Home Times of Smithtown

Smithtown Historical Society hosts model train show

by TBR Staff - March 29, 2024

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By Katherine Kelton

Smithtown Historical Society’s annual Model Train Show was held Sunday, March 24, at the Frank Brush Barn. The event featured the work of various engineers, who displayed their impressive collections of train modules in the form of a large oval.

Each was unique in the various landscapes, cities and lighting created. Visitors walked around the oval and enjoyed the intricate displays.

Families and train lovers visited the exhibition from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cold weather made the indoor event the perfect stop, with a $5 admission for adults and $3 for children.

One engineer, Kevin Davis, shares his enthusiasm with the younger generation with whom he gets involved in model train building. Specifically, one young man joined the ranks of adult engineers and is trusted around the dangerous voltage-powered tracks.

“What I did with this module was I wanted to give light, but I didn’t want to use any of the track power,” Davis explained. He used handheld battery packs to light the inside of the buildings and to give the impression of people living inside. He also used smaller lights from the Dollar Store to illuminate smaller objects.

Davis hopes to see more than just families at the event: “One other group we like to attract is retirees. You know stop sitting at home. Everybody loves trains from 8 to 80.”

However, most of the attendees were families with small children. Davis believes more women and minorities should also get involved in the events, as they are not as represented in the space.

Another engineer, Joel Berse, proclaimed the “Godfather of Train Shows,” told reporters, “My whole goal with putting on these shows is multifaceted. My shows are all fundraising shows. We also try to promote the hobby because kids are too busy on their phones and not doing real things.”

Berse is CEO of Trainville Hobby Depot in Hicksville and organizes many model train shows on Long Island. He also works in shows outside New York. He teaches people how to build different displays. “You get an idea and then as you’re doing it the idea changes 18,000 times,” Berse said. “And a saying I have is, ‘No layout is ever done because you always find something else you want to add to it.’”

This hobby gives people an imaginative outlet in which they build and rebuild intricate layouts. The shows are gatherings for enthusiasts and creators alike. The model train groups are very active on Long Island and hold numerous exhibitions.

The Smithtown Historical Society will use the collected admissions from this show for maintenance on the farm buildings and animal care on the property.

Letters to the Editor: March 28, 2024

by TBR Staff - March 28, 2024

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

No to electric school buses

With Gov. Kathy Hochul’s [D] order that all school buses must be battery powered by 2035, New York State tries to walk the walk to cut accursed global warming, melting glaciers, extinction of species and rising sea levels eventually submerging Long Island. But really?

The defective initiative to wind and solar generation will leave the Island with seriously unreliable and costly power. If NYS were to have zero emissions tomorrow, it would be globally undetectable.

There is no climate crisis. This “crisis” is based on defective U.N. climate computer models. Thousands of scientists around the world concur. We experience cyclical weather in decadal, century and millennial cycles.

Europe and especially Germany, the former industrial powerhouse of Europe, tried wind and solar with massive problems in reliability and cost by reopening fossil generation plants, namely coal, natural gas and oil.

Wind turbines in the marine environment have drastically shorter lives and kill land and sea birds, also whales. Solar panels are negligibly recyclable and also require rare earth metals sourced from unfriendly foreign countries via child labor and create copious pollution in fabrication while being barely recyclable. There are mountains of scrapped wind turbine blades now that can’t be recycled.

When buses are recharged at night, there is no “clean” solar power, and the wind may not blow. They will be charged by fossil fuel power plants — batteries are too expensive and last just a few hours. Where is the pollution reduction?

An electric school bus can cost $300,000-$400,000. A diesel bus costs less than $60,000. The governor is offering to subsidize electric buses up to $30,000 each, plus thousands for charging stations. What will that do to our taxes? What happens when the taxpayer subsidies end?

Electric buses weigh thousands of pounds more than diesel buses. Tires and roads wear more. More rubber nanoparticles and brake dust pollute the air. The operating system of an electric vehicle can be maliciously hacked shutting it down. Then what?

Electric vehicles, including buses, lose significant range when it’s cold. Can we leave stranded kids in a dead electric bus in the winter?

Electric buses unexpectedly fail. With a load of kids? In the winter? Buses, like other EVs, catch on unexpected fires that are inextinguishable and emit toxic gasses. Do we want that risk?

