The Times of Smithtown - December 31, 2015 by TBR News Media

The TIMES of Smithtown

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People Of The Year • SMITHTOWN EdITION

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CO M PL E T E

Commack volunteer spruces up North Shore By kevin redding

File photos by Alex Petroski

left, ed mikell shows off a clean bus stop in commack just as his Seven cents club launched earlier this year. right, his newfound club sports its name on a spiffy garbage can in town.

‘My father [is] super energetic. ... He wants to make the difference that nobody else is making.’ — Jennifer Mikell

Along Crooked Hill Road in Commack, garbage bags are piled up and filled with everything from fast-food wrappers to plastic cups and glass bottles. Tires, hubcaps, license plates and various construction materials are leaned up against a wooden post. Only an hour or two prior, all these items were littered over the roads, sidewalks and grass. However, thanks to 73-year-old retired Commack resident Ed Mikell, the founder of the Seven Cents Club of Commack — a volunteer group of young people and retirees alike — the community can enjoy something scarcely seen when traveling through any town: cleanliness. For all of his work cleaning up Commack, Mikell was named a 2015 Times of Smithtown Person of the Year. It all started when Mikell was cleaning a bus stop, where he discovered seven cents on the ground. “My father [is] super energetic,” said Ed’s daughter and cleanup volunteer Jennifer Mikell. “He’s been retired for eight years and in his retirement he’s really

done a lot to help others, whether it’s helping people balance their finances and figure out their own retirement, or helping out a local charity group that he works at a couple days a week.” She explained that her father was frustrated that so many areas in his town had become so uncared for and unclean for so long. “He wants to make the difference that nobody else is making.” On Sept. 21, 2014, Mikell first took it upon himself to clean up an “unofficial” bus stop on Crooked Hill Road simply because he didn’t want people to have to stand in garbage. He went home, equipped himself with pails and some tools and went to work. Using an abandoned shopping cart that had been turned sideways so people at the bus stop could sit down, Mikell filled up his pail four times, threw the garbage in the shopping cart, and wheeled it across the street to toss in a dumpster. After making the bus stop pristine, Mikell reached out to the supervisor of Smithtown along with other Suffolk MIKELL continued on page A31

PAGE A2 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 31, 2015

A message from the publisher

Contrary to wild rumors you may have heard

Full service is NOT a thing of the past Custom Design Chains & Bracelets Neatly Repaired Clasps Replaced Watch Links Added/Removed Rings Sized Prongs Replaced

The Times of Smithtown is proud to continue an annual tradition of honoring members of the community who have contributed in a significant manner to its residents and institutions during the past year. These are the people who go the extra mile to improve the quality of our lives. In these pages, we salute their achievements. We also realize that these men and women are not unique. They are symbolic of the many who devote their efforts to the good of our hometowns. We salute them all and thank them for their service to the community we all love. Two years ago, we changed the format of how we honor our People of the Year. Now we have one edition for each of the three towns we cover — Brookhaven, Smithtown and Huntington — combining winners from multiple papers. We also eliminated the categories we previously used to organize the winners, such as medicine, sports or the arts, as we found that they were limiting us in how we were able to honor people. Every winner is simply a person of the year, no matter what their concentration. And instead of

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having an overall man and woman of the year gracing our front page, we will just have one overall winner, regardless of gender or affiliation. We hope you enjoy our People of the Year issue, and that you feel an enhanced pride in our hometown. Leah S. Dunaief Publisher

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PAGE A4 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 31, 2015

Fort Salonga family uses foundation for good By Miguel BustaMante

There’s a lot that can be said about North Shore businessman Charles Reichert, but not only because of his entrepreneurship. “He wants to do the right thing. You know, he’s been very fortunate in his life, he’s made good money and he wants to give back,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) about North Shore businessman Charles Reichert. “He’s the kind of guy that says ‘I want to make my community better,’ and if he could help it, he’s always there for it … It really is a blessing to have a guy like Charlie Reichert in the community.” Charles Reichert, 80, or Charlie as his friends call him, of Fort Salonga is the owner of five IGA grocery stores throughout the Suffolk County area. With IGA locations in Bayville, Fort Salonga, Greenport, East Northport and Southold, his stores are consistently among the list of IGA’s annual Five Star Retailer award, which is the highest honor IGA bestows on its proprietors, and in 2014 he was one of five to receive the IGA International Retailers of the Year award. Through his stores Reichert found ways to become a nexus of community interactions by employing local residents and community youth looking to get a foothold in the workforce, and also, along with wife Helen, founding the Fort

Salonga Market IGA Scholarship, which awards a total of $6,000 to outstanding local high school students. For his contributions, Charles Reichert has been named a 2015 Times of Smithtown Person of the Year. Reichert’s generosity has also extended outside of the IGA’s sponsorship. In 2013 The Charles and Helen Reichert Family Foundation donated $850,000, to be dispersed over several years, for the restoration and preservation of the Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium (formerly the Vanderbilt Museum’s Planetarium), which enabled the facility to purchase new seating, carpeting, lobby and gift shop along with technological updates. “I’ll tell you something,” said Michael Rosato, board member of the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation. “If there were more Charlies around, we’d all be a lot better off.” Rosato was referring to the contributions Reichert has made to the foundation. “We were able to rebuild the parking area around the soccer fields, expand the hike and bike trail and renovate the parks administration building. It was all because of Charlie’s support … He’s given back so much for the community.” Reichert, however, has played some contributions close to the heart. In 2013 the Charles and Helen Reichert Family Foundation donated $100,000 to the Hun-

Charles Reichert is known to be an active member of the smithtown community.

tington Hospital for the purchase of a 3D breast tomosynthesis machine, which can produce 3D images that can more accurately help detect cancer cells in breasts. This year, Charles and Helen Reichert, herself a 24-year breast cancer survivor, donated $1 million for the construction of the brand new, state-of-the-art Charles and Helen Reichert Imaging Center in Huntington, which offers di-

File photo

agnostic radiology services. With so many outstanding contributions already in tow, Charles Reichert hasn’t stopped looking for ways to continue to give back to the community. He has consistently sponsored the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation’s 5k Turkey Trot and the Fort Salonga Civic Association’s holiday caroling events by donating refreshments and gifts.

Borden a community staple in Kings Park By Miguel BustaMante

It isn’t easy to be more of a principal community participant in Kings Park than Miles Borden — even local history wouldn’t be quite the same without him, seeing as he literally wrote the book on it. “Miles and Charlie [Reichert] are very similar,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga). “They’re both very low-key, but they both [pull a lot of weight] and are able to get things done in the community.” Talking specifically of Borden, Trotta added, “He’s very well respected, just a great guy.” Six generations of the Borden clan have called Kings Park their home, dating as far back as the 19th century, even boasting the founding of the Lucien Memorial United Methodist Church. Borden has, himself, dedicated his personal and professional life to the community he loves. A graduate of Kings Park High School, Class of 1945, Borden, 88, continued his academic career by attaining collegiate degrees from Hofstra University, NYU and Oswego State where, in 1949, his mile relay team set a record time. For his knowledge and efforts, Borden has been named a 2015 Times of Smithtown Person of the Year. Back in Long Island, Borden enjoyed a 34-year career in public education as a schoolteacher then, ultimately, as interim superintendent at the Amityville school district. Throughout his tenure as an edu-

cator, Borden found time to volunteer at the Kings Park Fire Department, an endeavor that lasted over 60 years, and ultimately he became president of the department. Borden is also a consummate historian and a major contributor to local history. “He was afraid that the history of Kings Park was going to get washed away with the rain,” said his brother Noel Borden. “Everyone he talked to didn’t know a whole lot about the town because no one had taken the time to write anything about it.” This fear prompted Miles Borden to author five history books: • “History of the Kings Park Fire Department”; • “The First One Hundred Years (18921992): Lucien Memorial United Methodist Church”; • “History of Kings Park in Words and Pictures”; • “History of Our School District Community: Fort Salonga, Kings Park, San Remo”; • “First One Hundred Years, Fire and Emergency Services: History of the Kings Park Fire Department and the Kings Park Fire District.” “He’s made Kings Park history come alive,” said Gail Hessel, a member of Smithtown Historical Society. “People didn’t really think about Kings Park having a history. And he’s even inspired me to write a book. [Miles] is the kind of person that, if I was working on a

Miles Borden is a major contributor to local history.

book, he would encourage me by saying, ‘Good job.’” Along with his involvement with the fire department, Borden has served on several other local boards, including Suffolk County Parks and Kings Park Heritage Museum, where he is one of the founding members.

File photo

Now Borden is looking to enjoy his post-retirement years with wife Leona. He has remained a consummate runner and even talks to the community’s youth of the importance of staying fit and active. But don’t be surprised if you still see him hitting the pavement for an early morning jog.

