The Port Times Record - December 8, 2022

PJV comes to life during the 26th annual Dickens Festival

BY RAYMOND JANIS EDITOR1@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

The Village of Port Jefferson reignited a time-honored tradition last weekend during its 26th annual Charles Dickens Festival.

Hundreds of community members, visitors, business groups and local organizations participated in the festivities from Friday, Dec. 2, to Sunday, Dec. 4.

The show went on despite hard rains and gusting winds throughout the morning and early afternoon Saturday. Mayor Margot

Garant, decked out in traditional Dickensian garb, commented on the turnout in the face of these conditions.

“To me, it just shows how important this festival is to not just this community but kids coming from St. James and beyond who are coming to see Santa,” she said. “It’s just magic, and rain or shine we’re going to be doing Dickens.”

Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden concurred with this positive outlook, regarding the festival as another means for community-building. “It’s heartwarming to see everybody still supporting

this festival,” she said.

Trustee Stan Loucks commented on the uniqueness of the opportunities afforded through the festival and the steady growth of the events over its nearly three decades in existence.

“It’s grown every single year, and it’s just the most festive time of the year,” he said, adding, “I love the whole atmosphere, the village center. It’s a very special place, and I look forward to this every year.”

The program across all three days was

Photos by Raymond Janis

Making a difference: Clubs at Comsewogue

offer a haven for inclusivity and diversity

BY SOFIA CASTRO DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

This year, I decided to venture out of my comfort zone and explore some of the many clubs that Comsewogue High School has to offer.

At the end of last year, I was on the fence about taking the time to go on a field trip to volunteer for Joe’s Day of Service. It was a day of cleanup and beautification activities. I debated whether I could give up a day of academics to volunteer my time at Calverton National Cemetery to honor those brave souls who served our country.

This event sparked my interest in getting involved at school. It broadened my interest in school activities other than delving only into academics. I’m glad I chose to go, as it was a deeply gratifying experience.

Each year, our high school has a club fair where students can see what all the clubs are about.

“At Comsewogue, we pride ourselves on having a wide variety of extracurricular clubs, many of which were started by the students themselves,” said principal Michael Mosca. “These clubs are great opportunities for students to explore their interests and socialize with peers and teachers that share similar interests.”

It was exciting to see the many diverse clubs with such inclusive activities. We can join various clubs such as Law Club, Yearbook Club, DECA, Literary Magazine, and much more.

Amanda Prinz, assistant principal, said, “The best part about the clubs at Comsewogue High School is that they are all selected and created by students. Our clubs represent what students are interested in and what to be a part of.”

She added, “There is a club for everyone at the high school, whether someone is interested in academics, the arts, music, community service, and other specialty skills. Clubs give

students and their advisors a chance to enjoy building friendships and relationships while being a part of something that they love.”

Ultimately, I chose just one club. My reasoning here was that I opted for quality over quantity. My time is limited, but I wanted to make an impactful contribution to our school and community.

Although I may be sacrificing impressing college recruiters who may be looking for quantity, I felt that I could get more actively involved and accomplish some worthy and rewarding activities rather than becoming just a faceless name on the roster of multiple clubs.

Andrew Harris, club advisor for the Comsewogue Community Connections club, also known as “Triple C,” said he was impressed with my leadership abilities and how I inspired several students who were initially hesitant about doing volunteer or service activities.

I am now very involved in Triple C, which spearheads the Joe’s Day event and doing other meaningful projects for Comsewogue’s active service members, fundraising activities for scholarships, breast cancer awareness, and more.

“These types of clubs didn’t exist when I went to school,” Jennifer Quinn, superintendent of schools, said. “It is wonderful to offer students a place where they can feel comfortable with other students who may have similar interests as they do.”

I look forward to giving back to my school district by getting more actively involved in these school activities and collaborating with our community members to make a difference. I recommend that all students get involved in some of the clubs offered here at the high school.

Sofia Castro is a junior at Comsewogue High School and president of the Community Connections Club.

An astonishing performance Comsewogue’s Morris-Gray scores 49

points against Floyd

BY BILL LANDON DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

In an impressive performance, Comsewogue senior Hayden Morris-Gray was a one-man wrecking crew against William Floyd in a non-league matchup Friday, Dec. 2.

Morris-Gray dropped 49 points on his

home court, sinking 11 three-pointers, 14 free throws and a field goal. His electric performance topped the scoring charts with 49 points, leading the Warriors in their 7368 victory.

The win lifts the Warriors to 1-1 in their division.

Above, informational materials about the various club offerings at Comsewogue High School.

Photo courtesy Andrew Harris

Comsewogue School District

— Photo courtesy Rudy Gray

Suffolk’s two party leaders dissect midterm election results

In Suffolk County, I think voters were clear in demonstrating that they had great concerns about some of the issues out of Albany, issues revolving around public safety, law enforcement and affordability. I think [Republican gubernatorial nominee U.S. Rep.] Lee Zeldin [R-NY1] spoke to that, and that’s why you had the results you had where I think he gathered about 59% of the [Suffolk] vote.

We, the Democratic Party, need to do a better job on messaging. The governor [Kathy Hochul

I can’t speak to the county numbers because I don’t have all of them, but I’ve been looking at the Babylon numbers because I’m an elected official in Babylon.

We underperformed in terms of turnout. Republicans had their normal turnout in Babylon. Blanks [i.e., those not registered with any party]

I don’t know if it’s changing, but I would say that it’s always going to be a moderate to conservative place. The enrollment numbers are pretty much even, Democrat to Republican, and then there’s another third who are independent, blanks.

You are seeing ticket splitting because Democrats are getting elected in various places. If there’s an answer to your question about changing, I would say that Suffolk County voters are voting in a more

BY RAYMOND JANIS EDITOR1@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

In a year of narrow margins of victory and

slim majorities in the U.S. House and Senate, Republicans made steady gains in Suffolk County. Following

this outcome, TBR News Media spoke independently with Rich Schaffer and Jesse Garcia, respective

What is your initial reaction to this year’s midterm election results?

(D)] delivered record amounts of state aid for education, and nobody even knew about it. The governor delivered record amounts of infrastructure monies that fixed the LIE and various roads throughout the county, and nobody knew about it. The governor held up the state budget to have tweaks made to the bail reform and criminal justice issues that were passed by the Legislature earlier this year, and nobody knew about it.

I think we failed at our messaging, and the Republicans did a better job on that.

and Democrats had about 10% to 15% less turnout than we would normally have in a gubernatorial election year. That alone speaks to my answer to the first question, messaging. And two, in terms of turning out people who would normally turn out for us, we didn’t do a good job doing that. We have to find out why they didn’t turn out.

moderate to conservative way, whether they be a registered Democrat, Republican or not registered with any party. And maybe that’s to say that registration doesn’t determine how someone’s going to vote.

I think they’re going to come out and they’re going to vote based on how they feel about the particular issues of the day, and if you haven’t done your job on messaging then you’re not going to win that battle.

Absolutely. I think any time you make voting more accessible, you’re going to get a better response from people. We were always champions of communicating with people who are on permanent absentee [ballot status], those who are in nursing homes or who are not able to get out and vote physically.

Keep in mind, if someone requests a

More direct communication. I’ve told our party members that we have to get back to doing doorto-door. Obviously, COVID really knocked the you-know-what out of that. People have just given up on talking to people in an office, relying on text messages and emails. Mailings have kind of even dropped down now. It’s become who can get their message out on TikTok and Instagram.

I think people have become immune to that because they’re just pounded all day long with

ballot early, or with early voting as much as 10 days out, you have to kind of move up your communications schedule so that you don’t lose the opportunity to communicate with those people and have an impact. If there’s a change in strategy, it’s probably moving up the communication schedule and doing it earlier.

social media and technology, so I think we have to get back to more direct, one-on-one social interaction. The local election year next year, 2023, is a great year to do that because turnout does drop in ‘23 with a smaller group of people to communicate with.

I think it’s important to do that and to get the party people to do that, because that’s the best way to have an impact on getting your people out and getting people to buy into your message.

chairmen of the Suffolk Democratic and Republican committees, for their views on the local outcome.

I’m very proud of the reaction of the voters of Suffolk County and of the hard work of the Suffolk County Republican Committee members involved here. This is a process that began in the cold, wintery nights of February. It culminated with the night we call our Super Bowl, with a successful election night.

Our goal was to deliver 60% of the vote for Lee Zeldin. We did, we gave him a plurality of 100,000 votes. I couldn’t be more proud of the

Pictured below, Rich Schaffer (left) and Jesse Garcia (right). Left photo from Babylon Town website; right file photo from Suffolk GOP

We always set very lofty goals for ourselves. In my time as chairman of the Republican Party here in Suffolk County, in every election cycle we have flipped a blue seat. I have great confidence in this

efforts we put in in Suffolk County, Long Island and throughout the state. Because of our efforts, we knocked off a 40-year Democratic incumbent lawmaker [state Assemblyman Steve Englebright, previously a Suffolk County legislator (Setauket)] and we came very close in two other seats, AD-11 and the 4th Senatorial District.

All in all, it was a very successful night. More importantly, it was a successful night for the voters of Suffolk County.

committee. When we set our minds to a goal, we meet them. On Nov. 9 and 10, we were in our headquarters plotting out the next election cycle and setting goals there for our town and our county.

I think that it’s changing in a way that we are utilizing Republican governance as the proper way to govern at the town level, the county level, or the state and federal levels. I use our supervisors throughout the town, our Republican supervisors with Republican majorities, to show the voters that there’s a different way to govern, and I think that way is now being responded to.

