The Times of Huntington-Northport - December 21, 2017

THE TimEs of Huntington, Northport & East Northport huntington • huntington bay • greenlawn • halesite • lloyd harbor • cold spring harbor • northport • east northport • Fort salonga west • asharoken • eaton’s neck • centerport

Vol. 14, No. 37

December 21, 2017

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What’s inside

Berland’s replacement named to town board A3

Little Shelter approved to take over cat shelter A3 Maggie’s Mission to hold New Year’s Day run A4 Plastic bag fee hits Suffolk residents in 2018 A7

Also: Holiday Scavenger Hunt, ‘The Last Jedi’ reviewed, Photo of the Week

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SPACE RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBER ADDRESS

End of an era Supervisor Petrone retires position at the helm of Huntington — A5

Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh

Happy Holidays from our homes to yours, Scott Sanders and Staff 222 Main Street, East Setauket, NY 11733 631-360-0004 • Scott@SheaAndSanders.com

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‘Oliver!’ is a Dickensian delight in Smithtown

PAGE A2 • TIMES HUNTINGTON & NORTHPORTS • DECEMBER 21, 2017

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DECEMBER 21, 2017 • TIMES HUNTINGTON & NORTHPORTS • PAGE A3

TOWN Decision to replace Berland splits town board

BY SARA-MEGAN WALSH SARA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM Huntington Councilwoman Susan Berland’s (D) 11th-hour resignation caused the outgoing Democratic board to make a last-minute appointment to fill her seat as its final group action.

Joan Cergol, a registered Democrat and town employee, was appointed to replace Berland, who resigned from her position effective immediately at 10:43 p.m. at the Dec. 13 town board meeting.

A lifelong Huntington resident, Cergol has served as the town’s director of the Huntington Community Development Agency, executive director of the Economic Development Corp., and executive director of the Local Development Corp.

“The voters who placed me on this town board in five successive elections deserve to have someone whose qualifications, focus and accomplishments are coordinated with mine, who is dedicated to serving public interest over any political or individual pressures, and who will continue to represent them on this board,” Berland said in presenting Cergol.

Councilman Mark Cuthbertson (D) called for Cergol’s immediate appointment, despite

Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh

Huntington councilwoman Susan Berland, second from right, attended at her last board meeting as an elected town official Dec. 13. the objections of Councilman Eugene Cook, the lone Republican on the board.

“I absolutely think this is the wrong thing to do,” Cook said. “The voters of the Town of Huntington went out and voted for a new direction coming in. You are taking that away from them. This should be going out to a new board.”

As Supervisor Frank Petrone (D) is retiring, the political majority of the board will flip come Jan. 1, 2018 from longtime Demo-

cratic control over to the hands of the Republicans. Supervisor-elect Chad Lupinacci (R) and Republican Ed Smyth will take over the seats held by Petrone and Councilwoman Tracey Edwards (D) respectively. Edwards will leave the board in January after running an unsuccessful campaign for town supervisor against Lupinacci.

“I believe Councilwoman Berland was elected as a Democrat,” Cuthbertson said in defense of Cergol’s appointment. “This board

has every right to choose her replacement based on her resignation, whether registered Democrat or not, and we’re entitled to fill that vacancy. It’s the responsible thing to do.”

Cuthbertson was supported by his outgoing political party members Petrone and Edwards.

“Joan has worked with all members of the board and she’s noted for being someone who is nonpartisan when it comes to her activities in town hall and her actions as a professional,” Petrone said. “I echo, as outgoing supervisor, I would have been delighted to serve with Joan Cergol.”

Cergol will serve in Berland’s place through November 2018. Then Cergol will have to run for election to serve the remaining year of Berland’s term through December 2019, in accordance with state law.

Berland, who was elected in November to represent the 16th District in the Suffolk County Legislature, will begin her two-year term Jan. 1, 2018. She has served for 16 years on the Huntington town board.

“I have always strived to do the best job possible and made decisions not political, but in the best interests of the people,” she said in a farewell address. “Please know I am always just a phone call away and my heart will always be with the people of Huntington.”

Little Shelter to take over Grateful Paw Cat Shelter

BY SARA-MEGAN WALSH SARA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

been disgusted by the poor treatment we’ve been receiving while doing what we do best,” Larkin said. “Another animal resHuntington Town Board voted 3-1 to cue has tried to crush us in pursuit of winappoint Little Shelter Animal Rescue & ning the contract with the town.”

Adoption Center as the new managers of She estimated LAP has saved the town the town’s Grateful Paw Cat Shelter as of approximately $1.9 million in animal care January 2018 despite public outcry. costs during the past 15 years. Mitchell Nearly 60 residents, volunteers and mem- Birzon, LAP’s attorney, said the organibers of two animal rescue groups attended zation has a 90 percent adoption rate, a the Dec. 13 public hearing on the town’s decihigher percentage than many other animal sion to draw up a five-year contract with Little adoption agencies in New York.

Shelter to take over operation of the cat shelTown officials first solicited bids from ter from the League for Animal any organization interested in Protection (LAP) of Huntingrunning the cat shelter earlier ton. The sides deeply divided as this spring, after it came to many attending wore brightly light in April that LAP had lost colored stickers denoting what its 501(c)(3) status with the group had their support.

IRS in 2015 but never notified “Little Shelter will always the town. Huntington Town put animals first in our comAttorney Cindy Mangano said munity,” Director David Ceely the town became aware of said. “We have stepped in this breach of the contractual where other groups have agreement when drawing up failed. We took over at a cost a new document, as the preto Little Shelter. We want to — Nancy Gamby vious agreement expired in maximize the potential of the December 2016. facility that is there.”

