Page 12 & 13
Thursday, October 12, 2023 ~ Volume 68 ~ Issue Number 51 ~ $1.00
Romaine Nabs PBA Endorsement
By Matt Meduri
Romaine (center) addresses reporters after receiving the PBA endorsement. (Credit: Matt Meduri)
A Deep-Dive on the Sewer Bills with Legislator Caracappa By Matt Meduri There is little to no doubt that the most pressing question ahead of next month’s elections is that of water quality, namely how it relates to Suffolk County’s handling of the issue. Since Suffolk County is built on sand and groundwater, which is our sole-source aquifer, the county’s approach must be mindful of different stakeholders and methodical when it comes to funding, planning, execution, and long-term effects. This summer, the Republican caucus of the Suffolk County Legislature came under intense fire for their dissatisfaction with a “sewer bill” that was presented to them after a long crafting period in Albany. As advertised, the bill would have instituted an eighth-cent sales tax increase to fund future sewer projects as well as create a countywide sewer district. Republicans expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of earmarks for sewer installation, as well as protection for said earmarks, and further scrutinized the lopsided figures - no less than 75% of funds - earmarked for Innovative and Alternative Wastewater Management (I/A) Systems. Continued on page 16
FULL STORIES ON:
Carpenter’s Corner Page 10
Town Clerk & Receiver of Taxes Races Page 12 & 13
Local Girl Scouts Renovate Shelter Page 22
Credit: Matt Meduri
‘Holds No Water:’
With just a little under a month to go until Election Day, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) is sparing no expense on the campaign trail. Whether it be meet-the-candidates nights at various civic groups and community chambers, in-person acceptances of notable endorsements, or Q&A sessions that put his long governmental experience and sharp wit on public display, Romaine has been everywhere almost seemingly all at once. Romaine also landed a coveted endorsement earlier this week, one with historic implications: the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association (PBA). The Suffolk PBA has not endorsed a Republican candidate for county executive in twenty years, since they endorsed Romaine over winner Steve Levy, then a Democrat, in the 2003 election. Continued on page 3
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News Thursday, October 12, 2023
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Continued from front cover
Home Stretch: Romaine Nabs PBA Endorsement and Cruises at AARP Forum corruption, and expressed his own achievements in Romaine clinched the endorsement and accepted it the private sector, Romaine’s natural charisma and in-person at the PBA Headquarters in Brentwood on humorous wit gained traction with the audience as he October 6. answered the set of questions that were mostly geared A spokesperson for the PBA touted Romaine’s towards concerns of older residents in Suffolk County. proactive, pro-law enforcement record throughout Romaine used his opening statements to display his his career, stating that Romaine understands the record as long-time elected official of various offices, challenges faced by law enforcement agencies today. most notably pertaining to his tenure as Brookhaven Romaine then took the podium. Town Supervisor: “Thank you to the men and women of law “When I came to the town, it had some financial enforcement. I stand with you this day, as I will stand problems,” said Romaine. “Within two years, we not with you every day,” said Romaine. “This campaign only had structurally balanced budgets, but we received concentrates on two things: building a county that is a triple-A bond rating from all the rating agencies in more affordable and one that is safer. We need law Wall Street, saving the taxpayers a ton of money. Every enforcement doing their jobs. We don’t need cashless year, every municipality gets a report from the state bail, we don’t need clean slates for felons, and we comptroller regarding fiscal and environmental stress. don’t need efforts to defund the police. What we need Brookhaven Town scored a “zero” for both fiscal and is to invest in our public safety to ensure that all of our environmental stress, which is probably the best rating residents stay safe, keep crime away from our doors, for any town on Long Island.” and do what’s necessary to have a great county. You Regarding affordable housing, Romaine said: can’t have a great county if you are living in fear that “We have built over four thousand housing units in crime may affect you. These men and women who wear Brookhaven Town in the last eleven years. There is a the uniforms, our police officers, detectives, superior program called Section 202/8 housing; seniors who are officers, corrections officers, and deputy sheriffs, they over the age of sixty-two can pay 30% of whatever their all stand together united to do the job that we ask Romaine signs outside the PBA Headquarters in Brentwood income is towards rent. We have seven or eight housing them to do. We need to give them the tools so that (Credit: Matt Meduri) units like that, but we haven’t seen federal funding like they can do the job, be effective, and protect us. I’m that. Long Island has been shortchanged in so many running for county executive to do exactly that. These ways, I intend to be a very strong advocate for Section 202 are the people who stand for us and against those who housing.” would harm us. Should I be fortunate enough to win this office, I will stand with them Romaine also said that he would not auction off county-owned property in low-to-moderate every day. Remember: they are servants to the residents of Suffolk County.” income areas, saying that when those properties are auctioned, it leads to absentee landlords, Romaine said in a final remark to the members of law enforcement: “Thank you, overdevelopment, and luxury properties that are unaffordable for most Suffolk residents. Instead, ladies and gentlemen, for what you do. It is appreciated and it is not forgotten, and he would give those houses to housing agencies, such as Habitat for Humanity and the Long Island I will stand with you, as all of Suffolk should, for your service to them.” Housing Partnership, so people can “enjoy actual homeownership.” The PBA endorsement comes off the heels of another critical endorsement for When asked regarding his plans to protect vulnerable seniors from being scammed in the wake of Romaine, that of the Association of Municipal Employees (AME), Suffolk County’s cyberintrusion, Romaine quickly shot up his hand and said: “I’m one of them!” largest public-sector union. The PBA endorsement now completes Romaine’s list of Romaine then explained how he was a county employee, the county was hacked, and his Social critical law enforcement endorsements ahead of Election Day. Security number is now out on the dark web. “I’m not too happy about that,” said Romaine. “I run The Messenger caught up with PBA President Noel DiGerolamo after the press a very large town. We have cybersecurity insurance, we have our data center in the cloud, we do conference. periodic penetration tests to discover our weaknesses and shut our backdoors; none of these have “This was not a difficult decision for us,” says DiGerolamo. “Ed Romaine’s history ever been done at the County. I scratch my head wondering why none of this was done.” in government, from the County Legislature, the County Clerk, and now Brookhaven Romaine also discussed his plan to address high taxes that are burdensome to many residents, Town Supervisor, he has always been pro-public safety. He’s always done what’s including seniors. Contrasting his opponent’s take on property taxes, saying that Calone forgot to important to the residents of the county and town to ensure their safety. He always mention his “accomplishment” of raising LIPA rates when he was on the board, Romaine says that supports the men and women who provide that service on a regular basis. He Suffolk is one of the few counties in the state that taxes home-heating fuel, natural gas, and propane. doesn’t just say the word, he votes for them, he puts forth legislation, he has worked “That is one of the most regressive taxes that falls most on those on a limited income,” said throughout his tenure to show his support with actual action, not hollow words.” Romaine. “I am making a commitment to work on repealing those taxes. You should not be taxing When asked about the top priority facing law enforcement and the next county energy.” His commitment was greeted with large applause from the audience. executive, DiGerolamo didn’t mince words. When the moderator asked Romaine for an example of ageism he has seen, he mentioned Calone: “The top priority for the next county executive is going to be recruitment and “Without being cute, my opponent is an example of ageism, because he criticizes my experience. retention of law enforcement positions,” says DiGerolamo. “We’ve never seen a I may have to get my knee replaced in the future, but if I do that, I’m getting an experienced surgeon, decline in applicants to the extent we have in recent years. It’s echoed by this most not someone with new ideas,” a remark that was greeted with laughter and applause from the recent test this year. We had the lowest numbers in decades of people applying for audience. the test and the highest number of people declining to start the police academy in “I’m old, by some standards, and my opponent would like to dismiss me because of my long record this last class. That’s not by chance, that’s because of the environment being created in government. But the one thing I’ve learned over a long life is that as you grow more experienced, by politicians in Albany and Long Island who are affiliated with the Democratic there’s a certain wisdom that comes with that. There isn’t Party who have failed to vote for what’s right for enough wisdom in my business. I’m going to listen to all constituents. They would rather keep their jobs than people, but most particularly, I’m going to listen to people do their jobs. They’re disgraceful and should be who have experience.” ashamed of themselves.” During Romaine’s closing statements, two known agitators Romaine started the news week with this stood up in front of the audience holding signs, one that critical endorsement and ended it with a strong showed Romaine’s face pasted onto a cartoon of a burglar performance at a county executive candidate forum underneath the word “Crookhaven,” and another that read sponsored by the American Association of Retired “Mr. Romaine, you put profits over people.” The two were Persons (AARP), WABC, and Schneps Media at Stony escorted out by security, with one agitator saying she would Brook University Tuesday evening. leave, but security “just had to ask,” instead of grabbing her Both Romaine and his opponent, former sign. This agitator was known for heckling Congressman prosecutor Dave Calone (D-Setauket), answered the Nick LaLota (R-NY-01) over Suffolk County’s response to the six same questions separately in a timed fashion in a migrant crisis in May. one-on-one session with moderator Chantee Lanes. Overall, the first week of the final month of the campaign While Calone railed against Romaine’s seems to have been extremely beneficial to Romaine’s experience in government, labeling him a career candidacy as he and other candidates enter the home stretch. politician, blasted Brookhaven’s reputation for Demonstrators interrupt Romaine’s (seated, back) closing statement (Credit: Matt Meduri)
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School Highlights Thursday, October 12, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Photos courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Smithtown HS West Hosts Annual ‘Play 4 The Cure’ Field Hockey Game Smithtown High School West held its 14th annual “Play 4 The Cure” field hockey game on October 4. Each year the field hockey team dedicates this game in the memory of former St. James Elementary School teacher Sara Long Harte, who passed away due to breast cancer.
Sara taught at St. James Elementary School, the very same elementary school where she attended as a child, for eight years. Her immeasurable impact throughout the community in such a short period lives on today through a Scholarship Fund, a Memorial Garden and a hand-crafted picket fence in front of the St. James Elementary School which was built to honor her by a former student. Her dedication to her students, charity work with the Sunrise Fund for Childhood Cancer and her unending labor of love for the community will never be forgotten. This year, $982 was raised for the Sara Long Harte Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Seven West Islip High School student-musicians were recently selected to participate in the 2023 New York State School Music Association All-State Festival. This prestigious festival features the most outstanding musicians from the entire state of New York. Congratulations to the following West Islip students: Marissa Beyhl (mixed chorus); Vivian Gallagher (symphony orchestra); Thomas Kerrigan (alternate, bass trombone); Kevin Mauri (symphonic band); Teagan McGuire (mixed chorus); Daniel Pipitone (symphony orchestra); and Sophia Stehlik (symphonic band). The students are with West Islip High School Principal Dr. Anthony Bridgeman, Director of Art and Music Education Eric Albinder, and music teachers William Willis, Melissa Senatore and James Krais.
Seven Student-Musicians Represent West Islip at NYSSMA All-State
West Islip High School Leadership with NYSSMA All-State Students (Credit - West Islip School District)
School Highlights Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Game, Set, Match for ShorehamWading River Senior Duo Shoreham-Wading River High School senior Wildcats and sisters Nina Nelson and Reese Nelson were congratulated for representing Shoreham-Wading River’s excellent athletic program. Nina and Reese both play tennis and were honored at the recent senior match. (Pictured left) Shoreham-Wading River HIgh School seniors Nina Nelson (left) and Reese Nelson (right) (Credit - ShorehamWading River Central School District)
Thursday, October 12, 2023
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National Merit Commended Students Students James Minetti and Emily Scherl have each been recognized for the exceptional academic promise demonstrated in their outstanding performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. They each received a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program.
(Left to right) Shoreham-Wading River High School guidance counselor Lucy Eschbach, students James Minetti and Emily Scherl, and guidance counselor Jessica Siemes (Credit - Shoreham-Wading River Central School District)
Ronkonkoma Middle School Inducts 56 New Members to National Junior Honor Society
Photo courtesy of Connetquot Central School District
The Ronkonkoma Middle School chapter of the National Junior Honor Society recently inducted fiftysix new members during a special ceremony. The ceremony opened with a warm welcome and words of wisdom from Principal Joseph Licato followed by opening remarks from adviser Aimee Fossa. The National Junior Honor Society serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship. During the ceremony, officers Alyssa Rosati (president), Jessica Patanjo (vice president), Catherine Jalloh (secretary), Adriana Mileti (treasurer) and Ella Zangre (public relations) lit candles, symbolizing the aforementioned pillars. The ceremony culminated with the new inductees being called individually to the stage and being awarded a certificate of recognition.
