The Times of Middle Country - February 25, 2021

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Centereach couple plans to open gamer café — A3

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Time to level up the coffee game

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PAGE A2 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • FEBRUARY 25, 2021 ZZ055 DRIFT | 00754 PASMINA

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FEBRUARY 25, 2021 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A3

Community News

Centereach couple working to open a new gamer café

BY JULIANNE MOSHER JULIANNE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM A Centereach couple is looking to score big with their coffee café concept.

Cat and Tim Smith both had experience working in different coffee spots. Being natural baristas and mixologists, they decided they wanted to open up their own spot, blending some of their favorite things — coffee, snacks, games and a cozy atmosphere everyone can enjoy.

“There’s really nothing on Long Island that has both a gaming atmosphere and a café,” she said. “When were younger, we would play games all the time. We’d have game nights every week.”

But the duo and their friends and family all began having kids — making it harder to go out, chill with their friends and find a space that can accommodate board games.

“We’ve put the feelers out there,” she said.

“And so many people have said that they would love a place like this.”

Their idea for Level Up — a coffee and gaming café — originally started up nearly three years ago. While collecting more games

to add to their library and finding a local roaster for beans, they devoted their weekends to finding a home to their soon-to-be business endeavor.

The Smith’s began saving, with the goal to settle down and officially open in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic derailed them. But Cat said that was a blessing in disguise.

“It’s been good in a few ways because we’ve been able to really take time and make sure we’re doing it the right way,” she said.

“We want to use everything that we’ve been able to accomplish in this past year and really try to give back and make our business as community centered as possible.”

And it’s allowing them to thoroughly search the North and South Shores to find the best location possible. They want to be on a Main Street, with tons of foot traffic.

“We’ve been primarily looking on the South Shore, but we’re also considering Port Jeff,” she said. “We want to be where we can attract people who are interested in supporting local businesses and have a place to go to spend time with their friends when COVID settles down.”

But Level Up won’t be just for board game lovers, she said.

“We want people to nerd out and talk with fellow fan geeks about pop culture, comics and anything like that,” she said. “We want to have this community where people who are the deepest fans will come in and get really nerdy and chat with other people who are just as interested or people who are just mildly interested and want to learn more.

She added that Level Up will be a place that offers something different to do for locals. “I think we want connection,” she said. “We want people to be able to come to us and find connection if they want it, or just delicious coffee.”

And the coffee drinks will be something out-of-this-world. Working with Brooklynbased Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters.

“Our goal is to be really creative,” she said, adding that Level Up is going to be a “pop culture coffee house.”

For fans of Marvel, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, they’re working on some themed drinks that even Professor Severus Snape will want to order.

The couple said their goal is to be opened up sometime in the summer, so stay tuned.

To stay updated, follow @LevelUpCafeNY on Instagram and Level Up Cafe on Facebook.

The couple has been experimenting with different coffee flavors, including this latte featuring the Level Up logo.

Photo from Cat Smith

A Kenyan school bus that could save lives

BY JULIANNE MOSHER JULIANNE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

An initiative built a school for kids in Kenya, and now they need a way to get there.

Kyle Spillane, a graduate of ShorehamWading River High School and board member of the local nonprofit Hope Children’s Fund, recently set up a GoFundMe fundraiser online to buy a minibus to safely get Kenyan students to school.

“It has the potential to save lives,” he said.

Incorporated in 2003, Hope Children’s Fund is a New York State licensed 501(c)(3) that provides for the physical and emotional needs of some of the most vulnerable AIDSaffected children who had been living on the streets of Meru, Kenya.

With the goal to provide food, clothing, shelter and medical care to enable children to be enrolled in local schools, the Jerusha Mwiraria Hope Children’s Home was built in 2005, taking in children that are HIV affected or who come from tragic backgrounds with families who can no longer care for them.

According to Spillane, two of the group’s kids unfortunately — and tragically — lost

their lives while walking home from school, due to the dangerous surrounding area. Their names were Glory and Michell.

“We wanted to fund a vehicle to transport our kids and doctors to and from the school,” he said. “We have never had a vehicle, and it’s been very costly for us to rent taxis and buses for them.”

Over the years, the organization lacked a vehicle to transport the children to and from their regular activities of attending school, shopping for food and supplies for the home, and visiting medical providers.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, public transportation is no longer the safest option for the group’s immune-compromised children, who regularly travel to the doctor.

Spillane said the GoFundMe, called A Vehicle for Hope, which was posted early last month has raised more than $4,600 to date. The total cost for a 16-seater minibus, from a Toyota dealership in Kenya, will cost $42,000. They have received a $10,000 grant from World Orphan Fund and received a partnership from an anonymous donor who has offered to match the first $5,000.

“We just got over 50% of our goal,” he said.

The 26-year-old Shoreham resident found out about the Setauket-based organization through the Global Awareness Club at Shoreham-Wading River High School. Since becoming a part of it, he has been to Kenya four times, returning more recently in 2017 and 2019.

“This is an organization I hold close to me,” he said. “They have really grown to be what I consider my family, and I wouldn’t still be interested if I didn’t believe in those children. The amount of growth I’ve seen them go through is amazing.”

Hope Children’s Fund is a completely volunteer-based nonprofit.

“The education is what they really want,” he said about the students. “It’s incredible — these students are coming from nothing and are becoming doctors. They are not taking anything for granted.”

Spillane is asking the community to donate and help keep these students safe. “This GoFundMe will support and provide protection to some of the brightest youth minds, who are also some of the most vulnerable AIDSaffected children in Meru, Kenya,” he said.

Kyle Spillane (center) with three students during one of To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/ his past trips to Kenya. Photo from Kyle Spillane vehicleforhcf.

PAGE A4 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • FEBRUARY 25, 2021

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The ALS Ride for Life board of directors unanimously appointed Ray Manzoni as president of the organization.

Manzoni, of Miller Place and proprietor of Manzoni Real Estate located in Mount Sinai, replaces Chris Pendergast, a beloved community member and founder of the nonprofit, who died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in October after a 28-year-long battle.

But Manzoni said Pendergast’s legacy will live on, and he’ll be there to help see the organization through.

When ALS Ride for Life was incorporated back in 1997, Manzoni stood alongside Pendergast — a man he became good friends with.

“We had been friends for years before he was diagnosed. Then he sucked me in and here I am 28 years later,” he laughed.

“I knew him well. I knew his mind. He taught me well.”

While Pendergast was still alive and spreading awareness on ALS (often referred to as Lou Gehrig disease), the new president served on the board of directors, eventually — and currently — as board chairman.

“Chris was a nationally known leader in the world of ALS,” Manzoni said. “I was proud to be his friend. I look forward to continuing his mission and that of our organization toward providing patient services, awareness and supporting research so that a cure can one day be found.”

ALS Ride for Life started when Pendergast embarked on a ride with his electric scooter from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to Washington, D.C., 22 years ago to raise awareness about the disease and raise funds for research. After a few years, the ride was contained to New York state — from Riverhead to the Bronx — where participants stop by schools along the way that take part in the organization’s presentations throughout the school year.

Pendergast, a Miller Place resident and former Northport elementary teacher, had lived with the disease for 28 years. When doctors diagnosed him, they thought he only had a few years to live. He lived to be 71.

Pendergast became an icon and symbol for the North Shore for never giving up.

Ray Manzoni Photo from ALS Ride for Life

Even as he lost the ability to speak and had to communicate with an eye-to-speech device, his determination never seemed to relent. Just this year, Pendergast, alongside his wife Christine, released the book “Blink Spoken Here: Tales from a Journey to Within” about his life since his diagnosis in 1993.

The ALS Ride for Life organization has raised over $10 million for advocacy and research. Their yearly Ride for Life trips were later accompanied by visits to close to 90 school districts on Long Island.

“His story still resonates,” Manzoni said.

“ALS is not gone.”

The new president is looking forward to keeping Pendergast’s legacy alive.

“We fortunately have this great team,” he said. “We held it all together and are refining in these COVID times.”

Known to visit schools and give presentations on the disease, the group had to change shape to get their word out, while adhering to coronavirus guidelines. But he is asking people to continue supporting their local nonprofits.

“The kids want this, administrators want this,” he said.

FEBRUARY 25, 2021 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A5

State

Englebright ready to tackle district’s priorities in 2021

BY RITA J. EGAN RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

In 2020, state Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) maintained his seat in a race against Michael Ross, a local lawyer and former Suffolk County assistant district attorney. With nearly 30 years behind him as an assemblyman, Englebright is hitting the ground running in 2021.

COVID-19

While the assemblyman has a list of priorities for 2021, the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is at the forefront of his mind. He said in a phone interview that the state’s vaccination rollout protocols need to be addressed in regard to issues such as identifying more vaccination sites, making registering easier and allowing couples to sign up together.

He added more locations should be utilized such as chain and privately owned pharmacies, local school gyms and even National Guard facilities.

“It really is held up right now by a lack of imagination and proper use of technology that’s available,” Englebright said, adding that even having people answering the state hotline would be helpful.

He noted not having enough of the COVID-19 vaccines also exacerbates the problem.

“I think there’s always little bureaucratic things that discourage people, and the object of this exercise is to vaccinate as many people as possible and achieve herd immunity and return to normal at some level,” he said.

“Especially, before these new variants come in from Brazil, South Africa and London.”

Infrastructure

Englebright has been keeping his eyes on Route 347 and the Long Island Rail Road.

While roadwork on Route 347 in the Smithtown area was completed a few years ago, Englebright would like to see the road improvements continue through Port Jefferson Station. The assemblyman is making sure the completion of the roadwork is a priority.

“This is important for the operation and quality of life for the Port Jefferson Station community,” Englebright said. “If I can move it up and accelerate the improvement, I’m going to try to do that.”

