • Sales or customer service experience a must • Must have good people and communication skills ©131640

SERVICES

Carpentry

LONGHILLCARPENTRY

45yearsexperience

Allphasesofhomeimprovement.Old&HistoricRestorations.Mastercard/VisaLic. #H22336/Ins.631-751-1764 longhill7511764@aol.com

Cesspool Services

MRSEWERMANCESSPOOL

SERVICEAlltypesofcesspoolservicing,allworkguaranteed,familyownedandoperatedsince1985, 631-924-7502. LicensedandInsured.

Clean-Ups

LETSTEVEDOIT

Clean-ups,yards,basements, wholehouse,painting,tree work,localmovingand anythingelse.Totally overwhelmed?

CallSteve@631-745-2598, leavemessage.

Electricians

SOUNDVIEWELECTRICAL CONTRACTING

Prompt*Reliable*Professional. Residential/Commercial,Free Estimates.Ins/Lic#57478-ME. OwnerOperator,631-828-4675

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Fences

SMITHPOINTFENCE. DEERPROBLEM?WECAN HELP!Wood,PVC,ChainLink, Stockade.Freeestimates. Nowoffering12monthinterest freefinancing.

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Floor Services/Sales

FINESANDING& REFINISHING

WoodFloorInstallations

CraigAliperti,WoodFloorsLLC. Allworkdonebyowner. 30yearsexperience. Lic.#47595-H/Insured. 631-875-5856

Home Improvement

ALLPHASESOF HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Fromattictoyourbasement, RCJConstruction www.rcjconstruction.com commercial/residential,lic/ins 631-580-4518.

BATH&SHOWERUPDATESin aslittleasONEDAY!Affordable prices-Nopaymentsfor18 months!Lifetimewarranty&professionalinstalls.Senior&MilitaryDiscountsavailable.Call: 866-393-3636

BLUSTARRENOVATIONS

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Welovesmalljobstoo! SuffolkLic.#48714-H,Ins. SEEOURDISPLAYADFOR MOREINFORMATION.

Home Improvement

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CallDave516-433-WIRE(9473) 631-667-WIRE(9473)orText 516-353-1118

Home Repairs/ Construction

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Historicalrestorations,Extensions&Dormers,Cedarsiding andClapboardinstallation, basementrenovations,kitchen &Bathrooms,doors&windows, finishedcarpentry&moulding Call631-283-2266

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LUXDISASTER RESTORATION24/7

EmergencyCleanupandrestoration,Flood,Sewage,Storm damage,firedamage,basement waterproofingandfinishing,Call 631-287-4700

SEEOURDISPLAYADFOR MOREINFORMATION

Lawn & Landscaping

SETAUKETLANDSCAPE DESIGN

StoneDriveways/Walkways, Walls/Stairs/Patios/Masonry, Brickwork/RepairsLand Clearing/Drainage,Grading/ Excavating.Plantings/Mulch, RainGardens. SteveAntos,631-689-6082 setauketlandscape.com ServingThreeVillages

SWANCOVE LANDSCAPING

LawnMaintenance,Cleanups,Shrub/TreePruning, Removals.LandscapeDesign/ Installation,Ponds/Waterfalls, StoneWalls.Firewood.Free estimates.Lic/Ins.631-6898089

Landscape Materials

SCREENEDTOPSOIL

Mulch,compost,decorative anddrivewaystone,concrete pavers,sand/block/portland. Fertilizerandseed.

JOS.M.TROFFA MATERIALSCORP. 631-928-4665,www.troffa.com

Masonry

CARLBONGIORNO

LANDSCAPE/MASON CONTRACTOR

AllphasesMasonryWork:Stone Walls,Patios,Poolscapes.All phasesofLandscapingDesign. ThemeGardens.Residential& Commercial.Lic/Ins. 631-928-2110

Painting/Spackling/ Wallpaper

ALLPROPAINTING

INTERIOR/EXTERIOR

PowerWashing,Staining, WallpaperRemoval.Free estimates.Lic/Ins#19604HI 631-696-8150.Nick

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LAROTONDA PAINTING&DESIGN

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WORTHPAINTING “PAINTINGWITHPRIDE” Interiors/exteriors.Staining& deckrestoration,powerwashing,FinishingCarpentry, sheetrocktape/spackling, carpentry/trimwork.Leadpaint certified.References.Freeestimates.Lic./Ins.SINCE1989 RyanSouthworth. SEEDISPLAYADFORMOREINFO 631-331-5556

ADVERTISE FOR RESULTS

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Plumbing/Heating

HEAVYWEIGHTPLUMBING

Arolloftoiletpaperstuffedin thedrainandpleadingfor HeavyweightPlumbingtocome andrescueit.DrainCleaning, 631-986-9516 AllofSuffolk,Lic/ins.

