The Times of Middle Country - March 16, 2023

The TIMES of MIDDLE

Professional Shadow Day at Middle Country Central School District

Approximately 75 eighth grade students at Dawnwood Middle School and Selden Middle School in the Family and Consumer Science and Technology classes participated in the annual Shadow Day event, sponsored by the Middle Country Business Advisory Board. This was the first such event after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students worked alongside or shadowed a

family member or friend of the family and had an opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look at an average workday in a variety of careers, including paralegal, teaching, nursing, small business owner and corporate executive.

The students saw firsthand how the education they are receiving at school, including 21st century skills such as time management, communication, teamwork and problem-solving, are directly

connected to future employment.

“I observed in person and through participation in virtual meetings how a cohesive team works,” said Angela Patalano, an eighth grade student at Selden Middle School who shadowed a senior vice president of data and systems integration at Lifetime Brands. “I took a showroom tour and learned a great deal about product categories and branding.”

Middle Country Central School District’s eighth grade students during their shadow job day

BY RAYMOND JANIS EDITOR1@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Local Rotary Club hosts benefit gala for Kenyan orphanage

secretary of HCF who accomplished much for the orphanage despite being paralyzed.

Rocky Point Rotary Club president Kevin Mann detailed McDonough’s perseverance and drive in the face of his physical condition.

COMMUNITY

The Rocky Point Rotary Club hosted the 5th annual Douglas J. McDonough Hope Children’s Fund Gala on Saturday, March 11, at the Inn and Spa at East Wind in Wading River.

This annual event benefits the Jerusha Mwiraria Hope Children’s Home in Meru, Kenya. Douglas McDonough was a former

“Nothing ever stopped him,” Mann said. “No one ever even asked about his injury because he did everything,” adding, “He taught at BOCES in the middle school level for kids who got thrown out of their schools — in a wheelchair. He was just an amazing guy.”

Mann also outlined the central motivations for the gala, affirming that the annual event has been perennially instrumental in enabling educational opportunities for the children at Hope Children’s Home.

“The premise of the gala is to raise funds and provide educational opportunities for orphans in Kenya,” he said. “This event will supply enough funds to send 45 children with secondary and postsecondary education for a

trimester,” adding, “We raise a tremendous amount of money for that cause.”

Mann chronicled the orphanage’s history, stating the earliest organizers first laid plans for the home in 2000. In 2003, the organization became a 501(c)(3) charity, and in 2005 the organizers opened the orphanage. Children entering the home come from varied and often difficult backgrounds,

according to Mann. “There’s a wide range of how they arrive at the door,” he said. Moreover, membership has grown considerably during its nearly two decades in operation. “The goal was 18 children,” Mann said. “We have [over] 90 today.”

One of the unique characteristics of HCF

ROTARY CONTINUED ON A7

Above, attendees of the gala made contact with the children at the Jerusha Mwiraria Hope Children’s Home in Meru, Kenya, via Skype. Below, Rocky Point Rotary Club president Kevin Mann delivered a speech during the event.

Photos by Stacey Young

LEGALS

Noticeofformationof

DrakkenArcadesLLC.Arts

on1/12/23.Officelocation: ofStateofNewYork(SSNY) ofOrg.filedwithSecretary

SSNYshallmailacopyof againstitmaybeserved. theLLCuponwhomprocess beendesignatedasagentof SuffolkCounty.SSNYhas

theprocesstotheLLC:11

11738.Purpose:Anylawful JosephCt.Farmingville,NY

purpose.

1303002/236xtmc

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02/23/2023.Officelocation:SuffolkCounty.SSNY

served.SSNYshallmaila processagainstitmaybe agentoftheLLCuponwhom hasbeendesignatedas

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Purpose:Anylawfulpurpose.

