PT031209 by Dave Leaman

The Port TIMES RECORD PORT JEFFERSON • BELLE TERRE • PORT JEFFERSON STATION • TERRYVILLE

Volume 22, No. 14

March 12, 2009

75¢

Dancing Irish all year round The Mulvihill-Lynch School of Irish Dance boasts over 200 students in three Suffolk County locations, and has won prize after prize over the years, nationally and internationally. We’re sure their feet will be flying on Tuesday, St. Patrick’s Day. More on page A23. Photo courtesy of Mulvihill-Lynch

Halfway house of horrors PJ mayor calls colleague ‘thug,’ makes early exit from board mtg BY DAVE WILLINGER dave_w@tbrnewspapers.com

That seemingly simple building project at the Port Jefferson Country Club at Harbor Hills known as the halfway house — a snack bar and grill where golfers can grab a bite or members can enjoy refreshments in an informal setting — has continued to defy efforts to bring it to completion for five years.

When the subject of payments for the renovations to the halfway house came up at Monday’s business meeting, Village Trustee Joe Erland sought answers from the mayor regarding specific invoices related to the project. Harty directed the questions to the village treasurer and claimed never to have been in charge of the project. Continued on page A13

Photo by D. Willinger

Deputy Mayor Joe Erland, center, conducts the Village Board business meeting Monday evening. Mayor Brian Harty had left earlier when the agenda item of the renovations to the halfway house at the country club was broached. The trustees say they are still waiting for answers from the mayor about apparent irregularities involving payments to contractors on that project. Clockwise from left: Village Trustees Carmine Dell Aquila, Virginia Capon, Joe Erland, Harry Faulknor; Village Treasurer Don Pearce and Village Clerk Bob Juliano.

Stony Brook Sportsweek

It’s baaack TV reality show airs

‘Close to Home’ exhibit opens

Casey Jacobs is the Athlete of the Week

Locals react to hazing episode filmed in Port Jefferson

St. Patrick once again on the march Sunday

Pages B30-31

Page A5

Page B1

Port Jefferson clicks here! • northshoreoflongisland.com

PAGE A2 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • MARCH 12, 2009

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Department of Recreation and Parks EVENTS at the VILLAGE CENTER Hip Hop demonstration Presented by A & G Dance Company on Saturday, March 28, at 11 am. • “Night at the Copa” An evening of song and splendor. Friday, April 3. Presented by St. George Productions and sponsored by Mario’s restaurant, the PJ Conservancy and the PJ Recreation Dept. Seating is limited so get your tickets early. Call 802-2160 for information. • Antiques & Garden Weekend April 24 - 26 Trips: • Backstage Tour of the Met & 2 short operas Thursday, March 26 • Andre Rieu in Bridgeport April 24 (ferry trip details TBA) Tickets on sale now New! Looking for senior (60+) softball players Contact Ron Middleton at 698-5267 or at ruann@aol.com RESIDENT-ONLY SPRING YOUTH PROGRAMS Look on www. portjeff.com for registration forms for girls’ softball, boys’ baseball, coed T-ball, coach-pitch baseball, lacrosse and tennis. Forms will be posted as start dates are finalized. Call the Recreation Office for information.

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Classifieds Section C The PORT TIMES RECORD (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 $35 annually. Leah S. Dunaief, Publisher. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to PO Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733.

Stop-gap measure guarantees counsel in wake of Lauri walk-out BY DAVE WILLINGER dave_w@tbrnewspapers.com

Mayor Brian Harty invited attorney Barry Warren to Monday’s business meeting, where the veteran lawyer said he is ready to come on board as village attorney. Currently holding that position is Ken Lauri, who has submitted his resignation effective March 13. Warren, a 30-year resident of Port Jefferson, previously served as village attorney under mayors Jeanne Garant and Mike Lee. He said he was willing to serve the remainder of Lauri’s term, until the new mayoral term beginning in July. The village attorney is a mayoral appointment that is confirmed by a majority vote of the Village Board. “You don’t want to be adrift for two or three months without a lawyer,” Warren told the board. At Village Hall Monday Warren received words of support from all the trustees, including Carmine Dell Aquila, who said he would look forward to working with Warren, and Virginia Capon, who said she would welcome Warren’s “institutional knowledge.” Village Trustee Harry Faulknor said, “You couldn’t find a better attorney who understands this village.” But Harty walked out of the meeting in the midst of questions directed at him by the trustees about perceived irregularities

Photo by D. Willinger

Attorney Barry Warren will consult as needed; is mayor’s unofficial pick to succeed Ken Lauri as village attorney.

in payments to contractors who worked on the halfway house. [See story page A1.] Without the mayor present to put forth Warren’s name, the four trustees were powerless to appoint him new village attorney. “The only one who can make that appointment is the mayor,” Village Clerk Bob Juliano reminded the

trustees. “We’re faced with litigation,” Dell Aquila said, and the village is in an “emergency situation.” After some discussion, it was resolved to hire Warren on a per hour basis for various immediate legal matters including consultation, pending a formal appointment by the mayor. The money will come from the $5,000 remaining in the budget for Lauri’s services. As for Lauri, he told The Port Times Record Tuesday it had been “an honor to serve the village.” Lauri described the appointment as only a part-time position that is temporary and “really meant for public service.” The village attorney “operates at a substantially reduced rate,” he said and added, “I [want] to concentrate on my private practice.” Lauri said he would not represent the village in the current lawsuit brought by the developers of Liberty Meadows and which challenges the Village Code as it applies to cluster housing subdivisions. Lauri had previously represented the Planning Board in a suit brought by the Coalition to Save Cedar Hill and in which Liberty Meadows was a co-defendant. In that action, which the Planning Board won, Lauri said he had “worked closely with Linda Margolin,” attorney for Liberty Meadows. Outside counsel Tom Levin curContinued on page A23

Private school transportation Attention Port Jefferson School District residents: Resident pupils of the Port Jefferson Union Free School District No. 6 scheduled to attend or continue to attend or anticipate attending private or parochial schools are entitled to bus transportation in accordance with distance limitations provided for public school students and if the distance from the home to the private or parochial school is not greater than 15 miles. To apply for transportation for the 2009-10 school year to a private or parochial school a request for transportation form must be received by the district’s transportation office no later than April 1. This transportation request form must, by law, be submitted each year. A separate form must be filed for each child. If, after applying, you wish to change the school for which for you had originally requested transportation you must cancel your previous request and submit another request for transportation by the April 1 deadline. You may obtain a copy of the request for transportation form by calling the transportation office at 476-4410 between the hours of 7 am and 3 pm.

Beach Cleanup Captain Dave Johnson of the Coastal Steward invites the public to help with a beach cleanup Saturday, March 14, at Mt. Sinai Harbor on the Port Jefferson side. Volunteers should wear work clothes and bring work gloves and meet at the cul de sac at Crystal Brook Hollow Road starting at 9 am. Cleanup continues until 1 pm.

The week in meetings The Cumsewogue Historical Society will meet Thursday, March 19, at 7:30 pm at the Comsewogue Public Library on Terryville Road in Port Jefferson Station. For more information, contact Jack Smith at 928-7622 or email cumsewoguehistory@yahoo.com.

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MARCH 12, 2009 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A3

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finalized. “We do have a very generous numBudget discussions at the Comse- ber of clubs. So while we may be elimwogue school district are under way, inating some, there are many, many meaning a number of cost-saving pro- opportunities for students to go in another direction,” she said. “Some posals are being discussed. Overall, the district is striving to people have actually said, ‘Do you rekeep the tax increase at 0, with a 3.9 ally need all these clubs?’ So that’s a percent increase as a “worst case sce- part of the reason we’re looking at it nario,” Assistant Superintendent for as well.” According to Casali, the district is Business Susan Casali said. “We think we have a good shot at it but we have to also working through “administrative wait until those final state aid numbers reorganization,” including the elimicome,” Casali said. The latest num- nation of the assistant superintendent bers from Albany show Comsewogue position for next year. Susan Fishbein stands to receive about $2.4 million in is retiring and will not be replaced, Casali said, saving the district $119,425 state aid, school officials said. The district will consider reducing in salary expenses. Intramural sports the number of extracurricular clubs, may also be impacted, Casali said. especially where student interest is The district is currently considering a plan whereby each school f lagging. Comsewogue would reduce its offerHigh School Principal Jenings of intramurals by one nifer Reph said clubs with The next budget sport. Which sports might fewer than five members could face elimination workshop will be be eliminated has not been decided. next year, thereby saving held Thursday, One cost-saving meathe district the advisor stiMarch 19, at 7:30 sure that has been decidpend in each case. Most of ed, however, is the shortthe clubs that would end pm in the Board ening of polling hours for up on the chopping block Room at the the annual budget vote currently have even lower and trustee election to be enrollments — three or District Office. held on May 19. Instead of even fewer students, acopening at 6 am and closcording to Reph. Clubs being considered for elimi- ing at 9 pm, as was the policy in prenation at the high school include judo, vious years, voting this May will only chess, photography, dance, “peerven- take place from 9 am to 9 pm. How tion” and the student store. Clubs less much money could the district poslikely to be cut are those where stu- sibly save by slicing three hours off dent interest is keen and where the election day? School officials did not club’s activities reinforce academics say. But Saffer said voter turnout durand involve community service, Reph ing those first three hours historically said, for example, Habitat for Human- “was a very small number of people.” The next budget workshop will be ity, where students actually help build held Thursday, March 19, at 7:30 pm homes for families on Long Island. According to Superintendent Shel- in the Board Room at the District Ofley Saffer, the board is still reviewing fice at 290 Norwood Avenue in Port the list of clubs and no cuts have been Jefferson Station. BY LISA STEUER

