StefanikinStumps Suffolk
By Matt Meduri
All eyes are on the 2026 gubernatorial race in New York as Republicans are hoping to defy decades of drought to win the seat for the first time in over twenty years.
New York, hardly a competitive state at virtually every level, has received national attention over the last couple election cycles. Then-Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) came about six points away from flipping the state red in 2022 gubernatorial race, Republicans’ path to the House majority ran straight through New York, and the state took the sharpest rightward swing in last year’s presidential election.
Now, both parties expect a fully engaged race in the Empire State next year as Republicans seek to challenge the entrenched Democratic status quo in a midterm year expected to be at least somewhat unfavorable to the presidential party, while Democrats seek to defend their platform in a state that leads the nation in net population loss.
Continued on page 4
ADA Playground Completed at Gardiner Park
By Matt Meduri
Gardiner County Park in West Bay Shore sits on the Great South Bay, just off the Robert Moses Causeway - the lifeline to Fire Island - and serves as the destination for the annual Suffolk County Marathon. Naturally, Gardiner Park is hot on many Suffolk residents’ radars.
But the playground there left much to be desired, so much so that elected officials, agencies, and community members formed a steering committee to gain input on what the new playground should include, namely as it relates to accessibility and inclusivity features pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Continued on page 10
Legislator Flotteron cuts the ribbon at the new playground at Gardiner County Park (Credit - Matt Meduri)
Elise Stefanik at a private event in Smithtown (Credit - Matt Meduri)
SUMMER EVENTS
Port Jefferson Summer Farmers Market at Harborfront Park
Mother's Day Brunch at Long Island Aquarium
May 11, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM
Fireworks Spectacular and LI Ducks Baseball
August 30
Bird and Breakfast at Connetquot State Park
Every Saturday and Sunday, May 18-November 28
May 11, 8:00 AM to 11 :00 PM
Game starts at 6:35 PM
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Fleece and Fiber Festival at Hallockville Museum Farm
May 17, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Islip Farmers Market at Town Hall Every Sunday
Labor Day Weekend Party with Vinyl Revival at Barch Club Estate August 31, 4:00 PM
Nesconset Spring Fling May 18, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
June 7 - November 22
7:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Jones Beach Air Show May 24-25, 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Summer Soulstice Yoga at Crab Meadow Beach August 31, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
PUBLISHER
Raheem Soto
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Matt Meduri
STAFF REPORTERS
Cait Crudden
ART PRODUCTION
MANAGER
Sergio A. Fabbri
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Colin Herr
CONTRIBUTORS
PJ Balzer
Ashley Pavlakis
DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION
MANAGER
Tim Walz
DELIVERY PERSONNEL
PJ Balzer
Joe Cuminale
Madison Warren
OFFICE MANAGER & ACCOUNTS
RECEIVABLE
Kim Revere
PROOFREADER
Giavanna Rudilosso
SOCIAL MEDIA
Madison Warren
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Around Town
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Hauppauge Free and Reduced Price Meals for 2025-26
By Matt Meduri
Effective July 1, 2025, New York schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) will offer reimbursable meals to students at no cost. Hauppauge Public Schools participates in both programs.
Benefits are scaled between household sizes and annual income. The free meal scale includes free lunch, breakfast, and milk, while the reduced-price eligibility scale offers lunch and breakfast.
Households that must complete an application for free and reduced-price school meals include:
Households that currently include children who receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Association Program (SNAP), but who are not found during the Direct Certification Matching Process (DCMP);
Households that currently receive Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
Households that currently receive benefits from the Food Distribution Program or Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Households unsure of their children’s eligibility should contact the school. Eligibility categories also extend to a child’s legal designation, particularly under the “Other Source Category Eligibility”, such as children who are homeless, migrants, runaways, foster children, or enrolled in Head Start or an eligible Pre-K program.
Foster children legally under the responsibility of a foster care or agency court are eligible for free benefits, while foster children in any household are eligible for free benefits regardless of household income. Separate applications for foster children are not necessary. Non-foster children in a foster household, while not eligible for free benefits on that basis, will not jeopardize a foster child’s eligibility.
Children in homes that receive Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits may be eligible for the meal program through the application process.
ANNUAL NEWS RELEASE - PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
Applications can be submitted any time during the school year to Hauppauge Public Schools, P.O. Box 6006, Hauppauge, NY 11788, Attn: Free & Redacted Price Meals.
Applicants are encouraged to call 631-761-8215 with any questions about the application process.
Effective July 1, 2025, New York State schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or School Breakfast Program (SBP) will offer reimbursable meals to students at no cost. Hauppauge Public Schools participates in NSLP and SBP.
The application must list the child’s name, a valid SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR case number, and the signature of an adult household member.
When applications are received by the School Food Authority (SFA), households will be notified of their children’s eligibility. No application is necessary if the household was notified by the SFA if their children have already been approved.
If a parent is dissatisfied with the ruling of their child’s eligibility, he or she can make an oral or written request for an appeal hearing. Hauppauge’s Hearing Official has been designated as Rebecca Bilski, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services, and can be reached at the same P.O. Box address listed above.
Free and Reduced Price meal applications may still be collected by your school to determine student eligibility based on the federal income eligibility criteria listed in the chart below.
2025-2026 INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS OR FREE MILK
USPS No. 470-440
Official Newspaper for County of Suffolk, Town of Brookhaven, Town of Islip, Inc Village of Lake Grove, Middle Country School, Centereach, Selden, Middle Island, Ronkonkoma Fire Dist, and Farmingville Fire Dist. Periodicals
Postage Paid at Smithtown, NY and additional entries. Published every Thursday by: Messenger Papers, Inc. 558 Portion Road, Suite B Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
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SNAP/TANF/FDPIR Households: Households that currently include children who receive the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) but who are not found during the Direct Certification Matching Process (DCMP), or households that currently receive Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) must complete an Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals/Milk, listing the child's name, a valid SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR case number and the signature of an adult household member. Eligibility for free eligibility benefits based on participation in SNAP, TANF or FDPIR is extended to all children in the household. When known to the School Food Authority, households will be notified of their children’s eligibility for free benefits based on their participation in the SNAP, TANF or the FDPIR programs. No application is necessary if the household was notified by the SFA their children have been directly certified. If the household is not sure if their children have been directly certified, the household should contact the school.
Postmaster:
Continued from front cover
Suffolk Matters Stefanik Stumps in Suffolk
While the race is still materializing and candidates are still flirting with tossing their hats into the ring, Republicans are already sold on one name: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21) (pictured right)
The Plattsburgh Republican served as House Republican Conference Chair from 2021 to January of this year and was President Donald Trump’s (R-FL) nominee to serve as Ambassador to the United Nations.
On the Republican side, only one minor candidate has declared - Bethany Town Supervisor Carl Hyde, Jr. (R) - and one has filed paperwork - David Tulley, an illegal cannabis shop owner. Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17), who has spent this year publicly expressing interest in the race, bowed out of the Republican Primary at the endorsement and encouragement of President Trump.
No Republican can win statewide in New York without its largest baskets of votes turning out strongly. Suffolk County Republican Committee Chairman Jesse Garcia (R-Ridge) (pictured right) has regularly described Suffolk County as the “tip of the spear” in turning New York redor at least into a perennially competitive battleground.
With that, the GOP is taking no chances, as they say New York cannot stand to survive another four years of Governor Kathy Hochul (D) - and Suffolk’s role as the “tip of the spear” could not be understated.
Hochul has had consistently mid-to-slightly-underwater approval ratings, as she continues to be pressed for answers to the state’s migrant crisis that has exacerbated resources and services, particularly in New York City, while the state’s budget hole continues to balloon.
Hochul has received vocal criticism from members of her own party, some of whom are rallying around the flag to ensure New York stays blue next year. However, her immediate subordinate, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado (D), is running to primary his own boss.
Congresswoman Stefanik recently addressed party leaders, elected officials, and community members at a private event in Smithtown last week. She was joined by Chairman Garcia and New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) (pictured right)
Stefanik branded Hochul as the “worst governor in America”, a title she has regularly ascribed to the Governor. In June, Stefanik pressed Hochul at a hearing of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee about sanctuary city and state policies.
“I may be from Upstate New York, but we are all New Yorkers, and we know that we need to save New York and fire Kathy Hochul once and for all. Look at what’s happened under Kathy Hochul’s watch; we lead the nation in all the wrong ways. We are losing population more than any other state. There is no end in sight for the amount of taxes, policies, and regulations. The war on energy has led to skyrocketing utility bills and the energy crisis that are punishing hardworking New York families. New York’s Democratic Party has embraced the ‘defund the police’ nonsense that has led to a crime crisis in our state and a war on law enforcement.”
- Congresswoman Elise Stefanik
“I may be from Upstate New York, but we are all New Yorkers, and we know that we need to save New York and fire Kathy Hochul once and for all,” Stefanik told attendees last week in Smithtown. “Look at what’s happened under Kathy Hochul’s watch; we lead the nation in all the wrong ways. We are losing population more than any other state. There is no end in sight for the amount of taxes, policies, and regulations. The war on energy has led to skyrocketing utility bills and the energy crisis that are punishing hard-working New York families. New York’s Democratic Party has embraced the ‘defund the police’ nonsense that has led to a crime crisis in our state and a war on law enforcement.”
As a North Country resident, Stefanik quipped that people aren’t leaving “because of the weather”, but “because of the policies.”
“New Yorkers know that it is we the people who are going to save this great state,” said Stefanik.”
Stefanik also praised former Congressman and current EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley), who “set the groundwork” for a Republican win in New York by coming just single-digits away from flipping the state red in 2022.
“Long Island turned out big in 2022, and we need to do that even more in 2026,” said Stefanik. She also expressed concern that Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria) will win the New York City Mayoral race in November, stating that New York “needs a governor who can put a check” on the city.
“Suffolk County will lead the way in firing Kathy Hochul in 2026,” Stefanik said in closing.
Senate Minority Leader Ortt called Stefanik a “champion” for New York values.
“She is a fierce defender for all the values that you care about here in Suffolk County and across New York State,” said Ortt. He also praised Chairman Garcia’s transformation of the Suffolk County Republican brand that will serve as a launchpad for the election.
“This is the first time since 1996 that Republicans in Suffolk County have held the County Executive’s office and a supermajority in the Suffolk County Legislature,” said Garcia. The current delegation is twelve Republicans - with two Conservatives caucusing with the GOP - and six Democrats. Garcia posits that three seats are being hotly contested by the GOP this year, bringing a potential 15R-3D horseshoe.
“This is why we’re going to elect a Republican for governor in 2026,” said Ortt.
Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) (pictured bottom left), recently named Chair of the powerful House Homeland Security Committee, spoke in favor of Stefanik, the dean of the House Republican delegation from New York.
“It scares me, the dangerous things that Zohran Mamdani is saying, and what Governor Kathy Hochul is saying,” said Garbarino. “We have thousands of known and suspected terrorists all across the country and the Democrats are fighting us tooth and nail. I’m going to get the country and Suffolk County whatever they need to keep us safe.”
Garbarino closed by calling Stefanik a “longtime champion for New York and a longtime champion for the protection of our great country.”
“She has been crucial to us in this state and she has been crucial to us in this country,” said Garbarino.
While the race for governor is not officially organized, Stefanik has all but announced her candidacy. Nevertheless, she’s hitting the ground early and intends to be a formidable candidate to turn New York into a marquee race next year.
