The Times of Middle Country - April 1, 2021

The

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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. 51

April 1, 2021

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A murder on Main Street Shirley resident killed, Port Jefferson Station man arrested

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Minari earns six Oscar nominations Also: A tribute to Nan Guzzetta, Port Jefferson Documentary Series returns

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Rallying for a cause

Rita J. Egan

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Long Islanders gather outside the county offices to stand against Asian American hate — A3

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PAGE A2 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • APRIL 1, 2021

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APRIL 1, 2021 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A3

Hundreds come together to show unity with the Asian community

BY RITA J. EGAN RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM On a spring-like Saturday afternoon, local residents from all walks of life took time out of their day to rally in support of the Asian community.

The south side of the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge on Saturday, March 27, was filled with hundreds decrying recent hate crimes against Asians in the country. Many held signs featuring messages such as “Stop Hate Spread Love,” “End Racist Violence,” “Make Racism Wrong Again,” “Hate Is A Virus, Love Is The Vaccine” and more.

The rally was organized by Suffolk County Human Services. The event featured speeches from representatives of civil rights organizations and elected officials, including Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D), U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY1) and Suffolk District Attorney Tim Sini (D).

Bellone said he was glad it was a sunny and warm day, but it would be a beautiful one even if it was raining.

“It’s a beautiful day because we are all gathered together as one, as Americans from all backgrounds, to stand up and speak together in one voice to say that hatred and intolerance is unacceptable,” the county executive said. “We will not accept it here in Suffolk County. We will

not accept it anywhere in this country.”

Bellone said anyone who attempts a hate crime in the county would be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“We are gathered here today, one another in solidarity, to fight against these vicious brutal acts of violence that we have seen many of our brothers and sisters — our fellow Americans in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community — have been subjected to, verbal assault and physical violence,” he said. “And we are here to say today that this is unacceptable. We will never tolerate acts of hate like this here in Suffolk County.”

Zeldin, who has been criticized for not supporting in the House a resolution condemning anti-Asian hate related to the COVID-19 pandemic, received criticism at the rally, including from state Sen. John Liu (D-Flushing).

The state senator said he was happy to see U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY3) there who voted in favor of the legislation.

“Not every Congress member you will hear from today, voted for it,” he said. “People want to be held accountable. I’m in office, I expect you to hold me accountable. I may not be his constituent, but I’m going to hold Congressman Zeldin accountable for voting ‘no.’”

“We need everybody who says they support us to actually support us,” Liu said.

When Zeldin spoke at the podium his wife,

Diana, who is Asian American, stood by his side.

Some of the people in attendance at first jeered when he began to talk.

Zeldin said the rally wasn’t a partisan political one.

“We all have to stand together in these moments to come together and rally against the violence when you are targeting someone because of their religion or their color of their skin, or where they come from,” he said. “Every American, and especially as we are reminded in this crowd of people who love our community and our country, who come here for the American Dream to pursue hope and opportunity. All of you are here not just for this flag but for community, and for each other to make a difference.”

Also, speaking at the event was Shaorui Li, president of the Asian American Association of Greater Stony Brook. The East Setauket resident was born in China and immigrated here more than 20 years ago.

During her speech, she said since last year there has been a 150% increase of crimes against Asian Americans.

“Why are Asians being treated this way?” Li asked the crowd.

In a phone interview the day after she said, “I wanted them to think, because we’ve been too quiet.”

Li said she was touched to see people from all ethnic backgrounds at the event as well as various

To see more photos of the rally, visit tbrnewsmedia.com Photo by Rita J. Egan

elected officials from the area.

“I said to everyone, not only Asians, but African Americans and Latino Americans, I wanted to ask them to be with us together because in the past there have been different opinions. But this definitely shows how being minorities being together, we can get the support we need,” she said.

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Village

Breaking down what happened: Officials speak up on Port Jefferson shooting

BY JULIANNE MOSHER JULIANNE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

It was a tragedy, but local officials say all the right protocols were in place which led to the quick arrest of a Port Jefferson Station man in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old David Bliss Jr. of Shirley.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 24, at approximately 3:35 p.m., when Bliss was shot in front of 122 Main St. in the village.

According to a Suffolk County Police Department spokesperson, police from the 6th Precinct were on the scene within 2 minutes, 32 seconds after the victim was hit.

Mayor Margot Garant said the whole incident itself took less than 10 seconds, from the argument between the two men to the duo in the car driving off.

“Upon learning of the incident, our code enforcement chief and I immediately headed to the scene,” she said.

But the police were already there, and once the SCPD steps in, they take the reins on any incident. Upon assessment, the police spokesperson said, the detectives on the scene immediately determined that it was a targeted incident.

“Upon arrival at the Port Jefferson shooting scene, police knew the shooter had left the area in a vehicle immediately following the shooting and a lockdown was not necessary,” the police said in a statement to TBR News Media.

“Each incident presents specific circumstances that are assessed by responding personnel to determine if a lockdown is warranted and what radius needs to be covered.”

Village trustee Kathianne Snaden said that although some people are curious and are upset over the protocol, the village did everything within their ability to keep their residents and children safe.

“Everybody wants to know why a lockdown didn’t happen, and the last answer is we do not have that authority,” she said. “We confirmed that with our attorney and we don’t have that right.”

Garant reiterated the same, that although people may think the local government has more ability to shut down a village, they do not.

“As soon as Suffolk is on the scene, it is their game,” she said. “I do not have the authority to put the village in a lockdown situation. Under New York State law, I do not have that authority.”

Thanks to the village’s street cameras, police were able to get a license plate number and began tracking the vehicle which was already headed into Smithtown.

“The police officer on the scene confirmed the community is not in harm’s way,” Garant said. “He said they are tracking the vehicle in Stony Brook, heading to the Smithtown area

and this is very much a one-on-one attack.”

