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Thursday, March 16, 2023 ~ Volume 135 ~ Issue Number 17 ~ $1.00 Magzter

Justice for Thomas Valva: Angela Pollina Convicted

By Deana D. Boles

On Friday, March 10, a jury convicted Angela Pollina, 45, of second-degree murder and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child in the case of Thomas Valva.

Thomas, an 8-year-old Center Moriches resident, died in January of 2020 of hypothermia after being forced to spend the night on his freezing garage floor. His father, Pollina’s fiancé, Michael Valva, former New York City Police Officer, was convicted last year of the same charges and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

“The cruelty that Thomas and his brother had to endure because of this defendant’s callous and selfish conduct is abhorrent, and thankfully, the jury clearly agreed,” said District Attorney Ray Tierney. “Her treatment of these children was nothing short of pure evil. This defendant will now face the consequences of her actions and will experience her own imprisonment just as she forced these boys to live imprisoned in a freezing garage. Unlike Thomas and his brother, Pollina deserves this punishment.”

Throughout her trial, prosecutors accurately unfolded the pain and torture both Thomas and his brother Anthony endured.

Text message exchanges between Pollina and Michael Valva were presented in which Pollina insisted the boys sleep in the garage, with no permission to use the bathrooms inside. For months, the boys slept in the garage of their Center Moriches home.

Continued on page 16

A New Era in Hauppauge!

For every high school boys sport, there is usually a girls counterpart. But football is one of the few sports at the high school level that does not have an option for girls.

Until now.

Last year was the inaugural season for the Jets Girls Flag Football League on Long Island, with 8 Suffolk schools taking part. Amityville, Center Moriches, Longwood, North Babylon, Sachem East, Sachem North, Walt Whitman and Ward Melville will be joined by 16 more teams, including Hauppauge High School.

The Hauppauge team will be headed by coach Steve Mileti, the varsity football coach for West Islip. “I live in Hauppauge and I’ve always been involved in the football program,” Mileti told The Messenger. “When I realized there was an opening, I just put my hat in the ring and I was very excited Hauppauge hired me for the job.”

Continued on page 26

Magzter

By Dylan Flynn

Courtesy of New York Jets

Girls’ Flag Football Team Prepares to Kick-off its Inaugural Season

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News Thursday, March 16, 2023

The St. James St. Patrick’s Day Parade

By Brian R. Monahan St. James’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade went off without a hitch under the direction of Kathleen Weber, president of the St. James Chamber of Commerce.

Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wertheim was selected as the parade’s Grand Marshall. Wehrheim led a gaggle of elected officials in the parade route before taking his place beside several officials on the reviewing stand, greeting four pipe bands, well over a dozen fire trucks and a host of local

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organizations that marched in the March 11 parade.

“His (Wehrheim’s) leadership and commitment to our community are an inspiration to us all,” wrote Weber in her letter thanking community participants. “We were thrilled to have him lead the parade and kick off the festivities.”

Afterward, a reception was held at Deepwells Mansion to honor Grand Marshall Wehrheim, catered by Flanagan’s Pub in Lake Ronkonkoma.

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News Thursday, March 16, 2023

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New York’s Leading Mentoring Organization To Host 20th Anniversary Conference - State-Wide Research To Be Revealed Today’s young people are a full 10 percentage points less likely than millennials to have a mentor growing up. This decline in mentoring was discovered by a 2023 study conducted by MENTOR, a national organization whose mission is to fuel the quality and quantity of mentoring relationships for America’s young people.

MENTOR’s affiliate, MENTOR New York, the leading organization for mentoring in New York State, conducted a poll of its own this past December and found that 79% of mentoring programs are struggling with mentor recruitment and/or failing to meet the goals needed to sustain their programs. They found that during the pandemic in-person connections were limited, relationships were challenged, and day-to-day routines were changed. As a result, the attitudes and behaviors of volunteers have also changed.

After learning these results, MENTOR New York conducted a more detailed study this February to help them better understand the issues surrounding mentor recruitment. The survey was distributed to schools, mentoring, programs, youth-serving practitioners, mentors, and people who indicated they wanted to become a mentor, but ultimately did not.

The results of MENTOR New York’s research will be presented at the 20th annual Mentoring Matters Conference, a virtual event that will bring together mentoring experts, practitioners, and youth leaders from across the state on March 31, 2023. Ultimately, MENTOR New York hopes to use the information to close the mentoring gap in New York State, learn what mentor recruitment methods are working, and what practices programs should eliminate.

“Mentoring is a proven way to support young people’s social and emotional development, academic achievement, and career aspirations.

Mentors provide guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for their mentees, and help them navigate the challenges and opportunities of life.

But we have a mentoring gap in New York, and we need to close it. We aim to use the data from our surveys to develop better strategies and share our best practices and innovative solutions with our partners and stakeholders,” said Brenda Jimenez, CEO of MENTOR New York.

The conference will feature a keynote Q&A interview with Reggie Love, a bestselling author and former personal aide to President Barack Obama. Love will share how mentoring shaped his career, how young people can be best engaged in the workplace, and what program practitioners

should consider when recruiting mentors.

His book, “Power Forward,” is a compelling professional coming-of-age story about how he went from working in Junior Senator Barack Obama’s mailroom to becoming his “body man” during his first presidential campaign. Love spent more time with President Barack Obama during his campaign and first term than anyone else.

Love’s Q&A interview will be facilitated Amelia Chicas, a Long Island native and sophomore economics student at Stony Brook University.

Chicas serves as the Chair of Diversity Equity and Inclusion for the university’s chapter of Delta

Sigma Pi, a national co-ed professional business fraternity. Through this role, she has developed as a leader and skilled facilitator. Recently, she hosted a panel discussion for her Delta Sigma Pi brothers to learn from MENTOR New York about elevating equity in the public and private sectors.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to interview Reggie Love at the Mentoring Matters Conference. I know how important mentoring is for young people as I have had mentors who have supported me, challenged me, and inspired me to pursue my goals and dreams. I hope to do the same for others in the future.” said Chicas.

“This is the first time that a student will be interviewing a keynote speaker at the conference, a testament to MENTOR New York’s commitment to amplifying and centering youth voice. We are thrilled to have Amelia Chicas as our keynote interviewer. She is a remarkable young leader who embodies the values and vision of the mentoring movement,” said Jimenez.

The conference will also include youth panels, practicebased workshops, and breakout sessions that cover a range of topics and issues relevant to the mentoring field.

To delve deeper into the declining recruitment problem, one of the panels, “Mentor Recruitment - What’s It Going to Take?” will explore current trends and challenges in mentor recruitment, and what it takes to effectively engage and sustain volunteers. This important panel will be hosted

by Brenda Jimenez, and will feature speakers Joie Golomb, Director of Programs & Partnership Development for MENTOR New York; Gary Bagley, Executive Coach, Educator, Strategist, and the former CEO of New York Cares; and Claudia Espinosa, creator of the Latinas On the Verge of Excellence - L.O.V.E. Mentoring Program, which supports and empowers young Latinas and all young women to strive for excellence and achieve their dreams.

Closing out the conference will be the voices of Solar One’s Youth Advisory Council (the YAC) which will speak about the creation, management, and benefits of building their youth board.

“Young people are not only the beneficiaries of mentoring but also the agents of change and innovation, and so it’s important they also have a say in the development of mentoring programs,” said Linda Armyn, Board Member, MENTOR New York and Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer, Bethpage Federal Credit Union. “We are very pleased to help showcase their talents and learn from their experiences.”

The conference will once again be generously sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union, PSEG Long Island, and the McKoy Group with community support from their partners at Adelphi University and Niagara University’s Rose Bente Lee Ostapenko Center for Race, Equity, and Mission.

Continued on page 11

FACTS ABOUT THE

TOWNLINE RAIL TERMINAL CarlsonCorp, Inc. is a family-owned business that employs more than 75 area residents and has proudly called Kings Park home since the 1880s. We currently have an application before the Surface Transportation Board (STB), a federal agency, to construct a 5,000-foot rail line into our Kings Park recycling property. The proposed project is called the Townline Rail Terminal.

While the STB will be conducting public information sessions in the community this spring to solicit public comment on the project, we have heard misinformation and a number of misconceptions in the community.

We thought you would want to learn the facts: The proposed Townline Rail Terminal only involves one train in and one train out per day (up to 27 cars maximum). That’s it.

There will be no trains arriving or departing on weekends.

The proposed rail line and sidetracks are for rail car storage and maneuverability — NOT the anticipation of additional arrivals or departures.

The rail cars themselves will not have engines so they will not idle or make continual noise when sitting in the yard. The rail cars will be moved by a small vehicle the size of a mini school bus.

The work site will be below the grade of the surrounding property to minimize disruption. We are also proposing natural berms and buffers.

The Townline Rail Terminal will load and unload materials into the rail cars during our regular hours, Monday through Saturday.

This will not be a 24-hour operation.

Loading and unloading of incinerated ash will occur in a state-ofthe-art transfer station which will reduce dust, noise, and odors.

The rail cars hauling ash will have secure steel lids.

