MERRY DECEMBER 25, 2023
Thursday, December 21, 2023 ~ Volume 69 ~ Issue Number 3 ~ $1.00
Capturing Long Island’s Success:
Billy Joel Exhibit
Opens at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame By Kaitlyn Foley Our special island has hundreds of hidden gems, the first of many being one that connects us to the island’s history and celebrates those who succeed in the area. Beginning as the brainchild of Norm Prusslin and James Faith in 2003, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) has been operating for almost twenty years. At its earliest stages, the Island’s music history was memorialized and taught through local colleges and music institutions like Stony Brook University, then the organization rolled out a bus that acted as the mobile museum before finding a permanent home on Main Street in Stony Brook last year, just centered between Montauk and Queens. The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame opened its newest exhibit paying homage to Long Island legend Billy Joel on November 24, 2023. The exhibit speaks for itself as it guides visitors through each stage of Joel’s life, including those that are commonly forgotten, like his time with The Hassles and Attila, rock bands active in the 1960s. The memorabilia lent to the museum came from a variety of fans, collectors, and even Joel himself, who allowed full reign of his personal storage containers. Continued on page 3
Photo Credit - Matt Meduri
FULL STORIES ON:
NY Forms Reparations Committee Page 9
Tierney Announces Evergreen Initiative Page 10
Stony Brook Unveils E-Sports Room Page 15
2
Messenger Papers
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News
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Continued from front cover
Capturing LI’s Success: Billy Joel Exhibit Opens at LIMEHOF While the Billy Joel exhibit takes over the ground floor of the building, the second floor hosts the Hall of Fame’s original exhibit featuring memorabilia from over 120 inductees, including Twisted Sister and Taylor Dayne. Upstairs, visitors can also screen live performances of the inductees in the museum’s theater.
up with Billy Joel. The exhibit allows visitors to play the records that inspired Joel’s music and listen to his favorite artists. Original records of Joel’s are also included in forms of music that redesigned the industry, many of which were carefully collected and maintained by fans of Joel and historical collectors. “The passion that they have to find, and preserve these, it’s really something interesting,” said Collora. Fans have lined up at the doors of LIMHOF for weeks already to see the finds of their favorite musician, some even from out of state. “The response has been very, very positive,” says Norm Prusslin, co-founder of LIMEHOF. “We had a pre-opening for sponsors, and Billy came to that. It was like a presidential visit. He was very happy with the layout; he was very impressed with Kevin.” Kevin O’Callaghan is a world-class exhibition designer with an individualized and unique taste for transformative designs. He has experience working with industry leaders like Milton Glaser, has been inducted in the ADC Hall of Fame, and has designed exhibits in some of the highest trafficked places like
Billy Joel Fans line up to see the exhibit on opening day. (Credit - LIMEHOF)
A piece of a chair from Joel’s legendary USSR concert. (Credit - Matt Meduri)
According to Ernie Canadeo, Chairman of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, it is the “first major Billy Joel exhibit ever.” The pieces presented are unique, one of a kind, and can’t be found anywhere else. Christopher Collora, LIMEHOF’s Public Relations Manager, took The Messenger through ‘My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey’. “It is really about his influences as well as his impact on popular culture,” says Collora. “It’s kind of a mix of both. He liked this idea of ‘what influenced me?’ Billy called it ‘A Party with my friends.’” Collora explained that Joel does not tend to like things being all about him. It was important to him that visitors and fans understood what made Billy Joel the Piano Man. The exhibit tours through Joel’s life, as well as through the influences that put him in music. A Beatles performance was the first influence that showed Joel doing music as a career was truly possible. The exhibit also shows how Joel’s career came full circle when he performed with Paul McCartney for the first time. Aspects of the exhibit feel familiar to fans as notes of the singer’s life are portrayed in his music. Joel, who grew up in Levittown, lent the Hall some old photos, including one of the elementary school class he shared with Virginia, who he references in “Only the Good Die Young.” The exhibit is also interactive, and acts as a learning experience for younger generations who did not grow
Billy Joel views his own instruments showcased in the exhibit of his life at the LIMEHOF. (Credit Myrna Suarez @myrnasuarezphoto)
New York City’s Grand Central Terminal. The Hall opened its doors to the exhibit for a soft opening on November 21 where Joel and O’Callaghan were able to enjoy the Hall’s hard work. “This was a real joy to do. When this concept came up, I said ‘of course’. It was a wonderful journey,” said O’Callaghan in an introductory speech at the soft opening. The journey through his own life came as a new experience for Joel. “It’s a little overwhelming,” said Billy Joel when
called up to the stage during his visit. “Where did they get all this junk?” he says standing next to the grand piano from his Face to Face tour with Elton John. When asked what strikes him the most to see in the exhibit, Joel pointed to it and said, “This piano. This is a big piano. This is the one I used with Elton? Where is Elton by the way?” Bob Buchman, radio DJ and founding board member of LIMEHOF also attended the opening. He introduced Joel to the stage with kind words relating to his humble character and appreciation for his home. “Very few people know the commitment he has to Long Island, just we know,” says Buchman. “He is always there when Long Island needs something, certainly when we want to honor him.” “I know there is a house on the market, but that doesn’t mean I’m leaving Long Island,” responds Joel. “This is my home, it will always be my home, we will always have this as our home.” “I always wondered ‘did I pick this life or did it pick me,’” adds Joel. “Because I really didn’t think I had much of a choice, I was going to do this no matter what because I love music and most people do, so I’m very glad that we all ended up loving the same thing.” “Thanks for coming to check this out, I guess I’ve lived,” concludes Joel. “I’d like to thank the Hall of Fame for this honor, and all of you for coming.” The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at 97 Main Street at the easternmost end of the Village Center in Stony Brook.
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For the Christ-child and those who carried him, there was no room in the inn. This Christmas, how many times will Christ be told, “There is no room for you here?” In our decorations, in our schedules, is there room for our Savior or only for Santa, family, food, festivities, giftexchanges and other travelers? Is Christ at home with you and yours? Keep Christ in Christmas.
Christmas services at Our Savior Sunday morning, 12/25 8:00 am & 10:30 am Christmas Eve 7:30pm Christmas Day 11am
NEW MEMBERS NEEDED
AMERICAN LEGION VETERANS STILL SERVING AMERICA
The William Merritt Hallock American Legion Post No. 155 115 Church Street Lake Ronkonkoma, NY Is looking for New Members
We meet at the Post twice a month 1st Tuesday of the month at 1:00 pm and the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm. We have a social hour with snack one hour prior to the meeting. Our meetings generally run about one hour. We take part in our local community parades and street fairs. We usually have three social functions with family and friends each year. We participate in a number of patriotic ceremonies. If interested in joining our Post and meeting some fellow veterans, stop by on a meeting day with a copy of your DD214. You can visit our website at: AmericanLegionWilliamHallockPost155.org
Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, December 21, 2023
NO VACANCY
Editorial
6
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
New York’s Latest Reparations Initiative a ‘Simple Solution’ to a Much Bigger Problem Over the last several years, the hyper-sensational and ubiquitously-digitized social and political stage seems to have a preference for creating the solutions to our biggest problems with massive, sweeping fundamental change. While solutions can be found within change, it’s not an office or a household the public is trying to change; it’s our country, our society, and even our culture. This doesn’t necessarily make any such changes a “bad” thing, but it does take time to institute such changes. Enter the second school of thought in today’s problem-solving realm: “we need to change this now.” Urgency and passion can be appreciated, but true change, especially fundamental change, requires extended periods of time for workshopping ideas, course-correcting when necessary, and assessing the effectiveness. While the country is no stranger to the conversation of reparations for black Americans to correct the evils of slavery and discrimination, the country is relatively new - at least in the modern political era – to hasty, fast-paced decision-making simply because of the urgency and passion of the advocates. In the whirlwind of emotion, even if justified, forwarding-thinking is lost and precedents can easily be set without a second thought. While the trickle-down effects of slavery cannot be denied, what’s a much more gray area is should people nowadays be on the hook? The knee-jerk response is that people today are not slaves, nor are they slave owners. Therefore, it’s a moot point. But while that debate ensues, the debate over exactly how poorly-affected black communities are today because of slavery continues. Governor Hochul did not mention many specifics in her speech before signing the legislation, just that we all need to work together to right the wrongs of the past. Reverend Al Sharpton also did not offer many words of specificity, instead alluding to the fact that some members of the media would insinuate his support is only due to a backroom deal. A serial tax cheat, Sharpton has made most of his money through political organization, union intimidation, speaking fees, and even his own charity.
