Smithtown Messenger Archive Feb. 29, 2024

Thursday, February 29, 2024

~ Volume 136 ~ Issue Number 15 ~ $1.00

Election years nowadays are dominated by discussions of maintaining public safety and fostering transparent, respected police forces. Last year’s local 2023 elections were no exceptions, with Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) running on a platform of public safety and major staff overhauls to the Suffolk County Police Department.

The major objective for Romaine was to fill positions within the department that were left vacant by the administration of former County Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon). The vacancies not only accounted for a slimmer police force, but also a budget vacuum, as taxpayer dollars continued to fund a police budget that was not being adequately represented, from retirements in higher leadership to less rank-and-file officers on patrol.

Last Thursday, at the Police Headquarters in Yaphank, Romaine was joined by Police Commissioner Robert Waring, members of the SCPD, and members of the Suffolk County Legislature, all of whom ran alongside Romaine on a ticket of promoting and maintaining public safety.

“It is a great day for Suffolk County because we have a great police department,” said Romaine. “But recently we’ve had a lot of retirements and we’ve had positions that were in the budget that we all pay taxes for that were left vacant. In fact, last year I pointed out that fifty-two positions that were listed in the budget for detectives were left vacant, despite the fact we were paying taxes towards those positions. I don’t believe in budgets like that. I believe if you put a position in the budget and you fund it, and you charge taxpayers for it, you fill it. And we need these positions. So today, we are going to promote sixty-eight people in this department.”

Romaine also said that an ongoing class has 129 officers in it, and in the summer, the class will exceed 200 officers.

Continued on page 3

CreditMatt Meduri

Romaine Announces Promotions, Top Positions for SCPD

Donation Collection Events Page 10

Romaine Announces Promotions, Top Positions for SCPD

“The detectives are critical, because our patrol officers are out there all the time, and if they’re seeing something, they’re responding,” said Romaine. “But sometimes, you’re not there all the time, and sometimes you need detectives to go back and take a look at what happened, trace down the culprits, and get the guilty party. And let me just say, we are going to get the guilty parties. We are going to get those who break into cars, smash windows, steal catalytic converters, or run into the CVS and grab products and leave.”

Romaine also mentioned that Governor Kathy Hochul (D) is proposing state aid for stores that are victimized by smash-and-grab ambushes.

“We’re not going to allow that here in Suffolk County,” said Romaine. “We’re going to protect and respect our police officers. I can assure you that we have a District Attorney [Ray Tierney] who will prosecute and not release people who attack our police officers without bail.”

Commissioner Robert Waring then took the podium after Romaine. Waring will remain in his role as Suffolk’s Police Commissioner, a role to which he was appointed in January, and will continue to serve as the Chief of the Department.

“This announcement is great news for our members of the community we serve,” said Waring. “We have sixty-eight people beginning a new chapter in their law enforcement careers. I would like to offer my congratulations to all of them, some of whom are here with us today.”

Waring announced the highest promotion of the day in the form of Darrell Simmons as the new Chief of Detectives. Chief Simmons previously served as Deputy Chief of Detectives and has been a member of the department for thirtyseven years.

“I have personally worked with him over the years, and I know he will be instrumental in leading the detective division in fighting and solving crimes,” said Waring.

Waring also announced the promotion of William Doherty to the role of Deputy Chief of Patrol. Doherty has been a member of the department for twenty-eight years and was an Executive Officer in the Third Precinct.

Colleen Cooney was also promoted to Deputy Inspector and now serves as the department’s second-highest-ranked female officer. Cooney has been with the department for thirty-one years and heads the communications and records bureau.

“Every person who has been promoted should have a strong sense of pride and accomplishment,” said Waring. “Policing is a demanding but rewarding career and they have proven themselves ready for the next challenge. On Tuesday, more than thirty supervisors were promoted. This provides an opportunity for them to lead by example, and I am confident that they will. The addition of twenty-four detectives reinforces our detective squads who investigate the most serious crimes. These new detectives have proven that they have necessary skills to be effective investigators.

We are committed to public safety and serving our communities. These promotions ensure we have the resources to do that.”

Presiding Officer of the Suffolk County Legislature Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) spoke after Waring.

“It is really a pleasure to be here with all my colleagues who are very instrumental across all party lines to make sure that we make public safety a priority here in Suffolk County,” said McCaffrey. “That started with the last budget that we approved that amended the County Executive’s budget to increase the amount of police officers put on the street. And as the commissioner knows, you can’t make promotions if you don’t have police officers put on the backfill. So, we’ve made sure that’s happened over the last couple of years. We’ve made a commitment along with the county executive to make sure that the 225 police officers that we put in this year’s budget are going to be hired and go through the academy and put on the streets.”

McCaffrey also said that having no vacancies in the force is a clear priority.

Deputy Presiding Officer and Chair of the Public Safety Committee and the Budget and Finance Committee Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters) declared the day one of “promises made, promises kept.”

“For many years I’ve been yelling about proportional budget,” said Flotteron. “A lot of positions are just not filled, but then our overtime explodes because we’re not filling positions. It’s just bad management. This is one of the safest counties in the country. We wanted to be the safest county in the country. Part of the way of getting there is by filling these positions. The County Executive has been here just over six weeks and we’ve already gotten this far.”

When asked about the purpose of leaving the positions open and leaving holes in the budget, Romaine said that he did not want to “characterize” his predecessor [Bellone], but that if “you get a job in the budget and you tax people, you should fill that job. If you’re not, then you’re getting additional monies.”

“I have no idea what they did with the additional funds, we are looking at it now,” said Romaine.”

Romaine concluded by speaking of the need to reinforce public safety, a common goal shared by himself and the Suffolk County Legislature.

“It’s something that transcends party lines. It’s something that we all care about, and I cannot say thank you enough for their support in this endeavor, to ensure that we’re seeing police officers on our streets today to keep our people safe,” said Romaine.

Romaine and Waring were joined by several officers who received promotions on Thursday, Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset), as well as Suffolk County Legislators Ann Welker (D-Southampton), Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), Sam Gonzalez (D-Brentwood), Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station), and Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport).

CreditMatt Meduri

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Saturday

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 month1st 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

Democrats Showed Restraint with Redistricting, but They’re Still Hypocrites

New York’s seemingly endless saga of redistricting might have finally reached a finale - at least for now. The congressional district map drawn by the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) was not accepted by the Democrat-run state legislature. Instead, the legislature drafted their own version, which has passed in both chambers and appears to have the blessing of Governor Kathy Hochul (D).

Since we don’t always hate being the broken record of Suffolk County, we’ll give a brief recap.

After the 2020 Census, all states that are not at-large congressional districts were required to alter their congressional lines to reflect population shifts, increases, and decreases where applicable. New York lost one of its congressional districts after the Census due to population hemorrhaging. It now has twenty-six congressional districts, the fourth-largest amount in the nation.

Each state varies in their process for redistricting, with some being completely unique.

That’s where New York comes in. In 2014, then-Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) championed the IRC to “end partisan gerrymandering” in New York. The plan was well-conceived when both parties shared power in Albany. The IRC has members appointed by both party leaders in Albany as well as independents. They draft proposals to the legislature for their consideration, with the legislature able to accept or reject the proposals.

This method works on paper when Albany is under split control, as it was in 2014. However, when Democrats took the Senate in 2018, that benefit of the doubt was retracted entirely, and 2020 was the first time we actually got to see the IRC go to work.

To no surprise, it failed miserably, rendering Cuomo’s vision a mere fantasy-league of what an actual independent commission should be.

The IRC drafted several maps that did not give one party a massive advantage over the other. In fact, according to various fairness metrics, the maps were more competitive than the previous decade’s map. The IRC has two attempts to appease the legislature with its proposals. After two strikes, the legislature has full liberty to play in the sandbox.

Predictably, the Democratic-led legislature dismissed the maps and worked to create the most egregious Democratic gerrymander the nation saw from the 2020 redistricting cycle.

The map was ruled an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander by a judge from Steuben County, a solidly Republican county in western New York. The map was then nullified by the state’s highest court, tossing the redistricting to a special master.

The special master then drew the maps we had for the 2022 elections. It created six highly competitive seats and three others that, under certain circumstances, could be competitive. NY-01, represented by Nick LaLota (R-Amityville), was one of them.

Democrats suddenly became more vocal about the apparent “inequities” of the map after they suffered embarrassing losses in easily winnable districts that helped Republicans form a majority in the House of Representatives, despite a nationally disappointing year. Now realizing that their own path to 218 seats in the lower chamber runs squarely through the Empire State, Albany Democrats quickly got on the case.

They stacked the Court of Appeals by denying Hochul’s pick in Hector LaSalle a Senate floor vote, a historic rebuke of the modern judicial appointment system in the state. LaSalle was eventually rejected by the Senate and a more liberal pick was confirmed to the Court.

Once in action, the Court ruled that the redistricting process must, according to the state constitution, be completed by the IRC, negating the map that produced some of the most competitive seats in the country, and handing the process down to the fantasy-league IRC.

At this point, it was just a formality for Democrats to bob and weave their way into another situation of total control. The IRC’s proposal last week made minimal changes to the map and gave two Upstate incumbents slight boosts, but not enough to guarantee them re-election: Pat Ryan (D, NY-18) and Marc Molinaro (R, NY-19).

House Democrats protested the draft by the IRC, with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D, NY08) criticizing the map for shoring up a vulnerable Republican incumbent. Again, the “shoring up” was practically negligible, and was not delivered in a way that displayed favoritism. A vulnerable Democrat, Ryan, also slightly benefitted from the map.

Not to mention that Jeffries and company actually drew the longer straw since Syracuse Republican Brandon Williams (R, NY-22) got hit with a slightly bluer district in a seat that already voted for Biden.

