Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook). Photo courtesy Town of Brookhaven livestream
By Peter Sloniewsky
The Town of Brookhaven Town Board met on Sept. 12 to discuss a variety of issues.
After a number of routine matters, the board addressed its Resolution Agenda. First, it designated the month of October as National Bullying Prevention Month, declared the week of Oct. 23-31 as Red Ribbon Week for drug education and awareness, and designated Sept. 29 as National Veterans of Foreign Wars Day.
The board then moved to authorize a grant from the Critical Infrastructure Grant Program it had received from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to fund a generator at its vehicle control facility. The board also voted to lease additional property at the town-owned Rolling Oaks Golf Course in Rocky Point, and to award bids to contractors for highway repair work, heavy-machinery repair work and at the Mill Pond Golf Course in Medford for cart path repair.
The board then voted to extend the Home Investment Partnerships Program with the Long Island Housing Partnership, which assists new homebuyers in financial need, through Dec. 16.
Lastly on to its Resolution Agenda, the board accepted donations of both money and land, authorized its attorney to settle claims against the town and authorized the qualification of the 2nd annual Long Island Law Enforcement Charity Car Show event to receive coverage under the Town of Brookhaven Programs for Public Good Insurance.
Beyond its Resolution Agenda, the Town Board set a date for a public hearing to amend the Uniform Traffic Code on Oct. 17. It also held public hearings for the town’s Planning Board and accepted comments from the general public.
The Town Board will meet again on Sept. 23 for a work session and publicly for a formal meeting on Sept. 26.
While the fall provides a break from the summer heat and a respite for exhausted parents who coordinate and carpool for recreational activities, it also can trigger a return to more concentrated time indoors.
Dr. Sharon Nachman, Chief of the Division of Pediiatric Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. File photo
That can trigger the beginning of the flu season, as students and their families share much more than the lessons of the day and stories about teachers and classmates.
Timing shots can be a delicate balance, as the antibody coverage from these shots is typically about three months.
With the peak flu season often occurring during December and January and even into February, Dr. Sharon Nachman, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, suggested that residents receive their vaccines in a few weeks.
“Getting a vaccine in October is probably the right time,” Nachman said.
Dr. Gregson Pigott, Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, added that the timing for Covid vaccinations is somewhat trickier.
“Because the evolution of new variants remains unpredictable, SARS-CoV2 [the virus that causes the disease] is not a typical ‘winter’ respiratory virus,” Pigott explained in an email.
The county health department recommends that residents stay up to date with their vaccinations.
“Individuals should speak with their healthcare providers for advice that is specific to them,” Pigott added.
Simultaneous shots
Doctors generally recommend receiving both shots at the same time, if people are eligible and the timing for each vaccine is right. Residents who are unsure about their eligibility should speak with their healthcare providers, Pigott explained.
Dr. Gregson Pigott, Suffolk County Health Services commissioner. File photo
The flu and Covid are viruses that change over time, creating a battle between the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture vaccinations and the viruses that attempt to evade them.
Each year, the vaccines attempt to provide the best match against the dominant or most likely strains.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “determines if the vaccine will protect against a circulating virus by conducting laboratory studies on circulating flu viruses,” Pigott explained in an email. “Updated 2024-2025 flu vaccines will be trivalent” and will protect against H1N1, H3N2 and a B/ Victoria lineage virus.
Vaccine manufacturers create immunizations based on the flu strain circulating in the southern hemisphere during the recent season.
“We expect that those are what’s going to hit us in our winter,” Nachman said. “The science is there. We know generally what types will be rolling around. We could hit or miss it by a subtype.”
Nachman added that the flu vaccines represent educated guesses about the type of microbe that might cause illnesses.
“The educated guesses are still better than no vaccine, which will, for sure, not cover you at all,” Nachman said
As for the Covid immunization, doctors added that it is also likely to change as the virus that caused the pandemic mutates.
Nachman said people should plan to get the Covid shot around once a year.
