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Thursday, December 7, 2023 ~ Volume 136 ~ Issue Number 3 ~ $1.00
Cleaned House: Santos Expelled in Historic Vote By far the most confounding and surprising episode in recent American politics has come to a close: Congressman - now former - George Santos (R-Queens) was expelled from the House of Representatives in a historic vote last Friday. Santos now joins only five other members of Congress to be expelled in history. Three were expelled in 1861 for supporting the Confederacy, one in 1980 for a bribery scandal, and one in 2002 for bribery, racketeering, and corruption charges. Santos is the first and only Republican to have ever been expelled from the House and the first to be expelled without a formal criminal conviction. The series of findings that led to his excommunication plagued him for his entire half-term in the House, with the initial New York Times report last December finding that Santos embellished his education history.
By Matt Meduri Santos is determined to have lied about attending Baruch College in New York and obtaining an MBA from New York University - he appears to have no college education whatsoever. He also lied about his employment with CitiGroup and Goldman Sachs - neither company could corroborate his time with them. Santos also prided himself on his apparent Jewish heritage, which he later recanted by stating that he is Catholic with Jewish descent, making him, in a term that he coined, “Jew-ish.” He also claims that his mother was a collateral casualty of the September 11 attacks in New York, although her 2003 visa application shows she had not been in the United States since 1999. Santos also claimed that his company “lost” four employees in the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, a claim that could also not be verified by several outlets. Continued on page 3
Hauppauge School District Approves Renovation Bond By Kaitlyn Foley The Hauppauge community came together this week to vote on a bond referendum intended to revitalize and improve instructional areas, athletic facilities, and the infrastructure of different buildings in the district. The $58.2 million initiative was passed in an 807-278 vote - nearly a 75%-25% split. The proposition will raise school property taxes by $15 per year for every $100,000 in home value. The result of the vote has come with many celebrations as most of the advancements proposed are extremely necessary and vital to the education of students. These advancements include renovation of the science research room, fitness center, television studio, and pre-production classrooms in the high school, as well as the expansion and renovation of the outdoor courtyard and learning centers of both the middle and high school. The high school, which is over seventy years old, will receive majority of the spending in athletic updates including resurface of track and field event spaces, construction of two multi-purpose turf fields, reconstruction, and expansion of the tennis courts to include pickleball lines, construction of a dek hockey rink, additional parking, upgrade in pool filtration systems. Continued on page 10
FULL STORIES ON:
A Message From Legislator Kennedy Page 15
Managing Holiday Stress Page 21
Smithtown Tree Lighting Page 24
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Cleaned House: Santos Expelled in Historic Vote The Ethics Probe
In addition to the profile of a pathological liar Santos has developed, Congress, namely the House Ethics Committee, has mostly been concerned with his campaign finance disclosures. In addition to overstating his net worth, which he claimed was somewhere between $2.5 million and $11 million, he has also been known for frequently trying to skirt campaign finance laws, according to a consultant who met him during his 2020 campaign. In complaints to the Department of Justice and the Federal Election Commission, the Campaign Legal Center, a non-partisan watchdog that supports enforcement of campaign finance laws, alleged that Santos concealed the sources of his funding for his 2022 campaign, falsified reports on spending, and illegally used campaign funds for personal expenses. The finance claims led law enforcement authorities in Brazil to reopen an investigation into Santos for alleged use of a stolen checkbook in 2008. The trail ran cold for Brazilian authorities as they were unable to locate Santos. He has since admitted his guilt of check fraud in Brazil. Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly (R) announced an additional investigation into Santos’ alleged campaign finance violations. In March, the House Ethics Committee, on which Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) sits, voted to investigate Santos over the allegations of “unlawful activity” during his 2022 campaign. The evenly-split bipartisan Committee voted unanimously to form a subcommittee to investigate those allegations, as well as those of Santos violating federal conflict of interest laws and sexual misconduct. In May, federal prosecutors filed thirteen charges against Santos, including wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and lying to the U.S. House. He was arraigned at the Eastern District Courthouse in Central Islip. A vote to expel him from the House failed to pass. As of October, Santos now faces twenty-three counts, now accusing him of stealing identities of campaign donors and using their credit cards for personal expenditures. The House attempted to expel him again, which failed in a vote of 179-213, as many Republicans deferred to the Ethics Committee. Last month, the House Ethics Committee released their report saying that there is “substantial evidence that Representative Santos violated federal criminal laws.” The report includes over 170,000 pages of documents, financial statements, and witness testimonies. It also alleges that Santos deceived donors regarding his campaign finances and stole from his own campaign. Two staffers have since pleaded guilty to separate charges as they related to their work on the campaign. Santos then announced that he would not seek re-election to the House in 2024, after filing paperwork in the spring. Last week, in a 311-114, the House voted to expel Santos from the chamber. Santos was seen watching the votes being tallied, and upon realizing he would not have the support to retain his seat, he shook hands with several colleagues and left the chamber before the vote was finished.
The Political Calculus for Long Island
All top GOP leaders in the House, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04), voted to keep Santos in Congress. The motion was backed by 105 Republicans, and 206 Democrats, with 112 Republicans and 2 Democrats against. Two Democrats voted “present,” while five Republicans and three Democrats did not vote. Congressman Nick LaLota (R) of the First District and Congressman Anthony D’Espoisto (R-Island Park) voiced their early support for Santos’ removal and voted to expel him each opportunity they were given. Garbarino was reticent on the issue due to his membership of the subcommittee investigating Santos. “With the expulsion of George Santos, Nassau and Queens County residents are one giant step closer to having real representation in the House of Representatives,” said LaLota in a statement. “Today, my colleagues and I set a strong precedent: A Member who lies about everything about themselves to get elected will be expelled so voters can have a chance at a proper election. With George Santos in Washington’s rear-view mirror, it’s time to focus on policy issues like the border and our nation’s debt.” In a separate statement, D’Esposito said: “The expulsion of George Santos has removed a stain from this institution and will allow the residents of New York’s Third Congressional District the opportunity to select a representative who is not engrossed in scandals. I will continue to fight for Long Islanders in Congress and work diligently to ensure a true conservative succeeds Santos.” The Debate Some debate has swirled around the issue of removing Santos from Congress ahead of a formal criminal conviction, with some arguing that a new precedent has been set. Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL-19) argues that “everybody is afforded due process under a law, and not due process under the Ethics Committee.” Donalds has said he finds no fault with the committee. Others, however, including LaLota, believe that a new precedent would have been set by allowing Santos to remain in office, in that a pathological liar can continue to represent constituents who elected him or her under different pretenses while litigation plays out. Such litigation could have continued until the 2024 elections.
The 2022 midterm elections marked a historic year for the New York GOP, as the party managed to sweep all of Long Island’s Congressional districts for the first time since the 1990s. As Congressman Andrew Garbarino retained his Second District seat, Nick LaLota succeeded Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) in the First District. The two open western Long Island seats were filled by George Santos in the Third District and Anthony D’Esposito in the Fourth District. Santos was part of the red wave that flipped the Third District for the Republican Party that year. The district initially stretched from northern Queens to Kings Park, but was redrawn to include just northern Queens and Nassau County. During the redistricting process, the state legislature proposed a lopsided map that gerrymandered the Third District to include parts of Bronx and Westchester counties. The state Supreme Court struck down the map and a more competitive, fairly-drawn map was adopted. Uncertainty continues to swirl around the congressional maps in New York as Democrats are attempting to take another stab at redistricting, asserting that the special master’s map was only temporary for the 2022 cycle. If Democrats do redraw the map to be favorable to the party, and if it’s upheld by the state Supreme Court, the new lines could significantly alter the political calculus for the GOP going into 2024. What makes 2024 markedly different from 2022 is the expected down ballot energy from the presidential race, in which the Democratic nominee is nearly certain to carry New York by a substantial margin. The Special Election Governor Kathy Hochul (D) has set the special election date for February 13, 2024. Voters will not select nominees in a primary, rather the respective parties will select their candidates. Former Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), who represented the Third District, has already declared his candidacy for the seat’s 2024 election. Suozzi vacated the seat in 2022 to run for governor, in which he was defeated in the Democratic Primary by Governor Hochul. The calculus is somewhat complicated, as Hochul and Suozzi’s relationship appears strained after his challenging her for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination last year. Suozzi is largely seen as the best candidate Democrats could select, although former Senator Anna Kaplan (D-Port Washington) is also a declared candidate for the 2024 election. Kaplan was defeated for re-election in 2022 by Jack Martins (R-Great Neck) in the Seventh District. In this realm, Hochul might have to tolerate Suozzi and possibly aid a relatively newfound enemy to victory as Republicans hope a special election is their best bet at retaining newly-red turf in Nassau County. The expulsion vote is also seen as a strategic move to not only improve the party’s chances of retaining the seat - as their chances with a newcomer would be slimmer in a presidential year - but also to gain incumbency over the next year ahead of what might be a gerrymandered map benefitting the Democrats.
