Brookhaven Messenger Archive May 16, 2024

Lennon’s Bill Signed Into Law:

‘Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day’

By Matt Meduri

The topic of Veterans’ mental health is salient for an unfortunate reason: it is a problem that continues to persist, in some places at record-high levels.

Legislator Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Point) recently submitted a bill to name September 22 as “Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day” in Suffolk County.

The bill’s legislative intent states that since September is Suicide Prevention Month and since approximately twenty-two Veterans take their own lives each day, the date of remembrance of September 22 is appropriate.

The bill was signed into law by County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) at the V.F.W. Post #6249 in Rocky Point last Thursday.

Continued on page 11

Bellport Boys and Girls Club Hosts

‘Give Back Bellport’ Day

By Matt Meduri

A community’s strength can be gauged by many metrics, but none quite as important as its ability to give back. From addressing common issues to rendering help to those who most need it, a community can find utmost strength by directly addressing challenges and uncertainties those within it might experience.

Bellport put such a display of generosity and civic-mindedness last week at the Boys and Girls Club on Atlantic Avenue. The Second Annual “Give Back Bellport” Day was a massive success, delivering services, information, outreach, and even prayer to three hundred people from the area.

The Boys and Girls Club of the Bellport Area (BGCBA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides children ages five to nineteen with a safe environment for preschool, after-school care, and teen programs. According to the BGCBA website, the club offers programs that “impact the lives of our members in vital areas, such as academic success, good character, citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. Young people need to know that someone cares about them and we are here to support them in every aspect of their lives.”

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The Bellport Boys and Girls Club’s Second Annual Give Back Bellport Day

County Executive Romaine (left) and Legislator Lennon (right) sign bill designating September 22 as Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day. (Credit - Office of County Executive Romaine)

Branch Funeral Homes

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Continued from front cover

Bellport Boys and Girls Club Hosts Successful

‘Give

The BGCBA mission statement reads: “To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most in the Bellport Area and increasingly from the South Shore, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.”

The Club was founded in 1965 as the Bellport Area Community Action Committee Inc., and affiliated with the Boys and Girls Club of America in 1996.

Give Back Bellport Day consists of services from various charities and nonprofits to deliver food, clothes, backpacks, and other essentials to children and families of the South Country area. Additionally, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department was on hand to issue child ID cards, and True North Community Church offered ministry services as well.

The event was held in tandem with Suffolk County Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue) and State Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue).

Back Bellport’ Day

“We have three goals that we work on within the organization: academic success, character development and leadership, and healthy lifestyle. So, those are really our core,” Kim Livingston, Executive Director for the BGCBA, told The Messenger. “But as an organization, we also work with the community a lot, because we know that just working with our kids isn’t enough. We want to work with the community and our families as well.”

Livingston stresses that while being a beacon of aid safety for the community’s children is one priority, making an indelible mark on the community at large is another important objective of the Club.

“The community Give Back Day gives us an opportunity to host the families in the community, work with our representatives, offer resources and anything that our families need, and really put a face on who we are,” says Livingston.

Livingston says that while the Bellport Give Back Day is a great opportunity for those to obtain essential commodities, services, and information, it’s also an opportunity for the community to simply come in and get to know the organization and the people behind it.

“The community can come into the building and they can meet all of us. They can also learn that we offer childcare and get out other resources that are needed in the community,” says Livingston. “We also get our representatives out here to meet the constituents in the community.”

“This was a day to bring every possible resource you can need into the community itself,” Legislator Thorne told The Messenger. “That’s what this day is about. A couple hundred people came in tonight, made contact with our County services and with the nonprofits who were here. Some immediate needs were handled and more importantly, we serve the community in the community.”

Thorne says that immediate needs such as “food and clothing insecurities” were addressed.

“Sometimes people just need a bottle of shampoo, which was provided here today by Serve All New York,” said Thorne. “Immediate needs of Social Services were also addressed. Some people here needed to get to Social Services but they don’t have

Labor, Health, and Social Services, as well as other agencies like the Adoption Center, Angels of Long Island, True North Church,” said Thorne. “True North Church of Bohemia gave out free clothing, Angels of Long Island gave out free food.”

Thorne also said that the Suffolk Police and Sheriffs were on hand to “increase communication with the neighborhood with our brave men and women of law enforcement.” The Sheriff’s Department and the Community Oriented Police Engagement (COPE) Officers were also present to issue child ID cards, which function similarly to driver’s licenses, with photos, fingerprints, and details to assist law enforcement should a child go missing or be involved in an accident.

“We had numerous people here to put their resources together to help the community,” said Thorne. “Bringing this here is vital to revitalization.”

Senator Murray shared sentiments similar to those of Legislator Thorne.

“I’m always happy to join in to bring all these different community services together,” Murray told The Messenger. “The fact that there was such good turnout is both good and bad. It’s good in the fact that so many people got help, but it’s bad because so many people need help and there’s so much more that we have to do.”

Inside the center, tables lined the perimeter of the auditorium, with so much attendance from the community that more tables had to be set up to create a center aisle. The children present also had the opportunity to befriend and learn about an ignitable liquids detecting dog, Chuck, handled by Fire Marshall Ryan Fischer.

“Chuck will sniff around to see if there are any ignitable liquids present after a fire, such as gasoline, diesel, or fuel,” said Fischer. “And if there’s nothing there, Chuck can determine or eliminate those as possible causes of a fire or arson.”

Livingston is a licensed social worker and has concentrated her career on children and families, as well as housing developments for homeless and disabled youth. Livingston is a resident of Brookhaven hamlet. She graduated from Bellport High School and currently has a student enrolled in the school. She became Executive Director for the BGCBA in May 2022.

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cars, so they got those services here.” Thorne said that the Bellport Give Back Day was not only a product of the BGCBA, but also multiple divisions of Suffolk County government.

“We pulled in the Suffolk County Departments of

Chuck, who is two-and-a-half years old, is the only canine of his line of work in Suffolk County. Nassau County has two. Chuck has been with Fischer for two years. Fischer says that Chuck thrives in community environments, not only because of his innately friendly nature as a black Labrador, but because he gets rewarded with food instead of attention.

“He doesn’t bark at anybody, he loves everybody,” said Fischer.

While insurance fraudsters likely don’t like Chuck very much, children love him, and Fischer said Chuck loves children as well.

With about three hundred people served by the second annual Give Back Bellport Day, true community strength and optimism was on display at the Boys and Girls Club in Bellport. Going forward, it’s safe to say that local legislators, local stakeholders, and charitable organizations across Long Island won’t let Bellport down any time soon.

The Bellport Boys and Girls Club is located at 471 Atlantic Avenue in Bellport and can be reached at 631-286-9090.

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(Left to right) Senator Murray, Kim Livingston, Legislator Thorne. (Credit - Matt Meduri)

Chuck, the ignitable liquid detection canine. (Credit - Matt Meduri)

May 16, 2024

Trotta’s Proposes Housing Bill to Increase Ownership

By Cait Crudden

In a move that could potentially reshape the landscape of apartment developments across the region, Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) introduced legislation that aimed to mandate a significant portion of new housing units to be designated for cooperative or condominium ownership. The proposed measure seeks to address the pressing need for more affordable homeownership opportunities while promoting community cohesion and stability.

The legislation, I.R. 1355-2024, spearheaded by Trotta and supported by several colleagues, aimed to rebalance the housing market by ensuring that a substantial proportion of newly constructed apartment complexes prioritize cooperative or condo ownership models. If enacted, developers would be required to allocate at least 50% of housing units in new projects to cooperative or condo arrangements, offering residents an alternative pathway to homeownership beyond traditional renting.

At last Tuesday’s general meeting in Hauppauge, Trotta emphasized the importance of fostering diverse housing options that cater to the varying needs and aspirations of residents. He insisted that the American Dream of home ownership is still alive and that more efforts should be made to ensure this dream can become a reality. Trotta said that people still have a yearning for a place they can call home and that a generation is being robbed of earning equity.

Proponents of the legislation argue that promoting cooperative, condo, and single-family ownership can yield numerous benefits, including greater stability, increased investment in local neighborhoods, and enhanced community engagement. By encouraging residents to take a stake in their homes and neighborhoods, proponents

believe that the legislation can pave the way for more vibrant and resilient communities. They also believe this allows the younger generation a pathway to financial success and stability through home equity. They stated that younger people are leaving New York State in droves and that they are postponing many of life’s bigger moments due to not having this type of stability in their lives.

However, the proposed measure has sparked debate among stakeholders, with some expressing concerns about its potential impact on rental affordability, the ability to find financing for these projects, and developer incentives. Critics argue that imposing such stringent requirements on developers could stifle housing supply and exacerbate affordability challenges, particularly in high-demand suburban areas where rental housing is in short supply. The legality of such legislation came into question as well.

Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) insisted that there were additional funding avenues for developers to

investigate further with financial institutions, as well as an aging population that would create more housing opportunities in the future. Legislator Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville) asked that if these developers are in such good standing to receive financing, then why are these projects continuously subsidized by the taxpayers through tax abatement. He also questioned why more single-family homes were not being built as well.

Legislator Trotta also pointed to the fact that some of these local developers were so independently wealthy they did not even need the backing of financial institutions to build, and it was clear to him that this was about residual income for them. He said that these developers put up their own financing to avoid paying capital gains.

Stakeholders who spoke during the public portion of the meeting against the bill were Mike Florio, CEO of the Long Island Builders Institute (LIBI) and Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island.

The proposed legislation comes at a time of heightened attention to housing affordability and access nationwide while interest rates remain high. As housing costs continue to outpace income growth in many parts of the country, especially on Long Island, policymakers are increasingly exploring innovative solutions to address the affordability crisis and expand homeownership opportunities.

The legislation failed in a recess vote of seven in favor and eleven against. The legislation was then closed in a twelve-to-six vote, with Legislators Trotta, Kennedy, and Piccirillo voting against the closure, along with Legislators Trish Bergin (R-East Islip), Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Point), and Steve Englebright (D-Setauket). The closure of the bill marks its return to the Committee on Economic Development, Planning, and Housing.

Legislator Anthony Piccirillo (left) and Legislator Rob Trotta (right) (Credit - Matt Meduri)

Romaine Allocates Funding for Youth Sports Programs

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) has announced funding to support youth sports programs, aimed at fostering community engagement, promoting physical activity, and providing opportunities for personal development among young residents. The initiative, announced by Romaine and the Suffolk County Youth Bureau, seeks to expand access to sports programming for underserved youths while encouraging participation in healthy recreational activities.

With childhood obesity rates and mental health issues on the rise and concerns about sedentary and isolated lifestyles among young people, the importance of promoting physical activity and sports participation cannot be overstated. Recognizing the transformative impact that sports can have on the lives of young individuals, Romaine has prioritized investment in youth sports programs as part of his broader commitment to promoting health and wellness in Suffolk County.

By Cait Crudden Credit -

Funding was created under the OCFS to provide awards to support youth team sports programs for underserved youths under the age of 18. It supports youth development through team sports programs. The Suffolk County Youth Bureau will review and evaluate each proposal for cost-effectiveness, impact, and measurable outcomes. Funding decisions and awards will be based on guidelines established by New York State.

Locally based organizations and nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding to support initiatives that address the unique needs and interests of underserved youths, including those from low-income families, minority communities, and rural areas. Priority will be given to programs that promote principles including educational connection and achievement, physical health, mental health and well-being and community cohesion.

