The Times of Smithtown - February 18, 2021

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TIMES of SMITHTOWN

F O R T S A LO N G A • K I N G S PA R K • S M I T H TO W N • N E S C O N S E T • S T J A M E S • H E A D O F T H E H A R B O R • N I S S E Q U O G U E • H A U P PA U G E • C O M M A C K Vol. 33, No. 52

February 18, 2021

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What’s Inside

Hauppauge pastor finally returns home after battle with COVID-19 A3

Head of the Harbor coalition asks town for reconsiderations in master plan A5 Free lunch waiver extended in local school districts A6

A Sense of Place opens at Mills Pond Gallery in St. James B1 SPACE RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBER ADDRESS

Back on the court

Smithtown East Bulls basketball teams take down their opponents this week; read story on the boys team at tbrnewsmedia.com and girls team on A9

Smithtown East junior forward Tristan Davis fights for a loose ball with Huntington’s Kevin Drake. Photo by Steven Zaitz

Women’s History Month A

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PAGE A2 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • FEBRUARY 18, 2021

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FEBRUARY 18, 2021 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A3

Town

Local pastor finally goes home after battle with COVID-19

BY JULIANNE MOSHER JULIANNE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Doug Jansson finally got to spend Christmas with his family — nearly two months after the holiday.

On Dec. 12, the 42-year-old pastor was brought into Stony Brook University Hospital after he and the rest of his family contracted COVID-19 in late November. He was intubated in the Intensive Care Unit on Christmas Eve, and placed on life support where it was thought he wasn’t going to make it.

“I think I remember him being sick only a handful of times in the 20 years we’ve been married,” his wife, Kelly, said back in January.

“When we got COVID, he was worried about me — nobody was worried about him getting hit this hard.”

But now, the lead pastor of Living World Church in Hauppauge is back home in Smithtown after 63 days.

On Feb. 12, the father of three was wheeled out of St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson, where he was undergoing rehabilitation for nine days, since being discharged from Stony Brook on Feb. 3. Jansson said he was able to get up and walk out because of prayer.

Early on in the pandemic, Jansson organized prayer parades with his church, often visiting local hospitals to support essential workers and victims of the virus.

But then he became ill, himself. After being in the ICU for not even two days, he began complaining of severe pain. A CT scan revealed a pleural effusion (fluid in the chest),

a secondary pneumonia, pleurisy and a small pneumothorax (air in the chest). His right lung collapsed.

That’s when his wife knew she had to share his story. Kelly logged into his Facebook account and began updating his friends, family and followers of his progress. Some days were better than others, but one thing she kept asking of everyone was to keep praying.

Kelly said she began receiving messages from people all over the world, telling her they were keeping Doug in their thoughts and prayers. Now he’s finally home.

Feb. 12 was always a special day for the couple, Kelly said outside St. Charles Hospital the day of his release. Twenty-one years ago, on the same date, he proposed to her.

And to celebrate his release, nearly 100 people gathered outside with balloons, signs and streamers to cheer the pastor on as he got in his car, ready to go home.

“I’m thankful that we’re here and so grateful,” Doug said before he addressed the crowd outside. “I know that God has set it up to be just a miracle and something that we can’t express that we know we don’t deserve.

But he’s giving, so we’re really thankful.”

When asked how this whole experience made him feel, his voice broke.

“I would say two words keep coming to mind when people ask me that,” he said. “One is painful. It’s been very difficult, fighting through this and being away from my family.

But the other word is, in a weird way beautiful, because I’ve gotten to see doctors and nurses and health care people in a different light and

Above photo, Doug Jansson is embraced by his wife, Kelly, at St. Charles Hospital. Left, family dog Chewy is thrilled Doug is home with him, again. Above photo by Julianne Mosher, left photo from Kelly Jansson

really get to know them.”

He said the essential workers have been there for him and his family.

“I also feel like God’s put me through this to try to be there for them, to encourage him, pray for and bless them,” he added. “I know that, for whatever reason, this story has impacted people and, you know, that makes going through it worth it because I know people are being drawn to Jesus.”

Nearly a week home, one of his first requests, he said, was to get a slice of pizza from Ciro’s in Smithtown. And on his way home, the pizzeria donated two large pies to

the family to celebrate his homecoming.

The family was finally able to celebrate Christmas, and their dog, Chewy, was so happy to see his dad again.

“He’s doing really well,” Kelly said on Feb. 15 in a phone interview. “He’s working so hard on getting stronger. There’s still a way to go, but we will help him get there.”

And Doug said his couldn’t have done it without the support from his family, church, faith and the prayers from strangers.

“I am so grateful to God to be home with my family after all this time,” he said. “We are enjoying every second of it.”

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PAGE A4 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • FEBRUARY 18, 2021

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FEBRUARY 18, 2021 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A5

Town

Town of Smithtown and neighborhood coalition clash over comprehensive plan ideas

BY CHRIS CUMELLA DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

A proposed sewage treatment plant on the Gyrodyne property in St. James has been the topic of rallies in the past, such as the above in March of 2020, and is still a concern for residents. File photo by Rita J. Egan

can take effect — renovating the land inside the town instead of constructing new developments on the other side of the Nissequogue River, which are primarily untouched wetlands and marshlands home to various species of wildlife.

The need to connect with the community follows a hope of Garguilo that there can be

common ground between the opposition and the town as the Comprehensive Plan continues to unravel and expand.

Others like Ogden say they do not know if it is possible for a win-win for everybody, but “If we can reconsider some parts, then it would feel like we’re being listened to.”

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Future ideas and recommendations being made for Smithtown’s Master Comprehensive Plan by town officials and residents have been public and viewable on the town’s website, but there is still miscommunication occurring on both ends.

Open recreational spaces, private lands for sewage treatment facilities, and renovation of outdated structures only scrape the surface of the expansive vision that the Smithtown government sees for the numerous town hamlets that the plan is expected to partake in. To display full transparency of the plan’s elongated efforts and strategies of achieving them, gaining public feedback was essential to the process of a collaborative effort of compromises between the town government and residents alike.

“In 2019, we began these public meetings in each hamlet,” said Smithtown Public Information Officer Nicole Garguilo in a phone interview. “We had maps, interactive sessions, we also did an online questionnaire.”

Smithtown officials began their public outreach through questionnaires created on publicinput.com, a community engagement software creator, which allowed the town to extend requests of feedback and concerns or questions from the residents.

However, while public information sessions have managed to keep the town up to date, it has also created problematic tensions for one group of residents in particular who are actively opposing certain aspects of the plan. Garguilo commented that the mentioned opposition is primarily against the waste-water management facility proposed for the Gyrodyne property in St. James but that the real issues stem from people “fearing what they don’t understand.”

The Head of the Harbor Neighborhood Preservation Coalition represents one of the groups of town citizens criticizing and opposing specific sections of the plan unless favorable compromises can be reached between the coalition and the town government. The coalition is a volunteer organization based in Head of the Harbor. It is composed of neighborhood residents dedicated to the preservation of their environment, heritage and history.

The middle-ground between these two groups is uncertain, especially amid claims that there is improper regard to the community’s voices speaking out against the plan.

“They receive [our] letters, but we don’t receive any acknowledgment from the town that there are community concerns,” said Judy Ogden, trustee of the Head of the Harbor Neighborhood Coalition. “When the draft Comprehensive Plan came out, it was supposed to be a chance to speak of the conflict in some of the points being made.”

The coalition’s most prominent concern for the plan was their method for sewage treatment,

which is being managed in association by Gyrodyne — a commercial property management firm that is privatizing the land sections that sewer treatment facilities are set to operate in.

Ogden, along with other members of the coalition, have attended numerous town hamlet meetings to raise questions. Their most recent attendance during a Zoom conference held Jan. 28 about St. James found familiar questions and ponderance directed toward the details for sewage treatment.

“Much to my surprise and to the Smithtown committee, a good portion of that evening was spent talking about Gyrodyne,” said Ogden.

“The fact that more people spoke for their concerns about Gyrodyne and formed a coalition shows we should get the project evaluated.”

All over Suffolk County, according to Garguilo, various places are operating off of outdated sewage systems. If the town had to build even one sewer treatment facility with taxpayer money, the total amount of required finances would roughly estimate $157 million, according to the PIO. Even if the funds were acquired federally, the debate of where it should be placed would supposedly cause further complications and delays for set-up.

Garguilo said that it is a matter of a 20-to30-year option vs. a three-year option. The latter being a route that costs the taxpayers of Smithtown nothing since the said sewer treatment facility would be developed in a private sector of land.

“Gyrodyne has owners that want to do right by the community,” Garguilo said. “Most of the representatives are St. James residents, and they care about the community and pay attention to what the concerns are. I think that when it’s all said and done, people will be pleased.”

In addition to sewage treatment, Smithtown officials had reached a deal that H2M, the multi-disciplined professional consulting and design firm, whose hired land developers stated if ten homes were built in a single square mile, a plot of land within a square mile would have to be preserved for open space.

Garguilo affirmed that this action followed part of the town’s decision to make certain areas of the town more family-oriented by associating outdoor-recreational environments that all age-demographics can enjoy.

Smithtown’s famous monument, a bull statue named Whisper, has remained across from developments that have come and gone for over a century. Across the street from the statue is currently the gentlemen’s club Oasis, among other outdated developments, which the town envisions as future open recreational spaces for the general public to use.

It is a mission statement of the town of Smithtown and a drive behind the Comprehensive Plan to preserve as much wildlife space and to never build on it if possible.

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PAGE A6 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Education

USDA extends free lunch waiver to local school districts

BY JULIANNE MOSHER JULIANNE@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

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

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

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

And it’s benefiting hundreds of students, local

school representatives said.

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

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

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

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

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said. “People will be more comfortable with food being prepared for their children again.”

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

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

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

Memos were sent out to residents within the Port Jefferson School District, too, and Deputy Superintendent Sean Leister said that while “around 10% or 15% of students are remote, this brings a level of normalcy to them.” Leister added his district has also seen an increase in families participating.

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

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

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

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in our district and community have access to the nutritious foods they need,” she said.