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Editorial Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, December 7, 2023
And That, Ladies and Gentlemen, Was George Santos Flickr - Creator: DonkeyHotey
In today’s hyper partisan world, it’s truly an incredible feat when one manages to earn the chagrin of both political parties and most voters. What makes this accomplishment disappointing is that it was done at the expense of voters, their money, and most importantly, their trust - although the money is fairly important in this particular example. Former Congressman George Santos (R-Queens) of the northern Nassau-Queens-based Third District was formally expelled from Congress last Friday, earning him a place among just five other people in U.S. History, three of whom were expelled immediately after the Civil War for their allegiance to the Confederacy. Santos is the first Republican to be expelled from the House. It’s no secret that the political world’s list of grievances with Santos is fairly long and comprehensive. He currently faces twenty-three felonies in the United States, plus a separate charge in Brazil for check fraud. Without beating a dead elephant, his list of alleged offenses include wire fraud, money laundering, public theft, identity theft, and making false claims to the FEC. Further obscuring his ethical tendencies, he lied about his prestigious educational and professional careers while also insinuating his family fled to Brazil to escape the Holocaust. Initially claiming he is Jewish, he later recanted to claim he is “Jew-ish.” The people of the Third District, who trusted him with their votes and support, could easily brand as their “Congressman-ish”, not because he was not their duly elected Representative, but because he misrepresented so much of his resume to his voters and donors alike, that it became increasingly difficult to tell where the embellished and accomplished version of George Santos ended and where the real George Santos began. Much debate has swirled around the necessity of the expulsion vote, while others have advocated for his removal from the House from the beginning, as the first pieces of evidence of his fabrications surfaced around this time last year, before he was sworn in. Some, including Santos himself, say that the constituents of the Third District elected him for his platform and his intentions in the House and that
since other high-ranking elected officials have been intentionally dishonest before - including Joe Biden about his own work history and experiences - why should Santos be the fine line between dishonesty tolerated and dishonesty punished? Furthermore, others have pointed to the poor precedent set by the expulsion vote, in that Santos is also the first member of the House to be expelled without a formal criminal charge - or for supporting the Confederacy. As long as any damning Ethics Committee report is issued, it now stands - according to some - as grounds for expulsion. The vote itself was also swirled in fascinating partisan circles, with the Republican delegation from New York seeking to rid the state party of the dishonesty of Santos to give the Third District a fair shot at electing a genuine candidate. Other Republicans sought to protect one of their own, more for his vote on partisan legislation in a thinly-divided House. Democrats, on the other hand, spared no expense in ridding Republicans of a crucial vote and expediting the likelihood of a highly competitive race to flip the district. However, in the first set of expulsion votes, some Democrats retained their support of expelling the embattled Congressman, as some viewed Santos as the gift that kept on giving. Removing him would be an expedited shot at the New York Republican Party to field a new candidate and improve their chances
of not only retaining the slightly-blue-leaning seat in a presidential year, but also further demonstrate the rightward shift of New York State overall. Keeping Santos as a Congressman would have been Democratic fodder for what might be a tough campaign season in what might also be a brutal Congressional map, assumed to be re-gerrymandered at the hands of the state legislature. But the first argument against expulsion downplays just how serially and comprehensively dishonest Santos was. To allow him to retain his seat would have set an alternative precedent that candidates can say literally whatever they want to ascend to the ranks of powerful committees and legislative bodies, so long as their politics permits it. Now, the Senate should turn to expelling Bob Menendez (D-NJ), a career politician and current Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee whose federal corruption indictments allege he acted as a foreign agent. Everyone’s favorite casually-dressed Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) appeared to come down with “Broken Clock” Syndrome as he taunted Menendez online with imagery of Santos, essentially addressing the elephant – or donkey – in the Upper Chamber. Speaking of Fetterman, Republicans rightfully lambasted recent Senate procedural changes to allow casual clothing - à la Fetterman and his trademark hoodies and basketball shorts - in favor of demanding suits and business casual attire at the least. Allowing Santos to retain his seat would have set a similar precedent not just for the House, but for Congress overall, lessening required decorum to nothing more than a worn-out hoodie of integrity on the same floor on which the very fabric of our country has been woven generation after generation. With the confusing, captivating, unprecedented - and frankly, entertaining - episode in American politics that was George Santos behind us, New York Republicans can get back on track of pulling this state back towards a semblance of common sense and good governance, something we here at The Messenger hope will be on full display in this winter’s special election for the Third District.
NYC’s Congestion Pricing is the Ultimate ‘While We’re at It’ Tax New Yorkers regularly spare no expense in notifying the rest of the country, and especially each other, just how expensive it is to live here. In fact, if we weren’t suffering right along with the rest of the state, we’d almost think it was a bragging contest. Unfortunately, there’s nothing to brag about when it costs nationally-high figures to just get by in a place you call home. It gets even worse when our elected officials and various groups and boards enthusiastically lobby for one regressive tax after another, continually signifying that they are simply out of touch with the rest of the state. The long-discussed and controversial-from-the-beginning New York City congestion pricing plan has officially been approved by the board of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). In a 9-1 vote, the board approved a plan that imposes a $15 base fare for cars entering Manhattan south of 60th Street. The plan also includes a $7.50 fare for motorcycles, a $24 fare for small trucks and a $36 fare for large trucks, while some vehicles will receive exemptions, such as city buses and yellow cabs. The lone board member who voted against the plan was David Mack of Nassau County, who said he thinks it is “just an added burden.” The Traffic Mobility Board believes that congested roadways are only another cost passed onto businesses as part of their bottom line. Governor Hochul has voiced her support for the initiative, stating that congestion pricing will lead to “cleaner air, better transit, and less gridlock.” While we’re not opposed to finding creative solutions to lessening high road congestion and the associated cost of doing business, we are against yet another tax on citizens in one of the most taxed places to live already. Furthermore, it’s another camera pointed at people every time they leave their houses, already substantiated by red light cameras, school bus cameras, and work zone speed cameras. We’re not against creative solutions, we’re against constant surveillance and compounding
taxes that further hold struggling citizens underwater. Additionally, it’s bad enough that the state feels the need to constantly monitor its own citizens, but New York City doesn’t exactly have any marketable alternatives to driving. The subways are a constant death zone, chock full of random stabbings and platform shovings, so much so that Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) held a press conference at nearly every subway station that experienced such an attack during last year’s gubernatorial campaign. Hochul’s words to him and others who commented on the spiraling crime issue: “Stop fear mongering, you’re a ‘data denier.’” The streets are dirtier than they have been in years and the rising crime rate only leads people to feel safer in their vehicles than on foot. The cold weather won’t bring a notable increase in foot traffic and the ongoing migrant crisis sees more and more immigrants camped outside of hotels, rec centers, and even schools. The congestion tax forces New Yorkers into an uncomfortable corner, especially when the city needs commerce and economic stimulus. If dissuading people from traveling into parts of the city is the modus operandi of the governor and the MTA Board, then they might not be thinking the whole revenue stream through. Additionally, the plan seems short-sighted in that traffic must go somewhere. If people don’t flock from their cars to subways, buses, or the sidewalks, traffic will balloon elsewhere. It’s one of the largest cities in the world; there will be traffic. If trying to tax ourselves into prosperity is like standing inside a bucket and trying to lift ourselves up by the handle, taxing the traffic away to ease congestion or more or less the same thing. Except with another tax slapped on New Yorkers, it’s like putting a hat on a hat, as if to say “While we’re at it, we’ll tax you for driving in a car you already pay taxes on, to drive on roads you already pay taxes to maintain - that often aren’t - to drive to or from a home you are taxed astronomically to live in.”
Op-Ed Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, December 7, 2023
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The Newsom-DeSantis Debate Was Over Before It Started By Will Swaim | California Policy Center - The Center Square The Thursday night debate between California Governor Gavin Newsom and Florida’s Ron DeSantis was over before the Klieg lights went up. The facts of California’s decline are evident to everyone but the most disingenuous. As the old saying goes, “Facts is facts,” and on the facts, DeSantis had the debate won by Wednesday. All that was left was the theater: Would Newsom win on debate tactics, quips and good looks? He would not. The end came long before First Partner Jennifer SeibelNewsom threw in the towel, killing the adrenalized Newsom’s protest that he could go on all night like this. The end came in Newsom’s response — or rather non-response — to Fox News moderator Sean Hannity’s first question: Why are record numbers of Californians leaving the state? DeSantis offered a catalogue of incentives for Californians to leave a state of staggering wealth and beauty — high crime, taxes, rampant homelessness, the excessive Covid lockdown, high fuel prices and low electricity output. Newsom had no answer on the exodus, appearing to hope that no one would notice if he offered instead a list of California’s many fine attributes — did you know we have a bumper crop of Nobel Prize winners and a powerful tech industry? But that hardly explains why huge numbers of Californians are rushing into UHaul stores. So, Hannity politely pressed Newsom — three times! — for a direct answer, and when none was forthcoming, observed, “I have asked you why Californians are leaving. You don’t want to answer, so we’ll move on.” It went on like that. When Hannity pointed out that California’s education spending outpaces Florida’s, but that Florida produces better student outcomes, Newsom offered a long list of “plans” for future spending and tried to turn the conversation to (what he called) DeSantis’s “book-banning binge.” Newsom’s alliteration is terrific, but in a fascinating portent of future debates (in which pictures will beat mere ideas), DeSantis just happened to have a photocopy of a very graphic page from the graphic novel Gender Queer: A Memoir — a book that’s available in California school libraries but which Fox could not allow to appear more than an instant before politely directing cameras to pan away in favor of a long shot. When the conversation turned to energy, Newsom blamed Big Oil for high gasoline prices; DeSantis rightly cited California’s highest-in-the-nation gas taxes and extreme regulations. When Newsom tried to argue that California is a global leader in “clean energy,” DeSantis fired back, pointing out the irony of a governor who would mandate electric vehicles for everyone and then beg their owners not to recharge them — because that could bring down the entire western-states grid. When Hannity pointed out that the CDC has concluded that Covid death rates were about the same in Florida and California, Newsom denied the science; that left DeSantis to explain that if the death rates were roughly the same, Newsom’s Stalinist lockdown order was a loser — damaging the state economy, wrecking public education and childhood mental health, and accelerating the California exodus. When DeSantis turned up the heat on Los Angeles and San Francisco — crime, open-air drug use and sex, metastasizing homelessness, a fire that just weeks ago burned down a section of the Santa Monica Freeway — Newsom went full Bette Davis. He was outraged, Newsom said, just disgusted that DeSantis would attack these great world cities. He would not tolerate that — nor would he stand by as DeSantis apparently mispronounced “Kamala” Harris. “Shame on you,” Newsom said. “That’s Madam Vice President, to you, Ron. Stop insulting her.” But standing by was what Newsom did best last night. Having never faced real reporters who ask tough questions, he was like a housecat released into a pack of California coyotes — trapped by undeniable, terrible data and confronted by an adversary who has been punched in the face 10,000 times by
