The Times of Smithtown - November 26, 2020

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TIMES of SMITHTOWN

F O R T S A LO N G A • K I N G S PA R K • S M I T H TO W N • N E S C O N S E T • S T J A M E S • H E A D O F T H E H A R B O R • N I S S E Q U O G U E • H A U P PA U G E • C O M M A C K Vol. 33, No. 40

November 26, 2020

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Path to Nature’s Beauty New boardwalk almost completed in Avalon Nature Preserve

A5

Thanksgiving Coloring Contest Winners Announced

Also: Review of Netflix’s Jingle Jangle, Small Business Saturday, Eye on the Street

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JULIANNE MOSHER

Parking Venture

County and town officials celebrate the opening of new Kings Park lot — A5

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PAGE A2 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 26, 2020

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NOVEMBER 26, 2020 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A3

County

SCWA Discusses Big Task of 1,4 Dioxane Treatment for Hundreds of Wells BY KYLE BARR KYLE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM With a little under 600 wells in its system, the Suffolk County Water Authority has a big task ahead as it tries to comply with state mandates to remove the likely carcinogenic 1,4 dioxane from Long Island’s drinking water. On a Zoom call with TBR News Media, water authority officials talked about the current progress on remodeling the county’s water infrastructure, including 76 wells. It’s a difficult task, and there are many years and millions of dollars more needed before many of the county’s wells are remediated. The authority has estimated 45% of its wells were detected with 1,4 dioxane, which Jeffrey Szabo, the CEO of the SCWA, called “frightening.” For over a year, 1,4 dioxane has appeared in the news frequently. Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) signed legislation at the end of last year banning 1,4 dioxane, which is normally found in some household cleaning products. At the tail end of July this year, New York adopted regulations for the chemical, setting the maximum contaminant levels, or MCL, of 1 part per billion. 1,4 dioxane has been found in 70% of Long Island wells found during a federal testing initiative back in 2013 through 2015. The state has also set the MCL for PFOA and PFOS, both of which have been found to cause health issues in humans and animals, at a maximum of 10 parts per trillion. Perfluorooctane sulfonate, or PFOS, is a chemical often found in firefighting foams, and perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, is used in nonstick and stain-resistant products.

An example of one of the Advanced Oxidation Process, or AOP systems the Suffolk County Water Authority is using to clean county wells of 1,4 dioxane. File photo

Szabo said they are on their way to establishing treatment for the PFOA and PFOS in all wells that need it. The water authority’s October report states that all wells with those chemicals above the MCL limit are either being treated to remove the contaminants or are being blended to below the MCL or have been removed from service. Szabo said the water authority has granular activated carbon, or GAC filters that help remove the PFAS chemicals, but such carbon-based filters have little to no effect on 1,4 dioxane. Instead, the SCWA started almost a decade ago developing technology to remove another similar chemical, 1,3 dioxane from drinking water. In 2017, SCWA engineers designed and piloted the first full-scale pilot 1,4-dioxane treatment system in state history. The authority’s Advanced

Oxidation Process, or AOP treatment system is currently operational in only one location, Central Islip. That design process “took a long time and a lot of money,” Szabo said. The water authority CEO said they now have 56 AOP treatment systems in construction in Suffolk, including in Farmingdale and Huntington. There are AOP treatment systems being designed for places on the North Shore such as Sunken Meadow Park, but in many cases it’s not as simple as installing a new filter, as it often takes reconfiguring and additional electrical work. Clearing and site work continues for future AOP sites and electrical upgrade work is beginning at sites such as Flower Hill Road in Huntington. In some cases it’s simply easier and cheaper to replace old wells, such as on Old Dock Road in Kings Park, which is replacing

two wells on Carlson Avenue both of which need AOP systems. Not only that, but there is an apparent yearlong lead time from when the authority orders a new system to when it can be installed. Despite recent efforts, funding continues to be the biggest issue. Each GAC system costs around $1 million to manufacture. An AOP system is closer to $2.5 million. At the end of last year, the SCWA estimated efforts to remediate such wells would cost $177 million over the next five years. The October report states the authority has spent close to $12 million to date for PFAS related work and $23,136,397 for emerging contaminant work. The water authority passed a $20 fee added to residents’ quarterly water bills starting this year to help pay for this new water treatment. Though even with that fee, it’s not likely enough to cover the full cost. The water authority has also filed lawsuits against several companies whose products contain PFOA, PFOS or 1,4 dioxane. Those suits are still ongoing. The SCWA has received $13.3 million in grants from New York State and has submitted additional applications for state grant funding for 14 of its wells. The water authority is also waiting on a bill in the state legislature which could provide some extra financial assistance. A bill supported by state Sen. Jim Gaughran (D-Northport) and Assemblyman Fred Thiele (I-Sag Harbor) that would provide reimbursement for emerging contaminant grants by responsible parties has passed the state senate but currently remains in committee in the assembly.

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PAGE A4 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 26, 2020

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NOVEMBER 26, 2020 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A5

Town

Officials Celebrate New Pulaski Road Parking Lot BY JULIANNE MOSHER JULIANNE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Town officials joined together to celebrate the completion of a new municipal parking lot located on Pulaski Road in downtown Kings Park. On Monday, Nov. 23, Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R) was joined by Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) to mark the new parking spaces and its quick completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This completed project, finished just one year from the date of award, comes at a crucial time when many restaurants have used portions of their parking lots to expand outdoor dining,” Wehrheim said. “However, in the long term, the municipal lot will create a more pedestrianfriendly downtown that supports walkability, increases foot traffic to local businesses and decreases traffic congestion.” In October last year, Bellone signed a bill awarding the Town of Smithtown $500,000 in county Jumpstart funding to build the lot in downtown Kings Park on Pulaski Road, right off of Main Street. The Jumpstart program is part of a comprehensive economic development plan designed to encourage, foster and enhance the planning and developments of Suffolk’s

downtowns. Since 2013, the county has awarded almost $14.5 million in funds. “The fact that we’re standing in this parking lot today, basically a year from when this bill was signed, is an extraordinary act of efficiency and excellence by the Town of Smithtown,” Bellone said. “My hat’s off to you and your team for getting this done.” The new lot features 23 spaces and several electric charging stations. To celebrate the upcoming holidays, the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce decorated the lot with festive wreaths. “You don’t often describe parking lots as beautiful,” Bellone added. “But this is a beautiful parking lot.” The lot will help small business, as parking is a constant concern in local downtowns, especially with spots taken over by outdoor dining. Members from the chamber of commerce and the officials in attendance all agreed that shopping and dining in downtowns will help the local economy. “The small business community has been hard hit across Long Island,” said Vision Long Island’s Eric Alexander. “A government that listened on multiple levels and funded — this is how you do good downtown projects. This is wonderful.” According to Wehrheim, the Kings Park

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim cut the ribbon at the new parking lot on Pulaski Road. Photo by Julianne Mosher

Downtown Market Analysis and Action Plan was completed by Larisa Ortiz Associates in 2017. The study determined that businesses along “restaurant row” were suffering due to a lack of sufficient parking. The analysis was backed up by public polling from both

residents and business owners. “We have to do everything that we can to support small businesses, not only to survive this crisis, but to get back to thriving,” Bellone said. “We will get through this and we will overcome this.”