Satellite TV

BESTSATELLITETVWITH2 YEARPRICEGUARANTEE, $59.99/mowith190 channelsand3monthsfreepremiummoviechannels,Freenext dayinstallation,Call 888-508-5313

Tree Work

ARBOR-VISTATREECARE ACOMPLETETREECARE SERVICEdevotedtothecare oftrees.Maintenancepruning, water-viewwork,sun-trimming, elevating,poolareas,storm thinning,largetreeremoval, stumpgrinding.Woodchips. Lic#18902HI.Freeestimates. 631-246-5377

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Business Opportunities

LANDSCAPEBUSINESS

FORSALEtrucks,trailer´s,all equipmentover70pluscustomersaccounts 631-445-8434.

REAL ESTATE

Real Estate Services

PUBLISHERS’NOTICE

AllrealestateadvertisedhereinissubjecttotheFederalFair HousingAct,whichmakesit illegaltoadvertise“anypreference,limitation,ordiscriminationbecauseofrace,color,religion,sex,handicap,familial status,ornationalorigin,orintentiontomakeanysuchpreference,limitation,ordiscrimination.”

Wewillnotknowinglyaccept anyadvertisingforrealestate whichisinviolationofthelaw. Allpersonsareherebyinformedthatalldwellingsadvertisedareavailableonan equalopportunitybasis.

Land/Lots For Sale

RETIREDNYCEMSFIRE LIEUTENANTSELLINGquarter

tohalfacrelotsinPalmCoast Florida.Wepayclosingcosts. Wehaveatravelprogramtobuy call1-386-437-7058

FREEGOLF-LIVEINA COUNRYCLUBatBretton

SETAUKETHighVisibility,25A, cornerofficesuitewithlarge plateglasswindow,privatebath, ownthermostat,nicelydecorated,offstreetparking,Village TimesBuilding,Call 631-751-7744.

Rentals Classifieds Real Estate Line Ad Special (For sale/rent by owner only)

Buy 4 Weeks Get 2 Weeks Free your Ad will appear on our website: tbrnewsmedia.com 631–331–1154 or 631–751–7663

HOUSE HUNTING? visit our website www.tbrnewsmedia.com click on Real Estate ©104953

ONLINE AUCTION By Order of Rensselaer County, NY 518-895-8150 x 3003 Single Family Homes, Multi-Family Homes, Vacant Land and Commercial Properties.

Plus Deadline: Tues. Noon 133050

By Order of Rensselaer County, NY 92-TAX FORECLOSED PROPERTIES 133060

Letters to the Editor

As Bellone Rides Off, Others Step Forward

Editorial For local elections, put principle over party

It is shaping up to be a big election season for the residents of Suffolk County. It may be early in 2023, but we’re already thinking about Election Day. County Executive Steve Bellone (D) is termed out, triggering massive turnover across levels of local government.

As local Democratic and Republican committees put forward their slate of candidates for county executive, town supervisor and various legislative positions, it is time for We the People to do our homework.

County, town and village officials have a different set of responsibilities than those serving on the state or federal levels. Their duties locally include making decisions about land use, law enforcement, roadwork, waste management, recreational facilities and matters that affect our everyday lives.

Preserving open space, treating our garbage and paving roads are not issues of Democrat versus Republican. These matters impact every resident, which is why it’s important to put aside party affiliation when we enter the voting booth this year. Experience matters.

Before you vote, take a look at the candidates’ respective backgrounds. Does a candidate have relevant experience in the public or private sectors that will aid his or her decision making? Here at TBR News Media, we will take a deep dive into these candidates over the coming months, introducing our readers to their professional backgrounds and policy positions.

We know all the candidates will have much to say in the months ahead, and many will back their goals for our future with concrete plans.

As journalists, it is our job to provide our readers with the information necessary to make informed decisions on Election Day. We take this responsibility seriously and look forward to following these elections closely.