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Suffolk Committee Advances Consumer Protection Bill on Fire Scene Board-Up Businesses
By Raheem Soto
Earlier this week, the Suffolk County Legislature’s Labor and Consumer Affairs Committee advanced IR 1542-2025, a measure designed to close loopholes in regulating board-up businesses that operate at fire scenes. The bill, sponsored by Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue) and co-sponsored by Legislators Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point), Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station), and Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport), passed with bipartisan support and will now move to the full legislature for consideration.
Board-up companies rush to cover broken windows and doors with plywood after a fire. While the service can be useful, families often mistake these operators for government officials or insurance representatives. That false impression has been the opening that some businesses have used to pressure homeowners into signing costly contracts when they are least prepared to make financial decisions.
Suffolk first addressed the issue in 2015, but the original law left too many exceptions and weak enforcement. IR 1542-2025 eliminates those gaps. Under the new measure, companies must provide homeowners with a signed disclosure that clarifies that the business is private, not dispatched by government or insurers, and that services are strictly optional. Operators must also remain behind fire lines until cleared by police or fire officials and follow all commands from fire marshals and fire department personnel.
Legislator Thorne, who is both a lawmaker and a first responder, framed the purpose of the law in plain terms.
“As a first responder, I know firsthand how important it is for a reputable and
August
licensed company to handle the work necessary after a fire that has destroyed a home or business,” Thorne told The Messenger. “My colleagues in the legislature have thankfully joined me in pushing this legislation to ensure that people who are in their most vulnerable moments are not taken advantage of by an ambulance chaser looking to make a quick dollar.”
The bill also strengthens penalties. Fines will range from $500 to $1,000 for a first offense, and $1,000 to $5,000 for repeat violations. Businesses that rack up multiple violations risk losing their registration for two years. Chronic violators may face misdemeanor charges, with penalties including fines up to $5,000 or up to a year in jail.
The enforcement authority has been made broad and clear. Summonses may be issued by the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Consumer Affairs; the Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services; the County Attorney; the District Attorney; fire marshals; or local code enforcement officers. By spreading responsibility across agencies, the county avoids the usual bureaucratic excuse of “not my department.”
The measure also requires licensed home improvement contractors who want to provide board-up services to pay a $200 fee at licensing or renewal. Lawmakers argue this is a modest trade-off: businesses face a small added cost, while families gain protection from predatory practices.
With committee approval secured, the bill heads next to the full Legislature. If adopted, Suffolk residents will see a simpler, tougher law designed not for those who look to profit from disaster, but for those trying to recover from one.
Suffolk’s Importance in 2026 Cannot Be Understated
The “tip of the spear” is the apt description for Suffolk County in terms of turning New York red, or at least competitive.
The comparison was imparted to us last year by Suffolk County Republican Committee Chairman Jesse Garcia (R-Ridge), and it couldn’t be truer for next year.
As the largest suburban county in the nation, Suffolk’s population is about 1.5 million. In 2022, 566,073 voters turned out in the gubernatorial election. ThenCongressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) won Suffolk 58.36% to Kathy Hochul’s (D) 36.52% - a staggering margin required by a Republican barnstorming in an overall blue stronghold.
The margin is even more convincing considering that former Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-Sutton Place) won Suffolk in 2018 by a 51.4%-46.3% margin. It was much closer than in 2022, but the total swing accounted for just under a whopping twenty-seven points in Republicans’ favor.
Suffolk also earned distinction by being the largest county - by population - in the nation to back President Donald Trump (R-FL) in all three of his electionsalbeit by a razor-thin margin in 2020. Trump’s 2024 total in Suffolk was the best of his three runs.
New York State has 13 million registered voters; Suffolk is home to about 1.1 million. As of the latest rolls, registered Democrats slightly outnumber registered Republicans in Suffolk to the tune of 373,326 voters to 353,340, not counting for Working Families and Conservative alliances, respectively.
Some might be surprised by those totals, given how red Suffolk has become
- courtesy of current Suffolk GOP Chairman Jesse Garcia (R-Ridge). It casts light on a massive problem for the Democrats: registered voters are simply no longer identifying with their party. Case in point: in 2024, Kamala Harris (D-CA) earned 341,812 votes in Suffolk, about 30,000 less than are on the rolls. Trump received 417,549 votes, far north of the total registered Republicans.
Unaffiliated registered voters, called Blanks in New York, are the fulcrum upon which elections rest in this state. A third of Suffolk’s voters are Blanks at 339,542, out of about 3.3 million statewide.
Zeldin only trailed Hochul by 377,834 votes statewide. Suffolk alone won’t be responsible for closing the gap, but it raises the floor significantly for the Republican hopeful’s prospects, and that hopeful appears to be Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21).
Suffolk will no doubt be ground-zero for this campaign and the next election will be won in the Downstate region. The conventional political wisdom of yesteryear dictated that for a Republican to win in New York, a line essentially had to be drawn around New York City and max out turnout on Long Island and anywhere Upstate, while even picking off a couple of the blue counties.
Now, New York City is as ripe as ever for the picking, with Zeldin and Trump running up historic margins in the four Democratic boroughs, even coming close to 40% in Queens.
But it takes Suffolk to lead the way. The GOP faces tough inroads to make behind Democratic lines, but there’s no shot at flipping the seat without Suffolk.
Fight Fire with Fire…and Burn the Whole Thing Down
We’ve discussed the current redistricting arms race to death, but Governor Kathy Hochul (D) recently added a new development to the conversation
Of the voter-approved Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC), Hochul said that the commission has been operating at a “disadvantage”, by her “judgement.”
This sheds interesting light on the current national scramble to the magic number of 218 - the quorum required for a party to seal a majority in the U.S. House. Not only is the current redistricting push in New York completely moot for the 2026 midterms, but Hochul’s latest comments, obtained by Spectrum News 1, indicate, to us, that there’s more at play here.
The IRC was created in 2014 via ballot measure to specifically take the politics out of constituent cartography. Several states have fully-fledged commissions that are known for developing fair and competitive maps that reflect the state’s overall lean, while other states have their processes entirely within the hands of their respective state legislatures. New York’s is, as we’ve described, “fantasy-league”, as the failsafes for a deadlock only circled back to Albany. Deadlocks in today’s day and age are practically inevitable as it stands.
The ill-fated “Hochul-mander” failed to withstand judicial scrutiny, leading to the remedial map used in 2022 - the one that delivered the House majority to the Republicans - followed by a court overturn that allowed Albany Democrats to draw their own map. However, they could change district boundaries up to just 2% of their current configuration. That result was what was just used in 2024 and what is still active. The map wasn’t a far cry from its remedial predecessor, but it did likely help Democrats win some marginal races and pick up three seats in New York last year.
Now, Hochul and company are entertaining a mid-decade redistricting plight to combat the gerrymander in Texas and other states expected to follow suit.
Where Hochul Has the Upper Hand
Hochul has the upper hand by simply rallying the already-beleaguered Democratic base up in New York. Even if no maps come to pass, New York Democrats have yet another reason to hit the polls next year, even as the Democratic Party continues to receive historically low - and underwater - approval ratings and while Kathy Hochul is shaping up to be in a tough election next year.
It’s already known that the mid-decade map won’t be ready in time for 2026. The proposal to override the IRC and pass a new map would have to survive two separate sessions of the State Legislature - 2026 and 2027 - followed by approval at the ballot box in 2027 for the new map to come online by 2028.
It could be an ounce of prevention to “undo” whatever gains the GOP might make in 2026 and assist Democrats in retaking the House in 2028. But in terms of addressing the immediate, the current fast track is completely moot.
Therefore, conventional political wisdom would state that rallying up the base is as good as it gets, and for Hochul and company, they’ll sorely need it next year.
Where Hochul Raises Eyebrows
Hochul’s opinion that the IRC has operated a “disadvantage” since its maiden voyage was inevitably ill-fated in 2021 makes us skeptical that this is all just about
Texas, however.
Hochul admits that her predecessor, Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-Sutton Place), and good government groups championed the initiative, and it’s one that we agree with. We have problems with how New York’s IRC operates, but only as to how it eventually transfers power back to the Legislature. The loopholes are too large and the safeguards are too flimsy. It can certainly be done correctly, as other states have clearly demonstrated. Hochul’s problem, we would imagine, isn’t with the concept of the commission itself, but the way it was specifically implemented in New York.
Except it’s not entirely clear where Hochul’s consternation with the IRC lies. For now, we would address reforms to make the IRC a fully-fledged one by the time the 2030 Census rolls around, rather than tampering with an already-fair map that was clearly beneficial to the Democrats just last year. The Westchester-based NY-17 is a district that backed Kamala Harris (D-CA) for president, but elected a Republican - Mike Lawler - to the House. It’s entirely conceivable that seat would be one of the first to get swept up in a blue wave.
Furthermore, it wasn’t that long ago that Democrats were able to heavily contend in the Suffolk-based NY-01 and even flip the Staten Island-based NY-11. The lines haven’t changed much - NY-01 is actually now more competitive on paper than it was last decade - but the Democrats’ brand in New York certainly has.
If Hochul is insinuating that the problem with the IRC is its exact setup, we can agree. But if her trouble is with the IRC as a concept, that’s a bridge too far in a state that craves one-party rule.
Where the Answer Really Is
Hochul says that the current plight by the administration is to “fight fire with fire” and be ready for 2028.
Fighting fire with fire can certainly be a good strategy, but eventually and without reproach, the entire house burns down.
Our solution: a federal law or even constitutional amendment to ban middecade redistricting, save for court-ordered redraws in the cases of partisan and/ or racial gerrymandering.
Mid-decade redistricting is uncommon as is. That’s why the current mad dash is so surprising to many. One could argue there shouldn’t be a need for all of this - “why can’t we all just get along?” - but in reality, there shouldn’t be an avenue to begin with. Every state gets to redraw every ten years to reflect changes within the population, not to score points for the next election. Both parties do it incessantly and more egregiously than they have in recent memory. The Texas GOP might have kicked this battle, but the gerrymandering war has been going on since the early days of the republic.
At this point, it doesn’t matter who started it. What matters is what’s on the line.
Ban most mid-decade redistricting, institute a true IRC in New York, and win elections based on merit rather than narrative.
Easier said than done, we suppose…
Be a Local Hero and Consider Becoming a Volunteer Firefighter Today
By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay
Volunteer firefighters exemplify what it means to be a good community member. They selflessly give countless hours of their time to protect the homes, businesses and families in their communities. Unfortunately, though, recruitment and retention of volunteers is waning, and not enough is being done to buck the trend.
Volunteer recruitment has become a problem both here and around the U.S. The National Fire Protection Association noted that in 2020, there was a 6% decrease in volunteer firefighters year over year, and the total number was a nearrecord low. In New York, we have suffered a 32% decrease in volunteers over the last 30 years, which strains existing resources and puts our communities at risk.
Nearly all firefighting operations in New York are made up of volunteers, and that is especially true in rural areas of the state. Without these brave and dedicated men and women, the state’s emergency response capabilities would crumble, and the costs would be far greater than simply saving homeowners from a huge spike in their property taxes.
