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TBR Staff

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TBR News Media covers everything happening on the North Shore of Suffolk County from Cold Spring Harbor to Wading River.

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Photo by Raymond Janis

Not a rebuttal

Stefanie Werner’s letter, “Missing the Boat: A Rebuttal to the Three Village Start-Time Debate” [Village Times Herald,  Nov. 28], raises questions about her understanding of the term “rebuttal.” A rebuttal requires more than simply using dismissive terms like “lackluster,” “inane,” “nonsense,” “so-called,” “half-cocked” and “fantasy.” If Ms. Werner has objective evidence contradicting the extensive, peer-reviewed research supporting the benefits of later school start times, she should present it — perhaps even publish it.

In any case, she seems to have misunderstood a key point: research does clearly demonstrate that even a 30-minute delay in start times yields measurable benefits. So the planned 35-minute shift from 7:05 to 7:40 qualifies. If we fully followed the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation of an 8:30 a.m. or later start, we would likely see even greater positive effects.

What remains open to good-faith debate is whether the proven benefits to students’ health and academic performance outweigh the financial costs — estimated at less than 0.5% of the district’s budget, according to the BOE — and other trade-offs. Perhaps they don’t. But Ms. Werner should address these trade-offs with honesty, presenting accurate data on potential impacts to class sizes, electives and other logistical concerns.

John Hover

East Setauket

New Yorkers need expanded access to creative arts therapy, a vital treatment in mental health care

Mental health issues are not one-size-fits-all and neither should be the design of their treatment.  Due to a multitude of unique cultures and life experiences, the availability of a variety of approaches is required to meet the mental health needs of New Yorkers. Take the case of my patient, “Rose.”

Rose survived a horrific automobile accident. Afterward, she struggled with physical pain, anxiety and fear. As a licensed creative arts therapist (LCAT) and music therapist at a Long Island hospital, I worked with Rose to help her cope through her recovery. Rose was additionally impaired by a word retrieval problem caused by her traumatic injury, but she soon discovered she could convey her thoughts and feelings eloquently through the language of music. During individual music therapy sessions, she learned tools to reduce her anxiety and process her emotions. In collaborative sessions with her physical therapist, Rose experienced the priming effect of music and its ability to promote steadiness and motivation. Her explanation of how music therapy integrated the healing of her mind and body was clear: “the music held the pain for me.” And then her music therapy treatment had to stop.

 Due to current New York State law, Medicaid insurance would not cover Rose’s therapy with an LCAT once discharged from the hospital. However, a new bill (A9018/S8715) has been presented to Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) that seeks to amend the law, permitting LCATs, like other licensed mental health practitioners, to bill Medicaid directly for mental health services to Medicaid patients. 

 LCATs are master’s and doctoral-level licensed mental health professionals trained in clinical psychotherapy and a specific arts discipline (music, dance/movement, drama and art therapy).  LCATs offer unique, evidence-based techniques to foster healing and recovery. Rooted in the world of images and sound, creative arts therapies tend to be less reliant on verbal interchanges, opening a dimension to self-expression and emotional exploration to those who may have difficulty with talk therapy. Far from one-size-fits-all, these interventions are individualized and tap into the patient’s potential to create, develop and change.  Research studies highlight creative arts therapy as a low-risk, high-benefit category of intervention. 

In my work, I have seen people, seemingly broken, rise through the ashes of their pain and trauma, empowered by a piece of music that speaks their truth like nothing else could.  Whatever the medium, engaging in the creative process in a therapeutic context can be transformative. Rose, and others on Medicaid, should not be deprived of this treatment opportunity. I call upon Gov. Hochul to sign the Medicaid bill and expand access to these life changing therapies.

Ilene “Lee” Berger Morris lives and works on Long Island, and is a board-certified music therapist and licensed creative arts therapist.

Ilene “Lee” B. Morris, MM, LCAT, MT-BC

Neurologic Music Therapist

Member of the American Music Therapy Assoc.

