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Village Beacon Record

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New proposed EPA regulations may affect the Northport Power Station, pictured above. File photo
By Aidan Johnson

The Biden administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced new proposed regulations on May 11 that would require most power plants fired by fossil fuels to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent between 2035 and 2040. Plants that do not meet these requirements may have to close down entirely, according to the new plan.

Starting in 2030, the EPA guidelines would generally require more CO2 emissions controls for power plants that operate more frequently, phasing increasingly stringent CO2 requirements over time, an EPA statement said.

If passed, the new requirements would likely impact the Port Jefferson and Northport power stations, both fired by natural gas.

The EPA projects the carbon reductions under the new guidelines would help avoid over 600 million metric tons of CO2 released into the atmosphere from 2028 to 2042, “along with tens of thousands of tons of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter,” the statement reads.

This new proposal comes over four years after the Long Island Power Authority, which buys all of the Port Jefferson Power Station’s power, settled its tax lawsuit with the Town of Brookhaven and the Village of Port Jefferson. 

“The terms of settlement shelter us from having to pay back taxes (taxes collected during the 6-year-long court battle) while also providing a glide path moving forward over the next 8 years, during which the 50% reduction of tax revenue can be absorbed,” Village of Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant said in a 2019 statement.

The new EPA standards represent a step toward alleviating the climate crisis, according to the Biden administration. Their impact, however, will likely be felt locally given that a sizable portion of PJV’s budget is subsidized by the plant. This applies to other local institutions, such as the Port Jefferson Fire Department and school district.

Bruce Miller, former Port Jefferson Village trustee, said in an interview that it is technologically feasible to remove carbon dioxide and other polluting gasses from the smoke stacks. He also maintains that the possibility of using hydrogen, a clean fuel source, remains an option. 

“The thing that I’m talking to National Grid [the owner of the plant] about is hydrogen,” Miller said. “Will they be thinking in terms of possibly a combined cycle plant in Port Jefferson? That would be our hope.”

These talks are still preliminary as the proposed regulations are still subject to a public comment period. “Whether National Grid and LIPA would want to make the investment to put some hydrogen-powered combined cycle plants — redo the Port Jefferson plant — is a huge question mark,” Miller indicated. “I don’t have an answer for that or even a projection.”

The former trustee added that the impact to local budgets could be “substantial,” noting, “It’s going to be a major adjustment if that plant goes offline.”

While the long-term plans for the plant remain unknown, Garant maintained that the village’s finances would not be hit all at once if the plant were to shutter.

“The community wouldn’t be on a cliff,” she said in a phone interview. “The norm is like another 10-year glide path to give you a chance to settle into another loss of revenue.”

While the potential loss of public revenue remains a critical policy concern for local officials, the impact that climate change has had on the village cannot be ignored either. The past few years have brought both droughts and flooding, likely the consequence of intensifying storms and rising tides due to climate change.

“Projections for sea-level rise over the coming decades are nothing short of staggering,” said trustee Rebecca Kassay, Port Jeff’s sustainability commissioner, in a statement. “If the global community does not work together — from individuals to villages to states to nations and every agency in between — and climate change is not slowed from its current projections, [the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] confidently forecasts that Port Jefferson Harbor will engulf Port Jefferson Village’s downtown Main Street within a century’s time.”

The EPA will host virtual trainings on June 6 and 7 to provide information about the proposed regulations.

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Slow down multifamily development in Port Jeff Station/Terryville

Certain multifamily housing project proposals are progressing too fast in the hamlets of Port Jefferson Station and Terryville.

In Port Jefferson Station, starting at the intersection of Terryville Road and Main Street (aka Route 112), traveling north there are proposals to build four multifamily housing communities.

Proposal 1 will be built at the shopping center where the post office is located. Proposal 2 will be built at the old Malkmes Florists on Oakland Avenue. Proposal 3 will be built on Cherub Lane. And Proposal 4 will be built adjacent to the railroad tracks on both the east and west side of Main Street. 

As a result of these proposed multifamily housing projects, our communities have requested an environmental impact statement and a comprehensive traffic study. Both requests have either been ignored or denied by the Town of Brookhaven.

This is not an anti-development letter. It is a shoutout to our Brookhaven elected officials to slow down the process of reviewing these proposed multifamily housing projects. 

It is time to perform the necessary studies to help us better understand how these proposed projects will affect the air we breathe, the water we drink and the current and future traffic patterns in our communities.

