The Port Times Record - January 28, 2021

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PORT TIMES RECORD P O R T J E F F E R S O N • B E L L E T E R R E • P O R T J E F F E R S O N S TAT I O N • T E R R Y V I L L E

Vol. 34, No. 10

January 28, 2021

$1.00

Remembering the fallen A new space to help others Give Kids Hope Inc. opens up a brick and morter location for their nonprofit

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Whaling Museum presents exhibit on LI’s first whalers

Also: WMHO launches new Master Class series, review of News of the World

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SPACE RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBER ADDRESS

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The community says goodbye to Lt. Robert Van Zeyl, Suffolk County’s first active duty officer to die of COVID-19 — A3

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PAGE A2 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • JANUARY 28, 2021

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JANUARY 28, 2021 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A3

Community mourns death of SCPD lieutenant

BY JULIANNE MOSHER JULIANNE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Hundreds of people gathered in Port Jefferson Station Tuesday to mourn the loss of Suffolk County Police Department Lt. Robert Van Zeyl, the county’s first active duty officer to die from COVID-19.

Van Zeyl lost his life Jan. 20 after testing positive for the virus Jan. 3. He was hospitalized a week later.

Members from the law enforcement community joined Van Zeyl’s family to say goodbye with a full military-style precession featuring police motorcycles, pipes and drums, and an American flag arched by two fire trucks.

Uniformed officers who came out from as far as Manhattan saluted the decorated casket as it drove up to St. Gerard Majella R.C. Church on Terryville Road.

“It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of an exceptional member of our law enforcement family, Lieutenant Robert Van Zeyl,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) said in a statement. “Lieutenant Van Zeyl’s more-than three decades of exemplary service are a testament to his commitment to public service, and even in the midst of a global pandemic, he was on the frontlines every day helping residents in need. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Van Zeyl family during this difficult time.”

Van Zeyl joined the Suffolk County Police Department in February 1985 and served in the 5th Precinct in Patchogue upon graduation from the academy. In 1994, he was promoted to sergeant and then lieutenant in 2003.

He served as the commanding officer of the Applicant Investigation Section and the Administrative Services Bureau before transferring to the 2nd Precinct in the Town of Huntington in 2015 where he worked until his death.

“Bob was a wonderful person, a dedicated member of our department, and a pleasure to know both personally and professionally,” Inspector William Scrima, 2nd Precinct commanding officer, said in a statement. “He was a person who genuinely enjoyed his work and was liked by people of all ranks who knew him and worked with him. He will be truly missed by this department and by the 2nd Precinct in particular.”

During his more than three-decade career, Van Zeyl received more than a dozen recognitions for his contributions to the police department including two Cop of the Month honors and the Excellent Police Duty Award for amassing 12 or more self-initiated DWI arrests in a single year.

The Selden resident leaves behind two children, Hailey and Tyler, and his ex-wife Christine Zubrinic.

“Lieutenant Van Zeyl was really just a fighter the whole way,” Suffolk County Police

Over 100 officers and Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart paid their respects to Lt. Robert Van Zeyl in Port Jefferson Station Tuesday. Photo by Julianne Mosher

Commissioner Geraldine Hart said after the ceremony. “He was out in the frontlines battling for his communities, his whole career was dedicated to service and today we say goodbye to him. I know that his family will always be with us. For his beautiful daughter Hailey and son Tyler, this has such a difficult time for them, and we just really want them to know that we’re here for them.”

“They will always remember their dad, who was really a hero, and will always be remembered by this department,” the commissioner said.

Hart added that during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, 87 SCPD officers tested positive for the virus. Van Zeyl’s death is the first.

He was 60 years old.

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PAGE A4 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • JANUARY 28, 2021

Game on! High-risk sports will resume in Suffolk County

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM High-risk sports such as basketball, wrestling and cheerleading can resume, days after Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) gave local health commissioners the green light to allow these sports to restart.

Suffolk County has developed a sports plan in connection with Suffolk County School Superintendents Association and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announces that high-risk sports can now resume at a press conference in Hauppauge. Photo from County Executive Bellone’s office

Section XI Athletics.

“We know how important sports are in our kids’ lives,” County Executive Steve Bellone (D) said during a Jan. 25 press conference announcing the resumption of high-risk sports. “If we can get kids back on the field in as safe a way as possible, we know it’ll bring great benefits.”

As a part of the sports program, all studentathletes will have to take weekly tests for the COVID-19 virus. The county will provide free, rapid tests to school districts, which school

nurses will administer.

“Testing is critical,” Bellone said.

New York State is expected to provide an initial allocation of 20,00 rapid tests and will look to provide more tests for schools to use each week.

Positive tests will result in a 10-day quarantine. Each coach is required to supply information to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services for an extensive contact tracing investigation.

The county issued several guidelines, including taking temperatures of players and coaches before practices and games, encouraging mask wearing whenever possible, enforcing social distances when studentathletes are not playing, minimizing equipment sharing, and requiring hand washing before and after practices and games as well as after sharing equipment.

The county also advised programs to play outdoors if possible and to use wellventilated spaces.

Through Bellone’s office, the county has created the Champion of the Community Pledge, which encourages athletes to take numerous safety measures.

After they read the pledge, students will be asked to sign it and give it to the school.

As a part of this agreement, students accept that if they don’t honor their pledge, they “would

be failing to comply with a legitimate school directive and pursuant to school and Section XI policies, students, faculty and staff will be subject to the appropriate accountability measures and disciplinary actions,” according to the pledge.

Athletes must stay safe, healthy and informed of COVID-19 updates, unite with team members and the community to have a memorable season, follow face mask, hygiene and social distancing guidelines, follow additional health and safety requirements, which may include testing and self-quarantining, operating in a healthy environment and completing daily declarations, lead by example and serve as a role model for team members and the community.

Boys and girls basketball, wrestling and competitive cheer will resume Feb. 1 and will conclude Feb. 27.

On average, more than 60,000 studentathletes participate in various high school sports during a normal school year.

Bellone also directed the Suffolk County Parks Department to work with Section XI to set up a fair process for districts to schedule cross-country meets in county parks.

Park sites that the county will make available for competition include West Hills County Park in Melville and Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown.

The cross-country season will begin March 1.

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JANUARY 28, 2021 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A5

Port Jefferson woman gives back to her community

BY JULIANNE MOSHER JULIANNE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

COVID-19 has been tough on nonprofits, but that isn’t stopping Melissa Paulson from helping others.

Give Kids Hope Inc. is a 501c3 that Paulson started up nine years ago, after her daughter was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma at just 18 months old.

Paulson, who is a stay-at-home mom, decided to devote all of her free time to charity.

“I knew I wanted to do something to help other families in similar situations,” she said.

That’s when Give Kids Hope was born.

Paulson created the nonprofit to help children and their families battling cancer.