Electric vehicles suffer from the lowest resale rates. That will increase our cost and taxes when the bus company tries to recover expenses. The public is smart — you can’t give away a used EV (with a replacement battery costing more than the price of the vehicle). Hertz took almost a $250 million hit dumping its EV fleet that no one wants to rent and is excessively expensive to maintain.

Hochul’s attempts at greenwashing with electric school buses have significantly more downsides than the few, if any, benefits. She has already allotted hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars for this fiasco. Let’s hope our kids aren’t endangered..

Mark Sertoff

Science/Technology Teacher

East Northport

Northville development proposals explained by town councilmember

The recently announced development proposals for the Northville site on Belle Mead Road in East Setauket have caused great alarm within the community about the impact they could have. The company has offered two proposals for residents to consider a 140-unit multifamily rental project built around the existing gas tanks, or a large warehouse and distribution center. It’s important for residents to understand the factors that must be considered as we search for a solution to this challenge, so I would like to share some facts and opinions about the matter:

• Some people have asked why the Town of Brookhaven would allow Northville to build any of this in the first place. A key point to keep in mind is that they are currently zoned industrial and have the legal right to develop the site. This property right is inviolable as long as they meet zoning — including clearing limits, site plan approval and an environmental review — and is the result of a court ordered stipulation.

• What the company really wants is the multifamily project, as that is going to be the most profitable option for them. However, many people think that placing a dense multifamily housing project among the tanks is a bad idea. Northville has come to the town and the Three Village Civic Association more than once asking for the required zoning change to allow for this and was told we would not support it.

• It seems to some people that what they are now doing with their public outreach campaign is to bypass the town’s planning process and the civic association. By taking their argument to the general public, perhaps the industrial proposal will be seen as so unappealing that the multifamily will seem like the better of the two options.

We have to keep in mind that except for the protected woodlands, the rest of Belle Mead Road is also zoned L-1 industrial and there are many businesses there that the community would not find objectionable, such as medical office, commercial space and all the other low intensity uses you find along that corridor.

Islandaire, for example, is a current industrial occupant in that area. Their company has grown into a national powerhouse and provides great jobs as well as a boost to our local economy. They are good neighbors and present a fine example of what good industrial development can look like. Responsible development is important for the overall health of our local economy, and there are very few places we can attract and host these types of businesses.

Northville is trying to move past their reputation and past association as a polluter that poisoned our land with nearly a million gallons of leaded gasoline. If they really want to be the good neighbor they claim to be, they should listen to the clear will of the community and develop the land in a way that will allow them to take advantage of their own rights without trampling on our quality of life.

Jonathan Kornreich

District 1 Town Councilmember

Selden Post Office celebrates Women’s History Month and more

Since the first Selden Post Office opened in 1852, the United States Postal Service has been committed to delivering top-notch service to Suffolk County residents.

In addition to celebrating our 172 years in Selden, we are entering our fourth year of the Delivering for America plan. It is a 10-year focus to transform the Postal Service that is self-sustaining and high performing. In the first three years since, the Postal Service has aggressively advanced core DFA strategies and initiatives. One of those initiatives is investing in our diverse workforce.

With March being Women’s History Month, I am proud to be serving as Selden’s postmaster for the last two years.

The Postal Service workforce is one of the most diverse in the nation. We look like America. That is our strength. Did you know women make up 46% of our workforce and we employ nearly 63,000 veterans? These are just two unique postal facts that can be found at www.usps.com/postalfacts.

I know our most valued assets are our employees and the goal of the DFA plan is to be an employer of choice. Born in

Selden Post Office celebrates Women’s History Month and more

Since the first Selden Post Office opened in 1852, the United States Postal Service has been committed to delivering top-notch service to Suffolk County residents.

With March being Women’s History Month, I am proud to be serving as Selden’s postmaster for the last two years.

I know our most valued assets are our employees and the goal of the DFA plan is to be an employer of choice. Born in Brooklyn and residing in Seldon, I can personally attest to the opportunities the Postal Service offers.

We are currently hiring city and rural carrier associates. I encourage anyone interested to stop in or visit and apply on our website, www.usps.com/careers. Who knows, you may become the future postmaster of Selden.

On behalf of the entire team, thanks for your continued support and we look forward to delivering for Selden and America in 2024 and beyond.

