This Time, Last Year: A Look Back at Early 2011

Sometimes, it's good to revisit the past. Sayville-Bayport Patch is concluding the first week of 2012 by taking a quick look back at early January 2011 through Patch articles and photos.

US Airways Express Flight 4507 from Philadelphia to New Haven was re-routed to Long Island Islip MacArthur Airport Jan. 7, 2011 after it was . The plane landed safely and no one on board was injured. According to Andrew Christie, a spokesperson for Piedmont Airlines, a subsidiary of US Airways that operates the Express flights, the pilots were exercising caution and made the decision to land at Long Island MacArthur after the lightning strike.

- Lee Zeldin officially added Senator to his title when he was sworn into office in January 2011 after winning the election for New York's Third Senate District against incumbent Brian Foley (D- Blue Point) in 2011. In more recent news, State Sen. Lee Zeldin, along with Assemblymen Dean Murray and Phil Boyle, held a rally in mid-December of 2011 on Patchogue's Main Street to celebrate the state's repeal of the MTA payroll tax. The tax, which was raising $1.4 billion this year for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, was levied against small businesses, non-profit organizations and schools.

A Sayville man was arrested for on Jan. 7, 2011. Suffolk County Police arrested 28-year old Christopher Maier during a traffic stop when he identified himself as a Village of Saltaire police officer and displayed a Lieutenants badge. Further investigation revealed that he was not an officer.

Did you know that if a homeowner closes the flue in their fireplace while the fire is still smoldering deadly carbon monoxide will build up and enter the home? Sayville Fire Department provided this, and other tips, to readers on Jan. 6, 2011. Let's review these guidelines for chimney safety one year later: .

On this day last year, Patch that January is library card sign up month. To get a library card, visit Bayport-Blue Point or Sayville Library with two proofs of residency. Children under 18 need to have a parent present to apply. For more information call Bayport-Blue Point Library at 363-6133 or Sayville Library at 589-4440.