The Village Beacon Record - December 24, 2020

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The VILLAGE BEACON RECORD M O U N T S I N A I • M I L L E R P L AC E • S O U N D B E AC H • R O C K Y P O I N T • WA D I N G R I V E R • S H O R E H A M

December 24, 2020

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JULIANNE MOSHER

Vol. 36, No. 23

A Holiday Thanks from TBR TBR News Media’s offices will be closed Thursday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. We will be reopening Friday, Jan. 4, 2021.

Have a wonderful holiday season

A Star’s Return

A Holiday Story: Park the Christmas Puppy

Also: Photo of the Week, Winners of Stony Brook Film Festival Announced

B1

15-year-old Carter Rubin, winner of NBC’s “The Voice,” returns home to the adulation of his first and greatest fans in SWR — A3

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lease consider this a personal invitation to subscribe to one of our awardwinning hometown newspapers. The prices for home delivery will be going up in January, so if you already subscribe, and many of you do, perhaps you would like to get ahead of the increase and extend your subscription this month.

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PAGE A2 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • DECEMBER 24, 2020

Town

Make a Statement...

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Long Island Coastal Steward President Denis Mellett helps operate a group at the town’s Mount Sinai facility offering coastal education for young people. Photo by Kyle Barr

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ChristmasOutdoor Eve

Candlelight Service

Brookhaven Awarded Grant for Sound Education

Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine (R) announced Dec. 21 that the town was awarded a 2020 Long Island Sound Futures Fund matching grant to fund the town’s Coastal Environment and Community Resilience Education Program. The Town will match the $8,799 grant with $4,450, making the total conservation impact $13,249. The grant combines funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. “The Long Island Sound is vital to the ecology and economy of Brookhaven town and it is our goal to preserve it for future generations,�

Romaine said in a release. “Thanks to the Long Island Sound Futures Fund grant, we will continue to increase public awareness and encourage participation in our environmental protection efforts in the town.�

Brookhaven’s year-long Coastal Environment and Community Resilience Education Program will run from Jan. 1, 2021 through Dec. 31, 2021. The goal is to foster conservation by bringing people to the Long Island

Sound or by bringing the Long Island Sound to the people. The town’s environmental educator will conduct presentations paired with handson activities tailored for each audience at public libraries throughout the Town of Brookhaven. Presentations and tours will include detailed descriptions of the intricate balance of the coastal ecosystems, the wonderful flora and fauna on the shore, dunes and salt marsh, and the positive and negative impacts of human activity in these places.

The program will also include informative, guided tours of Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai, including the town’s Marine Environmental Stewardship Center and shellfish and eel grass restoration projects. There will also be nature tours for people of all ages and hands-on conservation programs with the Junior Environmental Stewards at Mount Sinai Harbor and West Meadow Beach in Stony Brook. The series will create more sustainable and resilient communities by increasing knowledge and engagement of the public in the protection and restoration of the coastal environments of Long Island Sound.

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DECEMBER 24, 2020 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A3

Town

Community members showed up to support a now-famous community member Dec. 18 as they drove by 15-year-old Carter Rubin’s house to shout their support and praise; right, Legislator Sarah Anker, left with scarf, presents a proclamation to Rubin alongside his parents and older brother. Photos by Julianne Mosher

SWR Community Welcomes Home Teen Sensation Carter Rubin

BY JULIANNE MOSHER JULIANNE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM Long Island’s very own Carter Rubin is back home and was greeted with a parade in his honor.

The 15-year-old winner of NBC’s “The Voice” was welcomed home Friday with a caravan of people supporting and cheering on the newest local celebrity.

Carter, of Shoreham, won the national singing competition during Tuesday’s series finale, as a representative of Team Gwen, headed by singer Gwen Stefani.

On Dec. 18, several dozen cars lined up outside Shoreham-Wading River High School with signs and balloons, ready to surprise the sophomore outside his home.

Also greeted by media, as Carter hosted interviews alongside his family, firetrucks, the local police and community members shocked the young singer with a warm welcoming. They held signs out of their car windows, handed him balloons and flowers, and yelled their joy for achieving a huge feat.

“I’m still in shock, I don’t think it really hit me yet,” the ecstatic and overwhelmed Carter said. “My feet have not touched

the ground. I’m still trying to comprehend what happened.”

Since October, the young singer was traveling back and forth from his Shoreham home to Los Angeles to participate on the show. During the initial audition, Stefani and fellow judge singer John Legend both wanted the then-14-year-old on their teams.

He chose the No Doubt singer, making this her first win on the show.

After touching the hearts of both the judges and America as a whole, Carter is now able to share what he loves with the world, his mother, Alonna Rubin said.

“It’s pretty awesome,” she said. “We’re so happy to be able to see him do what he loves and make so many people happy.”

Throughout the competition, he often dedicated his performances to his autistic older brother, Jack, who was back home watching his little brother shine on the small screen.

“I’m just so happy for Carter that he won ‘The Voice,’” he said, smiling. “It felt so good to see him on TV.” Their mother is an advocate for the autism community and is founder of the local nonprofit Families in Arms, which helps support families of children on the spectrum.

The father said it was hard having his son and wife across the country, but FaceTime helped, and even the distance was well worth it to watch Carter shine.

“Watching him just do the work, perform and step up was amazing,” David Rubin said.

“But he really made a big impact on people which is, as his parents, really incredible.”

Along with his new title as the show’s Season 19 winner, he also was awarded $100,000, a trip to Universal Orlando and a contract with Republic Records. Carter added that his next steps are to start writing his own music and start performing when COVID is done.

“I want to get in the studio and record music to put out there for everyone,” he said.

“Once COVID is over, I want to perform.”

He’s been performing for years, though, his grandfather Ric Mango said. Mango, who was a member of 1960s group Jay & the Americans, said that Carter had opened up for him and his own band since he was 6 years old.

“He’s a great kid,” the proud grandfather said. “He’s great inside and out, and he’s going to be an idol.”

When Carter and his mother headed home Thursday night, family friend and Shoreham

Civic Organization president, Mike Goralski, knew he wanted to do something special for the teen.

“I’ve been friends with the family for a little more than 12 years, and I felt as though something should be done because he’s a wonderful kid,” he said. “The family, from the kids to the grandparents, are great people.”

So Goralski recruited local elected officials and the rest of the community to give Carter a big hello.

Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai) presented “The Voice” champion with a proclamation to congratulate him on his achievement.

“This is the best holiday gift ever,” Anker said. “We really need this, and Carter is the perfect person to provide this excitement.

His heart is so warm, his courage is so strong, and his belief that you can follow your dreams has made such a difference, not just for him, but for everyone.”

And while his personality shined on stage, he was still in disbelief he won this honor and received all this love from his neighbors.

“It feels amazing,” he said. “I’m just so grateful for all the outpouring support in the middle of a global pandemic.”

PAGE A4 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • DECEMBER 24, 2020

Town

The Fate of a Miller Place Yoga Studio in COVID-19 Times

BY JULIANNE MOSHER JULIANNE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Marianne, left, and Justin Bakewicz, second from left, along with Anna Montauredes, right, are finally owners of the Bakewicz Farms in Wading River after years of work. Photo from Justin Bakewicz

Bakewicz Family Buys Land for Wading River Farm

BY KYLE BARR KYLE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

A local family farm is staying pastoral and in the family.

The Bakewicz family announced the purchase of their small 11-acre farm on Route 25A in Wading River Dec. 15. For more than three years, Justin Bakewicz and his mother Marianne have cultivated vegetables as well as a big following among North Shore locals. Justin said they closed on the property Monday, Dec. 14.

“Everybody’s superexcited,” he added. “I’m just stoked.”

The 26-year-old farmer has been working the land for the last few years. The property, that borders the thin two-lane stretch of Route 25A in Wading River is surrounded by residential homes. Over the last few years, the Bakewicz family has gained renown for their kid-focused activities, from corn mazes full of cutout pop culture characters to barrel train and farm animals. Many of those animals, including two calves, Woody and Buzz, were rescued and brought to Long Island by Strong Island Rescue’s Frankie Floridia after they were slated to be killed at a farm upstate.

Rescuing animals is also how he met his then-girlfriend and now-fiancée Anna Montauredes, a fellow agriculturally minded person from Smithtown. She helps Justin with the hard work of keeping the farm running.

In early 2019, the owners of the property, Rocky Point-based Manzi Homes East construction company, announced there were proposals from TradeWind Energy to build solar batteries on the property. Previously the owners had put in proposals to the Town of Brookhaven to build a new residential section on that land.

The Wading River Civic Association pulled their support for that energy project, and Justin Bakewicz said the proposal did not get far with the town.

Rocky Point-based attorney Steven Losquadro, who represents the Manzi family, said that his client is “very pleased with the result and specifically made great concessions to allow this to happen,” adding that the developers had other offers with much bigger dollar signs.

“They decided to forego many other more significant offers and also decided to forego the money they would earn from building homes on the parcel in order to keep this as a farm for the community,” Losquadro said. The Manzis are “from the area, and they have lived here forever. They wanted it to stay a farm, so it’s a great result for everyone, and most importantly the community’s happy.”

Bakewicz said they are selling the development rights off the property so it can be served as a farm from now onward, though they are keeping 1 acre in the back available for some future development. That solar battery project was originally pitched as just two solar batteries along the north side of the property, leaving the rest as a farm. He said newer proposals showed such a project would effectively have left only the farming family with their parking lot and playground.