Valarie Faria

Selden Postmaste

Meals on Wheels thanks the community

The Three Village Meals on Wheels Organization is just completing its annual fund drive. The operating expenses and donations for this program come from individuals, civic, business, religious organizations, foundations, trusts and our local schools. This fund drive is necessary since the organization receives no recurring local, state or federal funding and is not government subsidized. Reaching out to the community for assistance has been ongoing for almost 40 years.

We are continually elated to see the overwhelming generosity shown during our annual fund drive and we are extremely grateful each year to receive such assistance.

We will be celebrating our 40th anniversary later this year. In the meantime, we continue to deliver two meals a day, five days a week to our clients. A huge “thank you” to all our donors and to all our volunteers. We could not exist without you all.

Diane Melidosian

Board Member, Three Village MOW

Hippity hop to an Easter egg hunt on the North Shore

by Heidi Sutton - March 28, 2024

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By Heidi Sutton

Looking for Easter Egg Hunts on the North Shore? Here is a list of events for this week so grab your baskets and camera and hippity hop over to these fun springtime celebrations.

Cold Spring Harbor

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will hold egg hunts on March 28, 29 and 30 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Children up to 6 years of age can hunt for eggs during 20 minute sessions scheduled throughout the day. $12 per child, $5 helper siblings ages 7 to 12, $7 adults, $6 seniors. Registration is required at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768

East Northport

Island Christian Church, 400 Elwood Road, East Northport will host a free Easter Egg Hunt on March 30 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Activities will include face painting, crafts, games, bounce houses, photo-ops, and of course, hunting for eggs! You may even see the Easter Bunny! Held rain or shine. Visit islandchristian.com/easter to register. 631-822-3000

East Setauket

— Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt weekend from March 29 to 31 with craft vendors, barnyard animals to see and hold, an egg hunt in the fields, (at your purchased time slot), pictures with the Spring Bunny and more! This is a ticketed event only. Tickets are sold online only for $12.50 per person. As of press time, there were a few openings left on March 31. To register, visit www.bennersfarm.com. 631-689-8172

— Three Village Church, 322 Main St., East Setauket invites children up to 5th grade to an Easter Egg Hunt on March 30 from 10 a.m. to noon. No tickets needed. The egg hunt will be at regularly scheduled intervals, with new eggs each time and a safe space for the littlest crawlers/walkers. Free. 631-941-3670

Farmingdale

Children ages 5 and older are invited to join Adventureland, 2245 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale for an Egg Scramble on March 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kids can collect spring surprises and giveaways and visit with the Easter Bunny and Adventureland’s mascot. Tickets in advance online are $39.50 for adults; $49.50 ages 2-24 includes all rides. Rain date April 6. Visit adventureland.us to register. 631-694-6868

Huntington

Children ages 1 to 8 can enjoy a spring celebration and egg hunt at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road Huntington on March 30 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Activities including a petting zoo, arts and crafts, a meet and greet with Mr. Bunny and a special concert with puppetry by Janice Buckner & The New Country Road Show. $16 per child. Register at www.caumsettfoundation.org/programs.

Kings Park

San Remo Civic Association will host a free Easter Egg Hunt with Peter Rabbit at Waterfront Park, Riviera Drive, Kings Park on March 30 from noon to 2:30 p.m. Rain date is March 31 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. www.sanremocivic.com

Melville

Take part in an Easter Egg Hunt at White Post Farms, 250 Old Country Road, Melville on March 28 to 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit with the Easter Bunny (take your own pictures) visit the bunny holding station, see a magic show and much more. Admission is $29.95. 631-351-9373

Northport

Northport Chamber of Commerce with the Northport Centerport Lions Club will host a traditional Easter Egg Hunt at Northport Village Park on March 31 at 1 p.m. Free. 631-754-3905

Port Jefferson

Children ages 2 to 8 are invited to join the Greater Chamber of Commerce for an Easter Egg Hunt following the annual Easter Parade at noon. Line up in front of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson at 12:15 p.m. after the parade. Photo ops with the Easter Bunny will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Free. 631-473-1414

Setauket

Caroline Episcopal Church, 1 Dyke Rd., Setauket hosts a community Easter Egg Hunt on March 30 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy games, egg hunt prizes, snacks, a live magic show, face painting, an Easter hat contest & parade, and a special long-eared guest. Free. To register, visit carolinechurch.net/egghunt2024. 631-941-4245

PSEG Long Island invites contractors and customers to its first-ever heat pump conference

by Press Release - March 28, 2024

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384270124_704527841721754_8231800030094073537_n — PSEG Facebook

PSEG Long Island is inviting anyone interested in heat pump systems to attend its inaugural heat pump technologies and solutions conference, “Electrify Long Island” on April 4. The event is free for PSEG Long Island customers. More than 400 people are expected to attend to learn how electric heat pumps, which function both as heaters and air conditioners, are a greener and more economical way to heat and cool homes.