PAGE A4 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • MARCH 12, 2009

Comsewogue SD mulls cuts to meet goal of 0% tax hike

TV show taped in Port Jeff last fall comes to the small screen BY DAVE WILLINGER dave_w@tbrnewspapers.com

Last November a group of college kids in their underwear caused a stir on Arden Place in Port Jefferson, as they brutalized their peers by forcing them to drink booze through a funnel among other tricks of the hazer’s trade. Or so it seemed to many shocked passersby. In fact it was all part of an elaborate hoax put on to snag some b-roll for a low-budget TV show. That Port Jefferson segment aired this week. The show’s producers had obtained their permit to film in Port Jefferson last fall by simply walking into Village Hall and requesting it. When Village Clerk Bob Juliano was asked this week if that procedure had been modified to include oversight by the Village Board, he wrote in an email, “Since ABC News came in, I question the applicant closer and inform the Board of the happenings (filming).” Gary Stewart of Jamaica is a waiter at Tequila Jacks Mainland and had a front-row view of those antics on

‘Since ABC News came in, I question the applicant closer and inform the Board.’ BOB JULIANO PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CLERK ON FILM PERMIT PROCEDURE

Arden Place four months ago. When asked whether he had suspected it was a setup, Stewart recalled, “At first, I didn’t know.” Later someone affiliated with the TV show came into the restaurant to assure those inside there was no need to keep calling the police, he said. The tall brunette behind the bar at Tequila Jacks, who preferred not to give her name, said, “I’m not a fan of those kind of shows.” One of her customers, who would only reveal his first name, Zvonimir, called it “‘Candid Camera’ in reverse,” and added, “It’s not funny.” Over at Tommy’s Place on Main Street, just around the corner from where last year’s filming took place, patrons and staff were not reluctant to share their opinions of the show, the issue of hazing or their full names. Sean Evans of Wading River said he never did the college thing, going straight into the U.S. Air Force instead. Evans, who became a military police officer in the Air Force, said his training “was hell at the beginning,” but would not equate it with hazing. Instead, he said, it’s about “respect issues” in the Air Force. “They show you who’s boss — and who isn’t,” he said. Lisa Castrignani was on duty as manager of the Village Way on Main Street when the TV crews were secretly filming the faux hazing. “I couldn’t get out to see,” she said. Castrignani said she thought at the time it was a

Photos by D. Willinger

Lisa Castrignani of Port Jefferson was working at the Village Way last November when ABC staged the hazing on Arden Place. This week she caught the scenes on TV at Tommy’s Place and said, ‘I would have tried to stop those kids from doing that.’ Below: Gary Stewart could look out from his job at Tequila Jacks Mainland onto Arden Place where the show was taped last November.

kind of street theater, otherwise she “would have tried to stop those kids from doing that.” To illustrate her point, she said she witnessed a fight in the middle of Main Street at 2 am about three months ago. “I’m like, nobody’s trying to stop this.” So she started screaming at the fighters, who finally quit. “The kid was bleeding,” she said. Kerri Tinucci of Port Jefferson watched the show and commented, “It’s not like any kind of hazing I’ve seen.” Hazing is “a private ritual,” Tinucci said, and recounted how her brother was initiated into the Adelphi University baseball team Continued on page A10

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MARCH 12, 2009 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A5

‘Don’t haze me, bro’

PAGE A6 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • MARCH 12, 2009

PJ Village Board would extend on-the-street parking enforcement Changes would restrict Main St., E. Main St. parking into wee hours; public hearing set for May 4 BY DAVE WILLINGER dave_w@tbrnewspapers.com

A public hearing has been set for May 4 to solicit comments on a proposed Port Jefferson Village Code change for time-limited parking on Main Street and East Main Street. According to the proposal, the twohour limit on East Main Street would be reduced to one hour to conform with parking on Main Street, and the hours of enforcement would be expanded to include the hours from 8 am until 2 am. Enforcement on upper Main Street would also be initiated by the change. During a discussion of the matter at Monday’s business meeting of the Village Board, Trustee Harry Faulknor said, “Quite honestly in the summertime between 10 pm and 2 am [there] is a lot of parking on the street. That’s a time we should be managing some parking.” When the proposal was mentioned by Village Trust-

ee Joe Erland, the parking committee liaison, during the public portion of the meeting, Marge McCuen, an East Main Street business owner, told the board in reference to managed parking, “If you’re going to continue doing this stupid thing and I know you will until we’re all dead and buried, why not make it later?” The proposed code change as yet would not impact hours of enforcement in the metered lots. Erland said changes there, too, are being discussed by the parking committee, including either a later start to enforcement — now 10 am — or extending enforcement beyond 10 pm. If such a modification is decided upon in a timely fashion, it could be added to the code change proposal and included in the subject of the public hearing, which will be advertised in the legals section of this newspaper in the near future. Despite the recent warm weather, snow removal was

a big topic of discussion at Monday’s public meeting of the Port Jefferson Village Board. Residents complained that not all the sidewalks in the downtown commercial district were shoveled. There were also complaints that the piles of snow left curbside by village plows made it difficult to park on the street. Chief Wally Tomaszewski said in the future his officers would be more aggressive in writing summonses to persons who fail to comply with the provision for snow removal. Tomaszewski said the Department of Environmental Conservation does not allow the village to remove plowed snow to another location. However, DEC spokesperson Aphrodite Montalvo said Tuesday the DEC has no jurisdiction when it comes to piling snow in an area that is not wetlands. Montalvo said snow could even be dumped into the harbor without requiring a State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, a SPDES permit, as long as it was “clean snow.” At the meeting Suffolk police were represented by Sgt. Kevin Byrne and officer Jim Parkinson. When asked by a resident about trucks driving on Barnum Avenue, a road where those vehicles are prohibited, Continued on page A23

There oughta be a law ... Port Jefferson Village Code § 215-12 Every owner, lessee, occupant or other person having charge or possession of improved or unimproved land fronting on any sidewalks within the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson shall remove snow and ice from such sidewalks within four hours after the snow causing such condition ceases to fall on such sidewalks. The period between sunset and sunrise shall not be computed in the four-hour interval. This section shall be deemed complied with if removal operations have been commenced within said four-hour period and completed within a reasonable time.

Courtesy of Chris Ryon

Ice Girls & Sparky

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The NY Islander Ice Girls and Sparky, the Islanders’ Mascot, dropped by the rink at Harborfront Park late last month for some ice time with area children and sports fans. The fundraiser was supported by The Rinx, the new managers of the skating on the harbor as of this year. Sunday, March 15 is the last day to enjoy Port Jefferson’s own outdoor skating rink — until next winter!

MARCH 12, 2009 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A7

Photo by D. Willinger

An unidentified employee of the state Department of Transportation checked the functioning of the traffic signal at Barnum Avenue and West Broadway Friday as part of a larger traffic study at that intersection.

Barnum traffic study under way by DOT The Department of Transportation is conducting a traffic study at Barnum Avenue and 25A in Port Jefferson in response to a letter from the Suffolk County Police Department, DOT spokesperson Eileen Peters said Tuesday. Peters said the time allotted by the traffic signal for pedestrians to cross at that intersection was one aspect under

review. Peters said DOT would also look at three years’ of traffic accidents at that location and conduct onsite inspections of traffic flow during rush hours and ferry arrivals. The letter also requested a check of whether the green arrow for left hand turns onto Barnum conflicted with the exit from the Brookhaven boat ramp. — WILLINGER

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PAGE A8 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • MARCH 12, 2009