Bakewicz is now fully committed to being in that community, even potentially buying a home next door to the farm. He said he is looking forward to the next few years, where he has big plans. He is working on acquiring a liquor license to put a bar inside a corn silo. He also plans to expand the playground area and potentially build a horse barn, adding that he’s talking with some in the community who have kids with autism to allow them to ride horses.

“We’re just telling people to support the local farms,” he said. “Like, it’s not just for me, but it’s down the road. People are going to the grocery store [and you watch] them load up with all this garbage produce picked weeks ago.” From a local farm, he said, “for just a few cents more, you know where it came from.”

They went from selling out classes several times a day, to having one person in a class.

Coco Teodoro, owner of Miller Place and Patchogue-based Cocomotion Yoga + Movement Space, said that the virus has hit his industry just as hard as others.

“Our business, just like rock concerts, musicals, they’re in the business of bringing people together,” he said. “And that’s the one thing we can’t do. So, our entire business model is toast because if you’re good at bringing people together, then what are you good at after that?”

Teodoro said that because of the pandemic, he has lost 90% of his business — just one of many things that hit him hard in 2020.

“I kept telling everybody that this is the year of loss for me,” he said. “I lost my mom just a few months ago, then lost my job [at an advertising firm in Manhattan] of 17 years, and then I could end up losing my business.”

But Teodoro tries not to be negative. There’s hope and he sees a silver lining, despite the hardships he and his colleagues are facing because of the coronavirus.

“I always felt that as long as I can teach, I can always make it in this world,” he said.

Teodoro, a certified instructor, has been practicing yoga for more than 20 years. He opened his first location in Miller Place five years ago and added a second space on the South Shore in 2017.

In March 2020, he was all ready to open up his third location on top of that in East Setauket.

He took over the second floor of the Country Corner Bar on Route 25A and then the virus hit.

While they are still renting out the other two locations, they haven’t been able to use their Patchogue and new Setauket spaces yet.

Teodoro said they are focusing on maintaining their flagship spot in Miller Place because it’s the largest out of the three. They just recently opened up to in-person classes, where they marked spots on the floor six-feet apart. A class that once held nearly three-dozen people can now only hold eight.

“We feel like this is the safest place to practice,” he said.

And it’s been hard, he said. Early on in the pandemic, Teodoro had more than 20 instructors on his payroll, now he has just two — who are doing their classes for free. Since March, he and partner Jane Irvine were putting out over 500 yoga classes online for no charge.

“We’re actually going out of business and working at the same time,” he said. “We’re literally staying here so we can hold on to the community that we built.”

Coco Teodoro, owner of Cocomotion yoga studio in Miller Place, has hosted free online yoga classes during hte pandemic, but is concerned about his business.

Photo by Julianne Moser

And that community has become their family.

“We know every single person,” Irvine said.

“We know what’s going on in their lives. We know their children, we know what’s happening. So, we’re here, and we say that we love this family. This is our family.”

Irvine said the community has been as supportive as they could be during this difficult time, and while the business is struggling, the teachers at Cocomotion just want to make others feel better because they know of the impacts stress can cause someone.

“Pre-COVID, people would have multiple memberships,” Teodoro said. “They’d have a membership at the local gym, then they’d have a membership at the yoga studio, and then they might have a psychiatrist, as well.”

That’s how this studio is different than the rest, adding, “We decided to squeeze all three of those in.”

Irvine said that now more than ever, people need a ritual.

“People need something to devote their time to, otherwise the mind is just going to go crazy,” she said. “It gives you a focus, a point in your day to do something to take care of yourself.”

Cocomotion’s free classes are still available on their social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, but he’s encouraging people to take advantage of the sacred space he worked half a decade on in Miller Place.

“Everything that we’ve built is our dream,” he said. “So yes, we’re going to struggle — everybody’s struggling at this moment in time. But ultimately, we still get to wake up and have this community that we love and do what we love to do.”

DECEMBER 24, 2020 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A5

Education

Local School Libraries Change Shape During COVID

BY JULIANNE MOSHER JULIANNE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM Nine months into the coronavirus pandemic and schools are still adjusting. The school library, a place of solace for elementary schoolers and high school seniors alike, has had to adhere to the new and ever-changing COVID-19 protocols.

Local districts, however, have embraced the changes and have implemented new services that they never would have started if it wasn’t for the crisis.

A silver lining, school librarians across the North Shore explained how the changes have impacted them, their schools and their students.

Since some students are not physically in their first period classes, the district also increased their digital library as a main focus.

Shoreham-Wading River High School librarian Kristine Hanson and Albert G. Prodell Middle School librarian Ann-Marie Kalin created an initiative to meet the need for printed books while reimagining the online presence in concert with OPALS, the opensource library system.

They created a book delivery service at their schools called BookDash, which allows students to electronically submit requests with their student ID. Then, physical books are either delivered to students at Prodell or picked up at the high school library doors at the end of the school day. The initiative is promoted through English classes, and a multitude of book recommendations are available via the OPALS pages, blogs and links.

“Kids are reliant on what’s in the catalog, books that never went out before are going out like wild,” Kalin said. “For the time being we’re making the best of it all.”

With the BookDash initiative, Kalin said students are excited to get their hands on actual books.

“So many kids are so tired of being on the screen and are desperate for that interaction with each other,” she said. “I’m seeing readers I never saw before, and there are so many requests for books. It’s very successful.”

Along with Shoreham-Wading River, other districts across Long Island are using an e-book platform called Sora, including Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School in Rocky Point.

Librarian Monica DiGiovanni has been visiting classrooms, having students log into their Chromebooks. She is teaching them how to check out library books with the new service, which enables students to borrow a book and read it right on their devices. Another program, Destiny Discover, enables students to find a physical book in the library and have it delivered directly to them since their libraries are currently not open.

DiGiovanni said that their school libraries

have become break rooms for teachers and classroom spaces to accommodate kids in a socially distanced way.

“The library has become an interactive thing,” she said. “Students are definitely utilizing it.”

Nicole Taormina, librarian at Boyle Road Elementary School in the Comsewogue school district, said that new regulars have blossomed throughout the pandemic.

“They really love browsing online,” she said. “It’s a different experience — they are really excited now because they use their Chromebooks and have their own accounts.”

Rocky Point’s Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School librarian Monica DiGiovanni teaches third grade Taormina said that — Ann-Marie Kalin students the school’s new eBook platforms. Photo from RPUFSD while the changes have been different, she’s To Place A Legal Notice looking forward to some normalcy in 2021, and is grateful for what 2020 Email: legals@tbrnewsmedia.com helped her with.

MEETINGS OF THE December 1, 2020 “I’ve been able to tweak things,” she said.

BOARD OF FIRE Notice of formation of Online BROOKHAVEN TOWN “And the students have been able to learn Source LLC. Articles of Orga- RECEIVER OF TAXES COMMISSIONERS OF THE things that they may have not been able to nization filed with the Sec- One Independence Hill, MT. SINAI FIRE DISTRICT learn before.”

FOR 2021 retary of State of New York Suite 110 Also in Comsewogue, Deniz Yildirim, a SSNY on 08/16/2020. Office Farmingville, NY 11738-2149 The regular monthly librarian at Terryville Road Elementary School, located in Suffolk. SSNY has 631-451-9009 meetings of the Board of Fire said that teaching her library classes has been been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail 980 12/24 2x ptr,vth,vbr,tmc Commissioners of the Mt. Sidifferent compared to years past. nai Fire District for 2021 will copy of any process served “It’s been a huge change,” she said. “We against the LLC 21 School be held on the Third Tuesday can’t hand out worksheets anymore, and we St. Ronkonkoma, NY, 11779of every month at 8:00 P.M. PUBLIC NOTICE at the firehouse located at do a lot online to cut down on contamination. 2209. Purpose: any lawful 746 Mt. Sinai Coram Road, MT. SINAI FIRE DISTRICT No other class can come in other than what’s purpose Mt. Sinai, New York 11766.

TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, assigned in this room.”

975 12/3 6x vbr SUFFOLK COUNTY, When Yildirim visits classrooms at her Dated: December 15, 2020 NEW YORK school now, she will deliver books that children Mt. Sinai, New York ask her for.

Legal Notice: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Fire Com- BY ORDER OF THE BOARD “It breaks my heart that they can’t browse,” TO THE TAXPAYERS AND missioners of the MT. SINAI OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS she said. “But we’re making it work.”

INHABITANTS OF THE FIRE DISTRICT has sched- MT. SINAI FIRE DISTRICT Taylor Kinsley, a librarian at Minnesauke TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, uled the Organizational Elementary School in the Three Village school TAKE NOTICE: Louis Meeting of the Board of Fire Marianne Waterbury, district, said their schools have been allowing J. Marcoccia, Receiver of Commissioners on Tuesday, Secretary browsing within the libraries.

Taxes, in and for the said January 5, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.

She said students have to use hand sanitizer Town, has received the tax at the firehouse located at 012 12/24 1x vbr before and after touching the books to be sure and assessment rolls and 746 Mt. Sinai Coram Road, they have clean hands, and they reorganized the warrant for the 2020/2021 Mt. Sinai, New York 11766.

Tax Levy and said first half setup of the library, featuring no reading carpets taxes and assessments Dated: December 15, 2020 Legal on the floor. advertisement therein may be paid to the Mt. Sinai, New York “Elementary students are always excited to Receiver of Taxes at his ofguidelines have the freedom to pick the books they want,” fice, Brookhaven Town Hall, BY ORDER OF THE BOARD Deadline is One Independence Hill, Suite OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS she said.