We have a right to breathe clean air, drink clean water and feel safe in our communities without worrying about increasing traffic on our neighborhood streets. It is time to complete the necessary studies so that we can better understand how these multifamily housing projects will affect our quality of life. 

Multifamily housing is not a cure all, and there are times when such projects cause detrimental quality-of-life issues that cannot be reversed.

Please slow down and complete the necessary studies.

Louis Antoniello

Terryville

Consider eminent domain for Maryhaven

In the United States, governmental bodies, at all levels from federal to a village, have an obligation to promote, and often provide, resources for the general welfare of their population. 

In Port Jefferson vacant land is becoming a precious resource for uses that could provide and promote our general welfare. To that purpose, governments have the authority to gain ownership of land through the process of eminent domain. 

Our village government held a public hearing on May 1 regarding a code change that would specifically allow a developer of the Maryhaven property to purchase the entire property, and construct as many as 192 condominium units. Special permission to do so is contingent on the builder’s willingness to maintain the outer walls of the existing historically important building known as the Maryhaven Center of Hope.

A building that was used for generations to help many in need — young children with severe disabilities, and later to house and aid those who required group living quarters, training for minimal paying jobs and other needs for their adult lives. 

Without dishonoring the building that served those with the greatest needs for survival, it is difficult to understand how the proposed code change aimed specifically at “saving” the Maryhaven building is achieved by gutting the structure for the creation of expensive condominiums, a clubhouse and a swimming pool within, all to serve a private luxury gated community.

How does the proposed code change honor those that spent their professional lives providing for those with the greatest needs for their survival?

The future of this land is of particular importance at a time when the effects of climate change, ushering in periods of rain beyond current capacity to mitigate the potential of severe flooding, threatens our fire department and, possibly in years to come, the accessibility of our current Village Hall. 

Now is the time to plan for a new Center of Hope with uses that promote and provide for the general welfare of those who follow us. The use of eminent domain to secure that property would honor the building and its grounds in service to the public, the fire department and village government operations.

Michael Mart

Port Jefferson

Local crime exposes bail reform dangers

In an effort to champion the successes of cashless bail, letter writer David Friedman cited a study done by the Data Collaborative for Justice [“Eliminating bail reduces recidivism,” TBR News Media, April 27]. Along the way he took the opportunity to make inaccurate personal assumptions about me, while criticizing respected Albany District Attorney David Soares [D]. In a clumsy effort to paint me as insincere, Friedman applies the term “crocodile tears.”

I’ve spent over three decades working with special needs and at-risk children ranging in age from preschool to high school. Responsibilities included teaching, meeting with parents and working with multidisciplinary teams that included probation officers, child protection specialists, social workers and psychologists. We had uplifting successes and heartbreaking disappointments. Tears, whether for joy or sorrow, were genuine.

Soares, shamefully silenced by his own party for condemning cashless bail, had a different take on much of the Collaborative Justice “data.” But an area where he could agree was the study’s very own “Summary and Conclusions.” Here were highlighted the dangers of “increased recidivism for people with substantial recent criminal histories.”

That terrifying scenario became reality in Suffolk County.

On April 24, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney [R] announced the recent seizure of guns and narcotics: “Law enforcement was able to recover … approximately 268 grams of fentanyl, which could kill 134,000 people.’’

Tierney blamed bail reform laws: “Out of the 21 individuals arrested, we only got to seek bail on 11.” Consider that fact, knowing 350 of our neighbors died of fentanyl overdoses last year.

On May 11, Michael Lafauci, a six-year veteran assigned to the 6th Precinct’s Anti-Crime Unit, barely survived a gunshot wound. The alleged shooter was Janell Funderburke. Last August, he and three others were arrested after fleeing police, then crashing a 2018 BMW. Suffolk cops pulled them from that burning vehicle and, in the process, found a handgun and drugs.

Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association President Noel DiGerolamo linked Lafauci’s horrific wounding to what he considers New York’s failed bail reform law, saying this suspected gang member “should never been out on the street.” He continued, “An individual who one day is rescued by Suffolk County police officers … only … for him to attempt to kill one. This is what our leaders in Albany have created.”

Counting on those 10 enjoying a cashless bail release, as described by Tierney, after their drug bust to “reform”? Ask DiGerolamo, the two DAs and, most importantly, Officer LaFauci.

Jim Soviero

East Setauket

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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By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

Most of us engage in group movements that don’t make our day. We get in a car, sit in traffic as we wait for other cars to pass or for lights to turn green, all the while surrounded by other people doing the same thing.