And because investigators on the premise knew right away that the shooting was not a threat to the rest of the village, schools were not put on lockdown.

Snaden, who was watching her daughter’s tennis game at the school, got the call from Garant and immediately asked if a lockdown was needed.

“We can’t say it enough — as soon as the call came to me, my first question to the mayor was, ‘Are the kids safe?’” she said.

“Margot was standing with Suffolk police who confirmed ‘yes.’”

Snaden, who is also the community liaison between the school district and the village government, began tracking down Port Jefferson Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan who was already aware of the situation and rerouted the buses to avoid Main Street.

“Everybody was fully aware, and the school was already doing whatever protocol they do in these situations,” Snaden said. “Superintendent Schmettan had already, long before, already known about it and was acting on their behalf.”

Schmettan told the mayor that once she heard of the incident and bus reroutes, she communicated with the SCPD and verified that a lockdown was not needed — all within less than 10 minutes of the actual shooting.

Snaden said that upon learning of the incident, students were brought into the building out of an abundance of caution at the discretion of the athletic director and coaches who had kids outside.

“Upon notification of an emergency situation, our district immediately enacts our safety and security plans to help safeguard our schools,” Schmettan said in a statement.

“These plans have prescribed actions specific to various potential scenarios and are often guided by the unfolding details of the events transpiring. As the safety of our students and staff remain our top priority, we are thankful to our partners in law enforcement and our village officials for their continued partnership with regard to our safety efforts and for their open lines of communication along every step of the way.”

The next day

Garant said that the next day the village had a debriefing and decided to begin using their CodeRED system for situations like this.

Criticisms have been made that the village should have used the system to let residents know what happened, and Garant said normally CodeRED is used for villagewide emergencies, like natural disasters.

“If we had used CodeRED in this instance, because of the initial information and the lack of information from Suffolk at that point, the CodeRED would have just said that there is police activity on Main Street, please avoid the

On March 24, a man was fatally shot near the Dunkin’ Donuts on Main Street in Port Jefferson in broad daylight.

The community is asking for answers when it comes to the typical protocol with an active shooter.

Photo from Margot Garant

area, period,” Snaden said. “It wouldn’t have said lockdown.”

She added, again, the village does not have the authority to lockdown. Only the governor or county executive can make those decisions.

Garant said that the social media hysteria that happened along the way could have caused more harm than good.

“It’s dangerous, because what happened was parents rushed to the school, there could have been a traffic accident, there could have been who knows what,” Snaden added. “The rumors were extremely reckless.”

Some of the rumors claimed that a student from the Port Jefferson School District was the culprit, another was that it was an active driveby shooter. Both of those claims ended up being false right away, but the threads kept going.

“It didn’t really matter what we did or didn’t do that day,” Garant said. “My job is to keep this community as safe as possible, and not create more chaos or danger to them.”

But Garant said she did have the executive decision to give the community statements on what was going on.

“This is because of who we are as government officials that we choose to do,” she said. “Because we feel it’s important. We’re not required to have this line of communication with the district.”

Garant added the CodeRED system currently has 4,800 subscribers and, after last week’s event, they will now use it more consistently.

“I think the thing that we learned from this is that we’re going to use our CodeRED and you need to be on our system,” she said. “You can get a text, you can get a voicemail, you can

get an email. And that’s how you’re going to get alerted from us from this point forward.”

Catching the culprit

“The good news is because of their thorough investigation, they caught the shooter within 72 hours,” Garant said. “That’s exceptional.”

Snaden said the cameras that are throughout the village are state-of-the-art devices, which are hooked up to the Suffolk County Real Time Crime Center — the first village within the county do so.

When the code officer was on the scene, a doctor and nurse bystanders were already tending to the victim, as police headed over.

“There were good people that did help,” she said.

Snaden added that the village has 37 code officers, plus the chief, who monitor the area, and who work alongside the police. Two more hires are planned for this month.

“We have a good working relationship with the SCPD,” she said. “The code officer that was there was the supervisor at the time and secured the scene. He did what you are supposed to do as an officer.”

On March 27, SCPD arrested Joseph Garcia, 19, of 11 Market St., Port Jefferson Station, and charged him with 2nd degree murder.

He was arraigned on March 28 and pled not guilty.

The investigation is still ongoing and details about the altercation between the two men have not been released.

The SCPD encourages anyone with information about a crime to report it to 911 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS (8477).

PAGE A6 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • APRIL 1, 2021

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A new COVID-19 vaccination site finally opened at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge, where the vaccine’s mass distribution will be given out to hundreds of residents in the upcoming weeks.

The latest expansion will help Long Island recover from the consistent 4% positivity rate that surged to a height of 12% during the second spike of the coronavirus outbreak in February.

“The numbers have declined since, but they are not declining any further at this point,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) said March 24. “We have undoubtedly hit a plateau and are stubbornly maintaining this approximate 4% positivity rate.”

Predicting the positivity rate would drop down to 1% by March, Bellone said his predictions did not happen. The hospitals are still hovering around 400 COVID patients and even with vaccine quantities increasing, officials are continuing to see the positivity rate at a steady level.

Corrections

— The March 25, 2021 issue of The Port Times Record published in its “Metal for Tesla” story that Nikola Tesla was born in Croatia, but was supposed to say “in what is now Croatia.”

According to Bellone, the reason for the consistently high percentage in COVID cases is due to warm spring weather creating an overall eagerness to leave quarantine, making opportunities for locals to catch the virus.

“The fact that many people are getting vaccinated and that spring is here, people are rightly feeling optimistic and positive,” Bellone said. “That is leading to more people coming out, which is a positive thing, but we do need to be cognizant of the fact that the virus is not gone and that there are still risks.”

