The Real Spirit of Christmas
Ben Vitale

When does the Christmas Holiday begin? I would guess that it begins when something triggers that feeling of fulfillment. My Seventeen year old Grand Daughter “Shared” a Facebook link to the insights of a famous, writer, Ben Stein. But what does that have to do with Christmas? Ben Stein is Jewish.  I have always admired Ben Stein’s viewpoints about the Jewish community and Christmas; because for a lifetime I have lived through almost identical experiences.  

Insights about Christmas from a Jewish writer? Hummm…   How is this possible? Honestly; after looking at the videos I actually felt the spirit of Christmas come upon me! You must view Ben Stein’s insights into Christmas and the symbols of Christmas such as the Christmas Tree. I have, for a lifetime,  experienced the combined joy of both Christmas and Hanukah, through my very dear Jewish friends.  (Be patient: you must first sit through a commercial, and then you must wait till the end of the “Christmas Hanukah” video, for it all to make sense.)

I am very proud of all of my Grand Children, and relish all of their accomplishments! In this case I am proud of my Granddaughter, because she “Shared” on Facebook, the ideals of the famous writer Ben Stein.  Mister  Stein’s ideals are without prejudice.  My parents brought me up without prejudice, and Ben’s ideals reflect my experiences as a young man in Brooklyn, NY. My Granddaughter, a young adult,  has demonstrated that she is also without prejudice.

My Christmas holiday has begun!

Tell me; did you feel the spirit of Christmas come upon you?

You might want to read another Christmas related article that was published last year; an article about a Christmas Tree.

 

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and Happy Kwanzaa! That’s the way it should be!


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Message from the 5Th Pct:

 

Fifth Precinct Open Community Meeting

2013 Schedule

Every First Tuesday of the Month*

 

·       January 8, 2013*

·       February 5, 2013

·       March 5, 2013

·       April 2, 2013

·       May 7, 2013

·       June 4, 2013

·       July 2, 2013

·       August 6, 2013

·       September 3, 2013

·       October 1, 2013

·       November 5, 2013

·       December 3, 2013

 

*The January Fifth Precinct Open Community Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 8, 2013, which is the second Tuesday of the month as the first Tuesday of the month is a major holiday (New Years Day)

 

All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and take place at the Fifth Precinct, 125 Waverly Avenue , Patchogue.

 

Fifth Precinct Email Address:

 

SCPD.5THPRECINCT@suffolkcountyny.gov

 

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Three House Burglaries in North Patchogue.

Notice from the Maple Avenue Neighborhood Watch:

Be advised that Three homes were burglarized today; Thursday Nov. 29, 2012, in North Patchogue. The Burglaries took place on North Ocean Avenue, Patchogue, NY, about One half mile, north of the Sunrise Highway intersection.

My daughters home and about three other homes were burglarized last month, in the same area.

The MO is the same; they burglarize your home when you are at work; usually between Noon and 5PM.
This area is very close to our village. As soon as the Burglars run out of homes to burglarize, our area could be next.

Friends and neighbors; it might be a good idea to make sure that your burglar alarm system is operational.

MANW


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Urgent Message from Mayor Paul Pontieri

FEMA will be at the Recreation Center at 380 Bay Ave...Friday and Saturday, Nov. 16 and 17, 2012, from 9am to 3pm. These will be their last time in the Patchogue area.

Our Recreation Center is open for anyone in the 11772 zip, Medford and Bayport/Blue Point. FEMA will help anyone who walks through the door.
More information in Patchogue Patch:
http://patchogue.patch.com/articles/fema-sba-at-patchogue-rec-center-friday-saturday

Please inform your neighbors immediately!

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Money for long Term Rebuilding!

Act Now do not Wait:

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government's primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and covers the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Attached is information from FEMA and the SBA (Small Business Agency)...Please post they are setting up an office in the Recreation Center at 380 Bay Ave. and will be open after 9:00am-7pm tomorrow....I will be getting firm dates and times and will forward that info on to you...This is a regional site and open to all those affected by Sandy...this is critical information and should be posted as soon as possible...Paul

Paul Pontieri, Mayor
Village of Patchogue
14 Baker St.
PO Box 719
Patchogue, NY 11772
(631)475-4590
ppontieri@patchoguevillage.org

Go to the Patchogue Village Web Site to gain access to the forms, and more information.
http://www.patchoguevillage.org/

Also see Patchogue Village Facebook Page.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patchogue-Village/323866929358

FEMA temporary fix info; go to Patchogue Patch via link below.
http://patchogue.patch.com/articles/fema-temporary-fix-to-ravaged-homes

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From: SCPD 5Th Precinct Newsletter Reminder:

The next Fifth Precinct Open Community
Meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 7:00 PM at the Fifth Precinct: 125 Waverly Avenue , Patchogue , NY .

