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Stamp Out Hunger food drive returns May 10

by Press Release - May 9, 2025

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Island Harvest Food Bank, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), and the United States Postal Service (USPS) are once again in a united front for the annual Stamp Out Hunger® food drive, the nation’s most extensive single-day food collection campaign on Saturday, May 10.

At a recent kickoff rally at Island Harvest’s Melville headquarters before a group of postal union workers, corporate sponsors, and food bank staff and supporters, Samantha Morales, founder of Branches Long Island, a Middle Island-based social services organization that helps people in need, relayed a story about a first-time client coming in for food assistance.

“A woman named Maria came in holding a baby in one arm and a grocery list in the other. Her husband had been laid off, and their savings were completely gone. She looked exhausted yet determined and said, ‘I never thought I’d need help like this, but my baby needs to eat.’” Ms. Morales said that because of food donations from efforts like Stamp Out Hunger, Maria wasn’t turned away in her time of need, and she was given fresh produce, canned goods, and formula for her baby. As Maria left, she hugged a volunteer, broke down and said, “You gave me a lifeline today.” In concluding her remarks, Ms. Morales stated, “Every can, every box and every bag collected during this campaign helps real people right here on Long Island.”

According to Randi Shubin Dresner, president & CEO of Island Harvest, the need for food assistance on Long Island has never been greater.

“The need among Long Island families is alarming, making your contribution to Stamp Out Hunger more important than ever,” said Shubin Dresner. She highlights that the organization distributed a record 18.3 million pounds of food last year and is forecasted to distribute 20 million pounds this year.

“With increased costs at the grocery store, coupled with the region’s high cost of living and continued economic uncertainty, more Long Islanders urgently need supplemental food support. We are calling on the responsibility and generosity of all Long Islanders to donate what they can by leaving nonperishable food items in a bag next to your mailbox before the regularly scheduled mail delivery on Saturday, May 10 for your letter carrier to pick up and help ensure it gets onto the tables of our Long Island neighbors in need,” she added.

Nonperishable food includes canned goods, cereal, pasta, rice, boxed juices, and shelf-stable milk (no prepared food or food or juices in glass containers). In addition, personal care items such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, and disposable diapers are gratefully accepted. All donations collected will help replenish Island Harvest’s network of community-based food pantries, soup kitchens and other emergency feeding programs in communities in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

“Every donation, no matter the size, will help countless Long Islanders who may be struggling to put food on their tables — even a can of soup can be a much-needed meal for people who are hungry,” added Ms. Shubin Dresner, “We’ve always been touched by the generosity of Long Islanders to help their neighbors in need, and we are confident that they will once again step up and support this year’s Stamp Out Hunger food drive.”

“The National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 6000 and the United States Postal Service are excited to partner with Island Harvest again this year for your 33^rd annual Stamp Out Hunger food collection,” said Tom Siesto, Executive Vice President of NALC Branch 6000. “The members of Branch 6000 and the employees of the United States Postal Service often see firsthand the widespread issue of food insecurity on Long Island and are thrilled to take part in this very important campaign and give back to the local communities they serve.”

Since its inception in 1993, the Stamp Out Hunger food drive, held on the second Saturday in May, has collected approximately 1.9 billion pounds of food for those in need across the United States. Input from food banks and pantries suggested that late spring would be the best time because most food banks start running out of the donations received during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays by that point in the year, according to the NALC.

Last year, generous Long Islanders donated 382,175 pounds of food, supplementing 577,000 meals. Island Harvest hopes to exceed 500,000 pounds of food during this year’s Stamp Out Hunger food collection campaign.

This year’s Stamp Out Hunger collection campaign on Long Island is generously supported by presenting sponsor National Grid (lead sponsor), JPMorganChase, Dime Community Bank, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, IPRO Healthcare, Leviton, M&T Bank, Nonna’s Garden, Petro Home Services, and Stop & Shop.

Reboli Center presents ‘The Story Behind a One-of-a-Kind Motorcycle’ May 10

by Press Release - May 9, 2025

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unnamed-1 — Photo courtesy of Reboli Center

The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook will host an exciting and informative talk with two distinguished figures in the world of classic motorcycles, international guest, Hans Keckeisen, and Long Island’s own, Peter Nettesheim on Saturday, May 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Keckeisen and Nettesheim will be discussing the fascinating history of BMW, the iconic Bavarian motor company, and the creation of a truly unique motorcycle that Keckeisen built specifically for Nettesheim’s museum collection. This event is open to the public and free to attend.