DECEMBER 31, 2015 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A5

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PAGE A6 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 31, 2015

North Shore group a force for good

By Phil Corso

They’ve covered a lot of ground — and water — in their first year, but members of the Setauket Harbor Task Force are only getting started. The all-volunteer Setauket Harbor Task Force, led by residents and cofounders Laurie Vetere and George Hoffman, held its first general meeting on Oct. 29 of 2014, and meetings have grown to host nearly 100 residents. Since the first meeting, members of the group have become a known force for North Shore environmentalism, and their efforts have washed upon the shores of civic leaders, elected officials and beyond. The group has spent the past year studying the harbor, influencing the public debate surrounding it and garnering public support for its preservation and sustainability. For their contributions to the North Shore’s environmental discussion, members of the Setauket Harbor Task Force have been named 2015 Times of Smithtown People of the Year. On the ground level, civic members in the Setauket and Stony Brook communities have become big fans of the Setauket Harbor Task Force and have continuously teamed up with the group to help promote its mission of preserving the communities’ waterways. Shawn Nuzzo, president of the Civic Association of the Setaukets and Stony Brook, said he stood behind the Task Force’s work with hopes that it could help bring back a strong and vibrant Long Island economy based on the sustainable harvesting of coastal shorelines. “We have a sordid and shameful history of polluting our Long Island waterways,” Nuzzo said. “For years, scientists and environmentalists have been warning of the harmful effects of nitrogen and other contaminants in our water. But it is only relatively recently that the politicians have begun discussing remediating the situation, thanks in part to advocacy groups like the

Setauket Harbor Task Force.” The Task Force has been hosting regular walking tours of the harbor and its surrounding environmental beauties with hopes of reminding the community just how important it is to maintain. Some of the group’s key concerns have included making sure the town pays attention to the road runoff retention basin that forms near the inlet at Setauket Harbor and maintaining park property just to the west of the area’s footbridge. The Task Force also launched its first Setauket Harbor Day, back in September — a free event held at the Shore Road dock, established to inspire the community to join the Force in its efforts to clean and preserve the harbor. Since the group’s inception, members have been working hand-in-hand with elected officials from various levels of government, and so far their messages have been heard loud and clear. State Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) has been a consistent voice in the North Shore’s environmental discussion, having held previous positions as a geologist and biologist before becoming a public servant. And with his expertise, Englebright referred to the Setauket Harbor Task Force as the epicenter of community pride that has made a tremendous impact on the North Shore. “We have a sense of purpose now to work between our civic community and the town and the state — it’s just wonderful,” he said. “I guess everybody would hope that government would do all of this on its own, but the additional attention and focus being brought by citizens who have taken this initiative on is just terrific. So my sense is that by establishing the Setauket Harbor Task Force, and providing a forum where issues that relate to the overall health of the ecosystem in our harbor can be discussed, we have a matter of focus.” The group has received support from Brookhaven officials as well. Town Supervisor Ed Romaine (R)

said the Task Force represented the best of Brookhaven. “These are citizens coming together and recognizing a common problem and looking to make a positive difference,” Romaine said. “We are prepared to spend money to enact some of the things they are trying to achieve. This is a commitment and what helps us is that we have partners on the local level — people who step up to the plate.” Town Councilwoman Valerie Cartright (D-Port Jefferson Station) echoed the same sentiments after spending the year working closely with the Task Force. “The formation of the Setauket Harbor Task Force is a significant step in addressing some of the environmental concerns in the area,” she said. “It is a vehicle for the community to work together to assist in preserving our harbor and improving our water quality. I thank the members of the Task Force for all of

their hard work to bring awareness of the needs of the Harbor to the community. I had the privilege of attending the first Setauket Harbor Day this past summer, which I believe was a success, as it was both entertaining and educational.” Looking ahead, Englebright said he’d hope to see the group follow through in working with the Town of Brookhaven to see what kinds of progress can be achieved in addressing road runoff issues and restoring the ecological balance of some of the most disrupted areas along the harbor. “The fact that the town is planning to dredge the basin is, in part, a response to the initiative of local citizens,” Englebright said. “That partnership is really all too rare, and it’s ideally what government should be doing. I hope the town continues to realize that this is a wonderful and promising partnership.”

File photos

Top, a view of setauket harbor. Bottom, members of the setauket harbor Task Force work alongside government officials near the water earlier this year.

DECEMBER 31, 2015 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A7

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PAGE A8 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 31, 2015

Photos from Kristin MacKay

above, Vincent DeMarco, center, poses for a photo with some members of the youth re-entry task Force during a regular bi-monthly meeting. Below, DeMarco is reducing the rate of recidivism in county jails.

County sheriff reduces return rate of inmates DeMarco was named Suffolk County sheriff in 2006 and became the first uniSuffolk County Sheriff Vincent DeMar- formed member of the Sheriff’s Office to co has worked diligently over the last nine be elected sheriff, and one of the youngest years going above and beyond what’s asked sheriffs ever elected in Suffolk County. of his position. From the beginning of his tenure, DeHis creation and development of the Marco said he has made working with Youth Re-Entry Task Force, a program cre- youth inmates a priority of his administraated to rehabilitate youth inmates, among tion. In 2011, DeMarco began assembling his other initiatives, has earned him the the partners needed for an undertaking like distinction of a 2015 Times of Smithtown the Youth Re-Entry Task Force. Person of the Year. “We needed partners on the outside in “The sheriff has truly changed the cul- order to make this a success,” DeMarco said. ture of corrections in Suffolk County, and “We needed housing. … We also had to find has put particular emphasis on rehabilita- not-for-profits that were willing to come into tion of incarcerated youth,” said Kristin the correctional facilities and do some counMacKay, director of pubseling: drug counseling, lic relations for the Suf- ‘He looks at the big anger management, life folk County Sheriff’s Ofskill counseling, vocationfice. “He has been at the picture beyond the walls al counseling, all types of forefront of the fight to of his jail and that has stuff to fill our program, so eliminate state mandates when they leave the facilifor new county jail con- allowed him to make a ties they actually have the struction, which saved significant impact on tools to succeed instead the county’s taxpayers the lives of many young of just warehousing them hundreds of millions of in a correctional facilpeople on Long Island.’ dollars.” ity where you’re not giving Though you wouldn’t — Thaddaeus hill them any tools and they’re know it from speaking going to fail.” with him, DeMarco did not initially intend Among the most essential resources Deto go into law enforcement. A Ronkonkoma Marco and his administration found was native, DeMarco went to St. John’s Univer- housing for youths in Hope House Minsity, graduating with a degree in economics istries in Port Jefferson and Timothy Hill in 1991. Children’s Ranch in Riverhead. “I always had an interest in law enforceThaddaeus Hill, executive director of ment,” DeMarco said. “But I didn’t think it Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch — created was going to be my career.” and named in memory of his older brother After two years working in the financial — said the program has seen great success, industry in New York City, DeMarco tran- highlighted by the 50 percent drop in recidisitioned into law enforcement, becoming a vism among youths that enter the program. deputy sheriff for Suffolk County in 1994. “Sheriff DeMarco has pioneered proDeMarco took to the job quickly. grams that few in this country have had the “I think I have the best job in the world, courage to take on,” Hill said. “He looks at I really do,” he said. “I love coming to work the big picture beyond the walls of his jail everyday. I love what I do.” and that has allowed him to make a sigBy Clayton Collier

nificant impact on the lives of many young people on Long Island.” Another key component was EasternSuffolk BOCES to incorporate education into the program. Barbara Egloff, divisional administrator for Eastern Suffolk BOCES and Oversight of the Jail Education Program and Career, Technical and Adult Education, said DeMarco has effectively used the strengths of all of his partnerships to make the program a success. “It is inspiring to work with Sheriff DeMarco,” Egloff said. “He has instilled the importance of effective collaboration to all who have the opportunity to work with him.” Suffolk County Court Judge Fernando Camacho, who heads the County’s Felony Youth Part, a program created in conjunction with Sheriff DeMarco, said it is rare to come across a sheriff so dedicated to creating better lives for his inmates after they have served their time. “I’ve worked in criminal justice my entire professional career, over 30 years, and I’ve worked with a lot of individuals running correctional facilities, and I can honestly say I’ve run across somebody who’s actually bringing in social workers and service providers into his jail to help young people to identify what the issues are, and to try to come up with solutions,” Camacho said. Camacho said it is important to work with youth inmates to improve their situations upon leaving the jail. “Rather than putting them Upstate for three years and forgetting about them, we’re actually thinking about it in a different way,” Camacho said. “Let’s see if we can figure out why this kid got in trouble, and let’s see if we can put a plan in place that’s going to give this kid an opportunity to break out of the cycle and get back on track.” As DeMarco explains, the program’s numbers speak for themselves. “Nationally, the average inmate has an

83 percent chance of returning,” DeMarco said. “The kids that come through our program have a 23 percent chance of coming back; that’s a big difference.” Overall, the program contributes to lowering the number of inmates in county jails, allowing DeMarco to prevent the costly undertaking of additional facilities. “It doesn’t cost us any more to provide these services to the youth in this facility, but the return we get is that they don’t come back to the facility and we lower the jail population, and that has enabled us not to build more jail cells; a huge cost to the taxpayers.” In the future, DeMarco hopes to expand for additional age groups. The more people he can help, he says, the better. “If someone winds up touching the criminal justice system and they wind up in this facility, and we can find out the underlying reason why this crime was committed,” he said, “we can change that and change their behavior when they get out, we’ve increased public safety, and that’s the goal.”