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Patchogue Village Facebook Response to Sandy 

Ben Vitale

 The volunteers that service the Patchogue Village Facebook site have done a monumental job at disseminating information to the village residents. Links to NOAA, flood zone maps, shelter shuttle instructions, evacuation routes, communications from the mayor, LIPA phone numbers, shelter locations, and media instructions. I am more than impressed; the implementation of their response to this disaster has been and is flawless! Perfection is no accident! 

Patchogue Village also did a great job at removing debris from hurricane Sandy. I saw the mess in the southern part of Patchogue Village after the hurricane; today I drove along the water and noted that the clean-up was also monumental. In addition, the Garbage removal was not interrupted.

Unlike the Gasoline industry; Patchogue Village gave us performance, not excuses! Kudos to Patchogue Village!

Thanks for doing a wonderful job!

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Odd  Even Days at the Gas Pump
Ben Vitale

Fuel shortage because of Gas hoarding; I don't think so! Has the news media considered the fact that every generator requires about 5 Gallons of Gas per day? 250 Gas stations are still closed because they do not have power to operate their pumps! I have seen it; a small household generator can operate Gas Pumps. Yep! A $350. Generator, that can be purchased at Home Depot! So whats the big deal! I would guess the big deal is Red Tape, and required inspections by some branch of the government. The system must be "fixed."

The Gas on alternate day rule does not consider the person who has to use his vehicle for work. Two of my friends stood on lines because they absolutely needed gas to get to work. Do we need to add unemployment to the equation? Only God can turn one tank of Gas into Two tanks of Gas.

This is an emergency; get out of town tanker truck drivers to our area, and have them deliver fuel 24/7, nonstop. No Coffee breaks! No excuses! If I performed this poorly in my job, I would be fired in an instant. Why do we give a free pass to the fuel industry? We don't need rationing, we need performance. The last time I went to a Gas station there was a $50. limit; so it takes Four days to get a full tank of Gas. What genius thought up this stupid rule? Only God can turn one tank of Gas into Two tanks of gas.

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Governor Cuomo Changes Insurance Law

This insurance law change pertains to debris removal and insurance inspection.
http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/11052012Insurance-Rules

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Sandy Showed us Where we Need Improvement.

Ben Vitale

Patchogue, NY: Decade after decade we keep dealing with hurricane related emergencies, in the same incompetent manner. To make things worse, the problems are identified but never solved!  

The pumps that are used in Gas Stations to pump Gasoline into our cars, are not very big; it is not unreasonable to mandate auxiliary power. Gas stations should be required,  to have auxiliary power in order to maintain their license. I have seen the "Gas station pump syndrome,"  manifest itself hurricane after hurricane. When will we learn that we must repair our infrastructure in order to avoid future catastrophes.

There is absolutely no excuse to justify the almost complete lack of Gasoline in our area. FEMA should sponsor and preside over a Suffolk County Emergency Fuel Storage Area.  As far as I have seen, most  Gas Stations in our area are closed, except the Hess Gas station on 112.

The refineries should be set-up in an elevated  inland area, where it will not be vulnerable to storm surges. Sometimes I question the human mentality; if a donkey knows enough to stay away from the surf during a storm, why do we continue to build infrastructure in vulnerable places? If the industry chooses to build fuel depots in vulnerable locations, the infrastructure should be built on steel platforms to isolate it from storm surges. Refineries should  have an emergency  generator, that is  big enough to power pumping equipment that is used to fill Gas Tankers.  It is not unreasonable to mandate emergency  auxiliary power, for pumping at refineries.

The coast guard stopped some tanker traffic because the hurricane moved some navigation buoys. OK... Change the Buoy mooring weight from a 2,000 pound moorings to 200,000 pound moorings; that should be able to hold the Buoys in place. The coast guard should use their sophisticated GPS equipment to escort the tankers into port, instead of turning them away. This is not rocket science! If the existing system fails; fix it! "Just do it!"

I believe that all facilities that are used to unload tankers, should be required to have emergency power to operate their pumps. These emergency generators must be protected by installing them on a platform.  How many times must we make the same mistake?  Gasoline is our lifeline and we must maintain an uninterrupted supply before we can start to rebuild.

Search for food and Water; why should we have to search for food and water in time of emergency. There is an old Boy Scout slogan, " prior planning prevents poor performance!"  Through the years the same scenario repeats itself! What does it take to make us realize that we need a contingency plan that actually works! How about federal money to purchase and maintain emergency generating equipment, that will allow our supermarkets to stay open in time of an emergency. A few super markets in our area have upgraded their facility with generators, but many have not. How about additional water supply tanks in series with our existing infrastructure? This is not Rocket Science; this is just Horse sense! Federal money is wasted for so many other projects; how about doing something for the taxpayer?

