VB031209 by Dave Leaman

THE VILLAGE

BEACON RECORD MOUNT SINAI • MILLER PLACE • SOUND BEACH • ROCKY POINT • SHOREHAM • WADING RIVER • LEISURE COUNTRY

Volume 25, No. 32

March 12, 2009

75¢

Anglers losing beachhead in Shoreham

Photo by D. Willinger

The Town of Brookhaven’s Shoreham Beach is ground zero in the struggle between anglers and bathers. See story on page A5.

■ RP civic hosts candidates More about Mazzei, Lesko Page A6

■ Adopt-A-Platoon BNL vets group, JC Penney send sneakers to our soldiers in harm’s way Page A4

Page A2 Photo by D. Willinger

Mt. Sinai 7-Eleven quits gas business, keeps Big Gulp Stony Brook Sportsweek

‘Close to Home’ exhibit opens

Casey Jacobs is the Athlete of the Week

St. Patrick once again on the march Sunday

Pages B30-31

Page B1

Where the North Shore clicks: www.northshoreoflongisland.com

PAGE A2 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • MARCH 12, 2009

Town Board warned of sinking revenue stream

BUYING

East Setauket) cautioned the board that some of the vacancies might be positions Brookhaven Town’s finance commis- that should be filled to benefit Brookhaven’s sioner reported last Thursday that mort- residents, and any consideration of not fillgage tax revenues for the first two months ing them be “analyzed carefully” before of this year are already $1.3 million less making hasty decisions. Fiore-Rosenfeld than comparable figures for 2008, and pro- agreed with his colleagues that many of the jected a possible shortfall of $6.4 million 32 positions could remain vacant without adverse impact on town residents. for all of 2009. Kagel reported that revenue from the Commissioner Charlene Kagel told the council members at a work session March town’s landfill in Yaphank, which rep5, “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, resents nearly half of all town operating but,” and then distributed a chart outlin- funds, are “not that awful.” She also said an ongoing review of ing the bad news. Kagel capital spending plans summed up her presentation by telling the Brookhaven mortgage tax for 2009 may reveal potential savings in debt board it may need to revenues are $1.3 million service — interest on look into cuts in spendtown borrowing — by ing “soon” to avoid an below last year’s amount delaying projects into operating budget defi- for the first two months. the future and by carecit for the year. ful analysis of previous The figures released by Kagel indicate real estate transactions borrowing by the town. An incomplete in the town have reached a level below and ongoing study of town bonding even the reduced number and size coun- going back to the 1990s, Kagel said, cil members anticipated when adopting indicates some money may have been a spending plan only four months ago, in borrowed but never spent, or instances where more was bonded than projects November 2008. Councilman Tim Mazzei (R-Blue actually cost, resulting in the town payPoint) responded by asking the finance ing interest on money it is holding but commissioner about the number of va- not using. Kagel said utilizing these cancies in town positions. Kagel said funds instead of borrowing more might there are currently 32. Mazzei suggested produce significant debt service savings keeping those positions unfilled could re- for the town. Kagel hinted that as much as $7 million duce expenditures. Councilwoman Connie Kepert (D- in borrowed funds may be available, but Middle Island) reminded the council- said her analysis is not yet complete. The finance commissioner was deliverman that one of those vacancies, planning commissioner, was as a result of the Town ing a monthly report on town finances to a Board majority Mazzei leads firing the pre- Town Board work session as requested by vious commissioner last year and not yet Acting Supervisor Lori Baldassare to keep the council informed of trends and potenhaving replaced the “critical position.” Councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld (D- tial financial problems for Brookhaven.

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Cedar Beach facility not fit for public use; demolition, replacement mulled by town BY LEE LUTZ leelutz@tbrnewspapers.com

Brookhaven’s director of environmental protection, John Turner, recommended to the Town Board Thursday that the Nature Center building on Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai be demolished. Turner had previously reported that the former private residence, situated between Long Island Sound and Mount Sinai Harbor, is contaminated with toxic mold and has been closed to the public for many months. The director reported he met recently with inspectors from the building department and representatives from the parks department to discuss the situation and possible remedies at the wood frame building. Their conclusion? “It is not an appropriate building” for the use Brookhaven has put it to, Turner said, and demolition and replacement is the best alternative. Brookhaven Chief Fire Marshal Salvatore Garafalo in a memo to Turner, wrote, “This building is not designed for its present use which includes having 50+ children present in the building for lectures. The building lacks proper fire protection features

Photo by Lee Lutz

The Nature Center at Cedar Beach remains closed to the public pending its ultimate fate.

such as; fire alarm, fire sprinkler, emergency lighting, proper interior finish and egress.” Principal Building Inspector Tom Moore in an interoffice memorandum wrote that he agrees completely with Garafalo’s report on the nature center. Moore added that the structure’s “design loads are not

sufficient for an assembly occupancy (simply stated the floors are not strong enough) and the building is terribly inefficient by today’s energy standards.” Turner reported that $100,000 is in the town’s capital budget “for design and engineering” of a replacement, although no funding is currently

in place to actually construct such a building. He strongly recommended moving forward with ultimately replacing the center, since it functioned as “a hands-on” laboratory for school children to learn of maritime ecology. For years school buses full of students have visited the center and have been provided

an opportunity for first hand knowledge of shellfish habitat and other marine life. Councilwoman Jane Bonner (C-Rocky Point) said there is “no chance” replacement of the structure would occur in 2009, and suggested in the current economic downturn that 2011 might be a realistic timetable. In response to a question from Councilman Tim Mazzei (R-Blue Point), Turner said the town’s Division of Waste Management could handle the demolition and disposal of the mold-infested building “in house,” saving the cost of outside contractors. Mazzei suggested having waste management undertake the demolition immediately, considering the hazardous condition that exists at the center, and move forward with replacement plans after that. Councilman Steve FioreRosenfeld (D-East Setauket) urged Turner to secure assurance from the state Department of Environmental Protection that a building would be permitted to be constructed at the sensitive site in the future before demolishing the existing structure. Turner agreed and promised to seek such written assurance promptly.

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MARCH 12, 2009 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A3

Wrecking ball may target nature center

PAGE A4 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • MARCH 12, 2009

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.KXG .GCTP K\XZ_\ij ^`m\j lj ^i\Xk iXk\j# n`k_ j\Zli`kp n\ ZXe Zflek fe%

´ Courtesy of Brookhaven National Laboratory

Kym Jennings (right) of the JCPenney store at Roosevelt Field presents Ken Erickson of Brookhaven Lab’s AdoptaPlatoon program with 32 pairs of new sneakers, to be delivered to U.S. soldiers stationed in Afghanistan.

