The Times of Middle Country - March 18, 2021

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TIMES of MIDDLE COUNTRY C E N T E R E AC H • S E L D E N • L A K E G R O V E N O R T H

Vol. 16, No. 49

March 18, 2021

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A plan for the people Local activist groups rally in front of county offices for police reform — A3

WWII veteran gets his shot 102-year-old Selden man finally vaccinated

A2

Salute to Women Special Feature B1

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PAGE A2 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • MARCH 18, 2021

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­ ­ Frank Vene, and his daughter Laraine Kelly, were able to be vaccinated at Suffolk County Community College last week, with help from Legislator Nick Caracappa. Photo by Kimberly Brown

Selden WWII veteran finally gets his vaccine

Thank You

to those risking their lives and keeping us safe and supplied

During these difficult times, tips to reduce anxiety:

BY KIMBERLY BROWN DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

• Practice deep breathing and relaxation • Meditate • Connect with friends and family by telephone or online • Use visualization & guided imagery • Exercise, try to take a walk • Distract yourself by setting small goals • Mindfulness

REMEMBER TO KEEP SOCIAL DISTANCING AND THAT THIS WILL END If you would like a confidential, compassionate professional person to talk to, I am a psychotherapist working with adults, couples and families who are dealing with anxiety, depression, bereavement and trauma.

Wishing you serenity and good health,

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Finding it difficult to make and obtain a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, 101-yearold WWII veteran Frank Vene was finally able to receive his Pfizer vaccination last week with the help of Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa (R-Selden).

As with many seniors, Vene and his 78-year-old daughter, Laraine Kelly, did not have access to the technology needed to book a vaccine, and had to rely on their friends and a family member to help them make an appointment — all to no avail.

“Neither I nor my sister have a computer,” Kelly said. “We’ve been trying to make an appointment for months, but nothing was available.”

Even with the help of a family member, trying to book an appointment online became nearly impossible, as available spaces would fill up within minutes. They were not able to reach anyone over the phone due to disconnections or being placed on hold for hours.

Seeing the difficulty Vene and his daughter were having trying to book a vaccine appointment, a neighbor of Vene’s called Caracappa and voiced their concern for the veteran. He took immediate action.

“It was a frustrating process for them, but due to the diligence of our office of constantly monitoring the county’s website, we were able to hit it right and got two appointments scheduled for Mr. Vene and his daughter,” Caracappa said. “We were very fortunate to get them, because 99% of the time there is no availability.”

Despite feeling nervous about the vaccine, Vene expressed his excitement about receiving it because he will now be able to see his grandchildren again. The last time he was able to see any family was in March of 2020.

On Wednesday, March 10, he finally received his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine and gave a thumbs-up while nurse Daria Castrogivanni finished up the rest of his paperwork.

“I thank Mr. Caracappa 100% because without his help we would’ve never got here,” Kelly said.

MARCH 18, 2021 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A3

County

Local groups rally to support ‘The People’s Plan’

BY JULIANNE MOSHER JULIANNE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Dozens of community activists from across Long Island rallied outside Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone’s (D) office in Hauppauge this week, asking lawmakers to adopt “The People’s Plan.”

Earlier this month, police reform advocates created their own plan to hold law enforcement accountable and calling on them to be transparent within the community.

“We’re gathering here today nearly a year after the George Floyd uprisings because our communities took to the street and said enough is enough,” said Elmer Flores with Long Island United to Transform Policing and Community Safety. “We are yearning for change. And for far too long our elected officials have not met our demands with the gravitas that it demands.”

Some of the plan includes civilian oversight of police misconduct, creating unarmed traffic enforcement and ending pretextual stops when someone is pulled over.

“Mistrust is pervasive between the police and the communities they are supposed

to represent,” he added. “And part of that is that we need to get to the root causes of why crime happens and how we can address it and prevent it from happening. But to do that, it requires leadership. It requires bold and effective action that’s going to change the way policing happens on Long Island.”

This plan is separate from the reform Bellone submitted to lawmakers last week, and these local activists demand the reforms be included in the plan due to the state April 1.

Jackie Burbridge, co-founder of the Long Island Black Alliance, said to the crowd that for years the Suffolk County Police Department has been actively turning a blind eye to crime being committed in this county in order to continue harassing people who are not white. She said the recommendations that the county task force came up with don’t go far enough in preventing or mitigating discriminatory policing.

“The plan that was released by Suffolk County in response to Governor Cuomo’s [D] executive order falls short of the transformative changes to the way we conceive of public safety that this moment in our community members are demanding,”

Clockwise from above: Activists rallied outside Suffolk County Steve Bellone’s office, calling on lawmakers to address a collaborative police reform called, ‘The People’s Plan;” Shoshana Hershkowitz, left, founder of the Suffolk Progressives group, showed her support at Monday’s event; A close up of an attendee’s mask. Photos by Julianne Mosher

she said. “Black and brown communities across Long Island are overpoliced, resulting in outsized opportunities for interactions between vulnerable community members and police officers. … It’s not that people are being brutalized because cops see threats.

They don’t see threats in our community, they see prey. And what we need is police reform that’s actually going to address that.”

The collective groups have spent months crafting the 12, research-backed proposals for structural reform that make up the 310-page “The People’s Plan” to address numerous structural components of transforming and reimagining policing and public safety on Long Island.

Suffolk’s police reform proposal directs the county’s Human Rights Commission to review complaints of police misconduct.

However, the police department would still have the power to investigate and discipline police misconduct.

