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Mel M. Cohen: A veteran’s veteran

by Rich Acritelli - February 7, 2025

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Tainan AB Loading at Safety Clearing Drum Sep 67 Mel Cohen (1) — Mel Cohen in 1967. Photo courtesy Mel Cohen

By Richard Acritelli

Mel M. Cohen has lived a life of service that continues to this very day. He was born in Kew Gardens, Queens, in 1948 and moved to Levittown with his family several years later. Cohen enjoyed working around cars as a young man and considered himself a “motor-head.” Riding on his bike, Cohen delivered magazines and worked in the deli department at Waldbaum’s.Cohen had much in common with many of the other kids since this suburban area was mostly built by using the GI Bill for returning veterans of World War II. Many of the fathers who saw each other at the stores, schools and baseball fields, were also veterans who fought for America within the European and Pacific theaters of operations. One month after the June 6, 1944, landings, Cohen’s father Robert was a private first class in the 380th Construction Signal Battalion. For the rest of that war, the senior Cohen ran communication wiring to support the aggressive strength of the army that pushed into German territory.

During his senior year in high school, Cohen kept a watchful eye on the Vietnam War, as many of the young men from this sprawling suburb were drafted into the military. His brother Gerald was a member of the 101st Airborne and he instructed Cohen not to wait for the draft. Two days after graduating high school, Cohen enlisted into the United States Air Force. Completing his basic and advanced individual training in Texas, this future police officer became a member of the security forces.

As a young man, Cohen was deployed to a secret military base in Taiwan to guard F-100 Super Sabres and F-4 Phantoms. These military planes were loaded with nuclear weapons that could be flown in seven minutes to hit the Chinese mainland. Cohen was sent as a member of the security forces to guard these powerful aircraft. During the height of the Vietnam War, the United States was concerned about the strength of the Chinese to possibly take over the island nation.

Over the span of two major wars, the Cohen family greatly sacrificed toward the defense of America. First, with his father’s experience during World War II and then through the service of his older brother, Gerald. Cohen looked up to this sibling who was a hardened platoon sergeant in Vietnam and specialized in handling light weapons infantry. With two weeks left on his tour, Gerald, a member of the 101st Airborne Division’s 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry, C Company was killed by a sniper in the field on April 21, 1968.

For Cohen, it seemed like yesterday that his beloved brother was lost fighting for this nation in Vietnam. For the rest of his life, Cohen has helped others in honor of Gerald.

By 1953, Levittown had 70,000 residents, and it emerged as one of the largest suburban townships in America. The president of the Suffolk County Vietnam Veterans Chapter 11, Richard Kitson, grew up in Levittown, and he attended MacArthur High School. His father’s story was similar to Cohen’s, through their veterans affairs activities over the last several decades, they have become best friends. They were both from Gold Star families, as Kitson served in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam as a mortarman, and when he came home from this war, his brother John Francis entered the military.

Richard’s brother John Kitson was a machine gunner in a weapons platoon of the Marine Corps. John was killed in combat in Vietnam in 1969. Whereas Cohen and Kitson met several years later, at a Vietnam War memorial at a library in Levittown, their brothers’ names are two spaces away from each other. Every day, both veterans speak to each other in the morning, on their way home from work, and they meet for breakfast on Saturdays.

Kitson fondly looks at this relationship and states, “We are best friends, as we both lost a brother to this war, and we were Gold Star families who heavily suffered from this loss. Cohen, for almost his entire life. has been a ‘Veteran’s Veteran,’ who always expects to help others.” Both men, along with their good friend Clarence Simpson, wore their “green jackets” and flashed brilliant smiles as they were recognized by Rep. Nick LaLotta (R-NY1) for outstanding veteran achievement for this community and nation.

Grieving over the loss of his brother, Cohen served the rest of his air force time guarding B-52 Bombers at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) base in Plattsburg, New York. Vividly recalling the brutal cold weather during guard duty, after four years of service, Cohen looked forward to leaving the military in 1970. Using the GI Bill, Cohen attended Farmingdale State College for his associate degree, earned his bachelor’s degree in behavioral science at New York Institute of Technology and gained a master’s degree in criminal justice at C. W. Post. Taking several police exams, Cohen was hired at Rochester as an officer for a year, gained experience, and quickly took a job closer to home as an Amityville town police officer. By 1972, Cohen was hired by the Suffolk County Police Department, where he spent the bulk of his law enforcement career until his retirement in 2003. For three decades, Cohen held a myriad of jobs that included working in Babylon for the 1st Squad and for the District Attorney’s Office.