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New sneakers for U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan BY JOE GETTLER

The members of U.S. Army reconnaissance platoon 1-26 IN will be able to run faster and jump higher this month. On February 13, the JCPenney department store of Roosevelt Field donated 32 pairs of new sneakers to the soldiers through the local chapter of the AdoptaPlatoon program, which is based at Brookhaven National Laboratory. “We are so grateful for the donation from JCPenney, and the sneakers will go directly to soldiers in the front lines,” said Ken Erickson, a Ridge resident and Brookhaven Lab employee who heads the local AdoptaPlatoon chapter. “Most of these soldiers in the platoon are about 19 years old and they’re somebody’s kids. We want to do whatever we can to boost their morale and make them comfortable while they’re there.” The sneakers are scheduled to arrive in the Middle East this month and will then be delivered via helicopter to the soldiers who are stationed in the mountains of Afghanistan. While the

platoon originally requested 32 pairs of sneakers (one for each soldier), only 29 will be used. Since the original request, two members of the platoon have been killed and one has been injured. AdoptaPlatoon Soldier Support Effort is a national nonprofit organization that helps civilians to “adopt” a soldier or an entire platoon of soldiers by providing them with letters and items that they request including winter boots, shaving razors, magazines, snacks, and even backup generators. AdoptaPlatoon accepts supplies and fi nancial donations from individuals as well as local, regional, and national businesses. The Brookhaven Veterans Association’s AdoptaPlatoon committee has supported several platoons as well as deployed BNL employees and their children since its inception two years ago. Anyone who would like to adopt a soldier or a platoon, or contribute to the AdoptaPlatoon program should contact Ken Erickson at erickson@bnl.gov.

Inside this week News Columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A23 Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A22 Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A22

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Section C The VILLAGE BEACON RECORD (USPS 001-056) 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.

Beach abides bathers only, Town sez, but others angle for fishermen-friendly future BY JENNIFER CHOI jenchoi@tbrnewspapers.com

Residents on the North Shore won’t be fishing at Shoreham Beach any time soon. While members of the Shoreham Civic Organization have expressed their support for allowing both bathing and fishing at the town-owned beach, Brookhaven Public Information Officer Kevin Molloy said this week that “Shoreham Beach is and has been a bathing beach, and fishing is prohibited on a bathing beach.” There have been “several fishermen who have contacted the town who want to fish in that area,” Molloy said, “but unfortunately, they want to fish in an area that is a designated bathing area.” The Shoreham civic, however, hopes for a “good compromise” that “accommodates and satisfies everybody,” according to Civic President Kevin Ward. “We understand the plight of the fishermen, who for years have enjoyed fishing on the North Shore,” he said. “That’s part of the reason why you live here.” Complaints from local fishermen have surfaced at numerous civic meetings, he added, lead-

Photo by D. Willinger

A language barrier is no excuse to violate town regulations prohibiting fishing at Shoreham beach.

March Madness

ing to a proposed resolution by the civic to support fishing access at the town beach. As stated in the resolution, the area east of Shoreham Beach is owned by National Grid, while property to the west is owned by homeowner associations and the county. Some property owners have complained about “garbage and debris left behind” by fishermen, according to Ward, who said “transient fishermen who come in for a day” are most likely responsible for littering, not local recreational fishermen. “It’s a shame that they’re being penalized right now,” the civic president said, “but I understand the need to enforce the law, and I hope there can be a compromise one day that satisfies everyone.” That day, however, doesn’t seem to be getting any closer. The beach has been deemed a bathing-only beach “for obvious safety reasons,” according to Molloy, and it will remain so as far as the town is concerned. While the shoreline appears to be spacious enough for both swimmers and fishermen, the town-owned area is only 150 feet long, Molloy

said, adding that this area has become available for town use through an easement granted by National Grid. While fishing is prohibited at Shoreham Beach, Molloy said the town tries to “balance the recreational needs of all of our residents” and offers “different venues with different recreational offerings.” Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai, for instance, is equipped with a fishing pier, he said, and just as fishing is not allowed in bathing areas, those who choose to swim in places not designated for swimming are doing so “at their own risk.” As the Shoreham civic has heard complaints from local fishermen who want access to the beach, the town has received numerous complaints from property owners regarding litter and trespassers, according to Molloy. And while civic members have also suggested establishing separate beach hours for bathers and fishermen, Molloy said that would require further investigation by the town’s law and parks departments. In the meantime, he stressed, “For the safety of the public, there is no fishing.”

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MARCH 12, 2009 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A5

Surfcasters, seek not Shoreham sands this summer

PAGE A6 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • MARCH 12, 2009

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Town supervisor candidates Tim Mazzei (R-Blue Point) and Mark Lesko (D) at the Rocky Point Civic Association meeting.

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RP civic members take the measure of the men

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We would like to make our “Blessing of the Animals” an annual event. Gibbons Veterinary Hospital Please abide by our safety precautions. 631.929.5836 All dogs are to be on leashes, small pets and cats in carriers. Wading River Professional Center 6144 Route 25A • Building D • Suite 22 • Wading River, NY 11792

Members of the Rocky Point Civic Association gathered March 5 to hear from the candidates for Brookhaven town supervisor, Councilman Tim Mazzei (RBlue Point), representing the Republican and Conservative parties, and former federal prosecutor Mark Lesko, running on the Democratic ticket. Lesko kicked things off by providing a rundown of his professional career: He served as assistant U.S. attorney for 10 years and most recently served as deputy chief of the Long Island Criminal Division, leading all federal investigations and prosecutions in Brookhaven. Lesko, who lives in East Setauket with his wife, Karen Dzenkowski Lesko, said witnessing the corruption in town politics has “motivated me to decide to serve my town in a different way.” “We need to get past the fighting and the mud-throwing that’s paralyzed Town Hall and move forward,” he said. To help achieve this goal, Lesko introduced his BIG plan, or the Brookhaven Initiative for Growth. The plan involves rendering speedier decisions on proposed projects because “They shouldn’t be languishing in the planning department,” he said. As partners of the BIG plan, developers will also be asked to hire 25 percent of their workers from within the town and contribute, upon completion of the project, 1 percent of the assessed value of their property to a parkland reserve fund. In addition, a quality of life task force will “aggressively” address the issue of slumlords in Brookhaven, according to Lesko. This will help “remove the blight in the community,” he said, while the “Greenhaven” initiative helps clean up polluted sites. Lesko also vowed to “do whatever it takes” to support storm water remediation in Rocky Point and surrounding areas because it is “ridiculous” to have town beaches closed due to bacteria. When asked of his position on increased access for recreational fish-