Even deep blue seats in the strongholds of the Democratic Party — whether it be Babylon Town

or in the 1st [Council] District of Brookhaven — we have had historic victories this year. While we’ve had successes at the townwide level, this year we finally broke through that ceiling and were successful at the [state] level by defeating Assemblyman Englebright.

I believe that the voter trends that we’re seeing are the results of the political infrastructure, on one hand. On the other hand, residents are recognizing the difference between Republican and Democratic governance.

I made a commitment to our leaders, to our candidates, our elected officials, our committee people and to the voters of Suffolk County that I will adapt.

I will make sure that this party has the wherewithal to adapt to any and all shenanigans on the electoral side set forth by the Democratic majority in Albany.

We continue to do that on an annual basis, and this year — unlike in previous years — the absentee ballots were not as disastrous.

As I said, I adapt each and every year our tactics, our approach and our strategies to any electoral shenanigans that the Democrats in Albany put into place.

We’re going to continue doing what we’re doing. We’re going to expand and grow our coalitions. We’re going to learn from the successes we had in 2022. Those areas that we think we can improve upon, we will.

My goal right now is to reelect the incumbents in Brookhaven Town, in my

capacity as Brookhaven Town [Republican Committee] chairman.

And then to set my sights on the county executive’s seat, filling it with a Republican for the first time in 20 years, and to expand and maintain the Republican majority elected last year [in the county Legislature].

Did your party meet expectations?

Based on these results, how is voting behavior in Suffolk County changing?

Has your party altered its political strategy with respect to voting by mail? Do you foresee mail-in ballots playing a greater role in the future?

What does your party have to do to win over more voters?

Suffolk County Legislature launches special committee for cyberattack investigation

BY RAYMOND JANIS EDITOR1@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

County legislators convened at the William H. Rogers Legislature Building in Hauppauge on Monday, Dec. 5, announcing the formation of a bipartisan special committee to investigate the recent cyberattack against the county government.

A confirmed ransomware event was first reported in early September. [See story, “Suffolk County cyberattack offers a window into the dangers of the digital age,” Nov. 17, TBR News Media website.] The attack crippled the county’s IT infrastructure, shutting down the system for over a month, with systems slowly coming back online.

The county press release relating to the new committee indicated that, “Information regarding the effects of the attack continues to be made public, including the admission that the personal information of as many as 470,000 residents and 26,000 past and current employees has been stolen by the hackers.”

Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst), presiding officer of the county Legislature, announced the appointment of Legislator Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville) as chair of the newly formed special committee. With these two legislators, the rest of the committee will comprise Minority Leader Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon), and Legislators Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai), Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches) and Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga).

“The purpose of this committee is to do one thing and one thing only, and that is to find out what happened and how we can prevent that from happening again,” McCaffrey said. The presiding officer described the impact

felt by county officials and residents alike due to the cyber event. He stated that sensitive information of county employees was likely accessed, with many details still unknown.

“There’s been an impact on each and every one of our residents,” he said, adding, “Employees, including myself, have now found out that our Social Security numbers have been compromised. We need to make sure that this doesn’t happen again.”

Piccirillo outlined his priorities and intended goals as chair. He regarded the Legislature as a coequal branch of the county government with a constitutional obligation to conduct oversight activities.

“We’re going to execute our constitutional duty of oversight,” he said. “We passed a procedural motion that we now have subpoena power to call witnesses under oath and bring them in if they refuse to come in.”

The committee chairman added, “I do expect full cooperation from anyone that we ask to come in, but we do have that tool in our toolbox, where if people start to refuse to speak to the Legislature then we can have them here under subpoena.”

Piccirillo maintained that openness and transparency would be necessary to restore government operations and public trust.

“The best disinfectant is sunlight, so we’re

going to open the windows and let the sun in here to shine and make sure that we get the truth,” he said. “We’re going to follow the facts and conduct the thorough investigation that the residents of Suffolk County deserve.”

Richberg detailed the collective shock and disbelief experienced by county officials when reports first circulated of the cybersecurity breach. He said a proper diagnosis of the problems leading up to the attack would help thwart a similar scenario from unfolding.

“I think understanding and diagnosing the problem from the beginning and having a bipartisan approach to asking the questions in the sunlight … is really important,” the minority leader said. “Most importantly, we need full structures for us to move forward, so this doesn’t happen again and that we are appropriately protected from anything that could happen to us in the future.”

In an interview, Anker discussed the gravity of the moment and the importance of the government coordinating its response correctly. “I know we’re spending up to $12 million to address this, if not more,” she said. “We need to get all the experts in the field to address what we’re dealing with and how to best deal with it.”

Anker also addressed the criminal nature of this cyber intrusion and the need to grasp

cybercrime trends and criminal culture online.

“The dark web, that’s where all of this stuff is happening,” the county legislator said. “It’s the Wild, Wild West of our times, and if we don’t address that in a more aggressive way, it’s going to ripple throughout our country.”

While the committee’s work is just getting underway, McCaffrey said the process will culminate in a report detailing its findings. “We expect to be able to roll this out and tell a good story about what happened from beginning to end,” he said.

At podium, Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon), minority leader of the county Legislature, during a press event at the William H. Rogers Legislature Building in Hauppauge announcing a bipartisan special committee investigating the September ransomware attack against the county government. Below, Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai), who is a member of this special committee. Photos by Raymond Janis

‘The best disinfectant is sunlight, so we’re going to open the windows and let the sun in here to shine and make sure that we get the truth.’

— ANTHONY PICCIRILLO

The following incidents have been reported

Medford teen arrested for threatening LGBTQ classmates

Suffolk County Police arrested a Medford teenager on Dec. 6 after she allegedly threatened LGBTQ students at her Holtsville high school last week. A 14-year-old female Eastern Suffolk BOCES Sequoya High School student allegedly texted derogatory comments regarding members of the LGBTQ community to another 14-year-old student on Dec. 1. She then sent messages threatening to kill or injure LGBTQ people at the school, as well as every girl at the school. Following an investigation, the teen was arrested by Hate Crimes Unit detectives at the Fifth Precinct and charged with Aggravated Harassment 2nd Degree as a Hate Crime, a felony, and Making a Threat of Mass Harm. Man found dead off Smith Point Park

Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the apparent drowning death of a man who was reported missing on Nov. 18 and located off of Smith Point County Park on Nov. 30. Pierre Morris, an employee of H&L Contracting of Hauppauge, was working on a boat at Smith Point Marina when he is believed to have gone overboard on Nov. 18 and was reported missing by a coworker at approximately 3:20 p.m. that day. Marine Bureau officers were called to Smith Point County Park at approximately 11:40 a.m. on Nov. 30 after a man, who has been positively identified as Morris, was found unresponsive off East Concourse. Morris, 45, of Far Rockaway, was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives are asking anyone with information to call the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392.

Medford man arrested for catalytic converter theft

Suffolk County Police arrested a Medford man on Dec. 5 for allegedly stealing a catalytic converter from a vehicle parked outside of a Shirley residence the same day. Seventh Precinct officers responded to a 911 call reporting a man stealing a catalytic converter from a neighbor’s truck on Decator Ave. at 11:52 a.m. The man fled the scene prior to police arrival, but a minivan matching the suspect’s vehicle description was located a short time later. The driver, Jason Labbe, 45, of Medford was arrested without incident. He was charged with Grand Larceny 3rd Degree, Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree, Possession of Burglar’s Tools, and two counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5th Degree.

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Wanted for PJS Grand Larceny

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a man who allegedly stole four bottles of whiskey from Markay’s Wine and Liquor, located at 4600 Nesconset Highway in Port Jefferson Station, at approximately 5:50 p.m. on November 26. The merchandise was valued at approximately $1,350. He left the scene in a dark-colored SUV.

Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run crash

Suffolk County Police Major Case Unit detectives are investigating a hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian in Ronkonkoma on Dec. 5. A man was lying in the roadway of the LIE Exit 60E off ramp when he was struck by at least one vehicle, which then fled the scene, at approximately 8 p.m. The victim, Robert Twiford, 61, of Melville, was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call Major Case Unit Detectives at 631-852-6553.

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.

by Suffolk County Police:

Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

— COMPILED BY HEIDI SUTTON

Suffolk County grapples with shortage of pediatric amoxicillin

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Like the rest of the state and country, Suffolk County is grappling with a shortage of pediatric amoxicillin, the drug most often used to treat bacterial infections such as strep throat and ear infections.

In the last few weeks, parents have gone to their local pharmacies, only to find that the liquid form of the medicine that’s suitable for their children is out of stock.

“There is a shortage,” said Dr. Sharon Nachman, chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, who estimates that the medicine isn’t available about half the time the hospital prescribes it. “We worry that it’s going to continue to happen.”

As more children are around their friends and family before and during the holidays “it’s going to get worse,” she added.

This, doctors said, is not a Long Island or even a New York state problem. It’s national.

Nachman’s granddaughter needed amoxicillin in Florida. Her daughter drove around from pharmacy to pharmacy until she found one that had the medicine.

Doctors suggested that a number of factors have contributed to the shortage. For starters, some urgent care centers and doctors around the country are prescribing amoxicillin when children have viral infections. The medicine not only isn’t helping with sore throats or other viral symptoms, but it also isn’t as available for the children who have bacterial infections.

Nachman urges parents to make sure their children have an infection for which amoxicillin or any other drug works before picking it up from the pharmacy.

“When the pediatrician does a viral test and you get a positive, you know what it is,” she said. “When they do a throat swab for strep and it’s negative, you know what it’s not.”

Nachman told parents to ask whoever is prescribing antibiotics like amoxicillin if their children really need the medicine.