“I don’t think we’re going to go to more often” than that, Nachman said.
During the summer, when an infectious strain of Covid surged across the county, state and country, Nachman said the data is not available to determine how much protection a vaccine provided.
“Only on TV do computer models work instantly,” Nachman said.
She suspects that the Covid shot offered some protection for residents, who may not have been as sick for as long as some of those who dealt with a range of symptoms.
Concussion awareness
With the start of a new school year and the beginning of contact sports like football, school districts are continuing to ensure that coaches and athletes follow concussion protocols.
“Schools have done a nice job thinking and talking about it,” said Nachman. “Coaches know you can’t throw [student athletes] out and say, ‘You’ll do fine,’” after a head injury.
Nachman suggested that area athletes may engage in activities that are not connected to the schools and that may involve head injuries that people ignore.
“We know what’s happening with school-regulated” sport, but not with those that are outside the academic umbrella, she added.
As for the emotional or psychological impacts of a divided and bitter electorate during an election year, Nachman said people are under considerable emotional stress.
“The social media echo chamber is making it worse,” she said. The abundance of misinformation on both sides is causing mental anguish.
“Election times are very stressful and I think, in particular, this election may be even more stressful,” Nachman said.
Nachman urges people to minimize their time on social media and to create down time from electronics during meals.
As students move up a grade and into new places, they also can endure stressors, peer pressure and bullying. She suggests that parents understand what their children are seeing online.
Newborn RSV protection
Children born in March or later are eligible to receive an approved shot called Beyfortus, which, in 80 percent of cases during clinical trials, prevents the development of respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.
The Beyfortus monoclonal antibody will make a “huge difference” for newborns and their parents, Nachman said. Last year, Stony Brook had numerous hospitalizations in children under one year of age.
“We’re not going to have those children coming into the hospital,” Nachman said. “That’s amazing and is a huge step forward.”
When newborns get RSV, doctors don’t have an effective treatment for the virus and typically treat the symptoms.
The mortality rate from RSV is low, but the morbidity is high. Newborns who contract RSV can end up developing chronic asthma.
As with any shot, Beyfortus can have side effects, with the most common including rash and pain, swelling, or hardness at the site of the injection, according to AstraZeneca and Sanofi, which manufacture the antibody.
Beyfortus is covered by insurance and is under the vaccine for children program and numerous private health insurance plans. Parents can opt out of the shot. Nachman suggested they should understand what they are opting out of when they make that decision.
Alan Blanco in front of his new shop. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
Some of the products offered at The Butcher's Market. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
Part of the new meat store’s new glass encasement counter. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
Some of the products offered at The Butcher's Market. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
Some of the products offered at The Butcher's Market. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
Some of the products offered at The Butcher's Market. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
Some of the products offered at The Butcher's Market. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
Some of the products offered at The Butcher's Market. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
By Toni-Elena Gallo
Alan Blanco is doing his part to keep two East Setauket staples alive: The Butchers Market, previously Setauket Quality Meats, at 232 Main St., and Setauket Seafood at 230 Main St..
Both establishments have been in existence for over 40 years — the fish store, previously owned by Eddie Lin, and the meat shop and butcher, most recently owned by Brittany McClung.
“I worked at Savino’s Hideaway, near Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai, for many years, and I had a relationship [with Eddie] because the restaurant has bought fish from him for years. So, one day, he said he was selling and that no one was interested in buying,” Blanco said.
“And [he turned to me] and said, ‘Do you want to buy it?’”
Coincidentally, the butcher shop was also up for sale, and Blanco decided why not buy both.
When speaking about the businesses’ beloved status in East Setauket, Blanco added, “I love this neighborhood, and I know the community did not want to see these businesses go under. And, I thought maybe it was time for me to go [into business] for myself.”
Blanco has owned the fish store for about six months and acquired the butcher’s around two months ago.
