Fireworks Return
East Hampton Village
July 7, 2025
To the Editor:
While the return of the Fourth of July Main Beach fireworks in 2026 is welcome news, the East Hampton Fire Department and the mayor's office should exercise duty of care by minimizing the negative effects large fireworks displays have on the environment.
Wildlife (in the ocean as well as on land -- and don't forget our domestic pets) often react with stress and fear to the powerful and unpredictable barrage of noise and light. Decibel levels have been compared to standing near a jet engine. Animals may abandon their habitats permanently or return with diminished vitality and disrupted breeding patterns. Shorebirds along our local beaches are especially vulnerable during their critical nesting season. People, too, may suffer. Fireworks precipitate dangerous surges in air pollution over the ocean and beach, releasing particulate smoke containing toxic chemicals. Falling debris can break down into microplastics contaminating the marine environment and food chain for years to come.
Many of these deleterious effects can be mitigated by substituting drone shows in place of explosives. Drones, powered by batteries, produce little noise or pollution. The audience can receive pre-planned music on their phones while peacefully looking at sophisticated drone-created shapes and patterns in the night sky, an integrated sound and light experience.
I understand drone shows can be expensive, but then so are conventional fireworks. We have a choice of continuing with a damaging and outdated technology or switching to one that reflects our values of stewardship. I hope East Hampton will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the ratification of the Declaration of Independence with a celebration that honors the founding fathers while respecting our ecosystem and the health of our community.
MICHAEL BRAVERMAN
Be Kind
Bridgehampton
July 1, 2025
To the Editor,
Dear fellow residents and visiting guests: Welcome to summer 2025 in the Hamptons -- one of the most beautiful places in the country.
As a resident of Bridgehampton for the past 25 years, I'd like to offer a few thoughts on how we can all enjoy this special place to the fullest while helping others do the same.
Chill. It still surprises me how many people seem to be in a rush. One of the main reasons to be here is to unwind, no? So please, take a breath. Slow down. Enjoy.
Do everything slowly. Eat slowly. Shop slowly. Move slowly. Wake up a few minutes earlier, and leave a few minutes earlier. Whether we're heading to Pilates, a pedi, or the prepared-food section at Citarella, it can wait.
Drive like you live here. Our roads are narrow, often shoulderless, and shared with walkers, runners, and cyclists. Please drive slowly, and considerately. A basic but important rule: Anything with wheels -- cars, bikes, scooters -- should go with the flow of traffic. Walkers and runners should go against it. That's not just safer -- it's the law in New York State. If you're driving and see a biker or pedestrian ahead, ease over even if it means briefly crossing the center line. Oncoming drivers will usually understand and do the same. We all appreciate it.
When in doubt, let the other car go. At stop signs and tricky intersections, defer. A little extra courtesy creates a ripple effect of calm. Good karma, paid forward.
One car, one space. You'd be amazed how many people straddle two parking spots. It's not a good look, and it's really not that hard to park between the lines.
Be kind. Smile. Be patient. Say hello. Spread some love -- it's contagious and it makes the Hamptons even more beautiful.
So let's chill the rosé, chill ourselves, and have the best summer ever.
Thanks for listening.
ROBERT ROSENTHAL
Dedicated Volunteer
East Hampton
July 2, 2025
Dear David,
We would like to thank Mayor Jerry Larsen and the East Hampton Village Trustees for approving a new sign on Buell Lane Extension honoring our father, Joseph DeCristofaro.
As a dedicated community service volunteer, Dad served in the East Hampton Fire Department for over 67 years as an active member of Company 1 well into his 90s, answering alarms, fighting fires, and teaching new members of his company. In the early 1950s, he built the house that we grew up in and that he lived in for over 70 years. He would be so proud to see his street named for him.
It was very fitting that Company 1 brought the hook and ladder truck, which is dedicated to him, to the naming ceremony, hanging the flag of our country to honor him. What a great community we have.
Sincerely,
JOANNE CLAFLIN
DEBORAH WALTER
CYRI DECRISTOFARO
Dog Attacked
East Hampton
July 7, 2025
To the Editor,
Last Sunday, June 28, I went to Flaggy Hole Beach to see the sunset. My dog was attacked by a small white dog that bit him repeatedly on his feet and legs. The owners did not try to get their animal under control. In fact, they let loose their pit bull that, thankfully, did not enter the fray. In the commotion, I was pulled out of my shoe and am now in a boot for four weeks.
If you have a dog that has behavioral issues you have a responsibility to keep that dog on a properly fitted collar or harness and leash. Please be responsible.
Sincerely,
CATHY MCDONALD
Eight Summers
Amagansett
July 7, 2025
To the Editor,
July 10 officially marks seven years, eight summers that Bay View Avenue has been blocked by an illegal obstruction not on someone's property, two years since any alleged "valid" permit expired. Years of asking for enforcement (that is seemingly selective). So much for that town law and code.
Still here,
JOE KARPINSKI
Deliberately Delayed
East Hampton
July 6, 2025
Sir:
Now that Representative Nick LaLota has supported and helped pass the One Big Beautiful Bill into law, it's more important than ever that constituents understand what this legislation really means for our community. While Representative LaLota claims the bill is a net positive, the reality is that it will harm many of the poorest among us while delivering the greatest benefits to the wealthiest.
What's even more troubling is that the harshest impacts -- such as deep cuts to Medicaid and other essential programs -- have been deliberately delayed until after the 2026 midterms. This delay seems designed to keep voters unaware of the true consequences, so they'll continue supporting candidates who do not actually have their best interests at heart.