Hans Keckeisen is a master craftsman whose expertise in sheet metalwork, restoration, and reconstruction of classic motorcycles is second to none. Keckeisen specializes in restoring unusual bodywork and racing parts, always with meticulous attention to detail.

Drawing from years of experience and a passion for traditional craftsmanship techniques, Keckeisen is renowned for his work with BMW, Megola, and Windhoff motorcycles, among others. He treats each project with individual care, striving for the greatest possible authenticity and originality. He works with a diverse international clientele, from Austria to the USA, and his work is known for its dedication to preserving the technical cultural heritage of motorcycles.

The talk will also touch on Peter Nettesheim’s incredible contributions to preserving BMW’s legacy. Nettesheim is the owner of Nettesheim Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of BMW motorcycles, based on Long Island. With over 120 motorcycles spanning from 1923 to 1970, as well as 30 additional models from the 1970s onward, Nettesheim’s museum offers a remarkable look into the history and evolution of BMW’s motorcycle line.

The free event coincides with the Center’s current exhibit, Getting There, which that delves into the artistic exploration of various modes of transportation, such as cars, motorcycles, trains, boats, and beyond.

No reservations required. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and refreshments will be served. For more information, call 631-751-7707 or visit www.rebolicenter.org.

Ward Melville softball team raises money for Gabby Petito Foundation

by Steven Zaitz - May 9, 2025

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By Steven Zaitz

The Ward Melville softball team held their 5th annual charity game on May 3 for the benefit of the Gabby Petito Foundation and to bring awareness to domestic abuse.

For the past five seasons, the team has chosen a different charity to support and, for 2025, the team selected the Gabby Petito Foundation.

Petito, who attended Bayport-Blue Point High School, was 22 years old when she was murdered by her fiancé in 2021 during a cross-country road trip. The foundation’s mission is to address the needs of organizations that support locating missing persons and to provide aid to organizations that assist victims of domestic violence situations through education, awareness and prevention strategies.

Purple balloons, bunting and petals of lilac and lavender festooned the grounds near the softball field and, although it was only 10 o’clock in the morning, the strengthening whiff of fire-grilled hot dogs tantalized the taste buds.

Posters of Petito stood on easels near the backstop and an ice sculpture rested on a purple-and-pink draped table that was protected from the morning sun by a canvas tent. Two banners devoted to Petito and her namesake organization hung on the centerfield fence.

Dana Powell, mom of senior star player Emerson Powell, who is currently on the injured list, organized much of this event, which has raised more than $10,000 so far.

“We felt it would be great because this is a team of young ladies to bring awareness to domestic abuse and teach them — and the community — that it does start young. We want everyone to look for the signs,” said Powell, who is the head of the team’s booster club. “The Gabby Petito Foundation is doing amazing things to protect not just young women but also young men and missing persons.”

Members of Petito’s family participated in the pregame service and entered the field through the third-base fence, passing through a welcoming line of players holding their bats in an overhead V formation. The procession was led by Petito’s grandmother, Mary Wickman, and the family of about 10, who were all greeted by warm applause as they took their place near the middle of the diamond. Ward Melville head softball coach Joe Burger addressed the crowd near the third-base bleachers.

“There are times when our athletes need more than coaching,” Burger told the crowd. “They need to be lifted up, be seen, heard and supported. When the pressure of life and the game becomes too heavy, they need to know that we are standing right beside them and that we believe in them.”

Ward Melville players, coaches and most of the parents wore special purple shirts for this game that promoted the event on the front of the shirt and Gabby Petito Foundation. On the back, the phrase Love Doesn’t Hurt was written inside a heart-shaped border. Bellport donned similar shirts, but theirs were mostly white with purple trim.

Lady Patriots players Isabella Parente, Sara Kropp, Cate Scolaro and Kaitlyn Morales spoke to the crowd about how much they have learned about the many forms of domestic abuse and what can be done to help.

“I have learned that there are many resources and support available,” said Scolaro, who is an 11th grader. “Hotlines, shelters, counseling services and legal assistance are some of these and it is important to know that you are never alone and there is always help to escape the cycle of abuse and rebuild a safe life.”