Group movements start at a young age, which we witness when we stop for school buses that pick up students. A line of buses then brings those students into the parking lot.

Our entertainment and discretionary decisions follow some of the same patterns as we travel by car, bus, or train to sporting events or, in our case, recently, concerts.

And yet, the experience and the excitement we share in our interactions are markedly different.

My wife and I attended a recent performance by Janet Jackson as a part of her Together Again tour.

Unlike 15 years ago when we last saw Janet Jackson at Madison Square Garden, we asked our son to take us to and from the concert. That’s one advantage of the passage of time.

We left the car about four-tenths of a mile from the arena. Walking more rapidly than the cars inching along next to us, we followed the line of people trekking along the shoulder to the entrance.

A woman leaned out of her window and asked us if we knew if the place would sell refreshments. We said we hoped so, but weren’t sure. She gave us an appreciative and friendly wave, despite the fact that we were completely unhelpful.

People wore a wide range of outfits, with some clad in T-shirts showing a younger version of Janet from earlier concerts and others adorned in dresses and high-heeled shoes.

While waiting to get inside the arena, we spoke with a couple behind us, who were celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary and her graduation from nursing school.

Once Ludacris took the stage, the crowd, which included every age group from young children to gray-haired seniors, shouted, swayed and responded to his songs.

Cooled by a light and intermittent breeze, the crowd roared its appreciation with the left side screaming at full throat to outdo the right.

A father, mother and daughter two rows ahead of us had clearly come to see Janet, sitting and eating popcorn despite Ludacris’ exhortations for everyone to stand and shout.

Before Janet took the stage, the arena displayed a photo montage from 50 years of Janet, showing the many faces of her public life.

I wasn’t tall enough to see over a man two rows in front of me. I looked around him to see the stage and the numerous screens with images of Janet and her dancers.

As I listened and watched a show in which Janet changed her wardrobe several times, I appreciated the energy such a concert must take to put on at the age of 56. She isn’t sprinting around the stage, but she still breaks into some of her iconic moves, with sweat gleaming on her forehead.

She urged the audience to turn on their phone flashlights, which created a wave of swaying bright lights along the lawn and in the seats.

While I reveled in familiar songs, I wished the heavy and loud bass and drums didn’t overwhelm Janet’s voice. I also second-hand smoked a high dose of marijuana, as the smokestack attached to the person two seats away from me must have felt as lit up as the stage by the finale.

The experience, which I shared with thousands of thrilled audience members, brought me back to the times and places where I heard these same songs decades ago. As we followed the crowd back to our cars (or, in our case, to meet our son), I could feel the glow the concert created for an appreciative audience. For a few hours, the strangers we might otherwise see as obstacles on the way to something else came together during a joyful concert.

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Facebook photo

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief

“When are you going to retire?” is a question that makes me smile. Of course, it is closely related to another word: age. Put the two words together, and I start to become defiant, which is probably why Martha Stewart decided to pose in a swimsuit for the cover of Sports Illustrated’s annual issue.

Now I know about Martha Stewart, who was not called by that name when she was a year behind me at Barnard College. That means she is only one year younger than I, and she, too, was feeling defiant. She wanted to show the world that she was not invisible just because she is older. And indeed, she is showing the whole world because she is an international personality, a businesswoman, writer and television personality, who has written books, publishes a magazine, hosted two syndicated television programs and personifies contemporary graceful living with her Martha Stewart Living ventures.

My guess is that many women in the latter years of their lives are cheering Martha Stewart’s swimsuit photos and her defiance.

Ageism is definitely an unwelcome bigoted “ism” in this century, when people are often living into their 80s, 90s and beyond. One of my personal heroes is Warren Buffett, American business investor and philanthropist. Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, known as the “Oracle of Omaha” and worth over 100 billion dollars, making him the fifth richest person in the world, he will be celebrating his 93rd birthday in August. Even more impressive is his business partner, Charlie Munger, who is 99. Together they still run the fabulously successful company.

Another such story is about Milton Esterow, 94, profiled in The New York Times last Sunday. A publisher at the age of 10 in Brooklyn where he grew up, he made 18 copies of his first publication, each consisting of one handwritten page, and sold them to friends for 2 cents apiece. You can see why he has already stolen my heart. Today he still writes articles for The New York Times about culture and art. In between, he has traveled around the world, met famous artists, owned the country’s oldest art magazine, ARTimes, and won many distinguished prizes. His culture stories had an edge. In 1964 he wrote a front page story for The NYT on treasures stolen by the Nazis during WWII, one of rare culture stories to run on page one. 

