HAPPY NEW YEAR Thursday, December 28, 2023 ~ Volume 69 ~ Issue Number 10 ~ $1.00
THE BEST OF 2023
Page 12 & 13
Government-Run Healthcare? Thursday, October 19, 2023 ~ Volume 135 ~ Issue Number 48 ~ $1.00
By Matt Meduri
Steve Englebright Denies Using Government Office for Medical Business
Two weeks ago, The Messenger exclusively reported on the financial disclosure statements of former Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) filed with the Legislative Ethics Commission that he filed during his time in Albany. The forms showed his personal investments in hydro-fracking ventures in Kansas and Texas while he was simultaneously sponsoring legislation to ban fracking for oil and natural gas in New York State. It calls into question his environmental bona fides while raising some ethical questions regarding potential investment conflicts. Now the former lawmaker faces new questions. Three weeks out from the 2023 local elections, in which Englebright is a candidate for Suffolk County Legislator, The Messenger can exclusively report on findings that may provoke legal interest.
Continued on page 8 Credit: Romaine for Suffolk
Endorsement Alert: Ed Romaine for
Page 10
Disclosure Forms Show Englebright’s Oil Investments
By Matt Meduri Perhaps one of the biggest upsets of the 2022 New York State elections was that of Ed Flood’s (R-Port Jefferson Station) ousting of long-time incumbent Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket). Englebright served in the Suffolk County Legislature from 1983 until his 1992 election to the Assembly. Englebright served there until his defeat last year. Englebright’s downfall was in part due to perception of his lack of connection to community as well as the rapidly-changing political lean of northern Brookhaven. The coattails of Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) in his near-upset gubernatorial win are also credited with Englebright’s loss. Continued on page 3
Kicks 4 Cancer: Hauppauge’s Most Cherished Event’s 15th Anniversary
Magzter
By Kaitlyn Foley Every September, students sulk with the idea of going back to school. However, in Hauppauge, the sulking quickly comes to an end as soon as the date for Kicks 4 Cancer approaches. This year, October 3 hosted the town’s event, filling the day with pink in every form possible. “Say it, fight it, cure it!” sings through the hallways as the schools Kicks 4 Cancer fight song. The boys and girls varsity soccer teams played in their annual pink games, the boys at 4:00p.m. and the girls at 6:00p.m. against Westhampton. Both teams came out on top and let up zero goals for the other teams. Leading up to Kicks 4 Cancer, the school district has a “spirit week” to garner more excitement for the event. Students dress up daily according to different themes throughout the week. The final day, Kicks 4 Cancer, is Pink Out. Everyone wears as much pink as possible, including spray painted hair and pink stickers. The soccer teams have their own pink uniforms for the event, and they continue wearing them throughout the month of October. The tradition of Kicks 4 Cancer in Hauppauge began in 2008 to honor and support Courtney Tompkin, a beloved Hauppauge High School student diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of seventeen. Courtney was a junior in high school when she was diagnosed and passed away just shy of a year later. She was known to be a beautiful person inside and out, who had positive charm and resilient character.
A Community Effort All-Around
By Deana D. Boles
Continued on page 15
*
Soundview Opens New Center Page 20
Page 12 & 13
Thursday, October 5, 2023 ~ Volume 135 ~ Issue Number 46 ~ $1.00
‘Mister Environment’
‘Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point’
Angela Pollina Convicted
On Friday, March 10, a jury convicted Angela Pollina, 45, of second-degree murder and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child in the case of Thomas Valva. Thomas, an 8-year-old Center Moriches resident, died in January of 2020 of hypothermia after being forced to spend the night on his freezing garage floor. His father, Pollina’s fiancé, Michael Valva, former New York City Police Officer, was convicted last year of the same charges and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. “The cruelty that Thomas and his brother had to endure because of this defendant’s callous and selfish conduct is abhorrent, and thankfully, the jury clearly agreed,” said District Attorney Ray Tierney. “Her treatment of these children was nothing short of pure evil. This defendant will now face the consequences of her actions and will experience her own imprisonment just as she forced these boys to live imprisoned in a freezing garage. Unlike Thomas and his brother, Pollina deserves this punishment.” Throughout her trial, prosecutors accurately unfolded the pain and torture both Thomas and his brother Anthony endured. Text message exchanges between Pollina and Michael Valva were presented in which Pollina insisted the boys sleep in the garage, with no permission to use the bathrooms inside. For months, the boys slept in the garage of their Center Moriches home. Continued on page 16
Continued on page 16
Smithtown Debate
It’s a Wrap!
Justice for Thomas Valva:
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Paws of War Rescues New Pups!
MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2022
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, March 16, 2023 ~ Volume 135 ~ Issue Number 17 ~ $1.00
The beauty of local politics is that we often get to see our own elected officials out in the field every day, truly making Suffolk County a better place to live. From our local State officials, to our County Legislators and Town Councilmembers, and everyone in between, we truly appreciate the transparency, openness, and accessibility. But transparency, openness, and accessibility go deeper than just what meets the eye. It’s more than press conferences and speeches. It’s about delivering results, not just on big-ticket items, but year over year on the items that seem innocuous, but really preserve our culture and make Suffolk County a place to truly call home. It’s said that it’s the little things that truly count, but we can’t call governing the largest municipality in the state by area and the second-largest municipality in the state by population something “little.” Supervising Brookhaven is comparable to governing an entire state, and a complicated one at that. With such a massive responsibility that has been handled with professionalism and integrity by a true Suffolk native, The Messenger is proud to endorse Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) for Suffolk County Executive for 2023.
and
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
Messenger Movies
Suffolk County Executive By The Editorial Board
Celebrating
COLUMBUS DAY
FULL STORIES ON:
Writer-Director Tyler Taormina (Smithtown High School West, ’09) mapping out a scene filmed at Red Acre Farms, of St. James.
A New Era in Hauppauge!
Leslie Kennedy ‑ Rob Trotta
The Messenger
Takes to the Skies
Gabreski’s First STEM Camp a Success!
Page 13
Thursday, August 24, 2023 ~ Volume 135 ~ Issue Number 40 ~ $1.00
Exposed...Again... Former P.D. Chief Arrested in Prostitution Sting By Matt Meduri
“Countless families and community members opened their homes and businesses through the night to help keep us warm. I’ve filmed all over the country, and I’ve never experienced such kindness, selflessness and generosity. There’s just nowhere like Long Island.”
The crew pictured filming at Cella Bagels of Selden.
Producer Krista Minto, Smithtown East Class of 2008
Continued on page 22
By Michael J. Reistetter …and this is just the beginning.
(Left to right) Sgt. Brian Quattrini, Chief Stephen Laton, Commissioner Rodney Harrison.
One of perhaps Suffolk County’s most scandalous figures has solicited his way back into the public eye. Although former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke left much to be desired during his tenure at Yaphank, his notoriety continues to precede him, primarily as information regarding the long-unsolved until now - Gilgo Beach murders. However, Tuesday’s ordeal reeked less of conspiracy and intrigue and more of humiliation, desperation, and bad manners. Burke was caught at a county park allegedly petitioning a male for sexual relations while exposing himself. Instead, the encounter quickly changed course as he was arrested on charges of solicitation and indecent exposure. Burke, 59, was processed at the Sixth Precinct in Selden on Middle Country Road Tuesday afternoon. A brief press conference by Commissioner Rodney Harrison was held during Burke’s processing. According to Harrison, the department was conducting a regular prostitution sting operation using plain clothes officers at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park on Bald Hill in Farmingville due to complaints about activity in the area. “At 10:15 a.m. today, during this operation, we engaged one individual who was soliciting for sexual engagements,” said Harrison. “Due to the actions which I am not going to share, this individual was placed under arrest. Rangers ascertained that the perpetrator involved was James Burke, former Chief of Suffolk County Police Department.” Harrison shared the charges: “He is being charged with offering a sex act, indecent exposure, public lewdness, and criminal solicitation in the fifth degree. Additional charges may be pending.
Continued on page 3
NYSNA Nurses at St. Catherine’s Vote to Ratify Contract
THE YEAR IN REVIEW By Kaitlyn Foley
View of Southampton from the gunner’s seat of the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter (Inset: The HC-130J Combat King II)
*All current paying subscribers are eligble. By Matt Meduri
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney made the breaking announcement as fellow lawmen and surviving family members of the victims stood beside him.
Attorney’s office, the “married architect, father of two” is also the prime suspect in the death of Maurine Brainard-Barnes as well— thereby making up the entirety of what’s been referred to as the found boundby-burlap “Gilgo Four.” Waterman was last seen at the Holiday Inn Express off of Hauppauge’s Exit 56 Expressway service road before placing an ad for her escort services via
Craigslist on June 5, 2010. Waterman is the same victim upon whom, according to a focal reveal of the many unveiled during the Tierney-led presser, multiple hairs were found that matched DNA extracted from pizza Heuermann (mugshot above) had discarded in the trash outside his Manhattan office in January of this year. Continued on page 10
FULL STORIES ON:
While Long Island is known for its many hidden gems - the Island itself is often considered one - most residents are aware of these and it’s up to the tourists to discover the nuances of our home. Suffice it to say, it’s unusual for residents, many of whom are born-and-raised Long Islanders, to discover hidden gems of the place they have called home for so long. One unique characteristic of the Island is the Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard (ANG) Base in Westhampton Beach, just ten minutes south of Riverhead. A mere mention of this base usually results in a local’s surprise that such an asset exists in relatively plain sight. However, Gabreski is not just an Air National Guard Base; it’s also the home of the 106th Rescue Wing (RQW), who provides worldwide combat search and rescue coverage for the U.S and its allied forces and also provides peacetime humanitarian search and rescue support in addition to disaster relief for federal and state authorities. The brave men and women of the base fulfill the roles of pararescuers, pilots, firemen, mechanics, and logisticians who successfully carry out operations that can result in a matter of life and death when called upon at a moment’s notice. Continued on page 3
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VETERANS DAY
Blood Drive at Smith Haven Mall Page 3
Romaine Outraises Opponent Page 11
Campers on the loading ramp of the HC-130J Combat King II
FULL STORIES ON:
Tri-M Music Honor Society Best in State!
Page 15
Page 10
ROMAINE VICTORIOUS
Page 18
Continued on page 10
(Photo right) NYSNA nurses speak for better working conditions.
FULL STORIES ON:
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Officer Vargas Wins First Boxing Title and Belt
Local Soccer Team High Cost of Medical Ranked #1 in the U.S.A. Malpractice
Thursday, November 9, 2023 ~ Volume 135 ~ Issue Number 51 ~ $1.00
After nurses at St. Catherine’s of Siena Hospital in Smithtown voted powerfully to authorize a strike, Catholic Health joined the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) at the bargaining table on Thursday, August 17. Since the first opportunity to negotiate their contract on June 30, nurses have been united and committed to their goal of gaining safe staffing and fair wages. They’ve packed out every negotiation room, marched on the CEO, and had an overwhelming 98% vote supporting the authorization of a strike to show their seriousness about their demands. This dedication and hard work paid off last Thursday when Catholic Health and St. Catherine’s agreed to a tentative agreement to improve nurse-topatient ratios and respectful wages for nurses. This relayed into a Tuesday ratification of the contract by 89% of the NYSNA nurses.
Angels On Long Island Page 22
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
PSEG Helps Return Osprey to Nest Page 11
Messenger Spotlight
Long Island Fight for Charity
Middle Country Gettysburg - A Time & Place For Refection Summer Music Festival Page 22
GOP Flips County Executive Office and Forms Supermajority in Legislature
Professional Boxer and Suffolk County Police Officer Alex “El Toro” Vargas, 24, of Bellport made Long Island proud earlier this month when his fourteenth consecutive win earned him the WBA Continental USA Super Lightweight title and belt.
(Pictured) Executive-elect Ed Romaine addresses supporters after being declared victorious in the County Exective race. By Matt Meduri
The Suffolk County Republican Party had its third consecutive favorable election Tuesday night, as Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) routed Dave Calone (D-Setauket) by a whopping fifteen-point margin for the open county executive seat being vacated by term-limited incumbent Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon). Additionally, as Romaine cruised to victory, the GOP formed a supermajority in the Suffolk County Legislature, by flipping two seats, even while losing one. The 2023 elections are just one in a series of successful election years for the Suffolk GOP since it came under the leadership of Chairman Jesse Garcia. The first significant election cycle occurred in 2021, in which the GOP captured the Suffolk Legislature for the first time in nearly fifteen years
and the District Attorney’s office for the first time since 2002 with the election of Ray Tierney (R). The 2022 elections are considered a strong year for the GOP as well, as then-Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) shocked the country with a near-upset of Governor Kathy Hochul (D) while the GOP took control of all Long Island Congressional districts for the first time since the 1990s and expanded their caucuses in both chambers of the state legislature. Tuesday night’s Patchogue rally was headlined by Chairman Garcia and Conservative Party Chairman Mike Torres and opened by Lee Zeldin, all of whom were fired up and created an energetic, optimistic mood as results began to pour in. continued on page 12
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Inzerillo
Lohmann
McCarthy
Varricchio continued on page 13
Smithtown Messenger
Brookhaven Messenger
“I always wanted a career that gave me purpose and a reason to go to work every day, and being a Suffolk County police officer is simply that.” - Officer Alex Vargas
Page 24
By Kaitlyn Foley It was a night of great fights, loud crowds, and lots of fundraising. Long Island Fight for Charity went off without a hitch Monday night, November 20. Ticket holders and pay-perview buyers watched ten tough fights between the volunteer boxers, who have spent the last eight months fundraising for various charities around Long Island. Throughout the night, there were a total of twenty boxers fighting in ten bouts. The first two bouts consisted of professional boxers who were in the ring for three two-minute rounds. The rest of the bouts consisted of three one-minute rounds. Every boxer was able to have a minute of rest after each round. As they train for their fight, boxers who sign up are expected to raise $10,000 before heading into the ring on the night of the main event. All of the boxers were able to earn that goal, and some surpassed it with flying colors. There was a mix of emotions for first-time boxer Gina Farese before her fight in bout five. “I was excited, and then I was nervous, and now I’m excited and nervous.” Farese has been training since May; however, no amount of punches on a bag or in sparring can prepare anyone for the real thing. Farese was this year’s top fundraiser, raising over $100,000 for LI Fight for Charity, The Genesis School, Breast Cancer Awareness, and Long Island Home Builders Care. “I surrounded myself with really great people, I have some really great charities that I am giving to between Breast Cancer and Long Island Home Builders Care,” said Farese. Farese provided one of the largest and loudest crowds of the night. Groups of people held up signs of her face, all in support of her endeavors both in fundraising and the fight. “To me, that was the most important part.” The Messenger spoke with Farese before her fight to see how she was preparing to get in the ring. “I think there is a lot of just trying to maintain your breathing and focus. When you have so many people around, you’re trying to hear just one voice, and that’s your coach.” While training Farese tried to focus on drowning out the distractions around her. Through the noise she knew she was going to have to hear only one voice to help her through the fight. “It was the biggest thing for me to overcome, from the first time I hit a speed bag to today, that was my biggest challenge.” After the fight Farese told The Messenger it was easy to drown out the crowd. She was so focused after stepping into the ring that hearing her coach’s voice was soon the only thing she could hear. Farese fought Alyssa Smith of Middle Island in the fifth bout of the evening.
