Where To Find Us
Tierney Nabs Elaborate ‘Porch
Pirate’ Ring
By Matt Meduri
In the age of modern technology, conveniences can be right at a doorstop and just the click of a button away.
But on the other hand, it opens the door for fraud, abuse, and a series of events with unpredictable dangers.
On Tuesday, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney announced the indictment of fourteen conspirators for allegedly operating a criminal organization that stole FedEx packages containing cell phones and electronic devices throughout Suffolk County. From Huntington to Montauk, this “porch pirate” ring is alleged to have operated in broad daylight and without alerting hardly any residents.
Continued on page 4
Work Ahead for Smith Point Bridge, Single-Lane Traffic
By Matt Meduri
The Smith Point Bridge is the only roadway that connects Mastic Beach - and the mainland - to Smith Point on Fire Island. Last Sunday, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) issued a statement that a routine inspection by the New York Department of Transportation (DOT) promulgated a three-ton weight limit to the bridge.
On Saturday, Romaine issued another statement that the County has implemented a one-lane traffic setup to maintain safe and reliable access to the mostvisited County Park, while remaining mindful of structural concerns that have prompted quick repair work ahead of a new bridge’s construction set to begin next year.
Continued on page 10
FALL EVENTS
Centereach FD Craft Fair
November 28-30, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Miracle on Main Street in Sayville
November 29, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Long Island Comedy Club Event at McGuire’s Comedy Club
November 29, 6:15 PM to 8:00 PM
Holiday Night Market Wonderland at Reboli Center for the Arts
November 29, 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Huntington Holiday Spectacular Tree Lightning
November 29
Port Jefferson Santa Parade & Visit
November 30, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Psychic Fair and Gift & Craft Show
November 30, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Port Jefferson Festival of Trees
December 1-January 2, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Blood Drive at Christ Lutheran Church in Islip Terrace
December 1, 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Christmas Tree
Painting Night at Plasterkraze 2
December 3, 6:15 PM to 8:30 PM
Krampusnacht Comedy Show at SquareHead Brewery
December 5, 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
St. James Craft Fair
December 6, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Kiwanis Rocks!
Brunch with Santa in East Islip
December 13, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Conveniently
WHERE TO FIND OUR PAPER
BELLPORT
Cafe Castello • South Country Deli
BROOKHAVEN
Anthony’s Pizza
CENTEREACH
Centereach Deli • Fratelli’s Pork Store JeJoJos Bagels Inc.
CENTER MORICHES King Kullen
CORAM La Bistro
EASTPORT
Pete’s Bagels • King Kullen
EAST SETAUKET
Bagel Express • CVS
Pumpernickels Delicatessen & Market
Rolling Pin Bakery • Se-port Deli • Starbucks
RONKONKOMA
718 Slice Pizzeria – (719 Hawkins Ave)
Ronkonkoma Train Station
LAKE GROVE
Buffin Muffin / Hummus Fit
Lake Grove Diner • Lake Grove Village Hall
MILLER PLACE
Better on a Bagel • Bigger Bagel and Deli
Crazy Beans • CVS • Miller Place Bagel & Deli
Papa Juan’s • Playa Bowls • Starbucks Town & Country Market
MT. SINAI
Bagels Your Way • Heritage Diner Northside Deli
PATCHOGUE
California Diner • King Kullen • Shop Rite
Sugar Dream Bakery • Swan Bakery
PORT JEFFERSON
CVS • Southdown Coffee • Starbucks
PORT JEFFERSON STATION
Bagel Deli Gourmet • IHOP
Toast Coffe House • Wunderbar Deli
ROCKY POINT
Fresh & Hot Bagels
Rocky Point Cardsmart (Kohl’s Plaza)
SELDEN
Cella Bagels • Joe’s Campus Heroes
SHIRLEY
Bagel Deli • Freshy Bagels
Laundry King • Stop & Shop
STONY BROOK
Long Island Bagel Cafe • Strathmore Bagels
Library News
Thursday, November 27, 2025
NORTH SHORE:
Movie Night: Breakfast at Tiffany’s - Nov. 30, 12:30 PM
LONGWOOD:
Fossil Fest - November 28, 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM
PORT JEFFERSON:
County Line Dancing Workshop - Wednesdays in November Yarn Bombing - November 30, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
THREE VILLAGE:
Cricut: Tote Bag
December 2, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
CENTER MORICHES:
Grab & Go: Holiday Coffee Cake Muffins with a Streusel Topping - Dec. 1, 9:00 AM to 9:10 AM
Holiday Wreath with Diana - December 7, 2:00 PM
Expanding Horizons Holiday OrnamentsDecember 12, 10:30 AM
RIVERHEAD:
Expanding Horizons Holiday Ornaments - Dec. 12, 10:30 AM
Shell Ornaments - December 15, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
The Brookhaven Messenger serves Centereach, Lake Grove, Selden, Coram, Farmingville, Rocky Point, Patchogue, Medford, Miller Place and Mt. Sinai 70 Years of Service to Our Community
Tierney Nabs Elaborate ‘Porch Pirate’ Ring
Andricson Jerez, 29, of the Bronx, is alleged to have been the ringleader of the operation.
“For two years, this porch pirate ring plagued our community and built a criminal enterprise on the backs of Suffolk families and businesses,” said D.A. Tierney in a statement. “These indictments demonstrate that we will track down and hold accountable those who commit crimes against Suffolk County residents, regardless of how extensive their operations.
As per the investigation, between October 2023 and February 2025, Jerez is alleged to have run the operation from two Bronx locations and to have employed a network of “runners”, who were given inside FedEx tracking information, including recipient names, addresses, device types, and tracking number from shipments from Verizon and AT&T postmarked for Suffolk.
The runners allegedly would then steal the packages from residences and business and deliver the devices to Jerez at a “fencing location” at 2227 University Avenue in the Bronx. Jerez is alleged to have confirmed the inventory of stolen devices through encrypted messages containing the devices’ identification numbers. The stolen devices were then allegedly shipped in garbage bags to a “trash house” at 2112 Quimby Avenue in the Bronx, where Jerez then sold them in bulk to wholesalers for their redistribution domestically and internationally.
Within the Town of Smithtown, locations of the pirates’ ring include Hauppauge, Kings Park, and Nesconset; within the Town of Brookhaven, Bellport, Brookhaven hamlet, East Setauket, Holbrook, Holtsville, Mastic, Miller Place, Port Jefferson, Ronkonkoma, Selden, and Shirley; within the Town of Islip, Bay Shore, Bayport, Brentwood, Central Islip, Holbrook, Holtsville, Ronkonkoma, Sayville, and West Islip.
Shockingly, the devices were not genuine purchases made by the average consumer, who then had their deliveries lifted from their porches. These were made internally through a hack of the FedEx system, with unsuspecting addresses used as the fronts. Several Ring camera videos show the delivery being made by FedEx, only for one of the pirates to arrive almost immediately after and swipe the parcel.
However, several occasions resulted in close calls with the general public, whose knowledge of the scheme was otherwise not intended.
On September 13, 2024, Luger Guerrero, 26, of Manhattan, and others allegedly pushed
a FedEx driver to the ground at a Hauppauge business and stole the package containing fifteen Samsung tablets.
On September 18, 2024, Felipe Batista, 22, of the Bronx, allegedly forcibly stole a package from a Suffolk resident shortly after delivery.
On October 8, 2024, Leonel Tejeda Reynoso, 32, of the Bronx, allegedly used a fake identification at a Melville FedEx center to claim a package containing an iPad Pro tablet valued at over $1,000.
The cash recovered from the Bronx lockup sits at about $120,000 - an effective minimum estimate for the total revenue the stolen goods brought in. The phones are then alleged to have been used for illicit purposes. D.A. Tierney cannot state the international destinations of these devices at this time.
“These phones were being sent to these addresses under fictitious names. The residents would have no idea about the deliveries,” D.A. Tierney told The Messenger at his Hauppauge office on Tuesday evening. “Essentially, their homes were just being used by the coconspirators as convenient drop-off points for them to come and get the phones.”
Of the brazenness of the crimes, Tierney said that the Bronx-based crew allegedly ran in Suffolk likely to hide in plain sight.
“In Suffolk County, people go to work; they’re not home. There’s no doorman; everything is spread out,” said Tierney. “There’s less eyes here.”
Tierney added that the investigation was performed in cooperation with federal and NYPD partners. The phone companies became aware and cooperated with law enforcement as well.
Of the fourteen conspirators, one, Alvaro Alvarez Fermin, was placed into custody of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He then self-deported and remains at large.
Jerez has been charged with Enterprise Corruption, a Class B felony; ten counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, Class D felonies; twenty-eight counties of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, Class E felonies; and ten counts of Petit Larceny, Class A misdemeanors. He faces a mandatory indeterminate sentence of at least one to three years in prison with a maximum of eight and one-third years to twenty-five years. He posted his $75,000 bond and is due back in court on December 15.
LaLota Highlights SALT Deduction Changes
By Raheem Soto
Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) pointed to new federal tax changes recently as evidence of efforts to rebalance how much Long Island contributes to Washington versus what the region receives in return, citing long-standing complaints from local taxpayers about the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap.
In a public statement shared on social media, LaLota addressed what he described as a historical imbalance between Long Island and the federal government.
“For years, Long Islanders have sent far more to Washington than we receive in return. Fixing that imbalance has been one of my core missions,” LaLota wrote.
The SALT deduction has been a central issue for homeowners in high-tax states such as New York, where property taxes and state income taxes frequently exceed federal deductibility limits. The previous cap, enacted in 2017, limited deductions to $10,000, affecting large segments of middle- and upper-middle-income homeowners across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
LaLota stated that recent changes increased the allowable deduction significantly, characterizing the adjustment as a tangible outcome rather than a symbolic policy shift.
“Despite skeptics, we achieved what many talked about but never accomplished: a genuine win for local families with a $40,000 SALT deduction,” he said.
National and regional coverage, including reporting highlighted by Newsday, has indicated that the revised tax framework could result in lower tax burdens for many Long Island households. One analysis cited in regional reporting estimated average taxpayer savings of approximately $2,860 annually, depending on income, filing status, and property tax levels.
The issue of SALT deductibility has long attracted bipartisan attention, with lawmakers from high-tax states arguing that the cap disproportionately affected suburban homeowners, while fiscal conservatives have defended the cap as a way to limit federal subsidization of state-level spending policies.
LaLota’s comments place him among lawmakers arguing that tax relief should be directed toward regions that consistently send more revenues to the federal government than they receive back in federal spending.
“I’ll always stand for freedom and the founding values that built this country and continue to guide us forward,” LaLota added in his post.
The SALT debate is expected to remain active as Congress continues negotiations over broader tax reform, spending packages, and potential extensions of provisions that affect middle-class taxpayers, property owners, and small business filers.
For Long Island residents, the outcome of these discussions will continue to influence household budgets, real estate affordability, and long-term decisions about residency and investment in the region.
Garbarino Backs Resolution Condemning Socialism
By Raheem Soto
U.S. Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) joined members of Congress in voting to pass House Concurrent Resolution 58, a measure formally denouncing the historical record of socialist systems and reaffirming America’s commitment to free-market principles.
The resolution, titled “Denouncing the Horrors of Socialism,” was approved amid growing national debate over the role of government in the economy, expanding federal programs, and rising cost-of-living pressures facing families across Long Island and New York State.