With a goal of achieving 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040, New York State leads the nation in transitioning to a clean energy economy. Hosting this first-ever conference is one way PSEG Long Island is making heat pump technologies a major part of the future for electric customers on Long Island and in the Rockaways, supporting the state goal.

The conference will be held on Thursday, April 4, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington located at 598 Broadhollow Road in Melville. The event will include breakfast with keynote speaker Rory Christian, chairperson and CEO of the NYS Public Service Commission, educational breakout sessions and hands-on workshops throughout the day, more than a dozen exhibitors, lunch, and networking opportunities.

Some of the topics to be presented are:

How heat pump technology is transforming the way Long Islanders heat and cool their homes and workplaces;
Heat pump systems: how they operate and why they are so energy efficient;
Design, sales, and installation of heat pumps – including setup pitfalls and protocols, and performance testing and verification;
And available rebates, tax credits, and incentives, and how PSEG Long Island can help customers qualify.

While anyone is welcome to attend this conference, it will be especially useful for people in the commercial and residential heating and cooling industry; school and multifamily dwelling property managers; pool companies; geothermal installers; building developers, designers, architects and engineers; and homeowners.

Pre-registration is required at electrifylongisland.com/.

Independent annual evaluations by Demand Side Analytics (DSA) have found PSEG Long Island’s energy efficiency and renewable energy programs to be cost-effective and energy-saving. DSA’s 2022 evaluation showed that PSEG Long Island Energy Efficiency Programs, including rebates, generated approximately $1.36 in benefits to society for every $1 in costs to operate the program.

CALL FOR ENTRIES: 31st annual Gurwin Photo Contest open for submissions

by Press Release - March 28, 2024

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Gurwin Photo Contest — 'One Dog, Two Bites' by Robert V. Guido, last year's grand prize winner in the Children's category. Photo courtesy of Gurwin

Calling all photographers! Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is now accepting applications for its 31st annual Photo Contest.

Amateur photographers and students are invited to submit their best photos for a chance to win a recognition award and cash prizes and the opportunity to have their work permanently displayed in the Center’s renowned Tiffen Gallery for the enjoyment of residents, staff and visitors.

The Contest garners nearly 1000 submissions each year from across the globe which are judged by a panel of professional photographers for clarity, composition, subject matter and suitability for display at the nursing and rehabilitation center.

Grand Prize, Honorable Mentions, as well as a Best-in-Show winner will be awarded in 12 categories: Landscapes, Travel, People, Pets, Children, Wildlife, Nature, Still Life, Student, Altered/Enhanced, Long Island/ New York and Action/ Sports. Gurwin residents and staff also weigh-in on their favorites for a “Resident/ Staff Selection” winner.

Photos chosen by the judges are enlarged to 20×28 prints, beautifully framed and displayed in Gurwin’s 460-bed nursing and rehabilitation center.

“Each year we are so very impressed by the incredible work submitted and grateful for the support shown to our Center, and in turn, the residents in our care,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gurwin Healthcare System.

Entry forms are available for download at bit.ly/GurwinPhotoContest or via email at [email protected]. Contestants may submit up to seven printed black and white or color 8” x 10” or 8” x 12’ photographs at a nominal fee of $5 per entry. Deadline for submissions is April 15. Winners are revealed at an awards presentation ceremony in early summer.

For more information, call the Gurwin Corporate Communications office at 631- 715-2562 or 631-715-2569.

SBU Hospital offers meal-ordering app for patients

by Daniel Dunaief - March 28, 2024

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sbufoodappscreen — Stony Brook University Hospital launches meal-ordering app. Photo courtesy Stony Brook Medicine/Rob Tannenbaum

By Daniel Dunaief

From soup to nuts – along with pictures and descriptions – patients at Stony Brook University Hospital can use a new mobile app to order meals during their stays that are consistent with medical advice and that is sensitive to their diets.

With this app, patients can choose the times they want meals, within the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. schedule, and the specific foods that suit their interests and restrictions.