Park Improvements Continue at Avalon Nature Preserve BY RITA J. EGAN RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Enjoying the great outdoors has become even easier at Avalon Nature Preserve. Visitors to the preserve in Head of the Harbor, adjoining Stony Brook, will soon see the completion of a much-anticipated boardwalk. While nature lovers in the last few weeks have been able to enjoy the new boardwalk at the preserve, the Monday after Thanksgiving will see work begin for the installation of additional railings. The work will close part of the boardwalk near the grist mill Monday through Thursday, but it will be open to visitors Friday through Sunday. Katharine Griffiths, director of Avalon Nature Preserve, said the boardwalk should be completed by the beginning of the new year. The boardwalk and other projects are part of the park’s strategic master plan. Work on the boardwalk began in March, but once the pandemic hit, construction halted for 10 weeks, according to Griffiths. Once work was able to begin again, production was delayed sporadically due to wait times on materials, as many supply chains were slowed due to the pandemic. Originally, the hope was for the

boardwalk to be completed in May. Griffiths said the preserve has also installed new benches along the boardwalk, and the upper frog pond is being repaired due to a hole in the liner. Trail systems have been redone and many paths have been resurfaced during the last few months, and due to the renovations, the park’s labyrinth will now only have one access point. Restorative plantings have been placed around the labyrinth as well as other areas in the park, and Griffiths said they will be more plantings in the spring. Currently, the frog pond and labyrinth are closed due to the renovations. With many seeking outdoor activities during the pandemic, Griffiths said she has seen an increase in visitors. “When the world feels a little crazy, people want to come here to feel better,” she said. Head of the Harbor resident Harlan Fischer said he visits the park often with his dogs. While he hasn’t seen all of the improvements yet, he’s thrilled with what he has seen so far. He described the preserve as an asset to the area. “It’s a really neat place, the nature preserve,” he said. “Kathy Griffiths sees everything gets done and is really good at this.”

Visitors to Avalon Nature Preserve will find a new boardwalk along the mill pond. Photo by Rita J. Egan

The park abuts the T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond Park, which also will be undergoing a makeover of sorts. Maintained by The Ward Melville Heritage Organization, the duck pond park is in need of restoration after damage sustained during Tropical Storm Isaias in August when more than a dozen trees fell as the storm ripped through the park. There was also

major damage to the park’s braille-engraved handrails, the borders maintaining the gardens and the walkways along the pond. The entrance to Avalon Nature Preserve is located at the corner of Harbor Road and Route 25A in Stony Brook. Additional parking is available on Shep Jones Lane in Head of the Harbor.

PAGE A6 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 26, 2020

Perspectives

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The Suffolk County School Superintendents Association said all Long Islanders can take steps to ensure that schools stay open by taking precautions such as wearing masks. Photo from Smithtown Central School District

Protecting the Next Generation of Long Islanders

Since schools opened in September, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services has analyzed data from approximately 900 positive COVID-19 cases reported by local school officials. Based on their analysis, they have found that our school reopening plans are working, as they have not seen evidence of school-based transmission. The increase in cases we are now seeing across the region, the anticipated second wave of COVID, results from community spread. The SCDHS has indicated that students are safer in school than outside of school. Their findings confirm that it is more important than ever to keep our schools open, which also allows us to keep our economy viable and our workforce productive by enabling our essential workers to remain available. Furthermore, it helps limit community spread and, most importantly, allows our children to learn and interact in a safe school setting. There are a few steps all Long Islanders can take to assure that our schools remain open and safe. These include taking the precautions that health officials have been promoting for months: wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene and adhere to social distancing guidelines. These basic steps that we’ve heard so much about are the underpinning of our schools’ success in responding to the pandemic. The Suffolk County School Superintendents Association has been diligently cooperating with the SCDHS since February to coordinate schools’ COVID-19 response. Second, it is essential that community members cooperate with school and county health department efforts to increase testing, and when necessary, participate in contact tracing. Increased testing is essential in order to respond to anticipated community spread. The state has embraced a micro-cluster approach to

addressing outbreaks. Accordingly, increased testing will be required to keep schools open in certain hot zones. Schools will be asking community members to cooperate in these efforts to assure that testing sample sizes are large enough to accurately determine the concentration of cases and to meet state requirements for remaining open. Third, all Long Islanders should be advocating for a federal stimulus package that includes support for state and local governments. On average, Long Island school districts have spent nearly $1.7 million responding to the pandemic. This includes everything from keeping the schools disinfected, to PPE, to laptops and Chromebooks for remote learning, to increased classroom staffing and transportation costs due to social distancing requirements. Schools are incurring these costs while the state is threatening to reduce aid due to revenue shortfalls. The schools and local property taxpayers cannot afford such a loss. Long Islanders must join their school districts in advocating for more federal support. Finally, individuals have to start making better decisions in order to halt community spread. We must adhere to state attendance limits at essential family functions, forgo or delay nonessential family and social functions, and cancel nonessential travel. Why jeopardize the education of our children and the health of family and friends by failing to take these common-sense steps? So that’s it, an action plan for all Long Islanders. Four simple steps we can all take to help move beyond this pandemic and limit the impact it has on our next generation. Gary Bixhorn and Ronald Masera Executive Director and President, Suffolk County School Superintendents Association

