The Village Times Herald - April 6, 2023

Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) was on hand for the demolition of a vacant house located at 45 Dyke Road in Setauket on March 28. The property, which will be preserved as open space, is owned by Suffolk County and the demolition was handled by the Town of Brookhaven’s Department of Recycling and Sustainable Materials Management staff, including Gary Gallo; Chief Deputy Commissioner RSMM Daniel Johnson; Vinny Guarino; and Michael Caputo. The property includes environmentally

sensitive wetlands adjacent to Little Bay.

“Overdevelopment can lead to environmental damage, increased traffic, and a negative impact on the overall quality of life in our suburban community,” Kornreich said. “I am particularly happy to be part of what I call ‘negative development,’ or the removal of a structure to allow for the conservation of land that is both beautiful and fragile. I am grateful to our partners at the Peconic Land Trust and to [former] Assemblyman Steve Englebright’s visionary efforts to protect this area for future generations to enjoy.”

Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich and the town’s Recycling and Sustainable Materials Management staff, Gary Gallo; Chief Deputy Commissioner RSMM Daniel Johnson; Vinny Guarino; and Michael Caputo. Photo from Town of Brookhaven

Gamecock Cottage renovations set to begin in coming months

BY RITA J. EGAN RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

A popular landmark in the Three Village area is about to get a facelift.

Local architect John Cunniffe updated attendees at the Three Village Civic Association April 3 meeting on the renovations that are set to begin at the end of May or early June on the historic Gamecock Cottage at Shipman’s Point at the tip of the West Meadow Beach peninsula.

Renovations

Cunniffe estimated the work on the cottage would take two to three months. Once the cottage restoration is completed, the Three Village Community Trust will take over as steward. TVCT officially entered a stewardship agreement with the Town of Brookhaven in 2010.

Work on the cottage will be supervised by the town. Cunniffe said a maintenance program would be developed for Brookhaven and the trust. The architect said the allotted budget for the work is $175,000.

“From 1990 to today, there was very little maintenance and upkeep on the building, and we’re at a 30-year lifespan on material, paint,

with dilapidation. I think we’ve all seen what has happened to the Gamecock Cottage, and it seems to be getting progressively worse, exponentially by the month.”

William J. Solan Contracting, of Stony Brook, with Walter Dwan will be responsible for all decorative work. Solan and Dwan worked on the 1990 renovation, according to Cunniffe. Statewide Roofing, of Ronkonkoma, will be in charge of roofing, while the town’s Parks & Recreation Department will work on siding, painting and additional work.

Cunniffe added material will be preprimed or pre-painted, so there will be no staging or scaffolding at the site. Custommilled material will provide the full length needed so the roof and seams allow no water penetration.

Currently, the budget covers exterior renovations. While many have voiced concerns about beach erosion in the area and possibly elevating the cottage, Cunniffe said after talking to town historian, Barbara Russell, he feels it may be best to keep it at its current level for now.

Robert Reuter, a local architect, added that the building for decades flooded and dried. “It was designed essentially to do that,” he said, adding the salt water may have

helped preserve it.

Cunniffe said the current staircase on the building doesn’t belong there architecturally, but it was added for utilitarian needs. As for an ADA-compliant ramp, that would be something for a future conversation, the architect said.

Herb Mones, community trust president, added once the trust takes over as steward, part of an agreement with the town is to aim to have a seasonal caretaker living in the second-floor apartment.

History

Cunniffe said Ward Melville bought the Gamecock Cottage in the 1940s and sold it to the town. The Ward Melville Heritage Organization took stewardship over the lease in the mid-1980s and in 1990 the cottage was renovated. Cunniffe said the roof was replaced, the cupola, gingerbread trim and windows were rebuilt, and 45% of siding was removed and replaced.

For decades, Gamecock Cottage was a boat storage facility, honeymoon getaway and rental unit, according to the TVCT website. WMHO relinquished the lease after 2004, and soon afterward the trust offered to assume stewardship. While the nonprofit was in discussion with the town,

Brookhaven applied for and received the State and National Registers of Historic Places designation for the 1870s Gamecock. Cunniffe said Russell was instrumental in securing the designation for the town.

The Gamecock Cottage exterior will soon undergo renovations. File photo

Unions and protesters unite at SBU against parking changes

BY LEAH CHIAPPINO DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Unions at Stony Brook University gathered on campus Wednesday, March 29, with an estimated 300 or so protesters in a rally for fair parking regarding proposed changes to the school’s parking policy, which include increased monitoring and fees. The university said it is an attempt to cover a deficit, along with “existing repairs, maintenance and capital expenses.”

The new plan would transition into a paid tiered system for both faculty and students. Essentially, the closer the spot to campus buildings, the higher the fee. In addition, students and faculty would share the same lots.

Under the proposed rate pricing plan, according to a statement released by Andrew Solar-Greco, president of United University Professions Stony Brook Chapter, monthly parking fees on campus would be divided into tiers, ranging from $50 in the “premium” level; $40 for core parking; $25 for perimeter parking; $10 for satellite parking; and $25 for residential staff.

“We have proposed implementing a campuswide, fully paid parking model in the fall of 2023,” SBU officials said in a statement. “Our existing model is insufficient to fund routine maintenance or customer service improvements. Our proposed tiered model and payment for parking will be either by permit or via a daily parking rate. These proposed changes will align us with our university peers. Details are currently being reviewed with campus stakeholders.”

SBU officials confirmed the proposed pricing is a tiered model ranging from $10-$50 per month. The university said 66% of all employees with parking permits are paying for parking, and

rates have stayed stagnant for 30 years.

Ted Vazquez, a field representative for NYS Public Employees Federation, said the proposal would create a culture that is “tantamount to a caste system.”

“That shouldn’t be,” he said. “The previous practices have always been your seniority. If a parking space becomes available, and you’ve seniority, you get it.”

The PEF apart, other unions participating in the protest were the United University Professions, Civil Service Employees Association, Stony Brook Grad Student Employees Union, Stony Brook Research Assistants Union, Local 1102 (Food Service Workers), Police Benevolent Association of New York State (University Police) and New York State Correctional Officers & PBA. According to Solar-Greco, “We were also joined by Laborers Local 66 and other unions affiliated with the LI Federation of Labor, which had leadership present as well.”

“We have requested that management halt any continued work on this plan, and bargain in good faith with all unions,” Solar-Greco said in a statement. “We vehemently reject the notion that UUP members must be responsible for funding routine maintenance and parking services for the campus community. This is management’s responsibility, period.”

