The Times of Smithtown - January 12, 2023

PHOTO BY RAYMOND JANIS

Water tank honors farm’s history and one man’s vision

BY RITA J. EGAN RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

A newly restored water tank replaced the old one at Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve on Jan. 3.

The water tank restoration was fully paid for by Smithtown-based Cosentino Realty Group in honor of John Baker, the Cosentinos’ late colleague, who initiated the project before his passing in June of 2021.

In addition to the Cosentinos providing a rigging truck to hoist the barrel up in its new

spot, the Town of Smithtown provided a man lift to assist in the installation.

According to Smithtown Public Information Office Nicole Garguilo, the construction took approximately two weeks after waiting a month for the materials to be delivered. The wood boards for the water tank were made at nearby Harned Brothers Sawmill.

While the old tank once provided water to the farm, in recent years it served more as a nod to history, and the new tank is not functional.

Jeff Gumin, director of Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve; Peter Cosentino Jr. of Cosentino Realty Group; Peter Hans, Town of Smithtown planning director; and Liam Trotta, Smithtown environmental planner, stand in front of the water tank before it being hoisted to its new spot. Photo from Town of Smithtown

Abandoned or worse, pandemic pets crowd shelters

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

The life of Linx is becoming an all too familiar tale in recent months.

Some residents throughout Suffolk County bit off more than they could chew during the worst months of the pandemic, adding animals ranging from dogs and cats to guinea pigs, rats, rabbits and roosters to their brood.

killed, lost or injured,” she said. Fortunately, she said, the dog made it through the night.

Not a good gift

COUNTY

A 3-year old German shepherd, Linx, who didn’t receive effective training from his owners, was abandoned a year ago, making it difficult for him to function as a normal dog. Although he’s not conventionally affectionate, Linx is eager to play and run, which means he is best suited for an outdoor and active life.

“He has low odds of finding the right situation,” said Leigh Wixson, animal shelter supervisor in the Town of Smithtown Animal Shelter & Adoption Center, where Linx currently resides.

Unfortunately for many of those animals, their new owners didn’t always do sufficient research to understand what their new pets needed and didn’t take the time to train them.

At the same time, as people have returned to work outside the house or have become concerned about their budgets amid high inflation and the potential for a recession this year, some people have brought their pets to shelters, or worse.

In the last few weeks, people have left kittens in Tanner Park in Copiague and have abandoned a dog in a motel room for days.

“How do you do something like that to an animal that loved you?” asked Roy Gross, chief of the Suffolk County Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. “Never mind it being illegal, it’s immoral.”

Gross said his department has been pursuing cases where people have attempted to discard their pets in ways that jeopardize animal safety.

He urged people who may not be as comfortable or capable of continuing to provide care for their animals to bring them to one of the county’s 10 municipal shelters.

People who mistreat their pets, by neglecting or putting them in dangerous situations, face fines and jail sentences, Gross said.

Dori Scofield, president of Port Jefferson Station-based Save-A-Pet Animal Shelter, said someone recently tied a dog to a fence near the shelter.

“The dog could have hung himself on our fence, could have gotten away and gotten

People who work at shelters urged those who adopt animals, particularly pets like larger breeds of dogs, to take the time to work with them.

“Between 10 months and two years, people have to focus on training,” Scofield said. Without the proper support and direction, some dogs develop behavioral issues.

The first two years of owning a dog are the hardest. “It’s like having a teenager,” Wixson said. “You go through phases and then something clicks around two or three years old.”

Wixson added that every breed of dog has its quirks, which means that the adorable dalmatians from movies and other photogenic dogs don’t necessarily interact with their owners the way people might have expected.

“I have been attacked by more dachshunds and chihuahuas than any other breed,” Wixson said.

While people have surrendered or “donated” dogs, shelters have also had numerous calls about rabbits, roosters and other pets.

Scofield described rabbits as “awesome” pets, but cautioned that they are “highmaintenance” animals that require cleaning, feeding and attention.

The prospects for a domestic rabbit released into the wild are poor. A domesticated rabbit could get run over, starve or be attacked by predators, Gross said.

Wixson said she used to get one or two calls a week before the pandemic from people who couldn’t manage their pets. On Monday, she received five calls.

Some people have given pets to friends and

family during birthdays and holidays, which works out as well, and sometimes worse, than when people receive gifts that are easier to return, like sweaters, ties, or toys.

“Giving an animal as a gift is not a good thing,” Gross said, “unless people are expecting it and this is what they want.”

As for the German shepherd Linx, Wixson said that, despite the odds, an adoption “can happen and we are always hopeful.” Wixson believes Linx would do “wonderfully well on a farm where people are outside and busy and there are many things going on around him.”