But that wasn’t enough.

Granted, Albany Democrats played a smarter hand this time around by keeping a map that didn’t make drastic changes. Incumbents LaLota, Anthony D’Esposito (R, NY-04) of Nassau County, and Mike Lawler (R, NY-17) in Westchester County were spared from bombastic congressional lines. Lawler and D’Esposito will see competitive races in November, but LaLota’s NY-01 got marginally more Republican. Eastern Brookhaven precincts from Andrew Garbarino’s (R-Bayport) Second District were transferred to LaLota’s.

Also shoring up LaLota’s seat, but also shoring up Tom Suozzi’s (D-Glen Cove) NY-03 is the transfer of western Huntington precincts from NY-01 to NY-03. Areas like Lloyd Harbor, Cold Spring Harbor, and Huntington

Station now belong to Suozzi, giving LaLota a better picture for November.

Suozzi and Ryan are the only incumbent Democrats in competitive districts who benefitted from the map. Suozzi was already seen as the favorite to retain his old district, but now more so in a presidential year in a seat that went from Biden +8 to Biden +11.

Pat Ryan’s seat gets slightly more Democratic by shuffling some parts of blue-leaning Ulster County, but he’ll still be a top Republican target this autumn. Marc Molinaro’s district now includes less of suburban Cortland County and more of Rensselaer and Otsego counties, giving him a slight boost but not enough to insure him of an upset.

Brandon Williams is still the big loser in the equation, with more of Cortland County and less of Oneida County, his district now would have gone for Biden by 11.6 points.

Overall, the changes are minimal and Democrats could possibly net one seat based on redraws alone. We could argue that Democrats intentionally overplayed their hand last year to get as much leverage as possible without being totally shut out, but the changes they received this week are so minimal, it’s hard to put too much stock into that.

But above arguing why it happened, it’s important to point out their hypocrisy when we align their stances on other initiatives concerning the electoral process in New York.

Firstly, Jeffries will criticize any map that doesn’t maximize his party’s chances of winning as many seats as possible in November. This isn’t disingenuous, as that’s basically his top job as his party leader. But this situation is more than just winning seats: Jeffries wants the Speaker’s gavel, and his path to that chair runs through New York.

With all the talk of “voters’ rights” and “accessibility” and “protecting democracy,” Democrats seem intensely hung up on their national prospects by trying to swing just two or three seats in one state that, realistically, they should not have problems in, and by reconfiguring the map, out of all possible reasons. If they really wanted to wage a campaign on democracy and communicating to all voters, why didn’t they just compete with the hand they were dealt in 2022 and put their stake in the large number of swing district Democrats who should, by and large, be able to be their party’s standard bearers going forward? If Democrats overperformed last year in purple and red districts, they shouldn’t have problems in an at least neutral political environment.

Asserting that their prospects of taking over the House hinge on a map redraw is disingenuous to voters across the nation, just as it is to voters in New York.

Furthermore, Democrats in New York just scheduled off-year local elections to coincide with even-numbered year elections, citing voter fatigue, apathy, and high administrative costs as their reasons.

Firstly, the millions of dollars required to win this lawsuit should render their argument completely hypocritical. They also risked spending even more money if another judge ruled the map unconstitutional and the Court of Appeals agreed.

Secondly, voters have been in limbo for months about their congressional representatives. Democrats stymied the process last year with their gerrymander, which forced a late primary for congressional races after the statewide ones in June. Democrats ran that risk again, nullifying their stance on fighting voter fatigue.

Finally, Democrats are not for the “little guy” having their say based on the measure they’re trying to pass regarding redistricting. Since the lawsuit that overturned their 2021 gerrymander was initiated by a judge from a Republican county, the proposed measure stipulates that challenges against the maps can only be brought from Albany, Erie, New York, or Westchester counties. These are some of the bluest counties in the state that are the least likely to voice any resistance to the maps.

This is completely abhorrent and makes Democrats more disingenuous than they would have been had they just walked away with an uncontroversial map.

All residents should be accurately represented, as Democrats pontificate. Why, then, can residents of most counties not be legally represented against a map that might go against their interests? Why, then, are millions of New York residents excluded from the legal process regarding their congressional representation? Why, then, do Democrats get to condescendingly postulate to the public about how transparent they are when it comes to running elections?

We can wipe our brows now that redistricting seems over and we walked away with a competitive map. But we remain fully vigilant of how Democrats are likely to behave going forward to reshuffle a state so obviously moving away from their disastrous policy and politics.

Navigating New York City’s Migrant Crisis: Insights from the Daughter of Asylum Seekers

By Tabatha Fajardo

In recent years, the iconic imagery of legal immigrants arriving at esteemed ports of entry, welcomed by the Statue of Liberty, has been replaced by a sobering reality: buses packed with illegal immigrants making their way from the tumultuous southern border. This shift vividly illustrates the evolving landscape of immigration, where the once-clear promise of freedom is now obscured by clandestine crossings and a myriad of intricate challenges demanding our immediate attention. As this multifaceted migrant crisis unfolds, it not only poses significant challenges for those directly impacted but also strains taxpayer resources and public safety infrastructure.

The influx of migrants into New York City has brought to light the social and economic challenges facing newcomers and existing residents alike. However, the sheer volume of undocumented individuals arriving has stretched resources far too thin.

Foremost among these concerns is the strain on taxpayer funds to address migrant needs. From providing shelter and healthcare to legal assistance and social services, the financial burden on the city and state’s coffers is substantial. Taxpayerfunded programs aimed at supporting migrants have witnessed a surge in demand, imposing budgetary constraints and prompting difficult decisions regarding resource allocation. Notably, New York City’s active contracts with various hotels, with recent considerations for expansion, come with a staggering $1.365 billion price tag, drawing directly from taxpayer pockets.

Compounding this complexity is the distressing revelation of fiscal strains, with the proposed New York State executive budget slashing funds for schools to financially sustain undocumented immigrants. This decision has sparked widespread criticism and concern among educators, parents, and advocates, marking a troubling precedent of diverting resources from education to address immigration challenges by Hochul.

Moreover, the strain on public safety resources cannot be ignored. As the migrant population grows, so too does the complexity of law enforcement responsibilities.

Instances of crime involving migrants have surged, exacerbating challenges faced by local authorities grappling with existing crime rates. Law enforcement agencies are forced to adapt and prioritize efforts, often at the expense of addressing other pressing issues.

The current state of the immigration system further compounds the crisis, with a backlog of immigration cases resulting in lengthy processing times, leaving many migrants in limbo for months or even years. This backlog perpetuates a cycle where cases languish, amplifying resource strains and prolonging uncertainty for all involved.

As the daughter of Peruvian asylum seekers who underwent the arduous political asylum process, I empathize with migrant struggles but do not condone illegal immigration. I recognize the challenges posed by an influx of migrants on the judicial system, understanding firsthand that the lack of resolution perpetuates a detrimental feedback loop.

The illegal migrant crisis in New York City presents a dire situation that demands immediate action. In the face of this crisis, stakeholders must collaborate to find sustainable solutions, including adequate funding for law enforcement, strengthened vetting processes, and comprehensive immigration reform.

Tougher immigration laws, coupled with the revocation of the “sanctuary state” status, are imperative to stem the tide of undocumented immigration and alleviate the strain on resources. Proper vetting and deportation protocols must be implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and prevent further deterioration of our quality of living. Failure to address these pressing issues will only perpetuate the crisis, leading to increased crime rates, overwhelmed infrastructure, and a downgrade in our overall quality of life. It is time for decisive measures to be taken to protect the interests of all New Yorkers and restore stability to our communities.

Tabatha Fajardo is a former political operative and author of the blog Chic Politique at chicpolitique.com.

Dems Failed to Take the House, So They’re Rewriting Rules with Toxic Proposals, Dems’ Toxic Map Quest

By Lee Zeldin

The House majority ran through New York in 2022.

The red wave that pundits predicted never made its way ashore nationally, but it definitely washed over the landscape here in New York. Running as one team, we campaigned hard and flipped many House seats from Democrat to Republican in purple, suburban districts.

New Yorkers were able to cast their votes in some of the most competitive races in the country, and we ultimately decided control of the House of Representatives.

Since then, though, to New Yorkers’ significant detriment, rather than stopping the flow of illegal migrants or reducing violent crime, Democrats have been obsessing over how to violate the Constitution, rule of law, and will of the people to jam through a hyper partisan gerrymander of the state’s fair congressional district lines.

For what feels like the millionth time in two years, New Yorkers once again woke up this week wondering who their representatives in Congress are because Democrats keep trying to change the lines.

Corrupt, power-hungry politicians are playing wicked games with these maps, confusing voters, and ignoring the state Constitution in the process.

The same leaders who preach to us about “protecting democracy” are fully committed to destroying democracy. They clearly have no regard for the will of voters.

In 2014, New Yorkers approved a statewide constitutional amendment to establish a bipartisan ten-member Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) to draw district lines, separating this power from the Legislature. Then, in another statewide vote in 2021, New Yorkers rejected an attempt by Albany Democrats to repeal key portions of the 2014 amendment.

Time and time again, New Yorkers have made it clear: We don’t want hyper partisan, gerrymandered maps. Yet state Democrats have forced them upon us anyway.

Sore Losers

A pattern is emerging with New York Democrats: If they can’t win fairly, they will do everything they can to destroy the playing field and rewrite the rules no matter what damage it causes.

First, when it looked like Republicans had a chance to be competitive in 2022, Albany Democrats drew an extreme gerrymander at the behest of national Democratic Party bosses, in direct violation of the state Constitution.

When Republicans rightly sued and a fair map was established at the state’s highest court, Democrats then chased out the chief judge and stacked the court in their favor.