Englebright is also a proponent of full electrification of the LIRR Port Jefferson line, and in 2019 was part of a press conference in Stony Brook speaking out against the railroad purchasing more diesel engines.

He said electrification will be a “game changer,” raising the values of homes, attracting more people to use the railroad and creating less pollution.

“We’re working with late-19th century, early-20th century models for rail, and the time has long passed — we need to upgrade them,” he said.

PSEG Long Island

Englebright said a closer look is being taken at PSEGLI. Many have been disappointed with the utility company, he said. Recently, many of its top executives were pulled off of Long Island issues and sent to Puerto Rico to try to acquire big contracts for rebuilding the Caribbean island’s hurricane-ravaged electrical infrastructure.

Englebright said the Long Island Power Authority board is moving toward full municipalization of the utility company, something he has been pushing for since 1983 when he was a Suffolk County legislator.

“I’m still of the opinion that moving to full municipal ownership would give more accountability and more stability in terms of our ratepayers obligations,” he said.

At the start of a new term, state Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) has a lot on his mind including the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and local infrastructure (see The Village Times Herald Feb. 4 edition.) However, that doesn’t mean the chair of the Assembly’s Committee on Environmental Conservation has forgotten environmental initiatives.

Recycling

Englebright along with state Sen. Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach) is co-sponsoring legislation regarding recycling and creation of waste related to packaging which will extend producers’ responsibility. The goal is to boost recycling, curb waste and save tax dollars. Englebright said the responsibility of recycling packaging and paper products will shift from local governments to corporations.

Locally, it could mean that the Town of Brookhaven could extend the life of its landfill, which is slated to close in 2024 and was negatively affected when China stopped taking America’s plastic waste in 2018.

The request to reduce landfill waste is one that comes from towns all over the state, according to the assemblyman.

“One-third of the waste going into the landfill is for packaging,” Englebright said. “So, if we can help extend the life, the useful life of our landfill, it will save our taxpayers millions.”

The assemblyman added that “we’ll just be more responsible if we put the responsibility for packaging onto the manufacturers.”

“If we create an incentive for the manufacturers to reduce the amount of waste and standardize the type of plastics that they use to use recyclable plastics, such as polyethylene instead of polyvinyl chloride, the work of the town becomes much, much less stressful,” he said.

Assemblyman Steve Englebright Photo from Englebright’s office

Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act

Englebright said implementing New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which was passed in 2019, is a priority. The act sets to legally binding emissions reductions’ standards with the goal of eliminating dependence on fossil fuels by 2050. The act sets a goal to reduce emissions by 85% below 1990 levels by 2050. An interim target is at a 40 percent reduction by 2030. The remaining percentage of emissions will be offset by actions such as planting trees, which removes carbon dioxide out of the air, to reach net zero emissions.

An original sponsor of the legislation, Englebright is encouraged by President Joe Biden’s (D) commitment to do the same and U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also being a proponent. Englebright is further encouraged

by Biden moving toward incentivizing electric automobiles which was followed by General Motors announcing it’s going to phase out internal combustion engines by 2035 and

move into the electric vehicle arena.

“All of that is within the framework of what we went through at the state legislative level,” Englebright said. “We had a debate basically for four years before Todd Kaminsky became the chair in the Senate and was able to move the bill.”

Restore Mother Nature Bond Act

The state’s $3 billion Restore Mother Nature Bond Act was announced in the state budget in 2020 but was pulled from the November ballots due to the pandemic’s impact on New York’s finances.

Englebright said it’s important to get back to implementing the legislation which will fund critical environmental restoration projects in the state — including restoring fish and wildlife habitats, preserving open spaces and enhancing recreational opportunities and prepare New York for the impact of climate change and more.

The bond act would help advance the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

PAGE A6 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • FEBRUARY 25, 2021

USDA extends free lunch waiver to local school districts School districts across Long Island have been offering free meals to children throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and the policy from the U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended the program to the end of the school year.

Over the summer, at the height of the pandemic, the USDA allowed school districts to apply for free meals for all students. Usually, districts only provide free breakfasts and lunches to students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.

But the coronavirus prompted the federal government to create child nutrition waivers based upon available funding at the time to end in June, then December and now throughout the 2020-21 school year.

And it’s benefiting hundreds of students, local school representatives said.

Mara Pugh, Elwood school district food services director, said when the pandemic started in March, USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue gave schools the flexibility and waivers to be able to serve lunches to everyone in the community who were learning from home.

“Back then, we had a grab and go for any family,” she said. “No matter what the financial eligibility was, they would get a free lunch.”

Before the pandemic, families who were struggling or below the middle-class line were able to enroll their children in the free or reduced-lunch programs. The pandemic, however, affected everyone, and some students who came from middle-income households were now struggling.

When the waiver was passed again at the end of the 2020, Pugh said it was “a relief.”

“It definitely will help to ensure all the children in our district and community have access to the nutritious foods they need,” she said.

Whether the student is remote learning or inperson, everyone is eligible if they so choose, no questions asked.

“We have around 2,500 kids in our district,” she said, “And about 30% to 40% of them are

taking advantage of it.”

Remote families are able to pick up their meals at the school, where the district packages meals for two or three days at a time, she said.

“There’s no enrollment needed,” she added.

“With these times, people who were well-off last year may not be well-off this year.”

In a release last year, USDA stated that the challenges facing the country called for an effective way to feed children. The waiver allowed changes, like serving meals in all areas at no cost, permitting meals to be served outside of the typically required group settings and mealtimes, waive meal pattern requirements and allow parents or guardians to pick up meals for their children.

“As our nation recovers and reopens, we want to ensure that children continue to receive the nutritious breakfasts and lunches they count on during the school year wherever they are, and however they are learning,” Perdue said. “We are grateful for the heroic efforts by our school food service professionals who are consistently serving healthy meals to kids during these trying times, and we know they need maximum flexibility right now.”

Three Village school district also has taken advantage of the waiver. Jeffrey Carlson, deputy superintendent for business services, said that he thought it was “a great idea.”

“I’ve felt for a long time that school lunches should be free for all schools,” he said. “Either the district pays for it or the federal government pays.”

Carlson said the free lunches also have gotten better than when parents were in school.

“It used to be a lot more obvious as to which kids were getting free lunch and then the stigma comes along with it,” he said. “So, if every kid just got lunch in school then we wouldn’t have to worry about that anymore.”

While there are still snacks and extras that must be bought à la carte, he said that daily participation in the program has increased.

“I think it’ll go up even more after COVID,” he said. “People will be more comfortable with food being prepared for their children again.”

Stock photo

BY JULIANNE MOSHER JULIANNE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Beth Rella, assistant superintendent for business at Middle Country school district, said they are “thrilled” to be able to offer the program to all of their students — whether they attend in-person, virtual or hybrid classes.

“Although we began the year starting a little lighter than typical, which was anticipated due to COVID, we have noticed an increase in the number of meals served daily as the school year has progressed,” she said. “We see more and more students enjoying tasty breakfasts and lunches each day. We hope that students, who may have not tried out the food services program previously, use this as an opportunity to taste the various menu items.”

Carlson said that when USDA extended the program, there wasn’t a big announcement about it. Rella added that her district has “utilized ConnectEd messages, board of education meetings, printed flyers, the website and have even encouraged faculty and staff to spread the word about the program.”

Middle Country students even had the opportunity to design and compete in a “Free Meals for All” poster contest, where the winning poster was used as a promotional display.

Smithtown school district publicized the program via email to parents. Superintendent

Mark Secaur wrote back in September, “The USDA recently announced that all school districts participating in the National School Lunch Program could temporarily serve free lunch to all students until Dec. 31, 2020. We have now also received approval from NYSED to participate in the free lunch offering.”

Memos were sent out to residents within the Port Jefferson School District, too, and Deputy Superintendent Sean Leister said that while “around 10% or 15% of students are remote, this brings a level of normalcy to them.”

Leister added his district has also seen an increase in families participating.

“There’s always a gap of people who don’t feel comfortable with signing up for the reduced lunch program,” he said. “But the federal government, state and Port Jefferson School District all realize that not having a meal is important to keeping students engaged and attentive — and no one will know they got it for free.”

Rella said Middle Country offers a week’s worth of frozen meals so students can continue to enjoy hot meals during their time off.

“Having the USDA free meals for all program has not only allowed more students to participate in the program, it has helped to lessen the financial burden that was produced,” Rella said.

Stony Brook resident helps restaurants stay safe with no-touch menus

BY KIMBERLY BROWN DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Restaurants are finding new ways to keep their patrons safe.

While many provide traditional plastic menus, which could potentially harbor unwanted bacteria, some customers find it one more reason to deter them from eating out.

However, Chris Zenaty, CEO of No Touch Orders, has found a solution to the problem — a no-touch menu to be viewed on one’s mobile device.

A resident of Stony Brook, Zenaty’s local business is based on ordering through QR codes, which have aided restaurants in promoting a safe dining experience.

The affordable, cloud-based POS system comes with everything an owner may need. All that’s required for setting up is one-to-two spare hours, a Wi-Fi printer and a kiosk.

“The technology that they’re using here hasn’t been changed in 10 years, so it’s up to small innovative companies, like ourselves, to come up with new ideas and technologies,” Zenaty said.

Customers need only to scan the unique QR code on the table with their cellphone camera, pull up the menu, order and even pay through the system. Zenaty’s ingenuity has given customers and businesses the option of a completely touchfree experience while dining.

“I thought maybe not everyone wants to touch the menus, and everyone uses smartphones for everything, so why not just

look at the menu while you’re waiting there?” he said.

With the help of Jeremy Herrmann, a computer science major at Stony Brook University, and Bob Pearson, a physics teacher at Patchogue-Medford High School, Zenaty was able to bring his unique coding system to life in just two years. He plans to expand his company in the near future.

No Touch Orders QR readers can be found around New York City, and closer to home on the North Shore. Zenaty said that Bagel Express in Setauket and Pentimento Restaurant in Stony Brook Village have been utilizing his service.