Member of The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy

In response to “Clarifying Roles: Code Officers don’t need firearms

Mr. Drew Biondo has written a very well composed letter to the Editor advocating that Village Code Officers do not need firearms. He is technically correct. Their primary job is “code enforcement.”

The question I raise is: are Village Constables Parking Meter Readers or are they an aide to the local police? My experience indicates that they are the invaluable eyes and ears for the local police. They are usually the first on the scene when an unfortunate accident or crime occurs.

Yes, they are “Peace Officers”, and I value their role in Belle Terre and especially in Port Jefferson which has many transient visitors.

Now, if you want “Meter Readers” issuing parking tickets, etc., then take away their firearms. Take away their uniforms too. Do you think that an armed criminal differentiates between a Constable or a SCPD Officer? Who is going to apply for your Constabulary positions. Not a retired SCPD Officer when you tell them to leave their personal firearms at home.

We don’t live in Rural Vermont. We have an active and fun community. Let’s keep it that way. I believe we had a shooting on Main Street last year. I was shocked! But this happened in Port Jefferson! Two nights ago in Belle Terre, a car with 3 kids under the age of 23, smashed into a tree on Cliff Road. The car exploded into flames. The Belle Terre Constabulary were on the scene within 2 minutes to pull the kids out of the car to save their lives. The Constables are trained professionals, and they saved 3 lives. They are not Meter Readers and respond more as trained first responders.

The local residents and I have always respected the Port Jefferson Constabulary. In my professional opinion, if it is not broken, why fix it. These constables provide a valuable service to the residents and to the community.

Ted Lucki

Former Belle Terre Mayor

An open letter to Port Jefferson Station/Terryville residents and neighboring communities

 The Port Jefferson Station /Terryville Civic Association would like to remind everyone of a very important meeting next week about a significant proposal impacting our community and others like ours nearby. We are hopeful of having as many of our residents and concerned neighbors attend our Civic Association meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, 7 p.m. at the Comsewogue Public Library.

We will hear a presentation from Recall Strategies who represent New Leaf Energy, Inc. New Leaf Energy is a renewable energy developer proposing to build an 8-10 MW Battery Energy Storage System at 1577 NYS Rt. 112 in Port Jefferson Station. This proposed site is nearly adjacent to the Sagamore Hills Condominium Complex on Rt. 112 in Port Jefferson Station and very proximate to Comsewogue High School.

This relatively new technology for an energy center for lithium-ion battery storage has stimulated a lot of discussion and some controversy in our area so it is important that all community members be informed. In turn, we need to ensure our collective voices and views are heard by our elected officials in Brookhaven Town who have the responsibility for overseeing any activity of this nature at that location. We strongly encourage all our Civic members, residents and neighboring friends to attend this meeting. Please pass this meeting’s topic to any of your neighbors, family and friends that live in or near Port Jefferson Station/Terryville.

As I wrote in last week’s issue (see “Community Call to Action,”.Port Times Record, Dec. 5), this is not the only Lithium Battery Storage Facility proposed nearby. Savion Energy is looking to build a 350 MW Lithium Battery Storage Facility in Setauket on the border of Port Jefferson Station, at the Chip-It All site on Sheep Pasture Road. This may be the largest facility proposed on Long Island, The health and safety of the shared resources with our neighbors in the Three Villages and Port Jeff Village should provide the impetus for mutual consideration of the benefits and/or risks associated with this use which seems poised to proliferate throughout the region of our Town. To paraphrase our namesake, Thomas Jefferson, “the best defense of democracy is an informed citizenry.” Let’s stand up for democracy and show up on December 17th to continue together to safeguard the quality of life in our area by participating and staying informed!

 Ira Costell, President

Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association

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Harriet W. Cotroneo

Prepared by Anne Owen

Harriet W. Cotroneo, a longtime resident of Port Jefferson, died peacefully at her home in Setauket on Nov. 8, 2024. She was 103.

Born in Queens, Harriet moved to Port Jefferson as a teenager where she met her future husband Anthony “Tony” Cotroneo. The couple married in 1940 and made their home on Liberty Avenue, raising their daughter Anne and living there for many years.

