Islip Messenger Archive May 23, 2024

MONDAY

MAY 27TH

Thursday, May 23, 2024 ~ Volume 69 ~ Issue Number 31 ~ $1.00

MESSENGER EXCLUSIVE:

Romaine Signs Caracappa’s Workforce Housing Bill

By Matt Meduri The topic of affordability, namely affordable housing, has been as salient a topic as ever in Suffolk County. A marquee topic of the 2023 elections, many local leaders made it the top priorities, among many, of their campaigns and tenures in elected office.

Continued on page 11

County Executive Romaine (left, seated) and Legislator Caracappa (right, seated) after the signing of IR 1013 (Credit - Matt Meduri)

Mallon and Torregrossa Win Seats in Connetquot, Sachem Budget Fails Islip Town Election Budget Results

By Matt Meduri

Marissol Mallon

Melissa Torregrossa

All eleven school districts in Islip Town held their trustee elections and budget votes Tuesday night.

Of particular note, the Sachem Central School District’s proposed budget failed. It is one just two districts on Long Island to see their budget fail.

Continued on page 3

FULL STORIES ON:

EMS Appreciation Week Page 5

Town Discusses Water Safety Page 10

County Holds Armed Forces Day Page 16

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Messenger Papers

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, May 23, 2024

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News Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Continued from front cover

Mallon, Torregrossa Win Seats in Connetquot, Sachem Budget Fails, Islip Town School Election Budget Results Bayport-Blue Point Union Free School District

The $85,882,466 budget was approved with 798 votes and 303 votes against.

Mallory Dougherty was elected unopposed with 837 votes to succeed Julia Conlon.

Paul Wright earned 827 votes in an unopposed race to succeed Adrienne Cirone.

The district serves Bayport, Blue Point, and parts of North Patchogue Bay Shore Union Free School District The $197,418,192 budget passed 614-160. It carries a 2.2% tax levy increase.

Other results were not made available by the district.

The district serves Bay Shore, Brightwaters, West Bay Shore, and small parts of West Islip and Islip hamlet.

Brentwood Union Free School District The $603,274,281 budget passed 651-183. It does not exceed the tax cap.

Proposition 2 passed 584-233. It approves a $1,400,000 capital expenditure from an existing undesignated fund balance to purchase property at 1734 Brentwood Road in Brentwood, identified as SBL# 160.-2-71 on the tax map of the Town of Islip.

Trustee Cynthia Ciferri defeated Zed Key 646196. Trustee Julia Burgos defeated Kimberly Johnson 628-215. Trustee Eileen Felix was reelected unopposed.

The district serves Brentwood, Baywood, Edgewood, Pine Aire, North Bay Shore, parts of Bay Shore and Hauppauge

election and Melissa Torregrossa on her new board position,” Burger told The Messenger.

“I wish them and their family all the best, both personally and as our board trustees. I want to thank my family, friends, and supporters for their hard work during this journey. I appreciate it more than I can express here. We are facing problems as a community, and we need everyone to put down their swords and focus on getting the job done.

I will continue my community involvement and advocate for the same issues that were important to me as a candidate.”

“In the world of politics, someone will win and someone will lose. The government we live under has change occur with a ballot, not a bullet,” Napolitano told The Messenger. “Congratulations to the winners, Marissol and Melissa. Their message was accepted by the people and they came out and voted. Running a campaign is easy; running the actual government entity is hard.

Good luck to our entire Board.”

The district serves Bohemia, Oakdale, Ronkonkoma, parts of Lake Ronkonkoma, Sayville, and West Sayville.

votes for the budget and 4,127 votes against the budget. The budget would have accrued a heavy 4.87% tax levy increase that pierces the tax cap.

Since it would have pierced the cap, the budget required 60% support in order to pass.

A capital expenditures project for softball field construction passed 4,230 to 3,938.

Michael Isernia, Vincent Renyolds, and Sabrina Pitkewicz were all won Trustee positions unopposed.

Sachem is one of just two school districts on Long Island who saw their budgets fail, the other being West Babylon. Four districts passed budgets that pierced their tax caps: Amagansett, East Hampton, Port Washington, and Springs.

A secondary budget is slated to be put in front of voters on June 18. That budget would remain at the tax cap at 1.92%, but would come with significant drawbacks to services and programs.

Within Islip Town, the district serves the Islip parts of Holbrook and Holtsville, as well as small portions of northern Bayport and northern Sayville

East Islip Union Free School District

The $106,028,631 passed 1,727-828.

Proposition Two passed 1,918-627. It approved the Sayville Library Budget that pierces the tax cap at a 3.95% increase.

Proposition Three passed 1,988-544. It approves the Sayville Historical Society budget, which increases $1,000 to $56,000 for this fiscal year.

The district serves most of Sayville and West Sayville with small portions of Bohemia and Bayport.

Katherine Van Dorn was elected to an open seat unopposed. Kelly Sack was re-elected over Teal Rizzo 55%-45%. Desmond Megna was elected over Kyle Valentine to an open seat by an 80%20% margin. Library Trustee Louisa Kieffer was reelected unopposed.

The district serves most of Sayville and West Sayville with small portions of Bohemia and Bayport.

The $126,053,938.43 budget passed 951-309.

Proposition Two passed 917-310. It established a CRF of $30,000,000 for various renovation projects. The term of the CRF is ten years.

President Michael Dorgan and Vice President Stephen Ruland were re-elected unopposed.

The district serves East Islip, Great River, Islip Terrace, North Great River.

Hauppauge Union Free School District

Central Islip Union Free School District The $294,039,602 budget passed 530-169.

The CRF proposition passed 512-141.

Maureen Esposito and Debra Cavanagh were elected to three-year terms. Louis Alcantara was elected to a one-year term.

The district serves Central Islip and parts of Islandia.

The $133,216,224 budget was approved 584 to 278. It carries a 3.38% tax levy increase.

Catherine Collins and Brian Michels both won uncontested races for two open seats.

The district serves most of Hauppauge and parts of Islandia.

Connetquot Central School District The $222,573,018 budget passed 2,184-1,018.

President Marissol Mallon was re-elected with 1,660 votes. Melissa Torregrossa won an open seat with 1,577 votes. They defeated Sal Napolitano and Brian Burger, who received 1,327 and 1,518 votes, respectively.

“I congratulate Marissol Mallon on her re-

The $100,075,388 budget passed 719-244.

Trustees Paul Austin, Eric Buehler, and Tom Leggio were all re-elected unopposed.

The district serves most of Islip hamlet.

Islip Union Free School District

Sachem Central School District The $377,326,912 budget failed with 4,176

Sayville Union Free School District

West Islip Union Free School District The $138,761,990 budget passed 1,231-315.

Proposition Two passed 1,272-225. It approves $600,000 in capital reserves to fund phase one of boiler-burner control replacements and $260,000 for an orchestra room renovation.

Debbie Brown and Richard Antoniello were re-elected unopposed.

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County News Thursday, May 23, 2024

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

County Executive Romaine Recognizes 911 Operators for Roles in Delivering Two Babies Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) announced that two Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) 911 dispatchers provided guidance and assistance to two families prior to the arrival of on-scene first responders. Both infants are reported to be in good health.

“Our first responders deserve to be praised for the risks they take when responding to emergencies, but it is just as important to recognize the life-saving efforts of our dispatchers who serve as the first line of defense,” said Romaine. “I applaud our two dispatchers for their heroism and for assuring the safe deliveries of two healthy babies and bringing joy to their families.”

On Wednesday, May 15, at approximately 7:59 p.m.

FRES dispatcher John Spiciati (pictured far right) took a call from a Great River resident in distress. ESD Spiciati’s professionalism throughout the call provided the caller the opportunity to follow emergency medical dispatch instructions. The baby was born approximately two minutes later at 8:01 p.m. ESD Spiciati confirmed an airway and provided post-dispatch instructions, which enabled the caller to tie off the umbilical cord with no complications.

The baby was transported by Exchange Ambulance of the Islips to Good Samaritan Hospital.

On Thursday, May 16, at approximately 10:25 a.m. FRES dispatcher Christine Springer (pictured center) answered a 911 from a caller in Huntington Station who reported her cousin was having contractions. Shortly after, the caller reported the baby’s head was presenting. ESD Springer calmly instructed the caller to assist with the delivery of the child and provided emergency medical dispatch instructions. The baby boy was delivered at approximately 10:28 a.m., when ESD Springer ensured the child was

This is the fourth baby delivery Suffolk County FRES dispatchers have provided instruction in 2024, with ESD Adrian Pezzica (pictured far left) providing instruction to deliver a healthy baby girl in January and ESD Peter Montague assisting with the delivery of a baby girl over the phone in April.

breathing and directed the caller to clear the child’s mouth and nose and to wrap the baby in a clean towel. Prior to the caller being able to tie off the umbilical cord, Suffolk County Police and Huntington Community Ambulance first responders arrived on scene.

“Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services is very proud of the Emergency Service Dispatchers who serve our community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We congratulate our emergency service dispatchers on a job well done,” said FRES Commissioners Patrick Beckley and Rudy Sunderman.

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

5

County News Thursday, May 23, 2024

Suffolk Designates Third Week of May as ‘EMS Appreciation Week’

By Matt Meduri Credit - Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

On November 4, 1974, President Gerald Ford (R-MI) designated the first week of November as “EMS Appreciation Week” in an effort to recognize and give back to the emergency medical services (EMS) personnel throughout the country.

In 1992, EMS Appreciation Week was moved to the third week of May. For the fiftieth anniversary of the bill-signing, Suffolk leaders sought to do the same this year. The bill, Resolution 1453-2024, sponsored

by Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue) intends to “celebrate, acknowledge, and thank” the EMS workers and volunteers for the “lifesaving work they do every day,” according to the bill’s legislative intent.

The bill’s intent also states that the COVID-19 Pandemic has made “all Americans aware of the courage and incredible sacrifice made by EMS providers nationwide.”

The legislation was co-sponsored by Legislators Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Point), Catherine Stark (R-Riverhead), Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport), Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon), and Deputy Presiding Officer Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters).

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) signed the bill into law Monday morning at South Country Ambulance in Bellport. Legislators Dominick Thorne, Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches), Chad Lennon, Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station), and Brookhaven Town Councilman Mike Loguercio (R-Ridge) were also present.

“This morning’s bill signing is a recognition of the invaluable lifesaving service and care provided by the men and women in the county’s organizations,” said Romaine. “By declaring the third week in May as “EMS Appreciation Week” in Suffolk, we acknowledge and express our gratitude for the lifesaving dedication of our first responders.”

The Messenger discussed the intentions behind the bill with Legislator Thorne.

“It brings to light the actual work that EMS workers do,” said Thorne. “These are highly trained, New York State-certified ACLS providers who leave their houses year long to continue training and make sure that they have proper certification to leave their homes, holidays, dinners, or backyard parties to help a stranger.”

Thorne, who is Chair of the Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness Committee and a former EMS professional, says that the County needs to illuminate the sheer amount of work that EMS personnel carry.

“We have to start shining light on what the workload is here.

Last year, our EMS workers from ninety-three EMS agencies across the County responded to 172,000 calls,” said Thorne. “Yet, some people think it’s an ancillary service. EMS Appreciation Week recognizes them, but it’s just the beginning of that process.”

Thorne also says that while the County still intends to increase the number of EMS workers, as he says that they “always need more help,” it’s the County’s prerogative

to express gratitude, first and foremost.

“Retention and recruitment are very important, but how do you ask someone to volunteer when you don’t even have the courtesy to say ‘thank you?’” said Thorne. “These volunteers handle everything from scraped knees to cardiac arrest, to delivering newborns in the back of an ambulance, to multi-trauma patients. They’re all New York State-certified technicians and ACLS-certified technicians. That’s an amazing combination. So, we want to make sure we recognize them here in the County in perpetuity.”

Thorne also specifically mentioned the services of South Country Ambulance, stating that as soon as calls are placed, “two ambulances and an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Truck are on the road right away.”

Finally, Thorne says that in light of President Ford’s signing of EMS Appreciation Week a half-century ago, it’s overdue for Suffolk County to take up an initiative of its own.

“Fifty years after President Ford signed the proclamation, we are finally going to say thank you,” said Thorne. “And this is my goal as the Fire Rescue Chair, to make sure we build up our volunteers and do an outstanding job. Nobody is as good as our volunteers out here, and nobody is more professional or highercertified than our folks here in Suffolk County.”

