The Village Times Herald - February 3, 2022

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VILLAGE TIMES HERALD

S TO N Y B R O O K • O L D F I E L D • S T R O N G’S N E C K • S E TAU K E T • E A S T S E TAU K E T • S O U T H S E TAU K E T • P O Q U OT T • S TO N Y B R O O K U N I V E R S I T Y

Vol. 46, No. 50

February 3, 2022

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Ava Dicpinigaitis, of Stony Brook, enjoys the snow. Photo By Kristen Dicpinigaitis

A Groundhog Day celebration Holtsville Hal predicts an early spring!

A8

Rock of Ages opens in Northport Also: Review of Netflix’s Archive 81, SBU Sports, Book review of I’ll Wait For You

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Photos from the weekend storm — A9

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PAGE A2 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • FEBRUARY 3, 2022

Community News

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Father Tom Reese during his first sermon at All Souls church in Stony Brook village. Photo from All Souls

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As a child growing up in Lake Ronkonkoma in the 1960s, Father Tom Reese often rode his bicycle north to visit the duck pond in Stony Brook village. After attending Seton Hall High School in Patchogue and graduating from Colgate, and The Episcopal Divinity School, he was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1980.

Over the past 40 years, he has served as Rector of St. Luke’s Forest Hills (2000 to 2021), Saint Anne’s Bridgehampton (1992 to 2000) and Holy Advent Clinton, Connecticut, (1988 to 1992). On Jan. 1, he returned to the duck pond as Vicar of historic All Souls church in Stony Brook village.

Having served as Priest in Charge for three large churches, Father Tom wanted to “down shift” a bit to have more opportunities for ministry in new ways: starting a blog/podcast about Religion in the News throughout the World, creative writing to reach any and all seekers of the Divine, and humbly offering his experience and gifts to a smaller parish.

When asked why he was attracted to All Souls, Father Tom described a visit to the Stanford White-designed chapel last year. He was pleasantly surprised to see that the doors were open. As he entered the church, he saw the

mission statement posted on the wall: ”We strive to be mutually supportive of the personal spiritual journey, respecting the individuality of all, and accepting the value of meeting people wherever they are on that journey.”

Upon entering the beautiful church, he saw separate flyers for All Souls’ monthly Native American Drumming, Saturdays at Six Concerts, Second Saturdays poetry readings, and the weekly interfaith Morning Prayer and Rosary services. With the doors open every day, and all this outreach and service to the community, he concluded that All Souls was exactly what he was looking for in his next parish.

In his first email to the congregation, Father Tom said, “As your Vicar, not only am I your dedicated worship leader and preacher, but I also look forward to serving with you as spiritual guide, teacher and pastor.”

Father Tom is mindful that All Souls was recently described by Suffolk County Councilperson Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) as “the heart and soul of Stony Brook village” and looks forward to meeting and getting to know the broader community as well.

Father Tom can be reached through the church office 631-751-0034 or email vicarofallsouls@ gmail.com.

FEBRUARY 3, 2022 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A3

North Shore parents angered over confusion with school mask mandates

BY JULIANNE MOSHER JULIANNE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM After a confusing week, parents across the North Shore have been upset by the state’s constant changing rules on mask wearing in schools.

On Tuesday, Jan. 25, some parents in local school districts opted out of sending their children to class with a mask after a New York State Supreme Court judge struck down Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) mandate.

The mask mandate was first enacted in December by the governor, requiring face coverings in schools and other public places after the omicron wave hit the state with rapid numbers.

On Monday, Jan. 24, Supreme Court Justice Thomas Rademaker of Nassau County wrote that Hochul does not have the authority to impose the mandate since emergency powers are no longer in place. He then decided that the statewide mask mandate was deemed unconstitutional.

Parents across the state heard this and decided to either unmask or mask up their kids, despite letters being sent out from superintendents in local areas stating that masks were still mandatory as they awaited an appeal.

Rocky Point school district

Rocky Point parent Michelle Salz said that her district sent out a notice late Monday night saying that mask mandates were still in effect.

However, when her children came to school Tuesday, administrators and staff were not enforcing the face coverings.

“My kids and myself try to do what’s best for society,” she said. “I rely on science to make my decisions and I taught my kids to care about others.”

Salz added that she was disappointed to hear from her children that students in the school were not wearing masks properly, or at all.

“It seems our district who we entrust our children with, they’re supposed to be educated and use critical-thinking skills to make their decisions,” she said. “They’re supposed to be keeping our kids safe.”

The next day, she sent a letter to Superintendent Scott O’Brien and the board of education.

“To the utter disbelief of most parents in our school district, Rocky Point Union Free Schools has decided to ignore the directive of the NYSED to continue mask wearing in schools until an appellate court has issued a final decision regarding the Nassau County Supreme Court matter January 24,” the letter read. “We believe this to be reckless endangerment to our children and to the families in the community. Please advise what remedies are available to us through your office, as we are considering legal action on this matter and would like to avoid it if possible.”

Salz added that she is so disappointed in the way the school has handled the

COVID-19 pandemic that she is planning on leaving the district.

“I don’t want to live here anymore,” she said. “I want my kids to have a good education.”

Scott O’Brien, superintendent of Rocky Point school district, said in a statement that the district is adhering to all state mandates in place with regard to the mask requirement for school districts.

“At this time, the Appellate Division has granted New York State’s motion for a stay of enforcement of Judge Rademaker’s January 24 decision pending hearing and determination of the appeal, on the condition that the appeal is perfected on or before March 2, 2022. As such, while the stay is in effect, the New York State mask regulation remains unchanged for our district.”

O’Brien added, “We understand how this changing information can be frustrating to families and confusing to students. We appreciate our community’s patience as we await further Appellate Division decisions that impact the mask mandate.”

Three Village school district

Monica Balsan, who has three children in the Three Village school district, was one of many parents who told their children to say “no thank you” when asked to cover their noses that Tuesday.

Balsan said she was unhappy with Three Village still implementing the mask mandate after the court ruling.

“After the court ruling that said the mask mandate was unconstitutional, they still requested the kids wear masks,” she said in a phone interview Friday morning. “I told my kids to be respectful and not argue with their teachers, but if they were uncomfortable to call me.”

Balsan said that her third-grade son, Jackson, has been “emotionally drained” by the pandemic, and has been begging his mom to be homeschooled as he is tired of wearing a mask at his desk.

“He can’t take it anymore,” she said. “It hurts his ears, he can’t breathe.”

And for the days following the update on the mask mandate, Balsan said Jackson was holding his ground by joining his family and friends at a rally after school outside the Three Village North Country Administration Building Friday, Jan. 28. There, he said wearing a mask has been “terrible,” and he was hoping he wouldn’t have to wear a mask this week.

The rally, which had dozens of community members voice their concerns against the mandate, occurred just hours before the appeals hearing went live.

During the rally, children held signs that read, “I Wish I Could See My Friends’ Smiles,” “I’ll Never Get These Years Back” and “No More Masks,” while parents held signs that read “3V Parents for Choice.”

Many in attendance also wore sweatshirts bearing slogans such as “Make America Free Again,” “Fighting for My Freedom” and

Parents and their kids rallied outside the Three Village administration building last Friday asking the district to stop implementing masks. Photo by Rita J. Egan

“Freedom Fighters.”

Jessica Rudin, whose son is in kindergarten and has two younger children, said while she doesn’t believe in the mask mandate, her son has worn the mask every day to school.

However, she added, it’s time for the masks to come off.

“We have been standing up for parents’ choice against the mandates for quite some time,” she said. “We’re looking to make a statement in our community.”

Later that evening, the governor was allowed to extend the indoor mask mandate until Feb. 10. On Monday, the court officially extended the stay, allowing Hochul to keep the mask mandate in place until March 2.

“My primary responsibility as governor is to keep New Yorkers safe,” Hochul said in a statement. “Mask regulations keep our schools and businesses safe and open, protect vulnerable New Yorkers and are critical tools as we work to get through this winter surge. Thanks to our efforts, including mask regulations, cases are declining and we are seeing major progress in the fight against COVID-19.”

But anti-maskers are still going to fight for their right to choose.

“We don’t want them masked anymore,” Balsan said. “We’ve had enough. We can’t deal with [our kids] frustration. Everyone is trying to do their part.”

Balsan said that if other families want to wear a mask, that should be their choice.

In a statement Tuesday, Three Village Central School District said it is “working to follow all current directives related to COVID-19 practices in our schools, including the mask wearing mandate. At this time, the district does not have any intention of creating or joining a lawsuit challenging these state

directives. We appreciate our students, staff and families understanding and cooperation as we work together to keep our schools safe, supportive places for learning.”

But across the state, educators were happy with the court’s decision.

“We are pleased the Appellate Division granted the application by the Department of Health and the governor’s office, confirming the lower court’s decision is stayed pending further proceedings,” said Betty Rosa, commissioner of education with the New York State Board of Regents in a statement. “As such, the mask mandate remains in effect for schools across the state. We support Governor Hochul and the state Department of Health as they continue with the appeal. We thank the members of our school communities for their patience during this process.”

Other school districts

Superintendents in other districts released statements that they will continue to monitor the ever-changing protocols.