When Democrats didn’t approve of 2022 election results on those fair maps, they appealed to their newly rigged court to regain control of the redistricting process.

When their suit succeeded, the Independent Redistricting Commission became their new enemy. Directed by the court, the IRC passed a new, bipartisan map.

Even though the IRC map provided Democrats with a greater partisan advantage than the current, competitive map used in the 2022 election, Democrats still threw a temper tantrum and rejected the bipartisan map to pass their own gerrymandered districts.

To further secure their grip on power, Democrats are now fast-tracking legislation to limit New Yorkers’ options to challenge them in court.

Corrupt Albany politicians must end their self-serving power grabs. The greatest attacks on democracy in New York are being launched without apology by the Democrats running this state into the ground. In November, voters of New York should return the favor by being the ones to fill these Democrats with extensive regret.

Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) represented New York’s First Congressional District in the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023 and ran for governor of New York in 2022.

By Louis Civello

Mental Health Awareness in Policing

Just because you wear a shield and serve and protect doesn’t make you immune to mental health issues, and more than ever, police unions are evaluating our approaches to this emerging crisis and realizing that we as a society need to do better.

The alarms are ringing, as is evident right here in Suffolk County, as we experienced the tragic loss of four law enforcement officers to suicide within the past two months.

According to available data, suicide rates are a staggering 54% higher among law enforcement personnel than the general population, while even more officers suffer from PTSD caused by violence encountered on the job.

The Suffolk County PBA has an established Providing Enforcers Education and Resources (PEER) Team whose mission is to provide law enforcement personnel and their families with the necessary education and resources to maintain a healthy and productive lifestyle. The team is made up of PBA members with the desire to support their peers during times of need. These extraordinary individuals volunteer their own time to provide their colleagues with an open ear or a shoulder to lean on. In many situations, PEER Team members effectively give advice and assist colleagues in getting through difficult times.

P.E.E.R.

Peer teams in other professions have been effective tools to help individuals in distress. They’ve also been effective at helping to destigmatize seeking mental

health treatment.

Even the toughest guys and gals have bad days, whether it’s dealing with personal issues at home, the stress of the job, overcoming trauma, or any of the other thousand things we do that can strain our mental health.

There is often a hesitation to talk about mental health struggles with a supervisor because of a fear of career repercussions.

The PBA PEER Team alleviates that fear by having members connect with officers of the same rank. Many people, especially police officers, feel more comfortable talking about the issues they are battling with peers who have similar experiences. When members seek help, if appropriate, we can refer them to a psychologist who specializes in working with police officers. Our mental struggles are not always relatable to non-law enforcement officers, so having a doctor available who has worked with police officers for decades is extremely valuable.

Police officers experience a variety of situations that can be difficult to deal with on their own, irrespective of life’s daily curve balls. Some officers might continually relive and replay a dangerous incident that occurred on the job. We are regularly helping people during their worst times, often dealing with scenarios when people are not behaving with their kindest intentions. Over time, this can be difficult to cope with.

Some police officers experience one horrific scene and it can change their outlook on life in an instant. Some police officers experience multiple horrific scenes such as responding to the death of a child in a car accident or responding to a murder scene, and stress becomes cumulative sneaking up on you and pushing you over the edge.

For some police officers, it’s the stress that comes with working through holidays, weekends, and birthdays, and missing out on memories with our families. It’s not always easy for our loved ones to accept that we can’t be around to share in these exciting moments.

When our family struggles to understand, it can be more difficult to deal with our struggles. These kinds of struggles often compound themselves, and they can devolve into a depletion of physical health. Difficulty sleeping, bad eating habits, or increased alcohol consumption often accompany mental health issues along with the development of anxiety or depression.

In Suffolk County, we know we can do more for the mental health of our police officers. County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) has always been a strong supporter of law enforcement, and we are working to create a comprehensive plan to address wellness and mental health. Ideas include utilizing our existing PEER Team in a greater capacity but also adding additional resources and incentives to break the stigma surrounding treatment. Officers must trust that seeking help will not harm their careers or their ability to provide for their families. While having a volunteer PEER team has been beneficial, we need police officers whose full-time job will be mental health counseling.

Education must also be a cornerstone of our plan. Suicide prevention and awareness training coupled with other modern techniques and services are a vital tool to improve public safety and protect our officers. Studies have shown that poor mental health often negatively affects work habits. Working together to improve mental health and peer programs will strengthen our police department.

The Suffolk PBA strongly supports legislation to fund and create a training program to enhance resources available for peer-to-peer volunteer teams. We are collaborating with other unions and county elected officials to address this crisis. We need to lobby for statewide assistance to improve funding and resources for mental health.

We cannot afford to do nothing; our officers’ lives depend on what we do next.

Louis Civello is the president of the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Assoiation.

This Week Today

National, State and Local Temperature Checks

By Matt Meduri

National

The political world received a tale of two primaries last week, one of no surprises, and one of small surprises

Of no surprises: Donald Trump (R-FL) (pictured below right) cruised to victory in Saturday’s South Carolina Primary, soundly defeating native daughter, former Governor, and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley.

As the lone challenger to Trump for the Republican nomination, Haley required a decent showing in her home state to continue her crusade against her former boss. While Haley has lost all contests thus far - Iowa, New Hampshire, and the U.S. Virgin Islands - as well as an embarrassing distant second-place finish to the “None of These Candidates” option in Nevada’s non-binding primary, she has found some pockets of success that serve more as a warning sign to Trump in the general election rather than trickles of success for her campaign.

There was little doubt from the beginning that Trump would rout Haley in her home state, namely due to the large concentration of white, working-class, low college-educated, and evangelical population that serves as a core facet of his populist base. However, Trump has shown weakness with suburbanites, urban voters, and college-educated voters, demographics Haley about broke even with Trump in Iowa and won decisively in the educated, classically liberal New Hampshire.

These results were mirrored in South Carolina, but relative to the state’s overall demographic makeup. As of press time, Trump won the primary with 59.8% of the vote to Haley’s 39.5% - a margin of about 150,000 votes out of about 750,000 cast. Other candidates received less than 1% of the statewide vote collectively, including Texas pastor and businessman Ryan Binkley and Florida Air Force Major David Stuckenberg. Binkley suspended his campaign Tuesday night and endorsed Trump.

The first task for Trump: break 60% of the vote. With 59.8%, it’s just enough for him to have effectively completed this task. However, with a margin of about twenty points, Trump still underperformed the FiveThirtyEight polling aggregate by about seven points and the RealClearPolitics average by three points.

The second task for Trump: appeal to the voters among whom he performs the weakest. Despite Trump’s victory in South Carolina, the geography of the win shows problems his campaign must address for the general election. While he cruised to victory in rural areas, the biggest regions to watch were the cities. South Carolina only has a few consequential urban areas, and none are large or Democratic enough to make the state healthily competitive. However, in a primary setting, it can reveal coalitions within a party. Haley easily won Columbia, the capital, and Charleston, the state’s largest cities. She was also able to win precincts in the northern cities of Greenville, Seneca, and Spartanburg, with smaller cities throughout the state, such as Camden and Florence, coming out for her.

Diving into the numbers, it also reveals additional problems for Trump. Trump crushed Haley among key demographics: low-income voters by forty-five points, areas with fewer college graduates by fifty-five points, and rural areas by forty points. Trump won suburban areas by eight points, which is decent but not strong enough to bode well in the context of the general election. He also won areas that went strong for Biden in 2020 by just two points.

Haley, on the other hand, won higher income

areas by two points, areas with more college graduates by nine points, and urban areas by seven points. While her margins here are thin, it’s important to remember that South Carolina does not have nearly as many of these types of voters as the critical swing states and battlegrounds. So, while Trump might have done relatively well among these areas on Saturday, reflected against a national backdrop, he will need to court these voters much more effectively going forward.

This shows by her margins in the only three counties she was able to win. In Charleston County, home to Charleston, Haley won by twenty-four points. In Richland County, home to Columbia, she won by sixteen points, followed by Beaufort County, home to Beaufort and Hilton Head Island, where she won by eleven points.

Trump did not receive less than 57% of the vote in any of the state’s fortythree counties.

The county-level results mirror the results of the last two GOP primaries almost identically. Trump lost only Charleston and Richland counties in 2016, and Newt Gingrich (R-GA) lost the same three counties Trump lost Saturday to Mitt Romney (R-MA) in 2012.

Trump received forty-seven of South Carolina’s delegates, while Haley received three. Nevertheless, Haley has pledged to continue on in the fight in hopes of delivering decent results in college-educated, classically liberal states like Vermont and Massachusetts on Super Tuesday.

Moving north to the site of Tuesday night’s primary in Michigan, Trump was yet again able to deal another blow to Haley, but some of his problems are still in motion.

Trump managed a 68.2% blowout to Haley’s 26.5%. In Michigan, voters are treated to the “Uncommitted” option, a ballot position that essentially serves as an opposition vote. This option received just 3% of the statewide vote. About 1.1 million ballots were cast and Trump’s margin sits at over 450,000 votes. Trump also swept all eighty-three of Michigan’s counties. His thinnest margin was that of five points in Washtenaw County, home to Ann Arbor. Trump scored margins in excess of twenty points in Ingham, Kalamazoo, and Kent (Grand Rapids) Counties, and did not fall below 61% in any other county.

Intraparty fighting within the Michigan GOP has led to just a fraction of the state’s fifty-five delegates being awarded Tuesday night. Trump appears to have won nine delegates, while Haley will win two. Trump’s performance in Michigan consolidates his support among working-class voters and is his best primary performance to date where Haley was on the ballot.

Despite his large win, Trump still underperformed the FiveThirtyEight polling average by about ten points.

