of Middle CountryThe TIMES

Serving CentereaCh • Selden • northern lake groveVolume 11, No. 36 December 24, 2015 $1.00

Tesla Science Center

Science center receives two grants to help fund future projects

page a3

By giSelle Barkley

For the past eight years, Rhon-da Klch and her company Equity First have made many dreams come true.

This year is no different with Klch’s annual Holiday Dream event, which provides Christmas gifts for Long Island families in need. On Sunday, residents who registered for the event picked up their Christmas presents at the Coram Fire Department head-quarters from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Klch, a Miller Place resident, and event volunteers upped the ante this year by getting gifts for around 250 families from Mount Sinai, Miller Place, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Selden, Medford and other towns across the Island.

“These kids feel like they’re walking on a cloud,” said Council-woman Valerie Cartright (D-Port Jefferson Station), as several chil-dren ran around with balloons

in the background after receiving their presents and meeting Santa.

Cartright was one of many people Klch called this year when searching for families in need of some holiday cheer. Local schools and churches were also contacted to find these families. While the families don’t need to be home-less to participate in the program, many of these families are finan-cially unable to afford presents around the holidays.

People like Gordon Leonard of Selden said with the recession it’s harder to live on Long Island, making special seasons like the holidays more stressful.

“We came here because some Long Islanders understand the plight of many other Long Island-ers, and they’re giving because they know people are struggling just to be New Yorkers,” he said. “We don’t want to leave. What choice do we have.”

While his son Devon received

Rhonda Klch’s holiday event reaches hundreds

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photos by giselle Barkley top: holiday dream event volunteers wait for families to pick up presents; bottom Priscilla arena, left, and rhonda klch, right, pose for a photo.Holiday Dream continued on page a10

By Phil CorSo

Suffolk County Democrats have a new majority leader in the Legislature.

The Democratic caucus voted unanimously on Satur-day to name Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) the new-est majority leader, replacing Legislator Robert Calarco (D-Patchogue), who is ex-pected to succeed Legislator Jay Schneiderman (I-Mon-tauk) as deputy presiding of-ficer in early 2016 after a vote scheduled for the first week in January.

Schneiderman was term limited out of the Legisla-ture and will be succeeded in the 2nd District by Leg-islator-elect Bridget Fleming (D-Sag Harbor).

Hahn, who was first elected

to the Legislature in 2011, re-ferred to her quick rise to the majority leader position as validating and empowering, as she looks ahead into the new year.

“I am truly honored that my colleagues have put their trust in me to lead our cau-cus,” she said in a phone in-terview Monday. “I feel like I have a proven record of getting things done, and I’m going to do everything I can to work with my colleagues to address the needs of Suffolk County.”

As majority leader, Hahn will lead caucus meetings and help set the Democratic agen-da in the county Legislature, a spokesman from her office said. In her four years as a leg-islator for the North Shore’s 5th District, Hahn has been at the

Hahn lands county Legislature’s majority top spot

photo from Kara HahnSuffolk County legislator kara hahn is the new democratic majority leader, succeeding legislator rob Calarco. Hahn continued on page a10

Holiday Memories

also: ‘Star Wars: The Force awakens’ review, ‘In the Heart of the Sea’

in Cold Spring Harbor, Wildlife artist Roger Kramer

page B1

PAGE A2 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • DECEMbER 24, 2015

L et us pause to refl ect on our blessings, give thanks during this holiday season for all we have been given, and pray for peace and the preservation of all that is

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Fire District accepts ‘lifesaving’ donation

To aid the Setauket Fire District in its ongoing commitment to protect the safety and well being of the community, Fire Commissioner Jay Gardiner and de-partment members graciously accepted a donation of four Resusci Anne CPR training units from Smithtown Acura this month.

“The district greatly appreciates the donation of CPR equipment, as these devices will be used to train not only our members, but also community resi-dents,” said Setauket Fire District Man-ager David Sterne. “Given the fact that heart-related emergencies can affect anyone at any time, it is a strong com-mitment of the district to train more and more community members to properly administer CPR.

Study after study shows that bystand-er CPR is what truly saves lives, and this donation can be used repeatedly to teach

many people to save lives.”The donation is part of the National

Automobile Dealers Association’s com-munity outreach program, which is ad-ministered locally by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association. Smithtown Acura is a member of the GNYADA, which administers the CPR donations on behalf of the National Au-tomobile Dealers Charitable Foundation.

“It is a great honor to present this state-of-the-art CPR equipment to our local fire department,” said General Manager of Smithtown Acura Allison Musante. “Having the appropriate life-saving equipment allows professionals to become better at what they do: helping to save the lives of area residents.”

New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) officiated the event.

— Phil Corso

Photo from Setauket Fire DistrictTo aid the setauket Fire District, Fire Commissioner Jay Gardiner, third from left, accepts a donation of four resusci Anne CPr training units from smithtown Acura.

The TIMES (USPS 003–952) is published Thursdays by TIMES bEACoN RECoRD NEwSPAPERS, 185 Route 25A, Setauket, NY 11733. Periodicals postage paid at Setauket, NY and additional mailing offices. Subscription price $49 annually. Leah S. Dunaief, Publisher. PoSTMASTER: Send change of address to Po box 707, Setauket, NY 11733.

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December 24, 2015 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A3144068

Tesla Science Center gets early Christmas giftBy Giselle Barkley

Science doesn’t come cheap.So it was a pleasant surprise for the

Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe when the New York State Regional Economic Development Councils an-nounced the center will receive two grants totaling $700,000. While the center has yet to receive the grants, the NYSREDC’s 2015 awards notice for Long Island is proof the grants are forthcoming. The state agency did not reply to messages prior to publication.

The center is slated to receive $200,000 through the Market New York grant program, which tackles public relations and increasing tour-ism, among other responsibilities. The remaining $500,000 will go to-ward the center’s Wardenclyffe site. The center is currently redeveloping this property and plans to establish the Nikola Tesla Museum and Science Center. The site is the last remain-ing laboratory of Tesla, a prominent inventor in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

According to Tesla Science Center President Jane Alcorn, the center ap-plied for the grants this past July. Al-corn added applying for the grants is a competitive process as there are many applicants for these grants.

“It’s very exciting to have funds to promote our project and to work on the redevelopment of Wardenclyffe,” Alcorn said in an email.

Initially, the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe was known as Friends of Science East Inc. While its name changed, the not-for-profit mission to develop Tesla’s only existing laboratory site into a science center and museum remained the same.

In 2009, when Brookhaven Town Su-perintendent of Highways Dan Losquadro was a Suffolk County legislator and former state Assemblyman Marc Alessi was still in office, the two announced plans to ac-quire the 16-acre property. Former town supervisor, Mark Lesko, and state Sen. Ken LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) were also part of this effort to acquire and preserve the property on behalf of the state and town, according to an article on the Tesla website.

Alessi emphasized its importance as the last Tesla lab in the world. He added that the site was culturally and histori-cally significant as a result.

“We need to ensure that it is protected so that future generations can continue to enjoy this landmark,” Alessi said in the article.

Regardless of these officials’ plans, Friends of Science East purchased the property in 2013. The organization also

hoped to preserve the site and make im-provements.

Tesla built his facility in Shoreham in 1901-03. It was a small brick building no bigger than a schoolhouse. Yet behind the building was a 187-foot tower that Tesla intended to be a wireless power transmis-sion station, which Tesla claimed would produce wireless electricity.

Now years later, the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe is looking for-ward to a brighter future for the site, and hopes to be able to do even more.

“We hope to apply for additional grants in the future [that] will assist in the continuation of progress toward the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe opening day,” Alcorn said.

Photo by Giselle Barkley The Tesla science Center laboratory site in shoreham is blocked off while it’s under redevelopment.

PAGE A4 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 24, 2015

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Reboli Atelier launches art history in Three VillageBy Phil Corso

The Reboli Center’s mission to collect, preserve and exhibit artwork, along with documents and artifacts of significance to late Setauket artist Joseph Reboli, took a major step this week when it launched its inaugural art school.

The Reboli Atelier opened with its first class on Dec. 18, in which residents of the Three Village community and beyond were invited to celebrate the beginning of what could become a new art community across the North Shore. Residents were invited to the Reboli Atelier at 2 Flow-erfield in St. James. Eastbound Freight Bluegrass provided live music and those in attendance enjoyed artisanal cheese

and craft beers supplied by Brew Cheese of Stony Brook.

Organizers for the art classes said a solid base of students was already on board before the classes kicked off.

The Reboli Atelier has been estab-lished to train artists to draw and paint in the vein of classical art. The classes examine the history and identity of Long Island art as being inextricably linked with the history of representa-tional painting. The classes are crafted to pay tribute to artistic roots that reach back to William Sidney Mount and William Merritt Chase in the 1800s, Joseph Reboli in the 20th century and other notable Long Island artists in the current century.