For these reasons, the Assembly Minority Conference has proposed several pieces of legislation to address recruitment and retention concerns from our state’s volunteer firehouses:
• A.6414: Phil Palmesano (R-Corning) – Provides a $400 tax credit to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, exempts registration and use taxes for vehicles used in the performance of duty, creates a loan forgiveness program, and provides additional benefits for those volunteering to keep communities safe;
• A.4414: Paul Bologna (R-Clarence) – Permits volunteer firefighters to attend mandatory training under 19 NYCRR 426 without risk of employer penalties; establishes tax incentives for employers who hire volunteer firefighters;
• A.1064: Joe Angelino (R-Norwich) – Provides a state income tax credit of up to $2,500 for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance corps members in
good standing for a minimum of five years;
• A.2068: Brian Manktelow (R-Lyons) – Authorizes excused leave for civil service employees who are members of volunteer fire departments or volunteer EMS/rescue squads during declared states of emergency at the federal, state or municipal level;
• A.3576: Brian Miller (R-New Hartford) – Allocates a portion of the public safety communications surcharge to support volunteer fire department initiatives and creates the New York State Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary Fund.
While legislative solutions are a part of our recruitment plan, new laws alone are not enough to reinvigorate our volunteer fire departments. There is no substitute for authentic concern for one’s community, and the drive to help one’s neighbor ultimately must come from within. Tax incentives and reimbursements are great, but the best recruiting tool at our disposal is to simply appeal to civicminded individuals directly: Your neighbor needs you, please consider the great value in volunteering and become a hero to your community.
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 Cayuga and Jefferson counties.
Learn to Save a Life for Your Community
By Senator Alexis Weik
The more community members who have life-saving knowledge, the stronger and more resilient the community becomes for everyone. Having skills like CPR or AED training can help make the difference between life and death as emergencies happen and we wait for first responders to arrive.
Another life-saving skill, that can be learned and administered with great ease, is Narcan (naloxone) training.
While the number of opioid deaths in New York state is still impactful, in 2024 alone we have seen a 32 percent decrease in overdose deaths thanks to the availability of Narcan (naloxone) and the growing numbers of everyday citizens who have learned how to administer the opioid antagonist through a nasal spray.
In April of this year, I had introduced a bill, S.7163 to the New York State Senate which would require every new student at a SUNY or CUNY school campus to receive training at orientation in the administration of opioid antagonists.
I am a firm believer in the life-saving difference in having an abundance of informed Good Samaritans can make. A moment of youthful indiscretion in trying opioids or other drugs can become the ultimate tragedy, but with largescale trainings like the bill proposal, we as a community could be prepared to help save a life simply by undoing the effects of fentanyl by administering nasal Narcan.
One nasal spray of naloxone can last for up to 40 minutes. In formal training, it is actually advised to administer the naloxone first before calling 911 because of the effectiveness of Narcan.
The availability and training for Narcan/naloxone has resulted in 68% of suspected opioid overdose encounters being administered the life-saving medicine.
In our own Eighth Senate District, my office has held a number of free Narcan training events in the past year where we have welcomed attendees from all walks of life and different employment backgrounds to come together to know how to help in a dire situation like an opioid overdose. Each attendee received formal training on how to administer Narcan/naloxone
and was given a free Narcan/naloxone kit that contained two nasal spray doses of the medication.
The free kit is no bigger than a make-up bag and can be easily carried in a purse, backpack, or in the car for quick access. The training is just as easy and can usually be completed in about an hour.
If you are in the position to administer Narcan, know that the Good Samaritan law also shields you from civil liability when you offer aid to someone in distress in an emergency, as long as you act in good faith and reasonably.
Let’s work together to make a better place for everyone by educating each other on a simple, safe, fast-acting, and life-saving treatment.
For upcoming Narcan/naloxone classes near you, follow us on social media or visit https://oasas.ny.gov/upcoming-naloxone-trainings.
Senator Alexis Weik (R-Sayville) has represented the Eighth District in the New York State Senate since 2023, after being redistricted from the Third District, which she represented from 2021 to 2022. Within the Town of Islip, the Eighth District includes Bayport, Bohemia, Fair Harbor, Great River, Islip Terrace, Lonelyville, North Great River, Oak Beach, Oakdale, Saltaire, Sayville, and West Sayville, as well as parts of Bay Shore, Brightwaters, Captree-Oak BeachGilgo, East Islip, Holbrook, Holtsville, Islip hamlet, Ronkonkoma, West Bay Shore, and West Islip. The district also contains parts of the Town of Babylon and the Town of Oyster Bay.
Senator Weik is the Ranking Member of the Committees on Civil Service and Pensions; and Women’s Issues; and serves on the Committees on Education; Local Government; Social Service; and Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs.
The Eighth District office is located at 1 Corporate Drive, Suite GL-005, in Bohemia and can be reached at 631-665-2311.
On the Campaign Trail
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Stefanik Narrows Gap in Siena College Poll
By Matt Meduri
The 2026 gubernatorial race in New York seems increasingly headed towards a matchup between Governor Kathy Hochul (D) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21) (pictured right). Hochul is aiming to defend her four years in Albany and Stefanik is aiming to become the first Republican elected governor of New York since George Pataki (R) won a third and final term in 2002.
Hochul succeeded Andrew Cuomo (D) as governor upon his resignation in 2021 and won a full term in 2022 over thenCongressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley), but winning by a shockingly close six-point margin. The 2024 election saw Kamala Harris (D-CA) win the state by 12.6%, a solid margin, but substantially decreased from Joe Biden’s (D-DE) 23% margin four years prior. Moreover, the 2024 presidential race in the Empire State was the closest since Michael Dukakis’ (D-MA) marginal four-point win in 1988.
The 2022 gubernatorial race and the sharp rightward swing observed in New York in the presidential race - the Empire Swing swung over ten points to the right last year - are gathering notice of party leaders and prognosticators alike. Inside Elections rate it as a “Battleground”, while all forecasters rate the seat as “Likely Democratic”, one rating off from the strongest rating, and typical position for New York’s statewide races, “Safe Democratic.” A poll conducted in the spring by the firm co/efficient showed Hochul with just a one-point lead over Stefanik in a hypothetical matchup.
Hochul Vs. Stefanik
On the other hand, other polls have shown a different race. In June, the Siena College found Hochul (pictured right) +23 over Stefanik, a significantly larger margin than the ones that elected Hochul in 2022 and backed Harris in 2024. Her margin in that poll was 47%-24% - a strong lead, but one that indicates many voters are undecided.
The College found in a poll conducted August 4-7 that Hochul is not as favored as she was earlier this summer and that some voters might be making up their minds.
Hochul’s margin has slipped from +23 to +14, with the percentages resting at 45%-31%. Not only did Stefanik gain a net seven points in voters’ preferences, but Hochul lost a net two points.
The race is still within a comfortable margin for Hochul, more than double her 2022 score, but the sharp decline in the race indicates some elasticity among the electorate, especially since Hochul is receding farther from the 50% mark often desired in pre-election polling.
Even though voters, as of now, would choose Hochul over Stefanik by a decisive margin, only 29% say she has the right experience to be governor and by a 49%-37% margin, say that if Stefanik were elected governor, it would be “bad for New York.”
The College also found her favorability rating improved slightly to 42%-44%, up slightly from -5 rating in June. Her job approval is also 53%-42%, up from 50%-45%.
succeeding on key pieces of his agenda.
In terms of the pocketbook model of economics, New Yorkers opine that Trump is not succeeding in making everyday necessities more affordable - the total being 63%23%. Republican voters give him positive marks to the tune of 54%-25%, while Independents are soured 19%-62%. For Democrats, just 12% say Trump is making necessities more affordable.
Trump gets high marks from Republican voters - 57%-24% - in terms of ending wars around the world, while 59% of Independents and 61% of total voters disagree.
As far as improving the standing of the U.S. on the world stage, 72% of Republicans think that Trump is accomplishing just that, while 51% of Independents and 57% of total voters disagree.
In ensuring that Americans feel safer in their everyday lives, Independents find themselves at their narrowest crosstabs of this survey - 36%-49% - while 68% of Republicans think that Trump is succeeding in this plight.
Overall, however, large majorities of Democrats do not think that Trump is succeeding in his agenda and about a quarter of Republicans feel similarly.
New York City Mayoral Election
Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria) leads the fourcandidate field with 44% of the vote. He is followed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-Sutton Place) at 25%, Curtis Sliwa (R-Upper East Side) at 12%, and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams (D-Brooklyn) at 7%.
However, more than two-thirds of Big Apple Republicans are backing Sliwa in this race, while Independents are more divided, with 30% backing Mamdani and 20% backing Adams. City voters under the age of 35 are “overwhelmingly” supporting Mamdani. A plurality of voters aged 35-54 are also backing the dark horse candidate, a self-described Democratic Socialist. However, voters 55 and older are backing Cuomo over Mamdani by a 38%-32% margin.
More seriously for Hochul, downstate suburban voters went from favoring her by eleven points earlier this summer to now narrowly favoring Stefanik. Upstate voters were previously keen on Hochul by a twelve-point margin, but are now “virtually evenly divided.”
“More than two-thirds of Democrats are with Hochul and three-quarters of Republicans are with Stefanik. Independents are closely divided, leaning toward Stefanik, after favoring Hochul in June,” said Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg, adding that roughly half of the polled electorate is not familiar with her.
The College also polled New Yorkers on several other matters.
President Trump
President Donald Trump’s (R-FL) (pictured right) approval rating sits at 41%-58%, slightly improved from his June figures of 37%-56%, although half of Independents do not think he is
Mamdani’s favorability rating also made its debut in a Siena College poll, in which analysts found his rating at 46%-32% in the City, but underwater 28%-37% among voters statewide. Cuomo, on the other hand, faces a 37%-54% favorability rating in the City and even more underwater 29%-61% favorability rating across New York.
Sliwa has a 30%-42% favorability rating in the city but a more narrow 26%-30% rating statewide.
Odds and Ends
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) earned his lowest ever favorability rating in a Siena poll, which first began its surveys in February 2005. His rating sits at 38%-50%, down slightly from June. His favorability among Democrats has also decreased to 49%-39% from 55%-35% earlier this summer. Schumer is also underwater with New York City voters for the first time ever observed in a Siena poll - 39%-46%.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s (D-NY) (pictured above left) favorability rating is slightly underwater at 36%-38%, down from a healthier 44%-26% in October 2024. Pluralities of Democrats view her favorably, while pluralities of Republicans and Independents do not.
Overall, voters are pessimistic on their view of the state’s direction. 41% say that New York is on the right track while 45% say it’s on the wrong track. This is perhaps the largest improvement tracked in the August survey, as this statistic was at 37%-50% two months ago.
Voters are sour on congressional Democrats - 42%-49% - as well as congressional Republicans - 34%-58%.
This Siena College poll was conducted from August 4-7 among 813 registered New York State voters and has a margin of error of +/- 4.2%.
This Week Today
Thursday, August 28, 2025
National, State, and Local Temperature Checks
By Matt Meduri
National
The Texas Senate has approved their gerrymander that would draw out Democrats in three districts and aid Republicans’ efforts in flipping two competitive seats. The plan now heads to the desk of Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) for his likely signature.
The Texas plan sparked a national arms race for the House ahead of the crucial 2026 midterms. The GOP’s already-tenuous majority is endangered, along with it the remainder of President Donald Trump’s (R-FL) final term. The Texas map shuffle has prompted California and New York to answer the call with propositions of their own, while President Trump and Republican officials are encouraging Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, and South Carolina to redraw their own maps.