Town imposes hiring freeze, hears of ‘dead battery club’ beaches and parks. including a full time employee in Parks and Although all six council The commissioners several part-timers, but added that since members voted in favor, differTown Board’s Republican majority, With Brookhaven’s financial situation ‘are crazed about the ences along partisan lines noneled by Mazzei, changed the procedure for being buffeted by the worldwide economic theless were aired. Councilman this.’ processing personnel changes when it took downturn, the Town Board Tuesday night Tim Mazzei (R-Blue Point), cur- — ACTING SUPERVISOR control in January 2008, the supervisor’s took another step to ward off a potential fisrently the GOP candidate in the cal emergency later this year by imposing a LORI BALDASSARE office is no longer aware of a hiring until it — COUNCILMAN March 31 special election for has already happened. She said department two-month hiring freeze. TIM MAZZEI town supervisor, said yesterday, commissioners, almost all appointed by The last-minute resolution, sponsored by “I have not been notified by the acting super- the majority, now manage personnel within their own Councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld (D-East Setauket), passed unanimously at the end of the board’s visor’s office” of any hires recently. Mazzei said he was departments. Under former Supervisor Brian Foley all regular meeting. Fiore-Rosenfeld cited department unaware through any other source as well of new town personnel matters were reviewed by his office, usually by commissioners “still hiring and promoting” despite the employees or promotions recently. But, noting he raised his chief of staff, Baldassare. The acting supervisor added that the commissioners warning issued only five days earlier that revenue short- the issue of vacant positions at last week’s work session, falls were already reaching alarming levels (see page A4). Mazzei asked rhetorically, “Why didn’t [Acting Supervi- often hire at a salary high within the range permitted The resolution specifically exempted “seasonals” from sor Lori Baldassare] say something to us all then” if she for the position. As an example she cited a resolution approved Tuesday regarding a defensive driving instructor. the freeze, he said, those temporary workers the town was aware of any personnel changes? Baldassare confirmed there had been hirings recently, Baldassare said the appointment was necessary since the hires each year typically for summer work at Brookhaven town’s previous instructor recently died, but the replacement was hired at $20 per hour even though the position was only paying $17 an hour previously. “The commissioners can hire within the range,” Baldassare admitted, but criticized the commissioners for doing so at the high end in a time of economic crisis. Having just emerged from a meeting with department heads, the acting supervisor said the commissioners “are crazed about this” hiring freeze. “They said everyone we’re hiring we need,” in Baldassare’s opinion, failing to recognize the depth of the town’s financial straits.

BY LEE LUTZ

‘Why didn’t [Baldassare] say something to us all then?’

leelutz@tbrnewspapers.com

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In another contentious and ongoing issue in Brookhaven, the town’s white collar union president, Meg Shutka, complained to the Town Board of escalating problems with fleet vehicles due to the recently installed GPS monitoring devices. Shutka said she recently joined the “dead battery club,” town employees driving fleet vehicles who are suffering from an inability to start their cars. “Day after day after day,” she said, employees are unable to start their cars since the tracking units were installed. Shutka related that in her instance she waited over an hour to have her battery jumped and was then told to drive around “for an hour or so” to recharge the battery. Shutka said she was forced to miss an important meeting and waste gasoline. File photo “Something has to be Meg Shutka done,” she said. All three Brookhaven employee unions strongly opposed the installation of GPS tracking units in town vehicles. Copies of email memos obtained by TBR Newspapers might lend credence to Shutka’s claim. One, dated Feb. 11 to all town employees from Brookhaven’s Public Safety division, instructed drivers on how to “expedite the process of jump-starting the town vehicles with dead batteries.” An earlier email from Public Safety dated Jan. 7 outlined the town’s policy when dead batteries are encountered. Acting Supervisor Lori Baldassare admitted there is a problem and said, “We are working with the vendor” to fix it. However she was quick to add that the GPS devices may not be the cause or may be only one cause for dead batteries in fleet cars. Another possible cause? Baldassare said since the imposition of a new vehicle fleet policy in the town, an initiative claimed by both former Supervisor Foley and majority council members Jane Bonner (CRocky Point) and Keith Romaine (R-Center Moriches), “About 80 cars in the fleet are being driven less than 50 miles a month.” Baldassare said the radically reduced mileage is due to those vehicles no longer being used by employees to commute to work, and little else. Deputy Acting Supervisor Thalia Bouklas said 710 town vehicles have been fitted with the GPS devices. Baldassare also addressed a point made by Shutka Tuesday night when the union president said the installation may have voided warranties on the cars. She said a federal law protects the vehicle owner in such cases and the concern is “not an issue.”

Activists say BPA can leach out during heating, cause ills port@tbrnewspapers.com

Last spring, the Food and Drug Administration formed an agencywide task force to study current research and new information about the compound Bisphenol A, or BPA, found in many household plastics and which research has concluded is an endocrine disrupter. As a result of that review, the federal agency determined that â&#x20AC;&#x153;FDA-regulated products containing BPA currently on the market are safe and that exposure levels to BPA from food contact materials, including for infants and children, are below those that may cause health effects.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;At this time,â&#x20AC;? the report continued, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the FDA is not recommending that anyone discontinue using products that contain BPA while we continue our risk assessment process. However, concerned consumers should know that several alternatives to polycarbonate baby bottles exist, including glass baby bottles.â&#x20AC;? That information is still posted on the FDA website almost a year later, and it is â&#x20AC;&#x153;totally flawed,â&#x20AC;? Legislator Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills) claims. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their own panels of scientists have revealed that their study is flawed,â&#x20AC;? he said during a press conference Feb. 3. Sternâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legislation, introduced that day, to ban the sale in Suffolk of any childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beverage containers that contain BPA was approved unanimously March 3. Violators would pay a fine of $500, with repeat offenders paying $1,000 for each violation. Various public health and environmental advocates, including Karen Miller, director of the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition, joined last month with Stern to support his measure. Miller agreed that â&#x20AC;&#x153;strong legislative measures are urgently needed to eliminate the use or sale of baby products containing BPA. Several animal studies have demonstrated that small exposures to doses of BPA have posed serious health risks.â&#x20AC;? Junior Zach Rotter of Walt Whitman High School in Huntington, who also attended Sternâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s February press conference, addressed the public on his internship at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia last summer, when he studied the effect of BPA on rats. He determined that â&#x20AC;&#x153;BPA is extremely carcinogenic.â&#x20AC;? Rotter said he was inspired by an honors biology teacher and by his grandmother, who had breast cancer. Tawaun Weber, a representative from Vision Long Island, echoed comments about the dangers of BPA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Potential problems include an increased risk of cancer, obesity, an altered immune system, reproductive health problems, diabetes and more,â&#x20AC;? Weber said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A significant amount of research has confirmed these conclusions.â&#x20AC;? Two members of the Mount Sinai Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Environmental Health Center â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Maida P. Galvez and Phillip J. Landrigan, both M.D.s â&#x20AC;&#x201D; urged the Legislature to support a BPA ban in Suffolk. They stated that BPA is found in the linings of canned foods, including ready-to-eat childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s formulas, and in hard plastics made of polycarbonate, which is found in sports water bottles, water dispensers and baby bottles. They said that since these substances are not chemically bound to the plastics to which they are added, they can leach out, especially when BPA-containing products are exposed to high temperatures â&#x20AC;&#x201D; heating or sterilizing baby bottles in the microwave, for instance. Young children may be uniquely vulnerable to these exposures as they frequently place toys and other plastic products in their mouths, they added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Think of the amount of times in one day a baby is given infant formula,â&#x20AC;? breast cancer activist Miller said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is it fair to wait for more research to take action? Is it fair to slowly phase out sales of products that contain this toxin? Absolutely no.â&#x20AC;? Stern said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This legislation seeks to protect the most vulnerable members of our population. We cannot be too cautious when it comes to ensuring that our children are safeguarded from unnecessary exposure to toxins such as BPA.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;This legislation will help reduce unnecessary exposure to a substance linked with multiple health risks,â&#x20AC;? said Stern in a statement following the billâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passage. He added that Suffolk has become the first municipality in the United States to ban BPA, as far as he knows.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This new law is an important initiative that will reshape environmental policy and will serve as an example for the entire nation,â&#x20AC;? Miller said in Sternâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s statement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;BPA is linked to abnormalities of the male reproductive system, early puberty and obesity. This measure will help protect future generations.â&#x20AC;? The bill now goes to County Executive Steve Levy for signature. A spokesman for Levy last week said the county executive â&#x20AC;&#x153;will take a careful look at the legislation.â&#x20AC;? A required public hearing will be held by Levy within several weeks. The spokesman said Levy will â&#x20AC;&#x153;consider input before making his decision.â&#x20AC;? Lee Lutz contributed to this story.

Photo by Karen Forman

At center, Legislator Steve Stern and Karen Joy Miller, of the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition, gathered in Hauppauge last month with other advocates for a Suffolk County ban on the compound known as Bisphenol A, found in many household items.

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MARCH 12, 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ THE PORT TIMES RECORD â&#x20AC;˘ PAGE A9

Baby bottle plastic ban approved by Legislature

PAGE A10 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • MARCH 12, 2009

Don’t haze me, bro Continued from page A5

Peter A. Klein, MD, FAAD Adam J. Korzenko, MD, FAAD

by being beaten by teammates who were upperclassmen. “I go to Stony Brook,” Tinucci said. “I’ve never been hazed.” Looking at scenes from the show on the TVs above the bar, Samantha Oliver of Stony Brook saw kids tied to trees in broad daylight along the streets of Port Jefferson. “I don’t think you would ever see that in public,” Oliver said.

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Pete Courtney of Shoreham was not fazed by the depictions on television. “That’s about how college is,” he said. “A lot of people drink, going out on the streets, having a good time. They get a little over the top. They’re in college, they should be enjoying themselves.” Courtney’s friend Evans, who was in the Air Force, said he thought hazing was supposed to create bonding, something that doing a tour in Afghanistan, like Evans did, probably accomplishes more thoroughly.