Photos from Nathan JacksonThe reboli Center is a multipurpose arts and history hub for the stony Brook and greater Three Village community. it launched the reboli Atelier art school last Friday.

December 24, 2015 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A5

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among the judges.By the 1880s Christmas cards were be-

ing printed in the millions and were no lon-ger being hand-colored. Christmas cards during the late 1800s came in all shapes and sizes and were made with silk, satin, brocade and plush, as well as with lace and embroidery surrounding the printed card. These cards were just as varied as those we have today and included religious themes, landscapes from every season, children, animals and the traditional Father Christ-mas. The cards were very colorful and usu-ally included some verse in addition to the greeting.

Christmas cards were eventually sent through the mail as postcards. The lower price of postage — one cent for a postcard — was one of the reasons for the popular-ity of the postcard-greeting card. The post-card was most popular during the years between 1895 and 1914, when the craze for collecting cards was at its height. The beginning of the use of postcards probably goes back to the influence of the trade card, used to promote business and trade in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the visiting card, which included the sender’s name prominently added to the card, and was used to send a greeting.

The postcard became popular worldwide and was recognized by the American Post Office Department on May 1, 1873. The

card it adopted measured 5 1/8 by 3 inches and was sold by the Post Office Department for one cent each. It was not until 1898 that an act of Congress allowed privately pub-lished postcards the same privileges and rates as the government-issued cards.

Many Christmas cards were saved and placed in postcard albums. Today these provide us with a glimpse of life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Beverly Tyler is the Three Village Histori-cal Society historian.

Evolution of holiday cheer across Three Villageby beverly C. Tyler

The celebration of Christmas, as we know it, goes back about 125 years to the late Victorian era. Following the Civil War, the growth of industry picked up dramati-cally. By the time of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1876, conditions at home and leisure time experienced by Long Is-landers and by the rest of the country changed for the better.

Despite union riots and periods of de-pression, the decades following the Civil War, known as the Gilded Age, ushered in a time of significant material change. The coming of the railroad in the second half of the century, the improvement in com-munications that resulted in the begin-nings of telephone service in the 1890s, the change in printing methods that brought magazines such as Harper’s and Leslie’s Monthly to many homes and the penny postcard that revolutionized contact be-tween people in America and as far away as Europe all brought new ideas and cus-toms to the local residents.

These, coupled with the masses of im-migrants that arrived in New York in the three decades following the Civil War, brought new customs for celebrating Christmas that became a part of “keeping Christmas” for everyone.

The first Christmas card was designed by John Calcott Horsley for Henry Cole of England, later Sir Henry Cole. Cole was the organizer and first director of the Vic-toria and Albert Museum in London. The card was printed in London by a method called lithography and was hand colored by a professional “colourer” named Ma-son. It was sent in 1843. It was the custom at the time to send letters to relatives and friends at Christmas. Cole’s cards were to take the place of the letters that he would have to write to his large number of friends and family. A total of about 1,000 of these cards were printed.

By the 1850s and ‘60s Christmas cards were well established in England and were making an appearance in America and throughout Europe. The first American Christmas card was issued by R.H. Pease of New York between 1850 and 1852. The man generally regarded as the father of the American Christmas card, though, is Louis Prang, whose plant was located in Roxbury, a suburb of Boston, in 1856. First in partnership with Joseph Mayer of Bos-ton, but after 1860 as L. Prang & Co., Louis Prang also instituted the idea of competi-tions for Christmas card designs in 1880, an idea that was instantly copied by his ri-val in England, Raphael Tuck & Sons. The first prize was 1,000 pounds, and Louis Comfort Tiffany, a Long Islander, was

Photo from Beverly Tyler‘Happy Christmas.’ Forest Hills, Dec. 23, 1908. Willie Hamilton to Miss Muriel West, east Setauket

HISTORY CLOSE AT HAND

LegalsNotice of formation of North Country Yoga LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Sec-retary of State of New York SSNY on 9/17/15. Office location in Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated for service of pro-cess. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 87B N Country Rd, Miller Place, NY 11764.

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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE,that the annual organizational meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Cente-reach Fire District of the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suf-folk will be held on the 5th day of January 2016 at 7:00 P.M. at 9 South Washington Avenue, Cen-

tereach, New York 11720.

DATED: December 15, 2015Centereach, New York

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS OF CENTEREACH FIRE DISTRICT

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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the regular meeting scheduled to be held on December 22nd at 7:00 P.M of the Board of Fire Commis-sioners of the Centereach Fire District has been cancelled.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERSCENTEREACH FIRE DISTRICT

TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN

DATED: December 15, 2015

Jennifer GardnerSecretary

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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that theOrganizational meeting of theBoard of Fire Commissioners ofThe Selden Fire District will be

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PAGE A6 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 24, 2015©

1443

75

We Pick The Winners:87.5%

Of The Candidates We Endorsed In The Recent Elections

Won 14 ouT of 16 races

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call 631.751.7744Times Beacon Record News Media

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BelloneBellone can do it. He demonstrates an

understanding of complex issues.

RomaineEd Romaine has a solid record of getting

things done.

LosquadroIn one of the most tangible litmus tests,

Losquadro has remained accessible with his office’s attempts at putting a dent in a backlog of road repaving and repair projects, while also admitting there was no way he could tend to every single one.

CartrightCartright’s perspective and life experience

is necessary to the Brookhaven Town Board.

HahnHahn is accessible to the people she repre-

sents, and her ideas are moving the county in the right direction

Berland[Berland] has worked to sponsor legisla-

tion that’s made a difference, including laws that help put an end to blight and legislation to regulate the invasive bamboo, which can frequently be a nuisance to neighbors.

CookCook’s greatest strength lies in being the

sole minority party member on the board, and his willingness to speak up when some-thing fishy is going on, whether he’s right or wrong.

TrottaA focused and practical lawmaker, Trotta

has served his district – the Town of Smith-town and a small portion of Huntington Town – well in the last two years.

KennedyShe may be untraditional in her approach,

but we feel Leslie Kennedy truly wants to respond to the needs of her constituents and has a firm grasp of the issues to respond accordingly.

SternExperience is invaluable, and for that,

coupled with his achievements, we say elect Stern to a final term in office.

SpencerSpencer is a well-organized, caring

legislator who has done good things for his constituents.

AnkerAnker’s ear has been easily available to

constituents since she took office in 2011 and she takes what she hears to heart.

BonnerBonner has proven she is a caring and

effective councilwoman. She should be re-elected to a fifth term.

MuratoreSuffolk County Legislator Tom Muratore

(R-Ronkonkoma) said he doesn’t consider himself a politician but, instead, a man of the people. We agree.

LaValleWe have a feeling LaValle, a Republican

who grew up in Middle Country, will only keep getting better as time goes on. He has shown high energy and commitment.

[Losing candidates that we endorsed: Wehrheim, Creighton, Luft)

Times Beacon RecoRd

Election2015

POLICE BLOTTER Incidents and arrests from Dec. 13-19

Curbing a DWAIPolice arrested a 20-year-old man

from Port Jefferson Station for driving while ability impaired on Dec. 15, after they saw him drive over a curb on Wil-son Avenue and pulled him over.

Hitting the trifectaA 31-year-old Medford man was

arrested for driving while ability im-paired on Dec. 17 after he failed to maintain his lane and struck a grassy median while speeding on Lincoln Drive in Rocky Point. Police said the man was going 70 miles per hour in a 45-mile-per-hour zone in a 1998 GMC.

Wanted womanOn Dec. 16, police collared a Wad-

ing River woman who had five war-rants out for her arrest. At the time officers found her on Babylon Drive in Sound Beach, the 26-year-old was also allegedly in possession of a controlled substance, and was charged with that crime.

That sucksPolice arrested a 28-year-old man

from Lake Grove for petit larceny on Dec. 16, right after he stole two vacu-ums from a store at the Centereach Mall.

Hand-to-hand-to-cuffsPolice observed a woman in a hand-

to-hand drug transaction on Route 25A in Selden on Dec. 18, and stopped the 55-year-old before she could pull away in her 2002 Cadillac. Officers found heroin in her possession and ar-rested her for criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Caffeine fiendOn Dec. 18, a 69-year-old man from

Centereach was arrested for petit lar-ceny. According to police, the man en-tered the Shoprite on College Road in Selden on Sept. 15 and took a Keurig Coffee Maker worth around $190.

Vroom vroom to jailPolice arrested a 29-year-old

Ronkonkoma man on Dec. 13 for driv-ing while ability impaired, after the suspect failed to maintain his lane while driving a 2008 Volkswagen south on Nicolls Road in Stony Brook. Police said the man was speeding, at 62 miles per hour.

