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

The TIMES CO M PL E T E

of Smithtown

Volume 28, No. 43

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Page B1

New smile coming to Hauppauge Photo from amy epstein

leon klempner poses with Dunia Sibomana in front of the christmas tree. the boy is staying with his host family in hauppauge and attending school there. By elana glowatz

Hahn named leader of county’s majority

North Shore legislator assumes role as Democrats’ leader in Legislature

Page a8

The last two years have been rough for Dunia Sibomana, but now that he has been brought to the United States for reconstructive surgery, everything could change. Since the 8-year-old was disfigured in a chim-

panzee attack — the same one that killed his younger brother — he had stopped going to school because the other children in his native Congo ridiculed him. And being extremely poor, he came to America weighing only 40-something pounds, although

the typical weight for a boy his age is almost double that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite all he has gone through, volunteers from the Smile Rescue Fund for Kids said Dunia is still a sweet kid. That group, founded by

Poquott resident Dr. Leon Klempner, who until recently was an orthodontist based in Port Jefferson, is hosting Dunia on Long Island and will care for him through a series of surgeries to reconstruct his lips and cheek. Klempner started his nonprofit organization a

few years ago to care for kids with severe facial deformities who are often ignored by similar groups that repair simpler issues like cleft lips. Dunia lost both his lips and has scarring on his cheeks after the chimpanzee attack two years SMILe continued on page a10

Smithtown residents to receive bigger tax rebates By phil corSo

Smithtown homeowners are slated to receive more hefty state tax rebate checks this year, thanks to a healthy report from the state comptroller, the town said this week. The New York State Deputy Comptroller Division of Local Government and School Accountability sent a notice to the Town of Smithtown on Dec. 10 outlining that the town’s tax levy limit and tax levy for the fiscal year ending in 2016 was reviewed with “no findings.” This meant that the Smithtown residents could expect

a state tax rebate check more than double the amount of last year’s amount of $173, Supervisor Pat Vecchio (R) said in a statement. These rebate checks are made available to residents who also qualify for the state’s STAR exemptions — which includes roughly 31,734 homes in the town, Vecchio said. “Irrespective of the debate on whether tax incentives stimulate the economy, one thing I know for sure is that had we not complied with the tax cap requirements, nearly $14 million of money from TaX continued on page a11

Photo by Phil Corso

Homeowners living in Smithtown should expect their tax rebate checks to be more than double the amount sent last year, officials say.

PAGE A2 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 24, 2015

Photo from Brenda Lentsch

students celebrate their holiday creation.

Commack kids bring cheer In the spirit of the holiday season, Karin Gerges’ first grade class at Wood Park Primary School in the Commack school district created a wreath for a local assisted living home. Each of the Commack students in the class decorated a special ornament and added it to the wreath, which was delivered to The Bristal in East North-

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port, where it was warmly received. Wood Park students have an established relationship with those living at The Bristal, visiting with and performing for their friends there. The wreath is now on display in the lobby. — Phil Corso

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DECEMBER 24, 2015 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A3

County Republicans call for federal SCPD monitor BY Phil Corso

North Shore lawmakers are calling on the federal government to keep a closer watch on the county police department. At a press conference last week, Suffolk County Legislators Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga), Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) and Tom Muratore (R-Ronkonkoma) stood beside Republican minority leader Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) at the William Rogers Legislature Building in Hauppauge to call for heightened oversight of the Suffolk County Police Department via a federal monitor. Their pleas came in light of a recent investigation and indictment of former county Police Chief James Burke, who was accused of beating a handcuffed suspect and attempting to cover up the crime. During the press conference, numerous members of the Republican Caucus made it clear that both Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) and Tim Sini needed to speak up about what they know — if anything — regarding the alleged malfeasance of the department, given that their positions were so intimately tied to its internal mechanisms. Trotta said that as more facts related to Burke roll out, it has become more apparent that the problem needs to be addressed by a federal monitor. He and his colleagues argued that federal in-

volvement would allot the best resources available to the investigation and also instill an element of objectivity. “I want the monitor to come in to make sure that everything in the internal affairs department is running correctly,” Trotta said at the press conference. “I want the monitor to come in and say that the person appointed to be police commissioner is qualified.” Bellone ensured that a monitor will be established as soon as possible. Bellone tapped Tim Sini to become Suffolk County police commissioner after serving as Bellone’s chief criminal justice advisor since August 2014. Before his tenure as Suffolk’s assistant deputy county executive for public safety, Sini served as an assistant U.S. attorney from 2010 to 2014, specializing in violent crimes, gang prosecutions and large-scale narcotics cases. “When looking for a police commissioner, I am seeking someone with character, experience and vision, and Tim Sini has all three,” Bellone said. “Tim is a man of real integrity with a strong sense of justice. Tim Sini has a unique blend of law enforcement experience as a federal prosecutor combined with a keen understanding of Suffolk County’s law enforcement community by serving as my top law enforcement advisor.” But McCaffrey argued at the press con-