The vote was introduced by Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (R, FL-27) and was passed in a 285-98 vote, with 2 voting present and 47 not voting. 199 Republicans voted in favor – none against – while 86 Democrats voted in favor – 98 against.
In a public statement shared on social media following the vote, Garbarino explained his reasoning and emphasized what he views as the historical dangers of central economic control.
“Today, I voted with my colleagues to pass H. Con. Res. 58, Denouncing the Horrors of Socialism. History is clear, socialist regimes lead to oppression and economic collapse,” Garbarino wrote.
Supporters of the resolution pointed to global historical examples where heavily centralized economies resulted in
prolonged economic stagnation, shortages of basic goods, suppression of political opposition, and long-term damage to private enterprise. While the resolution does not create new federal law, it establishes a formal stance by Congress warning against policies that concentrate power over markets and industry in the hands of government.
Garbarino tied his concerns to policy proposals emerging from progressive political circles, arguing that large-scale government expansion could place additional financial burdens on working families and small businesses.
“Socialist ideas of politicians like Zohran Mamdani would raise costs and hurt the working families who make New York strong,” Garbarino stated in the same post.
The New York election landscape has seen increased policy proposals related to rent regulation, energy mandates, healthcare expansions, and tax restructuring.
Critics of these proposals argue that while wellintentioned, they risk reducing market competition, driving up operational costs for employers, and passing increased expenses down to consumers.
Garbarino also framed the vote as part of a broader defense of constitutional principles and limited government, emphasizing that his position is grounded in America’s founding framework.
“I’ll always stand for freedom and the founding values that built this country and continue to guide us forward,” he added.
Political analysts say the resolution reflects deeper ideological divisions in Washington, as lawmakers debate how best to address high inflation, housing costs, and workforce challenges without undermining economic independence or private-sector growth.
While opponents of the resolution argue that social programs can protect vulnerable Americans and provide economic stability, supporters maintain that history shows long-term risks when government dominates industry and redistributes economic power without market-based accountability.
For Long Island residents, the debate touches close to home as small business owners, tradespeople, and middle-class families navigate rising property taxes, housing prices, and energy costs. Garbarino’s vote positions him firmly among lawmakers advocating for market-driven solutions as Congress continues to wrestle with competing visions for America’s economic future.
Medford DWI Crash Leads to Vehicular Homicide Indictment
By Raheem Soto
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney (R) announced this week that a 25-year-old El Salvadoran national has been indicted in connection with a fatal DWI crash in Medford that killed a young passenger and seriously injured two others.
According to prosecutors, Jefry Valdez-Cruz was allegedly driving while intoxicated in the early morning hours of October 6, 2025, when he lost control of his vehicle and slammed into trees along Bellport Avenue. Authorities allege that Valdez-Cruz was traveling at a high rate of speed when he crossed into the northbound lane, causing a violent collision.
One of the passengers, Edgar Guevara Ramos, 22, of Bellport, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Two additional passengers, Gustavo Martinez Cacares, 26, of Selden, and Jasson Valdez Cruz, 24, of Medford, were transported to Stony Brook University Hospital. Prosecutors said Cacares suffered serious physical injuries as a result of the crash.
“This tragic incident was entirely preventable,” Tierney said in a statement. “The defendant’s alleged decision to drive while intoxicated cost a young man his life and left another seriously injured.”
Valdez-Cruz was formally arraigned on November 24 before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard Horowitz. The indictment includes multiple felony charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide, manslaughter, vehicular assault, and driving while intoxicated.
The court ordered that Valdez-Cruz be remanded. He is scheduled to return to court on December 15, 2025, and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the most serious charge. Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer against Valdez-Cruz, meaning deportation proceedings could follow completion of any sentence.
Hochul Right to Pump Brakes on CLCPA, but Beware of Bait and Switch
The biggest State news this week is that of Governor Kathy Hochul’s willingness to relent on the provisions of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), the first provision of which would have gone into effect on January 1, 2026. New buildings under seven stories would be barred from utilizing fossil fuels. The same deadline applied to all new buildings regardless of height by 2029.
We laud this commonsense initiative. We’ve said repeatedly that the goals of net-zero are worthy, but that Albany has consistently put the generator before the horse.
Additionally, Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, has called for carbon capture and other creative ways to mitigate pollution while also bolstering the grid. Albany should be keen to heed his words.
Even Democrats realize the ramifications posed by this bill. Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D-Port Jefferson), someone who has studied the environment, was one of nearly twenty Democrats who wrote Hochul urging her to consider postponement of these deadlines. Kassay stresses the importance of eventually meeting these goals but contends that grid reliability - or lack thereof - and projections of skyrocketing energy costs make pumping the brakes the right move. Good on her for recognizing a bad idea when she sees one.
138 Years of the Smithtown Messenger
One hundred thirty-eight years ago, long before smartphones, social media, or even television, a group of local newspapermen in Smithtown decided this community deserved something simple but powerful: a reliable messenger.
Not an algorithm. Not a distant corporate newsroom.
A local paper.
This week, we celebrate 138 years of The Smithtown Messenger—Smithtown’s oldest newspaper and one of the longest continuously published local papers in Suffolk County. That’s not just a milestone for us; it’s a milestone for everyone who has ever picked up this paper at a diner, a deli, a library, or their front door and said, “Let me see what’s going on around town.”
For nearly a century and a half, this paper has been there as Smithtown grew from farm country and tight-knit hamlets into the vibrant suburban community it is today. The Messenger has printed the good news—weddings, graduations, championships, ribbon cuttings—and the hard news—budget fights, crime, storms, and struggles. Through world wars, blackouts, recessions, and pandemics, The Messenger kept showing up.
That’s the legacy I inherited when I took the helm as Publisher earlier this year. And I take that responsibility seriously.
In 2025, it’s easy to forget that local news isn’t guaranteed. Across the country, community papers have folded, consolidated, or been swallowed up by chains that know the price of everything and the value of nothing. When that happens, something vital disappears: the place where your kids’ teams, your school board, your veterans, your small businesses, and your neighborhood debates are all on the record.
The Messenger is still here because of you—our readers, our advertisers, and our community partners who believe that Smithtown deserves its own voice.
Over 138 years, The Messenger has evolved. Today, we not only publish The Smithtown Messenger but also The Brookhaven Messenger and The Islip Messenger, bringing that same community-driven focus to neighboring towns across Suffolk County. We’ve expanded our digital presence, broadened our sports, opinion, and feature coverage, and strengthened our role as an outlet where local voices can be heard—whether you’re a longtime resident, a new family, a business owner, a coach, or a student with something to say.
But some things have not changed—and will not change on my watch:
• We are a local newspaper. Our reporting centers on Suffolk County—its schools, its roads, its
We will say, however, to remain wary of the possible political shuffling with this rollback. We don’t fault Senator Mattera and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21) - Hochul’s possible opponent in next year’s high-stakes gubernatorial race - for assuming this could be the same bait-and-switch that the Governor pulled with congestion pricing. Last summer, Hochul paused the plan on congestion pricing for Midtown Manhattan, only to enact it right after the 2024 election. We can’t prove the negative, but it’s reasonable to keep an eye on the political posturing here - especially as Hochul appears to be in for a real race next year.
And that suspicion, we find, is only all the more validated by the fact that Hochul is apparently doing a 180 on the NESE natural gas pipelineanother initiative for which Senator Mattera has advocated since the Cuomo Administration.
We hope this is a genuine plan and not a game. We’re all for creative solutions and progressing towards renewable energy, but it needs to be done pragmatically. We already suffer the highest energy costs in the country. There’s no need to squeeze lemon juice over the paper cut.
But we’re not entirely sure this isn’t a political ploy either.
From what we can ascertain, we applaud the rollback but remain cautiously optimistic.
businesses, and its people, but tailored to each town’s needs.
• We believe in coverage over clickbait. A story matters because it affects your life, your taxes, your school, your safety, or your sense of community—not because it goes viral.
• We believe in fairness and accountability. That means asking hard questions when taxpayer money or public trust is on the line, regardless of party or position.
• We believe in celebrating what’s good about Smithtown without ignoring what needs to be fixed.
An anniversary like this isn’t just about looking backward. It’s about recommitting to the future.
In the coming year, we are working to:
• Expand our local sports coverage, giving student-athletes the recognition they deserve
• Strengthen small business and Main Street coverage, highlighting the entrepreneurs who power this town’s economy
• Grow community submissions letters, guest columns, and photos
• Continue improving digital access while preserving the experience of a true hometown paper in print every week
Most importantly, I want to extend a personal thank you.
To our loyal subscribers who have stayed with us through thick and thin; to our advertisers who trust us with their hardearned dollars; to our columnists, reporters, photographers, and proofreaders who work long hours to get the details right; and to every reader who picks up the paper and then passes it to a neighbor—you are the reason this 138-year story is still being written.
If you value having a local paper that is independent, unapologetically local, and committed to this community, I invite you to lean in even more this year: subscribe, advertise, send us your story ideas, your announcements, your feedback—even your criticism. A healthy newspaper is a conversation with its community, not a monologue.
One day, someone will look back and say: The Smithtown Messenger didn’t just survive 138 years. It adapted, it grew, and it stayed rooted in the people it served.
From my desk to your kitchen table: thank you for being part of this chapter. Here’s to the first 138 years—and to many more editions still to come.
Sincerely, Raheem Soto, Publisher
Raise The Age Isn’t Working
By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay
The abject failure of New York’s criminal justice reform has been evident for years. For example, “Raise the Age,” which calls for many cases involving 16- and 17-year-old Adolescent Offenders (AOs) to be heard in family court rather than criminal court, has done nothing to make New Yorkers safer, much like other failed “progressive” policies such as the near elimination of bail and solitary confinement in state prisons.
One look at New York City clearly demonstrates how dangerous and ineffective this policy is. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the number of young shooters has nearly doubled since the law was changed and the number of children victimized by shootings is up 83%. However, this problem is far from a downstate-specific issue. In Albany, one incident involved 10 young people being shot, one fatally, and buildings were set on fire on the Fourth of July. Statistics indicate an overall increase in violent crime committed by 16and 17-year-old offenders across the state, while convictions plummeted.
Prior to Raise the Age, in 2017, nearly 60%, or 4,000, AOs charged with serious crimes were convicted in adult criminal court, and more than 1,000 received a prison or jail sentence. In 2024, however, less than 10%, or 418 AOs charged with a felony received a felony conviction, with less than 5% placed in an Office of Children and Family Services facility for more than a year.
“The data is telling us, over the past five years, a very clear, stark story. We need to listen to that data,” said Tisch. The Assembly Minority Conference has been listening. We have been tracking this data for years, and we have continued to call for criminal accountability, fair and appropriate judicial discretion, and meaningful reforms to criminal justice legislation that respects the rights of all New Yorkers, especially the victims of violent crime.
As such, it’s no surprise district attorneys, law enforcement agents, victims’ advocates and lawmakers from every corner of New York have been persistent in their calls for change. With major changes coming in 2026 — New York City’s socialist experiment will undoubtedly create new challenges for residents and state lawmakers — it’s critical we continue to push this fight forward.
I have introduced legislation (A.4705) to prevent AOs who commit serious felonies from escaping criminal liability by being shielded by family court, where records are sealed. The reason for this legislation is simple: These young men and women know what they are doing is wrong. The gang leaders who recruit them to do their bidding while shielded by this law know what they are doing is wrong. We must hold them accountable.