The material being loaded and removed from the proposed Townline Rail Terminal is NOT classified as a hazardous material.

These materials are highly regulated and tested continually by New York State. Any materials containing asbestos, by law, may NOT be disposed of at the facility.

At present, there are six active or proposed train transport facilities on Long Island, all of which will provide local solutions to managing ash and debris. Townline Rail Terminal is a solution for the Towns of Smithtown and Huntington.

The proposed project is expected to save taxpayers HALF of what the cost will be to truck materials off Long Island in the future and result in a REDUCTION in the amount of materials turned into compost on-site.

140 Old Northport Road Kings Park, New York 11754 631 368 4000 | CarlsonCorp.com

Proposed Townline Rail Terminal

The best option for the future The Townline Rail Terminal is an environmentally preferred alternative to trucking materials off Long Island. It will result in reduced emissions and traffic congestion.

The Town of Smithtown recognizes that rail is a better option to trucking once the Brookhaven Landfill closes in 2024.

We are very early in the planning process and look forward to meeting with the community in the coming months.

The Townline Rail Terminal will save taxpayers money, create jobs, and benefit the environment. To learn more and find out how you can get involved, visit CarlsonCorp.com.

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Thursday, March 16, 2023

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day and Irish Heritage Month While St. Patrick’s Day is well known, Irish American Heritage Month is still unheard of in many corners. Thankfully, we have the message here at The Messenger.

Irish-American Heritage Month was first celebrated by presidential proclamation in 1991.

March was chosen due to St. Patrick’s Day’s (March 17) importance to Irish-Americans. The monthlong recognition honors the contributions that Irish immigrants and their descendants have made to U.S. society – and their contributions have been numerous.

Every sphere of American society has benefited from Irish-descended hands and minds, including steelworking, biotechnology, literature and more.

The yearly presidential proclamation that marks the celebration coincides with a shamrock-giving ceremony conducted by the top political figure in Ireland, the “Taoiseach,” at the Oval Office, followed by a reception attended by members of both governments.

The special connection between Ireland and the United States is not new. Nine signers of the Declaration of Independence were of Irish descent. Furthermore, millions of Irish fled to the United States for religious freedom and economic opportunities during various episodes that plagued Ireland’s history, such as famine, war and political instability.

Now occupying the choicest positions in the United States, such as the presidency, Irish-Americans

have come a long way from their initial treatment upon arrival. Plagued by a nativist and a viscous antiCatholic sentiment, the Irish suffered discrimination of every kind before their acceptance into American Society.

Some Famous Irish-Americans Walt Disney: While it is true that the name Disney has French origins, the Disney family immigrated to the United States from Ireland by way of Canada. The surname is derived from French Norman D’Isigny.

The Normans arrived in Ireland in the 17th century, with Disney’s family settling in Kilkenny.

Disney took his honeymoon in Ireland and even wore a Claddagh ring.

Eileen Marie Collins: Collins was the Airforces first ever female flight instructor in 2979. She made history again in 1999 when she became the first female commander of a space shuttle. Her ancestors came to the United States from Cork, and she was inducted into the Irish American Hall of Fame in 2016.

Kurt Cobain: Kurt Cobain was the lead vocalist and guitarist for Nirvana. The surname comes from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. While Cobain became aware of this information rather late in life, he always had an inkling of suspicion that he was Irish from his trip to Cork.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy: The first Irish-Catholic president needs no introduction. Yet, what many fail to realize today were the lengths he traversed to reach the white house, overcoming significant obstacles because of his Irish-Catholic identity. Kennedy had to answer the question on everyone’s mind consistently: Would a catholic president be loyal to the American public or the Bishop of Rome? Kennedy always asserted his loyalty to the American public and the separation of church and state.

His May 10 primary victory in solidly protestant West Virginia convinced the Democratic electorate that he would be able to compete for the presidency.

The Powerful Private Organization Putting a Price on Life – Again and Again

By Sue Peschin For the millions of families living with Alzheimer’s disease, new therapies offer a glimpse of hope in an otherwise heartbreaking disease process.

But over and over again, a non-governmental organization -- which markets itself as the arbiter of which medical treatments are worth insurance coverage -- has erected barriers between patients and potentially life-changing medicines.

The organization, the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), issues value assessments on new, FDA-approved therapies, usually for conditions where patients either have no treatment options or have run out of them.

One of many obstacles that patients and the groups that advocate on their behalf must overcome in their fight to secure coverage for new medications are ICER’s duplicative, burdensome “requests for public comment.”

Patients and advocacy groups like mine can’t simply ignore these requests, since ICER’s reports influence whether health insurance providers, both public and private, make medicines available to patients. Even the Department of Veterans Affairs and state Medicaid agencies rely on ICER assessments.

If we don’t respond, the patients we represent run a real risk of losing access to medicines, especially since ICER’s methodology -- and its recommendations -- undervalue treatments for populations that have fewer expected years of

life left or shorter average life spans than the overall population.

Consider how ICER’s reports rely on a metric known as a Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY).

In a QALY analysis, a year of so-called “perfect” health is more valuable than a year in which a person experiences health problems. By the same reasoning, a drug that returns a patient to that supposedly perfect state is considered more cost-effective than an identically priced one that merely prolongs life or alleviates symptoms.

The fundamental problem with this rating tool is that it discriminates against any group of people who are sicker or older than the general population.

That includes people with disabilities, as well as groups who experience poorer health because they face inequities in access to care.

A recent ICER request for comment concerned “Lecanemab,” a new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease that was approved under accelerated approval by the FDA in early January.

The older age demographic and large number

of people impacted provides plenty of fodder for ICER’s QALY-based assessment to assign Alzheimer’s treatments a lower cost-effectiveness.

This kind of cold valuation of whose life is worth living can play out terribly for people who face long-term health challenges as they age.

Yet, the private health insurance companies that cover tens of millions of Americans are relying on ICER, which uses QALY-based methodology, to help them decide whether to cover new FDA-approved treatments for cancer, rare diseases, Alzheimer’s and other life-threatening conditions.

No one elected ICER or appointed it to a government role -- at least not yet. Payers have simply handed them the power to make life-ordeath decisions. The Inflation Reduction Act allows Medicare to set prices for prescription drugs starting in 2026, and left the door wide open to how it will be operationalized. ICER is at the front of the line, standing by -- and that should concern all of us.

Sue Peschin is the president and CEO of the Alliance for Aging Research.

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Thursday, March 16, 2023

It’s Time for the Southern Poverty Law Center to Close Shop

By Steve Levy The left-leaning media has long used the Southern Poverty Law Center as the independent arbiter in determining what entities in America should be designated as “hate groups.”

But while this was a very reputable organization back in the ‘70s exposing the evils of the KKK, the organization has in more recent times morphed into an apologist vehicle for the radical, violent left.

I experienced their lies when the organization injected itself into the debate about illegal immigration on Long Island when I was county executive. Since I was an advocate of enforcing immigration laws, I was labeled

by SPLC as an “enabler” to the murder of an Ecuadorian immigrant in Patchogue.

They issued a blatantly false statement that as county executive I had promoted legislation that would allow the police to stop people on the street if they looked Hispanic. It was a complete distortion of my legislation, which merely said that once a person was arrested on legitimate grounds, they would be referred to federal immigration authorities if they were here illegally.

The credibility of the group was further eroded when they labeled a Muslim speaking out against Islamic terrorism as an “anti-Muslim extremist.” The accusations were so false and outrageous that they were forced to enter into a $3 million settlement

with the individual they defamed. https://www. theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/06/maajidnawaz-v-splc/562646/ But the Poverty Center’s true colors came out last week when one of their lawyers was arrested at the violent attack against the police training facility in Atlanta. A large number of Antifa followers from throughout the nation and international locations organized to protest the facility, with some starting fires and causing havoc. https://www.nationalreview. com/news/dozens-arrested-for-attacking-cops-withmolotov-cocktails-bricks-at-atlanta-training-facility/ https://nypost.com/2023/03/06/splc-attorneyamong-23-charged-in-atlanta-cop-city-attack/ One of the Center’s lawyers was at the scene and arrested. The Center claims he was not involved in violence, but was merely a part of a legal team that monitors protests. Even if that attorney was not involved in violence, what does it say about the Center that they felt compelled to have their lawyers inject themselves into the protest to further the defense of Antifa members who would eventually be arrested for their violent acts.

This is a sham organization. If they’re not going to close their doors, at the very least thmedia can stop giving them credibility.

Local Roads Are Essential

By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay Every day, New Yorkers rely on local roads, bridges and culverts to go to work, go to school, run their errands and enjoy our state’s many great recreational destinations. Unfortunately, these same roads and bridges have been financially neglected for too long, and travelers from all over the state have been forced to navigate the state under less-than-ideal conditions.

It is hard to overstate how important our local infrastructure is, as municipally-owned infrastructure accounts for nearly 90% of all roads in New York as well as more than half of our bridges. Considering how reliant we are on this critical infrastructure, it is unfathomable how neglected it has been in recent years. In fact, a recent study indicates New York has the sixthworst roadway system in the nation, trailing only Hawaii, Massachusetts, California, New Jersey and Rhode Island. Per the data, nearly one-quarter of all major roadways in New York are in poor condition.

