Smithtown Messenger Archive Nov. 16, 2023

Thursday, November 16, 2023 ~ Volume 135 ~ Issue Number 52 ~ $1.00

Smithtown Celebrates Veterans Day The patriotic Town of Smithtown gathered on Veterans Day, this past Saturday, for its annual parade, wreath-laying, and memorial service in Kings Park.

In addition to community leaders and organizers, the local Boy Scouts Troop, local fire departments, and many others, elected officials also made the ceremonies.

In attendance were Congressman Nick LaLota (R) of the First Congressional District, Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James), Smithtown Councilman Tom Lohmann (R-Smithtown), Smithtown Councilwoman Lynne Nowick (R-St. James), Smithtown Receiver of Taxes Deanna Varricchio (R-St. James), Suffolk Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), and County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset).

In addition to the Kings Park parade, Smithtown schools also held ceremonies honoring our great Veterans.

Continued on page 12

Cancelled Elections and Controversy Beset Local PTA

By James B. Teese Last week on Election Day, the Suffolk County voter turnout was deemed by many as a “red wave” as Republicans won the race for County Executive and a supermajority in the Legislature.

In the Bayport-Blue Point School District, however, attempts to elect board members for the James Wilson Young (JWY) Middle School Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) have yielded little but “red flags” – including not one, but two cancelled election attempts.

At press time, the PTA vote has not been rescheduled.

Suffolk Region PTA Steps In Resignations earlier this year by PTA officers left the organization in search of candidates to fill board vacancies. For months, multiple emails to the membership remained unsuccessful pleas until three individuals expressed interest in the positions of President, Vice President, and Treasurer. Their interest was met with immediate resistance, and several individuals who previously had expressed no interest, now were eager to pursue challenges.

Since regulations require a PTA to operate with an elected board, the JWY Middle School PTA operations caused concern; indeed, New York’s Suffolk Region PTA officials stepped in to help correct the situation.

Continued on page 4

FULL STORIES ON:

Annual Charity Boxing Match Page 13

Local Author: Renee Murphy Page 16

Messenger Spotlight: Alex Vargas Back Cover

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Thursday, November 16, 2023

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Thursday, November 16, 2023

Hochul Announces Increased Online Counterterrorism Efforts

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By Matt Meduri

“This is about hoarding power and being able to target political opposition in the name of combating antisemitism by using a vague, subjective term and allowing your thought police to be able to surveil online content, collect data, and crack down on language that you don’t like,” said Zeldin (pictured left). “Kathy Hochul told me [last year] that I should get on a bus and move to Florida because I’m a conservative.

She’s called New Yorkers her ‘apostles.’ Who knows exactly how she plans on defining what hate speech is? Color me very skeptical, cautious, and untrustworthy of a government that, when launching an initiative like this, isn’t willing to carefully detail exactly what the content they’re specifically going after. Who’s overseeing this power to make sure that it’s not being abused and citing where you got the power form in the first place?”

The Governor also announced the launch of a new hotline and online form to report hate and bias incidents. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Counterterrorism have been activated and State Police monitoring of social media has been expanded. The MTA and Port Authority leaders have been directed to patrol highrisk transit hubs. In July, Hochul announced more than $51 million in grant funding to improve safety and security of organizations at risk of hate crimes.

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of their religious beliefs. We expect to see people celebrating their lives walking about freely and that is no longer the case because people are living in fear, they have a right to do whatever they want here in the state of New York.”

The relationship between online hate speech and real-life violence or threats has been touted by many public officials as a somewhat strong one. In August, Suffolk County announced that the 311 Call Center can be used to report antisemitic hate crimes, displays, and sentiments. County Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon) called the relationship between innocuous, yet hurtful, jokes or online posts and actual hate crimes as “a fairly logical assumption.”

However, an April 2022 study conducted by the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) found that while there are some correlations between online and offline hate, the report found that overall results were “inconsistent.”

Former Congressman and 2022 gubneratorial candidate Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) discussed his skepticism of the increased measures in a FOX News Interview.

Getty Images

Governor Kathy Hochul (D) (pictured below) has announced increased counterterrorism efforts in the wake of the recent Israel-Hamas war.

The announcement has been made in light of recent pro-Palestine protests and demonstrations that have taken New York City by storm. New York City, which is roughly 20% Jewish, has the largest Jewish population in the world outside Israel.

Governor Hochul has pledged increased counterterrorism efforts primarily in response to online conduct and “hate speech.” The move directs the State to increase staffing to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, as well as an additional $2.5 million to the New York State Police to deploy ten additional investigators in New York City, Albany, Buffalo, and Rochester.

According to the Governor’s website, recent hate crime data shows an overall mixed bag on the sentiments in New York: “The total number of bias incidents investigated by the NYPD Hate Crime Task Force increased by 124% in October, led by a 214% spike in antiJewish incidents. Anti-Muslim incidents increased in October from 0 to 8 incidents. Overall, hate crime investigations year to date continued their downward trend with a decrease of 9%. There have also been a number of high-profile attacks on Muslim and Palestinian New Yorkers, with hate crimes against Asian New Yorkers remaining elevated over the past few years.”

Despite the relatively thin details on the increased efforts, Governor Hochul’s speech focused more on online and social media conduct rather than physical violence, in-person harassment, and other forms of immediate intimidation.

“We’re very focused on the data we’re collecting from our surveillance efforts, [regarding] what’s being said on social media platforms and we have launched an effort to be able to counter some of the negativity and reach out to people when we see hate speech being spoken on online platforms,” said Hochul.

“Our social media analysis unit has ramped up its monitoring of sites to catch incidents of violence and direct threats to others. This is a response to our desire and strong commitment to not only ensure New Yokers can be safe but also feel safe.

Personal security is everything for them. As I said, no one walking down the street or in a subway should feel they have to hide with any indications

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Thursday, November 16, 2023

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Continued from front cover

Cancelled Elections and Controversy Beset Local PTA

The state organization is known officially, since Natalone, however, remained firm in her email, and ask all members that can to put their camera 1925, as the New York State Congress of Parents failing to provide evidence of “harmful and hateful on. We know that not every member may have and Teachers, Inc. It was the first state branch of the rhetoric”, and refusing to acknowledge what some access to a camera, therefore, to be equitable to National Congress, organized in October 1897. The members viewed as the negative consequences all members, we cannot require a camera to be State PTA, according to its website, “coordinates her email posed on candidates and the community. on.” programs statewide on behalf of children and Such questions and technical difficulties led to youth; is represented on state committees and October 30 Election Attempt a cancellation of the October 30 vote – rescheduled commissions dealing with children and youth; for November 8, 2023. provides conferences, workshops, publications On October 30, during the Zoom meeting, In another twist, a third candidate emerged and resource materials on issues and leadership it quickly became apparent that the settings for for PTA Vice President, Matthew Little. His development; [and] Services units and councils the Zoom were incorrect, allowing in only 100 surprised opponent noted that his terse candidate through its thirteen region PTAs.” members. While members who already entered bio statement read simply: “I am awesome!”

Suffolk Region PTA Director Wendy Natalone the Zoom meeting were waiting for Suffolk Region sent an email to the JWY PTA membership on to give an update, concern arose that there were Second Cancelled Vote October 2, 2023, stating: “It was requested that attempts to sway the vote.

Suffolk Region PTA assist in facilitating the election Since anyone can join any PTA, some On the morning of November 8, the NYS and to fill the vacancies and get this PTA unit back community members went to great lengths Suffolk Region sent yet another email to the JWY on track, as at this point, it is not a PTA unit in to register extended family members so they PTA membership: good standing and cannot function at all until the could garner more votes, according to candidate “Good Morning. Tonight’s Special Meeting of required officers are elected.”

Micalizzi. the James Wilson Young PTA, to elect the vacant Director Natalone further informed members Based on Zoom entries, two BBP Board of positions, has been cancelled.” of the process for self-nomination for the vacant Education Trustees participated in such actions, “No further meeting will be scheduled until positions, that an election would be held on including Sandi Kanne and Adrienne Cirone. NYS PTA & Suffolk Region have the opportunity to October 30, and that, in order to vote, members Based on photos provided, readers can see Cirone talk to the Principal, Council President, and Unit had to register by October 28. “enlisted” someone named “Madeline Nasta” using Secretary to determine the viability of this unit.”

Curiously, the election was to be held The email was jointly signed by Helen via Zoom, not in person.

Hoffman, NYS PTA President and Wendy The candidates eventually Natalone, Suffolk Region Director. nominated included: for President, Candidate for PTA President Jenna Micalizzi Jenna Micalizzi and Joelle Hawkes; for remained adamant about an in-person vote.

Vice President, Margherita Mulroy and “We cannot tolerate a system that enables Veronica Peterson; for Treasurer, Jensuh a single individual to potentially register McCormack and Jennifer Ramirez multiple voters and thereafter vote on Director Natalone’s response to one their behalf. The potential for fraud in this member’s request for an in-person vote instance is enormous. There is no way to stated: “As members of the NYS PTA, trust these results,” she declared. “Until a we understand your request for an inprocedure is put in place to ensure the ‘one person meeting. However, we are most person, one vote’ concept is adhered to, concerned about getting this unit back these elections should be placed in good standing. Therefore, the most on hold.” expeditious way to accomplish this is Adrienne Cirone during her 2021 campaign for BBP Board of The “red flags” still wave.

Education (above left) Adrienne Cirone’s picture used on a through a virtual meeting using our NYS profile called Madeline Nasta (above right) PTA Zoom account. Rest assured NYS PTA and Suffolk Region have experience in holding virtual elections.”

Pre-Election Issues On October 23, Natalone emailed the membership again, stating: “I have received emails from some PTA members who are concerned about issues occurring in the Bayport-Blue Point school district community relating to some people’s support of harmful and hateful rhetoric seen on social media involving LGBTQ+ youth and the banning of books, and are concerned that these harmful political ideologies may enter and penetrate into the PTA.” A number of JWY PTA members emailed replies with concerns regarding Natalone’s contentions.

One member shared her questions for Natalone: “Were you provided with proof of such acts on social media? If not, I ask you please to clarify this in another email to the JWY PTA members. I am so disheartened to read these accusations against any member of our very inclusive community.

Please consider retracting and/or clarifying your email, as it is not representative of BBP and I am certain the PTA does not wish to cause alarm and dissension in a community based upon rumor.”

Cirone’s profile picture. One district family had seven profiles registered for the vote, seemingly including a student and extended family members.

While the enhanced interest in the vote and the PTA are commendable, candidates expressed concern that the motivation may be to ensure the vote goes against the original candidates who stood up to save the PTA. Such concerns spawned numerous requests for the Suffolk Region PTA to facilitate an in-person vote to ensure a fair election.

