Dan's Papers - February 22, 2008 -

Dear Dan,
I was happy to see my letter published in the February issue. I believe that you love animals as myself. My family came to the Hampton Bays area twenty years ago and decided to spend our summers here. We purchased an apartment on Tiana Bay. We have appreciated every day we come here.
I read your article about the stray cat. We had a similar experience in our winter house. We noticed a small cat hanging around. We also have a dog Skippy who is ten years old that we adopted from a shelter. The dog seemed to protect the cat. One stormy night the cat decided to come into our house after Skippy. Wet, cold and hungry, it stay diner the bed for three nights. This little creature loves us. That's all - it loves us.
I have heard that some people seek out a pet to have as a temporary purpose. The poor little animal has to seek out a new family to take care of it, when it's not wanted any longer.
I've been thinking what you really should think about before you take a pet. You see this is a serious commitment - it concerns a little life. This is not a hobby, but something you take care of for a long time - many years. Just like your family takes care of you. If it's a dog you need a license and a veterinarian. The dog needs a walk every day. You must obey the law and clean up after your dog if it's a kitten or cat, you have to spend money on food, a litter box, all the trimmings and give it water every day. Toys, don't forget the toys. A pet really doesn't need a diamond necklace, or a fancy coat. But if you need to buy that, it's OK too. I personally think a warm hug will do for both of you.
There will be little accidents - it can happen to anyone. You will train your pet with kindness and gentle instruction Are you ready for this? Are you qualified? Remember this creature will depend on you for a long time. You will get older together. I'll tell you a secret. It will be your best friend.

This is a wonderful letter. - DR

Dear Dan,
I'm glad to have you aboard as another NY Giant fan. However, in our excitement, we must be more accurate when writing about them. The following errors took place in your column.
(1) The Giants did not lose their first three games!
(2) The NFL has been around much longer than forty-three years. The advent of the Super Bowl was not the start of the NFL! (3) The Giants did not play the Patriots twice during the regular season!
(4) Since there was but one game, it occurred on the last weekend of the season - not on the next to last - and the Patriots had 15 wins at that point - not 14!
(5) When the Patriots took the lead at 7-3, they did not keep the lead until the last minute. The Giants took the lead 10-7 early in the 4th quarter!
(6) The defense did not get the ball back for the offense with less than a minute to play for one last try.
(7) The Giants got the ball back with 2:42 to play after the Patriots scored to make it 14-10. (In a way the defense got the ball back by "letting the Patriots score".
(8) The Giants utilized 2:07 of that time to drive down field and score with 35 seconds left!
My facts are accurate but my criticism is in jest as many of your fine columns are.

Keep up the good work,
Bob Dunne,
(Giant season ticket holder for forty years)
Eastport

We won! We won! - DR

Dear Dan,
The long awaited approval declaring the Vintage Group Qualified and Eligible Sponsors has finally arrived and there are many people to thank. Firstly, thank you to the Riverhead Town Board for their confidence in our team and the unanimous vote on the Qualified and Eligible declaration on February 6th. Additionally, our sincere thanks to the community for their tremendous support of our project and for their many years of enduring patience while waiting for the signal that the Vintage Square project could move forward.
As we stated during the Public Hearings, the Vintage Group is ready, willing and able to create the largest Urban Renewal project in the history of Riverhead and restore an area that has been designated as "blighted" for more than ten years. It will be a pleasure to deliver our Vintage Square project and its benefits to the people of Riverhead and favorably change the complexion of downtown for generations to come.