We need a federally funded Emergency Task Force, possible connected with the National Guard. The logistics of dropping massive amounts of food and water to a disaster area, should have the same training benefit as dropping military equipment.

I have almost zero confidence in our government to solve our energy problems. Most of our politicians do not have the will do deal with natural emergencies. When will we learn to question our elected officials at election time?

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Nikola Tesla Worked in Shoreham, Long Island, NY
Ben Vitale

 

The large facility in Shorham, NY,  that was formally used by the world renowned scientist Nicola Tesla, is well on its way to being  saved. This piece of valuable historic property, on Tesla Street,  will not see the bulldozer. The for Sale sign is still in place, but a group called "TeslaScience Center at Wardenclyffe" has been collecting donations that will be used to preserve this historic facility.

Who was Nicola Tesla? Well''' without Mr. Tesla, you would probably be using Kerosene lamps to light your house. The Electrical power distribution system,  as originally set up by Thomas Edison, used Direct Current Generators.  If you lived one mile from a 120 Volt , DC Generator, and connected your toaster to the power wires you would probably have 100 Volts available to operate your Toaster. OK...what happened to the 20 Volts? The 20 Volts was lost or dropped in the Transmission wires. OK my Toaster works fine! Now let us consider the neighbor who lives two miles from the DC Generating Station; when he connects his Toaster to the electrical wires he will only have 80 Volts available to power his toaster! Hum... Toasters do not work too well with only 80 Volts to power them. Now consider the person who lives Five miles from the DC Generating Station; he will have only 20 Volts available to operate his toaster. This is totally useless!

Nicola Tesla invented the Alternating Current Power Transmission System; his  AC Transmission system worked because of a device called a transformer. A Transformer can increase or decrease AC Voltage, determined by the primary to secondary turns ratio. There is no need to fully understand the operation of a transformer; the concept is most important! If you have a Ten to One Transformer, and put 100 Volts AC into the primary winding, you will get 1000 Volts AC out of the Secondary winding. This also works backwards; if you put 1000 Volts AC into the secondary winding you will get 100 Volts AC  out of the primary winding. Hummm...how would you apply this effect if you were designing a power system that was required to go across the country? OK... if wires drop voltage, I would use a transformer to increase the transmission line voltage to 10,000 Volts; at the receiving end we could use another transformer to step the voltage back down to 120 Volts AC. With this system, Toasters would work fine across the country! LOL Please do not attempt to design or operate your own Power distribution system; this is extremely dangerous and requires the services of a professional design engineer. All  of the examples in this article are simply illustrations to facilitate understanding of the subject matter. All voltages specified are only nominal, to facilitate understanding of the subject .

The Alternating current principals used  by Tesla led to the development of Radio communications as we know it today! without Tesla you would not have a Cell Phone, TV, or Radio.  That's it folks "No text messaging!" LOL

Been to the Hospital lately? Had an MRI? Nicola Tesla's work was an integral part of this development. Did you have an X-ray taken? Yep! Nicola again! LOL.

Do you like the motor in your washing machine? Without Nicola Tesla you would be using a Wash Board!

Nicola Tesla is a genius, that has had a profound effect on our quality of life; unfortunately Tesla has not received the credit that he deserves. Nicola Tesla died 1943; his legacy is 700 US Patents, and the Radio and Power Systems that we now enjoy.

You might want to watch the following YouTube videos.
(Left click the links below.)

UFOTV

The Missing Secrets Of NikolaTesla

WARDENCLYFFE PSA

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Patchogue Knights of Columbus #725


Annual Fall Craft and Vendor Fair

Free Admission

Sunday, October 14, 2012, 10 am – 4 pm

Knights of Columbus Hall

38 West First Street

(off of Waverly Ave.)

Patchogue, NY 11772

(631) 207-0725


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Reminder From the Suffolk County Police Department Fifth Precinct


The next Fifth Precinct open community meeting is scheduled for this evening, Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at 7:00 PM at the Fifth Precinct; 125 Waverly Avenue, Patchogue.

Note:
Anyone can attend; you do not have to represent an organization. Having a local problem; attend the meeting!



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Save our Holtsville Ecology Center
Ben Vitale

The current budget proposal for Brookhaven Town, Suffolk County, NY, indicates that it will no longer support the Holtsville Ecology Center. The community has been pleading with our politicians to maintain support for our treasured facility, to no avail. Residents have been signing a petition and voting on Facebook; at last count we had 27,000 signatures and "likes." Our politicians still refuse to listen to reason!

Our Ecology center is not just a facility; it's a venue! Many if not all of our children go there on school trips. Our children get to enhance their perception of their surroundings, by doing ecology related crafts. This is so important for their emotional growth! Moms and Dads get to spend quality time with their children, at our Ecology Center. What is more important than that?

