Brookhaven Messenger Archive Apr. 25, 2024

Legislator Bergin and Greater Ronkonkoma Civic Association Hold Meeting on CR-93

By Matt Meduri

Residents of the Hauppauge, Lake Ronkonkoma, Nesconset, and Ronkonkoma areas - primarily - know all too well the inconveniences and dangers of County Route 93 (CR-93), better known as Rosevale and Ocean Avenues.

The cause of concern rises from the section of road that begins at Portion Road and ends at the Long Island Expressway. The top concern of residents, legislators, and engineers for decades has been the “curve,” notorious for its contributions to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities over the years. Residents have reported cars on their lawns and deaths of pets due to high speeds, poor maintenance, and a seemingly-eternal question mark over the best course of action on remediating the curve.

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The preferred alternative to the CR-93 curve

Legislator Lennon Hosts Civic Roundtable for the Sixth District

By Matt Meduri

The civic association is one of the more important aspects of a community. Typically run by volunteers, the civic association serves as a connection between the community and the local elected officials, with their goals being to improve neighborhoods, foster fundamental change in the area, and inform and involve the community on projects, developments, and areas of concern.

Legislator Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Point), who began his first term representing the Sixth District in the Suffolk County Legislature in January, held a roundtable of all the civic associations in his district on Monday afternoon at the Longwood Public Library.

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Legislator Lennon Hosts Civic Roundtable for the Sixth District

Attendees included representatives from Ridge, Yaphank, Sound Beach, Rocky Point, and Middle Island. The Sixth District also includes Shoreham, East Shoreham, Miller Place, Upton, and parts of Coram and Mount Sinai.

Legislator Lennon is the Vice Chair of the Veterans Committee and serves on the Committees on Environment, Parks, and Agriculture; Health; Public Safety; Public Works, Transportation, and Energy; and Ways and Means.

Frank Bailey, Recording Secretary for the Middle Island Civic Association, would like to see further involvement with the Boy Scouts, namely the Little Warrior Scoutmaster program. Bailey says he’d like to have the Scouts correspond with Lennon regarding “good citizen” requirements and regulations. Lennon said his office can certainly assist with requirements for Eagle Scout projects.

Tracy Lukas, Treasurer of the Yaphank Civic Association, mentioned that their Sunday community cleanup was endangered by speeding vehicles on Sills Road. Lukas says that the group tries to do monthly cleanup events.

“My best suggestion would be to talk to the COPE officers to coordinate a time, date, and location for the next cleanups,” said Lennon, referencing the Suffolk County Community Oriented Police Engagement officers. COPE officers are available in all seven SCPD precincts and serve as a bridge between the Department at-large and the communities. They work on an individualized scale, serving school officials and districts, advocacy groups, business owners, and civic associations to address local concerns and non-emergencies.

“The only thing that may happen is if they get a call, they may have to run because of the call,” said Lennon, stating that such police work is more reactive than proactive. “It’s why we see a lot more patrol cars on the south shore, because that’s more where the calls are coming from, instead of on the north shore. I’ve seen it, it’s frustrating, and even if you call the police department to inform them of excessive speeding, the most they might be able to do is patrol the area more.”

Lennon says that his office is more than happy to get a constituent in touch with a COPE officer.

John Schroder, Vice President of the Yaphank Civic Association, says that emergency response time is “dangerously slow” for recent calls placed on Main Street. While one incident in question was not “urgent,” it did result in fighting and an injury. He asked Legislator Lennon if the County is looking into building police classes.

“The County just did a bunch of promotions from Inspectors down to Sergeants on all levels,” said Lennon. “They also have a class graduating soon and they’re looking at two classes a year. They are having issues recruiting and lists are expiring without hiring everyone they might want to hire. I talked to the Commissioner [Robert Waring] last week and he said that they’d like to see background checks go faster and continue to push recruitment. You can’t push it too much, but it’s the nature of the work.”

Chad Charleston, President of the Yaphank Civic Association, said his top concern and questions pertain to open usage of marijuana, namely while driving.

“There’s virtually not a single day that I’m not walking down the street, particularly Main Street, that a car doesn’t fly past me and I’m getting an incredible smell of pot,” said Charleston. “It’s amazing to me. And I know it’s legal, but so is alcohol; I can’t drive down a road with beer in my hand.”

Charleston says that he has seen drivers actively smoking marijuana while at a red light, typically with their windows rolled down.

Lennon says that roadside testing for alcohol is relatively straightforward, with a breathalyzer test applied onsite, or a blood test at a precinct after an arrest if a breathalyzer is refused. Blood alcohol content can be accurately and quickly measured. On the other hand, no such test exists for marijuana, making it much more difficult to prove impairment. Additionally, marijuana tends to stay in one’s system weeks after ingestion, making the results of a blood test moot.

“It’s difficult to prove that case,” said Lennon. “Just as I might be able to smell alcohol on someone, I don’t know for sure if they’ve ingested it. The same goes for marijuana. You can go through the field sobriety test, but it can be more difficult to prove impairment that way.”

Lennon says that if police witness someone smoking marijuana while operating a vehicle, they can make an arrest on the spot. Attendees also asked if smoking marijuana while driving is legal, as to them, it doesn’t seem to be. Lennon asserted that while recreational usage of the drug is legal in New York, usage while driving is illegal.

Alicia Palifka, a trustee of the Rocky Point Civic Association, said that her organization is trying to form an advisory committee for the Rails to Trails program across northern Brookhaven. The Rails to Trails Conservancy program works with communities to preserve and transform unused railways into walkable nature paths and recreation areas.

The northern rail line once extended from Port Jefferson to Wading River, with one of the stops being Nikola Tesla’s lab in Shoreham. The line was taken over by LIPA in 1975, with the Railroad Trail coming to fruition in the last few years.

All attendees echoed the need for more trash receptacles and regular garbage pickup along the trail. Legislator Lennon said that his goal is to have more garbage bins across the trail and possibly have a mixture of County and Town-level waste contractors remove it. One attendee spoke of the Setauket Greenway, which has been operational for more than fifteen years, and that mirroring their trash pickup model might help the Railroad Trail.

Residents also voiced concerns of a large boat that was dumped on the Railroad Trail. Legislator Lennon said that the County just increased fines for such illegal dumping. The physical trail itself, plus ten feet on either side, are maintained by LIPA, while grounds further removed from the trail are maintained by the County, which may cause some territory issues in determining who is responsible for removing large-scale trash and blights.

“With anything like that, send pictures and an exact location, so that the responsible agency can determine if it’s within their boundaries and where it can be found,” said Lennon. He also said that COPE officers might be a useful bridge between the community and the proper agencies if they are provided with accurate information.

Legislator Lennon also brought up a harrowing issue that plagues Suffolk County: human trafficking.

“The victims are underage boys and girls as young as twelve to adults,” said Lennon, referencing a discussion with the Sheriff’s department. “The adults 18 and over are 99% female. So, this is ongoing in our community. It seems like right now, most of the traffickers are drug dealers. What they’ve found is that while they can sell a drug once, they can sell a person over and over again, and they will take in these young people, exploit them, or there will be people who are addicted to drugs, and they’ll keep them on a steady diet just to be at this level to traffic them over and over again.”

Lennon says it’s happening in hotels and homes across the community. He said that he is still looking for further information and he looks to have representatives from different law enforcement agencies go to PTA meetings and inform the parents and teachers of the crisis.

Lennon also says that while Suffolk County has a Human Trafficking Court, attempts are being made to form a special court for underage victims. Lennon also reminded attendees that if they see someone actively selling drugs to not take pictures and to not confront them, but to simply call the police from a safe location and report to them where the deal took place. Determining frequent sites of drug sales might help create links to human trafficking sources.

A member of the Middle Island Civic Association brought up development, hoping that open properties receive restaurants or other means of local economic stimulus, rather than large-scale development.

“A lot of folks in our district have said that they don’t want sewers because of overwhelming development,” said Lennon. “There are no talks of any sewer projects coming into the district right now, there’s not even a discussion of a sewer study here. I am not pushing sewers because of the feedback I get from everyone. If property is owned by the County, that’s under my jurisdiction. If a property in question is owned by the Town, contact your member of the Council and give them your feedback on it.”

Cynthia Eaton Tvelia, Secretary for the Ridge Civic Association, said that she hopes to have larger turnout for the hamlet’s summer events this year, and put out the invitation to the other civic groups to collaborate on events such as the summer concert to increase turnout and apply for joint grant funding.

Lennon also fielded questions on increased sports fields for local high school sports teams, the current state of the County IT Department, reports of personal drones flying over homes, and even the ongoing search for a new district office amid health concerns at the current office in Mount Sinai. The district email and phone numbers will still connect constituents with the Sixth District office.

Senator Mattera, Assemblyman Flood Unite to Combat Squatting Epidemic in New York

By Cait Crudden

In response to a growing crisis of squatting in New York, State Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) and Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station) have joined forces to tackle the issue head-on. With reports of unlawful occupancy on the rise in neighborhoods across the state, Mattera and Flood are spearheading legislative efforts to address the root causes of squatting and protect the rights of property owners.

squatting can have on property owners, neighborhoods, and communities, Mattera and Flood have introduced a comprehensive bill, modeled after one from Florida that Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law recently, which aims at strengthening protections and closing legal loopholes.

“I am inspired and motivated by Senator Mattera’s aggressive stance against squatters through his proposed

“While protections are necessary against malicious actions, it’s crucial that we decisively protect our legal homeowners who have suffered due to the current broken system,” declared Senator Mattera.

The collaborative efforts of Senator Mattera and Assemblyman Flood have garnered support from lawmakers, advocacy groups, and stakeholders across the state.

“As a lawyer, father and small business owner in the heart of New York, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts that lenient squatting laws can have on our homeowners and communities,” stated Assemblyman Flood. By sponsoring this legislation, Senator Mattera and Assemblyman Flood aim to prevent squatting and promote stable, sustainable communities.

As Mattera and Flood’s legislative proposals move forward for consideration in the New York State Senate and Assembly, stakeholders and residents alike are hopeful that decisive action will be taken to address the squatting epidemic and restore security and stability to

“It is time for us to stand united in defending the rights of property owners and in pushing back against policies that do more to protect the violator than the victim. It’s time to rebuild a New York that prioritizes the well-being and prosperity of its people above all,” said Flood.

With legislation like this, Senator Mattera and Assemblyman Flood are united in leading the charge to make New York a safer and more secure place for all.

Safeguarding Our Nation’s Interests

I write to you today as both a concerned citizen and a Representative in Congress entrusted with safeguarding our great nation’s interests. In the wake of recent legislative actions regarding national security, I believe it is essential to address the critical measures undertaken and their implications for our country’s future.

The national security supplemental bills my House colleagues and I passed last Saturday represent a significant stride towards fortifying America’s national security and global stability. As a Navy Veteran who has served on three overseas deployments, I understand the urgency of bold action to deter further aggression from adversaries like Iran, Russia, and China. Strengthening our alliances and bolstering our defenses are paramount in ensuring our nation’s safety and sovereignty.

In particular, the House’s amendments to the Senate’s proposal demonstrate our commitment to thorough deliberation and effective policymaking. By introducing separate bills for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, along with including sanctions on Iran and provisions for a loan to Ukraine supported by President Trump, we have tailored our response to

address diverse challenges.

Moreover, recent remarks by former President Trump on Truth Social underscore the importance of European involvement in supporting Ukraine. As he rightly stated on April 18th, “Ukrainian Survival and Strength should be much more important to Europe than us, but also important to us!” With this in mind, the House’s Ukraine bill requires NATO countries to do more of their fair share.

Considering we are a nation with $35 trillion in debt, much has been said about the impact of these spending bills on future generations. And while Washington policymakers, from both sides of the aisle, need to get our nation’s fiscal house in order, these costly bills greatly increase deterrence and thereby decrease the chances that America’s sons and daughters will be called into harm’s way in the Middle East, Asia, or Europe.

Furthermore, it’s noteworthy that 79% of the funding in the Ukraine Security Supplemental will be spent on replenishing old munitions sent to Ukraine with brand-new replacements for U.S. arsenals, investing in the U.S. defense industrial base by purchasing weapons for Ukraine or

supporting operations by U.S. forces in Europe. This demonstrates our commitment to not only supporting our allies but also ensuring the readiness of our forces.

My dedication to our nation’s security is deeply rooted, reinforced by my brother’s commendable service as a Marine Corps Sniper who earned a Bronze Star in Iraq. Our family’s commitment underscores the importance of a resolute national defense.

As we move forward, President Biden must demonstrate strong leadership, prioritize support for Israel, demand NATO’s readiness, and uphold our nation’s security. I remain steadfast in my dedication to delivering tangible results and safeguarding our nation’s interests.

U.S. Congressman Nick LaLota R-Suffolk County

Albany Needs to Stop Burying its Head in the Sand when it Comes to Marijuana

We know medical marijuana has proven itself to be very effective in easing pain and nausea for individuals suffering from chronic and debilitating diseases. Scientists also see the potential value of cannabis for those with Crohn’s Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome, glaucoma, and epilepsy.