A well-rounded law enforcement figure, Cohen liked dealing with crimes and incidents that dealt with automobiles. He became a specialist within these matters and received training from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Quantico, Virginia. He was also sent to the Ford Motor Company and Harley Davidson to learn about the construction of these vehicles and how to determine ownership from theft and fire. For over 20 years, this respected detective was counted upon to solve many automotive dilemmas.

Mike Conlon, a member of law enforcement and a longtime guidance counselor at Rocky Point High School, worked closely with Cohen. Conlon said, “This seasoned detective was highly respected within this field and the tactics that he used to solve these crimes was extremely impressive. Cohen was one of the most well-versed police officers to handle these types of unique situations.”

Since he retired, Cohen has been one of the most active advocates of veterans affairs on Long Island and New York State. With Ralph Zanchelli, he helped establish a program for incarcerated veterans to help put them on the right path. They counsel veterans who are suffering from alcohol and drug abuse and are still inflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder. Cohen is pleased with this program’s important results over the last several years in trying to find jobs, housing and medical assistance for these veterans who have fallen on hard times.

Every Memorial Day at Bald Hill in Holtsville, Cohen along with Kitson and other members of the Suffolk County Chapter of Vietnam Veterans Chapter 11 hold a major ceremony. After attending the program at Calverton National Cemetery, they read the 256 names of Suffolk County veterans who were killed during the Vietnam War. This tradition has been done every year since 1991 by this local chapter of Vietnam veterans. Cohen, Kitson, Clarence Simpson, the members of this special veterans organization all come from different ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds. They are “Brothers in Arms” who demonstrate on a regular basis, that this melting pot of different origins has unitedly worked together for the betterment of the past, present and future veterans affairs needs.

For 10 years, Cohen organized breakfast for local Gold Star families at the Marriott Hotel in Hauppauge. Always next to him was Kitson, as both men use their sensitive experiences in how to assist other families who have lost members defending the United States. After World War I, President Woodrow Wilson supported the recognition of families, especially mothers who lost loved ones in uniform. Many people do not realize that living among our citizens are families that have suffered over the agonizing loss of members of the armed forces. It has been estimated that since 9/11/01 more than 16,000 veterans have died in noncombat circumstances, this number far surpassed the 7,000 Americans who died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Cohen has played a vital role in providing counseling to these grieving families and advocating to ensure that they are not forgotten by our local, state and federal levels of government.

Cohen has been a key member with Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America. This is one of the oldest veteran’s organizations in this country that was chartered by Congress in 1896 that was originally based out of Manhattan. Cohen is currently the post commander for the Colonel Mickey Marcus Jewish War Veterans Post in Centereach. This year, Suffolk County Leg. Chad Lennon (R-Mount Sinai) recognized Cohen as the Man of the Year for the Jewish American Heritage Month.

Cohen ensures the mission of this organization to always help local veterans and to oppose the rise of antisemitism. Cohen, as the New York State action officer, investigates hatred against Jewish people in this state and nation.

And through all these numerous endeavors, Cohen is also an important member of Rocky Point VFW Post 6249. Always wanting to help with the many activities of this extremely busy veteran’s organization, its commander, Joseph A. Cognitore, is pleased to have the experience of this productive citizen. Cognitore stated, “His determination to always help our local and national veterans never stops. He is a true gentleman who has a wealth of knowledge that has been truly amazing to witness over the last several decades. We are proud to have the presence of Cohen at Post 6249, where he is one of the finest patriots that I have ever worked with within Veterans Affairs.”

Cohen is on the committee for the Veterans Day program that is held at Calverton National Cemetery. He meets once a month to help with the Wreaths Across America program, organizes speakers and the several groups of veterans organizations that will attend this important event. With Cognitore, Cohen is on the Advisory Board for the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook to oversee the care of veterans, the number of beds, services and the medical qualifications for this staff.

Kitson said about his good friend, “Cohen is a special person who on a regular basis has made this area extremely proud of his devotion to demonstrate an unyielding presence to always extend a helping hand to a veteran.”

Report finds no maintenance or repairs carried out on Port Jeff East Beach Bluff project

by Lynn Hallarman - February 6, 2025

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unnamed — PJ Country Club prior to collapse of gazebo and edge of tennis courts, undated photograph. Courtesy of PJ Village website

Phase 1 of the East Beach Bluff Stabilization was the first part of a $10 million initiative aimed at arresting bluff erosion and preventing the Village of Port Jefferson-owned country club from sliding down the slope.

This first phase of the project was completed in June 2023. By any official accounts of the time, Phase 1 was a success. But within months of completion a series of storms in late 2023 and early 2024 damaged the site, undoing costly work, setting back progress and hampering the goals of the project.