The bill signing was also attended by Suffolk County Health Services Commissioner Gregson Pigott, as well as members of over twenty EMS agencies from across the County, ranging from Huntington to Montauk.

Credit - Joe Pontorno

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Editorial Thursday, May 23, 2024

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

A Republic, Because We WILL Keep It Benjamin Franklin’s words when asked what the Founding Fathers had just created deserve all the repetition they get: “A republic, if you can keep it.”

The soberingly realistic assessment of just how fragile a representative form of government can be still sits with us today, but unfortunately, in some circles, it sits with us for the wrong reasons.

Another oft-repeated adage is “Those who don’t learn their history will be doomed to repeat.” Despite its frequent misquotes and misattributions, the meaning of the phrase still resounds for all the right reasons.

Put these two ideas together and you can basically draw pretty accurate pictures of two Americas today: one in which people cling to history as if it’s all they have left, and another where people eagerly toss history in the trash in pursuit of new ideals.

Modern liberalism and conservatism can have strong suits in certain areas, but a no-holds barred attempt at tossing out tradition for nonconformity is, in our humble opinion, doing more harm than good.

The reason why Benjamin Franklin stipulated that we might not be able to keep our republic is because he knew that people would eventually become fatigued from politics, elections, and the common range of hot-button issues that in today’s world seem more intent on dividing us rather than solving actual problems. We’re pretty certain that some of these talking points have been engineered solely to divide the electorate into an “us vs. them” mentality, rather than identifying common enemies and necessities, with one necessity being retaining the republic.

The nuclear family, the Electoral College, certain aspects of election integrity, Congressional decorum and procedure, common societal values, personal responsibility, and facing the consequences of personal action are all mostly unpopular ideals within certain strains of the American electorate. It’s not that all people opposed to us ideologically subscribe to these ideals, but if you meet someone who identifies as moderately to largely liberal, we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt that they would vote against these values if given the opportunity.

The schools haven’t done their parts in educating the American public

accurately for decades. With the formation of the Department of Education controlled mostly by whims of ever-powerful teachers’ unions, the subject of civics has been sorely missed.

Furthermore, public perception of a constantly self-gratifying, consequencefree, “feels so good, how can it be bad” lifestyle has resonated with an increasingly godless, irreverent, “take only what you need and save the Earth” group of younger voters. Why campaign on personal responsibility when it’s become such an unpopular idea?

The problem is that people now largely prefer their own benefits and gratification rather than understanding the purposes of our republic and how it was designed. It’s the cheapest form of selling out we’ve seen in recent memory, and the problem only stands to get worse and campaigns are largely formed on countering the counterculture.

Only to add a squeeze of lemon juice over the paper cut is the grave insult trying to fundamentally alter our nation is to those who have served and often made the Ultimate Sacrifice by trying to protect it. They have understood Benjamin Franklin’s words for decades and they fought to keep the republic, because with them, there was no question of keeping the republic. There simply was and has been no “if.”

For that, they deserve our utmost respect. This Memorial Day, be sure to thank a member of the service, even though Armed Forces Day already passed.

Be sure to check in with your local VFW, AMVETS, or American Legion post to see if there’s any services or goods they need. If you are a Veteran who requires any form of service or commodity, understand that the County has made it their utmost priority in being accessible to you. There’s no shame in admitting you need help, especially since you displayed no shame whatsoever in keeping the republic.

And above all, remember those for whom we observe Memorial Day. For them, it is imperative that we keep the republic.

We here at The Messenger remain optimistic that our republic can and will be kept. With Veterans like those of the United States, there’s no “if.”

Only “will.”

With Just Weeks to Spare, Albany Must Act on Fentanyl It’s hard to believe that we live in a day and age where elected officials, community leaders, and those affected by the ongoing drug epidemic, namely at the hands of fentanyl, must literally beg and routinely call on Albany to pass common sense laws and changes. Every decade has its own drug of choice and associated problems, but the consensus seems to be that the government’s indecision to act is unprecedented by previous standards.

The problem is multi-faceted, not just owed to teenagers and young adults experimenting with new drugs and paying an unfortunate price for a little bit of fun. With that, we’d say a scary ad campaign and some gruesome photos and accounts would probably be enough to dissuade teens from using. Anyone else who decides to soldier forward does so at their expense.

But this problem is not as simple as an ad campaign and natural selection.

It’s a multi-speared issue brought on by egregiously retroactive criminal justice reform, a porous border with a carte blanche system of handling immigrants, and a “hurt-no-feelings” attitude in an increasingly “open-minded” world. How dare we speak candidly of the personal and societal problems brought on by rampant and habitual drug use? Shame isn’t the game, as there should be no shame in admitting a problem. After all, admitting a problem is the first step in solving it. But wouldn’t a feeling of intrinsic shame or guilt prompt more to make a change in their lives?

We’re not saying that our society should make it a point to shame people for the sake of shaming them, but treating them with kid gloves because we live in a “you do you” society doesn’t exactly benefit us in the long run. It makes us complacent, compulsive demagogues.

Look no further than Oregon, where all drugs were decriminalized a couple of years ago. Not only has Portland fallen into complete disrepair, but the streets are full of homeless people with no other prospects than chasing the next high. The city and state won’t demand people try harder because we’ve decided that since success is subjective, there’s no reason in pushing standards on people. Furthermore, since we’ve convinced everyone the world is ending in ten years due to climate change and removed God entirely from society, there’s no reason in pursuing any form of happiness or structure altogether.

The question is: how long will it take New York to stoop to Portland’s level?

The migrant crisis only makes matters worse. The border is unequivocally a

smuggling route for hard drugs that turn every state into a border state. It has been for years. But even if most of the migrants coming here illegally aren’t doing so for drug-related purposes, we see the lion’s share of attention and local resources - where applicable - going to “solve” a problem that leadership created instead of putting funds into public safety for our own citizens.

Albany also took it upon itself to reform our bail laws to make sure that most drug-related offenses aren’t bail eligible. Only when eight ounces of the highly-deadly fentanyl is dealt can prosecutors request bail.

In other words, enough fentanyl to kill 114,000 people must be sold in order to let the law take its course.

Furthermore, Albany has had multiple situations in which cards were on the table and they decided not to ante up. Legislation sponsored by Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) would have made xylazine, also known as Tranq, a controlled substance. The cattle sedative and pain reliever has been known to be cut with other drugs since it’s cheap, accessible, and creates a much more euphoric high. Known as the “zombie drug,” those inebriated on Tranq are identified by their staggering movements and slurred speech. It also rots flesh clean off the bone.

Murray’s bill was constructed with input from farmers and those who require xylazine for its intended uses. Democrats shot it down citing “access concerns.” It’s a lame excuse in our opinion, since the bill’s architects took access into account.

Ingesting medicine for cows and horses is just the latest wave of degeneracy perpetrated by Albany’s unwillingness to act in an increasingly secular humanist society.

There are just weeks left on the legislative calendar for the Assembly and Senate. It’s a shame that we have a run-out-the-clock scenario going on, but it’s unfortunately no surprise given how desperate the public is for normalcy and how intent Albany is on digging their heels in the ground and caving to the vast minority of voters.

In the end, their inaction will only prompt more action. Hopefully, the action is that of actual change and a reassessment of New York’s priorities.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. In New York, it might take a strong coalition of villages, hamlets, and cities to reprimand the children in Albany.

Op-Ed Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, May 23, 2024

7

Police Week Reminds Us What’s on the Line for Law Enforcement

By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay Each May, we celebrate and offer our thanks to the incredibly brave men and women of our law enforcement community. During National Police Week, which was established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy, we also reflect on the enormous sacrifice made by those who gave their lives for their community.

Too often, the brave professionals who put their lives on the line are taken for granted. They are the first and best line of protection between us and those who mean to harm us. For that, we owe them and their supportive families a debt of gratitude that simply cannot be repaid. The Assembly Minority Conference continues to advocate for the law enforcement community, and our members have fought hard for common-sense measures to protect those who protect us. Some of our proposals include: • Making life imprisonment without parole mandatory for defendants convicted of murder in the first or second degree if the victim is a police officer, specified peace officer, first responder or correctional officer (A.7472, Angelino/S.408, Gallivan).

• Designating offenses against law enforcement, emergency medical services personnel, and/or firefighters as hate crimes, thereby increasing the penalty for the offense (A.3417, DeStefano/S.6091, Murray).

• Allowing judges to consider the safety of any person or the community when selecting a securing order on a criminal suspect and requiring the court to make individualized determinations as to whether a suspect poses a risk to any person or the community (A.9708, Reilly).

• Reinstating the death penalty in New York state and making it an available sentence for those convicted for the intentional killing of police officers, specified peace officers and first responders, among others (A.3906, Barclay/S.1271, Ortt).

Additionally, I would like to take a moment during this weeklong celebration to acknowledge the 214th graduating class of the New York State Police Academy. This year, 228 new troopers completed the requirements to join the proud ranks of the long gray line. Your hard work, training, and dedication to protecting New Yorkers does not go unnoticed. I wish you my sincerest congratulations and safety on this journey.

The law enforcement community does incredible work. Whether they are engaging with their communities, patrolling dangerous neighborhoods or training the next generation of first responders, we need them supported, well-funded and feeling appreciated. I will always stand up for the men and women of law enforcement, and I encourage everyone to recognize those who protect and serve us during this important week.

If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office.

My office can be reached by mail at 19 Canalview Mall, Fulton, NY 13069 and by email at barclayw@ nyassembly.gov. You may also find me, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, on Facebook or Twitter at @WillABarclay.

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

A Superbug Almost Took My Life.

Here’s How We Can Fight Them.

By Carrie Bourdow When I got hit one day with a bout of lethargy and lack of appetite, my first thought was that I’d picked up a bug from my young kids, as mothers do all the time. But I only got worse. I finally went to see my doctor, who recommended a chest X-ray. I was stubbornly convinced my problem wasn’t that serious, so I decided to try powering through.

Big mistake. Days later, I was at the emergency room, where the chest X-ray showed one lung completely overrun with a bacterial infection. By this time, I was in septic shock and my body was shutting down. I was admitted into the intensive care unit and put on a feeding tube.

Doctors administered multiple rounds of first-line antibiotics. None worked. I couldn’t walk and lost twenty pounds. They were about to put me on a ventilator when the only antibiotic they had left finally began to clear my infection. I made it home for Christmas -- and I’ve never been more grateful for the gifts of health and family.

My story ended happily. Others aren’t so lucky. Superbugs contributed to 173,000 U.S. deaths in 2019 -- the third leading cause of death from disease.

Globally, antimicrobial resistance contributes to nearly 5 million deaths a year.

The problem is escalating. Common and treatable bacterial infections like UTIs or staph can morph into a hospital stay or death sentence.

The solution is, in some ways, simple -- develop more antibiotics to treat these ever-evolving infections. We have the scientific expertise, but the market for antibiotics doesn’t support doing so.

Doctors must prescribe antibiotics only when necessary and save newer ones for infections that won’t respond to first-line treatments.

Unfortunately, the implication of these medical best practices is that hospitals purchase the newest antibiotics only in small quantities -- too small to recoup investment costs for their development.

Many companies struggle to develop new antibiotics like the one that saved my life. In the last decade, eight antibiotics -- developed by small companies -- received FDA approval. Today, every company behind those antibiotics has filed for bankruptcy or was forced to sell or downsize.

These failures are discouraging. But they signal that the scientific challenge is one we can meet. All that’s missing is the economic fix. A bill under consideration in Congress can provide just that.

The PASTEUR Act would establish a subscription-style model for novel antimicrobials. The government would contract with successful developers, at a set annual payment, in exchange for access to their antimicrobial. Even if the medicine is rarely prescribed, the company would have the financial stability to cover development costs and invest in new research. Most importantly, patients will have access to antibiotics when they need them.

I’m beyond grateful that my doctors had a then-new antibiotic to treat my infection. If Congress passes PASTEUR, new antibiotics could save more lives -perhaps including yours.

Carrie Bourdow is a superbug survivor and the CEO of Trevena.

8

County News Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Comptroller Kennedy Recommences Suffolk County Community College Internship Program did Mr. Kennedy take the time to get to know me, but the learning environment and experiences exceeded my own expectations. The knowledge and perspective gained will serve me well as I continue my studies at SUNY Old Westbury in the fall.”

Comptroller Kennedy is thankful for this partnership with SCCC and appreciates the work of the college coordinators and internal staff in making the resumption of this valuable program possible. As stated on their website: “SUNY Suffolk is a student-centered college community serving Suffolk County and beyond by providing open access to exceptional educational opportunities.”