“If there is a silver lining, it’s forcing clinicians to try not to over prescribe it,” said Dr. James Cavanaugh, director of Pediatrics at Port Jefferson’s St. Charles Hospital.

Finally, the stock of amoxicillin is low nationally.

For parents, the effect of the shortage has ranged from the expected anxiety over a limited resource to an awareness of a new reality.

Indeed, earlier this year, parents struggled to find baby formula.

“They are accepting of it, given the climate we’ve been in with formula,” Cavanaugh said. “Parents are unfortunately getting used to it.”

Other infections

With viruses like respiratory syncytial

virus, the flu, and COVID-19 prevalent and increasing in communities around Long Island, children and adults are increasingly getting sick and exhibiting the kind of general symptoms that could be viral or bacterial.

Stony Brook Children’s Hospital continues to have a steady stream of patients.

“We were full before Thanksgiving, full on Thanksgiving and full after Thanksgiving,” Nachman said. “As soon as a bed opens, another child comes in.”

While strep throat is easy to diagnose, ear infections can be either viral or bacterial.

Pediatric associations offer various guidelines. For children who are 9 and over, parents can do watchful waiting, but for children who are younger, like 4 months old, parents should use antibiotics.

While childhood forms of amoxicillin are limited, adult supplies, in the form of pills and capsules, are not. Children as young as 7 years old can take pills as long as the milligrams of the pills to the kilograms of the child’s weight are appropriate for the dosage.

Nachman said Stony Brook Children’s Hospital has been doing a lot more calling to pharmacies near where patients live to ensure they have amoxicillin.

“That takes extra time,” she said. Those efforts could mean that families may have to wait longer in the emergency room.

The amoxicillin shortage can be worse for families that don’t have cars.

“How are they getting their prescriptions filled?” Nachman asked. “This is just one more worry.”

Alternatives

Area doctors and pharmacists suggested that there are alternatives to the pediatric form of amoxicillin. Children who are old enough and meet weight requirements can take a pill.

Alternatively, with careful medical guidance, parents can open up the right dose for capsules and mix it with applesauce or some other foods, according to the American Association of Pediatrics.

Doctors can also prescribe other broad spectrum antibiotics, such as augmentin and omnicef.

Using these other antibiotics, however, increases the risk of developing antibiotic resistant infections later.

“The next infection may be harder to treat,” Cavanaugh said.

These other antibiotics also may eliminate some of the good bacteria in the gut, causing diarrhea.

As doctors have increasingly prescribed some of these other medicines, pharmacies have seen the supply of alternatives decrease as well.

“Everyone follows the same algorithm” in prescribing medicine, which means the

demand for other prescriptions is increasing, Cavanaugh added.

Immune boost

Doctors said children can enhance their overall health and immune systems with healthy eating and sleeping habits and by making sure they are up to date with available preventive measures.

“Get vaccinated,” Cavanaugh said. He

also urged good hand washing routines.

Cavanaugh added that children exposed to cigarette smoke in a house are also at a higher risk of ear infection.

As for what constitutes enough sleep for a child, doctors recommend between eight and nine hours per night. That, doctors said, is tough to get for children who sleep with a cell phone near their beds.

The country is experiencing a shortage of pediatric amoxicillin used to treat bacterial infections. Pixabay photo

Pearl Harbor: A trying moment revealing the nation’s resolve

BY RICH ACRITELLI DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

— President Franklin D. Roosevelt (D), Dec. 7, 1941

This week, 81 years ago, the United States was thrust into the global conflict of World War II.

Isolationist tendencies had kept the country out of the war during its earliest years. Prominent Americans such as Charles Lindbergh and Joseph Kennedy Sr. widely considered the fight outside the United States’ strategic interests.

It was an unsettling moment for the nation as Americans watched Britain and the Soviet Union on the brink of defeat from invading Nazi forces. Meanwhile, the Japanese moved against its neighbors from China to Indonesia, controlling significant parts of the Pacific and Asia.

HISTORY

‘A date which will live in infamy’

Within the early morning of Dec. 7, 1941, American ships on patrol outside Hawaii discovered the periscopes of Japanese submarines. Five of these underwater vessels were stationed near Pearl Harbor, ready to pounce upon American ships attempting to flee the assault. At the same time, Japanese planes departed from aircraft carriers that were 275 miles north of Hawaii.

The government and military never feared an attack by the Japanese against its army and naval bases in Hawaii. They feared a possible assault against the Philippines but never believed Pearl Harbor was a target.

Across this country, from the North Shore of Long Island to Hawaii, American citizens were awakened by the horrifying sounds of news reports of the assault. The Japanese rising sun logo was seen on high-level bombers and torpedo planes that swarmed over the morning skies of this island paradise.

Within moments, a wave of 360 enemy fighter planes produced staggering losses on the American side: Five sunken battleships, three destroyers and almost 200 planes were hit from the air. As the Japanese pulled back after this assault, they understood their plans were not fully achieved. Three American aircraft carriers, untouched by the Japanese, would hold down the fort as America rebuilt its Pacific fleet.

Awakening a sleeping giant

American service members scrambled to survive the aerial onslaught. The attack killed 2,403 U.S. personnel, including 68 civilians. The government later discovered that 40 of these deaths were residents of New York. All

This week marks the 81st anniversary of Pearl Harbor, one of the darkest episodes in American history. Pixabay photo

of this was overwhelming for the stunned American people, stung by this attack and unprepared for this global war effort.

A relieved British prime minister, Winston Churchill, stated that the American partnership in World War II was the ultimate factor in achieving a two-front victory. The Japanese surprise attack at Pearl Harbor would push 16 million Americans to enlist in the armed forces over the following four years, putting the world back on a path to peace.

In the months after the Pearl Harbor attack, Japan gained one of the largest territorial empires in world history. The island nation’s conquests stretched from the Alaskan Aleutian Islands, toward Australia, into China, through several Pacific island nations and to the doorstep of India.

This empire would quickly unravel, thanks to American efforts in the ensuing years. A three-year “island hopping” campaign would eventually bring massive American military power onto Japan’s home islands.

From 1943-45, Japan absorbed constant blows from air, sea and land, pushing this military regime back into its own territory. The

war ended after President Harry S. Truman (D) authorized the use of the atomic bomb, obliterating the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Connecting past to present

For decades after Pearl Harbor, there were groups of veteran survivors of this surprise attack that once numbered 18,000 nationally and 70,000 around the world who could recall this tragic date. Today, fewer than 1,500 Pearl Harbor survivors remain.

Moreover, less than 240,000 World War II veterans are still living. The “greatest generation” passes away at a rate of 234 people daily, according to the VA.

The United States has been pivotal in thwarting Russia’s attempts to overrun Ukraine. Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, had comprehensive plans to conquer Ukraine and then move against his neighbors.

While the Ukrainians deserve credit for carrying out a reversal of fortune against Russian aggression, they have gained tremendous military, economic and political aid from the United States.

As we reflect upon the moments after the attack on Pearl Harbor, we must remember that America has adversaries around the globe. The American response following Pearl Harbor should remind Putin never to underestimate the resolve of the American people, its leadership or its mission to combat tyranny around the globe.

Friends and foes should always understand the historical examples of strength the United States illustrated during that dire moment in our national history.

Remember to thank veterans for their services. Their contributions before and after Pearl Harbor have continually promoted the cause of freedom and security throughout the world.

Rich Acritelli is a history teacher at Rocky Point High School and adjunct professor at Suffolk County Community College. Written in conjunction with Manny Watkins, Matt Liselli, Jake Donovan, Evan Donovan, Colin Singh, Simone Carmody and members of the high school’s History Honor Society.

“No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.”

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therewith;andtoexpend requiredinconnection demolitionandotherwork ancillaryorrelatedsite, machinery,apparatusand furnishings,equipment,

therefor,includingpreliminarycostsandcostsincidentaltheretoandtothe

oftheProjectassetforthin thecostsofthecomponents $23,127,000;providedthat estimatedtotalcostof amountnottoexceedthe financingthereof,an

To Place A Legal Notice

Districtareherebyauthorizedtobeissuedinthe

dueandpayable. asthesameshallbecome theinterestonsaidbonds taxisherebyvotedtopay exceed$23,127,000,anda principalamountofnotto

APPROVED ,theBoardof BONDPROPOSITION#1IS (a)T HATINTHEEVENT RESOLVED: BONDPROPOSITION#2

EducationofthePortJeffersonUnionFreeSchool

“District”),isherebyfurther Suffolk,NewYork(the District,intheCountyof

authorizedtoinstallasyntheticturffieldattheHigh

saidtax,bondsofthe (c)thatinanticipationof BoardofEducation; shallbedeterminedbysaid andinsuchamountsas installmentsinsuchyears tobeleviedandcollectedin financesuchcost,suchtax toexceed$1,876,000to votedintheamountofnot (b)thatataxishereby $1,876,000; estimatedtotalcostof anamountnottoexceedthe andtothefinancingthereof, andcostsincidentalthereto includingpreliminarycosts andtoexpendtherefor, officeoftheDistrictClerk, publicinspectioninthe isonfileandavailablefor P.C.(the“Plan”),whichPlan preparedbyJAGArchitect accordancewithaplan $1,876,000,substantiallyin estimatedmaximumcostof School/MiddleSchoolatthe

Districtareherebyauthorizedtobeissuedinthe

and becomedueandpayable; bondsasthesameshall paytheinterestonsaid andataxisherebyvotedto ofnottoexceed$1,876,000 aggregateprincipalamount

condensedform: substantiallythefollowing SpecialDistrictMeetingin usedforvotingatsaid shallappearontheballots SuchBondPropositions

BONDPROPOSITION#1

YES NO

(a)ThattheBoardof RESOLVED:

