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Northwell Health’s Michael Dowling recognized as one of Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People

by Press Release - December 17, 2024

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For the 18^th year, the president and CEO of New York’s largest health system has been named to the prestigious list – this year ranking number 35.

Northwell Health has announced that Michael Dowling, president and CEO, was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare of 2024, coming in at number 35. The complete ranking can be found in the December issue of Modern Healthcare magazine.

This prestigious recognition program acknowledges and honors individuals who are deemed by their peers and the senior editors of Modern Healthcare to be the most influential figures in the industry in terms of leadership and impact. Michael has consistently ranked among the top leaders in health care on the annual list and was named the most influential in 2022.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized by Modern Healthcare among such distinguished leaders. This recognition reflects the dedication of the entire Northwell Health team to not only providing exceptional care today, but also building the future of healthcare,” said Mr. Dowling. “At Northwell, we are committed to addressing critical issues like health equity, healthy aging, and gun violence prevention, ensuring that everyone can live a healthier life. Together, we can truly improve the health of everyone in our communities.”

As president and CEO of Northwell Health, he leads a clinical, academic and research enterprise with a workforce of more than 87,000. Northwell is the largest healthcare provider and private employer in New York State, caring for more than two million people annually through a vast network of more than 900 outpatient facilities and 21 hospitals. Under his leadership, Northwell’s annual operating budget has increased to more than $18 billion.

Mr. Dowling is focused on creating the health system of the future. This includes addressing today’s public health infrastructure and the inequities, like addressing Black maternal health disparities, that exist in access to care, especially in underserved communities and communities of color.

He has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, resulting in a 90 percent employee satisfaction rate among diverse populations, significantly above the national average. Furthermore, Mr. Dowling has demonstrated a commitment to workforce development through the establishment of the Northwell School of Health Sciencesand a partnership with New York City public schools to create a dedicated health sciences high school.

Since 2019, he has remained a staunch advocate on national issues, including gun violence prevention. Under his leadership, he created the Center for Gun Violence Prevention, has hosted multiple Gun Violence Prevention Forums and has started a wide-reaching public campaign to raise awareness of gun violence. Through the Northwell-initiated National Health Care CEO Council on Gun Violence Prevention & Safety, 54 leading health care CEOs have pledged to leverage their collective influence and resources to curb the historic spike in gun-related deaths and injuries – including a commitment to help fund a $40 million national Ad Council PSA campaign.

Recognizing the inadequacy of most healthcare systems to address the growing needs of an aging population, Mr. Dowling continues to advocate for embracing innovation, technology, and new care models to ensure seniors age with dignity and access the support they need to thrive and to develop solutions to create more age-friendly health systems and improve overall care for our aging population. Just this year, Mr. Dowling coauthored the book, The Aging Revolution: The History of Geriatric Health Care and What Really Matters to Older Adults.

Editorial: The suburbs — often underappreciated

by TBR Staff - December 16, 2024

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COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON — 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.

Port Jefferson Historical Society acquires historic ship’s log

by Press Release - December 15, 2024

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ships log external book — Above, the front cover of the Bessie Whiting log book.

The Port Jefferson Historical Society recently added a fascinating piece of history to its collection by acquiring a ship’s log for the historic sailing vessel Bessie Whiting in a local auction. The log contains entries for the years 1903 to 1904 and covers details of the vessel’s merchant voyages to Charleston, Jacksonville, and Savannah.

The ship’s log joins other valuable research resources in the Port Jefferson Historical Society’s archive of historic artifacts, including those related to the early shipbuilding industry of Port Jefferson Village. The log was purchased with the help of funding from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation.

Above, the title page of the Bessie Whiting log book.

“When small treasures come to light, our goal is to assist in securing them for our historic stewards,” said Kathryn M. Curran, Executive Director of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation. “These new and old finds will be available for research and to grow our community’s history.”

The Bessie Whiting was a three-masted schooner built in 1882 at the John R. Mather shipyard in Port Jefferson Harbor for Captain George Dayton of Port Jefferson and John R. Mather, along with other Port Jefferson investors. The vessel appears to have carried primarily lumber north from southern ports.

In the summer of 1882, the vessel made a remarkable voyage of 135 miles up the Hudson River from the Battery in New York City to the village of Coeymans just south of Albany. It was reported to be one of the largest vessels to travel up river and dock at Coeymans Wharf with a cargo of Carolina railroad ties.

