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Times of Smithtown

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Damage to a home and vehicle from the Eaton Fire in northern Altadena, California in January 2025. Photo from Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief,
Publisher

It may have started as a new year filled with hope, but this is a difficult week. The terrible fires in Southern California have burned entire neighborhoods to the ground, from mansions to mobile homes. We already know about the displaced and the deaths, but more destruction may yet come. Weather forecasts from the National Weather Service are predicting fierce winds ahead that may drive the fires into new areas.

The end is not in sight.

While this horror is on the other side of the country, it is not remote. Many of us have friends and relatives who live, work, study or are retired there, driving the tragedy right into our midst and into our hearts in a deeply personal way. These are not only abstract numbers of people and homes about which we would feel a humanitarian empathy. These are our people. These are our forests and our lands. The dreadful irony of it all, remembering the 1972 Albert Hammond song, “It Never Rains in Southern California.”

While there was already a serious homeless population for Los Angeles, the newly displaced are trying to figure out what to do next. The lucky ones have relatives or friends with whom they can seek shelter. It may be long weeks, even months before they can return, if their homes miraculously are still standing. What if they are not? Will the insurance companies hold up to enable rebuilding, or will some of them declare bankruptcy, as they have done in similar cataclysmic situations, like the one in the Caribbean Island St. Croix? Can FEMA bear the entire load?

Private citizens can be counted on to respond generously, as we have with virtually every disaster in the world. With such an enormous catastrophe, the entire national economy could take a hit. How will the new administration respond? 

Speaking of the government, we have less than a week before the new administration is sworn into office. The change of political parties may in itself contribute to some emotional reaction this week, regardless of one’s party affiliation.

Many Dems are worried, while many members in the GOP are optimistic. There has been much talk of changes to come, from buying Greenland for its exotic minerals to changing the name from the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Perhaps more seriously, there may be a tax cut in the future, some change in immigration policy and new tariffs imposed or at least threatened.

Some good news did emerge this week. There may be a truce in Gaza after 15 months of violence, with some hostages to be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners and specific movements of Israeli troops. While the atmosphere surrounding the peace talks remains tense, according to media reports, there now seems some hope.

According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the negotiators are only awaiting Hamas’s sign off. Perhaps the imminent changeover of presidents from Biden to Trump in the United States hastened the deal. The governments of Qatar and Egypt have also directly participated in the talks.

Perhaps now the fighting in Ukraine and the fires in Southern California can also be brought to a halt. Then we could return to hope.

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Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin drops off clothing donations at Career Couture.

Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin has announced the conclusion of a highly successful clothing drive to give Suffolk County residents the tools to get good-paying jobs.  Legislator Sanin spearheaded a community clothing drive to benefit the Suffolk County Department of Labor’s Career Couture Boutique in Hauppauge. This initiative, aimed at providing free professional attire to residents in need, collected an impressive total of over 2,000 individual clothing items thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the 16th Legislative District community.

“Career Couture provides residents with the tools to make a strong first impression during job interviews, empowering them on their path to success,” said Legislator Sanin. “This drive showcased the strength and compassion of our community, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who donated and supported this effort.”

The success of this community-driven initiative was made possible through partnerships with local organizations. Donation drop-off boxes were hosted by the Elwood, Commack, and South Huntington Public Libraries, whose efforts helped ensure widespread participation.

Joanne Albano, Assistant Director of the Commack Public Library, shared her enthusiasm for the collaboration: “The Commack Public Library was proud to participate as a drop-off point for Legislator Sanin’s extremely successful Career Couture Boutique clothing drive. We are always happy to partner with Legislator Sanin and look forward to many more successful events and partnerships.”

Andrew Salomon, Library Director of the Elwood Public Library, echoed these sentiments: “Thank you to Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin and her team for organizing this wonderful clothing drive. Thanks also to the Elwood Public Library staff for helping to implement the drive and the Suffolk County Department of Labor for operating the Career Couture Boutique. Most importantly, thanks to everyone who donated, particularly those within the Elwood Public Library community, for their exceptional generosity. We are so grateful for the opportunity to partner with our local elected officials, neighboring libraries, and local government entities to help better our community.”

Janet Scherer, Director of the South Huntington Public Library, added: “We extend our gratitude to Legislator Sanin for collaborating with the South Huntington Public Library on this impactful clothing drive. Thanks to the generosity of our community, numerous workplace-appropriate items were donated. This initiative is sure to empower many Suffolk County residents, boosting their confidence as they embark on their professional journeys.”