But as the years went on, Paulson began seeing how many other people were in need around her.

“There are so many less fortunate people in the community,” she said. “I never realized how many Long Islanders are struggling just to put food on their tables and a roof over their heads.”

She began gathering supplies she knew people would need, especially around the holidays, to donate to shelters, housing units and food pantries — and she was doing it out of her home for many of those years.

“I put a plea out and a generous donor gave

me $5,000 dollars to open a center up,” she said.

“It’s a facility so people can come and ‘shop’ completely free.”

The brick and mortar location opened up on July 1 and have so far helped nearly 7,000 families across Long Island, Paulson said.

She added that people who need a helping hand will find her group on Facebook, through local churches and by word of mouth.

“We get a lot of walk ins,” she said. “Sadly, it’s homeless people asking for clothing.

And she said the community has been “so responsive” to her cause, but she could use more help to reach out to more people.

“I think if people knew what we did then more people would get involved,” she said.

Compared to other similar nonprofits, 100% of everything they get goes directly back to the charity.

Also, rather than a typical food pantry that gives canned goods and nonperishables, Paulson said her little “shop” stores perishable groceries one might need like milk, eggs, bread and juices.

And because of the COVID-19 crisis, she said she has been easier than ever.

“We’ve been swamped because of the pandemic,” she said. “Whatever comes in goes back out.”

To meet that need, on Feb. 7, Give Kids Hope will be hosting a “Free Shopping Day and

Melissa Paulson gives a peak inside the Give Kids Hope pantry.

Photo by Julianne Mosher

Pantry Day” to help people who might need a little extra help.

So far, Paulson said, there are 700 families registered to receive clothes, toys and food.

Registration is ongoing, or people can drive up to the parking lot that day to quickly grab what they need. The event will be held from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

“I’m in the community,” she said. “This is my home and it’s so important for me to help

other people.”

The Feb. 7 event will be Paulson’s first “shopping day” since the pandemic. She plans on doing them at least once a month.

Give Kids Hope’s shop is located at 4390 Nesconset Highway in Port Jefferson Station and is open six days a week.

“If there are families in need, they can reach out for us,” Paulson said. “We don’t judge and there are no questions asked.”

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PAGE A6 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • JANUARY 28, 2021

LEGALS

Inc. Village of Port Jefferson Legal Notice Tentative Assessment Roll/ Notice of Grievance Day Please take notice that the Inc. Village of Port Jefferson , pursuant to RPTL Sec.1406, the assessor of the village has completed the assessment roll, and a copy has been filed with the clerk’s office where it may be reviewed by any person during business hours (9:00AM to 4:30PM) or online at www. portjeff.com until the third Tuesday of February (16th) and that on that date the Board of Assessment Review (BAR) will meet to hear complaints in relation to assessment from 3:00PM to 7:00PM prevailing time at Port Jefferson Village Hall, 121 West Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY. Due to COVID-19, this year’s BAV will be held in the Board Room on the 2nd floor to allow for social distancing. If you would like to meet with the BAR we ask that you please schedule an appointment so the occupancy in the Board Room could be kept to a minimum by calling 631-473-4724 x211.

Joseph Palumbo Village Administrator 048 1/28 1x ptr ACCESSORY APARTMENT REVIEW BOARD TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN Pursuant to the provisions of section §85-258 of the Building Ordinance of the Town of Brookhaven, notice is hereby given that the Accessory Apartment Review Board of the Town of Brookhaven will hold a virtual public hearing streamed live over the internet at BrookhavenNY. gov/join at 6:00 pm on 02/04/2021. Adjacent prop-

To Place A Legal Notice

Email: legals@tbrnewsmedia.com erty owners and/or others interested in any way in the proposal may make public comments to the Accessory Apartment Review Board via the “Q&A” feature during this time at BrookhavenNY. gov/join. Anyone interested in submittingwritten comments to the Board may also do so via email at AARB@ BrookhavenNY.gov AA019282 DEFINA DARRYL 4 RING NECK CT WADING RIVER NY 11792 AA019425 RODRIGUEZ ELVIA VALENCIA & VEINTIMILLA DIEGO W 8 CAROLINE ST MEDFORD NY 11763 AA019622 CODY JOHN 25 TERRY RD PATCHOGUE NY 11772 AA019635 SMITH JASON M 258 SOUND BEACH BLVD SOUND BEACH NY 11789 AA019685 CASTRO JOHNY 65 PARK AVE YAPHANK NY 11980 AA019714 ELEXIMO FIGUEROA 1 MARTHA ST FARMINGVILLE NY 11738 AA019742 HOSSAIN MOHAMMAD & TANIA KHAN 8 BROADWAY HOLTSVILLE NY 11742 Irene D’Abramo Accessory Apartment Review Board Town of Brookhaven 064 1/28 1x ptr TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Bids will be received and publicly opened and read aloud in the Town of Brookhaven Purchasing Division located at the Brookhaven Town Office Complex, One Independence Hill, Farmingville, New York, 11738, 3rd Floor, for the following project on the date as indicated at 11:00 am: DATE: February 18, 2021 BID #21005 SANDSPIT MARINA BULKHEAD REPLACEMENT Specifications for the abovereferenced bid will be available beginning January 28, 2021.

Preferred Method • Access website: brookhavenNY.gov/Purchasing: click on link for Bids.

• Follow directions to register and download document.

• Questions must be submitted in writing to the following e-mail: PurchasingGroup@ brookhavenny.gov The Town of Brookhaven reserves the right to reject and declare invalid any or all bids and to waive any informalities or irregularities in the proposals received, all in the best interests of the Town.

The Town of Brookhaven welcomes and encourages minority and women-owned businesses and HUD Section 3 businesses to participate in the bidding process.

Town of Brookhaven Purchasing Division Kathleen C. Koppenhoefer, Deputy Commissioner (631) 451-6252 067 1/28 1x ptr

Legal advertisement guidelines Deadline is 12 noon, Friday 1 week prior to publication date.

E-mail your text to: legals@tbrnewsmedia.com For additional information please call 631.751.7744

Local theaters hopeful amid news of vaccine, COVID relief

BY LEAH CHIAPPINO DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Despite being among the first to shut down, and likely the last to open, local theaters have managed to sustain themselves throughout the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to community support.

Theatre Three, Port Jefferson On March 15 last year, Theatre Three in Port Jefferson had to close production of its musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Hansel and Gretel” in the children’s theater.

At the time, the Port Jeff performing arts center was two weeks away from its touring season, a week away from technical rehearsals for the musical “Steel Magnolias,” and in the middle of the dramatic academy for winter/spring, all of which were shut down indefinitely, and have not yet reopened.

Since its closing, the theater has taken in little revenue, yet still manages to give back to the community through their virtual Off-Stage/ On-Line series, which features short plays submitted by playwrights, performed over Zoom and posted to the theater’s website and social media every Sunday night.