The response among patients at the hospital, which serves more than 1,500 patient meals a day, has been “very positive,” said Nicole Rossol, Chief Patient Experience Officer at Stony Brook University Hospital. “It’s giving patients more day-to-day control in a hospital setting.”

That empowers patients who can otherwise be confined to their rooms or to the hospital as medical staff monitors their health and brings them for a variety of tests.

The cbord patient app, which allows patients to order food for the same or the next day, provides choices that are consistent with the approach the hospital takes as a part of a patient’s care. Additionally, the app can adjust for a range of allergies and patient dietary needs.

Once patients create a dietary profile, the app can filter food options that include halal, kosher, gluten-restricted, vegetarian, cardiac, carbohydrate-controlled and more.

The app “is not replacing anything,” said Kathleen Logsdon Carrozza, Assistant Director of Food and Retail Services and Registered Dietitian at the Faculty Student Association of Stony Brook University Hospital. “It gives patients another option.” Patients who are tech savvy can use their own mobile devices to order food or, on some floors, they can use a shared mobile device.

Those who prefer can still order food through a call center or by speaking with a dining service worker.

At this point, the hospital has about 45 patients who are using the app, said Alexandra Bush, Nutrition Software Systems Administrator at the Faculty Student Association of Stony Brook University.

App origin

About a year ago, members of SBU attended a conference where they learned about this way of ordering food as an option.

“We wanted to do something that was user friendly,” said Logsdon. “The administration was on board.”

Each food and drink option includes a photograph, which gives patients a chance to consider their choices the way they might at a restaurant.

Last summer, two Stony Brook University students took pictures of each item.

At this point, the app is only available in English, although the hospital has interpreters who can help with patient needs and answer questions.

The app is evolving on almost a daily basis. Bush, who receives daily post it notes with suggestions, recently received a request from a pediatric nurse to add pasta with butter, which is now on the menu.

While the hospital doesn’t have the equivalent of a Yelp review for each dish, volunteers solicit feedback from patients from survey data.

In putting together the menu and developing the app, Stony Brook received considerable guidance from a patient and family advisory council, who teamed up with Logsdon and Bush. The app can be accessed on any app store compatible with Apple and Andriod products.

The council “helped with the education that would be going out to patients,” said Rossol. “It’s really important that we have patients that partner with us to make some of these changes and decisions. They gave us great input and feedback.”

The ability to order meals at a particular time allows patients to dine with their visitors.

“This enables us to offer things to patients in a way we haven’t been able to do in the past,” said Rossol.

By ordering food that better suit patient tastes and interests, the hospital can also reduce the amount of food it discards at waste.

When patients order food at a time when they are out of the room for medical testing, the hospital staff can update the dining crew and revise the schedule.

The person delivering the meal can speak with the nursing staff, who can advise them to hold the food or to repeat the order at a later time, depending on the length of any schedule change.

“We’re looking at ways to enhance the patient experience using technology,” said Rossol. “We are really trying to make the experience the best it can be.”

Celebrating the miraculous life of Brooke Ellison

by Samantha Rutt - March 28, 2024

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Prepared by Samantha Rutt

Miracles happen.

These words were often repeated during Brooke Ellison’s Celebration of Life on March 24.

Friends, family and loved ones came together to celebrate the remarkable life of Brooke Ellison, a woman whose resilience and determination inspired countless others. The room was filled with laughter, tears and fond memories during the three-hour celebration.

Brooke’s journey, from a devastating childhood accident to becoming a beacon of hope and achievement, was the epitome of courage and determination. Despite being paralyzed from the neck down at the tender age of 11, Brooke refused to let her circumstances define her. Instead, she embarked on a journey that would see her break barriers and defy expectations at every turn.

The celebration, held at Stony Brook University’s student center, was a testament to the profound impact Brooke had on the lives of those around her. As attendees shared stories and memories, it became evident that Brooke’s spirit shone bright in every corner of the room.

“I personally do not have any memories of my life without my sister. She was born when I was 2 1/2 years old and she was the greatest gift that had been given to me by my parents,” Brooke’s sister, Kysten Ellison, said.

She exchanged fond memories of her sister growing up, sharing young Brooke’s aspirations to be a dancer and her love of dancing.