The Texas Senate adopted the new map by an 1811 party-line vote early Saturday morning. The map dismantles heavily Democratic districts in Houstin, Austin, and Dallas. The Austin seats pit two incumbent Democrats against each other, while two South Texas seats have gotten redder although are still plausibly winnable for the two moderate Democrats who currently represent those districts.
Texas Republicans have also drawn the map in their hopes of surviving a federal lawsuit. They increased the number of Hispanic-majority districts from seven to eight and black-majority districts from zero to two. The map is already receiving litigation from voters alleging racial gerrymandering.
In response, Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) (pictured right) signed a bill putting the redraw initiative in front of California voters this fall. The State Legislature approved the ballot measure almost along party-lines. If approved, the state’s independent redistricting commission would be suspended from the process, giving the reins entirely to Sacramento. The pitched map would allow for three likely gains for the Democrats while two seats remain competitive but much bluer than their current iterations. Incumbent Democrats who saw tough races last year would be shored up. This would be enough to counterweight the gains that the GOP is likely to make from the Texas redraw.
election until 2030.
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, tensions are reaching a fever pitch within the Minneapolis Democratic-FarnerLabor Party.
The mayoral election for the state’s largest city is slated for this November, and incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey (D) is running for a third term - he was elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2021.
However, Minneapolis had an upset similar to that of New York City, wherein a self-avowed Democratic Socialist won the party’s blessing. State Senator Omar Fateh (D) won the endorsement of the local DFL party, becoming the first mayoral candidate in Minneapolis to win such support since 2009.
However, party officials in Minnesota last week rescinded Fateh’s endorsement, citing “substantial failures” during the party convention, which included technological and procedural issues.
Fateh has promised a similar agenda to that of New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria) - taxing the rich to build affordable housing, imposing caps on rent increases, and fundamental changes to public safety resources.
President Trump has responded by threatening litigation against California over the act.
Finally, in Alabama, a federal court has ruled that the state must retain its remedial, court-ordered map drawn ahead of 2024 for the rest of the decade. The map drew AL-02 to be the second black-majority district in the Yellowhammer State, bringing the current delegation up to 5R-2D. The State of Alabama is expected to appeal the decision to potentially join other states in mid-decade map shuffles.
On the Hill, Congressman Chip Roy (R, TX-21) has announced he will run for Texas Attorney General. The move will likely shake up House politics as the staunch House Freedom Caucus member has thrown curveball after curveball since his tenure began in 2019. The conservative ideologue backed the second impeachment of Donald Trump and sparred with the president over debt ceiling limits, while also being more in the “MAGA” camp of Republican politics.
Roy has received the backing of Senator Ted Cruz (RTX), but outgoing Texas A.G. Ken Paxton (R) has backed his former top deputy Aaron Reitz (R) in a crowded primary.
TX-21 was once a competitive district that included parts of suburban Austin and suburban San Antonio. It is now solidly red, with Trump having won the district by over twenty points last year.
Also on the Hill, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) has declared her candidacy for Governor of Tennessee in 2026. Should she win, a special election would have to be called for her Senate seat, which is not up for re-
Graham Faulkner, a co-manager of the Fateh campaign, said that the revocation of the local DFL’s endorsement is “disenfranchisement of thousands of Minneapolis caucusgoers and the delegates who represented all of us on convention day… the establishment is threatened by our message.”
Procedural concerns started with the first round of delegate voting - no primaries are held for Minneapolis mayor, meaning party delegates convene and vote until one candidate notches 60% of the vote. The first round allegedly resulted in a “substantial undercount”, which unfairly disqualified a third candidate from advancing to the next round. Additionally, a registration check-in sheet was not properly secured, which presents an opportunity for ballot ID numbers to be replaced, deleted, or otherwise altered.
The end result: the Minneapolis DFL Party is on probation for two years. The Minnesota DFL Party issued their moratorium since the city party has organized conventions that have resulted in disputed outcomes and even violence over the last several years.
Fateh, born in Washington, D.C., to Somali parents, is the first Muslim and Somali to serve in the Minnesota Senate; he was elected in 2020. He unsuccessfully ran to primary Hodan Hassan (D) in the 2018 Minnesota House elections, but later primaried Senator Jeff Hayden (D) in 2020. His sister-in-law is Minnesota State Senator Zaynab Mohamed (D).
In non-political news, Frank Caprio, “the world’s nicest judge”, passed away on Wednesday. He was 88.
Caprio served as the Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court from 1985 to 2023. Caprio’s public access show Caught in Providence featured lowlevel citations that showcased Caprio’s compassionate and empathetic approach from the bench. His kindness regularly went viral on social media, as many noted his ability to understand the human stories behind low-level legal cases.
in films Manhattan Murder Mystery, The Public Eye, In Her Shoes, and Prime, and for television work on The Good Wife, The Good Fight, Mad About You, Raising Dad, Rescue Me, Transparent, Broad City, and Living with Yourself
State
Governor Kathy Hochul (D) and Albany Democrats are ramping up their efforts to combat the Texas gerrymander with a redraw of their own.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Williamsbridge) has said that discussions are taking place with him, the Governor, and Senate Majority Leader Andrea StewartCousins (D-Yonkers) on their best strategic approach. Heastie has said that the state’s independent redistricting commission must be amended so as to prevent deadlocks.
Hochul spoke unfavorably of the commission that was created by voters in 2014.
“In 2014, my predecessor [Governor Cuomo], the good government groups and the Legislature decided there should be an independent redistricting commission [to] take the politics out of politics,” said Hochul. “You can decide whether that was a good idea or not, but a lot of states were not doing that. As a result, we’ve been, by my judgment, disadvantaged.”
Hochul gave more specifics as far as a timeline. The State Constitution requires that such a measure requires a majority of the Legislature’s vote in two separate sessions of the Legislature, followed by voter approval at the ballot box. Hochul says she expects the initiative to sail through Albany and be handed to voters by 2027, setting the stage for the map redraw in 2028.
Senator Liz Krueger (D-Upper East Side) agrees with the plight but says that it’s “very hard to picture” the map shuffle being completed in time for 2028, since voters would need to head to their polling places in a non-state election year - 2027.
Rumblings of a special summer session are being reported, although it wouldn’t expedite the process. A special session would merely be for urgency and making a national point.
Local
In the midst of Hurricane season, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) (pictured below) is advising residents of proper procedures to stay safe and alert.
The eastern seaboard was spared in its first storm of the season, as Hurricane Erin only brought semi-heavy rain, but officials are taking no chances as the summer continues.
Caprio died of pancreatic cancer last week in Rhode Island.
Another passing has also gripped television fans, that of actor Jerry Adler. He was 96.
Adler was perhaps best known for his portrayal of Herman “Hesh” Rabkin on the HBO crime drama The Sopranos. A lifelong NYC resident, Adler passed away at his home on Saturday. He was also known for his work
“Many weather forecasters have predicted that this season will have an above-average number of storms, including estimates of between thirteen and eighteen named storms,” said Romaine in a YouTube PSA.
Romaine joined Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R-Atlantic Beach) last week to remind residents of safety tips. Romaine urges residents to have an emergency kit with water, nonperishable foods, medication, flashlights, batteries, and important documents.
“Now is the time to be prepared and preparedness starts at home,” said Romaine.
Suffolk has also prided itself on accommodating pets and service animals in the event of evacuations. All three Suffolk County Community College campuses - Brentwood, Selden, and Riverhead - are equipped to be pet-friendly sanctuaries during evacuations and emergencies.
Officials also urge that all devices are charged ahead of time with battery backups at the ready.
Stay informed by receiving Suffolk Alerts by texting “Suffolk Alerts” to 67283.
Continued from front cover
Islip Matters
Thursday, August 28, 2025
ADA Playground Completed at Gardiner Park
The previous park, which stood for over thirty years, was known to cause injuries to children and had razor-sharp features from the aged splitting metal.
The committee kicked off in earnest last summer, with pitches from vendors and input from parents and residents of the area. Spearheaded by Suffolk County Legislator Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters), the park formally opened on Monday afternoon.
For the 231-acre nature-oriented public park, Flotteron was able to secure $650,000 from the County’s Capital Budget to bring the project to fruition. American Recreational Products (ARP) was the primary planner in the equipment, consulting with stakeholders and community members
on how to get the most bang for their buck.
The park’s new “earth tone” colors are said to create a “calm, modern feeling” while certain play places within the equipment use brighter color palettes to stimulate senses and keep children of all ages and abilities engaged.
The ribbon-cutting was certainly not missed, as local children were already putting the new equipment to the test.
Gardiner Park is also a historic site and the namesake of one of Suffolk’s founding families, the Gardiners. One of the earliest settling dynasties on the Island, the Gardiner family owned the prominent Sagtikos Manor, just around the corner from Gardiner Park, as well as the land on which the park sits today. The Manor even served as a local headquarters for British forces during the American Revolution. The Gardiner family also owned Gardiner’s Island - just north of the Town of East Hampton - until the death of Robert David Lion Gardiner in 2004.
Owing to the property’s history, Flotteron said that the land’s preservation status made it different from some other municipal parks, such as those with sports fields and other accommodations.
“It’s already taking off; it’s something that the families here have been needing and asking for,” Flotteron told The Messenger
The passive park is equipped with accessibility modifications different from playgrounds of yesteryear, such as railings along ramps for assistance in walking up to the slide and a moveable platform for those confined to a wheelchair. Two different spinning rides, musical instrument fixtures, and an accessible swingset are ready to be used by children from infancy up until their early twenties. The park’s features are also tailored to children on the autism spectrum.
Flotteron also explained that the improvements hit a personal note for him.
“My sister was born with a lot of birth defects in her legs and she was in traction most of her childhood,” said Flotteron. “She’d be able to go on these swings and use this equipment here today.”
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) was also on hand to cut the ribbon and tease similar park improvements across Suffolk.
“Kids of all abilities, not just children with limited abilities, will be able to use these playgrounds,
and our playgrounds should be geared to do exactly that,” said Romaine. “This is a park for everyone.”
Romaine said that another Suffolk park, Meschutt Beach County Park in Hampton Bays, is also receiving treatment similar to what Gardiner Park received.
“People with all different abilities will be able to play on all different levels,” said Flotteron, adding that the nearby gazebo will allow parents and guardians to catch shade and tend to infants while their children can play just nearby.
Many community members were involved on the steering committee that produced this park, including the Pediatrics Department of Good Samaritan University Hospital, the Bay Shore YMCA, the Bay Shore Union Free School District, and the EJ Autism Foundation.
Joining Flotteron and Romaine were Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) and Assemblyman Mike Durso (R-Massapequa Park), as well as representatives for Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) and Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport). Garbarino’s office presented the group with a folded American flag that previously flew from the top of the U.S. Capitol Building.
“Gardiner Park is a true treasure in Suffolk County; there’s so much that goes on here,” Donnelly told The Messenger. “You have access to the beach, we have the marathon here, and now adding this playground brings it to another level, particularly given that we’re able to help our special needs population. The kids have a very safe place to come and play.”
“Every kid can come here, play, and be a part of the community - fit in and feel good about what they’re doing with no restrictions,” Durso told The Messenger. Durso added that he and his Assembly colleagues are looking to pass the “Everyone Can Play” Grant Program pitched by Assemblyman Josh Jensen (R-Greece), which would unlock State appropriations to carry out accessibility and inclusivity upgrades to parks and playgrounds across the state.