Amy Pacholk, a nurse and council leader of Public Employees Federation, said several of her medical personnel members have considered going to the cheapest lot in protest, but have reconsidered given the need to be able to enter the building quickly when patients have emergencies.

“We respond to emergencies,” she said. “A lot of my people are, like, ‘We have to respond.’ If your system fails to account for that, you really

didn’t think about what you did — you just rolled out a system that you thought was effective for students. You didn’t realize that we’re medical professionals. We have a responsibility.”

In addition, Pacholk said, several medical staff have been working extra shifts, as long as 16 hours a day, to compensate for the rising cost of living on Long Island. For them, she said, the new system would not be sustainable financially.

Parking deficit

Amanda Basinger, an SBU student, who spoke at the protest, criticized the administration for creating a deficit in the first place, and then increasing prices for students and staff.

“How much does an undergraduate student make a year?” she said. “How much does a graduate student make a year? How much does a custodial worker, a maintenance worker and cafeteria workers make here? They can’t afford that. And it is so annoying and so privileged that the administration sits in their cushy buildings, demanding we pay for their mistakes and we pay for their deficit.”

University officials did not provide a specific figure when asked about the deficit and its origins. However, they did note in an email that $11 million is the anticipated deficit by fiscal year 2026-27 with no changes to the current model.

The plan would also combine commuting faculty and students into the same lots, chosen by tier, and have separate areas for residential parking. Parking within the tiered lots, would be first come, first serve. Faculty and staff already paying for parking will be given first choice on the lot they choose. After those spots are assigned, preference will be given in order of hire date. Commuter students will be selecting parking on a first-come, first-serve basis. Enforcement hours would be expanded for all

lots from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Bureaucratically, the enforcement, permitting and customer service responsibilities would be transferred from the University Police Department and Student Financial Services to Mobility & Parking Services, which would also handle parking for the hospital.

The university said they plan to implement a variety of technological and systemic upgrades, including mobile payments, which can be charged back to departments; updated meters, which allow rates to be altered for events and holidays; and event parking, allowing departments to be charged for visitors who would not need a permit. Finally, the university would provide real-time data to users, who could see where parking is available, by fall 2024.

Solar-Greco said the proposed changes were presented to union leaders in a meeting Feb. 10, and then sent in campuswide emails a few hours later, without consulting with the unions or allowing them to contribute. The university referred to this meeting as an “informational session.”

“We recognize that the proposed changes will have an impact on our community,” the university’s email read. “However, the reality is that our current parking model is insufficient to fund routine maintenance or customer service improvements for our parking operations. Stony Brook’s parking services are self-funded, meaning that tuition, student transportation fees and SUNY funding are not allocated to support these operations.”

Pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement between the UUP and management, the proposal is subject to negotiation. Greco said the negotiations have yet to begin. The university confirmed the discussions will start in the coming weeks but have not commenced.

Above, protesters speak out against SBU’s parking proposal. Andrew Solar-Greco, below, addresses the crowd at the March 29 rally. Photos by Leah Chiappino

Each municipality has its own unique housing needs

Three Village Chamber of Commerce

It’s widely accepted that providing affordable housing options for students, seniors and everyone in between is a crucial need in our community, even as we acknowledge that this demand takes different forms in different places. In the Three Village area, for example, there is a unique demand for affordable housing from students at Stony Brook University. This is driven by a lack of on-campus options, certain university policies and student choice. Unfortunately, this demand has contributed to a thriving illegal market in substandard rentals which disrupts the fabric of our neighborhoods and sometimes leads to students being exploited by unscrupulous landlords. I believe SBU could help address this problem by constructing more student housing on campus. It’s worth noting that New York State currently doesn’t need our permission to build on their own land, as they’re already exempt from local zoning regulations. They have not chosen to do so.

PERSPECTIVE

been working hard to get these incredibly large and complex projects moving. Although it will require an extraordinary effort, I believe the results will be truly transformative. The town grants development bonuses to builders who provide affordable housing units or housing for individuals with special needs as part of their plans. The code also requires the inclusion of smaller units which will also be more affordable.

• Once again, the 3 Village Community has requested a professional map of the area, published by The Village TIMES HERALD.

By Jonathan Kornreich

In other areas of the Town of Brookhaven, there may not be as many college students looking for rentals, but a strong demand for affordable housing still exists. We clearly need to do more to address this issue using the tools available at each level of government. The federal government and New York State have attempted to address the supply side by creating tax subsidies and other incentives for developers and investors to create affordable housing. Suffolk County has created solutions directed toward residents, such as rent subsidies for renters, down-payment assistance for homebuyers and other programs. At the town level, local governments have the ability, through land use and zoning, to offer incentives for the development of affordable units. In fact, the Town of Brookhaven has recently created a new tool known as the Commercial Redevelopment District to help achieve this goal.

The intent of the CRD is to help create a pathway to revitalize abandoned, vacant or underutilized commercial developments and transform them into walkable, vibrant and affordable places for people to live in, work and enjoy life. I am proud to say that in our council district, we are leading the way with a major revitalization initiative planned in Port Jefferson Station. Since taking office, I have

Replacing outdated commercial spaces with residential units makes good sense from a planning standpoint and can have a positive impact on traffic, affordability and the environment. For example, think about the difference in traffic generated by a single-family home and a convenience store of about the same size — residential units generate far less traffic. As for affordability, the principles of supply and demand suggest that as new housing stock is added to the market, it can help ease upward price pressure and make existing housing stock more affordable. And when supported by sewer infrastructure, this type of development helps the environment by protecting the precious and vulnerable singlesource aquifer under our feet.

I want to emphasize that in opposing Albany’s housing proposal, we’re not trying to use fear tactics or take a “not in my backyard” approach. We’re ready, willing and able to build affordable housing right here in our community, and we’ve already demonstrated the willingness to develop new tools to get the job done. I want our governmental partners in Albany to recognize that each municipality has its own specific needs, and a one-size-fitsall approach simply doesn’t make sense here.

Local government is the level closest to the people, and I believe town council members are uniquely qualified to know and be accountable to the needs of our districts on a granular level. It is vital that we’re allowed to do the thing we were elected to do: To make thoughtful, informed decisions about land use and development, ensure our communities remain affordable and safe, to protect the environment and to save our suburbs from overdevelopment and sprawl.

Jonathan Kornreich (D) is Town of Brookhaven councilmember for District 1, which consists of Stony Brook, Old Field, Poquott, Setauket, East Setauket, Belle Terre, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station and Terryville.

