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Between You and Me: Is there a time when we will never need cash?

by Leah Dunaief - December 11, 2024

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pexels-olly-3831185 — Photo by Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

By Leah S. Dunaief

A couple of my favorite restaurants will only accept payment in cash or check. My doctors’ offices will only take credit cards. Perhaps the next thing is that we’ll have to pay in beads, like the Europeans for Manhattan Island.

Those who only take credit cards explained to me that they are preventing robberies. They put up signs saying, “No cash” to dissuade potential thieves. And I suppose those who only take cash are refusing to share their revenue with the credit card companies. I can understand that, especially if the profit margin of the business is only a couple of percent.

But the swinging back and forth is taking its toll, especially on older consumers, who tend to use only cash and are hardest hit in a cashless situation.

“A Fight to Preserve the Value of Cash,” was an article in The New York Times by Paula Span this past Tuesday that addressed the subject.

“Some no-cash practices date to contagion fears after the outbreak of Covid; others are intended to discourage robberies,” explains the reporter. “But such policies are a disadvantage to several groups, including low-income people who don’t have bank accounts, people who have accounts but don’t qualify for credit or debit cards, the homeless, undocumented immigrants and older adults,” she goes on to say.

Additionally, anyone can have a problem with electronic payments when it comes to paying, which can cause delay and frustration. Natural weather disasters can disrupt electricity and telecommunication networks that fail immediately disconnect a cashless society. Even international thieves can hack bank accounts on the internet. “With cash, a thief has to be within striking distance.”

Another disadvantage of credit cards is that consumers spend more when they are using them because it delays the “pain of paying” until the bill arrives at the end of the month.

And privacy concerns enter into the picture due to “middlemen facilitating digital transactions-credit card companies, banks, the tech giants behind mobile apps-(…) then sell consumers’ data.”

According to Pew Research, only 79 percent of people over 65 have a smartphone, which is often used in cashless systems, compared with 97 percent of those between 30-49. Those over 55 paid in cash 22 percent of the time last year, compared with 12 percent among younger groups, according to the Federal Reserve, as quoted by The NYT.

And according to a federal survey, 85 percent used the internet for financial services in their 20s and 30s, but the percentage drops as the groups age. For people in their 60s, the number becomes 70 percent, for those in their 70s it is 64 percent, and in their 80s, it’s only about half.

Cash is so simple: no buttons, no passwords, no problems other than the possibility of counterfeit bills.

“Older adults are far more likely than younger ones to lose money to tech support fraud, lottery and sweepstakes swindles, and family impersonations”, according to the Federal Trade Commission and cited in The NYT. Losses to investment and romance cons continue to climb, too.

As a result of an experience I had some years ago, before plastic became so prevalent, I could personally attest to a cashless society working, at least for a few days.

On my way out the door to my limo ride, I forgot my wallet. I realized half way to the airport and confessed to the driver. “No problem,” he said. “I take credit cards Do you have one?” Fortunately I did. I then realized that I would depend solely on that card for all my expenses getting to, and from, and while I was at the convention. It was going to be an interesting experiment, I said to myself.

During those four days, I was able to manage quite well with only the card. The future for payments became clear to me.

Teenager injured in Middle Island stabbing; vehicle stolen

by Press Release - December 10, 2024

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police-car-siren-lights-stock — Stock photo

Suffolk County Police Seventh Squad detectives are investigating after a Yaphank teenager was stabbed
and had his vehicle stolen in Middle Island on Dec. 10.

A 17-year-old was walking near the intersection of Tie Street and Sander Court in Middle Island when he was approached by a group that had exited a passing vehicle at approximately 1:05 p.m. During an altercation, the teenager was stabbed with an unknown object and dropped his car keys. One of the suspects picked up the keys and at least one person fled the scene in the victim’s 2015 Mazda sedan, which was parked nearby.

The teenager was transported via ambulance to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Seventh Squad detectives at 631-852- 8752 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Bonner recognizes ‘Adopt-A-Spot’ clean-up efforts by Sound Beach Civic

by Press Release - December 9, 2024

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0-8 — Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On December 7, Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner (in red coat) joined the Sound Beach Civic and other local organizations at the “Adopt-A-Spot New York Avenue” location.