So far, the county has vaccinated more than 400,000 residents with at least their first dose, but expects to see a rapid increase in vaccination supply in the upcoming weeks.

Despite the positive outcome of Suffolk County opening up its latest mass vaccination site, other areas on the Island, such as the Twin Forks, remain some distance away from distribution points. Bellone said he is aware of the problem.

“We’ve gone to great lengths to get to every corner of the county,” he said. “We even took a plane to Fishers Island to make sure we can get residents, who are isolated, the vaccine.”

— The March 25, 2021 issue of The Port Times Record failed to mention in its “New rules keeping bike riders and motorists safe” story that the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and local business owners are also part of the bike task force in the village.

We regret the errors.

APRIL 1, 2021 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A7

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PAGE A8 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • APRIL 1, 2021

County

Hospitals allow family, friends to visit patients

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

In response to an easing of state regulations and their approach to patient care, area hospitals are relaxing restrictions about patient visitors.

Starting this past Monday, Huntington Hospital will allow patients who do not have COVID-19 to have one visitor per day, between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. St. Charles and St. Catherine of Siena hospitals also allow one COVID-19 negative visitor per day during those same hours.

Huntington Hospital is responding to the medical, emotional and personal need its patients have for the support of family and friends during whatever health challenges they face.

“There is nothing like having your loved one at your bedside, holding your hand,” said Cheryl Miranda, director of Patient Experience at Huntington Hospital, which is a part of Northwell Health.

Family also provides helpful information, helping medical professionals know whether a patient’s behavior is different from normal “As a nurse, I’ve always felt that family is part of the caregiving circle,” Miranda said. “The family knows their loved one better than anyone.

They will help us provide better care.”

St. Charles Hospital and St. Catherine of Siena started allowing one hospital visitor per COVID-negative patient per day starting about four weeks ago.

Stony Brook is making several changes to its visitation policy.

As of April 1, the hospital is allowing two visitors for patients in labor and delivery, for pediatric patients and for patients in end-of-life situations. This will increase from one to two.

Patients receiving same day surgical procedures will also be allowed a patient visitor until a procedure begins. The visitor is required

to wait outside during the procedure and then can return during the patient’s release from the hospital.

Inpatient child psychiatry will also allow a visitor, as will cancer center and outpatient offices.

Approved visitors to Stony Brook must wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth the entire time, will have symptom checks, including thermal scanning, will not be allowed outside the patient’s room, must maintain six feet of distance and must wash their hands on entering and leaving the room.

Hospitals had generally restricted most or all patient visitors over various periods in the last year amid the pandemic to limit the spread of COVID-19. Nurses throughout Long Island and the world have used tablets, phones and other technology to help their patients connect with family members, enabling them to see spouses, siblings, children, grandchildren and friends from hospital beds that often had them feeling isolated during their health battles.

Allowing visitors, who are still required to wear masks, will help hospitalized patients feel more normal and receive the kind of support that can brighten their day while shortening their hospital visit.

A hospital employee will screen patients on their way into the hospital, asking them questions about any possible symptoms and taking their

Community News

temperature.

Visitors who are COVID-19 positive can’t enter.

Additionally, visitors who come in from out of the state or whom they believe necessitates a screening will have a rapid swab.

“We are not asking everyone to be tested,” Miranda said.

The hospital is spreading the word about its new patient visitor policy by changing its on-hold messages, is sharing information on TV sets and is telling families directly during virtual visits that one person at a time can come to the hospital.

Patients can determine who visits, which includes family members and friends.

Miranda said the medical staff is wellprepared for an increase in visitors through the hospital.

“I don’t have to tell anybody in this building to follow precautions,” Miranda said. “We’ve all been through this for 13 months now and there isn’t anyone” who needs reminding about personal protective equipment, hand washing or social distancing.

Initially, Huntington Hospital workers will escort visitors to patient rooms, reminding them about safety policies.

During visits, patients and visitors are expected to wear masks. If a family member comes during mealtime or brings food, the patient can eat, but should do so at a safe distance.

Miranda, who has been at Huntington Hospital for 20 years, realizes the suffering patients and their families have endured during the pandemic.

“To tell someone they can’t be here is an awful, awful thing,” Miranda said. “My heart goes out to the families that haven’t been allowed to be here” and to the patients who “haven’t been able to have their loved ones at their side.”

Miranda has been planning this new visitation policy since the beginning of the month.

The hospital has learned numerous lessons about health care, including by providing virtual support for patients.

In addition to bereavement support groups, which have been particularly busy as families mark the one-year anniversary of the loss of a loved one, the hospital is adding a long-haul support group.

Starting on Thursday, April 8 at 2 p.m., Huntington Hospital will offer support to people who have a lingering cough, ongoing debilitating fatigue, body aches, joint pain, shortness of breath, loss of taste and smell, difficulty sleeping, headaches and brain fog.

People interested in joining that group can email Kacey Farber at KFarber@Northwell.edu.

Dr. Jean Cacciabaudo, associate medical director at Huntington Hospital and a cardiologist, will sit on the long haulers support meeting.

Cacciabaudo, who had COVID-19 and has some long haulers symptoms, will attend not just for herself, but to provide the physician’s perspective.

Miranda said the bereavement support groups have helped family members amid a loss.

“It’s the beauty of humanity, when we reach out and help each other,” Miranda said. “There’s no magic solution for grief and loss. For some people, it’s just about remembering all the wonderful things they had when they had that person and sharing that with other people. It’s about not being isolated. That’s a big key.”

Selden’s Allison Sencadas Recognized by PSEG Long Island for Surveyors Week

PSEG Long Island recognized Allison Sencadas of Selden, and her colleagues, for Surveyors Week on March 21 through March 28 and Women’s History Month.

