Smithtown Messenger Archive Apr. 11, 2024

Solar Eclipse 2024: Lake Ronkonkoma Turns Out for Viewing Party

By Matt Meduri

The relatively rare treat of a solar eclipse passed through New York State on Tuesday afternoon, giving Suffolk County about 90% of the totality of the event.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth. Depending on the alignment of the three celestial bodies, certain parts of Earth experience total darkness for the few minutes the moon passes entirely in front of the sun. The regions within the path for total darkness is called the path of totality. The farther an area is from the path experiences less of the darkness, but will still be able to see the moon move in front of the sun to some degree.

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District Attorney’s Office Holds Teen Dating Seminar

By Matt Meduri

As technology continues to grow, evolve, and become more innovative and extensive, so do the concerns, problems, and dangers it can pose.

The last decade or so has given us not only a wealth of information at our fingertips, but also various forms of social media, online content creation, messaging, forums, and a host of other means to establish an online footprint. A culture that is continually online will find that while the benefits are unparalleled, the dangers are just as unique, if not more so.

Internet culture has completely changed how children and teens are raised and how they come to know the world. The classic concerns, problems, and dangers of the adolescent world remain constant, but can be amplified by a world where information can be instantly shared and near-impossible to remove.

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Phases of the eclipse as seen from Lake Ronkonkoma

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D.A. Office Holds Teen Dating Seminar at Smithtown Library 3

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office hosted a seminar for teens, parents, and caregivers on Monday night at the Smithtown Library. The presentation focused not only on the classic concerns of dating, relationships, and the associated support systems, but also put those tenets through the lens of modern technology.

Assistant D.A.’s Joseph Mallek and Johanna Poremba of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau hosted the presentation on teen dating violence and cyber crimes. The ADAs relayed their experiences working in the bureau to help the teens protect themselves against the possible dangers of the dating world magnified by an ever-online world.

“There’s different types of abuse. It’s not just physical, there’s more manipulative, emotional ways that people can get in your brain and use you to their advantage that you might not even realize is happening until months down the line of talking to this person,” said Poremba. “The abuser will gain control over their partner through various means, and this doesn’t necessarily have to be a romantic relationship. This could be a friend who makes you believe that they have good intentions, but they’re actually doing things that really hurt you emotionally or physically.”

Poremba opened by saying that teens should identify trusted adults in their lives with whom to discuss possible forms of abuse, including, but not limited to, parents, siblings, guidance counselors, coaches, or teachers.

“One in three girls in the U.S. is a victim of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse,” said Poremba. “But we’re seeing that with men as well. It happens on both sides equally. One in ten high school students have been purposefully hit, slapped, or physically hurt as well. You might think it’s just on TV that people are being choked, or hit, or abused, whether it’s physically or emotionally manipulated, but it really does happen everywhere, especially on the Island. We only deal with Suffolk County and we’re constantly getting new cases every week.”

Mallek said that while the department cannot ultimately control the actions of other people, they can try to help and give young people the tools they need to identify these patterns of abuse. Mallek also said that sexual abuse is one of the more important areas of concern for teens to be able to identify, and that such abuse can stem from anyone, not just a partner.

Mallek also said that the cyber aspect of abuse is an especially prevalent one, and that all forms of social media or messaging can be used to cause potential exploitation or abuse.

Poremba outlined tell-tale warning signs of a manipulative person, especially a partner.

“It could be somebody putting you down, belittling you, maybe a little joke, or maybe it’s a cute nickname that’s really not so cute and bothers you,” said Poremba. “Explosive temper: everything seems fine, but you feel like maybe you’re walking on eggshells because you don’t know if all of a sudden they’re just going to snap at you. In the sexual aspect: pressuring you. ‘No means no,’ even if you said ‘yes’ yesterday or ten minutes ago. Telling someone what they can or cannot do could also pertain to finances, such as controlling what you buy.”

Poremba also said that manipulative behavior can be spotted in someone controlling what one hears or sees and the friends and family members one might hold close. She also mentioned the term ‘gaslighting,’ which is when someone convinces another that their reality is not as it is.

“Checking your cell phone, your email, your social network without your permission, this all ties into being very controlling of your life and your actions and trying to control your life,”

said Poremba. “If you are not the one who gets to make decisions about what you wear, who you see, what you eat, what you’re watching, these are all red flag warning signs.”