EducationofthePortJeffersonUnionFreeSchool

Suffolk,NewYork(the District,intheCountyof

“District”),isherebyauthorizedtoundertakea

infrastructureand projecttoaddressthe facilitiesimprovement

instructionalneedssubstantiallyasreferredtoand

describedinaplanpreparedbyJohnA.Grillo,

Architect,P.C.,andtoexpendnottoexceed

andpayable. thesameshallbecomedue interestonsaidbondsas herebyvotedtopaythe $23,127,000,andataxis amountofnottoexceed issuedintheprincipal areherebyauthorizedtobe tax,bondsoftheDistrict thatinanticipationofsuch BoardofEducation;and(c) shallbedeterminedbysaid andinsuchamountsas installmentsinsuchyears leviedandcollectedin suchcost,suchtaxtobe $23,127,000tofinance theamountofnottoexceed thatataxisherebyvotedin $23,127,000therefor;(b)

BONDPROPOSITION#2

YES NO

RESOLVED:

(a) THATINTHEEVENT

APPROVED ,theBoardof BONDPROPOSITION#1IS

EducationofthePortJeffersonUnionFreeSchool

“District”),isherebyfurther Suffolk,NewYork(the District,intheCountyof

suchtax,bondsofthe (c)thatinanticipationof BoardofEducation;and shallbedeterminedbysaid andinsuchamountsas installmentsinsuchyears tobeleviedandcollectedin financesuchcost,suchtax toexceed$23,127,000to votedintheamountofnot (b)thatataxishereby District; thebestinterestsofthe thatsuchreallocationisin Educationshalldetermine componentsiftheBoardof reallocatedamongsuch detailinthePlanmaybe therefor;(b)thatataxis nottoexceed$1,876,000 ArchitectPC,andtoexpend preparedbyJohnA.Grillo, accordancewithaplan $1,876,000,substantiallyin estimatedtotalcostof School/MiddleSchoolatthe

authorizedtoinstallasyntheticturffieldattheHigh

taxtobeleviedandcollectedininstallmentsin

suchyearsandinsuch

amountsasshallbedeterminedbysaidBoardof

Education;(c)thatinanticipationofsaidtax,bondsof

alsoapproved thatBondProposition#1is effectiveonlyintheevent approved,itshallbecome thisBondProposition#2is andpayable;and(d) thatif thesameshallbecomedue interestonsaidbondsas herebyvotedtopaythe $1,876,000andataxis amountofnottoexceed theaggregateprincipal authorizedtobeissuedin theDistrictarehereby

Thevotingwillbeconducted

byballotonvotingmachinesorbypaperballots

theirballots. votersthenpresenttocast necessarytoenablethe asmuchlongerasmaybe P.M.(PrevailingTime)and o’clockA.M.to9:00o’clock remainopenfrom6:00 Lawandthepollswill asprovidedintheEducation

NOTICEISFURTHERGIVEN

thatapplicationsforabsenteeballotsmaybeobtained

thevoter,thecompleted theballotistobemailedto Friday,exceptholidays.If Time)onMondaythrough o’clockP.M.(Prevailing o’clockA.M.and4:00 betweenthehoursof8:00 fromtheDistrictClerk

applicationmustbereceivedbytheDistrictClerk

deliveredpersonallytothe Iftheballotistobe Monday,December5,2022. P.M.(PrevailingTime),on notlaterthan4:00o’clock

voter,thecompletedapplicationmustbereceived

(PrevailingTime),onFriday, laterthan4:00o’clockP.M. bytheDistrictClerknot

December3,2022.Completedballotsmustbe

havebeenissuedwillbe whomabsenteeballotsshall vote.Alistofallpersonsto Time)onthedayofthe o’clockP.M.(Prevailing Clerknolaterthan5:00 receivedbytheDistrict

availableforpublicinspectionintheofficeofthe

approved Proposition#1isalso intheeventthatBond shallbecomeeffectiveonly Militaryvoterswhoare

tofinancesuchcost,such ofnottoexceed$1,876,000 herebyvotedintheamount DistrictClerk KathleenHanley

suchballotapplicationor mailintheirrequestfor transmissionorelectronic bymail,facsimile applicationormilitaryballot receiveamilitaryballot designateapreferenceto ballot.Militaryvotersmay anapplicationforamilitary SchoolDistrictmaysubmit qualifiedvotersofthe

ballot.Militaryvoterapplicationformsmustbe

oftheUnitedStatespostal showingacancellationmark December12,2022and closeofthepollson DistrictClerkbeforethe receivedintheOfficeofthe becanvassedunlessitis(1) 2022.Nomilitaryballotwill p.m.onNovember16, Districtnolaterthan5:00 DistrictClerkoftheSchool receivedintheOfficeofthe

serviceoraforeigncountry’spostalservice,or

showingadatedendorsementofreceiptby

theSpecialDistrictMeeting. notlaterthanthedaybefore whichisassociatedtobe witnessthereto,withadate militaryvoterandone signedanddatedbythe December12,2022and laterthan5:00p.m.on oftheDistrictClerkbyno or(2)receivedbytheOffice UnitedStatesgovernment; anotheragencyofthe

schooldistrictmeetingor offeringtovoteatany requireallnewpersons LawSection2018-cwhich theprovisionsofEducation ofEducationhasadopted DistrictMeeting.TheBoard nextprecedingsaidSpecial foraperiodofthirtydays residentwithintheDistrict ageorolder,and(3)a States,(2)eighteenyearsof (1)acitizenoftheUnited qualifiedvoterisonewhois isaqualifiedvoter.A meetingonlyifsuchperson voteatsaidSpecialDistrict Apersonshallbeentitledto

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card. bill,oravoterregistration identificationcard,autility

10950010/274xptr

thevote. officehoursuntilthedayof DistrictClerkduringregular

THEBOARDOFEDUCATION BYTHEORDEROF

Dated:September13,2022

12DEDICIEMBREDE2022 DESUFFOLK,NUEVAYORK

Email: legals@tbrnewsmedia.com (d) thatifthisBondProposition#2isapproved,it

PORLAPRESENTESE

NOTIFICAquedeconformidadconunaresolución

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LEGALS con’t on pg. 2 aparatoyelsitioauxiliaro equipo,lamaquinaria,el mobiliariooriginal,el anteriorparaincluirel aireacondicionado;todolo calefacción,ventilacióny mejorasenlossistemasde renovacionesdevestuariosy delespaciointerior, reconfiguraciónyalteración espaciodesalademúsica, paraproporcionarunnuevo

LEGALS

LEGALS con’t from pg. 1

To Place A Legal Notice

mismosyalfinanciamiento costosincidentalesalos loscostospreliminaresylos gastarparaello,incluidos relaciónconlosmismos;y otrostrabajosrequeridosen relacionado,lademolicióny

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PROPUESTADEBONOS#2

campodecéspedsintético presenteparainstalarun quedaautorizadaporla NuevaYork(el“Distrito”), elcondadodeSuffolk, UnióndePortJefferson,en DistritoEscolarLibredela laJuntadeEducacióndel PROPUESTADEBONO#1 , SEAPRUEBELA (a) QUEENCASODEQUE RESUELTO:

enlaescuelaintermedia/ secundariaalcostomáximo

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formaresumida:

PROPUESTADEBONOS#1

EscolarLibredelaUniónde EducacióndelDistrito (a)QuelaJuntade RESUELTO: SÍ NO

PortJefferson,enelCondadodeSuffolk,NuevaYork

paraabordarlas mejoraenlasinstalaciones emprenderunproyectode autorizadaporlapresentea (el“Distrito”),está

necesidadesdeinfraestructuraeinstrucciónsustancialmentecómosemencionaydescribeenunplan

(a) QUEENCASODEQUE RESUELTO: SÍ NO

campodecéspedsintético presenteparainstalarun quedaautorizadaporla NuevaYork(el“Distrito”), elcondadodeSuffolk, UnióndePortJefferson,en DistritoEscolarLibredela laJuntadeEducacióndel PROPUESTADEBONO#1 , SEAPRUEBELA

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SecretariadeDistrito KathleenHanley 2022 Fecha:13deseptiembrede DEEDUCACIÓN PORORDENDELAJUNTA

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PropuestadeBonos#1 tambiénseapruebela únicamenteencasodeque entraráenvigencia PropuestadeBonos#2, (d) quesiseapruebaesta pagaderos;y medidaquevenzanysean interesesdedichosbonosa impuestoparapagarlos presentesevotaun $1,876,000yporla decapitalquenoexcedalos Distritoporunmontototal emisióndebonosdel presenteseautorizala dichoimpuesto,porla (c)queenprevisiónde JuntadeEducación; montosquedeterminedicha cuotasenlosañosyenlos seimpondráyrecaudráen dichocosto,dichoimpuesto $1,876,000parafinanciar montoquenoexceda tardaralas4:00p.m.(Hora solicitudcompletaamás

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NOTICEOFSALESUPREME

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LLC,PlaintiffAGAINSTMichelleNagel;SeanNagel;et

al.,Defendant(s)Pursuant

toaJudgmentofForeclosureandSaledulyentered

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PROPUESTADEBONOS#2 ReuniónEspecialdel derechoavotarendicha Unapersonatendrá

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IndependenceHill,Farmingville,NY11738onJanuary

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DiCaro&Barak,LLCAttorney(s)forthePlaintiff175

October5,202273778 (877)430-4792Dated: Rochester,NewYork14624 MileCrossingBoulevard

11719012/14xptr

FederalSavingsandLoan AstoriaBankf/k/aAstoria successorbymergerto STERLINGNATIONALBANK, OFSUFFOLK-BROOKHAVEN SUPREMECOURT-COUNTY

Association,Plaintiffagainst-WILLIAMM.BOYLE,

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Brookhaven,CountyofSuffolkandStateofNewYork,

pieceorparcelofland,with 11778.Allthatcertainplot Road,RockyPoint,NY 18

Letters to the Editor

fiscally irresponsible.