Without an in-person vote, one community member asked that, at a minimum, cameras should be required to be on the Zoom to prevent voter fraud. The question is whether there would be a way to monitor the election to determine if the person actually voting is the same one who registered in their own name or if they are voting multiple times as someone else.

The reply from Natalone stated, “Everyone who signs into the Zoom will be put in a waiting room first. They will not be forwarded to the main Zoom until Suffolk Region members can verify that they are a paid PTA member. It is our intention to ask all members to put their name on their screen

School Highlights Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

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Thursday, November 16, 2023

Sachem Students Step on Stage for Fall Productions

Sachem High School North students shared the whimsical story of “Peter Pan” through their fall drama production. Credit: Jo-Art Photographers

Student-actors at Sachem High School East put on a production of “A Chorus Line” for their fall musical.

On November 3 and November 4, Sachem student-actors from both High School East and North stepped on stage to put on wonderful productions of their fall dramas. Leading up to the plays, students participated in weeks of hard work, rehearsals, and workshops.

Sachem High School East put on a performance of “A Chorus Line,” taking

the audience to Broadway to tell the story of dozens of dancers who were auditioning on the chorus line of a new musical. Meanwhile, the crowd at Sachem High School North was transported to “Never Land” where students shared the adventures of “Peter Pan.” During the course of several shows, Sachem studentactors were excited to share stories filled with song and dance.

Eastport-South Manor Student-Athletes During a recognition ceremony, held in the Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School gymnasium on November 8, thirteen student-athletes announced their commitment to continue their sports on the college and university levels. Interim Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics Joseph Piropato congratulated the athletes on their dedication to their sports and the parents for their behind-thescenes commitment to the athletes and their teams.

Congratulations to the following student-athletes: Jordan Ellis – lacrosse – Lock Haven University Sydney Flores – field hockey – Adelphi University Jayna Huertas – softball – Farmingdale State College Brooke Keitel – cross-country and track – Flagler College Ashley Langdon – lacrosse – Johns Hopkins University Caylin Luciano – lacrosse – University of Florida

Drew McGowen – baseball – Marist College Emma McLean – lacrosse – Loyola University (Maryland) Kassidy Miller – lacrosse – Florida Southern College Daniel Odell – lacrosse – U.S. Military Academy at West Point Danni Sparacio – field hockey – Kean University Amanda Sweeney – lacrosse – University of Cincinnati Preston Vinch – lacrosse – Rollins College

Editorial

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Thursday, November 16, 2023

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Hochul’s Counterterrorism Initiative Opens Bureaucratic Can of Worms Earlier this week, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) announced a sweeping counterterrorism initiative in response to online “hate speech” that is considered, by the state government, to be - mostly antisemitic.

Hochul and company’s efforts in increasing state awareness of online harassment, bullying, or even threats of violence or action come in the wake of the Israel-Hamas War. Thousands of proPalestine demonstrators took to the streets of New York City at the start of the conflict, which saw many disturbing displays, such as burning of Israeli flags and flashing of swastikas. Even now, dozens of videos have circulated online of people tearing down photos of missing children who have been taken hostage by Hamas.

Hochul’s solution to the obvious unrest in her city is to ramp up efforts to surveil people online, trolling for content subjectively deemed “hateful,” “bigoted,” or “inappropriate” by state standards.

In her press conference stating her initiative, the Governor only gave vague plans as to what steps are taken and what the guidelines for detecting questionable online information would entail.

“Our social media analysis unit has ramped up its monitoring of sites to catch incidents of violence and direct threats to others,” Hochul said at the conference. Hochul mentioned no specific websites, social media platforms, or other forums that are to be scanned, and she mentioned no specific words, ideas, or posts for which the state will scan.

Hochul then brought up an interesting topic that has far eluded many citizens in New York: safety.

“No one walking down the street or in a subway should feel they have to hide with any indications of their religious beliefs,” said Hochul.

What’s interesting is that the state of New York recently experienced a year-and-a-half long campaign that was almost entirely rooted in public safety. Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) waged an uphill battle against Hochul that was dominated by his near-daily appearances at subway platforms where innocent passersby were either shoved onto the tracks or stabbed in cold blood, as well endorsements from long-serving Democratic New York City Councilmembers in light of the sordid situation in New York.

Hochul downplayed Zeldin and company’s calls for increased safety, citing them “data deniers,” and chalked up their framing of the race around decades-low public safety as pure demagoguery.

Now, Hochul not only sees the need to increase public safety efforts, but feels the need to do so almost exclusively by increasing online monitoring.

Using the dangerous streets and subways as an example to increase the power of “big brother” is a slap in the face to all who have been affected by New York’s embarrassingly low sense of public safety.

While we won’t downplay the severity of some of the anti-Israel demonstrations seen in New York, we overwhelmingly cannot endorse Hochul’s increased police state. With no clear guidelines in sight, there’s plenty of room for doubt that these powers will be taken seriously and ethically. Comparisons have since been drawn to the Biden Administration’s short-lived experiment of the Disinformation

Governance Board, a division of the Department of Homeland Security.

It’s not the government’s place to patrol every word spoken and every thought conceived by the general public. While the government can and should take note of severe and realistic threats, the problem is that most online content is not only innocuous, it’s an inaccurate portrayal of the population at large.

We can’t endorse people writing foolish, false, or discriminatory things online, but we can chalk it up to Internet immaturity and “keyboard warrior” mindset.

In other words, the Internet made people a lot more comfortable with saying whatever they want because the prospect of getting smacked or called out publicly is far lower than it once was. Relative anonymity makes detecting motives and patterns even more difficult, especially since the Internet is mostly full of young people who should be able to make the classic mistake of telling an inappropriate or insensitive joke.

Even if the state is virtuous in their efforts to detect and prevent antisemitic attacks, the problem lies in their thinly-veiled rollout of the plan, which seems to leave the door open a crack for future “detection” and “surveillance.”

In the meantime, Hochul and her team can continue trolling Twitter accounts for sensitive information, while at the same time allowing tens of thousands of unvetted migrants into the city with no regard to their criminal statuses or backgrounds, and intending to sign the Clean Slate Act, which would automatically expunge criminal records for most offenses after set periods of time.

The ongoing migrant crisis also exemplifies Hochul’s lack of esteem for American values, as such a rapid and fundamental change of population and values without true reverence and understanding of the American way of life leads to the frightening pro-Palestine demonstrations we’ve seen over the last month. Such displays would have been unconscionable a few years ago, but now are more commonplace because of the whittling away of American values.

Hochul does not care about public safety for all; she has demonstrated multiple times that it is one of her priorities as governor. If she did, Lee Zeldin would not have had the slightest chance in ousting her last year. She cares about surveillance, policing citizens’ thoughts, and power consolidation through intimidation tactics.

While the attacks on Israel are unfortunate and troubling to watch, it’s sad that a war on the other side of the globe is what made Hochul finally invest in some forms of public safety increases, rather than the last several years of New York City turning into a crime-riddled, drug-addicted dystopian shell of its former self. Jewish New Yorkers and Asian Americans have also been the disproportionate victims of brutal attacks over the last couple of years, a staggering set of statistics that should make any leader markedly more interested in increasing public safety.

Furthermore, the problem with a sweeping, overarching thought police state is that it assumes everyone is guilty.

It assumes everyone is capable of hateful speech or thoughts and deserve to be monitored equally. While some members of the public - like career criminals who have slowly been ruining New York City - cannot be trusted in the public square, online or offline, a government must give its citizens the benefit of the doubt. A crucial covenant between government and citizens is mutual trust and respect. When government assumes its citizens are “bad” people with “bad” thoughts and tendencies, that covenant is broken.

Besides, history throughout the centuries around the world has shown that citizens have disproportionately more reasons to be distrusting of their governments than vice versa. But when citizens display a healthy distrust in their government and ask reasonable questions, they are branded as purveyors of “misinformation” or “disinformation,” and are ridiculed by their leaders.

The bureaucratic can of worms has been opened.

While we certainly don’t endorse discriminatory and intentionally hateful language, we can’t endorse the police state that New York is becoming. We also can’t endorse the rapidly-changing goalposts that regularly dictate what’s offensive one day and what’s offensive the next. Additionally, a population increasingly wary of their own surroundings and language will only be backed into a proverbial corner, not willingly testing the waters to see if their social media posts are being put into a government file.

Speech that is heavily coerced into being restricted under threat of government intervention is not free speech.

We also need to remember that hate speech is also considered free speech. Openly violent and threatening speech must be handled with proper intervention, but hate speech is technically free speech. Even if the viewpoints are invalid, unfair, and/or reprehensible, it’s still free speech. It makes some sense to want to restrict hate speech, but those proponents are unaware of how quickly those government swords can be turned on them.

The tears of progressively anxious and “politically correct” society are what makes the slope so slippery.

It’s foolish to assume the very laws we support one day to punish our enemies won’t be turned on us when the government feels most opportune.

At the end of the day, language is just language.

There would need to be a more empirically-backed link between immature Internet comments and subway shovings, not just what County Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon) calls a “fairly logical assumption.”

Op-Ed Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, November 16, 2023

‘Too Favored to Fail?’

Taxpayers Bail Out Biden’s Green Friends

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By Larry Behrens | Power the Future| The Center Square

Letter to the Editor Have Schumer, Gillibrand & Hochul Ever Rode The LIRR Port Jefferson Branch?

You can learn a great deal about the priorities of our elected officials from what they say and don’t say when it comes to delivering funding for transportation projects.

Over the past few days, Senators Charles Schumer (D) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D), joined by Governor Kathy Hochul (D) and others, announced federal funding of $1.3 billion toward advancing the $1.6 billion East River Tunnel reconstruction, $1.3 billion toward the $3.1 billion Metro North Bronx East Penn Station Access, $3.4 billion toward the $7.7 billion New York City Transit Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 and $3.8 billion toward Amtrak’s $16.8 billion Gateway Tunnel (for two new tunnels plus rehabilitation of two existing Hudson River tunnels connecting New Jersey with Penn Station) projects.

Not a dime as a down payment for any National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review, additional planning or preliminary design, and engineering for the $3 billion plus MTA Long Island Railroad double tracking electrification of the Port Jefferson branch. This seed money, in the millions, is necessary for these improvements to the LIRR Port Jefferson branch can become eligible for any future Federal Transit Administration Capital Investment Grant (CIG) from the New Starts Core Capacity Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) for $1.5 billion many years down the road.

according to budget watchdogs, their concerns are met with deaf ears by senior Biden Administration officials.