We deserve honesty and transparency from our elected officials, not political spin. I urge my fellow citizens to look beyond the talking points and demand real accountability for policies that will shape our future.
Sincerely,
ANDREW VAN PRAAG
No Matter Who
Montauk
July 5, 2025
Dear David,
With the media behind the democrats, they didn't have to offer the people much of anything. They would vote blue no matter who as long as Trump was on the other side of the ballot.
How come Democrats couldn't find any fraud in the Biden-Harris administration? As of today, Monday, hundreds were charged in connection with a $14.6 billion health-care fraud scheme that supplied millions of opioid pills to drug dealers and also saw elderly patients given unnecessary wound grafts. This is announced by the Department of Justice.
In God and country,
BEA DERRICO
Under Frequent Fire
St. Petersburg, Fla.
July 4, 2025
Dear Editor:
This letter is in defense of Bea Derrico, a frequent contributor to Letters who writes from an informed, conservative slant but who has been under frequent fire by the likes of Deborah Goodman and others who regularly submit letters to the editor, too, but lean toward the radical progressive left. Most recently, Ms. Goodman meanly and inexcusably labeled Ms. Derrico a liar and accused her of disseminating misinformation and MAGA garbage. She further maintained nothing President Trump said is true.
I don't know Ms. Derrico personally to vouch for her character, but I have read her letters and, in my opinion, she's as truthful as anyone is about political current events, given no one really knows the lengths liberal Democrats will go to lie and cheat. We need look no further than the autopen and the constitutional crisis of installing a presidential candidate without a vote. Not to mention the scandal of the Russian hoax paid for by the Democratic National Committee and perpetuated by the intelligence agencies. On the other hand, Ms. Derrico's opinion is her opinion. Thinking for oneself and forging an opinion does not make one a liar.
But I can set the record straight on President Trump. It appears he is trying to make good on all his promises and sticking to his words.
President Trump said, "We will close the border. We will stop the invasion of illegals into our country. We will defend our territory. We will not be conquered. We will not be conquered. We will reclaim our sovereignty." Truth: The border is closed.
President Trump said, "I will keep men out of women's sports." Truth: Even the Olympics has reversed its stance on allowing biological males to compete in women's sanctioned sports and some universities are reversing their morally erred and illegal positions, in violation of Title IX, a federal law. To be in noncompliance with the law, they will be penalized and federal funding withheld. Compliance is just basic common sense based on natural law, biological, peer-reviewed science and the law of the land that women and men are not physically equal. But women do hold the advantage over men for the continuance of the species, [for] which no awards are offered. Men plant the seed, but women give birth. A lot can go wrong in between. Men should be glad they are invited to the party. The trophy is family, not a gold-plated statute collecting dust on a shelf. So, men, when it comes to sports, stick to your own chromosomes. You really have little else to offer progeny-wise speaking, except the very few of you with exceptionally outstanding genes like Donald Trump.
President Trump said, "The one big, beautiful deal is all about growth. If passed, America will have an economic renaissance like never before. It is already happening, just in anticipation of the beautiful bill. Deficit cut in half, record investment, cash, factories, jobs pouring into the U.S.A. MAGA!"
Truth: Gas prices are down, egg prices are down, the economy is booming, jobs are up, the border is secure, no tax on tips or overtime, Medicare (funded by income taxes) won't subsidize abortions any longer or non-Americans' health care (shout-out to Elon) and the Big, Beautiful Bill did pass. This was accomplished in the first seven months. World peace by year end? Don't forget, the pope is American. Anything is possible. Pray.
President Trump said, "Tariffs will not cause inflation." Truth: Inflation is down and going down since Donald J. Trump became president and the tariff money is pouring in. Winning.
Bea, don't fret, God is on our side. These people are amateurs.
CAROL DRAY
Spend More Time
Montauk
July 4, 2025
To the Editor,
Dear Ms. Derrico: I was delighted to read that you throw up whenever you read one of my letters, so please keep reading them. Just remember to drink some water so you do not become dehydrated and mentally confused.
You informed me that political agitators are getting paid $500 per week to engage in violent riots in American cities. Are housing, transportation, and food costs being covered by the riot sponsors? Can I also expect some tips and riot overtime pay (neither will be taxed due to the Big, Beautiful Bill)? The extra $500 will enable me to take a loved one out to dinner out here on the East End twice a week instead of my usual once a month.
It will also enable me to spend more time on my X and TikTok accounts so I can land my dream job as an influencer -- one of the most-coveted and prestigious positions in the U.S.A. My only problem is I do not know if I should influence fashion, music, wedding preparations and coverage, restaurant reviews, celebrity sightings, chef biographies, real estate prices and transactions, yachting, paddleboarding, skin care, wellness, hypnosis, cold-water dunks, wild Hampton parties attended by A listers and B and C listers who wannabe As, or anything else of interest in the East End.
Take Kim Kardashian for example. Does she really have a job? Well, not really. All she has to do in life is dress up for free in designer clothing and plunk her huge derriere down at a party twice a week for free drinks and free food. The American dream! She is the personification of an American idol. Only in America!
Cheers,
BRIAN POPE
Our Friend B
Montauk
July 4, 2025
To the Editor,
Recently, I have noticed some letter writers who seem to be displeased with our friend B's letters to the editor. While not a big believer in conspiracies, it has been brought to my attention that Virginia Foxx has a place in the Trailer Park and is attempting to fly under the radar here in the Hamptons. That being said, letter writers need to be sure the vile letters are actually penned by the infamous B and not the doppelganger.
MIKE SKARIMBAS