The fiscal irresponsibility for installing turf is further highlighted due to the unfortunate reality of declining student enrollment and the fact that its lifetime is 10-12 years requiring an additional removal expenditure and the purchase of new turf for about $800,000 — all when residents will continue paying for the initial installation for three-to-five years after its removal on a 15-year bond.

Third, is the safety concerns for the artificial turf, which poses unresolved safety and environmental concerns. Crushed recycled tire rubber that makes up a large part of the artificial turf is filled with known carcinogens. For example cadmium, a known component of artificial turf, has been removed from watercolors because it presents a risk to health and growth of children even in very small amounts. Yet the administration and BOE somehow think that it is OK to expose our children to the same carcinogen where children will roll, kick and breathe in cadmium-laced dust during play. Turf also adds another heat sink in Port Jeff for our rapidly warming climate.

I understand that there is a group of voters who believe that installing it is in the best interest of our athletes and our community.

In my opinion, when considering the longterm well-being of our village and all the members of the community that their belief is shortsighted. I encourage you to vote on Monday, Dec. 12.

Paul Ryan Port Jefferson Editor’s

note: The writer is a former board of education candidate.

Congressman-elect LaLota outlines his priorities

The 118th Congress will convene soon, and I’m honored to be representing you and Long Island as your next congressman.

With my Jan. 3 swearing-in fast approaching, I wanted to share with you some of my top priorities that I hope to champion in the halls of Congress:

• Improving Long Island’s economy by tackling inflation, cutting spending, reducing prices of goods and services like groceries and energy, and restoring our state and local tax deduction.

• Creating a safer nation by fighting crime, supporting our brave law enforcement officers, securing the border and bringing lawbreakers to justice.

• Fighting for more freedoms for Long Islanders by putting parents back in charge of their children’s education and investing in high-quality, affordable and bureaucracyfree health care.

• Holding our government leaders accountable by holding focused hearings on vital issues such as drug trafficking, government corruption, the Afghanistan

withdrawal and making sure that vital services such as Medicare and Social Security are funded and available for Long Islanders young and old.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring positive changes to our communities on Long Island. It won’t be easy, but I will work every day to bring these issues front and center.

Nick LaLota Congressman-elect (R-NY1)

The hypocrisy of Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is a mostly white, progressive and liberal island, frequented by some of America’s richest and most powerful people. On Sept. 14, 50 Venezuelan asylum seekers landed on this beautiful island. They were greeted warmly, provided everything needed to be comfortable and sustain themselves, as well as being provided with Spanish translators by the local high school students who were taking Spanish. However, from the time they arrived, plans were already in the works to hastily remove them from the island in less than 44 hours. For the residential islanders who claim to embrace, love and accept everyone from all walks of life their act of hypocrisy was unjustifiable, but seemingly appropriate for these year-round residents enacting their modus operandi.

First off, as far as housing, there were a multitude of empty rooms available in hotels, B&Bs, etc., since this was the beginning of off season for recreational visitors. Secondly, Martha’s Vineyard offers Wheels on Meals to those in need of nutritious and healthy food. Thirdly, Martha’s Vineyard has what is called the WIC program (women, infants and children), which offers free nutrition programs, healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and other necessary programs to make their lives on the island sustainable. Thirdly, as far as employment, the Indeed jobsite at that time had the following jobs available: line cooks, gatekeepers, housemaids, babysitters, drivers, dishwashers, cleaning associates, delivery drivers, gardeners, kennel assistants, etc.

These people are coming here with their families to provide a better life for themselves. Certainly, the islanders of Martha’s Vineyard could have been a little more creative and helpful in assisting these asylum seekers with opportunities. By that I mean accepting them and assimilating them into their community with passion and opportunity.

I truly hope this is not a generic personification of others, whether they be Republicans, Democrats, general progressives or those actually affiliated with the Suffolk progressive group and liberals who talk out of both side of their mouths, so they fit in and are admired by others in their club’s ideology.

America has always been a melting pot of immigrants. That is what made us so great. There is nothing wrong with being vetted and coming and living in this country legally. Many of our parents, grandparents and greatgrandparents followed this path and flourished

on their own as well as with help from others. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Just do it right and not senselessly, as we have seen on Martha’s Vineyard.

Rhoda Angelier Coram

County comptroller thanks electorate

I write to thank all the voters who came out this 2022 election cycle and exercised the most important duty of our American democracy, the casting of votes. I am humbled and honored to be returned to the office of comptroller for a third term. The confidence that the electorate has placed in my ability to serve as Suffolk County’s chief fiscal officer is reassuring as we pursue a course of continued improved financial efficacy, as well as continuing to aggressively perform audits to stamp out fraud, waste and abuse.

As always, my office stands ready to assist. Please call at 631-853-5040, and do not hesitate to report concerns to the comptroller’s fraud hotline at 631-853-5018, or email fraudhotline@suffolkcountyny.gov.

John M. Kennedy Jr. Suffolk County Comptroller

Perspective on a perspective

My perspective regarding the Perspective by a “progressive” which appeared in the Nov. 24 issue of The Port Times Record [“Reflecting on the midterm elections” by Shoshana Hershkowitz] is diametrically opposite of what was stated, with the exception of the writer’s statement regarding state Assemblyman Steve Englebright [D-Setauket].

I, too, was shocked to learn that he will no longer represent our district. I’ve always considered Steve to be a friend, and I’ve known him since before he was a politician — and that’s a long time). His dedicated service to the public at large in our district, and all of the organizations within it, has been remarkable, and he will be sorely missed. With that being said, I strongly disagree with the lumping of our local representatives with the insanely radical woke leftists of the national Democratic Party. The actions and integrity of the two groups should indicate that they are two different parties, not one and the same.

The aforementioned writer’s perspective

regarding “fear, dishonesty and racism” prevailing is way off base. Does she gather her points of view from the “lamestream” media? And her habitually abhorrent diatribes against Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-NY1) are without substance. She mentions that his position on “gun safety would be harmful to this state.” Really? Gun safety? It was taught in some schools in the 1950s, when we didn’t have today’s rampant criminal activity due to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s [D] revolving-door policy of releasing violent criminals to inflict more crimes. While the writer is “relieved” that Hochul defeated Zeldin, it seems the writer has no recollection during their debate of Zeldin’s question regarding crime, to which Hochul responded, “Why is that an issue?”

With regard to “Zeldin’s position” on “reproductive rights,” what does the writer mean when stating, “Women are vulnerable, with their reproductive rights under attack”? In New York state a human life can still be murdered in the womb. And, to some politicians like Hochul, it’s also OK to release repeat criminals who may murder innocent victims.

And, oh yes, the writer mentions “free and fair elections.” I would need more than a full page to remark on that comment. She may refer to many Americans as election deniers. If so, I would refer to her and her ilk as corruption deniers.

“As a prime Democratic voter,” she goes on to say what she wants. Ay, there’s the rub — in the words of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” How could she possibly get what she wants “as a prime Democratic voter?” The rapidly failing and deteriorating cities in America have been under Democratic control for generations.

What the writer fails to realize is that today’s “Socialist”(former Democratic) Party is not the same as her great-grandfather’s Democratic Party. She wants, in her Perspective piece, “to fight the good fight” for her “children’s generation, who deserve to inherit a better world.” I don’t foresee, however, that repeating the same mistakes will make this “a better world.” So, I will continue to fight the good fight of taking a commonsense approach to a “better world” for her children and grandchildren — and mine.

Art Billadello East Setauket

Eye on the street: The meaning of Dickens

During the 26th annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson village, TBR News Media had a chance to catch up with some of those in attendance. During a series of oneon-one encounters throughout the event, we asked the attendees what this local tradition meant to them.

— Photos by Raymond Janis

Nancy Klimpel, Ronkonkoma

“The Port Jeff [Dickens] Festival, to me, means the beginning of the holiday season. It helps to bring people together, allows them to mix and mingle with different kinds of things and cultural opportunities, to see anything from a radio show to a small production, to a choir or some kind of orchestral choice. It really brings the joy of the season to others.”

Bob Ogden, Setauket

“I’m going to micro in and break it down a little bit tighter, just to be selfish about the troop, the groups, and the street plays. Since September, I have liked to see these little guys’ and girls’ development. Walking in in September and saying, ‘Here’s a script. I want you to memorize it and act it by December,’ and to see their growth and how they gain confidence as they learn their lines, that’s what I like to see.”

George Overin,

Bohemia

“When you walk down the street, the people you see are very heavy during the holiday season. It may seem really heavy for some people, but when they look up and see these two idiots in smoke and soot and everything else, going ‘Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to ya,’ they smile. You know what? For that second, the world is lifted off their shoulders. For us, that’s what this is all about: Giving a little bit of joy in the darkest time of the year for some people. There are some joys you can’t buy anywhere, and that’s what it means to me.”

“Jacob Marley,” Port Jefferson

“It’s an opportunity to introduce people to the wonderful storytelling of Charles Dickens. If you haven’t read ‘A Christmas Carol,’ you should or listen to the audiobook. It’s funny, it’s incisive and relevant to today. The message of Christmas being a time of giving — as opposed to a time of just getting things — I just love that feeling of the spirit of being generous.”

Russ Green, Sound Beach

“’A Christmas Carol,’ specifically, is a story of hope and redemption on many levels. The Dickens Fest as a whole, to me, means, more than anything, a time of coming together as a community, which is especially lacking in this day and age.”