Activists say they are asking for lawmakers to consider other measures, like mental health counselors for certain situations, and create a community council to review and hold police accountable for misconduct.

Members from local groups headed to Hauppauge, too, including Myrna Gordon of the North Country Peace Group, to show their support and signs.

“How can we not be here?” she asked.

“It’s what we need to do to keep fighting for peace and justice. We need to see that Steve Bellone is on board with ‘The People’s Plan,’ and every peace and justice group in Suffolk County and the Three Village area needs to be on board.”

Peggy Fort, a member of the United For Justice in Policing Long Island and Building Bridges in Brookhaven groups, said ‘The People’s Plan’ addresses not just the community, but could benefit police officers, acknowledging the stresses police officers face.

“We’re not trying in ‘The People’s Plan’ to micromanage the police department,” she said.

“What we’re trying to do is really address the problems and the racial bias that exists.”

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PAGE A4 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • MARCH 18, 2021

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MARCH 18, 2021 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A5

Local lawmakers call on Cuomo to resign

BY LEAH CHIAPPINO DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Despite high marks from his handling of the pandemic, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) has recently faced seven allegations of sexual harassment.

The allegations come after a Jan. 28 report by the state attorney general, Letitia James (D), alleging the governor’s administration undercounted COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes by as much as 50 percent.

Due to these recent developments, many elected officials have called on the governor to resign, including U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

“Confronting and overcoming the COVID crisis requires sure and steady leadership,” they said in a joint statement March 12. “We commend the brave actions of the individuals who have come forward with serious allegations of abuse and misconduct. Due to the multiple, credible sexual harassment and misconduct allegations, it is clear that Governor Cuomo has lost the confidence of his governing partners and the people of New York. Governor Cuomo should resign.”

U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY1), an ardent Cuomo critic who is eyeing a run for governor next year, echoed calls for Cuomo to resign.

When news of the seventh allegation broke, Zeldin issued a statement, also March 12, which read, “Andrew Cuomo has abused the power and privilege entrusted to him by the people of New York, and his most recent remarks could not make this more clear. His continued attempts to discredit the individuals who have come forward, question their ‘motives’ and more underscore just how far he’ll go to dodge any and all responsibility. His actions are inexcusable and unforgivable, and it’s up to each and every New Yorker — legislators, the media and voters — to hold him accountable.”

The congressman also criticized Cuomo’s handling of nursing homes. “The [U.S.] Department of Justice needs to immediately open an obstruction of justice investigation into Governor Cuomo and his administration,” he said in another statement, Feb. 12. “It’s now being reported there has been a direct admission of their nursing home coverup with the intent of blocking a DOJ investigation.

The families of thousands of dead New York seniors deserve accountability and justice for the true consequences of Governor Cuomo’s fatally flawed nursing home policy and the continued attempts to cover it up.”

Local state Republicans, have also called on Cuomo to resign. State Sen. Mario Mattera (R-St. James) said that if Cuomo does not resign, the State Assembly and Senate should move forward with impeachment proceedings.

“While I did not come to this decision lightly, the time has come for new leadership so that all elected officials can return to doing the work our residents need without the numerous

Where Local Officials Stand On Cuomo Resign while investigation is ongoing

Wait for results of the AG investigation

Impeach

cold, smooth & tasty.

REP. LEE ZELDIN

cold, smooth & tasty.

NYS SEN.MARIO MATTERA

cold, smooth & tasty.

NYS SEN, ANTHONY PALUMBO

Suffolk County lawmakers have a difference of opinion regarding Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigning.

Where Local Officials Stand On Cuomo Resign while investigation is ongoing

Wait for results of the AG investigation

Impeach

cold, smooth & tasty.

REP. TOM SUOZZI

cold, smooth & tasty.

NYS SEN. JIM GAUGHRAN

cold, smooth & tasty.

NYS ASSEMBLYMAN. STEVE STERN

distractions that have plagued our state recently,” the March 11 statement read. “As a husband and a father, the continual unveiling of new sexual assault allegations — now sexual abuse — against Governor Cuomo are simply appalling. Equally important, his administration’s admitted altering of data and misdirection regarding our state’s nursing

homes are simply unacceptable.”

State Sen. Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) agreed the governor should resign in light of the harassment allegations against him.

“In the wake of numerous sexual harassment allegations and now a deeply disturbing claim of sexual assault against Governor Cuomo, I truly question his ability to lead our state through

these difficult times,” he said in a statement, also March 11. “While I am a firm believer in due process and feel strongly that everyone is entitled to their day in court, these scandals undermine the governor’s ability to conduct his official duties and have irreparably damaged the public’s trust in the state’s top executive.”

The majority of local Democrats are awaiting the independent investigation called for by AG James before making a final determination.

However, state Sen. Jim Gaughran (D-Northport), released a statement in coordination with the Long Island State Senate majority, calling on Cuomo to step down until the attorney general finishes her investigation into the sexual harassment claims. “The gravity of these claims makes it clear to us that the governor cannot lead the state while faithfully responding to multiple investigations,” the March 12 statement read. “This is especially true in light of the impending state budget deadline, the need to continue guiding the state through the pandemic and the fragility of the state’s economic recovery.”

U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY3), said that if Cuomo cannot simultaneously comply with the investigations against him and govern the state, he should consider resigning. “The governor is entitled to due process on the many serious and disturbing allegations that have been made against him,” he said in a March 12 statement.

“I have confidence that the attorney general and the NYS Assembly will conduct thorough investigations. ... I believe the governor must seriously consider whether he can effectively continue to govern in the midst of these unfolding allegations. If he cannot effectively govern with all of the controversy surrounding him, he must put the interests of all New Yorkers first and he should resign.”