PSEG Long Island’s surveyors are the first to arrive on a construction site, mapping out and measuring the land, and the last to leave the jobsite, ensuring that all work is performed to accurately meet these measurements.

Surveyors touch every department within the company, including underground and overhead lines, substation design,

construction and maintenance, and legal.

Precise measurements help to keep workers and members of the public safe, and prevent damage to infrastructure, which saves money for the company and its customers.

“As a survey computer drafting specialist, it is my job to interpret, relate and compute information provided by the field surveyor in order to generate a survey map,” Sencadas said. “The production of a finished survey map provides the dimensions and angles of a particular parcel of land, the exact location of boundary lines, as well as the location of

existing facilities in the area.”

She added that these maps collectively play a role in the planning and development of new facilities as well as improvements to existing PSEG Long Island facilities.

National Surveyors Week and Global Surveyors Day (March 23) were founded by the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS).

For more PSEG Long Island employee stories, follow #PSEGLIProud on social media.

Photo and caption courtesy of PSEG Long Island.

Allison Sencadas

APRIL 1, 2021 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A9

Sports

tbrnewsmedia.com Goforto more sports photos

Sachem East Newfield

27 26

Newfield sophomore Xavier McGee finds a hole.

Wolverines lose heartbreaker

BY BILL LANDON DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM The Newfield Wolverines’ intended opponent West Islip, was forced to quarantine after a COVID-19 test, which resulted in an unlikely pairing of the Flaming Arrows of Sachem East a D-I team against the D-IV Wolverines on March 27. The voice from the broadcast booth said they could not recall these two teams having ever faced each other, so all the scouting reports went out the window.

Down two touchdowns it was Newfield’s Devin Aviles who provided the spark for the Wolverines on an 11-yard run to tie the game at 14, his second touchdown of the afternoon.

Newfield quarterback Josh Jacob the junior rolled out the pocket and connected with sophomore tight-end Kaleb Mapp to re-take the lead with less than a minute left in the half.

Sachem East answered with 2 TD runs

by Virgillio Batista with only 1 extra point between them took a 27-20 lead late in the game. It was Newfield’s Brian Akbulet’s pass out of the backfield finding Joe Hackal who turned it up field for a 37-yard touchdown run to trail 27-26. Newfield thought about going for two but opted to kick the single point after to tie the game. Sachem East blocked the point after handing Newfield a heartbreaking onepoint loss.

Newfield junior Devin Aviles cuts back to the inside for the Wolverines.

Photos by Bill Landon

Offensive linemen Roman Aponte (L) and Charlie Clark set the tone for the “O” line in a non-conference matchup against Sachem East.

Junior Vittoria Oliveri with the point after kick.

Newfield quarterback Josh Jacob drops back to pass.

PAGE A10 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • APRIL 1, 2021

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COMPANION P/T Semi retired teacher available for Light cooking, light housekeeping, local driving, references. Call 631-331-5030.

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WINDOW DEFLECTORS F-150 SUPER CAB asking $20.00 Call 631-744-3722.

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Automobiles/Trucks Vans/Rec Vehicles

Auto Services

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Finds Under 50

©16870

SCHOOL NUTRITION ANNOUNCEMENT The Three Village Central School District plans on applying to the New York State Education Department for an exemption from serving breakfast in their five elementary schools during the 2021-2022 school year. This yearly exemption will be based on the results of a survey taken by parents of elementary students. If you have any questions, please contact the Child Nutrition Office at 631-730-4505.

TOP CASH PAID FOR ALL TRUCKS, CARS, & VANS. Highest prices paid for fixable vehicles. Call Mark 631-258-7919. See Display for more information.

Schools/Instruction/ Tutoring

©105752

FAMILY-ORIENTED SINGLE WOMAN LOOKING TO WELCOME A CHILD INTO HER LIFE. Any ethnicity welcome, expenses paid. Please call (347) 470-5228 or my attorney: (800)582-3678 for information.

Automobiles/Trucks Vans/Rec Vehicles

APRIL 1, 2021 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A11

CONTACT US:

BASIC AD RATES • FIRST 20 WORDS

The Village TIMES HERALD The Village BEACON RECORD The Port TIMES RECORD The TIMES of Smithtown The TIMES of Middle Country The TIMES of Huntington, Northport & East Northport

TBR News Media 185 Route 25A (Bruce Street entrance) Setauket, NY 11733 Call: 631-331-1154 or 631-751-7663

1 Week $29.00 4 Weeks $99.00 DISPLAY ADS Call for rates.

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MAIL ADDRESS TBR News Media Classifieds Department P.O. Box 707 Setauket, NY 11733

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The Classifieds Section is published by TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA every Thursday. Leah S. Dunaief, Publisher, Sheila Murray, Classifieds Director. We welcome your comments and ads.

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA will not be responsible for errors after the first week’s insertion. Please check your ad carefully. • Statewide or Regional Classifieds also available - Reach more than 7 million readers in New York’s community newspapers.

Line ads 25 words : Long Island region $69 - $129 – New York City region $289 - $499 – Central region $29 - $59 – Western region $59 - $99 - Capital region $59 - $99 – all regions $389 - $689 words. $10 each additional word. Call for display ad rates.

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*May change without notice REAL ESTATE FREE FREE FREE ACTION AD 20 words Merchandise DISPLAY ADS $44 for 4 weeks under Ask about our for all your used $50 15 words Contract Rates. merchandise 1 item only.