The Assembly Minority Conference will always advocate for the victims of crime. I look forward to working with my partners and colleagues in the Assembly and Senate in the upcoming session to hold perpetrators accountable and restore common sense to our criminal justice system. Raise the Age simply did not work, and it’s long past time to move on from this failed policy.
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.
Here’s What Trump Should Be Telling the Public on the Economy
By Steve Levy | Long Island Life & Politics
The new buzzword in politics is “affordability.” It’s what many pundits believe led Democrats to a strong showing this past Election Day.
It’s also put President Trump and the Republicans on notice that affordability will likely remain as the pivotal issue in the midterms.
It’s all extraordinarily frustrating to Trump, who continues to tout his policies that resulted in an immediate sharp reduction in gas prices, a moderation of inflation and a meteoric rise in the stock market.
Unfortunately, the president appears tone-deaf when he parrots the same argument hyped by Biden and Harris in the fall of 2024 that they shouldn’t believe their lying eyes, but rather the cherry-picked statistics that the then-president pumped on a daily basis.
Trump has a lot more success to point to than did Biden, but he’s missing something when he thinks everyone has benefited from a high stock market and a robust 3.8% GDP.
While it’s encouraging to the average middle class person that their 401(k) is at its highest level ever, that money isn’t available right now to pay their still too high grocery bills, climbing rents, or the mortgage on a new home.
So, Mr. President, allow me to humbly suggest you use the following message:
In this last election, I heard you loud and clear that closing the border and bringing prices down were your prime concerns.
I said on day one that I would be able to lower your gas prices and I succeeded by ending Biden‘s war on traditional energy sources and promoting more drilling.
What will not happen on day one is seeing the filtering-down effect on all prices.
That will take some time. Not four years, but several months to two years.
If we look back in history, we can see that Ronald Reagan did not turn around a moribund economy in one day. But his tax cuts and deregulation, in time, resulted in an enormous surge in productivity and wage growth.
That’s why it’s so important to stay on course.
There’s evidence my policies work. Look back to the first three years of my administration before Covid.
Our tax cuts brought billions of dollars back into the United States that were parked overseas. They spurred investment and placed an additional $2,000 in the pockets of the average family.
It led to significantly higher GDP than Obama‘s last term and raised wages to their highest level in decades, with the working class gaining even more on a proportional basis than the wealthy.
As we head into winter, the lower fuel costs can save an average household in the thousands.
Wages are starting to rise, in part, because I am deporting illegal aliens who have been suppressing wages over the years.
Why would we elect more Democrats who would reverse this?
And soon, we will have a new Federal Reserve chair who will likely cut interest rates significantly.
High interest rates are the root of the pain so many of you are feeling. Homeownership has been out of reach for many. I don’t mean this to sound partisan, but it is indeed Joe Biden‘s doing.
Rates spiked dramatically during his tenure because he recklessly spent trillions of dollars unnecessarily, thereby spiking inflation to its highest level in 40 years.
We now have an inflation rate between 2% and 3%, which is a great improvement over Biden‘s 9%. We realize that’s not actually lowering his high baseline, but it is curbing inflation that will lead to the Fed cutting the rates, which will unleash enormous prosperity in our nation.
Right now, no one is going to sell the home they bought seven years ago with an interest rate of 3% and have it converted to a 6-1/2% mortgage. That has a limited supply. Meanwhile, Joe Biden let in 15 million illegal aliens who are competing for this housing stock.
There were many folks who were hoping that these high prices would be eradicated within the first month or two of my administration. I realize I built up that expectation by noting that we would change things on day one. And on some things we did, including the border and energy policy, but I ask your indulgence for more time on some of the other price levels that we are confident will be reduced over the next year.
As for tariffs, we will continue to level the playing field so our Fords can be sold in Germany, and we are no longer dependent on China for our pharmaceuticals or rare earth materials. However, I will hereinafter refrain from imposing tariffs on every nation all at once. We will seek reciprocity one nation at a time to lessen the impact on our consumers.
The roaring back of our economy in my first term due to tax cuts and deregulation will be repeated in the years to come, so long as we don’t elect the same culprits that put us near the brink in the last four years.
Thank you.
Steve Levy is President of Common Sense Strategies, a political consulting firm. He served as Suffolk County Executive, as a NYS Assemblyman, and host of the “On the Right Side Podcast.” He is the author of “Solutions to America’s Problems” and “Bias in the Media.” www.SteveLevy.info, Twitter @SteveLevyNY, steve@commonsensestrategies.com
This op-ed originally appeared in Long Island Life & Politics. For more from LILP, visit them online at lilifepolitics.com.
This Week Today
Thursday, November 27, 2025
National, State, and Local Temperature Checks
By Matt Meduri
National
The Epstein Files Transparency Act has been passed nearly unanimously in both chambers of Congress and signed by President Donald Trump (R-FL).
On Tuesday, November 18, the U.S. House voted in a 427-1 vote to require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to publish in a “searchable and downloadable format all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in the DOJ’s possession that relate to the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein.”
The bill was passed with 211 Democratic votes and 216 Republican votes, with 3 Democrats and 2 Republicans not voting. The sole vote against the release of the files was Congressman Clay Higgins (R, LA-03), who argued that the release of the identities within the files would cause undue harm to innocent witnesses and family members implicated therein.
The Senate voted by Unanimous Consent without amendment to send the bill to Trump’s desk for his signature. He signed the bill into law on November 19. The DOJ has until December 19 to adhere to the directions in the bill.
The flurry of releases preceding the vote has implicated several members of Congress, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D, NY-08), who has been accused of soliciting money from Epstein five years after Epstein’s convictions of child sex crimes. The consulting firm Dynamic SRG was seen in 2013 reaching out to Epstein on behalf of the Jeffries campaign. Jeffries’ campaign committee, according to Federal Elections Commission (FEC) data obtained by The Messenger, paid Dynamic SRG $37,351.31 for their services between May 1, 2013, and January 7, 2015.
Congresswoman Sheila CherfilusMcCormick (D, FL-20) has been indicted on charges of stealing $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds to aid her congressional campaign in 2021.
She is accused of stealing the FEMA overpayments that her family healthcare company had received through a federal COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract. Some of that money was then allegedly funneled to her campaign through contributions.
In separate Hill news, Congressman Jesus “Chuy” García (D, IL-04) is accused of coordinating his own retirement ahead of Illinois’ filing deadline so that his chief of staff could declare her candidacy and not face a primary.
On November 12, García’s office issued a statement that he is not seeking reelection due to his wife’s “worsening” health conditions, as well as care of his grandchildren in the wake of his daughter’s death.
The initial releases also show Delegate Stacey Plaskett (D-VI) (pictured above) texting with Epstein, whom she referred to as another “constituent” - given that she represents the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, records show that she was texting with Epstein during a 2019 House Oversight Committee Hearing at which Trump’s thenattorney Michael Cohen testified about Trump’s alleged hush money payments to mistresses.
The text transcripts show that Epstein was apparently watching the hearing on live television. Plaskett asked Epstein for clarity on Rhona Graff, Trump’s former executive assistant. Plaskett texted with Epstein, “Quick I’m up next”, referring to her allotted time for questions.
Plaskett narrowly survived a censure vote relating to the texts, with three Republicans - Don Bacon (R, NE-02), Lance Gooden (R, TX-05), and David Joyce (R, OH14) - joining 211 Democrats to not censure the Virgin Islands Delegate. No Democrats vote in favor of censuring her.
The drama on Capitol Hill, however, does not stop with the Epstein Files.
hears appeals from the Fifth Circuit, now calls into question the Court’s move in 2019, in which the Court extricated itself from partisan gerrymandering cases. They opined then that those issues were more on political bases rather than legal.
The filing deadline for the U.S. House in Texas is December 8, and primaries are set for March.
Moreover, firebrand conservative Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R, GA-14) has announced her resignation from Congress effective January 5, 2026, after questioning Trump’s “America First” priorities and his oscillations on the release of the Epstein Files. Trump had revoked his endorsement of her and called for a primary against her in the seat she’s held since 2021.
Outside the Hill, a breaking story is developing, as it is alleged that Minnesota tax dollars were funneled through fraudulent programs to help Somali terror group Al-Shabaab.
“He followed every rule and every filing requirement laid out by the State of Illinois,” read the statement.
García, who was first elected to the Chicagobased seat in 2018, was reprimanded by the House in a vote of 213 Republicans and 22 Democrats. The vote was promulgated by Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA03), who said, “Representative Chuy García has had a long career of public service, and he is retiring for honorable reasons, but election subversion is wrong no matter who’s doing it.”
House Democratic leadership was reportedly blindsided by the vote, as Perez forced the vote without notifying Minority Leader Jeffries.
“(García) is a good man who has always prioritized the people he represents, even while experiencing unthinkable family tragedy. We unequivocally oppose this misguided resolution and urge our colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus to reject it,” said Jeffries and the leadership team in a statement.
Jeffries later stated that he “strongly supports” García, adding that the “American people are focused on the high cost of living.”
The mid-decade redistricting “arms race” saw its first bubble burst last Wednesday, as the GOP-drawn gerrymander in Texas was struck down in a 2-1 vote.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown, who authored the majority decision, tossed the Long Star State’s map on the grounds of a racial gerrymander. Brown is receiving criticism from the Texas GOP and Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) for requiring Texas to use the map drawn in 2021, with detractors saying that the 2026 elections are already in motion under the current lines.
However, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito temporarily restored the gerrymander. Alito has asked for responses to his decision in hopes of moving the case along quickly. The decision from Alito, who
The nonprofit Feeding Our Future is accused of having received $250 million in state funding using “fake meal counts, doctored attendance records, and fabricated invoices,” according to a report from City Journal. The report continued by saying that the money was being used to fund “lavish lifestyles, luxury vehicles, and real estate” in the U.S., Turkey, and Kenya. A woman charged adjacent to the scandal is also alleged to have run a $14 million scam that involved fake autism diagnoses for Somali children.
Many in the Twin Cities’ Somali community established their own autism treatment centers, resulting in a one-insixteen autism diagnosis for Minnesota Somalis - more than triple the state average.
Some of those funds were transferred overseas to Al-Shabaab, a Sunni Islamist militant group focused on overthrowing the Somali government and establishing a Sharia Law state in the Horn of Africa. Since 2012, the group has formalized their allegiance with al-Qaeda.
In response, Trump has revoked Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalis in Minnesota.
State
The Siena College has released its latest poll, which was conducted from November 10-12.
Siena found that Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D) favorability and job approval ratings have each slipped five points from September. Hochul’s favorability is -2 (43%-45%), down from her +3 (45%-42%) in September, while her job approval sits at +9 (52%-43%), down from her +14 rating two months ago (54%-40%).
In terms of the 2026 gubernatorial contest, Hochul, according to Siena’s latest findings, leads Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21) by twenty points (52%-32%), down slightly from Hochul’s September lead of twenty-five points (52%-27%).
Stefanik’s favorability rating stands at -8 (28%-36%), up slightly from -13 (21%34%).
In terms of the Democratic Primary,
Hochul continues to lead Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado (D) by crushing margins. She leads Delgado by +40 (56%-16%) in the primary, which is set for June.
Siena College found that 42% of voters are prepared to re-elect Hochul, while 48% prefer “someone else.” That metric has improved from the 37%-51% gap that Hochul faced in September. Of the 48% of voters who are prepared to elect “someone else”, 30% opt for another Democrat, while 53% say it’s time for a Republican to govern New York.
