SUFFOLK CLOSEUP - Must See TV "Conscience Point"

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

By Karl Grossman

When the masterpiece of a documentary, “Conscience Point,” about the Shinnecock people, ended last week, a fellow who had been sitting next to me exclaimed: “I knew it was bad. I didn’t know it was that bad!” Indeed, the documentary brilliantly presents how bad and unfair it’s been for the Shinnecocks.

This film should be seen by every Long Islander. It should be shown in schools here. It will have a national television audience when aired through the U.S. on Monday, Nov. 18, at 10:30 p.m. on the PBS series “Independent Lens.” It received its world premiere at the Hamptons International Film Festival in a program called “Views from Long Island.”

As the makers of the “Conscience Point” describe it on their website: “The Hamptons: playground of the super-rich. Epicenter of a luxury property boom, with developers scheming for any scrap of land on which to make millions. Meanwhile the original inhabitants of this beautiful peninsula, the Shinnecock Indians, find themselves pushed to a point of near extinction, squeezed onto a tiny 750-acre reservation. Over hundreds of years the Shinnecock have seen their ancient burial grounds plowed up unceremoniously: for the widening of roads, golf courses and new mansions. On the reservation wounds run deep. Exploring the roots of American inequity, greed and pollution, ‘Conscience Point’ contrasts the values of those for whom beautiful places are a commodity—who regard land as raw material to be developed for profit and pleasure—and those locals for whom land means community, belonging, heritage and home.”

“Conscience Point” tells the story through the words of Shinnecocks and others, with stunning visuals including the “McMansions” that now surround the Shinnecock Indian Nation, and by capturing events including demonstrations by Shinnecocks—who have been and are facing an extremely uphill struggle.

It is a complete account. For instance, Joe Farrell, the builder of hundreds of McMansions, repeatedly and at length in “Conscience Point” defends his building of the huge buildings, most of them vacation-time places, and announces as he drives past various of his structures what they have sold or are for sale for: $10 million, $25 million, $30 million.

Meanwhile, among the particularly poignant scenes comes when Becky Hill-Genia, a Shinnecock heroine of the documentary, goes to the shore of the Shinnecock reservation—once plentiful with seafood that could be harvested—and is only able to gather a few clams. Ms. Hill-Genia is a courageous long-time fighter for the Shinnecocks.

“Conscience Point” gets its name from what the spot where the first Europeans who settled in the Town of Southampton landed in 1640 is called. 

Lance Gumbs, a tribal trustee, gives an excellent history of a turning point in the relatively modern history of the Shinnecocks. New York City investors, he explains, sought to build a railroad line through Shinnecock land to develop the South Fork as a place for vacation homes for wealthy New Yorkers. A petition supposedly from tribal members was put together—including the names of Shinnecocks who had died—supporting the sale of 3,500 acres of their land through which the line was to go. The New York State Legislature, despite tribal members protesting that the petition was a fraud, approved the sale. The rail line was built. And also built on the land was the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club despite it being the location of traditional tribal burial grounds. The Shinnecocks were left on a reservation on which somewhat over 500 live on today, humbly.

Corey Dolgon, author of “The End of the Hamptons: Scenes from the Class Struggle in American’s Paradise” and formerly a professor in the Friends World Program at Southampton College, is featured and provides a clear analysis of the social context for the Shinnecocks. 

 “This is such a huge and massive issue. And there’s a lot going on in this world but you have to start in your backyard,” said Ms. Hill-Genia in a question-and-answer period after the film was shown at the Southampton Arts Center, about two miles east of the Shinnecock Indian Nation. The Shinnecocks, she said, welcome “like-minded people so we can accomplish something together.” 

Mr. Gumbs described the documentary as “phenomenal” in “bringing our culture to the forefront” and presenting “what we’ve been through and what we’re going through.” He said: “We’re forgotten people.” And what is brought forward in the documentary is “not just about the Shinnecocks. All people have an interest. You’re part of it.” Forces “are destroying” Long Island “little by little and soon there won’t be anything left to destroy.”

Treva Wurmfeld, the extraordinarily talented director and co-producer of “Conscience Point,” explained that her goal with the documentary was to “bring more light” on an issue about which “many people coming out here have no clue.”

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.   

Brady Park Fall Horseshoe Tournament Winners

On Saturday, October 5^th, the Smithtown Recreation Department held its 32^nd annual Singles and Doubles Fall Horseshoe Tournament at Brady Park.  This year we had 25 single horseshoe participants and 10 doubles teams participate in the event.