Joseph McGowan, Middle Island

“Oh my goodness, where do I start? To bring joy to the local community, to put a smile on someone’s face, to make a little baby’s eyes light up, to see an elderly person — who probably lost a loved one at a recent time — to put a smile on their face, to bring joy and happiness to the whole community, and to bring the true spirit of Christmas into the hearts of everyone in the neighborhood and throughout the area.”

Dickens

loaded with special events featuring the various elements that formulate this distinct village’s character. The heart of Port Jeff was on full display, from its downtown business sector to its local history, public institutions and more.

At the Bayles Boat Shop, local shipbuilders showcased their ongoing work to construct a 25-foot whaleboat honoring the village’s Revolutionary War heritage.

John Janicek, treasurer of the boat shop’s nonprofit arm, the Long Island Seaport and Eco Center, detailed how the whaleboat ties together various threads of Port Jeff’s historical roots.

“It not only ties in the historical aspect that Caleb Brewster performed here during the Revolutionary War and [the role] Port Jefferson played, but it also ties in our shipbuilding aspect, too,” Janicek said. “We’re getting a lot of support from the village on this. They see this as something the whole village can get their arms around and embrace, similar to the Dickens Festival.”

Over at the Drowned Meadow Cottage on the corner of West Broadway and Barnum, local historians greeted visitors with guided tours detailing Port Jefferson’s strategic position during the Revolutionary War. They shared stories of local patriots whose involvement in the Culper Spy Ring helped advance the cause of American independence.

Village historian Chris Ryon discussed how the Dickens Festival offers a platform to promote local history to residents and visitors alike.

“We take the people from Dickens and tell them how Port Jefferson was involved in the Culper Spy Ring,” he said. “It’s another group of people that we can bring in.”

Mark Sternberg, Culper Spy Ring historian at the Drowned Meadow Cottage, offered a unique take on Dickens. He remarked upon the intersection of the Dickensian and

Revolutionary periods and how people today can relive tradition and rehear the lore of the past.

He said, referring to the American spies, “A lot of these people survived into the 1800s, and the stories of the American Revolution were told during the 1800s. For us to tell stories about the American Revolution as part of the Dickens Festival, it’s what they would have done.”

The historian added, “It’s keeping with the tradition of telling a story about the founding of our nation, even in later periods. Now Charles Dickens may not have talked about it because he was British, but here in America during the Victorian era, we would have.”

Along with stories of the past, the village exhibited the musical talents of local students. At the Port Jefferson Free Library, the Edna Louise Spear Elementary School chamber orchestra delivered moving string performances, filling the library with festive tunes.

Their music teacher, Christian Neubert,

summarized this Dickens custom. “For a number of years now, we’ve been coming to perform here at the library during the Dickens Festival,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to get our students out for a performance and to get the community involved with our music program.”

Jessica Schmettan, superintendent of schools for Port Jefferson School District, was among the dozens of audience members at the library. She expressed pride in seeing the students perform before their fellow community members.

“It’s just amazing that our students can be performing in the village in which they live,” she said, adding that the festival “gives them a different avenue to perform in, not just the auditorium or the classroom but in front of a real audience.”

At Suffolk Lodge No. 60 on Main Street, the oldest Masonic lodge on Long Island, brothers treated guests to magic shows and a dance festival. Downstairs, they served freshly baked cookies and hot chocolate.

Chris Connolly, master of the lodge, said the lodge dates back to the late 18th century. He expressed delight at seeing this historic organization maintain an active community presence through Dickens.

“Being a part of the community is a big part of who we are and helping others,” Connolly said.

Jason Intardonato, senior deacon of Suffolk Lodge No. 60, discussed Dickens as a means of strengthening local connections and a time for selflessness.

“The Dickens Festival provides us with an extraordinary opportunity to interact with our neighbors here and with the community in Port Jefferson and to allow them into our space, entertain them for a while during the holidays, and give back,” he said.

Farther along Main, Jeffrey Sanzel’s annual production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at Theatre Three is an active reminder

of the historical background to the Dickens Festival.

The festival also provided a platform for some to communicate their message on a larger stage. For the second month in a row, protesters from the farmworkers union Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW gathered outside the Pindar wine shop in yet another call of action to negotiate a contract. The dispute is part of more than a year of negotiations between the union and Pindar Vineyards, the wine store’s parent company.

John Durso, president of Local 338, joined the picketers on Main Street during the festival.

“We knew that today was the Dickens Festival,” he said. “We knew that there would be a lot more people around, so we decided to … bring attention to the fact that these workers, like everybody else, are entitled to the same dignity and respect that all workers should have.”

Coordinating the annual festival is a monumental task for the village and the various stakeholders involved in its planning. Kevin Wood, the village’s director of economic development, parking administrator and communications committee head, thanked the sponsors who supported the festival and commented on the event’s success despite the inclement weather conditions.

“Because this has been [going on for] 26 years, people understand that this is one of the most unique events on Long Island, so they’re going to fight the rain to be here,” Wood said. “To support the production and the infrastructure, there are so many volunteers but there are also so many people staffing to make it work.”

Snaden concluded by offering how the Dickens Festival advances some of the village’s highest aims. She said the community uncovers its sense of place through an event such as this.

“It really goes to the sense of community that we all have,” she said. “All the work that goes into this festival and how everybody comes together, it’s a beautiful thing to see.”

Above, participants in costume gathered along Main Street during the 26th annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson. Below, students from the Edna Louise Spear Elementary School chamber orchestra during a string performance at the Port Jefferson Free Library. Photos by Raymond Janis

Our school district’s future is in our hands … don’t drop it

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I’m proud to say I’m that child — many of us are.

I use the term “us” in reference to those who were born, raised and settled here in Port Jefferson. However, whether you were born here or are a transplant, we have all decided to settle in this town.

It’s astounding that many of us decided to remain or settle here in Port Jefferson. But why wouldn’t we? We have dozens of programs at the Port Jefferson Free Library. We have a fire department that has dedicated 135 years of service to the community, and we have many local shops and restaurants we can all enjoy.

For me, the school district is pretty important, it’s how I got here. My father was the marching band director from 1979-86, and my mother was an assistant at the junior high school on Spring Street. They met at Griswold’s one evening after a faculty meeting.

In 2010, I was fortunate enough to land my dream job in the Port Jefferson School District as a music teacher. I had thoroughly enjoyed my time as a student here in our district, and I couldn’t wait to give back by teaching future generations of Port Jefferson learners.

However, I quickly learned and experienced some of the struggles our district and residents were faced with. LIPA had announced a tax grievance. What does that mean? Well, at that time they were contributing 42% of the school taxes. Early on it was discussed that we could be facing a reduction of 100% of LIPA’s contribution. That would mean their 42% would be paid by the rest of us taxpayers.

That doesn’t seem fair to me, but LIPA was smart when they wanted to expand the plant back in

the day. Too bad that didn’t work out.

To make matters more complicated, at some point around that time the 2% tax cap was introduced. It was a bittersweet victory for some of us. As a taxpayer it was great to know I wouldn’t see large increases, but as someone heavily involved in public service, there were many challenges.

annual budget. Besides, reserves are allocated to specific line items and don’t include enough money to make the repairs and upgrades necessary to keep our students safe.

This actually is not a LIPA problem, although it is easy to cast blame. Any school district looking to make large improvements is tasked with floating a bond unless it is fortunate enough to have a large commercial tax base. Don’t forget about that 2% tax cap.

The current facilities in question are rough and need to be upgraded. Is there a need for locker rooms that include one large common shower area? Probably not anymore, but there is a need for new technology learning environments. Did you know that students are learning in portable classrooms? Portable classrooms that were put in place in the 1970s.

There are no bathrooms out there in the parking lot behind the high school either, so students must walk back to the main building and wait to be buzzed in by security. On top of that, most of the auxiliary building spaces are not handicap accessible. We all know that in 2022, jeopardizing the safety and accountability of our students is just not acceptable.

By Christian Neubert

The school district had to tighten up financially because of the unknown. If LIPA won their grievance, there were going to be significant issues with solutions that may have been hard to find. At the time, Port Jefferson taxes were the lowest in the county. Fast forward a decade, and finally the deal is done and the numbers became clear. LIPA and the Town of Brookhaven reached an agreement that allowed LIPA to reduce their contribution by roughly 50% — certainly better than the 100% initially proposed, plus it came with a “glide path” that allowed us taxpayers to plan and prepare for the future. At the end of the glide our taxes will be second lowest in the county — with Riverhead the lowest.

During this time many critical needs of the district facilities were not updated. I can imagine it was an impossible position for administrators and board members. I know at the library we had concerns, but the LIPA tax contribution there is calculated much differently.

But if the school district knew for almost 10 years or so that this was coming, why didn’t they save for it? Well, they can’t. School districts are not allowed to save money like other municipalities can. Yes, they are permitted to have reserves, but many of those are based on a percentage of their

In 2017 the school made an attempt to pass a bond. It failed miserably. The feedback from the community was clear: We don’t want lights at the field and separate sports from safety. I look at today’s bond proposal and see just that. Student safety is outlined in Proposition 1, a new athletic field outlined in Proposition 2 — and nothing about lights.

I understand the concerns of the financial impact that a temporary tax increase can have. I also know the value of maintaining our school district. The success of our schools drives this community. It is our responsibility as residents to invest in that success. It just so happens that school district success also has a direct correlation in regards to our home values.

My parents made it a priority to keep me here in the district. I’m glad they did. This community is powerful, and not just because of the power plant tucked in on the west side of the harbor.