State Assemblyman Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills), said he supports the investigation by the state attorney general into the accusations against Cuomo. “These allegations of sexual harassment must be taken seriously, and it is imperative that a transparent and independent inquiry begin immediately,” he said. “I also support the Assembly Judiciary Committee’s simultaneous investigation to determine if any impeachable offenses were committed. The committee will have the authority to interview witnesses, subpoena documents and evaluate evidence, all of which is provided under the New York State Constitution.”

While Cuomo has repeatedly apologized for making his accusers feel uncomfortable, he has denied that he ever groped anyone and has refused to resign.

A March 15 Siena poll, as reported by Politico, indicated that a total of 57% of respondents are “satisfied with the way Cuomo has addressed the allegations” while 32% are “not satisfied.” As for the resignation issue, 50% say he should not leave office, 35% say he should and 15% are undecided.

PAGE A6 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • MARCH 18, 2021

University

Annual SBU innovation event harvests creative ideas

BY HARRY TO DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

The Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology at Stony Brook University hosted its 5th annual Hack@CEWIT “hackathon” featuring student-made inventions, Feb. 26-28.

Usually this showcase takes place in person, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year’s event was hosted online. In place of the usual format, the over-200 competitors communicated through Zoom or Discord.

Satya Sharma, executive director of CEWIT, emphasized the abnormal circumstances weren’t a problem.

“This year’s 5th annual Hack@CEWIT had over 200 registered undergrad and graduate hackers from across the U.S.,” he said. “And though it was held virtually due to the pandemic, it did not diminish the quality of projects submitted by these bright and motivated students.

It’s opportunities like this hackathon that builds confidence in their creativity and grows their entrepreneurial spirit.”

According to Sharma, this year’s theme,

LEGALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that pursuant to Article V, Section 85-55 of the Code of the Town of Brookhaven, and in accordance with NYS Executive Order 202.1, the Town of Brookhaven Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a work session on MARCH 22, 2021 at 3:00 P.M. and a virtual public hearing on Wednesday, MARCH 24, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. via Zoom Webinar and streamed live at B r o o k h a ve n N Y. g o v / meeting. Interested parties may participate in the virtual public hearing via B r o o k h a ve n N Y. g o v / j o i n .

Written comments may be submitted prior to the hearing at BrookhavenNY. gov/BZA. Said work session and hearing will be held to consider the following: TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY

Innovating Through the Pandemic, reminds people that though there are sudden and unknown challenges, they can seize the opportunities those challenges create and harvest ideas never before imagined.

A standout project was R-AGI: Radiology Artificial General Intelligence, created by Stony Brook University graduate students Mohammed Elbadry, Joshua Leeman and Aaron Gregory.

“According to a survey, radiologists only have about 3-4 seconds to look over an X-ray and determine if there are any anomalies,” said Elbadry, a Ph.D. student with over 20-plus hackathons under his belt. “They don’t have much time, so if they had an AI that could help them that would be very useful.”

The limited time for scanning X-rays may result in a higher frequency of errors or discrepancies, with some studies citing an average 3% to 5% error rate, he said. That’s about 40 million radiologist errors every year, mistakes that could potentially cost hundreds of lives.

With the problem in mind, the team of three went to work to create AI that would offer a solution — a program that automatically scans X-rays and detects anomalies. This is something that could save not only time, but human lives.

To Place A Legal Notice

By using an existing dataset of labelled X-rays, the team trained its AI to detect the presence of pneumonia as well as its specific manifestation.

The AI then labels and informs the user of any further anomalies.

The SBU team ended up with an impressive showing, including Top-Tier Graduate Best in Show and Best Healthcare Innovation.

Another award winning project was DarkWebSherlock, created by Andrew Zeoli, Colin Hamill, Donald Finlayson and Ian Costa from Johnson & Wales University, Providence, R.I. The sale of personal information on the dark web, a hidden part of the internet accessible through the TOR Browser, is a problem that has persisted for years, and DarkWebSherlock aims to create a solution.

The program allows users to scan through online marketplaces on the dark web to see if their data is up for sale anywhere.

This enables victims to be proactive by updating their passwords or changing their credit card numbers to better secure their information.

Costa said the program will be an invaluable asset. “Searching for usernames on the dark web is something our team does on a daily basis,” he said. “Our project will save valuable time for investigators and with some extra work will

become a staple tool for dark web investigations.”

DarkWebSherlock won Top-Tier: Undergrad Best in Show.

Another award-winning project, VaccineFinder, aims to help speed up COVID-19 vaccine distribution for 65-year-old-plus vaccine seekers.

The interface allows the elderly, also people with disabilities, to plug in their zip codes and view the appointment availability of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Joshua Muckey started this project only recently, and it won Best Pandemic Innovation.

In all, the event hosted 15 projects, many of which showcased student ingenuity in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year is a reminder of why innovation is key to our success and our survival as a region, as a state and as a society,” said Marc Alessi, a judge for the event, CEO of SynchroPET and executive director of Tesla Science Center.

“This weekend’s hackathon at Stony Brook University’s CEWIT center is an example of bringing together emerging innovators from very diverse backgrounds for the purpose of celebrating and practicing innovation in its most raw form. This is essential to foster an environment of innovation.”

All of the participants’ projects can be found at hack-cewit-2021.devpost.com/project-gallery.