The funding allocated by Suffolk County as part of a funding stream created in the New York State Fiscal Year 2024 budget will support and appropriate funds to support team sports for underserved youth. By partnering with local community-based organizations and nonprofits, the county aims to create inclusive and accessible opportunities for youths of all backgrounds and abilities to participate in sports activities.

One of the key components of the initiative is the emphasis on reaching underserved youths who may face barriers to sports participation due to economic, social, or geographic factors. To this end, the Suffolk County Youth Bureau has announced that it accepted applications through May 8th for the Suffolk County Team Sports Grant program that may not exceed $25,000. Funding will be provided by the Suffolk County Youth Bureau via the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).

The announcement of funding for youth sports programs comes at a time when communities are increasingly recognizing the importance of investing in the physical and mental health and well-being of young people. By providing resources and support for sports initiatives, Suffolk County aims to empower youths to lead active, healthy lifestyles, develop valuable life skills, and build strong connections with their peers and communities.

As applications for funding end, organizations that submitted proposals and demonstrate a clear vision for how they will use the funding to benefit underserved youths in Suffolk County will soon be evaluated. With the support of County Executive Ed Romaine and the Suffolk County Youth Bureau, these initiatives have the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals, creating a healthier, more vibrant future for Suffolk County.

Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax Program Launches a New Remittance Portal!

Suffolk County Comptroller

John M. Kennedy, Jr., (R-Nesconset) (pictured left) is pleased to announce the new Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax Remittance Portal!

Pursuant to Chapter 523, Article II of the Suffolk County Code, every facility providing short-term lodging (less than 30 days) for a fee in Suffolk County is required to collect a 5.5% occupancy tax of the perdiem rental rate charged for each room. This law applies to all lodging facilities including residences and tourist homes, not just traditional hotels and motels.

All registered lodging facilities are required to file a tax return and remit the occupancy tax on a quarterly basis. Quarterly returns must be filed for each facility operated for the preceding three-month period ending the 20th of March, June, September, and December of each year. Suffolk County will require the second quarter filing of 2024 to be remitted via the new iGovServices portal at: https://suffolkcountyny.igovservices.com or scan QR-Code at right.

and straightforward solutions.”

Comptroller Kennedy commented, “I am excited to provide an efficient and transparent tool for remittance of hotel/motel occupancy taxes. My Office is committed to promoting user-friendly technology. Our collaboration with iGovServices will improve the way that we interact with the many people whom we are honored to serve.”

Chris Sturm, CEO and Lead Implementation Consultant of iGovServices (web pictured top right) stated, “we are happy to partner with Suffolk County in bringing new self-service options to the community. Our award-winning software and support make tax remittance simple. Comptroller Kennedy’s Office and iGovServices share the same goal of strengthening public trust through offering convenient

As is the Comptroller’s policy, his office will continue to review this platform and all existing software with a focus on solutions that are intuitive, cost-effective and paperless.

Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset) has serve as Suffolk County Comptroller since 2015. He previously served as a Suffolk County Legislator from the Twelfth District from 2004 to 2014, serving as Minority Leader for the final two years of his time in the Legislature.

Matt Meduri

School Board Elections: Vote with Your Community in Mind

It’s no secret that local school board elections are some of the most important and impactful elections in which a citizen can participate. It’s also no secret that they absorb the lion’s share of cynicism and disdain out of all local-level elections.

We can’t argue with some of the sentiments of annoyance, inconvenience, and doubt, but we also can’t say that it’s all perfectly deserved either.

In short, no one likes their taxes going up. Better yet, no one likes the sheer idea of their taxes going up. In one of the most heavily-taxed places in the country, it’s a perennial question of exactly which straw will break the camel’s back, because it seems like there can be an awful lot, and yet, the top hasn’t exactly caved in, at least not yet.

Like a double-stacked tower of Jenga blocks, we carefully tap on a block that seems like it’ll be an easy move, only to find ourselves beating around the bush, resorting to other means. Each attempt feels like an eternity, accompanied by a royal-blue face as we won’t let our breath go until we have at least an illusion of safety.

Jenga has some variety in terms of house rules. In some cases, you can tap on as many blocks as you’d like until you find a feasible move. According to others, you have to carefully eyeball the tower, as when you make a selection, you must commit and either pass the anxiety on to the next player, or end the game with a bad move.

Luckily, some of the school board budget propositions subscribe to the former rule, and not the latter, at least not entirely. In the case of Sachem Central School District, the proposed budget for Tuesday’s ballot is a 4.87% tax levy increase that pierces the cap, which accounts for an approximate increase of $27 per household per month. The upside is that all current programming, offerings, and support are retained, but the downside is that seventy-three positions districtwide will be reduced.

The way the aforementioned Jenga rule analogy works is that if the budget fails on Tuesday, residents can then approve or reject a 1.92% increase, which is at the tax cap, on June 18. The budget would see an approximate increase of $11 per month, but would come with significant drawbacks.

Class sizes would be increased districtwide. The following eliminations would occur: five social workers, the partnership with Northwell Health, all elementary school clubs, all middle school sports, all JV sports at both high schools, and overnight trips (including the senior trip). Additionally, it would reduce funding by 50% for all secondary clubs, including Marching Band, Robotics, DECA, and others, it would reduce the number of school librarians, elementary, middle school, and high school music offerings, and middle school World Language offerings.

If that revote fails, then the contingency budget would be enacted. It would see a 0% increase in taxes, but it would eliminate the transfer of $9,000,000 to capital projects and all equipment purchases totalling $436,100.

Plus, it would include all the reductions from the budget revote in which the

increase remains at the tax cap.

So, while a near-5% increase seems like a large enough figure at which to balk, is the second option really worth it? We’re not a fan of increased taxes, but forgoing taxes for the sake of the principal might just be cutting off our nose to spite our face.

At this point, it’s a cost-benefit analysis. You could pay more per year to retain current programming, or you could save a slight amount in property taxes to watch the value of your community assets diminish significantly.

We’re not endorsing a specific choice on this one, or for any budget proposition in any school district that we cover, for that matter. We leave that decision up to the taxpayer, because at the end of the day, it’s your districts and you know them best. We use Sachem as an example as it pertains to our three townships of coverage, but also because it’s a stark example of what may or may not be in store for your district in light of the recent decisions by Albany.

It’s an inconvenient choice that really isn’t as zero-sum as we’d like; there’s a distinct disadvantage to either option. But at what cost does each one truly come?

For this one, we’ll lay the blame squarely on Albany Democrats for approving a budget with these types of slashes. As much as our Republican representatives tried and wielded their power on committees and in budget hearings, Albany still had their way.

We can understand wanting to cut down on State spending in light of fluctuating district enrollment, and we can also understand a possible rework to the “hold harmless” formula as it severely impacts downstate schools significantly more than it does upstate schools. Downstate school districts are funded about 70% with property taxes, whereas upstate districts hover around about 30%. It’s a deep contrast that can’t be solved with a one-sizefits-all provision.

However, if more than $2 billion was not being prioritized to people who broke our country’s immigration laws, are being harbored by the State and NYC, given benefits, phones, debit cards, and lodging - all while they complain and assault our police officers - residents of the Sachem Central School Districts, and possibly others, might not have been fronted with such an inconvenient decision. Furthermore, if Governor Hochul truly addressed the problems that have led to anemic outstate migration, we might not even have to have the conversation of district enrollment reduction, prompting the need for shifted State aid, or at least not as much of a conversation.

New York’s problems truly do trickle down to the local level. Had New York leaders had a vision to keep the state habitable decades ago, we could have probably gotten off scot-free this year, or at least had decisions that didn’t make us quite as nauseous.

In the end, a decision is only as inconvenient as you make it. This Tuesday, make “future you” thank “past you” with your vote.

This National Police Week, Let’s Gain Some Perspective

The war on law enforcement continues to reach new heights as the years go by, with each year leaving the world more unrecognizable than the last.

We used to live in a world that respected figures of authority, not pathologically, but out of mutual respect and common courtesy. We used to understand the social hierarchies that all figures of authority, not just law enforcement, used to have.

Nowadays, skirting any type of authority is almost seen as a rite of passage in an increasingly detached world. We agree that authority itself doesn’t simply command full-fledged respect, but we also understand the intrinsic nature of that relationship builds character and keeps the world’s spine intact.

The derision that law enforcement faces almost every day is sickening to say the least. Sure, there are bad actors, and they should be dealt with

appropriately as the situations entail. But unwavering, blanket disrespect doesn’t make us stronger or somehow more independent, it makes us a nation of loose-lipped, hot-headed teenagers who lack respect for themselves before anyone else.

This National Police Week, we’d like to extend our sincerest respect to our law enforcement officers, especially in the face of all the derision and danger they face daily. Furthermore, the job has not gotten more attractive to take up, which only makes it a more respectable task that people voluntarily enter this field of public service.

The Messenger recognizes the dedication, perseverance, and selflessness that each and every law enforcement professional possesses. We sincerely hope that we can return to a world where authority can be respected as commonly as authority should be, and one in which mutual trust and respect is restored.

By Congressman Nick LaLota

Protecting Those Who Protect Us

As we mark National Police Week, it’s essential to acknowledge the critical role that law enforcement officers play in maintaining the safety of our communities and upholding our societal values. This period of reflection is a poignant reminder of their dedication and the risks they face daily. The recent passing of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller, who was killed in the line of duty, underscores this reality. The widespread support following his death from across Long Island exemplifies our collective appreciation for those who protect us.

Coming from a family of police officers and having served in the Navy for eleven years, I have a deep respect for the commitment required to serve in uniform. This respect influences my actions in Congress, where I advocate for robust support of our law enforcement officers.

My legislative efforts, including support for The Police Act of 2023 (H.R. 2494) and The Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act (H.R. 3091), reflect my dedication to enhancing the safety and accountability of our law enforcement officers. Additionally, I am proud to have introduced the COPS on the Beat Grant Program Reauthorization and Parity Act of 2023. This bill aims to reauthorize and update the COPS program, ensuring it remains

May 21 - Vote NO to Sachem’s Budget

I am not supporting the Sachem School District Budget and voting NO on May 21.

The district is asking voters to increase property taxes by 4.8% forever due to falling enrollment that has reduced state aid. They also plan to increase reserves as part of a five-year plan to prepare for unforeseen future circumstances. Additionally, they intend to test the cap.

The district did not have to pierce the tax cap. They accumulated $40 million in reserves over the last few years without piercing the tax cap. The purpose of the cap is to prevent districts from excessively taxing communities to build up funds. However, the current five-year plan of the district to overtax the community to increase reserves is unfair to the students and taxpayers of Sachem for 2024-2025.

If the budget fails, in one simple move, the district could come in under the cap by simply flipping the appropriated fund balance of $9.2 million to $11.9 million and the unreserve fund balance from $11.9 million to $9.2 million; that simple flip of the fund balance could have created a budget and tax levy that did not pierce the tax cap or use current reserves. or require cuts to staff or programs.

A fund balance is created by underspending the budget. This school year, Sachem underspent the budget by $21 million. Last year, Sachem underspent the budget by $23 million.