Poremba said that while teens might not think this applies to them, it certainly can, and if not them, then a friend or family member. Mallek and Poremba stressed throughout the presentation that while the content is to better equip teens for the potential dangers of the dating world, it also equips them to identify someone in need of help.

“Oftentimes, the biggest warning signs that we see is first to be isolated from friends and family,” said Mallek. Ultimately, they want to isolate and control you to influence every part of your life. Something that you can also notice is a loss of interest in things that you or friends find enjoyable. They stop coming to sports practices, different clubs, and activities, and they stop coming to hang around.”

Mallek said that a common excuse for behavior is: “you just don’t get it.” Victims might sympathize with their abusers or give them the benefit of the doubt beyond what is reasonable. “Any time that you have a friend or even yourself and the person is doing something wrong, but there’s an excuse for that behavior, be aware of that,” said Mallek.

Mallek said that symptoms of abuse and manipulation might be disrupted eating and sleeping patterns, alcohol and drug usage, and the loss of self-confidence and self-assuredness.

The ADAs then played a video that showed the quick spiral into manipulation a relationship can take. What started as an exciting beginning of two interested teens who finally started dating turned into a nightmare scenario of manipulation and abuse. The boyfriend displays early signs of jealousy and territoriality by questioning why his girlfriend talks to certain people and for what reasons. Another male in one of her classes asking about a project triggers the boyfriend’s insecurity, while the girlfriend gradually drifts away from her best friend due to questioning from her boyfriend.

The boyfriend takes it upon himself to message these people with her phone and controls his girlfriend’s list of contacts.

Fits of rage and high tempers are resolved with gifts and lavish dates, keeping the girlfriend in the loop of excuses for his behavior and that her friends “just don’t get it.”

Finally, the boyfriend pressures her into sending him inappropriate photos, which he then posts online.

The ADAs reassured the teens that in New York, the sharing of explicit photographs is a felony, even if the victim is an adult.

“One in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse,” said Poremba. “It shouldn’t be that way. About one in three teens see their partner texting them between ten and thirty times an hour asking where they were, what they’re doing, or who they’re with.”

The ADAs told the teens to be careful of how they might approach someone who they know is being abused.

“Don’t blame them or judge them for what’s happening,” said Mallek. “The biggest thing you can do is just to be there for them when they’re reading to talk about it. It takes time for the person to process what’s happened to them, to deal with that trauma, and to start the process of reckoning with what’s happened to them. The best thing you can do is reassure them and be compassionate if they’ve isolated from you.”

“The biggest thing is to never confront the abuser. You don’t know what that person is capable of, and ultimately there’s nothing you can do to solve that problem,” said Mallek. “That’s when authorities or police get involved, somebody who is trained to deal with somebody who is an abuser and to safely confront them.”

The ADAs also said that online gaming is one of the biggest areas for predators to exploit children. Discord, a messaging and voice/video call platform, is a hotbed of crimes due to inadequate server moderation and sensitive information or photos being sent to strangers who could be anywhere in the country or the world.

They also reminded the teens that whatever is put on the Internet might as well be written in ink.

The ADAs mentioned other forms of abuse or exploitation, such as catfishing - the practice of luring someone into a relationship (usually online) behind a fake persona - sexting, phishing - the practice of sending emails or messages posing as a legitimate agency in order to obtain personal and financial information - and other forms of scams or privacy invasion.

“Just be smart, use your common sense. Listen to your parents; they might be annoying, but they’re always right, you’ll figure it out when you’re older. Know that there are people you can trust, if you see something, say something, whether it’s a partner with a friend, or you see your friend who’s in a relationship and something doesn’t seem right, tell somebody,” the ADAs concluded.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or by texting “START” to 88788. The website can be reached for live chats with an operator at thehotline.org/get-help/

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office can be reached at 631-852-3185.

Assistant DA Johanna Poremba (left) and Assistant DA Joseph Mallek (right) (Credit - Matt Meduri)

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Solar Eclipse 2024: Lake Ronkonkoma Turns Out for Viewing Party

The eclipse was the first to pass over the continental U.S. since August 21, 2017, total visibility of which started in Depoe Bay, Oregon, and ended in Charleston, South Carolina. The April 8, 2024, eclipse essentially mirrored the 2017 eclipse’s path and had total visibility - within the U.S. - from San Antonio, Texas, across the states of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Upstate New York, and northern New England.