DECEMBER 31, 2015 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A9

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PAGE A10 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 31, 2015

North Shore foundation paints bright picture hospital environments from “clinical to colorful.” The way someone handles the loss of a “After her friend died, she dedicated loved one can speak volumes about their herself to creating artwork for hospitals, perseverance and character. mostly children’s and then veterans as Heather Buggee has used her per- well, working with staff to understand sonal loss as inspiration to brighten the the therapeutic nature of art in ERs and lives of others. critical care units,” Rugile said. “That Splashes of Hope, the nonprofit or- dedication to the mission has resulted in ganization she established in 1996, her creating inspirational environments provides murals for medical and social both locally and internationally. Heather service facilities to create welcoming en- has built a small and effective organizavironments that facilitate healing. For tion that achieves maximum results for her efforts to upminimal personal lift her neighbors, ‘The fireworks mural evokes gain.” Heather Buggee is a patriotic pride, and of Jean Brand, the Times of Smithtown program director course all the American flags for the Adult Day Person of the Year. Buggee said in an skillfully placed on each mural Health Care prointerview that the gram at the Long loss of her friend remind us of the precious Island State VeterWill Harvey in 1989 freedom our veterans fought ans Home in Stony was what drove her Brook, sent a thank to protect.’ to start painting you note to Buggee — jean brand after the hospital scenes on the ceiling tiles of Blythereceived an installadale Children’s Hospital in Westchester tion in November. County — where she also created her “The positive reaction of our veterfirst mural. Harvey was an artist too, ans and staff to the new murals is overand the projects she took up following whelming,” the note sent to Buggee said. his death served as therapy for Buggee. “The colorful and lively iconic scenes of “While staying with her friend, she re- Long Island landmarks bring the proalized how sterile and uninspiring the en- gram room to life, evoking warm memovironment was and would talk about how ries for our veterans. The fireworks muthey would brighten up the space and let ral evokes patriotic pride, and of course artwork become a part of the healing pro- all the American flags skillfully placed cess,” Phil Rugile, the Splashes of Hope on each mural remind us of the precious board president and director of Launch- freedom our veterans fought to protect.” Pad Huntington, said. Buggee said reactions like those from According to Buggee, what started out the patients at the Long Island State as a few volunteer projects on the week- Veterans Home are what she most looks ends with friends turned into a nonprofit forward to. organization with the mission of turning “My favorite part of the ‘splash’ jourBy Alex Petroski

ney, besides the creative process, is hearing the results of each splash and the purpose being served by each piece,” Buggee said. In November, Splashes of Hope received the Humanitarian Award from the Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities Inc. for “continuing to bring smiles to the faces of patients, students, staff and visitors at medical and social service facilities by creating art that transforms spaces, enriches environments and facilitates healing,” according to a press release from the ACLD.

Buggee graduated from the Connecticut Institute of Art in 1995 and then studied fresco paintings and interior design at Studio Art Centers International in Florence, Italy. She now lives in Huntington with her husband, Jimmy, her daughter, Sarah, and her three dogs named Roxy, Eve and Oliver. She refers to Huntington as “the greatest town in the whole wide world.” But her efforts to bring smiles to her neighbors’ faces reach way beyond town lines. To donate to Splashes of Hope or to get involved, visit www.splashesofhope.org.

Photos from Heather Buggee

top, Heather Buggee stands with her daughter in front of one of their ‘splashes’; splashes of Hope artist with Jean Brand of the long island state Veterans Home; members of thesplashes of Hope staff. Bottom, Heather Buggee and a young boy painting a mural.

DECEMBER 31, 2015 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A11

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PAGE A12 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 31, 2015

LaValle makes lasting impact on North Shore By Daniel Dunaief

Quality health care and, to hear state Sen. Ken LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) describe it, home cooking, are good for the body, mind, soul and community. That’s the argument the Republican senator has been making for years on behalf of Stony Brook Medical Center and its hospital. After the university lost out earlier this year on a partnership with Peconic Bay Medical Center, which agreed to team up with North Shore-LIJ, the longtime local senator has continued his unflagging support of Stony Brook, particularly with Mather Hospital. “If we think of a wheel, the hub of a wheel and the local community hospitals are its spokes,” LaValle said, with Stony Brook at the center. “This is my vision and one that I think is good for the people I represent” to allow them to have the “best quality health care” close to home. For his consistent and long-term efforts to lend the support of his office to an important area institution, and for the passion and dedication he has shown to the residents of the region for close to four decades, LaValle is a Times of Smithtown Man of the Year. Stony Brook officials appreciated LaValle’s work on their behalf and suggested that he played a seminal role in keeping the ongoing relationship with Southampton Hospital on track. “It took perseverance to continue to

push the Southampton relationship with Stony Brook through,” said Reuven Pasternak, the CEO of Stony Brook University Hospital. “He was absolutely critical in keeping those discussions going and seeing them to fruition.” Pasternak said LaValle also facilitated a connection with Eastern Long Island Hospital. LaValle has been “a big supporter” of that relationship, Pasternak said. “He’s always made himself available to speak to people in Albany.” Indeed, LaValle was instrumental in the building of the new Medicine and Research Translation building, a 240,000-square foot facility that is expected to be completed in 2016. Kenneth Kaushansky, the dean of the School of Medicine and the senior vice president of health sciences, said LaValle helped secure critical state financing. LaValle identified $45 million that was earmarked for a law school at Stony Brook that was never built that he “was able get reallocated,” said Kaushansky. “The state support for MART was hugely dependent on the senator.” Kaushansky said he and LaValle have regular discussions about any potential issues that arise. If things aren’t proceeding the way the university would like, LaValle “always volunteers to help put them back on track.” State Assemblyman Steve Englebright

File photo by Barbara Donlon

State Sen. Ken laValle works with north Shore elected officials and residents to ensure the community, and greater long island region, have quality health care.

(D-Setauket) said LaValle deserves recognition for his work on behalf of Stony Brook and all the area hospitals. “He is firmly supportive of Stony Brook’s role and mission, as well as for all the hospitals in our community,” Englebright said. LaValle suggested his role as chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education gives him an opportunity to advocate on behalf of the medical school. His chairmanship provides “a vehicle to

be able to work with other people in the state university system and within state agencies,” he said. The approximately 129 students in each medical school class contribute to area health care while they pursue their education, LaValle said. “That is one of the very first helping points for the university,” LaValle said. “It’s being able to fulfill the education of their medical students. There are also LAVALLE continued on page A25

North Shore researchers on front lines of medicine By Daniel Dunaief

They have a sense of urgency that motivates those around them to push for better results. In fighting against diseases that kill millions of people every year, they are doing what they’ve done from the time they left their home country of Lebanon until they arrived at Stony Brook three years ago: they are supporting their colleagues, recruiting top talent from around the world, and encouraging their staff to train and encourage the next generation of researchers. Yusuf Hannun, the director of the Cancer Center at Stony Brook, and Lina Obeid, the dean for research, continue to build a deep and talented team, adding researchers focused on curing diseases while also developing the next generation of Stony Brook scientists. The Times of Smithtown newspaper recognizes Hannun and Obeid as People of the Year for their day-to-day leadership, their discoveries in their labs, and their focus on the future of science at Stony Brook. “In terms of what they are building at Stony Brook, their vision is to grow that Cancer Center into a NCI-designated Cancer Center,” said Gerard Blobe, a professor of medicine and the research director at the Division of Medical Oncology at Duke University Medical Cen-

ter who earned his Ph.D. in Hannun’s lab more than 20 years ago. They want to make it a “force in clinical care and research and training. They have a mission up there and I have no doubt that they’ll accomplish it.” Indeed, Blobe said the National Cancer Institute designation is just the “icing on the cake” that enables the center to seek funding for some projects. What’s more important, he said, is “what they will accomplish by getting that prize,” in building and developing Stony Brook’s research abilities. Scientists in the same field as Hannun were quick to praise his achievements and innovation. Discoveries by Hannun about sphingolipids, which are molecules that are involved in a range of roles, including cell division, differentiation and cell death, provided key insights. Hannun “pushed the field into the modern age,” said Tony Futerman, the Joseph Meyerhoff professorial chair of biochemistry at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. “He’s been innovative for 30 years in the field. He’s undoubtedly, if not the leader, then a leader. It’s fair to say the same about” Obeid. In her lab, Obeid, who is the dean for research and a professor of medicine at the Stony Brook School of Medicine, is

File photos

yusuf Hannun, left, and lina Obeid, right, are constantly working to improve their team of dedicated researchers with the hopes of curing complicated diseases.

exploring the role of enzymes that control molecules that are involved in cell growth and others that play a role in cell death or differentiation. While Futerman is a competitor to Hannun in some respects, he suggested that Hannun has been instrumental in the careers of many other scientists, developing talented and dedicated researchers who have also made significant contributions.