• The 3 Village Chamber of Commerce map will be on heavy white stock, measuring 33” x 22 1/2” in color and framed by advertising on both sides. Businesspeople throughout the community will distribute the map, and often display it for reference. In addition, the Chamber of Commerce will use it to actively promote business in the community

• All ads will be produced in color.

NYPA AWARDS 11

BEST COLUMN

FIRST PLACE

The Village Times Herald, Setauket

Daniel Dunaief

Imaginative and compelling. Fun storytelling that makes for an easy read.

BEST COVERAGE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

SECOND PLACE

The Port Times Record, Port Je erson

Raymond Janis

is reporter delves deep into a complicated story about a town landmark and development pressures and how a community can approach preserving a delicate area in the face of continued deterioration. Nicely written, well-sourced and clearly a story that is of deep interest to this community. is kind of coverage is the hallmark of strong local reporting.

BEST LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORT CAMPAIGN

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PEOPLE OF THE YEAR

The Village Times Herald, Setauket Nice program. Shows involvement in the community. And involves the community.

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The Times of Smithtown, Smithtown

Steve Zaitz

Good variety of parade photos. Clear photos, good composition and lots of expression!

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The Village Times Herald, Setauket

I like the way the designer used di erent line weights to separate sections, Also the use of white space above and below the line ads makes the pages not feel so cluttered and makes it easier to read the ads. Sometimes designing in black and white can be challenging, but this layout is an expample of how to do it right. is was very close between rst and second places.

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THIRD PLACE

HARVEST TIMES

The Village Times Herald, Setauket

Caught my eye. Great use of photograph. Well done.

That’s how many awards Times Beacon Record News Media won this year!

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HARVEST TIMES

The Village Times Herald, Setauket

Love the entire fall theme, from festivals, farms - to seasonal soup and pie recipes. Creative use of color, layout is very readable.

BEST FEATURE STORY

HONORABLE MENTION

The Village Times Herald, Setauket

Rita J. Egan

I like the way this combined current and historic information.

BEST EDITORIAL CARTOON

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The Port Times Record, Port Je erson

Kyle Horne

I like the local angle this takes, even though it could be a cartoon drawn for any place in the country, following redistricting.

BEST NEWS OR FEATURE SERIES

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Raymond Janis

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The Village Times Herald, Setauket

Beth Heller Mason

e ames and brick in the background tell you that this is brick oven pizza without ever saying it in words. e ad tells me this is not ordinary pizza!

The following incidents have been reported by Suffolk County Police:

Miller Place woman still missing Suffolk County Police

Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to locate a Miller Place woman who was reported missing last week. Milinda Carman, 41, was last seen leaving her home on Old Cow Path on March 29 at approximately 11 a.m. She was reported missing by a friend on March 30. She drives a 2021 bright red Jeep Wrangler, New York State license plate HYK 6024. Carman is Caucasian, 5 feet 6 inches tall and approximately 120 pounds. She has blonde hair and green eyes. Detectives are asking anyone with information on her location to call 911 or the Sixth Squad at 631-854-8646.

Arrests made in MP and MS for selling e-cigarettes to persons under 21

Suffolk County Police arrested two people on March 30 for allegedly selling e-cigarettes to persons under 21 during compliance checks at businesses in the Sixth Precinct. In response to community complaints, Sixth Precinct Crime Section and Community Support officers, in conjunction with the Suffolk County Department of Health and the Brookhaven Town representatives, conducted an investigation into the sale of vape products to minors at two stores in the Sixth Precinct.

Joseph Lombardi, 18, of Coram, an employee of MNT Convenience Vape on Route 347 in Mount Sinai, and Vipulkumar Patel, 35, of Farmingdale, an employee of Miller Place Vape on 25A in Miller Place, were each arrested for two counts of alleged Unlawful Sale of Nicotine/Vape to Persons under 21 years of age. Over 6,900 flavored vape and THC products were seized from the businesses. Smithtown man killed in motor vehicle crash on

LIE

Suffolk County Police arrested a man on April 5 for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle following a fatal crash in Brentwood. Brandon Gillespie was at the wheel of a 2012 Jeep Liberty stopped in the right lane of eastbound Long Island Expressway, east of Sagtikos Parkway, when the vehicle was rear-ended by a 2016 Ford box

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Wanted for Lake Grove petit larceny

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate two men who allegedly stole clothes from Macy’s, located at 2 Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove, on March 17 at approximately 5:45 p.m. The items were valued at more than $230.

truck at approximately 12:45 a.m. Gillespie, 36, of Smithtown was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner. The driver of the Ford, Taron Smith, was not injured. Smith, 31, of Patchogue was arrested and charged with alleged Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 3rd Degree. He was also issued multiple summonses for Federal Motor Carrier Safety violations. He will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date. Both vehicles were impounded for safety checks. Anyone with information on this crash is asked to call the Third Squad at 631854-8352.

— 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.

Do you recognize these two men? Photos from SCPD

Milinda Carman

Brookhaven officials speak out against governor’s proposed housing plan

BY RITA J. EGAN RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Town of Brookhaven elected officials made it clear at a March 30 press conference how they feel about a plan proposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul (D).

The governor has included a housing program titled The New York Housing Compact in the 2024 state budget. Opponents say the proposal should be a stand-alone item and not incorporated in the budget which was due Saturday, April 1. However, on April 3, state lawmakers voted to extend the deadline to April 10.

Town Deputy Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Manorville) and Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) joined town Supervisor Ed Romaine (R) at the March 30 press conference to express their concerns regarding the housing proposal. Members of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce, The Ward Melville Heritage Organization and Stony Brook Concerned Homeowners were also on hand to show their opposition to the governor’s plan.

In her State of the State message earlier this year, Hochul proposed the housing strategy calling for 800,000 new homes to be built in the state over the course of a decade to address the lack of housing. Among the plan’s requirements would be municipalities with Metropolitan Transportation Authority railroad stations to rezone to make way for higherdensity residential development. All downstate cities, towns and villages served by the MTA would have a new home creation target over three years of 3%, compared to upstate counties that would need to build 1% more new homes

over the same period.

Romaine criticized the plan setting goals that would eliminate current local procedures

“You are exempt from environmental concerns,” he said. “You don’t have to have sewers. There are no height restrictions. There is no community feedback and local zoning is ignored.”

Romaine said if the plan goes through it would cause quality of life issues, including more traffic and congestion on the roads.

“We need incentives because we need sewers,” the supervisor added. “We need infrastructure, and we are willing to work with the state. But if you seek to override zoning and impose against the will of the community housing that is not compatible, you are undermining the very fabric of the quality of life in Brookhaven Town.”