The Councilwoman presented Town of Brookhaven Certificates of Appreciation to the volunteers who help to keep the north shore community clean and trash-free, including Sound Beach Civic Volunteer groups; Boy Scout Troop 204; Girl Scouts of BSA Troop 2019; Martin Streeff (Streeff Tree Experts); Eugene Radenberg (Community Landscaping); Gayle Hessler (Gardens by Gayle); Soundview Garden Club; the Civic Hamlet Beautification Committee; and Sound Beach Civic President, Bea Ruberto (right).

Rocky Point girl’s basketball downs Newfield 47-21

by Bill Landon - December 7, 2024

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By Bill Landon

The Rocky Point Eagles opened their 2024-25 girls’ varsity basketball campaign with a pair of non-league wins, defeating Deer Park and, with a swarming defense, downing Newfield 47-21 in a home game Tuesday. Dec. 3.

It was a three-point game after two quarters of play, but the Eagles’ defense kept the Wolverines in check, forcing turnovers and recording several blocked shots. Newfield struggled to gain traction in the final eight minutes, falling to 0-2 early in the season.

The Eagles will look to continue their winning ways when they open league play on Dec. 6, hosting Westhampton. Game time is scheduled for 4:45 p.m.

Newfield will also be back in action on Dec. 6, traveling to East Islip for another non-league matchup in search of its first win. Tipoff is at 5:45 p.m.

Quiet strength of Rocky Point running and swimming phenom Trevor Green

by Rich Acritelli - December 7, 2024

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By Richard V. Acritelli

Halfway through the daunting 5K cross-country course at Bowdoin State Park at Wappingers Falls on Nov. 23, Rocky Point High School Junior Trevor Green was running one of his best career high school races. Competing with the top ten best runners from Montauk to Buffalo, Trevor, in his final race of the season, had a special moment. Running hard through the hills that overlooked the Hudson River, Trevor utilized the massive downhill to strengthen his position within the second half of this race. At the very end of this course, there was no letup in the mindset of Trevor to solidify his spot as one of the premier cross-country competitors in New York state. After a grueling finish that saw him utilize a mighty kick around the fields and straightaway of this park, Trevor placed ninth in this race, and second overall from a talented contingent of Long Island runners.

I have been his coach for the last three years. Trevor is truly a special young man who is armed with a big smile and a can-do attitude. This dynamic student-athlete is one of the finest athletes that has been my privilege to coach and see as an educator over the last two and half decades. Going about his business in a quiet manner, this unique young man has cemented his athletic legacy at Rocky Point. Over the last several months, this outstanding runner and swimmer has exhaustively been training for both sports. Trevor maintains the ability to run and swim at a high level and to also establish himself as a serious honor roll student. Always embracing his training regiment, there are many days that Trevor is coming from one sport or heading toward another practice. After pushing himself through numerous swimming strokes across this pool, this tenacious swimmer has a heart of steel, as he runs through the trails, fields and the “camel” hills within the Rocky Point Conservation Area. He utilizes his strength to quickly defeat the opposition at both Snake and Cardiac hills at the Sunken Meadow State Park 5K Race. Always observing the competition and understanding the times that he needs to earn, Trevor never takes a race lightly, as he understands that any runner can win at any given time.

This running philosophy has been cultivated over the last several years. As a freshman, Trevor stayed with the best runners in the county and finished among the top five individuals to represent Rocky Point in the New York State Cross Country Championship at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School. During the second half of this race, this 14-year-old kid realized that he had to adjust and elevate his aggressiveness to ensure that he finished in a top spot. Beating several runners in the final mile of this hard course, Trevor placed 17th overall. This freshman flashed a brilliant smile, was praised with heavy cheers, as he was the second highest Suffolk County participant in this exciting contest. A week later and opposing the best city, private-, and public-school runners in New York, Trevor gained his first taste of racing at the challenging Bowdoin State Park 5K course.

The following year as a sophomore, Trevor continued to excel, as he earned his second all-league and division honors. During the state qualifiers race, he upset some of the finest runners in the state as he won his first Suffolk County B Championship. Coaching girls cross-country and track for the last three decades, Rocky Point High School Guidance Facilitator Mathew Poole has watched many of Trevor’s races and he observes that he “always runs from the front and I have explained to him over the years, there will be a time when you’re challenged at a pivotal moment. When he won the Suffolk County Championship in 2023, I believe he realized this was happening and he refused to relinquish his opportunity. Trevor is truly a warrior.” For a second time at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School, Trevor was near the front of the pack at a quick pace, but he had difficulties breathing, and this setback diminished his time and placement. While it seems like this young man is always competing, Trevor expects to achieve his many athletic goals, where he places pressure on himself to do well. Never one to forget about a rough outing, Trevor greatly learns from all contests and has become one of the most experienced and successful athletes on Long Island.

