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Village Beacon Record

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METRO photo

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief,
Publisher

Many people in their pajamas are now summoned to get dressed, leave their homes and work full-time in the office. The working-remotely imperative is being phased out as COVID-19 fades and the new year begins. No more pajamas in front of the computer, disguised with a proper work shirt as far as Zoom revealed. Remote work is becoming a unique chapter of the pandemic past.

Or is it?

Let me take you back to July 1965. I had just given birth to our first child in a Westchester County hospital, just north of NYC, and was in something of a new mother daze when my supervisor from work appeared at my bedside. I had been employed as a researcher in the editorial department at Time Inc until that past weekend, and the baby coming a little early surprised us all, apparently including my boss.

She was an attractive woman in her 40s, trim and almost six feet tall, and she supervised some 20 staffers. For a couple of seconds, I thought I might be imagining her, but she pulled up a chair, as if this visit was an ordinary occurrence, and we had the following conversation.

“Hello, Leah, congratulations to you and your husband.”

“Hello, Bea. What’s happening?”

“Oh, I thought I would drive up here to congratulate you properly, see the baby, and ask you if you would like to continue working.”

“What?”

She laughed. “I know you live in the Bronx, about 30 minutes from the office (which was in the Time-Life Building at 50th and Sixth Avenue) and right on the D line (subway). We could bring you the material and the books you need by messenger. Then, when you finish each batch of work, we could repeat the process. For questions, we could call you and discuss by phone. What do you think about that?”

I blinked. Was this really happening?

“I think I will be taking care of the baby,” I offered after a long pause.

“We thought about that. Mia (a staffer in the department) no longer needs her nanny, and she could  continue her work with your baby in your apartment. She is from Haiti and speaks little English, but I believe you speak French, yes?”

“A little.” I was now in a different daze.

“Then this could work. You will be able to stay at home with the baby and work comfortably in your apartment while the nanny takes care of your son from 10-6 (our business hours) in the next room. She will come Mondays through Fridays. She is very responsible. She has five sons of her own.”

Then she said those prescient words without knowing she was 60 years ahead of her time.

“You will be working remotely.”

And so it went. A few days after we brought our son home, the first batch of work arrived from the office via a cheerful messenger, and I was set up at a desk in the bedroom to continue my job. 

The nanny, Madame Bayard, also arrived and lovingly greeted and cared for our baby until I would appear. This unusual arrangement continued for almost two years. I would return to the office perhaps once a month for meetings and to touch base with my editor of the moment, but otherwise I did indeed work remotely, even from my parents’ bungalow in the Catskill Mountains the following summer. We gave Madame Bayard the time off, and while my mother cared for our son, I worked on a comfortable chaise in the shade of a tree, driving to the office only a couple of times in two months.

This idyllic arrangement ended when my husband finished his residency, and we moved to Texas, where he served at an Air Force base during the Vietnam War.

I finally left the employ of Time-Life. It was now too far for even a messenger to reach me. But today, my grandson and his wife both have satisfying jobs that call for working remotely.

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The Suffolk County Police Department is warning the public about a scam during which callers purport to be from a law enforcement agency and claim there is a warrant for the victim’s arrest if money is not sent.

Detectives have been made aware of at least three incidents during which a resident was contacted by phone by a caller identifying themselves as a member of the Suffolk County Police Department who says the resident has a warrant for their arrest and for them to send money. Detectives are not aware of any victims who have given money.

The victims report the scammers called from what appeared to be legitimate police department phone numbers. Scammers often use spoofing apps and other technology to falsely represent the numbers they are calling from.

Police will NEVER demand money in lieu of arrest or consequence.
If you believe you have been the victim of this or any other scam, contact police.

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Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Robert Terry Accused of Shorting Workers $83K

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Dec. 16 that Robert Terry, 65, of Southampton, owner of Terry Contracting & Materials in Riverhead, was indicted for Willful Failure to Pay the Prevailing Wage Rate, and other related charges, for allegedly misclassifying his employees’ work categories on certified payrolls, resulting in approximately $83,694 in underpayments.