Panico echoed the supervisor’s sentiments and added there are areas in the town where multi-housing developments make sense due to town codes being amended.

“I can give you four quick examples, right in Port Jeff Station, in Mastic Beach, in East Patchogue, in North Bellport,” Panico said. “Places that lend themselves to this type of development that are not overly constricted by traffic already.”

Kornreich also said the plan is misguided and that local control is important because elected officials possess the granular information to make decisions that are the best for the community.

“The point that my colleagues have made is that different areas have different challenges and require different solutions,” he said. “But we’re not here to engage in scare tactics, and this isn’t NIMBYism, we’re just trying to say a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t going to work community by community in the same way.”

Kornreich added plans are already in the works to “revitalize and redevelop a true downtown area around the train station in Port Jefferson Station, just one stop down the line from here, and create a walkable neighborhood with diverse housing stock that people can actually afford.”

The councilmember said near the Stony Brook station, where the press conference took place, “is not a downtown that can bear any real intensity.”

He added there are no privately held plots around the Three Village train station large enough for major development.

Jane Taylor, executive director of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce, said housing plans need to take into consideration local zoning, location and consider community support.

“Being told by the state that we have to do it creates landmines for those of us who live here,” Taylor said. “We’ve got concerns about sewers, our water supply. Those are all things that are very important and need to be addressed.”

Gloria Rocchio, WMHO president, thanked Romaine for “shining a spotlight” on the issue.

“While Long Islanders, traveling back and forth to work trying to make a living, not really knowing what’s happening, this negative

zoning proposal is looming,” she said. “It will change our beautiful Island forever. The reason that Long Island is the way it is now is because of local elected officials working together with residents.”

Brookhaven officials, including Town Supervisor Ed Romaine, at podium above, and Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, below, gather at Stony Brook train station to express their concerns with the governor’s housing proposal. Photos by Rita J. Egan

Setauket farmer’s false teeth mishap was a newsworthy event

BY BEVERLY C. TYLER DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Setauket, Long Island, became known in this part of our nation, due in part to the chompers of a well-known farmer, who is also my wife Barbara’s great-great grandfather. The story has legs, or rather teeth, as it was followed-up by a second article some 12 years later.

HISTORY CLOSE AT HAND

“HAS INTERNAL TOOTHACHE — Man’s Queer Stomach Pains Diagnosed as False Set He Swallowed. Sylvester Hulse, aged 83 years, is seriously ill at his home in Setauket, Long Island, as a result of swallowing his false teeth six weeks ago.

“At least he supposes he swallowed them, for a careful search of the entire village has failed to result in the discovery of the missing teeth.

“The aged man has been feeling peculiar pains in his stomach for some time, and his physician has come to the conclusion that the teeth dropped down their owners throat while he was asleep and are responsible for his discomfort. Thus far Hulse has declined to undergo an operation” (From The New York American — published in The Washington Post in 1913)

“COMPETENT TEETH — Ninety-fiveyear-old “Grandpa” Hulse, perhaps the bestknown elderly man on Long Island, died not long ago at his East Setauket Home. So now it may be told, Mr. Hulse, when he was a young fellow, about [83], swallowed his full set of false teeth. Never bothered him. For a few years he could never tell just where they’d found a rest. Then, suddenly, he determined they were in his stomach. Could tell because their outline was definitely visible through the skin. Used to say we was sure they were functioning down there. All he had to do, he

said, was to move his jaws up and down. His stomach muscles worked in unison, threw the teeth into gear and his digestion was perfect. Thought he had the advantage over most people.” (A clipping believed to be from the 1925 Port Jefferson Times)

Sylvester Hulse built his farm house along Old Post Road in East Setauket in 1857 and ran a large farm of more than 200 acres with an efficient dairy operation. In June 1925, John B. Mount reported in the Port Jefferson Times, “Our young men farmers might well go up and take a look at the work Sylvester

Hulse is doing. He is only 94 years old, but he knows what a field of growing young corn requires, and he knows how to keep it from being crowded out by a mess of grass and weeds. Recently Mr. Hulse has been in the field seated on a riding two-horse cultivator, with his team attached to it and his good work shows for itself.”

Hulse’s great-grandson Forrest West (19101989) related the story of how the farm passed to the next generation. “A bewhiskered old gentleman in silk hat riding in his ‘chariot’ stopped his horse, Maggie, in front of our house and asked Dad to come out to talk to him. He was not completely unknown to me for we had on occasion visited Great-Grandpa Sylvester Hulse, Uncle Henry and Aunt Lissie at Mt. Pleasant Farm on Old Post Road. Uncle Henry had died. The import of the crisis was to ask Dad to move our family to the farm and care for Grandpa the rest of his life in return for the farm. Grandpa was then 91 years old.”

In 1922, Clinton West and his family moved to Mt. Pleasant Farm. One story of the resilience of the old farmer was related by his great-grandson. To do his work in the

extensive fields, Hulse was often seated on a chair with a back from which the legs were removed, and the chair fastened securely to the back of the farm horse. One day while raking hay in this manner the seat came loose and toppled Hulse to the ground. The horse, feeling the weight removed from his back, turned around and headed for the barn. Hulse, with the rope from the chair now securely wrapped around his leg was dragged along, across the fields, over the railroad tracks and back into the barn with neither horse nor 90-plus farmer suffering more than a few bruises and some embarrassment.

Sylvester Hulse died on March 14, 1926. The Port Jefferson Times reported that he was “95 years six months, oldest resident of Setauket … He had been active until within a week of his death.”

Beverly C. Tyler is a Three Village Historical Society historian and author of books available from the society at 93 North Country Road, Setauket. For more information, call 631-751-3730 or visit www.tvhs.org.

Above, farmhand William Hannon, Forest West (Hulse’s great-grandson), Sylvester Hulse, age 91, and his horse Maggie in the summer of 1922. Below, Sylvester Hulse, age 93, chopping firewood in 1924. Photos from Beverly C. Tyler

‘At least he supposes he swallowed them, for a careful search of the entire village has failed to result in the discovery of the missing teeth.’

School News

Ward Melville High School

Honoring an impactful educator

Ward Melville High School senior Ethan Boyce was awarded the 2023 Dr. Jong Pil Lee Memorial Scholarship from the Long Island Mathematics Conference Board. Through this scholarship, Boyce wrote about R.C. Murphy Junior High School teacher Matthew Cifuni as the teacher who has most inspired him. Cifuni was also awarded a certificate for being honored as an impactful educator.