Rocky Point Welcomes American History Traveling Museum Rocky Point Middle School students had a unique learning experience when the American History Traveling Museum visited the school library on September 28. Owned and operated by mother and daughter duo Corinna Barati and Caitlyn Barati, the museum has a diverse selection of exhibits, including a side-to-side synopsis of President John F. Kennedy and President Abraham Lincoln’s assassinations, women’s clothing and shoes worn in the 1920s, Dorothea Lange’s famed black and white “Migrant Mother,” a portrait of a world-weary mother and her three children during the Great Depression, and samples of World War II ration books that were distributed for meat, fish, dairy and processed goods. Some more contemporary exhibits feature Michael Jordan’s rise to fame as a Chicago Bulls basketball player, rock and roll album cover art and even some Harry Potter memorabilia. “Much of it really resonated with the students, as some of the displays were vivid interpretations of what they are learning in the classroom,” said Principal Dawn Meyers. “We thank the PTA for bringing this to our students.” (Pictured left) Rocky Point Middle School students listened to Corinna Barati as she described the American History Traveling Museum exhibit (Credit - Rocky Point UFSD)
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Editorial Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Stop Oversimplifying History: Happy Belated Columbus Day Every year, we hear the same recycled debate supported by the same recycled points: Christopher Columbus was an evil, greedy explorer and everything wrong with this country started with him. To assert that Columbus was perfect is a fool’s errand because no historical figure, or present figure, is perfect, especially not when we judge someone who lived over five hundred years ago through the lens of the modern world. But to completely condemn people of the past because they don’t fit into our pathologically altruistic, progressively myopic, selfserving, and hyper-current set of ideals by which we live, die, and judge others completely undermines the point of learning and remembering history. History is not yours to change, or “correct,” in the recent words of the New York City Council regarding statues of figures such as Columbus. It may be yours to dislike but that about ends it. History is history for a reason, we can’t change it, we can only move forward. Furthermore, history is never binary. The idea that there are “good guys” and “bad guys” is just naive and frankly not grounded in reality. The reality is, no matter where you look in world history, there are often complicated reasons for why certain events unfolded the way they did and why certain people acted the way they did. We can parse clear and just motives for some parties while at the same time understanding where they had it wrong. Columbus is no exception. As an explorer under the Spanish crown in the mid-to-late fifteenth century, we need to understand the historical context of the time. Firstly, exploration was a huge market at the time, as new trade routes were connecting parts of the world in revolutionary ways. Secondly, a large driver of the world’s development was religion. In addition to a decent paycheck and a stake for your homeland, you had the opportunity to spread your beliefs around the world, an ideal the Catholics took to the New World. Columbus is regularly criticized for being the first domino that led to the development of the New World and ultimately, the subjugation and near-extinction of the Native Americans. The problem with this is that it undermines that the New World had already been visited by Europeans, named the Vikings under Leif Erickson, and that war had been waged between the native tribes as it were. The other problem is that it assumes this was something intrinsic to Columbus himself, that this was his mission the second he left Spain for a two-month boat ride on small exploration vessels. The reality is: whoever set foot in the New World would have begun a trade route, would have carried out the religious mission, and it would have set the New World on a path for development. Columbus, at this point, is a cheap scapegoat for a much more complex issue that was, by all logical standards, inevitable. The other problem is that Columbus did not actually set foot in the mainland United States, or even mainland North America. He landed on an island in the Bahamas, which he thought was the West Indies. The name “Indians,” referring to Native Americans, was the product of this misunderstanding. Those who question the fate of the New World without Columbus forget that slavery, warfare, mass illness, and every other unfortunate reality of the time existed before him and after him. Accounts of the Spanish crown’s relations with the Natives vary, although initially, the Spaniards sought good relations with them. It wasn’t until the California Gold Rush that nationwide removal of the Native Americans became commonplace. The British were actually much more unscrupulous, generally, than the Spaniards regarding their treatment of the Natives. Because of the Anglo-centric angle on the conversation, the resistance to any honoring of Columbus is nothing even remotely new. American political allegiances from the 1800s until the early 2000s were dominated by Christian denominations. English Protestants had a distrust of Catholics and leveraged their political power against them. This is why JFK’s election in 1960 was such a landmark; it was the first time a Catholic had been elected president. Initially started by Tammany Hall in New York City to mark the three hundredth anniversary of the historic landing that changed the course of world trade and development forever would later become an effort by President Benjamin Harrison to commemorate an 1891 New Orleans lynching that saw eleven Italian Americans killed. Harrison ordered Columbus Day as a one-time celebration of Italians, not only to placate American Italians but also ease diplomatic relations with Italy. The first statewide holiday was proclaimed by Colorado governor Jesse F. McDonald in 1905, and it was made a statutory holiday in 1907.
The ironic part is that the progressives who take such a bold stance against Columbus routinely forget that some of the earliest resistance efforts against the honoring of Columbus were started by the intensely anti-Catholic Ku Klux Klan and the Women of the KKK, solely because of the increase of Catholic culture in a largely-Protestant country. Progressives also make the mistake of thinking that “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” is a new concept. Resistance started almost immediately after the first Columbus Day celebration in 1892. Certain parts of California had replaced Columbus Day for Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 1992, the same year that the Intercontinental Gathering of Indigenous People in the Americas met in Quito, Ecuador, to mobilize against the five hundredth anniversary of Columbus Day. Many Italian-Americans take offense to the replacement of Columbus Day, as it is still a large part of Italian-American culture today. The reality is: while Columbus and other explorers were not perfect, the Natives were not saints either. This isn’t an excuse for genocide or subjugation of an entire continent of people, but the other reality is that the expansion of the world was conquest-based at the time. Some parts of the world, including Israel and Palestine, are still operating in this mode to some degree today. The norm then was conquest. We look at it today and we’re thankful most of the world is at least somewhat diplomatic and civilized, but that’s just not how it was back then. Additionally, most Native tribes across North America were Stone Age-level cultures by the time the Europeans arrived. Polar opposite cultures almost never mix well - even today - but putting it in perspective of the past, it was a “conquer or be conquered” mindset. The other reality is that the Native tribes, while some had diplomatic relations, others were just as conquest-hungry as the rest of the world was. The Aztecs, whose engineering marveled the Spanish explorers when they first encountered them in the 1700s, still operated in a conquest-driven mode. Their immense and organized city of Tenochtitlan was built on subjugation of other Native tribes, which also included brutal human sacrifice. Again, we’re not saying we’re okay with brutal, bloody conquest, but what we are saying is that everything must be fit into perspective, especially through today’s lens. We could blame so many other explorers for the acts committed against the Native population. Columbus is an easy fall guy because he’s seen as the one who kicked the first domino, a role that would have been gladly fulfilled by anyone else - and probably someone more brutal. We also believe that the erasure of Columbus Day is a deliberate mocking of Western culture. This also waters down the existing day dedicated to the remembrance of Native Americans, the Friday after Thanksgiving, known as Native American Heritage Day, a civil holiday that was recognized in 2008 by President George W. Bush. To those who wish to see history “corrected” by erasing aspects of our culture, the good, bad, and the ugly, we ask that the “progress” starts by erasing the Democratic Party, famously known as the party of Andrew Jackson, who through his Trail of Tears, kicked over one of the most brutal dominos in American history. The party of the KKK, the party of Jim Crow, the party of internment camps, the party of segregation should be addressed as such. Will we go that far? It depends on what type of history we’d like to study. But at the end of the day, we’re historians, not hypocrites.
Op-Ed Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
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Thursday, October 12, 2023
The Primary is Over By Matt Kane State Archives of Florida
The Republican primary race is over. While the first official vote cast for the Republican nominee is still roughly three months away, the smears, mugshots, indictments and other inevitable political tricks to come against Trump will not prevent him from winning the Republican nomination for president for a third time, and easily. Trump’s increasing strength signals that voters won’t settle for “just any Republican.” If Republican candidates truly want to ensure Biden (or another Democrat) is denied a chance to continue his carnage, they should drop out immediately and rally behind Trump. While you shouldn’t count on that happening, that doesn’t invalidate the many reasons why this race ended long before it even started. A healthy amount of both national and state-level polling shows historic support for a non-incumbent. Polls can’t be fully trusted, but if all are showing similar figures it gives them at least some level of legitimacy. Even in a field with a double-digit number of candidates, Trump has already secured the majority or close to it. For reference, he entered the 2016 race with around 10-12% support and won the nomination with just 44% of the vote. If anyone else had his current polls during any past primary in such a crowded field, there would be calls for all candidates to drop out to build as much party momentum as possible to defeat the Democrat nominee. This makes Republicans challenging Trump pure hypocrites when they speak about “coming together,” “party unity,” and “winning the general,” since they are attempting to beat the candidate who is already in the best position to achieve these things. There are many obstacles for the non-Trump candidates. Most have worked in government for at least a decade (much longer for many of them) and never did anything significant enough to bring themselves even remotely close to the rockstarlevel status Trump has attained. Any challengers expecting to purge voters from the man who rose because of their own failures ignore common sense. And for those citing the indictments as a reason for a non-Trump candidate prevailing: Even a conviction would not bar Trump from being eligible to run, and the indictments have only galvanized his supporters. A key reason why Trump’s challengers faced an uphill battle from the outset is that Trump has also already done the job and did it well. No other challenger can say that. Additionally, many of those now attacking his record gushed over the job he did just a few short years ago, which voters are keenly aware of. Nikki Haley stated unequivocally that she would not challenge another Trump run after previously writing about how she “enthusiastically supports most of Trump’s decisions and the direction he is taking the country.” His former VP Mike Pence spoke about the many successes of the “Trump-Pence” administration after leaving office. Ron DeSantis touted the Trump administration for several successes including their border policies, the economy, and the COVID response.
Now, Haley describes Trump as “easily distracted” and “weak in the knees.” Pence meanwhile has attacked Trump on his stance on pro-life causes, despite Trump being the president to end Roe v. Wade after most Republican presidents pledged to since it was enacted 50 years ago. DeSantis’s about-face has been the most blatant of all. He now downplays Trump’s border wall, blames him for Biden-induced inflation, and attacks his record on COVID and Fauci. Further cementing himself as a say-anything politician, DeSantis previously made Trump-centric campaign ads and credited the Trump endorsement for his 2018 gubernatorial victory. Now he postures as an expert on winning while pinning blame on Trump for Republican losses in 2020 and 2022, conveniently ignoring the all-important election fraud. Thankfully, digital media is a treasure trove for easily accessible “receipts” that expose many candidates as self-serving politicians, which is why none of them gain in the polls and instead only see the non-Trump vote reallocate amongst them. The way this primary has unfolded should not come as a surprise to them since they were singing the exact praises voters still are just a short time ago. And if shooting themselves in the foot wasn’t hurting their chances enough, there are countless Trump-specific factors that set him apart regardless of the competition. In particular: the mugshot, which officially ended this primary if there ever even was one. Trump’s movement already transcended traditional politics, and now it has a powerful visual to represent it. Post-mugshot polls brought Trump to even greater polling heights than previous indictments, meaning it has resonated with those
beyond the usual Trump base, likely oldschool Republicans and Independents who were becoming disillusioned by both parties. Those truly in the middle see the mugshot as a literal poster for the resistance to a corrupt system. And across the aisle, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is polling at an average of about 15% in Real Clear Politics polling, demonstrating there is a notable portion of Democrat voters looking at alternatives to this radical version of their party. It’s not out of the question to wonder whether the mugshot was the extra nudge needed for them to consider voting for Trump. Even if it only leads to some Democrats staying home, that is a net positive for Trump. But the party can only reap the full rewards of this resistance to tyranny if Trump is leading the charge, since he, not the Republican party, is the target. Furthermore, Trump is now associated with virtually every topic in culture. That is not an opinion, but a fact. Paul Ryan refers to himself as a “never-again Trumper.” If there is a categorization created to describe one’s belief about Trump, that speaks to his influence. Nobody has ever heard of a “neverBusher.” There are now even “KENNEDY 2024” flags with the moniker “Save America AGAIN.” Any slogan that ends with “Again” automatically puts Trump top of the mind, even if the flag bears another name. Trump was already a generational political figure etched into history by being a true outsider; the first president to take office never previously serving in the military or holding political office. He is also, aside from Jesus Christ as he says, the most famous person on Earth today. While other candidates struggle to maintain funds to keep themselves relevant across America, Trump has the financial capital and fifty years’ worth of multi-national recognition at his disposal. The arrests only add to the legend, and no other candidate has the chance to unseat a historic American figure and martyr. It’s time for the remaining GOP field to get behind Trump. The people clearly don’t want something “new,” as some claim. They want common sense approaches that lead to peace and prosperity. Maybe others would be able to achieve this, but Trump is the only one who already has, and voters don’t want to take any chances during such a crucial time. Trump’s mugshot and subsequent nomination have created an opportunity no other candidate can offer. It would present Americans with a united cause to rally behind, the likes of which have not been seen in a long time. And that is because to defeat such a sinister movement, you need a united resistance against it, led by an unwavering, fearless leader. America does not need a soft-spoken voice right now. It needs someone strong and unapologetic to lead us through a time of good versus evil. Success and victory will be what unite us, and Trump has a better chance of achieving these two things than anybody. Matt Kane graduated from Stony Brook University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. His work has been posted by President Trump and published by RealClearPolitics. Follow on Truth Social: @MattKane
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LI Life & Politics with Levy Thursday, October 12, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Biden’s So-Called ‘Accomplishments’ Are Destroying America Whenever Democratic pundits on the cable news circuit are queried about President Joe Biden‘s rapidly deteriorating mental capacities, the quick response is: “Maybe so, but look at all that he has accomplished.” He has the greatest legislative accomplishments, at least since Lyndon Johnson, they claim. https://upnorthnewswi.com/2023/01/20/ accomplishments-two-years-biden-harrisadministration-2/ But you’ll rarely hear the follow up question which should be: “And what exactly did they do for America?” The barometer of a successful presidency is not passing a bill into law, but, rather, passing an effective law that leads to positive results for the American people. Biden may have indeed passed some laws, but they have had horrific consequences on the American public. 1. American Rescue Plan Let’s start with his Rescue Plan that was forced through Congress, even after the economy had rebounded from Covid. All this law did was unnecessarily throw an additional $2 trillion into an overcharged economy, which led to a 9% inflation rate and a devaluing of American families’ purchasing power. https://usafacts. org/articles/2021-american-rescue-plan-act-spending-breakdown-cares-act/ In fact, his policies led to an overall $7,400 decline in real family income. https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/americans-have-lost-7400-due-inflationunder-biden-heritage Can that be touted as an accomplishment? 2. Inflation Reduction Act And what did Biden do to try to beat back inflation? He passed his Inflation Reduction Act, which even he later conceded had nothing to do with fighting inflation. All it did was further fuel inflation by allocating hundreds of billions of dollars to his Green New Deal and billions more in bailing out a failing Obamacare health system.
