The Times of Middle Country - December 24, 2015 by TBR News Media

The TIMES CO M PL E T E

Specializ

of Middle Country

By giSelle Barkley

also: ‘Star Wars: The Force awakens’ review, ‘In the Heart of the Sea’ in Cold Spring Harbor, Wildlife artist Roger Kramer

page B1

O R THE EN

TIRE FAMIL Y

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Rhonda Klch’s holiday event reaches hundreds

Holiday Memories

ing in the

For the past eight years, Rhonda Klch and her company Equity First have made many dreams come true. This year is no different with Klch’s annual Holiday Dream event, which provides Christmas gifts for Long Island families in need. On Sunday, residents who registered for the event picked up their Christmas presents at the Coram Fire Department headquarters from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Klch, a Miller Place resident, and event volunteers upped the ante this year by getting gifts for around 250 families from Mount Sinai, Miller Place, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Selden, Medford and other towns across the Island. “These kids feel like they’re walking on a cloud,” said Councilwoman Valerie Cartright (D-Port Jefferson Station), as several children ran around with balloons

in the background after receiving their presents and meeting Santa. Cartright was one of many people Klch called this year when searching for families in need of some holiday cheer. Local schools and churches were also contacted to find these families. While the families don’t need to be homeless to participate in the program, many of these families are financially unable to afford presents around the holidays. People like Gordon Leonard of Selden said with the recession it’s harder to live on Long Island, making special seasons like the holidays more stressful. “We came here because some Long Islanders understand the plight of many other Long Islanders, and they’re giving because they know people are struggling just to be New Yorkers,” he said. “We don’t want to leave. What choice do we have.” While his son Devon received Holiday Dream continued on page a10

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E Y E C ARE F

photos by giselle Barkley

top: holiday dream event volunteers wait for families to pick up presents; bottom Priscilla arena, left, and rhonda klch, right, pose for a photo.

Hahn lands county Legislature’s majority top spot By Phil CorSo

Tesla Science Center

Science center receives two grants to help fund future projects

page a3

photo from Kara Hahn

Suffolk County legislator kara hahn is the new democratic majority leader, succeeding legislator rob Calarco.

Suffolk County Democrats have a new majority leader in the Legislature. The Democratic caucus voted unanimously on Saturday to name Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) the newest majority leader, replacing Legislator Robert Calarco (D-Patchogue), who is expected to succeed Legislator Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk) as deputy presiding officer in early 2016 after a vote scheduled for the first week in January. Schneiderman was term limited out of the Legislature and will be succeeded in the 2nd District by Legislator-elect Bridget Fleming (D-Sag Harbor). Hahn, who was first elected

to the Legislature in 2011, referred to her quick rise to the majority leader position as validating and empowering, as she looks ahead into the new year. “I am truly honored that my colleagues have put their trust in me to lead our caucus,” she said in a phone interview Monday. “I feel like I have a proven record of getting things done, and I’m going to do everything I can to work with my colleagues to address the needs of Suffolk County.” As majority leader, Hahn will lead caucus meetings and help set the Democratic agenda in the county Legislature, a spokesman from her office said. In her four years as a legislator for the North Shore’s 5th District, Hahn has been at the Hahn continued on page a10

PAGE A2 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 24, 2015

L et us pause to reﬂect on our blessings, give thanks during this holiday season for all we have been given, and pray for peace and the preservation of all that is good on earth.

Photo from Setauket Fire District

To aid the setauket Fire District, Fire Commissioner Jay Gardiner, third from left, accepts a donation of four resusci Anne CPr training units from smithtown Acura.

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many people to save lives.” The donation is part of the National Automobile Dealers Association’s community outreach program, which is administered locally by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association. Smithtown Acura is a member of the GNYADA, which administers the CPR donations on behalf of the National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation. “It is a great honor to present this state-of-the-art CPR equipment to our local fire department,” said General Manager of Smithtown Acura Allison Musante. “Having the appropriate lifesaving equipment allows professionals to become better at what they do: helping to save the lives of area residents.” New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) officiated the event.

The TIMES (USPS 003–952) is published Thursdays by TIMES bEACoN RECoRD NEwSPAPERS, 185 Route 25A, Setauket, NY 11733. Periodicals postage paid at Setauket, NY and additional mailing offices. Subscription price $49 annually. Leah S. Dunaief, Publisher. PoSTMASTER: Send change of address to Po box 707, Setauket, NY 11733.

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To aid the Setauket Fire District in its ongoing commitment to protect the safety and well being of the community, Fire Commissioner Jay Gardiner and department members graciously accepted a donation of four Resusci Anne CPR training units from Smithtown Acura this month. “The district greatly appreciates the donation of CPR equipment, as these devices will be used to train not only our members, but also community residents,” said Setauket Fire District Manager David Sterne. “Given the fact that heart-related emergencies can affect anyone at any time, it is a strong commitment of the district to train more and more community members to properly administer CPR. Study after study shows that bystander CPR is what truly saves lives, and this donation can be used repeatedly to teach

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December 24, 2015 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A3

Tesla Science Center gets early Christmas gift By Giselle Barkley

Science doesn’t come cheap. So it was a pleasant surprise for the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe when the New York State Regional Economic Development Councils announced the center will receive two grants totaling $700,000. While the center has yet to receive the grants, the NYSREDC’s 2015 awards notice for Long Island is proof the grants are forthcoming. The state agency did not reply to messages prior to publication. The center is slated to receive $200,000 through the Market New York grant program, which tackles public relations and increasing tourism, among other responsibilities. The remaining $500,000 will go toward the center’s Wardenclyffe site. The center is currently redeveloping this property and plans to establish the Nikola Tesla Museum and Science Center. The site is the last remaining laboratory of Tesla, a prominent inventor in the late 19th century and early 20th century. According to Tesla Science Center President Jane Alcorn, the center applied for the grants this past July. Alcorn added applying for the grants is a competitive process as there are many applicants for these grants.

“It’s very exciting to have funds to promote our project and to work on the redevelopment of Wardenclyffe,” Alcorn said in an email. Initially, the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe was known as Friends of Science East Inc. While its name changed, the not-for-profit mission to develop Tesla’s only existing laboratory site into a science center and museum remained the same. In 2009, when Brookhaven Town Superintendent of Highways Dan Losquadro was a Suffolk County legislator and former state Assemblyman Marc Alessi was still in office, the two announced plans to acquire the 16-acre property. Former town supervisor, Mark Lesko, and state Sen. Ken LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) were also part of this effort to acquire and preserve the property on behalf of the state and town, according to an article on the Tesla website. Alessi emphasized its importance as the last Tesla lab in the world. He added that the site was culturally and historically significant as a result. “We need to ensure that it is protected so that future generations can continue to enjoy this landmark,” Alessi said in the article. Regardless of these officials’ plans, Friends of Science East purchased the property in 2013. The organization also

Photo by Giselle Barkley

The Tesla science Center laboratory site in shoreham is blocked off while it’s under redevelopment.

hoped to preserve the site and make improvements. Tesla built his facility in Shoreham in 1901-03. It was a small brick building no bigger than a schoolhouse. Yet behind the building was a 187-foot tower that Tesla intended to be a wireless power transmission station, which Tesla claimed would produce wireless electricity.

Now years later, the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe is looking forward to a brighter future for the site, and hopes to be able to do even more. “We hope to apply for additional grants in the future [that] will assist in the continuation of progress toward the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe opening day,” Alcorn said.

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PAGE A4 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 24, 2015

Reboli Atelier launches art history in Three Village

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The Reboli Center’s mission to collect, preserve and exhibit artwork, along with documents and artifacts of significance to late Setauket artist Joseph Reboli, took a major step this week when it launched its inaugural art school. The Reboli Atelier opened with its first class on Dec. 18, in which residents of the Three Village community and beyond were invited to celebrate the beginning of what could become a new art community across the North Shore. Residents were invited to the Reboli Atelier at 2 Flowerfield in St. James. Eastbound Freight Bluegrass provided live music and those in attendance enjoyed artisanal cheese

and craft beers supplied by Brew Cheese of Stony Brook. Organizers for the art classes said a solid base of students was already on board before the classes kicked off. The Reboli Atelier has been established to train artists to draw and paint in the vein of classical art. The classes examine the history and identity of Long Island art as being inextricably linked with the history of representational painting. The classes are crafted to pay tribute to artistic roots that reach back to William Sidney Mount and William Merritt Chase in the 1800s, Joseph Reboli in the 20th century and other notable Long Island artists in the current century.