On the Democratic side, however, a more startling picture materialized. While President Biden (D-DE) easily won Michigan, he was delivered a clear message about the United States’ stance on the Israeli-Palestine War. Just three weeks ago, a campaign called Listen to Michigan staged an effort to convince Michiganders to protest vote against Biden with the “Uncommitted” option, in hopes of rebuking the president on his actions with Israel.

Michigan has more Arab-Americans than any other state in the country, and their voting blocs wield significant power in areas like Dearborn. Despite Biden calling for a ceasefire and his admonishment of Israel’s actions, it did not spare him the chagrin of nearly 100,000 voters. Listen to Michigan hoped to achieve just 10,000 votes in the primary, mirroring Trump’s margin of victory against Hillary Clinton (D-NY) in 2016.

They greatly outperformed their goal, taking 13.3% of the statewide vote to Biden’s 81.1%.

The initiative was not just well-received in Dearborn’s Wayne County, where the “Uncommitted” option received 17% of the vote, but the option received double-digit support in nearly all of Michigan’s counties. Dearborn itself gave the “Uncommitted” option 56% of the vote.

But it’s not just Dearborn and Arab-American communities where Biden has problems. College towns full of young progressives who have soured on Biden’s policy in Gaza joined the resistance effort as well. In Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, the “Uncommitted” option won 19% of the vote. In East Lansing, home to Michigan State University, “Uncommitted” received 15% of the vote.

The initiative has expanded to Minnesota, home to the nation’s largest percentage of Somali-Americans, as well as Washington, home to large swaths of progressive voters.

Michigan was a massive hurdle for Biden, and while he cleared it at face value in terms of winning the primary, it shows a large schism within the party that is likely to coalesce into the rest of the nominating contest.

Moreover, Congressman Dean Phillips (D, MN-03) finished in last place, defeated by the ghost of self-help author Marianne Williamson (D-CA), who suspended her campaign on February 7.

Trump now sits at 119 delegates to Haley’s 22. Biden has 177 delegates while his opponents have none.

State

Governor Kathy Hochul (D) announced $20 million in state funding to go to seven New York counties and New York City to improve emergency communications. New York City will receive $3 million in funding to upgrade and improve the National Interoperability Channels. The counties of Cattaraugus, Chenango, Dutchess, Genesee, Livingston, Schoharie, and Washington are the seven other counties that will receive funding through the program. The funding can be used to upgrade radio communications, improve interregional emergency preparedness, and first-responder training. The funding is administered by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) under the 2023 Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant (SICG) Targeted Grant Program.

Local

Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) was appointed to the Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces. The subcommittee “exercises oversight and legislative jurisdiction over the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, Navy Reserve equipment, and maritime programs. The Subcommittee also oversees Navy and Marine Corps acquisition programs and accounts related to shipbuilding and conversion, reconnaissance and surveillance, tanker, and airlift aircraft, ship and submarine-launched weapons, ammunition, and other procurements.”

“As a Navy Veteran and former Surface Warfare Officer, I am honored to be appointed to the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee,” said LaLota, a Navy Veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee. “I look forward to applying my experiences on three overseas deployments to this important subcommittee,” said LaLota. “In a world with growing danger, the Armed Services Committee is focused on ensuring our fighting men and women have the tools, leadership, and policy they need to deter conflict, or if necessary, win it and return home safely. I am committed to working with Chairman Trent Kelly and our colleagues to ensure our Armed Forces remain the greatest fighting force in the world.”

Smithtown Supervisor Partners with Girl Scout Unit 26 of Hauppauge for Families in Need

In honor of the Girl Scouts 112th Birthday, on March 12, service unit 26 out of Hauppauge has teamed up with Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park) and the Town of Smithtown in a unique community service initiative. The Girl Scouts will collect and assemble “Birthday Bags” which will then be donated to the Smithtown Food Pantry. Families in need will be able to collect a “Birthday Bag” from the Food Pantry, featuring all the necessary trimmings and tools needed to celebrate a child’s birthday together in style.

“This is a wonderful celebration of community service, which represents the fundamental values of the Girls Scouts, one I was happy to be a part of with Unit 26,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. “In addition to teaching our younger generations the importance of community service, charity, and

kindness to one’s neighbors, these wonderful young ladies have chosen an excellent theme. The Birthday Bag drive will ensure no child in need ever goes without celebrating their special day or stops believing in the power of a birthday wish.”

What’s in the Birthday Bag? Items wanted for the collection include: cake mix, frosting, table cloths, candles, balloons, cutlery, cups, plates, banners, party hats, juice, and disposable trays and pans.

Residents who would like to help the Girl Scouts with this month-long collection are welcome to drop off any of the above birthday items to Town Hall during regular business hours. The collection is currently underway, running through Friday, March 15, 2024.

Smithtown Town Hall is located at 99 W. Main Street in Smithtown.

Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau Hosts Collection One-Stop Event Prom Shoppe at Horizons Center

The Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau is seeking gently loved or new attire and accessories to be donated for a one-stop shopping experience for young people to look their best. On Saturday, March 16, residents can donate gently loved or brand-new formal/semi-formal dresses, jewelry, accessories, bags, and shoes to the Horizons Center from 9:00a.m. to Noon. All sizes are welcome. The inaugural One-Stop Dress Shoppe at Horizons Center will be available for young people, by appointment beginning on April 1.

“I applaud Director Janine MarcAnthony and the Youth Bureau team for orchestrating this fantastic initiative,” said Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park). “Creating a private shopping experience for young people who might otherwise miss out on special occasions such as a school dance restores confidence and removes obstacles for local families. Additionally, hosting the collection event provides a teaching opportunity for our youth to give back, appreciate all that they have, and happens to be a great help to our environment. Most people don’t realize that textile waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the country. The One-Stop Prom Shoppe collection event gives the community a fantastic opportunity to upcycle one’s closets while giving a young person the chance to stand out on a special night.”

The exorbitant costs associated with attending a formal/semi-formal event can often deter young people from participating in milestone memories such as prom. The Smithtown Youth Bureau’s One-Stop Prom Shoppe

removes financial barriers and creates a very personable experience ensuring everyone who wishes to attend a school dance can do so red carpet ready.

“We are thrilled about the Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau’s inaugural One-Stop Dress Shoppe!” said Executive Director Janine MarcAnthony. “This remarkable initiative will provide students with the opportunity to attend the Junior or Senior Prom in a stunning dress and accessories that they may not have been able to afford on their own and make their evenings really special.”

Did You Know?

Upcycling your textiles is good for the ecosystem. The fashion industry contributes to 10% of global carbon emissions making it the second-largest industrial polluter. According to the State DEC, New Yorkers throw away approximately 1.4 billion pounds of textiles (clothing, footwear, belts, hats, handbags, drapes, towels, sheets, and other linens) that could be reused or recycled.

Attending a prom is a very costly event. The average cost to participate in a school prom can run anywhere between $600-$1000. Expenses include: attire, accessories, admission, hair, make-up, nails, shoes, and transportation.

Donation drop off is Saturday, March 16, from 9:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. at the Town of Smithtown Horizons Center located at 161 E. Main Street Smithtown, New York.

For questions or more information contact the Youth Bureau at (631) 360-7595 or email: youthbureau@ smithtownny.gov.

Hip-Hip-Hooray, It’s the 100th Day at Forest Brook

On February 9, students at Forest Brook Elementary School in the Hauppauge School District celebrated their 100th day of school. Kindergartners and first graders marched through the hallways chanting, “Hip-hip-hooray, it’s the 100th day!” in celebration.

From Smithtown to Japan and Back

The Smithtown Central School District’s first educational trip to Japan took place during February’s winter break with an amazing exploration of Tokyo, Yokohama, Hiroshima, and Osaka.

Teachers Nancy Raftery, Tim Needles, Nancy Anderson, Michael Menendez, Amy Rothleder, and Robin Jacobsen helped lead students from High school East and West on an EF (Education First) tour with tour guide Yu-San through the history and culture of Japan.

Students and teachers toured sites such as the Meiji Shinto Shrine, Yokohama Sky Garden, Asakusa Kannon Temple, Miyajima Island’s Itsukushima shrine, Osaka Castle, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

Needles exclaimed, “It was a tremendous learning opportunity for all which led to new perspectives, connections, and lasting memories!”

Hoops for Hearts at Mills Pond Elementary

Signed, Sealed, and Delivered with Love at Mt. Pleasant

Fourth and fifth graders at Mills Pond Elementary had a nice workout for a great cause when they participated in Hoops for Hearts, raising over $900 for the American Heart Association.

The students gathered together on February 15, to compete in a three-point challenge, relay races, and basketball games.

Fifth grade teachers at Mt. Pleasant Elementary got a special gift on Valentine’s Day that truly speaks to their love for animals. They participated in a Stuffed Animal Adoption on February 14.

Students adopted stuffed animals, created beaded collars, and filled out adoption certificates. Classrooms were filled with love, smiles and happiness on Valentine’s Day.

America the Beautiful: How History Shapes our Electorate U.S. Virgin Islands - America’s Paradise

By Matt Meduri

The U.S. Virgin Islands have a rich history built on tension, multiple takeovers, and a continuing unclear political identity.

Early History - An Unprofitable Archipelago

The first documented European visit to the Virgin Islands is that of Columbus’ 1493 arrival in his second voyage to the New World. Columbus landed on St. Croix and further explored St. Thomas and St. John. The archipelago of small islands, cays, and rocks reminded him of Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgin martyrs who were murdered by Attila and the Huns, leading him to name the area the Virgin Islands.

