Islip Messenger Archive Mar. 21, 2024

‘Fund Our Schools, Fund Our Future’ Communities Rally in Protest of Proposed Budget Cuts

By Matt Meduri

Ever since Governor Kathy Hochul (D) unveiled her recordbreaking $233 billion state budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year in January, the conversation surrounding the state aid cuts to local school districts across New York has been nonstop.

Over the last two months, teachers, parents, and elected officials have rallied against the proposed $168 million cut to school districts, affecting 337 districts across the state, and roughly $75 million for Long Island alone.

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Suffolk Marks Red Cross Month with Flag Raising at Dennison Building

By Matt Meduri

The month of March is Red Cross Month, in which the organization honors their volunteers, employees, and donors who proliferate the work of disaster relief, blood services, health and safety training and certification, armed forces services, and international aid and relief.

The Red Cross was founded on May 21, 1881, by Clara Barton, a self-taught hospital nurse during the Civil War, earning her the nickname “Angel of the Battlefield.” During an 1869 trip to Switzerland, Barton learned of the Red Cross movement in Europe, a humanitarian effort to render aid to those injured in combat while maintaining neutrality. Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881, which was followed by the 1882 ratification of the Geneva Conventions, laws that protect civilians and war-injured in areas of combat.

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Protestors gather at the Dennison Building

Elected and Red Cross officials at the Dennison Building (Credit - Matt Meduri)

Senator Mario Mattera (Credit - Karin Murphy)

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‘Fund Our Schools, Fund Our Future:’ Communities Rally in Hauppauge in Protest of Proposed Budget Cuts

Based on preliminary data, funding for some of Suffolk’s largest school districts are on the chopping block. For our Smithtown readers, the proposed districts are Kings Park, Smithtown, and Three Village (Three Village serves Head of the Harbor and parts of St. James). In Brookhaven, the districts slated for cuts are Bayport-Blue Point, Center Moriches, East Moriches, Eastport-South Manor, Fire Island, Mount Sinai, Port Jefferson, South Country, and Three Village. In Islip, Bayport-Blue Point, Connetquot, East Islip, Islip, Sayville, and West Islip are set to lose significant funding if the budget passes as is.

Outside of our tri-Town coverage, districts across the county would also be affected, including, but not limited to, Amagansett, Cold Spring Harbor, East Quogue, Fisher’s Island, Harborfields, and Sag Harbor, to name a few.

Perhaps one of the largest rallies yet was assembled at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge last Saturday, where several hundred community members gathered to protest the budget. The rally was headlined by Ranking Member of the Education Committee Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook).

“The Governor talks about a back-to-basics reading program, but without the support, we’re going to be back to the drawing board,” said Smith. “All of you have been through a tough fight these last fourteen years. Since then, there has been a war on teachers. You remember this with [then-Governor] Andrew Cuomo (D). There was Common Core, where we were building an airplane in the sky as we’re trying to fly it. That was very bizarre and put a lot of strain on all of you and your teachers and your students. And then you took us through COVID and we’re still trying to recover from that. So, that is something that you should all be proud of, but we need to make it easier. Last year, we finally fully funded foundation aid, but make no mistake, seventeen years was too long to wait.”

Smith added that the effort to restore the funding is largely bipartisan.

“I’m happy to report that with support from both Democrats and Republicans, we passed two one-house budgets this week to ensure we restore the cuts.”

Smith was referring to the resolution that proposes amendments to the Governor’s budget. As it pertains to education funding, the proposal “ rejects all Executive changes to Foundation Aid, including the elimination of ‘hold harmless’; adds “$150 million for Universal Pre-K; $747 million for school aid, providing a minimum of 3% increase for all school districts,” as well reforming and expanding the Universal Pre-K Program and the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).

The “hold harmless” provision, generically, is a promise in a contract that does not allow a party that breaches to hold the other party fiscally responsible for inflicted damages. As it relates to the budget, school districts get a flat amount of foundation aid and, at minimum, receive the same amount of state aid as they did the previous year. The provision aims to keep school districts’ budgets consistent so as to offer the same programs and positions year after year. Hochul’s proposal seeks to remove the “hold harmless” provision and introduce a fluctuating aid formula in tandem with a rolling average of inflation over the last ten years. In short, the formula would capture low inflation rates from last decade, inaccurately capturing the high rates today.

Smith also mentioned that the state legislature is committed to fixing the funding formula and ensuring meals for all schoolchildren.

“This is our line in the sand,” concluded Smith. “This is the last year that our children and teachers are used as political pawns in budget negotiations. We’re inviting Governor Hochul to join us and fully fund our schools.”

State Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) gave an impassioned plea to the Governor to accept the amendments in the one-house budget proposal.

“This is not about politics, this is about our future and our families,” said Mattera. “Our families are important, but also are our school teachers, security guards, custodians, and everyone who is on staff. They’re going to lose.”

Mattera invoked his experience as a union leader with the Plumbers’ Union, saying “I create jobs, I don’t eliminate jobs.” Mattera also discussed his conversation with the Governor at Kings Park High School in January. Just hours before her short-notice appearance to make an in-person delivery of Downtown Revitalization Initiative

(DRI) grants to Kings Park, Bellport, and Mineola, the aspects of her school aid cuts were released with her executive budget.

“She comes out to give $10 million to the town of Smithtown, but the Kings Park School that the Governor was standing in was set to lose a million dollars [in state funding].”

Mattera said that he was told then he would receive a meeting with the Governor.

“I’m still waiting for that meeting,” said Mattera.

Mattera also spoke of the Amityville School District where forty-five teachers lost their jobs.

“Unacceptable, it’s dysfunctional government at its worst,” said Mattera. “The Governor can pull this out of her budget Monday morning.”

Dr. Timothy Hearney, Superintendent of Bayport-Blue Point Public Schools, said that both chambers of the state legislature “included a minimum 3% increase in foundation aid for all districts by fully funding all existing reimbursable categories, such as BOCES, transportation, special education, and building aid.”

“These actions have the potential to undoubtedly strengthen our schools and empower us to better serve our students,” said Hearney. “Thank you once again for your tireless dedication and support. Let us continue to stand united in our mission to fund our future, fund our schools, and ensure that every child receives the education they deserve. Let us remember that the education of our children is an investment in the future of our communities and our state.”

Dr. Maria Rianna, Superintendent of the Glen Cove Schools, spoke to her education experience both in Nassau and Suffolk counties, saying she spent most of her time in Suffolk.

“We tell our children not to make rash decisions. We try to teach our students to make informed decisions. Governor, I’m going to ask you to be a model for our children. Step back,” said Rianna. “Restore funding to prior years’ adjustments and make creating a formula truly a priority. Set the money in the budget to allow for the creation of a new formula.”

Susan Lipman, President of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association and Trustee on the Eastern Suffolk BOCES School Board, said that “Long Island has a long history of delivering high-quality education for our students.”

“By almost every measure, as a region, we outperform New York State and tout some of the highest performing schools in the country,” said Lippman. “The foundation aid formula was developed as part of a 2003 settlement brought against the state on the basis that the state was not fulfilling its constitutional obligation to provide sound, basic education to every student in New York State. And yet, it took seventeen years after its development to meet that obligation. Many of our districts have waited a long time for the money to which they were entitled. Enrollment shifts didn’t happen overnight and for the Governor to decide that it’s now time to right-size education is not only unfair, it’s based on flawed assumptions. Inflation driving increases in expenses over which local boards have no control, such as the state mandated pension costs, and unfunded and underfunded mandates like special education continue to be major course drivers for education in New York.”

Lippman also mentioned student mental health issues, declining enrollment, an increased need for special education and English-language learners, and the need for increased security on school campuses.

The budget now heads to an April 1 deadline, fulfillment of which is on shaky ground given the discord between the Governor and the legislature. A similar showdown occurred last year, which saw the budget passed in early May.

Present from the Suffolk delegation to Albany were Senator Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk), Senator Alexis Weik (R-Sayville), and Assemblymembers Jarett Gandolfo (R-Sayville), Jodi Giglio (R-Baiting Hollow), and Mike Durso (R-Massapequa Park). Other New York officials included Assemblymembers John Mikulin (R-Bethpage), Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square), Taylor Darling (D-Uniondale), Brian Curran (R-Lynbrook), Jake Blumencranz (R-Oyster Bay), and Chuck LaVine (D-Glen Cove).

Messenger Papers Supports Our Veterans

at the Post twice a month1st Tuesday of the month at 1:00 pm and the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00

We have a social hour with snack one hour prior to the meeting. Our meetings generally run about one hour. We take part in our local community parades and street fairs. We usually have three social functions with family and friends each year. We participate in a number of patriotic ceremonies. If interested in joining our Post and meeting some fellow veterans, stop by on a meeting day with a copy of your DD214.

Remember Our Volunteers this Red Cross Month

March is Red Cross Month, which means we recognize our noble volunteers, EMS and fire rescue personnel, and those who selflessly participate in humanitarian aid worldwide.

Originating in historically-neutral Switzerland, the Red Cross serves as the most concentrated form of human selflessness and love: rendering aid to complete strangers in times of severe crisis.

There’s no instinct that is more primal than survival. It’s amazing what the human body can do under the most strenuous circumstances and how it can survive and adapt after serious stress or damage. Not only is the human body a methodically-created machine, but the human psyche is perhaps one of the most powerful forces on earth. Not just the body’s need to survive, but the mind’s will to survive makes it all the more ethereal.

This is why an organization dedicated to such selflessness, such as the Red Cross, deserves all the recognition and honor it and its employees, volunteers, and associates receive. To uphold such a fundamental instinct for people who are strangers, often in different parts of the country or the world, with competing

worldviews and cultures, and maybe even animosity on some superficial level is nothing short of admirable and laudable.

But that’s just the more profound end of the equation. The Red Cross also assists in the acts of kindness that appear smaller at face value, but can have the same profound impact as any other form of assistance. Providing exhausted firefighters with a hot cup of coffee after fighting a blaze, training and certifying people in CPR, swimming, and even babysitting, and even providing blood services are just a few of the selfless acts the Red Cross can perform. They’re acts that are innocuous enough to blend in with the day-to-day acts of kindness, servitude, or selflessness, but they’re acts that can truly mean the world to someone, either immediately, or for years to come.

The Messenger recognizes and thanks all Red Cross personnel, volunteers, and associates, as well as our first responders in law enforcement, fire, and rescue services. The month of March might specifically seek to honor those in the Red Cross, but we wholeheartedly believe they are deserving of recognition year-round.

The Left Shows Their True Colors in Response to Trump’s ‘Bloodbath’ Comments

Speculation ahead of the 2024 election continues to mount the same horse it has for the two previous ones: Trump will be participating in his third consecutive election, while the apparent rematch between him and Biden sets the stage for the first such scenario since President Eisenhower (R-KS) defeated Adlai Stevenson II (D-IL) in a landslide rematch in 1956.

With that, the same arguments, theories, and talking points continue to fatigue the public in the same way marquee elections tend to: in the most incessant, rewound, and tired ways possible.