But when it comes to marijuana use among teens and openly discussing the risks involved, leaders in New York State seem content to bury their heads in the sand.

Currently, New York State law requires that if a person under the age of 21 in possession of pot is caught by police, they will be subject to pay a $50 fine, and will be given a pamphlet on the dangers of marijuana and marijuana use disorder.

Recently, I tried to introduce a Resolution declaring ‘Marijuana Awareness Month’ in the State of New York to highlight and raise awareness of the dangers of teenage marijuana use in developing brains. Much to my surprise, the Resolution was shot down by the Assembly Majority. Why? Because they are afraid to highlight the dangers of marijuana use and marijuana use disorder, especially due to the disastrous rollout of legal marijuana we are currently seeing.

So, here are the facts the Majority in the State Legislature doesn’t want to admit. In 2021, 35.4% of young adults aged 18 to 25 reported using marijuana in the past year, and in 2022, 30.7% of twelfth graders reported using marijuana with 6.3% of them reporting they use marijuana daily. Since legalization, those numbers have increased to 38.2% and 6.5%. We also know the number of traffic accidents on our roads has increased, and the number of fatalities has also increased to 301 as of March 2023, according to The New York Times.

In addition, many young people also use vaping devices to consume cannabis products. In 2018, more than 1 in 10 eighth graders said they vaped marijuana in the past year. According to the DEA, the marijuana concentrate that is used for vaping is

a highly potent THC-concentrated mass that is most similar in appearance to either honey or butter. It contains extraordinarily high THC levels ranging from 40 to 80%. This form of marijuana can be up to four times stronger in THC content than high-grade or topshelf marijuana, which normally measures around 20% THC levels. Many young people prefer the vaping device because it is smokeless, sometimes odorless, and extremely easy to hide or conceal.

Long-term effects of consumption include marijuana use disorder, harm to brain health; mental health issues, such as depression or social anxiety; breathing problems, increased heart rate, which could increase chances of a heart attack; and problems with child development during and after pregnancy.

Then there’s dabbing. Dabbing is to weed what crack is to cocaine. Dabbing is the act of inhaling vaporized cannabis concentrates via a device, such as a dab rig, dab pen, e-rig, or vaporizer. Its side effects include rapid heartbeat, paranoia, hallucinations, numbness, or crawling sensations under the skin, anxiety, panic attacks, and/or uncontrollable shivering or shaking.

And for frequent and high-potency users there’s Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). (CHS) is recurrent nausea, vomiting, and cramping abdominal pain that can occur due to prolonged, high-dose cannabis use. These symptoms may be relieved temporarily by taking a hot shower or bath. Complications are related to persistent vomiting and dehydration, which may lead to kidney failure and electrolyte problems. Those affected experience severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration, sometimes requiring emergency medical attention.

Marijuana use disorder, also known as marijuana addiction, is a psychiatric disorder defined in the fifth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and ICD-10 as the continued use of cannabis. Cannabis users have shown decreased reactivity to dopamine, suggesting a possible link to a dampening of the reward system of

the brain and an increase in negative emotion and addiction severity.

Cannabis users can develop a tolerance to the effects of THC. Cannabis addiction is often due to prolonged and increasing use of the drug.

Increasing the strength of the cannabis taken and increasing the use of more effective methods of delivery often increase the progression of cannabis dependency. Approximately 17.0% of weekly and 19.0% of daily cannabis smokers can be classified as cannabis dependent. Adolescent cannabis users are therefore particularly vulnerable to the potential adverse effects of cannabis use.

We need to rethink marijuana use among our youth to make informed decisions. This is why Marijuana Awareness Month is important. It’s time to share information with friends, parents and educators. It’s time to be aware of the dangers of teen marijuana use, marijuana use disorder, dabbing, and CHS. And we need to stop sticking our heads in the sand!

Assemblyman Keith Brown Assembly District Twelve

Assemblyman Keith Brown (R-Northport) represents the Twelfth District in the New York State Assembly. The Twelfth District spans across the Towns of Babylon, Huntington, and Islip, containing the hamlets of Baywood, Centerport, Cold Spring Harbor, Crab Meadow, East Northport, Eaton’s Neck, Edgewood, Elwood, Greenlawn, Halesite, and the villages of Asharoken, Huntington Bay, Lloyd Harbor, and Northport. The district also includes parts of Commack, Dix Hills, Deer Park, Fort Salonga, North Bay Shore, and Pine Aire.

Albany Finally Passes New York State Budget, but at What Cost?

At long last, Albany finally pulled itself up by the bootstraps and passed our state budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, and only three weeks late.

It’s unfortunate that that’s actually on the shorter side of budget delays in New York over the years, but at least we’re here, right?

A big priority was housing, namely the “Good Cause Eviction” legislation that many Republicans felt would harm the middle-class and only add fuel to the housing crisis fire. Instead, legislation that made it into the budget has far more exceptions and is generally seen as difficult to enforce. The policy allows tenants to challenge rent increase that are above 5% plus inflation or 10% outright, whichever is lower, except, however, in cases where the landlord owns fewer than ten apartments, in owneroccupied buildings with as many as ten units, in buildings certified for occupancy after January 2009, in apartments that are condos and co-ops, and exorbitantly expensive properties.

However, the law only immediately applies to New York City, while the rest of the state will have to opt in.

The other issue is that tenants, and even the State, will continue to have trouble determining exactly how many buildings landlords own, as Governor Kathy Hochul (D) removed the 2023 proposal to make the LLC database a public record. Landlords will often hide behind anonymous LLCs. Tenants can take landlords to court over it, but it’s still a mired, bureaucratic process.

Regarding affordable housing, developers are faced with slightly higher affordability requirements in order to take advantage of certain tax exemptions.

Thankfully, the HEAT Act died in the Assembly. The bill would have removed the legal requirement that utility companies provide natural gas to customers who want it who live within a certain distance from a gas main. Smithtown’s own Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) railed against the bill as making fossil fuels much less affordable in a move he and others viewed as the State forcing residents off natural gas.

Another “win” in the budget is that State and local authorities now have the power to shut down illegal marijuana shops and fine landlords up to $50,000 if they fail to evict the bodegas.

Perhaps the biggest issue of the budget holdup was the State aid for school funding. Already a lightning rod for near-unanimous discontent, the issue was made more pervasive as the budget delays rolled into April when school districts are supposed to be crafting their budgets. With no idea as to how much State aid they might receive, many districts were forced to, or at least flirt with the idea, of laying off faculty and cutting programs until and unless State aid was reintroduced to their districts, and by how much.

Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station), who represents the Fourth Assembly District, saw his school districts find some relief after much anticipation. Port Jefferson was originally slated to lose more than 28% of its State aid. It now will see a near-2% increase.

However, some school districts, like South Country, represented by Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue), got “killed” in the Senator’s words. You’d think that an underserved community of interest would receive more State aid, but instead, Albany decided to put more of the State aid in the bigger cities across the state. South Country School Districts will now have a chance to pass a budget of $143 million

for the fiscal year, an increase of 1.5% over the current budget. Increases in school district budgets directly correlate to increases in property taxes.

Despite this, Albany still forged ahead with its plan to allocate more than $2 billion to bailing New York City and State out of the self-inflicted migrant crisis.

Think about it: an underserved community in Suffolk will now have to make the tough decision of higher property taxes or less school programs and educators, because the State can’t help itself in bending over backwards to invite the entire world here, all on taxpayer dimes. Think of all the dimes that could go into communities of interest across the state. New York has always been a compassionate state, but there’s a limit to just how generous we can be. How can we keep the ship afloat if we take in more passengers while we’re currently sinking?

“It’s truly disheartening to see so much money being put towards prioritizing migrants and nothing being put towards disempowering violent criminals. This wasteful spending on initiatives that have not demonstrated a clear return on investment for the constituents we serve is unacceptable and incomprehensible,” said Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R-Medford) in a statement.

The Messenger also discussed the matter with Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook). The budget is typically divided into ten sections that are voted on individually. Smith said he usually votes for a few sections, but he voted against all of them this year, as he said it’s “more spending and freebies for migrants and criminals.” He also said that most Long Island schools received a 0% increase in State aid.

Assemblyman Keith Brown (R-Northport) said in a statement that he was relieved to see the illicit sale of marijuana, clean water funding, and private insurance measures were addressed. However, he said the process lacks transparency and that the manufactured migrant crisis is a “slap in the face to the taxpayers of New York.”

We couldn’t agree more with our elected officials and we thank them for not backing down on the issues they know are important to our communities. It’s a shame that the GOP has such little power in Albany. We think creating budgets would be a much more transparent and cooperative process if Republicans had more power, or even controlled the Senate, in Albany.

Meanwhile, the City that is receiving the lion’s share of the monetary provisions is nearly at DEFCON 5 in terms of instability. As the city reels with safety and affordability issues, Jewish students and professors are being barred from universities over the rising tensions in the Middle East, all while entitled college pseudointellectuals who chant “Death to America” also demand that their college education is entirely subsidized by the federal government.

It’s hard to find too many “wins” in the budget this year, but we’ll take what we can get. We can call Governor Hochul a winner, since this year’s process was ostensibly smoother than last year and she had the Legislature on her side on many provisions. We don’t revel in calling the Governor a winner here, but we like to call a spade a spade here at The Messenger

Siena College, however, has found that her approval rating is lowest since she took office in 2021, and the Manhattan Institute found that only 16% of NYC voters would consider re-electing Mayor Eric Adams (D).

Two winners now, but later? This is a developing story.

TheMessenger Endorses the Proposal for CR-93

We won’t pretend to be experts on every issue, and road engineering is certainly one of them. It’s a complex process that requires multiple heads, collective years of experience, and the ability to take onslaughts of arrows.

The mission to remediate the deathly “curve” along County Route 93, Rosevale and Ocean Avenues in Ronkonkoma, has been ongoing for decades. The curve was put into place in a horrible decision back when the traffic and population densities were nowhere near what they are today. The trees between the northbound and southbound lanes of the curve were removed ten years ago and the curve was altered in a way that many believe made the stretch of road worse than it was.

Speeding, accidents, run-off-road accidents, and even fatalities have been regular occurrences at the notorious curve, which has limited visibility and is made even more treacherous by side streets and homes near it.

Last year, the Department of Public Works (DPW) drafted a plan to “road diet” the majority of Rosevale and Ocean Avenues, which would have seen the transition of the outside lanes into bike lanes, leaving vehicular traffic with just one lane for travel. The plan sparked near-unanimous outrage from the community and raised concerns of congestion and decreased quality of life in the area that is regularly traversed by residents of all three of our towns of coverage.

At last week’s meeting, the DPW, at the behest of the community, local legislators,

and the Greater Ronkonkoma Civic Association, unveiled their altered plan to just shrink the lanes within the curve, ease the curvature of the road to increase visibility, and restrict certain turns onto Ocean Avenue from some side streets. Other safety measures were also deemed feasible, such as rumble strips and regular police patrol.

While not a perfect plan, as the community has agreed over the years that there is no “perfect” plan for the curve, this one is monumentally better than the one presented last year. The plan essentially makes the best of a bad situation and the DPW said that if the plan does not live up to expected improved safety and traffic flow metrics, restoring the curve to its present state is an easy job and studies can continue.

It’s important to make lemonade when life hands you lemons, and we thank the DPW for making lemonade instead of stuffing the lemons down our throats until we see yellow.

This glass of lemonade is far more palatable than the one they poured us last year, and while not everyone might enjoy it, it’s certainly a better, taller glass than last year’s model.

The Messenger endorses the plan and thanks the County DPW, the Greater Ronkonkoma Civic Association, Legislator Trish Bergin (R-East Islip), Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), and of course, the community for their input and tenacity in ensuring a feasible, realistic plan is put into place.

Earth Day: Addressing Climate Risk and Increasing Environmental Sustainability

By John L. Parker, Partner, Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz Coschignano, PLLC

The Earth Day celebration has been with us for over five decades and started with an event that drew millions together to address environmental issues. Today, governments are advancing new climate initiatives. Newly enacted laws address climate disclosure and climate trading programs and bring market forces directly into the sustainability equation. Market focused approaches are controversial with some of America’s largest companies, but paradoxically, America’s CEOs recently have indicated that sustainability strategies are their top operational priority in the next year, and they expect significant returns from sustainability investments over the next three to five years.

Climate Disclosure Requirements Are Now Law

Climate related risk is factored into the decision making of many businesses. Disclosure of these risks and company sustainability efforts were initially voluntary efforts. There are many narratives on climate change regarding business obligations. However, there is also growing government consensus that larger company’s operations need to transparently address the environmental sustainability of their operations. The new climate disclosure laws will impact tens of thousands of companies and become milestones in the field of climate risk and sustainable investment.