Email: legals@tbrnewsmedia.com THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL COMMENCE AT 4 PM 23. Vivian VankoolwijkReilly, 137 Sanford Road, Centereach, NY. Location: South side of Sanford Rd., 706.27’ East of Holbrook Road, Centereach. Applicant requests side yard variance for existing 2nd story deck; also, side yard and rear yard variances for existing shed. (0200 51600 0500 049000) 29. Frank O’Brien and Theresa Seaman, c/o Andrew Malguarnera, 713 Main Street, Port Jefferson, NY. Location: East side of Hammond Road 191.34’ North of Keystone Court, Centereach. Applicant requests side yard variance for existing pool house with roof over located in the required side yard; also, side yard variance for existing sports court. (0200 47000 0200 012000) 3 0 . C a r m e n a n d Christopher Silano, c/o Andrew Malguarnera, 713

Main Street, Port Jefferson, NY. Location: Northwest corner Glen Street and Bellwood Avenue, Centereach. Applicant requests rear yard variance for proposed inground swimming pool. (0200 33300 0300 019000) 39. Compass Rose Properties, LLC, c/o Thomas Anderson, 9 Park Street, Centereach, NY. Location: Northwest corner of Park Street and Anne Road, Centereach. Applicant requests permission for 2 existing one story residence additions; rear yard variance for one of said additions; side yard variance for existing storage building located in the required side yard.

(0200 53300 0600 006000) CASES WILL BE HEARD AT THE DISCRETION OF THE BOARD. PAUL M. DE CHANCE CHAIRMAN 1306 3/18 1x tmc

Middle Country Library hosting Teen Art Show

Middle Country teens in grades 6-12 were invited to participate in the Middle Country Public Library’s 11th annual Teens Create @ MCPL Art Show.

Each year, the library offers this unique opportunity to talented teen artists in the community to showcase their original artwork.

This year, individual teen artwork

submissions will be on display in the Underground teen space at MCPL Centereach from March 23 through April 9.

A virtual reception will kick off the exhibit online via Zoom on Tuesday, March 23 at 7 p.m. with a collaborative art activity.

Photo and caption courtesy of Middle Country Library.

MARCH 18, 2021 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A7

Town

Family member reflects on funerals, personal loss amid pandemic

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

In September, Richard Spence, 64, of Selden, died of a heart attack.

Stunned by the loss, the extended family confronted the difficulty of planning a funeral during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Carole Ganzenmuller, Spence’s sister, knows firsthand the suffering and difficulty the pandemic has created for mourning families.

Ganzenmuller works as a funeral director’s assistant at East Setauket-based Bryant Funeral Home, where she and the staffs at so many other funeral homes on Long Island and around the country grappled with restrictions on the kinds of personal support people could normally provide after the loss of a loved one.

“We couldn’t do the normal funeral,” Ganzenmuller said. “We felt we had to be strict.

My mother is 91, so we were diligent in who was coming and who was not able to come.”

Indeed, she said many of the extended relatives from out of state couldn’t attend the funeral for Spence, who served in active duty for the Navy for four years and as a reserve for two years. He was buried at Calverton National Cemetery.

While the family did have visitation and used Zoom, Ganzenmuller said they didn’t “go

County

through the normal process.”

She said her children, who are in California and were on lockdown, knew they couldn’t attend.

“We didn’t want that many people around my mom,” Ganzenmuller said.

Telling people not to come was a “very hard thing to do” as it cuts the grieving process and the goodbyes become more complicated, she added.

The grandchildren couldn’t embrace their grandmother, which would have provided the customary comfort and support.

Ganzenmuller’s family has had several members play active roles in serving the country through the armed forces. Her Carole Ganzenmuller, right, with her brother Richard Spence at an late brother William, who died at the age event a few years ago. Photo from Ganzenmuller of 43, served in the Air Force, while her oldest brother Gary is a Marine veteran In some cases, Ganzenmuller recalled how who served in Vietnam. Her late father Robert she went to a cemetery on her own, bringing a was in the Merchant Marine. casket without a family along.

“We hang an American flag with great pride,” “I was going to Calverton where the families she said. could not attend the funerals,” she said. She said Sad as it was for Ganzenmuller and her family the “Hail Mary” prayer on behalf of the families to lose Spence this fall, she recognized that they when she brought the deceased to the cemetery. had more opportunities to grieve her brother than The increasing number of deceased people people who lost loved ones in the spring of 2020, Ganzenmuller bought to the cemetery or the during the earlier part of the pandemic. crematorium made her feel as if she were “in

a war zone.”

Ganzenmuller’s family had an honor guard for her brother, and the flag was presented to her mother.

“It’s very special,” she said. She has thought of all the people who couldn’t receive that honor.

In fact, she said some religious officials didn’t feel comfortable entering the funeral home, so those services occurred outside.

“What was a normal ritual was no longer a normal ritual for people,” Ganzenmuller said.

The pandemic changed the way people could grieve and could say goodbye.

“I felt a little blessed that my family was allowed to have what we had,” she said. “I’m sure the healing process was tougher” for people during the early months of the pandemic, regardless of what caused a close friend or family member to die.

Through all the funerals, some of which continue for COVID-19, Ganzenmuller appreciated how the staff at Bryant Funeral Home and in the industry as a whole pulled together as a team.

“We’re saying to ourselves, ‘There’s hopefully light at the end of the tunnel when masks will come down and people can grieve in a normal way,’” she said. “They want to hug their family, they want to cry on them — and not give the elbows anymore.”

SBU scientist finds nitrogen filter also reduces possible carcinogen

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Water, water everywhere and several scientists want to make sure there are plenty of drops to drink.