“We started locally because we have a lot of support out here, but I’d like to bring this to different states,” he said.

Bagel Express in Setauket is one of the restaurants using the no-touch menus created by Chris Zenaty.

Photo by Kimberly Brown

FEBRUARY 25, 2021 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A7

Town

Northport veteran finds support in a furry friend

BY KIMBERLY BROWN DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Military members who served overseas are facing countless battles, even after their missions have ended and it’s time to return home.

Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse disorder are just some obstacles veterans have developed, making it difficult for them to adjust to a routine lifestyle again. Luckily, Robert Misseri, founded in 2014 Paws of War — a Nesconset-based nonprofit to support veterans with service dogs.

“It started out with requests from overseas from active military members who asked for our assistance because they knew I had experience with getting dogs over previously,” he said.

One thing led to another, and soon Misseri was receiving more and more phone calls from retired or disabled veterans who had learned what he was doing. They would share their stories with him about animals they left behind overseas, and how heavy it weighed on their heart.

Knowing their mental health struggles, the veterans began asking Misseri if he could provide them with a service dog.

“Our mission we felt was unique in a way because we were using rescue dogs,” he said. “We would train the dog and the veteran each day, hand in hand in our facility. We slowly started to learn, not from them, but from their families, friends and doctors that whatever we were doing was really working.”

The formula Misseri created worked and he credits the dogs for making such a significant impact on the veterans. What he also learned was that his organization created an alumnus among the veterans who have served in different branches overseas.

When all together in the Paws of War facility the veterans became a family, and it made them look forward to coming to training.

“Learning their struggles, and then learning what these dogs can do for them was so important because they also knew that they were helping the dog,” he said.

“This wasn’t a dog that we bred or we bought. This is a dog that also likely had come from a difficult situation. That’s why ‘Helping both ends of the leash’ is our motto.”

One of the many military members Misseri helped was Northport resident Mary McCue, a combat Marine Corps veteran who worked as an ammunition technician overseas. She was honorably discharged as a sergeant after she served

for six years — two years longer than a typical four-year term.

“I loved it, I was having a blast meeting great people and having great experiences,” McCue said. “I was just really enjoying it at the time, but it’s a lot of traveling and you get a little burnt out.

Sometimes it seems so surreal because it’s a whole different world and a whole different life, and sometimes I look back and think ‘Wow, I went to war.’”

McCue created a Facebook page, “Ammo Company! Good Times, Support and Reunions,” to give Marine veterans a platform to support each other through being home, adjusting and missing the Marine Corps.

“A lot of our members are all over the country, so it’s nice to have an outlet where we can reach out and talk to each other because we’re so far apart — and sometimes it gets pretty lonely,” McCue said.

After leaving the Marine Corps, she said she had a difficult time adjusting to civilian life. Missing the comradery that comes along with being a part of the Marines left McCue feeling isolated upon her arrival back home.

“Being in the military, you’re taught to tough things out,” she said. “You don’t complain, you don’t ask questions. You do the mission at hand or people die. So, when you come home, you’re this hard tough person and it’s hard to come to grips with the fact that you may have come home with some type of mental defect.”

It took a long time for McCue to admit that she came back a different person. The many experiences she had packed into six years of service sat with her. After years of not reaching out for help, she finally built up the courage to get counseling.

“I was sick and tired of not being able to let go of ‘Marine Mary,’ — I wanted to exist as a Marine and a civilian because they were both a part of me, and I really didn’t know how to go about doing that,” she said.

A friend of McCue’s introduced her to Paws of War. Being in a better place in her life and always having a love for dogs, she thought a service dog would be a beneficial addition. A year ago, right before the country locked down because COVID-19 cases were increasing, Misseri told McCue he found a sweet golden retriever named Abbie who was rescued from an abusive home in North Carolina “Of course, I immediately fell in love with her,” she said. “Our personalities match up perfectly. It’s such a blessing that she came into my life.”

Mary McCue poses with her dog Abbie, above. McCue on duty overseas, below. Photos from Paws of War

Due to the COVID pandemic, McCue wasn’t able to start training at the Paws of War facility until August, but fellow clients, veterans and Misseri always kept in contact with her and Abbie, making sure everything was going fine. “Once we started training, I found purpose in my life again,” McCue said. “Since Abbie was a rescue, she had her quirks coming in, too. She was definitely physically and mentally abused, so it was like she was helping me, and I was helping her.”

Being able to work with other veterans during training helped McCue, as they were all able to understand what each other went through, therefore providing unconditional support for one another.

Abbie is currently doing at-home Zoom training and, according to McCue, is very smart and doing a great job.

“Abbie has truly changed my life for the better, and I’m in debt to Paws of War for the rest of my life because they were able to make this happen for me,” McCue said.

To learn more about Paws of War, visit pawsofwar.org.

PAGE A8 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • FEBRUARY 25, 2021

LEGALS SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF JEFFERSON---X Index No. EF2020-00001522 Date Summons Filed: 09/08/2020 RAJEEV SHARMA, Plaintiff -againstMONIKA BAWA, Defendant.--X Plaintiff designates Jefferson County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is CPLR Sec. 509.

SUMMONS WITH NOTICE Plaintiff resides at 32 Handsome Ave., Selden, NY 11784.

ACTION FOR DIVORCE To the above named Defendant: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorneys within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the notice set forth below.

Dated: September 08, 2020.

David Centeno, Esq. David Centeno Law, PC Attorneys for Plaintiff 300 International Dr., Suite 100 Buffalo, NY 14221 (866) 830-2064.

NOTICE: The nature of this action is to dissolve the marriage between the parties, on the grounds: DRL Section 170 subd. (7) - the relationship between the Plaintiff and Defendant has broken down irretrievably for a period of at least six

To Place A Legal Notice Email: legals@tbrnewsmedia.com months. The relief sought is a judgment of absolute divorce in favor of the Plaintiff dissolving the marriage between the parties in this action. The nature of any ancillary or additional relief demanded is: That the parties do not require maintenance and no claim will be made by either party for maintenance. Neither party is seeking maintenance as payee as described in the Notice of Guideline Maintenance. That the parties do not require payment of counsel and experts’ fees and expenses. That the Court grant such other and further relief as the Court may deem fit and proper. The parties have divided up the marital property, and no claim will be made by either party under equitable distribution.

NOTICE OF ENTRY OF AUTOMATIC ORDERS (D.R.L. 236) Rev. 1/13 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE ORDERS MAY BE DEEMED A CONTEMPT OF COURT PURSUANT TO the Uniform Rules of the Trial Courts, and DOMESTIC RELATIONS LAW Section 236, Part B, Section 2, both you and your spouse (the parties) are bound by the following AUTOMATIC ORDERS, which have been entered against you and your spouse in your divorce action pursuant to 22 NYCRR Section 202.16(a), and which shall remain in full force and effect during the pendency of the action, unless terminated, modified or amended by further order of the court or upon written agreement between the parties: (1)

ORDERED: Neither party shall sell, transfer, encumber, conceal, assign, remove or in any way dispose of, without the consent of the other party in writing, or by order of the court, any property (including, but not limited to, real estate, personal property, cash accounts, stocks, mutual funds, bank accounts, cars and boats) individually or jointly held by the parties, except in the usual course of business, for customary and usual household expenses or for reasonable attorney’s fee in connection with this action. (2) ORDERED: Neither party shall transfer, encumber, assign, remove, withdraw or in any way dispose of any tax deferred funds, stocks or other assets held in any individual retirement accounts, 401k accounts, profit sharing plans, Keogh accounts, or any other pension or retirement account, and the parties shall further refrain from applying for or requesting the payment of retirement benefits or annuity payments of any kind, without the consent of the other party in writing, or upon further order of the court; except that any party who is already in pay status may continue to receive such payments thereunder. (3) ORDERED: Neither party shall incur unreasonable debts hereafter, including, but not limited to, further borrowing against any credit line secured by the family residence, further encumbrancing any assets, or unreasonably using credit cards or cash advances

against credit cards, except in the usual course of business or for customary or usual housing expenses, or for reasonable attorney’s fees in connection with this action. (4) ORDERED: Neither party shall cause the other party or the children of the marriage to be removed from any existing medical, hospital and dental insurance coverage, and each party shall maintain the existing medical, hospital and dental insurance coverage in full force and effect. (5) ORDERED: Neither party shall change the beneficiaries of any existing life insurance policies, and each party shall maintain the existing life insurance, automobile insurance, homeowners and renters insurance policies in full force and effect. IMPORTANT NOTE: After service of Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint for divorce, if you or your spouse wishes to modify or dissolve the automatic orders, you must ask the court for approval to do so, or enter into a written modification agreement with your spouse duly signed and acknowledged before a notary public.

N OT I C E CONCERNING CONTINUATION OF HEALTH CARE COVERAGE (Required by Section 255(1) of the Domestic Relations Law) PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that once a judgment of divorce is signed in this action, both you and your spouse may or may not continue to be eligible for coverage under

lower formula will apply, but only if the maintenance payor is paying child support to the other spouse who has the children as the custodial parent. Otherwise the higher formula will apply. Lower Formula 1. Multiply Maintenance Payor’s Income by 20%.

2.

Multiply Maintenance Payee’s Income by 25%. Subtract Line 2 from Line 1 = Result 1 Subtract Maintenance Payee’s Income from 40% of Combined Income* = Result 2. Enter the lower of Result 2 or Result 1, but if less than or equal to zero, enter zero.