NOVEMBER 26, 2020 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A7

County

New Bike Bill Aims To Protect Drivers and Cyclists on the Road BY JULIANNE MOSHER JULIANNE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM Suffolk County lawmakers are looking to tackle bicyclists who have been intimidating drivers across Long Island. There have been several different reports of reckless bicyclists putting themselves and others in danger on the road, which included a group of teenagers who harassed a Terryville gym over the summer. County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) said she had a “terrifying” experience first-hand a few years ago. While traveling down Route 25A at night, a person wearing all black began popping wheelies toward her car in the middle of the street. “I wasn’t going fast,” she said. “I chose to stop in the middle of the roadway. It was really scary, and whoever it was, was recklessly trying to frighten me.” Back in September, county Legislator Rudy Sunderman (R-Mastic) introduced a “reckless biking” bill, which he advanced from Legislator Tom Muratore (R-Ronkonkoma) who passed away from cancer that same month. After talking with other towns and villages in both Nassau and Suffolk counties, Sunderman

said that although he represents the South Shore, the issue is widespread across the Island. “Other areas that we spoke to [with a bill in place] have already seen a decline in reckless biking,” he said. If Sunderman’s bill passes, it would prohibit cyclists from trick riding or weaving through traffic. Violators could also see their bikes impounded, receive $250 fines, or spend 15 days in jail. And on the North Shore, Hahn said she had been receiving complaints from other people from the area regarding similar concerns of packs of children doing similar things on Route 112, Nesconset Highway and Middle Country Road. “It’s dangerous,” she said. “The police aren’t able to do very much. They need a tool to confiscate the bike to individuals who do this.” But along with concerned residents reaching out, Hahn said she was hearing criticism over Sunderman’s bill from bicyclist groups who use their bikes recreationally. “The intent is very good, and it is needed to curb this kind of [bad] activity,” she said. “The groups absolutely agree with the fact that anyone who rides in a pack and pops wheelies in traffic, that should happen. But because they’re experienced

Teenagers across the North Shore have been seen playing chicken with motorists by cycling into oncoming traffic, popping wheelies in the middle of the road and more. File photo from SCPD

bicyclists, they see the real danger every day.” Hahn said she is in full support of Sunderman’s reckless biking bill, but there were a few small pieces to his legislation that she wanted to suggest improvements. Her bill was laid out on Nov. 4. “Suffolk County is notorious for not being safe for bicyclists,” she said. “The purpose of my law is just to make drivers aware — give the

cyclists the room, close your door when someone is passing you, people are not looking out.” Her bill, which will go to public hearing on Dec. 1, will help drivers of cars and bikes be more educated of the dangers they both could face if they choose to act irresponsibly. A decision, or amending, of Sunderman’s bill will be decided on Dec. 15.

Local Pharmacies Concerned Over Amazon Pharmacy BY JULIANNE MOSHER JULIANNE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Amazon says it can save people money on their medications, but local pharmacy owners say there’s a big problem with that: There won’t be that human element customers get from a pharmacist behind the counter if they order from behind a computer screen. This week the online retailer announced new pharmacy offerings to help customers purchase their prescription medications through Amazon Pharmacy — a new store on the website that provides an entire pharmacy transaction through an Amazon account. “People like their community pharmacy,” said Mike Nastro, owner of Fairview Pharmacy & Homecare Supply in Port Jefferson Station. “I take care of the specialty patient populations that require intimate service — hopefully that will sustain me.” Amazon Pharmacy states that by using a secure pharmacy profile, customers can add their insurance information, manage prescriptions and choose payment options before checking out. Amazon Prime members will receive unlimited, free two-day delivery on orders through the online shop. But this announcement isn’t new, according to Nastro. “They’ve been talking about this for a

while,” he said. “It’s going to hurt the industry a lot. It may hurt the chains more initially, but it’ll hurt the entire brick-and-mortar industry.” Two years ago, Amazon purchased PillPack, an online pharmacy startup, in a $753 million acquisition. “As more and more people look to complete everyday errands from home, pharmacy is an important and needed addition to the Amazon online store,” Doug Herrington, senior vice president of North America Consumer at Amazon, said in a statement. “PillPack has provided exceptional pharmacy service for individuals with chronic health conditions for over six years. Now, we’re expanding our pharmacy offering to Amazon.com, which will help more customers save time, save money, simplify their lives and feel healthier.” Nastro said that there are many benefits with personal pharmacy service like privacy and face-to-face communication. “We keep people out of the hospital by intervening, and by knowing the person and seeing what medications they’re on,” he said. “It’s an important role, and if that’s obliterated it will have an adverse effect on the medical industry.” Peter Goldstein, a staff pharmacist at Jones Drug Store in Northport, said in the 30-plus years he’s been in the industry, Amazon will not be able to help patients like he and his colleagues do.

Many pharmacists such as Michael DeAngelis, of Village Chemists of Setauket, above, said brick-and-mortar employees can provide a more personal touch than Amazon. Photos by Julianne Mosher

“I will put my service against any mail order or Amazon any day,” he said. “We know the patients, especially in the community. We know their family history and there’s so much that goes into it, that quite frankly people will miss. What will you do if your insulin gets sent to the wrong site?” Goldstein noted something like storing medications at the required room temperature is an issue if it ends up sitting in a mailbox. “It’s personal touches that we take for granted,” he said. And one of those personal touches is quick delivery that Nastro’s store has been

doing all along. “We’re not there in two days,” he said. “We’re there in two hours.” Michael DeAngelis, owner of Village Chemists of Setauket, said his family has owned their store since 1960. DeAngelis and his father saw the changes in pharmaceutical care throughout the years although this is a whole new level. “We managed to survive Genovese, Eckerd, Rite Aid and now Walgreens,” he said. “[Those stores] even sent people here to solve a problem or order something they couldn’t get.” While COVID-19 has conditioned people to stay indoors more, DeAngelis said contacting a pharmacy store is a different experience. “If you call the Village Chemists, you will not get a machine that makes you listen to an endless menu,” he said. “You will get a human being who will be more than happy to answer any of your questions.” These local pharmacists want people to know they are here for them and will be, despite the larger competition coming their way. “Community pharmacists are really your advocate,” Nastro said. “With Amazon, what you’re not going to have is that personal service. It’s not just buying goods — we both have medication — there’s a service that comes with that medication and that service keeps people out of the hospital. It keeps people alive.”

PAGE A8 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 26, 2020

Holiday Grief: A TBR Series

’Tis the Season, and the Year, to Check on the Elderly BY DANIEL DUNAIEF DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

“will be hiring more clinical staff to provide care,” Palekar explained. Elderly residents are trapped in a battle between the fear of contracting the virus and the impact of loneliness, which can increase the rate of depression, anxiety and cognitive impairment, Palekar added. Indeed, the number of nursing home residents contracting the virus has increased in the country and in Suffolk County, according County Executive Steve Bellone (D) during a Tuesday call with reporters. For people who are battling against the loneliness triggered by isolation, “our recommendation to our elderly patients is to use televideo conferencing to connect with their loved ones, peers and support groups,” Palekar wrote.