Poorly-maintained roadways are unsafe, as they hamper emergency services; they are also costly as drivers are forced to make repairs far more frequently when driving on inadequate

roads. Data from TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit organization, indicates these driving conditions are responsible for $28 billion in motorist repairs each year.

Our Conference believes New York state’s investment in local transportation infrastructure is a foundational element of our economic growth. For this reason, we have called on Gov. Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders to include an additional $200 million in base level Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) funds in the upcoming budget. We have also called for $70 million more in Extreme Winter Recovery (EWR) funding to help offset the toll northeast storms have on our local roads.

These funds are especially important in upstate communities too often ignored at the state level.

Unfortunately, the Executive Budget proposes local road, bridge, and culvert funding remain flat for this second year of the current five-year Department of Transportation Capital Plan. This proposal fails to recognize the impact inflation is having in the construction industry, where the Department of Transportation’s own price adjustments show fuel costs are up 260%, asphalt

nearly 80% and steel approximately 115% from July 2020 to July 2022. Making matters worse, the $1.2 trillion “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” that increases federal highway aid to New York largely cannot be used for local roads.

In light of these unprecedented cost increases, the governor’s proposal is unacceptable. New York taxpayers deserve a commitment to the infrastructure they rely on to take care of their families, their businesses and themselves.

Investing in this now will save untold sums later, and I will continue to fight to get every dollar needed to ensure safe travel for all New Yorkers.

If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can be reached by mail at 19 Canalview Mall, Fulton, NY 13069 and by email at barclayw@nyassembly.gov.

You may also find me, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, on Facebook or on Twitter at @ WillABarclay.

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This Week Today Thursday, Thursday, March March 16, 16, 2023 2023

National, State and Local Temperature Checks

By Matt Meduri National

State

Perhaps the largest national news of the week is that of the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a statechartered bank that operated in California and Massachusetts.

The bank was the 16th-largest in the country by holdings. The collapse marks the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history, just behind the collapse of Washington Mutual during the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis.

The bank began to see losses in 2022 amid high interest rates and slow growth in the tech industry, where most of the bank’s liabilities were situated.

Losses generated by liabilities in a stagnant industry coupled with poor risk management ultimately led to failure.

Shares plummeted after the bank posted an $1.8 billion loss in securities sales.

Tech industry investors pulled their shares and social media noise caused a bank run.

By March 10, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) declared insolvency and received the bank.

Unsurprisingly, most are comparing the failure of SVB to the Washington Mutual collapse, and other notable financial crises during the 2008 recession.

While certainly disconcerting, the SVB collapse is not entirely congruent to the 2008 financial crisis.

The Washington Mutual collapse was a slow burn, taking about two months from the first bank run to its acquisition

by JP Morgan Chase. The culprits were bad mortgages against a volatile housing market. These are not similarities in this scenario.

The collapse of SVB was fairly quick, taking only about a week. The main culprit was massive withdrawals that left the bank with a negative cash balance of $958 million, prompting the FDIC’s acquisition.

However, not all financial institutions are immune to high interest rates, volatile markets, and consumer pessimism. The hope is that SVB is not a model that other banks are likely to follow as the country continues through prolonged economic uncertainty.

The FDIC insured depositors had access to their funds by March 13.

The problem going forward rests with tech investors and startups, who have used the bank to raise venture debt and store funds.

Seattle-based Xealth CEO Mike McSherry said that “They’ve been an instrumental partner with early-stage companies for decades.”

SVB was largely vital to the Seattle tech industry. Other banks are jumping at the abandoned clientele, hoping to be the mainstay of tech startups going forward.

Albany Democrats dealt Governor Kathy Hochul (D) (pictured below) a blow to appeal to conservatives and moderates in an attempt to govern as a moderate.

The chambers rejected her plan to seek $500 million from New York City to the MTA, a possible win for Mayor Eric Adams (D), who has opposed the plan.

The Senate has proposed to end Madison Square Garden’s tax exemption, generating about $42 million in tax revenue.

The chambers, however, agreed on her widely-panned housing plan that would require downstate housing to increase by 3% over the next three years, as opposed to just 1% for the rest of the state.

Local

Democrats in the Assembly and Senate have stalled the governor’s efforts to overhaul the controversial bail reform system, as well as her push to expand charter schools, the latter of which she adopted during the notably contentious gubernatorial race in 2022 against former Congressman Lee Zeldin (R) (pictured below).

Congressman Nick LaLota (R) of the First District has recovered about $2.5 million from the IRS owed to the East End non-profit San Simeon by the Sound Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. “‘I am proud to have received over $2.5 million which was owed to San Simeon, a critical source of healthcare on Long Island’s East End as well as one of the region’s largest job providers, employing roughly 125 staff, most of whom reside on the East End. Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Lindenhurst) (pictured above right) of the Second District has introduced a joint

resolution of disapproval of Washington, D.C. Council’s Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Emergency Act of 2022.

The act was passed as an emergency police reform bill in the wake of the protests in the summer of 2020.

Garbarino said: “‘For years, Democrats in Washington and New York have vilified law enforcement - gutting morale, enacting policies that prevent officers from effectively doing their jobs, and inciting violent anti-police sentiment…

It’s time to say enough is enough and push back on the anti-police narrative, starting here in our nation’s capital.’”

Meet Hudson Hudson is here to comfort all who needed his care and affection by providing comfort and love to families during visitations and services as well as helping during grief counseling sessions.

Facts About Hudson Most other proposals in the $227 budget run to Hochul’s left, politically.

Both chambers have fought her on her plan to raise income taxes on people making more than $5 million annually, as well as her proposed tuition increases for SUNY and CUNY schools.

Both chambers are also fighting against delays in expanding publicly-funded health care to illegal immigrants over 64 years old.

Senate Democrats would like that coverage to be extended to all ages.

Albany Democrats would also like to allocate $1.25 million to “Many Threads, One Fabric,” an initiative backed by the New York Teachers Union that is opposed to allowing more charter schools in the state.

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‘Let’s Fight for Nay’

Hauppauge ‘14 Grad NYPD Officer Diagnosed with Lymphoma

By Kaitlyn Foley NYPD Officer and Hauppauge 2014 graduate, Naydeen Cedeno-Maldonado, 27, is in need of help after a Stage 4 Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma diagnosis. Naydeen is undergoing chemotherapy treatment currently, and may be a recipient of a clinical trial medication. This treatment will be ongoing for the next 5-6 months.

“Naydeen is an extraordinary human being who always puts her friends and family first.

She has the most contagious laugh and when she walks in a room, everyone lights up by her radiant smile and energy,” Nicole Criollo wrote on the GoFundMe page she created for her partner on the force. “Naydeen is a fighter, I have no doubt she will beat this horrific disease and come out on top.”

Naydeen was experiencing intense back and hip pain while working last November, leading to her first visit to the ER. Soon enough, this pain would send her to the ER 4 more times and lead to over 20 tests and biopsies. Her official diagnosis came on February 17.

The online fundraiser for Naydeen was set up to help ease the costs of many ER visits, treatments, co-pays and other items that will keep Naydeen comfortable during this trying time. So far, almost $33.5K has been raised, not far off from its $50,000 goal.

“Naydeen is the rock of her family and has always been there to offer help

and words of encouragement to any of us.

Unfortunately, she needs our help now,” Criollo added.

Prior to the commencement of chemotherapy treatment, Naydeen was able to undergo fertility treatment in hopes to keep the possibility of motherhood in her future. Donations will also be allocated to these bills.

“Any amount that you choose to give will be greatly appreciated by Naydeen & her family,” the page reads. “Thank you all so much for any donations and all your prayers. May God bless you all abundantly!”

More about Naydeen’s story, diagnosis and treatment can be found on her GoFundMe page at gofundme.com/lets-fight-for-nay “One thing I can say about the NYPD is you meet the most amazing people that become lifelong family members. I never thought I’d be making a post about this but here we go,” Crillio wrote in a Facebook post prefacing the GoFundMe page she organized for Nadeen.

“25 to life is what we said from the beginning and that’s what it is. We met in the academy and after we got the same precinct the rest is history. My partner for life. You’re in for the biggest fight of your life and you’re not alone! You’re loved tremendously! I ask for everyone to click the link and read the story of my girl!

She’s a strong one! Cancer watch out cause you’re losing this one!”

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News Thursday, Thursday, March March 16, 16, 2023 2023

NY’s Leading Mentoring Organization To Host 20th Anniversary Conference State-Wide Research To Be Revealed “At PSEG Long Island, mentorship is key to developing the next generation of leaders that is as diverse as the communities we serve,” said Andrea Elder-Howell, PSEG Long Island’s Vice President of Legal and Secretary of MENTOR New York’s Board of Directors. “We know young people need additional networks of support now more than ever before. It’s going to be important for those of us with experience to step up and offer a helping hand which is why PSEG Long Island is proud to support MENTOR New York and the Mentoring Matters Conference as they provide professional development to the leaders who create and sustain quality mentoring opportunities for young New Yorkers.”