The Spanish quickly pushed the natives out of the islands, while enslaving some to work the mines of the Greater Antilles and others to guide them around the Caribbean. The island of St. Croix was the only one of the three that saw colonization during the 1500s. In 1625, the English and Dutch took possession of St. Croix and the island would later be settled in part by the French. Conflicts between the British and the Dutch saw the French side with the Dutch and leave the British the sole claimants to St. Croix. Spanish forces from Puerto Rico would oust the British in 1650. The French then ousted the Spanish and took control of St. Croix, which would never be profitable to them. The island passed through the hands of several other companies, who also found the colony unprofitable. St. Croix was abandoned in 1696.

The Danish West India Company then established a charter which aimed to occupy St. Thomas. The Danes made quick use of the African slave trade to start farming the island. Denmark then sought to expand to St. Croix for more arable land during a drought in the 1720s. France sold the abandoned island for political leverage with Denmark. The contingency was that Denmark could not sell the islands without the permission of the French government. Following more unprofitability, the islands were transferred to direct jurisdiction of the king.

The conditions and treatment experienced by the slaves led them to a revolt on St. John in 1733 after a long drought and a hurricane. The revolt allowed 150 slaves to take control of the island until 1734.

Sugar farming then drove the islands’ economy under the Danish crown. Cotton, indigo, and tobacco were also cash crops and all relied heavily on the slave trade. The British took control of the islands for two periods during the early 1800s during the Napoleonic Wars. As Denmark was an ally of Napoleon, the British saw it fit to prevent military action in the West Indies by invading the Virgin Islands.

By the 1800s, the slave trade was being abolished by a number of European governments, but the trade still persisted in the Virgin Islands due to heavy reliance on the practice. As the islands transitioned from agriculture to trade, slaves were then forced to work in the busy ports on the three islands. Under threat of destruction of the town of Fredericksted on St. Croix, the governor of Danish West Indies announced full emancipation of the enslaved on the islands. July 3 is now known in the U.S. Virgin Islands as Emancipation Day.

Working conditions and options still struggled to be sustainable after emancipation, which ultimately led to the 1878 St. Croix Labor Riot, in which Fredericksted and many other plantations were destroyed.

Negotiations of Sale - Fear Campaigns

With the abolition of slavery, the plantation and

sugar industries collapsed. While the Danes saw massive losses from the islands at this point, the United States had newfound military interest in the islands. Negotiations to sell the islands began in 1866 and would not materialize until 1917.

Fears of annexation by Prussia and Austria led to a public referendum supporting a sale to the U.S., but Congress failed to ratify the sale before its deadline, likely in a move against Secretary of State William Seward’s support of President Andrew Johnson (DTN) during his impeachment trial. In 1899, fears of a sale to Germany renewed American interests. A negotiation was met and Congress ratified the treaty in 1902. While the Lower House of Danish Parliament overwhelmingly supported the sale, the Upper House found itself in a deadlock, once again ending the transfer of the Virgin Islands to the U.S.

However, with the onset of World War I, American fears of German expansion into the Caribbean changed the urgency of the transaction. The U.S. saw a great strategic military point in the islands, especially in close proximity to the newly-completed Panama Canal.

After overwhelming votes from the publics of the Virgin Islands and Denmark, the United States officially took possession of the islands on March 31, 1917, ending 250 years of Danish rule and resulting in the first and only territory of the U.S. to be obtained through sale.

The American Period - An Ambiguous Identity

Today, the Virgin Islands celebrates March 31 as Transfer Day. In 1920, Virgin Islanders were said to have “American nationality,” but were not considered American citizens. Most residents were granted U.S. citizenship in 1932. The islands remained under direct control of the U.S. government until 1968, when residents were first allowed to elect their own governor. This was followed by their right to elect a non-voting delegate to the U.S. House in 1972. Like in the other four territories, the U.S. Virgin Islands can elect a non-voting delegate to the House. This delegate can sponsor legislation and sit on committees but cannot cast floor votes. In 1976, President Ford (R-MI) signed a bill that allowed the islands to organize their own government and establish their own constitution. Four constitutional conventions have failed: 1972, 1979, 1981, and 2009. The Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands from 1954 remains the islands’ definition of their government to this day.

Geography - America’s Paradise

The U.S. Virgin Islands are made up of three main islands.

1. St. Thomas - Nicknamed “Rock City,” the largest island by population - about 42,000 peopleand home to the territory’s capital, Charlotte Amalie. Home to industries of tourism, service, and trade, the island accounts for 60% of the Virgin Islands’

This is the fifty-third 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.

GDP and about half of total civilian employment. Cruise ships and major airlines have connections to St. Thomas. Charlotte Amalie is also the birthplace and childhood home of Frasier’s Kelsey Grammer.

2. St. Croix - Nicknamed “Twin Cities’’ for the cities Fredericksted and Christiansted, the largest island by area and second-largest in population. St. Croix is the southernmost island of the USVI, sitting forty-two miles south of St. Thomas and St. John. Originally the agricultural powerhouse of the USVI, farming has been problematic after multiple devastating hurricanes swept across the islands over the last several years.

3. St. John - The smallest island by area and populationabout 4,000 people - more than 60% of the island is protected by the federal government as the Virgin Islands National Park. The economy is mostly based on tourism.

Interestingly, the U.S. Virgin Islands is the only United States territory that drives on the left side of the road.

Current Political Leanings - A Democratic Stronghold

The Virgin Islands do not participate in presidential elections; however their party primaries are marquee elections across the islands. With a requirement of a majority vote in elections, the Virgin Islands have utilized rankedchoice voting before Maine and Alaska put the systems into play. Lowest vote-receiving candidates are eliminated and the votes for said candidates are transferred to voters’ second choices on those ballots until a candidate receives a majority.

The U.S. Virgin Islands is overwhelmingly Democratic in nature, mainly in part of a largely ineffective Republican Party for much of its modern political history. The GOP has failed to engage in competitive gubernatorial elections in over thirty years, and Democrats have held large majorities in the territorial legislature for just as long.

Currently, Democrats have eleven seats in the fifteenseat unicameral legislature. Independents have the other four seats. The third-party Independent Citizens Movement (IC) has held seats in the legislature recently, but currently have no power in the islands. The party advocates for more autonomy for the USVI.

The first elected governor of the islands was Melvin Evans (R), who was first appointed to the role in 1969 and elected in 1970. Melvin then went on to serve as the first and only Republican delegate to the House from 1979 to 1981. He won the 1978 election by a thin 52%-48% margin. He was defeated for re-election in 1980.

Republicans last held the governorship from 1995 to 1998 with Roy Schneider (R). Only Democrats and one Independent have held the office since. The current governor is Albert Bryan (D), who won the 2018 runoff against then-Governor Kenneth Mapp (I). Bryan won St. Thomas and St. John, while Mapp won St. Croix, winning overall by eleven points. Bryan was re-elected in 2022 and won the same two islands, but won the election by a much more decisive eighteen-point margin.

The current delegate to the House is Stacey Plaskett (D). Born in New York to Virgin Islander parents, Plaskett built a career as a prosecutor and even landed an appointed position by George W. Bush (R-TX) in the Justice Department. Plaskett also worked for then-Deputy Attorney General James Comey. Comey would later serve as Director of the FBI. Plaskett moved to the Virgin Islands in 2007 and opened a private practice and switched to the Democratic Party in 2008.

Plaskett was elected as the Virgin Islands’ delegate in 2014 by a 91% margin. She ran unopposed in 2016 and 2018, and received 88% of the vote over an Independent in 2020. Plaskett was unopposed in 2022.

Long influenced by the throes of multiple governments, financial hardships, and ambiguous political lines, the U.S. Virgin Islands continues to discover its identity as a territory, as disagreements in Washington and at home continue to stymie the creation of its own constitution.

Mattera and Assemblyman Fitzpatrick Honor Local Carpenters for Volunteer Work at Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry

In a heartwarming celebration of community service and dedication, Senator Mario R. Mattera (R-St. James) and Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R-St. James) recognized the selfless contributions of Carpenters Local 290 and Plumbers Local 200 in assisting the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry.

Carpenters Local 290 members, led by Business Manager Anthony Villa and carpenters Martin West and Buddy Canepa, and Plumbers 200 members, led by Business Manager Richard Brooks, Business Agent Joseph Squicciarini and Organizer Ed Tedla, were instrumental in upgrading and beautifying the Pantry, which has been a cornerstone organization dedicated to assisting families in need since 1984.

Through their donation of their exceptional skills and dedication, Carpenters Local 290 and Plumbers Local 200 members played a pivotal role in the installation of new shelving units and several fire-rated doors, which will significantly enhance the pantry’s operations. These improvements will enable the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry to continue its noble mission of providing essential food and basic needs to families with greater efficiency and safety.

The directors of the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry expressed their profound gratitude towards the carpenters for their contributions, emphasizing the positive impact of their work on the community. Senator Mattera and Assemblyman Fitzpatrick also commended the carpenters for their commitment to building better communities through their craftsmanship and volunteerism.

“It’s a privilege to recognize the outstanding efforts of Martin West, Buddy Canepa, and all members of Local 290,” stated Senator Mattera. “Their dedication to enhancing our community spaces, especially those that serve our most vulnerable, is truly commendable. We are inspired by their generosity and are reminded of the power of community service in making a significant difference.”

The event also served as a call to action for others in the community to come forward and contribute their time, skills, or resources to support local causes. Senator Mattera and his office are eager to shine a light on similar acts of kindness and encourage anyone involved in community service to share their stories.

For more information on how you can support the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry, please contact them at (516) 445-5597.

Senator Mattera Celebrates Athletic Achievements at Smithtown East HS

respective sports but have also shown leadership and sportsmanship, serving as inspirations to their teammates and peers.

Senator Mattera proudly recognized the achievements of the Smithtown East Boys Soccer team, Girls Volleyball team, Boys and Girls Cross Country teams, and the Swimming and Diving Team, applauding their dedication and competitive spirit which have greatly contributed to the school’s athletic reputation.