Before, during and after major storms, state and local officials typically urge residents to check on elderly friends and neighbors to make sure they have what they need. While the pandemic hasn’t torn up trees or left a physical mess strewn across impassable roadways, it has triggered the kind of problems residents might have during an ongoing storm. Indeed, after a brutal spring that included school and business lockdowns followed by a summer respite when the number of infected people declined, the fall has proceeded the way many infectious disease experts had anticipated, with a resurgence in positive tests, steadily rising hospital bed occupancy and the possibility of renewed lockdowns. Ongoing Stress All of this is happening against the For Baby Boomers, concerns about backdrop of a time when elderly residents loneliness predated the pandemic, said Adam typically welcome friends and extended Gonzalez, founding director of the Mindfamily during Thanksgiving and through the Body Clinical Research Center and Assistant December holidays. Many Professor of Psychiatry at people have canceled the Renaissance School of or postponed seasonal Medicine at Stony Brook rituals indefinitely, things University. that normally offer an “COVID adds a whole opportunity to reconnect. ‘nother layer of barriers Holidays are a that might get in the way “needed process that are of people connecting,” embedded in our culture Gonzalez said. “It’s and society and, for most, definitely a high-stress bring significant joy and and overwhelming time purpose,” said Dr. Youssef for many.” Hassoun, medical director Indeed, ongoing stress, of South Oaks Hospital. including from concerns “For the elderly, that about COVID, can trigger is exaggerated, simply cognitive stress. —Dr. Youssef Hassoun because that is their time “Stress can make it to connect back with their harder for people to think,” loved ones.” said Chris Christodoulou, Elderly residents are research assistant professor of Psychiatry & managing, though they are feeling numerous Behavioral Health and Neurology at Stony stressors. Brook University’s Renaissance School of The mental health toll on elderly residents Medicine. When people are thrown out of their has increased since the pandemic began. In habits, that can be “disorienting and stressful.” the first few months after the virus upended A stressful situation can also reveal life on Long Island, the number of elderly cognitive vulnerability for people who are residents seeking mental health support suddenly unsure of themselves and their declined at Stony Brook, according to Nikhil environment. Palekar, associate professor of Psychiatry and “Chronic stress changes our brains in ways Director of Geriatric Psychiatry at Stony Brook that are not healthy and may contribute to University’s Renaissance School of Medicine. lots of diseases, including those affecting the In the last few months, “we have seen a brain,” Christodoulou said. significant increase in referrals our center has As for what to pay close attention to when received for mental health services,” Palekar checking in on elderly residents, Palekar explained in an email. suggested that people listen for key words Stony Brook has not had to increase their or phrases, such as “feel lonely,” “don’t like staffing yet, but if the demand for mental health myself,” “poor sleep and appetite,” or “can’t services continues to be as high as it has been stop worrying.” Additionally, members of a for the past couple of months, the university support network should pay close attention if

‘For the elderly, [that need for holiday joy] is exaggerated, simply because that is their time to connect back with their loved ones.’

Medical experts such as Dr. Youssef Hassoun, below, recommend families looking into different ways to connect with the elderly during the pandemic, including using iPads and the like for a Zoom Thanksgiving. Photo from Northwell Health

others feel helpless, can’t concentrate, have lost interest in doing things or are tired all day.

Solutions

Christodoulou said activities like yoga and aerobic exercise can prevent and slow the decline in cognition. Hassoun also urged residents to have an open conversation with elderly family members. “We are very good at assuming that someone appreciates” the risks of larger or even mediumsized family gatherings, Hassoun said. People may understand those risks differently. The South Oaks Hospital medical director suggested conversations begin not with the unknowns related to potential sicknesses or even new tests, treatments and vaccines, but rather with the knowns of what’s working. While residents may be tired of hearing it, the reality is that masks, social distancing and hand hygiene have reduced the spread of COVID-19, along with other pathogens and microbes that might spread through family contact during the holidays. Doctors and mental health professionals urged people to be creative in their efforts to connect with others this year. “How can we get dad, who has never enjoyed looking at an iPad, let alone using it, to find it more fun to have a Zoom Thanksgiving

together?” Hassoun asked. He added that these unconventional Thanksgiving interactions could be a way to connect relatives and even children who may not participate as actively in group discussions during these holiday meals. Residents can improve the holiday during this challenging year by making the most of each interaction, even if it’s not in the familiar personal setting.

Community News

NOVEMBER 26, 2020 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A9

New Walkway Adjoins Nesconset Gazebo to Armory Park The custom built walkway, railing and brick work was integrated into the natural hill which leads from Charles P. Toner Park to the Nesconset Gazebo, according to the press release. Stone masonry work was custom designed and constructed by the Smithtown Department of Parks and Grounds, led by Joseph Arico. Recently completed renovations at the Charles P. Toner Park include brand new LED lighting and new surfacing at the playground and spray park. “We have our concert series in the park every summer here, and we’ve watched the patrons struggle to get up and down this hill for years to make use of the facilities and grounds,” said Frank Scagluso of the Nesconset Chamber of Commerce. “And when I look at this beautiful stonework and design, it’s not just some linear staircase … it’s designed so that it’s not intrusive to walk on. We’ve mentioned the many projects that the town has completed here in Nesconset earlier, and we believe this is just the latest in improvements that are proving to be advantageous for the hamlet and its residents.”

Thank You

to those risking their lives and keeping us safe and supplied

During these difficult times, tips to reduce anxiety: • Practice deep breathing and relaxation • Meditate • Connect with friends and family by telephone or online • Use visualization & guided imagery • Exercise, try to take a walk • Distract yourself by setting small goals • Mindfulness

REMEMBER TO KEEP SOCIAL DISTANCING AND THAT THIS WILL END If you would like a confidential, compassionate professional person to talk to,I am a psychotherapist working with adults, couples and families who are dealing with anxiety, depression, bereavement and trauma. Wishing you serenity and good health,

Nancy F. Solomon, LCSW, P.C. 47 Route 25A Setauket, NY 11733 631-941-0400

Visitors to Nesconset library and Charles P. Toner Park will find a new walkway up the hill . Photo from Town of Smithtown

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Smithtown officials joined the Nesconset Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the completion of a new custom built walkway Nov. 10, according to a press release from the Town of Smithtown. Members of Nesconset Chamber commended the town for the finished project which joins the Gazebo to the Nesconset library and Charles P. Toner Park. The new walkway, which was built into a hill, improves access to the gazebo which is home to many concerts and events for the community. “It’s hard not to get nostalgic being here at a park named after a mentor of mine, Charles “Buster” Toner,” said town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. “This property, formerly a state armory, is now home to a library, a venue for concerts, a park with many features like the track, sports fields, trails, dog runs, playground and water park … and now it’s all connected. I want to acknowledge and thank Joe Arico and his extremely talented team at the Parks Department. Together as a team, this town board remains committed to constantly improving these amenities and look forward to adding new ones for the residents to enjoy.”