THIS IS THE CALCULATED GUIDELINE AMOUNT OF MAINTENANCE WITH THE LOWER FORMULA. Higher Formula 1. Multiply Maintenance Payor’s Income by 30% 2. Multiply Maintenance Payee’s Income by 20% Subtract Line 2 from Line 1 = Result 1 Subtract Maintenance Payee’s Income from 40% of Combined Income* = Result 2 Enter the lower of Result 2 or Result 1, but if less than or equal to zero, enter zero. THIS IS THE CALCULATED GUIDELINE AMOUNT OF MAINTENANCE WITH THE HIGHER FORMULA. * Combined Income equals Maintenance Payor’s Income up to $192,000 plus Maintenance Payee’s Income. Note: The Court will determine how long maintenance will be paid in accordance with the statute.

(Rev. 3/1/20)

each other’s health insurance plan, depending on the terms of the plan. NOTICE OF GUIDELINE MAINTENANCE If your divorce was commenced on or after January 25, 2016, this Notice is required to be given to you by the Supreme Court of the county where your divorce was filed to comply with the Maintenance Guidelines Law ([S. 5678/A. 7645], Chapter 269, Laws of 2015) because you may not have counsel in this action to advise you. It does not mean that your spouse (the person you are married to) is seeking or offering an award of “Maintenance” in this action.

“Maintenance” means the amount to be paid to the other spouse for support after the divorce is final. You are hereby given notice that under the Maintenance Guidelines Law (Chapter 269, Laws of 2015), there is an obligation to award the guideline amount of maintenance on income up to $192,000 to be paid by the party with the higher income (the maintenance payor) to the party with the lower income (the maintenance payee) according to a formula, unless the parties agree otherwise or waive this right. Depending on the incomes of the parties, the obligation might fall on either the Plaintiff or Defendant in the action. There are two formulas to determine the amount of the obligation. If you and your spouse have no children, the higher formula will apply. If there are children of the marriage, the

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History

A small taste of history:

Saturday nights at Aggie’s Steakhouse Amongst the Middle Country Public Library’s many historical artifacts are a few that explain just how far the area has come from its pastoral routes.

The pictures and story below comes courtesy of a collaborative effort among the librarian staff.

For over 40 years, Aggie’s Bar and Grill (also known as Aggie’s Steakhouse), located on Middle Country Road in Selden, was the “local watering hole” for area residents.

Aggie’s opened its doors in 1927 and was owned and operated by Agnes O’Hagan, who moved to the United States at age three from Calabria, Italy. Events at Aggie’s and their contributions to community life were a mainstay in Selden during these years. Celebrations like wedding showers, birthday parties, costume balls, amateur nights, card nights and St. Patrick’s Day parties were held there. The staff even formed a shuffleboard team, which participated in local competitions with neighboring teams in the area.

Saturday nights would find considerable crowds enjoying 45 cent spaghetti and meat sauce, square dancing and other specialty dances with music provided by Aggie’s Brown Jug Mountaineers. An advertisement for a Gala New Year’s Eve Party was placed in the Patchogue Advance of Dec. 25, 1936 to publicize the event, which featured noisemakers, hats and

souvenirs, music and entertainment, and a seven-course turkey dinner. Tickets cost $1.00 for this specially licensed nightlong event, which concluded at 8 a.m.

In the summer of 1939, Aggie’s showed appreciation to their summer patrons by announcing “a surprise” for them on a Saturday night from 10 p.m. until midnight.

The festivities included dancing to the music of Leonardi and his Club orchestra, and listening to the pride of Harlem, “Singing Sam” and Aggie’s customary entertainer, Eddy Kane.

Earlier that summer, Aggie’s advertised their official Ham and Cabbage Summer Opening for the night of July 22 in the July 19, 1939 edition of The Mid-Island Mail. Performers included Don Ritchie and his Rhythm Masters as well as Eddy Kane and Virginia Servidio.

These are just a few examples of the central role that Aggie’s Steakhouse played in Selden’s social world, bonding its residents in family, friendship and community for more than four decades.

Your Turn

Tips and tricks to vaccine signups from a college student

BY LEAH CHIAPPINO DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

The COVID-19 rollout in New York state has brought hope to residents, after nearly a year of shuttered businesses, isolation and general fear for their own health and safety.

For many, hope turned to frustration as they attempted to navigate the New York State signup website, phone hotline or even a simple Google search to find other options.

Even as a 20-year-old digital native, attempting to navigate the world of vaccine signups was difficult to put it mildly, and infuriating to put it bluntly. Through my part-time work at a law firm, I began trying to book appointments for elderly clients at the end of January. I was able to secure a few appointments by luck, as I happened to look on the state-run site at exactly the right time to see open appointments. Of course, the website crashed, but I notified clients, friends and family to call the hotline.

From there, securing an appointment seemed to become more difficult, even as more locations opened up. Getting an appointment seems to be a combination of pure luck, persistence and patience.

Distributing a vaccine to combat a pandemic is an extraordinary feat. It is unrealistic to expect the process not to have any roadblocks. However, the system seems to lack basic necessities to account for the inconveniences encountered by those trying to make vaccine appointments.

The average New Yorker does not have 12 hours to sit at a computer in a virtual wait line, only for the computer to crash when they finally get an opening.

My 89-year-old grandfather cannot figure out how to merge a call to give the operator consent for me to make an appointment.

Someone in their 90s cannot figure out what to do when the website crashes. There’s also no real database that shows every single possible vaccination sight, pharmacy or other center that allows people to get an appointment — at least in Suffolk County.

Seniors, essential workers and vulnerable populations deserve better.

Through my failures and successes in trying to get the vaccine appointments, I have acquired a few tips and tricks, as well as answers to commonly asked questions.

1. Community is a great resource for finding out the latest information, unavailability, hearing tips from other people who made an appointment successfully and guiding others through the process. The Long Island COVID-19 Vaccination Information Facebook group posts multiple times a day and offers direct links to state-run distribution

sites, as well as consistent posts and guidance as to when appointments open.

2. Pharmacies will only vaccinate, pursuant to New York State executive order, those 65 and older and exclude essential workers and those with comorbidities. Appointments can be made online at Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS and Stop & Shop. In my own experience, appointments tend to open up on these sites after midnight.

3. Another helpful tool is the TurboVax website (www.turbovax.info) — an A1 site that automatically posts appointments on social media when appointments are available.

Most of the appointments are New York City vaccine sites, which usually require patients to live or work there in order to receive the vaccine, and have stipulations as to what category of eligibility they can vaccinate (essential workers, seniors or those with comorbidities). However, Long Islanders can make appointments at state-run vaccination sites, which also appear on TurboVax. 4. Those with comorbidities need to bring a doctor’s letter, medical documentation showing their comorbidity or a signed certification to their appointment. Those with comorbidities can be vaccinated at state-run mass vaccination sites, as well as through local department of health sites. Local departments of health can determine how the supply is distributed to area sites.

5. It is essential to be persistent. Sometimes, you call the hotline and the operator will not look more than 50 miles from your home zip code, or will say that appointments are unavailable when they are showing on the website. There is some lag between the site and the hotline, so always be sure to double check. In general, however, hotline workers are kind, informed and helpful. Any frustrating guidance, they tell you, comes from the state and general lack of supply. They are doing their best, so be kind. It usually helps.

Leah Chiappino is a 20-year-old contributing writer with TBR News Media.

Currently a junior at Hofstra University, she is a political science and journalism double major. She is a resident of Smithtown.

FEBRUARY 25, 2021 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A11

The secret’s out:

There’s a new cookie maker in town

BY JULIANNE MOSHER JULIANNE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

This Port Jefferson Station mom has a secret, that everyone is talking about.

When the COVID-19 pandemic caused Ashley Winkler to halt working at her beauty salon, the mother of three decided to get creative.

“I’m a baker,” she said. “So, I started doing it for my family. I stuffed a rainbow cookie into another cookie. Then we had some Girl Scout cookies, and I stuffed those in. I just had fun with it.”

That’s when Winkler posted her tasty creations to social media — and they blew up.

Friends began asking her if they could order a dozen of her stuffed, hearty treats.

“I was just doing it for fun,” she said. “I wasn’t trying to make money.”

Winkler said she felt guilty operating a cookie company out of her home when other local bakers were struggling to keep their doors open. She also wasn’t sure how long she’d be able to do it.

Last March, she thought the pandemic might only last a month — but nearly a year later, her quarantine project has become a passion.

Originally her Secret Stuffed Cookies Instagram page was private, only accepting close friends and relatives for local cookie pickups.

“But then May came and people were getting stimulus checks … They started ordering two dozen cookies every week from me and referring my account to their friends,” she said.

Back to work, and raising three little kids, Winkler wasn’t sure if she’d want to continue the baking. With a little help from her sister and a few neighbors, she decided to keep at it.

By February of 2021, 11 months since her first cookie being made, she has nearly 4,000 followers and ships her baked goods nationwide.

Three days a week, she bakes a minimum of 300 cookies. She always has her “Rainbow

OG,” a chocolate chip cookie stuffed with a homemade rainbow cookie, the “O-Mellow,” an Oreo marshmallow cookie and several others on the menu — but she’s always switching it up.

Compared to other stuffed cookie companies, Secret Stuffed has several options for people with a sweet tooth.

“I don’t want to tell people what they have to get. I want people to choose what they want,” she said. “There’s a whole range, and they can choose how they want to pay and how many cookies they want to get.”

Secret Stuffed offers same-day pickup from her Port Jefferson Station home, next business day shipping and a pre-order option.

She also recently set up a cookie subscription

Left; Ashley Winkler, founder of Secret Stuffed Cookies, holding her Rainbow OG cookie. Above; The gooey inside of the O-Mellow cookie. Photos by Julianne Mosher

box, which features new types every month.

Baked fresh and packaged individually, Winkler said her cookies stay good for two weeks. They can be frozen or refrigerated to last up to a month.

She also teamed up with local businesses to sell cookies in-person. Right now, customers

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PAGE A12 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • FEBRUARY 25, 2021

County

Vaccinated folks talk the process, hopes for the future

BY RITA J. EGAN AND JULIANNE MOSHER RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM, JULIANNE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

With last week’s announcement that Suffolk County Community College in Selden will be the county’s third mass-vaccination site, in addition to the SCCC campuses in Brentwood and Riverhead, more people are itching to get their shots.

