The Village Times Herald - December 22, 2016

The Village

Times Herald stony Brook • old field • strong’s neck • setauket • east setauket • south setauket • poquott • stony Brook university

Vol. 41, No. 43

December 22, 2016

$1.00

What’s a presepio?

A nativity that celebrates a birth and fills a room We’re ready — let it snow

— Story on page A7

Brookhaven Highway Dept. institutes new app

A10

Holiday Memories special feature ALSO: New Year’s Eve events and menorah lightings on the North Shore, review of ‘Rogue One’

B1

Happy Holidays from our homes to yours, Scott Sanders and Staff 222 Main Street, East Setauket, NY 11733 631-360-0004 • Scott@SheaAndSanders.com

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Photo by Irene Ruddock

PAGE A2 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • DECEMBER 22, 2016

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In keeping with the true spirit of the holiday season, Brookhaven residents opened their hearts in a big way by donating thousands of toys at the Town’s INTERFACE Toy Drive.

The event, held Dec. 16 in the lobby of Town Hall, was co-sponsored by the Town of Brookhaven Youth Bureau and JVC Broadcasting with on-air personalities from JVC radio stations broadcasting live from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you missed the donation event, it is not too late. Donations can still be dropped

off at the following Town locations until December 22: •Brookhaven Highway Department 1140 Old Town Road in Coram •New Village Recreation Center 20 Wireless Road in Centereach •Brookhaven Calabro Airport 135 Dawn Drive in Shirley •Rose Caracappa Senior Center 739 Route 25A in Mount Sinai The toy drive will provide gifts for more than 7,000 children in need, ranging in age from infancy to 15.

The VILLAGE TIMES HERALD (USPS 004-808) is published Thursdays by TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWSPAPERS, 185 Route 25A, Setauket, NY 11733. Periodicals postage paid at Setauket, NY and additional mailing offices. Subscription price $49 annually. Leah S. Dunaief, Publisher. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733.

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Correction Email cover letter and resume to desiree@tbrnewspapers.com ©153571

In the December 15 issue of The Village Times Herald an ad featuring photos of the Three Village Holiday Parade appeared on page 28. Please note that the correct spelling of the photographer’s name is John Dielman. ©153576

DECEMBER 22, 2016 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A3

$1 million endowment grant funds lifelong learning SBU program for retirees is unique on Long Island

By Donna newman Donna@tBrnewspapers.com

for its steadfast support of the Osher Institute and for embracing the concept that education is a lifelong pursuit that has the power to forge and enhance our connection to one another and to a larger world.”

Retired schoolteacher Bruce Stasiuk, of Setauket, is one of the more popular workshop leaders in the program and his philosophy may indicate why.

“The ingenious OLLI program is like going back to school without the pressures, or papers,” he said. “Here, required courses and tests went the way of Clearasil. OLLI is all about pursuing interests, keeping active, and continuing personal growth. It’s the purest form of education — it’s fun.”

Martin and Joyce Rubenstein of Port Jefferson Station would agree. Marty Rubenstein has been a participant for nearly two decades; Joyce Rubenstein almost as long. Both have taken classes, and Marty Rubenstein has taught quite a few, ranging from physics for poets to classes in his special passion, music appreciation, including history of the big band era and history of rock and roll.

“I started soon after retirement, about 1998,” Marty Rubenstein said. “It’s a well-run program and a good vehicle for people who are retired.” He added that one’s social network disappears when you no longer see the colleagues and friends you worked with daily.

A substantial gift from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute will extend Stony Brook University’s ability to offer opportunities to individuals who are semi-retired or retired.

Originally founded at the university as The Round Table, the program was renamed after receiving an initial grant from the Osher Foundation in June 2007.

A program within the School of Professional Development, directed by Wayne Holo, OLLI is open to mature adults interested in expanding their intellectual horizons in a university setting. Volunteers — very often experts in the subjects they teach — teach peer-taught sessions, which carry no credits or prerequisites. Workshops are structured to offer an informal exchange of ideas among participants.

Osher Foundation President Mary Bitterman found the Stony Brook OLLI’s progress to be inspiring.

“Since making [the] initial grant, we have been impressed by [the program’s] exceptional progress,” she said. “We applaud the collective effort and achievement of its excellent staff and its dynamic community of intellectually vigorous members.

We also salute the university’s leadership

File photo

It was still The Round Table, comprised of 300 members when Rubenstein joined, and he has watched the organization grow.

He said he is hoping that the new funding will make it possible to improve the model, now that there are more than 1,000 members.

Joyce Rubenstein, a participant since 2000, says she likes the variety of classes offered.

“It’s nice because I don’t have to take academic courses unless I want to. You go

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You learn a lot just by listening.”

The Rubensteins shared their OLLI experiences with Bonnie and Norm Samuels of Setauket, who take classes, too.

“It’s great OLLI has received this endowment because the program has grown so much and so many people are now in-

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PAGE A4 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • DECEMBER 22, 2016

perspectives For want of a nail ...

Your turn

By Bruce stasiuk

Prologue As Huma Abedin was travelling around the country campaigning with Hillary Clinton, her husband, Anthony Weiner, was at home.

Hillary had spectacular credentials. She was first lady of Arkansas for almost 12 years and the first lady of the United States for eight. While technically not jobs, they were compelling learning environments for experiencing local and national politics up

close and personal.

Afterward, she became a two-term U.S. senator for New York, abbreviating the second term to run for president in 2008.

She competed against a communityorganizing black man who served a few terms in the Illinois Senate, less than one term as a U.S. senator, and had a terroristsounding name: Barack Hussein Obama.

The Democrats rejected Hillary and her deep resumé, selecting Obama and his spare one. That might have been a clue.

President Obama appointed her secretary of state, a position she held for four years. Detractors said she did a terrible job.

Proponents claimed she was spectacular.

Neither side could convincingly back up their off-the-cuff claims.

As Obama was departing, Hillary decided to run again. Vice President Joe Biden also considered a run, but he was recovering from a family tragedy and might have sensed the imminent party coronation. He declined.

During all her public years Hillary accumulated baggage … luggage. She claimed that she was the target of a vast right-wing conspiracy. Probably. Some of her actions and decisions made the targeting easier. Polls indicted that, fairly or not, she was a polarizing figure — adored by many, despised by as many.

During the primary campaign we discovered through leaked emails that Debbie Wasserman Schultz, chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, was plotting to undermine Hillary’s one serious opponent, Bernie Sanders. The scandal forced the resignation of Schultz.

Then we learned that the interim replacement, Donna Brazile, through her affiliation with CNN, obtained questions to be asked during the upcoming primary debate. The questions were forwarded to Hillary’s staff. Bernie had no such advocate or advantage.

Brazile resigned from her CNN position and Hillary did nicely in the debate, having prepared in advance for questions that were asked … verbatim. She might have won the debate. She clearly won the nomination.

For the presidential election, it came down to last man and last woman standing: two people with near historic negative ratings.

Trump was a caricature-ish figure with the citrus color, unusual hair, vulgar and aggressive remarks, and spastic gestures. Hillary was groomed, poised, intelligent and soft lit.

Trump said outlandish things. Often.

Hillary was articulate and on script. Always.

The polls indicated not who, but by how much.

Days before the election a letter was

released by FBI director, James Comey, stating that the FBI found new potential evidence on a laptop computer relating to Hillary’s email server. It ultimately led to nothing … except intense media attention.

After losing the election, Hillary pointed to the Comey letter as the reason she lost momentum and the election.

As quoted in The Washington Post and elsewhere, Hillary explained, “There are lots of reasons why an election like this is not successful. But our analysis is that Comey’s letter raising doubts that were groundless, baseless, proven to be, stopped our momentum.” She went on to say that a second letter from Comey, clearing her once again, which came two days before Election Day, had been even more damaging. The letters created enough drag — a final straw — to whittle away the critical votes.

Epilogue The new evidence Comey referred to was discovered during an unrelated inquiry into former Democratic Congressman Weiner regarding an allegation that he sent illicit, sexual text messages to an underage girl in North Carolina. In the course of that investigation, agents seized a laptop computer Weiner shared with his wife, Abedin, Hillary’s closest aide.

Save the Trees campaign yields a tree advisory committee

By Donna newman Donna@tBrnewspapers.com Four months after Save the Stony Brook Street Trees was established to oppose a Town of Brookhaven Highway Department decision to eliminate nearly all the sycamore trees on roads slated for repaving in the M-section of Strathmore, a second victory has been won.

At its final meeting of the year, the town board unanimously passed a resolution moved by Supervisor Ed Romaine (R) and co-sponsored by Councilwoman Valerie Cartright (D-Port Jefferson Station), establishing a tree advisory committee.

