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Thursday, August 7, 2025 ~ Volume 70 ~ Issue Number 36 ~ $1.00

Hochul Teases Redistricting to Combat Texas

Gerrymander

By Matt Meduri The only prize at the federal level for the 2026 midterm elections is control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Republicans clawed back a thin majority in 2022 and retained their majority in 2024 despite losing one (net) seat.

Their majority is further complicated by early resignations and retirements of key moderates in swing districts likely to define the next session of Congress. Republicans currently hold a tenuous 219-seat quorum.

Continued on page 4

Governor Hochul at ISP in February (Credit - Matt Meduri)

Legislator Lennon Promoted to USMC Lt. Cnl.

By Matt Meduri

A Suffolk County Legislator just received a prestigious promotion in the United States Marine Corps (USMC).

Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point) has served in the USMC for seventeen years, including four years of active duty. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010, leading over fifty combat missions that saw all of his units return home safely. Lennon has been recognized with various decorations, such as the Purple Heart Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Continued on page 3

FULL STORIES ON:

Murray’s Message Page 10

Vets Memorial Unveiled at Bald Hill Page 13

Legislator Lennon (left) sworn at as Lt. Col. USMC by Colonel Brennan (Right) (Credit - Matt Meduri)

Toast Opens Station Yards Location Page 15

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The Moloney Family

SUMMER EVENTS Mother's Day Brunch at Long Island Aquarium Port Jefferson Market on Main Street at Aroogas May 11, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM Summer Farmers Market at August 10, 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM Harborfront Park Bird and Breakfast at Connetquot State Park MaySunday, 11, 8:00 AM toOyster 11 :00Jamboree PM Every Saturday and at Smith Point MayFleece 18-November 28 Beach and Fiber Festival at HallockvilleCounty Museum Farm 9:00 AM to 2:00 16, 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM MayPM 17, 10:00 AM August to 4:00 PM Fling to School Bash at The Islip Farmers Market at Nesconset Town HallSpring Back 18, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Every Sunday, June May 7-November Shoppes at East Wind 22, 7:00 AM to 12:00Jones PM Beach Air August Show 16, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM May 24-25, 10:00 to 4:00 PM

Grooves on the Green in Route 110 Comic Show in Melville Ronkonkoma Street Fair Ronkonkoma May 25, HawkinsAugust 17, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Avenue Every other Wednesday Riverhead24 Mosaic StreetThat Painting until September 70’s Festival Band “White Party” at June 1, 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM Club Estate 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM Beach August 20, 6:30 PM Smithtown Festival Day Goatman’s Haunted House June 1, Main Street Museum in Manorville The Mix: Art Fest at Heckscher Butterflyand andSunday Bird Festival Nature Center Every Saturday until at Sweetbriar Museum in Huntington 7, 10:00 4:00 PM November, 10:00 AMJune to 5:00 PM AM to August 22, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

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Around Town Thursday, August 7, 2025

Continued from front cover

Legislator Lennon Promoted to USMC Lt. Cnl. States asks him to do, without question,” said Brennan. “And he does it freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.”

Lennon was promptly administered the oath, followed by cheers and “Ooh-rah’s” from the standing-room only auditorium.

Lennon has now been promoted five times, but this ceremony was the first of its kind for him.

“This is the first time I’ve been promoted with even just family around.

When I first got promoted to First Lieutenant, I was in Afghanistan,” said Lennon, adding that his subsequent three promotions took place on bases in Texas and New Jersey. “I wanted my children to be here because every month, they watch me leave, and when our nation calls, we answer, even as reservists.”

Lennon discussed how when the Russia-Ukraine War first started, he was brought down to the Pentagon within the first month to help the response. He says that it’s not “just himself”, but all other reservists from any other community.

“I’ve told my kids and my family I’m going to continue serving because I love it. I love the Marines. I love being able to go out and defend this country because it’s about service,” said Lennon.

The packed house saw notable officials from across the county, such as Veterans Services Agency Director Marcelle Leis, County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches), County Clerk Vincent Puleo (R-Nesconset), Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R-Medford), Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue), Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R-Baiting Hollow), and a bipartisan slate of the majority of the Suffolk County Legislature.

“Chad’s worked very hard to get to this point. It’s very well deserved,” Frank Lombardi, Commander of VFW Post #6249 in Rocky Point - Lennon’s home post - told The Messenger. “Given that he’s a [relatively] younger officer, it’s great to see him moving up in the Marine Corps.”

Lombardi was joined by Post #6249 Commander Emeritus Joe Cognitore.

Lennon, before Tuesday afternoon a Major in the USMC, has continued to serve as a reservist, even during his tenure as Legislator. The Rocky Point Conservative won the open seat for the Sixth Legislative District in 2023 with over 60% of the vote.

Lennon has staked his first term on the horseshoe on Veterans’ issues and human trafficking, primarily. Serving as Vice Chair of the Veterans Committee, Lennon has been at the forefront of Veterans’ services and causes. Two of his bills were unanimously approved by the eighteenmember Legislature, one to codify September 22 as Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, and the other to make Suffolk County officially recognize the Suicide Awareness and Remembrance (SAR) Flag.

Tuesday afternoon at the County Center in Riverhead saw Lennon’s promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the USMC. The rank is fifth-highest of ten in the USMC, preceded by Major and followed by Colonel. Lennon’s role as a reservist Lieutenant Colonel entails his leadership and management in a primary staff or command role in a reserve unit.

The standard insignia for the USMC Lieutenant Colonel is the silver oak leaf, symbols now displayed on Lennon’s shoulder straps. The new decorations were placed on Lennon’s uniform by his two children.

“Lieutenant Colonel is the first command rank of substance. They hold significant staff positions,” said Colonel James C. Brennan, USMC (Ret.). “They command battalions and squadrons, composite groups, and composite squadrons. They’re the ones that make plans; they’re the ones that make operations move.”

Brennan added that the Marine Corps did not promote Lennon based on what he does so far, but based on what he “can do.”

“He’s signing up to do exactly what the government asks him to do, what the Marine Corps asks him to do, what the President of the United

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Continued from front cover

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Hochul Teases Redistricting to Combat Texas Gerrymander

The almost evenly-divided House couldn’t be more up for grabs, but one state has taken matters into their own hands to secure the majority.

Republicans in the Texas State House have proposed a mid-decade redraw of the state’s thirty-eight congressional districts. Texas has the second-largest batch of districts, and therefore electoral votes, in the country behind California.

Texas’ congressional map started the 2020s as a more defense-minded gerrymander, with legislative Republicans opting to preserve competitive Republicanheld seats and shore up competitive Democratic ones.

However, the proposal that recently passed a special committee in the Texas House in a 12-6 party-line vote would slice up five Democratic districts into ones that would have backed President Donald Trump (R-FL) in November and pits two incumbents against each other.

Two South Texas districts, under the proposal, would become seats that would have gone for Trump by about ten points each. The Rio Grande Valley is already trending heavily Republican, but two moderate Democrats currently occupy these seats. A Houston-based seat would be redrawn into a safely Republican district, as would a Dallas-Fort Worth-based seat.

In the Austin area, two incumbent Democrats would be forced to run against each other in a primary, with the internal fight to convince one to concede already mounting.

With no competitive districts in the proposal, the map would go from the current 25R-13D delegation to a likely 30R-10D delegation.

For more details on the Texas map, turn to Page 9 (National).

In response, Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) and Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) have suggested that their own states, respectively, redraw their maps to counter the Texas gerrymander, should it become instated before November 2026. Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin (D-MN) has said that Democratic governors across the country are ready to “fight fire with fire.”

The move comes after New York already saw mid-decade redistricting ahead of the 2024 cycle. The map used for the 2022 midterms was implemented by a special master after the Legislature-drawn map was ruled a partisan gerrymander by the State Supreme Court. Albany Democrats again redrew the map after getting the remedial one overturned, only for the lines to barely change ahead of 2024. However, the move likely helped them retain NY-03 and flip NY-19.

“I will put saving democracy as my top priority at any cost because it is under siege, just like those who put on a uniform to fight in battles across the ages,” Hochul told reporters on Monday. “For centuries we’ve stood up and fought; blood has been shed. This is our moment in 2025 to stand up for all that we hold dear and not let it be destroyed by a bunch of renegades in a place called Texas.”

Hochul adds that while she “respects” the elected officials in Texas, “we’ve had our battles with them.”

The only way to redraw the lines mid-decade is to amend the State Constitution, which requires the consent of the majority of the State Legislature in two consecutive sessions of the Legislature, followed by a ballot measure approved by the voters. While the current aim is for 2028, well past the 2026 midterms, the even-year elections law in New York might further complicate the plight. Should the amendment clear the 2026 and 2027 sessions of the Legislature, the ballot measure would only be able to go out in 2028, not 2027.

The earliest a new map could be in play is for the 2030 elections, the same year the next Census would be undertaken. The congressional lines are to be redrawn in 2031.

“It is not the timeline that I would’ve preferred, but it does shave off four years from what would otherwise be the process,” said Hochul. “But we’re going to also look at litigation strategies, we’re in close conversations about options there. We’re considering all options right now.”

New York has an independent redistricting commission in place, although it functions differently from those of other states. The commission reached a

stalemate twice on proposed maps in 2021’s redistricting, allowing the State Legislature to overtake the process.

The result was the gerrymander ruled unconstitutional, followed by a remedial map that many believe delivered the House majority to the Republicans in 2022.

“Democratic states have gone to independent redistrict commissions and they’re non-partisan. In politics, there’s no such thing as nonpartisan,” said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Williamsbridge). “It’s difficult to ask New York, California, and other Democratic-leaning states to play non-partisan while the Republicans play very partisan.”

Hochul adds that when Republicans come to power in the State Legislature, “they can have at it.”

“But until then, we’re in charge and we’re sick and tired of being pushed around when other states don’t have the same aspirations that we always have had — and I hold those dear,” said Hochul.

Hochul was flanked by Democratic State Representatives from Texas, who fled the state to prevent a vote on the map from coming to the full Texas House floor. Denying the quorum for the State House to do business has not only drained time on the August 19 deadline for the special session, but resulted in civil arrest warrants for the absconding officials.

Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R-TX) signed the civil arrest warrants that are likely to face enforcement issues across state lines. Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) has endorsed the representatives’ arrests, saying their departure is an “abandonment or forfeiture of an elected state office.”

“He [Abbott] knows that we’re using a tool that was given to us by the founders of the Texas Constitution,” said Texas Representative Mihaela Plesa (D). “He knows what the rules are and he’s trying to manipulate the situation to make it play in his favor. It’s not going to work.”

Hochul also says that standing on principle is of a bygone political era.

“I cannot ignore that the playing field has changed dramatically, and shame on us if we ignore that fact and cling tight to the vestiges of the past. That era is over — Donald Trump eliminated that forever.”

Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) says that both Texas Republicans and New York Democrats are in the wrong and that “two wrongs don’t make a right.”

“Apparently, the Democrats in New York think that two wrongs are the way to go, over and over again,” Murray told The Messenger. “Who would this benefit?

It certainly doesn’t benefit the voters. In fact, I think it hurts the voters. A lot of people don’t know who their representatives are. When they finally find out, they’re [Albany] going to turn around and change them?”

Murray says that redistricting “makes sense” on a decennial basis, not haphazard mid-decade map shuffles.

“It makes sense we shift the lines of the districts so there remains fair representation for everyone as the population changes. How would you do that mid-decade? What changes? You have no idea how many people moved here or there because we haven’t done the Census yet,” said Murray. “Democrats in Albany are so caught up in partisan politics that they forget what they’re supposed to be doing for the people.”

Murray adds that the last map redraw was only in 2023, a process wrought with legal challenges that was barely done in time for the 2024 elections.

“How are they going to do this in a separate shorter window? By the time they get done trying to pull this maneuver, it’ll be time for the actual redistricting anyway,” said Murray. “It’s extremely expensive to do this. Then you factor in all the court challenges. The Democrats are also turning their backs on the independent commission; they ignore what the voters asked for in 2014. When the voters said no to unrestricted absentee ballots, they changed the wording and rammed it down the voters’ throats.”

Of what Murray says to Governor Hochul, “grow up.”

“The governor is basically saying, ‘we’re going to do it to you too.’ It’s absurd.

Grow up, do what you’re supposed to do, play by the rules, and listen to the people you represent. How hard is that?”

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Thursday, August 7, 2025

Suffolk County’s Audit Division Receives Top Marks in 2022–2024 Peer Review

Credit - Matt Meduri

By Cait Crudden The Suffolk County Comptroller’s Office has announced that its Audit Division has earned the highest possible rating of “pass” following an indepth peer review conducted by the Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA).

The review evaluated the division’s internal quality control system and audit practices covering the years 2022 to 2024 and confirmed full compliance with Government Auditing Standards (GAS), as issued by the Comptroller General of the United States.

The review, which took place on-site in June 2025, is part of ALGA’s rigorous peer review program designed to ensure that local government audit departments across the country meet the highest standards of transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness. In its report, ALGA praised the Suffolk County Audit Division’s commitment to excellence in public service, audit accuracy, and internal accountability.

The peer review team specifically highlighted several key areas where Suffolk County’s Audit Division excelled. One of the most notable strengths was the high level of professional expertise demonstrated by staff.

The division’s Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program was described as robust and closely monitored. The program ensures all team members remain in compliance with the Yellow Book standards as well as licensing and certification requirements, resulting in a highly trained and knowledgeable audit staff.

ALGA reviewers also noted the effective use of electronic workpapers, which were described as well-organized and clearly structured. This allowed the review team to easily navigate the documentation and identify critical points of analysis. The structure and clarity of these workpapers reflected a deep level of planning, oversight, and attention to detail within the Audit Division.