PAGE A10 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 26, 2020

From Cold Spring Harbor to Wading River – TBR NEWS MEDIA • Six Papers...Plus Our Website...One Price

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NOVEMBER 26, 2020 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A11

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

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PAGE A12 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 26, 2020

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HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

For Junior Installers & Jr. Service Techs w/ 2yrs Experience.

State of the art, fee for service Prosthodontic Practice seeks intelligent and committed individual to join our staff as a Part-time Front Desk Receptionist for 20-25 hrs./wk. If employment in a respectful patient-centered dental office is what you are looking for, we look forward to meeting you. Required Qualifications • 2 yrs experience in dental office • Computer competence: Dentrix Software • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Strong interpersonal skills to maintain positive and effective rapport with patients, their families, referring Dental and Medical professionals, as well as our office staff. • Ability to prioritize a busy day, while placing our patients’ needs first. References needed • Non-smoker

Please submit a letter of interest and completed RPUFSD non-instructional application to Susann Crossan, Superintendent, Rocky Point UFSD, 90 Rocky Point-Yaphank Road, Rocky Point, NYÂ 11778 EOE - Visit rockypointschools.org for more information.

Suffolk County established caterer (35+ years) with clients from Montauk to Manhattan. Immediate opening for culinary professional with minimum 6 years off-premises catering experience. Will be responsible for maintaining menu & brand identity, ensure food is prepared properly, aesthetically pleasing, and manage kitchen operations and staff (under 10). Collaborate with management on inventory, budget, and food presentation. New American cuisine. Plant-based, Latin & Asian a plus. Responsibilities include: Purchase food & supplies from vendors approved by the company; monitor & track inventory (minimize waste, ensure quality & freshness); develop menus & create new dishes seasonally; hire, train & supervise kitchen personnel; stay current on industry trends; identify new culinary techniques & presentations; assist kitchen staff with food prep; strong knowledge of food handling health code regulations; provide direction & supervision to kitchen staff. Weekly hours vary from 40-60 hours to include Saturday & some Sunday events. Compensation negotiable.

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Clean-Ups LET STEVE DO IT Clean-ups, yards, basements, whole house, painting, tree work, local moving and anything else. Totally overwhelmed? Call Steve @ 631-745-2598, leave message.

Decks DECKS ONLY BUILDERS & DESIGNERS Of Outdoor Living By Northern Construction of LI. Decks, Patios/Hardscapes, Pergolas, Outdoor Kitchens and Lighting. Since 1995. Lic/Ins. 3rd Party Financing Available. 105 Broadway, Greenlawn. 631-651-8478. www.DecksOnly.com

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NOVEMBER 26, 2020 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A13

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Power Washing

Tree Work

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PAGE A14 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 26, 2020

PROF E S SION A L & B U SI N E S S Â?

Professional Services Directory

ALWAYS BUYING

FREE

• Glassware • Military Items • China • Anything Old or Unusual

• Old Mirrors • Lamps • Clocks • Watches • Furniture

Single size • $228/4 weeks Double size • $296/4 weeks Ask about our 13 & 26 week special rates

(631) 751.7663 or (631) 331.1154

LICENSED & BONDED

Call 631-633-9108

Š108135

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

631.681.9723

bluesmanpianotuning@gmail.com bluesmanpianotuning.com Š108286

HOME SERV ICES /,(;05. :7,*0(30:;

PAGE F

Since 1998

• Masonry • Foundation Waterproofing

Lic. # H-27572/Insured

9,1&(17 $/)$12 )851,785( 5(6725$7,21

Š108172

::: (;3(57)851,785(5(6725$7,21 &20 Family Owned & We Can Repair Anything! Complete Woodworking & Finishing Shop 40 Years Experience

Š106599

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V i l l a g e

Outdoor Furniture • Sand Blasting • Powder Coating

631.707.1228

343 So. Country Rd., Brookhaven

PICK-UP & DELIVERY

• Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing • Upholstery • Table Pads • Water & Fire Damage Restoration • Insurance Estimates Licensed/Insured

IS OUR SPECIALTY!

• Siding • Trim Work • Repairs

Š103265

NO JOB TOO BIG... NO JOB TOO SMALL!

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Lic # 27369-HI/Ins

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Place your ad in the Service Directory for 26 weeks and get 4 weeks FREE

going on now

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Lic. #57478-ME

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SIDING

Reliable...Dependable...Quality Work

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Call Today (631) 751.7663 or (631) 331.1154 • FAX (631) 751.8592

Š107173

Place Your Ad in the

Buy 4 weeks and get the 5th week

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

NOVEMBER 26, 2020 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A15

HOME SERV ICES

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154 PAGE B

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Additions & renovations, decks, windows, doors, siding, kitchens, baths, roofs & custom carpentry. We love small jobs too!

ALL PRO PAINTING (;3(5,(1&(' $1' 5(/,$%/(

www.BluStarBuilders.com

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Lic. #48714-H & Insured

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INTERIOR • EXTERIOR

CO N S T R U C T I O N

Taping Spackling

From Your Attic To Your Basement

All Phases of Home Improvement

Decorative Finishes

Power Washing

K I TC H E N S • B AT H R O O M S • D O O R S • W I N D O W S • T I L E • F LO O R I N G

SPECIALIZING IN FINISHED BASEMENTS

Š98354

COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL • LIC. #H-32198/INS | OWNER OPERATED

Š108383

(631) 580-4518

Wallpaper Removal

PAINTING & DESIGN

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Jay A. Spillman Painting Co.

: , 1 1 ( 56

Port Jefferson Station (631) 331–3712 • (631) 525-2206 HOME ADVISOR jkspill@optonline.net

Lic. #17856-H/Ins.

Over 35 Years in Business

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www.rcjconstruction.com

Spackling & Taping Wallpaper Removal Quality Prep Work Specializing in Interior/Exterior

Š107668

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

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(631) 744-1577

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Construction

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Service Directory for 26 weeks and get 4 weeks

FREE

POWER WASHING

Š101248

“We take pride in our work�

FREE ESTIMATES

Ryan Southworth 631-331-5556

Licensed/Insured

89810

#37074-H; RI 18499-10-34230

CERTIFIED LEAD PAINT REMOVAL

Since 1989

Š106304

Call Today Š (631) 751-7663 or (631) 331-1154 FAX (631) 751-8592

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

PAGE A16 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 26, 2020

HOME SERV ICES

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154 PAGE A

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Specializing in all phases of fencing: Wood • PVC • Chain Link • Stockade

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70 Jayne Blvd., Port Jeff Station (631) 743-9797

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Licensed/Insured

105 Broadway Greenlawn 631.651.8478 www.DecksOnly.com

~Advertise Your Seasonal Services~

Firewood & Chimney Work • Home Improvement Painting & Siding • Furniture Restoration Heating & Plumbing, etc. Š101796

Call Our Classifieds Advertising Department

631-331–1154 or 631-751–7663

Special Rates NOW Available!