This wouldn’t be such a big problem if it weren’t for two conditions: the mass media’s official-unofficial job of tiring the public so much that they’re just willing to settle on who creates the quietest and most digestible headlines, and if such intentional tiring of the public wasn’t based on complete lunacy and vitriol.

The public is more than entitled to their opinions on elected officials, especially with today’s cast of characters that truly make this political era something to behold, for better or worse, dealer’s choice.

Because of that, coupled with the exceptionally-short memories people seem to have nowadays, it seems the media and the general public are more intent on hanging everything up on the soundbites than actually observing governance.

Case in point: it seems many are pontificating what a second term of Trump would look like. Many assume the worst and are completely sold that Trump will be a complete dictator if he should return to Washington.

It’s almost like they said this when he ran in 2016. Before he was elected, he could either be given the benefit of the doubt or the worst could be assumed of him, and neither viewpoint would be completely invalid for the sole reason he had not yet acted in a political role yet. The makeup of his tenure was essentially anyone’s guess.

But the problem with positing the same theories now is that it completely undermines the fact that he was president for four years. He wasn’t a dictator, he didn’t take anyone’s rights away, he didn’t fundamentally change the country. It’s almost as if the worst assumptions the left made up didn’t come to fruition. And when the demand for hysteria outweighs the supply, the task then turns to our friends in mass media and Op-Ed-Land to pick up the tab.

Newsday recently ran an opinion piece by such a problem-solver by the name of John Crisp, a columnist for Tribune News Service. In his piece, he explores what a Biden victory would look like, versus that of a Trump victory. Crisp says that a Trump presidency “could” be the end of NATO, but “certainly” the “end” of Ukraine, and that his term would be “friendlier to authoritarians,” drawing a comparison to Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

On the other hand, Crisp says that a Biden re-election would be a “recommitment to the classic narrative of normal American politics, the tug-of-war between ‘big’ government and ‘small’ government.” Crisp seems to think that a party who has built a platform on removing the Senate filibuster, working towards one-size-fitsall election “reform,” and has routinely called for any commodity or service that people at least remotely like to be declared a “right” in our Constitution is a party who is concerned with preserving federalism.

But Crisp’s comments turn from hilariously tone-deaf to hopelessly cynical just as quickly as the left changes its mind on whether or not armed militias are the backbone of a strong country or a generational lapse in translation. Crisp invokes

Trump’s recent use of the word “bloodbath” at his Ohio rally to wage a threat of his own, on behalf of his entire caucus, of course.

Trump said that if he is not elected, it’s “going to be a bloodbath for this country.”

If you actually watch the entire speech or read a transcript, it’s rather clear Trump was making the comments about the auto industry and that the “bloodbath” to which he was referring was purely economic. Even Fact Check says this is the “most plausible” explanation.

Crisp writes that “it’s naive to believe that the Trump era will end without bloodshed, and it’s fatal to fail to prepare for it. The question will be whether a new Biden administration and the millions who support it are prepared to commit the violence that will be required to suppress a second attempt at insurrection.”

Then he snidely writes: “Too dramatic? Don’t take my word for it. Last Saturday in Ohio, Trump said that if he is not elected, ‘It’s going to be a bloodbath for the country.’ He should be taken seriously and literally.”

The first problem with Crisp’s crisp analysis is that he, evidently, didn’t watch the speech or read the transcript. Such callous disregard for simple fact-checking or baseline reading comprehension should disqualify having his random streams of consciousness published as op-eds.

The second part, and more glaringly obvious, is that his comment is markedly more threatening than what Trump said, by miles. Trump made no threat at anyone in his speech, but Crisp sure did in his article.

Crisp also overplays his hand like every leftist with a talking point nowadays in that he seems to think that mere mention of an “insurrection” is the trump card he needs to advocate for politically-motivated euthanasia and get off scot-free. Given the fact that the doors of the Capitol building could not be broken through even with a semi-truck full of absentee ballots, we’re not inclined to believe a bunch of angry conservatives simply “stormed” through them in a fit of rage. The doors were opened from the inside on January 6, 2021. It’s almost become the “jet fuel can’t melt steel beams” argument of this era, except We know that a mob can’t break through doors like those of the Capitol.

Crisp and company lean on it like a crutch because it’s just the same as their claims of a ruthless, war-mongering Trump: manufactured. And yet, no one seems to bat an eye about Crisp’s obviously threatening comments calling Biden supporters to political violence in the case of a Trump victory; the same people who burned cities in 2016 when Trump won, the same people who burned cities and destroyed state Capitol buildings in the summer 2020 riots, the same people who have lost all empathy for their fellow Americans because of people like Crisp.

Newsday is within their right to re-publish guest columns as they receive them, of all differing opinions. But we wonder what the reaction would have been if a conservative commentator called for political violence as outrightly as Crisp did. We wonder if such a piece would have made it on their website at all. Perhaps the editorial board could take a closer look at what’s republished, just for posterity.

Only time will tell on that one, if anyone is bold enough to put themselves on a no-fly list to find out. But one thing is for sure: if people like Crisp say what they do and walk free, and believe us, they did during Trump’s first presidency, then Trump is, by very definition, not a dictator.

We’re not scared of Trump; we’re scared of people like Crisp and whatever “bloodbath” he thinks of in his spare time.

Helping Families Afford Childcare Solves a Major Concern in New York State

By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

The April 1 deadline to finalize the 2024-25 State Budget is quickly approaching, and our new spending plan should be crafted to deliver economic growth and financial relief for all New Yorkers. Unfortunately, recent budgets have spent far too much and provided far too little in the way of meaningful fiscal relief for hardworking families.

This week, I joined my colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference to unveil “A Blueprint for Childcare (ABC) Plan,” a package of legislative proposals that would save families an average of approximately $2,300 a year.

Anyone who relies on a daycare provider knows how challenging it is to locate and pay for quality childcare options. In New York, the average annual cost of infant care is getting more cumbersome every year, and currently stands at about $15,000 per year. During a press conference at the Capitol this week, we were fortunate to be joined by a working single mother with three young children in daycare. She courageously told her personal story of trying to manage a household budget with childcare expenses running $1,000 a week, and the struggle to pay for food, utilities, and other necessities under the weight of daycare expenses.

Our proposal aims to make childcare more affordable through tax incentives, expanded access to education, and enhanced provider options. Among some of the many initiatives in the plan are a boost in the child tax credits, expansion of the Universal Pre-K program and regional investments to help offset high childcare costs.

Helping families control child care costs creates a win-win-win environment for families, businesses, and the state. By reducing this fiscal burden, single parents, multi-income families and parents working irregular hours will have more opportunities to earn. This will help address gaps in the labor market still

lingering from the pandemic, and in turn, the earned income will offset costs for social services—services that eat up a large chunk of tax dollars—that many single parents rely upon.

Above all else, the “ABC Plan” helps New York’s children. Ensuring and expanding access to high-quality childcare offers more kids safe settings and learning environments during the most critical stages of development. Cutting costs and improving facilities are goals we should strive to attain. But investments in childcare are investments in our future generations.

As we continue to engage in discussions about our state’s spending priorities, I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to consider the value of a bold investment in childcare services. Many families in New York are struggling to find quality, affordable care for their children. As the state budget takes shape, we have an opportunity do something about it. I look forward to continuing discussions about this proposal in the coming months and weeks.

If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can be reached by mail at 19 Canalview Mall, Fulton, NY 13069 and by email at barclayw@nyassembly.gov.

You may also find me, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, on Facebook or Twitter at @WillABarclay.

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

If Budget Spending Increases, At Least Add More Funding for the Environment, Agriculture and Housing

By Assemblyman Keith Brown

If we enact the governor’s Executive Budget, state spending will have increased by $60 billion in the past five years — a 35% jump. Further, if we enact the Assembly or Senate One-House Budget proposals, state spending will have increased by $73 billion in the past five years — a 42% jump. Given how much the state budget has grown over the past few years and how much it could grow this year, there is no excuse for a lack of funding for programs in need throughout the state.

Funding needs to be restored for the Clean Water Infrastructure Act and the Housing Opportunities Program for the Elderly and increased for the human services Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), the Environmental Protection Fund and Access to Home for those with disabilities and much more. As a member of the New York State Assembly Environmental Conservation and Housing committees, I have a duty to act in the best interest of Long Island residents to ensure their needs are not neglected.

Protecting the Long Island Sound, establishing reliable water filtration and sewer systems to maintain access to water and tending to the needs of seniors and struggling families in our communities all require significant funding — more than what is currently being proposed.

I sincerely hope the Assembly Majority Conference hears the concerns from the New York public and the Assembly Republican Conference so we can build an adequate budget that will yield the support and financial relief so many New Yorkers and organizations need.

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

For more information about Assemblyman Keith Brown, please visit his official Assembly website: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Keith-P-Brown/

Letter to the Editor

Keep Print Alive

The New York Local Journalism Sustainability Act would provide tax credits to local communitybased newspapers for hiring local news reporters. It is important to lobby Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, along with your local State Senator and State Assembly members to support this critical legislation. Most communities are down to one local daily or weekly newspaper. Newspapers have to deal with increasing costs for newsprint, delivery, and distribution as well as

reduced advertising revenues and competition from the Internet and other news information sources.

Daily newspapers concentrate on international, Washington, Albany, business, and sports stories. They have few reporters covering local neighborhood news. Weekly newspapers fill the void for coverage of local community news.

I’m grateful that you have afforded me the opportunity to express my views via letters to the editor, along with others who may have different opinions on the issues of the day.

Albany needs to join us in supporting weekly community newspapers. Readers patronize advertisers; they provide the revenues to help keep them in business. Let us hope there continues to be room for everyone, including the Smithtown Messenger, Brookhaven Messenger, and Islip Messenger.

Larry Penner Long Time Reader and Contributor Great Neck

Suffolk County Earns Top National Finance Award For 40th Consecutive Year

Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the County of Suffolk for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

This is the 40th consecutive year that Suffolk has earned such a prestigious award.

According to the GFOA, “The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive ‘spirit

of full disclosure’ to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.”

“I am fortunate to have such a committed, extremely knowledgeable and highly professional staff!” said Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset).

“This recognition of their accomplishments is well deserved. It is an honor for the Suffolk County Comptroller’s Office to receive this award for the 40th year in a row!”

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve.

Parents Behind Families in Support of Treatment (FIST) Launch ‘Comfort Box’ for Newly Bereaved Families Who Have Lost a Loved One to Overdose

The shock of losing a child to fentanyl poisoning or overdose makes up the darkest days one can imagine. A group of parents and grandparents who know that pain firsthand want to let those grieving families know that they are not alone. They have created a box full of comforting items that are mailed to individuals, which contains a daily meditation book, teacup, tea, a lavender sachet, a memory book, a painted rock, a condolence card, beads made by The Beading Hearts, and a list of resources.

“It means a lot to someone to know they are not alone,” said Lori Carbonaro, parent advocate. “We hope this small gesture will give some comfort.”

Suffolk County loses one person every day to fentanyl poisoning or overdose.

If you know of someone who has recently lost a child to overdose, and would like a comfort box sent to them, call Carole Trottere at 631-275-5277. Currently, due to limited resources, the boxes can only be sent to families on Long Island.