In the late 1930s, Harriet began working as a telephone operator at the New York Telephone Company building on Main Street in Port Jefferson. After its closing, she became an information operator for AT&T, first in Smithtown and later in Patchogue. Following her husband’s death in 1978, Harriet continued working part time for the Comsewogue School District well into her 80s.

Harriet enjoyed reading, baking, traveling and spending time with her many friends. She especially loved luncheons, outings and holidays with her family. An animal lover, she found great joy and companionship in her dogs. Her optimism, determination and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures contributed to her long fulfilling life.

She is survived by her daughter Anne; son-in-law Michael; nephew Richard Butera; niece Concetta Butera and many friends. Interment was at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Coram.

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Kayleigh Smith Photo by Kimberly Phyfe

By Kimberly Phyfe

The Three Village Historical Society (TVHS) is proud to announce Kayleigh Smith as their 2024 Research Fellow.

TVHS embarked on the ambitious Historical House Marker program earlier this year, expanding well beyond the original scope of the first markers by the Society at its founding. Six decades on, this new iteration of the program re-imagined the parameters for what qualifies as a historic home in our community.

So how could they pull off researching the 60+ homes that applied to see which would receive a marker? That’s where Kayleigh Smith comes in.

Kayleigh Smith Photo by Kimberly Phyfe

Smith recently graduated from Stony Brook University where her “major in anthropology has fueled my aspiration to work in an environment that both preserves historical heritage and actively engages and inspires the public. The Three Village Historical Society exemplifies this mission, making it an ideal environment for applying my skills and furthering my professional growth.”

Always eager to dive deeply into the rich tapestry of cultural diversity, Smith was seeking a meaningful volunteer opportunity in the TVHS archives. Exhibits & Collections Coordinator, Scott Ferrara, recognized what a talented researcher Smith is, and recommended an extended project for her.

“Kayleigh’s work with archival management and research has been profound,” said Ferrara. “She quickly picked up on local historical geography and the many genealogical connections between families in the Three Village community. Kayleigh’s efforts particularly shined through the organization of the Society’s archival collections and the navigation of our extensive collections in support of the Historic House Marker Program. Going forward, the lessons learned from Kayleigh’s efforts and the successes she’s had will lay the framework for future historical house research,” he said.

The Historic House Marker program has been years in the making and six long months of in depth compilation of more than fifty research packets for approved home owners. The binders are full to the brim of deed histories, genealogy, newspaper articles, photographs, drawings, and anything Smith could find related to each property and the generations of residents.

“While my research is deeply fulfilling, it is the opportunity to connect with people and share my findings that truly underscores the value of my work,” Smith shared. 

Special events such as Culper Spy Day, the Spirits Graveyard Tour, and the Candlelight House Tour have given Smith additional insight into why TVHS is treasured by the community. 

“Participating in these events and engaging with the community on a personal level instills deep reverence for the significance of this research,” she said.

Funding for this new position was made possible by the generous support of long-time Society Member, Fred Bryant. In 2023, the Three Village Historical Society renamed one of their annual awards in his honor. The newly titled Fred E. Bryant Community Award is “in appreciation of valuable contributions to the advancement of the quality of life in the Three Villages and the fostering of pride in the rich historical heritage of our homes and lands.”

For 2024, the first recipients of the Bryant Community Award were Joe and Laura Troffa. Bryant graciously attached a significant donation to his new award, to be made in honor of the Troffas. Thus, the Bryant/Troffa Research Fellowship was created, and the Society is able to bring on exceptional talent such as Smith to fill the role.

“It was an incredible honor and complete surprise to be awarded the first Fred Bryant Community Service Award” stated Laura Troffa. “Joe and I, like Fred, share a mutual passion for preserving the history of this amazing community.”

Smith said that she is “grateful for the Bryant/Troffa Fellowship because it represents the next stepping stone in my career path. I have long aspired to work in a museum setting — curating exhibits and making meaningful discoveries that resonate with people. This Fellowship has validated that my skills transcend the confines of the classroom and can be effectively utilized in dynamic settings, where I engage with historical, community, and personal narratives on a daily basis.”