1327103/96xtmc

LEGALNOTICE

TOTHETAXPAYERSOFTHE

SELDENFIREDISTRICT:

NOTICEISHEREBYGIVEN ,

SELDENFIREDISTRICT, FireCommissionersofthe adoptedbytheBoardof thataresolutionwasduly

York,onthe27thdayof ofSuffolk,StateofNew TownofBrookhaven,County

February,2023,subjecttoa

oftheGeneralMunicipal providedforbySection6(g) permissivereferendumas

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work. timetotimetoeffectsuch effectsuchtransferfrom Treasurerisauthorizedto thework,andtheDistrict

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takeeffectuntilthirty(30)

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DATED:February27,2023

BOARDOF

TOWNOFBROOKHAVEN SELDENFIREDISTRICT FIRECOMMISSIONERS

ATTEST:

Secretary MARIONWARREN

RESOLUTION

ANDCLASSROOM STORAGEAREA ERECTIONOFSTEEL

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thatthisresolutionissubjecttoapermissivereferendumasprovidedforin

MunicipalLaw. Section6(g)oftheGeneral

Theadoptionoftheforegoingresolutionwasduly

callthevotewasasfollows: puttoavoteanduponroll

Commissioner WilliamXikis) Commissioner

TimothyTurner) Commissioner RichardCotty)AYES

thereupondeclaredduly Theresolutionwas

adopted.

Dated:February27,2023

ATTEST:

Secretary MarionWarren

1344603/161xtmc

LEGALNOTICE

SELDENFIREDISTRICT:

NOTICEISHEREBYGIVEN ,

Law. oftheGeneralMunicipal providedforbySection6(g) permissivereferendumas February,2023subjecttoa York,onthe27thdayof ofSuffolk,StateofNew TownofBrookhaven,County SELDENFIREDISTRICT, FireCommissionersofthe adoptedbytheBoardof thataresolutionwasduly

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DATED:February27,2023

BOARDOF

FIRECOMMISSIONERS

SELDENFIREDISTRICT

TOWNOFBROOKHAVEN

ATTEST:

MARIONWARREN

Secretary

RESOLUTION

AUTOMATICEXTERNAL PURCHASEOF

DEFIBRILLATORS

WHEREAS ,theSeldenFire

Districthas,byappropriate

resolutionestablishedacertainCapitalReserveFund

Supplies,Uniformsand DevicesMedicalEquipment ReserveFundforSafety designatedastheCapital

Firefighters’Gear,establishedpursuanttoSection

6(g)oftheGeneralMunicipalLaw,inanaccountfor

FireDistrict,Section6(g) fundentitled,“TheSelden depositofsaidreserves

WHEREAS ,itisdeemedin banks;and CapitalReserve#3,inlocal

residentsoftheSeldenFire thebestinterestsofthe

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WHEREAS ,themaximum and andassociatedequipment;

costtocompletesaidpurchaseandforincidental

estimatedtobeTwenty andattorney’sfeesare expensesandadvertising

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Section6(g)oftheGeneral applicableandinparticular, thelawsandregulations RESOLVED thatpursuantto NOW,THEREFORE,ITIS

MunicipalLaw,thatthesaid

purchaseshallbeaccomplished,andthatthecost

BEITFURTHERRESOLVED , ($20,000.00)Dollars;and costofTwentyThousand themaximumestimated ofFireCommissionersat authorizationoftheBoard ReserveFund#3upon expendedfromtheCapital attorney’sfeesshallbe purchase,advertisingand andexpenseforthesaid

thatthisresolutionissubjecttoapermissivereferendumasprovidedforin

Section6(g)oftheGeneral

MunicipalLaw.

TOTHETAXPAYERSOFTHE WilliamXikis) Commissioner

Theadoptionoftheforegoingresolutionwasduly

callthevotewasasfollows: puttoavoteanduponroll

Commissioner RichardCotty)AYES

TimothyTurner)

adopted. thereupondeclaredduly Theresolutionwas

Dated:February27,2023

ATTEST:

Secretary MarionWarren

1344703/161xtmc

LEGALNOTICE

TOTHETAXPAYERSOFTHE

SELDENFIREDISTRICT:

NOTICEISHEREBYGIVEN ,

SELDENFIREDISTRICT, FireCommissionersofthe adoptedbytheBoardof thataresolutionwasduly

February,2023,subjecttoa York,onthe27thdayof ofSuffolk,StateofNew TownofBrookhaven,County

Law. oftheGeneralMunicipal providedforbySection6(g) permissivereferendumas

resolutionisasfollows: Anextractofthe

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Theresolutionfurtherprovidesthattherebe

transferredfromthepresent

LEGALS con’t on pg. 2

Commissioner 7

The following incidents have been reported by Suffolk County Police:

Farmingville boy reported missing

Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to locate a Farmingville boy who was reported missing since March 13. Mertcan Cakmak left his home, located on Waverly Ave., on a bicycle sometime overnight and is possibly attempting to go to the Bronx. He was reported missing by a family member at approximately 5:45 a.m. Mertcan, 12, is white, 5 feet 5 inches tall, approximately 150 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing ripped jeans and a dark-color hooded sweatshirt. He has braces and a scar above his eye.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on Mertcan’s location to call the Sixth Squad at 631- 854-8652 or 911.