12 noon, Friday The district sanitizes the used books and 110, Farmingville, New York MT. SINAI FIRE DISTRICT 1 week prior to 11738-2149 Payments must quarantines them for about a week before be postmarked no later than Marianne Waterbury, publication date. putting them back on the shelves.

Monday January 11th 2021 Secretary E-mail your text to: “I think normalcy is really important for to avoid penalty. legals@tbrnewsmedia.com 011 12/24 1x vbr them,” Kinsley added, referring to her students.

For additional information “We’re being supercautious so why take that Thank you, please call 631.751.7744 away from them?”

‘Kids are reliant on what’s in the catalog, books that never went out before are going out like wild.’

LEGALS

LOUIS J. MARCOCCIA

NOTICE OF REGULAR

PAGE A6 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • DECEMBER 24, 2020

County

As Cases Rise, Front Liners Share Their Stories With COVID From Helper to Patient, Then Back to Helper, Part 2 of 2

BY DANIEL DUNAEIF DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM Health care professionals often sympathize with their patients, offering support as they deal with painful and difficult symptoms. With COVID-19, some health care professionals in the local area also became patients themselves.

Feliciano Lucuix, Gene Rogers, two patient care assistants at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center, shared their experiences with TBR News Media.

Feliciano Lucuix

Feliciano Lucuix, whose last name is pronounced like “lou quicks,” battled through COVID-19 in the first few weeks after the pandemic hit Long Island. A patient care assistant at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center, she was in a restroom in March with a COVID-19 patient who vomited on her. Days later, she said she had a high fever and struggled to breathe.

When her symptoms started, she had a 99.7-degree fever and pain throughout her body.

She lost her sense of smell and her fever climbed to 102.8. She took a COVID test, which would take three days to provide results.

Before her diagnosis, she reached a point where she couldn’t tolerate losing her appetite and having her throat “feel like sandpaper,” she said.

Lucuix, who never smoked and practices yoga twice a week and swims, drove herself to the hospital, where she remained for six days, from March 24 through March 30. During that time, her daughter and son couldn’t visit.

Her son called every day and spoke to the nurses. Lucuix said he didn’t believe her when she said she was okay. The son also spoke with the doctor, who said his mother’s condition was improving.

While she endured challenging symptoms and discomfort, she appreciated the help and attention she received.

“Everybody take care of me wonderful,” said Lucuix, who was born in Argentina to an Italian mother and a French father and speaks Spanish, Italian, English and some French.

Even after she left St. Catherine, she couldn’t return to work for 37 days, as she traversed the

St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center patient care assistants Feliciano Lucuix, left, and Gene Rogers, right, both contracted COVID-19 during the early stages of the pandemic. They hope their stories will help convince people of the need to slow the spread of the virus. Photos from St. Catherine hospital

slow road to recovery.

During Lucuix’s rehabilitation, her son, whose wife had his first child and Lucuix’s fourth grandchild, urged her to consider retiring.

Lucuix couldn’t wait to return to the COVID floor at St. Catherine. She has used her experience to offer patients on her floor empathy and support.

“I tell my patients, I take their hands, I say, ‘Listen, I was in there, too. I know what you’re feeling,’” she said. “I know you’re scared. I know you’re feeling you can die. If I can do it,” then the patient can, too.

COVID-19 continued to affect her in other ways, even after her fever broke and she started to recover. Lucuix had headaches and started to lose her hair. She also had trouble sleeping, as viral nightmares interrupted her rest. Her doctor recommended that she speak with a therapist.

“I feel more comfortable every day,” she said.

Lucuix does what she can to protect herself, including taking vitamins, using personal protective equipment and washing her hands regularly.

Lucuix shares her experiences with her coworkers and her patients. She has also donated her antibody-filled plasma twice.

“I donated blood so other people can survive,” Lucuix said. “I’m proud to do that.”

Lucuix’s daughter, who works as a Patient Care Assistant, is following in her footsteps, and has been applying to nursing programs and is studying to become a registered nurse. Lucuix added that her granddaughter is also considering the same field.

They would “like her to follow” in their footsteps, Lucuix said.

Lucuix said she is prepared to help patients during the second wave, which started to hit the Long Island community amid the colder weather and as families and friends gather in smaller groups.

“I’m ready to fight again,” Lucuix said. “I want to be strong for my patients, strong for my family.”

Gene Rogers

A patient care assistant at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center, Gene Rogers started to feel ill March 23. He had a 101-degree temperature and was told to take a few days off, drink plenty of fluids, and take Motrin. He locked himself in his room, in case he had COVID, preventing his wife Bethan Walker-Rogers, their 16-year old son Phoenix and 10-year old son Charlie and even his dogs from having any contact with him.

Two days later, he was so uncomfortable that he decided he needed to go to the hospital.

Walker-Rogers asked if she wanted her to drive him, but he said she should stay home and take care of their younger children. The Rogers also have an older child, Maya, who is 21.

As he drove, Rogers said he felt the car swerving when he passed a police officer.

“I was shocked he didn’t pull me over,” Rogers said.

When he arrived at St. Catherine, his temperature had spiked to 103.8.

Mary Jane Finnegan, Chief Nursing Officer at St. Catherine, offered Rogers reassurance.

“I don’t remember the whole thing about the ER that night,” Rogers said. “I remember [Fin-

negan] coming over to me and saying, ‘We’re going to take good care of you.’”

Like Lucuix, Rogers had no appetite. He was also having trouble breathing. The nurses kept telling him to lay on his stomach.

He had an odd sensation in his feet and was achy. He was in the hospital for eight days.

Rogers felt that the entire staff lived up to Finnegan’s promise. When he had a fever of 104.1, the nurses put ice packs under his arms.

“I’m putting them at risk while they are taking care of me,” he thought to himself on the bed. “Everyone I see, I try to say, ‘Thank you.’”

Walker-Rogers works in the dietary department at St. Catherine. Even while he was in the hospital, she couldn’t visit. She did walk by and look in the window, but she wasn’t allowed in.

Rogers entered the hospital on March 26 and was discharged April 3.

Although he was eager to return to work, a low-grade fever and, eventually, double pneumonia, kept him out for seven weeks.

Yet again, he isolated from the family and his dogs, who were scratching at the door regularly to see him.

During the worst of his condition, Rogers lost 35 pounds, which, he said, he has since regained.

Rogers added he never considered leaving his profession or St. Catherine.

“The people here are like my second family,” said Rogers, who has been at St. Catherine for 35 years. “I see them more than I see my own family.”

Rogers’s mother, Janice Foote, who lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, suggested that it might be time to retire or to do something else.

He said he had to return.

“I love my job,” Rogers said. “I enjoy what I do. I couldn’t wait to come back.”

When he started to work, Rogers said he was short of breath from running around.

Recalling the uncertainty and difficulty he and his family faced when he was sick, Rogers said his wife asked him what she’d do if anything happened to him. During the worst of his experience, Rogers said his oldest daughter Maya got so upset that she had to leave and take a walk.

As for how the experience affected him professionally, Rogers said, “you definitely look at it from a different perspective, being in someone else’s shoes.”

Rogers described himself as the type of person who is always asking if a patient needs something else.

“It look at it even more now, after being to that point” with his own illness, Rogers said.

Rogers’s daughter Maya, a junior at St. John’s University in Queens, is following in her parents’ footsteps. A biology major, she aspires to be a physician and is leaning towards emergency medicine.

Perspective

County

DECEMBER 24, 2020 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A7

Your Turn: Working the Locals Share Census During a Pandemic Experiences with The 2020 Census couldn’t have come at a But this is the first year that the Census Bureau was collecting data digitally, allowing peomore inconvenient time.

I was one of the half million people employed ple to respond online, and enumerators to use mobile apps to record data. by the U.S. Census Bureau this Enumerators no longer had to year enlisted in the follow-up just record information with operation for non-respondents. a pen and paper on their clipWhen I applied to be an enuboards. merator in Suffolk county in With the unpredictability January, I couldn’t imagine that of the pandemic, no one knew I would be going door to door when and if in-person operain the midst of a pandemic. tions would continue, but in When Census Day came August I received a phone call April 1, enumerators were set asking if I would be willing to to start visiting the homes of work for 4-8 weeks depending millions of non-respondents, on when the count would be but in person operations were completed. I began working in postponed indefinitely as many the Stony Brook area less than states entered lockdowns.

Iryna Shkurhan ten minutes from my home.

Around the same, the bureau The number of cases I was asformed an outreach and ad signed ranged from 20 to 70, campaign to encourage Americans to respond online for the first time, or by depending on how many hours of availability I entered. Some days when I would work eight phone or mail.

When drafting the Constitution, the nation’s hours, I was assigned up to 80 nonresponse folfounders mandated a count of the populace to low up cases.

While on duty I imagined how different it be held every decade, starting in the 1790s, with the main goal of getting a count of every single must have been to be an enumerator ten years person living in the United States. Included was ago, before technology made the role much simquestions on age, sex, race, relationship in the pler. Now all I had to do was click on an ashousehold and home ownership form data that signed case and the GPS would direct me there.

If a resident was home and willing to respond, paints a picture of who makes up the country.

This information is crucial to determine the questions and answer options would pop up congressional representation and allocating in the correct order on my screen. I never had to hundreds of billions in federal funding, for write anything more than a case number on paeducation, hospitals, roads and healthcare. The per. The apps on the issued iPhone were used to data that will directly affect the resources that report for work, view assignments, track hours communities across the country will receive for and mileage, and navigate to households.