This year, the Security and Exchange Commission adopted a climate disclosure rule requiring reporting of climate-related risks deemed to have a material impact on businesses. The climate-related risks include direct emission impacts (Scope 1) and indirect impacts (Scope 2) for energy needed for operations. In the final rule, SEC did not include indirect emissions (Scope 3) from the supply chain and customers, both upstream and downstream, that a company does not directly control.

California recently enacted a law requiring that each year, companies review, assess, and disclose financially related climate risks and the steps they are taking to manage these risks. It applies to companies with a $500 million dollar business threshold and addresses Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. The reality is that this threshold, and the fact that most businesses operate in California, will likely result in almost every large company being required to meet its disclosure requirements. These requirements cover over 10,000 companies - all large companies, not just those that are publicly traded. Another law focuses on annual disclosures of companies with at least $1 billion in revenue.

New York has yet to adopt its own law in this area. There are, however, pending bills to address the climate disclosure and sustainability space. A leading bill takes a similar approach to California’s and will include supply chain Scope 3 emissions.

New York Creates a Cap and Invest System

New York’s landmark Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act continues

to drive legal developments in the state. It requires a new Cap and Invest program that will account for all emissions in the state and will set annual caps needed to meet emission reductions of 40% by 2030, and at least 85% from 1990 levels by 2050.

The program relies upon market incentives. Large emitting sources must report emissions and obtain allowances equal to those emissions. The allowance prices will increase over time, providing an incentive to transition to lower emitting sources. The proposal mandates climate emissions reductions, addresses disadvantaged community’s concerns, ensures affordability for statewide residents and businesses, and seeks to equitably support the overall investments in climate mitigation, energy efficiency, and clean transportation projects, among others, and it will fund annual rebates that will mitigate costs to consumers of this climate transition.

More tools are Welcome to Address Climate Change

The earth’s climate continues to change. Earth Day has motivated citizens to impact environmental change. There are a number of positive developments showing what is possible in the climate space. In 2024, the United States greenhouse gasses from the energy sector decreased by 4%. New York is a leader in this category. A wind farm located 35 miles east of Montauk can remarkably now power over 70,000 homes without any emissions.

Even with many ongoing efforts to reduce emissions, the data raises concerns that the international goal of limiting emissions to a 1.5-degree Celsius temperature increase by 2100 may be unattainable with substantial and unpredictable consequences.

New governmental approaches rely upon direct market forces to address climate risk. The new climate disclosure rules will set reporting requirements for companies’ climate risk and sustainability efforts. The information will help inform sustainable investment strategies and impact risk aversion in the marketplace. In addition, New York’s upcoming Cap and Invest program will create a market to decrease statewide emission levels.

There will undoubtedly be challenges ahead to these new laws and regulations. Each one, however, represents a new and needed approach that will help build a sustainable climate future.

John L. Parker is a partner at Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz Coschignano, PLLC, located at 333 Earle Ovington Boulevard, Suite 601, in Uniondale. He received a Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University (Cook College) and his Juris Doctor degree from Pace Law School, where he focused on environmental law and international law.

NY Caring Majority: ‘Budget Fails Disabled &

By Ilana Berger

Older New Yorkers’

New York State faces the worst home care shortage in the nation. Yet instead of taking proactive steps to fix the broken Managed Long Term Care system or raise worker wages, the Governor and legislature once again failed disabled and older New Yorkers. This budget ensures more home care workers will flee the sector, more New Yorkers will go without care, and more disabled and older adults will be forced into nursing homes.

The budget’s plan to hand one fiscal intermediary a $7 billion contract will not address our home care challenges — it will merely undermine consumer choice, limit care options, and allow tens of thousands of disabled New Yorkers and consumers to fall through the cracks and go without services, all to give an outof-state company one of the largest contracts in state history.

Under this budget, the State will also continue to hand private insurance companies billions of dollars a year in profit and administrative fees to mismanage home care. Experts agree that ending Managed Long-Term Care will save the State billions of dollars — yet the Governor and legislature refuse to end this broken system and reinvest sorely needed savings in the home care sector.

As New Yorkers age, the State’s home care shortage is not going away — and we need smart, long-term solutions to end this crisis. We will remain in a cycle of fighting short-sighted, devastating cuts each year until the State builds a sustainable home care program that puts older adults, disabled New Yorkers, and home care workers first.”

Ilana Berger is the Majority Co-Leader of New York Caring.

Suffolk County Executive and PSEG COO Lead Earth Day Tree Planting Initiative

By Cait Crudden

In a symbolic gesture of environmental stewardship, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) and PSEG Chief Operating Officer David Lyons (pictured right), along with PSEG Foundation and the Arbor Day Foundation spearheaded a tree-planting initiative on Friday, April 19, just ahead of Earth Day, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Against the backdrop of growing concerns about climate change and ecological degradation, the event served as a poignant reminder of the power of collective action in safeguarding the planet for future generations.

The tree-planting ceremony, held at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge, brought together a diverse array of participants, including residents, volunteers, and government officials. Against the backdrop of chirping birds and rustling leaves, volunteers rolled up their sleeves providing more than 250 customers in Suffolk County with a free tree through the Energy-Saving Trees program. All customers that participated received one tree and were expected to care for and plant them in the location provided by the online tool, considering utility wires and obstructions. The types of trees offered include the following: gray birch, eastern white pine, flowering dogwood, and scarlet oak.

For Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Earth Day represents more than just a symbolic observance—it’s a call to action.

“We continue to identify and find every opportunity to make Suffolk County environmentally sustainable, and planting just one tree can make a difference,” Romaine emphasized ahead of the ceremony. “We encourage all of our residents to take part in the PSEG Long Island Energy Saving Trees program and work collaboratively to embrace clean energy and improve our region’s air quality. Together we will continue to raise awareness and make a difference.”

PSEG’s Chief Operating Officer David Lyons echoed these sentiments, highlighting the company’s longstanding commitment to environmental responsibility.

“Earth Day is a chance for all of us to stand up and do our part to help build a greener, more equitable future,” said Lyons. “Strategically planting trees helps save up to 20% on summer energy bills once the trees are fully grown, while also improving air quality and reducing storm water runoff for all residents across Long Island and the Rockaways.”

The collaborative effort between Suffolk County and PSEG underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in tackling pressing environmental challenges. Through joint initiatives like this tree-planting event, the two entities are working together to promote environmental awareness, biodiversity conservation, and carbon sequestration.

Indeed, the benefits of tree planting extend far beyond aesthetics. Trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide, purifying the air, and providing habitat for countless

species of flora and fauna. By expanding the county’s tree canopy, Suffolk County and PSEG are not only enhancing the quality of life for residents but also contributing to global efforts to combat climate change while reminding residents of the dangers of planting them directly under electrical and cable wires.

The tree-planting ceremony also served as an opportunity to educate the public about the importance of environmental conservation. Volunteers were there to give guidance on proper planting techniques and inform residents about the ecological significance of the trees they were planting.

As Earth Day festivities continue around the globe, Suffolk County and PSEG’s collaborative effort serves as a shining example of the power of collective action in addressing environmental challenges. By coming together to plant trees, individuals and organizations alike are making a tangible difference in the fight against climate change and demonstrating their commitment to building a more sustainable future.

With each tree planted, a seed of hope is sown—a hope for a world where nature thrives, communities flourish, and future generations inherit a planet teeming with life. As Suffolk County and PSEG continue their journey towards sustainability, their partnership serves as a beacon of inspiration for others to follow suit.

Suffolk County Executive Romaine Proposes Timely Capital Budget for 2024

By Cait Crudden

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) has unveiled a comprehensive capital budget plan for 2024, signaling a strategic investment in improving infrastructure, continued public safety, upgrades, and investments for the Suffolk County’s Board of Elections and economic development. With the county facing numerous challenges and opportunities, Romaine’s proposal aims to address critical needs while fostering long-term growth and resilience.

At the heart of Romaine’s capital budget is a focus on infrastructure renewal and modernization. Recognizing the importance of maintaining and improving roads, bridges, creating more sewer infrastructure and upgrading public facilities for quality of life, the proposed budget allocates significant funding for infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency, and connectivity across the county. From road resurfacing and bridge repairs to wastewater treatment upgrades, Romaine’s plan prioritizes investments that will benefit residents and businesses alike.

In addition to infrastructure, public safety remains a top priority in Romaine’s budget proposal. With communities facing evolving threats and challenges, the county executive has earmarked resources for initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and emergency preparedness. This includes funding for law enforcement equipment, such as state of the art tasers and body cameras as well as new public safety vehicles. By investing in these critical areas, Romaine seeks to ensure that Suffolk County remains a safe and secure place to live, work, and raise a family.

The budget also includes significant investments for the Board of Elections for state-of-the-art voting machines to ensure election integrity.

“Changes in election law and questions in other areas regarding election fraud have caused us to move quickly to upgrade our systems and ensure fair and accurate election results in Suffolk County,” said Romaine.

Furthermore, Romaine’s capital budget reflects a commitment to economic development and job creation. Recognizing the importance of fostering a vibrant and resilient economy, the proposed budget includes funding for initiatives

aimed at attracting new businesses, supporting small businesses, and revitalizing downtown areas. From infrastructure improvements to incentives for job creation and workforce development, Romaine’s plan seeks to lay out a foundation for sustainable economic growth and prosperity in Suffolk County.

The timing of Romaine’s capital budget proposal is particularly significant, as Suffolk County grapples with the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 Pandemic these past few years and its economic fallout. With businesses reopening and communities rebuilding, Romaine’s plan represents a strategic investment in the county’s future, positioning Suffolk for recovery and renewal in the years ahead.

While unveiling his timely capital budget proposal, Romaine emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility and prudent stewardship of taxpayer dollars. The budget of $488,760,526 was submitted to the Suffolk County Legislature on April 15, 2024, for review, suggested changes, adoption, and approval by the Legislature, after which it will be signed by the County Executive. It is expected to be finalized in June.

“This budget represents a smart investment into our infrastructure and county operations that will continue to make this county safer and more affordable,” Romaine stated.

As Romaine’s capital budget proposal moves forward for consideration by the Suffolk County Legislature, stakeholders and residents alike will be closely watching to see how it will shape the county’s trajectory in 2024 and beyond.

“I am proud of this budget,” said Romaine. “Every aspect, every dollar, benefits the taxpayers of this county. We are moving forward, preserving this county’s assets, improving quality of life, and keeping our streets safe. We are doing the work that the people expect from its government”.

With its focus on infrastructure, public safety, voter integrity, and economic development, Romaine’s plan has the potential to make a significant and positive impact on the lives of Suffolk County residents for years to come.

This Week Today National, State and Local Temperature Checks

By Matt Meduri

National

The primary contest continues to crawl along as both nominees obtained their respective delegate thresholds to become their parties’ presumptive nominees in mid-March.

This past weekend held two sleepy contests for the Republican nomination, as former President Donald Trump (R-FL) won delegates from Wyoming and Puerto Rico.

The Wyoming State Convention ended on Saturday, which concluded a multi-step voting process for Republicans. Trump captured all twentynine delegates available.

In Puerto Rico, the Sunday convention was limited to delegates previously elected from their municipalities and precincts. These delegates were able to participate in a presidential preference vote. Trump secured all twenty-three delegates.

The marquee primary race this week came out of Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state in the November election. Trump became the first Republican to carry the Keystone State since George H. W. Bush (R-TX) in 1988, but narrowly lost it in 2020.

With more than 95% of precincts reporting as of early Wednesday morning, Trump carried Pennsylvania with 83.5% of the vote, to former South Carolina Governor and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley’s (R-SC) 16.5%. Haley was the sole challenger to Trump for the Republican nomination after the other candidates dropped out. She suspended her campaign on March 6 after only carrying Vermont and the District of Columbia.

Trump’s lowest margin of victory on the county level came in Chester County - 76% - just outside of Philadelphia. He carried all sixty-seven counties and won sixteen delegates. The other fifty-one are determined by congressional district winners and have not yet been allocated.

President Joe Biden (D-DE) carried Pennsylvania in the Democratic primary with 93.1% of the vote, to now-suspended Congressman Dean Phillips’ (D, MN-03) 6.9%. Biden carried all counties; his lowest margin was in Greene County - 80% - in the southwestern corner of the state. Biden also won all 153 delegates available.

Trump has amassed 1,963 delegates and has won forty-seven contests so far. Biden has collected 3,231 delegates and has won forty-two contests.

The contest now goes back to Puerto Rico for the Democratic primary on April 28, followed by the Indiana Primary for both parties on May 7.

In other national election news, another relatively member of Congress is calling it quits at the end of this term. Congressman Jake LaTurner (R, KS-02) announced last week that he will not seek reelection.

LaTurner was elected in 2020, defeating thenCongressman Steve Watkins (R) in the GOP primary by fifteen points. Watkins had won a razor-thin contest for Kansas’ Second District in 2018. He was then accused of voter fraud and election perjury for listing his personal address as a UPS Store. Watkins entered a diversion program and all charges have been dropped.