He says that his main priority is staying true to the customer experience the community has been accustomed to for generations.
“We want to keep the stores’ reputations high. Eddie is still helping me out,” Blanco continued.
“I want to keep the businesses’ legacies alive and provide good, quality produce.”
The primary change Blanco is bringing to these institutions is the incorporation of prep-prepared, which he said will make it easy for customers to “grab and go.”
Both the fish and meat stores will offer selections such as sausage and peppers, chicken francese, Italian-style meatballs, cooked fish and even vegetarian options such as eggplant parmesan.
While Blanco continues to apply his personal touches to the shops, he is just glad that the stores did not have to “disappear forever.”
“I am very excited to be here, and I’ve received such positive feedback from the community. More food options will be available in the near future,” he said.
Ward Melville girls field hockey vs. Bay Shore/Islip on Sept. 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville girls field hockey vs. Bay Shore/Islip on Sept. 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Hadley Torre settles the ball for the Patriots in a home game against Bay Shore. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville senior forward Kelly Callan passes inside for the Patriots. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville girls field hockey vs. Bay Shore/Islip on Sept. 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville girls field hockey vs. Bay Shore/Islip on Sept. 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville girls field hockey vs. Bay Shore/Islip on Sept. 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville girls field hockey vs. Bay Shore/Islip on Sept. 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville girls field hockey vs. Bay Shore/Islip on Sept. 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville girls field hockey vs. Bay Shore/Islip on Sept. 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville girls field hockey vs. Bay Shore/Islip on Sept. 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville girls field hockey vs. Bay Shore/Islip on Sept. 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville senior midfielder Jadyn Stoecker shoots for the Patriots. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville girls field hockey vs. Bay Shore/Islip on Sept. 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville girls field hockey vs. Bay Shore/Islip on Sept. 16. Photo by Bill Landon
By Bill Landon
It was a battle of the unbeaten between the Ward Melville Patriots and Bay Shore/Islip on Monday afternoon, Sept. 16, in a field hockey league matchup.
The Patriots pressured the Bay Shore defenders constantly with a 4-0 shutout over their visitors in the Division I contest.
Ward Melville junior Hadley Torre found the back of the net twice, senior forward Peyton Phillips scored along with two assists and senior midfielder Jadyn Stoecker rocked the box.
Bay Shore goalie Morgan Cousins had a busy day guarding the box with 18 saves, while Ward Melville’s keeper Olivia Zummo stopped two.
The win lifts the Patriots to the top of the Division I leaderboard.
Ducks walk alongside the storm-ravaged pond. Photo by Toni-Elena GalloPhoto by Toni-Elena Gallo
By Sabrina Artusa
At Mill Pond in Stony Brook, a group of swans and mallards can be observed on the sandy banks. On occasion, some Canadian geese can be seen as well, crossing the road confused and displaced.
After August’s rain, Stony Brook’s residents — both people and animals — are gradually recouping. A month later, the road ahead is a little clearer as questions on funding and rebuilding become less intimidating.
Community support
Gloria Rocchio, president of The Ward Melville Heritage Organization which owns the Grist Mill and Mill Pond, said she is grateful for the “unbelievable” amount of support the community has shown her organization, especially as she navigates the rebuilding process.
Over 100 people came to cleanup sessions at the Mill Pond where they fished out personal effects that washed into the creek after a nearby house was damaged.
People across the country have been touched by the disaster — Rocchio has received donations and letters from people nationwide. Some were former residents.
Rebuilding
The resolve to rebuild exists in abundance. Governmental officials such as Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R), Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) and community leaders like Rocchio have repeatedly announced their dedication to this area.
“People sat on the boulders, watched the wildlife, watched the sunset — that’s what we want them to have again. We have to have it back,” Rocchio said.
Rocchio said her organization has met with an engineer and has hired a marine expert to ensure the debris is cleaned out. Further, she said they are in the midst of designing a new plan for the creek leading to the pond.