As the Big Apple prepares for Mayorelect Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria) to take his oath of office, Siena finds that among New York City constituents, he is viewed favorably - 55%-31% - compared to his 31%-49% rating in the downstate suburbs and 30%-44% upstate.
Trump’s favorability rating in New York State, according to Siena, stands at -26 (35%-61%), mostly unchanged from September. His job approval sits at a similar -24 (37%-61%), also relatively unchanged from their last survey.
In the twenty-one years of the Siena College’s existence, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-Park Slope) has the worst favorability rating clocked by the pollster. Their November survey puts Schumer at a -23 rating (32%-55%). While viewed unfavorably by 74% of Republicans and 61% of Independents, he is barely treading water among Democrats, who narrowly favor him by a 45%-43% margin. For context, the last time Schumer had a net-favorable rating among Republicans was December 2016 - a 55%-37% margin.
The College also notes that Congresswoman Alexandria OcasioCortez (D, NY-14), who is speculated to run for Schumer’s Senate seat in 2028, is viewed favorably 42%-37%, but at a 62%-20% margin among Democrats and a 55%-27% margin among NYC voters.
Finally, the College found that 39% of voters think New York State is on the “right track”, while 45% say it is on the “wrong track” - down from a 42%-41% margin in September.
The poll consisted of 802 registered voters and has a margin of error of +/4.0%.
Local
The Suffolk County Addiction Prevention and Support Advisory Panel will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 5:30p.m. It will be located at the Maxine S. Postal Auditorium at the Evans K. Griffing Building, 300 Center Drive in Riverhead.
Members of the public are invited to attend and speak during the public portion of the meeting.
The panel functions as an advisory role to the County Legislature on how to address addiction. They also convene representatives from law enforcement, education, civic associations, and healthcare to share concerns and spread solutions, as well as review statistics from the Suffolk County Police Department and the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Continued from front cover
Brookhaven Matters
Work Ahead for Smith Point Bridge, Single-Lane Traffic
On Monday, Romaine, joined by County officials from the Department of Public Works (DPW) and Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services (FRES), showcased the temporary traffic lights set up on the northbound and southbound lanes of the bridge. Romaine said that the County petitioned the State to impose a fifteen-ton weight limit, as the three-ton limit was the “most basic” limit that would have prevented emergency vehicles from using the bridge.
Romaine also said that he had recently looked at a press release left behind by his predecessor, former County Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon), which stated his administration’s intent to construct a new bridge to Smith Point in 2021 to be completed by 2024.
“That never happened,” Romaine told reporters on Monday afternoon at the approach of the bridge from William Floyd Parkway. “There’s a lesson to us in that: we, as a County, cannot defer maintenance on our vital things. Maintenance deferred does not save us money. This should have been addressed years ago.”
Romaine (pictured right) signed an emergency orderwhich must be renewed every five days - that will allow the County DPW to speed up repairs to the bridge without awaiting contract bids.
“We will move expeditiously with double shifts to make improvements so that this bridge is safe for all travel,” said Romaine. “Any restrictions will be gradually lifted when we consult with [NYS] DOT and [Suffolk] DPW.”
Romaine said that the plan is for the construction to be completed by March to accommodate the start of camping in mid-spring, and especially before the busy summer season.
“This is the most heavily utilized park in all of Suffolk County, hence the reason for the seriousness of the actions that have been taken over the last few days,” said Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches) (pictured right). “DPW took immediate action to make sure the public was safe, and the DOT immediately created an action plan.”
Mazzarella thanked the DOT for their responsiveness in lifting the threeton weight limit, which would have crippled delivery services, in addition to emergency services, from reaching the park.
“As this season comes, we may have to have a few delays, and you might have to time your trip out a little bit, but everyone will be safe, and that is by
far the most important thing,” said Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue). “This bridge will be totally usable within a matter of a few months. We will be restoring steel cables, among other things, to strengthen this bridge.”
Murray (pictured middle right) also said that the planning phase for the new bridge will also begin in earnest. The new bridge will not be a drawbridge like its current counterpart and will be more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly.
“This is the busiest park of any County Park in Suffolk,” said Romaine, adding that the County will be looking at other “key” pieces of infrastructure that “haven’t been addressed in many years.”
As of press time, there is no projected cost for these upgrades, but Romaine said that safety is the County’s “primary concern”, with cost being “secondary.”
“What are we going to do, not have a bridge?” said Romaine. “This bridge was built in 1959, and before that, the only way to get here was by ferry or boat. We’re not going back.”
Parks Commissioner John Giannott (pictured bottom right) said that the current season doesn’t bring many motorists over the bridge.
“But on a busy July weekend, you can see 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles,” said Giannott. “During the week, 1,000.”
Leslie Mitchel, Deputy Commissioner for the County DPW, said that the one-lane traffic pattern allowed the restored weight limit to fifteen tons, after consultation with the State DOT. She added that the traffic lights were installed by DOT as well.
DPW Chief Engineer Alex Berger said that the County is exploring “retrofitting options” for a two-lane reopening.
“Essentially, the pre-stressed cables inside the reinforced concrete beams have been exposed, are wearing, and are no longer holding the strength that were originally designed to
hold back in the 1950s,” said Berger of the specific structural problems. Romaine added that the drawbridge function is currently operable, but that additionally funding from New York State and the federal government do not appear to be “forthcoming.”
“We are prepared to fund this in-house out of the budget right now,” said Romaine. “If money is available [to us] from the State or federal government, we’d be delighted.”
Happy Thankgiving
Thoughts of Thankfulness Thoughts of Thankfulness
This exact time last year, almost to the day, my mom called me on Saturday morning while I was delivering newspapers. Her phone call was to tell me that, after several years in remission, the doctors had found cancer in another part of her body. She was now waiting on the results of other tests they had run to come back. In order to decide the next step in the process and fight, our holiday season last year had a dark cloud of some uncertainty looming in the backdrop. After a difficult year of chemo, radiation, watching her hair and vitality be completely lost, I’m truly thankful to God first and foremost that He has brought her through another difficult bout with cancer. Her most recent tests and checkups came back with good news. She’s currently feeling pretty good, sporting her short hair extremely well and back to babysitting my nieces and nephews several times each week - something she loves and lives to do.
- PJ Balzer, Sports and Deliveries
Gratitude is not measured by what we possess, but by what we have been trusted to steward. I am grateful first for family — the quiet foundation that allows every public effort to stand. In a world that often confuses speed with progress, family remains the steady force that reminds us who we are and why our work matters.
I am also deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as Publisher of The Messenger. To inform Suffolk County is not merely a job; it is a responsibility. A free and honest press is not built on noise, but on discipline, truth, and respect for the reader’s intelligence. Communities do not thrive on slogans. They thrive on facts, context, and accountability.
To have the privilege of telling the stories of our neighbors, our businesses, our schools, and our local government is something I do not take lightly. Opportunity is only meaningful when used in service of others — and for that, I remain truly grateful.
- Raheem Soto, Publisher
They say that you learn something new every day.
In my job, I learn a hundred new things every day.
I’ve done the nine-to-five jobs, I’ve sat at a desk, and I’ve broken my back. But none of it stacks up to this job, which is different almost every day. From traveling from one end of the county to the other throughout the week, conducting interviews with some of Suffolk’s most interesting people - from our elected officials to our World War II Veterans - crafting compelling editorial analysis, to delivering a product that someone will hang up in their home or office, it’s different every day. To have a spot on the press stage at presidential rallies, to having more connections than I know what to do with, I would never have thought I’d have this responsibility. I’m thankful not only for that opportunity but the patronage of our readers, the suggestions the community brings for content, and the cooperation from our officials, civic leaders, and PR specialists who not only make our job easier, but make each week’s print better than the last.
- Matt Meduri, Editor-in-Chief
The holiday season brings a heavier workload for me each year. While it can be long and stressful, I’m grateful to have a full-time job with good pay and health benefits. Putting in the extra hard work during this time of year just means a better paycheck for future me to be able to do the things I want to do.
I’m grateful for my fiancé, Tom. After six years together, we got engaged in May. We’re in the midst of planning our March 2027 wedding. Personally, I’m having a blast since I live for that type of stuff.
I’m grateful for my family and friends who are my biggest support system in everything I do. Without them, I wouldn’t be the person that I am or be where I am today.
I’m also grateful for my education. Three degrees later...I have a master’s in journalism, and I get to write about my passion each week. Sports are a major part of my life, especially women’s sports. I love getting to tell the stories of varsity sports teams at eastern Suffolk County schools.
- Ashley Pavlakis, Sports
This season, there are a few things that stick out to me when it comes to what I am thankful for. Like everyone else, I am, of course, grateful for my family and close friends. But I am also thankful for the opportunities I have had this past year. Opportunities to make new friends, receive more work here at The Messenger, travel to new places, spend time with family when life gets busy, and every opportunity, no matter what it was, big or small, are what I would say I am most thankful for. We take life for granted and forget the small things, but I have tried to remember how vital these moments are.
- Madison Warren, Field Reporter and Social Media Manager
There are so many blessings in my life, and I am so grateful for all the highs and even all the lows that have brought me to where I am. I thank God every day for my life, the people who surround me, and the opportunities I get to experience.
- Gia Rudilosso, Proofreader
If we take a moment out of our busy life, just a moment and come to the realization of how grateful we should be for everything we have around us. From the simplicity of being healthy, the ability to be capable of rising in the morning and moving forward and do as we wish, the time we have, the moments we can share with our loved ones in the life we lead. Our problems are always truly smaller than we imagine them. We were given a divine ability to beat any adversity that comes our way. We must be strong in this. Strong and grateful and pay it forward. Be strong for others in need and all will fall into place.
- Sergio Fabbri, Art Manager
Seven Rocky Point Athletes Sign National Letters of Intent
Rocky Point High School proudly celebrated seven outstanding student-athletes who recently signed their national letters of intent, committing to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.
Surrounded by family, coaches, teammates and administrators, the athletes were recognized for their dedication, hard work and achievements both in the classroom and in their respective sports.
The following students made their official commitments:
Megan Curtin – women’s lacrosse, Mercy College
Andraya Giagios – women’s swimming, Stonehill College
Trevor Green – men’s swimming, University of Minnesota
Kaleigh Moeller – women’s lacrosse, Florida State University
Lillian Wood – women’s lacrosse, Saint Leo University
DJ Xavier – men’s lacrosse, Cornell University
Raylee Weisman – softball, University of Rhode Island
“These milestones reflect the perseverance, talent and dedication of each student-athlete, as well as the strong support of Rocky Point’s athletic community,” said Athletic Director, Jonathon Rufa.
The district commended the athletes for representing Rocky Point with pride and commitment throughout their high school careers and expressed confidence that they will continue to excel at the collegiate level.
Top Notes for Shoreham-Wading River Student-Musicians
The Shoreham-Wading River Central School District music department is proud to announce that student-musicians had an outstanding showing at the Suffolk County Music Educators Association’s All-County Jazz Festival, held at Bayport-Blue Point High School on Nov. 8. This prestigious festival features some of the top jazz student-musicians from Suffolk County, selected through a competitive process similar to the SCMEA Festival in March.
The ensembles were conducted by notable guest artists, including Grammynominated musicians, Broadway performers and collegiate professors, and it was a great opportunity for the students to learn from professionals at the highest level.