A 3-year-old German shepherd named Linx, above, has been at the Smithtown Animal Shelter for more than a year and loves being outdoors. A rooster, named King Charles, has been at the Smithtown shelter since July. He was found stress molting and emaciated but has since put on weight. Photo from Smithtown Animal Shelter & Adoption Center

Eye on the Street: Reflections on 2022

BY CAROLYN SACKSTEIN DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

When visitors to the Village of Port Jefferson were approached Saturday, Jan. 7, they thoughtfully and very personally responded to the question: “What was your favorite, most significant or memorable event of 2022?” The themes of health, pets and travel ruled the day.

Paul and Gerri Havran, St. James

“We were on the ferry returning from Connecticut after picking up a truck,” Paul said. “Shortly after leaving Bridgeport, I had a heart attack and died for several minutes. Fortunately, there was a [physician’s assistant] sitting by us. There was an EMT and they went to work on me. They weren’t bringing me back, but the captain saw from the bridge what was going on and sent the crew down with an [automated external defibrillator]. A fireman and the PA administered the AED and brought me back.”

Corinne Minor, Selden

Selden

Ashley Smith, St. James

Keith, Lauren and Christine Kmiotek, Brooklyn

Keith spoke for the family. “Our island vacation in St. John, the U. S. Virgin Islands, was very nice. We are beach bums, so what’s nice about

St. John is you can go to all the public beaches. It’s open to everybody. You don’t have to pay to get on the beaches. You get tired of one, you

get in your car and drive to another. You go around the corner and it’s like a whole new world. The island is that beautiful to explore.”

Chuck Sullivan, Manorville

“I would have to say my health. I went through a whirlwind of surgeries. I am happy and healthy right now. I cannot wait for 2023.”

“Definitely adopting my second dog from Last Chance Animal Rescue. She’s a Redbone Coonhound named Caroline.”

“Getting on the ferry and going to Vermont. It was the greatest bike trip I ever took. It was with a bunch of good guys.”

“We got two cats from my grandmother this past year, when she passed away. Bringing them here and getting them acclimated to our little home has been significant.”

Sara Jackson,

Schumer announces $450K to help demolish buildings at Lawrence Aviation

BY RAYMOND JANIS EDITOR1@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Public officials of all levels of government, business and civic leaders, and community members gathered Monday, Jan. 9, before a derelict building at the Lawrence Aviation Superfund site in Port Jefferson Station.

Once a dumping ground for toxic waste, policymakers are now plotting a course of action for this 126-acre property. After taking decades to rid the site of harmful contaminants, officials and community groups are working toward an ambitious proposal to convert the site into a multipurpose community hub, accommodating a solar farm, a railyard and open space for local residents.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called the press conference to announce the injection of $450,000 in federal funds secured through the recent omnibus budget. This money will be used to help demolish the remaining buildings at the property.

“We’re here today to showcase one of the final puzzle pieces needed to demo 14 dangerous buildings here,” Schumer said. “I am here today to say that the train that is on this journey is ready to leave the station.”

The Senate majority leader added that these funds would advance three community goals. “One, a railroad-use project to help the LIRR with logistics; industrial redevelopment of a 5-megawatt solar farm,” and lastly, add 50 construction jobs to the local economy.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) described the considerable intergovernmental coordination and logistical obstacles to get to this stage.

“This project, as reflected by all of the people that have come together and all the levels of government, is critically important to the community,” he said.

Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine (R) discussed the long and arduous road to revitalizing the site and the decades that have passed as this community blight lay barren.

“These buildings have been condemned for over 25 years,” he said. “This has been a Superfund site for almost 25 years. Finally, we will see these buildings come down.”

Former New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) also attended the press event. During his time in Albany, he championed the site’s conversion for environmental and community purposes.

“We have a plan that will enhance our community and create new jobs,” he said. “This property stood out as a place in peril of a potentially bad decision,” adding, “Instead, we have a very thoughtful plan.”

Englebright, a geologist by trade, also touched upon the environmental impacts that redevelopment will offer through these plans. He said local harbors, groundwater and surface waters would benefit as this dark

episode in local history concludes.

“The harbor, which is the beginning of our town, has been poisoned by the solvents that were poured into the ground here,” the former assemblyman said. “That is a thing of the past because of the federal involvement with the Superfund cleanup.”

He added, “All the levels of government are working together here, which is a beautiful thing. It’s a model for what government should be able to do all the time.”

Jen Dzvonar, president of the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce, also offered her perspective. She said public improvements such as these indirectly support and promote local businesses.