Many, who over the last several months expressed discontent with the vaccination process, were finally able to get their appointments.

Mary McCarthy, a 98-year-old Sound Beach resident, was anticipating her shot. Earlier this week, she got her first injection.

“It didn’t hurt a bit,” she said. “I feel fine.

No aftershock or anything, and I hope after the shots we’ll get back to normal so I can go see my friends again.”

The senior said she is most excited to get back with her group, where in pre-COVID times, they’d play cards every week.

Her granddaughter helped McCarthy set up the appointment at Walgreens in Medford. Her second shot will be 28 days from the first round, closer to home in the Miller Place location.

She has advice for people who might be skeptical.

“Don’t be afraid,” she said. “It didn’t hurt a bit, and you’ll feel better knowing that you won’t get anything else.”

Three Village resident Stefanie Werner went to the vaccination site at Stony Brook University with her 81-year-old father. As a teacher, who

Above, Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis, Stony Brook Medicine Vice President for Health System Clinical Programs and Strategy Dr. Margaret McGovern, 25,000 COVID-19 Vaccine recipient and Southampton resident Veronica Lang with her husband James, SBU mascot Wolfie, and Lisa Santeramo, assistant secretary for intergovernmental affairs.

Below, Mary McCarthy, of Sound Beach, received her vaccine at Walgreens in Medford. Photo above from Stony Brook Medicine, photo below from Kevin McCarthy

also has an underlying heart condition, Werner was also able to get the vaccine.

“Even though booking our appointments was stressful and nerve-racking, the actual experience was anything but,” she said. “The site is extremely well organized, with all aspects, from check-in to our 15-minute post-observation, coordinated and easy to follow.”

Werner commended the individuals working at the SBU location “from the officer at the entrance, to the members of the National Guard guiding the outside check-in — out in the snow no less — to the RNs at the registration desk and the vaccinators who were friendly and comforting, all while plunging a needle swiftly and painlessly into our arms.”

“These people are the frontline to our return to normalcy,” she said. “They are deserving of recognition for their hard work and empathy as we continue our ascent out of this pandemic.”

Due to her health problems, Werner said she has been vigilant during the pandemic.

“I honestly don’t think I am going to change my ways much after the second dose, especially with all the new variants and the fact that my daughter is in school five days,” she said. “There are still too many unknowns, and I absolutely feel more people should be vaccinated before I return to some semblance of my old normal. It’s my hope that people maintain COVID protocols until our safety and security is more certain.”

Adam Fisher of Port Jefferson Station also headed to the university with his wife where they “deeply appreciate the perfect organization. Our thanks to the person or persons who organized this program and all the people who staffed the site. The people were helpful, cheerful and welcoming. The shot itself was painless.”

He said the entire process went well and was a smooth process.

“From start to finish we were guided through it,” he said. “The staff was helpful, cheerful, welcoming — they could not have been nicer.

The vaccination itself was painless — the most pain-free injection I ever had.”

Fisher said he felt “absolutely fine,” with the exception of a mild headache that two Tylenol tablets fixed.

“I urge everyone to be vaccinated,” he said, adding that after their second shots, the couple are looking most forward to being together with their children and grandchildren again.

On Feb. 18, the university announced it reached 25,000 people with vaccinations

within one month since the first vaccines were shipped for the general public.

“The fight against COVID-19 has been a difficult and long one, but SUNY campuses have remained steady each step of the way as the target has moved in beating back the pandemic,” said State University of New York Chancellor Jim Malatras in a statement.

“I thank Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis and her leadership team for making this effort a priority, and for ensuring that Long Islanders have the protection they need to end this pandemic.”

The new SCCC site will add about 8,000 more vaccines as of this week.

Paul Guttenberg, of Commack, is about to turn 52. As an EMT/driver for the Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps, he was able to get the vaccine and has already received both doses at the Long Island Ducks stadium through the Northwell Health program.

“I had no side effects other than a sore arm and was tired for about one day,” he said, adding it was the same for both times.

Guttenberg, who is a sales rep in field sales, said he would like to return to a normal work schedule. He is also looking forward to traveling again and seeing his family, including his parents who live in Cincinnati, Ohio, “without fear of getting others sick with COVID.” “What would make me happy is to see 80% or more of this country get vaccinated and put an end to this pandemic,” he said.

Tara Shobin, 45, of Smithtown, was able to get the vaccine because she’s a teacher.

She received her first dose of the Moderna vaccine Feb. 6.

“I was lucky enough to have my cousin let me know that appointments were available at Nassau Community College which was only available to teachers,” Shobin said.

The Smithtown resident said when she showed up for her Feb. 6 appointment, she waited no more than five minutes.

“As I was waiting, I was holding back tears because I finally could see an end to this horrible virus,” she said.

After getting the shot, Shobin was told to go to the waiting room for 15 minutes so she could be monitored. She said she felt fine until the next day but her reaction was mild.

“I had a very sore arm and a slight headache,” she said.

Shobin said she’s looking forward to life returning to normal and doing things with her family, which includes her husband and two children, such as going on vacation, visiting museums and socializing.

“It crushes me to see my children’s life hindered so much,” she said. “I try to help people get appointments if I can. I can’t wait to see this horrible virus behind us. Let’s crush this virus!”

FEBRUARY 25, 2021 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A13

Sports Smithtown West 54 Newfield 45

Bulls trample Wolverines

BY BILL LANDON DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

The Bulls of Smithtown West were able to hold off Newfield despite a late game surge by the Wolverines, to cap a 55-45 road victory Feb. 20. The win lifted Smithtown West to 3-0, 4-0 overall for second place, one game behind Hills East for the League III title chase.

Newfield fell to 0-3 in league in this COVID-19 shorted season.

Tyler Anderson topped the scoring chart for the Bulls with five field goals, a triple and three from the line for a team high 16 points followed by teammate Patrick Burke who banked 9 to go along with nine rebounds.

Newfield senior Ziggy Hoe stood atop the leaderboard for the Wolverines with 12 points, Michael Agostino netted 9 and Jordan DeJesus tacked on 7. Teammates Isiah Brown, the senior, and junior Hamza Yousef banked 6 points apiece.

Pictured clockwise from above, Smithtown West junior Tyler Anderson takes flight for the score; sophomore Burke lays banks in for 2; Smithtown West freshman Ben Rappa muscles his way to the rim for 2; Newfield junior Michael Agostino drives on Burke; and Quinn Albertson, a Smithtown West junior, drives his way to the basket.

— Photos by Bill Landon

PAGE A14 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • FEBRUARY 25, 2021 T

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Everyone in our family of organizations shares the same mission...  

Will Help You Find Qualified Employees or A New Career!

With a 2 week APPEARING Classifieds IN ALL 6 display ad, NEWSPAPERS you will receive TWO FREE WEEKS...

PLUS a FREE 20 word line ad on our website!

We need Direct Support Professionals. Join us!

  

Call For Rates: 631.331.1154 or 631.751.7663

6820

Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

©105752

Your Ad Could Be Here!

FINALLY,

Help Wanted COVID VACCINATORS RN/LPN-Stony Brook Flex days/hrs/shifts. Mon-Sun: 7 a m - 7 p m .

Apply:sbadministrativeservicesllc.appone.com

For immediate consideration, Call/Text Zach at 516.727.0507 or email zcorreale@ahrc.org

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

SERV ICES LONG HILL CARPENTRY 45 years experience All phases of home improvement. Old & Historic Restorations. Lic.#H22336/Ins. 631-751-1764 longhill7511764@aol.com

Clean-Ups

Fences

LET STEVE DO IT Clean-ups, yards, basements, whole house, painting, tree work, local moving and anything else. Totally overwhelmed?

Call Steve @ 631-745-2598, leave message.

Cesspool Services MR SEWERMAN CESSPOOL SERVICE All types of cesspool servicing, all work guaranteed, family owned and operated since 1985, 631-924-7502.

Licensed and Insured.

Cleaning COME HOME TO A CLEAN HOUSE! Attention to detail is MY PRIORITY. Serving the Three Village Area. Call Jacquie 347-840-0890

SMITHPOINT FENCE. DEER PROBLEM? WE CAN HELP! Wood, PVC, Chain Link, Stockade. Free estimates.

Now offering 12 month interest free financing.

Commercial/Residential.

70 Jayne Blvd., PJS. Lic.37690H/Ins. 631-743-9797 www.smithpointfence.com.

Furniture/Restoration/ Repairs REFINISHING & RESTORATION Antiques restored, repairing recane, reupholstery, touch-ups kitchen, front doors, 40 yrs exp, SAVE$$$, free estimates.

Vincent Alfano 631-707-1228

Home Improvement

Lawn & Landscaping

The Generac PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system.

SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-888-871-0194

SWAN COVE LANDSCAPING Lawn Maintenance, Cleanups, Shrub/Tree Pruning, Removals. Landscape Design/ Installation, Ponds/Waterfalls, Stone Walls. Firewood. Free estimates. Lic/Ins.631-6898089

Home Improvement Floor Services/Sales

Decks DECKS ONLY BUILDERS & DESIGNERS Of Outdoor Living By Northern Construction of LI. Decks, Patios/Hardscapes, Pergolas, Outdoor Kitchens and Lighting.

Since 1995. Lic/Ins. 3rd Party Financing Available.

105 Broadway, Greenlawn.

631-651-8478. www.DecksOnly.com

Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

©102894

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE!

FINE SANDING & REFINISHING Wood Floor Installations Craig Aliperti, Wood Floors LLC. All work done by owner.

28 years experience.

Lic.#47595-H/Insured.

631-875-5856

The

SSIFIED CLA DEADLINE

is Tuesday at noon.