Shoreham-Wading River led all participating districts with 22 vocalists and one instrumentalist chosen to perform between all four All-County Jazz ensembles with the highest representation in the festival. The students performed expertly and represented the district with great talent and pride.
The district congratulates the following student-musicians:
Intermediate Jazz Ensembles (Grades 7-9): Angela Accardi, Mia Aceto, Elaina Blanchard, Keira Conklin, Jackson Cosgrove, Ashley Esnes, Lydia Gorniok, Camryn Guinther, Linda Hu, Kevin Kozak, Jessica Manick, Jamyson Ochoa, Joshua Parrinello, Griffin Schwartz, Owen Schwartz, Mei Lin Torre and Grayson Vescovo.
Advanced Jazz Ensembles (Grades 10-12): Jake Donnelly, Lila Grosso, Reilly Kenneally, Kate McQuade, Izrael Salgado and Charlie Tacke.
Additionally, vocalists (choir) Jake Donnelly, Lila Grosso, Reilly Kenneally, Ian Margiotto-Watz, Everett McClintock, Kate McQuade and Charles Tacke and Nathan Schaeffer (band) were selected to participate in the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education concert festival, held at Hauppauge High School on Nov. 14.
Shoreham-Wading River High School music coordinator Dennis Creighton said,” We are very proud of our students and grateful to our music teachers for their continued support of the arts.”
NYS Supreme Court Justice Panico Speaks to Eastport-South Manor Students
Eastport-South Manor
Jr.-Sr. High School students studying government and criminal justice recently had an insightful lesson about the court system thanks to a visit from New York State Supreme Court Justice Deanna Panico.
Justice Panico, who was elected to serve in November 2024 and took the bench in Suffolk County this January, hears civil cases related to negligence and breach of contract cases.
She explained what her job entails but also spoke about the
importance of studying the U.S. Constitution. “This document impacts our lives on a day-to-day basis, and it is important to know its history,” she said.
Justice Panico also delved into the history of the Declaration of Independence, Continental Congress, Bill of Rights and the government’s checks and balances.
The district would like to thank Justice Panico for taking time to discuss how these important historical documents affect the lives of citizens and the country’s legal processes.
Port Jeff Music Students Participate in Annual SCMEA Day of Tuba and Euphonium Festival
Four talented Port Jefferson Middle School band students—Talia Affronti, Mason King Davis, Mallory Rickhard, and Andrew Weinisch—proudly represented the district at the SCMEA Day of Tuba and Euphonium Festival.
This annual event brought together tuba and euphonium students from across Suffolk County for an inspiring musical experience. Participants had the opportunity to perform alongside world-renowned tuba virtuoso Hiram Diaz, a distinguished member of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. Throughout the evening, students collaborated, rehearsed, and performed in an ensemble that highlighted the depth of musical talent within the region.
“The SCMEA festival offers an exceptional experience for our young musicians,” said Dr. Michael Caravello, Director of Music and Fine Arts. “Performing with an artist of Hiram Diaz’s caliber is truly motivating and unforgettable for our students. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and musicianship.”
For more information regarding the Port Jefferson School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website at https://www.portjeffschools. org and follow its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PortJeffSchools.
Middle Country H.S. Students Celebrates
19
NYSCAME/SCMEA All-County Musicians
The Middle Country Central School District is proud to congratulate 19 outstanding student–musicians from Centereach High School and Newfield High School who have been selected as NYSCAME/SCMEA All-County musicians. These accomplished 11th- and 12th-grade students earned this prestigious distinction based on their exceptional NYSSMA solo performance scores and strong recommendations from their music teachers.
Their hard work and dedication culminated in a beautiful performance at the All-County Concert held Friday, November 14 at Hauppauge High School.
Congratulations to the 2025 All-County Musicians:
Yoseni Chen - Centereach High School
Devin Chester - Centereach High School
Trinity Columbel - Centereach High School
Kayleigh Hacker - Centereach High School
Sharbojoya Mattrik - Centereach High School
Christopher Morales Jr. - Centereach High School
Annie Paulino - Centereach High School
Domenic Santora - Centereach High School
Gavin Wahlen - Centereach High School
David Zuckerman - Centereach High School
Sophie Chen - Newfield High School
Emme Contreras - Newfield High School
Caiden Davis - Newfield High School
Justin DeRosalia - Newfield High School
Ryan Gudelinis - Newfield High School
Lily Hutter - Newfield High School
Alyssa Micari - Newfield High School
Joseph Strong - Newfield High School
Alexandra Kathleen Zographos - Newfield High School
The district extends heartfelt congratulations to these students for their remarkable achievement and applauds the dedication of the music educators who continue to nurture their talent.
Academy Street Third-Graders Set Sail with Mayflower-Inspired STEM Challenge
Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Academy Street Elementary’s third grade STEAM Club designed, built and tested their very own Mayflowerinspired ships during their November meeting.
The club focuses on cultivating curiosity and problem-solving through science, technology, engineering, art and math. This session challenged students to think like real engineers with questions like, “What makes a boat float?” “What helps it travel faster?” and “Which materials will work best?”
Students planned their boat designs, selecting from an array of materials, including egg cartons, cardboard packaging, rubber bands, toothpicks, coffee filters, aluminum cans, tape and popsicle sticks. Each student named their vessel, sketched out their design and made predictions about how quickly their ship would cross a water-filled bin using only “wind” (or their own breath) for propulsion.
During testing, students discovered how material choices affected performance. Most notably, they realized that lighter boats tended to move more quickly across the water. The room buzzed with excitement as students compared results, refined ideas and celebrated their floating successes.
The Necessary Standard for American Education
The Voting Rights Act of 1965
By Matt Meduri
This week, we’re discussing a landmark piece of legislation that has been the basis for landmark Supreme Court cases, the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965. We find it pertinent to our column as the Supreme Court is likely to issue a ruling that could significantly impact redistricting, as the nationwide “arms race” continues.
History and Origin
At a glance, the VRA is a federal statute that prohibits racial discrimination in voting. Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson (D-TX) on August 6, 1965, Congress has since passed five amendments to expand its protections.
The Constitution gives states their own powers to administer their own elections, including voter qualifications. After the end of the Civil War, three amendments - known as the Reconstruction Amendments - were added to the Constitution: the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments. The amendments in question for the VRA’s purposes are the Fourteenth, which grants citizenship to anyone “born or naturalized in the United States” and guarantees all citizens due process and equal protection rights, and the Fifteenth, which prohibits the denial of suffrage based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
The Enforcement Acts to bolster these protections were passed in the 1870s. These acts criminalized the obstruction of voting rights and imposed federal supervision over the electoral process. After the end of Reconstruction, however, enforcement became difficult in the Jim Crow South, leading to their eventual repeal. During that period, Southern Democrats began to impose strict electoral regulations on voting, including poll taxes, literacy tests, property-ownership requirements, and moral character tests, among other initiatives.
For the judiciary to remedy violations, the meticulous work of reviewing thousands upon thousands of documents, test results, and ballots in an age without modern technology was already an undertaking, combined with fierce resistance from Southern local officials. Litigation was as frequent as it was severe, meaning the Justice Department was effectively playing a game of whack-a-mole in applying legal remedies.
The primary response was the Civil Rights Act of 1964, although further unrest and protest promulgated the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield (D-MT) and Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen (R-IL) together crafted the bill. Despite a Democrat-controlled Senate in the supermajority, President Johnson feared extensive filibuster from Southern Democrats who had held up the approval of the Civil Rights Act. Mansfield proposed motions to get the bill out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on a deadline with a full vote so as to not have the bill die in committee at the hands of Senator James Eastland (D-MS), a vehement segregationist.
Ultimately, the VRA was passed 77-19, with two Republicans and seventeen Democrats voting against it. In the House, it passed 333-85, with twenty-three Republicans and sixty-two Democrats opposed.
Section 2
Section 2 of the VRA is what’s being considered by the Supreme Court, particularly as it pertains to congressional districts drawn to its provisions. Section 2 prohibits any jurisdiction - state or local - from imposing a “voting qualification or prerequisite to voting, or standard, practice, of procedure…in a manner which results in a denial or abridgement of the right…to vote on account of race…”
Section 2 stipulates that if the provision is intentionally violated, then it is also a violation of the Fifteenth Amendment.
Perhaps the most significant provision of Section 2 is its redistricting sections. The VRA prohibits redistricting that discriminates based on race, color, or membership of a language minority group. The VRA has been used to overturn maps that dilute a minority population’s power
Published
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.
of electing a representative who they believe to be an accurate one of their community. This section has also been used to mandate the drawing of majority-minority districts - those where the majority of the population is constituted by a minority group.
Section 3
Section 3 gives federal courts the power to assign federal examiners to jurisdictions where voter disenfranchisement is alleged to have occurred. Moreover, it also contains the “bail-in” provision, which allows courts to bail a jurisdiction into preclearance after finding it has violated the Fourteenth or Fifteenth Amendments. Through this, Section 3 allows courts to tailor preclearance requirements to specific changes and for specified periods.
Section 4
Section 4 established the “coverage formula” to identify jurisdictions with histories of voting discrimination. A jurisdiction would be covered if it used a “test” or “device” to prevent voting and if said jurisdiction had lower voter registration and turnout compared to the 1964 presidential election.
Section 5
Section 5, pursuant to the formula in Section 4, required covered jurisdictions to get preclearance from the DOJ or a federal court before making any changes to its voting laws and/or procedures.
However, in 2013 the Supreme Court declared the coverage formula of Section 4(b) unconstitutional, as it was based on decades-old data and no longer a valid yardstick with which to gauge present-day voter disenfranchisement. This means that jurisdictions no longer have to seek federal preclearance before changing their laws.
Notable Amendments
Many amendments to the VRA were merely extensions of special provisions that were tied to the coverage formula in Section 4(b). Those provisions were extended in 1970, 1975, 1982, and 2006.
In 1970, Congress set standard residency requirements for presidential elections and extended the ban on literacy tests for access to the ballot box.
In 1975, Congress expanded the language of “tests” or “devices” to include any jurisdiction that disseminated election information in English only if said jurisdiction had a single-language minority group that made up more than 5% of its voting-age citizens. In 1982, Congress expanded procedures to allow jurisdictions out of the coverage formula if they sustained the voting rights of protected classes.
In 2006, Congress reauthorized the preclearance provisions until 2031. It was signed into law by President George W. Bush (R-TX).
The VRA Today
The VRA is making media rounds as the Supreme Court is set to hear a challenge to the redistricting
provision of Section 2. The law is currently being challenged in the case Louisiana v. Callais. Plaintiffs argue that Section 2’s requirements are relied upon too heavily in creating majority-minority districts to the point that race has been a deliberate factor in drawing maps. While Section 2 stipulates that race cannot be a factor in drawing districts so as to not dilute a protected class’s voting power, it doesn’t state that a district should be made for the purpose of creating lopsided maps based solely on race. The pathological political cartography, if you will, is what’s being litigated.
Louisiana v. Callais was mounted following the 2020 Census, with plaintiffs arguing that Section 2 itself violates the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments.
The results of the 2020 Census in Louisiana found that one-third of the state’s population is black, but only one black-majority congressional district had been drawn, with five Republican districts alongside it. That district is LA-02, which is 50.4% black and 33.6% white. It takes in New Orleans proper and the exurbs of Baton Rouge.