“Every single night, my dad would routinely sit between both of our beds and read us our favorite bedtime stories. After my dad finished his nightly reading and went to bed, Brooke and I would continue to chat,” she added. “We would talk about our future hopes and dreams and what we wanted to be when we grew up. And, ironically, my sister always wanted to be a dancer. She wanted to share her love of dancing with the entire world.”

Brooke’s brother, Reed Ellison, echoed this sentiment, recalling their deep bond and shared love for games and intellectual pursuits.

“Brooke was my best friend,” he said. “When other kids were out partying or at friends’ houses, Brooke and I stayed home and challenged each other to games of Scrabble or worked on logic problems, or crossword puzzles together. These are some of the best memories I have and I will cherish them forever.”

Friends and family reminisced about Brooke’s vibrant personality, her love for themed parties and her infectious yet nearly silent laughter that could brighten even the darkest of days. Photos of Brooke, flashing her trademark smile, adorned the venue, serving as a poignant reminder of her enduring spirit.

Brooke’s legacy extended far beyond her personal achievements. As an advocate for stem cell research and disability rights, she paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps. Throughout her life Brooke pursued many things: She was a Harvard graduate twice over, an associate professor at Stony Brook, a researcher, a leader of various groups like the Inclusion in Innovation team in the Vertically Integrated Projects Program, a founder of SBU’s VENTure Think Tank, a selection for the World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, once a state Senate candidate and so much more.

Her friendship with actor Christopher Reeve, himself a quadriplegic, underscored her impact on a global scale. Her sister shared her experience, watching her son, Carter, grow close to Brooke through their common love for comics and superheroes, especially Superman.

“My sister meant the world to a special little boy. This sweet little boy idolized my sister like nobody else on this planet. He liked everything that Brooke liked,” Kysten expressed about her son’s relationship with “Aunt Brookie” who was “hands down and always will be Carter’s favorite person, and we will continue to brag about her as time goes by.”

“After learning that Brooke was friends with Christopher Reeve, Carter became obsessed with watching clips from the Superman movies. As a matter of fact, Reed had recently purchased Carter a Superman costume that he put on every day when he got home from school and pretend to fly around the house,” she said.

The celebration also featured Brooke’s father, Ed Ellison, nicknamed “Steady Eddy” for his unwavering support of the relationship of Brooke and his wife, Jean.

Behind each speaker a photo stood as a backdrop. As Brooke’s father spoke, a photo of him smiling wide was projected with him playing with his daughter’s braided hair as she laughed with vigor.

“People often use the phrase 24/7 to describe efforts being made on something or time spent with someone. In most cases, it’s really hyperbole — but with Brooke, Jean and her relationship and dedication to Brooke — 24/7 was not an exaggeration,” he said. “They were inseparable. Almost one person. Jean would describe it as ‘Brooke is the brains, I’m the brawn.’”

The proud father described what dedication looked like for the Ellison family, more specifically, for his wife.

“Jean would get up at 3:45 every morning and go to work getting Brooke ready for the day. And when I tell you, she never complained, you need to know that to be the truth. I know, I was there,” he said.

“In 33 1/2 years [since the accident], Jean never took a sick day, never went on vacation, never put herself before Brooke. A dedication and love that was so beautiful to be a part of. And Brooke’s admiration and gratitude to her mother was palpable,” her father added.

Among all the heartfelt tributes, a short film made by a friend of Brooke’s father, Todd Leatherman, showcased Brooke’s remarkable journey. The film shared testimonials from Brooke herself, clips from her experiences speaking at various events and coveted moments from her life.

As the celebration drew to a close, there was a sense of both loss and gratitude in the air. In true Brooke fashion, the guests were asked to sing themselves out to “That’s What Friends Are For,” as a tribute to her love of sharing life with others.

Event emcee and longtime friend, Justin Krebs, shared an excerpt from Brooke’s autobiography, “Look Both Ways.” “My life story is a love story. My life is a life of love and it is this love that makes me who I am,” Krebs read. As Brooke goes on to write, she describes her loves, “her love of laughter, her love of learning, her love of being an inspiration to others for loving her friends, and her love of family.” She also writes that “one of the biggest gifts I have been given is my ability to share my life with people.”

Brooke Ellison passed away on Feb. 4, in the care of Stony Brook University Hospital. While Brooke may no longer be with us in body, her legacy of courage, determination and boundless optimism will forever remain etched in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In honor of Brooke’s impact and legacy, Stony Brook University has created a scholarship, the Brooke Ellison Legacy Scholarship. To contribute, send a gift to the Stony Brook Foundation at www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/foundation/types.