If you want to advertise, do it soon!

Call

631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

©102895

Carpentry

citizens-inc.org/careers

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

ALL PHASES OF HOME IMPROVEMENT From attic to your basement, RCJ Construction www.rcjconstruction.com commercial/residential, lic/ins 631-580-4518.

TO SUBSCRIBE

BLUSTAR CONSTRUCTION The North Shore’s Most Trusted Renovation Experts.

631-751-0751 We love small jobs too!

Suffolk Lic. #48714-H, Ins. See Our Display Ad

SETAUKET LANDSCAPE DESIGN Stone Driveways/Walkways, Walls/Stairs/Patios/Masonry, Brickwork/Repairs Land Clearing/Drainage,Grading/ Excavating. Plantings/Mulch, Rain Gardens.

Steve Antos, 631-689-6082 setauketlandscape.com Serving Three Villages

LAMPS FIXED, $65.

In Home Service!! Handy Howard. My cell 646-996-7628

CALL 751-7744

101872

PUBLISHER’S EMPLOYMENT NOTICE: All employment advertising in this newspaper is subject to section 296 of the human rights law which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, disability, marital status, sex, age or arrest conviction record or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Title 29, U.S. Code Chap 630, excludes the Federal Gov’t. from the age discrimination provisions. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for employment which is in violation of the law. Our readers are informed that employment offerings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Help Wanted

©104951

Help Wanted

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

Lawn & Landscaping

Landscape Materials Privacy Hedges -SPRING BLOWOUT-5/6ft Green Giant Regular price $199, Now only $69 each. FREE Installation/FREE delivery, Trees are selling fast!

518-536-1367 www. lowcosttreefarm.com SCREENED TOP SOIL Mulch, compost, decorative and driveway stone, concrete pavers, sand/block/portland.

Fertilizer and seed.

JOS. M. TROFFA MATERIALS CORP. 631-928-4665, www.troffa.com

PAGE A18 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

SERV ICES CARL BONGIORNO LANDSCAPE/MASON CONTRACTOR All phases Masonry Work:Stone Walls, Patios, Poolscapes. All phases of Landscaping Design.

Theme Gardens. Residential & Commercial. Lic/Ins. 631-928-2110

Painting/Spackling/ Wallpaper ALL PRO PAINTING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR Power Washing, Staining, Wallpaper Removal. Free estimates. Lic/Ins #19604HI 631-696-8150. Nick

Painting/Spackling/ Wallpaper

Restorations

Painting/Spackling/ Wallpaper

BOB’S PAINTING SERVICE 25 Years Experience.

Interior/Exterior Painting, Spackling, Staining, Wallpaper Removal, Staining and Deck Restoration Power Washing.

Free Estimates. Lic/Ins. #17981.

631-744-8859 COUNTY-WIDE PAINTING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR Painting/Staining. Quality workmanship. Living and Serving Three Village Area for over 30 years. Lic#37153-H. 631-751-8280

TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 751-7744

101872

Masonry

LaROTONDA PAINTING & DESIGN Interior/exterior, sheetrock repairs, taping/spackling, wallpaper removal, Faux, decorative finishings. Free estimates. Lic. #53278-H/Ins. Ross LaRotonda 631-689-5998

Tree Work

LUX DEVELOPMENT GROUP Historical restorations, extensions & dormers, cedar siding & clapboard installation, basements, kitchens,doors & windows, finished carpentry & moulding, SEE OUR DISPLAY AD FOR MORE INFORMATION Call 631-283-2266.

RANDALL BROTHERS TREE SERVICE Planting, pruning, removals, stump grinding. Free Estimates.

Fully insured.

LIC# 50701-H. 631-862-9291

TBRnewsmedia.com

ARBOR-VISTA TREE CARE A COMPLETE TREE CARE SERVICE devoted to the care of trees. Maintenance pruning, water-view work, sun-trimming, elevating, pool areas, storm thinning, large tree removal, stump grinding. Wood chips.

Lic#18902HI. Free estimates.

631-246-5377

SUNBURST TREE EXPERTS Since 1974, our history of customer satisfaction is second to none. Pruning/removals/ planting, plant health care.

Insect/ Disease Management.

ASK ABOUT GYPSY MOTH AND TICK SPRAYS Bonded employees. Lic/Ins. #8864HI 631-744-1577

$$$ TOP CASH PAID $$$ Highest prices paid for fixable vehicles.

Also buy motorcycles and muscle cars.

Hyundais and Kias

LICENSED • BONDED INSURED

ask for mark • 631-258-7919

CA$H FOR ALL CAR$ & CA$H FOR JUNK CAR$ WANTED

DMV CERTIFIED 7002706

No Keys No Title No Problem

FREE Pickup (631) 445-1848

631.500.1015

DMV CERTIFIED 7002706

Place your ad in the

Automotive Service Directory for 26 weeks and get 4 weeks

FREE

Habla Español Lic. # 7112911/Ins.

©516 ©5160

631.500.1015

Hyundai/Kia Experts New & Used Auto Parts We Pay the Highest Prices for

Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Domestic/Foreign ©4180

LICENSED • BONDED INSURED

USED AUTO PARTS

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JUNK CARS BOUGHT

All Trucks, Cars & Vans

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CALL US LAST WE’LL BEAT ANY PRICE

PROF. GARAGE HELP SERVICES SALES WANTED HOME REAL ESTATE SERVICES MEDICAL PET SERVICES SERVICES

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

AUTOMOTI V E SERV ICES JUNK CARS BOUGHT

Classifieds Online at

Tree Work WORTH PAINTING “PAINTING WITH PRIDE” Interiors/exteriors. Staining & deck restoration, powerwashing, wallpaper removal, sheetrocktape/spackling, carpentry/trimwork. Lead paint certified. References. Free estimates. Lic./Ins. SINCE 1989 Ryan Southworth. See Display Ad. 631-331-5556

Times Beacon Record

Call Today (631) 751.7744 331.1154 1) 751 7744 or (631) 331 1154 FAX (631) 751.4165

©4250

PROF E S SION A L & B U SI N E S S

©107651

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

Blues Man Piano Tuning

TIMES BEACON RECORD

CLASSIFIEDS

Brad Merila Certified Piano Technician 6 Barnwell Lane, Stony Brook

631.681.9723 bluesmanpianotuning@gmail.com bluesmanpianotuning.com

tbrnewsmedia.com ©103446

©9550

FEBRUARY 25, 2021 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A19

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

HOME SERV ICES VINCENT ALFANO FURNITURE RESTORATION

Family

©4320

Owned WWW.EXPERTFURNITURERESTORATION.COM Give your home furniture a facelift C������� W���������� Refinish, a new look, refresh, make it look great again. � F�������� S��� We do it all.

PICK-UP & DELIVERY 40 Years Experience

631.707.1228 343 So. Country Rd., Brookhaven Since 1995 Family Owned & Operated

DECKS ONLY

®

BUILDERS & DESIGNERS OF OUTDOOR LIVING

BY NORTHERN CONSTRUCTION OF LI INC.

• Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing • Upholstery • Table Pads • Water & Fire Damage Restoration • Insurance Estimates Licensed/Insured

105 Broadway Greenlawn 631.651.8478 www.DecksOnly.com

Licensed/Insured

DEER PROBLEM? WE CAN HELP.

6840

Specializing in all phases of fencing: Wood • PVC • Chain Link • Stockade

• Free In-House 3D Design • Financing Available

LUX

Now offering 12 month interest-free financing

OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE

©4470

Development Group

70 Jayne Blvd., Port Jeff Station (631) 743-9797

Historical Restorations Extensions & Dormers Cedar Siding & Clapboard Installation Basement Renovations Kitchens & Bathrooms Doors & Windows Finished Carpentry & Moulding

Craig Aliperti, Wood Floors,, LLC

Fine Sanding g & Refinishing g

Construction

10% OFF

Owner is a Three Village Resident for Over 30 Years

Wood Floor Installations

Luxdevelopmentgroup.com Licensed #55203-H & Fully Insured

Old Wood Floors Made Beautiful All Work Done By Owner

Additions & renovations, decks, windows, doors, siding, kitchens, baths, roofs & custom carpentry.

We love small jobs too!

Owner/Operator has 25+ years serving The North Shore

©6860

631-875-5856

www.BluStarBuilders.com

ALL WORK GUARANTEED FREE ESTIMATES INTERIOR • EXTERIOR • POWERWASHING CUSTOM WORK • STAINING • WALLPAPER REMOVAL ©6790

Formerly Of A Huntington Father & Son’s Business Lic. #47595-H/Insured

631-283-2266

ALL PRO PAINTING

27 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Please call our Stony Brook office today for a FREE in home consultation

©7010

Custom Built – Decks • Patios/Hardscapes Pergolas • Outdoor Kitchens • Lighting

FREE ESTIMATES New COMMERCIAL/ n tio Loca RESIDENTIAL ©3510

(3rd party)

EXPERIENCED AND RELIABLE

Nick Cordovano 631–696–8150

Lic. #48714-H & Insured

WINTER IS HERE! Place your ad in the Service Directory

©102641

for 26 weeks* and get 4 weeks FREE (631) 751.7663 or (631) 331.1154 • EMAIL: class@tbrnewsmedia.com

LICENSED #19604-H & INSURED

©4520

PAGE A20 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

HOME SERV ICES 45 YEARS EXPERIENCE

GROW YOUR BUSINESS?

WANT TO

REFERENCES AVAILABLE

• Interiors • Exteriors • Cabinet Refinishing, Staining & Painting • Faux Finishes • Power Washing • Wallpaper Removal • Tape & Spackling • Staining & Deck Restoration BBB A1 Rating #1 Recommendation on BBB website

longhill7511764@aol.com ✔ All Phases of Home Improvement ✔ Old & Historic Home Restorations ✔ Extensions & Dormers ✔ Kitchens & Baths

✔ Siding & Windows ✔ Porches & Decks ✔ Aging in Place Remodeling ✔ Custom Carpentry: Built-ins, Pantries, and More

HOME SERVICES DIRECTORY for 13 or 26 weeks.