Litigation over Louisiana’s map passed in 2021 argued that a second black-majority district must be drawn to better represent the state’s demography. Plaintiffs argued that the 5R-1D map violated Section 2 of the VRA, resulting in a new map approved before the 2024 elections in which LA-06 went from a district carefully carved around the city of Baton Rouge - a solidly-red district - to one that stretches from Baton Rouge all the way to the northwestern corner of the state to take in Shreveport. The current LA-06 is 54.4% black and 36.0% white. LA-06 is solidly Democratic.
What followed was a decision in Allen v. Milligan, in which Alabama’s map - a 6R-1D map - also violated Section 2 of the VRA. Before the 2024 elections, a new map was placed to redraw the Montgomery-based AL-02 from a solidly-red district to a blue-leaning district that contains Montgomery, Mobile, and the Wiregrass Region.
After the new maps were passed, a group calling themselves “non-African-American voters” sued Louisiana, claiming that the districts were racially gerrymandered and violated the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments. The federal district judges from the Western District of Louisiana ruled in a 2-1 decision that the map was racially gerrymandered and blocked its usage before the 2024 elections. The Supreme Court ordered the map remain in place.
The first oral hearing was in March, while the second hearing was held on October 15. Court observers say that the Supreme Court could be leaning to limit the use of Section 2 of the VRA for redistricting, in a manner similar to the decision that ended affirmative action in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. Observers also believe that while the Court might not deem Section 2 unconstitutional, its scope could be limited.
What Would the Maps Look Like?
If the Supreme Court limited Section 2’s power in redistricting, Republicans could net up to a dozen seats in the Deep South. Particularly, Democratic seats in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia could be endangered. If those seats were to be undone due to such a Court ruling, the GOP would have a much larger upper hand in retaining control of the House next year, mid-decade redistricting by both parties thus far notwithstanding.
The map shows what those dozen seats could do for a GOP majority. The dark red/blue seats are holds for the respective party based on incumbency. Some of these could flip next year, but for the sake of the argument, we’ll say that the party holds these seats. The medium red/ blue seats are flips for the respective party based on middecade redistricting, while the light-blue seats are those we think the Democratic Party is likely to pick up next year without a mid-decade redraw.
Under this circumstance, the GOP makes a net gain of ten seats for a total of 228 seats, with three Toss Ups that could go either way - a much rosier picture than their current razor-thin majority of 220 seats.
Town
Town’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Holtsville Ecology Site
Kick off the holiday season at the Town of Brookhaven’s Annual Tree Lighting at the Holtsville Ecology Site. The event will feature costumed characters; complimentary candy canes and hot chocolate; musical entertainment; and a special appearance by Santa Claus, who will arrive by helicopter, and then assist with the countdown to light the tree.
Event sponsors include New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, Texas Roadhouse, Dairy Queen, WBLI/WBAB, My Country 96.1, La Fiesta, Holtsville Fire Department and Eastern Helicopters.
Event Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Event Time: Show begins at 6:00p.m. (Character visits will start at 5:30p.m.)
Location: Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville Contact: 631-451-9276 or www.brookhavenny.gov
Plan to arrive early, as show starts promptly at 6:00p.m.
Coldwell Banker Opens in Mount Sinai
Councilwoman Jane Bonner (R-Rocky Point) joined community leaders, business owners, and local officials on Friday, November 21, to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new Coldwell Banker office located at 276 Route 25A in Mount Sinai.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point), Coldwell Banker Owner Michael Litzner, and Manager Sandra Rose Caruso, along with real estate agents, staff, and local residents. Pictured above, from left to right, is Councilwoman Bonner, Mt Sinai-Miller Place Chamber of Commerce Vice President Maureen Bond, Mt Sinai-Miller Place
Chamber of Commerce President Holly Bottiglieri, Owner Michael Litzner, Manager Sandra Rose Caruso, and Legislator Lennon.
Councilwoman Bonner congratulated the Coldwell Banker team and welcomed their new office to the Mount Sinai business community.
“I’m proud to support businesses that invest in our community,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “Coldwell Banker brings experience, professionalism, and a dedication to helping families find the perfect place to call home.”
The new office will offer a full range of residential and commercial real estate services to Mount Sinai and the surrounding areas.
Town Board Honors
‘Brookhaven Recycles Poster Contest’ 2025 Winners
At the November 20 Town Board Meeting, Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches) and the Town Council welcomed this year’s winners of the “Brookhaven Recycles Poster Contest.” The second-annual poster contest ran this fall and was open to all K-12 students throughout Brookhaven Town. Students across Brookhaven submitted posters with a theme of “Choose to Reuse!” or “Recycle Right!” Winners were selected by Town Council in four groups of grade levels: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.
While honoring the students, Supervisor Panico said, “When it comes to recycling, when it comes to litter, when it comes to the environment, it is our young people that are going to do it right and teach everyone how to recycle right.”
Pictured with the winners are Town Clerk Kevin LaValle (R-Port Jefferson), Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook), Councilwoman Jane Bonner (R-Rocky Point), Councilman Neil A. Manzella (R-Selden), Supervisor Panico, Recycling Educator Zachary Sicardi, Councilman Neil Foley (R-Blue Point), Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig (R-Manorville), and Councilman Michael Loguercio (R-Ridge).
The following winners were chosen: Grades K-2:
• First Place: Adrian Uzcategui, Grade 2, Tuttle Avenue School
• Runner-up: Caroline Boecherer, Kindergarten, Edna Louise Spear Elementary Grades 3-5:
• First Place: Daniel Guaman Macias, Grade 4, Tangier Smith Elementary
• Runner-up: Austin Callegari, Grade 3, Dayton Ave Elementary Grades 6-8:
• First Place: Sebastian Rojas Arcos, Grade 8, Oregon Middle School
• Runner-up: Julianna DeLouise, Grade 8, Oregon Middle School Grades 9-12:
• First Place: Kai Li Thomas, Grade 10, Patchogue-Medford High School
• Second Place: Kristian Matutino, Grade 11, Patchogue-Medford High School Winners received framed copies of their posters and certificates of congratulations from the Town. Their artwork, along with many honorable mentions, will be on display at Brookhaven Town Hall now through mid-December.
16 Local History
When Does a Moment Become History?
By Ellyn Okvist, B.Sc.
The word “historical” covers many facets: geography, theme, purpose - among many more. We learn of the Moon Landing, the Battle of the Bulge, Koko the gorilla that could communicate as a six-yearold child, textbook teachings, classroom lessonsthings become history when historicized by historians.
The largest element of this is access to the documentary records of the past. Some documentary records are held orally, and these become accessible when people start to memorialize their own past. The largest source for the documentary record of the past is archives. We can study the archives, but my thought is, why wait when we can commonly make the decision ourselves?
Lake Ronkonkoma has a rich history of many things, but Thursday evening I was in a place where I knew I was living the start of still another historic moment. I found myself in the Ronkonkoma Fire House, a room I have visited for almost fifty years.
The difference?
The Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce, who themselves are pushing fifty years, offered an experience that found over 150 people gathered to support our local food merchants as they presented their best.
As you entered the event, the Chamber Members greeted you with sparkle. One felt a sincere feeling that your attendance was required to make the evening a success. There was a photo booth opportunity, which I did not immediately see, as I was presented with amazement of the atmosphere.
The next sense that overwhelmed me was the sights and smells of a live food tasting venue. Entering the room, I felt full of fun, with friends and community members enjoying each other’s company. DJ CHEF was spinning just the right songs, and he did not overwhelm the volume. The atmosphere was perfect, but I had not yet fully entered to experience the food vendors.
Food tastings are one of the most effective and socially entertaining ways for your food preparation skills to be discovered, and the vendors had perfectly prepared the event “just for me.” It felt so very personal, each booth was set against the walls, leaving a huge area to sit at a table and enjoy your choices. The presentation of each of the booths was meticulous for people who have mastered their culinary arts and were ready to share their talents with the public. The food was the showcase, and the representatives of each vendor were colorful, unique, and mouthwatering. They greeted each of us while presenting their dishes to you, another personal touch. Many of the vendors were familiar to us, and it was a joy to hug and speak to them one on one. The vendors that were newer to our village area were eager to meet us and have their specialties shared.
The Chamber offered awards to Event classifications. Winners were:
• Best Dish: Oven Lovin Hero’s & Pizza
• Best Sample Presentation: The BBQ King Long Island
• Best Table Setup: Asian One Best Grocery
A Full List of Participants
• DJ CHEF –Chicken & Shrimp Paella
• Flanagan’s Pub –Jameson Chicken & Shepherd’s Pies
• Island Empanada – Handcrafted Empanadas
• Tap Room (Ronkonkoma) – Smash burgers
• Philly Pretzel Factory – Pretzels, Mini Dogs & Assorted Dips
• Premiere Pastry Shop – Cakes, Cookies & Pastries
• Sweet Cream Bake Shop – Cheesecake, Cinnamon Buns & Cookies
• The BBQ King Long Island – Chili & Pulled Pork Tacos
• Toast Coffee + Kitchen (Ronkonkoma) –French Toast Bites
• Ben & Jerry’s – Classic Ice Cream
• Frogzz Bar ‘N’ Grill – Chicken Chili & Loaded Potato Soup (Also ran Cash Bar)
• La Fonda Latino Grill –Arroz con Pollo, Sweet Plantains & Beans
• Asian One Best Grocery – Multiple Filipino Dishes
• Mama Mia’s Pizzeria – Penne Ala Vodka
• Oven Lovin Hero’s & Pizza – Wings & Mini Meatballs
• The Pink Fin – Poke Bowls & Bubble Tea
• Rockefellers Kitchen & Cocktails – Gatsby-Inspired Apps
• Dilly Dilly Donuts – Fresh Made Donuts
• Chubs Meats – Thanksgiving Foods, Steak Dishes & Pasta Dishes
There was also a 50/50, with two winners as the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce “gave up” their half and promptly drew a second winner. The three winners also were awarded large cash prizes. This is a tradition the Chamber continues, giving back to our community.
This week, when another form of turkey is not pleasing your palate, I would like to suggest you visit one of the participants on this list. I am personally recommending each one.
An overview of my thoughts: This was a fun event from beginning to end. We danced, had conga lines, sang, and had a great time. Perfect venue, perfect crowd, exceptional Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce. Being nostalgic and having lived here for a lifetime, I stood and looked around, studied the faces of the participants, my old friends here with me, the new friends that had delicious meals for us, everyone. And I could see my past, this night, and the future of Lake Ronkonkoma working out so well. We have the year 2026 approaching, and the groups of our village are ready to explore and celebrate with all of you by working together and making it special and rememberable. Please watch for our announcements, and plan to attend or possibly give a hand with the festivities. I was a major participant in the 1976 Bicentennial and am lucky enough to see the 2026 United States Semiquincentennial.
God Bless America.
By Matt Meduri
‘Wasting Time’: Garbarino Reacts to Government Shutdown
With the longest government shutdown in history a week in the rearview mirror, the effects are still being felt and the memories of the circumstances are being carefully logged.
For Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport), who has represented NY-02 since 2021, he says the government shutdown “accomplished nothing” and was a “waste of time.”
“Long Islanders shouldn’t have to pay the price for political games. I’m relieved that Democrats finally ended their shutdown so we can get back to work,” Garbarino told The Messenger. “My focus remains the same as it has been from the start - keeping the government open, protecting essential services that families rely on, and delivering results for NY-02. The shutdown accomplished nothing except wasting time that could have been spent solving real problems, and I’m glad to be back at work for the people I represent.”
