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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 from MetroCreative Connection

With deer rutting season upon us, it’s crucial to remember that while these creatures nibbling on our properties or suddenly running in front of our vehicles can be irritating, they were here first.

Tens of thousands of deer call our Island home. This delicate ecosystem relies on their presence — perhaps not an overabundance, but a presence nonetheless. They influence the types of trees and vegetation that grow here by selectively browsing certain plants, meaning they eat some species more than others. They also contribute to overall biodiversity.

If we’re concerned about our gardens, we can try fencing, netting or chicken wire around problematic areas. If a deer runs toward our car at night, we should stay calm and do our best to drive straight, brake firmly and blow the horn, protecting both the vehicle’s passengers and the deer. Above all, we must not feed them. Not only is it dangerous to the deer’s health, but it also increases elopement rates and puts us in harm’s way. Deer may be gentle but can become aggressive when approached. If they learn that food is available in a specific area, they’ll return with friends, perpetuating a cycle of overpopulation in densely populated areas.

While the Island’s abundance of deer can be a nuisance, rutting — or mating season — is a natural part of this species’ biological function. They have added beauty and importance to our region since the days of our Setalcott predecessors.

They aren’t trying to hurt us or harm our land; they are simply following their instincts.

So let’s remain calm this rutting season. There are only two months of this hyperactivity among our deer, after which everything will return to business as usual.

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Head of the Harbor village trustee and neighborhood preservation coalition spokesperson, Judy Ogden, speaks in favor of a lawsuit aimed at delaying the Gyrodyne subdivision approval on the Flowerfield site. Photo by Chris Mellides

A recent court decision found that the environmental review of the proposed Gyrodyne development plan met the minimum legal requirements, but the legal battle is far from over, according to members of the Saint James – Head of the Harbor Neighborhood Preservation Coalition. The coalition, along with the Village of Head of the Harbor and local property owners, filed a lawsuit challenging the review. Meanwhile, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is finalizing appraisals to acquire portions of the property for preservation as open space.

“The fight to preserve this important parcel as open space is not over,” said Judy Ogden, a Village of Head of the Harbor trustee and spokesperson for the coalition. “We plan to appeal the recent court decision. More importantly, the DEC is continuing efforts to acquire Flowerfield Fairgrounds for preservation.”

The Gyrodyne site is located near several farms and includes land in the Mills Pond National Historic District. The proposed development includes a 125-room hotel, 175,000 square feet of office space, 250 assisted living units, a sewage treatment plant and parking for over 2,500 vehicles. These elements require special approvals from the Smithtown Town Board, as they are not allowed under current zoning regulations.

Smithtown’s recently updated Comprehensive Plan recommends that assisted living facilities be located in designated areas, not near residential neighborhoods. It also states that mixed-use projects like the Gyrodyne plan should be developed in business districts, not along highways.

“Based on sound planning principles alone, the town has the authority to reject the Gyrodyne development,” Ogden said. “This project would overwhelm St. James and Head of the Harbor with traffic and damage water quality in Stony Brook Harbor.”

The coalition and local officials have long opposed the development. In 2021, the group expressed support for converting the entire site into a park. If that wasn’t possible, they supported a compromise to preserve the 48-acre Flowerfield Fairgrounds as open space while allowing limited development on land already occupied by buildings.

Severe flooding

After the Smithtown Planning Board approved the subdivision on March 30, 2022, the coalition and 23 local property owners filed a lawsuit, arguing the environmental review was inadequate.

“The review process was not thorough,” said Joseph Bollhofer, a member of the coalition. “It didn’t seriously consider public input and failed to account for severe weather events.”

On Aug. 19, a 10-inch rainfall caused severe flooding around the Gyrodyne site, forcing the closure of Route 25A for three days.

“Even with most of the property undeveloped, the flooding was enough to burst the dam at Stony Brook Mill Pond,” Bollhofer said. “If Gyrodyne’s development had been in place, experts say it could have destroyed the historic Stony Brook Grist Mill.”

Bollhofer added that the coalition plans to challenge the court decision, citing the review’s failure to account for the increasing frequency of severe storms.