Photo from Suffolk County Republicans

suffolk County legislator rob Trotta, second from right, calls for a federal monitor to oversee the county police department in the wake of recent scandals.

ference that there was no time for “onthe-job training” when one is elevated to the level of commissioner of the county police department. McCaffrey argued that Sini is inexperienced, making it that much more essential that federal investigators seek out accountability. “This is not a political issue, it is one

of public safety and the integrity of our government,” McCaffrey said. “The State of New York, and now Suffolk County, is just roiling with corruption and mismanagement. The people of Suffolk County deserve much better than this, and anything less than full federal involvement will not be acceptable.”

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PAGE A4 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 24, 2015

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.

Smithtown dealership donates dummies to FD 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 many people to save lives.”

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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. — Phil Corso

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DECEMBER 24, 2015 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A5

Commack man steps into ring for LI charities By Phil Corso

A Commack man who packs a big punch used it for good when he stepped into the ring to help raise money for Long Island charities. Long Island Fight for Charity hosted its 12th Main Event on Nov. 23 at the Hilton Long Island in Melville. Months of training came to an end when 26 business professionals turned volunteer boxers put their gloves on and stepped into the ring. In the fifth bout of the evening, Sinai “The Mountain” Megibow of Commack and investigative counsel, private investigator, founding partner of Radius Investigations in Melville entered the ring to face his opponent, Dr. Ron “The Mazzacutioner” Mazza of Northport and Chiropractor at Synergy Multicare Professionals in Westbury. Both boxers landed solid hits on each other in the three one-minute rounds, impressing all the judges. “I love martial arts and boxing, and I love Long Island, so I thought this was an ideal way to combine my interests with doing some real good for my community,” Megibow said. “It’s been a great experience. The training was fantastic and I’m very glad we were able to raise a lot of money to help people.” More than 1,200 attendees packed the ballroom at the Long Island Hilton and

were treated to food and beverages donated by more than 35 local restaurants and wine and spirits companies. Over several months, the boxers raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, accomplishing their goals by hosting individual and team fundraisers across Long Island. Sinai and the other boxers trained for months, at least twice a week to start, ramping up to almost every day in the final weeks leading up to the main event. In the process of training for their bouts, the boxers improved their physical stamina and, in total, lost hundreds of pounds. There is no other charity event like this anywhere in the country, where local business professionals raise money for charity and step into the boxing ring in front of a large crowd of friends and supporters. “Stepping into the ring was one of the greatest experiences I had in my life. It feels amazing to both get in the greatest shape in my life and help local Long Islanders’ in need,” Mazza said. Proceeds from Long Island Fight for Charity will be donated to The Long Island Community Chest, The Genesis School and the National Foundation for Human Potential. When the final tally is complete, the Long Island Fight for Charity will be over its $1 million goal. Local businesses and professional firms sponsoring this year’s 12th Main

Photo from Jen Vaglica

Dr. ron “The Mazzacutioner” Mazza, left, squares off in the ring against Commack’s sinai “The Mountain” Megibow, right, in the long island Fight for Charity.

Event include: Barnes Iaccarino & Shepherd LLP; Alure Home Improvements; PricewaterhouseCoopers; Fat Guy Media; Farrell Fritz; Saxena White P.A.; Local 1298; AmWINS Brokerage of NJ; Crystal & Company; RedTree Radiology; Local 60; Local 342, UMD, ILA; Carter, Deluca, Farrell & Schmidt LLP; Excavators Union Local 731; St. Hugh-

St. Elizabeth Baseball League Inc.; Local 223; Jonis Realty; UPS Foundation Inc.; Francesco’s Bakery and L. Graziose Plumbing & Heating. For more information about this event and to volunteer as a boxer for the 13th Long Island Fight for Charity, taking place on Nov. 20, 2016, visit www. lifightforcharity.org.