the toughest punchers in the world — from Donald Trump and an unfriendly media to the global corporate-university-entertainment-bureaucratic-scientific industrial complex. Newsom is a machine politician from a uni-party state with a friendly media. And it’s the friendly media response that signals who won the debate. The Sacramento Bee editorial board cock-a-doodled, “Host Sean Hannity and Fox News executives set up the questions for issues that painted California, and by extension Newsom, in the worst way. Given that he had to play defense throughout, Newsom carried himself well, calling out hypocrisy and inaction by DeSantis and Republicans.” Imagine: Reporters who hold themselves out as courageous for their willingness to “speak truth to power,” “to afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted” are offended because a moderator put their favorite on defense. The horror! There was another related but more ironic theme in this morning’s debate coverage. Politico and others noted that the Newsom camp has declared that the fix was in — that Newsom’s poor performance came only because Fox, Hannity and DeSantis “cheated.” Winners don’t whine about “cheating.” You can imagine the media furor if Donald Trump had offered a similar defense of his poor performance. Make no mistake: the purpose of the debate is not merely to determine who will occupy the White House in 2024. Nor was this a setup for 2028. It was, in fact, a tale of two states — one in which powerful government unions finance the campaigns of feckless politicians who, once in office, return the favor with more and more money and privilege. That legal corruption leaves working Californians — immigrants, the poor and indigent, and blue-collar and middle-class families — in the cold. They were always props for Newsom and his performative fellows. Many post-debate reviews offered to cut the baby in half. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Emily Hoeven declared the real winner “unhinged male rage.” Mark Barabak, her counterpart at the Los Angeles Times, concluded, “It was heat and not much light in Newsom-DeSantis debate.” And Hannity did lose control. The two men talked over one another so regularly and at such length that Hannity seemed at one moment to ask a producer to kill the mics before saying more clearly, “Gentlemen, no one can hear you.” The debater’s tactic — of silencing your adversary via simultaneous monologuing — meant many viewers may have lost the key distinction between DeSantis’s conservative philosophy and Newsom’s progressive model. That moment came as the pair debated the ultimate authority of parents over their children — even in the classroom. Newsom asserted that California so honors the rights of parents that those rights are enshrined in the state constitution, under the Local Control Funding Formula. But that statute is neither part of the state’s ever-expanding constitution, nor does it enhance parental authority over children. DeSantis chose a related issue to make his point — Newsom’s signing of state Senator Scott Wiener’s SB 107. That law allows trans kids running away from other states to stay in California, and it prohibits state officials from cooperating with parents or officials in other states to return those children to their homes. It’s as if San Francisco’s Summer of Love was turned into state law. Newsom couldn’t take it. As DeSantis explained the barbarity of kidnapping children from other states, Newsom chattered helplessly alongside him. It took me three rewinds to determine what Newsom was saying: “You know what, Ron? These kids just want to live. These kids just want to survive. They just want to survive.” And it took a careful listener to hear DeSantis make the evening’s key philosophical declaration: “Who are you to decide that for these families?” There’s an answer to that question: Newsom is the guy who, operating in the insular world of California politics, has paid no price for overpromising and under-delivering. Until now. Will Swaim is president of the California Policy Center
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Community Matters Thursday, December 7, 2023
EJs PJs Keeping It Cozy!
By Diane Caudullo
An amazing success of an event for EJs PJs this week! The charity was started in 2011 and led annually by Trish Poggi (pictured right) and her three sons, Edward, Jeremy, and Patrick. Now, a few more key community people have come alongside Trish and her boys to make this simple pursuit to provide as many kids as possible with cozy pajamas into the phenomenon that it is.
All over Suffolk County, you will see signs and collection boxes for pajamas to be donated knowing they will make it to some deserving young person who may not have good pajamas otherwise. From Starbucks, to restaurants, to elected officials to right here at The Messenger office, collection boxes can be found everywhere. And at the main event of the year, graciously hosted at Connect Church, where those collection boxes all come together, as well as hundreds of people parading through bringing armfulls more, it really is a sight to be seen. They anticipate bringing in thousands of pairs of pajamas this year. To follow along as they count and distribute or to donate a pair or more visit ejspjspajamadrive.com.
Pastor Hank Kistler and family of Connect Church.
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Organizers Megha Verma (left) and June Callender (right).
This Week Today Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
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Thursday, December 7, 2023
National, State and Local Temperature Checks By Matt Meduri
National
Credit - United States Senate Credit - United States Senate
In the wake of the historic expulsion of former Congressman George Santos (R-Queens), another expulsion-worthy scandal may be reaching its denouement in the other chamber of Congress. Senator Bob Menendez (DNJ) (pictured right) is no stranger to corruption charges and investigations on Capitol Hill. In 2015, he was indicted on federal corruption charges but due to a hung jury, the charges were dropped in 2018. The Senate Ethics Committee “severely admonished” Menendez for accepting gifts from Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen, who was later charged with massive Medicare fraud. The 2018 legal battles contributed to a closer-than-expected Senate race for Menendez that year, although, due to the blue wave of 2018, he fended off his opponent Bob Hugin (R) by a decent margin. Now, Menendez faces more severe and apparent charges that continue to metastasize into what some guess might be the end of his political career. Earlier this autumn, Menendez was indicted again for allegedly accepting expensive gifts in exchange for contracts and favors. This time, however, instead of accepting gifts from a Florida retinologist in exchange for the help of federal agencies, his alleged corruption involves fraternization with the Egyptian government. He and his wife, Nadine, were charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and conspiracy to commit extortion. The charges alleged that Menendez and his wife accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for aiding the Egyptian government by providing sensitive U.S. information. Menendez, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, says that he withheld military aid and directly pressured officials over Egypt’s human rights abuses. The indictment, however, accuses him of ghost-writing a letter to Egyptian officials, leveraging lifts on arms trade restrictions in exchange for bribes. Federal prosecutors obtained from his Bergen County home envelopes of cash totalling $480,000, gold bars, a luxury car, and other forms of alleged payment. The anthology now deepens as some of the gold bars extricated from his home appear to have been stolen. Four of the thirteen gold bars recovered from the home - all together totalling over $100,000 in value - are linked via stamped serial numbers to Fred Daibes, a New Jersey businessman who is now accused of bribing Menendez. The 2013 robbery case shows that Daibes was the victim of an armed robbery, reporting losses of $500,000 in cash and
twenty-two gold bars. He signed “property release forms,” certifying that the gold bars belonged to him. Two of the bars were recovered from the Menendez home, while photos of two others were found on Menendez’s wife’s phone. The FBI believes Nadine Menendez gave the bars to a jeweler to be sold. The FBI says that the quid pro quo between Daibes and Menendez materialized in the form of Menendez attempting to influence the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s office, which, in 2018, was investigating Daibes for bank fraud. According to police reports, the four people who robbed Daibes were all caught and pleaded guilty, while the stolen property was returned to Daibes. This reestablishes the possibility of transaction of the gold bars between Daibes and Menendez. Both men claim their innocence and that they will eventually be exonerated. Menendez initially said to the large sums of gold and cash found in his home in September that he keeps such large amounts in his home “for emergencies and because of the history of my family facing confiscation in Cuba.” Calls for Menendez to resign date back to the September indictment. While Senate procedure usually follows that a sitting chair of a committee must step down from that position upon indictment, procedure does not typically require a resignation from the Senate overall. Menendez has stepped down as chair of the Foreign Relations Committee and was succeeded by Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD). Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) (pictured left) has taken the prerogative of taunting Menendez online and calling for his removal from the Senate. He discussed his thoughts during a recent appearance on The View. When questioned on the George Santos expulsion, Fetterman instead focused on his colleague. “We have a colleague in the Senate that’s actually done much more sinister and serious kinds of things, Senator Menendez,” said Fetterman. “He needs to go. If you are going to expel Santos, how can you allow somebody like Menendez to remain in the Senate? Santos’ lies were almost kind of funny. He landed on the moon and that kind of stuff. Menendez is really a Senator for Egypt, not New Jersey. So, I really think he needs to go, especially since it’s kind of strange that Santos is not allowed to remain in the House.” Fetterman also introduced a resolution last month to bar incumbent Senators charged with “certain criminal offenses from receiving classified information.” Menendez had received a classified briefing on the situation in Ukraine. Menendez responded to Fetterman’s words: “Mr. Fetterman appears to think he’s judge, jury, and executioner,” said Menendez. “The junior senator from Pennsylvania seems to be more interested in clickbait than justice. He cannot say he stands for core constitutional principles of due process and the presumption of innocence when he is actively
working to undermine my rights. I’m confident when all the facts are presented, I will be exonerated and the senator will have to eat his words.” The Constitution gives the Senate power to expel members with a two-thirds majority vote, similar to the power afforded to the U.S. House. Only fifteen Senators have been expelled in history, eleven of whom were expelled in 1861 for supporting the Confederacy. Expulsion has not occurred since 1912, when William Lorimer (R-IL) was expelled three years after his election for using corrupt methods and practices, including bribery, to get elected. State Governor Kathy Hochul (D) has stepped back from her controversial plan to overrule local zoning to meet State housing demands. She has acknowledged that the plan should not be in contention when state lawmakers will be on the ballot in 2024. “I’ll work with [the Legislature], but I also have so many priorities, I’m not going to head down the same path we did last year with the exact same plan, in a year that is an election year for members,” she said, according to City & State. Hochul attempted to earn the legislature’s support for her housing plan, which would have built 800,000 new homes and affordable housing across the state over the next decade. Long Island was set to see the bulk of that growth, as the agenda required Long Island to increase its housing by 3% over threeyear cycles, while Upstate New York was required to grow its housing supply by 1% over three-year cycles. Local Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) of the Second District has spearheaded a renewed effort to allow the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to cover hot food. Garbarino, with a bipartisan slate of legislators, sent a letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees urging them to take up their Hot Food Act as part of the upcoming Farm Bill. “Since its enactment 60 years ago, SNAP has prohibited the purchase of hot foods,” said the lawmakers in their letter. “While this restriction may have made sense in the 1970s, when most families were cooking their meals at home, it is no longer an accurate reflection of American families’ dietary or lifestyle needs. During natural disasters, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service grants waivers to affected counties so that SNAP participants can use their benefits to purchase hot foods when they are unable to prepare food at home. Such waivers demonstrate that the restriction on hot foods is an unnecessary red tape of business owners, program administrators, and American families.” Congressman Garbarino said of the introduction of the Hot Foods Act last May: “Right now, a working mom struggling to feed her family is permitted to purchase a cold sandwich for her kids using SNAP benefits but prohibited from buying soup or a rotisserie chicken to ensure they get a hot meal. It makes little sense to continue to impose an arbitrary and outdated restriction on the use of SNAP benefits to purchase hot foods when the ability to do so could make a significant difference to so many families.”