“The community’s support for our legal efforts is a testament to the widespread opposition to this development,” Ogden said. “We will continue to work with the DEC and local officials to preserve Flowerfield Fairgrounds for future generations.”

Local elected officials, including Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R) and county Legislators Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) and Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga), have all opposed the Gyrodyne subdivision and expressed strong support for preserving the site.

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Photo courtesy of StatePoint

Foot ulcers develop in about 15% of the 25 million Americans living with diabetes and are a top cause of hospitalization. These ulcers can lead to serious complications, such as infection and amputation. According to foot and ankle surgeons, there are steps you can take to prevent complications and keep your feet healthy, as well as breakthrough treatments that are saving limbs, restoring mobility and improving lives.

“The majority of lower-extremity amputations are preceded by a reoccurring foot sore or an ulcer that won’t heal,” says John S. Steinberg, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and a Fellow Member and Past President of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). “Patients do best when they take charge of their foot health with the help of a foot and ankle surgeon.”

The surgeon members of ACFAS are sharing some important insights into preventing foot ulcers associated with diabetes and treating them if they do occur.

Make these precautions part of your foot care routine:

• Inspect feet daily using a flashlight and mirror to see the bottoms of your feet.

• Moisturize dry, cracking feet to prevent sores. Use powder to control moisture that can result in blisters.

• To prevent injury, wear protective, well-fitting shoes and socks at all times, even in the house. Change socks daily and more often if your feet get wet or sweaty. Avoid socks with holes or seams. Sometimes diabetic shoes are prescribed to avoid pressure and rubbing on the feet.

• Get regular foot exams from a foot and ankle surgeon, which can reduce amputation risk by 45-85%. The surgeon can also screen feet for loss of protective sensation.

• Manage your diabetes. Out-of-control blood sugar levels can lead to nerve cell damage, making it harder to detect foot problems.

Look for telltale signs that an ulcer may be developing:

• Swelling. The foot or ankle may look puffy or engorged and larger than the other.

• Temperature. Cold feet might mean a circulatory issue, whereas hot feet might mean infection.

• Color changes. Redness and even other colors might appear before an ulcer forms.

• Calluses. If a callus changes colors or develops dark, “dried blood” colored spots, it may be time to have a foot and ankle surgeon offer a proper diagnosis.

Ask your foot and ankle surgeon about innovative treatments:

If you do experience a non-healing ulcer, talk to your foot and ankle surgeon right away about innovative technologies that stimulate healing.

Groundbreaking approaches include stem cell therapy, the use of bioengineered skin substitutes to accelerate growth of healthy skin, and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to promote healing and enable healthy, new tissue to grow. Today, foot and ankle surgeons rarely do a skin graft without NPWT. Skin grafting for foot ulcers has also advanced. Surgeons now use advanced reconstructive surgery and grafting techniques to promote wound healing and decrease wound recurrence.

The success rate of these advanced therapies is high, providing substantial improvement over treatments of the not-too-distant past, when doctors would clean and bandage the wound and hope for the best.

“Thanks to the many advances in diabetic foot care, patients today are having simpler surgeries, avoiding amputations, and getting back to everyday life sooner than ever before,” says Dr. Steinberg.

For more information or to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the patient education website of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. (StatePoint)

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Keepers of the Light portrayed by Rebecca Van Der Bogart, Haley Ogle, Caterina Vacchi Suzzi and Karen Wexler. Photo by Kimberly Phyfe
Rob Von Bernewitz leading the first tour. Photo by Kimberly Phyfe
Bianca Dresch as Mary Satterly Rowland & Aneka Carsten as Etta Rowland. Photo by Kimberly Phyfe
Bianca Dresch as Mary Satterly Rowland and Aneka Carsten as her daughter Etta. Photo by Kimberly Phyfe
From left, Steve Healy as Captain Benjamin Jones; Elizabeth Marra as Mary Swift Jones; and Chris De Francis as Egbert Bull Smith. Photo by Kimberly Phyfe
Top row from left, Holly Brainard, George Fear, Steve Healy, David Phyfe' second row, from left, Karen Lynch, Caterina Vacchi Suzzi, Ed Mcnamara, Chris De Francis, Morton Rosen, George Overin, Stephanie Carsten, Bianca Dresch; front row, from left, Haley Ogle, Karen Wexler, Rebecca Van Der Bogart, Aneka Carsten, Elizabeth Marra, and Rebecca Kassay. Photo by Kimberly Phyfe

By Kimberly Phyfe

The Three Village Historical Society (TVHS) celebrated its 30th Annual Spirits Graveyard Tour on Oct. 19.  The sold out event, titled Revolutionary Women: Living History/ Sharing Her Story, honored local women from as far back as 300 years ago who were revolutionary in their time.