The Pool is a must! The availability of a Pool, has a monumental effect on the emotional development of a child.

Almost all of the plants that you see throughout Brookhaven are grown at this facility.

Residents go to the Ecology Center to clear their minds; they walk, they jog, and also, some bring their bikes. We are talking about the emotional well being of our adult community; in this case we are talking about the 20 and "30 something" crowd.

The EC has crafts for the adults. Many residents attend the Master Gardeners Club, events.

The issue is not just about animals; it is about an emotional bonding experience between parents and children. This facility is an inseparable part of our community.

Let's put the animals last! Closing the Ecology Center will have a lasting negative impact on the children and adult residents of Brookhaven Town.

The Ecology Center Facebook page has a few good suggestions that should be considered before  closing our wonderful facility.

A politician once told me that he always pays attention to the number of letters, calls, and Emails, that he receives. He told me that if he receives 1 email about a certain issue; there is probably another 10 people that agree with the correspondence.  If we only consider the 19,000 people that signed the petition; that would be 190,000 people that would like to retain our Ecology Center. The present population of Brookhaven is 486,040 people; this indicates that almost 50 percent of our residents want to save our Ecology Center.  

If the Brookhaven Government is looking for money to pay for the Ecology Center, it might be a good idea to contact Paul Pontieri and the Trustees of Patchogue Village. The Patchogue Village Government has demonstrated their expertise in identifying sources of Grant Money.

I hope Timothy Mazzei comes through for us, with his proposal to save our Ecology Center.

See the News 12 Coverage:
http://www.news12.com/articleDetail.jsp?articleId=334323&position=1&news_type=news

Voice Your Opinion on Patch
http://patchogue.patch.com/blog_posts/save-our-holtsville-ecology-center

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Holtsville Ecology Site to be Closed
Our treasured ecology site will most probably be closed. Our elected officials choose to take the easy way out; instead of trying to solve the problem, they just choose to make it go away!

This is Leo the Raccoon; he lives at the Ecology Center.

Looks like a llama? Larry lives at the Ecology Center.

I had to bite my tongue to stop myself from writing something here! LOL

The wise "Save the Ecology Center," Committee! Donna the Owl lives at our Ecology Center.

I had to bite my finger to stop myself from writing something here! LOL

Ask any entertainer; his biggest fear is going on stage after an Animal Act. There is no way that an entertainer or politician can win when on the same stage as an animal! Friends! The Animal will always win!

More to come!

Contact our representatives using the link below, and let them know that you will vote for the animals at the next election. 

http://www.brookhaven.org/ElectedOfficials/ElectedOfficials.aspx


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Update from the Coast Guard Auxiliary:

New boating law 2012, signed into law last week (only Suffolk County) all boaters have to carry a boating cert. that they have taken a certified Safe boating Course. This will go into effect one year from signing. Sept. 2013.

Ron Dobert


From the Suffolk County Police Department:

The Suffolk County Police Department Marine Bureau will be offering the NYS SAFE BOATING Course to all members of the public this fall.


Dates: (you must attend both sessions)
Wed 10/24 and Fri 10/26 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Tues 11/13 and Thurs 11/15 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Tues 12/4 and Thurs 12/6 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

To enroll, please call the Marine Bureau desk at (631) 854-8382

Location: Suffolk County Police Academy , Brentwood campus of Suffolk County Community College , Room 208

Minimum age 10 years (under 16, a parent is strongly encouraged to attend)

All materials will be provided by NYS

Open to all (please let friends and family know)

Under 18 – no charge
Over 18 – no charge for course, but a $10 fee must be paid to NYS for your permanent card

Additional classes will be scheduled for 2013 if these dates do not work for you.

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SORRY THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED,

Due to the untimely death of Ella McLean's son Lowell, this fundraiser event has been cancelled. Our prayers go to our friend Ella Mclean.

Grace AME Zion Church Sponsors Fundraiser Event "The Festival of Salads."


The Grace AME Zion Church, has done so many things to help our community, as well as support many local groups. The "Festival of Salads" is a fundraiser event, which will allow the Grace AME Z Church to continue many of the wonderful things that they do for our community. Twenty different Salads will be prepared. This event is "all you can eat!"

This event is open to the public, and the members of our group, the Maple Avenue Neighborhood Watch, are invited. I will make every effort to attend their function, and it would be wonderful if the membership of this MANW group would also attend.

Date: On Saturday, September 22, 2012,

Time: From 2PM to 6PM

Location: AME Zion Church, Cleveland Street, Patchogue, NY

Cost: Ten dollars for adults; Five dollars for children.
COMMENT:
CONSIDER ASKING THOSE WHO CANNOT ATTEND TO SEND A DONATION TO THE CHURCH.