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Around Town Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Continued from front cover
Hauppauge School District Approves Renovation Bond
By Kaitlyn Foley
The voter-approved spending will also allow for much needed field access improvements, including a new pedestrian entrance, vehicle access road, and ADAaccessible paths to all high school facilities. These improvements and additions will allow for students and families with disabilities to enter and participate safely in all activities the high school hosts. “This is a great night for the students, their families, and the entire Hauppauge community,” said school-board President David Barshay, in a statement released as supporters celebrated the win at the district’s Whiporwil headquarters. The middle school will also receive some much-needed renovations and improvements in their athletic courts, track and field areas, and ADA-approved walking loop path to all middle school facilities. The construction of an outdoor bathroom building will also aid in the array of outdoor sports hosted on the middle school fields. This bond referendum was announced in October, enlisting excitement by the community through public meetings held between October 19 and November 29. PTA members and other community groups came together to ensure public knowledge and answer questions. “Our district continues to focus on the success of all of our students as we work to achieve our mission of helping today’s learners become tomorrow’s leaders,” said Superintendent of School Donald Murphy in a statement. School bonds are used with the intention
of spreading costs over an extended period of time, preventing the annual tax impact on the community from increasing exponentially at one time, also minimizing the use of NYS Building Aid. “The school district pays off its bonds on average in 15-20 years. The retiring debt presents an optimal opportunity for this project to be considered,” said Hauppauge School District in a statement sent out to the public. “The bond would cost approximately $15/year for every $100,000 in home value based on current tax and equalization rates.” In an online statement, Superintendent Murphy said: “The proposed $58.2 million District Bond Referendum was approved with an impressive 74% of majority vote! We now turn our attention to the work ahead, with a goal of updating the community on our progress through each phase of the bond project over the next three years. Please stay tuned for ParentSquare messages, and look for additional information on our dedicated website: https://tinyurl.com/ HauppaugeBond. Within the site, you will also find a list of our bond subcommittee members who have volunteered to support the district in the days ahead. We are most grateful for their time and vested interest in this comprehensive district-wide improvement plan. Once again, a most sincere ‘Thank you!’ to the Hauppauge community for your unwavering support as we strive to improve our incredible school district so that our students may thrive and reach their full potential.”
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TH
RIGHT ON MAIN STREET
RIGHT ON GARVEY DR
RIGHT ON MELODY LN
RIGHT ON SINGER LN
RIGHT ON S. PLAISTED AVE
RIGHT ON MEADOW RD
LEFT ON RTE 111
LEFT ON SATURN BLVD
LEFT ON PINE ACRE
LEFT ON MAIN STREET
RIGHT ON SEQUOIA DR
RIGHT ON DILMONT DR
RIGHT ON RTE 347
LEFT ON MEADOW RD LEFT ON JERICHO TPKE
4:15* - RIGHT ON REDWOOD LN 5:45* - RIGHT INTO MEAT FARMS
SMITHTOWN
2023
F I R E D E PA RT M E NT D E D I CAT E D TO T H E M E M O RY O F C H A R L E S E . H . L AU B E R J R . WH O L E F T U S I N T H E L I N E O F D UTY
RIGHT ON EDGEWOOD AVE
LEFT ONTO MT PLEASANT RD
LEFT ON EVERIT PL
LEFT ON TWIX HILLS RD
LEFT ON CROSS STREET
LEFT ON ECKERNKAMP DR
FOLLOW TO DENISE CT
LEFT ON STERLING LN
RIGHT ON N. INGELORE CT
RIGHT ON GLENRICH DRIVE
LEFT ON SHERBROOKE DR
RIGHT ON RIVER HEIGHTS DR
OVER EDGEWOOD AVE
RIGHT ON RTE 111
LEFT ON NEIL DR
RIGHT ON HARTSDALE ST
LEFT ON MAPLE AVE
RIGHT ON OAKSIDE DR
RIGHT ON BORRELL CT
RIGHT ON LAWRENCE AVE
LEFT ON BURHAM DR
RIGHT ON GRILL DR
LEFT ON ELM AVE
LEFT ON ROSE ST
RIGHT ON EDGEWOOD AVE
LEFT ON MAIN STREET
LEFT ON ST. NICHOLAS AVE
RIGHT ON 25A
LEFT AT BULL ON JERICHO
LEFT ON 25A
RIGHT ON ARON STREET
RIGHT ON MOREWOOD DR
RIGHT ON DERBY PL
LEFT ON HURTIN BLVD
RIGHT ON PLYMOUTH BLVD
LEFT ON SHERYL CRESCENT
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RIGHT ON PARNELL DR
RIGHT ON WINSLOW LN
LEFT ON 25A
RIGHT ON MOREWOOD DR
RIGHT ON HIAWATHA LN
RIGHT ON EAST HILL GATE
RIGHT ON TALBOT LN
RIGHT ON DERBY PL
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LEFT ON GREENWICH RD
RIGHT ON 25A
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RIGHT ON 25A
RIGHT ON LEHIGH DRIVE
LEFT ON CHARTER LN
LEFT ON 25
LEFT ON HOWELL DRIVE
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RIGHT ON BROOKSITE DR
LEFT ON EAST HILL DRIVE
RIGHT ON STACEY LN
RIGHT ON MARK DR
LEFT ON 50 ACRE RD SOUTH
LEFT ON LESLIE LN
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LEFT ON HOFSTRA DR
RIGHT ON MIKE LN
LEFT ON CYGNET DR
LEFT ON EAST HILL DR
LEFT ON VILLA LN
RIGHT ON BROOKSITE DR
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LEFT ON BROOK LN
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RIGHT ON 25
LEFT ON HILL LN
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RIGHT ON FOREST LN E.
OVER 347
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OVER BROOKSITE DR RIGHT ON MERRIVALE DR
RIGHT ON GILBERT AVE 7:15* - SMITHTOWN H.S. WEST
LEFT ON ABERDEEN RD
LEFT ON CORTLAND ROW
RIGHT ON PLYMOUTH BLVD
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RIGHT ON TOWNLINE RD
RIGHT ON JILL COURT
RIGHT ON MT. PLEASANT RD
RIGHT ON FLEETWOOD RD
RIGHT ON BOW DR
RIGHT ON TIMBER RIDGE DR
LEFT ON RAINBOW DR
LEFT ON EASTWOOD PLACE
LEFT ON MT PLEASANT DR
RIGHT ON ANNANDALE DR
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COOKIES WITH SANTA AT THE MAIN FIRE HOUSE ON ELM AVENUE
LEFT ON MERRIVALE DR LEFT ON BROOKSITE DR RIGHT ON BROOK LN RIGHT ON MAPLE AVE RIGHT ON ROUTE 111 OVER ROUTE 347 RIGHT ON TOWNLINE RD LEFT INTO HAUPPAUGE FD RIGHT ON TOWNLINE RD LEFT ON ROUTE 111 LEFT ON MAIN STREET LEFT ON ELM AVE END
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A PPR OVA L FO R D I ST R I B UT I O N TO T H E S E M AT E R I A LS I S N OT A N E N D O R S E M E N T O F S U C H S E R VI C E S , ACT IVI T I E S , A N D/O R PR O D U CTS BY T H E S M I T H TOWN S C H O O L D I ST R I CT.
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LEFT ON LANDING AVE
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Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, December 7, 2023
Holiday
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School Highlights Thursday, December 7, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Smithtown HS Science Students Visited by Suffolk County Police Department Chief Medical Examiner
High School students in the Project Lead The Way biomedical science pathway in Smithtown Central School District received a firsthand look at what it’s like to be a forensic pathologist when they were visited by Dr. Amy Rapkiewicz, deputy chief medical examiner for the Suffolk County Police Department, on November 29. Dr. Rapkiewicz led students through a “virtual autopsy” and toxicology reports to determine the cause of death of various patients. She also discussed how the manner of death is determined on the death certificate. “When we’re filling out death certificates, we’re really trying to be an accurate storyteller,” Dr. Rapkiewicz explained.
Students asked questions such as “How do you maintain good mental health in such a difficult profession?” and “Do you follow the cases if they go to court to see what the verdict was?” In response to students asking about the most common causes of death in Suffolk County, Dr. Rapkiewicz said that approximately 35% were due to cocaine and fentanyl drug overdoses. The educational pathway to becoming a forensic pathologist as well as potential pathways to careers that work in collaboration with the medical examiner were discussed.