Whether the student is remote learning or inperson, everyone is eligible if they so choose, no questions asked. Remote families are able to pick up their meals at the school, where the district packages meals for two or three days at a time, she said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I think it’ll go up even more after COVID,” he

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Sports

Go to tbrnewsmedia.com for more sports photos



Smithtown East 35 Centereach 28

Bulls outlast Centereach Cougars

BY BILL LANDON DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Trailing the Bulls of Smithtown East, 152, late in the opening quarter the Cougars of Centereach clawed their way back to draw within 6 at the halftime break Feb. 14. The Cougars found their rhythm in the third quarter and closed the gap to a single point in the last three minutes of play, but the Bulls were able to hold off the late game surge and win the nonleague matchup, 35-28.

Ava Mueller topped the scoring charts for Smithtown East with two field goals, a triple and 4 from the charity stripe for 11 points. Teammate Paige Doherty netted 8 and Josie Lent banked 6.

Two sophomores led the way for Centereach with Juliana Speziale netting 9 for the Cougars, and Ashlynne Gangji tacked on 7.

In this COVID shortened season, Centereach has three games left as Smithtown East has four before post season play begins on Feb. 26.

Photos clockwise from above, Smithtown’s Mueller boxes out Ejoraa Ninche looking for the rebound; Rebecca Hannwacker with a fade away shot for Smithtown East; Doherty battles down low; Hannwacker and Centereach sophomore Mia Juvelier battle for a rebound; Jordan Townes with a baseline pass against Centereach; Centereach sophomore guard Gangji drives to the basket.

— Photos by Bill Landon

PAGE A10 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • FEBRUARY 18, 2021

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For a FREE brochure call:

1-800-404-9776

7850

7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value!

PAGE A12 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • FEBRUARY 18, 2021

WE ARE:

CONTACT US:

BASIC AD RATES • FIRST 20 WORDS

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

OFFICE • IN-PERSON

(40¢ each additional word)

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

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

SPECIALS*

tbrnewsmedia.com ©98619

GENERAL OFFICE 631–751–7744 Fax 631–751–4165 This Publication is Subject to All Fair Housing Acts OFFICE HOURS Monday–Friday 10:00 am–4:00 pm

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

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

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

EMAIL class@tbrnewsmedia.com CONTACT CLASSIFIEDS:

(631) 331–1154 or (631) 751–7663 Fax (631) 751–4165 class@tbrnewsmedia.com tbrnewsmedia.com

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

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

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

GARAGE SALES

CLASSIFIEDS 631.331.1154 or 631.751.7663 • www.tbrnewsmedia.com Boat/Marine

REAL ESTATE

SATURDAY, 10/3, 8:00AM-5:00PM. 17 CLUB HOUSE COURT, EAST SETAUKET. Toys, collectable’s, clothes, housewares, much more, masks required.

Automobiles/Trucks Vans/Rec Vehicles

CASH FOR ALL CARS AND CASH FOR JUNK CARS WANTED. No Key, No Title, NO Problem. Free Pick-up. Habla Espanol. Call 631-445-1848.

See Display Ad for more info.

JUNK CARS BOUGHT! We’ll Beat Any Price.

Call 631-500-1015. See Display Ad for more info.

TOP CASH PAID FOR ALL TRUCKS, CARS, & VANS. +LJKHVW SULFHV SDLG IRU ¿[DEOH vehicles. Call Mark 631-258-7919. See Display for more information.

Auto Services

Merchandise COMMERCIAL GENERATOR, 1995 Onan Cummings Diesel, Model# 35DGBB, 3 phase electric, 1800 rpms, 9,210 hours, Medford Fire District $10,000 631-475-0413 EXT 6 VINTAGE WALL CLOCK made

by Master clockmaker Gustav Becker, Silesia German, Vienne regulator (30” X 12” ) $150 631-941-4425.

Musical Instruments BLUES MAN PIANO TUNING &HUWL¿HG SLDQR WHFKQLFLDQ 631-681-9723, bluesmanpianotuning@gmail.com, www.bluesmanpianotuning.com

Novenas ST. JUDE NOVENA May the Sacred Heart of -HVXV EH DGRUHG JORUL¿HG loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus thy kingdom come. St. Jude, helper of the hopeless, Pray For Us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, Pray For Us. This prayer is never known to fail if repeated 9 times daily for 9 consecutive days. Publication should be promised. J.B.

GIRLS BIKE never used, 6 speed, 26 inch, asking $45.00 Call 631-744-3722.

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and scholarship available for certain programs IRU TXDOL¿HG DSSOLFDQWV &DOO &7, for details! (844) 947- 0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET) PIANO - GUITAR - BASS All ages-levels-styles.

Many local references.

Recommended by all area schools. Tony Mann, 631-473-3443, 631-332-6005

Finds Under 50 3 PAIRS 52” PRISCILLA COTTAGE UXIÀHG FXUWDLQV $20 631-473-8637.

ART DRAFTING TEMPLATES, Qty. 30. A nice mixture of assorted templates all in excellent condition. $45 for all or will sell individually. 631-689-8616.

Time To Have

A Garage Sale!!

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE is Tuesday at noon.