Christopher Gobler, director of the New York State Center for Clean Water Technology, and Arjun Venkatesan, the CCWT’s associate director for Drinking Water Initiatives, recently published two studies in which they highlighted how their efforts to reduce nitrogen also cut back on 1,4 dioxane, a likely carcinogen.

Gobler, who is also endowed chair of Coastal Ecology and Conservation at Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, is leading a center whose mission is to solve the nitrogen overloading crisis in Long Island’s groundwater and surface water by developing alternative onsite septic systems.

Nitrogen, which comes from a host of sources including fertilizer, creates the kind of conditions that lead to algal blooms, which can and have closed beaches around Long Island. Nitrogen also harms seagrass meadows and can cause the collapse of shellfisheries like clams and scallops.

In the meantime, 1,4 dioxane, which is a

potential health threat in Suffolk and Nassau counties, comes from household products ranging from shampoos to cleaning products and detergents. Manufacturing on Long Island in prior decades contributed to the increase in its prevalence in water sources.

Indeed, recent studies from the center showed “very high levels of 1,4 dioxane have been detected in our groundwater,” Venkatesan said in a recent press conference.

The chemical doesn’t easily degrade, conventional wastewater treatment doesn’t remote it, and household and personal care products contribute to its prevalence in the area.

A one-year study “confirmed this suspicion,” Venkatesan said. “The level of 1,4 dioxane in a septic effluent is, on average, 10 times higher than tap water levels.”

This finding is “important” and suggests that the use of these products can ultimately end up polluting groundwater, Venkatesan continued.

At the same time, the increasing population on Long Island has contributed to a rise in the concentration of nitrogen in groundwater, Gobler added during the press conference.

The center hoped to create a septic-enhancing system that met a 10, 20, 30 criteria.

They wanted to reduce the concentration of nitrogen to below 10 milligrams per liter, the cost to below $20,000 to install and the lifespan of the system to 30 years.

The center developed nitrogen removing biofilters, or NRBs. In a second paper, the researchers showed that the NRBs removed 80 to 90 percent of nitrogen.

At the same time, the NRBs are removing nearly 60 percent of 1,4 dioxane, driving the concentration down to levels that are at, or below, the concentration in tap water, which is 1 part per billion.

This is the “first published study to demonstrate a significant removal of 1,4 dioxane,” Gobler said at the press conference. NRBs have advanced “to the piloting stage.”

The center anticipates that the NRBs could be available for widespread installation throughout Suffolk County by June 2022.

The center currently has 20 NRBs in the ground and will have over 25 by the end of the year. In 2022, anyone should be able to install them, Gobler said.

Residents interested in NRBs can contact the center, which is “working toward being prepared for widespread installation,” Gobler

explained in an email.

Residents interested in learning what financial assistance they might receive for a septic improvement program can find information at the website www.reclaimourwater.info.

Gobler said the microbes in the NRBs do the work of removing nitrogen and 1,4 dioxane, which continually reside within the filters.

He explained that they should continue to be functional for decades.

Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, which has offices in five locations and is committed to an environmental agenda, was pleased with the research Gobler and Venkatesan presented.

She was “beyond thrilled with the science released today,” she said during the press conference. This research on the effectiveness of the NRBs “validates all of the work going on for the last four years.”

Esposito urged the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation to test wastewater from laundromats, car washes and other sources to determine the amount of 1,4 dioxane that enters into groundwater and surface water systems.

Esposito is “thankful for science-based work that allows us to attain clean water.”

PAGE A8 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • MARCH 18, 2021

Sports

The Newfield Wolverines went against the North Babylon Bulldogs this week to kick off football season after a year-long hiatus.

Photos by Andrew Zucker

Newfield Wolverines come up short at North Babylon

BY ANDREW ZUCKER DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM It was not the opening day either team was hoping for, but once the Newfield kicker’s cleat made contact with the ball, the spring 2021 season was officially on.

For both the North Babylon Bulldogs and the Newfield Wolverines, the game on Saturday, March 13, was the first time both teams faced outside competition in over 480 days, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, shutting down all high school sports last year.

The final score, a 26-20 North Babylon victory, is a tale of two halves, and then a little more.

For most of the first quarter, North Babylon controlled the game as they held the ball for over eight minutes, driving as far as the Wolverines 16-yard line. But the Bulldogs walked away from the opening drive empty-handed as quarterback Tyler Hovanec bobbled the snap on the field goal attempt and was forced to throw away the ball or risk being sacked.

Newfield scored its first points of the season on a 71-yard run by Joe Hackal with 1:05 remaining in the first quarter.

The Wolverines had the extra point attempt blocked by North Babylon, putting them 6-0, a score that stood for another five minutes.

Malachi Hunter gave the Bulldogs their first lead of the day via a hard-fought 2-yard touchdown run less than four minutes into

the second quarter.

“They [North Babylon] got down early, they stuck it out, they ground back,” North Babylon head coach Terry Manning said following the game. “That’s our offense.

Grind and grind, ground and pound; that’s what our nickname is, and we just took the ball and kept doing that all day long.”

Just before the end of the first half, Newfield managed to grab hold of the lead, this time via a Matt Hirsh TD. Once again, they would miss the extra point.

Take Jackson looked to give North Babylon the lead on the ensuing kickoff, taking it over 50-yards to the end zone, but the TD was negated following a Bulldogs penalty. North Babylon would not capitalize on the field position, finding themselves down 12-7 at the half.

After halftime, everything changed — or so it seemed.

