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Times of Huntington-Northport

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Photo from Pixabay

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief,
Publisher

As we enter October, we come upon the one year anniversary of our podcasting. We have had a gratifying response to our weekly offering, but for those who might not be aware of the particulars, let me explain.

A podcast, in general, can be about any subject, involve any number of people and have an unlimited reach. Our podcast, which we call The Pressroom Afterhour, and record Thursday evenings, consists of a quick summary of the past week’s local news, followed by conversation among our editorial board members about key stories that appear in that day’s issue of the newspaper. It is more than a summary, rather it’s like overhearing our chatter in the newsroom. There is more information, some laughter, a personal touch from our staff and an extra dimensionality to hearing the voices. 

Our podcast lasts about 40 minutes and is available after noon on Friday for the ensuing week. It is then archived and still available for anyone seeking a look-back at the news. To access the podcast easily, we have provided a QR code on the top right hand corner of our front page. Just mouse over it or take a picture of it with your cellphone. Another way is to go to our website, tbrnewsmedia.com, and click on the button at the top of the home page. The podcast is also available on Spotify.

We sometimes have a guest on with us, someone who features prominently in that week’s news. We think it is fun for you to hear from them in addition to reading about their actions. Some of our guests have been Historian Bev Tyler, Estate Planner Honorable Gail Prudenti, Geriatrician Dr. Suzanne Fields, Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Suffolk County Water Authority President Charlie Lefkowitz, and Elder Lawyer Nancy Burner, among others. We will have many more who have asked to be invited and who will round out the news.

Encouraged by the success of our news roundup, we have now started a second podcast, about one hour each time, that is a one-on-one interview with a prominent person. We call it, “Celebrity Interview,” and we began with the engaging actress Laura Benanti. It, too, can be found in the same way on the website or with Spotify.

We thank the sponsors of the podcasts for supporting this local news vehicle. They are included in a weekly full page ad in which we explain what topics will be covered in the session. These have featured the Port Jefferson Coffee House Toast, the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson Ferry, D.J.’s Clam Shack in Stony Brook, the Smithtown caterer Elegant Eating,  the Suffolk County Water Authority and Stony Brook University. These sponsors are deeply rooted in our communities and now in our weekly chronicles of local history.

For those of you who might want to offer feedback to a particular podcast, please do so by writing us a letter to the editor, emailing us at [email protected], or calling us at 631-751-7744. We would welcome your comments and any suggestions you might have for guests, including yourselves. 

We view these podcasts as possible forums for the local news.

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Heckscher Park Goes Pink to Kick-Off Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Councilwoman Theresa Mari, alongside Supervisor Ed Smyth and in partnership with Huntington Matters and Reworld, invites the public to attend Pink in the Park, a special Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention Fair at Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington on Sunday, Sept. 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This community event is focused on raising awareness, providing vital health resources, and celebrating the strength of breast cancer survivors.

Councilwoman Theresa Mari, a breast cancer survivor herself, said, “Early detection saves lives. I encourage all eligible women to take advantage of this vital screening service and join us for a day dedicated to health, wellness, and community support.”

Pink in the Park will feature a range of health and wellness vendors, inspiring performances, children’s activities, and an opportunity to take action against breast cancer through screenings and education. The day kicks off with a Walk Around the Pond, symbolizing the community’s unity in the fight against breast cancer.

Event Schedule

9:30 am – Press Conference

  • Opening Remarks by Supervisor Ed Smyth and Councilwoman Theresa Mari

Hear from local officials Huntington’s leaders as they officially launch the fair and share messages of hope and encouragement.

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Morning Walk Around the Pond

  • Join community members for a refreshing walk to start the event, promoting health and solidarity.

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Stony Brook Medicine Mobile Mammography Van

  • Convenient breast cancer screenings provided by state-registered technologists.

Pre-registration is required

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Vendor Booths Open

  • Explore a variety of booths offering health, beauty, and wellness products with a focus on breast cancer prevention.

10:30 AM: Performance by Dancin’ Feet

  • Enjoy an inspiring performance by the talented dancers of Dancin’ Feet.

10:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Family Games and Activities by My Gym

  • Children’s games and activities will be available, hosted by My Gym. 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM:
  • “Pink” Hands-On Art Project by Heckscher Museum

Engage in a creative “pink”-themed art project for all ages, organized by the Heckscher Museum.