By Kaitlyn Foley “It’s something every single pro fighter wants and I’m proud to be one of them that was capable of winning one,” Vargas told The Messenger. “It felt amazing to win my first title belt.” A sold-out Paramount saw the winning fight against Julio Rosa, of Puerto Rico. Rosa was tough competition, knocking Vargas down in round one. However, El Toro took his nickname to heart, pulling out the win after eight rounds. El Toro means “the bull” in Spanish, a mentality Vargas keeps in the ring. “Bulls endure a lot in the worst situations and do not give up for one second,” he explains. Vargas has been boxing since he was a child, beginning in his basement at the early age of six till he was old enough to join a real gym at age nine, although Vargas’ parents say he’s been throwing punches since he was a baby. “My father would always watch boxing on television, and I remember seeing Mike Tyson fight and immediately wanting to be a fighter after that.” He quickly went on to make a name for himself as an amateur boxer, winning the Junior Olympics twice, New York Golden Gloves, and the Florida State PAL Championship all while under the age of eighteen. After high school, Vargas put boxing aside to continue his education at Suffolk Community College for his Associate’s Degrees, SUNY Cortland for his Bachelor’s, and the Institute of International Languages for his bilingual certificate. However, he soon returned to boxing after earning his degrees, advancing to pro-ranks in 2018. Boxing was his top priority for a few years, until a different dream came true with one phone call. “I always wanted a career that gave me purpose and a reason to go to work every day, and being a Suffolk County police officer is simply that.” Vargas was called to the academy after a long three years of waiting, but this also meant taking a long hiatus from boxing to focus on his training. “It was extremely tough to step away from boxing at that point because big opportunities were coming. I don’t regret it one bit though, I have an amazing job now and it was well worth it.” Vargas graduated from the academy in August of 2022, hoping to return to the ring within the year. His first fight back after the academy may have been one of the toughest for Vargas. His opponent, Mauro Godoy, was a well-seasoned and more experienced pro boxer, and Vargas was fresh off an 18-month layoff. “My initial thought to fight Godoy was ‘let’s do this.’” Vargas wasn’t worried about Godoy’s record. “I just know what I’m capable of and I work extremely hard, so I was confident. Did I think ring rust would maybe play a factor and be in the back of my mind? Absolutely. But over eight rounds, I was confident I’d settle in pretty quick.” Despite all that faced him, Vargas showed up at the Paramount with skilled footwork, agility, and quick movement which won him the fight against Godoy and led him straight to his first Title and Belt fight just three weeks ago. Rallying in his corner for both his fights at the Paramount was Vargas’ family, along with hundreds of fellow officers from the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD). “It wasn’t just the precinct, it was the entire department that was supporting me, purchasing tickets, posting me,” explains Vargas. “That was a really good feeling and shows how much of a family the SCPD is. From bosses to my coworkers on patrol, it was just amazing. It gives me great motivation because I don’t want to let them down and I want to represent the department in the best way I can.” Lou Civello, Second Vice President of the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association (PBA), commended Vargas for his successes both in the ring and in his community and testifies to the family-like nature of the PBA. “Whether it’s in the ring or on the job, Officer Vargas commands the respect of those around him,” said Civello. “His toughness, quick thinking, and calm under pressure make him both a great boxer and an excellent police officer. His PBA brothers and sisters cannot be prouder of his championship win and to call him one of our own.” Vargas plans to continue being the best he possibly can in both his boxing career and his law enforcement career. However, for now, he is excited to enjoy the holidays with his friends and family and continue to get acclimated to being an officer. “I go into work not knowing what will happen that day but hoping to come out of it being able to help anyone I can in any way I can and also give them a positive outlook on police officers.” Vargas is a serious contender for the WBA Top 15, which would present him with the opportunity to fight for the main world title. “For now, I’ll just continue to stay in shape until that time comes.”
Thursday, November 23, 2023
Gina Farese (blue) throws a punch at Alyssa Smith (red) (Credit - David Conn)
Islip Messenger
Robert McBride (red) and Tom Gibson (blue) (Credit - David Conn)
Robert McBride, of West Islip, is not only the second top fundraiser of the event, but he is also the oldest boxer that fought in the ring this year. At the age of 63, McBride raised over $60,000 for Education and Assistance Corporation, Operation Healing Forces, and Winters Center for Autism, along with LI Fight for Charity and The Genesis School. “I can take a couple of lumps for them, that’s for sure. They are very worthwhile charities that all deserve the money,” says McBride. McBride is also a first-time boxer, though he has been a fan of the sport all his life. “This brings back memories of my dad, God rest his soul, he would have been here. I remember watching the Fraizer-Ali fights together, so this is in my father’s honor, in a way.” McBride grew up in Brooklyn to Irish-Immigrant parents, two people to whom he attributes his hardworking nature. He honored them and his Irish culture Monday night, by wearing an Irish flag on his robe. Those who came out to support him wore “fight crew” tee-shirts colored with green, white, and orange and waved Irish flags. McBride fought Tom Gibson of Glen Cove in bout three of the evening. Long Island Fight for Charity is more than just a fundraising event. The process of volunteering as a boxer, working to meet the fundraising goal, and meeting fellow community members and businesspeople who care about
our Island is what makes this event so special. They call it the “most unique charitable fundraiser” not just because it is a boxing match, but because it connects our residents through a common goal: boosting up our community. “If anything, the best thing is the people that I met through this, the things my kids got to learn from this, the way it brought my business together. My whole team is here to support this event. To me, that is everything. At the end of the day, for me to be able to show my kids that when I go to work, it’s more than just work, it’s more than just a paycheck. It’s building a reputation and a community,” says Farese, who involved her children and employees in many of her fundraising events for the fight. In a recent interview, Farese told The Messenger that many of her events allowed women in construction to feel comfortable networking with fellow industry professionals. It provided them the opportunity to meet new people and collaborate with like-minded individuals. The excitement, positivity and sportsmanship throughout every fight was contagious. The crowd was exhilarated with every hit, galvanizing the fighters through each round. Each and every boxer should be proud of the work they’ve put into this event. There wasn’t a single loser that stepped out of that ring Monday night. “Overall, it’s been an amazing experience. I was told before I got involved that this would be life-changing and I can absolutely say, it was life-changing,” says Farese.
Courtesy of NYSNA
Before an expectedly packed press turnout at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department in Yaphank, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced a monumental arrest shortly after 4:00 p.m. on Friday. The previous day, a grand jury-indicted, 13-years-long elusive suspect, whom the 2021-elected prosecutor extraordinaire is confident he can convict, had finally been detained. Rex Heuermann, 59, was detained and charged as the perpetrating murderer in the long-stalled, now-promptly intensified Gilgo Beach serial killer investigation. Authorities converged on the lifelong native of Massapequa Park — which sits just across the bay from the aforementioned South Shore, Long Island site that produced upwards of 10 dead bodies of disappeared individuals, including eight woman (predominantly sex workers), one male dressed as a woman, and one child across 2010 and 2011 — nearby his place of work, RH Consultants & Associates, on the busy streets of midtown Manhattan. The new household name of the most heinous order faces life in prison without parole for the slaughtering of (at least) a trio of twentysomething sex workers — Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Costello and Megan Waterman — if convicted. Per the District
Page 12 & 13
Courtesy of Matt Meduri
Courtesy of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department
DA Tierney’s Taskforce Nabs Suspected ‘Gilgo Four’ Serial Killer
Page 10
Thank You Smithtown, St. James, Selden and Holbrook Fifteen locations total across the four participating towns were used— categorizing the shoot as a logistically complicated effort. Thanks Pages 12 &13 to the outpouring of helping hands from the respective communities, filming was thoroughly completed at each stopgap without a hitch and Assistant Director David Croley Broyles on schedule. One local organization, amongst several that and members of the Smithtown Fire Dept pictured during the contributed a great deal, was the Smithtown Fire Department, which the production exclaims they big parade scene. will be “forever indebted to.” “The Smithtown Fire Department provided countless resources, like traffic safety materials and warming vans, COVID testing and PPE supplies, generators, ladders, machinery to cut through heavy metals needed for set construction, and even an old field training car to smash for practical effects. Not to mention the water needed to make fake falling snow! Without them, one of the most beautiful scenes in our movie would not have happened: the holiday parade,” said Minto.
Credit: Matt Meduri
Cold Case No-More
Magzter
Pages 12 &13
Smithtown Library Endorsements
As The Messenger first broke in early January, Michael Cera (Superbad, Arrested Development) is starring and producing, alongside other A-list talent and up-and-coming performers.
Courtesy of New York Jets
By Dylan Flynn
For every high school boys sport, there is usually a girls counterpart. But football is one of the few sports at the high school level that does not have an option for girls. Until now. Last year was the inaugural season for the Jets Girls Flag Football League on Long Island, with 8 Suffolk schools taking part. Amityville, Center Moriches, Longwood, North Babylon, Sachem East, Sachem North, Walt Whitman and Ward Melville will be joined by 16 more teams, including Hauppauge High School. The Hauppauge team will be headed by coach Steve Mileti, the varsity football coach for West Islip. “I live in Hauppauge and I’ve always been involved in the football program,” Mileti told The Messenger. “When I realized there was an opening, I just put my hat in the ring and I was very excited Hauppauge hired me for the job.” Continued on page 26
Thursday, July 20, 2023 ~ Volume 135 ~ Issue Number 35 ~ $1.00
Page 8
Red Acre Farms Owners Jaime and Tyler Ostling
As was the buzz around town to start off the year, suburban Suffolk County played host to a most exciting project. The holiday film Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point shot from February 15 to March 20 in Smithtown, St. James, Selden and Holbrook. Beautifully enough, it was written and executive produced by a pair of Smithtown natives who made it all the way to Hollywood, only to bring their new friends home with them for the holidays— and for their biggest project to date. Tyler Taormina (Smithtown High School West, ’09), directed the film, which he co-wrote with childhood best friend, fellow Smithtown West graduate Eric Berger, and Kevin Anton. The trio and their L.A.-based production company Omnes Thursday, August 10, 2023 ~ Volume 135 ~ Issue ~ $1.00 Films linked Number up with quite a38 few old friends from the neighborhood, and a new one from across the river, to pen what Long Island locals are proud-with-bias to predict could very well be the next Christmas classic. “We still cannot find the words to thank the countless Long Islanders that helped make this movie happen,” producer Krista Minto (Smithtown High School East ’08) shared. Reads the film’s plot description on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb): “On Christmas Eve, a family gathers for what could be the last holiday in their ancestral home. As the night wears on and generational tensions arise, one of the teenagers sneaks out with her friends to claim the wintry suburb for her own.”
Girls’ Flag Football Team Prepares to Kick-off its Inaugural Season
The Messenger’s Crystal Ball
“We loved to see so many Smithtown alumni that were a part of the crew...[who] worked hard all hours of the night. It was nice to get asked by the producer if they could use our space, and right away we knew it would be a great opportunity to showcase our community.”
By Michael J. Reistetter
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Thursday, December 28, 2023
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Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, December 28, 2023
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Local Leaders say ‘Hell No’ to Hochul’s Housing Plan By Brian R. Monahan - Originally published 1/26/23 Following Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D) housing proposal in the 2023 legislative planning and construction for the 880,000 units for the entire state, a far cry from session, local leaders were quick to denounce the move as an aberration in the what critics say is necessary. 100-plus years of ‘home rule’ in the state. Wehrheim and Panico pointed to sewer projects in their towns that cost As previously covered $150 million and $232 million, by The Messenger, the respectively. Smithtown’s plan would call for housing project is merely for its stock on Long Island to three business districts, and increase by 3% over three Brookhaven’s is for the Forge years, compared with 1% River Sewer District. for the rest of the state. “The development If passed, the plan could we’re doing is the type be used to supersede local of development that’s zoning and environmental welcomed by the civics; it’s review processes. In Suffolk welcomed by the people who County, newly elected live and work locally,” said state Senator and former Supervisor Angie Carpenter Assemblyman Dean Murray (R). “We’ve created that (R-Medford) appears to housing… in a responsible be leading the charge, manner that is responsive to organizing a noon press the community.” conference at the Perry B. Most participants Duryea State Office Building stressed that they were at the in Hauppauge on January 20. table ready to negotiate with It was then when the governor on affordable a delegation of mostly housing, urging the governor Republican elected officials, a representative of Vision Long Island, Eric Alexander, to include local stakeholders in the conversation. and The Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties At the same time, the Regional Plan Association (RPA), among other called ‘Housing Compact’ proposals an “overreach.” organizations, sees a tremendous problem with Long Island’s housing options. In “We all agree that we have an affordable housing problem,” said Murray. a 2020 report, the RPA listed numerous challenges facing the region, “including “What we don’t agree on is how to fix it.” a shortage of affordable and rental housing, an exodus of young adults, and The delegation stressed the importance of villages, towns and cities having meeting the housing needs of a growing elderly population.” the ability to govern their municipalities and create local zoning laws, and grant One issue many proponents of affordable or low-income housing point to in building permits for urban plans based on the unique needs of the communities terms of further development is the, at times, “restrictive” local zoning ordinances. they represent. “Between full-on bans of multi-family homes, and onerous zoning and Echoing these points, Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim added, “I can freely approvals processes, they make it difficult, even impossible, to build new homes,” tell you that we are manufacturing affordable housing, but to the extent that is Hochul stated earlier this year in her ‘State of the State’ address. possible based on infrastructure. In Smithtown alone, over the past five years, Outside of the confines of the press conference, Citizens Campaign for the we are approaching 450 rental units – 10% of all those units will be affordable as Environment – a Farmingdale based environmentalist group – added to the state law dictates.” growing list of concerned “Most of my town does parties. not have sewers, and anyone “We agree housing who drove here can tell you costs and rental costs need the roads need a lot of help,” to be addressed; however, added Supervisor Ed Romaine just building more does not (R) of Brookhaven, with both achieve the important goal of him and Deputy Supervisor affordable housing,” stated Dan Panico (R-Manorville) Adrienne Esposito, executive discussing the development director of Citizens Campaign done throughout the town, for the Environment. “To especially in Patchogue. assume that if we build more “Governor, before you start on Long Island, suddenly talking about more housing, builders will build more how about the infrastructure affordable units is a myth.” to support it? How about Local officials from electrifying the rail? How about across the state managed making sure the roads work? to sink Hochul’s ‘auxiliary How about sewers? We live on dwelling units’ proposal last an island which water comes year, a proposal which was from beneath our feet,” said arguably less intrusive in Romaine, in reference to Long some respects. With Albany Island’s sole source aquifer. now in full swing, it remains Her plan offers to be seen what the future municipalities a combined holds for home rule and local Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R) with local officials at a January 19 press conference. total of $280 million between zoning.