EMPLOYMENT GARAGE SALE Fax•Mail•E-mail Buy 2 weeks of ADS $29.00 Drop Off any size BOXED 20 words Include Name, ad get 2 weeks Address, Phone # Free 2 signs with free placement of ad

GENERAL OFFICE

INDEX

OFFICE • IN-PERSON

(40¢ each additional word)

©101298

WE ARE:

PAGE A12 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • APRIL 1, 2021

E M PL OY M E N T / C A R E E R S MOUNT SINAI SCHOOL DISTRICT

FULLTIME STYLIST POSITION

School District Aides

Salary + Commission.

Sales experience required.

Retail sales a plus.

We are an equal opportunity employer. 631.744.2400

for more details.

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.

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND GROUND OPERATIONS/HEAD CUSTODIAN Harbor Country Day School is seeking head custodian with expertise in caring for all areas of a school building, including grounds maintenance and care.

PLEASE SEE OUR DISPLAY AD FOR MORE INFORMATION. EXPERIENCED TREE CLIMBER WANTED. Full-time, top pay. Come work for a company that cares about their employees. 631-744-2400 SEE OUR DISPLAY AD FOR MORE IMFORMATION F/T STYLIST POSITION Arame Salon & Spa in Port Jefferson Village is seeking a hair stylist eager to learn & work with a team who love to have fun, good food and has your back.

No Following Needed.

Interested? Please contact: info@aramesalonandspa.com or call 631-331-6633.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Help Wanted HELP WANTED- OFFICE/ CLERICAL P/T Clerical person needed from Monday-Friday. $600/wk.

Computer skills, customer service skills, some cash and items handling skills. Apply Email: henrya75312@gmail. com INSURANCE SALES POSITION Salary + Commission, Sale experience required, Retail sales a plus, Allstate-East Setauket 631-241-5919.

MOUNT SINAI SCHOOL DISTRICT School District Aides Flexible hours available Send letter of interest or email to Christina Romeo at cromeo@mtsinai.k12.ny.us

SECRETARY P/T FLEXIBLE HOURS Computer savvy, must be profcient in Microsoft Word.

Continuum Stony Brook Law Office Fax resume and cover letter to 631-751-8665.

Office/Clerical PT Clerical Person needed from Monday-Friday, $600.00 weekly.

Computer skills, customer service skills, some cash & items handling skills.

Apply Email: henrya75312@gmail.com

Help Wanted

HELP WANTED SPECIAL!

$18.50 NYC, $17 L.I. UP TO $13.50 UPSTATE NY! If you need care from your relative, friend/ neighbor and you have Medicaid, they may be eligible to start taking care of you as personal assistant under NYS Medi c a i d C D PA P r o g r a m . N o Certificates needed.

347-713-3553

Display Ads

V J X - R AY - L e a d i n g manufacturer of high performance, reliable & cost-effective X-Ray components - Is hiring OPERATORS & ASSEMBLERS in Bohemia, NY E-Mail Resume: jobopps@vjt.com

Buy 2 Weeks - Get 2 FREE Call Classifieds for sizes and pricing.

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE is Tuesday at noon.

If you want to advertise, do it soon!

631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

CLASSIFIED QUESTIONS? CALL 631.751.7744 101870

©101451

Bartlett Tree Experts, Southampton. Upbeat, fun, team oriented field work. Experienced PHC 3A Applicators 70-80K to start. SEE DISPLAY AD FOR MORE INFO.

Help Wanted

©15120

Help Wanted

Email

H E L P WA N T E D

©17020

phemmick@bartlett.com

For spraying in our Plant Health Care Dept.

PART-TIME FLEXIBLE HOURS Computer savvy. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word.

Continuum Stony Brook Law Office Fax resume and cover letter to 631.751.8665

©15790

Full time work year-round available. Come work for a company that cares about their employees.

©12550

Also seeking a grounds man or woman.

Upbeat, fun, team-oriented field work.

Experienced PHC 3A Applicators 70-80K to start.

Experienced climbers wanted, entry level positions available.

Top pay commensurate with experience.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Lynette Mutschler, Assistant to Head of School, Lmutschler@hcdsny.org.

Secretary

Southampton

Looking for Technician Applicator(s)

Send letter of interest or email to Christina Romeo at cromeo@mtsinai.k12.ny.us ©15750

BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS Looking for an Experienced Tree Climber

Flexible hours available

Harbor Country Day School is seeking an experienced Head Custodian with expertise in caring for all areas of a school building, including grounds maintenance and care. The candidate should possess carpentry, plumbing, and electrical systems knowledge and skills as this is a ‘hands-on’ position. This person is responsible for working with all repair and maintenance companies and supply vendors. ©15750

East Setauket 631-241-5919

©15890

Interested? Please contact at: info@aramesalonandspa.com or call 631.331.6633

Insurance Sales Position

Director of Building and Ground Operations / Head Custodian

©105747

©14280

Arame Salon & Spa, in Port Jefferson Village, is seeking a hairstylist eager to learn & work with a team who loves to have fun, good food & has your back. Career minded individual who is personable, outgoing team player to join our company & culture.

NO FOLLOWING NEEDED, a person eager to learn & grow their career is.

- Competitive compensation - Monthly bonus opportunities - Dental/vision - Paid vacation each year - Company match retirement plan (Simple IRA) Fantastic environment with a great team, growth opportunities, and more!

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

631–331–1154 or 631–751–7663

APRIL 1, 2021 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A13

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

SERV ICES Fences

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

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.

Clean-Ups 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.

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

Exterminating SCIENTIFIC EXTERMINATING SERVICES let’s all stay safe, ecological protection, ticks, ants, mosquitoes, termites, Natural Organic products 631265-5252-SEE DISPLAY AD FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Home Improvement

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.

Floor Services/Sales 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

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

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 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

LAMPS FIXED, $65.

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

Home Repairs/ Construction GENERAL CONTRACTOR, TILE & MASONRY SPECIALIST. 20 years of experience.

Also clean-ups and junk removal. Call 631-232-0174. FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE DISPLAY AD.