“Any improvement in Port Jefferson Station is major,” she said. “By getting the blight away from the area, we will increase businesses. A solar farm is coming. They’re creating 50 construction jobs. It just heightens Port Jefferson Station and the desire to come here.”

Representing the Village of Port Jefferson were Mayor Margot Garant and Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden. Both stressed the importance of this undertaking, conveying their support for neighboring Port Jefferson Station in its community aspirations.

Garant viewed the plans as an opportunity to improve the Port Jefferson Branch line of the Long Island Rail Road. “We’re really in support of this because of the MTA portion of it,” she said. “To clean up this site, to put it back to public use, to not have the county

paying taxes on it, is good for everybody.”

For Snaden, the project will bolster the village’s neighbors, representing a vital regional investment. “I think it’s great,” she said. “It’s a cleanup of the site. It’s knocking down these falling buildings, adding to the betterment of the entire community and the

region at large.”

Schumer said the next step would be to ensure that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development expedites these funds, facilitating the prompt demolition of the buildings and swift redevelopment of the site.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), at the podium, above. Graffiti art lines the exterior walls of abandoned buildings as litter and debris clutter the grounds throughout the Lawrence Aviation property. Photos by Raymond Janis

Happy New Year!

following incidents have been

Commack massage parlor raided

Suffolk County Police arrested two women for alleged unlawful practice of a profession and prostitution during a raid at a massage parlor in Commack on Jan. 5. In response to community complaints, Suffolk County Fourth Precinct Anticrime, Community Support Unit, Fourth Squad detectives, Property Section officers, and Smithtown Public Safety/Fire Marshal conducted an investigation at Lily Spa, located at 649 Commack Road, at approximately 2:45 p.m. The Smithtown Fire Marshal issued 20 violations for fire code and building offenses. The Smithtown Building Department Inspector deemed the unit unsafe for business for electrical violations. Jingru Liu, 45, of Flushing, Queens, and Changrong Li, 43, of Fresh Meadows, were each charged with Unauthorized Practice of a Profession and Prostitution.

Endangering Welfare of a Child

Suffolk County Police arrested a Lake Grove man for endangering the welfare of a child in Selden on Dec. 10. An 11-yearold girl was approached by a man as she was walking home from Selden Middle School at approximately 3:25 p.m. The man allegedly ran up from behind the victim and made sexual propositions to her before she ran home. The man then left the scene in a motor vehicle, striking a pole as he fled. Following an investigation by Sixth Precinct Crime Control officers, Zachary Chase was arrested at his home at 8:37 p.m. Chase, 28, was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child 2nd Degree and Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident.

Lake Grove man arrested for firearm

Suffolk County Police arrested a man on Jan. 7 for Criminal Possession of a Firearm in Lake Ronkonkoma. Fourth Precinct Patrol officers responded to Raynor Park, located at 174 Ronkonkoma Ave., after a 911 caller reported a man with a gun running around the lake at 4:20 p.m. Officers canvassed the area and located a man who fit the description of the subject on Lake Terrace Road at 4:24 p.m. The man, Kyle Cronin, was allegedly in possession of a .32 caliber revolver and was taken into custody. Upon further investigation, an AR15 rifle was found inside Cronin’s residence on Walnut Street in Lake Grove, and was seized. Cronin, 20, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Firearm.

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Wanted for Lake Grove Petit Larceny

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a man and woman who allegedly stole assorted clothing from Macy’s, located in the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove, at approximately 3 p.m. on Dec. 7. The merchandise was valued at approximately $545.

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.

The

reported by Suffolk County Police:

Do you recognize this woman? Photo from SCPD

— COMPILED BY HEIDI SUTTON

Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Kings Park 63 East Islip 48

The defense was the difference

BY BILL LANDON DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Kings Park, protecting a two-point lead, opened the second half with a swarming defense that caused several turnovers that the Kingsmen converted into points, slamming the door on East Islip in a road game Jan. 10.

Senior forward Matthew Garside led the way for Kings Park with six triples, a pair of field goals and six

free throws for 28 points in the 63-48 League III victory.

Teammates Matthew Lyman banked 12 and Thomas Matonti netted 8.

The win lifts Kings Park to 5-1 in league play, 7-5 overall as East Islip falls to 2-5 in the division.

The Kingsmen retake the court Friday night with a home game against Deer Park with a 6 p.m. start.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Clockwise from upper left; Kings Park senior forward Scott McConville takes flight in a road game against East Islip; Kingsmen junior John Flynn hits a three-pointer in a road game; Kings Park junior Joe Romano drives the baseline; Kingsmen senior Matthew Lyman banks two; and Kings Park senior forward McConville lays up for two.