At the start of this past season, near West Point, Trevor ran in the Bear Mountain Invitational. As he was still getting into shape, he ran well and placed second on a new course that featured a major hill. Quickly, he pushed himself to train in the distance, hills and track workouts that enabled him to place high in all his invitationals and gained a second undefeated dual-meet season. Trevor was also a key motivator of his teammates, as this squad placed second in the league, and missed an undefeated season by three points. Whereas he has won many races, Trevor is an approachable young man who is easy to coach and like. Senior Matteo Gravinese is a two-time all-league runner and the captain of this team. Running numerous miles with Trevor, he believed that his friend, “is not only an exceptional athlete but also an excellent teammate. While others with his level of skill may have gloated or bragged, Trevor was always kind to those of all running abilities on our team. I think this sportsmanship is what makes him the best athlete I ever met.” Kristian Hald is also a senior captain and an all-league runner, who like Gravinese, has enjoyed running with Trevor. He has observed the attributes of Trevor in being “absolutely the best teammate you could ever ask for. His incredible talent is not all that he brings to the team, as he always expresses an important sense of comradery to his fellow teammates. Trevor is a modest athlete, where he has taken first many times, but quickly, he will always enquire about how his teammates finished in our races.”

Just finishing this season several weeks ago, Trevor defeated an extremely tough opponent in Hartley Semmes from Harborfields to be crowned his second County B Suffolk County Champion. While Trevor is always pleased with his running, he quickly starts looking ahead toward the next approaching contests. For the second time in three years, he was an all-state runner who competed at Queensbury High School outside of Saratoga and Lake George. Trevor did not finish as he expected, but he made all-state honors and was picked as one of the top runners to represent Suffolk County for the Federation’s/Nike Regional Race. Although he was exhausted from this race and his swimming schedule, he prepared for the harsh course at Bowdoin State Park. With a brisk chill in the air and the winds coming off the Hudson River, Trevor finished the season on a high note showing his dominance on a course that he only ran once before. Long time Mount Sinai Track and Field and Cross-Country Coach Bill Dwyer watched this race, and he believed, “that Trevor is a great athletic competitor, who is strong and powerful, and even tougher within the hills of Bowdoin. Adversity from the previous week at Queensbury High School made this talented runner that much more difficult to beat at the Federation/Nike Regional Race.”

Constantly showing an outpouring of love and support toward Trevor are his parents, who make every race, where they enjoy not only seeing their son do well, but the other boys from this team as well. Trevor’s mother Toby is an educator, who coached her boy when he was 5 years old in running. On a regular basis, she drives Trevor to and from practice from these two busy sports. Always looking at a calendar of meets and practice times, she drives her car with the license plate Team Green. His father Anthony was a talented football player and runner at New Field High School, where he mentors his son, and helps him navigate the difficult waters of highly competitive sporting contests. Looking at his son’s strenuous daily schedule, Anthony believes that, “it has not been an easy road. Competing in swimming all year and finding time to run cross-country in the Conservation Area. There are moments that my son finds himself exhausted from these two highly disciplined sports.”

Whereas it has been my chance to coach this fine young man in cross-country and to see him strive for greatness, to watch him swim is a special experience. Since his earliest years, Trevor’s first love has always been swimming, where he has established himself as one of the best swimmers in the state. Like in cross-country, in swimming, Trevor has many friends, where they speak about the different times that are needed through the events of this demanding sport. Recently, it was my opportunity to chaperone his first race at Sachem East and to listen to these boys speak about this unique sport. Quickly, you notice the bond of these young men and it did not take long for Trevor to establish his presence, as he quickly qualified for the New York State Swimming Championships. After Trevor defeated his opponent, he quickly exclaimed that he had plenty of work to do to bring down his times.