The Career Couture Boutique, operated by the Suffolk County Department of Labor, provides free professional clothing to Suffolk County residents, helping them make great first impressions at job interviews and gain confidence in their career pursuits. This effort is particularly significant as Long Island’s labor market continues to evolve. According to the New York State Department of Labor, Long Island’s private sector added 16,000 jobs over the past year, with significant growth in education and health services (+12,300 jobs) and leisure and hospitality (+6,600 jobs). By offering professional attire to job seekers, the clothing drive is directly supporting residents as they prepare to enter these growing industries and strengthen their career prospects.

Legislator Sanin extends her heartfelt gratitude to all who participated, donated, and supported the drive. This effort reflects the shared commitment of Suffolk County residents to supporting one another and strengthening the community.

For more information about the Career Couture Boutique or other community initiatives, please contact Legislator Sanin’s office at 631-854-5100.

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Smithtown’s Paul T. Given Park

The Town of Smithtown’s transformative Paul T. Given Park project has been awarded $1.5 million in funding through the most recent round of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. This announcement, made last month, allocates $16.7 million across nearly 30 projects on Long Island, with Paul T. Given Park as one of the standout recipients.

The funding will go toward revitalizing the park, located west of downtown and near Smithtown’s iconic bull statue.

Planned upgrades include:

  • ADA-accessible pathways and ramps to ensure inclusivity for all visitors.
  • Rain gardens and green drainage systems to prevent road runoff from flowing into the

    Nissequogue River.

  • Revegetation efforts to restore the riverbank and surrounding areas with native plant

    species, while eradicating invasive plants like Japanese knotweed.

  • A raised viewing deck with benches to provide serene vistas of the park and river.
  • New drop-off circle to improve accessibility and visitor experience.

    The enhancements reflect the Town of Smithtown’s dedication to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Working closely with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the town aims to transform Paul T. Given Park into a natural sanctuary that benefits the community and the local ecosystem.

    “This funding marks a major milestone in our journey to reshape Paul T. Given Park into a community haven for residents and visitors alike. Thanks to the State of New York’s support, we are closer than ever to realizing our vision of a park that embodies Smithtown’s commitment to environmental preservation, accessibility, and sustainable development.” – Supervisor Ed Wehrheim

    The $1.5 million funding includes $1.2 million from the Department of State and $300,000 from New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation. The work is expected to commence next summer and fall.

    Welcome Center Construction Underway

    The Town has already begun construction on the new Welcome Center at Paul T. Given Park, a project that repurposes the former Oasis Gentlemen’s Club. This initiative, funded through a separate grant from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, will create a multifunctional facility.

  • Restrooms, and concession area for park visitors.
  • An office for a local canoe/kayak rental business to enhance recreational offerings.
  • Educational exhibits and tourism displays to celebrate Smithtown’s rich cultural, historic,

    and natural attractions.

  • A multipurpose meeting room on the second floor, designed for community groups,

    workshops, and town business.

    Looking Ahead

Upon completion, the new Welcome Center and enhanced Paul T. Given Park will stand as a testament to Smithtown’s progress and its dedication to community enrichment and environmental conservation. These improvements aim to create a space where residents and visitors can connect with nature, learn about local heritage, and enjoy the beauty of the Nissequogue River.

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METRO photo

It’s back! Resurrection Byzantine Catholic Church, 38 Mayflower Ave., Smithtown will hold their annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser in the church’s Social Hall on Sunday, Feb. 2 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 adults, $15 children and includes spaghetti and meatballs, salad, dessert and coffee. Cash bar. Sit down or take out. For reservations, please call  631-332-1449 by Jan. 29. 

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Photo from Town of Smithtown
Photo from Town of Smithtown
Photo from Town of Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown Animal Shelter has announced the release of its first-ever 2025 Animal Shelter Calendar, showcasing irresistible cats and dogs currently in need of loving homes. This limited-edition calendar is not just a delightful addition to your desk or home but also a heartfelt reminder of the importance of pet adoption.

Each month highlights a shelter animal hoping to find a forever family. Many of the featured pets have been overlooked for adoption for years, making their spotlight in the calendar an opportunity to shine a light on their unique personalities and lovable qualities.

The production of the calendar was made possible through Rescue Rocks, with a suggested donation of $30 per calendar. All of the proceeds (100%) will directly benefit the shelter, funding critical emergency and veterinary care in the coming year.