In the meantime, we remind our readers that you play a part in this as well. By writing letters to the editor about the various local races, you have the opportunity to interpret and contextualize our election coverage. Letters are your chance to influence the shape of our democracy, so don’t squander it.

Before voting, remember to research your ballot thoroughly, check your party affiliation at the door and keep an open mind. We will be here to help along the way.

FDA’s record has undermined its credibility

In the recent Associated Press article, “FDA’s own reputation could be restraining its misinfo fight,” the Food and Drug Administration questions why the American public does not fully trust the information provided by the agency.

As chairwoman of Suffolk County’s Addiction Prevention and Support Advisory Panel, I can address that question by asking what most Americans have been wondering for the past 20 years: When was the FDA aware of the opioid epidemic, and what did it do to stop it? Additionally, why are there chemicals in American food, cosmetics and other products that are banned in other countries? And, why are there so many drug commercials on television aimed at the public when it should be up to our doctors to provide pharmaceutical guidance?

The role of the FDA is to protect “the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy and security of human drugs.” Perhaps it’s not what the FDA does that people don’t trust; it’s what it doesn’t do that Americans question.

Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai) Suffolk County Legislator 6th District

Who do we trust?

I think we have reached a pinnacle in our country to put on our calendars, National Fairy Tale Story Day. A quote from conservative commentator Jack Posobiec, “Elon Musk didn’t just buy a company … he purchased a crime scene.”

The radical left has acquired extraordinarily power and has used this power to transform American society within our education system, journalism, technology, sports and entertainment. Despite the best efforts of the most powerful people in the most powerful organizations to “bury” the truth in the fathoms of “the deep state,” FTX, Twitter, Biden and Obama, censorship, collusion and corruption are all being exposed.

There used to be an American game show, “Who Do You Trust?” Who do we trust? Our three-letter agencies are all involved with lies and deceit. The FBI were so busy at school board meetings going after concerned parents while unauthorized Chinese “police stations” were being set up in America. Who let that happen? Why is China owning over 191,000 acres in rural America? Another thought, what is the role China playing in the visit to Moscow? I don’t think it’s playing Chinese checkers with Putin,

rather strategic chess moves within their minds.

Our leaders keep throwing the mirage at us. They lead us astray and confuse the direction of our paths (Isaiah 3:12).

WRITE TO US … We welcome your letters. They should be no longer than 400 words and may be edited for length, libel, style and good taste. We do not publish anonymous letters. Please include a phone number and address for confirmation. Email letters to: editor1@tbrnewsmedia.com or mail them to TBR News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733

I give credit to The New York Times, Sunday front page article, “Alone, Underage and Exploited for Labor.” Again, it’s exposing the truth of this selfmade crisis. This is not a political issue, this is a human-being issue.

We need the best of the best, not just in the athletic arena but across the board for America: teachers, politicians, doctors, lawyers, etc. Merit should drive the way.

Our school system needs to be rebooted. There is a need to restore school standards along with restoring “election integrity.” If you ask the youth in China of their aspirations they will answer astronaut, scientist or engineer. Ask the youth of America, their answer is social media. Why is TikTok still around?

To conclude with a positive quote from John Adams, our second president, “Let frugality and industry be our virtues. Fire (our children) with ambition to be useful.” Let’s see Congress’ “spending diet.” May it be lean and responsible for the taxpayer money. God help America.

Lisa Pius Old Field

No cancellation requested

In one of his recent letters [“Sign of our times”, Feb. 9], George Altemose accused me of wanting to “cancel” him and letter writer Mark Sertoff, supposedly because I disagree with their opinions about Rep. George Santos’ [R-NY3] election and electric vehicle efficiency [“Not only Santos economical with the truth”, “No electric car for me”, Jan. 19]. For the record, I don’t want to “cancel” anyone, and actually agree with them that politicians lie and EV technology is immature. I questioned the value of their letters because their arguments were disingenuous and therefore merely performative. If Altemose doesn’t care how Santos got elected, he should say so, rather than pretend that Santos’ lies are equivalent to the exaggeration and hype that politicians of both parties have always engaged in.

If Sertoff doesn’t think we can — or should — mitigate fossil fuel emissions, he should say so, rather than pretend to

be concerned about the maturity of EV technology.