Birzon said the nonprofit’s Little Shelter was one of two groups 501(c) (3) status was reinstated by the IRS who responded to the Oct. 3 town’s within 88 days, with no reported complaints, request for proposals by those looking to retroactive to 2015. operate the East Northport shelter. It has “If we are resolved of any wrongdoing helped rescue cats and dogs in the Town by the IRS, why is it not good enough for of Huntington for more than 90 years, the town board?” asked Donna Fitzhugh, a including taking in dogs from the town’s longtime LAP volunteer. shelter to alleviate overcrowding. LAP has Councilwoman Tracey Edwards (D) voted run the nonprofit shelter for more than 40 against a new contract with Little Shelter to years, according to its President Debbie manage the Grateful Paw. She said her office Larkin. had received no complaints about LAP and “During the past eight months, I have previously stated in November that the orga-

‘Why is there not room for both? We have so many animals that need our help.’

File photo

The town’s Grateful Paw Cat Shelter in East Northport will come under new management starting Jan. 1, 2018. nization had taken all measures necessary to regain its nonprofit status.

“Why is there not room for both?” said Commack resident Nancy Gamby, as many pointed out LAP would not have a location to operate its cat rescue from if no longer operating Grateful Paw. “We have so many animals that need our help. Why is the town evicting a perfectly well-run cat shelter that takes care of their cats beautifully. ... We have so many homeless animals we need them both.”

LAP’s attorney requested the town board postpone awarding a contract to run the cat shelter until the new administration took office. Several speakers suggested this would allow the town more time to

review each organization’s proposals, examine their existing operations, and investigate claims made about quality of care.

Councilman Mark Cuthbertson abstained from voting on the issue for this reason, stating he didn’t feel he had enough information to be confident awarding the contract.

Supervisor Frank Petrone (D) assured residents that LAP’s lapse of their nonprofit status was not the only reason for a new contract, and all proposals were fairly reviewed.

“They were evaluated by people not on this board and there were many reasons for our decision,” Petrone said. “When the proposals can be released, you will see.”

PAGE A4 • TIMES HUNTINGTON & NORTHPORTS • DECEMBER 21, 2017

TOWN

Photos from the Schmidt Family

Greenlawn resident Maggie Schmidt was only 16 years old when she was diagnosed with cancer.

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Huntington residents making a pledge to get in shape or help others in 2018 can get to work immediately on their New Year’s Resolution, to benefit a local cause.

Maggie’s Mission, in conjunction with the Northport Running Club, will be holding Maggie’s Mile run at Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park on New Year’s Day. According to her mother Donna, Maggie Schmidt was a healthy and happy 16-year-old Greenlawn teenager when she was diagnosed suddenly in October 2016, with a very rare and aggressive cancer, malignant rhabdoid tumor. She died after a nine-month battle on June 1, 2017.

“If someone were to tell us a year ago that our only daughter wouldn’t be here now, we would not have believed it,” Donna Schmidt said. “She was the most healthy person we knew but cancer doesn’t care how healthy you are.”

Schmidt said getting proper medical treatment for her daughter was difficult as she felt that often doctors were not listening to her.

“I begged and pleaded for help with Maggie but was turned away multiple times, until it was too late,” she said.

“We need to change the way doctors listen. We need to raise awareness and increase funding for research.”

Before Maggie died, she asked her parents, Donna and Steve, to help other children and young adults who are diagnosed with cancer. This has become Maggie’s Mission, a registered 501(c)(3) organization.

“I was recently offered the opportunity to put together a 1-mile race at Sunken Meadow on New Years Day, so I seized the chance to coordinate an event that would honor Maggie’s memory, raise awareness about pediatric cancers, and raise funds for research,” said Steve Schmidt, a member of Northport Running Club since 2008.

The Schmidts said they have learned that childhood cancer research is vastly and consistently underfunded. They are hoping this event will become one of many the nonprofit hosts.

Earlier this year, Maggie’s Mission worked with the South Huntington school district, where Steve teaches third grade, to host a two-week challenge that raised nearly $34,000.

“This race will likely earn quite a bit less than the twoweek challenge, but it’s a labor of love,” Steve Schmidt said.

The 1-mile downhill run will start at 10:00 a.m. Runners will begin at the Sunken Meadow Golf Course clubhouse and finish at the parking lot near Long Island Sound.

The cost of the event is $20 through Dec. 31 and $25 on the day of the event. Preregistration and packet pickup will be held at Super Runners Shop in Huntington Village Dec. 30 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Maggie’s Mission will give embroidered beanie hats to the first 250 runners who register. There will be a bracelet giveaway to all participants at the finish line, and awards given to the top three finishers and masters female/male.

The Park Lounge in Kings Park will offer one free beer to runners with bib, after the race. To learn more about Maggie’s Mission visit www.maggiesmission.org or register online visit www.nrcrun.org.

DECEMBER 21, 2017 • TIMES HUNTINGTON & NORTHPORTS • PAGE A5

TOWN

Photos by Sara-Megan Walsh

Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone was honored by Suffolk Legislature for retiring after 40 years as a public official. Above, Petrone wears Huntington’s chain of office.

Petrone honored for 24 years as town supervisor

BY SARA-MEGAN WALSH SARA@TBRNEWSMEDIA

“Such a recognition would traditionally take the form of naming a street after the deserving person. However, a clear policy was set Supervisor Frank Petrone (D) said his by Petrone to reserve street naming for the farewells as the prominent leader of the deceased, which he fortunately is not.”