TVHS Director Mari Irizarry commented on the staying power of three decades of this event. “We are so proud that the Spirits Tour has been running for thirty years, and grateful that the community continues to come out to enjoy this event! There is no shortage of incredible stories to tell of the people who lived, worked, died, and are buried here. With over three hundred years of history, there is something new to discover every time we put on a show!”

All eight scenes of the humorous, honest, and often heart-breaking women and men portrayed on the Spirits Tour were real people who lived in Setauket at one point in their lives. The majority of them are buried at Setauket Presbyterian Church or Caroline Episcopal Church, where the walking tour takes place every year.

As you wander Three Village and explore the historic sites, inspiration is everywhere. The theme for Revolutionary Women came up as traditionally, a woman’s place in history was in relation to the men around her. The Society wanted to give these women a chance to tell their own stories, many of them in their own words.

Rebecca Kassay was a first time actor in this year’s tour who wishes that everyone knew “that the spirits being portrayed were real people whose dynamic lives shaped the community we know and love today, and the Spirits Tour is a rare opportunity to hear their stories.”

When asked why she chose to get involved for the first time, Kassay stated “I’m grateful to be a part of the TVHS’s innovative efforts to bring history to life for audiences of all ages, connecting our past to our present, which helps to build a stronger future for our community.”

Elizabeth Marra is another first time actor on the Spirits Tour who noted that “our area is renowned for the contributions of local men in our revolutionary and seafaring history, but there were such beautiful, poignant, and inspiring women that history has forgotten. I enjoyed getting to know all of their stories.”

Marra spoke about her character that “the young woman I got to play, Mary Swift Jones — she was one of the first Americans (not just women) to see China and Japan. It was fascinating to think of the scale of the experience she must have had and how that must have sat with locals, especially for her time and being such a young woman.”

Mary Swift Jones and her husband, Captain Benjamin Jones, are both laid to rest at Setauket Presbyterian Church. Rob Von Bernewitz, long time tour guide and chair of the Cemetery Committee at TVHS, cleaned Mary’s headstone with permission for the special occasion.

While there were fresh faces joining the Tour this year, there were several long standing actors and guides who have been around for all three decades! Morton Rosen “has been performing in the tour ever since it was started 30 years ago! I have portrayed men who lived in our community in the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Each time I learn something new that makes me proud to live in Setauket and it is a pleasure to share that pride with those who visit our spirits. It is so important for everyone to know that what we call history was generated by the people who lived here and created the stories we celebrate today.” Rosen portrayed Captain Gilbert Floyd in a scene with his granddaughter, Blanche Dominick played by Suzanne Velazquez.

George Overin has been part of the Spirits Tour since 2017. This year, he was Thomas Hodgkins, uncle of Emma S. Clark. “So many people came up to talk to me after the tour who love the library, but didn’t know anything about Emma, her uncle who founded it in her honor, or Emma’s revolutionary generosity in helping others! The Three Village Historical Society seeks to answer questions we maybe haven’t even thought to ask — and they do it all with knowledge, compassion, and by creating wonderfully memorable experiences!”

An incredibly special touch this year was the inclusion of the four female lighthouse keepers at Old Field Point Lighthouse. The Society worked with Old Field Point in 2023 to assist Trustee Rebecca Van Der Bogart on getting the lighthouse on the National Register of Historic Places. In the Spirits Tour, Van Der Bogart herself portrayed Elizabeth Shoemaker — the first female lighthouse keeper not only at Old Field Point, but in New York State history! Haley Ogle portrayed the longest serving female lighthouse keeper, Betsy Smith, along with Caterina Vacchi Suzzi as Mary Foster, and Karen Wexler as Amelia Jayne.