Lawn & Landscaping J. BREZINSKI INC. Landscape material delivery service. Mulch, Soil, Stone. Sell to Wholesales, Homeowners, Landscapers.

631-566-1826.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD FOR MORE INFORMATION. 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

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

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

Masonry 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 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

Single size • $228/4 weeks Double size • $296/4 weeks

101558

Ask about our 13 & 26 week special rates

Buy 4 weeks and get the 5th week

FREE (631) 751.7663 or (631) 331.1154

©101328

Professional Services Directory

Tree Work

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

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

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

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

Free Estimates. Fully insured.

LIC# 50701-H. 631-862-9291

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

SUNBURST TREE EXPERTS Since 1974, our history of cus-tomer satisfaction is second to n o n e . P r u n i n g / r e m o v a l s / planting, plant health care. Insect/ Disease Management. ASK ABOUT GYPSY MOTH AND TICK SPRAYS Bonded employees. Lic/ Ins. #8864HI 631-744-1577

Restorations 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.

PROF E S SION A L & B U SI N E S S Place Your Ad in the

Satellite TV BEST SATELLITE TV WITH 2 YEAR PRICE GUARANTEE! $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months free pre-mium movie channels! Free next day installation! Call 888-508-5313

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! CALL 631.331.1154

©105748

Carpentry

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

Blues Man Piano Tuning Brad Merila Certified Piano Technician 6 Barnwell Lane, Stony Brook

631.681.9723 bluesmanpianotuning@gmail.com bluesmanpianotuning.com ©15430

TIMES BEACON RECORD CLASSIFIEDS ■ 631.331.1154 0R 631.751.7663

PAGE A14 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • APRIL 1, 2021

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

All Trucks, Cars & Vans

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

Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Domestic/Foreign

©15170

GIVE THIS AD TO THE DRIVER and receive an extra $10.

USED AUTO PARTS LICENSED • BONDED INSURED

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LICENSED • BONDED INSURED

ask for mark • 631-258-7919

DMV CERTIFIED 7002706

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

©15650

CALL US LAST WE’LL BEAT ANY PRICE

Highest prices paid for fixable vehicles.

Also buy motorcycles and muscle cars.

©12370 ©12370

AUTOMOTI V E SERV ICES JUNK CARS BOUGHT $$$ TOP CASH PAID $$$ JUNK CARS BOUGHT Hyundais and Kias

No Keys No Title No Problem

FREE Pickup Habla Español Lic. # 7112911/Ins.

17000

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(631) 445-1848

©15140

Advertise Your Auto with a Photo*

4 Week Special $

4000 -20 Word Reader Ad Plus

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Call Classifieds at 631-331-1154 or 631-751-7663 to picture your auto today!

E-mail your picture to accountrep@tbrnewspapers.com All readers ads are listed on the internet. For car show/event advertising call 631-331-1154 or 631-751-7663. *This promotion applies for pre-owned and used cars only

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

HOME SERV ICES Since 1995 Family Owned & Operated

DECKS ONLY

®

BUILDERS & DESIGNERS OF OUTDOOR LIVING

BY NORTHERN CONSTRUCTION OF LI INC.

©107558

TIMES BEACON RECORD Newspapers • 185 Route 25A, Setauket, NY

105 Broadway Greenlawn 631.651.8478 www.DecksOnly.com

Licensed/Insured

LET’S ALL STAY SAFE While you maintain your family’s safety, we HELP to PROTECT your HEALTH and PROPERTY from Pest-Borne Diseases

©16840

534 North Country Rd., St. James, NY 11780 Find us on www.scientificext.com Facebook

LICENSE # H-9137

Now offering 12 month interest-free financing

OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE

New Location

FREE ESTIMATES COMMERCIAL/ RESIDENTIAL

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

©11380

We follow all CDC/ Covid-19 safety guidelines

©16070

(3rd party)

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

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PAGE A18 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • APRIL 1, 2021

Editorial Letters to the Editor Assassination on Main Street, Stop anti-Asian American racism and the tragedy that followed Last week, a Shirley man was killed on the streets of Port Jefferson in broad daylight.

He was gunned down at 3:35 p.m., outside the Dunkin’ Donuts that many of us frequent on our way to work.

It’s a tragedy. No one deserves to die.

But here’s where another problem lies: The impact of social media when it comes to an incident such as the one on that Wednesday.

People began spreading rumors across Facebook, in private — and not so private — groups. They claimed there was an active shooter, a robbery gone wrong, a drive-by gunman attacking the innocent women and children enjoying the sunshine.

None of that was true.

It was mind-boggling, seeing what people were posting online while an active investigation was going on. They blamed the local government, the Suffolk County Police Department, the school district, the media — one resident even posted that this event in our village was all the fault of President Joe Biden (D).

Some residents began playing detective or journalist — they wanted to track down the guy who “soiled” our perfect little town. Some used it as a jumping pad for their own agendas.

Everyone made it about them.

Even a comment such as, “That could have been me dead,” is false. This was a targeted attack between two men.

We understand this was scary — we were frightened, too. But this was someone’s son, a brother, a friend. No matter what he got caught up in, someone lost their life the other day.

Stop meddling in what the police and local government are trained to do in these situations.

On Facebook, people shared photos of David Bliss Jr. dying in the street. In one of the photos, you see him lying there, covered in blood while people hold up their phone cameras around him.

How would you feel? Your last visions of the world are of people leaning above you, filming your last breath.

We are disappointed in the community. Instead of coming together, they are taking the event personal and spreading fear among others.

Let the mayor do her job. Let the police do their job and let the media do their job.

Things are kept private for a reason. Names and residencies are not released because an investigation is ongoing. Any leaked information can completely ruin a case.