The Bulldogs scored the only points in the third quarter, a 15-yard TD by Hunter, and headed into the final frame up 14-12.

“I want my North Babylon kids to play, to be tough, to be aggressive, to never stop,” Manning said. “And to finish strong like that, which they did, so I was pretty proud of it.”

Hunter continued his impressive performance scoring a TD in the fourth quarter, his third of the game, putting the Bulldogs up 20-12. Newfield responded with a touchdown of their own with 3:25 remaining in the game and converted the two-point

conversion, knotting it up at 20 apiece.

Starting with the ball on their 44-yard line and 3:19 remaining in the game, North Babylon found themselves in a position most kids dream about. Tie game, ball in your hands, final minutes of a back and forth contest. A game, within a game.

Hovanec led the Bulldogs down the field, making their way to the Newfield 7-yardline, before spiking the ball to stop the clock with seven seconds remaining.

Jason Kolk missed the potential gamewinning field goal with four seconds remaining, sending the game to overtime.

In overtime, North Babylon forced a turnover on downs before DaiVon Lofton broke through the Wolverines defense for a

20-yard touchdown run to end the game.

“Middle Country is very excited about the full return of sports,” said Middle Country Director of Physical Education, Joseph Mercado. “We feel that interscholastic sports is an integral part of a student’s education.

We are working very diligently to ensure the safe return for all our students, staff and spectators. With the return of athletics, we hope all our student-athletes and spectators will have a positive and safe experience.”

Newfield (0-1) once again finds itself as the road team, when the Wolverines head to Smithtown West on Friday, March 19.

Kickoff is set for 6:00 The Bulldogs (1-0) square off at Bellport on Saturday, March 20 at 2 p.m.

MARCH 18, 2021 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A9

Sports

tbrnewsmedia.com Goforto more sports photos

Bellport Centereach

Senior running back Chris Crane cuts inside.

Centereach Cougars fall to Clippers

BY BILL LANDON DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM The Cougars of Centereach couldn’t get traction in their season opener on the road against Bellport where the Clippers struck on a 53-yard throw to Ka’Shaun Parrish who found the endzone for the early lead. The Cougars struggled to move the chains and was unable

Wide receiver Gennaro Esposito hauls in a pass.

to answer when Bellport struck again in the second quarter on a Parrish 9-yard run for a 14-0 lead that held up the rest of the way.

Centereach will look to put a “W” in the win column March 20 when they’ll take on West Islip in this Covid abbreviated five gameseason at home. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.

Junior Justin Robbert drops back to pass.

Photos by Bill Landon

Senior wide receiver Logan Munoz lays out for a pass.

Junior Marcus Figueroa spurts out the back field for the Cougars.

14 0

PAGE A10 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • MARCH 18, 2021

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PAGE A18 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • MARCH 18, 2021

Editorial

Letters to the Editor

Gov. Andrew Cuomo must go

Activists attend a rally for police reform in Hauppauge March 15. Photo by Julianne Mosher

‘The People’s Plan’

This week, dozens of groups across Long Island stood together, calling on lawmakers to adopt “The People’s Plan” for police reform, including one outside county offices in Hauppauge on March 15.

Created by community task force and advocacy groups, the plan is in response to a separate version Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) submitted to lawmakers last week.

And it’s needed, especially since the plan has taken into consideration feedback from retired law enforcement, civil rights attorneys, advocates and activists.

Earlier this month, Bellone held an urgent press conference, alleging the assault from police on a man who stole a car and ran from the cops, in Port Jefferson Station — our backyard.

Of course, there are two sides to every story.

The county’s current police reform proposal directs the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission to review complaints of police misconduct. That being said, the police department would still have the power to investigate and discipline their own.

The plan created by advocacy groups would create a community council to review and hold the police accountable for misconduct.

What’s wrong with that?

By allowing the community to deliberate on what was wrong, it would alleviate some of the stresses that police officers constantly deal with. It might even prevent the “bad apples” from doing bad things.

A year after Breonna Taylor’s death and nearing 365 days since the George Floyd killing, 2020 was a mess filled with protests, anger, fear and arguments.

We’re three months into 2021. Let’s start anew, afresh and let open conversations prevent the beatings of innocent people, prevent unlawful deaths and make the communities we live in a better place for everyone — no matter their gender, race, income level or role in society.

Transparency is a good thing in all walks of public life.

New York’s Gov. Andrew Cuomo [D] is clearly responsible for the unnecessary deaths of thousands of our friends, neighbors and fellow citizens, and he must be held accountable for his heartless actions. Cuomo wrote a directive requiring all New York nursing homes to accept all COVID-19 patients who were residents, without regard for the problem that most nursing homes were not medical facilities, and lacked both the equipment and the personnel to deal with this infectious disease.

Furthermore, the nursing homes were prohibited from testing the incoming residents for having the disease at the time of their entry. This unwise policy led inexorably to the needless deaths of thousands of elderly patients, many of whom could have been saved if proper medical treatment had been provided for them. And, as it turned out, the medical facilities were indeed available, including those in New York City at the USNS Comfort, which treated fewer than 200 patients, and the Javits Center,

which treated little more than 1,000, although these large venues could have handled many more patients with ease.

In the summer of 2020, Cuomo’s staff issued a report claiming that approximately 4,800 New York residents had died from COVID-19 in nursing homes. Cuomo himself, meanwhile, was living it up as a TV celebrity, delivering daily lectures on his inspirational leadership, modestly expressing humble amazement when he received an Emmy award, writing — or claiming to write — a best-selling book entitled “American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic,” and having a high old time laughing it up with his CNN celebrity weightlifter brother, Chris, making jokes about their mother’s spaghetti sauce and the size of the governor’s nose.