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Pete Courtney and Sean Evans at Tommy’s Place in Port Jefferson. Below: Samantha Oliver and Kerri Tinucci talk hazing. Bottom: Since the taping of the ABC TV show, the village has relocated two benches that people who congregated along Arden Place found inviting.

MARCH 12, 2009 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A11

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PAGE A12 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • MARCH 12, 2009

Continued from page A1 When the mayor was asked by Dell Aquila if he had a relationship with Opus builders, a company that did carpentry work at the halfway house, Harty said, “No.” But when pressed, Harty admitted “one of the men” from that company “worked on my bar.” Village Trustee Virginia Capon asked why an invoice for “restaurant style” chairs, $1,200 for an undisclosed number of chairs, should be included as part of the cost of renovations. Dell Aquila told Harty a subcontractor was claiming he had “a verbal agreement with the mayor” authorizing changes that resulted in additional expenses. Harty denied it. Soon Harty refused to answer any more questions, telling Dell Aquila, “You’re on a witch hunt” and, “I’m not going through any more public skewering by you.” Harty walked out in the middle of the meeting shortly before 9 pm, calling Dell Aquila “a thug.” Dell Aquila shot back, “You’re out of order. You’ve left five meetings and haven’t attended four.” Deputy Mayor Joe Erland presided over the rest of the meeting, which lasted well past midnight. Dell Aquila referred to an invoice for $8,900 paid to Jetson for repairs of a dry well in the driveway of the halfway house, a job that, according to Dell Aquila, was originally quoted at $3,500. Reached for comment yesterday, Joe Marcario of Jetson said he worked on “a sanitary system” at the halfway house but was recovering from burns sustained at work and could not speak to the exact amounts involved while at the hospital without access to his files. Dell Aquila also charged that an invoice made out to Kito Landscaping was altered. The trustee and former developer produced a copy of the invoice, totaling $20,000, with an item “No. 5” added in handwriting in the amount of $9,950 for paving stones. Dell Aquila characterized it as a failed attempt to pad the total cost of the project. Indeed, Dell Aquila claims Kito was only paid half of the $20,000 the landscaper was due for work at the halfContinued on page A15

Photo by D. Willinger

The renovated halfway house with grill at the Port Jefferson Country Club at Harbor Hills. Its price tag is still being debated.

Faulknor won’t seek mayorship Still mum on 4th term as trustee Village Trustee Harry Faulknor will not run for mayor of Port Jefferson this June. As the longest sitting member currently on the Village Board — his third two-year term comes to an end this summer — Faulknor was viewed by some as a possible force in the upcoming mayoral race. Faulknor announced his decision to The Port Times Record because, he said, he didn’t want speculation about his intentions to “muddy that water.” To date, only Margot Garant has announced the intention to run for mayor. When incumbent Brian Harty was asked earlier this week if he would seek re-election, the mayor said, “I haven’t made any final determination.” Harty said he would likely make his decision next month. Faulknor, a retired math teacher, said of the position of mayor, “That’s not the job for me.” He has yet to announce whether he will seek another term as trustee. In addition to the office of mayor, Faulknor’s seat and that of Village Trustee Virginia Capon are up for re-election June 16. Candidates are required to fi le a nominating petition with Village Hall between May 5 and May 12. One hundred signatures are required, and they may not be collected before March 31. Voters have until June 6 to register with the county board of elections to be eligible to vote in the village election June 16. — WILLINGER 44260

MARCH 12, 2009 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A13

Halfway horrors

PAGE A14 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • MARCH 12, 2009

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way house, even though the village had cut a check for the full amount, which was made out to Lombardis. Village Trustee Harry Faulknor whispered “Holy s--,” upon reviewing the documents. Dell Aquila said, “Ten thousand dollars was diverted.” The Lombardis only gave $10,000 to Mr. Kito, he said. Kito did not return a call by press time. Dell Aquila also pointed to billings that show three separate carpenter subcontractors were paid a total of about $150,000 for their part in the renovations. “There’s just not that much work,” he said. Dell Aquila’s professional background is as a commercial developer. Originally supposed to have been opened in 2004 when Lombardis was first licensed by the village to run the catering at the club house, the halfway house was not addressed until an amendment to the lease was agreed upon

in January 2008. That codicil called for renovations to be undertaken and paid for by Lombardis with inspections and permitting by the village. Lombardis agreed to spend up to $300,000 of its own money on the project. Last August, with the renovation project already several months behind schedule — constituting a breach of contract, according to Dell Aquila — Mayor Harty asked the Village Board to “take a leap of faith” and authorize additional payments to Lombardi Caterers so the work could continue. The board refused, however those funds were disbursed, with the mayor making use of a manual check cutting procedure. The payment was based on a resolution passed by the previous board, which approved the use of the $63,000 balance of a trust and agency account managed by the village to pay for cost overruns on the halfway house. Those funds were originally deposited by the Lombardis as part of the 2004 licensing agreement. In August, no Village Board

member had seen an accounting of the halfway house project. Harty promised to deliver an accounting of the project when it was complete. That accounting has since been delivered to Village Hall by the Lombardis, however, members of the Village Board still have questions about items contained in it. Section 1.k of the 2008 amendment reads in part: “The parties agree that if the cost of the renovation ... exceeds $300,000.00, the balance will be paid by the Port Jefferson Country Club.” But Dell Aquila maintains the accounting is “f lawed,” claiming the cost overruns are not real, because they are the result of “defective materials and workmanship by the Lombardis.” The district attorney’s office continues to investigate village files including, according to the grand jury subpoena, records pertaining to the “structure commonly known as the Halfway House at the Port Jefferson Country Club at Harbor Hills,” specifically “bids, RFPs, contracts.

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MARCH 12, 2009 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A15

Halfway horrors

Courtesy of Ron Carlson

Artist’s reception Port Jefferson Village Trustee Virginia Capon, left, and Deputy Mayor Joe Erland present renowned local artist Louise Brett with a bouquet of flowers. Brett was recently honored at a reception held at the Village Center where over 80 of her paintings are on display through March 31. The show, “Close to Home,” features Brett’s pictures of Port Jefferson, Belle Terre and Port Jefferson Station, as well as her scenes of other nearby communities.

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Legals PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE VOTERS OF UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 6, TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK, ON BEHALF OF THE PORT JEFFERSON FREE LIBRARY: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a special meeting of qualified voters of Union Free School District No. 6, Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York, will be held in the Port Jefferson Free Library located at 100 Thompson Street, Port Jefferson, New York, on Tuesday, April 7, 2009, at 10:00 a.m., prevailing time for the purpose of voting by paper ballot upon the following items: To adopt the annual Port Jefferson Free Library budget for the fiscal year 2009-2010 and that the Board of Education of School District No. 6 be authorized and directed to raise by taxation the necessary moneys on the taxable property of the district. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that for the purpose of voting at such meeting on April 7, 2009, the polls will be opened between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. prevailing time, and the voting will be held in the Port Jefferson Free Library Building.

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AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for the Port Jefferson Free Library’s purposes, exclusive of public moneys, may be seen by any taxpayer in the School District during the seven days immediately preceding said meeting, except holidays, at the Library: 100 Thompson Street, Port Jefferson, New York during regular library hours of service, between 9:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday; 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday; 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday; 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, prevailing time. A budget Information Meeting will be held on Monday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the Library Conference Room. By order of the Board of Education Union Free School District No.6 Janice Bailsey, District Clerk 90 2/12 4x ptr

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE IV, SEC. 85-29 OF THE BUILDING ZONE ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE BOARD OF ZONING AP-

PEALS WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING AND WORKSESSION AT ONE INDEPENDENCE HILL, FARMINGVILLE, N.Y. (AUDITORIUM – 2nd FLOOR), ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2009 COMMENCING AT 5:00 P.M. TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING: 26. Columbia Metal Fabrications, Inc., c/o Sal Malguarnera 251 Hawkins Rd., Centereach, NY. Location: North side Bergen Ave. 345’ +/- East of Patchogue Rd., Port Jefferson Station. Applicant requests lot area, lot frontage, front yard setback, minimum & total side yard variances for proposed one family dwelling on a 50 ft. lot. (200137-3-32 & 28) 39. Matthew Shea, 198 Radio Ave., Miller Place, NY. Location: West side Radio Ave. 5553’ North of Jonah Rd., Miller Place. Applicant requests front yard setback variance for existing open wood porch exceeding the 4’ x 8 ‘ permitted (6.5’ x 16.4’) located in front yard. (200-168-8-14) 41. Donald Muffly, c/o Sal Malguarnera, 251 Hawkins Rd., Centereach, NY Location: West side Covey Lane, 217’± North of Bevy Hollow Rd., Setauket. Applicant requests side yard variances for existing wood deck and in-ground swimming pool. (200-132-1-7) CASES WILL BE HEARD AT THE DISCRETION OF THE BOARD. PAUL M. DE CHANCE CHAIRMAN 120 3/12 1x ptr

en-owned businesses to participate in the bidding process. Further information can be obtained by calling (631) 451-6252. Anthony T. DeMaio Director of Purchasing TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN 121 3/12 1x ptr