“The Port Jefferson School District has always made it our priority to follow the law and respect the process of our state,” said Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan. “As we are committed to fostering a school environment that is not only lawful but considerate, the district is continuing to comply with the NYS school mask mandate, as we await any further updated directives.”

Shoreham-Wading River school district also commented: “The district continues to follow all NYS requirements regarding mask wearing in schools and will monitor the situation for any updates to the matter.”

PAGE A4 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • FEBRUARY 3, 2022

Nature

Foxes don’t pose a danger to humans

BY RITA J. EGAN RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

When foxes are spotted in a neighborhood, residents may wonder if the animal poses any danger to them or their dogs and cats or if they have rabies because they’re out in the daytime. However, experts say seeing foxes out during the day doesn’t necessarily indicate rabies.

“Generally, foxes are most active at night or during twilight, however they can be active at other times of day when food demands are higher such as needing to conduct additional foraging to feed young,” according to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officials.

“During the winter months, foxes may be more inclined to hunt during the day, so a sighting in daylight hours is often not an indication of a sick animal.”

The DEC added that foxes should be viewed at a distance while they are searching for their necessities.

“If foxes are being sighted near residential homes it is probably because some resource need is being met, i.e., shelter, such as under decks or sheds, access to food, where

rodents or other natural forage are located.”

Janine Bendicksen, curator and director of wildlife rehabilitation for Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown, said sometimes a person may see a fox circling.

This is a result of people who feed them, which is not a good idea as they begin to depend on humans for food. Because of this dependency, when a fox sees a person, they begin circling in anticipation of being fed.

“The fox is definitely more afraid of you than you are of it,” she said. “Foxes have what they love to eat. They love to eat mice. They love moles, rats, and won’t necessarily go after your cat or dog. Could they? Absolutely. But chances are they’re going to be more afraid of the dog than it is of them.”

While people don’t have to worry about their dogs and cats if foxes are spotted, they do have to keep an eye on their chickens.

Bendicksen said people who find that foxes get into their chicken cages need to house the birds in an enclosure that is completely fox proof because the animal can get to the chicken easily if there are any substantially sized holes.

‘The fox is definitely more afraid of you than you are of it.’

—JANINE BENDICKSEN

Fox population

Bendicksen said there hasn’t been an uptick in the fox population necessarily, but with more people at home during the pandemic, she believes more residents have noticed them than they did in the past. Even the number of calls they have received about injured wildlife, in general, have increased

over the last couple of years, she said, as people are spending more time outdoors.

The fox population is a cyclical one.

When it’s a good summer and they can get more than adequate amounts of food, she said, in turn, the animals have many pups.

FOXES continued on page A8

Town Will Relocate Glass Recycling Drop-Off to Setauket Fire District On Friday, February 11th, the Town’s glass recycling bins at the Stony Brook Yacht Club will be relocated to the Setauket Fire District at: 394 Nicolls Rd, Setauket-East Setauket, NY 11733 This new location will offer Brookhaven residents in and near the 1st Council District a convenient spot to drop off their glass for recycling.

Reminders: 1) Only glass bottles and jars are acceptable.

2) Glass does not need to be color separated.

What are we doing with recycled glass?

Glass collected from the Town’s twelve drop-off locations is crushed and used to replace sand in construction. This saves natural resources and reduces our waste.

Questions? Call Councilmember Kornreich at (631) 451-6963

Pictured: Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich at the Setauket FD 67080

FEBRUARY 3, 2022 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A5

Village

Longtime restaurateur set to open new business in former Pentimento location

BY RITA J. EGAN RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM After being vacant since September, the spot formerly occupied by Pentimento will be home to a new restaurant.

In a statement Jan. 31, Eagle Realty Holdings Inc. announced David Tunney, who owns and operates several restaurants on Long Island from Port Jefferson to Roslyn, will open a new restaurant at 93 Main St. in Stony Brook Village Center.

“After many interviews with at least a halfdozen local and more distant restaurateurs, Eagle Realty Holdings trustees are pleased with our choice of David,” said chairman Richard Rugen in the press release.

According to Eagle Realty, Tunney is expected to open the new restaurant in the spring. He has not announced the name of the business or what will be offered.

“This will be a new concept, different cuisine and a whole new look,” Tunney said in the press release.

The business owner has been in the restaurant industry for 35 years and is a familiar face in the Three Village area. He grew up in

Setauket and graduated from Ward Melville High School. In 2019, he bought the former Raga Indian Restaurant on Old Town Road and turned it into Old Fields Barbecue.

“This is where I grew up, this is where my roots are, and it’s amazing to come back to it,” Tunney said in a 2019 TBR News Media interview.

In addition to the Setauket spot, he owns Old Fields restaurants in Port Jefferson and Greenlawn and Old Fields Barbecue in Huntington. He is also one of the founders of the Besito Restaurant Group along with his brother John and part-owner of Besito Mexican restaurants in Huntington and Roslyn.

In the 2019 interview, Tunney said he had good memories of growing up in the Three Village area. His mother, Marilyn, worked in the TBR News Media offices for 25 years, and one of his first jobs was at the Arby’s that once was located where the Setauket Main Street firehouse is today. Tunney said his first job was with the former Dining Car 1890 that was located on Route 25A and Nicolls Road, where he started as a dishwasher.

In the interview, Tunney said he leaves the cooking to the chefs and enjoys the hospitality

David Tunney is ready to open a new restaurant in Stony Brook Village Center. Photo from Eagle Realty Holdings

side of the business, which he learned from his brother John.

“The part I really love about it is making

people have a great experience and that they just love all the food, the service, the ambiance, how they are taken care of,” he said in the interview.

Three Village CSD Pre-Kindergarten Program Lottery Application Window Now Open The Three Village Central School District will be offering a district-operated, tuition-free, half-day Pre-Kindergarten program for the 2022-2023 school year.

There is an Enrichment option that will allow families to extend their child’s Pre-K day. Families interested in learning more about the Pre-Kindergarten programs are encouraged to visit the Pre-K page of the Three Village district website. Links & information for the lottery applications are currently available on the Pre-K page. All student lottery applicants must be registered in the district with a Student ID# in order to be considered in the lottery. Children must be 4 years old on or before December 1, 2022. For more information please visit: https://sites.google.com/3villagecsd.org/3vpre-k/home Questions? Please visit the FAQ section of our Pre-K page.

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All applications are due by close of business February 18, 2022.

PAGE A6 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • FEBRUARY 3, 2022

­

TBR NEWS MEDIA

The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County Police.

Centereach Wanted for questioning ■ A resident on Continental Drive in Centereach called the police to report a man had allegedly taken a delivery package off of his front porch valued at approximately $400 on Jan. 23.

■ 7-11 on Mark Tree Road in Centereach reported that someone allegedly stole two preloaded Vanilla Visa gift cards with a value of $500 each on Jan. 23.

■ A petit larceny was reported at Carters on Middle Country Road in Centereach on Jan. 28. Four women allegedly stole assorted children’s clothing with a value of approximately $200.

■ A resident on Bellwood Avenue in Centereach reported that a catalytic converter had been stolen from a 2002 Ford F250 on Jan. 23. Approximate value of the items was $800.

East Setauket

■ Walmart on Nesconset Highway in East Setauket called police on Jan. 27 to report a man allegedly stole a Samsung 55” LED Smart TV worth approximately $500.

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■ Store security at Walmart on Nesconset Highway in East Setauket called the police on Jan. 27 to report that a man had allegedly stolen 6 cases of Modelo beer from the store worth $180.

Lake Grove

■ A woman shopping at Trader Joe’s in Lake Grove on Jan. 27 left her pocketbook unattended in her shopping cart. When she returned her wallet containing credit cards and cash was missing.

■ A catalytic converter was reported stolen from a 2002 Ford F250 parked on Olive Street in Lake Grove on Jan. 22. The stolen item was valued at approximately $650.

Port Jefferson

■ A resident on Longacre Court in Port Jefferson called police to report that cash was taken out of two unlocked vehicles parked in the driveway on Jan. 23.

■ A resident on Owasco Drive in Port Jefferson reported a car parked on their property was ransacked and cash stolen on Jan. 23.

@66270

Do you recognize this woman? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the woman who allegedly stole merchandise from Home Depot, located at 401 Independence Plaza, on Jan. 27 at approximately 8 p.m. The woman fled in a dark green Nissan Altima.

South Setauket

■ Target on Pond Path in South Setauket reported two shoplifters on Jan. 26. A man and a woman allegedly concealed 17 videos and 1 calculator in their jackets and walked out of the store.

■ Target on Pond Path in South Setauket reported a petit larceny on Jan. 26. A man allegedly stole a Dyson V8 Animal Vacuum valued at $400.

Stony Brook

■ A resident on William Penn Drive in Stony Brook reported that a purse, credit cards and money were stolen from a vehicle parked on their driveway on Jan. 22. A front window was broken to gain entry.

Terryville

■ A resident on Terryville Road in Terryville reported a wallet with credit cards was stolen from their unlocked vehicle on Jan. 22.

— COMPILED BY HEIDI SUTTON

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

FEBRUARY 3, 2022 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A7

Village

Three Village Central School District hosts community forum

BY ANDREA PALDY DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM In a departure from its normal meeting format, the Three Village Central School District held a town hall last Wednesday, Jan. 26, that gave the public an opportunity to ask administrators a broad spectrum of questions that included the budget and enrollment, COVID protocols, mental health support, DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) and school start times.

The town hall, which was held in-person at the Ward Melville High School auditorium, also offered a virtual component. More than 100 viewers tuned into the two-hour-long YouTube livestream. District administrators answered questions that had been submitted ahead of time.

Alan Baum, executive director for human resources and secondary curriculum, facilitated the town hall. While the district was open to various structures for future forums, Baum said the benefit of pre-submitted questions was that it ensured that answers given were “accurate, comprehensive and detailed.” Administrators, he said, had the

benefit of being able to gather the necessary information.

Concerns about the ongoing pandemic prompted an expected avalanche of questions about procedures, masking and vaccines and represented both the sentiments of parents who felt the district was being overly cautious, as well as those who believed it could do more. Questions about this dominant topic included whether the district had looked at studies related to the psychological and learning effects of masking and distancing on students, and whether the district would take legal action to end the mask mandate.

Concerns were also raised about masking requirements not being enforced and why students and teachers were not mandated to take the vaccine.

Executive director of student and community services Erin Connolly fielded many of these questions. She said the district would not take legal action against the mask mandate, and that due to the newness of masking and social distancing there have been no studies available about their longterm effects. She added that concern about possible effects is behind the district’s

implementation of “extensive” SEL (social emotional learning) programs targeted at mitigating issues related to COVID-19.

There has been no decision to mandate the vaccine for students, but if there were one, it would be made by New York State and not by the school district, administrators said.

Teachers, on the other hand, are required to be either vaccinated or to test regularly, said Dawn Mason, executive director for pupil personnel services. She added that vaccination is a personal decision to be made with one’s doctor.

Pandemic-related questions also included whether the district would go remote again or offer a remote learning option.

Superintendent Cheryl Pedisich said the district would not offer a remote learning option, though it did offer livestreaming for secondary students and tutoring for elementary students during the omicron surge. The decision to go remote would be based on local infection rates and availability of teachers and staff. Such a decision would be made “with careful consultation with the board of education, with our administration and the department of health,” Pedisich said.

The Three Village Central School District held a town hall Jan. 26. District administrators, including Superintendent Cheryl Pedisich, above, answered questions that had been submitted ahead of time. Screenshot from Three Village Central School District YouTube

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PAGE A8 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • FEBRUARY 3, 2022

LEGALS Notice of Formation of JLW Accounting and Tax Services LLC Articles of Organization files with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 9/9/2021. Office location: Suffolk County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 690 Route 25A Suite 1, East Setauket, NY 11733. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

6362 1/13 6x vth

VILLAGE OF POQUOTT ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF VARIANCE HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on February 16, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. the Village of Poquott Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing at Village Hall, 45 Birchwood Avenue, Village of Poquott. This hearing will also be available virtually by GoTo meeting. Dial-in info is found below.

Variances requested by John Cunniffe, the agent representing residents, at 8 Cedar Avenue, Village of Poquott, is as follows;

To Place A Legal Notice Email: legals@tbrnewsmedia.com REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (1) Seeking a variance for lot area of 2,906 sq ft. whereas Zoning Code 18313(D) states minimum lot area per dwelling is 10,000 sq ft. in Zone C1 and the applicant proposes a lot size of 7,094 sq ft.

(2) Seeking total side yard variance of 3 ft. 5 in. whereas Zoning Code 18313(D) states minimum total side yard is 25 ft. in Zone C1 and the applicant proposes a total side yard setback of 21 ft. 7 in.

Anyone interested in commenting on said variances may do so at this hearing.

Th e applications are available for review at the office of the village clerk Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 12:00pm, 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

Dial In Info: +1 240-3212 Access 650-332-389

(872) Code:

SETAUKET FIRE DISTRICT PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Setauket Fire District, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of New York, sealed Request for Proposals for the provision and administration of medical physicals for employees and members will be received at the office of the Board of Fire Commissioners, 26 Hulse Road, Setauket, New York 11733 until 3:00 p.m. (prevailing time) on the 4th day of March, 2022.

Detailed specifications regarding the Request for Proposal will be available at the District Office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on regular business days.

Dated: January 6, 2022

Date: January 20, 2022 Cindy Schleider Village Clerk Village of Poquott 45 Birchwood Ave. Poquott, NY 11733

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS OF THE SETAUKET FIRE DISTRICT Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York

FOXES

Continued from page B4

However, this can result in overpopulation and the foxes get mites, which cause the contagious disease known as mange. The foxes can die from the disease. When another good summer comes along, the population can grow again.

“The population does go up and down based on food and based on the disease that keeps them in check,” Bendicksen said.

Recently, the nature center saved a fox with mange when a resident found him curled up outside their front door.

“He would not have survived the winter,” the wildlife director said. “We literally got him just in the nick of time. His hair just started to fall out. His eyes were just starting to shut. He would have Tod the fox is currently recuperating from mange at died of secondary infections and Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown. Photo from Sweetbriar starvation had he not come in.”

Bendicksen said foxes are difficult to The fox, named Tod by the staff, will catch, and they have to be extremely sick now spend the winter with the nature center for a person to catch them. She pointed out and be released in the spring when he is that people rarely see foxes hit along the “older and wiser,” according to Bendicksen. road because of their speed and other skills.

Injured foxes

If a person sees an injured fox, they should contact an animal rescue such as Sweetbriar (631-979-6344, www.sweetbriarnc.org).

“The foxes are truly super intelligent, super shy, super careful, and so to catch a sick fox, they have to be in pretty bad shape,” she said.

Holtsville Hal predicts an early spring

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Following the blizzard that battered Brookhaven Town this past weekend, Holtsville Hal’s 2022 prognostication was welcome news for many. After awaking from his slumber, Hal brushed the snow aside to emerge from his burrow and did not see his shadow, predicting an early spring for the Town of Brookhaven. The virtual event was livestreamed on the Holtsville Ecology Site’s Facebook page on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2.

According to tradition, if a groundhog sees its shadow on Groundhog Day, there will be six more weeks of winter weather; if not, spring should arrive early.

“After this weekend’s blizzard, I’m sure we are all looking forward to spring arriving on time and keeping our fingers crossed that our resident weatherman maintains his accuracy,” said Superintendent of Highways Daniel Losquadro.

“Regardless, the Brookhaven Highway Department remains ready to handle whatever else Mother Nature sends our way during these remaining few weeks of winter.”

Above, Town of Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro with Holtsville Hal’s handler, Greg Drossel, revealing Hal’s 2022 prognostication.

FEBRUARY 3, 2022 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A9

County

Nick Bilotti, of East Setauket, tackles the snow with the snowblower. Photo by Cameron Bilotti

Weekend blizzard slams Suffolk County

BY AMANDA POMERANTZ DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM The expected nor’easter over the weekend dumped more than 2 feet of snow in some areas of the Town of Brookhaven, but a big challenge was the blizzard conditions.

Snowfall started Friday night, and continued into Saturday evening. The wind kept blowing and drifting snow, and areas that had been plowed kept needing to be plowed again.

The National Weather Service reported that in the Town of Brookhaven winds reached as high as 66 mph in Stony Brook, according to the Citizen Weather Observer Program known as CWOP, and snow totals reached as high as 23.5 inches in Medford, according to a trained spotter.

But the town’s superintendent of highways, Daniel Losquadro (R), said that the cleanup was able to keep going through the blizzard conditions.

“We kept making passes and making roads as clear as possible for emergency services,” he said.

The town’s Highway Department posted a press release on Friday urging residents to take “common sense” precautions to stay safe, including staying off roads and parking cars in driveways to allow snowplows and emergency vehicles to pass.

Brookhaven covers over 530 square miles, with more than 3,700 lane miles of road. The Highway Department now has 250 pieces of hired snow-removal equipment and relies on about an equal number of outside contractors to help with plowing during snowstorms.

“There is no way we can afford that many pieces of equipment and employees to do that work,” Losquadro said.

The town had 400 pieces of equipment a few years ago, which is down almost 40%, according to the highway superintendent. He compared their equipment numbers to those of the Town of Smithtown, which he said has 40 pieces of equipment, down more than 50% from the 92 pieces it had a few years ago.

“There aren’t as many private contractors doing snow removal right now,” Losquadro said, adding that the Highway Department had advertised aggressively. He and his colleagues agreed that a scarcity of outside contractors is a problem everywhere.

He suggested that this may be due to an increase in costs and oil prices, and a ripple effect in the supply chain.

“A truck needs to go to work on Monday,” he said. “They risk damages and needing parts.”

He said that the town had a system to break up the large area into sections so that every part would get covered.

“The contractors were able to stay on,” he added.

On Sunday and Monday, the town focused on widening the snow-laden roads and cleaning intersections. “There were not too many breakdowns,” the highway superintendent said.

Brutally cold temperatures overnight on Saturday and Sunday shifted to gradually warmer weather. By Monday afternoon, Losquadro considered how the town had responded to the storm and said, “Everything went well for the most part.”

All Souls church in Stony Brook village after the storm. Photo from All Souls

Nicholas Bilotti checks out the snow in East Setauket, while kids go tubing in St. James. Left photo by Cameron Bilotti; right photo by Trish Busby

PAGE A10 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • FEBRUARY 3, 2022

University

SBU weather professors, students launch balloons during nor’easter

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM The hours a few meteorology professors and some of their students spent in driving snow and whipping wind this past weekend amid the nor’easter may improve the accuracy of future weather forecasts.

Even as other Long Island residents were hunkered indoors, Stony Brook University Professors Brian Colle and Pavlos Kollias were teaming up with scientists from several institutions as a part of a threeyear NASA-led study called IMPACTS, for The Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Snowstorms.

The researchers and a group of their students launched weather balloons and gathered radar data from last Friday evening through Saturday night, as the nor’easter named Kenan dumped well over two feet of snow through parts of Long Island.

Stony Brook students helped launch weather balloons every few hours, while NASA sent an ER-2 high altitude airborne plane and a Lockheed P-3 Orion plane into the storm.

“Everyone brings their tools to the sandbox with respect to looking at these storms,” said Colle, who collected data and managed students for over 24 hours.

At 4 a.m., Colle was driving on a road where the lanes and other traffic had disappeared.

“I kind of enjoyed it,” Colle admitted, as he maneuvered along the snow-covered roadway where the lanes completely

disappeared.

Colle is in the second year of an IMPACT operation that started in 2020 and was put on pause last year amid the pandemic.

The purpose of the study is to improve forecasting in a one-to-two-day time horizon.

An improvement in the accuracy of localized forecasts over a shorter time can help municipal authorities determine when to send out plows.

“The models can hone in on those features and provide what we refer to as ‘nowcasting’ or short term forecasting,” Colle said.

“There’s a big emphasis within the National Weather Service of providing decision support to emergency managers.”

Part of what makes forecasting these storms so challenging is the difficulty in predicting the timing and location of snow bands, which drop large amounts of snow in short periods of time.

In addition to information from the weather balloons, scientists throughout the area gathered temperature, wind and moisture data in places like Brookhaven and Albany.

Researchers ran a few different radar systems probing into the clouds to get more details about how these precipitation bands formed.

During the storm, Colle said the wind shear or the change in wind speed at different altitudes was dramatic, with 10- to 20-knot winds near the ground and 50-knot winds only 500 meters above.

“I was surprised by how strong those winds were, right above our heads,” Colle said.

Colle suggested that the students who participated in gathering data amid a driving

Samantha Lankowicz, above, a sophomore at SBU, takes a photo of the multi-angle snowflake camera, which is the equipment mounted on the black tripod. It captures photos of the snowflakes as they fall from three angles in real time.

Below, weather balloons were launched to gather radar data. Photos by Brian Colle, Stony Brook University

snowstorm had the opportunity to apply their textbook learning to a real-world situation.

“The students learn about these measurement approaches in class” but they truly understand it differently when they gather the data themselves, he said.

Student experience

A second-year student in the PhD program at Stony Brook, Erin Leghart, who lives in Farmingdale, worked from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., which included launching six balloons in about six to eight hours.

Leghart said this was the first time she experienced winds like this in a winter storm.

She was well-dressed for the weather, as she invested in an ankle-length winter coat, snow boots, thermal long johns, Patagonia under armor and ski goggles.

Leghart said the excitement about the storm built about five days before it arrived, as it presented an opportunity to “do a live experiment.”

A sophomore at Stony Brook, Samantha Lankowicz, meanwhile, was excited to join her shift from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“I got to do hands-on science with other

students,” she said.

Lankowicz, who loves snow and was hoping for a chance to study a nor’easter this year, was pleased that one of the balloons made it all the way to the stratosphere.

Lankowicz has been to other balloon launches where a snow band turned into rain, which was “not as fun, standing in pouring rain when it’s 34 degrees.”

The only time she felt cold was when she had to take off her ski gloves and put on thinner gloves to handle the balloons.

Also a sophomore, John Tafe, who is from Salem, New York, was fascinated by weather early in life. When he was four years old, he saw clouds on the horizon and predicted a thunderstorm, which not only came later that day, but also knocked out power.

Tafe, whose hands also got cold from handling the balloons, was excited to contribute to the effort.

“To be in such a major storm that hopefully will provide valuable data is exciting,” Tafe said. “I hope that the data we collected will help advance the science.”

FEBRUARY 3, 2022 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A11

History

Against different backdrops, public responses differ in two pandemics

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM At the end of World War I, Spanish Influenza caused the world to focus on the same kinds of measures that people have been using to protect themselves, including wearing masks and social distancing.

Back then, pharmaceutical companies couldn’t produce vaccines and boosters for the H1N1 flu virus which killed 50 million people worldwide, including 650,000 people in the United States.

History professors at Stony Brook University described a decidedly different period over 100 years ago and the reaction by the American people to the public health crisis.

The armistice to end the war was signed in the middle of the pandemic, said Nancy Tomes, distinguished professor in the Department of History at Stony Brook University.

“Our noble dough boys were coming back after having saved Western Civilization,” Tomes said. There was no finger to point to blame someone for the coming hardship. The American public recognized that this was an “ailment our brave boys brought home. It’s your obligation to take care of these soldiers.”

People who didn’t do their part to help heal members of the military and reduce the threat were considered “slackers.” When public health officials in New York asked workers to stagger the times they took the subway, people “were not supposed to kick up a fuss because this is war,” Tomes said.

During the Spanish Influenza, people didn’t express partisan politics about public health issues.“The idea was that there’s an epidemic and it’s all hands-on deck,” she added.

Contrast that with modern times, when an anti-federal government ideology has been developing for decades, said Paul Kelton, professor and Gardiner chair in American History at Stony Brook.

“That’s been brewing since the 1980s,” Kelton said. The COVID pandemic happened at a time when this distrust toward the federal government “reached its peak.” Today, “we have a national media culture where we focus on the federal government” and, at the same time, the country has an anti-federal government ideology that’s animating a large portion of the American population,” he said.

Kelton, whose expertise includes the study of Native American history, suggested that several tribes have embraced the opportunity to get the vaccine, in part because of the encouraging response among tribe leaders.

The Navajo, for example, who have a well-earned skepticism toward the federal government, have a high rate of vaccination because the tribal government has taken charge of this public health effort.

Public domain photos Above, medical and quartermaster corps men in connection with the United States Army Hospital in Fort Porter, New York; below, a family and their cat during the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918.

‘The lesson in history is to expect the unexpected when you’re dealing with germs.’

— PAUL KELTON

“When people are empowered at the state and local level, rather than the federal government coming in and doing it, it makes a difference,” Kelton said.

Indeed, the communities that have resisted vaccines and public health measures during the current COVID crisis include areas with high rural white populations.

To be sure, historians recognize that the specifics of each pandemic, from the source of the public health threat to the political and cultural backdrop against which the threat occurs, vary widely.

Recalling a saying in the field of public health, Kelton said, “if you’ve seen one pandemic, you’ve seen one pandemic.” That suggests that the lessons or experiences amid any single public health threat don’t necessarily apply to another, particularly if the mode of transmission, the symptoms or the severity of the threat are all different.

“The lesson from history is to expect the unexpected when you’re dealing with germs,” said Kelton. “Novel germs are hitting populations in different circumstances. We are living in different conditions than in the past.”

What pandemics generally do, Kelton said, is expose fissures in society.

Part of what the study of other pandemics suggests is the need for opportunities to live healthier lives among those who are impoverished or are feeling disenfranchised.

“If nothing changes and health care access [remains as it is],we are going to repeat that again,” Kelton said.

Basic access to better nutrition can help fight the next pandemic, reducing the disproportionate toll some people face amid a public health threat, he said.

“Things like making sure that homeless people can get into a homeless shelter and not infect each other, the nuts and bolts of keeping people healthy, we neglected,” added Tomes.

PAGE A12 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • FEBRUARY 3, 2022

Sports

Tigers Nip Patriots in OT

BY BILL LANDON DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM The Ward Melville Patriots boys basketball team hosted the Northport Tigers, the League II leader, Feb. 1 in a game that would need more than 32 minutes of regulation to decide.

After Ward Melville was held scoreless in the second quarter, the Patriots outscored the Tigers in the second half. Tommy Ribaudo’s foul shot tied the game 34 all with eight seconds left in regulation when time ran out

forcing overtime.

Tied at 36-36 with 12 seconds left in the four-minute overtime period, Northport senior Owen Zimmerman nailed a triple to take a 39-36 lead for the final score. Senior forward Nick Watts led Northport in scoring with 11, followed by Brendon Carr’s 10 points, and J.J. Ahlstrand netted eight. Tommy Ribaudo topped the scoring chart for the Patriots with 11, and KJ Anderson banked 10.

Both teams have two games remaining before post season play begins Feb 15.

— Photos

tbrnewsmedia.com Goforto more sports photos

Northport 39 Ward Melville 36

by Bill Landon

Pictured clockwise from above, Northport junior Emmett Radziul with an inside pass; Ward Melville senior Tommy Ribaudo lays up for two; Ward Melville senior Tommy Ribaudo sinks two from the line; Northport’s Nick Watts and Patriots Frank Carroll look for the rebound; Ward Melville senior Tommy Engel battles down low; Patriots senior Tommy Ribaudo rebounds.

FEBRUARY 3, 2022 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A13

COMMUNITY FORUM Continued from A7

psychological growth, and so we feel very, very strongly about the importance of inperson learning, and we’ll do everything we can to keep our schools open, healthy and safe,” the superintendent said.

Administrators also spoke about the district’s ongoing focus on student mental health, saying district programs focus on “the whole child” — academic, as well as their social, emotional and physical health and well-being.

The district’s enrollment has seen a decline over the past 15 years. When asked to compare current enrollment and staffing — 5,651 students and 589 instructional staff members — to those of the 2012-13 school year — 7,307 students and a staff of 591 — it became clear that staffing levels, which include some “COVID hires,” are virtually the same at present, despite the almost-2,000 student decrease over the years.

In addition to reduced class sizes and more electives, Jeff Carlson, deputy superintendent, said Three Village is providing more services to students and has added more social workers and psychologists to the staff over the years after having cut staffing down to 545 full time equivalents in 2013-14.

“Every school district has social workers

and psychologists,” he said. “We have more than most. We’ve worked hard to build those numbers back up in staffing.”

Pedisich later said current enrollment numbers do not include the district’s prekindergarten students, which can range between 180 and 200 students. Though the district saw a decrease in the secondary populations, it is currently seeing a bump in elementary students by 105 students, which Pedisich attributed to changes in the housing market and families moving from the city because of the pandemic.

Paul Gold, director of social studies and assistant principal of Ward Melville, answered questions about the district’s DEI committee, which he chairs. The district is not teaching critical race theory, widely known as CRT, which he said is taught in law schools and “has no place in K-12 schools.”

Gold added that what the district does teach about race and racism is “through the lens of history” and that teaching “does not come with blame or shame. It comes with context and conversations about how over time so many Americans have worked to promote equity and equality for so many groups that have been historically marginalized.”

In addition to clarifying that equity and inclusion go beyond race to include gender, physical and intellectual ableism and sexuality, Gold responded to questions about funding for the district’s committee. The committee is populated by teacher, parent,

The Three Village Central School District held a town hall Jan. 26. District administrators, above, answered questions that had been submitted ahead of time. Screenshot from Three Village Central School District YouTube

staff and administrator volunteers who are not paid. He also explained that professional development is among the committee’s priorities and that one of its subcommittees is working on professional development opportunities for staff.

Questions were also asked about the district’s commitment to finding a way to implement a later start time for secondary

students. Pedisich, who acknowledged the health benefits of a later start for students, said the board of education would have to discuss reinstatement of the late start time committee, which has been on hold since the pandemic.

A recording of the forum, which also covered transportation, testing and school lunches, can be viewed on the Three Village Central School District YouTube page.

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KING SIZE SHEET SET luxuriously plush fleece med blue. Excellent condition. $40 Call 631-246-5232 NEW IN BOX, UNDER HOOD PAD 1966, 1967 GTO, Tempest Asking $45.00.

Call 631-744-3722.

Get DIRECTV, ONLY $69.99/ month, 155 Channels & 1000s of Shows/Movies OnDemand (w/SELECT All Included Package.) PLUS Stream on Up to FIVE Screens Simultaneously at No Additional Cost. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

Redecorating?

Kids Growing Up? Exercise Equipment Taking Up Space?

Housesitting Services

Limousine Services SUFFOLK LIMO Serving all airports, Professional drivers, luxury suv’s, sedans and Sprinter vans. Book online, Suffolklimo.com 1-800-364-7049.

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply.

Promo Expires 1/21/22.

1-888-609-9405

Limited time offer.

Expires 3.31.22

From Dimensional Shingles to classic styles reminiscent of Cedar Shake and Spanish Tile, an architectural roofing system by Erie Metal Roofs can enhance the beauty of your home while protecting your family and property for a lifetime.

Warranty- Limited Lifetime.

Transferable to 1 subsequent owner from original purchaser.

Terms and conditions apply.

Hail up to 2.5”, Appearance of the surface coating beyond normal wear and tear.

Call today to schedule your

FREE ESTIMATE Made in the USA

1-855-492-6084

New orders only. Does not include material costs. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Minimum purchase required. Other restrictions may apply. This is an advertisement placed on behalf of Erie Construction Mid-West, Inc (“Erie”). Offer terms and conditions may apply and the offer may not be available in your area.

Offer expires March 31, 2022. If you call the number provided, you consent to being contacted by telephone, SMS text message, email, pre-recorded messages by Erie or its affiliates and service providers using automated technologies notwithstanding if you are on a DO NOT CALL list or register. Please review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use on homeservicescompliance.com. All rights reserved.

©61870

JUNK CARS BOUGHT! We’ll Beat Any Price.

Call 631-500-1015. SEE DISPLAY AD FOR MORE INFORMATION.

BLUES MAN PIANO TUNING Certified piano technician, 631-681-9723, bluesmanpianotuning@gmail. com, www.bluesmanpianotuning.com

COMPANION P/T Semi retired teacher available for Light cooking, light housekeeping, local driving, references. Call 631-331-5030.

©68340

CASH FOR ALL CARS AND CASH FOR JUNK CARS WANTED. No Key, No Title, No Problem. Free Pick-up. Habla Espanol. Call 631-445-1848.

SEE DISPLAY AD FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Musical Instruments

TENDER LOVING PET CARE, LLC. Pet Sitting Services.

When you need to leave town, why disrupt your pet’s routine.

Let your pets enjoy the comforts of home while receiving TLC from a PSI Certified professional Pet Sitter. Experienced, reliable. Ins/Bonded.

631-675-1938 tenderlovingpetcarellc.com

Miscellaneous

©101364

Local NY Giants fan seeking Type O kidney donor to help celebrate more terrible seasons.

Cowboys fans need not apply.

VIAGRA & CIALIS 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150. FREE shipping. Money back guaranteed, 1-855-579-8907

Elder Care

©105747

Announcements

Pets/Pet Services

68110

Beautiful Gray Kitchen Island with 4 stools, excellent condition by Raymour & Flanigan, and Antique Rounded Curio. Moving soon so make me an offer! Call 631-338-9558.

Health, Fitness & Beauty

101872

Garage Sales

FEBRUARY 3, 2022 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A15

WE ARE:

CONTACT US:

BASIC AD RATES • FIRST 20 WORDS

The Village TIMES HERALD The Village BEACON RECORD The Port TIMES RECORD The TIMES of Smithtown The TIMES of Middle Country The TIMES of Huntington, Northport & East Northport tbrnewsmedia.com

631–751–7744 Fax 631–751–4165 This Publication is Subject to All Fair Housing Acts OFFICE HOURS Monday–Friday 10:00 am–4:00 pm

1 Week $29.00 4 Weeks $99.00 DISPLAY ADS Call for rates.

SPECIALS* *May change without notice REAL ESTATE FREE FREE FREE ACTION AD 20 words Merchandise DISPLAY ADS $44 for 4 weeks under Ask about our for all your used $50 15 words Contract Rates. merchandise 1 item only.

EMPLOYMENT GARAGE SALE Fax•Mail•E-mail Buy 2 weeks of ADS $29.00 Drop Off any size BOXED 20 words Include Name, ad get 2 weeks Address, Phone # Free 2 signs with free placement of ad

The Classifieds Section is published by TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA every Thursday. Leah S. Dunaief, Publisher, Sheila Murray, Classifieds Director. We welcome your comments and ads.

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA will not be responsible for errors after the first week’s insertion. Please check your ad carefully. • Statewide or Regional Classifieds also available - Reach more than 7 million readers in New York’s community newspapers.

Line ads 25 words : Long Island region $69 - $129 – New York City region $289 - $499 – Central region $29 - $59 – Western region $59 - $99 - Capital region $59 - $99 – all regions $389 - $689 words. $10 each additional word. Call for display ad rates.

TBR News Media 185 Route 25A (Bruce Street entrance) Setauket, NY 11733 Call: 631-331-1154 or 631-751-7663

MAIL ADDRESS TBR News Media Classifieds Department P.O. Box 707 Setauket, NY 11733

EMAIL class@tbrnewsmedia.com CONTACT CLASSIFIEDS:

(631) 331–1154 or (631) 751–7663 Fax (631) 751–4165 class@tbrnewsmedia.com tbrnewsmedia.com

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

• Garage Sales • Computer Services • Announcements • Electricians • Antiques & Collectibles • Financial Services • Automobiles/Trucks etc.

• Furniture Repair • Finds under $50 • Handyman Services • Health/Fitness/Beauty • Home Improvement • Merchandise • Lawn & Landscaping • Personals • Painting/Wallpaper • Novenas • Plumbing/Heating • Pets/Pet Services • Power Washing • Professional Services • Roofing/Siding • Schools/Instruction/Tutoring • Tree Work • Wanted to Buy • Window Cleaning • Employment • Real Estate • Cleaning • Residential Property • Commercial Property • Out of State Property DEADLINE: Tuesday at Noon

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68130

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68140

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68120

©98619

GENERAL OFFICE

INDEX

OFFICE • IN-PERSON

(40¢ each additional word)

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA The TIMES of Huntington, Northport & E. Northport • Huntington • Greenlawn • Halesite • Lloyd Harbor • Cold Spring Harbor

• Miller Place • Sound Beach • Rocky Point • Shoreham • Wading River • Baiting Hollow • Mt. Sinai

The Village TIMES HERALD

The Port TIMES RECORD

• Stony Brook • Strong’s Neck • Setauket • Old Field • Poquott

• Port Jefferson • Port Jefferson Sta. • Harbor Hills • Belle Terre

The TIMES of Smithtown • Smithtown • Hauppauge • Commack • E. Fort Salonga • San Remo

• Kings Park • St. James • Nissequogue • Head of the Harbor

The TIMES of Middle Country • Selden • Centereach • Lake Grove

©98994

• Northport • E. Northport • Eatons Neck • Asharoken • Centerport • W. Fort Salonga

The Village BEACON RECORD

PAGE A16 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • FEBRUARY 3, 2022

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

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

©105748

F/T Medical Receptionist Miller Place Benefits/PTO/401K To apply, visit our website: stonybrookmedicine.edu/ community-medical/careers

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now, Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details, (844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

P/T SALES/CUSTOMER SERVICE Inside position selling advertising for an award-winning community news media group, Fax resume to 631-751-4165 or email resume to Class@tbrnewspapers.com.

See our display ad for more information.

FIRE DISTRICT TREASURER The Rocky Point Fire District is seeking the services of a part time treasurer. Please call the district office for further information at 631-744-4102.

SEEKING HOUSEKEEPER/ ASSISTANT in Huntington, NY area for family of 3 with 2 loveable small dogs. Text only: 631-978-6435 and 631-512-6928. SEE DISPLAY AD FOR MORE INFORMATION

F/T MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST Miller Place Benefits/PTO/401K To apply, visit our website: h t t p s : / / w w w . stonybrookmedicine.edu/ community-medical/careers

NEED HELP? Place Your

HELP WANTED Boxed Ad Here CALL

631-331-1154 OR

FIRE DISTRICT TREASURER

MOUNT SINAI SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Rocky Point Fire District is seeking the services of a part-time treasurer.

School District Aides & Custodial Substitute Positions available throughout the District

631-751-7663 BUY 2 WEEKS GET 2 WEEKS

FREE! TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWSMEDIA

THE VILLAGE OF PORT J E F F E R S O N H I G H W AY DEPARTMENT IS SEEKING A HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR Must possess and maintain a CDL B with Air Brake endorsement, as well as experience operating a front-end loader; 10-wheel dump trucks; backhoe; small bulldozers; large tractors with hydraulic accessories. Must be available to respond during and after hours to emergencies including snow, ice and flooding.

Starting salary is $37,976.56/yr.

For consideration, please send your resume to sgallagher@ portjeff.com TRAIN AT HOME TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440. The Mission, Program Information and Tuition is located at CareerTechnical. edu/consumer-information. (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

MOUNT SINAI SCHOOL DISTRICT School District Aides and Custodial Substitutes, positions available throughout the district, please email resume to: Maureen Poerio at mpoerio@mtsinai.k12.ny.us.

TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 751-7744

The Village of Port Jefferson Highway Department is seeking a

Heavy Equipment Operator Must possess and maintain a CDL B with Air Brake endorsement, as well as experience operating a front-end loader; 10-wheel dump trucks; backhoe; small bulldozers; large tractors with hydraulic accessories.

Must be available to respond during and after hours to emergencies including snow, ice and flooding.

Starting salary is $37,976.56/yr.

For consideration, please send your resume to sgallagher@portjeff.com ©67870

TBR NEWS MEDIA

ARE YOU HIRING?

©64710

©67850

Please call the district office for further information at 631-744-4102

Please email resume to : Maureen Poerio @ mpoerio@mtsinai.k12.ny.us

Take advantage of our North Shore distribution.

Reach over 169,000 readers.

SEEKING HOUSEKEEPER/ASSISTANT HUNTINGTON, NY AREA!

ASK ABOUT OUR SPECIALS Place your ad by Tuesday noon and it will appear in that Thursday’s editions.

ABOUT THE JOB: For a family of three with two loveable small dogs; looking to employ an experienced

HOUSEKEEPER/ASSISTANT IMMEDIATELY! ★ PLEASE NO CLEANING SERVICES! ★

CALL TIMES BEACON RECORD’S CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT ©101622

RESPONSIBILITIES ARE AS FOLLOWS: Cleaning the house, light meal prep, laundry, (etc.); all further details will be explained, during a formal in person interview.

4 DAYS A WEEK, 6-7 HOURS/DAY. TEXT ONLY: 631-978-6435 and 631-512-6928

Looking for a nanny • nurse • medical biller • computer programmer chef • driver • private fitness trainer...? ©63090

63200

Help Wanted

631-331-1154 or 631-751-7663

©66970

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! CALL 631.331.1154

Help Wanted

101872

Help Wanted

©101441

Help Wanted

FEBRUARY 3, 2022 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A17

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

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

Part-Time Sales/Customer Service

FREELANCE REPORTERS/WRITERS Seeking freelance reporters for news coverage for the townships of Huntington, Smithtown and Brookhaven.

Experience preferred.

Must provide own transportation and digital camera.

Submit resume and three writing samples to rita@tbrnewsmedia.com

©66940

Need more employees?

Find qualified peoplee byy advertisingg today! y ❖ Appear in all 6 newspapers & on our website ❖ Display Ad Special:

❖ Includes FREE 20 word line ad

www.tbrnewsmedia.com

Call 631.331.1154 or 631.751.7663

Fax resume to 631-751-4165 email resume: class@tbrnewspapers.com

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

SERV ICES Cable/Telephone WIREMAN CABLEMAN Professional wiring services.

Free estimates. All work guaranteed. Call 516-433-WIRE (9473), 631-667-WIRE (9473) or text 516-353-1118. SEE DISPLAY AD FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Carpentry LONG HILL CARPENTRY 45 years experience All phases of home improvement. Old & Historic Restorations. Lic.#H22336/Ins. 631-751-1764 longhill7511764@aol.com

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

Licensed and Insured.

Cleaning COME HOME TO A CLEAN HOUSE! Attention to detail is MY PRIORITY. Serving the Three Village Area. Call Jacquie 347-840-0890

Clean-Ups LET STEVE DO IT Clean-ups, yards, basements, whole house, painting, tree work, local moving and anything else. Totally overwhelmed?

Call Steve @ 631-745-2598, leave message.

Decks DECKS ONLY BUILDERS & DESIGNERS Of Outdoor Living By Northern Construction of LI. Decks, Patios/Hardscapes, Pergolas, Outdoor Kitchens and Lighting.

Since 1995. Lic/Ins. 3rd Party Financing Available.

105 Broadway, Greenlawn.

631-651-8478. www.DecksOnly.com

©64820

©976 ©97603

BUY 2 WEEKS, GET 2 FREE! FRE REE!

Exterminating REACT PEST CONTROL INC. Wasps, Yellow Jackets Nesting in your home! Protect your home before those pesky nests are built. SEE DISPLAY AD FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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.37690H/Ins. 631-743-9797 www.smithpointfence.com.

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

LAMPS FIXED, $65.

In Home Service!! Handy Howard. My cell 646-996-7628 NEVER PAY FOR COVERED HOME REPAIRS AGAIN, Complete Care Home Warranty, Covers all major systems and appliances. 30 day risk free. $200.00 OFF +2 FREE Months, 866-440-6501

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

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

29 years experience.

Lic.#47595-H/Insured.

631-875-5856

Home Improvement

BLUSTAR CONSTRUCTION The North Shore’s Most Trusted Renovation Experts.

631-751-0751 We love small jobs too!

Suffolk Lic. #48714-H, Ins. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD FOR MORE INFORMATION.

THE GENERAC PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system.

SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-888-871-0194

Home Improvement WIREMAN/CABLEMAN Flat TVs mounted, Phone, TVs & Computer wiring installed & serviced, camera & stereos, HDTV Antennas, FREE TV www.davewireman.com Call Dave 516-433-WIRE (9473) 631-667-WIRE (9473) or Text 516-353-1118

Home Repairs/ Construction GENERAL CONTRACTOR, TILE & MASONRY SPECIALIST. 20 years of experience.

Also clean-ups and junk removal. Call 631-232-0174. FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE DISPLAY AD.

EXTRA! EXTRA! ADVERTISE HERE! ©FILL000047

PAGE A18 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • FEBRUARY 3, 2022

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

SERV ICES Lawn & Landscaping

Landscape Materials

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 SWAN COVE LANDSCAPING Lawn Maintenance, Cleanups, Shrub/Tree Pruning, Removals. Landscape Design/ Installation, Ponds/Waterfalls, Stone Walls. Firewood. Free estimates. Lic/Ins.631-6898089

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

Masonry 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

©101869

Satellite TV

Painting/Spackling/ Wallpaper

ALL PRO PAINTING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR Power Washing, Staining, Wallpaper Removal. Free estimates. Lic/Ins #19604HI 631-696-8150. Nick BOB’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 LA ROTONDA 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 “PAINTING WITH PRIDE” Interiors/exteriors. Staining & deck restoration, powerwashing, wallpaper removal, sheetrocktape/spackling, carpentry/trimwork. Lead paint certified. References. Free estimates. Lic./Ins. SINCE 1989 Ryan Southworth. SEE DISPLAY AD FOR MORE INFO. 631-331-5556

Restorations LUX DEVELOPMENT GROUP Historical restorations, extensions & dormers, cedar siding & clapboard installation, basements, kitchens, doors & windows, finished carpentry & moulding, SEE OUR DISPLAY AD FOR MORE INFORMATION Call 631-283-2266.

Tree Work

BEST SATELLITE TV WITH 2 YEAR PRICE GUARANTEE, $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels, Free next day installation,Call 888-508-5313

Tree Work 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

Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

$$$ TOP CASH PAID $$$ Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Domestic/Foreign ©64650

Highest prices paid for fixable vehicles.

Also buy motorcycles and muscle cars.

No Keys No Title No Problem

FREE Pickup

USED AUTO PARTS

Habla Español

OR Lic. # 7112911/Ins.

CALL US LAST WE’LL BEAT ANY PRICE LICENSED • BONDED INSURED

(631) 445-1848

631.500.1015

©64610

PROF E S SION A L & B U SI N E S S ALWAYS BUYING

AIRPORT LIMO SERVICE • Glassware • Military Items • China • Anything Old or Unusual

• Old Mirrors • Lamps • Clocks • Watches • Furniture LICENSED & BONDED

Call 631-633-9108

©108135 ©67190

JFK, McArthur, LaGuardia and Newark Personal & Corporate Travel

631.681.9723 bluesmanpianotuning@gmail.com bluesmanpianotuning.com

Suffolk Limo 800-364-7049 • Suffolklimo.com

Blues Man Piano Tuning 6 Barnwell Lane, Stony Brook

Book Online Now! ©68570

DMV CERTIFIED 7002706

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

Brad Merila Certified Piano Technician

Professional Chauffeurs, Luxury SUV’s Sedans, Sprinter Vans, etc.

©65700

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

631-751-7663

GIVE THIS AD TO THE DRIVER and receive an extra $50.

ask for mark • 631-258-7919

631-331-1154 ©FILL000093

JUNK CARS BOUGHT

All Trucks, Cars & Vans

Place your Ad here for 26 weeks and get 4 weeks FREE!

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!

AUTOMOTI V E SERV ICES AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES DIRECTORY

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

Fully insured.

LIC# 50701-H. 631-862-9291

©102894

TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL 751-7744

Painting/Spackling/ Wallpaper

©65070

FEBRUARY 3, 2022 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A19

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

HOME SERV ICES ALL PRO PAINTING   

RANDALL BROTHERS TREE SERVICE

ALL WORK GUARANTEED FREE ESTIMATES

INTERIOR • EXTERIOR • POWERWASHING CUSTOM WORK • STAINING • WALLPAPER REMOVAL

EXPERIENCED AND RELIABLE

We’re More Than Just Power Washing

Nick Cordovano 631–696–8150 LICENSED #19604-H & INSURED

©65670

 We Offer:  Shrink Wrapping for Outdoor Furniture & Boats    Also Now Offering  SNOW REMOVAL SERVICES

Planting  Grinding ©51180

Free Estimates

631-862-9291 516-319-2595 (cell & text)

ThreeVillagePowerWashing.com Insured

631-678-7313

(631) 744-1577

©59450

 LIC# 50701-H

©67420

BOB’S PAINTING SERVICE 40 Y E A RS EX PER IENCE

• Interiors • Exteriors • Powerwashing • Staining & Deck Restoration • Wallpaper Removal • Gutter Cleaning • Spackling & Wall Restoration

CERTIFIED LEAD PAINT REMOVAL

“We take pride in our work”

Ryan Southworth 631-331-5556

Licensed/Insured #37074-H; RI 18499-10-34230

CALLS PROMPTLY RETURNED

©62710

FREE ESTIMATES

Since 1989

Fine Sanding 

Taping Spackling

Wood Floor Installations

Decorative Finishes

Construction

Power Washing

Old Wood Floors Made Beautiful All Work Done By Owner

Additions & renovations, decks, windows, doors, siding, kitchens, baths, roofs & custom carpentry.

We love small jobs too!

29 YEARS EXPERIENCE

©64640

©65000

Wallpaper Removal

PAINTING & DESIGN

631–689–5998 Lic. # 53278-H/Ins.

Owner/Operator has 25+ years serving The North Shore

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

Faux Finishes ©65780

631-875-5856

631-744-8859

INTERIOR • EXTERIOR

10% OFF

 Lic. #47595-H/Insured

REFERENCES GLADLY GIVEN

FREE ESTIMATES Lic./Ins. (#17,981)

49650

Craig Aliperti, Wood Floors, LLC

©66060

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Editorial

Shoveling safe

With nearly 2 feet of snow covering the North Shore of Long Island, it’s important to remember that shoveling it can be a strenuous task for both the young and old.

While freshly fallen snow looks pretty, it gets ugly fast when it piles up preventing us from getting to work, school or the supermarket.

In order to get back to our daily tasks, the bottom line is we have to shovel. But shoveling can lead to not only minor aches and pains, but unfortunate situations such as heart attacks or death.

This week alone with the most recent nor’easter, there were three blizzard-related deaths on Long Island — two in Syosset and one in Cutchogue.

According to data analyzed in a 2019 Washington Post story, shoveling during snowstorms is responsible for about 11,500 injuries — 100 of which on average are fatal.

However, Catholic Health Physician Partners cardiologist, Dr. Chong Park, gave his insight on how to prevent heading to the hospital while cleaning up your property.

Park suggested doing a 10-minute warm-up before going outside.

“Light exercise and stretching allow your muscles and joints to loosen,” he said. “Also, avoid eating a heavy meal and consuming alcohol prior to clearing snow.”

Park added, “Should symptoms such as chest pain, chest heaviness, palpitations or shortness of breath occur as you shovel snow, stop immediately and seek medical attention.”

Other tips from Park include: Dress properly: To stay warm when you’re outside, wear several loose layers of clothing. Additionally, don a waterresistant coat and boots along with a knit hat, scarf and gloves. It’s important to keep your gloves as dry as possible while shoveling. Wet gloves won’t keep your hands warm.

Set your pace: You may want to clear the snow as fast as possible, but that’s when injuries occur. Go slow and do it step-by-step. As much as possible, push snow along the ground. Use a smaller snow shovel to avoid lifting a load that is too heavy.

Be sure to take frequent breaks, return inside to warm up and consume plenty of water. It’s also important to clear snow as quickly as possible before it begins to melt and gets too heavy.

Good form: When lifting snow, it’s important to use your legs. Bending at the waist can lead to an injury. Keep your back straight and squat with your knees wide. Avoid tossing snow. Instead, walk it to where you want to dump it.

Avoid falls: Wear boots with slip-resistant soles. Once you have cleared your driveway and walkway, throw down salt or sand to eliminate any remaining ice or snow and enhance traction.

So, please follow our motto, “Snow: Handle with care.”

WRITE TO US … We welcome your letters. They should be

no longer than 400 words and may be edited for length, libel, style and good taste. We do not publish anonymous letters. Please include a phone number and address for confirmation. Email letters to rita@tbrnewsmedia.com or mail them to TBR News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733

Letters to the Editor Reckless Government Spending and Over Regulation will Only Worsen the Inflation Crisis

Gov. Kathy Hochul. Photo from Hochul’s office

Spirits lifted

What do you do when you see a large shore bird walking down Main Street in Port Jefferson Village? You call Port Jeff Code enforcement. I expressed my concern that the bird would wander into traffic and cause an a crash or worse be hit by a car. Not sure of their response to such a strange call, I was pleased and grateful to see a patrol car in five minutes. When I arrived on the scene, outside CVS, code officers and another concerned resident had captured the bird and placed it in a box inside the patrol car and were awaiting the DEC. The concern and compassion showed this helpless creature was certainly a bright spot in these dark days.

Arlene Caselli Port Jefferson

Hitch a ride on mass transit

The apple, Gov. Kathy Hochul [D], didn’t fall far from the tree of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo [D]. Both enjoy the perks of office at “taxpayers’’ expense. Is it really necessary for Hochul to travel from Albany via helicopter or airplane to events in New York City and Long Island? Upon arriving at Penn Station, the governor can transfer to either a NYC Transit Subway or Long Island Rail Road train to reach her final destination. Just like ordinary New Yorkers who travel with a laptop or other communication devices, she can still be working and staying in touch with her office will riding Amtrak, the NYC Transit subway or LIRR. When he was U.S. senator, President Joe Biden [D] was known as Amtrak Joe. He commuted from his Delaware home to the capital via Amtrak on a regular basis for decades. Why can’t Hochul emulate Biden? Forget the helicopter and private airplane trips between Albany and NYC. Set an example for others. Show your support for transit just like Biden and become Amtrak Kathy.

Larry Penner Great Neck

A op-ed by Congressman Lee Zeldin Throughout 2021, Long Islanders and Americans all across the United States experienced historic levels of inflation that drove up the costs of everyday items, such as groceries and gasoline, to long-term purchases like houses and cars. In fact, the December 2021 Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed that inflation had grown at 7 percent over the past 12 months. That is the largest inflation spike in four decades.