“They are excellent mentors of younger people,” he said. “There’s a whole school of former post docs who went on to get independent positions. This speaks to their mentorship. They both have the same attitude: they push young people into leadership positions.” Indeed, those who have worked for Obeid and Hannun in the past suggested that they offered the kind of guidance, HANNUN continued on page A25

DECEMBER 31, 2015 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A13

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PAGE A14 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 31, 2015

DiNunzio does it all By Elana Glowatz

Jumping out of a plane, mentoring younger people and planting flowers are all in a day’s work for Ed DiNunzio. He’s officially the head of membership for the Port Jefferson Rotary but he has worn many more hats during his years with the service organization, filling in wherever he can to make his community a better place to live. For selflessly dedicating his endless energy to serving his neighbors, DiNunzio is a Times of Smithtown Person of the Year. One of DiNunzio’s biggest roles is in the Gift of Life program, which started in Suffolk County 40 years ago — but has expanded through Rotary International — and provides lifesaving heart procedures to children around the globe. The Person of the Year has been involved since the beginning, Port Jefferson Rotary member Debbie Engelhardt said, using his skills as a lawyer to help it get organized and off the ground. Suffolk Rotary clubs have most recently raised funds and brought a 4-year-old girl to Long Island from Kosovo, for a surgery to repair a nickel-sized hole in her heart called an atrial septal defect. Gift of Life also works to provide medical staff in other countries with equipment and training to perform such

procedures, so children will not have to travel so far for treatment in the future. DiNunzio has gone to extremes for the program. He once raised money for Gift of Life by skydiving. “That was a great thing that he did personally,” fellow Rotarian Dennis Brennan said, noting the physical risk involved in jumping out of a plane for charity. “That was a large sacrifice on his part to do that.” Each jumper in that fundraising effort was supposed to bring in $1,500 but DiNunzio collected $2,150 for Gift of Life. “He’s true blue,” said Engelhardt, who is also the director of the Comsewogue Public Library. “He’s got more energy than basically anybody I know.” Skydiving isn’t the only way DiNunzio brings in funding for Rotary. Engelhardt said the club holds an annual raffle fundraiser in which each member is expected to sell at least 25 tickets, but “without fail, Ed sells over 200 every year.” But it’s not just about the money — between attending to his family in Mount Sinai and his law practice in Port Jefferson, DiNunzio also gives his time. He is heavily involved in the Rotary Youth Exchange program, through which students study abroad and stay with a host family. According to Engel-

Ed Dinunzio skydives for a Gift of life fundraiser.

hardt, DiNunzio has lent a hand on an organizational level for the Northeastern region for many years and has opened his home to exchange students from other areas. Between those kids and others from the Northeast who had life-changing experiences overseas through the program, DiNunzio has made an impact on the lives of numerous young people.

Photo from Debbie Engelhardt

Engelhardt explained that a lot of them are now grown adults living all over the world, but whenever they are in the area they look up DiNunzio. She said Rotary is about using your life to make the world a better place, and DiNunzio does that. “Everybody’s part of something bigger,” Engelhardt said. “He’s not a child, DINUNZIO continued on page A16

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Photo from Debbie Engelhardt

lections because he’s the only one who can lift it on his own. Once at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, a Center Moriches camp for kids with disabilities where the Rotary does cleanups and beautification, a group was planting perennials by a flagpole but the ground was hard, making digging difficult. “Old Ed, he just kept going at it,” Brennan said. “He never quit.” Brennan refers to the Person of the Year as “Mr. Rotary” because he has his hand in every program and gives his all. “When he gets involved with something … he puts his whole self into it and the results are easy to see,” he said. “He’s a very caring person and I think that he’s demonstrated that.”

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PAGE A18 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 31, 2015

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half a dozen organizations throughout Long Island, and people who know her, marvel at her ability to be in 10 places at once, and her commitment to Huntington. It is for this reason she is a Times of Smithtown newspaper Person of the Year for the year 2015. “Gale is 100 percent devoted to the town, there is no doubt about it,” Rob Scheiner, chair of the Huntington Chamber of Commerce said. “She is such a dedicated individual. She’ll do whatever we ask of her. Anytime we need a volunteer for a project, she’s there.” Lamberta is on the board of directors at

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145127

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The Northport Chamber of Commerce hosted the 14th annual Halloween Hayride in Northport Village Park on Sunday. Above, scenes from the event. For more photos, see page A10.

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Librarian keeps North Shore informed By Giselle Barkley

She is the librarian’s librarian and one of Emma S. Clark Memorial Library’s longest-serving employees. Throughout her 30 years at the East Setauket library, reference librarian Carolyn Emerson, 61, can find almost anything, her colleagues said. But it’s her involvement with the library and caring attitude that’s made her an intricate part of the library and the community, and that is why the Times of Smithtown selected her as a Person of the Year in 2015. Every other Wednesday, this soft-spoken librarian has organized the library’s senior bus program, which transports to the library senior residents who would otherwise be unable to go to the library. Although she didn’t start the program, Emerson took over the program to help these seniors. She also used her position at the library and her knowledge of Three Village history to organize and create programs like last year’s Culper Spy Day, which paid homage to the community’s ties to spy rings during the Revolutionary War. On June 20, 2014, the library held its first Culper Spy Day program, where residents could learn about the Revolutionary War, the Culper Spy Ring and its ties to Long Island. Three Village Historian Bev Tyler, of Three Village Historical So-

ciety, helped organize the event and said Emerson established a user-friendly site to spread the word about the spy ring throughout the community. “She’s a very community-oriented [person] and easy to work with,” Tyler said. “She really makes the library a good common resource for more than just books and videos, but also history.” Her efforts to inform the community stemmed from a desire to share her vast array of knowledge with others and help those in need, those close to her said. And her hard work is not only for the bigger programs, but also for little tasks that accompany her title as a reference librarian in Emma S. Clark’s Adult section. “Whenever anybody comes up to the reference desk, she just gives it 110 percent,” said co-worker Jennifer Mullen, the public relations manager and community outreach librarian. “She doesn’t stop looking until she finds it either, and everybody appreciates that. She digs deep.” Mullen met Emerson a little more than 10 years ago. They worked side-by-side as reference librarians. Now, Mullen works alongside Teen Services Librarian Nanette Feder, who also commended Emerson for her insight on art, local history and literature, and dedication to her work and the community members she serves. Emerson’s husband, Mark Rothen-

Photo by Dianne Trautmann

Carolyn emerson, left, leads a discussion at emma s. Clark Memorial library.

berg, said his wife comes from a line of people who share her tenacity and need to give back to their community. Emerson’s mother was recognized for her work following Hurricane Andrew, building homes for storm victims. Her father, a psychiatrist who ran a family clinic, counseled families in the Miami area. While her parents did their part to actively help those around them, they encouraged a young Carolyn Emerson and her siblings to be compassionate and stand up for themselves and their beliefs, Rothenberg said. Emerson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. Despite the diagnosis, chemotherapy and surgery, Emerson remained resilient. She was cleared of cancer the following year and continued her work inside and outside the library.

“Many times, I’m in awe of her,” said Rothenberg, who works as the head of the Patchogue-Medford Library’s Celia M. Hastings Local History Room. “She’s been through a lot, including cancer.” In addition to being a reference librarian, Emerson has also worked as a published poet. She has written poems in both English and French for publication. The librarian has also overseen poetry and book discussions, which are a hit among residents, her coworkers said. Mullen said Emerson acquired a large following for her evening book discussions and monthly poetry meetings. Her ability to listen appears to be one of Emerson’s many positive qualities that help further assist those who request her help, Mullen said.

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PAGE A22 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 31, 2015

SCCC coach lends helping hand on and off court

Photo from Kerry Swanson

kevin Foley has his team huddle around for a discussion. By Giselle Barkley

133960

Just keep shooting. That’s what Kevin Foley used to tell the women playing for the Suffolk County Community College women’s basketball team. And he didn’t just encourage them to never give up on the court, but off the court as well both before and after retiring as the women’s basketball head coach earlier in 2015. But retirement didn’t stop Foley from returning to SCCC as the institution’s athletic director that same year. That is why Kevin Foley was selected as a 2015 Times of Smithtown Person of the Year. Vice President of Student Affairs Christopher Adams said Foley has worked at the college nearly 37 years as a professor and member of the school’s athletic department. While Adams described Foley as dedicated and passionate, he said it’s his overall approach to life that resonates with him. “He’s very big on success in the classroom and the athletic fields,” Adams said. Adams said Foley instilled important life lessons into all of his players: you’ll be successful if you’re a “good sport” who follows the rules. Foley was like a father figure for some of his players in his 19 years of coaching, those close to him said. Former SCCC student and basketball player Colleen Quinn said she remembers Foley differently than other coaches she had when growing up. As a high school student, Quinn said she always felt like she wasn’t doing well on the basketball court. “I only really had a few coaches to compare him to, and those coaches were similar [to one another],” Quinn said. “Now that I’m an adult and I can look at how [Foley] handled [coaching] and how he managed his team...you’ve got to kill yourself to prove anything to him [because] he already sees what your potential is and he’ll nurture it.” Quinn graduated from SCCC in 1999 and played for Foley when she attended the college in 1997. Quinn, of Middle Island, was a senior in high school when Foley approached her after watching her play a game at the college. Initially, she didn’t plan on playing basketball at the college level before Foley spoke to her. But Foley helped her, and many students just like her. SCCC’s Athletics and Intramurals Coordinator Kerry Swanson met Foley 20 years ago when she was one of his players. Swanson attended the college in the early to mid 1990s. She admitted that she was unsure of what she was doing with her life and Foley helped steer her in the right direction. According to Swanson, Foley has a FOLEY continued on page A27