Glynn Mercep and Purcell, LLP North Country Road P.O. Box 712 Stony Brook, NY 11790 631-751-5757 glymer@glymerlaw.com

145883

Photos from Nathan Jackson

145851

The reboli Center is a multipurpose arts and history hub for the stony Brook and greater Three Village community. it launched the reboli Atelier art school last Friday.

December 24, 2015 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A5

HISTORY CLOSE AT HAND

Evolution of holiday cheer across Three Village by beverly C. Tyler

The celebration of Christmas, as we know it, goes back about 125 years to the late Victorian era. Following the Civil War, the growth of industry picked up dramatically. By the time of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1876, conditions at home and leisure time experienced by Long Islanders and by the rest of the country changed for the better. Despite union riots and periods of depression, the decades following the Civil War, known as the Gilded Age, ushered in a time of significant material change. The coming of the railroad in the second half of the century, the improvement in communications that resulted in the beginnings of telephone service in the 1890s, the change in printing methods that brought magazines such as Harper’s and Leslie’s Monthly to many homes and the penny postcard that revolutionized contact between people in America and as far away as Europe all brought new ideas and customs to the local residents. These, coupled with the masses of immigrants that arrived in New York in the three decades following the Civil War, brought new customs for celebrating Christmas that became a part of “keeping Christmas” for everyone.

The first Christmas card was designed by John Calcott Horsley for Henry Cole of England, later Sir Henry Cole. Cole was the organizer and first director of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The card was printed in London by a method called lithography and was hand colored by a professional “colourer” named Mason. It was sent in 1843. It was the custom at the time to send letters to relatives and friends at Christmas. Cole’s cards were to take the place of the letters that he would have to write to his large number of friends and family. A total of about 1,000 of these cards were printed. By the 1850s and ‘60s Christmas cards were well established in England and were making an appearance in America and throughout Europe. The first American Christmas card was issued by R.H. Pease of New York between 1850 and 1852. The man generally regarded as the father of the American Christmas card, though, is Louis Prang, whose plant was located in Roxbury, a suburb of Boston, in 1856. First in partnership with Joseph Mayer of Boston, but after 1860 as L. Prang & Co., Louis Prang also instituted the idea of competitions for Christmas card designs in 1880, an idea that was instantly copied by his rival in England, Raphael Tuck & Sons. The first prize was 1,000 pounds, and Louis Comfort Tiffany, a Long Islander, was

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tereach, New York 11720.

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DATED: December 15, 2015 Centereach, New York

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Jennifer Gardner Secretary 530 12/24 1x tmc Legal Notice PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Organizational meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of The Selden Fire District will be held on January 1, 2016 at 11 AM, time then in effect, at the office of the Board of Fire Commissioners located at 44 Woodmere Place, Selden New York 541 12/24 1x tmc

card it adopted measured 5 1/8 by 3 inches and was sold by the Post Office Department for one cent each. It was not until 1898 that an act of Congress allowed privately published postcards the same privileges and rates as the government-issued cards. Many Christmas cards were saved and placed in postcard albums. Today these provide us with a glimpse of life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Beverly Tyler is the Three Village Historical Society historian.

Presents

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Photo from Beverly Tyler

‘Happy Christmas.’ Forest Hills, Dec. 23, 1908. Willie Hamilton to Miss Muriel West, east Setauket

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among the judges. By the 1880s Christmas cards were being printed in the millions and were no longer being hand-colored. Christmas cards during the late 1800s came in all shapes and sizes and were made with silk, satin, brocade and plush, as well as with lace and embroidery surrounding the printed card. These cards were just as varied as those we have today and included religious themes, landscapes from every season, children, animals and the traditional Father Christmas. The cards were very colorful and usually included some verse in addition to the greeting. Christmas cards were eventually sent through the mail as postcards. The lower price of postage — one cent for a postcard — was one of the reasons for the popularity of the postcard-greeting card. The postcard was most popular during the years between 1895 and 1914, when the craze for collecting cards was at its height. The beginning of the use of postcards probably goes back to the influence of the trade card, used to promote business and trade in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the visiting card, which included the sender’s name prominently added to the card, and was used to send a greeting. The postcard became popular worldwide and was recognized by the American Post Office Department on May 1, 1873. The

BRIdGeS A Resource Guide Featuring Stony Brook Medicine and University Offerings for the Community and Shops & Services of the North Shore Business Communities serving Stony Brook Staff

February 25, 2016

To be published at the beginning of the spring semester, Bridges will be distributed to the doctors and healthcare professionals at the hospital and faculty and administrators on campus, as well as inserted into the full run of six Times Beacon Record Newspapers and published with an interactive fully searchable online version on our web site, tbrnewsmedia.com. Included will be hospital updates on the future of healthcare, clinical programs, technologies and healthcare reform as well as university events, exhibits and the schedule of SBU games for the sports season.

In town, our north shore business community will have the opportunity to reach SBU professionals with their products and services.

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PAGE A6 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 24, 2015

Times Beacon RecoRd

We Pick The Winners:

87.5%

Of The Candidates We Endorsed In The Recent Elections

Won 14 ouT of 16 races

Election 2015

Bellone

Bellone can do it. He demonstrates an understanding of complex issues.

Romaine

Ed Romaine has a solid record of getting things done.

Losquadro

In one of the most tangible litmus tests, Losquadro has remained accessible with his office’s attempts at putting a dent in a backlog of road repaving and repair projects, while also admitting there was no way he could tend to every single one.

Cartright

Cartright’s perspective and life experience is necessary to the Brookhaven Town Board.

Hahn

Hahn is accessible to the people she represents, and her ideas are moving the county in the right direction

Berland

[Berland] has worked to sponsor legislation that’s made a difference, including laws that help put an end to blight and legislation to regulate the invasive bamboo, which can frequently be a nuisance to neighbors.

Cook

Cook’s greatest strength lies in being the sole minority party member on the board, and his willingness to speak up when something fishy is going on, whether he’s right or wrong.

Trotta

A focused and practical lawmaker, Trotta has served his district – the Town of Smithtown and a small portion of Huntington Town – well in the last two years.

Kennedy

She may be untraditional in her approach, but we feel Leslie Kennedy truly wants to respond to the needs of her constituents and has a firm grasp of the issues to respond accordingly.

Stern

Experience is invaluable, and for that, coupled with his achievements, we say elect Stern to a final term in office.

Spencer

Spencer is a well-organized, caring legislator who has done good things for his constituents.

Anker

Anker’s ear has been easily available to constituents since she took office in 2011 and she takes what she hears to heart.

Bonner

Bonner has proven she is a caring and effective councilwoman. She should be reelected to a fifth term.

Muratore

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Muratore (R-Ronkonkoma) said he doesn’t consider himself a politician but, instead, a man of the people. We agree.

LaValle

We have a feeling LaValle, a Republican who grew up in Middle Country, will only keep getting better as time goes on. He has shown high energy and commitment. [Losing candidates that we endorsed: Wehrheim, Creighton, Luft)

POLICE BLOTTER Incidents and arrests from Dec. 13-19 Curbing a DWAI Police arrested a 20-year-old man from Port Jefferson Station for driving while ability impaired on Dec. 15, after they saw him drive over a curb on Wilson Avenue and pulled him over. Hitting the trifecta A 31-year-old Medford man was arrested for driving while ability impaired on Dec. 17 after he failed to maintain his lane and struck a grassy median while speeding on Lincoln Drive in Rocky Point. Police said the man was going 70 miles per hour in a 45-mile-per-hour zone in a 1998 GMC. Wanted woman On Dec. 16, police collared a Wading River woman who had five warrants out for her arrest. At the time officers found her on Babylon Drive in Sound Beach, the 26-year-old was also allegedly in possession of a controlled substance, and was charged with that crime. That sucks Police arrested a 28-year-old man from Lake Grove for petit larceny on Dec. 16, right after he stole two vacuums from a store at the Centereach Mall. Hand-to-hand-to-cuffs Police observed a woman in a handto-hand drug transaction on Route 25A in Selden on Dec. 18, and stopped the 55-year-old before she could pull away in her 2002 Cadillac. Officers found heroin in her possession and arrested her for criminal possession of a controlled substance.