Centereach teen reported missing

Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to locate a Centereach teen who was reported missing on March 12. Ashley Leonardi, 17, was last seen leaving her residence on Belwyn Lane, on March 11 at approximately 4:30 p.m. Leonardi is Caucasian, 5 feet one inches tall, 125 pounds with blue eyes, blonde and black hair. She was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, tan sweatpants and white sneakers.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on her location to call 911 or the Sixth Squad at 631-854-8652.

Four arrested for selling e-cigarettes to persons under 21 in Centereach

Suffolk County Police arrested four people on March 11 for allegedly selling e-cigarettes to persons under 21 during compliance checks at businesses in the Sixth Precinct. In response to community complaints, Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers conducted an investigation into the sale of e-cigarettes to minors during which four Centereach businesses were checked for compliance.

The following employees were charged with alleged Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 2nd Degree: Connor King, 21, of Centereach, employed at Hemp Clouds, located at 1515 Middle Country Road; Andrew Petruzzi, 20, of Coram, employed at Metropolis Smoke Shop, located at 1685 Middle Country Road; Zubair Mahamud, 26, of Ronkonkoma, employed at Medusa Smoke Shop, located 2484 Middle Country Road; and Lakhwinder Singh, 34, of Centereach, an employee of Barcode Smoke Shop and Hookah, located at 115 Mark Tree Road.

Smith Haven Mall security guard arrested Suffolk County Police arrested a Smith Haven Mall security guard on March 9 for allegedly committing a sex act while on duty last year. Jose Irizarry was working as a security officer in the Lake Grove mall on August 29, 2022, when he approached a 24-year-old woman who he suspected of shoplifting. Irizarry, under the guise of escorting the woman out of the mall brought her into an employees only corridor and then into a storage room, where he allegedly forced the victim to perform a sex act on him in exchange for her being allowed to leave the mall. Irizarry, 33, of Holbrook, was charged with Criminal Sex Act 1st Degree.

Medford teen killed in PJS car crash

Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed one teenager and injured five others in Port Jefferson Station on March 11. Christopher Ospina was driving a 2019 Honda Accord eastbound on Nesconset Highway when he attempted to make a left turn onto Woodhull Avenue and was struck in the intersection by a westbound 2022 Ford Bronco at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Isaac Ruiz, 16, of Medford, a backseat passenger in the Honda, was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the Ford, Taner Ustaoglu, 19, of Miller Place, along with Ospina, 18, of Islandia, plus three other passengers in the Honda, Jordan Hatal, 16, Joseph Marzano, 15, and Alexa Angelis, 17, were transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Both vehicles were impounded for safety checks. Detectives are asking anyone with information on the crash to contact the Sixth Squad at 631-854-8652.

— 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.

Mertcan Cakmak

Ashley Leonardi

Rotary

Continued from A3

is its organizational structure. The U.S.-based operation is entirely volunteer driven, with salaries paid out exclusively to employees in Kenya supervising the care of the children.

“In this particular case, everybody can say that 100% [of the proceeds go] to the cause,” Mann said.

One such HCF employee is Veronica Ntinyari, who runs the orphanage. In a series of text exchanges via WhatsApp, Ntinyari explained how the funds from the gala would assist the children under her care.

“The funds raised help to support the orphanage in paying their school fees, food, clothing, medical care and other necessities in the home,” she said.

Sonia Saleh is district governor for Rotary District 7255, which covers 62 Rotary Clubs throughout Long Island, including Brooklyn and Queens. She praised the Rocky Point Rotary for its initiative concerning HCF.

LEGALS

LEGALS con’t from pg. 1

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“The Rotary Club of Rocky Point has taken this cause on,” she said, adding, “This Rotary Club is all about peace and internationalism, which is so wonderful.”