“Any time a park gets redone or rebuilt, [the bill would require] that it has to be ADA-compliant,” said Durso. “Parks are to bring families together and we want kids to be able to come to these parks and enjoy them throughout the entire state.”
A Long Island Staple: Riverhead Raceway
By Madison Warren
The Riverhead Raceway has been a staple of the Long Island community since 1951. Started as only a dirt oval, the Riverhead Raceway became an asphalt track in 1955, ready for its races to begin. Every week from April to November, the lights shine over Riverhead Raceway as the sound of engines echoes across Long Island’s East End. For more than seventy years, this mile oval has been more than just a track for race cars; it has become a place of tradition, a gathering spot, and a piece of our local history.
Riverhead Raceway is the last remaining racetrack on Long Island, as Islip Speedway closed in 1984 and Westhampton Raceway followed in 2004. When Islip Speedway first opened in 1947, it quickly became a hotspot for racing enthusiasts. However, by the early 1980s, development pressures on central Long Island were in full swing. Suburban housing and shopping centers were rapidly expanding, and rising land values and taxes made it more profitable to sell than to continue racing. The property was ultimately redeveloped, and today the Islip Town Center shopping complex stands in its place.
Westhampton Raceway, later known as Hampton Raceway, also enjoyed decades of popularity, particularly with its drag strip during the 1990s and early 2000s. But as eastern Long Island became increasingly residential, noise complaints piled up, and environmental concerns grew because of the track’s proximity to protected Pine Barrens land. After years of legal battles, the raceway closed for good in 2004 and was redeveloped, leaving Riverhead as the sole survivor of Long Island’s once-thriving racing scene.
Riverhead’s survival hinges on a combination of location, loyalty, and leadership. While other tracks gave way to housing developments and shopping centers, Riverhead’s East End setting spared it from the same fate. Dedicated owners like Jim and Barbara Cromarty — and later Eddie and Connie Partridge and Tom Gatz — kept the gates open not for profit, but for the love of racing.
With NASCAR sanctioning drawing in top Modified Tour talent, and family-friendly traditions filling the stands each summer weekend, Riverhead remains more than a racetrack — it’s a community institution.
Riverhead Raceway is rich in history, not only through the racers who have taken the track but also through the community that fills the stands each weekend. Fanfavorite events have kept people coming back year after year, from the prestigious Islip 300—a tribute to the longgone Islip Speedway—to the Whelen Modified Tour, which brings national-level stars to Long Island’s quarter-mile oval. Family nights add to the fun with figure-8 races, monster truck shows, and demolition derbies, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy and memories that are always made.
Joseph Sole, a Baiting Hollow resident and retired legend car racer, spent much of his career at Riverhead Raceway. Reflecting on his time behind the wheel there, he called those years “the best of my life.” For Sole, every Saturday was as special as the last—loading the car into the trailer, heading towards Riverhead, spending the day at the track, and soaking in the thrill of competition.
Joseph grew up surrounded by racing, and his brother-
in-law, John Rigney, was a popular local figure in the sport, winning two championships in Islip in 1973 and 1974, which inspired Joseph to get behind the wheel of a car of his own one day.
“Racing is in your DNA; once you get the hook, you never ever want to give it up,” Joseph said. “It’s the adrenaline, it’s the competition, it’s the guys in the cars that show up every night,” he added.
In 1997, Joseph won his first feature at Riverhead Raceway. “I had a lot of top finishes, but there’s just nothing like winning. It was exciting. It was a lot of fun.” Joseph noted.
The memories drivers make on the track for new and old-time racers have lasted a lifetime.
This past racing season proved to be another success at Riverhead Raceway, marked by historic milestones and the emergence of rising talent. In June, Justin Bonsignore captured his twelfth career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win at the track during the Miller Lite Salutes Steve Park 200. The victory pushed him past local legend Mike Ewanitsko, making him the all-time wins leader at Riverhead.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old Chase Grennan established himself as one of the sport’s brightest young stars. Grennan became the first repeat Modified race winner of the 2025 season, securing back-to-back triumphs in the Oval Unlimited Bubba 150. His breakthrough highlighted the strong future of Riverhead’s racing scene while honoring its deep tradition.
The 2025 racing season at Riverhead is entering its final laps, with several marquee events still on the calendar. On August 30, the track will host a Tribute to First Responders Race, along with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour 256 on September 6, which is expected to draw top drivers and packed grandstands. The action will continue into the fall, with feature races scheduled through October, bringing the season across the finish line at Long Island’s last remaining racetrack.
Business Spotlight: Barone Media Solutions Brings Fresh Energy to Bellport
By Messenger Paper Staff
Bellport Village is home to a growing number of small businesses, each adding its own piece to the community’s fabric. Among them is Barone Media Solutions, founded by 27-year-old Anthony Barone, a local with deep roots in Brookhaven and Bellport.
What sets Barone apart is not just his age but the boldness of his decision to start a full-service media company when many his age are still finding their footing. After years working behind the scenes in radio—first at just 17 years old—Barone realized he had the skills, the drive, and the determination to build something of his own. In 2022, he began laying the groundwork. By 2023, he took the leap and officially launched his business.
A
Full
Range of Media Services
Barone Media Solutions offers more than just one specialty. The company has quickly expanded into a one-stop creative shop. Services include:
- Podcast production
- Videography
- Website design
- Photography
- Graphic design
- Social media marketing (including Meta advertising)
- Print products such as business cards, brochures, and flyers
What began with his background in radio has now grown into a broad suite of tools
for businesses and individuals who want to strengthen their presence in an increasingly digital marketplace.
Building Legitimacy Early
Starting young wasn’t without hurdles. “When you’re in your early twenties, people sometimes assume you should work for free or settle for exposure,” Barone explained. “I had to stand firm and show that my work deserved respect and proper compensation.”
Clients who gave him that chance quickly saw results. His combination of technical skill, creativity, and professionalism helped prove that legitimacy doesn’t come from age alone but from delivering on promises.
Operating out of 30 Station Court, Unit 23, Bellport, Barone has been warmly received by the community. Having grown up in Brookhaven, attended Bellport High School, and later earned his Mass Communications degree from SUNY Oneonta, he’s no stranger to the area. “It’s been a positive experience,” he said. “I already knew a lot of people in the village, and the new connections I’ve made have been equally welcoming.”
Lessons From the Journey
For Barone, entrepreneurship is not just about making a living but about creating a life that feels fulfilling. After years working alone in radio control rooms, he wanted a path where each day brought something new. Running his own business has given him exactly that.
Another challenge he notes is skepticism toward marketing firms. “Too many companies have burned clients in the past. My goal is the opposite: listen, work closely with clients, and build something lasting.” That approach has quickly distinguished Barone Media Solutions from others in the field.
Looking Ahead
As Barone Media Solutions continues to grow, the mission remains the same: to help businesses and individuals tell their stories more effectively. Whether through podcasts, websites, or design, Barone is positioning his company as a resource that businesses on Long Island can count on.
For more information, visit BaroneMediaSolutionsInc.com or call 631-560-4785.
A Local Face in Bellport
Down Ballot
An Initial Look at 2025’s Crucial Gubernatorial Elections
By Matt Meduri
We’re reviving the Down Ballot column to start discussing the only two gubernatorial races taking place this year: Virginia and New Jersey.
These off-year elections always take place the year following a presidential race and will likely serve as a barometer for national moods almost one year into President Donald Trump’s (R-FL) second term.
Open-seat dynamics apply to both, making them especially competitive races. In Virginia, Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) scored a major win here in 2021 over former governor Terry McAuliffe (D), becoming the first Republican governor of the Old Dominion since Bob McDonnell (R) in 2009.
In New Jersey, Phil Murphy (D-NJ) is limited after serving two terms. He flipped the state blue in 2017 by a sizable margin after Chris Christie (R) left office as one of the most unpopular governors in the nation. Murphy was re-elected in 2021, this time by a very thin margin over former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-NJ).
Both states are viewed as competitive at multiple levels, with Virginia having been a considered a battleground since 2016 - a swing state during the 2000s - and New Jersey being a new addition to the field after Trump came within almost five points of becoming the first Republican presidential nominee to win the Garden State since 1988.
An important note: gubernatorial races are exceptional in American politics. While some abide by their state’s intrinsic political leanings, they are by no means off the table completely for either party. They operate more off of local issues, retail politics, and candidate quality.
Virginia - Abigail Spanberger (D) vs. Winsome Earle-Sears (R)
The blue-leaning battleground hasn’t given its electoral votes to a Republican since 2004 but until the Trump Era, it remained a red-leaning state on other levels.
Former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D) represented the Richmond-based VA07 from 2019 to 2023. She flipped the seat in the 2018 blue wave. Spanberger was a more vocal moderate in the U.S. House, notably scorching her own party after the Democrats barely retained control of the House in 2020 - even as most prognosticators estimated the Party of Jackson would pad their healthy majority at the time.
Spanberger hails from a formerly red part of a formerly red state that is somewhat responsible for its rapid leftward shift in recent years. While Northern Virginia is the primary cause, Richmond and its suburbs haven’t helped Republicans. Her ability to win close races here in 2020 and 2022 likely gives her a floor of confidence in taking her message statewide.
Democrats have won Virginia on the presidential level by at least five points in the last three elections. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) won by about 5.5%, Joe Biden (D-DE) by about 10%, and Kamala Harris (D-CA) by about 5.5%. While perhaps not becoming a swing state again, Virginia isn’t quite as reliably blue as some had thought or expected. Still, Democrats have a fundamental advantage at face value.
Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears (R) is also a serious candidate. Elected in 2021 alongside Governor Youngkin, she has been part of a campaign and administration that has expertly toed the various political lines that have been a recipe for political success. Youngkin was able to appeal to conservative voters without alienating them or moderates, winning key suburban districts - even VA-07, represented by Spanberger at the time - and was able to rise above growing liberal clout in areas like Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia. The Youngkin Machine may have saved Virginia from further solidification as a deep-blue state.
Earle-Sears, however, has an extra notch on her belt: having been elected statewide in her own right. In Virginia, unlike New York, lieutenant governors are elected on their own separate tickets. Earle-Sears managed to win by 1.5% - close, but not exactly razor-thin. She also won the crucial suburban congressional districts of VA-02 - Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads - and VA-07 - Richmond.
Earle-Sears has been an unapologetic supporter of the Second Amendment, a message that has been demonstrated to resonate in Virginia, and, if elected governor in November, would be the first black female governor in U.S. history.
This is the first Virginia gubernatorial election in which both major party candidates are women, effectively guaranteeing that come November, Virginia will no longer be one of eighteen states to have never been governed by a woman.
While Youngkin remains popular, his numbers have slipped as Trump’s term continues. Trump is underwater in Virginia by about eighteen points as of the latest numbers. EarleSears will certainly have to separate herself from the national party and the president in order to have a chance of winning - something Youngkin pulled off expertly in 2021 when Trump’s numbers and relevance were arguably at their lowest points in his political career.
The true litmus test: presidential party. Virginia has elected a governor opposite the freshman White House party in every election since 1977. In other words, when the White House party changes, Virginia will make sure its governor is someone from the opposite party. Some thought Virginia had grown too blue for this contrarian streak to continue in 2021, but Youngkin proved it is alive and well.