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF SUFFOLK - OPTION ONE MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff, AGAINST BARTOLOMEA PIPIA, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly dated 1/2/2008, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Front Steps of Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill, Farmingville, County of Suffolk, New York, on 4/9/2009 at 10:00 AM, premises known as 47 SUNFLOWER RIDGE ROAD, SOUTH SETAUKET, NY 11720. 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, Section, Block and Lot: 388.004-23. Approximate amount of judgment $406,985.54 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #5821/07. John C. Tsunis, Esq., Referee, Steven J. Baum PC, Attorneys for Plaintiff, P.O. Box 1291, Buffalo, NY 14240-1291 Dated: 3/6/2009 125 3/12 4x ptr

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Bids will be received, publicly opened and read aloud at 11:00 a.m. in the Division of Purchasing of the Town of Brookhaven, One Independence Hill, Third Floor, Farmingville, NY 11738, for the following item(s) on the dates indicated: RENTAL OF FLOATING CRANE--------------------MARCH 24, 2009 CANDLESTICK FLARE SYSTEM--------------------MARCH 26, 2009 Specifications for the above-referenced bids will be available beginning March 12, 2009 at the Division of Purchasing on any business day, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. ONLY THOSE VENDORS OUT OF THE SUFFOLK AREA WILL BE MAILED BIDS UPON REQUEST. The Town of Brookhaven reserves the right to reject and declare invalid any or all bids and to waive any informalities or irregularities in the proposals received, all in the best interests of the Town. The Town of Brookhaven welcomes and encourages minorities and wom-

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Bad bank makes good villain in grand film In this age of over the top action the accomplished 89-year-old actor. movies, where every fenderbender exThe Italians who conspire to do busiplodes into a jet-fueled conflagration ness with the bad bank are portrayed and heroes trade “outbursts of wit” with with much more charisma, and indeed villains in the hope of launching the the political expediency that drives their latest catchphrase, you have to admire actions at least adds a human element a grim thriller where crucial dialog is missing from the bank’s oligarchs. left unspoken in favor of the faltering Salinger’s prowess as an agent is not gesture and where the violence of ven- put to the test early on, so we are not geance is conveyed from a loft y distance quite sure we can trust in his abilities. by the absent image of an itinerary in- That approach keeps the audience off terrupted. balance and creates tension during lat“The International,” starring Clive er conflicts. Meanwhile a sequence of Owen as Interpol agent Salinger, is just close-ups depicting methodical prepasuch a movie. But this tense tale of in- ration by an assassin conveys the high trigue still throws plenty of exciting level of professionalism Salinger is up shoot ’em up action on the screen. Yes, against, while at the same time mysti“The International” wants fying us with additional to have it both ways, and intrigue. here at least, whatever The film’s best When the action director Tom Tykwer of action sequence lands in New York, the “Run Lola Run” fame 59th Street bridge looks is a veritable Uziwants, Tykwer gets. like a prison gate across The plot pillories the palooza that turns the skyline, foreshadperfect villain for our an Upper East Side owing the hero’s descent time: a vast international into the world of the bank, whose directors ca- architectural icon bad guys he is chasing. bal coldbloodedly with into Emmentaler ... Salinger picks up a poskillers and accountants to se of detectives who imenslave the world. mediately endear themThe forbearance critics admire is selves to us with their foul language complemented by thrills of the genre, and caffeine addiction. At the same including a humble chase scene burst- time, they epitomize no-nonsense ing with tension before Salinger’s focus professionalism. But much more than dissipates as he is confronted by anon- that, their diversity and brass ref lect ymous traffic on the streets of Milan. the best qualities of “the city” even as In another scene, Salinger chases a they imbue us with a sense of pride in scumbag across the rooftops of Istan- America. The teeming vitality of New bul, the narrow path the men follow York City is deftly sketched here as forces the hero ever closer to an inevi- well, and offers a stark contrast with table decision. earlier scenes in “civilized” Europe. The fi lm’s best action sequence is a Naomi Watts fi lls a supporting role veritable Uzi-palooza that turns an Up- as a New York prosecutor cooperating in per East Side architecSalinger’s investigation, tural icon into Emmenbut sadly it is one-ditaler before culminating mensional. Still I loved with the sharpshooting it when her character, bravado of a Buffalo Bill. in exasperation swears BY The inspired cina mild oath I thought I DAVE WILLINGER ematography of Frank had coined years ago. Griebe provides an everIt could be argued refreshing feast for the that “The Internationeyes while reinforcing al” is built on a backstothe narrative with visual ry that is inconsistent cues, as when Salinger with the main narrative visits the seemingly asepand contains sluggish tic domain that is the evil scenes where the world bank’s corporate headof high finance is dequarters. Tykwer buries constructed. One could our hero with an avalanche of unusual argue the dialog is stuffed with more angles creating a Gothic sliver of Fritz words of wisdom than there are insolLang’s “Metropolis” and suggesting the vent banks in the western world. But impending and fateful struggle. even those prosaic platitudes are delivThe bank directors — white men in ered with a fierce edge, including a well expensive threads — come across as un- known truism cribbed from Sophocles. emotional as they do homogeneous, de- And if the moral of the tale depresses spite the Communist past of their elder you, you’re probably already drowning partner. That role is played by Armin in that proverbial Eqyptian river. Mueller-Stahl with a palpable weariness In the final analysis, “The Internacaused, one hopes, by poor direction tional” remains a stylish thriller. rather than failing vigor on the part of And you can take that to the bank.

MARCH 12, 2009 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A17

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• I treat all clients myself, no aides or assistants. • Real hands-on treatment, not just ice packs and bicycles. • My clients see the same Doctor of Physical Therapy every session rather than seeing a different person every time. • I see only one client at a time, instead of trying to juggle 4, 5, or even 6 patients at once. • I take the time to educate my clients, so treatment leads to lasting results, not temporary relief.

DiClementi named to dean’s list at Drew University Drew University student Gary DiClementi of Port Jefferson Station has been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2008 semester. In order to qualify for the dean’s list, students must earn a grade point average of 3.4 or above, which is equivalent to a B+ or better.

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PAGE A18 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • MARCH 12, 2009

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Clavin on dean’s list at St. Joseph’s Marlee Clavin of Mount Sinai has earned a place on the dean’s list for distinguished academic performance during the fall semester at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue. The 2008 graduate of Earl L. Vandermeulen High School in Port Jefferson is the daughter of Laraine Clavin of Port Jefferson and Craig Clavin of Mount Sinai.

Wehle named to dean’s list at D’Youville College Sara Wehle of Port Jefferson Station, a senior dietetics major at D’Youville College, was named to the dean’s list for the fall 2008 semester. To qualify for the honor, the student must have maintained a quality point average of 3.40 or above for the previous semester. This indicates superior academic performance and becomes a permanent part of the student’s college record. The students on the dean’s list were recognized at D’Youville’s 50th Annual Honors Convocation at Kleinhans Music Hall in Buffalo.

Student ambassadors recognized Principal April Victor of Terryville Elementary School recently honored the 2008-09 Goodwill Ambassadors. Two students, one boy and one girl, are chosen for each classroom based on qualities such as friendliness, responsibility and leadership. The Student Ambassadors were recognized at an ice cream party sponsored by the Terryville PTA. Mrs. Victor used the opportunity to express her pride in each of the students who were chosen, explaining, “Being selected is a wonderful honor and a mature responsibility.” The Goodwill Ambassadors are role models for their peers, and will play an important role in helping any new entrants adjust to Terryville. The ambassadors each received a Certificate of Recognition and a medal. Congratulations to all who were recognized! Pictured: Principal April Victor with the kindergarten Goodwill Ambassadors for 2008-09. Courtesy Ali Gordon

Obituaries

Mary Serkiz Mary Serkiz, 95, passed away on Monday, March 2, at Autumn Care of Myrtle Grove. She was born on July 26, 1913, in Woonsocket, R.I., to John and Jenny Kopytko. She was always amazed and gratified that although an only child, she left a progeny of three children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Her family was the source of her greatest pride, and Mary served them as the consummate role model of love, compassion and generosity of spirit. She was predeceased in 1999 by her husband of 66 years, Michael Serkiz. Prior to moving to Wilmington, N.C., Mary lived for many years on Long Island, where she was employed as the school cafeteria manager for Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, and also for the Comsewogue School District. Her culinary expertise won her schools many trophies in countywide competitions. Mary’s lifelong passion was gardening. Her vegetable patch and flower-filled yard always brought neighbors over to admire and share the fruits of her labors. For many summers, her beautiful flowers graced the altar of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Port Jefferson Station. She

and her husband were faithful members at St. Paul’s for approximately 60 years. Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Jean Wooley and husband Robert of Wilmington, N.C., and Nancy Palmer and husband David of Punta Gorda, Fla.; son Aleck Serkiz and wife Shirley of Matthews, N.C.; six grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren. Her family is grateful to the staff at Autumn Care for providing professional, compassionate care for our mother as she lived her final months with respect and dignity. The funeral service was held at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on March 6, at with family visitation following. Interment was at Oleander Memorial Gardens. The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 612 South College Road, Wilmington, NC, 28403. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com. A Valley Chapel Service.