Unwarranted stealA 27-year-old woman from Port Jef-

ferson Station was arrested for petit larceny on Dec. 18, after stealing as-sorted costume jewelry, clothing and other items from a store on Route 347 in Setauket-East Setauket. According to police, there were already two un-

related warrants out for the woman’s arrest.

Cashing inBetween Dec. 13 and Dec. 15, an

unknown person withdrew more than $200 cash from a bank without the Port Jefferson Station cardholder’s per-mission.

That’s a big dogOn Dec. 19, an unknown person en-

tered the Walmart on Nesconset High-way in Setauket-East Setauket and stole a television and a dog bed. Police said the person may have used the dog bed to conceal the TV.

In hot waterAn unidentified person stole three

faucets from the Lowe’s Home Im-provement store on Nesconset High-way in Stony Brook on Dec. 18.

Taking it to-goOn Dec. 18, three unknown men

with guns entered the Peking Chinese Kitchen on Middle Country Road in Selden as someone was closing the res-taurant. The men demanded money but the suspects fled empty-handed.

Visa revokedOn Dec. 19, someone stole a jacket,

a wallet and a person’s visa from a car in the Starbucks parking lot on Middle Country Road in Selden.

Rock on TreeAccording to police, an unidenti-

fied person threw a large rock at a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer and damaged the car. Police didn’t specify where the car was damaged but said the incident hap-pened some time between Dec. 18 and Dec. 19 on Tree Road in Centereach.

Tired of theftAn unknown person gained entry to

the Mavis Discount Tire on Route 25A in Mount Sinai and stole money from the register before fleeing the store. The incident happened on Dec. 14 around 8:25 p.m.

SmashedOn Dec. 19, someone smashed the

back window of a 2009 Honda out-side a residence on Deepdale Drive in Rocky Point.

Police are in purse-uitAn unidentified person stole some-

one’s bag from the Walmart at the Cen-tereach Mall on Dec. 19. Police said the victim put the bag down and walked away. When they returned, the bag was gone. According to police, the bag con-tained money and an ATM card.

— Compiled by Giselle barkley

December 24, 2015 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A7

By Giselle Barkley

After six years, Heritage Center’s “‘Twas the Night before Christmas” reading is still a hit among community members.

The Heritage Trust, which runs the center, started the reading event in 2009 with the goal of promoting a sense of community and enhancing residents’ lives especially around the holiday sea-son. Trust President Lori Baldassare said the event “defines the history and the heritages of our Christmas season.”

Many residents ventured to Heritage Center on Sunday to continue the annual reading. Center volunteer Fred Drewes presented an illustrated reading detailing how Clement Clark Moore’s description of jolly old St. Nick influenced how we view Santa today. His poem is commonly known as “‘Twas the Night before Christ-mas.” The poem is also known as “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” published in 1823.

Community members got a chance to read the poem and enjoyed refreshments of hot chocolate and cookies during the event.

Heritage Center unites community

Photos by Giselle Barkley Clockwise from above, Fred Drewes poses for a photo at the Heritage Center’s “‘Twas the Night before Christmas” event where he reads the book to children while they enjoy hot chocolate and cookies; children read the ‘Night before Christmas’ book during the event and kids watch a presentation on “‘Twas The Night before Christmas.”

PAGE A8 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 24, 2015

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December 24, 2015 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A9

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COLD SPRING HARBOR • LLOYD HARBOR • LLOYD NECK • HALESITE • HUNTINGTON BAY • GREENLAWN • CENTERPORT • ASHAROKEN • EATON’S NECK • FORT SALONGA–WEST of Huntington • Northport • East Northport

BY VICTORIA ESPINOZA

Harborfields school district residents voted in favor of $11.7 million in districtwide capital im-provements, while also mowing down a $1.9 mil-lion plan to add turf fields.

The proposals were presented to the public in two separate propositions in a referendum vote held on Tuesday.

Proposition No. 1, the dis-trictwide upgrades, received 1,248 yes votes and 573 no

Photo by Dan Woulfi n

Yip-or-treat in CSHCostumed dogs and their owners marched in the 9th annual Howl-ween: Corky’s Canine Costume Parade Celebration on Sunday. For more photos, see page A10.

Photos by Victoria Espinoza

Hayridin’ and pumpkin pickin’ in NorthportThe Northport Chamber of Commerce hosted the 14th annual Halloween Hayride in Northport Village Park on Sunday. Above, scenes from the event. For more photos, see page A10.

H’� elds OKs $11.7M upgrades, no turf

H’FIELDS continued on page A8File photo by Rohma Abbas

Diana Todaro

All about electionsEverything you need to know about

your local candidates ahead of Nov. 3 STARTS ON PAGE A11

Nightmare On Main Street

Also:Minstrel Player’s ‘Back to the

Zone’, SCPA’s Classic Movies lineup, Halloween Happenings

PAGE B1

Three Village middle schoolers sing holiday tunes

Photos by Greg CatalanoStudents from Three Village school district’s P.J. Gelinas Junior High School perform at a special holiday showcase concert. Holiday spirit was on full display as the Vocal Vikings belted out festive songs, led by Director Robert DePersio.

PAGE A10 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 24, 2015

PEOPLE

Suffolk County Community College ranked first in the North-east region for the 2014-15 aca-demic year after competing in the Student Math League competition hosted by the American Math-ematical Association for Two-Year Colleges. Two students  were tops in the Northeast region  — Jakub Wlodek ranked third and Maciej Wlodek ranked fourth.

Christine M. Brady, modera-tor for the Student Math League at SCCC, was awarded a plaque dur-ing a regional luncheon recogniz-ing Suffolk for its first-place finish.

Tuba tunes under the Christmas tree

SCCC tops in math

Holiday traditions at Unity

Two fifth-grade students from Middle Country’s New Lane Elemen-tary School joined their band teacher, Katie Noonan, for TUBACHRIST-

MAS, a performance at the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City.

TUBACHRISTMAS is a series of

concerts that occur throughout the world featuring students and local tuba/euphonium players performing holiday tunes. This is the 42nd year of

these concerts, aimed at honoring lo-cal musicians and teachers, including Middle Country students Carter Felix and Jason Rohan.

Photo from Middle Country school district From left, Katie Noonan, Jason Rohan and Carter Felix pose for a photo after they performed in the annual TUBACHRISTMAS holiday concert.

Photo from Middle Country school district Students at Unity Drive build their gingerbread houses with family members.

New English learners built ginger-bread houses in celebration of the holiday season. Kindergarten students at Middle Country’s Unity Drive PreK/Kindergar-

ten Center are studying holiday traditions for Hanukkah, Kwanza and Christmas.

One of those traditions involved making gingerbread houses. Families

joined students who are “English as new language learners” to celebrate a tradi-tion that transcends all languages and cultures.

December 24, 2015 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A11145851

PAGE A12 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 24, 2015

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several gifts from the program this year, he said his favorite part about Sunday’s pro-gram was spending time with his family.

According to volunteer Priscilla Arena, of Mount Sinai, the event was a success this year.

“The outpour from the community has been tremendous and I’m hoping that it’ll only increase next year,” she said.

Last year, the event helped around 167 families. Arena got involved with the pro-gram around a month ago after Klch, a business associate and friend of hers, told her about the event. For Arena, helping the program and the families who benefit seemed natural.

For residents like Tiana Wyche, who lives in a shelter, Holiday Dream was im-portant to bring joy to her children. Wyche is originally from Riverhead but currently resides in Port Jefferson Station.

“Unfortunately, financial restrictions impact everybody and it becomes difficult over holidays,” Klch said. “I think people have this perception that just because you live somewhere, you’re doing very well. But unfortunately, people get so blind.”

Klch added that people don’t always realize how many families struggle to live on the Island, much less celebrate the holi-days. She started spreading the word about the event among people in the business district. While Holiday Dream is the main event where children pick up their toys and

have breakfast with Santa, there are toy drive events prior to Holiday Dream that Klch and her company host to raise more donations.

For Carmen Nunez and her family, who moved from the Dominican Republic to Port Jefferson Station, the program was ex-tra special. Her family wasn’t used to get-ting presents around this time of year.

“I feel so happy,” she said. “Thank you to [Comsewogue ESL teacher Denise Saul] and everybody who tried to make [the children happy by giving them pres-ents], especially this time for Christmas. It’s beautiful.”

While the family is trying to do the best they can here on Long Island, Saul said they are continuing the event’s mission of giving to others and spreading joy.

“Even though we gave them presents, they’re talking about who they can share [the presents with],” Saul said. “They are selfless themselves.”

According to Cartright, remember-ing the spirit of giving is important this time of year, and she hopes to keep giving in the future through the Holi-day Dream program.