In fact, vagueness is the bread and butter of the last few years of proposed racial problem-solving. Blaming “systemic” problems is clearly effective in rallying the troops; the logic renders everyone culpable without calling out anyone in particular. We’re all guilty, but we can’t exactly plant the blame squarely in one corner. Then comes the very complicated effort of deciding who is eligible for reparations. Not all black Americans are of African descent, but could nonetheless claim the collateral disadvantages. What about black Americans who can not only trace their lineage to slaves, but also the African lords who sold their own people into slavery hundreds of years ago? Are payments scaled based on estimated disadvantages one faces? How would those be calculated empirically? These are just a few of the questions that would have to be answered in order for a program such as this to work. And if they can be answered, what’s the final price tag? California’s task force recommends payments of $1.2 million to each recipient, which would throw the state’s already-underwater budget billions in the red. New York would be no exception in that regard. Even if lump-sum or residual payments would actually solve the gaps claimed by some in today’s America, such an expenditure is killing a fly with a sledgehammer. Sure, the black communities might receive compensation for injustices past, but the question is how far will those reparations go in a state or country much worse economically than we started? Such fiscal irresponsibility would sink the ship we’re all on, much less one divided by race. But this issue boils down to just that: division. Discussing problems and injustices is a fine way of giving problems exposure and giving arguments a chance to hold water. But when it becomes a constant discussion, the problems become more present than they actually are. Our society is also run by a constant conversation of the “haves and the have-nots,” or the “1% vs. the 99%.” Are we to believe the reparations argument will make already pea soup-thick tensions any more palatable? Forcefully taking money from certain groups - the taxpayers, regardless of race - and giving to
others based on race sets two bad precedents. First, it allows for a massive wealth transfer based mostly on subjective and feeling of obligation, which would allow for much more serious wealth transfers between groups of people, a sort of “redistribution of the wealth” that has claimed many a roaring economy. Second, it makes such great strides for civil rights, such as the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments, as well as the Civil Rights Act and its ancillary legislative packages, shells of their former selves. By allowing another form of discrimination to take place by trying to vaguely and objectively ascribe blame and restitution, it undoes decades of progress made by our country. Some point to previous iterations of the federal government issuing reparations for the Native Americans or Japanese citizens who were interned after the Pearl Harbor attacks. The problem with the comparison is that to “fix” the proposed problems today would be a much more complex and vague scenario. Furthermore, with allegations of “systemic oppression,” we continue to await actual policies from Washington that seek to make affected communities better, not just with empty apologies and the prospects of free money. Donald Trump’s “Opportunity Zones” were the first substantial efforts in revitalizing these hollowed-out inner cities, but many forget that critical part of the 2017 tax package. We think that the first people who should kick into the reparations fund are members and elected officials of the Democratic Party. While New York was not an unequivocal “hero” during the times of slavery or segregation, the bastion of the Union North was a vital piece of the puzzle that helped turn the country away from such practices. The Democratic Party, on the other hand, was responsible for the Solid South, Jim Crow, segregation, and secession of the Confederacy from the United States. The Messenger calls on members of the party to put their money where their mouths are and start righting the wrongs of history that the party so undeniably caused.
Find a New Year in the Little Things There’s always a mountain of pressure going into the new year, not only for resolutions that are abandoned by mid-January, but for real, true change and direction. This is not to say such a path isn’t admirable; it certainly is, especially in a world of superficiality, self-serving impulsivity, and surface-level knowledge of how the world works. But finding true change and direction can be agonizing if you try to internalize it all on your own. You can’t cut blood from a stone, but that’s not to say your expectations and desires cannot be met either. We just caution against turning every day into the entire year itself. Constantly watching each inch forward you walk doesn’t make it seem you’ve moved very far, but paying attention to the
intricacies, surprises, and engagements of each day will make you forget about dwelling on an entire year’s worth of progress - or lack thereof each day of the year. This isn’t to say that abandoning such a school of thought is easy, but it’s one that must be at least understood if any real change in your life should materialize. And maybe that’s the change and direction you need, a change in thought, attitude, or perspective. With such a commitment, you might realize more changes in your life than expected, however subtle they might be. Again, it’s the little things that make the days come and go, and in the same way, it’s the little things that can make an impact instead of a massive, conspicuous change or development in your life.
So, with that, we here at The Messenger hope that you don’t put such a high price tag on the new year, not that we recommend you be pessimistic, but rather that such fundamental life changes can be started at any time and any results can materialize at any time. In a period of waiting, find joy in the little things. Join a new church, find a Atrivia night at your local bar, get involved in a chess group at your neighborhood deli, or shoot pool with some friends on a slow weekend. Whatever it is, the little things get us through the year, but they also make us who we are. From all of us at The Messenger, we wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a truly optimistic, New Year of new beginnings. Just don’t forget to see some trees along the way.
Op-Ed Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
7
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Op-ed: How Charitable Giving Helps California By Megan Schmidt - The Center Square Nearly a third of the year’s charitable giving will take place this month, and Americans unofficially began this season of generosity on Giving Tuesday, donating $3.1 billion to U.S. nonprofits in a single day. As Californians open their pocketbooks to those in need – helping to address challenges like homelessness, poverty alleviation and access to medical care – it’s a good time to remember they are most effective in their charity when they are free to give to the causes they care about most. That’s why California’s leaders should resist efforts that would restrict charitable giving and ultimately reduce support for nonprofits tackling the Golden State’s biggest challenges. After all, a strong charitable sector strengthens our communities. Yet in 2023 alone, at least 22 states have considered legislation that threatens donor privacy and could chill charitable giving. With needs high on multiple fronts, flexibility in giving is more important than ever. A new Philanthropy Roundtable report highlights how California-based community foundations are using donoradvised funds (DAFs), charitable savings accounts, to make a difference. For example, contributions to DAFs are helping organizations provide specialized services for senior citizens, giving children access to environmental education programs and instilling in them a love for reading. DAFs are popular tools for giving around the country. They give individuals the ability to set aside funds—used only for charities—that can be donated immediately or in the future. Due to their versatility and relative simplicity, DAFs have become the fastest-growing vehicle for charitable giving in recent
years. In California, our research of 22 community foundations showed the average DAF payout rate in fiscal years 2021 and 2022 was an impressive 22%. Critics claim DAFs are withholding money while donors still get tax breaks. But our research clearly demonstrates a steadfast commitment to regular and generous giving in the state. The recent COVID-19 pandemic also showed the unique ability of DAFs to serve as a rainy-day fund in times of crisis is vital. In addition to providing the flexibility to respond quickly during emergencies, DAFs allow donors to have a long-term and potentially greater impact because they can be invested and grow over time. Perhaps no other California organization knows the value of DAFs for charitable giving and donor privacy like Planned Parenthood, which provides health care services and education to Californians struggling with poverty, homelessness and other challenges. Unfortunately, Planned Parenthood locations and their staff have faced many threats in recent years. Due partially to this, some Planned Parenthood donors may prefer to give to the group anonymously. As lawmakers consider their priorities this season of giving and in the new year, they should recognize the work California donors and nonprofits are doing to improve lives – and keep these charitable efforts free of unnecessary or arbitrary restrictions. Our local charities rely on this support and the flexibility it affords them to respond to the variety of great needs in our communities.
Letters to the Editor New York Redistricting Ruling Up until the 1970 reapportionment, NYC Congressional districts were usually 100% within the boroughs. The same was true for Long Island and virtually all of the other 57 counties outside of NYC. “NY Dems Latest Redistricting Effort is Nothing More than Partisan Damage Control” (The Messenger Editorial -- December 14). Cities and towns were not split between districts. Today, too many districts in NYC divide neighborhoods and cross borough boundaries, sometimes into adjacent suburban counties. In several cases, boundaries were drawn to create majority-minority districts. This was to ensure a particular ethnic group could elect one of their own. In 1812, Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry signed a redistricting bill allowing his party to rig the drawing of district boundaries in their favor. This practice is known as gerrymandering today. With the results of the 2020 census, will Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie give up their goal to create as many
Give Hope in the Face of Growing Disasters
favorable districts to assist Democrats in regaining control of Congress? As of November 2023, according to the State Board of Elections, there are 5,886,085 Democrats, 2,696,999 Republicans,154,034 Conservatives, 49,586 Working Families, 375,163 Other, 2,878,289 Blank (no declared party) for a total of 12,040,156 active voters. In Suffolk County, there are 355,696 Democrats, 323,772 Republicans, 20,144 Conservatives, 3,892 Working Families, 38,380 Other, 303,367 Blank (no declared party) for a total of 1,045,151 active voters. The numbers show that Democrats have nothing to fear from an honest reapportionment for Congressional district boundaries. Why not allow the League of Women voters or some other impartial group to redraw district boundaries to prevent one party stacking the deck in their favor? State law requires that state legislative districts be contiguous and compact. State legislative districts must also take into account the “historic and traditional significance of counties.” Larry Penner Great Neck
The holidays are a time for community. I think of the families whose lives have been turned upside down by emergencies. Here on Long Island, we have seen firsthand the impact that severe weather can have — remnants of Tropical Storm Ophelia ravaged the region, displacing dozens of Elmont residents to a Red Cross shelter at New Hyde Park Memorial High School. Year-round, local volunteers from the Red Cross Long Island Chapter answered the call to help in people’s darkest hours, providing refuge, food, and comfort for survivors of the wildfires in Maui, hurricanes in the southeast, and disasters big and small here on Long Island. So far in 2023, the Red Cross has responded to more than 200 disasters on Long Island, providing emergency assistance to more than 1,185 individuals across 465 households. These responders are neighbors from right here on Long Island, and we rely on volunteers for 90% of our workforce — to answer the call when people need help after a fire in Islip (3 households, 6 individuals on May 15 and 2 households, 3 individuals on September 11), a fire in Smithtown (1 household, 4
individuals on June 21), and towns just like it throughout Suffolk and Nassau counties. With no signs of extreme disasters slowing down, we must work together to do more. Please join us to give comfort and hope by visiting redcross.org. You can also help by becoming a Red Cross volunteer and helping your neighbors through some of the worst days of their lives after a disaster, such as home fires. It takes all of us to care for one another. During the holiday season, turn your compassion into action for the families who depend on our collective support. Jose Dominguez, CEO American Red Cross, Long Island Chapter
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County News Thursday, December 21, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Suffolk County Executive Bellone Announces New 311 Website and Mobile App for Enhanced Resident Experience Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon) announced today the launch of new technological enhancements to the Suffolk 311 system, introducing the launch of a state-of-the-art 311 website and a new mobile application available to residents. The updated 311 system provides residents with new options to connect with county personnel and services while adopting a modern technology solutions platform. “Suffolk County understands the importance of incorporating modern technology to better serve our residents and to create accountability between the government and the public,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “This new system not only provides our constituents with alternative means of contacting 311 but is an opportunity for us to remain laser-focused on emergency calls while offloading nonemergency calls to 311, ensuring that we provide the best services to our residents.” With the launch of the platforms, Suffolk County is the first suburban county in New York State to adopt an online and mobile version of the 311 system. The 311 system is designed to centralize calls for county services and complaints, set to streamline the work of constituent services, and allowing for faster emergency response and an enhanced experience.