The IG notes there were “billions and billions of dollars lost or stolen” from federal COVID funds, and Biden’s slush fund is even bigger. To put it bluntly, the green vault is wide open and the grifters are lining up.

Here’s a particular galling example.

One little known aspect of the IRA are so-called “green banks.” For greenies, the scheme is simple: regular banks will not fund their boondoggles, so they need a taxpayer-backed entity to dole out cash. Unlike regular banks, these green banks do not need to make a profit to stay afloat because the government is their funder.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was caught trying to set up a green bank without the trouble of going through the elected legislature.

The board of the bank will be green non-profits who will be in charge because as the New Mexico climate czar put it, “We’re talking about hundreds of millions of dollars…This greenhouse gas reduction fund is a remarkable little beast.” Recently, Grisham announced the green bank anyway. The slush fund is open for business, and everyone has their hand out.

Congress is watching the “green bank” scheme because they know it is ripe for abuse. The problem is clear: The White House put a political operative in charge of what is nothing more than a political fund. For Barack Obama, they were too big to fail, but Joe Biden is taking it further. When it comes to his failed agenda, his green boondoggles are “too favored to fail.”

This article was originally published by RealClearEnergy and made available via RealClearWire.

Larry Behrens is the Communications Director for Power The Future and is the author of the book, “Sabotage: How Joe Biden Surrendered American Energy Independence.”

He’s also appeared on Fox News, Newsmax and One America News. You can find him on Twitter at @larrybehrens or email at larry@powerthefuture.com.

Patrick Semansky/AP Photo

While America struggles to buy groceries, President Joe Biden has a green slush fund worth billions of dollars, and he’s not afraid to use it.

Recent revelations uncovered that the CEO and lobbyists of Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer, held a quiet meeting at the White House with Biden’s Climate Czar, John Podesta. That’s right, the same John Podesta who served as chairman of Hillary Clinton’s ill-fated 2016 presidential campaign before being pulled from the ranks of profitable green consulting to oversee distribution of $369 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Biden selected a political operative with green company ties to dole out the goodies from one of the largest slush funds in history. Now green CEOs who are hemorrhaging cash are beating a path to his White House office, presumably with hat in hand. was historically poor. Who needs enemies with friends like those running the Suffolk Democratic Party?

According to media reports, Rivian is deep in the red. Last year, they lost $6.8 billion. In 2021, it was $4.7 billion, which is in addition to the $1 billion lost in 2020.

These massive losses happened as EV manufacturers enjoyed large subsidies both to build and sell their vehicles. In fact, President Biden went out of his way to praise Rivian in early 2022, even though their stock had already lost half its value on its way to losing 87% of its value since 2021. Losing over $12 billion in less than three years would normally be a problem in the business world, but in the upside-down reality of Biden’s green agenda, that gets you a meeting at the White House.

Tax dollars are flowing from the IRA so quickly that the Department of Energy’s Inspector General (IG) may be running out of adjectives. Earlier this month in testimony before the Senate, the IG said, “the current situation brings tremendous risk to the taxpayers.” Red flags about American dollars flowing to foreign companies or just being wasted here at home are going up, yet

Don’t forget to write, we’d love to hear from you!

Email us at: editor@messengerpapers.com Schumer, Gillibrand and Hochul, by their actions, or in this case inaction, have clearly indicated no interest in supporting any advancement of future capital improvements to the Port Jefferson LIRR branch. Commuters, residents, project advocates, and others may want to consider withholding their potential campaign contributions and votes when these electeds run for another term in office. This is the only influence we have.

Larry Penner Great Neck Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a former Director for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.

This included the development, review, approval, and oversight for billions in capital projects and programs for NJ Transit, MTA, NYC Transit bus, subway and Staten Island Railway, Long Island and Metro North Rail Roads, MTA Bus, NYCDOT Staten Island Ferry, along with 30 other transit agencies in NY & NJ.

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State News Thursday, November 16, 2023

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Barclay and Assembly Republicans Introduce More Fixes to Democrats’ Still-Broken Bail Reform Law

By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

Suspect Charged in Terror Threat at Cornell Could Have Been Released Under Democrats’ Bail Reform Laws Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) and the Assembly Republican Conference have introduced a bill that would make certain criminal offenses bail-eligible. In part, the bill will ensure threats of mass harm may be treated as hate crimes while giving judges more discretion in making pre-trial decisions.

New York Democrats’ bail reform laws could have allowed Patrick Dai—the Cornell student charged with posting vicious online threats toward Jewish people—to be released from jail on his own recognizance. This is just one more example serving as evidence for an urgent change to New York’s bail laws. Thankfully, in this scenario, federal authorities were called in to investigate those threats; Dai was apprehended and held without bond on Tuesday, October 31. His next scheduled court appearance is on Wednesday, November 15.

Cornell University made national headlines when Dai threatened to kill and rape Jewish students on an online forum, leaving the university’s Jewish community feeling vulnerable. Some students, fearing personal harm, left the Cornell campus.

Fortunately, the investigation was in the hands of federal authorities and not the state; had that been the case, Dai could have returned to campus grounds or any neighborhood to continue terrorizing the community.

“Democrats passed their bail reform disaster in 2019. Three times since, they’ve made inconsequential changes claiming the problems were fixed. The terrifying incident at Cornell University shows they haven’t fixed anything,” said Leader Barclay.

“We don’t need to see another hate crime unfold to know changes must be made to Democrats disastrous bail policy. If the alleged racist perpetrator at Cornell was charged under New York law, he could have been released on his own recognizance.

Our bill will close a loophole that should never have been opened. Threats of mass harm to any group of people warrant a more serious consequence, not merely a slap on the wrist. It’s time the punishment matches the crime.”

The bill would create the following measures: • Allow the crimes of Aggravated Threat of Mass Harm and Making a Threat of Mass Harm to be charged as Hate Crimes • Add the following crimes to the list of qualifying offenses making them eligible for bail whether or not they are charged as Hate Crimes: Aggravated Threat of Mass Harm, Making a Threat of Mass Harm, and Aggravated Harassment in the First Degree • Add the following crimes to the list of qualifying offenses when charged as hate crimes: Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree, Harassment in the Second Degree and menacing in the First, Second and Third Degree • Increase the penalty for the crime of Making a Threat of Mass Harm from a class B to a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a maximum fine in the amount of $1,000 • Increase the penalty for the crime of Aggravated Threat of Mass Harm from a class A misdemeanor to a class E felony, punishable by up to four years imprisonment • Clarify that the class D violent felony crime of Making a Terroristic Threat is a qualifying offense eligible for bail/ remand The proposed bill fixes one of the many loopholes in New York’s bail laws. The Assembly Republican Conference has made it clear: antisemitism anywhere, at any time, will not be tolerated – and certainly not at our colleges and universities. Last week, Assembly Republicans introduced the Dismantling Student Antisemitism Act (DSA Act), which would mandate sensitivity training at all higher education institutions across the state while recording and reporting incidents of hate and discrimination. Institutions that fall out of compliance with DSA Act requirements would be ineligible to receive state aid.

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9

Thursday, November 16, 2023

National, State and Local Temperature Checks

By Matt Meduri

State Governor Kathy Hochul (D) is expected to sign the Clean Slate Act as early as next week. This is yet another installment in the long series of criminaljustice-oriented overhauls Albany Democrats have signed since forming a trifecta in 2019.

The Clean Slate Act, if signed, will automatically

seal criminal records for New Yorkers three years after sentencing for a misdemeanor and eight years after release from prison for a felony conviction. The bill would not apply to Class-A felonies, such as murder, enterprise corruption, and major or serious forms of drug trafficking and sexual predation.

A person’s criminal records would be sealed after the allotted periods of time if the person in question is not on probation or parole or facing other pending charges.

While Hochul has provided light commentary on the bill, sources say she is expected to sign the measure next week. The bill passed the state legislature in June and has awaited the governor’s signature since.

If signed, New York would become the eleventh state to have “Clean Slate” laws on the books. Only Colorado has automatic relief, where Pennsylvania and Arizona have petition-based relief. Michigan, North Carolina, Utah, and Virginia have a mix of both, while California has both that are judge-initiated, while employment discrimination against those with “clean slates” is prohibited.

Local Congressman Nick LaLota (R) of the First District, a member of the Homeland Security Committee, released a statement in support of impeaching Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS): “America, public safety, and our rule of law deserve better than Alejandro Mayorkas whose failed leadership has resulted in over 7.6 million illegal crossings and over 200,000 American fentanyl deaths during his short tenure,” said LaLota. “In my service in the Navy, I saw ship captains relieved for infinitely less dereliction of duty. Mayorkas has turned his back on our hardworking Border Patrol Agents and betrayed the American people, costing American lives.

It’s time to impeach, and more importantly REMOVE, Secretary Mayorkas.”

Additionally, Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) has introduced H.R. 6337, The Saving Vet Halls Act of 2023. The bipartisan bill would create a grant program to address the needs of local Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) to keep their facilities operational.

“VSOs provide critical resources to our veterans and their facilities serve as places for our communities to come together,” said Garbarino. “They allow neighbors and families to gather for events like birthdays, weddings, job fairs, and other special occasions. Unfortunately, many Veterans’ halls have struggled to survive over the past few years due to declining membership numbers, outdated technology, and facilities in disrepair from years of neglect, leading to the closure of several thousand veteran’s halls across the country over the past decade. The Saving Vet Halls Act of 2023 would provide a crucial lifeline to ensure VSOs can continue serving our community.”

Credit - Renee Bouchard - U.S. Senate Photography

The 2024 presidential election continues to develop as more candidates drop out of the running and as pundits rush to extrapolate the state of the race based on the 2023 election results and recent poll data.

The presidential contest has seen several fundamental changes over the last couple months.

Firstly, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., nephew of former President John F. Kennedy (D-MA), has abandoned his long-shot primary bid against President Joe Biden and has instead launched a bold Independent bid against Biden and the eventual GOP nominee, at this point presumed to be former President Donald Trump.

RFK’s departure from the Democratic ticket resolves what many assumed would be an uneventful primary bid, as incumbent presidents - regardless of popularity - usually face no trouble capturing a renomination. Since the inception of the modern primary systems in the 1970s, the only incumbent president to face a difficult renomination bid was Jimmy Carter (D-GA) in the 1980 Democratic Primaries.

Then-Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA), also an uncle of RFK, won twelve contests against Carter in the primary.

Carter would later lose to Ronald Reagan (R-CA) in a national landslide.

Recent polling not only indicates the possibility of an RFK spoiler for Biden, but also Trump’s strength against Biden in a one-on-one rematch. A recent batch of New York Times/Siena College polls of the critical swing states of Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin found Trump either leading or within the margin of error with or without RFK on the ballot. Such polls found RFK clocking in at as low as 19 points in any given three-way race, and as high as 26 points. A notable lead was one of eleven points for Trump against Biden in Nevada. Additional polls from Emerson College and Morning Consult have detected similar liabilities for Biden.