“A lot of community organizations and individuals come together to remind the kids that this is a season of giving,” Car-tright said. “The holiday season is not only about receiving. They’re reaching hun-dreds of kids now, and I can only imagine as the years go by, how many kids we’re going to be changing their lives by letting them know they’re loved and supported by the community.”

Holiday dreamContinued from page A1

forefront of several legislative battles advocating for the environment, the fight against drug addiction and public safety. She said she planned on tackling the same issues with her majority leader role, with hopes of enacting change for every district in the county.

“It’s important to me that we work hard to solve people’s problems,” she said.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bel-lone (D) referred to Hahn’s legislative record as a promising attribute to his party’s newest majority leader. Bel-lone has signed onto several pieces of Hahn’s legislative agenda items over the past several years, including at-tempts at addressing dome=stic vio-lence in Suffolk County and limiting the abundance of microbeads pollut-ing county waterways.

“Kara Hahn has a proven record on critical issues like protecting our en-vironment, tackling the opioid crisis

and advocating for victims of domestic violence,” Bellone said in a statement. “I know Kara will use the platform of majority leader to be even more effec-tive on the issues that she has spent her life fighting for, and which are critical to move Suffolk County forward.”

Calarco said he has known Hahn for a long time, dating back to when the two of them worked as aides in the county Legislature long before they were first elected. He gave his long-standing colleague encouraging words as she prepared to succeed him as majority leader.

“I think she’s going to be great,” he said. “She knows the Legislature well. She knows how to get things done. She’s a very good fighter for her dis-trict and the county as a whole.”

Among the top issues Hahn said she hoped to lead the Democratic caucus in addressing were spurring economic development throughout the county, requiring the county to test groundwater for toxins, preserv-ing open spaces and advocating for healthy living.

HaHnContinued from page A1

Breaking news If news breaks any time find the latest on our website

www.tbrnewsmedia.com

December 24, 2015 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A13

By Bill landon

With a less experienced roster, the Centereach girls’ fencing team hosted powerhouse Ward Melville Saturday, and despite the Patriots dropping the first two bouts, the team dominated the card, defeating the Cougars 22-5.

First on the strip for Centereach was sophomore sabreist Gail Aphra Laurino, who prevailed over her challenger with a 5-4 victory. Classmate Naomi Newen followed with a 5-4 win of her own in sa-bre, to put her team out front 2-0.

“They’re a little intimidating, but it’s also a good experience,” Laurino said. “It makes you play harder, build up your en-durance and get stronger.”

The Patriots hit their stride and claimed the next three matches.

First, sophomore Emily Huang notched Ward Melville’s first victory in sabre, 5-1. Sole senior Gabrielle Petrie opened foil with a win, blanking her op-ponent 5-0. Fellow foilist Ivanna Zavala-Arbelaez, a freshman, scored the Patri-ots’ third bout, defeating her challenger 5-1, to help her team lead the meet 3-2.

Centereach freshman foilist Rebecca Koenig Vinicombe answered back with a win as a second-year varsity fencer, shut-

ting out her opponent 5-0 to tie the meet. But from there, Ward Melville’s fenc-

ers showed why they are still the team to beat this season, despite dropping their second meet since 2000 earlier this sea-son. The Patriots took 18 of the next 19 bouts to claim the meet.

“We fenced this team last week, so we had a pretty good feel as to where they’re at,” Ward Melville head coach Peter Fre-iss said. “We were sharp today. It was a great sharing of the load from top to bot-tom from eighth-graders to our senior.”

Undefeated in épée was Ward Mel-ville junior Arianna Ferretti, who won

all three of her matches 5-2, 5-4 and 5-1.“Arianna is our anchor in épée — she

was very strong today,” Freiss said. “Lara Obedin came into the second round and won her two bouts, and she too fenced very, very well.”

Obedin, a junior foilist, took her matches 5-2 and 5-1.

“The last time we fenced them I only had one bout, but they’re all different,” Ferretti said. “I watched my two other teammates [in épée] and I was able to learn by watching them. I thought I fenced pretty well today, but I’ll work on staying focused and cheering on the

team for our next meet.”Petrie defeated all three of her opponents

in foil without allowing a single touch. Freshman Lauren Cappello was also

perfect on the day, winning both of her sabre bouts, 5-3 and 5-0, as did classmate Olivia Calise, who took both of her sabre bouts, 5-2 and 5-4.

Centereach sophomore épéist Abigail Cornelia said Ward Melville is a power-ful team that presents a huge learning experience for the team.

“This year we have a lot of new fenc-ers, so it’s really good to expose them to this level of play,” she said. “I think we did well under the circumstances.“

Other undefeated Patriots on the strip were sophomore épéist Julia Duffy who edged out both of her challengers, and freshman épéist Catherine Cao, who won her single appearance on the strip.

Centereach head coach Mike Olsen said Ward Melville works hard and knew that it was going to be a tough match.

“We look to keep up with them and try to take away one thing from each bout that we fence,” he said. “We may not win, but I told the girls it’s a learning experi-ence every time you go up against them.”

Centereach will host Huntington next, on Jan. 7, at 5 p.m.

Cougars couldn’t counter Ward Melville

Photos by Bill Landon Clockwise from left, Centereach’s Kaitlyn Graziano clashes with Ward Melville’s Valentina Zavala-arbelaez; Centereach’s Rebecca Koenig Vinicombe gets a touch on Ward Melville’s Gabrielle Petrie; and Centereach’s abigail Cornelia wards off Ward Melville’s arianna Ferretti.

‘This year we have a lot of new fencers, so it’s really good to expose them to this level of play.’

— AbigAil CorneliA

girls’ FenCing

Ward Melville . . . . . . 22Centereach . . . . . . . . . 5

PAGE A14 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 24, 2015

THE QUOTE

‘I thought we did a good job of moving the ball. Our assist total was great. … We were able to � nish when it counted.’

— STEVE PIKIELL

SBU SPORTSWEEKSTONY BROOK UNIVERSITY Tomorrow is Friday — wear red on campus!Dec. 24-Dec. 30, 2015

0nline• Freshman forward Ogechi Anyagaligbo wins fi ve Under Ar-mour Rookie of the Week honors in a row.• Football’s Victor Ochi tabbed as STATS FCS All-American

Content provided by SBU and printed as a service

to our advertiser.

Anyagaligbo scores 23 pointsThe Seawolves set their season-high in assists with 15 led by Davion Wingate’s six

Th e front-court duo of Brittany Snow and Ogechi Anyagaligbo combined for 35 points and 22 rebounds to lift the Stony Brook women’s basketball team (7-5) to a 71-54 victory over LIU Brooklyn (2-7) on Monday night at Island Federal Credit Union Arena.

Th e Stony Brook defense locked down in the second quarter, limiting the Black-birds to just fi ve points over the 10-minute period, the lowest total by an opponent in any quarter all season. Th e Seawolves stretched a 19-16 fi rst-quarter lead into a 39-21 margin at halft ime by holding the Blackbirds to 2-13 shooting in the second quarter, while going 8-15.

Th e Seawolves pounded the Blackbirds inside, outscoring them 46-26 in the paint. Stony Brook shot its best percentage of the season from three-point range, fi nishing the game 5-12. Freshman guard Davion Wingate, making her fi rst career start, led the way with a 3-for-4 eff ort from behind the arc, totaling 14 points for the game.

Stony Brook forced 21 LIU Brooklyn turnovers, the most it has caused since 23 against Saint Peter’s University on Nov. 20. Junior guard Christa Scognamiglio tied

her career-high with six steals. Stony Brook’s largest lead was 28 points,

a 55-27 advantage with 3:18 to play in the third quarter.

Th e Seawolves set their season-high in assists with 15 led by Wingate’s six. Stony Brook lost the rebounding battle for the fi rst time in seven games, fi nishing with a 42-39 disadvantage on the glass.

For the second consecutive game, Stony Brook had two players fi nish with double-doubles and a third just narrowly miss out. Anyagaligbo notched her third of the season with 23 points and 12 re-bounds, while Snow recorded her fi ft h of the season with 12 points and 10 re-bounds. Scognamiglio fi nished with nine points and nine rebounds.

Snow has scored in double fi gures in all 12 games this season.

Th e Seawolves have won a season-best three games and are two games over .500 (7-5) for the fi rst time since they were 3-1.

Stony Brook is 5-0 when holding its op-ponents under 60 points.

Stony Brook has nine days off over the holiday break before they host Harvard University on Dec. 30 at 4 p.m.

File photos from SBU At top, Ogechi Anyagaligbo looks to the basket. Above, Brittany Snow with a jumper.