The Troffas moved to Setauket in the 1970’s and “we knew it was a very special place,” said Laura. 

“We became avid supporters of the TVHS to learn more about the historical buildings and the events that took place in our community dating back to the Revolutionary War. From that day forward,  we’ve had the pleasure of sponsoring the Annual Candlelight Tour, as well as contributing to various projects that helped preserve and enrich many of the Society’s historical buildings that we all cherish!”

The Troffas “are so excited to hear Kayleigh’s hard work has been instrumental in the success of the upcoming Historic House Marker celebration! Our collections and archives are so important and integral to promoting education within our community!”

Author Kimberly Phyfe is the  Community Engagement Manager at the Three Village Historical Society in Setauket.

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METRO photo

News can be one of the most important and constant aspects of every American’s life. It can permeate our every waking moment, from the televisions in waiting rooms, our phones’ constant push notifications and the reposting of articles all over our social media feeds.

Unfortunately, many Americans are discouraged by the negative news which surrounds us. They feel the polarization of the political parties, constant coverage of crime and oftentimes dark undercurrents that are aspects of the news. Some try to hide from current events for the sake of their own wellbeing. In fact, up to 43% of Americans avoid the news, in some form, according to this year’s Reuters Institute Digital News Report.

That is why we are pleased to share that this week’s newspaper is full of good news — something most people will happily welcome. It is always wonderful to revel in the holiday season and all of its elements, and that is precisely why happy news can be especially satisfying this time of year.

From the honoring of our Suffolk County veterans, to The Steam Room restaurant’s philanthropy this Thanksgiving, to wonderful spectacles of holiday cheer out of Huntington and Port Jeff, our communities have come together to provide each other with bits of joy, in our complicated world.

TBR brings the spirit of community to our readers’ doorsteps every week, and will always share with you the merry, along with the hard-hitting. We are proud of our communities and enjoy showing them off during this complex political climate. 

Thank you for your readership and support.

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Carol Albano

Prepared by the Albano family

Carol Albano of Greenlawn passed away on Nov. 28 at the age of 76. She was the beloved wife of the late John Albano (1979) and the loving mother of Joanne Albano. Carol was a dear sister to Elizabeth Frisino (Patricia) and Joseph Frisino (Vicki) and a cherished cousin of Elena Muenckler, Susan Cantone and Jackie Pickle. She was also loved by her nieces and nephews, Kathy Derby, Liam Derby, Zack Frisino, Skyeler Pickle, and the late Noelle Muenckler.

Carol retired as the director of the library at Harborfields Public Library after 36 years of dedicated service.

Visitation was held on Dec. 3 at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport. A funeral Mass was celebrated on Dec. 4 at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, Centerport, followed by burial at St. Philip Neri Cemetery, East Northport.

In Carol’s memory, donations to the Friends of the Library at Harborfields Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn, 11740, would be appreciated by her family.

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Frank S. Bonura

Prepared by Theresa Jacobellis

Frank Bonura, MD, a beloved physician who touched countless lives during more than five decades of providing healthcare to Long Island women, died Oct. 31 after a brief illness. His energy was boundless, his knowledge endless and his dedication to his patients unparalleled. Maintaining his Smithtown medical practice for 55 years, Dr. Bonura was happiest when treating patients, which he did well into his eighth decade.

Born in Queens, Dr. Bonura served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, achieving the rank of captain. He earned his medical degree at the University of Rome and completed a rotating internship followed by a residency in obstetrical and gynecological pathology at The Brooklyn Hospital. Dr. Bonura also completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at The Brooklyn Cumberland Medical Center.

Shortly thereafter, he and his wife, Lenith (Leni), moved to Smithtown, where he established a solo OB-GYN practice. Over the next 35 years, he delivered close to 10,000 babies, often caring for multiple generations of women and delivering the babies of women he had previously delivered.

In 1978, Dr. Bonura joined the academic staff at the Stony Brook School of Medicine as an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology. In 1979, he was named chairman and director of OB-GYN at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, a position he continued to hold after the hospital became St. Catherine of Siena Hospital. He established the osteoporosis program at St. Catherine in 1998.