If you want to advertise, do it soon!

A less expensive way to help get the dental care you deserve!

OUR DEADLINE IS NOON ON TUESDAYS

631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

$29 for 20 words. $.40 each additional word

Call (631) 331-1154 or (631) 751-7663 “Liam” Is a handsome orange and white male who is super friendly and affectionate. He was returned because he meowed too much. Really? That’s how cats talk to us, engage with us, and isn’t that what we want in our pet? Liam needs a home with a real cat lover, someone who won’t punish him for being who he is.

J]k[m]\ 9faeYdk >gj 9\ghlagf

Schools/Instruction/ Tutoring COLLEGE APPLICATIONS DONE VIRTUALLY Find the Best-Fit college for you. Then lets craft the Perfect College Application. Understand what colleges are looking for. Then let me help you navigate the entire process, from the college essay, supplements, resumes to the deadlines. Reasonable Rates.

References available.

Call Joann: 631-338-9558

$

EMPTY NEST?

RAZOR SCOOTER metal foldable, $15.00, Teddy 631-928-5392.

Physicians Mutual Insurance Company

BUSINESS

REDECORATING?

COMMON BRICK (8 X 3 1/2) used $.30/each 631-941-4425.

TRAIN AT HOME TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a MediFDO 2I¿FH 3URIHVVLRQDO RQOLQH DW &7, *HW 7UDLQHG &HUWL¿HG ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440.

(M-F 8am-6pm ET)

DOWNSIZING?

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We Publish Novenas

CALL NOW!

SERVICES

Please call or email and ask about our very reasonable rates.

631.331.1154 class@tbrnewsmedia.com TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA

Prepare for power outages with a Generac home standby generator

877�516�1160

AUTOMOTIVE AUTOMO AU

7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value!

1-855-225-1434

Offer valid August 24, 2020 - December 31, 2020

This is real dental insurance — NOT just a discount plan

Special Financing Available Subject to Credit Approval *Terms & Conditions Apply 107932

©108025

Find it at your fingertips...ON EVERY DEVICE tbrnewsmedia.com

You can get coverage before your next checkup

Don’t wait! Call now and we’ll rush you a FREE Information Kit with all the details.

Insurance Policy P150NY 6129

$18.50 NYC, $16 L.I. up to $13.50 Upstate NY! If you need care from your relative, friend/ neighbor and you have Medicaid, they may be eligible to start taking care of you as personal assistant under NYS Medi c a i d C D PA P r o g r a m . N o Certificates needed.

347-713-3553

Flexible hours available.

Apply: sbadministrative servicesllc.appone.com

Send letter of interest or email to Chris Heil at cheil@mtsinai.k12.ny.us

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

SALES REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT SETTER

RN/LPN-STONY BROOK Flex days/hours/shifts Mon-Sun; 7am-7pm Apply: sbadministrative servicesllc.appone.com

Business to Business – Financial Industry Telephone and computer experience preferred Salary plus commission and bonuses Health Insurance, Retirement, 401k ©5620

Clerical exp. preferred.

STONY BROOK Flex days/hours/shifts/ $18/hour Mon-Sun; 7am - 7pm

Visit us online at

www.dental50plus.com/nypress

©3290

101872

SCHOOL DISTRICT AIDES

©5330

CALL 751-7744

Mount Sinai School District

©5350

TO SUBSCRIBE

1-855-225-1434 MB17-NM003Ec

E M PL OY M E N T / C A R E E R S Help Wanted

FREE Information Kit

Get help paying dental bills and keep more money in your pocket

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN�HOME ASSESSMENT TODAY!

FREE

7870

Drive Out Breast Cancer: DoQDWH D FDU WRGD\ 7KH EHQH¿WV RI donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup - 24hr Response Tax Deduction - Easy To Do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED HHA, LPN, Nurse’s Aide, Childcare, Housekeeping & Day Workers. No Fees to Employers. Call Evons Services 516-505-5510

Financial Services

MOVING?

©107334

BIG BUCKS FOR YOUR JUNK Top Dollar Paid! $500 every car guaranteed! Up to $1000 for repairs! Call Junk Car Connection.

631-831-4767. See Display Ad for more info.

VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150. FREE shipping. Money back guaranteed! 1-855-579-8907

Finds Under 50 BIC VENTURI FORMULA 4 vintage stereo speakers, good condition, $40 Call 631-928-8995.

©107988

CAREERS

Autos Wanted ***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highe$t Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h.

DMV ID#1303199. Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277

Health, Fitness & Beauty HEARING AIDS!! Buy one/get one FREE! High-quality rechargeable Nano hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Nearly invisible! 45-day money back guarantee!

833-448-0751.

TENDER LOVING PET CARE, LLC. Pet Sitting Services.

When you need to leave town, why disrupt your pet’s routine.

Let your pets enjoy the comforts of home while receiving 7/& IURP D 36, &HUWL¿HG SUR fessional Pet Sitter. Experienced, reliable. Ins/Bonded.

631-675-1938 tenderlovingpetcarellc.com

©101874

MOVING SALE SATURDAY, 10/3, 9:00-12:OOPM ONLY. 39 OVERLOOK PATH PORT JEFFERSON, parking only on Lookout Ridge Drive, mostly furniture, masks required, no early arrivals, cash only.