Mary Wickman closed the oratorical portion of the ceremony with a heartfelt thank you to the team, the school and the Three Village community. Petito’s cousin, Bubba Wickman, a middle schooler in the Middle Country Central School District and a grandchild of Mary, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Patriots catcher Haley Mauser, as last-minute hugs were shared on and around the field up until the very last moments before the umpire shouted “Play Ball.” During this time, the team presented Mary Wickman with a bright yellow, glass-encased softball signed by every member of the team, along with a bouquet of pink and white flowers. As she posed for photos and hugged each player, Wickman was awash with emotion.

“Being a team isn’t just about what happens on the field, it’s about fighting for something bigger,” said Mary Wickman. “And these young women have done just that. To the coaches and the players and the school and the community, I say thank you for taking the time, energy as a force for good. For the love of Gabby, keep leading, keep caring and using your voice to make a difference.”

On the field the Lady Patriots certainly made a difference too, as they beat Bellport by a score of 17-5. Senior second baseman Sophie Reed hit a grand-slam home run in the first inning and Ward Melville raced out to a 7-0 lead after just one inning. Starting pitcher Makenna Steinberg struck out 10 Bellport batters for the win.

SBU students sail into mythology at 36th annual Roth Pond Regatta

by TBR Staff - May 9, 2025

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Scuderia Scooteroni (1) — Scuderia Scooteroni at the 36th annual Roth Regatta. Photo courtesy Stanley Zheng

By Mariam Guirgis

Stony Brook University students summoned the power of the Greek gods for the 36th Annual Roth Pond Regatta on May 2.

The long-standing tradition invites students to put their creativity, engineering skills and teamwork to the test. With final exams approaching, the Regatta offers a chance to step away from classes and take part in a spirited race across Roth Pond using only cardboard, duct tape and paint.

The Spirit of Stony Brook Yacht the 36th annual Roth Regatta. Photo courtesy Stanley Zheng

This year’s theme, Greek Mythology, encouraged participants to draw inspiration from gods, heroes and legendary creatures. Students reflected that spirit in their boat designs, whether it was through representing the wisdom of Athena, the speed of Hermes or the strength of Ares. Many participants blended humor with mythology in inventive ways, and the theme was evident in boat names, costumes and design details.

Boats were built to carry two to four team members across the 200-yard pond. Some groups spent weeks designing their boats, while others made last-minute improvements to ensure they stayed afloat. Once boats were in the water, the biggest challenge mentioned by many competitors was the ability to row. As boats started to fill up with water mid-race, success depended on coordination and timing.

The Motorsports Club, racing with their boat Noah’s Chariot, managed to win their heat despite the unexpected obstacle mid-race.

“I was in the middle of rowing, I felt my paddle jiggle a little, but I was like ‘I should be fine’ and I kept going. Two strokes later it snaps on me,” rower Jason Jiang said.

Judging was based on a variety of categories including Most Original, Best Titanic (for the most dramatic sink), Best Showcase, Most Team Spirited, and others. The titles of Best Speedster and Best Yacht were reserved for the final heat winners. This year’s Speedster trophy went to Scuderia Scooteroni, while The Spirit of Stony Brook took home the Yacht title.

Scuderia Scooteroni at the 36th annual Roth Regatta. Photo courtesy Stanley Zheng

This was Scuderia Scooteroni’s third consecutive win at the Regatta which continues their winning streak that has spanned for three years. The team credits one key factor: cardboard sourcing.

“We’ve been building the same boat for the past three years and clearly the design is effective,” the team said. “The trick is to contact warehouses because they have old waste of piles and piles of cardboard.”

For The Spirit of Stony Brook, they attributed their win to the improvements made to their boat design. “We made [the boat] too big [last year, so] we cut down on the size [and it was] perfect.”

Attendees were also able to participate by voting for Wolfie’s Favorite, selecting their top three boats in both the Speedster and Yacht categories. The entries reflected wide campus involvement, including residence halls, student organizations, academic departments and cultural groups. Some notable entries included The Sisyphus (Climbing Club), Cerberus (Douglass Hall), Apollo 11 (Aerospace Engineering Club), Poseidon’s Wave (Keller Hall), and Hydracraft (Marine Science Club).

Academic departments also joined the fun, with entries like The Organic Odyssey by the Molecular Science Teaching Assistants and Langmuir’s Chariot from the Langmuir Hall Council. The event was as much about participation and school spirit as it was about competition.