Dr. Jong Pil Lee founded the annual Long Island Mathematics Conference, the Institute of Leadership Development for Teaching Mathematics and Technology, the Institute of Creative Problem Solving and the Long Island Mathematics Scholarship Foundation for Minority Students. The scholarship was named in his honor after he passed and is given to Long Island students of African American, Native American or Non- European Hispanic American descent who have a cumulative “B” average or better and are seriously planning to major in mathematics in college.

Right, Three Village Central School District teacher Matthew Cifuni, right, was recognized as the teacher that most inspired Ward Melville High School student Ethan Boyce, a recipient of the 2023 Dr. Jong Pil Lee Memorial

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Scholarship. Photo from Three Village Central School District

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We’llBeatAnyPrice. Call631-500-1015. SEEDISPLAYADFORMOREINFORMATION.

MECHANICSLIENSALE

April17,2023,1581Rt112Port JeffersonStationat10am,2003 ToyotaHighlander, VIN#JTEHF21A730115375, ownerofrecordPatMacIntyre.

Financial Services

AREYOUBEHIND$10kOR MOREONYOURTAXES?Stop wage&banklevies,liens& audits,unfiledtaxreturns,payrollissues,&resolvetaxdebt FAST.Call888-869-5361 (Hours:Mon-Fri7am-5pmPST)

Finds Under 50

AROMA1.2LGLASSELECTRICKETTLE.Widemouthed. Autoshutoff.Detachablecord. $15.Text917-287-4110.

STORMWINDOW39“high36” wideAsking$40.00Call 631-744-3722

TWOROOMAIRCONDITIONERS,5,000BTUeach.$30each or$50forboth.631-413-6549.

VERIZONFIOSROUTERWITH STAND.Hardlyused,excellent condition.Orange&blackcolor $29.cell631-307-6161

Garage Sales

ESTATE/MOVINGSALE15 BRIDGEROAD,STRONG NECKSaturdaysinAprilandby appointment,furnishings,carpets,art,booksandacar, 716-607-6548

Health, Fitness & Beauty

VIAGRAandCIALISUSERS! 50PillsSPECIAL$99.00FREE Shipping!100%guaranteed. CALLNOW!855-413-9574

Housesitting Services

TRAVELING? Needsomeonetocheckonyour home?

ContactTenderLovingPet Care,LLC.We’remorethanjust pets.Insured/Bonded. 631-675-1938

Limousine Services

SUFFOLKLIMO

WineTours,Events,Hamptons, NYC,Servingallairports,Professionaldrivers,luxurysuv’s, sedansandSprintervans.Book online,Suffolklimoservice.com 1-800-364-7049,631-771-7991.

Merchandise

CRAFTSMAN30INCH 13:50CCSNOWBLOWER $1100Call631-332-8287.

Miscellaneous

DIRECTV.New2-YearPrice Guarantee.ThemostliveMLB gamesthisseason,200+channelsandover45,000ondemandtitles.$84.99/mofor24 monthswithCHOICEPackage. Somerestrictionsapply.Call DIRECTV1-888-534-6918

DISHTV$64.99For190Channels+$14.95HighSpeedInternet.FreeInstallation,SmartHD DVRIncluded,FreeVoiceRemote.Somerestrictionsapply. PromoExpires1/21/23. 1-888-609-9405

WHEELSFORWISHESBENEFITINGMAKE-A-WISH ® NORTHEASTNEWYORK.Your CarDonationsMatterNOW MoreThanEver!FreeVehicle PickUpANYWHERE.We AcceptMostVehiclesRunning orNot.100%TaxDeductible. MinimalToNoHumanContact. Call:(877)798-9474.CarDonationFoundationd/b/aWheels ForWishes.www. wheelsforwishes.org.

Musical Instruments

BLUESMANPIANOTUNING

Certifiedpianotechnician, 631-681-9723, bluesmanpianotuning@gmail. com, www.bluesmanpianotuning.com

MUSICLESSONS

HOME/VIRTUAL Guitar,Piano,Stringsandmore IntroductoryRatesfornewstudents,AlsoPianoTuningand Repairs. Stringsoundstudios.com O631-476-8946, C631-223-6899

Schools/Instruction/ Tutoring

PIANO-GUITAR-BASS Allages-levels-styles. Manylocalreferences. Recommendedbyallarea schools.TonyMann, 631-473-3443,631-332-6005

Novenas

PRAYERTOTHE BLESSEDVIRGIN (NeverKnownToFail)

Oh,mostbeautifulflowerofMt. Carmel,fruitfulvine,splendorof heaven,blessedmotherofthe SonofGod,immaculatevirgin, assistmeinmynecessity.Oh starofthesea,helpme&show meherein,youaremymother. OhHolyMary,MotherofGod, QueenofHeavenandEarth,I humblybeseechyoufromthe bottomofmyhearttosuccorme inthisnecessityTherearenone whocanwithstandyourpower. Ohshowmehereinyouaremy mother.OhMaryconceived withoutsin,prayforuswho haverecoursetothee. (3times).OhHolyMary,Iplace thiscauseinyourhands. (3times).HolySpirit,youwho solveallproblems,lightallroads sothatIcanobtainmygoals. Yougavemethedivinegiftto forgiveandforgetallevilagainst me,andthatinallinstancesof mylife,youarewithme.Iwant inthisshortprayertothankyou forallthingsasyouconfirm onceagainthatIneverwantto beseparatedfromyouineternal glory.Thankyouforyourmercy towardmeandmine.Thankyou HolySpiritandSt.Jude. Thepersonmustsaythisprayer 3consecutivedays.Therequest willbegranted.Thisprayermust bepublishedafterthefavorhas beengranted.N.G.

Novenas

PRAYERTOTHE BLESSEDVIRGIN (NeverKnownToFail)

Oh,mostbeautifulflowerofMt. Carmel,fruitfulvine,splendorof heaven,blessedmotherofthe SonofGod,immaculatevirgin, assistmeinmynecessity.Oh starofthesea,helpme&show meherein,youaremymother. OhHolyMary,MotherofGod, QueenofHeavenandEarth,I humblybeseechyoufromthe bottomofmyhearttosuccorme inthisnecessityTherearenone whocanwithstandyourpower. Ohshowmehereinyouaremy mother.OhMaryconceived withoutsin,prayforuswho haverecoursetothee. (3times).OhHolyMary,Iplace thiscauseinyourhands. (3times).HolySpirit,youwho solveallproblems,lightallroads sothatIcanobtainmygoals. Yougavemethedivinegiftto forgiveandforgetallevilagainst me,andthatinallinstancesof mylife,youarewithme.Iwant inthisshortprayertothankyou forallthingsasyouconfirm onceagainthatIneverwantto beseparatedfromyouineternal glory.Thankyouforyourmercy towardmeandmine. M.L Thepersonmustsaythisprayer 3consecutivedays.Therequest willbegranted.Thisprayermust bepublishedafterthefavorhas beengranted. WithThanks M.L.