Some Sachem Taxpayer Facts:

• Sachem has 26,896 properties: 17,865 in Brookhaven, 7,743 in Islip and 1,293 in Smithtown

• The Proposed Property Tax is $ 8,072.49 per taxpayer

• The Proposed Tax increase is $344,08 per taxpayer

• The Fund Balance and Reserves are $2,259.46 per taxpayer

Fred Gorman Sachem Taxpayer

accessible to all law enforcement agencies, regardless of their size or the economic status of the communities they serve.

During National Police Week, let’s unite in support of law enforcement officers nationwide, recognizing their courage, dedication, and sacrifices. It’s crucial that we reaffirm our commitment to providing them with the necessary resources, support, and respect, enabling them to continue their vital work with integrity and honor.

By honoring our law enforcement officers, we pay tribute to the foundational principles of justice, security, and freedom. My advocacy for law enforcement on the Homeland Security Committee is steadfast, and I am committed to promoting policies that reinforce our dedication to law and order and ensure the safety and well-being of all Americans.

Congressman Nick LaLota (R, NY-01) is the son and grandson of police officers and a lifelong Long Islander serving New York’s First Congressional District since 2023.

Letters to the Editor

Tuesday, May 21, is National Waitress Day. Your neighborhood restaurant waitress is on her feet all day long working long hours. She has to take and deliver meal orders, follow up to make sure your meal is up to expectations, refill your coffee, tea or water glass, box any leftovers you want to take home, and prepare the check -- all with a smile and friendly disposition. On this day, why not show your appreciation and honor your favorite waitress? Leave a 25% tip against the total bill including taxes. Remember that they usually have to share the tips with the bus boys. Drop off some flowers, a box of candy, or some cookies as well.

Larry Penner Great Neck

8 State

May 16,

State Legislature Proposes Bills to Combat Antisemitism and Defund Anarchy in Higher Education Institutions

By Cait Crudden

In response to growing concerns about antisemitism and disorder on college campuses, the New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly have introduced legislation aimed at addressing these issues head-on. The proposed bills seek to defund activities that promote anarchy and violence, while also combating antisemitism in higher education institutions across the state.

The bills come amid a nationwide debate about free speech, academic freedom, and the role of universities in fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Critics argue that certain activities and organizations on college campuses have contributed to a hostile atmosphere, where antisemitic rhetoric and violent behavior go unchecked, undermining the principles of tolerance and diversity.

Senate Bill S.7752 and Assembly Bill A.8399, which were introduced at a press conference by Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst) and State Senator Bill Weber (R-Montebello), aim to address these concerns by prohibiting any student from receiving tuition assistance for colleges and universities that knowingly engage in promoting antisemitism in a manner that incites or produces imminent, lawless action constituting “true threats”. This legislation was introduced following the terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and the recent protests at universities, where, as a whole, nationally antisemitic incidents have surged nearly 400% as reported by the Anti-Defamation League.

Additionally, the bills come in response to activities that promote anarchy, violence, or the suppression of free speech on college campuses and are needed to safeguard Jewish students and community members. It is a measure to ensure that

universities and their students uphold their responsibility to maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R-Medford) shared his sentiments that “taxpayers should not be funding antisemitism” and that “swift decisive action to address this alarming rise in hate and ensure the safety and well-being of all students”. Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station) echoed these sentiments, emphasizing “the acts of violence occurring on campuses throughout our state and nation are utterly repulsive”. It begs the question of when students will be held accountable for their actions.

The proposed legislation has garnered support from a diverse coalition of lawmakers, community leaders, and advocacy groups, who view it as a necessary measure to safeguard the rights and well-being of all students However, the bills have also faced criticism from some quarters, with opponents arguing that they could infringe on free speech rights and academic freedom. Critics contend that the legislation could lead to censorship and suppression of legitimate political expression, potentially stifling open debate and dissent on college campuses.

Despite these concerns, supporters of the State Senate and Assembly bills remain steadfast in their conviction that action is needed to address the pressing issues of antisemitism and anarchy in higher education. As the debate continues, the fate of the legislation will ultimately be decided by the New York State Legislature, which must weigh the competing interests of free speech, academic freedom, and campus safety in its deliberations.

This Week Today

National, State and Local Temperature Checks

By Matt Meduri

National

Amidst the presidential primary season coming to an official end, the general election contest is heating up, and this weekend saw an unusual addition to the campaign roster: New Jersey.

Former President Donald Trump (R-FL) (pictured right) held a rally in Wildwood, New Jersey, on Saturday evening. The resort town, which is typically quiet in the winter and spring months, hosted tens of thousands of people on the boardwalk in what appears to be a targeting of one of the nation’s more reliably blue states.

No Republican has carried New Jersey since George H. W. Bush (R-TX) in 1988. The closest margin in the state since then has been just seven points for John Kerry (DMA) in 2004.

Despite New Jersey’s obvious blue hue, it’s not one of the most lock-solid states for Democrats, compared to Massachusetts or Vermont. New Jersey is considered a “high floor-low ceiling” state for Republicans, in that the GOP can usually rely on about 40% of the vote in any given statewide election, but typically finds trouble traveling north of that figure.

John McCain (R-AZ) registered at 41.61% in 2008, and New Jersey is one of the few states in which President Obama (D-IL) improved upon his prior margin in 2012. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) only garnered 55% of the vote in 2016, equating to a fourteen-point-margin. Joe Biden (DDE) improved the margin slightly to 57% in 2020, with Trump still hovering at 41%.

The Wildwood rally took place in Cape May County, the southernmost county and one of the most staunchly Republican in the state. Since 1896, Cape May County has only backed four Democrats for the White House, most recently Bill Clinton (D-AR) in 1996.

Trump held a rally in Wildwood in January 2020, just before the COVID-19 Pandemic completely changed the shape of the race. Trump’s rally here last weekend is likely predicated on historically-low approval ratings for Biden, as well as an April 2 poll from Emerson College showing Biden with just a seven-point lead in New Jersey in a twoway race. His lead shrinks to just five points when thirdparty candidates are considered.

Trump’s location of Wildwood also allows crossover among multiple pricey media markets, as well as likely draw from the rest of New Jersey, the prime swing state of Pennsylvania, and other supporters from nearby New York, Delaware, and Maryland, all blue-leaning states that have been part of the “blue wall” for decades.

Wildwood is also located in the state’s Second Congressional District, which encompasses most of South Jersey. Although the area is Republican-leaning, the district backed State Senator and dentist Jeff Van Drew for Congress in 2018. Van Drew, then a Democrat, joined the Republican Party in 2020 and has been twice re-elected.

While some estimate the crowd size as 30,000, Lisa Fagan, a spokeswoman for the City of Wildwood, told the Associated Press that she estimated between 80,000 to 100,000 attendees based on having seen “dozens” of other events held at the Boardwalk.

New Jersey Republicans are not as conservative as those from other states. New Jersey is also home to a diverse, college-educated population with significant whitecollar work in the urban areas. A massive swing would be required for Trump to add the state to his column, but at the very least, his rally

seems to be a push to expand the map for future Republicans.

In other general election news, Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has secured ballot access in the valuable prize of Texas. Accounting for forty electoral votes, Kennedy’s campaign says that they obtained double the amount of required signatures to gain ballot access. Texas required more than 113,000 signatures.

RFK now has access in fourteen states, most recently adding Ohio, Michigan, and Oklahoma to his column. He is ballot-eligible in 187 electoral votes’ worth of states.

Three states held primaries for the presidential election and for other statewide or federal offices on Tuesday night. Two cities held mayoral elections.

In Maryland, Biden and Trump each cleared their respective party primaries, with each carrying all twenty-three counties and the independent city of Baltimore. As of press time, Trump had 80% of the vote to now-suspended Nikki Haley’s (R-SC) 20%. His lowest margin came in the form of Montgomery County, the state’s most populous, with 69.1% to Haley’s 30.9%, with 52% of precincts reporting.

dark horse candidate Jason Palmer (D-MD) took 11.7%. Palmer gained national fame for winning the American Samoa Caucuses in March, becoming the first candidate to deny an incumbent President a primary win since 1980. Palmer endorsed Biden in April but fell short of suspending his campaign outright.

Trump and Biden swept all fifty-five counties. Trump captured all thirty-two delegates and Biden appears likely to take all twenty.

Finally, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice (R) is likely to flip the open Senate seat of retiring blue dog Senator Joe Manchin (D). Justice, who is wildly popular, will face Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott in November.

Biden took 86.3% of the vote with 72% of votes counted, with the “Uncommitted” ballot option taking 10.4%. His lowest county margin was 73.9% in northeastern Cecil County.

Trump took all thirty-seven delegates available, and Biden looks set to take all ninety-five.

However, Maryland was home to one of the most contentious primaries of the 2024 season, in terms of the Democratic Primary for the open U.S. Senate seat. In a slight upset, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) defeated Congressman David Trone (D, MD-06) for the Senate nod. Alsobrooks’ core base was within Baltimore and the D.C. collar counties. Alsobrooks faces wildly popular former two-term Governor Larry Hogan (R), who cleared his primary with ease.

Maryland has not elected a Republican to the Senate since 1980. Being one of the deepest blue states, some have viewed Hogan’s monumental task of flipping it red as virtually impossible. However, Hogan leads Alsobrooks by almost seven points in an average of eight polls taken since November. Democrats have won every Senate race in Maryland with more than 60% of the vote since 1986, with the exceptions of 1994, 2006, and 2012.

Trump and Biden also swept the Nebraska Primary, with Trump taking 79.9% of the vote in his, and Biden taking 90.4% in his. Trump took all thirty-six delegates and Biden looks on track to claim all twenty-nine. Trump looks on par to sweep all ninety-three counties, while Biden lost one, Logan County, as of press time. Now-suspended Congressman Dean Phillips (D, MN-03) won Logan County with five votes out of nine cast.

Congressman Don Bacon (R, NE-02) (pictured left) easily fended off a primary challenge from his right to advance to a re-election campaign. Nebraska’s Second Congressional District is one of the most evenly-divided in the nation, centered on Omaha and the surrounding areas. A selfproclaimed moderate, much to the chagrin of some in the GOP, has warded off stiff challenges in difficult years.

Trump and Biden also easily took the West Virginia primaries for their respective parties. Trump won with 88.4% of the vote to Haley’s 9.4%, while Biden took 70.1% of the vote in his. West Virginia’s Democratic Primary was more chaotic than usual, as

State

Governor Kathy Hochul (D) (pictured left) is taking an official State trip to Europe this week to address international policy summits.

“From fighting the climate crisis to harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, New York continues to lead the world with innovative solutions to global challenges,” Hochul said in a statement. “Our goal for this trip is simple: strengthen international connections that will create economic opportunities for New Yorkers and a cleaner future for the next generation.”

Hochul’s itinerary begins with a threeday summit in Italy and the Vatican to participate in the Pontifical Academy of Science and Social Science. She will then travel to Ireland to meet with government officials and business leaders in Dublin, culminating in her keynote address on the “Future of Cities” at the inaugural Global Economic Summit in Killarney.

A spokesperson for the Governor says that her trip is being financed by taxpayers money, as it is official business of the State of New York. However, the spokesperson also said that any costs outside “normal reimbursable expenses will be paid for the Governor’s own personal funds.”