The biggest challenge I ran into was a relucthe next decade. For a government to represent people and fairly fund its programs, it has to tance to answer. In the 20 hours of virtual trainknow how many people there are and where ing, I was taught the appropriate response for althey live, making the census initiative crucial most every type of reason a person is hesitant to share information, whether it’s privacy concerns, for democracy.

Enumerators typically work in their or distrust of the government. But many people communities because their familiarity with were set in their decision and refused to cooperthe area helps in locating homes and also ate, with many disputing my attempts at easing establishes trust and mutual understanding with their fears and persuading them to cooperate.

Enumerators also had a list of addresses to respondents. Still, the questions are personal, and not everyone wants to share that information stay away from, which were marked as dangerous. These cases were marked with a caution sign with a stranger.

I always let people know that they had the on the map and signified that the resident was option to refuse a question, if they were not hostile, or violent in some way to an enumerator. comfortable answering. The question that mat- In some cases, people were physically threatened tered most was how many people lived in a and yelled at, and we were discouraged from athousehold, which was used for the population tempting these homes alone.

I witnessed a polar difference between the count. The other questions had their own imporpeople who were happy to answer any questions tance, but less so.

I was issued a badge, a preprogrammed iP- and viewed it as a civic duty and those who hone 8 and a messenger bag filled with various avoided us at all costs and slammed the door in information sheets and a clipboard. In past de- my face. I understood that people’s attitudes to cades the clipboard would’ve gotten more use.

CENSUS WORK Continued on A9

Police at 6th Precinct Task Force Meeting

BY KYLE BARR KYLE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Members of a task force meant to offer reforms to Suffolk police met with community members in the 6th Precinct Dec. 8 through Zoom to listen to concerns.

As part of the Suffolk County Police Reform & Reinvention Task Force, members have been hosting Zoom meetings for each of the town’s seven precincts plus East End towns for community comment. Members of the task force include everyone from Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart and Suffolk police union president Noel DiGerolamo to NAACP chapter president Tracey Edwards and Daniel Russo, administrator of Assigned Counsel Defender Plan of Suffolk County.

In a meeting that went on for just under three hours and had over 150 participants Dec. 8, many in the community expressed some fear and apprehension surrounding police, often with people of color citing a different experience with law enforcement members than their white neighbors. A few others shared their general support for police and expressed their thanks for officers’ involvement in the community.

Erica Rechner, director of Opportunities Long Island, which tries to connect youth in underserved communities with jobs in the unionized construction industry, said she mostly works with many young people of color in communities who live in areas with high unemployment, and some come to her with criminal records. The interactions she said she’s had with police have been much different than those of her young clients.

“Their experience with the police department is not one me or my family recognize,” Rechner said. “My experience has been one of safety and security — I’m a white woman. At some point in their shared experiences the police officers are verbally abusive and often escalate to the use of excessive force. There are numerous instances of physical injury while in custody.”

She said she asked these young people to share their experiences at the public sessions, but practically all declined, fearing retaliation.

“Their experience has taught them the police are not meant for them or their community,” she added.

Odalis Hernandez, a graduate program administrator at Stony Brook University, said

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said in the task force meeting Dec. 8 some suggestions have already been implemented at the department level.

File photo

she was once stopped by police officers at night “with multiple police officers shining a flashlight in every window and asking for my ID and documents,” adding she felt she was being treated as up to no good from the get-go.

“I know of others who have been through much worse,” she said. “We can’t deny that those problems exist, and we need to hear that from all our precincts and leadership. We can’t let the police have a political affiliation because that disenfranchises people in the community.”

Hernandez said such things as bias and deescalation training should not be a one-anddone class but should be a continuous dialogue for police.

Others criticized the Suffolk School Resource Officer Program, with some speakers saying such officers statistically lead to more physical confrontations and create more of a school-to-prison pipeline. Others said such officers target students who are people of color and treat them differently than white students for the same offenses.

Michelle Caldera-Kopf, an immigration lawyer and managing attorney for the Safe Passage Project, said that SROs have caused “the wrongful detention and deportation of our students.” She said such officers have shared information about students with immigration authorities, sometimes over the heads of law enforcement.

Others indicated more positive interactions with police. Rob Taylor, a member of the Citizens Academy Alumni Association, said police already do a lot of things in the community people are not aware of.

“Suffolk County has gone through a lot of changes over the years, especially since around 2014 — they’re all EMTs, they’ve undergone crisis training,” he said.

Gail Lynch-Bailey, president of the Middle Island Civic Association, said that with whatever reforms take place, “I hope we don’t lose what’s already working in these relationships — community policing is still essential.”

She added that police should look for uniformity on how crime data is presented and distributed at civic meetings, with more emphasis on displays and data-driven dialogue, such info to be published for all to see online.

“Real police reform must be data driven, and that data has to include honest breakdowns of POLICE TASK FORCE Continued on A9

PAGE A8 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • DECEMBER 24, 2020

Town

North Shore’s Nuclear Missile Silo: A History Rocky Point Just One LI Location Dedicated to Protect NYC from Attack

BY RICH ACRITELLI, SEAN HAMILTON, CAROLYN SETTEPANI AND MADELYN ZARZYCKI DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM In 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis came extremely close to pushing the superpowers of the United States and Soviet Union into a nuclear war. Closer to home, people went to church to light candles in the hope that a peaceful resolution would be found to prevent war. Little did our local citizens ever know about the history of Long Island, especially that of Rocky Point, in how close the Cold War was to our residents. Within the sprawling acres of the conservation area that stretches from Miller Place, Rocky Point, Ridge, and Shoreham, was a nuclear missile silo.

This was one of 19 missile bases that were built by the U.S. military and government to ensure the protection of New York City. While it is extremely unique to have this piece of history on the North Shore, these weapon sites were also in Oyster Bay, Lloyd Harbor, Lido Beach, and Amityville. Citizens in upstate New York and northern New Jersey had these weapons in their midst which were stationed near major population centers, in the suburbs, near schools, businesses, etc. From 1945 to 1990, hostile tensions were demonstrated by the U.S. and Soviet Union in every corner of the world, and the roots to protect against the prospects of a communist attack were based within the pine barrens of Rocky Point.

Most people never realized how close they came to being near an operational missile that was designed to fire at a moment’s notice. Later, private homes were built on the missile sites in Oyster Bay and Lloyd Harbor. In Lido Beach, where missiles were a short distance from the Atlantic Ocean, it is now the headquarters of the Long Beach School District bus depot. If you were to hike around Camp Hero in Montauk, there are

The nuclear missile silo located in the Rocky Point pine barrens was one of 19 such bases meant to protect New York City from missile attack. Many locals living on the North Shore worked at this site over the decades; right the Rocky Point Natural Resource Management Area includes trails that take one past the location of the old nuclear site.

many reminders of the Cold War including a radar tower and a series of military bunkers.

Within our local conservation area, thousands of local mountain bikers a year have surely ridden through these numerous trails, where one is able to see the silo protruding out of the ground. Situated around this long-removed weapon is a fence that has signs to warn the people not to enter this once classified and dangerous area.

Today, it is possible to go to this location from trails that start at the Rocky Point Route 25A Bypass. Not too far from the Broadway light, there is a straight trail that leads for a half of a mile southward. If you’re mountain biking, running or walking, you will quickly reach an open field. It is easy to observe older military roads, cement, brick gate pillars, and barbed wire fencing. It is also possible to reach this spot by traveling down Rocky Point-Yaphank Road and about three quarters of a mile south of the condominiums, there is an access road that will take you southeastern to an old parking lot. At this spot, there is a noticeable black military road that will precisely lead to one of the 250 Nike Missile sites previously present were in America.

Underground is a bunker complex area that was built some 50 feet long and 60 feet wide.

Although these missile bases were organized

by the U.S. Army, these bases’ functions were later handed off to the National Guard that had a full-time garrison of soldiers and reservists.

In the 1960s, the soldiers that manned these sensitive weapons were paid $85 a week, purchased nearby homes and said little to their families about this vital duty. If these weapons were to be fired in response to an attack by the Soviet Union, it was estimated that they could fly 1,600 mph, reached altitudes of 70,000 feet and had a conventional warhead and a range of about 25 miles.

As with the advent of new technology, many of these weapons were quickly considered to be obsolete. Eventually, these military bases that were located on Long Island were closed and only the Amityville and Rocky Point sites remained open during most of the Cold War. The Ajax missile was later replaced by the Hercules that allowed for a range of 90 miles and ten kilotons of explosives (three less than what was used on Hiroshima). From 1959 to 1964, there were 56 of these powerful weapons that were stored in metal sheds in Westhampton Beach that would target any Soviet aircraft that could attack the area. Today, this is the location of a training firing and vehicle range for the Suffolk County Police and 106th Air

National Guard.

Many of these weapons were created to attack long range Soviet bombers targeting the highly populated areas of Manhattan. Although they were placed near the North Shore, the base at Rocky Point was completely top secret with two fences (one being electric) and guard dogs. The codes were kept in safes, and at all times there had to be two military officials to concur over the status of the codes and firing. These bases were always the center of heightened military discipline and drills.

To keep the soldiers sharp to their own attention to detail, many of these men and women had inspections, military scenarios and trips to New Mexico, where they received advanced annual training. It was stated in earlier stories that the missile battery at Rocky Point excelled with national army awards for preparation and was rated as one of the five top bases for these weapons in America. Not too far from the summer bungalows, baseball fields, Joseph A. Edgar Imtermediate School and the older hamlet of Rocky Point was an unknown reminder of the threats of the Cold War. While the U.S. and Soviet Union competed for domination in Berlin, Cuba, Vietnam and Afghanistan, there were many local military residents that quietly ensured the national security of this country within the trails of the Rocky Point Conservation Area.