Then the truth came out, triggered by a report from state Attorney General Letitia James [D], which revealed that the Cuomo administration had intentionally misreported the number

of nursing home deaths, and that the actual number was more like 12,000, rather than the 4,800 that had been reported. Cuomo, whose incompetence is exceeded only by his arrogance, went immediately into attack mode, saying, among other things, “But who cares? 33 [percent]. 28 [percent].

Died in a hospital. Died in a nursing home. They died.” He then proceeded to blame every conceivable suspect, focusing, to the surprise of no one, on President Donald Trump [R] and his administration, while exempting, of course, his own guilty self.

There are calls for prosecution by AG James, impeachment by the state Legislature and voluntary resignation.

In the event that none of these highly desirable outcomes happens to eventuate, let us look forward to the election of 2022, when the voters of New York can put an end to the unfortunate Cuomo dynasty, once and for all.

George Altemose Setauket

I, for one, with the hope that others share my feelings, find that some of the current elected officials’ reactions regarding the present New York State governor, are quite repulsive, disheartening and disappointing, to state the least. Firstly, these individuals hold positions by which they could choose to be viewed as role models, demonstrating on a daily basis leadership skills, administrative skills, positive humanistic skills, to whom they serve.

Secondly, some allow themselves to adhere to behaviors that are hurtful, dishonest, backstabbing, with underhanded motivations, which are

manipulative and destructive in nature.

As of this writing, I hold licensing in the State of New York as a mental health worker, as well as a license in administration and leadership. These are licenses some of the elected officials do not hold but yet they are performing these duties on a daily basis, with no formal training or licensing to do so.

Would a teacher, dentist, physician, plumber, electrician or mechanic be allowed to carry out their trade without the proper credentials to do so?

Whatever happened to the process of innocence until proven guilty, before an individual is publicly attacked? This process, as a reminder, is elaborated

upon within several amendments in our U.S. Constitution. This is a basic model which needs to be adhered to.

This backstabbing, manipulative, sick behavior and motivations must be seen for what they are and not tolerated by the electorate any longer.

We have the power to support true statespersons who demonstrate observable behaviors that can carry out leadership tasks that support “the greatest good for the greatest number,” and represent behaviors that are fair, respectful, caring, kind, compassionate and honest.

Paul Feinberg South Setauket

Underhanded political motivations

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA We welcome letters, photographs, comments and story ideas.

Send your items to P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733 or email rita@tbrnewsmedia.com.

Times Beacon Record Newspapers are published every Thursday.

Subscription $59/year • 631-751-7744 www.tbrnewsmedia.com Contents copyright 2021

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

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Leah S. Dunaief GENERAL MANAGER Johness Kuisel MANAGING EDITOR Rita J. Egan EDITOR Julianne Moshers 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

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

MARCH 18, 2021 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A19

Opinion The pandemic in the words of community members over the last year

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his month, we completed our first pandemic year. As we prepare for a hopeful future, please find below the words that reflected the realities of our past year.

— “We were behind the eight ball on testing for a while now,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) on a conference call with members of the National Association of Counties and the press, March 18, 2020.

– “These are not helpful hints. These D. None are legal provisions. of the above They will be enforced.”

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) on a conference call with reporters, describing his decision to shut down businesses not considered essential, March 20, 2020.

– “A lot of us are thinking about staff on the hospital side who are really being tested in an unprecedented way.” Cathrine Duffy, director of HealthierU, an employee wellness program at Stony Brook University, March 25, 2020.

— “I’ve never seen anything like it.” Joan Dickinson, community relations director at Stony Brook University, in response to the over 100 emails she received each night from people eager to donate to the university, March 27, 2020 — “For the N95 masks to come in without a charge helps all those local entities laying out a lot of cash at the moment.” Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY1) in response to the announcement that President Donald Trump (R) would ship

200,000 masks to Suffolk County, April 6, 2020.

— “I never imagined being in the position of reporting the numbers on a daily basis of people who have died in our county from anything like this.” Bellone on his daily conference call with reporters, April 12, 2020.

— “We feel that science will solve this problem, and hopefully soon.” John Hill, director of the National Synchrotron Light Source II, who was part of a team coordinating Brookhaven National Laboratory’s COVID-19 research across all the Department of Energy labs, April 19, 2020.

— “We have a hard winter ahead of us.”

Bettina Fries, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, regarding projected increases in viral cases, April 23, 2020.

— “I always felt an urgency about cancer, but this has an urgency on steroids.” Mikala Egeblad, associate professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, in describing her efforts to apply her scientific expertise to COVID, April 26, 2020.

— “Coming to the hospital is still safer than going to the supermarket.” Todd Griffin, the president of Medical Staff and chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine at Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, April 30, 2020.

— “We love you, but you can’t come anywhere near us.” Malcolm Bowman, distinguished service professor at Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, recalls his extended family in New Zealand telling him and his wife Waveney as they left an old car with food at the airport so the couple could live in a camper in New Zealand , May 1, 2020.

— “At a certain point, it’s not just about the patient. It’s about the whole support system.

You’re pulling not just for them, but for their whole family.” Amanda Groveman, Stony Brook quality management practitioner, describing the My Story effort to personalize patient stays at the hospital, May 7, 2020.

— “I always knew you were smart, but now I know you are brilliant.” Marna said to her daughter Tamara Rosen, who defended her graduate thesis at Stony Brook University through a Zoom call, May 24, 2020.