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FREE ESTIMATES COMMERCIAL/ RESIDENTIAL

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NOVEMBER 26, 2020 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A17

R E A L ESTAT E Rentals

HOUSE HUNTING?

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Rentals to Share OFFICE MATEEAST SETAUKET Pyschotheraphy office, bathroom and waiting room to share, great location, highly desirable. 631-767-5153, JanninePergolla11@gmail.com

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class@tbrnewsmedia.com TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA

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877-516-1160

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Special Financing Available Subject to Credit Approval

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Find it at your fingertips...ON EVERY DEVICE • tbrnewsmedia.com

FREE Information Kit

1-855-225-1434

Get help paying dental bills and keep more money in your pocket

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Garage Sales

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SINGLE $189.00 4 weeks DOUBLE $277.00 4 weeks

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From Cold Spring Harbor to Wading River – TBR NEWS MEDIA • Six Papers...Plus Our Website...One Price

CLASSIFIEDS

ADS

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High visibility office for rent on 25A in charming stand alone professional office building. Excellent road signage. 650 sq. ft. Private entrance, 2 private bathrooms, private A/C and heating controls. Light and bright. Ample parking. Previous tenants included an atty, an accountant & a software developer.

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PUBLISHERS’ NOTICE All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.� We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

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1-855-225-1434 Visit us online at

www.dental50plus.com/nypress MB17-NM003Ec

PAGE A18 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 26, 2020

Editorial Letters to the Editor Newspapers Vs. Social Media The Truth and Donald Trump A reader recently called the office and asked a member of the editorial staff why social media companies like Facebook and Twitter have been shielded from lawsuits over the content users post on their platforms, while newspaper editors usually take extra precautions when publishing letters to the editor. Social media platforms have been covered by Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, as they are not considered moderators of content provided by their users, but distributors. The same act protects distributors of books, magazines and newspapers. It is a law that has become controversial, as The New York Times has pointed out, since it also covers websites that propagate hate speech. Websites can effectively set their own rules for what is and what is not allowed. However, regarding newspapers, readers will often find that letters to the editor pages in many publications such as ours stress that the opinions of columnists and letter writers are their own. They do not speak for the newspaper. We also edit letters for length, libel, style and good taste, and the editorial department vets them to ensure factual accuracy. While social media companies and internet service providers are protected under Section 230, newspapers, radio and television stations are held to a higher standard, allegedly due to their ability to moderate content and maintain editorial control. At the same time, more social media sites are expressly moderating people’s posts. Facebook recently cited that it’s detecting and removing most hate speech before anyone sees it. If the argument was these sites didn’t have the capacity to moderate all its content, it is in the strange spot of arguing at the same time that it effectively can. While outside content across the worldwide web is innumerable and almost impossible to keep track of, with a newspaper the content can be reviewed by an editor. Although most newspapers, including ours, are open to printing readers’ opinions no matter what side of the political aisle a person may take, as a privately owned business we have the option to decline to publish anything that comes across our desks. Based on our standard of ethics, letters can be declined if they include racist comments or defamatory statements — such as accusing a person of a crime, a breach of ethics or professional dishonesty. Newspapers can potentially bear the responsibility of being held accountable under libel laws if a letter claims something about a person that is known to be false or should have been known by the editorial staff. Of course, it’s hard to litigate libel in New York state, as one has to prove the defamation was made with actual malice. Local newspapers like ours don’t always have the luxury of having numerous letters to choose from and, being familiar with the different viewpoints of community members, we have the right to decide not to publish letters that express extreme views. Still, we do our best to provide an outlet where everyone feels they can express their opinions and exercise their freedom of speech. However, unlike most posts on social media, we also understand the importance of protecting our community members as best as we can from hearsay. Regarding Section 230, it may be time to hold social media accountable for the content that pops up in a person’s newsfeed. Let’s not forget which accounts have been suspended by Twitter or those who have been thrown in “Facebook jail.” It seems as if the technology is out there to decipher false claims and what is otherwise hate speech. The fact that these corporations seem to want autonomy while displaying they have the capacity to monitor their users’ messaging is untenable — the general political divisiveness and the proliferation of so much mistruth are reasons enough that laws need to change. Considering how many rely on social media for information, it may be time for these platforms to step up to the plate and verify what their consumers read or risk government reform.

A letter to the editor published Nov. 19 in this newspaper begins, “There is only one truth.” I heartily agree with the writer, Art Billadello, on this statement if on nothing else. So, here’s the one and only truth. Biden won. Trump lost. It wasn’t that close. In fact, former Vice President Joe Biden’s (D) electoral vote in 2020 was the exact same as President Donald Trump’s (R) in 2016. In 2016, Trump termed his victory a “massive landslide.” In 2020 even if you flip the only two states Biden won by fewer than 20,000 votes, Arizona and Georgia — each of which he still won by a margin in excess of 10,000 votes — Biden still wins. Here’s what’s really troubling about the 2020 election and its aftermath. It shows how weak the American commitment to democracy is. In spite of all our talk over the decades of being a beacon of democracy for the world, and our belief that “it can’t happen here,” in fact it can happen here. It can happen because many Americans are all too ready to believe a big lie and throw democracy overboard. Trump is abusing his authority as president, attempting to corrupt an

election process run by countless honest citizens doing their duty, of either party or no party. He’s spread baseless conspiracy theories about the election. He tried to pressure the Republican leaders of the Michigan Legislature in a state he lost by over 150,000 votes, to appoint Trump electors in place of the electors chosen by the voters. He’d happily disenfranchise millions of voters and overturn democracy as long as he doesn’t have to accept reality. Which is: He lost. The voters of America turned him out. For months before the election, Trump loudly proclaimed the only possible result of a so-called “fair” election would be his own victory. If that’s the case why bother having an election at all? Why not instead have a reality TV “election” with the same old foreordained outcome: Trump’s the boss, and Trump always wins. That’s what all too many Trump partisans seem to want — who cares what the actual outcome of the election was? What counts is what Trump says, no matter how false. Virtually all the lawsuits brought by the Trump campaign are being laughed out of court. Courts employ “rules of

evidence.” There is no evidence for the wildly exaggerated and unsubstantiated claims brought by his campaign. Which are very much like the unsubstantiated claims made in the Letter to the Editor, referred to above. Not a single fact, just lots and lots of wild accusations. As well as being the most corrupt president in American history, Trump will go down as the sorest loser in American history. No doubt Trump and his acolytes consider it a great victory to at least do all they can to undermine a Biden administration before it’s even begun, by spreading lies about the election. But is that a victory for America? Is it a victory to mislead a significant portion of the public to believe the delusions of a fevered imagination as the truth? Is it a victory to impede the coordination of public health measures during the height of the deadliest pandemic in a century? Is it a victory to gum up the transition, thereby damaging the security of America? Is this what Trump means by “so much” winning? David Friedman St. James