ing, Lesko replied he must “weigh both sides” before making a decision. Mazzei, a lifelong Brookhaven resident, then took the stage and began his introduction. A former assistant district attorney and chief of the Homicide Bureau, Mazzei resides in Blue Point with his wife, Bernadette, and children, Mark and Angelina. Mazzei, who is currently a practicing attorney, said the town board has been focused on implementing green initiatives throughout Brookhaven. “That’s something we’re all keeping an eye on,” he said, describing himself as a “recycling nut.” In terms of new development, “I want to fast track every project if it’s good,” the councilman said. But as a former member of the Bayport-Blue Point school board, “I feel very strongly about not having the school district negatively impacted by taxes,” he added. Mazzei then addressed the recent “brain drain” problem on Long Island and said he is in favor of giving incentives to developers who offer workforce housing. “They’ll make money, but it’ll also be good for the community,” he said. As for asking developers to contribute something back to the community, “We already do that,” the councilman said, adding that “a community deserves to have some amenities” if a new development moves into the neighborhood.

Rails to trails Also at the March 5 meeting, Suffolk County Legislator Dan Losquadro (RShoreham) announced that he is working with other elected officials, including Congressman Tim Bishop (D-Southampton), to get funds released from the state Department of Transportation for the recently approved Rails to Trails project, which would provide a bike trail along the abandoned Long Island Rail Road track from Port Jefferson to Wading River. “Obviously, party lines don’t matter here,” Losquadro said, noting he is “hopeful” that the designing process will begin later this year.

7-Eleven loses pumps, keeps convenience store at Hallock Ave. & Rte. 347 The 7-Eleven on Hallock Avenue and Route 347 is a little short on parking these days — and totally bereft of gasoline. That’s because the company decided to remove the underground storage tanks and get out of the retail gasoline business, rather than be forced to upgrade those tanks in order to meet the new Suffolk County standards, according to Stephen Wright, senior geologist with Massachusettsbased AECOM Environment, who was conducting soil samples at the site earlier this week. Department of Environmental Conservation spokesperson Aphrodite Montalvo said yesterday the county is requiring all single-walled tanks to be replaced with double-walled tanks by January 2010. Fenley & Nicol Environmental of Deer Park supplied the muscle to remove three 10,000-gallon single-wall fiberglass tanks from the site. Their workers also used a hydraulic chisel to disintegrate the huge concrete cubes they unearthed near the tanks and which had served as anchors for the canopy that covered the filling station. Soon the convenience store, which remains open during the construction, will benefit from additional parking where the gas pumps used to be. But from now on the only “unleaded” you will find at this 7-Eleven, is decaf. — WILLINGER

Photo by D. Willinger

In the process of digging up outdated fiberglass gasoline tanks, a number of 4-foot high concrete cubes, used to anchor the canopy above the filling station, were also unearthed at the 7-Eleven in Mount Sinai, then pulverized.

Rocky Point Service Clubs Host Citizens of Year Gala The Rocky Point Lions Club and the Rocky Point Rotary Club are jointly sponsoring their sixth annual Citizens of the Year dinner reception on Thursday, March 26, at the Majestic Gardens on Route 25A in Rocky Point from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. These citizens were recognized in the last issue of The Village Beacon Record Newspapers in 2008, and customarily the two clubs honor them to show their appreciation for their outstanding service to the northeast Brookhaven communities, while at the same time raising money for their local charitable causes. The citizens honored this year are Christine Zukowski (Woman of the Year), The Hon. Timothy Bishop (Man of the Year), Diane Burke (Civics), The Hon. Daniel Losquadro (Arts), Richard Acritelli (Education), Mt. Sinai Congregational Church (Religion), Samuel Aronson (Science), Mavourneen Nicotra (Good Neighbor), Richard Johannesen (Government), Kenneth Barra (Business), Rosemary Wiesner and Christopher O’Connor (Environment), and Michael Bowler, Joseph Cuozzo and Robert Vlahakis (Sports). Anyone interested in attending can purchase tickets from Lion Louis Gallo at 821-2290, or Rotarian Ann Marie Gianni at 744-0100 for $65 per person to include a full buffet, beer, wine and soda.

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MARCH 12, 2009 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A7

Mt. Sinai minus a gas station

PAGE A8 • THE VILLAGE BEACON 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.”