Mann maintained that the HCF gala closely corresponds to the stated purpose and vision of Rotary International. “It fits very much under the concerns of Rotary, and literacy is one of the major components of Rotary as well,” he said.

Saleh added to this sentiment. “Rotary is about two things — it’s about service and community,” the district governor said. “The point is we come together for service first, and then there are the community and friendships, which is beautiful.”

Through HCF and Rocky Point Rotary, Ntinyari said she feels associated to the people of Rocky Point and the greater Long Island community.

“Me and the children feel connected to Long Island community members, especially during their visits in Meru,” she said.

To learn more about Hope Children’s Fund or to make a donation, visit hopechildrensfund.org.

WHEREAS ,themaximum

callthevotewasasfollows:

Thisresolutionshallnot

takeeffectuntilthirty(30)

daysunlessinthemeanwhileamandatoryreferendumasprovidedforin

Section6(g)oftheGeneral

MunicipalLawisrequiredto

beheld.

DATED:February27,2023

BOARDOF

FIRECOMMISSIONERS

SELDENFIREDISTRICT

TOWNOFBROOKHAVEN

ATTEST:

MARIONWARREN

Secretary

RESOLUTION

EQUIPMENTFORFIRE INSTALLATIONOFSIGN FIREHEADQUARTERSAND SIGNBOARDAT

DISTRICTFACILITIES

WHEREAS ,theSeldenFire

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resolutionestablishedacertainCapitalReserveFund

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Theadoptionoftheforegoingresolutionwasduly

UPGRADEELECTRONIC puttoavoteanduponroll

Commissioner WilliamXikis) Commissioner

TimothyTurner) Commissioner RichardCotty)AYES

adopted. thereupondeclaredduly Theresolutionwas

Dated:February27,2023

Secretary MarionWarren ATTEST:

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Community comes together for Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick’s Day Parade

BY GREG CATALANO DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

The Friends of St. Patrick held the 71st annual Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 12.

In a grand spectacle, marchers walked along the parade route of Route 25A from Miller Place to Rocky Point. The event featured countless community organizations, business groups and performers.

— Photos by Greg Catalano

Local leaders warn of THC products packaged for children

BY RAYMOND JANIS EDITOR1@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Public officials and drug prevention advocates are sounding the alarm over cannabis products packaged for children.

During a recent Port Jefferson Station/ Terryville Civic Association meeting, civic vice president Sal Pitti circulated a flier revealing various cannabis products resembling commonplace children’s foods and household snacks.

Pitti, who is also active with the Town of Brookhaven’s Drug Prevention Coalition, suggested these products are branded for children and attributes the problem to false advertising.

“We all grew up with Trix and Cocoa Pebbles when we were kids,” he said. “It’s a branding that people know, they recognize and might more easily purchase.”

Pitti detailed several potential dangers associated with tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in marijuana commonly known as THC, getting into the hands of young people. He said processed edible cannabis often has exponentially higher THC concentrations, which can get kids hooked on the substance more efficiently and create a gateway to harder drugs.

Recent statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse substantiate this claim. Samples analyzed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency since 1995 indicate that today’s cannabis products are nearly four times as potent as those collected in that year.

“They’ve sophisticated this technique to great extents,” Pitti said. “Now they’re making gummies, candies, granola bars, honeys and spreads out of this stuff. But the problem is, in processing all of this, that THC level has gone up dramatically.”

Pitti said packaging highly potent THC products to children signals potentially severe societal harm. “This is going to open up a door to our youth that’s going to hurt them,” he said. “This is just a bomb that’s waiting to go off.”

A crisis for children

Pitti is not alone in these concerns. Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) has introduced legislation targeting the practice. Her bill cites the risks associated with underage THC consumption, such as impaired memory and coordination, and the potential for hallucinations and paranoia among minors.

In an interview, Hahn suggested marketing cannabis in a manner that makes it desirable to children represents a public safety hazard.

“If it’s intentionally designed to look like candy, the purpose is to confuse the consumer,” she said, adding, “If an adult purchases marijuana gummies that are packaged similarly to candy-type gummies

and a young child gets their hands on it and eats it unknowingly, that’s a very dangerous situation for the child.”