It would be wonderful to see thoughtful, good-faith letters from the right, but instead we regularly see disingenuous, sarcastic rants about “wokism,” “cancel culture,” “socialism” and “CRT” with no facts or logic to be found. Until we see more intellectually honest letters, we should continue to point out bogus rhetorical tactics. In any case, the First Amendment rights of Altemose and Sertoff will remain uninfringed since TBR Media, as a private company, can print — or not print — whatever it chooses.

Refreshingly, Altemose’s latest letter [“How to tackle carbon dioxide emissions”, Feb. 23] frankly acknowledges the reality of humancaused climate change and makes a concrete, fact-based policy proposal: Use more nuclear power production to supplement renewable energy sources. Although we could do without the sarcasm, he correctly points out the hypocrisy of some on the left for rejecting nuclear out of hand. I agree we should strive to make policy decisions based on science and evidence.

But the nuclear power programs of France and South Korea have been more successful than ours because they are both run by nation-level, state-owned utilities. This has allowed them to standardize reactor technology, build multiple plants simultaneously, consolidate technical and operations expertise, avoid the need for an adversarial regulatory framework and ensure accountability via high-profile political oversight. While not perfect, this approach has made French and South Korean nuclear plants safer and more economical than those produced under the one-off, state-by-state, externally regulated, private for-profit contractor model used in the U.S. Would Americans support a federally owned nuclear utility (“socialism”!) if it meant a safer, cheaper and emissionsfree energy supply? That’s a good question worth some vigorous, factbased debate.

John Hover East Setauket

Cartoon by Kyle Horne: kylehorneart.com @kylehorneart

Opinion

A random email triggers memories of Secret Santas and bubble bath

Let’s start with events from over three decades ago, shall we?

I had spent considerable time with Michelle when I was in college, as we both loved biology and studied coenzymes together.

have had one of those weeks where the phrase “It’s a small world after all” applies.exactly the same last name,” he said.

I held my breath.

“His first name was Ivan.”

A small electric shock worked its way through my body.

“That was my father,” I replied.

“Was?” he asked.

My father had died months earlier after an exhausting and painful battle with cancer.

D. None of the above

I had met Michelle’s father several times, mostly when a group of us visited her house. Her father, who was a doctor, was a wonderful host.

I had also met Michelle’s father’s partners in his medical practice. We spoke to each other on a first-name basis.

One of his partners and I were in a spacious kitchen as the sun was setting over a nearby hill. The partner asked me my last name.

When I spelled it out, he studied me closely.

“I had a roommate in medical school with

I hadn’t developed “reporter” mode, which is what my children call it when questions leap at rapid fire pace from my brain to my mouth. Instead, I tried to imagine this man and my father as roommates in medical school.

I asked a few questions, for which he had short and not particularly informative answers. Later that night, I called my mom to tell her about the interaction. She said she knew the man and that he and my father were roommates and friends for a short time.

That brings me to story number two. I frequently receive pitch emails from people in the field of public relations. These executives from all over the country and the world — including Japan and Australia — email me

with ideas to get their clients into the TBR newspapers.

I can’t always see a direct link between the coverage of stories in a community newspaper on Long Island and ideas that sometimes seem localized to other parts of the planet. When the connection seems tenuous, I don’t always read the emails all that carefully.

Recently, I received one such pitch and, despite not having a strong interest in the subject, read through the entire thing. The public relations executive was suggesting we cover a lecturer, author and authority figure in a particular field.

The first and middle names sounded familiar. When I got to the end of the pitch, where the email shared the person’s background, I realized that this woman and I attended the same college.

In fact, when I saw her picture, I immediately recognized her. She looked remarkably similar to how she looked decades ago —so, kudos to her for an ability to defy the effects of aging and gravity. That, I thought as I looked at her wrinkle-free face, could also be a topic she

Get a Medicare card and you may have reached FOGO

Adear friend of mine just celebrated her 65th birthday this week, and she regards it as a significant number. “How did I get here so fast?” she asks.

She also recognizes that she is getting older. That might even be a little scary.

Yes, she is now covered by Medicare. This is both an asset and a shock.

is aging, that she has entered the first phase of the three-part delineation of older age. There is the young-older, from 65-75; then the middleolder, from 75-85; and the third segment, 85-95. Whoever decides and names these demographic groupings seems to have been unable to imagine any group beyond that point. Maybe it should be called “The Beyond Expectations Group.”

