Yearly Archives: 2023
Suwassett Garden Club honors Arbor Day with tree planting
For 25 years or more, a Kwanzan cherry tree has been planted at Rocketship Park in Port Jefferson by the Suwassett Garden Club. Entering the park area from Maple Place, an established row of trees will soon be blooming as the spring arrives. Over the years, other trees along the creek area were planted in memory of departed members. In photo on right, a representative group of club members gathered on April 5 prior to its monthly meeting to dedicate this year’s tree in honor of Arbor Day which will be held on April 28 this year. Brian Rowe of the Village Parks Department assisted members at the location near Barnum Avenue.
Art League of Long Island unveils latest exhibit — Cynthia Pascal: A Retrospective
By Tara Mae
Art is a form of communication beyond words. It transcends language barriers and is accessible to those who seek to experience it. Cynthia Pascal’s creations speak through muted patterns, rich hues, softness imbued with strength. Her work tells stories of women, sometimes at rest or in repose, but always vibrantly alive.
As a celebration of art and life, Pascal’s posthumous exhibit, Cynthia Pascal: A Retrospective, at the Art League of Long Island, honors the artist who passed away in 2022 at the age of 92. On view at the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery from April 15 to 28, this showcase features 46 acrylic paintings and six clay sculptures from the late artist. It is an act of love; a tribute from a daughter to her mother in collaboration with the Art League.
“My son brought Cynthia to the Art League and showed her work to the curator, which resulted in booking the show — one last highlight of her life. After she passed, it was in my head to still do the exhibit. I also thought, that for my mom, there was no other way to honor her than to talk about her surrounded by her work,” said her daughter Jeanne Gambardella.
Pascal’s palette and art projects a subtle warmth, even innate safety, whether the female subjects stare assuredly and directly from the canvas, gaze at something only they see, or relax with eyes closed. The lines of the women may be soft but their presence is strong.
“I believe that this exhibit covers all styles, but Pascal particularly leans towards abstract impressionism: figures are flattened with colorful brushstrokes and bright colors. She celebrates the world that she knew: her art focuses on women, friendships, relationships, their roles in society. It is full of life and energy,” said Susan Peragallo, coordinator and curator of the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery.
A prodigious painter up until the very last months of her life, Pascal, who was a resident of Plainview, pursued both a personal and practical interest in interpersonal dynamics and emotions. She studied painting at Old Westbury College as well as the New School for Social Research in New York City, but was a licensed psychotherapist by profession and maintained a practice out of her home for more than 4 decades.
“I think she innately had a very emotional IQ and got the degree so she could use it. She was really socially, emotionally smart…[and] provided a safe place for everyone who talked to her,” Gambardella said.
This sense of security is evident in the self-assuredness of her subjects and the apparent ease with which they occupy space. That innate serenity can transcend to the audience and perhaps emanated from Pascal herself. She never lost her appreciation of beauty nor ability to create art, even as dementia dominated other aspects of her life during her last years.
“We would talk about [her art]. Cynthia could still talk about the work and the process. We had that language until the end. My mother was painting at the highest level,” Gambardella said. “I thought her work would show deterioration, but her painting was still there. It was the one thing that she still had, in addition to her family. She could access painting, and it was a means by which to express herself.”
As her characters commune in the paintings, Pascal was able to communicate through and about art, although words might otherwise fail her. Her art, which includes pastels in addition to different paints and clay sculptures, is an ongoing dialogue that allows connections to continue to develop.
“I was not familiar with her work before she approached us, and I was really thrilled to become acquainted with it. Her work is exciting, it is vivacious. She was around for a long time and I am delighted to have her work up on our walls,” Peragallo said.
Gambardella estimates that Pascal had about 10 shows in her life but was in a constant state of creation. She painted 20 pieces between 2018 and 2022, and most of the 46 works included in Retrospective were made in the past 10 years.
“I really truly feel joy when I look at her work. It is interesting — over the years, her work reflected her growth as an artist and where she was in life. When she was going through a divorce, I can see it reflected. I derive more pleasure in the joy, color, and strength of the women my mother depicted,” Gambardella said, adding that organizing the exhibit and arranging the remembrance were cathartic exercises as she grieved and adjusted to her new normal, having been her mother’s primary caregiver.
“Organizing this has absolutely been a labor of love for the last 5 months and beneficial to me in handling her passing, working on something to show who she was, her life’s work,” Gambardella said. “I kind of immersed myself in this project. It was a lot going through her decline and death with her, so this was healing. I am her supreme fan; my house has always been filled with her work.”
