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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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A scene from the 2024 Setauket Veterans Day ceremony. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

Each year, November 11 reminds us to thank our military.

The day was born on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month — a moment in which the world paused. This was the moment the armistice that ended World War I was signed. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it Armistice Day, a tribute to peace hard-won. Over time, it evolved into what we now know as Veterans Day, but the poignance of that date endures. 

Around our coverage areas, numerous celebrations, ceremonies and breakfasts were held honoring the supreme sacrifice of those men and women who were prepared to die for our nation. The ceremonies TBR was fortunate to cover were attended by those young and old. Political differences were nowhere to be found and everyone present wore a genuine smile.

But, TBR would like to take a moment to recognize the often-unsung heroes of Veterans Day — the families of our veterans. While servicemen and women make the sacrifice by enlisting, their families serve as steadfast supporters at home. From moving base to base and enrolling children in different schools to managing the unique challenges of military life, these families make a profound sacrifice, bearing the weight of service as much as, if not more than, the soldiers themselves.

The constant worry, stress and uncertainty make for a challenging journey, yet military families remain the pillars of support and sanctuary that their loved ones long to return to. This unwavering support reassures service members that their decision to enlist was not in vain — that there is something vital to protect at home. Without the resilience and strength of these families and communities, the lives of our servicemen and women could unravel.

So please, thank our veterans. Extend a hand of gratitude for their sacrifice. But don’t forget to show compassion to their families, as well.

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METRO photo

Although presents garner most of the fanfare during the holiday season, there is no denying that food and entertaining also figure prominently this time of year. Delish magazine reports that Christmas food consumption ranks third, behind Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday, among Americans, and that a single Christmas meal can weigh in at 3,000 calories, not factoring in any other food consumed that day.

No one wants to feel held back while having fun with family and friends, but smart food choices can mean healthier living during this season of festivities. Dish up these alternatives when holiday entertaining.

• Lean on leaner cuts of meat. A strong body is built on protein, and holiday hosts often make a meat or poultry dish the star of the holiday dinner table. When selecting holiday fare, choose leaner options such as “round” or “loin” roasts; otherwise, select white-fleshed fish and skinless poultry in lieu of other options.

• Use broths instead of creams. Soups and gravies are popular this time of year, and both can be made healthier by opting for stock or broth bases over more fattening milks or creams when creating these recipes.

• Create a one-crust pie. Pie is one of the more popular holiday desserts, and plenty of the calories come from a rich, buttery crust. Lighten up by serving a one-crust pie, such as pumpkin or sweet potato. Fruit-based pies like apple or blueberry also can be made with one crust. Simply top the fruit with a light crumb coating.

• Find ways to incorporate vegetables. Vegetables are low in calories and rich in vitamins and nutrients. Many also are high in fiber, so they can help people avoid overeating. According to dietary experts from the American Heart Association, people should aim for four to five servings of vegetables each day. When making a plate, fill half of the plate with vegetables. Enhance dishes like lasagna or other pastas with fresh vegetables as well. See recipe below.

3. Raise the heat to get rid of any liquid that remains. Drizzle in the lemon juice and serve hot. PC226038

• Skip the fried bird. Although deep-frying a turkey can reduce cooking time, frying historically is not the best cooking method for those who are making health-conscious choices. Rather than frying, consider spatchcocking (also known as butterflying) the turkey to enable it to cook faster. Use fresh herbs and seasonings instead of butter and oil to flavor your turkey as well.

• Skip the cocktails. The Center for Science in the Public Interest says that classic cocktails with little to no added sugar typically fall into the 150- to 200-calorie range, while others can be about 200 to 300 calories each. Many people will want to save those extra calories for dessert or another indulgent dish rather than drinking them away. If you want to simulate a cocktail, make a spritzer with sparkling water and unsweetened cranberry juice.

Broccoli with Five Spices

YIELD: Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons sunflower oil

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds

1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds

1/2 teaspoon black mustard seeds

1/2 teaspoon black onion seeds (kalonji)

11/4 pounds broccoli, cut into florets

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt to taste

1 teaspoon lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat the oil and add all the spice seeds.

2. As they pop and darken, add the broccoli, turmeric, and chili powder, and salt. Mix well and pour in a few tablespoons of water. Bring to a sizzle, then reduce the heat and cook until the broccoli is tender but still holds its shape.