Town of Huntington, but not without — as Renaming Irwin Place was chosen as he said it best and “straight” — a crypt and Petrone was well known for his habit of parkan alleyway. ing his car on alleyway, carefully pulling it up Petrone led his final town board meeting onto the sidewalk alongside the building.

Dec. 13 as he was honored and recognized “Seeing Supervisor Petrone’s personal by his fellow council members and residents car parked in his special spot was a for his 24 years of service as town supervi- visual signal to all who visit town hall that sor. Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia presented the their government was open for business,” town’s chain of office, a 1-pound, 11-ounce Cuthbertson said. chain featuring several medallions including Petrone thanked each member of the some made of wampum, for Petrone to wear town council for serving with him, including on the momentous occasion.

Raia, and noted that even his wife Pat, was “It’s been a real experience, a real trip — in the audience attending her very first if I can call it that — a highlight in my life, town board meeting. He received a standactually, 24 years is a career in itself, and it’s ing ovation in recognition of his more than been made possible because of you,” Petrone two decades in office. said. “I am a rich man, as a result of this, a Suffolk County Legislator William “Doc” very rich man full of heart and Spencer (D-Centerport) was love that you have given me.” joined by Legislators Steve Stern The outgoing supervisor (D-Dix Hills) and Lou D’Amaro joked he feared Raia was go(D-Huntington Station) to give ing to present him with an Petrone a proclamation at the urn or burial plot. Petrone Dec. 19 county legislative meeting explained when he expanded for his 24 years as town supervisor the town clerk’s archival vault and more than 40 years of public he had promised to do so on service as an elected official. one condition: a future spot “I can say without hesitation set aside for his urn. that in just about every conver“We will still have that sation I’ve had over the last 12 available, but you have many years with residents in my comlong years ahead of you,” munity and in the greater HunRaia said. tington community, they say Petrone was praised by ‘Things might be tough out there Councilman Mark Cuthb- — Mark Cuthbertson but in this town, things are pretty ertson (D), who has served good,’” Stern said. “Some part of alongside him for 20 years, for taking the that is due to the leadership and steady hand town, which was on the brink of bankruptcy of Supervisor Petrone for so many years.” when he took office in 1994, to fiscal stability.

Petrone was lauded by the legislators for “He is a consistent builder, a mentor; he his sound fiscal management, innovative and is someone who put his heart into the job affordable housing projects, preservation of and gave of himself,” Cuthbertson said. “I open space and launching a revitalization of believe in my heart of hearts this town is so Huntington Station. much better for his service.”

“Supervisor Petrone is a role model for all The town board members gave a procla- of us,” D’Amaro said. “I will always remember mation to the outgoing supervisor that they if you went to him and you needed something, will rename Irwin Place, the alleyway adja- and you needed to work together he was alcent to town hall, Frank P. Petrone Way, in ways cooperative, always willing to help no honor of Petrone’s accomplishments. matter what the issue was ... Mr. Supervisor, I “Such a record of accomplishments wish you the best of luck in the future.” warrants a special recognition to cement Petrone said his first plans upon retireSupervisor Petrone’s legacy and inform ment are spending the next few months at future generations of how much of a debt we his Florida home with his wife, and enjoying owe Supervisor Petrone,” Cuthbertson said. time with his first grandchild.

‘I believe in my heart of hearts this town is so much better for his service.’

Supervisor gives one final farewell address to residents Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone (D) offered a public farewell speech to residents at the Dec. 13 town board meeting, upon receiving accolades for his accomplishments after 24 years of service. Below is an extended excerpt of his remarks:

Thank you all. It’s been a real experience, a real trip — if I can call it that — a highlight in my life. Actually 24 years is a career in itself, and it’s been made possible because of you.

I give it to you straight. Some people never liked it, didn’t like it, but it’s always been given to you straight on how I felt and what I thought was best for the entire community or residents at large. Sometimes, maybe, I was not all right, and I made sure it changed and we changed that. You guided me and you gave me that opportunity. I am a rich man, as a result of this, a very rich man full of heart and love you have given me. I share you inside, all of you. I shared a board with 20-somewhat council people. I could share some stories, but I won’t.

But, I think I want to thank this board for really capping this career for me. We’ve really reached new heights during these past several years.

I’ve thanked each and every one of them. I’ve given them awards tonight and everything that was said is true — all those pieces add up. Mark [Cuthbertson] has been a partner for 20 years, someone who suffered with me through tough financial times right there plugging along and making the hard decisions that I will forever be grateful for.

It’s not by myself, it was done with other people. I mentioned my board members who are leaving and their accomplishments. I want to thank Gene Cook for all he’s done and everything that he means. I’ve learned some good lessons from Gene. You are going to go forward now. You have a new team to work with, and I think you are excited for that. I think we are all excited there’s a team coming in that’s going to bring Huntington to other heights, which is so very, very important. We’re thankful for that, that’s what service is all about. We should be thankful.

PAGE A6 • TIMES HUNTINGTON & NORTHPORTS • DECEMBER 21, 2017

POLICE

Photo from United Way

Huntington Station resident Mason Gomez hugs Jon Reese, president of the Make It Count Foundation, to thank him for allowing him to pick out a gift.

Huntington children given holiday gifts

A Huntington Station child found the true holiday spirit in giving his free gift to another person.