Meanwhile, Hochul and the MTA have announced the rollout of sixty new all-electric buses that will run on certain routes in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens. The MTA is expecting 205 more electric buses by the end of 2025. About 280 charging ports are slated to be installed at depots around New York City, with a second phase of work bringing another 220 charging stations.

The MTA is also developing an on-the-street charging system that will allow buses’ batteries to be charged while in transit.

Local

Congressmen Nick LaLota (R, NY-01), Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport), and Anthony D’Esposito (R-Island Park) sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) calling on them to reverse the transfer of seventeen air traffic controllers from New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON/N90) in Westbury to Philadelphia.

“For months, I have been explicitly clear that the FAA’s blatant disregard for the personal and professional lives of our air traffic controllers is unacceptable. These Long Islanders deserve to be treated with the respect and dignity they have earned through long hours of doing everything they can to keep our communities safe,” said LaLota. “These workers ensure the safety and efficiency of our skies, and their families deserve stability, not upheaval. I urge the FAA to rescind their ill-considered reassignment plan and prioritize the welfare of our invaluable air traffic controllers.”

TRACON/N90 air traffic controllers are responsible for air traffic and safety for Newark Liberty, JFK, LaGuardia, and MacArthur airports.

Photo by Shealah

10

School Board Elections

Ballot Previews

On Tuesday, May 21, school district residents across the County will have the opportunity to elect school board members and pass budgets and other ballot propositions for their respective districts.

All seventeen of Brookhaven’s school districts will host elections on Tuesday. Check with your district clerk to determine which school is your polling place if your district has multiple campuses.

Bayport-Blue Point Union Free School District

Communities Served: Bayport, Blue Point, parts of North Patchogue School Board Candidates: Mallory Dougherty and Paul Wright are running unopposed to succeed the seats being vacated by Julia Conlon and Adrienne Cirone, respectively.

Proposition 1: Approving a budget of $85,882,466

Center Moriches Union Free School District

Communities Served: Center Moriches School Board Candidates: President George Maxwell is not running for reelection. Brian Tenety is running unopposed for a three-year term.

Proposition 1: Approving a budget of $54,132,914. It carries a 2.47% tax levy increase, within the tax cap.

Proposition 2: Approving a capital outlay project to complete work on student bathrooms at Clayton Huey Elementary at a total cost of $26,000. The project must be completed within the year.

Comsewogue School District

Communities Served: Terryville and parts of Port Jefferson Station, Coram, Centereach, and Selden School Board Candidates: This information was not made readily available by the District.

Proposition 1: Approval of a $116,574,788 budget that sees a 0% tax levy increase.

East Moriches Union Free School District

Communities Served: East Moriches School Board Candidates: President Greg Menegio is running for re-election. Joseph Kosinski is running unopposed for an open seat.

Proposition 1: Adopt a budget of $31,600,752 that carries a tax levy increase of 1.90%.

Proposition 2: Designate Center Moriches HS, Eastport South-Manor HS, and Westhampton Beach HS as receiving high schools for residents of the East Moriches UFSD for up to five years beginning July 1, 2024, ending June 30, 2029, for grades 9-12.

Proposition 3: The East Moriches USFD Board of Education be authorized to contract with the Suffolk Cooperative Library System for a period of one year only, commencing on July 1, 2024, for direct-access library services for a sum not to exceed $989,107, in addition to the sum of the budget.

Eastport-South Manor Central School District

Communities Served: Parts of Eastport and Manorville School Board Candidates: The seats held by President James Governali and Christine Racca are up for re-election.

Proposition 1: Adopt a budget of $109,736,931 that remains under the 4.96% tax cap.

Longwood Central School District

Communities Served: Gordon Heights, East Yaphank, Middle Island, parts of Coram, Yaphank, Medford, Ridge, Upton, and East Shoreham, small parts of Rocky Point and Miller Place

School Board Candidates: Board President Victoria Molloy and Vice President Daniel Tomaszewski are running for re-election. Matthew Gropper is running for the open seat held by Penelope Blizzard-McGrath.

Proposition 1: Approval of a $300,500,000 budget, substantiated by a tax levy increase of 1.79%. The estimated increase for an average home assessed at $2,442 would be $129.63.

Establishment of Capital Reserve Fund (CRF): Approval of a CRF at no additional cost to the taxpayers. A CRF is a savings account for the district used to finance capital projects in the future to offset the tax levy impact.

Bond Proposition I: Approval of $158,000,000 for security upgrades, roof replacements, interior door replacements, bathroom repairs, enhanced facilities for all students, and addition of Certified Career programs. Projects will qualify for 75% reimbursement through NYSED Building Aid.

Bond Proposition II: Approval of air conditioning replacement in all district buildings. Passage of Bond Prop. II is contingent on passage of Bond Prop. I.

Middle Country Central School District

Communities Served: Most of Selden and Centereach, parts of Lake Grove,

Coram, and Farmingville.

School Board Candidates: The seats held by Arlene Barresi, John DeBenedetto, and Denise Hagerty are on the ballot.

Proposition 1: Adopt a budget of $294,838,307 that carries a 2.54% tax levy, which is at the tax cap.

Miller Place Union Free School District

Communities Served: Most of Miller Place, parts of Sound Beach

School Board Candidates: Bryan Makarius is running unopposed for re-election.

Proposition 1: Adopt a budget of $82,952,733 that carries a 2.11% tax levy.

Mount Sinai Union Free School District

Communities Served: Mount Sinai, parts of northern Coram School Board Candidates: President Paul Staudt is running unopposed for reelection. Joseph Randazzo is running unopposed for an open seat

Proposition 1: Approve a budget of $68,805,778 that carries a 3.22% tax levy increase, which is within the tax cap.

Proposition 2: Approve a contract with Comsewogue Public Library and Port Jefferson Public Library for library services beginning July 1, 2024, for the amount of $1,916,120.

Proposition 3: Approve $3,000,000 in capital expenditures for building improvements.

Patchogue-Medford Union Free School District

Communities Served: Patchogue, most of North Patchogue, parts of East Patchogue, Medford, and Holtsville School Board Candidates: President Marc Negrin, Jennifer Krieger, and Bernadette Smith are running for re-election. They face Howard Valan, Lauren Kuban, and Pat-Med Senior Bryan Frascogna.

Proposition 1: Adopt a budget of $241,343,722 with a 2.67% tax levy increase that does not pierce the tax cap.

Proposition 2: Approve an $85,370,000 bond proposition for districtwide upgrades to heating, ventilation, and climate control measures in cafeterias and gymnasiums; athletic and recreation improvements; installation of a multi-purpose field, field lighting, bleachers, press box, video scorecards, and sound system; replacement of audio/visual and lighting systems at various performance spaces and related areas. Costs include equipment, machinery, furnishings, apparatus, and ancillary expenditures.

Port Jefferson Union Free School District

Communities Served: Belle Terre, most of Port Jefferson School Board Candidates: Seats held by Vice President Tracy Zamek, Rene Tidwell, and Ryan Walker are on the ballot.

Proposition 1: Adopt a budget of $48,018,335 that carries a 1.24% tax levy increase.

Rocky Point Union Free School District

Communities Served: Rocky Point, parts of Sound Beach School Board Candidates: Two seats are up and five candidates are running. The top-two vote-receivers will fill the seats. Vice President Michael Lisa is running for re-election. Michael Sanchez, Shelita Watkis, Stacey Lasurdo, and Elizabeth Diesa are all running.

Proposition 1: Adopt a budget of $93,985,727 that carries a 2.71% tax levy increase.

Proposition 2: Approve $4,300,000 from the capital reserve fund for districtwide boiler and burner replacements.

Sachem Central School District

Communities Served: Parts of Lake Grove, Medford, Farmingville, Lake Ronkonkoma, Holbrook, and Holtsville School Board Candidates: Incumbent trustees Vincent Reynolds, Michael Isernia, and Sabrina Pitkewicz are running for re-election.

Proposition 1: The proposed budget is a 4.7% increase, equating to a yearly property tax increase of $27 per resident. If passed, the budget of $377,326,912 would pierce the tax cap, and would retain the “current robust and award-winning fine and performing arts program for students K-12,” all current sports offerings, comprehensive mental health supports and resources for students, and all current co-curricular and club offerings.

If passed, the budget would also see a reduction of seventy-three positions districtwide.

If the budget fails on Tuesday, a secondary budget is slated to be put in front of voters on June 18. That budget would remain at the tax cap at 1.92%.

Proposition 2: Approving a capital expenditure of $5,387,500 for softball field reconstructions at Sachem East and North High Schools. continued on page

Lennon’s ‘Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day’ Bill Signed Into Law

However, the bill wasn’t only signed into law. It also made the rare achievement of attracting co-sponsorship from every other Legislator in the horseshoe. In addition to Lennon, all seventeen other Legislators signed on to make the bill a law.

“Every Legislator co-sponsored this bill, which is unheard of, so it shows that the support is out there,” Legislator Lennon told The Messenger. “A lot of it is educating people on what’s happening in the community because unless you’re in that Veteran military community, you really don’t know what’s going on. So, thank you to the support of every other Legislator that passed this bill unanimously and the County Executive for his support for our community. It is a great first step, but it’s just the first step.”

Lennon said that many Veterans are not aware of the benefits and resources available to them, likening them to a “hidden secret.”

“The thing we always say in the Veteran community is, ‘I don’t know what’s out there. Nobody’s telling, it’s almost like a hidden secret,’” said Lennon. “We need to bring those resources and benefits to the forefront so Veterans know what’s available for them.”

Lennon, a Marine and current Reservist, as well as Vice Chair of the Veterans Committee, said that he knows “too many who have taken their own lives.”

“One of the drivers of the trucks we had in Afghanistan died of an accidental overdose, which is the code word for suicide,” said Lennon. “There was another local Veteran who was in college who took his own life within the last year. When I was with recon, right before I got there, the Battalion Commander took his own life.”

Lennon adds that he knows or has heard of Lieutenant Colonels, Sergeant Majors, Colonels, and even Generals who have taken their own lives in the last decade.

Lennon also says that it’s not just the younger generation who grapples with mental health issues and suicide, but that Vietnam Veterans are a large number as well.

“We need to reach out to all eras of war and service to make sure they’re getting the services they need,” said Lennon. “Suicide knows no rank or gender. It knows nothing other than that it’s an issue that’s attacking everybody.”

Lennon also says that while the end result might be similar across the board, the causes that lead a Veteran to that point are more “layered.”

providing scholarships to Veterans and their families and providing mental health support from the Dwyer Program.”

County Executive Romaine discussed the urgent matter with The Messenger after the bill-signing.

“It’s a huge initiative when you have twenty-two people a day taking their lives who are either active military or retired Veterans,” said Romaine. “It’s a big concern and we’re calling awareness to this because we have a Veteran Service Agency that will provide the help that is needed.”

“Veterans have higher rates of homelessness, unemployment, and underemployment than others,” said Lennon. “Some also don’t think of themselves as Veterans because of their discharge status, and others think that because others hurt worse than them, that they themselves do not reach out for help. There’s always going to be someone in worse shape than you are, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get help for yourself.”

Lennon also outlined initiatives that the County has taken to aid Veterans in various walks of life.