BY JENNIFER CHOI jenchoi@tbrnewspapers.com

Photos by Jennifer Choi

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U.S. Postal Inspector Al Weissmann visited Jeffersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ferry in South Setauket last week to share the common defenses against fraud and identity theft as part of National Consumer Protection Week, which ran from March 1 to 7. Residents of Jeffersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ferry, a retirement community for active adults, gathered March 4 to learn how to protect themselves from what Weissmann calls â&#x20AC;&#x153;a very serious problem that hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t gone away.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The thieves have become a little more sophisticated,â&#x20AC;? the inspector said, noting their ability to use the Internet to perform fraudulent activities. It is very important to â&#x20AC;&#x153;do your homeworkâ&#x20AC;? before investing any money, Weissmann added, which includes making sure even your financial advisor doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a â&#x20AC;&#x153;shady background.â&#x20AC;? Following a short fi lm featuring fictional families who have suffered from identity theft, Weissmann noted that the goal of the postal inspection service is to raise awareness about possible scams. If something suspicious arrives in the mail, â&#x20AC;&#x153;shred it and forget it,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The shredder â&#x20AC;&#x201D; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where I fi le all my scams.â&#x20AC;? For example, an offer to become a â&#x20AC;&#x153;mystery shopperâ&#x20AC;? is a new scheme on the rise, according to the inspector. It all begins when a victim receives a heft y check in the mail and is directed to deposit the check into their checking account, the inspector explained. The mystery shopper is then asked to purchase various items with the money in order to evaluate the storeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s customer service. Problem is, the Beware of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get a check is no good, free bonus if you buy our Weissmann said. But before the check product,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve won a can bounce, the victim has used his own valuable free prizeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve won big money in money, or money he will be responsible a foreign lottery.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; for, to purchase the items. Furthermore, the unbeknownst mystery shopper is then asked to wire transfer a large sum of the money, the inspector continued, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bam, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been scammed â&#x20AC;&#x201D; whatever you wired is gone.â&#x20AC;? As for letters indicating lottery winnings, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enter it, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t win it,â&#x20AC;? Weissmann said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Please use common sense. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make important financial decisions on your own.â&#x20AC;? Centereach Postmaster Edward Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Shaughnessy, who joined Weissmann at the March 4 event, also advised residents to beware of such schemes and reach out to professionals with any questions or concerns. According to information provided by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, their investigators arrest about 12,000 criminal suspects each year, nearly half for mail theft or possession of stolen mail, and an average of 100 incidents involving suspicious items in the mail are investigated. The service also responds to more than 75,000 consumer fraud complaints each year, including reports of identity theft which claims 750,000 victims annually. To help prevent fraud by phone or mail, consumers should be wary of salespeople who use â&#x20AC;&#x153;well-rehearsed sales pitches designed to sound believable,â&#x20AC;? according to a handout from the postal inspection service. Among the sales pitches are: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get a wonderful free bonus if you buy our productâ&#x20AC;?; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve won a valuable free prizeâ&#x20AC;?; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve won big money in a foreign lotteryâ&#x20AC;?; and â&#x20AC;&#x153;This investment is low risk and provides a higher return than you can get anywhere else.â&#x20AC;? Rose Rezk, a four-year Jeffersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ferry resident, said the presentation was â&#x20AC;&#x153;very interesting.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reliable and whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not,â&#x20AC;? she said, adding even though she has not received any suspicious items in the mail, she will be extra careful in the future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought it was excellent,â&#x20AC;? said Marita McNeill, who moved to the retirement community two weeks after its opening nearly eight years ago. Having heard â&#x20AC;&#x153;so many horror storiesâ&#x20AC;? about identity theft, McNeill said she is glad to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;up to dateâ&#x20AC;? on the issue and credited Weissmann for making a â&#x20AC;&#x153;very clearâ&#x20AC;? presentation.

MARCH 12, 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD â&#x20AC;˘ PAGE A9

If it sounds too good to be true â&#x20AC;Ś inspector warns

PAGE A10 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • MARCH 12, 2009

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Frankenstein at BNL Covington String Quartet performs movie score The Covington String Quartet will play music composed to accompany the silent movie “Frankenstein” at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory on Wednesday, March 25, at noon in Berkner Hall. Sponsored by Brookhaven Science Associates, the company that manages the Lab, the concert is free and open to the public. All visitors to the Laboratory age 16 and over must bring a photo I.D. The Covington String Quartet recently premiered the original background music by Yukiko Nishimura to accompany Edison’s 1910 silent film, “Frankenstein.” That music will be performed during a screening of the short movie in its original 1910 form. String quartets by Haydn and Goldmark make up the balance of the recital. For information on the performers go to www.covingtonstringquartet.com

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PAGE A12 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • MARCH 12, 2009

Activists say BPA can leach out during heating, cause ills BY KAREN FORMAN beacon@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 “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.” “At this time,” the report continued, “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.” That information is still posted on the FDA website almost a year later, and it is “totally flawed,” Legislator Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills) claims. “Their own panels of scientists have revealed that their study is flawed,” he said during a press conference Feb. 3. Stern’s legislation, introduced that day, to ban the sale in Suffolk of any children’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 “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.” Junior Zach Rotter of Walt Whitman High School in Huntington, who also attended Stern’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 “BPA is extremely carcinogenic.” 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. “Potential problems include an increased risk of cancer, obesity, an altered immune system, reproductive health problems, diabetes and more,” Weber said. “A significant amount of research has confirmed these conclusions.” Two members of the Mount Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Center — Maida P. Galvez and Phillip J. Landrigan, both M.D.s — 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 children’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 — 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. “Think of the amount of times in one day a baby is given infant formula,” breast cancer activist Miller said. “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.” Stern said, “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.” “This legislation will help reduce unnecessary exposure to a substance linked with multiple health risks,” said Stern in a statement following the bill’s passage. He added that Suffolk has become the first municipality in the United States to ban BPA, as far as he knows.

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

44260

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.

MARCH 12, 2009 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A13

Baby bottle plastic ban approved by Legislature

53244

PAGE A14 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • MARCH 12, 2009

and permitting procedures. The result: in seven years the average I never thought I would say density of new development more that Long Islanders don’t have than tripled. When San Diego saw its econenough of an attitude. But I do think that we may be omy devastated by post-cold-war lacking something that is holding defense cuts, they developed a plan to connect university researchers our region back. Let me explain. The latest Long Island Index with entrepreneurs to incubate has just come out, and our re- new businesses in emerging, highgion continues to trend down- tech industries. The result: San Diward. Our economy is plagued ego is now the world’s 36th largest by a dearth of venture capital, economy: between Portugal and job growth mainly in low-paying Venezuela! The region ranks fifth sectors, increases in food stamp in the world in attracting venture capital. recipients and free lunch The vehicles participants. It’s not of just the recession: in reWhat every changesuccessful like this lation to the rest of the country, Long Island Long Islander are regional alcoaliincomes have been losshould know liances: tions of leaders ing ground for years. from business, At the same time, • academia, comwe’re not building the A series munity organikind of housing we presented by the zations, and govneed, nor preserving Long Island Index ernment, who open space at the levels work together to that will maintain our achieve regional quality of life. Overall, in the six years that the Index has goals. We desperately need this provided metrics, we have seen kind of alliance here. That will require leadership, little or no improvement. Most disturbing of all is that which Long Island has, and also we’re doing so little to reverse collaboration, which we can learn. But perhaps it starts with these trends. Other regions take action to that attitude I was speaking correct their problems. When about. We need an outlook that Silicon Valley identified a short- sees a problem and says, “This is age of affordable housing, they in- unacceptable. We have to fi x it.” The Index’s new study of educastituted new incentive programs BY NANCY RAUCH DOUZINAS vtimes@tbrnewspapers.com

tion on Long Island, for example, reveals a system that spends enormous amounts of money and still fails to provide thousands of our kids with the learning they need to succeed. We need an attitude that says, “That has to change.” We know all too well that our lack of housing options is driving young people away, splitting families, and shackling our economy. It’s time we agreed, “Enough talk. Let’s get this solved.” Long Island’s 100-plus downtowns and village centers offer enormous potential to provide new housing options, ease the brain drain, maximize existing infrastructure, relieve pressure on roads and open space, and spur business development. Patchogue has shown what can be done. Long Island should be making four or five Patchogues happen every year. Working together we can do that. We can transform our region: why not, if other regions have? “A new era” is a state of mind. A conviction. It’s partly “Yes, we can”; but it’s also, “Yes, we must.” Nancy Rauch Douzinas is president of the Rauch Foundation and convener of the Long Island Index. The Index provides data about the Long Island region, in order to promote informed public debate and sound policy making. For more information visit www. longislandindex.org.