And that’s the worst part. People began believing false rumor-filled Facebook threads and posts. The rumors caused anxiety and instead of coming together, it pulled people even further apart.

We found out the shooter was from Port Jefferson Station — not far from where he killed the 25-year-old man — and he was found within 72 hours thanks to the village cameras and hard work of law enforcement.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time something like this has happened on social media as we have seen it happen with other incidents across the Island, state, country and around the globe.

And in those events, social media took over, too.

Only newspapers and their digital media check all facts.

Social media does not.

It’s sad, it’s terrible, but it happened, and we need to grow from it.

We can all do better.

Go to TBR News Media for accurate breaking news.

We condemn the murders of eight individuals — including six Asian Americans — in Atlanta on March 16. Such crime destroys human dignity. Increased anti-Asian hate crimes and violence directed at vulnerable populations threaten Asian American’s well-being in the USA. We mourn for the lives taken by the vicious and violent sin of racism and misogyny.

Anti-Asian racism is not new. The stigma of “alien” or “yellow peril” on Asian Americans has been perpetuated in the political space. Specifically, for most of U.S. history, Asian immigrants have been defined as racially ineligible for citizenship. Moreover, anti-Asian racism has its deep root in both the racial and religious space, portraying those of Asian descent as “other” and simultaneously as the “perpetual foreigner” and “heathen.”

To make matters worse, recent rhetoric around COVID-19 has led to an increase in hate crimes against the Asian-American communities. Since the beginning of the

pandemic, nearly 3,800 incidents against Asian Americans have been recorded, over 503 of which have taken place in 2021 alone. Attacks against women and elderly citizens make up a disproportionate share of these hate crimes. All of this is yet another deadly consequence of the sin and the evil acts of bigotry and racism.

Racism is antithetical to the human dignity. Once again, we call ourselves to interrogate our personal and collective biases, lamenting the language we use and the stereotypes we perpetuate in light of current racial hate crimes and acts of violence targeting people of color — and particularly those who are vulnerable. Our commitment as a community of faith to making our world a better place to live will never end while defending the least, the lost and the last among us.

Members of the Three Village Interfaith Clergy Association Rev. Steven Kim, Setauket United Methodist Church

Rev. Margaret Allen, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook Fr. James Mannion, St. James Roman Catholic Church Rev. Dr. Linda Anderson, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook Rabbi Aaron Benson, North Shore Jewish Center Rev. Kate Jones Calone, Setauket Presbyterian Church Rev. Frank Kotowski, Summerland Church of Light Ms. Elaine Learnard, Conscience Bay Friends Rev. Ashley McFaul-Erwin, Setauket Presbyterian Church Sister Edith Menegus, OSU, St. Charles, St. Catherine of Siena hospitals Rabbi Paul Sidlofsky, Temple Isaiah Ismail Zahed, Islamic Association of Long Island

A fawning media has enabled Cuomo People are quickly coming to see the dark underside of Gov. Andrew Cuomo [D]. Recent revelations of his misbehaviors have stunned his leftist, progressive army. Especially reeling from his alleged transgressions would include much of the media and that celebrity-led regiment of swooning, self-proclaimed “Cuomosexuals.”

There are however a number of people not at all shocked by many of these disclosures. These folks have been following some of the allegations for almost a year. How can it be one group of news consumers could be so much better informed than the other?

It depends on where you get your news. If, last year, you were looking for stories critical of Cuomo you’d be hard pressed to find one coming from The New York Times, The Washington Post, ABC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC or CNN (aka

A word of thanks

I wanted to take the occasion for thanking Daniel Dunaief about the article that he wrote on my recent work results, “BNL’s Valentina Bisogni makes spin discovery during preparatory work.”

The article definitely attracted the

“Cuomo News Network”). While some intrepid reporters were digging deep into problematic Cuomo decisions, the above-mentioned media clique were breathlessly boosting their “woke hero.”

The first concrete signs of the nursing home scandal reared its deadly head on Mark Levin’s March 26, 2020, radio broadcast. A woman claiming to be a medical director from one of those facilities told Levin about Cuomo’s March 25 directive. Soon the New York Post, with lots of help from columnist Michael Goodwin, and Fox News, with courageous Janice Dean helping lead the way, began doing some heavy lifting on this and other Cuomo missteps.

Meanwhile, virtually all of the socalled mainstream media remained remarkably disinterested in what would prove to be the kind of “blockbuster” stories they’d pursue to the ends of

the earth if the leads pointed at a conservative.

Nope. Not with one of their own.

Even as bodies were piling up, they were too busy chuckling at Cuomo and brother Chris’ tasteless comedy schtick on CNN. And who could forget the honoring of New York’s progressive golden boy with slobbering book reviews and even an Emmy.

It all adds up to a fawning, biased, ideologically driven, politically motivated news media enabling a seriously flawed pol to pursue policies that have proved damaging, dangerous and even deadly to many innocents and their families, who were kept in the dark.

You’d hope it would be a lesson learned, but right now the signs are rather ominous.

Jim Soviero East Setauket

attention of people. After it was published on the TBR News Media website Feb. 4, I received a seminar invitation from Stony Brook University as well as a congratulation card from the New York State Sen. Anthony Palumbo [R-New Suffolk]. The latter one

was really surprising for me.

Thanks a lot.

Hope to have the privilege of working with Daniel again in the near future.

Valentina Bisogni Bellport Village

APRIL 1, 2021 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A19

Opinion Doing the right thing requires being prepared to act

W

hen I was in college, I learned an important lesson in class that had nothing to do with the subject I was studying. Many years ago, I attended an early morning anthropology lecture.

Pacing at the front and bottom of a semicircular stage, the professor shared details about the hungry ghost festival.