https://www.heritage.org/energyeconomics/commentary/inflationreduction-act-or-radical-green-new. The program further shut down our nation’s aggressive affordable energy pursuits, which led to huge increases in gas prices, and every other aspect of our lives, since oil is so intertwined with the overall economy. 3. Infrastructure Program Then there is the Infrastructure Plan, which was no heavy lift, since Republicans had touted support for this trillion-dollar program in the Trump administration. Yet, only about 5% is slated for traditional new projects, so it’s hard to say that it has accomplished anything significant. https://www.heritage. org/budget-and-spending/heritageexplains/bidens-infrastructure-plan 4. Tepid Gun Law Add to that the Biden gun deal that was touted as the first major gun bill in decades. Once you peel back the hype in the press release, all this so-called “landmark bill” did was allow for the authorities to take guns away from a domestic partner, just like they could for a married spouse, and allow some additional background checks for those under age 21. https://www.npr.org/2022/06/25/1107626030/biden-signsgun-safety-law Okay, no argument here as to its merits, but was that a landmark bill that was saving thousands, or even hundreds, of lives? Hardly. It was all a fluff reaction to a mass shooting to show that they were trying to do something. 5. Student Loan Forgiveness Pundits also praised Biden’s student loan forgiveness executive order, which was nothing more than a bribe before the midterms that even Biden knew was unconstitutional. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/student-loans-supreme-courtforgiveness-decision-ruling/ 6. Burn Pits Biden passed a Burn Pit Act, which no one could argue against. But providing extra benefits for a limited number of veterans exposed to toxic air through a bill when it could as easily have been just included in the budget (as any other president could have done) is hardly a bill of historical significance. 7. Depleting Oil Reserves Yet another so-called “accomplishment” was the release of strategic oil reserves, a remarkably counterproductive, even dangerous, self-servicing act. These reserves that were intended to protect the nation during times of war were virtually depleted for one reason only: to artificially and temporarily lower gas prices just before the election. This “accomplishment” was actually a stain on the Biden presidency. 8. CHIPS Biden was also able to shepherd through Congress a CHIPS bill, which is at least designed to bring back to America the production of important microchips. It’s too early to say whether this will actually wind up achieving its goal, but one could at least give the administration credit for pursuing this smart idea of weaning us off foreign dependence on essential chips for our autos, computers, weaponry, etc. So there you have it. One decent bill and seven flaccid laws items passed in the Biden administration. And yet his record is touted as being some type of historical triumph. As noted above, the bottom-line question is what these actions have or have not done to improve the lives of American citizens.: • Biden inherited low inflation and raised prices by 17% during his tenure. nationalreview.com/2023/07/bidenomics-spin-vs-economic-reality/ • He inherited historically low interest rates and saw them more than double — adding over $1,000 a month to the average mortgage payment — because of his high spending policies. https://www.nahb.org/blog/2023/01/difference-between-3percent-and-7-percent-mortgage-rate • He inherited a secure border and created an illegal immigration crisis, the likes of which we have never seen in our nation’s history. • He inherited a nation that was energy-independent and the world’s leader in oil and gas production. He squandered that status, and made us dependent on our enemies to keep our lights on while gas prices doubled. • He endorsed insane, far-left policies in our blue cities which have precipitated a dramatic increase in shootings, murders and violent crime during his tenure. What has his amazing legislative record of accomplishment done to address these bread-and-butter issues for the American electorate? So the next time a Democratic pundit talks of Biden’s so-called “historic legislative triumphs,” please ask the follow-up question: “And what exactly has that done for the American people?”
Former Suffolk County Executive and NYS Assemblyman Steve Levy is the co-publisher of Long Island Life & Politics. To read more from Steve, visit lilifepolitics.com
This Week Today Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
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Thursday, October 12, 2023
National, State and Local Temperature Checks By Matt Meduri National
the first war in 1948, leaving millions stateless across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the crowded Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. Tensions have been at a tipping-point as Israel’s continued expansion and clashes in Jenin, a West Bank city, and Gaza are what Hamas has pointed to as reason for invasion. On October 7, Hamas launched a barrage attack of 3,000 missiles into Israel and launched vehicle incursions into the territory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured above right) declared a state of emergency and war.
Avi Ohayon - Israel Government Press Office
for terrorism. New York City rejects this. Do not use our streets to spread your hate.” The world was plunged into shock and One member of the New York Chapter of the uncertainty earlier this week as Hamas launched DSA is Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez a large-scale invasion against the nation of Israel (D-NY-14), who, while condemning the “bigotry and from the Gaza Strip. callousness” expressed in Times Square by proThe Palestinian-Israeli conflict is as long as it Palestinian organizers, claimed Hamas’ attacks are is complicated. As a very rudimentary summary of “horrifying” and that New Yorkers should also be events, the conflict is primarily concerned with the capable of rejecting the “grave injustices and violence two-state “solution,” the status of Jerusalem, and Palestinians face under occupation.” ethnic settlements within the region. Congressman Nick LaLota (R-NY-01) said in a The 1948 declaration of Israeli independence statement: “The attacks on innocent Israeli citizens sparked the 1948 Arab-Israeli War which led to this weekend, committed by Hamas and funded by the expulsion of Palestinians in the region and Iran, were nothing short of terrorism and cowardice. the Jewish emigration from the Arab World. The I am proud to join a bipartisan coalition introducing Six-Day War of 1967 saw Israeli forces gain air two resolutions condemning the attacks, reaffirming supremacy in the region against and gain control my unequivocal support for Israel, and holding Iran of the then-Egyptian-controlled Gaza Strip and accountable for their role in funding and coordinating Sinai Peninsula. This was done in retaliation to these acts of terror. To further hold Iran accountable, Egypt’s closure of maritime passageways to Israeli I sent a letter to President Biden demanding the shipping. The aftermath resulted in the expulsion Administration re-evaluate current policy towards or fleeing of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians Iran, as these attacks come just weeks after the Syrians from the West Bank and Golan Heights, Administration signed off on a $6 billion transfer to respectively. Israel has controlled the Gaza Strip Tehran. I have also been able to personally speak since then. with a Suffolk County Police Officer who was training The Gaza Strip is a 141-square-mile Palestinian in Israel when the attacks occurred. My team and I are exclave bordering the Mediterranean Sea and actively working with the State Department to bring Egypt. It is the smaller of the two Palestinian him and any other Suffolk County residents home to territories, the larger of which is the West Bank, their families. I would strongly encourage any Long a landlocked territory in eastern Israel that Islanders who are in Israel or know someone there borders Jordan and the Dead Sea. In 2005, Israel to contact my office immediately at 631-289-1097.” unilaterally withdrew from the Gaza Strip, after The ongoing conflict also renews concerns which the territory fell into the hands of Hamas in of illegal border crossings, which since 2021 has 2007 through a civil war. In 2008, Israel resumed resulted in 264 arrests of suspects on the FBI’s military operations against the Gaza Strip after terror watchlist, 151 of whom were apprehended in Hamas fired rockets into the Israeli town of Sderot. 2023 alone. However, the Department of Homeland The most recent Palestinian attacks are the largest Security (DHS) says that 61,000 “special interest attacks against Israel in fifty years. Both the West Map of Israel and Palestinian Territories (Credit - United Nations Cartographic Section) aliens” have entered through the border just this Bank and the Gaza Strip are currently occupied by year. Nearly 3,000 have come from Egypt, and 659 Israel. from Iran, 538 from Syria, 185 from Jordan, and 164 Palestinians also broke through the Gaza-Israel border, The “two-state solution” has been a diplomatic bear killing at least 1,200 Israelis. from Lebanon. since Israeli independence. Initially supported by people Israel has since conducted military action against the State within the regions and among United Nations members, Gaza Strip, of which they reported full control on October the support has since declined, as neither country wants 9. Israel has since imposed a total blockade on Gaza, which Democrats landed a top recruit to reclaim New York’s to share land to which they claim ancestral and historical prohibits food, water, medicine, fuel, and electricity into the Third Congressional District. rights. Hamas, formerly the Islamic Resistance Movement region. Former Congressman Tom Suozzi (D), who represented and the political and military organization currently Hamas’ actions have been condemned by most of the governing Palestinian territories, is opposed to the two-state world at this point. The United States has moved a naval fleet the district from 2017-2023, forwent a fourth term in pursuit of solution and is sworn to Israel’s defeat. Israel is only in favor to support Israel, to which Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, a Yemeni an unsuccessful June 2022 primary bid against Governor Kathy of a demilitarized Palestine state that does not pose a threat politician and leader of the Houthi insurgency group, said that Hochul (D). His departure from the seat created an open-seat to Israel. any intervention in Gaza by the United States would result in a scenario in rapidly-GOP-trending Nassau County and northern Furthermore, many Arab countries deem Israeli Houthi intervention. In 2003, the Houthi movement adopted Queens, which, along with the 2022 New York red wave, swept development and expansion on land occupied in 1967 the slogan: “God is great, death to the US, death to Israel, curse now-disgraced Congressman George Santos into office. Suozzi has announced he will run to reclaim his seat, as “illegal,” while Israel cites Biblical and historical ties to the Jews, and victory for Islam.” setting up what’s likely to be an interesting primary against the land. So far, fourteen American citizens have been claimed as established candidates who have already raised hundreds of The city of Jerusalem, on the other hand, is also claimed casualties of the war. by both parties. Palestine wants East Jerusalem, which The war now puts Middle Eastern diplomatic relations thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, Santos has just been indicted on new charges includes sacred Muslim, Jewish, and Christian sites, to be the in an awkward position, as deals previously brokered by the capital of their state, while Israel claims Jerusalem to be their Trump Administration, including peace talks with Saudi Arabia, alleging that he filed fraudulent fundraising reports in search “indivisible and eternal” capital. are now hanging in the balance as Hamas has effectively of additional financial support for his 2022 campaign and stole Finally, many Palestiniains “torched” Biden’s place to remake the Middle East, according thousands of dollars from his donors’ credit cards by charging the cards without authorization. have been displaced since to Bloomberg News. New York City spared no expense in demonstrating support for Palestine. Members of the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) took to the streets and clashed with Israel supporters in what has been widely panned as tasteless and controversial by elected officials on both sides of the aisle. Protestors shouted expressions such as “Free Palestine!” and “End all US aid to Israel!” In some alarming displays, an Israeli flag was burned a Palestinian supporter was seen holding up a photo of a swastika on his phone. Governor Kathy Hochul (D) condemned the rally, calling it “abhorrent and morally repugnant.” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “At a moment when innocent people are being slaughtered and children kidnapped in Israel, it is disgusting that this group of extremists would show support
Local Congressmen Nick LaLota (R-NY-01) and Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) have introduced a resolution expressing support for Columbus Day as the second Monday in November. LaLota said in a statement: “As an American with a deep appreciation for my Italian ancestors’ heritage, I am proud to help introduce two resolutions that honor the legacy of those who came before me and the countless contributions Italian-Americans made to this country. Columbus’ historic voyage opened up new horizons for humanity and serves as an incredible tribute to the Italian-American community. This day and month should stand as a symbol of unity, recognizing the achievements and heritage of Italian-Americans and the integral role they have played in shaping our nation.
