The Times of Smithtown - April 6, 2023

The TIMES of

‘Little Fish’ show entertains and educates

Local artist Susan Buroker brought her interactive “Little Fish” puppet show to Accompsett Elementary School March 31.

“Little Fish” is an interactive SCUPPET (large-scale sculptured puppet) performance, showcasing the effects nitrogen pollution has on aquatic life.

“This performance needs to be at every

school on Long Island,” High School West science teacher Kimberly Williams said.

She and her marine ecology students along with Lauren Hoffman’s Environmental Club students, as well as Accompsett Middle School science teacher Amy Olander and the Science Club joined forces to help second graders make sock puppet fish to model some of the residents

of their local waters.

District Director of Science Stephanie O’Brien also made sock puppets with the students.

“Being part of the performance invests the students to protect the Sound,” Williams said. “All of the students wanted to get the message out.”

— Photos from Smithtown Central School District

Mattera and Long Island Cares join together to help protect pets

SUBMITTED BY MARIO MATTERA’S OFFICE

New York State Sen. Mario R. Mattera (R-St. James), who represents the 2nd Senate District, announced in a press release that he was joining with Long Island Cares to help protect pets throughout the region. To assist the organization’s 12th Annual Legislative Pet Food Drive Challenge, Mattera’s district office will serve as a collection point for pet supplies to help the charity restock Baxter’s Pet Pantry to help ensure that Long Island families in need are able to care for their pets.

Long Island Cares, in partnership with the Animal Relief Fund Inc. (ARF), created Baxter’s Pet Pantry in 2009 to help pet-owning families throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties get the supplies they need. In addition to providing pet food, the pet pantry offers toys, pet clothes and other pet necessities.

From now until Wednesday, May 31, Mattera’s office will be collecting pet supplies for cats, hamsters, dogs, fish, birds, ferrets and others. To make it convenient, a donation box will be at Mattera’s district office located at 180 East Main Street, Suite 210, Smithtown, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Long Island Cares has stated that its most

needed pet items are:

• 5 or 10 pound bags of dog and cat food

• Canned food for dogs and cats

• Dog and cat treats

• Collars and leashes

• Food For all animals including birds, fish, ferrets and hamsters

• Fish food

• Cat litter

• Small new toys

According to the organization, all donated pet food must be unopened and in its original packaging. For health reasons, the organization will not accept opened bags, ripped bags or loose pet food.

“Anyone who has a family pet knows that they are not just animals; they are a part of the family,” Mattera said in the press release. “When a family falls on hard times, as many in our community have in the past couple of years, it is difficult for them to provide for everyone — including pets. I thank Long Island Cares for their efforts and am glad to support their efforts to help ensure that pets can stay in their homes, with their families, where they belong.”

For additional information, visit Mattera’s website at mattera.nysenate.gov.

Stock photo

Blue Alert System implemented on Long Island

BY RITA J. EGAN RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

A system to track down those who kill or injure law enforcement officers across the nation has been implemented locally.

The Blue Alert System was recently rolled out in New York state and on Long Island.

State Assemblyman Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills), one of the sponsors of the legislation to utilize the alert system, announced the implementation at a March 24 press conference in Mineola. The system is designed to help apprehend suspects who authorities believe killed or seriously injured a local, state or federal law enforcement officer.

The state Legislature unanimously approved the legislation.

“I was proud to sponsor and pass this critically important legislation in support of the brave men and women of law enforcement who sacrifice so much to keep our neighborhoods safe,” Stern said in a press release. “The Blue Alert System has a proven track record of success nationwide and its implementation is long overdue in New York state. This initiative will help protect our community, protect our officers and save lives.”

The Blue Alert System is similar to the Amber Alert used to find missing children and the Silver Alert for missing vulnerable adults. New York joins 37 other states in using the new system, including New Jersey, Connecticut and Vermont. According to Stern’s office, the law creating the system went into effect March 16, allowing the

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services to begin issuing alerts when needed. The state agency will be in consultation with law enforcement authorities.

The system is modeled after the nationwide alert system titled Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act of 2015. The nationwide system was named as such to honor Ramos and Liu, two New York City police officers who were killed in the line of duty in Brooklyn in 2014.

Among the system’s supporters is Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney (R), who was on hand for the press conference.

“Police officers go to work every day facing the risk of physical danger or death, selflessly confronting that peril to allow us the chance to live in peace,” Tierney said in a press release. “An attack against our first responders is an attack against our society and we must take every measure possible to help ensure the safety of our police.”

Law enforcement agencies can request the alert if they believe “that the public dissemination of information may help avert further harm or accelerate apprehension of the suspect,” according to the legislation. Depending on the case, the alert can be

issued on a regional or statewide basis. The system will be used in coordination with the New York State Department of Transportation, public television and radio broadcaster organizations. Information may include details such as the suspect’s vehicle or license plate number.

The National Fraternal Order of Police has reported as of April 3, 99 officers in the country have been shot in the line of duty so far this year, a 44% increase from 2021 year to date. Of the 99 shot, 10 of them were killed by gunfire, which is 33% less year to date from 2021.

New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern, center, is joined by Long Island elected leaders and members of law enforcement to announce the implementation of the Blue Alert System to aid in the apprehension of suspects of killing or seriously injuring a law enforcement officer in New York State. Photo from Steve Stern’s office

Obituary Michael Joseph and Eleanor Trotta, Kings Park couple die a day apart

SUBMITTED BY THE TROTTA FAMILY

It was love at first sight when Eleanor and Joe (Michael) Trotta met at a dance in Washington, D.C. She was a secretary to the Secretary of the Navy, and he was in the marines. Joe Trotta passed away March 29 at the age of 89 and his beloved wife, Eleanor, in her 91st year, joined him in eternal rest the next day on March 30.

After graduating from high school, Joe joined the U.S. Marines Corp to fight for his country. However, he did so well on an exam that he was sent to Puerto Rico to work in engineering. According to his son, Rob, that probably saved his life, as many of his friends did not return home from the Korean War. Following his service, they moved to Long Island. Joe spent 35 years working at the phone company. He was a member of the Smithtown Landing Men’s Club and an avid golfer and fisherman. He was handy around his home and taught his three sons those skills. Eleanor worked in the Commack School District and then at the Kings Park Psychiatric Center. She loved to cook, bake, and socialize with her family and friends. Her family enjoyed her rhubarb crisp that she

made from scratch with the rhubarb from her son’s garden.