Democrats are understandably bullish on their 2024 prospects after their decent 2023 election results.

Despite their overperformance in some areas, such as the Kentucky gubernatorial and their takeover of the Virginia Legislature, the off-year elections are often too localized to extrapolate national tendencies.

Furthermore, a good 2021 year for the GOP did not transcend into a “red wave” year in 2022. While both parties will point to relative strengths and weaknesses of the preceding election year, the grain-of-salt model will likely be consulted the most in tandem with the wait-and-see metrics.

A true spoiler election has not occurred since 1992, when businessman Ross Perot (I-TX) split the ideological lines with then-President George. H. W. Bush (R-TX), and handed the election to Bill Clinton (D-AR). Before that was the 1912 election, in which Theodore Roosevelt (R-NY) launched his Progressive “Bull Moose” bid against President William Howard Taft (R-OH), allowing Woodrow Wilson (D-NJ) to be elected in an electoral college landslide with just 42% of the popular vote.

If RFK could have mounted a serious primary bid against Biden, it would have likely signaled complications at the top of the Democratic ticket. Up until two weeks ago, Biden’s only primary competitor was Marianne Williamson, a self-help author from California who launched a long-shot bid in the 2020 primaries. Williamson currently poses no threat to Biden, but the nature of the Democratic Primaries

did change with the introduction of Congressman Dean Phillips (D-MN03) (pictured right).

Phillips was elected amid the 2018 blue wave that saw him turn a former GOP stronghold of suburban Minneapolis blue. He’s been twice re-elected by substantial margins.

Phillips has argued that the current poll numbers, including lack of enthusiasm and support within the Democratic base, act as more than just sinister writing on the wall ahead of next year’s elections.

“I think in 2020, President Biden was probably the only Democrat who could have beaten Donald Trump. I think in 2024, he may be among the only ones that will lose to him. And that’s why I’m doing this,” said Phillips in a CNN interview. Phillips also said that Biden’s “approval numbers are historically low, rivaling only Jimmy Carter, who got slaughtered, of course, in that election [1980].”

In addition to Phillips’ low name recognition, his idealistic bid is complicated by a relatively unified Democratic party who will seek not to upset the current ticket. Incumbency is widely regarded as one of the most significant advantages a candidate can achieve, even with middling approval ratings.

Furthermore, the GOP field has also changed dynamically in the last couple of months. Former Vice President Mike Pence (R-IN), broadcaster and 2021 California recall gubernatorial candidate Larry Elder (R-CA), businessman Perry Johnson (R-MI), and most recently, Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) (pictured right). have all quit the race. Elder and Johnson have endorsed Donald Trump, while the other suspendees have not made formal endorsements.

These candidates join Miami Mayor Francis Suarez (R-FL) and former Congressman Will Hurd (RTX) as the early casualties of the race. Hurd endorsed Former United Nations Ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley (R), while Suarez has not made an endorsement. Minor candidates Steve Laffey (R-CO), the former mayor of Cranston, Rhode Island, and Corey Stapleton (RMT), former Montana Secretary of State, have also suspended their campaigns.

The dynamics of the Republican nomination have not formally changed, and the race is still down to Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy (ROH), Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL), former Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ), former Governor Asa Hutchinson (R-AR), and governor Doug Burgum (R-ND).

Credit - U.S. House of Representatives

National

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Around Town Thursday, November 16, 2023

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Building Blocks Developmental Preschool Puts on The First Thanksgiving: A Mini Musical On Monday, November 13, 2023, Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) attended the superb production of The First Thanksgiving: A Mini Musical. The production was a program of Building Blocks Development Preschool, located at 29 Pinewood Drive, in Commack.

The performance consisted of various music numbers, dances, and dramatic activities. The dedicated students were able to build confidence in their oratory, dance, singing, and performance skills.

The production featured two turkeys, generously provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension – Suffolk County.

About Building Blocks Building Blocks Developmental Preschool has been providing programs and services to young children and their families since 1984. They presently offer a range of programs and services to children from infancy through age five. Building Blocks parents and staff work together to ensure that the children receive high quality education and services that support growth and development.

Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy represents the 12th Legislative District, encompassing Smithtown, St. James, Nesconset, Hauppauge, the Village of the Branch, Lake Grove, parts of Commack, Ronkonkoma, Lake Ronkonkoma and Centereach.

Legislator Kennedy was born and raised on Long Island, is a former nurse and small business manager, and has dedicated her life toward the betterment of our community. She currently serves on the following committees: Health (Chair); Budget & Finance (Vice Chair); Ways & Means (Vice Chair); Environment, Parks & Agriculture; Veterans & Consumer Affairs; Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services & Preparedness; Education & Labor; and Public Safety.

Legislator Leslie Kennedy (second from left) and Suffolk County Comptroller John M. Kennedy Jr. (fourth from left) with Building Blocks Developmental Preschool staff and administration.

Smithtown to Host Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 29 On Wednesday, November 29, the Town of Smithtown will hold the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony from 5:00p.m. to 6:30p.m. at Smithtown Town Hall.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony is a fantastic community-based event that includes live music, performances from our local school districts and dance companies, delicious treats, and a special guest from the North Pole, courtesy of the Smithtown Fire Department.

“This event has grown significantly every year and for good reason,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park). “Our Recreation Department works in lockstep with the school districts, community organizations, businesses and nonprofits like the Smithtown Food Pantry for months to organize a fantastic live show, featuring our talented young residents. Additionally, the Smithtown Fire Department utilizes special satellite technology to coordinate logistics for Santa to make an early trip to Smithtown every year. This year, we will have new performances, the Big Black Food Truck, and we will be serving gourmet hot chocolate and cookies, courtesy of Panico’s Community Market. Finally, Santa will have his own chair handy so kids can take photos and interact with him easier. If you haven’t been to the Annual Tree Lighting, I highly recommend you mark your calendars to experience the festivities.”

Live performances will include the Smithtown High School West Whisperettes, Great Hollow Middle School Choir, Accompsett Middle School Choir, Sara Jean Dance Company, RJO Carolers, Smithtown High School West Jazz Choir, and Hauppauge High School Kickline.

Entertainment for the evening will include holiday music and balloon sculpting for kids of all ages by Animations. Cookies and hot chocolate, donated courtesy of Panico’s Community Market, will be served. Santa Claus will be catching a ride with the Smithtown Fire Department and will have a special chair set up for kids to interact with him prior to leading the countdown for the lighting of the tree. The Big Black Food Truck will be on site with delicious food and treats available for purchase.

The town will have a collection site set up for the Smithtown Food Pantry during the event. Residents may drop off non-perishables like canned foods, boxed cereals and snacks, powdered milk, and powdered baby formula.

Smithtown Town Hall is located at 99 West Main Street in Smithtown. The rain date for this event is Thursday, November 30. This is a free event for Smithtown residents.

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Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, November 16, 2023

Holiday

12 Continued from front cover

Veterans Day Thursday, November 16, 2023

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Smithtown Celebrates Veterans Day

Mills Pond Elementary School held its first Veterans Day parade.

Principal Ireen Westrack proudly told local Veterans that, “We wanted to do something more personal this year.” So, she, Mills Pond staff and students hosted their first “Mills Pond Veterans Parade” on November 9.

Veterans related to students and staff were invited to the school in honor of Veterans Day. The Veterans walked down a red carpet with their relatives, were served a hot breakfast, received thank-you certificates and participated in a parade in front the school.

The fifth-grade choir also performed some patriotic songs and local Girl Scouts proudly led the parade.

Meanwhile, at Smithtown Elementary, students were treated to a visit from Matias Ferreira, a Marine Corps Veteran and member of the Suffolk County Police Department.

Ferreira visited Smithtown Elementary on November 9 to talk to students about the importance of Veterans Day and being kind to students whose parents may be overseas.

“We just really want to bring awareness to the sacrifices of some parents who may be overseas and unfortunately not being present in the child’s life currently,” said Mr. Ferreira, who is also a Smithtown Elementary School parent.

Mr. Ferreira is a double amputee who lost his legs while serving in Afghanistan in 2011.

“We just want to be there for the kids who may not have mom and dad here and tell them to always be kind,” he said.

Local Spotlight Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, November 16, 2023

13

Annual Boxing Match is Raising Money for Long Island Charities

By Kaitlyn Foley Long Island Fight for Charity (Scan QR-Code at right) is hosting its annual boxing match this Monday, November 20, to raise funds for different charities around Long Island. The organization brings together local businesspeople who agree to step into the ring and participate in a boxing match open to the public.

The yearly fights are completely powered by volunteers, with the help of local business owners, athletes, and community members. Long Island Fight for Charity began in 2002, initially raising funds for Long Island Community Chest, a charity missioned with helping families in need. In over twenty years, the organization has raised over $1.7 million and has hosted over 400 volunteer boxers. Charities all over Long Island now receive portions of the funds raised, allowing Long Island Fight for Charity to be one of the most unique ways of helping our communities.

This year, the event will see 18 boxers take the ring. These men and women have been training and fundraising for the better part of a year to prepare.

Each boxer is tasked with raising up to $10,000 prior to the event. Boxers who surpass the threshold are able to choose a couple of charities to which they would like to donate. Gina Farese, a wife and mom of two daughters, is the owner of Marcor Construction based in West Babylon. This is her first time participating in Long Island Fight for Charity, yet she is the leading fundraiser of this year’s boxers so far with a breathtaking $97,000, second overall in the event’s history. Gina and her team plan to break $100,000 before the fight, hopefully making it to #1 by the main event.

“They’ve been asking me to do it for a handful of years now, and it never

seemed like the right time for me to do it between the business and having kids,” says Gina. “There is a big fundraising commitment, and I was always nervous about that portion of it, was I going to be able to handle that? I had to make sure it was the right timing for me.”

Gina (pictured right) tells The Messenger that she wanted to put her all into her efforts. Her results speak dearly to this sentiment. “This year, there were some personal matters that made me really want to get involved with it. People near and dear to our heart dealt with a lot of sickness.

I just felt that I wanted to be able to do something to give back.”

In recent years, friends and family in Gina’s life have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and she is fighting for them. Since she has surpassed the fundraising goal, Gina has decided on giving a portion of her funds to You’ll Be OK Too, a Long Island based non-profit for breast cancer, and Long Island Home Builders Care.