FREE BONUS WEEKS! & a free 13 or 26 week subscription to our newspaper.

CERTIFIED LEAD PAINT REMOVAL

“We take pride in our work”

Licensed/Insured

Licensed H-22336 and fully insured

#37074-H; RI 18499-10-34230

RCJ

Since 1989

BOB’S PAINTING SERVICE MATERIALS CORP

40 Y E A RS EX PER IENCE

631-928-4665

CO N S T R U C T I O N

O wne r O pe rat ed S i n c e 19 78

From Your Attic To Your Basement Fine Sand * Paver Sand * Concrete Sand

K I TC H E N S • B AT H R O O M S • D O O R S • W I N D O W S • T I L E • F LO O R I N G

Wall Stone, Moss Rock, Dive Rock, Steppingstones, Boulders, Gravel, Salt Sand, Rock Salt, Decorative Stone, Block, Portland, Mortar, New and Used Cobblestones, RR Ties, Fertilizer, Pipe, Drainage Stone and Supplies, Burlap, Grass Seed and Tools

C U S TO M F I N I S H E D C A R P E N T RY & M O L D I N G

SPECIALIZING IN FINISHED BASEMENTS

CALLS PROMPTLY RETURNED

www.rcjconstruction.com ©9500

COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL • LIC. #H-32198/INS | OWNER OPERATED

70 Comsewogue Road, Suite 9, East Setauket

RANDALL BROTHERS TREE SERVICE

5590

(631) 580-4518

INTERIOR • EXTERIOR Taping Spackling

©9520

In Home Service !!

Handy Howard

PAINTING & DESIGN Wallpaper Removal

(631) 744-1577

©6770

©3530

©3610

Decorative Finishes

Power Washing

My Cell 646-996-7628

Planting 3UXQLQJ 5HPRYDOV 6WXPS Grinding

631-862-9291 516-319-2595 (cell & text)

631-744-8859

REFERENCES GLADLY GIVEN

Lic./Ins. (#17,981)

LAMPS FIXED $ 65

Free Estimates

FREE ESTIMATES

631–689–5998 Lic. # 53278-H/Ins.

Faux Finishes

©6750

• Interiors • Exteriors • Powerwashing • Staining & Deck Restoration • Wallpaper Removal • Gutter Cleaning • Spackling & Wall Restoration

Topsoil * Mulch * Compost

All Phases of Home Improvement

)XOO\ ,QVXUHG LIC# 50701-H

©101630

Ryan Southworth 631-331-5556

631.331.1154 or 631.751.7663

©9630

FREE ESTIMATES

©8200

Full Service contractor – complete jobs from start to finish

Place your ad in our

FEBRUARY 25, 2021 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A21

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

R E A L ESTAT E PUBLISHERS’ NOTICE

25A SETAUKET On way to supermarkets.

Hi visibility office for rent on 25A in charming stand alone professional office building. 650 sq. ft. Private entrance, 2 private bathrooms, private A/C and heating controls. Built-in bookcases. Light and bright.

Ample parking.

Previous tenants included; an attorney, an accountant and a software developer.

Call 631-751-7744.

All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.”

We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law.

All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

SETAUKET, 25 A CORNER OFFICE SUITE: high visibility, large plate glass window, private bath, own thermostat, private entrance, off street parking.

Village Times Building.

Call 631-751-7744

©105747

is Tuesday at noon.

If you want to advertise, do it soon!

Professional Properties

RENTING OR SELLING YOUR HOUSE?

PORT JEFFERSON COMPLETELY FURNISHED, beautiful, spacious, 1 BR apartment. Quiet, private entrance, patio, giant windows, Utilities and Direct TV/WiFi included. 631-473-1468

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA

Rentals to Share

Is THE Place to Advertise

OFFICE MATEEAST SETAUKET Pyschotheraphy office, bathroom and waiting room to share, great location, highly desirable. 631-767-5153, JanninePergolla11@gmail.com

Our track record is the best of any local newspaper.

Call us for special rates.

BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG

small space

BIG

BUY 4 WEEKS, GET 2 WEEKS FREE.

©105751

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE

Rentals

©101404

Offices For Rent/Share

RESULTS

331–1154 • 751–7663

BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG

631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

COMMERCI A L PROPERT Y SETAUKET

25A SETAUKET

• Miller Place • Baiting Hollow • Sound Beach • Mt. Sinai • Rocky Point • Shoreham • Wading River

The Village TIMES HERALD • Stony Brook • Strong’s Neck • Setauket • Old Field • Poquott

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL • PROFESSIONAL PROPERTY •

High visibility office for rent on 25A in charming stand alone professional office building.

SINGLE $189.00 4 wks + 1 FREE DOUBLE $277.00 4 wks + 1 FREE

Call: 631.751.7744

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA • 185 Rte. 25A, Setauket, N.Y. The Village BEACON RECORD

ADS

•

The Port TIMES RECORD • Port Jefferson • Port Jefferson Sta. • Harbor Hills • Belle Terre

The TIMES of Smithtown • Smithtown • Hauppauge • Commack • E. Fort Salonga • San Remo

• Kings Park • St. James • Nissequogue • Head of the Harbor

tbrnewsmedia.com

DEADLINE: TUESDAY NOON FOR THURSDAY’S PAPER.

©6970

©6960

High Visibility • 25A Corner Office Suite with large plate glass window.

Private bath • Own thermostat Private entrance OFF STREET PARKING Village Times Building Available Immediately Call: 631.751.7744

©101304

Real Estate Services

CALL 631-751-7663 • 631-331-1154

11733 • Phone# 631.331.1154 or 631.751.7663 The TIMES of Middle Country • Selden • Centereach • Lake Grove

The TIMES of Huntington, Northport & East Northport • Cold Spring Harbor • Lloyd Harbor • Lloyd Neck • Halesite • Huntington Bay • Greenlawn

• Centerport • Asharoken • Eaton's Neck • Fort Salonga -West

©101468

PAGE A22 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Editorial

Perspective

Time for Democrats to work on major challenges

BY SHOSHANA HERSHKOWITZ

Stay local

METRO photo

One thing that’s special about a community paper is that we are covering the stuff national or larger media corporations aren’t talking about.

We’re covering your local school sport teams, the stayat-home mom who has become a philanthropist and the new Eagle Scout projects sprouting up around town.

The bigger outlets cover the national news. CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN and FOX — they’re taking care of what the president is doing — not so much the local legislature or town council.

When we receive your letters to the editor, we are thrilled and so appreciative. We absolutely adore that you want to share your opinions with us, and we’re so grateful you trust us with that responsibility. But sometimes we wonder why residents aren’t talking to us about the community. We want to hear more about that.

Our readers are able to see things we reporters don’t see. You are out there, talking with people, seeing things with your own eyes and meeting people who we don’t know exist. We need you to help share those stories.

National politics affect us — we agree, and we feel it, too.

But as we continue into 2021, we ask of you to start sending us more letters that stem from where we live. What are you angry about locally? What do you want to see change here?

What are you most proud of? What needs to be said?

This is your chance as a local citizen to share something on your mind that could potentially make a difference. Local lawmakers read the community papers — President Joe Biden (D) and former President Donald Trump (R) do not.

We love national news, as well, but let’s try — moving forward — that we keep it as close to home as we can.

Remember, our letters are 400 words or less and we edit for A.P. style, which is the standard in most U.S.-based news publications, as well as for libel and good taste. We also ask that our writers provide sources or backup information for the more detailed letters, so we can fact-check the information.

Most of all, remember while letters can serve as a form of public debate, the purpose is to argue the issues, not personally attack an individual.

Shop local. Eat local. Support local. Read local. Write local.

WRITE TO US … We welcome your letters. They should be

no longer than 400 words and may be edited for length, libel, style and good taste. We do not publish anonymous letters.

Please include a phone number and address for confirmation.

Email letters to julianne@tbrnewsmedia.com or mail them to Times of Middle Country, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733.

With the impeachment acquittal of former President Donald Trump (R) in the U.S. Senate, it is time to look at a post-Trump landscape. Part of this work lies in accountability for the 147 Republicans in Congress who attempted to overturn the will of the American people, including our own representative, Lee Zeldin (R-NY1).

If they are not held accountable by Congress, we must end their political careers at the ballot box.

I will focus this piece on the Democratic Party. We have spent the past four years pushing back against the bigotry, corruption, authoritarianism and incompetence of the Trump administration While some of that will continue to play out in the courts, the Democratic Party must now enact a bold plan that helps struggling Americans.

Democrats have major challenges containing COVID-19. Getting monthly payments to the American people immediately, as well as implementing President Joe Biden’s (D) vaccine plan is a good start. Additionally, we must aggressively tackle issues of student loans, child care, public education, the inequities of which have been blown open by the pandemic. We must advocate for a moratorium on evictions and make sure those struggling to pay bills can continue to keep the lights and heat on, and feed their families. This requires robust government. Republicans will

paint this as overreach. We must get this done anyway. If there was ever a time for big government, it is now.

We must also address the issue of health care, and how this pandemic has proven that our system of tying health care to employment is a failure. We are the only developed nation that does not guarantee health care. It is long past time to resolve this. We need a system where no one is left behind, where no one is denied care or goes bankrupt seeing a doctor when they are sick. We need bold steps, not incremental ones, to resolve these problems.

If the Democratic Party is to thrive post-Trump, the membership must take notice of who has joined their ranks in the past few years. It is young people, minority communities, LGBTQ+ communities. It is suburban women who have led the response to Trump in their communities. We delivered the White House and Congress for them. We also delivered them a supermajority in New York State. We are the future, and we deserve a seat at the table navigating that future.