The 1699 grist mill was not severely damaged. Over a foot of water washed into the basement on the west side. Now, Rocchio is concerned with waterproofing and repairing the building in a way that prevents further damage. She is also worried that the wheel will suffer from lack of use without water to keep it turning.
Town of Brookhaven officials have also stated their intentions to construct a dam that has the capacity to allow for larger amounts of water to pass through. The previous dam was not designed to endure such a large rush of water.
Stony Brook University
Two of Stony Brook University’s residence halls were damaged after severe flooding, putting the buildings out of commission. The Mendelsohn buildings were flooded with 4-6 feet of water.
With limited housing, the university initiated a $5,000 incentive to students that cancels their housing plan. The university also added beds to rooms in other halls, making them triples instead of doubles and started placing returning students in nearby hotels.
“We have expanded our recharge basins to handle increased demand. Last year, we installed a stormwater pump lift station specifically designed to redirect stormwater away from Gray and Ammann residence halls,” William Herrmann, vice president for Facilities & Services, wrote in an email.
“We have also submitted grants to secure funding for additional mitigation efforts, including the installation of stormwater retention systems, bioswales and rain gardens in the most vulnerable areas of our campus,” he added.
Funding
It is uncertain if federal aid will be secured to fund the repairs to town infrastructure. In order to gain access to federal aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, damages must meet a $37.5 million threshold.
Rocchio said WMHO needs funding for the grist mill.
Homeowners have the option to apply for a grant with the New York State Housing Trust Fund Agency to be reimbursed for damage that wasn’t covered by insurance. Applicants could be given up to $50,000 depending on the county’s median income. Applications should be made through the Long Island Housing Partnership. The deadline to apply is Oct. 7, and grants are awarded until funds are exhausted. Please email LIHP at [email protected] before applying.
Looking ahead
Stony Brook is moving forward, despite the unpleasant interruption the storm posed to summer affairs.
Rocchio said that tourism and visitation to Stony Brook village is almost as it was before Aug. 18.
Avalon Nature Preserve has reopened and was relatively unharmed, although some trails needed maintenance.
After the storm, residents from across Suffolk County organized efforts to save the fish that were stranded in the diminishing pond.
In another instance, a gas station owner, noticing a particularly weary looking Canadian goose wandering outside his gas station, provided food and water to the confused bird, who Rocchio guesses was born at the pond. The bird now hangs around the gas station regularly, even allowing his head to be pet. This owner muses that he adopted the goose, in a way.
“I do believe that when the Mill Pond is back with water that they will come back,” Rocchio said.
It could be some time until Stony Brook Mill Pond and the Grist Mill return to their former state, but it is a comfort to know that Stony Brook remains alive and well, and that the vitality of the community, like the pond, still flows.
Ward Melville High School. File photo by Greg Catalano
Additional transportation costs would come from within the budget
By Mallie Jane Kim
Will Three Village secondary students get 35 minutes more sleep?
Most parents who showed up to comment publicly at school district-sponsored forums Sept. 10 and 17 believe they should.
“This is basic biology,” said one parent, who identified herself as a neurologist and pointed to scientific studies on adolescent sleep needs. She said allowing teens to sleep later impacts more than academics and test scores. “Mental health improves, physical health improves, there are less motor vehicle accidents from those seniors,” she said. “It really seems like a very small price to pay for all of those advantages.”
The school board is considering a proposal to shift Ward Melville High School’s start time to 7:40 a.m., from 7:05, and push the junior high schools back from 7:40 a.m. to 8:15. Under the plan, Minnesauke Elementary School would join the three schools that start at 9:25 a.m., and Nassakeag would stay at 8:40.
The district is gathering feedback from all residents and employees through an online form to inform the school board’s decision. Each household in the district was sent a flier with a QR link to the form.