Choosing which spirits to include every year is a daunting task. First the Society creates a theme, then researches which people would best fit the narrative. Irizarry joked that “if we honored all the women we wanted to, the tour would have been several days long! Choosing which stories to include is a grueling process, and we end up saving many of the spirits for future years.”

The scripts were written and edited by Kimberly Phyfe and researched by TVHS Archives Fellow Kayleigh Smith. The Society invited two professional guest writers for the monologues: Camile Arnone wrote for Amelia Shepard Jones Clay and Stephanie Drewisis wrote for Thomas Hodgkins.

Mary Satterly Rowland’s script was comprised entirely in her own words, from journal entries in the society’s archives. The witch trials of Mary and Ralph Hall and Goody Garlick were shaped by Scott Ferrara’s book, Accused of Witchcraft in New York. 

The scene for Mary Swift Jones was heavily influenced by Bev Tyler’s new book Love and Letters from Japan which included many of Mary’s letters. Tyler will be presenting his book at the Society’s free monthly lecture series on Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Setauket Neighborhood House.

The 30th Annual Spirits Graveyard Tour was sponsored by Annmarie’s Farm Stand, Luigi’s Pizzeria, Starbucks, Apple Bank and Stop & Shop in East Setauket. Chamber music was provided by students in the Ward Melville High School orchestra, and traffic assistance was given by the History Honor Society at WMHS. Special contributions were made by the Education Committee: Bev Tyler, Donna Smith, Lindsey Steward-Goldberg, Town of Brookhaven Historian Barbara Russell, and Spirits Tour Committee Chair Janet McCauley.

Three Village Historical Society would especially like to thank Setauket Presbyterian Church and Caroline Episcopal Church for their unwavering support of this sold-out event year after year!

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

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A scene from the Oktober Harvest Festival. Photo by Melanie Karniewich
A scene from the Oktober Harvest Festival. Photo by Melanie Karniewich
Josie, who works at Kilwins located off of Main Street, showcases its fall samples. Photo by Melanie Karniewich
Pirates at Large members Monti Babson, left, Captain Nathanial Hawkins and Aloisia Von Hottenstein. Photo by Melanie Karniewich
A scene from the Oktober Harvest Festival. Photo by Melanie Karniewich

By Melanie Karniewich

Families and friends gathered in Port Jefferson on Oct. 19 and 20 to embrace the season’s autumn spirit during the village’s annual Oktober Harvest Festival.

The festival, sponsored by the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and the Port Jefferson Business Improvement District in cooperation with the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson, featured more than 30 events spread over two days.

Saturday’s festivities began with the Port Jefferson Historical Society’s 37th annual outdoor country auction, followed by the village-wide chowder crawl. Later, a costumed dog parade trotted down East Main Street while the evening wrapped up with the (Mostly) True Things storytelling show.

Barbara Ransome, director of operations at the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, has worked in the village for 15 years. She said the festival not only creates memories for attendees but provides an important opportunity for local businesses to shine.

“Spreading the activities around so that businesses can really benefit — spreading the crowd around — is really important,” Ransome said. She embodies this idea through the Pirate Scavenger Hunt, which leads participants to six small businesses in town with six individual clues. When they find the right business, they are greeted by a member of Pirates at Large, a Patchogue-based nonprofit entertainment troupe, which has worked with the chamber of commerce for many community events.

“Port Jefferson is really the place to be,” said George Overin, better known as Monti Babson, a  member of Pirates at Large. In addition to the scavenger hunt, attendees enjoyed a tractor hayride, classic cars, friendly but spooky harvest walkers welcoming the community and face painting. There was also a self-guided fall art walk that began a few days before the festival, showcasing 17 artists across 22 locations throughout the village.

Visitors have plenty of opportunities to discover what the town has to offer as the cold weather approaches. Port Jefferson will also have the Festival of the Trees beginning on Dec. 1, along with the 28th annual Charles Dickens Festival on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8. 

Melanie Karniewich is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom.