“I feel like I’ve already won because I know what that is going to do for people on Long Island,” says Gina. Many of the donations made towards Gina’s fight have come from community members around Long Island. Vendors, developers, and other business-related connections she has through her construction business and charitable work have also sponsored fundraising events and donated towards Long Island Fight for Charity through her.

“We decided on ‘bucket list fundraising,’” she says. Gina, along with the help of her friends and colleague Joanna, wanted to make their fundraising events unique and fun for everybody, things that would be on a person’s ‘bucket list’.

Together, they raised money through events like ax throwing, flying trapeze, hibachi dinners, wine tours, goat yoga - which sold out in an hour - paddle boarding with pups, and more. “We put together all of these cool events and just had a super cool summer,” all while fundraising for a great cause.

“With it, so many people within business were able to meet each other.”

As a woman in construction, Gina’s events were particularly impactful as they delivered the chance for other industry-leading women to introduce themselves.

“A lot of women that are in the construction industry are nervous to get out there and promote their businesses. It was more than just the fundraising; it was the business opportunities we were creating for people as well.” Gina received a lot of feedback from participants who were able to find jobs and network with people they may not have gotten to without attending the events.

Gina, along with some of her fellow boxers went to The Genesis School, a recipient of Long Island Fights for Charity’s proceeds. The Genesis School serves students between the ages of five and twenty-one with autism. The boxers were able to meet some of the students and see just some of the things they are fighting for.

“To be able to see where the funds are going, or at least a portion of them, it was something I can’t describe. We saw that there is such a financial need in so many different areas, and there is just not enough state funding to assist in what they need. It was nice to see that what we are doing is actually making a difference.

While Gina is excited to get in the ring, she is more proud of the work she has already done to get there.

“The fight, to me, is over.”

Why Do We Box? Long Island Fight for Charity, the nation’s only all-volunteer charity boxing event, is one of the most anticipated events in the region, attracting over 1,000 fans and supporters.

It is the only program in the United States or the world where local business people step in the boxing ring to raise funds for charity.

History

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Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, November 16, 2023

America the Beautiful: How History Shapes our Electorate Colorado - The Centennial State

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

By Matt Meduri Geography - Two Sides of the Rockies

Long dominated by its intrinsic libertarianism and western individualism, Colorado spent most of the last decade producing political premonitions that have been mirrored nationally today.

Early History Laying Progressive Groundwork Spanish conquistadors were the first Europeans to set foot in Colorado in the late 1500s, and the state was initially part of a province of New Spain.

In the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, the United States claimed the eastern part of Colorado but saw land disputes with Spain. Explorer Zebulon Pike, for whom Colorado’s Pikes Peak is named, was captured by Spaniards in the Colorado region in his expedition into the disputed territory. The mid1800s saw traders, trappers, and settlers establish posts along the rivers within the state.

In 1846, the U.S. defeated Mexico in the MexicanAmerican War, which required Mexico to relinquish control of its northern territories. Most settlers bypassed the rugged Rocky Mountains in search of Oregon, California, or the proposed Mormon state of Deseret. Colorado’s first permanent settlement came in the form of San Luis in 1851.

An accidental gold discovery in 1850 started a small gold rush - the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush - to the Rocky Mountains. While gold did not remain a top commodity in the area, other metals - notably silver - allowed the population to continue to boom.

After a brief stint as the Jefferson Territory, Colorado became its own territory in 1861, allowing the North to establish Union control of another mineral-rich area during the Civil War. On August 1, 1876, Colorado was admitted as the thirty-eighth state. Its year of admission earned it the nickname the “Centennial State,” one hundred years after the declared independence of the United States.

True to western progressivism, women earned the right to vote in Colorado in 1893 and the state was the first in the union to grant universal suffrage.

Colorado’s first election in 1876 proved consequential to the election of Rutherford B. Hayes (R-OH). Colorado’s electoral votes were assigned to Hayes based on the state legislature, rather than direct popular vote, the last time this has happened in American history. Colorado’s three electoral votes gave Hayes the advantage over Samuel Tilden (D-NY). Colorado would vote for Republicans from 1876 to 1888 by fairly strong margins before going for James Weaver, the Populist Party nominee, by a landslide in 1892.

Industrialization - Coalfield Wars and “The World’s Sanitarium” The Pike’s Peak Gold Rush and a following silver discovery allowed the population to boom around the Denver area. As mining became a chief industry of Colorado, it not only became groundzero for miners’ unions, but also formed a Populist culture that would dictate its political allegiances. As Colorado’s mines grew older and were dug deeper, they became much more dangerous. Colorado’s early coal mines produced one of the highest death rates in the country.

Miners were also abused by unscrupulous

business tactics and even violent outbreaks between mining companies. In addition to the dangerous conditions, the concept of “mineral rights” resulted in conflicts between mining companies, with workers square in the middle. Coal miners were also angered by having to pay for safety installations in the mines and their compensation in company credits that could only be used at the company store. What started as strikes and union formations turned into violent revolts and even a small war - the Colorado Coalfield War - which required martial law declarations and interventions from the governor and even President Woodrow Wilson (D-NJ).

In addition to the mining boom, Colorado’s population increased due to an unexpected factor: tuberculosis. Doctors recommended sunny, dry climates for patients, and so many patients moved to Colorado for the climate that the state’s hospitals were overwhelmed, resulting in jails being used to house them. Colorado earned the nickname “The World’s Sanitarium,” and it is believed that one-third of the state’s population by 1900 were residents because of tuberculosis.

The 1930s brought much-needed unionization for the coal miners, while another major industry was being formed: skiing. Ski resorts were built in areas like Estes Park, Gunnison, and Loveland Pass, adding a unique economic strength to the mountain west that continues to be a fiscal boon today.

The agricultural and mining profiles of the state made it an easy member of the Populist and bimetallist fold. William Jennings Bryan (D-NE) became the first Democrat to win Colorado in 1896, and his 71% of the vote is the best performance of any candidate in the state’s history. The Populist era began a political divide between Republicanleaning agricultural eastern Colorado, and the Democratic-leaning mining towns of western Colorado. The state would enter a swingier period of politics by sticking with one party over the course of two or three elections at a time. Much of Colorado’s political history is defined by consistent Republican wins with the occasional Democratic win after 1916.

Republicans took the state back in 1920, with Warren Harding’s (R-OH) once-in-history sweep of all sixty-four of Colorado’s counties. FDR (D-NY) was able to wrangle the state into his New Deal coalition in 1932 and 1936, but Colorado would flip back to the GOP in 1940 as farmers and miners soured on FDR. After 1940, Democrats would only win Colorado in three elections: 1948, 1964, and 1992. Colorado’s intense Republican lean would also face spirited challenges from notable thirdparty candidates over the years, as the state has always, even today, registered as one of the best states for third parties. Notable elections include 1980, 1992, 2000, and 2016.

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Eastern Colorado: Flat, agricultural, and industrial; more politically aligned with neighboring Kansas, intensely Republican.

Denver Metro: Denver was once more evenly-split city that reflected Colorado’s usual ticket-splitting tendencies. 1980 marks the last time Denver city and county have voted GOP. More powerful than the city, however, were its suburbs - namely located in Adams and Arapahoe counties - which have raced to the left as influenced by the state’s historic progressivism and libertarianism.

Denver’s brutal leftward shift has taken the state mostly off the competitive board.

Northern-Central Colorado: Contains rich communities like Boulder and Vail; once strongly Republican rural communities that are now drowned out by the intensely Democratic urban sprawl from Denver.

Western Colorado: One of the most fascinating political regions in the country; rural conservative whites, working-class Hispanics, and uber-liberal, rich ski towns, home to Pueblo and Grand Junction. This area should be bluer on paper but has proven to be a white whale for Democrats over the last decade. Recent progressive shifts might push the region to the left if not countered by a rightward shift among Hispanic voters.

Current Political Leanings - A Tectonic Leftward Shift Colorado spent most of its history as a solidly Republican, working-class Mountain state. The last Republican to win this state was George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004. Barack Obama’s 2008 and 2012 wins were convincing, but Colorado was still regarded as a markedly purple state. Hillary Clinton’s narrow five-point win in 2016 wasn’t a huge surprise, but the state’s thin rightward shift demonstrated Trump’s populist message appealed to a classically populist state.

However, 2016 is also viewed as the downward spiral for the state GOP. Other Democrats won by similar margins to Clinton, showing that a relatively new swing state was less inclined to split its tickets as often as it once did. Democrats formed a trifecta in 2018 and even ousted a popular, moderate Republican Secretary of State.

2020 and 2022 solidified Colorado’s new blue hue, as Biden carried the state by a whopping 13.50 points, the strongest Democratic performance in the state since Lyndon Johnson (DTX) in 1964. As Biden carried the state by a landslide, Senator Cory Gardner (R), then Colorado’s last statewide Republican, lost re-election by a similar margin. 2022 saw Governor Jared Polis (D) re-elected in a landslide while Senator Michael Bennett (D), once a prime target for the GOP, cruised to re-election despite polls showing a more classically competitive race.

Republicans last held both Senate seats in 2005, and last governed the state in 2007. Despite Colorado’s red-state profile, the GOP had not governed the state since 1975.

While the GOP can alter its messaging to appeal to moderates, the tough reality is that prime middle simply doesn’t exist in Colorado like it once did. Denver’s urban sprawl continues to put more conservative areas in play, while the state’s innate libertarian profile makes it a tough sell for the modern GOP, despite more populist overtones the party sports today.

An even tougher reality: while the county map has not changed significantly, Democrats have added hundreds of thousands of votes to their margins in each election since 2018, signaling compounded votes in high-turnout, high-population areas. This makes it difficult to forecast Republican strength in the state for the foreseeable future.

Around Town Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, November 16, 2023

15

Legislator Kennedy Honors the Dedication of Sachem Aftershock Advisors On Monday, November 6, 2023, Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) attended a special meeting of Sachem Aftershock – the Sachem Central School District’s Robotics Team – to assist in the honoring of their four advisors: Robert Wentzel, Andrew Cifuni, James Byrne, and James Tripi (pictured right).

Specifically, these advisors were honored for their handling and assistance in implementing the Community First Project, a program designed to provide robotics parts and components to underprivileged school districts.

The student-inspired project has been thus far successful and has benefited tremendously from faculty involvement and coordination.

“It brings me great joy to witness the ingenuity of these students and the dedication of their advisors,” said Legislator Kennedy. “The story behind this project is that during competitions, Sachem Aftershock students noticed the rather poor condition of some schools’ robots – some of which were constructed with wooden parts. With the knowledge they could do more, Sachem Aftershock began to raise funds and has even delivered parts to other schools.”

Sachem Aftershock (pictured left) maintains robust connections with the community and their ever-expanding alumni community.