According to the May 2024 Bluff Monitoring Report covering the period from September 2023 to February 2024, conducted by GEI Consultants of Huntington Station (the engineering firm that designed Phase 1), the village had not implemented recommended repairs, increasing the risk of more complicated and expensive upkeep and repair in the future.

The report stated that “no maintenance or repairs to date were undertaken by the village following the storms,” further suggesting that the village implements “necessary repair to the project as soon as possible.”

The report’s findings have raised questions among residents and officials about the long-term viability of the stabilization efforts and financial resources needed for continued upkeep and repairs.

TBR News Media reviewed GEI’s 2024 Bluff Monitoring Report — required under the Department of Environmental Conservation permit for Phase 1 — and spoke to experts, village officials and residents, exploring the report’s recommendations and the obstacles confronting the village in completing its requirements.

Costs of phases 1 and 2

At the completion of Phase 1, a 358-foot wall of steel and cement was constructed at the base of a steep bluff, about 100-feet-tall, situated on East Beach, facing north toward the Long Island Sound.

As part of the project, the severely eroded bluff face — scoured and denuded by years of storms — underwent restoration. Native vegetation was planted and secured with eight rows of timber terraces, and coir logs (interwoven coconut fibers) at the lower section and, toward the crest, with burlap netting.

The total cost of the Phase 1 project according to village treasurer, Stephen Gaffga, is “$6,024,443 million, of which $677,791 is related to design/engineering/permitting/ surveying, and $5,346,652 was spent on construction.”

At the crest of the bluff, approximately 30 feet beyond the precipice, sits the country club. Phase 2 involves the installation of a 545-foot long, 47-foot-deep steel barrier driven into the bluff’s crest, just a few feet seaward of the country club. The barrier is designed to stabilize the area landward of the bluff and prevent erosion, further reducing the risk of the building collapsing.

The cost of Phase 2 will be partially funded by federal taxpayer dollars as a $3.75 million FEMA grant, the final approval recently completed this past week, allowing for the village to receive bids for the work in the coming months for the construction of the upper wall. Local taxpayer dollars will fund the remaining Phase 2 expenses.

According to Gaffga, the Phase 2 “complete expenses are yet to be determined,” he explained in an email. The total cost will be better understood once the village receives bids for constructing the upper wall

The stabilization project, since its inception in 2017 has been presented by village officials as an urgent necessity. With this imperative in mind, the trustees approved a $10 million bond resolution, without a community referendum, in 2021 to fund the project’s two phases.

In a January 2023 statement by former Mayor Garant, after permitting and plans had been finalized, she warned, “If immediate measures to combat and stop the erosion are not implemented, the building foundation will get exposed, will lose structural support, and slowly but surely will fail — causing significant structural damage first, followed by complete collapse of the [country club] building.”

2024 GEI report findings

Heavy rainstorms swept across Long Island in the early fall of 2023, beginning with Hurricane Lee on Sept. 12 followed by another severe storm on Sept. 23.

According to the GEI report, these storms caused “post-storm stress” to the new vegetation leading to plant die off, shifting sands and forming a small ravine — also referred to as a gully — past the western edge of the wall at the base of the bluff.

To prevent further damage, GEI recommended that the village “replant beachgrass in stressed areas of the bluff face and protect the western edge of the wall by adding a filter fabric and stone.”

Photograph of East Beach Bluff Phase 1 taken as part of the GEI post-storm inspection after Hurricane Lee on Sept. 12, 2023. Courtesy of PJ Village website

However, two additional major storms in December 2023 and February 2024 brought strong winds and heavy rainfall expanding the damage started in September. A GEI post-storm inspection in the days following the storms found that a large ravine had formed on the eastern edge of the bluff face, further damaging the vegetation, matting and terracing within the ravine.

Photograph taken as part of the GEI inspection report Feb. 22, 2024 showing extensive damage to the bluff in the vicinity of stressed growth identified in September 2023. Courtesy of PJ Village website

In total, the May 2024 report outlined detailed recommendations involving improved drainage, repairs to terracing, laying down of erosion control fabric and replacement of beachgrass. The report’s recommendations concluded with concerns about utilizing honeycomb grids by Coastal Technologies Corp. under consideration by village officials, namely: “GEI has expressed concern that such an installation may not be effective at East Beach due to the types of soils present and the steepness of the East Beach Bluff.”

Despite these concerns, the Board of Trustees at the Oct. 23 public meeting approved a resolution to use American Rescue Plan Act funds at the total cost of $33,920 to pilot test Coastal Technologies stabilizing devices, pending a revised permit from the DEC.