The proposed schedule requires nine additional buses and will add an estimated $1.4 million to the transportation budget, based on the district’s 2024-25 contract with the bus company, which is subject to change. Those funds, however, will have to come from within the existing overall budget, which for this school year is $236 million. Superintendent of Schools Kevin Scanlon has made it clear there is no will within the district to go above the state-mandated limits on increasing taxes year over year.
“We don’t have an unlimited pot of money,” Scanlon said. “We do not want to exceed the tax cap for any of these issues.”
The superintendent noted that the district has already been working to tighten its belt anywhere possible, including a $770,000 savings from restructuring the administration and about $3 million from retirements last year.
At the forums, some parents pointed out that in the context of a $236 million budget, $1.4 million amounts to about half a percent.
“I can’t think of anything we could do that is this easy for a million dollars that could benefit the kids this much,” commented one parent on Sept. 17.
District officials have publicly acknowledged they believe early school start times are a major problem for adolescents but have pointed to issues of transportation logistics and related costs in delaying a change.
Scanlon, who mentioned about 10% of high school students chronically miss first period, presented a detailed background of efforts to make secondary school start times later, as well as the rationale for trying to do so.
“The issue for us is the way the schools are structured,” Scanlon explained, referring to the staggered school start times that allow the district to use far fewer buses than if all the schools started around the same time. “This is saving us money — if we change back to a different configuration, it’s going to cost us money.”
The current setup started in 2011, after the district adjusted start times to use fewer buses. For that effort, Three Village received a management efficiency grant from New York State paid out over three years and totaling $747,789, according to the district.
But some commenters said these early start times highlighted an equity issue within the district: Certain parents have the ability to drive their students to school in the morning, which isn’t possible for those who have to be at work early or do not have anyone to stay home with younger sleeping children.
“What we’re saying is the kids who have advantages — whether that be financial or their parents’ time — can sleep an extra half hour or 45 minutes and do better in school,” one woman argued. “And their mental health is more important than those kids who don’t have those advantages. That’s really troubling.”
Not all public commenters were against the early start times.
“I thought it was disciplined,” said a woman who identified herself as Karen and said she had two Three Village graduates and current student. She added that her son couldn’t compete as a track athlete because he was up too late at night, studying.
“If we had moved that start time up later, he would have stayed up even later,” she said. “I know in my household, it would not work.”
Others on social media and at the forums raised concerns about future transportation costs soaring due to the New York State mandate to electrify bus fleets in coming years, something Scanlon emphasized was out of the district’s control and an “unfunded mandate.”
Scanlon indicated that, as of the Sept. 17 meeting, about 200 people had participated in the online survey, and so far the opinions were varied. He encouraged every stakeholder to participate and let the school board hear their feedback.
“They read everything,” Scanlon assured audience members. “They will read every comment made by every community member, good, bad and indifferent.”
The online feedback form will be open until Sept. 30, and the board of education plans to discuss the issue in October.
Residents are Advised to Apply Here; Deadline is October 7
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced today that new grant funding is available for homeowners who sustained damages from record flooding in Suffolk County on August 18-19. The program, which will be administered by the Long Island Housing Partnership, Inc. designated by the New York Homes and Community Renewal agency, seeks to offer emergency home repair assistance and reimbursement to impacted homeowners.
“Suffolk County experienced a catastrophic storm that impacted thousands of residents who are still recovering,” said Romaine. “As we continue to assess damage and work to provide our communities with relief, I thank our partners in New York State who will provide eligible homeowners with much needed financial assistance.”
Grant funding is available to eligible residents on a first come, first serve basis. Funds allocated under the program will be limited to emergency housing repairs necessary to make the home safe, sanitary and habitable. The program is intended to assist eligible homeowners whose damages were not covered by insurance or other disaster recovery funds. Non-urgent repairs are not eligible.
Under the program guidelines, homeowners must be income eligible, defined as an annual household income equal to or less than 150% of County Area Median Income based on household size. Homeowners may not qualify for full grant award, and in no event will the total grant award to any single applicant exceed $50,000. Homeowners associations are not eligible.