Smithtown High School East Student Places Second in National Science Illustrated Poem Contest
Smithtown High School East student Jolene Cao has won Second Place in the National American Chemical Society Illustrated Poem Contest. In celebration of National Chemistry Week, the American Chemical Society sponsored an Illustrated Poem Contest. In forty words or less, contestants were challenged to write an illustrated poem centered on the theme of “The Healing Power of Chemistry.” Entries were judged on the quality of their poem, the imagery of their artwork and the creativity of their overall submission. Jolene crafted a submission due to her passion for the subject of chemistry. She single-handedly created a Chem Club at East, and she strives to spread the wonders of chemistry to her peers. According to Ms. Maria Zeitlin, the East ThINK Discovery Research coordinator, “Chemistry is the central science. From polymers to drug delivery, we owe many of our modern healthcare marvels to the wonders of chemistry.” For her victory, Jolene will receive $150.
School Highlights Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, December 7, 2023
13 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Student Mitchell Barker, of Kings Park High School, has been named a Commended Student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2024 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2024 competition by taking the 2022 preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT®). They have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success. We at Kings Park High School would like to congratulate Mitchell, along with his family, for this recognition. We wish Mitchell well in all his future endeavors!
Commack High School Freshman Bowls Back-to-Back Perfect Games Commack High School ninth grader, Luke Jovans, is Commack’s first bowler to ever roll back-toback 300 games during Commack Boys’ Bowling match against Northport High School at Larkfield Lanes on Tuesday, November 21. This was the team’s first match of the season. Luke’s first game was 219, giving him a three-game series of 819 pins. He will also be one of a handful of bowlers in Section XI this season that will bowl over 800 pins in a match. “There were six teams bowling at Larkfield Lanes for three separate matches,” said Bowling Coach Brian Gasser “Everyone stopped to watch Luke roll his last few shots. When he made his last strike, the place went crazy. Luke was under a lot of pressure and performed at the highest level. It was exciting to see!”
History
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Thursday, December 7, 2023
America the Beautiful: How History Shapes our Electorate Montana - The Treasure State
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
This is the forty-second 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 Although a part of the mostly Republican Mountain West today, Montana’s Populist ancestry gives it a completely unique profile not only in the Rockies, but in the country at large. Early History - The Treasure State Montana was included in the 1803 Louisiana Purchase and was subsequently explored by the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Early military presence led to some of the first permanent settlements in the state. Fort Benton was established in 1847 as a fur trading post, Fort Ellis was a crucial station during the Great Sioux War of 1867-1877 - and as a base of operations for early expeditions into Yellowstone National Park - and Fort shaw was established in 1867 with officer barracks, a hospital, and trading post. The Montana Territory was established in 1864 after a gold rush to the western part of the state two years prior. Western Montana then gave birth to the true “Old West” identity, with bands of outlaws dueling with sheriffs and dealing vigilante frontier justice. Not only did gold spark early population booms in the state, but discoveries of silver and copper later made western Montana into a mining capital. The city of Butte earned the title of “The Richest Hill on Earth” for its world-ranking production of copper. The state’s veins of silver and gold earned it its nickname “The Treasure State.” While mining did not fall off entirely in Montana, the inroads made because of the mining boom blazed the trails of the railroad, oil, and logging industries. Today, many ghost towns, mine shafts, and pits still exist as a relic of the state’s early history. Montana was admitted as the forty-first state on November 8, 1889, less than a week after North and South Dakota were admitted. Consequential to Montana’s history were also the battles with the Native Americans, mostly notably in the form of the Battle of Little Bighorn. Also known as General Custer’s Last Stand, the Battle was a humiliating defeat of the U.S. Cavalry in southeast Montana and prompted further incursions against the Native population. The site of the battlefield is home to a memorial obelisk for both armies and Big Horn County is home to the Crow Indian Reservation. Industrialization A Democratic Backbone of the Rockies Montana was settled by railroads and the federal grants that backed them. The rest of the land was given to homesteaders. The Northern Pacific Railroad helped turn land initially deemed “worthless” into areas of agricultural interest. The Railroad also helped market the beauty of Yellowstone, establishing a vibrant tourism industry in the state as early as the 1900s. Since Montana epitomized frontier life, land ownership and ranch operation was rare among single men, as the needs of survival and marketability on the frontier required a two-person household. As such, women’s suffrage became a prominent issue early in Montana’s history. A suffrage amendment was passed by the state legislature in 1914, spearheaded mostly by national groups and the help of Jeannette Rankin (R). Rankin
was the first woman to hold federal office in U.S. history, winning one term to the House in 1916 and another in 1940. She is the sole member of Congress to have voted against American entry into both World Wars, as well as the declaration of war against Japan following the Pearl Harbor attacks. Rankin remains the last and only woman to be elected to Montana’s Congressional delegation. In addition to Rankin, Montana has also produced some highly notable figures in American politics, such as Senator Mike Mansfield (D). Crucial in the implementation of Johnson’s Great Society and civil rights bills, Mansfield is the longest-served Majority Leader in history, serving from 1961 to 1977. Politically, Montana started its profile out as a swing state and flirted with the Democratic Party more than its Great Plains and Rocky Mountain neighbors. Of the thirty-three elections in which Montana has participated, it has voted Democratic eleven times, with the majority of those elections taking place before 1950. Upon its admission, a clear divide between agricultural east and mining west took shape, with Republicans winning the former and Democrats winning the latter. With Populist and mining roots, Montana was a clear fit for William Jennings Bryan’s (D-NE) Free Silver-Democratic fusion ticket in 1896. Unlike its neighbors, however, Bryan would retain Montana in 1900, as the population center situated in the western third of the state was too much for the sparsely-populated eastern two thirds to overcome. Republicans would rack up a couple wins before Woodrow Wilson (D-NJ) took the state in a four-way race in 1912, with many counties going to Theodore Roosevelt’s (R-NY) third-party run on the Progressive ticket. Republicans would dominate the elections of the 1920s, but Franklin Roosevelt (D-NY) would win the state in all four of his elections from 1932 to 1944, owing again to Montana’s lopsided mining and union populations, who fit nicely into the New Deal coalition of voters. Despite being such a heavily unionized state, Montana is one of few Republicanleaning states that lack right to work laws. Roosevelt’s win in 1936 marks the only time any candidate has swept all fifty-six counties in the state. Montana was substantially bluer during this era than its Western and Midwestern counterparts. Montana would back Lyndon Johnson (D-TX) in his 1964 landslide, but Democrats would lose their top-of-the-ticket strength and find more success down ballot on the local level. Geography - Two Montanas Montana’s political geography can easily be summarized by its two Congressional districts. Montana lost its second district in 1992 but gained it back in 2021 due to population gains.
1. First Congressional District: The western third of the state; encompasses the bluer parts of the state, its ancestral working-class mining population, and its largest cities. Home to blue-leaning counties of Gallatin (Bozeman), Missoula (Missoula), Flathead (Kalispell), and Silver Bow (Butte). Missoula holds the University of Montana and usually gives Democrats their best margins - Biden won with 60% of the vote here in 2020. The district is red-leaning overall but gives Democrats an outside chance to win this seat in the House. Montana has not sent a Democrat to the U.S. House since 1993. Because of its ancestral mining history, the district still holds some working-class blue dog energy, although much of that has subsided in recent years. 2. Second Congressional District: The eastern two-thirds of the state. Home to the counties of Yellowstone (Billings), Lewis and Clark (Helena, the capital), and Cascade (Great Falls). This district is solidly Republican, owing to its agricultural roots, which nationally rejected many Democratic Party policies. Current Political Leanings - A True Anomaly Montana continues to be one of the most idiosyncratic and unique states on the political spectrum. With somewhat blueleaning cities that are not completely progressive, with staunchly Republican rural areas with Democratic ancestry, and an allaround Populist/Progressive heritage, Montana is truly one of a kind when it comes to partisanship and elections. While Democrats do lose consistently here, they rarely get blown out of the water, but that was not always the case. Unlike its neighbors, Montana last voted for the Democratic candidate in 1992 - Bill Clinton (D-AR). It has since voted Republican by large margins, but the political world was shocked when John McCain (R-AZ) only registered a paltry 2% margin of victory. Mitt Romney (R-UT) would return it to the Republican fold, but not by margins of GOP past. Donald Trump (R-NY) trounced Clinton here in 2016 and won by a considerable margin against Biden in 2020. Since 1976, Montana has had a unique penchant for swinging against the incumbent President, meaning a President who runs for re-election tends to fare worse in Montana than in his first election. This makes Montana an interesting bellwether for national moods on presidential performance. While not necessarily accurate of true approval ratings, it does mean that retail politics and deliverance on policy have outweighed influence in the Treasure State. Although Democrats struggle at the top of the ticket, they have had no shortage of victories throughout the twentieth century even until today. Despite the mostly Republican dominance in presidential elections, Democrats have held both Senate seats from Montana for a majority of their existence. Republicans last held both seats simultaneously in 1911, an almost unconscionable fact for such a red state today. In 1994, Senator Conrad Burns (R) became the first Republican Senator ever re-elected in Montana. Today, the Senate delegation is represented by Steve Daines (R) and Jon Tester (D), making it one of just five states to feature a split U.S. Senate delegation. Tester has won thin election after thin election, and while he’s popular enough, his level of crossover support needed to win re-election next year in an increasingly partisan electorate might be the end of the Democrats’ hold on the last statewide office here. Republicans also captured the governor’s mansion in 2020 after a sixteen-year drought. The formula: working-class, home-rule, moderate Democrats. The shift exemplifies the exodus of working-class voters from the Democratic Party, but not in an anemic way as seen in other states. While the urban-rural divide is on display in Montana, the state’s eastern-western divide based solely on its ancestry still has outweighed influence on its politics today, giving it one of the most unique and fascinating political profiles in the country.