December 24, 2015 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A15

Warney, Stony Brook outlast Hofstra, 71-68For a second straight year, Stony

Brook and Hofstra University battled to the final seconds, but it was the Sea-wolves who came out on top this time, beating the Pride, 71-68, Sunday af-ternoon at Island Federal Credit Union Arena be-fore 3,334 fans.

Senior forward Jameel Warney finished with 22 points, nine rebounds and five blocks for Stony Brook (6-4).

“This is bragging rights for Long Island,” Warney said. “They won it last year and we had all year to think about it. I always try to

put myself in a position to help the team. I’m happy I could provide the help today. Hofstra’s a great team. They were picked

to finish first in the CAA so this was a great chal-lenge for us.”

Warney, who was named America East’s Player of the Week for the third time this season, was the only scorer in double figures for the Seawolves, but they were paced by ju-nior guard Lucas Wood-house and sophomore guard and forward Bryan

Sekunda, who each had nine points. Senior forward Rayshaun McGrew and sopho-more guard and forward Roland Nyama followed close behind with eight apiece.

Ameen Tanksley and Brian Bernardi led Hofstra (6-4) with 23 and 22 points, respectively.

Juan’ya Green, the Pride’s leading scorer at 17.6 points per game entering the contest, was held to five.

“In the first half, we rushed things a bit,” Stony Brook junior guard Ahmad Walker said. “In the second half, we ad-justed to their different defenses. We ac-complished what we worked on in prac-tice. We got good looks as it got late in the shot clock.”

After Sekunda made one of two free throws with 15 seconds left to make it 71-68, Hofstra’s Denton Koon missed a three, but got his own rebound and

found Green, whose three-point attempt was long as the buzzer sounded.

Stony Brook led for good on a three-pointer from Nyama with 10:44 left in regulation. Hofstra got within one five times, but the Seawolves scored on the ensuing possession each time.

“I’m just really proud of our guys,” Stony Brook head coach Steve Pikiell said. “I thought we did a good job of moving the ball. Our assist total was great. … We were able to finish when it counted.”

Bernardi’s layup made it 65-64 with 1:44 left, but Walker connected on a three-point play to make it 68-64.

Warney made two free throws with 20 seconds left to make it 70-66 Stony Brook. Tanksley cut it to two with a pair of free throws with 16 seconds left.

Junior guard Lucas Woodhouse hits three three-pointers, his most in a Stony

Brook uniform.Walker recorded at least five assists

for the seventh time in 10 games, tying his career-high with eight.

Stony Brook faced a quick turn-around, traveling to Pennsylvania for a contest against Lehigh University on Tuesday, but results were not available by press time.

Senior forward tallies 22 points, nine rebounds and five blocks

‘This is bragging rights for Long Island. ... I always try to put myself in a position to help the team. I’m happy I could provide the help today.’

— Jameel Warney

mike rooney selected sixth overall in mll Supplemental DraftStony Brook’s all-time leading scorer was chosen by Boston

Former Stony Brook All-American Mike Rooney ‘15 was chosen sixth overall by the Boston Cannons in the Major League Lacrosse Supplemental Draft on Dec. 16.

Rooney posted one of the greatest seasons in Stony Brook history with school records of 63 assists and 111 points. The first team All-America East selection also scored 48 goals, a season-high, recording more points in 2015 than in 2013 and 2014 combined.

After totaling nine points in the first three games, Rooney recorded eight points in a win over Fairfield Univer-sity. Over a seven-game span, he accu-mulated 54 points and finished the sea-son by averaging more than six points per game.

Rooney had nine games with at least seven points, including a career-high 11 at the University of Vermont. He owns school records for career assists with 121 and career points with 253.

Rooney is one of only two players in school history with 100 goals and 100 assists.

In other news, Adam Rand ‘11 and

Sean Brady ‘13 were chosen by New York and Tom Compitello ‘11 was picked by Boston.

Statistically, Rand, an honorable mention All-America in 2011, finished his career among the greatest face-off specialists. He totaled 796 face-off wins, good for the third most in Divi-sion I history, and is second all-time in face-offs attempted. He’s in the top five in school history with 288 ground balls, tallying a career-high 96 in 2011.

Compitello, an assistant coach at Bryant University, scored 68 goals and had 78 assists in 51 career games for the Seawolves. As a junior, he tallied 37 goals and 35 assists en route to hon-orable mention All-America honors. Compitello was a two-time All-Amer-ica East selection.

Brady, who led the conference in goals against average with 9.94, and save percentage with 515 in 2012, fin-ished the regular season with 120 saves. He registered double-digit saves in six games, including a career-best 17 at Binghamton University, to earn first team All-America East honors.

File photo from SBU Mike Rooney competing in a Stony Brook University game this past season.

File photos from SBU Clockwise from top left, Rayshaun McGrew maintains possession; Jameel Warney goes up to the rim; and Roland Nyama chases after the ball.

PAGE A16 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 24, 2015

Religious D irectoryASSEMBLIES OF GOD

STONY BROOK CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLYConnecting to God, Each Other and the World

400 Nicolls Road, E. Setauket(631) 689–1127 • Fax (631) 689–1215

www.stonybrookchristian.comPastor Troy Reid

Weekly ScheduleSunday Worship w/nursery 10 am

Kidmo Children’s Church • Ignited Youth Fellowship and Food Always to Follow

Tuesday Evening Prayer: 7 pm� ursday Morning Bible Study w/Co� ee & Bagels: 10 am

Friday Night Experience “FNX” for Pre K-Middle School: 6:30 pmIgnite Youth Ministry: 7:30 pm

Check out our website for other events and times

BYZANTINE CATHOLICRESURRECTION BYZANTINE

CATHOLIC CHURCH38 Mayfl ower Avenue, Smithtown NY 11787

631–759–6083resurrectionsmithtown@gmail.comwww.resurrectionsmithtown.org

Fr. Jack Custer, SSL., STD., Pastor Cantor Joseph S. DurkoDivine Liturgy: Sunday, 11:15am followed by fellowship in the parish hall.

Holy Days: 7:00pm. See website for days and times.Faith Formation for All Ages:

Sunday School (Ages 4-13), alternate Sundays at 10:00amByzanTeens (14-18), alternate Tuesdays at 7:00pm

Adult Faith Formation: Mondays at 7:00pm. PrayerAnon Prayergroup for substance addictions:

Wednesdays at 7 pmSee the website for current topics and schedule.

� e Sacraments: Baptism, Chrismation and Eucharist for infants, children and adults arranged by appointment. Sacrament of Matrimony arranged by appointment. Sacrament of Repentance: Sundays 10:50 to 11:05am and

before or aft er all other services.All services in English. A parish of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic.

CATHOLICCHURCH OF ST. GERARD MAJELLA300 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station

(631) 473–2900 • Fax (631) 473–0015www.stgmajella.org

Rev. Gennaro DiSpigno, PastorOffi ce of Christian Formation • 928–2550

We celebrate Eucharist Saturday evening 5 pm, Sunday 7:30, 9 and 11 am

Weekday Mass Monday–Friday 9 amWe celebrate Baptism

Th ird weekend of each month during any of our weekend MassesWe celebrate Marriage

Arrangements can be made at the church with our Pastor or DeaconWe celebrate Penance

Confession is celebrated on Saturdays from 4–5 pmWe celebrate You!

Visit Our � ri� Shop Mon. – Fri. 10 am–4 pm + Sat. 10 am–2 pm

INFANT JESUS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH110 Myrtle Ave., Port Jefferson, NY 11777

(631) 473-0165 • Fax (631) 331-8094www.www.infantjesus.org

Reverend Patrick M. Riegger, PastorAssociates: Rev. Francis Lasrado & Rev. Rolando Ticllasuca

To schedule Baptisms and Weddings, Please call the RectoryConfessions: Saturdays 12:30-1:15 pm in the Lower Church

Religious Ed.: (631) 928-0447 • Parish Outreach: (631) 331-6145Weekly Masses:

6:50 and 9 am in the Church, 12 pm in the Chapel*Weekend Masses:

Saturday at 5 pm in the Church, 5:15 pm in the Chapel*Sunday at 7:30 am, 10:30 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm in the Church

and at 8:30 am, 10 am, and 11:30 am (Family Mass) in the Chapel*Spanish Masses:

Sunday at 8:45 am and Wednesday at 6 pm in the Church*Held at the Infant Jesus Chapel at St. Charles Hospital

Religious Education: (631) 928-0447Parish Outreach: (631) 331-6145

CATHOLICST. JAMES ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

429 Rt. 25A, Setauket, NY 11733Phone/Fax: (631) 941–4141

Mission Statement: In faith we come together to celebrate the Eucharist as a Parish Family; and as a Catholic community of faith,

we are sent to be Christ to the world around us.Rev. James-Patrick Mannion, Pastor