“winner2019” is our 1st place winner Peter Sikinger.The winner of the Singles Tournament was Peter Sikinger with a record of 9-1, beating Larry Bond.  Larry was undefeated prior to going into the finals.  He finished with a record of 5-2.  Greg Burns came in 3^rd place.

“Larry2nd-2019” is our 2nd place winner Larry Bond.Peter Sikinger and Jay McConnell were the winners of the Doubles competition.  They finished with a record of 

4-1. John and Deb Kassay finished in second place with a record of 5-2.

Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone who helped make this event so successful.

Hope to see everyone at the Spring Horseshoe Tournament.

“Doubles2019” from left to right is Peter Sikinger & Jay McConnell, the 1st place team, John & Deb Kassay, the 2nd place team.

Nissequogue River State Park Foundation Celebrates 10 Years And The Reicherts

Surrounded by family, friends, elected officials and well-wishers IGA owners Helen and Charlie Reichert were honored for their support of the Nissequogue River State Park (NRSP) on October 10th. The event, marking the 10th anniversary of the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation (NRSPF), was held at the Pavilion at Sunken Meadow. 

The Reicherts are the owners of the IGA in Fort Salonga. They are committed to giving back to the community and have a long history of philanthropy. They have generously given to many causes across Suffolk County.  On this night they were recognized for their generous $1 million donation to remediate the administration building at the the NRSP as well as their commitment and sponsorship of the  many NRSPF’s activities.

The Reichert sponsorships include the foundation’s Turkey Trot, Regatta, Healing Garden and Sunset Run. They have donated to Smithtown’s 350th Anniversary celebration and to the Smithtown Historical Society’s preservation of the Obediah Smith house.

In Huntington they have supported Huntington Hospital and pledged support to Huntington’s Women and Children’s facility. Fees paid for bags at their two IGA stores in Northport and Fort Salonga go to the facility. Charlie Reichert was The Suffolk Times’ 2016 Person of the Year. He was recognized for his philanthropy In Southold Town which included donations to local schools and to the police departhment. 

The Reichert’s generosity has touched the lives of people all over Suffolk County from Greenport to Huntington.

Charlie is not only generous he is a smart businessman who understands the power of the purse. The $1 million donation came with a strict time table for the State to meet benchmarks prior to the distribution of funds.

Honoring the Reicherts were NYS Senator John Flanagan, Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick, Deputy Regional Director at NYS Parks Brian Foley and NRSP Director Bill Purtill. Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta presented the Reicherts with a proclamation. John McQuaid, president of the NRSPF,  was the master of ceremony and Michael Rosato, former president of the NRSPF, gave an emotional presentation of a placque on behalf of the foundation members and park attendees who benefit and will continue to benefit because of the Reichert’s generosity.

The remediation of the Administration Building project is ongoing with a contracted completion date December of 2020.

From the left—Valerie Reichert-Brandon Beierle-Charles Reichert-Helen Reichert-J.C.Beierle-Allison Ceriello.

Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation Has Money For History Specific 501c3 Organizations

By Pat Biancaniello

Kathryn M. Curran was the guest speaker at the Smithtown Historical Society’s “Grant Funding Opportunities” workshop Tuesday, October 15.  Curran is the executive director of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation;Kathryn M. Curran, Executive Director Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation a foundation with an annual $5 million dollar grant budget for 501c3’s with history focused missions or properties.

The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation (RDLGF), established in 1987, supports projects  that promote the understanding of the role Long Island and particularly Suffolk County has played in the “American Experience”.  Robert David Lion Gardiner, until his death in 2004, was the Lord of the Manor of Gardner’s Island owned by the Gardiner family since 1639. 

The focus of the meeting was to inform attendees of grants available through the foundation and other sources but also to provide grant writers with information that will elevate their application.

Ms. Curran was light hearted but no nonsense when she advised grant applicants to do their homework before applying. She made it clear that the RDLGF does not give money without carefully assessing applications. 

She emphasized that no project would be considered without a site visit by the executive director. Her advice is to make sure the site is both clean and inviting. Do a realistic assessment of what your organization is and how it fits with the mission of the RDLGF.  Is your website current? Are the displays interesting, inviting and in good condition?  Do you have a collections policy and is it implemented? 

The RDLGF is generous and with so many organizations desparate for additional resources Curran made it clear that the RDLGF wants to help BUT a great deal depends on the application.

She provided the following information about the application assessment: What we look for:

Sustainability - The organization shows the ability to financially support the project indefinitely and the project contributes to the sustainability of the organization.

Organizational Capacity - The organization demonstrates the financial and human resources as well as intellectual capacity to manage the project successfully.

Community Impact - Projects will benefit and enhance the knowledge of the large audience and /or local community.