“We have the Veterans Treatment Court, there’s a Veterans docket at the Traffic Court for resources, we have the Veterans’ Service Agency for the County,” said Lennon. “There’s no bank that a Veteran can go to for service animals, help with housing, or legal help. What we’re doing is putting all of those resources on the website and the next goal is to create an actual handout for the VA’s, so that Veterans can come in and ask for the benefits manual. We should have one at every level of government so every Veteran knows the benefits and resources they have.”

Lennon also says that solving the problems come in the form of engaging with the community, not limited to government providing help.

“The non-profits are really doing the bulk of the work out there,” said Lennon. “We saw many of them here today with Project Nine Line, Cooking for Long Island Veterans, and the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation. There’s services

At his State of the County Address last week, Romaine discussed suicide rates among police officers and initiatives to combat it. He spoke of similar measures regarding Veterans.

“Our Veterans Service Agency has mental health coordinators and counselors available. So, we’re there, we can help, we can get you the help or assistance you need. You don’t have suicide as your only option.”

Romaine also said that there’s “no shame” in reaching out for help.

“Please, if you’re going through a tough time, if you’re hitting a rough patch, reach out,” said Romaine. “There’s no shame in that. We’re here to help people through their difficult times. Please, there is help available.”

Majority leader Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), Chair of the Veterans Committee, provided to The Messenger soberingly realistic insights of the problem.

“This is a press conference today that I wish we didn’t have to have, but unfortunately the facts and statistics are all real, and we stand behind our Veterans,” said Caracappa. “Our Veterans are very proud to have served our country, to have served for our families and theirs. They cannot be too proud to help themselves and their families. This day is to recognize and bring awareness to that number twenty-two, because twenty-two Veterans per day nationally take their own lives. We want to get that number to zero. We’re going to keep going, we’ll keep coming up with every resource, awareness, and education possible to get that number to zero.”

The Messenger also discussed the bill signing with Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-East Patchogue), who also sits on the Veterans Committee.

“We’re proud of Legislator Lennon for putting this forward. This bill actually takes a statistic and turns it into remembrance, but more importantly, a call to action,” said Thorne. “Aggressive action to help our Veterans, give them the resources they need, and put a glaring spotlight on a problem. It cannot just be about statistics, it has to be about action. And this is what this bill does. Legislator Lennon put an amazing bill forward and we will stand with him every step of the way and our Veterans to make sure that we take care of the people who have fought for and defended our country.”

A representative for Legislator Catherine Stark (R-Riverhead), also a member of the Veterans Committee, gave the Legislator’s thoughts on the bill.

“Legislator Stark commends Legislator Lennon for bringing this legislation forward. Our office [First Legislative District] is always there to support our Veterans in Suffolk County, from Fisher’s Island all the way to the Nassau border,” said Stark’s representative. “We look forward to working with Legislator Lennon to support all our Veterans.”

The Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency Hauppauge office is located at 100 be reached at 631-853-VETS (8387). Offices are also available in Brookhaven Town Hall at 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville (631-451-6574), the Long Island State Veterans Home at 100 Patriots Road in Stony Brook (631-444-8759), and at 300 Center Drive in Riverhead (631-852-1410).

Please call before you go to these offices.

The National Suicide and Crisis Hotline can be reached by dialing 988 and is available twenty-four hours a day. Continued from front cover

CreditMatt Meduri

Earl L. Vandermeulen’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2024

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School is proud to announce Eric Chen as the valedictorian and Michelle Wu as the salutatorian for the graduating class of 2024. These outstanding students have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to their school community.

Valedictorian Eric Chenhas exemplified excellence in academics and extracurricular activities throughout his high school career. Eric will graduate having completed an impressive 15 Advanced

Placement (AP) classes, achieving mostly fives and fours on the 9 exams. His commitment to academic rigor is further evidenced by his recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction and his designation as a Presidential Scholar by the United States Department of Education. Additionally, Eric’s involvement in various clubs and organizations such as Science Olympiad, Mathletes, and Chess Club, showcases his multifaceted talents and interests. Notably, he has won multiple awards at both regional and state levels, including 2nd place in Disease Detectives and 4th place in Chemistry Lab at the recent Science Olympiad competition. Eric’s passion for academics and extracurriculars extends beyond the school walls, as he also works at his family’s restaurant. In the fall, Eric will continue his academic journey at Rice University, where he will pursue studies in Bioengineering.

Salutatorian Michelle Wu distinguished herself as an exceptional scholar and leader within the school community. Michelle will graduate having completed 14 AP courses, with all fours and fives on the 10 exams taken thus far, earning her the title of AP Scholar with Distinction. Her involvement in a wide array of clubs and organizations—including Student Organization, Interact, and Latin Club—demonstrates her commitment to service and leadership. Michelle’s achievements extend beyond academics, as she has excelled in athletics, participating in varsity swim and tennis teams. Her dedication to community service is evident through her volunteer work teaching children to swim at the Three Village Swim Club. Michelle’s academic prowess has garnered her recognition as a National Merit Finalist and recipient of the Suffolk County Zone Physical Education/Health Leadership

Award and the NYS Academic Excellence Award. In the fall, Michelle will attend Harvard University to pursue studies in economics and law.

Both Eric Chen and Michelle Wu embody the spirit of academic excellence, leadership, and service that Earl L. Vandermeulen High School strives to instill in all its students. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to their peers and a testament to the exceptional quality of education provided by the school.

Shoreham-Wading River High School Students Bring Home the Gold

Six Shoreham-Wading River High School students participated in the Long Island Region Special Olympic Spring Games held at the Plainedge High School Athletic Complex in North Massapequa on May 4.

The students were Andrew Brennan, Peter Christ, Jack Como, Lauren Golfo, Hailey Petruzzi and Sky Riekert. Students Madison Cummings and Abigail Savona were also honored by being certified for volunteering their time as assistant coaches.

A special congratulations to Peter Christ for his final participation as a Wildcat high school athlete in Special Olympics. Peter took home the gold in both the turbo javelin and softball throw.

“Every one of our athletes took home at least one gold medal,” Shoreham-Wading River High School physical education teacher Dennis Haughney said. “Congratulations on their amazing efforts.”

Color Run Raises Money for Student Scholarships

The Three Village community came together on May 4 for a Star Wars-themed color run to raise money for senior scholarships. The “May the Fourth Be With You” course spanned 1.5 miles around Ward Melville High School with multiple color stations placed throughout. Students and families wore white T-shirts to show the vibrant “galaxy of colors” they ran and walked through. The event brought the Three Village community together while celebrating and supporting the graduating class at Ward Melville High School.

Bayport-Blue Point HS Debate Team Places at State Championship

On May 7, the Bayport-Blue Point Board of Education honored students George R. and Yuvraj T. for their Debate Team accomplishments. The pair placed sixth out of 62 teams at the NYSFL State Championship at The Bronx School of Science in JV Public Forum Debate on April 13-14. They debated the resolution, “The United Nations should abolish permanent membership of its Security Council.”

Sachem Athletics Department Unveils

The Sachem Central School District Athletic Department is proud to unveil new turf baseball fields at Sachem High School East and Sachem High School North. District and building administrators joined both varsity baseball teams and coaches at their respective ribbon-cutting ceremonies to celebrate the opening of the fields.

“The creation of these fields has exceeded all expectations,” said Director of Athletics, Physical Education, Health and Health Services Gary Beutel. “They truly are state-of-the-art facilities, and the Sachem school district and community can look forward to using them for many years.”

The turf fields were approved by voters as part of a capital project proposition in 2023.

The Necessary Standard for American Education

How Governor’s Races are Different

By Matt Meduri

An important aspect of understanding civics is understanding that governor’s races, or gubernatorial elections, are often of a completely different strain of electoral participation, and can very easily not reflect the typical partisan lean of a state.

What Makes a Gubernatorial Race Different?

Gubernatorial races are almost entirely dependent on candidate quality. This isn’t to say that candidates with poor likeability or jaw-dropping gaffes haven’t cost themselves races in other means, but what it does mean is that people will respond more idiosyncratically when local issues are discussed on a large platform.

Partisan politics and soundbites to attract certain blocs of voters often suck all the oxygen off a debate stage, especially in today’s hyper-partisan environment. U.S. Senate races were often much more of a mixed bag, with ancestral political DNA often deciding factors in high-profile races that usually decided balance of power in Washington. Since each state gets two U.S. Senators each, there was also often more of a proclivity among voters to keep control divided. “Split” Senate delegations refer to states with one Senator of each party. Just ten to fifteen years ago, blue states like Rhode Island and Oregon had Republican Senators, while red states like South Dakota and Nebraska had Democratic Senators.

Today, this is not the case. As partisan tensions have risen exponentially, voters are less inclined to split their tickets, which has resulted in just five states with split Senate delegations: Maine, Montana, Ohio, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Vermont and Arizona technically have Independent Senators, but they both caucus with the Democratic Party. The five split delegations is the lowest number on record since the U.S. began directly electing Senators in 1914.

The U.S. House is more prone to split-ticket voting, as representatives can make their cases to much smaller segments of the population. Districts that are won by a certain party at the presidential level but by another on the House level are called “crossover” districts. Some include NY-04, represented by Anthony D’Esposito (R-Island Park), as Joe Biden (D-DE) carried the district by almost fifteen points in 2020. Another is PA-08, represented by Matt Cartwright (D), while Donald Trump (R-FL) won the district by four points in 2020.

Crossover districts have dwindled as well, but still reflect more intimate connections with the district than other elections.

Unlike the other two forms of representation, gubernatorial races have much greater tendencies of casting aside federal politics and typical partisan lean. Where this materializes is with intimate connections and discussions on the local issues. Additionally, as governors are more often than not lighting rods for every problem in their states, it becomes a much taller task to advertise themselves to voters if their approval ratings slip.

Gubernatorial competition doesn’t necessarily translate to other forms of contention, again, mainly owing to today’s hyper-partisan politics. A tight governor’s race doesn’t necessarily predicate a tight presidential race, nor does it necessarily mean a state is becoming competitive simply because of a race.

The Current “Mirage”

One could argue that certain states with governors of different parties than one would expect could be indicative of more down ballot success, but typically, it’s more or less a referendum on good policy by an underdog or bad policy by a favorite son. In some cases, it’s more or less a “mirage.”

While Vermont is one of the bluest states at each level, the state has been governed since 2016 by wildly popular liberal Republican Phil Scott. While Virginia and Nevada are blue-leaning battlegrounds, they’re run by

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.

Republicans. The same was true for Maryland and Massachusetts until 2023, Illinois, New Mexico, and Maine until 2019, and New Jersey until 2017.

On the other side, Democrats currently enjoy control of Kentucky and Kansas, as well as the red-leaning battleground of North Carolina. Democrats also governed Louisiana until 2023, Montana until 2021, and Missouri until 2017.

Good Governance on Display

Even the bluest and reddest states aren’t immune to governors of either party shaking things up, and one election cycle in particular proves it: 2006.

In 2006, Hawaii, one of the most Democratic states, re-elected Governor Linda Lingle (R) with a landslide 62.5% of the vote. She carried every county. She is the first and only Republican governor of Hawaii who earned re-election. To date, it’s the last time a member of the GOP won any statewide race here.

In the same exact election cycle, Wyoming, the reddest state, re-elected Dave Freudenthal (D) with a landslide 70% of the vote. He carried every county. It’s the last time a Democrat carried every county in Wyoming and won any statewide election in the state.