Additionally, Suffolk County’s audit reports were lauded for their clarity, readability, and accessibility. According to the peer review letter addressed to Comptroller John M. Kennedy, Jr. (R-Nesconset), the reports were wellorganized and presented findings in a way that made it easy for readers to understand both the issues identified and the recommended corrective actions. The review team noted that the reports did an exceptional job highlighting key recommendations that help audited departments improve internal controls and better comply with applicable laws and regulations.

ALGA expressed particular appreciation for the Audit Division’s overall internal quality control system, especially in light of the relatively small size of the office compared to other local government audit departments. Despite limited staff, the division has consistently delivered high-quality audit work and demonstrated a clear commitment to continuous improvement and best practices in government auditing.

Comptroller Kennedy responded to the review with a message of gratitude and pride in his office’s achievement.

“We found this peer review to be a valuable and constructive process and sincerely thank the team for the thoughtful insights that they shared from their experiences,” stated Kennedy.

The positive peer review outcome strengthens public confidence in Suffolk County’s financial oversight mechanisms. With the cost of government services under continued scrutiny and the need for efficiency and accountability at an all-time high, the Audit Division’s ability to maintain such high standards is a significant asset to the county.

The review also underscores the importance of peer evaluations in promoting transparency and integrity within government. Suffolk County’s successful review now joins a growing list of counties nationwide that have demonstrated excellence through ALGA’s peer review process, an

important benchmark in ensuring good governance and responsible financial management.

As Suffolk County continues to modernize its operations and embrace innovation, the Comptroller’s Office remains committed to its mission of safeguarding public funds, promoting accountability, and supporting the financial health of local government. This recent recognition from ALGA reinforces that mission and sets a strong foundation for future success.

Comptroller Kennedy added, “I commend the staff of the Audit Division for once again successfully passing this external review with flying colors! It is a testament to their professional training and to their consistent and thorough process. It demonstrates that they are premier in the country in regards to municipal auditing! Congratulations!”

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Editorial Thursday, August 7, 2025

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End the Gerrymandering Wars Hopes for a less scrappy political environment then for interest accrued now. It’s possible that the 2021 continue to be dashed as three governors have brought gerrymander was overkill on purpose - some geographical on the 2026 midterm drama a year early. aspects of that map are ground zero for a court ruling Republicans in Texas have proposed a map that against it. Now, the ceiling has been gauged and if the redraws their congressional districts mid-decade ahead Texas map goes through, New York could see a partisan of the crucial 2026 midterms in which Republicans hope gerrymander just legal enough to tilt the scales but also be to defy the midterm “curse” and retain their alreadymuch less fair than the map we currently have. tenuous House majority. The gerrymander in Texas While we disagree with the execution, we agree would likely net them at least three seats, with two more with the principle. However, we wouldn’t go as far as on the table - enough to pad their 219-seat majority redrawing the map mid-decade. The move by the Texas should all else hold constant.

GOP is the first “shot fired” in this “war”, from what we’ve We find the new map an insult to injury. Texas seen. It makes sense that blue states would overcorrect already had one of the most egregious gerrymanders in in response. It’s 2025; this isn’t a difficult pattern of the country - both parties considered. This new map that expectations of American politics. slices up urban areas is like putting a hat on a hat.

To play devil’s advocate for both Texas and New The lawfare only continues as Democrats in the York, however, it’s been ruled by the Supreme Court that Texas State House fled the state to rally with figures like states have the right to administer their own elections.

Governor Kathy Hochul (D). Their only objective in leaving We assume a big chunk of litigation will go to defining Texas: run out the clock on a special session of the State states’ rights to enter a costly and laborious mid-decade House which ends August 19. Without a quorum, the redistricting process in response to that of another state. session cannot re-commence. Illinois was also a stop Then again, Democrats seemed almost certain on the legislators’ tour, which is ironic since it’s home to to draw an aggressive gerrymander when the 2022 Illinois perhaps the most gerrymandered map in the country. remedial map was overturned. The “fair” map that gave the U.S. House Map The Texas House Speaker has signed civil arrest warrants Republicans control of the House that year barely changed for the abdicating members, backed by Governor when Democrats picked up the pen. It shored up Greg Abbott (R-TX), who says their departure is two districts that were already somewhat blue akin to “forfeiture” of their elected office. but only slightly - and a few districts actually got North Carolina U.S. House Map This has gone too far, not only because redder. those warrants are likely to be more theatrical However, given the deadline before the 2024 than practical, but because gerrymandering is election and lack of stimulus from a political now disguised as political “progress.” rival, we’re not so optimistic a gerrymander isn’t It’s like taking the lazy way out of a job or on the horizon this time. using cheat codes in a video game. It gets you But this whole episode isn’t relegated to to your destination faster and you feel more itself. Instead, it’s just another chapter in a accomplished, but at what cost? The task is no long anthology that’s reaching a fever pitch. longer engaging and to engage in it on principle Gerrymandering is a trade practiced by both seems lifeless since there’s no incentive to turn parties, particularly on the national level. While from the loophole already found. some assert gerrymandering where it simply Moreover, in the current tit-for-tat world of politics, doesn’t exist, there are seemingly more maps drawn it was inevitable a Democratic state would chime in advantageously for a party than there was yesteryear.

Oregon U.S. House Map with a gerrymander of their own. We’ve got two takers The most egregious gerrymanders benefitting this time. This episode’s models are California and Republicans are North Carolina, Texas, Florida, and Ohio, New York. with some gerrymandering in Tennessee, Oklahoma, Utah, Both Governors Gavin Newsom (D-CA) and Hochul Arkansas, and Indiana. are teasing mid-decade redistricting plights of their Meanwhile, one of the most aggressive gerrymanders in own to combat any changes that an approved Texas general is in Illinois, where Republicans went from winning map would entail. or at least competing in about half of the state’s eighteen Granted, in New York, this is an arduous process. districts last decade to winning just three of seventeen It requires a majority vote of the State Legislature for in this decade’s map. Democrats have also tilted scales two consecutive sessions in order to amend the State to varying degrees in Nevada, New Mexico, and Oregon, Constitution to call for a redistricting session, followed while they benefit from an independent commission’s by a ballot referendum. While passage via the ballot ruling in New Jersey. box is not guaranteed, it makes for another hurdle We also think that this is a “ready, fire, aim” scenario that should force Albany Democrats to question if this from Albany Democrats, as some say that a ruling of racial charade is even worth it. gerrymandering against the Texas map is practically a Two consecutive legislative sessions would have foregone conclusion. However, we can also see the “ounce to be 2026 and 2027. Since New York is insistent upon of prevention” side of this strategy as well, especially if this even-year elections - should the law be upheld by the turns out to be a bluff and redistricting doesn’t actually Court of Appeals - the earliest voters would be able occur. to approve the measure is 2028, meaning the maps The point is, both parties are already diluting the wouldn’t take effect until 2030. electorate’s true power in red states and blue states. The What happens in 2030? The Census, followed by House has become less competitive and elastic than it has mandatory redistricting in 2031. been in decades, and escalating responses to the current The timeline doesn’t make any sense, but the level only paves a new precedent.

Democrats might have scored a point as far as political The fix: truly independent redistricting commissions artifice goes. They don’t have to risk much by standing in all states that have multiple districts. Keep the elected up to an obvious power grab by Texas Republicans, and State Legislatures out of the process and seat a panel they can rile their base up for a better environment of cartographers with community leaders. This is the for the 2026 midterms. Conventional political wisdom essence of some commissions in the country. The “fairest” Florida already has it going their way, at least slightly. maps are in states with such commissions, like Arizona, U.S. House Map The only problem is the precedent set and insisting Colorado, and Michigan. that two wrongs do, in fact, make a right.

New York’s independent commission is fantasy-league Our fear is that if Albany does take this approach, at best. The very fabric of its structure virtually guarantees we could be in for another aggressive gerrymander. the State Legislature gets a hold of the process if the commission comes to a We’re afraid that New York might not be safe from a “Hochul-mander 2.0”, a deadlock. The commission failed in its first run, 2021. potential reincarnation of the gerrymander approved by the State Legislature in Nonpartisan independent commissions aren’t perfect, nor are they devoid of 2021. The map carved up the state’s seats to include only four Republican-leaning corruption and pay-to-play, but it’s a much more honest shot when elected leaders seats, while carving up Long Island into mostly blue turf. with much to lose can effectively draw their own job security and determine It seems, to us at least, that Democrats in Albany took some egg on their face congressional power by goalpost shifting.

Op-Ed & Letter to the Editor Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Building Electrification Ruling: Latest Gut Punch to New York Residents

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By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay New York has an energy problem, and it seems to be getting worse by the day. The latest setback for New Yorkers came by way of a recent court ruling clearing the way for the state to impose a wildly burdensome new requirement that nearly all new buildings seven stories or less must be built using zero-emission appliances and heating.

The shortcomings of the plan to fully electrify the state have been well documented.

Most notably, Cornell University Professor Lindsay Anderson and her team recently built out a projection model based on New York’s actual energy usage, transmission infrastructure and weather and found we will have nowhere near enough energy to power New York under the requirements of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which is the blueprint for the state’s energy plans.

Not only is the CLCPA inadequate, it’s also extremely costly. For example, earlier this year, cost estimates for just one component of the law, a requirement that all school buses must be zero-emission by 2035, range between $8 billion and $15.25 billion. Now, building contractors are going to be in the same boat as school districts—being forced to spend huge amounts of money to follow an unworkable mandate that most people don’t even want. And like the school bus mandate, the incoming cost increases are going to be passed down to you.

The true impact of the ruling was summed up succinctly by Donna Ciancio of the Southern Tier Homebuilders and Remodelers Association, who said there is real concern the mandate is going to discourage new home construction, especially in communities that already don’t see a ton of construction activity. And Buffalo Niagara Building Association President Phil Nanula, who is also president of Essex Homes, added, “New York State ... it’s been difficult to get anyone to really listen to any logic on the problems that this poses to us as builders. It was going to create about a $20,000 increase in the cost to build a home.”

They’re right, and laws like this are a major reason why New York has a massive

outmigration problem. A lack of new homes means diminished economic activity, which will drive away businesses, tourists and taxpayers.

It’s hard to ignore the irony of imposing costly mandates on construction when lawmakers and experts on both sides agree New York is already facing a housing crisis.

Young people are having a terribly hard time finding homes as it is. Affordable housing in nearly every region of the state is at a critical level. And the plan is to make it more expensive to buy a home. How does that make any sense?

As I have repeatedly stated, clean, reliable and diverse energy sources are critical to the future of New York, and I support measures to reasonably mitigate our carbon footprint. But there is nothing reasonable about passing an energy plan with no price tag or guarantee of dependability. It feels like New Yorkers have less and less choice every day, and this policy being upheld in court is just the latest example of how little say we have in our economic and energy future.

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

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

Developer Should Consider Two-Family Housing

By Steve Levy | Long Island Life & Politics Once again, we see a developer proposing the construction of a large housing complex on Long Island and local civic associations are coming out against it.

I am referring to the proposal for 890 units to be built on the 114-acre site of the former Island Hills golf and country club in Sayville. Of these units, 576 are for homeownership and the remaining 314 for rentals.

This proposal has been languishing for about a decade. The original mammoth plans have been scaled down a bit, but local residents still feel that the size and scope of the project is too much for the local roads and schools to bear.

It’s a constant refrain throughout the Island, but most of us agree that there is a need for more housing, especially the type that would help our young people in their 20s establish a foothold on the Island.

Each side has legitimate concerns. That hasn’t changed much in the last few decades.

It’s why, as the county executive, I proposed adopting a new paradigm when it comes to housing construction.

Where developers were going to be constructing a new self-contained development, I recommended that they be encouraged to build two-family housing.

That would provide the same number of units sought by the developers, but with a smaller footprint. More importantly, it helps accomplish a number of goals at the same time.

The first is that it would open the door to homeownership for various couples who otherwise might be shut out because they couldn’t afford the mortgage. Showing the bank that you’ll have an additional $2,000 a month coming in from your rental could now qualify you for that loan. And, of course, it would provide needed rental housing, which we are so sorely lacking on Long Island. Nearby, the New York City suburb of Westchester has rental stock comprising 38% of all the county’s housing. Here on Long Island, it’s about 15%. This is why our rents soared into the stratosphere.

But homeowners are understandably concerned that allowing every home in their existing neighborhood to have rentals could dramatically change the concept of the neighbor into which they originally moved.

That’s not what we’re talking about here. In this case, we’re referring to self-contained gated communities not existing at this time. Why not allow for 450 units of these two-family homes on the premises rather than 900 sought by the developer?

Concerns about renters not having a stake in the property would be unfounded, given the fact that the owner of the home would have to live on the premises if they rent out the apartment unit. No homeowner is going to allow their renter to engage in improper activities or to allow the premises to degrade when they themselves are living on the site.

This concept can reserve more buffer and open space within the community and have a good mix of the young and the old.

I get it that people don’t want two-family housing in their existing single-family neighborhoods, but when it’s new construction, why not encourage two family housing? It’s a win-win for all.

I tried to get such a project passed in Yaphank during my tenure as county executive.

We would’ve had 1,000 units of two-family homes with a nice community center and possibly a convention center and a small soccer stadium for sports and entertainment.

Unfortunately, not-in-my-backyard legislators killed the project.

It’s not too late to try it now. A smart developer will latch onto it and so will be a smart town board. And the local residents will have a place where their twenty-five-year-olds can go rather than their basements.

Steve Levy served as Suffolk County Executive from 2004 to 2011.