In announcing the resolution, Romaine indicated his satisfaction with this move to establish guidelines in Brookhaven.

“I would say it’s long overdue,” he said.

“Obviously, we have some great trees in the town. We want to make sure that they are maintained and stay that way. We want to have a policy regarding the removal of any of these trees. I want to thank the councilwoman for sponsoring it and I thank my colleagues for supporting it.”

Cartright said she worked on behalf of her constituents — and all Brookhaven residents — to keep healthy trees that are so beneficial to the environment.

“I was happy to join Supervisor Romaine to put forth this resolution ... to advocate for responsible townwide solutions. ... I am very pleased with the resolution of this particular community concern and

that we now have a comprehensive process for reviewing tree-related issues.”

In mid-August, homeowners on Mosshill Place in the Strathmore M-section were alarmed to find all the street trees marked with pink dots indicating they were to be removed. Following public outcry from fellow residents, who said they preferred to deal with bumpy roads rather than lose their tree canopy, Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro (R) sent residents a letter in September postponing the paving so the department could reevaluate its plan.

By October an alternate solution to the tree removal had been found, but the paving season was ending, and the job rescheduled for 2017.

Save the Stony Brook Street Trees continued its lobbying of the town board to prevent other neighborhoods from finding themselves in a similar predicament in the future. The group, led by Susan Ackerman, continued to press for a town policy to prevent the removal of healthy street trees anywhere in Brookhaven Town in the future.

Ackerman said she was pleased that a resolution was on the agenda Thursday night and felt cautiously optimistic.

“My feeling is that resolution 20160959 is an encouraging step in the right direction for the Town of Brookhaven,” she wrote in an email. “And I appreciate all the time and effort that town officials and their staffs have devoted to this issue. I hope to see the town use this resolution as a valuable tool to move toward

File photo by Donna newman

a canopy of trees provides more than just beauty or shade. a consistent townwide tree preservation policy.”

In fact, the resolution created two advisory committees; one to deal with a project within the town rights-of-way and a second to evaluate a project on town parklands or other town-owned parcels. Each four-person panel will be tasked with inspecting the property and making a recommendation regarding the removal or conservation of trees.

Each committee will have a representative of the town’s division of land management, appointed by the town attorney.

The rights-of-way group will also have a representative of the highway department,

appointed by the superintendent of highways; a licensed professional engineer from the highway engineering division; and a Suffolk County Civil Service titled horticultural worker from the Brookhaven Ecology Center.

The town lands group will include a representative from the supervisor’s office; a representative of the parks department; and a representative from the planning and environment department, all appointed by the respective department heads.

Exceptions to tree advisory include trees that are damaged, diseased or in any way a threat to property and/or lives, or need to be removed on an emergency basis.

DECEMBER 22, 2016 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A5

Bus Rapid Transit corridor envisioned for Nicolls Road

By Donna newman Donna@tBrnewspapers.com

©151563

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) is hoping to modernize the way Long Islanders get around.

A proposal from the county executive to create Suffolk’s first north-south multimodal transportation corridor to feature dedicated lanes for rapid transit buses running along Nicolls Road between Stony Brook and Patchogue, was presented for public information and comment Dec. 13 at Suffolk County Community College in Selden. Interested residents attended to gain an understanding of the concept of a Bus Rapid Transit service, which unlike traditional buses are not constrained by traffic, and the possible ways the roadway might be configured.

Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) attended the event and said she supports upgrading public transportation on Long Island.

“Suffolk County is working to create a 21st century economy,” she said. “This requires a modern transit system that alleviates the burden of traffic and provides more transit options for a less car-dependent workforce.

This is a first look at a proposal for a plan. We need community input to flesh it out more and see where the ‘buy-in’ could be.”

Hahn said she believes the idea would have multiple positive economic and environmental outcomes.

“Bus Rapid Transit offers many of the advantages of a light rail system, but at a fraction of the cost — both for the passen-

ger and to the municipality,” a statement from Hahn announcing the county’s first BRT public information meeting said.

The BRT system would feature stateof-the-art Wi-Fi equipped buses; use dedicated “bus only” lanes, with priority traffic signaling; provide boarding at modern, comfortable, secure stations; accept fares with prepaid fare cards or electronic passes; and connect the commuter or traveler to transit hubs, such as other bus systems, railways and airports.

The purpose of the meeting was to provide information about the proposed road conversion in order to interact with three Long Island Rail Road branches, Port Jefferson, Ronkonkoma and Babylon, and facilitate public transportation access to Long Island MacArthur Airport. Visitors to the exhibit were encouraged to submit feedback in the form of comments and questions via mail-in comment cards or by email to LIinnovationzone@suffolkcountyny.gov.

Representatives were on hand from both the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning and engineering firms that have worked on the planning stage to further explain the project and answer questions.

Debbie Brown and Stephanie Larkin, self-described PTA moms from Selden, had several concerns.

“Are they adding a lane or dedicating one of the existing lanes,” Larkin asked, adding the road is crowded enough without losing one of its lanes.

“Who, exactly, is going to use these bus-

photo by Donna newman

suffolk county Department of economic Development and planning representative Kevin Luzong mans his station at the Brt first public information meeting. es?” Brown asked.

Kevin Luzong, a spokesperson for the project, addressed the residents’ concerns.

“The bus lane will be created within the existing roadway in the median or through a repurposing of the shoulder,” he said. As for people who might be interested in using public transportation, he mentioned millennials, like himself, who utilize services across Long Island, including colleges, research facilities, and new housing options, like the Ronkonkoma Hub being developed near that railroad station.

Brown was skeptical that Long Island

could be converted from a “car culture.”

“We, as parents, would have to get our kids used to buses at an early age,” she said, adding that parents might be hesitant to do so in today’s world.

BRT systems exist in more than 190 cities around the globe, allowing passengers to arrive at their destinations faster, while reducing road congestion.

The proposal did not include a potential cost for the project, though the county is examining grant-funding possibilities to help taxpayers cover the bill if the project comes to fruition.

PAGE A6 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • DECEMBER 22, 2016

LEGALS

Notice of formation of Head To Toe Chiropractic, PLLC. Arts of Org. filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/05/2016. Office location: Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC: 2500 Nesconset Highway, Bldg. 9B, Stony Brook, NY 11790. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

593 11/17 6x vth NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK The Bank of New York Mellon, f/k/a The Bank of New York, successor in interest to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Trustee for Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities Trust 2006-SD1, Plaintiff AGAINST Charles Salisbury, Administrator and Heir to the Estate of Marcia Sammis aka Marcia Salisbury, James Salisbury, Heir to the Estate of Marcia Sammis aka Marcia Salisbury, Timothy Salisbury, Heir to the Estate of Marcia Sammis aka Marcia Salisbury, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated 8-12016 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, County of Suffolk on 1-4-2017 at 11:00AM, premises known as 22 Kreamer Street, Brookhaven, NY 11713. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Bellport, the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, SECTION: 5.00, BLOCK: 4.00, LOT: 8.000. Approximate amount of judgment $368,846.74 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index#: 16087/10. David S. Shotten, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-051172-F00 594 12/1 4x vth PUBLIC NOTICE VILLAGE OF OLD FIELD A Public Hearing will be held before the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Old Field, Suffolk County, New York at the Keeper’s Cottage, 207 Old Field Road, Old Field, NY on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 7:00 PM. The hearing will be on the 2017-2018 budget of estimated expenses and revenues for the Village’s fiscal year commencing March 1, 2017 and ending February 28, 2018, which has been prepared by the Board of Trustees.

The budget is on file and open to the public for inspection Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays from 9:30am-3:00pm at the Village Hall, 207 Old Field Road in said Village from the time of this notice until the time of the hearing.

All persons interested will be given an opportunity to be heard at said time and place. All citizens have a right to attend the public hearing, to provide written and oral comments, and to ask questions concerning the proposed Village budget.

By Order of the Board of Trustees Adrienne Kessel Village Clerk Dated: December 22, 2016 597 12/22 1x vth

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

SET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES, Plaintiff against

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF APRIL 1, 2005, PARK PLACE SECURITIES, INC. ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005WHQ2,

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein, Such & Crane LLP, 1400 Old Country Road, Suite C103, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorney(s) for Plaintiff(s).

Plaintiff, Against

Index No.: 26561/2012

STUART B. YALOWITZ, KAREN YALOWITZ, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered in the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office on 9/12/2016, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on 1/5/2017 at 1:30 pm, premises known as 4 Clare Court, Manorville, NY 11949, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, and designated on the tax maps of the Suffolk County Treasurer as Section 462.00, Block 04.00 and Lot 003.002.

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $317,337.42 plus interest and costs. The premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 26561/2012.

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney.

Theresa A. Mari, Esq., Referee.

Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504 Dated: October 13, 2016 KS 621 12/1 4x vth NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: SUFFOLK COUNTY. STATE OF NEW YORK MORTGAGE AGENCY, Pltf. vs.

DAVID BETANCOURT, et al, Defts.

Index #10797/2012. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale dated Aug. 8, 2016, I will sell at public auction at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY on Jan. 18, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. prem. k/a 10 Franklin St., Patchogue, NY a/k/a Section 973.30, Block 03.00, Lot 002.000, District 0200. Approx. amt. of judgment is $85,265.34 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. DANIEL J. MURPHY, Referee. FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDAN, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 53 Gibson St., Bay Shore, NY. File No. 48185. #90141 624 12/15 4x vth NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY WILMINGTON TRUST, NA, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES I LLC, AS-

AMANDA ALVIZURI ,et al Defendants

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale Entered FEBRUARY 26, 2016 I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at the CCP (CALENDAR CONTROL PART COURTROOM) IN THE NASSAU SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501 on JANUARY 3, 2017 at 11:30 A.M.. Premises known as 40 HILL AVENUE, ELMONT, NY 11003. Sec 32 Block 514 Lot 23 & 24. ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying at being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $405,054.31 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 005394/14 .

MALACHY LYONS, ESQ. , Referee 625 12/1 4x vth Legal Notice: TO THE TAXPAYERS AND INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, TAKE NOTICE: Louis J. Marcoccia, Receiver of Taxes, in and for the said Town, has received the tax and assessment rolls and warrant for the 2016/2017 Tax Levy and said first half taxes and assessments therein may be paid to the Receiver of Taxes at his office, Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill, Suite 110, Farmingville, New York 11738-2149 Payments must be postmarked no later than Tuesday January 10th 2017 to avoid penalty.

A driver smiles as she realizes she’s being pulled over by Santa Claus.

Photo from SCPD

Suffolk drivers pulled over by Santa

By Alex PetroSki alex@tbrnewspapers.com License, registration and wish list please.

Suffolk County Police Officer Alberto Acevedo made several traffic stops throughout Patchogue this weekend, though drivers were surprised with a holiday plot twist.

“Good morning; I’m Santa Claus from the Fifth Precinct,” Officer Acevedo explained as drivers’ faces lit up.

The officer, dressed as Santa, gave drivers holiday cheer and smiles instead of tickets.

In the passenger seat of a Suffolk County Police vehicle, Officer Acevedo picked families to pull over with Officer Brianne Yarborough by his side. Together, they gave away several Target gift cards and candy to

unsuspecting drivers.

“I was getting yelled at at first, then, I noticed it was Santa,” said John Campbell, of Patchogue. Campbell said the traffic stop made his family very happy. “It’s a good start to Christmas and with our son in the car; it’s great.”

The officers also enjoyed the un-routine traffic stops.

“For once it’s a great feeling to pull cars over,” Yarborough said. “A lot of times we pull them over and we’re the bearer of bad news. To see the faces of these children, you can’t beat that.”

Acevedo explained in full Santa garb.

“We’re dropping them a $50 gift card to Target just to say Merry Christmas from the Police Department,” he said. “It’s nice to see the kids eyes light up and the smiles on their faces; it’s fantastic.”

Offices are open and available for payment at Town Hall during the following hours: Regular office hours are 9:00am to 4:30pm Monday thru Friday • Friday, December 23rd 9am – 12pm • Monday, December 26th Closed • Friday, December 30th 9am- 12pm • Monday, January 2nd Closed • Tuesday, January 10th 8am – 8pm Announcing Convenient, Secure, 24/7 Online Account Access and Payment Center.

To Sign Up, Please Visit; www.brookhaven.org/departments/receiveroftaxes.aspx LOUIS J. MARCOCCIA December 1, 2016 BROOKHAVEN TOWN RECEIVER OF TAXES One Independence Hill, Suite 110 Farmingville, NY 11738-2149 631-451-9009 632 12/22 1x tmc,vbr,vth,ptr

Defensive driving classes will be held in Shoreham and Mount Sinai.

File photo

Sign up for defensive driving As part of his ongoing efforts to keep Brookhaven Town motorists safe on the roadways, Superintendent of Highways Dan Losquadro (R) announced upcoming defensive driving classes.

In conjunction with American Safety Inc., the Town of Brookhaven will be hosting several classes at its local recreation centers and Brookhaven Town Hall.

Residents are encouraged to choose the time and location that is most convenient for them. All classes are held in two three-hour sessions or one six-hour session; participants taking the two three-hour sessions must attend both classes to receive their certificate of completion.

In addition to saving motorists money on insurance, completion of the course, which provides professional advice on how to avoid accidents, entitles participants to remove up to four points off of their driver’s license.

Classes will be held at the following locations and on the following dates: •Robert Reid Recreation Center, on Defense Hill Road in Shoreham, Jan. 10 and March 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 631-744-2601 to register for one of the classes.

•Rose Caracappa Senior Center, located at 739 Route 25A in Mount Sinai Jan. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 631-476-6449.

•New Village Recreation Center, located at 20 Wireless Road in Centereach Feb. 7 and Feb. 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. each night. Call 631-732-2338 to register.

•Town Hall, located at 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville Feb. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 631-363-3770 to register.

Class size is limited. The cost is $25 for those 55 and over and veterans and $40 for residents/nonresidents. Participants are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to class with either cash or two blank checks.

DECEMBER 22, 2016 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A7

A grandfather’s Christmas gift: The presepio

By Irene ruddock If you are looking for Christmas inspiration, or if you want to see a uniquely Italian art form that is positively inspirational, the Parish Center at St. James Roman Catholic Church in Setauket should be your first stop.

The Christmas Crèche, designed by the Rev. Gerald Cestare, affectionately called Fr. Jerry, fills an entire room, complete with a beautiful, cloud-filled, midnight blue sky.

“How else would the angels fly to worship the Christ child — or the North star shine to lead the wise men?” asks Cestare. You will discover that his attention to details, like this one, will surprise you. They will also lift your spirits.

Cestare, who often stops to make an adjustment to his nativity creation or to speak with the many visitors there, explained.

“In Italian, the nativity is called a ‘presepio,’ which means crib. My grandfather, Henry Gioia, started [creating] this old world Neapolitan crèche in his home each year. He filled the entire living room with his depiction of that holy night when Jesus

Photo at left by Irene ruddock, at right by donna newman

At left, Father Gerald cestare of St. James r.c. church in Setauket, creator of this Presepio. At right, a tiny section of the landscape of Bethlehem and its environs on the night Jesus was born.

Christ was born. He collected his nativity figures from around the world. He made mountains out of crumbled screen and covered it with plaster, then painted each and covered that with moss. Each of the little houses in the villages were hand-crafted as were the footbridges, pathways, wells, and campfires.”

As a child, Cestare was deter-

mined to start his own collection and was thrilled to receive the famous Roman Fontanini crèche nativity pieces from his family.

He knew in his heart that these pieces would become part of something wonderful as he continued his search for thousands of figures — from all over the world.

Collecting from estate sales, antique stores, and donations, the

crèche becomes even more authentic by adding water from the Jordan River, Lourdes and Fatima. When you learn that Cestare sprinkles soil from the Holy Land and places a stone from the cave of the nativity in Bethlehem at the foot of his stable, your visit may cease to be a casual observation and become a spiritual Christmas experience.

Cestare explains that after more than 25 years of collecting and displaying the nativity to thousands of people, his grandfather’s legacy — and Christmas gift — lives on. “[My grandfather reminds us] that the nativity was born a teaching tool from Saint Francis and continues to tell the true story of Christmas today. My prayer is that in the midst of a crazy, commercial and stress-filled world, people will stop for a moment to remember what is truly the greatest story ever told. I thank God and this wonderful Parish of St. James for giving me the opportunity to share my family tradition and I ask God to fill you with joy and hope this Christmas and always.”

All are welcome to view the “Presepio” at the Parish Center of St. James R.C. Church, 429 Route 25A in Setauket. It is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day and, if you are lucky, you may catch one of the informative guides who are there several times a day.

Be prepared to be awe-inspired and grateful to Cestare for his devotion to his grandfather’s legacy. Perhaps this presepio will be a gift to you too.

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PAGE A8 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • DECEMBER 22, 2016

Photo by Alex Petroski

Drivers slow down for rumble strips on east Broadway heading into Port Jefferson Village.

PJ Village implementing measures to slow drivers

By Alex Petroski alex@tbrnewspapers.com

152396

Drivers in Port Jefferson might think the little drummer boy has taken up residence in the village for the holiday season, but in reality the rumbling they’re hearing under their tires is a new initiative to get them to reduce their speed.