In response to GEI concerns, George Thatos, Coastal Technologies co-founder and head of design, said, “Our Cliff Stabilizer system stabilizes near-vertical slopes with vegetation, unlike terracing which requires major regrading and cliff-top land loss.” He added, “Our solution naturally reforests bluffs.”

According to DEC representative, Jeff Wernick, if a permit holder “cannot follow a report recommendations due to environmental conditions, DEC works with them to modify the permit to correct the issues. If the recommendations are not followed due to negligence, it could result in a violation of the permit and enforcement action.”

Port Jeff Citizens Commission on Erosion

This reporter attended a recent meeting of the Port Jefferson Citizens Commission on Erosion. Their mission, in summary, is to act as a volunteer resident advisory group to the village on matters of erosion confronting the village. So far, much of the group’s focus, chaired by village resident David Knauf, has been on the East Beach Bluff Stabilization project.

On Jan. 20, the committee submitted detailed written questions to Mayor Lauren Sheprow expressing concerns about the overall status of the stabilization project. It questioned plans to proceed with Phase 2 before implementing drainage recommendations and before updating the land survey of the upper bluff that is about three years old. The commission urged these steps be completed before soliciting bids for the construction of Phase 2.

”There was damage that occurred since the Phase 1 was completed that hasn’t been addressed, meaning that it keeps getting more pronounced. There were ongoing reports that were done during the past year,” Knauf said at the Jan. 23 commission meeting.

He added that repairs “should have been done up to now so that whatever was occurring [with Phase 1] didn’t get worse.”

The commission, to date, has not received a comprehensive update on maintenance done on the bluff/wall as recommended in the May 2024 report, according to Knauf.

According to village trustee Robert Juliano, any maintenance and repair done during the time frame of the 2024 report “was minor, such as grooming the beach by village employees.”

Other concerns brought up at the meeting included a request to review a retreat plan allegedly completed under former Mayor Garant and actively participating in vetting of contract bids.

Sheprow, present at the meeting, told TBR News Media her responses to the written questions from the commission, reviewed at the Jan. 23 meeting, would be posted on the village website.

“The village will look to enlist the Citizens Commission on Erosion to help facilitate an open forum where GEI will present the Phase 2 project design and a path forward for Phase 1 remediation and restoration,” the mayor said in an email to TBR News Media.

The 2023 Annual Post-Construction Bluff Monitoring Report dated May 2024 and related items can be viewed at the Port Jefferson Village website at: www.portjeff.com/ 206/East-Beach-Bluff.

For earlier reporting by TBR News Media, visit tbrnewsmedia.com and key in “East Beach Bluff Stabilization project.”

Letters to the Editor: February 6, 2025

by TBR Staff - February 6, 2025

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

Poquott speed bumps

In response to Poquott Village Board communication dated Dec. 26, 2024. I have the following comments to be shared with the community at the Feb. 6 town hall meeting and via our local newspaper.

As a 38-year resident of Poquott I have seen traffic issues take many forms from the widespread and out of control imposition of illegal ticket issuance by employees of the village to the addition of unnecessary stop signs like the one at White Pine and Van Brunt. More recently and sadly it has become known that a resident’s small dog got loose from an unfenced yard and was hit by a car at the junction of Van Brunt and Shore Road. Undoubtedly speeding is perceived as an issue and much of this stems from previous Poquott Board members’ inability adequately to manage the development of what is known this side of the village as “The Middle Kingdom.” In this respect the additional traffic on Van Brunt stemmed from inappropriately relying in large part on traffic egress of the development of new homes via what became known as White Pine. It is my understanding and belief that instead or in addition, egress roadways should have been mandated directly onto the area where Van Brunt meets Shore Road.

The whole matter has parallels I suggest with those who buy homes next to airports and then complain about aircraft noise. Be that as it may, it is what it is and our current board, I acknowledge, has to be seen to address the issue.

However, I am opposed to what has been done in the pilot programs implemented for the following reasons:

1. Why has one side of the village been greatly inconvenienced and impacted with multiple speed bumps and stop signs while the other has a perfectly reasonable digital monitoring system?

2. Traffic returning from 25A to homes on Van Brunt beyond Shore Road now have to stop a ridiculous 4 times:

1. Once at a nasty speed bump as one approaches the area in question.

2. A second time at the stop sign.

3. A third time at speed bump 2, and

4. An absurd 4th time at speed bump 3.

3. I am retired and no longer in a hurry to go anywhere but I recognize that employed residents have stuff to do and places to go and all this nonsense does is irritate and slow their normal progress down to get to where they need to go after which they are far more likely to speed up again to make up for time and energy lost in what are laughably called “calming measures.”