This op-ed originally appeared on Long Island Life and Politics. For more from LILP, visit them online at lilifepolitics. com.

Letter to the Editor: Power, Not Principle Governor Hochul (D) says New York must “fight fire with fire” by ripping up its 2012 reform created by voters to establish a truly independent redistricting commission.

Now she’s promoting a constitutional amendment to permit mid decade, legislativecontrolled redistricting—a stark retreat from fair maps and transparency approved by the courts.

But what’s really changed? Power. Not principle.

And the Democrats want even more power because

their policies are abject failures.

This isn’t about saving democracy—it’s about Blue, Democrat controlled states flipping rules when convenient. Even though 57% of New Yorkers endorsed the independent commission in 2014, Hochul wants to scrap it because Democrats control all aspects of the process.

Fair map laws exist to curb exactly the kind of partisan escalation. Good government groups call this a “race to the bottom” that will erode public trust,

disenfranchise voters, and dismantle accountability.

Voters of New York—don’t be fooled: a mid decade amendment would pave the way for partisan playbooks, not clean government.

Vote to preserve citizen led redistricting, not political retaliation.

Sincerely, Jesse Garcia Chairman

News

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Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Garbarino Helps Launch Bipartisan Caucus to Improve U.S. Postal Service

By Cait Crudden working with my colleagues to support postal workers, ensure the system operates efficiently and effectively in every community, and advance commonsense reforms that strengthen the Postal Service long term,” said Garbarino.

USPS has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years amid reports of mail delays, service cuts, and proposals to privatize certain functions.

Rural areas, in particular, have been disproportionately affected by facility closures and staff reductions. Congresswoman Budzinski, who represents a swath of rural and small-town communities in Illinois, stressed the importance of maintaining USPS as a dependable public institution.

“For years, rural communities like the ones I represent in Central and Southern Illinois have faced lagging delivery rates, facility closures, and neglect from the top leadership from USPS,” said Budzinski.

“I’m excited to launch this bipartisan group alongside Congressman Bergman, Congressman Pappas, and Congressman Garbarino to push back against postal privatization, improve speed and service, and protect good-paying union jobs at

Credit - Matt Meduri

In a show of bipartisan cooperation, four members of the U.S. House of Representatives Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-Bayport), Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D, IL-13), Congressman Jack Bergman (R, MI-01), and Congressman Chris Pappas (D, NH-01), have come together to form the Congressional Postal Service Caucus, a new working group focused on improving the operations and long-term sustainability of the United States Postal Service (USPS).

The newly established caucus aims to tackle a series of challenges facing USPS, including inconsistent on-time delivery rates, proposed facility consolidations that threaten service in rural and underserved areas, and growing concerns over the wellbeing and protection of postal employees.

As lawmakers representing districts that include rural towns, suburban neighborhoods, and urban centers, the bipartisan group has pledged to protect the Postal Service as a vital national institution while supporting reforms that ensure efficient service for all Americans.

Congressman Garbarino, who will serve as a co-chair of the caucus, emphasized the essential role USPS plays in American life.

“I’m proud to serve as Co-Chair of the Congressional Postal Service Caucus. USPS provides an essential public service that the American people rely on. I look forward to

USPS. I look forward to working together to ensure USPS remains a public good that effectively serves all Americans.”

The caucus is being launched at a time when the Postal Service is grappling with modernization efforts that many fear could come at the expense of equitable service.

Congressman Bergman cited a local example from his district, where a postal facility in Iron Mountain was nearly shuttered before community advocacy efforts helped keep it open.

“The Postal Service is more than just mail delivery in rural America - it’s a critical lifeline for small businesses, seniors, and Veterans. While modernization and reform are necessary for the long-term health of the system, those changes must not come at the expense of rural and remote communities,” remarked Bergman.

Congressman Pappas added that the USPS remains central to the daily lives of many constituents, especially those who depend on timely mail delivery for medications, bills, and business correspondence.

“The U.S. Postal Service provides an essential public service that seniors,

families, and businesses rely on for their medications, mail, and packages,” stated Pappas. “I’m joining my colleagues in launching the Congressional Postal Service Caucus so that we can continue working to strengthen mail service for communities in New Hampshire and across the country. I remain committed to improving access to prompt and reliable mail and package deliveries, especially for our rural communities.”

The Congressional Postal Service Caucus intends to advocate for legislation that supports USPS’s workforce, halts disruptive facility consolidations, and ensures funding and infrastructure improvements that enhance delivery performance. Its formation underscores growing concern in Congress that postal services, long seen as a reliable constant for Americans, are now at risk due to outdated management policies and inconsistent federal oversight.

As the caucus begins its work, members plan to engage with postal unions, local governments, rural stakeholders, and USPS leadership to explore solutions that balance innovation with equitable access.

With constituents across the political spectrum voicing frustrations about mail delays and service cuts, the launch of this caucus sends a strong bipartisan message that protecting and improving the Postal Service is a national priority.

LaLota’s Office Returns Over $11.3 Million to Suffolk County Residents

By Cait Crudden returned through Social Security casework, ensuring retirees, people with disabilities, and surviving family members received their earned benefits. LaLota’s office also helped veterans recoup nearly $45,000 in VA benefits, underscoring the Congressman’s commitment to serving those who served our nation.

Additional recoveries included over $315,000 from FEMA, aiding residents impacted by storms and natural disasters, and more than $100,000 from the Department of Education, resolving issues related to student loans and federal aid. Smaller but impactful returns came from the Office of Personnel Management, the Small Business Administration, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, among others.

This announcement comes on the heels of another major legislative win for Long Islanders. Just a month ago, President Trump signed into law H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill, which includes a

Credit - Matt Meduri

In a significant milestone of direct constituent service, Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) announced that his office has helped Suffolk County residents recover more than $11.3 million from the federal government since he took office in January 2023. The funds represent a combination of delayed, withheld, or disputed payments from various federal agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Social Security Administration (SSA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and more.

The announcement highlights the importance of congressional casework, often the behind-the-scenes part of a lawmaker’s responsibilities, which helps constituents navigate federal bureaucracy and reclaim benefits or reimbursements that are rightfully theirs. Congressman LaLota emphasized that these successes are the result of a dedicated and experienced staff focused on ensuring Long Islanders get the help they deserve when federal red tape gets in the way.

The recovered funds span a wide array of federal services. More than $5.5 million came from the IRS alone, helping taxpayers resolve disputes, receive long-overdue refunds, or correct processing errors. Over $1 million was

substantial increase in the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap, a longtime priority for suburban districts like Suffolk County.

LaLota played a key role in negotiating the bill’s tax relief provisions, which will allow many middle-class families in his district to keep an additional $2,500 to $7,500 of their annual income.

LaLota framed the $11.3 million in returned funds and the SALT cap relief as two sides of the same coin: ensuring that government works for the people.

While large legislative packages make headlines, the day-to-day work of helping constituents resolve specific problems is just as impactful for many families.

“From Day One, our team has focused on delivering results—through both legislative wins and direct constituent service,” said Congressman LaLota.

“We’ve returned over $11.3 million to Long Islanders from the IRS, VA, and Social Security, and helped small business owners recover funds they were owed.

Now, thanks to the SALT cap increase I

fought for, middle-class families on Long Island can keep $2,500 to $7,500 more of their hard-earned income each year.

Whether it’s cutting through red tape or cutting your taxes, we’re here to help.”

Constituents have increasingly turned to LaLota’s Hauppauge district office for help navigating complicated federal processes. Residents have received assistance with issues involving Medicare, Veterans Affairs, tax returns, passport delays, and small business aid.

His office has become a resource for Long Islanders seeking guidance, clarity, or resolution when dealing with the federal government.

LaLota’s office is located at 515 Hauppauge Road, Suite 3B, in Hauppauge, and can be reached by phone at (631) 289-1097.

Residents in need of assistance can also submit a casework request or find more information at LaLota.house.gov.

As Congressman LaLota continues into his second term in office, the dual focus on policy wins in Washington and constituent service at home remains at the core of his approach. The $11.3 million returned to Suffolk residents stands as a measurable result of that commitment, one case, one family, one solution at a time.

This Week Today

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Published byThursday, Messenger Papers, Inc. August 7, 2025

National, State, and Local Temperature Checks

Credit - X @PollTracker2024

By Matt Meduri National A gerrymandering war has broken out ahead of the crucial 2026 midterms.

The primary - and really, only - goal for the night is that of Democrats’ to retake control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Republicans clawed back a narrow majority in 2022 which saw a net decrease of one seat in last year’s elections. Resignations and passings continue to create vacancies, narrowing the operating quorum even further.

The midterm “curse” of the last several decades of politics is that the White House party experiences significant losses in the president’s first midterm, often to the point of losing their House majority if they hold it for the first two years of a president’s term.

Republicans picked up (net) 63 seats in 2010 and Democrats (net) forty in 2018.

Trump will make history by being the first president to serve non-consecutive terms under this “curse,” as his staggered terms create a de facto “freshman” environment in both of his midterms.

The U.S. Senate is almost entirely off the table for Democrats. Fundamentals and current state politics virtually guarantee Republicans hold onto the powerful upper chamber.

The race for the House, now, heats up in an ugly way: gerrymandering wars.

The first “shot” was fired by Texas House Republicans, who on Wednesday unveiled a gerrymander more aggressive than the current map for the Lone Star State.

The map aims to add five districts that would be likely to elect Republicans. The current delegation from Texas is 25R-13D. Texas’ map had been expanding for the Democrats starting in 2018. 2018 saw Democrats flip two long-Republican suburban seats in Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston as the state as a whole drifted left. The 2020 elections saw even closer races in some institutionally Republican seats.

After the 2021 redraw, however, the 2022 midterms saw just two seats flip: TX-15 along the Rio Grande Valley flipped Republican, and TX-34, just next door, narrowly flipped blue under a strong incumbent. As many as nine Republican seats that were competitive in 2020 were absent from the table just two years later. Some Democratic seats, however, were shored up for them. The aforementioned suburban districts that flipped in 2018 were made much safer for the Democrats, although still at a large disadvantage by the Republican gerrymander.

Republicans in Austin are looking to take it even further by drawing out four Democrats in seats that would have gone for President Donald Trump (R-FL) by double-digits.

The Rio Grande Valley seats of TX-28 and TX-34 would be redrawn to have gone for Trump by about ten points each. Trump won the existing counterparts of the district in November.

TX-09, a Houston-based seat, is held by Congressman Al Green (D), who made headlines for raising his cane and filibustering Trump’s Address to the Nation in February, resulting in Green’s removal from the chamber mid-speech. Texas Republicans have proposed Green’s district be changed to one that would have voted for Trump by fifteen points. TX32 in the DFW area would also be redrawn to have gone for Trump by a whopping seventeen points.

Moreover, two incumbents, Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D, TX-37) and Congressman Greg Casar (D, TX-35), are pitted against each other in a primary that House insiders are predicting will be a “nasty race.”

Doggett, 78, first elected in 1994, is reportedly being nudged to bow out of the race to Casar, 36, a rising star in the party.

No competitive districts are included in the proposal

that passed a special committee in the Texas House in a 12-6 party-line vote. The map will eventually face the 88R-62D Texas House, possibly followed by a 20R-11D Senate.

While the Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that states can draw electoral maps on partisan bases, many are hoping that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act overturns the map on the grounds of racial gerrymandering.

State Rep. Todd Hunter (R-Chorpus Christi), the bill’s sponsor, says that the new districts are “based on political performance” that has caused Texas’ political landscape to do a sharp turnaround since last year.

On Friday, ahead of the map’s committee passage, Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) floated the idea of calling a special election for California to redraw its own congressional maps ahead of next year’s elections.

“We will go to the people of this state in a transparent way and ask them to consider the new circumstances, to consider these new realities,” Newsom told reporters Friday, adding that a special election would likely be called “for the first week of November.”

The special election requirement is due to California’s independent redistricting commission, approved by voters in 2010 to handle congressional redistricting.

The map produced ahead of the 2022 midterms is seen as one of the fairer maps nationwide, along with other states who have similar commissions, such as Arizona, Colorado, and Michigan.

The special election would give voters the choice to give the State Legislature permission to override the commission with new proposals. Newsom ensured, however, that the commission would return to power in 2030, after that decade’s census.

The California House delegation is divided 43D9R, after Democrats picked up three seats in 2024.

However, California has two crossover districts that backed Trump for president last year but elected a Democrat to the House. These House races were especially narrow. While no proposed maps have been released, a hypothetical gerrymander of California could cost Republicans four to seven seats, depending on how aggressive the proposals are.

For 2026, two gubernatorial elections are clearer.

In South Carolina, three-term Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R, SC-01) is foregoing re-election to the House to run for governor. Governor Henry McMaster (R-SC) is term-limited.

Mace has become a spectacle in conservative politics, known for her staunchly-held personal beliefs but penchant to contradict her party on certain lines. Mace was most recently elected in 2024, winning 58.2% of the vote. The district joins the edge of the competitive table ahead of the 2026 midterms.

No Democrat has won a gubernatorial election in South Carolina since Jim Hodges (D-SC) won a single

term in 1998. Since then, the largest margin of victory in a governor’s race was McMaster’s eighteen-point win in 2022, making for a potentially competitive open-seat race, should Mace, a controversial figure, earn the Republican nomination.

The other gubernatorial election is California, where former Vice President Kamala Harris (D-CA) ended much speculation and passed on seeking the state’s highest office next year.

“I love this state, its people, and its promise. It is my home. But after deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for Governor in this election,” said Harris in a statement.

A spokesperson close to Harris said passing on the governor’s mansion “keeps the door open” for another presidential run in 2028. The spokesperson also said that the decision was “really tough” for Harris and that Harris was “very conflicted.”