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Caffeine fiend On Dec. 18, a 69-year-old man from Centereach was arrested for petit larceny. According to police, the man entered the Shoprite on College Road in Selden on Sept. 15 and took a Keurig Coffee Maker worth around $190.

OUR iMPressiVe infLuence

Vroom vroom to jail Police arrested a 29-year-old Ronkonkoma man on Dec. 13 for driving while ability impaired, after the suspect failed to maintain his lane while driving a 2008 Volkswagen south on Nicolls Road in Stony Brook. Police said the man was speeding, at 62 miles per hour.

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Unwarranted steal A 27-year-old woman from Port Jefferson Station was arrested for petit larceny on Dec. 18, after stealing assorted costume jewelry, clothing and other items from a store on Route 347 in Setauket-East Setauket. According to police, there were already two un-

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related warrants out for the woman’s arrest. Cashing in Between Dec. 13 and Dec. 15, an unknown person withdrew more than $200 cash from a bank without the Port Jefferson Station cardholder’s permission. That’s a big dog On Dec. 19, an unknown person entered the Walmart on Nesconset Highway in Setauket-East Setauket and stole a television and a dog bed. Police said the person may have used the dog bed to conceal the TV. In hot water An unidentified person stole three faucets from the Lowe’s Home Improvement store on Nesconset Highway in Stony Brook on Dec. 18. Taking it to-go On Dec. 18, three unknown men with guns entered the Peking Chinese Kitchen on Middle Country Road in Selden as someone was closing the restaurant. The men demanded money but the suspects fled empty-handed. Visa revoked On Dec. 19, someone stole a jacket, a wallet and a person’s visa from a car in the Starbucks parking lot on Middle Country Road in Selden. Rock on Tree According to police, an unidentified person threw a large rock at a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer and damaged the car. Police didn’t specify where the car was damaged but said the incident happened some time between Dec. 18 and Dec. 19 on Tree Road in Centereach. Tired of theft An unknown person gained entry to the Mavis Discount Tire on Route 25A in Mount Sinai and stole money from the register before fleeing the store. The incident happened on Dec. 14 around 8:25 p.m. Smashed On Dec. 19, someone smashed the back window of a 2009 Honda outside a residence on Deepdale Drive in Rocky Point. Police are in purse-uit An unidentified person stole someone’s bag from the Walmart at the Centereach Mall on Dec. 19. Police said the victim put the bag down and walked away. When they returned, the bag was gone. According to police, the bag contained money and an ATM card. — Compiled by Giselle barkley

December 24, 2015 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A7

Heritage Center unites community

By Giselle Barkley

After six years, Heritage Center’s “‘Twas the Night before Christmas” reading is still a hit among community members. The Heritage Trust, which runs the center, started the reading event in 2009 with the goal of promoting a sense of community and enhancing residents’ lives especially around the holiday season. Trust President Lori Baldassare said the event “defines the history and the heritages of our Christmas season.”

Many residents ventured to Heritage Center on Sunday to continue the annual reading. Center volunteer Fred Drewes presented an illustrated reading detailing how Clement Clark Moore’s description of jolly old St. Nick influenced how we view Santa today. His poem is commonly known as “‘Twas the Night before Christmas.” The poem is also known as “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” published in 1823. Community members got a chance to read the poem and enjoyed refreshments of hot chocolate and cookies during the event.

Photos by Giselle Barkley

Clockwise from above, Fred Drewes poses for a photo at the Heritage Center’s “‘Twas the Night before Christmas” event where he reads the book to children while they enjoy hot chocolate and cookies; children read the ‘Night before Christmas’ book during the event and kids watch a presentation on “‘Twas The Night before Christmas.”

PAGE A8 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 24, 2015

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December 24, 2015 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A9

Three Village middle schoolers sing holiday tunes

Photos by Greg Catalano

Students from Three Village school district’s P.J. Gelinas Junior High School perform at a special holiday showcase concert. Holiday spirit was on full display as the Vocal Vikings belted out festive songs, led by Director Robert DePersio.

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PAGE B1

Hayridin’ and pumpkin pickin’ in Northport

Photos by Victoria Espinoza

The Northport Chamber of Commerce hosted the 14th annual Halloween Hayride in Northport Village Park on Sunday. Above, scenes from the event. For more photos, see page A10.

H’fields OKs $11.7M upgrades, no turf

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Yip-or-treat in CSH

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Costumed dogs and their owners marched in the 9th annual Howlween: Corky’s Canine Costume Parade Celebration on Sunday. For more photos, see page A10.

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Harborfields school district residents voted in favor of $11.7 million in districtwide capital improvements, while also mowing down a $1.9 million plan to add turf fields. The proposals were presented to the public in two separate propositions in a referendum vote held on Tuesday. Proposition No. 1, the districtwide upgrades, received 1,248 yes votes and 573 no

PAGE A10 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 24, 2015

PEOPLE

Photo from Middle Country school district

From left, Katie Noonan, Jason Rohan and Carter Felix pose for a photo after they performed in the annual TUBACHRISTMAS holiday concert.

Tuba tunes under the Christmas tree Two fifth-grade students from Middle Country’s New Lane Elementary School joined their band teacher, Katie Noonan, for TUBACHRIST-

MAS, a performance at the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City. TUBACHRISTMAS is a series of

concerts that occur throughout the world featuring students and local tuba/euphonium players performing holiday tunes. This is the 42nd year of

these concerts, aimed at honoring local musicians and teachers, including Middle Country students Carter Felix and Jason Rohan.

SCCC tops in math

Students at Unity Drive build their gingerbread houses with family members.

Photo from Middle Country school district

Holiday traditions at Unity

New English learners built gingerbread houses in celebration of the holiday season. Kindergarten students at Middle Country’s Unity Drive PreK/Kindergar-

ten Center are studying holiday traditions for Hanukkah, Kwanza and Christmas. One of those traditions involved making gingerbread houses. Families

joined students who are “English as new language learners” to celebrate a tradition that transcends all languages and cultures.

Suffolk County Community College ranked first in the Northeast region for the 2014-15 academic year after competing in the Student Math League competition hosted by the American Mathematical Association for Two-Year Colleges. Two students were tops in the Northeast region — Jakub Wlodek ranked third and Maciej Wlodek ranked fourth. Christine M. Brady, moderator for the Student Math League at SCCC, was awarded a plaque during a regional luncheon recognizing Suffolk for its first-place finish.

December 24, 2015 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A11

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PAGE A12 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 24, 2015

Holiday dream Continued from page A1

several gifts from the program this year, he said his favorite part about Sunday’s program was spending time with his family. According to volunteer Priscilla Arena, of Mount Sinai, the event was a success this year. “The outpour from the community has been tremendous and I’m hoping that it’ll only increase next year,” she said. Last year, the event helped around 167 families. Arena got involved with the program around a month ago after Klch, a business associate and friend of hers, told her about the event. For Arena, helping the program and the families who benefit seemed natural. For residents like Tiana Wyche, who lives in a shelter, Holiday Dream was important to bring joy to her children. Wyche is originally from Riverhead but currently resides in Port Jefferson Station. “Unfortunately, financial restrictions impact everybody and it becomes difficult over holidays,” Klch said. “I think people have this perception that just because you live somewhere, you’re doing very well. But unfortunately, people get so blind.” Klch added that people don’t always realize how many families struggle to live on the Island, much less celebrate the holidays. She started spreading the word about the event among people in the business district. While Holiday Dream is the main event where children pick up their toys and

TBR

have breakfast with Santa, there are toy drive events prior to Holiday Dream that Klch and her company host to raise more donations. For Carmen Nunez and her family, who moved from the Dominican Republic to Port Jefferson Station, the program was extra special. Her family wasn’t used to getting presents around this time of year. “I feel so happy,” she said. “Thank you to [Comsewogue ESL teacher Denise Saul] and everybody who tried to make [the children happy by giving them presents], especially this time for Christmas. It’s beautiful.” While the family is trying to do the best they can here on Long Island, Saul said they are continuing the event’s mission of giving to others and spreading joy. “Even though we gave them presents, they’re talking about who they can share [the presents with],” Saul said. “They are selfless themselves.” According to Cartright, remembering the spirit of giving is important this time of year, and she hopes to keep giving in the future through the Holiday Dream program. “A lot of community organizations and individuals come together to remind the kids that this is a season of giving,” Cartright said. “The holiday season is not only about receiving. They’re reaching hundreds of kids now, and I can only imagine as the years go by, how many kids we’re going to be changing their lives by letting them know they’re loved and supported by the community.”

