By Greg Catalano
As temperatures warm, residents flock to public parks and gardens to enjoy the weather. Some take trips to Old Towne Gardens in East Setauket to buy flower and vegetable plants, aiming to take advantage of the frequent April showers. Others bring their families to Heritage Park in Mount Sinai, known for its signature daffodil smiley face mowed into the grass, and fly kites.
— Photos by Greg Catalano
When 11 Stony Brook students’ visas were terminated early this month, a state of uncertainty descended on the school and community. Immigration and Customs Enforcement revoked the students’ records, destabilizing them when they should be learning and growing. Their largest concern, no longer exams and school work, was whether they would be able to stay in the country to finish their education. Hundreds of international students across the country were notified by their schools that their visas were revoked, and many times without a public reason.
The school extended resources to help, students and staff gathered in swaths to support the affected students, and local politicians like Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D-NY4) used their resources to help protect and prepare the students for what came next.
While SEVIS records can be terminated on the basis that the student has a criminal record, the federal government has also revoked records of politically active students, reasoning that they interfered with foreign policy. The revocation of the records does not necessarily mean the next step is deportation; however, it is a step in that direction as the student no longer has the legal records to protect against removal proceedings.
Stony Brook University has over 3,000 international students bringing valuable skills and unique perspectives to the Stony Brook community. Their experiences and perspectives prove valuable to the classroom and the broader community; the breadth of cultures and backgrounds produce well-rounded, empathetic and curious professionals.
Once it the government became more aggressive with visa terminations, some students across the U.S. began “self-deporting”, saying they no longer felt safe here. Thankfully, none of the 11 students who had their visas revoked left the country. With the support of the school and their classmates, they kept going to classes. They kept learning.
The visas have been restored and imminent risk of deportation has been abated, but the uncertainty lingers. The federal government reversed itself while under pressure from lawsuits that argued due process was neglected. As ICE hone their criteria and protocols for visa termination, it is unclear whether these students will again be at risk. The school that admitted these students and the local politicians who represent people in the area remain ready to assist these international students as they become a part of the country’s ongoing experiment with democracy.
Maureen Sonya Gray-Singh, also known as “Sonya”, owner of Elegant Affairs in Port Jefferson Village, finished her earthly journey on April 20, 2024. She is survived by her husband Joga, son Ranjeet, daughter Baljit and three beautiful grandchildren, Aryan, Arjun and Spreet. She was born in Kingston, Jamaica, attended school in Jamaica and England and finished at Stony Brook.
A loving daughter, she came to America looking for her father, who was in the US Army. She went from base to base until she found him. She learned the importance of generosity after a challenging period and always enjoyed helping someone as much as she could. When things looked bleak, she would say, “Don’t worry, everything is going to work out–I don’t know how– but it is going to be okay.”
After Sonya lost her leg and became wheelchair-bound, she realized how hard it was to go anywhere when you have to depend on others. So, she started a nonprofit service to help disabled people who needed a ride.
Her love for kids made her a permanent contributor to children’s hospitals and small soup kitchens. She always encouraged young people to get a good education.
Working for the US government inspired her to volunteer teaching English as a second language. In 1985, she started “Elegant Affairs” with little money, but with her hard work and determination, she made it a success while working at her regular job at night and keeping the store open every day.
She always wanted to help wherever she could and was one of the first members on the board of directors of the Port Jefferson Business Improvement District, nominated by then-Mayor Strong with Mr Carmine and a few others. At the end of the mayor’s term, she was honored for their excellent work. When Mayor Grant brought the idea of the “Dickens Festival”, she and lots of other businesspeople volunteered and worked hard to make it a success. Sonya was best described as a woman of courage, determination, resilience who always had a positive attitude and hard-working ethics.
Mother’s Day is celebrated annually on the second Sunday of May. Since 1914, when it was officially recognized as a national holiday by President Woodrow Wilson, families have been gathering to celebrate mothers, and celebrations typically include thoughtful gifts.
The role of mother can be a challenging job. Even though people strive to give moms the accolades they deserve, oftentimes mothers don’t get enough credit or attention. That all changes on Mother’s Day, when Mom is in the spotlight.
Although there is no way to completely pay mothers back for their selfless actions and unwavering love, these gifts can help them feel that much more special.
Special meal: According to a survey by the National Restaurant Association, around 48 percent of people make plans to visit restaurants on Mother’s Day. Since Mother’s Day is so busy for restaurants, it is wise to book reservations early to ensure you get on the list, particularly if there is a specific restaurant Mom wants to visit.
Flowers: Anna Jarvis is credited with starting the push for a national day of recognition for mothers. Jarvis incorporated carnations into the holiday. If you plan to gift Mom a bouquet of flowers, add some carnations to the mix as a subtle nod to the founder of Mother’s Day. An outdoor hanging basket or houseplant is also a nice gift.
Time: Various pronouncements state that 90 percent of the time parents spend with their children happens during their first 18 years of those youngsters’ lives. As children get older, they naturally spend much less time with Mom and Dad, as they are spreading their wings and finding their place in the world. Offering your time as an older child can be the best gift of all on Mother’s Day. Do something Mom loves, and do it together. That can be engaging in a hobby she enjoys, attending a theater show, a movie, or concert, taking a walk through the park, or even planning to cook her a meal on a night apart from Mother’s Day.
