HAPPY NEW YEAR Thursday, December 28, 2023 ~ Volume 69 ~ Issue Number 4 ~ $1.00
THE BEST OF 2023
Page 12 & 13
Government-Run Healthcare? Thursday, October 19, 2023 ~ Volume 135 ~ Issue Number 48 ~ $1.00
By Matt Meduri
Steve Englebright Denies Using Government Office for Medical Business
Two weeks ago, The Messenger exclusively reported on the financial disclosure statements of former Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) filed with the Legislative Ethics Commission that he filed during his time in Albany. The forms showed his personal investments in hydro-fracking ventures in Kansas and Texas while he was simultaneously sponsoring legislation to ban fracking for oil and natural gas in New York State. It calls into question his environmental bona fides while raising some ethical questions regarding potential investment conflicts. Now the former lawmaker faces new questions. Three weeks out from the 2023 local elections, in which Englebright is a candidate for Suffolk County Legislator, The Messenger can exclusively report on findings that may provoke legal interest.
Continued on page 8 Credit: Romaine for Suffolk
Endorsement Alert: Ed Romaine for
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Disclosure Forms Show Englebright’s Oil Investments
By Matt Meduri Perhaps one of the biggest upsets of the 2022 New York State elections was that of Ed Flood’s (R-Port Jefferson Station) ousting of long-time incumbent Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket). Englebright served in the Suffolk County Legislature from 1983 until his 1992 election to the Assembly. Englebright served there until his defeat last year. Englebright’s downfall was in part due to perception of his lack of connection to community as well as the rapidly-changing political lean of northern Brookhaven. The coattails of Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) in his near-upset gubernatorial win are also credited with Englebright’s loss. Continued on page 3
Kicks 4 Cancer: Hauppauge’s Most Cherished Event’s 15th Anniversary
Magzter
By Kaitlyn Foley Every September, students sulk with the idea of going back to school. However, in Hauppauge, the sulking quickly comes to an end as soon as the date for Kicks 4 Cancer approaches. This year, October 3 hosted the town’s event, filling the day with pink in every form possible. “Say it, fight it, cure it!” sings through the hallways as the schools Kicks 4 Cancer fight song. The boys and girls varsity soccer teams played in their annual pink games, the boys at 4:00p.m. and the girls at 6:00p.m. against Westhampton. Both teams came out on top and let up zero goals for the other teams. Leading up to Kicks 4 Cancer, the school district has a “spirit week” to garner more excitement for the event. Students dress up daily according to different themes throughout the week. The final day, Kicks 4 Cancer, is Pink Out. Everyone wears as much pink as possible, including spray painted hair and pink stickers. The soccer teams have their own pink uniforms for the event, and they continue wearing them throughout the month of October. The tradition of Kicks 4 Cancer in Hauppauge began in 2008 to honor and support Courtney Tompkin, a beloved Hauppauge High School student diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of seventeen. Courtney was a junior in high school when she was diagnosed and passed away just shy of a year later. She was known to be a beautiful person inside and out, who had positive charm and resilient character.
A Community Effort All-Around
By Deana D. Boles
Continued on page 15
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Soundview Opens New Center Page 20
Page 12 & 13
Thursday, October 5, 2023 ~ Volume 135 ~ Issue Number 46 ~ $1.00
‘Mister Environment’
‘Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point’
Angela Pollina Convicted
On Friday, March 10, a jury convicted Angela Pollina, 45, of second-degree murder and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child in the case of Thomas Valva. Thomas, an 8-year-old Center Moriches resident, died in January of 2020 of hypothermia after being forced to spend the night on his freezing garage floor. His father, Pollina’s fiancé, Michael Valva, former New York City Police Officer, was convicted last year of the same charges and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. “The cruelty that Thomas and his brother had to endure because of this defendant’s callous and selfish conduct is abhorrent, and thankfully, the jury clearly agreed,” said District Attorney Ray Tierney. “Her treatment of these children was nothing short of pure evil. This defendant will now face the consequences of her actions and will experience her own imprisonment just as she forced these boys to live imprisoned in a freezing garage. Unlike Thomas and his brother, Pollina deserves this punishment.” Throughout her trial, prosecutors accurately unfolded the pain and torture both Thomas and his brother Anthony endured. Text message exchanges between Pollina and Michael Valva were presented in which Pollina insisted the boys sleep in the garage, with no permission to use the bathrooms inside. For months, the boys slept in the garage of their Center Moriches home. Continued on page 16
Continued on page 16
Smithtown Debate
It’s a Wrap!