For more information, call 631-351-3000.

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Olivia Ross’ bracelets, which read Stony Brook Strong or Save the Mill Pond. 100% of the proceeds are donated to reconstruction efforts. Photo courtesy Olivia Ross
Why we must show appreciation for our fellow man, every day

A month after the disastrous storm that rocked our North Shore communities, we are left wondering what is next.

State and federal politicians have given us big promises, pledging to offer considerable aid for rebuilding efforts, and that is largely for us to wait and see.

However, some of our local community members are taking matters into their own hands, and showing the world that they will not sit back idly and wait for others to take action — they will do now.

One example of a do-gooder that comes to mind is Port Jefferson resident Olivia Ross.

She has started an initiative whose sole aim is to save the Stony Brook Mill Pond, which she has cherished since her childhood years.

Her customized bracelets don the words “Save the Mill Pond” on one side and “Stony Brook Strong” on the other. To date, Ross has sold 100 bracelets, and received almost $1,000 dollars in donations.

It is people like Olivia that define patriotism. In a world of political unrest and uncertainty, people who aim to provide even a modicum of comfort to those in need are truly the models of what a citizen ought to be.

We must band together as one, and use tragedies like last month’s storm, and even last week’s reminder of the horror that was 9/11’s 23rd anniversary, as reminders that sadness brings out the best traits of the human spirit.

But, let us not wait for moments of heartache to help our fellow neighbor. Let’s follow the examples of the selfless, and do good today — and every day.

We can all surely use it!

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The Sheryl Steinberg Collins Playground at Heckscher Park. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli

By Jennifer Donatelli

Town of Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth (R) had the official ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 9 for the Sheryl Steinberg Collins Playground at Heckscher Park. The new playground is a completely redesigned, state-of-the-art, all-inclusive playground. It is the most utilized in over 150 of the town’s park system, welcoming 1,000 visitors a week.

Over the past three years, the town committed tens of millions of dollars in upgrading its parks, including over $2 million for the Heckscher Park playground improvements. It is said to be the first of its kind on Long Island and features an inclusive, continuous play environment for children of all ages and abilities.

“It is with great joy that we open this updated playground for all children to participate together regardless of their challenges in life. With the assistance of our Supervisor Ed Smyth, Deputy Supervisor John McCarron, Parks Director Todd Jamison and all other department heads, we continue to achieve a world more filling for everyone, including the disabled,” said president of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities, Marianne Iannaccone.

The playground was designed and manufactured by Landscape Structures, a Minnesota-based manufacturer of commercial playground equipment. The company creates innovative playground equipment for schools, parks, childcare centers, religious institutions and more to help develop healthier kids, families and communities. Their mission is to enhance children’s lives by fostering and creating inspiring play experiences while honoring the environment. Landscape Structures shared the town’s vision and commitment to providing inclusive playgrounds that welcome children and families of all abilities.

 The inclusive play environment’s continuous play mission brings more play value to a smaller space, more social interactions and further children’s skill development.

 According to Jeff Charles, spokesperson for Landscape Structures, “For decades, our company has paid attention not only to how children play together, but who can play together. The playground is a place where kids of all abilities should be able to interact and play side by side.”

Another critical area of the playground was the installation of a quality safety play surface. Unity Surfacing in Hicksville created rectangle play tiles replacing the ailing pour-in-place that once surfaced the playground. The play tiles sit flush with Heckscher’s expanded stamped concrete walkways that now wind through the playground and the surrounding area. This flush reveal allows all the playground areas to be entirely Americans with Disabilities Act compliant, thus allowing wheelchair access anywhere along the playground’s perimeters.

“Over the past two years, my team has been chipping away at restoring many of the over 50 active and 90 passive parks throughout the town. This year, we have several parks that we are breathing new life into — many of which are long overdue, including Al Walker Memorial Park, Crab Meadow Beach Playground, Whitman Park and Otsego Park, with more to come,” said Smyth.

“But, the key project was to overhaul the town’s crown jewel — Heckscher Park. We unveiled an amazing, all-inclusive, continuous play playground, safety surface, walkways, arches and signage,” he added.