D. None of the Above: The perspective of the TV on the upcoming baseball season

by Daniel Dunaief - March 28, 2024

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By Daniel Dunaief

I hope my television is well rested.

Sure, we’ve watched movies here and there. We’ve gone through all the episodes of “Succession.” We’re also looking forward to the next chapters in the Keri Russell political drama “The Diplomat.”

My television, however, gets a different kind of attention during the upcoming baseball season. No, I don’t watch every Yankees game, even though, if I had the time and access, I probably would catch some of each game.

As a passionate Yankee fan, I have glared at the TV, barked at it (well, and the players on the screen at any given time) and even threatened to pick it up and throw it out the window once in a while.

Incidentally, I’ve never damaged a TV during a baseball season, no matter how frustrated I might get at the number of runners left on base, at the manager for taking someone out or at the players for not driving in a runner from third with fewer than two outs.

Long ago, I watched Game 6 of the 1986 World Series, when the Mets came back from a seemingly insurmountable deficit in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox for a win that sent the series to a final game. Surrounded by gloating Red Sox fans, I watched as the game unraveled.

With my roommate in tow — we were both rooting for the Mets because he had placed a bet he couldn’t afford to lose and, as a Yankees fan, I had to support any team that played the Red Sox — we walked silently out of a room filled with furious fans.

Just before we opened the door to leave the apartment, the TV we had been watching crash-landed at our feet, exploding into numerous pieces. That night, we joined a small band of New Yorkers cheering “let’s go Mets,” while we stayed far from TV projectile range.

In this millennium, of course, the Red Sox have faired far better than both New York teams, winning four titles compared with one for the Yankees and none for the Mets.

Returning to this season, I’m sure I’ll watch the slow motion replay of a pitch that dives well outside the strike zone that will cause one of the monster hitters on the Yankees to look like they are swinging a fly swatter at an evasive insect.

At that point, I’ll tell the TV how I had told the hitter not to swing and that he should have listened to me.

Yes, I will blame the TV for not communicating somehow with the batter that I knew it.

Fortunately for me, the TV will never remind me of the times I instructed the hitter not to swing at a pitch, only to celebrate when that player crushed a game winning hit into the gap in left center field, scoring the runner sprinting home from first.

The TV will undoubtedly also hear me affix blame at its electronic feet when the channel suddenly doesn’t come in, becomes pixelated or freezes just as a critical full count pitch reaches the plate.

I could check online to see what happened, but I’d rather watch it unfold live, excruciating as the result may be when the Yankees lose yet another winnable game.

The TV knows baseball is a wonderful, miserable experience for me on some days, while it’s a miserable, wonderful one on others.

As I watch an enormous Yankees lead dissolve slowly, the TV and I both know that any opponent – even, gasp!, the Red Sox – can still win.

On the other hand, the Yankees can take a few hard punches to their solar plexus and do the same, setting a comeback record.

If you could ask my TV, he’d tell you that I’m nervous about this season. We have a few important parts, but not enough depth, particularly among our pitchers.

My TV knows that the marathon baseball season will be filled with numerous dramatic rises and falls. It also knows my tendency to turn the channel as soon as the other team records the final out against the Yankees.

Fortunately, my TV gets a break during All Star weekend and in November. The TV should fasten its seatbelt. It’s a long and likely bumpy ride between now and then.

Between You and Me: We are still on cloud nine over the wedding in Orlando

by Leah Dunaief - March 28, 2024

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By Leah S. Dunaief

The bride was beautiful. The groom was handsome. The scene was appropriate for a fairy tale. There was love all around. That is the short version of my oldest grandson’s wedding this past week’s end.

Now for the details.

The bride and groom worked out all the specifics themselves. They had plenty of time to do so since he proposed in December of 2021. The magic day, when they would be officially united, was set for 3/23/24. At the time, it seemed a universe away.

Then together they began to plan. And in planning, they enjoyed every prenuptial tradition on the way to the ceremony.

They decided on a venue. Since they were moving to Orlando, Florida, that seemed like the most appropriate location for the wedding. They visited a number of sites before selecting a grand hotel in an Eden-like setting, with flowering gardens and sculpted waterfalls alongside a lake. They checked out the scene, the food, the rooms and the quality of service before committing. The hotel’s availability then determined the date.