The deadline to apply is October 7, 2024. Residents are advised to apply here.
Residents with questions or who need additional information are advised to contact the Flood Relief Program at [email protected] or call 631-435-4710.
I applaud the sentiments of “Trying to enjoy peace at Cedar Beach” in Letters to the Editor, Sept. 5.
I can’t count how many times I’ve been at the beautiful beaches and parks in our area — as well as parking lots — and felt similar feelings of bewilderment and anger when I see people sitting in their idling cars, often with the windows down. Why run the engine, especially on a beautiful day? It’s a waste of gas and money, and pollutes the air while creating unnecessary noise.
Perhaps our local leaders can put forth legislation that would fine those who idle their engines beyond the 3-minute limit acceptable by New York State law? Maybe some people don’t grasp the detrimental effects on the environment — not to mention the waste of their own money — but perhaps enforcing legislation and fines would provide a wake-up call. Let’s all enjoy fresh air and nature in peace and quiet, and be considerate of others.
Adriana Lubarsky
East Setauket
Keeping LIRR on track
Port Jefferson commuters should be concerned that the LIRR still needs to reach a state of good repair for existing fleet, stations, elevators, escalators, signals, interlockings, track, power, yards and shops. It also includes more and more stations reaching compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. All maintenance programs for all operating assets also need to be fully funded and completed on time to ensure riders safe uninterrupted reliable service. Since its creation in 1964, the Urban Mass Transit Administration (known since 1991 as the Federal Transit Administration) has provided billions to pay for many of these capital improvements.
The LIRR share of annual FTA grants to the MTA averages 15%. In 2024, this should represent $270 million of $1.8 billion in federal grant funding. The state Department of Transportation provides Statewide Mass Transportation Operating Assistance on an annual basis to the MTA and LIRR. Let us give thanks to both Washington and Albany for continued financial support for our very own LIRR — the nation’s largest commuter railroad.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
Voices of service: the true cost of new nonprofit oversight
Last month, Suffolk County Legislators Trish Bergin (R-East Islip) and Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) sponsored I.R. 1687, a bill that would amend the Suffolk County Code to provide the county more oversight into the internal fiscal operations of nonprofit entities seeking county subsidies and limiting the salaries of nonprofit executives.
I have worked in nonprofit leadership since 2011. Leading a nonprofit is often impossibly difficult. Over half of respondents in a recent survey from the Chronicle of Philanthropy noted that they struggle with a work-life balance. Nearly two-thirds of the nonprofit leaders in the Chronicle’s survey say the country’s polarization — over politics, race and culture — is making their work more difficult.
A third of survey participants say they are likely to leave their current organization in the next two years. Twenty-two percent say they are likely to leave the nonprofit world altogether. Other than retirement, top reasons include salary, the challenge of finding resources and the demands of the job.
I can’t think of any other industry that is on the edge of losing almost 25% of their leadership workforce.
A healthy relationship between nonprofits and their local, state and federal governments brings stronger programming and services to residents. Without the nonprofit sector, the government does not have the infrastructure or systems in place to provide the care we need.
My colleagues and friends who have devoted their life to this work are not money-hungry hoarders. But if our industry is going to recruit competitive talent to lead, we must be able to offer competitive salaries.
Perhaps our county legislators and others like them should rethink opportunities to increase their giving and partnerships so we can actually solve the problems facing nonprofit organizations, rather than attacking the people responsible for working to solve them.
Ihadn’t been to Los Angeles in over 30 years. On our trip last week, I traveled with my wife, worked remotely, visited with our nephew, and purchased tickets to attend my first home Dodgers game.
During a visit that only lasted a few days, my wife and I stayed on Eastern Standard Time, which meant we were awake between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. local time and were at work by 7 a.m..
My wife walked across a street to her office and I sat at a desk on the 17th floor of a hotel, laptop in front of me with my cell phone at the ready.