Ettore Cianflone Ettore Cianflone of Ridge died on Feb. 13. He was born Oct. 1, 1923. Mr. Cianflone was the beloved husband of Susan; loving father of Gregory and his wife Mary Ellen, Richard and his partner Greg Scharfen and Linda Sue Cianflone; cherished grandfather of Christopher, Nicholas, Caitlin and Brittany. A funeral Mass was held on Feb. 18 at St. Mark’s R.C. Church, Shoreham, followed by interment at Calverton

National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Catholic Charities or AHRC. Arrangements entrusted to O.B. Davis Funeral Homes of Miller Place.

Barbara Muller Barbara J. Muller, 66, of East Setauket died on March 3. She was born in Brooklyn, the daughter of Chester J. and Helen Pesta. She worked for many years as a billing clerk for St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson. Her great passion was listening to Elvis. Mrs. Muller is survived by her husband, Kenneth R. Muller; daughters, Debbie Anne Ferrari and Joyce D’Alo; son, Kenneth J. Muller; her father, Chester J. Pesta; seven grandchildren; and sisters, Maryanne Muller and Dorothy Bieshelt. She was preceded in death by her mother. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Infant Jesus R.C. Chapel at St. Charles Hospital Chapel. Committal was private. Contributions made to the Pediatric Care Unit, attn. Jeri Sigwart, Stony Brook University Medical Center, PICU Hospital Level 11, Room 101, Stony Brook, NY 11794 would be appreciated. Arrangements were entrusted to the Bryant Funeral Home of Setauket. Please visit www.bryantfh.com to sign the online guestbook.

Louis Fava Louis G. Fava, Sr., 83 years old of Ridge, died on Feb. 13. He was born June 2, 1925 in Brooklyn, the son of the late Fillipo and Teresa Fava. He was a member of the

VFW Martin A. Kessler Post 2912 and Wyandanch Lions Club. Mr. Fava was a successful leader in the towing and recovery industry since 1954. He has gained worldwide recognition for his expertise with towing and equipment sales. Lou was often referred to as “Dean of Tow Men.” He has conducted towing clinics throughout the nation, traveling more than a million air miles. He was inducted into the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame in 1989. His admiration and respect for his industry and peers spoke in volumes to the type of man he was, with a helping hand and a smile, Lou was a cornerstone in his industry. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and recipient of the American Theatre Ribbon, European Theatre Ribbon and Victory Ribbon. Mr. Fava is survived by his wife, Amelia Fava of Ridge and daughter, Teresa (William) Rouse; sons, Philip (Rosemarie) and Louis (Ellen) Fava, Jr.; grandchildren, Philip, Brianna, Joseph and

Louis; and sisters, Anna Urizzo, Mary Ferrigno. He was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Forte and brother, Charles Fava. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Marks R.C. Church, Feb. 17. Mr.Fava Sr. was afforded full Military Honors at Calverton National Cemetery. Contributions made to the Good Shepherd Hospice, 245 Old Country Rd., Melville, NY 11747 would be appreciated. Arrangements were entrusted to the Bryant Funeral Home of Setauket. Please visit www.bryantfh.com to sign the online guestbook.

Memorial service Gertrude F. (Smith) Goodman March 27, 1924 – Feb. 3, 2009 Survived by her husband, Leslie, Sr.; six children, Joyce, Leslie, Jr., Alan, Ronnie, Linda and Benjamin; sisters Constance, Katharine and Mary; eight grandchildren, Tony, Tamara, Eli, Joshua, Milan, Amanda, Serin, Isaiah; five great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Gertrude’s Life will be held at Mount Sinai High School, Saturday, March 28, noon to 2 pm. A religious memorial Service, at Gertrude’s home church, Mount Sinai Congregational Church will be at 3 pm; Interment immediately following at Seaview Cemetery. Afterward, greet the family at a reception in Fellowship Hall.

MARCH 12, 2009 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A19

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Continued on page A21 very, very well,” said Roffer. Capobianco will swim for Lehigh University next year. “He will be a good addition to their program,” Roffer said. With a time of 1:59.65 in the 200-yard individual medley, Smit broke two minutes for the first time. He also competed in the 500-yard freestyle event where he finished in 4:44.05, dropping six seconds off of his time. Smit worked his way back from a knee surgery last summer. “He did a really nice job,” said Roffer. Section XI Good Sportsman of the Year award winner Tom Luchsinger made the Mount Sinai community proud of his performance at states. He was a Co-Most Valuable Swimmer of the meet, as he set state records in both the 100-yard butterfly (48.38) and 200yard freestyle (1:37.13). Roffer was impressed with Luchsinger’s performance. “He had to swim with an open-back suit and still won,” he said. “He showed a lot of guts and courage.” Dutton made his fi rst appearance at states. He completed the 100-yard butterfly in 54.40. Roffer believes that Dutton has a bright future in the pool. “He is a very good swimmer,” he said. “He’ll be back the next couple of years.”

Boyce honored Continued on page A21 to the big leagues,” Boyce said. “We were pretty good. Now Billy Dacosta is my insurance agent.” Boyce still holds the Tech record for career homeruns (52), also walks, doubles and RBIs. “If I’m not mistaken,” he said. “I haven’t checked in a few years.” In college, Boyce remembers playing in big games against great opponents: “I remember batting in the top of the ninth inning against the University of Maine in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. I hit a home run to put our team ahead, but we lost in the bottom of the inning anyway. It was pretty exciting. I still play softball all the time, all over the place. Actually, I have to cut back. I’ve been playing with guys I’ve known for years and we have a lot of fun. We’ve won the Brookhaven Town title about eight times now.” Boyce and his wife Karen have two young children, Juliana (8) and TJ the IV who is five. The couple met when the slugger installed her home phone line. “One thing led to another,” he said. “Besides that, when I look back now, one of the best things about choosing Tech was that it prepared me for the job I’ve had for the last 13 years.” Boyce is a technician at Verizon, and very much enjoys his work. “They’re a real good company to work for,” he said.

BOYS’ HOOPS BY ROBERT LEUNER katsports@tbrnewspapers.com

Photo by Peter Smit

Five local boys, including (l-r) Ward Melville’s Austin Brennan, Port Jefferson’s Jeff Capobianco, Mount Sinai’s Kevin Smit, Rocky Point’s Matt Dutton, and Mount Sinai’s Thomas Luchsinger, competed in the New York State swimming championships on March 6-7 at Nassau Aquatic Center.

Swimmers excel at state meet Port Jeff’s Capobianco earns personal best in 100 butterfly BOYS’ SWIMMING BY FRANK DOWD katsports@tbrnewspapers.com

Five of the strongest boys’ swimmers in Section XI invaded the Nassau Aquatics Center last weekend to take part in the annual state championship meet. Ward Melville senior captain Austin Brennan proudly represented his school, while the others competed independently. He recorded his personal bests in both the 100-yard backstroke

(55.43) and 100-yard butterfly (53.68). Brennan will attend Geneseo next year. Other athletes competing were Port Jefferson senior Jeff Capobianco, Mount Sinai seniors Kevin Smit and Thomas Luchsinger, and Rocky Point freshman Matt Dutton. After not performing well at the 2008 state meet, Capobianco was determined to have a better outcome this year. In his appearance last season, he

fi nished the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 54.0. “It was a tough meet for him,” said Barry Roffer, who coaches these five boys at the Th ree Village Swim Club. “He really stepped up this year.” Capobianco did just that, fi nishing eighth in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 51.83, a new personal best. He passed his old time of 52.79. “He swam Continued on page A20

Comsewogue grad will be honored by NY Tech BY JOHN WESTERMANN katsports@tbrnewspapers.com

As a kid, a sophomore on the Comsewogue state championship baseball team of 1982, Tom Boyce played alongside Willie Stiles, who became a New York Met, and Mike Stiles became Boyce’s college roommate. Billy Findlay of the Texas Rangers and Tony Bonura of St. Johns and the California Angels played on that team. Two more years of great days as a Warrior led to scholarship offers for Boyce from the University of Miami and New York Tech in Westbury. The Miami offer was for half. Tech offered the full ride. Boyce, 43, of Manorville, picked Tech to stay close to home, and went on to play minor league baseball from 1988 to 1989, then made the climb to major league baseball, with the Minnesota Twins and Florida Marlins from 1989 to 1991. A 6-0, 190-pound switch-hitter,

Boyce played outfield, first base, third base and even pitched in a game. Now, New York Tech will honor his college and subsequent professional career by inducting Boyce into their Athletic Hall of Fame on June 10 at 6 pm. “It’s a great honor to be included,” Boyce said. “They’ll prepare a slide show and have a dinner at the Chateau-Briand. They’ll probably roast me a little.” At Tech, Boyce played with a flock of big leaguers including Ray Giannelli (Copiague) who spent time with the Blue Jays and Cardinals, and Billy Dacosta (Babylon) who was a first-round draft pick of the New York Yankees. “There were other guys on that team who made it Continued on page A20 Tom Boyce, a Comsewogue graduate, played for the Twins. Courtesy Tom Boyce