Kings Park Local 9/11 First Responder Honored

Kevin O’Hare, President of the Suffolk County Citizens Academy Alumni Association, (pictured left) presented a statue of remembrance to 9/11 first responder Chris Revere of Kings Park. Revere, a former member of the New York City Fire Department, is one of the many who served this country during the attack on the World Trade Center.

Revere was presented with a statue of firefighters raising an American flag amidst the debris of the World Trade Center in recognition of his selflessness and heroism.

Local Spotlight

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Thursday, November 16, 2023

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Local Author Renee Murphy Releases First Children’s Book

By Kaitlyn Foley

Renee Murphy, born and raised in South Setauket and now a resident of Smithtown, will be hosting her very first book signing at Barnes and Noble this Saturday, November 18, to celebrate the release of her new children’s book Your Heart’s Voice.

The story follows a young character named Jade who learns about intuition and making good choices through the “voice in her heart”. This voice is representative of a child’s intuition of right and wrong.

Throughout the story, Jade makes a series

of decisions with the help of her heart’s voice, which all turn out to be the right ones, making Jade feel good about herself and happy about her decisions.

The situations Jade is confronted with in the story are familiar types of decisions children make in their day-to-day lives.

“While this is a children’s picture book it can also be used as a parenting tool for behavior,” says Murphy. She wrote the book with children and parents in mind. “It’s for ages five and up, but because we all have the gift of intuition it’s a gentle reminder to people of all ages that we have this gift and to use it wisely. My aim is to help others.”

Murphy’s story teaches children to understand how to identify the feeling of intuition, or “your heart’s voice” and how to use it. It also helps parents focus on their kid’s intuitive awareness. Children who understand their intuition, and see it result in good outcomes, will begin to feel confident in making their own decisions. Your Heart’s Voice enforces self-awareness, breeds self-trust, and can begin to implement independence

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in children. The importance of intuition is often underestimated for children of young ages, however when harnessed and nurtured can aid them out of dangerous situations and lead them to quick problem solving.

The creation of Your Heart’s Voice began back in 2016 after Murphy’s second child was born. She had always been interested in writing a children’s book and noticed there were very few that described what intuition is like for kids.

“I always relied on my intuition growing up to help guide me throughout life from a very young age,” Murphy described.

“I wanted children to learn about their intuition, what it means and how to best use it.” After a few drafts, Murphy put the book aside to care for her growing family.

She picked it back up when the story became personal for her a few years later. “My beautiful little brother, Robert Greene, tragically died in a car accident in St. James in May 2022 at only thirty-three years old. To say we’ve been devastatingly

heartbroken is an understatement,” explains Murphy. “Grief is complicated and painful beyond belief. I found writing helped in a very small way. So, I went back to writing my book six months after he passed and decided to add my brother as a main character as well as dedicate it to him.” Robert is seen in the story as Jade’s uncle, who ultimately is the character that tells Jade what her “heart’s voice” truly is. In 2022, it took Murphy a short two months to complete her book.

“It’s a memorial for us now, that I will cherish forever.”

Renee explains that the process of writing Your Heart’s Voice was therapeutic for her; however, the prospect of helping children make good choices for themselves throughout their lives was a driving motivation.

“I’ve had children say to me after hearing my book that they now try to listen to their ‘heart’s voice’ to help them make the right choice during the day. That is why I wrote this book. I saw a need and I wanted to fill it, while hopefully helping as many people as I could along the way.”

This coming Saturday, November 18, Renee Murphy will be at the Barnes and Noble near the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove at 11:30a.m. to sign and sell copies of Your Heart’s Voice.

“I believe books are the foundation of learning. Children are our future, and I’m proud to say I’m a part of that in a positive way.”

Falling for Fall Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Preparing to Host Thanksgiving

This weekly column looks to help readers enjoy the season of autumn by providing the best tips and information on scenic parks, fall-favorite activities, recipes, and more.

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By Kaitlyn Foley Hosting Thanksgiving is a feat; however, it can also be an honor. Knowing that your loved ones are excited to be in your home and celebrating the things they are grateful for is truly something special. Between food and conversation, the host is almost always working on something. But as the host, it is important to remember to enjoy the holiday for yourself as well.

The main key ingredients to a great party are food, decorations, activities, and company. Since this holiday is Thanksgiving, the food menu is pretty stereotypical.

Serving turkey is a classic, but it can easily be replaced with ham, turkey’s easierto-cook-and-carve cousin. However, both can still take a large amount of focus and possibly all day to finish. Because of this, hosts should have their guests, or a certain group of guests, bring sides to the party. This gives everyone the opportunity to make or bring something they love to eat. Be aware of what everyone is bringing so that there are no duplicates, and the table can be prepared correctly. In my opinion, a self-serve buffet is always the best option for parties with eight or more guests. Between table settings, decorations, and guests, there is never a comfortable amount of table space for all of the food too. This also allows guests to take what they want and omit what they don’t, resulting in a transient buffet line and peaceful table discussion without an interrupting “pass the potatoes” request.

Thanksgiving decorations can be the easiest part. Whether you’re a classy or a commercial host, themed decorations are stocked at every local convenience or party store on Long Island. On Thanksgiving, it is best to have your decorations focused around the dining room table, or wherever you will be eating, as this is commonly the most used room throughout the holiday. This also creates an easier job for the holiday’s host as everything will be centered in one area rather than across the entire house. Sprinkle some related decorations in surrounding rooms so they aren’t bare, but there is no need to go overboard.

This can be done by setting the table with holiday dishes and napkins.

Shaping cloth napkins on each individual plate will add another flair to your table.

Tying the napkins with a burlap string can add a tasteful fall decoration. Another simple napkin décor is fanning the napkins out per plate and adding a small acorn to a scrunched end. Small touches of decoration create the biggest reactions from guests.

Adding candles that smell of spiced pumpkin or golden apple can add fall colors to the table while complimenting the smell of food. The use of a cornucopia can be a useful decoration, having cut fruits, vegetables, nuts, and cheese falling out for guests to pick on throughout dinner, like a charcuterie cornucopia.

Activities are vital to most parties. In many of our households the main event on Thanksgiving is football, which is great for those who enjoy it; however, for others, there may need to be some games on deck to keep the vibes lively.

For families with young kids, these games could be what keeps them engaged in the gathering. They can also work as icebreakers or conversation starters for groups of adults. My family gets together each and every holiday; we know just about everything there is to know about each other, so for us, activities produce deliberations and conversations about topics we wouldn’t bring up normally. My favorite is virtual Jeopardy or trivia where all of the questions are holiday related. It is easiest to create on PowerPoint or plenty of templates can be found online. For kids, a Thanksgiving scavenger hunt is always fun. Outside or inside,

This Week’s

Fall

Favorite Recipe

INGREDIENTS For the Spiced Butter: 6 tbsp salted butter, softened 3 tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp nutmeg ¼ tsp allspice For the Drink: 1 ½ tbsp spiced butter 2 oz run (dark rum preferred) 6 oz boiling water*

Hot Buttered Rum MAKES 4 DRINKS

NOTES:

*Boiling water can be substituted with apple cider for a sweeter version of the drink.

If there are more than a few minutes between preparing the butter and making the drinks, place the butter into the refrigerator and use when needed.

Recipe and photo provided by A Couple Cooks

DIRECTIONS:

Roll the butter out with a rolling pin until it is flattened. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Using a spatula, fold the butter in with the sugar and spices until everything is incorporated. Use immediately in the drinks*. Add 1 ½ tablespoons of the spiced butter to each drink’s glass.

Combine rum and boiling water together, then add to each glass. Stir butter in until combined.

the host can hide various thanksgiving related items in different areas of the home. Give each player a list of things to find with only one hint, and a prize for whoever finds the most hidden objects. To make this an adult activity, ask guests to bring $5 cash for the pot, and give a riddle pointing to each hiding place. Whoever finds the most objects will win the pot.

The most important thing to remember while hosting Thanksgiving is to enjoy the day for yourself too. Hosting is stressful and time consuming. It can require weeks of planning and early morning cooking. But once the guests arrive, it’s time to take a deep breath, trust in the work you’ve put in so far, and know that good guests will enjoy themselves even if the turkey is overcooked.

Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, November 16, 2023

TOWNLINE RAIL: WHY KINGS PARK? Townline Rail is a proposed alternative to trucking locally generated incinerator ash from the Huntington-Smithtown waste-to-energy facility as well as Construction & Demolition debris off Long Island once the Brookhaven landfill is closed.

This ash is created from incinerated trash collected in the Towns of Smithtown and Huntington only.

Townline Rail will not have the capacity to handle all of Long Island’s ash and debris.

There are six active or proposed rail transport facilities on Long Island — all of which are local solutions to managing local ash and debris.

Town of Smithtown recognizes the environmental and cost benefits to the taxpayers of shipping its ash by rail versus trucking it off Proposed Townline Rail Terminal Long Island (2015 Draft Comprehensive Plan).

Townline Rail will save taxpayers money, create jobs, and benefit 140 Old Northport Road the environment. To learn more Kings Park, New York 11754 visit www.townlinerail.com 631 368 4000 | CarlsonCorp.com

Expires 9/1/2024

Guest Column Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Overview - AMAC - The Association of Mature American Citizens

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The Association of Mature American Citizens represents Americans 50 plus. AMAC is centered on American values, freedom of the individual, free speech, and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family, with benefits at all levels.

AMAC plays a vital role in helping build the services that will enrich the lives of America’s seniors. AMAC Action, a 501 (C) (4) advocates for issues important to AMAC’s membership on Capitol Hill and locally through grassroots activism.

To Learn more, visit www.amac.us

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Biden Admin Removes Restrictions On China Purchasing American Technology That Could Be Used Against US

By Outside Contributor | AMAC The Biden administration recently removed restrictions on 27 Chinese companies that prevented those companies from purchasing American technology that could potentially be turned against the U.S. A detailed examination by The Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project reveals connections between several of these companies and the Chinese Communist Party’s surveillance and military programs.

The U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security removed these companies from what is known as the Unverified List. The list was designed to prevent the potential misuse of U.S. technology and products by restricting certain foreign entities from purchasing items that could serve a dual use—in other words, that could have both civilian and military uses.

Export restrictions are applied to civilian technology that could be adapted for “military, terrorism or potential WMD [weapons of mass destruction]-related applications.”

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Bureau of Industry and Security became more active in applying restrictions on Russian companies to prevent Russia from procuring dual-use equipment.

However, this was generally seen as too little too late, as Russian President Vladimir Putin had already procured significant amounts of dual-use equipment prior to the invasion.