Gift of pampering: Mothers have a lot going on in their lives, and most of it involves helping others. Your Mom’s needs and whims likely take a back seat to the demands she places on herself, and that can change on Mother’s Day. Treat Mom to gifts that prioritize rest and relaxation. Put together a gift package that includes a massage, hair styling and a manicure at a local salon. Maybe Mom has been interested in trying acupuncture or an aromatherapy treatment to ease stress?
Mother’s Day offers an opportunity to turn all attention towards Mom and treat her to various amenities and gifts.
By Caroline O’Callaghan
On the morning of April 19, the Three Village Community Trust Friends of the Greenway gathered for its first monthly cleanup of the season, at the entrance of the New York State Department of Transportation parking lot in Port Jefferson Station.
Volunteers contributed their thoughts on how to best protect the environment of the almost 3-mile-long trail. Charlie McAteer, chairman of Friends of the Greenway, explained how waste management is dispersed among various municipalities throughout the trail. “When you talk about garbage cans, that’s a town garbage can, and that is collected by the town during the weekly garbage pickup,” McAteer said, pointing to a garbage can on a corner at the start of the trail.
“This is a NYSDOT garbage can, and they’ll come pick it up accordingly,” McAteer continued to explain, now pointing to the DOT’s garbage can be situated in the parking lot.
The majority of the cross streets at the Greenway Trail have town garbage cans on each corner, which helps to reduce the mounting litter that gets accumulated during the off-season. However, some volunteers have resorted to handling the issue on their own, according to Greenway Trail steward of 20 years Susan Colatosti.
“Whether it’s Earth Day or not, I’m out here. I walk it almost every day, and pick up litter as I go,” Colatosti said. When asked if plans to get more garbage cans for the trail were in the works, Colatosti stated that it was unlikely. “It’s already a job to get the town carter to pick them up on a regular basis. I’m sure they don’t want the responsibility of picking up more cans. Occasionally, I monitor it and I check if they haven’t been emptied, and I reach out to them [the town] to come and empty the overflowing garbage. I don’t think more cans are going to happen, but at least we have cans at most of the crossings, which is a big help.”
In recent years, the trail has been extended to the North Shore Rail Trail in Wading River, which has prompted more organizations and town officials to get involved in its upkeep. Rotary Club of Port Jefferson Rotarian Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D, NY4) came out to the cleanup to volunteer with her dog, Utah.
Kassay revealed a potential project to support cleanup efforts further, “I’ve been talking about an inter-rotary effort to perhaps put more dog bag stations throughout the Greenway — all the way from East Setauket well-beyond Port Jefferson, out East in the ‘new leg’ [Wading River] of the Greenway. It’s great to be a part of a group that’s just keeping this beautiful safe place for people to recreate and keep improving upon it.”
Many of the volunteers who came out to the event were residents who expressed concern for the wildlife in which the trail houses, such as Friends of the Greenway Aaron Hoffman. “There’s tons of deer and birds. They have a beautiful life here,” said Hoffman, adding that the accessibility of the trail has allowed him to experience and stay connected to Port Jefferson Station. “Hopefully we can keep the Greenway around for years because not only do the animals need it, but we need it for our peace and serenity.”
For more information visit the Community Trust website: www.threevillagecommunitytrust.org.
By Greg Catalano
Benner’s Farm in East Setauket hosted easter egg hunts on April 18, 19 and 20. Children, baskets in hand, enjoyed the beautiful weather as they eagerly searched for the hidden eggs, toured the working farm and met the Easter Bunny.
– Photos by Greg Catalano
Hildegard “Hilda” McDowell passed away peacefully at her home in Venice, Florida, on April 14 at the age of 92.
Born on January 23, 1933, in Rechnitz, Austria, to Dr. Hugo and Elsa Graner, Hilda was a Holocaust survivor who immigrated to New York in 1939. She grew up in Elmhurst and graduated from Newtown High School.
In 1955, Hilda married James “Jim” Stephen McDowell. Together they built a loving home on Howard Street in Port Jefferson Station where they raised five children during their 54 years of marriage.
She is lovingly remembered by her children: James McDowell, Denise McDowell, Elizabeth Randall and Stephen McDowell. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Marina Roberts, Katie Johnson, Jason Randall, Dr. Matthew Randall, Shaun McDowell, Lauren Scanlon, Kevin McDowell and Kyle McDowell. In addition, she is survived by 14 great-grandchildren: John, Hallett, Floris and Sylvain Randall; Clare and Henry Scanlon; Alexandra, Cora, Otis and Ethan Roberts; Ellie and Zachariah Johnson and Shane and John McDowell.
Hilda is also survived by her brother Otto Graner. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jim and her son Brian.
Hilda found joy in coloring, painting, crafting, crocheting and sewing. She was a proud member of the Moose Lodge and a life member of the Terryville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.
A celebration of Hilda’s life will be held in Mt. Sinai, NY.