THANKS JOE

Questions or Tickets?
Contact: Jeanette at 631.696.6682
or
Contact: Ella at 631 475 1916

If you cannot attend:
We thank you. We'd love the Fellowship, but you may send a donation to:

Grace A.M.E. Zion Church

Grant Place and Cleveland Street

P. O. Box 85

Patchogue, New York 11772




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Mosquitoes Are Everywhere!
Ben Vitale

Long Island is experiencing the worst Mosquito Infestation, in years. In Patchogue, many households are also having big problems with Mosquitoes. This year is the worst year for mosquitoes, that I have ever experienced! A two minute visit to my back yard would result in about Ten Mosquito bites; "Mosquitoes Are Everywhere!"

News Flash! Be advised that the Suffolk County Vector Control will address problems of Mosquito Infestation in abandoned Swimming Pools and Fish Ponds. Call 631 852 4270

Cleaning up locations that breed Mosquito Larva requires cooperation and involvement, of every member of our community. We must all inspect our own property for signs of Stagnant Water Pools, that will breed Mosquitoes! If every homeowner would inspect his property for Stagnant Water Pools, our infestation situation could improve. It only takes one inconsiderate neighbor to harbor enough Mosquito generating pools of stagnant water, to contaminate an entire neighborhood. So! Neighbors, we are in this together. As always, we are and have been, a family of friends; let's look out for each other!

One possible source of Mosquito Infestation has been identified on Cleveland Street, but the Village of Patchogue is powerless to take any action. A house has been abandoned, but the property has an abandoned swimming pool, and fish pond, which could breed Mosquitoes. Our Village does not have the authority to take any remedial action. The owner of an abandoned house is nowhere to be found; and the Bank who holds the Mortgage refuses to accept responsibility. I would guess that if someone dies because of West Nile Virus, their family lawyer will certainly sue both the Bank and the owner. Vector Control has been advised!

What should I look for? Mosquitoes breed in pools of stagnant water such as, abandoned Swimming Pools, Boats, Coffee Cups, abandoned Fish Ponds, Tin Cans, Flower Pot without a drain hole, and any container that could retain water. Also look for stagnant water in Flower Pot Water Catchers. I drill holes in Water Catchers, when used outdoors. look under the bushes for hidden containers. Want to know where the Mosquitoes hide; Mosquitoes hide in your lawn. Spray any commercial essential oil spray on a patch of grass on your lawn, and watch for escaping Mosquitoes. Try to be observant; even a piece of plastic could be a very good home for Mosquito Larva.

What can we do? The use of Vegetable oil has been identified as an effective way of killing Mosquito Larva. (see question Two on the link below.) I personally feel that Vegetable oil is a benign way of killing Mosquito Larva. Please check with your local health, environmental, and governmental authorities, to make sure that the use of vegetable oil is OK, for use in your location. If acceptable, Vegetable oil might be used in locations where draining the contaminated Water, is not an option. Oil may damage some materials and cause a slipping hazard, so please do not use or apply oil without seeking professional advice. Consult professionals to avoid property damage, environmental damage, and or physical damage, to people, property, and animals.

(Link for reference only :)

http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extnews/hortiscope/pests/mosquit.htm

How to make a mosquito Spray? Instructions for making a mosquito Spray that is claimed to be non toxic, can be found on the link below. I do not personally approve of, recommend, or endorse these products. ( left click the link below.)

http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/natural-mosquito-repellent.html

I am currently testing my own concoction of essential Oils to see if it can actually repel Mosquitoes. One part water, one part Vodka, Ten or Fifteen drops of Garlic Extract; add extract and look for a color change. Finally add a few drops of oil of Citronella. Do not drink this concoction!

Wow! This person says that Garlic juice will repel Mosquitoes for Four weeks!

http://longislandnn.org/pesticides/mosquito_prevent.htm

What I do if I get a mosquito Bite! When I get a Mosquito Bite, I usually wet the affected area with Alcohol. I have no idea if this actually does any good, but it does make it feel better. I then coat the affected area with Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping Gel. This works miracles, to stop the itch.

With our environment in mind it might be a good idea to buy a commercially available mosquito repellant that uses Essential Oils, instead of Deet. The chemical called Deet, is beyond a doubt the most effective Mosquito Repellant, but it may have some toxic effects, if not used in accordance with the directions on the box. Consult your Physician, local governmental, and local health agency.

Hopefully Suffolk County Vector Control will help our community. Call 631 852 4270

Neighbors, we are and have been, a "family of friends;" let's look out for each other! Police your property for Stagnant Mosquito laden pools of water.

Please feel free to forward, reproduce, or publish this article.

What is your secret formula for repelling Mosquitoes?

Are you having a mosquito problem in your area?

Mosquitoes Are Everywhere!