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Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, December 28, 2023
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NEW MEMBERS NEEDED
AMERICAN LEGION VETERANS STILL SERVING AMERICA
The William Merritt Hallock American Legion Post No. 155 115 Church Street Lake Ronkonkoma, NY Is looking for New Members
We meet at the Post twice a month 1st Tuesday of the month at 1:00 pm and the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm. We have a social hour with snack one hour prior to the meeting. Our meetings generally run about one hour. We take part in our local community parades and street fairs. We usually have three social functions with family and friends each year. We participate in a number of patriotic ceremonies. If interested in joining our Post and meeting some fellow veterans, stop by on a meeting day with a copy of your DD214. You can visit our website at: AmericanLegionWilliamHallockPost155.org
Best Editorial
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Thursday, December 28, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Dark History Prompts Difficult Questions Originally published 8/24/23 In today’s world of infinite information, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to be certain of the validity and legitimacy of the information we receive. Because of this, it almost seems as if we have varying realities that govern our decisions, apart from our political ones. What movies or products should we boycott or buy in bulk? Should we trust teachers with our children or remove them from the public world altogether? Which version of reality should we choose to repeat among our inner circles, and which one will earn us the chagrin and grimace of those we once thought were close? The preferred answers to these questions are not really answers, they’re more or less combat plans. Instead of keeping logs and learning history, the knee-jerk responses usually consist of “misinformation,” “conspiracy,” and some type of rage or bias based on sex, race, or religion. Growing up, most of us were taught that there is no such thing as a “stupid question.” Now, it feels like we’re considered stupid for simply asking questions. Instead of substantively answering legitimate points of concern or curiosity, we’re reduced to slapping labels on those concerns for the fact checkers to swoop down like technocratic vultures and humiliate you on social media, or hive-minded individuals parroting a mainstreammedia-peddled response that only discourages cooperation and debate. These responses prey on the busy, two-jobs-required society that swallowed our passions and hobbies years ago and relies on short-term memory and sensationalism over true stupidity. Most major “news” is akin to nothing more than supermarket tabloids and word-of-mouth water cooler gossip. As rumors of conspiracy, intrigue, and corruption swirl, there’s two common responses we hear: “I think that’s a little out there,” and “At this point, I wouldn’t put it past them.” Both are fair, but at the same time, neither are truly valid. They’re essentially both based on confirmation biases, wherein we search for what we expect or already know and apply predetermined opinions or knowledge to formulate an end result with which we can go to bed comfortably. These rumors have been swirling endlessly in Suffolk County since one of the coldest cases was cracked earlier this summer by District Attorney Ray Tierney: the infamous Gilgo Beach Murders. A sordid crime spree that rocked the nation, the typical questions of a serial killer’s motive and the delays in linking evidence to suspects arose. However, as a suspect has been obtained, the questions now move to why there was nearly a ten-year lapse in linking evidence to the suspect. Some cases remain cold for decades; a lot of solving it is connection-based and reliant on being in the right place at the right time. But what if it truly wasn’t that simple? What if there truly is more behind, not only Gilgo, but other cases of different calibers? This isn’t to insinuate that all the same players in one are necessarily involved in the other, but as names become crossed, it becomes more difficult to ignore and brush off as “conspiracy.” And on Long Island, the largest small town in the nation, everyone somehow - knows everyone. Wouldn’t it be wise to be on your best behavior at all times? The arrest of disgraced former Police Chief James Burke might only answer
some of the aforementioned questions, but it certainly speaks to the last one. Burke’s sordid past goes back to the 1990s, where he was known to have frequented with hookers in drug-fueled trysts while in his police car , in uniform, and on duty. While we all certainly make mistakes and have our own demons, somehow this was not enough to prevent County Executive Steve Bellone from appointing Burke Chief of Police. The degenerate behavior continued as the abuse of power created a powerful “inner circle,” by which many decisions were made within the upper echelon of the Suffolk Police Department. It is also said by many within the police department and county government that Burke ended the department’s cooperation with federal authorities investigating the Gilgo Beach murders. Additionally, it’s common knowledge that aristocrats and elitists have disposed of prostitutes because they view them as disposable commodities and not people with pasts and problems. One of Tom Spota’s last prosecutions before his 2017 resignation for obstructing the federal probe into Burke’s abuse of power was that of John Bittrolff. Bittrolff was a Manorville carpenter whose DNA was linked to the bodies of three prostitutes whose bodies were dumped in East Patchogue, Shirley, and North Sea. Rita Tangredi, one of Bittrolff’s sex worker victims, had a daughter who was friends with Melissa Barthelemy, one of the Gilgo Beach victims whose death was allegedly attributed to Rex Heuermann. According to Barthelemy’s mother, Melissa had many calls to Manorville on her phone. Bittrolff is considered a suspect in the outstanding victims of the Gilgo Beach murders. If common denominators like these are presented and hardly refuted by anyone, where exactly does logic take us? While it doesn’t necessarily mean something in and of itself, it also doesn’t mean nothing. It’s food for thought and it should be treated as such without cries of “conspiracy,” “misinformation,” or inherent bias. A critically thinking nation will find the truth with a good memory and an entertainment of every possible scenario and outcome. Furthermore, when it’s a small world, but a smaller Island, we should all be on our best behavior. Burke’s apprehension by police for soliciting an undercover cop and exposing himself is almost too good to be true when the crimes with which he was charged require DNA samples taken by the precinct upon processing. Here’s a friendly piece of advice from your local newspaper: if you see an advertisement for an escort service, it is almost certainly a sting operation set up by the police department. Someone who had a career in the police department should, on paper, know that. If there is something brewing related to the “palace king’s” past, it will turn up in due time. Did Burke purposely botch the investigations for reasons political, personal, unknown, or all of the above? “It seems a little out there.” Is it the most unrealistic hypothesis? “I wouldn’t put it past him…”
Community Spotlight Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
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Thursday, December 28, 2023
The Road to Redemption By Kaitlyn Foley - Originally published 8/24/23 Rob Weisberg, a local hero, mental health advocate, and community volunteer, decided to hike the Appalachian Trail as a therapeutic endeavor these past few months. After suffering from PTSD and suicidal thoughts, he broke himself down, and built himself back up stronger through the power of physical and mental exercise, community support, and nature. The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is a national scenic hike extending from northern Georgia all the way to Maine. The trail passes through fourteen states and is a total of 2,180 miles. “Each year, thousands of hikers attempt a thru-hike; only about one in four makes it all the way,” says the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. “Completing the entire 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail in one trip is a mammoth undertaking.” Weisberg began the trail in Georgia and hiked northbound.
In order to plan how to get to each place of shelter from the trail, Rob would have to time his hike and ensure there is a road crossing to be picked up and shuttled to his temporary residence. “If I can’t reach out to anybody, we’d be hitching rides,” explains Rob. “This was my first time hitchhiking ever in my life. There were times, like down south where it’s still considered acceptable, you put your thumb out and they’ll pick you up. That was the funny thing about it, you know, it’s just a normal practice down there.” Preparing physically and mentally is just as important as planning out the logistics. “You’ll want to quit a few times a day,” Phil Baily, an REI Outdoor School Instructor told Explore. “But if you tell yourself that you’re just doing the trail for the experience, going as far as you need to get what you need out of it, each day seems a little more significant.”
The Inspiration
The Goal
Rob is a local hero. As a volunteer firefighter in Commack, Rob used his experience to lend aid during the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the World Trade Center. He was in the city for his day job in accounting when the attack occurred. He knew he needed to do everything he could to help his fellow New Yorkers, so he went to the fire house across the street from the Twin Towers and volunteered for one of the most dangerous tasks in our history. What Rob witnessed and experienced changed his life forever. Racked with survivors’ guilt and suffering with PTSD, Rob struggled to find normalcy after the attack. His symptoms set in almost immediately. “For me, 9/11 wasn’t just that day,” Weisberg explains to The Messenger. The day immediately following, Rob experienced a loud crash that made him jump. “That was my first confirmed moment of ‘Alright, this isn’t good.’ 9/11 wasn’t a day for me, it was an event.” Rob participated in the rescue recovery for months following. He felt as though everyday had something new in store for him. “It was always one thing after another, after another.” Rob was an Eagle Scout growing up and has always loved nature and camping. He has thought about hiking the A.T. since he was a kid. Rob always had the ability to connect with nature, allowing him to be happy while outdoors. His friends have even told him while out in nature, “we never see that smile anywhere else.” “With my PTSD and everything, it went from being something that I wanted to do, to something I needed to do.” Rob was severely struggling with his mental health and suicidal thoughts prior to his trip. “I just figured, let’s give this a shot. If anything’s going to work this would be it.” Instead of going out for just a weekend or week trip, Rob planned a nearly six-month hike through the country beginning March 11, 2023.
Rob set out on his journey with a few things in mind to accomplish. Mental health’s negative stigma can make it difficult to talk about. As Rob told The Messenger in a previous interview, “When it comes to mental health, [people feel like] they can’t talk about it. There is such negativity around it. The brain controls everything and it’s the one thing you can’t talk about.” Rob is dedicated to breaking this stigma, making people feel comfortable opening up and seeking help. He used this goal as motivation to be more candid about his experience. Rob’s Facebook page, Rob Weisberg Appalachian Trail Hike is practically a personal diary filled with his thoughts, feelings, and struggles. Through social media, he quickly became an inspiration to others. On his Facebook, he posted: “I have been asked so many times, what am I personally looking to get out of hiking the trail? I have been thinking about this question for a long time. For such a difficult question, the answer is actually pretty simple. I just want to be happy. My PTSD has negatively impacted SO MANY aspects of my life. Controlling chronic anger is exhausting. As I mentioned in prior posts, my anger has negatively impacted so many relationships. Just being happy will have such a positive impact on my relationships with my family. My PTSD has also made me feel like I have been in a state of mourning for over 20 years. I would feel guilty if I was enjoying myself. I just could not get past that day. How could I be happy when so many people were hurting? Being happy is an inalienable right for any living creature on this planet. I didn’t do anything that should have caused me to give that right up. It’s time to open the curtains and let the sun shine on my face without feeling guilty.” Rob ultimately wanted to reach one person, “to help them not head down the trail I was headed and do something irreversible.” On the hike, Rob met two people who thanked him for his openness regarding mental illness. First, it was a young man who confided in Rob while hiking. “He told me, ‘Go find your number two’,” Which, he then did in a Vietnam Veteran who has been struggling but found comfort in Rob’s journey.
The Planning For a trip like this, preparation can make or break a hiker, however it is also impossible to plan everything perfectly. Rob planned his days based off of terrain, weather conditions, and shelter. “People don’t realize the logistics is just as much work and just as hard as the actual hiking,” says Rob. Throughout each part of the trail, it is up to the hiker to decide how much they can accomplish in the hours of daylight they have. Experts recommend averaging twelve miles per day, according to explore.com, and if a hiker comes up short, they’ll need to make it up another day. Hikers struggle to find water in areas of the trail. As Rob hit Pennsylvania, he encountered many droughts, making his water supply dwindle and difficult to replenish naturally, even after detailed planning of water sources. Throughout the trail, there is also limited cell service.
The Community Towns located on the A.T deeply respect the thruhikers who come by to seek shelter and nourishment. “People would see us walking through their towns with our packs. They would be like ‘Can we take a picture with you? Do you need anything? Do you need a ride somewhere to pick up supplies? People were offering stuff left and right.” Rob felt the kindness and respect these locals had towards the hiking community. In the beginning, Rob went out on the hike by himself.
However, during his journey, he met other hikers and formed relationships with strangers that he met from all over the country. While in southern Virginia, Rob met a few hikers who invited him to hike with them, however Rob had things he wanted to work on personally. “I said ‘listen, I need to clear my head, I need alone time, so if you’re cool with me hiking by myself during the day and then we’d meet up at night, that would be great.” Rob was able to find companionship while still being able to work on his mental health. Rob smiles ear to ear while telling his story of being in Unionville, New York. He and eight other hiking buddies were looking for a place to sleep as a storm was rolling in. “This one guy was like ‘you guys looking for a place to stay?’ We said ‘Yeah, do you have a barn or something we can sleep in?’ He goes, ‘Well I have a barn, but just sleep in my house.’ So, he took in nine hikers that night.” The same man bought all nine hikers’ dinner that evening as well. While hiking the trail, people can burn between 4,000 to 6,000 calories a day and constantly need to replenish, making any type of food a necessity. The kindness of strangers throughout the hike often involved homemade cooking and goodies for the road. “A lot of places were like that, asking ‘What can we do to help you guys be successful and safe?’” The Hike Rob recalls Shenandoah National Park as his favorite section of the hike. He enjoyed its beauty, roadside areas, and blackberry milkshakes. As a lover of animals, Rob was able to interact with plenty along the A.T. Witnessing deer, bears, racoons, porcupines, and snakes. One night in a lean-to, a raccoon tried to share his shelter with him. “I was sleeping and all the sudden I felt something grabbing my leg. I thought it was a bear, so I was kicking and screaming, then I grabbed my phone and put the flashlight on, and it was a raccoon.” Rob hit the halfway point of the trail on June 20, at 1,100 miles. He posted on Facebook in celebration: “I know the worst is yet to come, but every day I am getting stronger physically and mentally! By the way, there is a tradition on the trail to do a half-gallon ice cream challenge at a general store at the trail’s midpoint. Needless to say, I crushed it in about 24 minutes. One hiker puked. Rookie!” The hardest area of the hike for Rob was up in New England, as the terrain is very rocky and steep. However, the mental challenge of the hike may have proved the toughest for others. “There are people who bagged it just because they couldn’t take the rain. Well, it is what it is. I take my scouts hiking and I would tell them, ‘Do you want to be cold and wet, or do you want to be cold, wet and miserable?’ Because you’re going to be cold and wet, how do you handle it?” Rob’s Redemption Due to an injury, Rob had to leave the hike early. He made it most of the way, hiking a total of 1,852.5 miles. “I was out for five and a half months to process a lot of junk in my head and put a lot of those feelings behind me.” Rob tells The Messenger that he believes he accomplished the biggest goals he set out for himself while on this adventure. The biggest one: being happy. “When I started my hike, I was hoping to get my life to be the way it was before 9/11 and my PTSD. I learned I can’t go back. However, the trail has helped me to manage it better. I am looking forward to getting home to my family. I am sure they will see how the trail has changed me for the better!”
County News
8
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Mattera, Stern Bring Caracappa’s Crash Site Clean Up Law to State By Brian R. Monahan - Originally published 6/22/23 Building on the effort of Legislator Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), Senator Mario R. Mattera (RSt. James) announced that the statewide legislation he sponsored along with Assemblyman Steve Stern (D-Huntington) that will require tow truck operators to clean up debris at crash sites has passed both the Senate and Assembly. The legislation (S.5430/A.7110), which will now be sent to Governor Kathy Hochul’s office to be signed into law, will help provide motorists with clean and safer roadways following an accident. Legislator Caracappa enacted a similar law for the County of Suffolk last year and worked with Senator Mattera to bring it to the entire state. Currently, there are no statewide standards regarding vehicle accident clean-ups, with some roads being littered with debris that endangered public safety. “Legislator Caracappa led the way on this important subject, and it is a great concept that will help protect all motorists across our state. With our drivers having to continually deal with all sorts of incidents and road conditions, the simplest way to help make their drive smoother is to ensure that those who take the vehicles away from a scene provide them with clean and safe travel conditions,” stated Senator Mattera. “Special thanks to Assemblyman Stern for his efforts on this.
And my deepest appreciation to ABATE of New York for their support and consistent work to raise awareness of this important issue for the safety of all motorists, including our motorcycling public.” “I am pleased that Senator Mario Mattera and his colleagues in New York State have aligned themselves with this important public safety initiative. The safety of our residents and our families is our number one priority. By requiring the removal of accident debris, we can drastically reduce what is a potentially dangerous situation for motorists and even more so for motorcycle enthusiasts traveling our New York State roadways. Having this Local Law pass in New York State reinforces our combined commitment to the safety of our roadways and the public who use them,” said Legislator Caracappa. In October of 2022, the Suffolk County Legislature unanimously passed Legislator Caracappa’s “Crash Site Clean-Up Bill” that mandated tow truck operators clean up debris at crash sites to ensure that Suffolk County has safer roads. This was after finding that accident sites are often left in unclean and unsafe conditions once truck operators and emergency personnel leave. The success of that bill inspired Senator Mattera to do the same for the entirety of the State of New York. His legislation requires that all tow truck
Senator Mario Mattera (third from left) and Legislator Nick Caracappa (fourth from left) at the October press conference, where Mattera promised to bring a similar version of the legislation to Albany.
operators throughout the state be equipped with the necessary tools to effectively clean up debris from the areas of towed vehicles after accidents. Tow truck operators are now required to have shovels, brooms, containers and other necessary equipment to collect any debris from crashes. Additionally, oils, coolants, gasses and other liquids must be removed with a liquid-absorbing substance to make sure the road is completely clean and dry to prevent damage to vehicles or more accidents from occurring. All clean-up operations are required to satisfy the judgment of the police officer or other authority on the scene. The cost of this law is not felt by the public as all cleaning services are added to the towing fee of the individual(s) involved in the accident.
News Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Development Proposal for Ronkonkoma Midway Crossing Discussed
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By Deana D. Boles - Originally published 4/20/23 Long Island Metro Business Action (LIMBA) held an informational event discussing the Ronkonkoma Midway Crossing Project on Friday, April 14. The event, hosted by Chair of the Midway Crossing Local Development Corporation, Mitchell H. Pally, at the Candlelight Diner in Commack, explained the many benefits that the Ronkonkoma Midway Crossing Project would offer to the economy and to Long Island communities. Pally was appointed as Chair by County Executive Steve Bellone, Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter and Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffery in hopes of engaging partners in town and county efforts in building the proposed multi-prong development. From 1975 to 1983, Pally served in various capacities to the New York State Senate Committee on Transportation and the Legislative Commission on Critical Transportation Choices, eventually becoming the Chief Counsel to the Committee and the Commission from 1983-1985. He played a key role in the drafting and passage of legislation that brought forth the national seatbelt law and child restraint law. In his current position, Pally focuses on rebuilding the area that is south of the Ronkonkoma train station, and north of Long Island’s MacArthur Airport. The area is currently occupied by a variety of parking lots. “The project is designed to be a multi-phased, multi-pronged ability to provide three things that Long Island desperately needs at the moment,” Pally said. “First, is a convention center exhibition hall.” Pally expressed that the need for a convention hall on Long Island has been talked about for over 45 years. Many Long Island companies admit that not only is the Javitz Center in Manhattan too expensive of a venue, but it is also far too big for the intended purposes. In addition, many are looking to avoid the New York City commotion to instead reap the benefits of a similar, more logistically sound center with a Long Island locale. The construction of a convention center will also give the Long Island Farm Bureau the ability to host the New York Farm Bureau Convention— something that they have been unable to do over the past 20 years. Per the Midway Crossing team’s proposal, a hotel is also desired for construction in relation to the convention center for two reasons. One, there will need to be a place that holds the keys to the convention center. Two, the hotel will help pay for the expense of the convention center. Roughly three weeks ago, the Suffolk County Legislature passed the hotel/motel tax. This tax, which goes into effect on June 1, puts an increase in tax on rooms at various hotels and Airbnb’s. Therefore, 75% of fees and taxes will be paid by nonLong Islanders or guests who occupy the hotel. “The second phase of the project is a life sciences project,” Pally continued. “Life sciences is becoming
a major focal point in the metropolitan area. We have a variety of life sciences companies on Long Island that need space— both lab space, office space and the ability to do other activities with that. So, our goal is to build a life sciences center using the focal point of Brookhaven National Lab, Stony Brook University, Northwell and a variety of other companies that already exist on the island—putting them all together. As part of that, there will also be a STEM center for education for our young people because the goal is to get our young people into these types of jobs and activities now so that when they graduate, they will stay on Long Island and be part of that.” With the creation of a life science center at the Ronkonkoma Train Station, employees will have an easier commute and can live conveniently by their place of work, says Pally. Across the street, TriTech is building 1200 market-rate apartments — 500 of which are already occupied. Pilgrim State, located by the Deer Park Train Station, is also said to be in the process of development, which would give commuters another option, as far as being conveniently close to their job at the new life science center. “The third piece is the movement of the airport terminal at McArthur Airport,” Pally noted. “As you know, there is a significant difference both as the crow flies and how you have to get from the train station to the terminal.” The Corporation has expressed interest in building a new terminal on the north side of the airport that would be within walking distance from the train station. This would increase traffic to McArthur Airport, which has recently been the topic of discussion regarding the conversion of the existing terminal into a customs terminal. This would allow McArthur to become an international airport. While the airport is an entity of the project, it is perhaps the most complexly attached— as it will have its own financing laws and rules due to the renovations occurring on airport property. The LDC, or Local Development Corporation, that Paley is a part of, was formed to give the project more credibility. LDCs are authorized in New York State to enhance economic development and business opportunities. Having an LDC would allow for a better way to lease land, provide financing opportunities, and to market and coordinate the various activities that will be held.
This is a long-term, deeply intricate process, with construction eyed for 2025. “A few like-minded community members saw the [original] project and thought: “this is a monster,’’ Greater Ronkonkoma Civic Association President Sal Napolitano told The Messenger on Wednesday. “We thought the community should have input,” Napolitano added. Impacted residents have naturally been divided on the proposal. “I know I am probably in the minority for us ‘old people,’ but I am all for growth and advancement and improvement,” said Vic Barsotti, of Ronkonkoma, “Sure, we will have more traffic and congestion, but we wouldn’t have the LIE or the Jones Beach Theater or the UBS Arena if you listened to purists only. Build away!” “No. Absolutely not,” said Patty Armine, of Holbrook. Armine opposes the Ronkonkoma Midway Crossing plan because “Lincoln Avenue over here already suffers from so much congestion from the train station. It is the street that everyone utilizes to get to Vets Highway, Sunrise, even the Expressway, so you can imagine the chaos here especially during peak times at the railroad. “Then,” Armine adds, “if McArthur starts with international flights—forget about it. It will be a nightmare. This will take away from our quality of life. We have been a quiet neighborhood, with a lot of kids too, and building all of this will hurt the residential area severely. Please don’t do this.” Drawbacks considered, consequently, Pally has acknowledged that one of the major challenges of the project is financing. Local infrastructure improvements will have to be made as far as sewer, water, electricity, energy and even highway modifications—not to mention the fact that skeptical citizens local to the area like Armine must still be convinced of its essentiality. Steadfast with commitment to his vision, Pally advised attendees that an application has already been made to the state of New York for money from the Long Island Investment Fund. So far, the county has granted $1 million from the state for the planning and design of the convention center. Senator Schumer has also granted $5 million for parking alternatives. “If you’re asking how you can help, that’s the most important thing you can do at the moment,” Pally urged. “Talk to your elected officials, your county legislature, your state senators, your state assembly person, your governor’s office, and let them know how important it is for the state of New York to be in the lead to provide these funds.” Pally advised that once the state buys in, private entities will soon follow with confidence, making the project more sustainable. The LDC will host its first organizational meeting during the first week of May. In this meeting, they will review and pass the different resolutions required by New York State. From there, the master development agreement will continue to be negotiated. The county, the town and Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) are currently in discussions on how this project will move forward.
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County News Thursday, December 28, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Keeper of the Lake: New Position to Maintain Lake Ronkonkoma Announced By Matt Meduri Originally published 8/3/23
County Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon) at podium with officials from across the county. Lake Ronkonkoma has long been a talking point on clean water, accessible and presentable public spaces, and ecological care and maintenance. While the history of Lake lives fondly in the memories of generations’ past, the recent state of the Lake has left much to be desired. What was once a center for recreation and one of the hallmarks of a Suffolk County summer was reduced to a trash-filled kettle hole that was so mishandled by local officials that many are currently unaware of how fondly this Lake was once looked upon. Just as the Lake falls in the center of the Venn Diagram of good public stewardship of our shared spaces, the Lake also falls in the geographic center of Long Island, bordering Smithtown, Brookhaven and Islip, the latter two of which are the Island’s most populous townships. As a result, to usher in Water Quality Month at the tail end of Lake Appreciation Month, officials from all three townships, various offices of Suffolk County, and community organizations with vested interests convened to announce the creation of a new Countylevel post: Suffolk County ‘Lake Keeper.’ “We knew we had to clean up this treasured body of water and restore it to its former glory,” said County Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon) at an August 1 press conference on the northwest shore of the Lake at Lake Ronkonkoma County Park. The idea of the post is similar to that of a caretaker or groundskeeper, but with an added emphasis of ecological expertise and understanding more than just cleanup and presentation. Bellone said that the Keeper is “going to be somebody who is passionate and dedicated enough. Expertise is great, but to me, it’s irreplaceable to someone who cares and gets it, and really wants to do a great job for the environment.” Bellone outlined the primary responsibilities of the position: “The Lake Keeper will work to identify and secure federal, state, and local grants for projects that will directly benefit Lake Ronkonkoma, along with being tasked with implementing projects identified in the Lake Ronkonkoma Watershed Management Plan. These projects include preventing illegal dumping
and discharges, leading beach cleanups with the local community, and conducting water quality testing to drive science-based analysis of the Lake. The Lake Keeper will work with all community organizations, our local municipal partners, county, and state officials, who have all prioritized the cleanup and restoration of Lake Ronkonkoma.” Bellone also outlined recent efforts to curb nitrogen pollution and algal blooms in the Lake, as well as controlling stormwater runoff, stabilizing the Canadian geese population, and implementing and upgrading septic systems for the park and nearby town parks. Legislator Trish Bergin (R-East Islip) of the Tenth District took the podium after Executive Bellone. The Tenth District encompasses the majority of the Islip border of the Lake. She thanked several members and groups involved in the restoration of the Lake and spoke of how recent generations have not been able to enjoy the Lake to its fullest potential. “My son took a lifeguard test last week and he said: ‘Mom, I can’t believe you swam in that [Lake] as a kid.’ I said that it wasn’t like that when we were kids. We really do hope we can bring back the water quality to Lake Ronkonkoma, so generations to come can enjoy the lake just as we did when we were kids.” Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) of the Twelfth District spoke after Legislator Bergin. The Twelfth District contains the entire Smithtown and Brookhaven borders of the Lake. “This Lake is the upper glacial layer of our aquifer, and we know, with all our technology and equipment, what’s in it, we know what’s down there. This Lake Keeper position will be our savior and will also only cost us money for two years. After that, it’s their responsibility to get grants to fund their salary.” Kennedy also spoke of her requests for the prospective Lake Keeper, in that the candidate must have experience dealing with freshwater systems and understanding of algae and nitrogen pollution and how it affects the ecosystem. Evelyn Vollgraff, co-founder of the Lake Ronkonkoma Improvement Group, outlined the group’s efforts over the last seven years to restore the Lake:
“Because people are coming to the Lake and because they’re taking pride in it and they see that it’s clean, they’re keeping it clean. There is no longer tons of garbage and debris. There’s always somebody that throws away a beer bottle, but instead of finding five hundred, we’re finding five.” Kevin Hyms, of the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce, said: “I first came down here in my teens in the 1960s and 1970s and it was a great swimming spot. The Lake has hundreds of years of history, and we’d like to restore that and make this a thriving place for recreation and economic stimulus. There would be economic advantages to bringing back the Lake that would benefit the region as well.” Sal Napolitano, of the Greater Ronkonkoma Civic Association, said: “We know that the Lake is a group effort, so we’re reaching out to the other Civics and finding ways to work together and find similar ideas to fix the Lake. We’re happy to do what we can to help out.” The position of Lake Keeper will pay between $77,099 and $98,736 per year and will be funded by the County for the first two years. The Keeper himself/herself will need to fund his/her salary through grants. The event was also attended by Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset); John DiLeonardo and Patricia Amendolia of Humane Long Island; Larry Farell, Greater Ronkonkoma Civic Association; Jason Smagin, Commissioner of Suffolk County Department of Parks; Peter Scully, Deputy County Executive; Sarah Lansdale, Commissioner of Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning; Matt Balkam, Lake Ronkonkoma Improvement Group; and George Schramm, Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Association. Islip Town Supervisor candidate Ken Colón (D-Brentwood) also attended as a spectator. The last several years have been beneficial to Long Island’s largest freshwater lake. It is the hope of the community and elected officials involved that the Lake Keeper will only keep the Lake on the path to restoration, preferably to its recreational heyday.