DECEMBER 31, 2015 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A23

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Vicki Rybak has been serving the Long Island community for more than a decade, known by her friends and coworkers as one of the busiest and most resourceful people they know. As the director of social ministry and outreach for Infant Jesus R.C. Church in Port Jefferson, Rybak has gone above and beyond her job description. For that reason, she has been named a Times of Smithtown Person of the Year. “She is a last resort for a lot of people,” said Debbie Engelhardt, director of the Comsewogue Public Library and a Port Jefferson Rotary Club member. The Rotary Club works closely with Rybak and the church. One of their biggest collaborations is on The Open Cupboard at the church, a food pantry for needy Long Islanders that the Rotary donates to. According to Engelhardt, one in eight on Long Island currently need help from food banks. “Year-round she is involved in projects like this,” Engelhardt said about Rybak. “She tries to be everything that anyone needs, which can be exhausting. She is helping families from falling through the cracks and they are really fortunate to have someone who has the time and energy to be that person.” Jim Fenton is one of the oldest volunteers at Infant Jesus and has worked with Rybak closely. “Vicki is extremely resourceful when someone comes to her with a problem,” Fenton said. “She has all these phone numbers at her fingertips, and is very compassionate too.” Fenton added that Rybak devotes time to applying for grants to keep the food pantries stocked and keep the equipment working — “all of her own initiative.” “She goes above and beyond what is in her job description,” Fenton added. “There is nothing she won’t do.” Sharon Brennan, another Rotary Club member, shared an anecdote of working with Rybak. Once, a couple went to her office crying because a fire had destroyed everything they owned. “Vicki started making calls immediately, getting them stuff over the phone, getting Christmas presents for their children,” Brennan said. “She just goes into high gear and makes stuff happen.” Rybak is involved in many different programs throughout the year, including the Adopt-A-Family program for the holiday season, through which volunteers purchase Christmas presents such as toys and clothes for families who do not have enough money to spend on those items themselves. That project gets a lot of residents and community groups involved, including the Interact Club at Port Jefferson’s Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, right down the road from the church. The Person of the Year also works on a back-toschool project, filling up 150 backpacks with school supplies — such as composition notebooks and pencils — for children at the start of the each new school year, with the help of community donations. “Vicki somewhere, somehow finds a way to help them, no matter what they need,” Laszlo Girhiny, a church member, said about Rybak’s dedication to local people in need. “Hundreds of people have walked through her doors.” If Rybak cannot help people herself, she connects them with other social service agencies so the job can get done. “She has the right attitude and always treats the people she helps with dignity,” Brennan said. “She says everyone has been there one time in their life.”

PAGE A24 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 31, 2015

Local hospital has been caring for a century According to Executive Director Dr. Gerard Brogan, those complex proceHuntington Hospital has more than dures have “won the highest praise based just its age to celebrate. on quality and clinical outcomes.” Because it has been serving the comIn addition to that praise, the hospital munity for 99 years, working to fulfill its has received several awards for its techmission of providing high-quality health niques, including one from the Americare to Long Islanders, the institution and can Heart Association and American its staff have been named The Times of Stroke Association for stroke care, acSmithtown newspaper’s People of the Year. creditations from the Commission on Huntington Hospital has grown since Cancer and the National Accreditation its establishment in 1916. Program for Breast “It has really trans- ‘Huntington Hospital Centers and a Breast formed from being a Imaging Center of Excommunity hospital to a has placed such an cellence award from the community hospital that emphasis on serving American College of functions more like a uni- the community and Radiology. versity hospital,” Chief Its nursing staff has Medical Officer Dr. Mi- providing support.’ been recognized by the chael Grosso said. — william ‘doc’ spencer American Nurses CreGrosso has worked dentialing Center, and there for 31 years. He said Huntington Hospital the hospital doesn’t simply treat patients was the first to receive such a designation but also helps educate medical students three consecutive times. and residents alike, preparing them for “What makes Huntington so unique is any medical complications that may oc- its commitment to … provide the highest cur inside or outside hospital walls. quality care possible anywhere, and to do Patients go to the hospital for any- it with the greatest caring,” Brogan said. thing from minor health issues to robot- “It’s not just enough to give great quality ic surgical procedures. care. It also has to be quality caring.” The latter treatment could involve, for According to Grosso, prominent example, a hysterectomy with a single in- Huntington resident Cornelia Prime, cision that leads to minimal scaring, less who was already in her 70s, spearheaded pain, low blood loss and a faster recovery. the push to establish a hospital in the By Giselle Barkley

Photos from Huntington Hospital

Clockwise, the skyHealth team poses for a photo on the hospital’s new helipad established this past summer; a view of the plans for the new emergency department; a helicopter takes flight from the helipad; and the front entrance of Huntington Hospital.

early 1900s. At the time, the closest facility was in Mineola. Prime wanted the local hospital to be a high-quality medical facility that would cater to the area’s growing population. In December 1914, she purchased the five-acre property on Park Avenue where the hospital still stands. She established the Huntington Hospital two years later. The hospital joined the North Shore-LIJ Health System in 1994. Connecting with other facilities expanded the resources available to medical staff and patients. It isn’t done growing. It’s expanding in 2016 to include a new emergency department to replace its current one and accommodate a recent increase in patients — the entire facility serves 50,000 patients annually. Suffolk County Legislator William “Doc” Spencer (D-Centerport) said he is proud to be a part of the institution for the past 20 years, starting as a resident in training and now as the chief of otolaryngology. “Huntington Hospital has placed such an emphasis on serving the community and providing support,” he

said in a phone interview. “They offer superior medical care and continue to update based on the needs of the community.” Grosso said the institution is unique because of its deep roots with Huntington. “The hospital continues to build and expand to meet the needs of the community,” Grosso said. “[It] has an unusual real relationship with the community and one of the reasons … is because it’s been there for 100 years and … there isn’t [another] hospital next door.”

DECEMBER 31, 2015 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A25

lavalle Continued from page A8

people doing their clinical work and residencies.” LaValle is contributing to Stony Brook’s effort to secure a longer-term connection with Mather. He cited numerous such two-way benefits for a potential longer-term alliance. Stony Brook can provide services that “will save Mather a lot of money,” LaValle said. For patients of the two hospitals, the quality and convenience are also a winning combination. “If someone needs cardiac care, it is a hop, skip and a jump to get that care,” LaValle said. “They don’t have to be helicoptered some place or drive a long time distance.” Kaushansky appreciated the support from the senator. “He’s doing everything he can,” Kaushansky said. LaValle has “been a strong proponent of getting us and Mather to work together for the benefit” of the patient population in the area. Kaushansky cited several other benefits to Mather of an ongoing and deeper connection with Stony Brook, including support for Mather’s stroke

center with back-up cerebral artery intervention, and support for their radiology department. While a deeper connection with Mather would be mutually beneficial for the hospitals, LaValle suggested, it would also create an important level of convenience for patients. “I have started with the premise that patient care closest to home is the best care for the patient,” LaValle said. “The families can interact and it’s convenient. We are focused in a way to ensure that the quality of health care is at its maximum.” From the leaders through the rank and file, Stony Brook health care professionals appreciate LaValle’s support. “If anybody were to ask a person working in the dialysis unit, ‘Of all the politicians in the state of New York, who do you think is the strongest advocate for Stony Brook Medical School and Stony Brook University Hospital?’ most of them would say Ken LaValle,” said Kaushansky. Pasternak, who considers LaValle a friend, called him sincere in his beliefs. “It’s not the politics that drives him,” Pasternak said. “It’s his passion for the region and the people in the region.”

Continued from page A8

discipline and approach that was applicable in and outside the lab. “Part of [Hannun’s] success is he’s very good at planning,” said Supriya Jayadev, who was a graduate student in Hannun’s lab at Duke and is now the executive director of Clallam Mosaic in Port Angeles, Washington. “He plans out an experiment such that it works the first time.” Corinne Linardic was Hannun’s first graduate student. She said someone cautioned her about the risks of joining a new lab. Her first meeting with him, however, quickly allayed her concerns. “I remember him saying, ‘It’s important not to look where the light is, but to try to look into the dark and turn the light on,’” she said. “I thought that was very brave.” Linardic, who is now an associate professor of pediatrics at Duke University School of Medicine, recalled how they were working on a compound called ceramide. Whenever they gave it to cells, the cells died. At first, they thought maybe they were doing something wrong in their experiments. Eventually, Hannun helped her understand that ceramide was activating a form of programmed cell death. “It wasn’t a mistake or a technical disaster,” Linardic said. “We had to re-

frame the question.” The result was something she described as “profound.” Linardic said she felt fortunate to work with Obeid, who had a similar unbiased view of the work. “It was extraordinary to have a female mentor as well,” Linardic said. She and her colleagues felt fortunate to be welcomed into Hannun and Obeid’s family, where they were not only offering guidance on their careers, but also were caring for their young triplets at home. Linardic, Blobe and Jayadev started just around the time the triplets were born. They were “raising three biological children and three graduate students at the same time,” said Linardic. While they have come a long way from the beginning of their careers and their family, Hannun and Obeid have kept a consistent focus on the potential clinical benefits of their research. “They get the translational aspects,” Futerman said. “When [Hannun] moved to Stony Brook to head the Cancer Center, that was one of the aims for his move, to be in a position where he can apply basic science to translational research.” Futerman said there was “no question in my mind” that Hannun and Obeid deserve recognition in the Long Island community and the scientific community. “They are considered leaders,” Futerman said. “They contribute a lot to the academic community.”