Hahn’s bill would require packaging of THC products to be plain, containing clear warning labels and prohibiting the words “candy” or “candies.” She noted that the measure’s goal is to make THC products less enticing to kids.

“The packaging of the products is incredibly important,” the county legislator said, stating the bill would prevent merchants from “mimicking candy wrappers, having logos that are like cartoons or characters or having flavors that are attractive to children.”

Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai), chair of the county’s Addiction Prevention and Support Advisory Panel, has signed on as a co-sponsor to Hahn’s bill. She referred to child-friendly THC packaging as a harmful way for cannabis sellers to market their products.

“These cannabis folks see this as a

marketing strategy,” she said. “It’s creating a problem, we know for a fact, and we’re trying to address that.”

State oversight

Marijuana was legalized in New York state in 2021 under the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act. The New York State Office of Cannabis Management is the regulatory arm overseeing the licensure, production, sale and taxation of cannabis throughout the state. In an email statement, the office confirmed the uptick in packaging branded for children.

“We have seen illicit sellers marketing products clearly imitating candies and snacks that target children,” said Lyla Hunt, OCM’s deputy director of public health and campaigns. “New York State would never allow those products to be sold in licensed cannabis dispensaries. Our enforcement teams are working every day to shut those sellers down.”

Further compounding the issue, Hunt added that illicit dealers often do not

follow the same protocols as their licensed counterparts. “We also have heard reports unlicensed storefronts are not checking ID when selling illicit cannabis products, heightening the importance of shuttering these operators before they can do more harm,” she said.

According to her, OCM has worked to curtail the issue through stringent guidelines, putting forth regulations regarding packaging, labeling and marketing to mitigate this technique.

“We at New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management are committed to building a safe, regulated cannabis industry for consumers ages 21 and over that also protects those under 21,” the deputy director said.

OCM’s regulations concerning packaging echo several of the items raised in Hahn’s bill, restricting words such as “candy” and “candies” while mandating that packages be resealable, child-resistant and tamper evident. The guidelines also limit the use of cartoons, bubble-type fonts and bright colors on the packaging.

Despite OCM’s approach, Anker said the work of local and state government remains unfinished. “More must be done,” the county legislator said. She added, “This product is legally new to the market, and you need to be aware and do your part as a parent and as a teacher … to protect the kids.”

Photo courtesy the Town of Brookhaven’s Drug Prevention Coalition

‘This is going to open up a door to our youth that’s going to hurt them. This is just a bomb that’s waiting to go off.’

—Sal Pitti

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Busy East Setauket Real Estate Office is seeking a motivated team player with strong computer skills, clear, friendly speaking voice, professional appearance & excellent customer service skills. Full time position, with one Weekend day. Social media skills a plus.

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Continuing the fight for women’s equality

For more than 35 years, March has been set aside to honor American women who have made their mark on history.

Over this time, Women’s History Month has evolved into a period to reflect on women’s roles in the country and the steps made to further equality, an effort that is still unfinished. While there’s no denying that women have come a long way over the decades, more work must be done.

Unfortunately, in this 21st century, countless women don’t earn the same as their male counterparts, who do the same exact job as they do. Sometimes, women even find themselves in work situations where they make less than men who don’t have as much experience or education as they do.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 1979 women who were full-time, salary workers had earnings that were 62% of men. In 2020, the gap closed somewhat but not completely, with women on average making 82% of what men make in similar jobs. Females of color make even less.

Women are underpaid in many fields, including the media. A 2021 study researching the newsrooms of 14 Gannettowned newspapers found women earned up to $27,000 less annually than men, according to the labor union NewsGuild. That equates to 63% of the median salary of males in the same roles.

The days of women working only to earn some spending money are long gone. Today, society doesn’t limit women to feeling as if they can only choose to be a secretary, teacher or nurse. Girls can grow up to be whatever they aim to be and, just like men, females have college loans that must be paid for and carry the burden of household expenses. In an era where two incomes are often needed to own a home, and there are single mothers and women looking to build a future of their own, paying women only 82% of what men make is inexcusable.

Females deserve the same respect as males in every aspect, yet they are still fighting on every level. Another distressing example of what females experience comes from a survey conducted by the Seattle University Department of Communication and Media which reported 79% of 115 women journalists surveyed feared online abuse. Such harassment could put a female reporter in a position where she may fear covering certain kinds of stories. Preying on women journalists to prevent them from properly doing their job is unconscionable.