Theresa Whelan, Suffolk County Surrogate’s Court judge, dies at 60

PREPARED BY THE HON. THOMAS F. WHELAN DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Theresa Whelan, of Wading River, a longtime Suffolk County judge who served for more than 10 years in Family Court and most recently as the county’s Surrogate’s Court judge, died Monday, Dec. 26, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 60.

OBITUARY

Whelan always knew she wanted to be in public service. As a young attorney fresh out of Albany Law School, she began her legal career in 1988 as a Suffolk County assistant county attorney. She entered the court system in 1990 as a senior law clerk to Supreme Court Judge Eli Wagner, in Nassau County. She went on to work as a principal law clerk in Suffolk County for Supreme Court Judge Mary M. Werner and, later, Supreme Court Judge William B. Rebolini. During her 17 years in the Supreme Court, she worked in nearly every part, including civil litigation, guardianship, tax certiorari and condemnation cases, as well as matrimonial matters.

She eventually took the bench herself in 2008 after she was elected to serve as a judge in Suffolk County Family Court. There, she heard primarily child abuse and neglect cases, and presided over Family Treatment Court where she worked to safely reunite families. Whelan became Suffolk County’s Surrogate in 2019, presiding over proceedings involving wills, trusts and estates as well as guardianship matters. She retired in the summer of 2022, marking 32 years within the New York State court system.

Known for her commitment to improving

court practices to better serve the needs of the public, Whelan mobilized several initiatives that helped families and children and that expanded access to justice for all court users. She was appointed Supervising Judge of the Suffolk County Family Court in 2016, and one of the many reforms she spearheaded was providing remote access to temporary orders of protection, allowing individuals to petition the court from a hospital, a police precinct or a shelter. She was a catalyst of the FOCUS (Family Overcoming Crisis through Unified Services) initiative, a program that expedites access to services that address the trauma and developmental needs of children and parents in the court system.

She also served as lead judge of the Suffolk County Child Welfare Court Improvement Project, part of a statewide initiative to address court practices in cases where the court has removed children from their parents’ care. In 2016, Chief Administrative Judge Larry Marks appointed her to the Family Court Advisory and Rules Committee. In 2018, former New York Court of Appeals Chief Judge Janet DiFiore appointed Whelan to the New York State Commission on Parental Representation, which is tasked with holding public hearings and reporting on the status and quality of lawyers representing parents in child welfare cases. Since 2016, Whelan had been the chair of Suffolk County’s Attorneys for Children Advisory Committee, which is responsible for considering the qualifications of new applicants to the Attorneys for Children panel as well as reviewing the recertification applications for existing lawyers.

An active member of the Suffolk County Bar

Association, Whelan was co-chair of the Family Court Committee from 2013-16 and lectured for the association’s law academy and other legal organizations. As a member of the Attorney for Child Task Force, she and the other members received the Suffolk County Bar Association’s President’s Award in 2016 for their work. She was also a member and past president of the Suffolk County Women’s Bar Association.

In March of 2022, in recognition of her leadership and commitment to improving the lives of children and families, Whelan was honored at a Women’s History Month celebration — Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope — presented by Suffolk County District Administrative Judge Andrew A. Crecca and the Suffolk County

Women in the Courts Committee. In June, Whelan was awarded the Marilyn R. Menge Award at the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York 2022 Convention.

Prior to beginning her legal career, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Master of Science degree in Policy Analysis and Public Management from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Her devotion to her family was boundless. She and her husband, Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice Thomas F. Whelan, recently celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary. Together they raised two children, Joseph and Erin. Whelan was a proud grandmother to Erin’s 1-year-old daughter, Andrea.

In her spare time, Whelan enjoyed the outdoors. She could often be found hiking, kayaking or spending time at the beach. She ran in several half marathons in recent years.

She continued her dedication to the public good even after her cancer diagnosis, volunteering to participate in clinical trials — despite the risks — in hopes of helping find a cure. Her family, friends and former colleagues remember her as someone who braved challenges with grace and compassion. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Theresa Whelan is survived by her husband, Justice Thomas F. Whelan; son, Joseph Whelan; daughter, Erin, her husband, Alex Meyers, and their daughter, Andrea; mother, Joan Bryant, and her husband John Bauer; brothers, Jack Bryant and Christopher Bryant; sisters, Vaughn Bogucki and Victoria Yule; together with many nieces and nephews.