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

GENERAL OFFICE

631–751–7744

Fax 631–751–4165

This Publication is Subject to All Fair Housing Acts

SPECIALS*

- $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.

MAIL ADDRESS

TBR News Media

Classifieds Department P.O. Box 707 Setauket, NY 11733

EMAIL

class@tbrnewsmedia.com

INDEX

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

• Garage Sales

• Announcements

• Antiques & Collectibles

• Automobiles/Trucks etc.

• Finds under $50

• Health/Fitness/Beauty

• Merchandise

• Personals

• Novenas

• Pets/Pet Services

• Professional Services

• Schools/Instruction/Tutoring

• Wanted to Buy

• Employment

• Cleaning

EMPLOYMENT/CAREERS

Career Services

COMPUTER&ITTRAINING PROGRAM!TrainONLINEto gettheskillstobecomeaComputer&HelpDeskProfessional now!GrantsandScholarships availableforcertainprograms forqualifiedapplicants.CallCTI fordetails!844-947-0192(M-F 8am-6pmET).Computerwith internetisrequired.

Help Wanted

PUBLISHER’SEMPLOYMENTNOTICE:Allemploymentadvertisinginthisnewspaperissubjecttosection296 ofthehumanrightslawwhich makesitillegaltoadvertise anypreference,limitationor discriminationbasedonrace, color,creed,nationalorigin, disability,maritalstatus,sex, ageorarrestconvictionrecord oranintentiontomakeany suchpreference,limitationor discrimination.Title29,U.S. CodeChap630,excludesthe FederalGov’t.fromtheage discriminationprovisions.This newspaperwillnotknowingly acceptanyadvertisingforemploymentwhichisinviolation ofthelaw.Ourreadersareinformedthatemploymentofferingsadvertisedinthisnewspaperareavailableonanequal opportunitybasis.

SERVERS/Bar/MAINTENANCE NEEDEDp/t,weekendsapply onlineatMajesticgardens.com

SEEOURDISPLAYADFOR MOREINFORMATION

TRAINONLINETODOMEDICALBILLING!BecomeaMedicalOfficeProfessionalonlineat

CTI!GetTrained,Certified& readytoworkinmonths!Call 855-543-6440.(M-F8am-6pm ET).Computerwithinternetis required.

P/TSALES/CUSTOMER SERVICE

Insidepositionsellingadvertisingforanaward-winning communitynewsmediagroup, Faxresumeto631-751-4165or emailresumeto Class@tbrnewspapers.com. Seeourdisplayadformore information.

SERVERS/BAR/ MAINTENANCE NEEDED

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

Help Wanted

PARTTIMEASSISTANT/ SECRETARYCongenialStony BrookLawOffice,Hoursflexible, Computer/WordSavy,Fax resumewithcoverletter, 631-751-8665.

RECEPTIONIST/FULLTIME

BusyEastSetauketRealEstate Officeisseekingamotivated teamplayerwithstrongcomputerskills,clear,friendly speakingvoice,professional appearance&excellentcustomerserviceskills.Fulltime position,withoneWeekendday. Socialmediaskillsaplus. PleaseE-MailResumeto Setauket.Office@Elliman.com orcall631.767.2187or 631.384.8515

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

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

• Retain & grow client base

• Computer experience and excellent spelling skills helpful

• Sales or customer service experience a must

• Must have good people and communication skills

Fax resume to 631-751-4165 email resume:

SERVICES

Carpentry

LONGHILLCARPENTRY

45yearsexperience

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

Cesspool Services

MRSEWERMANCESSPOOL

SERVICEAlltypesofcesspoolservicing,allworkguaranteed,familyownedandoperatedsince1985, 631-924-7502.

LicensedandInsured.

Clean-Ups

LETSTEVEDOIT

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

CallSteve@631-745-2598, leavemessage.

Electricians

SOUNDVIEWELECTRICAL CONTRACTING

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

SeeourDisplayAdintheHome ServicesDirectory

Fences

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

Home Improvement

BLUSTARRENOVATIONS

TheNorthShore’sMostTrusted RenovationExperts. 631-751-0751

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

DON’TPAYFORCOVERED HOMEREPAIRSAGAIN!

AmericanResidentialWarranty coversALLMAJORSYSTEMS ANDAPPLIANCES.30DAY RISKFREE/$100OFF POPULARPLANS. 833-398-0526

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

Home Repairs/ Construction

LUXDEVELOPMENTGROUP

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

SEEOURDISPLAYADFOR MOREINFORMATION

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

Masonry

CARLBONGIORNO LANDSCAPE/MASON CONTRACTOR

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

Masonry

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

WORTHPAINTING

“PAINTINGWITHPRIDE”

Interiors/exteriors.Staining& deckrestoration,powerwashing,FinishingCarpentry, sheetrocktape/spackling, carpentry/trimwork.Leadpaint certified.References.Freeestimates.Lic./Ins.SINCE1989 RyanSouthworth. SEEDISPLAYADFORMOREINFO 631-331-5556

Plumbing/Heating

HEAVYWEIGHTPLUMBING

Arolloftoiletpaperstuffedin thedrainandpleadingfor HeavyweightPlumbingtocome andrescueit.DrainCleaning, 631-986-9516 AllofSuffolk,Lic/ins.

Satellite TV

BESTSATELLITETVWITH2 YEARPRICEGUARANTEE, $59.99/mowith190 channelsand3monthsfreepremiummoviechannels,Freenext dayinstallation,Call 888-508-5313

Tree Work

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

ADVERTISE FOR RESULTS

631-751-7663

FILL000060

REAL ESTATE

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.

SETAUKETHighVisibility,25A, cornerofficesuitewithlarge plateglasswindow,privatebath, ownthermostat,nicelydecorated,offstreetparking,Village TimesBuilding,Call 631-751-7744.

631-751-7663 FILL000060

Democracy prevails

Democracies don’t exist for their statutes or procedures or rules. They are given life by, and exist to serve, the people. Representative government can only function if citizens direct their elected officials toward representative policy ends. This process worked to perfection Monday night, April 3, when the Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees voted 5-0 to rescind a resolution to extend terms of service for village officials — reversing a unanimous decision rendered just two weeks earlier.