It is powerful because we are here. Whether you were born and raised, moved in to start a family or decided that this was your retirement spot, we chose to settle here and we must continue to make Port Jefferson a powerful place.

I look forward to supporting the bond next week because I know it takes a village.

Christian Neubert is a music teacher in the Port Jefferson School District, vice president of the Port Jefferson Free Library Board of Trustees and assistant chief of Port Jefferson Fire Department.

Vote ‘no’ on Port Jefferson BOE $25 million bond issues

By Molly Mason & Thomas Fink

It is fiscally irresponsible for the Port Jefferson School District Board of Education to be attempting to pass $25 million in bond debt in these fraught financial times of extremely high inflation and interest rates.

Plus this $25 million is stacked on top of the $10 million that the Village of Port Jefferson trustees voted to support — despite the absence of a public hearing for residents/taxpayers. Our small village of 8,000 residents has seriously declining student enrollment across the school district. As of Nov. 29, according to the district office, there are 923 students in the whole district, K-12: 324 in the high school (9-12), 223 in the middle school (6-8) and 368 in the 6 years of elementary school.

There are 50 first graders, 55 second graders, and 58 third graders enrolled this year. In the recent past, there had been over 100 students per grade level. The cost per student per year in PJSD is some $40,000. Which isn’t drastically more than Ivy League schools.

The fact that the vote on these two bonds have been scheduled on Monday, Dec. 12, in the middle of the holiday season, when many voters are extremely busy or have left for warmer weather, is irresponsible. If you want to vote absentee, you’ll have to contact the district office for the rules. It isn’t so easy, and time is running out.

Numerous items in these bond issues are reruns that justifiably failed in 2017 when the bond vote was held at the normal spring period with the regular board and budget vote. The BOE is making a highly cynical move in sticking this current massive bond vote in mid-December. It shows disrespect for our community members and taxpayers.

Too much of these current bond millions would go to nonacademic infrastructure that our small district should not be focusing on. About 15 years ago, this district was nationally recognized for academic excellence by U.S. News & World Report and The Washington Post. That drove real estate appreciation for several years.

Port Jeff was No. 1 in New York state for two years. We should be striving for such academic excellence today, not to be a “sports powerhouse” against districts three or four times our size.

Instead, the school and board have recently canceled the SEAL program for gifted and talented students, which has made such a difference to many high achievers over many years, and in fact is mandated by the federal education Public Law 94-142.

A previous board also canceled the nine-period schedule, which allowed students to achieve across

broader and deeper academic areas. Such decisions are destructive to school districts striving for excellence.

The art/tech ed building and the music rooms don’t need to be demolished. Our children loved the art facilities, with proper ventilation for ceramics and the room to work individually and in groups. The district offices serve their purposes: They are already attractive, there is no reason to destroy them to create fancier workspaces for staff or visitors.

Since the NFL has severely curtailed the number of artificial turf stadiums — down to 14 out of 30 home stadiums —

Port Jeff does not need it. According to J.C. Tretter, NFL Players Association president, nearly 93% of players advocate against artificial turf. He said “it is an impediment to their careers” and “it makes them more fatigued and sore.”

It is also more dangerous for young bodies, and the microplastics are “heat sinks” and will fill our harbor with pollutants, according to resident Paul Ryan (The Port Times Record, Sept. 29). State Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) agreed when quoted in the same article on capital bonds, stating that “there are open questions as to whether these artificial turf fields are a) without biohazards and b) cost effective.”

Plus, they are far more costly to maintain than real grass, and are ridiculously expensive as the fake turf will cost more than the nearly $2 million it now would cost to install, as it will have to be replaced in about eight years’ time. What will it cost then? $3.5 million or $4 million? Another ongoing bond issue expense?

The school board wants to add another $25 million in bond costs to residents’ Brookhaven property tax bills. The village board of trustees has already approved, without any taxpayer input, $10 million in bond issue monies to our ever-more expensive village tax bills, to potentially repair the East Beach bluff below the country club building and tennis courts.

This massive erosion began at least seven years ago, so why did it take so long for our village leaders and all the professionals that reviewed this ever-growing problem to solve this problem, when it was actually repairable?

Demolishing the current building, according to Mayor Margot Garant, and building a new one, will cost an extra $7 million. All to be added to another bond issue on the village residents tax bills.

This is madness. And it appears the existing tennis courts are no longer safe. All that remains

will be a golf course.

Defeat these Board of Education bond issues. We need more transparency on the parts of both the BOE and the village board. The reduction of tax monies by LIPA to Port Jeff taxpayers, and the increase in our Brookhaven Town taxes for property/school taxation, began in 2019 and will continue through 2026, by which time, your Brookhaven taxes in Port Jeff will be permanently increased by 50% over your 2019 taxes.

All of these additional bond issues are on top of all the taxes we already pay. And all the taxes will be growing, each year, and every time that the BOE and/or the Village of Port Jefferson decides that more and more dollars are necessary every year. Have you paid attention to your tax bills lately?

Vote “no” on Monday, Dec. 12.

Molly Mason is a sculptor and longtime resident of Port Jefferson. Thomas Fink is a poet and literary critic.

Critics of Proposition 2 cite potential environmental and safety risks associated with artificial turf. Photo and graphics from Pixabay

Port Je erson 46 Sachem North 48

Pictured clockwise from top-left: Port Jeff senior Amy Whitman fights to get a shot off; Port Jeff senior Lola Idir draws the foul; Port Jeff senior Amy Whitman drives the lane; and Port Jeff’s Emma Batter looks for the rebound in a home game against Sachem North.

Showdown between Royals and Arrows goes to the wire

BY BILL LANDON DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

The Div. V Port Jefferson girls basketball squad had its hands full on Tuesday, Dec. 6, in a home game against Sachem North, a competitive Div. II team. The Royals gave their visitors a run for their money, fighting until the final buzzer.

Seeking to build upon the

positive momentum generated during their non-league victory over Westhampton on Dec. 2, the Royals trailed by just two points with 11 seconds left on the clock. Port Jeff inbounded the ball with three seconds remaining but could not get a shot off, falling to the Flaming Arrows, 48-46.

Seniors Lola Idir and Amy Whitman led the way for the Royals.

Idir had nine field goals, a threepointer and eight free throws for 29 points. Whitman banked in nine points in the game.

The Royals travel to Half Hollow Hills West on Thursday, Dec. 8, for a 3:45 p.m. non-league game before hosting Miller Place two days later.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Pictured clockwise from top-left: Port Jeff sophomore Caitlin Dickuth looks for the rebound; senior Alexa Ayotte looks for the rebound; sophomore Maitreya Driscoll-Stremich lays up; and senior Lola Idir in traffic.

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Take it easy this season

Here we are in the midst of the holiday season.

In the Nov. 24 TBR News Media article, “Check in with each other, yourself before approaching holidays, local doctors urge” by Daniel Dunaief, medical professionals stressed the importance of people visiting or calling loved ones and taking note of their moods.

The doctors had additional excellent advice: Check in with yourself during this busy season, too.

The last few weeks may have been overwhelming for many people with preparing the house for company, decorating and ensuring there’s a special gift for everyone.

While stressing about how clean the house is or if it’s decorated enough, sometimes what gets lost in the mayhem is that this is the season when people make more of an effort to gather, to stop for a bit and to catch up. In the grand scheme, our home doesn’t need to look like it’s ready for a photo shoot with Homes & Gardens to spend quality time with our loved ones.

It’s the time of year when we tend to reach out to those who don’t live near us, too. Whether it’s a call, text, letter or card, it is wonderful when we reconnect and take a trip down memory lane.

As for the stress of gift giving, it doesn’t have to get out of control. Following a budget and avoiding charging presents can go a long way regarding our bank balances. In addition to exchanging presents, there are so many ways to show we care.

People can also share their talents or skills by gifting a picture they painted or a poem they wrote. A loved one may need help painting a room or raking the leaves. Why not offer the gift of time?

Sometimes the gift of time is the most cherished present of all, and many people, especially parents and grandparents, would appreciate some one-on-one time put aside for them, whether it involves a free or inexpensive activity or just talking over hot beverages.

There’s a sacred side of this season, too, that sometimes gets lost in the hustle and bustle. Just sitting and thinking of the miracles represented by Christmas and Hanukkah can bring much-needed stress relief.

This time of year should be about hope and starting fresh in the new year. The holidays are a time for joy and laughter, a moment to celebrate the many blessings in life. Materialism and commercialization of the holidays and competing with our neighbors over holiday displays may create unnecessary pressures for us, perverting the meaning of the season.

Here’s to a relaxing holiday season filled with family and friends, from TBR News Media.

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

Letters to the Editor

Updating outdated facilities is a priority

On Monday, Dec. 12, Port Jefferson School District registered voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots on a proposed bond project that aims to restore, renovate and modernize current spaces in our schools, many of which are original and date back to the 1960s.

It has been more than 20 years since our district’s last major capital improvement project, and since that time the educational and infrastructural needs of our schools have continued to grow. While we have worked to preserve our buildings’ integrity through the use of alternative resources throughout these many years — such as budgetary reserves — the time has come to consider a different funding structure in order to responsibly address the needs before us today.

The bond before voters consists of two propositions. More than half of Proposition 1 is for HVAC upgrades, bathrooms, equal accessibility for all students and renovating chorus and music spaces. Also included in Prop 1 is the relocation of the athletic team room which allows us to bring students inside from the Tech Ed building and create a modern makerspace. This will address the safety and security of our students and remove the need for students to cross a parking lot to get to classes. Proposition 2 seeks community approval to create a turf field at the middle school/high school campus to increase playability for students and athletes.