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Port Jefferson Harbor. Photo by Beth Heller Mason

By George Hoffman

This Election Day, voters face an important ballot question: Proposition 2, the Clean Water referendum. If passed, this measure will fund crucial efforts to protect our drinking water and our bays and harbors from harmful nitrogen pollution. Much of this excess nitrogen comes from outdated cesspool systems in homes throughout Suffolk County.

Flax Pond

Nitrogen pollution is the primary cause of water degradation in our streams and coastal waters, and it also threatens our deep aquifers. Fortunately, there are affordable solutions available to reduce nitrogen pollution, which will allow us to begin restoring local water quality to healthier levels.

As one of the founders of the Setauket Harbor Task Force and someone who has monitored water conditions in Port Jefferson and Setauket harbors for nearly a decade, I’ve witnessed firsthand how nitrogen disrupts the delicate ecological balance in these fragile environments. Nitrogen acts like a steroid in marine systems, fueling excessive seaweed growth and harmful algal blooms. These blooms can lead to fish kills and unsightly seaweed buildup along the shoreline, impacting the quality of our recreational waters. With climate change heating our local waters, we are at greater risk of more frequent algal blooms, which will only exacerbate the problems we are already facing.

Proposition 2 offers a solution: for just 1/8th of a penny in sales tax, we can create a reliable funding source to help homeowners replace their outdated cesspools with modern low-nitrogen systems. This change will significantly reduce nitrogen levels, leading to cleaner water in our harbors and bays.

This Election Day, remember to flip your ballot and vote “Yes” on Prop 2 for clean water and a healthier environment in Suffolk County. Supporting this measure is essential for ensuring that we take the necessary steps to protect our vital water resources for future generations. Together, we can secure a cleaner, safer environment for our community, benefiting both residents and local ecosystems.

Author George Hoffman is a member of the Setauket Harbor Task Force.

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Donn Medd Gaebelein

Prepared by the Gaebelein family

Donn Medd Gaebelein passed away peacefully at his home on Oct. 9, at the age of 96. He was born July 12, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, to Frank Ely Gaebelein and Dorothy (Medd) Gaebelein.

Donn graduated from The Stony Brook School in 1945 and from Princeton University in 1949, later obtaining a master’s degree from Columbia University.

He was married to the love of his life, Norma Louise Allen. Their devoted 72-year marriage inspired all who knew them. Donn yearned to be with his predeceased wife, Norma, and daughter, Paula Seligson, and is now in the eternal embrace of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Donn was noble in character and humble by nature. A deeply committed Christian, serving Jesus Christ was the main focus of his personal and professional life. Throughout his distinguished career in education as a teacher, coach and administrator, Donn served as headmaster and president of two premier private college preparatory schools for more than 30 years. His leadership was characterized by humble service to others, and the number of students and colleagues who regarded him as a mentor is legion. As head of school, Donn was a realist and strategic thinker, always with an eye to the future.

As headmaster of The Stony Brook School, Donn guided the school through the turbulent 1960s, increasing diversity and overseeing the inclusion of young women in co-education. Later, in Atlanta, Georgia, as president of The Westminster Schools, he actively promoted a diverse staff, faculty and student body. He established a substantial endowment and improved the physical plant.

In retirement, Donn served as treasurer of the Rock Stream Presbyterian Church and oversaw the Rock Stream Cemetery. Up to the day he passed, Donn began every day with devotions. He was a lifelong reader and scholar of scripture, literature, history and current events. Just days before his passing, he recited stanzas from memory of his favorite poem, “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard,” by Thomas Gray.

An avid sports lover, baseball and golf were his passions. He was a lifelong scratch golfer — shooting a 78 at age 90.

Donn is survived by his daughter Laura Mantius (Peter), son Thad Gaebelein (Elektra), son Frank Gaebelein, former daughter-in-law Monika Gaebelein, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Those who wish to remember Donn in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Food Bank of Southern Tier, 388 Upper Oakwood Ave., Elmira, NY 14903, (607) 796-6061.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family next summer. Arrangements are entrusted to Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water St., Dundee, NY. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.