Submissions receive a $25 stipend, and actors donate their time performing.

Theatre Three also launched the “StoryTime at the Playhouse” series, which streams performances for children live into classrooms, directed by the theater’s artistic director, Jeffrey Sanzel.

Theatre Three also maintained its 35-yearold tradition of performing “A Christmas Carol” starring Sanzel as Scrooge, though this year it was filmed in advance and posted online.

The theater has relied on private grants, savings and donations, as well as a PPP loan, to remain afloat.

Vivian Koutrakos, managing director, said that the fact the theater was having a strong year before the pandemic helped its financial situation.

In celebrating its 50th anniversary, Theatre Three showcased productions such as “Jekyll and Hyde” and “Driving Miss Daisy,” both popular and lucrative shows.

In addition, they prepaid the royalties for upcoming shows such as “Grease” and because the building is not being used, other expenses have dropped.

“We’re not using our electric — we got that down to a really decent amount and we have a very small mortgage on the building,” Koutrakos said. “There’s not much else other than water and obviously, our insurances, but most of our insurances will come back to us because there is no workers’ comp. There is no liability. There’s nobody in the building, really.

So, we’re OK.”

Koutrakos added the community has been generous in donations.

“We have an amazing executive board of directors,” she said. “They will never let this theater close, under any circumstance.”

The theater is waiting for the go-ahead from New York State so it can reopen.

“I don’t know how much longer we would have lasted without a vaccine. It really is a beacon of light and hope,” Koutrakos said.

“It’ll probably be almost a year-and-a-half [from being closed] once we open.’’

Upon reopening, the theater will honor previously held tickets, recast actors if they are available and plans to continue to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

John W. Engeman Theater, Northport According to one of the co-owners of the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport, Richard Dolce, it is in a similar boat to Theatre Three.

On the day that Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) issued an executive order mandating theater shutdowns, the cast of their upcoming show, “Sister Act,” was set to arrive to rehearse.

The Engeman was able to benefit from a PPP loan in April and has relied on reserve funds, allowing it to keep its full-time staff of 16, who Dolce said are mainly answering customer calls and doing mechanical maintenance.

The theater offers classes in professional theater, acting and musical theater. It resumed some individual lessons in person in the fall, but as COVID cases began to rise in the area, it has since shifted to a virtual format.

Even with the virtual course offerings, Dolce said the theater is making “well under 10%” of its normal revenue. He added that while he did not think the theater can sustain its current operations without additional relief for “much longer,” he expects that it will qualify for funding from the Save Our Stages Act, a provision in the recent COVID-19 relief bill passed by Congress that provides $15 billion in funding for entertainment venues.

“We’ve been talking to Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY3) and other representatives to get something done for the live independent venues and they were able to come through,” Dolce said. “Hopefully that will enable us to weather this for a little bit longer, because we were the first ones to close and we will be the last ones to open.”

While the governor’s office did not respond to email requests for comment, Cuomo indicated during his State of the State address Jan. 12 that “we cannot wait until summer to turn the lights back on the arts and provide a living wage for artists.” He also announced New York Arts Revival, a public-private partnership series of pop-up performances across the state, hosted at state parks, other state properties and “flexible venues,” set to begin Feb. 4.

Visit tbrnewsmedia.com for photos.

JANUARY 28, 2021 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A7 ZZ055 DRIFT | 00754 PASMINA

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PAGE A8 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • JANUARY 28, 2021

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The Port Jefferson Rotary Club joined other Long Island-based rotaries to help people in need of masks earlier this month to gather and distribute masks to people who need them in their local communities.

In a campaign called The Million Mask Challenge — originally created by Rotary International — the Port Jeff Rotary joined 40 other rotaries from district 7255 to gather their share of masks. The goal is to distribute a million masks to those in need worldwide.

According to Bob Huttemeyer, program coordinator of the rotary, the district that includes Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens, gathered in Hicksville on Wednesday, Jan. 13 to pick up almost 4,000 masks. They also ordered 5,000 more.

Huttemeyer said that as of right now, they distributed the masks to 24 different local organizations and groups who could use extra masks.

“Everyone was excited to fill a need,� he added. “We were happy to bring this to the local community.�

The rotary, like the others across the island, devote their time and services to helping the community. Huttemeyer said that throughout the pandemic, they raised more than $12,500 to donate to Open Cupboard Food Pantry. “If there’s more to be had,� he said, “We’re there to help.�

Huttemeyer said that the local rotary is an organization that brings so much to the community and will continue to gather and distribute masks to meet the one-million mark. He added that are always looking for new members or donations.

Right now, the Port Jefferson Rotary is holding small, in-person and hybrid meetings at CafĂŠ Spiga in Mount Sinai on Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m.

To make a donation to the Port Jefferson Rotary, you can mail a check to PO Box 461, Port Jefferson, NY, 11777 or visit portjeffrotary.org.

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BY JULIANNE MOSHER JULIANNE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

PAGE A10 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • JANUARY 28, 2021

Town

Stony Brook field hospital partially dismantled

BY RITA J. EGAN RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

The state’s field hospital set up on the Stony Brook University grounds earlier this year has looked a little different over the past few weeks.

At the end of April, five climate-controlled structures were completed by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide SBU Hospital and other local medical centers with more beds due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents passing by the alternate care facility structures recently have noticed that they are roofless and the interior walls — used to create mini rooms — are now dismantled.

According to state officials, several temporary state field hospitals were prepared for the December winter storm, which included snow. Part of that prep work included emptying the structures of equipment and fixtures. At SBUH, the fabric tenting materials were also removed. However, the field hospital is not being dismantled completely in case it needs to be opened for patients. The 1,000-bed facility in Stony Brook has never been used.

According to state officials, all of the

components that were removed were inventoried and are ready for use wherever needed, whether in Stony Brook, on Long Island or across the state.

The hospital extension was slated for patients with health care issues outside of COVID-19 in order to free up bed space in the hospital and other local medical centers to treat patients with the virus. The final cost for the alternate care facility was some $155 million, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. All work done by USACE for the construction of alternate care facilities was funded by Federal Emergency Management Agency mission assignments to USACE. State Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) said when the alternate care facilities were assembled little was known about the pandemic’s course.

“At the time that they were built, the hospitals in Queens had so many bodies that they were tying refrigeration trucks together in the parking lots, just to store the bodies,” he said, adding the hospitals couldn’t process and bury the bodies fast enough.

“To put it in perspective, that was the environment in which the governor’s office

Community News

According to the governor’s office, temporary state field hospitals, such as the one at Stony Brook University, were prepared for the winter with the removal of roofs and emptying the structures of equipment. Photo by Sue Wahlert

basically made a decision,” he said. “I think they were informed by the seriousness of space limitations.”