In 2017, LaTurner was appointed Treasurer of Kansas by then-Governor Sam Brownback (R), making him the youngest statewide official in the country at just thirty-one years old. He was elected in his own right in 2018 before being elected to Congress in 2020 by a fifteen-point margin. The

Second District got slightly redder in 2022, but LaTurner won by an identical margin in 2022.

Kansas is ruby-red on the federal and most statewide levels, but has more Democratic idiosyncrasies down ballot. KS-02 includes the capital of Topeka, as well as Emporia, Junction City, and Leavenworth. The district last elected a Democrat in 2006 but Republicans won it back in 2008. On the federal level, KS-02 has been a high-floor-low-ceiling district for Democrats, as they have captured at least 40% of the vote in all but two presidential elections since 2000. Trump won KS-02 56%-41% over Biden.

Kansas has not backed a Democratic presidential nominee since 1964, although Trump’s 14.6-point margin is relatively thinner than those of previous elections. Besides Kansas City, the only oases of Democratic support currently lie in younger college towns. Some speculate that Kansas could turn more competitive in the coming decades, especially in strong Democratic years. With Trump on the ballot this year, it seems unlikely that KS-02 will be contentious, but it has the possibility of becoming competitively engaged.

LaTurner’s departure from Congress at such a young age leaves questions about his political future, as he stated in his letter to constituents on April 18 that he will not be a candidate in 2024 or for the state elections in 2026.

State

Siena College has released their latest rounds of polling on the presidential race in New York, as well as job approval and favorability ratings for Governor Kathy Hochul (D).

The College found that both ratings for the Governor are at historic lows. Her favorability rating was clocked at 40%, with 49% viewing her negatively.

The poll also found that Hochul’s job approval rating is also underwater, with 45% of New Yorkers giving her positive marks and 49% disapproving of her governance.

Governor Hochul has never seen more than 50% of New Yorkers approve of her job performance and the latest Siena College poll’s numbers show the first time in her tenure that more voters have disapproved of her job performance. Job approval ratings are generally higher than individual popularity opinions.

Siena College has been tracking her favorability and job approval ratings since she assumed the governorship in 2021.

While most Democrats approve of Hochul and most Republicans disapprove, what’s more staggering is that Independents have soured on the Governor by a two-to-one margin.

Siena also found that President Biden is also faring poorly with New York voters, clocking in at just a 40% approval rating in a state he carried by about twenty-three points in 2020. The College also found that Biden has just a ten-point lead over Donald Trump in a head-to-head matchup for the 2024 race. Polls have consistently shown highsingle-digit and low-double-digit leads for Biden in an otherwise solidly blue state. Trump has also voiced his interest in contesting New York in the general election.

New York was last seriously in play in 1988 and no Republican has eclipsed 40% of the vote statewide since George W. Bush (R-TX) in 2004.

However, Siena also found that 54% of registered voters in New York believe the ongoing trial against former President Trump is legitimate. The trial pertains to charges that Trump paid “hush money” to an adult film star. Just 30% of voters said that the trial pertaining to Trump falsifying records to cover up an affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels is a “witch hunt.”

55% of Long Island voters view the trial as legitimate, while 33% say it’s not.

Siena College also polled New Yorkers on certain hot-button issues, one of which concerns transgender student athletes participating in sports. 66% of New Yorkers said they support requiring said athletes to compete in sports programs under the gender with which they were born. Just 27% oppose the idea. Interestingly, 52% of Democrats support the restriction, with 27% who oppose it. Among Independents 77% support the restriction, with 16% opposing it.

The poll was conducted with 806 registered voters from April 15 through April 17 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.1 percentage points.

Local

Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) voted in favor of legislation aimed at replenishing American resources and supporting allies against U.S. adversaries.

Four bills passed the House, three in a bipartisan manner: H.R.6126, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act; H.R.8036, the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act; H.R.8038, the 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act; and H.R.8035, the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act.

“The bills we passed will help replenish American stockpiles, counter China’s aggression, defeat Putin’s Russia, and support our ally Israel. As a Navy Veteran, I will always prefer sending bombs and bullets to our allies to defeat a common adversary if it means not having to put American soldiers in harm’s way,” said LaLota. “While it is incredibly important to address our nation’s staggering and growing debt, we must also preserve America’s national security. Evil must be dealt with head-on. I extend my sincere gratitude to Speaker Johnson for his unwavering dedication to advancing these critical measures and the bipartisan support underscores the importance of unity to address these challenges. Now, President Biden must show decisive leadership, support Israel, demand NATO meets the moment, and ensure our nation’s security. I will continue to work with my colleagues to put results over rhetoric and keep Americans safe at home and abroad.”

The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act passed the House in a 226-196 vote, with only two Republicans voting against it and only twelve Democrats supporting it. Nearly all Democrats who voted in favor of it face competitive races this November.

The Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act passed in a 385-34 voting, with twelve abstentions. All thirty-four votes against were cast by Republicans.

The 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act passed in a 360-58 vote.

The Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act passed in a 311-112 vote, with eight abstentions. All votes opposed were cast by Republicans.

Continued from front cover

Legislator Bergin and Greater Ronkonkoma Civic Association Hold Meeting on CR-93

While residents have been in near-unanimous agreement that speeding, visibility, and the deathly “curve” have been problems for decades, they also asserted their outrage at a plan that they speculated would lead to congestion and decreased quality of life, while also pointing out development that would only add more cars to the area.

The DPW tested various road diet methods over the summer by placing cones to close off lanes to test the strain on the road, especially during peak travel hours.

County Legislator Trish Bergin (R-East Islip), whose district encompasses all of the affected roadway, hosted a community forum in conjunction with the Greater Ronkonkoma Civic Association and County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset). Representatives from the County DPW presented their updated plan with residents’ questions and suggestions in mind.

“Legislator Kennedy and I told the DPW that we and the community want more studies,” said Legislator Bergin. “They did more studies, hired more engineers, and did in-house engineering. They have truly done everything that they can.”

Bergin reminded the crowd of a sobering truth on which nearly all residents of the area can likely agree: there is no win-win scenario in remediating the curve.

“This is not a perfect situation since these roads were built back when people were on horse and buggy,” said Bergin. “Somebody came up with the stupid idea of making the road curve and now we’re trying to make the best of it.”

Legislator Bergin said that she has been aware of the accidents and residents’ complaints and suggestions about the roadway, specifically referencing a truck carrying vehicles that turned over while driving through the curve. Bergin also reminded everyone that Suffolk County has little say when it comes to federal and state safety guidelines and that the County has worked within the lines that have been previously drawn.

“Some of you might be upset with some of the proposed changes, but remember, we have to slow people down,” said Legislator Kennedy. “When we think we’re driving slowly, we’re usually going above the speed limit.”

Niamh Perrotta, Director of Traffic Engineering and Highway Permits, delivered the presentation of the DPW’s plans for CR-93 before the floor was open for community questions and input.

“We have developed an alternative aimed at improving any safety-related concerns along the curve and the intersections,” said Perrotta. “These include slowing down the vehicles entering the curve and reducing the potential for crashes along the curve and corridor.”

Perrotta stated that the updated plan was built on the road diet simulations that took place in late June 2023. The DPW selected two mid-week, good-weather days before the end of the school year to best capture the busiest days of the year and busiest hours of a typical work/school day. Cones were placed between the two lanes along the curve, restricting travel in the outside lanes, from 6:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. and field observations were conducted during peak hours.

Studies were also conducted during peak summer travel and beach hours in July.

“All vehicles queued at the signals cleared the intersections during the green indication. The average reduction of nine miles per hour was seen in the average speed through the curve,” said Perrotta. “We had a minimum increase in travel times. The average travel time northbound was 1 minute and 55 seconds, which was an increase of 25 seconds. And the average travel time southbound was 1 minute and 25 seconds, which was an increase of 15 seconds. After we completed this trial, we adjusted the road diet plans so that now we’re concentrated on just doing the road diet within the curve section.”

To reduce further queuing, the northbound taper will begin after the intersection of Woodlawn Avenue and CR-93 and the two lanes will reopen approaching Kirk Avenue. The southbound taper will begin after the intersection at Kirk Avenue and CR-93 and the lanes will reopen approaching Woodlawn Avenue and Ontario Street.

The crash history found that 22% of reported crashes were sideswipe collisions and 65% were run-off-road collisions. The road diet is said to eliminate sideswipes of vehicles in adjacent lanes around the curve. The shoulder will double the clear zone northbound and southbound, providing more recoverable area for vehicles prior to leaving the roadway, which is expected to reduce off-road crashes.

The plan also implements pavement markings that would shift southbound lane travel slightly east to improve the curvature of the road, as well as SHARDs (Secondary Highway Audible Roadway Delineators), or rumble strips, to alert drivers when and if they leave the travel lane.

Perrotta then outlined the list of implementations deemed by the DPW to be either feasible or infeasible.

Feasible Implementations

1. Police Enforcement of Speed Limit - According to the DPW, requests have been sent to the SCPD for police enforcement as well as mobile speed feedback trailers.

2. New Sidewalk along CR-93 - A new sidewalk is to be installed along the east and west sides of the road where feasible. That project is expected to begin late 2024 or early 2025.

3. Signage - Signage will be upgraded as needed.

4. SHARDs - Rumble strips will be installed on the northbound and southbound lanes along the curve.

Non-Feasible Implementations

1. Speed Bumps and Speed Tables - Both were found to be inappropriate for the roadway type.

2. Speed Camera - According to the DPW, no legislation exists within Suffolk County for speed camera usage.

3. Speed Limit Reduction - While the DPW conducted a speed reduction study, the implementation is not recommended based on federal safety guidelines.

4. Speed Feedback Signs - The DPW has found that such signs have minimal effect on travel speeds, based on previous studies.

5. All-Way Stops and Traffic Signals - The DPW said that signals are not appropriate for speed control as per federal guidelines. The DPW found that a four-way traffic signal would increase conflict points from the existing six to a whopping thirtytwo. Visibility issues would also lead to rear-end crashes due to traffic backup during peak hours. A traffic signal is also found to increase delays on mainline and side streets, with up to 1.5 minutes of delay. Travel speeds are also expected to remain unchanged when the signal allows through-traffic along CR-93, defeating the primary purpose of the rework.

6. Mid-Block Crosswalks - Crosswalks were not recommended for the road type as they may lead to an increased pedestrian crash risk.

7. New Guiderails - While guiderails already exist on CR-93, the DPW has found that there are no locations with drop offs, limited clear zones, or roadside obstacles or hazards that require additional guiderails. Additionally, guiderails are fixed objects that cannot be installed indiscriminately, a problem furthered by the close proximity of houses and side streets to CR-93.

8. Roundabout - A largely-requested change by the community, a roundabout was found to be infeasible by the DPW. A projected roundabout would join CR-93’s northbound and southbound lanes, as well as Rosevale Avenue heading south and Cobblestone Court. The DPW found that unbalanced volumes of traffic, namely higher volume in the southbound lanes, will dominate circulating flow and not allow other vehicles to pass through the circle. Consequently, this is estimated to lead to backup and gridlock within the circle, causing delays and blockages for the side streets and through-traffic to the Expressway and Portion Road. A roundabout would be expected to increase delays during peak travel hours and increase rear-end crashes.

Preferred Alternative

1. Close off the outside lanes along the CR-93 curve from travel.

2. Restrict southbound left turns onto Rosevale Avenue.

3. Realign Rosevale Avenue, providing better sight distance and removing the existing weave between Rosevale Avenue and Ocean Avenue.

4. Provide eastbound access onto Rosevale Avenue from Cobblestone Court.

5. Increase the clear zone along the northbound curve and move northbound vehicles away from residence by shifting the curbline outwards.

6. Install SHARDs along the curve to reduce run-off-road collisions

Some residents expressed their dismay at the proposed restriction of southbound left turns onto Ocean Avenue, as well as proposed adjustments at the intersection of Ocean, Ontario, and Woodlawn. Despite some protests, the meeting was far more civil than last year’s and the results of the DPW’s study seemed to be a reasonable alternative.

Some residents said that speeds and accidents will not be reduced until a speed trap is implemented.

“It won’t stop until you put a speed trap to slow traffic down,” said one Woodlawn Avenue resident. The resident says he has witnessed thirty-nine people die at his section of the curve, including three in front of his house. He also says that the tapering of the lanes will increase the proclivity of drivers to “race to beat the car on the righthand side,” stating that similar road diets have been done elsewhere resulting in such scenarios.

“There’s really no win-win here,” Lake Ronkonkoma resident Leif Easterson told The Messenger. “This is more or less the best of a bad situation because there’s really no perfect alternative in which everyone will be pleased and speeds and accidents will be reduced.”

Bill Hillman, Chief Engineer of Highway Structures and Waterways, said that the process of implementing the changes will consist of road milling - partial surface removal - drainage repairs, and repavement.