Rumble strips and speed tables were installed by the village in December in strategic areas to alert drivers to slow down on roads frequently used to enter Port Jefferson, following a study by an engineering firm which suggested motorists were traveling too fast.

Upon the recommendation of the firm, the strips were placed in the westbound lane of East Broadway between the Village Center and Belle Terre Village on Cliff Road. They were also added to both sides of Myrtle Avenue near Infant Jesus Roman Catholic Church. The speed tables are located on Brook Road near Caroline Avenue on the western side of the Port Jefferson high school campus. More speed tables and rumble strips may still be added to other areas in the village.

“I think the resident community was a little off put when they first hit them, but now they’re slowing down,” Mayor Margot Garant said in an interview. “Most of the local people in the neighborhood get it — you can’t just fly through the neighborhoods. I’ll put the rumble strips in just about anywhere people want.”

The village board of trustees passed a motion Nov. 28 approving spending for the project up to about $5,800, though the actual cost is not yet clear.

Garant and village Code Chief Wally Tomaszewski each referenced deadly crashes in recent years at the sites of the

new speed reduction measures as evidence that something needed to be done to curtail speeds in the village.

In December last year, 48-year-old Belle Terre resident Glen Nelson was killed while driving on East Broadway after his car crashed into a telephone pole near High Street.

“On East Broadway the rumble strips were necessary because the cars that are coming down the hill, there are many that were speeding both going down and up the hill,” Tomaszewski said in a phone interview. The strips, which are painted white and cause a rumbling sound inside the car when tires roll over them, are spaced a few hundred yards apart over a half-mile stretch on East Broadway.

The code chief also said the measures are having the desired effect.

“Absolutely they’ve worked so far,” Tomaszewski said. “Everything is done to exercise as much notice and caution to the general public utilizing the roadways.”

Garant said she received some push back initially because the speed tables were not adequately identified according to some users of the village roadways, though the mayor said the plan is for the tables to be painted in the near future for better visibility. She added that other measures were considered, like narrowing roadways in some spots, but ultimately the strips and tables made the most sense.

The speed tables are elevated speed bumps that are wider than typical ones and can do damage to the bottom of a car if drivers go over them too fast.

“I’m sorry that people in the first week got caught off guard, but I think the longterm intent is to slow everybody down,” she said.

Visit www.tbrnewsmedia for all the latest news

DECEMBER 22, 2016 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A9

history close at hand Tyler Christmas traditions center on food, family and music by beverly C. Tyler Christmas traditions in our home center around food, family and music. Growing up in Setauket, Christmas was a time when special treats were available that we did not get the rest of the year. As children, my sister, brother and I always looked forward to the annual Christmas party at the Setauket Neighborhood House where we would receive a box of chocolate candies and an orange, a real treat.

At home, my mother, father and grandma Tyler all had a hand in the preparation of holiday foods. Mom made wonderful cream cheese pineapple tarts and pies with flaky crusts that still have not been precisely duplicated.

My father had a number of specialties, but the only one I remember clearly was his eggnog — made in two versions. The alcoholic version used 151 proof rum, which Mom secretly cut by 50 percent or more with the nonalcoholic eggnog before guests and family arrived on Christmas eve or Christmas morning; a fact I learned only recently. Dad also took a quart of the potent mixture and put it away in the cold cellar to be used the following year as a starter for next year’s batch. (Caution, do not try this at home.)

Grandma Tyler had a hand in much of the meal preparation as well as in producing some of Dad’s favorite meals, especially sauerbraten. Grandma Tyler’s mother was German, from Baden, but the recipe used was an adaptation of the Luchow’s restaurant recipe, made with a six-pound bottom round, marinated for five days in burgundy, vinegar, vegeta-

bles and spices in a covered, refrigerated crock. This was our traditional Christmas dinner growing up and now we only occasionally continue the tradition since the preparation is very time-consuming.

Traditional foods that may or may not have come down from our families, that my wife Barbara and I have continued each year, are Christmas stollen, from my German heritage, and Christmas pudding, from our British heritage, also called plum pudding, even though there are no plums in it. Barbara says I only like Christmas pudding when it is accompanied by hard sauce, but we both love it drenched in warm custard.

Music has always been a tradition in my family. Growing up, my father played the violin for services at Caroline Church in Setauket accompanying his aunt, Annie Tyler, who was the church organist.

At various times, my father and mother were both choir directors at Caroline Church, filling in when there was a need.

Mom sang in the choir for more than 60 years, and my wife and I have been members of the Caroline Church choir for quite a few years.

We remember especially fondly a few services when my daughter Jen was with us for Christmas and sang in the choir with Mom, Barbara and me — three generations of Tylers singing together. Last year and this year, we have enjoyed having our grandson sing with us.

A tradition we started more than 30 years ago is having a simple and fairly quick meal of fondue on Christmas Eve before we leave for 7 p.m. choir practice, prior to services that include our choir at both 8 and 10 p.m. We started the fondue

Photo above from beverly C. Tyler. At left, file photo.

Above, violinist beverly G. Tyler, my father, and my great aunt, church organist Annie Tyler, inside Caroline Church, about 1935. At left, an exterior view of Caroline Church in Setauket at Christmastime. tradition about 1981 with a simple Swiss cheese fondue, but our daughter’s family prefers cheddar, so we now have both with crusty bread, apple slices and pepperoni.

In recent years, we have attended the winter concerts of our local grandchildren, both instrumental and choral.

We have also made Theatre Three’s “A Christmas Carol” a part of our tradition for the holiday season. Every year it is slightly different and its message of Christmas joy, community and forgiveness is uplifting.

We try to keep the tradition of singing Christmas carols on Christmas day alive, and with being together for presents, food, family games and maybe a traditional Christmas movie, the day goes by very quickly.

Breaking news

When news breaks, find the latest on our website: www.tbrnewsmedia.com

Christmas and holiday traditions have been a part of family activities for many generations. Many of these traditions were brought here by immigrants, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These immigrants wanted to transition into their new lives as Americans while at the same time maintaining a connection to their heritage and to the relatives they left behind. These strong traditions, brought to America, have enriched our American experience.

Beverly Tyler is the Three Village Historical Society historian and the author of several books available from the Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Rd., Setauket, NY 11733. Tel: 631-751-3730. www.TVHS.org.

PAGE A10 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • DECEMBER 22, 2016

LEGALS NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT: SUFFOLK COUNTY. THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR GMACM HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2006-HE3, Pltf. vs. REBECCA EVANS, et al, Defts. Index #061761/13. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Sept. 21, 2016, I will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY on Jan. 19, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. prem. k/a 7 Bayview Court, East Setauket, NY. Said property located in the Incorporated Village of Poquott, Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York, and further described as follows: Lot No. 9 and part of Lot No. 10, said Lots being shown upon the Map of Hoyt Heights, which said map was duly filed in Suffolk County Clerk’s Office on Mar. 4, 1946 and bears the County Clerk’s No. 1469. Approx. amt. of judgment is $172,321.22 plus costs and interest. Said sale shall be subject to a First Mortgage held

by GMAC Mortgage LLC, dated June 24, 2005 in the original principal balance of $128,000.00 and recorded on November 23, 2005 in Liber 21178, Page 517. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. RUDOLPH CARTIER, Referee, COHN & ROTH, Attys. for Pltf.,. 100 East OId Country Rd., Ste,. 28, Mineola, NY- #90193 637 12/15 4x vth NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Nationstar Mortgage LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST Marie Brignol a/k/a Marie Jose Brignol a/k/a Marie J. Brignol; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated September 2, 2015 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in the Calendar Control Part (CCP) 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York, 11501. on January 10, 2017 at 11:30AM, premises known as 840 Nightingale Road, West Hempstead, NY 11552. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of NY, Section 35 Block 588 Lot 3.

Approximate amount of judgment $369,012.42 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 14-009316.

Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 759-1835 Dated: September 29, 2016 641 12/8 4x vth NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff against NESTOR PAYNE A/K/A NESTOR W. PAYNE A/K/A NESTOR NESTOR; KIM PAYNE A/K/A KIM A. PAYNE, et al Defendants

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein, Such & Crane, LLP 1400 Old Country Road, Suite C103, Westbury, NY 11590 Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale Entered JULY 21, 2016 I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at the BROOKHAVEN TOWN HALL, 1 INDEPENDENCE HILL, FARMINGVILLE, NY 11738 on JANUARY 19, 2017 at 2:30 P.M. Premises known as 6 FAIRFAX DRIVE, FARMINGVILLE, NY 11738. Sec 692.00 Block 05.00 Lot 018.000 District 0200. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate lying and being at Farmingville, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $555,196.91 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 608089/2015.