4. Returning to 25A from the other direction is just as bad with stops for speed bump, then stop at incorrectly placed stop sign (where visibility to traffic coming along Shore Road from the right-hand side is not properly visible) then stop again at where the stop sign should have been placed to start with so that one can see traffic coming from the right, and finally once again at the next speed bump. Who decided upon this madness?

5. Even residents who will grind to an almost complete stop to get over these speed bumps will experience wear and damage to their vehicles suspension systems. This might be good news for those in the auto repair business but no one else. Will reimbursement be possible from the village? This could be financed by getting rid of the superfluous police force and saving further dollars from local taxes.

6. Needless to say, all this overkill results in the proliferation of a nasty aspect of living in Poquott – the unpleasant number of ridiculous signs that are indiscriminately plastered all over village roads and beaches. Talk about “nanny state” — my favorite is the particularly stupid one advising dog owners that they can only go onto the beach with a dog if waiting for or exiting from your boat. Which apparatchik of state thought this one up and how was it assumed this would be policed? It’s like a feeble attempt at a Monty Python sketch.

My suggestion is for the Board to rethink the entire mess. Either get rid of speed bumps entirely and perhaps use digital warning monitors on both sides of the village or re-site a single speed bump at a properly positioned stop sign.

Peter Stubberfield

East Setauket

Letter to Superintendent Scanlon

Dear Dr. Scanlon,

I am writing concerning the science teacher who was recently removed from the classroom because of online posts concerning the immigration policies of the new administration in Washington, D,C. My son was fortunate enough to be in this teacher’s class many years ago. She is an excellent and very patient teacher.

I understand why many reasonable Americans find the current demonization of immigrants to be inappropriate, very upsetting and dangerous. While this teacher’s comments were not kind, they were not personally threatening and appear to be well within her rights of free speech. In the sermon by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, less than one week ago, she reminds us all that the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches, mosques and synagogues, gurdwara, and temples. She asks for mercy and dignity for immigrants and all people in the USA and throughout the globe.

It appears that many of the responses from the Three Village community to this teacher’s post have been unkind and personally threatening. I ask you to return this excellent teacher to her classroom and ask everyone in the Three Village community to treat each other with the kindness, mercy and dignity we all deserve, and remember that while issues related to immigration policy may be complex and difficult for reasonable people to resolve, demonizing and poor treatment of immigrants is never appropriate.

Susan Ackerman

Stony Brook

D. None of the Above: Remembering the day the late Fay Vincent shared advice and a baseball story

by Daniel Dunaief - February 5, 2025

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By Daniel Dunaief

With temperatures soaring, the large gathering of friends and family used programs to fan themselves.

Sweat dripped down my back as I waited in a wooden chair amid bright sunshine to witness and celebrate my brother’s graduation from Colgate University. Thoughts of my brother mixed with a need to find shade and an ice cold drink.

I had attended several graduations before this one, including my older brother’s and my own from college. I recall my Ward Melville High School graduation being incredibly warm as well, but this one seemed longer and more protracted, perhaps because we had to drive several hours to attend.

I pondered all the phone calls to the 315 area code with my younger brother, who complained about the snow, the ice and the bitter cold temperatures, which was an enormous contrast to the stifling heat of that day.

The commencement speaker, Fay Vincent, was the commissioner of baseball at the time. His tenure started when his predecessor Bart Giamatti died of a heart attack at 51, eight days after banning Pete Rose from baseball for life for gambling on the game.

I thought about Vincent this week when I learned he had died at the age of 86 from cancer. I remember a surprising number of thoughts and ideas he shared during that momentous and proud day in our family’s life.

Fortunately, the sound system on that field was clear enough that I could hear almost every word he said.

He started off by saying that there’s no such thing as a good, long commencement speech. Similarly, there’s no such thing as a bad, short commencement speech.

The overheated audience laughed at both well-delivered lines, relieved that their children’s names would be called fairly soon.

He had three pieces of advice for these graduates. He recommended that they do something good. While that course of action depended on each person’s definition of “good,” he urged people to use their time effectively and to contribute something to society.

He then suggested that people do something well. Merely taking a job, moving on to graduate school, or doing some kind of internship wasn’t enough: graduates needed to commit to completing any task well, whatever that might be.

And, finally, he urged them to do something. That line also elicited considerable laughter from the appreciative crowd, who, by now, was eating out of his hand and wasn’t so sure they wanted this speech to end too rapidly.

