WCBS 880 signoff, nitrogen in Peconic and Great South bays

Losing ‘friends,’ not just a radio station

Learning that WCBS/880 AM will soon be gone hurt my heart [“Final Newsradio 88 signoff will be sad,” Letters, Aug. 15].

The station has been a constant in my home for over 30 years. It’s constantly been on in our kitchen, bathrooms and cars.

We have received our news and other tidbits from a group of professionals who are sharp and funny and have become “friends” to our family of five.

A neighborhood coffee shop I’ve enjoyed patronizing for over 30 years also just went out of business after its owner, a man only in his fifties, died unexpectedly. Missing my beloved coffee shop had already knocked me for a loop.

Now, my radio station and its terrific staff is disappearing on Aug. 26? I’m feeling sad and lost, like a ship without its skipper.

These simple, familiar aspects of my daily life have held a lot of meaning, and I am feeling discombobulated.

It’s the basic, simple things in life that keep us anchored and feeling on an even keel. I feel lost as these meaningful connections disappear in a world that is getting less personal and comforting each day.

— Patricia Quinn, Rockville Centre

What’s correct level of nitrogen in bays?

Hempstead Bay mirrors the nitrogen reduction successes in Peconic and Great South bays, but these nitrogen reductions have not brought back the shellfish “Hempstead Bay improving,” Long Island, Aug. 16]. So, how can we claim this as a success?

Everything alive needs nitrogen and, according to the recent report, the nitrogen levels are already exceedingly low. Are we trying to eliminate nitrogen — and life — in the bay? If not, what level of nitrogen is correct?

— Roger C. Tollefsen, Hampton Bays