He added early on no one knew that the infection rates would be down by the summer.

“The reality is that hindsight is 20/20,” Englebright said. “At that point in time, they did not have the benefit of knowing the scale,

magnitude or speed of the pandemic. The governor was successful in suppressing New York’s acceleration in those months in the spring. And so, I think you have to look at the current dismantlement of the hospital as a testament, not of wastefulness, but of merciful success in suppressing the acceleration of the pandemic in New York.”

File photo of Port Jefferson’s 2020 Ice Festival before the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by Julianne Mosher

Comsewogue student utilizes freeze-motion photography The Professional Photography students in Liz Grafer’s class at Bixhorn Tech have been learning how to freeze motion using the camera’s shutter speed and external speedlights.

Through tedious trial and error and some very tricky set-up, student Alexander Garcia, Comsewogue Union Free School District, worked tirelessly to capture drops of water

as they collided. Above are the spectacular images he created.

The Eastern Long Island Academy of Applied Technology, referred to as the Academy, is the Career and Technical Education Program of Eastern Suffolk BOCES and has locations in Bellport, Oakdale and Riverhead.

Bixhorn Tech is located on the Bellport campus.

Ice sculptures popping up down port COVID-19 might have stopped the Port Jefferson Ice Festival from happening this year, but it didn’t stop a little bit of fun that can be seen from afar.

Early in February of last year, the Village of Port Jefferson teamed up with the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and the Port Jefferson Business Improvement District to hold its firstever Ice Festival.

A professional ice artist put on several shows where he carved Disney characters, food and furniture completely out of frozen blocks.

But 2021 is looking a little different due to the coronavirus crisis.

To keep the momentum up from last year’s festival, but to also be cautious and safe, the BID is providing a viewing of five different sculptures each weekend outside several locations.

Beginning Saturday, Jan. 30, frozen pieces of art can be viewed while social distancing outside of Local’s, the steps by Pasta Pasta and Toast, the Frigate parking lot, outside of the brewery in Chandler Square and on the PJ Lobster House deck.

Sculptures can also be seen around town on following two Saturdays, Feb. 6 and 13.

There will be no ice sculpture show this year to avoid gatherings.

JANUARY 28, 2021 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A11

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JUNK CARS BOUGHT! We’ll Beat Any Price.

Call 631-500-1015. See Display Ad for more info.

EVEN MORE JUNK CARS BOUGHT! Hyundai/Kia Experts.

We Pay the Highest prices for Hyundai’s and Kia’s. Call 631-500-1015. See Display for more info.

TOP CASH PAID FOR ALL TRUCKS, CARS, & VANS. Highest prices paid for fixable vehicles. Call Mark 631-258-7919. See Display for more information.

Musical Instruments

Auto Services Drive Out Breast Cancer: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup - 24hr Response Tax Deduction - Easy To Do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

Health, Fitness & Beauty VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150. FREE shipping. Money back guaranteed! 1-855-579-8907

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE

is Tuesday at noon.

If you want to advertise, do it soon!

631.751.7663

631.331.1154

Novenas ST. JUDE NOVENA May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus thy kingdom come. St. Jude, helper of the hopeless, Pray For Us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, Pray For Us. This prayer is never known to fail if repeated 9 times daily for 9 consecutive days. Publication should be promised. J.B.

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! CALL 631.331.1154

631.331.1154

Š108920

class@tbrnewsmedia.com TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA

Finds Under 50

Schools/Instruction/ Tutoring

WINDOW DEFLECTORS for F-150 cab. Asking $35. Call 631-744-3722

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and scholarship available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! (844) 947- 0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

Selling Your Used Car or Truck?

$44 FOR 4 WEEKS

PIANO - GUITAR - BASS All ages-levels-styles.

Many local references.

Recommended by all area schools. Tony Mann, 631-473-3443, 631-332-6005

20 WORD READER AD IN ALL 6 PAPERS PLUS ON OUR INTERNET SITE.

Finds Under 50 MONITOR ACER FLAT SCREEN #G185Ab, 18�wX11�h, paid $120 now $40, leave message 631-228-4232.

CALL CLASSIFIEDS AT 631–331– 1154 OR 631–751–7663

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA 185 Route 25A, Setauket, New York 11733

NEW SUNBEAM BREADMAKER. $25 Call 631-732-2763

J]k[m]\ 9faeYdk >gj 9\ghlagf .(0 Jgml] ))* Hgjl B]^^]jkgf KlYlagf .+)&,/+&.+++ 8kYn]Yh]lYfaeYdj]k[m] 8kYn]Yh]lYfaeYdj]k[m]

Marley and Jasper are two senior dogs dumped at a high kill shelter. Their owners never looked back or asked if they’d been adopted or put down. They didn’t c are but we do. Do you have a hug and a couch for these two best friends?

Prepare for power outages with a Generac home standby generator

alone I’m never

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COLLEGE APPLICATIONS DONE VIRTUALLY Find the Best-Fit college for you. Then lets craft the Perfect College Application. Understand what colleges are looking for. Then let me help you navigate the entire process, from the college essay, supplements, resumes to the deadlines. Reasonable Rates.

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(M-F 8am-6pm ET)

Schools/Instruction/ Tutoring

BLUES MAN PIANO TUNING Certified piano technician, 631-681-9723, bluesmanpianotuning@gmail.com, www.bluesmanpianotuning.com

Š107334

We Publish Novenas

or

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Autos Wanted ***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest Cash Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Cash.

DMV ID#1303199. Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277

Financial Services

WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED HHA, LPN, Nurse’s Aide, Childcare, Housekeeping & Day Workers. No Fees to Employers. Call Evons Services 516-505-5510

Š101641

Health, Fitness & Beauty

Automobiles/Trucks Vans/Rec Vehicles

Š105748

Automobiles/Trucks Vans/Rec Vehicles

:Yll]ja]k F]n]j F]]\ ;`Yj_af_&

Special Financing Available Subject to Credit Approval

*To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions.

108776

1-800-404-9776

108038

For a FREE brochure call:

Offer valid December 15, 2020 - March 1, 2021

PAGE A12 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • JANUARY 28, 2021

WE ARE:

• FIRST 20 WORDS

OFFICE

(40¢ each additional word)

1 Week $29.00 4 Weeks $99.00 DISPLAY ADS Call for rates.

SPECIALS*

tbrnewsmedia.com

©98619

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This Publication is Subject to All Fair Housing Acts OFFICE HOURS Monday–Friday 10:00 am–4:00 pm

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The Village TIMES HERALD The Village BEACON RECORD The Port TIMES RECORD The TIMES of Smithtown The TIMES of Middle Country The TIMES of Huntington, Northport & East Northport

*May change without notice REAL ESTATE FREE FREE FREE ACTION AD 20 words Merchandise DISPLAY ADS $44 for 4 weeks under Ask about our for all your used $50 15 words Contract Rates. merchandise 1 item only.