“This calendar is the perfect New Year’s gift for animal lovers! Not only does it help raise funds for vital care, but it’s also a beautiful way to spread awareness. A coworker, friend, or family member might see a photo of their perfect four-legged match and give a deserving pet the home they’ve been waiting for. Some of these animals have spent years dreaming of their forever family. With this calendar, we hope to turn those dreams into reality,” said Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo, Animal Shelter Liaison.

Featured Animals Include:

  •  Blaze (January): The shelter’s longest resident (over five years) is a loyal, affectionate chocolate-brown pup with a New Year’s wish to find his forever family.
  • Betty-Boop (April): A low-key, 12-year-old “couch hippo” who has spent five years at the shelter. This sweet pibble mix is the ultimate Netflix snuggle buddy.
  •  Mia (December): A goofy, fun-loving Mastiff/Labrador mix longing for a Christmas miracle after four years at the shelter.

    Additional months feature a mix of playful kittens, resilient seniors, and affectionate dogs, all waiting to meet their match.

    How to get your calendar

    Calendars can be picked up during regular visiting hours at the Smithtown Animal Shelter or reserved by phone or email. Donations can be made by visiting the GoFundMe.com page created specifically for the Animal Shelter Calendar: https://gofund.me/69937de2
    Suggested Donation: $30

  • Shelter Address: 410 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787
  •  Contact: (631) 360-7575 | [email protected]
  •  GoFundMe Animal Shelter Calendar Link: https://gofund.me/69937de2

Visitor Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Wednesday Evenings & Sundays: By appointment for pre-approved applicants.

The Smithtown Animal Shelter is dedicated to finding loving homes for all its animals. With your support, the 2025 Calendar will help raise awareness, encourage adoptions, and provide essential care for the shelter’s residents. Don’t miss your chance to make a difference—pick up your calendar today!

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METRO photo

As winter enters it’s peak, drivers should be ever-conscious of the dangers the season poises to drivers and pedestrians.

The short winter days provide limited sunlight and therefore, limited visibility to drivers returning home during rush hour. With the sun setting at the early time, most people drive home from work in the hazy twilight. The early sunset often means that many are forced to drive towards the intolerable glare of the sun, blinding drivers who forgot their sunglasses.

Flurries crowd the window and accumulate on the ground. In the following days thirty degree weather is projected after last weeks hiatus of slightly warmer temperatures. Snow is in the forecast.

During times like these, it is imperative that we practice defensive driving. This means putting our blinkers on the ensure others can see our vehicles (even if there is next car is far away, remember, it is illegal to switch lanes without using your blinker), cleaning the frost off our cars so that it doesn’t blend in with the surroundings, and pumping the break and testing the acceleration on icy days. After snow, the roads are full of salt, moisture, and black ice–all of which affect the traction of the tires on the road.

In neighborhoods, folks who walk their dogs after getting home from work have to do so in the diminishing sunlight. We need to be cautious. As eager as we may be to get home, we must resist the urge to press the accelerator a little more as we round the bend to our homes. Sidewalks are not ubiquitous and dogs aren’t always well-behaved and walking calmly next to their owner. Pedestrians, wear bright, reflective colors, carry flashlights, and to the extent possible, walk on quiet streets.

The dangers to public safety from cold, early, snowy days are, of course, paramount, but the dangers to the state of our vehicles is not to be ignored. To save yourself hundreds in repairs, we must ensure that our vehicle is in top condition.

•Check the tire pressure. The cold weather can cause the air to contract and result in under-inflated tires.

•Clean the exhaust. Condensation build-up can cause the exhaust system to rust.

•Lift the wiper blades upwards off the windshield when it snows so they don’t break. Wipe down the rubber lining of the car door so the rigid rubber doesn’t make it difficult to open in freezing temperatures.

•Let the oil circulate. Oil gets thicker in colder temperatures, so we need to be conscious of allowing time for the oil to warm up or switch to oil with a lower viscosity for the winter.

Enjoy the sight of snow-lined trees and slowly descending flakes, but we should not let the precautions slip from our mind. Drive safely.

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By Daniel Dunaief

Close to six decades after another surgeon general urged a warning label about the link between cancer and smoking, Dr. Vivek Murthy, the current surgeon general, would like to add cancer warnings to labels for alcohol.

The third leading cause of preventable cancers after tobacco and obesity, alcohol increases the risk for at least seven types of cancer, the surgeon general recently wrote.

At the same time, less than half of the American population recognize alcohol as a risk factor for cancer.