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Academia Molestation Syndrome Possible Solution


Ben Vitale

(This article represents the opinion of the author)

The same mechanism, that caused the molestation of young boys at Penn State is still there! If a child were to be molested tomorrow, we still have the foundation that would allow this same situation to replicate itself; different child, same problem!

In Academia, almost everyone works "At the Pleasure of," every Administrator above them. If you as an employee bring a criminal issue to the attention of your superior, you become vulnerable to retribution. It is safer to hide a criminal issue, than to report it. When an Illegal or criminal situation materializes, administrators go into self defense mode, to avoid an attack by their superiors. In Self Defense Mode the administrator would try to place the blame, for a given situation, on a subordinate employee. Most administrators are descent people, that are being forced to act in an undesirable way, by the "system."

Supervisory and administrative personnel are also victims; they too are subject to the whimsical decisions made by their superiors. Any report of an illegal or criminal act, creates a literal Chain Reaction; one report by an employee will generate scorn from 25 of his superiors. Is that not a chain Reaction? Would an Informant be eager to make his information public; I don't think so! In the case of Penn State, that is exactly what happened.

Faculty, as well as Students, Staff, and Administrators, all need legal protection against their superiors; that would empower them to safely report a criminal incident or situation. As of now, none of the above have adequate protection! Contesting retribution, by a superior, in a court of law, is not an option; because such cases can take years to be settled. A family can be thrust into financial ruin in months.

An "Informant Protection Law (IPL) is desperately needed, that would protect, Student, Staff, Faculty, and Administrator informants in Academia, from being demoted, minimized, or fired for reporting, a criminal incident or situation. This law must also authorize the formation of an "Informant Panel," that has the power to impose severe penalties, in order to protect the informant. No trial would be necessary to impose fines; only a meeting of an "independent Panel."

An edict must also be appended to the job description of every college administrator, and staff member, stating that their job is to bolster education, not to address criminal matters. Administrators as well as staff should be told to report all alleged criminal issues only to the "Informant Panel." Any violation of this edict would result in the immediate dismissal of the administrator or Staff member. A collage is not a Police Department; and administrators should not be addressing alleged illegal or criminal issues.

The horrible incidents of molestation at Penn State, happened because Administrators, and staff, did not have legal protection. If this law had been in place, the sexual assaults on the children at Penn State, may not have happened.

We are responsible for the Sanduski, incidents, because we failed to impose an "Informant Protection Law," which would have given unlimited legal and financial protection to the informant. The person who committed the crime should be prosecuted; not the Informant, or the Students.

We Need Traffic Light Countdown Timers
Ben Vitale

A Countdown Timer is a device that works like a Digital Wrist Watch. A traffic light that uses a "Countdown Timer," has four elements; a Green light, a Yellow light, a Red light, and a Countdown Timer. A Countdown Timer is a digital display that is placed below the traffic lights. As soon as a light changes, the timer displays the remaining seconds, before the traffic light changes. For example! as soon as the light turns Green, the timer displays the number 30; in one second the number 29 is displayed, in one second the number 28 is displayed. As soon as the timer reaches zero, the Yellow Light goes on. The counter again starts decrementing from Five seconds.


I am not a big fan of Stop light Cameras. I believe that these cameras create a sense of panic in many drivers, as they approach a Traffic Light Camera Intersection. Should I slow down? Should I speed up? OMG I can't afford a $300. fine! The driver behind me is already accelerating toward me; If I stop, will I get into an accident? OMG the driver behind me is tailgating my car. There is no way that I can stop now, without getting into an accident! With the current Traffic light arrangement, we are making decisions on the basis of insufficient information.


Please look at the YouTube video of a Countdown timer.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&NR=1&v=Upq4KhHJKTE


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7dZj0n0LOw


We should not be forced to make split second decisions at an intersection. I have seen many drivers accelerate through an intersection at a higher speed than normal, in order to avoid getting a ticket, at the Traffic Camera Intersection. I would be in favor of Traffic Cameras, only if all of the intersections were equipped with Count Down Timers.


Hummm! In favor of Traffic Cameras! Yep! Another Bleeding Heart liberal! "Not true," I am a moderate! The pendulum swings Two ways; I have seen Five cars arrogantly and defiantly, go through a red light at a major intersection. A Countdown Timer will allow both extremes of the Pendulum to find common ground.


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Waves Over Mascot Dock

Ben Vitale

I have this strange urge to drive around during inclement weather. As an X Boat Captain, I have this "magnetic attraction," to go down to the water when there is a storm in our area.