Around Town Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
15
Thursday, December 7, 2023
To the Residents of the Twelfth Legislative District, Both Former and New Thank you for returning me to my fifth full term as your Suffolk County Legislator. I am truly humbled and honored by the overwhelming measure of support you have provided. Having been re-elected, the challenge now becomes how to govern wisely, fairly, and equitably with our newly elected County Executive. I look forward to continuing my efforts to preserve our suburban way of life, to keep an eye on affordability, and to deliver service to our Veterans and seniors and families as their needs continue to increase. As many of you became aware, the lines of the Twelfth Legislative District shifted east from the Commack area, my hometown, all the way to the Centereach/Selden/Holbrook borders. I will miss my past constituents but look forward to the new opportunities and community issues to address in the upcoming legislative term. Please feel free to contact me at my office at 631-854-3735, or at Leslie.Kennedy@suffolkcounty.gov with any questions or concerns. I wish a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, a joyous Kwanza, and Happy Holidays to all. Remember those in need and check on a neighbor. With thanks and great regard, Leslie Kennedy Suffolk County Legislator
Senator Mattera Sponsoring 3rd Annual Holiday Toy Drive To Bring Holiday Cheer To Local Children To help families and children who are undergoing medical care at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, Senator Mario R. Mattera (R-St. James) of the Second Senate District is hosting his Third Annual Holiday Toy Drive. From now through Wednesday, December 20, Senator Mattera and his staff will be accepting new and unwrapped toys, stuffed animals, books, and other kid-friendly items for children aged 2 through 16 at their office in Smithtown. Senator Mattera’s office will deliver all donated toys, books and stuffed animals to the children receiving care at Stony Brook University Children’s Hospital, Catholic Health System and the Northwell Health Dolan Family Health Center. All residents who wish to participate are invited to bring donations to Senator Mattera’s District Office, which is located at 180 East Main Street, Suite 210 in Smithtown during regular business hours. It is requested that donors avoid any toy guns or knives out of respect for the children. “The holidays are such a special time of year for all families, and it is so critical that we make sure that all those being cared for in our area know that we all hope they have a happy holiday,” stated Senator Mattera. “I invite all who are able to join our effort to visit my office to help make the holidays a little brighter for those who will spend their holidays in the hospital. We are so thankful to the men and women of healthcare who care for our youngest residents and thank them for allowing us to bring a smile to their young patients.” Any resident who has a question or who needs further information should contact Senator Mattera’s office at 631-361-2154 or email the office at mattera@ nysenate.gov if you have any questions or need any further information.
Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, December 7, 2023
NEW MEMBERS NEEDED
AMERICAN LEGION VETERANS STILL SERVING AMERICA
The William Merritt Hallock American Legion Post No. 155 115 Church Street Lake Ronkonkoma, NY Is looking for New Members
We meet at the Post twice a month 1st Tuesday of the month at 1:00 pm and the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm. We have a social hour with snack one hour prior to the meeting. Our meetings generally run about one hour. We take part in our local community parades and street fairs. We usually have three social functions with family and friends each year. We participate in a number of patriotic ceremonies. If interested in joining our Post and meeting some fellow veterans, stop by on a meeting day with a copy of your DD214. You can visit our website at: AmericanLegionWilliamHallockPost155.org
Winning in Winter
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Hosting Holiday Parties
This weekly column looks to help readers enjoy the season of autumn by providing the best tips and information on scenic parks, fall-favorite activities, recipes, and more.
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By Kaitlyn Foley
When hosting a party, specifically around the holidays, we always want it to be different, be memorable; we want to make people say “wow, I hope they do this again next year.” But creating this type of party can be stressful, a lot of work, and sometimes, expensive. Here is a list of “themed” parties that will make your guests want to come back every year. BOARD PARTY The best part about a board party is that it allows every guest to be creative in what they want to eat. Your guests will all have to create an appetizer, dinner, or dessert with one rule in mind: it has to be served on a board. Similar to a charcuterie board, each participant will have to put together ingredients and serve as a shared dish. Appetizer boards can include a Butter Board (different types of butters smeared on a board with different types of breads for dipping) or a Dip Board (all different flavors of your favorite dips with different chips for dipping). Dinner boards can be the toughest in this situation, however some examples that go over great with guests are a Taco Board (hard and soft tortilla shells surrounding all of the typical fixings for tacos, as well as some creative additions if desired), a Burger Board (Buns surrounded by different patties like beef, chicken, bean, and typical or atypical toppings like cheese, onions, lettuce, etc.) Dessert boards are by far the favorite and have room for the most creativity. My favorites are a Chocolate Board (all things chocolate, including chocolate bars, Hershey kisses, Tootsie Rolls, chocolate cake, chocolate covered fruit, chocolate fondue for dipping, etc.) and a Cannoli Board (board packed with cannoli and different flavored fillings like chocolate chip or pistachio, toppings like jelly, or sprinkles, and add a melted chocolate sauce for dipping.)
Potato Latkes INGREDIENTS
• 1 pound potatoes, peeled • 1 pound onion • 1tsp lemon juice • 2 eggs, beaten • ½ tsp salt • 1/8 tsp white pepper • 1 tbsp flour
DIRECTIONS:
1. Prepare to use a food processor and shredding blade. Cut potatoes and onions to a size that fits in the chute of your processor. Alternatively, alternate
shredding a handful of the potatoes, then a handful of the onions, and so on until all potatoes and onions are shredded together. 2. Drain off about half of the liquid from the potatoes and onions. 3. Beat eggs and blend into the potato and onion mixture. Add salt and pepper and blend well. 4. Mix in flour, evenly distributing over all of the potatoes. Adjust seasoning to taste. *Note: if the mixture feels too wet, add more flour a pinch at a time 5. Heat up one tablespoon of oil on your skillet using medium heat. 6. Spoon your mixture onto the hot skillet, flattening to create a circle about 2 inches in diameter. Cook each side for about two minutes, or until golden brown. 7. Serve warm, with a sour cream dipping sauce.
GAME PARTY These types of parties can be the most fun, but they also take the most work for the host. Planning different games throughout an entire night is a feat, but with our suggestions, it will be easier than it sounds. When it comes to hosting a game party, there are two options: having everyone play one game throughout the night, or having multiple games available to play for those who want to. One game throughout the entire night means there will be a consistent level of attention and focus needed by all guests. If your guests are the type that enjoy this or do not get distracted easily, then one game will be perfect. However, if your guests are the type to move on from one thing to the next pretty quickly, maybe multiple games will be better. A scavenger hunt goes over really well when wanting to play one game all night. You can break your guests up into teams for a large group, or have every person play for themselves for a small group. Hide small items around the home, each one with a clue that leads to the next. The first one to find the most items by the end of the party receives a prize. Another guest-favorite is trivia! Sit everybody down and play a few rounds of holiday trivia, asking guests about different aspects of the holidays, songs, traditions, history, etc. Or play guest-trivia, where guests will be asked questions about themselves, and have to guess to whom the question pertains. Multiple games throughout the night could include board games set up around the room or house: Chess, Monopoly, Pictionary, Cards, Trivial Pursuit, etc. Guests can choose what they want to play and play multiple times throughout the night. The only rule is to reset the board or area when you’re finished playing. PAINT-AND-SIP PARTY Better for smaller groups, or get togethers, but can be just as fun! Some hosts enlist a professional to come and teach their group how to paint a picture. However, I find it more fun to project a photo on the TV, for example a Christmas tree, and have everyone try to paint it freehand by themselves, all while drinking your favorite cocktail or glass of wine. At the end of the evening each guest votes on their favorite picture, earning the painter a prize or the satisfaction of being the best.
Donut Holes with Strawberry Syrup Makes 24 Donut Holes
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup strawberry jelly • 5 tablespoons elderflower liqueur, such as St-Germaine • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour • 2/3 cup sugar • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt • Pinch of grated fresh nutmeg • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • Vegetable oil, for frying • Cinnamon sugar, for coating
DIRECTIONS:
1. Make the syrup: Combine 1 cup water, the jelly and 2 tablespoons of the elderflower liqueur in a small saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until syrupy, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a medium heatproof bowl and let cool, stirring occasionally. 2. Meanwhile, make the doughnuts: Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and nutmeg in a large bowl. Stir in the cream, eggs, vanilla and the remaining 3 tablespoons elderflower liqueur until smooth. 3. Heat about 1 1/2 inches vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees F. Working in batches, drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the batter into the oil and fry, turning, until golden, 4 minutes. (Reduce the heat if the doughnuts are browning too quickly.) Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, then roll in cinnamon sugar. Serve with the strawberry syrup.
Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, December 7, 2023
TOWNLINE RAIL: A CLEANER, COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION Townline Rail is a proposed alternative to trucking locally generated incinerator ash from the HuntingtonSmithtown waste-to-energy facility, as well as Construction & Demolition debris, off Long Island once the Brookhaven landfill is closed. Every rail car holds the volume of four trucks. Fewer trucks on our roads means: Reduced carbon emissions Reduced fossil fuel consumption Less congestion on already-crowded highways Less strain on the infrastructure
Because our local municipalities pay to dispose of incinerator ash, rail transport will save taxpayers nearly half the cost of trucking this material off Long Island. 140 Old Northport Road Kings Park, New York 11754
Proposed Townline Rail Terminal
Townline Rail will save taxpayers money, create jobs, and benefit the environment. To learn more visit www.townlinerail.com
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Overview - AMAC - The Association of Mature American Citizens
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The Association of Mature American Citizens represents Americans 50 plus. AMAC is centered on American values, freedom of the individual, free speech, and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family, with benefits at all levels. AMAC plays a vital role in helping build the services that will enrich the lives of America’s seniors. AMAC Action, a 501 (C) (4) advocates for issues important to AMAC’s membership on Capitol Hill and locally through grassroots activism. To Learn more, visit www.amac.us
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Bidenomics Is Killing The American Dream Of Owning A Home By Andrew Shirley | AMAC Despite President Joe Biden’s proclamation that “Bidenomics is just another way of saying “the American Dream,” the numbers show that one critical part of that dream for millions of families – owning a home – is now more out of reach than at any time in history. According to a report released earlier this year from real estate and property research firm ATTOM, “median-priced single-family homes and condos are less affordable in the third quarter of 2023 compared to historical averages in 99 percent of counties around the nation with enough data to analyze.” On average according to ATTOM’s data, new homeowners are now required to spend about 35 percent of their monthly income on a mortgage and other expenses related to owning a home – a number considered unaffordable by accepted lending standards, which call for that figure to be closer to 28 percent. These increases are due in large part to a dramatic spike in interest rates under Joe Biden as a result of several trillion-dollar spending packages that have sent inflation soaring. For the week beginning December 4, the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage was 7.66 percent – more than 2.5 times the 2.77 percent interest rates when Biden took office. In hard numbers, that means a family looking to buy a $400,000 single-family home (which is virtually impossible to find in many areas) can expect to pay about $1,000 more per month on their mortgage than just two years ago. From September of last year to September of this year alone, the median mortgage payment required for a single-family home increased by more than 50 percent nationwide. In addition to interest rates reaching historic highs, housing prices have also shot up since Biden took office. In the second quarter of 2023, the median home price in the United States was $416,000 – a more than 25 percent increase from the end of 2020. While people looking to become first-time homebuyers have been especially impacted by these soaring costs, Americans looking to buy another home have also found themselves in a tough spot. Families who have had more children and are looking for extra bedrooms or want to care for an ailing parent simply can’t afford to trade the three percent interest rates they locked in when Trump was in office for the 7.5+ percent rates available today. The Biden administration and their allies in the media have been quick to blame rising housing costs on lingering supply chain issues and a supply crunch brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. But Biden has also reversed many of former President Donald Trump’s regulatory reforms which led building costs to decrease, along with implementing new regulations forcing costs higher still. Earlier this year, for instance, Biden’s Department of Energy released new “green” building codes that experts say will force builders to spend significantly more to comply with. Since January of 2021, overall construction costs for both residential and commercial buildings have increased by 29 percent. The net result of all of these developments is that fewer Americans can afford a home at all, and those that can are having to make greater sacrifices to achieve their homeownership dreams. One trend that has become particularly popular especially among young people is known as “househacking,” where homeowners rent out a portion of their home to afford payments. According to a new report from real estate marketing giant Zillow, more than half of Millennial and Gen-Z buyers “view the opportunity to rent out a portion of their home for rental income as ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ important” when purchasing a home. While househacking is a creative way to make ends meet, it could also have other negative downstream effects. For example,
it’s easy to see why young people who need to rent out part of their home would be less inclined to get married and start a family. For prospective homebuyers, there aren’t many promising signs that relief is coming anytime soon, either. Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman warned in an interview on Fox Business that it seems “very unlikely” that interest rates will ease by the end of 2023. As Kelman highlighted, the real danger may be that “so many people have stopped believing in the American dream.” “One in five Millennials believe they will never own a home,” Kelman continued. “And if you don’t have that conviction that
you’re going to get your piece, it’s really hard to invest in the long term. It’s really hard to believe that society is going to work out for you.” This may be the true tragedy of the White House’s “Bidenomics” farce – not just that it’s making housing (and everything else) more unaffordable for the American people, but that it’s destroying the hope of millions that they will have an opportunity to achieve the American Dream at all. Andrew Shirley is a veteran speechwriter and AMAC Newsline columnist. His commentary can be found on X at @AA_Shirley.
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Local Spotlight Thursday, December 7, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Angela’s House Celebrates Annual Holiday Party
This past weekend was filled with love and joy as Angela’s House kicked off the holiday season with their annual Holiday Party. The parties were hosted on Saturday and Sunday, so all families involved with the organization had the opportunity to go celebrate with their friends. Angela’s House, a locally operated non-profit organization that assists families caring for children with special health care needs who are medically fragile, chronically ill or living with a life-threatening illness. Their mission is to “identify families caring for their children who may have a severe disability or medical condition so that we may help them obtain supportive services to improve the quality of life for the children and their family.” Angela’s House is not only for the children, though. They provide much needed support and resources to the child’s family as well. “Their focus, attention to detail, that’s what makes these events so great,” says Mrs. Schmidt, whose family has been with Angela’s house for six years. “We look forward to these types of events every year. You really want to make sure you get a good seat and watch all the wonderful things they do.” With that advice, The Messenger watched children and families rejoice in happiness and fun with dancing, crafts, face paint, caricature artists, balloon animals, and character parades. Volunteers dressed as elves, princesses, Buzz Light Year, Winnie the Pooh and his best friend Tigger, even Peppa Pig made an appearance. Kacey Nigen, 16, is a Junior at William Floyd High School and has been with Angela’s House for as long as he can remember. “They do very cool events like this every year,” says Kacey, who looks forward to hanging out with his friends and family at each event. Emma, 13, and her mother, Sue have been with Angela’s House for about ten years. “We first started out on their reimbursement program, which helped us a ton.” Sue explains that there are levels of resources available at Angela’s House. When Emma turned three, she became sicker and went to Angela’s House for additional aid, becoming a full time member of the organization. Angela’s House also helped Emma and Sue with everyday items that were needed and cannot be funded through other means. Angela’s House calls this their “Everyday Wishes” program. “She was an eloper, so they helped us get an alarm system so I could hear the door open when I was in the shower or something,” says Sue. “They’ve helped us with getting a medical stroller and orthotics when she was little. They were always asking ‘what do you need? What can we help you with?’” The Everyday Wishes program uses donations and grants to assist families by paying for medical supplies, equipment and other support services that are not covered by insurance or other funding means. “We work with children that unfortunately have essential equipment or supplies denied by their private insurance and/or Medicaid and need an alternative funding source to help their parents to pay for these much-needed items. It is a sad reality that many essential items are not covered or have a limit to how much will be covered by a public program,” says Angela’s House. “These fundraised dollars are only used when we have exhausted all other means. We receive requests every week from parents that need assistance with getting important resources for their children.” Events like the Holiday Party are what Emma loves most about Angela’s House. Sue mentions the organization hosts events like this every month for the kids. Emma’s favorite is doing arts and crafts with A&R Workshop, which hosts Angela’s House events every few months. She also loves Family Day at White Post Farm where she gets to spend the entire day petting animals with her friends and family.
Credit - Joe McGahan
By Kaitlyn Foley
“She has friends now because we’ve been to so many things,” explains Sue. “And it’s nice to talk to all the parents too.” Angela’s House has allowed parents and siblings to meet other families who are going through similar situations. They’ve created support groups and friendships through the organization. “Whether it be little or big, they help with everything. Everyone is so wonderful; we love everyone, especially Mr. Bob.” Bob Policastro is the founder of Angela’s House. Bob and his wife, Angie named the organization after their daughter, Angela, who passed away at one year old due to severe brain damage during birth. Angela was medically frail and required nursing care. The closest resource available to Bob and Angie was in Connecticut. Being hours away from their first-born child was both mentally, emotionally, and physically hard, inspiring them to create a home for children and their families right here on Long Island. “If you ever hear Bob talk about the organization, you’ll hear the passion in his voice. It just moves you,” says Emily, a volunteer with Angela’s House since 2015. Since its inception in 1991, Angela’s House has built three locations, including one with the ability to support ventilator care, the first of its kind in New York State. “When we were at our lowest of lows, they were there to help us out,” says Sue. “There is always support, there is always someone to talk to. It is a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful organization. The more money they get the more people they can help.” Kim, who started with the organization at the age of five, aged out and became a volunteer at eleven years old. Now 23, Kim is proud to work with Angela’s House. “I love seeing how happy I can make other people,” says Kim. While working with the organization, she aspires to work in the medical field. “When you see the joy and you see the kids dancing on the dance floor, you’ll see why we do this,” adds Emily. “You’ll see the expressions on the kids’ faces, on the parents’ faces because they are so happy, and on the siblings’ faces. [Bob] wanted to have something where parents can network, find information. So, people knew where to turn, what to do to find the resources that are available. It’s an incredible organization to be a part of.” Emily Serva, 17, is a volunteer for Angela’s House and has been since she was about thirteen years old. She has completed many projects for Angela’s House including building swing sets in the backyard of the houses. She is the oldest sibling of triplets, one of whom is medically fragile and in Angela’s House’s care. Volunteering has been both rewarding and inspiring for Emily as it encouraged her to become a nurse. Emily is now enrolled in a college nursing program starting in the fall of 2024. “The houses are beautiful, they have an amazing and welcoming environment, not that hospital feel. It’s a beautiful place,” says Rob, Emily’s father. Every kid at the event and their siblings get to choose from the array of toys that spread across the entire room on display and take it home with them to play with as a holiday present. “We always like to have little things here and there that everyone gets to take home, like face painting or the caricature pictures,” says Ketsia, a volunteer who runs the Angela’s House social media. “We have an Amazon wish list so that if people are not sure what to give, they can use that as a resource. Businesses put toy boxes out for us as well as individuals who collect toys.” Angela’s House runs a year-round toy drive to prepare for their holiday events, allowing the children to have their pick of toys to play with.