“The McKoy Group, LLC believes in the power of young people and is proud to sponsor the Youth Panel at MENTOR New York’s virtual conference where young people from Solar One’s Youth Advisory Council will take the mic to share how adults can make space for their voices to be

heard,” said Vaughn L. McKoy, founder of the McKoy Group, LLC. About MENTOR New York For over 25 years, MENTOR New York has leveraged its expertise in relationship development and program management to advise and train its partners about how to start, manage, and improve quality youth-facing programs.

MENTOR New York’s mission is to fuel the quality and quantity of mentoring relationships for young people and close the mentoring gap in New York. Today, MENTOR NY conducts approximately 100 separate training seminars each year and trains approximately 1,500 new mentors annually. The organization creates approximately 75new programs each year and supports a portfolio of 1,300 mentoring and youth-serving organizations impacting estimated 100,000 young people across New York State. https://www.mentornewyork.org

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Thursday, March 16, 2023

Smithtown Town Board Unanimously Approves Exemption for Seniors on a Limited Income

By Brian R. Monahan At a town board meeting on February 16, the Town of Smithtown Town Board unanimously voted to expand a partial real property tax exemption for senior citizens on a fixed income.

The amendment removed outdated information and increased the maximum income allowable for recipients to as much as $58,400 as of July 1, 2022.

Those eligible for the property tax received a notice via mail to alert them of this opportunity.

“Our hope is that this change will provide relief to our seniors, so that they may enjoy retirement without undue stress,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. “Times have been especially tough for our senior residents living on a fixed income. The pandemic, the cost of inflation, oil and gas have all inevitably resulted in unforeseen expenses, which can make living on a fixed income especially difficult for seniors. Increasing the maximum income to as high as $58,400, so that residents over the age of 65 can take advantage of the partial tax exemption, can help to alleviate some of this burden.”

Senior residents, over the age of 65, making an annual income of no more than $58,400

Annual Income

Percentage of Assessed Valuation Exempt From Taxation

More than (M) but less than (M) +$1,000 (M) +$1,000 or more but less than (M) +$2,000 (M) +$2,000 or more but less than (M) +$3,000 (M) +$3,000 or more but less than (M) +$3,900 (M) +$3,900 or more but less than (M) +$4,800 (M) +$4,800 or more but less than (M) +$5,700 (M) +$5,700 or more but less than (M) +$6,600 (M) +$6,600 or more but less than (M) +$7,500 (M) +$7,500 or more but less than (M) +$8,400 (beginning as of July 1, 2022) are eligible to apply for the partial tax exemption. Thereafter, at the percentage of assessed valuation thereof as determined by the above schedule, with the amount for each year represented as (M), pursuant to the provisions of § 467 of the Real Property Tax Law.

45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5%

(M) equals $50,000.

Once granted, the property tax partial exemption cannot be rescinded solely due to the death of the older spouse, provided that the surviving spouse is at least 62 years of age.

“The money removed from the budget to give this relief to seniors was insignificant in the grand scheme

of things,” said Councilwoman Inzerillo, who serves as the town board’s liaison to the tax acessor’s office. “While unfunded mandates are making things increasingly difficult to accomplish each year and during this recession… we realize that there are many seniors who really need this help.”

Inzerillo mentioned that the Smithtown Senior Center has a “myriad of other benefits and services” for those interested.

The exemption is only for the town of smithtown and highway department segments of the property tax levy, which account for 6% and 3.8%, respectively, of the average tax bill. Roughly 68% of the average property tax levy comes from the school district, with the remainder coming from Fire/Water Districts, Suffolk County and District Court, Suffolk County Police, and Library Districts.

For a list of tax exemptions and eligibility criteria visit the Town of Smithtown’s Assessor’s Department online at https:// www.smithtownny.gov/103/AssessorsOffice or call 631-360-7560.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta Meets with Kings Park College Student Caroline Smith, a social work student at Stony Brook University and a resident of Kings Park, recently met with Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta in order to fulfill the requirements of her social policy course. They discussed a bill that Legislator Trotta co-sponsored to reallocate and accept 100% state aid from the New York State Office of Mental Health for Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) Providers. The money is for the PROS programs provided

by St. Catherine of Siena, Family Service League, Association for Mental Health and Wellness, Federation of Organizations in Patchogue and Copiague, Well Life Network of Coram and Smithtown, and FREE Success. Legislator Trotta said, “I enjoy meeting with students of all ages and hearing their ideas and suggestions.”

Pictured outside of his office are Caroline Smith and Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

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Volunteer opportunities: • Clerical • Gift Shop • Hospice • Eucharistic Ministers • Emergency Room Ambassadors • Mailroom

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Contact: Tasha Felix-Jerome, Volunteer Program Coordinator Tasha.Felix-Jerome@chsli.org (631) 862-3959

Volunteers are people who know there is no greater reward than giving of yourself through the service of others.

Volunteers are vital members of a hospital’s organization and culture. They are selfless in their giving of time and energy without expecting anything in return. Volunteers give back because they choose to share the skills that they have fostered and cultivated, to an audience who can appreciate the dedication and commitment that comes with a giving heart.

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Thursday, March 16, 2023

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Kennedy’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser

By Brian R. Monahan Suffolk County Comptroller John M. Kennedy Jr. hosted his annual St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser at Napper Tandy’s on East Main Street in Smithtown.

The event saw Kennedy’s longtime supporters come out to support the third-term comptroller in his hometown of Smithtown.

“I’m grateful for the loyal supporters who have been with me for decades, and it’s nice to see a wide range of support this year as always,” said Kennedy. “It’s always great to get together for St. Patrick’s Day.” Supporters that came out ranged from supporters in government, business, labor, and regular community members, who

all appeared satisfied with the comptroller’s brand politics.

“It’s great to support a great advocate for the taxpayers in government,” said Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo.

She added, “It is always an honor to support my friend, Comptroller John Kennedy.”

“John is a lifelong public servant and tireless champion for the residents of Suffolk County,” said Thomas McCarthy, candidate for town clerk of the Town of Smithtown.

“John has impeccable credentials and a matching record as our fiscal watchdog. There is no one more qualified to be the Comptroller of Suffolk County than John Kennedy.”

(Left to right) Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-Islip), Suffolk County Comptroller John M. Kennedy Jr. (R-Nesconset), Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park), and Supervisor Ed Romaine (R-Broookhaven).

Candidate for county executive, Supervisor Ed Romaine, was in attendance too, shoring up support for this November’s election, where he is facing Democrat David Calone.

Kennedy has been one of the county-wide officials in the spotlight lately following the aftermath of the Suffolk County cyber attack in September, where he has called for transparency and has been reported to be critical of the Bellone Administration’s handling of the event.

Parkell Celebrates its 75th Anniversary

With Predominantly all Products Proudly Manufactured in the USA Parkell, a global leader in dental materials and devices, is excited to celebrate its 75th anniversary. Based on Long Island, New York, Parkell has been proudly performing the vast majority of design, engineering, manufacturing, and service work in the United States, and from its same approximate footprint for 75 years. This long presence on Long Island is a point of pride for Parkell due to its strong commitment to its talented team, some of whom have been at Parkell for several decades, as well as its strong connection with the Long Island community.

“It was 75 years ago when two entrepreneurs, Alex Mitchell and Carl Parker, came together on Long Island to form Parkell,” says David Mott, president of Parkell, “and Parkell’s mission today remains the same as when it was formed: to provide customers and partners with innovative, premium-quality products that enable dental professionals to give unsurpassed patient care.”

“Parkell’s commitment to the dental community has never been stronger,” says Mott. “Our mission is to work ever closer with practicing dentists, in efforts to identify ongoing challenges and needs, and to work collaboratively to come up with innovative solutions. It is this connection with the dental community and our focus on quality that has gotten us to 75 years. We know that customers place a high level of trust in Parkell when using our products, and we work extremely hard to honor that trust by delivering only the best possible products and services.”

Parkell’s products are currently sold in over 60 countries, through a vast network of distributors as well as through Parkell’s new subsidiary in Europe. Parkell’s diverse portfolio of advanced materials and devices includes, the TurboSensor® ultrasonic scalers and handcrafted 25K and 30K magnetostrictive inserts and piezo tips (which service tens of thousands of dental offices in the U.S. alone), Blu-Mousse® bite registration materials, the Predicta® Bioactive family of restoratives, cements, and desensitizers, Dryz® gingival retraction paste, Digitest® pulp vitality tester, Brush&Bond® bonding agents, C&B-Metabond® adhesive luting cement system, Cinch® impression materials, SNAP® self-cure Resin, SmarTemp® temporary crown and bridge materials, Sensimatic® electrosurgical device, the generations-trusted and gold-standard Accufilm® articulating film, and many, many more.

With a long history of forging and cultivating relationships with dental professionals from early on as students, Parkell’s commitment to creating innovative products has helped it grow with customers and remain a mainstay at schools with progressive educational programs. Throughout the years, Parkell has supported many organizations and agencies by providing unsurpassed quality and performance, which has made it the go-to for reliability.

For more information about Parkell, please visit www.parkell.com or call (800) 243-7446.

