Dan's Papers - June 19, 2009

As a longtime "summer local" I was sad to see the Penny Candy Store in Water Mill close several years ago. I have fond memories of going there as a child, when my mother would take my brothers and sisters and me (all seven of us) on our annual trip to get paper bags filled to the brim with candy. I call it our annual trip because although I've since realized it is only about a 10-minute drive from Sag Harbor, I swear my mom would drive us around all the back roads to get there and thus it became a full day trip. One dollar was a child's delight. I remember the owners, the old man and lady as we called them, patiently filling our bags, keeping track on a slip of paper.

I heard a while back that the building had been declared a historical site, but as I drive by regularly, I continue to see a "For Sale" sign in the window. I was wondering if you have any information on what is to become of the beloved Penny Candy Store? Are there any bids on the store and if so, is there a requirement to keep the original integrity of the store intact? Any insight you can provide is appreciated.

P.S. My husband and I rode the Jitney with you the other week. He was wondering why you didn't take the Subway to Manhattan! We LOVE those articles and the book!

If you can get in, there might be M&Ms under the counter. - DR

I want to write it...

Lt. Grabowski is a sarcastic and grumpy Hampton Subway System policeman whose routine is interrupted by the hijacking of the Montauk-bound local train from Hampton Bays, which occurred between the Newtown Road and Peconic Road stations on Friday afternoon. The ruthless hijackers demanded a ransom of $10 million in unmarked bills within one hour, until they realized it was the Hamptons and increased the demand to $50 million and said, "Alright, take two hours!"

I'll do the artwork also.

We paid the ransom. - Dan

I live in the Hamptons and look forward to cooking at home on the weekends when I come out. Before heading to the local farm stand, I always check Silvia's column in your paper to see which recipe I'd like to prepare.

Silvia is the only person who writes recipes about everything that is locally grown here. This weekend, however, the column was not there. Perhaps this was a printing error. I would be greatly disappointed if it has been removed from the paper.

As the frigid wind swept across the snow covered parking lot of a local pharmacy this past winter, I could not help but notice a frail elderly woman draped in a tattered brown overcoat struggling to keep her footing on the icy asphalt beneath her feet. Assaulted by excessive winds and the insidious effects of aging, it was quite evident that this woman was having a difficult time getting to her destination. Despite the frightening weather and dangerous conditions, this determined woman finally made it to the pharmacy unscathed. As she shuffled toward the pharmacy counter, it was very obvious that this woman was in pain and in need of medication. Her slow gait, and deep audible breath was a clear expression of the pain that only she knew.

Overwhelmed by seemingly endless reports of serious deficiencies with our current healthcare system in America, nothing could have prepared me for the disappointment that was about to ensue. Waiting on line behind the woman, I watched as she nervously handed her prescription to the pharmacist. Trembling, she patiently waited for her prescription to be filled. As the pharmacist neatly placed the medication in the bag, he summoned her closer to the counter. The total amount was $114. Unfortunately, it appeared that her prescription health coverage plan would not cover the full amount. After a few minutes of trying to dispute the bill and coming to some kind of concession, this weakened frail woman opened her purse and handed the pharmacist her credit card to pay the balance. Had it not been for that invaluable piece of plastic, she would have left empty handed. Frustrated and visibly shaken, she left the building with the same unsteady gait and dignity that she had entered with.

No newspaper article or television broadcast could have equaled the impact that this real-life drama accomplished in exposing the weaknesses of our current healthcare system. The United States is in dire need of a comprehensive system where all of its citizens have access to affordable medical care. It is becoming painfully obvious that our present system is dangerously inadequate. Nearly 45 million Americans who lack health insurance would attest to that. We can no longer afford to patch our present system. It is long overdue for a complete revision.

We as a family would like to express our deepest gratitude for everything and more you have done for our father, Christian Wolffer. In so many occasions did Dad mention you, where he told us how honorable you were. You have made so much effort in writing wonderful articles about our father during many years, but also since he left on his solemn journey.

Dad's soul and heart will never leave us!

Once again, thank you so much for making such an effort for Dad and being in his life. You were a big part to what Dad left us with! Being the proudest children a Dad could ever have. We love him forever!