He urged graduates not to return home and spend too much time pondering their future. They needed to go out and experience life. And, of course, once they took whatever next steps, they should remember to engage in good work while committing to doing it well.

Recognizing that the commissioner of baseball couldn’t get off the dais without sharing a baseball story, he also offered one about a rookie umpire.

The Houston Astros were playing the Yankees at the Astrodome in front of more than 50,000 adoring fans during their home opener.

Nolan Ryan, the ace of the team and one of the best pitchers in baseball who still holds the record with seven no hitters, was on the mound.

Mickey Rivers, the speedy Yankees center fielder, was stepping up to the plate. The umpire signaled for Ryan, who entered the Hall of Fame in 1999 as a Texas Ranger, to throw the first pitch.

The ball exploded into the catcher’s mitt. The fans waited as the seconds ticked by. The players looked in for the call. The umpire signaled weakly, “strike?” and extended his arm. The crowd cheered wildly as the catcher tossed the ball back to Ryan, who had started out his 27-year career as a member of the New York Mets.

Rivers took a step out of the box and smiled at the umpire. “Hey, it’s okay, blue,” Rivers said. “I didn’t see it either.”

Vincent told the story and offered his advice with such gusto and passion that I can still recall the speech and its effect on people all these years later.

Is it possible that Ryan was on another team during that speech and that another batter shared such relatable words to the umpire? Sure. But, I can remember the message, the charm and the encouragement (and, of course, the searing heat) as if I were sitting in that field yesterday, celebrating my brother’s graduation and appreciating Vincent’s word’s of wisdom.

Between You and Me: Cancer — then and now

by Leah Dunaief - February 5, 2025

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By Leah S. Dunaief

Cancer. Half a century ago, it was a word only whispered, so dreaded was the disease. It was considered a death sentence. People who had it were often shunned, as if it were contagious. And hospital treatments were demonic. As one cancer specialist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston put it, “We were kind of just pushing poisons and hoping for the best.”

But cancer deaths have plummeted in the last 30 years, as scientists and physicians have greatly improved their understanding of the pathology, and treatments now target some cancer-causing genes. Likened to diabetes, cancer might be thought of as a manageable chronic disease.

What exactly is cancer?

An excellent article in this Tuesday’s issue of The New York Times science section tackled that question. “Every day, billions of cells in our body divide or die off. Once in a while, though, something goes awry, and cells that should stop growing or die simply don’t. Left unchecked, those cells can turn into cancer,” writes Nina Agrawal.

Why that happens and how to treat the problem still puzzles scientists and doctors, but there has been great progress in understanding the disease in its various forms. While they used to think that mutations of genes caused all cancer, that has turned out to be only part of the story. Some mutations lay dormant an entire lifetime and never lead to cancer.

Separate from DNA code mutations, there are epigenetic changes, changes due to our environment in the way genes are expressed, that play a huge role. These may be caused by aging, dietary and environmental exposures, and chronic inflammation.

Some chemicals have long been known to cause cancer, like asbestos and those in cigarette smoke. Air pollution is now thought to increase risk, especially for lung and breast cancers, triggering inflammation. So does eating an unhealthy diet, which “can upset the balance of our microbiome, allowing certain bacteria to grow unchecked. Scientists think this may cause chronic inflammation, which can lead to colon or pancreatic cancers,” Dr. Davendra Sohal, a gastrointestinal oncologist, told The New York Times.

Interestingly, malignant tumors are made up of cancer cells, as well as normal cells “that have been recruited to support their growth,” according to The NYT. “Many of these normal cells are the same type of immune cells that will flood the site of an injury or infection to help heal that wound—by helping new cells multiply, generating blood vessels, stimulating new connective tissue and avoiding attacks from other parts of the immune system. These are capabilities that cancer cells can co-opt indefinitely to support their own growth.”

Epidemiologists estimate that 40 percent of cancers and cancer deaths can be caused by controllable risk factors. These include cigarette smoking, sun exposure, alcohol use and excess body weight. Some infections, for example, caused by hepatitis B and C viruses, human papillomavirus and H. pylori bacteria, can also cause certain cancers, according to the article.

Understanding better how the immune system works has opened up a new treatment field called immunotherapy, using T-cells, immune system fighters produced or processed by the thymus gland that kill cancer cells in lungs and skin, among others. Engineered by doctors, T-cells, forming CAR T-cell therapy, have been most effective against blood cancers, the reporter said.

Can cancer be cured?

While physicians are reluctant to use that term, newer treatments like stem cell transplants and CAR T therapy make for optimism, especially after a number of years elapse when a patient is in remission.