School Highlights

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Thursday, March 16, 2023

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High School French Students Explore France

By Madame Rigaud, HS French Teacher In February, a group of high school French students went on an amazing nine-day trip to France! The students went to Paris and visited sights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc of Triomphe, Notre Dame, the Louvre, Hotel des Invalides and many more. They also took time to eat crepes from crepe stands, have hot chocolate in cafes and people watch just like the Parisians do.

Students also ventured outside of Paris to Normandy where they saw the D-Day beaches such as Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach, as well as the American Cemetery. It was definitely a moving experience to see what the soldiers who were not much older than them had to endure.

Next, they visited the beautiful seaside town of Saint Malo with its ramparts still intact as well as the amazing Mont St. Michel which becomes an island at high tide.

During their next stop, the group visited the palace of Versailles, where Louis XIV lived and the Treaty of Versailles was signed, Chartres and its amazing cathedral that is known for the beautiful blue in its stained glass windows, as well as its relic.

“The Angers Connection” - Hauppauge has had a connection with Angers since the first exchange program in 2012. This group had an opportunity to meet up with some of the French exchange students from Angers who were recently in Hauppauge. They toured the town together, went to a local soccer game, visited their homes, and ate galettes. The teachers from France were able to meet up for a night of reminiscing and planning for the next exchange!

The students were able to visit a French home of an Angers native who frequently houses university students from all over the world in her home. She told everyone about one of her good friends, Dr. Denis Mukwege, who studied and worked in Angers for 5 years and won a Nobel Peace Prize.

Eiffel Tower in Paris

Chenonceau Castle in Chenonceaux

After Angers, the students visited Tours, Amboise (where Leonardo da Vinci lived and died), Chambord and Chenonceau castles in the famous Loire Valley, and then headed back to Paris for the rest of their stay.

Here’s what some of the students who went on the trip had to say…

“The trip to France was probably one of the greatest school experiences I’ve ever had. The trip made it possible not only to explore some breathtaking locations but to experience French culture and learn

about it in a way that couldn’t have been possible from a classroom in New York. I am infinitely grateful to have been able to go.”

“A great trip!”

“A fantastic and well thought out trip that catered to what everyone wanted.”

“I got to experience the world of French that we’ve been learning about for the last six years.”

“All I imagined and more, overall an amazing trip.”

“The trip was far above my

Cliff in Normandy

Notre Dame de Paris

expectations and I learned a lot more conversational French and how French speakers really speak to each other.”

“Highly exceeded my Mont Saint Michel

expectations and is a must-do for any French student!”

“Thank you, Madame Rigaud, for the beautiful photos of this amazing trip!” said a spokesperson.

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St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Thursday, March 16, 2023

The oldest St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Long Island is hosted in the Town of Huntington by the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The parade to the patron saint of Ireland was first held in 1930, although little is known about who organized the event. As more Irish-Americans moved to Long Island, more parades would be started to honor the heritage of the residents.

St. Patrick’s Day

March, recognized as Irish Heritage Month, is full of St. Patrick’s Day Parades across Long Island.

Patchogue Parade

Miller Place Rocky Point Parade Lindenhurst Parade

Have any parade pictures? Send them to news@messengerpapers.com to have them featured here.

Ronkonkoma Parade

March 18: Miller Place-Rocky Point

March 19: Patchogue

March 25: Lindenhurst

March 26: Ronkonkoma

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Continued from front cover

Justice for Thomas Valva: Angela Pollina Convicted

The night before his death, Thomas and his brother were in the garage for 16 hours with no heat, blankets or mattress.

The temperature outside was at 19 degrees. The following morning, Thomas had soiled his pants. All the while, as surveillance footage has shown, Pollina was inside her kitchen doing bills. At one point in the footage, another child in the home asked Pollina why Thomas could not walk.

“Cause he’s hypothermic, hypothermic means you’re freezing, washing yourself in cold water when it’s freezing outside, you get hypothermic,” Pollina responded, all while failing to help Thomas.

Instead, another surveillance video shows Pollina hosing Thomas down with water in the backyard. Thomas passed away two hours later from hypothermia.

His body temperature was 76.1 degrees, 22 degrees lower than it should be.

Since 2017, Thomas and Anthony had lived on Bittersweet Lane in Center Moriches with their other brother, Pollina’s three daughters, along with Pollina and Valva.

Several employees from the East Moriches School District testified that the two brothers ate and stole food, and would even take food from the garbage cans at school. The children would go to school smelling like urine and feces, and were alarmingly very thin. Numerous calls to the Child Protective Services hotline in Albany had been placed.

Thomas’s mother, Justyna ZubkoValva, also made multiple complaints to Child Protective Services and to the administrators at her son’s school. ZubkoValva even pleaded for help on her Twitter

page. Since Thomas’ death, she has filed a $200 million wrongful death lawsuit.

Pollina testified during her trial that she deleted video footage from the morning that Thomas died, and also admitted that she didn’t realize it was wrong to ban the children to the freezing garage until Thomas died.

Although she acknowledges how “evil” she was, Pollina is blaming Michael Valva, Thomas’ father for his death. Pollina is scheduled to appear in court on April 11 for sentencing. She faces 25 years to life.

From 2017 to 2018, Amanda Wildman was the nanny of Thomas, who had autism, and his brothers. She told Dr. Oz in 2020 about the maltreatment of the children she painfully witnessed.

“I could only hope that what they did to that child happens to them,” Wildman said on the Dr. Oz Show.

“If maybe not that particular thing, I could only hope that when they get their sentence that wherever they go, they get the torture that they put these little kids through.”

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Around Town Thursday, March 16, 2023

Kings Park Chamber of Commerce Persons of the Year: Chris Rube, Melissa MacDougall, and Diane Motherway

By Brian R. Monahan At the annual “Persons of the Year” award dinner for 2022, the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce bestowed three awards on local community members for their service to Kings Park.

Coach Chris Rube of Kings Park High School received the Community Service Award. A social studies teacher, Rube is an advisor for several clubs and has coached JY boys basketball, varsity boys tennis, varsity boys track, and varsity boys basketball.

A lifelong resident of Kings Park, Melissa MacDougall was the recipient of the 2022 Humanitarian of the Year Award. MacDougal has deep ties to the community, with many of her relatives having worked and volunteered in the area.

She now works at St. Catherine of Siena, supporting struggling families. She also volunteers

Meet

SUSIE Q

Smithtown’s Pet of the Week

(Left to right) Candidate for County Executive and Supervisor of Brookhaven Ed Romaine, Melissa MacDougal, Chris Rube, and Diane Motherway. at her church and supports the VFW, Knights of Columbus, the school district, food banks, memorials, scholarship funds, Angels without Faces, the Make a Wish Foundation, The Holly Gallo Garden, Kings Park Youth and anyone else in the community who may be in need of help.

Diane Motherway received the award for 2022

Person of the Year. A mother, entrepreneur, and businesswoman, Motherway became enchanted with the lore and character of the area. A member of the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce since 2015, Motherway is pleased to take part in the work of the chamber, whether that is preserving Kings Park’s rustic heritage or promoting local businesses.

Susie Q is a Calico ten year-old Female Domestic Medium Hair who arrived at the Animal Shelter after her owner unfortunately passed away. She loved her dad so much, and it is taking her some time to open up to new humans. While she certainly has a shy side and likes her alone time, she is very loving and sweet to people she’s comfortable with.

She happily lived with two other cats in the past, so she can be adopted into a house with other feline siblings. Susie Q would do best in a patient and quiet home without any children.

Currently, there are a variety of male and female cats & kittens available to adopt or foster. If you are looking for a fun loving, yarn tossing ball of love, stop by the Kitten Nursery or the Cat Condos at the Smithtown Animal Shelter and find a PURR-fect soulmate or two!

All of the felines at the Shelter are current on vaccines and have received a full workup (blood work, Feline HIV & Leukemia tested, physical exam etc.) by a board certified Veterinarian.

Foster Opportunity: If you have no other pets or young children at home, and are looking for a way to serve your community, please consider signing up to be a foster. Foster parents provide temporary care for cats, kittens, and dogs in their own homes. Some animals need as little as two weeks of care, while others may need care for extended periods of time.

Download the Foster Application at: https://www.smithtownny.gov/ DocumentCenter/View/4325/Foster-Application Thinking About Adoption: The Smithtown Animal Shelter’s primary concern is finding the perfect home for each animal that finds his/her way to us. The Animal Control Officers and Kennel Attendants at the Smithtown Animal Shelter will go out of their way to ensure both the rescued and rescuer are made for one another.

Residents who have other pets can arrange to bring your four-legged family member to the shelter or set up an at home meet & greet to see how your prospective family member does with other family, pets and the household itself. Please allow yourself an hour minimum to meet with your potential new family member.

Hours at the Smithtown Animal Shelter are

currently Monday - Saturday 10AM - 3PM. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings: by appointment only).

To inquire about the Pet of the Week or to meet your potential soulmate, please call the Smithtown Animal Shelter at 631-360-7575.