Pets/Pet Services

1974 BRISTOL 27’ SAILBOAT, inboard diesal engine, excellent condition, $2000. 631-473-4561

Garage Sales

The following are some of our available categories listed in the order in which they appear.

• Garage Sales • Computer Services • Announcements • Electricians • Antiques & Collectibles • Financial Services • Automobiles/Trucks etc.

• Furniture Repair • Finds under $50 • Handyman Services • Health/Fitness/Beauty • Home Improvement • Merchandise • Lawn & Landscaping • Personals • Painting/Wallpaper • Novenas • Plumbing/Heating • Pets/Pet Services • Power Washing • Professional Services • Roofing/Siding • Schools/Instruction/Tutoring • Tree Work • Wanted to Buy • Window Cleaning • Employment • Real Estate • Cleaning • Residential Property • Commercial Property • Out of State Property DEADLINE: Tuesday at Noon

DENTAL Insurance

EDUCATION From Cold Spring Harbor to Wading River – TBR NEWS MEDIA • Six Papers...Plus Our Website...One Price

Friday to Sunday, 10/2-10/4, 8AM TO 4PM. SETAUKET, 36 MAIN ST. Multifamily. Lots of antiques, collectibles and jewelry. Masks required.

INDEX

Apply: info@cdrateline.com Call: 631.924.3400 x 20

TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM • TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM ©101949

FEBRUARY 18, 2021 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A13

E M PL OY M E N T / C A R E E R S

FINALLY,

Help Wanted

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

Apply:sbadministrativeservicesllc.appone.com MOUNT SINAI SCHOOL DISTRICT School district aides, flexible hours available, send letter if interested or email to Chris Heil at cheil@mtsinai.k12.ny.us.

A JOB THAT I CAN ADD VALUE AND HAVE CAREER GROWTH

Or that perfect employee?

Search our employment section each week!

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

TIMES BEACON RECORD CLASSIFIED ADS

We need Direct Support Professionals. Join us!

631.331.1154 or 631.751.7663

   For immediate consideration, Call/Text Zach at 516.727.0507 or email zcorreale@ahrc.org

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

SERV ICES Carpentry

Clean-Ups

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

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

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

Electricians SOUNDVIEW ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING Prompt* Reliable* Professional.

Residential/Commercial, Free Estimates. Ins/Lic#57478-ME. Owner Operator, 631-828-4675 See our Display Ad in the Home Services Directory

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

28 years experience.

Lic.#47595-H/Insured.

631-875-5856

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

Licensed and Insured.

CALL 751-7744

101872

TO SUBSCRIBE

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

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

105 Broadway, Greenlawn.

631-651-8478. www.DecksOnly.com

citizens-inc.org/careers

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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

Now offering 12 month interest free financing.

Commercial/Residential.

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

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

Vincent Alfano 631-707-1228

Home Improvement

Home Improvement

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

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

631-751-0751 We love small jobs too!

Suffolk Lic. #48714-H, Ins. See Our Display Ad LAMPS FIXED, $65.

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

TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 751-7744

The Generac PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system.

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

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

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

©107173

SALES REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED. Appointment setter, business to business financial industry. Telephone and computer experience preferred. See National CD Rateline Display Ad for more info.

COVID CLINIC VACCINE REGISTRATION STAFF, Clerical exp. preferred. Stony Brook.

Flex days/hours/shifts/$18/hr.

Mon-Sun., 7am-7pm. Apply: sbadministrativeservicesllc. appone.com

Looking for that perfect career?

©101787

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! CALL 631.331.1154

©105748

CITIZENS OPTIONS UNLIMITED. We need Direct Support Professionals. Call/Text Zach at 516-727-0507. See Display for more info.

6820

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

101872

Help Wanted

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

PAGE A14 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

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

Landscape Materials SCREENED TOP SOIL Mulch, compost, decorative and driveway stone, concrete pavers, sand/block/portland.

Fertilizer and seed.

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

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

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

Painting/Spackling/ Wallpaper BOB’S PAINTING SERVICE 25 Years Experience.

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

Free Estimates. Lic/Ins. #17981.

631-744-8859

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

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

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

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

Restorations

Painting/Spackling/ Wallpaper

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

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

Lic#18902HI. Free estimates.

631-246-5377

631.500.1015

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES DIRECTORY

All Trucks, Cars & Vans

PLEASE CALL US FOR DETAILS AND SPECIAL RATES.

631.331.1154 OR 631.751.7663

Highest prices paid for fixable vehicles.

Also buy motorcycles and muscle cars. ask for mark • 631-258-7919

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

Double size • $296/4 weeks Ask about our 13 & 26 week special rates

Buy 4 weeks and get the 5th week

FREE (631) 751.7663 or (631) 331.1154

©101328

Professional Services Directory Single size • $228/4 weeks

DMV CERTIFIED 7002706

$$$ TOP CASH PAID $$$ Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Domestic/Foreign ©4180

631.500.1015

DMV CERTIFIED 7002706

©4250

LICENSED • BONDED INSURED

©107135

USED AUTO PARTS

©4420

LICENSED • BONDED INSURED

Hyundais and Kias

Habla Español

CALL US LAST WE’LL BEAT ANY PRICE

CALL 751-7744

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

FREE Pickup Lic. # 7112911/Ins.