This article was a collaboration with students in the Rocky Point High School History Honors Society and its advisor, Rich Acritelli.

Community News

DECEMBER 24, 2020 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A9

Rocky Point VFW Honors Girl Scouts for Tablecloth Donations

The Rocky Point VFW Post 6249 thanked a local Girl Scout troop for completing their tablecloth project for veteran members of the post.

Form fitting tablecloths were made and presented to the Post by Girl Scout Troop 1882 Commack.

“We at Post 6249 stand and salute Girl Scout Troop 1882 for a job well done,” Post Commander Joe Cognitore said in an email.

Left, Rocky Point rotary VP Jeff Davis stands outside the Rocky Point Stop & Shop Dec. 12; Ann Marie Davis, the social chair of Rocky Point Rotary, delivers gift cards to Patti from The Veteran’s Place. Photo from Kevin Mann

Rocky Point Rotary Club Lends a Helping Hand December has been a busy month for the Rocky Point Rotary Club.

On Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., members of the “Lil’ Club that does” rang the bells for Salvation Army at Stop and Shop Rocky Point. Twelve members volunteered their time to make this event a success, raising $1,000 that will be donated to the Salvation Army.

This includes funds raised in the course of the day from generous shoppers plus the extra dollars to complete the amount from the Rocky Point Rotary. The club gave special thanks to Stop & Shop for allowing the event. The event was organized by Jeff Davis, the vice president

of Rocky Point Rotary.

This month, the club also donated 24, $25 Target gift certificates to the residents of The Veteran’s Place in Yaphank.

“The veterans are always in need of assistance and good cheer,” rotation Kevin Mann said in an email.

To assist or to volunteer contact Wilkens Young Director of Suffolk County Veterans wyoung@scuv.org or call 631-471-7242.

To find out more about Rocky Point Rotary or to visit in a Zoom meeting contact Kevin Mann kevinmannmail@gmail.com or call: 631-470-6351.

Town

Brookhaven Demolishes Zombie Home in Sound Beach

On Dec. 14, the Town of Brookhaven demolished a vacant and abandoned zombie home at 14 Baldwin Road in Sound Beach.

The long-abandoned house was the source of resident complaints leading to numerous Town of Brookhaven housing code violations. It was demolished in accordance with Chapter 73 of the Town Code which provides a “fast track” to rid neighborhoods of unsafe structures.

“The neighbors have lived with this dangerous eyesore for too long and I am happy that the Town has been able to get it cleaned up,” Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner (R-Rocky Point) said in a release. “I commend our law epartment for their efforts to remove this zombie house, and many more in the Town of Brookhaven, making our community a better place for the residents who

CENSUS WORK Continued from A7

their personal data was shifting, but living in a polarized county where the census became politicized didn’t help. With disinformation about the census floating around, explaining the purpose of the census, and the importance of each question, became a main part of my job.

Another challenge was the technical difficulties that came with digital collection being implemented for the first time. Issues were bound to come up during the transition, but there were times where mid interview, the phone would crash, and I would have to restart all over. Other times my cases wouldn’t load, or I was sent to homes that were already visited by a dozen enumerators, with residents not hiding their annoyance.

The sense of urgency was made apparent by higher ups as they offered incentives to work overtime and on weekends, when people were more likely to be home. Several bonuses were offered for working more than forty hours a week, and working Sundays and nights came with a higher pay rate. Initially, we had to request permission for overtime,

POLICE TASK FORCE Continued from A7

Town contractors demolish the vacant home located at 14 Baldwin Road in Sound Beach. Photo from TOB

take pride in their homes.

The cost of demolition and debris removal is the responsibility of the property owner, and the town places a lien on the property that is then placed on the tax bill. Suffolk County reimburses the town and then they collect the money from the property owner.

who is being charged and where those charges are taking place,” she said.

Brookhaven Town Councilman Kevin LaValle (R-Selden) said there should be efforts to expand the positive interactions between community and police, some of which includes just talking about what may be going on in people’s neighborhoods.

“These are all things why we need to have our police department out there, doing events, interacting, because that really supports the mission our police department is here to do,” he said.

Others shared their desire for those Black and brown voices in the community to be

Girl Scouts from Troop 1882 Anna McDevitt and Rayna Kolodny earned their silver awards for donating form fitting tableclothes for veterans’ use.

Photo from Joe Cognitore

but within a week that was scrapped. We were encouraged to work as much as possible to ensure everyone was counted.

Once Setauket and neighboring regions were fully completed, I was sent out farther east to Riverhead, then farther to Orient and Mattituck. After the entirety of Suffolk County was counted, enumerators were offered to drive to other states, as far as Alabama to help complete the counting efforts there.

One overnight shift was set aside to count the homeless population, which the pandemic made harder to account for. The Census was also forced to come up with new ways to count college students, who many towns depend on to get the adequate funding.

In the few weeks I worked as an enumerator, there were difficult days but also rewarding ones. A certain satisfaction came with finally getting to interview a household that kept reappearing on my case list. With each case I closed, we came closer to reaching the goal. Little acts of kindness like some people offering to put their masks on, or a chair to sit on and a drink on a hot day, went a long way.

Iryna Shkurhan is a junior at Stony Brook University majoring in journalism and an incoming editorial intern for TBR News Media. heard. Erin Zipman, from Stony Brook, said police need to listen to those, envisioning a future where we don’t have to endanger the lives of citizens or officers, and instead focus on treating “the roots of problems instead of punishing them.”

The task force is part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative. This executive order, originally signed in June, cites that every police agency must make a comprehensive review of police departments and their procedures, and address the needs of the community to promote “trust, fairness and legitimacy, and to address any racial bias and disproportionate policing of communities of color.”

The county has an April 1, 2021, deadline to create its reform plan for its police department to be eligible for future state funding.

PAGE A10 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • DECEMBER 24, 2020

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Backed by American Standardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 140 years of experience Ultra low entry for easy entering & exiting Patented Quick DrainÂŽ Technology Lifetime Warranty on the bath AND installation, INCLUDING labor backed by American Standard 44 Hydrotherapy jets for an invigorating massage

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DENTAL Insurance

Prepare for power outages with a Generac home standby generator

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7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value!

This is real dental insurance â&#x20AC;&#x201D; NOT just a discount plan 102779

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Special Financing Available Subject to Credit Approval

*Terms & Conditions Apply 107932

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PAGE A12 â&#x20AC;˘ THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 24, 2020

December 24, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ CLASSIFIEDS â&#x20AC;˘ PAGE C3

E M PL OY M E N T / C A R E E R S Help Wanted

Help Wanted

$18.50 NYC, $16 L.I. & up to $13.50 Upstate NY! If you need care from your relative, friend or neighbor and you have Medicaid, they may be eligible to start taking care of you as a personal assistant under NYS Medicaid CDPA Program. No Certificates needed. Phone: 347-713-3553

Š108618

Part-Time/Full-Time Laboratory Aide for private medical laboratory in Riverhead to work with biopsies and chemicals and has knowledge of computers.

?C 2;40=4A needed to perform janitorial duties in a building or facility.

Applicant must have 2-5 years cleaning experience.

Must be available Mon.-Fri. for 3-6 hrs/day.

Pay rate is $16-$19/hr.

8U X]cTaTbcTS R^]cPRc <a 1PaVT Pc cQPaVT#(/V\PX[ R^\

Call 631-591-1086 or email pathrecruiter@gmail.com

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

MR SEWERMAN CESSPOOL SERVICE All types of cesspool servicing, all work guaranteed, family owned and operated since 1985, 631-924-7502.

Licensed and Insured.

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.

Electricians

BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG

small space

Š105751

BIG

RESULTS

BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG

SOUNDVIEW ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING Prompt* Reliable* Professional.

Residential/Commercial, Free Estimates. Ins/Lic#57478-ME. Owner Operator, 631-828-4675 See our Display Ad in the Home Services Directory

St. James-Village Head of the Harbor Tuesday & Thursday 9 am - 2 pm Evening Court Session 3rd Thurs/month Responsibilities will include maintenance of records and general clerical duties as Court Clerk. Qualifications include excellent verbal and written communication skills and exceptional customer service. Ability to type +35 WPM and general computer knowledge is required. Strong organizational skills with attention to detail are essential; must be able to prioritize and multitask.

Vehicle and Traffic Court experience preferred but will train.

Email rĂŠsumĂŠs & salary requirements to vhohhr@gmail.com

Š108517

EXECUTIVE CHEF

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.

Call 631-334-3263 â&#x20AC;˘ juliannabudd23@gmail.com

Š107889

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

SERV ICES Cesspool Services

WANTED â&#x20AC;&#x201C; P/T COURT CLERK

Š102894

Š108616

OLD FIELD CLUB TENNIS PROFESSIONAL. Looking for an enthusiastic individual w/min 2 yrs. exp, USPTA Certification, coaching exp./college play.

Must be available 5/1/21 to 9/30/21. See Display Ad for more Info.

WA N T E D

7KH 2OG )LHOG &OXE +HDG 7HQQLV 3UR

We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with a passion for the sport who has demonstrated the ability to promote the game of tennis, develop and participate in tennis programs and knows how to plan events for adults and juniors. This Head Pro position will be responsible for supervising adult and junior tournaments, providing lessons, managing court reservations, enforcing club rules and regulations, and supervising special tennis functions.