We regard this outcome as a victory for the people and the board, a reflection of the dynamic interplay between public officials and their constituents. We congratulate Port Jeff citizens and representatives alike for this democratic response.

Monday meant more than a simple reversal of posture. Residents turned out in force, filling the boardroom and demonstrating their interest and engagement in the local decision-making process.

Leaders of the newly reformed Port Jefferson Civic Association made formal contact with their village officials, introducing themselves and expressing their community aims. We view this as a decisive first step toward active collaboration between the local governing body and its civic.

But the board itself deserves immense credit for its leadership and accountability over a delicate policy matter. We are all fallible creatures, prone to occasional lapses in judgment and error.

It takes a greater sense of self-knowledge and courage to publicly admit fault and correct a mistake. We thank the board for upholding the foundational principle that the power of government is derived from the consent of the governed.

The work in this village is still unfinished. It isn’t enough to show up once amid the height of the storm. Another tempest is always brewing, and today’s calmer seas will be tomorrow’s surging tides.

Democracy requires persistent effort and engagement from residents. It demands citizens be present at all village board meetings, for they are the drivers of this system.

Still, the board’s action Monday validated the democratic principle. It illustrates that the light of liberty and conscience can and will prevail in this village. For this moment, may we all rejoice at the simple splendor of local democracy done right.

Please see revised letters policy below.

Letter to the Editor

Community mourns swan together

On Monday, March 27, the mother swan, who had made the Frank Melville Memorial Park her home, died from injuries she had sustained. How? Why? No one will ever know for sure.

Mother Nature can be cruel. A week earlier people had noticed her odd behavior. She swam to the left, sometimes in small, frenzied circles next to her nest, but not on it. Her mate had taken her place. The community came together. Dozens of people tried to help. They watched and wondered, stopped their cars, and offered assistance. We consulted wildlife rescue groups, as well as Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown.

On that Monday morning, I was one of the people who stood and watched her listing like a sinking ship, her head sometimes underwater. She looked weak, lethargic, exhausted — near death. Someone speculated that she had gotten tangled in the pond vegetation. We secured a kayak and attempted a rescue. What we saw was worse than we had imagined. Her leg was tightly wrapped in a heavy mass of weeds. In freeing her, we saw that the leg was only bone, the skin sheared off, bleeding out. She was taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center where she died. On the park’s Facebook page, the outpouring of grief was overwhelming. But we were reminded that swans are not pets. The park did not own her; it only loved her.

On Saturday, April 1, the father swan was back on the nest, sitting on their eggs. Whether they will hatch, no one knows. But we’ll be watching.

Kerri Glynn Setauket

Dem Albany County DA Soares criticizes bail reform

David Soares is the Albany County district attorney. He’s an elected Democrat who happens to be Black, and is a fierce critic of the criminal justice reforms passed by his party’s Legislature. Soares was invited to address a Dem-run state Senate hearing on crime, until he was apparently disinvited. Shamefully the longtime prosecutor’s remarks had to be read into the record by someone else.

Given years of prosecutorial experiences, he shared some commonsense criticisms regarding New York’s bail reform laws. Ironically, members of his own party and leftist virtue signalers have refused to acknowledge his powerful critiques, while Republicans enjoyed ballot box successes

by embracing them. Soares in his own words:

“What you may not have heard before is a hard truth: That these reforms have had their most devastating impact on Black and brown communities. If you take an honest look at the data — the increases in crime, the victims of those crimes and the location of the most violent crimes — the connection is quite clear.

“At some point, repeated violations of the law and disrespect for the process has to be treated with the level of seriousness it deserves. If you deny that the release of hundreds of car thieves, burglars, drug dealers and petty thieves had an obvious impact on crime in New York, you’re denying common sense.

“In the mind of someone who is determined to break the law, the ability to repeat offenses over a short period of time with minimal repercussions serves only to incentivize such behavior.”

Regarding New York’s Raise the Age legislation, Soares said, “Transferring a case to family court often leads to the defendant being returned to the very community that led them down that path to begin with. Violent cases need to remain in the adolescent part to prevent further community harm.”

The Albany County district attorney reflected on the fact in the 15 years prior to 2020, we saw “the greatest gains in public safety in the history of New York state.”

Soares closed by saying, “However, pretending that accountability and the immobilization of criminals isn’t a critical part of public safety is akin to pretending the Earth is flat. Just because your echo chamber repeats it, doesn’t make it true.”

This kind of thinking has won him important allies in New York City such as Mayor Eric Adams [D] and historic first woman NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell. All three share much more than being Black. Far from the safety and rare air of leftist think tanks, they have been on the ground and seen the profoundly negative

effects bail reform laws have had, especially in neighborhoods of color.

Tragically, as minorities continue to suffer disproportionately from violent crime, those claiming to be their champions remain snuggly holed up in those friendly, flat-earth echo chambers, referenced by courageous DA David Soares.

Jim Soviero East Setauket

Support community newspapers, Albany

Passage of the proposed New York Local Journalism Sustainability Act by the state Legislature is important to assure survival of local journalism. Most communities are down to one local daily or weekly newspaper. Newspapers have to deal with increasing costs for newsprint, delivery and distribution along with reduced advertising revenues and competition from the internet and other news information sources.

Daily newspapers concentrate on international, Washington, Albany, business and sports stories. They have few reporters covering local neighborhood news. Weekly newspapers fill the void for coverage of local community news.

I’m grateful that your newspaper group has afforded me the opportunity to express my views via letters to the editor along with others who may have different opinions on the issues of the day.

Albany needs to join us in supporting weekly community newspapers. Readers patronize advertisers, who provide the revenues to help keep the newspapers in business.

Let us hope there continues to be room for TBR News Media chain publications such as The Times of Huntington, Northport & East Northport, The Times of Middle Country, The Village Times Herald, The Port Times Record, The Times of Smithtown and The Village Beacon Record.

Larry Penner Great Neck

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

Pixabay photo

’m a happy idiot, or HI for short. I admit it. I’m even thinking of forming a club. No, it’s not a political party, and no, we’re not excluding anyone, which means that self-hating people will struggle to accept that we accept them without exception.

I

D. None of the above

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF

How do I know that? My political leaders

and the pundits on TV spend a great deal of time telling me that other people are ruining my life, this country, history, religion, baseball and apple pie. Most apple pie has dairy in it anyway, and I’m allergic to dairy, not that I’m offended by dairy or anyone who eats it. I like watching people eat food with dairy, like ice cream, because I know it makes them happy, and as a charter member of the happy idiot club, I’m pleased to share vicariously in other people’s happiness.