Don't get me wrong, I love the water; but every time I go to the water when there is a storm, I perform a ritual:

I look at the route from Davis Park to Patchogue, that I have traveled hundreds of time, when I owned my boat. I then look at the monstrous waves that come from the South West. I get on my hands and knees, and kiss the ground! With my face flushed Red with emotion, I look toward the heavens, and say; "thank God that I sold my Boat." LOL

The video below, shows the wave conditions that we had a few days ago, during a storm. After taking this video I felt this strong urge to go directly to Lombardi's on the Bay, and have a Margarita. The Margarita is symbolic! Why have I tolerated the waves and the wind for so many years, when I owned my Boat? "It's my own Damned Fault." LOL

(Left click the arrow to start the video.)

(Left click the arrow to start the video.)

(Left click the arrow to start the video.)

 

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Revert to draft

Seismic Event near Maple Avenue Patchogue
Ben Vitale

A small percentage of the excess funds, that were originally slated for Sewer Repair can now be used for Road Repair, in Patchogue Village.  This could not have happened at a better time.

A recent study of the road conditions within the area serviced by the Maple Avenue Neighborhood Watch, has yielded valuable information.

Seismic equipment was installed into an automobile, and a not so scientific study has determined that riding over select streets in our area can create ground motion that is equivalent to a 7.2 earthquake. LOL

The above Seismogram is typical of some of the roads in our village, South of the Montauk Highway. It has been established that the most severely effected streets are Oak Street, Cleveland Street, Northridge Street, Wood, Grant, Taber Street, and portions of Maple Avenue.

Although ground motion of this magnitude generally would not create catastrophic damage to a car, the net effect is still substantial, when traveling at any speed, across these roads.

As I have been told, the stray Cats and Dogs have have moved on to other parts of the village, because they experience a form of vertigo, similar to that experience by human beings, when walking on our local roads.

Hopefully Patchogue Village will consider re-paving the above mentioned streets.

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Patchogue Fireworks 2012 Never Materialized
Ben Vitale

                           (Photo Credit Ben Vitale)

I have always been an advocate for having Fireworks; I can recall as a youth always going to see Fireworks in Coney Island with my family. I believe that an event that enables the young and the old to participate together has the power to create a sense of family and community. This sense of family and community is described in an article I wrote in 2011. 


Night Clubs, Restaurants, and Multiple family dwellings do not define our village! For the past 20 years we have evolved to become a "Family of Friends." Recently I have seen our "Crystal Ball," get cloudy; I am no longer sure who is making the decisions in our village. Patchogue Fireworks 2013, did not happen because of decisions that were made in "Back Rooms," other than 14 Baker Street. What has happened? I simply feel that we the residents have been excluded.


We must first find out what the resident taxpayers of Patchogue Village want; as I recall they were never asked! Do they want Fireworks on the 4Th of July? Should we remove the word Fireworks from our vocabulary? Should we have Fireworks on a different date? Fireworks is still in my vocabulary; I just happen to enjoy them.


Fireworks 2012 died a slow death with officials, and Department Heads, pointing fingers at each other; the blame for quenching this event will never be placed. It seems that no one said the "Two Magic Words" I am retired now but when I was working I received work directives in a novel way. The Boss that I worked for just said Two words; "Do It." Now what could that mean? It means "Make it happen;" failure was not an option!


I wish this village would make up its mind! Any decisions that are made must first reflect the "will" of the people. The Patchogue Village Merchants obviously approve of the "Fireworks Display that never happened;" they paid for it. Why do we not listen to our local merchants? Our merchants are beyond a doubt, the backbone of our village! If you don't believe me just imagine what our village would be like if every store, bar, and restaurant closed. Our village would be a Ghost Town, unemployment would go up, and Patchogue would become a slum!

In the case of "Patchogue Fireworks 2012," it was not the Mayor and Trustees that put a halt to the Display, but an official from another Service Department in our village. I am being intentionally ambiguous; sometimes the lack of finger pointing could open up the door to sane dialog. 


I do not believe in addressing an issue without also presenting possible solutions.


1: We might ask the resident taxpayers if they approve of and would like to see a fireworks display in our village. If a valid poll of our residents determines that our residents do not want Fireworks, then the issue is over.


2: The Poll must be statistically accurate. The poll might be conducted by asking people that are walking down Main Street for their opinion. A committee is required. We should ask them to provide their name, address, and opinion. We could also ask Patch to publish an article on the polling process. Some photos and opinions could be published. It is this, that creates a sense of camaraderie and community.


3: If our residents want to have Fireworks presented in our village, then the "Do It," edict must be deployed! For the last few years, our village and other decision making people have been totally immersed in a game of Bolderdash; this is a total waste of time. A friend of mine told me that his Boss is so bad that his employees actually spend 50% of their time defending themselves against the assertive actions of their Boss! Where have you seen this before? We as village residents sometimes spend too much time attacking each other, instead of working together as "a family of friends." Wasted time is money!