LATOYA R. JAMES, ESQ., Referee 658 12/15 4x vth REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT – COUNTY OF SUFFOLK HRB MORTGAGE HOLDINGS, LLC, Plaintiff – against – JASON LANZARONE, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on September 22, 2016. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction, at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hall, Farmingville, Suffolk County, New York, 11738 on the 12th Day of January, 2017 at 9:00 a.m.

All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York.

Premises known as 330 Adirondack Drive, Farmingville, (Town of Brookhaven) New York 11738.

(District: 0200, Section: 571.00, Block: 03.00, Lot: 021.000) Approximate amount of lien $581,065.02 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 12-30350.

Glenn P. Warmuth, Esq., Referee.

Davidson Fink LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 28 East Main Street, Suite 1700 Rochester, NY 14614-1990 Tel. 585/760-8218 Dated: November 8, 2016 661 12/15 4x vth NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2005-9, Plaintiff AGAINST Howard Hew; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated June 9, 2016 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 17, 2017 at 11:30AM, premises known as 129 Circle

Drive East, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of NY, Section 32. Block C01 Lot 42. Approximate amount of judgment $401,922.03 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 14-005980.

Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., Referee Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 759-1835 Dated: October 31, 2016 662 12/15 4x vth Stock Photo

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF SUFFOLK-BROOKHAVEN CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff -againstSHANNON HECHT, DANIEL HECHT, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated August 12, 2016, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY on January 24, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the Westerly side of Queen Road, distant 392.17 feet Northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the Westerly side of Queen Road with the Northeasterly side of Magnolia Drive; being a plot 100 feet by 60 feet by 100 feet by 60 feet.

Said premises known as 20 QUEEN ROAD, ROCKY POINT, NY Approximate amount of lien $311,021.08 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney.

Index Number 16886/2013.

RICHARD J. KAUFMAN, ESQ., Referee David A. Gallo & Associates LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 95-25 Queens Boulevard, 11th Floor, Rego Park, NY 11374 File# 5025.2383 671 12/22 4x vth PUBLIC NOTICE COUNTY OF SUFFOLK VILLAGE OF POQUOTT The Incorporated Village of Poquott will hold public hearings on three proposed local laws on Thursday January 12, 2017 at 6:00 P.M. at Village hall, 45 Birchwood Avenue, Village of Poquott. Residents may hear and give input to these 1) LOCAL LAW # 57- Burning, Open- change in existing Law Burning , Open to include a Village Fire pit at a village Park.

Also a change to include the construction of Fire Pits on residential property.

2) LOCAL LAW – RENTAL HOUSE LAW – to regulate and permit the rental of houses in the Village of Poquott, whereas the

New app streamlines snowplow scheduling Brookhaven Town Highway Superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro (R) announced the roll out of a new app created to streamline the process of contacting hired drivers to help clear Brookhaven roadways during a snow storm.

“This app, which [was] active before the first storm of this season, offers a great deal of functionality and significant time savings for both our general foremen and our contracted plow drivers,” said Losquadro.

In the past, foremen would go to their offices and call each individual driver to let them know what time their services would be needed; the process could take up to an hour or more. With the new app, created by staff in the Brookhaven

Town Information Technology department, contractors are required to provide their cell phone numbers and email addresses. During a storm, general foremen will use the app to send both a text message and an email to the contractors letting them know what time they can begin plowing; they will then respond as to whether or not they are available.

“Since I took office nearly four years ago, one of my priorities has been improving the efficiencies of the department,” Losquadro said, noting that last year, the Highway Department went paperless after introducing and training supervisors and field workers on a custom-built, electronic work order system.

“This user-friendly app effectively does just that.”

got an opinion? express it at: tbrnewsmedia.com owner does not reside in the house being rented, but utilizes the rental as an investment property.

3) LOCAL LAW # 183-ZONINGchanges to the existing law to correct definitions existing in the law.

Copies of the proposed new local law and the changes to the existing local laws are available at the office of the village clerk during normal business hours.

Persons wishing to comment on the proposed changes may do so in person or by letter to the Village Board delivered to the office of the Village Clerk prior to the hearing.

By order of the Village Board Joseph Newfield Village Clerk 675 12/22 2x vth

Notice is hereby given that the annual inspection for 2016-2017 for the Play Groups School building for fire hazards which might endanger the lives of students, teachers, and employees therein has been completed, and the report thereof is available at the office of Play Groups School at 52 Old Post Road, East Setauket, New York 11733 for inspection by all interested persons.

684 12/22 1x vth NOTICE OF ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING AND BUSINESS MEETING BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS SETAUKET FIRE DISTRICT PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Setauket Fire District has scheduled their Organi-

zational Meeting for Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 5:30 PM. Please take further notice that the first Scheduled Business Meeting for Setauket Fire District will be held on Thursday January 12, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. Dated: December 16, 2016 Cynthia Hubbard Fire District Secretary 688 12/22 1x vth Play Groups School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational or admissions policies.

685 12/22 1x vth

DECEMBER 22, 2016 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A11

PeoPle

Minnesauke class adopts a platoon

Photos from Three Village school district

Principal Kristin Rimmer congratulates students advancing to the state level.

John Tsunis

Photo courtesy of Gold Coast Bank Photos from Three Village school district

Tsunis is honored John C. Tsunis, a resident of the Three Village community and Gold Coast Bank’s chairman and CEO has been named an honoree at this year’s Ronald McDonald House NYC Greek Division Holiday Dinner for his continued philanthropic efforts and contributions to the Greek-American community. Event co-chairs include GCB board members X. Cristofer Damianos and John Casimatidis Jr. Among many philanthropic endeavors, Tsunis currently serves as chairman of the Stony Brook Long Island Children’s Hospital Task Force, a member of the board of governors of Touro Law School and president of the Tsunis Foundation Inc. Tsunis served as chairman of the board of directors of New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association, chairman of the board of trustees of the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook and as past president of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce.

He was honored by the Village Times Herald in 2011 as Man of the Year.

He resides in Setauket with his wife and family.

Kate Hunter’s fifth-grade class at Minnesauke Elementary School spreads holiday cheer.

In an effort to spread holiday cheer to those serving their country, fifth-graders in Kate Hunter’s class at Minnesauke Elementary School recently participated in the Adopt-aPlatoon initiative.

The students created cards and wrote

beautiful messages to service members who are deployed from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to Iraq. The troops will receive these cards attached to a box of candy canes, which the students hope will help to raise morale and put a smile on the U.S. military members’ faces.

Decking the tree at Jeff’s Ferry

Photo hoto from Epoch 5 Public Relations

Jefferson’s Ferry residents recently gathered to decorate the community Christmas tree, the centerpiece of numerous holiday celebrations. Left to right, Cecile Sparhuber, Ellen Ballin (at rear), Joan Neuls, Nancy Sabbatino, Margo Rosenka, Marie Galioto (rear) and Barbara Steubenrauch.

Contest winners go on to state Setauket Elementary School students showcased their creativity this year by participating in the PTA Reflections Contest, and four students received honors at the local level of judging.

Kindergartener Caleb Gregory, second-grader Grace Allicino, third-grader Graham Gregory and sixth-grader Sarah Calone will now have their submissions judged on the state level.

For the contest, students submitted original works in one of six categories based on the theme What’s Your Story? The pieces could take the form of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography or visual arts.

Send information for the People page to: people@tbrnewspapers.com

Keep us informed: Your Community • Your News • Your Life

oBITUARIes Milton Gonzalez

Milton Gonzalez, 66, of Stony Brook, passed away Dec. 4.

A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, Milton was the beloved husband of Emily; cherished father of Elisa (James) Di Gennaro and Marisa Gonzalez; adored son of Dona Gonzales; loving grandfather of Brooke,

James, Christopher and Michael; and dear brother of Nilsa Montes, Ada Consalvo, Ilka Gonzalez and Ivan Gonzalez.

Arrangements were entrusted to Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Louis de Montfort Church and interment with military honors followed at Calverton National Cemetery.

The Gonzalez family has requested donations be made in memory of Milton Gonzalez to: Christ Church United Methodist, 545 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776, Attn: Pastor Paige.

An online guest book is available at www.branchfh.com.

Alfred Izzo

Alfred Izzo, 91, passed away Nov. 14, while residing at the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook.

He was the beloved husband of the late Laura for 57 years; cherished father of Dennis and Celeste; loving grandfather and great-grandfather of seven.

He was raised in the Bronx and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He retired from the New York City Sanitation Department. He was a devoted Catholic and a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

He was forever energetic, always

handsome and quick to lend a hand, tell a joke or share a story — a “grand” father in the truest sense of the word.

Arrangements were made by Moloney’s Lake Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Lake Ronkonkoma and interment was at St. Raymonds Cemetery in the Bronx.