In Depth Knowledge - Proposals reflect a thorough understanding of current practice and knowledge about the subject matter.

Project-Based Design - Work plans consist of a set of logical, interrelated activities tied directly to addressing the key need or challenge identified in the proposal.

Demonstrable Results - projects generate measurable results that tie directly to the need or challenge it was designed to address.

Sensible and Justifiable Budget - Applicants craft a budget well-suited to both the scope of the project and the organization’s capacity; the amount requested should neither be inflated nor insufficient to complete the project’s success.

Visit the RDLGF website at www.rdlgfoundation.org for additional information about the foundation and/or additional resources that are available. 

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP - It's Historic: Early Voting Is Here

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

By Karl Grossman

 An historic event is coming to Suffolk County and the rest of New York State in coming weeks: early voting. Instead of going to your polling place on Election Day, you’ll be able to go to a variety of places in Suffolk and vote early. The early voting period starts on Saturday, October 26 and ends on Sunday, November 3. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5 this year.

 “Voting is a fundamental right and an essential part of our democracy, but regrettably, far too many registered voters do not participate in elections due to time constraints. To provide New Yorkers with additional time to make it to the polls, the State Legislature has authorized early voting in New York during a nine-day period before any general, primary or special election,” comments State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. of Sag Harbor, a co-sponsor of the legislation facilitating early voting.

Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the measure and said: “At a time when the federal government is doing everything it can to disenfranchise voters, we are making it easier for New Yorkers to participate in the democratic process and crack down on corporate influences in our election.”

New York State isn’t alone. All over the United States there has been a move toward early voting. The time periods and arrangements for where voting takes place vary. The National Conference of State Legislatures details the rather complex pattern on a website headed “State Laws Governing Early Voting.” www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/early-voting-in-state-elections.aspx

The list starts with Alaska where early voting begins 15 days before the election, continues to Arizona which provides for 26 days before election and goes on to Arkansas (15 days), California (29 days), and deep down there is Vermont (with a whopping 45 days!). 

(Absentee voting, for which an excuse is needed, is mixed with straight-out early voting.)

The action by the New York State Legislature came in an “election reform” package that included requiring primaries for state and federal offices to be scheduled on the same day. This is seen as saving money, increasing turn-out and reducing voter confusion. Virtually the entire nation did this—with New York State the only state in the country to hold federal and state primaries on different days last year. 

The reforms included, too, allowing young people to pre-register to vote when they are 16 and 17—with their registration designated as “pending” until they become 18.

Key to passage of the reforms was having a Democratic majority take over in the State Senate where voting reform efforts died in recent years.

Any registered voter in Suffolk County may cast an early ballot in a variety of locations.  They may vote at any of the early voting sites no matter where they reside. 

In the Town of Smithtown, the site is Nesconset Elementary School, 25 Gibbs Pond Road. Other locations in Suffolk include: Dix Hills Fire Department at 115 Deer Park Road in Dix Hills; Islip Town Hall Annex, 401 Main Street in Islip; Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville; Southold Senior Center, 750 Pacific Street in Mattituck; Riverhead Senior Center, 60 Shade Tree Lane, Riverhead; Babylon Town Hall Annex, 81 Phelps Lane in North Babylon; Shelter Island Youth Recreational Center—American Legion at 1 Bateman Road; Windmill Village, 219 Accabonac Road, Community Room #2, in East Hampton; and the gymnasium at Stony Brook Southampton, 70 Tuckahoe Road in Southampton.  

The times these early voting locations are open: Saturday 10/26 10:00 am-3:00 pm, Sunday 10/26 10:00 am-3:00 pm, Monday 10/28 7:00 am-3:00 pm, Tuesday 10/29 12:00 pm-8:00 pm, Wednesday 10/30 8:00 am-4:00 pm, Thursday 10/31 8:00 am-4:00 pm, Friday 11/1 12:00 pm-8:00 pm, Saturday 11/2 10:00 am-3:00 pm and Sunday 11/3 10:00 am-3:00 pm.

However, these locations are subject to change and updates can be found on the website of the Suffolk County Board of Elections at <https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/BOE/Early-Voting-Information> or by calling (631) 852-4500.

There have been various calls through the years for changes in voting in the U.S. to encourage a larger turn-out. One proposal has been to change Election Day to a weekend to make voting easier than having it during the workweek. Another suggestion is to make Election Day a national holiday. Another suggestion is to move some or all voting to mail, and added these days, online voting. Having early voting is a big advance.

As the website VOTE EARLY NY (voteearlyny.org) declares: “For the first time in history, New Yorkers have a choice: Vote Early Oct. 26-Nov. 3 or Vote on Election Day Nov. 5.”

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.