Smyth called it “a wonderful outcome for the entire town to enjoy. If you take a minute to check it out, you’ll agree, we succeeded.”

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Lauren Feldman, left, competes with mother Elyse, center, and aunt Marcia, right.
Scene during the puzzle competition. Photo by Lauren Feldman
Scene during the puzzle competition. Photo by Lauren Feldman
A group competes during the puzzle competition. Photo by Lauren Feldman
Scene during the puzzle competition. Photo by Lauren Feldman
Scene during the puzzle competition. Photo by Lauren Feldman
The Puzzled Parents take home first place, completing their puzzle in a half hour. Photo by Lauren Feldman

By Lauren Feldman

By popular demand, Huntington Public Library brought back its puzzle competition on Sunday, Sept. 15.

This was the second puzzle competition the library has hosted. The first competition, which took place in early June, was a hit with residents, who flocked in pairs, trios and quads to complete a 500-piece puzzle in under two hours. Both were held in the auditorium of the Main Branch at 338 Main St. 

For this round, four teams faced off to complete a fall-themed puzzle. The puzzle is kept a mystery until the clock starts counting down, and all teams are given the same puzzle to keep things fair. 

The first group, who called themselves the Puzzled Parents, completed the puzzle in just under half an hour. 

Jacqueline Basso, resident programming librarian, said, “The first puzzle competition was very popular, it was a fully-booked program and everyone wanted more. All the comment cards were really favorable. So we scheduled this one in the fall.” 

First and second place teams received a swag bag from the library, as well as a first and second place trophy. 

Basso indicated the library plans to host another competition in the coming months, possibly closer to the fall holidays. “It seems like something our patrons are enjoying, and I hope to highlight it more in our newsletters going forward,” she said.

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Beyond the Book Club at the Whaling Museum.
Ignite Your Imagination and Enrich Your Mind!

The Whaling Museum kicks off the fifth season of its acclaimed Beyond the Book Club, now featuring an exciting new partnership with Cold Spring Harbor Library. This unique book club has enthralled a growing number of participants with its captivating blend of sea-themed literature and the museum’s extensive collection of over 6,000 maritime artifacts. The museum is also proud to continue its successful collaborations with Huntington Public Library and South Huntington Public Library.

Beyond the Book Club at the Whaling Museum.

Beyond the Book club offers an unparalleled experience, combining fascinating literary works with hands-on encounters with historical objects from Long Island’s rich maritime past. Each session is enriched with themed snacks carefully curated to complement the reading selection, providing an engaging and immersive literary journey.

“We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with Cold Spring Harbor Library which, along with our ongoing collaborations with Huntington Public Library and South Huntington Public Library, enables us to reach an even broader audience and provide a truly unique cultural experience,” said Brenna McCormick-Thompson, Curator of Education at The Whaling Museum & Education Center.

The upcoming season promises an exciting lineup of sessions:

Beyond the Book Club at the Whaling Museum.

Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 6:30 PM: Embark on an adventure with Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick” and explore artifacts from 19th-century whaling expeditions. Dive deep into the epic tale of Ishmael, Ahab, and the crew of the Pequod while discovering how Melville’s own whaling experiences influenced his writings.

Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 6:30 PM: Delve into the mysteries of the ocean’s depths with Susan Casey’s “The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean.” Participants will enjoy a special guided tour of the museum’s new exhibit, “Monsters & Mermaids,” and discussions about the wonders and secrets of the deep sea.

Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 6:30 PM: Experience the dramatic story of Lusitania with Erik Larson’s “Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania.” Examine a 19th-century whalebone traveling trunk and learn about the deadly impact of submarine warfare during World War I.

Each session runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Whaling Museum. The museum provides light snacks related to the book’s theme, and Starbucks of Huntington Village generously sponsors hot coffee and supplies.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our library partners and Starbucks, which allows us to create a welcoming and engaging environment for all participants,” McCormick-Thompson added.

Registration is available online at cshwhalingmuseum.org/bookclub. Sessions are free for museum members and patrons of partner libraries, with a $15 fee for all others.

The Museum invites adults to join them for an enriching literary experience that combines literature, history, and community engagement at The Whaling Museum & Education Center.