Celebrants can make some smart choices in the foods and beverages they eat to enjoy a healthier holiday season this November and December.

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Henry Travis

Prepared by the Travis Family

‘I’ve lived a life that’s full

I traveled each and every highway

And more, much more than this

I did it my way’ 

– Frank Sinatra

Dr. Henry J. Travis, 75, passed away peacefully at his home in Centerport on October 10 after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Karen Travis; his children, Christopher (Rachael), Lyndsey (Curtis) and Meredith (Robert); and his cherished grandchildren, Marilyn, Lily, Thomas and Julie. He is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth (Michael).

Born on November 19, 1948, in New York City to Harry and Constance Travis, Henry, known to many as “Hank” and lovingly as “Grandper” by his family, spent his early years in Brooklyn before moving to Dix Hills in the early 1950s. After graduating from Half Hollow Hills High School, he attended Cornell University where he met his future wife, Karen, in 1971. Following his veterinary school graduation in 1974, the couple moved to Cold Spring Harbor before settling down in Huntington.

Hank joined the Fort Hill Animal Hospital upon graduating — eventually purchasing the practice — where he dedicated the next 50 years of his life. His daughter Lyndsey now continues his legacy at Fort Hill. A true animal lover, he enjoyed sharing his knowledge with future generations, mentoring high school, college and veterinary students who visited the practice.

Outside of his veterinary work, Dr. Travis stayed busy as a master do-it-yourselfer. He was known for his skills in gardening, plumbing, electrical work, painting, woodworking and birdhouse building. Though his projects sometimes turned out quirky, his creativity and problem-solving abilities always shone through.

Henry was an avid sailor, often found cruising around Long Island Sound on his sailboat, Merry Lynn, nearly every Sunday and Tuesday. He taught himself to sail on a small boat and over time advanced to larger vessels, eventually racing and taking family trips along the Northeast coast.

Hank’s love for community service was evident throughout his life. He coached baseball and softball teams at Tri Village Little League and volunteered with the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind in Smithtown where he served on the advisory council. A committed Cornell alum, he established two scholarships at the university and served as Chairperson on the advisory council for Cornell’s Baker Institute for Animal Health.

Despite his health challenges — including a long-term lung condition, a near-fatal bout with COVID-19 and pancreatic cancer — Hank continued to work at Fort Hill and made time for adventures with his grandchildren, bringing endless energy and positivity to every moment.

Henry’s family and friends will miss him dearly but will continue to smile as they remember his life well-lived, marked by love, dedication and joy.

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Helen Giles

Prepared by the Giles family

Helen Giles, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on April 17 in Port Jefferson, at the age of 87. She was surrounded by the love of her children, Steven, Brian (Sarah) and Karen, and her grandson Mark.

Helen was born in Mastic to Ylia (John) and Akila (Kate) Weremchuk and had two brothers, George and Walter, all of whom preceded her in death. After graduating high school, Helen worked at Grumman in Calverton for several years before marrying Bruce Giles of Port Jefferson. Bruce, who passed away in 1984, and Helen lived in Setauket, where they raised their three children.

Helen was known as a devoted wife, mother, homemaker and friend. With strength and resilience, she carried on after Bruce’s death from leukemia at age 50. Family was always Helen’s priority. She took great joy in gardening, cooking, summer BBQs on the patio, (her baked beans were a family favorite,) and baking Christmas cookies. She particularly cherished making holidays special for her family. Helen also loved the beach and often took her young children to the ocean, a tradition the family continued into adulthood. Cupsogue Beach became a cherished legacy for them.

A private family prayer service was held for Helen at O.B. Davis Funeral Homes in Port Jefferson. Her ashes were interred with Bruce’s remains at Cedar Hill Cemetery. The family later held a small memorial to honor Helen’s life at her Saddle Lakes home in Riverhead, where she had lived for the past twelve years.