18

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Thursday, March 16, 2023 Thursday, March 16, 2023

Baron Charles Montesquieu America’s ‘Separation of Powers’

1689-1755

By Harry Swanson To understand our Founding Fathers responsibilities in formulating the structure of our nation and its documents, such as the Declaration of Independence or the U.S. Constitution, you have to accept that they depended greatly on the scriptures in the Bible.

They also depended greatly on two philosophers named John Locke and Baron Charles Montesquieu. The latter was held in high regard within the early colonies in America as a champion of liberty.

It’s reported that when reviewing over 15,000 documents written by the founding fathers, Montesquieu was the second most quoted source, next to the Bible and ahead of John Locke. Baron was a respected French professor, author and legal philosopher. Most people referred to him by his last name, Montesquieu. He was born in southwest France.

After his mother’s death, Baron attended a prominent Catholic school.

Upon his father’s death, he became the ward of his uncle, Baron de Montesquieu. By 1714, he was leaning toward Protestantism, and in 1715, he married a Protestant named Jeanne Lartigue. The couple would have three children. In 1716, his uncle died, leaving him with wealth and his title of president in Bordeaux Parliament.

Montesquieu’s early years of life saw many changes in governments. In 1707, England joined Scotland to form the Kingdom of Great Britain. In 1715, Louis XIV died in France and was succeeded by 5-year-old Louis XV. These events had an impact on Montesquieu’s life’s work.

Baron would leave his study of law and commit himself to his studies and writings. By 1721, he became a literary success by way of several publications.

Montesquieu’s writings are found to be the primary source on the theory of the separation of government powers that exist in many constitutions throughout the world.

He anonymously published “The Spirit of Law” in 1748, which strongly influenced the American Founding Fathers while they were drafting the U.S. Constitution. He had a powerful impact on James Madison the “Father of the U.S. Constitution”. Montesquieu’s philosophy stated: “government should be set up so that no man need be afraid of another.’ His writings served to remind Madison and others of the essential need for a stable set of clearly defined and balanced, separation of powers for their newly formed government framework.

He IS given credit for making “despotism,” something leaders should be opposed to. By definition, despotism is defined as a form of government where

a single entity rules with absolute power.

It supposes that humanity is basically selfish, and unable to remain morally honest, given the opportunity to abuse power and authority. The greater the power, the greater corrupt and abusive one will become.

To prevent the possibility of unchecked power, Montesquieu offered the idea of separating the power of government into three separate branches, with each being a “check” against the other. The abuse of

one would be kept in check by the other. Montesquieu drew this idea from the scriptures, as reflected in Isaiah 33:22 which states: “For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our lawgiver and the Lord is our King.”

In 1748, Montesquieu wrote in The Spirit of the Law: “Nor is there liberty if the power of judging is not separated from the legislative power and from the executive power. If it (the power of judging) were joined to legislative power, and power over life and liberty of the citizens would be arbitrary, for the judge would be the legislator. If it were joined in the executive power, the judge could have the force of oppressor.

All would be lost if the same … body of principled men … exercised these three powers. “ In late 1754, Montesquieu visited Paris with the intention of finally retiring in La Brede. Not long after, he became ill and died of a high fever on February 10, 1755. He was buried in Paris, France only to have the revolution destroy all traces of his remains.

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Thursday, March 16, 2023

America the Beautiful: How History Shapes our Electorate Massachusetts – The Bay State

This is the sixth 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 Few states are home to as many significant political figures as Massachusetts. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John F. Kennedy, and George H. W. Bush have all called the state home.

Early History and Revolution The second permanent colony in the United States, following Jamestown, Virginia, took root in Plymouth in 1620.

Puritans from England and Holland looking to escape religious persecution boarded the Mayflower for the New World.

They landed at present-day Cape Cod, out of their chartered territory. The Mayflower Compact was written before their landing, becoming one of the country’s first documents of self-governance.

Colonies of Plymouth, Massachusetts Bay, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard all thrived from the fishing and shipbuilding industries, areas that would quickly build the port city of Boston and define the state’s place on the eastern seaboard.

Great Britain unified these colonies and began the levying of taxes that fomented the Revolutionary War. Massachusetts is credited as the center of the Revolution, for which it earned the title the “Cradle of Liberty.”

The Boston Tea Party and Boston Massacre are well-known examples of the colonists’ long-heated tensions with the British. The Battle of Lexington and Concord were fought in the state and initiated the Revolutionary War. General George Washington’s first victory was the Siege of Boston in 1776.

Massachusetts was the first state to abolish slavery in 1783. Massachusetts’ 1780 Constitution established the state and served as a model for the U.S. Constitution. It is the oldest constitution in current use in the world.

Early Industry and Civil War Massachusetts’ situation on the Atlantic Ocean gave it strategic war approaches and economic opportunity.

Its early economy was that of fishermen and shipbuilders, as well as farmers and shepherds. However, unlike the Southern states, Massachusetts developed as a series of small towns, rather than scattered farms. Early urbanization gave the state a large population center, easily becoming the largest and most fiscally important state in New England.

The development of townships also necessitated education from an early point, leading to establishment of Harvard College. Its school system was the best in the Thirteen Colonies.

Massachusetts’ early business and educational leanings, along with its opposition to British rule, made the people staunch in their ways. The Federalist Party advocated for a strong federal government to support manufacturing and business.

As such, the party ruled the state until the inception of the GOP. Massachusetts would regularly vote lock-step with leadership, including against slavery. From 1828 until 1912, the state did once back a Democratic nominee.

The ironworking industry arose in the 1600s from the bog iron found in the area.

This would translate to wartime success during the Civil War. The textile industry was vibrant by the Civil War as well, as it was in the Northeastern U.S. at the time. The state was a hub for transportation, as well as law, medicine, education, art and publishing.

The state’s railroads and canals tied it all together, creating an economic powerhouse to help lead the country into the Industrial Revolution.

Famed abolitionists also used the state as a launchpad for their national efforts.

Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, members of the Transcendentalist movement, called Massachusetts home.

Abolitionist John Brown, known for leading the raid on Harper’s Ferry, met with Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth in Springfield. His anti-slavery league helped protect slaves from the Fugitive Slave Act in the 1850s. The state was the first to recruit and arm a black regiment with white officers. The state’s industry continued to attract national and international travelers during this time.

Springfield was home to the first major center of automobile and motorcycle manufacturing in the country during the 1890s. The iron and steel industries in the state contributed to the growing railroads, and passenger transit was incited by the electric trolley. The state, due to its early progressive tendencies, was not phased by the country’s semi-tumultuous Progressive Era, keeping Republicans in control through the turn of the Century.

Modern Political History Dominated by Protestants, historically a Republican demographic, Irish Catholics regularly faced discrimination, leading to a small opposition that was favored by the Democratic party. Democrats’ only Presidential win was that of Woodrow Wilson’s win in 1912 due to the vote splitting of William Howard Taft (R) and Theodore Roosevelt’s formation of the Bull Moose party.

Control ended abruptly for the GOP in 1928, as Democrats nominated New York’s Al Smith (D), an Irish Catholic. Massachusetts

had been experiencing regular Catholic immigration, enough to outvote the state’s large Protestant Republican lean.

Al Smith won the state that year, and it would find itself in FDR’s (D) New Deal fold until Eisenhower was able to appeal to its classical Republican roots in 1952 and 1956.

1960 marked a turning point for the state, however. John F. Kennedy, a young, charismatic, Irish Catholic Senator, became the single-largest turning point in the state – and the party’s – political history. This was the first time in history a Presidential candidate of either party had won Boston by more than 70%.

Since then, the state’s political history has been somewhat tacit compared to that of others. One of the most Republican states in the country has only voted Republican four times in the last 100 years: twice for Eisenhower in 1952 and 1956, and twice for Ronald Reagan in 1980 and 1984 – all landslide years for them. It was the only state to vote for Senator George McGovern (D-SD) in 1972, Richard Nixon’s (R-CA) 49-state win.

The lapse seen here is similar to that which was seen in Vermont and Connecticut, with early progressive roots that survived tumultuous political eras, only to quickly find themselves on the other side of the aisle over time. However, Massachusetts shows a dramatic and final shift. No Republican has won here since Reagan in 1984, and no Republican has won a country since George Bush Sr. did in 1988. The counties of Bristol, Hampshire and Middlesex have not voted Republican since 1956. No Republican has won Boston’s Suffolk County, swept all counties, and won more than 60% of the vote since Calvin Coolidge in 1924.

It’s no surprise that when Scott Brown (R) won the special election to fill Ted Kennedy’s U.S. Senate seat in 2010, that the political world was shocked. It was a dire prophecy for brutal losses for Democrats in the ensuing midterm elections. Brown would lose the seat in a regular election to Elizabeth Warren (D) in 2012. Besides Brown, no Republican has won a Senate race here since 1972, and the GOP has not controlled both seats since 1953.

Republicans have not won a House seat here since 1994.

Surprisingly, Donald Trump (R) made some gains in the eastern, affluent parts of the state, coming within 10 points of carrying Bristol and Plymouth Counties.