Inflation affects everyone. It can cause families trying to make ends meet to skip going out for pizza or to the movies because of the cost of filling up their car with gas or buying a week’s worth of groceries. Inflation makes it difficult for young people who want to upgrade from renting to purchase their first home. It certainly places even more of a burden on small businesses still struggling from the effects of overly restrictive COVID lockdown policies and mandates because now the prices of everything they need to operate on a day-to-day basis are on the rise.

The numbers bear this out. It is estimated that in 2021 inflation had the effect of wiping out two biweekly paychecks for the average American worker and added $3,500 to the expenses of the average family.

The same study showed low income families were hit the hardest and needed to increase their spending in 2021 by a minimum of 7 percent to achieve the same purchasing power as the previous year.

Several months ago, I asked my constituents to describe the impact inflation and increased prices of everyday goods were having on their lives. Their specific answers varied, but there was a shared theme of frustration with the Biden Administration’s approach to this crisis.

Lynne from Mattituck expressed concern about the rising costs of groceries, home heating oil and gasoline. She expects that she will pay as much as $1,250 more for home heating oil than she did last winter and already pays about $75 to fill up her car with gas.

Lynne was understandably fed up with President Biden’s nonsensical approach to domestic oil production

and American energy independence.

She asked, “How the heck do you shut down oil production in the country based on fear of pollution and then beg OPEC for oil? Their oil doesn’t pollute?”

The price of gas has forced Steven from Port Jefferson Station to take steps to monitor the number of miles he’s driving so he can make less frequent trips to fill up at the gas station. He also shared his frustrations with the Biden Administration’s lack of attention to an issue that is making Americans’ lives so much harder.

“To be honest, I never dreamed it would get like this. There is no attention to Americans coming from the White House. There’s a certain selfishness and self-absorbedness I have never seen before,” he said. It is easy to see why Steven and many other Americans feel this way when they see White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain publicly endorsing the idea that inflation is a “high class” problem.

From the time President Biden took office and brought one-party rule to Washington, Democrats’ agenda has been focused on jamming through massive spending increases, job killing regulations, suffocating mandates, and crippling tax hikes on businesses and individuals.

These reckless policies will do nothing to slow down inflation or tackle the supply chain crisis our nation is also facing. Throughout the President’s first year in office, his Administration has turned a blind eye to this reality and made this crisis far worse with the out of touch policies it has pursued.

The best way to tackle this inflation crisis and ease the burden of skyrocketing costs of everyday goods for hardworking Americans is to remove unnecessary regulations on small businesses, confront the supply chain crisis head on, encourage and incentivize people to rejoin the workforce, and ease the tax and cost of living burdens on American families.

I will continue to promote the policies that will help ease the inflation burden that is bringing unwanted challenges to the ability for families to provide for themselves, and I will keep pushing back on the proposals for more out-of-control spending that our nation cannot afford and that will only fan the flames of inflation.

Congressman Lee Zeldin represents New York’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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

FEBRUARY 3, 2022 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A23

Opinion Headlines we’re unlikely to see any time soon

W

e are stuck in a headline and news cycle rut. Please find below some fantasy headlines, and the sources or unlikeliest of sources, for those news flashes.

— “Kardashian women decide not to show any more skin” - People Magazine.

In the interests of encouraging people to dress appropriately for winter weather and to draw attention to their ideas rather than their bodies, the Kardashians decide that revealing less of their overD. None exposed bodies will aid of the above society.

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF — “President Biden had a great day” - The New York Post. Granted, President Biden hasn’t exactly created a stellar track record in his first year in office - the withdrawal from Afghanistan

clearly could have gone better - but the The New York Post seems intent on providing a steady stream of stories excoriating him for everything.

— “Former President Trump tells the whole truth and nothing but the truth” - The Washington Post. Fond of fact checking the former president, the Washington Post would certainly attract attention with a fact check that suggests the former leader of the free world was being honest.

— “Senator McConnell itching to approve Biden’s Supreme Court pick” - The New York Times. Using unnamed sources, of course, the Times could break one of the biggest stories of the decade if McConnell somehow signaled that he was eager to give a liberal Supreme Court nominee the benefit of the doubt and his full support.

— “Giants and Jets get A’s for effort” - New York Daily News. It seems obvious and easy to pick on losing sports teams, particularly those that haven’t delivered for rabid fans for years.

Hometown papers could recognize the effort, even if the results aren’t there.

— “We don’t really know, but look out your window” - the Weather Channel. I give weather.com credit for calling last weekend’s nor’easter well. About five days before a single flake fell, they knew that a big storm had the potential to form and dump tons of snow in the area. They were right. Then again, all of that technology doesn’t always play out scenarios accurately. It’d be funny and fitting if they said on the air, “big storm could be coming our way. Or not.”

— “Inflation totally under control” CNBC. Despite evidence to the contrary at the gas pump, in the supermarket and just about anywhere people have to pay for goods or services, wouldn’t it be great if inflation somehow, magically, came under control, giving the Fed the chance to stay on the sidelines for an economy still recovering from the pandemic?

— “Fauci appreciates the respect and support of Senator Rand Paul” — Reuters.

Okay, so, this may be among the least likely of the headlines, but, wouldn’t it be nice/

shocking if the two doctors somehow were on the same page?

— “Spirit of bipartisanship sweeps through Washington” - Politico. Yeah, sure, we can dream. Dems and Repubs aren’t seeing eye to eye on anything. In fact, they seem to be energizing their bases by attacking the other side. Still, the day such a report came out would indeed be a chance to celebrate.

— “Children rediscover books” Apple News Spotlight. Disenchanted with electronics, children around the world left social media for a day and enjoyed interacting with characters like Horton, Mr. Tumnus, Meg Murry, Alec Ramsey and Emma Woodhouse.

— “Hero scientists behind life saving vaccines” - Fox News. Despite some members of conservative media taking vaccines to protect themselves and their families, they and their guests sometimes praise those who resist vaccines and question the legitimacy of the vaccines for others.

Russia – in and out and back in our daily lives

H

ere comes Russia again. I am of the generation of children that took refuge from an imaginary atomic bomb attack from Russia by pulling our coats over our heads and crouching under our desks. We grew up with the Cold War always threatening Soviet aggression on both foreign and domestic soils. Were there Communist cells, funded by Russia, hidden among us that could erupt at any time?

McCarthy whipped the nation to a fever pitch.

Between you and me The United States and the Soviet Union raced

BY LEAH S. DUNAIEF each other to influence governments and people, ideologically and financially, all over the globe.

I still remember the relief I felt, going to the old Metropolitan Opera House in 1959, to view a performance by members of the Bolshoi

Ballet, who came to America bringing not only the most breathtaking dancers but also tangible evidence of detente. And then the Berlin Wall came down. I was there. At least I was there in 1989, six weeks before they broke through to West Berlin. I walked No Man’s Land, the barren stretch between East and West Berlin, with cameras trained on anyone who would start the crossing between those two universes, seeking permission from the guards to go behind the Iron Curtain.

I was in the Russian Embassy in Washington D.C. in 1991 with a small group of journalists, being feted with caviar and blinis, when word came that the Soviet Union had crumbled, and then the embassy personnel cried. “The end of a dream,” they sobbed. The end of a nightmare, I thought, as they led us to the exits and fell upon the sumptuous food we left behind. Mikhail Gorbachev won the Nobel Prize, the Russian people were real, not just the Evil Empire, and co-existence was finally possible. In a couple of years our attention turned to jihadists.

Now Russia is dramatically back in our lives. The Russia that for centuries had sought

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warm water ports and had ruled Crimea for 134 years until 1917. The Russia that again annexed Crimea, a part of Ukraine since 1954 and of an independent Ukraine since 1991, with armed intervention in 2014. The Russia that has now lined up reputedly over 100,000 troops on three sides of the Ukraine border, and with aggressive leadership is making demands.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is insisting that Ukraine not be allowed to join NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization initially formed after WWII as a protection against potential Soviet aggression, that has grown as more Eastern European countries have joined. Putin insists it is a security issue to have bordering Ukraine a NATO member. He also wants military exercises in nearby NATO states to cease and for offensive weapons to be removed from those NATO countries.

So where do we come into the picture?

“It seems to me that the United States does not care that much about Ukrainian security— maybe they think about it somewhere in the background,” Putin said in his news conference. “But their main task is to restrict

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the development of Russia.”

By “development,” the concern is that Putin wishes to restore the former Soviet empire and that, after Crimea, Ukraine would be the next step. Students of history will remember the lessons of the Sudetenland of Czechoslovakia and the “spheres of influence” imposed by the Yalta Conference (in ironically Crimea).

Meanwhile, Putin, with his soldiers and weapons at the ready, is accusing the U.S. of threatening Russia. White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, likened Putin’s comments to “when the fox is screaming from the top of the henhouse that he’s scared of the chickens.”

Now, as of yesterday, the decision has been made to send several thousand troops to Poland, Germany and Romania. Presumably they are meant to show support for NATO and for the principle that countries may decide which alliances they will enter.

Meanwhile everyone concerned, including Putin, has embraced the idea of diplomacy as a path to a Ukrainian solution. For the moment, at least, the spotlight has moved away from constant COVID.

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PAGE A24 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • FEBRUARY 3, 2022

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