4: Merge the Fireworks with another Patchogue Village event such as "Live After Five," to reduce the cost of the required services.


5: How about having the Fireworks on a date other than the 4Th of July. One agency reported that many of their employees report in "sick," on the 4Th of July, so that they can be with their Family. I believe that everyone has the right to celebrate the holidays with his Family.

6. If someone is willing to donate $10,000 to pay for Village Services, we may be able to display Fireworks in our village, some time in the future.


Solutions to a problem are usually not Black or White, but actually Gray.

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Reminder from the Fifth Precinct:

The next Fifth Precinct open community meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 7:00 PM at the Fifth Precinct, 125 Waverly Avenue, Patchogue.


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This may effect you?

The residents of Cedar Grove Street, in Patchogue Village, want to make their street a "One Way Street. Please read the article in Patchogue Patch.

http://patchogue.patch.com/articles/village-agenda-cedar-grove-street-tree-preservation-hearings#comments_list

I wonder of we could get the village to make Northridge Street a "Dead End Street?" If you would like to make your street a "One Way" or "Dead end Street," please reply in the comment box below.

Personally the only reason that I use Ceder Grove Street, is because of the stop signs on North Ocean Avenue. I voice my opinion because our village has regularly manipulated project specifications. One thing is discussed, and the resident has no idea as to what he will actually get. This is not a joke, but a safety issue. If Cedar Grove St. becomes a limited service street, the stop signs should be moved to Lakewood St.

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Leo the Raccoon loves Italian Food!
By Ben Vitale

 My wife is a world class cook; Italian food is her specialty. On every holiday the family enjoys one of many specialty dishes, that contain secret ingredients. Unfortunately there is another, that anticipates and enjoy Marie's delicious Italian food. Our local Raccoon, who we call "Leo," also partakes in delicious meals that are served every holiday.

I have always followed the local rules which mandate that I have a cover secured to my "trash cans." Unfortunately my local Raccoon, Leo, has found a way to render these covers, useless. Leo eats the plastic covers (see photo)! How else would he get to the remnants of my wife's wonderful cooking. Leo is smart enough to know that he must chew through the rim of the cover in order to get at the food scraps. There are other times where he was very impatient and decided to bite through the top of the cover. Leo would stop at nothing to get to our delicious food. I don't blame him; if I were a Raccoon I would do the same thing.

The local Sanitation Department was ready to give me "tickets," because my trash cans are all damaged. Honestly, I can't buy "Garbage Cans" fast enough! In a desperate attempt to figure out what I could do to stop my Raccoon from eating my Trash Cans; I thought about my Mother. My mother used Vinegar on almost everything that she cooked; that was her style of Italian cooking. I did not like Vinegar on my food. Humm... I don't like vinegar; is it possible that Leo does not like vinegar? We never had problems with animals raiding our trash Cans, when I lived with my Mother!

OK!.... I mixed 1/3 White Vinegar and 2/3 water in a spray bottle. Every time my wife made a "World Class," Italian dish, I would spray the trash cans that contain the delicious food scraps, with the Vinegar mixture. The mixture caused Leo to move away from my Trash Cans. This may not be such a bad thing for Leo; like me, he may really enjoy some Irish or Spanish food. Wow Leo and I have something in common.

 

I'm sure that all of you have heard the "Chipmunk Song," made popular by Chipmunks, Alvin, Theodore, and Simon. I am sure that Leo is a distant relative. I could swear that I heard Leo singing a few words from an old Italian song called "Tony the Ice Man," while he was devouring my trash can. Leo the Raccoon has been looking over our shoulders for so long, that he may have actually learned a few things from us! Ha! Ha! LOL!

I was unable to record Leo, but I have provided a link to a YouTube Video, of a person who will sing this song. Listen to the words carefully.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lRhjGWcreM

As I have been told, my Raccoon has a relative that lives in Westhampton Subway System. This East End Raccoon weighs 160 pounds; but is not as smart as my Raccoon!

Have Fun! That's what life is all about! LOL!


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Start Hoarding large Sodas Now!
Ben Vitale
Mayor Bloomberg is introducing a law that prohibits the sale of sugar based Soda larger than 16 ounces, in NYC.

You will be allowed to drink "Diet Soda." Thank you so very much Mr Bloomburg! Please go to Google and look up the effects of Aspartame, the most common ingredient in diet soda. Actually, in my opinion, he should be banning Diet Soda, and allowing Sugar based Soda. I believe that Sugar based Soda is better for your health.  Who knows the law may preclude you from buying two 8 ounce sodas. I wouldn't be surprised if the Mayor tries to pass a law mandating "Balanced Meals."

Talking about stealing our civil rights, one small law at a time. No way Bloomberg!

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Memorial Day Parade 2012, Patchogue, NY

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Photo Credit Ben Vitale

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