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in September file an application for transportation with their home school district by April 1. Failure to do so will result in the denial of your late request. For information and to obtain an application call: Miller Place School District: 4742700, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Rocky Point School District: 7441600 ext. 2162, 8 am to 4 pm. Shoreham-Wading River School District: 821-8127, 8 am to 4 pm.

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Bad bank makes good villain in grand film In this age of over the top action mov- the accomplished 89-year-old actor. ies, where every fenderbender explodes The Italians who conspire to do busiinto a jet-fueled conflagration and he- ness with the bad bank are portrayed roes trade “outbursts of wit” with vil- with much more charisma, and indeed lains in the hope of launching the latest the political expediency that drives their catchphrase, you have to admire a grim actions at least adds a human element thriller where crucial dialog is left un- missing from the bank’s oligarchs. spoken in favor of the faltering gesture Salinger’s prowess as an agent is not and where the violence of vengeance is put to the test early on, so we are not conveyed from a loft y distance by the ab- quite sure we can trust in his abilities. sent image of an itinerary interrupted. That approach keeps the audience off “The International,” starring Clive balance and creates tension during later Owen as Interpol agent Salinger, is conflicts. Meanwhile a sequence of closejust such a movie. But this tense tale ups depicting methodical preparation of intrigue still throws plenty of excit- by an assassin conveys the high level of ing shoot ’em up action on the screen. professionalism Salinger is up against, Yes, “The International” wants to have while at the same time mystifying us with additional intrigue. it both ways, and here at When the action least, whatever director lands in New York, the Tom Tykwer of “Run Lola The film’s best 59th Street bridge looks Run” fame wants, Tykwer action sequence like a prison gate across gets. is a veritable Uzithe skyline, foreshadowThe plot pillories the ing the hero’s descent perfect villain for our palooza that turns into the world of the bad time: a vast international an Upper East Side guys he is chasing. Sabank, whose directors calinger picks up a posse bal coldbloodedly with architectural icon of detectives who imkillers and accountants to into Emmentaler ... mediately endear themenslave the world. selves to us with their The forbearance critics admire is complemented by thrills foul language and caffeine addiction. of the genre, including a humble chase At the same time, they epitomize noscene bursting with tension before nonsense professionalism. But much Salinger’s focus dissipates as he is con- more than that, their diversity and fronted by anonymous traffic on the brass ref lect the best qualities of “the city” even as they imbue us with a streets of Milan. In another scene, Salinger chases a sense of pride in America. The teemscumbag across the rooftops of Istan- ing vitality of New York City is deftly bul, the narrow path the men follow sketched here as well, and offers a forces the hero ever closer to an inevi- stark contrast with earlier scenes in “civilized” Europe. table decision. Naomi Watts fi lls a supporting role The fi lm’s best action sequence is a veritable Uzi-palooza that turns an Up- as a New York prosecutor cooperating in Salinger’s investigation, per East Side architecbut sadly it is one-ditural icon into Emmenmensional. Still I loved taler before culminating it when her character, with the sharpshooting in exasperation swears bravado of a Buffalo Bill. BY a mild oath I thought I The inspired cinDAVE WILLINGER had coined years ago. ematography of Frank It could be argued Griebe provides an everthat “The International” refreshing feast for the is built on a backstory eyes while reinforcing that is inconsistent with the narrative with vithe main narrative and sual cues, as when Salincontains sluggish scenes ger visits the seemingly where the world of high aseptic domain that is finance is deconstructthe evil bank’s corporate ed. One could argue headquarters. Tykwer buries our hero with an avalanche of un- the dialog is stuffed with more words of usual angles creating a Gothic sliver of wisdom than there are insolvent banks Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis” and suggest- in the western world. But even those prosaic platitudes are delivered with a ing the impending and fateful struggle. The bank directors — white men in fierce edge, including a well known truexpensive threads — come across as un- ism cribbed from Sophocles. And if the emotional as they do homogeneous, de- moral of the tale depresses you, you’re spite the Communist past of their elder probably already drowning in that propartner. That role is played by Armin verbial Eqyptian river. In the final analysis, “The InternaMueller-Stahl with a palpable weariness caused, one hopes, by poor direction tional” remains a stylish thriller. And you can take that to the bank. rather than failing vigor on the part of

In the dark

PAGE A16 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • MARCH 12, 2009

The Current Cinema

Non-public school transportation

For more movie reviews search ‘current cinema’ on www.northshoreoflongisland.com

MARCH 12, 2009 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A17 Photo courtesy of Mulvihill-Lynch

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 A12.

Formed in 1996, the Mulvihill-Lynch 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

Irish dance school shines 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 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 2881500 or the Mulvihill-Lynch School at 738-1242 for further information.

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The Rocky Point Teachers Association recognized four talented essay writers who entered a districtwide contest sponsored by the Long Island Presidents’ Council, an organization committed to promoting public education and community involvement. Essays written by Daniel Infranco, Ryan Hibbard, Jamie Kirsch and Gabrielle Pagano were chosen from hundreds entered in the competition, with each winner representing one of the Rocky Point schools. The essay contest was open to all children in the Rocky Point community. Students were required to write a composition of 100 words or less about their favorite class. A panel of teachers narrowed the candidates down to one per building. The students were recognized during the Jan. 29 Board of Education meeting, at which they were each presented with a certificate for their literary work. Pictured, Rocky Point Teachers Association Vice President Anthony Nobre, left, and President Mike Friscia, right, are pictured congratulating Long Island Presidents’ Council essay winners Kirsch (Rocky Point High School), Hibbard (Rocky Point Middle School), Infranco (Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School), and Pagano (Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School) during a recent Board of Education meeting.