According to the investigation, between March and August 2018, Terry was a contractor at the Davis Park Marina Improvement project, a public works contract that required the contractor to pay his employees the proper prevailing wage rate, based on the tasks that they performed on the project. Additionally, he was responsible for completing certified payrolls that affirmed he paid his employees the proper prevailing wages while they worked on the project.

Instead, Terry allegedly classified his employees under the wage rate for “laborers,” which is lower than the wage rate for “dock builders,” though the employees were performing tasks necessitating the higher salary rate.

Moreover, even though additional employees of Terry Contracting & Materials, Inc. worked as crane operators on the project, they were allegedly unlawfully omitted from the certified payrolls. After an investigation, New York State Department of Labor determined that Terry and his company owes the employees over $80,000 for failing to pay them as dock builders.

On December 12, 2024, Terry and his corporation, Terry Contracting & Materials, Inc. were arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice, Timothy P. Mazzei for one count of Willful Failure to Pay the Prevailing Wage Rate and Supplement, Falsifying a Business Record in the First Degree, both Class E felonies, and Falsifying a Business Record in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

Justice Mazzei ordered Terry to be released on his own recognizance because his charges are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set, bail. Terry is due back in court on January 23, 2025, and faces 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is represented by Michael Cornacchia, Esq.

“This defendant allegedly pocketed money that would have gone to his workers and their families,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We will not allow unscrupulous business owners to enrich themselves by cheating workers out of their legally mandated wages on taxpayer-funded projects.”

This case is being prosecuted by Adriana Noyola of the Financial Crimes Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Investigators Dennis Marcel and Daniel Ayrovainen of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s Financial Crimes Bureau.

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Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon

From this weekend’s Three Village Historical Society’s 45th annual Candlelight House Tour, to the Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival, we live in an area of rich history and culture.

The quaint holiday atmosphere of villages like Huntington and Stony Brook take us back to a more simple time and place — one of one-horse towns, one story buildings and one community spirit.

The North Shore of Suffolk County has a cozy charm coupled with not only rich historical background, but the cutting edge of modern-day living. Take for example Stony Brook University. Located 20 miles or less from all of TBR’s coverage areas, it is a world-class university, brimming with state-of-the-art scientific research, a diverse student body and cultural heritage. With the musical performances, various film screenings and varied organizations, which the university provides, as a result, the residents of Stony Brook have a portal to some of the most intriguing cultural presentations around.

With a home as unique as Suffolk’s North Shore, our residents appear to have a sense of community that is unlike a major city. We are able to boast a sense of connection that is only possible in a small town. Just walking down the street, one is greeted with warmth. A possible run in with a friend from a dedicated civic association can happen.

So don’t write off the suburbs too quickly.

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From left to right: County Legislator Robert Trotta, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, TOB Supervisor Dan Panico, TOB Superintendent of Highways Daniel Losquadro, Representative from the Governor's, office Thalia Olaya, and in front, Gloria Rocchio, Ward Melville Heritage Organization President, at a Stony Brook Village press conference. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico (R) announced the opening of two U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) to assist New York businesses and residents affected by the severe storms and flooding which took place this past August 18–19.

The centers, located at the Rose Caracappa Senior Center in Mount Sinai and in the Village of Head of the Harbor in Saint James, will help residents and business owners recover from disaster-related losses.

Loan Details:

● Businesses and Nonprofits: Eligible to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate, equipment, inventory and other assets.

● Small Businesses, Agricultural Cooperatives, Aquaculture Businesses and Most Private Nonprofits:: Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available to help with working capital needs even if no physical property damage occurred.

● Homeowners: Loans up to $500,000 to repair or replace damaged real estate.

● Renters and Homeowners: Loans up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged personal property.

The SBA Customer Service Representatives at the centers can assist with disaster loan applications, accept documents for existing applications and provide status updates. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments can be scheduled.

DLOC Locations and Hours:

Rose Caracappa Senior Center

● 739 NY-25A, Mount Sinai

● Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Closed Sunday

Village of Head of the Harbor

● 500 N. Country Rd., Saint James

● Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Closed Sunday

The disaster declaration includes Suffolk County and neighboring Nassau County. Residents affected by the storms are encouraged to visit the centers for assistance. For more information on this program visit www.sba.gov. 