“Our parents lovingly passed to us the skills we needed to pursue our careers and enjoy hobbies with them,” said their son Ken.

They lived in Commack while raising their children and then moved to Kings Park, where they were longtime residents.

Joe battled with dementia for the past four years, but up until a couple of years ago, he would walk daily at 5 a.m. on the boardwalk at Sunken Meadow State Park. Despite Eleanor’s health issues, her mind was as sharp as a tack. During this period, they drew on each other’s strengths and commitment in a love match that lasted almost 69 years.

“In the end, they became one person,” said Rob. “They were always a loving couple, and family came first. It seems like a good ending to a love story that they should pass away a day apart,” the son said.

They were predeceased by their son Michael and survivors include sons Ken of Vista, California; Rob of Fort Salonga, (Wendy); daughter-in-law Laura of Kings Park; and grandchildren Tori, Matt, Michael (Jackie), Andrew and Liam (Haley) and four great-grandchildren. The couple

once remarked that they did not have any daughters, but their daughter-in-laws were the best and like daughters to them.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sweetbriar Nature Center at 62 Eckernkamp

Drive, Smithtown, NY 11787 (www. sweetbriarnc.org) would be appreciated.

The Clayton Funeral Home in Kings Park handled the arrangements and visitation was held Monday, April 3.

The proposal is for:

Joe and Eleanor Trotta, father and mother of Suffolk Legislator Rob Trotta, passed away March 29 and March 30, respectively. Photo from Rob Trotta’s office

Unions and protesters unite at SBU against parking changes

BY LEAH CHIAPPINO DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Unions at Stony Brook University gathered on campus Wednesday, March 29, with an estimated 300 or so protesters in a rally for fair parking regarding proposed changes to the school’s parking policy, which include increased monitoring and fees. The university said it is an attempt to cover a deficit, along with “existing repairs, maintenance and capital expenses.”

notion that UUP members must be responsible for funding routine maintenance and parking services for the campus community. This is management’s responsibility, period.”

UNIVERSITY

The new plan would transition into a paid tiered system for both faculty and students. Essentially, the closer the spot to campus buildings, the higher the fee. In addition, students and faculty would share the same lots.

Under the proposed rate pricing plan, according to a statement released by Andrew Solar-Greco, president of United University Professions Stony Brook Chapter, monthly parking fees on campus would be divided into tiers, ranging from $50 in the “premium” level; $40 for core parking; $25 for perimeter parking; $10 for satellite parking; and $25 for residential staff.

“We have proposed implementing a campuswide, fully paid parking model in the fall of 2023,” SBU officials said in a statement. “Our existing model is insufficient to fund routine maintenance or customer service improvements. Our proposed tiered model and payment for parking will be either by permit or via a daily parking rate. These proposed changes will align us with our university peers. Details are currently being reviewed with campus stakeholders.”

SBU officials confirmed the proposed pricing is a tiered model ranging from $10-$50 per month. The university said 66% of all employees with parking permits are paying for parking, and rates have stayed stagnant for 30 years.

Ted Vazquez, a field representative for NYS Public Employees Federation, said the proposal would create a culture that is “tantamount to a caste system.”

“That shouldn’t be,” he said. “The previous practices have always been your seniority. If a parking space becomes available, and you’ve seniority, you get it.”

The PEF apart, other unions participating in the protest were the United University Professions, Civil Service Employees Association, Stony Brook Grad Student Employees Union, Stony Brook Research Assistants Union, Local 1102 (Food Service Workers), Police Benevolent Association of New York State (University Police) and New York State Correctional Officers & PBA. According to Solar-Greco, “We were also joined by Laborers Local 66 and other unions affiliated with the LI Federation of Labor, which had leadership present as well.”

“We have requested that management halt any continued work on this plan, and bargain in good faith with all unions,” Solar-Greco said in a statement. “We vehemently reject the

Amy Pacholk, a nurse and council leader of Public Employees Federation, said several of her medical personnel members have considered going to the cheapest lot in protest, but have reconsidered given the need to be able to enter the building quickly when patients have emergencies.

“We respond to emergencies,” she said. “A lot of my people are, like, ‘We have to respond.’ If your system fails to account for that, you really didn’t think about what you did — you just rolled out a system that you thought was effective for students. You didn’t realize that we’re medical professionals. We have a responsibility.”

In addition, Pacholk said, several medical staff have been working extra shifts, as long as 16 hours a day, to compensate for the rising cost of living on Long Island. For them, she said, the new system would not be sustainable financially.

Parking deficit

Amanda Basinger, an SBU student, who spoke at the protest, criticized the administration for creating a deficit in the first place, and then increasing prices for students and staff.

“How much does an undergraduate student make a year?” she said. “How much does a graduate student make a year? How much does a custodial worker, a maintenance worker and cafeteria workers make here? They can’t afford that. And it is so annoying and so privileged that the administration sits in their cushy buildings, demanding we pay for their mistakes and we pay for their deficit.”

University officials did not provide a specific figure when asked about the deficit and its origins. However, they did note in an email that $11 million is the anticipated deficit by fiscal year 2026-27 with no changes to the current model.

The plan would also combine commuting faculty and students into the same lots, chosen by tier, and have separate areas for residential parking. Parking within the tiered lots, would be first come, first serve. Faculty and staff already paying for parking will be given first choice on the lot they choose. After those spots are assigned, preference will be given in order of hire date. Commuter students will be selecting parking on a first-come, first-serve basis. Enforcement hours would be expanded for all lots from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Bureaucratically, the enforcement, permitting and customer service responsibilities would be transferred from the University Police Department and Student Financial Services to Mobility & Parking Services, which would also handle parking for the hospital.