Donations may be made to the Long Island State Veterans Home or St. Jude Research Hospital.

An online guest book is available at www.moloneyfh.com.

PAGE A12 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • DECEMBER 22, 2016

LEGALS

AMENDMENTS AND CHANGES TO THE ZONING ORDINANCES OF THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN CHAPTER 85, ARTICLE VII CONCERNING THE FOLLOWING: FRANCIS GIRARD FOR A CHANGE OF ZONE AND AMENDMENT TO RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS ON PROPERTY LOCATED IN SETAUKET, NY ADOPTED BY THE BROOKHAVEN TOWN BOARD - MEETING: MARCH 12, 2015 RESOLUTION OF ADOPTION – GRANTING THE APPLICATION OF FRANCIS GIRARD FOR A CHANGE OF ZONE FROM B RESIDENCE 1 TO J BUSINESS ON PROPERTY LOCATED IN SETAUKET, NEW YORK WHEREAS, on March 12, 2015, a duly advertised public hearing was held to consider the application of Francis Girard for a change of zone from B Residence 1 to J Business, to convert existing residential dwelling to office use, on a parcel of property located on the n/w/c New York State Route 347 and Mark Tree Road, Setauket, New York, further identified as S.C.T.M. No. 0200-332.00-01.00-011.001; and WHEREAS, after due consideration and deliberation; BE IT RESOLVED that the above application for a change of zone is hereby approved subject to the following: CONDITIONS 1.The applicant must submit proof, to the satisfaction of the Town Attorney’s Office, that the covenants and restrictions, approved as to form and substance, referenced below, have been filed with the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office. 2.The site access shall be reviewed at time of site plan review. The exact location to be approved by the Planning Board after receiving traffic comments from the appropriate review agencies. COVENANTS 1. The subject premises shall be limited to office use. 2. A 25’ vegetated buffer shall be maintained for the length of the western property line. The existing two-story building and walkway shall be permitted within the buffer but shall not reduce the vegetated buffer to less than 13.2 feet. 3. A solid sightly fence of six feet in height shall be maintained along the westerly property line. and be it further RESOLVED, that the Town Board, as Lead Agency, has determined that pursuant to 6NYCRR Part 617.3 and 617.6, the proposed action is deemed to be an Unlisted Action for which a Negative Declaration has been issued.

ADOPTED BY THE BROOKHAVEN TOWN BOARD - MEETING: MAY 12, 2016 RESOLUTION OF ADOPTION – GRANTING THE APPLICATION OF FRANCIS GIRARD FOR AN AMENDMENT OF RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS ON PROPERTY LOCATED IN SETAUKET, NEW YORK WHEREAS, on May 12, 2016, a duly advertised public hearing was held to consider the application of Francis Girard for amendment of restrictive covenants imposed by the Brookhaven Town Board in its Resolution of Adoption of the Application of Francis Girard for Change of Zone from B Residence 1 to J Business on property located in Setauket, New York, adopted at the March 12, 2015 Town Board Meeting, on property located on the n/w/c of New York State Route 347 and

Mark Tree Road, Setauket, New York, further identified as SCTM No. 0200-332.00-01.00-011.001; and WHEREAS, after due consideration and deliberation; BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Brookhaven that the above application of Francis Girard for amendment of restrictive covenants imposed by the Brookhaven Town Board in its Resolution of Adoption of the Application of Francis Girard for Change of Zone from B Residence 1 to J Business on property located in Setauket, New York, adopted at the March 12, 2015 Town Board Meeting, on property located on the n/w/c of New York State Route 347 and Mark Tree Road, Setauket, New York, further identified as SCTM No. 0200332.00-01.00-011.001, is hereby approved subject to the following: CONDITIONS 1. The applicant must submit proof, to the satisfaction of the Town Attorney’s Office, that the covenants and restrictions, approved as to form and substance, referenced below, have been filed with the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office.

COVENANTS 4. In the event of foreclosure, the Town Board, on its own motion, may seek revocation of the zone change approved herein, and re-zone the subject parcel to a residential zoning district. Should the Town Board take such action, the commercial use shall cease, and the uses of the subject parcel shall be restricted to those uses permitted in the residential zoning district; and be it further RESOLVED that all other provisions of the Declaration of covenants approved by the Town Board of March 12, 2015 remain unchanged. and be it further RESOLVED that the Town Board, as Lead Agency, has determined that pursuant to 6NYCRR Part 617.5(c) the proposed action is deemed to be a Type II Action.

DATED: DECEMBER 13, 2016 AT: FARMINGVILLE, NEW YORK STATE OF NEW YORK) COUNTY OF SUFFOLK) I, DONNA LENT, Town Clerk of Brookhaven, State of New York, do hereby certify that the annexed foregoing is a true copy of the amendments and changes to the Code of the Town of Brookhaven Chapter 85 Article VII which amendment and change was duly adopted by a motion of the Town Board on the 12th day of March, 2015 and the12th day of May, 2016 as herein above set forth as the same appears in the minutes of said meeting on file in my Office.

IN TESTIMONY WHERE OF, I have hereunto set my hand and annexed the seal of the said Town the 13th day of December, 2016.

DONNA LENT, TOWN CLERK, TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN 670 12/22 1x vth NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff against GEORGINA VARISCO , et al Defendants Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein, Such & Crane LLP, 1400 Old Country Road, Suite C103, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorney(s) for Plaintiff(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale Entered JUNE 2, 2016 I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at the BROOKHAVEN TOWN HALL, 1 INDEPENDENCE HILL, FARMINGVILLE, NY 11738 on JANUARY 20, 2017 at 10:00 A.M..

Premises known as 27 GALAXIE LANE, SELDEN, NY 11784. District 0200 Sec 519.00 Block 05.00 Lot 008.000. ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $374.491.64 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 15793/2012 .

DANIEL J. PANICO, ESQ. , Referee 686 12/22 4x vth NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING AND WORKSHOP

$1 million Continued from page Axx volved,” Bonnie Samuels said.

Norm Samuels is a newbie, taking classes for the first time this fall. He sad he is finding his DNA class stimulating.

“It opens your mind up to more indepth examination of ideas,“ he said.

“What I’ve learned about future uses of DNA — I think it’s going to shake us to our foundations! Being on campus, seeing the young people gives me vicarious pleasure. What I’d like to see is more integration between the young ones and us elders.”

Bonnie Samuels said opportunities of that sort do come up. OLLI members were recruited this semester to be audience members for a Talking Science class for undergraduate students. The goal was to listen and give feedback to young scientists to help them become clearer commu-

nicators when addressing nonscientists.

OLLI membership is open for an annual fee to all retired and semiretired individuals. The program currently offers more than 100 workshops per semester, and a variety of day trips. Avenues for participation include workshops, lectures, special events, committees and social activities. OLLI classes include topics in history, creative arts, science, literature and computer skills; fall classes included intermediate Latin, history of England, quantum weirdness, poetry out loud, senior legal matters and a virtual investing club.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes operate on the campuses of 119 institutions of higher education throughout the nation. Stony Brook’s OLLI program is the only such program on Long Island.

For more information, go to the Stony Brook University Osher Lifelong Learning Institute website or call 631-632-7063.

BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS SETAUKET FIRE DISTRICT PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Setauket Fire District will hold a Special Meeting on Sunday, January 1, 2017 at 10:30AM and a Workshop on January 8, 2017 at 9:00 AM at the Administration Building, 26 Hulse Road East Setauket, N.Y. 11733.

Dated: December 16, 2016 BY: CYNTHIA HUBBARD Fire District Secretary 689 12/22 1x vth NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE, LLC, Plaintiff against

Photo from Kara Hahn’s office

TAMARA SIMIC ,et al Defendants

Parents for Megan’s Law and Crime Victims Center’s Executive Director Laura Ahearn with Kara Hahn at the Dec. 8 gala.

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein, Such & Crane LLP, 1400 Old Country Road, Suite C103, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorney(s) for Plaintiff(s).

Hahn honored for body of work

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale Entered JULY 28, 2016 I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at the BROOKHAVEN TOWN HALL, 1 INDEPENDENCE HILL, FARMINGVILLE, NY 11738 on JANUARY 13, 2017 at 3:00 P.M.. Premises known as 67 WATERVILLE DRIVE, SOUND BEACH, NY 11789. District 0200 Sec 029.00 Block 04.00 Lot 045.000. ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Township of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $292,573.84 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 25018/13 .

WILLIAM F. ANDES, JR., ESQ. , Referee 660 12/15 4x vth

tbrnewsmedia.com • tbrnewsmedia.com • tbrnewsmedia.com tbrnewsmedia.com • tbrnewsmedia.com • tbrnewsmedia.com tbrnewsmedia.com • tbrnewsmedia.com • tbrnewsmedia.com

Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) received a “Champion for Children and Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention” award by Parents for Megan’s Law and Crime Victims Center at the organization’s 2016 Awards Gala held Dec. 8 in Hauppauge.