Between

When she looks at her new Medicare card, she wonders how this could be. Is she really now eligible for Medicare?

Her grandmother was on Medicare, surely not her. But there is her name; the reality is undeniable.

“Well,” she silently acknowledges, “it’s good to have that coverage.” But the sight still stings a bit.

Part of her response is the awareness that she

With her new realization comes a vow to concentrate on her health and to make the ensuing years hardy ones. She has vowed to pay more attention to her diet, to make better choices concerning what she eats. More fruits and veggies are in store. But no amount of blueberries and kale can eliminate aging. She has now followed through with her long-held intention to work with a trainer. And she is getting a new mattress to help her sleep better.

My friend is doing something helpful for herself. She is turning concerns of aging and the rapid passing of time into better health actions so as to control how she wants to age. Life for her will no longer be just on automatic pilot.

Although there are more older people in America than ever before, aging is fearful for 87% of the population, according to a survey of those turning 65 conducted by Pfizer. It’s called FOGO — fear of getting old.

Why are people afraid of getting old?

There are a number of reasons. Aging can diminish employment prospects. It is a given that older employees earn more than younger newcomers, and while it is illegal to discriminate by age, we all know that such bias exists. It is no wonder, then, that plastic surgeons do facelifts to combat wrinkles and laugh lines, adjust sagging necks and erase any other evidence of aging. And it is not only women who undergo such procedures. Many men feel the need to blunt evidence of having lived into and past middle age.

People fear losses: of physical ability, of their good looks, of sufficient finances, of memory, of loved ones and consequently of being lonely, and even of their health shortly to be burdened with chronic diseases. Underlying all this is the

shares with audiences at conferences.

She not only attended college at the same time and place, but was in the same dorm for three years. In our sophomore year, I was her Secret Santa, which means that I bought small gifts for her and asked friends and roommates to leave them surreptitiously outside her dorm room. It’s a fun gift exchange and improves mental health during exams and amid shorter daylight hours.

One night, I sat at a dinner with my friends, before the “Secret Santa reveal,” suppressing a satisfied smirk as her roommate described what a wonderful Secret Santa her friend had.

Her roommate quoted from the poem I had left her (in my roommate’s considerably more aesthetically pleasing handwriting) with a bottle of bubble bath. Wouldn’t it be funny if the secret to her youthful appearance were bubble baths, which she started using many years ago after getting an inexpensive Secret Santa gift? Probably not.

Either way, it’s a small world where unexpected connections can and do crop up, even in random emails.

fear of losing independence.

Interestingly, only 10% in the survey said they were afraid of dying.

Other cultures respect and may even venerate older members of society. Aging can bring people an enhanced sense of gratitude, a calmer demeanor, an awareness of what is truly important, greater ability to resolve conflicts and even an inclination toward forgiveness. Elders are assumed to have accumulated some wisdom just from more years of living and are respected for that.

Of one thing, my friend is sure. When we consider milestones, it seems like the time between them is little more than the blink of an eye. She clearly remembers the details of her Sweet 16 party, the fun of turning 21, her graduation from law school and now suddenly, to be in the Final Frontier is one swift stroke of time after the other. Blink and you are 65. And along comes the recognition that the future is no longer assured.

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA We welcome letters, photographs, comments and story ideas. Send your items to P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733 or email editor1@tbrnewsmedia.com. Times Beacon Record Newspapers are published every Thursday. Subscription $59/year • 631-751-7744 www.tbrnewsmedia.com • Contents copyright 2023 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Leah S. Dunaief GENERAL MANAGER Johness Kuisel MANAGING EDITOR Rita J. Egan EDITOR Raymond Janis LEISURE EDITOR Heidi Sutton COPY EDITOR John Broven ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kathleen Gobos ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Elizabeth Bongiorno Robin Lemkin Larry Stahl Katherine Yamaguchi Minnie Yancey ART AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Beth Heller Mason PRODUCTION Janet Fortuna Sharon Nicholson CLASSIFIEDS DIRECTOR & SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Sheila Murray BUSINESS MANAGER Sandi Gross CIRCULATION & LEGALS MANAGER Courtney Biondo INTERNET STRATEGY DIRECTOR Rob Alfano SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER Kathryn Mandracchia 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Year After Year AwardWinning Newspapers

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF