The Village Times Herald - March 30, 2023

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Three Village board of education meeting room dedicated to late trustee

At the March 22 Three Village Central School District Board of Education meeting, the board dedicated the North Country Board of Education Room to be commemorated as the William F. Connors Jr. Memorial Board of Education Meeting Room.

Connors, who died July 21 last year, served the Three Village Central School District for 21 years. In this time, he was a board trustee, the vice president of the board and the president of the board. Above all, he was a parent to three Three Village Central School District alumni.

“We honor the legacy of the person who dedicated a large portion of his life to the

Three Village Central School District,” said Kevin Scanlon, superintendent. “It is fitting that we acknowledge his commitment to Three Village by dedicating this board room in his memory.”

The boardroom will feature a plaque with a picture of Connors that reads in part, “What truly distinguished Mr. Connors was the pure altruism with which he led our district. His unselfish commitment to the students, staff and school community identified him as a most remarkable educator and board trustee who has made an indelible mark and lasting impact on the Three Village Central School District.”

Connors’ family joined the Board of Education and central administration for the dedication of the room.

“The dedication of this board room would have made him proud, but he would have received it with a humble and grateful heart,” said Corinne Keane, Connors’ daughter and P.J. Gelinas Junior High School principal. “May his legacy of service, kindness toward others and love of Three Village live on in all that have had the pleasure to know him in his lifetime and in those who will serve this community within the walls of this room.”

—Submitted by the Three Village Central School District

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The Three Village Central School District Board of Education honored the legacy of a former president and board member by naming its meeting room the William F. Connors Jr. Memorial Board of Education Meeting Room. Photo from Three Village Central School District

Minnesauke Elementary

Heart heroes

Minnesauke Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District raised $20,285 in this year’s Kids Heart Challenge sponsored by the American Heart Association.

This makes Minnesauke one of the top donor schools on Long Island and in New York State. During physical education class, students learned the importance of heart health and the things they can do to keep their hearts, bodies and muscles healthy. They participated in several activities encouraging healthy heart habits. The fundraiser was led by physical education teacher Alaina Maletta, who has a close connection to the cause.

“The American Heart Association is important to me because I was born with congenital heart disease and have undergone two open heart surgery procedures,” she said. “I was overwhelmed with the amount of support for this year’s fundraiser and how after hearing my story, the students were so passionate and eager to raise money to help other children born with congenital heart disease to get the care and resources that they need.”

More than 180 Minnesauke Elementary School students took part in the fundraiser.

In the five years the building has participated in the Kids Heart Challenge, this was the most money that has ever been raised.

Physical education teachers Alaina Maletta, left, and Jillian Damis, right, helped organize this year’s Kids Heart Challenge at Minnesauke Elementary School. They are pictured here with the building’s top 10 donors. Photo from Three Village Central School District

rally for free school meals for all

BY RITA J. EGAN RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Long Island advocates received support from elected officials and school administrators last week to call on New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) to include a program that will save all families money regarding school meals in the 2024 state budget.

Proponents gathered at Jefferson Primary School in Huntington Friday, March 24, to make their plea to the governor at a press conference. The call comes after federal waivers that provided free breakfast and lunch for all students during the COVID-19 pandemic ended last June.

Speakers asked for the governor to provide fully funded school meals for all students in the 2024 state budget. The move could potentially help nearly a quarter million students on Long Island alone.

The Healthy School Meals for All New York Kids program has received bipartisan support in both the state Senate and Assembly. Senators and Assembly members have allocated $280 million in funding in their budget proposals. Supporters say such a program that would provide free lunch and breakfast to students can have a broader effect, taking pressure off food banks and positively impacting the community

as a whole. Speakers at the press conference said that many families whose children are eligible for free meals at school are too embarrassed to apply, while others, who are not eligible due to strict income thresholds to qualify, still experience financial stress.

Rebecca Sanin, president and CEO of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island, said while universally free meals at school was something families could count on during the pandemic, once the federal program ended, 243,000 children in Suffolk and Nassau counties lost their access to free school meals. She added HWCLI is part of a broader statewide coalition of more than 250 organizations asking the governor to include the Healthy School Meals for All program in the budget.

“We know that throughout history we get these moments in time where our actions can really magnificently transform future generations to come,” Sanin said at the press conference. “Today is one of those moments.”

She added that many on Long Island suffer from hunger, poverty, and economic and family stresses that prevent them from receiving proper nourishment.

“When every child in New York can access meals at school, we will be actively reducing hunger,” Sanin said. “We will be actively reducing underachievement. We will be actively

reducing poor health outcomes. We will be actively reducing behavioral challenges.”

Jim Polansky, superintendent of Huntington

school district and president of the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association, said the economic crisis that has followed the pandemic has made the “universal free meal programs more important than ever.”

“Many people in our community, throughout the region and across the state are struggling to put food on the table, and it may take years for those struggling to recover financially,” he said. “Food insecurity has unfortunately become commonplace.”

He added some districts in the state are able to continue providing free meals through the Community Eligibility Provision program, yet there are also districts that do not meet the CEP criteria. CEP provides a federal non-pricing meal service option for schools and school districts in low-income areas.

“No child should go hungry, and no child or family should be stigmatized because they qualify for benefits resulting from family income status,” Polansky said. “Furthermore, there is considerable evidence that children who arrive to school hungry can develop significant mental health issues, including depression and anxiety as well as physical health issues, which lead to difficulties in focusing on academics and other school activities.”

The New York State 2024 budget is due April 1.

Rebecca Sanin, president and CEO of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island, addresses attendees at the March 24 press conference. Photo by Angela Porwick/Health and Welfare Council of Long Island

News

P.J. Gelinas Junior High School

Future forensic scientists

Students in ninth-grade living environment classes at P.J. Gelinas Junior High School recently visited Stony Brook University to work in some of the DNA labs on campus. Students learned about the different aspects of forensic science and practiced some of the techniques investigators

use when working to solve crimes. DNA profiling was the focus behind most of the activities. Students carried out an authentic gel electrophoresis experiment and created DNA “fingerprints” to help solve a fictional crime.

— Photos from Three Village school district

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Suffolk County hosts inaugural Irish American Heritage Celebration

BY RAYMOND JANIS EDITOR1@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

In a sea of orange and green, Suffolk County officials, community groups and Irish Americans converged upon the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge on Friday, March 24, commemorating the firstever Irish American Heritage Celebration in county history.

In 2019, the Suffolk County Legislature unanimously approved a resolution designating March as Irish American Heritage Month. Friday’s event marked the first such celebration sponsored by the county government.

“We’re celebrating the incredible contributions that the Irish have made to the United States of America and to the world,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D).

The county executive also used the occasion to acknowledge the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, an Irish American heritage group with nine divisions across the county, including Port Jefferson, Selden, Smithtown and Huntington. Bellone said the AOH enriches Suffolk communities by

celebrating Irish culture while giving back through various charitable endeavors.

Legislators from each of the county’s 18 districts had an opportunity to recognize an Irish American making an impact within their communities. Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) read off the biographical descriptions of each honoree.

Choral and bagpipe arrangements from several Irish American folk groups were performed, along with Irish historian Mike McCormack detailing the historical contributions of the Irish in Suffolk County.

— Photos from Steve Bellone’s Flickr page

SCPD to hold vehicle auction April 1

The Suffolk County Police Department Impound Section will hold an auction on April 1 at 9 a.m. at the Suffolk County Police Department Impound Facility, located at 100 Old Country Road in Westhampton. The auction begins at 9 a.m. and will be held rain or shine. There will be a preview of the vehicles on March 30 and March 31 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the impound yard. Vehicles will also be available for preview one hour prior to the

start of the auction.

Approximately 120 lots will be auctioned off including sedans, SUVs, and motorcycles. All vehicles will start with a minimum bid of $300 and are sold asis. For a full list of vehicles, registration information and terms and conditions for the auction, visit www.suffolkpd.org under Precinct and Specialized Units, click Impound Section followed by Upcoming Auctions and Events.

The following incidents have been reported by Suffolk County Police: Miller Place Smoke Shop robbed Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the person who entered the Miller Place Smoke Shop, located at 345 Route 25A in Miller Place, displayed what appeared to be a gun and stole money on February 6.

Rocky Point man convicted of murder

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on March 27 that Glenn Seejattan, 30, of Rocky Point, was found guilty after a jury trial of Murder in the Second Degree for the fatal shooting of a Centereach man who was reported missing in January 2022. As established at trial, the family of Justin Lee, 34, of Centereach, reported that he had been missing since Jan. 18, 2022. Lee was last seen alive at Seejattan’s mother’s home in Rocky Point, where Seejattan also lived. On Jan. 28, 2022, 10 days after he went missing, the frozen body of Lee was discovered about a half mile away from Seejattan’s home. An autopsy revealed that Lee had sustained a gunshot wound to his head and a gunshot wound to his thigh.

A trial witness testified that Seejattan admitted that he had shot and killed somebody which he described as a drug deal gone bad. Seejattan further admitted that he shot the victim in the head, took his clothes off, wrapped him up in a blanket, and took him to the woods. Seejattan is due back in court for sentencing on April 26 and faces 25 years to life in prison.

Stony Brook woman found dead

Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the death of a woman who was found in her car in the water in Stony Brook on March 26. Sixth Precinct police officers responded to Stony Brook Boat Ramp, located on Shore Road, after

Wanted for petit larceny

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a man and woman who allegedly stole two GOTRAX scooters from Target, located at 265 Pond Path in South Setauket, on February 23. The two items were valued at approximately $930. The suspects fled in a 4-door gray Nissan.

a 911 caller reported a vehicle in the water at approximately 6:45 a.m. Officers located Harriet Farish inside a 2020 Kia Telluride in the water. Farish, 76, of Stony Brook, was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives are asking anyone with information on the incident to call the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392.

Centereach massage parlor raided Suffolk County Police arrested two Flushing women for alleged unlawful practice of a profession during a massage parlor raid in Centereach on March 27. Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers, along with a Town of Brookhaven Building Inspector, Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal and Brookhaven Town Investigator conducted a massage parlor investigation at New Day Spa, located at 14 Dawn Drive, and arrested Jessica Garcia, 30, and Wenjuan Deng, 42, were arrested and charged with alleged Unauthorized Practice of a Profession.

— 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.

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Do you recognize this couple? Photo from SCPD

Glenn Seejattan

Photo from SCPD

Above, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, right, joins Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker, left, who chose Walter Colleran for Legislative District 6. Below, Legislator Leslie Kennedy with District 12’s pick, Matthew Kelly.

BY BILL LANDON DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Patriots prevail

second of the game, to put the Patriots out front 9-7. Ward Melville lacrosse was able to stave off a Hills late-game surge for the victory.

Sports

Ward Melville jumped out to a 4-1 lead to begin the second quarter in the Patriots home opener against Half Hollow Hills, but the Thunderbirds clawed their way back to tie the game at six all in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter. Both teams traded goals to make it 7-7 two minutes later when the Patriots found the back of the net at the 5:30 mark to retake the lead. With two minutes left in regulation, senior midfielder AJ Folkman scored the insurance goal, his

Seniors Nik Barbero and Andrew Belli both had two goals and one assist, Brody Morgan and AJ Folkman had two goals each, and Trevor Murray scored the opening goal to break the ice.

At 1-1 in the early going, Ward Melville retakes the field with a home game Friday, March 31 at 4:15 p.m. against Sachem East and host Garden City the following day in a non-league matchup Saturday, April 1 at 1 p.m.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Clockwise from upper right, Ward Melville midfielder Brody Morgan rips a shot on goal; senior midfielder Andrew Belli powers past a defender; senior attack Trevor Murray looks for a cutter; and Ward Melville senior attack Nik Barbero lays out for a scoring shot in a home game against Half Hollow Hills.

Old Field resident scores big during college basketball career

BY THOMAS CULLEN DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Old Field’s Alex Sobel has made quite a name for himself on the basketball court. Playing for the Division III Middlebury College Panthers of Vermont in the New England Small College Athletic Conference, Sobel became the first player in conference history to be selected as both NESCAC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season.

The 6-foot-8-inch, 230-pound forward credits his success to all of the people he has played for throughout his career.

“The coaches on Long Island put a lot of time and effort into teaching the fundamentals of basketball,” Sobel said. “Chris Agostino my CYO/AAU coach, Alex Piccirillo, my high school coach at Ward Melville and Krissy Foley, my summer league coach on Long Island, were all involved in making me the player I am.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sobel took a year and a half off of school between 2020 and 2021. That didn’t seem to slow him down at all. When he returned to the court as a junior, he was rewarded with a starting role. This led to more minutes which resulted in a higher scoring average. His list of accomplishments are as impressive as they are long. He dominated both ends of the floor with a fantastic scoring touch and superb defensive ability.

This season, Sobel eclipsed the 1,000-point mark in a January victory over Bowdoin, 80-60. He ended his Panthers career with 1,227 points, placing him 11th in the school’s record book. He averaged 19.4 points per game and netted 20 or more points in 11 games this season. In addition, the forward rang up double-figure point totals in all 26 games this year and 36 straight going back to last season.

For his career, Sobel had 39 double-doubles, placing him ninth among active Division III players. He posted 17 of those this season, placing him 12th nationally. On the defensive side of the ledger, he blocked 101 shots, which was good for second place in Division III this season. His nod for the All-NESCAC FirstTeam honorees was the second year in a row he was selected.

“Alex Sobel was a special player for us

to coach,” said Panthers head coach Jeff Brown. “His skill set allowed us to use him in so many different ways. His ability to affect the game on both offense and defense energized our team throughout the season. He provided so much excitement with his play in games and practices.”

When Sobel was asked about the proudest moment of his career so far, he said it was the game against Keene State on Jan. 16.

“They were ranked number four in the country, and we beat them [86-82],” he said. In that game Sobel tallied a double-double with a career-best 31 points and 16 rebounds. He also dished out six assists and he blocked five shots.

Unfortunately, his Middlebury career ended on a down note when the Panthers were ousted from the NCAA Division III Tournament by Nichols College, 73-66, in a second-round game in early March. Even in that loss, Sobel led both teams in scoring (29 points) and rebounds (15).

With a computer science and American studies double major, Sobel is unsure of what he wants to do for a career when he finishes school. However, he does have his basketball future mapped out. Currently he is working through his last year of basketball eligibility due to the year and a half he lost because of COVID. He would like his next stop to be

with a Division I school, with either Stony Brook, Sacred Heart or Fairfield as potential landing sites.

“Next season I would like to be with a winning team and compete for a championship,” Sobel said. “After that I would consider playing professionally overseas in either Israel or France.”

Old Field’s Alex Sobel in action playing basketball for Middlebury College. Photo from Middlebury College Athletics

‘His skill set allowed us to use him in so many different ways. His ability to affect the game on both offense and defense energized our team throughout the season ’

—Jeff Brown

Obituary Julia de Zafra, of Setauket, 84

PREPARED BY LISA FREY

Julia de Zafra, of Setauket, died peacefully at home on Dec. 25, 2022, at age 84.

She was born Julia Molyneux Phillips in July 1938 at Radlett, an English village in the county of Hertfordshire, just north of London.

On moving to St Albans, a cathedral city also in Hertfordshire, she attended the local Loreto Convent and won a place at University College, London, studying zoology. Following graduation, she studied immunology for her doctorate at The University of Edinburgh in Scotland, and did research at the Canadian Red Cross Memorial Hospital in Taplow, Buckinghamshire. Later she joined the National Institute for Medical Research at Mill Hill, North London, which was headed by Nobel Prize winner Sir Peter Medawar, who pioneered research into transplantation immunology and was regarded as the “father of transplantation.”

Julia moved to the United States in 1968 to join the faculty of NYU Medical Center. She married Dr. Franco Quagliata, and published extensively in the field of immunology as Julia Phillips-Quagliata. Julia remained on the staff of the NYU Department of Pathology for over 40 years before retiring in 2009.

Then she moved from New York to Setauket to join her second husband, Bob de Zafra — the renowned professor in the Physics Department at Stony Brook University — whom she had married in 1981 and who predeceased her in 2017.

Julia loved to garden as evidenced by the beautiful gardens that surrounded their Setauket period home. She was a strong supporter with Bob of the Three Village Community Trust and became a member of the Long Island Symphonic Choral Association, singing in concerts at home and abroad. Julia reveled in entertaining and frequently hosted holiday functions in her home.

With her upbeat personality and sharp wit, Julia was well loved and will be missed by many.

Julia de Zafra in a 2017 photo File photo by Maria Hoffman

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

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

PART�TIME TEACHERS

CAMP COUNSELORS

GARDENERS

FARM HANDS

Flexible Hours Spring, Summer & Fall

BENNER’S FARM 631-689-8172 folks@bennersfarm.com

RECEPTIONIST / FULL-TIME

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

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

SIGN FABRICATOR / INSTALLER

Well established sign, exhibit & display company looking for a FULL TIME SIGN FABRICATOR AND INSTALLER. Would be responsible for sign and display fabrication and installation.

-Construction planning and ordering materials

-Work closely with our designers to manage projects from fabrication to delivery

-Work with shop tools and equipment

-Estimating lead times and project costs

-Graphic design skills are a plus

-Background in the sign/display industry a plus Miller Mohr & Kelly Design Group in Setauket. 631-941-2769 • info@mmkdg.com

Full-Time Sales Associate

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

SERVICES

Carpentry

LONGHILLCARPENTRY

45yearsexperience

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

Cesspool Services

MRSEWERMANCESSPOOL

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Clean-Ups

LETSTEVEDOIT

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

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Electricians

SOUNDVIEWELECTRICAL CONTRACTING

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

SeeourDisplayAdintheHome ServicesDirectory

Home Improvement

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

Floor Services/Sales

FINESANDING& REFINISHING

WoodFloorInstallations

CraigAliperti,WoodFloorsLLC. Allworkdonebyowner. 30yearsexperience.

Lic.#47595-H/Insured. 631-875-5856

Home Improvement

ALLPHASESOF HOMEIMPROVEMENT

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

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

BLUSTARRENOVATIONS

TheNorthShore’sMostTrusted RenovationExperts. 631-751-0751

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

Fences $$$

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833-398-0526

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

SIDINGISOURSPECILAITY

reliable,dependable,quality work,siding,trimwork,gutters andleaders,windows,capping, VPSidingandWindowCorp 631-321-4005.

SEEOURDISPLAYADFOR MOREINFORMATION.

WIREMAN/CABLEMANFlat TVsmounted,Phone,TVs& Computerwiringinstalled& serviced,camera&stereos, HDTVAntennas,FREETV www.davewireman.com CallDave516-433-WIRE(9473) 631-667-WIRE(9473)orText 516-353-1118

Home Repairs/ Construction

LUXDEVELOPMENTGROUP

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

SEEOURDISPLAYADFOR MOREINFORMATION

Masonry

LUXDISASTER RESTORATION24/7

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

SEEOURDISPLAYADFOR MOREINFORMATION

Lawn & Landscaping

SETAUKETLANDSCAPE DESIGN

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

ServingThreeVillages

SWANCOVE LANDSCAPING

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

Landscape Materials

SCREENEDTOPSOIL

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

CARLBONGIORNO LANDSCAPE/MASON CONTRACTOR

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

JOE’SGENERAL CONTRACTING

Allformsofmasonry LIC/INS,631-744-0752. SEEOURDISPLAYADFOR MOREINFROMATION.

Painting/Spackling/ Wallpaper

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

BOB’SPAINTINGSERVICE

25YearsExperience. Interior/ExteriorPainting, Spackling,Staining,Wallpaper Removal,StainingandDeck RestorationPowerWashing. FreeEstimates.Lic/Ins.#17981. 631-744-8859

LAROTONDA PAINTING&DESIGN

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

Painting/Spackling/ Wallpaper

WORTHPAINTING

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Plumbing/Heating

HEAVYWEIGHTPLUMBING

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Satellite TV

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Tree Work

Home Repairs/ Construction 631.500.1015

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

RANDALLBROTHERS TREESERVICE

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

Home Services Business Profile

Owners: Kevin Bellois & Kristopher Mannino

Notes about the business:

With 40+ combined years of experience in the fence industry, Smith Point Fence is well positioned to serve all of your fencing needs. We are proud members of the Long Island Chapter of the American Fence Association and premier installers of Eastern Illusions vinyl fence.

Come visit our indoor showroom at 70

Blvd., Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776.

REAL ESTATE

Commercial

GREENPORT:PrimeMain

Streetlocation.Suitablefor retail/professional.875sq.ft. Originalfloorsandarchitectural details.Owner,516-241-8135.

Real Estate Services

PUBLISHERS’NOTICE

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

Wewillnotknowinglyaccept anyadvertisingforrealestate whichisinviolationofthelaw.

Allpersonsareherebyinformedthatalldwellingsadvertisedareavailableonan equalopportunitybasis.

Rentals

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

STRATHMOREEAST 631-698-3400.

PORTJEFFERSONDIAMOND newlyrenovated,1largebedroomandsmalloffice,wood floors,closetoVillage,beaches andhospitals,washer/dryer,a mustsee,$1950includesall, CallCarol631-553-7717.

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Editorial Perspective

Please see revised letters policy below.

State-funded school meals are the responsible choice Governor’s heavy-handed housing plan threatens local laws

While most understand the value of investing in education, there’s more to learning than going to class and doing homework.

We must give all children an equal chance of receiving a proper education, and one way to do so is by ensuring that all students are adequately nourished, navigating the school day on a full stomach.

Last Friday, New York state elected officials joined school administrators and advocates in Huntington to call upon Gov. Kathy Hocul (D) to include fully funded school meals for all students in the 2024 state budget. The call comes after federal waivers that enabled schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students during the COVID-19 pandemic ended before the start of the 2022-23 academic year.

The universal free school meals initiative may make some pause at first. While New Yorkers understand that there are countless people among us — many right here in our own towns — suffering from food insecurity, they are aware that some of our residents can easily afford to feed their children breakfast and lunch.

However, advocates for the Healthy School Meals for All program contend that many families are eligible for the supplement but do not apply because they are embarrassed to ask for help. Some make slightly more than the income requirements to receive nutrition assistance but could desperately use the help.

In an era when most families need both parents to work to make ends meet, and as salaries and wages increases have lagged behind inflation, ensuring free meals for all children can keep our students healthy while easing household budgets. In addition to helping households, the program would eliminate unpaid meal debt for school districts, which increased after the federal waivers expired.

According to the speakers at the March 24 press conference at Jefferson Primary School in Huntington, including the program in the state budget could help nearly a quarter million students on Long Island alone. The initiative is one that state legislators have gotten behind with $280 million in funding included in their budget proposals.

Now it’s time for Hochul to support it.

With states such as California, Colorado, Nevada, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut already implementing the Healthy School Meals for All program, it’s time for New York to embrace this initiative.

Research indicates that well-nourished students perform better on tests, are more present in school and retain information better. Advocates hope the program provides all children the opportunity to be fully prepared to take on a day of learning, something every student deserves.

We remind our readers that New York taxpayers are currently subsidizing a football stadium in Buffalo to the tune of $600 million — a deal brokered by the Hochul administration. Meanwhile, many of our school children here on Long Island are inadequately nourished.

The proposed school nutrition program is less than half the cost of the football stadium yet would go much further in advancing the interests of ordinary citizens. To our governor and state officials in Albany: The Buffalo Bills should never trump the health of our children.

Doing what’s right for our kids, and paving the way for a brighter future for all, starts with a solid breakfast and lunch. Our state officials are fighting for this. It is time for our governor to do the same.

The false narrative by our governor, Kathy Hochul (D), continues with this nonsensical, heavy-handed housing plan that threatens to override long-established law and the will of the people who live in local communities. It’s a false narrative because the notion that local municipalities aren’t approving housing is patently false; it’s the lack of sewer infrastructure coupled with the practical aspects of a developer’s land and construction costs that make the practical application of the idea extremely difficult, not obstinance derived from local municipalities. Let’s discuss some examples.

portrayed by the governor simply does not exist here; it is a false narrative.

By Daniel Panico

Across the Town of Brookhaven in Port Jefferson Station, North Bellport, East Patchogue and Mastic Beach there are four quick examples of pending proposals where mixed-use redevelopment is desired by the community and embraced by the town, and three are in proximity to a train station. Each development would offer new restaurant and retail options, as well as brand new housing options for young and old and everyone in between. The municipal opposition

However, with the exception of East Patchogue where the Town of Brookhaven in a very forward-thinking manner buried dry sewer lines to connect to the nearby Village of Patchogue sewer district years ago, the biggest hurdles in the other three project examples remain the lack of readily available sewer capacity. While we are working with Suffolk County on each other project, the costs associated with the sewer infrastructure necessary for such development and redevelopment render the projects unbuildable without some sort of government sewer funding. That is where the governor should invest her time and the state’s funding by helping Suffolk expand sewer infrastructure so local municipalities can continue to work on community-based redevelopment.

To continue to threaten local municipalities with state rubber-stamp approvals demonstrates a glaring lack of awareness of the realities of the situation or the logistical realities of what real

Letter to the Editor

Dog owners should respect a neighborhood park

Frank Melville Memorial Park in Setauket is a glorious place for all community members to enjoy year-round. It is particularly lovely in the spring when the trees are budding, the swans are nesting, the turtles are hanging out on the logs, the flowers are blooming, and people are emerging from their winter hibernation to walk the paths available for our enjoyment. I am one of those people, a community member who loves to bring her friendly chocolate Lab out for a walk on a regular basis.

As a responsible dog owner, and more so, a considerate person, I take it upon myself to clean up after my large dog when he decides to do his business on park grounds. Sadly, and disgustingly, there are several individuals who have decided that they are above this inconvenient task and feel it is proper protocol to leave their piles wherever they may land so that others are subjected to

development actually entails. Moreover, in most areas on Long Island a developer could not realistically build these state-envisioned housing projects because of the high cost of land, divided into so many small parcels with single-family homes and businesses, combined with costly construction requirements, parking requirements and sewer infrastructure costs that would never make the project financially viable, let alone affordable. This fact is being overlooked as the governor portends opposition to projects that have not come forward and proposals that simply do not exist. In fact, it’s the exact opposite approach in Brookhaven, as we are leading the way by amending our codes and seeking out and working with developers.

The governor would be better off stopping the political charade and giving funding to Suffolk County from the federal infrastructure bill and the recently passed NYS Clean Water Bond Act so that local municipalities can do the work of redeveloping our downtowns. It’s compromise and cooperation that make things happen, not threats and political theater.

Daniel Panico (R) is the Town of Brookhaven deputy supervisor and councilman for the 6th District, which includes Mastic, Moriches, Eastport, Manorville and Calverton. He is currently running for Brookhaven Town supervisor.

not only the sight, but the aroma of their pets’ feces. Despite the fact that the park has not one, not two, but three receptacles and poop bag dispensaries, these individuals cannot be bothered to do what a respectful, unselfish person should do. Today was actually my favorite display as one person had taken it upon themself to pick up the poop, and then left the full bag in the middle of the grass adjacent to the pond. Perhaps this was meant to enhance the view? Seriously, what is wrong with you?

The park has several signs stating that if your dog is unleashed you will be banned from the park. The same standard needs to be upheld for those who choose to befoul these grounds with dog excrement. Besides being unsanitary, it is unfair to those who use the park responsibly and have the decency to leash and clean up after their pets. If you refuse to abide by common courtesy, stay home.

Stefanie Werner East Setauket

WRITE TO US … AND KEEP IT LOCAL

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

Email letters to:

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

Opinion

My predictions for the action in the stands as baseball begins

No, I’m not going to predict anything about the on field action this year as the “boys of summer” take the field this week for the start of the 2023 baseball season.

hey’ll win some, they’ll lose some, and it’ll rain, and they’ll have to play some other day.stadiums and be too awestruck to speak. He may have been to other games, but returning to his favorite stadium and looking at the shimmering green grass, the bright foul lines, and the oversized baseball bag will take his breath away, even if only for a moment and even if no one notices the goose flesh on his arms despite the warm temperature.

will reach into history. Who was the best left fielder? Should Pete Rose be in the Hall of Fame?

Fans will celebrate birthdays, waiting for that fleeting moment when their name appears on the screen with best wishes from Joe, Mo, Mary and the rest of the crew.

making it tough for them to focus on the game. Some of those people will have to leave the game and go back to the office, while others will talk through a document or deal amid a series of ongoing crises.

D. None of the above

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF

Instead, I’m going to make some predictions about the action in the stands. After all, the number of people and stories from the stands far exceeds the paltry size of the teams, umpires, grounds crew and everyone else involved with “The Show.” So, without further delay, here are a few predictions for the upcoming season. Someone will walk into one of the local

Someone will share some of their favorite lines from baseball movies, suggesting that the team is a “bunch of lollygaggers,” or that, in as deep a James Earl Jones voice as they can muster, “the one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball.”

During long day games, fans, clad in T-shirts, jerseys or tank tops, will forget sunscreen and will develop a sunburn. For some, that sunburn will be a reminder of the game. For others, it might provide sore or red skin.

Debates that border on arguments will occur in every part of the stadium. Some disagreements will arise over whether the umpire made the right call, while others

College regrets. I have just one.

Arecent article that I saw on the Internet claimed that nine out of 10 graduates had regrets about their college. Wow! That’s almost unanimous discontent. Most regretted the heavy debt they had incurred. Some said the college they chose wasn’t a good fit for them. Others expressed disappointment with their major. I, too, have a regret about college; although I am not one generally to harbor regrets, I will confess that regret now.

Between

I regret that I didn’t study harder when I was lucky enough to be in college. Now, this has nothing to do with my particular college. It is a personal failing. I am sure I would have behaved much the same way wherever I had gone to school. But here is the thing about college.

It’s much the same thing as is said about computers: garbage in, garbage out.

Had I applied myself a lot harder, I would have gained a lot more in the way of a splendid education from my college courses and years. After all, I went to a fine college. Instead, I was more interested, especially during the first two years, in dating.

Not to be too hard on myself, I had a lot of catching up to do on that front. The last time I was in a co-ed situation before college was in the sixth grade of my neighborhood elementary school. For junior high and high school, I attended one of the schools in New York City requiring an entrance exam, and it was for all girls.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I loved the school. Many of the teachers had PhDs. I knew I was getting a first-rate education, and I really applied myself to my studies. What else was there to do? I even thrived on the keen competition there, despite the fact that it was considered appropriate to bemoan such a barbaric value.

People will propose marriage. Most will say “yes” and will cover their mouths in astonishment. Some will storm off, throw the ring back, or yell something, leaving others to wonder whether the scene was real or staged.

Some fans will offer unconditional support for their favorite players, urging them on even after they struck out four times. Others will reserve the right to suggest that they could do better or that the player is a “bum.”

Most fans will stand in salute to veterans, as the public address announcer shares details of a person’s service and awards, and his or her family beams nearby, blinking back tears in a strong sun.

Important people will take important calls,

Awestruck people will realize their fantasy and will catch a foul ball. They will raise the ball as if it were a trophy, giving the strangers around them a chance to applaud. A generous fan will likely hand a ball over to a nearby child, knowing how valuable that souvenir will be for him or her.

Fans will high-five people sitting next to them during a key moment in a big game, sharing their joy with anyone and everyone.

Someone from an earlier generation will shout “Holy Cow” when a player hits a towering home run, sending his friends into fits of laughter.

It was also appropriate to wish the school were co-ed, which we all did, and fervently at the time. Now it is co-ed, and as I look back, I am not so sure that was such a good idea.

But I digress.

My college was also one of what was then regarded as the prestigious Seven Sisters and technically all women, although we certainly didn’t refer to ourselves that way at the time. We were girls, and it was an all-girls college. On the other hand, right across the main avenue that ran in front of the campus was an all-boys undergraduate college.

Needless to say, I crossed the road, both to get to the other side, (as in the old joke, “Why did the chicken cross the road”?) and also to use the library at the all-male school. That library was larger, had more comfortable seats, better lighting, and besides, I rarely returned without having at least one date, sometimes two, and even occasionally three dates for the upcoming weekend. It took the first two years to come to something approaching equilibrium.

Life was good. But for my grades, not so much.

Furthermore, I thought that I didn’t really have an appropriate major. I was pre-med. That wasn’t considered a true major, but it did require many hours of science classes that came with many hours in many labs. I could have spaced out those labs — heavy courses — but thought I should get them out of the way sooner. I did have a faculty advisor those first two years, who was a lovely person, and a famous history professor. She knew little about science requirements, confessed as much, and then signed whatever assortment of subjects I put before her to approve.

“You must pick a major,” I was told. And so I picked English because it provided me with an antidote to all those heavy science classes. Reading was a merciful escape. So was writing. I was casual about that decision, though, because I was sure I was never going to use those skills.

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

A SELECTION OF SANDWICHES FROM OUR COMPLETE SANDWICH LIST

ARIZONA: Cheddar, Mashed Avocado, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Sprouts. (Wrap or Sandwich)

COUNTRY CLUB: Grilled Chicken, Virginia Ham, Lettuce, Tomato and Russian Mustard. (Sandwich, Wrap or Tuscan)

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: Ham, Turkey, Monterey Jack Cheese, Roasted Red Pepper, Sun Dried Tomatoes, and Creamy BBQ Sauce. (Sandwich, Wrap, Tuscan or Panini)

JOANIE: Breaded Chicken Cutlet, Swiss Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Bacon and Creamy BBQ Sauce. (Sandwich, Wrap, Tuscan)

LITTLE ITALY: Prosciutto (meats may vary), Provolone, Ham, Roasted Red Peppers and Italian Vinaigrette. (Sandwich, Wrap, Tuscan or Panini)

MONTEREY: Assorted Grilled Vegetables, Guacamole, Monterey Jack Cheese and Seasoned Olive Oil. (Sandwich, Wrap, Tuscan or Panini)

NORTHWELL: Smoked Turkey, Brie, Caramelized Pears, and Honey Mustard. (Sandwich, Tuscan or Panini)

RUSTIC EGGPLANT: Breaded Eggplant Cutlets, Provolone, Mozzarella, Roasted Red Pepper, Basil Pesto Cream. (Sandwich, Wrap, Tuscan or Panini)

SO FRENCH: Ham, Brie, Blue Cheese, Field Greens – Peach, Fig spread or Apricot Preserves (Sandwich, Wrap or Tuscan)

STONY BROOK: Turkey, Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato with Creamy BBQ Sauce. (Sandwich, Wrap, Tuscan or Panini)

VALERIE: Tomatoes, Sundried Tomatoes, Roasted Red Peppers, Mozzarella and Balsamic Dressing. (Sandwich, Wrap, Tuscan or Panini)

JAM’IN TURKEY: Sliced Turkey Breast, Sliced Pear, Arugula, Fig Jam (wrap, sandwich or panini)