“Anytime you see a traditional resurfacing project, that’s what this is,” said Hillman. Hillman also said that if the road diet does not work as expected, the lines can be “repainted for the most part.”

“If we hit certain metrics and realize it’s not working, we can quickly get out and find another solution,” said Hillman.

The Suffolk County Department of Public Works can be reached at: public.works@suffolkcountyny.gov.

Congressman LaLota Leads Charge to Restore SALT Tax Deduction, Highlights Double Taxation

By Cait Crudden

In the heart of the nation’s capital, Congressman Nick LaLota (R, NY-01) has emerged as a formidable force in the push to restore the contentious State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap. With the issue gaining renewed attention in 2024 in the ongoing battle over tax policy, Congressman LaLota has emerged as a driving force in the push to reinstate this crucial deduction for American taxpayers and his leadership on the subject has drawn both praise and scrutiny as the debate intensifies on Capitol Hill.

The SALT deduction has long been a cornerstone of the U.S. tax code, allowing taxpayers to deduct certain state and local taxes from their federal tax returns. However, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 imposed a $10,000 cap on this deduction, sparking outrage from residents in high-tax states who argue that it unfairly penalizes them.

Representing New York’s First Congressional District, Congressman LaLota has made restoring the SALT deduction a top priority of his legislative agenda. He has spearheaded efforts to reverse what he views as a harmful provision that disproportionately affects middle-class families and undermines state and local governments’ ability to provide essential services. Since being sworn into office in January 2023, the Congressman has been explicitly clear on his support for restoring the SALT deduction. Early on in his tenure, he joined the bipartisan SALT Caucus and introduced the SALT Fairness and Deficit Reduction Act to effectively bring the deduction to pre-2017 levels for most taxpayers while at the same time reducing the federal deficit by raising and extending the SALT deduction cap to $60k for single filers and $120k for joint filers beginning in 2023 and lasting until December 31, 2032.

This month, in a recent address at a Small Business Committee hearing, Congressman LaLota passionately advocated for eliminating the marriage penalty, and the unfairness of double taxation as well as the adverse effects of high taxes and the complex tax code.

“While Albany Democrats must do more to repeal unfunded mandates and lower New Yorkers’ taxes, my constituents know better than to rely on them to make our lives easier. In Washington, I am working on raising the SALT deduction cap to help Long Islanders make ends meet,” LaLota asserted.

The SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act that was proposed was blocked from consideration earlier this year. The bill failed to gain the support of every House Democrat and a handful of House Conservatives.

“Many of my colleagues, regardless of their party affiliation, claim to support families, lowering the cost of living, and improving the lives of the average American. If that’s the case, every single one of them should support common sense legislation to eliminate the un-American SALT deduction cap marriage penalty,” said LaLota. “I will always fight to ensure the federal government is working for Long Island families.”

Advocates argue that reinstating the SALT deduction would alleviate financial strain on taxpayers, particularly in high-tax states, and stimulate economic growth at the local level. However, critics of restoring the SALT deduction have raised concerns about its potential impact on federal revenue and the distribution of tax burdens. Some argue that reinstating the full deduction would primarily benefit wealthier individuals and exacerbate income inequality, rather than providing meaningful relief to middle-class taxpayers. Despite these challenges, LaLota remains undeterred in his quest to restore the SALT deduction, viewing it as a matter of fundamental fairness and tax equity.

As the debate over the SALT deduction continues to unfold, the stakes are high for millions of taxpayers across the nation. With Congressman LaLota leading the charge to restore this critical deduction, the issue promises to remain at the forefront of legislative deliberations, shaping the future of tax policy and economic recovery in 2024 and beyond.

Amityville - Broadway Convenience

250 Broadway- (631) 789-2527

Bay Shore - Penny Pub

79 West Main Street (631) 969-4061

Blue Point - Cavanaugh’s

255 Blue Point Ave. - (631) 363-2666

Bohemia - 50% Cardland

4593 Sunrise Hwy - (631) 567-4773

Bohemia - Canz Bar & Grill

4780 Sunrise Hwy - (631) 256-5575

Centereach -Clubhouse Cafe

1937 Middle Country Rd - (631) 615-6357

Commack - Commack South Stationary

22 Vanderbilt Motor Pkwy - (631) 499-3196

Copiague - Cousin Craig’s Sports Bar

80-F Montauk Hwy - (631) 789-1046

Coram - Tommy’s Old Town Tavern

2229A Route 112 - (631) 736-1122

Deer Park - Edgewood Bar & Grill

511 A Commack Road - (631) 667-3030

Deer Park - 50% Off Cards

475 Grand Blvd - (631) 667-6001

East Islip - Riley Fibber’s

148 Carleton Avenue - (631) 446-1571

E. Northport - D&D Cards

7-8 Hewitt Square - (631) 757-0320

E. Patchogue - Dunton Inn

701 South Country Rd. - (631) 758-8940

Greenlawn -Healy’s Inn

54 Broadway - (631) 754-2700

Halesite - The Shamrock

138 New York Ave. - (631) 427-4221

Hampton Bays -The Bays Bar & Grill

214 West Montauk Hwy. - (631) 594-5753

Holbrook - Cardsmart

342 Union Ave - (631) 676-4482

Holbrook - Tailgaters

1083 Main St - (631) 285-2996

Kings Park - Main Street Pub 21 Main St - (631) 544-5461

Lindenhurst -Magic Cards 600 N Wellwood Ave - (631) 957-2957

Lindenhurst -Sidelines Cafe

43 W Hoffman Ave - (631) 226-2500

Mastic Beach -Linsa Torr’s Place

373-375 Neighborhood Rd - (631) 281-9893

Mastic Beach -Mike’s One Stop

122 Mastic Rd - (631) 399-6294

Mattituck-Nofo Beer & Smoke

55 Middle Rd - (631) 298-7092

Medford -Medford Cards & Gifts

1699 Rte 112 Ste H - (631) 289-4340

Middle Island -Middle Island Cards

1251

LISFA Chamber Music Festival

Three Village Central School District ninth graders, Tsz Tung Qiu, Luna Wang, Benjamin Ma and Jinxu Zhu, attended the Long Island String Festival Association Chamber Music Festival. At the festival, they attended masterclasses and coaching sessions from members of the Bryant Park

Chamber Players, a group of professional musicians based in New York. The festival culminated in a final concert where students performed their prepared music.

Sachem Students Awarded in Annual BAFFA Show

Seventeen students from Sachem High Schools East and North displayed their artwork in the Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts Juried Invitational High School Exhibition. Three Sachem students received awards for their work. North senior Anna D’Arcangelis was awarded second place in the mixed media category. East junior Lena Gonnotta won The Olivia and Harlan Fischer 2nd Best in Show Award. East senior Robert Pizzingrillo earned the Jacqueline C. Palmer Award, which also considers a teacher’s recommendation and a student statement detailing the student’s future goals.

The Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts provides Long Island communities with music, fine arts and cultural events. The High School Exhibition celebrates the student talents and provides a platform for young artists to display their works.

Bayport-Blue Point’s Young Musicians Team Up with Tri-M to Prep for NYSSMA

Bayport-Blue Point High School’s Tri-M Music Honor Society mentored the district’s elementary and middle school students during “Mock NYSSMA.” Mock NYSSMA gives younger students the opportunity to practice with and receive feedback from the district’s older, more experienced musicians.

Students from grades five through eight participated in the event. In speaking of his experience, eighth grade trumpet player TJ L. said, “I was excited but also nervous. My favorite part of Mock NYSSMA was getting a chance to go over the music. The judges were very nice. They complimented me on my playing.”

Sixth grade flautist Skylar J. added, “My favorite part was being able to practice in front of someone and them watching me do it. Doing this made me feel better about NYSSMA.”

The students practiced in anticipation of the NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival on May 10-11 at Sayville High School.

Rocky Point Receives National Recognition for Music Education

The Rocky Point School District’s music department has been named a recipient of the prestigious Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. The designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.

To qualify for the designation, Rocky Point Music Department chairpersons Craig Knapp and Amy Schecher, and middle school orchestra director Meghan Walter, completed a rigorous application process and answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs.

“Music education is thriving in the Rocky Point School District,” said Knapp. “The impact that music experiences provide for our students and community are incalculable. The music faculty in Rocky Point are extremely hardworking and dedicated professionals. Students love participating in our music programs and our wonderful staff is to be commended for creating such joyful and memorable experiences for the children. We are honored to be the recipients of this designation and we hope it is met with great pride from the community and continues to help to raise awareness and support for our music program. Receiving this award is a distinguished accomplishment and this validates and supports how important and relevant the music program is in Rocky Point.”

Newfield H.S. Mock Trial Team Advances to Quarterfinals in County Regional Competition

The talented and dedicated members of the Newfield High School Mock Trial Team achieved a remarkable milestone recently by securing a spot as one of the top eight teams in the highly competitive 2024 Suffolk County Regional High School Mock Trial Competition.

The team’s outstanding performance earned them the coveted spot, where they faced off against Huntington at the John P. Cohalan, Jr. Courthouse in Central Islip. The Newfield High School Mock Trial Team’s journey to the quarterfinals was a testament to their exceptional legal acumen, teamwork, and commitment to excellence. Throughout the competition, the team demonstrated their mastery

of courtroom procedures, persuasive argumentation, and critical thinking skills, impressing judges and spectators alike with their poise and professionalism. While in a close match against Huntington, the Newfield team showcased their legal prowess and strategic thinking in a highstakes courtroom setting. The John P. Cohalan, Jr. Courthouse, known for its long legal history, provided an ideal backdrop for the intense legal battle between two formidable teams.

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/.

The Necessary Standard for American Education

Local Government in Suffolk County

By Matt Meduri

The local level of government is the one that has the most effect on the community, by far. Despite the highprofile elections at the federal level, the hyper-local level of government is where most focus should be concerned. We’ll take a broad look at County and Town governments, as well as distinguishing the differences between villages and hamlets.

County Level Government

Suffolk County is the most populous suburban county in the nation. It’s also home to a diverse electorate and a varied set of profiles: agriculture, tourism, industry, energy, development, and workingclass neighborhoods, to name a few. In addition to being a bedroom community of New York City, Suffolk is also an economic powerhouse for the northeastern region of the country.

That said, attentive county-level government is necessary to keep a county like Suffolk running smoothly. The County Executive position is the highestranking seat at the county level, elected every four years, most recently in 2023. Current County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) is the first Republican elected to the seat since Bob Gaffney in 1999. The County Executive is responsible for overseeing operations of the county, appointing positions for various departments, creating economic stimulus, leading the charge on development and new initiatives, and maintaining the county’s home-rule stance on policy and procedure.

Suffolk County also elects a Clerk - currently, Vincent Puleo (R-Nesconset) - a Comptroller - John Kennedy (R-Nesconset) - a District Attorney - Ray Tierney (R) - and a Sheriff - Errol Toulon (D). The Clerk is essentially the cover of the book on face of the level of government it serves. Marriage licenses, certain permits, and keeping track and time of all government meetings are just a few of the Clerk’s responsibilities. The Comptroller is tasked with overseeing the County’s fiscal measures, budget, and tracking for discrepancies, to name a few. Both positions serve four-year terms and were last elected in 2022.

The District Attorney serves as the County’s lead prosecutor, directs the assistant attorneys in investigating cases, and maintains the justice system to accurately analyze evidence and protect the rights of the accused. D.A. Tierney was elected in 2021, flipping the seat from Democratic control. The Sheriff runs the county jail and supplies security and services to the courts. Sheriff Toulon was re-elected in 2021.

Suffolk is also represented by the County Legislature, with all eighteen seats electable every two years. District lines are redrawn every ten years pursuant to changes recorded by the Census. Currently, there are eleven Republicans, six Democrats, and one Conservative. Since the Conservative Legislator caucuses with the Republicans, the GOP has a supermajority in the Legislature. The majority party enjoys control of all committees and the opportunity to elect a Presiding Officer and Deputy Presiding Officer. P.O Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) and D.P.O. Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters) were unanimously elected by the entire Legislature to remain in those roles at the beginning of 2024.

In 2021, Republicans took control of the Legislature for the first time since 2005. Our tri-Town coverage area has the lion’s share of the County Legislature’s seats.

In Smithtown, the Twelfth and Thirteenth Districts are represented by Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) and Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga), respectively.

In Brookhaven, the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Districts are entirely within the Town. They

are represented by Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches), Nick Caracappa (C-Selden) - who serves as Majority Leader - Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Point), and Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue). Parts of the First, Eighth, and Twelfth Districts are also included in Brookhaven. The First is represented by Catherine Stark (R-Riverhead) and the Eighth is represented by Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville).

Islip includes the Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Districts, represented by Sam Gonzalez (D-Brentwood), Trish Bergin (R-East Islip), and Steve Flotteron, respectively. Parts of the Eighth District are included in Islip Town as well.