John Kennedy (R-Nesconset) has served as Suffolk County Comptroller since 2015. He previously represented the Twelfth District in the Suffolk County Legislature from 2004 to 2014, serving as Minority Leader from 2012 to 2014.

The Comptroller’s office is located in the H. Lee Dennison Building at 100 Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge and can be reached at 631-853-5040.

Credit - www.suny.edu/campuses/suffolk

Suffolk County Comptroller John M. Kennedy, Jr. (R-Nesconset) is happy to announce that his office has re-engaged with Suffolk County Community College (SCCC) to offer internships within the Department of Audit and Control. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the previous and very successful program was suspended for several years.

Internships at the Suffolk County Comptroller’s Office offer SCCC students practical hands-on experience specifically designed for skill development in the accounting and computer science fields. Four (4) SCCC students recently completed their internships in the Audit Division and Information Technology Unit during the spring semester. Several of the student interns even decided to continue their internship through the summer. Not only did they earn college credit, but the students were also compensated for their efforts.

Comptroller Kennedy commented, “Our internship program with SCCC is a win-win situation for all sides. The interns were immersed in the dayto-day activities of their college major and have been a wonderful addition to my staff. Hopefully, the experience can serve as a catalyst that inspires SCCC students to seek employment in Suffolk County Government upon graduation.”

Farzana Akter Akhi, recent SCCC graduate and internship participant, mentioned how grateful she was for the opportunity by stating, “Not only

Marine Vet Cliff Doering Turns 99!

By Joe Cuminale

On Saturday, May 18, I had the honor of helping a longtime friend celebrate a major milestone birthday. United States Marine Corps Cpl. Cliff Doering turned 99 years young. I have known Cliff for almost 15 years now. He is a World War II Veteran of the Okinawa Battle in the South Pacific.

Cliff enlisted in the Marines when He was 18 years old. When I asked him the reason behind enlisting, Cliff told me “The world was in trouble, and I wanted to help.”

After basic training, he was sent to Hawaii, then on to the South Pacific. He hit the Black Sand Beaches at 18 years of age, hoping to make it to 19.

Cpl. Doering and his family arrived at The Sunrise Detachment of the Marine Corps League in Massapequa in a classic convertible escorted by almost forty motorcycles. Once they arrived at their destination, the motorcycle escort parked and a group of young Marines carrying our country’s colors escorted the family to the guest of honor area set aside for the family. The members of the Marine Corps League gathered to honor their brother.

Cliff is more than a friend to me; he is literally ALLOON COLLECTION living history and I love to listen to his stories.

A few of Nassau County elected officials were on hand to help Cliff celebrate. When someone asked Cliff the question “When You Reach 100 next year, would you like to re-enlist?” All Cliff had to say was “Heck Yeah!” and was greeted with the sounds of “OOH-RAH!” from his fellow Marines.

I am looking forward to hearing more of Cliff’s stories for some time to come. I would like to thank the Marine Corps League, Rolling Thunder Chapter NY6, American Legion Riders, Patriot Guard Riders, Teamsters Horsemen, and many other independent motorcycle riders for escorting the guest of honor U.S.M.C. Cpl. Cliff Doering and his family to his 99th birthday celebration barbeque.

I will seeBALLOON you manyCOLLECTION times before, but next year’s 100th birthday celebration will be much larger, sir.

Happy Birthday Cliff!

BALLOON

This Week Today Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

9

Thursday, May 23, 2024

National, State and Local Temperature Checks

By Matt Meduri National

Credit -Wikipedia

Last week, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) began her taxpayer-funded trip to Rome, the Vatican, and Ireland to attend roundtables to discuss New York’s leadership in climate initiatives.

The three-day climate change summit “From Climate Crisis to Climate Resilience” saw hundreds

Local The winner of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for NY-01 was named as Maia Schnaider of West Hills. Schnaider’s piece Forever Indebted will be displayed in the halls of the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Credit - Office of Congressman Nick LaLota

State

of world leaders, including Pope Francis, and scientists descend on the Vatican City.

“I had two hurricanes my first week on the job, more than Florida had that year. Tornadoes, a 1000-year flooding event, [with] our lakes and streams upstate where people have drowned, flooded in their homes,” said Hochul. “And I’m only on the job two years. So, think about the scale of those cataclysmic events, of what it has done to our communities.”

Hochul announced $300 million for climate change resiliency initiatives, with two-thirds funding water quality improvement projects that address flood resiliency or drinking source water protection.

Hochul also said that the state is a “magnet” for migrants seeking a better life, insisting that they are refugees of climate change.

“Those who are the climate refugees - local circumstances, environmental challenges are driving people from their homes because they can no longer sustain themselves in the agricultural jobs that were once there for them. That’s not their fault. We have to help them,” said Hochul.

Hochul was joined by governor Maura Healey (DMA) and Gavin Newsom (D-CA).

“I am thrilled to announce Maia Schnaider of Half Hollow Hills West as the winner of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition. Her piece, ‘Forever Indebted,’ is a great portrayal of her grandparents’ pursuit of the American Dream,” said Congressman Nick LaLota (R, NY-01). “Through her art, Maia captures the resilience and hope that define their journey, serving as a reminder of the endless opportunities our country offers.

Congratulations, Maia, on this well-deserved recognition of your talent and a wonderful tribute to your family.”

“When I think of a Patriotic American Icon, I think of the American flag, which symbolizes the unity that people of different backgrounds and stories share and the promise of freedom.

Written between the lines of the flag is a famous quote from ‘The New Colossus’ on the Statue of Liberty, another significant icon of America,” said Schnaider (pictured above with her grandparents).

“My Grandparents are of an older generation; immigrants that came to the United States in the 80s, one, a child of World War Two survivors from Eastern Europe, and the other from the Middle East. Both came to America for all that the flag and Emma Lazarus’s poem symbolize.”

The winner of the Congressional Art Competition in NY-02, represented by Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) was Connetquot’s Sydney Shurgin.

Credit - Matt Meduri

In perhaps the most pressing geopolitical news, Iran’s President and Foreign Minister were both killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday night.

President Ebrahim Raisi (pictured below), Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, the Governor of Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province, and other officials were all determined to have been killed after an hours-long search throughout the mountainous northwestern region of Iran just twelve miles from the Azerbaijan border.

Leaders from Yemen, Iraq, India, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Syria, Lebanon, Russia, Turkey, Afghanistan, China, Qatar, and Pakistan all offered their condolences to Iran in the wake of the news. Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group, as well as Hamas and Palestinian jihadist groups, the European Union foreign policy chief, and the Yemeni Houthis all offered condolences and signs of support as well.

White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby says that the U.S. does not anticipate “any change in Iranian behavior, and therefore, the Iranians should not expect any change in American behavior when it comes to holding them accountable.”

Kirby asserts that the deaths of the Iranian leaders will not substantively impact U.S.-Iranian relations, and that the change in Iran’s leadership will not change the nation’s support of Hamas, Hezbollah, or the Yemeni Houthis who have targeted commercial shipping routes in the Middle East since the war in Gaza started in October. The U.S. also expects new Iranian leadership to continue its military support of Russia in the Ukraine War. The cause of the crash is still undetermined, but it comes just shortly after Iran and Israel exchanged their first direct military confrontation in years. President Raisi and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei launched drones and ballistic missile attacks at Israel in response to an Israeli airstrike on an Iranian Consulate in Syria that killed two Iranian generals and five officers.

Israel, with aid from the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Jordan, intercepted the projectiles, and Israel countered with a strike on an Iranian air defense radar system.

The exact location of the crash is still under contradiction, with some accounts placing it near the city of Jolfa, and others placing it near Uzi, both near the Azerbaijan-Armenia border and nearly 400 miles northwest of the capital city of Tehran.

In U.S. political news, two more states held presidential primary elections Tuesday night in Kentucky and Oregon, along with other consequential state elections and the special election for CA-20 in the U.S. House.

In Kentucky, both Donald Trump (R-FL) and Joe Biden (D-DE) won their respective primaries handily, but Biden saw a large chunk of the Democratic base opt for the “Uncommitted” ballot option, a movement that started in Michigan ahead of Super Tuesday rallying Americans, mostly Arab-Americans, against Biden’s support of Israel.

Although Kentucky has a relatively small progressive voting bloc, the ballot option still took 17.9% of the

collective vote, while Biden took 71.2% of the statewide vote. Biden also lost seven of Kentucky’s 120 counties: Floyd, Knott, Breathitt, Wolfe, Robertson, Union, and Ballard. Biden’s support in the Democratic strongholds of Jefferson (Louisville) and Fayette (Lexington) counties remained strong. Biden is set to take all forty-four delegates available.

Trump swept all 120 counties and took 84.9% of the statewide vote, to Nikki Haley’s (R-SC) 6.4%. He is set to take all forty-six delegates available.

In Oregon, Biden swept the primary with nearly 90% of the vote with 56% of precincts reporting at press time.

He swept all thirty-six counties and will take all fortytwo delegates available. Long-suspended Marianne Williamson (D-CA) took just 7% of the statewide vote, while the write-in option took about 4%.

Meanwhile, Democrats avoided a disaster primary in OR-05 by electing Oregon Senator Janelle Bynum (D) in the primary over 2022 candidate Jamie McLeodSkinner (D). In perhaps the largest upset of the 2022 cycle, McLeod-Skinner ousted longtime moderate Congressman Kurt Schrader (D) in the primary. Viewed as too far left for a highly competitive district, the party split after her primary win and Schrader refused to endorse her. McLeod-Skinner would then lose to Happy Valley Mayor Lori Chavez DeRemer (R) in 2022.

OR-05 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive races in the House landscape. Bynum won Tuesday’s primary with 70% of the vote. The district runs from the southeast Portland suburbs through the eastern half of the Willamette Valley to take in the cities of Bend and Sisters. It has a slight Democratic lean, making it one of several crossover seats in the House - those that voted for one party for President but voted for another for Congress.

A rematch is also brewing in OR-06, just next door to OR-05. Freshman Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (D) won a narrow race in Oregon’s newest congressional district that it gained after the state saw large population growth as reported by the 2020 Census. Mike Erickson (R), the 2022 challenger, cleared his primary Tuesday night.

OR-06 is slightly more Democratic leaning than OR-05. It contains all of the capital city of Salem and southwestern suburbs of Portland.

Meanwhile, fundraising reports for April are in, and despite the ongoing criminal trial, former President Trump led Biden in monthly fundraising for the first time in the 2024 cycle.

Trump reported $76 million in donations for the month of April, while Biden reported $51 million. However, Biden still has the cash-on-hand advantage, with $192 million in the bank to Trump’s $89 million.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., reported $10.7 million for April and started May with $10.1 million in his war chest.

His running mate, Nicole Shanahan, ex-wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, donated $8 million to the campaign in April.

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Islip Matters Thursday, May 23, 2024

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Town Officials Urge Boating, Ocean, and Pool Safety Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip) and members of the Islip Town Board were joined by Town, County, and local officials at the Town’s Boater Safety Press Conference at the Bay Shore Marina.

The annual event held before the extended Memorial Day holiday weekend, is designed to underscore and emphasize the importance of safe boating and swimming practices as residents begin to prepare their boats, pools and personal watercraft for a summer of recreation on the water.

“Overwhelmingly, the majority of accidents are the result of collisions, typically, with other recreational boats. In nearly all cases, death or serious injury occurred when individuals were separated from their vessel and were thrown or landed in the water,” said Supervisor Carpenter.

Carpenter also emphasized the importance of wearing a lifejacket, stating, “All passengers are required to wear a lifejacket. Nearly half of all reported boating deaths could have been avoided if the victim had only been wearing a lifejacket.”

In an effort to prevent boating accidents and create an awareness on the water, in 2020 New York State passed Brianna’s Law, requiring all operators of a motorized watercraft to complete a stateapproved boating safety course by the year 2025. Residents can fulfill the New York State requirement for Safe Boater Certification at the Town of Islip Boater Safety Course. The next and final session will be held Saturday, June 8th. The certification is lifelong. To register, or for more information visit www. islipny.gov or call the Town of Islip Office of Cultural Affairs at 631-2245430.

Officials also shared additional safety tips to minimize the risk of a shark encounter including:

• Avoid areas with schools of splashing fish or diving seabirds • Avoid murky water • Swim, paddle, or surf in groups • Avoid areas with seals • Swim where your feet can touch the bottom • Follow lifeguard instructions Dan Walsh, Town of Islip Senior Chief shared important pool safety tips: • Do not leave a child unattended while in the pool area • Remove all toys from the pool area when not in use • Learn to swim, children can begin swimming lessons as early as 6 months old • Enroll in a CPR class or know basic life-saving tools in the event of an emergency • Create guidelines with your children so they know their boundaries in the pool area “The safety of our residents is our top priority,” stated Supervisor Carpenter.