NY-02 has more than 10,000 federal employees, with the effects of the shutdown felt district-wide. Statewide, New York’s economic output is estimated to have fallen by about $1.2 billion per week, according to Congressman Garbarino’s office. Nationally, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the shutdown resulted in $11 billion in permanent lost GDP.
For context, the 2018-2019 shutdown cost an estimated $5 billion. That shutdown lasted thirty-five days, and until the 2025 shutdown was the longest in history. At the time, President Donald Trump (R-FL) was in the White House, while Democrats controlled the U.S. House with a 235-seat majority. Republicans controlled the Senate with fifty-three seats - the same as their caucus now.
“House Republicans were prepared to vote at any point to end the shutdown. Senate Democrats chose to continue the standoff, voting fourteen times against reopening the government,” said a spokesperson for Garbarino, adding that the Congressman’s priority has “remained ensuring continuity of government operations and avoiding unnecessary harm to workers, families, and local economies.”
A controversial last-minute addition to the stopgap was a rider promulgated by several GOP Senators which would have allowed members of Congress to sue the federal government over their devices being accessed without judicial oversight. The Senators’ proposal, which was fast-tracked by House leaders under suspension of the rules, allowed them to sue for $500,000. The law would have been retroactive to 2022, when special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into President Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results led to the seizure of phones of at least eight Senators.
Although the stopgap was eventually approved, that initiative was repealed by the House.
“It should have never been included in a stopgap funding bill,” said the spokesperson, adding Garbarino’s support for the repealing of that measure.
Looking ahead to the 2026 midterms, it remains an open question as to whether House Democrats will employ the same strategy, as some believe that the shutdown aided their betterthan-expected showings in the 2025 off-year elections. Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) has previously told The Messenger that while he hopes “cooler heads will prevail”, that “all bets are off.”
The seven Senate votes needed from Democrats were scarce before the elections, but materialized within a week of those results.
While Garbarino can’t speak to the political strategy behind the Senate’s timing, his spokesperson reinstated the Congressman’s hopes that “this type of brinkmanship does not repeat itself heading into the 2026 midterms.”
“Should similar circumstances arise in the future, Republicans will continue focusing on working to keep the government open, avoiding disruptions to essential services, and protecting taxpayers, not using shutdowns as a negotiation tactic as Democrats did this past month,” said the spokesperson.
Section XI Fall Sports Roundup
By Ashley Pavlakis
Championship season is upon us, and teams around eastern Suffolk County were hungry to fill their trophy cases. The Messenger is happy to report that a majority of the teams brought home the hardware for their schools in their respective sports.
The following fall sports are members of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and compete under Section XI. For both boys and girls, soccer, volleyball, tennis, gymnastics, swimming, golf, field hockey, and football.
Let’s kick it off with the ladies’ side of sports. On the soccer field, the (16-3-1) Sayville Golden Flashes brought home both the Suffolk County (Class A) and Long Island championships. The (18-1-2) West Islip Lions won the Class AA Suffolk County and Long Island Championships as well. Commack advanced to states and took home the Class AAA title.
Wielding a stick on the turf for field hockey, the Sachem East Arrows brought home the titles in dominant fashion. Going 19-1-0, en route to a League title, a Class A Suffolk County title, and a Long Island title. They did make it to states, but fell short against Mamaroneck. Eastport South-Manor brought home the Class B Suffolk County title with an 18-2-0 record. Finally, in Class C, Bayport-Blue Point claimed the victory.
Tennis saw Bayport-Blue Point capture its fifth straight Suffolk County title. The Phantoms advanced to states and claimed the DIV II New York State Championship with a 4-1 victory over Edgemont.
Bump, set, or spike, four eastern Suffolk County schools took home hardware this season. Connetquot won the Class AAA championship after defeating Bayshore in five sets to spoil their perfect season. Smithtown East claimed the AA Suffolk County title over Hauppauge in three sets. Bayport-Blue Point won the Class B Suffolk County
title with a win over Mattituck. Last but not least, Port Jefferson was victorious, winning league, county, and regional titles.
On the mat, gymnastics was won by none other than the Smithtown Bulls, who claimed their fourth Suffolk County title in five years with a score of 181.75, a new team record.
Girls cross country saw Bayport-Blue Point win a Suffolk County Championship. Bay Shore won league and division titles.
Finally, going undefeated in the pool once again, the Smithtown-Hauppauge girls’ swim & dive team. The team captured its fifth-straight Suffolk County championship and their sixth-straight League title. Five members made state qualifiers as well.
Moving on to the boys’ side, boys’ soccer saw Commack claim the Class AA title, and Port Jefferson won the Class C title. The Commack Cougars won the County, Long Island, and State championships this season.
In volleyball, Eastport South-Manor won the DIV II Suffolk County title.
On the golf course, the Sayville Golden Flashes won the Suffolk County team championship.
Cross Country saw Bayport-Blue Point win a Suffolk County title, Port Jefferson won a state title, and Ward Melville won a Suffolk County title.
Football wrapped up the past weekend with four Suffolk County championship matchups. Ward Melville defeated William Floyd to claim the DIV I title. East Islip took down Half Hollow Hills East for the DIV II title. Sayville claimed the victory over Smithtown West for the DIV III title. Bayport-Blue Point emerged victorious over Babylon for the DIV IV tile.
Congratulations to all the eastern Suffolk County teams who took home a trophy this season! Here’s to running it back next year.
18 International Recipe
Uruguayan Chivito
The chivito is Uruguay’s most iconic sandwich. Its importance in the country is on par with hamburgers in the United States, fish and chips in the U.K., and the Cuban sandwich in Cuba. This sandwich is not for the faint of heart or appetite, either.
INGREDIENTS
•8 slices bacon
•2 beef fillet steaks, or 4 thin slices grilled steak
•Coarse salt, to taste
•Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
•1 to 2 tablespoons butter
•4 large eggs
•4 large sandwich buns, such as large ciabatta rolls
•4 tablespoons ketchup
•4 tablespoons mayonnaise
•1 head lettuce
•4 slices deli cut ham
•4 slices tomato
•4 slices mozzarella cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
1.In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Set aside on paper towels to cool.
2.If you’re using steaks, drain the excess bacon fat out of the skillet. Slice each fillet in half crosswise to make 2 thin steaks from each.
3.Sprinkle with coarse salt and black pepper. Use a mallet to pound the steaks even thinner.
6.Preheat your broiler.
7.Spread the inside of the buns with ketchup and mayonnaise. Place the lettuce pieces on the bottom halves of the buns.
8.Top with each sandwich with 2 slices of bacon, a slice of beef, a slice of ham, a slice of tomato, and a slice of mozzarella.
4. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat until hot and place steaks on the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until they reach the desired doneness. Place on paper towels to cool.
5. Wipe the skillet clean. Melt the butter over medium heat and fry the eggs sunny-side up until they are done to your preference.
Uruguayan Chajá
Chajá is a Uruguayan cake that consists of 3 layers of sponge cake stuffed with syrup, dulce de leche and a delicious whipped cream. The name of this cake was inspired by an Aboriginal term designating a typical bird of the region. This bird, the chajá, could be chosen as the emblem of the “Southern Cone”, which defines the southernmost zone of the South American continent.
9.Place the uncovered sandwiches under the broiler briefly to melt the cheese. Keep a close eye on the sandwiches so the cheese doesn’t burn.
10.Remove the sandwiches from the oven and place a fried egg over the cheese, then top with the other half of the bun.
Serve immediately.
INGREDIENTS
For the peaches:
•2 tablespoons butter
•3 tablespoons brown sugar
•1 pack of 10 oz. frozen sliced peaches
•1 teaspoon vanilla
•1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
To assemble the dessert:
•1/2 box (16 oz) Angel Food Cake Mix, prepared and baked in (9x5-inch) loaf pan
•1/2 cup dulce de leche
•2 cups chopped meringue
INSTRUCTIONS
1.Melt the butter in a pan and add the sugar and cinnamon. Stir well. Add the frozen peaches and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let cool and add the vanilla. Stir.
2.Place one layer of cake in a rectangular 9x5 mold (loaf cake), moisten with the peach liquid, add a layer of caramel, then a layer of peaches, and sprinkle on 1/3 of the chopped meringues, then another layer of can and more peach liquid.
3.Serve with chopped merengue and sprinkle with cinnamon powder.
Note: To get the same presentation as the photo, cut out pieces using a round cookie cutter. Then decorate with merengue and cinnamon.
Traditionally, this cake is made with peaches, but it is not uncommon to find versions garnished with strawberries.
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
AMAC
Thursday, November 27, 2025
The War on Thanksgiving
By David P. Deavel | AMAC Outside Contributor
In recent years, the concept of “Friendsgiving” has become popular in mainstream culture, particularly among young people. But by stripping the faith-based element out of the name, this apparently innocent rechristening of Thanksgiving may actually be a subtle subversion of the traditional Thanksgiving holiday that is an important piece of our nation’s identity.
Traditions surrounding holidays are flexible, but renaming them is no minor detail. It’s not like changing the name of a lame, left-wing cable news network from one set of initials to another (looking at you, MS NOW). A name change is usually intended to change the meaning of the event.
Most conservatives realize that when it comes to name changes in other contexts. They complain when schools call Christmas break “holiday break” and when companies demand their employees say “season’s greetings,” as if there is some cultural significance to the winter season over other seasons. They fight against the tendency to only say “Fourth of July” but never “Independence Day.” And they reject turning Columbus Day into “Indigenous Peoples’ Day.”
The reason they complain about these is that calling Christmas the winter holiday or refusing to let employees wish a “Merry Christmas” is an attack on both Christian and American culture. The refusal to acknowledge Independence Day is almost always a rejection of the good of our nation, almost always because of a fixation on the darker moments of American history.
Those who reject Columbus Day never do so because they don’t want to celebrate Italian heritage, which is how the holiday began. Instead, they transparently work to downplay and even demonize the brave European explorers who ventured out into the unknown and connected the world like never before. Changing the name of the holiday is a way of delegitimizing our nation.
One might think that Americans might be used to this anti-traditional schtick by now, but even many normally wary Americans have succumbed to the description of events this week as “Friendsgiving,” which even uberliberal NPR calls a “made-up holiday.”
But what exactly is a “Friendsgiving” celebration?
In its article on the topic, “Where Does Friendsgiving Come From?” Merriam-Webster says that the term’s print debut is 2007, “where it shows up in Usenet posts and on Twitter to refer without explanation to an informal meal with friends.”
The article argues that the notion of Friendsgiving has been around for centuries, but hones in on the 1973 A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, along with many other television shows in the years after, depicting a group of friends celebrating Thanksgiving.
It’s a clever argument, but it ultimately fails to justify changing the name. It is true that many people have celebrated Thanksgiving, as they do other major holidays, with friends. It is also true, as Ashley Fetters wrote in a 2018 Atlantic article on the trendy made-up holiday, that Americans have often focused on coming home at Thanksgiving (especially as Americans became more mobile), but celebrations with friends and community have always been a part of it. Thanksgiving, after all, was never simply a biological family affair.
The tradition of Thanksgiving came from the English habit of calling for national days of thanksgiving for gifts given by God. In early America, this habit continued both among members of the Church of England and the Puritans, some of whom we know as “the Pilgrims.”