If Spanberger wins, it would be a demonstration of the contrarian streak coupled with the commonwealth’s relatively new Democratic profile. If Earle-Sears wins, it would be a stunning repudiation of historic preferences and the state’s relatively new political identity.
History and fundamentals are likely to be on Spanberger’s side, especially since she has been able to outrun the top of the ticket in a crucial suburban area that is somewhat responsible for the commonwealth’s blue hue.
The Messenger’s initial forecast: Leans Democrat (Flip)
New Jersey - Mikie Sherrill (D) vs. Jack Ciattarelli (R)
New Jersey was once a much redder state for most of the Twentieth Century. It began backing Democrats for president in 1988, but Republicans have usually been able to secure about 40% of the vote in any given statewide election. This makes it a “high-floor, lowceiling” state for the GOP.
That mold might have cracked in 2024, when Donald Trump trailed Kamala Harris by just under six points, despite Biden having won the state by sixteen points in 2020. The dramatic swing came from the deeply-blue North Jersey counties around Newark and Montclair, courtesy primarily of the Tri-State Area’s rapid rightward shift and Latino voters’ tectonic trend towards the GOP. If that’s any indicator, Democrats will certainly have to put up a fight to retain this office in November.
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (D, NJ-11) is a formidable candidate. She flipped a red district blue in 2018 by a large margin, capturing the fade of the classical GOP roots in the counties of Sussex, Morris, and Passaic. Trump, however, was able to carry all of these counties in 2024. Sherrill went on to win by a decent seven-point margin in 2020, but cruised to victory in a landslide in 2022 as her turf became much bluer after redistricting. Republicans have not seriously contested this district since 2016.
Sherrill won a crowded June primary over high-profile candidates, such as moderate Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D, NJ-05) - whose district borders Sherrill’s - Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (D), and Stephen Sweeney (D), the former State Senate president who was defeated by truck driver Ed Durr (R) in 2021 - a national upset.
Some say that Sherrill’s 34% of the vote in the primary indicates trouble ahead in the general. While a majority of the primary vote is optimal, Sherrill won the primary by fourteen points - hardly a close margin over high-profile candidates with strong home field advantages, respectively. The large field also explains her lower vote share. She was still able to win a plurality of the state’s twenty-one counties.
Sherrill has a dominant showing going into November and the ability to raise large amounts of cash, a significant upper hand in the pricey Tri-State media markets. She topped fundraising in the Democratic field - raking in $9.4 million - and she starts the general campaign with nearly $1 million cash on hand.
Jack Ciatteralli (R-NJ) is a former State Assemblyman who almost ousted Governor Phil Murphy in 2021. He represented the Sixteenth Assembly District, which included locations like Princeton, Rocky Hill, and Hillsborough. The district currently has more registered Democrats than Republicans - 36.5%-24.6%, respectively - and is a fairly diverse part of the state.
Ciattarelli easily clinched the GOP June primary, earning almost 68% of the vote and sweeping every county in a field of five candidates. However, none of these candidates were as nearly as high-profile as those of the Democratic field, save former television and radio host Bill Spadea (R). About 840,000 Democrats turned out for their primary, compared to about 466,000 for the GOP.
As of March, Democrats outnumber Republicans in New Jersey by about 834,000 voters, but Democratic registration has fallen almost 45,000 in the last year while Republican registration has grown by about 62,000. A March purge of the voter rolls saw Democrats lose almost 90,000 voters, compared to the GOP’s near-27,000 voter loss. County-bycounty registration statistics also show Democrats losing voters and Republicans gaining across the state, most markedly in North Jersey.
While the trends are not favorable for Democrats, the party does have a decent registration padding. However, as the 2021 and 2024 elections show, registered voters are not guaranteed votes.
Ciattarelli also proves to be a fundraising dynamo, having raised $9.2 million for the primary. He hits the campaign trail with almost $1.3 million cash on hand.
Two considerable candidates are vying for a seat that slightly favors the GOP through a historical lens. In 2021, Phil Murphy became the first Democratic Garden State governor to win re-election since 1977. Murphy broke the mold, but only slightly so. The 2021 gubernatorial map also mirrors the 2024 presidential map almost identically, with Trump having taken Passaic County, where Ciatteralli narrowly missed in 2021. Could 2021 have been a harbinger of 2024 and possibly 2025? Or will Trump’s approval ratings statewide and nationwide make this an easier walk for the Democrats than current trends would foretell?
At this point, it seems to be a jump ball. Polling shows Sherrill with a healthy early lead, but Murphy was in an identical position four years ago, and he ended up barely getting by.
The Messenger’s initial forecast: Toss Up
Down Ballot - Virginia and New Jersey Gubernatorial Races
Civics 101
The Necessary Standard for American Education
Senate Standing Committees: Part V
By Matt Meduri
Having discussed gerrymandering at length these past few weeks, we’re returning to our look at the standingpermanent - committees of the U.S. Senate.
We’ve examined eleven of the sixteen standing committees so far.
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
This committee is the chief oversight committee of the U.S. Senate. It has oversight of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the functions of the government itself. Its jurisdiction includes the National Archives, budget and accounting measures - sans appropriations - the U.S. Census, the federal civil service, the affairs of the District of the Columbia, and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). This committee was just known as Governmental Affairs until the Homeland Security aspects were tailored on in 2004.
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.
This committee is unique in that the committee chair is the only Senate committee chair who can issue subpoenas without a committee vote, making it one of the more powerful Senate bodies.
The committee was formed as the Committee on Expenditures in the Executive Departments in 1921, later becoming the Committee on Government Operations in 1952, and as the Committee on Governmental Affairs in 1978. The committee’s scope has since been expanded to focus on responses to major catastrophes, such as Hurricane Katrina, homegrown terrorism in the country, and the vulnerabilities of the United States’ critical networks.
The Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) was formed in March 1941 as the Truman Committee. This body initially investigated war contracts and aircraft procurements, later pivoting to export control violations, the trial of Nazi war criminal Ilse Koch, and the Mississippi Democratic Party’s sale of postal jobs. The Korean War, Joseph McCarthy, labor racketeering and organized crime, the Oil-for-Food Program, and the 2008 financial crisis have all been areas of focus of the PSI Subcommittee.
The Subcommittee on Border Management, Federal Workforce, and Regulatory Affairs is charged with examining the federal rulemaking process and evaluating its efficacy, economic impact, and legal authority; reviewing federal contracting and procurement; assessing the management, efficacy, and economics of the agencies and departments of the federal government; examining and assessing the federal workforce and employee issues, as well as their compensation, benefits, and retirement programs; evaluating the federal government’s roles in economic competitiveness and cooperation with private industries; reviewing border management and operations; and oversight of the USPS monetization and solvency, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the District of Columbia - excluding appropriations but including the judicial system.
The Subcommittee on Disaster Management, District of Columbia, and Census is tasked with preventing waste, fraud, and abuse at the federal level; identifying emerging national and economic security threats; examining federal preparedness to address threats such as terrorism, disruptive technology, climate change, and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive attacks; improving coordination between the federal government with state, local, territorial, and tribal governments, as well as the private sector for the purposes of threat preparedness
and prevention; oversight of the protection of civil rights and liberties by the DHS; and modernizing federal information technology.
The committee is divided 8R-7D. Rand Paul (R-KY) serves as Chair and Gary Peters (D-MI) serves as Ranking Member.
Indian Affairs
The Senate Indian Affairs Committee has oversight relating to the American Indians, Native Alaskans, and Native Hawaiians. This committee existed from 1820 to 1947, after which it became part of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. The Native Affairs Committee was created in 1977 as a select committee, later becoming permanent in 1984. This committee has more of an emphasis on geographic makeup of its legislators, with members often hailing from western or plains states that have large Native populations.
This committee has no subcommittees, although it did until its reorganization in 1946.
The committee is divided 6R-5D. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) serves as Chair and Brian Schatz (D-HI) serves as Ranking Member.
Judiciary
The Senate Judiciary Committee is one of the oldest and most influential of the congressional committees, having been established in 1816. The committee is the foremost authority on the discussion of social and constitutional issues and has oversight of certain activities of the executive branch. It is also responsible for the initial stages of the confirmation process of all nominations within the federal judiciary.
The committee is the first to consider presidential nominations for positions within the Department of Justice (DOJ), such as the Attorney General, the Director of the FBI, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the State Justice Institute, and certain positions within the DHS and Department of Commerce.
This body is also in charge of holding hearings and investigating nominees for the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals, U.S. district courts, and the Court of International Trade.
The Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights is one of the seven subcommittees afforded to the whole Judiciary Committee. It has oversight of antitrust and competition policy at-large; such policies within the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission, respectively; and such policies at all other federal agencies.
The Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration has jurisdiction over immigration, citizenship, and refugee laws; such functions and policies within the DHS, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Directorate of Border and Transportation Security; immigration-related functions of the DOJ, the Department of State, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement, and the DEpartment of Labor; international migration and refugee laws and policies; and private immigration relief bills.
The Subcommittee on the Constitution has jurisdiction over the amendments of the U.S. Constitution, civil rights, property rights, federalstate relations, individual rights, Commemorative Congressional Resolutions, and interstate compacts.
The Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism oversees the DOJ’s Criminal Division, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys, Violence Against Women’s Office, and the U.S. Marshal’s Office. Additionally, it has oversight of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, youth violence, federal programs under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, criminal justice and victim’s rights legislation, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Community Oriented Policing Office and law enforcement grants, and the U.S. Secret Service.
The Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights handles federal court jurisdictions, administration, and management; rules of evidence of procedure; creation of new courts and judgeships; bankruptcy; legal reform and liability issues; local courts in territories and possessions; administrative practices and procedures including agency rulemaking and adjudication; judicial review of agency action; third party enforcement of federal rights; oversight of the DOJ grant programs; private relief bills other than immigration; and oversight of the Foreign Claims Settlement Act.
The Subcommittee on Intellectual Property has oversight of intellectual property laws, including those that affect patents, copyrights, and trademarks; the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; the U.S. Copyright Office; and intellectual property laws, treaties, and policies affecting international trade.
The Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law handles laws and policies governing the collection, protection, use, and dissemination of commercial information by the private sector. This includes behavioral advertising, social networking privacy, and online privacy issues in general. It also has oversight of enforcement and implementation of commercial information privacy laws and policies; technology used by the private sector to protect privacy and transparency; privacy standards for the collection, retention, use, and dissemination of personally identifiable commercial information; and privacy implications of new or emerging technologies.
The Judiciary Committee is divided 12R-10D. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) serves as Chair and Dick Durbin (D-IL) serves as Ranking Member.
The committee has seen powerful and even controversial figures at its helm, such as Joe Biden (D-DE), Strom Thurmond (R-SC), Ted Kennedy (D-MA), Lindsey Graham (RSC), and James Eastland (D-MS).
U.S Capitol Building (Credit - Matt Meduri)
JetBlue at MacArthur Now Expanding Nonstop Destinations
JetBlue announced today plans to expand its route map with added destinations and more flights. Focusing on New York service, Islip’s MacArthur Airport (ISP) will see two new nonstop routes offered by JetBlue. The additions build on the airline’s nonstop services to Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and West Palm Beach from Long Island. Now available to book on jetblue.com, JetBlue is adding service to Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) from Tampa (TPA) and Fort Myers (RSW), providing more convenience for Long Island travelers seeking Florida sunshine this winter.