Justice for Thomas Valva:
FULL STORIES ON:
Paws of War Rescues New Pups!
MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2022
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, March 16, 2023 ~ Volume 135 ~ Issue Number 17 ~ $1.00
The beauty of local politics is that we often get to see our own elected officials out in the field every day, truly making Suffolk County a better place to live. From our local State officials, to our County Legislators and Town Councilmembers, and everyone in between, we truly appreciate the transparency, openness, and accessibility. But transparency, openness, and accessibility go deeper than just what meets the eye. It’s more than press conferences and speeches. It’s about delivering results, not just on big-ticket items, but year over year on the items that seem innocuous, but really preserve our culture and make Suffolk County a place to truly call home. It’s said that it’s the little things that truly count, but we can’t call governing the largest municipality in the state by area and the second-largest municipality in the state by population something “little.” Supervising Brookhaven is comparable to governing an entire state, and a complicated one at that. With such a massive responsibility that has been handled with professionalism and integrity by a true Suffolk native, The Messenger is proud to endorse Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) for Suffolk County Executive for 2023.
and
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
Messenger Movies
Suffolk County Executive By The Editorial Board
Celebrating
COLUMBUS DAY
FULL STORIES ON:
Writer-Director Tyler Taormina (Smithtown High School West, ’09) mapping out a scene filmed at Red Acre Farms, of St. James.
A New Era in Hauppauge!
Leslie Kennedy ‑ Rob Trotta
The Messenger
Takes to the Skies
Gabreski’s First STEM Camp a Success!
Page 13
Thursday, August 24, 2023 ~ Volume 135 ~ Issue Number 40 ~ $1.00
Exposed...Again... Former P.D. Chief Arrested in Prostitution Sting By Matt Meduri
“Countless families and community members opened their homes and businesses through the night to help keep us warm. I’ve filmed all over the country, and I’ve never experienced such kindness, selflessness and generosity. There’s just nowhere like Long Island.”
The crew pictured filming at Cella Bagels of Selden.
Producer Krista Minto, Smithtown East Class of 2008
Continued on page 22
By Michael J. Reistetter …and this is just the beginning.
(Left to right) Sgt. Brian Quattrini, Chief Stephen Laton, Commissioner Rodney Harrison.
One of perhaps Suffolk County’s most scandalous figures has solicited his way back into the public eye. Although former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke left much to be desired during his tenure at Yaphank, his notoriety continues to precede him, primarily as information regarding the long-unsolved until now - Gilgo Beach murders. However, Tuesday’s ordeal reeked less of conspiracy and intrigue and more of humiliation, desperation, and bad manners. Burke was caught at a county park allegedly petitioning a male for sexual relations while exposing himself. Instead, the encounter quickly changed course as he was arrested on charges of solicitation and indecent exposure. Burke, 59, was processed at the Sixth Precinct in Selden on Middle Country Road Tuesday afternoon. A brief press conference by Commissioner Rodney Harrison was held during Burke’s processing. According to Harrison, the department was conducting a regular prostitution sting operation using plain clothes officers at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park on Bald Hill in Farmingville due to complaints about activity in the area. “At 10:15 a.m. today, during this operation, we engaged one individual who was soliciting for sexual engagements,” said Harrison. “Due to the actions which I am not going to share, this individual was placed under arrest. Rangers ascertained that the perpetrator involved was James Burke, former Chief of Suffolk County Police Department.” Harrison shared the charges: “He is being charged with offering a sex act, indecent exposure, public lewdness, and criminal solicitation in the fifth degree. Additional charges may be pending.
Continued on page 3
NYSNA Nurses at St. Catherine’s Vote to Ratify Contract
THE YEAR IN REVIEW By Kaitlyn Foley
View of Southampton from the gunner’s seat of the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter (Inset: The HC-130J Combat King II)
*All current paying subscribers are eligble. By Matt Meduri
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney made the breaking announcement as fellow lawmen and surviving family members of the victims stood beside him.