“Whether you’re enjoying a day on the boat, taking a dip in the pool, or swimming at one of our beautiful beaches, we want everyone to have a fun and memorable experience. By following simple guidelines, we can ensure that our summer activities remain enjoyable and accident-free for all.”

Joining Supervisor Carpenter were members of the Islip Councilmen, Jorge Guadrón (D-Central Islip), John M. Lorenzo (R-West Sayville), and Michael McElwee (R-West Islip); Town of Islip Public Safety Commissioner Tony Prudenti; Town of Islip Parks and DPW Commissioner, Tom Owens; Town of Islip Senior Chief Lifeguard, Dan Walsh; Merry Camhi, Director, New York Seascape; Dave Anderson, General Manager of Fire Island Ferries; representatives from the Suffolk County Police Department Marine Bureau; and Town of Islip Harbormasters and Park Rangers.

News Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, May 23, 2024

11

Continued from front cover

MESSENGER EXCLUSIVE Romaine Signs Caracappa’s Workforce Housing Bill

One such elected official, Suffolk County Legislator and Majority Leader Nick Caracappa food and utilities are one thing, but forget about vacations and family time. It’s hard enough just to (C-Selden), spent the last ten months crafting a bill to promote workforce housing in Suffolk County. make ends meet. This will now be a relief for that. Our young workforce will be able to save money His bill, I.R. 1013-2024, amends a portion of the Suffolk County Administrative Code in tandem with for a down payment. This is the plan.”

Chapter 740 of the Suffolk County Code in connection with Sewers to require developers who Caracappa also says that the bill intends to hold developers who seek County subsidies wish to connect to existing sewer districts to allocate at least 15% of units as workforce affordable “accountable” in their endeavors. housing and clarifies affordability requirements relative to area median income (AMI).

“120% AMI is not affordable housing,” says Caracappa. “We can’t control rent in every unit, The bill, co-sponsored by Legislators Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches), Catherine Stark (R-Riverhead), because at the end of the day, it is a business for developers. But developers claim they’ll lose up Sam Gonzalez (D-Brentwood), Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), Deputy Presiding Officer Steve to $40,000 per unit. This was not an easy project. Legislator Mazzarella and I successfully lobbied Flotteron (R-Brightwaters), Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Point), Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport), the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) to lower their AMI to 80%.”

Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station), and Minority Leader Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon), Caracappa also says that the term “affordable housing” often carries a stigma, something he passed the Legislature 14-4. and his colleagues intend to clarify with this legislation and other initiatives like it.

Now, The Messenger can exclusively report that Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center “In order to qualify for workforce housing, potential tenants must present a W-2 to obtain Moriches) signed the bill into law Tuesday evening. qualification. If you don’t qualify, or if your salary goes above AMI, you’ll be redesignated into “What this bill does is that anyone who’s looking to come forward for subsidies from the County market-value homes,” says Caracappa. “But by then, you should have saved your money and done and receive funding for a development that has affordable housing in it, this will now change your diligence. We’re not picking favorites with these units; these are designed specifically to keep the dynamics of what we [the County] get in return,” Caracappa told the flow moving. You have a period of time to excel in your job, increase your The Messenger. “Previously, the AMI was set at 120%. What this does pay, and get ready for the next step: ownership.” is lower that number from 120% to 80% and the difference there is Caracappa cites studies from nearly twenty years ago that show similar incredible for our young workforce and for our seniors.” figures in AMI and affordability problems. He laments that if this measure Caracappa explains that a one or one-and-a-half bedroom apartment was taken then, Suffolk County would be in a much different place at 120% costs anywhere from $3400 to $4200 per month in rent. Since the economically today. bill lowers the threshold to 80% AMI, it will put rental units below market “Imagine if this legislation today was passed back then, what kind of value. He says that that same apartment would now cost anywhere from shape Suffolk County would be in with truly affordable housing. It would be $2400 to $2700 per month. leveled off by now,” says Caracappa. “We would have affordable units across According to the New York State Department of Housing and Urban the board for everyone. But we’ve got to start somewhere. We can’t look Development (HUD), no more than 30% of one’s income should go backwards. We have to look forward.” towards rent or a mortgage. The current average is over 65%.

The legislation also stipulates that in order for developers to qualify for “When families stay together The legislation stipulates that 10% of units in a development must, County subsidies, at least five units must be allocated for Veterans who here in Suffolk County, they go at a minimum, be occupied by persons and/or families whose income meet income requirements. The bill also requires a development to allocate out. They support mom-and-pop does not exceed 80% AMI. Additionally, 5% of units must be occupied by no more than 10% of affordable units for individuals with disabilities and shops, the local businesses, the tenants whose income does not exceed 100% AMI. abide by ADA standards. movie theaters, restaurants; Caracappa says the initiative is a huge help to young professionals The Messenger also discussed the bill and other infrastructure initiatives that’s sustainability. We raise entering the workforce with entry-level salaries. with County Executive Romaine. and educate our youth and “My background is in labor and negotiating contracts. Everyone knows “The bill is important as a way of promoting affordable housing by tying we want them to move on that when you enter a new position, you typically start at ‘entry-level’ it to sewer connections. By doing that, we encourage developers who are to the next chapter, which is pay scales. Over time, there are step increases or progressions in salary looking to build and get greater density, which sewers will allow to build independence.” approximately every six months or so, or when a probation period has affordable housing,” says Romaine.

Majority Leader Nick Caracappa ended. This is the case whether you are leaving college and entering into Romaine also says that while legislation is an important step in promoting healthcare or teaching, or where you may go to begin a new career. It’s infrastructure changes, “money is everything.” basically the same scenario for those elect to enter into one of the trades, “We don’t have all the monies in place. If we get the referendum passed, municipalities, or even law enforcement directly out of high school,” says Caracappa. “What this that’s one step. But more importantly, where’s the state money? Where’s the environmental bond allows for, in those five or six years when you’re climbing up the ladder, is to live independently, money? Where’s the infrastructure money that the president promised us? We haven’t seen that move out of your parents’ house, work, live, and give back to the community, instead of being money. We need to see that money here on Long Island,” says Romaine. educated here and then moving somewhere else more affordable. This will keep our young Romaine also says that transit-oriented development (TOD) is a large priority of the County, workforce here.” which can tie sewer connections and affordable housing initiatives together to make the best use Caracappa also says that this bill will benefit seniors who still wish to reside in Suffolk. Senior of mass transit and downtown revitalizations. citizens regularly find that maintenance, cost of upkeep, and other responsibilities of owning a “We have someone who just built seventy-five units of affordable housing in North Bellport, property are what interests them in downsizing into a rental unit or condo. and he wants to build more on Montauk Highway,” says Romaine. “There’s a sewage treatment “This keeps our grandparents and seniors here in our communities and keeps families together. plant north of Sunrise Highway that we could connect to the units. 100%-affordable units with a When our grandparents say it costs too much to live here, or they’re a widow or widower, they sewer hookup could be approved tomorrow, but we don’t see the investment being made by the usually sell and move south. We want them to sell and move down the road,” says Caracappa.

State. The Governor talks about housing, but you can’t talk about housing without talking about The potential increased sale of houses in favor of smaller units also opens up the housing infrastructure, sewers, and roads, because you can’t build housing in a vacuum. It’s got to be market to other, new buyers. coordinated and it should be beneficial towards TOD.” The legislation also incentivizes sewer hookups. Developers who wish to build apartment/ Romaine says that the Pilgrim State property in Brentwood is another example of housing condo complexes and utilize the public sewers will be required to set aside at least 15% of all where State funding is needed. Romaine says that they’re currently approved for 3,400 units, but eventually available units at no greater than 80% AMI. Sewer connections not only allow for better when it’s finished over the years, it could be up to 9,000 units. water treatment and certain environmental mitigations, but also for downtown revitalizations, “We have all the housing we want. What we need is the infrastructure to support the housing. as businesses, restaurants, and housing projects often depend on sewer hookups for long-term There’s no sewer solution for Pilgrim State,” says Romaine. sustainability and/or eventual expansion.

Romaine also mentioned road network remediations that are needed to address housing Developers will see reductions in connection fees that directly correspond to the percentage of increases in Suffolk County, namely adding a third lane to the Sagtikos and Sunken Meadow affordable units at 80% AMI or below. For example, if 15% of a development’s units are considered Parkways and creating an overpass at Route 347 and Nicolls Highway in Stony Brook. He also says “affordable” under the eyes of the legislation, then they would receive a 15% cost reduction in getting the most use of buses is another priority of his administration, a vital aspect of TOD. He sewer hookups. The legislation also specifically states that if 100% of a development’s units are says that the prior administration had to cut bus routes because of lack of State funding. considered affordable, then the developer will see a 100% cost reduction in sewer hookups.

“I repeat myself a hundred times, but maybe the hundredth and first time will work. We seem Caracappa also says that keeping Suffolk affordable not only allows for resident retention but to be the stepchild of the state of New York,” says Romaine. increases the quality of life down to the local level.

The Messenger also discussed I.R. 1013 with one of its primary co-sponsors, Legislator “When families stay together here in Suffolk County, they go out. They support mom-and-pop Jim Mazzarella. shops, the local businesses, the movie theaters, restaurants; that’s sustainability,” says Caracappa.

“We sorely need funding from the State for the infrastructure. They just cut a ribbon on an “We raise and educate our youth and we want them to move on to the next chapter, which is affordable housing project in Bay Shore. There were eighty-four affordable units made available, independence.” but there were 1,600 applicants for those units,” says Mazzarella. “If that doesn’t say that we are Regarding the aforementioned statistics from the State HUD, Caracappa says that when more in a housing crisis and that we need to do something to make housing more affordable in Suffolk than 65% of one’s income goes to rent, everything else goes out the window.

County and Long Island, I don’t know what does.”

“When young people and families in these apartments have most of their salaries go to rent, The new law is set to take effect ninety days after its filing with the Secretary of State.

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School Highlights Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, May 23, 2024

SCPD Provides Practical Robotics Presentation at East Islip HS

The Suffolk County Police Emergency Service Section recently visited East Islip High School technology education classes. This unit consists of specially trained officers who engage in both high-risk and highly technical operations. They are trained in many fields; however, the focus of the presentation was on robotics and drones.

During the event, students learned about the different types of robots and drones that these officers interact with during their job. They shared an overview of how they work, discussed their overall designs and how they are manufactured and maintained, and even gave some students the opportunity to drive the robots.

“This was an excellent opportunity for my robotics students to see how robots and drones are used in practical applications,” technology teacher James Connell said. “I’m very thankful that the Suffolk County Police Department took the time to share their experiences with our students.”

“The officers were very nice, the robots were interesting and overall, I think this was a great learning experience to show students how robotics can be applied to real world situations and jobs,” junior William Blaschuk said.

Book Donation Honors Upcoming Memorial Day

In recognition of Memorial Day later this month, Sachem Central School District Board of Education trustee and Navy veteran, Michael J. Isernia, Esq., presented 29 copies of “The Wall” by Eve Bunting on behalf of the Military Business Resource Group, of UL Solutions. The donation was made to the district at the May 8 board of education meeting.

The book tells the story of a father and young son who visit the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. The story is told through the boy’s eyes as he and his father search to find the name of the grandfather he would never know. Along the way, the boy sees others paying respects in different ways to all those lost. The books will be distributed to the district’s 10 elementary and three middle school libraries. They will be used by educators to teach lessons about the importance of honoring the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Bayport-Blue Point HS Athletes Commit to Colleges

The Bayport-Blue Point School District congratulates the following Bayport-Blue Point High School student-athletes who have committed to competing at the NCAA Division III level upon graduation.

Pictured, top row from left, Nick K., St. Joseph’s University, baseball; Miller V., University of Lynchburg, volleyball; Kyle B., SUNY Cortland, wrestling; Maggie Y., Loyola University, track and field; Samantha H., Husson University, basketball.

Seated from left, Kendall W., Hartwick College, field hockey; Renee M., Ithaca College, volleyball; Kristin K., Rutgers University of Newark, softball;

Matt T., Penn State University Behrend, wrestling; Jerry L., Hartwick College, football; Ryan H., SUNY Maritime, lacrosse.