Hahn’s work on behalf of children and victims of abuse began more than two decades ago when she was a public policy coordinator for a child care advocacy organization for the City of Philadelphia.

As a legislator and majority leader, Hahn

has supported the County’s “Community Protection Act,” which increased monitoring of convicted sex offenders’ compliance with registration requirements and residency restrictions; developed a county policy to ensure the safety of children in childcare facilities; sponsored legislation to protect victims of domestic violence by enforcing orders of protection using GPS monitoring; and educating victims about their risk of repeated violence.

Breaking news

When news breaks, find the latest on our website: www.tbrnewsmedia.com

DECEMBER 22, 2016 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A13

SportS

Photos by Bill landon

Clockwise from above, Ward Melville’s Ben Rojak and newfield’s Evan Sidorowicz reach out to get a touch on one another; Ward Melville’s nick Ramos gets a touch on newfield’s Vincent Reyes; and Ward Melville’s Matt Burdette gets under newfield’s Bryan Torres.

Ward Melville continues to dominate the strip

By Bill landon Newfield was searching for its first win of the season, but the Wolverines had their hands full Dec. 19 with a matchup against Ward Melville on the fencing strip.

Ward Melville 19 The PatriNewfield 8 ots dynasty handily outscored its opponent 19-8 to extend their undefeated season to 4-0. Sabreist Jack Rohan defeated his third opponent on the night to give his team the 14th victory out of 27 possible, which put the meet away.

Ward Melville head coach Jeff Salmon flushed his bench to get his nonstarters some experience on the strip, and even those Patriots excelled.

“This year we have a lot of seniors and then there’s a big empty spot, so I’m trying to prepare for the future,” Salmon said. “But I feel pretty comfortable this season. It’s next season that I’m trying to get ready for.”

Sophomore foilist Jake Hempe broke the ice for Newfield in the fifth bout of the evening, defeating Ward Melville’s Regan St. Clair 5-1.

Hempe is undefeated after four

meets, and with his victories over Ward Melville, improved to 15-0 on the season.

“Ward Melville is exactly what I was expecting,” Hempe said. “ I fence with these guys at club, but as far as our performance, we just have to be more aggressive. We have the right actions, but sometimes we’re too slow. We need to come off the blade faster and we have to finish.”

Ward Melville senior epéeist Michael Jaklitsch blanked his opponent 5-0 in the seventh bout to stretch his team’s lead to 6-1.

“We’re a strong team — we fenced really well — so it’s nice when we face a team that may not be as strong, where we can get our new fencers out on the strip,” Jaklitsch said. “The big thing is to get them ready in case we have an injury or someone gets sick.”

Jaklitsch said his squad is shallow in epée, so his focus has been training the new fencers.

Newfield sabreist Patrick Hyneman said, despite being shutout by his opponent, the defeat makes him a better fencer.

“I had fenced them during a tournament, and when I go up against them, I learn so much from these guys,” Hyneman said. “Sure, it’s sad to lose, but to fence these guys — I take what I’ve learned into my next match.”

Newfield head coach Kyle Schirmer said his team is young, with just two seniors and one ju-

nior, and said it’s a sophomore that Chiarelli said. “That’s great to get them out on the strip because they stands out on his team.

“Hempe is my captain — he’s are the future of our team, so it’s good to bring them been on the team in early to see what since the seventh it’s like out there.” grade, he’s a good With the loss, team leader, he’s paNewfield drops to tient and he helps 0-5 and will host anthe other kids,” said other winless team in the coach.

Brentwood, Dec. 22 Ward Melville at 5 p.m. foilist Matthew Chi“My team is very arelli won his first young, so we’re gobout 5-2, but lost to work on the his second in a close — Michael Jaklitsch ing basics right now,” contest, falling 5-4 Schirmer said. “We face Brentto Hempe.

“We got a lot of the new fenc- wood next, and it’ll go a lot better ers in today, which is always nice,” than it went today.”

‘It’s nice when we face a team that may not be as strong, where we can get our new fencers out on the strip.’

PAGE A14 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • DECEMBER 22, 2016

OpiniOn

Letters to the editor

Editorial

We enjoy holiday lights, but do trees?

Many people buy and hang Christmas tree lights and regular tree lights for special occasions and holidays, but studies have revealed that the bright tree lights hanging on trees all the time is harmful for the trees. As most of us know, trees and plants survive and function using photosynthesis, and sunlight is a part of photosynthesis. When the lights on the plants and trees are constantly active, it seriously affects the plant cycles. It confuses the plants, animals and organisms around it as well. The normal growth and development for trees depends on the light’s quality. William Chaney of Purdue University, says the continuous lighting is even more damaging than lighting that is turned off late in the evening.

This is because the foliage of trees grown in continuous lighting would be larger in size and more File photo

A letter written by Sapphire Perera last week said holiday light decorations could disrupt plant photosynthesis; below Perera.

A thank you to our letter writers Last week, the editorial staff received a letter from a young student in one of our coverage areas. She wrote about the effects of constantly having lighted bulbs on trees during the holiday season can have on outdoor trees. Being able to publish this letter was one of the highlights of our week.

When we were in middle school, our thoughts were preoccupied with sports, friends, relationships and whatever else was “in” at the time. If we had any extra time, it was likely not going to be dedicated to the environment or hometown paper. Of course now, as editors of local papers, we’d like nothing more than for students to feel passionately enough about anything to write their opinions in a letter to the editor.

This letter put a smile on our faces. It made us feel proud of the residents in the areas we cover. We hope — and encourage — more young students to write in with their opinions of local, national and international news.

The age-old saying “young people are the future” has not lost its veracity, and we take great pride in being able to offer all community members, including the youngest ones, the ability to have their voices heard.

Of course, we don’t mean to “diss” the rest of our readers.

We thank everyone who sent their opinions to us this year. A community paper is meant to be a reflection of the community it serves, and we enjoy being able to include as many opinions as possible from our community members.

Thank you for keeping in touch with us in 2016. We look forward to continuing the partnership in 2017. Happy holidays!

Letters …

We welcome your letters. They should be no longer than 400 words and may be edited for length, libel, style and good taste.

We do not publish anonymous letters. Please include a phone number and address for confirmation. Email letters to donna@tbrnewspapers.com or mail them to The Village Times Herald, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733.

susceptible to air pollution and water stress due to the stomatal pores in leaves remaining open for longer periods. The artificial lighting extends the day length for the plant when it is always being exposed to light. It can change flowering patterns and the continued growth. The lights can prevent the plant from flowering and reproducing, and it prevents trees from developing dormancy, which allows them to survive the harshness of the winter weather.

The bright lights everywhere can disrupt the animals around as well. For instance, the lights disrupt the navigation systems of migrating birds who calibrate their flight patterns by the moon and stars. The birds (when passing brightly lit areas) then become disoriented and might even fly into the lit buildings.

Some people are starting to use fake Christmas trees for decorating, instead of using real ones, but many people still decorate the environment around them and during the winter season, hundreds of towns and cities are filled with trees and bushes laden with lights which really throws off the plants and their cycles. Imagine if someone covered the entire earth with lights and we never knew if it was morning or night. It would really throw you off, wouldn’t it?

So this Christmas and for future reference, think about how your decorating affects the environment and organisms around you.

For my family and me, having one artificial lit tree is enough.

Sapphire Perera Port Jefferson

Dealing with the holiday blues As we are in the thick of the holiday season and busy celebrating, I want to reach out to those who are coping with grief. With good cheer all around, those who have suffered a loss may find their heartache to be accentuated and even feel unmotivated to participate in the usual holiday traditions. This lack of motivation may even lead to a sense of guilt, but be kind to yourself and consider some small steps that can be taken to honor your loved one as well as your emotions.

The most important thing is to be patient with yourself. Grieving does not have an expiration date and often comes in waves.

Remember that with time, you will get better at handling the holidays, but until then, permit yourself to

mourn. It is OK to communicate that you’re not in the holiday spirit when invited to dinners or parties; don’t worry about being a downer.

If you are undecided, you can take your own transportation so you are free to leave at any time.

Starting a new tradition is a wonderful way to remember your loved one; it is also a powerful healing activity. Perhaps continue a tradition that your loved looked forward to. Or, light a candle and ask everyone to tell a story about the deceased. This dedicated time will allow you and others to open up and share; tears will come, but it’s an instant elixir to heartache.

The gift of giving is also powerful in lifting spirits and healing the heart. Make a donation or volunteer for a cause that relates

to the deceased. You can also buy a gift your loved one would have appreciated and present it to someone who would appreciated it as well. This will certainly bring you some joy.