Research further to develop prevention and treatments must continue.

Your Turn: Why we must value people with differing abilities

by TBR Staff - February 5, 2025

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Mark X. Cronin and John Cronin — Mark X. Cronin with his son John. Facebook photo

A response to President Trump’s remarks

By Mark X. Cronin

In times of tragedy, our words matter. We witnessed sixty-seven people lose their lives, suddenly tossing mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends, coworkers, and teammates into the darkest grief. In moments like these we must resist the urge to jump to conclusions.

President Trump, I heard what you said about the plane crash in Washington DC when you suggested that the hiring of people with intellectual developmental disabilities contributed to the tragedy. As the father of a young man with Down syndrome and an employer of people with differing abilities, I feel compelled to respond—not in anger, but to open a dialogue. I am not calling you out, instead I would like to invite you in, to learn more about what people with intellectual developmental disabilities can do and the contributions they are already making to our society and economy.

Let’s not blame people with differing abilities. Let’s not return to a time when they were shunned and ostracized. I want you to see how people with differing abilities contribute to our schools, workplaces, and communities. Across our nation and industries, people with differing abilities prove every day that they are valuable, skilled, and reliable employees. Companies like Microsoft, Walgreens, and EY have built successful programs hiring neurodiverse employees because they see their talent, not their limitations.

As an employer, I can assure you that no organization, least of all the FAA, knowingly places individuals in roles for which they are unqualified. Every air traffic controller undergoes intensive training and testing to ensure they meet the highest standards. The same applies to every pilot, engineer, and safety inspector. The inclusion of people with differing abilities does not mean lowering the bar; it means assessing skills fairly and placing people where they can succeed. That is not to say that no one made a mistake, but if mistakes were made, it is not because they had an intellectual developmental disability.

Mr. President, I invite you to see firsthand what inclusion looks like. Visit John’s Crazy Socks, meet my son John. He is an entrepreneur like you and a leader – EY named him Entrepreneur of the Year. More than half of our colleagues have a differing ability, meet them, see their dedication, talent, and hard work—not limitations. I believe that if you see this in action, you’ll understand why so many businesses, large and small, are embracing inclusive hiring as a competitive advantage.

America’s strength comes from the contributions of all its people. Never be blinded by a person’s limitations, be awed by their possibilities. When we focus on what individuals can do—rather than what they cannot—we build a stronger, more inclusive society. That’s the future and I hope you will lead us there.

Mark X. Cronin is co-founder and President of John’s Crazy Socks in Farmingdale.

Bicyclist killed in Miller Place motor vehicle crash

by Press Release - February 4, 2025

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Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a bicyclist on Feb. 3 in Miller Place.

Marc Wilke was riding a bicycle southbound across Route 25A, east of Hunter Avenue, when he was struck by an eastbound 2021 Nissan Sentra at approximately 6:55 p.m. Wilke, 51, of Patchogue, was transported by Rocky Point Rescue ambulance to Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the Nissan, Sylvia Balmer, 60, of Mastic Beach was not injured.

The Nissan was impounded for a safety check. Detectives are asking anyone with information on the crash to contact the Sixth Squad at 631-854- 8652.

Editorial: The sacrifice of change

by TBR Staff - February 3, 2025

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Recently, towns across our coverage area have had to confront the loss innate in progress, especially as it affects the delicate balancing scale of Long Island’s development. In Smithtown, the Kings Park Revitalization Plan enters its final stages leaving some residents overjoyed and others worried about congestion.

Simultaneously, in Setauket, the controversial battery energy storage facilities are being opposed partly because they would be located in population dense areas. These events have triggered vastly differing reactions, but all raise questions: How much change is too much? And, is change worth the loss?

The heart of the opposition in each of these issues is that Long Island is under threat of overdevelopment, as it has been for years. Despite this, it is becoming unlivable due to financial strains. Ever present in discourse across every sector, is the exodus of young Long-Islanders–the skills we lose when each one moves away taking their education and expertise with them, the sorrow of having a loved one no longer within driving distance.

The Kings Park Revitalization Plan struck the balance—nearly. Some people decry the development it promotes, while others say it is the very thing their hamlet needs and has the potential to bring life and energy back to their community, perhaps enticing young people to stay and build their lives, families and careers.

Each viewpoint, especially the critical ones, smoothed the rough surfaces of the plan. Paying attention to defects is an essential step in ensuring that we don’t become so infatuated with progress that we forget what we have.

Some people are still unhappy with the Kings Park Revitalization Plan as it enters its last step before it is voted on for approval. However, their voices help develop a more complete, well-informed opinion on what matters to our community.