Not pictured are Logan F., St. Joseph’s University, volleyball; Scarlett K., Oberlin College, tennis; and Caitlin S., Bryant University, track and field.

School Highlights Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

13

Thursday, May 23, 2024

West Islip’s Vocal Motion Experiences Magic of Disney On April 7, West Islip High School’s Vocal Motion traveled to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The group was accepted into the Disney’s Imagination Campus Program and was approved to participate in two workshops and perform on the main stage for show choirs.

Through Imagination Campus, Vocal Motion spent four days in Disney as honorary cast members and learned from the best in the industry. In the first workshop, Sound Session, students learned the vocal techniques needed to succeed in professional entertainment and performed a rendition of songs from the movie “Tangled.”

Their voices were recorded for sound effects and the soundtrack for the original animation. A Disney audio engineer worked his magic, and the students were able to watch their hard work come to life.

In the next workshop, Disney Broadway Magic, Vocal Motion learned about the audition process, acting techniques, and staging from “Frozen.” Through this process, the scene was casted, and the group was taught the original stage choreography of “Colder by the Minute” from “Frozen: the Broadway Musical.” In both workshops, Vocal Motion was under the direction of Walt Disney World cast members who shared their passion and experience with the students.

Finally, Vocal Motion returned to the Disney Springs stage for the first time in many years to perform for family, friends, and onlookers. The performance was filled with excitement, talent, and a beautiful showcase of what Vocal Motion is truly all about.

Connetquot World Language Students Receive Seal of Biliteracy On April 15, more than 120 Connetquot High School World Language students received the Seal of Biliteracy during a special recognition ceremony.

The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by the New York State Education Department and Connetquot Central School District, recognizing students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. The recognition becomes part of the high

school transcript and diploma for these students. It is a statement of accomplishment that helps to signal evidence of a student’s readiness for career and college and for engagement as a global citizen.

Ahead of receiving their certificates, students stood at the podium to reflect upon their experiences in connecting with cultures and languages and the benefits of working on their Seal of Biliteracy projects.

Hauppauge HS French Students Receive Awards for National Exam Many of Hauppauge High School’s French students recently sat for the National French Contest, also known as the Le Grand Concours exam.

Le Grand Concours is an annual competition sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French. Students across the country take a written test and compete against students with similar educational backgrounds for prizes.

Congratulations to the following level two award winners: Nathan Fernandes won the Silver Award (10th in the country, seventh in Suffolk County) and Akhil Grandhi was awarded honorable mention (28th in the country, 25th in Suffolk County).

For level three, congratulations to the following students: Nicole Florio won the Mérite Award (25th in the country, 21st in Suffolk); Madison Forgione won the Mérite Award (25th in the country, 21st in Suffolk); Louis Fusaro won the Mérite Award (29th in the country, 25th in Suffolk); Trinity Garcia won the Bronze Award (10th in the country, sixth in Suffolk); Mackenzie Juliano won the Mérite Award (24th in the country, 20th in Suffolk); Corie Paolillo was awarded honorable mention (20th in the country, 16th in Suffolk); Jacob Wolmetz won the Silver Award (sixth in the country, third in Suffolk); Tiana Yip was awarded honorable mention (14th in the country, 10th in Suffolk).

Congratulations to the following level four students: Matthew Barshay won the Mérite Award (24th in the country, 11th in Suffolk); Savannah Fasner won the Mérite Award (25th in country, 12th in Suffolk); Ryan Moleti was awarded honorable mention (22nd in the country, 10th in Suffolk); Sajal Varshney was awarded honorable mention (20th in the country, eighth in Suffolk).

Congratulations to the following level five students: Colin Buscarino was awarded honorable mention (15th in the country, third in Suffolk) and Elliot Tafla won the Silver Award (11th in the country, first in Suffolk).

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Civics 101 Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, May 23, 2024

The Necessary Standard for American Education

This column will seek to address the long-forgotten concept of civics and how it relates to American government in general, from the federal level to the local level. This column will explore Constitutional rights, the inner workings of government, the electoral process, and the obligations and privileges of citizens.

Unpacking the Even-Year Election Change

By Matt Meduri Last year, just around Christmas time, Albany Democrats and Governor Kathy Hochul (D) instituted a change that moves off-year elections to even-year elections. It’s a change that fundamentally alters how our elections will be run and how results will be decided. For this column, we’d like to remind the public of the change and unpack what its likely effects will be.

NYS Assembly Seats in Suffolk by Current Partisan Breakdown

Off-Year Elections as They Currently Stand Currently, off-year elections are held on oddnumbered years. They encompass local elections only, larger special elections notwithstanding.

Suffolk County just had a host of local elections.

County Executive, County Legislature, Town Board/Council, Town Supervisor, Town Clerk, and other positions, such as Assessors, Trustees, Highway and Superintendents were all on the ballot. These elected officials tend to be the most accessible and their decisions often have the greatest effects on constituents’ lives, wallets, and quality of life.

Additionally, these elections are often the greatest bellwethers for political moods on larger scales, as the voters who turn out to vote in these races will often vote in any other race up the ballot. Partisan moods across other years’ ballots can often correspond to the moods in these elections, as they are the most rudimentary form of organized politics.

On the other hand, these elections can produce much more ticket-splitting and crossover support, as local electeds are often viewed less in a lens of partisanship and more in one of constituent service and job approval.

Even-Year Elections as They Currently Stand Even-year elections play host to more highprofile tickets: presidential, federal, and state elections, along with some local positions coincide on certain even years, while federal, state, and other local positions coincide on the others. All state representatives are up every two years and since they’re paired with presidential and midterm years, they can be more susceptible to anti-White House voting tendencies. This was apparent in New York, as state Democrats rode the national blue wave to make gains in the Assembly and flip the Senate for the first time in decades.

Midterm years have a much larger emphasis on local politics. Members of the New York State Assembly and Senate fit into the fold of constituent service-centric work ethic, but are still in throes of partisan politics, albeit to a smaller degree than congressional elections.

Some local positions that are already on the ballot in even years include Suffolk County Comptroller, Suffolk County Clerk, and town judgeship positions.

In terms of congressional elections, members of the U.S. House are up for re-election every two years. These always coincide with the presidency and midterm races, making them highly susceptible to partisan politics, hot-button issues, and voting records. Each election season usually sees a couple dozen candidates in crossover districts, those that vote for one party for president but elect a representative from another party. Joe Biden (D-DE) won NY-01 and NY-04 under the current boundaries, but both have Republican Congressmen.

NYS Senate Seats in Suffolk by Current Partisan Breakdown

Presidential election years are the most partisan, despite a president having the lowest effect on citizen’s lives, at least relative to the local representatives. With split-ticket voting much less common and hyperpartisanship at an all-time high, there’s often not much wiggle room for other candidates to score wins at other levels if one party dominates a state’s politics.

What the Change Entails New York decided to merge the off-year and even-year elections for a myriad of reasons. Voter fatigue, public funding of elections each year, and higher turnout are the top three reasons cited for making the change. The change is set to take effect after 2025.

This means that all of the local positions mentioned in the first section, specifically those that were just on the ballot in 2023, will now be susceptible to down ballot tendencies in presidential and midterm years.

From a logistical standpoint, the change also means that ballots will now be packed with dozens of candidates, ranging from Washington down to Hauppauge or your local Town Hall. Local candidates will need to vie for oxygen in the room to make their cases from voters and run specifically on their platforms and records whilst staying afloat amid national or statewide partisan preferences.

Additionally, more money will likely have to flow to election precincts due to larger ballots and processing of votes, requiring more staff.

The change will also undoubtedly make advertising a much larger game for candidates, with those with larger war chests pricing out smaller, local candidates out of pricey New York media markets.

Furthermore, for your local publications, interviewing candidates for campaign spotlights is no small task.

The Messenger sat down with nearly all forty candidates from both parties in just our three towns of coverage in

2023 alone. Adding State, Congressional, and federallevel office seekers will make it a much taller order, and nearly every page will be dedicated to such content every week leading up to Election Day. Finally, although Albany has cited voter fatigue as a reason for the change, voters will now have to endure an onslaught of election-related content, advertisements, mailers, petitions for ballot access, and solicitations for donations. Albany’s reasoning for voter fatigue lies within their belief that voters could do with a year off from the polls and the common quip that “every year is an election year.”

How Will it Affect Results?

This one is mostly conjecture, but we’re confident in our answer from our knowledge of the field. Since down ballot voting is stronger than ever, and split-ticket voting is mostly a thing of the past in federal and marquee elections, it is a great concern of many that such tendencies will drown out local candidates’ abilities to differentiate themselves from the national spotlight.

While partisan politics does have relevance on the local level, there are much greater and more consistent displays of bipartisanship on the local level. Additionally, partisan lines are much more obscured in light of local issues. Perhaps the major issue of the 2023 elections was the sewer referendum at the County Legislature. None of the national talking points and hot-button issues were on the ballot in the local races this year, and very rarely are they ever.

The local elections have been-off year for decades simply due to the separation of larger, higher-stakes elections that draw more out to the polls simply due to partisanship, especially nowadays. Keeping these levels of government separate at the ballot box has been the intention to keep local, intimate levels of government in their own bubble. Combining them creates scenarios where a single issue can dominate an entire electoral landscape, as abortion did in the 2022 midterms. Since Suffolk County can’t amend abortion laws one way or the other, it doesn’t make sense to make them uncontrollably on the hook for the decisions of lawmakers and judges well above them across the country.

Islip Matters Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

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Thursday, May 23, 2024

Inspiring Double Amputee Shares Her Story With Seniors and Patients in East Islip As part of Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, Nicole Grehn, a double amputee and nurse practitioner, recently shared her inspiring story with fellow amputees and local seniors at Momentum at South Bay for Nursing and Rehabilitation in East Islip.

Nicole is currently a nurse practitioner with Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island that serves its out-patient rehab program and the short-term in-patient amputee programs at Excel at Woodbury for Nursing and Rehabilitation and Momentum at South Bay. During her warmly received presentation, she also raised awareness and garnered support for her upcoming mission to Sri Lanka in the fall with the Limb Kind Foundation where she will be supporting individuals who also suffer from limb loss.

“Nothing in life can prepare you for the challenges associated with losing a limb. However, with a support system and a positive mindset, anything is possible. From being seconds away from death, to losing both of my legs, I have let nothing get in my way from allowing me to live a successful life. It is my goal to show people that anything in life is possible and you can achieve anything you put your mind to,” said Nicole Grehn. “I am grateful to work with patients who have experienced limb loss and who are working to achieve their life’s goals.”

“Having Nicole speak at our facility gave our patients the motivation and support they need to continue to thrive on their personal journeys. Having inspiring speakers like Nicole reiterates our

goal and mission of our monthly support group. Being surrounded by like-minded people, knowing they are not going through this journey alone, has proven to improve the mental health and well-being of our program participants,” said Michael Verbsky, Director of Inpatient Amputee Program and Outpatient Support Group at Momentum.

Beyond the trauma of losing a limb, many face mobility as well as mental health challenges. More than 150,000 Americans lose limbs due to disease and accidents every year. Nicole continues to inspire and motivate individuals around the world who also suffer from limb loss and limb difference.

Over the course of 36 hours, Nicole’s heart stopped 78 times. She was shocked, induced into a coma, and put on a machine to keep her heart beating. During what resulted in a nine-day coma, Nicole’s heart was pumping at only 10%, causing her limbs to suffer from insufficient blood flow. Nicole was on the brink of death and medics gave her family little hope of survival. When Nicole came out of the coma, she found that doctors had been forced to amputate both her legs above the knee, to prevent severe septic shock and keep her alive.

Since her amputation, Nicole completed her Master’s Degree in Nursing and Post-Master’s Degree in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner from Marquette University. Nicole now travels the world to volunteer her time to support and inspire people suffering with limb loss.

For more information and to support Nicole on her upcoming mission, please visit, https://www. gofundme.com/f/limb-kind-sri-lanka-trip-2023. For more information about Momentum at South Bay for Nursing and Rehabilitation, please visit, https://rehabmomentum.com/.

Police Officer Who Heroically Rescued Volunteer Firefighter from Burning Home Honored

By Cait Crudden In a dramatic and heartwarming display of heroism, a Nassau County police officer risked his life to save a West Sayville volunteer firefighter from a burning home. The courageous act unfolded on April 3, 2024, leaving residents in awe and gratitude for the selfless actions of law enforcement in the face of danger.