United Way of Long Island, a Deer Park-based nonprofit organization, joined with the Make It Count Foundation to select 50 children from families in need to select their perfect present from Target in Commack. Make It Count is a 501(c) (3) organization that aims to provide resources Long Islanders need to ensure their housing and employment needs are met, in addition to providing education to improve their health and well-being.

When he was asked to pick his perfect gift, Mason Gomez, of Huntington Station, decided to make the unusual

choice of selecting an Elf on the Shelf box. When asked why, Mason said he decided to pick out a gift for his music teacher instead of himself as she had always talked about how she wanted that elf. Mason couldn’t wait to surprise his teacher with the gift.

Mason was one of the dozens of children nominated by the United Way’s partner agencies — the Huntingtonbased Family Service League, a grass roots social service agency, and the United Veterans Beacon House, a nonprofit organization providing services and housing for veterans and the homeless based in Bay Shore.

— SARA-MEGAN WALSH

Photo by SCPD

Police suspect above-pictured woman of robbing another woman in Huntington Station.

Huntington Station robber sought Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and 2nd Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the woman who robbed another woman in a Huntington Station parking lot last month.

Police said the suspect pushed the victim to the ground as she attempted to get into her car in the parking lot of Walgreens, located on New York Avenue, Nov. 3 at approximately 2:30 p.m. The suspect stole the woman’s

purse and fled on foot, east on Olive Street.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS (8477). All calls will be kept confidential.

— SARA-MEGAN WALSH

Free Christmas dinner

Huntington Station residents in need or without someone to celebrate the holiday can celebrate with others this Christmas.

The Gloria Dei Evangelical Lutheran Church in Huntington Station will be hosting its 32nd annual free dinner on Christmas Day. The feast, which has become an honored tradition by the church, will be held Dec. 25

from noon to 2 p.m. The event will feature a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, music and gifts for all children.

The church is located at 22 E. 18th St. in Huntington Station. Anyone seeking additional information should call the church office at 631-271-2466.

— SARA-MEGAN WALSH

The above-pictured man allegedly stole merchandise from a Commack store.

Photos by SCPD

Commack hardware store robbed

146751

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and 4th Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who stole merchandise from a Commack store last month.

A man stole a Dyson vacuum cleaner from Lowe’s, located on Long Island Expressway, Nov. 16 at approximately 5:15 p.m. The stolen merchandise has a value of $499.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS (8477). All calls will be kept confidential.

— SARA-MEGAN WALSH

DECEMBER 21, 2017 • TIMES HUNTINGTON & NORTHPORTS • PAGE A7

COUNTY

Stock photo

New Suffolk County environmental law prohibits plastic and paper bags in favor of eco-friendly reusable ones.

Survey: Shoppers still prefer plastic As of Jan. 1, shoppers will be paying for paper and plastic bags at most retail stores.

Stock photo

Paper or plastic? What to know when planning your 2018 shopping trips

BY KEVIN REDDING KEVIN@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM Suffolk County shoppers, get your nickels ready.

In an effort to encourage residents to shop with reusable bags instead of plastic and paper “carryout” bags that harm the environment, the Suffolk County Legislature is rolling out a 5 cent fee on all disposable bags at a variety of retail establishments, from supermarkets to department stores beginning Jan. 1.

The new law, which was officially passed by the Legislature in September 2016, applies only Page A10 to the single-use plastic or paper bags provided by cashiers at the end of a sale and used to carry goods from the store. There won’t be a fee, however, on bags found in produce sections for fruits and vegetables, frozen foods or on bags by pharmacies to carry prescription drugs, according to the law.

Cashiers are required to add the total fees to a customer’s receipt based on how many bags are used. Residents can avoid the fee by either buying a reusable bag — ones made of cloth or canvas, which are available in many retail stores — or shopping with a bag from home.

“Hopefully people will say ‘I’m not paying 5 cents’ and go with the other options,” said Legislator William “Doc” Spencer (D-Centerport), who wrote the legislation to reduce the influx of plastic bag waste that gets trapped in trees, blocks storm

Editorial comment

drains and causes significant damage to water supplies and wildlife. “We’re hoping to change behaviors. While we won’t change everyone’s, this will change a lot of people’s and that can make a big difference. I think once people start to not use the plastic bags, they’re not going to really miss them.”

Spencer’s bill began in March 2016 as a ban on all single-use plastic bags, piggybacking off an initiative adopted by the Town of Southampton, but it didn’t receive enough support. This revised bill was co-sponsored and pushed by five legislators, including Al Krupski (D-Cutchogue), Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) and Bridget Fleming (D-Sag Harbor), and 140 out of 150 residents who weighed in on the initiative during a public hearing testimony.

The legislators also worked alongside a Suffolk County plastic bag working group, which consists of local scientists, educators, environmentalists, business people and government employees.

“We have to curtail the use of plastic bags,” Krupski said. “They’re everywhere. I would encourage people not to pay the fee.

It’s all just a matter of changing your habits and keeping a shopping bag in your vehicle to have it at the ready. It’ll take time for people to get used to that, but like anything else, people will get used to it.”

A 5 cent fee on plastic and paper bags was adopted in Washington, D.C., in 2010 and the accumulated nickels have contributed a total $10 million to the Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Fund, as of 2015.

As mandated by New York State, however, the fees collected in this bill will be retained

by the stores. Not being able to apply the collection to an environmental cause convinced a Democratic legislator not to support the law.

“That 5 cent charge should go back into the environment,” said Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai), who voted “No.” “Instead, the fees are going back into the pockets of the stores. The legislation needed work.”

Anker also said she received outcry from constituents over the concept of fees.