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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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• The Port TIMES RECORD • The TIMES of Smithtown • The TIMES of Middle Country

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PAGE A6 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 24, 2015

POLiCe BLOTTer We Pick The Winners: Times Beacon RecoRd

87.5%

Incidents and arrests from Dec. 16 - Dec. 19

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)

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Of-fenced taken A 16-year-old from Holbrook was arrested on Dec. 19 at 10:40 p.m. after police said he was trespassing on the property of United Fence and Guard Rail Corporation in Ronkonkoma and damaged the windows of five vehicles. He was charged with third-degree criminal mischief valued at more than $250 and first-degree criminal trespassing. Dissed on Craigslist Police said a resident of Mount Pleasant Road in Smithtown reported that on Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. someone used counterfeit money to pay for a transaction done through Craigslist. Blurred lines On Dec. 19 a 29-year-old man from East Setauket was arrested at 2 a.m. after police pulled him over for making an illegal left turn while driving a 2002 Chevy on East Main Street and then discovering he was driving drunk. He was charged with driving while intoxicated within 10 years of being convicted for a previous DWI. Illegal use of legal papers A woman reported to police that an unknown man followed her into her driveway on Roderick Court in Commack on Dec. 17 at 2:35 p.m. and threw legal papers in her face and ran off. On tree down on Acorn Road Police said a 51-year-old man from St. James crashed a 2014 Lexus into a tree while driving on North Country Road and Acorn Road at 10:50 p.m. on Dec. 17 and then discovered he was drunk. He was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated within 10 years of being convicted for a previous DWI.

Tool stealing stools Police said a 38-year-old man from Holbrook stole assorted power tools from Home Depot in East Islip at 1:15 p.m. on Dec. 17. He was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny valuing property of more than $1,000. Minor mistake A 45-year-old man from Commack was arrested on Dec. 18 after police said he sold beer to a minor at a food market on Laurel Road in East Northport at 7:30 p.m. He was charged with first-degree unlawfully dealing with a child. Don’t phone home Police said a man called on Dec. 19 at 1:49 p.m. to report that an ex-tenant from a residence on Karen Place in Commack was calling continuously and threatening the man. This stinks On Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. an unknown person stole assorted cologne and perfumes from Ulta Beauty on Veterans Memorial Highway in Commack. Kohl’s woes An unknown person stole assorted clothing and jewelry from Kohl’s on Crooked Hill Road in Commack on Dec. 18 at 1:42 p.m. The Doors On Dec. 18 at 7 a.m. an unknown person entered a residence through a back door on Harned Road in Commack and stole assorted jewelry and a television. Retired tires On Dec. 17 at 1:20 p.m. an unknown person slashed two tires of a 1989 Acura parked in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven on Lake Avenue in St. James. — COMPILED BY VICtOrIa EsPInOza

Breaking news

DECEMBER 24, 2015 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A7

Resolutions

A New You L I F E ST YL E W INT ER 2015

LO NG ISL A ND

DIA ECORD NEWS ME TIMES BEACON R

R E S O LU T I O N S A New You

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PAGE A8 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 24, 2015

Hahn lands county Legislature’s majority leader spot By Phil Corso

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 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 domestic 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

Photo from Kara Hahn

suffolk County legislator Kara hahn is the new Democratic majority leader, succeeding legislator rob Calarco.

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

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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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SMILE Continued from page A1

ago on the outskirts of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, near that country’s border with Uganda and Rwanda. While his father was working in the fields, he was playing with his friends and his 4-year-old brother, Klempner said. The chimps “killed and completely dismembered” the brother, but a ranger fortunately found Dunia and rushed him to the hospital. “He refused to go to school after the injury because the kids were just ridiculing him too much,” the Poquott man said. “He lost most of his friends.” Smile Rescue Fund stepped in, bringing Dunia and that park ranger, Andre Bauma, stateside. Bauma was acting as a translator for Dunia, who only speaks Swahili, and helping him get settled with his Hauppauge host family, the Creans, but had to return to Congo last week. Jennifer Crean said Dunia is getting along well with her three children, ages 10, 12 and 15. “They have fun with him and he loves them,” she said. “So far so good.” The family has taught him how to swing at the Hoyt Farm playground in Commack and taken him horseback riding, Crean said. Dunia has also played on an iPad, learned about Santa Claus and gone bowling. “Everything for him is like brand new.