His investigative approach made his stories and magazine successes. In the early 1980s, as a result of a rumor he had heard, he and his wife flew to Vienna and visited a monastery that might house thousands of works looted by Nazi soldiers. He met with head of the Federal Monuments Office in Austria and sensed that the man was defensive. He assigned a reporter to dig around and by 1984, the article appeared attesting to the hidden collection. At that point, “All hell broke loose,“ according to Esterow.

“In 1985, the Austrian government announced a plan to return stolen works to their owners or heirs,” according to The NYT. “In 2016, the general consul of Austria presented Mr. Esterow with a Cross of Honor for Science and Art, saying that his work helped to make Austria ‘a better country.’”

Esterow continues to follow the trail of Nazi looting. He does not plan to retire. I particularly like what he had to say about that.

“Work is more fun than fun.”

For all these people and so many more octogenarians and older — Martha Stewart, Warren Buffett, Milton Esterow — retirement is a strange idea. Old age is another.

My sentiments, too.

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File photo

North Shore residents stopped by their local polling places throughout the day Tuesday, May 16, voting on school budgets and board of education candidates. Winners are in bold-italic.

This story will be updated as more results come in. Last updated May 17 at 2:46 p.m.

Commack Union Free School District

The budget passed

Yes – 1247

No – 351

Candidates, two seats

William Hender – 1283

Susan Hermer – 1303

Comsewogue Union Free School District

The budget passed.

Yes – 499

No – 220

Proposition 2 passed.

Yes – 579

No – 135

Candidates, two seats

James Sanchez – 546 

Alexandra Gordon – 553 

 

Cold Spring Harbor Central School District

The budget passed.

Yes – 779

No – 392

Candidates, three seats

Kate Dellicarpini – 617

William Wollman – 616

Lisa Smith – 599

Tara Belfi – 542

Nicholas Cerrone – 535

 

Elwood Union Free School District

The budget passed.

Yes – 1,278 

No – 508

Proposition 2 (capital reserve) passed.

Yes – 1,473

No – 349

Candidates, two seats

Tom Scarola – 1,228 

Sara Siddiqui – 1,179

Erin Aebisher – 609

Chris Fox – 458

Harborfields Central School District

The budget passed.

Yes – 1,273

No – 286

Candidates, two seats

Christopher Kelly – 1,146 

David Steinberg – 1,085

Rose Wyka – 377

Meghan Grote Shear – 356

Huntington Union Free School District

 

Kings Park Central School District

 

Middle Country Central School District

The budget passed.

Yes – 1,717

No – 705

Candidates, three seats

Kathleen Walsh – 1,580

Doreen Feldmann – 1,456

Deborah Mann-Rodriguez – 1,456

Kimberly Crawford-Arbocus – 866

Thomas Bettua – 854 

Bruce Bennett – 731

 

Miller Place School District

The budget passed. 

Yes – 837

No – 291

Proposition 2 (library budget) passed.

Yes – 981

No – 147

Candidates, two seats

John Galligan  – 877 

Lisa Reitan – 660 

Jenna Stingo – 495

 

Mount Sinai School District

The budget passed.

Yes – 1,037

No – 177

Proposition 2 (library budget) passed.

Yes – 1,037

No – 177

Proposition 3 (capital improvements) passed.

Yes – 976

No – 263

Proposition 4 (raising the capital reserved ceiling) passed.

Yes – 879

No – 332

Candidates, three seats

Christy Barbera – 708

Nicholas DeVito – 670 

Charles Carron – 660

Peter Van Middelem – 615

Edward Law – 520
Northport-East Northport Union Free School District

The budget passed.

Yes – 1,839

No – 1,315

Proposition 2 (capital expenditures) passed.

Yes – 2,449

No – 693

Candidates, two seats

Donna McNaughton – 2,275

David Badanes – 2,174

Amanda Cascio – 1,147

 

Port Jefferson School District

The budget passed. 

Yes – 849

No – 537

Proposition 2 (capital bond) rejected. 

Yes – 674

No – 708

Candidates, two seats

Shannon Handley – 1041

David Keegan – 1020

 

Rocky Point Union Free School District

The budget passed.

Yes – 692

No – 225

Proposition 2 (capital reserve) passed.