Attorney’s office, the “married architect, father of two” is also the prime suspect in the death of Maurine Brainard-Barnes as well— thereby making up the entirety of what’s been referred to as the found boundby-burlap “Gilgo Four.” Waterman was last seen at the Holiday Inn Express off of Hauppauge’s Exit 56 Expressway service road before placing an ad for her escort services via
Craigslist on June 5, 2010. Waterman is the same victim upon whom, according to a focal reveal of the many unveiled during the Tierney-led presser, multiple hairs were found that matched DNA extracted from pizza Heuermann (mugshot above) had discarded in the trash outside his Manhattan office in January of this year. Continued on page 10
FULL STORIES ON:
While Long Island is known for its many hidden gems - the Island itself is often considered one - most residents are aware of these and it’s up to the tourists to discover the nuances of our home. Suffice it to say, it’s unusual for residents, many of whom are born-and-raised Long Islanders, to discover hidden gems of the place they have called home for so long. One unique characteristic of the Island is the Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard (ANG) Base in Westhampton Beach, just ten minutes south of Riverhead. A mere mention of this base usually results in a local’s surprise that such an asset exists in relatively plain sight. However, Gabreski is not just an Air National Guard Base; it’s also the home of the 106th Rescue Wing (RQW), who provides worldwide combat search and rescue coverage for the U.S and its allied forces and also provides peacetime humanitarian search and rescue support in addition to disaster relief for federal and state authorities. The brave men and women of the base fulfill the roles of pararescuers, pilots, firemen, mechanics, and logisticians who successfully carry out operations that can result in a matter of life and death when called upon at a moment’s notice. Continued on page 3
Messenger Spotlight
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
VETERANS DAY
Blood Drive at Smith Haven Mall Page 3
Romaine Outraises Opponent Page 11
Campers on the loading ramp of the HC-130J Combat King II
FULL STORIES ON:
Tri-M Music Honor Society Best in State!
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ROMAINE VICTORIOUS
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Continued on page 10
(Photo right) NYSNA nurses speak for better working conditions.
FULL STORIES ON:
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Officer Vargas Wins First Boxing Title and Belt
Local Soccer Team High Cost of Medical Ranked #1 in the U.S.A. Malpractice
Thursday, November 9, 2023 ~ Volume 135 ~ Issue Number 51 ~ $1.00
After nurses at St. Catherine’s of Siena Hospital in Smithtown voted powerfully to authorize a strike, Catholic Health joined the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) at the bargaining table on Thursday, August 17. Since the first opportunity to negotiate their contract on June 30, nurses have been united and committed to their goal of gaining safe staffing and fair wages. They’ve packed out every negotiation room, marched on the CEO, and had an overwhelming 98% vote supporting the authorization of a strike to show their seriousness about their demands. This dedication and hard work paid off last Thursday when Catholic Health and St. Catherine’s agreed to a tentative agreement to improve nurse-topatient ratios and respectful wages for nurses. This relayed into a Tuesday ratification of the contract by 89% of the NYSNA nurses.
Angels On Long Island Page 22
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
PSEG Helps Return Osprey to Nest Page 11
Messenger Spotlight
Long Island Fight for Charity
Middle Country Gettysburg - A Time & Place For Refection Summer Music Festival Page 22
GOP Flips County Executive Office and Forms Supermajority in Legislature
Professional Boxer and Suffolk County Police Officer Alex “El Toro” Vargas, 24, of Bellport made Long Island proud earlier this month when his fourteenth consecutive win earned him the WBA Continental USA Super Lightweight title and belt.
(Pictured) Executive-elect Ed Romaine addresses supporters after being declared victorious in the County Exective race. By Matt Meduri
The Suffolk County Republican Party had its third consecutive favorable election Tuesday night, as Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) routed Dave Calone (D-Setauket) by a whopping fifteen-point margin for the open county executive seat being vacated by term-limited incumbent Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon). Additionally, as Romaine cruised to victory, the GOP formed a supermajority in the Suffolk County Legislature, by flipping two seats, even while losing one. The 2023 elections are just one in a series of successful election years for the Suffolk GOP since it came under the leadership of Chairman Jesse Garcia. The first significant election cycle occurred in 2021, in which the GOP captured the Suffolk Legislature for the first time in nearly fifteen years
and the District Attorney’s office for the first time since 2002 with the election of Ray Tierney (R). The 2022 elections are considered a strong year for the GOP as well, as then-Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) shocked the country with a near-upset of Governor Kathy Hochul (D) while the GOP took control of all Long Island Congressional districts for the first time since the 1990s and expanded their caucuses in both chambers of the state legislature. Tuesday night’s Patchogue rally was headlined by Chairman Garcia and Conservative Party Chairman Mike Torres and opened by Lee Zeldin, all of whom were fired up and created an energetic, optimistic mood as results began to pour in. continued on page 12