With China, the Biden administration has been less than transparent with its justification for relaxing the restrictions. The administration said it removed the 27 companies from the Unverified List by establishing their “bona fides” through end-use checks of how they were using the equipment they purchased. However, no specific mechanism for conducting these checks or for how the administration would verify them has been made public.

In addition, Sino Super Conductor Technology, Hunan University, and Nanchang University are three other entities that were removed from the list that are of concern due to military-civil fusion programs and their overlap into classified defense research.

A Need For Clarity And Caution The decision to lift Unverified List status on these companies coincided with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s visit to Beijing in August.

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Concerning Connections Unearthed Heritage’s Oversight Project took a further look into these companies. Several have raised potential security concerns because of direct connections to the Chinese Communist Party and China’s defense industry while also showing a proclivity toward procuring technologies that have both civilian and military uses. (The Daily Signal is Heritage’s news and commentary outlet.)

Here, the Oversight Project highlights three companies that are particularly concerning: Beijing Zhonghehangxun Technology (also known as Beijing Vistek Co. Ltd), a startup connected to the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Center for Research on Intelligent Perception and Computing, is known for its work on large-scale crowd surveillance systems.

The Hoover Institution further highlighted Vistek’s role in surveillance equipment used in the Xinjiang region against the Uyghur population as well as the company’s cooperative partnership with Hikvision. Hikvision is a known supplier of surveillance technology to the CCP in applications that are “widely used in state security affairs,” according to Hoover’s 2021 Eyes Wide Open report.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn previously called for the company to be added to the Unverified List following the release of the report.

Further, Nanjing Gova Technology Co. Ltd, identified as a Chinese defense contractor in its recent press releases, plays a role in China’s aerospace industry. That includes building pressure sensors and sensor networks for new-generation fighter aircraft, rockets, and weaponry since as early as 2011.

Shuang Xiang (Fujian) Electronics Company Limited, specializing in optoelectronics, has connections to other CCP surveillance technology vendors. In recent filings, it has shown a strategic emphasis on investments in technologies that have both military and civilian applications.

Shuang Xiang has been involved in the manufacture of optical lenses and related equipment that are used in surveillance networks and in the enforcement of social credit scores. Several of the company’s board members also have direct ties to core elements of the Chinese Communist Party.

The connections the Oversight Project identified between these companies and the CCP’s broader military and surveillance ambitions necessitate greater transparency and justification as to why the Biden administration lifted the restrictions.

Such decisions have broader implications, not only for U.S. national security and foreign policy, but also for human rights within China, where the CCP utilizes surveillance technology to control its own population.

The Daily Signal has reached out to the Bureau of Industry and Security for comment but so far has received no response.

Reprinted with permission from The Daily Signal by Colin Aamot.

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Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, November 16, 2023

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Theater & the Arts Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, November 16, 2023

21

Theatre Three’s

‘A Christmas Carol’ is a Visually Stunning Holiday Treat

By Cindi Sansone-Braff Theatre Three’s 39th annual production of “A Christmas Carol” is as much a Long Island holiday tradition as Brunch with Santa, hanging stockings, and decorating the tree.

“A Christmas Carol” was the first of many Christmas stories written by the legendary English author Charles Dickens. While writing this beloved novella, Dickens was amazed by the strange mastery in which this story seized him and how he wept over it, laughed, and wept again.

To many Long Islanders, including myself, Theatre Three’s Executive Artistic Director, Jeffrey Sanzel, is the quintessential Scrooge. I have seen Sanzel’s award-winning production of “Scrooge” many times and never tire of it. Each year, I notice another one of Dickens’ meaningful themes, discover something new about one of the characters, and come to understand more deeply why this novella has captured the heart and soul of people for 180 years. Sanzel’s brilliant direction and outstanding characterization of Scrooge bring this endearing Christmas tale to life. Watching Sanzel’s rich and nuanced performance and his amazing onstage transformation from the misanthropic, greedy, and miserly businessman into the benevolent, kind, and, generous person Scrooge becomes is one of those rare Tiny Tim (Zach Kanakaris) rises above with Bob Cratchit (Ray Gobbes, Jr,). theatrical experiences you will Photos - Steve Ayle - showbizshots.com never forget.

The play opens with an ominous reminder over and Mrs. Dilber, left the audience in stitches. over again that “Marley was dead…There is Julia Albino was believable as their loving no doubt about that.” The echoing of this daughter and fiancée of Scrooge. Albino’s facial indisputable reality made Steven Uihlein’s expressions and body language spoke volumes portrayal of the remorseful ghost of Jacob when she broke off her engagement to Scrooge Marley, draped in chains, rising from the because he was obsessed with money and depths of hell, all the more bone-chilling. material things.

Marley isn’t the only ghost in this Kyle Breitenbach, with his engaging tale. Cassidy Rose O’Brien, looking angelic, onstage voice and movie star classic good all dressed in sparkling white, was most looks, commanded the stage as Dick Wilkins, captivating as the Ghost of Christmas Past. apprentice to Fezziwig. Sean Amato brought As the Ghost of Christmas Present, Stephen charm and likeability to Fred Halliwell, T. Wangner displayed his comedic genius, Scrooge’s kind nephew, and Cassidy Rose uttering every line with perfect timing, thus O’Brien was charming as his pregnant wife, providing the audience with some much- Janet Halliwell. needed comedic relief. The audience audibly Ray Gobbes, Jr, as Bob Cratchit, the gasped when the Ghost of Christmas Yet to long-suffering employee of Scrooge, gave Come appeared, donning a larger-than-life a heartrending performance, particularly costume expertly manned by Sean Amato. in the family scenes. Veteran Theatre Three This terrifying Spirit reveals some future performer Linda May brought her A-game possible tragic outcomes, including the death to this production in her portrayal of Bob of Tiny Tim, if Scrooge doesn’t correct the Cratchit’s loving wife and mother of his errors of his ways. children. Her moving solo, “In the Bleak Stephen T. Wangner was equally Midwinter,” brought tears to my eyes. impressive in the role of the kind and lovable One of the overarching themes in Mr. Fezziwig, Scrooge’s first employer. Ginger “A Christmas Carol” centers around the Dalton gave a noteworthy performance hardships countless children endured during as the devoted Mrs. Fezziwig, and her the Victorian era. The storyline concerning Tiny hilarious portrayal of Scrooge’s housekeeper, Tim and the possibility of his early death from

A weeping Scrooge (Jeffrey Sanzel) faces a future presented by (Kathleen Arabelle Han) with a possible tragic outcome, if he doesn’t correct the errors of his ways. (above) The Ghost of Christmas Past (Cassidy Rose O’Brien) brings memories back to Scrooge. (left)

a childhood disease mirrors the harsh realities of life during the 19th century. With that said, a great deal of the success of this production must be given to the talented children and young actors in this cast, including Kathleen Arabelle Han, Christina Gobes, Alexa Eichinger, Brooke Morrison, Patrick Hutchinson, Finn Thomas, Griffin Fleming, Shannon Cooper, Julie Friedman, Isabela Thomsen, Mairead Camas, Kaylin Zeidler, Stanley Zinger, Zach Kanakaris, Cassidy Worrell, Addyson Urso, Angelina Eybs, and Skye Greenberg. The children alternate performances, and the show I saw featured a very talented Stanley Zinger giving a heartwarming performance as Tiny Tim, and Patrick Hutchinson acing the role of Scrooge as a boy.

Every aspect of this show comes together to create a sense of magic and wonder.

Everywhere you look, there is something visually stunning to behold, from the beauty of the church’s stained-glass windows to the falling snow and the many exciting special effects. The exquisite choice of background music, the beautiful singing voices of the cast, and the pitch-perfect sound by Tim Haggerty were treats for the ears!

A big round of applause goes out to Robert W. Henderson, Jr. for his outstanding

lighting and sound design. Randall Parsons’ breathtaking set with its multi-levels and transformative design, Randall Parsons and Jason Allyn’s authentic Victorian costumes, and the expert musical direction by Brad Frey all added to the overall success of this production.

Don’t forget to arrive early to hear the stellar cast caroling on the Second Stage before the show and to stay afterward to get a picture onstage with Ebenezer Scrooge.

This year, surprise your whole family by gifting them tickets to Theatre Three’s magical production of “A Christmas Carol.” This show will bring you and your family tidings of comfort and joy! This holiday spectacular runs through December 30.

For tickets, call the box office at 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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

22

Around Town Thursday, November 16, 2023

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Blast from the Past Owner and Son Struck by Car While Trick-or-Treating

By Kaitlyn Foley Richard McWilliams and his ten-month-old son Donny were on their way home from trick-or-treating with family and friends Halloween night when they were struck by a car on Grant Avenue in Islip around 6:30p.m.

McWilliams, in an effort to save his son, pushed Donny’s stroller out of the way, receiving the brunt of the hit himself. The Cadillac Sedan that hit Richard and his family was speeding down a residential block without any lights.

Richard and Donny were brought to Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip to be treated after 911 was dialed by his sister and neighbors who witnessed the incident.

Donny’s car seat was ejected from the stroller after the car clipped its back wheel. Richard was hit in the legs, shooting him upward onto the hood of the car, his arm and head breaking the windshield. He then barreled to the pavement once the car slammed on its breaks, hitting Richard again before making a complete stop.

Donny is currently healing from a concussion alongside his father who suffered a major tibia and fibula break, knee dislocation, sprained wrist, internal bruising and muscle tears throughout his chest and rib cage, road rash, and facial lacerations resulting in over 20 stitches. Richard has currently undergone one surgery for his leg and is scheduled for second one later this week.

“My entire family is traumatized from this accident,” says McWilliams. “My four-year-old [son] and two six-year-old nieces are for sure, they had to watch me get slammed and pancaked into a bloody mess right in front of their young innocent eyes.”

“This accident and the repercussions could have totally been avoided and are 100% caused by negligence and irresponsible behavior behind the wheel,” says Richard. “The driver had no headlights on after dark and was speeding down my residential Richard (middle) with sons, Donny (left) and Leonardo (right) after the accident. block towards a stop sign fifty feet away on the one night of the year you expect groups of children and families to be walking the streets.

More care and attention needs to be had and utilized when driving Blast from the Past is currently accepting donations of vintage items to help in a residential area, especially on a holiday like Halloween. Anyone who does maintain the flow of inventory that Richard usually provides. “We will play it day by otherwise is reckless, including the driver in this incident.” day after the holiday, but we will fight to keep as much normalcy within the walls McWilliams’ wife, sister, nieces and children, along with neighbors and friends of Blast from the Past as possible through this tragedy,” says Richard. “We open from the neighborhood were with him during the incident. at 10:00a.m. seven days a week and will continue to do so throughout the holiday “My sister didn’t think I was going to make it from how I looked. My wife has shopping season. We ask for our communities’ support while choosing where been a super mom with PTSD, as I like to describe her at this point. She is still you shop this holiday season as every $1 spent with us will help us through these working full time, while taking the boys to and from school and (with help from months of struggle that face us.” This coming Saturday is Small Business Saturday family) taking care of me, as well as my pet lizard.” and the perfect time to get holiday shopping done early while supporting your Richard is the proud owner of a community beloved store Blast from the local business owners.