As with the prevailing wisdom about smoking decades ago, several doctors and various studies have, until recently, indicated that moderate drinking such as a single glass of red wine for women each day and two glasses for men, have suggested a medical benefit to consuming alcohol.

Dr. Mark Solomon

“We have been misguided all these years by thinking there’s an acceptable amount of alcohol that’s safe enough to recommend,” said Dr. David Rivadeneira, Director of Northwell Health Cancer Institute at Huntington Hospital. 

Any change in required labels for alcohol would have to come from Congress, which would likely face lobbying pressure from the alcohol industry.

Local doctors, however, suggested that the potential increased risk of cancer from alcohol outweighs any potential reduction in the risk related to any cardiovascular incident or stroke.

Dr. Mark Solomon, medical director of St. Charles’ chemical dependency program, called the benefits of alcohol a “myth.”

“Anything you put in your body affects every cell in your body,” said Solomon. “It’s finally coming to the forefront that we should put labels [on alcohol]. Drinking alcohol is not some benign social activity. There are certain risks associated with that, with cancer being one of them.”

Paolo Boffetta, Associate Director for Population Sciences at the Stony Brook Cancer Center, explained that earlier studies, including one that he participated in, that showed a cardiovascular benefit to drinking had various scientific problems.

Those studies didn’t differentiate between people who quit drinking and those who never consumed alcohol.

“The category of a non drinker had an increased risk” that was above what researchers had understood because that group included a mix of people, Boffetta said.

This sampling problem suggested to Boffetta that the results of some of these studies that suggested a cardiovascular health benefit to drinking “were probably not correct.”

Boffetta, who welcomed Dr. Murthy’s recommendation to add cancer risk to a label that already warns consumers who are pregnant or who are operating a car or heavy machinery, urged researchers to continue to study the link between alcohol and cancer.

Protecting health

Dr. David Rivandeneira. Photo courtesy of Northwell Health

Dr. David Rivadeneira, director of Northwell Health Cancer Institute at Huntington who specializes in colorectal cancer, is concerned about the increased incidence of cancer among the younger population.

The current cancer rates are at levels “we’ve never seen before in patients that are less than 50 years old,” said Rivadeneira. “That is very worrisome. The issue of alcohol may have something to do with it.”

Indeed, during the worst of the lockdowns amid the Covid pandemic, some people increased their consumption of alcohol.

“Our current understanding is that alcohol is a chemical that probably has no health benefits whatsoever,” said Rivadeneira. “If anything, it’s detrimental even in small quantities.”

Rivadeneira anticipates the effect of such a discussion of the health consequences of consuming alcohol and of any future labeling on bottles may alter consumer behavior more rapidly than changes in established patterns for smoking decades ago.

“People are more likely to take ownership with regard to their own health,” he said. “They want to be healthier.”

Rivadeneira wants to give patients information that is appropriate and medically sound, giving them the option to decide if they want to incorporate this knowledge into their lifestyle.

Working with their doctors, people can decide on their overall risk profile, based on their family history, other health factors such as their weight and their history through cancer screenings such as mammographies, whether they want to reduce the kind of risk that might tip the scales through alcohol consumption, Rivadeneira said.

“I tell people, ‘You can be proactive or reactive. Here you are, you’ve got to make a decision about what you want to do. Do you want to reduce the chance of cancer and other ailments?’” Rivadeneira said.

A warning and behavior

Dr. Jana Deitch

Doctors believed a warning label on alcoholic products might alter consumer behavior.

“People are more afraid when it’s written down,” said Dr. Jana Deitch, breast surgical oncologist at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital in Smithtown. “If it’s on the bottle, the population will take it more seriously.”

Deitch added that everyone has to decide to what degree they are putting themselves at risk.

“It’s information that’s readily available to the general population” Deitch said.

Solomon suggested that doctors should educate their patients about the dangers of consuming alcohol.

“The medical community and physicians have to be more educated so they can start to relay this to the patient,” said Solomon. “There’ll be some kind of shock to this” because people will indicate that they have been drinking their whole lives. “It’s going to take a long time and it has to start with education from doctors.”

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Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, right, is pictured with Eagle Scout Michael Canonic (center) and Suffolk County Legislator candidate Frank Black. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta attended the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Michael Canonic, a junior at Kings Park High School. During his 16 years, he has had many challenges as he is deaf and learned to listen through a cochlear implant hearing aid from a young age. Although no one in Michael’s family works in the car repairbusiness, his goal is to open up his own auto body shop to repair vehicles damaged in accidents.