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Photo by Raymond Janis

Three Village BOE’s costly sleep experiment

At the meeting held Oct. 23, the Three Village Board of Education made another one of its brilliant decisions. Despite [Superintendent Kevin] Scanlon advising both the board and the public that a change in school start times would put a considerable strain on the budget, the board unanimously passed this ridiculous initiative. This change, which has been debated ad nauseum for nearly 2 years, is an enormous waste of money and time. Advocates for this lunacy truly believe that a 30-minute change will have some definitive effect on the sleep patterns of students and their academic success. What they are choosing to ignore is the simple fact that the millions of dollars that this alteration requires will now be taken away from other areas of the budget.

What’s going to happen when programs are discontinued and class sizes rise because we had to pay for the 30 extra minutes kids could stay up on their phones? I won’t keep you in suspense, I’ll just share the result. There will be an exponential uproar and a reconsideration.  Much like the dazzling decision to abolish Do No Harm at this time last year, the board will be forced to rethink the start time aberration as well. And, of course, this is all contingent on the budget vote, which may have several community members rethinking their decision come May. There’s a reason there was so much foot dragging before this vote happened.  Perhaps caving to fantasy beliefs about the sleep fairy granting everyone better grades and stronger attendance was not the best idea. 

      Stefanie Werner

       East Setauket

Campaign thank you letter

Dear Friends, 

I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of my volunteers and supporters for your unwavering dedication throughout my NYS Senate campaign.

Whether you knocked on doors, made calls, donated resources or simply stood by myside, your commitment and hard work have made all the difference, and I am grateful and inspired.

After experiencing seven challenging campaigns as a Suffolk County legislator, I can tellyou first hand that it’s not easy running for political office. I first ran for school board trustee in 2005, and in 2011, I ran for the county legislature and won the 6th Legislative District seat as a Democrat in one of the most Republican county districts, winning seven elections until I was term limited. I overcame political divisiveness by putting people over politics and finding common ground so we could get work done by making communities safer, cleaner and more affordable.

Knowing the local issues and having both foresight and experience, I am proud to have facilitated many successful programs including partnering with law enforcement to create the School Active Violence Emergency (SAVE ) Hotline to provide a direct link for school emergency; chairing Suffolk County’s Addiction Prevention and Support Advisory Panel to address the opioid epidemic, mental health and suicide prevention; creating veterans and seniors resource guides; creating a county business hub and website to expedite the health permit process helping businesses build and expand; working to address the dangers of social media and liquid nicotine to protect our kids; educating our senior citizens on scams; supporting the construction of the North Shore Rail Trail for a safer alternative to recreate; spearheading the cleanup of ocean pollution in Long Island Sound and local harbors; supporting the acquisition of open space to protect our drinking water; and preserving our farmland legacy.

Affordability will continue to be the top issue as we enter into a very turbulent political climate. While this election is over, the work we’ve started doesn’t stop here. The connections we’ve made, the conversations we’ve had, and the ideas we’ve sparked will continue to shape the future. It has been my honor to have worked alongside some of the most dedicated and inspiring people in this county as we continue to make a difference. I wish my opponent the best and look forward to a continued partnership between government and community as we address our future goals.

Sincerely,

        Sarah Anker

  Former Suffolk County legislator and 2024 candidate for NYS Senate

Holiday tips from the postmaster of Selden

As the postmaster for Selden, I want to assure you that the U.S. Postal Service is primed and ready to deliver exceptional service during the 2024 holiday rush. Thanks to the substantial progress USPS has made under the Delivering for America plan — a $40 billion investment aimed at revitalizing the national postal network — our operational, transportation and delivery processes have never been more finely tuned.

My dedicated team and I are fully prepared to handle the peak holiday season surge once again.

As you and your family prepare for the holidays, it’s always a good idea to Ship It Early! We encourage everyone to send their holiday mail and packages well in advance to ensure they reach their destinations on time, but we understand that sometimes cards or packages are sent at the last minute.

 This year, our recommended send-by dates for expected holiday delivery within the continental U.S. before Dec. 25 are:

•Dec. 18: USPS Ground Advantage service; First Class Mail service

•Dec. 19: Priority Mail service

•Dec. 21: Priority Mail Express service

For a complete list of recommended holiday mailing and shipping dates, please visit usps.com/holidayshippingdates. And remember:  the earlier you send, the better — Ship it Early!

We are honored and grateful for your trust in the U.S. Postal Service. Your postal team at the Selden Post Office is proud to be the most affordable, reliable way to send cheer this holiday season, and we’re ready to deliver exceptional service during the holidays and beyond.