Dimitrios ‘Jim’ Tsunis Sr., 94, entrepreneur and businessman

PREPARED BY JIM TSUNIS JR. DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Dimitrios “Jim” Tsunis, Sr., a man known for his charitable endeavors and Long Island business ventures, died at his home in St. James on Christmas Day. He was 94. Tsunis was born in Brooklyn to parents who emigrated from Platanos, Greece. He is predeceased by his wife Emily Tsunis. Together, they raised five children in Belle Terre and had a home in Palm Beach, Florida. He had a celebrated life that included meeting many TV personalities and sports greats. He was said to have “known them all.”

As a kid, Tsunis was an avid ball player and spent one summer as a bat boy for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Despite being a big Yankee fan, he found it amazing to be getting dressed in the same locker room as Ralph Branca, Gil Hodges and Pee Wee Reese. A few years later, during a tryout with the Giants, on consecutive pitches, he took Carl Hubbell deep down the left field line for home runs.

As a teenager, he caddied at Engineers Country Club becoming a regular for boxing greats Sugar Ray Robinson and Joe Louis. Tsunis left high school early to enlist in the Marine Corps spending time at Paris Island, Camp Pendleton, Pearl Harbor, China and Guam, all after World War II. In China, he famously recalls being “stunned” to have been fortunate enough to eat dinner with a four star General. After being honorably discharged and returning home to Brooklyn, Tsunis ran the Rotisserie Restaurant in Great Neck with his brother Charlie, thus starting his long “career” in the restaurant business.

After selling the Rotisserie, he enrolled in night school and received his high school diploma a few months later. He then briefly worked as an assistant at the Eagle Pencil Company. Thereafter, through a chance meeting with a family friend, Tsunis was fortunate to meet the president of National Dairy, who promptly hired him as a salesman for $106 per week. He remained in the dairy business for several years (Sheffield Farms, Crestwood

Dairy in 1951 as Sales Manager, and Kings Dairy up until 1954). In 1955, with money borrowed from his Uncle Louie, he purchased Presske’s Dairy in Lake Grove. During one reverse commute from his mom’s Brooklyn home, Tsunis stopped to help a motorist with a flat tire on Jericho Turnpike, in Centereach. That gentleman was R. Ford Hughes, chairman of the Suffolk County Republican Party, and he provided Tsunis with his initial connection to the world of Long Island politics.

In the 1960s, he started in the real estate development business and banking business. In March of 1961, Tsunis was appointed to the board of directors of Tinker National Bank by then president, Cecil Hall. Tsunis was simultaneously a member of the Centereach Chamber of Commerce, the CentereachLake Grove Lions Club, the Association of Developmentally Disabled Children, the Port Jefferson ELK’s Club, the Adelphi College Fund Raising Committee and vice president of the Harbor Hills Country Club.

Theresa Whelan

Dimitrios ‘Jim’ Tsunis Sr.

Tsunis’ real estate developing career began in the early 1960s while partnering with close friend and Yankee Hall of Fame pitcher, Whitey Ford, on several projects continuing through the 1970s. The Ford Professional Building built in 1964 was a local landmark for decades in Port Jefferson Station. Tsunis was also appointed by Governor Rockefeller to the board of directors of the Brookhaven Industrial Development Corporation.

Starting in 1969, Tsunis, along with Whitey Ford and Edward Long, began a legacy of philanthropic endeavors through a fundraiser golf tournament known as The Pinter Tournament of Stars. Their efforts ultimately resulted in the formation of the Long Island Charities Foundation. Jim was instrumental in raising funds for a wide variety of charitable organizations throughout Long Island for the next 50 years. The annual golf outing was attended by some of the then biggest names in sports and entertainment, including his close friend Whitey Ford, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Joe Namath, Joe Louis, Yogi Berra, Clarke Gilles, Thurman Munson, Phil Rizzuto, Gerry Cooney, Telly Savalas, Bob Hope, Tony Bennett, Jackie Gleason, Frankie Avalon, and many others. The golf tournament continues today and is known as The Long Island Charity Classic.

Tsunis was also instrumental in launching what is now Dowling College, first as

the Suffolk County extension of Adelphi University, and later as an independent college named for developer Bob Dowling.

“We were kidding,” Tsunis said. “We told one of his lieutenants we’d name the place after him for a couple million and he said OK. Who knew?”

He founded and ran many businesses and organizations throughout his long career including Presske’s Dairy, The Dutch Inn, Nickels’ Restaurants, Eagle Building Maintenance, the Melville Chamber of Commerce, Dowling College Founder and served as Smithtown Conservative Party chairman.