For his community service project, Michael designed and created an outdoor learning space located off of the library at the William T. Rogers Middle School in Kings Park.

“Becoming an Eagle Scout is a testament to your character and leadership skills and is something that you have accomplished while still a teenager. This recognition will stay with you for the rest of your life and can never be taken from you,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta. “What you have done is very impressive and we will expect great things from you in the future,” added Legislator Trotta.

 

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Kids getting autographs from their favorite Harlem Wizard stars. Photo by Steven Zaitz
A young fan has a dance with Big J. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Nesaquake Principal Dan McCabe dribbles upcourt for the home team. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Big J gets some young fans to sing. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Dogwood Elementary teachers huddle up. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Teachers from Dogwood Elementary Alexa Aversano (left) and Dana Braun. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Big J and Dogwood teacher Marisa Cappa talk strategy. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Dowood Elementary Principal Renee Carpenter, who wore the referee stripes, with two of her teachers. Photo by Steven Zaitz
All the kids went through the basketball conga line for a high-five with SCSD faculty. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Fans young and old came out to see the Harlem Wizards. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Jumping Jack joins the SCSD faculty for a finger spin. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Jonathan 'Airtime ' Edwards clowns around with the kids. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Dogwood teacher Dana Braun is surrounded by students. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Saint James Elementary principal Adam Javidi is defended by Sky-Rise. Photo by Steve Zaitz
Marisa D'Amico of Saint James Elementary goes to the basket. Photo by Steve Zaitz
High-flying antics of Sky Rise. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Kristen Donnelly takes some advice from Road Runner. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Tyler Cronk aka Sky-Rise shows how he got his nickname. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Dogwood 2nd Grade teacher Alexa Aversano guards Wizard Big J. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Harlem Wizard Sarge makes a little girl happy with an autograph. Photo by Steven Zaitz
A scene from the Harlem Wizards basketball game at Smithtown High School East. Photo by Steven Zaitz

By Steven Zaitz

Hundreds of smiling faces, young and old, braved the cold to gather at Smithtown High School East Monday night to experience the dazzling spectacle of the Harlem Wizards Basketball show.

More entertainment than competition, the athletic and comedic troupe, who have names such as Sky-Rise, Jumping Jack, Big J, and  Road Runner, wowed the crowd with a mixture of high-flying dunks, ball spinning, break dancing, showmanship and good-natured fun, as MC and ringleader U GoBoy egged on the Wizards to cause mayhem with all who dared to enter – or even stumbled unwittingly –  into their playful path.

The team of players/performers ran layup drills, conducted a dance contest for the moms only,  all the while signing autographs on balls, hats, and shirts whenever asked.

For an extra treat, the students in the crowd got to see the Wizards dunk on – and run circles around  – their very own teachers. Faculty members from Dogwood Elementary, Saint James Elementary and Nesaquake Middle School took turns trying to keep up with the Wizards sky-scraping slams and quick-dribbling chicanery. 

Dogwood principal Renee Carpenter served as the ceremonial referee, but after the opening tap, did not blow her whistle very much. Nesaquake principal Dan McCabe and St. James Elementary principal Adam Javidi played for Smithtown side, as did a dozen or so teachers from the three schools.

The event, which was also held in 2023, was organized by Smithtown PTA President Brittany McGrath. She got the idea from her son Dylan, who is a fifth grader at St. James Elementary.

“Dylan saw the Wizards on Instagram and he is a big basketball fan, so we thought this would be a great idea,” said McGrath. “The kids have a lot of fun and all the money we raise goes back to the schools to help fund programs.”

Last year, the Wizards helped raise about $10,000, and judging by the capacity crowd on this cold January night, that number could easily be matched or surpassed.

Austin Black, a second grader at Dogwood Elementary, got his basketball signed by Jumping Jack at halftime.

“I’m so happy that the Wizards came to our town,” said Black, who watched his teacher, Miss Ferolito, compete against the Wizards. “It entertains the kids and gives us a great night of alley-oops, tricks and dunks.”

There were many dunks and tricks by the visiting team, and although nobody—except maybe McGrath, who was designated official scorekeeper—was really counting, the Wizards came out on top, beating the Smithtown Teachers 88-76.

“We’ll get ‘em next year,” McGrath said.