Governor Newsom will be term-limited after eight years in office.

Meanwhile, the Mountain West is experiencing a rough wildfire season, with the Gifford Fire having already torched over 82,000 acres near San Luis Obispo, California.

Arizona and Colorado are also experiencing fires, as are the Canadian Rockies to the Canadian Prairies, prompting air quality alerts for the Northeast U.S. State New York City is still reeling from a mass shooting that unfolded on Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan at about 6:30p.m. on July 28.

The gunman, identified as Shane Tamura, 27, donned body armor before firing a PSA PA-15 rifle inside 345 Park Avenue. It is estimated that his intended target was National Football League (NFL) Headquarters. He entered the building and fatally shot off-duty police officer Didarul Islam and a woman who had taken cover behind a pillar. Two others were shot before he boarded an elevator for the thirty-third floor. Tamura shot another woman before barricading himself on the floor, fatally shooting himself in the chest.

Born in Hawaii, Tamura lived in Las Vegas at the time of the shooting, driving across the country to the site. While he did not have a significant criminal background, Tamura did have a documented mental health history, with two psychiatric holds in Nevada in 2022 and 2024. His suicide note mentions he had suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease that can result from contact sports. He also wrote in his note that “you can’t go against the NFL, they’ll squash you.”

With five fatalities and five injuries, it makes for the deadliest mass shooting in New York City since the 2000 Wendy’s Massacre in Queens.

Local This month, the 2025 Sandcastle Contests at three State parks across Suffolk will be held.

On August 19, the contest will be held at Field #1 of Sunken Meadow State Park in Fort Salonga.

August 14, 21, and 28 will see the contest at Hither Hills State Park in Montauk.

On August 27, Robert Moses State Park will play host at Field #3 on Fire Island.

All contests will start with a 9:30a.m. registration time, followed by a build time from 9:30a.m. to 10:30a.m. Judging will commence at 10:30, followed by awards from 11:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.

Vehicle Use Fees are $10 for each park.

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Murray’s Message Thursday, August 7, 2025

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

MURRAY’S MESSAGE Update from New York State Senator Dean Murray

When tragedy strikes, it can either silence a family or inspire them to speak louder than ever before. For the Nappi family, the unimaginable loss of their daughter Angelica became the beginning of a movement, one driven by purpose, powered by pain, tested by resilience, and supported by a community determined to turn heartbreak into hope.

Angelica Nappi was only fourteen years old when her life was cut short in a devastating car crash on Woodside Avenue in Medford.

The driver responsible for the collision ran a red light and had not one, not two, but seven prior driver’s license suspensions and, astonishingly, his license had been officially revoked earlier that same day. Despite this alarming pattern of reckless behavior, he was charged with only a misdemeanor and served less than six months in jail. For Angelica’s mother, Dawn, and her younger sister, Nicolette, this wasn’t just a failure of justice; it was an indictment of a broken system that allowed a dangerous driver to remain on the road with impunity.

In the face of such loss, no one would have faulted Dawn and the entire family for retreating, for mourning in silence, for trying to piece together what was left of their lives; but that is not what they did. Instead, they turned their grief into action, advocating tirelessly to ensure no other family would suffer the same pain. Their fight wasn’t solely rooted in justice for Angelica; it was for accountability and change, for every family in New York and beyond.

The result of their unwavering advocacy is Angelica’s Law, passed in December 2023, which I was a proud lead sponsor of in the NYS Senate alongside Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R-Medford) in the Assembly. This legislation reforms the threshold for felony charges against drivers with repeated license suspensions. Previously, a driver shockingly needed ten separate suspensions for moving violations to face a felony. Angelica’s Law lowers that number to five. Personally, I think three violations is too many, but the Democrat Majority felt that was too strict. So, after years of haggling with them, I agreed to settle on five years. After all, that’s much better than ten! It also raised the penalty for repeat offenders who continue to operate vehicles despite having their licenses revoked.

These are common-sense measures that will make our roads safer and hold chronic offenders accountable before another innocent life is taken.

This law is not only a legislative win, but also a symbol of resilience.

It demonstrates what can happen when a grieving family refuses to give up. The Nappi’s did not have political experience or insider connections. What they had was love for their daughter, righteous outrage, and the determination to make a difference. They found a way to channel their grief into action and discovered a network of supporters, advocates, and public officials who stood with them every step of the way.

This past month, the community gathered once again, this time to celebrate a bittersweet victory. A portion of Woodside Avenue was renamed in honor of Angelica Nappi thanks to Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue) and others who supported this resolution in the Suffolk County Legislature. The same stretch of road where her life was taken now bears her name as a solemn reminder of why we must do better. It serves as a tribute to Angelica’s memory and to the tireless efforts of her family, friends, and supporters.

At the renaming ceremony, myself, Assemblyman DeStefano, Legislator Thorne, representatives from law enforcement, the Department of Public Works, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and countless members of the community stood side by side. It was not only an act of remembrance but a clear statement that Angelica’s life and legacy will not be forgotten. The turnout represented a cross section of Long Island’s finest citizens, officials, and advocates united by the common goal of protecting others.

It took years to pass this law, I can honestly say too many years for something so common-sense to many of us. Advocacy of this

kind is not for the faint of heart. The legislative process can be slow, tedious, and discouraging much of the time. But Dawn never lost sight of the mission. She attended hearings, met with lawmakers, gathered support, and continued to tell Angelica’s story even when it was painful to relive it. In doing so, she taught all of us a powerful lesson: meaningful change requires perseverance, compassion, and community.

Angelica’s family also reminded us of something even more profound: that tragedy does not have to define us. It can reshape us. It can become a rallying cry. The strength and courage Angelica’s loved ones have shown should serve as an inspiration to others facing similar heartbreak. They proved that you don’t have to be a politician or a public figure to make a difference. What you need is conviction and the willingness to fight for something greater than yourself.

The importance of Angelica’s Law extends far beyond the borders of Suffolk County. It is a message to all New Yorkers that reckless driving will no longer be tolerated, and that our laws must reflect the seriousness of the threats on our roads. Every day, lives are endangered by individuals who, despite repeatedly having suspended licenses, continue to drive illegally. Angelica’s Law disrupts that cycle and creates real consequences for those who ignore the rules.

And while we celebrate the passing of this law and the renaming of a road in Angelica’s honor, we must also recognize the work that lies ahead. Public awareness, enforcement, and continued advocacy are essential to ensuring that this law is more than words on paper. It must be a tool for prevention and justice, used proactively to save lives. The community’s continued support is crucial whether through education campaigns, support for MADD, or simply spreading the word about the importance of responsible driving.

In a world where it can be easy to feel powerless in the face of tragedy, Dawn has shown us all that one voice can move mountains when fueled by love and resilience, driven by justice and the belief you can make a change, and supported by loved ones and community members. Angelica’s Law is the result of her unwavering dedication. And while it can never bring Angelica back, it ensures that her name and her story will help protect countless others from similar fates.

Let Angelica’s Law stand as a reminder that change is possible.

Let her name, now immortalized on the road that once bore witness to senseless tragedy, become a beacon of hope. And let her mother Dawn, her sister Nicolette and her entire family’s courage inspire all of us to fight for what is right, no matter how long the road may be.

Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) has represented the Third District in the New York State Senate since 2023 after having represented the Third Assembly District from 2010 to 2013 and again from 2015 to 2018.

The Third District contains Bellport, Blue Point, Brookhaven hamlet, Center Moriches, East Moriches, East Patchogue, Farmingville, Gordon Heights, Lake Grove, Manorville, Mastic, Mastic Beach, Medford, Moriches, North Bellport, North Patchogue, Patchogue, Shirley, South Haven, Upton, and Yaphank, as well as parts of Calverton, Centereach, Coram, Eastport, Holbrook, Holtsville, Lake Ronkonkoma, Middle Island, Ridge, and Selden. The district also contains a small portion of Holbrook within the Town of Islip.

Senator Murray serves as Ranking Member on the committees on Commerce, Economic Development, and Small Business; Libraries; and Social Services. He also serves on the committees on Budget and Revenue; Codes; and Higher Education.

The Third District office is located at 90-B West Main Street in Patchogue and can be reached at 631-360-3356.

County News Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Suffolk’s Volunteer Firefighters Honored An impressive group of dedicated volunteer firefighters were recognized for their efforts and achievements as each of the eighteen members of the Suffolk County Legislature introduced an honoree from their district at Tuesday’s General Meeting in the Maxine Y. Postal Auditorium of the Evans K. Griffing Building at the Riverhead County Center.

With these presentations, the Legislature recognized a select group of the thousands of men and women whose brave efforts in the 228 fire departments across Suffolk County protect homes, businesses, and lives every day. The fire districts in Suffolk County offer a wide range of services, including responding to firefighting requests, medical emergencies, incidents involving hazardous materials, rescue calls, and motor vehicle or other accidents.

“Each fire or emergency demonstrates not only the technical training and proficiency of our volunteer firefighters but evokes a greater appreciation for caring and commitment of the men and women who respond every day, at all hours, to protect property and save lives,” said Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst). “From my District, I was proud to honor Kyle McCarthy, who joined the West Babylon Fire Department as a Probationary Firefighter in December of 2017. Since then, he has risen through the ranks – serving as Secretary, Lieutenant, and now Captain of Santapogue Engine Company 3.

“Kyle further serves the Department as a member of the Special Operations Squad, Rescue Squad, and Technical Rescue Team, and as a CPR Instructor. Kyle has also partnered with Department leadership to embolden a new recruitment and retention committee and is an administrator of the department social media accounts” “Kyle uses the training and experience afforded to him as a volunteer firefighter in his full-time job as a Town of Smithtown Fire Marshal, where he works as a sworn law enforcement officer to conduct fire and life safety inspections, investigate the origin and cause of fires, respond to hazardous materials incidents, and more. He also serves as

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an Executive Board member of the Fire Marshals Association of Suffolk County and as a member of the Suffolk County Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services Commission,” said McCaffrey.

Volunteer Firefighter Honorees by Legislative District LD-01: Catherine Stark - Andrew ‘Andy’ Reeve, Shelter Island Fire Department LD-02: Ann Welker - Marissa Grace Rosante, Hampton Bays Fire Department LD-03: Jim Mazzarella - George Cerruto, Center Moriches Fire Department LD-04: Nick Caracappa - Bill Xikis, Selden Fire Department LD-05: Steve Englebright - Christian Neubert, Port Jefferson Fire Department LD-06: Chad Lennon - Jeff Campo, Ridge Fire Department LD-07: Dominick Thorne - Dan Brooks, Patchogue FD / Ambulance Company LD-08: Anthony Piccirillo - Neil Heffernan, Holbrook Fire Department LD-09: Sam Gonzalez - William Wilkerson, Bay Shore Fire Department LD-10: Trish Bergin - Ron Barz, Hauppauge Fire Department LD-11: Steve Flotteron - David Henry, West Islip Fire Department LD-12: Leslie Kennedy - Dr. Donald G. Lynch, Smithtown Fire Department LD-13: Rob Trotta - Russell von Frank II, Nissequogue Fire Department LD-14: Kevin McCaffrey - Kyle McCarthy, West Babylon Fire Department LD-15: Jason Richberg - Corey Finn, North Lindenhurst Volunteer FD LD-16: Rebecca Sanin - Frank Mongelli, Melville Fire Department LD-17: Tom Donnelly - Eric B. Raudies, Brentwood Fire Department LD-18: Stephanie Bontempi - Matthew Paulsen, Greenlawn Fire Department Credit - Suffolk County Legislature

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Sports Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Bellport’s Caitlin Maragioglio Earns All-American Honor

By Madison Warren Credit - South County School District

Caitlin Maragioglio is making history on and off the mat. The Bellport High School standout recently earned All-American honors at the U.S. Marine Corps Junior & 16U Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota— one of the most competitive wrestling tournaments in the country. Her performance didn’t just put her name on the map; it also put a spotlight on a fast-growing movement in Bellport: girls’ wrestling.

In a sport that has long been dominated by boys, girls across Long Island—and the nation—are starting to carve out their own space, and Caitlin is leading that charge in her hometown. Her success is a clear sign that the sport is changing. Girls aren’t just joining wrestling programs— they’re excelling in them.

Bellport’s girls wrestling program, once small and overlooked, is now gaining momentum. Participation is up, and interest continues to grow.

The school has made a noticeable effort to support its female athletes, providing them with improved training opportunities, increased competition, and genuine recognition for their achievements. That shift is beginning to pay off.

Caitlin’s journey didn’t happen overnight. Her success is the result of years of hard work, discipline, and a level of grit that sets great athletes apart from the rest. She trained in the offseason, competed at higher levels, and refused to slow down when things got tough. Her

All-American title wasn’t handed to her. She earned it through consistent effort and a willingness to challenge expectations.

Her performance in Fargo proved that Bellport can compete on a national level. For a local program, that’s no small thing. It shows young athletes in the community—especially girls—that wrestling is for them as well. It shows parents and coaches that investing in girls’ programs is more than just the right thing to do— it produces results.

Bellport’s athletic department has taken notice. As the girls’ program expands, more resources are being directed toward its development.

From offseason training to increased visibility at meets, the girls’ team is starting to receive the support it deserves. And with athletes like Caitlin setting the tone, the future looks bright.

The growth of girls’ wrestling in Bellport mirrors a broader national trend. Across New York State and beyond, more schools are adding girls’ teams, more tournaments are offering girls’ brackets, and the talent level is rising rapidly. What used to be a small niche is quickly becoming a full-fledged competitive sport in its own right.