For the second year in a row, the Port Jefferson boys’ basketball season ended in the Long Island championship game. Last year it was Friends Academy overwhelming the Royals and this year it was Oyster Bay who squeaked out a 60-58 victory in the Class D tournament. But the Royals nearly finished with a storybook ending. With time expiring on the clock, senior John Nielsen, Port Jeff ’s second all-time leading scorer with 1,289 career points, lofted a three-pointer left of the foul line that rimmed the basket and spun out. Oyster Bay’s Bryan Van Cott (24 points) had given the Nassau County champions a two-point lead with just six seconds remaining in the game. “Everyone thought that it was in,” said Port Jefferson head coach Keith Buehler. “He had a great look at the basket. It was a great game — back and forth right down to the end. It was a matchup of two really great teams.” Nielsen finished the game with 28 points, including four from downtown. Sam Davis had an all around solid game, scoring 15 points, hauling down eight rebounds and contributing four steals on defense. Terrel Rose added 10 points and six rebounds. The Royals had opportunities to put the game away. They led 28-22 at the end of the first half thanks to Nielsen’s 17 points, including 10 in a row in the second half that erased a 12-8 first quarter deficit. The Royals padded their lead to 11 points in the third before Oyster Bay rallied to take a 45-42 lead at the end of the third quarter. Buehler, who announced he was stepping down from his coaching duties following the conclusion of the season, ends his career with 104 lifetime varsity wins. But until Nielsen’s shot spun away he wasn’t ready to put a wrap on things just yet. “I was ready to come in and get ready for the next game tomorrow morning,” Buehler said. “Right now I have kind of mixed emotions. But I’m excited to begin my new career as husband and father.” Port Jeff ends another successful season as Suffolk County Class D champs. They finished the season in third place in League VIII (10-4 record, 15-8 overall).

MARCH 12, 2009 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A21

SPORTS

Royals just miss in LI game

PAGE A22 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • MARCH 12, 2009

EDITORIAL Be careful with our parks We have radically mixed feelings regarding County Executive Steve Levy’s plan unveiled last week to seek corporate sponsorships and advertising at county facilities — in the name, of course, of addressing his particular level of government’s fiscal woes. Granted, thinking outside the box is needed and welcomed in times of crisis, and we have no doubt this proposal qualifies under that label. If Levy can tap into a significant pot of gold to keep taxpayers from reaching deeper into their pockets at precisely the time when they can least afford it, terrific — up to a point. Levy’s proposal is to solicit “targeted marketing” at county parks, golf courses, campgrounds and hiking trails. His request seeks offers of “advertising, displays, signs or corporate sponsorships throughout the county’s expansive parks and recreation system.” Responses are to be directed to the Suffolk County Naming Rights Committee — we didn’t know either that the county had such an animal. Our ambivalence toward Levy’s idea comes in the breadth of his request. Golf courses already consist of acres of advertising, beginning at the pro shop but included in every foursome walking the fairways — golfers decked out in their Titlist Golf Ball caps and Jack Nicklaus shirts and carrying their Wilson golf bag with the large logo proclaiming that golfer’s choice and who willingly provides free advertising for the company. A modest sized billboard on the trail to the fi rst tee; a logo attached to each ball washer; some golf attire clothing company name displayed across the front of each golf cart — why not? The advertising is already there, encourage more of it to ease the burden on the citizenry, possibly providing the funding needed to keep the courses operating. But — billboards in campgrounds and along hiking trails? We don’t think so. The whole idea, is it not, of those facilities is to get away from the norm, from civilization so to speak, for a few hours or days. The last thing any nature-loving hiker would tolerate along her favorite trail through some of the few pristine acres still left on Long Island is an advertisement for hiking boots staring her in the face at the beginning of her walk. Campers and hikers are trying to get away from it all, not just most. We urge the county executive to tread very carefully into this new venture. Let’s not ruin the valuable county facilities he’s trying to save. Let’s not sell out completely to the corporate mentality that says everything — the Mets new home, the Ducks ballfield, Jones Beach theater and the rest — must have an international corporate giant’s name plastered on the side of it. (We shall miss Shea Stadium, named for — would you believe — a person?!) Be careful, Mr. Levy, how you treat our parks, our woods, our open spaces. I think that I shall never see, A billboard lovely as a tree. Perhaps, unless the billboards fall, I’ll never see a tree at all. Ogden Nash 1933

OPINION Is God your co-pilot? TO THE EDITOR: This is in response to the letter of last week (“Teach the children well,” March 5) in which the writer seemed to draw a connection between people who don’t think it was God that saved Flight 1549, and people who would back their car into her new one and not even leave a note. Being a person in the former group but definitely not in the latter, I know she is wrong. But it made me curious, so I asked Google where the evidence lies: “Do religious people behave better?” It turned up several references to research by Gregory Paul in 2005 which studied religiosity and social behavior in 18 democracies. The following reference (from Journal of Religion & Society) quotes Paul, who concluded that, on a societal level, “In general, higher rates of belief in and worship of a creator correlate with higher rates of homicide, juvenile and early adult mortality, STD infection rates [venereal disease], teen pregnancy, and abortion,” while “None of the strongly secularized, pro-evolution democracies is experiencing high levels of measurable dysfunction.” Paul also noted that, similarly, in the United States, the South and Midwest are higher in the above occurrences than are the overall less-religious Eastern states. Google also spouted research about good behavior on a personal level. It found that people behave better when they think they’re being watched, even if by a pair of eyes printed on a poster. That might explain some of what motivates religious people to behave well. But it also reflects positively on atheists who, when they do their good deeds, do them without the benefit of feeling the eyes of God upon them. I hope the writer — and everybody who agrees with her — will observe more carefully and maybe rid themselves of the old, destructive notion that the world would be a better place if only those godless folks would get religion. Sylvia Kirk Port Jefferson

Bee Gees better metaphor for PJ planning history TO THE EDITOR: I would like to make a suggested correction to the title “Help! PJ Village plan dates to Fab Four” of a story that ran Feb. 26, discussing modifying the 1965 master plan for the village. There was a village plan made in 1987 by Lee Koppelman of Suffolk County Planning, a 1995 comprehensive plan update

and a 2010 plan made in 2002 by the mayor’s citizens committee. Change the title to “Stayin’ Alive!” Let’s work with the right material. The 1965 plan is a period piece. Michael Schwarting Port Jefferson

Community members keep kitchens going TO THE EDITOR: The volunteers of Welcome INN would like to express their thanks to Jennifer Choi for her sensitive and in-depth article about the soup kitchens and the important service we provide to the needy among us. We are grateful for the food donations we receive from local sources: Ann Marie’s Farmstand, Rolling Pin Bakery, Hobbs Farm, Trader Joes and Costco. I would also like to bring to the attention of the community that in addition to these food donations it is necessary for us to raise $30,000 a year to cover additional food and supply expenses. Sen. Ken LaValle obtained a $5,000 grant and local service organizations, including the Port Jefferson Lions Club, Suffolk Lodge of Masonic Temple, Decision Women in Commerce, Port Jefferson Polish American Independent Club and Decision Women in Commerce contribute to help defray costs. But we must rely on the generosity and compassion of the community to meet the majority of our budget. If anyone would like to make a charitable donation for this worthy cause please mail it to Welcome INN, Box 204, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776. Barbara Curtis President, Welcome INN

team and they had an excellent record during his playing days. The yearbook mentions how Gene scored the winning touchdown against Babylon. Even in high school, Gene demonstrated his leadership abilities and a reputation for integrity that served him well in later life. After serving briefly in the Air Force, Gene worked at various jobs and then entered the political arena and became the Republican leader of Lynbrook, New York. After serving in different positions in the Town of Hempstead, Gene became a member of the Nassau County Sheriff ’s Department. While there, Eugene and others were sent to capture a criminal who was hiding in West Hempstead. In the process, Gene broke his back and had to retire on disability. He could only stand or sit for short periods of time, so he had to spend may hours at bed rest. For many years, Gene and his wife Ruth spent about six months in Florida and six months in New Hampshire. His later years were spent in a nursing home in Florida. In addition to his disability, Eugene had to cope with other sad experiences. He lost his brothers Paul and James in World War II and his sister Teresa after she graduated from Port Jefferson High School in 1947. The death of their son Tom, at the age of 10, devastated Gene and Ruth. Their deep religious faith helped in accepting the tragedies. Eugene is survived by his son John and family in Colorado, where they have a law practice. They and Eugene’s many nieces and nephews missed him this past year as well as his many friends in the Port Jefferson area. Kenneth Mc Cambridge Maryland

The last of 13 TO THE EDITOR: The holiday season of 2008 brought memories of Eugene Krause, who passed away Christmas Eve of 2007. Eugene was the last survivor of the 13 children of Mary and Paul Krause. For many years, the Krause family had an old-fashioned drugstore in Port Jefferson. When you entered the store, any of the 13 children would serve you an ice cream, get your pictures, cigarettes or whatever you needed. During the Great Depression, Grandma and Grandpa Krause, who was a pharmacist, were very generous and gave medicine to people who couldn’t afford to pay. Many times they would accept home-grown produce in lieu of cash. At the Sunday dinner table there were often 26 people. If one of the families was out of work, they were welcome to live at the big house across from the Catholic church on Myrtle Avenue. Gene was in the Class of 1937 at Port Jefferson High School. He was the quarterback of the football

winter in new york, in wintertime, everybody wears black and dark colors, like it’s a funeral. it’s just weather — brighten up cheer up it ain’t winter all over the world. tomorrow, i’m going to wear a yellow shirt and white pants. in the winter. — michael domino 2-26-09 Michael Domino is the author of a book of poems, “Cadillac on the Bowery” published in 2008. His new book, “Loud Whispers,” is due out later this year.