HaHn Continued from page A1

forefront of several legislative battles advocating for the environment, the fight against drug addiction and public safety. She said she planned on tackling the same issues with her majority leader role, with hopes of enacting change for every district in the county. “It’s important to me that we work hard to solve people’s problems,” she said. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) referred to Hahn’s legislative record as a promising attribute to his party’s newest majority leader. Bellone has signed onto several pieces of Hahn’s legislative agenda items over the past several years, including attempts at addressing dome=stic violence in Suffolk County and limiting the abundance of microbeads polluting county waterways. “Kara Hahn has a proven record on critical issues like protecting our environment, tackling the opioid crisis

and advocating for victims of domestic violence,” Bellone said in a statement. “I know Kara will use the platform of majority leader to be even more effective on the issues that she has spent her life fighting for, and which are critical to move Suffolk County forward.” Calarco said he has known Hahn for a long time, dating back to when the two of them worked as aides in the county Legislature long before they were first elected. He gave his long-standing colleague encouraging words as she prepared to succeed him as majority leader. “I think she’s going to be great,” he said. “She knows the Legislature well. She knows how to get things done. She’s a very good fighter for her district and the county as a whole.” Among the top issues Hahn said she hoped to lead the Democratic caucus in addressing were spurring economic development throughout the county, requiring the county to test groundwater for toxins, preserving open spaces and advocating for healthy living.

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December 24, 2015 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A13

Photos by Bill Landon

Clockwise from left, Centereach’s Kaitlyn Graziano clashes with Ward Melville’s Valentina Zavala-arbelaez; Centereach’s Rebecca Koenig Vinicombe gets a touch on Ward Melville’s Gabrielle Petrie; and Centereach’s abigail Cornelia wards off Ward Melville’s arianna Ferretti.

Cougars couldn’t counter Ward Melville girls’ FenCing

Ward Melville . . . . . . 22 Centereach . . . . . . . . . 5

‘This year we have a lot of new fencers, so it’s really good to expose them to this level of play.’ — AbigAil CorneliA

By Bill landon

With a less experienced roster, the Centereach girls’ fencing team hosted powerhouse Ward Melville Saturday, and despite the Patriots dropping the first two bouts, the team dominated the card, defeating the Cougars 22-5. First on the strip for Centereach was sophomore sabreist Gail Aphra Laurino, who prevailed over her challenger with a 5-4 victory. Classmate Naomi Newen followed with a 5-4 win of her own in sabre, to put her team out front 2-0. “They’re a little intimidating, but it’s also a good experience,” Laurino said. “It makes you play harder, build up your endurance and get stronger.” The Patriots hit their stride and claimed the next three matches. First, sophomore Emily Huang notched Ward Melville’s first victory in sabre, 5-1. Sole senior Gabrielle Petrie opened foil with a win, blanking her opponent 5-0. Fellow foilist Ivanna ZavalaArbelaez, a freshman, scored the Patriots’ third bout, defeating her challenger 5-1, to help her team lead the meet 3-2. Centereach freshman foilist Rebecca Koenig Vinicombe answered back with a win as a second-year varsity fencer, shut-

ting out her opponent 5-0 to tie the meet. But from there, Ward Melville’s fencers showed why they are still the team to beat this season, despite dropping their second meet since 2000 earlier this season. The Patriots took 18 of the next 19 bouts to claim the meet. “We fenced this team last week, so we had a pretty good feel as to where they’re at,” Ward Melville head coach Peter Freiss said. “We were sharp today. It was a great sharing of the load from top to bottom from eighth-graders to our senior.” Undefeated in épée was Ward Melville junior Arianna Ferretti, who won

all three of her matches 5-2, 5-4 and 5-1. “Arianna is our anchor in épée — she was very strong today,” Freiss said. “Lara Obedin came into the second round and won her two bouts, and she too fenced very, very well.” Obedin, a junior foilist, took her matches 5-2 and 5-1. “The last time we fenced them I only had one bout, but they’re all different,” Ferretti said. “I watched my two other teammates [in épée] and I was able to learn by watching them. I thought I fenced pretty well today, but I’ll work on staying focused and cheering on the

team for our next meet.” Petrie defeated all three of her opponents in foil without allowing a single touch. Freshman Lauren Cappello was also perfect on the day, winning both of her sabre bouts, 5-3 and 5-0, as did classmate Olivia Calise, who took both of her sabre bouts, 5-2 and 5-4. Centereach sophomore épéist Abigail Cornelia said Ward Melville is a powerful team that presents a huge learning experience for the team. “This year we have a lot of new fencers, so it’s really good to expose them to this level of play,” she said. “I think we did well under the circumstances.“ Other undefeated Patriots on the strip were sophomore épéist Julia Duffy who edged out both of her challengers, and freshman épéist Catherine Cao, who won her single appearance on the strip. Centereach head coach Mike Olsen said Ward Melville works hard and knew that it was going to be a tough match. “We look to keep up with them and try to take away one thing from each bout that we fence,” he said. “We may not win, but I told the girls it’s a learning experience every time you go up against them.” Centereach will host Huntington next, on Jan. 7, at 5 p.m.

PAGE A14 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 24, 2015

SBU

Dec. 24-Dec. 30, 2015

SPORTSWEEK STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY

Tomorrow is Friday — wear red on campus!

THE QUOTE

‘I thought we did a good job of moving the ball. Our assist total was great. … We were able to finish when it counted.’ — STEVE PIKIELL

Anyagaligbo scores 23 points The Seawolves set their season-high in assists with 15 led by Davion Wingate’s six

nline

• Freshman forward Ogechi Anyagaligbo wins five Under Armour Rookie of the Week honors in a row. • Football’s Victor Ochi tabbed as STATS FCS All-American Content provided by SBU and printed as a service to our advertiser.

The front-court duo of Brittany Snow and Ogechi Anyagaligbo combined for 35 points and 22 rebounds to lift the Stony Brook women’s basketball team (7-5) to a 71-54 victory over LIU Brooklyn (2-7) on Monday night at Island Federal Credit Union Arena. The Stony Brook defense locked down in the second quarter, limiting the Blackbirds to just five points over the 10-minute period, the lowest total by an opponent in any quarter all season. The Seawolves stretched a 19-16 first-quarter lead into a 39-21 margin at halftime by holding the Blackbirds to 2-13 shooting in the second quarter, while going 8-15. The Seawolves pounded the Blackbirds inside, outscoring them 46-26 in the paint. Stony Brook shot its best percentage of the season from three-point range, finishing the game 5-12. Freshman guard Davion Wingate, making her first career start, led the way with a 3-for-4 eﬀort from behind the arc, totaling 14 points for the game. Stony Brook forced 21 LIU Brooklyn turnovers, the most it has caused since 23 against Saint Peter’s University on Nov. 20. Junior guard Christa Scognamiglio tied

her career-high with six steals. Stony Brook’s largest lead was 28 points, a 55-27 advantage with 3:18 to play in the third quarter. The Seawolves set their season-high in assists with 15 led by Wingate’s six. Stony Brook lost the rebounding battle for the first time in seven games, finishing with a 42-39 disadvantage on the glass. For the second consecutive game, Stony Brook had two players finish with double-doubles and a third just narrowly miss out. Anyagaligbo notched her third of the season with 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Snow recorded her fifth of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Scognamiglio finished with nine points and nine rebounds. Snow has scored in double figures in all 12 games this season. The Seawolves have won a season-best three games and are two games over .500 (7-5) for the first time since they were 3-1. Stony Brook is 5-0 when holding its opponents under 60 points. Stony Brook has nine days oﬀ over the holiday break before they host Harvard University on Dec. 30 at 4 p.m.

File photos from SBU

At top, Ogechi Anyagaligbo looks to the basket. Above, Brittany Snow with a jumper.