As a grassroots leader, I often see the hesitation of the newly engaged to join the traditional party structure. The Democratic Party needs to take note of this, and make that barrier of entry disappear. A grassroots online group like mine, which has almost 3,000 members, has very little presence from the traditional party establishment. This is a mistake on their part. If Democratic

Letter to the Editor

committees are going to represent their communities, and succeed in local electoral politics, its leaders need to be present in these groups, and welcome the grassroots. The energy and motivation of the grassroots can rejuvenate and revitalize the local Democratic committees.

Finally, the Democratic Party must consider messaging. While the specifics of governing are often encased in layers of intricacy, our messaging cannot be.

We must make plain to the American people what we intend to do, and why it matters in their lives. We must message in a way that appeals to and engages our base, so they feel seen and heard.

And we must not operate out of fear of what the other side will say. What I’ve learned over the past few years is that Republicans will say what they want to say, regardless of what Democrats do or don’t do. So we may as well stand proudly and unequivocally in our positions and the truth. We must make our message clear, succinct and consistent.

I look forward to a post-Trump America, and to seeing the Democratic Party live up to its potential and deliver for the American people. I look forward to bridging divides, and to making the political process more accessible for the average citizen. We have been given a mandate by the 2020 election, and it is time to bring that to fruition.

Shoshana Hershkowitz is the founder of Suffolk Progressives.

Words matter: Work works better than fight The recent attack on our Capitol and impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump (R) highlight the importance of words and suggest a change in vocabulary that can help us come together for the common good. Trump’s lawyers played a video showing politicians using the word “fight” over and over.

We all do this. We say, “We need to fight” for this or that. But is this really the best way for us to get what we want, individually, or collectively?

George Washington worked hard to bring fighting parties together to form the United States. When we are young, playing in the sandbox, we are taught to

use our words, listen to others, and work it out, instead of fighting. That way, no one gets hurt and everyone gets at least some of what they want.

What if, whenever we are tempted to use the word “fight,” we think about substituting the word “work.” Politicians could say, “We need to work to fix this or that injustice,” or I promise to “work hard for you if elected.” Or, dare I say, “We need to work together across the aisle to make this happen.”

For we citizens, “working things out” almost always leads to a better outcome than fighting. We work on our marriages, friendships, relationships with family

members, or co-workers. Fighting is rarely the best solution.

Yes, we did need to fight to escape from the rule of King George III of Great Britain and Ireland, when our interests were not represented. Afterward, our Founding Fathers worked to create a government designed to enable our individual and common interests, and even created a system of amendments so future generations could work to make it even better. Let’s pass along that torch to create tremendous energy without burning down the house.

Joshua Dunaief, MD Setauket

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

FEBRUARY 25, 2021 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A23

Opinion

Pondering the ‘found time’ created by the 46th

I

have a surprising amount of “found time” these days.

I still have numerous responsibilities and deadlines, but the time between activities, when I’m walking and talking with my wife, when I’m driving to the supermarket or when I’m preparing dinner, my mind is free of the pattern it had developed over the course of the last four years.

No, I wasn’t training for the D. None Olympics and no, I wasn’t preparing of the above a machine to land

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF on the Red Planet. I was, like so many other people, living my life and reading the headlines.

More often than not, the 45th president of the United States consumed the news cycle.

Periodically, I wrote about him, but, for the most part, despite reading and reacting to the things other people wrote, I recognized that few ideas or thoughts I had were original or even worth printing.

Yet, I found myself reading and reacting with friends and family, pondering whether he was setting new presidential precedents.

While my body hasn’t gone on any distant vacations, except for a relaxing ski weekend, my mind suddenly has more time. Indeed, even when there are headlines about Supreme Court decisions related to the former president, I glance at a few sentences and move on to other things.

So what am I doing with all this found time?

In no particular order, here are a few ways I have reengaged my mind: ■ I’m reading more books. I have had Walter Isaacson’s biography of Ben Franklin next to my bed for a while. I’m now parsing through it more closely, enjoying the reality of an iconic

American, learning about his love for travel and his well-known sense of self worth.

■ I’m thinking about Mars. At first, of course, I couldn’t help wondering how Marvin the Martian from the Bugs Bunny era might react to the Perseverance rover landing next to his home. On a more serious note, I enjoyed the absolutely giddy scene at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where scientists and engineers have been working tirelessly for years for this moment and where they saw and heard sights and sounds from Mars that bring us all closer to the planet’s surface.

■ I’m noticing the lighting around our neighborhood. As we approach spring, the colors of the light have changed, turning ordinary homes into glowing domiciles. If I were selling some of the houses around me, I would take pictures of them during the sunrise and sunset, showing prospective buyers these residences when they are glowing.

■ I’m becoming preoccupied with sports again. I am following the Brooklyn Nets

more closely and, more directly, am excited for the days and weeks ahead when my son might play baseball. In his last year of high school, he has an opportunity to play for his school and himself, if the school and the league are able to get through an entire season during the pandemic.

■ I’m marveling, in a distant and impersonal way, at the turnabout in press coverage. CNN, The New York Times and The Washington Post have toned down their Washington criticism, while the New York Post and Fox News seem intent to point out all the flaws and dangers of the new administration. The teeter-totter has tilted in the other direction now, with the New York Post attacking White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki with some of the same concerns that the more liberal papers attacked the previous press secretary.

■ Lastly, I’m listening to everything around me better. The children playing down the street and the returning birds calling to each other in the trees have captured my attention.

My carpet has lots of leafy greens and low cholesterol

I

t seemed like a good idea in the moment.

The clock on the oven read 7:00 p.m., and I wanted to watch the PBS News Hour on Channel 13. But I was also hungry. So I reached into the fridge and took out one of the smoothies I make in advance to last me the week.

This one was in an open top container that I had covered with plastic wrap. I threw the cover in the trash, plunked a straw into the purple drink, Between picked up a coaster you and me to rest the drink on

BY LEAH S. DUNAIEF and headed up the stairs to the television in the bedroom.

After switching on the overhead light, I picked up the remote, put the coaster on the

bedside table, settled myself into the adjacent overstuffed chair and reaching over, put the container of smoothie on the coaster. To my horror, the coaster skittered out from under the container, which tipped over and splattered its contents across the carpet, spotting the nearby bedspread, the wall behind me, even the lower slats of the blinds across the room. In an instant, 32 ounces of smoothie lay spread out before me.

“Holy cow!” I yelled. (That’s not what I really yelled, but this is a family newspaper.)

The speed with which I had just ruined the bedroom stunned me. I jumped up, grabbed some towels from the nearby bathroom, and on my hands and knees, breathlessly tried to sop up what had not already soaked into the blue carpet.

Finally, I sat back to stop my panting and to survey the damage. It was awesome what some liquid in a cup could do to an otherwise orderly room. It occurred to me then that this wasn’t just ordinary liquid. This was probably

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the most nutritious contents this carpet could have sucked up. Let me tell you what I put into my smoothie.

First I pour into the Vitamix a cup of soy milk, then one cup of pomegranate juice.

Next I add one banana, then 2 tablespoons of unsweetened chocolate and 2 tablespoons of flax seed meal (not the seeds.) Then comes the good part: 8 ounces of baby bok choy, 8 ounces of baby kale, 2 cups of frozen cherries and 2 1/2 cups of frozen blueberries. The mixer makes all of this into a drink, and I will have one healthy carpet, albeit devilishly stained.

I am able to joke about this because, incredibly, the story has a happy ending. Just as I was sitting in the middle of the floor, about to cry, the phone rang. It was a dear friend, and when I told him what had just happened, he offered to come right over with his shop vacuum and some kind of magic reagent that he loaded into it. He was truly an angel, passing the suction wand over the spill again and again until the original color of the carpet reappeared.

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Leah S. Dunaief GENERAL MANAGER Johness Kuisel MANAGING EDITOR Rita J. Egan EDITOR Julianne Mosher LEISURE EDITOR Heidi Sutton COPY EDITOR John Broven

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kathleen Gobos ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Elizabeth Bongiorno Robin Lemkin Minnie Yancey SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER Kathryn Mandracchia ART AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Beth Heller Mason

He then put some kind of absorbent powder over the main body of the spill, to be left there for a couple of days and then vacuumed up.

When I did so, the damaged area was restored to its former pristine condition.

When I look at the carpet now, I think how wonderful it would be if we could just vacuum up whatever unfortunate circumstances had ever befallen us. Imagine having a giant vacuum that could suck away the misery of COVID-19, returning our lives to what we had always thought of as being normal. It could also remove any hurts or regrets, any shadows of past events or unhappy relationships that we might be carrying throughout our lives.

Yes, it is true that we learn from our mistakes and our experiences. But we don’t need all of them to become better people. We certainly didn’t need a novel coronavirus, even if it did teach us that we could order groceries delivered and work from home. We could borrow from Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth, and using our magic vacuum say, “Out, damned spot!”

PRODUCTION Janet Fortuna Sharon Nicholson INTERNET STRATEGY DIRECTOR Rob Alfano CLASSIFIEDS DIRECTOR Sheila Murray CLASSIFIEDS Joann Brady

BUSINESS MANAGER Sandi Gross CIRCULATION MANAGER Courtney Biondo SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Sheila Murray

PAGE A24 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • FEBRUARY 25, 2021

WANTED! SNOW PLOW CONTRACTORS!

“When it comes to our mission of keeping Town roads safe and passable, the more resources we have to deploy at a moment’s notice, the better. I strongly encourage all qualified snow plow contractors to contact the Highway Department to assist your community in times of bad weather.”

For further information on our competitive rates, please call Linda at the Brookhaven Town Highway Department at (631) 451-9230 or apply in person at 1140 Old Town Road, Coram between the hours of 8:30am and 3:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Daniel P. Losquadro Superintendent of Highways 9390