Now others will be able to surround themselves with Pascal’s art, and during the opening reception, envelop themselves in an environment resplendent with Pascal’s greatest joys including a soundtrack of her favorite classical music by Antonio Vivaldi, jazz interludes provided by a pianist hired for the evening, the easel she used for more than 60 years, and her favorite hat in her favorite color — pink.
“I am creating an atmosphere that I know she would love. After she died, people were calling about service details, and we instead decided to have a memorial at the gallery. Everyone in my family was in on it,” Gambardella said. “My mom and I were very close, this was the right thing to do…art and painting were her passions in life.”
The Art League of Long Island, 107 E. Deer Park Rd, Dix Hills presents the retrospective exhibit of Cynthia Pascal in the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery from April 15 to 28 with an opening reception on April 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. A celebratory remembrance introduction will be held from 6 to 6:30 p.m., followed by light refreshments. For more information, visit www.artleagueli.org or call 631-462-5400.
Help a garden grow at the Three Village Historical Society
Garden volunteers wanted
Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket seeks volunteers to help transform their property into a native landscape that is welcoming to the birds and bees. Help is needed to remove invasive species, create new gardens and transform the 3-acre property into a bird and bee sanctuary. Call 631-751-3730 for further details.
Join beach clean-up at Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai April 16
New York Marine hosts a Pick It Up Beach Clean-Up at Cedar Beach, 244 Harbor Beach Road, Mount Sinai on Sunday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to noon. Come join them in their effort to eradicate marine debris from our local beaches and help save our wildlife! Can’t make it? Beach clean-ups are also scheduled at various times for May 7, June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10 and October 15. To participate, register at www.nymarinerescue.org.
Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty’s Young Professionals Network event raises $35,000
The Young Professionals Network (YPN) of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, one of the nation’s leading realtors and the top ranked luxury real estate organization serving Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens, recently held its First Annual Fundraiser. Held at The Inn at New Hyde Park, more than 200 enthusiastic networkers raised $35,000 for the Daniel Gale Foundation, a charitable organization wholly funded by donations from Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty real estate advisors, staff, management, senior executives and board members.
“I am elated, impressed and proud of our young professional group, who put together a wildly successful benefit event,” said Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty CEO Deirdre O’Connell, who was in attendance. “Not only did they raise a substantial sum of money for the Daniel Gale Foundation, they put on an outstanding networking event to the great benefit of all who attended.”
Kathleen McCarthy, a real estate advisor based out of the Bayside/Flushing and Garden City offices who serves on the advisory board of YPN, explained the significance of bringing together this group of young professionals and veteran real estate advisors. “Over the past three years, we’ve mostly operated in our own silos, meeting by zoom or in small group settings. Nothing matches the energy of getting together in a local venue while doing good. Our newer agents in particular were able to meet and learn from the top producing legacy agents in the room. These interactions are invaluable stepping stones to future success.”
YPN currently has between 30 to 40 active members and an advisory board of eight who plan quarterly events. In addition to fundraising, YPN offers growth opportunities for its members in a supportive environment. One YPN member, for example, recently launched a podcast, which has since been shared among members and their networks. Members also share listings via Instagram and Facebook with a dedicated inbox. “It’s all about relationship building, supporting our colleagues and referring business among one another,” added McCarthy.
Because of the generous contributions of event sponsors including Embrace Home Loans, Chase Home Lending, Citizen’s Bank, Wells Fargo, and Jon Pappas, 100 percent of ticket sales were donated to the Daniel Gale Foundation.
Centereach man pleads guilty to rape of a 6-year-old girl
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 13 that Jose Romero, 34, of Centereach, pleaded guilty to Rape in the First Degree for having sexual intercourse with a 6-year-old child.
“This defendant preyed upon the innocence and vulnerability of a young child to satisfy his own heinous desires,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thankfully, she had the courage to come forward and testify in the Grand Jury so that the defendant could be brought to justice. This plea ensures that the young victim will not be re-victimized by being forced to face her abuser again in court.”
According to the investigation and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, in October 2021, Romero had sexual intercourse with the 6-year-old victim, and then gave the victim pocket change and told her not to tell her parents about what he had done to her.
Despite Romero’s attempt to conceal his crime, the child victim immediately disclosed the abuse to her parents who contacted the police. The victim was brought to Stony Brook University Hospital where a sexual assault nurse examiner recovered DNA evidence linking Romero to the crime.