TO SUBSCRIBE

JUNK CARS BOUGHT

No Keys No Title No Problem

(631) 445-1848

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

Insect/ Disease Management.

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

©516 ©5160

JUNK CARS BOUGHT

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

Fully insured.

LIC# 50701-H. 631-862-9291

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

AUTOMOTI V E SERV ICES CA$H FOR ALL CAR$ & CA$H FOR JUNK CAR$ WANTED

Tree Work

101872

SERV ICES

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

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

631.681.9723 bluesmanpianotuning@gmail.com bluesmanpianotuning.com ©4050

FEBRUARY 18, 2021 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A15

Place your ad today Call 631.751.7663 or 631.331.1154

HOME SERV ICES

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PAGE A18 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Editorial

Perspective

Black History Month, UK COVID-19 vaccination success story a time to learn

BY RICHARD TAPP

Black History Month, which initially started as a weeklong commemoration in the early 20th century, has been a way to remember and celebrate important people and events in African American history officially for more than 50 years. After a tumultuous 2020, with several alleged police brutality cases against people of color across our nation, it’s more important than ever to recognize the contributions of Black Americans.

We’re not just talking about Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks or former President Barack Obama (D), but also those who the spotlight hasn’t shone on enough or not at all. There are veterans who served in our armed forces, even when their fellow countrymen didn’t accept them as equals. There are entertainers who once were applauded when they were on stage but weren’t able to eat dinner at the same restaurant as those who were delighted by their performances. There are those who made great strides in science and aeronautics, who are barely mentioned in our history books.

The month is a reminder to reach out to our neighbors, coworkers, acquaintances and former classmates and listen to their stories. People just like us who work hard every day to provide a good life for themselves and their loved ones, and who dream of a better tomorrow. Yet, every day many Black Americans face obstacle after obstacle because they find — before they utter a word or make a move — they are being judged by the color of their skin.

Many of us can’t even comprehend being judged based on our bloodline. We heard the stories of our parents, grandparents or other ancestors who were once called derogatory names or turned away from jobs, some not even applying due to signs such as NINA (no Irish need apply) hung on workplace doors.

But today, many of us couldn’t imagine this happening to us.

However, it’s happening every day, in our country, in our towns, even in our schools to those who are Black.

This past summer, journalism-style guidebooks used by papers across the country decided when describing Americans of African ancestry to no longer use “black” but “Black.” The call was made because lowercase is a color but uppercase signifies a culture. Capitalizing Black celebrates people who share history and culture just like Germans, Italians, Asians, Native Americans, Latinos and more.

Let’s not let this month pass without learning about our fellow Americans’ cultures and about them as human beings.

Months dedicated to certain cultures provide the opportunity to learn more about the history of people outside of our inner circle and everyday lives. It gives us a chance to broaden our horizons and understand that we are all in this thing called life together, only if we realize just how similar and equal we are.

We are inviting readers to share their reflections about this year’s Black History Month in perspective articles.

Submissions should be approximately 500 words, and we welcome photos to accompany the piece. Send articles and photos to Rita J. Egan at rita@tbrnewsmedia.com.

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

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

Please include a phone number and address for confirmation.

Email letters to rita@tbrnewsmedia.com or mail them to The Times of Smithtown, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733.

Many TBR News Media readers have been frustrated at the slow, uneven COVID-19 vaccine rollout. With seemingly every friend in England saying, “I’ve just been vaccinated, how about you?” and with no personal appointment in sight, I asked Richard “Dickie” Tapp, of Burgess Hill, West Sussex, why he thought the U.K. vaccination scheme has been so successful.

As of mid-February, it is estimated that 21% of the total U.K. population has received the first dose, but with less than 1% fully vaccinated. In the U.S., the relative figures are 10% and 3%. I would add that the U.K. has a wider vaccinationacceptance culture, dating back to the smallpox and polio eras. Still, there could be rollout lessons for President Joe Biden (D) and Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D). The main difference is that U.S. citizens are having to fight overwhelmed state and big pharmacy websites for a paucity of appointments whereas, in the U.K., appointments are made by invitation for dedicated age groups. And the categories are not extended until each one is almost completed. — John Broven, TBR News Media copy editor The rationale for the “working down through the age-groups” approach is to relieve pressure on the National Health Service [the publicly funded health care systems], which is on its knees. The “Kent” COVID mutation has driven the current surge in cases, proving to be far more contagious. Consequently, there have been far more hospital admissions than in the first wave in spring 2020. Intensive Care Unit doctors and nurses are exhausted, so it has been imperative to reduce the pressure on them. The older you are, the more likely you are to need hospitalization and possibly intensive care, hence the strategy to get the over-70s vaccinated as quickly as possible.