He stopped delivering babies in 2004 and shifted the focus of his OB-GYN practice to caring for women before and during menopause. In his typical style, he devoted himself to becoming an expert in this field by attending national meetings, reading the latest studies and eventually writing articles and a textbook chapter on menopause.

In 2018, Dr. Bonura was named director of menopausal health and osteoporosis at St. Catherine. As one of the few physicians in the region certified by the North American Menopause Society, Dr. Bonura was passionate about helping women navigate the symptoms that commonly appear at this stage of life.

When COVID-19 struck, he continued to treat patients, adding telehealth to his practice. He also began hosting monthly educational lectures on Zoom to share his vast knowledge about a range of common women’s health topics, including weight management, urinary tract infections, breast cancer, vaginal symptoms and hot flashes. More recently, he offered remote educational lectures to women through the Huntington library system.

Dr. Bonura was as committed to his own health as he was to his patients’. He regularly played tennis, lifted weights, practiced yoga and took spinning classes. He credited his wife, Leni, with keeping him in good shape by feeding him a healthy Mediterranean diet, which he often recommended to his patients.

In addition to his wife of more than 55 years, he is survived by two sons: Frank (James Pollock) Bonura and Christopher Bonura.

A visitation and funeral Mass were held at the Branch Funeral Home and St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Smithtown, respectively. Interment followed at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

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John Joseph Fazio’s funeral procession, heading down 25A on Tuesday Nov. 26. Photo by Janet Fortuna

Prepared by the Fazio family

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of John Joseph Fazio who left us on Nov. 16 at the age of 63.

John was born Jan. 6, 1961, in Brooklyn where he lived until the family moved to Terryville in 1969. He graduated from Comsewogue High School where he played on the soccer team and wrestled. After graduation, he attended college and coached youth soccer. John then worked as a machinist at several firms before joining Posimech in 1983 where he became vice president and general manager.

John’s dedication and love for his 29 years with the Setauket Fire Department as honorary chief and chief driver was only surpassed by his love for family. He also enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson and his years of studying Japanese jiu-jitsu, achieving the rank of high-level brown belt.

John is survived by his loving wife Karen; daughters Melissa Ann (Ryan) and Kaitlyn (Matt); and two adoring grandchildren Madison Rose and Ryan Dennis-John.

He is also mourned by his mother Angelina; sister Cynthia (Denis); brothers Mark (Janine), Craig (Cindy) and Steve (Lori); sisters-in-law Kathy Ann (James), Dawn Marie (Brett) and Deborah; brothers-in-law Gerard (Alissa), Brian (Jen) and Kevin (Eileen). He was predeceased by his father Richard and brother-in-law Francis (Kathy).

John was well-liked and respected by employees and business associates as demonstrated by the outpouring of condolences and memories from former and current personnel, customers and suppliers.

The words John used most throughout his life were, “How can I help?”

A celebration of John’s life was held at the Bryant Funeral Home in East Setauket, on Monday, Nov. 25, followed by a Firematic Service at 8 p.m.

A Funeral Mass took place on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Gerard Majella RC Church, in  Port Jeff Station, which was followed by burial at St. James RC Church in Setauket. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to www.joeydfoundation.org.

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Suzanne ‘Sukie’ Rebecca Zeeve

By Rachel Zeeve

If anyone ever did the phrase, “force of nature” any justice, it was Suzanne “Sukie” Rebecca Zeeve. You could see it in the easy way that lemurs and eagles perched on her shoulders in photos from her time studying animal behavior in Madagascar and the Republic of Congo. You could hear it in the way she could make any dog levitate with joy just by singing a nonsense song with their name in it. Sukie made every creature feel understood.

She was the first woman zookeeper at the Bronx Zoo. With a Ph.D. in Comparative Biopsychology from SUNY Stony Brook, she was a fearless advocate for animals and served on a FEMA veterinary emergency response team. She rode horses, trained dogs and captained kayaks. A tireless creative, she played guitar and had an infinite collection of books on every subject. Looking at her prolific doodles, paintings and sketches, you can almost hear her laughing as she made them.