It’s pretty cool.” After the holidays, when things have slowed down, Crean said, the plan is to take him into New York City to see the big Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Dunia’s experiences here deeply contrast with his life back home — Klempner said the boy’s mother died when he was a toddler and his father is indigent, picking up work wherever he can, so they don’t have a home. And there’s not much food to go around. At his temporary Hauppauge home, “He eats like a horse,” Klempner said. “He eats as much as Jenn’s teenage son.” He’s also recently started instruction at Hauppauge’s Pines Elementary School, where he’s in the second grade. Klempner noted the biggest benefit of school is that Dunia is being reintegrated into a social setting, with kids who don’t mock him. “They’ve been very warmly receiving him.” He’s already picked up some English — Crean said with a laugh that “he knows the word ‘No’” — and has adapted to the new environment. The surgeries begin in early January, when Dr. Alex Dagum will put three tissue expanders into his face, under the skin on his cheeks and chin. Over a few months, Dagum will slowly fill those with saline, expanding them and stretching the skin. Once there is enough excess skin created, the expanders will SMILE continued on page A11

Dunia Sibomana and ranger Andre Bauma both give a thumbs-up for school.

Photo from Amy Epstein

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DECEMBER 24, 2015 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A11

EXPERIENCED ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER/ JR. MECHANIC ©145732

Must be reliable, punctual and professional, with references and clean driver’s license. Port Jefferson-based shop.

Email: selectric2014@hotmail.com or call 631-828-4675

Shop Locally and Pa$$ It On! Dunia Sibomanall smiles with host mother Jennifer Crean of Hauppauge.

SMILE Continued from page A10

come out and that skin will be cut away and used to reconstruct the lips and cheek. Stony Brook University Hospital, where Dagum is chief of plastic surgery, has donated the facility and medical staff’s time to operate on Dunia, and is even preparing special meals for him. In addition, Klempner said, “nurses volunteered to be dedicated nurses for him when he comes in for surgery so he sees the same faces.” All of the work will add up to a new look for Dunia that will hopefully improve his quality of life at home in Congo when he is ready to return. “He is sweet, and he is fun-loving; he’s

tax Continued from page A1

the state would have gone elsewhere and not into our homeowners’ pockets,” Vecchio said in a statement. According to the supervisor, the economic impact to Smithtown would have been huge had the town not compiled with both requirements of the tax program. In order to receive the tax cap rebate checks, Smithtown had to keep the 2016 tax increase below the town- specific allowable tax cap amount of .99 percent and also meet the requirements of the government efficiency plan imposed by the state. This plan required that Smithtown achieve savings through intramunicipal agreements of 1 percent of its 2014 tax levy or at least $536,000 in savings.

Photo from Amy Epstein

got a sense of humor,” Klempner said. “He’s an 8-year-old kid that got a bad draw on life.”

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Help needed

Smile Rescue Fund for Kids is searching for a local volunteer who speaks Swahili to translate for Dunia while he is in the United States, as well as volunteers who will spend time with Dunia, as a way of helping out his hosts, the Crean family. Contact Leon Klempner at 631-974-7511 or leon@smilerescuefund.org. For those who cannot volunteer but would like to help, Smile Rescue Fund accepts donations online, at www.smilerescuefund.org.

Vecchio said the actual savings should approximate $785,000 and the tax increase of .81 percent was well below the limit of .99 percent. The effect of complying with these requirements has a triple effect for residents, Vecchio said. Smithtown residents should benefit from the efficiency savings of $785,000, the tax increase being below the town’s maximum amount of .99 percent, and most of all, cumulatively, town residents should receive about $13,725,000 in rebate checks, the town said in a statement. “When you take into account the economic impact of putting nearly $15 million into the pockets of our residents and taking into account the effect of spending this money in our small business community, the affect is enormous,” Vecchio said.

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A neighborly reminder from Times Beacon Record News Media ©122767

Legals Notice of formation of NYRE INVESTORS, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/29/2015. Office location: Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process of the LLC: 292 MEDFORD AVE PATCHOGUE, NY 11772. Purpose: Any lowful purpose. 457 11/26 6x ts NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: SUFFOLK COUNTY Astoria Federal Savings & Loan; Plaintiff(s) vs. LAWRENCE MARRA; HOPE MARRA; et al; Defendant(s) Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s): ROSICKI, ROSICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 2 Summit Court, Suite 301, Fishkill, New York, 12524, 845.897.1600 Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on or about May 28, 2009 and thereafter affirmed on or about September 30, 2015, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at Smithtown Town Hall, 99 West Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787. On January 12, 2016 at 1:00 pm. Premises known as 291 First Ave., Saint James, NY 11780 District: 0800 Section: 056.00 Block: 05.00 Lot: 020.000 & 021.000 ALL THAT CERTAIN TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Saint James, in the Town of Smithtown, in the County of Suffolk, State of New York. KNOWN AND DESIGNATED as Lots 130 and 133 on