Health & Lifestyle Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
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Thursday, December 7, 2023
Take Care to Manage Holiday Stress By Peter Chidichimo Say ‘No’
It is fairly common knowledge that everyday stress can be a serious risk factor for certain illnesses, including the development of high blood pressure and heart disease. Additionally, several studies now demonstrate a relationship between stress and an increased risk of stroke, according to Dr. Michael Blaha, a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins Medical Center. The risk can increase in the presence of other factors, including obesity, a poor diet and smoking.
As sure as Santa will come down the chimney on Christmas Eve, you will be on the receiving end of lastminute invitations, requests, or demands. It’s ok to say no, or at minimum, think it through before accepting. Also, it’s ok to politely recuse yourself from discussions you are not comfortable with, whether political, religious, or otherwise. There will be another place and time for that.
Unfortunately, the holiday season can be a source of increased stress for many people, according to the American Psychological Association. Examples include: -
Dealing with family Shopping and gift-giving Travel arrangements, delays, and traffic Inadequate sleep, excessive eating, or drinking
Studies have found that women are more prone to report increased stress during the last six weeks of the year, likely due to time constraints, childcare demands, and the responsibilities of entertaining, cooking, and shopping. If the past eleven months have been difficult due to job demands, commuting or family relationships, then holiday time has the potential to further compound the problem. Excessive or prolonged worrying can cause excessive amounts of the hormone cortisol to build up in the blood stream, raising levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. These changes can lead to high blood pressure and weight gain. Symptoms to be aware of include anxiety, headaches, difficulty sleeping, and irritability. Of course, you could see your healthcare professional for these symptoms, but the likely outcome will be medication to address the symptoms, such as anxiety meds or a sleep aide.
When reached by phone, Dr. Stacy Eagle, Director of Psychiatry at St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson, agreed with the above strategies. “It’s important to manage expectations this time of year,” said Dr. Eagle. She also suggested guided imagery or five-minute meditation sessions, which can be learned on YouTube. Thinking ahead and preparing the proper mindset for the holidays can make a big difference. Any of the strategies listed above would be preferable to excessive eating, drinking, or spending. If you can make that happen, not only will you manage stress better and avoid health issues, but you will begin the New Year having established some good habits. Regular exercise, eating well, and setting aside time for yourself will serve you well all year round. Happy holidays!
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Instead, here are measures one can take to mitigate anticipated stress and have a more enjoyable holiday season. Planning Consider looking ahead at the road map that includes the holiday season. Choose priorities and list the most important items first. Create a list that is reasonable and practical to accomplish. Resist the temptation to add to the list impulsively. Treat Yourself as a Priority Life can be stressful the entire year. Take time for yourself to buffer the effects of stress, such as a walk in the fresh air or a massage. Consider a holiday production at your local church or community theater to lift your spirits. Finances
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Nothing is worse than getting huge credit card bills in January, which is the time to start fresh and set new goals. If you’re not a budget person, keep a dollar amount in mind for the holidays, including gift-giving, decorating, and travel. Imagining those bills coming due can help minimize impulse spending. Volunteer Spending even a couple hours helping a worthy cause can be extremely fulfilling and uplifting. By helping others less fortunate, we help ourselves at the same time.
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Around Town Thursday, December 7, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Light the Sky for Unity: Smithtown’s Annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony On Monday, December 11, 2023, the Town of Smithtown will hold its Annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony from 5:00p.m. to 6:30p.m. at Town Hall. The Menorah Lighting Ceremony is a community-based event, hosted by Supervisor Wehrheim (R-Kings Park) and the Town Board, featuring Rabbi Mendel Teldon of Chabad Mid Suffolk, music, latkes, donuts, and a special gelt drop, courtesy of the Smithtown Fire Department. The Town would like to welcome all members of the community, regardless of faith, to join in solidarity as we light the skies in a festival of hope, peace and love for our neighbors who are celebrating the miracle of Chanukah. “This year we are encouraging ALL members of our community to join together with our Jewish neighbors, friends and those families with loved ones abroad as we celebrate the Festival of Lights in solidarity,” said Supervisor Wehrheim. “This ceremony is always such a memorable one, thanks to Rabbi Mendel Teldon, who always inspires unity, hope, and love for thy neighbor, using his natural gifts for wisdom and humor. Everyone who has attended the Menorah lighting ceremony each year, always takes the time to share what a memorable experience it truly is. Our hope for this year’s celebration is that we can stand side by side as we extinguish antisemitism, and light the night sky with hope for peace both abroad and at home.” Rabbi Mendel Teldon of Chabad Mid Suffolk will share the history of the Chanukah miracle, in addition to delivering a prayer before the community prior to lighting the Menorah at Town Hall. In addition, the Town will be serving latkes and donuts, along with a gelt drop (Chocolate Golden Coins) courtesy of the Smithtown Fire Department. Sponsors for the event will present Rabbi Teldon with a monetary donation which Chabad Mid Suffolk will use to donate medical supplies to MADA, the Israeli Red Cross. Smithtown Town Hall is located at 99 W. Main Street, Smithtown, NY
Sports Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
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Thursday, December 7, 2023
A Buzz in Brookhaven
The Colonials captured the League One title last season for the first time in eleven years after the disappointment of losing one of their Newsday Top 100 players, Jermaine King, to a broken ankle right before last season started. The Colonials pressed through, pulled together, and improved together as the season went on. King, now a Junior, who has been on the varsity team since the eighth grade, ended up returning shortly before the playoffs. Floyd surprised Hills East in the first round of last year’s playoffs with an exciting, second half comefrom-behind win, but then went on to lose to a tough and sound Commack team in round two of the playoffs. But this year, there is a lot of momentum coming with this team from last year. Floyd has solid and seasoned players; the kids know how to move the ball both up the court and around the arc. These kids drive well, get into the paint, and find good shots for themselves or for teammates that can make them. They are really dangerous from the three-point range. If taken lightly, this team will surprise a lot of the big names in Suffolk this year. A good stamp of approval for that was this summer’s Brookhaven basketball league. The trophy at the end of the summer ended up being handed to the boys from Mastic Beach. As long as the team stays healthy, the buzz about these kids could end up being more than a buzz late into the winter. Look out Brookhaven for Jermaine King, Joey McLaurin, and Juwan Smith who - along with the Yourison brothers, amongst others - recently transferred back home after a season at St. John the Baptist High School. This year’s team could end up giving the better teams in the county a real headache. Good luck Colonials!
By PJ Balzer
As High School Fall sports come to a close in Brookhaven, our winter sports season is just getting started. With every approaching season, we hear a common buzz resounding about a certain team, player, or a league, and there will be one to watch this season specifically. That buzz, particularly within Brookhaven, is about the William Floyd boys’ varsity basketball team.
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Messenger Spotlight
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, December 7, 2023
A Very Smithtown
Christmas
The Town of Smithtown held the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, November 29th, 2023, at Town Hall. The community-based event is organized by the Department of Recreation, with support from the Parks Department and the Department of Public Safety. The tree is decorated each year by the Department of Traffic Safety. Live event staging and pro audio services were provided by Taylor Productions. The Master of Ceremonies, John Zollo, announced the arrival of Santa Claus, courtesy of the Smithtown Fire Department, straight from the North Pole just shortly after 5:00p.m. Santa was on hand with volunteer Elves to interact with young residents for the duration of the event. “What a beautiful night for our community! I’d like to thank everyone who made this event possible; from our talented team at Town of Smithtown Recreation Department and our Parks, Buildings, and Grounds crew, who didn’t stop working through the bitter cold weather for two days, to our amazing Department of Public Safety, GTV, and the Smithtown Fire Department for getting Santa here safe!” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park) (center with microphone, photo above). “Also, a special thanks to the incredible school districts, talented teachers, students, and parents who made this event so much fun for everyone. Thank you to our youth volunteers and the Smithtown Youth Bureau for always making our events so community friendly! We are so blessed and thankful to live in a town that comes together in such a wonderful way! Every year this ceremony gets bigger and better. It was the perfect kickoff to a wonderful holiday season.” Live performances entertained a packed house, courtesy of the Smithtown High School West Whisperettes (inset, top left photo), the Great Hollow Middle School Choir, the Accompsett Middle School Choir, the Sara Jean Dance Company, the RJO Carolers,
Local and elected leaders gather for the celebrations.
the Smithtown High School West Jazz Choir, and the Hauppauge High School Kickline. Each group performed Christmas favorites for a crowd of approximately 300 people. Youth volunteers served cookies and hot chocolate, which was donated courtesy of Panico’s Community Market. Balloon sculpting was provided for kids of all ages by Animations. The Big Black Food Truck was on site with delicious food and treats available for purchase. The Town of Smithtown collected non-perishable items for the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry during the event. Residents who wish to make a donation to the Food Pantry may do so in person at their location: 90 Edgewater Avenue in the hamlet of Smithtown. Toys for Tots Drop Site Did you know you can donate new toys to the U.S. Marine’s Toys for Tots drop off site, located inside Town Hall (at the main entrance?) The collection will be picked up by the Marine Corps on December 15, 2023. Town Hall is open Monday through Friday from 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Upside Down Gift Card Tree Residents looking for a unique way to give back during the holidays may stop by the Smithtown Senior Center (420 Middle Country Rd, Smithtown) during regular business hours and pick an ornament from the upside down tree. Each ornament lists a gift card which the Smithtown Children’s Foundation has requested to assist local families and children in need. The Smithtown Senior Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30a.m. to 4:00p.m. For more information please call: (631) 360-7616.
(Back, left to right) Councilman Thomas McCarthy, Town Clerk-Elect Tom McCarthy, Councilman Tom Lohmann (Front, left to right) Councilwoman Lynne Nowick, Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo.
Local and elected leaders gather for the celebrations.