Women have the right to choose whatever career path they desire. When they land their dream job, they deserve to be paid the same as their male counterparts and to be treated with respect.

Women’s History Month reminds us that the fight for equality is universal. Men require strong women, and vice versa. Today’s females stand on the shoulders of the women and men who have fought for their equality.

Let us continue their work. Let us envision a world that will be better for the girls who follow in our footsteps.

The opinions of columnists and letter writers are their own. They do not speak for the newspaper.

Please see revised letters policy below.

Letters to the Editor

Correction: Good Energy is New York-based

First, thank you for the in-depth March 9 article about Community Choice Aggregation in Long Island. It is a well-written article that shares much important information about CCA programs.

Long Island residents and businesses can benefit from such programs for years, so the more information, the better. Such CCA programs will enable Long Islanders to secure stable, low energy rates and also feature renewable energy options. That is, indeed, important news for Long Islanders.

As a media contact for Good Energy, I would like to add a small — but important — correction and a clarification to that article, “Community Choice Aggregation: Town of Brookhaven joins energy revolution” [see TBR News Media website].

Good Energy is mentioned as being a London-based company. It’s an understandable error because there is a United Kingdom-based company with the same name as ours. However, Good Energy LLC is based in Manhattan, with employees on Long Island and has been helping New York and other states create CCA programs for more than 20 years.

For our company, it’s important that residents of the Town of Brookhaven and the rest of Long Island know we are a New York-based business working for New Yorkers. We look forward to serving Brookhaven as the energy consultant for their CCA program. Part of that service is providing Brookhaven with new, exciting renewable energy options.

I would also request that your publication clarifies the scope of Good Energy’s CCA program: The Town of Brookhaven’s Community Choice Aggregation Program is for gas, electricity and renewable energy.

In fact, Good Energy is currently working with Brookhaven officials to develop such renewable energy projects. More news about that will be coming soon.

Doug Donaldson Media Representative Good Energy

LLC New York Fund the state’s new campaign finance program

In a representative democracy, money should not be the determining factor in whether a person can run for public office. When working-class people run and serve in public office, our government works better for

working families. Yet too often, the process is dictated by wealthy donors and special interest groups, making it difficult for the average person to run for office and win. The New York State Public Campaign Finance Program would help to change that.

This new state program would eliminate barriers and level the playing field for good, qualified people to run for public office. Under the new system, individual contributions of between $5 and $250 would be eligible for public matching funds, enabling candidates — incumbents and challengers — to spend their time fundraising among more of the people they seek to represent, as opposed to wealthy megadonors. This makes it easier for ordinary people without access to wealth to run for office, with the support of our communities.

Instead of officeholders who are beholden to corporate donations, special interests and megadonors, they would be listening to constituents who built their campaign, one small donation at a time. Furthermore, these small donors would be engaged in the process to a greater degree, as they have a personal connection with the candidate who represents them and the community. This is what a government of, by and for the people is all about.

Unfortunately, no one will be able to make use of public campaign finance if there is no funding allocated to the program. Our legislators must take bold action and fully fund the Public Campaign Finance Program this year, so that candidates can begin using it in the 2024 election cycle, as the law intended. This funding must be a part of our fiscal year 2024 budget that is currently being negotiated in Albany.

We in Suffolk County know all too well that special interests dominate the process. Special interests who hold power with our Republican and Conservative county legislators that killed Suffolk County’s public campaign finance program before

it began. We cannot let this happen again at the state level. I urge you to let your state legislators know that you support New York’s Public Campaign Finance Program, and that you want your government to represent you, not the special interest groups. That is the leadership and democracy we deserve.

Shoshana Hershkowitz South Setauket

Friendly, generous people

I would like to share how my wife and I have twice been the recipients of little acts of kindness.

The first occurred when we were dining in a Port Jefferson restaurant with another couple. The man, John, was telling us that he had fought in Europe in World War II. A few minutes later, our waitress informed us that the people in the next booth had paid for John’s meal. A thank-you for his service. We, of course, went to their booth and thanked them.