It was the first total solar eclipse visible from Canada since 1979, as the eastern provinces were in the path of totality, and the first over Mexico since 1991. No other solar eclipses will be visible from all three countries until the next century.

The first areas in the world to witness totality were the French Polynesian Islands and the island nation of Kiribati, with partial eclipse visibility as far north as Norway.

But The Messenger made sure to be on site in the de facto center of our three communities of coverage: Raynor Park at Lake Ronkonkoma. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) issued several County parks suitable for good views of the eclipse, including Smith Point, Gardiner Park in Bay Shore, Montauk Park in East Hampton, and West Hills County Park in Huntington.

The partial eclipse was visible as early as 2:30p.m., with near-total visibility peaking at around 3:45p.m. While Suffolk County was not in the path of totality, the proximity was close enough to the moon’s path, allowing 90% of totality for

the region.

Once the moon passed over the sun - mostly - temperatures dropped and partial darkness set in. Viewers all around Lake Ronkonkoma had their special eclipse-viewing glasses handy, taking in the rare spectacle on their home turf.

“I’ve never seen an eclipse before,” said Jannine Pergola, LMHC, of St. James. “It’s such a cool experience.

Pergola is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and practices at SATTVA Wellness and Counseling, located at 47 Route 25A in East Setauket.

“This was my first eclipse as well,” said Marlene Sicoli, of St. James. “It’s amazing how cold it got during the peak.” Sicoli is a real estate salesperson of Coldwell Banker-American Homes in Smithtown.

“I’ve seen other eclipses, but this one really stood out,” said Roselle Marinelli, of Mastic Beach. “Seeing the ‘bites of the apple’ gradually change as it moved across its phases was really cool.”

“This one was much better than the one in 2017, we didn’t get much of that here,” said Andria Beckles of Stony Brook. “Actually watching the moon slowly move across the sun was such a great experience.”

The next total solar eclipse over the U.S. will be March 30, 2033, which will only pass over Alaska. The next total eclipse over some of the Lower 48 will be on August 23, 2044. The next coast-to-coast eclipse will be on August 12, 2045.

Published

Why AI Can’t Replace Air Traffic Controllers

By Amy Pritchett | The Conversation

After hours of routine operations, an air traffic controller gets a radio call from a small aircraft whose cockpit indicators can’t confirm that the plane’s landing gear is extended for landing. The controller arranges for the pilot to fly low by the tower so the controller can visually check the plane’s landing gear. All appears well. “It looks like your gear is down,” the controller tells the pilot.

The controller calls for the airport fire trucks to be ready just in case, and the aircraft circles back to land safely. Scenarios like this play out regularly. In the air traffic control system, everything must meet the highest levels of safety, but not everything goes according to plan.

Contrast this with the still science-fiction vision of future artificial intelligence “pilots” flying autonomous aircraft, complete with an autonomous air traffic control system handling aircraft as easily as routers shuttling data packets on the internet.

I’m an aerospace engineer who led a National Academies study ordered by Congress about air traffic controller staffing. Researchers are continually working on new technologies that automate elements of the air traffic control system, but technology can execute only those functions that are planned for during its design and so can’t modify standard procedures. As the scenario above illustrates, humans are likely to remain a necessary central component of air traffic control for a long time to come.

What air traffic controllers do

The Federal Aviation Administration’s fundamental guidance for the responsibility of air traffic controllers states: “The primary purpose of the air traffic control system is to prevent a collision involving aircraft.” Air traffic controllers are also charged with providing “a safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic” and other services supporting safety, such as helping pilots avoid mountains and other hazardous terrain and hazardous weather, to the extent they can.

Air traffic controllers’ jobs vary. Tower controllers provide the local control that clears aircraft to take off and land, making sure that they are spaced safely apart. They also provide ground control, directing aircraft to taxi and notifying pilots of flight plans and potential safety concerns on that day before flight. Tower controllers are aided by some displays but mostly look outside from the towers and talk with pilots via radio. At larger airports staffed by FAA controllers, surface surveillance displays show controllers the aircraft and other vehicles on the ground on the airfield.

aircraft from en route airspace, line them up with the landing approach and hand them off to tower controllers.