Jim was an avid golfer — still hitting them long and straight into his 90s — and was a member of several country clubs over the years including Port Jefferson, St. George, Wheatley Hills, The Presidential and Indian Hills. He was also a lifelong Yankees fan and sports enthusiast.

He is survived by his five loving children: Louis Tsunis of Port Jefferson; George Tsunis (Stefanie) of Winter Garden, Florida; Demetrius (Jim, Jr.) Tsunis (Theresa) of Belle Terre; Marsia Farrell (Leo) of St. James; and Alexia Zamek (Scott) of Port Jefferson; as well as by his adored grandchildren and greatgrandchildren; LJ (Sonia) Tsunis, Arielle (William) Drepanis, Alexander Tsunis, Allie Zamek, James Tsunis, Paul Farrell, Amelia Zamek, John Tsunis, Sophia Tsunis, Sienna Tsunis, and Michael Drepanis.

Donations to honor his memory may be made to the Long Island Charities Foundation in Melville. Please call 631-777-6272.

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

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Editorial

Letters to the editor

The reawakening civic consciousness

After over a decade in dormancy, the Port Jefferson Civic Association was resurrected Monday, Jan. 9.

PJCA joins the vibrant civic community throughout the TBR News Media coverage area. From Port Jefferson Station/ Terryville to Three Village, Mount Sinai to Sound Beach, Centereach to Selden, and Smithtown to Huntington, civic associations work to improve this area continually.

Civic associations perform a critical public service. We often find powerful and monied interests run roughshod over ordinary folk. With their legal teams, public relations personnel and deep pockets, these special interests often do as they please — with the tacit or even express approval of local politicians.

But who is there to represent the citizens? Who ensures that the people are heard and that their will is implemented by local government? The civic associations.

In our democracy, the people are sovereign. The people empower the politician to carry out their will. But this is often not the case as politicians sometimes advance their own agendas out of a sense of grandiosity and self-importance.

A well-organized civic association serves as a valuable check on power. Through its members, the civic body comes to represent the shared values and interests of the community, directing local officials toward more representative policy outcomes.

Some of the best-informed and most engaged citizens are civic members. For this reason, they offer valuable feedback to local politicians. Civic associations, therefore, benefit and enhance local government.

Moreover, a civic association is a platform for residents to stay up to date and informed on local topics such as future planning, development proposals and redistricting. Through this forum, members can exchange ideas, debate pertinent issues and identify potential solutions.

We hold that a bottom-up approach is necessary. Power, policy and vision should come from the people, not the politicians. Through the discussions at civic meetings, elected representatives can carry the people’s collective vision into fruition. The civiccentric model represents the ideal of local governance.

The staff of TBR News Media congratulates the members of the Port Jefferson Civic Association. We look forward to following their work and the continued successes of civic groups throughout our coverage area.

For those who are not affiliated with a local civic, we highly encourage you to join. Now is your opportunity to get involved, to make your voice heard and to leave a positive mark on your community.

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

Establishing a commonsense child care agenda

In the Dec. 22 edition, the TBR editorial board correctly identifies a lack of affordable child care as a major financial stressor for working families [“Long Islanders need child care assistance”]. Child care is often the highest cost budget item, with an annual cost that can exceed a mortgage or in-state college tuition payment. Our child care system has long struggled to serve the needs of working families, which has been greatly exacerbated by the pandemic.

As the statewide organizer for Education and Child Care at Citizen Action of New York, I work with the Empire State Campaign for Child Care, a coalition of advocates, providers, educators and parents charting a path to universal child care in New York state. We are proud of what we have accomplished this past year in securing record funding in our state budget that expands child care subsidies for working families.

There is still much to be done in 2023. Our priorities include establishing a workforce compensation fund to raise the wages of child care workers, who are in the bottom 3% of earners across the state. We seek to establish a health insurance premium support program for child care workers as their income rises above Medicaid eligibility levels.

If we value the learning and care conditions of our children, improving the working conditions of their caregivers must be a top priority. These changes will help to recruit and grow the workforce, increasing accessibility for families. More than half of New Yorkers live in what is known as a “child care desert,” meaning that there is only one available spot for every three children in need of care in their area.

The Empire State Campaign for Child Care calls for the elimination of benefit cliffs that exclude too many working families from subsidy eligibility. We advocate raising the eligibility level this year for families whose income exceeds up to 400% of the federal poverty level, which is the equivalent of $111,000 for a family of four. We would like to see categorical eligibility enacted for families enrolled in public assistance and preventive services. We seek changes that simplify the application

process, including creating an online application form.