The harrowing incident began when a fire broke out at a residence, engulfing the home in flames and trapping volunteer firefighter AJ Spitzfaden inside on the second floor. Nassau County Police Officer Richard Mosback arrived after seeing his neighbor’s house engulfed in flames when looking out his window and immediately sprang into action to rescue the trapped firefighter. He quickly stopped a nearby contractor to call 911 for emergency responders to come to the scene before going back to his home to get a ladder and entering the home in flames.

With flames licking at the structure and thick smoke billowing from the windows, Officer Mosback wasted no time in assessing the situation and devising a plan to reach the imperiled firefighter.

Armed only with his ladder, training,

courage, and a steadfast determination to save lives, Officer Mosback heroically entered the burning building, braving the intense heat and smoke to locate and extricate the trapped firefighter.

Despite the treacherous conditions and the ever-present threat of the inferno engulfing the home, Officer Mosback remained undeterred, navigating through the smoke and chaos with unwavering resolve. The rescued firefighter, AJ Spitzfaden, was rescued just in time. Moments after the rescue, the fire intensified. His quick thinking and decisive actions ultimately proved instrumental in rescuing the trapped firefighter and preventing a potential tragedy.

In the aftermath of the rescue, Officer Mosback was honored for his heroic actions at the most recent May Town Board Meeting, which exemplified his sense of duty and a commitment to protecting and serving his community.

The heroic rescue has garnered widespread praise from residents, law enforcement officials, and community leaders, who recognized Officer Mosback for his bravery and selflessness in the face of danger.

Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip) commended Officer Mosback for his exemplary courage and dedication to duty, hailing him as a true hero and a shining example of the finest traditions of law enforcement.

“Richard Mosback’s heroic actions and unwavering determination to help a neighbor in need, even in the face of imminent danger, saved a life and prevented further tragedy,” said Supervisor Carpenter. “His exceptional courage serves as a reminder to us all

that heroes walk among us every day.

On behalf of myself and the Town Board, we extend our sincerest gratitude to Richard Mosback for his extraordinary bravery and commitment to the safety and well-being of others”.

Mosback charging fearlessly into the flames to rescue a fellow first responder and West Sayville volunteer firefighter serves as a powerful reminder of the unwavering bravery and sacrifice exhibited by law enforcement officers each day in service to their communities.

County News

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Thursday, May 23, 2024

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Suffolk County Holds Armed Forces Day Ceremony

By Matt Meduri While Memorial Day receives the lion’s share of attention, events, parades, and services in honor of our Veterans, the day is reserved in recognition of those who made the Ultimate Sacrifice while serving the United States.

On the other hand, Armed Forces Day is set to recognize those currently serving in uniform and those who have served before. Set for the third Saturday of May, Armed Forces Day was established by President Harry Truman (D-MO) in 1949 to “praise the work of the military services at home and across the seas.”

“It is vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of desirable peace,” said Truman.

The day was formed as a unification of birthday celebrations of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.

Suffolk County held its Armed Forces Day ceremony at Armed Forces Plaza on the north lawn of the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge last Saturday.

“As a country, we owe our thanks to those who stand up for our country,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches). “This is a day that comes together to celebrate all of those who have served. We want to thank the Space Force, the Navy, “Our unique abilities included the very best medical care from our pararescuers. The the Marines, the Army, the Air Force, to whoever has served in the armed forces of our alert crew sprung into action to respond to a vehicle hit with an improvised explosive country. This is a day we give thanks for their service because they are our shield and our device (IED). We were airborne within minutes receiving updates and routes. As the sword. They are the reason our flag flies high. Thank you and God bless America.” pickup bird, we were first into the landing zone. I could see the twisted metal of what “While we’re here to celebrate the armed forces and those who serve the armed forces, seemed to be a vehicle hit by an IED. Out of the dust picked up by the helicopter blades, what I would hope to offer as well is that those of us in public office, in order to take that I saw Marines carrying their wounded to the helicopter. The image is still etched in my seriously, must put that duty before anything else,” said Congressman Nick LaLota (R, memory today.”

NY-01). “All down the line, you have folks who want to put their community and country Wineberger also described a chaotic summer tour in Afghanistan, in which he saw a before themselves, and that’s what the folks in the armed services have done for so many “lone American” directing the operation with “determination and purpose.” years.”

“I never knew what branch of the military he was from, nor will I ever know when we’re LaLota spoke of dysfunction in Congress, but contrasted it with the National Defense serving in silence,” said Wineberger.

Authorization Act, in what he said has been “the most bipartisan bill for the last sixty-four Wineberger also recognized the sea as the most dangerous environment. years.”

“Respect is given to the sailors and Coast Guardsmen who operate daily to keep us safe.

“We’ve come together to ensure that our men and women in the armed forces have the I’ve worked with the Navy numerous times and they have my utmost respect. Landing on policy, the leadership, and the resources ships requires precision. The team on a ship that makes this happen is seamless. The they need to ensure that we remain the Coast Guard are the unsung heroes, working tirelessly day in and day out.” greatest country the world has ever Wineberger then described a 2017 explosion aboard a Slovenian ship that killed two known. It’s important that we come and injured two crew members. In a collaborative effort, the Coast Guard and the 106th together and focus on that. I’m proud Rescue Wing mobilized an HC-130 aircraft with pararescuers from Westhampton Beach. to be doing that for this community and Because of their teamwork, the two survivors were able to return home to their families. the country,” said LaLota.

“I recognize the greatness we can achieve by working together. I understand that Suffolk County Legislator Nick relationships we build and the trust we develop can overcome any obstacle, despite Caracappa (C-Selden), Chair of the our differences. I see the same opportunity for every American. Hopefully you can too,” Veterans Committee, offered his thanks concluded Wineberger. and praise not only to all armed forces, Wineberger was then presented with a proclamation on behalf of Suffolk County for but also Gold Star families. his “unwavering dedication and leadership as Deputy Commander of the 106th Rescue “To our Gold Star families, you made the sacrifice that should be asked of nobody. But yet, you don’t complain, (Photo above)Colonel you honor, and you show up to honor others,” said Andrew Wineberger Caracappa. “And that is the primary reason we are (Credit - Matt Meduri) here, because we have young men and women serving right now, putting themselves in harm’s way, just like your family members did. We appreciate you so much because your presence at every event inspires others. May God continue to bless you and look after you. We salute you and thank you. Thank you very much. God bless you all.”

The ceremony’s keynote speaker was Colonel Andrew Wineberger, an Air Force Veteran who served as the 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton Beach.

“Armed Forces Day was established in response to the Armed Forces unification under one department, the Department of Defense,” said Wineberger. “The (Photo left) A Green word ‘join’ has been used to describe Wing, Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base.” The Jacket hands out roses proclamation highlights his guidance of over a thousand the synergy between the different services, including the Coast Guard.

(Credit - Matt Meduri) military and civilian personnel, whose “collaborative efforts The individual services have cherished demonstrate remarkable efficiency and effectiveness in their traditions and history, and they executing a wide array of missions.” should. But as time progressed, they “The operations capability of the wing, including the operation of the HC-130J Combat understood the need to work together King II aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, as well as its Guardian Angel Squadron for peace in an increasingly complex stands as a testament to Colonel Weinberger’s strategic foresight and commitment to world.” excellence,” the proclamation read. Wineberger was also recognized for his professional Wineberger entered the service at development as a command pilot, his more than 4,300 flight hours, deployments in the 106th Rescue Wing thirty-six years Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and humanitarian ago. He said that at that point in his relief efforts during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Sandy. career, his view of the other services Wineberger was also presented with a proclamation on behalf of the Town of was limited, but perspective changed “dramatically” after eleven deployments in multiple Huntington and Supervisor Ed Smyth (R-Lloyd Harbor), and a proclamation on behalf of high-risk civilian rescue missions. the State of New York presented by Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James).

“As a rescue pilot, I learned to train under the most difficult of circumstances with the “God bless you, Colonel Wineberger, God bless all of our service members, and God Army, the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Special Operations Command, to prepare for bless the United States of America,” said Senator Mattera. combat, defend the homeland, and ensure I can respond to the New York State Governor’s In attendance also were the Vietnam Green Jackets, various local Veterans organization call at a moment’s notice,” said Wineberger. “In the military, we rely on our brothers and leaders and personnel, Sheriff Errol Toulon (D), Suffolk County Legislators Kevin McCaffrey sisters no matter what. We’re always there for each other. There’s an unspoken bond that (R-Lindenhurst), Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters), Ann Welker (D-Southampton), Rebecca cannot be broken.”

Sanin (D-Huntington Station), Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Wineberger described a high-risk mission in Afghanistan providing casualty evacuation Point), Sam Gonzalez (D-Brentwood), Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon), Assemblyman Ed in a hotly-contested area, working to not leave anyone behind.

Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station), and representatives for District Attorney Ray Tierney (R).

News Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

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Thursday, May 23, 2024

Palumbo & Colleagues Introduce Bills to Close Loopholes that Allowed Conviction of Harvey Weinstein to be Overturned New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo (R,C-New Suffolk), Senator Steve Rhoads (R-Bellmore), Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (R-Malverne), and members of the Senate Republican Conference introduced legislation aimed at fixing the glaring loopholes that resulted in the shocking decision by the Court of Appeals to overturn the conviction of serial sexual assaulter Harvey Weinstein.

On April 25, the New York State Court of Appeals overturned the conviction of serial sexual assaulter Harvey Weinstein in a 4-3 decision after Chief Justice Wilson set a policy, shortly after his confirmation, that would allow him to replace Judges Shirley Troutman and Caitlin Halligan - who recused themselves with Betsy Barros and Christine Clark, who sided with Wilson in the decision.

This outcome is the direct result of the Senate Democrats’ rejection of Justice Hector LaSalle in favor of the more liberal-leaning Rowan Wilson, in an effort to politicize the Court after their gerrymandered district maps were struck down.

While their political manipulation got the result they wanted in the redistricting case, the collateral damage is a Court that overturned the conviction of serial sexual assaulter and rapist Harvey Weinstein.

“We were all appalled when the New York State Court of Appeals overturned the rape and sexual assault convictions of Harvey Weinstein. While the verdict was a shock, it was no surprise for people who have followed Judge Rowan Wilson’s career closely,” said Senator Palumbo, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary

(631) 269-6421

Credit - NYS Senate

By Guest Contributor

and Codes Committee. “There were numerous warnings from women’s groups and advocates that decisions like this one would likely follow if Wilson was confirmed as the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. Now the legislature must act to close pro-criminal loopholes to protect victims, and the rule of law in New York State. Codifying the Molineux Rule and preventing the cherry picking of judicial replacements are important safeguards against a radical court intent on legislating from the bench.”

During Judge Rowan Wilson’s Senate confirmation hearing, Senator Palumbo specifically asked Judge Wilson about his prior decisions, including the dismissal of a rape conviction in March of 2023 by creating a new legal standard that he invented. Senator Palumbo reiterated his concerns for victims during the Judiciary hearings and urged his colleagues to reject the nomination of Wilson.

“Despite the clear indication that Judge Wilson could be dangerous to women and New Yorkers, the Senate Democrats voted along party lines to confirm him.

Now we are dealing with the consequences of their decision and are scrambling to protect New Yorkers from radical decisions emanating from the state’s highest court,” concluded Senator Palumbo.

“Make no mistake. The Harvey Weinstein case is a symptom of a much larger problem. Not satisfied with one party rule in Albany passing laws that make our families and communities less safe, Democrats turned their focus on the State’s highest court, to try to game the system to preserve their own political power,” said Senator Rhoads. “Rejecting a reasonable, qualified, common-sense jurist to put a radical progressive as chief judge was bound to have consequences, and now we’re seeing them. It is time for the Legislature to step in to correct not only this immediate misinterpretation of the law, but to regulate the Court of Appeals recusal process and to make the selection of judicial replacements on certain cases consistent, open, and transparent.”

“After the Senate majority scuddled the nomination of a judge who they did not consider progressive enough, the National Organization for Women - NYC, along with other advocates, warned us of the risks posed to survivors of sexual assault that could come from the majority’s preferred, progressive nominee,” said Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. “Chief Judge Wilson had penned the decision to overturn a rape conviction, in an opinion that similarly shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the challenging process women often go through to hold perpetrators of sexual violence accountable.”

“Republicans are standing here because the Court of Appeals has been stacked with political henchmen of the Governor and Senate Democrats who have no issue letting monsters back into our communities,” said Senate Republic Leader Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda). “The Court of Appeals is no longer a figure for justice, it has become a poster child of a kangaroo court. We will not sit back and continue to watch criminals be set free by a court that no longer abides by the State Constitution.”