She was also my aunt. In elementary and middle school, I would spend part of each summer at her house.These weeks were nothing short of what Sukie herself was: magic. In the evenings, I’d tell her all about my day at horse camp. Over ice cream sandwiches, we’d cover everything from music and books, to politics, to how best to do an Eric Cartman impression. Whichever dogs happened to be staying over at the time would hang onto Sukie’s every word, and so would I. She was everything I wanted to be. And she still is.

A multi-decade resident of East Setauket with deep roots in the community, she will be profoundly missed. Completely adored by her friends and family, the ecosystem Sukie left behind feels incomplete without her. But she was an artist as much as she was a scientist — the beauty of her memory is just as real as her intrepid presence was.

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File photo by Raymond Janis

Community call to action: Addressing safety and planning for battery storage sites

[The Nov. 21] issue of the TBR Port Times Record was rife with thought-provoking Letters to the Editor from our neighbors in the Three Villages regarding the proposed siting of two lithium-ion battery storage facilities in their community. These facilities, while pivotal in providing impetus toward a green energy future and away from fossil fuels, are not without the attendant public safety concerns and controversy when placed very close to residential areas. Given the proximity to neighborhoods surrounding Sheep Pasture and Old Town roads, as well as the Greenway Trail bisecting our area, many in Port Jefferson Station/Terryville are equally concerned about the process and appropriateness of the placement of these projects.

It is important to note, however, that the Savion proposal(s) are not the only activity which can impact our hamlet. Since July, there has been a pending application at 1575 Route 112 for a 10-megawatt storage site by New Leaf Energy which is adjacent to the Sagamore Condominium complex and a stone’s throw from the back of Comsewogue High School. It is our intention at our next Civic Association meeting Dec. 17 (7 p.m. at the Comsewogue Public Library) to have representatives of this organization address our membership which is open to any PJS/Terryville resident. I would urge all my neighbors to participate and educate themselves about this pressing and important topic.

Just as significant, I reiterate my plea that Brookhaven take a leadership role in helping engage the broader community of our town by way of a summit meeting bringing experts together to ensure that our citizens are informed. These storage facilities are spreading across Brookhaven since it is one of the few (perhaps only) municipality on Long Island to have not imposed a moratorium on these projects until defined criteria can be developed to ensure safety. I believe it is incumbent on our local officials to develop a Master Siting Plan to determine what safeguards and standards are necessary and what specific parcels can be identified for the proper, safe location of this activity. Having any L1 (light industrial) zoned parcel have an “as of right “ opportunity to develop this new technology could lead to an uproar of confusion as these sites proliferate. In the absence of extensive dialogue, misinformation can be spread as to how dangerous or toxic these proposals are, when a more rational discussion and analysis could lead to better public policy and a clear direction for our future.

  Ira Costell

 President, Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association

Lithium-ion batteries: A risky bet for energy storage?

As an electronics engineer, I designed several systems incorporating charging and balancing circuits for lithium-ion batteries. One of these was for the Juno mission, which was launched by NASA in 2011, arrived at Jupiter in 2016, a trip of 1.74 billion miles, and continues to be operational today. I have some familiarity with the characteristics of lithium-ion batteries, which are scheduled to be utilized in the proposed energy storage facilities in Setauket and East Setauket.

The problem with lithium-ion batteries is that they are subject to the phenomenon of thermal runaway, which produces an uncontrollable white-hot fire that cannot be extinguished by ordinary means. This fire does not require external oxygen, but is the result of an intense chemical reaction inside the battery cell. Thermal runaway can be induced in several ways, including mechanical stress, such as by impact or lightning, or by overcharging, even by a very small amount. To attain the maximum amount of stored energy, a lithium-ion battery is charged to very close to its maximum rated voltage, which is typically around 4.2 volts. If this voltage is exceeded, even very slightly, e.g., to 4.3 volts or 4.4 volts, thermal runaway may be induced, and it cannot be reversed. In a well-designed system, electronic circuits are utilized which do not allow overcharging to occur. Unfortunately, no electronic circuit is absolutely 100% failure proof. For established critical applications, including military and space, reliability calculations are performed. For each circuit, the mean time between failures (MTBF) and probability of failures per year are calculated. It would be interesting to know whether Savion can provide this analysis for this application.