The main reason for the success of the U.K. vaccination campaign is that has been entrusted to the NHS, rather than one of

the private sector companies with close associations to the governing Conservative Party which have made a mess of track and trace. The NHS is well versed in vaccination programs — for example, the annual winterflu vaccination rollout — and so it’s right it should be entrusted with the task. Thanks heavens they got this one right. After a slow start, the NHS has been “on the money” although it is only fair to point out: 1. The army has been helping with the supply logistics, especially delivery.

2. The paperwork and supervision at vaccination centers are being largely handled by volunteers, such as the Lions and Rotary clubs. Also volunteers with some suitable experience — such as the Red Cross, St John Ambulance, retired nurses, etc.— have been trained in administering the vaccine.

So, the burden hasn’t fallen totally on the NHS, which wouldn’t have been able to run the exercise just using its own resources.

The campaign works by the “patient” being contacted by their doctor’s office and offered an appointment, in the same way they would for a flu jab. However, in addition they are also contacted by their local NHS trust with a “we have reached your age group” letter offering an online link and a free telephone number by which to make an appointment. So, it’s a twopronged approach. The strategy has been to work down though the age bands, first the over-80s, then in five-year bands ending with the 50-to-55 age group. To save general practitioner surgery telephone lines being overwhelmed, the instruction was to wait to be contacted and this has worked well.

Dedicated vaccination centers have been set up at local community halls and venues — not just at hospitals and health centers.

The aim was to vaccinate all the 70-andabove group by Feb. 15. I had my doubts initially but the exercise has gone so well that on Feb. 8, Health Secretary Matt Hancock (Conservative) said that anyone over 70 who had not been contacted about an appointment should now get in

Letter to the Editor

touch with their GP surgery and/or phone the NHS free telephone number. That’s a reversal of the previous advice to wait to be contacted. Indeed, in some areas the rollout has gone so well that the 65-to-69year-olds are now being vaccinated. I heard on local radio that the large seaside town of Eastbourne in Sussex is already calling forward this age group.

According to the Department of Health and Social Care, a quarter of adults have already received one dose, including around nine in 10 over-70s. My view is that the fiveyear age-banding strategy has been a good one. “Don’t bite off more than you can chew in one go” is a good adage.

I think I must add a couple of caveats: 1. The overall age-group percentage figure will be lower as there is still some resistance to the vaccine, especially in Black and Asian communities.

2. The U.K. figures look good as they are those who have had the first jab. Very few have had the second jab. The U.K. vaccination committee took a gamble in moving the second jab to 12 weeks rather than the three weeks recommended by Pfizer and AstraZeneca. The gamble has paid off as the first jab is being shown to provide 50%to-60% protection — enough to prevent serious illness — and the strategy has been endorsed by the World Health Organization.

Of course, the rollout to the under-65s will slow as the 12-week anniversary of those who’ve had their first jab comes into play.

While I am proud of the vaccination rollout and the way volunteers have come forward, the downside is that is that it has given Prime Minister Boris Johnson (Conservative) his “get out of jail card.” People seem to have forgotten the disgraceful mortality figures and passing 100,000 deaths just four weeks ago. It’s a number which shames the country with so many of these due to the mistakes Johnson’s government made, yet the daily deaths — only recently under 1,000 per day — are now barely mentioned.

Nostalgic for a lost art I must admit I felt a little melancholy reading Beverly C. Tyler’s wonderful piece “A sentimental Valentine’s Day from days gone by.”

People used to write so thoughtfully to one another. The young man in the story

was gently rejected by a companion via her carefully worded note.

Today he would’ve received a curt text and an unfollow on Instagram. I don’t mean to complain. It’s just the way things are — technology doesn’t go backward.

Just know that your paper inspired me to write sincerely to my valentine instead of signing a Hallmark card and calling it a day. Thank you.

Bryan Edwards St. James

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

FEBRUARY 18, 2021 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A19

Opinion

Skiing provides a refreshing break from the routine

I

f you can do it, I highly recommend getting away from your life, even if it’s just for a day or a weekend.

Despite the ongoing threat from COVID-19, we took a weekend ski trip. We called the small inn where we hoped to stay and asked if they required masks of their guests.

“When you get here, you’ll see that there’s almost no common space,” the innkeeper said.

“You’ll be in a small hallway.”

That was music to our ears and, as it D. None turned out, exactly of the above as he described. We only saw two other

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF guests that weekend and that was in the parking lot.

Upon check in, we called the family that ran the inn, who directed us, unseen and contactless, to our room, where an old fashioned key, not a key card, awaited us on the kitchen table.

After we emptied the luggage from our car, we raced up a foggy mountain filled with hairpin turns to the ski slope after 9 p.m. to pick up our equipment. I had read that the ski slope recommended getting the gear the night before to save time the next morning.

With only two other customers at the rental center that night, we maneuvered through the process quickly.

Something about getting away from the sameness of the last year was incredibly liberating. We woke up later than usual, had a light breakfast and headed to the slopes.

Assured that the three parking lots were full, my wife suggested driving to the closest lot, where a friendly parking attendant suggested we could take our chances and circle the lot.

Sure enough, my wife spotted someone pulling out of a spot just as we arrived.