In an effort to fix the egregious missteps by the hyper-politicized Court of Appeals, Senate Republicans introduced two bills that would: · Prevent the Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals from cherry picking replacement judges when a judge recuses themself from the case by requiring replacement judges to be chosen on a rotating basis in order of seniority (S.9601, Senator Rhoads) · Allow evidence of similar crimes in prior sexual offense cases to be admitted, codifying the “Molineux Rule” that permits relevant evidence that can help prove the defendant’s motive and intent (S.9445, Senator Palumbo) “Once again, New York Democrats created a problem that we need to fix. They weaponized the courts in order to preserve their own political self-interests, and this is the result – serial sexual assaulters are allowed to walk free. These bills need to be addressed before the conclusion of the legislative session,” concluded Senator Ortt.

Senator Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) has represented the First District in the New York State Senate since 2021. The First District includes the entire townships of East Hampton, Riverhead, Shelter Island, Southampton, Southold, and northern Brookhaven from Stony Brook to Wading River.

County News

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Thursday, May 23, 2024

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Suffolk County Legislature Celebrates Outstanding Youth at Annual Awards Ceremony

By Cait Crudden The Suffolk County Legislature recently held its highly anticipated Youth Awards Ceremony, a prestigious event that celebrates the remarkable achievements and contributions of young people across the county. Against the backdrop of a challenging year, the ceremony served as a beacon of hope and inspiration, showcasing the resilience, talent, and dedication of Suffolk County’s youth.

The program was established by the Legislature in 2017 to encourage “positive youth development and to recognize young people as they become well-rounded and more civically engaged individuals. The program is open to students ages thirteen to eighteen.

“As an elected official, I find it tremendously refreshing and motivating when you take an active interest in bettering themselves and their community,” said Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) in a statement on the program. “In a time where we see so much negativity, it is programs such as this Distinguished Youth Award and other good works that should be newsworthy. The youth who complete this award program are truly some of the brightest among us, able to repeatedly set and surpass personal goals across multiple disciplines.”

“The Distinguished Youth Awards are about celebrating our next generation of leaders, encouraging them to stay on the path of helping others and giving them more opportunities to get involved,” said Minority Leader Jason Richberg

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(D-West Babylon). “I truly believe that providing young people with the tools they need to succeed and recognizing their achievements and character will go a long way to helping mold the future of Suffolk County.”

Hosted by the Suffolk County Legislature at the H. Lee Dennison building in Hauppauge, the event drew a diverse array of attendees, including local officials, community leaders, proud parents, and, most importantly, the honorees themselves. From academic excellence to community service to artistic prowess, the Youth Awards Ceremony recognized young individuals who have made a positive impact in various

spheres of life.

Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) expressed her admiration and appreciation for the exceptional young people being honored at the ceremony.

“Our youth are the future leaders of Suffolk County, and it is both humbling and inspiring to see the incredible talent and dedication displayed by our honorees,” remarked Kennedy. “Despite facing challenges, they have demonstrated resilience, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.”

The awards ceremony featured a series of accolades across different categories, each highlighting the diverse talents and achievements of Suffolk County’s youth. From academic scholarships to leadership awards to community service commendations, the ceremony showcased the multifaceted accomplishments of the honorees, underscoring their profound impact on the fabric of Suffolk County.

In addition to individual achievements, the Youth Awards Ceremony also highlighted the collective efforts of youth organizations and initiatives that have made significant contributions to the betterment of Suffolk County.

From youth-led environmental conservation projects to programs aimed at empowering at-risk youth to make positive decisions, the ceremony spotlighted the transformative impact of collaborative youth-driven initiatives.

As the ceremony concluded, Suffolk County officials reiterated their unwavering support for the county’s youth and pledged to continue investing in programs and resources that empower young people to reach their full potential.

“Our youth are our most valuable asset, and it is incumbent upon us to provide them with the support, guidance, and opportunities they need to succeed,” stated Legislator Kennedy.

The Youth Awards Ceremony is a testament to the incredible talent and potential that exists within Suffolk County. It is clear our elected officials within the Suffolk County Legislature remain committed to nurturing and empowering our youth every step of the way regardless of party politics.

Amidst applause and cheers, the Suffolk County Youth Awards Ceremony ended, leaving attendees inspired and hopeful for the future. As the honorees returned to their communities, armed with newfound recognition and motivation, they carried with them the promise of a brighter tomorrow, fueled by their unwavering passion and commitment to making Suffolk County a better place for all.

Guest Column Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Overview - AMAC - The Association of Mature American Citizens

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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 amac.us

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Biden Reveals Fear Of Trump With Debate Rules

By Tammy Bruce | AMAC Exclusive Why does President Joe Biden need a nanny for debates with presidential race frontrunner President Donald Trump? Biden’s requirements for the debates caused a bit of a stir, as the only thing missing was a demand for Biden to use a body double pinch hitter.

As of now, the debates will be held on June 27th on CNN, and September 10th on ABC. Trump had been calling for debates for months, with nary a peep from Biden’s campaign team about being even remotely interested. Biden mentioned it briefly once in a Howard Stern interview that he would be willing to do it. When Trump was engaging 100,000 people at his extraordinary New Jersey rally, Biden was once again snoozing at the beach. Literally.

The timing of the Biden announcement itself speaks volumes—their May 15th debate proposal came just after the massive Trump rally in Wildwood, NJ on May 12th. Previously, Biden’s handlers decided the multiple polls putting Trump in the lead in a majority of swing states were wrong and would be ignored. Yeah, that’s the ticket! Then 100,000 people showed up for Trump on the Jersey Shore.

Coincidence? Yeah, no.

Most of the chattering class took notice of the scope of President “Forgetful Guy’s” debate requirements. His team declared which outlets would be acceptable, and which would not, shutting out Fox News. Only CNN, CBS, ABC and Telemundo met their ‘requirements,’ telling you everything you need to know about what Biden and the Democrats expect from their legacy media wet nurse.

Also, there is to be no audience in the venue itself. This isn’t surprising coming from a man and a party that has clearly chosen to completely erase the average American from their plans for this country.

One of the reasons why Joe Biden’s approval rating is the lowest of any president historically explains why he doesn’t want people in the debate audience – because he and the Democrats have complete contempt for Americans in general and don’t want us in their soup.

The impact of his policies on the lives of Americans and the safety of this country speak to that malice.

President “My-Uncle-Was-Eaten-By-Cannibals” is also demanding that there be absolutely no interruptions between the candidates and no cross talk. In order to achieve this, microphones are to be cut off after an answer is provided to a question from the moderators.

Bottom line – Joe Biden doesn’t want to debate during a debate. The president of the United States is stating to the world with this rule that he is unable to engage in the fluidity of a conversation or negotiation or even yes, an argument. He is telegraphing weakness and confusion not just to the United States but to the world, being the first honest thing he’s done as president.Ultimately, the man who is supposed to be in charge of the free world is afraid of Donald Trump saying something to him.

Many of us wonder why the Democrats get away with manipulations like this, and why President Trump would agree to this situation. Trump did say that he would debate Biden at any time in any place. And he was serious. Biden needing to construct a crib for himself with thought guards protecting him speaks directly to why this country is a dumpster fire and the world is at war. Trump’s willingness and confidence to go into any environment to have a debate for the American people speaks directly to his nature and why he is leading Biden.

I learned a long time ago to not second-guess Trump. He knows a heck of a lot more about the system and the people running it then he did in 2015. With the persecution of him by the system, the weaponization of the so-called justice system in an effort to annihilate him, has not stopped him.

Biden’s rules to protect himself from looking like the useful idiot that he is, is also not going to hurt Trump.

Instead, every action of Biden reveals more of the malevolent fraud that he is.

Everything they’ve tried to do to stop Trump has backfired. Why? Because while overestimating

themselves, they underestimate and loathe Trump representing their complete contempt for the American people. All of America’s enemies, from the British to the Japanese to the Nazis and to modern day Marxists, have all found, eventually, that underestimating the American people is a serious, serious mistake.

Meanwhile, Trump has said that he would like Biden to take a drug test prior to the debates. He explained this by noting what we’ve all noticed that during the State of the Union address and other highprofile events where Biden has the comfort of relying on a teleprompter and seems as Trump put it, “high as a kite.”

The collegial atmosphere in Washington and the lapdog legacy media in this country never directly mention this for some reason. Just like during COVID-19, we all knew that we were being lied to about various existential issues, we all knew that there was gaslighting and

manipulation and the weapon of fear being used against us, but only now years later people are confessing to the lies and chaos informing the government’s disastrous response to COVID-19.

Part of our problem is a lack of a willingness to speak honestly about what is happening to us. Trump speaks honestly and that has been his greatest strength. It’s also why the bureaucratic system hates him so much.

While some wonder if these debates will even take place, it’s important that they do as some need to be reminded about the powerful authenticity of Trump’s commitment to our nation.

Moreover, the absurd protection afforded to Biden in this process speaks volumes about his innate and dangerous weakness. Trump’s passion and willingness to do everything possible to inform the American people will, in fact, win the day and this election.

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EXTENDED THRU JUNE 30

June 1–June 30, 2024

JUL 11–AUG 25, 2024

SEPT 12–OCT 27, 2024

July 20–August 25, 2024

20 WORD OF THE

Week

Origin: 1551, in the writing of Thomas Raynalde, physician and printer. The word “quintessence” means “the fifth element”. Derived from the Latin words quintus, meaning “fifth,” and essentia, meaning “being”. In medieval belief, the quintessence was the substance from which heavenly bodies are formed. The word’s meaning evolved into our modern definition of an ideal, a potentially heavenly example of something.

Source: Oxford Languages

Bits & Pieces QUINTESSENTIAL Adjective

Definition: representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.

Example: “It was the quintessential farmer’s market - honey jars, fresh fruits, and spices.”

Synonyms: classic, ultimate, archetypal Antonyms: abnormal, atypical, unrepresentative

This Week in History

See how many words you can create.

Must have center letter in word and can use letters more than once. 4 letter word minimum.

T R

O M

SUDOKU

Pronounced: kwin·tuh·sen·chl

WORD WHEEL P

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Thursday, May 23, 2024

May 23, 1958:

Mao Zedong starts the “Great Leap Forward” movement in China that kills between 23 and 55 million from diseases and famine.

Bing Crosby records Irving Berlin’s song “ White Christmas”, with the John Scott Trotter Orchestra and the Ken Darby Singers, in just 18 minutes; becomes world’s best-selling single (estimated 100 million copies sold)

May 27, 1940:

British and Allied forces begin the evacuation of Dunkirk (Operation Dynamo) during WWII

N I

May 26, 1927:

Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company produce the last (and 15th million) Model T Ford / Tin Lizzie

May 29, 1942:

May 28, 585 B.C.:

Solar eclipse, as predicted by Greek philosopher Thales, while Lydians at war with the Medes leads to a truce. One of the cardinal dates from which other dates calculated.

May 25, 1977: May 24, 1883: Brooklyn Bridge opened by President Chester A. Arthur (R-NY) and Governor Grover Cleveland (D-NY)

Original “Star Wars” movie (Episode IV – A New Hope), directed by George Lucas and starring Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford, premieres

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Thursday, May 23, 2024

21

Local Leaders Make Push for Chelsey’s Law Before End of Legislative Session

By Matt Meduri With just weeks remaining on the Albany “This isn’t about my daughter’s name. It’s about legislative calendars, local leaders, community all the thousands of people who have been killed stakeholders, and elected and prosecutorial and drug dealers get out, slap on the wrist, and officials are staging yet another push for the start selling again, and the thousands of people State Assembly and Senate to make changes that this might save in the future,” said Murray. to the State’s laws regarding the ongoing drug “If they don’t stop these people from just being epidemic and its associated problems. turnarounds, we’re going to have more and more Four bills have been drafted in a deaths in the thousands.” collaborative effort of state legislators, the Murray posed a question to Albany leaders not substance abuse treatment community, in favor of the bills: “Are they out to protect the and the families of substance abuse and dealers, or are they out to protect the lives of their overdose victims, chief among them being constituents who need these laws?”