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PAGE A18 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • MARCH 12, 2009

PEOPLE

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Submission is easy and publication is free: Email to vtimes@tbrnewspapers.com and include pictures as jpeg attachments. - or Write to People Section, PO Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733 and include your phone number.

Attridge named to dean’s list at BU

Sullivan-McFadden wedding

Jonathan R. Attridge, a resident of Mount Sinai, has recently been named to the dean’s list at Boston University for the fall semester.

Monteleone named to dean’s list at Cortland

Ken & Linda Sullivan of Wading River are happy to announce the marriage of their daughter, Shannon Ann Sullivan (SWR ’00) to Michael W. McFadden of Broomall, Pa.

Danielle Monteleone, daughter of Christine and Dennis Monteleone of Mount Sinai, has been named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at SUNY Cortland. The 2005 graduate of Mount Sinai High School is majoring in physical education.

Shannon & Mike are both alumni (’04) of Lafayette College in Easton, Pa. Shannon, an attorney in Philadelphia, graduated magna cum laude from Villanova Law School in 2007.

Loyola College dean’s list Miller Place residents Kari D’Ottavio, class of 2009, and Sean Murphy, class of 2012, were named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at Loyola College in Baltimore, Md. To qualify, students must earn a GPA of at least 3.5 with a minimum of 15 credits.

Clavin named to dean’s list at St. Joseph’s College

Mike is a senior compensation consultant with Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Philadelphia and is pursuing an MBA at Villanova University.

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.

The happy couple was married in Pennsylvania and reside in Center City Philadelphia.

Raimondo named to Hofstra University’s dean’s list Jon Raimondo of Shoreham has been named to the fall 2008 dean’s list at Hofstra University.

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

Obituaries

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.

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.

Marylou Jones Marylou Jones of Miller Place died on March 7. She was the beloved wife of the late William Paul; loving mother of Maryellen Spence and her husband Rob, and Nancy Colburn and her husband Patrick; cherished grandmother of Molly, Olivia, Ella, Isabelle, Gwen and Makenna; dear sister of Nancy Boehler and her husband William; devoted aunt of Emily and Sarah Boehler; dedicated

teacher at McGann-Mercy High School, Riverhead. A funeral Mass was held March 11 at Infant Jesus RC Church. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Coram. Arrangements entrusted to O.B. Davis Funeral Homes of Miller Place.

Elizabeth Theresa Daly Elizabeth Theresa Daly of Sound Beach died on Feb. 26. She was a member of the American Library Ass’n., National Society of Colonial Dames and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was the beloved sister of the late Virginia Taylor and late Eleanor Boylan. She is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass was held on March 2 at St. Louis deMontfort R.C. Church. Interment, Calvary Cemetery, Woodside. Arrangements entrusted to O.B. Davis Funeral Homes of Miller Place.

Ann Duffy Ann V. Duff y of Ridge died on Jan. 9. Beloved wife of John; loving mother of Laura Ann

McDonald and her husband Ray, Kathleen Kerry Tornabene and her husband John, and the late James Downs and his wife Tina. Cherished grandmother of Brian, Sean, Nicole and Brianna. A funeral Mass was held at St. Anthony of Padua RC Church, Rocky Point. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, N. Arlington. Arrangements entrusted to O.B. Davis Funeral Homes of Miller Place.

Anne Rhodes Anne B. Rhodes of Ridge, formerly of Syosset, died on Feb. 22. She was born Nov. 11, 1928, in Brooklyn. She was the beloved wife of Richard P. Rhodes; loving mother of Richard P. Rhodes, Jr. and his wife, Theresa; cherished step-grandmother of Justin Noble; dear daughter of the late Stephen and Anna O’Neill and sister of the late Stephen O’Neill. A funeral Mass was held Feb. 26 at St. Mark R.C. Church, Shoreham. Interment at Calverton National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Good Shepherd Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to O.B. Davis Funeral Homes of Miller Place.

MARCH 12, 2009 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A19

PEOPLE

PAGE A20 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • MARCH 12, 2009

‘Don’t haze me, bro’ TV show taped in Port Jeff last fall comes to the small screen need to keep calling the police, he said. The tall brunette behind the bar at TeLast November a group of col- quila Jacks, who preferred not to give her lege kids in their underwear caused a name, said, “I’m not a fan of those kind of stir on Arden Place in Port Jefferson, shows.” One of her customers, who would as they brutalized their peers by forc- only reveal his first name, Zvonimir, called ing them to drink booze through a fun- it “‘Candid Camera’ in reverse,” and addnel among other tricks of the hazer’s ed, “It’s not funny.” Over at Tommy’s Place on Main Street, trade. Or so it seemed to many shocked just around the corner from where last passersby. In fact it was all part of an elaborate year’s filming took place, patrons and staff hoax put on to snag some b-roll for a low- were not reluctant to share their opinions budget TV show. That Port Jefferson seg- of the show, the issue of hazing or their full names. ment aired this week. Sean Evans of Wading River said The show’s producers had obtained their permit to film in Port Jefferson last he never did the college thing, going fall by simply walking into Village Hall straight into the U.S. Air Force inand requesting it. When Village Clerk stead. Evans, who became a military Bob Juliano was asked this week if that police officer in the Air Force, said his training “was procedure had been hell at the beginmodified to include ning,” but would oversight by the Vil- ‘Since ABC News came in, I not equate it with lage Board, he wrote question the applicant closer hazing. Instead, in an email, “Since he said, it’s about ABC News came in, and inform the Board.’ BOB JULIANO “respect issues” I question the apPORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CLERK in the Air Force. plicant closer and ON FILM PERMIT PROCEDURE “They show you inform the Board who’s boss — and of the happenings who isn’t,” he (filming).” Gary Stewart of Jamaica is a waiter at Te- said. Lisa Castrignani was on duty as manquila Jacks Mainland and had a front-row view of those antics on Arden Place four ager of the Village Way on Main Street months ago. When asked whether he had when the TV crews were secretly filming suspected it was a setup, Stewart recalled, the faux hazing. “I couldn’t get out to see,” “At first, I didn’t know.” Later someone af- she said. Castrignani said she thought at filiated with the TV show came into the res- the time it was a kind of street theater, othtaurant to assure those inside there was no erwise 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 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 Gary Stewart could look out from his job at daylight along the streets of Port Jefferson. Tequila Jacks Mainland onto Arden Place “I don’t think you would ever see that in where the show was taped last November. public,” Oliver said. BY DAVE WILLINGER

dave_w@tbrnewspapers.com

Hudson City Savings Opens New Miller Place Branch

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.’