December 24, 2015 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A15

Warney, Stony Brook outlast Hofstra, 71-68 Senior forward tallies 22 points, nine rebounds and five blocks For a second straight year, Stony put myself in a position to help the team. Brook and Hofstra University battled I’m happy I could provide the help today. to the final seconds, but it was the Sea- Hofstra’s a great team. They were picked wolves who came out on to finish first in the CAA top this time, beating the ‘This is bragging so this was a great chalPride, 71-68, Sunday affor us.” rights for Long Island. lenge ternoon at Island Federal Warney, who was Credit Union Arena be- ... I always try to put named America East’s fore 3,334 fans. Player of the Week for the myself in a position Senior forward Jameel third time this season, was Warney finished with 22 to help the team. I’m the only scorer in double points, nine rebounds happy I could provide figures for the Seawolves, and five blocks for Stony but they were paced by juthe help today.’ Brook (6-4). nior guard Lucas Wood— Jameel Warney house and sophomore “This is bragging rights for Long Island,” Warney guard and forward Bryan said. “They won it last year and we had Sekunda, who each had nine points. Senior all year to think about it. I always try to forward Rayshaun McGrew and sophomore guard and forward Roland Nyama followed close behind with eight apiece. Ameen Tanksley and Brian Bernardi led Hofstra (6-4) with 23 and 22 points, respectively. Juan’ya Green, the Pride’s leading scorer at 17.6 points per game entering the contest, was held to five. “In the first half, we rushed things a bit,” Stony Brook junior guard Ahmad Walker said. “In the second half, we adjusted to their different defenses. We accomplished what we worked on in practice. We got good looks as it got late in the shot clock.” After Sekunda made one of two free throws with 15 seconds left to make it 71-68, Hofstra’s Denton Koon missed a three, but got his own rebound and

found Green, whose three-point attempt was long as the buzzer sounded. Stony Brook led for good on a threepointer from Nyama with 10:44 left in regulation. Hofstra got within one five times, but the Seawolves scored on the ensuing possession each time. “I’m just really proud of our guys,” Stony Brook head coach Steve Pikiell said. “I thought we did a good job of moving the ball. Our assist total was great. … We were able to finish when it counted.” Bernardi’s layup made it 65-64 with 1:44 left, but Walker connected on a three-point play to make it 68-64. Warney made two free throws with 20 seconds left to make it 70-66 Stony Brook. Tanksley cut it to two with a pair of free throws with 16 seconds left. Junior guard Lucas Woodhouse hits three three-pointers, his most in a Stony

File photos from SBU

Clockwise from top left, Rayshaun McGrew maintains possession; Jameel Warney goes up to the rim; and Roland Nyama chases after the ball.

Brook uniform. Walker recorded at least five assists for the seventh time in 10 games, tying his career-high with eight. Stony Brook faced a quick turnaround, traveling to Pennsylvania for a contest against Lehigh University on Tuesday, but results were not available by press time.

mike rooney selected sixth overall in mll Supplemental Draft Stony Brook’s all-time leading scorer was chosen by Boston

File photo from SBU

Mike Rooney competing in a Stony Brook University game this past season.

Former Stony Brook All-American Mike Rooney ‘15 was chosen sixth overall by the Boston Cannons in the Major League Lacrosse Supplemental Draft on Dec. 16. Rooney posted one of the greatest seasons in Stony Brook history with school records of 63 assists and 111 points. The first team All-America East selection also scored 48 goals, a seasonhigh, recording more points in 2015 than in 2013 and 2014 combined. After totaling nine points in the first three games, Rooney recorded eight points in a win over Fairfield University. Over a seven-game span, he accumulated 54 points and finished the season by averaging more than six points per game. Rooney had nine games with at least seven points, including a career-high 11 at the University of Vermont. He owns school records for career assists with 121 and career points with 253. Rooney is one of only two players in school history with 100 goals and 100 assists. In other news, Adam Rand ‘11 and

Sean Brady ‘13 were chosen by New York and Tom Compitello ‘11 was picked by Boston. Statistically, Rand, an honorable mention All-America in 2011, finished his career among the greatest faceoff specialists. He totaled 796 face-off wins, good for the third most in Division I history, and is second all-time in face-offs attempted. He’s in the top five in school history with 288 ground balls, tallying a career-high 96 in 2011. Compitello, an assistant coach at Bryant University, scored 68 goals and had 78 assists in 51 career games for the Seawolves. As a junior, he tallied 37 goals and 35 assists en route to honorable mention All-America honors. Compitello was a two-time All-America East selection. Brady, who led the conference in goals against average with 9.94, and save percentage with 515 in 2012, finished the regular season with 120 saves. He registered double-digit saves in six games, including a career-best 17 at Binghamton University, to earn first team All-America East honors.

PAGE A16 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 24, 2015

Religious ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

CATHOLIC

STONY BROOK CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY

ST. JAMES ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Connecting to God, Each Other and the World

400 Nicolls Road, E. Setauket (631) 689–1127 • Fax (631) 689–1215

www.stonybrookchristian.com Pastor Troy Reid Weekly Schedule Sunday Worship w/nursery 10 am Kidmo Children’s Church • Ignited Youth Fellowship and Food Always to Follow Tuesday Evening Prayer: 7 pm Thursday Morning Bible Study w/Coffee & Bagels: 10 am Friday Night Experience “FNX” for Pre K-Middle School: 6:30 pm Ignite Youth Ministry: 7:30 pm Check out our website for other events and times

BYZANTINE CATHOLIC RESURRECTION BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH

38 Mayflower Avenue, Smithtown NY 11787 631–759–6083 resurrectionsmithtown@gmail.com www.resurrectionsmithtown.org Fr. Jack Custer, SSL., STD., Pastor Cantor Joseph S. Durko Divine Liturgy: Sunday, 11:15am followed by fellowship in the parish hall. Holy Days: 7:00pm. See website for days and times. Faith Formation for All Ages: Sunday School (Ages 4-13), alternate Sundays at 10:00am ByzanTeens (14-18), alternate Tuesdays at 7:00pm Adult Faith Formation: Mondays at 7:00pm. PrayerAnon Prayergroup for substance addictions: Wednesdays at 7 pm See the website for current topics and schedule. The Sacraments: Baptism, Chrismation and Eucharist for infants, children and adults arranged by appointment. Sacrament of Matrimony arranged by appointment. Sacrament of Repentance: Sundays 10:50 to 11:05am and before or after all other services. All services in English. A parish of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic.

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. GERARD MAJELLA 300 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station (631) 473–2900 • Fax (631) 473–0015

www.stgmajella.org Rev. Gennaro DiSpigno, Pastor Oﬃce of Christian Formation • 928–2550 We celebrate Eucharist Saturday evening 5 pm, Sunday 7:30, 9 and 11 am Weekday Mass Monday–Friday 9 am We celebrate Baptism Third weekend of each month during any of our weekend Masses We celebrate Marriage Arrangements can be made at the church with our Pastor or Deacon We celebrate Penance Confession is celebrated on Saturdays from 4–5 pm We celebrate You! Visit Our Thrift Shop Mon. – Fri. 10 am–4 pm + Sat. 10 am–2 pm

INFANT JESUS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 110 Myrtle Ave., Port Jefferson, NY 11777 (631) 473-0165 • Fax (631) 331-8094

D irectory

www.www.infantjesus.org Reverend Patrick M. Riegger, Pastor Associates: Rev. Francis Lasrado & Rev. Rolando Ticllasuca To schedule Baptisms and Weddings, Please call the Rectory Confessions: Saturdays 12:30-1:15 pm in the Lower Church Religious Ed.: (631) 928-0447 • Parish Outreach: (631) 331-6145 Weekly Masses: 6:50 and 9 am in the Church, 12 pm in the Chapel* Weekend Masses: Saturday at 5 pm in the Church, 5:15 pm in the Chapel* Sunday at 7:30 am, 10:30 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm in the Church and at 8:30 am, 10 am, and 11:30 am (Family Mass) in the Chapel* Spanish Masses: Sunday at 8:45 am and Wednesday at 6 pm in the Church *Held at the Infant Jesus Chapel at St. Charles Hospital Religious Education: (631) 928-0447 Parish Outreach: (631) 331-6145