F.I.S.T. and Gabriel’s Giving Tree are programs under the umbrella of Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. For more information about F.I.S.T. and Gabriel’s Giving Tree visit: https://licadd.org/fist

Week Today

National, State and Local Temperature Checks

By Matt Meduri

With both parties’ primary fields cleared of all opponents, and with both frontrunners having clinched enough delegates to be their parties’ nominees, Tuesday’s primary results were mostly inconsequential as Donald Trump (R-FL) and Joe Biden (D-DE) appear more likely to initiate the first presidential rematch since 1956.

Democrats and Republicans voted in their primaries in Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, and Ohio, while only the GOP held a primary in Florida. The Florida Democratic Primary was canceled and all delegates are expected to be bound to Biden at the party’s convention in Chicago this summer.

The GOP also held caucuses in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands last weekend before the five states’ Tuesday primaries.

In Guam, Trump took 90% of the vote and all nine of the territory’s delegates. In the Northern Mariana Islands, Trump took 100% of the vote and won all nine delegates available.

Arizona is one of the nation’s most critical swing states, home to eleven electoral votes, a marquee Senate race, and several key House races. Extrapolating general election strength based on primary results is a highly imperfect science, but it’s important to track the parties’ total turnout statewide and in critical counties. As of press time, Trump won 77.9% of the vote now-suspended Nikki Haley’s (R-SC) 18.7%. He won all forty-three delegates and swept all fifteen counties. Trump fell below 80% of the vote in Pima County (Tucson), Coconino County (Flagstaff), and Maricopa County (Phoenix). Trump received more than 261,000 votes in Maricopa County, the county that could very well decide Arizona’s general election fate, while almost 600,000 voted statewide.

Biden won Arizona with 89.5% of the vote, swept all counties, and took all seventy-two delegates. He fell below 80% of the vote in the northeastern Apache (St. John’s) and Navajo (Holbrook) counties. Democratic turnout was considerably less than that of the GOP, with about 400,000 voting in the primary. Maricopa turnout was about 100,000 less for the Democrats than the GOP, with Biden taking 226,000 votes there.

In Illinois, Trump won the primary with 80.7% of the vote to Haley’s 14.4%. He gained all sixty-four delegates available. Some of Trump’s lowest margins - none below 75% - were in Peoria (Peoria), Sangamon (Springfield), and Winnebago (Rockford) counties, indicating a still-possible struggle among suburban and urban voters. In Chicago’s Cook County, Trump took 81% of the vote with 54,000 votes. As of press time, about 600,000 Republicans voted in the primary.

Biden won the Illinois primary with 91.3% of the vote and took all 147 delegates. Biden took 92% of the vote in Cook County with 172,000 votes. Statewide, the primary attracted about 750,000 Democrats to the polls.

Both candidates swept 101 counties, with results from southeastern Hardin County not yet reported. It is assumed both candidates will win Hardin.

In Kansas, Trump won the primary with 75.5% of the vote and took all thirty-nine delegates. Haley registered with 16.1%. The “None of These Candidates” option took 5.2% of the vote. Trump’s weakest counties were Douglas (Lawrence), Johnson (Olathe), Shawnee (Topeka), and Riley (Manhattan), further showing weakness for Trump in college towns. All were counties that slipped from him in 2020, most notably in the form of Riley County, where Biden became the first Democrat in history to win this county. Trump fell below 70% in the aforementioned counties. In Sedgwick County (Wichita), Trump fell just below 75%.

Trump swept all 105 counties in Kansas and won all thirty-nine delegates.

Biden won the Kansas Primary with 83.8% of the vote, with the “None of These Candidate” option taking 10.2%. The option, along with

similar options in other states, is part of a nationwide rebuke against Biden among Democratic voters, mostly concerning calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. The option won three western counties: Ness, Rawlins, and Sheridan, collectively representing just 51 votes. Biden won all thirty-three delegates at stake.

GOP turnout about doubled that of the Democrats’ in Kansas, about 95,000 to 42,000.

In Ohio, Trump won the primary with 79.2% to Haley’s 14.4%, sweeping all eighty-eight counties and winning all seventy-nine delegates. He posted strong margins in the northeastern corner of the state, a formerly working-class Democratic stronghold that has raced to the right in the Trump Era. Trump’s thinnest margins came from Franklin (Columbus), Hamilton (Cincinnati), and Cuyahoga (Cleveland) counties.

Biden took all counties and 115 delegates, winning the primary with 87.1% of the vote. Only now-suspended Congressman Dean Phillips (D, MN-03) was on the ballot here, garnering 12.9%.

Shockingly, GOP turnout more than doubled Democratic turnout, about 1.1 million to 520,000, possibly an indicator of once the nation’s most significant swing state shifting further into the Republican column.

In Florida, only the GOP held a primary. Trump won with 81% of the vote, to Haley’s 13.8%, and nowsuspended Governor Ron DeSantis’ (R-FL) 3.7%. While Trump fell below 75% in Leon (Tallahassee), Pinellas (St. Petersburg), and Alachua (Gainesville), he cruised with 86.7% in Miami-Dade County, an emerging battleground county. Trump won all sixty-seven counties and 125 delegates at stake. The primary attracted 1.1 million Republican voters.

Unique to the Democratic Party, the Democrats Abroad Primary went for Biden with 80.1% of the vote, with the “Uncommitted” option taking 13.2%. The primary allows those temporarily living outside the U.S. to participate in a primary. Biden won all thirteen delegates.

Another crucial primary result came in the form of Ohio’s GOP Senate primary. Trump-backed businessman Bernie Moreno (R) won the three-way primary handily with 50.5% of the vote. The Colombian-born car dealership magnate has earned the right to take on three-term Senator Sherrod Brown (D). Brown underperformed the national environment in 2018, defeating a weak candidate in a mostly uncompetitive race by just seven points. Ohio’s sharp turn to the right has given the GOP hope that Brown might not be able to capture the crossover support he needs in a state that will likely go to Trump by more than ten points. However, Moreno’s nomination comes as possible relief to Democrats, as he has polled the poorest against Brown thus far, and his backing from Trump has caused worry that the GOP could yet again sacrifice another winnable race in Ohio. The Ohio Senate race is one the GOP’s best pickup opportunities to flip control of the Senate in a year where Democrats face a formidable map, defending some of the most vulnerable incumbents in the country with no realistic pickup opportunities for themselves.

State

Governor Kathy Hochul (D) has ordered a review of the State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) in light of the recent rollout “disaster.” The OCM is blamed for botching the rollout of retail sales licenses, passively allowing the spread of illegal marijuana stores, and even retaliating against a shop owner who complained about licensing delays.

Fostered under then-Governor Andrew Cuomo (D), the rollout of the fledgling industry resulted in many equity mandates that lampooned the process with lawsuits. Such mandates saw preferential treatment of certain clientele, such as Veterans and even former criminals.

The OCM has received more than 7,000 applications and has only issued about 500 retail licenses. However, according to that latest statistics, only eighty legal marijuana dispensaries have opened, well short of the hundreds that the state had hoped to approve at this point.

“I’m very fed up with how long it has taken to get these approvals,” said Hochul. “My team got involved and said, ‘No, go back to the drawing board, work harder, get this done.’ And no, I’m not satisfied with the pace.”

Illegal shops have also been a cause of concern during the licensing process. It’s estimated that New York City has about 1,500 illegal shops, with just thirtyeight legitimate ones. The problem of illegal stores has residents concerned for already-high violence and theft rates. Illegal products also disrupt the legitimate market, damaging the health of legal businesses.

A big development that prompted the state to review the process and hand leadership of the OCM to a different commissioner was the report of the OCM retaliating against a frustrated store owner, Jenny Argie. Argie recorded a phone call with Damian Fagon, the OCM’s Chief Equity Officer, who said that while the state was aware of the illegal activity, the state had no interest in starting a crackdown as it would “further cripple the market.”

Argie sent the recording to NY Cannabis Insider, which resulted in an OCM press release about the first cannabis recalls to date. The products were Argie’s and her business was temporarily shut down. Fagon was put on administrative leave on Monday.

Local

Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) recently secured $97.9 million in federal funding for Brookhaven National Laboratory. The funding will go towards the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) project. The project is critical to expanding U.S. leadership in nuclear physics and accelerator science—fields of science that are crucial to our technological, economic, and national security. It will also stimulate strong international collaboration, attracting the “best and brightest” to the U.S. and New York to work on this frontier project and its associated technologies.”

“I am delighted to announce the successful procurement of nearly $100 million in federal funding for Brookhaven National Lab. During my recent visit, I had the privilege of touring BNL and engaging with its remarkable staff, witnessing firsthand the pioneering research being conducted in Suffolk County,” said LaLota. “BNL plays a vital role in providing high-quality employment opportunities for countless Long Islanders, and I am optimistic that this infusion of funding will further enhance these prospects. Rest assured, I remain committed to maximizing the value of taxpayer dollars for the benefit of Suffolk County residents.”

The funding comes from the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, which was recently signed into law.

(Photo left) LaLota (right) visits BNL in May 2023. (Credit - Office of Congressman LaLota)

Suffolk Marks Red Cross Month with Flag Raising at Dennison Building

Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881, which was followed by the 1882 ratification of the Geneva Conventions, laws that protect civilians and war-injured in areas of combat.

Barton served as president of the Red Cross for twenty-three years until her retirement in 1904.

Every March since 1943 has been recognized as Red Cross Month since President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation.

In honor of the tradition, and in support and recognition of the New York and Long Island chapters of the Red Cross, Suffolk County officials attended a flag-raising ceremony at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge Wednesday afternoon.

“Our Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services (FRES) deal with the emergencies that hit our county, be it floods, storms, hurricanes, or fires,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches). “Their partner in this is the Red Cross that deals with the human side of this. So, if someone loses a home, needs a place to shelter, clothing, food, medical services, the Red Cross is there. They’re our allies. They provide a safety net for this county and we are so appreciative.”

Romaine and Suffolk County Legislators were joined by Red Cross personnel and leaders, including Jose Dominguez, the CEO of American Red Cross on Long Island.

“This is the highlight of my month and the year because we’re celebrating March’s Red Cross Month,” said Dominguez. “We cannot provide the services that we do, which are free, not only without our generous donors, but without the power of our volunteers, many of whom are with us here today.”

Prior to his tenure with the Long Island chapter, Dominiguez served as Regional Volunteer Services Officer for the Greater New York Region, where he oversaw recruitment and engagement of more than 5,000 volunteers each year. Dominiguez started with

the Red Cross over fifteen years ago in the Eastern New York Region. Previously, Dominiguez served as Regional Disaster Officer and Volunteer Services Officer for the Central and South Texas Region.

“Our volunteers here on Long Island, we have over a thousand of them, donate at least 60,000 hours a year and that’s the reason we are able to provide the services we do, which include CPR and First-Aid, which include blood collections throughout New York State,” said Dominiguez. “We do distribute 40% of the blood not just here on Long Island, but throughout the country as well. We’re the largest supplier of blood, which is a life-saving gift.”