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The Whaling Museum & Education Center is the only museum in the world open year-round which explores the whaling history of the Long Island region. The Museum engages the community in exploring the diversity of our whaling heritage and its impacts to enrich and inform our lives. The museum is located at 301 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724. Visit cshwhalingmuseum.org and follow The Whaling Museum on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @cshwhalingmuseum

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The Over 50 Fair returns to the Hilton Long Island on Sept. 22.
The Over 50 Fair returns to the Hilton Long Island on Sept. 22.
The Over 50 Fair returns to the Hilton Long Island on Sept. 22.
The Over 50 Fair returns to the Hilton Long Island on Sept. 22.
The Over 50 Fair returns to the Hilton Long Island on Sept. 22.
The Over 50 Fair returns to the Hilton Long Island on Sept. 22.
The Over 50 Fair returns to the Hilton Long Island on Sept. 22.

The Over 50 Fair, in its 15th year, returns to the Hilton Long Island/Huntington, 598 Broadhollow Road, Melville on Sunday, September 22 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Each year, Baby Boomers, seniors, and those a bit younger meet with over 80 exhibitors and attend over 25 classes geared toward them. The Over 50 Fair annually entertains and educates hundreds of Long Islanders.

The classes are always hugely popular at the event, and each year there is tremendous variety. This year’s classes include “Zumba,” presented by Laura O’Shea of the YMCA of Long Island; “Google:  More Than a Search Engine,” presented by Rich Levitan of Family Service League, SeniorNet LI; “How to Improve Your Dating and Sex Life After 50” with Maureen Tara Nelson; and Astrology – What is in Your Stars?” presented by Terry Lauria-Whalen of Your Enchanted Tree. Additional classes will include talks on clutter control, Medicare, ghost hunting, and two fitness and self-defense classes. The schedule of all classes can be found at www.Over50Fair.com/class-list. 

Businesses and non-profits promote local products and services, including health and wellness, education, travel, and financial services, plus some less expected, such as several book authors and psychics.

Over 50 Fair is the brainchild of East Hills resident Barbara Kaplan, who also coordinates the very successful All Kids Fair each April. She said the Over 50 Fair is “Overflowing with Opportunities for Age 50+.” She emphasized that “this is NOT a typical ‘senior fair.’ It is an opportunity for people to learn, interact, and have fun. Our guests can meet with many experts in their fields all in one place,” she added.  

Some of this year’s “draws” will be “arts and crafts for adults” with One River School of Art + Design, a singles lounge, compliments of MTN Matchmaking, and a live acoustic music showcase, presented by Carrie Creative Concepts.

Six acoustic musicians will be performing a variety of types of music. James Erxleben of North American Pandas who will be playing various acoustic rock and popular music favorites from the The Beatles to Kurt Cobain. Vickie and the Acoustic Gents will be playing soulful vocal and high energy music from the 70’s through today’s artists, including great duets.

Free hearing screenings will be offered by Anywhere Audiology.  There will be free blood pressure checks, energy wellness scans, and reiki healings available.

This event has built a loyal following due to its consistent presentation of various classes, products, and services they find appealing. 

Feedback from the attendees and exhibitors after the 2023 event was very positive. Exhibitor Joe Satriano of the Susan Satriano Foundation shared that the Over 50 Fair “runs smoothly because of her [Barbara Kaplan’s] organizational skills, her kind demeanor, and her willingness to assure that those who attend have a great experience.”

The Over 50 Fair was recently voted 2024’s Best of Nassau County in the Best Annual Event/Festival – Live or Virtual category for the 10th consecutive year. 

The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network), a local non-profit that helps Long Island’s needy, will be in attendance collecting non-perishable food and funds. Those who donate will receive raffle tickets to win terrific donated prizes.

Tickets are $5 in advance at www.Over50Fair.com, which includes all classes, exhibits, singles lounge, music performances, health screenings, arts & crafts, and more. Those who purchase tickets online will receive a raffle ticket at the event for a special door prize raffle. Tickets are also available at the door for $7, and it is free for Veterans to attend with ID.

This year’s event sponsors are Acupuncture Wellness Services, Men on the Move, Optum Medical Care, Wellcare, Healthfirst, AARP Long Island, East Neck Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, CenterLight Healthcare PACE, Jake’s 58, Schneps Long Island, The Garden City News, Herald Community Newspapers,102.3 WBAB/106.1 BLI and 516Ads.com/631Ads.com.