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The Englebright Files Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, December 28, 2023
‘Mister Environment’: Disclosure Forms Show Englebright’s Oil Investments By Matt Meduri - Originally Published 10/5/23 Perhaps one of the biggest upsets of the 2022 New York State elections was that of Ed Flood’s (R-Port Jefferson Station) ousting of long-time incumbent Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket). Englebright served in the Suffolk County Legislature from 1983 until his 1992 election to the Assembly. Englebright served there until his defeat last year. Englebright’s downfall was in part due to perception of his lack of connection to community as well as the rapidly-changing political lean of northern Brookhaven. The coattails of Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) in his near-upset gubernatorial win are also credited with Englebright’s loss. Now, Englebright is eyeing a political comeback in the form of returning to the Suffolk Legislature. The Fifth District is currently vacant after term-limited Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) resigned to take a job with the New York State Parks Department earlier this year. The race was already shaping up to be competitive due to lack of incumbency and a close call for Hahn in the 2021 red wave. Anthony Figliola (R-East Setauket) is parlaying his name recognition from his 2022 Congressional run and hoping to flip a long-held Democratic seat. Englebright’s involvement in the race initially seemed to give Figliola a run for his money. The problem is: Englebright seems to have always been running for his own money, even if it meant acting as an environmentalist by day, and an oil magnate by night. Recently-obtained financial disclosure forms show that Englebright, formerly Chair of the Assembly’s Environmental Conservation Committee, not only stalled efforts to introduce fracking in Upstate New York, but also invested in fracking companies in Kansas and Texas. The financial disclosure forms filed with the Legislative Ethics Commission are individually submitted for each fiscal year. Members of the legislature are required to disclose all forms of income to the commission each fiscal year. For fiscal years 2012, 2013, and 2014, The Messenger can confirm that Englebright’s own handwriting acknowledges his investment in out-of-state oil companies. While out-of-state investments and profits are not necessarily unethical, it calls his environmental character into question. In 2011, Englebright sponsored Assembly Bill A6541A, the Look Before You Leap Act of 2012, which set a five-year moratorium on high-volume hydraulic fracking for the purpose of investigating the effects of said fracking. Fracking is the process of injecting liquid at high pressure into rocks or other geological formations to force open existing fissures for the purpose of oil or gas extraction. In a Facebook post dated March 6, 2013, Englebright wrote: “Due to continued safety questions, Assembly votes to enact fracking moratorium; two year moratorium would allow for continued review of health and environmental impacts. Concerns have repeatedly been raised about the potential impact of using horizontal drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing to extract natural gas from certain shale formations in New York State. The Assembly Bill (A.5424/Sweeney) would prohibit the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) from issuing permits for drilling in certain areas of the state including Marcellus and Utica shale formations in order to allow for the continued examination of fracking’s potential effect on public health and the environment.” The justification for the bill is listed as: “The relatively new drilling method known as high-volume hydraulic fracturing, or fracking carries significant environmental risks. Among the adverse environmental impacts associated with fracking such as heavy truck traffic, road building and site clearing, the process itself involves drilling into the earth and pumping millions of gallons of water under high pressure into the ground that is mixed with sand and laced with industrial
chemicals which the industry is not legally bound to disclose. The poisonous fluid fractures the shale and releases natural gas deposits for collection. In addition to the chemically laden water pumped into the drillsite, highly corrosive salts, carcinogens like benzene and radioactive elements like radium all can occur naturally thousands of feet underground and combine with the frocking [sic] fluids to create millions of gallons of highly salinated toxic wastewater.” This was followed up by a 2020 ban on fracking in New York State, citing health concerns from the chemicals used in fracking, some of which have been linked to cancer, mutations, and other adverse effects. Additionally, the release of methane gasses linked to fracking is said to be more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide. While Englebright helped put the moratorium on fracking in New York, which could have been an economic boon to the already-depressed parts of western New York, he was simultaneously investing in fracking ventures in Kansas and Texas. Englebright’s handwritten disclosure statements show that he invested at least $1,000 in Nueces Valley Resources. The written statement reads: “Nueces Valley Resources to unit in oil field redevelopment in Kansas.” “Red River Securities / Regal Oil Corporation Energy Company one-half unit natural gas development in Texas.” His 2014 disclosure shows two statements of the Texas investments, indicating two separate ventures. The 2015 showed that the Kansas investment was sold and that the two Texas operations were “inoperable” and that Englebright’s “actual ownership” of all three had ended. The 2012, 2013, and 2014 statements contained a note that all investments were “entirely outside of New York State.” Nueces Valley Resources was acquired by Bayside Petroleum, Inc., in 2009. According to HartEnergy: “Nueces Valley held producing oil interests in South Texas and northeastern Kansas. Bayside expects to begin a remedial program on certain wells located on the South Texas properties after an initial study. Also, Bayside anticipates increasing the daily production from the more than 200 wells on the Kansas properties by redesigning the enhanced oil recovery procedures on these wells.” It appears Englebright’s investment in “redevelopment” goes hand-in-hand with Bayside’s remedial efforts in South Texas and northeastern Kansas. Bayside’s business “includes the wholesale distribution of crude petroleum and petroleum products.” Red River Securities, disclosed by Englebright in his statements, was involved in a scandal in 2017. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) “enables investors and firms to participate in the market with confidence by safeguarding its integrity. We deploy deep expertise, leading
technology and extensive market intelligence to serve as the first line of oversight for the brokerage industry - all at no cost to taxpayers.” In 2017, FINRA “expelled Plano, TX-based broker-dealer Red River Securities, LLC, barred its CEO Brian Keith Hardwick, and ordered the firm and Hardwick to jointly and severally pay $24.6 million in restitution to customers for fraudulent sales in five oil and gas joint ventures. The hearing panel found that the respondents engaged in a pattern of misrepresentations and omissions that spanned nearly four years and involved sales in the risky joint ventures.” Outside of the ethical complications surrounding Englebright’s ventures, his current campaign also took a donation from the Eastman Chemical Company. Once a subsidiary of Kodak, today Eastman “is an independent global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of advanced materials, chemicals and fibers for everyday purposes.” A 2022 article by the Tennessee Lookout says: “For nearly a decade, the Eastman Chemical Company has been emitting unsafe levels of sulfur dioxide into the communities surrounding its Kingsport, Tenn. plants in violation of national air quality standards.” The article also says: “The coal-fired plants are the source of the sulfur dioxide emissions, which can damage human respiratory systems and contribute to acid rain. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s ‘Air Pollution Control Division has been working with the Environmental Protection Agency for nine years to lower the sulfur dioxide release levels around the Eastman Chemical Company’s facility in Kingsport and must continue until attainment is achieved,’ the audit said.” One of Englebright’s final moments of productivity was the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act in 2019, which hopes to end New York’s reliance on fossil fuels. The legislation sets a goal of generating 70% of the state’s energy through renewable sources by 2030 and 100% by 2040. In 2021, Englebright sponsored the “Green Amendment,” which asserts that “each person shall have a right to clean air and water, and a healthful environment.” Campaign disclosure reports show a $1,000 donation from Eastman Chemical Company, with the address listed in Kingsport, Tennessee, to Friends of Steve Englebright on December 7, 2022. The money has been sent to Englebright’s campaign for this year’s Suffolk Legislature race. These issues have not been brought to light during the campaign. Englebright recently received the endorsement of the New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV), a social welfare organization headquartered in New York City stating that they “fight climate change, conserve land and water, and protect public health in New York State through political action.”
The Englebright Files Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
13
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Government Run Healthare? Steve Englebright Denies Using Government Office for Medical Business
By Matt Meduri - Originally Published 10/19/23 Three weeks out from the 2023 local elections, in which Englebright is a candidate for Suffolk County Legislator, The Messenger can exclusively report on findings that may provoke legal interest. A concerned citizen contacted The Messenger after filing a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request with the New York State Assembly. He did so after overhearing a patient agonizing over the fact that a prior authorization of her information had ended up on a government device belonging to the Fourth District Assembly office, previously occupied by Englebright. The affected patient was furious about the fact that her Social Security number and health insurance information were being sent to a random, unauthorized office, let alone a government one. The New York State Assembly acknowledged receipt of the FOIL request in a letter dated October 6, 2023, and Assemblyman Edward Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station), who defeated Englebright last November, confirmed the citizen’s suspicions in a reply letter dated September 29, 2023: “The Fourth District Assembly Office has received pharmacy prescriptions, laboratory results, disability claims, prior authorization requests related to medications, oncology reports, and other healthcare information intended for Susanne Meyers, the wife of former Assembly Member Steve Englebright, and Christina Stern, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with offices located at 290 Main Street, East Setauket, New York.” In a call with The Messenger, Flood stated that he has referred the matter to the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Ethics for appropriate guidance. He referred the matter to the correct departments and organizations as instructed by the State Assembly. After a phone interview with The Messenger, Englebright said “it sounds like there was some information sent to my office in error. For all practical purposes, if Ed Flood had concerns, he should have called me.” “When it was my office, we did not conduct private business through the office,” said Englebright. “I am married to Sue Meyers, perhaps somebody through the information sphere thought they could reach her by coming through my office, but they didn’t need to because she has her own communication vehicles and certainly did not set up my office as a new vehicle for receiving information – especially medical records and social security records. That was certainly not a practice that she or I had to do with.” There are three components to this case that can be found online and through other records: the address of the practice, the government fax number, and the medical profiles of Meyers and Stern.
bearing former Assemblyman Englebright’s name, the top results being one produced by Yellow Pages. Additionally, the number is also linked with Christina Stern, whose connection with Meyers and the Setauket address has already been established. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), providers must use, under most circumstances, a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. According to the Center for Medical Services (CMS) website: “The NPI is a unique identification number for covered health care providers. Covered health care providers and all health plans and health care clearinghouses must use the NPIs in the administrative and financial transactions adopted under HIPAA. The NPI is a 10-position, intelligencefree numeric identifier (10-digit number). As outlined in HIPAA, covered providers must also share their NPI with other providers, health plans, clearinghouses, and any entity that may need it for billing purposes.” Stern’s number is listed on the NPI database, HIPAA Space, and Open NPI as 1023781499. The number’s issue date is listed as July 30, 2021. This fax number is listed on all three databases with Englebright’s government fax number (631) 751-3082. Stern has linked her mandatedto-be-public NPI number with former Assemblyman Steve Englebright’s District Office fax number. These websites also list the 290 Main Street, Setauket, address as the provider practice location, the building owned by Englebright. Violating HIPAA is an extremely serious concern for healthcare professionals. The American Medical Association (AMA) outlines a tiered list of violations and their respective penalties, ranging from “Unknowing” to “Willful Neglect.” In a case of willful neglect wherein the violation is corrected within a certain time frame, the penalty can range from a fine of $10,000-$50,000 per violation, with an annual maximum of $250,000 for repeat violations. If the neglect is not corrected, the penalties start at $50,000 per violation, with an annual maximum of $1.5 million. Criminal violations of HIPAA are handled by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The AMA outlines: “Covered entities and specified individuals, as explained below, who “knowingly” obtain or disclose individually identifiable health information, in violation of the Administrative Simplification Regulations, face a fine of up to $50,000, as well as imprisonment up to 1 year. Offenses committed under false pretenses allow penalties to be increased to a $100,000 fine, with up to 5 years in prison.”
The Address – 290 Main Street, East Setauket
Online searches can find both or either of their profiles on common health directory sites including Psychology Today, ZocDoc, Sharecare, Doximity, and others. Tabatha Fajardo, a former legislative aide for Assemblyman Ed Flood, provided a direct comment to The Messenger, discussing the steady flow of classified materials and the eerie radio-silence from the intended recipients. “I started working for Assemblyman Flood in February 2023. During my time there, we kept receiving medical documents that were faxed to our government machine,” says Fajardo. “We alerted both the Assembly and the involved practices or hospitals from which we received the faxes. I worked at that office until August 2023, and we would receive faxes several times a week.” Fajardo also says that personal or medical business being conducted from within the office was not readily apparent. “I didn’t know that Englebright was in any way implicated; we just thought people were typing in the number wrong or there was a bad link somewhere,” says Fajardo. “But as the same addressees came through,
Firstly, the address of the practice that received medical records and patient information is listed as 290 Main Street in East Setauket. According to financial disclosure forms filed with the Legislative Ethics Commission, Englebright has owned the building since 1983. He lists the property as a Corporation and Family Partnership for Commercial Retail and Office space in which he has 50% ownership. In his 2021 financial disclosure form, he not only lists the Setauket address, among several others, but also a Fort Myers, Florida, address, which he lists as a joint venture with Susanne Meyers. The 290 Main Street address is linked with Susanne Meyers as a medical professional on Yellow Pages. The address is also linked to Christina Stern, a Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry, on Sharecare. The Fax Number: (631) 751-3082 The second aspect is the fax number. The District Office fax number is listed as (631) 751-3082. A quick Google search of this number will produce several results
The Parties Involved – Stern & Meyers
we realized these were meant for someone specific.” Fajardo also describes the abysmal state Flood’s team received upon succeeding Englebright. “We found that his government mail was being forwarded to his personal address,” she says. “We also had no records of constituent cases. We had nothing to work with; we often needed constituents to forward us copies of whatever they had been working on with Englebright to reinitiate the process. This is not typical; you don’t mix government and political work. At the end of the day, constituents want to be done right by their officials. Regardless of transition, there needs to be that respect. You need to make sure these peoples’ lives and livelihoods are not affected because you’re embittered by loss. It gives me the impression that he didn’t care about his constituents, or that there might have been an overlap between government and personal business.” Fajardo also says that misuse of government property was not only the norm for the office staff, but people outside the office as well. “People would come into our office asking if they could print items or fax things through,” says Fajardo. “We would just tell them that this is a government office, and the fax machine is for intergovernmental use only.” Summary Former Assemblyman Steve Englebright appears to have allowed his government office and taxpayer-funded resources to be used to conduct not only personal business, but also transactions involving sensitive, personal medical information. The business was apparently conducted by his wife, Susanne Meyers, and another medical professional, Christina Stern. Stern’s multiple official online medical profiles, and those linked with NPI and HIPAA databases, list her validated NPI number along with the Fourth District Assembly Office fax number. Stern and several other professionals have practiced out of 290 Main Street in Setauket, a building Englebright has owned since 1983. Assemblyman Ed Flood responded to a FOIL request stating, without divulging personal information, that the government office has been receiving highly sensitive medical and insurance information directed to Susanne Meyers and Christina Stern. The matter has been referred to the Assembly Ethics Committee. Steve Englebright denies any wrongdoing without giving an explanation of how this all happened. Englebright is now running for Suffolk County Legislature’s Fifth District against Anthony Figliola (R-East Setauket) on November 7.
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Election Results Thursday, December 28, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
ROMAINE VICTORIOUS GOP Flips County Executive Office and Forms Supermajority in Legislature
By Matt Meduri - Originally Published 11/9/23
The Suffolk County Republican Party had its third consecutive favorable election Tuesday night, as Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) routed Dave Calone (D-Setauket) by a whopping fifteen-point margin for the open county executive seat being vacated by term-limited incumbent Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon). Additionally, as Romaine cruised to victory, the GOP formed a supermajority in the Suffolk County Legislature, by flipping two seats, even while losing one. The 2023 elections are just one in a series of successful election years for the Suffolk GOP since it came under the leadership of Chairman Jesse Garcia. The first significant election cycle occurred in 2021, in which the GOP captured the Suffolk Legislature for the first time in nearly fifteen years and the District Attorney’s office for the first time since 2002 with the election of Ray Tierney (R). The 2022 elections are considered a strong year for the GOP as well, as then-Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) shocked the country with a near-upset of Governor Kathy Hochul (D) while the GOP took control of all Long Island Congressional districts for the first time since the 1990s and expanded their caucuses in both chambers of the state legislature. Tuesday night’s Patchogue rally was headlined by Chairman Garcia and Conservative Party Chairman Mike Torres and opened by Lee Zeldin, all of whom were fired up and created an energetic, optimistic mood as results began to pour in. COUNTY EXECUTIVE The race for County Executive was called around 11:00p.m., as Romaine opened up a fifteen-point lead over Calone that only solidified as the night carried on. “We sent a message and we painted this county red,” said Executive-elect Romaine. “As your County Executive, I intend to bring all of Suffolk together for a common-sense agenda that will move us forward, that keeps our taxes low, that keeps us affordable, that makes sure that we’re safer, that our law enforcement has the tools they need to do the job.” Romaine’s win not only marks the first time in twenty years that Suffolk County has had a Republican county executive, but also marks the final piece of the Long Island puzzle, as the GOP now controls all county-wide offices and legislatures in both Suffolk and Nassau counties. “The last time Suffolk County elected a Republican county executive, I was a teenager; this has been a long
time coming,” said former Congressman Zeldin. “What I love about Ed Romaine is that he knows every street in Suffolk, he knows every issue everywhere in this county, he knows the people who are in charge of all the local civic associations and what their asks are. He’s doing this for all the right reasons. I am grateful that Romaine stepped up for this race; he is the right man for the job.” Chairman Garcia thanked all who were involved in the hard-fought campaign and celebrated the winning of the last county-wide office not held by the GOP. “To win a county executive race takes a candidate who is outstanding, qualified, experienced, battle-tested, and that’s who we got in Ed Romaine,” said Garcia. “It takes every group, ethnicity, and community; it takes law enforcement, small businesses, labor; it also takes a team of each and every one of you and your families to do what needs to be done. Each and every one of us owns a part of that 57% victory for county executive.” In a statement, outgoing Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon) acknowledged Romaine’s victory and vowed a professional transition of power. “I would like to congratulate Ed Romaine on his victory last night after a hard fought campaign,” said Bellone. “Our communities have placed their trust and confidence in him to lead our county forward. I am committed to ensuring a seamless transition and handover of responsibilities to the new administration beginning on January 1. To that end, I have asked Chief Deputy County Executive Lisa Black to lead our administration’s efforts to coordinate with the incoming administration.” Calone called Romaine to concede the election around 10:30p.m. Suffolk Democratic Chair and Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer (D-West Babylon) acknowledged that the political environment produced by their state and federal counterparts proved toxic for them across the county. “Tonight’s one of those nights that just didn’t go our way,” Schaffer said in a statement. “Obviously we wanted to be on the winning side tonight, but we’re up against the atmosphere in Albany and Washington and that has hurt us as a brand in Suffolk County.” COUNTY LEGISLATURE Republicans not only defended their majority in the Suffolk County Legislature but also formed a supermajority
by making a net gain of one seat. The first flip of the night came in the form of the Sixth District, which was won by Veteran, attorney, and congressional aide Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Point). The district has been held for twelve years by Sarah Anker (D-Mt. Sinai), who is term-limited. Lennon handily defeated Anker’s chief of staff Dorothy Cavalier (D-Mt. Sinai) by a near-two-toone margin. The Sixth District stretches from Mt. Sinai to Shoreham and includes Middle Island, Ridge, and parts of Coram. In the First District, encompassing Riverhead, Southold, Shelter Island, and parts of eastern Brookhaven, Catherine Stark (R-Riverhead) defeated former Riverhead Town Councilwoman Catherine Kent (D-Baiting Hollow). Stark has served as a legislative aide to Al Krupski (D-Cutchogue) for the past decade. This cements another blue-to-red flip. Democrats only flipped one seat in the legislature in the form of the Huntington-based Sixteenth District. Freshman Legislator Manuel Esteban, Sr., (R-East Northport) was denied a second term by nonprofit CEO Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station). Esteban was largely seen as the most vulnerable incumbent Republican going into the 2023 cycle. The Sixteenth includes parts of Brentwood, Dix Hills, Elwood, Huntington Station, South Huntington, and West Hills. Republicans otherwise defended their other ten incumbents and expanded on their 2021 margins in almost all districts. Incumbent Republicans in uncompetitive races were easily re-elected: Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches) in the Third District, Nick Caracappa (C-Selden) in the Fourth, Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville) in the Eighth, Trish Berign (R-East Islip) in the Tenth, Deputy Presiding Officer Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters) in the Eleventh, Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) in the Twelfth, Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) in the Thirteenth, and Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) in the Fourteenth. In the competitive races, freshmen Legislators Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue) and Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport) were re-elected in the Seventh and Eighteenth Districts, respectively. Ann Welker (D-Southampton) succeeded Bridget Fleming (D-Noyac) in the South Fork-based Second, while incumbents Sam Gonzalez (D-Brentwood), Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon), and Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park), were re-elected in the Ninth, Fifteenth, and Seventeenth Districts, respectively.