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File photo by Raymond Janis

LIRR funding shortfall

LIRR commuters should be concerned about insufficient funds being programmed to bring bridges, viaducts, tunnels and other basic infrastructure that are in poor or marginal condition up to a state of good repair in the proposed MTA $68.4 billion 2025-2029 Five Year Capital Plan.  This also applies to Metro North Rail Road and NYC Transit.  It is questionable if $600 million is sufficient funding for LIRR critical infrastructure projects under the proposed next Five Year Capital Plan. Can this eliminate the growing backlog of critical infrastructure repair.  Too many critical capital assets remain in daily service beyond their anticipated useful life. There is still a $33 billion shortfall to fully fund the proposed upcoming Five Year Capital Plan.

Safety, state of good repair, reliable on time performance with a minimum of service disruptions at a fair price should be a higher priority than system expansion projects.  The $7.7 billion Second Avenue Subway Phase 2, $5.5 billion Queens Brooklyn Light Rail Inter Boro Express and $3.1 billion Metro North Bronx East Penn Station Access projects all need to be put on hold.  Funding for all three would be better spent on critical infrastructure projects benefiting over 4 million NYC Transit subway, 200,000 plus LIRR and 200,000 plus Metro North daily commuters.  MTA Chairman Janno Lieber and MTA Board members have a fiduciary responsibility to protect the interests of riders and taxpayers.

Larry Penner

Great Neck

Keep those letters coming…

Congratulations to my fellow 2024 Letter to the Editor writers.  Surveys reveal that “Letters To The Editor” is one of the most widely read and popular sections of newspapers.   

Most newspapers will print letters submitted by any writer regardless of where they live so long as the topic is relevant to readers.  

It helps to have a snappy introduction, good hook, be timely, precise, have an interesting or different viewpoint to increase your odds of publication. Papers welcome letters commenting on their own editorials, articles or previously published letters to the editor.

I’m grateful that TBR News Media affords both me and my fellow letter writers the opportunity to express our views, as well as differing opinions on issues of the day.  

Please join me along with your neighbors in reading TBR News Media.  Patronize their advertisers; they provide the revenues necessary to keep them in business. This helps pay to provide space for your favorite or not so favorite letter writers.

Larry Penner

Long Time Reader 

and Frequent Letter Writer

Great Neck

Armed guards aren’t the answer

As has become the norm in the Three Village Central School District members of the community have discovered a cause to champion that needn’t be raised.  Now that the start time phenomenon has become a budget-contingent coming attraction, armed guards in our schools are the latest call to action.  A knee-jerk reaction to an unfortunate, yet thankfully harmless, incident at Ward Melville High School this past fall, has been the demand to arm our security guards.  The reasoning behind this charge is the all too familiar claim that “the only way to fight a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.”

Decades of research by the highest and most well-trained law enforcement agencies in the country have debunked this “theory” and proven that many times the presence of armed guards in school settings has invited and/or intensified the violence committed.  Anyone with recollection of the atrocities in Uvalde and Parkland knows firsthand that armed security did nothing to deter the perpetrator and no lives were saved.  As a mother and an educator there is nothing more important than safety in school buildings and I would never begrudge any parent the feeling of security when a child is in an academic setting.  However, there are myriad other approaches to avoiding threats to our children today and they do not include arming security guards. 

The pushback will of course be the previously noted adage about fighting a bad guy with a good guy gun, especially since many of the guards are former law enforcement officers.  None of the crusaders of this battle are willing to note the fact that we are actually very lucky.  Long Island has fortuitously been spared any instances of mass gun violence in our schools.  And the one scary instance that Three Village experienced was handled responsibly and transparently.  Yes, a gun entered our high school.  Yes, there was a chance something horrific could have occurred, but it didn’t.  The true concern is that a weapon came through the doors.  The best defense against a repeat situation is a system of detection (and not metal detectors) not an addition of guns.  

At this juncture we need to trust that our district security experts have the best interests of our children at heart and will continue to keep them safe.  Guns in and/or around our schools is not the answer.

Stefanie Werner

East Setauket

The opinions of columnists and letter writers are their own. They do not speak for the newspaper.

WRITE TO US … AND KEEP IT LOCAL We welcome your letters, especially those responding to our local coverage, replying to other letter writers’ comments and speaking mainly to local themes. Letters should be no longer than 400 words and may be edited for length, libel, style, good taste and uncivil language. They will also be published on our website. We do not publish anonymous letters. Please include an address and phone number for confirmation. 

Email letters to: [email protected] or mail them to TBR News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733

 

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