Caitlin Maragioglio’s All-American finish is a milestone for Bellport— but it’s also just the beginning. With more girls stepping onto the mat each year and role models like her leading the way, Bellport’s wrestling program is no longer just growing. It’s thriving.

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Around Town Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

13

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Veterans Memorial at Bald Hill Adds Tribute to Suicide Awareness

By Madison Warren This past week, a new tribute was unveiled at the Suffolk Veterans Memorial at Bald Hill—a bench dedicated to veterans who have died by suicide.

The bench, donated by the Masonic War Veterans, serves as a solemn reminder of the ongoing battles many service members face after returning home. The unveiling ceremony brought together a strong show of community support, with attendees standing in solidarity to honor the fallen.

Among those present were Suffolk County Legislators Nick Caracappa (C-Selden) and Anne Welker (D-Southampton); Marcelle Leis, Director of the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency; Robert Adam Rubin, Grand Master of the Masons in New York; Bob Licata, District Deputy Grand Master of Suffolk County; and Clarence Simpson, Vice President of Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1. Members of the Masonic War Veterans, Vietnam Veterans Chapter 11, along with family, friends, and all those who contributed to making this bench a reality, also came out to show their support and pay their respects.

Engraved on the bench is a crisis hotline number—a lifeline for those in need of mental health support. At the ceremony, Legislator Caracappa spoke to the significance of the message it carries.

“People come up here and they may feel distressed, depressed, unwelcome, sad, unappreciated. Well, that one [hotline] number alone will let them know that they are not alone. None of that is true. They are appreciated, loved, and respected,” said Caracappa. “They are welcomed home. I know it didn’t feel like that years ago when they came home, but I can assure you this, our Vietnam Veterans are welcomed home.

We appreciate them. We love them.

We appreciate their services and the sacrifices they make—to them and their families. For those here, and for those who never made it home.”

Donald Puccio, a member of Vietnam Veterans Chapter 11, emphasized the broader impact of the bench.

“The suicide rate for Veterans is double the national average, and I’m not just talking about Vietnam vets—this affects all veterans,” said Puccio. “So, this bench really means a lot. Just having people be aware of it and knowing there’s a place for us to go makes a difference. I think this bench is a really good symbol.”

Along with this newly placed bench in Farmingville, the Masonic War Veterans have donated several others across Suffolk County—and they plan to continue doing so, with the hope that each one offers comfort and a sense of peace to those who have served.

Photo credit - Madison Warren

Robert Adam Rubin, Grand Master of the Masons in New York, stated, “Let this bench remind us that some battles do not end on foreign shores or distant fields, but continue here at home, within the hearts and minds of those who have worn the weight of service. The solid struggle of Veterans and activeduty personnel who face mental health challenges and suicidal despair is real, is invisible, and too often fatal.”

The mental health crisis among Veterans is no secret and nothing new. For many, the struggle lies in reaching out for help—battling the ingrained “strong soldier” mentality that discourages vulnerability. The number is twenty-two. That’s the average number of Veterans lost each day to suicide. The fight is not overseas, but here at home.

A fight to let our Veterans know they are not alone, that they are seen, and that help is there. This bench stands as a symbol of healing—an effort to address the invisible wounds our veterans continue to carry.

Marcelle Leis touched on this issue and said, “In our culture, we don’t ask for help. Hence, the point is that we have an alarming rate of suicide in our nation.

As the legislator has mentioned, twentytwo is the number, but our message is that just one is one too many.”

The bench was the result of a genuine team effort. The Masonic War Veterans, Suffolk County Veterans Committee, and the Suffolk County Parks Department all came together with a shared goal: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served.

Legislator Welker said, “I could not be more proud of everyone who contributed to this, like the outpouring of support for veterans’ resources from the Suffolk County Parks Department. I am just grateful for each and every one of you for being here today.”

The bench—and the entire Suffolk County Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Bald Hill—offers a powerful space to pause, reflect, and feel seen. At its center stands a striking 100-foot obelisk, painted red, white, and blue, honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who served. The memorial bears the names of 256 Suffolk County service members who were killed or went missing in action during the Vietnam War. Surrounding the monument are several benches—including the newly added suicide awareness bench— that invite visitors to sit and take in the peaceful landscape. The grounds feature weeping cherry trees planted in memory of POW/MIA soldiers, offering a quiet, natural setting for remembrance.

More than just a monument, this memorial is a community space—a place where Veterans, families, and visitors can gather, grieve, and heal together.

14

Civics 101 Thursday, August 7, 2025

The Necessary Standard for American Education The Congressional District Method

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

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.

By Matt Meduri With the current gerrymandering “war” underway between three states, for now, we’re taking a look at a common proposal to amend the Electoral College: the congressional district method.

Two of a Kind Currently, forty-eight states and the District of Columbia award Electoral Votes in a classic winner-take-all, first-past-thepost system. Whoever wins the most popular votes wins all the state’s electoral votes. This is regardless of the statewide margin of victory. The largest margin of any state in the 2024 presidential election was Wyoming, where Donald Trump (R-FL) won 71.60% of the vote for a forty-six-point margin. The vote margin was about 123,000 votes and he took all three of the state’s electoral votes. The closest state last year was Wisconsin, where Trump won by a margin of just 0.86% - 29,367 votes. He The 2024 election if all states awarded electoral votes by took all ten of the state’s electoral votes. congressional district winners (Credit - 270toWin) Two states, however, stand out: Maine and Nebraska. Maine opted for the have taken almost half of the electoral votes under this method. congressional district method in 1972, with Nebraska doing so in The same goes for Harris in Pennsylvania, who would have taken 1991. The method states that presidential candidates must win the eight votes, despite losing the state narrowly. popular vote in each congressional district to win electoral votes.

The winner of the statewide popular vote automatically receives The Pros two votes. Nebraska has three congressional districts and Maine has two. Winning the popular vote in each individual district nets The congressional district method is often pitched as the the winner an electoral vote each. quintessential overhaul that some feel the Electoral College needs.

In 2024, NE-02 backed Harris, giving her one electoral vote. Proponents say that it makes for a livelier campaign not so heavily Trump won NE-03 (1 electoral vote), NE-01 (1), and the statewide rooted in the winner-take-all system that they believe to be archaic. popular vote (2), giving him four electoral votes. In Maine, Harris An easy pro: more states would get attention and more regions won the statewide popular vote and ME-02, giving her three votes of states would get attention. total. Trump won ME-02, giving him one electoral vote.

This “solves” the problem of only a set few battlegrounds being The method has been attempted for other states, such as the deciding factors in a presidential election. Last year, the California in 2008, but none have succeeded. It takes significant conventional wisdom revolved around the core seven swing states, steps to materialize these visions when it comes to getting state although peripheral battlegrounds were closer than some legislatures to honor a petition for a ballot measure. expected. This method would effectively make the election revolve For this week’s column, we’ll look at what the 2024 presidential around congressional districts and the idiosyncratic issues therein election would look like if all states implemented the method of to win an election. awarding Electoral College votes that Maine and Nebraska do. We’ll Take Arizona for example, a state with one of the fairest also examine the pros and cons of this system and how it ties in congressional maps in the country. Trump won six of those districts, with the current gerrymandering “war.” but three could easily be won by a Democrat, making for more elasticity in results. The focus, then, would be taken off of Phoenix The 2024 Election Reimagined if the statewide popular vote is already seen as out of play for one candidate. They could at least campaign on localized issues and In 2024, Donald Trump carried thirty-one states - plus ME-02 - practice retail politics in the diverse state to rack up some electoral to win 312 electoral votes. Then-Vice President Kamala Harris (D- votes. The Navajo Nation dominates AZ-01, transient and heavily CA) carried nineteen states - plus D.C. and NE-02 - for a grand total Latino communities dot the landscape in the southeastern AZ-06, of 226 electoral votes. Thirteen states were decided by less than ten while suburbanites and college towns populate the Phoenix Metro points for either candidate - seven for Trump and six for Harris. districts - all different sects of the population that might get more If all states used the congressional district method, the number attention on the campaign trail. of states won by either candidate would remain the same, but It also emphasizes playing to available strengths in an array of Trump would have won only 292 electoral votes, compared to more states. Democrats haven’t done presidential campaigning in Harris’ 246. Several states still shut out either candidate, as Trump states like Kentucky or Alabama in decades, while Republicans was able to win all congressional districts in states like Oklahoma, haven’t set foot in Maryland or Oregon in about as equally as long.

Idaho, and Iowa. Harris did the same in states like Hawaii, This method would change that.

Connecticut, and New Hampshire. The math doesn’t change here.

However, it changes in over thirty states. Despite losing New The Cons York by about thirteen points, Trump would have earned seven electoral votes from the Empire State since he won the popular This is where this topic relates to the current battle over vote in seven congressional districts. Despite losing Texas by about redistricting. The biggest con of this idea: gerrymandering. the same margin, Harris would have earned eleven electoral votes Currently, only a few states have truly independent redistricting there. Currently, congressional districts except in Maine and commissions that produce objectively fair and competitive maps.

Nebraska have no weight on the presidential results. Their winners Others, however, are heavily gerrymandered on partisan bases. are only observed for statistical purposes.

We can identify at least sixteen states with maps that are at The inset map shows how even some of the reddest and bluest least somewhat gerrymandered - ten with advantages towards states allow either party to win some votes, in some cases more Republicans and six towards Democrats. The most egregious maps than expected. Trump lost Colorado by eleven points, but would for the GOP are Texas, North Carolina, and Florida, where not only

Republican-leaning districts were shored up but Democratic ones were axed as well. The North Carolina gerrymander allowed Republicans to pick up three seats there in 2024, which some say handed them control of the House.

For the Democrats, Illinois is the most aggressive, having gone from a map where a 9D-9R split was on the table to one where Democrats rule with an oppressive 14D-3R landscape.

Oregon and New Mexico Democrats also worked to dilute Republican influence, while Nevada “unpacks” Las Vegas to shore up light blue districts that could conceivably flip red under the right circumstances.

New Jersey, while not a classic partisan gerrymander, is a favorable map for Democrats for an arbitrary reason. The independent commission chose to make a map favorable to Democrats this decade since last decade’s map was more favorable to Republicans. The New Jersey delegation was split 6D6R in 2016. Now, it’s an 11D-3R map with little wiggle room.

Lighter gerrymanders only shore up one district in each state from being potentially competitive. Republicans did so in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, Utah, and Indiana, while Democrats have similar setups in Connecticut and Washington.

Unless every state has a reputable independent redistricting commission that can produce objectively fair maps, the congressional district method of allocating electoral votes in a presidential race will never be a true fix. Gerrymandering wouldn’t be stopped; it would be encouraged. Not only does the fate of the House control already seem to rest on it, but the outcome of presidential elections would be more valuable. Almost every state would have no excuse to not gerrymander their maps.

Illinois is an excellent example. In 2016, Trump lost the state by seventeen points, but won seven of eighteen congressional districts. The congressional delegation was split 9R-9D that year, with Democrats picking up one seat as Hillary Clinton (D-NY) won the state. In 2024, Trump won only three of seventeen districts, wholly due to the gerrymander. However, he only lost the state by just over ten points - a shockingly close race in an otherwise blue bastion. How could Trump come closer in the state overall but win far less electoral votes than he did in 2016?

There’s also the notable phenomenon of crossover districts, those that back one party for president but elect a representative of another party to the House. It’s an open question as to whether this method would dilute that type of retail politics, or it would ensure down ballot politics virtually guarantee that the House and the White House go the same way.

The other factor that this method doesn’t take into account is just how much the map changes, even if it’s gradual. Take the 2000 presidential election, for example. The closest states were Florida, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Oregon, with Tennessee, Arkansas, Washington, West Virginia, Louisiana, and Vermont within single-digits.

Fast-forward to 2024: Wisconsin was still the closest state, but all of those states have become safe for their respective parties, while new battlegrounds have emerged. New Jersey, Michigan, Arizona, Maine, Georgia, and North Carolina are prime battlegrounds that weren’t the focus of 2000.

And for the 2030s, the map will likely be different again.

What’s the Verdict?

Overall, this proposal does make some sense, but it rests on a basis that winner-take-all contests are simply not adequate. We can’t agree from that standpoint, but we can understand some of the pros.

However, the latest gerrymandering “war” makes this proposal that’s gaining in popularity a sure ticket to presidential elections guaranteed to be steeped in litigation, controversy, and partisan politics.

Around Town Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, August 7, 2025

15

Toast Opens of Fifth Long Island Café at Ronkonkoma’s Station Yards

By Cait Crudden Ronkonkoma just got a whole lot toastier.

Toast Coffee + Kitchen officially opened the doors of its fifth Long Island location this past week, welcoming brunch lovers to a brand-new space at the heart of the Station Yards development. The latest addition to the growing Toast family boasts a vintage train depot theme, a heartfelt homage by owner Terence Scarlatos, who grew up just blocks away from the Ronkonkoma Long Island Rail Road station where the café now stands.

“This location is very special to me,” Scarlatos, joined by his wife, Jennifer, told The Messenger. He described a cross-country train ride he took in his “journey of selfdiscovery.” It was throughout places like New York, Seattle, and Portland that gave him the inspiration to create a coffeehouse. A mural inside the new Ronkonkoma location depicts a train and embodies hias long-time friend he met in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as the conductor.

“There’s a lot of traveling in my background, but I wanted to do a little homage in the mural to that trip and really just to let people know that America is so large and there’s so much to see,” said Scarlatos, gesturing to the LIRR station just to the south. “Even just as something as simple as across the street from the train station, it’s unlimited where you can go.”