It was a big family moment for the Greens, when Trevor learned that he would be accepted onto the University of Minnesota Division I swim team. It has been the dream of this exceptional student-athlete to swim at this college level and to major in engineering.

These skills have not gone unnoticed, as Trevor was selected for the USA Swimming National Select Camp. During 2023-2024, Trevor, along with five other male swimmers, had the highest individual IMX Power Point scores. For several years, as in running, Trevor constantly improved his times against the opposition in the pool. As a seventh grader, Trevor made the Suffolk County Qualifier in 100 Butterfly and 200 Individual Medley. As a freshman, he took third place in the county in the 100 Butterfly and Backstroke events. A year later, Trevor was the Suffolk County Champion in the 500 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke.By six seconds, he broke the 26-year record that was held at the Stony Brook University pool for the 400 Medley. In a message by Swimming Managing Director of Sport Development Joel Shinofield stated, “as these athletes set their sights on LA 2028, we look forward to seeing them follow in the footsteps of Olympians who attended this camp, including Bobby Finke, Carson Foster, Lilly King, Katie Ledecky and Gretchen Walsh.” Shinofield certainly hopes that this younger crop of swimmers in which he includes Trevor are possibly the future to represent the United States against foreign competition.

Thank you to Trevor Green for always giving his very best in being a tremendous student-athlete to represent Rocky Point High School in cross-country and swimming. The future is bright for this old-fashioned athlete, who after a major running race, will ride his bike to school or walk home after practice. As he is still a junior, the University of Minnesota will gain a “winner” within every sense of this word through the work ethic, drive and character of this devoted competitor.

2024 Mt. Sinai Turkey Trot 5K brings together community over the holiday weekend

by Bill Landon - December 6, 2024

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By Bill Landon

The Mount Sinai 13th annual Turkey Trot kicked off Saturday, Nov. 30 at 8:30 a.m. under brilliant sunshine and a cold steady breeze, with a fun run for kids followed by the 5k run a half hour later at Mt. Sinai High School.

Proceeds of the fundraising event went to Holiday Magic which is a nonprofit organization that dedicates itself to making the holidays special for less fortunate children and their families.

Timing and scoring was courtesy of Strong Island Running Club. Results of the 5K event can be viewed online at runsignup.com/race/results.

Editorial: Good news, everyone — this week’s paper is full of good news

by TBR Staff - December 6, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for your readership and support.

Pancake breakfasts with Santa Claus

by Heidi Sutton - December 5, 2024

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Airpower-Museum-Santa-Claus-800x445 — Santa heads to the American Airpower Museum in Farmingdale on Dec. 14.

Start your holiday season with one of the following Pancake Breakfast with Santa Claus events on the North Shore!

Centereach

Centereach Fire Department Engine Co. 3, 9 South Washington Ave., Centereach presents The Original Pancake Breakfast with Santa & Friends on Sunday, Dec. 8 with seatings hourly from 8 a.m. to noon. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, coffee and orange juice. $10 per person. For reservations, call 631-588-0118.

East Northport

Union United Methodist Church, 1018 Pulaski Road, East Northport will host Magic Circle Nursery School’s 43rd annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a holiday treat filled with fun, food and a photo with Santa Claus. Tickets are $8 adults, $4 children. 631-754-5565

Farmingdale

The American Airpower Museum, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale will host its Annual Holiday Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. Join them in their historic Republic Aviation Hangar decorated for the holiday season for pancakes, sausage and hot beverages and juices followed by a meet and greet with Santa for photos and take a Flight line tram ride (weather permitting). Admission is $15 adults, $10 children. For reservations, call 631-293-6398.

Medford

Medford Fire Department, 171 Oregon Ave., Medford presents their annual Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 children, children age 2 and under are free. To RSVP, call 631-481-6184.

Mount Sinai

The North Shore Youth Council carries on the tradition of Breakfast with Santa at the Heritage Center, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Mt. Sinai on Sunday, Dec. 15 with seatings at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon. Enjoy a breakfast buffet catered by Tuscany Gourmet Market and live holiday music. Admission is $25 adults, $20 children, under age 2 free. Includes a family photo with Santa and a favor for each child. Reservations are required, no walk-ins. Call 631-403-4846 or visit www.nsyc.com.