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File photo by Raymond Janis

Rebecca Kassay: a true advocate for our community

One morning in the spring of 2021, I was invited by Port Jefferson Village trustee Rebecca Kassay to join her for a cup of coffee. At that time, I had just been elected to the Brookhaven Town Council, and she wanted to meet to discuss some of the issues being faced by the community we serve. I was immediately impressed by her collaborative approach to working together, the depth of her knowledge and experience, and her love for public service.

Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to witness firsthand how Rebecca truly embodies the spirit of leadership that our community needs. She takes the time to be well-informed on issues, engages deeply with stakeholders and is always focused on solutions. I believe it’s reasonable for the public to expect an elected official to have a genuine passion for public service and a commitment to put the needs of the community above party affiliation or any other consideration. Rebecca does exactly that.

Another thing I have observed about Rebecca is that she doesn’t just run from event to event looking for a photo op. She engages deeply with community members and our important organizations in meaningful ways, and takes the time to get to know the players and build relationships. This has helped her develop a detailed understanding of the community’s needs. Her leadership isn’t about serving a political party — it’s about serving us, the people of this community.

Rebecca’s candidacy for the New York State Assembly stands out because she is driven by a strong sense of responsibility to the public. When elected officials have deeper connections to the community they serve, they become less reliant on a political machine to elect them and are answerable directly to the people. Rebecca is not going to Albany to push a political agenda — she’s going there to represent us, and to fight for what matters most to the people of our community.

I urge my fellow residents to support Rebecca Kassay for New York State Assembly. She has the heart, experience and commitment to serve us all with integrity and vision.

Brookhaven Councilmember 

Jonathan Kornreich

 (D-Stony Brook)

Securing Suffolk’s future: Why Prop 2 matters for clean water

After years of delays, Suffolk County voters will finally be able to make their voices heard on a key challenge facing our region — restoring water quality. As Long Islanders, we treasure our pure drinking water, beaches, harbors and bays. If approved this November, Prop 2 will ensure that our ground and surface water resources are uncontaminated and useful for all present and future generations.

Currently, nitrogen pollution from untreated sewage is degrading both Suffolk’s groundwater and recreational waterways. The Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act is a critical step

toward reversing this trend and achieving a sustainable future, and would enable investment into tested and proven clean water technologies to replace our outdated septic systems.

This measure will also bring expanded sewer services to many of the most densely developed parts of our county, help secure additional federal and state funding, create thousands of good local jobs, revitalize business districts and boost property values. 

Most importantly, if confirmed, this referendum will protect the health and well-being of every Suffolk County resident. This year, we have the power to protect our water and our future. We urge all Suffolk County residents to vote YES on Prop 2 this Nov. 5.

The Suffolk County Legislature Democratic Caucus:

Minority Leader Jason Richberg; Legislators Tom Donnelly,

Rebecca Sanin, SamuelGonzalez, Steve Englebright and Ann Welker

From capes to camouflage: teaching kids about real heroes

As part of our American Halloween tradition, children look forward to dressing up in their best-loved costumes, including as their favorite superhero. In a world where the term “hero” is often attributed to celebrities, athletes and fictional characters, we must remind our kids that our real heroes are America’s military brave men and women, who have dedicated their lives protecting our nation, securing our freedoms and preserving peace.

Through the lens of veterans’ experiences, we can teach kids the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger, and putting the greater good above self-interest. These lessons are particularly important in our society that often emphasizes individual success and instant gratification. We can teach children the value of military heroism by:

• Incorporating veterans’ stories into education by including lessons about military history and veterans in school curricula. Invite veterans to share their experiences in classrooms and during school events.

• Celebrating national holidays by using Veterans Day, Memorial Day and other national holidays as opportunities to discuss the significance of these days and the heroes they honor.

• Visiting historical sites and memorials by organizing trips to military museums, memorials and cemeteries. These visits can provide tangible connections to the past and the sacrifices made by veterans.

• Engaging in community activities by writing letters, sending care packages or volunteering with organizations that assist veterans.

• Inviting veterans to share personal stories that can make the lessons more relatable and impactful.

By understanding and honoring the sacrifices and contributions of veterans, children learn valuable lessons about courage, sacrifice, patriotism, empathy and civic duty. Veterans have played a critical role in shaping and defending our nation. Their service and sacrifices are the bedrock upon which our freedoms and way of life are built. By highlighting genuine acts of bravery, we help children distinguish between fantasy and reality, and appreciate the profound impact of our military heroes.