COVID-19 vaccine appointments, providing COVID-19 testing site location information, arranging food service deliveries to people experiencing food insecurity, and becoming a central source of information to businesses and schools regarding pandemic guidelines. The new technology began with cloud-based systems, which allowed the call center to be fully operational during the cyberattack in 2021, underscoring Suffolk County’s commitment to upgrading and improving technologies for better cyber protection for its workers and constituents. The 311 system has addressed several key objectives: 1. Relieving 911 Burden: Suffolk County’s 911 emergency service fields approximately 900,000 calls annually, including tens of thousands of nonemergency calls. The 311 system will alleviate the burden on 911 by handling nonemergency calls more efficiently. 2. Real-Time Issue Tracking: The system allows the county to track citizen complaints and concerns in real-time, enabling swift responses to problems such as potholes and other public issues.
Residents can now contact 311 through https://suffolkcountyny.gov/311 or by downloading Suffolk 311 for iOS or Android.
3. Enhancing Constituent Satisfaction: By providing residents with a direct channel to reach county services, the 311 system aims to improve constituent satisfaction and streamline access to government resources.
Suffolk County’s 311 call center was launched in 2019. Since its inception, the system has taken in more than 450,000 requests. Aside from day-today requests, the 311-call center had become a critical government service during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiding in the facilitation of scheduling
Individuals are reminded they can still call Suffolk 311 if they have any questions. Within Suffolk County dial 311, outside of Suffolk County call 631-853-6311. For more information on Suffolk County’s commitment to innovation and constituent services, visit suffolkcountyny.gov.
This Week Today Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
9
Thursday, December 21, 2023
National, State and Local Temperature Checks By Matt Meduri
National
State Governor Kathy Hochul (D) took a bold stance on the social-political stage, as she signed a bill creating a commission to investigate the possibility of slavery reparations for black New Yorkers. “Let’s be clear about what reparations means.
Credit - U.S. House Photography
As the year comes to a close, an added flurry of House retirements have made the ongoing retirement period one of the busiest in recent history. The period after an election season is usually when a decent amount of retirements are announced, either as some try to capitalize on national, state, or local political environments to seek alternative office, or face the writing on the wall and hang it up rather than facing a defeat that could prove detrimental to a party’s standing. Furthermore, the holiday season affords elected officials some reflection time, as spending time at home and with family accounts for the added uptick in retirements. Perhaps the most significant departure from the House is that of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA21), who tumultuously ascended to the Speaker chair in January and was historically removed from the position in October. Rather than stay on as a rank-and-file member, McCarthy announced he will resign from the House by the end of the year. A special election in his strongly-Republican Central Valley district will be scheduled after his resignation. Additionally, Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10), chair of the House Financial Services Committee and Speaker Pro Tempore after McCarthy’s ousting, has also announced he will not run for re-election in 2024. After North Carolina’s legislature gerrymandered the House lines, three Democrats announced their retirements, further bolstering the casualty list for 2023. This brings the total House retirements up to twenty-three Democrats and thirteen Republicans, while four Democrats and three Republicans are moving on from the Senate. Such retirements, especially McHenry’s, reinforce the observations of partisanship, gridlock, and sensationalism that make deliberating legislation such a difficulty in Congress. An exhausting job at its core, many say that the current environment brings such a heavy toxicity to the chambers that members feel the burnout much earlier in their legislative careers than normal. The retirements in both the House and Senate further change the game for 2024, a crucial election which will have implications on down ballot energy on both parties’ prospects of retaining their razorthin majorities in their respective chambers.
It doesn’t mean fixing the past, undoing what happened,” said Governor Hochul. “We can’t do that. No one can. But it does mean more than giving people a simple apology 150 years later. This bill makes it possible to have a conversation, a reasoned debate about what we want the future to look like. And I can think of nothing more democratic than that.” The committee will consist of nine members who will be appointed by state leaders over the next several months. Three will be selected by the Governor, three from Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx), and three from Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers). The committee will have one year to draft a report on their findings before unveiling it before the public, with an estimated release date of summer 2025. Nicole Carty, executive director of Get Free, a “youth-led movement to repair past harms, remove ongoing barriers to equality, and realize a future where freedom is for all,” heavily advocated for the bill. “You can see the impacts of slavery in things such as black poverty, black maternal mortality that’s happening,” said Carty. “They’re gonna keep going on unless there’s an intervention.” “I know the word ‘reparations’ brings up a lot of conflicting ideas for people,” said Hochul. “A lot of people instinctively dig in when they hear it, without really thinking about what it means or why we need to talk about it. I challenge all New Yorkers, to be patriots and rebuke — and not excuse — our role in benefiting from the institution of slavery.” New York is now the second state in the nation, behind California, to authorize such a commission. California’s task force produced a report earlier this year that recommends a reparations program and a formal apology to the state’s black residents. The task force also posited that each resident could receive $1.2 million, with such payments easily spelling a deficit of billions of dollars for the state. The state legislature has not ironed out specific details, nor has Governor Gavin Newsom (D) indicated with recommendations he would sign into law. New York faces a projected $4.3 billion budget deficit for the fiscal year of 2024. Hochul also went as far as to address Americans whose ancestors emigrated to the United States after the fall of slavery. “I think of the immigrants and the children of immigrants who’ve come here since the end of slavery,” said Hochul. “They will say, ‘We had no involvement in slavery…None of our relatives were slave owners.’ And there’s part of me that worries about leaping into this conversation because of the racial divisions, strife it could sow.” Hochul’s speech was followed by a brief statement from Reverend Al Sharpton. “I know her political advisors told her it is too risky. But she did it because it’s right,” said Sharpton. “I met with her last Thursday on several issues that we’re dealing with nationally, and she told me she had decided to sign this bill and she said that it’s going to be unpopular to some, but
I’m going to do what’s right.” State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) disagrees with the legislation. “A divisive commission to consider reparations is unworkable,” said Ortt. “As we’ve seen in California, I am confident this commission’s recommendations will be unrealistic, will come at an astronomical cost to all New Yorkers and will only further divide our state.” State GOP chair Ed Cox also criticized the legislation. “Governor Hochul’s decision to endorse this divisive and unproductive reparations study is misguided,” he said in a statement. “Instead of focusing on the issues that truly matter to New Yorkers, like our ongoing immigration crisis, crime, and the exodus of residents from our state, she’s chosen to reopen old wounds and stoke racial tensions for political gain.” Local Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) of the First District issued a statement after voting to approve the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2023 in the U.S. House. “As a Navy Veteran and a member of the Armed Services Committee, I am proud to send the Commander-in-Chief a strong NDAA,” said LaLota. “This bill gives our troops the largest pay increase in decades, helps deter conflict with China, ensures our soldiers stationed overseas have the same legal protections as every American, supports military families, and ensures accountability and transparency in government. “While this NDAA didn’t contain the FISA reforms America needs, I joined with other pragmatic and common sense conservatives in supporting this bill that will go a long way to ensuring our military remains the most lethal fighting force the world has ever known.” Some of the stipulations of the bill include, but are not limited to: a 5.2% across-the-board pay increase for servicemembers; funding military exercise with American allies in the Pacific to counter China’s increasing military activity; $676 million for 9/11-related healthcare; encouraging the Department of Defense (DoD) to use Americanmined rare earth minerals over foreign-mined minerals; $38 million over budget request for new family housing; $356 million over budget request to renovate and build new barracks; continuing to prohibit adverse action against any servicemember who refuses the COVID-19 vaccine; fully funding the deployment of National Guard troops in support of border patrol activities at the southwest border; requiring the DoD to use or transfer all border wall materials in its possession to the southwest border; and prohibiting the DoD from contracting with any Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-owned or controlled company operating in the U.S. The bill passed the House in a 310-118 vote, with 147 Republicans and 163 Democrats approving. 73 Republicans and 45 Democrats opposed the bill, while 1 Republican and 5 Democrats did not vote. The bill now heads to President Joe Biden’s (D) desk for his signature or veto.