Lastly, find a way to express your emotions. Whether it is with a friend, family member or therapist; have someone you can lean on as you are grieving. Remember that you don’t have to always hold it all together; it’s OK to cry.

If you are in need of bereavement counseling, you can contact the Suffolk Bereavement Center at 631-666-6873, ext. 200, or 631666-6863.

Sunday night I attended an interfaith program, “Beyond the Election: Knowing Your Neighbors” at the Selden Masjid (The Islamic Association of Long Island). The keynote speaker was NYPD Chaplain Imam Khalid Latif. I knew he had been named a “Global Interfaith Visionary” by the United Nations and “One of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World” by Georgetown University’s Prince Alwaleed Bin Center. What impressed more than these accolades was the fact that he spoke from his heart, without notes, for 30 minutes, and the crowd of all faiths hung on every word.

Although he has met privately with Pope Francis, President Obama and the Dalai Lama; been

interviewed frequently on national TV; and holds the rank of Inspector in the NYPD, he has been harassed several times (even while in uniform) simply for being a Muslim.

The stories he shared about people of faith coming together to fight bigotry were inspirational. When asked what each of us can do, he responded, “You don’t have to be black to stand up for black rights.

You don’t have to be a woman to stand up for women’s rights.

An attack on any one of us is an attack on all of us.” Rabbi Moss, from B’nai Israel Reform Temple in Oakdale, added, “No one should ever feel helpless against acts of violence and prejudice.”

I was greeted warmly. Before the forum, we were welcome to

observe the faithful in prayer. A former Muslim student of mine from Stony Brook University thanked me for coming. I hugged the Chaplain/Imam before I left. If you ever get a chance to hear him speak, please do so.

If you have an opportunity to attend a similar event at a nearby mosque, please go. I put the Dome of the Rock on my business card because Jews, Christians and Muslims are all spiritual descendants of Father Abraham. We share more in common than we may think. My evening with my former student, the folks of many faiths that attended, and the NYPD Chaplain reinforced this.

County Legislator William Spencer Centerport

We share more in common than we think

Daniel B. Kerr Stony Brook

DECEMBER 22, 2016 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A15

opinion Finding ways to beat the Trumpertime blues

I

’ve heard the phrase numerous times in the last month: What can I do? I’m so upset about X, Y or Trump and I don’t know what to do.

In a world where news of any kind travels incredibly quickly across the globe, it seems that, like it or not, we know about events everywhere. Unfortunately, much of the news we hear about is horrible, filled with hate, anger, frustration, violence, bigotry, racism or other ugly isms.

It’s hard to escape all that

By Daniel Dunaief bad news when it slaps us across the face on the internet, when it comes at us with earnest energy from our TV reporters, and when it shouts from the front, back and everywhere in between

D. None of the above

pages of major national and international newspapers.

I don’t think the answer to the question about how to deal with frustrations or anxieties should be to tune out or to become uninformed. We can’t and shouldn’t try to go back in time because information, much as it might irritate, scare or overwhelm us, allows us to make informed decisions and to remain vigilant about our values.

To those who find the prospect of a Trump presidency terrifying, I suggest reading and understanding the Constitution. That incredibly important document which created our government guaranteed us inalienable rights. We can and should use them, either by speaking to our representatives or by sharing our concerns and observations with the world. Much as the future president might prefer that people not criticize him, we have the right to speak our minds, just as he has the responsibility to lead and represent the nation.

Our system of government has at its core a system of checks and balances.

Sure, having one party in control of two branches of government — and potentially a third with Supreme Court Justice nominations coming down the road — seems daunting. Still, those representatives know they have to answer to the people for their actions, decisions and inactions.

Trump clearly was an independent voice that became stronger through opposition. Other politicians who use that same playbook might also find favor with an electorate seeking an independent voice and a promise of success.

OK, so, what else can we do? Well, we can make our own world a better place. Worried about the environment? Stop sitting at the train station, outside the school or at a track meet while idling your engine. I have waited at train stations for 10 or 15 minutes, in temperatures well below freezing, with my engine off. The car doesn’t get that cold. Besides, I’m dressed for the cold, so I don’t need constant heat.

We can also encourage people to

disagree without shouting, bullying or berating. The internet has unleashed anonymous voices filled with rage, hate and criticism. We can suggest to our friends and to our children that they can disagree without needing to resort to ad hominem attacks.

We can also do what teachers, coaches and parents focus on every day. We can be role models and examples for our children, our nieces and nephews, and our grandchildren. We can take an extra moment to make someone feel better, to give someone the tools for self-expression, or to learn to laugh at himself or herself.

We can’t fix the world by snapping our fingers or by wanting things to be different. We can, however, take small steps to make our communities happier, safer and more welcoming.

As we prepare to make those New Year’s resolutions, let’s include smaller ideas that reflect who we are. If we feel we need to do something, we can and should, whether that’s reading the Constitution or giving someone else a hand, even after the holidays.

A holiday memory: moving forward on the ski slopes

M

y husband and the father of our three sons died 29 years ago just before the holidays. After the funeral and the well-wishers had gone, we went back to our routine lives, my sons to their schools and I to the newspaper, doing the things we were supposed to be doing but in a kind of trance.

Our shock and grief made us sleepwalk each

By Leah S. Dunaief through day, numb to the world. Elsewhere in the newspaper, in the Arts & Lifestyles section, you can find a selection of most vivid memories at holiday time, and they are well worth reading. When asked for mine, my thoughts instantly returned to that dismal time, and I offer them now in the spirit of the letter written to us by county Legislator William “Doc”

Between you and me

Spencer on the opposite page. Perhaps our experience can be of some help for those dealing, at this time of public gaiety, with grievous loss.

My sons were on Christmas break, I had a few days off from work, and as we sat around my husband’s empty chair at the breakfast table, hollow-eyed and lifeless, I got what seemed to be an outrageous idea. “Let’s go skiing,” I said, “up to Vermont.”

My children suddenly focused.

“When?”

“Now. Right now,” I answered, caught up in some kind of frenzy.

“Go pack and we’ll stay for a few days at our favorite inn.”

“Can we afford it?” one of them asked.

“Yes!” I lied, thinking of my credit card. “Yes we can. Now go. We’ll leave as soon as you are ready. I’ll call ahead and make the reservation.”

“Without dad?”

“Yes, without dad. This is something he would want us to do.”

And so we went, inviting the young woman who was to become

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my oldest son’s wife a couple of years later to join us. Now for those of you who don’t ski, I can tell you that it takes your full concentration to navigate a slope, especially in the east, where sections of the trail can unexpectedly have turned to ice. Moguls, rocks, tree roots all have to be avoided, as well as other skiers and snowboarders.

The air is frigid, but we are not cold because we are exercising strenuously and are wearing protective layers of insulated clothing. The sky is deep blue on a perfect ski day, and we seemed to have lucked out with the weather that week. The view from the mountaintop is fantastic, with fallen snow resting lushly on the limbs of the evergreens just below the crest.

We ski in a line, perhaps my oldest son in the lead and I bringing up the rear as we snake our way down, the only sound the swoosh of our skis against the snow as we turn left then right to break our speed. We meet at the bottom, exhilarated from the exercise and the fresh air, and join the lift line to go back up and

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Leah S. Dunaief GENERAL MANAGER Johness Kuisel MANAGING EDITOR Desirée Keegan EDITOR Donna Newman

LEISURE EDITOR Heidi Sutton SPORTS EDITOR Desirée Keegan ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ellen Recker ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kathryn Mandracchia

do it again. And again. Our muscles rejoice, although they will later pay a price for the unexpected movement.

But by then we are in a hot Jacuzzi, pampering each ache before ravenously devouring dinner. We laugh about the day’s individual incidents, the spills, the almost-spills, the gravity defying leaps off the edge of the biggest moguls.

I look around at my family, enjoying their animated conversation.

We are together and we are alive.

For the moment, it feels wonderful, pushing away the grief. That is the way we will move forward now, tightening the circle.

Later there will be tears, coming in gushes at unexpected times, triggered by small reminders, by birthdays and holidays and by nothing at all. Slowly we will become emotionally unfrozen, no longer zombies, our minds finally accepting the new order. With our memories, we will move on because there is no other choice.

And we have. But that bittersweet ski trip, so outlandish an idea then, remains forever in my heart.

ART AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Beth Heller Mason INTERNET STRATEGY DIRECTOR Rob Alfano

CLASSIFIEDS DIRECTOR Ellen Segal BUSINESS MANAGER Sandi Gross CREDIT MANAGER Diane Wattecamps CIRCULATION MANAGER Courtney Biondo

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PAGE A16 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • DECEMBER 22, 2016