The university said they plan to implement a variety of technological and systemic upgrades, including mobile payments, which can be charged back to departments; updated meters, which allow rates to be altered for

events and holidays; and event parking, allowing departments to be charged for visitors who would not need a permit. Finally, the university would provide real-time data to users, who could see where parking is available, by fall 2024.

Solar-Greco said the proposed changes were presented to union leaders in a meeting Feb. 10, and then sent in campuswide emails a few hours later, without consulting with the unions or allowing them to contribute. The university referred to this meeting as an “informational session.”

“We recognize that the proposed changes will have an impact on our community,” the university’s email read. “However, the reality is that our current parking model is insufficient to fund routine maintenance or customer service improvements for our parking operations. Stony Brook’s parking services are self-funded, meaning that tuition, student transportation fees and SUNY funding are not allocated to support these operations.”

Pursuant to the collective bargaining

agreement between the UUP and management, the proposal is subject to negotiation. Greco said the negotiations have yet to begin. The university confirmed the discussions will start in the coming weeks but have not commenced.

Andrew Solar-Greco, above, addresses the crowd at the March 29 rally. Photo by Leah Chiappino

NYPA AWARDS 11

BEST COLUMN

FIRST PLACE

The Village Times Herald, Setauket

Daniel Dunaief

Imaginative and compelling. Fun storytelling that makes for an easy read.

BEST COVERAGE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

SECOND PLACE

The Port Times Record, Port Je erson

Raymond Janis

is reporter delves deep into a complicated story about a town landmark and development pressures and how a community can approach preserving a delicate area in the face of continued deterioration. Nicely written, well-sourced and clearly a story that is of deep interest to this community. is kind of coverage is the hallmark of strong local reporting.

BEST LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORT CAMPAIGN

SECOND PLACE

PEOPLE OF THE YEAR

The Village Times Herald, Setauket Nice program. Shows involvement in the community. And involves the community.

BEST PICTURE STORY

SECOND PLACE

The Times of Smithtown, Smithtown

Steve Zaitz

Good variety of parade photos. Clear photos, good composition and lots of expression!

BEST CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

SECOND PLACE

The Village Times Herald, Setauket

I like the way the designer used di erent line weights to separate sections, Also the use of white space above and below the line ads makes the pages not feel so cluttered and makes it easier to read the ads. Sometimes designing in black and white can be challenging, but this layout is an expample of how to do it right. is was very close between rst and second places.

BEST SPECIAL SECTION COVER

THIRD PLACE

HARVEST TIMES

The Village Times Herald, Setauket

Caught my eye. Great use of photograph. Well done.

That’s how many awards Times Beacon Record News Media won this year!

BEST SPECIAL SECTIONS/NICHE

THIRD PLACE

HARVEST TIMES

The Village Times Herald, Setauket

Love the entire fall theme, from festivals, farms - to seasonal soup and pie recipes. Creative use of color, layout is very readable.

BEST FEATURE STORY

HONORABLE MENTION

The Village Times Herald, Setauket

Rita J. Egan

I like the way this combined current and historic information.

BEST EDITORIAL CARTOON

HONORABLE MENTION

The Port Times Record, Port Je erson

Kyle Horne

I like the local angle this takes, even though it could be a cartoon drawn for any place in the country, following redistricting.

BEST NEWS OR FEATURE SERIES

HONORABLE MENTION

The Port Times Record, Port Je erson

Raymond Janis

BEST SMALL SPACE AD

HONORABLE MENTION

The Village Times Herald, Setauket

Beth Heller Mason

e ames and brick in the background tell you that this is brick oven pizza without ever saying it in words. e ad tells me this is not ordinary pizza!

The following incidents have been reported by Suffolk County Police:

Smithtown man killed in motor vehicle crash on LIE

Suffolk County Police arrested a man for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle following a fatal crash in Brentwood on April 5. Brandon Gillespie was at the wheel of a 2012 Jeep Liberty stopped in the right lane of eastbound Long Island Expressway, east of Sagtikos Parkway, when the vehicle was rearended by a 2016 Ford box truck at approximately 12:45 a.m. Gillespie, 36, of Smithtown was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Ford, Taron Smith, 31, of Patchogue was uninjured and was arrested and charged with alleged Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 3rd Degree and issued multiple summonses for Federal Motor Carrier Safety violations. Anyone with information on this crash is asked to call 631-854-8352.

Hauppauge man on scooter killed in motor vehicle crash

Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a man riding a scooter in Nesconset on April 3. Christopher March was driving a 2018 Dodge Ram ProMaster City westbound on Route 347 when the vehicle struck a man on an electric scooter who was crossing the roadway at the intersection of Southern Boulevard at approximately 9:20 p.m. The scooter operator, Paul Harrison, 54, of Hauppauge, was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. March, 40, of Lake Grove was not injured. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call 631-854-8452.

Massage parlor raided in Commack

Suffolk County Police arrested two women for alleged prostitution and unlicensed massage during a raid at a massage parlor in Commack on March 29. In response to numerous community complaints, Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Anti-Crime officers, Fourth Squad detectives, Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers, Fourth Precinct Community Support Unit, Property Section officers, and Smithtown Public Safety/ Fire Marshal conducted an investigation at S&L Relaxed Spa, located at 1041A Jericho Turnpike. Zhaofeng Meng, 45, of East Elmhurst, and Yu Shu Zhu, 50, of Bayside, were charged with alleged Prostitution and Unauthorized Practice of a Profession. Prostitution arrests were previously made at this location on April 15, 2022. The Smithtown Fire Marshal issued 25 violations for fire code offenses at the location.

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man above who allegedly stole a package containing an iPhone 14 from the porch of a Dale Lane home in Hauppauge on Feb. 20 at approximately 11:20 a.m.

In a separate incident, a woman allegedly stole a package containing two iPhones from a porch on Sandra Drive in Hauppauge within 15 minutes of delivery by FedEx on March 6. The woman fled in a dark-colored BMW SUV. The incident was captured on video. To view, go to YouTube.com/scpdtv and click on Wanted for Hauppauge Grand Larceny 23-203963.