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News Thursday, December 21, 2023
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Suffolk County District Attorney Tierney Announces ‘Evergreen Initiative’ Suffolk County District numerous cases of illegal dumping. Attorney Raymond A. Tierney We’ve discovered garbage of all today announced his “Evergreen sorts, from paperwork and yard Initiative” – a combined legislative debris to larger items like furniture, and law enforcement agenda that mattresses and even boats,” said aims to halt devastating pollution Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, and dumping at the county’s parks, Jr. “Illegal dumping is lazy, illegal and beaches, and forests. harmful to our environment and Joined by County Executiveour island’s resources. Make no Elect Ed Romaine, Suffolk County mistake, if you are dumping illegally Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., Crime in Suffolk County, especially in our Stoppers President Patrick Fazio, pine barrens, we will find you and Brookhaven Supervisor-Elect Dan you will be held accountable.” Panico, and Winter Brothers owner “D.A. Tierney’s Evergreen Initiative, Jim Winters, as well as leadership supported by County Executive-elect from the State Department of Romaine, Sheriff Toulon, and other Environmental Conservation, the elected officials, provides a new Pine Barrens Commission, the State dimension of deterrent to tackling Police, the Suffolk Park Rangers, illegal dumping in Suffolk County District Attorney Tierney outlined Parklands and the Pine Barrens a multi-point plan to turn the tide Region,” said Chief of the Suffolk on environmental assault. The County Parks Rangers Steve Laton. Evergreen Initiative will: “Suffolk County Park Rangers remain 1. Raise and sustain awareness committed to working with our law Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. (Credit - Office of Ray Tierney) of rewards available to citizens who enforcement partners to thwart report dumping and pollution under illegal dumping in Suffolk County.” current Suffolk County Law, as well as posting reward signage; “As the owner of Long Island’s largest solid waste management and 2. Encourage more reporting of environmental crimes by increasing the recycling firm, I would like to applaud District Attorney Ray Tierney for leading rewards for tips to 33% of the fines collected by the District Attorney through the fight against illegal dumping,” said Jimmy Winters, Owner of Winter Bros. the criminal justice process; “The actions announced by him today will help disincentivize the dumping of 3. Increase the fine schedule for dumping/polluting on county land to harmful materials in our ecosystem and hold criminal actors accountable.” $15,000 for individuals, with corporate fines reaching $25,000; “Crime Stoppers takes all criminal activity seriously, particularly crimes 4. Encourage municipalities to mirror the county fine schedule, so that against our environment,” said Crime Stoppers President Patrick Fazio. town and village parks are equally protected; “Suffolk County residents can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS to 5. Invest an additional $10,000 into environmentally-friendly covert report dumping or other pollution and receive up to $5,000 for their tips.” surveillance equipment and deploy the trip-alert system throughout county “Illegal dumping is selfish and irresponsible and has a negative impact on parklands; our environment and our communities,” said New York State Police – Troop 6. Coordinate with Crime Stoppers and the Suffolk County Parks Watch “L” Long Island – Troop Commander Major Stephen J. Udice. “The New York reporting systems to facilitate easier reporting; State Police will continue to work with our law enforcement and prosecutor 7. Seize and impound all vehicles that are utilized to dump or otherwise partners to hold those accountable that choose to irresponsibly and illegally pollute public lands; engage in the act of illegal dumping.” 8. Ensure that fines and clean-up money are used locally in Suffolk County; In addition to increasing fines, rewards, and signage, District Attorney 9. Putting offenders to work cleaning Suffolk parks and beaches as part of Tierney’s Evergreen Initiative will allocate more than $10,000 worth of their sentences; and additional environmentally friendly covert surveillance equipment, such as 10. Seek maximum financial penalties on all environmental cases. cameras, drones, and license plate readers, to undisclosed park lands to The combination of increasing fine schedules and reward percentage will catch those who pollute in the act. mean that a Good Samaritan report of dumping can receive up to $8,250 Another component of District Attorney Tierney’s Evergreen Initiative from fines and up to $5,000 from Crime Stoppers. District Attorney Tierney will partner his office’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team also emphasized that the statute of limitations on certain dumping crimes can (BEAST) Unit and Asset Forfeiture Bureau with local police departments to reach back to 2018 and reports leading to convictions are always welcome penalize those who are caught in the commission of an environmental crime and will be rewarded in accordance with the law. As part of the Evergeen by having their vehicles impounded and held until all fines are paid off – Initiative, the increased rewards for reporting dumping and pollution will be including the cost of clean-up. posted on the public entrance of every county park. The fines collected will be kept locally and used to cover all costs of “I am confident that these measures will make an impact,” said District prosecution. In addition, offenders will be put to work cleaning Suffolk Attorney Tierney. “Our office will continue to seek maximum financial County beaches and trails, planting trees, sorting recycling, and contributing penalties, which will translate to higher rewards for those who report efforts to the county’s environmental organizations. Through the Evergreen polluters. All local municipal leaders are encouraged to adopt similar local Initiative, an economy will be created that works for Suffolk County’s local legislation at the town and village level so that our incentives do not redirect ecosystem. the illegal dumping to your parks. We all must work together so that Suffolk’s To report pollution, individuals may use any of the following (in an natural beauty is universally protected.” emergency or to report a crime in progress always dial 911) “Over the past year, Brookhaven has conducted more than 750 roadside • Suffolk County Parks Watch: RID@SuffolkCountyNY.gov or 631-854cleanups and 32 other cleanups requiring heavy equipment for illegal 1423 dumping, which has included everything from residential waste to boats, • The Suffolk County Pine Barrens Complaint Line 877-BARRENS campers, and even floating docks. The new Evergreen Initiative will be an • Crime Stoppers: 1-800-220-TIPS or www.p3tips.com or download app important tool in curbing illegal dumping and protecting our environment,” at P3Tips said County Executive-Elect Ed Romaine. “I want to thank District Attorney • Suffolk County DA: suffolkcountyny.gov/da/contact-us (Report Tierney for his leadership on this issue to protect our open space, our Pollution tab) groundwater and our residents from the impacts of illegal dumping.” “The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office has been involved in the patrol of the The District Attorney will track all reports that lead to convictions so Central Pine Barrens region for the past three decades and we have seen that appropriate rewards are paid.
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12
School Highlights Thursday, December 21, 2023
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Three Village Nurses Receive National Certification Three school nurses in the Three Village Central School District were honored at the November 29 board of education meeting for successfully passing the National School Nurse Certification exam, a rigorous assessment that recognizes leadership and expertise in school health. Congratulations to Beth Bermingham, Anne Marie Long, and Denise Gonzalez. These three school nurses have demonstrated commitment to the health and wellbeing of Three Village students. Their accomplishment demonstrates their dedication as well as excellence in their field. “Our school nurses play a pivotal role in the overall wellbeing of our students,” said Assistant to the Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services Erin Connolly. “They are the first line of defense against illness and injury, providing essential care and support to our students in their formative years. They are also advocates for health promotion and education, empowering our students to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.”
Newfield High School Students Visit Capitol Hill
Students from Bryan Latham’s AP Government class, Lisa McDonell’s AP U.S. History class, and Richard Rennard’s AP Economics class at Newfield High School recently had the incredible opportunity to visit the nation’s capital. This trip was a unique and unforgettable experience for the students. “The Newfield High School community is exceptionally proud of both their former student, Cristian Rodriguez, and their current students for representing the school with such distinction,” said Scott Graviano, Newfield High School Principal. “This trip to the nation’s capital was a testament to the dedication and hard work of the students and teachers. A warm thank you to Cristian for welcoming our students and our teachers for this experience.” Cristian Rodriquez, an Engagement Aide for Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), warmly welcomed his former high school to Capitol Hill. Mr. Rodriquez arranged several special opportunities for the students, including a White House tour and a Capitol Building VIP tour. The students even had the privilege of visiting the Senate while it was in session and engaging in a question-and-answer session with the Director of Engagement, Cietta Kiandoli, and Mr. Rodriquez. In addition to these exclusive experiences, the students had the chance to explore various important landmarks and museums in Washington, D.C. They visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of Natural History, and several significant monuments and memorials. These educational tours provided the students with a deeper understanding of American history and culture. For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.
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Thursday, December 21, 2023
Door Dashing Through the Snow at Rocky Point Middle School Themes of snowmen, the Grinch, candy canes, silver bells, wrapped gifts, and so many more creative ideas went into the Rocky Point Middle School door decorating event on December 5. Students worked in groups to choose their themes and create their magical doors together at the event.
Weather Forecast This Morning: Bright & Sunny Middle Country Central School District’s Unity Drive PreK Students Are Tomorrows News 12 Weather Reporters
Unity Drive’s Pre-Kindergarten class in Ms. Kelly Clancy-Nill’s room has introduced a unique and engaging Weather Channel Dramatic Play Center. This innovative learning approach allows young learners to explore different roles within a weather station, fostering their curiosity and understanding of weatherrelated concepts. “Learning about the weather helps young students understand the natural world and make connections between different weather patterns such as rain, wind, clouds, and seasons. They also learn that weather conditions can have a
significant impact on our daily lives. For example, they learn that excess snow could mean a snow day and rain means no outside play,” said Kelly Clancy-Nill. Each day, the students watch the daily News 12 Long Island weather forecast, learning about the different parts of the weather report. The students then have the opportunity to play in their weather station, choosing between roles such as a reporter, camera person, forecaster, or meteorologist. Unity Drive students are equipped with microphones, video cameras, and a whiteboard, where they can draft their reports before presenting in their news studio and reenacting the News 12 weather report.
Rocky Point Soccer Team and Coach Honored Rocky Point Middle School boys’ soccer team and coach Tom Walsh were honored with the Suffolk County Soccer Officials Association Sportsmanship Award. Coach Walsh attended the awards ceremony at the Rock Hill Golf and Country Club on December 11. After each contest, officials are tasked with rating studentathletes’ and coaches’ sportsmanship for each school. These ratings are tallied up throughout the season to determine the Sportsmanship Award winners.
History
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Thursday, December 21, 2023
America the Beautiful: How History Shapes our Electorate Idaho - The Gem State
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
This is the forty-fourth of a series column that will look at the history of all 50 States, all 5 territories, and the Capital and the influence history has on our current political environments. The aim of this column is to capture that our country is not just red or blue, but rather many shades in between. Each Lower 48 state’s current political landscape can be traced back to its early settlement and geography and its particular involvement in the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, and the Civil Rights Era.