The new café is strategically located steps from the Ronkonkoma LIRR station and adjacent to the Village Green courtyard, placing it in the center of what is quickly becoming one of Suffolk County’s most dynamic neighborhoods. The area has already attracted a mix of dining and entertainment options, including VESPA Italian Kitchen & Cocktails, Lucharitos, The Pink Fin, The Great South Bay Brewery and Tap Room. The arrival of Toast solidifies the neighborhood’s growing reputation as a culinary and cultural destination.

The opening of Toast marks a major milestone for Station Yards, the transformative mixed-use development led by TRITEC Real Estate Company. When completed, Station Yards will feature 1,450 apartments, nearly 200,000 square feet of retail, over 360,000 square feet of office space, and a sprawling public plaza all centered around the busiest commuter rail station in Suffolk County. The current phase already includes 388 residential

units and 70,000 square feet of commercial space.

For TRITEC, the addition of Toast is more than just another restaurant opening, it’s a sign that the vision of a walkable, livable, and lively town center is becoming reality. Ed McNamara, President of the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce, also praised the new location.

“Toast is the kind of place that makes a neighborhood feel complete,” said McNamara.

“It’s welcoming, beautifully designed and already buzzing with life. We don’t take anything for granted in this community, and when we have a company like Toast coming in, and really this is, as far as I’m concerned, this is their flagship restaurant. It is just beautiful in there.”

Rick Ammirati, President of the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce, was also on hand to welcome Toast to the community, as was Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) and a representative for Islip Town Councilman John Lorenzo (C-West Sayville).

The interior design, built around the concept of vintage travel and train station charm, is both nostalgic and forward-thinking, offering an atmosphere that’s perfect for leisurely weekend brunches, quick coffee meetups, and everything in between. A mix of warm wood tones, industrial lighting, and train-themed décor captures the essence of travel while celebrating the site’s proximity to the LIRR. The Ronkonkoma location joins four other Toast cafés across Long Island, each with its own unique theme and ambiance. The Patchogue location channels a steampunk vibe, while the Long Beach branch echoes the Prohibition era. In Port Jefferson Station, visitors are greeted by a chic farmhouse setting, and the Bay Shore café dazzles with a playful carnival-themed experience.

Cheers!

Brookhaven Strays: Facebook Group Becomes Lifeline for Missing Pets A local Facebook page is quietly making a big difference in the lives of pet owners across the Town of Brookhaven.

Founded in 2015, Brookhaven Strays is a volunteer-run social media effort aimed at reuniting lost pets with their families. What began as a simple digital bulletin board has grown into a high-impact resource with more than 20,000 followers.

“I’m not the original creator, but I’ve been in animal rescue and lostand-found work for close to 20 years,” said Milena, one of the group’s longtime administrators. “The original founder asked me to help as an admin, and eventually stepped down to enjoy life. I’ve continued the work ever since.”

The page is not officially affiliated with the Brookhaven Animal Shelter but works closely with the shelter’s staff, as well as local veterinarians, animal hospitals and neighboring rescue groups. Every day, the page receives reports from residents who’ve lost a pet or found one wandering.

“Our goal is to get the word out fast,” Milena said. “Photos, locations, contact info—time is critical when a pet goes missing.”

Thanks to its highly engaged community, many reunions happen within hours or days. However, not every case ends happily.

“We’ve had pets that didn’t make it home, and it’s heartbreaking,” Milena said. “But even when the outcome is sad, providing closure to a family matters.”

Beyond emergency alerts, the page also promotes education. Regular posts inform pet owners on steps to take when a pet is lost or found, including microchip scanning, reporting to shelters

and ensuring a safe space for a rescued animal. The page also reminds the public to secure pets during fireworks, storms or other potentially distressing events.

Brookhaven Strays focuses primarily on animals in the township or those brought into the Brookhaven Animal Shelter. In doing so, the group helps fill a gap between municipal resources and grassroots outreach.

While the mission is rooted in compassion, Milena credits the community for the page’s success.

“It’s not just us,” she said. “It’s the people who share the posts, check their Ring cameras or stop to help a stray dog on the side of the road.

That’s what makes the difference.”

The Messenger Papers will continue to highlight the efforts of Brookhaven Strays in future issues, including a monthly “Lost & Found” feature. Upcoming coverage will also revisit some of the group’s “cold cases”— lost pet reports that remain unsolved but may still lead to answers with renewed community attention.

“Every post, every share, every sighting—it all matters,” Milena said.

“Brookhaven Strays is proof that a little effort from a lot of people can save lives.”

For more information or to get involved, visit the Brookhaven Strays Facebook page by scanning the QR code here:

16

Local History Thursday, August 7, 2025

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

The Last Pavilion

By Ellyn Okvist, B.Sc.

Perhaps the most efficient and beautiful Pavilion on Ronkonkoma Lake was The Tourist Rest, built in 1910 by George Busch. The building faced west, directly to the Lake. Although considered plain, it had a three-sided covered porch and was elevated so you could easily see the activities on the lake as you relaxed and planned your day, or wind down at the end of a fun-filled vacation.

George Busch and his wife Elizabeth ran the business, which had the reputation of specialty treatment for the patrons.

The menu was fresh and changed daily but above all, it was priced fairly and also nutritious. A home cooked meal to enjoy three times a day was provided by the Busch family.

There were rooms for boarding, and they would be booked up in advance due to the good reputation of the owners and the rest and relaxation the guests could enjoy. It was not odd for a reservation to be made a year in advance as the guests departed this year’s stay.

In a short time, another building was added to the corner, right at Portion Road and Pond, and it opened as an Ice Cream Parlor. Locals, and other guests from the area would flock to the stand, enjoying the handmade ice cream. The Parlor was just what the area needed, and it is said they carried the first soft freeze ice cream.

Interesting enough the now empty Ice Cream Parlor was rented by Larry Holzapfel in the 1970’s. He started his legacy Bookstore in that building, opened it for his daughter to assist in her income as she began college. There was a lack of interest, and Larry himself took over the management of the Bookstore. The location was forced to switch and that is when he moved the Bookstore to the location that we all grew to love and frequent. The second building location was originally used for renting row boats for guests of the Lake Front Hotel.

Back at the Tourist Rest, a little restaurant was opened across the street, on the banks of the lake with the back of the building facing the lake. This became a local community favorite, enjoying the fresh food and friendly atmosphere surrounding the location. A beautiful view was enjoyed, as the seating was over the lake. Word of mouth brought local people who would visit the restaurant for the quality home-made cooking. The service doubled as the word of quality spread. The restaurant became extremely popular, often with a wait for hours.

George Busch and his family operated the Tourist Rest for forty years. George was being transported to Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson when his heart attack proved fatal, and he died in transit on February 1, 1949.

The Suffolk House took over ownership during the 1950s-1960s, and was home to a restaurant, lounge and entertainment establishment. The Suffolk Beach Club, a refreshment stand, and bathhouse were added to accommodate the guests and

Windows on the Lake, present

Tourist Rest, 1910

The Suffolk House, 1950s-1960s

THE LAKE RONKONKOMA HERITAGE ASSOCIATION 4 Cherry Street, Lake Ronkonkoma 631-831-1670 thelakeheritage@aol.com

local day patrons alike.

Following this, the use of the building changed very often, leaving the community to wonder what was next. Four hit and miss operations operated out of the building, however the names seemed to have disappeared as fast as they did. With all of the fly-by-night businesses that were in operation in this period of time we are lucky that the house and outbuildings were able to withstand the test of time and different uses.

The Suffolk House had absolutely no visual appeal, so it is agreed to state the pavilion went from moderate decor as the Tourists Rest, then to dull as The Suffolk House, and finally to majestic as Windows on the Lake.

By 1993, the entire pavilion, both buildings and the magnificent lake-front location would become Windows on the Lake, a state-of-the-art catering facility. Local ownership was key to the expansion as their love for their community and childhood upbringing made the meticulous restoration done on the main structure a work from the heart. The front entrance can still be seen in all stages of existence. Windows on the Lake has been a restoration that not only kept the original building style and visibility but has added the modern touches needed to reach a first-rate establishment. Careful blending of the two has made this crown jewel what it is today.

The catering rooms and wedding facilities are above expectation. The owners will customize your needs and dreams and make it the best wedding or event one can imagine.

The spectacular views of the lake from the lake front property across the street allows an outdoor venue for weddings or other small affairs, that can have the banquet finish inside or remain on the lake with its signature breeze and beautiful views. The views of the lake from the main building can leave one speechless. Any location where you choose to view is second to none. The tower that once was an ice cream shop has upcoming plans.

“The Last Pavillion” can share the past and the present with top quality service, location, and food service. The care and architecturally correct restoration of the buildings by owners Anthony and Ellen Pellegrino endure our community. The owners have kept the integrity of the establishment, and you can be sure their love for the building will be reflected in the care of your event. Beautiful landscaping, including tiered gardens, trees and bushes offer a lovely first impression for guests.

Historically, the guests at The Tourist Rest and Windows on the Lake experience the same high quality that we have been accustomed to in Lake Ronkonkoma - quality that has been held for 115 years.

It is not often a building of this age or magnitude can be restored to its glory, but it was meant to be. Lake Ronkonkoma has lost almost every pavilion or smaller establishment that was a part of the history of our community.

But not Windows on the Lake, not our beautiful “Last Pavilion”.

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

17

Thursday, August 7, 2025

America’s New AI Doctrine: Will It Be Enough?

By Mollie Barnett The Trump administration’s sweeping AI plan ditches speechpolicing in favor of chips, training, and transparency. Supporters call it a long-overdue reset; critics warn it may leave creators and voters exposed.

Every era has its moonshot. The 1960s had Apollo; the 1940s had the Manhattan Project. In 2025, the prize is Artificial Intelligence (AI), and whoever writes the rules will shape global trade, defense and even cultural memory.

AI already ghost writes novels, curates social-media feeds, and tags billions of photos. Last year, China surpassed the United States in raw data-center capacity, while Europe finished the most detailed AI Act on the planet. Washington, heavy on rhetoric but light on hardware, finally fired back in July with America’s AI Action Plan.

A New Space Race—With Code The 28-page plan looks less like a speech code and more like a factory blueprint. “We believe AI systems should be free of ideological bias,” David Sacks, the administration’s AI and crypto czar, told reporters when the policy dropped at the president’s “Winning the AI Race” summit.

“Artificial intelligence is a revolutionary technology with the potential to transform the global economy and alter the balance of power in the world,” Sacks said. “To remain the leading economic and military power, the United States must win the AI race.”

Stanford computer-science professor Fei-Fei Li, known as the “Godmother of AI,” has long advocated for policies that balance innovation with responsibility. “Open access to AI models and computational tools is crucial for progress,” Li said in recent remarks on AI policy. “Limiting (AI) will create barriers and slow innovation, particularly for academic institutions and researchers who have fewer resources than their private-sector counterparts.”

From Values to Capability Critics of the Biden-era rules called them “values-heavy.”

Executive Order 14110, signed in late 2023, required bias audits, misinformation watermarking, and climate checklists before federal agencies could adopt new models—a policy framework critics characterized as embedding “state values” under the guise of technical standards and ethical oversight. Industry developers complained that the extensive compliance requirements created bottlenecks that delayed deployment of beneficial AI applications.

The Trump blueprint rips out most of that language.

Gone are mandatory watermarking, DEI scoring and federal misinformation definitions. In their place: labs to stress-test code, money for chips, and a promise that any model the government buys must explain its own answers.

The administration frames this as a fundamental shift from government-imposed ideological constraints to market-driven innovation and the policy explicitly targets “Woke AI” - systems that embed political viewpoints rather than neutral functionality.

What the Plan Actually Does Stress-test everything: New federally backed “red-team” centers will try to jailbreak frontier models, that is pushing them to leak data, generate malware, or spew bias before they reach the public.

Build public computing muscle: A National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) will offer start-ups and universities discounted cloud credits and curated data. Officials say vocational partnerships will give welders and network techs—not just Ph.D.s—hands-on work running the clusters.

Train an AI workforce: Grants now favor community colleges, trade schools and mid-career apprenticeships. Pilot targets call for 100,000 workers retrained by 2028, if Congress funds them.

Enforce civil-rights law—minus new speech rules: Agencies must prove their systems don’t break existing anti-discrimination statutes, but they no longer need federal fairness audits tied to partisan metrics.

Lead abroad through infrastructure, not ideology: State Department “AI-diplomacy teams” will export open models and secure servers to allies, offering an alternative to China’s surveillance stack.

Make government AI transparent: Every agency must list what models it uses and how they were tested. Opaque “blackbox” systems are banned from critical tasks.

What’s Gone—and Why it Matters Watermark mandates were cut out because “misinformation” can mean whatever a regulator decides. Climate scoring and DEI benchmarks vanished too. Supporters say that ends soft censorship; opponents fear deepfakes will swarm the 2026 midterms.

Artists see both danger and possibility. Generative tools let illustrators whip up draft sketches in seconds, but copyright laws lag. The plan nods at “IP concerns,” but does not yet offer a royalty system for works scraped into training sets. Rural access concerns are addressed through the $42.5 billion BEAD broadband program, which operates outside the AI plan’s direct scope.

Silicon Valley’s New Tone The administration’s AI agenda has drawn broad support from technology leaders across the political spectrum. This convergence extends well beyond individual executives to encompass a fundamental shift in Silicon Valley’s approach to federal engagement.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has emerged as a prominent advocate for the public-private partnership framework outlined in the plan.

“For AGI [artificial general intelligence] to get built here, to create hundreds of thousands of jobs, to create a new industry centered here, we wouldn’t be able to do this without you, Mr. President, and I’m thrilled that we get to,” Altman said at the White House in January.

