Smithtown Man Dies In Motor Vehicle Crash

Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a motorcyclist in Selden today.

Jared Tepperman was riding a 2001 Honda motorcycle northbound on Boyle Road when his motorcycle struck a 2010 Honda Accord, which was also traveling northbound, at the intersection of Hemlock Street at approximately 4:10 p.m. 

Tepperman, 21, of Smithtown, was transported via Selden Fire Department ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the Honda, Stacey Rios, 44, and her passenger, Daniel Loria, 45, both of Selden, were transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Detectives are seeking the identity of another motorcyclist who was involved in the incident and fled the scene prior to police arrival.

Both vehicles were impounded for a safety check. Detectives are asking anyone with information on this crash to call the Sixth Squad at 631-854-8652.

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP - Suffolk County Says NO To Hate

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

By Karl Grossman

Strong condemnation of the white nationalist march in Charlottesville, Virginia has come from Suffolk County.

It is a county that itself has known hate. The KKK was active in Suffolk in the 1920s, Nazis had a New York area center in Yaphank in the 1930s and racial discrimination has persisted. 

A Suffolk sidelight in the Charlottesville situation: Christopher Cantwell, raised in Suffolk, was a leader of the “Unite the Right” rally that drew members of the KKK, white nationalists and neo-Nazis. Originally from Stony Brook, he was prominent in a widely aired Vice News documentary on the march saying “I carry a pistol,” “I’m trying to make myself more capable of violence,” “We’ll f… kill these people if we have to,” and advocating white supremacy. Described as an “unapologetic fascist” by Hatewatch, a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center, Newsday reported that Mr. Cantwell “as recently as 2014” was a featured speaker at the Suffolk Libertarian Party’s annual fundraiser. He sought in 2009 to run for Congress in the lst C.D. on the party’s ticket, despite a criminal record that included incarceration in Suffolk. Most of Smithtown is in the lst C.D. He’s in jail in Charlottesville on charges of assaulting a man protesting the march, and also on three felony warrants from New Hampshire.  

A white nationalist from Ohio was charged with murder for driving his car into people against the march leaving a 32-year-old woman dead and 19 injured… 

A “Joint Statement on the Charlottesville Violence” was issued by leading human rights organizations in Suffolk: the Center for Social Justice & Human Understanding, the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission and the Suffolk County Anti-Bias Task Force.

The groups said “we stand together with people of good will to denounce the racist and hate-filled actions and words witnessed in Charlottesville, Virginia. We urge our Suffolk County community and our nation to stand strong against the modern day rising of white nationalist organizations and say: No to Hate!!!”

They continued: “If you have ever wondered what you would have done in history during times of increased racism, hatred, and ultimately persecution, all the residents of our county now have an opportunity to do something. When radical ‘nationalists’ rallied behind Adolph Hitler and supported the systematic extermination of over six million Jews and others deemed undeserving to exist, much of the world stood silent. From the Holocaust, harsh lessons were learned about the impact of bystanders…We continue to learn the lesson of silence every day as we witness genocides throughout the world.”

“It is time,” said the organizations, “to speak out and stand tall.” They asked people to join in with them demanding “Never Again! Not here and not anywhere!”

State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. of Sag Harbor announced his backing of a call by Governor Andrew Cuomo to include inciting to riot and rioting in New York State’s hate crimes law. Mr. Thiele said: “The tragedy in Charlottesville demonstrates that we have entered a dangerous time in America history when the activities of hate groups like the neo-Nazis, the KKK, white nationalists and the alt-right are on the rise. “

He continued that “even” in Suffolk there has been “KKK activity recently. These groups are only further encouraged by national leaders who fail to clearly condemn these activities in unequivocal terms…Hate must be condemned in the strongest possible terms and the law must reflect that commitment to justice and equality.”