After thirty-six years of service, the Bessie Whiting was eventually wrecked on the night of January 11, 1918 on a reef off Perico Island in Bradenton, Florida. The vessel’s long life is a tribute to the design, materials and craftsmanship employed by Port Jefferson’s John R. Mather shipyard along with the skill of its captain during its years of service.

The contents of the ship’s log have been digitized and will be reviewed by the historical society in the near future.

SBA disaster loan centers open for Suffolk flood victims

by Press Release - December 15, 2024

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ONLINE — 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.

Ward Melville girl’s basketball prevails against Comsewogue 51-41

by Bill Landon - December 14, 2024

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By Bill Landon

The Patriots of Ward Melville came calling on Comsewogue on Dec. 7, and the Warriors were able to stay toe-to-toe with their League I visitors, briefly taking the lead at one point in the non-league contest. The Patriots stretched their legs in the final eight minutes of play to edge the Warriors 51-41.

Julia Dank, the senior, led the way for the Patriots with three triples, a field goal and four from the free throw line for 15 points.

Jenna Greek inked a pair of three-pointers and three field goals for 12 points, and Addison Dellaporta banked 11.

Junior point guard Jayla Callender notched 14 points for the Warriors, and teammate Jalynn Kirschenheuter added 12.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Curry Club at Saghar honored as Partner of the Year Finalist by Discover Long Island

by Press Release - December 12, 2024

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0-13 — From left, Kiran Wadhwa, Mr. Kulwant Wadhwa and Indu Kaur of The Curry Club at Saghar; and Discover Long Island President and CEO Kristen Reynolds

The Curry Club at Saghar in Port Jefferson was awarded the Partner of the Year Finalist honor by Discover Long Island at the organization’s 6th annual gala and awards ceremony, held on Dec. 3 at Bourne Mansion in Oakdale.

This recognition celebrates the Curry Club’s commitment to community partnerships, exceptional service, and its dedication to sharing the rich and vibrant flavors of India with the Long Island community.

“We are honored to be awarded Partner of the Year Finalist by Discover Long Island,” read a press release from the Curry Club at Saghar. “Thank you for recognizing our passion for serving the community and our collaboration with Discover Long Island to elevate Long Island as a premier destination.”

The awards gala, attended by 186 guests, was a glamorous celebration honoring Long Island’s tourism and business leaders who have contributed to the region’s record-breaking visitor economy. The event kicked off with an elegant champagne reception hour, followed by a lavish dinner and the highly anticipated annual awards ceremony. The evening was themed around F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, with live entertainment, a roaring twenties-inspired dress code, and performances from the CM Performing Arts Center and the cast of The Great Gatsby on Broadway.

Discover Long Island President and CEO Kristen Reynolds, CDME, emphasized the importance of community partnerships during her remarks:

“I’m honored to bring together Long Island’s hard-working and dedicated tourism and business community to shine the light on the individuals and organizations that play an integral role in our back-to-back record-breaking visitor economy. It is thanks to these local leaders that tourism remains a powerful economic driver for our region and that Long Island continues to be positioned as one of the most desirable places to live, work, and visit in not only the nation but the world,” she said. “Together, we are building a dynamic, year-round destination that thrives on innovation, community partnerships, and sustainable growth.”

“The Curry Club at Saghar is deeply grateful to Discover Long Island for this recognition and looks forward to continuing its mission of fostering cultural appreciation through authentic Indian cuisine while contributing to the thriving Long Island community,” read the release.

Port Jefferson celebrates 28th Annual Charles Dickens Festival

by Jennifer Donatelli - December 12, 2024

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By Jennifer Donatelli

In the quaint hamlet of Port Jefferson village, a wondrous transformation occurred on Dec. 7 and 8, whisking it back to the days of yore, specifically to the era of Charles Dickens. The enchanting village is the home of one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions — the Charles Dickens Festival.

For over 28 years, the festival has celebrated the works of Charles Dickens and his timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol,” bringing the spirit of Dickens’ era to life in the heart of Port Jefferson.

The festival is sponsored by Northwell Health’s Mather Hospital and is a partnership between the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council and the Village of Port Jefferson and is run by volunteers. Allan Varela, producer and creator of the festival as well as chairman of the Greater Port Jefferson Northern Brookhaven Arts Council, said, “This is a great mix of entertainment, history, and holiday cheer that captivates both young and old.”