Thermal runaway, and its fearsome result, is not the only problem that may be encountered, and it may not even be the worst problem. That problem is as follows: how many energy storage facilities will we need to provide uninterrupted power to all of our homes, businesses and other users, when our only source of energy becomes solar arrays and windmills? We have been told that, within a few years, all of our “fossil fuel” plants will be shut down, and all of our energy will come from the sun and wind, with batteries to fill in the gaps when the sun and wind are not cooperating. And, to make matters even worse, new AI applications on the horizon will actually cause our energy needs to double.

One would hope that our elected officials have considered this problem, and have made calculations of the amount of energy storage, and the quantity and size of the battery facilities, that will be required to prevent brownouts and blackouts, particularly during extended periods with diminished sun and wind. If they have, it would be most interesting to see them.

 George Altemose

 Setauket

What was missing from Senator Schumer’s $72 million Penn Station grant announcement

Port Jefferson LIRR riders should be concerned about some critical details that were missing from Senator Schumer’s announcement that he has secured $72 million from the United States Department of Transportation for various Penn Station capital improvements.  Is the $72 million an approved appropriation of funding that a transit agency must still develop a grant application or apply for, or is it a real grant that includes $72 million in funding to a transit agency that is now immediately available to be spent by the grant recipient?  Are these funds being administered by the Federal Transit Administration?  Is there already a Memorandum of Understanding between the MTA, LIRR, New Jersey Transit and Amtrak for administration of these funds?

How many years will it take to advance design and engineering (reviewed and approved by MTA, NYC Transit, LIRR, NJ Transit and Amtrak operations, maintenance and other departments) before the project is ready for the next phase of construction?  Design and engineering usually average 5% to 10% of a capital project cost.  Who is going to come up with the $648 to $ 684 million for construction, independent third-party engineering construction management firms to assist in oversight and contingency funding for construction bids coming in above the project cost estimator engineers estimates, contract change orders during construction due to unforeseen site conditions or late requests by LIRR, NYC Transit, NJ Transit and Amtrak operations or maintenance groups?

  Larry Penner

 Great Neck

Clarifying roles: Code officers don’t need firearms

The recent decision by the Port Jefferson Village Board to disarm code officers is a commendable step toward responsible governance and a clearer understanding of law enforcement roles within our community. This move has, understandably, ignited public discourse, revealing a critical misconception: the conflation of firearms with authority.

It’s imperative to clarify that code officers, tasked with upholding local ordinances and ensuring quality of life, operate under a strictly defined legal framework.  New York State law does not grant them the power to carry firearms.  The notion that a weapon somehow amplifies their authority is erroneous and potentially dangerous.

Introducing firearms into code enforcement scenarios unnecessarily escalates risk. It fosters an illusion of power that can lead to confrontations and undermine the essential nature of community-based code compliance.  De-escalation tactics, conflict resolution and proactive community engagement are far more effective tools for achieving the goals of code enforcement.

The Village Board’s decision wisely prioritizes these methods, fostering a safer environment for both residents and officers. By removing firearms from the equation, we encourage a less adversarial and more collaborative approach to code enforcement. This shift promotes trust and mutual respect, which are vital for a thriving community.

 Drew Biondo

Former PJ Trustee

Editor’s Note: This is a rerun of last week’s letter due to mistakes in the text. We apologize for the errors.

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File photo by Raymond Janis

Clarifying roles: Code officers don’t need firearms

The recent decision by the Village of Port Jefferson board to disarm code officers is a commendable step toward responsible governance and a more precise understanding of law enforcement roles in our community. This move has sparked important public discussions, highlighting a critical misconception: the idea that firearms equate to authority.