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PAGE A26 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 31, 2015

CSH Lab continues to test the limits of science in diseases such as cancer — conduct experiments that may reveal key proIt is not typically a group that gets car- cesses in cancer and autism, branching ried away with praise. Often participants in plants, neural circuits involved in dework under controlled conditions, test- cision-making and much more. The lab’s ing results, retesting them and waiting research is broken down into five categofor approval from reviewers. ries: cancer, neuroscience, quantitative Yet members of this group heap un- biology, plant biology, and bioinformatrestrained praise on Cold Spring Harbor ics-and-genomics. Each of these fields Laboratory, a facility that looks like a generates research papers every year that picture-postcard, with boats in the back- not only advance an understanding of ground during the summer and a flourish basic science, but also offer potential to of foliage in the fall. change the world by taking a novel ap“It’s a wonderful scientific environ- proach to a disease or increasing plant ment,” said Dennis Steindler, senior scien- crop yields. tist and director of the Neuroscience and Zachary Lippman, associate professor Aging Lab at the Jean Mayer USDA Hu- at Watson School of Biological Sciences at man Nutrition Research Center on Aging CSHL, published a paper earlier this year at Tufts University. “It represents a very in nature genetics in which he identified a important mecca. It has its own unique set of genes that controls stem-cell producenvironment that fosters creativity and tion in tomatoes. Mutations in these genes exceptional science.” can explain the origin of the beefsteak toThis year CSHL, which has been mato, which may help breeders fine-tune home at one point or another to eight fruit size in any fruit-bearing crop. Nobel Prize winning sciGregory Hannon, adentists, is celebrating its ‘It has its own junct professor and inves125th year. For the re- unique environment tigator at Howard Hughes search center’s contriMedical Institute, meanbutions and its ongoing that fosters while, teamed up with Ascommitment to produc- creativity and sociate Professor Michael ing top-flight research, among others, to exceptional science.’ Schatz, The Times of Smithtown characterize the entire ge— dennis steindler nome for a flatworm found newspaper awards the staff at Cold Spring Harin Italy that can regenerate bor Laboratory its People almost its entire body after of the Year. an injury. These results, which were pubPatricia Wright, distinguished service lished in an edition of Proceedings of the professor of anthropology at Stony Brook National Academy of Sciences, a scienUniversity, said CSHL has more than tific journal, can provide a genetic road made its mark. “There’s so many things map to study the worm and its remarkthat have come out of that lab that have able regeneration abilities. changed the world,” she said. “ContribThese and many other studies pubuting to the human genome project is an lished in high-profile scientific journals important step that is leading to medical build on the work done by researchers genomics which may, one day, prevent such as Nobel Prize winner Barbara Mcdiseases before they happen.” Clintock, who discovered transposable Researchers led by Bruce Stillman — elements, or jumping genes, in maize. president and chief executive officer of The people that work at CSHL know, CSHL and a scientist who studies how implicitly, that they are “standing on the errors in DNA replication are involved backs of giants,” said Wright. Founded By Daniel Dunaief

Above and bottom left photos by Giselle Barkley; bottom file photo

after 125 years Cold Spring Harbor laboratory continues to educate its students and conduct research. Richard McCombie, bottom right, stands inside a laboratory; and, bottom left, part of the picture-postcard CSHl campus.

in 1890, CSHL made seminal discoveries in science, including a study on hybrid vigor by George Harrison Shull, in which crossbred corn produced some 20 percent higher yields than natural pollination. In the 1940s Milislav Demerec, the lab director, discovered that exposing penicillin to X-rays increased the yield of a drug which was important during World War II. Modern researchers who have spent time at CSHL praise the culture and opportunity. “Science has always driven things here,” said Richard McCombie, a professor who has been at CSHL since 1992. When he moved to an off-campus build-

ing, he recalled Stillman said, “It’ll be up to you guys to make sure the new people are imbued with the culture of the lab.” Jan Witkowski, executive director of the Banbury Center at CSHL, said the lab is unique because of its combination of research and education. “One of the most interesting things is this combination of very high level research and very high level of education and communication,” Witkowski said. “There’s no other institute in the world that does both of those things at the level we do it here.” Giselle Barkley contributed reporting.

DECEMBER 31, 2015 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A27

Times Beacon RecoRd

We Pick The Winners:

87.5%

Of The Candidates We Endorsed In The Recent Elections

Won 14 ouT of 16 races

Election 2015

Bellone

Bellone can do it. He demonstrates an understanding of complex issues.

Romaine

Ed Romaine has a solid record of getting things done.

Losquadro

In one of the most tangible litmus tests, Losquadro has remained accessible with his office’s attempts at putting a dent in a backlog of road repaving and repair projects, while also admitting there was no way he could tend to every single one.

Cartright

Cartright’s perspective and life experience is necessary to the Brookhaven Town Board.

Hahn

Hahn is accessible to the people she represents, and her ideas are moving the county in the right direction

Berland

[Berland] has worked to sponsor legislation that’s made a difference, including laws that help put an end to blight and legislation to regulate the invasive bamboo, which can frequently be a nuisance to neighbors.

Cook

Cook’s greatest strength lies in being the sole minority party member on the board, and his willingness to speak up when something fishy is going on, whether he’s right or wrong.

FOLEY Continued from page A22

knack for helping those who are lost find their way regardless of who they are or his relationship with them. “He tries to connect with people on some level. If he can go out of his way for someone, he just goes out of his way,” Swanson said about the current athletic director. Adams said Foley also put the college on the map, as many SCCC sports teams have improved under his leadership. He’s also earned several awards on multiple occasions including: the NATYCAA Cup otherwise known as the Pepsi Cup; the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup; the Mickey Crowley Metropolitan Officials Sportsmanship award and the Joe DeBonis Sportsmanship Award. The college received

this regional award 12 times in the past two decades. He also celebrated his 400th career win earlier in 2015 along with several other awards for his work as a professor. In honor of Foley and all his achievements on and off the court, SCCC will rename the basketball court on the school’s Ammerman Campus in Selden after him. As a senior attending Seton Hall High School in 1965, Foley averaged 30 points per game. He also received a basketball scholarship to attend Seton Hall University where he served as the team’s captain from 196869. In 1994, he was inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame. “He is someone that could have gone anywhere to coach big time athletics,” Adams said. “He’s been at the college for almost 37 years. That speaks to his dedication and it speaks to his love for our college and for the students.”

Trotta

A focused and practical lawmaker, Trotta has served his district – the Town of Smithtown and a small portion of Huntington Town – well in the last two years.

She may be untraditional in her approach, but we feel Leslie Kennedy truly wants to respond to the needs of her constituents and has a firm grasp of the issues to respond accordingly.

Stern

Experience is invaluable, and for that, coupled with his achievements, we say elect Stern to a final term in office.

Spencer

Spencer is a well-organized, caring legislator who has done good things for his constituents.

Anker

Anker’s ear has been easily available to constituents since she took office in 2011 and she takes what she hears to heart.

Bonner

Bonner has proven she is a caring and effective councilwoman. She should be reelected to a fifth term.

Muratore

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Muratore (R-Ronkonkoma) said he doesn’t consider himself a politician but, instead, a man of the people. We agree.

LaValle

We have a feeling LaValle, a Republican who grew up in Middle Country, will only keep getting better as time goes on. He has shown high energy and commitment. [Losing candidates that we endorsed: Wehrheim, Creighton, Luft)

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Foley watches a basketball game from the sidelines.

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PAGE A28 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 31, 2015

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www.stonybrookchristian.com Pastor Troy Reid Weekly Schedule Sunday Worship w/nursery 10 am Kidmo Children’s Church • Ignited Youth Fellowship and Food Always to Follow Tuesday Evening Prayer: 7 pm Thursday Morning Bible Study w/Coffee & Bagels: 10 am Friday Night Experience “FNX” for Pre K-Middle School: 6:30 pm Ignite Youth Ministry: 7:30 pm Check out our website for other events and times

BYZANTINE CATHOLIC RESURRECTION BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH

38 Mayflower Avenue, Smithtown NY 11787 631–759–6083 resurrectionsmithtown@gmail.com www.resurrectionsmithtown.org Fr. Jack Custer, SSL., STD., Pastor Cantor Joseph S. Durko Divine Liturgy: Sunday, 11:15am followed by fellowship in the parish hall. Holy Days: 7:00pm. See website for days and times. Faith Formation for All Ages: Sunday School (Ages 4-13), alternate Sundays at 10:00am ByzanTeens (14-18), alternate Tuesdays at 7:00pm Adult Faith Formation: Mondays at 7:00pm. PrayerAnon Prayergroup for substance addictions: Wednesdays at 7 pm See the website for current topics and schedule. The Sacraments: Baptism, Chrismation and Eucharist for infants, children and adults arranged by appointment. Sacrament of Matrimony arranged by appointment. Sacrament of Repentance: Sundays 10:50 to 11:05am and before or after all other services. All services in English. A parish of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic.