In various parts of Asia and India, people practice a ritual in which they relieve the suffering of their deceased relatives by D. None providing food. During of the above this time, the professor

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF said, people prepare meals and leave empty seats for ghosts, who ritualistically consume the food.

Seated next to a friend from our dorm, I was busily taking notes, not only because I wanted to do well on a future test, but because I also found the description fascinating.

That’s when the professor became distracted.

Someone from the audio visual department was quietly packing up equipment at the back of the room.

“Excuse me,” the professor yelled to the man. “What are you doing?”

“I’m sorry,” the man said.

“Well, you should be,” the professor barked back.

The man continued to try to pack up the materials quietly. The noise, which I barely heard from a seat that was much closer to the back of the room, was still too much for my professor.

“You’re sorry, but you’re still disrupting my class!” he shouted.

“I’m packing up the material. I work for the university. One of the other classes needs it

now,” the man replied. “I’ll keep it down.”

“No, this is ridiculous,” the professor said through gritted teeth. “I won’t tolerate this. You will leave.”

The man stood still, unsure of what to do. In that moment, I felt like I had a choice: I could either say something to support the man in the back of the room or walk out of the class.

By doing and saying nothing, which is what I did, I felt like I was accepting the professor’s behavior.

When the man spent one more minute doing his work, the professor demanded to know where he worked so he could show up and bother him while he was trying to concentrate.

All these years later, I still think of that small moment. These types of incidents require a readiness to think, speak or act, especially to something that disturbs or distresses us. It’s akin to what coaches say all the time in sports: know what you’re going to do with the ball before it comes to you. If you have to think too much

about your next move, it’s going to be too late.

A recent anti-Asian incident in New York City, in which security guards watched as a man knocked down and kicked a 65-year-old woman on her way to church, reminded me of the need to be prepared to do the right thing, even when someone wrongs someone else.

We are more likely to act when we are prepared to help, even if the moment creates discomfort for us.

Nowadays, we all have an opportunity to support each other, particularly amid antiAmerican attacks on members of the Asian American community. These cowardly verbal and physical assaults will become less prevalent if perpetrators know we’re all prepared to stand up for our friends and neighbors who have become the target for random anger during the pandemic. Asian Americans are not an enemy of the rest of us any more than our heart is the enemy of our body. We should stand with, and for, each other.

History may be sending us a solution to our border and underpopulation crises

H

ere is an idea that you may find goofy.

It has to do with the unaccompanied young people hoping to enter the United States at our southern border and our sperm count crisis.

I don’t know how many of you remember when President John F. Kennedy called to our young and proposed the Peace Corps initiative exactly 60 years ago. How we responded stands as one of our finer Between moments as a nation. you and me In that program,

BY LEAH S. DUNAIEF those wanting to make a difference in the world could volunteer to work in other countries on health campaigns, encourage entrepreneurship or teach English to name a few possible jobs.

Today, the opportunity still exists to serve in over 141 countries (as of 2018), and what was required then still is: resiliency

and heart. Those who entered the two-year program had appropriate skills and found the experience gratifying, even life changing.

Now I propose turning the idea on its head. The unaccompanied minors gathered at the border, mostly 16-to-17-year-old males, probably have little in the way of skills except for two assets: youthful energy and desperation. These are both of powerful value.

The government could offer them the following path into the country: They would agree to be assigned to families in different cities and towns and to help those families as directed. This proposition might be of particular aid in agricultural settings but certainly not limited to those. They would not be paid but would enter into a workstudy program in which they might gain education, room and board. They would provide much needed work to those who have lost immigrant helpers on farms, in hospitality jobs and childcare, for example, over the past few years due to limitations on foreign workers imposed by the government.

In return for their efforts, these young people would earn, in due time, a path to

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citizenship, just as there once was an offer to foreign-born males during WWII to enter the army in return for naturalization. There is still such a pathway today which they could eventually opt for.

A reverse Peace Corps program would require a complex administration in which the families offering such a position would be carefully vetted, as would the young people entering the country. And monitoring within the country would of necessity be indepth and ongoing. The young people would have to be protected from gangs seeking to force them into their ranks, as well as from exploitive families. Duties would have to be carefully laid out, with hours and goals met.

It occurs to me that there have been such immigration programs in history, most recently the Kindertransport that brought some 10,000 children up to the age of 17, whose lives were in mortal danger from Nazi atrocities, to England between 1938-1939.

After the war, several thousand remained in Britain, and as adults “made considerable contributions to Britain’s services, industries, commerce, education, science and the arts

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

for the defense, welfare and development of their country of adoption.” [Wikipedia.]

Now back to our own situation. Not unrelated, there has been a serious drop in births in the United States over the past half century, in part due to economic circumstances and even to declining sperm count as a result of ongoing pollution. We have learned from previous recessions that for every one percent increase in unemployment, there is a reduction of one percent in the birthrate.

The current pandemic is anticipated to bring a baby bust, not a baby boom. Even before COVID-19, underpopulation was expected by some researchers, as our falling birthrate was most recently below the 2.1 babies per woman (2019) required to sustain our population through birth alone.

We are, after all, a nation of immigrants, and those seeking to enter our country, by and large, bring the aforementioned energy and grit, determined to realize the “American Dream.”

They are an easy way to solve the need for more people. The ultimate goal here is for any such policy to be done according to the law.

ART AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Beth Heller Mason PRODUCTION Janet Fortuna Sharon Nicholson CLASSIFIEDS DIRECTOR Sheila Murray CLASSIFIEDS Joann Brady

BUSINESS MANAGER Sandi Gross CIRCULATION MANAGER Courtney Biondo SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Sheila Murray INTERNET STRATEGY DIRECTOR Rob Alfano

PAGE A20 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • APRIL 1, 2021

Your Path to a…

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