Dominiguez has been deployed to more than fifty national disaster and relief operations, most notably for a six-week stint in the Virgin Islands helping with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017.

Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station) spoke in support of the Red Cross as well. Before her election this past November, Legislator Sanin served as the President and CEO of Health and Welfare Council of Long Island, a nonprofit organization that helps many needs of Long Islanders, from food assistance to individuals to supporting small businesses.

“My colleagues in the Legislature and I are very much committed to making sure we’re doing everything that we can to plan for disasters, which is a very important function of the government,” said Sanin. “We have to make sure we’re protecting public safety in a crisis, but the government can’t do it alone. Today, we celebrate the American Red Cross, but we really need to celebrate their work every day because when government and nonprofits work hand in hand, that is when we serve people well and that is when we make sure that we are going to have a bright, safe, and extraordinary future here in Suffolk County despite the challenges we face because of disaster.”

The officials and Red Cross personnel moved outside to the flagpoles, where the Red Cross flag was raised underneath the Suffolk County flag.

The Messenger spoke with Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), who serves as Chair of the Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness Committee.

“The American Red Cross is vital, not only to the natural disasters, but they respond to the shelters, the food, and often on a moment’s notice,” said Thorne. “They provide outstanding services to our firefighters and our EMS workers at major events, even if it’s just giving them a simple thing like a warm cup of soup or coffee or a warm blanket to keep themselves warm after their rescue work has been done. They are vitally important to the fire rescue industry in this county and we are very much appreciative of them.”

In attendance also were Suffolk FRES Commissioner Patrick Beckley, Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Deputy Presiding Officer and Legislator Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters), Minority Leader and Legislator Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon), as well as Suffolk County Legislators Catherine Stark (R-Riveread), Sam Gonzalez (D-Brentwood), Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), and Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park).

Jose Dominiguez, CEO of Red Cross Long Island (podium). (Credit - Matt Meduri)

Smithtown MessengerBrookhaven MessengerIslip Messenger -

Connetquot Artists Selected for Heckscher Museum’s Best in Show Exhibit

East Islip Girls’ Winter Track Sends Athletes to States

The artworks of two Connetquot High School student-artists, Katherine Novick and Vy Nguyen, were among the 87 submissions selected to be exhibited in The Heckscher Museum’s Best in Show Exhibit. The artists were selected out of 456 entries into the competition.

Both students are enrolled in Mr. John Hargrave’s Advanced Digital Art II class at Connetquot High School. To create their pieces, the students used photographs that were taken during an earlier field trip to the Bayard Cutting Arboretum. Although both used photos from the same location, their approaches were drastically different.

Senior Vy Nguyen chose to create her piece using a technique of printmaking called solarplating. In this process, the artist designs their composition in Photoshop, prints the outcome onto clear paper, exposes it onto a metal plate and develops it in water. After the plate’s postexposure, it’s inked and put through the printing press to generate a fine art print.

In contrast, Katherine created a reactionary piece of art after a field trip to The Heckscher Museum. Her piece was created in Photoshop using her own original photographs taken at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum. She then combined them with a variety of techniques, using blending modes, filters, layer masking and digital manipulation.

The Connetquot Central School District congratulates Katherine and Vy on their outstanding accomplishments. The exhibit will run from March 23 to May 5.

Hauppauge Kickline Takes First in National Competition

On March 1-3, Hauppauge High School’s varsity kickline team traveled to Orlando, Florida, to compete in the Contest of Champions National Dance Competition. The team took home the first-place victory for their high kick performance.

This is the Hauppauge High School varsity kickline team’s first national championship title. The district congratulates Kickline adviser Ana Goodfellow, coach and choreographer Cynthia Gingo, and the team on their exciting win, recognizing their talent and diligent work ethic.

East Islip High School’s girls winter track team will be sending several outstanding student-athletes to the state championships on March 2 at Ocean Breeze in Staten Island, thanks to their outstanding performances at the Section XI individual state qualifier earlier in February.

For the second consecutive season, 4x400 relay team of junior Danielle Birner and sophomores Grace Micali, Danielle Simonetti and Danika Tidridge handled the pressure and took first place. Micali, Simonetti and Tidridge return to the state championship to try to best last year’s third place, joined by newcomer Birner, who has thrived repeatedly.

“Last year, the goal was to get on the podium,” coach John Reynolds said. “This year, we are aiming for the top spot.” Additionally, Simonetti finished first in the 600-meter run and will compete in the event at states.

James Wilson Young MS Science Olympiad Team Heads to States for Second Year in a Row

Bayport-Blue Point School District’s James Wilson Young Middle School Science Olympiad team competed at the Eastern Long Island Regional Science Olympiad Competition at R.C. Murphy Junior High School, earning a total of thirteen medals.

This year, 25 students competed in 18 science and engineering events. Their overall fourth-place finish qualified them for a second consecutive trip to the state championships in Syracuse on April fifth and sixth.

“It was an amazing day,” said adviser Krista Peterson. “I was truly impressed with their teamwork and dedication to their goal of making it back to States!”

Congratulations to the following students who placed in the following categories: Nate B. and Nicholas M. (seventh place, Air Trajectory); Azaan S. and Juliana C. (sixth place, Anatomy

and Physiology); Angelia F.

G.

Crime Busters);

H. and Azaan S. (third place, Fast Facts); Nate B. and Azaan S. (eighth place, Flight); Joseph A. and Christian G. (third place, Optics); Azaan S. and Francesca S. (tenth

Suffolk Zone Awards East Islip Seniors

East Islip High School seniors Matthew McIntee and Isabella Procaccini were honored with this year’s Suffolk Zone awards, presented at the February 28 ceremony at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook.

As a member of East Islip’s gymnastics team, Procaccini earned All-County status and qualified for the Section XI individual championships. Last fall, she earned the East Islip Athletic Booster Club’s White Letter Award for the senior with the highest GPA on the team.

McIntee, a star athlete in several sports, earned All-State status in football and boys winter track. Last fall, he helped the football team win its second ever Long Island

championship title, and recently captained the track team to a league championship. He has signed to play lacrosse at Syracuse University this fall.

The Suffolk Zone Chapter of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance annually honors the top male and female physical education students in each Suffolk County high school graduating class. The criteria include attainment of at least a 3.0 or B overall grade point average, an A or 90 in physical education and health classes, outstanding character in both classroom and school, exceptional leadership in the school environment, and status as a physical fitness role model for other students.

Students Learn Civics from Local Leaders

Seventh graders at Samoset Middle School learned about the principles of the constitution and civic activism from some of Sachem’s own local leaders. Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) and Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset) visited Samoset to teach students about their roles in local government and the importance of civic engagement. The assembly relates to the Seal of Civic Readiness projects that seventh graders are completing.

and Raye L. (sixth place,

Azaan S. and Christian

(seventh place, Dynamic Planet); Finn

place, Road Scholar); Danny H. and Billy V. (eighth place, Tower); Finn H. and Nicholas M. (tenth place, Tower); Christian G. and Michael K. (fifth place, Wheeled Vehicle); Alyssa N. and Charlotte O. (seventh place, Wheeled Vehicle); and Nate B. and Julianna C. (fifth place, Write It Do It).

America the Beautiful: How History Shapes our Electorate

Northern Mariana Islands - America’s Best Kept Secret

By Matt Meduri

The United States’ most recent addition to its territories lies in the Central Pacific Ocean. A remote archipelago, the Northern Mariana Islands has a tumultuous history and a relatively unstable future outlook.

Early History - A Spanish Stopover

The Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) are part of the Mariana Islands archipelago, which includes the entire territory of the NMI as well as the U.S. Territory of Guam. The NMI were claimed by Spain, as was Guam, in 1521 by the Spanish Empire in a voyage led by Ferdinand Magellan. The islands became part of the Spanish East Indies in 1565. The islands then became a stopover between Mexico and the Philippines. Between European disease killing the native Chamorro people, as well as inter-marrying, removal of the Chamorros to Guam for Catholic conversion, and substitution by islanders from the Philippines and Micronesia, the NMI became much more culturally blended over the next couple hundred years.

By 1741, only 5,000 Chamorros remained in the Marianas, with most having died or been moved to Guam by the Spanish. The NMI continued to be used mainly as a stopover for the Spanish Empire.

After Spain’s loss in the Spanish-American War in 1898, the NMI and Guam were ceded to the U.S., along with the Caroline Islands, which were then sold to Germany in the German-Spanish Treaty of 1899. The large swath of islands became known as German New Guinea and their central administrative office was located on the island of Saipan. Germany established a homesteading program as well as public schools, agriculture, infrastructure, and trades. The islands of Pagan and Alamagan were used for the farming of copra, the white flesh of the coconut, but the industry suffered due to the massive typhoons that frequently hit the area. Eight islands were leased to bird hunters.

Twentieth Century History & PoliticsA Crucial WWII Battleground

Perhaps the single-most important event in the history of the Northern Mariana Islands is also one that set the stage for the Pacific Theater of WWII. Japan would declare war on Germany and invade the NMI in WWI. In 1919, the League of Nations would award Germany’s Pacific islands to Japan, which would jumpstart the islands’ economies and regional presence. Japan would make sugar cane farming a top industry and would establish the city of Garapan on the island of Saipan as a de facto capital of its South Seas territories. Japanese people would move to the islands and the population of the NMI overall would begin to grow.

Immediately after its 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan would use the NMI as a launchpad to invade Guam, then owned by the U.S. June 15, 1944, would see the U.S. invade the Marianas, starting the monthlong Battle of Saipan. The Japanese would wage their notorious brutality on the Chamorro people, mainly by subscripting them to the war effort. NMI Chamorros were tasked with cooperating in the harsh treatment of the Guam Chamorros, creating a schism between the territories that would result in Guam’s rejection of a reunification with the NMI in the 1960s.

In addition, Japan’s authoritarian tactics of the islands had the natives convinced that the U.S. would take no prisoners. Most civilians on the island were collateral damage in the war, or died of disease or starvation. However, Japan’s “death before dishonor” mantra led many of them to commit suicide as U.S. takeover was imminent. With many Japanese soldier Chamorros believing Japan’s propaganda against the U.S., hundreds threw themselves off a northern cliff on Saipan. Today, this cliff is known as Suicide Cliff and is one of the island’s most significant landmarks.

The island of Tinian was subsequently taken over by

the U.S. Tinian would play outsized influence in WWII, as it became the takeoff point for the Enola Gay, the plane that would drop the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

After the war, the NMI entered a trusteeship of the United Nations administered by the U.S., the period during which civilians were allowed to return to the warravaged islands.

The 1960s and 1970s saw agriculture and ranching make a comeback in the NMI, with cattle, dairy, and pineapple becoming key products. Four referenda were held from 1958 to 1969 to reintegrate with Guam, and although Guam rejected them, the NMI were in favor of reintegration.

Negotiations for commonwealth status with the U.S. started in 1972 and culminated in the June 17, 1975, referendum, which was approved by nearly 80% of the islands’ residents. The islands were now referred to as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), the title they retain today. Over 93% of residents approved the CNMI constitution in 1977, and on November 4, 1986, the CNMI officially came under U.S. sovereignty, giving Islanders’ U.S. citizenship and rendering the Islands’ constitution effective.