Rocky Point

Rocky Point Fire Department Engine Co. #1, 1 Hallock Landing Road, Rocky Point hosts its 25th annual Breakfast with Saanta on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 8 a.m. to noon. All you can eat pancakes, sausage, eggs, hash browns, orange juice, apple juice, coffee and tea. Meet Santa in front of an antique fire engine. Admission is $10 adults, $5 seniors and children ages 5 to 12, under the age of 5 are free. RSVP at 631-744-2231.

— Compiled by Heidi Sutton

Letters to the Editor: December 5, 2024

by TBR Staff - December 5, 2024

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letters_page-scaled — File photo by Raymond Janis

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

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

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

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

Ira Costell

President, Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association

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

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

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

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

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

George Altemose

Setauket

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

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

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

Larry Penner

Great Neck

Clarifying roles: Code officers don’t need firearms

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

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

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

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

Drew Biondo

Former PJ Trustee

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

D. None of the Above: From Shirley Temples to designated driver, a lifetime without alcohol

by Daniel Dunaief - December 4, 2024

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By Daniel Dunaief

My initials suited me well before I was old enough to care.

You see, I don’t drink, so the idea of a DD, or designated driver, works for me.

Over the years, not drinking alcohol has triggered an even wider range of responses from adults than discussing my food allergies, which, in themselves, typically start unusual conversations. It seems odd to discuss painful digestive responses to consuming food with people who are about to eat.

Anyway, alcohol is supposed to be some kind of rite of passage, a bonding experience, a chance to celebrate and let loose, and something of a national past time.

I don’t mind when other people drink, but I’ve never been all that tempted to throw down a few beers or to end a tough day with a stiff drink.

When I don’t order a drink, I get a range of questions. “Are you in recovery?” “Are you taking medicine?” “Are you very religious?” “Are you sure you’re human?”

Alcohol is as much of a ritual in the country when adults celebrate as sugary treats are when our children attend another birthday party.

Athletes douse each other with champagne, beer, and other beverages when their teams win rounds of a playoff or championships. People toast each other and the start of a new year with adult beverages.

It’d be funny to see a baseball team retreat to the clubhouse after dog piling at the pitcher’s mound and eat a tray of cookies and milk (which I also can’t drink and, no, I don’t feel like describing what happens if I do). Can you imagine them sitting back with a tray of their favorite vegetables, a towel around their necks and a satisfied smile on their faces?

When I was younger, I held cups of alcohol and laughed with a group that became progressively louder. I would search for water or root beer, which was and still is my favorite soda.

I was tempted to order a scotch and soda, but hold the scotch or, perhaps, a rum and coke without the rum.

The early teens were my drinking sweet spot, literally. I could go through three or four Shirley Temples without seeming to develop too much of a sugar high. No doubt the milk and cookies, the ice cream and the chocolate sprinkles helped me build up a sugar tolerance.

I received my first bottle of wine from a friend in college, who was sharing it with me out of genuine appreciation and was, undoubtedly, following in his parents’ footsteps in offering me an adult gift.

Over the years, I have accumulated a collection of wines that have likely increased in value. At the end of coaching a long, hot baseball, softball or basketball season, grateful parents acknowledged the hours I put into running practices or preparing lineups for games for the team with a bottle of wine.

I did try drinking more than a few sips of alcohol a few times. Once, my wife took me out for my birthday, where I had about a cup of wine. I wasn’t drunk, but I was surprisingly tired and was much more ready for bed than for celebrating.

When my children reached their early teens, we ordered three Shirley Temples for the table.

Recently, I attended a bring your own booze holiday party. We brought some alcoholic drinks and a pecan pie.

We considered purchasing a large bottle of water for me, but figured there’d be a pitcher of water somewhere.

Walking from room to room, I didn’t find water and didn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable searching for it or trying to accommodate my request. When I returned home, I was happy to fill my reusable water bottle.

Professionally, not drinking alcohol is not quite as limiting as not playing golf. Back in the days when I covered investment banking, foregoing golf outings meant making fewer connections and gathering less information.

In those days, I was never invited to a batting cage to practice hitting baseballs, which I would have readily accepted.

These days, when neighbors offer to share a few cocktails on their porches, I smile and nod, without making any declarations. It’s harder to argue that I’m not drinking because I’m the designated driver when they live a few hundred feet away. Maybe I’ll bring my own water and will tell them my DD religion doesn’t allow alcohol.

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