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Town News Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, October 12, 2023
October 2023 Carpenter’s Corner Welcome back to Carpenter’s Corner! Fall is here, and we have so many fun family events planned for our community to enjoy all season long! On Friday, October 13, come down to Brookwood Hall in East Islip for the FREE Halloween Drive-in Movie featuring Hotel Transylvania, sponsored by Good Samaritan University Hospital, a member of Catholic Health. The movie will begin at 7:00p.m. Admission is FREE. A donation of a nonperishable food item is appreciated! One of the most popular events returning this fall is the 43rd Annual Apple Festival, Saturday, October 21 from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. at the Islip Grange in Sayville. The event will feature a Scarecrow Contest, craft vendors, amusement rides, a family fun zone, festival food court, petting zoo and pony rides, and so much more! Admission and shuttle bus service from the Sayville Train Station are FREE. In addition to being the perfect time for pumpkin and apple picking, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the start of Pink by the Bay. Sponsored by Northwell Health and presented by the Town of Islip and Town of Babylon, Pink by the Bay is a month-long initiative aimed at educating our community about the importance of breast cancer awareness. Throughout October, Northwell Health and Breast Cancer Coalitions in the community will host free mammogram screenings and provide educational materials. While breast cancer mainly affects women, men especially over age 60, should know the signs and symptoms, as they are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Pink by the Bay not only aims to educate the community, but also seeks to involve local businesses. Shop owners who want to participate will be provided supplies by Northwell and will be asked to decorate their store fronts. At the end of the month, businesses that participate are eligible to win a pair of 2024 Jones Beach concert tickets. To register and learn more, please visit: www.facebook.com/pinkbythebay (Scan QR-code on right)
Bay Shore Resident Honored for Years of Service with Islip United Methodist Church Legislator Steven J. Flotteron (R-Bay Shore) recognized Robert (Sonny) Feinman for his sixty years of service to the Islip United Methodist Church and Little League of the Islips. Since an early age, he was active in youth groups, singing in the choir at the First Congregation Church in Bay Shore. He was active in Little League for sixtyfive years, serving as President for twenty-eight years. He started as an umpire and was active in maintenance and was a manager and Vice President. He worked at Grumman in Bethpage for thirty-six years until retiring in 1993. He also served on the Trustees and Ushers Committees at the Church. (Left to right) Front row: Legislator Flotteron, Robert and Sue Feinman, and Pastor Douglas Madlon. (Left to right) Back row: Rick Bonfiglio, Teresa Bonfiglio, Linda Romaine and Bob Feinman (Credit - Office of Legislator Flotteron).
Over the past 30 years, more and more women and men have been diagnosed with breast cancer. In 1992, over 20 women from the same West Islip neighborhood were diagnosed with breast cancer. This spurred Lorraine Pace, a long-time West Islip resident, to jump into action. Working in conjunction with Good Samaritan Hospital and the West Islip Chamber of Commerce, the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition was formed. In 1993, thanks to the advocacy of the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition, the National Cancer Institute began the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project. The study found that women within Nassau and Suffolk Counties were more likely on average to develop breast cancer than women nationally. To this day, the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project has been imperative to researchers aiming to find causes for breast cancer on the Island. However, even with all the research conducted, there still are unanswered questions. This is why preventative measures are so important. Women who are 40 years of age or older should have a yearly mammogram. Women under age 40 who have an increased risk of developing breast cancer should ask their health care providers whether mammograms are advisable, and how often to have them. Women with no symptoms and no known risk factors for breast cancer should have regularly scheduled mammograms to help detect potential breast cancer at the earliest possible time. Self-administered breast exams should be performed on a monthly basis no matter your age. For more information on early breast cancer detection and prevention please visit: https://www. nationalbreastcancer.org/early-detection-of-breastcancer/ or (Scan QR-code on top right) Keep up-to-date with the latest events in our Town by following our social media accounts or by visiting the Town’s website found here: https://linktr.ee/townofislipny. (Scan QR-code on right) If you have not yet done so, stay informed on important news, alerts and weather-related emergency information in the Town of Islip by signing up for our E-Alerts here: https://islipny.gov/notify-me. (Scan QR-code on right)
Supervisor
Carpenter’s Corner Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter
Kerry J. Maher
Kenneth Maher, Jr.
Lic. Manager & Director
Lic. Director
Helping Our Community Senator Alexis Weik’s
Diaper Drive
Benefiting Long Island’s Allied Foundation Diaper Bank
October 16 - 20
Drive up and drop off from 10 A.M. - 2 P.M. or come in to the office - hours are 9 A.M. - 5 P.M. to drop off.
~ Home for Funerals & Cremations ~
~ In Honoring their Legacy ~ Deacon Kenneth J. Maher & Aelysche Marie Maher
Serving All Surrounding Communities Proud to Serve Our Veterans, Law Enforcement and Fire Service Our State-of-the Art Building Offers: Ample Easy Access Parking Spacious Chapels
Reception/Gathering Room Children’s Room
829 Middle Country Road, Route 25, St. James, NY 11780
631-584-5200
Senator Alexis Weik’s District Office 1 Corporate Dr., Ste. GL-005 Bohemia, NY 11716 THE NEED IS GREAT
Keeping clean and dry helps babies stay healthy. But one in three LI families has difficulty affording even a basic necessity like diapers. Government programs, including food stamps and WIC, do not provide funding for diapers. That’s where the region’s only diaper bank steps in. Since 2017, the Allied Foundation has distributed more than a half million diapers to families in need.
YOU CAN HELP
Do you have diapers around the house that your child has outgrown? The Diaper Bank accepts diapers in opened and unopened packages, as well as wipes, creams and adult diapers.
NEED HELP?
Proudly Serving Our Community Since 1961
Call the Allied Foundation Diaper Bank: (631) 386-4185
P R E P L A N N I N G F U N ER A L A R R A N G EM EN T S AVA I L A B LE
weik.nysenate.gov • (631) 665-2311
Expires 9/1/2024
Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, October 12, 2023
PERSONAL ATTENTION AND DIGNIFIED SERVICE... OUR CONTINUING TRADITION
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Candidate Spotlight Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Islip Town Clerk Candidate Linda Vavricka By Matt Meduri
Islip Town Clerk Candidate Sarah Smith
Candidate: Linda Vavricka Residence: East Islip Office Sought: Islip Town Clerk Previous Elected Office: None Party Endorsements: Republican, Conservative
Candidate: Sarah Smith Residence: Ronkonkoma Office Sought: Islip Town Clerk Previous Elected Office: None Party Endorsements: Democratic, Working Families
With the Islip Town Clerk position open this year, Linda Vavricka is making her first run for political office in hopes of winning this seat. Linda Vavricka sat down with The Messenger for a one-on-one interview.
After multiple attempts at contact, Sarah Smith did not return The Messenger’s request for an interview. We have gathered information on Ms. Smith for the purpose of a voter’s guide.
Q: What is your professional background and how does it prepare you for the role of Town Clerk? A: I have thirteen years of experience working for the State Senate. I worked for former Senator Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley), former Senator Tom Croci (R-Sayville), former Senator Phil Boyle (R-Bay Shore), and current Senator Alexis Weik (R-Sayville). For Senator Weik, I have worked as an event coordinator and have done constituent service work. Events coordination involves multi-tasking and contacting organizations, and ensuring events are done properly, effectively and efficiently. Constituent service work primarily entails handling issues in a timely fashion. I wanted to run for Town Clerk because I’ve worked for different people within the Islip government, and handling event coordination and constituent service is essentially the combination of responsibilities a town clerk is faced with. I know how to deal with people. I’m a lifelong resident of Islip and I want to give back to the community. I know I would make a positive difference. Q: What would you say is your best or proudest accomplishment in your professional career? A: I’m a hard worker. Any manager I’ve worked under has said they want more employees like me, meeting set standards, and going above and beyond expectations. My work ethic has always been highly spoken of. My jobs and volunteer services also aren’t rewardsbased. I work Mondays at Racine’s Salon in Islip by appointment and I work with the Suffolk County Womens’ Association to end food insecurity. I’m also a single mother, so scheduling and making time for it all is challenging, but I manage it. I’m very proud of being a great mother and simultaneously maintaining a great work ethic and volunteering. Q: What do you think is the most important political issue facing Suffolk County today? A: I think our biggest issues are security, transparency and efficiency. I want to
work on accessibility for disabled people to get into the town. I want to continue the great work of the clerk’s office. Q: What is your top priority if elected Town Clerk? A: My top priority is ensuring our town’s cyber-security. The clerk’s office takes care of birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and personal information. The office is also supposed to protect all that information. A day-one plan is sitting with the IT department and seeing what their security now entails, how we can find improvements, and how we keep security as tight as possible. Regarding the Suffolk County hack last year, the IT team for Islip pulled the cord to protect themselves, which I commend them for. As far as Suffolk, I will work to ensure that a hack like that does not happen during my time as clerk. I would also like to prioritize accessibility, especially in the form of digitizing documents. People should be able to access their various certificates and licenses online. Q: What’s your favorite quote, motto, or work ethic? A: My favorite quote is by Mahatma Gandhi: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Q: How do you like to connect with and enjoy your community? A: I love Heckscher State Park and the Bayard Cutting Arboretum. My daughter and I love taking walks and going on bike rides and we love the cafe at the Arboretum.
Smith has been endorsed by Run for Something, a group that exclusively helps Millennials and Gen-Z-aged candidates with progressive values run for political office a first or second time. According to their endorsements on their website: “Sarah is a Licensed Macro Social Worker with a passion for social justice and a strong background in policy and community organizing. With extensive experience in assisting veterans, individuals, and families facing housing and mental health-related challenges, Sarah is known for her ability to connect with diverse groups and build coalitions. In her new role in the clerk’s office, Sarah will utilize her social work background to bridge gaps and engage the community in local government. She is particularly committed to uplifting senior and underrepresented populations. Sarah will prioritize the safety of resident records while diligently tending to FOILs, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.” According to the Suffolk County Democrats’ website: “Sarah Smith is a Licensed Macro Social Worker, who calls Ronkonkoma home, and spent her upbringing and adult life by caretaking for her parents and her younger sister. Sarah graduated from Connetquot High School before earning her MSW from Stony Brook University, and passing the NYS Social Work licensing exam. Sarah has spent her career helping her community. Specializing in serving the veteran population in particular, managing a homeless shelter, and helping families in mental health, substance use, and housing-related crises, Sarah has excelled in helping our marginalized
community members survive and thrive. More recently, Sarah acted as Communications Director for a Suffolk County Legislator, and feels that our elected positions need more candidates who value a person-centered approach - particularly those acting at a local level. Sarah is particularly interested in increasing and improving programs for senior citizens - the folks who have spent their lives in our great Town and made it what it is, should not be left behind now. Sarah hopes to serve the Town of Islip as Town Clerk in order to help the Islip community thrive, with resources and programs designed to strengthen the Town’s community one individual at a time.” Smith has been adding national overtones to a local race for a nonpolitical position by contrasting her candidacy with the tenure of Kim Davis, a former county clerk for Rowan County, Kentucky, who in 2015 gained international attention for defying federal U.S. Court Order to issue marriage licenses to homosexual couples. The Messenger’s forecast for Islip Town Clerk: Safe Republican.
“My top priority is ensuring our town’s cyber-security. The clerk’s office takes care of birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and personal information. The office is also supposed to protect all that information. A dayone plan is sitting with the IT department and seeing what their security now entails, how we can find improvements, and how we keep security as tight as possible.” - Linda Vavricka
The Messenger thanks Linda Vavricka for taking time for this interview.