The Legislature has several committees, all of which have a Chair, Vice Chair, and members who have opportunities to serve on their committees of choice based on their professional expertise. The Committees are: Budget & Finance; Economic Development, Planning & Housing; Education and Diversity; Environment, Parks, and Agriculture; Fire, Rescue, EMS and Emergency Preparedness; Government Operations, Personnel, and Information Technology; Health; Labor and Consumer Affairs; Public Safety; Public Works; Transportation and Energy; Seniors and Human Services; Veterans; and Ways and Means.

The Legislature holds their committees meetings open to the public and for viewing online. Additionally, the Legislature holds General Meetings, in which all eighteen Legislators convene for votes, debates, and public hearings on certain legislation. The horseshoeshaped desk at which all Legislators sit gives the Legislature overall the name “The Horseshoe.” The Legislature rotates their meetings between the campus in Hauppauge and the campus in Riverhead. Riverhead is the official county seat of Suffolk.

The Legislature’s importance can be understated in light of Albany and Washington, D.C. Some important pieces of Legislation have come out of the Horsehose in recent years. In 2022, Legislator Caracappa sponsored a bill that requires tow truck drivers to remove debris from roadways after an accident. The State version of the bill has been sponsored by Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James). Just last year, Legislator Thorne represented a bill that would require all police officers to carry EpiPens to save patients from an allergic reaction.

All meetings of the Legislature are available online for live viewing and meetings are open to the public.

Township Level of Government

The Town level of government functions similarly to that of a state government, but on a much smaller scale. The Supervisor is elected as the executive position of the Town, in addition to the Clerk and Tax Receiver. For our readers, Smithtown and Brookhaven have Highway Superintendents elected every four years. Islip has a Town Department of Public Works (DPW).

All three of our supervisors are elected on fouryear terms. Smithtown’s Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park) was elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2021. Islip’s Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip) was re-elected to her third and final term in 2023. Brookhaven’s Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches) was just elected to his first term in 2023.

Town’s also have a Town Board - or Town Council, depending on nomenclature - which functions as representatives of the people who oversee development, planning, local economy, downtown revitalization, and budgetary measures, to name a few. They can propose to amend Town Codes and can interact with, form, or dissolve other boards of the Town, such as Zoning, Planning, etc.

Brookhaven and Islip are represented by a councilmanic district system, in which districts are drawn pursuant to Census changes to represent

This column will seek to address the long-forgotten concept of civics and how it relates to American government in general, from the federal level to the local level. This column will explore Constitutional rights, the inner workings of government, the electoral process, and the obligations and privileges of citizens.

population shifts and communities of interest. Brookhaven has five Republicans and one Democrat on the Town Board, while Islip has three Republicans and one Democrat.

Smithtown is represented by an at-large Council system, in which all candidates, regardless of party, appear on the same Council ballot. Two positions are elected every two years, rotating, and the top two vote-receivers in the election are elected to the Board. All four of Smithtown’s Board seats are held by Republicans.

Some Town’s vary on certain measures, departments, and codes. It’s important to contact your local councilman or councilwoman. For marriage licenses, building permits, and other clerical measures, check in with your Town Clerk.

The Town level of government is perhaps one of the most intimate forms of government that all people of Suffolk County have. Suffolk has ten townships, from west to east: Huntington, Babylon, Smithtown, Islip, Brookhaven, Riverhead, Southampton, Southold, Shelter Island, and East Hampton.

The Villages and the Hamlets

One aspect of life on Long Island that confuses non-locals is the direction of government to the hyper-local level: villages and hamlets.

A village actually has nothing to do with population, as some might relate it to size or demeanor. A village is an incorporated community that has a level of self-governance and with it, extra responsibilities. A village has set boundaries and is a recognized government entity. Each village has a Village Hall, elects a Mayor and a set of Trustees, and can pass local ordinances, levy or relieve certain taxes, can specifically court stakeholders for developments and economic projects, and can receive certain grants from all higher levels of government. For instance, the Villages of Bellport and Mineola (Nassau) received grants for downtown revitalization this winter from the State level.

Villages, however, must rely on themselves for almost all services, such as garbage, emergency response, and road maintenance where applicable. This often comes with a tax increase on residents.

However, villages can levy their incorporated status for benefits. For example, Jake’s 58 Casino has a contract with the Village of Islandia. The casino pays a flat rate to the Village for its residence there, regardless of profitability. Because the casino brings in so much money, the Mayor intends to cut Village property taxes for its residents because the casino subsidizes them.

Villages also come with their dysfunction. In 2010, Mastic Beach decided to incorporate. Chaotic board meetings, no Village direction, and a general uninterest in proceedings led to the dissolution of the Village of Mastic Beach in 2017.

A hamlet, on the other hand, is an unincorporated community, often referred to simply as a Census-designatedplace (CDP). These do not have set boundaries, although many agree on where the “lines” are, do not elect mayors and trustees, cannot pass local ordinances, and rely on the Town or County for all services. They are not recognized government entities but still receive regular attention from County and Town governments.

Suffolk County is home to thirty-three villages, many of which lie within our tri-Town coverage area.

Smithtown has three villages: Head of the Harbor, Nissequogue, and Village of the Branch.

Islip has four villages: Brightwaters, Islandia, Ocean Beach, and Saltaire - the latter two located on Fire Island.

Brookhaven has eight villages: Belle Terre, Bellport, Lake Grove, Old Field, Patchogue, Port Jefferson, Poquott, and Shoreham.

Other villages include Amityville and Lindenhurst in the Town of Babylon, Asharoken and Lloyd Harbor in the Town of Huntington, Quogue and Westhampton Dunes in the Town of Southampton, and Sag Harbor, which is split between Southampton and East Hampton Towns.

Interestingly, the Town of Riverhead has no incorporated villages. The Town of Shelter Island has one, Dering Harbor, which the least-populous village in the State of New York, with just 50 residents.

By Matt Meduri

Brookhaven Matters

Legislators Host Blood Drive in Coram

The need for blood is as urgent as it is constant. Luckily, local Legislators take it upon themselves to regularly collaborate with the New York Blood Center (NYBC) to sponsor and host blood drives around Suffolk County throughout the year.

This week’s collaborative effort featured the involvement of County Legislator and Majority Leader Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), Legislator Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Point), Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station), and Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue).

The drive was held Wednesday afternoon from 1:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at the Coram Fire House.

“We reached out to the Blood Center, because you hear every single day how there’s a shortage of blood, and some areas are in dire need,” Legislator Caracappa told The Messenger. “As human beings, we want to help one another, not just as elected officials. We’re hoping people really benefit from this and if we can make a difference, it’ll save lives. One day, our family members, our friends, or even ourselves might be in need of it. We give it up for the New York Blood Center because they save lives every day. If we can contribute in some small way just a couple days a year, then why not?”

“You’ll constantly hear there’s a shortage of blood in the communities,” said Legislator Lennon. “These direct communities are immensely helpful because now we’re giving the hospitals the blood they need to help save lives. You have that golden hour to save someone’s life when they’re severely bleeding, they could even be bleeding out, and now when you get to the hospital, that blood’s

Panico, Loguercio, and Thorne Kick Off the North Bellport NY Forward Planning Meeting

On April 17, Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches) and Councilman Michael Loguercio (R-Ridge) held a meeting at the Boys and Girls Club of the Bellport Area to kick off NY Forward Round 2, a program targeted at smaller rural communities. They were joined by Suffolk County Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue).

New York Forward will invest $100 million in communities across New York State, while on Long Island, North Bellport

and Mineola are targeted to receive $2.25 million dollars each. The total amount of New York State funding allocated in all rounds of DRI is $1 billion dollars. There will be a series of monthly meetings and a community-based planning process that will advance the opportunity for new businesses like a fresh market/grocery store and a financial institution along with mixed use development across from the Bellport Long Island Railroad train station.

there ready to give it to them to possibly save a life. We look forward to doing more blood drives in the future. blood drives in the future.”

Legislator Thorne, who chairs the Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness Committee in the County Legislature, says that the need for blood is a constant one in Suffolk County.

“When an emergency strikes, and it happens all the time in the county, emergency blood supplies are vitally important to literally save their lives,” said Thorne. “I always recommend that if somebody has a little room in their heart and a little blood to give, come on down, give a pint, whether it’s at this event or any of the events that are hosted throughout the County, or our Assembly and Senate staff. It will literally save someone’s life.”

Assemblyman Flood thanked the Coram Fire Department for doing the “heavy lifting” for Wednesday’s drive.

“We do a lot of advertising for the drive, especially on our social media, along with my four other colleagues who are here,” said Flood. “Obviously this is a much-needed thing. Everything you hear from hospitals is that there’s a shortage of blood. It’s not overly difficult to give and it saves lives.”

Senator Murray remarked on the typical shortages of blood seen in the summer months.

“In the summertime we always have a shortage of blood. That’s because a lot of people are away, they’re on vacation,” said Murray. “Even right now, with Easter, with Passover, the holidays, it’s running low. So, we need anyone and everyone who can give and can help to come out and give.”

Councilwoman Dunne

Kesnig and Relic Design Fight Coastal Pollution at Patriots Preserve and Shirley Beach

On April 11, Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig (R-Manorville) announced that the Town of Brookhaven, in partnership with the Mastic Beach Conservancy and Relic Design, placed Cleanup Stations at Patriots Preserve and Shirley Beach to combat coastal pollution in the Tri-Hamlet community. This environmental effort allows visitors to use a basket to pick up trash and deposit it into a trash receptacle. The Mastic Beach Conservancy had previously sponsored Cleanup Stations at Bayview Park, Osprey Park, and Cranberry Pier, all in Mastic Beach.

(Left to right) Legislator Lennon, Assemblyman Flood, Senator Murray and his dog Petey, Terri Garafola, Legislator Caracappa, and Legislator Thorne

Statement from Presiding Officer McCaffrey Regarding ‘Champions of Diversity Month’ in Suffolk County

In recognition of Suffolk County’s diverse and inclusive population, April 2024 is designated as “Champions of Diversity Month” and was celebrated with special presentations at the April General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature in Hauppauge.

I was pleased to present an honoree from my own 14th Legislative District, joining with my colleagues who each selected an honoree from their own district. Each of these praise-worthy individuals are residents of our County who demonstrate the appreciation of diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence in their respective communities. I encourage everyone to view the video of the presentations on the Suffolk County Legislature’s website to be as impressed as I was with these Diversity Champions as their accomplishments were outlined by each of the sponsoring Legislators. The accomplishments range across all endeavors from artistic to altruistic to pastoral.

receive their awards. The honorees from each District, along with their sponsoring Legislator, include:

LD-01: Mark McLaughlin, Legislator Catherine Stark (R-Riverhead)

LD-02: Minerva Perez, Legislator Ann Welker (D-Southampton)

LD-03: Jennifer Ng Heitman, Legislator Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches)

LD-04: Dr. Vaughn Denton, Legislator Nick Caracappa (C-Selden)

The April celebration of “Champions of Diversity Month” was begun in 2023 as a result of a bipartisan resolution. This second celebration in 2024 was again a tribute to innovative ideas, creative solutions, and the opportunity for diverse achievers to have their contributions to our County be valued, respected, and supported by not only the Legislature, but each resident of the County we love.

Twelve of the eighteen honorees were present to

LD-05: Councilman Jonathan Kornreich, Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket)

LD-06: Lisa Jacobs, Legislator Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Point)

LD-07: Pastor Xavier Hale, Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue)

LD-08: Gabriela Maria Ulloa, Legislator Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville)

LD-09: Mario Crespo, Legislator Sam Gonzalez (D-Brentwood)

LD-10: Britnae Tillet, Legislator Trish Bergin (R-East Islip)

LD-11: Margarita Espada, MFA, Legislator Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters)

LD-12: Priya Kapoor, Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset)

LD-13: Dr. Sylvia Diaz, Legislator Rob Trotta R-Fort Salonga

LD-14: Michael Roman, Legislator Kevin McCaffrey R-Lindenhurst

LD-15: Marcus Duffin, Legislator Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon)

LD-16: Pastor Dan Rivera, Legislator Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station)

LD-17: Sheree Sibilly Simmons, Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park)

LD-18: Erich Preis, Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport)

Legislator Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) has represented the Fourteenth District in the Suffolk County Legislature since 2014. The Fourteenth District includes Babylon village, Gilgo, Lindenhurst, Oak Beach, and parts of Captree, Copiague, North Babylon, North Lindenhurst, and West Babylon.

Legislator McCaffrey has served as the Presiding Officer of the Legislature since 2022.

The Fourteenth District office is located at 125C South Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst and can be reached at 631-854-1100.

Statement on the 2024-2025 State Budget

By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

After six budget extenders and three weeks past the statutory deadline, the 2024-25 state budget has been delivered to New Yorkers. Hardworking taxpayers will subsidize a recordhigh $237 billion spending plan. While the process is now final, it will take time before the public knows exactly what it’s paying for. Yet again, the basic standards of public input, open government and transparency continue to erode in Albany.