In Art Billadello’s letter, “There Is Only One Truth,” in The Times of Smithtown of Nov. 19, his diatribe about mainstream media veers away from the truth. His example of how the media promotes falsehoods is their convincing a “gullible populace” that former Vice President Joe Biden [D] is the president-elect. It is true a small number of votes are still being counted and final tallies are being certified, however, he is stretching credibility if he thinks Biden will not become president when the Electoral College vote is approved by Congress in January. Let’s look at the facts. As of this writing, Biden has received about 6 million more votes than President Donald

Trump [R]. Billadello suggests, without evidence, that a large number of votes were illegitimate or otherwise invalid, but surely not that many. Of course, the U.S. does not elect the president by popular vote, but by 270 (or more) votes in the Electoral College. To reach 270 electoral votes, Trump would require 38 more than his current 232. The states, all with Biden leading, where Trump is challenging the vote count (electoral votes in parentheses) are: Nevada (6), Wisconsin (10), Arizona (11), Georgia (16), Michigan (16) and Pennsylvania (20). Clearly no single state will provide 38 votes, nor will any two. The current vote differences in Michigan and Pennsylvania are so large,

about 155,000 and 82,000 respectively, that any change in the outcome is not going to happen. That means Trump must win all four of the remaining states to get to 270 electoral votes. Currently he is behind by approximately 34,000 in Nevada, 20,000 in Wisconsin, 14,000 in Georgia and 12,000 in Arizona. There would need to be extraordinary problems in all four states to change the outcome. Yes, until the votes are certified in all states and the Electoral College has met the election is not official. But Joe Biden is the president-elect and in January will be the president. Peter Bond Stony Brook

As you may have heard, choral singing is considered to be a “superspreader” in terms of sharing the deadly virus. Not unlike a sneeze or a cough, the open mouth necessary to make the musical sound spreads the airborne virus into the surrounding air, potentially infecting those nearby. Also, individual singers need to sit together in order to “tune into each other” as they sing their respective musical parts. Social distancing is impossible.

Long Island Symphonic Choral Association discontinued rehearsals in preparation for our annual spring concert in the beginning of March when it became obvious that the safety of our singers and our audience was of paramount importance. Of course, we will not be having a concert this December, either. In light of the recent news of an effective vaccine on the way, and hopefully, treatments too, we will certainly hope for a time in the nearby

future when we can resume our passion for making and performing beautiful music. Singing in the shower simply doesn’t cut it. In the meanwhile, please check out our website at www.lisca.org and look for our notices in the local papers. The Long Island Symphonic Choral Association will return. Martina Matkovic Long Island Symphonic Choral Association

Diatribe Veers Away from the Truth

LISCA Cancels December Concert

NOVEMBER 26, 2020 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A19

Opinion

A Zoom Thanksgiving That Goes Off the Rails

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ello and welcome to the first and hopefully last Zoom Thanksgiving. Hey, hold on, I can see that you’ve muted yourself in Box 6 over there, Uncle Mary. Yes, I know I said Uncle Mary because I’m reading the name on your screen. Did you think that was funny? What are you saying that I can’t hear? OK, so we’re going to forego the usual list of what we’re thankful for because D. None it’s 2020 and we’re not together, and I of the above promised the kids BY DANIEL DUNAIEF they wouldn’t have to talk to such a large group of faces who are all looking in the wrong direction.

Seriously, what’s wrong with you people? Can’t you look at the camera? I know that might sound harsh. I just spent the last few hours before this fake happy scene trying to remember something about the Ottoman Empire. No offense to the Ottoman Empire, but I didn’t like history much when I was that old and now I’m trying to learn it again. Yes, I know, Uncle Mary, it’d be easier for me to teach my kids these subjects if I pretended to be interested, but that ended in early April, when I had to try to remember something about the number of electrons in different orbits around atoms. Anyway, I’m thankful we’re together. I saw that, cousin Clarence. Look, we don’t see you very often. The least you could do is not roll your eyes the entire time I’m talking. You’re doing it again! Cut it out! Oh, really? You have something in your eye? Let me see. Oh yeah, it does look red. Okay, so we’re going to make this virtual Thanksgiving all about the senses. You see,

we’re going to each search through our house for things that look like something else, put them on the screen and guess what the other person is holding. I read something about being creative this year, so this is it. No, Alex, you can’t ask a question. Because I said you couldn’t. I’m running this virtual Thanksgiving, and I said you couldn’t. Well, then, your teacher is a better person than I am. I wish he was your father, too. No, no, I didn’t mean that. I just mean that we’re doing something differently this year. Okay, if you stop crying, you can ask a question. Well, actually that is a good question. It doesn’t really have anything to do with Thanksgiving per se, but guessing what we’re holding is a way for each of us to connect. Okay, so, now, everybody, go get something and bring it back. Ah, I see Uncle George has come back with something that looks like a baseball. Oh, it is a baseball? That’s not very creative.

Oh, Uncle George, you’re not going to tell the story about how you almost caught a foul ball hit by Mickey Mantle, are you? Oh, you were? Well, that is a great story, and I’m sure there’s someone who hasn’t heard that story yet. By a show of hands, who hasn’t heard that story? Okay, well, Uncle George, it’s only because we all listen to you so carefully and we love to hear your stories. Maybe, though, we’ll skip that one this time. Are you crying too, or do you have something in your eye? Okay, someone else go. Matthew, what are you holding? It looks like an origami bird. Wait, it is an origami bird? I wasn’t supposed to guess it that quickly? Well, it’s because you did such a great job. Now you’re crying? Okay, it’s Jennifer’s turn. It looks like a huge glass of wine. You’re drinking it to test it? So, it was wine? And now you’re refilling it and drinking it again? One more time? Really? Okay, anyone else want to go?