Our mission in Port Jefferson has always been focused on academic rigor and personalized instruction for all students. We specialize in providing a multitude of opportunities to explore students’ passions and interests. To focus on these areas, the time has come to address our aging facilities in order to meet current standards and accessibility for all students.

Over the past year, our district worked in tandem with our capital advisory panel to examine the most pressing needs of our schools. We thank those who have been a part of this process, including those who attended our various workshops, guided building tours and meetings.

All voters are encouraged to visit the bond information page on our website to learn more about the proposed projects, and to vote on Monday, Dec. 12.

Ellen Boehm President, Board of Education

Jessica Schmettan Superintendent of Schools

Port Jefferson School District

Schools are a sound financial investment

This letter is not intended to suggest how to vote concerning the upcoming Port Jefferson School District bond initiative. Rather, it is written in reaction to several views recently expressed, the underpinnings of which are disturbing.

Upgrading and repairing the aging infrastructure of the school district is a sound financial investment that is not driven by the number of students attending our schools. Yes, enrollment is declining, as it is across many Suffolk County school districts. We continue to have an obligation to educate the students who live within the district and provide a safe, structurally sound environment within which to do so.

What message are we sending our students, teachers, administrators and staff members if we are willing to have them work/learn in deteriorating conditions? There are not enough of them to make needed updating worthwhile?

Is there a number of students we reach where it no longer becomes feasible to maintain our district? The often-suggested alternatives of merging with another district or tuitioning students to another district will raise school taxes in Port Jefferson, not lower them. When the “glide path” years come to an end in Port Jefferson, we will continue to have the lowest school taxes among the surrounding school districts.

The notion that our district does not academically support all students is equally disturbing. Port Jefferson has been named one of the best communities for music education in the country for 16 years. The special education program at the elementary school is a fully integrated co-teaching model, eliminating the need to pull students out of their general education classroom. The district now also offers a full day prekindergarten program.

There have been any number of classes/programs added and dropped from our schedules/course offerings over the years. Considering the colleges and universities to which our graduates have been accepted, these changes have not diminished the level of higher education our students are able to access.

Port Jefferson can be rightfully proud of the success of our students, in all walks of life. The community service hours our students engage in have, in many instances, contributed

to their overall education and their long-term commitment to our community. Currently the chief and all three assistant fire chiefs in the Port Jefferson Fire Department are high school graduates. The chief graduated prior to the community service requirement, however all three assistant chiefs became involved in this most essential endeavor because of their community service as students. Our schools educate all students in many ways.

Actions truly do speak louder than words. Let us hope our actions will demonstrate what we value most.

Brennan Port Jefferson

Editor’s note: The writer is a past president of the board of education.

Issues with school bonds proposals

Monday, Dec. 12, we taxpayers have a rare chance to vote on a proposed tax. Port Jefferson School District asks residents to approve Proposition 1 to raise $23 million for “critical school infrastructure” and Proposition 2 for an additional $2 million to install artificial turf on the athletic field off Brook Road. I have three issues with the bonds.

First, the vote is scheduled on Monday in the middle of a busy holiday season — an unusual date for a vote and particularly problematic as so many of the senior residents who vote are away. The date was chosen over consistent opposition by residents.

Superintendent Schmettan said she chose Dec. 12 because that was the first date when the voting machines are available to the school. The Board of Education president, Ellen Boehm, explained that adding the bond proposal to the regular budget vote in May “would be hard for the community to look at all the items on one page.”

Second, is questionable financial priorities given the district’s urgent critical infrastructure needs and a high likelihood of a recession. Case and point, the bond includes items other than those ranked as critical by a volunteer citizens advisory panel. Turf athletic field deemed “low priority” is included as Prop 2 despite the current athletic field having a “satisfactory” rating. Increasing the tax burden on residents for unnecessary upgrades is

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

Kathleen

Stock photo

A list of items I would include in a 2022 time capsule

As we round out the second week of December, I’d like to offer some suggestions for a 2022 time capsule.

— A Ukrainian flag. Ukraine, with help from Americans and many other nations, has fended off Russia’s ongoing military assault. The question for 2023 will be whether they can continue to defend the country amid a potential decline in international support.

announced he would be running for president in 2024. A previous ardent supporter of the former president, the Post may be leading the charge in another political direction to find a new standard bearer for the GOP.

— A red dot. Certainly, the Republicans taking over the majority in the house will have important consequences, with numerous investigations and a divided government on the horizon, but Republicans didn’t win as many national elections as anticipated.

that was worse than any flu I’ve ever had.

— The number 62. This, yet again, wasn’t the year the New York Yankees won the World Series. Nope, they didn’t even get there, yet again falling, this time without winning a single game, to the Houston Astros. It was, however, a wonderful chase for the American League home run record by Aaron Judge, who just signed a $360 million extension with the Yankees.

— A shark tooth. During the summer, Long Islanders worried about local sharks, who bit several area swimmers. The apex predator, which is always in the area, likely had higher numbers amid a recovery in the numbers of their prey, which are menhaden, also known as bunker fish and, despite the prevalence of the music from the movie “Jaws,” does not include humans.

D.

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF

— A waterlogged dollar. With inflation at decades-high levels, the dollar isn’t buying as much as it had been. — Florida man makes announcement. I would include a copy of the New York Post front page the day after former president Donald Trump, to no one’s surprise,

— A miniature replica of the Supreme Court, with the words Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in front of it. The Supreme Court case, which reversed the Roe v. Wade decision, removed the federal right to an abortion, enabling states to pass new laws and contributing, in part, to smaller midterm wins for Republicans.

On the much smaller personal front: — Throat lozenges. I got COVID-19 for the first time this year and my throat was so painful for a week that I couldn’t talk. The lozenges didn’t work, but they would highlight numerous efforts to reduce pain from a virus

— Wedding bells and a tiny nerf football. For the first time in years, my wife and I attended two family weddings this year. We loved the chance to dance, catch up with relatives, eat great food, and run across a college baseball field with a $7 nerf football we purchased from the hotel lobby store.

— A miniature swamp boat. On one of the more memorable trips to New Orleans to visit our son, my wife and I saw numerous alligators and heard memorable Louisiana tales from Reggie Domangue, whose anecdotes and personal style became the model for the firefly in the Disney movie “The Princess and the Frog.”

— A Good Steer napkin. My favorite restaurant from my childhood closed after 65 years, leaving behind an onion ring void and shuttering the backdrop to numerous happy family outings. If I had a way to retire expressions the way baseball teams retire numbers, I would retire the words “Burger Supreme” on a food version of Monument Park.

— A giant question mark. Scientists throughout Long Island (and the world ) constantly ask important questions. Some researchers will invent technology we may use all day long, like cell phones. Others may make discoveries that lead to life-saving drugs. Let’s celebrate great questions.

It’s not an addiction, exactly, but I do regularly watch “Jeopardy!” So do several of my friends and at least one son and daughter-in-law, who make sure they get home from work just as the television program begins. What is it, you might ask, that makes the program so alluring? There is no love interest, no spy adventure, no murder mystery, no serial episodes to coax one back each weeknight at 7 o’clock.

Well, maybe there is that last aspect.

look at the answers to questions on a big board before them, just as the TV audience does, and as the moderator reads the answer. The first one to hit the buzzer after the moderator stops speaking then get to ask the question the answer poses.

It’s questions and answers in reverse. The questions range across six categories, and of course, each contestant tries for answers in the category most familiar to them. Each answer is worth a certain amount of money, and once in a while, one contestant will respond to all five in a single subject. There is single Jeopardy or part one for the first half, and then Double Jeopardy, in which the answers are worth twice as much.

that is required, the sort found in the card game, Poker. Each person needs a sense of the risk-taking tolerance of the opponents in order to determine how much to wager. Many games are won or lost during Final Jeopardy, on that last detail, alone. The winner is the one with the most money at the end and returns to play the following night until they lose.

persistent winner in a casino. But unlike a casino, there is the broad knowledge of trivia required to play competitively, and that makes for fun in our living rooms. We call out the answers along with the actual contestants, and we become contestants, too, among our group. When one of us has the right answer, the other or others offer congratulations. Most satisfying is when one of us knows the last question at Final Jeopardy, and none of the three on stage does.

That calls for a high-five and a “Wahoo!”

There are three contestants nightly, for those unacquainted with the format, and each stands behind a podium, separated from the one alongside. Each person has a buzzer in hand, and they

BY LEAH S. DUNAIEF

But there is more to the half-hour stint than just who-knows-more-about-what. There is also luck involved, because hidden among the answers on the board is a kind of Joker that enables the person, who unknowingly clicks on it and causes it to be revealed, to wager as much of their “earnings” in advance of what has to be answered next. There is also strategy

Now back to the serial appeal. When one contestant wins repeatedly, that person will attract more than the usual interest. He or she, and it is almost always a “he,” will develop a fan club among the viewers, who cheer him on each night from their living rooms. He, of course, cannot hear them, but after an especially long run, that person may become nationally known. In addition to the substantial amount of money they may have earned, sometimes enough to fully fund retirement, there are all sorts of further opportunities for them, like endorsements and sponsorships.

So we tune in to see how our winner is doing with each new night of games, as we might gather around a roulette table with a

“Jeopardy!” was invented by the game show king, Merv Griffin, and premiered in 1964. It had a successful daytime run until 1975, hosted by Art Flemming and running on NBC, until it was deemed no longer of interest. The series was then picked up in 1984 by CBS and hosted by Alex Trebek, and has been on the air five times a week since then. Currently, Ken Jennings has replaced the late Trebek. It airs in various international versions in more than 25 countries. I confess to being a member of the “Jeopardy!” cult.

None of the above

I confess to being a member of the “Jeopardy” cult