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Brookhaven National Laboratory Director JoAnne Hewett. Photo by Jessica Rotkiewicz/BNL

By Daniel Dunaief

Instead of flying a plane through clouds and gathering data during a three to five second window of time, researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory are one of three teams proposing constructing a cloud chamber.

This new research facility would allow them to control the environment and tweak it with different aerosols, enabling them to see how changes affect drizzle formation.

“This is fascinating,” said JoAnne Hewett, Director of BNL and a self-professed “science geek.”

Hewett, whose background is in theoretical physics and who came to BNL from SLAC National Accelerator Lab in Menlo Park, California, has been the director of the Upton-based lab since April of 2023.

In a celebrity podcast interview, which will be posted on TBR News Media’s website (tbrnewsmedia.com) and Spotify, Hewett addressed a wide range of issues, from updates on developing new technologies such as the Electron Ion Collider and the construction of buildings, to the return of students to the long-awaited reopening of the cafeteria.

The U.S. Department of Energy is currently considering the proposals for the cloud chamber and has taken the first steps towards initiating the project.

Hewett, who is the first woman to lead the national lab in its 77-year history, is hoping the winner will be announced this year.

More x-ray tools

In a discussion about the National Synchrotron Lightsource II, which is a circular electron accelerator ring that sends x-rays into the specialized beamlines, Hewett described a study at the recently opened High Energy X-ray Scattering beamline, or HEX.

The state-funded HEX, which is designed for battery research, recently hosted an experiment to examine the vertebrae from Triceratops.

The NSLS-II, which opened a decade ago and has produced important results in a range of fields, will continue to add beamlines. BNL recently received approval to build another eight to 12 beamlines, depending on available funding. The lab will add one beamline in 2025 and another two in 2026.

Electron-Ion Collider

BNL, meanwhile, is continuing to take important steps in planning for an Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), an ambitious $2.8 billion project the lab won the rights to construct.

The collider, which will reveal secrets of the quarks and gluons that make up atoms, will start construction in 2026 and is expected to generate data sometime in the early 2030’s.

As groups of scientists develop plans for the EIC, they apply to the government to reach various milestones.

In March of this year, the lab met a hurdle called CD3A, which provided $100 million in funding for long lead procurements for some of the parts for the 2.4 mile circumference particle collider.

The next review, called CD3B, will be in early January and will involve $50 million in funding.

The funding for these steps involves ordering parts that the lab knows will be necessary.

The EIC will address five key questions, including how does a proton acquire its spin, what is the nature of dense gluon matter, how do quarks and gluons interact within a nucleus, what is the role of gluons in generating nuclear binding energy, and how do the properties of a proton emerge from its quark and gluon constituents.

Researchers expect the results to have application in a wide range of fields, from materials science, to medicine, to creating tools for complex simulations in areas including climate change.

Return of students

After the Covid pandemic shut down visits from area primary schools, students are now returning in increasingly large numbers.

In 2023, around 22,000 students had a chance to find scientific inspiration at BNL, which is starting to approach the pre-pandemic levels of around 30,000.

School buses come to the science learning center on the campus almost every day.

In addition, BNL hosted a record number of student internships, which are typically for college-age students.

In addition to inspiring an understanding and potentially building careers in science, BNL is now opening a new facility. The science users and support center, which is just outside the gate for the lab, is a three-story building with meeting room space.

“It’s going to be a one-stop-shop” for visiting scientists who come to the lab, Hewett said. Visiting scientists can take care of details like badging and lodges, which they previously did in separate buildings.

Additionally, for staff and visitors, BNL reopened a cafeteria that had been closed for five years. The cafeteria will serve breakfast and lunch with hot food.

“That’s another milestone for the laboratory,” Hewett said. With the extended time when the cafeteria was closed, just about everything will be new on the menu. The reopening of the facility took years because of “all the legalese” in the contract, she added.

A new vision

Hewett spent the first nine months of her tenure getting to know the people and learning the culture of the lab.