Highlighting individual accomplishments, Senator Mattera also celebrated the outstanding talents of students who have earned prestigious spots on the Newsday All-Long Island teams: Diego Flores (Boys Soccer), Olivia Bozzo (Girls Soccer), Karson Catalanotto (Girls Volleyball), Anya Konopka (Girls Tennis), and Mary Grace Waring (Girls Swim). These athletes have not only demonstrated exceptional skill in their

“The spirit and determination of the Smithtown East athletes are a beacon of excellence within our community,” said Senator Mattera. “It is an honor to recognize these young individuals who excel not only in their athletic pursuits but also in embodying the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Congratulations to each of you for your remarkable achievements and to the coaches, parents, and the entire Smithtown East community for your ongoing support and encouragement.”

This recognition from Senator Mattera underscores the importance of athletics in fostering a sense of community and pride among students and residents alike, celebrating not just victories but the journey of growth and development that sports provide.

Senator Mario Mattera represents the Second District in the New York State Senate. The Second District contains the entire Townships of Huntington and Smithtown.

In a heartwarming ceremony held at Smithtown East High School, Senator Mario R. Mattera (R-St. James), of the Second Senate District, took the opportunity to honor the school’s exceptional athletes and their unwavering commitment to excellence in sports.

By Kaitlyn Foley

Reflections of a Champion

Introducing Book Talk: A community-wide book club of novels about Long Island, involving Long Island, and by local Long Island authors. In this column, Kaitlyn Foley will be reading our Island’s best stories, discussing them with other readers, and often even the authors themselves. Join Kaitlyn and the rest of The Messenger team every few weeks to chat about our future favorite books. Know of a great book you’d like to share with your community? To kick off The Messenger’s newest column, we start with the story of a local Long Island legend, a champion who got his start right here in Brentwood. Reflections of a Champion is the firsthand account of Gary Lee Brown’s career as a professional football player in the NFL on the Green Bay Packers, following him as he climbs to the peak of his career winning the Superbowl, and the times of his life that he refers to as his “rock bottom.”

As a boy who grew up in Brentwood, Brown starts his novel off describing his childhood. The familiar, nostalgic memories he describes remind us of how every famous person starts off the same way, a child with a passion.

Intramural football, or as the author refers to it, “Pop Warner” football, was a catalyst for Brown. Throughout the book, the reader will notice his reference to that time of his life quite often. This was something that made me reflect on my own childhood. Trying to remember the lessons I’ve learned early in my life and when I learned them was difficult. This goes to show that football was always at the forefront of Brown’s mind. He was able to track his determination and accountability back to when he first learned those qualities were important: Pop Warner football.

“It’s important for kids to know that no matter what level you’re playing at, you need to be in the moment. Appreciate the teammates around you and appreciate the opportunity that you have.” (Gary Lee Brown, Reflections of a Champion, page 28)

“I played the game in honor of my father, who always taught me to be the best version of myself,” Brown explains to The Messenger. He expanded on the pages in his book where he talks about the qualities of a champion that need to be instilled in a child at a young age, whether they end up in professional sports or not.

“The love of competition, being the best version of myself, and winning were very addictive even towards the end of my career when I wasn’t [at my best].”

The sportsmanship, responsibility, and drive that was instilled in him as a Pop Warner player by his father and coaches led him to be the champion that he is today, on and off the field.

Reflections of a Champion truly made me reflect on where I came from and how sports has shaped me. I was certainly not destined for the professional level of any sport I tried. However, Brown’s point that being involved in a team effort and admiring the coaches whose job it is to help you do better, was a molding experience.

“It is an understatement that sports have a huge influence in our world. It does more than bring value to the school’s identity,” says Brown. “For that young person to be accountable and accepted in a positive group or situation can be a matter of life or death. They are not just numbers; they are people that will go on to live their own lives.”

The Messenger has discussed before how sports in early life can be a positive influence; however, Brown adds a new perspective through his book.

when he was first approached about writing a book, he didn’t believe he even had a story to tell. His depression over the end of his career blinded him to what he could do for others.

“I went through some life-changing things. That was when I found that I had a story to tell, and by telling my story, I could help someone else.”

The Serenity Prayer that Brown recited on page 37 was another piece that stuck with me throughout the book. He noted that the prayer was always in the back of his mind after learning it, and it helped him get through the toughest moments in his life. Each page after, I thought about how that prayer might be aiding Brown in each story he told.

“I first learned the Serenity Prayer in 1997. I had an incident in Wisconsin and had to take some counseling. It was just something to get me through the moment. As time went on, I realized how much the Serenity Prayer related to me in life. I applied the prayer to all aspects of my life [because] it helps me manage stress, uncontrollable situations, and put things in perspective,” explains Brown.

The Serenity Prayer reads: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

There was not a single page in this book where I doubted Brown’s determination, dedication, and humanity. His recount of his own life reflects on the good and the bad; the decisions that made him a champion in football, and the decisions that could have led him down a road of no return. His resiliency and self-reflection is enough to inspire anyone. Yet he continues to be humble and grateful while acknowledging the situations and the people who got him to where he is.

The end of Brown’s book discusses his philanthropic work now through Dream68, a program that often brings him back to where it all started, Brentwood.

Going into the book, I was excited to read about Brown’s Superbowl win in his own words. A first-person account of the experience is the closest most of us will ever come to feeling the turf beneath our cleats. However, the chapters describing the Superbowl were shorter than I expected. Though I wasn’t disappointed, I was surprised. Brown focused on the stories of his life that helped him get to the height that he did rather than being there.

“There are many stories that did not make it [into the book.] Although they were good stories, they had no place for the theme that we were following: simply be the best you can be,” Browns tells The Messenger

Brown and his co-writer, David Lionheart, began putting these stories together during the pandemic because he was pursuing speaking engagements that pulled a lot of these stories to the surface. In the book, Brown says that

“Brentwood is a very special place to me. It’s where I was raised. I feel it’s a big reason I am the man I am today,” Brown says. “Coming from Brentwood gives me a strong background, supportive friends who never let my head get too big and never let me sink into the slumps. They will always get me. It’s who I am, where I come from, and where I represent. I think it’s very important to teach the kids of my neighborhood, Brentwood, that dreams can come true. If you have a dream of playing professional sports, then you need to take actions towards the course and don’t let anybody or anything derail you from your dreams. Hence my nonprofit organization Dream68, which started out with the mission to empower kids to dream.”

Dream68 is all about empowering children in every way. It provides for kids now, what coaches and parents provided for Brown as a child.

“My proudest moment was when a kid said, ‘Thank you Mr. Gary’, as some of the kids like to call me, ‘I changed my life around because of you’. The icing on a cake is when you have a single mother with no father figures in the house say ‘I hope my son becomes a mature young man.’ The kids have respect and love for their families and goals in life. Those are my biggest accomplishments and why I do what I do.”

Brown’s Reflections of a Champion is an inspiring firsthand account of a boy who turned into a man through the influence of football, whose career tested everything he had been taught, and came out a successful and stronger player and human. The story follows the player and the person that Gary Lee Brown is. It hammers down the idea that though a person seems to have it all, they may be struggling behind the scenes.

“Everybody has stuff, everybody has issues. You can never judge a book by its cover. It can look so pretty on the outside, but can be turmoil on the inside,” Brown tells The Messenger. “I greet people with a smile, a good personality, because that’s who I am. The work that I do is kind of selfish because after all I’ve been through, it is my therapy. Working with kids, giving back to my community, gives me a reason to go to bed at night. It gives me a reason to wake up early in the morning because people depend on me, just knowing that I might be able to make a difference in someone’s life, as people that made a difference in my life, and that’s enough for me.”

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Is Honesty Still the Best Policy?

By PJ Balzer

When I was a child going into my teenage years, there was a saying that I heard often. When it came to dealing with my family, my friends, neighbors, teachers, classmates, and in the everyday practical things of life, at least once a week I was taught: “Honesty is the best policy.”

Now granted, the 1980s and 1990s were much simpler times, prior to the Internet and many other drastic changes we have experienced in the past few decades. But does that make honesty no longer the best policy? Is that an outdated saying and doing in this high speed, super-sized, and instant gratification time we find ourselves in?

Recently, I needed a simple service done to a machine I own. I spent some time looking around my own town for a person who knows about the machine and could repair it at a reasonable price.

I enjoy patronizing small businesses that may not receive a whole lot of foot traffic, so I also took that into consideration when making a choice. I ended up finding a little dingy, hole-inthe-wall kind of a place, the kind of place that desperately needs a power-washing and wouldn’t be the first choice by eye alone. It’s set back and hidden behind other structures, humble to say the very least.

The gentleman at the counter treated me with the utmost respect. He was the least bit hesitant to look me right in the eyes and tell me which piece the machine needed replaced. He didn’t stutter or tango with words when it came to a final price. He didn’t offer an open-ended answer that allowed him to backtrack later. Just an honest man of business that gained my respect and a new customer.

He not only gained me as a customer though. People since have asked me how my experience went at that specific place. “Excellent, he did right by me, and I recommend you give his service a try,” is what I say. Whether he was looking for new customers or not, a trail has followed me to his counter since I first visited.

As I’m sure you have had, I’ve had just the opposite experiences as well. More recently, I walked into a store to buy something simple. There were no price tags on the items, which often sets off a red flag or two. When I asked about a price the employee quoted me nearly double the average selling price of the item. I did purchase the item without question because I needed it immediately, but I knew the business wasn’t a completely honest one. I wouldn’t go back, nor could I honestly recommend the store front to a friend. They did make a few dollars extra off my initial purchase, but that’s where my patronizing came to a complete halt.