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Inzerillo
Lohmann
McCarthy
Varricchio continued on page 13
Smithtown Messenger
Brookhaven Messenger
“I always wanted a career that gave me purpose and a reason to go to work every day, and being a Suffolk County police officer is simply that.” - Officer Alex Vargas
Page 24
By Kaitlyn Foley It was a night of great fights, loud crowds, and lots of fundraising. Long Island Fight for Charity went off without a hitch Monday night, November 20. Ticket holders and pay-perview buyers watched ten tough fights between the volunteer boxers, who have spent the last eight months fundraising for various charities around Long Island. Throughout the night, there were a total of twenty boxers fighting in ten bouts. The first two bouts consisted of professional boxers who were in the ring for three two-minute rounds. The rest of the bouts consisted of three one-minute rounds. Every boxer was able to have a minute of rest after each round. As they train for their fight, boxers who sign up are expected to raise $10,000 before heading into the ring on the night of the main event. All of the boxers were able to earn that goal, and some surpassed it with flying colors. There was a mix of emotions for first-time boxer Gina Farese before her fight in bout five. “I was excited, and then I was nervous, and now I’m excited and nervous.” Farese has been training since May; however, no amount of punches on a bag or in sparring can prepare anyone for the real thing. Farese was this year’s top fundraiser, raising over $100,000 for LI Fight for Charity, The Genesis School, Breast Cancer Awareness, and Long Island Home Builders Care. “I surrounded myself with really great people, I have some really great charities that I am giving to between Breast Cancer and Long Island Home Builders Care,” said Farese. Farese provided one of the largest and loudest crowds of the night. Groups of people held up signs of her face, all in support of her endeavors both in fundraising and the fight. “To me, that was the most important part.” The Messenger spoke with Farese before her fight to see how she was preparing to get in the ring. “I think there is a lot of just trying to maintain your breathing and focus. When you have so many people around, you’re trying to hear just one voice, and that’s your coach.” While training Farese tried to focus on drowning out the distractions around her. Through the noise she knew she was going to have to hear only one voice to help her through the fight. “It was the biggest thing for me to overcome, from the first time I hit a speed bag to today, that was my biggest challenge.” After the fight Farese told The Messenger it was easy to drown out the crowd. She was so focused after stepping into the ring that hearing her coach’s voice was soon the only thing she could hear. Farese fought Alyssa Smith of Middle Island in the fifth bout of the evening.
By Kaitlyn Foley “It’s something every single pro fighter wants and I’m proud to be one of them that was capable of winning one,” Vargas told The Messenger. “It felt amazing to win my first title belt.” A sold-out Paramount saw the winning fight against Julio Rosa, of Puerto Rico. Rosa was tough competition, knocking Vargas down in round one. However, El Toro took his nickname to heart, pulling out the win after eight rounds. El Toro means “the bull” in Spanish, a mentality Vargas keeps in the ring. “Bulls endure a lot in the worst situations and do not give up for one second,” he explains. Vargas has been boxing since he was a child, beginning in his basement at the early age of six till he was old enough to join a real gym at age nine, although Vargas’ parents say he’s been throwing punches since he was a baby. “My father would always watch boxing on television, and I remember seeing Mike Tyson fight and immediately wanting to be a fighter after that.” He quickly went on to make a name for himself as an amateur boxer, winning the Junior Olympics twice, New York Golden Gloves, and the Florida State PAL Championship all while under the age of eighteen. After high school, Vargas put boxing aside to continue his education at Suffolk Community College for his Associate’s Degrees, SUNY Cortland for his Bachelor’s, and the Institute of International Languages for his bilingual certificate. However, he soon returned to boxing after earning his degrees, advancing to pro-ranks in 2018. Boxing was his top priority for a few years, until a different dream came true with one phone call. “I always wanted a career that gave me purpose and a reason to go to work every day, and being a Suffolk County police officer is simply that.” Vargas was called to the academy after a long three years of waiting, but this also meant taking a long hiatus from boxing to focus on his training. “It was extremely tough to step away from boxing at that point because big opportunities were coming. I don’t regret it one bit though, I have an amazing job now and it was well worth it.” Vargas graduated from the academy in August of 2022, hoping to return to the ring within the year. His first fight back after the academy may have been one of the toughest for Vargas. His