The sentiment reflects a broader industry consensus. Meta, Google, Microsoft, and other major technology firms have similarly embraced the administration’s infrastructure-first approach, recognizing that regulatory clarity and government support for computing resources serve their strategic interests.

This alignment represents a marked departure from the adversarial relationship that characterized much of the previous administration’s tenure with Silicon Valley.

At a recent Federal Reserve conference, Altman addressed practical implementation challenges.

“I am very nervous that we have an impending, significant fraud crisis,” he warned, saying AI has “fully defeated” most of the ways that people authenticate who they are.

Industry leaders consistently emphasize AI’s economic potential rather than displacement risks. In discussions with financial sector leaders, executives have framed the technology’s capacity to augment human capability rather than simply replace workers. This strategic positioning reflects a broader Silicon Valley consensus: artificial intelligence represents a transformative productivity multiplier that will fundamentally reshape economic value creation across sectors.

Does America’s Policy Go Far Enough?

Where It Excels Infrastructure-first strategy: The plan correctly identifies compute capacity as the fundamental constraint limiting American AI development. By prioritizing semiconductor manufacturing incentives and streamlined data center permitting, the administration addresses bottlenecks that have allowed competitors to gain ground through state-directed investment strategies.

Government transparency standards: The mandate requiring federal agencies to disclose AI model usage and testing methodologies establishes accountability frameworks that could influence private sector adoption. This explainability requirement creates precedent for auditable AI systems in critical applications.

Workforce realism: Rather than attempting wholesale retraining of displaced knowledge workers, the plan leverages existing skilled trade expertise for AI infrastructure operations.

Electricians, machinists, and technicians possess manual dexterity and problem-solving capabilities that remain automationresistant while being essential for maintaining computing infrastructure.

Where It Falls Short Copyright gray zone: A $1 trillion creative industry still lacks clear rules on AI training data.

Private sector autonomy: While the plan mandates transparency and bias testing for government AI procurement,

Credit - ChatGPT 7-26-2025

Technology News

private companies like Meta and Google retain discretion over their training data sources and deployment practices. The policy creates a two-tiered system where federal agencies face strict requirements while commercial AI developers operate under existing intellectual property and privacy frameworks.

Election guardrails: Without federal standards, platforms must police political deepfakes themselves. In India’s 2024 race, AI-generated ads blurred facts; U.S. reporters may face a similar firehose next year.

The Global Race Region China

Governance Style State-centric, data-hungry

EU

Risks & Rewards Rapid scale, but speech tightly controlled

Rights-based, compliance-heavy

Strong consumer protections, slower rollout

U.S. 2025 Infrastructure-first, speech-neutral

Fast iteration, broader access, lighter oversight

China’s subsidies double every two years. Brussels’ rules slow venture funding.

Washington is betting that open compute plus free expression will out-innovate both.

“It’s a global competition now to lead in artificial intelligence,” Sacks said on a conference call with reporters. “AI is a revolutionary technology that’s going to have profound ramifications for both the economy and for national security, so it is just very important that America continue to be the dominant power in AI.” Who’s Left Out Private sector workforce gaps: Small and medium businesses employ 46% of America’s private workforce, yet the plan’s training programs focus primarily on gray-collar, unionized, and government-subsidized roles.

Mid-career professionals in private SMBs—accountants, project managers, sales directors—represent the largest segment of workers likely to face AI displacement but receive minimal attention in federal retraining initiatives.

Compute concentration persists: The National AI Research Resource aims to democratize access to computing power, but the underlying infrastructure remains dominated by hyperscalers.

Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud control the majority of advanced AI chips and have maintained years-long head starts in machine learning infrastructure, creating structural advantages that federal programs are unlikely to meaningfully alter.

Electoral integrity challenges: Social media platforms optimize for engagement metrics rather than information accuracy, creating economic incentives that favor viral content over verified reporting. Without mandatory watermarking requirements, the responsibility for identifying AI-generated political content shifts to news organizations—a sector grappling with reduced resources and declining public trust in an era when verification capabilities will prove essential for democratic discourse.

A Doctrine of Possibility—And Gaps “America must once again be a country where innovators are rewarded with a green light, not strangled with red tape,” Trump said at the unveiling event.

The United States finally has a doctrine built on speed, silicon, and open access. It echoes core American ideals: free speech, equal opportunity, minimal gatekeeping. Yet AI lives on context, and context lives in experience. If the mid-career workforce is sidelined—or if private giants write de facto rules—the doctrine may sputter where the real race is won: in daily use.

Winning won’t hinge on the biggest model alone. It will hinge on whether a truck mechanic in North Jersey can retrain to run a data-center cooling system, on how a songwriter in Nashville gets paid when a chatbot sings in her voice, and on whether voters can still tell a real candidate from a synthetic clone.

The Trump plan is a bold first step. The moonshot, as always, will be getting the landing right.

MOLLIE BARNETT is an AI Advisor for Business and Strategic Growth Architect on Long Island.

Her team offers Secure AI, AI options, AI planning, integration, and education.

News

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Thursday, August 7, 2025

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

State to GIVE Suffolk More Than $1.3 Million to Combat Gun Violence

By Madison Warren New York State is doubling down on efforts to combat gun violence—this time with a significant investment aimed at helping local agencies stop crime before it starts.

During a visit to the Suffolk County Police Academy in Brentwood last week, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) and State Senator Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood) announced that more than $1.3 million will be directed to Suffolk County through the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative. The funds are part of a larger $36 million statewide effort to support law enforcement agencies with new equipment, personnel, overtime pay, and enhanced training programs.

“Gun violence continues to tear apart families and communities, and we’re not letting up in our response,” said Hochul. “Through GIVE, we’re giving local agencies the tools they need to act swiftly, smartly, and effectively to reduce crime and save lives.”

This marks the third round of GIVE funding, and preliminary results indicate that the initiative is having a positive impact. Between 2021 and 2024, shootings in GIVE-supported jurisdictions dropped 52%. In 2024, Long Island recorded its lowest number of shootings in recent history. Statewide, incidents of gun-related injuries also fell to the lowest levels since 2006, when such data collection began.

Breakdown of Suffolk County Funding • Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office: $564,291 • Suffolk County Police Department: $459,998 • Suffolk County Department of Probation: $176,256 • Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office: $133,398 Senator Martinez praised the initiative, emphasizing how it empowers communities like Brentwood, Central Islip, and other high-need areas within Suffolk.

“When it comes to protecting our streets from gun violence, we must GIVE law enforcement agencies the funding they need to succeed,” Martinez said.

“These grants help make Suffolk County and other recipient communities safer, as proven by the double-digit declines in shooting-related incidents with injury and shooting deaths.”

The GIVE initiative currently operates in twenty-one counties outside of New York City, encompassing twenty-eight law enforcement and criminal justice agencies that experience a disproportionately high share of violent crime. Funding is administered through the state Division of Criminal Justice

Services (DCJS), which collects and tracks crime data to help agencies target their resources where they’re needed most.

From January through June of 2025, GIVE jurisdictions reported 242 shooting incidents with injury—down from 281 during the same period last year. The number of individuals shot dropped from 354 to 275, and there were nine fewer gun-related deaths.

Beyond gun crimes, participating communities also saw promising trends across the board. DCJS reported that during the first quarter of 2025, total index crimes declined 18 percent statewide compared to the same quarter in 2024. Violent crimes decreased by 19%, and property crimes dropped by 18%.

Suffolk and neighboring Nassau County both reported similar reductions.

Looking Ahead The latest GIVE funding cycle runs through June 30, 2026. An additional $380,000 has been allocated for emergency needs, providing local agencies with the flexibility to respond quickly to emerging crime patterns.

County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches), who joined Hochul and Martinez at the Brentwood academy, said the funding represents a vital commitment to community safety.

“Our officers are working tirelessly to prevent violence, and this support means they won’t have to do it alone. It shows our state is invested in keeping Suffolk safe.”

In addition to Romaine and Martinez, a bipartisan slate of elected officials from across the county were in attendance, including Sheriff Errol Toulon (D), Assemblywomen Jodi Giglio (R-Baiting Hollow) and Rebecca Kassay (D-Port Jefferson), Assemblymen Mike Fitzpatrick (R-St. James) and Kwani O’Pharrow (D-West Babylon), and Suffolk County Legislators Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon), Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station), Catherine Stark (R-Riverhead), and Ann Welker (D-Southampton).

The Suffolk County Police Department will use its portion of the funding to expand its community-based crime prevention programs, add training modules in de-escalation and conflict intervention, and support intelligence-led policing methods that have proven effective in high-risk neighborhoods.

As summer progresses and public safety remains top-of-mind, officials say GIVE is more than just an acronym—it’s a lifeline for communities impacted by gun violence.

“We’re not just investing in police departments,” said Martinez. “We’re investing in peace of mind for families across Suffolk County.”

Credit - Office of Senator Monica Martinez

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Overview - AMAC The Association of Mature American Citizens

Corporation for Public Broadcasting Shutting Down after Losing Federal Funding

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

By Alan Jamison | AMAC

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced Friday that the taxpayerfunded organization will be shutting down by January 2026. This is after President Donald Trump signed a rescissions package into law, eliminating federal funding last month from CPB, which provides funding to PBS and NPR. In a statement, CPB blamed the closure on the “federal rescissions package,” noting that the “release of the Senate Appropriations Committee’s FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-H) appropriations bill excludes funding for CPB for the first time in more than five decades.” CPB will eliminate most staff positions by September 30, with a small transition team remaining until January 2026 that will work on closing operations.

Trump promised to eliminate federal funding from left-wing media corporations on the campaign trail last year. He specifically called out NPR for consistently negative coverage of Republicans.

“NO MORE FUNDING FOR NPR, A TOTAL SCAM! EDITOR SAID THEY HAVE NO REPUBLICANS, AND IS ONLY USED TO ‘DAMAGE TRUMP,’” the President said in a post on Truth Social last April. “THEY ARE A LIBERAL DISINFORMATION MACHINE. NOT ONE DOLLAR!!!”

Republican members of Congress celebrated the news. Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana explained that this is good news for Americans who no longer want their tax dollars to fund left-wing journalism.

“The Corporation for Public Broadcasting—the scheme bureaucrats used to funnel taxpayer money to NPR and PBS—will soon be no more,” Kennedy wrote in a post on X. “That’s great news for every American who doesn’t want their tax dollars funding left-wing opinion journalism EVER again.”

Ronny Jackson, who served as a White House physician during Trump’s first term and now serves as a member of the House from Texas, said that CPB’s closure is another example of Trump and Americans “winning.”

“The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is DEAD!” Jackson wrote on X. “They couldn’t survive without YOUR taxpayer money.

Another useless, left-wing project is OVER. This is what happens when we put AMERICA FIRST. Not tired of WINNING!” The federal government originally created CPB in 1967 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Public Broadcasting Act into law in an effort to support taxpayerfunded entertainment and news as an alternative to content produced by private corporations. In recent years, networks that received federal funding through CPB notably aired controversial and politically biased programming.

Flagship PBS program Sesame Street, for instance has promoted LGBTQ ideology over the past few years. In 2020, the children’s show featured male actor Billy Porter wearing a dress. Sesame Street’s official X account then shared a post two months ago

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The Association of Mature American Citizens represents Americans 50 plus. AMAC is centered on American values, freedom of the individual, free speech, and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family, with benefits at all levels.

Thursday, August 7, 2025

celebrating “Pride Month.”

As AMAC Newsline previously reported, NPR also has a history of biased reporting and news coverage.

In the past few years, NPR published stories that stated the Declaration of Independence was a document with “flaws and deeply ingrained hypocrisies” and that promoted “queer animals” with the idea that “some deer are nonbinary.”

With CPB officially shutting down within the next few months, PBS and NPR must now rely on private revenue sources to remain operational.

WHERE BROADWAY MEETS MAIN STREET

O N

S T A G E

JUL 10–AUG 24 U P

SEPT 11– OCT 26, 2025

NOV 13–DEC 28, 2025

JAN 15–MAR 1, 2026

N E X T

MAR 12–APR 26, 2026

MAY 14–JUN 28, 2026

JUL 29–AUG 23, 2026

2 5 5 7 6 3 7 Thursday, August 7, 2025 1 9 8 2

Bits & Pieces

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WORD

RESPLENDENT

OF THE

Week

Pronounced: /ruh·splen·dnt/

4

late Middle English: from Latin resplendent- ‘shining out’, from the verb resplendere, from re(expressing intensive force) + splendere ‘to glitter’.

Synonyms: radiant, impressive, brilliant

Definition: attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous.

Example: ““The unassuming girl stole the dance with her resplendent blue dress.”

Etymology:

7 4 1 3

5 3

9 2

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

5

6

SUDOKU

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Expert

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Antonyms: plain, unattractive, grotesque Source: Oxford Languages

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WORD WHEEL R 1 7 2 4 8 9 3 5 6

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9 8 6 3 7 5 2 1 4

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7 4 5 6 1 2 8 9 3

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3 2 1 9 4 8 7 6 5

T Download the original Sudoku.com mobile application and play thousands of Sudoku puzzles anytime, anywhere!

07/22/2025

Master

1 5 3 7 6 2 9 8 4

4 2 8 9 1 3 5 6 7

7 9 6 8 5 4 1 2 3

9 3 2 4 8 7 6 5 1

8 1 7 6 2 5 3 4 9

6 4 5 1 3 9 2 7 8

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3 6 1 5 4 8 7 9 2

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See how many words you can create.

Must have center letter in word and can use letters more than once.

4 letter word minimum.

record by hitting grand slams in consecutive games for the second time in a 13-1 win against the Philadelphia Athletics.