For more information about this and future events, visit www.Over50Fair.comor call 516-621-1446.

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Photo from Town of Smithtown

Residents are Advised to Apply Here; Deadline is October 7

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced today that new grant funding is available for homeowners who sustained damages from record flooding in Suffolk County on August 18-19. The program, which will be administered by the Long Island Housing Partnership, Inc. designated by the New York Homes and Community Renewal agency, seeks to offer emergency home repair assistance and reimbursement to impacted homeowners.

“Suffolk County experienced a catastrophic storm that impacted thousands of residents who are still recovering,” said Romaine. “As we continue to assess damage and work to provide our communities with relief, I thank our partners in New York State who will provide eligible homeowners with much needed financial assistance.”

Grant funding is available to eligible residents on a first come, first serve basis. Funds allocated under the program will be limited to emergency housing repairs necessary to make the home safe, sanitary and habitable. The program is intended to assist eligible homeowners whose damages were not covered by insurance or other disaster recovery funds. Non-urgent repairs are not eligible.

Under the program guidelines, homeowners must be income eligible, defined as an annual household income equal to or less than 150% of County Area Median Income based on household size.  Homeowners may not qualify for full grant award, and in no event will the total grant award to any single applicant exceed $50,000. Homeowners associations are not eligible.

The deadline to apply is October 7, 2024. Residents are advised to apply here.

Residents with questions or who need additional information are advised to contact the Flood Relief Program at [email protected] or call 631-435-4710.

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File photo by Raymond Janis

Applauding Cedar Beach environmental sentiments

I applaud the sentiments of “Trying to enjoy peace at Cedar Beach” in Letters to the Editor, Sept. 5. 

I can’t count how many times I’ve been at the beautiful beaches and parks in our area — as well as parking lots — and felt similar feelings of bewilderment and anger when I see people sitting in their idling cars, often with the windows down. Why run the engine, especially on a beautiful day? It’s a waste of gas and money, and pollutes the air while creating unnecessary noise. 

Perhaps our local leaders can put forth legislation that would fine those who idle their engines beyond the 3-minute limit acceptable by New York State law? Maybe some people don’t grasp the detrimental effects on the environment — not to mention the waste of their own money — but perhaps enforcing legislation and fines would provide a wake-up call. Let’s all enjoy fresh air and nature in peace and quiet, and be considerate of others.

Adriana Lubarsky

East Setauket

Keeping LIRR on track

Port Jefferson commuters should be concerned that the LIRR still needs to reach a state of good repair for existing fleet, stations, elevators, escalators, signals, interlockings, track, power, yards and shops. It also includes more and more stations reaching compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. All maintenance programs for all operating assets also need to be fully funded and completed on time to ensure riders safe uninterrupted reliable service. Since its creation in 1964, the Urban Mass Transit Administration (known since 1991 as the Federal Transit Administration) has provided billions to pay for many of these capital improvements.

The LIRR share of annual FTA grants to the MTA averages 15%. In 2024, this should represent $270 million of $1.8 billion in federal grant funding. The state Department of Transportation provides Statewide Mass Transportation Operating Assistance on an annual basis to the MTA and LIRR. Let us give thanks to both Washington and Albany for continued financial support for our very own LIRR — the nation’s largest commuter railroad.

Larry Penner

Great Neck

Voices of service: the true cost of new nonprofit oversight

Last month, Suffolk County Legislators Trish Bergin (R-East Islip) and Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) sponsored I.R. 1687, a bill that would amend the Suffolk County Code to provide the county more oversight into the internal fiscal operations of nonprofit entities seeking county subsidies and limiting the salaries of nonprofit executives.

I have worked in nonprofit leadership since 2011. Leading a nonprofit is often impossibly difficult. Over half of respondents in a recent survey from the Chronicle of Philanthropy noted that they struggle with a work-life balance. Nearly two-thirds of the nonprofit leaders in the Chronicle’s survey say the country’s polarization — over politics, race and culture — is making their work more difficult.