Wolfie boat at the 36th annual Roth Regatta. Photo courtesy Stanley Zheng

Beyond the races, attendees enjoyed a lively atmosphere around Roth Pond. Spectators gathered to watch as boats battled to stay afloat, while sampling food and exploring displays from various campus departments. The event served not only as a showcase of student creativity but also as a celebration of campus-wide community and spirit.

The Regatta was broadcast live on YouTube in collaboration with the School of Communication and Journalism, making it accessible to viewers beyond campus.

Now in its 36th year, the Roth Pond Regatta remains one of Stony Brook’s most distinctive traditions. By combining creativity, collaboration, and a bit of chaos, it continues to bring the campus community together in a uniquely memorable way.

Mariam Guirgis is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.

Local ultra-runner honors veterans through seven-day marathon challenge

by Dylan Friedman - May 8, 2025

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By Dylan Friedman

Continuing a remarkable tradition, ultra-runner Eva Casale this past week (April 27 – May 3) traversed Long Island for the ninth time in as many years, completing her seven-marathon-in-seven-days challenge – an enduring tribute to the legacy of America’s veterans.

“I started running local veteran races, and during those races, I met Gold Star families,” Casale explained. “I wanted to see if there’s a way we could continue to remember them.” Gold Star families are those who have lost loved ones during active military service.

What began as a personal mission has evolved into nine annual Every Veteran Appreciated (EVA) Weeks and counting, challenging physical limits and serving as a moving educational platform.

Each day, the marathon is strategically dedicated to different fallen heroes, with over 20 Points of Honor. Casale and other participants pause at certain businesses and military memorials to learn about specific veterans and their sacrifices.

“Each time I read those plaques, it really reminds me that I am here because of them,” Casale said. “I am able to run these streets and have freedom because of them. That gives me strength when I’m tired.”

Another critical component of the week involves engaging younger generations. Casale aims to create meaningful connections to veterans’ experiences by inviting high school students to participate. Patchogue-Medford High School and Copiague students ran in this year’s event, while learning about military memorials and placing roses at significant locations throughout the journey.

“We took [the students] to a memorial as part of the 5k run that we do at the end of the day,” Casale explained. “After I put down my first rose, I would share with some of the other students, [and] they would do the same thing. They were actually understanding why it was there and why it was important.”

Casale’s personal connection to the military is rooted in her father’s experience of serving in the Korean War. “He never spoke about it much, if at all,” Casale recalled. “But I think there is a certain generation that does not speak about it, but they still need to be thanked for their service, so that is what I am trying to teach,” Casale continued.

For Casale, whose athletic background already encompassed feats of extreme endurance, the demanding seven-day marathon format emerged as a fitting and impactful way to amplify her message.

With a background in ultra-running —having completed 50- and 100-mile events — the seven-day marathon format was a natural choice. “I did this seven-day format once before [doing this event annually],” Casale said. “I chose this format because it brings more and more awareness over an extended period.”

Maintaining physical readiness for such a grueling challenge requires careful recovery strategies. Each night, Casale used compression boots for several hours, a ritual she credits with making “the world of difference” in her ability to continue running day after day.

When asked about the event’s future, Casale maintains that she will continue doing it as long as possible.

“I mean, every year I have been asked the same question, right?” Casale said. “I would say as long as I can, my team is really excited, because next year is the 10th year. So we will do the same format, we are excited, and then we will see from there. At this point, my answer is always, as long as I am able to do it, and as a way to thank our veterans, we will continue with our mission.”

As the event approaches its milestone next year, it is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of gratitude and remembrance. Through seven marathons, countless stories are shared, and a commitment to honoring those who have served, Casale continues to transform athletic achievement into a profound act of remembrance.

“We want people to recognize that gentleman sitting in the diner wearing the Korean War hat and say, Thank you, thank you for your service,” Casale said. “We want people to thank the woman across the street who served in the Army or the Navy. We want them to say, thank you for your service. That is where part of our mission is. We know we have that opportunity to remind people to do that.”

Ward Melville grad Tom Theodorakis named athletic director at West Point

by TBR Staff - May 8, 2025

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By George Caratzas

After a long career as a collegiate athletic executive, Ward Melville graduate Tom Theodorakis was recently named the athletic director of the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Theodorakis — who attended Ward Melville from 2000 to 2002 — was a standout on the lacrosse field, eventually going on to play at the collegiate level at Syracuse. As a member of the Orange, Theodorakis made four NCAA tournaments, making three final four appearances and won the national championship in 2004.