After all these years, honesty does happen to still be the best policy,

especially for the first business owner mentioned. He may have made less profit initially by being honest, but in the long run, he’s profiting in many ways. I sure hope we all return to these traditional values that, at one time, seemed to be so deeply and thoroughly engrained in our society. As I used to hear often in 1988, “Honesty is always the best policy.”

Image by storyset on Freepik

Noun

WORD OF THE Week amalgam

Origin:

late 15th century: from French amalgame or medieval Latin amalgama, from Greek malagma ‘an emollient’.

Source: Oxford Languages

Synonyms: combination, concoction, fusion

Pronounced: uh·mal·gm

Definition: a mixture or blend

Example: “The newsletter contained an amalgam of various political opinions.”

Antonyms: element, ingredient, pure

Word Ladder 2/29

The aim of the game is to get from the given initial word to the given final word by changing only one letter per line. Note that every line must be a valid word. Sometimes there are several possibilities.

Initial word: WINE

Final word: BEER

Goal: 7 words

Check our Instagram @MessengerPapers and our Facebook for the answers to this week’s games.

This

Week in History

February 29, 1692

First people are accused of witchcraft in Salem, MassachusettsSarah Good, Sarah Osborne and Tituba, a West Indian slave

March 1, 1872

Yellowstone becomes the world’s 1st national park

March 2, 1872

1807 US Congress bans the slave trade within the US, effective January 1, 1808

March 3, 1991

Los Angeles police officers severely beat motorist Rodney King, the beating is famously captured on amateur video and later leads to riots when the police officers are acquitted

March 4, 1936

First flight of the airship Hindenburg at Friedrichshafen, Germany

March 5, 1971

“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin first played live at Ulster Hall, Belfast by Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham and John Paul Jones

March 6, 1869

Dmitri Mendeleev presents the first periodic table of the elements to the Russian Chemical Society

Migrant Surge Brings Killers And Criminal Gangs

By Outside Contributor Betsy McCaughey | AMAC

Former New York City Police Department Commissioner Ray Kelly, the department’s longest-serving commissioner, cautioned on Sunday that New York City’s quality of life “has really deteriorated.” Migrant crime is a major reason.

Venezuela’s notorious Tren de Aragua gang and El Salvador’s feared MS-13 — what former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker calls “prison-spawned gangs” — are threatening to take over American cities. They bring “mindless knuckle-dragging violence,” warns Swecker. They’re the “most dangerous gangs on the planet.”

Swecker speculates that countries are emptying their prisons deliberately. Gang leaders setting up crime rings in the U.S. “come out of the muck and the slime of the South American prisons.”

While law enforcement officials here are warning us about the collapse of public safety, left-wing pols deny there’s a problem. Ana Maria Archila, co-director of New York’s Working Families Party, calls the “chaos and insecurity” people are feeling a “false sense.” She blames it on racism and xenophobia, not reality. Open your eyes, Ms. Archila.

Public safety is visibly spiraling downward: migrants beating cops in Times Square; migrants running prostitution rings; migrants on mopeds robbing pedestrians; migrants shoplifting and stripping retail stores; and now a migrant who recently left New York has been arrested for killing a Georgia nursing student, Laken Riley. Not everyone violating the border is a hardened criminal, but President Joe Biden’s open borders are allowing the worst to get in.

“Irritates”? Adams is downplaying a serious threat.

When Mayor Eric Adams was asked on Feb. 20 about stabbing incidents and violence against cops at the Randall’s Island shelter, Adams said that “even the most peaceful person — being confined to an area with 3,000 people … there comes a time where it just irritates you.”

New York’s misguided “sanctuary city” policy makes the danger worse. If a migrant is arrested in New York, the NYPD is barred from communicating with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement to determine whether the migrant should be deported, jailed or allowed back on the street. On Monday, Adams stated clearly that sanctuary status must be changed so migrants who commit felonies can be picked up by ICE and deported. He’s said it before. Now it needs to happen.

Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, entered the U.S. from Venezuela illegally in September 2022, was granted “parole” under Biden’s policy and came to New York on a bus. While here, he was arrested once but not detained. Now he’s charged with murdering Riley, who was out jogging on the University of Georgia’s Athens campus.

Swecker suggests that “this man did not burst spontaneously into a criminal overnight. This is someone who has committed crimes before.”

After moving to Athens, Georgia, Ibarra was arrested three times, including for shoplifting. But Athens is also a sanctuary city, and he was always released.

On Saturday at CPAC, Donald Trump likened “migrant crime” to the deeds of fictional killer Hannibal Lecter, who eats victims. Not such a stretch in Ibarra’s case, considering he’s charged with “murder with malice” for bludgeoning Riley’s body until it was disfigured.

The vicious gang MS-13 is resurging and may join forces with Tren de Aragua. In 2017, an MS-13 gang hacked and beheaded four Long Island teens, using machetes, knives and a chisel. Gruesome.

The Left denies migrant crime is a problem. The public knows better. A new Pew Research Center report says 57% of Americans believe the huge influx of migrants is leading to more crime.

On Saturday, Adams stood in Times Square, boasting that it’s safe. But saying it doesn’t make it so. Just two days earlier, a teenager visiting the “Crossroads of the World” for the first time was knifed by a gang of masked attackers, including several migrants. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital with a collapsed lung.

Migrant gangs pose the biggest danger, but pervasive sex trafficking is also a scourge. Watch at about 6 p.m. each day as women exit shelters and get picked up in cars, leaving their kids behind for the night. It’s happening in all five boroughs, according to Homeland Security Investigations Deputy Agent in Charge Darren McCormack.

Are neighbors who criticize what’s happening xenophobic and racist? No. They just want a decent life, and they see it disappearing fast.

Suffolk County Veterans Emergency Assistance Commission to Begin Distributing Funds

The Suffolk County Veterans Emergency Assistance Commission, created in 2023 via a resolution sponsored by Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), will soon begin deliberating on and dispensing funds to Veterans in need for the purpose of procuring home heating oil.

The Commission is responsible for determining the eligibility requirements. The Commission’s membership is almost entirely leaders in the Veterans’ community as well as the commissioner of the Department of Veterans’ Services, Marcelle Leis. The Commission has $200,000 dollars at its disposal.

“Suffolk County serves the largest population of veterans in New York State. Our office has identified there is a need for Veterans, especially those on a fixed income, with assistance paying the high cost of heating their homes,” said Commissioner Marcelle Leis. “These heroes that served our country in times of peace and during war deserve the help the Suffolk County Legislature has provided through Veterans Home Heating Assistance bill.”

“Within my district alone, we have many Veterans who are on fixed incomes, struggling amid high costs,” said Legislator Leslie Kennedy. “Our aim in this Commission is to mitigate the rising costs of living for this specific populations, as well as promote the safety and well-being of our veterans.”

If you are interested in the Veterans Emergency Assistance Commission Fund, please contact (631) 853-8382 before funds run out. Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy represents the 12th Legislative District, encompassing Hauppauge, Lake Grove, Nesconset, Smithtown, and the Village of the Branch, as well parts of parts of Centereach, Commack, Lake Ronkonkoma, and Ronkonkoma. Legislator Kennedy was born and raised on Long Island, is a former nurse and small business manager, and has dedicated her life toward the betterment of our community. She currently chairs the Health Committees, vice chairs the Budget & Finance and Ways & Means Committees, and serves on the Committees on Environment; Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services & Preparedness; Labor & Consumer Affairs; Parks & Agriculture; Public Safety; and Veterans.

Lucky Couples Renew Vows at Jake’s 58 Casino

These couples were lucky in love as they enjoyed a vow renewal event Valentine’s Day at Jake’s 58 Casino in Islandia with Suffolk County OTB President and CEO Phil Boyle (pictured right).

Taking part in the vow renewal officiated by Boyle were, from left, Michael and Nancy D’Onofrio of Lake Ronkonkoma, married 60 years and who say that communication is vital to a happy marriage; Andrew Ratway, 80, and Judy Marlow-Ratway, 81, of Smithtown, married 32 years, who believe that having and maintaining common interests are vital to a long marriage; Boyle, who just celebrated his 19th anniversary; Eva and Al Trepiccione, 81 and 84, respectively, of Lake Grove, married 61 years, agree that Al chased her but that she didn’t run very fast, both agree that compassion, trust and communication have kept them together; and Almon and Flavia Wong, both 67, of Rocky Point,

Suffolk County Community College’s Cybersecurity Team Takes Third Place in National Cyber Competition

Students in Suffolk County Community College’s Cybersecurity Club recently competed in the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE) Cybergames Competition against a full slate of four-year CAE designated schools. Suffolk had a remarkable third place finish, just behind Champlain College and Penn State University.

The NCAE Cyber Games is dedicated to inspiring college students to enter the exciting realm of cyber competitions. Suffolk Team members Ryan Riazi (Captain), Enoch Gomez, Manual Gomez, Giorgio Lomanto, Jose Mancero, Wilson Pineda, Justin Trieu, Matthew Waskiewicz, Dylan Zagal, Gabriel Zambrana exhibited dedication, enthusiasm and skills that align with industry-recognized CompTIA Security+ competencies and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) frameworks.

The group participated in two computer security games concurrently. The first was a type of computer security game called a Capture-the-Flag (CTF). In CTF games, players race to solve security-related challenges, often searching for digital “flags” hidden on servers, in encrypted text, or in applications. Challenges within the CTF are open-ended and require expertise and skills in a wide range of security-related topics: computer forensics, cryptography, network penetration testing, web security, system, or network administration, among others. When a player submits a flag (or correct answer), they receive points for solving the challenge. The player or team with the highest cumulative score at the end of the game wins.

The second piece of the competition was defending and responding to real-world cybersecurity attacks against the provided computer infrastructure. The team was scored on their capacity to maintain the operational ability of these systems by responding to and remediating against these attacks.

