We get a lot of questions from readers here. Most weeks, I field at least a few calls or emails with requests for information of one sort or another. It is, after all, the main thing we do as a local newspaper.
Sometimes the asks are of a self-promotional sort, as in, “I’ve started this great new business. Can you write about it?” We’d like to if we had the staff, even when it turns out that the business is out of the area we can justifiably cover. I had a call from a friend recently whose significant other had won a big competition with her youth dance group. It was just a bit too far west for us.
A lot of the time, requests are basic but difficult to find a reliable source for, like about the hours at the dump or where to park if one wanted to walk to Main Beach. Others are in regard to a problem with a landlord or outrage about a parking ticket. Most I enjoy, and now that the summer craziness is behind us, it seems a good moment to remind readers that we are here to help, such as we can.
For example, you might want to know how to check your voter registration to see if you’re still on the roll. (There’s a lookup tool at elections.ny.gov.) There is still time before the October voter registration deadline in New York, but it’s worth finding out now if there is a glitch rather than on Election Day. Another question could be about where to donate winter coats. (Many of the local libraries have seasonal collection boxes.)
If you have a question, you are welcome to call our office, 631-324-0002, during business hours or email me at [email protected]. We will do our best to get back to you with an answer.