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.

Photos by D. Willinger

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.

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Bank personnel and local political officials gathered recently as Hudson City Savings Bank celebrated the opening of its new branch at 301 Route 25A in Miller Place. Pictured (L-R) are: Brookhaven Town Deputy Supervisor Jim La Carrubba, Suffolk County Legislator Dan Losquadro, Brookhaven Town Coucilwoman Jane Bonner, Hudson City Senior Vice President/Long Island Division Ron Butkovich, Branch Manager Helise Williams, and Assistant Branch Manager Tina Piechocki. Hudson City Savings Bank, an over $50 billion fi nancial institution, was named “America’s Best-Managed Bank of 2007” by Forbes. The bank currently maintains 9 branches in Suffolk County, with plans to open more in 2009.

910 Route 25 A, Miller Place - 209-1485 Open s! Sunday

GIRLS’ TRACK BY FRANK DOWD 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 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 finished 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 Three Village Swim Club. “He really stepped up this year.” Capobianco did just that, finishing 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 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 200-yard 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 first 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.”

SWR’s Andrews becomes first double winner at states from Suffolk County in over 10 years BY FRANK DOWD katsports@tbrnewspapers.com

(9:13.67) breaking his old school record of 9:21.10. Andrews won this race by about three seconds. One hour and 20 minutes later, he took first in the 1,600-meter run by less than a tenth of a second. “It was a photo finish,” Szymanski said. If Andrews places in the top six this weekend in Boston, he will be an All-American athlete. “That’s pretty prestigious,” Szymanski said. Shoreham-Wading River senior Kyle Wightman didn’t place, but completed the 3,200-meter run in 9:49. “I felt bad for the kid,” said Szymanski. “He was sick with the flu for five days before the state meet and couldn’t practice.”

BOYS’ TRACK

Section XI boys’ track and field athletes had a strong presence at the annual New York State championship meet. Many of them had successes, as well as overcoming obstacles to make their coaches and the community proud. Shoreham-Wading River senior Bobby Andrews had a solid day, becoming the first double-winner in Suffolk County dating back more than a decade. “That’s kinda tough to do,” said Shoreham-Wading River head coach Bob Szymanski. Andrews was also presented with the Outstanding Track and Field Athlete of Winter Track award this year. At states, Andrews set a new school record for the 3,200-meter run

Some of the top athletes from winter track competed last weekend at the New York State championships, which were held at Cornell University in Ithaca. Many set records, earned awards and came way with personal best scores. Shoreham-Wading River senior Ashley Clasen placed fifth in the shot put. After she qualified with her best score (41-0) at the qualifying meet, Clasen threw 39-06.75 at states. Last summer, she won the national discus title. Clasen is ranked fourth nationally in the 20-pound weight throw and will be competing in that event at two upcoming national competitions. She has received a scholarship to East Carolina University. “I think she’s going to the right place because the coach at East Carolina is an excellent throwing coach,” said Shoreham head coach Paul Koretzki. “It’s a great combination. She’s an outstanding worker.” For Mount Sinai, senior Christi Nassauer entered the competition as the Suffolk County pole vault champion. Last weekend, she placed 17th in both the New York State Federation and public high schools with a jump of 9-0. After clearing the first two jumps with ease, Nassauer missed one at 9-9. “This is the highest level meet she has competed in,” said Mount Sinai head coach Bill Dwyer. “She did well.” Mount Sinai junior Janet Mellor placed sixth in the state in the 300meter dash at 40.85, which was also good for a ninth place finish in the federation. “This was her best time for this indoor season,” said Dwyer. Mount Sinai sophomore Janie Turek came away with both silver and bronze medals, as she ran the 1,000meter race in 2:56.96. Turek finished second in NYSPHSAA and third in the federation. “It was a good day for her,” Dwyer said. He continued, “The meet went well. The most important thing is that Janie and Janet are looking forward to the nationals this weekend coming up.” Competing for Ward Melville were senior Ashley O’Shea and freshman Caroline O’Hea. O’Shea competed in the 1,500-meter race/walk, finishing in second place (7:05.37) to Valley Stream junior Emilija Vaskyte (7:05.03). Port Jefferson’s Lisa Kutzing holds the state record of 6:28.20, which was set back in 1998. O’Hea competed in the 3,000-meter run, clocking in at 10:22.11. Shelby Greaney of Suffern won the event with a time of 9:53.99. The state record of 9:31.97 was set back in 2002 by Molly Huddle of Elmira Notre Dame. Also competing was Smithtown East senior Ashley Beck. Beck is only the second athlete in the past 23 years to represent her school in the high jump competition. “She is a great athlete,” said Smithtown East assistant coach Helen Flynn.

MARCH 12, 2009 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A21

SPORTS

Clasen places fifth at states

PAGE A22 • THE VILLAGE BEACON 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 Look who’s parking in fire zones TO THE EDITOR: I am in the fourth grade at Ridge Elementary School. I’ve noticed that a lot of people park in fire zones. This is dangerous in an emergency and also inconsiderate of other people. For my science fair project this year, I studied who parks in fire zones the most. I collected most of my data at shopping centers in Shoreham, Rocky Point, Miller Place and Mount Sinai. I found out that females aged 30 to 39 is the group that parks in the fire zone the most. The second most is males aged 40 to 49. I was hoping that you could print my results in your newspaper. I think that these illegal parkers will feel bad about being in one of the worst groups and stop parking in fire zones. Thank you for your help. Chris Kelly Ridge