Qualifications: Minimum 2 years experience as a tennis pro or in a similar role.

Certification as a Professional by U.S. Professional Tennis Association required.

College tennis playing or coaching experience is a plus.

Must be available May 1, 2021 through September 2021.

How to apply: Please email your cover letter and resume to Kelly Mason at kamason19@aol.com  Relocation Costs and Housing Assistance Not Provided

Š108621

PUBLISHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Govâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

PT CLEANER to perform janitorial duties. 2-5 years experience needed. Mon-Fri 3-6 hrs daily. Contact Mr. Barge at tbarge49@gmail.com. See Display Ad for more information.

WANTED P/T COURT CLERK Tuesday & Thursday 9:00am-2:00pm St James-Village of Head of the Harbor.

Send resume & salary requirements to vhohhr@gmail.com See our display ad for more information.

WANTED PT/FT LABORATORY AIDE private medical laboratory in Riverhead.

To work with biopsies and chemicals and has knowledge with computers. Call 631-591-1086 or email: pathrecruiter@gmail.com

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154 Fences SMITHPOINT FENCE. DEER PROBLEM? WE CAN HELP! Wood, PVC, Chain Link, Stockade. Free estimates.

Now offering 12 month interest free financing.

Commercial/Residential.

70 Jayne Blvd., PJS. Lic.37690-H/Ins. 631-743-9797 www.smithpointfence.com.

Floor Services/Sales FINE SANDING & REFINISHING Wood Floor Installations Craig Aliperti, Wood Floors LLC. All work done by owner.

28 years experience.

Lic.#47595-H/Insured.

631-875-5856

Furniture/Restoration/ Repairs REFINISHING & RESTORATION Antiques restored, repairing recane, reupholstery, touch-ups kitchen, front doors, 40 yrs exp, SAVE$$$, free estimates.

Vincent Alfano 631-707-1228

Gutters/Leaders GREG TRINKLE PAINTING & GUTTER CLEANING Powerwashing, window washing, staining. Neat, reliable, 25 years experience. Free Estimates. Lic/Ins.#31398-H. 631-331-0976

TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 631.751.7744

101871

Heating/Cooling HEATING SPECIALIST FOR ALL HEATING SERVICES Installations and repairs for Boilers, Oil tanks and Hot Water Heaters. 10 years of excellent experience. See Display Ad for more info. Call 631-704-0218

Home Improvement ALL PHASES OF HOME IMPROVEMENT From attic to your basement, RCJ Construction www.rcjconstruction.com commercial/residential, lic/ins 631-580-4518.

BLUSTAR CONSTRUCTION The North Shoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Trusted Renovation Experts.

631-751-0751 We love small jobs too!

Suffolk Lic. #48714-H, Ins. See Our Display Ad

Home Improvement LAMPS FIXED, $65.

In Home Service!! Handy Howard. My cell 646-996-7628 THE SIDING SPECIALISTSWINTER SALE GOING ON NOW siding, trim work, windows, repairs, gutters, leaders, capping V&P Siding & Window Corp 631-321-4005 Lic/Ins Lic# 27369-HI

Lawn & Landscaping SWAN COVE LANDSCAPING Lawn Maintenance, Clean-ups, Shrub/Tree Pruning, Removals. Landscape Design/Installation, Ponds/Waterfalls, Stone Walls. Firewood. Free estimates. Lic/Ins.631-689-8089

DECEMBER 24, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD â&#x20AC;˘ PAGE A13

PAGE C4 â&#x20AC;˘ CLASSIFIEDS â&#x20AC;˘ December 24, 2020

SERV ICES

Landscape Materials SCREENED TOP SOIL Mulch, compost, decorative and driveway stone, concrete pavers, sand/block/portland.

Fertilizer and seed.

JOS. M. TROFFA MATERIALS CORP. 631-928-4665, www.troffa.com

CARL BONGIORNO LANDSCAPE/MASON CONTRACTOR All phases Masonry Work:Stone Walls, Patios, Poolscapes. All phases of Landscaping Design.

Theme Gardens. Residential & Commercial. Lic/Ins. 631-928-2110

Miscellaneous DISH TV $59.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. 1-888-609-9405 GET DIRECTV! ONLY $35/month! 155 Channels & 1000s of Shows/Movies on Demand. (w/SELECT All Included Package). PLUS Stream on Up to FIVE Screens Simultaneously at No Additional Cost. Call DIRECTV, 1-888-534-6918

Painting/Spackling/ Wallpaper ALL PRO PAINTING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR Power Washing, Staining, Wallpaper Removal. Free estimates. Lic/Ins #19604HI 631-696-8150. Nick BOBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PAINTING SERVICE 25 Years Experience.

Interior/Exterior Painting, Spackling, Staining, Wallpaper Removal, Staining and Deck Restoration Power Washing.

Free Estimates. Lic/Ins. #17981.

631-744-8859 COUNTY-WIDE PAINTING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR Painting/Staining. Quality workmanship. Living and Serving Three Village Area for over 30 years. Lic#37153-H. 631-751-8280

Power Washing

Painting/Spackling/ Wallpaper LaROTONDA PAINTING & DESIGN Interior/exterior, sheetrock repairs, taping/spackling, wallpaper removal, Faux, decorative finishings. Free estimates.

Lic.#53278-H/Ins. Ross LaRotonda 631-689-5998 WORTH PAINTING â&#x20AC;&#x153;PAINTING WITH PRIDEâ&#x20AC;?

Interiors/exteriors. Staining & deck restoration, power-washing, wallpaper removal, sheetrocktape/spackling, carpentry/trimwork. Lead paint certified. References. Free estimates. Lic./Ins. SINCE 1989 Ryan Southworth. See Display Ad. 631-331-5556

EXTERIOR CLEANING SPECIALISTS Roof cleaning, pressure washing/softwashing, deck restorations, gutter maintenance.

Squeaky Clean Property Solutions 631-387-2156 www.SqueakyCleanli.com POWERWASHING PETE Sanitize your home professionally- house, deck, fence, roof, driveway, pavers and outdoor furniture. $50 off any job! Free Estimates. Call 631-240-3313.

Powerwashpete.com. See Display Ad for more Info.

Tree Work

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE

is Tuesday at noon.

If you want to advertise, do it soon!

631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

RANDALL BROTHERS TREE SERVICE Planting, pruning, removals, stump grinding. Free Estimates.

Fully insured.

LIC# 50701-H. 631-862-9291

PROF E S SION A L & B U SI N E S S Place Your Ad in the

FREE

Single size â&#x20AC;˘ $228/4 weeks Double size â&#x20AC;˘ $296/4 weeks Ask about our 13 & 26 week special rates

ALWAYS BUYING â&#x20AC;˘ Glassware â&#x20AC;˘ Military Items â&#x20AC;˘ China â&#x20AC;˘ Anything Old or Unusual

â&#x20AC;˘ Old Mirrors â&#x20AC;˘ Lamps â&#x20AC;˘ Clocks â&#x20AC;˘ Watches â&#x20AC;˘ Furniture

(631) 751.7663 or (631) 331.1154

LICENSED & BONDED

Call 631-633-9108

Š108135

ARBOR-VISTA TREE CARE A COMPLETE TREE CARE SERVICE devoted to the care of trees. Maintenance pruning, water-view work, sun-trimming, elevating, pool areas, storm thinning, large tree removal, stump grinding. Wood chips.

Lic#18902HI. Free estimates.

631-246-5377 SUNBURST TREE EXPERTS Since 1974, our history of customer satisfaction is second to none. Pruning/removals/planting, plant health care. Insect/ Disease Management. ASK ABOUT GYPSY MOTH AND TICK SPRAYS Bonded employees. Lic/Ins. #8864HI 631-744-1577 YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! CALL 631.331.1154

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154 PAGE P

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

631.681.9723

bluesmanpianotuning@gmail.com bluesmanpianotuning.com Š108286

FROM HUNTINGTON TO WADING RIVER

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS Place your Display Ad in one of our Service Directories for 26 weeks & get 4 weeks FREE Bonus!

Appear in all 6 of our papers for 1 price!

Receive a Free 20 word line ad under our service column listings!

Check out our Internet site: tbrnewsmedia.com & find your ads!

Call Our Classifieds Advertising Department â&#x20AC;˘ 631â&#x20AC;&#x201C;331â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1154 or 631â&#x20AC;&#x201C;751â&#x20AC;&#x201C;7663

Š102082

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Professional Services Directory

Buy 4 weeks and get the 5th week

Tree Work

Š105748

SETAUKET LANDSCAPE DESIGN Stone Driveways/Walkways, Walls/Stairs/Patios/Masonry, Brickwork/Repairs Land Clearing/Drainage,Grading/ Excavating. Plantings/Mulch, Rain Gardens.

Steve Antos, 631-689-6082 setauketlandscape.com Serving Three Villages

Masonry

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Lawn & Landscaping

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

PAGE A14 â&#x20AC;˘ THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 24, 2020

December 24, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ CLASSIFIEDS â&#x20AC;˘ PAGE C5

AUTOMOTI V E SERV ICES 8QK\]ZM AW]Z )]\W ;WTL

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154 PAGE C

723 &$6+ 3$,'

JUNK CARS BOUGHT

All Trucks, Cars & Vans

Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Domestic/Foreign Š107669

$GYHUWLVH <RXU $XWR ZLWK D 3KRWR

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DVN IRU PDUN Ă&#x2019;

CA$H FOR ALL CAR$ & CA$H FOR JUNK CAR$ WANTED

CALL US LAST WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL BEAT ANY PRICE

No Keys No Title No Problem

FREE Pickup Habla EspaĂąol

7,0(6 %($&21 5(&25' 1HZVSDSHUV Â&#x2021; 5RXWH $ 6HWDXNHW 1< $OO UHDGHU DGV DUH OLVWHG RQ WKH LQWHUQHW )RU FDU VKRZ HYHQW DGYHUWLVLQJ FDOO RU 7KLV SURPRWLRQ DSSOLHV IRU SUH RZQHG DQG XVHG FDUV RQO\

Lic. # 7112911/Ins.