More recently my wife and I had finished lunch at Outback Steakhouse in East Setauket, and the check arrived. The total appeared to be wrong, and I asked our waitress about it. She explained that the couple at the next table had some money left on their gift card and requested that it be applied to our bill. Unfortunately, they had left before we learned this, and we could not thank them. Whoever you are, if you read this: A profound thank-you for your generosity. I will pay it forward.

Steven Perry Rocky Point

On the road again

March 12 was the 101st anniversary of East Northport resident Jack Kerouac’s birth.

It made me reread one of his best writings, “On the Road.” His works remind me of the more adventurous spirit of youth.

Sadly, as we get older, with more responsibilities and less free time, there are fewer journeys to take, but the ideals of Kerouac continue to live in all of us.

Larry Penner Great Neck

WRITE TO US … AND KEEP IT LOCAL

We welcome your letters, especially those responding to our local coverage, replying to other letter writers’ comments and speaking mainly to local themes. Letters should be no longer than 400 words and may be edited for length, libel, style, good taste and uncivil language. They will also be published on our website. We do not publish anonymous letters. Please include an address and phone number for confirmation.

Email letters to: editor1@tbrnewsmedia.com or mail them to TBR News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733

Distractions to avoid unpleasant or unwelcome subjects

Generally, we don’t need distractions. We’re distracted enough, what with our electronic devices allowing us to check the weather in Albany during a storm, the latest trends on social media, the minuteto-minute value of our investments, and the world of sports news and scores.

enough for a meeting to end, a temper tantrum to subside, or an anxiety to abate.

I often start with almost factual information. By getting a sensational and exciting story almost correct, I trigger people to check their own phones to see if they can prove me wrong about some detail that isn’t as important as recognizing some bigger problem, like not getting an assignment done.

the spectacular sportsmanship that women’s softball team displayed when they carried the player from the other team around the infield so she could touch all the bases after she fell. I’m so inspired.”

dramatic metaphors, if given the opportunity to share them, can also suggest that I’m capable of deep thoughts, even if I haven’t had any related to the incomplete assignment.

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF

And yet, there are those times when we desperately need a distraction. Our boss, for example, might ask about a project for which we’ve done almost no work and that we promised to work on last week, but that we didn’t get to because we were, well, distracted by other things.

Everyone likely has their own bag of go-to distractions that they turn to in moments when they need to deflect or distract someone just long

This phone check also tends to pull people’s minds into their electronic devices, where they might see text messages that need attention, a picture of their dog that reminds them of an upcoming trip to the vet, or some other big news that will divert their attention away from my almost factual statement and whatever other subject I’m trying to avoid.

Then, there’s always passion. I’m a generally level-headed person who stays calm, even when discussing subjects that are near and dear to me. Dialing up the passion, like changing the decibel level in a soft song with a message, can be distracting and effective. “I can’t believe

That, of course, also encourages people to dive back into their phones. Most of the time, that is effective unless the phone reminds them of whatever I’m trying to avoid, in which case, I turn to other methods.

Reverently appreciating silence is also an effective method. It’s the slow-down-so-wecan-think moment. Staring off into the distance, putting up a finger as if I’m coming up with some great idea, and then thanking that person for giving me that time can often alter the trajectory of a meeting.

Once the silence ends, I slowly offer an awed appreciation for the value of time and space, an admiration for nature, or anything else that suggests a depth that counterbalances my ineffective presentation.

Poignant anecdotes or even effective and

Then, of course, there’s the Socratic method. Someone asks me something about an assignment, and I lean into it, asking a wide range of questions about the assignment, its direction, our target audience, and opportunities to build on it.

The answers to those questions sometimes reveal more about the expectations.

I never pretend to have a stomachache. I know people do that, but I get stomachaches often enough that I wouldn’t even pretend to have one, lest my system decided to oblige me and turn my charade into an afternoon of discomfort.

In a pinch, I metaphorically beat up on myself, suggesting how I could have done better on this and that I am disappointed in the pace at which I’m completing this project. It’s hard to beat up on someone who has already accepted responsibility and is eager to make amends.

Please note that this is a rerun of last week’s column because four of our six newspapers did not receive the ad referred to in the text. This time we hope all will be able to enjoy the video.

There is something new, and I hope you will find exciting, in this issue of the newspaper.