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. GERARD MAJELLA 300 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station (631) 473–2900 • Fax (631) 473–0015

www.stgmajella.org Rev. Gennaro DiSpigno, Pastor Oﬃce of Christian Formation • 928–2550 We celebrate Eucharist Saturday evening 5 pm, Sunday 7:30, 9 and 11 am Weekday Mass Monday–Friday 9 am We celebrate Baptism Third weekend of each month during any of our weekend Masses We celebrate Marriage Arrangements can be made at the church with our Pastor or Deacon We celebrate Penance Confession is celebrated on Saturdays from 4–5 pm We celebrate You! Visit Our Thrift Shop Mon. – Fri. 10 am–4 pm + Sat. 10 am–2 pm

INFANT JESUS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 110 Myrtle Ave., Port Jefferson, NY 11777 (631) 473-0165 • Fax (631) 331-8094

D irectory

www.www.infantjesus.org Reverend Patrick M. Riegger, Pastor Associates: Rev. Francis Lasrado & Rev. Rolando Ticllasuca To schedule Baptisms and Weddings, Please call the Rectory Confessions: Saturdays 12:30-1:15 pm in the Lower Church Religious Ed.: (631) 928-0447 • Parish Outreach: (631) 331-6145 Weekly Masses: 6:50 and 9 am in the Church, 12 pm in the Chapel* Weekend Masses: Saturday at 5 pm in the Church, 5:15 pm in the Chapel* Sunday at 7:30 am, 10:30 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm in the Church and at 8:30 am, 10 am, and 11:30 am (Family Mass) in the Chapel* Spanish Masses: Sunday at 8:45 am and Wednesday at 6 pm in the Church *Held at the Infant Jesus Chapel at St. Charles Hospital Religious Education: (631) 928-0447 Parish Outreach: (631) 331-6145

429 Rt. 25A, Setauket, NY 11733 Phone/Fax: (631) 941–4141

Mission Statement: In faith we come together to celebrate the Eucharist as a Parish Family; and as a Catholic community of faith, we are sent to be Christ to the world around us. Rev. James-Patrick Mannion, Pastor Rev. Daniel Opoku-Mensah, Associate Rev. Jon Fitzgerald, In Residence Weekday Masses: Monday – Saturday 8:00 am Weekend Masses: Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm Sunday 8:00am, 9:30 am (family), 11:30 am (choir), 6:00 pm (Youth) Office Hours: Monday–Thursday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Baptisms: Sundays at 1:30 pm (except during Lent) Reconciliation: Saturdays 4:00 – 4:45 pm or by appointment Anointing Of The Sick: by request Holy Matrimony: contact the office at least 9 months before desired date

CONGREGATIONAL MT. SINAI CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

233 North Country Road, Mt. Sinai • (631) 473–1582 www.mtsinaichurchli.org “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here” Sunday Services at 10 am Sunday School and childcare oﬀered at the 10 am service and open to all infants to 8th grade. Last Sundays of the month: 10 am Welcome Sunday Service A service welcoming those with differing abilities We are an Open and Affirming Congregation.

EPISCOPAL ALL SOULS EPISCOPAL CHURCH “Our little historic church on the hill” across from the Stony Brook Duck Pond

Main Street, Stony Brook • (631) 751–0034

www.allsouls–stonybrook.org • allsoulsepiscopalchurch@verizon.net Please come and welcome our new Priests: The Rev. Dr. Richard Visconti, Priest–In–Charge The Rev. Farrell D. Graves, Priest Associate Sunday Holy Eucharist: 8 and 9:30 am Religious instruction for children follows the 9:30 am Service This is a small eclectic Episcopal congregation that has a personal touch. We welcome all regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey. Walk with us.

CAROLINE CHURCH OF BROOKHAVEN The Rev. Cn. Dr. Richard D. Visconti, Rector The Rev. Farrell Graves, Priest Associate

1 Dyke Road on the Village Green, Setauket Web site: www.carolinechurch.net Parish Office email: office@carolinechurch.net (631) 941–4245

Sunday Services: 8:00 am, 9:30 am and 11:15 am Church School/Child Care at 9:30 am Church School classes now forming. Call 941-4245 for registration Weekday Holy Eucharist’s: Thursday 12:30 pm and First Fri. of the month 7:30 pm (rotating: call Parish Oﬃce for location) Youth, Music and Service Programs oﬀered Let God walk with you as part of our family–friendly community.

To be listed in the Religious Directory, please call 751–7663

127 Barnum Ave., Port Jefferson (631) 473–0273 email: ccoffice@christchurchportjeff.org www.christchurchportjeff.org

Father Anthony DiLorenzo: Priest–In–Charge Sunday Eucharist: 8 am and 10 am/Wednesday 10 in our chapel Sunday School and Nursery at 9:30 am Our ministries: Welcome Inn on Mondays at 5:45 pm AA meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 pm/Prayer Group on Wednesdays at 10:30 am/Bible Study on Thursdays at 10 am. It is the mission of the people of Christ Church to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ and to make his love known to all through our lives and ministry. We at Christ Church are a joyful, welcoming community. Wherever you are in your journey of life we want to be part of it.

EVANGELICAL THREE VILLAGE CHURCH Knowing Christ...Making Him Known

322 Route 25A, East Setauket • (631) 941–3670 www.3vc.org

Lead Pastor Josh Moody Sunday Worship Schedule 9:15 am:Worship Service Sunday School (Pre–K – Adult), Nursery 10:30 am: Bagel/Coﬀee Fellowship 11:00 am: Worship, Nursery, Pre–K, Cornerstone Kids (Gr. K–4) We oﬀer weekly Teen Programs, Small Groups, Women’s Bible Studies (day & evening) & Men’s Bible Study Faith Nursery School for ages 3 & 4 Join us as we celebrate 55 years of proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ!

JEWISH CHABAD AT STONY BROOK “Judaism with a smile”

Future site: East side of Nicolls Rd, North of Rte 347 –Next to Fire Dept. Current location: 821 Hawkins Ave., Lake Grove

(631) 585–0521 • (800) My–Torah • www.ChabadSB.com Rabbi Chaim & Rivkie Grossbaum Rabbi Motti & Chaya Grossbaum Rabbi Sholom B. & Chanie Cohen Membership Free •Weekday, Shabbat & Holiday Services Highly acclaimed Torah Tots Preschool • Afternoon Hebrew School Camp Gan Israel • Judaica Publishing Department • Lectures and Seminars • Living Legacy Holiday Programs Jewish Learning Institute Friendship Circle for Special Needs Children • The CTeen Network N’shei Chabad Women’s Club • Cyberspace Library www.ChabadSB.com Chabad at Stony Brook University – Rabbi Adam & Esther Stein

CORAM JEWISH CENTER

Young Israel of Coram 981 Old Town Rd., Coram • (631) 698–3939 YIC.org – YoungIsraelofCoram@gmail.com

RABBI DR. MORDECAI & MARILYN GOLSHEVSKY RABBI SAM & REBECCA GOLSHEVSKY

“THE ETERNAL FLAME–THE ETERNAL LIGHT” Weekly Channel #20 at 11 am Shabbat Morning Services 9 am Free Membership. No building fund. Free Hebrew School. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Shabbat and Holiday Services followed by hot buffet. Adult Education Institute. Women’s Education Group–International Lectures and Torah Study. Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Kaballah Classes. Jewish Holiday Institute. Tutorials for all ages. FREE HEBREW SCHOOL 2015–2016 Details (631)698–3939 Member National Council of Young Israel a world–wide organization. All welcome regardless of knowledge or observance level.

DECEMBER 31, 2015 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A29

Religious

D irectory

JEWISH

METHODIST

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

NORTH SHORE JEWISH CENTER

BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP AT STONY BROOK

385 Old Town Rd., Port Jefferson Station (631) 928–3737 www.NorthShoreJewishCenter.org Rabbi Aaron Benson

33 Christian Ave/ PO2117 E. Setauket NY 11733 (631)941 3581 Rev. Gregory L. Leonard–Pastor

380 Nicolls Road • between Rte 347 & Rte 25A (631) 751–0297 • www.uufsb.org • oﬃce@uufsb.org

Rev. Margaret H. Allen

Cantor Daniel Kramer, Rabbi Emeritus Howard Hoffman Executive Director Marcie Platkin Services: Daily morning and evening minyan Friday at 8 pm; Saturday 8:45 am and one hour before sundown • Tot Shabbat Family Kehillah • Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Seniors Club • Youth Group Award–winning Religious School • Teen Community Service Program Nursery School • Mommy and Me • Preschool Summer Program Continuing Ed • Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah • Judaica Shop Thrift Shop • Kosher Catering Panel We warmly welcome you to our Jewish home. Come worship, study and enjoy being Jewish with our caring NSJC family. Member United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

COMMACK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

TEMPLE ISAIAH (REFORM)

SETAUKET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

109 Brown’s Road, Huntington, NY 11743 631–427–9547

A warm and caring intergenerational community dedicated to learning, prayer, social action, and friendship.