Next, they sent out word of their engagement and charming save-the-date cards that they designed themselves. The cards were uniquely attractive and foretold the creative details that were to follow.

A shower for the bride was a delight last year in a waterside club in Massachusetts, where the bride grew up. Her childhood friend organized the event that gave both sides of the family a chance to meet, along with some gifts for their home It was postponed once, when the bride-to-be came down with COVID, but was successfully rescheduled for later in the year. Bachelor and bachelorette parties followed.

The actual celebration was to be a four-day affair, fitting for a destination wedding for the guests, 100 of them, who were arriving from different parts of the country. The weather would predictably be warm in Florida, so the festivities would begin with a backyard barbecue at their new home.

As it turned out, the barbecue changed to a food fest when they realized some 60 people had arrived early and were coming to their house. We sat around in the sunshine (and for me, the shade) in the backyard and inside the screened porch, enjoying the warmth of both the weather and the company. The event brought the family together, some of whom we had not seen in years. Everyone’s palate was provided for, from southern fried chicken to a limitless selection of salads and vegetables. And delicious cupcakes. The only thing missing was their dog, who was spending the weekend at the kennel.

Next came a welcoming cocktail party Friday night, for which I wore a flowery floor length dress that I bought in Charleston on the way to the wedding. Shopping for it was great fun as we toured the city, my two good friends with whom I was traveling, helping.

And then the big day. The morning and early afternoon were spent in a flurry of hairdresser and make up appointments. Then photographs were snapped. The guests were seated outside, under a covered pavilion next to the lake, and at 5:30 sharp, the wedding procession began.

I entered on the arm of my second grandson, feeling so fortunate to be there. We were followed by the grandfather of the bride and the bride’s mother. The bride and her father walked around a corner of the lake to the belvedere, and the temperature was perfect, although the breeze was a bit mischievous, blowing off the bride’s headpiece as she was reciting her vows.

In a move that laid waste to the mother-in-law stereotype, the much loved and respected mother of the groom was asked to be the officiant, and she did a wonderful job, explaining parts of the ritual and leading the ceremony. The vows the couple then read to each other referred to the love they have shared over the past seven years since they met in college. There were not many dry eyes by the end. My son, a new father-in-law, beamed.

We, the onlookers and well wishers, basked in the affection they offered each other and marveled at the miracle and the sweetness of love.

Hash Convenience Shop in Kings Park closed, deemed unsafe by town officials

by Press Release - March 24, 2024

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The Smithtown Department of Public Safety Fire Prevention Division, and SCPD 4th Precinct Crime Control officers order Hash Convenience Shop closed and deemed unsafe for a second time.

On Monday, March 18, members of the Smithtown Department of Public Safety Fire Prevention Division, together with SCPD 4th Precinct Crime Control officers, responded to a complaint that the Hash Convenience Shop, located at 60 Main Street, Kings Park owned by Taj & Hash Corporation was operating unlawfully. The complaint came one week after the business was shut down for unlawful dealing with a child and 30 summonses being issued for multiple violations of the fire code.

“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our community is paramount. The repeated closure of Hash Convenience Shop underscores our commitment to upholding the building code, and stringent standards of public safety. We commend the collaborative efforts of The Smithtown Department of Public Safety Fire Prevention Division and SCPD 4th Precinct Crime Control officers in swiftly addressing concerns and taking decisive action. Together, we reaffirm our dedication to the community as we respond, investigate and penalize those businesses illegally operating, when the law has been broken, maintaining a secure environment for our residents and visitors alike,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim in a press release.

Just the week before the Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers along with the Suffolk County Tobacco Enforcement Unit, Town of Smithtown Fire Marshal, and the Town of Islip Fire Marshal conducted an investigation into the sale of nicotine products to minors. The investigation involved the inspection of 32 businesses between Tuesday, March 12 and Wednesday, March 13. Violations were found at seven of these locations, including Hash Convenience Shop. An arrest was made for an illegal transaction with a minor, along with 30 summonses issued by the Department of Public Safety and the Building Department for multiple violations of the fire code, deeming the building unsafe to operate.

On March 18, Fire Marshals and Police confirmed an official complaint, which was issued by members of the community. They found the business was open and operating despite the closure order. Fire marshals issued an additional twelve summonses for multiple violations of the fire code. The building department issued additional summonses for violation of the building code. The business has been declared unsafe and will remain closed until all infractions have been corrected.

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