EMPLOYMENT GARAGE SALE Fax•Mail•E-mail Buy 2 weeks of ADS $29.00 Drop Off any size BOXED 20 words Include Name, ad get 2 weeks Address, Phone # Free 2 signs with free placement of ad

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.

DENTAL Insurance Physicians Mutual Insurance Company

A less expensive way to help get the dental care you deserve!

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FREE Information Kit

TBR News Media 185 Route 25A (Bruce Street entrance) Setauket, NY 11733 Call: 631-331-1154 or 631-751-7663

MAIL ADDRESS

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107781

102779

You can get coverage before your next checkup

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

• Garage Sales • Computer Services • Announcements • Electricians • Antiques & Collectibles • Financial Services • Automobiles/Trucks etc.

• Furniture Repair • Finds under $50 • Handyman Services • Health/Fitness/Beauty • Home Improvement • Merchandise • Lawn & Landscaping • Personals • Painting/Wallpaper • Novenas • Plumbing/Heating • Pets/Pet Services • Power Washing • Professional Services • Roofing/Siding • Schools/Instruction/Tutoring • Tree Work • Wanted to Buy • Window Cleaning • Employment • Real Estate • Cleaning • Residential Property • Commercial Property • Out of State Property DEADLINE: Tuesday at Noon

Savings Include an American Standard Right Height Toilet FREE! ($500 Value)

Get help paying dental bills and keep more money in your pocket This is real dental insurance — NOT just a discount plan

INDEX

JANUARY 28, 2021 â&#x20AC;¢ THE PORT TIMES RECORD â&#x20AC;¢ PAGE A13

E M PL OY M E N T / C A R E E R S Help Wanted

$18.50 NYC, $16 L.I. & up to $13.50 Upstate NY! If you need care from your relative, friend or neighbor and you have Medicaid, they may be eligible to start taking care of you as a personal assistant under NYS Medicaid CDPA Program. No Certificates needed. Phone: 347-713-3553

COVID CLINIC VACCINE REGISTRATION STAFF, Clerical exp preferred. Stony Brook. Flex days/hours/shifts/$18-$19/hr.

Mon-Sun; 8am-6:30pm. Apply: sbadministrativeservicesllc.appone.com

RIVERHEAD SCHOOL DISTRICT has the following positions available, school lunch monitors, special education aides, school bus drivers, substitute custodial workers, substitute special education aides & computer aides, substitute office assistants SEE THEIR DISPLAY AD FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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CALL THE CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT Ì&#x2020; Ì&#x2020; WZ Ì&#x2020; Ì&#x2020;

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* Bus Driver, permanent and substitute: valid and clean NYS Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s License, CDL Class B preferred will train, benefits available for permanent employees *Substitute Custodial Workers: clean school buildings, able to lift up to 50 pounds *Substitute Special Education Aides & Computer Lab Aides: assist students in various settings

);3 )*7=< 7=: ;8-+1)4;

*Substitute Office Assistants: answer phones and perform clerical duties Requirements: High School Diploma, NYSED Fingerprint Clearance, Spanish Speaking Preferred.

Place your ad by Tuesday noon and it will appear in that Thursdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s editions.

Send letters of interest to Arlene Durkalski, Director of Personnel, 700 Osborn Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901, e-mail: arlene.durkalski@riverhead.net, 631.369.7157 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Buy 4 weeks and get the 5th week

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©101328

Professional Services Directory Ask about our 13 & 26 week special rates

(WWS`!

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Employment opportunities

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95 375 :;65@ )9662 -SL_ KH`Z OV\YZ ZOPM[Z 4VU :\U" H ! WT

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©108884

Mount Sinai School District School district aides, flexible hours available, send letter if interested or email to Chris Heil at cheil@mtsinai.k12.ny.us.

The State University of New York at Stony Brook (Stony Brook, NY) seeks Assistant Director, Global Initiatives. Responsible for state-side mgmt. for global institutes, global partnership development, & research-based global enrollment initiatives. Develop/implement strategies to attract students & meet university enrollment/financial goals. Utilize research data to forecast enrollment from diff. geog. areas; use data to inform intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l student outreach. Manage intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l student scholarship policy dev. Develop joint acad. programs w/ intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l partner institutions. For full job desc., reqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, & to apply: https://apptrkr.com/2124570

-SL_PISL OV\YZ H]HPSHISL ©108936

COVID VACCINATORS RN/LPN-Stony Brook Flex days/hrs/shifts. Mon-Sun: 8am-6:30pm. Apply:sbadministrativeservicesllc.appone.com

:*/663 +0:;90*; (0+,:

SCHOOL BUS AND VAN DRIVERS Best Pay/Benefits package in the industry Start at $25.19 Bus and $21.97 Van Call Huntington Coach today 631-2718931 www.huntingtoncoach.com

©105752

PUBLISHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EMPLOYMENT NOTICE: All employment advertising in this newspaper is subject to section 296 of the human rights law which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, disability, marital status, sex, age or arrest conviction record or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Title 29, U.S. Code Chap 630, excludes the Federal Govâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. from the age discrimination provisions. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for employment which is in violation of the law. Our readers are informed that employment offerings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

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Help Wanted

©97602

Help Wanted

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154 PAGE P

Blues Man Piano Tuning Brad Merila Certified Piano Technician 6 Barnwell Lane, Stony Brook

631.681.9723

bluesmanpianotuning@gmail.com bluesmanpianotuning.com ©108286

PAGE A14 â&#x20AC;˘ THE PORT TIMES RECORD â&#x20AC;˘ JANUARY 28, 2021

SERV ICES Cesspool Services

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

Fences

MR SEWERMAN CESSPOOL SERVICE All types of cesspool servicing, all work guaranteed, family owned and operated since 1985, 631-924-7502.

Licensed and Insured.

Clean-Ups LET STEVE DO IT Clean-ups, yards, basements, whole house, painting, tree work, local moving and anything else. Totally overwhelmed?

Call Steve @ 631-745-2598, leave message.

Decks DECKS ONLY BUILDERS & DESIGNERS Of Outdoor Living By Northern Construction of LI. Decks, Patios/Hardscapes, Pergolas, Outdoor Kitchens and Lighting.

Since 1995. Lic/Ins. 3rd Party Financing Available.

105 Broadway, Greenlawn.

631-651-8478. www.DecksOnly.com

Electricians

Landscape Materials

BLUSTAR CONSTRUCTION The North Shoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Trusted Renovation Experts.

631-751-0751 We love small jobs too!

Suffolk Lic. #48714-H, Ins. See Our Display Ad

SMITHPOINT FENCE. DEER PROBLEM? WE CAN HELP! Wood, PVC, Chain Link, Stockade. Free estimates.