Rev. Daniel Opoku-Mensah, AssociateRev. Jon Fitzgerald, In Residence

Weekday Masses: Monday – Saturday 8:00 amChristmas Eve Masses, � urs., December 24

4 pm Church, 4:15 pm Parish Center, 7:30 pm Church, 11 pm Church(Carols Sung by the Choir at 10:30 pm)

Christmas Day Masses, Fri., December 258 am Church, 10:15 am Church, 11:45 am Church

(No aft ernoon or evening Masses On Christmas Day)Th e Feast of Mary, Mother of God, Th ursday, December 31, 5 pm Church

Friday, January 1, 2016, 10 am Church Weekend Masses:

Saturday Vigil 5:00 pmSunday 8:00am, 9:30 am (family), 11:30 am (choir), 6:00 pm (Youth)

O� ce Hours: Monday–Th ursday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm,

Baptisms: Sundays at 1:30 pm (except during Lent)Reconciliation: Saturdays 4:00 – 4:45 pm or by appointment

Anointing Of Th e Sick: by requestHoly Matrimony: contact the o� ce at least

9 months before desired date

CONGREGATIONALMT. SINAI CONGREGATIONALUNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

233 North Country Road, Mt. Sinai • (631) 473–1582www.mtsinaichurchli.org

“No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here”

Sunday Services at 10 amSunday School and childcare off ered at the 10 am service and

open to all infants to 8th grade.Last Sundays of the month: 10 am Welcome Sunday Service

A service welcoming those with di� ering abilities We are an Open and A� rming Congregation.

EPISCOPALALL SOULS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

“Our little historic church on the hill” across from the Stony Brook Duck Pond

Main Street, Stony Brook • (631) 751–0034www.allsouls–stonybrook.org • allsoulsepiscopalchurch@verizon.net

Please come and welcome our new Priests:The Rev. Dr. Richard Visconti, Priest–In–Charge

The Rev. Farrell D. Graves, Priest AssociateSunday Holy Eucharist: 8 and 9:30 am

Religious instruction for children follows the 9:30 am Service� is is a small eclectic Episcopal congregation

that has a personal touch. We welcome all regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey. Walk with us.

CAROLINE CHURCH OF BROOKHAVEN

The Rev. Cn. Dr. Richard D. Visconti, RectorThe Rev. Farrell Graves, Priest Associate

1 Dyke Road on the Village Green, SetauketWeb site: www.carolinechurch.net

Parish Office email: office@carolinechurch.net(631) 941–4245

Sunday Services: 8:00 am, 9:30 am and 11:15 amChurch School/Child Care at 9:30 am

Church School classes now forming. Call 941-4245 for registrationWeekday Holy Eucharist’s: Th ursday 12:30 pm and

First Fri. of the month 7:30 pm (rotating: call Parish Offi ce for location)Youth, Music and Service Programs off ered

CHRISTMAS SERVICESChristmas Eve, � ursday, December 24th

Please note our new Service times 5:00 p.m. Children’s Service

Festal Holy Eucharist Rite II - Youth & Teen Choirs

8:00 p.m. Festal Holy Eucharist Rite II - Adult Choir10:00 p.m. Festal Holy Eucharist Rite II - Adult Choir

Christmas Day, Friday, December 25th10:00 a.m. Festal Holy Eucharist, Rite II - with Christmas HymnsLet God walk with you as part of our family–friendly community.

EPISCOPAL CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

127 Barnum Ave., Port Jefferson(631) 473–0273

email: ccoffice@christchurchportjeff.org www.christchurchportjeff.org

Father Anthony DiLorenzo: Priest–In–ChargeSunday Eucharist: 8 am and 10 am/Wednesday 10 in our chapel

Sunday School and Nursery at 9:30 amOur ministries: Welcome Inn on Mondays at 5:45 pm

AA meetings on Tuesdays and Th ursdays at 7 pm/Prayer Group on Wednesdays at 10:30 am/Bible Study on Th ursdays at 10 am.It is the mission of the people of Christ Church to grow in our

relationship with Jesus Christ and to make his love known to all through our lives and ministry.

We at Christ Church are a joyful, welcoming community. Wherever you are in your journey of life we want to

be part of it.

EVANGELICALTHREE VILLAGE CHURCH

Knowing Christ...Making Him Known322 Route 25A, East Setauket • (631) 941–3670

www.3vc.orgLead Pastor Josh Moody

Sunday Worship Schedule9:15 am:Worship Service Sunday School (Pre–K – Adult),

Nursery 10:30 am: Bagel/Coff ee Fellowship11:00 am: Worship, Nursery, Pre–K, Cornerstone Kids (Gr. K–4)

We off er weekly Teen Programs, Small Groups,Women’s Bible Studies (day & evening) & Men’s Bible Study

Faith Nursery School for ages 3 & 4Join us as we celebrate 55 years of proclaiming

the good news of Jesus Christ!

GREEK ORTHODOXCHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION

430 Sheep Pasture Rd., Port Jefferson 11777Tel: 631-473-0894 • Fax: 631-928-5131

www.kimisis.org • goc.assumption@gmail.comRev. Demetrios N. Calogredes, Protopresbyter

Sunday ServicesOrthros 8:30 am - Devine Liturgy 10 am

CHRISTMAS EVE 2015-Orthros 6 pm, Divine Liturgy 7 pmServices conducted in both Greek & English*

Books available to follow in English*Sunday Catechism School, 10:15 am - 11:15 am*Greek Language School, Tuesdays 5 pm - 8 pm*

Bible Study & Adult Catechism Classes Available*Golden Age & Youth Groups* Th rift Store*

Banquet Hall available for Rental*For information please call Church offi ce*

JEWISH CHABAD AT STONY BROOK

“Judaism with a smile”Future site: East side of Nicolls Rd, North of Rte 347 –Next to Fire Dept.

Current location: 821 Hawkins Ave., Lake Grove(631) 585–0521 • (800) My–Torah • www.ChabadSB.com

Rabbi Chaim & Rivkie GrossbaumRabbi Motti & Chaya GrossbaumRabbi Sholom B. & Chanie Cohen

Membership Free •Weekday, Shabbat & Holiday Services Highly acclaimed Torah Tots Preschool • Afternoon Hebrew School

Camp Gan Israel • Judaica Publishing Department • Lectures and Seminars • Living Legacy Holiday Programs

Jewish Learning InstituteFriendship Circle for Special Needs Children • The CTeen Network

N’shei Chabad Women’s Club • Cyberspace Library www.ChabadSB.com

Chabad at Stony Brook University – Rabbi Adam & Esther Stein

©145

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December 24, 2015 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A17

JEWISH CORAM JEWISH CENTER

Young Israel of Coram981 Old Town Rd., Coram • (631) 698–3939 YIC.org – YoungIsraelofCoram@gmail.com

RABBI DR. MORDECAI & MARILYN GOLSHEVSKYRABBI SAM & REBECCA GOLSHEVSKY

“THE ETERNAL FLAME–THE ETERNAL LIGHT” Weekly Channel #20 at 11 am

Shabbat Morning Services 9 am Free Membership. No building fund. Free Hebrew School. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Shabbat and Holiday Services followed by hot buffet. Adult Education Institute. Women’s Education Group–International Lectures and Torah Study. Adult Bar/Bat Mitz-

vah. Kaballah Classes. Jewish Holiday Institute. Tutorials for all ages.FREE HEBREW SCHOOL 2015–2016

Details (631)698–3939Member National Council of Young Israel

a world–wide organization.All welcome regardless of knowledge or observance level.

NORTH SHORE JEWISH CENTER385 Old Town Rd., Port Jefferson Station

(631) 928–3737www.NorthShoreJewishCenter.org

Rabbi Aaron BensonCantor Daniel Kramer, Rabbi Emeritus Howard Hoffman

Executive Director Marcie PlatkinServices: Daily morning and evening minyan Friday at 8 pm;Saturday 8:45 am and one hour before sundown • Tot Shabbat

Family Kehillah • Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Seniors Club • Youth Group Award–winning Religious School • Teen Community Service Program

Nursery School • Mommy and Me • Preschool Summer Program Continuing Ed • Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah • Judaica Shop

Th rift Shop • Kosher Catering PanelWe warmly welcome you to our Jewish home. Come worship,

study and enjoy being Jewish with our caring NSJC family. Member United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

TEMPLE ISAIAH (REFORM)1404 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook • (631) 751–8518

A warm and caring intergenerational communitydedicated to learning, prayer, social action, and friendship.