“Lacrosse afforded me a lot of opportunities,” Theodorakis said. “To go to a place like Syracuse as a student-athlete just had a really profound impact on my life … I don’t know where I’d be without them. I came in as a proverbial punk kid and left school as an adult.”

Still, Theodorakis credits much of his start to the place where he spent his early years.

“I am very fortunate to grow up in a fantastic part of Long Island that afforded me a lot of great opportunities,” Theodorakis said. “One of those was going to Ward Melville High School. Not only was I surrounded by great teachers, but also first-class athletics.”

Fast forward 20 years, Theodorakis was named West Point’s 31st Athletic Director in February of this year. Previously, he served as a deputy director under Mike Buddie who he credits as an instrumental piece in his transition into the new role.

“It was a sudden change,” Theodorakis said. “I was fortunate that Mike empowered me on a lot of initiatives and responsibilities in our department. He really helped prepare me for this role.”

Working at a service academy poses a unique set of challenges, especially on the athletic level. While some of Theodorakis’ career stops have prioritized athletic excellence, West Point’s top goal remains to prepare cadets for future military experience.

“You have to recruit the right individuals that are thinking long-term,” Theodorakis said. “It takes a special type of individual that is able to say, ‘this is the sacrifice that I want to make.’ Ultimately, these individuals want to serve their country and set them up for success.”

West Point is not the first service academy that Theodorakis has called home. In fact, his first job out of college was an internship in the athletic department of the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. This role gave him all sorts of different experiences, including some not so glamorous ones.

“Air Force is definitely a smaller athletic department which let me have my hands on a lot of things,” Theodorakis said. “Sometimes this included cleaning out the closet or being the mascot, but those are the things you do in an entry level position. For me, I just loved all of it because I was just so excited to be a part of college athletics.”

His tenure in Colorado Springs was a jumping off point for various roles at the University of Arizona, UCLA and Harvard, before landing in the Hudson Valley.

“I knew that if someone’s going to give me an opportunity — or at least crack the door open — I am going to work my tail off to turn that into a full-time job,” Theodorakis said. “I grew up in New York, went to school in New York. I think getting out of my comfort zone personally and professionally was a really good thing and that came from moving out west.”

All along, Theodorakis’ plan was to return to the East Coast, a move he made in 2022.

“Ultimately, I always had the goal of moving back to New York, but I realized that it may take some time,” Theodorakis said. “These careers are not linear, and for me it took close to 15 years to get to Harvard and get back to the East Coast.”

Despite a lengthy career, Theodorakis stays true to his roots on Long Island’s north shore.

“It’s hard for me not to look back on my time growing up on Long Island and not to thank the amazing moms and dads that understood the value of sports,” Theodorakis said. “Whether it be coaching teams or volunteering, I still rely on a lot of those lessons today. It had such an impact on my life and they believed in the community and what we were doing.”

George Caratzas is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.

Three Village School board discusses security, program funding and autism awareness

by William Stieglitz - May 8, 2025

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(Left to Right) Board VP Karen Roughley, President Susan Rosenzweig, Superintendent Scanlon, Dr. Kerman — From left, Board VP Karen Roughley, President Susan Rosenzweig, Superintendent Scanlon and Dr. Kerman. Photo by William Stieglitz

By William Stieglitz

The April 30 Three Village Central School District Board of Education meeting began with updates on the question of whether to arm school security guards. The district surveyed around 1,400 employees, with 55% saying they were for armed security and 45% saying they were against. Of the 55% in favor, 81% wanted security armed both inside and outside of the school. The board plans to survey the community next and said that, when ready, they will likely make the survey available through either an online link or the student database system Infinite Campus.

The board also announced that the ZeroEyes security system, an artificial intelligence weapons detection software that the district has been looking into since October, is finally up and running. The system connects school cameras to AI that scans the footage firearms and alerts the district and authorities in a matter of seconds if something is found.

“We got a chance to do some calibration and test it at this building and Mount Elementary,” said security coordinator Jack Blaum, speaking from the North Country Administration Building. “And I will tell you, I am absolutely impressed with the system.” He said that while the technology is only one part of a solution, he is confident it will act as a deterrent and that other local districts have expressed interest in implementing ZeroEyes as well.