A controller at each display manages all the traffic within a sector. Sectors can vary in size from a few cubic miles, focused on sequencing aircraft landing at a busy airport, to en route sectors spanning more than 30,000 cubic miles (125,045 cubic km) where and when there are few aircraft flying. If a sector gets busy, a second and even third controller might assist, or the sector might be split into two, with another display and controller team managing the second.

How technology can help

Air traffic controllers have a stressful job and are subject to fatigue and information overload. Public concern about a growing number of close calls have put a spotlight on aging technology and staffing shortages that have led to air traffic controllers working mandatory overtime. New technologies can help alleviate those issues.

The air traffic control system is incorporating new technologies in several ways. The FAA’s NextGen air transportation system initiative is providing controllers with more – and more accurate – information.

Controllers’ displays originally showed only radar tracking. They now can tap into all the data known about each flight within the en route automation modernization system. This system integrates radar, automatic position reports from aircraft via automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast, weather reports, flight plans and flight histories.

Systems help alert controllers to potential conflicts between aircraft, or aircraft that are too close to high ground or structures, and provide suggestions to controllers to sequence aircraft into smooth traffic flows. In testimony to the U.S. Senate on Nov. 9, 2023, about airport safety, FAA Chief Operating Officer Timothy Arel said that the administration is developing or improving several air traffic control systems.

Researchers are using machine learning to analyze and predict aspects of air traffic and air traffic control, including air traffic flow between cities and air traffic controller behavior.

How technology can complicate matters

New technology can also cause profound changes to air traffic control in the form of new types of aircraft. For example, current regulations mostly limit uncrewed aircraft to fly lower than 400 feet (122 meters) above ground and away from airports. These are drones used by first responders, news organizations, surveyors, delivery services and hobbyists.

Others are targeting new business models, such as advanced air mobility, the concept of small, highly automated electric aircraft – electric air taxis, for example. These would require dramatically different routes and procedures for handling air traffic.

Expect the unexpected

An air traffic controller’s routine can be disrupted by an aircraft that requires special handling. This could range from an emergency to priority handling of medical flights or Air Force One. Controllers are given the responsibility and the flexibility to adapt how they manage their airspace.

The requirements for the front line of air traffic control are a poor match for AI’s capabilities. People expect air traffic to continue to be the safest complex, high-technology system ever. It achieves this standard by adhering to procedures when practical, which is something AI can do, and by adapting and exercising good judgment whenever something unplanned occurs or a new operation is implemented – a notable weakness of today’s AI.

Indeed, it is when conditions are the worst – when controllers figure out how to handle aircraft with severe problems, airport crises or widespread airspace closures due to security concerns or infrastructure failures – that controllers’ contributions to safety are the greatest.

Approach and en route controllers, on the other hand, sit in front of large displays in dark and quiet rooms. They communicate with pilots via radio. Their displays show aircraft locations on a map view with key features of the airspace boundaries and routes.

The 21 en route control centers in the U.S. manage traffic that is between and above airports and thus typically flying at higher speeds and altitudes.

Controllers at approach control facilities transition departing aircraft from local control after takeoff up and into en route airspace. They similarly take arriving

However, some emerging uncrewed aircraft companies are proposing to fly in controlled airspace. Some plan to have their aircraft fly regular flight routes and interact normally with air traffic controllers via voice radio. These include Reliable Robotics and Xwing, which are separately working to automate the Cessna Caravan, a small cargo airplane.

Also, controllers don’t fly the aircraft. They communicate and interact with others to guide the aircraft, and so their responsibility is fundamentally to serve as part of a team – another notable weakness of AI.

As an engineer and designer, I’m most excited about the potential for AI to analyze the big data records of past air traffic operations in pursuit of, for example, more efficient routes of flight. However, as a pilot, I’m glad to hear a controller’s calm voice on the radio helping me land quickly and safely should I have a problem.

Amy Pritchett is Professor of Aerospace Engineering, Penn State.

Scan QR-Code to view a FAA animation that explains the three basic components of the U.S. air traffic control system.