TOWN SUPERVISORS Safe Dem
Likely Dem
East Hampton Southampton Shelter Island
Southold
Leans Dem
Toss Up
Leans GOP
Likely GOP
Safe GOP
Islip
Brookhaven
Riverhead
Candidate Spotlight Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, October 12, 2023
13
Andy Wittman Tax Receiver
By Matt Meduri Candidate: Tax Receiver Andy Wittman Residence: Sayville First Elected: 2021 Office Sought: Islip Receiver of Taxes Party Endorsements: Republican After winning by a large margin in 2021, incumbent Tax Receiver Andy Wittman (R-Sayville) is running for a second term. Wittman’s opponent, Laura Falbo (D), does not appear to be actively campaigning. There is no headshot or bio for her on the Suffolk County Democrats website. Campaign contact information obtained by The Messenger shows no information with which to contact Falbo. According to his Town of Islip bio, graduated in 1995 from Bayport-Blue Point High School, and then graduated from Oswego State University in 2000 where he studied Business Administration and Theater. From 2000 to 2012, he served as a Fire/EMS Dispatcher and then as a firefighter with the FDNY, a longtime goal for him. His career with the FDNY was cut short by a line-of-duty injury. Wittman is currently the owner and founder of a real estate investment company, whose internal projects focus on luxury, off-campus college housing. He also works as a consultant for investors looking to actively or passively diversify their portfolio with real estate, either active or passive. Wittman has also consulted with various elected officials and municipalities across the country regarding business growth and development within the real estate industry. Wittman holds a NYS Real Estate Sales Person’s License and assists clients with residential and commercial transactions. Wittman has also been heavily involved in the community. He is a twenty-five-plus year member of the Bayport Fire Department; Business member of the Sayville Chamber of
Commerce; member of the Rotary Club of Sayville; Lector at St. Lawrence the Martyr Roman Catholic Church in Sayville; former Treasurer and current delegate of the Islip Town Volunteer Fire Fighters Association; member of the Long Island Real Estate Investment Association (LIREIA); member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR); member of the New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR); member and former vice president of the Greater Sayville Civic Association. Andy lives in Sayville with his wife, Jennifer and their three children, Catherine, Andrew IV and Guiseppi. Wittman’s campaign website shows several problems that he fixed upon entering office. One of them discusses the practice of “white washing,” through which “criminals were stealing property tax payments checks out of the mail before it could reach the Receiver’s office. A victim of this crime would not only be affected by an untimely payment, subjecting them to penalties but in addition, the legal hardships to recover their funds. Bluecolored envelopes provided by the Tax Receiver’s office for taxpayers to send in their payments were easy targets for criminals to spot in mailboxes, mail bins, mailbags and mail trucks. Andy [Wittman] changed the envelopes to white-colored ones, camouflaging tax payments within the rest of the everyday bundles of mail.” Wittman’s website also shows his initiative with negotiating better interest rates to grow taxpayer money faster: “Growing money via interest is something we all do with our funds. Despite receiving more than a billion dollars annually in tax receipts, the town’s bank account paid only a few hundred-thousand dollars in interest. Andy renegotiated the interest rate with the bank and now the town’s account is earning more for taxpayers. In Andy’s first year in office, earned interest rose to nearly half a million dollars and in this current year will surpass one million dollars. This is money for Islip’s expenses
and emergencies, and assures the Tax Receiver’s office remains budget neutral.” Wittman’s website also shows his changes to the Tax Receiver’s online payment portal: “The Tax Receiver’s Payment Portal had not been updated for some time. While this service had been available for 10 years, many taxpayers were not aware of its existence nor the fact this site is a place for taxpayers to get copies of bills or view their official property information from the convenience of their homes, offices or mobile devices. In the ongoing fight to reduce tax and mail fraud in his first year in office, Andy rebuilt the Tax Receiver’s online payments platform. It’s now easier to pay taxes online. By promoting this feature, about 20% more taxpayers made payments online in the 20212022 tax year. That number rose roughly another 20% in tax year 20222023.” Going forward, Wittman’s website also lists his priorities if he’s re-elected, including digitizing more aspects of the Tax Receiver’s office and emphasizing cybersecurity: “It’s been more than thirty years since the Tax Receiver’s office last invested in computerized systems for keeping track of property taxes and land information for New York State’s third-largest town. Software and hardware now in use lack modern processing and workflow, which leads to complicated office procedures and customer service inefficiencies. Andy is working with the town’s Informational Technology staff to source 21st century solutions for managing the property taxes and land information of Islip’s Tax Receiver’s office, including secure but speedy software that integrates with other town departments, such as the Assessor’s, making cooperation easy while minimizing paperwork and errors. Andy is planning a complete overhaul of the Tax Receiver’s main website, which is separate from the Online Payment Portal. As the town’s #1 most visited online department,
SUFFOLK LEGISLATURE Safe Dem
Likely Dem
LD-09
LD-02
Leans Dem
Toss Up
Leans GOP
LD-17
LD-16
LD-01 LD-07
LD-15 LD-05 LD-18 LD-06
Likely GOP
Safe GOP 3,4,8,10 11, 12, 13, 14
he looks to build a true 21st century digital portal; a source to find one’s property information, to view easyto-understand tutorial videos and to order tax bills online in a convenient and friendly atmosphere available 24 hours a day.” The Messenger’s forecast for Islip Receiver of Taxes: Safe Republican Explaining Our Forecast The Town of Islip is Republicanleaning but not as Republican as Smithtown or Brookhaven. Currently, only one elected Democrat serves the Town: Councilman Jorge Guadrón (D-Central Islip) of the Second District. Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip), Town Clerk Olga Murray (R-Oakdale), and Councilmen John Cochrane (R-Brightwaters), Jim O’Connor (R-Great Neck), and John Lorenzo (R-West Sayville) are all Republicans. Additionally, since the Tax Receiver position, while elected, is not technically political compared to the other offices, constituent service and ease of access are the focal points of these officeholders’ tenures. Owing not only to the nature of the job, as well as Wittman’s landslide margin in 2021 and lack of active opponent this year, we believe he is a safe bet for re-election. We also expect all of Islip’s town offices that are on the ballot this year to be swept by the GOP. Wittman seems to be no exception to that apparent reality, especially as Suffolk County overall steamrolls into what is shaping up to be another red wave local election year.
History
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Thursday, October 12, 2023
America the Beautiful: How History Shapes our Electorate Oregon - The Beaver State
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
This is the thirty-four 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.
By Matt Meduri Known for some of its anomalous political contrasts throughout its history, and considered a swing state not that long ago, Oregon continues to display its stark urban-rural divide today. Early History - The Oregon Trail Oregon was first trekked by Europeans sponsored by the Hudson’s Bay Company in search of the Northwest Passage. Spanish explorations began in the mid-1500s and continued into the 1800s, as the maritime fur trade expanded in the Pacific Northwest, stretching from Oregon up to the Alaska panhandle. The Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled through Oregon after the Louisiana Purchase. Britain and the U.S. both lay claims to Oregon and the Pacific Northwest in general. Americans called the region Oregon Country, while the British called it the Columbia District, which was administered from Fort Vancouver - named for British Captain George Vancouver, who claimed the Oregon for Britain - for which Vancouver, Washington, is now named. The land battles escalated with the “fur deserts” the British created to siphon U.S. economic opportunity associated with fur trapping. Trapping was such an economic draw, that after the U.S. lost control of Fort Astoria, travelers found a separate passage through the Rocky Mountains, creating the Oregon Trail. Excessive trapping almost led to the extinction of the beaver population. Because of Oregon’s place as the center of the western fur trade, it adopted the nickname “The Beaver State.” The land conflict ended in 1846 with the signing of the Oregon Treaty, which set the U.S.-Canada border at the 49th Parallel, where it remains today. The Columbia District’s name would be used for the Canadian province of British Columbia and, with the capital Vancouver, effectively “recreated” the British claim of Oregon, but just on their side of the 49th Parallel. Meanwhile, in the U.S., Oregon was admitted as the thirty-third state on February 14, 1859. Industrialization and Progressive Politics “The Oregon System” Oregon played a small role in the Civil War, as Oregon Senator and Colonel Edward Baker led Union troops in the Battle of Ball’s Bluff in Virginia in 1861. Oregon’s First Volunteer Infantry Regiment was active from 1864-1867 and only guarded travel routes and Native American reservations during the war. An 1844 territorial statute outlawed slavery but also forced freed slaves to leave Oregon. Oregonians, although against slavery, did establish black exclusion laws. They did not want to be taken over by Southern plantations and forced to compete with slave labor. The black exclusion laws forced the black population out of Oregon, many of whom were freed slaves who arrived first in California, went north to Oregon for economic opportunity, and then went further north to Washington after being ousted by the laws. These laws were fully repealed by 1916. With railroads, Oregon’s lumber and wheat industries hastened the development of its cities. With close proximity to the Pacific Ocean and an outlet on the Columbia River Gorge, which would
become the country’s first designated National Scenic Area in 1986, the city of Portland became the urban hub for the state. The Progressive era in American politics would not have become as intense as it did without Oregon’s help. In 1902, the state approved a direct legislative system that allowed citizens to pass referenda and ballot initiatives. In 1904, the state would impose a direct primary system for elections, and in 1908, citizens were allowed to publicly recall elected officials. The so-called “Oregon System” became a blueprint that other states would follow as Progressive politics dominated the turn of the century. The Progressive era would also shed light on the unique set of stark conflicts Oregon has experienced, including, but not limited to: British vs. Americans, urban vs. rural, loggers and trappers vs. environmentalists, and political progressives vs. small government conservatism. Oregon would vote with the GOP in every election from 1860 to 1928, except for 1868 and 1912. Portland and the western corridor of the state, accounting for much of the fishing and logging industries, would solidly back the GOP, while the rural interior of the state aligned more with the Democratic Party. The state would remain healthily competitive until 1900, when the fading Populist movement turned Oregon into a one-party state for the GOP. Western Oregon’s Republican front was also facilitated by Yankee roots, as many who settled in the area were transplants from New England. This was essentially a large source of the intrinsic libertarianism that kept the state Republican-leaning for most of its existence and still persists today in the form of a more progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Oregon would back FDR (D-NY) in his four elections from 1932 to 1944; he was the first Democrat to win Portland’s Multnomah County with a majority of the vote. 1936 is the last time any presidential candidate swept all thirty-six of Oregon’s counties, owing to populist roots that sided with FDR’s stance on organized labor and public ownership. Oregon would then vote for the GOP in every election from 1948 to 1984, only going for Lyndon Johnson (D-TX) in 1964. Oregon’s political geography also paints a picture of its internal divide: 1964 is the last time a Democrat has won a majority of Oregon’s counties. In 1960, Richard Nixon (R-CA) became the last Republican to win Portland’s Multnomah County. Geography - Both Sides of the Cascades 1. Portland Metro - The bluest part of the state, a bastion of progressive votes and the reason why Oregon is no longer considered a swing state; suburban counties lean Democratic. 2. Willamette Valley & North Coast - Incorpo-
rates some Portland suburbs with coastal fishing and logging communities. Ancestrally Republican areas where working-class areas have trended right under Trump, but college towns like Eugene and Corvallis trend blue. 3. Southwestern Oregon - Once a blue-dog, union area, now has raced to the right under Trump. Coos County is one of the best national displays of the working-class abandonment of the Democratic Party. 4. Central Oregon - The dividing line between blue coasts and red inland areas. Home to the Cascade Mountains, intensely Republican counties, except for blue-leaning Deschutes County, home to Bend. 5. Eastern Oregon - Flat agricultural areas, part of the high desert, the most Republican part of the state. Malheur County has not backed a Democrat since FDR in 1940 - by only 29 votes. Current Political Leanings - Swing State on Paper Oregon last voted Republican in 1984 for Ronald Reagan (R-CA). Even in national landslides, Oregon’s more libertarian and progressive roots would be on full display as the GOP would only win by relatively slim margins. 1988 began Oregon’s streak with the Democratic Party, its longest one to date. However, the state would remain perennially competitive. Owing to its long history of divided politics, Oregon, on paper, would be one of the nation’s most prominent swing states, and it wasn’t that long ago that it was. In 2000, Al Gore (D-TN) won Oregon by 0.4% against George Bush (R-TX), the fifth-closest state that election. Fast-forward to 2020 and Joe Biden (D-DE) won by sixteen points. A third-party turnout in 2016 - which is common in Oregon, again owing to its roots - almost delivered a singledigit margin for Hillary Clinton (D-NY). Trump’s populist ideals would, on paper, be a great fit for the state, but the progressive overtones of the state easily overlap the populist ones. Outsized political influence leveraged by Portland also makes statewide contests for Republicans a serious problem. Nationalized politics don’t work here, but a more moderate message earns the chagrin of the national GOP, forfeiting muchneeded money and support. Today, Oregon is known for its unique industries. It produces 99% of all U.S. hazelnuts and is the nation’s leading producer of Christmas trees. It’s also home to several large college towns, fishing communities, logging, and tourism industries. Currently, Oregon accounts for the second-longest gubernatorial winning streak for the Democrats: no Republican has won a governor’s race here since 1982, although they came close in 2018 and 2022. In the U.S. Senate, the GOP lost their last seat, held by Gordon Smith (R), in 2008. Republicans last held both seats in 1995. With the state’s intrinsic habit of conflict on display, the state’s Senators have always been in contrast. The Republican icons Mark Hatfield and Bob Packwood of the 1960s-1990s would regularly buck the national party, but would still be deeply conservative on religious or fiscal fronts. Today, the state’s Democratic Senators represent the state’s divide, with Ron Wyden appealing to the working-class and moderate lean of the state, and Jeff Merkely being a staunch progressive. Trump’s populist message in 2016 led some to believe the GOP could finally recapture ground in Oregon, but the national GOP is too much for Portland to handle. Simultaneously, the national Democratic Party is too progressive for much of the state. An independent Robert F. Kennedy candidacy would probably benefit Trump more than Biden, but would be a drain on both parties’ voting blocs. For now, Oregon continues to host some of the most liberal and conservative voters in the entire country, but will likely be just out of reach for the GOP for now.