— The death of Minnesota resident George Floyd at the hands of police officers was “an outrage” and was “unacceptable.” Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart in a statement on a media call, May 30, 2020.

— Army veteran Gary Degrijze has “truly made a remarkable recovery.” Jerry Rubano, a doctor in Trauma/ Acute Care/ Surgical Critical Care in the Department of Surgery at Stony Brook Medicine, said after he spent seven weeks on a ventilator and twice lost his pulse , June 9, 2020.

— “You couldn’t have found a happier group of people.” Dr. Frank Darras, clinical professor of Urology and Clinical / Medical Director of the Renal Transplantation Program at Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, about a transplant at 3:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning, June 12, 2020.

— “My whole career has brought me to be who I am in this moment.” Risco MentionLewis, deputy police commissioner, in the wake of protests over policing, July 3, 2020.

— “When you have untreated mental health and substance abuse disorders, the county will pay for that one way or the other.” Children’s

Association Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Reynolds amid an increase in demand for mental health during the pandemic, July 31, 2020.

— “People sent really moving and emotional notes. We saw a lot of good in people” [during a difficult time.] Colby Rowe, Trauma Center Education & Prehospital outreach coordinator who helped coordinate donations to Stony Brook, Aug. 7, 2020.

— “Long Islanders deserve better.” Thomas Falcone, CEO of LIPA, in response to a letter from Senator James Gaughran (D-Northport) questioning LIPA’s oversight of PSEG after extensive power outages and communication failures following Tropical Storm Isaias, Aug. 28, 2020.

— “I tell my patients, I take their hands, I say, ‘Listen, I was in there, too. I know what you’re feeling. I know you’re scared. I know you’re feeling you can die.” Feliciano Lucuix, a patient care assistant at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center, describing her hospitalization with COVID and then her return to her work in the same hospital, Dec. 14, 2020.

— “As hard and as difficult and sad and heart wrenching [as it was], so many other parts, you just saw such humanity. It was amazing.” Patricia Coffey, nurse manager at the Critical Care Unit at Huntington Hospital reflecting on the challenges and responses of the health care field amid the pandemic, Dec. 31, 2020.

— “When we reach our number, we make an announcement inside.” Michael Connell, who runs the M.A. Connell Funeral Home in Huntington Station, said about alerting people about crowds awaiting a chance to visit with family during a funeral service, Feb. 26, 2021.

Funny stories about being a woman early in business

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here are some funny stories I could share with you about being a woman in business this Women’s History Month. Like any storyteller, I may be repeating myself with a couple, so please indulge me with your patience. I hope they will give you a chuckle even if you’ve already heard them.

First though, I would call your attention elsewhere in the newspaper and on our website to a section in which local businesswomen are Between you and me participating in this

BY LEAH S. DUNAIEF month’s spotlight. They have sent in headshots of themselves and have answered one of three questions that we posed: how do you balance work-life duties; who inspired you; what words would you offer younger women interested in

following in your footsteps? Please look for them and enjoy their responses. We hope you will also shop in their stores and use their services, thus supporting both the local economy and minorityowned enterprise.

We started the first newspaper, The Village Times, on April 8, 1976. After some wildly chaotic and exciting first months, just before Christmas, I was waiting in line at the deli across from the office when I was greeted by the ad director of a local competitor newspaper. We had met several times before, and he was filled with the good cheer of the season.

“Congratulations on your new venture,” he said. “The paper looks very good every week.”

“Thank you,” I replied, thinking it was a generous thing for him to say to another publisher.

“You tell the fellow up there that he’s doing a great job,” he added, pointing upward to my office building on the hill.

“What fellow?” I asked, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ crossing my mind.

“Aw, c’mon,” he said with a laugh. “We all know

you have some guy up there running the show.”

“Merry Christmas,” I replied and took the encounter back to the staff of half a dozen wives and mothers, who howled.

Then there was the time I was seated on the dais next to the New York Press Association’s keynote speaker, Mike Wallace. It was the Spring Convention, 1984. On his other side was the association’s president finishing his meal, and I was the president-elect. Wallace, good journalist that he was, chatted with us throughout the dinner, sincerely asking about the names and locations of our newspapers. After it was my turn, and I answered his queries, he looked at me and asked, “And where is your husband?”

I could hear the president choking on his food as he feared my response. “He’s at home watching the children,” I answered with a smile.

At this point, the president was able to get out, “No, she is the owner and publisher of her paper.”

Wallace turned back to me, patted my arm, and after a long pause, offered, “Forgive me, my dear.

I’m an old dinosaur.”

Here’s another. It was 1978 and I had arrived the night before the NYPA convention was to start. I was already checked into the hotel and was eating dinner in the dining room with a book for company. “May I join you?”

I looked up and saw a pleasant-looking man smiling down at me. “Yes,” I answered, returning the smile and assuming he was another early arrival for the convention. We exchanged names and hometowns, chatted briefly about the weather in Albany, and then he slid his room key across the tablecloth. “Come up about 9:00,” he instructed.

I stared at him puzzled, then realized what he was saying. “Why would you think I would be coming to your room?” I asked astonished.

“Well,” he said, “you are down here in the hotel eating by yourself.” He withdrew the key and quickly left. I looked around, realized I was the only woman eating alone, skipped dessert, paid the check, rode the elevator up to my room, and once inside, double-locked the door.

That was life in the fast lane for a woman in business in the 1970s.

PAGE A20 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • MARCH 18, 2021

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