Now offering 12 month interest free financing.

Commercial/Residential.

70 Jayne Blvd., PJS. Lic.37690-H/Ins. 631-743-9797 www.smithpointfence.com.

LAMPS FIXED, $65.

In Home Service!! Handy Howard. My cell 646-996-7628

Floor Services/Sales FINE SANDING & REFINISHING Wood Floor Installations Craig Aliperti, Wood Floors LLC. All work done by owner.

28 years experience.

Lic.#47595-H/Insured.

631-875-5856

THE GENERAC PWRCELL, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-888-871-0194

Lawn & Landscaping

Furniture/Restoration/ Repairs

SETAUKET LANDSCAPE DESIGN Stone Driveways/Walkways, Walls/Stairs/Patios/Masonry, Brickwork/Repairs Land Clearing/Drainage,Grading/ Excavating. Plantings/Mulch, Rain Gardens.

Steve Antos, 631-689-6082 setauketlandscape.com Serving Three Villages

REFINISHING & RESTORATION Antiques restored, repairing recane, reupholstery, touch-ups kitchen, front doors, 40 yrs exp, SAVE$$$, free estimates.

Vincent Alfano 631-707-1228

Home Improvement

Masonry CARL BONGIORNO LANDSCAPE/MASON CONTRACTOR All phases Masonry Work:Stone Walls, Patios, Poolscapes. All phases of Landscaping Design.

Theme Gardens. Residential & Commercial. Lic/Ins. 631-928-2110

Miscellaneous DISH TV $59.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. 1-888-609-9405

SWAN COVE LANDSCAPING Lawn Maintenance, Clean-ups, Shrub/Tree Pruning, Removals. Landscape Design/Installation, Ponds/Waterfalls, Stone Walls. Firewood. Free estimates. Lic/Ins.631-689-8089

ALL PHASES OF HOME IMPROVEMENT From attic to your basement, RCJ Construction www.rcjconstruction.com commercial/residential, lic/ins 631-580-4518.

SCREENED TOP SOIL Mulch, compost, decorative and driveway stone, concrete pavers, sand/block/portland.

Fertilizer and seed.

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GET DIRECTV! ONLY $35/month! 155 Channels & 1000s of Shows/Movies on Demand. (w/SELECT All Included Package). PLUS Stream on Up to FIVE Screens Simultaneously at No Additional Cost. Call DIRECTV, 1-888-534-6918

Painting/Spackling/ Wallpaper ALL PRO PAINTING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR Power Washing, Staining, Wallpaper Removal. Free estimates. Lic/Ins #19604HI 631-696-8150. Nick BOBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PAINTING SERVICE 25 Years Experience.

Interior/Exterior Painting, Spackling, Staining, Wallpaper Removal, Staining and Deck Restoration Power Washing.

Free Estimates. Lic/Ins. #17981.

631-744-8859 COUNTY-WIDE PAINTING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR Painting/Staining. Quality workmanship. Living and Serving Three Village Area for over 30 years. Lic#37153-H. 631-751-8280 LaROTONDA PAINTING & DESIGN Interior/exterior, sheetrock repairs, taping/spackling, wallpaper removal, Faux, decorative finishings. Free estimates.

Lic.#53278-H/Ins. Ross LaRotonda 631-689-5998 WORTH PAINTING â&#x20AC;&#x153;PAINTING WITH PRIDEâ&#x20AC;?

Interiors/exteriors. Staining & deck restoration, power-washing, wallpaper removal, sheetrocktape/spackling, carpentry/trimwork. Lead paint certified. References. Free estimates. Lic./Ins. SINCE 1989 Ryan Southworth. See Display Ad. 631-331-5556

AUTOMOTI V E SERV ICES JUNK CARS BOUGHT 631.500.1015

DMV CERTIFIED 7002706

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ARBOR-VISTA TREE CARE A COMPLETE TREE CARE SERVICE devoted to the care of trees. Maintenance pruning, water-view work, sun-trimming, elevating, pool areas, storm thinning, large tree removal, stump grinding. Wood chips.

Lic#18902HI. Free estimates.

631-246-5377 RANDALL BROTHERS TREE SERVICE Planting, pruning, removals, stump grinding. Free Estimates.

Fully insured.

LIC# 50701-H. 631-862-9291 SUNBURST TREE EXPERTS Since 1974, our history of customer satisfaction is second to none. Pruning/removals/planting, plant health care. Insect/ Disease Management. ASK ABOUT GYPSY MOTH AND TICK SPRAYS Bonded employees. Lic/Ins. #8864HI 631-744-1577

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Š107058

USED AUTO PARTS

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Š107937

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES DIRECTORY

Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Domestic/Foreign Š107669

Hyundais and Kias

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Hyundai/Kia Experts New & Used Auto Parts We Pay the Highest Prices for

723 &$6+ 3$,'

Tree Work

Š105751

SOUNDVIEW ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING Prompt* Reliable* Professional.

Residential/Commercial, Free Estimates. Ins/Lic#57478-ME. Owner Operator, 631-828-4675 See our Display Ad in the Home Services Directory

Home Improvement

DMV CERTIFIED 7002706

JANUARY 28, 2021 â&#x20AC;˘ THE PORT TIMES RECORD â&#x20AC;˘ PAGE A15

HOME SERV ICES

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154 PAGE B

3(47: -0?,+

Additions & renovations, decks, windows, doors, siding, kitchens, baths, roofs & custom carpentry.

We love small jobs too!

ALL PRO PAINTING

Owner/Operator has 25+ years serving The North Shore

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Please call our Stony Brook office today for a FREE in home consultation

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Nick Cordovano 631â&#x20AC;&#x201C;696â&#x20AC;&#x201C;8150

Lic. #48714-H & Insured

5&-

INTERIOR â&#x20AC;˘ EXTERIOR

CO N S T R U C T I O N

Taping Spackling

From Your Attic To Your Basement

All Phases of Home Improvement

Decorative Finishes

Power Washing

K I TC H E N S â&#x20AC;˘ B AT H R O O M S â&#x20AC;˘ D O O R S â&#x20AC;˘ W I N D O W S â&#x20AC;˘ T I L E â&#x20AC;˘ F LO O R I N G

COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL â&#x20AC;˘ LIC. #H-32198/INS | OWNER OPERATED

Š98354

(631) 580-4518

Š108383

www.rcjconstruction.com

Wallpaper Removal

PAINTING & DESIGN

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Construction

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HOME SERVICES WEB COMBO PROMOTION &RPSOHWH \RXU DGYHUWLVLQJ SODQ

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Licensed/Insured

89810

#37074-H; RI 18499-10-34230

CERTIFIED LEAD PAINT REMOVAL

Since 1989

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â&#x20AC;˘ Interiors â&#x20AC;˘ Exteriors â&#x20AC;˘ Cabinet Refinishing, Staining & Painting â&#x20AC;˘ Faux Finishes â&#x20AC;˘ Power Washing â&#x20AC;˘ Wallpaper Removal â&#x20AC;˘ Tape & Spackling â&#x20AC;˘ Staining & Deck Restoration BBB A1 Rating #1 Recommendation on BBB website

PAGE A16 â&#x20AC;˘ THE PORT TIMES RECORD â&#x20AC;˘ JANUARY 28, 2021

HOME SERV ICES

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PAGE A18 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • JANUARY 28, 2021

Editorial Get in line — if you can find it

You would think a global pandemic that has lasted nearly a year would have gotten New York more organized, right?