Around Town Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
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Thursday, October 12, 2023
Senator Weik Unveils Plan To Improve Surface Water Quality In The Connetquot River Watershed By Senator Alexis Weik On the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, I witnessed a disgusting algae bloom at the edge of the Grand Canal into the Connetquot River. These algae blooms are potentially extremely dangerous and caused by various water conditions. These conditions include excess nutrients and poor water flow conditions triggered by warm temperatures. It was a horrible sight that upset the Oakdale Community, but Grand Canal is a prime location for these types of conditions. It is truly a huge problem in the very heart of Oakdale. The canal impacts more than homes adjacent to it, but also the wetlands spread out throughout Oakdale and the Connetquot River. The County of Suffolk is working on the installation of sewers into parts of Oakdale; but sewers alone would not relieve the current condition of the Grand Canal, adjacent wetlands, and Connetquot River. The surface waters must be treated, wetlands revitalized, and institution of best watershed practices for the entire watershed. There are modern technologies, strategies, and management practices to restore the entire watershed. The resources are more available than ever with the $4.2 billion of funding from Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs becoming available during the next few years. This time to act is now, but first we must identify the problem and develop strategies to restore the watershed. Just as Suffolk County has done for Lake Ronkonkoma with the Lake Ronkonkoma Watershed Management Plan. The Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve Comprehensive Management Plan is a document that guides efforts to protect and restore the entire estuary from
Rockaway Bay to Moriches Bay and its important natural, recreational, economic, and educational resources. While many of the tributaries along the estuary, Swan River, Great Cove, Forge River, Massapequa Creek, Greens Creek/Browns River, and Beaver Dam Creek, have watershed plans that provided these communities with resources, there is no plan specific to the Connetquot River. The time has come for the Connetquot River Watershed Management Plan. The New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) provides funding for watershed plans through the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program for development of plans for specific waterbodies throughout the State. Watershed planning and associated restoration projects can improve watershed health and resilience to both environmental and human disturbances. The NYS DOS Office of Planning, Development and Community Infrastructure
aids in the development and implementation of watershed management plans. While it can be argued that communities can and should address their water quality and quantity problems individually, many problems are best addressed on a watershed scale, especially where watersheds cross political boundaries and involve more than one community. In this case, conditions within the Grand Canals impact the Connetquot River, Great South Bay, three parks (2 state and one county), and efforts of the South Shore Estuary Council. Watershed plans would ensure that the causes and sources of nonpoint source pollution are identified, key stakeholders are involved in the planning process, and that restoration and protection strategies are identified that will address the water quality concerns. The management plan would identify the boundaries of the watershed, provide a description of waterways, identify stakeholders, and highlight the sources, pollutant loads, and trend watershed. In short, a management plan would develop the playbooks to implement a team to act as partners to find solutions and secure available resources to the Grand Canal, adjacent wetlands, and Connetquot River. The management plan would provide both the short term and long-term plan. The watershed management plan would engage the community to understand the extent of the problem and see a pathway to real solutions. My recommendation is to organize a coalition of governmental partners, federal, state, county, and town with the Save the Great South Bay and Oakdale Civic Association to secure a NYSDOS funding for developing the Connetquot River Watershed Management Plan.
Legislator Flotteron Recognizes Islip Arts Council
(Left to right) Lynda A. Moran; Catholic Health Good Samaritan University Hospital COO John McMurray; David August, Legislator Steven J. Flotteron, Christina W. Macina, Reynard Burns, and IAC Board Member Waldo Cabrera (Credit - Office of Legislator Flotteron) Legislator Steven Flotteron (R-Bay Shore) recognized four honorees of the Islip Arts Council (IAC) at their Annual Directors Reception held at Trio at the Holbrook Country Club. This year’s honorees were Good Samaritan University Hospital, part of the Catholic Health system; Director of Heckscher State Park David Auguste; Christina W. Macina, IAC; and Founder and President of Reynard Burns Publishing Inc., Reynard Burns for their commitment to Healthcare, the Arts, Business and the community. Good Samaritan University Hospital has been serving the south shore of Long Island for more than sixty years with a longstanding reputation for excellence in the community, leading edge technology, expanding services, and increasing focus on academic excellence and clinical research. David Auguste brings more than twenty-nine years of experience in Parks and Recreation with a Master’s in Public Administration from Binghamton University. He has effectively managed decreasing budgets while taking on new amenities such
as disc golf and rental cottages for the County. He has streamlined park functions, cross-trained staff to perform various duties and regularly works with volunteer groups who help maintain the park. Christina W. Macina joined the IAC in 2019 bringing nearly 20 years of experience in not-for-profit companies and institutions. For the past five years, she has worked directly with the Executive Director of the IAC to strengthen internal controls and obtain grants for the many programs offered. In addition to being Founder and President of Reynard Burns Publishing Inc., Reynard Burns has more than forty years of experience in directing orchestras and teaching at the public high school and college levels. He has engaged in many projects and programs reaching large audiences. His compositions have been performed for several IAC programs and concerts, including Concert in the Parks and the Emersion Project “Flight,” featuring the story of the Tuskegee Airmen. He has performed across the United States and abroad.
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News Thursday, October 12, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Continued from front cover
‘Holds No Water:’ A Deep-Dive on the Sewer Bills with Legislator Caracappa
disingenuous and misleading the people with falsified numbers and creative math.” Caracappa also reminds the public of the previously earmarked sewer money being raided by County Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon) to debt services. “Where was Adrienne Esposito when the water quality money was going to debt services?” says Caracappa. “She was nowhere to be found. I have no use for Adrienne Esposito and her Citizens Campaign for the Environment. She has lost all her integrity, as far as I’m concerned.” Caracappa also takes aim at Dr. Gobler, who in several publications, including a March 2023 Flawed Legislation Newsday, has said that nitrates in coastal waterways is the most serious problem and that nitrates can “This entire piece of legislation is fundamentally cause certain cancers. flawed,” says Caracappa. “And once that came to “I asked Gobler on the record where he gets his light, I could no longer support it and neither could information,” says Caracappa. “What he’s saying is my colleagues, nor should anybody who truly has fear mongering. Nitrogen in our waterways is not an understanding of what this legislation is about. going to cause cancer.. We have only two wells out of There are multiple issues with this bill. The bill our 216 wells that have nitrogen issues, but they’re holds no water.” being treated. 1,4 Dioxane is a huge issue, and there Caracappa’s main objection with the bill is Legislator Nick Caracappa gestures to the forty-page bill against a are lawsuits that the SCWA is involved with and the eighth-cent sales tax that is said to create the mountain of materials necessary for understanding the problem. they’re successfully suing against polluters.” funds necessary for the wastewater overhaul. The (Credit: Matt Meduri) “What’s ironic,” says Caracappa “is that the people problem, however, according to Caracappa and the who came to the Legislature said that they wished Republicans in the Legislature, is that the math is 75% of the money could go towards sewers instead of I/A systems. Of course they want it, “creative” and misleading. it means more work and protecting the environment.” “The bill allocates amounts from the revenue collected from this eighthof-a-cent sales tax, the creation of a new sales tax, with no less than 75% of The Big Picture the funds to be allocated for Innovative Alternative Wastewater (I/A) systems - which rounds out to about 67% when administrative costs are accounted for,” “Sewers are the immediate answer, not I/A systems,” says Caracappa. “Nitrogen is not on says Caracappa. “The rest of the money after planning, development, fees, and the top twenty compound of concern of the SCWA. Nitrates are on the list but are commonly other costs, would go to sewers. That number got knocked down to around detected at non impactful levels. Nitrogen in our waterways cuts off oxygen, which kills our $12 million for sewers once all was said and done. I understand how important eelgrass - which is our natural barrier to tide levels - it kills our fish and shellfish, and creates it is to protect our sole source aquifer. I worked for the Suffolk County Water brown tides and algae blooms. Whenever there’s a storm surge, it closes our beaches, which Authority (SCWA) for thirty-four years.” affects our tourism and commercial fishing. Higher tides add to the problems of coastal Caracappa says that the numbers are “completely false.” waterway communities who have cesspools. When the water table overflows, it takes in human “They incorporated the creation of an eighth-cent sales tax in addition to the waste, and when the tides recede, it all gets washed out back into our waterways, creating all of existing quarter-cent sales tax that’s going to water quality,” says Caracappa. this havoc.” “They added funds from the Assessment Stabilization Reserve Fund (ASRF), but “According to Discover Long Island, we had over nine million overnight tourists,” says said the total funds for sewers were coming only from the eighth-cent sales tax Caracappa. “That generated $6.3 billion in revenue. That doesn’t include the millions of people increase. It was completely dishonest. I would say, put the eighth-cent sales tax who come over on the ferry to Port Jefferson or Greenport for just one day.” by itself on the ballot. Put the quarter-cent that’s already working on a separate Caracappa says that while the bill was developed in Albany over ten years, defined measure. Why would you want a sales tax that’s already working to go down “stakeholders,” such as environmentalists, labor unions, and scientists were invited to the table. with the creation of a new sales that most people are going to be against? The “Who are the true stakeholders of Suffolk County?” asks Caracappa. “The residents. Who creation of the eighth-cent sales tax for this resolution alone would generate represents them? The Suffolk County Legislature. Not one of us, of either party, were keyed next to nothing in sewer infrastructure.” in on the development of this bill with its author, Assemblyman Fred Thiele (D-Sag Harbor), or Caracappa also says that while I/A Systems are not unnecessary, they’re not with the state government. So the actual stakeholders had no real representation. They have the immediate answer and the portions of funding in the bill do not accurately not keyed any new Legislators as they have taken office over the years. There is no homereflect current demand. rule message in this legislation whatsoever. Had we been involved, we could have brought “We could have adjusted the percentages for I/A systems from 75% to at least information to the table.” 50-50,” says Caracappa. “In 2021, we had $1.5 million in grant funding to go to Opportunities anyone in Suffolk County who wanted to install an I/A system in their home. I was opposed to it because it’s not the immediate solution to our wastewater Caracappa says that in addition to protecting the environment, sewers are necessary for problems. I said to put the $1.5 million into sewer infrastructure where it’s downtown revitalizations that can allow Suffolk County to be a self-sustainable economy. He needed. It passed 12-6 in the Legislature. Will I/A Systems be needed in the says that developing shovel-ready projects will not only be a large catalyst for job creation, but future? Absolutely. I was all in for I/A money in the current bill until I read the downtown areas can host and attract more businesses and residents. earmarks.” “Go to Patchogue, Smithtown, Islip, Westhampton, Babylon,” says Caracappa. “All of these Of the 2021 grant funding for I/A systems, Caracappa says that of the $1.5 towns that put in sewers are now thriving downtown communities. That means jobs. These million allocated, only $90,000 only ended up being used. are opportunities to also live and stay in Suffolk County. Why would you not concentrate on “The $1.4 million was left on the table and the money expired because of lack the areas where sewers are needed? This creates opportunities for our young workers, we can of demand,” says Caracappa. accommodate waste capacity for restaurants, housing projects, and health facilities, the latter two of which will benefit our senior residents. We also remove blighted areas and bring in The Agitators businesses that collect tax revenue and pay salaries. When people are able to stay here, they spend their salaries here. Their taxes go to services and infrastructure in the county. It’s called Caracappa says that in addition to the intentionally dishonest language, sustainability, it’s common sense.” supporters of the bill don’t help the conversation. Caracappa says that ego and “We need matching dollars,” says Caracappa. “Preferably 80%-20% with Suffolk County politics are running ahead of public service. kicking in the lower number, and the state or federal governments kicking in the higher number. “We have had people, such as environmentalists like Adrienne Esposito of NYS has $4.2 billion set aside for environmental projects.” the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, and scientists like Dr. Christopher Legislator Caracappa highlights that a forty-page bill does not even remotely explain the Gobler of Stony Brook, acting like hired guns to come into the Legislature to ongoing wastewater conversations. It oversimplifies a much larger, impactful issue that no one tell us ‘we must give this [bill] to the public,’” says Caracappa. “On the surface, is truly standing against. The problems with the bill, according to Caracappa and company, it sounds like something you want to do, but I’m not about bringing flawed, are being used as political leverage ahead of this November’s elections. The mountains of disingenuous, nontransparent legislation to the public.” paperwork, research, and articles pictured with Legislator Caracappa is the realistic amount “We have a Democratic-controlled Senate,” says Caracappa. “This could have of materials needed to truly understand the entire problem. The forty-page bill he is pictured been fixed and on the ballot this November, but politics and ego got in the way. holding only highlights what he calls a “fraudulent and misleading” proposal that truly holds no The people who want to protect their egos insteading of serving the people need water. to be removed from office. If you don’t serve the people, you serve no purpose.” The Messenger thanks Legislator Caracappa for sitting down with us to take a much-needed Caracappa says that those who support the bill as currently written either deep-dive into this highly important issue. “didn’t read the bill, they don’t understand the bill, or they are all for being The Democratic Party has been relentless in their campaign attacks against Republicans, branding them as “anti-clean water” and “anti-environment.” But a further look at the bills, and a true deepdive necessary to fully understand the generational problem of water quality in Suffolk County, shows that the aforementioned explanation is demagoguery at worst and oversimplification at best. The Messenger sat down with County Legislator Nick Caracappa (C-Selden) for said deep-dive to truly understand the logistics surrounding this issue.