 Sarah Anker

 Former Suffolk County Legislator

                NYS Senate Candidate

‘Do No Harm’ is more harm than good

Why should anyone worry about whether or not the grade on a Regents exam might pull down a student’s grade point average? [See letter, “Rethinking grades: the return of the ‘Do No Harm’ policy,” TBR News Media, Oct. 17.] It seems to me that the concern is misplaced. Regents exams were always hard and, once upon a time, graduating with a Regents diploma rather than a general diploma meant something. 

Rather than fussing about GPAs, shouldn’t we be concerned that students haven’t mastered the material well enough to get good grades on the Regents exams?

         Jane O’Sullivan

    Setauket

Celebrate Long Island Restaurant Week all year long

Why not patronize your neighborhood restaurants during Long Island Restaurant Week Oct. 27-Nov. 3 with a wide variety of lunch and dinner specials all year long. During this event, participating restaurants are offering two-course lunches for only $24 or three-course dinners ranging from $29, $39 to $46.

My wife and I don’t mind occasionally paying a little more to help our favorite restaurants survive. Don’t forget your cook and server. We try to tip 20 to 25 percent against the total bill including taxes. If it is an odd amount, we round up to the next dollar. If we can afford to eat out, we can afford an extra dollar tip. When ordering take out, we always leave a dollar or two for the waiter or cook. It is appreciated. 

The restaurant industry employees hosts, bartenders, waiters, busboys, cooks, cashiers and parking valets, wholesale food sellers, distributors and linen suppliers. There are also construction contractors who renovate or build new restaurants.

Our local entrepreneurs work long hours, pay taxes and provide local employment especially to students during the summer. If we don’t patronize our local restaurants, they don’t eat either. Why travel into Manhattan when we have so many great neighborhood restaurants in Suffolk County to select from.

      Larry Penner

        Great Neck

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Scare Up a Sweet, Thrilling Treat

For a frighteningly fun time in the kitchen this Halloween, gather your family around the cauldron to create a sweet, spooky dessert. Tricks and treats may provide thrills, but a homemade concoction can be the star of your hauntingly happy evening.

This Ghostly Graveyard Cake takes imagination and creativity from everyone with tombstones, skulls and spooky icing daring all to try a bite. With looks this chilling, it’s a perfect treat to enjoy while watching everyone’s favorite scary movie.

Find more deliciously devious desserts at Culinary.net.

Ghostly Graveyard Cake

Ghostly Graveyard Cake

Ingredients:

1 box chocolate cake mix

10 chocolate creme cookies

1 cup black melting chips

1 cup red melting chips

1 cup heavy whipping cream

3 cans buttercream icing

1 purple food coloring

1 black food coloring 

skull sprinkles

tombstones and bones candies

Directions:

Prepare cake mix according to package instructions in three 6-inch baking pans. Once baked, allow to completely cool outside of pans.

In zip-top bag, using rolling pin, crush chocolate creme cookies; set aside.

In separate small bowls, add black melting chips and red melting chips.

In microwave, heat heavy whipping cream 1 1/2 minutes. Pour half the mixture into one bowl of chips and other half into other bowl of chips. Stir until chips are completely melted; set aside.

After cakes cool, on cake board, add small amount of buttercream icing so cake sticks. Using bread knife, level cakes.

Place one cake on cake board and add thin layer of icing on top. Place second layer of cake on top and add thin layer of icing on top. Place final layer of cake on top and add thin layer of icing on top. Add thin layer of icing to entire cake. Freeze 15 minutes.

In small bowl, mix two parts purple food coloring to one part black food coloring. Ice cake with deep purple icing. Using grooved scraper, scrape along sides of cake. Using angled spatula, smooth top of cake.

Add skull sprinkles around edges of cake. Using piping bag with small opening at tip, drip black drip mixture around top edges of cake. Repeat using red drip mixture.

Add chocolate creme cookie crumbs to top of cake. Add tombstones and bone sprinkles to top of cake.

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