Housing, new developments in Miller Place TO THE EDITOR: Driving down North Country Road in Miller Place you notice how it is a historical district with old houses from the 1700s and 1800s. Recently, however, public notices are spread around announcing a preliminary subdivision application known as the Miller Place Road Pefcos Realty Corporation. This means that the last few acres we have left of natural forest will be turned into new housing developments. These developments will help crowd our already overcrowded school district that can’t even accommodate the students it already has. The Miller Place school district is already in the very beginning stages of expanding its schools just to fit the students it has already in the district. In doing so we had to raise taxes and get state grants to pay for it. Once we add more developments we will have to expand our schools even more, cutting the budget of sports and athletic fields. These acres of land down by Woodhull Landing, North Country Road and Heather Lane are the last remaining large parcels of land north of 25A within the district of Miller Place. In the Village Beacon Record there was a picture of a postcard showing Shore Road, Mount Sinai a century ago. In the caption below the picture it states how “tourists stayed at camps, cottages and hotels enjoying the quiet days of the waters of Miller Place and Mount Sinai Harbor.” [Feb. 26, page A12] People are drawn to Miller Place for its old

homes, warm hospitality and quiet woods that lead to the water. Why should we destroy a good thing, why not preserve what we have left. Everywhere in the world we are losing our natural resources and complaining about it and no one is doing anything about it. Why not start here? Why not save the land, animals (the scarce amount of deer that we do have left) and homes that we do have and keep our town a historical community? If you want to help go to the meeting being held at Brookhaven Town Hall in Farmingville on March 23. Miller Place has plenty of homes already up for sale and others vacant; there is no need to kill the last remaining acres of forest. Meghan Dwyer Miller Place

The arts need, deserve stimulus TO THE EDITOR: As Congress considers the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the arts and culture sector must be included. The arts are essential to the health and vitality of our communities. They enhance community development; spur urban renewal; attract new businesses; draw tourism dollars; and create an environment that attracts skilled, educated workers and builds a robust 21st century workforce. Nonprofit arts organizations are proud members of the business community — employing people locally, purchasing goods and services within the community, and involved in the marketing and promotion of their cities. In fact, there are more full-time jobs supported by the nonprofit arts than are in accounting, public safety officers, even lawyers and just slightly fewer than elementary school teachers. According to Americans for the Arts, a $50 million investment to the National Endowment for the Arts will provide critical funding to save 14,422 jobs from being lost in the U.S. economy. This is based on the ability of the NEA to leverage $7 in additional support through local, state and private donations, for every dollar in NEA support. There are approximately 100,000 nonprofit arts organizations, which spend $63.1 billion annually. Without an economic stimulus for the nonprofit arts industry, experts expect about 10 percent of these organizations (ranging from large arts institutions like museums and orchestras to small community-based organizations in suburban, urban and

rural areas) to shut their doors in 2009 — a loss of 260,000 jobs. In a report released in mid-January, the National Governors Association stated, “Arts and culture are important to state economies. Arts and culture-related industries, also known as ‘creative industries’ provide direct economic benefits to states and communities: They create jobs, attract investments, generate tax revenues, and stimulate local economies through tourism and consumer purchases.” Then NEA Chairman Dana Gioia issued the following statement prior to his departure, “Arts organizations have been hit enormously hard by the current recession. They’ve seen their support drop from corporations, foundations and municipalities. This infusion of funds will help sustain them, their staffs and the artists they employ. We are hopeful that Congress and the new administration will support this important investment.” Diana Cherryholmes Northport

Another classical music station DEAR MR. MCKINNEY: I couldn’t agree more with your comments about WQXR and the fading away of classical music on radio (“Classic music struggles to survive,” March 5). However I wish you had mentioned our other classical music source in Suffolk County, namely WSHU 91.1 FM Public Radio. Our main transmitter and translators cover the whole of Suffolk County, all the way out to Montauk Point. We have classical music programming every weekday from 9 am to 4 pm, and again from 8 pm to 5 am. On Sundays we have Baroque music from 8 am until 1 pm and my own classical program (temporarily hosted by Lauren Rico while I am away) Sunday Matinee, from 1 until 6. This is also broadcast on WSUF 89.9 FM. This is a pretty impressive line up of classical music, I think. You can see details at http://www.wshu.org People sometimes think of us a Connecticut station, but half our listeners and supporters are on Long Island (where I am based) and we have a studio at Suffolk County Community College in Selden. If you get a chance in future, please mention WSHU to your readers. We are non-profit, and need all the listeners we can get! David Bouchier WSHU essayist and music host

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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 mid-30s. 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 particular

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 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 fathers. 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

BY LEAH S. DUNAIEF vtimes@tbrnewspapers.com

2005 issue of Epidemiology. Because of increased 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.

PEOPLE Geography Bee finalist prepares for state-level competition Miller Place seventh-grader Brian Kearney is the first-place winner of the school-level National Geographic Geography Bee held in January at North Country Road Middle School, and will take a written exam this spring to qualify at the state level in Albany. Additionally, eighth-grader George Kranidis finished in second place, followed by seventh-grader Patrick Payne, who secured a third-place win. All middle school students were invited to participate in the school-level geography bee, which tests a student’s knowledge of the world’s geography. Participants were narrowed down to 10 top-scoring students after answering several rounds of questions. A championship round further narrowed the number of participants to two students. Pictured, Miller Place National Geographic Geography Bee coordinator Jacqueline Sanatore is pictured with North Country Road Middle School seventh grader and winner of the school-level geography bee Brian Kearney, left, and second-place winner George Kranidis. Courtesy Syntax Communication

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWSPAPERS We welcome letters, photographs, comments and story ideas. Send your items to PO Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733 or email to dave_w@tbrnewspapers.com. Or drop by our news office at 185 Route 25A, Setauket. The opinions of our columnists are not necessarily those of the paper. Times Beacon Record Newspapers are published every Thursday. Address: PO Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733. Telephone: 631-751-7744 Web •northshoreoflongisland.com Contents copyright 2009.

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Leah S. Dunaief GENERAL MANAGER Johness Kuisel EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lee Lutz EDITOR Dave Willinger LEISURE EDITOR Ellen Barcel SPORTS EDITOR Katherine Consorte ONLINE EDITOR Patricia Proven

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

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

Hurney honored by Mather Hospital at ‘An Evening of Fabulous Food’ Port Jefferson resident Walter Hurney, owner of Blackwell’s Restaurant in Wading River, was honored at the third annual “An Evening of Fabulous Food.” A longtime support of Mather Hospital, Hurney was feted for his “compassion, dedication and outstanding contribution in the fight against heart disease.” His restaurant was the site for the food tasting event, proceeds of which benefit the Chest Pain Emergency Room at Mather Hospital. Approximately 20 restaurants, wineries and beverage and related businesses offered their very best at the elegant Blackwell’s Restaurant in Wading River Nov. 10. With their help, $16,000 was raised for Mather’s Chest Pain ER. Pictured, Mather Hospital Chairman Kenneth A. Jacoppi (center) presents Hurney (right) with an award. Offering congratulations was Paul Elliott, who co-owns Blackwell’s Restaurant in Wading River, with Hurney.

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

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