“A lot of the community, especially the senior population, did not want to pay extra for the plastic bags,” she said. “But I will say, plastic is a really harsh environmental pollutant.”

Spencer said he plans to revisit the legislation after a year to evaluate the financial impact it’s having and ask the state to allow funds to be used for environmental purposes.

“It would be great to do that, but only the state has that ability,” Spencer said. “The state may make that decision.”

Jay Peltz, general counsel and vice president of government relations at Food Industry Alliance, which represents 800 state supermarket chains, convenience stores and wholesalers, including Stop & Shop and King Kullen, which will be charging the fees, said it’s a current law where everybody wins.

“It will help the environment and it will help the stores,” he said. “It’s a thoughtful, productive law and is the only way to both reduce plastic bag distribution while incentivizing people to increase their use of reusable bags.”

He added that the fees may be used to help pay for higher minimum wages expected to be put in place in the coming year, but store owners are still weighing the options.

BY DESIRÉE KEEGAN DESIREE@TBRNEWSMEWSMEDIA.COM A local survey conducted shows that just 5 percent of shoppers bring reusable bags.

The finding, coming ahead of a 2018 Suffolk County law banning the free use of plastic and paper bags at a vast majority of retail stores, was concluded after students from Northport, Brentwood, Huntington, Smithtown, East Islip and North Babylon, with member of St. Joseph’s College, surveyed 11,395 shoppers in November and December, in front of grocery stores, convenience stores and a pharmacies.

The polling, organized by a countycreated task force to help educate the public about the bill, found 71 percent of individuals use plastic bags, while the balance use paper, a combination, or no bag.

The survey will be repeated next year to analyze the effect of the law on consumer behavior, according to Adrienne Esposito, executive director of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment.

She said she hopes between 60 and 70 percent of residents are bringing reusable bags by next year.

“Reducing litter, marine pollution and saving our oceans are worth changing our habits,” Esposito said.

While plastic bags drew the ire of environmentalists and lawmakers, the law also requires stores to charge for paper bags, as well as thicker “reusable” plastic bags, to prevent stores from circumventing the law, Spencer said.

County Legislator William “Doc” Spencer (D-Centerport), the bill’s primary sponsor, said county residents should contact his office at 631-854-4500 for a reusable bag, especially if you cannot afford one.

“If you need a reusable bag, come see me,” Spencer said, adding he bought 1,000 reusable bags to give away.

PAGE A8 • TIMES HUNTINGTON & NORTHPORTS • DECEMBER 21, 2017

SCHOOL NEWS Elwood Union Free School District

Recognizing success

At the Elwood Union Free School District’s December board of education meeting, both students and staff were recognized for exemplary achievements.

Pictured at left, third-grade James H. Boyd Intermediate School teacher Elizabeth Held was honored for being a New York State Teacher of the Year finalist, and for all her efforts to secure grant monies for the district. Held’s most recent endeavor helped bring about the James H. Boyd makerspace.

Elwood-John H. Glenn High School senior Brendan Harrigan, pictured center, was named a Commended Student in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship program this fall, and was applauded for his academic success.

“It takes a lot of dedication and attention to your studies to be ranked among the top 3 percent of students across the country,” said Principal Carisa Burzynski.

Wayne Barrett, pictured at right, a custodian at James H. Boyd Intermediate School, was honored for going above and beyond with all of his duties, and the dedication he puts into his work for the school.

Photos from Elwood school district

Washington Drive Primary School

Thomas J. Lahey Elementary School

Virtual explorers

Photos from Harborfields school district

Learning from gingerbread Kindergartners at Washington Drive Primary School in the Harborfields Central School District made gingerbread houses the week of Dec. 11 for a string of holiday, gingerbread-themed lessons.

Some of the lessons included comparing and contrasting versions of the gingerbread man story, adding and subtracting different kinds of gingerbread men and

creating their own gingerbread man in disguise.

Family and loved ones visited the kindergartners in Cari Sacks’ and Melissa Ortiz’s class to help them make their very own gingerbread houses. Using frosting as glue, marshmallows for snow and more, students built their houses around milk cartons, cheering in delight every time Ortiz rang a little silver bell — announcing

that it was time to stop and eat a piece of candy, instead of sticking it onto their houses.

Pictured clockwise from top: Kindergarteners Luca, Olivia and Lucien in Sacks’ and Ortiz’s class enjoyed all the gingerbreadthemed activities; Katherine was very proud of her gingerbread creation; and Grayson frosted his gingerbread house to perfection with the help of his mother.

Representatives from Google visited Thomas J. Lahey Elementary School in the Harborfields school district Dec. 8, to pilot their new Expeditions Augmented Reality technology.

This new technology has the ability to map out classrooms, and then place 3-D objects throughout the room. While holding devices attached to selfie sticks, students are able to get up close to examine the objects’ details, such as a whale swimming through the ocean or moss on a tree in the rain forest.

Students can also step back to look at the object in its entirety.

Fourth- and fifth-graders traveled to places like the ocean floor, where they saw sunken ships, and traveled back in time to the era of Leonardo da Vinci and saw his inventions, such as a flying machine.

Photos from Harborfields school district

DECEMBER 21, 2017 • TIMES HUNTINGTON & NORTHPORTS • PAGE A9

SPORTS

Photos by Bill Landon

Clockwise form left, Aidan Greenfield, Kurt Wagner, Sterling Thompson and Zach Papsco race against Connetquot/East Islip opponents during a Dec. 18 swim meet.

Northport boys wins fourth straight swim meet

BY BILL LANDON Not fielding a single diver doesn’t faze the Northport boys swim team.