In the beginning, none of us had any idea what was going on with COVID-19. Every day was a new battle, and we had to evolve everything in our lives constantly.

That was OK. It was fair. The virus was new and we, as Americans, never experienced anything like this before. There was a learning curve.

Back in March, April and even into June, it was a little more understandable knowing that getting tested for the coronavirus was hard. We didn’t have enough testing, supplies or even gloves for the nurses and doctors to wear as they administered the swab.

Fine.

But why is it almost February 2021 and we still have practically no organizational skills?

Why is it that New Yorkers are told one thing about testing and now vaccines, but when they try to take advantage of it, they’re denied?

We have co-workers, family members and friends who should be getting their vaccines. They’re in the most at-risk age group, they’re workers in a medical office but aren’t first responders, they’re out in the public, working as cashiers at grocery stores and big-box retailers taking money from people they don’t know.

Why can’t they get the vaccine yet?

Reports say that there isn’t enough available yet — and supplies, once again, are low.

We understand that. We understand that there are more than 7 million people on Long Island alone.

But what we don’t understand is why there’s little transparency, and contradicting reports. Why can some people get it and others cannot?

We have heard stories of some elderly people who cannot get an appointment at all, and no one is there to help them.

We hear other stories that people waited in line for nearly five hours. Other stories say that they drove up to the site and were finished in 10 minutes.

We just want answers. We want a plan. We want a serious plan that will give us a play-by-play on what to do, what to expect and a timeline.

Curveballs will happen. We saw that a lot in 2020.

But clearly the federal, state and local governments did not have “to stay organized with anything related to COVID” on their New Year’s resolutions list.

This is not the time to go with the flow. Lives are at stake.

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 julianne@tbrnewsmedia.com or mail them to The Port Times Record, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733.

Letters to the Editor

Town of Brookhaven’s 2021 goals

At the beginning of every year, I tend to look back at the year that just passed to see what the Town has accomplished. Then I look forward to the new year and set goals on what should be accomplished in 2021. So, I have listed below a set of goals/resolutions for the Town of Brookhaven to accomplish in 2021.

Fighting the pandemic Helping the state and federal government fight this pandemic by offering town recreation and senior centers as vaccination sites to ensure that as many residents get vaccinated as quickly as possible. It is also important to continue helping small business to recover and grow and heal our economy, which is why I work closely with the Small Business Recovery Task Force.

Continued strong fiscal management Continuing strong fiscal management in maintaining the town’s AAA bond rating by both Moody’s

and Standard & Poor. Also, working to ensure that the town stays within the tax cap and limits property taxes as much as possible.

Continued preservation of land and environmental initiatives Continuing land purchases along the stream and river corridors as well as other open space acquisition, expanding oyster seeding in north shore harbors Emphasis on renewable energy Work with Orsted Wind to support state initiatives on wind power as well as placing 50-80 acres of solar on top of the capped landfill.

Waste management Working to cap and close the existing landfill is a top priority as well as expanding recycling participation among residents. Working with Assemblyman Engelbright to support his bill on Extended Producer Responsibility advocating for reduced packaging, a bigger better bottle

bill and for New York State to give Beneficial Use Determination for the reuse of glass and ash.

Redevelopment of Port Jefferson Station Utilizing the newly adopted redevelopment code to revitalize Port Jefferson Station with mixed retail and housing that has the support of the local civic association.

Infrastructure improvements Continue our efforts to secure County, State, and Federal funding for desperately needed infrastructure projects including road re-paving, drainage work, dredging, sewers, etc.

This is a brief to-do list for Brookhaven Town for 2021.

Working with our Town Board, Town Clerk, Tax Receiver and Highway Superintendent and other levels of government, we hope to accomplish most if not all items on this list during 2021.

Edward P. Romaine Brookhaven Town Supervisor

Zeldin’s actions are not bipartisan Much as I would prefer to let go [Suffolk County Legislator] Robert Trotta’s [R-Fort Salonga] claim that U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin [R-NY1] is “seeking to prevent further national division during this volatile time,” I cannot for a simple reason: It’s just not true.

On the very day President Joe Biden [D] was inaugurated calling for unity and bipartisanship, Zeldin blasted out an email attacking the new president’s “radical agenda” and ranting about “power-hungry elites on the far left.”

This is not the rhetoric of someone trying to prevent division.

One of the first groups Zeldin met with after he entered Congress in 2015 was Oath Keepers. This is the same fringe group founded by a man who had already called John McCain a “traitor” who should be “hung by the neck until dead.” That’s the same heavily armed group now identified by federal authorities as being in the thick of the insurrectionist mob which ransacked the Capitol and threatened to murder Vice President Mike Pence [R] and members of Congress. This is not the company kept by someone seeking bipartisanship.

After the insurrectionist mob was finally cleared out of the Capitol by police officers, one of whom was already fatally injured at its hands, Zeldin unashamedly voted to nullify millions of votes in two states, propagating the “stop the steal” lie that was responsible for the murderous riot in the first place.

I have yet to see any statement from Zeldin that he’s sorry or that either he or former President Donald Trump [R] did anything wrong. Even Kevin McCarthy [R], the minority leader in the House and certainly no moderate, acknowledged that Trump “bears responsibility” for the “attack on Congress by mob rioters.”

But from Zeldin, nothing — only attacks on Democrats to deflect from what happened. This is not the behavior of someone who wants to heal division.

Zeldin’s voting record is not at all bipartisan. The computerized index of bipartisanship cited by Trotta is essentially meaningless, because it relies exclusively on whether a lawmaker sponsors or co-sponsors legislation with members of the opposite party. It ignores a lawmaker’s voting record. It ignores the importance of the legislation, such

as whether it names a post office, or is nothing more than a symbolic gesture cosponsoring a bill destined never to make it out of committee. It’s a great way to mislead, though.

As for all the supposed “accomplishments” Trotta cites on Zeldin’s behalf, Zeldin was simply doing what any warm body representing the 1st Congressional District would do, namely, lobbying for as much pork for our district as he could possibly procure.

Congressmen love to brag about their supposed accomplishments bringing home the bacon and to make out that they alone did it. The reality is that most or all of this would have happened with somebody else representing us.