(631) 445-1848

USED AUTO PARTS

LICENSED â&#x20AC;˘ BONDED INSURED

631.500.1015

Š107058

HOME SERV ICES

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154 PAGE F

9LZPKLU[PHS *VTTLYJPHS Â&#x2039; :LY]PJL <WNYHKLZ Â&#x2039; 5L^ *VUZ[Y\J[PVU Â&#x2039; 9LUV]H[PVUZ Â&#x2039; ;YV\ISLZOVV[PUN Â&#x2039; *LPSPUN -HUZ /PNOOH[Z Â&#x2039; .LULYH[VYZ Â&#x2039; ( * >PYPUN Â&#x2039; 7VVS /V[ ;\I >PYPUN Â&#x2039; 3HUKZJHWL 3PNO[PUN

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Give Your Furniture A Facelift for the Holiday

Š108607

E4 . $"E j >C;EC@=ED;B> *°"° Â&#x153;Ă? ÂŁxÂŁ] ->Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152; >Â&#x201C;iĂ&#x192;] 9

631.707.1228

343 So. Country Rd., Brookhaven

Š107193

The Village TIMES HERALD â&#x20AC;˘ Stony Brook â&#x20AC;˘ Strongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Neck â&#x20AC;˘ Setauket â&#x20AC;˘ Old Field â&#x20AC;˘ Poquott

The Port TIMES RECORD â&#x20AC;˘ Port Jefferson â&#x20AC;˘ Port Jefferson Sta. â&#x20AC;˘ Harbor Hills â&#x20AC;˘ Belle Terre

The TIMES of Smithtown â&#x20AC;˘ Smithtown â&#x20AC;˘ Hauppauge â&#x20AC;˘ Commack â&#x20AC;˘ E. Fort Salonga â&#x20AC;˘ San Remo

â&#x20AC;˘ Kings Park â&#x20AC;˘ St. James â&#x20AC;˘ Nissequogue â&#x20AC;˘ Head of the Harbor

tbrnewsmedia.com

PICK-UP & DELIVERY

â&#x20AC;˘ Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing â&#x20AC;˘ Upholstery â&#x20AC;˘ Table Pads â&#x20AC;˘ Water & Fire Damage Restoration â&#x20AC;˘ Insurance Estimates Licensed/Insured

11733 â&#x20AC;˘ Phone# 631.331.1154 or 631.751.7663 The TIMES of Middle Country â&#x20AC;˘ Selden â&#x20AC;˘ Centereach â&#x20AC;˘ Lake Grove

The TIMES of Huntington, Northport & East Northport â&#x20AC;˘ Cold Spring Harbor â&#x20AC;˘ Lloyd Harbor â&#x20AC;˘ Lloyd Neck â&#x20AC;˘ Halesite â&#x20AC;˘ Huntington Bay â&#x20AC;˘ Greenlawn

â&#x20AC;˘ Centerport â&#x20AC;˘ Asharoken â&#x20AC;˘ Eaton's Neck â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Salonga -West

101468Š

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA â&#x20AC;˘ 185 Rte. 25A, Setauket, N.Y. â&#x20AC;˘ Miller Place â&#x20AC;˘ Baiting Hollow â&#x20AC;˘ Sound Beach â&#x20AC;˘ Mt. Sinai â&#x20AC;˘ Rocky Point â&#x20AC;˘ Shoreham â&#x20AC;˘ Wading River

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Š96778

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Š107937

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Š107537

Highest prices paid for fixable vehicles.

Also buy motorcycles and muscle cars.

DECEMBER 24, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD â&#x20AC;˘ PAGE A15

PAGE C6 â&#x20AC;˘ CLASSIFIEDS â&#x20AC;˘ December 24, 2020

HOME SERV ICES

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154 PAGE A

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PAGE A18 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • DECEMBER 24, 2020

Editorial

Letters to the Editor

If only every main road could be a downtown. The ones we know and love, the ones with walkable streets, sights to see, unique restaurants to eat at, a feeling that life is being lived there at every level.

Though of course anything is better than driving down the highway and passing by the umpteenth empty strip mall, with enough “for rent” signs to recreate a new mall entirely.

And it makes it that much more glaring when it seems every developer focuses on the new — of a new apartment complex or a new shopping mall or a new medical park — all ignoring the multitudes of empty complexes dotting the Long Island landscape. New development, especially that which plows ahead without concern for the neighborhood, next leads to issues of congestion and the impact on the environment. Meanwhile, local electeds are vying for shrinking pots of funds to buy up and preserve land that keeps the environmental vistas, as we have on the North Shore, viable and serene. There will never be enough money to buy up every stretch of forest or meadow or beach.

Reporting on North Shore Long Island sometimes feels like watching a hoard of starving animals vying for the smallest strip of meat, as discarded carcasses rot not 5 feet away.

That’s why the Town of Brookhaven’s plans for a so-called commercial redevelopment district zoning are so interesting, because it seems like one of the few real efforts we at TBR News Media have seen toward incentivizing rebuilding instead of new development. Though we also hope that such developer incentives can find ways around abuse, especially when too many developers are already incentivized to build with things like Industrial Development Agency tax deals.

Brookhaven’s proposed CRD special zoning, as proposed, will only be available to those property owners who can prove they are redesigning aging property with walkability, livability and commercial interests all in one.

Such applications for that special zoning will also be at the discretion of the Town Board.

If the idea pans out, it could mean a massive push toward revitalization in places such as Port Jefferson Station. If it does what it’s intended to do, other towns like Smithtown or Huntington, who are suffering their own ills of vacant stores and strip malls, could adopt something similar as well. It would be nice, for a change, to hear from a developer about redesigning an eyesore rather than the usual plan to pave paradise to put up a parking lot.

Though we also have to share our reservations. Developers are already well incentivized throughout Suffolk County to build anew, especially with a multitude of deals coming from IDAs at both the county and town level. In Port Jefferson, for example, every single new apartment complex in the past several years has been given a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes deal by the Brookhaven Industrial Development Agency. While IDA board members say such projects will contribute to the economy, these new developments hardly add any significant job numbers to the local economy once the building process is complete.

Brookhaven’s CRD zoning intends that developers will get more leeway on applications for rebuilding based on location or how many amenities there are — such as green space or places for social activity. The risk is that these same builders will find ways to take advantage of these deals while still getting IDA money. Such a new zoning will need even greater scrutiny on applications than is already happening at the town level. A bike rack here or there isn’t worth as much to a community as a new location’s property taxes.

Still, overall, we think this could be a great leap in the right direction. We hope both local developers and local government are up to the task of revitalizing the commercial areas too long neglected.

Kudos are in order for Brookhaven town Supervisor Ed Romaine (R) and the Brookhaven town board.

During this pandemic crisis, where municipal revenue shortfalls are widespread and employment remains at seven percent, Brookhaven town has taken the necessary, but never easy, steps to reduce the financial burden facing its residents.

While municipalities across the nation

look to substantially raise taxes to offset COVID-19 induced deficits, Brookhaven town has chosen to limit spending and reduce its workforce. Furthermore, they are introducing creative ways to generate additional revenue by looking to repurpose abandoned and/or tired commercial properties that may harm the surrounding community. The establishment of “floating zones” will spur economic development,

leading to job creation, improved home values and, most importantly, provide a means of reducing the tax burden for the residents of Brookhaven. As town hall creates a Long Island model for others to follow, a hat tip is in order.

Kyle Strober Executive Director Association for a Better Long Island Hauppauge

The MTA needs a bailout, but if Washington blindly gives $4 billion dollars there will be no impetus for change. They must insist, and we should support, the changes necessary to finally realize the reforms that are talked about but never enacted.

No more schemes designed to throw money at the problem like the MTA payroll tax, congestion pricing, and now the proposed $3 a box Amazon surcharge.

We need to get to the root of the problem of why costs are so high and why the waste, fraud and abuse

continues unabated. If not, we will soon be back to the same place even despite the bailout. Our mass transit system should be efficient and economical. It is neither.

Daniel J. Panico Brookhaven Town Councilman

The recent arrest of Suffolk County Legislator-Elect Nicholas Caracappa and the arrests of Suffolk County Legislators Rudy Sunderman (R-Shirley) and William “Doc” Spencer (D-Centerport) are deeply troubling. Our elected officials must be held to the highest standards and accountable to those who placed their trust in them to act as an example while serving the public. We must all denounce the crimes they are accused of, recognize that there may be victims that need help, and acknowledge that persons accused of criminal acts are entitled to due process. State law must be changed to protect taxpayers.

According to police, Caracappa was arrested related to a domestic incident. Domestic violence is a very serious problem and a national health concern having significant negative impacts on individuals, families, and our communities. It is a primary cause of injury to women in the U.S. One in three women and one in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. Domestic violence can cause short and long-term physical and mental health problems, and in some cases results in victims being murdered. Domestic violence also affects children, who when exposed have a higher risk for long-term physical and psychological problems including depression and anxiety.