In school funding news, the board announced that following their April 9 decision to remove earlier high school start times from this year’s planned budget, they were left with $1,014,000 to spend on other programs, as well as an additional $100,000 from savings in the textbook code. The board unanimously chose to use $760,000 from this to restore seven elementary school teachers and thereby reduce class sizes, which left around $340,000 to discuss.

One option was to use $100,000 to restore fourth-grade science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Unlike the district’s previous STEM program, which ended during COVID and had allowed a STEM teacher in every building for every grade level, this would start smaller by having a STEM teacher go to each school for one day a week. Another option would be to restore the Intellectually Gifted Program, though with $100,000 costs for both staffing and transportation, this would be twice as expensive. A third option was to use an estimated $70,000 to restore summer reading programs, which would also require a new program coordinator.

Following debate, the board voted 5-1 (David McKinnon was absent) for using the funds to restore STEM and summer reading, with the rest being saved for future costs. While funding for fourth-grade IG was also discussed, this only received two out of six votes. “Whereas IG services a smaller number, the STEM program would service an entire grade level,” Superintendent Kevin Scanlon said when weighing the benefits of each. “We’re talking over 400 students being addressed there.”

The board also reviewed the district’s success in programming for Autism Acceptance Month. Schools such as Arrowhead, Minnesauke, W.S. Mount and Murphy elementary schools and Gelinas Jr. High school held assemblies, fundraisers, schoolwide walks and other related activities. “I think it’s important that we recognize all the students that we have in our district,” said Scanlon. “The population of autism has been diagnosed more readily in the more recent years, and I think that’s where we excel in this district, because of our attention to our students with special needs… I think this is a way of recognizing them in a special way.”

Another kind of assembly, exclusive to eighth graders at Gelinas, was a live performance of “From the Fires: Voices of the Holocaust,” which included a discussion with the cast. This was paired with interactive classes, led by Principal Corinne Keane and social studies teacher Christina Cone, on how to identify and combat antisemitism and other hate speech.

One more thing that brought students to school theaters this month was the spring musicals. These included performances of “Finding Nemo Junior” at Minnesauke, “Seussical the Musical” at Mount, “Beauty and the Beast” at Nassakeag Elementary School, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” at Setauket, “Newsies” at Gelinas and “Anastasia” at Murphy.

For more information visit the school website: www.threevillagecsd.org.

Letters to the Editor: May 8, 2025

by TBR Staff - May 8, 2025

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letters_page-scaled-1-700x467-1-1-1 — File photo by Raymond Janis

Common sense approach

As the former chairman of the Huntington Town Zoning Board of Appeals, I worked tirelessly to balance the interests of residents, landowners and prospective applicants.

New York State Zoning Law requires that neighbors and other residents’ interests be represented in hearing applicant requests. The burden of consideration by the applicant, under the law, covers at least five explicit considerations for area variances requests: an undesirable change, feasible alternatives, substantiality, adverse effects and self-created hardship. As a board we emphasized careful review of potential undesirable changes to neighborhoods, always lending a sensitive ear to the neighbors.

You may have met me at your door during some of these applications, as I would often take the time to walk a neighborhood impacted and speak to residents instead of putting the burden on them to show up at a ZBA meeting.

Residents shouldn’t have to leave their house during a cold winter night, wait hours to speak at a public hearing to fight to defend their zoning and quality of life every time a development application comes up. That is a strict responsibility of the board; residents should not be on the defensive.

Our Town Board and the individuals they appoint have a duty and responsibility to represent us, not simply facilitate development.

The need for the Zoning Board and Planning Board’s independence in this Town is paramount if we are to restore trust in the Town’s zoning process.

Land-use rules and laws protect our most precious investment, our homes. Good zoning and land-use guidance is the most important responsibility of Town government, it is what knits our communities and neighborhoods together. Applications for exemptions from prevailing laws deserve careful review, but that review should never be at the disadvantage of neighbors and residents.

Now, more than ever, we need this balanced common sense approach.

John Posilico

Former Chairman of the Huntington Town Zoning Board of Appeals

Questioning ‘Elder Parole’ for cop killers

It’s common for politicians to send out “constituent surveys.” Ostensibly, the goal is to get feedback from local voters on specific issues. But it would be a rare survey indeed, that did not frame certain questions in ways aimed at getting politically desired responses.

Newly elected Assembly member Rebecca Kassay pretty much followed that template with her May mailer.