It hasn’t effected a single meet’s outcome yet either, as the Tigers edged previously undefeated Connetquot/East Islip on the road Dec. 18, 93-90, for their fourth win of the season.

Being down 13 points before the first gun ever sounds has its challenges though, according Northport head coach Drew Modrov’s athletes though, especially when up against a strong swim team like the Thunde birds have.

“Connetquot’s always a fierce team — we have kind of a rivalry with them — so we always know that when we come here it’s going to be a close meet,” the coach said. “It’s intense, and every point is going to matter. I’m just happy we came away with the win.”

The Greenfield brothers boasted big point totals for the Tigers.

Senior Ethan Greenfield, along with 200-meter medley relay teammates Nick Millkey and Zach Papsco and Dylan Karpf, came in first with a state-qualifying time of 1 minute, 40.25 seconds. He added to Northport’s point total with state-qualifying times of 22.05 in the 50 freestyle and 48.73 in the 100 freestyle.

“A lot of our guys came up big — Ethan Greenfield had a couple of best times in crucial wins,” Modrov said. “It was Ethan’s personal best in the 50 free.”

Northport 93 Connetquot 90

Freshman Aidan Greenfield, Ethan’s younger brother, won both the 200 and 500 freestyle events, and was a member of the first-place 200 freestyle relay quartet.

“I thought that the turning point was the 500 free — we went out and finished first and came in third [in that event, too,] which dropped us even,” said Karpf, the only sophomore on the 200 medley relay. “And the last relay is what I thought really cemented it for us.”

Each member of the 200 medley also shined individually.

Northport senior Zach Papsco clocked in with a state-qualifying time in the 100meter butterfly, and was first to the block in the 100 breaststroke.

Papsco clocked in with a state-qualifying time of 53.57 in the 100 butterfly, and was first to hit the pad in the 100 breaststroke. Millkey won the 200 individual medley, and followed it up with a victory in the 100 backstroke, also stopping the clock with his own state championship time: 54.43.

Modrov said he was particularly impressed by the performances of his under-

classmen, noting Aidan Greenfield and freshman Austin Neuf’s high placements.

“At the end we had a great swim from Austin Neuf, a freshman who took second place in the 100 breaststroke, and that put us over the edge and helped us win the meet,” the coach said.

After the holiday break Northport is back in action at Ward Melville Jan. 5. The meet is currently slated to begin at 4:30 p.m.

Keeping score Harborfields 75, East Hampton 30 Cat Siounis had 10 points and seven assists to lead undefeated Harborfields’ girls basketball team over visiting East Hampton Dec. 19.

Madison Brady scored 11 points, Kiana McLean added 10 and three other athletes finished with six points on the evening. The Tornadoes improve to 6-1 on the season and 5-0 in League V.

Huntington/Harb 63, West Islip 36 Northport 47, Bay Shore 41

Dan Oh won the 50-yard freestyle in 23.90 seconds and Ian Melamerson scored scored 17 points and Sean the 100 fly in 55.48 to lead undefeated Huntington/ Walsh added 15 points in Northport boys basketball’s Harborfields’boys swim team at West Islip Dec. 19. win over host Bay Shore Dec. 19.

PAGE A10 • TIMES HUNTINGTON & NORTHPORTS • DECEMBER 21, 2017

OPINION Editorial

Letters to the editor

Zeldin: Why I voted ‘No’ on the tax bill

File photo

There will be a 5 cent charge for each plastic or paper bag used at many local stores beginning Jan. 1.

Bag fees should foster forward thinking A survey conducted ahead of the passage of Suffolk County’s new environmental law banning plastic and paper bags from convenience, grocery, liquor, office supply, clothing and home center stores yielded a large figure — 70 percent of 11,395 people asked said they use only plastic bags to carry their groceries and shopping items.

The questionnaire, conducted by a group of 85 high school students and 15 teachers from seven Suffolk County school districts and St. Joseph’s College is not surprising, but should be an eye-opener to the future health of our environment. More can and needs to be done.

Suffolk County’s ban will take effect Jan. 1. While shoppers should be prepared to reach a little deeper into their pockets to afford the nickel-per-bag charge to be able to pack with store-provided plastic or paper, they should also think long and hard about the environmental impact of their choices.

We encourage residents to bring their own bags when shopping, be it reusable bags or leftover plastic, but we’d also encourage New York State to get behind an even bigger eco-friendly cause. While we support the bag ban, what we don’t support is the fee funds going back to retailers.

To help promote the use of the reusable bags, the money could be used to purchase and distribute more reusable bags. If not, the 5 cents per bag fee should be deposited into a county general fund designated for environmental improvement efforts, be it open-space preservation, the cleaning of a park or protecting drinking water.

If the money generated isn’t going into a government-held account, we’d also suggest pooling the money into donations to national nonprofits like the Sierra Club, or even local ones like Defend H2O, Seatuck Environmental Association, Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail or Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society — or any other organization with environmental preservation as its mission.

We hope the result of this law is not that consumers simply get comfortable with paying the extra money, like many have with the 5 cent deposits on bottles and cans. Instead, we hope the result is a conscious, purposeful effort on the part of shoppers to use less paper and plastic, and the county’s leadership in putting the extra money to good use would set a great example.

Letters … We welcome your letters. They should be no longer than 400 words and may be edited for length, libel, style and good taste.

We do not publish anonymous letters. Please include a phone number and address for confirmation. Email sara@tbrnewsmedia.com or mail them to The Times of Huntington, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733.