On April 12, 2023, Romero pleaded guilty before County Court Judge, the Honorable Judge Karen M. Wilutis, to Rape in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony. Judge Wilutis ordered Romero held without bail. Romero faces 12 years in prison plus 10 years of post-release supervision and be registered as a sex offender upon sentencing. He is due back in court for sentencing on May 12, 2023.
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Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments.
Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.
Letters to the Editor — April 13
In the wrong township
Regarding the April 6 article, “Brookhaven officials speak out against governor’s proposed housing plan” — also an op-ed — on potential development which is, according to Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine [R], “exempt from environmental concerns … don’t have sewers … no height restrictions … and local zoning is ignored.”
Deputy Supervisor Dan Panico [R-Manorville] in his April 6 op-ed provides four examples that lend themselves to this type of development, and rattles off Port Jefferson Station, North Bellport, East Patchogue and Mastic Beach.
Yes, we can read between your lines. And no, Dan. If you want development that is exempt from environmental concerns and without sewers, you are in the wrong township.
Joan Nickeson
Terryville
Roadway changes at 112 and 347 a mistake
The intersection of routes 112 and 347 in Port Jefferson Station is a total disgrace.
The change to the intersection was a total waste of taxpayers’ hard-earned money. It solved nothing. Now all the traffic is backed up at the light to ShopRite, instead.
In order to get to 112 coming from the east, one must make three turns instead of simply turning left. It is the most confusing and frustrating roadway change, and for what?
The whole project really should be looked at from the point of view of public safety. Once you make a turn from the new way, it is unclear where to actually go. Has the New York State Department of Transportation even driven there since it ruined the intersection?
Yes, I am angry. I’ve been here since there was a traffic circle, and that would have been better reinstalled than the horrific mess that is there now.
Jean Jackson
East Setauket
National Minority Health Month
April is National Minority Health Month, and we are urging that people of all skin tones protect themselves against skin cancer. Despite the common misconception that people of color cannot get skin cancer, it does affect people of all skin tones. Harmful ultraviolet rays can penetrate all skin types, regardless of your ethnicity, so even for people with dark skin, sun protection is necessary every day.
According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma rates have risen by 20% among Hispanics in the past two decades. The annual incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is currently 1 in 167 for Hispanics and 1 in 1,000 for African Americans —compared to 1 in 38 for white people.
Although people of color are diagnosed with skin cancer at lower rates than Caucasians, prognoses are typically poorer and survival rates are lower. Black patients with melanoma have an estimated five-year survival rate of 71 percent, versus 93 percent for white patients.
You can reduce your skin cancer risk by practicing sun safe strategies when outdoors. Applying sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, UV protective sunglasses and long-sleeved clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible, can help prevent skin cancer.
The Cancer Prevention in Action program at Stony Brook Cancer Center works to increase awareness about the dangers of UV radiation and promote sun safety to reduce skin cancer rates on Long Island. To learn more about Cancer Prevention in Action, visit the website takeactionagainstcancer.com or contact us at 631-444-4263 or email [email protected].
This program is supported with funds from Health Research Inc. and New York State.
Annalea Trask
Program Coordinator,
Cancer Prevention In Action
Stony Brook Cancer Center
Opportunities squandered
Everyone deserves to live in safe, affordable housing. We are facing a housing crisis on Long Island. State and local governments must use their power to address this problem in a thoughtful and equitable way that benefits all of us.
Unfortunately, the response from too many Long Island elected officials to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s [D] “housing compact” fails to address the issue for the public good. In his perspective piece March 30, Dan Panico [R-Manorville], Town of Brookhaven deputy supervisor and current town supervisor candidate, accuses the governor of threatening “local municipalities” and her push to increase housing availability as a “political charade.”
While I do not agree with all aspects of Hochul’s plan, I recognize that she is speaking to a need that local governments have failed to address. One example of this would be the development of the Heritage Spy Ring Golf Club senior complex in South Setauket, which is a project that Mr. Panico voted for in 2014. This project was approved despite the opposition of the community. It has not generated any affordable housing, with monthly apartment leases priced from $2,900 per month. What we desperately need in our communities is affordable housing for both young professionals and retirees, and this was an opportunity squandered.
Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich [D-Stony Brook] has also weighed in about local control, saying that “town council members are uniquely qualified to know and be accountable to the needs of our districts” in an April 6 TBR News Media op-ed.