By Matt Meduri On paper, Idaho should not have been a swing state during its early history. But that era was shortlived and Idaho now has one of the strongest singleparty voting records of most states.
Republicans have won every election in Idaho since 1952, with the exception of Lyndon Johnson’s (D-TX) narrow win in 1964. In addition to Democrats’ loss of demographics, their increasingly-liberal stances on social issues led their once reliable bloc of Mormon voters to trend Republican. Today, Mormon’s are some of the staunchly Republican voters in the country, although not prohibitively so, as Donald Trump’s (R-FL) more populist messaging did not resonate as well with them in 2016.
Early History The Last Frontier of the Lower 48 Located in the Rocky Mountain-Pacific Northwest region, Idaho was the last of the Lower Forty-Eight states to be explored by European-Americans. The Lewis and Clark Expedition entered Idaho in 1805. Like much of the Northwest, fur trading led the first excursions into the area, with the British controlling much of the trade on the Snake River. By 1836, a Protestant mission had established Idaho’s first school, its first irrigation system, and grew the state’s first potatoes. Idaho’s environment is unique in that it provides ideal conditions for potato farming, giving its unofficial namesake today. Idaho’s early history was also defined by the traffic from the Oregon Trail and the California Gold Rush. Idaho had its own set of gold rushes starting in 1860, while a similar boom occurred in neighboring Montana, fueling the population growth in all parts of the state. In addition to the state’s regular migration from the eastern U.S. and Europe, Idaho became a small population of the Church of Latter Day Saints, or the Mormon Church. Mormons had originally founded Fort Lemhi in Idaho in 1855, but the settlement did not last. Their first permanent town was that of Franklin, founded in 1860 by Mormon pioneers who believed they were in the Utah Territory, then the destination of choice for Mormons. Today, southeastern Idaho, including Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and several smaller cities, represent a decentlylarge portion of the Mormon population. Idaho was admitted as the forty-third state on July 3, 1890, and with it, its first Congressman, Willis Sweet (R), demanded for free silver, creating a sharp separation from the gold standard Republicans like William McKinley (R-OH) and the Democraticleaning Free Silver Populists. Industrialization and 20th Century Politics An Unlikely Swing State Idaho’s first few years as a state were marked by mining uprisings between union workers and company guards, starting in Coeur d’Alene in the northern tip of the panhandle. Violence continued across the state, culminating in the assassination of the pro-labor governor who then backtracked to stamp out the uprisings. Mining would become the state’s bread and butter, and for a brief period in the 1860s, Idaho produced nearly 20% of the nation’s gold. The state was, and still is, home to ore deposits of exceedingly rare and highly valuable minerals and gems. Idaho is home to more than seventy-two different types of precious and semi-precious gemstones, second only in variety to Africa. Transition metals like lead, copper, silver, molybdenum, and manganese are also found in the state. With such a vibrant mining industry came populist and progressive policies. In addition to demand for the silver standard of currency, Idaho was also warm to women’s suffrage and prohibition. Idaho’s pro-bimetallism Republicans
were a unique sect of the party. Crucial to Idaho’s development also was the pushback against the Mormon Church. The Republican Party was intrinsically anti-Mormon, with the party’s establishment in 1856 naming polygamy and slavery as the “twin relics of barbarism.” The Idaho Test Oath Act in 1884 removed the voting rights of the then-heavily Democratic Mormon base. The state legislature repealed the anti-Mormon measures in 1893 and Mormons have since been able to vote and hold office in Idaho. Initially, Idaho was expected to be a Republicanleaning state due to its heavy agricultural and industrial lean, especially with the exclusion of Mormons from political participation. However, the state’s intensely pro-silver platform allowed Populist James Weaver (I-IA) in the 1892 election - Idaho’s first election - by a substantial margin. Idaho would then back William Jennings Bryan (D-NE), a PopulistFree Silver Democrat in its next two elections. Theodore Roosevelt’s (R-NY) eclectic political views of railroad reforms, protecting miners, and openspace preservation made him the first Republican to carry Idaho in 1904. However, Roosevelt’s third-party Progressive run in 1912 was not enough for him to carry the state, handing it to Woodrow Wilson (D-NJ). The bulk of early Democratic votes in Idaho were concentrated in the entire western portion of the state, home to most of the mining, although the southeastern part would catch on with the heavy Mormon population. Republicans were then able to dominate Idaho in all three elections of the 1920s, although Robert La Follette’s (I-WI) Progressive bid in 1924 would see the panhandle defect from the GOP. Idaho suffered greatly during the Great Depression, with average income dropping by almost 50% and farmers being the most severely hurt out of any other industry. Franklin Roosevelt’s (D-NY) New Deal coalition of union labor would appeal strongly to the state, allowing him to carry it in all four of his elections. In 1948, Harry Truman (D-MO) would upset Thomas Dewey (R-NY) in Idaho, effectively marking the end of its era as swing state. After World War II, Democrats began to lose their footing in Idaho, as the state shifted its focus from heavily-unionized labor in the mining and timber sectors. The state became an unlikely tech hub, as the small city of Rigby is known as the birthplace of television, where inventor Philo Farnsworth reportedly sketched his design for a high school science paper. Boise’s low cost of living and low regulations would allow it develop a small Silicon Valley-like personality, today housing regional operations of large technology companies, including Hewlett-Packard. True to its progressive form, Idaho’s State Capitol building is the only capitol building in the country to be heated entirely by a geothermal water system.
Geography - The Gem State Idaho’s population growth has boomed in the last several years. In 2019, it was the fastest growing state in the nation, expanding by 2.1%. Although this made some conservatives nervous, as influx from the Pacific liberal states has deteriorated margins in states like Nevada, Texas, and Colorado, Idaho has remained staunchly conservative, as most migrants have moved there for the low cost, natural beauty, and the intrinsically libertarian mindset of the state’s Republican Party. 1. Southeastern Idaho - Home to Idaho Falls and Pocatello and the small section of Yellowstone National Park in Idaho, the Mormon center of the state. Home also Teton County on the Wyoming border, a tourist area and swing county leaning Democrat in recent elections; staunchly Republican. 2. Central Idaho - Home to the cities of Salmon of Twin Falls and Blaine County, which includes the tourist-ski towns of Sun Valley and Ketchum. While Central Idaho is strongly Republican, Blaine County is the only solidly Democratic county in the state, mostly due to rich, white, liberal voters and a more transient population due to the tourism industry. People move here for skiing and nature, not politics. 3. Southern Panhandle - The southern half of the panhandle is home to some of the state’s mining industry, but also the capital of Boise and its suburbs of Nampa and Caldwell, extending halfway up the state to Grangeville. Despite being a fairly large city, Boise is one of the more conservative cities in the country, even with its tech hub and its rank as one of the best college towns in the country as found last month by NBC. 4. Northern Panhandle - Home to the true mining base of Idaho, with cities of Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, and the Nez Perce Reservation. Home to Latah County, the other Democratic-leaning swing county in the state; the panhandle otherwise is intensely Republican. Current Political Leanings - A Ruby Red Gem No Democrat has eclipsed 40% of the vote - let alone won the state outright - since Lyndon Johnson carried it in 1964. Republicans have also only dropped below 60% of the vote three times since then: 1968, 1992, and 2016, all due either to thirty-party bids or a drop in Mormon support for the GOP. Republicans have solid locks on both chambers of the state legislature for much of its history, and have held both U.S. Senate seats since 1981. Democrats last held both seats simultaneously in 1949. Democrats have not won a gubernatorial race here since Cecil Andrus (D) was re-elected in 1990. Since 1992, Idaho has only sent one Democrat to Washington: Walt Minnick, who capitalized on the panhandle’s ancestral Democratic tendencies amid the blue wave year of 2008. Despite his conservative voting record, he lost reelection amid the 2010 red wave. Republicans might not have any room for growth, but it’s not really needed. Even with its progressive ancestry, conservative-libertarian politics will continue to govern Idaho, so long as Democrats don’t circle back to the center. Even then, Idaho would still be too much of a lift for them.