Scan QR-Code to view how NASA and the FAA are leading the development of a traffic control system for drones and other uncrewed aircraft.

Editorial

Albany Democrats Unanimously Reject Common Sense Laws, No Surprise There

The latest slew of proposed legislation from Republicans in the State Assembly ended in a shocking result: Democrats unanimously rejected all the common sense proposals set forth.

As the budget negotiations continue past the April 1 deadline, GOP lawmakers are using all the power they have to try to bring New York back to the logical center as Democrats dig their heels further.

Legislation downvoted include, but is not limited to:

• Congestion pricing exemptions

• Protecting municipalities and counties from “right to shelter” rulings, related to the migrant crisis

• Expanding bail qualifying offenses

• Creating a Class-E felony charge for criminal possession of fentanyl

• Establishes a crime of coordinated petit larceny relating to the smashand-grab epidemic

• Designating offenses against law enforcement, EMTs, and/or firefighters as hate crimes

• Prohibits supervised injection sites, as it relates to heroin and other drugs

• Establishing opioid rehabilitation facilities and diverting certain defendants to those facilities

• Expanding the criteria for hate crimes to include specified offenses on the grounds of a house worship

• Ensuring individuals convicted of murdering a minor in the first or second degrees are sentenced to life without parole

• Establishing the crimes of criminal sale of a substance resulting in death

• Requiring colleges to implement programs and training to stop incidents of antisemitism on campuses, or lose public funding

• Requiring residents of the state who are foreign refugees to register with the office of temporary and disability assistance

The way Democrats constantly carry on about a safer, better, more equitable New York, you’d think these pieces of legislation would have passed with flying colors.

Unfortunately, the GOP in the Assembly carries highly limited power. Since Democrats control the chamber, they control the committees and therefore, which legislation passes through. The 150-body member is also controlled in the supermajority by Democrats, meaning that Republican power is further diluted than it already is.

Still, our devoted Assemblymembers submit pieces of legislation that shouldn’t even have to be debated. In fact, it should have never gotten this far in the first place.

Only in New York can you legally take over someone’s home by ordering fast food and retaining a receipt as “proof of residence.”

Only in New York can you assault police officers, be released almost

immediately after, and flee the state for more liberal pastures.

Only in New York do you have to fight for felony charges for criminal possession of fentanyl, while the Governor and the Legislature make it a priority to stock men’s rooms with menstrual products.

Only in New York do overdose victims’ families have to fight for access to state funds for burial services while repeated drug dealers are treated with kid gloves and routinely given the benefit of the doubt.

Only in New York do you have to fight tooth and nail to see where your charitable donations are going after they hit state coffers, while billions of dollars are bilked from school districts to fund the self-inflicted migrant crisis.

Only in New York do bureaucrats nickel and dime commuters in the country’s largest city, while state agencies continue to be bottomless pits of fiscal irresponsibility and delusion.

Only in New York do power-hungry bureaucrats try to control how much soda you can buy in one purchase (remember that?), while degenerates get high on literal cattle sedatives, known as xylazine, or “tranq.” And to boot, xylazine is not a controlled substance in the state, while it’s becoming more responsible for overdoses across New York.

Only in New York are you expected to esteem others solely based on race, gender, or creed, while first responders are mercilessly victimized and shamelessly left to fend for themselves.

Only in New York can first responders be brutally attacked, while there is no criminal penalty for the sale of a controlled substance resulting in death.

We could go on, but why would we? We all know it because we all continue to call the Empire State home. But alternative options only look more tantalizing as Albany Democrats continue to dig their heels in and double down on their disastrous policies that have created a vacuum requiring aforementioned legislation.

The Messenger wholeheartedly thanks our Senators and Assemblymembers for their dedication in fighting one of the most brutal uphill state battles in the country. We’d say we’d have no hope for New York, but their tenacity gives us hope that there are leaders who are passionate about curtailing the insanity and making New York a sensible place to live again.

Within our tri-Town coverage area, Assemblymembers who sponsored legislation unanimously downvoted by the Democratic machine are: Keith Brown (R-Northport), Joe DeStefano (R-Medford), Mike Fitzpatrick (R-St. James), and Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station).