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Thursday, December 28, 2023
Central Islip Receives Grant for Sewer Project Courtesy of County Executive Steve Bellone
By Matt Meduri - Originally Published 8/24/23 The Island-wide sewer conversation now lands in Central Islip, as elected and community officials convened off Carleton Avenue last Thursday to unveil grant money earmarked for sewers and the ongoing revitalization project for the hamlet’s business district. Elected officials from all levels of government gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate $12 million secured to connect the business district to the Suffolk County sewer system. Despite political conversation being dominated by sewers for the last few months, this project has been a few years in the making. New York State awarded the Town of Islip $10 million as part of the Central Islip Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) in 2018. A portion of that money will be used to sewer the business district. The plan will connect sixty-four parcels in the hamlet’s business district along Carleton Avenue, extending from Suffolk Avenue to Smith Street. The project is expected to be completed in eighteen months. The event was headlined by County Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon), who has been credited with prioritizing wastewater solutions during his twelve-year tenure, as well as Deputy County Executive Peter Scully, who has earned the nickname the “Water Czar” for his own efforts and experience in wastewater management. “We know water quality underpins our quality of life, our economy, and why people live here to a great extent,” said Executive Bellone. “It’s also about economic development, job creation, and communities being able to realize their vision for the future. Here, you have had a town working together with the community to put forth that vision. Without that, it doesn’t matter about the infrastructure or the plans. If you don’t have that community vision, support, and drive, you’re not going anywhere. That has not been the case here.” (Photo right) Officials break ground on the project.
revitalization effort. Sewers will not only bring economic development that flows throughout every community they’re installed in, but it also protects our drinking water, surface water, and beaches, and all the things that people want to live in Suffolk County. In the Suffolk County Legislature, we are committed to make sure that we have that long-term funding and that we meet all the needs for clean water in Suffolk County. This is a great example of what we can do when we work together.” County Legislator Sam Gonzalez (D-Brentwood) of the Ninth District: “To say that this is a happy day, I think, is an understatement. This is a very proud day, because, ladies and gentlemen, Central Islip is on the map. We have the foot traffic here and that is only going to continue with the revitalization, with all the restaurants and cafés and areas people can come and visit. You’re going to see something here in Central Islip that I don’t think has been seen in this County, and it’s just the beginning.” Matthew Aracich, President of Nassau and Suffolk Building Construction and Trade Council (NSBCTC), discussed how work opportunities developed now can lead to an ironclad, dedicated workforce for developments tomorrow: “When this project starts, it’s actually workforce development, which most people think is just training people to do work and that’s it. It’s not that; workforce development starts with infrastructure and making sure that you get people with middle-class careers with safety, health benefits, and pensions. The idea is that they’re middle-class individuals who can live in these communities in that area that we’re going to be building. That’s where partnerships really take place.” Aracich also spoke of the multi-faceted objectives of the project: “For the next project, these people are your next army. These are the next people in the community advocating for more work, projects, and downtown revitalizations, because that’s the important piece to make sure we can provide more housing and sewers. Clean water is the key to making sure you can attract business here, for restaurants and highoccupancy residences. That’s why I beg everyone that they support all the referenda for sewers that they can.” After the speeches, the group moved to the hard hats and shovels to formally “break ground” on the project. Additional attendees included, but are not limited to: Islip Town Councilman Jim O’Connor (R-Great River); Islip Town Councilman Jorge Guadrón (D-Central Islip); Joe Brown, Commissioner of Suffolk County Department of Public Works; John Walser, Executive Director of Islip Town Industrial Development Agency; Nancy Vargas-Johnson, Board President of the Central Islip Civic Council; Carla Simpson, Board Secretary of the Central Islip Civic Council; Beverly Rivera-Drummond, Board Member of Central Islip Civic Council; Debbie Cavanauagh and Andrea Hicks, Central Islip Coalition of Good Neighbors; Mike Florio, CEO of Long Island Builders Institute (LIBI); Marc Herbst, Executive Director of the Long Island Contractors Association (LICA); Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island; and Theresa Bryant (R), candidate for the Ninth District of the Suffolk Legislature. Matt Meduri
“This is about the community. I want to say congratulations to all the community members here who have worked so hard. This is a beautiful, beautiful community and we have so many dedicated organizations making this community what people want it to be. Without them, we wouldn’t be standing here today.” Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip) thanked representatives from the state, county, and town levels for their consistent efforts in securing the grants. She also highlighted just how long securing the money took, noting that persistence has been key: “We got the grant in 2018, but you have to add another three years. It took three swings at the bat to get that home run. I went before the [New York State Department of Economic Development] Board a third year after they denied us twice. Someone said ‘Supervisor, do you have any other comments that you would like to make?’ I said, ‘This is my third time here. I sincerely hope you say yes, but if you don’t, I’ll be back next year. I guess they were tired from hearing from us, and we did get that $10 million.” Carpenter also discussed how the COVID-19 Pandemic delayed the DRI project further: “Unfortunately, COVID reared its ugly head. People asked what happened to the money, and now we’re finally seeing it happen today. Between COVID and supply chain issues, it is absolutely wonderful to finally see this incredible project move forward with really no cost burden to our taxpayers.” Carpenter envisions a strip that features a variety of shops and ethnic restaurants, comparing Central Islip to Española Way in Miami with “charming little spots.” She believes that, in the same way, people will “come from all over Suffolk County and Long Island to visit this wonderful community of Central Islip.” Executive Bellone commended Supervisor Carpenter for her persistence in helping secure the funds for the DRI. Phil Ramos (D-Brentwood), Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly, representing the Sixth District, discussed how connecting the downtown to sewers will not only allow for better development, but the money will continue to circulate within the community: “For everyone in Central Islip, it’s truly a proud day. Some people don’t realize the significance of having a sewer district here. We can only develop our downtown so much without sewers and proper infrastructure. This is going to be a catalyst that’s really going to lift up Central Islip and lift up this downtown. When people come from Sayville or Huntington to spend their money here, the home-grown businesses take that money home to pay their landscapers, and then those landscapers go to buy milk for their kids.” Ramos also praised the bipartisanship that produced this end result: “This is a classic case of a bipartisan effort, and it shows what happens when we leave politics out of it. There are no Republican sewers, there are no Democratic sewers. We just have to do it.” County Legislator and Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) of the Fourteenth District mentioned the dual-sided issue of sewer infrastructure: “It’s a great day here in Central Islip, this was the missing piece of the puzzle in the
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Community Rallies Around Mini Superhero Tenzin Tanaka By Kaitlyn Foley - Originally published 9/28/2023 One local mom fought doctors, school boards, and community ignorance to be the voice for her son in his time of need. Colleen and Tenzin Tanaka, a mother and son, are making strides against pediatric cancer in their school, community, and on Long Island as a whole. Nine-year-old Tenzin was diagnosed with Leukemia in June of 2022 after presenting with symptoms that were erratic and seemingly unrelated. After complaining of lower back pain, nausea, and other major symptoms, Tenzin was tested for COVID, diagnosed with the flu, tested for different allergies, suffered from an ear infection, and even told by a pediatrician that he was “being dramatic and should go back to school” according to Tenzin’s mom. Advocating for her son came natural to Colleen, despite doctors’ misdiagnoses and cruel words. Colleen was sick with worry and brought Tenzin to every doctor she could. An allergist, an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT), a pediatrician, the ER, but nobody did the blood work needed to rule out cancer. “I guess nobody wants to jump to cancer,” says Colleen.
“But he did have cancer, and his white blood cell count was 500 more than what it is supposed to be. It was just that bad.” Tenzin, who is wise “beyond his years”, according to Gary Bodenburg, a community friend of the family, was aware of the severity of his illness before even being diagnosed. Colleen told The Messenger “In the car on the way to the hospital, Tenzin says to me ‘Mom, what happens if I have cancer?’” Colleen was appalled at the suggestion and inevitable foreshadowing of her son. “That is ridiculous, you are an eight-year-old boy, you do not have cancer.” For many of us, including Colleen, the idea of childhood cancer is too horrible to imagine, and that diagnosis for your own child is unimaginable. Unfortunately, for Tenzin and his family, that unimaginable nightmare became a reality. Colleen is raising her two sons, Paxton and Tenzin, at her home in Port Jefferson Station. They moved to the school district just months prior to Tenzin’s diagnosis in June. Because of this, Tenzin did not have the opportunity to be as involved in his school and make new friends as he would have liked. “My kid’s not in school, but he has a class. So, his little name was on the door, but nobody knew who he was,” says Tanaka. This isolating situation for the Tanaka family became the motivation for community-wide awareness. “It took me like two months, and I kept drafting up this whole thing. I finally decided to go to a board meeting, and I spoke in front of them.”
Colleen explained to the board how she wanted her son’s name to be known in his community, and how she and her sons needed the support of the school and the community. “I wanted to use the community to try and get together and do things for the hospital because I saw gaps in the resources at the hospital, and I just didn’t understand why, as a community, we weren’t jumping on board with this.” Colleen was overwhelmed and frustrated by the lack of awareness for pediatric cancer. “What I had said to the school [board] is I was really disappointed that September, which is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, has come and gone and you have a brand-new child in the district going through it, and a sibling who is distraught and nobody did anything.” The minute Colleen took to the School Board, she was overwhelmed by the response from her community. “I think the community was then really put on notice, like they didn’t know, they really truly didn’t know… and you could tell, they were outraged.” Soon enough, neighbors, classmates, and families of the community knew Tenzin’s name. “Team Tenzin” bracelets were bought and worn with pride and raffles and fundraisers were planned to raise money for pediatric cancer research. However, the most helpful of all was the influx of supportive words for the Tanaka family. “So many people were coming out of the woodwork, and it was really, really nice,” says Colleen. “It just feels good to not think ‘this is happening, and nobody understands what it’s like.’” The school PTA put together a Comedy Night for Tenzin last March, which not only raised important funds, but provided a sense of togetherness. People from all over the island attended the event to show their support. “We did find out that, at the same time, there were multiple children that were battling this, that the families just didn’t want to be identified, which is totally fine. We could’ve done other things for these families without having to identify them.” A friend of the family who has been by the Tanaka’s side says it is all about getting the word out there. “I know it’s a buzzword, I know it’s cliché, but it really just comes down to awareness.” Throughout an isolating time, all the Tanaka family truly needed was support. A community who could put a hand on their shoulders and
say, “we are here for you.” Collen now creates this type of community for others through her online blog and support group, leukemiamom.com. Through leukemiamom.com, Colleen posts a multitude of resources, events, and words of encouragement all on one website. She found resources difficult to come by and uneasy to obtain while in the midst of her son’s diagnosis. Weighed down by grief and worry, Colleen was strong enough to conduct the research to find instate national foundations and resources willing to help. Now, the Tanaka family is involved with Taylor’s Hope, Corey’s Promise and Hockey for Hope, and returning the favor by hosting fundraisers for these organizations with the help of New York Wrestling Connection and BenchWarmers of Mount Sinai.
In addition, meal trains, a t-shirt fundraiser, and the outpouring of every day items from the community helped keep Colleen’s home afloat during the difficult times. Notably, Corey’s Promise is a foundation started in memory of Corey Phelan, a Long Island MLB prospect who passed away in October 2022 from a rare form of leukemia. Members of The Messenger family knew Corey personally and are elated to see the foundation in his honor helping young cancer patients who call Long Island home. Tenzin is known to be an intelligent, friendly, and curious young kid who loves The Flash, Legos, Minecraft, and karate. Friends of the family attribute Tenzin to being a great kid wise beyond his years, and “truly an anomaly”. Taking his life-threatening illness with stride, Tenzin believes “God gave me cancer so that I learned how to appreciate things.” Fortunately, Tenzin, now nine years old, is currently on track for remission but still has a long way to go. He is proudly supported through his treatment by his big brother, Paxton and his wonderful mother, Colleen. If you have the ability to spread awareness of pediatric cancer, show support to some beautiful organizations, or give aid to the Tanaka family please do so by visiting leukemiamom.com A link to their GoFundMe account can be found at www.gofundme. com/f/tenzins-fan-club
Tenzin (center) with wrestlers from New York Wrestling Connection.
Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, December 28, 2023
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Overview - AMAC - The Association of Mature American Citizens
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Season For Gratitude By Robert B. Charles | AMAC
Sometimes, it is good to just stop, think, and have some gratitude. Snow comes in flakes, not barrels. Rain falls in drops, not buckets. Leaves fall one by one, not all at once. Man thinks he is in charge, and calls every shot, but he does not. We control less than we think, and in this season, that is worth a nod and a wink. Why do we fall victim to this lofty idea, this deception, that we are in charge? Why do we think we can redefine physics and biology, rewrite history, chronology, replace God with mythology, claim to ourselves the power to hang the stars, make night and day, define our hour, and have our way? Because we are human, that is why. Our history is filled with vision and blindness, the miracle, marvel, and madness of being human, one day all heart and soul, depth and beauty, able to do so much, help each other, the next awash in envy and enmity, smallness, jealousies, modeling the jerk at home and work. On any given day, in any given year, God can reduce us to carbon and water, remind us we are nothing without Him, humility, and gratitude, the real stuff of which goodness is composed. He can take us from the mountain top or forest glade to the valley bottom, sun to shade, or reverse it all, and come to our aid. We worry, waste, and bumble, forget our purpose, and often stumble. Here we are again, closing out another year, feuding among ourselves about useless, trivial things, wasting the gift of life and time, this season of rebirth, of peace on earth. Maybe it is just the season, joy and Christmas, a chance to think about what we can do, who to help in what way, that seems to grow in proportion to the shortness of the day. I am reminded, as this year wraps up and another begins, of poet John Greenleaf Whittier, born December 1807, 210 years back, and how he reckoned with life’s opportunities, prompting actions with well-placed words. One of his most resonant poems, “Maud Muller,” reminds us to keep our eyes open for the possible, and focus on the action between dawns and sunsets, so we have no regrets. In that poem, a farm girl meets a city judge, both imagining a future, yet neither speaks or acts, which is to say – in a broader way – their chance came and waned. His last verse is telling, and you may recall it. Beyond the context, it symbolizes the idea that we are given limited time to do what we can, make a difference, lift the lantern a bit higher, strain to see a bit further, and leave some lasting mark. Whittier wrote: “For all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, ‘it might have been.’” Whittier also had brighter moments, heroes like poet Robert Burns. And what did Burns write for the season, reminding us to celebrate faith
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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
and friendship? Well, he was a Scot, born in 1759, loved America before we were a nation, and sympathized greatly with our Revolution. He also wrote a lyrical piece we remember this time of year, one that reminds us to appreciate our blessings, God’s role at year’s end, and to remember friends. He wrote “Auld Lang Syne,” or “Old Long Since,” a tip of hat and glass to “good old times.” That song is filled with irony, the need for action and reflection, looking back and ahead, and the humility of realizing we are in charge of little, yet can affect many. Neither Whittier nor Burns could have imagined
affecting so many, so much action and reflection. Sometimes, it is good to just stop and think, and have some gratitude. After all, snow falls in flakes, not barrels, rain in drops, not buckets, leaves in ones, not tons. In this season, we are luckier than we think, worth a nod and a wink. Robert Charles is a former Assistant Secretary of State under Colin Powell, former Reagan and Bush 41 White House staffer, attorney, and naval intelligence officer (USNR). He wrote “Narcotics and Terrorism” (2003), “Eagles and Evergreens” (2018), and is National Spokesman for AMAC.
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Never Forget: Remembering 22 Years Since 9/11 By Kaitlyn Foley - Originally published 9/14/23 Nobody remembers the events of September 11, 2001, like New Yorkers do. Our state is filled with courageous and selfless heroes who risked their lives to help others escape the destruction of the Twin Towers. News and media outlets provide lots of coverage on the traumatic event, however, at The Messenger, we feel it is important to hear from the responders themselves. Those who had the fortitude to answer the bell and still have the willingness to discuss those events. We hope their stories inform and educate the public twenty-two years later. Frank Valluzzi (pictured right) 2001: NYPD Sergeant assigned to the 61st Precinct in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn 2023: Managing Director in the Private Sector/ Corporate Security in the Metropolitan Area Frank Valluzzi of Huntington was a sergeant assigned to the 61st Precinct in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. Now working in the Private Sector of Corporate Security, twenty-two years later, he can’t erase the horrific sights that he responded to. “The smell was nothing like I’ve ever experienced, it was such an odd and distinctive smell. The air was very, very thick and difficult to breathe,” says Valluzzi.
Valluzzi explains how there is no way to prepare yourself for a scene like ground zero of 9/11. “I remember thinking to myself, I thought I would see the conference tables, the servers, I thought I would see big office stuff, but everything was pulverized,” he says. “I kind of knew that although they called it a rescue effort, I kind of knew it was a recovery effort.” The memories Frank Valluzzi has of the experience is nothing like we can imagine. “I remember when we used the K9 rescue dogs to help find survivors,” he says. “They would have to keep the dogs motivated because they couldn’t find any survivors. Once in a while, a cop would pretend he was lying down injured, so the dog would find him and stay motivated to keep looking. They would use this as positive reinforcement to keep them working hard under difficult conditions.” He also remembers the feeling of gratitude that stretched throughout New York for first responders in a time of intense sorrow. “Walking around in uniform back then was just gratitude everywhere I went,” says Valluzzi. “Whenever I would find business cards or photographs of people, numerous times I would be able to track down the families and return them. I remember it was weird because the people would be so beyond grateful to find something that was left of [their loved one’s].” The first responders of 9/11 spent days and nights trying to recover anything that can be given back to loved ones. “I would go to the morgue in the 13th precinct and see people waiting in lines to see if any remains had been found of their family,” he says. “The people that I worked with were the most selfless people, and the bravest people I have ever seen. This is why not everybody can do this work, because very few people will risk their lives for a perfect stranger.” Every year on 9/11, Frank Valluzzi connects with those he worked with on that day twenty-two years ago to catch up. “The memorials are difficult to attend and watch. For those of us who were in the pit [ground zero] we can’t unsee what we have seen. It’s really something that never leaves you.” “9/11 taught me how precious life is and how quickly everything can be taken away from you, as we are all one phone call from our knees,” Valluzzi says. Chris Revere (pictured left) 2001: New York City Firefighter 2023: Retired NYC Firefighter and Personal Trainer Chris Revere, of Kings Park, remembers 9/11 all too well. “The day we lost the heart and soul of the FDNY” recalls Revere. Revere was a proud member of the FDNY, and a 9/11 first responder. “The brotherhood of the FDNY is one of the strongest bonds anybody could imagine.” Each 9/11 anniversary, Revere goes into Manhattan to pay his respects and honor those who lost their lives on the fateful day. “It is a tradition that will be carried on forever.” He recalls his fellow responders as some of the most courageous people he’s known. “We live with this pain every day, yet we know that we are here to honor their legacies. True heroes who gave their lives trying to save others. 2,977 people were murdered that day. Many responders are sick with a myriad of illnesses.” “Remembering the love being shown by all in the days after 9/11, tears flowing as we walked the streets leading towards ground zero. The fences were covered with pictures of family members missing, knowing they were no longer with us. Pictures and phone numbers pleading for any word on their loved ones still brings tears to our eyes. On that horrendous day we all came together as a country, as Americans. Love flowed for even those Americans we did not know. How sad is it that we need a tragedy to love and respect our fellow Americans?” Revere urges those around him to never forget the horrific events of that day and pushes everyone to treat others with the respect and love we all deserve.
Rob Weisberg (pictured right) 2001: Volunteer Firefighter at Commack Fire Department and Accountant 2023: Volunteer Firefighter at Commack Fire Department, Advocate, and Volunteer at Paws of War Rob Weisberg, of Commack, was a volunteer firefighter for Commack Fire Department in 2001, but that wasn’t the job that brought him to the city on 9/11. He was also an accountant who commuted to his office across the street from the World Trade Center every day. Weisberg, who took a sick day the day prior, got himself up and to work on September 11, 2001, and has been changed ever since. “When everything happened, I felt the ground shake. My subway had let out, and people were going up the stairs to get to the street level, and the shockwave from the first plane blew the people on the stairwells down the stairs,” Weisberg explains. “I thought it was a car bomb. Then when I got to the street, I looked up and saw what had happened. At that point, I still didn’t know it was a plane.” Weisberg, knowing he had the ability to help due to his experience at Commack Fire Department, told his office he needed to volunteer his aid. “So, I told them, if [the firehouse] doesn’t need me or doesn’t want me because they don’t know who I am, I will come right back.” Weisberg knew that they wouldn’t have enough people nearby to help, so he responded to the firehouse on Liberty Street. “Those guys were all out on another call at the time, but the captain was still at the headquarters, and he said ‘Rob, you’re all I got.’” Rob Weisberg was tasked with setting up a triage for responders who were already injured. “I ended up setting up one of the first, if not the first triage locations for lower Manhattan,” he says. As a “truckie,” Weisberg wasn’t used to being on the medical and first aid side of emergency calls. He thought he was better suited for the search team. “When I first got there my assignment was medical related, but at this point, an ambulance had come over from Brooklyn.” Weisberg asked to join the search team that was being put together as that was his specialty but was asked to remain on the medical team. “I remember being a little disappointed,” Weisberg noted. “I watched those guys go across the street, there were eight who went across the street, and five minutes later they all got killed in the first collapse. That was the team I wanted to be on. There was a lot of survivor guilt from that.” Rob Weisberg now has PTSD from being there and is currently working on making himself and his mindset stronger. “I just ended up hiking the Appalachian trail, I did over 1,850 miles. I was out there to help me deal with my PTSD from that day and it was such an amazing experience.” Weisberg suffered an injury and had to come off the trail. He is now back home and recovering. “It was great, and exactly what I needed.” Weisberg has suffered with PTSD and suicidal thoughts and is now learning from his experience while teaching others the importance of mental health. “My goal was to reach one person, to help them not head down the trail I was headed and do something irreversible.” Weisberg has exceeded that goal by helping people on his trail, through his Facebook, and now through The Messenger. “When it comes to mental health, [people feel like] they can’t talk about it. There is such negativity around it. The brain controls everything and it’s the one thing you can’t talk about.” Weisberg dedicates his time to breaking the stigma of mental health by being so candid about his experience. On days like the anniversary of 9/11, Weisberg has developed healthy vices to help him through the memories and feelings that flood back. As a man with a sweet tooth, molasses lollipops from St. James’ General Store have become an annual tradition to help him feel better. “I started this two years ago so this will be my third year doing this. I love that place and I am tired of sitting home, feeling bad, and there is something about that place and picking up a couple pieces of molasses lollipops that make me happy.” Weisberg’s advice to anybody reading: “If anybody is feeling like they are not doing okay, definitely get help. There is no shame in it, there is no embarrassment, there shouldn’t be any stigma around it. There is hope at the end. Don’t do something that is irreversible.” If you would like to follow Rob’s hike and learn more about living with PTSD, follow Rob Weisberg Appalachian Trail Hike on Facebook. Though the twenty second anniversary of 9/11 was last Monday, Long Island will be remembering our victims and responders for weeks to come. John Feal, a 9/11 first responder and founder of the FealGood Foundation will be holding his foundation’s annual 9/11 Naming Ceremony at the 9/11 Responders Remembered Park on the corner of Gibbs Pond Road and Portion Road on Saturday, September 16, at 10:00a.m. The FealGood Foundation assists all emergency personnel who have been injured due to action or omission in the course of their duties or everyday lives. These responders include, but are not limited to firefighters, police officers, nurses, volunteers, sanitation workers, transportation workers and construction workers. Visitors to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum are also encouraged to learn the history of the terrorist attack and hear stories of victims and survivors. The death toll rises every year and forty-three new names have been added to the World Trade Center Memorial Wall. The Messenger thanks Frank Valluzzi, Rob Weisberg and Chris Revere for their courageous and selfless efforts during 9/11 and remembers those who are not here to tell their stories.
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Thursday, December 28, 2023
Real Life Challenges: Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Addiction
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By Peter Chidichimo - Originally published 1/5/23 As we discussed in December, mental health and substance abuse, alone or combined, have a devastating effect on society, but especially on young adults and their families. This month we will focus on substance abuse and addiction. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), “Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a mental disorder that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to an inability to control the use of substances, including legal or illegal drugs, alcohol or medications.” There are varying degrees of SUD, with addiction being the most severe. A person dealing with SUD may also experience a co-occurring mental disorder such as anxiety, depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, personality disorder and schizophrenia. Recognizing and treating SUD, with or without an accompanying mental disorder, is one of the most challenging issues facing the US Healthcare system for the past 25 years. The Sad Truth According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (https://drugabusestatistics.org/): • Half of people 12 and older have used illicit drugs at least once • Between 2016 and 2020, drug use went up 61 percent among 8th graders • 62 % of teenagers in the 12th grade have abused alcohol • 50 % of teenagers have misused a drug at least once • There have been 700,000 drug overdose deaths in the US since the year 2000 Research suggests several possibilities that could explain why SUD and other mental disorders may cooccur in an individual. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), factors effecting co-occurrence can be environmental, such as ongoing stress or trauma, or genetic traits, which are passed down generationally. Researchers are studying whether a particular gene could be responsible. There are also studies to support that people with a mental disorder, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), may use drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. And while some self-medicating may help temporarily with some symptoms of mental disorders, they could make the symptoms worse over time. Additionally, organic brain changes in people with mental disorders may enhance the effects of substances, making it more difficult to abstain and eventually get clean. Lastly, and tragically, substance abuse may trigger changes in brain structure and function that make a person more likely to develop a mental disorder. Looking at the above scenarios, one can understand the challengers for mental health and substance abuse professionals to assess and understand the road map for how an individual comes to the point in their lives where they are dealing with a real-life crisis.
The Fentanyl Crisis With most substance abuse, mental health professionals and substance abuse counselors can attempt to intervene, provided an individual is willing to ask for and accept help, including detox and rehabilitation. However, when dealing with Fentanyl, the Fentanyl user will likely never get a chance at rehabilitation due to how lethal this drug is. According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC, CDC. gov), pharmaceutical Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, approved for treating severe pain, typically with advanced cancer. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Unfortunately, it can also be illegally diverted for misuse with catastrophic effect. Illegally manufactured drugs containing Fentanyl are sold through illegal drug markets, with many operating out of Mexico or Central America. It is often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine as a combination product, usually without the user’s knowledge, to increase its euphoric effects. The consequences can be deadly. Dr. Mark Solomon, who is the Medical Director of the Acute Detox and Chemical Dependency Unit at St. Charles Hospital, is also concerned about the illicit manufacture of synthetic Marijuana, which can also be laced with Fentanyl. Known on the street as K2, Fentanyl-laced Marijuana can be just as deadly as Heroin or cocaine. Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, including Fentanyl, increased over 56 % from 2019 to 2020. The number of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids in 2020 was more than 18 times the number in 2013. More than 56,000 people died from overdoses involving synthetic opioids in 2020. Statistics cited through June 2021 suggest an acceleration of overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Crime Connection Notwithstanding the intricate relationship between mental health and substance abuse, the connection between drug abuse and crime is obvious. Although the year 2020 saw a significant drop in the number of drug arrests nationwide, drug related crime remains staggering. According to https://drugabusestatistics.org/drug-relatedcrime-statistics: • 1.16 million Americans are arrested annually for the sale, manufacture or possession of illegal substances • 244,000 Americans are sent to prison annually for drug related crimes • 26 % of all arrests in America are related to drug offenses • 80 % of prison inmates abuse drugs or alcohol
A Plan to Combat this Horrible Problem? According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBC), between 2016 and 2018, three laws were enacted in response to the drug crisis which aimed to lower the demand for and supply of opioids https://www.cbo.gov/publication/58221. However, opioid-
involved deaths have continued to increase after the laws were enacted, initially more slowly than in preceding years, but then more rapidly during the pandemic. Opioid misuse increased during the pandemic as people experienced more social isolation, greater job losses, worsening mental health and reduced access to treatment. In addition, the use of more potent synthetic opioids led to a sharp increase in overdose deaths. The pandemic made it difficult to isolate the effect of the enacted laws on the opioid crisis. The CDC has issued a Health Alert Network Advisory to medical and public health professionals, first responders, harm reduction organizations, and other community partners recommending the following actions: • Expand distribution and use of Narcan (used to reverse an opioid overdose) and overdose prevention education • Expand awareness and access to treatment for substance use disorders • Intervene early with individuals at highest risk for overdose Like Climate change, gun control and immigration policy, the Fentanyl crisis is not without political division. Many Republicans believe Mexico is the primary source of illicitly-manufactured Fentanyl, which is made from precursor chemicals that are largely purchased from China. They believe in strict interdiction. Many Republicans in Congress want stricter border security to prevent the flow of drugs across the southern border. They are also demanding that online platforms do more to crack down on illegal Fentanyl sales, including purchases on Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram, where naïve buyers are duped into buying drugs laced with Fentanyl, without their knowledge. Many Democrats, however, believe that overdose deaths are part of a broader social problem, stemming from unemployment, working class economic decline and mental health challenges. They further believe that focusing on drug interdiction does not address the root cause of these overdoses. Vigorous prosecutions, criminal penalties and incarceration have done nothing to stem the tide of these deaths, or to reduce the supply of harmful substances in our country, say many Democrats in Congress. When asked about what addiction professionals really need, Dr. Solomon said he wants to see comprehensive approach to the current drug crisis, beginning with targeted education of adolescents in the schools. “It’s fine to revive someone with Narcan, but we are still left with an individual with a very severe drug problem,” stated Dr. Solomon. And that person will need all the resources available to begin the long road back to sobriety, including a multidisciplinary approach including psychiatrists, addiction specialists, detox centers, counsellors, social workers and more. Dr. Solomon would also like to see a crackdown on internet sales, which find “loopholes” such as claiming a compound is “not fit for human consumption.” Even as the debate continues on how to combat the Opioid crisis, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has issued a Public Safety Alert warning that these counterfeit pills are killing children and young adults instantly. There is no question our nation is in the throes of a drug use crisis, which was largely exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of Fentanyl laced compounds, and their relatively easy accessibility, has made the problem more lethal as families are being destroyed across America. Since substance abuse is considered a form of mental disorder, it will require both mental health and substance abuse professionals to be on the frontlines of treating these individuals. Also, elected officials at the Federal and State levels must derail the flow of illegal drugs into the country, and vigorously restrict any purchases conducted through online sites and platforms. Next month, we will discuss other forms of addiction, such as gambling and sex addiction.