Around Town Thursday, December 21, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
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Stony Brook University Unveils New E-Sports Room
Stony Brook University has proudly debuted a new space for its Esports team. Dubbed the Esports room, it is located in Tabler Quad’s room 105. It is designed to be a space in which the next generation of Esports stars can thrive. The ability to be in one space will help to encourage the teamwork, sportsmanship, and strategic thinking of traditional sports, but with the added thrill of digital competition. “[The] grand opening of our esports room was a moment of pure exhilaration, with the space filled to the brim and buzzing with excitement, smiles, and lively conversation.” says Kevin Craig, coordinator, Stony Brook University Esports. “Witnessing the enthusiasm of our community has further fueled my excitement to lead the future of the esports program, propelling us to new heights and ensuring a dynamic space for our players to thrive.” Each gaming station boasts Alienware Aurora R14’s with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics, AMD Ryzen 7 5800x3D Processor, and a suite of premium peripherals. From the Alienware 27” 144hz monitors to the HyperX Alloy Origins Core TKL Keyboard, HyperX Cloud II Headset, Logitech G703 Gaming mouse, and custom Stony Brook Esports desk mats, every detail is crafted for peak gaming performance. In addition to the competitive gaming setups, the room features dedicated switches for our Super Smash Bros. teams. But it’s more than just a gaming space; it’s designed to be a holistic esports environment. The lounge area doubles as a film review space, complete with a projector, whiteboard, plush couches, and high-top bar seating. Here, players can strategize, prepare, and analyze past matches, fostering a collaborative and strategic approach to collegiate esports. “The journey to establish our esports room has been a long and rewarding development, propelling Stony Brook Esports to an elevated status within collegiate gaming. This milestone not only marks a new era for our program but firmly places Stony Brook on the map as a formidable presence in the world of esports,” says Thomas Lail, Associate Director of Recreation and Wellness at Stony Brook University. Stony Brook University’s Esports team has already taken home top honors. The team, which just recently transitioned to a varsity-level team, is the twotime winner of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) Starleague Super Smash Bros Ultimate Champions for the Spring and Fall 2023. About Stony Brook Stony Brook University — New York’s flagship university and No. 1 public university — is going far beyond the expectations of today’s public universities. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. With more than 24,000 students, more than 2,800 faculty members, more than 200,000 alumni, a premier academic health center and 18 NCAA Division I athletic programs, Stony Brook is a research-intensive distinguished center of innovation dedicated to addressing the world’s biggest challenges. The university embraces its mission to provide comprehensive undergraduate, graduate, and professional education of the highest quality, and is ranked among the top 35 public universities by Forbes and one of the top 80 universities in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges listing. Fostering a commitment to academic research and intellectual endeavors, Stony Brook’s membership in the Association of American Universities (AAU) places it among the top 65 research institutions in North America. The university’s distinguished faculty have earned esteemed awards such as the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, Indianapolis Prize for animal conservation, Abel Prize, and the inaugural Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics. Stony Brook has the responsibility of co-managing Brookhaven National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy — one of only eight universities with a role in running a national laboratory. Providing economic growth for neighboring communities and the wider geographic region, the university totals an impressive $7.23 billion in increased economic output on Long Island. Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/stonybrooku/) and Twitter(@stonybrooku).s
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Winning in Winter Thursday, December 21, 2023
Holiday Travels
This weekly column looks to help readers enjoy the season of winter by providing the best tips and information on scenic parks, winter-favorite activities, recipes, and more.
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By Kaitlyn Foley
This season is the merriest and the brightest, but it is also the most traveled. This year, in particular, is one of the busiest traveling years for the holiday season. According to AAA, 115 million Americans are expected to travel in the next 10 days. “Airports are expected to be the busiest they’ve ever been over the Christmas and New Year’s travel period,” reports Aica Diaz, Media Relations Manager of AAA. Crowds of travelers are expected, meaning the earlier you can arrive at the airport, the better. This also means big planning for all of those traveling with little ones. Even just getting a ride to the airport can feel like a huge to-do. Which is why it is a great idea to plan ahead. If you have somebody willing to drive you, then congratulations, you’re one of the lucky ones. For those of you who don’t, scheduling an Uber or Lyft ahead of time has saved me on many occasions. If you are traveling at the busiest times of day, like rush hour, experts prepare for lots of traffic, or they take the LIRR. Taking the train to Jamaica Station and boarding the AirTrain is the easiest, cheapest, and sometimes fastest way of getting to JFK airport. To get to Laguardia, the LIRR offers services to Woodside Station where you can transfer to the LaGuardia Link Q70 bus straight to the airport. For us Suffolk County locals, we are less than a 30-minute drive from our MacArthur Airport and if you are a lucky traveler who scored a flight out of there, driving should be a breeze. In the next few days, our local airport workers, TSA agents, and flight attendants will be having the most stressful shifts of the year. It is important that travelers stay mindful of their working conditions. No matter what profession you’re in, imagine the busiest day of your career. Now, imagine everything is going wrong while you’re having the busiest day of your career. Now, imagine some of the things going wrong are completely out of your control. Finally, imagine thousands of customers yelling at you for things out of your control, while other things are going wrong, while you’re having the busiest day of your career. This is what employees of airports go through on busy travel days. Patience, compassion, and basic manners go a long way while in the airport. Staying relaxed and understanding that things may not go according to schedule will help you enjoy your holidays while traveling. Nobody is actively trying to ruin your vacation or maliciously trying to delay your flight. The ability to stay positive and roll with the punches will help all travelers get to where they are going with ease. It is easier said than done, of course. But entering the airport with the mindset of “things may go wrong, and that’s okay,” will help you, and all of the travelers around you, make it to their destinations happily. Whether it be by plane, train, car, or camel, it’s important to ensure those traveling with children set themselves up for success before leaving home. By preparing toys, downloading videos, or getting creative with some interactive travel games, the stress of traveling will be that much smaller without the sound of crying kids and complaining teenagers. There is nothing more anxiety inducing then being a parent with a screaming child about to board a plane. Trust that other travelers know this, and they don’t mean to stare or make you feel embarrassed. However, long flights can be excruciating for all parties when a baby can’t fall asleep or is in pain from take-off. Remember to bring some lollipops to limit popping ears, snacks to limit growling stomachs, and activities to limit bored minds. Those not traveling with children, remember kindness. The Messenger wishes everyone safe travels, positive energy, and a very merry Christmas.
Holiday Hot Toddy INGREDIENTS • 1 Cup of Bourbon (more or less to taste) • 2 Cups Unsweetened Cranberry Juice • 2 Cups Water • 1 Lemon, juiced • 1/2 Cup Maple Syrup or Honey (more or less to taste) • 2 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary • 2 Cinnamon Sticks • 1/2 Cup Frozen Cranberries • 2-3 Star Anise (optional)
Makes approx. 6 - 8 oz cocktails
DIRECTIONS:
1. Add cranberry juice and water to a medium size pot. Add the cinnamon sticks, rosemary, lemon juice, star anise, and cranberries and bring to a low simmer. 2. Add maple syrup or honey to pot. Taste and add more if desired. Stir and let simmer on the stove for 10-25 minutes. 3. Pour 2 oz of bourbon into your cup (or more if you like your drinks stronger). Add 6 oz of the warm cranberry juice from the stovetop. Garnish with 1 cinnamon stick and rosemary sprig if desired. Enjoy!
For sugared rim (optional) • Ground Cinnamon • Granulated Sugar OPTIONAL* If you’d like, use the leftover lemon or an additional lemon wedge to coat the edges of your glass. Then, sugar the rim with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon mixed with 1 tablespoon sugar on a flat plate. Dip cranberries and rosemary sprigs into water and sprinkle with sugar. Let dry for a holiday sugared look. Recipe provided by Lifestyle by Anna Elizabeth
Overnight French Toast INGREDIENTS • 1 cup brown sugar • ½ cup butter • 2 tbsp corn syrup • 1 loaf French bread, sliced ¾ inch thick • 5 eggs • 1.5 cups milk • 1 tsp vanilla • Cinnamon, for topping
DIRECTIONS: Over medium heat, melt together brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Stir continuously until completely combined. Pour into a greased 9x12 inch baking pan. Lay evenly sliced bread in lines over the melted syrup. Beat eggs with milk and vanilla, then pour over bread and syrup. Refrigerate overnight. The next morning, sprinkle cinnamon over the top and bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Photo by Southern Living
Makes 5-6 servings
Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, December 21, 2023
TOWNLINE RAIL: WHY RAIL? Townline Rail is a proposed alternative to trucking locally generated incinerator ash from the Huntington-Smithtown waste-to-energy facility as well as Construction & Demolition debris off Long Island once the Brookhaven landfill is closed. Rail is less costly to the taxpayers who must pay to have the ash transported. Every rail car represents four trucks being taken off the road. Rail reduces pollutants and carbon emissions in our environment. The Town of Smithtown has recognized the many economic, environmental and infrastructure benefits of transporting ash and debris by rail rather than by truck (2015 Draft Comprehensive Plan). 140 Old Northport Road Kings Park, New York 11754
Proposed Townline Rail Terminal
Townline Rail will save taxpayers money, create jobs, and benefit the environment. To learn more visit www.townlinerail.com
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Overview - AMAC - The Association of Mature American Citizens
Colorado Denies Trump Ballot Access By Matt Kane | AMAC Last night, the Colorado Supreme Court issued a ruling with significant implications: it would disqualify President Trump from appearing on presidential ballots in the state in 2024, citing an insurrection clause in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This marks a historic moment in American history for multiple reasons, with several layers to unpack. No candidate has ever been denied eligibility for criminal reasons. However, a significant oversight exists in the Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling, which will undoubtedly be overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court (more on that later). Disqualifying Trump on the basis of insurrection would, in normal times, be laughed out of court because Trump has not been charged with, let alone convicted of, insurrection. In fact, the one instance where questions regarding a Trump insurrection were brought forward was his second impeachment shortly after leaving office in 2021, when he was ACQUITTED by the U.S. Senate. Since then, the only conviction has come from mainstream media. However, the general public has even evolved on how they view the alleged January 6th insurrection, as polls show Americans becoming increasingly skeptical of the narrative that has been fed to them, due in large part to relatively newly released, unedited evidence from Tucker Carlson earlier in the year, followed by more released by the House GOP this past month which revealed that federal agents were present in the crowd during that day. Within moments of this landmark announcement, President Trump and his team released a statement announcing that they will be immediately appealing the ruling to the United States Supreme Court. One doesn’t have to be a legal scholar to predict that the court will very likely overturn this ruling. In fact, even the Colorado Supreme Court has signaled skepticism in their expectation of their ruling being upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court by stating: “If review is sought in the Supreme Court before the stay expires, it shall remain in place, and the Secretary will continue to be required to include President Trump’s name on the 2024 presidential primary ballot.” Their skepticism is the only sensical part of their ruling. A court cannot keep a candidate off the ballot due to insurrection if there never was an insurrection declared by federal law or if the president never invoked the “Insurrection Act,” which President Trump did not as the events were unfolding that day. Furthermore, those currently imprisoned for their role that day have been charged with varying charges, such as seditious conspiracy, assault, and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, but not a single one was charged with insurrection. Mainstream news and leftist-controlled outlets parroting this claim over and over for years may condition one to believe there was an insurrection, but that doesn’t make it true. So, the most glaring question that remains is this: If they will not be successful in preventing Trump from appearing on the ballot, thereby setting a precedent for other states considering similar attempts, and they are aware of this, then why proceed with it? By now, it has become obvious that those in support of these measures are fearful of Trump and would prefer voters not have the chance to vote for him, whether it be through indictments, frivolous cases such as these, or other means. Perhaps it is an instance of leaving no stone unturned, one of their many election interference Hail Mary’s they hope will eventually result in a Trump election-prevention avenue succeeding. If you have been paying attention to the verbiage used by many of the regular Trumphating talking heads, they revealed long ago they do not intend on allowing Trump to be an option. Joe Biden has stated, “We just have to demonstrate that he will not take power if he does run,” an odd choice of words for the ”leader” of an allegedly civilized, Democratic country. Liz Cheney has said that she will “Do whatever I have to do to stop Trump,” another vague warning about what stopping Trump might entail beyond legal campaign mechanisms. And former Trump-hating Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan boldly and confidently stated that he does not believe Trump would be the GOP nominee, in spite of Trump’s clear stronghold on the GOP base. Comments such as these by prominent swamp mainstays from both parties that seem to contradict all visible trends regarding the current outlook raise suspicions about whether there are any boundaries powerful Trump-
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The Association of Mature American Citizens represents Americans 50 plus. AMAC is centered on American values, freedom of the individual, free speech, and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family, with benefits at all levels. AMAC plays a vital role in helping build the services that will enrich the lives of America’s seniors. AMAC Action, a 501 (C)(4) advocates for issues important to AMAC’s membership on Capitol Hill and locally through grassroots activism. To Learn more, visit www.amac.us
Thursday, December 21, 2023
opposers won’t cross to stop him, including law-fare. There is a clear irony to all of this. Those claiming to be saviors of democracy, while claiming Trump is the existential threat to it are attempting to remove a candidate from consideration before the people have the chance to decide for themselves. In other words, they are taking one of the most significant steps to destroying democracy in the most obvious way possible for the entire world to see. Even foreign leaders such as Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele weighed in, stating, “The United States has lost its ability to lecture any other country about “democracy.” He’s right. Even with coordinated irregularities occurring on election night and the days that follow, it is clear those in power are now fearful that allowing Trump as an option will spell the end for their reign. Whether they are right or wrong remains to be seen, but that decision should be left to the people. And it will be.