Meanwhile, Erase Racism, a group that challenges bias in Suffolk and Nassau, declared: “It’s back. Violence and murder in the streets; not in some far off land but in the streets of the United States. Neo-Nazi, white supremacists, Klansmen; all members of the loosely defined alt-right were the on-site perpetrators of violence in Charlottesville…If all we do is mourn and be outraged, we fail to pull our country out of a perilous downward spiral of hate.”

The new book, “Civil Rights on Long Island” by Chris Verga tells of how in the1920s one out of seven Long Islanders were KKK members and the hate group was a major political force in Suffolk. In the 1930s, Camp Siegfried was set up in Yaphank as a New York Area center for Nazis.  It included a parade ground and streets named for Hitler and henchmen. Continuing racism in Suffolk was demonstrated two weeks ago when the Village of Mastic Beach agreed in U.S. District Court to pay damages to six African-American former residents wrongly evicted from their rental homes by the village administrator.

The claim by President Trump that there were “some very fine people on both sides” in Charlottesville was outrageous. As Mr. Thiele said, the activities of neo-Nazis, Klansmen, etc. must be condemned “in unequivocal terms.” Seventy-two years ago, the United States and Allied nations won a war against fascism. It must never return. Never Again! 

Free Opioid Overdose Prevention Training

Today Marks International Overdose Awareness Day

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today encouraged residents to attend a free Opioid Overdose Prevention training held by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. The training, which meets New York State Department of Health requirements, will enable participants to recognize an opioid overdose, administer intranasal naloxone - commonly referred to as Narcan - and take additional steps until EMS arrives. Participants will receive a certificate of completion and an emergency resuscitation kit that includes Narcan.

“As we mark International Overdose Awareness Day, we are reminded of the unimaginable grief felt by families who have watched their loved ones struggle or lose their lives from a drug overdose,” said Suffolk County Executive Bellone.  “Suffolk County will continue to lead the way in taking action to combat this scourge, and I encourage all residents to attend a class to learn how they can play a role in our efforts to address this national epidemic.”

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Office of Health Education will hold its next class on Monday, September 18 at 6:00 p.m., located at 725 Veterans Memorial Highway, Bldg. C016 in Hauppauge.  To register, residents should contact wanda.ortiz@suffolkcountyny.gov or call 631-853-4017.

Dr. James Tomarken, Commissioner of Suffolk County Health Services, said: “We encourage all persons and their friends and family members who are dealing with substance abuse and who need assistance to take advantage of the resources listed on Suffolk County’s substance abuse page.  We also wish to reduce the chances of overdose by encouraging all residents to participate in our Opioid Overdose Prevention Program.”

Those who need immediate assistance may contact Suffolk County’s 24/7 Substance Abuse Hotline at 631-979-1700. Callers will be connected to treatment services and receive timely access to quality substance abuse care.  

For more information and resources for dealing with substance abuse, please visit Suffolk County’s Substance Abuse Resource Center.

Republican Primary Candidates Discuss Views At LWV Meeting

Standing room only. Republicans filled the Brush Barn for last night’s League of Women Voters candidates meeting for the September 12th Republican primary. Audience members were given the opportunity to hear the candidates vying for town supervisor, town board, and town clerk postitions on the Republican line. 

With an overflow crowd standing outside the open doors, Republicans, many party faithful, and other interested residents got to hear canidates Patrick R. Vecchio, Edward R. Wehrheim (for Supervisor), Robert P. Doyle, Thomas Lohmann, Thomas J. McCarthy, Lynne C. Nowick (for Town Council), Conrad A. Chayes, Vincent Puleo (for Town Clerk) discuss their positions.

All questions were presented to the candidates by Suffolk County League of Women Voters moderator Lisa Scott. 