Wanted for E. Northport vandalism

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Second Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the people who allegedly damaged a fence in East Northport in March. Multiple people participated in the social media challenge known as “The Kool-Aid Man,” by jumping through a fence in East Northport on March 18. For video of this incident, go to YouTube. com/scpdtv/shorts and click on Wanted for East Northport Criminal Mischief 23-225350.

— COMPILED BY HEIDI

SUTTON

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

Porch pirates strike Hauppauge homes

Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

School News

Smithtown High School West

West goes into the woods

Students at Smithtown High School West performed “Into The Woods,” an epic musical adventure incorporating plots and characters

Smithtown High School East

from several fairy tales. The play ran from March 2 to 5.

East goes blonde

The movie “Legally Blonde” was released in 2001, before Smithtown High School East seniors were born, but the story of Elle Woods lived on recently as the school’s musical adaptation of “Legally Blonde.”

From March 15 to 18, the cast and pit band musicians put on an entertaining and colorful performance of the cult classic of a Beverly Hills sorority girl going to Harvard Law School.

— Photos from Smithtown Central School District

— Photos from Smithtown Central School District

Smithtown East Bulls trample Centereach Cougars

BY BILL LANDON DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

The Cougars of Centereach softball took on the Bulls of Smithtown East in their season opener at home on a cold and windy afternoon under brilliant sunshine Thursday, March 30.

Smithtown East took the lead in the top of the second inning, but the Cougars mounted a rally in the bottom of the third, looking to stay within striking distance. It would be the Bulls’ bats that did the talking the rest of the way, putting together a scoring frenzy that Centereach was unable to counter, winning the game, 27-8, in the League IV contest.

Smithtown East senior pitcher Gabby Amicizia was credited with the win.

Centereach will look for their first win of this early season with a road game against crosstown rival Newfield April 5. Game time is 11 a.m. Results were not available at press time. The Bulls were back in action with a nonleague road game against William Floyd, which was originally scheduled April 1, but due to rain, was rescheduled for April 4. Smithtown East won, 8-2. The Bulls also took on Bellport for league play at home April 3, where they once again walked away with a win, 8-1. Smithtown East traveled to Ward Melville High School April 5. Results were not available at press time.

Pictured clockwise from left, senior Giovanna Lombardi hits a rope; Lombardi drives one deep; and freshman Eva Roman slides home.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Clockwise from upper left, freshman Eva Roman smacks a ground ball; A Smithtown East infielder under-hands the ball to first base; senior Michaela Manger with a two-run RBI standup double for Smithtown East; Bulls pitcher Gabby Amicizia waits for the pitch; and Smithtown East shortstop Marissa Formosa dives for an infield pop-up. Photos by Bill Landon

Auto Services

DRIVEOUTBREASTCANCER

Donateacartoday,Thebenefits ofdonatingyourcarorboat,Fast FreePickup,24hrResponse, TaxDeduction,EasyToDo,Call 24/7855-905-4755.

Automobiles/Trucks

Vans/Rec Vehicles

***AAA***AUTOBUYERSHighestCashPaid,AllYears/Conditions,WEVISITYOU,Or Donate,TaxDeduct+Cash. DMVID#1303199.CallLUKE 516-VAN-CARS.516-297-2277

DONATEYOURCARTO BREASTCANCERRESEARCH RECOVERY!TaxDeductionReceiptGivenUponPick-up,Free Towing.501c3Charity. 631-988-9043 breastcancerresearchrecovery. org

JUNKCARSBOUGHT!

We’llBeatAnyPrice. Call631-500-1015. SEEDISPLAYADFORMOREINFORMATION.

MECHANICSLIENSALE

April17,2023,1581Rt112Port JeffersonStationat10am,2003 ToyotaHighlander, VIN#JTEHF21A730115375, ownerofrecordPatMacIntyre.

Financial Services

AREYOUBEHIND$10kOR MOREONYOURTAXES?Stop wage&banklevies,liens& audits,unfiledtaxreturns,payrollissues,&resolvetaxdebt FAST.Call888-869-5361 (Hours:Mon-Fri7am-5pmPST)

Finds Under 50

AROMA1.2LGLASSELECTRICKETTLE.Widemouthed. Autoshutoff.Detachablecord. $15.Text917-287-4110.

STORMWINDOW39“high36” wideAsking$40.00Call 631-744-3722

TWOROOMAIRCONDITIONERS,5,000BTUeach.$30each or$50forboth.631-413-6549.

VERIZONFIOSROUTERWITH STAND.Hardlyused,excellent condition.Orange&blackcolor $29.cell631-307-6161

Garage Sales

ESTATE/MOVINGSALE15 BRIDGEROAD,STRONG NECKSaturdaysinAprilandby appointment,furnishings,carpets,art,booksandacar, 716-607-6548

Health, Fitness & Beauty

VIAGRAandCIALISUSERS! 50PillsSPECIAL$99.00FREE Shipping!100%guaranteed. CALLNOW!855-413-9574

Housesitting Services

TRAVELING? Needsomeonetocheckonyour home?

ContactTenderLovingPet Care,LLC.We’remorethanjust pets.Insured/Bonded. 631-675-1938

Limousine Services

SUFFOLKLIMO

WineTours,Events,Hamptons, NYC,Servingallairports,Professionaldrivers,luxurysuv’s, sedansandSprintervans.Book online,Suffolklimoservice.com 1-800-364-7049,631-771-7991.

Merchandise

CRAFTSMAN30INCH 13:50CCSNOWBLOWER $1100Call631-332-8287.

Miscellaneous

DIRECTV.New2-YearPrice Guarantee.ThemostliveMLB gamesthisseason,200+channelsandover45,000ondemandtitles.$84.99/mofor24 monthswithCHOICEPackage. Somerestrictionsapply.Call DIRECTV1-888-534-6918

DISHTV$64.99For190Channels+$14.95HighSpeedInternet.FreeInstallation,SmartHD DVRIncluded,FreeVoiceRemote.Somerestrictionsapply. PromoExpires1/21/23. 1-888-609-9405

WHEELSFORWISHESBENEFITINGMAKE-A-WISH ® NORTHEASTNEWYORK.Your CarDonationsMatterNOW MoreThanEver!FreeVehicle PickUpANYWHERE.We AcceptMostVehiclesRunning orNot.100%TaxDeductible. MinimalToNoHumanContact. Call:(877)798-9474.CarDonationFoundationd/b/aWheels ForWishes.www. wheelsforwishes.org.