a certain map entitled, “Map of St. James Park”, which map was filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on June 17, 1889, as Map Number 585. As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale. Sold subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale. Approximate amount of judgment $175,180.78 plus interest and costs. INDEX NO. 31686/07 Kenneth Seidell, Esq., REFEREE 476 12/10 4x ts NOTICE OF FORMATION OF TERMINAL SEN, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with SSNY on 11/30/15. Off. Loc.: Suffolk County. SSNY designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail process to: 31 Midwood Ave., Nesconset, NY 11767. Any Lawful Purpose. 506 12/17 6x ts NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: SUFFOLK COUNTY. U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR VOLT NPL IX ASSET HOLDINGS TRUST, Pltf. vs. LILLIAN J. REVERSON, IRENE MONSEGUR, Defts. Index #33531/09. Pursuant to combined order for default judgment of foreclosure and sale dated Nov. 17, 2015, I will sell at public auction at the Smithtown Town Hall, 99 W. Main St., Smithtown, NY on Jan. 22, 2016 at 1:30 p.m., prem. k/a 59 Bellemeade Avenue, Smithtown, NY a/k/a Section 078.00, Block 02.00, Lot 029.000. Said property located at a point on the Easterly side of Bellemeade Ave.

distant 180.73 ft. South of the monument set on the Easterly side of Bellemeade Avenue and the Southerly side of Blydenburgh Avenue, which point of beginning is also the SW, corner of property of William Arns; Running thence SW, along the Easterly side of Bellemeade Avenue, 70 ft. to land now or formerly of Hastings; Running thence along land of Hasting SE, 172.14 to land now or formerly of Huntting; Running thence along land of Huntting, NE, 70.05 ft. to land now or formerly of Arns; Running thence along land now or formerly of Arns NE, 170.94 ft. to the point or place of beginning. Approx. amt. of judgment is $542,933.14 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. J. GARY WALDVOGEL, Referee. COHN & ROTH, Attys. for Pltf., 100 East Old Country Rd., Ste. 28, Mineola, NY. #87300 522 12/24 4x ts Notice of formation of T.A. Ajayi, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/20/2015. Office location: Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC: 21 Harned Road, Commack, NY 11725. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 531 12/24 6x ts

PAGE A12 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 24, 2015

PERSPECTIVES

Climate change agreement is just a first step Your turn BY Emma collin

It’s the morning of Dec. 12 as I hurriedly make my way across Paris, hands in my pockets, trying not to draw attention to myself. Today will be my first real engagement with civil disobedience. Under a broad state of emergency, French President François Hollande has banned demonstrations. In the weeks leading up to today, citizens who publicly criticized the egregiously dangerous deal brewing in the 21st United Nations Conference of the Parties climate talks were confronted with statesanctioned violence, tear gas, and arrest. I emerge from the metro and scan the scene. Imposing graffiti on the bank of the Seine River nearby reads “L’état d’urgences pour faire oublier les tas d’urgences,” or “A state of emergency to ensure other emergencies are forgotten”. Let’s back up. From Nov. 30 to Dec. 12, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change convened heads of state in an old airport hanger in a suburb north of Paris. With extraordinarily high

stakes, world leaders were tasked with drafting and signing a binding agreement that would prevent the most catastrophic effects of climate change. COP21 comes after years of unproductive conversation around climate; e.g. the notorious COP15 in Copenhagen 2009 produced only a vague document with no legal standing. After an emotional and exhausting two weeks, not to mention an extended deadline and a few all-nighters, a deal heralded by most major news outlets as “historic” and “groundbreaking” was signed. In many ways, the deal is historic. World leaders unanimously signing a deal at all signals progress. This forward movement is undoubtedly a testament to grassroots power built by communities around the world who are demanding action — for example, the more than 400,000 people who took to the streets of New York City last September for the People’s Climate March. While acknowledging that victory, here are some things you should understand about the Paris climate accord. For one, it is functionally unenforceable. Emission reductions are based on voluntary commitments by each nation. To adhere to the desperately needed 1.5°C warming limit that appears repeatedly in the document’s text, we need to stop extracting and burning fossil fuels almost immediately. Instead, the