I am a “No” on the final tax reform bill. Getting this bill done and getting this bill done right should not have been a binary choice. My goal in this tax reform mission has always been to ensure that the hardworking men and women of Long Island keep more of their paychecks, reduce their cost of living and remain able to save more for retirement.

Unfortunately, this bill is not the tax relief they were promised.

I like many aspects of this final agreement, including the expansion of the medical expense deduction, preservation of critical education and student deductions and strong corporate tax reform that will stimulate job creation and make America more competitive in the global economy. Reducing the corporate tax rate to 21 percent, for example, is great; but it should not be done on the backs of any hardworking, middle-income taxpayers. I still don’t understand why spending cuts couldn’t have been used as a more responsible way to pay for tax cuts.

On balance, this bill remains a geographic redistribution of wealth, taking extra money from a place like New York to pay for deeper tax cuts elsewhere. New York is a net contributor that now

File photo by Alex Petroski

U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, at center, with U.S. Reps. Peter King and Tom Suozzi voice bipartisan opposition to the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. will be contributing even more.

This bill chooses winners and losers in a way that could have and should have been avoided.

While adding back in the state and local tax (SALT) deduction to a $10,000 cap was progress, it was not enough progress. While I support fully maintaining the SALT deduction, a better policy if a change was to be made would have been a phasedown of SALT over a period of time to a level that fully protects middle-income itemizers. With that being said, we must realize that our deduction is so high because our state and local taxes are so high, which means that all levels of govern-

ment must work on tax relief moving forward.

I wish I could get to a “Yes” on this bill, but when it comes to my district and my state, this proposal leaves too many of them out in the cold.

There was a massive missed opportunity here to fix this bill for millions of Americans who also desperately needed tax relief and ended up getting screwed by the handicap of rigid ideological blinders and a countdown clock that really wasn’t yet at zero.

Lee Zeldin U.S. Representative 1st Legislative District

Image by Campani and Schwarting Architects

A digitally altered image of what the exit ramp could look like at the intersection of Barnum Avenue and West Broadway in Port Jefferson.

A simple change can make it safe We see they made some traffic signal changes at Barnum Avenue and West Broadway. That might not be sufficient.

We believe that there is a simple solution that we have presented to Port Jefferson Village: narrowing the exit from the ramp, so that it does not align with the Barnum lane running north would make it almost impossible to turn into it.

It is pedestrian friendly, would not be very expensive and would add to the visual quality of the intersection. Of course, the phase of our park plan in the Waterfront Revitalization Project that is in the Comprehensive Plan is best all around, although it hasn’t yet come to fruition. It relocates the ramp, which was incorrectly constructed, to be more efficient;

relocates 135 parking spaces to create park space in the Town of Brookhaven lot without reducing the trailer spaces; and enhances the visual quality of this area with trees and better lighting.

Michael Schwarting and Frances Campani Campani and Schwarting Architects Port Jefferson

Get into the mix. Participate in our reader forums @ www.tbrnewsmedia.com

DECEMBER 21, 2017 • TIMES HUNTINGTON & NORTHPORTS • PAGE A11

OPINION

In a diner with Carole King, Evan Hansen and Luke Skywalker

T

his year I enjoyed “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” and “Dear Evan Hansen” on Broadway; and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” movie sequel.

As the year comes to a close, I can’t help imagining a conversation in a diner among the central characters.

Evan Hansen: “Hey, you want to sign my cast?”

Luke Skywalker: “What?”

Evan Hansen: “No, forget it. I was just, nothing.

You were saying?”

Carole King: “No, you asked if we wanted to sign your cast, right?”

Hansen:

By Daniel Dunaief “No,Evan well, I don’t know. Maybe.”

Luke Skywalker: “What happened to your arm?”

Evan Hansen: “It’s a long story. It’s OK. I don’t even have a pen.”

Luke Skywalker: “Oh, you feel bad about your arm, which is going to heal.

D. None of the above

How do you think I feel? My father and I got into a battle a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away and this is what happened.”

Evan Hansen: “Wow, that’s a scary fake hand. You win.”

Carole King: “You both have scars.

We all do, right? My parents divorced.”

Evan Hansen: “My dad left when I was young.”

Luke Skywalker: “Oh, so sorry for you. When I was born, I had to be hidden from my father, who was angry and moody and wore a mask and wanted to kill me.”

Evan Hansen: “Aren’t you supposed to be a Jedi Master now? Why do you seem so angry and annoyed all the time?”

Luke Skywalker: “I am a Jedi Master.”

Evan Hansen: “Oh, right. So, how come you don’t sound cool and wise?”

Luke Skywalker: “It’s just that I have low blood sugar and I haven’t eaten in a while and I’m not sure what to order.”

Yoda: “Hmmm, not know what to order, do you?”

Carole King: “Wow, you’re from far away, aren’t you?”

Yoda: “Say that, you could.”

Luke Skywalker: “Master Yoda. I’m so hungry and I’m not sure whether to get the burger or the salad.”

Evan Hansen: “You’re glowing, Yoda.”

Yoda: “When 900 years old, and dead, you are, this good will you not look.”

Luke Skywalker: “Master Yoda.

What should I do?”

Yoda: “Order the salad, would I. Delicious it looks. Leave you, I must.”

Luke Skywalker: “Wait, but what should I get to drink?”

Evan Hansen: “For a Jedi Master, you often seem to need Yoda or ObiWan to give you advice. Can’t you make your own decisions?”

Carole King: “Listen, Evan, Luke here knows he has glowing friends who come running to see him again whenever he calls their name.”