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

Male ‘biological clock’ ticking too When an older man fathers a child, regardless of the age of the mother, there seems to be a small but increased risk that the child may score less well in intelligence tests. And although the risk is still quite small, such a child may also have an increased chance of birth defects and neuropsychiatric conditions like schizophrenia, autism and bipolar disorders. These results of a broad scientific study involving 33,500 children born in the United States between 1959 and 1965 are causing a sea change in medical perspective. Until now, the age of the mother has been considered of paramount importance, especially since the biological clock of women is limited while the ability of men to father children continues as they age. With these results, it would appear that men too have a “clock” that begins ticking in their mid30s. Evidence suggests that the chance of a successful pregnancy falls slightly after the father turns 35 and more so, although the risk is still quite small, after 40 years of age. This information is of par-

ticular relevance today, when more men are delaying fatherhood until their 40s. For example, in 1993, in England and Wales, about 25 percent of births within marriage were to fathers ages 35-54, but by 2003, the number had risen to 40 percent. And according to the National Center for Health Statistics in the U.S., in 2004 about 24 in every 1,000 men aged 40-44 fathered a child — an increase of 18 percent from the previous decade. Further, the children of older mothers in the study tend to fare better in intelligence tests than the children of younger mothers. John McGrath of the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, led the primary study. “We report, to our knowledge for the first time, that the offspring of older fathers show subtle impairments on a range of neurocognitive tasks during infancy and childhood. The patterns of these findings were relatively consistent across ages and across neurocognitive domains,” according to McGrath. However, there was no further study to show if these children catch up with

Lawyers

Continued from page A3 rently represents the village in that matter and was given another immediate legal concern. It involves the finalization of the agreement between the village and the Children’s Maritime Museum to allow the nonprofit to move into the first floor of the village-owned Chandlery building in Harborfront Park. While dotting the “i’s” on a 20-year agreement recently, the village officials became aware of legal technicalities which, if not resolved forthwith, could jeopardize $150,000 in state grants for improvements to the Chandlery, Dell Aquila said. Juliano confirmed Tuesday that research needed to be completed to ascertain whether that property had been designated as parkland by a resolution of the village board sometime in the late

Parking

Continued from page A6 Parkinson said, “I’m there a lot, I have not observed [truck traffic].” Later, in response to a comment that a Suffolk police cruiser has been stationed along Barnum on at least several occasions during the past week, Parkinson said that presence is part of Suffolk PD’s ongoing response to residents’ concerns. At previous public meetings residents had

their peers later in life. So what’s going on here? For starters, women are born with all the cells that will evolve into future eggs. These eggs undergo 22 divisions in the womb. Men, however, produce new sperm cells throughout their lives. By age 20, sperm cells have divided 150 times and by age 50 some 840 times. With division there can be “copy error mutations,” or environmentally induced mutations, which in turn could lead to developmental problems. That could explain why the man’s age at fatherhood is relevant to the outcome of the pregnancy. Further, children of older mothers, while less at risk from cell mutation, may perform better also because they receive the benefits of a more nurturing home environment. They are on the right side of the heredity/environment question on both counts. A study recently published in the Archives of General Psychiatry concludes that the offspring of older fathers have a higher risk of autism than that of younger fa-

1990s, and whether the state ever memorialized such a resolution. Apparently, language in the legal agreement would have to reflect such status, according to village officials. However, Mayor Harty told this reporter Levin should be suspended from representing the village until the matter of state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s investigation into the propriety of Levin’s pension funds is resolved. DiNapoli announced in January that Levin had been ordered to repay $59,003 in state and local retirement system service credits because he had been erroneously reported as an employee by the Village of North Hills. Levin, meanwhile, has said he will contest the allegations and is entitled by law to be heard. However, that hearing is not expected to be held for several months, according to Levin. Dinapoli’s office did not return calls by press time.

complained about drivers speeding and ignoring the stop sign at Oakes Street. Mayor Brian Harty, reported that the village road repair study had been forwarded to state and federal agencies with an eye on obtaining stimulus funds. Harty said that because “borrowing rates are very cheap right now” villages and other municipalities could function as a stimulus for the general economy by putting “people back to work” on needed infrastructure projects.

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWSPAPERS

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Leah S. Dunaief GENERAL MANAGER We welcome letters, photographs, comments and story ideas. Johness Kuisel Send your items to PO Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733 or EXECUTIVE EDITOR email to dave_w@tbrnewspapers.com. Or drop by our Lee Lutz news office at 185 Route 25A, Setauket. The opinions of our col- EDITOR umnists are not necessarily those of the paper. Dave Willinger Times Beacon Record Newspapers LEISURE EDITOR are published every Thursday. Ellen Barcel Address: PO Box 707, SPORTS EDITOR Setauket, NY 11733. Katherine Consorte Telephone: 631-751-7744 ONLINE EDITOR Web • northshoreoflongisland.com Patricia Proven

thers. If the father is over 40, the risk, though still small, is six times higher than if the father is under 30. Researchers at Columbia University found that men aged 50 and over are three times as likely to father a child with schizophrenia compared to men 25 and under. And men aged 45-49 are twice as likely to have a child with this illness. The researchers estimated that “as many as one in four cases of schizophrenia may be caused by the age of the father.” This conclusion is based on a study of 88,000 people. And in Sweden, in a study at the Karolinska Institute, the conclusion was that the older a child’s father, the more likely he or she was to have bipolar disorder. Children of men 55 years and up were 1.37 times more likely to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder than those of men 20-24. Please note that these are still small risks overall. The risk of preterm birth increases with paternal age, according to a March 2005 issue of Epidemiology. Because of in-

BY LEAH S. DUNAIEF vtimes@tbrnewspapers.com

creased risk of genetic abnormalities in the offspring of older fathers, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine has limited semen donors to 40 years or younger, and in the U.K., 39 is the top age. Men aged 50 and older are four times more likely to have a child with Down syndrome. Some famous older fathers include the likes of Michael Douglas, Mick Jagger and Rupert Murdoch. Perhaps society should look more kindly on older women who partner with younger men. It’s an idea that tickles me.

Irish dance school shines Formed in 1996, the MulvihillLynch School of Irish Dance, under the direction of Debbie Lynch-Webber and Jerry Mulvihill, became one of the most competitive dance schools within the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. The school currently has over 200 students in three Suffolk County locations, Lake Ronkonkoma, Kings Park and the Hamptons. Mulvihill-Lynch dancers are regionally, nationally and internationally recognized champions on the competitive circuit. Students have won solo medals at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships, the North American Irish Dance Championships, the All-Scotland Championships, the Great Britain Championships, the British National Championships, the All-Ireland and World Irish Dance Championships. Mulvihill-Lynch dancers have also won numerous regional and national gold, silver and bronze medals in team figure dancing. As well as competing all over the world, the Mulvihill-Lynch dancers also display their talents at events throughout Long Island

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Alyssa Cutler EDITORIAL John Broven Jennifer Choi Joseph Darrow Michael Downer Arlene Gross Robert Leuner Patricia Proven Lisa Steuer John Westermann

PHOTOGRAPHY John Griffin Robert O'Rourk ART AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR David R. Leaman ART AND PRODUCTION Janet Fortuna Beth Heller Mason Wendy Mercier

and contribute many hours to our local communities, performing for a number of senior and youth organizations. The school stresses the importance of giving back to the community and donates their performances at various special fundraisers throughout the year. Classes are currently offered for children, teens and adults. On Friday, March 20, the school is hosting a fundraiser for their own dancers at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. “An Irish Journey” is a showcase of dance, tradition, and Irish spirit. Proceeds of the show will benefit the 31 local Suffolk County dancers who will be traveling to the World Irish Dance Championships in April to compete amongst thousands of other dancers in both solo and team competitions. The dancers are raising money for travel expenses, entry fees, and new dance costumes. The show starts at 8 pm and tickets are $30 per person. Please contact the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center at 288-1500 or the Mulvihill-Lynch School at 738-1242 for further information.

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kathryn Mandracchia ADVERTISING Mary Chirichella Robin Lemkin Barbara Newman Elizabeth Reuter Laura Satchwill Nancy Solomon Ted Taylor Lynn Tunney Minnie Yancey

CLASSIFIEDS DIRECTOR Ellen Segal BUSINESS MANAGER Sheila Murray CREDIT MANAGER Diane Wattecamps CIRCULATION MANAGER Alyssa Cutler BUSINESS OFFICE Sandi Gross Meg Malangone SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Terri Caruso

MARCH 12, 2009 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A23

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