Musical Instruments

BLUESMANPIANOTUNING

Certifiedpianotechnician, 631-681-9723, bluesmanpianotuning@gmail. com, www.bluesmanpianotuning.com

MUSICLESSONS

HOME/VIRTUAL Guitar,Piano,Stringsandmore IntroductoryRatesfornewstudents,AlsoPianoTuningand Repairs. Stringsoundstudios.com O631-476-8946, C631-223-6899

Schools/Instruction/ Tutoring

PIANO-GUITAR-BASS Allages-levels-styles. Manylocalreferences. Recommendedbyallarea schools.TonyMann, 631-473-3443,631-332-6005

Novenas

PRAYERTOTHE BLESSEDVIRGIN (NeverKnownToFail)

Oh,mostbeautifulflowerofMt. Carmel,fruitfulvine,splendorof heaven,blessedmotherofthe SonofGod,immaculatevirgin, assistmeinmynecessity.Oh starofthesea,helpme&show meherein,youaremymother. OhHolyMary,MotherofGod, QueenofHeavenandEarth,I humblybeseechyoufromthe bottomofmyhearttosuccorme inthisnecessityTherearenone whocanwithstandyourpower. Ohshowmehereinyouaremy mother.OhMaryconceived withoutsin,prayforuswho haverecoursetothee. (3times).OhHolyMary,Iplace thiscauseinyourhands. (3times).HolySpirit,youwho solveallproblems,lightallroads sothatIcanobtainmygoals. Yougavemethedivinegiftto forgiveandforgetallevilagainst me,andthatinallinstancesof mylife,youarewithme.Iwant inthisshortprayertothankyou forallthingsasyouconfirm onceagainthatIneverwantto beseparatedfromyouineternal glory.Thankyouforyourmercy towardmeandmine.Thankyou HolySpiritandSt.Jude. Thepersonmustsaythisprayer 3consecutivedays.Therequest willbegranted.Thisprayermust bepublishedafterthefavorhas beengranted.N.G.

Novenas

PRAYERTOTHE BLESSEDVIRGIN (NeverKnownToFail)

Oh,mostbeautifulflowerofMt. Carmel,fruitfulvine,splendorof heaven,blessedmotherofthe SonofGod,immaculatevirgin, assistmeinmynecessity.Oh starofthesea,helpme&show meherein,youaremymother. OhHolyMary,MotherofGod, QueenofHeavenandEarth,I humblybeseechyoufromthe bottomofmyhearttosuccorme inthisnecessityTherearenone whocanwithstandyourpower. Ohshowmehereinyouaremy mother.OhMaryconceived withoutsin,prayforuswho haverecoursetothee. (3times).OhHolyMary,Iplace thiscauseinyourhands. (3times).HolySpirit,youwho solveallproblems,lightallroads sothatIcanobtainmygoals. Yougavemethedivinegiftto forgiveandforgetallevilagainst me,andthatinallinstancesof mylife,youarewithme.Iwant inthisshortprayertothankyou forallthingsasyouconfirm onceagainthatIneverwantto beseparatedfromyouineternal glory.Thankyouforyourmercy towardmeandmine. M.L Thepersonmustsaythisprayer 3consecutivedays.Therequest willbegranted.Thisprayermust bepublishedafterthefavorhas beengranted. WithThanks M.L.

The Village TIMES HERALD

The Village BEACON RECORD

The Port TIMES RECORD

The TIMES of Smithtown

The TIMES of Middle Country

The TIMES of Huntington, Northport & East Northport tbrnewsmedia.com

GENERAL OFFICE

631–751–7744

Fax 631–751–4165

This Publication is Subject to All Fair Housing Acts

- $499 – Central region $29 - $59 – Western region $59 - $99 - Capital region $59 - $99 – all regions $389 - $689 words. $10 each additional word. Call for display ad rates.

MAIL ADDRESS

TBR News Media

Classifieds Department P.O. Box 707 Setauket, NY 11733

EMAIL

class@tbrnewsmedia.com

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

• Garage Sales

• Announcements

• Antiques & Collectibles

• Automobiles/Trucks etc.

• Finds under $50

• Health/Fitness/Beauty

• Merchandise

• Personals

• Novenas

• Pets/Pet Services

• Professional Services

• Schools/Instruction/Tutoring

• Wanted to Buy

• Employment

• Cleaning

EMPLOYMENT/CAREERS

Career Services

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

Help Wanted

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

SERVERS/Bar/MAINTENANCE NEEDEDp/t,weekendsapply onlineatMajesticgardens.com

SEEOURDISPLAYADFOR MOREINFORMATION

TRAINONLINETODOMEDICALBILLING!BecomeaMedicalOfficeProfessionalonlineat

CTI!GetTrained,Certified& readytoworkinmonths!Call 855-543-6440.(M-F8am-6pm ET).Computerwithinternetis required.

P/TSALES/CUSTOMER SERVICE

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

CALL 751-7744

SERVERS/BAR/ MAINTENANCE NEEDED

Part-time, weekends required. Reliable and responsible. Will train, apply online at majesticgardens.com or in person

MAJESTIC GARDENS 420 Rte. 25A, Rocky Point, NY 631.744.9500

PART�TIME TEACHERS

CAMP COUNSELORS

GARDENERS

FARM HANDS

Flexible Hours Spring, Summer & Fall

BENNER’S FARM 631-689-8172

folks@bennersfarm.com

Help Wanted

PARTTIMEASSISTANT/ SECRETARYCongenialStony BrookLawOffice,Hoursflexible, Computer/WordSavy,Fax resumewithcoverletter, 631-751-8665.