We can be thankful for our jobs, if we have them, and if we don’t, for the country we live in that supports us at least partially during our temporary unemployment. And if we are holding on ourselves, we can help others around us through our churches, soup kitchens and donations to our neighbors in need. To help others is a great privilege. Though I never particularly embraced the computer when it appeared in our daily lives in the 1970s and 1980s, I am thankful for technology. Because of my computer, I can see my children and grandchildren regularly. I even have a place in the house nicknamed the Zoom Room. I can also see my friends, attend meetings, albeit virtually, and learn new subjects if I choose. I escape from the news and the responsibilities of daily life with movies on Netflix and other streaming services. I still cannot stop marveling at Siri and the ability to find the answers to all sorts of questions by just pushing a button on my cellphone. I sometimes think of my husband, whose poor sense of direction was legendary in the

family, and how he would have loved the GPS. The ability to call someone from this marvelous invention I hold in my hand and tell them I am on my way but will be 15 minutes late or that I need help because I have a flat tire is a commonplace miracle of the 21st century. How lucky we are to be alive in these times, when a vaccine to overcome our version of the black plague can be developed in a matter of months. Difficult times force us to turn inward and find the resilience to cope. And we can cope, we all can. If we believe in ourselves and have faith that this pandemic will end, which it surely will, we can then build back our lives and our world again. We can give thanks for that inner strength. Governments must help, charities and philanthropies do help, and we can help ourselves and each other. We can take inspiration from the natural world, which goes on in all its seasons of beauty despite periodic upheavals, and thankfully we will too. Thanksgiving 2021 we will all together sit around the dinner table and profoundly give thanks.

Here’s to Thanksgiving 2021!

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hanksgiving 2020 will surely be remembered by all. Other Thanksgivings blend into each other on the impressionist edges of memory, in a sepia-colored haze. But this one will stand out like a gargoyle, in basrelief at the center. Never before have we disinvited our children from our homes during this holiday. Never have we set the Between table for so few. Never have we you and me been urged not to BY LEAH S. DUNAIEF travel to reconnect with our families. Never have we been drilled on the three Ws: wash your hands, watch your social distancing, wear your mask. COVID-19 overhangs our lives. Nonetheless, for most of us, there is so

much to be thankful for, even as we have to push past the anxiety and the upending of our lives the pandemic has caused to remind ourselves of the many ways we can be thankful. First is for the good health most of us are lucky enough to enjoy: for our own and that of our loved ones. Perhaps, never has good health been viewed as such a blessing as now, as hundreds of thousands fall ill. Even without the coming vaccine, we can work to keep the virus at bay by diligently following the three Ws. Next is the love we have in our lives that has become so manifestly important to acknowledge and declare. It is that love: for our spouses, our parents, our children, our dearest relatives and friends that is our safety net during these challenging days. We have always been aware of that love but perhaps not so appreciatively as now. The need to connect with them has not been so vital as now. And if we have a warm home and people who live in it with us, and enough to eat each day, how thankful we can be.

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 $49/year • 631-751-7744 www.tbrnewsmedia.com • Contents copyright 2020

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Leah S. Dunaief GENERAL MANAGER Johness Kuisel MANAGING EDITOR Kyle Barr EDITOR Rita J. Egan

LEISURE EDITOR Heidi Sutton EDITORIAL Julianne Mosher ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kathleen Gobos

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

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

PAGE A20 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 26, 2020

History Close at Hand

Thanksgiving images on postcards were a way to send holiday greetings. Left, a drawing of two turkeys driving was featured on a 1907 postcard. A holiday dinner, above, and a Thanksgiving scene, below, depicted on cards from 1907. Images from Beverly C. Tyler’s collection

How the Postcard Became a Popular Form of Communication BY BEVERLY C. TYLER DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM Celebrating Thanksgiving Day as the end of the season of harvest was and still is an important milestone in people’s lives. Diaries, journals and letters provide some of the earliest records of seasonal activity and how people connected with each other to mark occasions. In America, before the telephone became a standard household item, family members and friends stayed in touch through the U.S. Postal Service. In 1873, a new phenomenon began when the United States Postal Service issued the first penny postcards. During the first six months, they sold 60 million. The post office department stated: “The object of the postal card is to facilitate letter correspondence and provide for the transmission through the mails, at a reduced rate of postage, of short communication, either printed or written in pencil or ink.” With the postcard, brevity was essential due to the small space provided. Long descriptive phrases and lengthy expressions of affection, which then were commonly used in letterwriting, gave way to short greetings. Soon after the first government postal cards were issued, American greeting card manufacturers began to print Christmas, Easter and other greetings on the back of the cards. By the 1890s, picture postcards were widely sold in many European countries, but in the United States, privately printed cards cost 2 cents to mail. On May 19, 1898, an act of Congress was passed in the U.S. allowing privately published

postcards the same message privileges and rates (1 cent) as the government-issued cards. These were to be inscribed, “Private mailing card Authorized by Act of Congress May 19, 1898.” Then in December 1901, new regulations were issued saying that private cards would have the word “Post Card” at the top of the address side and government-issued cards would say “Postal Cards.” Before the telephone, the postcard was an easy and pleasant way to send a message. A postcard sent from one town in the morning usually would arrive in a nearby town that afternoon. A postcard sent from another state would not take much longer. Edward Griffin took the steamer “Priscilla” from New York to Boston, arriving at 8 a.m. on Aug. 27, 1902. He wrote a brief note on a postcard when he arrived, addressed it to his mother in Brooklyn, and dropped it in the mail. The postcard said: “Arrived ok this morning at 8 o’clock - Eddie.” The postcard was postmarked in Boston at 11:30 a.m. and postmarked again in Brooklyn at 8:30 p.m. the same day. In October of 1907, the United States, following the lead of other countries, changed the rules and began allowing messages to be written on half of the side reserved for the address. This left the whole of the other side for pictures or photographs. Postcards then became a major collecting craze, and for many, a profitable business. They were produced in such quantities that they were often given away with copies of popular magazines. The feasting aspect of Thanksgiving has

continued to be an essential part of the holiday and many of the postcards that were sent reflected that theme. In addition, the postcard helped to tie the family members together with those who were absent during the holiday. As the telephone became more widely used, the postcard became less and less important as a means of daily communications. However, it

provided us with a view of the early years of the twentieth century that became a permanent record of contacts between family members and friends. Beverly C. Tyler is the Three Village Historical Society historian and author of books available from the society at 93 North Country Road, Setauket. For more information, call 631-751-3730 or visit www.tvhs.org.

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