Rev. Sandra B. Mantz, Pastor

Rev. G. Jude Geiger, Minister

1404 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook • (631) 751–8518 Rabbi Sharon L. Sobel Cantor Michael F. Trachtenberg Emeritus Cantor Scott Harris Rabbi Emeritus Stephen A. Karol Rabbi Emeritus Adam D. Fisher

Member Union for Reform Judaism Sabbath Services Friday 7:30 pm and Saturday 10 am Monthly Family Service • Monthly Tot Shabbat • Religious School Youth Groups • Senior Club • Adult Education • Chavurah Groups • Early AM Studies • Sisterhood • Brotherhood • PT

LUTHERAN–ELCA

Sunday Worship 10:30 am Adult Sunday School 9:30 am Lectionary Reading and Prayer Wed. 12 noon Gospel Choir Tues. 8 pm Praise Choir and Youth Choir 3rd and 4th Fri. 6:30 pm

486 Townline Road, Commack Church Office: (631)499–7310 Fax: (631) 858–0596 www.commack–umc.org • mail@commack–umc.org Rev. Linda Bates–Stepe, Pastor 160 Main Street, Corner of 25A and Main Street East Setauket • (631) 941–4167

www.setauketumc.org • SUMCNY@aol.com Sunday Worship Service & Church School 10 am 10 am Worship with Holy Communion Mary & Martha Circle (Women’s Ministry) monthly on 2nd Tuesday at noon Adult Bible Study Sunday 8 am Prayer Group and Bible Study at the Church Wednesdays 10 am

PRESBYTERIAN

Religious Education at UUFSB: Unitarian Universalism accepts wisdom from many sources and offers non-dogmatic religious education for children from 3-18 to foster ethical and spiritual development and knowledge of world religions. Classes Sunday mornings at 10:30 am. Childcare for little ones under three. Senior High Youth Group meetings Sunday evenings. Registration is ongoing. For more information: dre@uufsb.org.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF HUNTINGTON www.uufh.org

(minister@uufh.org) Starr Austin, religious educator (dreuufh@gmail.com) Whoever you are, whomever you love, wherever you are on your life’s journey, you are welcome here. Our services offer a progressive, non-creedal message with room for spiritual seekers. Services and Religious Education each Sunday at 10:30 am Youth Group, Lifespan Religious Education for Adults, Adult and Children’s Choirs Participants in the Huntington Interfaith Housing Initiative Find us on Facebook and Twitter

SETAUKET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

ST. PAULS LUTHERAN CHURCH

5 Caroline Avenue ~ On the Village Green ~ (631) 941–4271 • www.setauketpresbyterian.org Email: setauketpresbyterian@verizon.net

Rev. Paul A. Downing, Pastor email: pastorpauldowning@yahoo.com • pastors cell: 347–423–3623 church website: wwwStPaulsLCPJS.org Services Sundays – 8:30 am and 10:30 am Holy Communion Bibles and Bagels 9:30 am Sunday School during 10:30 am service Wednesday Evening 7:30 pm – Holy Communion Friday Morning Power of Prayer Hour 10:30 am ~ All are Welcome ~

Join us in Worship at 9:30 am Church School (PreK-7th Grade) at 9:45 am Adult Christian Education Classes at 11 am: Service Opportunities: Open Door Ministry Open House : November 8th Furnishing homes ... Finding hope Openings for MWF Preschool 4’s program 2015–2016 Janet Craig, Director All are welcome to join this vibrant community for worship, music (voice and bell choirs), mission (local, national and international), and fellowship. Call the church office or visit our website for current information on church activities. SPC is a More Light Presbyterian Church and part of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians working toward a church as generous and just as God’s grace.

309 Patchogue Road, Port Jefferson Station (631)473–7157

(minister@uufsb.org) Sunday Service: 10:30 am

Rev. Mary Barrett Speers, Pastor Rev. Kate Jones Calone, Assistant Pastor

UNITY UNITY CHURCH OF HEALING LIGHT 203 East Pulaski Rd., Huntington Sta. (631) 385–7180 www.unityhuntingtonny.org

LUTHERAN–LCMS MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE 465 Pond Path, East Setauket (631)751-1775 www.messiahny.com

Rev. Charles Bell - Pastor We welcome all to join us for worship & fellowship Sunday Worship Services 8:15am, 9:30am & 11:00am Sunday School at 9:30 am NYS Certified Preschool & Day Care Program Please call for details

Rev. Saba Mchunguzi

Unity Church of Healing Light is committed to helping people unfold their Christ potential to transform their lives and build spiritual community through worship, education, prayer and service. Sunday Worship & Church School 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Service 7:30 p.m. Sign Language Interpreter at Sunday Service

To be listed in the Religious Directory, please call 751–7663

To Subscribe: Please Call 631.751.7744 or Subscribe online at www.TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

PAGE A30 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 31, 2015

Flower shop plants deep roots in local community By Carolann ryan

Fashions in Flowers has been on the cutting edge of floral design for the past 60 years, and this Northport business shows no signs of stopping any time soon. Current owner Debi Triola serves the community well, providing flowers from around the world for any occasion while also giving back to the village that supports her as much as possible. For this reason, she is a Times of Smithtown newspaper Person of the Year. Triola, a lifelong Northport resident, has been the owner of Fashions in Flowers on Fort Salonga Road for 11 years, although the shop has been running since 1955. Among the many hats she’s worn over the years, she is the current director of the Northport Chamber of Commerce. “I am definitely lucky to live here,” Triola said. Barbara Sorelle, a colleague of Triola’s at the Northport Chamber of Commerce who works for Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk, said Northport is just as lucky to have Triola. “Debi is a wonderful, caring person and gives so much to our community,” Sorelle said in a phone interview. “As members of the board of trustees of the Northport Chamber of Commerce, it has been a pleasure to work with her over the years.” It is about more than selling flowers for this local business, according to Triola. She said she always keeps the shop busy by getting involved in Northport events as much as possible. “Part of the job as a small business is to help the community,” Triola said. “It is

a given, giving back.” And give back she does. From something as small as donating flowers for school district functions, like Northport High School’s Relay for Life, to helping organize events such as the Northport Farmers’ Market and Tuesday Family Fun Nights in the village, Fashions in Flowers makes sure to leave their mark at many community gatherings. The business has worked with local organizations like the Cow Harbor Warriors, The Northport American Legion Post 694 and the Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk. “Debi Triola is so generous to our community,” said Susan Modelewski, a cancer survivor involved with organizing the Northport Relay for Life event.

“For years, Debi has donated corsages to the survivors who attend Northport’s Relay for Life survivor reception and she is also a contributor to [the] St. Charles Hospital Auxiliary Northport Chapter. Debi is one of the many reasons why Northport is such a great place to live.” Fashions in Flowers also supports local artisans, such as the Northport Candle Kitchen, by selling their products at the shop. With the holiday season quickly approaching, Fashions in Flowers has

worked hard to spread holiday cheer. Recently, the staff volunteered to decorate the intensive care unit of Huntington Hospital and participated in Northport’s annual tree-lighting ceremony, which includes the annual leg lamp-lighting at Northport Hardware Co. and a visit from Santa himself. “That is what I love about Northport,” Triola said, when asked why she cares so much about her hometown. “We are a tight-knit community here. We all help each other, whatever we can do.”

Top right photo from Debi Triola; photos by Carolann Ryan

Clockwise, the front entrance of Fashions in Flowers on Fort Salonga road, Debi Triola smiles with a floral arrangement, bouquet-displays inside Fashions in Flowers.

DECEMBER 31, 2015 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A31

MIKELL Continued from page A1

County representatives for some help, as he had become driven to clean up his neighborhood. A year later, Mikell has rallied together a small group of determined volunteers and has partnered with Suffolk County’s Adopt-AHighway Program to secure cleanups on Crooked Hill Road up to its intersection with Commack Road. The unofficial bus stop now has a white bench and a brown garbage can marked “7 Cents Club of Commack” placed alongside it. “This is something that I thought would be a nice thing to do for the community,” Mikell said. “I’m just doing my part, [and] doing what I can as opposed to not doing something. I’m not marching and championing causes and all that stuff, but this is something I could put my hands around, and maybe make a difference. Abraham Lincoln once said ‘I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives …’ and that’s on the letterhead for the Seven Cents Club.” The place in which Mikell lives has not ignored his efforts. Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (RNesconset), who was among those first

TBR

contacted by Mikell, sees him as “the epitome of a good citizen.” “He takes a bad situation and makes it better,” Kennedy said. “Instead of sitting around doing nothing in retirement, this man created something. He called the county to get the garbage picked up, he dealt with the town and he did everything that was needed. Who wants to live in ‘pigginess?’ I don’t think he had any other reason for doing it, other than to make something better. We’ll never stop people from littering, [but] truthfully, the difference between last week and the end of what was done this week is noticeable. Really noticeable.” With volunteers from Dix Hills, Centereach and Hauppauge, there are hopes that this group will inspire more towns to have their own Ed Mikell and Seven Cents Club, but it won’t be easy. “That’s a big undertaking,” said Ed Feinberg, a Commack resident and club volunteer. “That would require a lot of time and effort. If I’ve walked away from this with one piece of knowledge it’s that it’s not easy, working your way through the red tape of county government and getting corroboration and information, but Ed’s done it. He’s done it very well.”

File photo by Alex Petroski

Ed Mikell overlooks one of his first sites as part of the Seven Cents Club.

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