tangible commitments to emission-reduction lock us into 3.0°C warming or more, which spells catastrophe, especially for the global south. Furthermore, language on indigenous and human rights were stripped completely from the body of the document. The words “fossil fuels,” “coal,” or “oil” don’t appear once. One of the most debated and divisive sections of the document is called “loss and damage.” It outlines the idea that compensation should be paid to vulnerable states to aid adaptation to climate change. Representatives of developed countries like the United States fought hard to make this section non-binding. This strips poor nations — those already feeling the brunt of the consequences of climate change despite a historically

negligible contribution to emissions — of any mechanism for claiming damages or compensation. Contrast this with international free trade agreements, which give corporations mechanisms to sue nations for projected loss of profits. I know this deal is inadequate, and others know it too. So when I exit the metro on Dec. 12 and quietly walk past swarms of Parisian police officers in full riot gear, I find myself in a crowd of 15,000 people. I stand with people singing and chanting and defying a protest ban because they understand that we can do better. I stand next to my family and delegates of Gulf South Rising, an inspirational group of indigenous leaders from the five U.S. states on the Gulf of Mexico, who are uniting to build just economic, political and energy systems that heal their communities. I stand with the understanding that what happened this month is just the beginning — that we must operate from a framework of resistance where we demand the healthy communities we deserve. The Paris Climate Accord will not get us there, but with world leaders committing to action, it is a tool we can leverage. Emma Collin grew up in Centerport and graduated from Harborfields High School. She recently moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where she is a senior project manager at Gulf Coast Center for Law & Policy.

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PEOPLE SHSE student wins art contest

Smithtown High School East sophomore Ilysa Sirota won first place in an art competition sponsored by the Shanti Fund for her piece that best depicted this year’s theme of peace and security. Her work was chosen as the best high school entry from hundreds of entries from more than 20 districts across Long Island.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone presented Ilysa with her award and a gift certificate for $146, Gandhi’s age if he were alive today. The Shanti Fund is a charitable group dedicated to promoting Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals and his philosophy of peace. Her work will also appear in the Shanti Fund’s 2016 calendar.

Photo from Smithtown Central School District

Smithtown High School East students participate in Poetry Out Loud, a nationwide poetry recitation contest on Dec. 16.

‘Poetry Out Loud’ at High School East

Photo from Smithtown Central School District

Smithtown High School East student Ilysa Sirota won first place in an art competition sponsored by the Shanti Fund. She is shown here with Smithtown High School East drawing teacher Tim Needles.

Smithtown High School East in the Smithtown Central School District participated in Poetry Out Loud, a nationwide poetry recitation contest, on Dec. 16 in the Little Theater. Fourteen students from five English classes took to the stage to recite poems they had memorized during the previous weeks. The two winners were Kessandra Chisholm, who recited “Video Blues” by Mary Jo Salter, and Colleen Haggerty, who recited “I am Trying to Break Your Heart” by Kevin Young. Smithtown School District administrators Tina Mangano, director of English Language Arts, K-12, Dr. Allyn Leeds, assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services, and Paul Strader, executive director of curriculum, served as judges. The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation have partnered with U.S. state arts agencies to support Poetry Out Loud, a contest that encourages the nation’s youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. The program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about literacy history.

OBITUARIES tions to Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, 14 Pennsylvania Plaza-Suite 1710, New York, NY 10122. An online guest book is available at www.branchfh.com.

Michael Roussis Michael T. Roussis, 90, of Smithtown, died on Nov. 15. He was a proud veteran of Khristine Lupinacci, 51, of Manorville, passed peacefully the United States Army. Michael was the beloved on Nov. 16. husband of Renae; cherished She was the beloved wife of father of Ted (Nevena), AnGene; loving mother of Nicole drew, Alex (Laurie), Michael (Frank) Dinolfo and Ashley and Francoise; adored grandLupinacci; and cherished grandmother of Lilliana Rose. father of Arianna, Vivian, MiShe is survived by many other chael, Leighton, Kennedy and Isabella; and loving brother of family members and friends. Arrangements entrusted to the late Julie Zourides. Arrangements entrusted The Branch Funeral Home in to Hawkins & Davis Funeral Smithtown. A funeral Mass Home in Smithtown. A service was celebrated at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church in Smithtown and was held at St. Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Church in Greena private cremation followed. lawn and interment followed Her family requests dona-

Khristine Lupinacci

in Smithtown Cemetery. An online guest book is available at www.hawkinsanddavisfh.com.

An online guest book is available at www.branchfh. com.