Warmest regards,

    Valarie Faria

      Postmaster Selden Post Office

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Sherri Shepherd. Photo from BrandPoint

Award-winning TV host, comedian, actress and author Sherri Shepherd is at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) because she has diabetes. She doesn’t want to let it stop her from taking her shot on – or off – the stage. That’s why Sherri is partnering with Pfizer to share her diabetes story and help raise awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated.

Q: Sherri, there’s no doubt that you’re a superstar in more than one arena. What has helped contribute to your success over the years?

I learned early on that you need to run toward the thing that scares you because that’s where you can really thrive. And let me tell you, starting out in comedy and TV can be scary. But I put in the time practicing jokes on the bus, spending time on the road, working late hours behind the scenes, and it all led me to where I was supposed to be. And now, I get to take my shot at doing what I love every day.

Q: I’m sure you faced some challenges to get where you are today. What was one of the biggest you’ve faced?

I think the biggest one for me is more of a personal one. I have diabetes, so over the years I’ve had to learn how to keep my health in check. For me, I prioritize eating right, keeping active, talking with my doctor regularly, and getting vaccinated to help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD. It took a lot to get here so I don’t want to be held back from doing what I love.

Q: Tell me more about pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD. Are they serious?

Absolutely. Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks. In more severe cases, it can put you in the hospital and even be life-threatening. The same bacteria that cause pneumococcal pneumonia can also cause invasive pneumococcal disease, or IPD, which includes blood infection and meningitis.

Q: That does sound serious. Who is at greater risk?

People like me who are 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions like diabetes, asthma or COPD. In fact, people 19-64 living with diabetes are at over 5x higher risk for pneumococcal pneumonia and up to 4.8x higher risk for IPD, compared with healthy adults the same age. People 65 or older are also at increased risk, even if they’re healthy.

Q: What advice would you give to people about protecting themselves against pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD?

Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help protect yourself. And vaccination is available all year round, so I encourage everyone to talk to their doctor or pharmacist to see if a pneumococcal vaccination is right for them. They can also visit VaxAssist.com to book an appointment online today.

Q: Thanks, Sherri. Is there anything else people should know about pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD?

People assume you can only get pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD during flu season or in the winter, but you can get it any time of year. And even if you’ve already been vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia before, your doctor may still recommend another vaccination for further protection. I love hosting my show and doing comedy, but I don’t joke around when it comes to pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD – and you shouldn’t either. Go talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting vaccinated, so you can also keep taking your shot at whatever it is you love to do. (BPT)

Brought to you by Pfizer.

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Louis Jordan

By John Broven 

The Jazz Loft at Stony Brook will be presenting an illuminating doubleheader on Friday, Nov. 15.

The main event will be the “Louis Jordan Tribute” starting at 7 p.m. Danny Bacher, also a soprano saxophonist, will be singing many of Jordan’s hits of the 1940s including “Caledonia,” “Choo Choo Ch’Boogie,” “G.I. Jive” and “Let The Good Times Roll,” accompanied by an all-star group of musicians.

In effect, Jordan introduced the small swing combos which took over from the big bands, popularized the saxophone as a lead instrument and made music fun.

Initially, at 6 p.m., music author John Broven of East Setauket will give a presentation entitled “Who Is Louis Jordan?” Included will be a video outlining Jordan’s impactful history, featuring film clips and excerpts from the artist’s key recordings, prepared by Debbi Scott of Stony Brook.

The evening will bring into focus the influential music of Louis Jordan, an all-time American great and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.

Tickets to the 6 p.m. event are $10 per person. Tickets to the 7 p.m. event are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, and $15 children ages 6 and up at www.thejazzloft.org.

The Jazz Loft, which features a Louis Jordan exhibit in its museum, is located at 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook. For more information, call 631-751-1895.

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Michael Joseph Nagle

Prepared by the Nagle Family

Michael Joseph Nagle, 83, of Mystic, Connecticut, passed away peacefully Oct. 24, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter. Born in Brooklyn, he lived a charmed life. He began his career running a CYO camp in Coney Island where he met his beloved wife Joan Young. They married in Brooklyn and soon moved to Stony Brook, New York, where Nagle taught in the Sachem School District for more than 30 years.