Let’s be honest. Far from being a unifier, Zeldin early on calculated that his best political strategy was to pander to his Trump base, echo Trump’s falsehoods and act as a Republican attack dog. Whether this strategy will continue to work for him, as the true cost of the chaos and divisiveness of the Trump era becomes clearer, remains to be seen.

David Friedman St. James

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

JANUARY 28, 2021 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A19

Opinion

Living in an allegorical world

M

any years ago, Madonna, and the rest of us, were “Living in a Material World.”

Well, it seems to me that we are now living in an allegorical world.

You see, we’re on a boat that’s in rough seas. We are in the middle of a Corona storm, with howling winds that threaten to rip the sails off the masts.

At the same time, the boat has numerous leaks, while the waves from the right and D. None from the left crash of the above into the ship.

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF The modern day Montagues are blaming the waves from the left for causing the danger to our ship.

Without those waves, we would be able to

head off in a glorious direction toward a better sunset.

At the same time, the Capulets are shouting at the waves on the right, suggesting that they have interrupted the magnificent journey, making the ship spin and rock out of control.

Never a dull moment on that ship of ours, the former captain of the ship, who reluctantly removed his steely grip from the wheel, is facing an imminent investigation from a team comprised mostly of the Capulets, who have recruited a few members of the Montagues to engage in an extensive trial.

The majority of the Montagues have a Greek chorus that laments the terrible state of affairs and encourages the new captain, whom they don’t particularly like or trust, to make sure their way of life continues and their voices continue to be important in the search for Truth, Justice and the American Way. At the same time, the Capulets have lined up a group of people who are just as earnest and eager in their beliefs, urging the captain

to ensure the future safety of the ship and all its inhabitants.

Passing people buffeted about in life rafts, some Montagues urge the captain to move on and to focus resources and efforts on the people aboard the ship. Some Capulets, on the other hand, believe the people who built the ship in the first place were, at one time or another, adrift in life rafts themselves and would like to provide refuge and safety to these wayward travelers.

All the while, the Corona winds, which started our violently, calmed down quite a bit during the summer, and have increased in intensity following Thanksgiving and the December holidays, have increased in their intensity, tearing holes in the sails and threatening to pull at the seams of the stars and stripes.

Somewhere in the middle of the ship, people who don’t define themselves as either ardent Montagues or Capulets are tending to the wounded, preparing food for others, ensuring law and order, and making the kind

of shields that deflect the wind, protecting individuals and the group.

The howling wind has made it difficult for the Capulets and the Montagues to hear each other, but that hasn’t stopped either of them from pointing fingers or from blaming the other side for the condition of the waterlogged ship.

People on this American vessel have heard that ships from other nations have made it out of the storm and are enjoying calmer seas, with warm sunshine and gentle breezes.

Some day, hopefully before too long, people on both sides will figure out a way to work together, to patch the holes in the sails, to help each other and to help take the ship to calmer waters.

The Corona storm isn’t passing on its own and the residents of the ship need to pull in the same direction to maneuver to the familiar, calmer seas, where residents of the ship can, once again, enjoy peace, good health and prosperity.

Surviving all the way to the COVID-19 vaccine

A

s they say in literature, it is the best of times and the worst of times. You could almost say it is also a tale of two cities.

Yes, the vaccine has now been developed and produced to counter the novel coronavirus. We will require two shots, whether we get the Moderna or the PfizerBioNTech brand, and there may even be a third possibility, one from Johnson & Johnson, that will only be a one shot deal. That’s the wonderful news.

Between Less than you and me wonderful is the

BY LEAH S. DUNAIEF distribution thus far. Despite best intentions, it has been spotty and disorganized. Locations that are supposed to be vaccination sites have had to turn people away because they have run out of the vaccine or never received the shipment

to begin with. Getting an appointment, as opposed to standing optimistically for hours in a line, has become an exercise of pounding the keyboard of the computer or dialing on the phone for hours on end, looking for a slot with availability.

Just about everyone I know is being helped by their children and grandchildren in this frustrating pursuit of inoculation. Those who have received the shot are living in a different city from those who have not.

To complicate the already complicated situation, the wily virus is doing what viruses do: mutating ahead of the vaccines. So far, the pharmaceutical companies are saying that their products are effective against the new strains, perhaps a little less so against the variant from South Africa than the one from the United Kingdom.

Brazil has a variant as well. And while non-American citizens originating in those countries are, for the moment, banned from entering the United States, scientists know those mutations are already here, having arrived before the ban, from Britain and Brazil so far and most probably South Africa as well.

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Worse than potentially evading the vaccines is the increased degree of contagion those viruses already possess. The knowledge that scientists are already hard at work catching up to the newer strains is comforting. Such an adjustment could take six weeks, however, according to Moderna.

Or perhaps a third shot of the existing vaccine might work against the variant.

So while the vaccine may be the best of times, we still have to get there, and the worst is now upon us. Sooner or later, we hope sooner, we will get the logistics of distribution worked out, but most of us will not reach that point of inoculation until midsummer or fall at the earliest. Meanwhile more people will become ill, especially in the poorer nations unable to buy vaccines in large quantities. And with our global interactions, what pathogens exist elsewhere in the world will also come here with their new mutations.

So what can we do to help ourselves through these next few months?

Let’s remember that a simple handful of actions we already have taken can keep the

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Leah S. Dunaief GENERAL MANAGER Johness Kuisel MANAGING EDITOR Rita J. Egan EDITOR Julianne Mosher

LEISURE EDITOR Heidi Sutton COPY EDITOR John Broven ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kathleen Gobos

viruses at bay. Washing our hands thoroughly, multiple times a day ( I practically bathe in hand lotion after all those washings); maintaining social distancing of at least 6 feet, preferably 15 feet, inside as well as outside; and wearing masks are effective defenses, if only we follow them. Working remotely and limiting travel have further contributed to containment.

On the subject of wearing masks, and at the risk of boring you with repetition because I wrote about this last week, I want to urge you to consider wearing two masks. Since the new strains are more contagious, meaning they can spread more readily, having a double barrier for them to pass through doubles our chances of escaping the disease.

The growing recommendation is to wear a surgical mask underneath and a cloth mask on top. I have tried it and find this no more uncomfortable than a single mask, and I am happier with the thought of being better protected. I throw away the surgical mask and wash the cloth one often to preserve its effectiveness, making for myself a sort of double-bagged wall.

ART AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Beth Heller Mason INTERNET STRATEGY DIRECTOR Rob Alfano CLASSIFIEDS DIRECTOR Sheila Murray

BUSINESS MANAGER Sandi Gross CREDIT MANAGER Diane Wattecamps CIRCULATION MANAGER Courtney Biondo SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Sheila Murray

PAGE A20 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • JANUARY 28, 2021

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