Public hearings may slow down the process, delaying approval, but they prompt analysis and re-analysis, reminding us of the trade offs we need to consider.

Shoreham-Wading River Wildcats falls in Suffolk DII wrestling final

by Bill Landon - January 30, 2025

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By Bill Landon

It was the Wildcats of Shoreham-Wading River the No. 2 seed pitted against John Glenn the No. 1 ranked team in the Suffolk County Division II championship final at Bay Shore High School Saturday afternoon, Jan. 25.

The Wildcats found themselves trailing after having lost the first four bouts in the heavier weight classes before Shoreham’s Bradley Brandt pinned his opponent in just 0:36 at 101 lbs.

Thomas Matias won his bout by a technical fall 18-1 for the Wildcats at 108 lbs and teammates Shane Hall pinned Jaxson Sachs at 138 lbs, and Jacob Conti did the same at 152 lbs.

Shoreham-Wading River sophomore Gavin Mangano, a two-time eastern states champion made short work of Ricky Jimenez with a pin at the 0:28 at 145 lbs.

Jacob Conti at 152 lbs pinned Peter Bell in just over a minute, but it was too little too late as the Wildcats fell to Glenn 42-29.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Local doctors discuss bird flu and the lack of infectious disease information from the CDC

by Daniel Dunaief - January 30, 2025

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stcharleszahra — Dr. Aleena Zahra/St. Charles Hospital

By Daniel Dunaief

Bird flu, which is a virus that has so far primarily infected animals, has affected a duck farm in Aquebogue.

Amid concerns about transmission, Crescent Duck Farm, which has operated as a family business since 1908, has had to put down close to 100,000 ducks.

At this point, health officials haven’t reported any cases of humans contracting the virus, although the farm, its workers and doctors have been looking out for signs of illness.

Local doctors suggested that the risk to humans from bird flu is limited to those people who have worked with or handled sick birds.

Dr. Adrian Popp, chair of Infection Control at Huntington Hospital/ Northwell Health. File photo

The virus “transmits easily from bird to bird, but so far transmission to humans has not occurred to my knowledge,” Dr. Adrian Popp, chair of Infection Control at Huntington Hospital/ Northwell Health and associate professor of medicine at Hofstra School of Medicine, explained in an email. “There is a theoretical possibility that this can occur, but so far, I think we are safe,” as New York State is monitoring exposed workers.

Doctors urged residents to see a healthcare worker if they have any contact with birds and they develop symptoms such as a fever, conjunctivitis (an eye infection that can include redness or watery eyes), or breathing issues.

“Monitor yourself for 10 days after exposure,” urged Dr. Aleena Zahra, infectious disease physician at St. Charles Hospital. “If you develop any symptoms, seek medical attention.”

The treatment for bird flu, which can affect people in ways that are similar to influenza, is to take tamiflu, which is more effective in the earlier stages of an infection.

“If you’re in contact with an animal that is sick, then that would be a potential risk factor,” added Zahra.

Zahra advised residents to avoid picking up a dead bird in their yard without gloves and other safety measures.

Dr. Sharon Nachmann, chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, added that the jump to humans from other animals is rarely happening.

People who have become infected are typically recovering, although one person in Louisiana died from the virus.

Despite the relatively low risk, viruses have the ability to mutate, which could make them more transmissible and more dangerous.

CDC silence

At the same time, local doctors are concerned that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stopped publishing information on infectious diseases.

“This is an unprecedented attack on timely access to reports about transmission of various infectious diseases in the country and worldwide,” Popp explained. “It will lead to delayed prevention measures, poor health care, and potentially allowing infectious disease outbreaks to get out of control.”

Dr. Sharon Nachmann/Stony Brook Children’s Hospital

The CDC has created travel bans in the past, but has not closed its reporting on outbreaks, Nachmann said.

“It’s incredibly stressful,” said Nachmann.

Doctors added that they were missing the bigger picture that might offer important information about the source of an illness and the best possible treatment.

“We want to do the best for our patients. We want to tell them that this is working or that is not working and you need a different medication,” Nachmann said.

For right now, doctors are gathering information from state and local officials, said Zahra.

The CDC typically shares details about the specific type of infections in an area or region, its responsiveness to various treatments and its differential impact on any specific subgroup, such as children.

“It is sad to see how political, partisan measures are used to suppress sharing of scientific information between healthcare professionals,” Popp added.

Doctors are hoping for more and better information before too long.

“All we have now is a stop,” said Nachmann. “We don’t know what happens after the stop.”

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