Recently, he relocated to Mystic where he celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary with Joan. His dedication to his wife, four children and 12 grandchildren was outstanding. Nagle’s warmth, generosity and Irish wit touched the lives of everyone around him. He enjoyed traveling, attending family sports events, officiating and sharing meals with friends.

He is survived by his wife Joan; his children Jeanne (husband Bill McNamara), Michael (wife Mary), Jim (wife Kelly) and Mark (wife Brett Clancy); and his 12 grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at StoneRidge, 186 Jerry Browne Road, Mystic. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bread for the World at www.bread.org/donate. The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., historic downtown Mystic, is assisting the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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File photo by Raymond Janis

Turning the tide: Celebrating the guardians of our water

I would like to note a recent report from Save the Sound and highlight the work of some local heroes: George Hoffman and the volunteers of the Setauket Harbor Task Force. Their unwavering commitment to the health of our local waters has helped bend the curve and set our surface waters on a path toward improved health and water quality, as reflected in the latest report from Save the Sound. 

The water quality grade for Setauket Harbor, rising from a “C” in 2022 to a “B+” this year, speaks volumes about the positive impact of their work. The reduction in nitrogen levels by 50% over the last 30 years, thanks to improved stormwater systems and stricter regulations, shows what can be achieved with persistent advocacy for good policy and community engagement. Their leadership in educating boaters about using pump-out services to prevent waste from being dumped into the harbor has also been an essential factor in maintaining water cleanliness. The Setauket Harbor Task Force truly serves as guardians of the harbor, and we owe them a debt of gratitude.

As your councilmember, I am proud to work alongside groups like the Setauket Harbor Task Force, Coastal Steward Long Island and others, supporting initiatives that benefit our environment. One of the projects my office has been engaged with is expanding shellfish agriculture, especially the creation of oyster beds, which help improve water quality through natural filtration. Additionally, we are working to increase awareness and compliance of the use of pump-out boats, a crucial service that ensures boaters are able to dispose of waste responsibly. Cumulatively, and in partnership with groups like the Setauket Harbor Task Force and Coastal Steward, these efforts help contribute to cleaner, healthier harbors for all of us to benefit from.

The health of Port Jefferson and Setauket harbors is essential to the vibrancy of our community, and I look forward to continuing our partnership with local organizations and residents in this important work.

Jonathan Kornreich, 

Brookhaven Town Councilmember

Stony Brook

Unintended consequences: Say a prayer for our community’s small business owners

A number of letters have appeared in your paper in recent weeks about the Town of Brookhaven’s relatively new Commercial Redevelopment District classification for “abandoned, vacant and underutilized shopping centers.”

Essentially, the CRD designation allows for the demolition of existing shopping areas, and a subsequent high density build-out of multilevel apartments with ground level businesses. Some might call this a financial gift or windfall to some developers who claim their center is “underutilized.”

The unintended consequence of the town’s CRD code is that it incentivizes certain commercial property owners to neglect or mismanage their holdings in order to apply for the generous terms afforded by the new zoning. And the best way to create high vacancy rates? Simply jack up the cost of new leases and lease renewals to drive out small shop owners. It couldn’t happen here. Or could it?

   Herb Mones

  Stony Brook

Another Election Day gone, now for the cleanup

Election Day has come and gone. It reminds me of “The Outer Limits,” a 1960s television show. With the end of round-the-clock commercials by politicians, political parties, political action groups and pay-for-play special interest groups, we now return control of your television back to you until the next election cycle. No more telephone robocalls, text messages, candidates campaign mailings clogging mailboxes and weighing down our hard working postal employees. Finally, some peace and quiet! 

Candidates who claimed they cared about the environment can now do their part. Winners and losers should have their paid campaign staff and volunteers pick up all the thousands of campaign signs that litter our roads and highways to help clean up this waste. They could also use leftover campaign funds to hire homeless or unemployed people to collect this litter. Let some people sentenced by judges to perform community service be assigned this task. If candidates refuse to clean up after themselves, your local village, town or Suffolk County Public Works Division of Highway & Ground Maintenance should do the job and send candidates the bill.

Larry Penner

Great Neck

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