Rabbi Sharon L. Sobel Cantor Michael F. Trachtenberg Emeritus

Cantor Scott HarrisRabbi Emeritus Stephen A. Karol

Rabbi Emeritus Adam D. FisherMember Union for Reform Judaism

Sabbath Services Friday 7:30 pm and Saturday 10 am Monthly Family Service • Monthly Tot Shabbat • Religious School Youth Groups • Senior Club • Adult Education • Chavurah Groups

• Early AM Studies • Sisterhood • Brotherhood • PT

LUTHERAN–ELCAST. PAULS LUTHERAN CHURCH

309 Patchogue Road, Port Jefferson Station (631)473–7157

Rev. Paul A. Downing, Pastoremail: pastorpauldowning@yahoo.com • pastors cell: 347–423–3623

church website: wwwStPaulsLCPJS.orgServices

Sundays – 8:30 am and 10:30 am Holy CommunionBibles and Bagels 9:30 am

Sunday School during 10:30 am serviceWednesday Evening 7:30 pm – Holy Communion

Friday MorningPower of Prayer Hour 10:30 am

~ All are Welcome ~

LUTHERAN–LCMSMESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH

PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE465 Pond Path, East Setauket

(631)751-1775www.messiahny.com

Rev. Charles Bell - PastorWe welcome all to join us for worship & fellowship

Sunday Worship Services8:15am, 9:30am & 11:00amSunday School at 9:30 am

Midweek Tuesday Advent Service 6:15 pm, December 8 & 15Midweek Wednesday Advent Service 11 am, December 9 & 16

Christmas Eve-5:30pm-Candlelight Family • 8pm-Candlelight Traditional

Christmas Day 10am • New Year’s Eve 7:30pmNYS Certifi ed Preschool & Day Care Program

Please call for details

METHODISTBETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST

EPISCOPAL CHURCH33 Christian Ave/ PO2117

E. Setauket NY 11733    (631)941 3581Rev. Gregory L. Leonard–Pastor

Sunday Worship 10:30 amAdult Sunday School 9:30 am

Lectionary Reading and Prayer Wed. 12 noonGospel Choir Tues. 8 pm

Praise Choir and Youth Choir 3rd and 4th Fri. 6:30 pm 

COMMACK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH486 Townline Road, CommackChurch Office: (631)499–7310

Fax: (631) 858–0596www.commack–umc.org • mail@commack–umc.org

Rev. Linda Bates–Stepe, Pastor

SETAUKET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH160 Main Street, Corner of 25A and Main Street

East Setauket • (631) 941–4167Rev. Sandra B. Mantz, Pastor

www.setauketumc.org • SUMCNY@aol.comSunday Worship Service & Church School 10 am

10 am Worship with Holy CommunionMary & Martha Circle (Women’s Ministry)

monthly on 2nd Tuesday at noonAdult Bible Study Sunday 8 am

Prayer Group and Bible Study at the Church Wednesdays 10 am

PRESBYTERIANSETAUKET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH5 Caroline Avenue ~ On the Village Green

(631) 941-4271www.setauketpresbyterian.org

Email: setauketpresbyterian@verizon.netREV. MARY BARRETT SPEERS, PASTOR

Sunday Morning Worship at 9:30 amWith Childcare & Children’s Church School

Advent Schedule:Dec. 13: Selections from Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit

SPC Choir, Soloists and Orchestra, 9:30 amDec. 20th: Children’s Christmas Pageant, 9:30 am

Joy Off eringChristmas Eve Schedule:

Family “Manger” Service at 4:30pm, with Blessing of AnimalsWelcome INN dinner at 5:45 pm

Worship Service at 7:30 pm • Singing of the Hallelujah ChorusYouth Group Alumni Party at 9:00 pm in the ParlorCandlelight Service with Communion at 11:00 pm

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTUNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

FELLOWSHIP AT STONY BROOK380 Nicolls Road • between Rte 347 & Rte 25A

(631) 751–0297 • www.uufsb.org • offi ce@uufsb.orgRev. Margaret H. Allen

(minister@uufsb.org)Sunday Service: 10:30 am

Religious Education at UUFSB: Unitarian Universalism accepts wisdom from many sources and off ers non-dogmatic religious education for

children from 3-18 to foster ethical and spiritual development and knowl-edge of world religions. Classes Sunday mornings at 10:30 am. Childcare

for little ones under three. Senior High Youth Group meetings Sunday evenings. Registration is ongoing.

For more information: dre@uufsb.org.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF HUNTINGTON

109 Brown’s Road, Huntington, NY 11743631–427–9547

www.uu� .orgRev. G. Jude Geiger, Minister

(minister@uufh .org)Starr Austin, religious educator (dreuufh @gmail.com)

Sunday Service 10:30 am, Children’s Religious Education 10:30 amCHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

Family Service 5 pm: Christmas pageant with youth choir, intergenerational orchestra and candle lighting.

Contemplative Service 7 pm: With candle lighting, choir and string quartet.

Whoever you are, whomever you love, wherever you are on your life’s journey, you are welcome here.

Our services o� er a progressive, non-creedal message with room for spiritual seekers.

Services and Religious Education each Sunday at 10:30 amYouth Group, Lifespan Religious Education for Adults,

Adult and Children’s ChoirsParticipants in the Huntington Interfaith Housing Initiative

Find us on Facebook and Twitter

UNITYUNITY CHURCH OF HEALING LIGHT

203 East Pulaski Rd., Huntington Sta. (631) 385–7180

www.unityhuntingtonny.orgRev. Saba Mchunguzi

Unity Church of Healing Light is committed to helping people unfold their Christ potential to transform their lives and build

spiritual community through worship, education, prayer and service.Sunday Worship & Church School 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Night Prayer Service 7:30 p.m.Sign Language Interpreter at Sunday Service

©145701

Religious D irectory

To be listed in the Religious Directory,

please call 751–7663

To SubScribe: PleaSe call 631.751.7744 or SubScribe online aT www.TbrnewSmedia.com

PAGE A18 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 24, 2015

OPINION

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

EDITORIALGOP’s ‘cop monitor’ worth considering

Suffolk County Republicans assembled at the Legislature building last week to call for a federal monitor to oversee our county police depart-ment. They argued that a recent indictment of former Police Chief James Burke was a tipping point, proving that county government could not be trusted to operate independently without supervision. They also cited County Execu-tive Steve Bellone’s appointment of Tim Sini to replace Burke as key evidence supporting their pleas, accusing him of not having enough experi-ence to do the job at the level the county needs.

We don’t disagree with the Suffolk County GOP in saying that the federal government should consider monitoring the county’s police department to make sure it is adequately protect-ing us and that the taxpayer dollars funding it are being well spent. There should be a monitor — but not solely for the reasons our Republi-can lawmakers have outlined. There are plenty of other issues concerning the Suffolk County Police Department that a federal monitor could help alleviate.

For starters, we have editorialized in the past about the department’s ongoing relationship woes with the greater Hispanic community, which has had a public spotlight for the last sev-eral years. The department has taken some steps to address this issue, but a lot more can be done.

A federal monitor could also make sure our department utilizes its resources appropriately at a time when many elected officials argue that patrols are being stretched too thin and officers are overworked. Better management of resources could also mean better enforcement of the county’s gang population and fight against drug abuse.

As much as we might cringe at the idea of “more government” — especially on the federal level — it would be better than nothing.

Photo from Susan EckertCounty GOP lawmakers speak at a press conference.

World is at a critical moment on AIDSTO THE EDITOR:

We have come a long way in the fight against HIV/AIDS — since the Millennium Development Goals were first adopted in 2000 through 2013, new HIV infections have fallen by roughly 40 percent.

But the HIV/AIDS epidemic con-tinues to affect millions of people around the world and in the United States, with marginalized commu-nities disproportionately impacted and millions newly infected each year. In some of the hardest hit areas globally, adolescent girls and young women face poverty, gender inequality, exclusion, discrimina-

tion, lack of education and violence, which put them at increased risk of acquiring HIV.

Many don’t realize that Planned Parenthood is a leading educator and provider of HIV testing in the United States. In 2013 alone, the last year for which data is available, Planned Parenthood health centers provided 704,000 HIV tests nation-wide. In 2014, Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic health centers and SmartWheels mobile education and testing vans provided 13,100 rapid HIV tests in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and Suffolk counties. Yet rather than supporting such needed efforts to end the epidemic in our community, we anticipate that anti-women’s health members of Congress will continue to push for

a policy rider that defunds Planned Parenthood in the next round of budget negotiations.

Defunding Planned Parenthood really means taking health care — including testing and treatment for STIs like HIV — away from the 2.7 million women, men and young people Planned Parenthood serves each year. I encourage you to #StandWithPP and support efforts to end HIV/AIDS. Now is the time to move forward, not backward, on this issue that has impacted so many millions around the world. Let’s protect our progress and double down on our efforts to end this epidemic.

Reina SchiffrinPlanned Parenthood

Hawthorne, N.Y.