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Thursday, December 21, 2023
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By Karen Kerrigan “Mr. Watson. Come here,” Alexander Graham Bell said to his aide, “I want you.” Those were the first words transmitted through Bell’s breakthrough technology, the telephone. The history books document that moment, but a pivotal event took place three days earlier. On March 7, 1876, the U.S. Patent Office granted Bell patent number 174,465, cementing his legacy as the inventor of the telephone. At the time, Bell did not operate a large business. The prototype telephone was built in a small workshop with help from just a single assistant. Yet, as a result of the patent, Bell was able to secure funding and expand the Bell Telephone Company. Without legal protection, Bell’s competitors could have copied his creation without consequence. Today, Bell’s feat is harder to replicate. Over the last decade, patent protection for small businesses has eroded considerably. Fortunately, Congress is working to strengthen our patent system. Two recently introduced bills — the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act (PERA) and the PREVAIL Act — would reinforce patent protection and nourish America’s ecosystem of small-business innovation. Bell’s patent story isn’t a dated historical artifact. Consider the case of a revolutionary innovation born in a Stanford dorm room a century later. The patented algorithms behind Google’s search technology gave rise to one of the world’s foremost digital businesses. By protecting its intellectual property, Google could raise capital, invest in research, and forever change how the world finds information. Patent rights are oil to the innovation engine. Absent legal protection for new products and services, entrepreneurial risk-taking and small businesses are put at risk. Better-funded rivals and corporate behemoths can exploit the innovations of entrepreneurs without consequence, which discourages investment. Without strong patent protection, inventors and small businesses fearing vulnerability to copycats also hesitate to disclose their innovations, reducing the free exchange
of ideas. And weak patent rights hinder licensing, turning a revenue driver and efficiency producer into a risk. Regrettably, various U.S. court cases and legal interpretations over the last decade have significantly eroded patent protections. One example is the Supreme Court’s decision in Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank in 2014, which imposed strict eligibility requirements for software patents. This ruling introduced excessive ambiguity, rendering many software innovations vulnerable to legal challenges and chilling research and development. Separately, the America Invents Act of 2011 created the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Designed to reduce costly patent litigation, the board instead has been used by large, well-funded companies as a weapon against competitors. Because anyone can bring multiple challenges to the board, even for the same patent, the board has become a repeatable-use weapon wielded against smaller innovators, who have been forced to spend precious time and money defending their patents from challenges in this forum in addition to the federal courts. The Patent Trial and Appeal Board also has a lower standard of proof than traditional courts, leading to more patent invalidation. The PREVAIL Act and the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act would help to deter these threats to innovation and small companies. The PREVAIL Act would reform the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, making it less likely to drain resources and time from inventors. PERA would clear up a decade of legal cases that have muddied patent waters. Together, these two bills give peace of mind, strengthened incentives, and more opportunities for small businesses and start-ups to scale and compete. Karen Kerrigan is president and CEO of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council (sbecouncil.org) in Washington, D.C. This piece originally ran in the Duluth News Tribune.
By Lamar Smith There may be some good news on the horizon for small business owners, courtesy of Congress. A bipartisan group of lawmakers recently introduced a pair of bills that could make it easier for entrepreneurs to patent certain lifesaving inventions and fend off thieves looking to steal their technology. The first bill, the PREVAIL Act, would make some much-needed reforms to a 2011 law that I co-authored. That 2011 law, known as the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA), created the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) as a quasi-judicial venue for people and companies to challenge the validity of patents they felt were overly broad or vague. The PTAB was intended to provide a lower-cost alternative forum, compared to federal courts, in which to challenge wrongly granted patents. But I was fully aware that patent owners need undisputed control over their intellectual property to attract continued investment, so I warned against the PTAB being used as a tool for litigation gamesmanship rather than a meaningful and less expensive alternative to litigation. Unfortunately, that is exactly what has happened. A few Big Tech firms are using the PTAB not as an alternative to litigation, but as a multiplier to it. They respond to patent infringement suits brought by their smaller rivals by filing multiple, serial PTAB challenges against their smaller rivals’ patents, thus forcing cash-strapped entrepreneurs to fight legal battles on two fronts at once. Almost one-fourth of all PTAB challenges now come from just ten petitioners. The PREVAIL Act seeks to bring PTAB practice more in line with our intention for it to be a quicker and less expensive alternative to litigation by prohibiting repeat or duplicative PTAB petitions. This and other provisions of the PREVAIL Act could help ensure that small businesses and startups get a fair chance to enforce their patents.
The second bill, the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act introduced by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Chris Coons (D-DE), could help put American entrepreneurs in high-tech industries on a more even playing field with their rivals in Europe and Asia by clarifying confusing decisions made by the courts. In Bilski v. Kappos in 2010, the Supreme Court cast doubt on entrepreneurs’ ability to patent novel processes implemented in software. Two years later, the Court ruled most diagnostic tests ineligible for patents in Mayo Collaborative Services v. Prometheus Laboratories. One year later, the justices prevented researchers from patenting many gene-related inventions in Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics. Finally, in 2014, the Court in Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank International cast a further cloud over the patenting of inventions implemented in software. The Tillis and Coons bills seek to clarify that medical diagnostic tests, along with inventions integral to cutting-edge sectors like artificial intelligence, are eligible for patent protection just as they are in most other advanced countries. This clarity will make a huge difference for entrepreneurs seeking to raise money from investors, who have been understandably leery of funding technologies that are potentially ineligible for patent protection. Both of these bills are well-intentioned efforts to make the patent system more fair and more predictable. Congress should focus on efforts like these to ensure the patent system continues to serve its historic role incentivizing inventors and helping drive the U.S. economy. Lamar Smith represented the 21st Congressional District of Texas in the U.S. House from 1987 to 2019. This piece originally ran in The Dallas Morning News.