Yes – 722

No – 181

Candidates, two seats

Jessica Ward – 692

Erin Walsh – 586

Nicole Kelly – 347

 

Shoreham-Wading River Central School District

The budget passed. 

Yes – 568

No – 152

Candidates, three seats

Michael Lewis – 563

Katie Andersen – 546

Henry Perez – 529

 

Smithtown Central School District

The budget passed.

Yes – 4,236

No – 2,406

Candidates, three seats

Matthew Gribbin – 3,472

Kevin Craine – 3,361

John Savoretti – 3,343

Nicholas DeBello – 3,323

Vladimir Pean – 3,282

Elena Guttieri – 3,177 votes

Three Village Central School District

The budget passed.

Yes – 2,332

No – 1, 559

Karen Roughley – 2,222 

David McKinnon – 2,101

Jeffrey Kerman – 1,777  

Kristen Gironda – 1,423

Gabriela Alvanos – 1,511

Michele Siegel – 1,524

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Joel Gonzalez, right, with his wife Amanda, daughter Isabella and son Julian. Photo courtesy Gonzalez

Joel Gonzalez was waking up in the middle of the night, gasping for air. During the day, if he ate too quickly, he felt like food was getting stuck in his throat.

In 2018, Gonzalez, who lives in Coram and is a high school counselor, was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. A small hiatal hernia, in which part of his stomach bulged through an opening in his diaphragm and into his chest, caused the condition.

Gonzalez started taking medications, which helped relieve the symptoms and enabled him to sleep without experiencing discomfort or waking up suddenly.

In August 2022, after learning that his hiatal hernia had gotten slightly larger and deciding he didn’t want to continue taking reflux medicine for the rest of his life, he met with Dr. Arif Ahmad, director of the St. Charles and St. Catherine of Siena Acid Reflux and Hiatal Hernia Centers of Excellence, to discuss the possibility of surgery.

Gonzalez was so convinced that the surgery would help and confident in Dr. Ahmad’s experience that he scheduled the procedure during that first meeting. Since his November surgery, which took about an hour, he hasn’t had any GERD symptoms and is not taking any medication for the condition.

Gonzalez said he would “absolutely” recommend the surgical procedure, which became a “simple decision” after consulting with Dr. Ahmad.

Caused by a mechanical problem with a valve at the bottom of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter that allows stomach acid to enter the esophagus, GERD affects over 20% of the population.

Symptoms of GERD vary, which means doctors can and do take a range of approaches to treatment.

Hospitals, including St. Charles, St. Catherine of Siena, Stony Brook and Huntington Hospital, have been ramping up their efforts to evaluate and treat GERD.

Port Jefferson-based St. Charles and Smithtown-based St. Catherine of Siena, both part of the Catholic Health system, have been expanding these services at the Acid Reflux and Hiatal Hernia Centers of Excellence.

“There is a big need” for this increasingly focused effort to help patients dealing with the symptoms of GERD, said Dr. Ahmad.

At St. Charles and St. Catherine, Dr. Ahmad, who has been doing hiatal hernia and GERD-correcting surgery for over 25 years, created the center to ensure that the nurses on the floor, the people who do the testing, and the recovery staff are aware of the specific needs of these patients.

Dr. Ahmad has done presentations for the staff to ensure they have “the highest level of expertise,” he added.

Dr. Ahmad, also the director of the Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at Mather Hospital, said he could perform surgery, if a patient needs it, at any of the hospitals, depending on a patient’s request.

Stony Brook’s efforts

At the same time, Stony Brook recently created a multidisciplinary Esophageal Center at Stony Brook Medicine, designed to provide a collaborative care model for diagnosing and treating GERD.

The center provides minimally invasive endoscopic treatments as well as surgical options.

Dr. Lionel D’Souza, chief of endoscopy, said the center provides a cohesiveness that “allows an evaluation by a group of people who are experts and can communicate with each other” to provide a patient-specific plan.

Dr. D’Souza suggested people seek medical attention from their primary care physician or gastroenterologist if they experience any of the following conditions: heartburn every day or severe heartburn several times a week, trouble swallowing, food getting stuck in the throat, anemia, blood in the stool or weight loss without another explanation.

Other partners in the Stony Brook GERD Center include Dr. Olga Aroniadis, chief of the division of gastroenterology, Dr. Alexandra Guillaume, director of the gastrointestinal motility center, and Dr. Konstantinos Spaniolas, chief of the division of bariatric, foregut and advanced GI surgery at Stony Brook Medicine and director of Stony Brook’s bariatric and metabolic weight loss center.