“Through hard work, dedication, and a high-caliber curriculum, Suffolk students were able to surpass teams from selective universities, showcasing the college’s exceptional quality of education and the commitment of Suffolk’s faculty. Their success in realworld scenarios reflects the transformative power of the college’s curriculum,” said Cybersecurity Club Advisor Jon Sadowski.

To Learn more about Suffolk’s exciting Cybersecurity program, visit: sunysuffolk.edu/cybersecurity.

(Left to right) Dylan Zagal, Enoch Gomez, Gabriel Zambrana, Ryan Riazi, Justin Trieu, Matthew Waskiewicz, Wilson Pineda, Jose Mancero, Manual Gomez, Giorgio Lomanto.

married 37 years, say taking challenges together and supporting each other have kept them happily married for 37 years. The morning also included a buffet in the hotel’s newly renovated bridal suite.

The Playoffs Roll On

By PJ Balzer

The first week of basketball playoffs in Suffolk County certainly didn’t disappoint. Several teams from both Brookhaven and Islip Towns showed up to play and did it well. As the brackets shrink down to just a few teams ready to face off for county titles, there are a few local teams still standing strong.

The Bellport boys’ team fought well with the leadership of point guard Marcine Allen-Boutwell to a round one victory over East Islip. The Clippers then faced a seasoned Smithtown West team at their house where Bellport was sent home for the season. Smithtown West will now face their neighbors Smithtown East in the class AA semifinal. The battle between these two squads is never a gentle one. The winner will face the winner of the other semifinal game between Deer Park and Half Hollow Hills East. This game will be on Saturday, March 2, at Longwood High School. Check the link below for the time of this game.

The Sayville and Wyandanch game also didn’t disappoint. As expected, Wyandanch played and pushed even closer than the teams’ second meeting earlier in the season. This game went into overtime where Wyandanch once again came out on top. Congratulations to Sayville on another great season. Wyandanch will face off against a higher seeded

CreditPJ Balzer

Outfielder Tyler Dearden Joins Ducks

LongIslandAddsFormerRedSoxProspect

The Long Island Ducks today announced the signing of outfielder Tyler Dearden. He begins his first season with the Ducks and seventh in professional baseball.

“We are excited to welcome Tyler to Long Island,” said Ducks Manager Lew Ford. “He has done an excellent job of getting on base throughout his professional career and has experience at both corner outfield positions.”

Dearden spent the first six seasons of his professional career in the Boston Red Sox organization. He reached as high as Triple-A Worcester during the 2023 season. In 399 career games, he compiled a .353 on-base percentage and a .778 OPS along with 49 home runs, 228 RBIs, 204 runs, 356 hits, 72 doubles, five triples, and 179 walks. His best season came in 2021 with High-A Greenville when he led the High-A East in home runs (24), RBIs (80) and walks (55) while ranking third in runs (73) and fourth in OPS (.891). For his efforts, the New Jersey native was named an MiLB. com Organization All-Star and a High-A East Post-Season All-Star.

The 25-year-old spent the majority of the 2023 season with

Double-A Portland before he was called up to Triple-A Worcester. In 71 games with Portland, he batted .270 with seven homers, 41 RBIs, 34 runs, 67 hits, 12 doubles, one triple, and a .361 on-base percentage. He came out of the gate strong, posting a .317 batting average and an .819 OPS in April. The outfielder was previously named a New York-Penn League MidSeason All-Star in 2018, hitting .306 that season with four homers, 23 RBIs, 30 runs, 52 hits, 12 doubles, one triple, and a .364 on-base percentage. Dearden was originally selected by the Red Sox in the 29th round of the 2017 amateur draft.

The Ducks are entering their 24th season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip, New York. They are the all-time leader in wins and attendance in Atlantic League history, led all MLB Partner Leagues in attendance in 2023, and have sold out a record 706 games all-time.

For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).

Bayport-Blue Point. The final two teams will also face off this Saturday, March 2.

In the large school Class AAA first round, everything didn’t go as expected. That’s part of what makes playoff basketball so exciting. William Floyd knocked out the lower seed North Babylon team as predicted by many. Yet Northport also knocked out a higher seed Brentwood team that had beat them earlier in the season. Northport showed up to Brentwood High School ready to play basketball and did just that. On the opposite bracket, Patchogue played Commack in a game that had everyone on the edge of their seats. The game was decided by two free throws in the last few seconds of the game. Commack will face a still undefeated Bay Shore team. The winner of that will face off against the winner of Floyd and Northport. The Class AAA final will also be this Saturday at Longwood High School.

If you’re looking to check out some of the best basketball Suffolk County has to offer, this Saturday, March 2, Longwood High school will host each brackets’ final game. The winner of these games will face off against the Nassau County winner the following week. We hope to see you there!

Southampton team in the Class A semifinal game. On the opposite bracket is a semifinal with Elwood taking on

Treat Yourself to Theatre Three’s Festival of One-Act Plays

By Cindi Sansone-Braff

Theatre Three’s 25th Annual Festival of OneAct Plays features eight edgy, entertaining, and engaging world premieres selected from 1200 submissions. Under Jeffrey Sanzel’s creative direction, these diverse plays, ranging from existential musings on mortality to murder and complex matters of the heart, thoroughly captivated Saturday afternoon’s audience.

One-act plays are meant to be performed in an intimate theatrical space, and Theatre Three’s Ronald F. Peierls Theatre on the Second Stage in Port Jefferson offers the perfect venue. These

the perfect murder. Brittany Lacey as Heather and Evan Teich as Thomas had great onstage chemistry and kept the audience on the edge of their seats as they played their respective roles in this cat-and-mouse thriller.

Laura Neill’s four-character comedy, “Juliet Wakes Up,” set in a tomb in Verona, Italy, offers a different ending to Shakespeare’s tragic tale of two young star-crossed lovers. Neill’s tonguein-cheek twist on Shakespeare’s most beloved characters, the slapstick plot, and witty dialogue made this a standout play. Cassidy Rose O’Brien as Juliet, Julia Albino as Rosaline, and Gina Lardi as Willow gave noteworthy performances. These three talented actors played off each other, and their back-and-forth banter left the audience in stitches.

theatrical slices of life effortlessly transport the audience from one imaginary world to the next. A short play needs conflict, well-crafted dialogue, memorable characters, and provocative settings to be effective. This year’s eight featured plays checked all those boxes.

The festival opened with Brian C. Petti’s humorous and thought-provoking play, “Bovine Existential,” which takes place in an unusual setting—a slaughterhouse holding pen. Two Theatre Three veterans, Phyllis March as First Cow, a die-hard pessimist, and Linda May as Second Cow, a wide-eyed optimist, contemplate the meaning of life and death. March and May delivered Petti’s artfully crafted dialogue with precision-perfect timing. Kudos to Jason Allyn for his adorable black and white Holstein costumes. Deirdre Girard’s well-written, suspenseful drama, “A Year to Grieve,” is set in a secluded cabin where two mystery writers speculate on

Jae Hughes, a gifted comedic actor, inspired big belly laughs floundering about the stage as the fatally wounded Romeo.

The first half of the show closed with a riveting four-character tragic play, “Rescue,” by Kevin Podgorski. This heartrending drama centers around Dot, a good-to-a-fault grandmother convincingly played by Ginger Dalton, and her incorrigible grandson, rivetingly portrayed by Steven Uihlein. Andrew Markowitz as Allen and Phyllis March as Maeve were convincing as Dot’s caring and concerned friends.

The second half opens with Aleks Merilo’s “The Nearest Far Away Place.” This evocative play takes place in a Ford Fiesta and features a young hitchhiker and the man who gives her a ride. The Young Woman talks too much, and the Man, at first reticent, slowly opens up. Being seat-belted in a subcompact vehicle doesn’t allow for much physical action, yet Courtney Gilmore and Rob Schindlar gave monumental performances as they grimaced, squirmed in their seats, and gave heartfelt deliveries of their many poignant lines.

Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend’s well-written fantasy play, “The Curse,” is set at a beach where a woman has an unusual seaside encounter. Cassidy Rose O’Brien is a talented performer who brought her A-game to the role of Beth. Sean Amato was believable as the mystical creature from under the sea. One of the show-stopping moments of the festival happened when the lights came up, revealing Sean Amato’s hilarious costume and the audience burst out laughing.

Michele Markarian’s dark comedy, “Grave Matters,” takes place in a cemetery. Gina Lardi gave a stellar performance as Paula, a young woman standing before her father’s grave, imploring him for help. When her irascible dead mother shows up instead, the fun begins. Ginger Dalton as the wise-cracking dead mom was one of the show’s highlights.

The festival ended with a moving drama by the accomplished Johanna Beale Keller, “That Hike to Hart Lake,” which traces college friends on an eighty-year journey. Julia Albino, Sean Amato, Jae Hughes, Cassidy Rose O’Brien, and Steven Uihlein all gave outstanding performances. Jae Hughes delivered a moving monologue at the end of the play, which brought me to tears.

Theatre Three’s talented, hardworking company delivered an exciting and memorable theatrical experience with this year’s Festival of One-Act Plays. Watching the actors play multiple roles and assist with the rapid scene changes was awe-inspiring. A big round of applause goes to Tim Haggerty for his outstanding sound design. The realistic sounds of barnyard animals, crickets, birds, sirens, and a few well-chosen songs helped make those faster-than-the-speed-of-light set changes interesting to behold.

Theatre Three’s 25th Annual Festival of One-Act Plays is theatre at its best. There is limited seating, so get your tickets now. Running through March 23, for ticket information, call the box office: (631) 928-1130, Monday-Saturday, 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m., or visit their websites at www.TheatreThree.com

Please note: Adult Content and language. Parental discretion is advised.

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

Juliet Wakes Up

The Curse

Bovine Existential