Town Clerk Candidates Vincent Puleo (l) Conrad Chayes (R)The questioning began with the candidates for Town Clerk incumbent Vincent Puleo and challenger Conrad Chayes. At the outset it appeared from Mr. Puleo’s demeanor that he was angry, it only took five minutes to understand why. Despite being in his position for twelve years, Mr. Puleo was going to have to defend himself against accusations appearing in recent negative mailings. The opportunity arose when a question about improving interactions with with the public led Mr. Chayes to respond “I would do the job. Not play a Candidates Puleo and Chayes leaving the stagegame of gotcha.” Mr. Puleo has been under attack since early 2014 for the debacle that led to a crisis whereby reelected candidates Supervisor Vecchio, Tom McCarthy and newly elected Lynne Nowick did not sign the mandated Oath of Office and were unable to serve in their positions. The book where electees sign is under the purview of the Town Clerk and it was alleged that Mr. Puleo, who opposed the three electees in the election, willfully neglected to have them sign the book. This charge has been repeatedly denied by Mr. Puleo and again last night when he repeated his position that the allegations were “ridiculous”. Mr Puleo said that the people who call themselves victims should look at themselves, repeating that his job is not to run after people to collect signatures but to have them sign and file the documents. Ms. Scott called them on their non-answers which led both candidates to acknowledge that continued and improving online services including access to information and applications is key to serving the public. 

Supervisor candidates were next on the agenda. Sewers was the key word in the supervisor portion of the meeting. Both candidates concurred that the growth in the business district in Smithtown will be determined by the installation of a sewer system. Both candidates agree that Kings Park, through the efforts of their local Ed Wehrheimcommunity organizations, have done the heavy lifting on developing a plan for their downtown area. Specifics Patrick R. Vecchioabout hook-ups and user fees were not discussed. Both candidates agreed that the mom and pop stores prevalent in Smithtown’s past would not be returning. A question was asked about downtown shuttles, to which both candidates agreed that without population density transportation shuttles in the downtown areas would not be practical. A question, based on the Youth Bureau’s wish list, was support for a youth recreation center. Mr. Wehrheim, was a supporter of the proposal but said that the numbers it would serve were just not there to commit to building a recreational center. Supervisor Vecchio, is not a fan of a stand alone recreation center, he indicated that he supports the town’s involvement with youth programs but felt that schools were the appropriate place to house youth programs. Mr. Vecchio pointed out that schools and gymnasiums were already equipped and should be used to facilitate programs. Both candidates expressed support for land preservation. Both candidates agreed that accessory apartments were not appropriate for residential areas. Candidates took a wait and see attitude on Gyrodyne property but expressed concern for over development and density. Mr. Vecchio reminded people that the property is currently zoned industrial.

Differences were remarkably few. Supervisor Vecchio pointed out that Councilman Wehrheim voted against the funding for revitalization of the St. James business district. Mr. Wehrheim defended his vote saying there wasn’t enough time to examine the proposal between the time it was proposed and voted on. He currently supports the St. James revitalization program now that a new water main and a sewer line have been added. The candidates disagreed on consolidation of town buildings. Purchasing the New York Avenue School was once considered for the purpose of consolidation of town buildings. Although the school is no longer available for purchase Mr. Wehrheim continues to support the idea of consolidation.  Mr. Vecchio believes  the current configuration is cost effective and beneficial to citizens. Mr. Wehrheim criticized the lack of communication between the town and the school district.

In closing Mr. Wehrheim spoke of his six-point platform which includes using the town’s stellar fiscal position to bond for improvements. He spoke of needed improvements to the Landing Country Club and the Hauppauge Industrial Park. His plan includes creating a business advisory council which he believes will be able to work out issues before they get to the town. He proposes putting Smithtown’s triple A bond rating to work by increasing bonding for projects which he claims will have a negligible impact on taxpayers. Mr Wehrheim also expressed his desire for increased oversight of town departments.

Mr. Vecchio used his closing to point out that Mr. Wehrheim spoke of increasing oversight of town departments but six months ago refused all assignments designating him to act as liaison to town departments.