A financial commitment of $2.4 billion for the migrant crisis is among the state’s largest expenditures and illustrates the steep price we pay for misguided priorities. New York Democrats invited problems with sanctuary policies. President Joe Biden failed to secure the southern border, and now New York taxpayers will spend billions, including $500 million from our reserve fund, to clean up the mess.

The inclusion of Good Cause Eviction is a blatant assault on basic property rights. Even with an opt-in provision, this is the definition of government overreach and a dangerous step toward universal rent control. Property owners and small landlords will lose more of their rights and cede decision-making controls to the government as Democrats embrace a key component of the radical, socialist platform.

As usual, there are elements of the budget that help New Yorkers, including Assembly Republican proposals within the final plan. Some of these measures include:

• Defeating the governor’s proposal to cut funding to half of the state’s school districts;

• Making the overdue change in property law to distinguish criminal squatters from tenants;

• Increasing penalties and resources to fight rampant retail theft crimes;

• Expanding the eligibility and funding in the state’s Tuition Assistance Program;

• Expanding programs and tax credits to address child care needs.

Ultimately, Democrats failed to exhibit fiscal restraint or focus on the most important issues on the minds of New Yorkers. Without a commitment to reduce the cost of living, a comprehensive strategy to improve public safety, or a willingness to rein in spending, New York remains on a path of unsustainability. But the end of the budget process does not mean the end of our work. In the upcoming months, I will join my Assembly Republican colleagues to continue to address the opportunities that were badly missed in this state budget.

If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can be reached by mail at 19 Canalview Mall, Fulton, NY 13069 and by email at barclayw@nyassembly. gov. You may also find me, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, on Facebook or Twitter at @WillABarclay.

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R-Pulaski) is the Assembly Minority Leader and has represented the 120th Assembly District since 2003. The 120th District contains most of Oswego County and parts of Jefferson and Onondaga counties.

What’s the Best Diet for Healthy Sleep?

A Nutritional Epidemiologist Explains What Food Choices Will Help You Get More Restful Z’s

By Erica Jansen | The Conversation

You probably already know that how you eat before bed affects your sleep. Maybe you’ve found yourself still lying awake at 2 a.m. after enjoying a cup of coffee with dessert. But did you know that your eating choices throughout the day may also affect your sleep at night?

In fact, more and more evidence shows that overall dietary patterns can affect sleep quality and contribute to insomnia.

I am a nutritional epidemiologist, and I’m trained to look at diets at the population level and how they affect health.

In the U.S., a large percentage of the population suffers from poor sleep quality and sleep disorders like insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which the upper airway becomes blocked and breathing stops during sleep. At the same time, most Americans eat far too much fatty and processed food, too little fiber and too few fruits and vegetables.

Although it is difficult to determine whether these two trends are causally linked to one another, more and more research points to linkages between sleep and diet and offers hints at the biological underpinnings of these relationships.

How diet and sleep quality can be intertwined

My colleagues and I wanted to get a deeper understanding of the possible link between sleep and diet in Americans who are 18 and older. So we analyzed whether people who follow the government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans get more hours of sleep.

Using a nationally representative dataset of surveys collected from 2011 to 2016, we found that people who did not adhere to dietary recommendations such as consuming enough servings of fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains had shorter sleep duration.

In a separate study, we followed more than 1,000 young adults ages 21 to 30 who were enrolled in a web-based dietary intervention study designed to help them increase their daily servings of fruits and vegetables. We found that those who increased their fruit and vegetable consumption over a three-month period reported better sleep quality and reductions in insomnia symptoms.

Research conducted outside the U.S. by my group and others also shows that healthier overall dietary patterns are associated with better sleep quality and fewer insomnia symptoms.

These include the Mediterranean diet – a diet rich in plant foods, olive oil and seafood, and low in red meat and added sugar – and anti-inflammatory diets. These are similar to the Mediterranean diet but include additional emphasis on certain components in the diet like flavonoids, a group of compounds found in plants, which are shown to lower inflammatory biomakers in the blood.

Parsing the foods and nutrients

Within overall healthy diet patterns, there are numerous individual foods and nutrients that may be linked to quality of sleep, with varying degrees of evidence.

For example, studies have linked consumption of fatty fish, dairy, kiwi fruit, tart cherries and other berries such as strawberries and blueberries with better sleep. One of the common pathways through which these foods may affect sleep is by providing melatonin, an important modulator of sleep and wake cycles in the brain.

Fiber-rich foods like beans and oatmeal and certain protein sources – especially those that are high in the amino acid tryptophan, such as poultry – are also associated with higher-quality sleep. Individual nutrients that may be beneficial include magnesium, vitamin D, iron, omega-3 fatty acids and manganese. Some foods like salmon are sources of multiple nutrients.

Untangling the complexity

One important caveat with a lot of the research on individual foods, as well as diet patterns, is that most studies cannot easily disentangle the direction of the relationships.

In other words, it’s hard to know whether the association is a result of diet affecting sleep, or sleep affecting diet. The reality is that it is likely a cyclical relationship, where a healthy diet promotes good sleep quality, which in turn helps to reinforce good dietary habits.

With observational studies, there are also possible confounding factors, such as age and economic status, that may have important correlations with both sleep and diet.

Foods to avoid for sleep health

Aiming for higher intake of sleep-promoting foods isn’t necessarily enough to get better sleep. It’s also important to avoid certain foods that could be bad for sleep. Here are some of the main culprits:

• Saturated fats, such as that in burgers and fries and processed foods, could lead to less slowwave sleep, which is considered the most restorative sleep.

• Refined carbohydrates, such as those in white bread and pasta, are metabolized quickly. If you eat these foods for dinner, they can result in waking up from hunger.

• Alcohol disrupts sleep quality. Although the sedative effects of alcohol can initially make it easier to fall asleep, it disrupts sleep patterns by shortening the amount of REM, or rapid eye movement, sleep in the first part of the night and leads to more night awakenings.

• Caffeine consumed even six hours before bed can make it difficult to fall asleep because it blocks the hormone adenosine, which promotes sleepiness.

• The consistent overconsumption of calories can lead to weight gain, one of the strongest predictors of obstructive sleep apnea. Having excess weight is a factor because it can put additional pressure on the diaphragm and lungs, and can also lead to a narrower airway if fat accumulates around the neck and throat.

Interestingly, our group has recently shown that toxicants in food or food packaging, like pesticides, mercury and phthalates – chemicals used to manufacture plastics – can affect sleep. Since toxicants can be found in both healthy and unhealthy foods, this research suggests that some foods can contain a mix of components that are both beneficial and harmful for sleep.

Timing of meals and gender considerations

The timing and consistency of eating, known as “chrononutrition” in the sleep research field, also very likely help to explain associations between healthy diets and good sleep.

In the U.S., eating at conventional meal times as opposed to random snacking has been associated with better sleep. In addition, late-night eating is typically associated with unhealthier food intake – such as processed snacks – and could cause more fragmented sleep.

A final and very interesting piece of this puzzle is that associations between diet and sleep often differ by gender. For example, it appears that the associations between healthy diet patterns and insomnia symptoms could be stronger among women. One reason for this could be gender differences in sleep. In particular, women are more likely than men to suffer from insomnia.

Keys to a good night’s sleep

Overall, there is not one magic food or drink that will improve your sleep. It’s better to focus on overall healthy dietary patterns throughout the day, with a higher proportion of calories consumed earlier in the day.

And, in addition to avoiding caffeine, alcohol and heavy meals in the two to three hours before bed, the last few hours of the day should include other good sleep hygiene practices.

These include disengaging from technology, reducing light exposure and creating a comfortable and relaxing environment for sleep. Moreover, allowing enough time to sleep and maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake time is essential.

Erica Jansen is Assistant Professor of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan.

Guest Column

Who Is The Left?

By Sebastian Gorka | AMAC Exclusive

Not long ago it was relatively easy to categorize the difference between our nation’s two parties.

Vituperation and partisan attacks aside, the Republicans were meant to stand for individual liberty, small government, free-market economics, and a strong national defense stance. For their part, the Democrats were meant to speak for and represent the working class, America’s minorities, the union, and the disenfranchised. Not anymore.

I truly hope this piece makes it in front of those who have voted for the Democrat Party and who intend to vote for Joe Biden this November because I want them to internalize, and then try and gainsay what I list below.

I dearly want one of them to email me, or better yet, call my national radio show on 833 334 6752 and explain how these are not the policies and beliefs they support if they vote for Biden and his party once more.

What are the Democrats really for:

• High energy prices. With Biden’s day one assault on fracking and oil exploration on federal lands, and his Administration’s ideologically motivated commitment to Electric Vehicles, any American who relies upon gasoline or oil for their work or home is under financial assault.

• Open Borders. More than 8 million illegals have been “paroled” into the US under the Biden deconstruction of the Trump-era immigration regime. These individuals, smuggled most often by cartels that make billions off the statesanctioned human trafficking, are not checked for COVID, or other diseases. Instead, they are given plane tickets paid for by the US taxpayer to live in any city they choose, and spending money in the thousands funneled from the US government via the NGOs that facilitate the invasion.

• Pro-Crime Prosecutors. From the US Attorney for the nation’s capital who refused to even prosecute the majority of felonies in a city that saw 800+ carjackings just last year, who instead locked January 6th defendants away for years on misdemeanors charges, to the local Soros-funded DAs who have instituted cashless bail, even for illegals who beat up officers on the NYPD, the whole of the institutional Left has taken the side of the criminal over the victim, even when it results in murder. The Mainstream media doesn’t want you to know, but the illegal immigrant who was paroled into the US under Biden’s new policies, and who killed beautiful 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley, had just been arrested in New York for endangering a child, of course, was released by the Democrat DA, so he could murder Laken.

• Imprisoning the Leader of the Opposition. Donald Trump is beating the incumbent Joe Biden in every significant political poll. That is why he is facing 730 years in prison. The mere fact that Fanni Willi’s lover and chief Trump prosecutor made numerous visits to the Biden White House, along with New York’s, Letitia James – who campaigned on incarcerating the former President, is proof enough that this is a centrally orchestrated lawfare campaign against the only man who can unseat Biden. Add to that the fact that Alvin Bragg’s chief prosecutor in Stormy Daniel’s case was sent there from the federal DoJ and had previously been a senior adviser to none other than Barack Obama, and you start to understand that these are all show trials meant to steal the next election before even the first vote is cast.

• Promoting Perversion. From giving interviews to “trans” women like Dylan Mulvaney who are an affront to real women and who represent a parody of all the worst misogynistic anti-women tropes, to promoting Drag Queen recruiters for the US Navy, and hosting topless trans activists at the White House, Joe Biden has chosen a side on the culture war. That side is defined by the values of being anti-Christian and anti-family values. Why else would you issue a Presidential Proclamation on “Trans-Visibility” on Easter Sunday, the holiest day of the year for Christians?

• Helping our External Enemies. In addition to insulting and isolating our friends and allies, – who can forget Biden’s State of the Union, the hot-mic moment when he insisted the Israeli Prize Minister have a “Come to Jesus” moment, why would you give millions of dollars to the terrorists who run Gaza, and billions to theocratic regime in Iran that wishes to destroy both America and Israel? Unless you’re on their side?

• Targeting Average Americans. Remarkably, few noticed the recent admission before Congress that Biden’s federal agencies illegally surveilled US citizens with warrantless searches 250,000 times last year. Add to that the FBI tracking Catholics as domestic threats simply because they are “traditional,” or imprisoning prolife activists because they prayed outside an abortion clinic, and it seems obvious that it isn’t simply President Trump they wish to neutralize.

Overview - AMAC - The Association of Mature American Citizens

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 amac.us

I could go on and on. But I don’t need to.

The Democrats have become a radical anti-American party of elitists interested in only one thing: power. Call in, email me, tell me I’m wrong. But back it up. And if you can’t, then vote for the man they hate the most. Vote for Trump.

Sebastian Gorka Ph.D. is the host of SALEM Radio’s AMERICA First and The Gorka Reality Check on NEWSMAX TV. A former Strategist to President Donald Trump, he is a member of the National Security Education Board of the Pentagon. His latest book is The War for America’s Soul. Follow him on his SubStack page and website. He is a regular contributor for the Association for Mature American Citizens (AMAC).

WORD OF THE Week CONJECTURE

Origin:

Late Middle English (in the senses ‘to divine’ and ‘divination’): from Old French, or from Latin conjectura, from conicere ‘put together in thought’, from con- ‘together’ + jacere ‘throw’.

Source: Oxford Languages

Noun

Pronounced: kuhn·jek·chr

Definition:

an opinion or idea that is not based on definite knowledge and is formed by guessing

Example:

“The truth of his conjecture was confirmed by the newspaper report..”

Synonym: Guess

Antonym: Fact, Know

See how many words you can create. Must have center letter in word and can use letters more than once. 4 letter word minimum.

This Week in History

April 25, 1792: Guillotine first used in France, executes highwayman Nicolas Pelletier.