However, the Brookhaven Town Board isn’t listening to constituents. This past week, the Town Board unanimously sent a statement in support of New York State legislation to alienate protected parkland to facilitate the siting of a waste transfer station not allowed by local zoning, in an environmental justice area and disadvantaged community. They did this over the objections of nearby communities of color and the state NAACP.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time we’ve seen this kind of action. In 2021, the Town Board unanimously voted to rezone 130 acres of land surrounding the Brookhaven landfill from residential to light industry, again over the objections of residents. That is not how representation should work.
This year, our local government is up for election at all levels. Too many politicians have placed their self-interest and personal ambition over the voices of those they are elected to represent.
We saw this in our town redistricting process last summer, where the Town Board unanimously approved the redistricting maps that residents spoke in opposition to at numerous public hearings.
There is too much at stake, from affordable housing to environmental protection to the democratic process itself, to allow the status quo to continue unchecked. We deserve better, and we must demand it from our elected officials.
Shoshana Hershkowitz
South Setauket
Wind power presents significant problems
According to a March 23 TBR News Media article, Sunrise Wind will soon be providing us with a wind farm which will contribute to New York state deriving 100% of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2040. Presumably this implies that the contribution of energy provided by all hydrocarbon fuels, including coal, oil and natural gas, will be eliminated entirely.
While this may sound like a noble and virtuous goal, it does present a number of very significant problems, none of which were addressed in the aforementioned article. The production and distribution of electrical power began in the 1880s, as a direct result of the invention of the incandescent light bulb by Thomas Edison. Since that time, it has been generated by a combination of hydrocarbon fuels, supplemented by hydroelectric sources and, more recently, by nuclear reactors.
All of these power sources share a common characteristic: They reliably provide huge amounts of energy satisfying all of our needs, 100% of the time, day and night, in all kinds of weather, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, year in and year out.
If we choose to arbitrarily eliminate the vast energy contributions of hydrocarbon fuels, and if we also follow the advice of letter writer Arnold Wishnia and his friends and eliminate our nuclear power plants as well, we will thereby create a new problem. If our virtuous green power sources are only active with a very limited duty cycle, certainly much less than 50% of the time, what will provide our energy when the wind is not blowing, and the sun is not shining? Clearly, we will need some form of energy storage system, in which we will produce and store energy when it is available, i.e., when the wind blows and/or the sun shines, and recover this stored energy during the off times.
But what form will this energy storage system take? Can it be a huge collection of lithium-ion batteries? Can we perform electrolysis of sea water to produce hydrogen, which we can store in huge tanks? Can we pump vast amounts of water into huge towers, and then use it to power hydroelectric turbines? What shall we do?
We are told in the article that the windmills to be provided by Sunrise Wind will provide enough power for about 600,000 homes. However, we are not told whether this includes only the power delivered directly to the homes when the wind is blowing, or whether it includes the extra power that must be stored, such as in a battery, to power the homes when the wind is absent.
If Sunrise Wind, or Mr. Wishnia or anyone else, can describe an energy storage system that is compatible with achieving 100% elimination of hydrocarbon fuels and nuclear power generators in New York state by 2040, at an even remotely achievable cost, it would be most interesting and enlightening.
In my humble opinion, I believe that windmills and solar arrays can be useful supplements. We see this, for example, with a homeowner who installs solar panels on a roof, or a farmer who uses a windmill to pump water from a well. But to rely on these sources 100% of the time, for a venue the size of New York state, is, as they say, a horse of a different color.
George Altemose
Setauket
‘Fling into Spring’ Carnival returns to Mt. Sinai’s Heritage Park April 14 to 16
Once again, Newton Shows is partnering with the North Shore Youth Council (NSYC) to present its “Fling into Spring” community carnival at Heritage Park located at 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road in Mount Sinai from Friday to Sunday, April 14 to 16.
“The Newton Shows carnivals at Heritage Park are always looked forward to and bring much enjoyment to people of all ages,” said Robert Woods, Executive Director, NSYC. “We are honored to continue providing these and other experiences for our North Shore communities.”
The complete dates and times for the event are as follows:
- Friday, April 14 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Saturday, April 15 from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Sunday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Children and adults can check out an array of exciting rides such as Traffic Jam, Airshow, Puppy Roll, Samba Balloon, Happy Swing, Super Slide, Crazy Bus, Round Up, Tornado, Sizzler, Cliffhanger, Giant “Expo Wheel,” Pharaoh’s Fury, and Super Shot. (Please visit the website https://newtonshows.