A third of survey participants say they are likely to leave their current organization in the next two years. Twenty-two percent say they are likely to leave the nonprofit world altogether. Other than retirement, top reasons include salary, the challenge of finding resources and the demands of the job.

I can’t think of any other industry that is on the edge of losing almost 25% of their leadership workforce.

A healthy relationship between nonprofits and their local, state and federal governments brings stronger programming and services to residents. Without the nonprofit sector, the government does not have the infrastructure or systems in place to provide the care we need.

My colleagues and friends who have devoted their life to this work are not money-hungry hoarders. But if our industry is going to recruit competitive talent to lead, we must be able to offer competitive salaries.

Perhaps our county legislators and others like them should rethink opportunities to increase their giving and partnerships so we can actually solve the problems facing nonprofit organizations, rather than attacking the people responsible for working to solve them.

Cindy Morris

Stony Brook

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Pixabay photo

By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

I hadn’t been to Los Angeles in over 30 years. On our trip last week, I traveled with my wife, worked remotely, visited with our nephew, and purchased tickets to attend my first home Dodgers game.

During a visit that only lasted a few days, my wife and I stayed on Eastern Standard Time, which meant we were awake between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. local time and were at work by 7 a.m..

My wife walked across a street to her office and I sat at a desk on the 17th floor of a hotel, laptop in front of me with my cell phone at the ready.

At around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, I felt as if the desk in front of me were shaking.

At first, I figured it had to be some neurological quirk. After all, the older I get, the more inexplicable my sometimes random body signals are to me.

When the desk shook a second time, I made an announcement to the empty room.

“That’s an earthquake!” I declared, as if naming it and knowing what it was gave me some small measure of control. I walked around in circles and wondered what I should grab, where I should go, and what I should do.

I knew my wife was in meetings that morning, but called her immediately anyway.

She picked up in that hushed tone she uses when she’s on a phone or a zoom call.

“What’s happening?” she whispered.

“Did you feel the earthquake?” I asked. “What are you doing about it over there?”

“Earthquake? What earthquake? No,” she said, as she quickly typed into her computer.

Sure enough, within seconds of the quake, she had found something online confirming the event.

“What do you want to do?” she asked. 

I was staring out the window, which probably isn’t the right place to go, and watched people casually walking along the sidewalk, cars navigating through crowded streets and birds flying between the buildings.

“I’m going to call the lobby,” I said. I told her I’d get back to her immediately if there was anything we should do.

“Hi,” I stammered, “is this the front desk?”

“Yes,” the woman said. “How can I help you?”

“I’m on the 17th floor and I just felt an earthquake,” I announced.

Silence. I suspect the woman in the lobby was thinking something along the lines of, “You’re not from around these parts, are you?”

“What should I do?” I asked.

“Oh,” she sighed. “Well, if you’re worried or if things are falling from the ceiling, you can take shelter.”

“Shelter? Where? What should I do?”

“You can go under your desk or wait in a door frame. We also have a communication system on every floor and we can let you know if you need to evacuate.”

“So, what do I do?” I asked again.

“Whatever makes you comfortable,” she sighed. “Can I help you with anything else?”

“No,” I said, hanging up the phone. I grabbed my wallet, put on my shoes, and made sure I had everything I might need. I stood in the middle of the room in earthquake sensing mode. I had become a human seismometer, with my arms out, my feet spread apart and my palms pointing down to sense any vibrations.

I kept checking online, where I read coverage of an earthquake that didn’t seem to have caused any damage.

My wife and I traded texts and decided to continue working.

Later that day, we discussed the quake with friends and strangers, triggering all kinds of stories about earlier quakes and the ones people felt at different times.

I’m sure people in New York don’t hear honking taxis, people in the southeastern United States barely register screeching cicadas, and people in Phoenix somehow adjust to the searing heat.

I don’t think I’ll ever be enough of a Californian or a would-be Californian not to worry about the Earth moving under my feet.

Oh, and I did get to the Dodgers game the night before. The stadium was magnificent, the sushi was remarkably good, and the fans were delighted by the other-worldly performance of Shohei Ohtani, who crushed a home run and stole a base. 

The explosive sounds of a thrilled crowd of close to 50,000, the excitement of people jumping out of their seats, and the celebratory flashing lights were far more familiar than the shaking desk I felt the next morning.

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