She suggested she has a new vision that includes four strategic initiatives. These are: the building blocks of the universe, which includes the Electron-Ion Collider; leading in discovery with light-enabled science, which includes the National Synchrotron Lightsource II; development of the next generation information sciences, including quantum information sciences, microelectronics and artificial intelligence; and addressing environmental and societal challenges.

As for the political landscape and funding for science, Hewett suggested that new administrations always have a change in priorities.

“We’re in the business of doing science,” she said. “Science does not observe politics. It’s not red or blue: it’s just facts.”

She suggested that generally, traditional basic research tends to do fairly well.

The BNL lab director, however, is “always making a concerted effort to justify why this investment [of taxpayer dollars] is necessary,” she said. “That’s not going to change one bit.”

After a recent visit to Capitol Hill, Hewett described her relationship with the New York delegation as “great.” She appreciates how the division that affects people’s perspectives in different parts of the world and that has led to conflicts doesn’t often infect scientists or their goals.

In the field of particle physics, “you have Israelis and Palestinians literally working together side by side,” she said. “It all comes to down to the people doing the science and not the government they happen to live under.”

Hewett also continues to believe in the value of diverse experience in the workplace. “We need the best and the brightest,” she said. “I don’t care if they’re pink with purple polka dots: we want them here at the laboratory doing science for us. We want to develop the workforce of the future.”

Adding key hires

As Hewett has settled into her role, she would like to fill some important staff functions. “This is really two or three jobs that I have to get done in the time it takes to do one job,” she said. “A chief of staff is very much needed to help move some of these projects along.”

Additionally, she is looking for someone to lead research partnerships and technology transfer. “As you do the great science, you want to be able to work hand in hand with industry in order to do the development of that science,” she said.

She said this disconnect between research and industry was known as the “Valley of Death.” Institutions like BNL “do fundamental science and industry has a product, and you don’t do enough of the work to match the two with each other.”

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File photo

Suffolk County Police Fifth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a man in Shirley on Dec. 13.

Darrell Sumpter was driving a 2002 Cadillac westbound in the left lane of Sunrise Highway, 11⁄2 miles east of Horseblock Road, when the vehicle swerved and struck a 2021 Ford utility truck traveling in the right lane. Both vehicles left the roadway and overturned at 1:37 p.m. Sumpter, 51, of Shirley, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Darrell Sumpter was the assistant coach of the William Floyd High School varsity boys basketball team. The school released a statement saying, “Mr. Sumpter was a proud William Floyd graduate, a longtime community member, a family man, and a highly-regarded coach and mentor for our boys’ and girls’ basketball programs. He served as an assistant basketball coach on the boys’ varsity team since 2015, and as a volunteer for the youth of the community for many years before that. Coach Darrell was instrumental in the creation of the WFSD youth basketball program and booster club that has made a difference in the lives of so many boys’ and girls’ student-athletes within our community.”

The passenger in the Cadillac, Susan Sumpter, 48, of Shirley, and the driver of the Ford, Jason Troccoli, 52, of Lake Ronkonkoma, were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The vehicles were impounded for a safety check.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Fifth Squad at 631-854-8552.

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Kings Park 8th grader Riley Currier battles for the rebound. Bill Landon photo
Kings Park senior Gianna Zawol scores. Bill Landon photo
Kings Park sophomore Avery Brown lets a three-pointer fly. Bill Landon photo
Shoreham-Wading River sophomore Shealyn Varbero shoots for the Wildcats. Bill Landon photo
Shoreham-Wading River senior Alyssa Bell lets a three-pointer fly for the Wildcats. Bill Landon photo
Shoreham-Wading River senior Haylie Abrams shoots from down low. Bill Landon photo
Shoreham-Wading River senior Alyssa Bell banks two for the Wildcats. Bill Landon photo
Haylie Abrams (l) wrestles Emily Clemens for the rebound. Bill Landon photo
Shoreham-Wading River junior Anabel Keegan drives the lane for the Wildcats. Bill Landon photo
Jump ball. Photo by Bill Landon
Kings Park sophomore Avery Brown down low. Bill Landon photo
Kings Park 8th grader Riley Currier lets a three-pointer fly. Bill Landon photo
Kings Park freshman Addison Kelly lays up for two. Bill Landon photo
Kings Park senior Gianna Zawol battles down low. Bill Landon photo
Kings Park sophomore Maddie DiRusso lays up. Bill Landon photo

By Bill Landon

The last time Shoreham-Wading River squared off against Kings Park was back on Feb. 28, in the Suffolk County Class A, semi-final round, where the Lady Kingsmen defeated the Wildcats, concluding their 2023-24 campaign at Centereach High School.