In addition, there will be a children’s magic and illusion show Saturday and Sunday at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The carnival will also feature games and food.
Advance tickets, including pay-one-price bracelets, can be purchased at newtonshows.com.
Paw Prints: Meet Penny, Ben, Carrots, Mara and Prince!
Welcome to the 16th edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home!
Meet Penny
”See a Penny, pick it up, then all day you’ll have good luck.” A ten-year-old Yorkie mix, this bright and shiny little girl is hoping to find her forever home and become part of your family. A happy and amusing companion, she’ll keep you entertained on your walks, sharing all the “gossip” from the small dog kennel, adding her own delightful spin. Enjoying proximity to her favorite humans, she’s also the perfect one to welcome you home at the end of the day, so be sure to stop by Little Shelter in Huntington to meet this tiny talisman of good fortune! “Share the Penny with a friend and your luck will never end.” Call 631-368-8770, ext 21
Meet Ben
It has been said that the Pekingese is a sophisticated dog of undying loyalty and many subtle delights, who bonds very closely with his humans. This gentle fellow is Ben, clocking in at ten-years-old, ten being the new five! Active and outgoing, he’s always ready for a walk around the grounds, meeting and greeting friends along the way. Incredibly charming, clever and confident, he knows how to use that to his advantage. Opinionated when it comes to matters of the heart, he’s hoping to find his perfect match and a forever home, settle in and live happily ever after. If you have a similar plan, stop by Little Shelter in Huntington to take a Peke at a boy named Ben! Call 631-368-8770, ext 21.
Meet Carrots
This very handsome boy arrived at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter after being found injured on the road by an Animal Control Officer. His arm has since healed and now he is waiting for his furever home. Carrots is sweet, adorable, sometimes playful and sometimes lazy kitty who is looking for a family to love. He is a relaxed guy who loves to get pet and those cheeks will just make you melt. Estimated to be 3 to 5 years old, 9.13 pounds, he is up to date on vaccinations, micro-chipped and FELV/FIV negative. Fill out a Matchmaker application online at www.brookhavenny.gov or call 631-451-6950.
Meet Mara
A woman of mystery, meet Mara, a ten-year-old Collie mix up for adoption at Little Shelter in Huntington. Retired from government work, she’s enjoying her free time and the ability to take up new hobbies and explore her interests. Busily clipping coupons when she’s not looking for her glasses, she a savvy shopper, always finding the best deals on toys, treats, and comfortable bedding. Happy to accompany you on a leisurely stroll, she’ll nod in agreement with your opinions, supportive of all your endeavors, while reminding you that seniors have a lot of wisdom, experience and ideas to contribute. Stop by to meet Mara and help write her next chapter…we guarantee a happy ending! Call 631-368-8770, ext 21.
*Mara is not housebroken.
Meet Prince
Prince arrived at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter because his family was moving and they were unable to take him. Upon arrival he was a bit confused as to what happened to his people and how he ended up homeless, alone and in the animal shelter. Prince is one of those dogs that needed some extra time, after all he was with his family since he was a pup and he will be 8 years old in June.
His previous owner describes him as an outgoing guy who is playful, high energy, friendly, an amazing partner who loves to show affection and be with you. Prince is hoping to get a second chance at a good life with a human to love and a place to call his own. He just needs a chance. He is housebroken, crate trained, loves his bed, knows sit and is very treat motivated. He is great at catching his treats mid air. He will need a home with children over 10 years old and he will do best as the only pet. He is about 76 pounds, 7.5 years young, up to date on vaccinations, neutered, micro-chipped and heartworm negative.
If you are interested in meeting Prince and making him part of your family, fill out a Matchmaker application online at www.brookhavenny.gov or call 631-451-6950 to arrange a meet and greet.
Free rabies clinic
The Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, 300 Horseblock Road, Brookhaven will hold a free Rabies Clinic on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The clinic is open to all Town residents and offers free rabies vaccinations for all dogs, cats and ferrets and free cat/dog FVRCP or DAPPCV vaccine. Dogs must be on a leash. Cats and ferrets must be in a carrier. No appointment necessary. For more information, call 631-451-6950.
Rescue is a lifestyle. Adopt, don’t shop!
Check out the next Paw Prints in the issue of May 11.
Paw Prints is generously sponsored by Mark T. Freeley, Esq.
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