RECEPTIONIST/FULLTIME

BusyEastSetauketRealEstate Officeisseekingamotivated teamplayerwithstrongcomputerskills,clear,friendly speakingvoice,professional appearance&excellentcustomerserviceskills.Fulltime position,withoneWeekendday. Socialmediaskillsaplus. PleaseE-MailResumeto Setauket.Office@Elliman.com orcall631.767.2187or 631.384.8515

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

Please E-Mail Resume to Setauket.Office @Elliman.com or call 631.767.2187 or 631.384.8515

Jos. M. Troffa Materials, a well-established landscape and mason supply yard in Setauket, is looking for a Full-Time Sales Associate. Responsibilities include helping customers with orders, ringing up customers, taking phone orders, and helping customers pick out product. Applicants must understand the importance of customer service and work well with others. Please call 631-834-4607 or email your resume to TroffaJM@Gmail.com

• Retain & grow client base

• Computer experience and excellent spelling skills helpful

• Sales or customer service experience a must

• Must have good people and communication skills

Fax resume to 631-751-4165 email resume:

SERVICES

Carpentry

LONGHILLCARPENTRY

45yearsexperience

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

Cesspool Services

MRSEWERMANCESSPOOL

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

Clean-Ups

LETSTEVEDOIT

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

CallSteve@631-745-2598, leavemessage.

Electricians

SOUNDVIEWELECTRICAL CONTRACTING

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

SeeourDisplayAdintheHome ServicesDirectory

Fences

SMITHPOINTFENCE. DEERPROBLEM?WECAN HELP!Wood,PVC,ChainLink, Stockade.Freeestimates. Nowoffering12monthinterest freefinancing. Commercial/Residential. 70JayneBlvd.,PJS.Lic.37690H/Ins.631-743-9797 www.smithpointfence.com.

Floor Services/Sales

FINESANDING& REFINISHING

WoodFloorInstallations

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

Home Improvement

ALLPHASESOF HOMEIMPROVEMENT

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

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

Home Improvement

BLUSTARRENOVATIONS

TheNorthShore’sMostTrusted RenovationExperts. 631-751-0751

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

DON’TPAYFORCOVERED HOMEREPAIRSAGAIN!

AmericanResidentialWarranty coversALLMAJORSYSTEMS ANDAPPLIANCES.30DAY RISKFREE/$100OFF POPULARPLANS. 833-398-0526

LAMPSFIXED,$65. InHomeService!!Handy Howard.Mycell646-996-7628

Home Repairs/ Construction

LUXDEVELOPMENTGROUP

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

SEEOURDISPLAYADFOR MOREINFORMATION

LUXDISASTER RESTORATION24/7

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

SEEOURDISPLAYADFOR MOREINFORMATION

Lawn & Landscaping

SETAUKETLANDSCAPE DESIGN

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

ServingThreeVillages

SWANCOVE LANDSCAPING

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

Landscape Materials

SCREENEDTOPSOIL

Mulch,compost,decorative anddrivewaystone,concrete pavers,sand/block/portland. Fertilizerandseed. JOS.M.TROFFA MATERIALSCORP. 631-928-4665,www.troffa.com

Masonry

CARLBONGIORNO LANDSCAPE/MASON CONTRACTOR

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

Masonry

JOE’SGENERAL CONTRACTING

Allformsofmasonry

LIC/INS,631-744-0752.

SEEOURDISPLAYADFOR MOREINFROMATION.

Painting/Spackling/ Wallpaper

ALLPROPAINTING

INTERIOR/EXTERIOR

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

BOB’SPAINTINGSERVICE

25YearsExperience.

Interior/ExteriorPainting, Spackling,Staining,Wallpaper Removal,StainingandDeck RestorationPowerWashing. FreeEstimates.Lic/Ins.#17981. 631-744-8859

LAROTONDA PAINTING&DESIGN

Interior/exterior,sheetrock repairs,taping/spackling,wallpaperremoval,faux,decorative finishings.Freeestimates.Lic. #53278-H/Ins.RossLaRotonda 631-689-5998

WORTHPAINTING

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

Plumbing/Heating

HEAVYWEIGHTPLUMBING

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

Satellite TV

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

Tree Work

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

RANDALLBROTHERS TREESERVICE

Planting,pruning,removals, stumpgrinding.FreeEstimates. Fullyinsured. LIC#50701-H.631-862-9291

ADVERTISE FOR RESULTS

631-751-7663

FILL000060

REAL ESTATE

Real Estate Services

Rentals

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

Wewillnotknowinglyaccept anyadvertisingforrealestate whichisinviolationofthelaw.

Allpersonsareherebyinformedthatalldwellingsadvertisedareavailableonan equalopportunitybasis.

FREEGOLF-LIVEINACOUNTRYCLUBatBrettonWoods,3 bedrooms,21/2baths$3000,2 bedroom11/2baths$2300,2 bedroom,2bath$2500

STRATHMOREEAST

631-698-3400.

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

631-751-7663 FILL000060

Democracy prevails

Democracies don’t exist for their statutes or procedures or rules. They are given life by, and exist to serve, the people.

Representative government can only function if citizens direct their elected officials toward representative policy ends. This process worked to perfection Monday night, April 3, when the Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees voted 5-0 to rescind a resolution to extend terms of service for village officials — reversing a unanimous decision rendered just two weeks earlier.

We regard this outcome as a victory for the people and the board, a reflection of the dynamic interplay between public officials and their constituents. We congratulate Port Jeff citizens and representatives alike for this democratic response.

Monday meant more than a simple reversal of posture. Residents turned out in force, filling the boardroom and demonstrating their interest and engagement in the local decision-making process.

Leaders of the newly reformed Port Jefferson Civic Association made formal contact with their village officials, introducing themselves and expressing their community aims. We view this as a decisive first step toward active collaboration between the local governing body and its civic.

But the board itself deserves immense credit for its leadership and accountability over a delicate policy matter. We are all fallible creatures, prone to occasional lapses in judgment and error.

It takes a greater sense of self-knowledge and courage to publicly admit fault and correct a mistake. We thank the board for upholding the foundational principle that the power of government is derived from the consent of the governed.

The work in this village is still unfinished. It isn’t enough to show up once amid the height of the storm. Another tempest is always brewing, and today’s calmer seas will be tomorrow’s surging tides.

Democracy requires persistent effort and engagement from residents. It demands citizens be present at all village board meetings, for they are the drivers of this system.