The CNMI is a distinctly Republican-leaning territory, but not prohibitively so. Political party strength relies more on retail politics and chairmanship than the typical left-right divide we see in the rest of the country. The Covenant Party was founded in 2001 on populist ideals, advocating for fiscal conservatism and government and financial reform. The party has been considered dissolved since leader Eloy Inos, who served as the seventh governor of the CNMI from 2013 to 2015, left the party to join the GOP, allowing the Covenant Party and the GOP to formally merge in 2013.

Carlos Camacho (D) served as the CNMI’s first governor from 1978 to 1981, while Republicans held both chambers of the Commonwealth Legislature for the first two years of their existence. Edward Pangelinan (D) served as the Islands’ first Resident Representative to the U.S. House from 1978 to 1983, switching to the GOP in 1982. Democrats have only held the Commonwealth House for four terms since 1978, and have only held the Senate for just 1990 and 1991 since its formation in 1978.

Since CNMI political strength is owed primarily to leadership, the CNMI Democratic Party is not as strong as it probably could be. Early political formation rallied around GOP politics and leaders, giving the party an invaluable foothold it still retains today, albeit by not as much as it once did.

Geography - America’s Best Kept Secret

The Northern Mariana Islands consist of fourteen main islands, six of which are inhabited, that span in a north-south layout:

1. Saipan - The main island home to 90% of the CNMI population. Saipan serves as the capital of the CNMI. Home to tourist towns of Garapan, Susupe, and Capitol Hill, as well as WWII monuments and sites, American Memorial Park, the International Airport, and Mt. Tapochau - the highest peak across the CNMI. Generally more aligned with the GOP and Covenant parties.

2. Tinian - The second-most populated island in the CNMI, at about 3,500 people. Home to quiet, rural villages and ranches, as well as the historic launch site of the Enola Gay aircraft. The island is just south of

This is the fifty-sixth of a series column that will look at the history of all 50 States, all 5 territories, and the Capital and the influence history has on our current political environments. The aim of this column is to capture that our country is not just red or blue, but rather many shades in between. Each Lower 48 state’s current political landscape can be traced back to its early settlement and geography and its particular involvement in the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, and the Civil Rights Era.

Saipan. Notably more Republican-leaning than Saipan.

3. Rota - The third-most populated island at about 3,200 people. Rota is sixty-three miles south of Tinian. Remote and home to a vibrant tourist industry and many endangered species of flora and fauna.

4. Agrihan and Alamagan - Two sparsely-inhabited islands in the center of the island chain. In 2018, repopulation efforts for the islands were launched. As of 2020, Agrihan has four people and Alamagan has just one.

5. Pagan - North-central part of the archipelago, Pagan faced a devastating volcanic eruption in 1981, forcing most of its fifty residents to leave the island. The volcano is still active and Pagan is home to just seven people, as of 2018.

6. Aguijan, Anatahan, Farallon de Medinilla, Sarigan, Guguan - Uninhabited islands making up the south-central part of the island chain. Aguijan is called “Goat Island” for its large population of goats.

7. Asuncion Island, Farallon de Pajaros, Maug IslandsUninhabited islands that makeup the northernmost part of the chain.

Current Political Leanings - A Sad Picture

Arnold Palacios (I) is the current governor, having served since 2023. Democrats have not won a gubernatorial election since 1994. In 2022, then-Governor Ralph Torres (R) took Tinian and the minor outlying islands, while Palacios won Saipan and Rota.

The GOP holds a nominal majority in the Senate, as three Independents and two Democrats prevent the GOP from taking an outright majority. The House has thirteen Independents, four Democrats, and three Republicans.

The CNMI had a Resident Representative to Congress from 1978 until the office of U.S. House Delegate was formed in 2008. The office functions exactly like that of the other four territories’ delegates, in that the Representative can sit on committees and propose legislation, but cannot cast floor votes. Gregorio Sablan (D) has represented the office since its inception in 2008, with only his first election being close. He was unopposed for re-election in 2022. Sablan was an Independent his entire career, but ran as a Democrat for the first time in 2022.

The CNMI, especially Saipan, were forever changed by a series of typhoons and the COVID-19 Pandemic. As tourism to the CNMI is light due to its remoteness, COVID did much worse damage to the local economy. Petty crime and prostitution are common problems, while much of Saipan’s infrastructure is dated by twenty or thirty years. Two main roads of Beach Road and Middle Road connect much of the activity on the island, but dirt roads and gravel paths connect most of the island.

It’s uncertain just how the Northern Mariana Islands will fare in the near future, but their complex political picture likely creates more problems than answers.

Around Town

Statements from Assemblyman Keith Brown

Assemblyman Keith P. Brown (R,C-Northport) joined assemblymembers and senators from the Republican Conferences in Albany at a joint press conference to help voice concerns over bail reform and support the call to restore public safety in New York state.

Mutilated bodies were found in Suffolk County, New York, and it was later revealed that due to cashless bail reform, judges were unable to hold the alleged perpetrators on bail as felony charges related to the mutilation and disposal of the victims’ corpses are not bail eligible. Brown was proud to stand with his Republican colleagues in support of Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park) who is introducing two new bills that will make body dismemberment/concealment of a human corpse a bail-eligible offense and also strengthen laws regarding electronic location monitoring of a defendant subject.

However, Brown asserts there is only one way to truly right the wrongs we have seen regarding bail reform and lack of judicial discretion in criminal court cases—revoke bail reform laws and replace them with laws that put the safety of New Yorkers first.

“Bail reform has interfered with our criminal justice system for long enough,” said Brown. “The murders that took place in Suffolk County were grossly inhumane, and these suspects must be taken off the streets to keep our communities safe. Now, due to cashless bail reform, the judge is powerless to hold these individuals on bail simply because the initial charges relating to the mutilation and disposal of these victims’ corpses are not bail-eligible. This disturbing reality is a slap in the face to the grieving families of the murder victims and others out there who have been impacted by violent crime.”

“Introducing these new bills to rightly deem the dismemberment and concealment of human corpses a bail-eligible offense and strengthen our current laws to keep better track of individuals involved in violent crimes is a step in the right direction, but fully revoking bail reform and creating new public safety laws are essential,” Brown continued. “What if a child walking home from school had found a body part of one of the victims? How would we even begin to address the trauma that child would suffer—we cannot simply wipe the slate clean and erase the memory of seeing something no child should ever encounter. It’s time we put public safety first and stop forcing pro-criminal policies on our communities. If someone is truly a danger to themselves or others, it is our responsibility to get them off the streets. We must protect victims of crimes, not reward the criminal who committed them.”

Brown’s Statements on the One-House Budget

“While I commend the Assembly Majority for taking steps to offset steep financial costs for our state’s education system and senior programs, the one-house budget in its entirety is bloated, riddled with unrealistic goals and higher taxes,” said Brown. “In the weeks ahead of us, my Assembly Republican Conference colleagues and I will face a difficult uphill battle to fight back against some of the ridiculous proposals included in the one-house budget, but it is a challenge we are all ready for. Voicing the concerns we have heard from residents in our districts, and fighting for legislation that will help improve their financial situations in the long term, is crucial. The one-house budget will not deliver the economic growth our state needs nor the financial security so many New Yorkers deserve. Enough false promises—now is the time for careful planning to ensure state funding is directed to programs in our state that need it most.”

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

For more information about Assemblyman Keith Brown, please visit his official Assembly website https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Keith-P-Brown

Flotteron Honored by Boy Scouts

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters) was the recipient of the Suffolk County Council Boy Scouts of America’s “Heart of the Community Award” for his outstanding service to the County and community. He gratefully accepted the award at the Sagtikos District’s Suffolk County Boy Scouts Council fund raising dinner. Since he moved to the area in 1995, he has been a driving force, proven leader, and problem solver in the Town of Islip and Suffolk County.

“I am honored to serve our community while making significant contributions that will positively impact the quality of life for the residents of the Eleventh Legislative District,” said Flotteron. “My goal is to listen to my colleagues and constituents and work together to identify and find solutions to streamline spending and control taxes while delivering the critical County services we need.”

Bohemia Artist, Elaine Faith Thompson donated, in Steve’s honor, the grand prize for the event. It was a framed, fine art printed poster, that commemorated the PGA 2019 Championship at Bethpage State Park, which Thompson had painted. The model for the caddie boy, in the poster, is Thompson’s grandson, Jamie Mas. In 2009 Thompson photographed Mas, in order to paint the Bethpage 2009 U.S. Open golf poster. She had taken another photo of him looking up to see where the ball went.

Thompson said to him, “You look like you are saluting”. He replied, “No, grandma, we salute with the other hand”. Since then, Mas has gone on to serve in the U.S. Marines and then became a Special Forces Army Ranger.

Legislator Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters) has represented the Eleventh District in the Suffolk County Legislature since 2018. The Eleventh District includes parts of North Babylon and West Babylon within Babylon Township, as well as Brightwaters, Fire Island, Ocean Beach, Saltaire, West Bay Shore, West Islip, and parts of Bay Shore, Captree, and Islip hamlet within Islip Township.

Legislator Flotteron is the Deputy Presiding Officer of the Legislature and serves as the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, and serves on the Committees on Education and Diversity; Government Operations, Personnel, and Information Technology; and Ways and Means. The Eleventh District is located at 4 Udall Road, Suite 4, in West Islip and can be reached at 631-854-4100.

Ducks Seeking Host Families for 2024 Season

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The Long Island Ducks are currently seeking host families for Ducks players during the 2024 baseball season. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Christine Blumenauer by calling (631) 940-3825 ext. 114 or emailing cblumenauer@liducks.com, or they may fill out the Host Family Questionnaire by clicking below.

Host families often develop lifelong friendships with the players they welcome into their home. Players and families have often enjoyed the experience they share together. Scan this QR Code to hear about the Ducks Host Family experience:

Being a host family also comes with several benefits, including:

• Special recognition during Fan Appreciation Day at Fairfield Properties Ballpark

• The opportunity to watch a Ducks game from a luxury suite (20 tickets included)

• Meet-and-Greet with Ducks manager Lew Ford

• VIP behind-the-scenes tour of Fairfield Properties Ballpark

There are only a few requirements to become a host family:

• A private bedroom for the player

• The use of a bathroom, washer/dryer and kitchen

Additional amenities that can be provided will be greatly appreciated by the player and Ducks organization.

The Ducks are also seeking available housing to rent for players during the 2024 season (April-September). Landlords with available properties are encouraged to call (631) 940-3825 ext. 114 or email cblumenauer@liducks.com.

Visit https://liducks.com/hostfamilies/ or scan this QR Code for the host family questionnaire.

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

QuackerJack Retains Best L.I. Team Mascot Title

The winners of the annual Long Island Press “Best of Long Island” awards, presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union, have been announced. Long Island Ducks mascot, QuackerJack, has been chosen as the Best Team Mascot for the third consecutive year, earning his record 14th Best of Long Island award overall. Additionally, Ducks manager Lew Ford was voted as the Best Long Island Duck for the sixth time. Winners were selected via online voting conducted during the fall of 2023.