August 9, 1974:

Richard Nixon (R-CA) resigns as President of the United States and Vice President Gerald Ford (R-MI) swears the oath of office to take his place as the 38th U.S. President.

Galileo Galilei’s telescope.

August 13, 1942:

The Manhattan Project commences under the direction of US General Leslie Groves with the aim of developing an atomic bomb.

August 10, 1893:

Douglas Moore, American organist, pianist, songwriter (“Goodnight Harvard”), and Pulitzer Prizewinning composer (Giants in the Earth; The Ballad of Baby Doe), born in Cutchogue (d. 1969).

Expert

Hard

3 2 4 5 8 1 9 7 6 6 5 7 4 9 2 3 1 8

3 6 4 7 1 5 2 8 9 1 9 8 2 4 3 5 7 6

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21

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Just the Smallest of Seeds

Photo credit - Freepik

By PJ Balzer It was eight years ago, almost to the day.

The meeting happened in a parking lot locally which was initiated by her ten-year-old brother, who is now an eighteen-year-old father. He rode his bike one night into the community kitchen outreach we were hosting at the time to ask me, “can you help my baby sister with some things she really needs? She’s three months old.” He was asking for necessities like diapers, wipes, baby clothing, pacifiers, formula, and diaper rash ointment.

When my wife and I pulled into the parking lot and exited the car to meet what was then complete strangers, the ten-year-old’s mom immediately handed me the baby.

Again, this was the first time I was meeting this little boy’s family and the beginning of one of God’s new classrooms I was about to be taken and taught through. She was wearing nothing but a diaper that needed to be changed. She was a really smiley baby and now a smiley little elementary school child. Something moved in my heart towards her that first divinely orchestrated meeting.

We had a few parking lot meetings after that until we began getting invited to their house. The meetings were very casual, and I was always handed this baby to hold. As time rolled on and we became invited into her life, I quickly realized how different it was than mine. I felt like I was being invited onto a different planet but only a few miles from where I grew up.

We spent Thanksgivings, Christmas, birthdays, and random days passing by her house to visit, never knowing exactly what to expect. We try to get to her bus stop on the first week of school, if not the first day. In one of the several places she’s lived, her block was experiencing gunfire on a weekly basis, not to mention all of the fighting beforehand. Her bus stop friends’ father was shot and killed within a few hundred feet from her bedroom window. I believe I’d be safe to say this would cause some trauma, anxiety, and instability in an adult, how much more a child in their formative years?

As a few years passed, this baby became so misbehaved that we had trouble visiting as often. One time we were on the front lawn talking to a family member of hers and she sneaked into our car. She tried starting the car by jamming a set of keys into the ignition.

Thankfully the keys were to my apartment that obviously wouldn’t start the car. She grabbed whatever change I had in my console, turned on every button and lever she could find in the carm and left. She was only four years old at the time.

When I was her age and arrived home from school, it was usually to my mom’s bakery, a quiet place to do my homework followed by sports outings and the family dinner table.

To the best of my parents’ knowledge and ability, they provided an environment where we could learn and grow. I realize now what a luxury all of these are and that many children in my own community rarely get a home cooked meal. Many have to fend for themselves and naturally, a survival-of-the-fittest instinct eventually arises. Children are truly a product of whichever environment they’re being raised in by no choice of their own, of course.

The outreach ministry that the Lord has called my wife and myself into is extremely unique, difficult and beautiful, all in the same day. While most invite people into their church building for Sunday service, we have been called to go out and bring the message of the Gospel, in both word and deed, right to where people are currently. We have undoubtedly been sent into the trenches and crevices of society to continually plant seeds and make an honest attempt at showing love to people exactly where they are and as they are, starting with people and places that the rest of society, even much of the professing Christian church, avoids at all costs - people who are unchurched, purposely unseen, misbehaved, and truthfully hard to love at times.

In the Gospels, Jesus called the mustard seed the smallest of seeds yet also proclaimed that we only need a seed that size to move a mountain – a mountain of personal impossibility, a mountain of generational trauma, of vulnerability and hopelessness; a mountain of hard heartedness, so many types of abuse being experienced, and the mountain of being trapped in cycles of violence and poverty. Thankfully, He didn’t say we’d need a handful of mustard seeds, but just one. Sometimes, it’s the smallest act of faith done in His name that is planted into the most immovable of hearts that end up making a difference in years to come. That’s the whole point of this story.

The truth is that I can’t single handedly change this precious little girl’s life. I realize that more and more as the years go on, I can’t keep her heart soft as she grows up or heal the traumas she’s experienced as a child. I’m not able to totally undo the negative words spoken over her life or alter the way she may grow up to perceive herself that been formed in her childhood.

But I can plant the smallest of seeds into her heart for her to carry around - a seed of love, faith and hope, a seed that has been watched over her entire life by her Heavenly Father, a seed that, only by complete divine intervention, I held her in a parking lot one hot summer day and have been in her life ever since, even when it’s been really difficult to do so.

Every chance my wife and I have had over the years, we would tell her just a little story about Jesus. My wife would often say, “Jesus loves you and sees you all the time, especially when you’re in your room alone. You can talk to Him anytime, especially when you’re afraid.” Sometimes we would sing to her, even if it was just one line of a song. We prayed and still pray with and over her often, especially when we know she has complete

chaos going on at home - chaos like many of us couldn’t perceive if we tried. While we aren’t able to quench all of the chaos, we still have our little mustard seed to use.

She often messages me from her mom’s phone at odd hours of the morning asking me to bring snacks or juices.

One time, a few years back, she sent me a voice text at 2:37 in the morning to ask if I thought Santa was coming to her house this year. She often waits at the door if she knows I’m stopping by to drop something off for her.

She’s become such a sweet, thoughtful, and thankful little girl. If we stop by her bus stop to watch her get on the bus, we usually bring snacks that she can take with her to school. She always asks for extra to share with the other kids at her bus stop. She insists on handing them to the other kids because she enjoys giving and sharing.

I honestly couldn’t thank God any more for that.

Over the years she heard us pray often, one of our little mustard seeds we’ve planted. She now has her own little prayer she prays as she asks us to close our eyes, bow our heads, and listen to her. It’s a rehearsed prayer but it’s genuine and it’s hers. She owns that prayer; it’s written on her heart. I’m sure that whenever she’s alone or afraid, she remembers that she has her own prayer to pray.

I heard her prayer again a few weeks ago and was reminded of the mustard seed once again. As small and insignificant as it seems, it has visibly made a difference in this little girl’s heart and life. I pray that those seeds continue to grow as she does and bring about good fruit.

Don’t stop praying and sowing seeds into the hearts of your loved ones, friends, and neighbors. I assure you that they are making a difference even if you can’t yet see any evidence. Even if they’re difficult, hard to love or seemingly unresponsive to your kindness.

That seed will eventually grow into something beautiful.

God promises it.

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Summer Writing Workshop - August 4, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

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Colorful Candles k-2 - August 21, 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM Headline News Discussion - August 27, 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

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Cella Bagels • Joe’s Campus Heroes

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Long Island Bagel Cafe • Strathmore Bagels

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Thursday, August 7, 2025

Long Island Ducks Celebrate 25th Anniversary

By Ashley Pavlakis Long Island’s premier professional baseball team spent the weekend celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary at the Fairfield Properties Ballpark. The Long Island Ducks took on the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars in a three-game series.

Currently, the Ducks are 48-37, which puts them in second place in the North Division standings. Entering the first week of August, the Ducks have won eight out of their last ten games and are stringing together wins when it matters This season, the Ducks are led by infielder Troy Viola. In 323 at-bats, the California native has posted a stat line of 52 runs scored with 13 home runs and 62 RBIs. Viola holds a .285 batting average midway through the season. Not far behind him with similar stats are River Town, Taylor Kohlwey, and Seth Beer.

The Ducks entered the weekend coming off two losses to Staten Island, so winning was a must for Long Island.

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Credit - Ashley Pavlakis

Sunday Funday, as some would say, especially when there’s baseball to be played on a beautiful sunny day on Long Island the Ducks held another promotional giveaway, this time in celebration of their twenty-fifth anniversary. The first 2,000 fans in attendance had the opportunity to receive a commemorative Ducks baseball card set.

Long Island gave the nod to Queens native Jonah Dipoto on Sunday afternoon.

Dipoto entered the game with a 3-3 record this season. The righty was looking for redemption after a loss to Staten Island the week prior. The Ducks secured their third straight victory, winning 5-4 over the Boxcars. The opposing team made a late-game attempt at a comeback but fell short.

The Ducks hit the road this week, heading to Pennsylvania and Maryland, where they’ll take on the York Revolution and the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars, respectively. Long Island will get to know the two teams quite well during the month of August. The Ducks are 11-1 this season over Hagerstown and 6-3 over York. Catch a Ducks game when they return home on Tuesday, August 12, where they’ll host the York Revolution for a three-game series.

On Friday, the Ducks saw Juan Hillman take the mound and pitch a quality outing.

Hillman almost went the distance, pitching 7.2 innings before handing the ball over to relief pitcher Michael Reed. The Ducks earned runs from Castillo, Town, O’Conner, and Kaler in a 6-3 win over the Boxcars.

Ivan Castillo hit his third home run of the season in the victory.

Coming off a win on Friday, the Ducks looked to repeat the outcome when they took the field Saturday night. Island Park native, Ryan Sandberg got the start. The right-handed pitcher is 5-3 this season in the games he’s pitched. Sandberg went 5-0 innings, giving up three runs before Michael Reed came in to record the save.

Thomas hit his twelfth home run of the year, and the Ducks saw runs come in from Encarnacion, Viola, and Castillo to get the ‘W’. The final score was 5-3, giving the Ducks a two-game win streak headed into the rubber match on Sunday.

The New York Liberty Shine Over the Connecticut Sun in 500th Franchise Win

By Ashley Pavlakis Professional basketball is still being played right now, in August, as the WNBA is well underway. The New York Liberty achieved a milestone redemption win over the Connecticut Sun in a matinee on Sunday at Mohegan Sun Arena after losing to the Sun on Friday night.

The New York Liberty is a professional women’s basketball team in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Liberty are coming off a 2024 WNBA Championship win from last season over the Minnesota Lynx. This feat makes them just the second professional New York sports team to win a title this century. Gotham FC of the NWSL won in 2021.

The team is led by third-year head coach Sandy Brondello. The Aussie has quite the resume, having spent twenty-five seasons in the WNBA as a player and coach.

Brondello spent eight seasons out west coaching the Phoenix Mercury before coming to New York. In addition, she won Bronze with team Australia at the Paris Olympic games and was inducted in the Australian Hall of Fame.

The Liberty have quite honestly taken over Brooklyn, maybe even New York in general. They’re consistent and they win games. Something that isn’t all that easy to do in the Big Apple.

The stage isn’t too bright, though, as they’re currently second in the WNBA standings with a 15-10 record. The entertainment factor is a huge draw, as the league has a wealth of star studded talent on rosters across the board. Also, they have Ellie the Elephant, one of the most popular mascots in professional sports.

New York is led by a core four of Brianna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Natasha Cloud. The roster is certainly not limited to those four players; they’re

fortunate to have depth on their roster and can pull players off the bench when needed. They recently acquired Emma Meesseman, a Belgian national team player who won a title in 2019 with the Washington Mystics. The forward provides depth and veteran presence for the Liberty roster.

The Connecticut Sun entered a rebuilding stage, it seems, as they offloaded a good chunk of their roster during the offseason. Most notably, Alyssa Thomas is now a Phoenix Mercury. Her explosive talent is certainly missed as the Sun aren’t anywhere near the team we’ve seen in the last few years. They have a new coach, Rachid Meziane, after Stephanie White took the job at Indiana to coach Caitlin Clark.

The Sun are 5-22 this season, not great.

The Liberty came into Sunday’s game with a 78-62 loss on their minds. A game they probably shouldn’t have lost to a team sitting in last place. Things happen, and you can’t win every game. Well, you can if you’re UConn. But alas, they have some Huskies on their roster to make up for it.

The Liberty saw production from Ionescu, who notched a season high 36 points in the 87-78 win. The Oregon Duck has made herself a name in New York, really growing into her game on the court. She’s shown everyone why she was drafted first overall in 2020. The WNBA is different from the college game; there’s a learning curve in terms of physicality and pace of the game.

The defending champs continue their season this Tuesday with a home-andhome matchup against Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings. The Wings are struggling to say the least, but Bueckers is playing well in her rookie season. For that reason alone, and maybe some others, tune into the WNBA.

Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, August 7, 2025

11th Annual

Run The Farm

ALL Proceeds Will Benefit Hobbs Farm Which Provides Fresh Produce To Those In Need TOWN CLERK KEVIN J. LAVALLE AND COUNCILMAN NEIL A. MANZELLA

SATURDAY AUGUST 16

9:00AM START 8:30AM FUN RUN

HOBBS FARM

178 OXHEAD ROAD, CENTEREACH

Celebrating 11 years of miles, moments, and memories. Here’s to the joy of the run and journey together. Whether you’re an avid runner or prefer a leisurely stroll, get ready to tie your sneakers and explore the 4-mile route.

The course begins with approximately two miles of even ground, followed by a mile of gentle slopes and two demanding climbs, culminating at the scenic Hobbs Community Farm.

$30 PRE-REGISTER $35 REGISTER DAY OF $5 CHILDREN UNDER 10

PARKING: OXHEAD ROAD SCHOOL

144 OXHEAD ROAD, CENTEREACH

4 Mile Run/Walk

Scan the QR code or register online at BrookhavenNY.Gov/RunTheFarm Call 631-451-6647 with any questions.

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