Still, the board’s action Monday validated the democratic principle. It illustrates that the light of liberty and conscience can and will prevail in this village. For this moment, may we all rejoice at the simple splendor of local democracy done right.

Please see revised letters policy below.

Letter to the Editor

Community mourns swan together

On Monday, March 27, the mother swan, who had made the Frank Melville Memorial Park her home, died from injuries she had sustained. How? Why? No one will ever know for sure.

Mother Nature can be cruel. A week earlier people had noticed her odd behavior. She swam to the left, sometimes in small, frenzied circles next to her nest, but not on it. Her mate had taken her place. The community came together. Dozens of people tried to help. They watched and wondered, stopped their cars, and offered assistance. We consulted wildlife rescue groups, as well as Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown.

On that Monday morning, I was one of the people who stood and watched her listing like a sinking ship, her head sometimes underwater. She looked weak, lethargic, exhausted — near death. Someone speculated that she had gotten tangled in the pond vegetation. We secured a kayak and attempted a rescue. What we saw was worse than we had imagined. Her leg was tightly wrapped in a heavy mass of weeds. In freeing her, we saw that the leg was only bone, the skin sheared off, bleeding out. She was taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center where she died. On the park’s Facebook page, the outpouring of grief was overwhelming. But we were reminded that swans are not pets. The park did not own her; it only loved her.

On Saturday, April 1, the father swan was back on the nest, sitting on their eggs. Whether they will hatch, no one knows. But we’ll be watching.

Kerri Glynn Setauket

Dem Albany County DA Soares criticizes bail reform

David Soares is the Albany County district attorney. He’s an elected Democrat who happens to be Black, and is a fierce critic of the criminal justice reforms passed by his party’s Legislature. Soares was invited to address a Dem-run state Senate hearing on crime, until he was apparently disinvited. Shamefully the longtime prosecutor’s remarks had to be read into the record by someone else.

Given years of prosecutorial experiences, he shared some commonsense criticisms regarding New York’s bail reform laws. Ironically, members of his own party and leftist virtue signalers have refused to acknowledge his powerful critiques, while Republicans enjoyed ballot box successes

by embracing them. Soares in his own words:

“What you may not have heard before is a hard truth: That these reforms have had their most devastating impact on Black and brown communities. If you take an honest look at the data — the increases in crime, the victims of those crimes and the location of the most violent crimes — the connection is quite clear.

“At some point, repeated violations of the law and disrespect for the process has to be treated with the level of seriousness it deserves. If you deny that the release of hundreds of car thieves, burglars, drug dealers and petty thieves had an obvious impact on crime in New York, you’re denying common sense.

“In the mind of someone who is determined to break the law, the ability to repeat offenses over a short period of time with minimal repercussions serves only to incentivize such behavior.”

Regarding New York’s Raise the Age legislation, Soares said, “Transferring a case to family court often leads to the defendant being returned to the very community that led them down that path to begin with. Violent cases need to remain in the adolescent part to prevent further community harm.”

The Albany County district attorney reflected on the fact in the 15 years prior to 2020, we saw “the greatest gains in public safety in the history of New York state.”

Soares closed by saying, “However, pretending that accountability and the immobilization of criminals isn’t a critical part of public safety is akin to pretending the Earth is flat. Just because your echo chamber repeats it, doesn’t make it true.”

This kind of thinking has won him important allies in New York City such as Mayor Eric Adams [D] and historic first woman NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell. All three share much more than being Black. Far from the safety and rare air of leftist think tanks, they have been on the ground and seen the profoundly negative

effects bail reform laws have had, especially in neighborhoods of color.

Tragically, as minorities continue to suffer disproportionately from violent crime, those claiming to be their champions remain snuggly holed up in those friendly, flat-earth echo chambers, referenced by courageous DA David Soares.

Jim Soviero East Setauket

Support community newspapers, Albany

Passage of the proposed New York Local Journalism Sustainability Act by the state Legislature is important to assure survival of local journalism. Most communities are down to one local daily or weekly newspaper. Newspapers have to deal with increasing costs for newsprint, delivery and distribution along with reduced advertising revenues and competition from the internet and other news information sources.

Daily newspapers concentrate on international, Washington, Albany, business and sports stories. They have few reporters covering local neighborhood news. Weekly newspapers fill the void for coverage of local community news.

I’m grateful that your newspaper group has afforded me the opportunity to express my views via letters to the editor along with others who may have different opinions on the issues of the day.

Albany needs to join us in supporting weekly community newspapers. Readers patronize advertisers, who provide the revenues to help keep the newspapers in business.

Let us hope there continues to be room for TBR News Media chain publications such as The Times of Huntington, Northport & East Northport, The Times of Middle Country, The Village Times Herald, The Port Times Record, The Times of Smithtown and The Village Beacon Record.

Larry Penner Great Neck

WRITE TO US … AND KEEP IT LOCAL

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

Email letters to:

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

Pixabay photo

Opinion

This happy idiot has had enough of rancor and division

I

aisle, and I don’t believe a loss for the other side is as good, if not better, than a victory for me.

I’m not going to revel in the schadenfreude that has come to define so much of American life, in which taunting, making faces, humiliating or name-calling makes people happy.

of them.

More often than not, they talk about something relatable, like their day, the struggle to help their children, the search for a plumber who won’t charge too much or their excitement that their daughter just got into an extraordinarily competitive college.

D. None of the above

Whew, it feels good to get that off my chest. I know, I know. I’m supposed to find people who disagree with me, who come from a different political party, who celebrate different holidays or different religions annoying or frustrating. I’m supposed to look past those people at the ones who live and think like I do.

How do I know that? My political leaders

’m a happy idiot, or HI for short. I admit it. I’m even thinking of forming a club. No, it’s not a political party, and no, we’re not excluding anyone, which means that self-hating people will struggle to accept that we accept them without exception.and the pundits on TV spend a great deal of time telling me that other people are ruining my life, this country, history, religion, baseball and apple pie. Most apple pie has dairy in it anyway, and I’m allergic to dairy, not that I’m offended by dairy or anyone who eats it. I like watching people eat food with dairy, like ice cream, because I know it makes them happy, and as a charter member of the happy idiot club, I’m pleased to share vicariously in other people’s happiness.