Not to slight our colleagues to the west and the north, other names on the list: Anil Beephan, Jr. (R-East Fishkill), Minority Leader Will Barclay (R-Pulaski), Karl Brabenac (R-Deeprark), Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst), John Lemondes, Jr. (R-Jamesville), John McGowan (R-Pearl River), John Mikulin (R-Bethpage), Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square), Michael Reilly (R-Eltingville), Matt Slater (R-Yorktown), and Michael Tannousis (R-Great Kills).

NY Feels the Earth Move and Sees Signs in the Sky

About 42 million Americans were treated to a rare occurrence last Thursday morning: an earthquake shook New Jersey, and many were quick to share their stories on how they “survived” the once-in-a-couple-centuries event.

At about 10:30a.m., we here at The Messenger felt some small vibrations that we first likened to the dogs running downstairs. When we realized the pups are simply not heavy enough to cause that impact, questions of a nearby explosion or a passing fleet of heavy vehicles then arose. After a quick call to our friends in Selden, to which they excitedly answered, “did you feel the earthquake??” we knew what we had just experienced.

The earthquake measured at 4.8 on the Richter Scale and its epicenter was located in Lebanon, Tewksbury Township, New Jersey. The vibrations were felt as far north as Maine and as far south as Northern Virginia.

This was the strongest earthquake to affect the New Jersey area since 1783. That quake measured 5.3 on the Richter Scale and historical accounts show that George Washington was visiting New York City to celebrate the evacuation of British troops from New York City. He was not awoken by the tremors.

This is also the strongest earthquake to hit the NYC area since 1884, an estimated 5.0 magnitude rumble.

Thankfully, no casualties or injuries have been reported. Apart from water main breaks and “partial topplings” of three now-condemned buildings in Newark, the only other sites of damage were gas leaks in Rockland County, an administrative building in Morristown, New Jersey, and a car that fell into a sinkhole in Suffolk’s very own Huntington.

Perhaps the saddest loss in the quake was the upper portion of the historic Colonel John Taylor’s Gristmill in Readington Township, New Jersey. The mill supplied grain for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

But overall, it’s an event most of us do not get to experience in the Northeast. And since it was not a catastrophic event, many have found the humor in the anomalous natural “disaster,” likening us to Floridians who shut down the state when there’s a half-inch of snow.

One shop in Manhattan quickly cashed in on the hype by making “I survived the NYC Earthquake - April 5, 2024” t-shirts. A picture was shared by a passerby on social media and the merchandise quickly went viral.

The Messenger congratulates all who braved the quake by sitting at their desks, driving to work, watching television, and simply going about their days normally. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

APRIL FOOLS!

Illegal Aliens Being Registered to Vote in New York

By Steve Levy

Thousands of illegal aliens in New York are being registered to vote and they, and most other New Yorkers, don’t even know it.

The new Motor Voter Law passed by the state Legislature and then signed by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) in 2020 automatically registered to vote anyone who obtains a New York State driver’s license. This was a major change from the previous law where you would have to affirmatively opt into the voting part by checking a box giving approval.

The new rules insanely grant automatic registered voting status once the driving app is filled out. The only way you wouldn’t become registered is if you checked the box to remain unregistered.

But we cannot forget that in 2019 New York joined a number of other liberal states around the nation in allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. https://www.ncsl.org/immigration/states-offering-drivers-licensesto-immigrants

So, now we will have the case in New York where thousands of illegal aliens are becoming registered to vote even though they didn’t ask to, and probably don’t even know it.

So then, what happens when these illegal aliens obtain information in the mail from the local board of elections that they are registered to vote on Election Day?

Wouldn’t it be natural for them to believe that it’s all legal and that they have the ability to vote? After all, the state registered them and sent them a notice of where and when the election is happening. It would be rational for them to assume that they could just fill out a ballot and send it back or show up in person to vote.

There is no photo ID required at the election site. Thus, the inspectors could not distinguish between a citizen’s driver’s license, and that which belongs to a noncitizen. All the inspectors would see is that this individual is registered to vote.

Will all of those improper ballots be counted? Probably not, but many of them most definitely will. How many? We just don’t know. Some pundits claim there is no evidence of massive fraud. But let us not forget that many elections are determined by just a handful of votes. The 2000 presidential election tilted by a mere 500 votes in Florida.