Past, a vintage toy and game store in Bayshore, however due to his injuries and Donations can be new or used and played with. All are accepted by Blast from upcoming surgery, he is unable to work, leaving his wife with most of the household the Past. responsibilities.

Here is a list of items that could help the store: “The way it’s affected the children is the most heartbreaking to me. Leonardo - Vintage video games and handhelds and systems (Atari, Nintendo, won’t sleep anywhere but next to me though as he wants to make sure my ‘boo Sega, PlayStation, Gameboy, Turbo Grafx, Neo Geo, Xbox) Nintendo switch, boos’ get better and that he is there in the middle of the night if I need a band aid PlayStation 5 to fix them! I’m so proud of him for being so strong and stepping up to help me.”

- Vintage toys such as Star Wars, GI Joe, Mego, Voltron, transformers, Teenage Leonardo is Richard’s older son, Donny’s big brother who witnessed their accident. Mutant Ninja Turtles, He Man, Thundercat, Marvel and DC characters “We are hurt, traumatized and healing, but the most important thing is that we - Vintage girl toys such as Barbie’s, Rainbow Brite, Care Bears, Cabbage Patch still have each other and more time together. I am trying to stay positive,” Richard Kids, She Ra, Monster High, Bratz dolls, Trolls told The Messenger.

- Lego loose bins, figures, or sealed sets Richard posted his store hours on Facebook that Halloween Day, beginning - Horror figures, movies, and memorabilia with the words “Be safe out there!” His next post is five days later, where he shares - Movies new or used (VHS, DVD, Blu-Ray, laser disc, Beta) the story of his first thoughts waking up on the pavement after being hit by the - Comic books, graphic novels, Manga, trading cards, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, car. “The only thought I can muster and put into words are ‘is he alright?’” explains Magic the Gathering Richard. “I can finally hear someone answer with ‘he’s fine, you need to stay still though.’ I’m not sure who answered me, but I believe them. My entire soul relaxes, It is vital to drive safely every day, however on Halloween, extra caution and and I am grateful.” eyes on the road should be the first priority of anybody getting behind the wheel.

Friends and community members refer to Richard as Families trick or treating should always be aware of their surroundings, and if you an amazing person who always finds a way to help others. feel the need to drive on a night where kids are running around the neighborhood, “He would give you the shirt off your back if you be sure to follow the rules of the road, be responsible, and have a watchful eye. needed one,” says Richard’s sister, Eileen, who organized Reckless driving should never be tolerated. a GoFundMe (scan QR-code at right) for Richard and his Richard was a hero to his son that Halloween day. His paternal reflexes saved family. Eileen has raised over $16,000 for her brother, and his son’s life without any hesitation or regard for his own. The Messenger admires is just about to reach her goal of $20,000. Family describes and commends Richard on his heroic actions, and we wish him and Donny a him as a loving husband and father of his two boys. speedy and full recovery.

Sports Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, November 16, 2023

23 Photos by Vincent Alongi

West Islip Football Earns Win in Honor of Those They Lost

By James Haupt Football is a game of passion, hard work, and brotherhood. The players on a team are like family, and when you lose family it hurts in the worst ways.

On November 4, a fire broke out on 136 Udall Road, taking the lives of two West Islip brothers, Matthew Kreamer, 24, and Kyle Dilegame, 16 (pictured right). Matthew was a West Islip High School Graduate, and Kyle was attending West Islip High School, nearly halfway through his senior year.

Their parents, John Deligame and Toni Kreamer, thankfully made it out safely, but suffered serious burns and injury. The town of West Islip has been in mourning and grieving for the family.

Kyle was a member of the West Islip High School Football team. He was a part of their family, and only six days after his death, the team had to take the field again.

This past Friday, November 10, West Islip High School faced Half Hollow Hills East in the Suffolk County Division II semifinal game. They had an 8-1 overall record and a 6-1 league record coming into this game.

This made them second place in their league, with their only loss coming from the team they were about to face, Half Hollow Hills East. With a chip on their shoulder, and their brother watching from above, West Islip football seemed

#34 Jack Harvell - Photo by Vincent Alongi

destined to win this playoff game.

The game started with a moment of silence for Matt and Kyle as over 4,000 fans, friends, and family of the brothers joined together in remembrance. His teammates, coaches, and other staff wore shirts that read “We play for Kyle.”

The players also wore Kyle’s number on their helmets to honor him. The entire West Islip community expressed their support as the football team strived to continue their playoff run and play for Kyle.

Hills East started with the football, but couldn’t get anything going, forcing them to punt. You could tell the West Islip Lions were playing with heart as they had a terrific start to their first drive of the game. It was ultimately capped off with an impressive 32-yard touchdown run for Running Back Rocco Carpinello.

After kicking the extra point, the Lions were up 7-0 after nearly six minutes of football.

Hills East then outscored the Lions 19-7 in the second quarter to take the lead. Carpinello had his second rushing touchdown, this one for 34 yards, but it wasn’t enough as they were chasing 5 going into the half.

It then took until the end of the third quarter for West Islip to regain the lead on yet another Carpinello rushing touchdown for 14 yards.

In the fourth quarter it was a constant battle of grit and determination on both sides. Hills East managed to take a lead on a touchdown and extra point

with under a minute left in the game.

The Lions weren’t giving up though, especially because they knew who they were playing for.

With less than a minute, they managed to drive down the field and get it within 5 yards. They looked to the guy who produced all game for them to finish it off: Carpinello recorded his 4th rushing touchdown of the game to win it for the Lions. More importantly, he won it for Matthew Kreamer and Kyle Dilegame.

Friends and family rejoiced as West Islip celebrated their incredible victory. It was an amazing moment for West Islip High school.

It was Kyle’s Birthday on Friday as well; he would have been seventeen. They truly did it for him. The Lions will hope to honor Kyle and Matt even more as they continue to make a playoff run, and no other team wants it more than them.

Make sure to watch this amazing story unfold as West Islip faces West Babylon in the next round… for Matt and Kyle!

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Messenger Spotlight

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Officer Vargas Wins First Boxing Title and Belt

By Kaitlyn Foley

Professional Boxer and Suffolk County Police Officer Alex “El Toro” Vargas, 24, of Bellport made Long Island proud earlier this month when his fourteenth consecutive win earned him the WBA Continental USA Super Lightweight title and belt.

“I always wanted a career that gave me purpose and a reason to go to work every day, and being a Suffolk County police officer is simply that.”

- Officer Alex Vargas

“It’s something every single pro fighter wants and I’m proud to be one of them that was capable of winning one,” Vargas told The Messenger.

“It felt amazing to win my first title belt.”

A sold-out Paramount saw the winning fight against Julio Rosa, of Puerto Rico. Rosa was tough competition, knocking Vargas down in round one. However, El Toro took his nickname to heart, pulling out the win after eight rounds. El Toro means “the bull” in Spanish, a mentality Vargas keeps in the ring. “Bulls endure a lot in the worst situations and do not give up for one second,” he explains.

Vargas has been boxing since he was a child, beginning in his basement at the early age of six till he was old enough to join a real gym at age nine, although Vargas’ parents say he’s been throwing punches since he was a baby.

“My father would always watch boxing on television, and I remember seeing Mike Tyson fight and immediately wanting to be a fighter after that.”

He quickly went on to make a name for himself as an amateur boxer, winning the Junior Olympics twice, New York Golden Gloves, and the Florida State PAL Championship all while under the age of eighteen.

After high school, Vargas put boxing aside to continue his education at Suffolk Community College for his Associate’s Degrees, SUNY Cortland for his Bachelor’s, and the Institute of International Languages for his bilingual certificate. However, he soon returned to boxing after earning his degrees, advancing to pro-ranks in 2018.

Boxing was his top priority for a few years, until a different dream came true with one phone call.

“I always wanted a career that gave me purpose and a reason to go to work every day, and being a Suffolk County police officer is simply that.”

Vargas was called to the academy after a long three years of waiting, but this also meant taking a long hiatus from boxing to focus on his training.

“It was extremely tough to step away from boxing at that point because big opportunities were coming. I don’t regret it one bit though, I have an amazing job now and it was well worth it.” Vargas graduated from the academy in August of 2022, hoping to return to the ring within the year.

His first fight back after the academy may have been one of the toughest for Vargas. His opponent, Mauro Godoy, was a well-seasoned and more experienced pro boxer, and Vargas was fresh off an 18-month layoff.

“My initial thought to fight Godoy was ‘let’s do this.’”

Vargas wasn’t worried about Godoy’s record. “I just know what I’m capable of and I work extremely hard, so I was confident. Did I think ring rust would maybe play a factor and be in the back of my mind? Absolutely.

But over eight rounds, I was confident I’d settle in pretty quick.”

Despite all that faced him, Vargas showed up at the Paramount with skilled footwork, agility, and quick movement which won him the fight against Godoy and led him straight to his first Title and Belt fight just three weeks ago.

Rallying in his corner for both his fights at the Paramount was Vargas’ family, along with hundreds of fellow officers from the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD).

“It wasn’t just the precinct, it was the entire department that was supporting me, purchasing tickets, posting me,” explains Vargas. “That was a really good feeling and shows how much of a family the SCPD is. From bosses to my coworkers on patrol, it was just amazing. It gives me great motivation because I don’t want to let them down and I want to represent the department in the best way I can.”

Lou Civello, Second Vice President of the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association (PBA), commended Vargas for his successes both in the ring and in his community and testifies to the family-like nature of the PBA. “Whether it’s in the ring or on the job, Officer Vargas commands the respect of those around him,” said Civello. “His toughness, quick thinking, and calm under pressure make him both a great boxer and an excellent police officer. His PBA brothers and sisters cannot be prouder of his championship win and to call him one of our own.”

Vargas plans to continue being the best he possibly can in both his boxing career and his law enforcement career. However, for now, he is excited to enjoy the holidays with his friends and family and continue to get acclimated to being an officer. “I go into work not knowing what will happen that day but hoping to come out of it being able to help anyone I can in any way I can and also give them a positive outlook on police officers.”

Vargas is a serious contender for the WBA Top 15, which would present him with the opportunity to fight for the main world title.

“For now, I’ll just continue to stay in shape until that time comes.”