Legislators of both parties must come together to address this urgent need of working families. I must note that state Sen. Mario Mattera [R-St. James] and state Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio [R-Riverhead], who are quoted in the article, both voted against the fiscal year 2023 budget that included the almost $2 billion allotted to addressing child care. If legislators are serious about providing solutions for working families in their districts, they must vote accordingly.

I look forward to advocating for working families with the Empire State Campaign in 2023, and ensuring that every family in New York state can access the affordable and high-quality child care they need and deserve.

Shoshana Hershkowitz South Setauket

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. It is estimated that 13,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year. Did you know cervical cancer can be prevented with screening and the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine? Stony Brook Cancer Center’s Cancer Prevention in Action Program is here to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe with these cervical cancer prevention tips.

Schedule your screening: Cervical cancer screening tests can find the cells that lead to cancer so they can be removed before cancer grows. Regular screening is recommended from ages 21 to 65.

Get vaccinated: Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. The HPV vaccine is recommended for children of all genders beginning at age 9 and is safe for adults through age 45. The HPV vaccine prevents over 90% of cancers caused by HPV, including cervical cancer as well as oral, anal, vaginal, vulvar and penile cancers.

Raise awareness: Cervical cancer is preventable. Raise awareness among your family, friends, and community that cervical cancer can be eliminated through vaccination and screening.

The CPiA program at Stony Brook Cancer Center works to increase HPV vaccination and reduce cancer rates on Long Island. CPiA provides education to community organizations, parents

and young adults about the benefits of the HPV vaccine.

Regular screening and getting the HPV vaccine can prevent, and possibly end, cervical cancer. To learn more about cervical cancer prevention and the HPV vaccine, go to takeactionagainstcancer.com or contact us at 631-444-4263 or at COE@stonybrookmedicine.edu.

(CPiA is supported with funds from Health Research Inc. and New York State.)

Annalea Trask Program Coordinator, Cancer Prevention In Action Stony Brook Cancer Center

Representation matters

American Girl recently released the 2023 Girl of the Year, the line’s first-ever South Asian American Girl of the Year doll. Kavika Sharma, more commonly known as Kavi, was revealed to be a Metuchen, New Jersey, resident and a proud member of the South Asian community. She loves to sing and dance, often finding comfort in watching her favorite Broadway shows. American Girl partnered with The New York Times best-selling author Varsha Bajaj to ensure that Kavi’s story accurately depicted Indian practices and culture. The full product line offers multiple costumes and accessories along with a Bollywood dance outfit.

I grew up playing with American Girl dolls. I considered Kit Kittredge, Josefina Montoya and Julie Albright some of my best companions. However, none of these dolls looked like me. It was pretty rare to see South Asian representation in the toy industry. So, it’s so refreshing to be introduced to Kavi Sharma, the first of hopefully many South Asian American Girl of the Year dolls. Racial representation in toys is truly important because it nurtures acceptance, inclusion and diversity. I’m glad people are starting to recognize this importance, as there is a great need for children to see themselves in their toys … and in this world.

I see myself in Kavi. I’m sure other young South Asian American girls feel the same way.

Reyva Jamdar 12th grader, Ward Melville High School

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

Some of the secret concessions McCarthy made to become speaker

Iheard from a friend, who heard from another friend whose neighbor’s cousin is the babysitter of someone who works in Congress. So, it has to be true.

Here’s the deal: I know some of the concessions Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) made to become speaker of the house.

The first concession is that McCarthy must begin each day by saying the words “we are all equal, but some are more equal than others,” at which point he’s supposed to subtly make the letters G and O in sign language with his hands to show that he’s thinking about “Animal Farm” author George Orwell.

former president Donald Trump (R), he plans to take a page out of the previous speaker’s playbook by picking up the copy of Biden’s speech and tearing it up in disgust as it were the first chapter of a book he’d like to ban from libraries around the country.

If things continue to be tense for hours, as a politician continues grandstanding, Santos can provide a Billy Joel encore, again with a slight tweak:

“Honesty is such a lonely word

I am certainly so untrue

Honestly is hardly ever heard

The person who heard it fourth hand was in the bathroom, minding his own business, trying, from what I understand, to make his best guesses at Wordle on his phone while battling an upset stomach when three of the principal negotiators in the process entered the bathroom and spoke in whispers.

Then, he has to look at the audience carefully to see if Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has had a bad night. If Gaetz gives him a particular signal, he’s not allowed to bang his gavel too loudly, to prevent a headache from getting worse.

Once he’s gotten everyone’s attention, he then agreed that he’ll lead the house in the Pledge of Allegiance, pausing when he reached the “under God” section to make it clear that religion is not only okay, but that many people, particularly those who might not have otherwise voted for him, believe in God.