I can’t ascribe to the endless need to bicker and find fault. It’s not who I am, and it’s not fun. Sure, people can be annoying and can say things that I find problematic or objectionable.

And, yes, I would take issue with anyone who trampled on principles I believe in or who, through word or deed, violated my sense of right or wrong or who broke the law.

As a matter of daily living, though, I don’t celebrate moments when the other side loses because I often have friends on both sides of any

We did it. So can you.

This is a shout-out to all would-be entrepreneurs. Saturday marks the 47th birthday of The Village Times and hence the beginning of Times Beacon Record News Media. So, if you are thinking of starting your own business or organization, stop thinking.

Just do it.

We know whereof we speak. I mention our start to prove what can be done with energy, commitment, good helpers and a dream.

And a little bit of luck.

Between

While we started in 1976, during a depression in the economy, women were beginning to enter the workplace. We had some of the brightest members of the community looking for work just when we needed help the most.

To start something new, unless it is philanthropic in nature, you will need money. Obtaining start-up funds will measure how good a salesperson you are. You will have to

communicate your idea and your passion to those from whom you are asking for funds.

We sold shares in a closed corporation to gather our initial underwriting.

Whom should you approach?

The answer to that depends on finding people who might share your passion for what you are starting or who love you enough to support your getting it off the ground. Unless you have tangible assets to offer as collateral, don’t bother going to most banks.

Since we were proposing starting a community newspaper, we went to members of the community and asked for their participation. At the time, the type of corporation we used limited us to 10 stockholders. I believe that is no longer the case. How much to ask?

We had no idea how much it would cost to get started, so we picked a number that we thought would not seriously affect any investor if it were lost. We also tried to estimate how much the market of investors would be willing to spend.

The result: We were woefully undercapitalized and have always run from behind. That’s exciting but not smart business

On a daily basis and apart from when I watch political leaders or pundits on TV, I find most people unobjectionable. When I start chatting with someone — whether that’s on the sidewalk, in the supermarket, at the gym, or at an early season baseball game — my first thought isn’t about how they might have voted for the wrong person or that they might believe in the wrong things. I don’t judge the tattoos on their arms, their piercings, or the different clothing they wear.

I listen to what they say and to how they say it and have found that they are as welcoming of me, with my untucked shirt and the endless array of sports paraphernalia I wear, as I am

With our phones, we have endless ways to connect with people from all over the state, the country and the world. Our political leaders, however, would have us believe that we should make an effort to disconnect or to disrespect those whom we consider different or other.

Well, as a happy idiot, I won’t scream at you and tell you whom to hate, fear or blame. Like me, you can enjoy the comfort of friends and neighbors hoping for a better tomorrow without the screaming, shouting, insulting or hating. Being happy doesn’t keep you from succeeding or working hard: it keeps you from wasting energy being annoyed, angry, irritated or fearful. So, come, join the happy party.

strategy. Ask others in your field who might be sympathetic to your efforts to estimate one year’s expenses, at the very least, and set that as your minimum goal.

When we ran out of money at a key moment, we were able to include one extra stockholder who brought us fresh cash. This was not necessarily appreciated by the other shareholders because it diluted their equity a bit. But we persevered.

It is vital that you know yourself. Being the founder is not for everyone. Most people would rather work for a company and receive a predictable paycheck rather than take chances every week with not meeting the payroll or being able to pay the bills. The boss has to deal with problems routinely that may seem far removed from the original goal of the company. Personnel matters are an example.

Don’t try to learn everything there is to know about your prospective business before you start, first because you can’t really know what lies ahead and also because you will learn more as you go forward. I believe we fell into every unimaginable briar patch that we could, including a move on us to become unionized,

despite the fact that no community newspaper in the state had a union, and a lengthy audit for proper classification of our staff.

That can happen to you. We learned from every thorny experience.

Also, we were protected by our ignorance and just plowed ahead. Not considering failure kept it from entering our thinking.

Surround yourself with good workers. You may not be able to afford experienced people in your field, but more importantly, find bright helpers who totally share your dream. They, and you, will learn as you go. And attribute the successes to them because none of us can go it alone. It is the staff of our newspapers and media company that earned us 11 prizes in this past week’s annual Better Newspaper Contest for New York State publishers. Yay for each one and for the whole team together.

We have been lucky in being accepted and patronized by our customers: readers and advertisers. I believe that if you offer your best work and respond to their needs, all while maintaining a brand known for integrity, your customers will make you a success.

BUSINESS MANAGER

Sandi Gross

CIRCULATION & LEGALS

MANAGER

Courtney Biondo

INTERNET STRATEGY DIRECTOR

Rob Alfano

AwardWinning Newspapers

Year After Year

Sheila Murray

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA We welcome letters, photographs, comments and story ideas. Send your items to P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733 or email rita@tbrnewsmedia.com. Times Beacon Record Newspapers are published every Thursday. Subscription $59/year • 631-751-7744 www.tbrnewsmedia.com • Contents copyright 2023 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Leah S. Dunaief GENERAL MANAGER Johness Kuisel MANAGING EDITOR Rita J. Egan EDITOR Rita J. Egan LEISURE EDITOR Heidi Sutton COPY EDITOR John Broven ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kathleen Gobos ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Elizabeth Bongiorno Robin Lemkin Larry Stahl Katherine Yamaguchi Minnie Yancey ART AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Beth Heller Mason PRODUCTION Janet Fortuna Sharon Nicholson CLASSIFIEDS DIRECTOR & SUBSCRIPTIONS

SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF

A BEST PLACE TO LIVE. A BEST HOSPITAL TO MATCH.

At Huntington Hospital, we deliver the advanced care you need, right in the town you love. That’s what it takes to be rated one of the best hospitals in the New York metro area by U.S. News & World Report.

From leading-edge robotic surgery to expert cancer care, we’re raising health every day. Because we don’t just want to be the best — we want what’s best for our community, too.

Northwell.edu/RegionsBest