It’s important to emphasize that code officers, whose duties involve upholding local ordinances and ensuring quality of life, operate within a well-defined legal framework. New York State law does not permit these officers to carry firearms. The belief that a weapon enhances their authority is not only incorrect but also potentially hazardous.

Arming code officers unnecessarily escalates risk, creating a false sense of power that could lead to confrontations. Instead, de-escalation tactics, conflict resolution and proactive community engagement are far more effective tools for achieving the goals of code enforcement.

The Village board’s decision rightly prioritizes these approaches, fostering a safer environment for both residents and officers. By removing firearms from the equation, the board promotes a less adversarial and more collaborative method of code enforcement. This shift builds trust and mutual respect — essential ingredients for a thriving community.

Drew Biondo

Former Port Jefferson Trustee

Missing the boat: A rebuttal to the Three Village start-time debate

In the Nov. 21 issue of The Village Times Herald [“Not an experiment” ],  John Hover made a lackluster attempt at rebutting my very valid point regarding the waste of time and money that has been, and will be, spent on the inane changes to the district’s start times. He spouted the same nonsense about the “less than 1% of the budget” that it will cost and the overwhelming effects it will have on attendance, grades, performance etc.

Amusingly enough, he admits that the Three Village plan falls far short of the so-called recommendations and lacks any “well-documented evidence” with respect to the impact the whopping 30-minute change the district’s budget contingency plan will have. He also misses the boat in his comprehension of all that may be lost when the millions of dollars this change requires are reallocated elsewhere.

But again, who cares about electives, class sizes, extra-curricular activities etc. that may fall by the wayside when high school kids will have more time for their at-home endeavors with 30 extra minutes of “sleep”? It is indeed a fantasy that students will sleep longer, particularly if they have parents who refuse to set strict guidelines at home.

I am not willing to sacrifice all that may be lost for some half-cocked plan based on “research” that does not support what these parent “experts” love to spew and I am most certainly not in the minority.

Stefanie Werner

East Setauket

Keep diners dishing: Support your local classics

This holiday season, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, if you are too tired to cook, why not consider sharing a meal with neighbors, friends or family and patronize your local diner or restaurant? I have enjoyed many excellent meals for decades at various local diners.

Diners have been part of my life from teenage years to today. Eating out is a periodic ritual with either friends or family. Portions are generous. Who hasn’t taken a doggie bag home with leftovers to eat the next day? Between the customary soup, salad, rolls, coleslaw and pickles along with the main course, dinner could satisfy the heartiest appetite. Many times, we bagged our desserts to go.

Many neighborhoods have seen changes over time. New immigrant groups sometimes favor their own ethnic foods and restaurants. Diners have also lost customers over time to numerous fast-food restaurants. Many fast-food menus now include breakfast items and a greater variety of options for lunch or dinner.

Remember, these people are our neighbors. Local entrepreneurs who own and operate diners continue to invest in our community, creating new jobs without the assistance of federally funded taxpayer stimulus dollars. They work long hours, pay taxes and provide local employment. If we don’t patronize our local restaurants, they don’t eat either.

Why not honor the fond memories of our favorite diners, which have come and gone, by continuing to patronize the ones we still have? Here’s hoping the remaining diners don’t go the way of the dinosaurs into permanent extinction.

  Larry Penner

 Great Neck

Corrections for last week’s article entitled “Stony Brook begins road repairs 90 days after August storm

1. Nov. 18 was a Monday, not a Tuesday. Also, work did not begin until Nov. 20, which was a Wednesday.

2. The construction is on Mill Creek Road, which is owned by The Ward Melville Heritage Organization, not Harbor Road, which is owned by the Town of Brookhaven.

3. Avalon Nature’s Mill Pond is not correct. The Stony Brook Mill Pond is owned by The Ward Melville Heritage Organization, not Avalon.

4. The Ward Melville Heritage Organization does not oversee the Village of Stony Brook, we oversee the Stony Brook Village Center, which is owned by one of Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s subsidiaries.

5. Restoring the village to its former state – we would like to restore the Stony Brook Mill Pond to its former state.

Gloria Rocchio

President of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization

Ed Note: We regret these errors and apologize for any confusion caused

 

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