opponent, Mauro Godoy, was a well-seasoned and more experienced pro boxer, and Vargas was fresh off an 18-month layoff. “My initial thought to fight Godoy was ‘let’s do this.’” Vargas wasn’t worried about Godoy’s record. “I just know what I’m capable of and I work extremely hard, so I was confident. Did I think ring rust would maybe play a factor and be in the back of my mind? Absolutely. But over eight rounds, I was confident I’d settle in pretty quick.” Despite all that faced him, Vargas showed up at the Paramount with skilled footwork, agility, and quick movement which won him the fight against Godoy and led him straight to his first Title and Belt fight just three weeks ago. Rallying in his corner for both his fights at the Paramount was Vargas’ family, along with hundreds of fellow officers from the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD). “It wasn’t just the precinct, it was the entire department that was supporting me, purchasing tickets, posting me,” explains Vargas. “That was a really good feeling and shows how much of a family the SCPD is. From bosses to my coworkers on patrol, it was just amazing. It gives me great motivation because I don’t want to let them down and I want to represent the department in the best way I can.” Lou Civello, Second Vice President of the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association (PBA), commended Vargas for his successes both in the ring and in his community and testifies to the family-like nature of the PBA. “Whether it’s in the ring or on the job, Officer Vargas commands the respect of those around him,” said Civello. “His toughness, quick thinking, and calm under pressure make him both a great boxer and an excellent police officer. His PBA brothers and sisters cannot be prouder of his championship win and to call him one of our own.” Vargas plans to continue being the best he possibly can in both his boxing career and his law enforcement career. However, for now, he is excited to enjoy the holidays with his friends and family and continue to get acclimated to being an officer. “I go into work not knowing what will happen that day but hoping to come out of it being able to help anyone I can in any way I can and also give them a positive outlook on police officers.” Vargas is a serious contender for the WBA Top 15, which would present him with the opportunity to fight for the main world title. “For now, I’ll just continue to stay in shape until that time comes.”
Thursday, November 23, 2023
Gina Farese (blue) throws a punch at Alyssa Smith (red) (Credit - David Conn)
Islip Messenger
Robert McBride (red) and Tom Gibson (blue) (Credit - David Conn)
Robert McBride, of West Islip, is not only the second top fundraiser of the event, but he is also the oldest boxer that fought in the ring this year. At the age of 63, McBride raised over $60,000 for Education and Assistance Corporation, Operation Healing Forces, and Winters Center for Autism, along with LI Fight for Charity and The Genesis School. “I can take a couple of lumps for them, that’s for sure. They are very worthwhile charities that all deserve the money,” says McBride. McBride is also a first-time boxer, though he has been a fan of the sport all his life. “This brings back memories of my dad, God rest his soul, he would have been here. I remember watching the Fraizer-Ali fights together, so this is in my father’s honor, in a way.” McBride grew up in Brooklyn to Irish-Immigrant parents, two people to whom he attributes his hardworking nature. He honored them and his Irish culture Monday night, by wearing an Irish flag on his robe. Those who came out to support him wore “fight crew” tee-shirts colored with green, white, and orange and waved Irish flags. McBride fought Tom Gibson of Glen Cove in bout three of the evening. Long Island Fight for Charity is more than just a fundraising event. The process of volunteering as a boxer, working to meet the fundraising goal, and meeting fellow community members and businesspeople who care about
our Island is what makes this event so special. They call it the “most unique charitable fundraiser” not just because it is a boxing match, but because it connects our residents through a common goal: boosting up our community. “If anything, the best thing is the people that I met through this, the things my kids got to learn from this, the way it brought my business together. My whole team is here to support this event. To me, that is everything. At the end of the day, for me to be able to show my kids that when I go to work, it’s more than just work, it’s more than just a paycheck. It’s building a reputation and a community,” says Farese, who involved her children and employees in many of her fundraising events for the fight. In a recent interview, Farese told The Messenger that many of her events allowed women in construction to feel comfortable networking with fellow industry professionals. It provided them the opportunity to meet new people and collaborate with like-minded individuals. The excitement, positivity and sportsmanship throughout every fight was contagious. The crowd was exhilarated with every hit, galvanizing the fighters through each round. Each and every boxer should be proud of the work they’ve put into this event. There wasn’t a single loser that stepped out of that ring Monday night. “Overall, it’s been an amazing experience. I was told before I got involved that this would be life-changing and I can absolutely say, it was life-changing,” says Farese.