Falling for Fall Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Long Island’s Fall Foliage
This is the second of a weekly column for the month of October that looks to help readers enjoy the season of autumn by providing the best tips and information on scenic parks, fall-favorite activities, recipes, and more.
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By Kaitlyn Foley Long Island’s wine country is not only limited to the north and south forks. Right here, in the middle of the island, are some beautiful and robust wineries with delicious food, rich wine, and a view to gaze at. Harmony Vineyards is a wine and art lover’s dream. Located in St. James on the harbor, the vineyard’s tasting room gives new memories to the historical building, which was built in 1690. The vineyard is surrounded by trees changing color, and beautiful sunsets over the harbor. As an adult-only environment, Harmony prides themselves on their serene and soothing surroundings. On Friday nights, Harmony provides their guests with the Drink-In Theater, where their wines can be enjoyed while watching a movie. When reserving this special evening, select the 7:30p.m. seating on a Friday night (October 13 will be screening Practical Magic). Tickets are $36 per person which will be credited towards your bill that evening. Another amazing inland vineyard can be found in Sayville, on the John Roosevelt Meadowcroft Estate, Loughlin Vineyard. Also surrounded by trees, the large estate takes a more classic spin on Long Island Vineyards. Equipped with lawn chairs alongside the vines, visitors can sip the product while watching the next generation of grapes grow. The vineyard has been in operation since 1984, when Barney Laughlin, his wife and two daughters planted their first seeds of grapes. These grapes are said to have made the winery’s first vintage Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Loughlin Vineyard is now open for visitors on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00p.m. to 4:30p.m. Tastings come at $2 per wine, glasses are between $8-$10, and bottles go for $25-$35. Though they do not serve food themselves, the vineyard does allow outside food, along with leashed dogs and supervised children.
This Week’s
Pumpkin Spice Martini
Fall
Favorite Recipe
By Kaitlyn Foley
INGREDIENTS: 1/2 ounce heavy cream 1/2 ounce maple syrup (additional 2 ounces if making topping #1) 2 tbsp Pumpkin Puree (yes, canned is fine, we don’t judge) 2 ounces vanilla vodka 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 tsp of pumpkin pie spice (or your own mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice) 5 marshmallows (for optional topping #2, omit if not using) DIRECTIONS: In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients and ice. Shake well, about 15-25 seconds or until all ingredients are completely combined. Rim your martini glasses with a topping option. Strain into martini glasses. Top with pumpkin spice.
Fall Activities for the Kids
CREATE YOUR OWN FALL BOARD
Now that it is getting colder, and our gorgeous leaves are turning and falling, it can be difficult to get the kids outside. And as busy parents, it can be even more difficult to research and find creative games and activities for them to do in your own backyard. So, we’ve decided to do it for you.
Using cardboard or thick parchment paper, draw any shape you like (We recommend a pumpkin, apple, or even a tree if you’re artistic). Cut out the shape with a knife or box cutter to create a frame. Do not cut the edges. Pop out the shape, which can be used for another activity. With wide width tape, cut long strands the length of the frame and tape over the empty shape so that, from the other side of the board, the tape will be sticky. Send your child outside with the sticky board and have them locate pretty and colorful leaves to stick to the tape. If your children are older and learning colors, it can be a color coordinating activity by having them only put orange leaves on a pumpkin board, red leaves on an apple board, yellow on a sun board, etc. You can also use the boards to help your kids with math and counting.
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS: Topping 1: Before straining your martini, dip the rim of your glass into maple syrup then into crushed graham crackers for a sweet and salty touch. Topping 2: Microwave 3-4 marshmallows for 20 to 30 seconds, just until they expand, and the inside becomes gooey. Let sit out of the microwave until the outside of the marshmallows are cool. After washing your hands, dip your thumb and index finger into the marshmallows and stretch them into strings over the rim of your glass to create a web. *Beware: this will be sticky and messy, but worth it* Continue these steps until the strings form your desired spider web look. (See photo above.)
LONG ISLAND PRINT SHOP NEEDS BINDERY OPERATOR LI Print shop needs a Muller Martini Bravo-T Bindery Operator, F/T. Immediate hire, Good Pay & Benefits. Must be Reliable. Apply in person @ 14 Ramsey Rd, Shirley NY 11967 Call Kathy at 631-345-3800 ext.217 or email resume to: admin@atlanticcolor.com.
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Guest Column Thursday, Thursday, October June 1,12, 2023 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay There have been great strides in the fight against breast cancer in recent decades—the National Breast Cancer Foundation notes a 40% decline in breast cancer-related deaths between 1989 and 2016—and early detection has been cited as one of the primary drivers for this remarkable improvement. As such, Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes on an even greater significance as it helps bring much-needed awareness to one of the nation’s most prominent public health challenges. Here in New York, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers as it impacts close to 16,700 women each year, notes the State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Data shows one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. Thankfully, there are many great organizations working to combat breast cancer through early detection, free screenings and support for families going through a diagnosis. Here, close to home, I am especially proud of the work the Cancer Services Program of the North Country is doing to support counties in the region. The program, which is managed by Oswego County Opportunities, helps uninsured women as young as 40 and up to the age of 64 access breast and cervical cancer screenings. These services are critical to ensuring everyone, no matter what financial and economic situation they might be in, has access to critical, life-saving care, and they align with American Cancer Society recommendations calling for screenings for women 45 or younger, depending on individual circumstances. According to information from the NYSDOH, the causes of breast cancer are difficult to determine, but there is some consensus on certain risk factors associated with age, family history, hormones, personal behavior and others. Should you have any questions about these risk factors, it is advisable to seek medical advice immediately. Breast Cancer Awareness Month offers us all an important reminder to think about how we can help fight this terrible disease. Information is critical, and sometimes a simple conversation is all it takes to stop cancer in its tracks.
I am extremely proud of the work we have done here in New York and in our upstate communities to those ends, and I sincerely hope to see that great work continued in the coming months and years. 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 on Twitter at @WillABarclay.
Guest Column Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, October 12, 2023
It Is Time To Talk Seriously About Iran By Danielle Pletka | AMAC Outside Contributor In the early morning of October 7, Hamas terrorists attacked the State of Israel with thousands of rockets, hundreds of armed aggressors, and a civilian-focused campaign of murder and kidnapping. The attack was well planned, a surprise. As of this writing, at least 500 Israelis have been killed, and unknown numbers—including women and small children—kidnapped into Gaza. Why now? Because the leadership in Iran that has been closely coordinating the timing of this attack with Hamas believes that both Israel and its most potent backer are weak. The United States is riven by politics, led by compromised and elderly men with little tolerance for danger. And Israel, too, has been in the throes of one its greatest internal rows—a fight over judicial reform so corrosive that military reservists threatened to boycott any call up. Add to the mix the ongoing talks with Saudi Arabia and Israel’s growing acceptance in the Arab world, and the timing feels almost inevitable. More importantly: There are a few things that should be clear in what are certain to be the early days of an extended conflict. This is not about Palestinian lives or the liberation of territory; this is not about a military-military operation to establish dominance. This is about killing Jews. Hamas is not an independent organization. It is armed, financed, advised, and led by Iran, and, in part, subsidized by Qatar. That doesn’t mean that the group has no agency, but attacks of this magnitude are not independent actions. Right now, iconic buildings around the world are lit with the Israeli flag, a sign of solidarity in the initial shock of the attack. That will change quickly, particularly as Israel begins to retaliate as necessary against the terrorist infrastructure of Gaza. In truth, however, now is the moment of greatest clarity. Israel withdrew fully from Gaza in 2005. There are no “settlements” there, there is no Israeli government there; Hamas controls Gaza fully, with Israel at the borders. Faced with a choice about its future and the future of Palestinians under its control, Hamas leaders have opted to create a terror beachhead no less horrifying than the one that existed in Afghanistan under the Taliban and al Qaeda, no less primitive than the one that existed in Syria and Iraq under ISIS. Because the Palestinian cause is complex, the nature of Hamas and its allies and backers is, to some, more ambiguous than their Salafi brethren. But it should not be. It is not simply Israel that cannot tolerate terrorism and war. On 9/11, America came to a standstill over the death of 3,000 civilians in the most brazen attack in its history. The Israeli population stands at some 9.2 million people. A little rough math gives us a proportionate death toll of about 18,000 people if the attack had killed the same percentage of Americans. What would the president of the United States do? Hamas and its fellow Iranian proxy in Gaza and the West Bank, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, can no longer be tolerated. These groups must be destroyed, much as the US and its partners destroyed al Qaeda and ISIS. Unlike that effort, however, these groups cannot be allowed to resurge. Hezbollah, the world’s most potent, best armed, and most dangerous terrorist army must also be dealt with. But how? This is not Israel’s job alone. Nor is this simply about war. It must ultimately be about the question of Iran, the terrorist master state that facilitates the existence of the most sophisticated terror infrastructure in the world. It is time to ask the question about the continued tolerability of the Islamic State of Iran as currently constituted. Iran has a nuclear weapons program that will soon be ready on demand, and an intercontinental ballistic missile program that will soon deliver those weapons everywhere. It
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The Association of Mature American Citizens represents Americans 50 plus. AMAC is centered on American values, freedom of the individual, free speech, and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family, with benefits at all levels. AMAC plays a vital role in helping build the services that will enrich the lives of America’s seniors. AMAC Action, a 501 (C)(4) advocates for issues important to AMAC’s membership on Capitol Hill and locally through grassroots activism. To Learn more, visit www.amac.us
has proxy armies across the Middle East that terrorize all who surround them. It has established weapons manufacturing facilities from Gaza to Yemen and in between. Iranian actors and proxies have killed Americans, kidnapped Americans, and sought to sustain America’s enemies from Russia to al Qaeda. Iran is not simply Israel’s problem. What’s the answer? At the first, at least, an honest discussion of the problem. For as long as this regime exists, terror exists. Containment, the de facto Biden administration policy, is not working. Certainly, they came first for the Jews. But that is never where it ends. (Right photo) BEER SHEVA, ISRAEL - OCTOBER 07, 2023: A column of smoke at the site of a fallen Hamas rocket from the Gaza Strip.