“Chelsey’s Law.” The press conference is one in a series of The proposed legislation would charge rallies held by local leaders in hopes of lobbying drug dealers with either manslaughter or Albany to pass multiple, apart from Chelsey’s aggravated manslaughter if they knowingly Law. Other measures include allowing families sell an amount of substance that would likely of overdose victims access to the Crime Victims cause the death of a user. The bill is named in Fund, which would cover the cost of funeral honor of Chelsey Murray, a thirty-one-year-old expenses; designating xylazine (Tranq) as a woman from Lake Grove who fatally overdosed controlled substance; and rewriting bail laws to (Left to right) Allen Bode, Bablyon Town Supervisor Schaffer (D), on fentanyl in 2022. The dealer, Jaquan allow prosecutors to request bail for dealers who Casserly, 34, of Holbrook, was sentenced to ten sell any amount of fentanyl deemed to be fatal, not Executive Romaine (R) (Credit - Matt Meduri) years in prison earlier this month for his sale just the eight-ounce threshold. of the fentanyl. Suffolk County District Attorney Xylazine, a pain reliever and sedative used Ray Tierney (R) has consistently called on Albany to pass “Chelsey’s Law” and has even held press for cattle, has earned the street name “Tranq” for its euphoric properties and enhancements conferences and rallies in the capital in support of the bill. when used with other drugs, namely fentanyl. Because xylazine is not a controlled substance, A press conference was held outside the D.A.’s office in Hauppauge Friday morning to call drug dealers have cut other street drugs with xylazine to expand profits. Not only is xylazine on Albany to act before the legislative session ends in the first week of June. The event was known for rotting users’ flesh, but victims who overdose on the substance cannot be revived with attended by several family members of Long Island overdose Narcan, as they can in the case of fentanyl overdoses. The ever-growing presence of xylazine in victims, including Gene and Sue Murray, parents of Chelsey the drug pool contributes to the already-staggering amount of overdose deaths seen from the (pictured left). Other attendees included Dorothy highly-toxic fentanyl.

Johnson, of Blue Point, who lost her son Max at the Senator Murray, a vocal advocate of making xylazine a controlled substance, said that he age of twenty-eight and started the “Maxed Out” consulted with farmers and veterinarians to properly craft a bill that would still allow them campaign in his honor; Larry Lamondola, of access to the needed medicine.

Wantagh, who lost his daughter Lisa at the “Assemblyman Stern and I worked very hard to do this right. We spoke to the Farm Bureau age of twenty-five; and Carol Trottere, of and veterinarians associations and teamed up with them to see what we would need to do to Old Field, who lost her son Alex at the age ensure they would still have access to this useful drug, while keeping it out of the hands of drug of thirty. dealers and away from human beings” said Senator Murray. “It’s no different than Oxycodone; it “We are here from State, County, can be used for good, but when you abuse it, it is deadly. It’s a controlled substance.” and local levels, just to propose some Murray also said that Governor Kathy Hochul (D) put the xylazine legislation into her common sense fixes to our laws to stop executive budget over the winter, but leaders in the Assembly and Senate removed it. He said people from dying. It’s that simple,” said their concerns were over “access issues,” despite the bipartisan craftsmanship of the bill centered Allen Bode, Chief Assistant to D.A. Tierney. around ensuring access in appropriate settings.

“In 2022, the Suffolk County Medical “Not only have we not made progress, but it looks like we’ve taken a step backwards,” said Examiners Office had over four hundred Murray. “We’ve got three weeks left. We’re going to be fighting, scratching, clawing, doing everything overdoses, and that number is not we can to move these bills and get them done so we can save lives, because it is about saving lives.” declining,” said County Executive Ed Romaine Both the Assembly and Senate versions of Chelsey’s Law and accompanied legislation (R-Center Moriches). “If we’re going to make remain respective committees of the chambers.

Suffolk safe and affordable, part of that is making In closing, Bode said that other states are “ahead” of New York in terms of similar legislative sure that drugs stay out of the system. Most of them initiatives, and that “we need to catch up. We’re not where we should be.” come from China and Mexico and are then distributed The press conference was also attended by Suffolk County Legislators Kevin McCaffrey throughout the United States. It’s time to say that if you’re (R-Lindenhurst), Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville), Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), Nick Caracappa dealing fentanyl, you’re dealing in death, and if you’re going to (C-Selden), Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters), Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches), and Leslie Kennedy deal in death, we are going to make you pay a price for that.”

(R-Nesconset), as well as a representative for Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Point). Brookhaven Romaine says such laws currently do not exist in New York and that the sale of fentanyl Town Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches), Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy carries no bail requirements, owing to the State’s controversial 2019 bail reform laws. Romaine (R-Nesconset), and a representative for Sheriff Errol Toulon (D) were also present, as well as law says that bail requirements for fentanyl sales kick in at sales of eight ounces, which is enough to enforcement personnel and various union representatives. kill 114,000 people.

Babylon Town Supervisor and Suffolk County Democratic Chair Rich Schaffer (D-North Babylon) told the present state legislators to “please tell them [the legislature] to do their job” when they go back on Monday.

State legislators present were Senators Mario Mattera (R-St. James) and Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) and Assemblymembers Jodi Giglio (R-Baiting Hollow) and Joe DeStefano (R-Medford).

The Assembly bill was sponsored by Assemblyman Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills), co-sponsored by legislators from the Suffolk delegation Fred Thiele (D-Sag Harbor), Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station), Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park), Jarret Gandolfo (R-Sayville), and Keith Brown (R-Northport). On the Senate side, the bill was sponsored

by Senator Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk), and cosponsored by Suffolk Senators Mattera and Murray.

“We on Long Island are tired, we’re tired and exhausted from being told that we’re the crazy ones,” said Schaffer. “This comes from us, Democrats, Republicans, Conservatives, Independents from Long Island, who are exhausted and tired of going to wakes and funerals: do your job. Let’s protect our community, Democrats, Republicans, Americans all, New Yorkers all.”

Gene Murray, the father of Chelsey, spoke in favor of the proposed legislation.

22

Around Town Thursday, May 23, 2024

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Islip Welcomes New Indoor Pickleball Facility

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the grand opening of the Town’s newest indoor pickleball facility. Pickleball Xpress, located at 181 Freeman Ave. #4 in Islip recently opened its doors to the public.

Islip Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip) presented the proprietors with a certificate on behalf of the Islip Town Board.

East Islip Board of Ed Honors School Business Partnership The East Islip Board of Education recognized the School Business Partnership and Work-Based Learning Program during the May 7 board of education meeting. The School Business Partnership consists of business professionals, teachers, administrators and students who work together to design programs and activities that enhance the curriculum for East Islip High School students.

Recognized at the meeting was Councilman Jim O’Connor, Town of Islip Director of Personnel Christopher Nicolini, Al Henneborn of Zebra Technologies; Bruno Zimmitti of Grande Cheese Company, Casey Krebs of Cetera Investors, Jodi Donato of Donato Law; mindful living and wellness coach Jennifer LaLima, Thea Tsolomotis of FitLife, Jennifer

Lindstrom of the Department of Labor, East Islip Chamber of Commerce President Gary Teich of Lee’s Auto Body and Glass, Insurance agent Stephen Foray and the Kiddie Academy.

“Many of these professionals are not only involved with the School Business Partnership, but are also participating in our Work-Based Learning Program, providing work experience for our students to help them explore the world of work,” East Islip School Business Partnership Coordinator Bridget Lopiccolo said. “It is through the efforts of these business professionals that our programs are helping our students to gain an edge above many of their peers and prepare them for their future, which is truly so valuable.”

Theatre & the Arts Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

23

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Don’t Miss Theatre Three’s Stellar Production of

‘The Producers’

Photos courtesy of Courtney Gilmore, Theatre Three

There is no denying that Mel Brooks is the master craftsman of “Rolling in the Aisles,” zany, unadulterated comedy.

Twenty-three years after his Broadway smash hit “The Producers” won a recordbreaking twelve Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this ingenious satire continues to mesmerize audiences with its wacky, wisecracking, wonderful, and often wicked sense of humor.

Based on Brook’s 1968 black comedy, “The Producers,” this beloved musical farce tells the tale of a down-andout, shady Broadway producer, his nerdy accountant, and their harebrained getrich-quick scheme. Brooks’s fingerprints are all over this show since he wrote the music and lyrics, and with Thomas Meehan, Brooks also wrote the book.

This riotously funny show is vaudeville, Borscht Belt, slapstick, camp, and pure schtick all rolled into one smorgasbord of something is not kosher-around-here kind of funny!

Under Jeffrey Sanzel’s masterful direction, the entire cast gave standout performances in every scene of the show.

Sanzel had the actors play the funny bits with expert comedic timing to generate plenty of belly laughs, but he also inspired the cast to be committed to the comedic circumstances of the musical; therefore, they played their parts with theatrical truth.

Max Bialystock, once a revered Broadway producer, is now the laughingstock of 42nd Street. He sings of his woebegone ways in “King of Old Broadway,” which parallels the song “Another Op’nin’, Another Show” from the musical “Kiss Me Kate.” This scene also played like a parody of “Fiddler on the Roof,” complete with a blind violinist!

Scott Hoffer makes a most captivating Max, and he displayed his stellar vocals and expert comedic skills as he belted out the acerbic lyrics from this showstopping number.

Tony Butera gave an award-worthy performance as Leo Bloom, the mildmannered Broadway-struck accountant.

And yes, this character does have the

same name as the protagonist in James Joyce’s modernist novel “Ulysses,” because Brooks “stole” it! Throughout the show, Brook’s awe-inspiring lyrics and dialogue reference other famous writers, such as Strindberg, O’Neill, Shakespeare, Dostoevsky, and Ibsen.

When Leo casually mentions how, with some creative accounting, it could prove more lucrative to produce a Broadway bomb than a hit, that thought gets the greedy wheels of Max’s brain spinning. The two devise a plan to produce a colossal flop and skip town with the backer’s money when it closes after just one performance. Comedic complications

ensue when their show, “Springtime for Hitler,” becomes a smash hit!

Butera got to showcase his strong vocals and dance moves during “I Wanna Be a Producer.” The fabulous lighting effects, glitzy costumes, and the precision-perfect tap dance routine, choreographed by the talented Josie McSwane, all came together to make this a standout number.

Another great onstage moment occurs during the bromance song “’Til Him,” when Max and Leo profess their loyalty and love for each other with the help of the talented Little Old Ladies as backup singers. Butera and Hoffer have the kind of magical onstage chemistry that made other comedy duos like Abbot

and Costello, Laurel and Hardy, and Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau so popular.

Brittany Lacey delivered a riveting performance as Ulla, the Swedish siren who steals Leo’s heart. Ultimately, Lacey steals the show with her sizzling rendition of “When You’ve Got It, Flaunt It.” Lacey can sing, dance, and act, but more than that, she has that extra, indefinable something that makes someone a star.

Evan Teich’s spot-on portrayal of Franz Liebkind, a German immigrant, crazed Nazi fanatic, and author of “Springtime for Hitler,” brought the house down.

Teich is a natural-born comedian, and his hilarious rendition of “In Old Bavaria,” complete with a chorus of pigeons, was a showstopper. However, one of the

funniest numbers in the show was “Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop,” with Leo and Max hopping, clopping, and flashing the bird as they reluctantly joined in the “Nazi Hoedown.”

Ryan Nolin’s depiction of Roger De Bris, the flamboyant gay director of “Springtime for Hitler,” had the audience in stitches when he entered wearing Ronald Green III’s outrageous costume design. De Bris was costumed to look like the Grand Duchess Anastasia, but De Bris whined that he looked like the Chrysler Building. Nolin’s hilariously campy depiction of Hitler was one of the show’s highlights. Another high point in the show was watching Debris and his charming sidekick, Carmen, convincingly played by the talented Jim Sluder, singing, and dancing up a storm.

A big shoutout goes to the stellar ensemble who expertly portrayed a parade of characters: Jason Allyn, Sean Amato, Brian Frank, Will Logan, Liam Marsigliano, Edward Martinez, Ryan Van Nostrand, Melanie Acampora, Louisa Bikowski, Maryne Conner, Rachel Geiser, Rachel Greenblatt, Kaitlyn Jehle, Michelle LaBozzetta, Linda May, Cassidy Rose O’Brien, Isabella Scarpa, and Jillian Sharpe.

This parody spoofs just about everyone and everything, and there is undoubtedly something to offend everyone, so get your tickets and be prepared to be triggered in a way that tickles your funny bone!

The show runs through June 22, 2024. To purchase tickets or for additional information, please visit www.

Theatrethree.com or call the Box Office at 631-928-9100.

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an awardwinning playwright. She has a BFA in Theatre from UCONN and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of “Grant Me a Higher Love,” “Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships,” and “Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic.”

Her full-length Music Drama, “Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music,” is published by Next Stage Press. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.

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