Next Town Council candidates

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP - Eclipse A Moment In Life

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

By Karl Grossman

When the eclipse came last week, I feared my life was in eclipse. 

As the sky darkened, I felt my life darkening, too.  

I had just gotten, two hours before, a phone call from my doctor’s office about an MRI report that found tears in the tendons and muscles that connected to my left arm’s rotator cuff—the body part in a shoulder that is key to arm movement. Two days before, I was informed about the report of an earlier MRI, of my right shoulder, that found the same situation.

Two shoulders, two rotator cuffs in trouble—was I in trouble!

Ahead almost certainly was an operation, indeed two operations, an initial one and months after healing occurred in one shoulder, an operation on the other.  And what an operation rotator cup surgery involves! I went to Google—often depressing (although full of facts) I’ve found, when seeking information about a medical problem.

One medical website said that a rotator cup operation, even if done arthroscopically (with small incisions and tiny tools) can take two to two-and-a-half hours. Then that arm needs to be immobilized for weeks, kept in a sling.

Another site said you might want to sleep in an easy chair for a time so as not put pressure on the operated-upon shoulder. (I have problems enough sleeping all night in a bed.)

Other sites said that if you stick to a bed, you need to build up a mountain of pillows or get a big bolster to sleep on, almost sitting up to avoid shoulder pressure. 

There would be post-operative pain.

And there’d be months—it might be three to six—of rehabilitation and months to get an arm’s strength back. And in my situation, I’d have to do this twice. 

Farewell Prius. Forget about driving for a year. How would I be able to manage to work as a professor of journalism, for 40 years as of this school year. at SUNY/College at Old Westbury? How would I write this column and do my other writing?  I do TV, too. How would I manage that? 

All this was in my mind as the eclipse neared.

I went to the post office and there was Rabbi Berel Lerman of the Chabad North Haven in the Hamptons. The Chabad had held services in the living room of his house in North Haven and the Sag Harbor Inn since starting in 2013. But it has just established a Center for Jewish Life, across from the post office in a huge space that had been the temporary location of John Jermain Memorial Library while it was being expanded and renovated. Rabbi Lerman asked whether I would like to see this new center.

It was so impressive. Rooms for teaching and displaying art, and a beautiful sanctuary.

Then I told the rabbi about what I faced. And he took me into his study and we prayed together for my health. And, afterwards, in his warm, caring way, he said maybe my problem could be handled without surgery. I said I wish it could.

I went next to the front steps if the so nicely reconstructed library where people had gathered for the eclipse. The sky was getting a touch darker. I figured the friendly folks in my community would share those hard-to-obtain eclipse glasses so I could view the eclipse. They did. 

Then I walked in that midday twilight back to my car—believing my life in eclipse, too. 

Until the next day. Then I sat with another warm, caring person, Dr. John J. Brennan, an orthopedic surgeon to whom I was referred. He is with the orthopedic department at St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson. It and the other five hospitals of Catholic Health Services of Long Island have put a special focus on orthopedic medicine. Among them is St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown. 

Dr. Brennan and his compassionate assistant, Sean O’Came, heard my story, examined me and studied the MRIs. And then Dr. Brennan explained that at my age—75—tears in tendons and muscles linking to rotator cuffs are not unusual. Indeed, he told about a study of hundreds of men who had no shoulder problems in which 25% of those in their 60s were found to have  rotator cuff tears and 50% of those in their 70s had torn rotator cuffs.

Because I still have basically OK arm movement and minor occasional pain, he said no surgery was needed!  My loving wife of 56 years and I listened to him in amazement and thanksgiving. 

My eclipse, a day after the big one, suddenly passed. 

And we went out to dinner to celebrate.

Karl Grossman is a veteran investigative reporter and columnist, the winner of numerous awards for his work and a member of the L.I. Journalism Hall of Fame. He is a professor of journalism at SUNY/College at Old Westbury and the author of six books.