“We are committed to establishing MacArthur Airport as a hub for both local residents and travelers alike. Ensuring that air travel is accessible, efficient, and convenient remains a top priority,” said Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip). “We are pleased that JetBlue’s vision for enhanced connectivity aligns with our shared goal of serving the needs of Islip residents.”
The airline is also adding service from Florida to the Dominican Republic, with new routes from Tampa to Punta Cana (PUJ) and Fort Lauderdale to Santiago de los Caballeros (STI), growing international connectivity from Florida and giving travelers even more ways to reach the Caribbean with JetBlue.
Service to/from Tampa with service to Punta Cana begins December 18, 2025, with fares starting at $139. Flights will run once daily year-round. Service to/from Tampa out of Islip starts December 19, 2025, with service starting at $49. Flights will run four times weekly and will end on April 29, 2026. Service to/from Fort Myers will begin on December 18, 2025, and will be offered three times weekly. Service ends on April 28, 2026. Rates begin at $49.
“The residents of Long Island have long expressed their desire for JetBlue to provide service from Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP). Since
JetBlue launched service to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach last year, the community has been requesting additional destinations,” said Rob Schneider, Long Island MacArthur Airport Commissioner. “Today, JetBlue has responded to this call with new service to Tampa and Fort Myers. We are grateful to JetBlue for reinvesting in our region and airport. These two new routes showcase the strong partnership between ISP and JetBlue, providing travelers with more options from the convenience and exceptional customer experience that ISP offers Councilman John Lorenzo (C-West Sayville) added, “This offers the perfect opportunity for families to experience the Caribbean or the Dominican Republic. It’s never been easier for Long Island families to enjoy these beautiful destinations.”
More Information About Flights
Islip (ISP) to/from Tampa (TPA): One-way only. Book by August 17, 2025, for travel January 6, 2026, to February 11, 2026. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday travel only. Fares include government taxes and fees. Additional baggage fees and other optional service charges may apply. See jetblue.com for details.
Islip (ISP) to/from Fort Myers (RSW): One-way only. Book by August 17, 2025, for travel January 6, 2026, to February 11, 2026. Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday travel only. Fares include government taxes and fees. Additional baggage fees and other optional service charges may apply. See jetblue.com for details.
30th Annual Holbrook Carnival Funds Improvements
By Matt Meduri
The hamlet of Holbrook is known for its quiet neighborhoods, quaint businesses, and unfettered community spirit.
But perhaps its biggest claim to fame is its annual carnival and festival. Held on the grounds of the Holbrook Country Club, the carnival hosts rides, games, a variety of foods, and a fireworks spectacular on the Saturday of the weekend.
This year, the fair ran from August 21 to 24, which drew thousands of residents and attendees from across Suffolk.
As the sole fundraising event for the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce, seventy years strong, the proceeds are going towards beautification and maintenance of the “Welcome to Holbrook” wall just south of the Expressway Service Road off Exit 61, the large berm area greeting the entrance to Main Street from Patchogue-Holbrook Road (CR-19), as well as several “highly visible” corner properties and medians in the Business District. The chamber is also working on several proposed beautification projects by Veterans Highway and Broadway Avenue. Finally, the event will also fund the holiday lighting program throughout the Main Street, Union Avenue, and Grundy Avenue business corridors.
Most of all, however, after twenty years of meetings and planning, the Holbrook Chamber awaits the commencement of the Main Street-Union Avenue sewer project, which is set to start this autumn. Redevelopment of the recently demolished Sachem administrative building on Union Avenue is also the wings. The plan consists of a County park to ideally serve as a village green for Holbrook.
16
History
Eighteen On-Loan Volumes Lead to Three Libraries
By Ellyn Okvist, B.Sc.
The Lake Ronkonkoma Free Library had its roots in the Women’s Suffrage Movement. There are a few Long Island Libraries who had the same beginnings, but ultimately it was the needs of the community that also led to the initial forming of the libraries.
The Village of Lake Ronkonkoma was blessed to have had Lillian Devere (18751955) in their court. The Suffrage Club that she established in our town was substantial as it brought Long Island into the entire struggle across the Nation as we fought for suffrage. Although creating the first three libraries was newsworthy, we must remember that Lillian Devere has been forever entered into the National Suffrage movement, and her work in that field will hold its place in that history for eternity. Her recognition has been verified by professors and experts; her thoughts and actions immortalized. Lillian Devere was the Founder, a Charter Member and President of the Lake Ronkonkoma Equal Rights Suffrage Club 1912. Descendants still hold meetings of this Club. Her story intertwines with much more information. Lillian was a teacher in her early career. As a community minded woman, she started the Lake Ronkonkoma Dramatic Club in 1899. Her friends, including Maude Adams the Broadway actress; Captain George McCormick (Civil war); Madame Cornelie Meysenheim the World Class Opera Singer and local residents all worked with Lillian in the Lake Ronkonkoma Dramatic Club. The group produced plays and recitals, held at Hook & Ladder #1, whose stage she had personally designed when it was built in 1904. The proceeds helped the Hook & Ladder #1; the Lake Ronkonkoma School; and other local establishments and her passion in the name of suffrage, the Lake Ronkonkoma Free Library.
Post WWI the country once again resumed the fight for Suffrage, and Lillian found herself in two major causes, the library and suffrage.
In 1914, she acquired eighteen books on loan from the Equal Franchise Society. She expanded with twenty-five books on loan from the NY State Education Department. Discussions as to when her deciding moment to become involved in the Suffrage movement changed our lives. Lillian Devere had the top three suffrage leaders in her home and in our village right from the start. Rosalie Gardiner Jones, Mrs. Edna Buchanan Kearns and Miss Welch were her frequent guests when organizing the LR Equal Rights Suffrage Club. Lillian had the full support of her husband, and they marched together in New York City and Brooklyn suffrage parades.
During WWI she served as a Yeoman in the United States Navy and was instrumental in 1921 for organizing the drive to establish the WWI Memorial Rock. As the main organizer of the memorial, the rock she chose had Revolutionary War significance for the British as they occupied Long Island. The WWI Memorial Rock was Landmarked on November 11, 1923. Lillian was also the driving force in organizing the veterans to start the local American Legend in 1926, holding meetings for the Veterans and giving them a push to obtain the group.
In town, she marched, attended rallies and events bringing support to their cause with great style. They were active in Riverhead, Huntington, East Hampton, and of course Lake Ronkonkoma, to name a few. The club sponsored dances, held Euchres (a card game), held booths at athletic events, and on Declaration Day, fourth of July and Labor Day. The eighteen books originally on loan from the Equal
Franchise Society had captured and sparked the need for a larger library three times and suffrage has led 109 years of service to the community.
The Equal Franchise Society (EFS) was a state-bystate organization that advocated women’s suffrage in the United States. Created and joined by women of wealth, it was a conduit through which the energies of upper-class women could be channeled into political activism conducted within a socially comfortable milieu. Although not many of our women fit this description, the meaningful words carried on until 1917 when the women of New York were granted Suffrage.
The Equal Franchise Society had loaned Lillian eighteen volumes, and the realization that they would have to be returned was a concern. Lillian Devere needed to have these volumes read by as many members of the community if they were to help the Suffrage movement. The volumes assisted her in recruiting supporters. They bought unity and explanation to our area. Because of the initial loan, three libraries followed, each more vibrant than the last.
The eighteen Equal Franchise Society volumes were not around to see the second or third library beginnings. However we know by written history that they were in the first library, the dining room closet with the key on top of the wood trim. At no time did they ever remain in Deveres care in the first library for more than a month. They were the property of the Equal Franchise Society and were never housed in the at the time non-existent third library.
How do we know of the three libraries and the excitement they gave the village? Lillians daughter, Helen Devere, co-authored a book with Virginia de Ronde - “Milestones in Progress 1916 -1966”. We also have memoirs from Lillian A. Devere and Mary C. Devere, her two other daughters, and a collection of handwritten overviews by Lillian Devere herself. There is additional material available.
If Lillian would read this today, she would state she did not deserve any honors for her accomplishments. Her quote was, “This is what a community must do”.
Long Island Locavore
Slice, Sip, Celebrate! – Watermelon Recipes for Labor Day
By Nancy Vallarella
Labor Day on Long Island is a holiday that feels like a deep breath—one last, sweet inhale of summer before we exhale into fall. The days are still warm, the sunsets dazzling, and the tables are filled with summer’s best produce. At the heart of it all sits the watermelon, a fruit so tied to the season that just the sight of it piled high at farmstands signals summer in its purest form.
Long Island watermelon isn’t just the classic deep-red variety most of us grew up with. Thanks to local growers, shoppers can now discover three distinct types—red, yellow, and orange—each with its own character and culinary appeal. These watermelons thrive in Suffolk County’s sandy soil and salty breezes, harvested at peak ripeness, and sold at farmstands.
The Red Classic
The quintessential red watermelon is what most people envision when they think of summer picnics. With its ruby flesh and sweet juiciness, it’s the ultimate refresher on a sweltering day. Long Island’s red varieties tend to be crisp, deeply hydrating, and just sweet enough without tipping into cloying. Most farmstands on Long Island carry this variety.
Golden and Unexpected
Less common, but increasingly popular, is the yellow watermelon. Its sunny flesh is lower in lycopene—the antioxidant that gives red watermelon its color—so its hue leans golden. Flavor-wise, yellow watermelon is often described as mellower, with honey-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory dishes.
Yellow watermelon makes an eye-catching addition to salads, fruit platters and cocktails.
In addition to many local farmstands, yellow watermelon can be found at Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace.
Orange, the Rarest Jewel
The rarest of the trio is the orange watermelon, with flesh that ranges from peach to tangerine in color. Its flavor is richer and a touch more tropical—sometimes reminiscent of apricot. Orange watermelon is a delight at late-summer gatherings, sparking conversation as guests try to guess what variety they’re tasting.
If you are looking for organic watermelons Sang Lee Farms in Peconic is the best.
Another option for all three varieties is Fink’s Country Farm in Wading River.
Recipes for the Holiday Table
Whether red, yellow, or orange, Long Island watermelon can do more than just anchor the dessert table. Here are two festive ways to use it this Labor Day:
Watermelon Salad with Greens & Feta
By Chef Chelsea Gomez of Level Up Café, St. James
This salad is as colorful as a painter’s palette.
Ingredients:
• 6 cups of watermelon cubes*
• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, radicchio, baby lettuces – use your favorites)
• 1 cup cubed feta cheese
• ½ cup thinly sliced red onion*
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
Dressing:
• 4 Tbs olive oil
• 2 Tbs fresh lemon juice
• 1-2 tsp honey
Directions: Mix olive oil, lemon juice and honey. Set aside. Toss watermelon, greens, and mint in a bowl. Top with feta cheese and a ring of thinly sliced red onions. Dress just prior to serving or place a squeeze bottle of dressing for guests to serve themselves.
Suggestion: The honey notes of yellow watermelon play especially well with salty feta.
Chef’s Tips:
After cubing the melon, place the pieces in a colander for 10 – 15 minutes and give them a good shake to remove excess moisture or pat with paper towel. This is a crucial step to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Place the onion on top of the salad to form an outside ring so it can be avoided by guests that don’t care for it.
Watermelon Margarita
Vibrant, juicy, and just the right amount of festive— this cocktail brings the farmstand straight to your glass.