However, Massachusetts has been on a kick of electing socially-liberal, fiscallyconservative GOP governors. The state experienced a time of economic boom in the 1980s, due to its finance, technology and hospital hubs, tied together by education, known as the “Massachusetts Miracle.” A recession in 1989 caused its citizens to reevaluate their options, leading to popular GOP governors like Bill Weld, Mitt Romney and Charlie Baker. Democrats just flipped the governor’s seat in 2022.

Moving forward, it’s safe to say Republicans will not be able to realistically campaign in this state any time soon, unless they significantly remarket their brand. At just 11 electoral votes, the risk is likely not worth the reward.

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Dining with Deana Thursday, March 16, 2023

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Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with Dinner at the Harp & Hound in Islip!

By Deana D. Boles

For anyone who wishes to really immerse themselves in Irish culture this Saint Patrick’s Day, let me introduce to you Harp & Hound in Islip.

This Irish pub, located on Main Street, offers a European pub feel with the exuberance and quality of American cuisine.

Formerly the old Mary Dowling’s, this Celtic prideful pub opened shop in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has been unstoppable ever since. With outside seating available, many locals have been drawn to this spot for its atmosphere, its drinks and, of course, the food.

Appetizers such as the Fire Island Oysters and the Hampton Bay Quesadilla offer a nod to Long Island, while the menu’s “Across the Pond” section sends off traditional Irish cuisine – Shepherd’s Pie and Fish and Chips.

Before stopping in, I decided to do my research online in hopes to find the perfect spot to eat and celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. I was happy to find that Harp & Hound was not only kid-friendly, but had a generous menu selection.

Immediately upon entering the pub, I was drawn to its authentic neighborhood feel, its lively tone and its Irish pride, since I was out to celebrate

the holiday. I entered into a long, spacious bar, filled with countless drink options and a generous selection of beers on tap.

Little did I know what I had stumbled upon.

After ordering appetizers such as the Jumbo Bavarian Pretzel, Bourbon Tempura Shrimp and Irish Dream Roll, I knew this place meant business. I can’t say enough about the freshness of our food, its presentation and the friendliness of the waitstaff. Unsurprisingly, there was a generous crowd of customers, which did not affect the way in which we were served at all.

The Potato Soup was hearty and tasty. My Shrimp and Avocado Wrap came with fresh ingredients, an addicting crunch, and delicious flavor. I did too have the opportunity to taste the Pastrami Reuben, which had all the same qualities. I was advised by another customer to try the Bourbon Sesame Chicken Flatbread, but I had absolutely no room to fit it. Next time, I’ll probably grab it as an appetizer.

This Friday, March 17, Harp & Hound will be hosting its Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration.

Although I probably wouldn’t attend with

children, who’s to say I can’t make it down there on Saturday to celebrate once more!?

Harp and Hound is located at 528 Main Street in Islip and is open seven days a week. For more information, please call (631) 446-4854 or visit their website at theharpandhoundny.com.

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Travel with Peter Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Unlock Your Inner Explorer in Key West

By Peter Chidichimo If you’re looking for a southern getaway from the chilly winter in New York, Key West has a lot to offer. My wife and I first visited Key West on a cruise many years ago, and I remember going parasailing with my daughter. With its warm tropical breezes and casual, inviting atmosphere, we immediately knew we’d be back some day.

The Florida Keys include many popular destinations including Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon and Big Pine Key. Connecting them all is one of America’s most unique scenic car rides, the 110-mile Overseas Highway.

Then there is Key West, the final stop on the Overseas Highway. Key West is the nation’s southernmost city and is closer to Cuba, than Miami. You can also reach Key West from Miami by bus, or board a ferry from Marco Island or Fort Myers.

While the city of Key West is actually an island, the historic center is perfect, if you prefer not to rent a car. At only 4.2 square miles, the historic district, or old city, is ideal for walking or biking. There are also golf carts and scooters, which are popular for rental. All of Key West is accessible to water activities, such as swimming, jet skiing, parasailing, fishing, kayaking and boating.

Key West boasts one the best unobstructed sunsets in the entire country. While sunset cruises are very popular, you can experience it easily on land from sunset pier, where hundreds of visitors pack the waterfront daily around 5:30 p.m.

And, yes, it is outstanding.

When I visited the Shipwreck Museum this week, I learned how the locals earned a living in the 19th century by salvaging shipwrecks, which got into trouble navigating the turbulent Florida straits, while transporting valuable cargo from Europe to New Orleans.

Once the crew and cargo were rescued, the cargo was consigned in warehouses until it could be auctioned off.

At one-point, Key West was the richest city in America, in part due the wealth generated by salvaging.

Prior to the Civil War, Florida seceded from the Union and joined the Confederate States. However, Key West remained under Union control, largely because of the U.S. naval base located here. At the time, Key West was home to a large free black population, which grew during the war as more enslaved black people fled from their masters and came under the relative safety of the Union garrison in Key West.

Today, architecturally rich mansions, built by wealthy business tycoons, have been converted into guest houses and inns with modern swimming pools and lush tropical gardens. One such home belonged to Ernest Hemingway, who

found inspiration for some of his best work here. Hemingway purchased a pre-Civil War mansion on Whitehead Street in the 1930s and lived here for nearly a decade. Today it is a popular tourist site. Playwright Tennessee Williams also lived in Key West for many years and wrote several plays here.

Williams’ former home is now privately owned.

Native-born Key Westers are referred to as “Conchs.” A conch is actually a medium sized snail, which is cooked in soup or as a fritter. Newer residents left their former homes in the north, after falling in love with Key West while visiting. As much as it’s an attraction as a northern escape, beware the summers here, when temperatures can easily soar above a hundred degrees.

Jerry and Judy, shared that this was their tenth time coming to Key West for the month of March. Since they have a large dog, they typically drive down from Buffalo and also spend a month here. Jerry expressed his concern whether climate change will eventually make it too warm to enjoy it here.

It’s an interesting question.

While there are many inns, cottages and hotels in Key West, the rates vary greatly. There is also AirBnb and VBRO, where one can find monthly rentals with varying costs, depending on location, size and amenities, such as a pool. That has worked for us lately, but of course we’re retired so we have the time for the monthly commitment.

One couple that we met on this trip,

While groceries are generally more expensive in Key West compared to Long Island, there are hundreds of restaurants to eat at, ranging from inexpensive taco stands to white linen full-service restaurants. Many of the AirBnb rentals have kitchens or partial kitchens, so it’s easy enough to cook if you prefer that option. My wife and I generally prepare breakfast and lunch in our apartment, while

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach

having dinner out. The choices are as good as New York, including seafood, Mexican, Thai, Italian, Creole, American and much more.

Most places have happy hour from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and some offer half priced appetizers as well.

Aside from hundreds of restaurants, there are museums, art galleries, bakeries, antique shops, bookstores, parks, theaters and much more, all walkable in the old city. There are few fast-food franchises in the old city, however the Wendy’s and Starbucks here easily blend into the local architecture. For medical care, there are several walkin urgent care centers and a medical center for emergencies.

Two years ago, while visiting Key West, I rented a scooter and explored the area, while my wife enjoyed the Butterfly Museum, a very unique experience. Last year I rented a bike for the entire month and used it almost every day. I also booked a jet ski tour and a snorkeling excursion, while my wife went around with Mr. Belvedere, our dachshund, in the pet stroller. This year I hit the Shipwreck Museum Continued on following page

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Travel with Peter Thursday, March 16, 2023

Continued from previous page and have booked a Kayak tour to explore the Mangroves.

My favorite beach here is the one at Zachary Taylor Park. You can rent lounges and umbrellas, and there is a snack stand and restrooms. I love the pine trees which provide shade if you prefer not being in the sun. If you’re from Long Island, you may miss the vigorous surf found on our south shore beaches, but the water is much warmer. This week it was 79 degrees.

MUST SEES IN KEY WEST • Hemingway House and Tour – this is a nice visit and doesn’t take very long. Even if you’re not a fan, he was a very interesting person to say the least • Sunset at sunset pier or book a sunset cruise (may not be worth the money if the sky is hazy) • Truman White House – nice grounds on the waterfront and tour of the home • Conch Train or Old Town Trolly Tour – good ways to experience an overview of the area. You can choose to hop off at any stop and then catch

the next train or trolley to continue the tour. As for pets, these tours only allow service dogs • Lighthouse – climb to the top for a great panoramic view SAFETY FIRST Avoid the hours of 11:00 to 3:00, when the sun is strongest Keep water with you at all times, including water for your pet Use sunscreen and a wide

brimmed hat when outside for any length of time Bring good sneakers or sandals suitable for walking or bike riding For small dogs, a pet stroller is perfect for long walks, and there is storage for water and a water bowl DUVAL STREET In the heart of the old city is Duval St., connecting the Key West Harbor at its northern end, to the Atlantic Ocean at

its southern end, the southernmost point in the continental US. Key West is bursting with vegetation, including the many colorful and fragrant varieties of orchids and other vegetation.

If planning a trip here, I suggest avoiding the summer— it’s simply too warm. American and JetBlue offer direct flights, while other airlines stop in Atlanta or Miami. Some visitors like flying to Miami, then rent a car and come down via the Oversees Highway.

Then you can return the car at the Key West Airport and fly back.