QuackerJack would like to thank everyone that cast ballots for him during this year’s contest, and he is looking forward to celebrating his victory throughout the 2024 season. QJ is excited to watch the Ducks take the field on Opening Night at Fairfield Properties Ballpark Thursday, April 25, at 6:35 p.m. He hopes you’ll join him this season; tickets are on sale now.

Ford completed his 13th season with the Ducks in 2023, including nine as a player/coach, before being named the team’s manager for the 2024 season. He has the most hits in team history with 1,036, ranking him third all-time in the Atlantic League. Additionally, he sits second all-time among Ducks players in batting average (.318), games (877), runs batted in (511), runs scored (549), doubles (227) and total bases

(1,541). The 47-year-old played on the Ducks Atlantic League championship-winning teams in 2012, 2013 and 2019 and also helped lead the Flock to eight division championships and 11 postseason appearances as a player/coach. The outfielder was named the 2014 Atlantic League Player of the Year, was selected to play in three Atlantic League All-Star Games (2014, 2015 and 2018) and earned two ALPB Post-Season All-Star selections (2014, 2018).

Along with these two awards, the Ducks were nominated for five other categories during this year’s “Best of Long Island” competition. In the Arts and Entertainment category, @LIDucks was nominated for Best X (formerly known as Twitter) Account from Long Island. In the Sports & Activities category, Fairfield Properties Ballpark was nominated for Best Family Amusement Place. Finally, in the food section, Long Island’s hometown team received nominations for Best Hot Dog, Best French Fries and Best Soft Pretzel. Visit https://www.bestoflongisland.com/ winners/ or scan this QR Code to see all the Bethpage Best of L.I. Winners:

The Long Island Ducks announced the club will be hosting tryouts for on-field host positions with the team on Saturday, April 6. Those interested in becoming one of the faces of Ducks entertainment during the 2024 season are strongly encouraged to take part. Tryout spaces are very limited.

On-Field Host Tryouts

Saturday, April 6

Helpleadthefunand excitement of Ducks baseball this season

Auditions will be held at Fairfield Properties Ballpark, the home of the Ducks. Applicants will be asked to perform a cold reading of game-specific material and may be asked to improvise commentary. People wishing to audition must submit an application in advance by visiting LIDucks.com/ onfieldhost. Those receiving an opportunity to audition will be contacted thereafter. No walk-ups will be accepted.

All applicants must be 18 years of age or older and should be available to work all 63 Ducks regular season home games, plus potential playoff games. Candidates should possess an engaging and exciting personality while also being able to comfortably perform on-camera and in front of thousands of fans on a daily basis. Prior acting/hosting/emcee/media experience is preferred, but not required, to audition.

The Ducks do not currently plan to host tryouts for the position of Public Address Announcer in 2024.

Long Island Senate and Assembly Republicans Introduce Bill in Response to Horrific Dismemberment Crime

Senators Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) and Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (R-Malverne), along with Assemblyman Mike Durso (R-Massapequa Park) and members of the Senate and Assembly Republican Conferences announced the introduction of legislation in response to the horrific case in Babylon after body parts were discovered in a recreational park and several other locations, including a local neighborhood.

The suspects in the case were released under New York’s notoriously flawed bail laws after being charged with the concealment of a human corpse by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office as part of their ongoing investigation and ordered to remain in Suffolk County with GPS ankle monitors.

The newly proposed bills would make the crime of body dismemberment/concealment of a human corpse a bail eligible class E felony (S.8751); and would strengthen the use of electronic location monitoring (S.8778). in the most heinous cases, such as this one.

“I don’t think anyone would argue that a world where people charged with the crime of body dismemberment can walk back out onto the streets is a good place, yet here in New York, that is the world in which we are living thanks to Democrat’s failed criminal justice policies,” said Senator Palumbo, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary and Codes Committees and a former Suffolk County Prosecutor.

“Measured in changes to the law, and proposed revisions, let alone the societal impact due to a skyrocketing increase in crime, bail reform has to be regarded as one of the worst bills ever passed in New York State history. Having to introduce new legislation to hold people charged with the crime of body dismemberment/concealment of a human corpse merely

reminds us of the severe shortcomings of the law and the priorities of the legislators who wrote it.”

“To have to explain to members of the Babylon community, my constituents, that those suspected of chopping up a human being can be arrested and just walk free is horrifying,” said NYS Assemblyman Mike Durso. “I was not in office when dangerous bail ‘reforms’ were passed, but I will fight like hell to undo broken policies that provide criminals more protection than they provide our communities. Our police and prosecutors are expected to do their jobs in a criminal justice system where the deck is stacked against them. The case in Babylon generated headlines not only for the gruesome details involved, but because it showed how obviously broken our criminal justice system is. I’m proud to introduce legislation that addresses a glaring loophole in the state’s bail laws, and

strengthens the tools that prosecutors need to ensure our neighborhoods are safe from dangerous criminals.”

“We must address the glaring gaps in our bail laws that allow individuals suspected of heinous crimes to walk free without appropriate safeguards,” stated Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. “Despite GPS monitoring being intended as a less restrictive alternative to custody, New York State’s bail reforms categorize it as a custodial condition similar to pre-trial detention, with the same time limitations before an individual must be released. While New York’s bail reforms still need a comprehensive overhaul, this horrific case in Babylon underscores yet another glaring loophole in the law that needs to be corrected immediately. Members of the community should not have to fear that those credibly suspected of such depraved acts may be released back into the community with no way to monitor them. My proposed legislation seeks to rectify this by ensuring that GPS monitoring is not treated the same as truly holding a suspect in custody,”

“How many more horrifying examples of criminal activity do we need to see before we start fixing what’s broken,” said Assemblyman John McGowan (R-Pearl River). “As a former prosecutor, I can’t imagine the level of frustration within the Suffolk County DA’s Office after making major arrests and watching the suspects walk directly out of Bail Reform’s revolving door. It’s never been clearer that New York must get back to the standards of law and order that existed before 2019’s misguided ‘reforms’. When heinous, violent crimes are committed, pre-trial detainment needs to be considered for the protection of the people we serve. I want to commend my colleagues for introducing these bills and I proudly support them.”

George Santos Fooled by Fake Twitter Account

By Matt Meduri

Users of X (formerly Twitter) were treated to the ultimate irony this morning. Professional fraudster and disgraced former Congressman George Santos (R-Queens) was apparently fooled by a fraudulent X account, and baited in to a series of mudslinging comments.

After Suffolk GOP Chairman Jesse Garcia denounced News12’s Power and Politics program for featuring former Congressman Santos, a battle on X, formerly known as Twitter, ensued between Santos and an expletive-laced parody account of Garcia.

“They are officially scared ladies and gentlemen… now the mud slinging starts,” replied George Santos in apparent earnest at the bot account.

The account Garcia usually posts from is @BrookhavenGOP. The bot account posts from @BrookhavenG0P. The letter ‘o’ is swapped out for the number ‘0.’

After a particularly vulgar spat between the fake politician and the fake account, Santos replied, “Omg how insane is it to essentially be sexually assaulted on @X by the @GopSuffolk chairman.”

When reached for comment, Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) said, “George Santos lied about everything and stole an election to get to Congress. I was proud to lead the charge to expel him!” He continued, “I wouldn’t put it past Santos himself being behind this fake account. Being fake seems to be all he knows.”

When reached for comment, Smithtown Republican Chairman Bill Ellis weighed in.

“George Santos is continuing his mockery of the American voter,” said Ellis. “He’s too dumb to know he’s being played like a fool. [The parody account] dove so far into the gutter, and Santos sunk to his level each time. It’s sad that people are still giving this clown the time of day.”

New York Assemblyman and Islip Republican Vice Chairman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook) speculated further, “It would be pathetic but true to form that George Santos has resorted to imposter Twitter accounts.”

One Twitter user, George Marshall, wrote: “George, you have four doctorate degrees from three Ivy League schools, you should be able to handle this easily.”

Another user, @bluelinesuffolk, wrote: “Can’t see that it’s a fake account but we can see that you’re still the same old joke. Thanks for the laugh, now go back to under [your] rock and wait for your sentencing.”

Santos was expelled from Congress in a largely bipartisan December vote, becoming only the sixth House member in history, and the first Republican, to be expelled from the chamber.

At the time of publishing, George Santos couldn’t be reached for comment.

By Fran Bodkin

Trump And America’s Jews

By Sebastian Gorka Ph.D. | AMAC Contributor

It’s been quite the week, and we’re not even halfway through.

This weekend, President Trump held another rally. Yes, another one, in a series the likes of which we haven’t really seen in modern times in terms of frequency and size. This time it was Dayton, Ohio.

During the speech, he returned to a topic that is key to understanding how a political neophyte won the very first time he ran for the highest office in the land in 2016: the “Forgotten Man.” Especially the working man.

It is a great irony that the billionaire from New York has come to represent the blue-collar working class, calloused-hand American, but he has.

For the best exploration of how that happened and what it means, there is no better read than JD Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy, the true tale of an American family destroyed by the bipartisan decisions of a Washington “elite” which betrayed a whole class of Americans and shipped millions of our manufacturing jobs overseas.

In his Dayton speech, the former President focused on the auto industry and the plight of the autoworker under Biden and the deadly Democrat mandate for electric vehicles (EV).

His message: if Biden is re-elected, domestic manufacturing will suffer even more and there will be a “bloodbath” for our US companies and their employees who cannot compete with heavily subsidized foreign imports and also comply with federal EV mandates.

The use of that word – bloodbath – was the trigger for the Democrats and their media lapdogs to pounce. Crudely editing the video clip of the speech, the media’s mantra was “Trump the dictator is threatening a bloodbath if he isn’t re-elected.” And their “coverage” was truly unhinged. Despite the fact that he said no such thing, the same talking heads have used that word many, many times before. Many.

Then came Monday and the President’s hourlong interview on my national radio show AMERICA First.

This is the 7th time my former boss has appeared on my daily program, and it was the best interaction, from his discussion of the war in Ukraine, the Jihadi attack on Israel, his historic primary results, the lack of a national border, and the insane reaction to his “bloodbath” comment. You can watch it all here.

But it was none of these that made the news. No. It was the 45th President’s answer to my question: “Why do the Democrats so hate the elected Prime Minster of Israel, Bibi Netanyahu?” His response? “I actually think they hate Israel. Any Jewish person that votes for Democrats hates their religion. They hate everything about Israel, and they should be ashamed of themselves because Israel will be destroyed.”

If you follow the evolution of the modern Left of late, it is hard to disagree with anything about that answer. However the mainstream media exploded and Tuesday morning I awoke to coverage of my interview in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Politico, and even The Daily Mail. Why? Was it all because they have suddenly become fans of me and my show? Hardly.

Instead, the leftwing talking point – again –was that President Trump is an Antisemite and had smeared America’s Jews with the hoary “dual loyalty” libel.