Speaking of beyond belief, McCarthy has then agreed that if Rep. George Santos (RNY), whose name might have changed by the time this is relevant, is still in the house, McCarthy should ask him to sing a few songs.

For starters, according to Santos’s resume, he has won at least three Grammy awards, which means he has a wonderful and lyrical singing voice.

And rarely what I give to you.”

Following the example of Trump, McCarthy also agreed to hug a flag in public at least three times a year, to normalize the behavior and to demonstrate his commitment to America and the country’s values.

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF

When President Joe Biden (D) gives his state of the union address, he will give at least 15 head shakes, five winces and nine arched eyebrows. At the end of the speech, to defend

When things get too tense during deliberations with other Republicans, let alone the Democrats who are ruining the government and the country, McCarthy has a playlist for Santos. He’s going to sing the Meghan Trainor song, “Lips are Movin,” with a slight modification in the wording.“If my lips are moving, then I’m lyin’, lyin’, lyin’, baby.”

He also promised to support at least 13, for the original colonies, investigations in his first year as speaker, with a commitment to at least another dozen in his second.

Finally, in a subtle gesture meant to celebrate the political right, he planned to stand to the right of the podium and only to hit the gavel with his right hand while pausing to emphasize the word “right” every time he utters it.

The British Royals have won the battle for our air waves

Why are we Americans so fascinated by the British royal family? Well, surely not all of us are, but enough to make even the staid The New York Times write daily stories about Prince Harry and Meghan leading up to the release of Prince Harry’s book, “Spare,” this past Tuesday. On that day, the story went front page and continued on an entire broadsheet inside page. Just about every news outlet has covered the Prince Harry and Meghan Show.

a king or queen in the United States. Heaven forbid. So what, then?

Maybe it has to do, like most eccentricities, with our early childhoods. Shortly after I learned to read, I loved fairy tales about princes and princesses, wicked stepmothers and dragons. Thanks to the Brits, we have a replay of such stories for our adult lives. Well, sort of. It depends to whom one assigns the role of dragon.

elementary school years, when I would come down with some infectious disease, my mom would prop me up with lots of pillows in my parents bed, and I would listen to the half-hour soaps on the radio. Sometimes my mother would come into the bedroom to listen to one of her favorites. (Incidentally, that was before television.)

only as a relief from the constant acrimony.

As far as being an actress, Prince Philip, Harry’s grandfather, was quoted as having advised Prince Harry, “We don’t MARRY actresses.”

But in fairy tales, they live happily ever after. For us adults, the royals’ stories have a reality component. We know there is no such thing because we all have families. And families disappoint each other, fight with each other, malign and divorce each other and otherwise disgrace each other. But families don’t usually put their “dirty linen” out in public. Yet here is that gilded group, in theory living the best possible lives as kings and queens, princes and princesses, causing each other unbelievable grief. It’s a rom-com gone dystophic.

She was totally hooked on “Our Gal Sunday,” whose preamble each day would ask the question, “Can this girl [named Sunday] from a little mining town in the West find happiness as the wife of a wealthy and titled Englishman?” This may offer a clue to our captivation with the British Royals. In the case of Harry and Meghan, she, of course, is an American. While she doesn’t come from a little mining town in the West, she doesn’t have that as a strike against her, she is biracial, an actress and divorced.

And what can we say about biracial? A glimpse into racial attitudes among the court was the recent kerfuffle involving Queen Elizabeth’s former lady-in-waiting, Susan Hussey, and her insistent questioning of a Black British guest at Buckingham Palace as to where her family came from. The implication was decidedly not Great Britain. Hussey was stripped of her duties and publicly apologized.

In the interest of full disclosure, I have read each and every story in NYT. So I’m trying to figure out the appeal for myself and those who are similarly addicted. It’s not as if we would want to have

BY LEAH S. DUNAIEF

The other part of this drama is its permanence. Like the soap operas of old, the stories just keep unfolding as time progresses. Again, in my

Divorced! Divorce prevented Wallis Simpson from becoming Queen. Divorced caused Princess Margaret to lose her true love, Peter Townsend. And although Diana and Charles were finally allowed to get divorced, that was

So the current situation with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have chosen as their refuge the (usually) sunny shores of Southern California, has many threads of interest for Americans. And probably the real appeal of the current tribulations of the House of Windsor is its relief from the hard, very hard, news of our time: the war in Ukraine, the immigration mess at the southern border and the spread, denial not withstanding, of the coronavirus, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) germs.

Kingsmen too much for East Islip

Photos from the Jan. 10 boys basketball game

Photo by Bill Landon