In just one election night, the bluest and reddest states re-elected governors of opposite parties by landslide margins. This is the result of good governance and keeping constituents content. By today’s metrics, these might be tougher pulls on paper, but they’re still not impossible by any stretch of the imagination.

This also allows for a much higher concentration of Independent or alternative party candidates winning gubernatorial elections. Jesse Ventura was elected governor of Minnesota under the Reform Party label in 1998. In 2014, Independent Bill Walker was elected governor of Alaska, the state with the highest rate of third-party voters.

Patterns are Important

Something to note with gubernatorial elections is how important pattern analysis is. Just because a state leans one way or the other, or had a fantastic governor of an opposite party does not necessarily mean the

same party is a shoe-in next time around. It depends mostly on term limits.

Many states subscribe to the two-one-two-off pattern of electing governors, in which they will elect a governor of one party for two terms, and then switch back to the other party for two terms. Two states that have embodied this unofficial rule consistently are Michigan and Kansas. Some say Laura Kelly’s (D) victory in the Kansas governor’s race in 2018 was an upset. However, the state had elected two terms of Sam Brownback (R), who earned notoriety as one of the nation’s most unpopular governors, and before him, two terms of Kathleen Sebelius (D), who later became Obama’s HHS Secretary.

Term Limits

Each state handles term limits differently. Nine states have lifetime limits of governors who have served two four-year terms. Eleven states, including New York, feature no term limits with four-year terms. New Hampshire and Vermont have no term limits, but are the only states to feature two-year terms.

Twenty-three states limit governors to two four-year terms, reeligible after four years.

Other states have different rules. Virginia is the only state that limits governors to one term but are reeligble after four years. This was on display in 2021, as former Governor Tery McAuliffe (D) served as governor from 2014 to 2018 and ran again in 2021, losing to Glenn Youngkin (R).

For another odd example, Indiana and Oregon limit governors to two four-year terms, but they’re eligible in eight out of any twelve years to serve.

When Enough is Enough

Sometimes, a gubernatorial race can have a massive reshaping effect on state politics. Some say that Lee Zeldin’s (R-Shirley) nearupset of Governor Kathy Hochul (D) in 2022 has begun a tectonic shift of one the nation’s most Democratic states back towards the center. While it may still be too early to tell, polling shows that the GOP might be able to put New York somewhere on the map this year.

2024 Outlook

Eleven states will elect governors in 2024. Most do not seem very competitive. The Messenger rates North Carolina and New Hampshire as Toss Ups, with Missouri as Likely Republican and Washington as Likely Democratic.

May 16, 2024

First Commercial Kelp Harvest in NYS Held at Violet Cove Oyster

By Matt Meduri

For generations, Long Island has prided itself on its aquaculture. An economic bonus of the pristine and activity-rich coastal waterways, Suffolk’s aquaculture has required maintenance, protection, and rich community-driven stewardship to retain this angle unique to our corner of the map.

In efforts to propagate the “blue economy” in New York, Violet Cove Oysters, LLC and the Moore Family Charitable Foundation, Inc., became the first permitted commercial kelp grower in New York. However, in addition to the regional economic benefits, such a move intends to also send some of that money down to the household level by creating sustainable, well-paying jobs while also effectively absorbing carbon and nitrogen from the Eastern Bays to the South Shore Estuary.

Environmental leaders, community stakeholders, and elected officials gathered at Violet Cove Oysters in Mastic Beach Tuesday morning to celebrate the first harvest. Groups included the Cornell Cooperative, the Long Island Farm Bureau, Mastic Beach Conservancy, Pattersquash Creek, Mastic Beach Defenders, Mastic Beach Property Owners, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig (R-Manorville), and Sarah Lansdale, Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department Economic Development and Planning.

“A few months ago, many of us got together and kicked around the idea [of commercial kelp harvesting],” said Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches). Mazzarella discussed how Sue Wicks, owner of Violet Cove Oysters, presented the idea of commercial kelp farming to the Brookhaven Town Board.

“The most important part is that we put together a business owner with a notfor-profit, with organized labor, with two different governmental agencies, and put

“This is going to become a site for the community to be a part of this,” said Mazzarella (pictured above). “I know the people of Mastic Beach feel that this site is near and dear to them. It’s going to become a reality and another reason why we’re going to put Mastic Beach on the map.”

Mazzrella referenced ongoing downtown revitalization initiatives taking place in Mastic Beach and that expanding Violet Cove Oysters is another aspect of that longterm goal.

“We are now showing that we can do an off-season grow with kelp. Kelp season starts in December and harvests in late April to early May, so it operates a little bit differently, in the cold weather,” said County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches).

Romaine spoke of the environmental benefits of kelp, namely in terms of water filtration and chemical absorption.

“One acre of kelp is equal to twenty-one Innovative-Alternative Wastewater (I/A) Systems to draw nitrogen out of the water. It’s a great crop. Also, people eat kelp, people use it as fertilizer, people use it for a lot of different things, and it benefits those who are involved in agriculture,” said Romaine.

this project together in approximately six months and got it done, and in government work, that’s lightning fast,” said Mazzarella. “And there’s really one reason for that, because all the players really care deeply about what it is that we are trying to accomplish here, and what we are accomplishing is expanding this amazing industry, the sugar kelp industry.”

Mazzarella said that phase two of the project was to bring in the kelp harvest, with the next phase encompassing more drying racks and a building on the property for education and entertainment.

Kelp is known for its many health benefits, including antioxidant properties, richness in calcium, iron, and protein, as well as its uses in weight control and improvement of thyroid health.

Romaine said he would like to see more kelp drying racks and a building open to the general public. He also said he would like to see more people involved and for Sue Wicks to be able to further expand her business.

“This is a great day because our environment is our economy; these are tied together,” said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches). “From these

drying racks and a Countyincorporated highway deposit yard right across from William Floyd High School will be the second phase.”

Panico said that Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro (R-Shoreham) has agreed to place a container on that property for additional aquaculture benefits.

1997 to 2002. She finished her professional career as the number-eight leader of all times in shots blocked.

“This is what this area should be known for. Everyone here has come together with a unified vision and purpose. For those people who know Mastic Beach lore and history, anything is possible in life,” said Panico.There is a united purpose and Mastic Beach has nothing but great things in store.”

Rob Carpenter, Administrative Director for the Long Island Farm Bureau, spoke highly of the initiatives taken by Sue Wicks, Brookhaven Town, and Suffolk County. The Long Island Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, volunteer-based organization that aims to solve economic and public policy issues challenging the agricultural industry.

“There’s so much great potential from having these marine plants in our lives, both from agriculture, for growing our crops as fertilizer and soil amendments, to actually making it a food supply that people can eat,” said Carpenter. “About ten years ago, we met with then-Supervisor Romaine and discussed aquaculture and said that we need to focus on more than just growing oysters and we suggested adding marine plants into the Brookhaven coves. We’re really excited about the opportunities on both the Town and County levels, and be sure to look for sugar kelp on your menus in local restaurants.

Sue Wicks, an oyster farmer and owner of Violet Cove Oysters, has embraced a generational profession going back four hundred years in her family’s history. One of her ancestors arrived in the United States from England in 1635, starting an ancestry of water-based commerce that, combined with her intrinsic Long Island heritage, reignited a passion to propagate aquaculture and give back to the environment.

Wicks said that when she discussed her vision with the Town, she wasn’t dealing with “politicians,” but “public servants,” as they were more than receptive to her plan.

“Our greatest asset on Long Island is the Bay,” said Wicks (pictured left). “This is my Long Island. It’s a heritage that goes back to 1635, when my greatest grandfather was an original patent-holder in Stamford, Connecticut. He came to get Southold to join that Connecticut, but when he came to Long Island, he said, ‘forget Connecticut,’ and he settled here because he loved it so much.”

A Center

Moriches native, Wicks, standing at 6’3,” enjoyed a college basketball career that would lead her to the WNBA, where she played with the New York Liberty from

The world was her oyster, but when she came back to Long Island and saw how “diminished” the aquaculture was, she preferred if the oysters were her world instead.

“It was painful to see this water, the beauty, and the things that connected me to my great-grandfather diminished,” said Wicks. She referenced the diminished eel fishing in Pattersquash Creek that connected her to her great-grandfather and the diminished clamming that connected her to her father.

“My grandmother in Nova Scotia would always ask me to bring some of the oysters from Long Island,” said Wicks. “But when I saw that they didn’t propagate any longer in these bays, my connection to my grandmother diminished.”

“This is an American story, this is a Long Island story, because we all have a story with that Bay,” said Wicks. “Our grandfather took us out fishing, crabbing, and eeling; we belong to this. And I think the attitude of being a servant to this Bay now, and that the community wants to help, is very encouraging for a small business operator to have. I come here with gratitude today that I get to do what I love, to work on the water. Brookhaven has the greatest, most prolific aquaculture program on Long Island because we have the most support. I believe we can do great things together.”

The press conference concluded with a sample of the first kelp harvest fresh off the drying racks, which The Messenger would describe has a seaweed-esque taste, although not as strong. It has a sweet, savory, and salty flavor with an umami profile.

Sugar kelp is rich in iodine and can be eaten fresh, dried, raw, or cooked. When dried, it forms a sweet, white powder along the blade.

Violet Cove Oysters is located at 2 Violet Road in Mastic Beach.

Matt Meduri

Suffolk County Executive Romaine (pictured right) inspects the first sugar kelp harvest (Credit - Matt Meduri)

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Asparagus – The Quintessential Springtime Vegetable Long Island Locavore

By Nancy Vallarella

Asparagus season is in full swing on Long Island, with local farmers harvesting these tender spears until the end of June. To make the most of their flavor and nutritional benefits, it’s recommended to enjoy them soon after they are picked. Unlike asparagus shipped from distant locations, local varieties retain more flavor, nutrients, and moisture, ensuring a better value.

To keep your asparagus fresh, follow these simple steps: remove any packaging or rubber bands, trim about an inch off the stem ends, and stand them upright in a glass container with a half-inch of water. Cover the tops loosely with a plastic bag and place in the fridge for up to one week. Alternatively, storing them on the kitchen counter is acceptable if you use them within a few days.

When selecting asparagus, look for tightly furled tips, indicating freshness. Thin stalks require no peeling and can be enjoyed raw or lightly cooked. Thicker spears need to be peeled and are perfect for grilling and roasting. The dry end of the stalk, thick or thin, must be cut or snapped off before preparing.

Asparagus comes in assorted colors, each with its unique flavor profile. White asparagus, grown without exposure to sunlight, offers a delicate taste and is often used in creamy soups or elegant salads. Purple asparagus, sweeter and slightly nuttier than its green counterparts, adds a pop of color to salads when served raw or can be lightly cooked to retain its vibrant hue. Green asparagus, the most familiar variety, boasts a robust flavor with hints of earthiness. They are ideal for various cooking methods, like grilling, roasting, stir-frying, and marinating.

Looking back on personal experiences, many fond memories are associated with asparagus, such as discovering a dish served at Alberto Italian Restaurant in Forest Hills, Queens. Although the restaurant has closed its doors, the flavors of their signature dish, Asparagi Alla Milanese, lives on in my recipe:

Roasted Asparagus Parmesan (top photo) (4-6 side servings)

Ingredients:

1 – 2 bunches of asparagus (about 1 ½ lbs.)