Evan Hansen: “They come whenever you need them? That’s cool.”

Luke Skywalker: “Yeah, I guess, but I’ve been trying to spend time on my own, far away from all the ‘saving the galaxy’ responsibilities. There always seems to be another Death Star or some

young person with the ability to move rocks with his or her mind who needs guidance.”

Evan Hansen: “I’m the opposite. I’m trying to help save other people to get away from my loneliness. High school is tough.”

Carole King: “You got romantic issues, too, Evan, don’t you?”

Evan Hansen: “No, of course not, why do you say that?”

Carole King: “I can tell you feel the earth move under your feet.”

Evan Hansen: “Do you have a song for everything?”

Carole King: “Well, pretty much.”

Luke Skywalker: “Yeah, don’t challenge her. The number of songs she’s written far exceeds the number of ‘Star Wars’ sequels.”

Evan Hansen: “That is a lot. Does that include the one-off movies?”

Luke Skywalker: “Yes.” Evan Hansen: “Does she know anything about trying to stop faking things?”

Luke Skywalker: “Yes, and it’s not too late, baby, to learn from her.”

Whisper network that warned becomes social network that shames

A

s 2017 comes to a close, it is not an overstatement to say that this year we have lived through a revolution. And it is a revolution that is just beginning. Millions of women, drawn by the hashtag #MeToo, have come forth to put their experiences with sexual harassment, assault and rape on the record. Some men also have revealed similar heartbreaking stories of sexual predators that altered their lives.

It is as if an enormous dam has

By Leah S. Dunaief broken with the gut-wrenching descriptions pouring out unendingly, toppling icons of power like bowling pins. Just as Betty Friedan started the revolution we call the women’s liberation movement, so this avalanche of sordid encounters that began with revelations about Hollywood mogul

Between you and me

Harvey Weinstein has touched off a revolution but of a much faster pace than the one 50 years or so ago. Social media has helped connect these victims and carry the torch of outrage.

I suppose from the earliest times when men and women have walked the earth, there have been sexual predators. Mostly the predators have been men who were able to exact what they wanted from vulnerable women who needed their protection and support, perhaps for such basics as food, clothing and shelter for themselves and their children. Once women entered the workplace in large numbers, they were often assigned to male supervisors who could advance or block their careers or even take away their jobs.

Those jobs could be in Hollywood, in TV journalism, in large and small offices, in hotels, in politics, in academia, in short anywhere that there might be an imbalance of power leaving one employee vulnerable. What’s different now?

The whisper network that warned has become a social network that shames.

Time magazine named the Silence Breakers as 2017 Person of the Year.

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The hashtag, #MeToo, will go down in history although the movement’s founder, Tarana Burke, was not featured on the cover. Instead the group photo comprised actress Ashley Judd, former Uber engineer Susan Fowler, Visa lobbyist Adama Iwu, songstress Taylor Swift and Isabel Pascual, a Mexican strawberry picker who asked to use a pseudonym to protect her family, according to Time. They might have been anyone on the cover, although the famous attract more attention, from the doctoral candidate at a prestigious university who refused her professor’s advances and consequently was denied her degree, to the housekeeper in a hotel who goes about cleaning the bathtubs but never knows when she might be cornered by a guest or supervisor demanding sexual favors.

The first time I personally knew anyone who had been a sexual victim was in college. A close friend was talking about her affair with a professor and was overheard by another student who was having the same experience. The unlikely encounter and some quick conversation revealed the same professor

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Leah S. Dunaief GENERAL MANAGER Johness Kuisel MANAGING EDITOR Desirée Keegan EDITOR Sara-Megan Walsh

LEISURE EDITOR Heidi Sutton SPORTS EDITOR Desirée Keegan ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kathryn Mandracchia DIR. OF MEDIA PRODUCTIONS Michael Tessler

was bedding both women. In a rage, my friend confronted her lover with the words, “You are sick!”

But was he sick? Or was he just acting out the culture in which he had been raised? As Time magazine wrote, “It wasn’t so long ago that the boss chasing his secretary around the desk was a comic trope, a staple from vaudeville to prime-time sitcoms.” Cultures are all pervasive, and where they are not confronted by conscience or mob outrage, they continue.

On the eve of the holidays, let’s focus on a short but delightful segment from the “PBS News Hour” Tuesday night.

Women confide to sometimes feeling taken advantage of financially when bringing cars to be repaired, knowing so little about the way cars work. One woman felt tired of feeling a victim, quit her job as an engineer, went to auto-mechanic school and opened up what appears to be the nation’s first all-female auto-repair shop in California. It seems to be a great success. Best of all, she no longer feels a victim. There is a moral here.

Happy and healthy holidays to you and yours!

ART AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Beth Heller Mason INTERNET STRATEGY DIRECTOR Rob Alfano CLASSIFIEDS DIRECTOR Ellen Segal

BUSINESS MANAGER Sandi Gross CREDIT MANAGER Diane Wattecamps CIRCULATION MANAGER Courtney Biondo

PAGE A12 • TIMES HUNTINGTON & NORTHPORTS • DECEMBER 21, 2017

Our cardiac team is 100% focused on hearts 100% of the time.

Isn’t it comforting to know that lifesaving, world-class care is right here if you need it?

At Huntington Hospital, our hearts are in everything we do.

See for yourself at Northwell.edu/HeartCareSuffolk.

Huntington Hospital was recognized

by U.S. News and World Report for superior care for five procedures and conditions, including Heart Failure, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Colon Cancer Surgery, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

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