We must all denounce domestic violence, ensure victims receive services (victim service provider budgets are being cut by up to 25% because of a lack of government funding due to COVID), and support the law enforcement and criminal justice professionals that investigate and prosecute

offenders. Breaking the cycle of domestic violence must be a priority.

According to prosecutors, Spencer was arrested for attempting to trade oxycodone pills for sexual favors with a woman he thought was a sex worker. The opioid epidemic continues to take the lives of many of our loved ones on Long Island. We must continue to recognize and support the extraordinary efforts of the District Attorney’s office and law enforcement to hold criminals accountable no matter who they are or what their walk of life is when they engage in conduct that increases addiction and contributes to overdose deaths.

According to prosecutors, Sunderman is accused of perjury and ethics crimes relating to allegedly holding two paying public jobs at once which is not permitted. A grand jury indicted Sunderman on five felony counts of perjury and misdemeanor ethics charges.

Although these types of charges may appear to be victimless, they are not. These laws are in place to prevent potential conflicts of interest for lawmakers, prevent corruption, and protect the public trust.

Public officials facing criminal charges stay on the job because state law allows it and they can remain in office unless they’re convicted of a felony or for crimes that violate their oath of office. Staying in office while awaiting a trial also allows these officials to continue to collect their salaries, which for Suffolk County legislators, who work parttime, is $100,854 a year, and allows them to continue to set policy, enact laws, and maintain leadership positions while continuing to build their pensions. State law must change to prevent this.

If convicted, a judge can, but is not required to, strip or reduce the pension of a public official convicted of a felony that had a “direct and actual relationship to the performance of the public officer’s existing duties.” In other words, if a county legislator is convicted of criminal sale of a controlled substance they would not likely be stripped of their pension, a pension that accrued while they were in public office earning a salary while defending criminal charges against them.

Elected officials who are arrested for a felony or a crime related to a sex offense or domestic violence, should have their pensions and paid time off accruals capped at the time of their arrest.

If that elected official is convicted and not subject to losing their pension because of the narrowly drawn state law, they should be required to repay any public salary collected and lose any paid time off accruals from the day of arrest or indictment to the day of conviction. If they are acquitted their pension and paid time off accruals during that time period would be fully restored.

All of us, including elected officials and party leaders, must publicly condemn the crimes that these public officials are being accused of, support any potential victims, ensure that prosecutors and law enforcement continue to have the resources they need to protect the public and hold offenders accountable, acknowledge that everyone is entitled to due process, and change state law to protect taxpayers.

Laura Ahearn Executive Director Crime Victims Center

Making the Old New Again Giving Props to Brookhaven’s Recent Efforts

MTA Needs to Root Out Waste After Bailout

Electeds Should Have Pensions Capped if Arrested

DECEMBER 24, 2020 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A19

Opinion

Yoda, Jack Ryan and Jane Craig Drop By for a 2021 Chat

I

have brought three fictional characters in to discuss their thoughts for 2021. Please welcome Yoda from the “Star Wars” series, Jack Ryan from Tom Clancy books, and Jane Craig from the film “Broadcast News.” I will call you all by your first names. Well, except for you, Yoda.

TBR: After such a tumultuous 2020, I wanted to ask you what you all thought would likely happen next year.

D. None Yoda: Tough to say, the future is. If the of the above answers you don’t

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF like, the questions you must change.

Jack: Look, I’m not sure what we’re doing

here, but I think the vaccine offers real hope for change. Your world, such as it is, should be able to move in the right direction.

Jane: The trends at this point are horrific. You have enormous numbers of positive tests each day, hospitalizations are up and the number of dead continues to rise.

TBR: Yoda, you’re kind of off point and sound like a backwards fortune cookie. Jack, I appreciate the optimism and Jane, I think you’re focusing on the negatives.

Jane: We can’t preclude the possibility that the positive infections will continue to climb for months. While it’d be swell to have a big party to celebrate the vaccine and the return to whatever version of normal each of us has, it’s important that we protect ourselves and our families.

Jack: She’s right. Everyone doesn’t have the vaccine and everyone hasn’t taken it, which means we won’t reach herd immunity for a while. While this is killing the entertainment industry, among so many others, it’s necessary

for us to sit tight for a while. At the same time, we need to consider the possibility that other governments will become opportunistic about this messy transition at the White House. We need to protect ourselves and remain vigilant.

This is a dangerous time, in so many ways, and we need to analyze all kinds of traffic.

Yoda: Know something about vigilance, do I. Messy, this world has become. Goodness, hope and optimism, there remains. Effort to get there will it take.

TBR: Jane, this question, in particular, seems right up your alley. What do you think about the news business in 2021?

Jane: I’m not going to lie to you, it’s been a tough year for everyone, particularly in the news business. We are not the enemy. When we do our jobs well, people get to hear the truth. They can make informed decisions that affect their lives. Are there problems? Of course, but that doesn’t make the entire industry corrupt, any more than it would in any other business.

Yoda: Inside each of us, the enemy resides.

Confront it, we must.

Jack: I’ve dealt with journalists all the time.

They are a competitive group, I’ll give them that, but they are necessary to shine light, at the right time, on everything from the fight against the virus to the battle against corrupt governments.

TBR: Do you think we’ve learned any lessons from 2020?

Jack: It’s been a brutal year and so many people have lost so much. The numbers don’t tell the entire story. We can only live with what we know: we can protect ourselves and our family through policies that have nothing to do with politics. Careful analysis and science brought us the vaccines. We need to make informed decisions about using them.

Jane: Exactly my point, Jack. We can and should make informed decisions, which the media, at its best, can support.

Yoda: Mistakes, everyone makes. Opportunities to learn, we have. Family and those fortunate enough to share life with us, we must cherish.

COVID-19 and the Winter Solstice: Twin Turning Points

O

ne of my favorite days occurred this week. It is the winter solstice, usually considered to be Dec. 21 or 22. Why do I like that day, you might wonder? Some people think of it negatively as the shortest day of the year.

In New York, the night was 14 hours and 45 minutes, shorter than in Minnesota at 15 hours and 50 minutes but longer than Miami at 13 hours and 28 minutes. For me it marks the turning point of Between the seasons, when each subsequent you and me day then begins to

BY LEAH S. DUNAIEF have more light.

Darkness will be lifting over the next six months, gradually but definitively. And for COVID-19, the pandemic of the century, it

is a perfect metaphor. The vaccine is arriving at winter solstice with the promise that the disease, like the days, will lighten.

The vaccine is the match that will eventually banish the darkness. People all over the world, since the beginning of recorded history, have lit fires to ward off the night. It is not a coincidence that the birth of Jesus is celebrated at this time. Houses and trees are brightly decorated with all manner of lights. Hanukkah candles burn brightly at this same time, and in an 8-day sequence, as if prophesying the gradual lighting up of the days. Diwali is a five-day festival of Hindus, Sikhs and others, pushing back the night and celebrating the coming of more light.

So will the vaccine, perfectly timed, gradually vanquish the pandemic over the same next few months.

Just as a point of information, I looked up the meaning of winter solstice and found the definition as the time during the earth’s orbit around the sun at which the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator.

So the other part of the shortest day is the

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winter season that we have to get through with its long days before we can enjoy more brightness and warmth. And we will also have to endure more illness and death from the novel coronavirus before we can recapture the world as we have known it.

We will have to hold on, using our various strategies for survival, until what has been described as the unending “snow days” of lockdown yield to recovery.

Winter can be thought of as a time of intense cold, of scarcity, of starkness and even of death of the earth. But the earth has not died. It is merely resting, and all who live on it are forced to slow down until light and warmth bring growth. For us humans, it can be when we nest with our families, play games, watch movies, tell stories about our ancestors and fill the house with the smells of stick-tothe-rib cooking. Unfortunately, we have been doing just that, unwillingly, for the past 10 months. But the warmth and the light inside the home are especially welcome now that the wind is howling and the snow is sticking.

When we were in Alaska some years ago,

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

LEISURE EDITOR Heidi Sutton EDITORIAL Julianne Mosher ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kathleen Gobos

many of the residents we met said that winter was their favorite season, when members of the community come together indoors to socialize and look after each other as the elements rage in the darkness outdoors.

This winter, we will be coming together via zoom and the other miracles of modern technology. As the earth lies fallow, we can just rest. Or we can evaluate our lives and priorities, learn things that, like planted seeds, will flower in the warmth and light of the spring. We can certainly straighten out our closets and desk drawers, if we haven’t already. All the while, we can follow the guidelines of the scientists and physicians and keep ourselves safe for the spring.

This is my last column of the year. The next issue, of 12/31, will be entirely filled with stories about those heroic and tireless residents who kept life going in 2020 and richly deserve to be honored as People of the Year.

We here at TBR News Media wish you and your loved ones holidays that are happy and safe.

We look forward to rejoining you next year.

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 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • DECEMBER 24, 2020

Tides of Winter

A winter storm walloped Long Island Wenesday, Dec. 16, bringing with it a combination of ice and snow around 6 inches deep in many parts around the North Shore.

Approximately 3,444 homes were left without power, according to PSEG Long Island, and people struggled in icy conditions while many roads needed several rounds of plowing and salting.

However, nature, as well as young people

(already a strong natural force of their own) came out Dec. 17 to enjoy the first real snowfall Long Island has seen for a long while.

We at TBR News Media wish people a happy holidays. Check back next week for our annual People of the Year issue, this time featuring the host of locals and organizations who helped the community during the pandemic.

— All photos by Kyle Barr