“When someone has a lot of excess weight, the chance of developing GERD is a lot higher,” Dr. Spaniolas said. “Sometimes, getting patients through a program to facilitate with weight loss can help [people] avoid GI symptoms, such as heartburn.”

Stony Brook will see patients in different parts of its network and then, depending on the needs, will determine who is best-suited to start their work up and treatment, Dr. Spaniolas added.

While a potential option, surgery is among a host of choices for people who have ongoing heartburn.

Huntington Hospital, meanwhile, will begin offering esophageal motility testing starting in June. Patients can call Northwell Health’s Heartburn and Reflux Center to schedule an appointment.

A team of gastroenterologists, surgeons and dietitians will work with patients at Huntington to determine the cause of GERD and possible treatments, according to Dr. David Purow, chief of gastroenterology.

Soft foods

Those who have surgery return to solid foods gradually.

Marlene Cross, a resident of St. James who struggled with GERD for about a decade, had the procedure in March.

For the first few weeks, she ate primarily liquids, with some protein drinks and puddings. She added Farina and oatmeal to her diet and then could eat flaky fish.

At 83, Cross, who lost sleep because of GERD-induced heartburn, said the surgery was a success.

“I’m not running a marathon, but I’m definitely feeling a lot better,” said Cross, who is a retired teacher’s assistant for special education students.

Cross urged others who might benefit from surgery to “see a specialist and ask questions and do it” if the doctor recommends it. “The younger you do it, the better.”

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Summer is right around the corner and the Town of Brookhaven has a variety of fun and educational programs for young and old alike.

Pickleball
Centereach Athletic Complex
286 Hawkins Road, Centereach, NY 11720
Call: 631-451-6131 for more information.

Advanced BeginnerReview basic rules & regulations. Demonstrate basic shots and strokes, for example forehand, backhand, serve, return, volleys, etc. Sustain short rallies and play games with proper scoring. Rain dates – June 21st & June 28th.Dates: Wednesdays, May 17, 24, 31, June 7, 14Time: 8:00AM – 9:00AMVisit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Summer Fun Camp (Ages 6-11)Looking for a fun filled Summer for your child?  We still have some openings in our Summer Fun Camp Locations in Holtsville and Mastic.  Locations: – Holtsville Day CampHoltsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville, NY 11742– Mastic Day CampWilliam Floyd High School, 240 Mastic Beach Road, Mastic Beach NY 11951Dates: Monday, July 3 – Friday, August 18 Time: 8:00AM-4:00PMVisit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline to register or call 631-451-6113 for more information or help registering online.

Robert E. Reid, Sr. Recreation Center
Defense Hill Road & Route 25A, Shoreham, NY 11786
Call: 631-451-5306 for more information or help registering online.

Martial Arts (Ages 8-12yrs.)
This Class teaches techniques based on Chinese martial arts. Participants will work individually and take part in fast and dynamic moments that will increase agility, flexibility and stamina.
Dates: Mondays, June 5, 12, 26 July 3, 10, 17
Time: 4:30PM – 5:30PM
Fee: $45.00 per 6-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Country Line Dancing
These classes welcome beginner and intermediate dancers. Classes will teach students popular line dances being done across the country while having fun and getting exercise as well. 
Dates: Mondays, June 5, 12, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Time: 6:30PM – 8:00PM
Fee: $55.00 per 8-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Paint Your Pet
Join us for this exciting new program and have fun creating an 11″ x 14″ hand painted portrait of your furry friend. Must pre-register by Thursday, May 25. Upon registration you will receive an email address to supply the photo of your pet you would like to paint. Pet photo must be a clear, close-up picture of your pet. 
Date:Friday, June 9
Time: 6:00PM – 8:00PM
Fee: $45.00 per person
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline 