U.S. House of Representatives
Two Bipartisan Bills Can Revitalize American Innovation
KarenKerrigan@KarenKerrigan - X
Congress’s Latest Patent Legislation a Big Win for Entrepreneurs, Small Businesses
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Thursday, December 21, 2023
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There’s No Need to Extend the TRIPS Waiver By Frank Cullen The “public health emergency” surrounding COVID-19 expired on May 11. The Biden Administration’s decision effectively acknowledges that with ample supplies of vaccines and treatments, the virus is now a problem that the global community can manage without extraordinary measures. But some members of the administration evidently didn’t get the memo. The United States Trade Representative requested the International Trade Commission, the government agency tasked with advising the administration on matters of global commerce, investigate a proposal that’d gut intellectual property protections on COVID-19 treatments and diagnostic tests. This unprecedented assault on intellectual property (IP) rights -- covering a wide variety of medicines and medical technologies -- would supposedly make it easier for developing countries to access lifesaving COVID-19 drugs, at least according to proponents. But they’re gravely mistaken. The world is already awash in treatments. Waiving IP protections will do nothing to help patients. It’ll only enrich our rivals and discourage biotech companies from investing the billions of dollars required to solve the next public health crisis. The waiver would be completely useless because there are no IPinduced shortages for COVID-19 therapeutics and diagnostics. Pharmaceutical companies have entered into more than 140 licensing and manufacturing agreements to increase global access to COVID-19 treatments. Simply put, the waiver seeks to solve a problem that doesn’t exist. What the waiver would do is quash the development of additional COVID-19 countermeasures, from lifesaving antiviral pills to rapid tests even more accurate than the ones we have. Firms currently investing in new COVID-19 tests and treatments will have no reason to continue their work if the IP rights for those products are preemptively nullified. In the long term, an IP waiver would set a devastating precedent for U.S. innovators working to address crises far beyond COVID-19. Startups
and inventors need secure intellectual property rights to raise funding and recoup their steep research and development costs, especially in America’s life sciences industry. New drugs often cost more than $2 billion and can take more than a decade to make it to market. Because of the high risks of innovating in the life sciences industry, the system thrives on reliability. The waiver would upend the entire patent system by setting the dangerous precedent that governments can eliminate IP protections whenever they declare an emergency. New companies will struggle to raise funding and innovate if the government can effectively invalidate their patents on a whim. The waiver particularly threatens the United States’ global economic competitiveness by handing over patented technology to our fiercest economic competitors. The waiver would allow all “developing countries” of the WTO, including China, to appropriate U.S. technology for their own gain. For instance, the revolutionary mRNA technology behind numerous COVID-19 products can potentially treat cancer and other chronic diseases. Giving this innovative technology to China will seriously damage the United States’ efforts to maintain its technological lead. Some at Harvard’s Kennedy School have already predicted China will surpass the United States in technological leadership in the next decade. There is no need to make the race even easier for China. Strong patent protections have been fundamental to the global pandemic response. A public-private partnership between the United States government and pharmaceutical companies, with the help of IP protections, created a COVID-19 vaccine in record time. To ensure the scientific community can respond similarly quickly to future crises, we must recognize IP protections as part of the solution, not part of the problem. Frank Cullen is executive director of the Council for Innovation Promotion. This piece originally ran in the Dallas Morning News.
While Newsom Travels the Globe, California’s Problems Grow Worse By Kerry Jackson With festering problems all around, California is becoming the sick man of America. And where has California’s governor been? Traveling the world. On October 20, Newsom was in Israel, where he “met with survivors, impacted families, and others” of that country’s war with Hamas. Three days later, he was in Hong Kong, then in Beijing the next day, where he was “flexing California’s credentials as a global leader in climate change policy,” Politico reported. While Newsom was “fully embracing the role of climate governor,” the “damn state” he says he loves has become such a train wreck that the rest of the country is having a hard time looking away. California has had 39 governors and the state has lost population under only one: Newsom. In fact, it has now lost population for three straight years. California is also losing businesses, though it’s fair to say that this trend started long before Newsom was governor. But he’s done nothing that would stop it or even slow it down. While the frequent-flyer governor is taking “California’s Climate Journey” globally in his effort to “save this damn planet,” Californians continue to wrestle with thorny matters. First, the largest economy in the U.S. is facing ill winds. The jobless rate hit 4.7% in September, a tick up from 4.6% in August but significantly higher than the 4% posted in September 2022. The national average is holding steady at 3.8%, and only Nevada, at 5%, has a higher rate than California’s. Other worrisome economic indicators include weak tax collections, diminished “investment in young and growing technology firms,” regional
bank failures, income and consumer spending declines, food and energy inflation, and housing market activity that “has dropped off,” says the Legislative Analyst’s Office. The American Legislative Exchange Council ranks California’s economic outlook as the sixth worst in the country. `While the Golden State economy sinks, state crime rates are moving in the other direction. New FBI data show that violent crime rose in California in 2022 while it fell nationally. The homicide rate eased back a bit and is still below the national average (5.7 per 100,000 population vs. 6.3 per 100,000), but robbery and aggravated assault are both trending upward in California while falling nationally. In the meantime, the heartbreak of California’s chronic homelessness problem goes unresolved. The state still has the largest homeless population in the country, and the second largest per-resident share. California is in urgent need of strong and practical leadership that will judiciously rather than politically address the growing mountain of livability issues, which includes, in addition to those mentioned above, the state’s over-the-cliff rush to a net-zero power grid, an alarming decline in public education, the perpetual undersupply of water, and a foolish commitment to an unpopular and impossibly expensive reparations scheme. But even a “present” Newsom hasn’t adequately tackled any of these concerns -- and in the case of the state’s energy challenges, he’s actually made matters worse. Kerry Jackson is a fellow with the Center for California Reform at the Pacific Research Institute.
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Around Town Thursday, December 21, 2023
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Suffolk County Executive-Elect Romaine Attends Carmans River Management Plan Meeting On December 8, Suffolk County Executive-Elect Ed Romaine (right) attended his final Carmans River Partnership meeting as Brookhaven Town Supervisor. The meeting was held at the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge in Shirley. At the meeting, the Partnership covered several topics, including Land Management Updates and Acquisitions; “Water Quality Monitoring; Invasive Species in the Carmans River,” presented by Bill Jacobs, Program Manager, Long Island Invasive Species Management Area. There was also a Central Pine Barrens Update, “A Day in the Life of The Carmans River 2023,” presented by Timothy Motz, Suffolk County Water Authority Director of Communication. In 1993 New York State adopted the Long Island Pine Barrens Protection Act, which designated an area of Suffolk County within the Towns of Brookhaven, Riverhead, and Southampton and the Villages of Quogue and Westhampton Beach as the Central Pine Barrens. The Act declared the Central Pine Barrens as a major resource area of statewide significance where the hydrogeological and ecological integrity is endangered. The Central Pine Barrens encompasses an area of more than 106,000 acres in Suffolk County. The Act defines two geographic areas, the overall Central Pine Barrens, and the smaller Core Preservation Area, contained within the lager area. Those portions of the Central Pine Barrens which are not within the Core are referred to as the Compatible Growth Area (CGA). To learn more about the Carmans River Watershed Protection and Management Plan, go to www.pinebarrens.org.
Fire Island Damage from Weekend Storm By Fran Bodkin The coastal communities on Fire Island have seen extensive damage and storm surge flooding from this past weekend’s storm. Preventive measures against flooding failed in some places, most notably some of the beaches of Sayville. Several years ago, the Town of Islip built a two-foot-high wall parallel to the beach to prevent the parking lot from flooding. While it mostly wards off water in other surges, the storm on Sunday proved too strong for the wall’s height. The flood left huge deposits of seaweed in the parking lot. Angelo Sakonas, Captain of the Ocean Bay Park Volunteer Fire Department surveyed the damage. The damage has prompted renewed calls by local officials for an expedited response from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for sand replenishment.
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Thursday, December 21, 2023
Jalen Brunson Cements Himself in Knicks History By James Haupt Photo by With Paul on Unsplash
December 15 was a beautiful day for New York Knicks basketball. Not only did they take down the star-studded Phoenix Suns, but the Knicks witnessed greatness from the future of their franchise. Jalen Brunson first joined the squad last year before the start of the 2022-23 season for 4 years and $104 million, and the fanbase was split. There was no question about his talents as everybody was happy to welcome Brunson to New York. But, there was a fear that this was yet another classic Knicks overpay that wouldn’t work out. This fear couldn’t have been proven any more wrong as Brunson is everything New York has hoped for and more. In his first season, he finished with 24 points per game on 49.1% from the field and 41.6% from threepoint range. He proved to be one of the most efficient, high-volume scorers in the NBA. Brunson also impacted his teammates as a playmaker and a leader. He averaged 6.2 assists per game and only 2.1 turnovers per game solidifying himself as a top point guard in the league. He was the focal point of the offense and ignited a spark that New York basketball desperately needed. Brunson led the team to a 5th seed in a competitive Eastern Conference, securing a spot in the playoffs. The Knicks matched up with the higher ranked Cleveland Cavaliers, whom Brunson helped defeat in a commanding 4-1 series victory. Unfortunately, their time would come to an end after losing to the Miami Heat in the next round, but there was much to look forward to. Brunson picked up right where he left off in the 2023-24 season averaging even more points, with 25.5 per game. He is still an efficient scorer as he shoots 47.5% from the field and
a staggering 45.8% from three-point land. It seems like he’s gotten even better this season and one of his latest performances highlights this. This past Friday he had a career game scoring 50 points in a 139-122 road victory over the Suns. His play-making was on full display as well, as he dished out 9 assists leaving his imprint all over this game. The most incredible part of his night was his shooting efficiency yet again. He shot 17-23 from the field, which is a whopping 73.9%. Brunson was also perfect from beyond the arc, shooting 9-9, or 100%, in three-pointers. This wasn’t only a historic night for Brunson, but it had an impact on the history of the Knicks franchise and the NBA as a whole. He joined Knicks legends Patrick Ewing, Bernard King, and Willis Reed as the fourth New York Knick to record 50 points on at least 70% shooting. Brunson also broke several NBA records as he was the first player in history with at least 50 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals in one game demonstrating his all-around effort. It was also the first 50-point game with 100% shooting from three with at least 8 attempts. On top of all of this, Brunson didn’t miss a single shot in the second half. He went 12-12 shooting while scoring 35 points to earn a promising victory against one of the best teams in the league. New York fans were ecstatic for this performance as it instilled hope that he is the new face of the franchise and he can lead them to an NBA title.
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To our readers and partners, Thank you for your support and readership throughout this year. We look forward to a better and brighter New Year and hope the same for you and your families. From all of us at The Messenger Papers, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !
Thursday, December 21, 2023