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Thursday, December 28, 2023
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
The most wonderful time of the year. Is it? Is it really? It certainly can be if we handle it wisely. Remember those three guys who showed up bearing gifts? Well, nowhere does it say they put it on a payment installment plan, or worse, on a credit card with 18 % interest. They gave from the heart and from what they had, not what they borrowed. We enter into this season wide-eyed with visions of love and laughter. We think of all the amazing things we will give and be given. Christmas and Hanukkah are both wonderful celebrations with traditions that encompass gift giving. Because gift giving is good, it’s a sign of love, friendship, and appreciation, but at what cost? Debt is already a huge problem in America and holiday debt is a growing factor. LendingTree - a company that provides loans, credit cards and more - follows debt incurring trends. They reported this year that 35% of Americans took on holiday debt in 2022 — about the same percentage as the prior year (36%). But the average debt jumped to $1,549, up 24% from last year’s $1,249. This is the highest the company has seen since it began tracking average debt levels in 2015. So, not only is the trend of taking on debt to buy gifts for others continuing, the monetary amount of that debt is increasing. Remember, that is just holiday debt - in addition to “normal” debt we accrue all year long. CNBC recently reported that 25% of Americans still have holiday debt from last year based on WalletHub’s 2023 November shopping survey. Can you imagine trying to buy a gift for your sister and you haven’t finished paying off last year’s gift? Does she even use the rice cooker? Dave Ramsey - financial guru of Ramsey Solutions, Inc. - who has created a multimillion-dollar company helping people get out of debt uses the following example to illustrate the potential problem. Let’s say you put $998 of Christmas spending on a credit card with an interest rate of 17% - a very realistic scenario. You decide to pay only the minimum payment of $25 each month because it just seems easier that way, and because life happens and you still need your income to live off of in January. According to Dave - It would take you five years to pay off your balance! By the time it’s all said and done, your $998 of debt would cost you $1,481.55 - thanks to interest. That’s an extra $483 tacked on to your holiday bill for just one year of
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By Diane Caudullo - Originally published 11/30/23
Christmas spending. But not you - as you insert, swipe, and tap your way through shopping - so excited with each amazing purchase to make soand-so so happy - you know you will pay the balance, in full, first thing the day after Christmas. Ahhh, the best of intentions, and then life happens. Knowing that so many people fall into this trap each and every year, simply take a moment before the shopping begins. Make the list, check it twice, who do I really need and want to buy gifts for the year? Include the family you love so dearly and then all the “other” gifts that will most assuredly come up. One for the boss, the babysitter, the teacher, the mail carrier. Draw a hard line in the sand on who will get gifts and who will simply get a sincere thank you note or Christmas card. Then decide on a budget - a budget based on real-life numbers - not $1000 because that sounds like it would nicely cover the twelve gifts you want to get. Take the $600 that you can afford to take from your bank, give lovingly, and not miss a beat on your next set of monthly bills. Then take that number and break it down further, a budget within a budget per person. Remember to consider tax and possibly shipping if needed, and then stick to it. If the budget is a little tighter this year - and there is no shame in that - make the hard decisions. Sit out on the friend’s “Secret Santa”, buy a family gift as opposed to individual items. Shop the thrift stores or Facebook Marketplace. You would be amazed at what you can find there: brand new items still in the original wrapping are not uncommon, as well as candles, games, great books, and even clothes with original tags. Also, be honest with friends and family, up front, early on; say that you can’t do the gifts this year. Many are thinking it, few will say it. Feel the burden lift. Create new traditions in place of gift exchanges, such as a game night at the holiday party. No gift to someone you love should become a burden that you carry long term. No person you love, and who loves you, would want that gift.
Gift That Keeps on Giving By Diane Caudullo - Originally published 11/22/23 Amazon, once its own phenomenon and currently a true store you may think twice about how much you really want convenience to most people, is, as they say, both a blessing or need it. and a curse. You can quite literally order something and have On the other side of the coin are the local stores, often it delivered the same day due to all the new local warehouses owned by a person or family nearby. These are people you stocked with inventory. In our days of instant gratification, if may actually know and can speak with, people to call or see delivery takes more than a day or so, it can be disappointing face to face if there is a problem, or you want to invite them and it would be even crazier to think you may have to leave to sponsor or participate in an event. These are also people the comfort of your couch to buy something nowadays. The who you see patronize stores and restaurants in the area. selection can be pretty impressive and the item just shows up It’s literally the gift that keeps on giving. at your door with the click of a button; that can be a blessing. Sometimes we don’t realize what makes a store truly But for something seemingly so good, there is usually a local. For example, often seen as more corporate entities Doreen Newman of The Greater Middle Country Chamber down side. We have all probably been there, snuggled on the but aren’t are White Castle and Texas Roadhouse. The couch in pajamas, with the throw blanket over us, scrolling…and of Commerce shops during the Grand Opening of Ollie’s in Texas Roadhouse in Selden is owned by a young woman, Selden with Legislator Nick Caracappa. scrolling…and scrolling. We compare different items, we pick the Kristina Wilson. Kristina lives in the immediate area of her perfect one, or more often settle for the available one, and click. restaurant and her kids go to the local school district. She The credit card is charged, already stored in the phone - so we didn’t even have to get up is actively involved in her community and although Texas Roadhouse is a franchise, it is for our wallet - and the order is on the way. It becomes somewhat mindless shopping which designed in a way that Kristina has autonomy over her business. She makes the bulk of can easily lead to spending way more money than planned, or simply buying more than her own decisions in interacting with the community, she hosts the meetings and the intended. Many people find themselves with so many boxes on their doorstep smiling away fundraisers, and says yes to the sponsorships. at you and you can’t even remember what you purchased. Similarly White Castle, a chain of stores owned by a family, allows and encourages their More significantly though is the damage it does to the community around you. With managers and staff to get involved in their surrounding area. The ability to interact with less and less people actually going into the physical stores, brick and mortar stores are the community is what makes them a small, local businesses. Hilda Gonzalez, manager closing, leaving vacancies that are hard to fill and slowly chipping away at the character of of the Centereach Castle, sits on the local civic association board and gets involved in the a neighborhood. school and town activities. Less stores in the area take the jobs with them. Stores that sell merchandise are Then there are the locally owned hardware, stationery, and candy stores. There are often the perfect entry-level jobs for our young people starting out and their first step into the small clothing boutiques, the Etsy store owners, the artisans at the local craft fairs, and building a work ethic, understanding taxes taken from their paycheck, and budgeting their many more. If and when possible - start there. weekly pay. These jobs are often beneficial to the mom or dad or retiree who wants to work Some of the best gifts today are not exactly items, but gift certificates to the local pizza part-time to bolster their household income. places, delis, and coffee shops. A thoughtful gift that will be appreciated, dare I say, even a The next benefit lost is that Amazon and even the Walmarts, Targets, and Kohls are not little more than the Christmas mug. actively involved in your local community groups. They are not the ones continually sponsoring So remember, for every dollar spent locally, that dollar goes on to be used in other the school play or the local sports teams. They want to sell you something in the instant that neighboring businesses, over and over, as well as payroll for local people and even you think you want it, and move on; there’s no real relationship there. They also don’t want you contributes into the tax base of your community. So as we enter into this Holiday season to have the chance to think about it. It can absolutely be, and is encouraged to be, an impulse and honestly, the entire year - shop your local businesses for whatever your needs are first. buy. The timer on the cart says if you order in the next few hours, you can have it by tomorrow. Encourage others to do the same. The well-being of your neighborhood depends It’s designed to excite, entice, and rush you to click. If you had to make time and drive to a on it.
Best Of Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, December 28, 2023
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Fall Sport in Danger of a Delayed Season By James Haupt - Originally published 8/17/23
With only one month of summer left, it’s time to start thinking about high school sports. The fall season is quickly approaching, but Suffolk may not be able to catch up. As of June 30, the contract between Section XI and its officials came to an end. This contract started on July 1, 2018, and worked to make conditions fair for high school officials. Now, five years later, Section XI can’t reach a new agreement with the Presidents’ Council of Suffolk County Officials, which may cause the fall season to be delayed. This would be the first modified season in Suffolk County since the COVID seasons took place a few years ago. Shortened seasons like this could eliminate state championships which is an integral part of the high school sport experience. “You’d have to think that no coach or official wants the fall sports season to be delayed, so I’d have to think that this will all get fixed soon. If not, it would put all Section XI athletes at a severe disadvantage heading into potential postseason situations with schools from the other sections that make up New York State,” said Matthew Weinstein, a crosscountry/track and field coach from Commack. “As far as cross-country goes, it’s a bit of a different situation than say football, soccer, or volleyball. The officials, although important, don’t have as big of an impact as they might have during those other fall sports. Would it affect cross-country? Definitely, but not nearly as much as it would for those other sports that absolutely wouldn’t be able to be fairly contested without officials,” he added. Many seniors, across all fall sports, will lose their last chance at a state title, but that’s not all that’s at stake. Athletes who look to play at the collegiate level will be afflicted by the labor dispute as well. Rising juniors will be entering the peak time for college recruitment this fall. A shortened season will make it difficult for the many talented student athletes in Suffolk County to showcase their abilities to their desired universities. The strike is clearly not ideal for the athletes of Suffolk County, but what does it mean for the referees?
The executive director of Section XI, Tom Combs, told News 12 Long Island, “In our eyes, the negotiating teams’ eyes, it was a very fair and equitable arrangement for them and kept them as the highest paid officials in New York state and the Northeast.” If this is the case, then it seems odd that they have yet to reach an agreement. In order to address this situation, I spoke to an active Varsity playoff official in all three sports who wishes to remain anonymous. “Stop saying ‘the highest paid in the country’. We pay the most school taxes in the country that’s why we’re the highest paid,” he stated. It is a cruel world for officials as they continuously face harsh treatment from players, coaches, and fans. I have experienced this first-hand as a student-athlete, but also as an umpire for the past 3 years. I have seen these issues escalate as of late. This job puts them in harm’s way, which may have led to the rejection of the newest proposal. “The problem is the lack of respect for what we do,” the anonymous official said. “There is a lack of security and supervision. We’re not protected.” The officials are dissatisfied with how they have been treated, and this new proposal from Section XI has made matters worse. It was revealed that Section XI still wants officials to do more with their job. “We have been getting scraps for the last 10 years. There is such a labor shortage. Now, Tom Combs wants us to have to recruit as a part of this contract as well,” the official told The Messenger. These men and women know they are a part of a dying breed, and that they deserve more compensation regardless of the sport or level they officiate. The truth is that officials for all sports do care about the student-athletes and their seasons, but they can no longer stand the unfair conditions Section XI has given them. The hope is that this matter will be resolved by the end of August so the fall season can go as planned, but both sides seem to be at a standstill. As of right now, it appears the Presidents’ Council of Suffolk County Officials is seeking a 10% raise. If this request is not met, then the fall sports season is in danger.
The Nova Knicks By James Haupt - Originally published 9/28/23
“Arcidiacono. Gives it to Jenkins. For the championship!” These words marked a historic NCAA championship run from the Villanova Wildcats in 2016. Now, nearly seven years later the core players of this team look to win a different championship, but this time in the NBA. As of September 15, the New York Knicks signed yet another former Wildcat in Ryan Arcidiacono, now making it four players from the 2016 March Madness winning team. This comes nearly two months after the Knicks signed Donte Divincenzo to a four-year $50 million deal. These two join star point guard Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, giving them the nickname “The Nova Knicks.” Meet the Knicks Each of these players provide different, but important value to this Knicks team that will look to be legit contenders this season. Jalen Brunson leads the way for the team as he is arguably their best player, although Julius Randle and RJ Barrett can make their case too. Regardless, he is the team’s true point guard and was one of the main reasons the Knicks performed so well last season. He averaged 24.0 points, 6.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game, reaching career highs in points, assists, and steals. Brunson also led the team in assists per game and sits 1 PPG behind Randle for the team lead in points. He also proved to be efficient from all over the court holding shooting splits of 49.1/41.6/82.9 (FG/3P/FT). Much like he did in college, Brunson was a driving force for this team in the postseason, making him the top Wildcat on this roster. Next up is Josh Hart, who joined the team in the middle of last season via trade from the Portland Trail Blazers. Ironically, his newest teammate, Arcidiacono, was included in this trade for Hart, delaying the 2016 NCAA Championship reunion to this upcoming season. Hart was a glue guy for the Knicks as he did everything for them. Whether he started or played off the bench he always put his heart on the court. He’s by far one of the hardest working players in the league, something Villanova seems to produce. In his twenty-five games with the
Knicks he put up 10.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, and 0.5 BPG. He was also an extremely efficient shooter in his 25 games, shooting 58.6% from the field and 51.9% from three-point land. He was a crucial part of this team and will look to continue his hard work in the 2023-24 season. Donte Divincenzo is entering his sixth NBA season and will be joining his third team in the Knicks. Throughout his career he has been a crucial rotational piece for winning teams. In his career he put up stats of 9.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, and 1.2 SPG. He won an NBA championship in 2021 with the Milwaukee Bucks; the only “Nova Knicks” player to get a ring in both the NBA and the NCAA. He now looks to earn another ring with his former college teammates. Up last is the Knicks newest acquisition in Ryan Arcidiacono, but he is no stranger to this team. This will be his third season with the Knicks despite a quick tenure with the Trailblazers due to the Josh Hart trade. Throughout his whole career he’s been a valuable piece off the bench, something he looks to continue with the Knicks this season. Although he doesn’t have the best stats, he’s proven to be a hard-working leader. He’ll also provide team chemistry joining his 2016 NCAA winning teammates. These four Wildcats-turned-Knicks will prove to be a top team in the Eastern conference this season. As the NBA season nears a return, look out for the “Nova Knicks” to make a deep playoff run and potentially an NBA title.
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Thursday, December 28, 2023