429 Rt. 25A, Setauket, NY 11733 Phone/Fax: (631) 941–4141

Mission Statement: In faith we come together to celebrate the Eucharist as a Parish Family; and as a Catholic community of faith, we are sent to be Christ to the world around us. Rev. James-Patrick Mannion, Pastor Rev. Daniel Opoku-Mensah, Associate Rev. Jon Fitzgerald, In Residence Weekday Masses: Monday – Saturday 8:00 am Christmas Eve Masses, Thurs., December 24 4 pm Church, 4:15 pm Parish Center, 7:30 pm Church, 11 pm Church (Carols Sung by the Choir at 10:30 pm) Christmas Day Masses, Fri., December 25 8 am Church, 10:15 am Church, 11:45 am Church (No afternoon or evening Masses On Christmas Day) The Feast of Mary, Mother of God, Thursday, December 31, 5 pm Church Friday, January 1, 2016, 10 am Church Weekend Masses: Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm Sunday 8:00am, 9:30 am (family), 11:30 am (choir), 6:00 pm (Youth) Office Hours: Monday–Thursday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Baptisms: Sundays at 1:30 pm (except during Lent) Reconciliation: Saturdays 4:00 – 4:45 pm or by appointment Anointing Of The Sick: by request Holy Matrimony: contact the office at least 9 months before desired date

CONGREGATIONAL MT. SINAI CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

233 North Country Road, Mt. Sinai • (631) 473–1582 www.mtsinaichurchli.org “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here” Sunday Services at 10 am Sunday School and childcare oﬀered at the 10 am service and open to all infants to 8th grade. Last Sundays of the month: 10 am Welcome Sunday Service A service welcoming those with differing abilities We are an Open and Affirming Congregation.

EPISCOPAL ALL SOULS EPISCOPAL CHURCH “Our little historic church on the hill” across from the Stony Brook Duck Pond

Main Street, Stony Brook • (631) 751–0034

www.allsouls–stonybrook.org • allsoulsepiscopalchurch@verizon.net Please come and welcome our new Priests: The Rev. Dr. Richard Visconti, Priest–In–Charge The Rev. Farrell D. Graves, Priest Associate Sunday Holy Eucharist: 8 and 9:30 am Religious instruction for children follows the 9:30 am Service This is a small eclectic Episcopal congregation that has a personal touch. We welcome all regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey. Walk with us.

CAROLINE CHURCH OF BROOKHAVEN The Rev. Cn. Dr. Richard D. Visconti, Rector The Rev. Farrell Graves, Priest Associate

1 Dyke Road on the Village Green, Setauket Web site: www.carolinechurch.net Parish Office email: office@carolinechurch.net (631) 941–4245

Sunday Services: 8:00 am, 9:30 am and 11:15 am Church School/Child Care at 9:30 am Church School classes now forming. Call 941-4245 for registration Weekday Holy Eucharist’s: Thursday 12:30 pm and First Fri. of the month 7:30 pm (rotating: call Parish Oﬃce for location) Youth, Music and Service Programs oﬀered CHRISTMAS SERVICES Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24th Please note our new Service times 5:00 p.m. Children’s Service Festal Holy Eucharist Rite II - Youth & Teen Choirs

8:00 p.m. Festal Holy Eucharist Rite II - Adult Choir 10:00 p.m. Festal Holy Eucharist Rite II - Adult Choir Christmas Day, Friday, December 25th 10:00 a.m. Festal Holy Eucharist, Rite II - with Christmas Hymns Let God walk with you as part of our family–friendly community.

EPISCOPAL CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 127 Barnum Ave., Port Jefferson (631) 473–0273 email: ccoffice@christchurchportjeff.org www.christchurchportjeff.org

Father Anthony DiLorenzo: Priest–In–Charge Sunday Eucharist: 8 am and 10 am/Wednesday 10 in our chapel Sunday School and Nursery at 9:30 am Our ministries: Welcome Inn on Mondays at 5:45 pm AA meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 pm/Prayer Group on Wednesdays at 10:30 am/Bible Study on Thursdays at 10 am. It is the mission of the people of Christ Church to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ and to make his love known to all through our lives and ministry. We at Christ Church are a joyful, welcoming community. Wherever you are in your journey of life we want to be part of it.

EVANGELICAL THREE VILLAGE CHURCH Knowing Christ...Making Him Known

322 Route 25A, East Setauket • (631) 941–3670 www.3vc.org

Lead Pastor Josh Moody Sunday Worship Schedule 9:15 am:Worship Service Sunday School (Pre–K – Adult), Nursery 10:30 am: Bagel/Coﬀee Fellowship 11:00 am: Worship, Nursery, Pre–K, Cornerstone Kids (Gr. K–4) We oﬀer weekly Teen Programs, Small Groups, Women’s Bible Studies (day & evening) & Men’s Bible Study Faith Nursery School for ages 3 & 4 Join us as we celebrate 55 years of proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ!

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION

430 Sheep Pasture Rd., Port Jefferson 11777 Tel: 631-473-0894 • Fax: 631-928-5131 www.kimisis.org • goc.assumption@gmail.com

Rev. Demetrios N. Calogredes, Protopresbyter Sunday Services Orthros 8:30 am - Devine Liturgy 10 am CHRISTMAS EVE 2015-Orthros 6 pm, Divine Liturgy 7 pm Services conducted in both Greek & English* Books available to follow in English* Sunday Catechism School, 10:15 am - 11:15 am* Greek Language School, Tuesdays 5 pm - 8 pm* Bible Study & Adult Catechism Classes Available* Golden Age & Youth Groups* Thrift Store* Banquet Hall available for Rental* For information please call Church oﬃce*

JEWISH CHABAD AT STONY BROOK “Judaism with a smile”

Future site: East side of Nicolls Rd, North of Rte 347 –Next to Fire Dept. Current location: 821 Hawkins Ave., Lake Grove

(631) 585–0521 • (800) My–Torah • www.ChabadSB.com Rabbi Chaim & Rivkie Grossbaum Rabbi Motti & Chaya Grossbaum Rabbi Sholom B. & Chanie Cohen Membership Free •Weekday, Shabbat & Holiday Services Highly acclaimed Torah Tots Preschool • Afternoon Hebrew School Camp Gan Israel • Judaica Publishing Department • Lectures and Seminars • Living Legacy Holiday Programs Jewish Learning Institute Friendship Circle for Special Needs Children • The CTeen Network N’shei Chabad Women’s Club • Cyberspace Library www.ChabadSB.com Chabad at Stony Brook University – Rabbi Adam & Esther Stein

December 24, 2015 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A17

Religious

D irectory

JEWISH

LUTHERAN–LCMS

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

CORAM JEWISH CENTER

MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP AT STONY BROOK

Young Israel of Coram 981 Old Town Rd., Coram • (631) 698–3939 YIC.org – YoungIsraelofCoram@gmail.com

RABBI DR. MORDECAI & MARILYN GOLSHEVSKY RABBI SAM & REBECCA GOLSHEVSKY

“THE ETERNAL FLAME–THE ETERNAL LIGHT” Weekly Channel #20 at 11 am Shabbat Morning Services 9 am Free Membership. No building fund. Free Hebrew School. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Shabbat and Holiday Services followed by hot buffet. Adult Education Institute. Women’s Education Group–International Lectures and Torah Study. Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Kaballah Classes. Jewish Holiday Institute. Tutorials for all ages. FREE HEBREW SCHOOL 2015–2016 Details (631)698–3939 Member National Council of Young Israel a world–wide organization. All welcome regardless of knowledge or observance level.

NORTH SHORE JEWISH CENTER

385 Old Town Rd., Port Jefferson Station (631) 928–3737 www.NorthShoreJewishCenter.org Rabbi Aaron Benson

Cantor Daniel Kramer, Rabbi Emeritus Howard Hoffman Executive Director Marcie Platkin Services: Daily morning and evening minyan Friday at 8 pm; Saturday 8:45 am and one hour before sundown • Tot Shabbat Family Kehillah • Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Seniors Club • Youth Group Award–winning Religious School • Teen Community Service Program Nursery School • Mommy and Me • Preschool Summer Program Continuing Ed • Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah • Judaica Shop Thrift Shop • Kosher Catering Panel We warmly welcome you to our Jewish home. Come worship, study and enjoy being Jewish with our caring NSJC family. Member United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

TEMPLE ISAIAH (REFORM)

1404 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook • (631) 751–8518 A warm and caring intergenerational community dedicated to learning, prayer, social action, and friendship.