According to this calumny, Jews can’t be real patriots and loyal Americans because their loyalties are split with the nation of Israel as well. This is much like the libel of Irish Catholic Americans during the last century, who were accused of divided loyalties between America and the Pope, an accusation even made against President Kennedy.

But if one stops for just one second, and thinks about the accusation against the 45th President, it collapses instantly. Since what the President Trump said is that if an American Jew votes Democrat he must hate Israel. Meaning they lack ANY loyalty to the other country. This media contortion is the definition of gas-lighting. Stating with certitude that the opposite of the truth is the case, despite the unequivocal evidence to the contrary.

And what is the evidence concerning Donald Trump and the Jewish people?

It is impossible to dispute that President Trump has proven himself as the most philosemitic President since the reestablishment of Israel in 1948, from his historic Abraham Accords to his decision to move our embassy to Jerusalem and recognize that city as the eternal capital of the Jewish state, and that he did that after every President from Clinton to Obama had reneged on our nation’s promise to do so. Even the Republican George W. Bush. Then add the fact that his daughter is Jewish, as is son-in-law, and they both served in his White House, and the whole “Trump hates the Jews” libel collapses.

So, who are the real Antisemites in American politics? Let’s look again at the evidence.

Let’s start with the most senior Democrat in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, who just last week demanded that the Jewish people

jettison the Prime Minister they had democratically elected. Or the Democrat in the White House, who was caught on a hot mic before his State of the Union saying that it’s time for the same Jewish leader to have a “Come to Jesus moment,” a democrat who as President has released billions of dollars to the theocratic state of Iran, that is dedicated to the utter destruction of Israel.

But what about the lower house of Congress? Look no further than the Democrats of the Squad, rank Antisemites like Rashida Tlaib who has refused to condemn the slaughter of the Jews on October 7th, and who placed a post-it note on the map in her Congressional office, obliterating the state of Israel and making it instead “Palestine,” and then wore a T-shirt likewise denying Israel’s existence. Or, perhaps the most disgusting of all, Ilan Omar, with her repeated anti-Jewish statements and social media posts, including actual accusations of “dual loyalty” and how for American Jews, politics is “all about the Benjamins.”

Antisemitism is a problem in America. But not because of President Trump. It’s a problem because of the Democrat Party’s normalization of anti-Israel policies and anti-Jewish calumnies

WORD OF THE Week déclassé

Origin:

late 19th century: French, ‘removed from one’s class, degraded’, past participle of déclasser .

Source: Oxford Languages

Synonyms: inferior, hack, shoddy

Adjective

Pronounced: day·kla·say

Definition: having fallen in social status

Example:

“The once-prominent media outlet had become largely déclassé.”

Antonyms: exceptional, superior, different

Word Ladder 3/21

The aim of the game is to get from the given initial word to the given final word by changing only one letter per line. Note that every line must be a valid word. Sometimes there are several possibilities.

Initial word: ONE

Final word: TEN

Goal: 9 words

Check our Instagram @MessengerPapers and our Facebook for the answers to this week’s games.

DOWN:

2. as in rain ______ or ______ bottle

3. as in email ______ or ________ issues

9. as in rollercoaster _________ or horseback ___________

10. as in _______ game or ________ meeting

ACROSS:

1. as in ______ pane or “______ of opportunity

4. as in ______ graph or ________ mobile

5. as in sweet _________ or “ ___________ yourself”

6. as in _______ hero or ________ -size

7. as in on _________ to action or phone _________

8. as in on _________ or on

11. as in finger _________ or “hit the _________ on the head”

12. as in _________ book or _________ watch

This Week in History

March 22, 1765

March 21, 2014

Russia formally annexes Crimea amid international condemnation.

Stamp Act passed; 1st direct British tax on American colonists, organized by Prime Minister George Grenville

March 24, 2020:

March 23, 1775

Patrick Henry proclaims

“Give me liberty or give me death” in speech in favor of Virginian troops joining U.S. Revolutionary War

China’s Hubei province, the original center of the COVID-19 outbreak eases restrictions on travel after a nearly two-month lockdown

March 25, 31

First Easter, according to calendar-maker Dionysius Exiguus

Adventureland Multi-Year $10M Redevelopment Plan

Adventureland has announced the details of its multi-year, five-phase $10 million redevelopment plan of Long Island’s most popular amusement park, as well as a new partnership with Catholic Health. This marks one of the biggest investment projects in the park’s 62-year history since the installation of the ride called ‘Turbulence’ in 2015, which cost $5 million.

“We saw an opportunity to improve and enhance the guest experience,” said Caitlin DiSclafani, Park Manager of Adventureland. “These investments add value to the park and to the guests’ experience. We’re excited to leave a lasting legacy in the park for generations to come.”

The most visible and immediate change is the addition of two new rides for the upcoming 2024 season, which include the ‘Jr. Pirate Ship Ride’ and ‘Moon Chaser.’ The second phase involves the addition of a first-of-its-kind custom-made ride called ‘Wave Twister,’ which is expected to open in time for the spring 2025 season. There are at least two more planned rides that are to be added over the next three phases. These will be the first new rides since the addition of the ‘FireBall’ in 2022, which was a $2 million investment.

“Our family is very excited to bring the dream of redeveloping Pirate’s Cove into reality with the groundbreaking of Legacy Corner,” said Steve Gentile, President of Adventureland. “We are thrilled to kick off this 5-year project with Moon Chaser, which I’m sure will be an amazing addition to Adventureland and fan favorite for the people of Long Island. To be able to have the best that our amusement industry has to offer right here in Farmingdale - the heart of Long Island- is something very special. It is a privilege that we do not take for granted!”

Adventureland estimates that by the end of the fifth phase, there will be a 10% growth in employment to support the new ‘Legacy Corner’ section, which is expected to be completed in 2028.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches), Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer (D-North Babylon), County Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park), and other Babylon Town elected officials joined the ribbon cutting.

“It was my pleasure to visit Adventureland on the first day of spring to celebrate the park’s new rides for the upcoming season, new partnership with Catholic Health, and a $10 million expansion plan that will add more jobs, create additional summer employment opportunities and provide an overall boost to our regional economy,” said Romaine on Instagram.

Catholic Health is sponsoring the main entrance and the City Hall Building, which has now been renamed the Catholic Health Wellness Center. This area is home to ‘Guest Relations,’ ‘First Aid,’ and the ‘Lost and Found.’ Another addition is a blue line throughout Adventureland that will direct guests from anywhere in the park to the Catholic Health Wellness Center.

“Catholic Health is pleased to serve as lead sponsor for Adventureland, Long Island’s favorite amusement park,” said Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, president and CEO of Catholic Health. “With deep roots in Long Island and an ongoing history of partnering with the communities it serves, we’re thrilled to do our part to ensure that the communities of Long Island will always have opportunities to make lasting memories in a family-friendly environment. Adventureland is all about bringing families and friends together, and so is Catholic Health.”

Catholic Health will also have a presence in the park during family-friendly events like the ‘Egg Scramble’ and ‘Pumpkin Park’. Catholic Health will also feature a variety of health-focused educational programs for park guests throughout the season.

“Adventureland and Catholic Health both support the health, wellness, and safety of Long Island families, so we are very excited to announce a partnership between these two Long Island institutions,” said DiSclafani.

Legacy Corner

A large part of the investment will be the creation of the ‘Legacy Corner,’ which will be on the front southeast side of the park about a little over an acre in size. In addition to at least four new rides, brand-new concession stands, restrooms, and other amenities will be constructed.

Annually, Adventureland hires over 650 part-time employees. It’s estimated that the increase in employment to service these new areas will lead to a 10% increase in park employment by the end of the fifth phase. The full five-phase project is expected to be completed by 2028.

Retired Rides

In the weeks leading up to its 2024 season opening, Adventureland announced the retirement of the ‘Log Flume,’ ‘Pirate Ship’ ride and ‘Spinning Cars’ to make way for new rides.

New Rides

The ‘Jr. Pirate Ship’ ride is geared towards—but not limited to—children who are from 5-to-8 years old. (They must be about 36” tall to ride with an adult and 47” tall to ride alone.) This ride is located by ‘Kiddieland’ near the arcade. It is similar to the larger scale ‘Pirate Ship’ ride which was recently removed to make room for the ‘Moon Chaser.’

The ‘Moon Chaser’ is a 45’ tall galaxy-themed thrill ride which spins, twists, dips, and inverts riders. This ride is unique because it is currently the only one in the park that goes upside down. It is similar to the size and footprint of the ‘Pirate Ship’ ride it is replacing. This ride is geared towards children who are 11 years old or older. (Anyone who wishes to ride this must be at least 55” tall.) This ride seats 28 people at a time.

The Moon Chaser is considered a flat ride—which means it depends on power—and riders will experience immediate thrills as soon as the ride starts.

The second phase will introduce the new ride— ‘Wave Twister.’ This is a first-of-itskind ride that was custom built for Adventureland. This newly-created ride that will make its debut in the United States. The track is custom built in a boomerang shape to fit into the corner of the ‘Legacy Corner,’ which will maximize the available space in that section. It’s estimated that one or two more rides can fit in that section, which was formerly referred to as ‘Adventure Falls.’ The plan is to expand more rides within the existing footprint of the park.

The ‘Wave Twister’ is a family ride. It was made in Switzerland by RES Rides—the same company that built the ‘FireBall’ ride. Similar to ‘Wave Twister,’ this ride has a boomerang shape to simulate the motion and feel of riding on ocean waves. It will spin and travel over a track and reach heights of up to 60 feet at its peak. Although it is a dry ride, it will feature water elements in the forms of fountains and mists. It features two gondolas in a figureeight shape and can fit 20 riders per cycle. Riders must be 36” tall (height of the average 4-year-old) to ride with adults, and 48” tall (height of the average 8-year-old) to ride alone.

The opening weekend of the 2024 season is March 23rd and 24th. The park will be open during weekends and holidays throughout the spring. For more details, visit https://adventureland.us/.

The ‘Pirate Ship’ ride was installed in 1987, which makes it over 35 years old. Adventureland officials say it was about time to replace the aging rides.

“With older rides—they need more maintenance and become difficult to repair over time. And, also—finding replacement parts becomes increasingly difficult as the parts are no longer being made,” said DiSclafani.

The ‘Log Flume’ was replaced for a few reasons, one of which was that it took up a significant amount of space—about 10%—of the entire park. It also had limited seasonal use from May through September. In contrast, the new rides will be utilized all season long, from March through early November.

The ‘Spinning Cars’ were retired to make way for the ‘Jr. Pirate Ship’ ride. The ‘Antique Cars’ are expected to be retired during the third phase of the plan.

About Adventureland

Adventureland was founded in 1962 as a local place to have fun and relax as a family. Over 62 years later, the park is now a destination amusement park, home to classic rides including our iconic Ferris Wheel and Carousel and new thrills like the internationallycelebrated FireBall Coaster, and the custom designed spinning roller coaster, Turbulence. With rides, games, and attractions for children and adults of all ages, Adventureland is a favorite for the young and young at heart.