Fitz fitsTo The ediTor:

i am pleased to announce that New York Farm Bureau has named Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (r-St. James) to our annual Circle of Friends list.

This legislative award is based upon his record of legislative support for New York agriculture and Farm Bureau’s public poli-cies. New York Farm Bureau is a non-partisan organization and does not endorse elected officials or political candidates.

Assemblyman Fitzpatrick joins legislators from both sides of the aisle in the Senate and Assembly who have a superior voting re-cord on issues of concern to New York farmers during the 2015 state legislative session.

New York Farm Bureau, the state’s largest general farm advo-cacy organization, works closely with the legislature to strengthen agriculture in New York and build on its economic importance in every region of the state. over the past year, we have worked to reduce regulatory fees for farms,

improve law enforcement train-ing for animal cruelty laws and increase funding for education, conservation and agricultural research. These and many other accomplishments this year would not have been possible without the support from lawmakers like Assemblyman Fitzpatrick.

dean Norton, PresidentNew York Farm Bureau

elba, N.Y.

File photo State Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick is now a member of the New York Farm Bureau’s Circle of Friends list.

December 24, 2015 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A19

Preparing to close the book on 2015

There we are at the Base-ball Hall of Fame. And, look, remember that

time mom ran into Mets pitch-er Noah Syndergaard on the street and got a selfie with him. Speaking of selfies, how about that one of our nephew who ran into Celtics’ basketball player David Lee in Boston?

Yes, every year, we produce

D. None of the aboveby DaNiel DuNaief

vtimes@tbrnewspapers.com

Daniel Dunaief’s recent book, “The Other Parent,”

may be purchased online from www.tbrnewsmedia.com/ebooks.

countless photographic memo-ries, capturing the moment. Those pictures may be worth a thousand words — and more.

I’m talking about our other senses. We have this incredible evolutionary gift that enables us to experience our lives, to appre-ciate and understand what’s hap-pening now beyond just seeing a video, or flipping or clicking through a photo album.

At some point we’ve all lost someone we love. We can look at pictures, visit their graves and listen to their favorite songs. But the experience, at least for me, of remembering how they spoke or what they said breathes life into that memory.

Despite growing up in Man-hattan, my Aunt Maxine de-veloped a Jimmy Durante way of speaking. “Hey, you!” she’d shout at me from across the room. “Did yah remembuh? It’s my boithday soon and ya gotta get me a cake and a watch.”

Shorter than most adults,

Aunt Maxine, who died several years ago, was so much more than her small frame. Yes, she flooded the airwaves at times with a deep voice that could seem like a jackhammer. And yet she could charm a Mona Lisa-type smile out of the most hesitant of audiences. My first thought is not of her stature, but the gift of her humor and of the back scratches she shared with her small, soft hands.

As we prepare to close the book on 2015, it’s worth going beyond the pictures of experi-ences, victories, defeats and challenging moments to cel-ebrate our senses.

I recently attended a holiday party where a couple described in savory details the taste of a seven-fish stew they eat every year at Christmas. A relative who died long ago used to make it for their family. Not only do they appreciate the flavor, but they also use the taste to recon-nect with their ancestors who

left Italy long ago.When we look at that picture

of ourselves at a baseball game, we can and should remember the sun that peaked through the clouds, warming the backs of our necks. Even if we don’t eat the hot dogs, we can bask in the connection between that smell and those times we sat high in the seats at a baseball stadium, waiting for the hot dog vendor to place those warm meals wrapped in napkins in our mitts, which we refused to remove in case a foul ball came our way.

When we see that picture of our daughter in the dress she bought for a party, let’s allow the squeal she let out when she found the perfect outfit to echo in our minds. If you’re lucky and your daughter shares an ex-cited sound, does a triumphant dance or expresses a joy that resonates throughout her body, you know how those move-ments or sounds make you feel.

between you and me

by leah S. DuNaiefvtimes@tbrnewspapers.com

It’s probably something akin to how mother penguins, who have left their young for days on end to hunt for fish, react when they return to the familiar call of their young.

Or, maybe, we’ll take a mo-ment to relive the way we bent over double, laughing with our wives and kids, about something ridiculous we said just before we got out of the car. Wonder-ful as the pictures of each year are, they’re the tip of the sensory iceberg of the experiences we shared in 2015.

The frenetic age of instantaneous news feeds

Whatever else we may be feeling right now, it is safe to generalize that

we are not bored. Aside from the usual holiday frenzy, as we get our homes, our pets, our refriger-ators and pantries, ourselves and our shopping lists ready, we are overwhelmed by more issues at this year’s end than I can ever re-member. Maybe it has to do with our instantaneous news feeds that make us aware of what’s go-ing on. But I think that we are liv-ing in a frenetic age.

Where to start?Certainly, terrorism has occu-

pied center stage in the minds of Americans. Worse — and more frightening than attacks from outside — is the demonstrable possibility of random homicide from within, from Americans or those who have settled among us and been “radicalized,” a polite word for psychopath. For how else can one characterize those who would commit mass murder to make a statement?

Continuing on, in no particu-lar order, there is the fierce debate about guns and their easy avail-ability in our country. Probably the most extraordinary line I have heard on the subject: “If Jews in Europe had had guns, there never would have been a Holocaust.”

The presidential race, started way before the actual election, has become an excellent source of entertainment as spectator sport for the public and high ratings for the TV stations. Top banana is surely Donald Trump, who is clearly having the time of his life mocking his GOP colleagues and those of the opposition party,

especially Hillary Clinton. Just think: If this were a movie, peo-ple would never believe it could happen, this New Yorker leading the pack by insulting everyone in sight. He may even be the catalyst for a new detente with Russia. Pu-tin really likes him and vice versa. Maybe he gives Putin something more interesting to watch on his own TV at home at night than the censored news the Russian people are served up. How probable that a candidate in Russia would be able to say the one-liners Trump offers each day, starting with his opinion of his president?

Then there is the grave mat-ter of police brutality, which is framed in large part by the issue of racism in America. No sooner is there a police shooting in one state than there is another in an-other state, equally distributed between North and South, East and West. The only redeeming feature is the outrage and imme-diate investigations such events engender. But how helpful those reactions are remains to be seen. We must keep the spotlight on them.

Immigration has become a major flash point, having moved from Mexican youngsters cross-ing over in large enough numbers to overwhelm the border patrol to Syrians and others from the Middle East desperately seeking asylum from the bombings and atrocities currently perpetrated on civilian populations. We are living in a time with the great-est migration of peoples since World War II displaced millions. And how are we to judge the au-thenticity of each person com-ing into America? By the same token, do we discriminate on the basis of ethnicity or religion? Have we learned nothing from the past century?

Immigration is an even more acute issue across the Atlantic since Europe is a geographi-cally closer destination than the United States. Thousands have abandoned their home-lands, taking little more than their children and the clothes on their backs to try and make a better life in the northern countries. Some have perished along the way. Fences have gone

up to prevent their entrance, threatening the basic tenets of the European Union amid the countries’ inability to cope. Partly underlying resistance to the newcomers is the fear of ad-mitting further terrorists.

Meanwhile we continue bombing Syria. So does Rus-sia. So does France. So does a reported Middle Eastern coali-tion led by Saudi Arabia. No wonder mistakes are being made as people are killed who are not the intended targets. There must be almost as many different na-tionalities of planes in the air as people on the ground, trying to escape. What a mess.

For the moment, we here can do little more than pull our fam-ilies closely around us and re-member how lucky we are as we reach out to help others. No, we are not bored, just overwhelmed. May we see peace in our time.

Top banana is surely

Donald Trump.

Those pictures may be worth a thousand words

— and more.

TIMES BEacon rEcord nEWS MEdIa We welcome letters, photographs, comments and story ideas.

Send your items to PO Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733 or email to phil@tbrnewspapers.com. Times Beacon Record Newspapers are published every Thursday.

Subscription $49/year • 631–751–7744 www.tbrnewsmedia.com • Con tents copyright 2015

EDITOR AND PUBLISHERLeah S. DunaiefGENERAL MANAGERJohness Kuisel MANAGING EDITOR Phil CorsoEDITORPhil Corso

LEISURE EDITORHeidi SuttonSPORTS EDITORDesirée KeeganONLINE EDITORElana Glowatz

ADVERTISING DIRECTORKathryn MandracchiaART AND PRODUCTIONDIRECTORDavid R. LeamanINTERNET STRATEGY DIRECTORRob Alfano

CLASSIFIEDS DIRECTOREllen SegalBUSINESS MANAGERSandi GrossCREDIT MANAGERDiane WattecampsCIRCULATION MANAGERCourtney Biondo

PAGE A20 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • DECEMbER 24, 2015142700