The only remaining obstacle between us and blazing a trail down the mountain was a lift ticket. Clearly, we weren’t the only ones pining for an outdoor sport, as an enormous line awaited. My wife discovered that the line was for rentals and that the ticket line had only two other people. Grateful for the time we saved procuring equipment the night before, we put on our skis and shuffled toward one of the closest lift lines.

Sitting on a lift for the first time, dangling above skiers and snow boarders who did everything from carving their way down the mountain to sliding on their backside as their skis popped off, we shed the sameness of home life, home responsibilities and home entertainment.

The first time down the mountain, we reminded ourselves to keep our weight forward. My feet and legs, which have spent far too much time tucked underneath me in a chair at home, appreciated the chance to set the pace and direction.

My ears delighted at the shushing sound, and my eyes drank in the magnificence of mountains gently piercing through a blanket of clouds that changed from white and grey to orange and pink during the approaching sunset.

We had a few challenging moments.

Numerous skiers went maskless until reminded by a lift attendant, while some people seemed genuinely disappointed when I didn’t agree to share a lift with them. When I explained to one of them that I was being “COVID-safe,” she said she was already vaccinated. I told her I hadn’t and was being careful.

A few errant snowboards passed perilously close to my legs before colliding into a tree, while lift lines were sometimes too crowded for comfort.

Still, the ability to get away from a life that, as my daughter describes, “remains on pause even as it moves forward,” provided a refreshing and memorable change to our routines.

Where did COVID-19 come from? What role did China play? A Super Vaccine?

A

year ago, most of us were going about our usual lives, shopping for food, carpooling our children, occasionally eating out, going to a movie or a play, traveling with our families during Presidents’ Week, entertaining friends in our houses, and working at our job sites.

Today the only pursuit still left on that list is shopping at the supermarket.

We didn’t know that within two weeks, our lives would start to change, and that a month later the Between entire world would you and me be altered.

BY LEAH S. DUNAIEF The change agent? The novel coronavirus was the villain, otherwise known as COVID-19. Seemingly out of nowhere, the virus launched itself onto the human population. Where did it come from?

How did it start? Was China somehow at fault?

A World Health Organization team of scientists returned last week from Wuhan, China, considered to be the first place with a coronavirus outbreak. Dr. Peter Daszak, who has worked with the Wuhan Institute of Virology and is president of EcoHealth Alliance in New York, was a member of the team, and was interviewed about their findings

by The New York Times.

They walked around the Huanan Seafood Market, which is regarded as the source and is still blocked off to all but disease investigators. According to Daszak, the Chinese are “absolutely petrified of this virus catching hold again.” They were following severe protocols of testing, isolating and quarantining even as they were working closely with the W.H.O group.

The market was closed on December 31 or January 1, and a team of Chinese scientists then went in and swabbed every surface, collecting over 900 samples. Many were positive, including some animal carcasses. “A farm with rabbits [that was at the market] could have been really critical,” Daszak said. Or bats, stray cats, rats, live snakes, turtles and frogs, all

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of which were there. There were 10 stalls that sold wildlife, some peopled by vendors from South China provinces where the virus is found in bats. Some of the earliest patients with the disease had links to other markets as well, and some had no links to the Huanan market at all.

The final hypothesis of the W.H.O. team, and the Chinese scientists who worked with them throughout their visit, was that the viral pathway was wildlife, through a domesticated wildlife link, into Wuhan. In particular, Daszak suspects bats, from Southeast Asia or southern China, of getting into a domesticated wildlife farm. The viruses then jump from infected animals on the food supply chain or from their handlers to the dense population of humans that buy the animals at the markets.

There are actually many strains of this abundant family of coronaviruses, and bats and other mammals carry them. The SARS and MERS versions are just a couple that spilled over the species barrier and infected humans. So inevitably there will be more after COVID-19, and they could even cause future pandemics.

Aware of that reality, some infectious disease scientists are working to produce a vaccine

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

LEISURE EDITOR Heidi Sutton COPY EDITOR John Broven ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kathleen Gobos

that will nullify all coronaviruses. Researchers are calling for a global effort to develop such a one-shot vaccine or a super vaccine. There have even been some promising early results.

Coronaviruses were first identified in the 1960s, but were initially thought only to cause mild colds. Then in 2002, a new coronavirus appeared. That was SARS-CoV, named for severe acute respiratory syndrome, and it was deadly.

In 2012, a second species of the coronavirus spilled over from bats, causing MERS, which stands for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, first reported in Saudi Arabia, and today we have SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19.

As we now know from the graphic of the virus shown by the media, the virus has spikes, which are proteins on its surface. If an antibody can be formed that sticks to the spike, it can prevent the pathogen from entering human cells. A genetic molecule, created by BioNTech called messenger RNA, works that way in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines against COVID-19.

Now we need a pan-coronavirus vaccine.

It’s on the way.

ART AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Beth Heller Mason INTERNET STRATEGY DIRECTOR Rob Alfano CLASSIFIEDS DIRECTOR Sheila Murray

BUSINESS MANAGER Sandi Gross CREDIT MANAGER Diane Wattecamps CIRCULATION MANAGER Courtney Biondo SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Sheila Murray

PAGE A20 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • FEBRUARY 18, 2021

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