Whew, it feels good to get that off my chest. I know, I know. I’m supposed to find people who disagree with me, who come from a different political party, who celebrate different holidays or different religions annoying or frustrating. I’m supposed to look past those people at the ones who live and think like I do.I can’t ascribe to the endless need to bicker and find fault. It’s not who I am, and it’s not fun. Sure, people can be annoying and can say things that I find problematic or objectionable.

And, yes, I would take issue with anyone who trampled on principles I believe in or who, through word or deed, violated my sense of right or wrong or who broke the law.

As a matter of daily living, though, I don’t celebrate moments when the other side loses because I often have friends on both sides of any

We did it. So can you.

This is a shout-out to all would-be entrepreneurs. Saturday marks the 47th birthday of The Village Times and hence the beginning of Times Beacon Record News Media. So, if you are thinking of starting your own business or organization, stop thinking.

Just do it.

We know whereof we speak. I mention our start to prove what can be done with energy, commitment, good helpers and a dream.

And a little bit of luck.

Between

While we started in 1976, during a depression in the economy, women were beginning to enter the workplace. We had some of the brightest members of the community looking for work just when we needed help the most.

To start something new, unless it is philanthropic in nature, you will need money. Obtaining start-up funds will measure how good a salesperson you are. You will have to

communicate your idea and your passion to those from whom you are asking for funds.

We sold shares in a closed corporation to gather our initial underwriting.

Whom should you approach?

The answer to that depends on finding people who might share your passion for what you are starting or who love you enough to support your getting it off the ground. Unless you have tangible assets to offer as collateral, don’t bother going to most banks.

Since we were proposing starting a community newspaper, we went to members of the community and asked for their participation. At the time, the type of corporation we used limited us to 10 stockholders. I believe that is no longer the case.

How much to ask?

We had no idea how much it would cost to get started, so we picked a number that we thought would not seriously affect any investor if it were lost. We also tried to estimate how much the market of investors would be willing to spend.

The result: We were woefully undercapitalized and have always run from behind. That’s exciting but not smart business

aisle, and I don’t believe a loss for the other side is as good, if not better, than a victory for me.

I’m not going to revel in the schadenfreude that has come to define so much of American life, in which taunting, making faces, humiliating or name-calling makes people happy.

On a daily basis and apart from when I watch political leaders or pundits on TV, I find most people unobjectionable. When I start chatting with someone — whether that’s on the sidewalk, in the supermarket, at the gym, or at an early season baseball game — my first thought isn’t about how they might have voted for the wrong person or that they might believe in the wrong things. I don’t judge the tattoos on their arms, their piercings, or the different clothing they wear.

I listen to what they say and to how they say it and have found that they are as welcoming of me, with my untucked shirt and the endless array of sports paraphernalia I wear, as I am

of them.

More often than not, they talk about something relatable, like their day, the struggle to help their children, the search for a plumber who won’t charge too much or their excitement that their daughter just got into an extraordinarily competitive college.

With our phones, we have endless ways to connect with people from all over the state, the country and the world. Our political leaders, however, would have us believe that we should make an effort to disconnect or to disrespect those whom we consider different or other.

Well, as a happy idiot, I won’t scream at you and tell you whom to hate, fear or blame. Like me, you can enjoy the comfort of friends and neighbors hoping for a better tomorrow without the screaming, shouting, insulting or hating. Being happy doesn’t keep you from succeeding or working hard: it keeps you from wasting energy being annoyed, angry, irritated or fearful. So, come, join the happy party.

strategy. Ask others in your field who might be sympathetic to your efforts to estimate one year’s expenses, at the very least, and set that as your minimum goal.

When we ran out of money at a key moment, we were able to include one extra stockholder who brought us fresh cash. This was not necessarily appreciated by the other shareholders because it diluted their equity a bit. But we persevered.

It is vital that you know yourself. Being the founder is not for everyone. Most people would rather work for a company and receive a predictable paycheck rather than take chances every week with not meeting the payroll or being able to pay the bills. The boss has to deal with problems routinely that may seem far removed from the original goal of the company. Personnel matters are an example.

Don’t try to learn everything there is to know about your prospective business before you start, first because you can’t really know what lies ahead and also because you will learn more as you go forward. I believe we fell into every unimaginable briar patch that we could, including a move on us to become unionized,

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

despite the fact that no community newspaper in the state had a union, and a lengthy audit for proper classification of our staff.

That can happen to you. We learned from every thorny experience.

Also, we were protected by our ignorance and just plowed ahead. Not considering failure kept it from entering our thinking.

Surround yourself with good workers. You may not be able to afford experienced people in your field, but more importantly, find bright helpers who totally share your dream. They, and you, will learn as you go. And attribute the successes to them because none of us can go it alone. It is the staff of our newspapers and media company that earned us 11 prizes in this past week’s annual Better Newspaper Contest for New York State publishers. Yay for each one and for the whole team together.

We have been lucky in being accepted and patronized by our customers: readers and advertisers. I believe that if you offer your best work and respond to their needs, all while maintaining a brand known for integrity, your customers will make you a success.

Year After Year

PROJECTS MANAGER Kathryn Mandracchia

This happy idiot has had enough of rancor and division

Patriots fall in quadruple overtime

BY BILL LANDON DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

The Patriots of Ward Melville were behind by four goals to open the fourth quarter of play in a home game against Garden City on a rainy Saturday afternoon when the Patriots exploded with five goals in the final minutes of play to tie the game at 7-all, forcing overtime play.

The game’s outcome wasn’t settled in the first overtime period or the second. The third OT period expired with no

winner when Garden City scored the game-winner of the fourth overtime period to win the non-league contest, 8-7.

Ward Melville seniors AJ Folkman and Nik Barbero each scored along with one assist. Seniors Andrew Belli, Trevor Murray and Jaron Popp each scored, as did juniors Brody Morgan and Stephen Rosano.

The loss drops the Patriots to 2-2 in this early season and will retake the field Tuesday with an away game against Bay Shore before returning home April 12 to host Sachem North. Game time is slated for 4:15 p.m.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Counter clockwise from upper left, Ward Melville senior Aidan Valeiko gets checked by a Garden City defender in a home game; Valeiko drives past a Garden City defender; Patriots senior attack Trevor Murray drives by a defender; and Ward Melville senior attack Nik Barbero looks for a cutter.

Photo by Bill Landon