Skoblicki Scientists (entering grades K – grade 5)
In this interactive science program explore an exciting new topic each week in our summer series. Register for one or all. This class is open to school age students entering grade K through grade 5.
Dates: Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26, August 2
Time: 1:45PM – 2:30PM
Fee: $10.00 per class
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Broadway Kids (Ages 9-13yrs.)
Join us in this introduction to singing class and explore the exciting world of Broadway. Students will start each session with a 10-minute vocal warmup to wake up and strengthen their voices. Together they will sing some of the most well known songs from shows, old and new. Participants will have the opportunity to sing a chosen solo for the group. 
Dates: Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26 August 2, 9, 16, 23
Time: 4:00PM – 5:00PM
Fee: $50.00 per 8-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Belly Dancing (Ages 18+)
Looking for a fun way to get in shape? This class is a great introduction to belly dancing as a form of fitness, stress reduction and a way to obtain grace and femininity. Emphasis will be placed on basic belly dance techniques and steps in addition to its exercise benefit. Please wear comfortable clothing & non-slip socks or slippers. No sneakers.
Dates: Thursdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27, August 3, 10
Time: 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Fee: $35.00 per 6-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Jump Bunch Jr. (Ages 3-5yrs.)
Learn a new sport each week including soccer, football, lacrosse & volleyball. No equipment necessary, just bring water.
Dates: Fridays, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11
Time: 4:00PM – 5:00PM
Fee: $60.00 per 6-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline 

Jump Bunch Kids (Ages 6-9yrs.)
Learn a new sport each week including soccer, football, lacrosse & volleyball. No equipment necessary, just bring water. 
Dates: Fridays, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11
Time: 5:15PM – 6:15PM
Fee: $60.00 per 6-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Bocce League (Ages 18+)
Meet and play with different people each week. 2 games per week. Individual sign up. 
Dates: Thursdays, July 20, 27, August 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Fee: $30.00 per player per 6-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

New Village Recreation Center
20 Wireless Road, Centereach, NY 11720
Call 631-451-5307 for more information or help registering online.

Kids Karate (Ages 6-12) 
Kids will learn confidence, concentration and respect.
Dates: Tuesdays, June 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8, 15
Time: 6:00PM – 7:00PM
Fee: $50.00 per 8-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Zumba (Ages 16+)
This high-energy cardio aerobics class combines Latin and international beats with salsa, merengue, cha-cha, samba, hip-hop and belly dancing.
Dates: Mondays, June 12, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7
Time: 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Fee: $50.00 per 8-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Dates: Fridays, June 9, 16, 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 5:30PM – 6:30PM
Fee: $50.00 per 8-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Henrietta Acampora Recreation Center
39 Montauk Highway, Blue Point, NY 11715
Call 631-451-6163 for more information or help registering online.

Country Line Dancing
These classes welcome beginner and intermediate dancers. Classes will teach students popular line dances being done across the country while having fun and getting exercise as well. 
Dates: Mondays, July 17, 24, 31, Aug 7, 14, 21
Time: 2:30PM – 4:00PM
Fee: $45.00 per 6-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Motherhood Moves
This full-body workout is a combination of safe core movements, cardio, gentle stretching, breathing, labor prep and recovery. Postpartum, this class is geared for the just cleared six-week mama who is looking for a slower class to get her body readjusted to exercise. Please bring along a yoga mat and water.
Dates: Thursdays, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, July 6
Time: 7:15PM – 8:00PM
Fee: $40.00 per 6-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline 

Belly Dancing (Ages 18+)
Looking for a fun way to get in shape? This class is a great introduction to belly dancing as a form of fitness, stress reduction and a way to obtain grace and femininity. Emphasis will be placed on basic belly dance techniques and steps in addition to its exercise benefit. Please wear comfortable clothing & non-slip socks or slippers. No sneakers.
Dates: Mondays, June 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Time: 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Fee: $35.00 per 6-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Senior Fitness
The fitness class includes warm-up, low-impact, simple aerobic cardio moves, balance, strength training, resistance training and stretching exercises that can be done in a seated or standing position. There is no floor work in this class. Modifications are given throughout the class and is open to all levels. All participants need to wear comfortable clothes, sneakers and bring water. Please bring light weights if you have them.  
Dates: Fridays, July 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25, September 1 
Time: 10:45AM – 11:30AM
Fee: $2.00 per class (payable to instructor at the beginning of each class)
Free for those with Renew Active, One Pass, Silver & Fit, and Active and Fit Insurance. 
Call 631-451-6163 to register. 

Pilates
This class requires participants to be on a mat on the floor. You must be able to get up and down from the floor position to standing without the use of a chair. This class is a strengthening and lengthening form of exercise that focuses on the core muscles while training your back, hips, glutes, arms and legs. Pilates tones, increases flexibility and aids in better posture. Participants should wear workout clothes and sneakers. Sneakers are optional while exercising. Please bring your own mat and water. 
Dates: Fridays, July 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25, September 1 
Time: 11:45AM – 12:30PM
Fee: $2.00 per class (payable to instructor at the beginning of each class)
Free for those with Renew Active, One Pass, Silver & Fit, and Active and Fit Insurance. 
Call 631-451-6163 to register. 