Rabbi Sharon L. Sobel Cantor Michael F. Trachtenberg Emeritus Cantor Scott Harris Rabbi Emeritus Stephen A. Karol Rabbi Emeritus Adam D. Fisher

Member Union for Reform Judaism Sabbath Services Friday 7:30 pm and Saturday 10 am Monthly Family Service • Monthly Tot Shabbat • Religious School Youth Groups • Senior Club • Adult Education • Chavurah Groups • Early AM Studies • Sisterhood • Brotherhood • PT

LUTHERAN–ELCA ST. PAULS LUTHERAN CHURCH

309 Patchogue Road, Port Jefferson Station (631)473–7157

Rev. Paul A. Downing, Pastor email: pastorpauldowning@yahoo.com • pastors cell: 347–423–3623 church website: wwwStPaulsLCPJS.org Services Sundays – 8:30 am and 10:30 am Holy Communion Bibles and Bagels 9:30 am Sunday School during 10:30 am service Wednesday Evening 7:30 pm – Holy Communion Friday Morning Power of Prayer Hour 10:30 am ~ All are Welcome ~

465 Pond Path, East Setauket (631)751-1775 www.messiahny.com

Rev. Charles Bell - Pastor We welcome all to join us for worship & fellowship Sunday Worship Services 8:15am, 9:30am & 11:00am Sunday School at 9:30 am Midweek Tuesday Advent Service 6:15 pm, December 8 & 15 Midweek Wednesday Advent Service 11 am, December 9 & 16 Christmas Eve5:30pm-Candlelight Family • 8pm-Candlelight Traditional Christmas Day 10am • New Year’s Eve 7:30pm NYS Certified Preschool & Day Care Program Please call for details

METHODIST BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 33 Christian Ave/ PO2117 E. Setauket NY 11733 (631)941 3581 Rev. Gregory L. Leonard–Pastor

Sunday Worship 10:30 am Adult Sunday School 9:30 am Lectionary Reading and Prayer Wed. 12 noon Gospel Choir Tues. 8 pm Praise Choir and Youth Choir 3rd and 4th Fri. 6:30 pm

COMMACK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 486 Townline Road, Commack Church Office: (631)499–7310 Fax: (631) 858–0596 www.commack–umc.org • mail@commack–umc.org Rev. Linda Bates–Stepe, Pastor

380 Nicolls Road • between Rte 347 & Rte 25A (631) 751–0297 • www.uufsb.org • oﬃce@uufsb.org

Rev. Margaret H. Allen (minister@uufsb.org) Sunday Service: 10:30 am

Religious Education at UUFSB: Unitarian Universalism accepts wisdom from many sources and oﬀers non-dogmatic religious education for children from 3-18 to foster ethical and spiritual development and knowledge of world religions. Classes Sunday mornings at 10:30 am. Childcare for little ones under three. Senior High Youth Group meetings Sunday evenings. Registration is ongoing. For more information: dre@uufsb.org.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF HUNTINGTON

109 Brown’s Road, Huntington, NY 11743 631–427–9547 www.uufh.org

Rev. G. Jude Geiger, Minister

(minister@uufh.org) Starr Austin, religious educator (dreuufh@gmail.com) Sunday Service 10:30 am, Children’s Religious Education 10:30 am CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES Family Service 5 pm: Christmas pageant with youth choir, intergenerational orchestra and candle lighting. Contemplative Service 7 pm: With candle lighting, choir and string quartet. Whoever you are, whomever you love, wherever you are on your life’s journey, you are welcome here. Our services offer a progressive, non-creedal message with room for spiritual seekers. Services and Religious Education each Sunday at 10:30 am Youth Group, Lifespan Religious Education for Adults, Adult and Children’s Choirs Participants in the Huntington Interfaith Housing Initiative Find us on Facebook and Twitter

SETAUKET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

UNITY

Rev. Sandra B. Mantz, Pastor

UNITY CHURCH OF HEALING LIGHT

PRESBYTERIAN

Unity Church of Healing Light is committed to helping people unfold their Christ potential to transform their lives and build spiritual community through worship, education, prayer and service. Sunday Worship & Church School 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Service 7:30 p.m. Sign Language Interpreter at Sunday Service

160 Main Street, Corner of 25A and Main Street East Setauket • (631) 941–4167

www.setauketumc.org • SUMCNY@aol.com Sunday Worship Service & Church School 10 am 10 am Worship with Holy Communion Mary & Martha Circle (Women’s Ministry) monthly on 2nd Tuesday at noon Adult Bible Study Sunday 8 am Prayer Group and Bible Study at the Church Wednesdays 10 am

203 East Pulaski Rd., Huntington Sta. (631) 385–7180 www.unityhuntingtonny.org

Rev. Saba Mchunguzi

SETAUKET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

5 Caroline Avenue ~ On the Village Green (631) 941-4271 www.setauketpresbyterian.org Email: setauketpresbyterian@verizon.net

REV. MARY BARRETT SPEERS, PASTOR

Sunday Morning Worship at 9:30 am With Childcare & Children’s Church School Advent Schedule: Dec. 13: Selections from Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit SPC Choir, Soloists and Orchestra, 9:30 am Dec. 20th: Children’s Christmas Pageant, 9:30 am Joy Oﬀering Christmas Eve Schedule: Family “Manger” Service at 4:30pm, with Blessing of Animals Welcome INN dinner at 5:45 pm Worship Service at 7:30 pm • Singing of the Hallelujah Chorus Youth Group Alumni Party at 9:00 pm in the Parlor Candlelight Service with Communion at 11:00 pm

To be listed in the Religious Directory, please call 751–7663

To Subscribe: Please Call 631.751.7744 or Subscribe online at www.tbrnewsmedia.com

PAGE A18 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 24, 2015

OPINION World is at a critical moment on AIDS

Photo from Susan Eckert

County GOP lawmakers speak at a press conference.

TO THE EDITOR: We have come a long way in the fight against HIV/AIDS — since the Millennium Development Goals were first adopted in 2000 through 2013, new HIV infections have fallen by roughly 40 percent. But the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to affect millions of people around the world and in the United States, with marginalized communities disproportionately impacted and millions newly infected each year. In some of the hardest hit areas globally, adolescent girls and young women face poverty, gender inequality, exclusion, discrimina-

tion, lack of education and violence, which put them at increased risk of acquiring HIV. Many don’t realize that Planned Parenthood is a leading educator and provider of HIV testing in the United States. In 2013 alone, the last year for which data is available, Planned Parenthood health centers provided 704,000 HIV tests nationwide. In 2014, Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic health centers and SmartWheels mobile education and testing vans provided 13,100 rapid HIV tests in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and Suffolk counties. Yet rather than supporting such needed efforts to end the epidemic in our community, we anticipate that anti-women’s health members of Congress will continue to push for

a policy rider that defunds Planned Parenthood in the next round of budget negotiations. Defunding Planned Parenthood really means taking health care — including testing and treatment for STIs like HIV — away from the 2.7 million women, men and young people Planned Parenthood serves each year. I encourage you to #StandWithPP and support efforts to end HIV/AIDS. Now is the time to move forward, not backward, on this issue that has impacted so many millions around the world. Let’s protect our progress and double down on our efforts to end this epidemic. Reina Schiffrin Planned Parenthood Hawthorne, N.Y.

EDITORIAL

GOP’s ‘cop monitor’ worth considering Suffolk County Republicans assembled at the Legislature building last week to call for a federal monitor to oversee our county police department. They argued that a recent indictment of former Police Chief James Burke was a tipping point, proving that county government could not be trusted to operate independently without supervision. They also cited County Executive Steve Bellone’s appointment of Tim Sini to replace Burke as key evidence supporting their pleas, accusing him of not having enough experience to do the job at the level the county needs. We don’t disagree with the Suffolk County GOP in saying that the federal government should consider monitoring the county’s police department to make sure it is adequately protecting us and that the taxpayer dollars funding it are being well spent. There should be a monitor — but not solely for the reasons our Republican lawmakers have outlined. There are plenty of other issues concerning the Suffolk County Police Department that a federal monitor could help alleviate. For starters, we have editorialized in the past about the department’s ongoing relationship woes with the greater Hispanic community, which has had a public spotlight for the last several years. The department has taken some steps to address this issue, but a lot more can be done. A federal monitor could also make sure our department utilizes its resources appropriately at a time when many elected officials argue that patrols are being stretched too thin and officers are overworked. Better management of resources could also mean better enforcement of the county’s gang population and fight against drug abuse. As much as we might cringe at the idea of “more government” — especially on the federal level — it would be better than nothing.

State Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick is now a member of the New York Farm Bureau’s Circle of Friends list.

Fitz fits

To The ediTor: i am pleased to announce that New York Farm Bureau has named Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (r-St. James) to our annual Circle of Friends list. This legislative award is based upon his record of legislative support for New York agriculture and Farm Bureau’s public policies. New York Farm Bureau is a non-partisan organization and does not endorse elected officials or political candidates.

Assemblyman Fitzpatrick joins legislators from both sides of the aisle in the Senate and Assembly who have a superior voting record on issues of concern to New York farmers during the 2015 state legislative session. New York Farm Bureau, the state’s largest general farm advocacy organization, works closely with the legislature to strengthen agriculture in New York and build on its economic importance in every region of the state. over the past year, we have worked to reduce regulatory fees for farms,

File photo

improve law enforcement training for animal cruelty laws and increase funding for education, conservation and agricultural research. These and many other accomplishments this year would not have been possible without the support from lawmakers like Assemblyman Fitzpatrick.

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

dean Norton, President New York Farm Bureau elba, N.Y.

December 24, 2015 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A19

Preparing to close the book on 2015

D. None of the above by DaNiel DuNaief

vtimes@tbrnewspapers.com

here we are at the Baseball Hall of Fame. And, look, remember that time mom ran into Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard on the street and got a selfie with him. Speaking of selfies, how about that one of our nephew who ran into Celtics’ basketball player David Lee in Boston? Yes, every year, we produce

countless photographic memories, capturing the moment. Those pictures may be worth a thousand words — and more. I’m talking about our other senses. We have this incredible evolutionary gift that enables us to experience our lives, to appreciate and understand what’s happening now beyond just seeing a video, or flipping or clicking through a photo album. At some point we’ve all lost someone we love. We can look at pictures, visit their graves and listen to their favorite songs. But the experience, at least for me, of remembering how they spoke or what they said breathes life into that memory. Despite growing up in Manhattan, my Aunt Maxine developed a Jimmy Durante way of speaking. “Hey, you!” she’d shout at me from across the room. “Did yah remembuh? It’s my boithday soon and ya gotta get me a cake and a watch.” Shorter than most adults,

Aunt Maxine, who died several years ago, was so much more than her small frame. Yes, she flooded the airwaves at times with a deep voice that could seem like a jackhammer. And yet she could charm a Mona Lisa-type smile out of the most hesitant of audiences. My first thought is not of her stature, but the gift of her humor and of the back scratches she shared with her small, soft hands. As we prepare to close the book on 2015, it’s worth going beyond the pictures of experiences, victories, defeats and challenging moments to celebrate our senses. I recently attended a holiday party where a couple described in savory details the taste of a seven-fish stew they eat every year at Christmas. A relative who died long ago used to make it for their family. Not only do they appreciate the flavor, but they also use the taste to reconnect with their ancestors who

left Italy long ago. When we look at that picture of ourselves at a baseball game, we can and should remember the sun that peaked through the clouds, warming the backs of our necks. Even if we don’t eat the hot dogs, we can bask in the connection between that smell and those times we sat high in the seats at a baseball stadium, waiting for the hot dog vendor to place those warm meals wrapped in napkins in our mitts, which we refused to remove in case a foul ball came our way. When we see that picture of our daughter in the dress she bought for a party, let’s allow the squeal she let out when she found the perfect outfit to echo in our minds. If you’re lucky and your daughter shares an excited sound, does a triumphant dance or expresses a joy that resonates throughout her body, you know how those movements or sounds make you feel.

Those pictures may be worth a thousand words — and more.

It’s probably something akin to how mother penguins, who have left their young for days on end to hunt for fish, react when they return to the familiar call of their young. Or, maybe, we’ll take a moment to relive the way we bent over double, laughing with our wives and kids, about something ridiculous we said just before we got out of the car. Wonderful as the pictures of each year are, they’re the tip of the sensory iceberg of the experiences we shared in 2015. Daniel Dunaief’s recent book, “The Other Parent,” may be purchased online from www.tbrnewsmedia.com/ebooks.

The frenetic age of instantaneous news feeds

between you and me by leah S. DuNaief

vtimes@tbrnewspapers.com

hatever else we may be feeling right now, it is safe to generalize that we are not bored. Aside from the usual holiday frenzy, as we get our homes, our pets, our refrigerators and pantries, ourselves and our shopping lists ready, we are overwhelmed by more issues at this year’s end than I can ever remember. Maybe it has to do with our instantaneous news feeds that make us aware of what’s going on. But I think that we are living in a frenetic age.

Where to start? Certainly, terrorism has occupied center stage in the minds of Americans. Worse — and more frightening than attacks from outside — is the demonstrable possibility of random homicide from within, from Americans or those who have settled among us and been “radicalized,” a polite word for psychopath. For how else can one characterize those who would commit mass murder to make a statement? Continuing on, in no particular order, there is the fierce debate about guns and their easy availability in our country. Probably the most extraordinary line I have heard on the subject: “If Jews in Europe had had guns, there never would have been a Holocaust.” The presidential race, started way before the actual election, has become an excellent source of entertainment as spectator sport for the public and high ratings for the TV stations. Top banana is surely Donald Trump, who is clearly having the time of his life mocking his GOP colleagues and those of the opposition party,

especially Hillary Clinton. Just think: If this were a movie, people would never believe it could happen, this New Yorker leading the pack by insulting everyone in sight. He may even be the catalyst for a new detente with Russia. Putin really likes him and vice versa. Maybe he gives Putin something more interesting to watch on his own TV at home at night than the censored news the Russian people are served up. How probable that a candidate in Russia would be able to say the one-liners Trump offers each day, starting with his opinion of his president? Then there is the grave matter of police brutality, which is framed in large part by the issue of racism in America. No sooner is there a police shooting in one state than there is another in another state, equally distributed between North and South, East and West. The only redeeming feature is the outrage and immediate investigations such events engender. But how helpful those reactions are remains to be seen. We must keep the spotlight on them.

TIMES BEacon rEcord nEWS MEdIa

We welcome letters, photographs, comments and story ideas. Send your items to PO Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733 or email to phil@tbrnewspapers.com. Times Beacon Record Newspapers are published every Thursday. Subscription $49/year • 631–751–7744 www.tbrnewsmedia.com • Contents copyright 2015

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Leah S. Dunaief GENERAL MANAGER Johness Kuisel MANAGING EDITOR Phil Corso EDITOR Phil Corso

Immigration has become a major flash point, having moved from Mexican youngsters crossing over in large enough numbers to overwhelm the border patrol to Syrians and others from the Middle East desperately seeking asylum from the bombings and atrocities currently perpetrated on civilian populations. We are living in a time with the greatest migration of peoples since World War II displaced millions. And how are we to judge the authenticity of each person coming into America? By the same token, do we discriminate on the basis of ethnicity or religion? Have we learned nothing from the past century? Immigration is an even more acute issue across the Atlantic since Europe is a geographically closer destination than the United States. Thousands have abandoned their homelands, taking little more than their children and the clothes on their backs to try and make a better life in the northern countries. Some have perished along the way. Fences have gone

LEISURE EDITOR Heidi Sutton SPORTS EDITOR Desirée Keegan ONLINE EDITOR Elana Glowatz

Top banana is surely Donald Trump.

up to prevent their entrance, threatening the basic tenets of the European Union amid the countries’ inability to cope. Partly underlying resistance to the newcomers is the fear of admitting further terrorists. Meanwhile we continue bombing Syria. So does Russia. So does France. So does a reported Middle Eastern coalition led by Saudi Arabia. No wonder mistakes are being made as people are killed who are not the intended targets. There must be almost as many different nationalities of planes in the air as people on the ground, trying to escape. What a mess. For the moment, we here can do little more than pull our families closely around us and remember how lucky we are as we reach out to help others. No, we are not bored, just overwhelmed. May we see peace in our time.

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kathryn Mandracchia ART AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR David R. Leaman INTERNET STRATEGY DIRECTOR Rob Alfano

CLASSIFIEDS DIRECTOR Ellen Segal BUSINESS MANAGER Sandi Gross CREDIT MANAGER Diane Wattecamps CIRCULATION MANAGER Courtney Biondo

PAGE A20 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 24, 2015

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