And yet, Key West Airport has no gateways, so all boarding and exiting of jets is performed on the tarmac. The airport is now under renovation, so we had a half hour delay disembarking on this visit.

Like the rest of Florida, many New Yorkers have come to the Keys to make it their permanent home. However, I think it works best as a winter escape.

You won’t have to contend with the brutal summers here, and you can still enjoy the change of seasons on Long Island, not to mention the opportunity to build that occasional snowman now and then.

Author’s note: Last week I wrote about my favorite childhood memories going on vacation with my family. Do you have any favorite childhood travel memories? If so, please send them to me – peteranthony1893@gmail.com

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Sports

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Thursday, March 16, 2023

Continued from previous page

A New Era in Hauppauge!

Girls’ Flag Football Team Prepares to Kick-off its Inaugural Season Mileti is on the youth football board in Hauppauge, he’s hosted clinics, and best of all, his daughter will be playing on the flag football team this season under the coaching of her dad.

The league had great success last year and looks to keep that ball rolling with its expansion this year. The turnout at Hauppauge impressed Coach Mileti.

“We had about 40 girls at the first practice which is pretty overwhelming,” said Mileti. For the first season of play, the team will retain most of the girls that have come out and it’s something Mileti feels good about.

“I’m looking for girls that have good wheels and are very athletic,” said Mileti. “I think I have a great crew and a great selection from what I’ve seen so far.”

The game will have a few different identifiable features than its tackle counterpart. The field is 80 yards long by 40 yards wide, and will be played in two 25 minutes running halves. A first down is rewarded for gaining 20 yards, instead of the usual 10.

Even though Hauppauge is a new kid on the block, Mileti isn’t looking to just go through the motions.

“I told the girls this isn’t an intramural sport,” said Mileti. “We’re going to build work ethic and comradery. We hope to build a family atmosphere and create great young women.”

With already a massive expansion after just one year, it certainly seems that girl’s flag football is not

only here to stay, but is going to be a spring staple for years to come.

Suffolk County is divided into two divisions, East and West. Hauppauge is set to kick off their season March 29 on the road at Harborfields.

The season consists of 10 games and will run until May 12.

The top 4 teams from the East and West will qualify for the playoffs. The winner of that will move on to the Long Island Championship against the Nassau County champion and then after that is Regionals.

On Saturday, March 18, the NFL will be at Hauppauge High School to hold a clinic for all the Suffolk County schools to run drills and help coaches.

It’s not often a new sport comes along for high school kids to participate in, but this is a very exciting new opportunity that everyone seems to be all in on. With all the support, it will only continue to grow— and there’s no telling what else it could lead to.

Caulfield Returns To Flock

Ducks Re-sign Former Washington Nationals Prospect The Long Island Ducks announced the signing of infielder Phil Caulfield. He begins his second season with the Ducks and sixth in professional baseball.

“I am very excited to come back to Long Island,” said Caulfield. “Everyone is looking forward to winning this year and playing in our ballpark in front of our fans. Everyone’s goal is to win a championship, and personally, I can’t wait to be a part of that. I am excited to be a contributor to that in 2023, and there are great things to come.”

Caulfield played in 42 games with the Ducks in 2022 after joining the team midseason. He compiled a .288 batting average with two home runs, 20 RBIs, 33 runs, 49 hits, eight doubles, two triples, 10 stolen bases and a .393 on-base percentage.

The California native reached base safely in each of his first 23 games with the team, posting a .417 OBP during that stretch, and he later put together a 14-game on-base streak. Defensively, Caulfield saw time at second base and shortstop as well as in the outfield, committing just three errors. He began the 2022 season with Tigres de Quintana Roo in the Mexican League, hitting .312 with three homers, 15 RBIs and 12 runs in 22 games.

The 28-year-old began his career in the Washington Nationals organization.

Between 2017-19, he played in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League and in Single-A, combining to hit .246 with five homers and 45 RBIs over 99 games. He then went on to split the 2021 season between the Gary SouthShore RailCats of the American Association as well as the TriCity ValleyCats and New York

The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball. Over 8.5 million fans have enjoyed the Ducks brand of affordable, fun entertainment at Fairfield Properties Ballpark since inception in 2000. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call (631) 940-DUCK (3825).

Boulders of the Frontier League. In 98 games that year, he totaled seven homers, 32 RBIs, 55 runs, 80 hits, 18 doubles, four triples, 15 stolen bases and a .338 OBP. Caulfield was originally selected by the Nationals in the 32nd round of the 2017 amateur draft.

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) Celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season in 2023, the Atlantic League is Major League Baseball’s first Professional Partner League, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 1,200 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 45 million fans to its family-friendly ballparks throughout its 25-year history. Please visit AtlanticLeague.com.

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School Highlights Thursday, March 16, 2023

Three Village Community Celebrates Read Across America Day The Three Village Central School District community came together on March 2 to celebrate reading and literature as part of Read Across America Day. The nationwide celebration is held on Dr. Seuss’ birthday and helps to foster a love for reading across schools and communities.

Minnesauke Elementary School held several “stop, drop and read” times, where students stopped everything they were doing to open a book. These times were announced over the school loudspeakers and encouraged the entire building to participate at once. Additionally, members

of the Stony Brook University Women’s volleyball team visited classrooms for a readaloud. They shared some of their favorite books with students and took time to answer questions about school and their sport.

The celebrations continued at Nassakeag Elementary School where the theater club put on a special performance of songs from the musical, Seussical Jr. Students were excited to honor the many works of Dr. Suess and even wore hats paying tribute to his famous character, the Cat in the Hat.

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SPORTS Thursday, March 16, 2023

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Athletic Feats Across the Island!

A Suffolk School Sports Highlight Medley

By Dylan Flynn

(Left to right) Rich Romeo (NHCA representative), Chris Messina, son Michael Messina, grandson Jacob Messina, assistant coach Dave Smith.

East Islip Sophomore Skater Vanessa Rossa a silver medal at the State Games of America in A New Twist on Field Day Des Moines, Iowa; and a gold medal in the Excel Medals at Empire State Winter Games With flags waving high and school spirits National Festival in Norwood, Massachusetts. worn proud, students (pictured right photo) from East Islip High School sophomore Vanessa Rossa Accompsett Elementary School competed in the Hauppauge Varsity Kickline Makes (pictured above) won a bronze medal competing in school’s Winter Olympics on Thursday, March 9. figure skating in the Juvenile Excel level at the Empire School History at ‘Contest of Champions’ The event took place at Smithtown High School State Winter Games in Lake Placid this weekend.

West and was organized by Accompsett Elementary Hauppauge Varsity Kickline (pictured middle physical education teacher Mr. Ed Shivokevich.

Rossa is also a member of the Skyliners photo) has also recently returned from a successful Intermediate Synchronized Skating Team, Dressed in team colors, the students which competed in the Eastern Sectional trip to Orlando, Florida where they participated participated in team-building activities such as in the ‘Contest of Champions’ National Dance the hurdle race, basketball race, and hula hoop Championship in Norwood, Massachusetts. The Skyliners placed first and qualified to compete in Competition. They placed 3rd in both the High Kick challenge. and Team Open categories. This is the first time the the nationals, to be held in March in The event taught students the importance of team has ever placed in the Team Open category.

Peoria, Illinois. teamwork, collaboration and the importance of Coaches Ana Goodfellow and Cynthia Gingo are physical activity. Accompsett Elementary School Last year, Rossa won an individual gold medal in thrilled with the growth and progress that this team Principal Tim Hellmuth said, “It’s the best night of the Pre-Juvenile Girls Excel level and a bronze medal in synchronized skating as part has made. Their hard work is truly paying off on the the year. A whole lot of fun. It’s nice for the whole of Team Rinx at the Empire State Winter Games; competition stage! family.”

Islanders & Sparky Visit Sachem, Smithtown Schools

By Dylan Flynn The New York Islanders and beloved mascot Sparky (pictured right) taught Chippewa Elementary School students about teamwork and healthy lifestyle choices on Wednesday, March 8. Spirits were high as students at the Sachem district school filled the gymnasium to welcome Sparky.

After Sparky led an interactive warmup, the students participated in an interactive quiz to teach them about healthy choices in and out of school. A student and teacher were selected to be dressed in goalie gear for the teamwork exercise.

The team that worked together the best was named the winner and showed the

crowd how, “teamwork makes the dream work.”

Game On! Skating Pantheons Take on Tackan Sparky made the rounds this week, also visiting Smithtown School District’s Tackan Elementary on Monday, March 13.

Tackan held a loud, fun and informative assembly for their students on this day, where the Islanders mascot and other staff spoke about the importance of smart decision making, healthy eating, staying active and treating others with respect.

The Islanders helped the students to realize why being committed to making smart decisions is important in school and life. Students participated in a variety of warm up activities and morning exercises with the guidance of Sparky.

That was followed up by fun interactive teamwork activities. The students dressed up one individual in goaltender equipment and the team that used the best teamwork was rewarded.

The New York Islanders are a big community organization. On top of making appearances at local schools, they also sponsor the Nassau County High School Hockey League.