1 Tbs. unsalted butter

2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice freshly grated parmesan cheese freshly ground pepper and kosher salt to taste

Directions:

1. Snap or cut off the dry end of the spear. Peel off the fibrous lower end. Blanch in boiling water for one minute and immediately immerse in ice water. Cool and dry off the asparagus. Arrange asparagus in an oven proof baking dish.

2. In a small bowl melt the butter. Add the extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice to butter and blend with a small whisk. Baste asparagus in a baking dish with the butter mixture. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese onto the asparagus (as much as you like) and season with pepper.

3. At this point, if you were preparing the dish the night before, you can cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. When ready to serve, Preheat the oven to 400°. Remove wrap and place in oven until bubbling and the asparagus are crisp but fork tender (6 to 10 minutes depending on size and temperature of the asparagus).

For an elegant special occasion recipe, I recommend trying Lobster and Asparagus Salad with Miso-Mustard Vinaigrette (center photo). Recipe can be found on andrewzimmern.com

Long Island Locavore was created by Nancy Vallarella. Managing farmer’s markets, creating recipes, and giving food demonstrations all contribute to bringing awareness to all things farmed, fished, foraged, and produced on Long Island! For more recipes, or to ask a question, DM @lilocavore495 on Instagram or contact her via email – lilocavore495@gmail.com

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Condzella Farm Wading River

Lobster and Asparagus Salad with Miso-Mustard Vinaigrette

Fire Island Ferries Secures License Recertification Ahead of Summer Boating Season

By Cait Crudden

As the summer sun beckons beachgoers and tourists to the idyllic shores of Fire Island, preparations are underway to ensure safe and reliable transportation to this beloved destination. Among the key initiatives is the recertification of licenses for Fire Island Ferries, a vital lifeline connecting Long Island to the picturesque communities nestled along the island’s coastline. With the peak boating season fast approaching, the successful recertification of these licenses comes as welcome news for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

Fire Island Ferries, a longstanding fixture in the region’s maritime landscape, provides essential transportation services to Fire Island’s various communities, including Ocean Beach, Ocean Bay Park and Kismet. From commuters and day-trippers to vacationers and supplies, the ferries play a crucial role in facilitating travel and commerce between the mainland and the barrier island.

Ahead of the summer boating season, Fire Island Ferries underwent a recertification process in front of the Suffolk County Legislature to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements, assisting Fire Departments and EMS workers and other relevant authorities. This comprehensive assessment evaluated various aspects of the ferry operations, including vessel timing to correlate with passengers coming from the Long Island Railroad, emergency procedures, and navigational protocols. They also addressed the licensure for water taxis to keep those on the waterways safe from boating and drinking as well as private service back and forth which can occur outside of scheduled ferry times.

The licensure process involved conversations about the Fire Island Ferries’ fleet

of vessels, which range from traditional ferries to water taxis. The Fire Island Association was in complete support of both the ferry and water taxi services for this upcoming summer season.

In addition to having all vessels licensed and inspected properly, crew members undergo training and proficiency assessments to verify their competency in emergency response procedures, passenger safety protocols, and maritime regulations. Fire Island Ferries’ crew are trained to handle a wide range of scenarios, from medical emergencies and fire incidents to adverse weather conditions and vessel emergencies, ensuring that passengers are always in capable hands.

The successful licensing of Fire Island Ferries’ licenses comes as a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and customer service. With decades of experience serving Fire Island’s communities, Fire Island Ferries remains a trusted and reliable transportation provider, synonymous with the quintessential Fire Island experience.

As the summer season kicks into high gear, Fire Island Ferries stands ready to welcome passengers aboard its vessels, offering smooth sailing and unforgettable memories for all who embark on the journey to Fire Island’s sandy shores. Whether it’s a day trip to the beach, a weekend getaway, or a leisurely stroll through charming seaside villages, Fire Island Ferries continues to be the preferred mode of transportation for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and exploration along the scenic coastline.

In the spirit of safety and service, Fire Island Ferries looks forward to another successful summer season, connecting passengers to the natural beauty and vibrant communities of Fire Island while upholding the highest standards of maritime excellence.

Legislation Passes to Allow First Responders in Suffolk County to Carry Epinephrine Injectors

The New York State Senate unanimously passed legislation that will now allow law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel in Suffolk County and other parts of the state, to carry and administer lifesaving epinephrine injectors, commonly referred to as epi-pens.

Several years ago, state lawmakers passed Gio’s law, which authorized counties throughout the state to pass local legislation allowing certain emergency service providers to be trained and use the epi-pens in cases of anaphylactic shock. However, when Suffolk County Legislators introduced such legislation last year, the county attorneys determined that the wording in the original state law (Gio’s Law), prohibited counties with populations of over 1 million to take such action.

Suffolk County Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue) immediately reached out to NYS Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) for help. Senator Murray then teamed with Senator Julia Salazar, the original sponsor of Gio’s law,

to introduce legislation (S.7617 / A.7961), to clarify that all NY counties, outside of NY City’s boundaries, can pass legislation allowing law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel to carry and use the epinephrine injectors. The bill is carried in the Assembly by NYS Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal and passed unanimously earlier this year.

“I’m thrilled that we were able to work together, to clarify the intent to allow localities throughout NY State to take these life saving measures,” said Senator Murray. “I urge the Governor to sign this bill into law as quickly as possible as it will, no doubt, save lives,” Murray added.

“In 2023 a resolution was passed to save people’s lives in Suffolk County with the distribution of epinephrine auto-injectors in our police cars. However, a NYS amendment to the current Gio’s Law was required. My sincerest heartfelt thanks to Senator Murray for pushing the state to amend the law helping our brave men and women in law enforcement to have an additional tool to save lives here in Suffolk County,” said Legislator Dominick Thorne.

CreditPexels by Engin Akyurt

By Matt Meduri

Avery Homestead to Receive Restoration

Preservation of historic sites and artifacts is one of the primary methods of retaining community image, spirit, and pride. And with Long Island’s rich, centuries-long history, there’s no shortage of historic landmarks and events that truly put us on the world stage. From the Culper Spy Ring in Setauket, to Tesla’ Wardenclyffe Lab in Shoreham, Long Island stands out, and we owe much of that the efforts of the community stakeholders of today for ensuring such sites remain intact.

Such is the case for the famed Avery Homestead in East Patchogue. The property features four agrarian structures that denote the homestead’s status as the 200-acre Swan River Nursery from 1898 to 1982. The property has faced-decades long uncertainty after the death of the last Avery descendant, Barbara Avery (1950-2017). Her grandfather, Charles Avery, opened the nursery in 1898 and the homestead quickly became a hot spot for horticulture and agrotourism, as the location is just off Montauk Highway.

Swan River Nursery then became Peppermint Stik Farm in the late Twentieth Century, in which Barbara Avery raised miniature horses.

After Barbara’s death in 2017, the fate of the property became even more uncertain, as the threats of demolition and redevelopment set in. The property was considered “threatened” by Preservation Long Island.

However, the purchase of the property by Suffolk County began in October 2020, which received the unanimous approval of the Suffolk County Legislature. The Town of Brookhaven also unanimously approved a resolution agreeing to collaborate with the County on the acquisition of the homestead.

Kerry J. Maher

Lic.

Manager & Director

Access

The purchase of the Avery Homestead was shared jointly by the County and the Town, totaling $1,949,450 in a 70%-30% split, respectively.

Local stakeholders and legislators responsible for the preservation of the property gathered at the Avery House Wednesday afternoon to sign a bill allocating $250,000 of County money to start the work of repairing the roof, fencing, infrastructure, and safety measures. Additionally, the bill adds a Suffolk County Park Ranger relief station on the property.

“This morning’s bill signing is a personal and professional privilege,” said County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches). “As a former history teacher and the Town of Brookhaven Supervisor when the purchase was completed, I am delighted to continue to ensure the preservation of Suffolk County’s remarkable historic properties and open space. Our ability to preserve and share our history through important acquisitions and improvements means our children and grandchildren can learn and appreciate our County’s legacy.”

“This is a great day for Suffolk County and for District Seven,” said Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), of the Seventh District, who has long advocated for the Avery Homestead to be preserved. “Last year, we passed Resolution 1515 to bring this historic location from the 1800s into the Suffolk County Historical Society. The prior [Bellone] administration did, in fact, put this property on the endangered list and authorized an appraisal, but then it sat for years until I came in in 2022 and went to work to purchase the property [Resolution 1515].”

Resolution 1515 passed unanimously in the Legislature.

“We already have our Parks Department trimming back the trees, cleaning out the fountains, and making the buildings safe for our public to come and enjoy our history,” said Thorne. He also added that the Park Ranger relief station will be onsite to ensure the protection of the property.

Thorne also shared a realistic perspective with The Messenger regarding preservation and reverence of history.

“You never know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been,” said Thorne. “At the end of the day, it’s wildly important to preserve our history.”

In attendance at the bill signing was Jeff Berthold, a family friend of the Averys who knew Barbara as a child and spent many years at the very house in which the bill signing was held.

“My mother was good friends with Barbara, she was basically like an aunt to us,” Berthold told The Messenger. “We used to spend Christmases and Thanksgivings here.”

Berthold said that times spent with his sister as children at the house included seeing newborn foals at the barn and having Barbara bring horses to his school to tell his class about the history of the property.

“It’s one of those things where they tear everything down and build apartments,” said Berthold. “I just wanted to do my civic and sentimental duty, trying to be part of saving something.”

Berthold said that Barbara’s wish was to see the Homestead saved. Barbara passed just a year before his daughter was born, whom he named in honor of the family, Avery.

“I sent in pictures and maps to the Historical Society and we started putting them out into the community,” said Berthold of the preservation efforts in their nascent stages. “I’m going to be on the committee with the Historical Society to keep this property maintained.”

Berthold says that the public enjoying the house, its history, and artifacts is something Barbara would have loved to have seen.

“She always loved being a part of the community, she was always proud of her family history. This is what she wanted,” concluded Berthold.

Future uses of the property for public enjoyment are still being explored.

The Avery Homestead is located at 36 South Country Road in East Patchogue.

Maher, Jr.

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Legislator Dominick Thorne (pictured) in the living room of the Avery House (Credit - Matt Meduri)

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Guest Column

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Why Counting Illegals On The Census Threatens American Democracy

By Dale L. Wilcox | AMAC Outside Contributor

The counting of illegal aliens as part of the decennial U.S. Census is one of the most under-discussed aspects of illegal immigration, but it represents a major threat to the future of American democracy.

As currently constituted, the census counts everyone currently living in the U.S., regardless of their citizenship or legal status. The results establish the number of electoral votes and congressional seats allocated to each state. So, while illegal aliens and all noncitizens are legally banned from voting in federal elections, they are still allowed to legally impact elections through the census. Given that more than seven million illegal aliens have entered the U.S. over the past three years, we can expect illegal aliens to have an outsized influenced on both the electoral college and the House of Representatives after the counting of the next census occurs in 2030. This is a crisis of democracy as well as a crisis of sovereignty.