As a major area tourist attraction, Adventureland has a positive impact on the local and state economy, through employment and patronage to other local companies. Annually, our park hires over 650 part-time employees, mostly high school students and college students. For many of our employees—this is their first job. We train them in a variety of areas (cash handling, Safety, Guest Relations) preparing them with the basic skills they will carry into their own careers. For more information visit https://adventureland.us/

About Catholic Health

Catholic Health is an integrated system encompassing some of the region’s finest health and human services agencies. The health system has approximately 17,000 employees, six acute care hospitals, three nursing homes, a home health service, hospice and a network of physician practices. Under the sponsorship of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, Catholic Health serves hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders each year, providing care that extends from the beginning of life to helping people live their final years in comfort, grace and dignity.

Bayport Welcomes New Business

Town officials were on hand to cut the ribbon to the doors of 7-11 on Montauk Highway in Bayport. Receiver of Taxes Andy Wittman (R-Sayville) joined with family and friends of the proprietors to celebrate the latest grand opening in the Town of Islip.

Bay Shore Finishes 25-1 with Loss in State Final Game

By PJ Balzer

Bay Shore basketball is undoubtedly back on the map. For a number of years, it’s been their neighboring Brentwood who have ran Section XI. But after this season, they will be named amongst the basketball heavy hitters on Long Island.

Coach Kenny Parham has done it again. Despite losing in the state final game against Green Tech High School this past Sunday, he has led the Bay Shore boys basketball team to a Long Island Championship for the first time in many years. Coach Parham is no stranger to coaching, championship games, and much success. He has coached both boys’ and girls’ high school and college basketball all over the Island. The Bay Shore graduate has led the Huntington boys’ varsity team, the St. Anthony’s girls’ team, the NYIT college girls’ team, and now the Bay Shore boys’ team once again. He has won multiple state championships with the Lady Friars of St. Anthony’s, where he coached multiple NCAA Division 1 basketball players. It’s easy to say that Coach Parham has been successful at each stop of the coaching journey.

Coach Parham had a talented group to work with this year at Bay Shore. After an early and unexpected exit in the playoffs last year, basketball fans in Suffolk County have been saying that 202324 belonged to Bay Shore, especially when word came that senior forward Christian Smiley would be transferring from Amityville to play at Bay Shore his senior year. Smiley was really the icing on the cake for this already tough team.

Bay Shore rolled past Baldwin in the Long Island Championship game at Farmingdale State college, with Bay Shore being the convincingly better team. They pulled ahead by twenty points shortly after halftime and Baldwin just didn’t have the fire power to come back, not to mention that Bay Shore plays a zone defense that is a hard nut to totally crack open.

Coach Parham and the Long Island champs then headed up to Glens Falls to compete for the state title. There are two games to win at the arena to be crowned as New York State champion. Bay Shore was not only competing for this title but also to keep its perfect season intact, a feat that’s rather rare in high school basketball.

The semifinal game against Niagara Falls High School seemed to go just as the Long Island Championship game did. Bay Shore came out hot and never cooled down, winning the semifinal match by 56-42. But the final game against Green Tech seemed to go just the opposite. Green Tech seemed to barely miss any threepointers in the first half. Despite Bay Shore chipping back at the lead in the second half of the game, Green Tech never fully let up. They ended up stealing Bay Shore’s state final trophy and perfect season finish with a score of 79-63.

The Messenger congratulates the Bay Shore boys’ basketball team and the community of Bay Shore on a historic season. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for each of you remarkable young men.

Local Stars Are Ready to Shine this MLB Season

By James Haupt

Credit: PJ Balzer

With MLB spring training wrapping up, it’s time to look towards Opening Day. There are some new faces in new places all across the league that should leave fans excited.

Familiar Faces

For MLB fans of Long Island, there is plenty to look forward to. The most notable is the hometown native, Marcus Stroman, of Patchogue-Medford High School, returning home. After two years with the New York Mets in 2019 and 2021, he left the “Big Apple” to play for the Chicago Cubs.

This season, New Yorkers can watch him play again, but this time in pinstripes. The New York Yankees signed him for $37 million over two years to bolster the starting rotation. Throughout Stroman’s career, he has a 77-76 overall record with an outstanding 3.65 ERA and 1091 strikeouts across 1303.2 innings. He has continued this consistency this spring training with a 3.68 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 14.2 innings pitched. With Gerrit Cole out, Stroman will prove to be a crucial piece on the Yankee roster.

Another former Long Island player to look out for is Steven Matz of the St. Louis Cardinals. Matz was born in Stony Brook and played at Ward Melville High School.

He has been in the league for nine years, starting with six of those years on the New York Mets. However, his best season came with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021, where he had a 14-7 record and a 3.82 ERA with 144 strikeouts across 150.2 innings.

Matz has spent the last two seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals and will continue to pitch for them this year. He slots in as their fifth starter, but will also have some appearances in the bullpen.

Although Matz had his struggles in New York, he is still a player for Long Island fans to root for this upcoming season.

Rising Stars

It’s been a while since Long Island has had a rising prospect to root for. Stroman and Matz are the most notable players in recent history.

This year, many up-andcoming stars were able to show out in spring training to make a

push toward the official roster. One player in particular is making Long Island proud as he heads into the 2024 season.

Twenty-four-year-old Logan O’Hoppe enters opening day as the Los Angeles Angels starting catcher. He played high school ball at St. John the Baptist, a private school in West Islip, where O’Hoppe was born.

He was drafted in 2018 by the Philadelphia Phillies and was sent to Los Angeles in 2022 in a trade deadline deal that sent Brandon Marsh to the future NL champions. Since then, O’Hoppe has played 56 games for the Angels and proved to be a great acquisition.

Last season he dominated in his first 16 games with a batting average of .282, 13 RBIs, and 4 homers. Unfortunately, his hot start was cut short after he suffered a torn labrum and required surgery.

He struggled in his return from injury nearly four months later, but he still managed to put up a respectable season with a .236 average, 29 RBIs, and 14 home runs in 56 total games. With an entire offseason to recover, O’Hoppe will look to build off this promising season and breakout this year.

In other news, a younger Long Island star is breaking onto the baseball scene. 18-year-old pitcher Josh Knoth is making waves in the Arizona Complex league, a rookielevel minor league. The Medford native played at Patchogue-Medford High School, the same town as New York’s Marcus Stroman.

Knoth was drafted in the first round, 33rd overall, by the Milwaukee Brewers. He has been assigned to the ACL Brewers, but this year he could make his minor league debut. Although he won’t make it to the major leagues for a couple more years, Knoth has a bright future and is a player to keep an eye on.

Engeman’s ‘Jersey Boys’ Just Too Good to Be True!

By Cindi Sansone-Braff

Joey Lavarco is Frankie Valli, or at least Saturday night’s enthusiastic Engeman audience believed this to be so! They showed Lavarco the same love, adoration, and affection they would have lavished on the real Frankie Valli. The three other superstar leads, Nick Bernardi, Stephen Cerf, and Sean McGee, were equally showstopping. I’ve never seen an audience respond so physically to a show: they sang, bopped, oohed, aahed, clapped, and danced along to the many chart-topping hits that made The Four Seasons one of the top ‘60s bands.

For those of us who grew up listening to the Four Seasons, their hit tunes became our generation’s anthems and the soundtrack of our lives. However, people of all ages can relate to the universal themes explored in this well-crafted jukebox musical: brotherhood, loyalty, responsibility, betrayal, and what do I do with my life when I grow up?

Once you see this show, you will understand why “Jersey Boys” had such a long run on Broadway and why it picked up four Tonys and an Olivier Award, including the 2006 Tony Award for “Best Musical.”

This crowd-pleasing show, with music by Bob Gaudio, orchestrations by Bob Crewe, and a book by Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman, dramatizes the rise and fall of The Four Seasons. Written like a VH1 biopic, the plot structure uses a narrative style. Each band member addresses the audience, telling his version of what it was like to be a part of a legendary quartet, one that scored 40 Top 40 hits, including eight number-one singles.

The Engeman’s electrifying production of “Jersey Boys,” brilliantly directed and choreographed by Paul Stancato, captivated the audience from the moment the mega-talented cast stepped on stage, right through the high-voltage finale, “Who Loves You.” Kudos to the Wojcik Casting Team for finding dynamic singers who

looked, moved, and sounded like The Four Seasons, delivering pitchperfect renditions of their massive catalog of hit songs. A big round of applause goes to Orion Forte for outstanding projections and to Dustin Cross for his glamorous, glittery ‘60s costumes.

Tommy DeVito, a charismatic con man and the founding member of the beloved foursome, is the first band member to tell his side of the story. Nick Bernardi gave a stellar performance as Tommy DeVito. Bernardi, with his swagger and onstage cockiness, captured the essence of this talented man, who also happened to be an unrepentant degenerate gambler. Sadly, DeVito’s excesses ultimately led to the band’s demise. With his velvety baritone vocals and strong stage presence, Bernardi gave an unforgettable rendition of the ultimate doo-wop rhythm and blues hit “Earth Angel.”

Act I closed on a high note with Bob Gaudio, the keyboardist and writer of many of the band’s greatest hits, reflecting on his rollercoaster experiences with the band. Sean McGee rocked the role of Bob Gaudio with his charismatic stage presence, and his high-energy rendition of “December, ‘63 (Oh What a Night)” was a showstopper.

Act II opened with Stephen Cerf’s riveting performance as the bass singer and bass guitarist Nick Massi. Cerf had the audience in stitches when he delivered his comedic “ten-year sentence speech,” listing a million reasons why Tommy DeVito was the world’s worst man to share a motel room with. Cerf’s powerful voice added dimension to the group numbers, such as: “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man,” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry,”

Frankie Valli, portrayed by Joey Lavarco, was the last to share his story. This seems fitting since Valli was the only original band member who continued to perform onstage in any capacity as The Four Seasons. Lavarco delivered a powerhouse performance

as the frontman of the iconic quartet, and his moving rendition of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” was worth the price of admission. His heartrending delivery of “Fallen Angel” was an unforgettable onstage moment.

The finale takes place in 1990 when the defunct quartet reunited for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and performed their smash hit “Rag Doll.” Each band member closed the show with a heartfelt, funny monologue.

The spectacular ensemble includes Carey Blackburn, Jonathan Cobrda, Kate Coffey, Lexxi Frilles, Katelyn Harold, Stephen C. Kallas, Mike Keller, Dale Obermark, Dominic Pagliaro, Justin Wolfe Smith, Loren Stone, Jake Waford, and Dwayne Washington Loren Stone as the actor Joe Pesci and Jonathan Corbrda as Bob Crewe received some of the biggest laughs of the evening, and Mike Kellar gave a command performance as the mob boss Gyp DeCarlo.

Content Advisory: This show contains mature themes and adult language and may not be suitable for all audiences.

Ring in Spring with The Four Seasons! Tickets are going fast, so much so that the show’s run was extended through Sunday, May 12, 2024. To purchase tickets, call 631-261-2900, go to the box office at 250 Main Street, Northport, or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She has a BFA in Theatre from UCONN and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of “Grant Me a Higher Love,” “Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships,” and “Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic.” Her full-length Music Drama, “Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music,” is published by Next Stage Press. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.