April 29, 1990: Wrecking cranes began tearing down the Berlin Wall at the Brandenburg Gate.

April 26, 1965: Kevin James, American actor and comedian (The King of Queens), born in Mineola.

May 1, 1931: The Empire State Building opens in New York City.

April 28, 1937: 1st commercial flight across Pacific operated by Pan Am.

April 30, 1789: George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States of America at Federal Hall in NYC.

April 27, 1903: Long Island’s Jamaica Racetrack opens.

Romaine Announces Agreement with All Unions on Improved Health Care

Suffolk County to Save $100 Million Over a Five-Year Period, Make Health Care More Affordable with Lower Copays to Attract and Retain Employees

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) announced today the County has reached an agreement with the Suffolk Coalition of Public Employees (SCOPE), the legal entity representing all Suffolk County employees and retirees for health care benefits, to extend health care benefits for employees. Under the new agreement, the County will achieve $100 million in total program savings over a five-year period compared to the previous contract.

“This agreement is significant to our taxpayers as we achieve significant cost-savings in the amount of $100 million,” said Romaine. “Not only is this agreement fiscally sound and beneficial to streamline County operations but provides enhanced benefits for county workers that are more affordable and will help us to attract and retain our valuable employees.”

“County Executive Romaine is giving a master class in good government. He was able to save county taxpayers tens of millions of dollars, retain senior employees, and improve healthcare for

all county workers. We applaud his efforts and look forward to continued collaboration between management and labor,” said Louis Civello, SCOPE President.

The health care agreement will continue the terms and conditions of the SCOPE agreement from May 2019 with modifications that encourages employees to continue their employment if preferred, increasing recruitment and retention of seasoned members of the County workforce. The extension provides employees with enhanced health care benefits, no contribution increases after 2025, and retains important member benefits for retirement.

Beginning on January 1, 2025, the Employee Medical Health Plan (EMHP) will transition its thirdparty administrator services to Aetna, leading to the $100 million in program savings and providing employees with more expanded in-network providers and lower administrative fees for the County.

In addition, the agreement reduces primary care physician copays for employees from $25 to $20 effective July 1, 2024.

Additional enhancements of the health care agreement include:

• Durable medical equipment and medical supplies provided in network will be covered at

100% irrespective of site of care.

• Less restrictions of pre-authorization and certification of care.

• Member premium contributions will be capped and continued at the 2025 rate (2.5%) and the 2025 $4,000 maximum cap (2024 maximum remains at $3,750).

Any employee retiring on or before December 31, 2028, will keep reimbursement for the cost of Medicare Part B, including IRMAA.

In Memoriam KathleenJ ohnson

Selfless Community Leader

Surrounded by loved ones in the house she made a home, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kathleen Johnson on Aprill 18, 2024. She was 68 at the time of her passing. Kathleen was born on March 13, in Andover, Massachusetts, to Edward (Ed) and Margaret (Peg) Johnson. She was the oldest of three children, followed by her brother, Michael, and sister, Gail. After moving to New Hampshire, she attended Phillips Exeter Academy in one of the first years that women were admitted. As a teenager, she was an avid field hockey player and volunteered at local hospitals as a candy-striper. After high school, she attended the University of New Hampshire, graduating in 1978 with a degree in Business Administration. At UNH, Kathleen was president of her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. While completing her undergraduate degree, Kathleen would spend her summers working in Montauk, NY. In 1977, during the summer of her junior year, Kathleen met her husband, Michael Mark Ushko. After college, Kathleen and Michael moved to Queens, New York. Kathleen would spend the next decade working in the advertising industry at McNamara, Clapp & Klein in New York City.

Kathleen had her finger on the pulse of Center Moriches.

In 1986, Kathleen and Michael were wed at a ceremony in Exeter, New Hampshire. They celebrated their honeymoon by taking a road trip through France. From tasting the champagne of royal weddings in Epernay to touring the fields of Provence, Kathleen and Michael’s trip as newlyweds would spark a lifelong passion of traveling together. In 1990, Kathleen had her daughter, Emily Paige Ushko, after which she left the advertising industry. In 1993 the Johnson-Ushko family relocated to Center Moriches, Kathleen would combine her entrepreneurial spirit and creative pursuits (sewing, handed down from her mother, Peg) to found Emily’s Treasures, a custom children’s clothing and party costumes company.

In Center Moriches, Kathleen, Michael, and Emily not only found a home, but a community. She was a member of the School Board for Our Lady Queen of Apostles and the CoCoordinator of Environment and Arts at St. Peter & Paul Church. On Thursdays, it was not out of the ordinary to see Kathleen zipping around town delivering Meals on Wheels to the elderly. This would be a tradition for more than three decades. With a smile, a warm heart, and patience for those around her,

It was undeniable that anyone who met Kathleen understood her devotion to her family and commitment to bettering her community. In 2000, Kathleen, along with Anthony Parlato III, became Co-Executive Directors of the Moriches Community Center. Through the years, Kathleen worked tirelessly to help shape the small center into a thriving not-for-profit organization that delivers support, aid, and opportunities for people of all ages and creeds. From organizing Thanksgiving and Christmas donations to the Center Moriches annual 5k Walk and Run, Kathleen, along with dozens of others, cultivated kindness in Center Moriches, day by day, year by year. In 2019 The Moriches Community Center realized its dream and settled at a permanent home at 313 Frowein Road, Center Moriches, New York. It is here that Kathleen’s beloved after school program began to thrive, ensuring a permanent place for school-age children to have a safe and creative environment to find themselves. After more than twenty years of service to the center, Kathleen retired as Director in 2022, with her mentees, Sonny Saguto and Michael Valentine, becoming the next generation to lead.

Kathleen’s desire to better the world extended to her personal interests. Gardening was one of her great passions. She took immense pride tending to her flower beds around the house and cultivating her vegetable garden. She loved to bake and decorate during holidays. It was not out of the ordinary to receive one of Kathleen’s handmade pies when you moved to Center Moriches, celebrated an achievement of life, or grieved with others during times of adversity.

Kathleen was an avid fisherwoman and clammer. Along with her husband and friends, she spent her summer days on Moriches Bay enjoying the sail, sea, and time with good people.

Last, but not least, one of Kathleen’s best attributes was helping others, especially in finding their creative outlets. She taught sewing classes to teens and helped start an art program called the Moriches Art Alliance with best friend Chris Cohen.

Kathleen touched the lives of so many people through her outreach and friendships. It is with this in mind that, in lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations be made to The Moriches Community Center. A memorial will be held to celebrate Kathleen Johnson’s incredible life at a later date.

Community Spotlight

Community Member Making A Difference 23

By PJ Balzer

Anthony Miller is certainly no stranger to hard work. The twenty-one-year-old Mastic Beach native has been working since he was in elementary school. Anthony began working with his dad’s drywall and spackling business and is now the proud owner of his own business, a local pizzeria.

Anthony has been flipping pies for years now. Working for his father’s business included working out on the east end as far as Southold at one point. He was in middle school at the time and needed a local job that he could easily get to after school. He started working behind the counter in a local pizza place. He gradually was moved to the kitchen where he observed intently everything that was going on around him. Eventually, he was taught to make pizza and hasn’t stopped since. He’s worked in several pizza places locally where he said that he’s learned a lot from each store, each owner, and each cook.

“It was time to take the chance and make that leap into my own business. I was honestly tired of working under other people and felt I knew what I needed to know in order to have my own spot,” said Miller.

At just nineteen years old, he took that chance. The current building that he’s in has had several different owners, a full out fire amongst other issues. Anthony, alongside his family, has worked hard to create just the opposite. As we sat for the interview, his father was out back building a new counter for him and his mother stops in sporadically with her sleeves rolled up to help in the kitchen, when she’s not babysitting her seven grandchildren that is.

Anthony is a big supporter and sponsor to many local organizations, sports teams, and individuals. He strongly believes in giving back and doing so constantly.

“This community keeps me in business. How could I not turn around and support it?”

He sponsors local sports teams, team dinners, pasta nights and a variety of other events. He especially loves feeding the varsity football team the evening before a game and seeing them win the next day.

His pizza store is literally steps away from William Floyd High School where he graduated from in 2020. While most local establishments don’t necessarily encourage the high schoolers business, he purposely runs lunch specials that they can afford. He feels that having the teenagers around the store after school is a good way to connect with them.

“Some of the kids I live on the same block as, others I’ve coached in youth football when they were just children. I love seeing those same kids sit in my store.”

Most recently he has stepped up publicly on social media and said that he was supporting the Back the Blue fundraiser for late Officer Diller who was killed while on duty in Far Rockaway, Queens. Miller donated five dollars of every pie sold on April 17. The social media word started spreading and his store ended up selling one hundred and twenty pies on a Thursday, over double the average for a weekday.

“I saw a lot of familiar faces that day and a lot of new ones as well. It was a nice day of giving to the family of someone who gave everything.”

Miller was approached by a local leader after this fundraiser to ask

Long Island Ducks Host Fan Day:

A Celebration of Baseball and Community Spirit

By Cait Crudden

Long Island Ducks fans gathered at the team’s iconic baseball stadium for a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and, of course, America’s favorite pastime. Fan Day at the Long Island Ducks Baseball Stadium brought together enthusiasts of all ages to celebrate the sport they love and honor the team that has captured their hearts.

From the moment gates opened, the stadium buzzed with anticipation as fans streamed in, decked out in their finest baseball gear and sporting smiles from ear to ear. Children clutched baseball gloves in eager anticipation of catching a foul ball, while seasoned fans reminisced about past victories and unforgettable moments on the field.

The festivities kicked off with a lively pregame meet and greet and delicious ballpark fare. Families and friends gathered around sharing stories and laughter as they soaked in the festive atmosphere. The scent of delicious ballpark food wafted through the air, adding to the nostalgic ambiance of the occasion.

As game time approached, the excitement reached a fever pitch as fans made their way to their seats, eagerly awaiting the first pitch. The stadium cheered as the players took to the field, greeted by the roar of the crowd and the waving of signs and flags.

Throughout the game, fans were treated to a spectacle of athleticism and skill as the Ducks faced off against their opponents. From towering home runs to acrobatic catches in the outfield, every play elicited cheers and applause from the stands, uniting fans in their passion for the game.

The Long Island Ducks defeated the California Dogecoin 12-1 in the second game of spring training at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.

The Ducks are entering their 24th season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip. They are the all-time leader in wins and attendance in Atlantic League history, led all MLB Partner Leagues in attendance in 2023, and have sold out a record 706 games all-time. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).

But Fan Day was about more than just baseball—it was a celebration of community spirit and the special bond between the Long Island Ducks and their loyal supporters. Between innings, fans were treated to entertainment and activities, including mascot appearances, base running contests, and giveaways, keeping the energy levels high and the smiles wide.

For many fans, attending Fan Day was about more than just watching a game— it was a chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts and share in the camaraderie of being part of the Ducks family. As the final innings ticked away on another memorable day at the ballpark, fans lingered in the stands, savoring the last moments of the game and relishing the sense of community that permeated the air. With a big win, Fan Day had brought fans together in a shared celebration of baseball and the special bond that unites them as Ducks faithful.

As fans made their way home, their hearts full of memories and their voices hoarse from cheering, they knew that they had been part of something truly special—a day dedicated to the timeless joys of baseball and the enduring spirit of community that defines the Long Island

Aaron Antonini (right) added an RBI single in the fifth to make it an 8-0 ballgame. A four-run frame in the seventh made it 120, with another RBI single from Antonini and a tworun single by German Tapia highlighting the inning. A sacrifice fly to right off the bat of Warli Garcia in the ninth got the Dogecoin on the scoreboard and rounded out the scoring.

Ducks experience. And as they eagerly awaited Fan Day and look forward to Opening Day on Thursday night, they knew that they would be back, ready to cheer on their beloved team and celebrate the magic of America’s favorite pastime once again.

Wei-Yin Chen (left) started and threw three scoreless and hitless innings, walking two and striking out four. Chris Ellis followed with two scoreless frames, yielding one hit with four strikeouts. Emilio Marquez, Ramon Santos and Trevor Bettencourt each pitched a scoreless inning of relief as well. The Ducks pitching staff combined to allow just one run, three hits and four walks while striking out 13.

Antonini led the Flock offensively with four hits, two RBIs and two runs. Bradley Jr. added two hits, four RBIs, two runs and a walk, while Hector Gomez (right) chipped in with three hits and an RBI.

Credit: Tim Walz

Ducks President and CBO Michael Pfaff - Photo Credit: Tim Walz

Long Island plated three runs in the first inning on Jackie Bradley Jr.’s (pictured above) two-run home run to right-center field and an RBI single to left by Hector Gomez. Four more runs came home in the fourth to extend the lead to 7-0. A sacrifice fly off the bat of Nick Heath, another two-run homer to right for Bradley Jr. and a solo homer to left by Frank Schwindel did the damage.