Corey Beach
1 Corey Ave., Blue Point, NY 11715
Call 631-451-6163 for more information or help registering online.

Hula Hooping (Ages 16+)
Classes are for beginners or the more experienced “hoopers”. Beginners will learn basic fundamentals to keep the hoop up while spinning and dancing in and out of your hoop. More experienced students will learn some advanced skills and tricks. Enjoy one of the many beautiful beaches (weather permitting) in Brookhaven while having fun and burning calories. 
Dates: Wednesdays, June 21, 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Fee: $40.00 per 6-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

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The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The East Islip boys lacrosse program gave up a home game to participate in the fundraiser. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The East Islip boys lacrosse program. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The Ward Melville Patriots during the event. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
Spectator games. Photo by Bill Landon
The Ward Melville Patriots. Photo by Bill Landon
The Ward Melville Patriots. Photo by Bill Landon
Spectator games. Photo by Bill Landon
The Ward Melville Patriots. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham’s Carter Rubin singing the National Anthem before the boys varsity game. Photo by Bill Landon
The SWR Wildcats hosted East Islip during the 15th annual LAX OUT CANCER benefit game. Photo by Bill Landon
Wildcats celebrate. Photo by Bill Landon
The SWR Wildcats during the 15th annual LAX OUT CANCER event. Photo by Bill Landon
Wildcats on the field. Photo by Bill Landon
Wildcats host East Islip during the 15th annual LAX OUT CANCER event. Photo by Bill Landon
Wildcats host East Islip in the 15th annual LAX OUT CANCER event. Photo by Bill Landon
Photo by Bill Landon

An annual community philanthropic initiative recently returned for its latest installment.

Shoreham-Wading River High School hosted the 15th annual Lax Out Cancer fundraising event on Saturday, May 13. This community staple was organized by the lacrosse program in conjunction with the Wildcat Athletic Club and local businesses. The funds raised will help boost awareness while supporting four local families currently battling cancer.

The East Islip boys lacrosse team came to support the event, giving up a home game to help bolster the cause. The Ward Melville girls lacrosse team was also on hand, participating alongside SWR’s junior varsity teams and the Suffolk Police Athletic League.

There were games for the spectators, music and entertainment, silent auctions and apparel sales. The grills at the concession stand never cooled off.

Shoreham’s own Carter Rubin — season 19 winner of “The Voice” — sang a moving rendition of the National Anthem just before the varsity teams took the field.

The Wildcats took command early, holding off a late game surge and winning the game 14-5.

Contributions can be sent to Lax Out Cancer – SWRWAC at www.swrwac.org/?page_id=2478.

— Photos by Bill Landon

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School Board Elections. METRO photo

Board of education elections should be a time for the community to reflect on how their hard-earned tax dollars are serving a district’s children. Topics such as school security, class sizes, AP classes, sports, the arts, special education services and electives should all be considered when casting your ballot.

Yet, due to the hyperpartisanship of some district boards of education, these items can easily become the furthest thing from voters’ minds.

It’s important to remember that school board members are volunteers. It’s commendable for anyone to put their hat in the ring, subjecting themselves and their families to campaigning and controversies without compensation.

Civility goes a long way. Education of our local children, and decisions relating to what is best for them at school should not be taken lightly. However, there is a way to advocate for and fight for the candidate we think will pursue our children’s best interest without engaging in personal attacks.

It’s important for constituents and candidates alike to remember that the local school board, first and foremost, represents students. In most districts, students frequently attend meetings to receive awards or simply as part of their educational experience. When we go to vote, think about the example of leadership, civil dialogue and intellect the candidates would present during board meetings, and if they are the example we would want our children to see. We should take similar consideration when evaluating campaign tactics.

Our nation has become incredibly divisive. When passionate about issues, it’s easy to want to translate them into all aspects of life, including BOE elections, by voting for the candidate who openly aligns with your politics.

The local coverage of boards of education in the last few years should indicate that the nationalization of school politics only leads to infighting and disruption. Over time, this hostile culture can lead to less and less results for the students, whose interests should be paramount.

This Tuesday, consider the candidates that will keep our kids and tax dollars at the forefront at the top of their plate. You will find candidate profiles in all TBR News Media editions. There will be another day for politics.

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