At around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, I felt as if the desk in front of me were shaking.
At first, I figured it had to be some neurological quirk. After all, the older I get, the more inexplicable my sometimes random body signals are to me.
When the desk shook a second time, I made an announcement to the empty room.
“That’s an earthquake!” I declared, as if naming it and knowing what it was gave me some small measure of control. I walked around in circles and wondered what I should grab, where I should go, and what I should do.
I knew my wife was in meetings that morning, but called her immediately anyway.
She picked up in that hushed tone she uses when she’s on a phone or a zoom call.
“What’s happening?” she whispered.
“Did you feel the earthquake?” I asked. “What are you doing about it over there?”
“Earthquake? What earthquake? No,” she said, as she quickly typed into her computer.
Sure enough, within seconds of the quake, she had found something online confirming the event.
“What do you want to do?” she asked.
I was staring out the window, which probably isn’t the right place to go, and watched people casually walking along the sidewalk, cars navigating through crowded streets and birds flying between the buildings.
“I’m going to call the lobby,” I said. I told her I’d get back to her immediately if there was anything we should do.
“Hi,” I stammered, “is this the front desk?”
“Yes,” the woman said. “How can I help you?”
“I’m on the 17th floor and I just felt an earthquake,” I announced.
Silence. I suspect the woman in the lobby was thinking something along the lines of, “You’re not from around these parts, are you?”
“What should I do?” I asked.
“Oh,” she sighed. “Well, if you’re worried or if things are falling from the ceiling, you can take shelter.”
“Shelter? Where? What should I do?”
“You can go under your desk or wait in a door frame. We also have a communication system on every floor and we can let you know if you need to evacuate.”
“So, what do I do?” I asked again.
“Whatever makes you comfortable,” she sighed. “Can I help you with anything else?”
“No,” I said, hanging up the phone. I grabbed my wallet, put on my shoes, and made sure I had everything I might need. I stood in the middle of the room in earthquake sensing mode. I had become a human seismometer, with my arms out, my feet spread apart and my palms pointing down to sense any vibrations.
I kept checking online, where I read coverage of an earthquake that didn’t seem to have caused any damage.
My wife and I traded texts and decided to continue working.
Later that day, we discussed the quake with friends and strangers, triggering all kinds of stories about earlier quakes and the ones people felt at different times.
I’m sure people in New York don’t hear honking taxis, people in the southeastern United States barely register screeching cicadas, and people in Phoenix somehow adjust to the searing heat.
I don’t think I’ll ever be enough of a Californian or a would-be Californian not to worry about the Earth moving under my feet.
Oh, and I did get to the Dodgers game the night before. The stadium was magnificent, the sushi was remarkably good, and the fans were delighted by the other-worldly performance of Shohei Ohtani, who crushed a home run and stole a base.
The explosive sounds of a thrilled crowd of close to 50,000, the excitement of people jumping out of their seats, and the celebratory flashing lights were far more familiar than the shaking desk I felt the next morning.
From left, senior Sophia Anderson, AP art teacher Stefanie DiLorenzo, video
production teacher Chris Esser and senior Jeremiah Moody. Not pictured: Hannah Kravets
and Rafael Bennett.
Photo courtesy of the Three Village Central School District
Two Ward Melville seniors and two recent graduates were recently selected to have their work displayed in the prestigious All-American High School Film Festival.
Congratulations to seniors Sophia Anderson and Jeremiah Moody, and to Ward Melville High School alumni Rafael Bennett and Hannah Kravets.
The AAHSFF is the premier destination for talented high school filmmakers and media arts enthusiasts from around the world. The four students were chosen as Official Selections, which are films that will be screened at the festival from Oct. 18-20. Each year, thousands of films are submitted by student filmmakers from around the globe and the best are selected by a panel of judges as Official Selections. All Official Selections are eligible to be nominated for an award which will be announced on Oct. 20. The festival takes place each year in New York City.
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