The wound was still raw for the Wildcats who looked to avenge that season ending defeat in a home game on Monday, Dec. 9. The score was close in the first 12 minutes of play, when the Wildcats surged in the closing minutes of the opening half, netting 10 points to alter the rhythm of the game.

The Kingsmen rallied too, coming within 7 points, with only 3 minutes left in the game. But the Wildcats were able to arrest the onslaught, winning the game 43-33.

Shoreham Wading River opened their season with a pair of non-league wins against Sachem East and Hauppauge, a league victory against Miller Place. They look to be on solid footing for another run at the Suffolk Class A title.

— Photos by Bill Landon 

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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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Pexels photo

By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

You can’t win.

I don’t have to tell you that. One way or another, in one context or another, you already know.

You see, I floss my teeth religiously. I mean, I don’t do it while praying or to some funky weird sounding music that you might hear in a massage parlor, where they speak in whispers and the room smells like scented candles.

No, my wife and I, and sometimes a good friend or two, will take out floss and work through our teeth. I’m not sure how it became a social activity, but we enjoy it and feel virtuous at the same time.

I’ve become so good at it and it’s become so routine that I know the space, or lack thereof, between my teeth better than I know the back of my hand, which, at the moment is cracking and dry because of the cold air and the dry weather.

I try to suppress a smirk when I go to the dentist and a hygienist tries to work floss between my teeth. I could tell them, like a tooth GPS system, where to go, how hard to push and at what angle.

Sooner or later, they get that piece of floss in between my teeth.

So, now to the you-can’t-win-part. You see, I was flossing my teeth in bed the other day, sitting next to my wife as we navigated back and forth between TV stations, one with a Knicks game and the other with a game show.

Like a concert pianist, I worked the top teeth, gliding along the keys and opening my mouth just enough to get my fingers into position. I use much more floss than my wife, as I wrap rows of floss around my fingers and try not to reuse the same piece between teeth.

After moving to a new section of floss, it was on to the bottom, weaving around the misaligned center of the bottom teeth, which, despite a general straightening thanks to Invisalign from a few years ago, is still unwilling to form a perfect line.

As I got to the bottom left, I gave a tug and, poof! Out came half of a tooth. I thought it might be some larger piece of food that was hiding back there, but, no, the density, size and sharpness on my tongue suggested I shouldn’t swallow it.

“Hey,” I said to my wife, “I just broke a tooth.”

On further review with the piece in my hand, it was clearly a broken tooth.

Flossing, which should be as healthy and helpful as sit ups, stretching or overall general maintenance, shouldn’t be hazardous.

Then again, the previous week, a friend told me he had to have surgery because he brushed his teeth too vigorously. He described how a dentist took a piece of the roof of his mouth and transferred it to his gums. Fortunately, I don’t have the same aggressive brushing technique.

So, the next day, I called my dentist and described the problem. She fit me into her busy schedule.

When she came in the room and asked me to open my mouth, she flinched.

“Yup, that’s going to need a crown,” she offered, trying to keep her voice from reflecting the surprise at the size of the missing piece.

While she was numbing my mouth, a TV next to me was showing a food network competition. That seemed ironic. With a numbed jaw, eating even hours afterwards wasn’t much of an option. Watching people prepare food and hearing critiques of the way the food exploded in their mouths was like driving by a field of magnificent flowers with a bad head cold.

So, now that I’m back from the dentist with a temporary crown and numbness that spreads from my cheek around my lower jaw, I am left to wonder whether flossing is all it’s cracked up to be. Then again, I have had root canal for gum problems. That’s no picnic, either.

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