Country, you will see a QR code within the border of the ad. Run your mobile phone camera at the back of your phone over the code, and it will open up to a 30-second video. The new addition, in effect, turns the flat, two-dimensional print ad into a talking motion picture, however briefly. This gives significantly extra punch to the ad. It’s also fun for the reader.

page of our TBRnewsmedia website under the banner “Video spotlight on business.” Our website has approximately 150,000 viewers per month. Further, the advertisers can add the video to their own web page if they would like. Advertisers should check with their sales reps for more information and to get started.

the benefits of the web to print, we hope to engage our readers further and serve our local communities. We also hope, by being innovative, to help our bottom line.

Between you and me

BY LEAH S. DUNAIEF

If you will look at the advertisement for Elegant Eating on page 2 for those of you who get The Times of Smithtown and The Times of Huntington or the back cover for The Village Times Herald, The Port Time Record, The Village Beacon Record and The Times of Middle

We can, of course, offer the same process for news stories. An article about someone newsworthy can carry a QR code that then permits a live viewing of that person speaking to the viewer.

For now, we will concentrate on providing this service to advertisers, refining the process as we go along. And we have priced this offering reasonably to allow many business people to afford coming aboard.

In addition to viewing the short on a mobile phone, the video will also run on the home

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA

We welcome letters, photographs,

In adding this new feature, we hope to have a meaningful interaction between print and the web. Print, of course, is being challenged as digital news and advertising have lessened to some extent the dominance of print. With this new service, it is our intention to bring the best of both worlds to the advertising side and also the news side of our media output.

The value of print, with its responsibility for vetting and fact checking both stories and ads, cannot be overstated in this present climate of enormous misinformation on the web. In bringing print to the web, and

ART AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Beth Heller Mason

We know communities need local news outlets to inform and protect them, as well as to hold a mirror up to record their daily lives and achievements. Towns where newspapers have failed in the last decade are now referred to as news deserts and have suffered for their loss. Ill-considered developments, poorly sited landfills and unfortunate actions by unworthy local government officials have been only some of the consequences, with no strong voice to give outcry on behalf of the people. Many energetic journalists have been thrown out of work. We believe the key to survival in this age is to embrace change and join with its best aspects.

Hence our latest enhancement for you.

BUSINESS MANAGER

Sandi Gross

DIRECTOR

Kathleen Gobos

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Elizabeth Bongiorno

Robin Lemkin

Larry Stahl

Katherine Yamaguchi

Minnie Yancey

PRODUCTION

Janet Fortuna

Sharon Nicholson

CLASSIFIEDS DIRECTOR & SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER

Sheila Murray

CIRCULATION & LEGALS

MANAGER

Courtney Biondo

INTERNET STRATEGY DIRECTOR

Rob Alfano

SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER

Kathryn Mandracchia

D. None of the above

Here’s how to have fun with our ads

ELEGANT EATING

Passover 2023 easter 2023

“Whoops wrong Holiday! Finally lightening up a little. It has been a long year!”

“Don’t worry Myra I got this covered!”

Passover Family Dinner for 8

Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls

Chicken Breast Filled with Savory Kugel or

Braised Short Ribs (Boneless)

Triple Berry Sauce

Roasted Potatoes

Green Beans with Garlic and Oil

Box of Matzo

Macaroons

$275 (Chicken Breast) • $340 (Short Ribs)

Food is not Kosher.

Please Place Orders by March 29 Wednesday, Pick up:

April 5th, Wednesday ~ 12 pm to 4 pm

April 6th, Thursday ~ 10 am to 4 pm

Easter Family Dinner for 8

Caesar Salad

Honey Baked Ham

Topped with Caramelized Pineapple with Honey Mustard or

Braised Short Ribs (Boneless)

Green Beans with Garlic and Oil

Herb Roasted Potatoes

Assorted Dinner Rolls

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting or Harvest Berry Bindi Tart

$300 (Ham) • $345 (Short Ribs)

Please Place Orders by March 31 Friday, Pick up:

April 7th, Friday ~ 12 pm to 4 pm

April 8th, Saturday ~ 10 am to 4 pm

Askeleganteating@aol.com

Please check our Facebook page or website for menus and ordering options.

Not Responsible for Typographical Errors