Alphonse Cosentino

Alphonse Cosentino, 84, of Boynton Beach, Florida, passed William J. Claxton, 86, of away on Nov. 14. Smithtown, died on Dec. 2. He was the beloved husband He was a retired NYPD of Lillian; cherished father of sergeant. Stephen, Gina (George), VictoMartha Fuchs William was the beloved ria (Richard), Frank (Roseanne) husband of the late Cecelia Guzzone, JoAnn Lifavi and Martha Fuchs, 92 of St. A. Claxton.; loving father of Vincent Guzzone; and lovJames, died on Nov 27. Laura (Steven) Gula, William ing grandfather of Gregory, She was the beloved wife of (Michele) Claxton, and Jenni- the late Rudy; cherished mother Matthew, Michael, Richard fer (James) Peck; and cherished of Rudy Jr. (Pat), Maria (Pete) (Lauren), Sara (Connor) Fallon, grandfather of Katelyn, KrisLoss, Elise (Bob) Boyd and Karl Frank V., Michael and Michelle. ten, William, Daniel, James, Arrangements entrusted to (Patty); loving grandmother and Cecilia. The Branch Funeral Home in of eight and dear great-grandArrangements entrusted to mother of nine. Smithtown. A funeral Mass the The Branch Funeral Home was celebrated at St. Patrick’s R. Arrangements entrusted to in Smithtown. A funeral Mass The Branch Funeral Home in C. Church in Smithtown and was celebrated at St. Patrick’s Smithtown. A funeral Mass was interment followed at St. RayR.C Church in Smithtown and celebrated at Sts. Philip & James mond’s Cemetery in the Bronx. interment followed in Holy An online guest book is R.C. Church in St. James and Sepulchre Cemetery. available at www.branchfh.com. interment followed in CalverAn online guest book is ton National Cemetery. available at www.branchfh.com.

William Claxton

Submission information: Email items to people@tbrnewspapers.com

DECEMBER 24, 2015 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A15

West narrowly falls to Huntington in final seconds Girls’ BasketBall

Huntington . . . . . . . . 44 Smithtown West . . . 43 By Bill landon

Despite the Smithtown West girls’ basketball team clawing back and taking its first lead of the game with just over five minutes left in regulation, Huntington closed the gap and edged ahead by a point, holding onto the lead in the final minute for a 44-43 League III victory Monday night. The Bulls opened the third quarter with six unanswered points and trimmed their deficit to four to open the final quarter trailing 31-27. Smithtown West head coach Katie Combs said her team missed many opPhoto by Bill Landon

Smithtown West junior Gabby Horman goes for the layup.

TBR

media

portunities early in the game. “Predominantly layups and our free throws killed us today,’ she said. “Had we not done that, we should’ve won that game by 10. We’re a much better team than that, and in the second half, we had to step up and show it.” With 5:45 remaining in the game, Smithtown West drew within one point when Rebecca Meyers went to the line shooting for two points. The senior forward missed the front end, but nailed the back to tie the game at 33-33. On their next offensive possession, the Bulls took their first lead of the game when junior forward Gabby Horman, on a rebound, banked two points to put her team out in front, 35-33. “We started getting our steals with our press, which carried over on offense,” said Horman, who led her team in scoring with 12 points. “Coach told us at the halftime that we need to dominate in the second half and get the ball down low.” GIRLS’ BASKETBALL continued on page A17

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PAGE A16 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 24, 2015

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DECEMBER 24, 2015 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A17

Photo from Hauppauge school district

Hauppauge had nine student-athletes sign letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at the next level.

Nine Hauppauge athletes sign letters of intent Nine Hauppauge senior student-athletes recently committed to continuing their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level next year. “We are honored to offer our sincere congratulations to these outstanding individuals and their families, and wish them the best of luck in all their future endeavors,” athletic director Daniel Butler said.

Above, from left to right, Tyler Sanderson signed to play baseball at St. Joseph’s College; Mike Lazos will also play baseball, but for LIU Post; Kaila Quinlivan will compete for the Misericordia University women’s lacrosse team; Billy Huber agreed to play baseball for the University of New Haven; Ryan Nawrocki will play for Providence University’s men’s lacrosse team; Jack Spera signed to play men’s lacrosse

for St. Leo University; Jimmy Connelly agreed to play for Union College’s men’s lacrosse team; Emily Kaplan will compete for the women’s soccer team at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; and Chris Mauriello will wrestle for Old Dominion University. Standing above, from left to right, Principal Christine O’Connor, Butler and Superintendent of Schools Patricia Sullivan-Kriss.