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Thursday, Thursday, October June 1,12, 2023 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Middle Country Public Library Holds 20th Annual Women’s EXPO By Diane Caudullo The Women’s EXPO is a showcase and a marketplace for Long Island women entrepreneurs, consisting of artisans, importers, designers and distributors of products such as jewelry, clothing, fine art, pottery and wood/metal/leather/glassware, children’s items, culturally diverse crafts, fiber art, specialty food items, gift baskets, household accessories, and paper. The goal of the EXPO is to provide a venue for women entrepreneurs on Long Island to market their products, serving as a vehicle to promote economic development as well as networking among women entrepreneurs and women in the business and notfor-profit world. Upon entering, shoppers are immediately met by a welcoming committee and an entire section of baskets to be raffled. The entire library floor is overtaken by many tables of unique products, led by women entrepreneurs, that were on display for the thousands of visitors coming and going. Having gone each year for many years, it is both a great shopping experience as well as a fantastic community gathering. The EXPO has many familiar faces, both as vendors and as guests, as well as items such as Sweet Melissa’s homemade salsas, stuffed olives and jams, made by Melissa from what she grows on her own farm out east. The EXPO had booths of handmade jewelry, soaps, and others with manufactured items like pajamas and handbags. Some tables were real pieces of art. A particular example that stands out was sea glass molded into the shape of Long Island,
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SUFFOLK COUNTY LEGISLATOR TRISH BERGIN Wednesday, October 18th, 2023
10 A.M. — 2 P.M. Lakeland Fire Department Substation 2415 Motor Pkwy, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
which looked absolutely stunning. A wide variety of fun and unique items were steadily sold as shopping was in full swing, especially with the season of giftgiving right around the corner. The Middle Country Public Library should be commended as the whole event always runs so smoothly, being both successful and enjoyable for all. Shoppers were also provided a full luncheonette, to grab a sandwich or a cup of coffee, chat with friends and recharge to continue shopping. The community from all over Long Island always looks forward to this great October event.
News Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
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Thursday, October 12, 2023
St. Catherine Lights a Tree to Promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month By Peter Chidichimo It’s October again, which means it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is designed to promote screening and prevention for women. Breast cancer affects one in eight women in the United States every year and 2.3 million women worldwide. According to breastcancer.org, there were 685,000 worldwide deaths from breast cancer in 2020. Known best for its pink theme, breast cancer awareness features campaigns and programs sponsored by breast cancer advocacy organizations, local community groups and even professional sports. On Monday, October 2, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital in Smithtown highlighted the month by hosting its second annual “Light the Tree Pink” ceremony to launch Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The tree lighting is to honor all breast cancer survivors and those lost to breast cancer, said St. Catherine of Siena Hospital in a press release. This year, the tree lighting featured a guest of honor, breast cancer survivor Tara Dietz (pictured third from right) who shared her story about being diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. Thanks to early detection with a mammogram and ultrasound, Tara was treated and is now doing well. To be proactive with breast cancer, doctors recommend regular screening starting at age 40, or an age that’s appropriate based on your personal breast cancer risk, as discussed with your healthcare professional. Doctors now report they are seeing cases at an earlier age, making screening even more important.
Regarding her personal experience with breast cancer, Ms. Dietz had this to say: “Getting your mammogram or not getting your mammogram is possibly the difference between stage 1 and stage 2, so do self-breast exams, get to know your normal, and if you feel something is off, do not ignore it, trust your body!”
TOWNLINE RAIL: ABOUT C&D DEBRIS Townline Rail is a proposed alternative to trucking locally generated incinerator ash from the Huntington-Smithtown wasteto-energy facility as well as Construction & Demolition (C&D) debris off Long Island once the Brookhaven landfill is closed. C&D, by DEC definition, is uncontaminated debris generated from construction, demolition, remodeling and land clearing Typical C&D debris includes brick, concrete and other masonry products, drywall, lumber and roofing materials Materials not accepted as C&D include: asbestos, corrugated cardboard, fluorescent lights, electrical fixtures containing hazardous materials, furniture, tires, fuel tanks and household waste C&D debris in an enclosed facility or sitting short-term in covered rail cars does not present a threat to the aquifer Proposed Townline Rail Terminal
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Town News Thursday, October 12, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
East Islip Girl Scouts Changing Their Community for the Better By Kaitlyn Foley Girls Scouts of Suffolk County (GSSC) Troop 946 completed three silver award projects within one community refurbishing effort helping residents of Suffolk while also learning valuable lessons themselves. Troop 946 is a Senior Level troop of ninth graders in the East Islip division. The Girl Scouts worked on renovating a section of a Woman and Children’s Shelter for Domestic Violence in Suffolk County, building a library and playroom for residents’ enjoyment. “While the girls were brainstorming project ideas [for their Silver Award project] one of the scouts was passionate about working with domestic violence victims,” said Girl Scout troop leaders Christine Cappellino and Janice Galli. “Some others wanted to work with children. When we called up the organization to inquire about projects, they mentioned both the playroom area and the upstairs area that needed to be updated for the residents in the shelter. We decided this project would cover most of the girls’ ideas because it would include a way to help both children and adults affected by domestic violence.” The Girl Scouts raised funds to clean, furnish, and paint the library and playroom. According to Nicole Amorim, the local community came out in support to provide books, toys, and monetary donations to purchase furnishings. The month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, making the project’s fruition and completion a timely celebration. This project was meant to show the Girl Scouts that there are resources and organizations in their community that will help if they are ever in need of such things. “We also wanted them to learn empathy for others in difficult situations,” says Troop Leader Galli. “We loved that the girls were able to see the families in the shelter while we worked there because it brought reality to what they had learned about domestic violence and educated them on how serious a need we have in our area for these types of shelters. All of our visits there for planning and the renovation taught them that unfortunately, this shelter is always at capacity and provides a safe space for the residents. They were able to see that the families and children who reside there are regular people who just need help during a difficult time in their lives.” “I was able to see these two siblings’ faces as I carried the [play] kitchen into the house,” says Cora Cappellino, a girl scout of Troop 946. “They told me how
happy they were, and they played with the kitchen for so long without toys in it, for hours. It made me feel very proud.” Girl Scouts tend to be known for their beloved Girl Scout cookie sales; however, many people do not understand how important those sales are to the hundreds of other projects the scouts do. “Unfortunately, Girl Scouts is synonymous with cookies and not many see that with the purchase of cookies, they are helping to fund local troop activities,” says Amorim. For this particular project, almost half of the money raised from cookie sales was used for paint, furniture, building materials, and décor. “We also secured donations of additional paint and supplies from three local Home Depot stores and one very generous manager from Five Below, who donated her own personal funds,” says Troop Leader Cappellino. “One local company donated their time as well by scrubbing the floors. Several individuals in the community made generous monetary donations, stating that they had been in a situation where they could have used an organization like this at the time.” The Girl Scouts also held a collection drive within the East Islip elementary and middle schools where they collected books, toys, and crafts throughout last year’s school year for the project. “We also received help from our local Ancient Order of Hibernians—Division 7— who generously donated a 65” television and two bean bag chairs for the projects. We were able to leave two large containers of additional supplies at the shelter that they can use to replenish items in the future,” said the leaders. Troop Leaders Cappellino and Galli say that the organization is always accepting donations however the items needed vary throughout the year. “The girls are very proud of their work on these three Silver Award Projects. They worked so hard to complete their hours and made the shelter a better place for both the adults and children who reside there.” This project involved three silver award projects in one. Troop leaders explain there were three groups of three girls each and they all had a different focus. “One group was in charge of the books and reading areas, one group was in charge of sensory/calming areas and crafts for the rooms and one group focused on toys for various ages. We were fortunate that the girls were able to work in the same space for all three projects and support each other’s groups.” While working on their separate focus, the Girl Scouts worked together to create a wonderful space for residents. “When we finished renovating the shelter, I felt so amazing seeing all of the little kids playing with the toys we got for them and seeing how their faces lit up when they saw the new room,” says Girl Scout Sarah Buonincontri. “Not only the children but the mothers were excited too. I hope the library room we made will be a quiet place where everyone can relax, be comfortable and feel safe.” Buonincontri felt the excitement and relief from residents as they utilized the new rooms. Girl Scout Anna Holm says, “It’s nice to know that not only did we make the children happy, we made the parents happy too by providing safe and comfortable spaces for their children to play in while they navigate some challenging times.” “These people are survivors,” says Girl Scout Cappellino. “They had to go through horrible things. Now that they have been able to get away from it all, they can relax and try to heal from what’s happened. Not just that, but they are able to play, relax, and read, watch movies as well, and make happy memories while they are here.” Girl Scout Troop 946 made a significant difference in current residents, and future residents’ lives through this project, while also learning lessons about their community, empathy, and hard work for others. Their Silver Award was well earned, and The Messenger is proud of these young women and thank them for their service to our Suffolk County community.
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Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, October 12, 2023
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‘All the Time More Than Anything’: Local Author Releases First Book of Poetry By Kaitlyn Foley Local author, Emily Zogbi of Commack has published her first work of poetry: all the time more than anything, a collection of poems being released on October 20, 2023. The seventy-six-page collection of poems blur the dimensions of reality, fantasy, imagination, and possibility. According to Zogbi, it “is an interrogation of memory and ghosts, family and time, magic and fear.” The author draws the focus of the poems from women and the experience that being a woman is. “The book is populated by a chorus of women, talking all at once, who appear at the supermarket, on the beach, in a 7-11 parking lot, waiting for someone to come home, or hoping no one comes home at all.” The collection consists of women who walk in all different lives, experiencing all different things and connecting with all different people, yet each poem is sewn together by one common thread, they all only have themselves looking after them. Some seem to be by choice, others by circumstance. These voices of women feel familiar, relatable, yet explore the idea of things unknown. “A lot of the poems are personal pieces, where I write from the voice or perspective of a particular character or person, fictional or otherwise,” Zogbi tells The Messenger. “These poems feature the voices of Medea (Mythology), Cheryl Crane (Cheryl Crane Remembers the Flowers), Kitty Genovese (Things We Do and Have Always Done), Emma Hauck (Hypergraphia), Sarah Connor (Dream Cataclysm), even a corpse in a particularly dark poem called Before Being Found. Sometimes we hear from women I know, like my mother, my grandmother, a favorite teacher, or a childhood friend. The voices and the women vary: other figures include Janis Joplin, Emily Dickinson, and Anneliese Michel. All of these women populate the book, because they populate my life, either because I know them, or because of the books I’ve read, experiences I’ve had, or stories I’ve been told. “ Zogbi, who is a graduate of New Paltz and The New School has a B.A. in English and a MFA in Creative Writing (Poetry). She has earned multiple collegiate awards and has been published in a multitude of journals and publications. In her free time, she enjoys bad movies, estate sales, and collecting rocks. “I’ve always considered myself a writer, and I’d say that my interest in poetry began in middle school. But what middle schooler going through an emo phase isn’t somewhat interested in poetry, right?” Zogbi truly leaned into her craft in high school and college where her interest in spoken word and slam poetry flourished. At SUNY New Paltz, Zogbi competed in national poetry slam competition and decided to continue with the craft as she pursued her MFA. While obtaining her MFA, Zogbi was able to meet other writers and receive advice from other mentors. The Messenger was given the opportunity to read a few excerpts of the collection. In their own thought-provoking manner, each and every poem takes on a new persona. Lost Things is an organized frenzy of emotion, while Ode to a Scene in Moonstruck elicits nostalgia in its most complicated form. “Lost Things is special to me for a lot of reasons,
mostly because it is very personal and close to my family,” Zogbi tells The Messenger that while she does not have a favorite of her poems, she does really like Ode to a Scene in Moonstruck. “That one is particularly fun to read out loud, just like it was fun to write, which isn’t true for all poems.”
ghosts are bad. It’s more about the things and people we carry with us across generations, be it through trauma, grief, recipes, remedies, stories, heirlooms, and so on. “ “If you like poems about family, haunted houses, angry women, and superstitions, this is the book for you,” says Zogbi. These poems will entice the reader to explore their own existence, and imagine what their afterlife, and before-life, may have looked like. Throughout all the time more than anything, you will befriend spirits you didn’t know occupied your life and see yourself in characters otherworldly. Emily Zogbi’s debut collection of poems entitled all the time more than anything can be preordered online via Finishing Line Press (scan QR-Code) and will be officially released on October 20, 2023. The cover (pictured left) was brilliantly designed by Victoria D’Esposito. Zogbi has been working on all the time more than anything for many years. Some of the poems were written while she was in college, then reworked for the collection. “The collection sort of came together when I realized I had been writing a lot of poems around some consistent themes: family, womanhood, violence, memory, mental illness, etc. I had a solid pile of poems I felt complimented each other, and I did start writing poems specifically for the collection,” says Zogbi. Much of her inspiration for the collection comes from a simple question asked by Selah Saterstrom: “Can you write a haunted book?” “I liked the idea of writing haunted poems, but as I was building the book, the definition of ‘haunted’ started to broaden,” says Zogbi. “Those ideas wove together with stories of my family, folklore, and the fragile nature of memory and time. ’Haunted’ doesn’t necessarily mean scary and not all
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