Mather Hospital Executive Director Kevin McGeachy said, “We are proud to have sponsored the Charles Dickens Festival for the second consecutive year. We see this as a wonderful opportunity to connect with and support our community at an event that brings us all together to celebrate this special time of year.”

This annual event, attended by over 25,000 people from all over the country and around the globe, transported festival goers back to Victorian England with costumed performers, bustling street markets, festive decorations and a variety of family-friendly activities. In the course of two days, there were 172 events and over 130 volunteer musicians, actors and townspeople who wandered through the crowd, all dressed in period attire.

From the moment attendees stepped onto Main Street for the opening parade and heard the bells ringing, they were enveloped in the charm of a Victorian Christmas. The cobblestone streets were brimming with life and bustling with street characters like Father Christmas, the Dickens Mayor, the miserly Scrooge, the ever-vigilant Town Crier and the soot-faced chimney sweeps roaming the hamlet.

“I’ve been coming to the Dickens Festival for years, and it’s the highlight of the season,” said attendee Jane O’Connor, who brought her grandchildren for the first time this year. “It’s magical how the whole town transforms. The costumes, carolers and the storytelling really make you feel like you stepped back in time.”

Held in the town’s picturesque First United Methodist Church, the main highlight of the festival was the array of performances and reenactments of Dickens’ most famous works, including a live reading of “A Christmas Carol,” where actors and volunteers joined forces to bring Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly visitors to life.

“There’s something about the intimate setting of Port Jefferson, with its history and beauty, that makes the story feel even more poignant,” said Varela. He explained how involved the audience gets, adding that it’s a great way to spread Dickens’ message of redemption and generosity.

Alongside the traditional readings, the festival also featured various musical performances, including Victorian-era carolers singing holiday classics as they strolled down Main Street.

“It’s so rewarding to see people enjoying our music,” said First Methodist choir member Susan Miller. “The weather can be chilly, but the warmth from the crowd makes it all worthwhile with people singing along with us.”

Visitors saw a few new additions this year. The second floor of the Village Center was turned into Elf Works. “You’ll go in there and see busy elves hard at work making Christmas gifts for the Festival of Trees,” said Varela of the elaborate Festival of Trees display featuring two rows of 30 over-the-top decorated trees.

Believers in ghosts of Christmas past took a stroll down to Dickens Central where they had photos taken with four oversized ghosts from “A Christmas Carol,” a six-foot photo of Dickens and a giant walk-in snow globe.

The festival also featured a charming Victorian marketplace that stretched down historic Main Street, with local vendors offering everything from handmade crafts to vintage books and holiday ornaments. The smell of roasted chestnuts filled the air as visitors sampled traditional Victorian fare such as milled cider and gingerbread cookies.

“The market really captures the essence of what Dickens would have experienced in his time,” said vendor Anna Whelan, who sells handcrafted jewelry inspired by Victorian designs. “The costumes, the music and the atmosphere all make this festival a true labor of love for the community.”

Varela explained that the festival is a true community event, with locals volunteering to create the festive atmosphere, from decorating storefronts to participating in the pageantry. “It’s a celebration that unites people of all ages who return year after year, making it such a cherished tradition.”

Of course, no Charles Dickens Festival would be complete without a live performance of his classic holiday story, “A Christmas Carol,” which was performed at Theater Three each night of the festival. “This is our 40th anniversary production,” said Jeffrey Sanzel, executive artistic director of Theater Three who has performed the lead role of Scrooge over 1,600 times.

“But at the heart of it, of course, is the idea of making the community a better place, of taking responsibility beyond ourselves,” Sanzel said. “And this whole idea of the Dickens Festival, which brings the community together, really reflects that as well.”

“This festival has become part of our holiday season,” said Port Jefferson resident Tom Harris, who attends every year with his wife and children. “It’s a great way to create family memories and a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit.”

As the festival wrapped up this year, Varela and his team were already looking forward to the next celebration. “I’m already planning my costume for next year,” said Jessica Green, who portrayed a street vendor this year. “It’s such a fun event and I love seeing the joy it brings to everyone.”

Whether you’re a long-time attendee or a first-time visitor, the Charles Dickens Festival is a festive, enchanting experience that captures the magic of the holiday season in a way only Dickens could imagine.

Letters to the Editor: Dec. 12, 2024

by TBR Staff - December 12, 2024

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letters_page-scaled-1-700x467-1-1-2-3-2-1 — 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

D. None of the Above: Teeth maintenance doesn’t always work out as planned

by Daniel Dunaief - December 11, 2024

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By 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.

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.

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