Even if one buys into the dubious notion that all of the many millions of illegal aliens who currently reside in the country are following the law and not voting in federal elections, their presence in the country could still potentially be decisive in elections. Take the state of New Jersey, for example. A recent study from the Garden State found that almost 1-in-10 New Jersey residents are illegal aliens. This means that nearly 1/10th of New Jersey’s electoral college votes and 1/10th of its House representation after 2030 could be the result of illegal immigration, and New Jersey is not even a border state. Imagine the impact illegal immigration may have on the census results in states like California, Arizona, or Texas.

All of this violates the sacred principle that American elections must be decided by American citizens and American citizens only. Illegal aliens may not be a voting bloc, but they are a large bloc with growing influence on the outcome of American elections.

The Trump Administration attempted to remedy this problem by adding a citizenship question to the 2020 Census, but were ultimately foiled when the Supreme Court, by a 5-4 vote, sided with anti-border activists in blocking the question from appearing on that year’s census. This ill-founded ruling guaranteed that states across the country would have their number of congressional seats and electoral college votes inflated or deflated by illegal immigration for the duration of the 2020s.

According to a 2020 study, Texas, Florida, and California each have one more congressional seat than they would have if illegal aliens had not been counted in the most recent census, while Alabama, Minnesota, and Ohio each have one less seat as a result. This may not sound like much, but it is not too difficult to imagine control of Congress or the presidency coming down to a handful of seats or electoral college votes, in which case illegal aliens will have proven decisive in deciding the composition of the U.S. government.

This is an obvious problem because the U.S. government is supposed to represent the interests of U.S. citizens. If members of Congress or even a president know they are reliant on illegal aliens for their position, their priorities will be much different as a result. This is not compatible with the core tenets of American democracy, and the situation will grow direr if illegal aliens are allowed to

be counted in the next census. The illegal alien population has skyrocketed in the last few years, so the effects of illegal immigration on the allocation of Congressional seats and Electoral College votes would be much greater in 2030 than they were in 2020.

Seeking to head this problem off, the House passed legislation earlier this month that would mandate a citizenship question be added to the 2030 census, but the bill has little chance of becoming law. Anti-borders interests who have facilitated the crisis at the border understand they have the ability to dramatically remake the American electorate without changing a single law. Without any changes to the current census regime, illegal aliens will have

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

a significant impact on U.S. elections for generations to come, even if not a single one of them were to vote. Counting illegal aliens on the census threatens to upend U.S. elections, makes a mockery of our system of government, and threatens the sovereignty of American citizens. The next census must ensure the U.S. government is accountable only to U.S. citizens, and no one else.

Dale L. Wilcox is executive director and general counsel at the Immigration Reform Law Institute, a public interest law firm working to defend the rights and interests of the American people from the negative effects of mass migration.

EXTENDED THRU JUNE 16 ON STAGE

Thursday, May 16, 2024

WORD OF THE Week

Origin: earliest evidence is from 1650, in the writing of Thomas Fuller, Church of England clergyman, derived from the Old French word ‘tenir,’ meaning ‘to have, have possession of.’

Source: Oxford Languages

Synonym: unsustainable, questionable, implausible

UNTENABLE

Adjective

Pronounced: uhn-TEN-uh-buhl

Definition: incapable of being defended or justified

Example: The theory was deemed untenable by the experts in the room.”

Antonym: logical, rational, solid

WORD WHEEL

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

SUDOKU

This Week in History

May 19, 1958: “South Pacific” soundtrack album goes #1 & stays #1 for 31 weeks

May 16, 2013: Human stem cells are successfully cloned

N I A L

May 20, 1990: Hubble Space Telescope sends its 1st photographs from space

May 22, 1992: Johnny Carson’s final appearance as host of “The Tonight Show”

May 18, 1980: Eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington state triggers the largest landslide in history, killing 57 people and causing over $1 billion in damage

May 21, 1927: Aviator Charles Lindbergh, in the Spirit of St Louis, lands in Paris after the first solo air crossing of Atlantic

May 17, 1861:

First color photograph, of a tartan ribbon is shown by Scottish scientist James Clerk Maxwell to the Royal Institution in London

Suffolk Sees the Northern Lights

TheMessenger thanks Alicia Palifka, Maryrose McEvoy and Size Zheng for these great photos.

Northern Lights seen from Rocky Point (Credit - Alicia Palifka)

Northern Lights seen in Nissequogue (Credit - Size Zheng)

Northern Lights seen from Sag Harbor (Credit - Maryrose McEvoy)

Stargazing and blood moon in Southold (Credit - Matt Meduri)

Continued from page 10

School Board Elections Ballot Previews

Shoreham-Wading River Central School District

Communities Served: Shoreham, parts of East Shoreham, Wading River, Ridge, and Calverton

School Board Candidates: Two candidates are running for School Board.

Proposition 1: Approval of an $88,182,464 budget that increases the tax levy by 2.52% within the tax cap. The budget maintains class sizes and programs, includes additional clubs, and funding to replace 50-60 smartboards.

Proposition 2: Transfer for $1,676,920 to the capital fund for building repairs.

South Country Central School District

Communities Served: Bellport, North Bellport, Brookhaven hamlet, South Haven, parts of Shirley, Yaphank, and Medford

School Board Candidates: Two seats on the Board of Education are up for threeyear terms.

Proposition 1: Approving a budget of $143,057,785 that carries a 2.70% at-cap tax levy increase. The budget considers costs related to inflation and cost of living while adding new services for students, such as additional ENL and special education instructors, and supplementary math and reading support. It would also add music, art, and technology teachers as well as a guidance counselor. It would add new Chromebooks, replace outdoor seating, an art drying tables for the high school.

Proposition 2: Approving the expansion of bus service for high school students from 1.5 miles to 1 mile at no additional cost.

Proposition 3: Expand $937,000 in capital reserves for renovation of the Bellport High School auditorium.

Three Village Central School District

Communities Served: Old Field, Poquott, Stony Brook, Strongs Neck, Setauket,

East Setauket, parts of Centereach, Terryville, Port Jefferson Station, Port Jefferson President Susan Rosenzweig and Trustee Shaorui Li are running for re-election. A third seat is up for grabs to fill an unexpired term. Stanley Bak and Amitava Das are running as challengers. Bak affiliates with no outside groups, while Das was endorsed by the Three Village Teachers Association. The third highest voter-receiver will fill the remainder of the unexpired term.

Proposition 1: Approval of a $236,162,955 budget that carries a 2.84% tax levy increase, below the tax cap. If the budget fails, the Board can present the same or a revised budget. If the budget fails on a revote, a contingency budget is passed that carries a 0% tax levy increase. That would require a cut of $4.8 million from the proposed budget.

Proposition 2: Approval of $3,000,000 in capital projects for renovations at Ward Melville High School to accommodate the move of the ninth grade, districtwide bathroom renovations, and asbestos abatement.

William Floyd Union Free School District

Communities Served: Mastic, Mastic Beach, Moriches, Old Mastic, parts of Shirley School Board Candidates: Trustees Jennifer Ng Heitman and Kevin Meyer are running for re-election unopposed.

Proposition 1: Adopt the budget of $310,860,689, a 0.99% increase amounting to an annual increase of $92 per average assessed home.

Proposition 2: Allowing the Board to establish a Capital Reserve Fund of $10 million for masonry, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, technical, and telephone upgrades, roof replacements on district buildings, door/window replacements, turf replacement, fencing, paving, curbs, and sidewalks.

Proposition 3: Allowing the Board to establish a Repair Reserve Fund of $6 million for repairs to capital improvements.

By PJ Balzer

The Spring Run Has Begun

The shores and waters of Long Island are on fire right now. Everywhere you go, there are fisherman with tight lines, bent rods, and hands full of fish scales. The spring run of large fish that flood into the bays chasing after bait fish is finally here. Folks who love to fish wait for this all year.

Long Island, specifically the south shore, has been known for its abundant saltwater fishing since as far back as the 1700s. As a matter of fact, commercial fishing here used to bring major profit until around 1985 when brown tide rolled in and destroyed much of the abundance, starting with the large crop of scallops we once had here. Overfishing destroyed some of the other profitable species such as clams and oysters. After that much of major commercial fishing here had ceased while smaller, individual fishing entrepreneurs and anglers that fish for hobby or fresh fish for their families dinner table still remain.

Growing up on the south shore I personally can’t remember a summer when I didn’t fish. Bamboo snapper rods, crab traps and drag nets to catch our own bait were permanent fixtures in our shed. We spent days into weekends. Weekends into weeks. Weeks into entire summers and summers into years by the water trying our luck. My grandmother or my mom were even both willing to share a few of their raw chicken drumsticks with us to place strategically into our crab traps hoping for a half a dozen blue claws. I actually never realized how much fishing is a part of the culture of Long Island until my wife,

who grew up between both Colombia and Queens said to me, “I’ve never met so many people that love to fish as I have here on Long Island. It’s literally a part of the Island.”

She couldn’t be any more correct. This time of year, I keep my fishing gear and tackle in the car at all times. Thursday, I had a few hours to kill between meetings so I decided to spend the time at a local pier where it just happened to be a right tide for fish moving and feeding. A gentleman, a complete stranger, well into his 70s and myself found ourselves right in the middle of a school of huge and hungry bluefish. We both ended up catching our limit of fish and even throwing a few back. Meanwhile, we also watched everything from groups of guys on small boats, dozens of customers on large charter boats and even individuals in canoes heading into the bay to enjoy Long Island’s favorite past time.

Get out there this season and enjoy our beautiful waters! Fishing is a fun and memorable activity for children, teenagers, and adults alike. It’s beneficial to get some fresh air and time away from the many pressures of life, work and also from social media. Your local bait shop will have all of the gear you need, information on tide times and what fish are running in your specific area. Saltwater fishing in New York State does require a license which is free of charge on their website.

As we often say on the water: “Best of luck, tight lines and bent rods!”

MEMORIAL DAY Remember & Honor

PARADES

CENTEREACH FIRE DEPT

SUNDAY MAY 26 1 PM

HORSEBLOCK RD TO CFD

SMITHTOWN FIRE DEPT 100TH ANNUAL

MONDAY MAY 27 12 NOON

MAIN ST AT SINGER LA TO TOWN HALL

KINGS PARK - AMERICAN LEGION POST 944

MONDAY MAY 27 9AM

RJO SCHOOL OLD DOCK RD /CHURCH ST

RONKONKOMA - AMERICAN LEGION POST 155

MONDAY MAY 27 9:30 AM- 12:30 PM

115 CHURCH STREET TO RAYNOR PARK (SEE AD FOR MO RE DETAILS)

ELWOOD/COMMACK - VFW POST 9263

MONDAY MAY 27 10 AM

COMMACK HOME DEPOT ON JERICHO TPK

ST JAMES - VFW POST 395

MONDAY MAY 27 10 AM

LAKE AVE AT WOODLAWN

BAYSHORE-BRIGHTWATERS- AMVETS POST 76

MONDAY MAY 27 10 AM

LANIER LANE & MAIN STREET

HOLBROOK - HOLBROOK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MONDAY MAY 27 11 AM

MAIN STREET

*THIS IS A PARTIAL LIST OF PARADES - IF YOUR TOWN IS NOT LISTED PLEASE CHECK WITH FIRE DEPTS, VETERAN ORGS TO SEE IF PARADE IS BEING HELD.

ROCKY POINT MEMORIAL DAY 5K RACE EVENT VFW POST 6249

SUNDAY MAY 26

MORE INFO AT VFW 631 744-9106