A couple of seemingly “feel good” proposals were the Second Look Act, and Elder Parole. Maybe state polls are looking to save some dollars on a staggering state budget that’s twice the size of Florida and Texas combined? Money aside, the goal is to give judges and parole boards the power to reconsider early release for “elderly individuals” so long as the felons have “demonstrated growth and rehabilitation.”

Here are two important unknowns. What would be the specific criteria for the above mentioned, and how it might be applied to those who’ve murdered law enforcement officers? This is especially critical because the PBA has cited 43 cop killers released by our NYS Parole Board in just the last 8 years,

As of this writing,waiting on the sidelines to possibly become lucky number 44, is David McClary. On Feb. 26, 1988, he snuck up behind rookie NYPD Officer Edward Byrne, and shot him five times in the head. The 22-year-old was guarding a witness waiting to testify against a notorious drug lord.

Edward’s brother Ken spoke to ABC News. “Referencing the murder he said, “’It was a horrible scene, we were in shock. It was just beyond devastation.…’ “This is always a difficult process because every two years with the parole board we have to reive everything.” It’s that family’s eighth time.

Who has had the most sway in picking and managing the group tasked with deciding which felons will be freed? That would be former governor Andrew Cuomo, and his Democrat heir, Kathy Hochul (D). This board is a direct reflection of their views on policing and made up of a majority of fellow Dems.

One of the members would be Tana Agostini, who was appointed by Cuomo in 2017. She married convicted killer Thomas O’Sullivan while he was still in prison. Tana used her influence as a staffer of the state Assembly committee overseeing prisons in 2013 to advocate for the parole of O’Sullivan. His stint in prison included an escape and biting off part of an inmate’s nose. It’s hard to see much “growth and rehabilitation” there.

Imagine the unrelenting heartache, revisited every 24 months by long “suffering NYPD families, who are sitting in front of an NYS Parole Board that has released an average of five cop killers yearly since 2017. We can bet these kinds of “feel good” proposals feel anything but good to them. Let’s remember and help protect slain, heroic police officers and their grieving loved ones,

Hard “No” on survey query number 7.

Jim Soviero

East Setauket

D. None of the Above: How long can we sniff each other’s butts before it becomes socially awkward

by Daniel Dunaief - May 7, 2025

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cookie-the-pom-SNf-hZz6zOY-unsplash — Cookie the Pom. Photo from Unsplash

By Daniel Dunaief

Dear Paw Landers,

I’ve never written a letter like this before. Truth be told, I’ve never written a letter of any kind.

But I understand you live far away and that you dispense valuable advice that I could use in my everyday life with the guy and his family.

The guy spends most of his days sitting at this thing typing, so I guess I can do it for an hour or so, which, you know, is more like seven hours for him.

I was thinking of asking you about that rumbling noise that scares me so much when it gets incredibly dark out and when the ground gets wet. Those sounds make me want to find cover somewhere, but no matter where I go, I can still hear it and feel the terrible vibrations. It’s like if a pack of, you know, us were running around the neighborhood, growling so loudly outside the door that we caused the floor to vibrate a second or two after a flash of light.

No, no, I’ll save the questions about those noises for some other letter. This one is about the delicate social business of interacting in the neighborhood.

You see, my guy varies in his social energy and interests. Some days, he speaks with everyone we run into and bends down to pet other dogs.

That doesn’t bother me, the way it did with Fifi last week, when she complained that her owner pets other dogs more readily and happily than she pets Fifi. I’m fine if my guy wants to scratch other dogs behind their ears or rubs their back. Frankly, there are times when I think he needs a hobby to get out all of his scratching, squeezing and high-pitched voice energy that he reserves for me and, once in a while, for small people when they come to the house.

Other times, he barely waves or acknowledges people and their pets. He’s either staring into his phone and talking to himself or he’s making lists out loud and telling himself what he needs to do that day.

When he does stop to chat with neighbors and their companions, he often talks about me while the other human talks about their dog. I’m kind of tired of hearing about how I don’t like to swim, how I’m not that high energy and I don’t fetch.

Everyone doesn’t have to fetch or swim, right? But, then, he also talks about how sensitive I am and how supportive I am whenever anyone is feeling sad in the house. Hey, we all have our strengths, right?

When he’s chatting, sometimes about me and sometimes about the weather, I’m not always sure how long the pause in our walk will go.