Girls’ BasketBall Continued from page A15

Huntington edged ahead by a field goal and a free-throw appearance, but Horman retied the game when she went to the line shooting two and split the opportunity. Both teams were plagued by penalties in the final two minutes of the game, and both teams traded points at the foul line. Leading by one, the Bulls found the rim to edge ahead 43-40 with 1:33 left in regulation. “Our girls just worked really hard in that second half,” said Smithtown West freshman Jillian Unkenholz, who scored 10 points on the evening. Huntington went to the free-throw line next, but came away empty as the score stalled with 55 seconds left on the clock. Huntington sophomore Alex Heuwetter let a three-point attempt fly with 35 seconds left, and her shot hit its mark to tie the game again, this time, at 43-43. “We sat back on them a little bit — we got comfortable with where we were at and they took advantage of that,” Huntington senior Taylor Moreno said. “The second wave of our bench came in and that completely changed the whole demeanor of the game, which gave us confidence to make that last push and we were able to come out with the win.” With less than six seconds remaining in regulation, Huntington senior guard Katie Reilly drove the lane and was fouled, sending her to the char-

ity stripe. She scored on the first, but missed the second opportunity to put her team out front 44-43. Reilly and Heuwetter both topped the Huntington scoreboard with 14 points apiece. Despite her strong performance in the final quarter, Reilly said the coach wasn’t pleased at the halftime break. “Well, the subs went in to start the second half — all five of us came out because we were slacking a little bit,” Reilly said. “So coach sent in five new people and they carried us, so it was a real team effort.” With 4.2 seconds left on the scoreboard, Smithtown West had one final

possession, inbounded the ball and passed to the baseline only to have it picked off by the Blue Devils as the buzzer sounded. “We let them hang around and I think that was our biggest problem — we were content where we were instead of separating ourselves,” Huntington head coach Michael Kaplan said. “The girls who came off the bench really stepped up and contributed to the win, because whoever’s playing the hardest is going to play, and our subs came in and gave us a spark and energy that rejuvenated the rest of the team.”

Photos by Bill Landon

Above, Mackenzie Heldberg shoots the ball. Left, Jillian Unkenholz drives the lane while being contested by Huntington’s Taylor Moreno.

PAGE A18 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • 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 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A19

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 A20 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • 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 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A21

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 A22 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 24, 2015

OPINION

Photo from Susan Eckert

County GOP lawmakers speak at a press conference.

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.

Religious leaders across the North Shore are calling for a more refined debate concerning other faiths.

Rhetoric matters TO ThE EdiTOr: We are Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) clergy serving local congregations. We are concerned about the rising volume of vitriolic rhetoric coming from politicians, celebrities, business leaders and citizens. We are concerned about this rhetoric’s promotion of ignorance and intolerance, as well as its platform for self-promotion and political pandering. We are concerned about the increased violence that plagues our country, as well as the persistent threat of global terrorism. We are concerned about the escalating number of hate crimes against Muslims in the United States of America, as well as Sikhs, hindus, Jews and other minority religious and cultural groups. We are concerned that such collective words and actions themselves make

our country less safe, holding us captive to cycles of vindictive violence. As Christians, we must speak out against such divisive behavior. We cannot allow faith to be overrun by fear. We cannot ignore the plight of peaceful neighbors who are attacked because of a perceived threat or fear. We reject any ideology that promotes the value of one human being over another. We reject any ideology that suggests any person or political party is lord of our life or conscience. We long for the day when the Prince of Peace will reign on Earth as in heaven. Until that day, we have work to do. As God calls us to love and honor our neighbors, we shall try to do so through our words and deeds. We will serve and care for all our neighbors. We will pray with and for you. Blessings in this dark season.

File photo

May we live in God’s light. rev. Mary Margaret Flannagan Presbyterian Church of Sweet hollow, Melville rev. Tim hoyt duncan First Presbyterian Church, Northport rev. James hulsey First Presbyterian Church, Smithtown rev. Anne Stewart Miller Old First Presbyterian Church, huntington rev. James rea Bethany Presbyterian Church, huntington Station rev. Frederick h. Woodward First Presbyterian Church, Greenlawn

Letters …

We welcome your letters. They should be no longer than 400 words and may be edited for length, libel, style and good taste. We do not publish anonymous letters. Please include a phone number for confirmation. Email letters to phil@tbrnewspapers.com or mail them to The Village Times, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733.

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

DECEMBER 24, 2015 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A23

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 nEWSPaPErS

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 A24 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • DECEMBER 24, 2015

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