The event that Americans eventually settled on as the semi-official “first Thanksgiving” was a festival being celebrated by the residents of Plymouth Colony in 1621. When the Wampanoags, with whom Plymouth Colony had a treaty for mutual defense, showed up, perhaps after hearing gunshots fired ceremonially, they too were welcomed to the festival. Given that the Wampanoag, like the English, had a tradition of celebrations of giving thanks, they were meeting on common philosophical ground.
There is no doubt that the events depicted were more complex than what many of us were taught—the history of our relations with the various tribes was often bloody and sad. But what matters is the philosophical ground beneath them. As a nation, we have continued to celebrate a day of national Thanksgiving for the blessings given by God. The focus is on gratitude to God as a nation, not a demonstration of whom we feel closest to this year. Changing the name to “Friendsgiving” changes the original focus of Thanksgiving. The Merriam-Webster article’s subheading is, “Escape your family and celebrate
with your friends.” A 2021 New York Times article highlights the popularity of Friendsgiving celebrations with people who identify as LGBTQ. The focus of the people interviewed is on finding a “chosen family” and celebrating “belonging.” The author describes it as “a time not only to celebrate newfound bonds, but also to reject old culinary traditions that feel out of sync.”
Even worse is a 2024 article by an anthropologist at Hunter College who celebrates Friendsgiving as the use of the “template of the Thanksgiving ritual — a communal meal of thanking” as an opportunity for “reimagining it to reflect today’s values of inclusivity, fluidity, and cultural hybridity.” Friendsgiving is for him an act of “resistance” and an opportunity to think about “decolonization.”
While it’s true that many people who hold Friendsgiving parties are not as radical as some of these examples, the problem is the erasure of the real point of Thanksgiving as a
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holiday and a season—even for those who don’t mean to do it.
There is no doubt that belonging, friendship, and new recipes are goods, but by shearing off the “Thanks” from the “giving,” Friendsgiving celebrations neglect the very purpose of giving thanks. While some will argue that the “thanks” is simply built into or assumed in this new thing, there is precious little evidence that this is the case. Discussions of Friendsgiving celebrations almost never mention giving thanks itself—unless as part of a template to be filled in with something else.
Celebrate as many Thanksgivings as you want with whatever food you want and whatever people you want. But remember that the point is thankfulness to God for this nation and the many gifts given in it, including the family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers with whom you are celebrating.
& Pieces
WORD OF THE Week
Etymology: mid 18th century: from French, from medieval Latin ostensibilis from Latin ostens- ‘stretched out to view’, from the verb ostendere, from ob- ‘in view of’ + tendere ‘to stretch’.
OSTENSIBLE
adjective
Pronounced: /aa·sten·suh·bl/
Definition: stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so Example: “Due to the meeting’s tone, there might have been more reasons for its calling than the ostensible purposes.””
Synonyms: apparent, seeming, professed
Antonyms: genuine, real, unambiguous
Source: Oxford Languages
November 30, 1954: Ann Hodges is bruised by a meteor at Sylacauga, Alabama, in the first modern instance of a meteorite striking a human.
create. Must have center letter in word and can use letters more than once. 4 letter word minimum.
November 29, 1951: First underground atomic explosion at Frenchman Flat in Nevada.
December 3, 1989: Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and U.S. President George H. W. Bush (R-TX), declare the Cold War over.
December 2, 1823:
U.S. President James Monroe declares the “Monroe Doctrine” opposing European colonialism in the Americas, arguing any European political intervention in the New World would be a hostile act against the United States.
December 1, 1952: The New York Daily News reports the first successful sex reassignment surgery.
November 27, 2013:
“Frozen”, the highestgrossing animated film of all time, starring Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell, is released.
Source: Onthisday.com.
By PJ Balzer
By first and second glance at this gentleman in the local laundromat, you would never have guessed where he was sitting just a year ago.
Today, he walks in completely and carelessly stumbling over his own untied sneakers. Behind him, he’s dragging in ripped black garbage bags full of clothing. The clothing smells like it hasn’t been washed in a year, and the gentleman smells like he’s been up drinking all night - the familiar fragrance of alcohol and loneliness.
Seeing With New Eyes
The other patrons of the laundromat don’t look happy to see him walk in. I’m not sure if he’s been disruptive in the past or if it’s the aroma that follows him. Whatever it may be, he doesn’t seem completely welcome in this place.
Not even a year ago, in a fancy office in midtown Manhattan sits a cleanly shaven and sharply dressed young man. If you didn’t know that this was a prestigious accounting office, you’d think it was a casting call for Ford modeling agency. Much the opposite of the laundromat, the fragrance in the air is a mixture of Italian leather, millennial success, freshly dry-cleaned suits, and green paper.
After one of the busiest days at this midtown office, he arrives home to an empty house. His home is never empty at this time; it’s usually bustling with books and homework, snacks all over while dinner is simultaneously being cooked. As he ponders the strange emptiness and silence, there’s a starting knock at the door. There are two sheriffs standing there with their posture saying that something is wrong.
After that knock at the door, things were never the same. How could they possibly be? The once-successful young man that had life seemingly by the horns now, for the past year, lives life with a completely shattered heart. Life changed in an instant for him in a way that none of us ever want to experience. His ripped garbage bags full of clothing was him ultimately gaining the strength to wash his family’s clothing before donating it. You wouldn’t know that unless you actually took time to get to know him
My friends, we only see people’s appearances and outer actions. Yet, we know nothing about their lives or the sorrows that their hearts carry daily. We may see a gentleman in the laundromat or other common public spaces unkept and unwelcome. Yet, the circumstances that they’ve been through would bring many of us to our knees and possibly even the same lowly state.
As we enter the holiday season, with food, lights, and tremendous joy on one side, don’t forget that there are people who are experiencing an empty seat at their table for the first time. This is a great time of the year to show mercy, give out grace and hold back superficial judgement.
From the outside, we only see ripped black garbage bags full of clothing. But we never know exactly who’s clothing that is or the story behind it.
Lord,
We pray for everyone reading this who is feeling sorrowful as this holiday season approaches. We know that some are excitedly anticipating the holidays, while a neighbor is struggling to find the strength to get out of bed each morning - those with empty seats at the table and unexplainable brokenness in their hearts. We pray that You would comfort them in ways only You can, through friends, strangers, family members and, most importantly, with your presence of comfort, peace, and healing. Help each of us to have eyes to see people and their outward appearances the way you see. With eyes and hearts of mercy and grace, getting to know one another rather than giving out easy condemnation. Help each of us to be a blessing to someone else this holiday season, especially those that are hurting.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
Congratulations Natalie Affenita: Top 40 Under 40
Natalie was recently Honored in a special edition of the Long Island Real Producers Magazine as being one of the Top 40 Under 40 Licensed Real Estate Agents
Natalie Affenita has never been one to follow a straight path. In fact, she’s taken more detours than most-including captaining a collegiate dance team, traveling the world, working as a travel agent in Florence, and selling stone in a mason’s yard before realizing that real estate was where she was meant to be.
Her journey into the industry was anything but conventional. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was working with her father in construction when a customer walked in, looking for materials. Natalie didn’t just sell him a piece of stone-she sold him on her talent. So much so that he took her to lunch the next day, not to discuss masonry but to convince her to get into real estate. After a few conversations and some paperwork, she was officially in the business, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Real estate has tested her in ways she never expected, especially when health complications forced her to undergo surgery to insert a cardiac monitor, which Natalie still has today. But slowing down? Not an option. Even during recovery, Natalie found a way to keep her deals moving, show properties, and stay present for her clients-thanks to an incredible support system of family, colleagues, and sheer determination. “Real estate doesn’t pause, and neither do I,” she says with a laugh.
Now, with Douglas Elliman Real Estate, She’s laser-focused on breaking into the luxury market, expanding her network, and making a difference through her extensive charity work. And if her track record proves anything, it’s that no matter what life throws at her, Natalie will always find a way to turn it into an opportunity.
Suffolk County Division One Championship Football
By PJ Balzer
The Division one rematch from last year definitely didn’t disappoint and ended up being the closest game of the four championship games. William Floyd came in unbeaten against a Ward Melville team that had much to prove. Floyd pulled a brand new trick out of their hat as they switched star running back Ja’Quan Thomas to the quarter back position for the first time ever! The game remained closed through the first half with a north shore versus south shore back and forth scoring dual. Hudson Philbrick, Ward Melville quarterback, stepped up in a huge way and proved to be ready for the big moments and big games. Ward Melville ended up on top at the final whistle 31-28 and were crowned Division one champs. The Patriots will go in to play the Massapequa Chiefs this upcoming weekend at Hofstra University.
Half Hallow Hills East came into the Division 2 championship game as lower seed yet the favorite. Hills East beat their opponent, East Islip, convincingly mid way through the season. But we all know never to completely count out the Redmen. East Islip’s Jake Simmons stepped up in a tremendous way carrying the ball for 244 yards and 2 touchdowns. Despite everyone predicting Hills East to bring the trophy back to Dix Hills. The Suffolk County division 2 trophy will be spending the year in East Islip as they topped Hills East 24-17! They will advance to take on Garden City this upcoming weekend at Hofstra University.
The Sayville Golden Flashes pretty much run Division 3. To hear of Sayville losing a football game is few and far between. Yet the Smithtown West Bulls were up for the challenge this past Thursday at Stonybrook University in the Suffolk County Division 3 championship game. While some players buckle and freeze when the pressure is turned on. Patrick Coan seems to do exactly the opposite. He found receiver Luke Neugebauer for 148 receiving yards with 3 touchdowns, which ended up being too much for the Bulls. The Golden Flashes win 34-7 and will face this upcoming weekend at Hofstra University.
Bayport Blue Point also came into the Division 4 championship game with odds stacked against them. The 1 seed Babylon has been on fire and looked like they wouldn’t be stopped anytime soon. Babylon was ahead for most of the game until Ryan Space of Bayport forced a fumble the ball with a nine of minutes left in the 4th quarter with proved to be the game shifting play.
The Phantoms scored quickly and again to seal away another Suffolk County Championship in Division 4. Bayport Blue point, despite being the underdog, simply gets it done 23-14! They go on to face at Hofstra University this upcoming weekend for the Long Island Championship.
Photo Credit: Anthony Lewis
By Raheem Soto
LongDucksIsland Roll Out 2026 Mini Plans
The Long Island Ducks have officially launched their 2026 Mini Plans, giving fans a flexible and affordable way to experience Ducks baseball throughout the upcoming season.
The newly announced mini plans are designed for families, casual fans, and returning supporters who want guaranteed access to multiple games without committing to a full-season package. According to the team, the plans feature discounted pricing, no additional ticket or order fees, and exclusive Duck Club benefits.
Among the key highlights of the 2026 Ducks Mini Plans:
• Discounted ticket pricing
• No added ticket or order fees
• Free Ducks game ticket voucher
• Access to the Duck Club bar and restaurant
• At least one fireworks spectacular included
• A balanced mix of weekend and weekday games
The Ducks are positioning the mini plans as an easy, family-friendly way to lock in game-day experiences while saving money and gaining access to premium amenities at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip.
“Mini plans give fans the flexibility they’ve been asking for — great seats, exciting promotions, and special perks without the long-term commitment,” the organization shared through its promotional campaign.
With the Ducks continuing to build momentum across Long Island, the 2026 season is shaping up to be another strong year of affordable, family-focused baseball and entertainment.
Mini plans are on sale now, and fans can purchase directly through: https://liducks.com/tickets/mini/ or by calling (631) 940-3825