Her legacy of resilience and love will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Michael “Mike” Cary Wallace passed on April 4 at the age of 85. The son of Mildred and Adrian Wallace, he was born on December 31, 1939, and grew up in Stony Brook. After graduating from high school, Mike enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country for four years. He was stationed in Europe during the Cold War.
After returning home, he met and married Barbara, and they settled down in their beloved home next to the Setauket Mill Pond where they lived for the next 50 years. During that time, he furnished their home with restored antiques and hand-made cabinetry, filled their yard with flowers and maintained a large garden. In his later years, he rebuilt and restored three Model A Fords which he proudly drove in local parades as well as when he went out to buy a cup of coffee.
Wallace was a member of the Frank Melville Memorial Park board, the Three Village and Port Jefferson historical societies and volunteered and restored clocks for the Port Jefferson Spinney Clock Collection. He was also an usher at the Infant Jesus Chapel.
Barbara enjoyed cooking, and Mike fully enjoyed eating her gourmet food. They took frequent trips to New York City to eat at their favorite Italian restaurants, see plays, and attend the opera. They also traveled extensively in Europe. When someone they knew died, their reaction was often to say, let’s go to Italy again. They appreciated their time together and made the most of it.
Most of all, Mike will be remembered for his love and devotion to his family. Mike is survived by Barbara, his beloved wife of 57 years, his daughters Chrissie, Elizabeth, Jennifer, and his son-in-law John, and was a proud grandfather of Jack, Rose, and Annie.
Mike was a proud supporter of his daughter “Wiz” in her many years of playing softball, basketball and tennis. He never missed a game if he could help it, and was often seen pacing beyond the outfield walls. Mike and Jennifer enjoyed going to yard sales and shared a love of antiques and furniture restoration. Mike was extremely proud of his grandchildren, and his face lit up when he was able to speak to them on the phone during the final days of his illness. His children and grandchildren grew up believing that they could achieve anything, because he always seemed to know how to do and fix everything.
The funeral was handled by Bryant Funeral Home with burial at St. James Churchyard Cemetery in Setauket.
Problems for the Bess Task Force
We now have a newly formed BESS Task Force, assembled for the purpose of evaluating the safety risks of proposed lithium-ion battery systems, apparently concentrating on thermal runaway. One issue that should be addressed by the Task Force is the effect of the discharge efficiency of the battery, which may lead to significant heating in the battery systems. One example is the system proposed by New Leaf Energy, which will provide 8.75 MW of power for 4 hours. Based on experience, a typical lithium-ion battery discharge efficiency is 10-15%. To be conservative, let us assume a discharge efficiency of 15%. Thus, if 8.75 MW is delivered to the external loads (or homes) for 4 hours, the internal power dissipated in the BESS is 1.54 MW. The BESS must have a cooling system capable of removing the heat generated by this power, to prevent the internal temperatures of the BESS cells from reaching temperatures capable of causing thermal runaway.
Although the occurrence of thermal runaway is clearly a cause for concern, it appears that the attention of the BESS Task Force will address only peaker applications, which will remain powered primarily by “fossil fuel” plants. But problems that are much more serious, and much more complex, will be encountered when we attempt to achieve an emissions-free economy, possibly by 2050. If we attempt to accomplish this by utilizing only solar arrays and windmills as our source of power, we will inevitably face the possibility of blackouts, subject to the available activity levels of the sun and wind. By drastic increases in the size and complexity of our solar arrays, windmills and BESS installations, the probability of a blackout can be decreased, but not eliminated entirely. Once the BESS Peaker Task Force has completed their analysis and issued their report, perhaps they can redirect their attention to this problem.
George Altemose
Setauket
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We welcome your letters, especially those responding to our local coverage, replying to other letter writers’ comments and speaking mainly to local themes. Letters should be no longer than 400 words and may be edited for length, libel, style, good taste and uncivil language. They will also be published on our website. We do not publish anonymous letters. Please include an address and phone number for confirmation. Email letters to: [email protected] or mail them to TBR News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733
Battery energy storage systems have been ever-present in the minds of community members. The systems, how they operate and what danger they pose are answerable questions, yet are often up for debate in meetings on potential projects. The public needs answers—not from developers, but from impartial experts.
The new BESS task force could finally be the source of unbiased and scientifically-backed information. Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) recognized the concerns his constituents had for the projects and offered to help.
We have heard that the systems are an essential part of pursuing Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul’s goal of achieving an “emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.” However, we also know of fires in places like California and East Hampton. Our uncertainty about what to do, how to supply energy to our communities safely, and how to balance the unique needs of our town with the needs of the state, will hopefully become clearer with the help of local experts committed to transparency regarding the systems.
TBR News Media has attended many public discussions on energy storage systems. The same fears and questions are raised repeatedly, exemplifying distrust for those presenting the information (often developers) and the erudite scientific jargon used. The absence of understanding breeds misinformation. This Bess Task Force, consisting of local experts who have the same values as community members, the desire to find a solution and no chance to profit from the projects, will provide essential guidance to the public.
Are lithium-ion batteries right for our community? That is the question in the minds of people across Long Island that this task force will hopefully help answer.
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