Ingredients (serves 2):
• 2 cups of watermelon cubes (red or orange for bold color)
• 3 oz silver tequila
• 2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz triple sec
• 1 tbsp agave nectar (optional)
• Salt or Tajin and lime juice for rimming glasses Directions: Blend watermelon, strain, then shake juice with tequila, lime, triple sec, and agave. Serve over ice in salt-rimmed glasses, garnished with a wedge of watermelon.
Variation: Use yellow watermelon for a goldenhued twist that’s as stunning as it is refreshing. Replace tequila with sparkling water for a non-alcoholic mocktail.
Created by Nancy Vallarella, who brings farm-fresh recipes and local food knowledge to Long Island through farmers’ markets, demos, and more. For more recipes or to ask a question, DM @lilocavore495 on Instagram or email lilocavore495@ gmail.com. Happy cooking!
A Sweet Goodbye
Watermelon is more than a fruit; it’s a marker of time, a reminder that summer’s pleasures are fleeting and best enjoyed now. This Labor Day, as grills fire up and families gather, a Long Island watermelon— whether red, yellow, or orange—offers the sweetest farewell to the season.
So, stop by your favorite farmstand, pick up one (or three), and bring a taste of the East End to your holiday table. It’s the perfect way to savor every last bite.
Credit
Nancy Vallarella
Photo by Richard Termine
WORD OF THE Week
Etymology:
mid 16th century (in the sense ‘parley, draw up terms’): from French capituler, from medieval Latin capitulare ‘draw up under headings’, from Latin capitulum, diminutive of caput ‘head’.
CAPITULATE
verb
Pronounced: /kuh·pi·chuh·layt/
Definition: cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; surrender.
Example: “The caucus had to capitulate when they realized they did not have the votes to oppose the bill.”
Synonyms: yield, succumb, concede
Antonyms: resist, contend, confront
Source: Oxford Languages
See bottom of page for the answers (please don’t cheat!)
August 31, 1997: Diana, Princess of Wales, dies in a car crash in a road tunnel in Paris.
See how many words you can create. Must have center letter in word and can use letters more than once. 4 letter word minimum.
September 3, 1777: Flag of the United States flies in battle for the first time at Cooch’s Bridge, Delaware, a skirmish during the American Revolutionary War.
Tom Brokaw starts as news anchor of NBC’s “The Today Show”.
August 29, 1862:
Second Battle of Bull Run begins in Manassas, Virginia, leads to a Confederate victory in the US Civil War
September 1, 1972:
American chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer beats Russian champion Boris Spassky 12.5-8.5 in Reykjavik, Iceland; most publicised world title match ever played; Fischer first American to win title.
September 2, 1931: American crooner Bing Crosby makes his solo radio debut on his “15 Minutes with Bing Crosby” program broadcast on the CBS Network.
August 28, 1965: Bob Dylan is booed for playing electric guitar during a concert at Forest Hills Tennis Stadium in Queens.
By PJ Balzer
An Extraordinary Ordination
“Little” Willie Barker is known to be a friend to many, especially those who are without one and experiencing loneliness.
He’s a reflection of a source of hope, light and encouragement in other people’s lives when they find themselves struggling. He’s often on social media, on the phone late at night or just going through every-day routine errands looking outwardly for people to pray with and to show love to.
Willie is a Christian, a follower of Jesus and His teachings. The hope, light and encouragement he’s offering has been planted into his heart and life, as he simply reflects it everywhere he goes. Willie has been fully committed to the service of Jesus, and in turn to humanity, well before his official call to ordination. He’s certainly a special young man with a high calling.
Like most other people walking this earth, his life hasn’t been without many challenges and obstacles, circumstances that would cause most to say, “Well, where is God in this?”
Will was born with cerebral palsy, a condition most commonly caused by complications surrounding a baby’s birth such as brain damage, premature birth, and lack of oxygen, amongst other factors. Cerebral palsy affects the body’s movements and is known to be a life-altering condition. Yet, in Pastor Willie Barker’s case, this setback has over time proven to be a step up - a step upwards to his call to full-time service.
None of this has stopped him from both loving God and being a blessing everywhere he goes. Willie is a permanent fixture at prayer meetings, outreaches, and street evangelism. Even though he may walk a little slower than everyone else, this has also prompted his heart to be a little more gentle with people who are sick, broken, discouraged, and fighting depression. To the people who question where God is in such a condition, Willie could easily answer that God has used every situation in his life as an opportunity to understand God’s heart for people who may be walking slower through life than the majority. As a famous quote by Bill Bennot says, “How we walk with the broken speaks louder than how we sit with the great.”
On Sunday, August 17, all of now-Pastor Will’s hidden service had been brought into the light and into the open for all to see. Pastor Andrew and Krystal Miller of Home Church in Mastic Beach held an ordination service specifically to both rightfully honor Willie and ordain him as their congregation’s community pastor.
Amongst so many kind words and testimonies of Willie’s steadfastness and presence in people’s lives spoken by members of their congregation. The most heartfelt was undoubtedly written by Willie’s mother Lauren on social media as the announcement of his ordination was made.
Pastor “Little” Willie Barker
“So proud of you, son. You’re a true gift from God; God has been working through you since birth. You make your mother proud. You’re a miracle from birth; keep helping and bringing more thousands to Christ so proud to be your momma. Love you more than you can ever know.”
Pastor Willie’s life is a visible example that physical limitations can’t stop a person who’s determined from living a life of purpose, calling, and with great grace. He not only serves others right on his own block and community, he has been on mission trips both across the United States and to impoverished places in Central America. Pastor Willie is an example that truly all things are possible with God.
The Messenger congratulates and applauds you, Pastor Willie. May you have many years of fruitful service and eternal rewards afterwards.
Photo credit - Freepik
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Suffolk Fall Sports 2025: Rivalries, Rising Stars, and a Season of Possibility
By Messenger Sports Staff
The calendar says late August, but across Suffolk County, the calendar might as well read game time. On practice fields from Smithtown to Brookhaven, and in gyms and locker rooms from Islip to East Hampton, whistles are blowing, cleats are digging in, and athletes are chasing the kind of crisp autumn air that signals the start of another high school season.
This fall, the story is bigger than any one sport. It’s about the surge of energy that returns to local communities once the lights go on Friday night and once the first whistles echo across soccer fields, volleyball courts, and cross-country trails.
Football Sets the Tone
Football remains Suffolk’s headline act, and the early weeks will quickly sort contenders from pretenders. Bellport’s matchup against East Islip in midSeptember is circled in red, not only for what it means to league standings, but for how it revives a rivalry that has shaped local football for decades.
Smithtown’s programs, as always, come into the season with unfinished business. Smithtown East and West both return a core of athletes determined to show they can grind through a long season and finish strong when playoff brackets take shape. Islip, meanwhile, faces an early test against Sayville—a program with no shortage of tradition. For the Buccaneers, that game could tell the story of their season before October even arrives.
Soccer and Field Hockey: Depth Over Star Power
Soccer on the boys’ and girls’ side may not carry the pageantry of Friday nights, but in towns like Huntington, West Islip, and Smithtown, the crowds can be just as passionate. With shortened preseason windows, programs are banking on veteran captains to steady the early schedule. A deep bench will matter more than a flashy striker once mid-season fatigue sets in.
Field hockey continues to be one of Suffolk’s most technically demanding sports. Quick-strike offenses will be matched against disciplined defenses, where every corner opportunity feels like sudden death. Expect East End schools—where the sport has a strong tradition—to once again push into late-season tournaments.
Volleyball, Cross Country, and the Unsung Grind Volleyball is shaping up for one of its most balanced years in recent memory. Boys’ and girls’ teams across the county have rosters heavy with multi-sport
athletes, bringing speed and vertical explosiveness to the court. A strong September will matter, but the real test comes in the back-to-back gauntlet of October.
Cross country may lack the roar of bleachers, but it demands something rare: mental toughness measured in miles. Look for Smithtown and Islip distance squads to test each other early, with county titles in sight come November.
Beyond the Scoreboard
Every fall, the same lesson is written on Suffolk’s fields and courts: reputations don’t win games—execution does. A coach’s résumé, a player’s statistics, or a school’s history may fill preseason chatter, but once the ball is kicked or the whistle sounds, none of it guarantees a victory.
What this fall promises is simple: drama, rivalry, and the chance for athletes across Suffolk to etch their names into the story of the season. As parents pack the bleachers and neighbors turn out to support their hometown colors, the 2025 fall season offers exactly what local sports should—community pride, competition, and the possibility that every game matters.
Because here, in Suffolk County, it always does.
Connetquot Alum Nicolette Pasquarella Signs with Brooklyn FC
By Ashley Pavlakis
Professional soccer has made its way to Brooklyn, and a Long Island native is right there with it. Nicolette Pasquarella has signed a rookie contract with Brooklyn FC of the United Soccer League (USL).
Brooklyn FC is one of over 50 teams in the USL, spanning across the United States and Canada. The club was established in 2024 and began play in the Gainbridge Super League, which is composed of eight teams.
“Having a professional team in Brooklyn, and being its head coach, is a feeling of not only pride, but also of responsibility. Brooklyn has a strong culture of hard work, effort, and dedication, so it’s my responsibility as a coach not to fall short of the expectations of those who support us,” said Head coach Tomas Tengarrinha.
Nicolette ‘Nikki’ Pasquarella is Long Island born and raised, having grown up in Ronkonkoma and attended Connetquot High School. Pasquarella had her choice of positions as a kid and ultimately chose goalkeeper. She went on to become a four-year letterwinner for the T-Birds and picked up a few accolades along the way. Pasquarella earned All-Division honors in 2019 and All-County honors in 2020. The keeper became the first player in New York State to achieve Suffolk County, Long Island, and NYS Goalkeeper of the Year honors.
“Pasquarella will bring youth and talent to our team. It is very important for us to have players who also represent our community, who are local, and that’s why Nikki has our full confidence regarding her potential and what she can contribute to the team,” Tengarrinha told The Messenger. Pasquarella stayed close to home for college, attending Stony Brook University and playing Division I soccer for the Seawolves. The goalkeeper saw time in the net in 59 games, finishing her collegiate career with a 23W-17L-12T record. Pasquarella finished her career with a 0.759 save percentage as well.
“Having three goalkeepers on the squad has always been one of our objectives. Achieving that makes us very happy and we’re confident that if one of our keepers are unable to play, we will always have subs who are up to the
challenge,” said Tengarrinha. Rosters are built on much more than just skill. Coaches and front offices scout players and look for the type of player who will fit into their game plan on the field, but also help to improve and grow their team culture off the field.
“From very early on, we outlined the profile of the player we were looking for. Our scouting process is based on certain characteristics that we consider fundamental to building the ideal roster. These characteristics are not only about the players’ specific on-field qualities, but also about their personal traits. More than simply trying to sign talented players, we aim to bring in human beings who share the principles and values we stand for and who will naturally fit into our style of play,” said Tengarrinha
Not far from home is St. John’s University, where Pasquarella is entering her first season as a goalkeeper coach for the Thunderbirds. She was hired earlier this summer and will take on the role of mentoring and training the team’s goalkeepers.
“To start my pro journey with a club like Brooklyn FC, so close to where I grew up, is a dream come true. This is a team that’s building something special, and I’m ready to compete, grow, and give everything I have to this opportunity,” Pasquarella said in a Brooklyn FC press release.