Courtesy of NYSNA
Before an expectedly packed press turnout at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department in Yaphank, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced a monumental arrest shortly after 4:00 p.m. on Friday. The previous day, a grand jury-indicted, 13-years-long elusive suspect, whom the 2021-elected prosecutor extraordinaire is confident he can convict, had finally been detained. Rex Heuermann, 59, was detained and charged as the perpetrating murderer in the long-stalled, now-promptly intensified Gilgo Beach serial killer investigation. Authorities converged on the lifelong native of Massapequa Park — which sits just across the bay from the aforementioned South Shore, Long Island site that produced upwards of 10 dead bodies of disappeared individuals, including eight woman (predominantly sex workers), one male dressed as a woman, and one child across 2010 and 2011 — nearby his place of work, RH Consultants & Associates, on the busy streets of midtown Manhattan. The new household name of the most heinous order faces life in prison without parole for the slaughtering of (at least) a trio of twentysomething sex workers — Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Costello and Megan Waterman — if convicted. Per the District
Page 12 & 13
Courtesy of Matt Meduri
Courtesy of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department
DA Tierney’s Taskforce Nabs Suspected ‘Gilgo Four’ Serial Killer
Page 10
Thank You Smithtown, St. James, Selden and Holbrook Fifteen locations total across the four participating towns were used— categorizing the shoot as a logistically complicated effort. Thanks Pages 12 &13 to the outpouring of helping hands from the respective communities, filming was thoroughly completed at each stopgap without a hitch and Assistant Director David Croley Broyles on schedule. One local organization, amongst several that and members of the Smithtown Fire Dept pictured during the contributed a great deal, was the Smithtown Fire Department, which the production exclaims they big parade scene. will be “forever indebted to.” “The Smithtown Fire Department provided countless resources, like traffic safety materials and warming vans, COVID testing and PPE supplies, generators, ladders, machinery to cut through heavy metals needed for set construction, and even an old field training car to smash for practical effects. Not to mention the water needed to make fake falling snow! Without them, one of the most beautiful scenes in our movie would not have happened: the holiday parade,” said Minto.
Credit: Matt Meduri
Cold Case No-More
Magzter
Pages 12 &13
Smithtown Library Endorsements
As The Messenger first broke in early January, Michael Cera (Superbad, Arrested Development) is starring and producing, alongside other A-list talent and up-and-coming performers.
Courtesy of New York Jets
By Dylan Flynn
For every high school boys sport, there is usually a girls counterpart. But football is one of the few sports at the high school level that does not have an option for girls. Until now. Last year was the inaugural season for the Jets Girls Flag Football League on Long Island, with 8 Suffolk schools taking part. Amityville, Center Moriches, Longwood, North Babylon, Sachem East, Sachem North, Walt Whitman and Ward Melville will be joined by 16 more teams, including Hauppauge High School. The Hauppauge team will be headed by coach Steve Mileti, the varsity football coach for West Islip. “I live in Hauppauge and I’ve always been involved in the football program,” Mileti told The Messenger. “When I realized there was an opening, I just put my hat in the ring and I was very excited Hauppauge hired me for the job.” Continued on page 26
Thursday, July 20, 2023 ~ Volume 135 ~ Issue Number 35 ~ $1.00
Page 8
Red Acre Farms Owners Jaime and Tyler Ostling
As was the buzz around town to start off the year, suburban Suffolk County played host to a most exciting project. The holiday film Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point shot from February 15 to March 20 in Smithtown, St. James, Selden and Holbrook. Beautifully enough, it was written and executive produced by a pair of Smithtown natives who made it all the way to Hollywood, only to bring their new friends home with them for the holidays— and for their biggest project to date. Tyler Taormina (Smithtown High School West, ’09), directed the film, which he co-wrote with childhood best friend, fellow Smithtown West graduate Eric Berger, and Kevin Anton. The trio and their L.A.-based production company Omnes Thursday, August 10, 2023 ~ Volume 135 ~ Issue ~ $1.00 Films linked Number up with quite a38 few old friends from the neighborhood, and a new one from across the river, to pen what Long Island locals are proud-with-bias to predict could very well be the next Christmas classic. “We still cannot find the words to thank the countless Long Islanders that helped make this movie happen,” producer Krista Minto (Smithtown High School East ’08) shared. Reads the film’s plot description on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb): “On Christmas Eve, a family gathers for what could be the last holiday in their ancestral home. As the night wears on and generational tensions arise, one of the teenagers sneaks out with her friends to claim the wintry suburb for her own.”
Girls’ Flag Football Team Prepares to Kick-off its Inaugural Season
The Messenger’s Crystal Ball
“We loved to see so many Smithtown alumni that were a part of the crew...[who] worked hard all hours of the night. It was nice to get asked by the producer if they could use our space, and right away we knew it would be a great opportunity to showcase our community.”
By Michael J. Reistetter