I sometimes sit or lay down near him, while other dogs jump or sniff around me. Other times, I’m so happy to see one of my neighbors that she and I try to tie the two leashes into a knot in the shape of a heart. My guy and the neighbor never see it, but it’s so obvious to us.

Every so often, I meet someone intriguing and, you know how it is, right? I have to sniff them, the way they have to sniff me. The question is, how long can I sniff their butts before it becomes socially awkward, either for them or for the humans?

I mean, I can tell when my guy is in an intense conversation about something, when his voice drops or shakes and I want to help him. At the same time, I have this need to sniff.

Clearly, sniffing butts at the wrong time or for too long can become a problem for the guy and the other person.

If we do it too long, their conversation ends and he walks away, muttering and puling on me until we get inside.

So, what’s the ideal, allowable butt sniffing time? And remember that none of us is getting any younger, so, you know, if you could write back soon, it’d help. You can’t see me, but I’m looking up at you with my big brown eyes and wagging my tail. That usually works with the guy.

Between You and Me: Thanks to our sixth grade teacher, we won the education lottery in NYC

by Leah Dunaief - May 7, 2025

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6388222_TeacherChalkboardRevC0605 — METRO photo

By Leah S. Dunaief

Tuesday was National Teacher Appreciation Day, which reminded me of Miss Rigney, who changed my life.

Miss Rigney was my sixth grade teacher in the perfectly ordinary elementary school I attended. Housed in a cement building, in the midst of a residential area, it served the neighborhood according to the rules for education in mid-century New York City, with two classrooms and two teachers for each grade. I was assigned to 6A. Next door was 6B.

Soon after entering sixth grade, we became aware of the goal for the coming year. We needed to pass the Hunter Test for the honor of the school and our own benefit.

The Hunter Test, we discovered, was a one day affair that, if successfully navigated, would win us admission to Hunter College High School where classes started with seventh grade and ended with graduation from high school. Open to students from each sixth grade in all five boroughs, a handful of us would be eligible, after scoring well on a standardized test in fifth grade, to travel to the school on the appointed day to take the test.

I liked the sound of that because it was the closest junior high school to where I lived. I sympathized with those students who would have to ride from Brooklyn, Queens and even Staten Island.

There were several special schools throughout the city whose admission was via a challenging test: Stuyvesant, Bronx High School of Science and Brooklyn Tech were three. They were also public schools and were run by the Board of Education with the idea of giving some students a head start.

But Hunter was different. It was initially started in 1869 as a model school in which to train teachers who were matriculating in Hunter College and was administrated by the Board of Higher Education. Its 1200 students in six grades “represent the top one-quarter of one percent of the City” based on the test scores, according to the school. It was composed of all girls for its first 105 years. The student-teacher ratio was 13:1, and its faculty for the most part had advanced degrees.

“Aim of the entire course through which the Normal students pass is not so much to burden the mind with facts as it is to develop intellectual power, cultivate judgment, and enable the graduates to take trained ability into the world with them,” wrote Harper’s Magazine in 1878.

Now we kids didn’t know any of this. I just wanted the shortest commute, and it was impressed on us that Hunter was a good place to be. So we prepared for the test, which was months away, with the coaching of our teachers, four girls from 6B and two from 6A.

Only Miss Rigney, a trim, freckle-faced redhead with a gentle manner, who seemed old to me, but was maybe 28, stayed after school twice a week and drilled Carol and me with a workbook. When we didn’t do the homework she then gave us, both arithmetic and English, she was uncharacteristically stern with us. It was clear that this was a challenge she wanted us to surmount.

On the day the results of the Test were sent to the school, the principal called the six of us down to her office, along with the teachers, and with a great deal of excitement, opened the envelope and read the results out loud. Carol and I had been admitted; no one had from the other class.

There was screaming and moaning. Miss Rigney smiled, quietly congratulated the two of us and returned to her classroom. I was happy because I thought I should be. I knew my parents would be pleased, but I had no understanding of what had just happened.

I had no idea that my life would be unalterably changed — that I would be attending what was thought to be one of the finest high school in the country, ranked number one by The Wall Street Journal, one of only 225 pupils, with some of the most accomplished teachers for whom teaching was an art, that I would mingle with far more sophisticated students, and because of them, freely explore the City.

I had a remarkable high school education. When I landed in college, I was immediately offered second year standing because of my AP classes. Miss Rigney knew.

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