Why would the Legislature allow this to happen? It’s not far-fetched to conclude that they really want to start counting the votes from illegal aliens. After all, we live in the state where the New York City Council has previously passed legislation allowing the undocumented to cast ballots. (That move was struck down by a state court.)

And isn’t that really the design behind the open borders policy being pushed by the Democratic administration? In California, more than one million illegal aliens have obtained driver’s licenses since 2015. Moreover, the state also automatically mails out ballots to residents whether they ask for them or not.

Thus, tens of thousands of illegal aliens, at a minimum, are receiving ballots from the state for the upcoming election at their homes. Why would the aliens think that they didn’t have the right to sign the ballot and send it back? In New York, it’s estimated that there are approximately 850,000 illegal immigrants residing within the state.

What’s appalling is that the people of New York overwhelmingly voted in 2021 to oppose a measure that would have dramatically expanded mail-in voting and other measures to weaken election integrity. Despite the objection of the people, the state Legislature and the Governor pushed forward just the same in implementing a massive new voting process defying the will of the people.

Voters saw that sleight-of-hand as it occurred over the last few years, but we would wager that very few are aware that illegal immigrants are now being automatically registered to vote. In a time where there is so much division and dissension within our state and nation about the integrity of our elections, why would our state Legislature be adding fuel to the fire?

Steve Levy (R-Bayport) is President of Common Sense Strategies, a political consulting firm. He served as a Suffolk County Legislator from 1985 to 2000, as a New York State Assemblyman from 2001 to 2003, and as Suffolk County Executive from 2004 to 2011. He is the host of “The Steve Levy Radio Show.” He is the author of “Solutions to America’s Problems” and “Bias inthe Media.” www.SteveLevy.info, Twitter @SteveLevyNY, steve@commonsensestrategies.com

Organ and Tissue Donations Save Lives

By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

The unmet need for organ and tissue donations presents a significant challenge to patients across the country. And here in New York, the situation is dire. We have a list of nearly 10,000 patients in need of an organ transplant, according to the state’s Donate Life Registry. Sadly, close to 500 New Yorkers lose their lives each year while waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.

April is National Donate Life Month, and it provides a great opportunity to raise awareness of this critical shortfall. Organ donation is a cause very close to the hearts of several of our Assembly Minority Conference members, and their inspiring sacrifices and commitment to this mission have been instrumental in highlighting the importance of life-saving donations.

Leading by example, Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst) selflessly donated one of his kidneys last year to a Purple Heart recipient in need of a transplant. Assemblyman Brown already had a history of regularly donating blood, and his incredible act of compassion and generosity was nothing short of remarkable. In 2006, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) also donated his own kidney to his sister who was suffering from juvenile diabetes. In the years since, he has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation. Both of these donations helped save someone’s life; one was a stranger, and another was a close family member. They are both miracles in their own way.

Earlier this week, many of our Assembly Republican members spoke on the importance of organ and tissue donation as we supported a resolution proclaiming April as Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Month in the State of New York. Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the

Adirondacks) bravely spoke about the tragic death of his son, AJ, and the pride he has knowing AJ’s decision to be a donor means lives will be saved. Out of this tragedy, Assemblyman Smullen and his wife, Megan, were able to find some solace through the Donate Life program, where AJ was able to save the lives of five other people in need.

Whether it is blood donations through the American Red Cross or organ donations through the state’s registry, our members will continue to push hard to expand these life-saving efforts. Donation is not a partisan issue. The individuals who benefit from these incredible acts of generosity do not think in terms of political party or ideology when it comes to dire medical needs. I encourage all New Yorkers to think about how they might be able to help save a life—or several—and consider adding their name to this life-saving registry.

If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can be reached by mail at 19 Canalview Mall, Fulton, NY 13069 and by email at barclayw@nyassembly.gov. You may also find me, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, on Facebook or Twitter at @WillABarclay.

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R-Pulaski) is the Assembly Minority Leader and has represented the 120th Assembly District since 2003. The 120th District contains most of Oswego County and parts of Jefferson and Onondaga counties.

Legislation Addressing Public Safety, Antisemitism, Retail Theft, and Migrant Crisis Unanimously Rejected by Assembly Democrats

During committee activity in the Assembly, Democrats blocked several Republican proposals targeting the quality-of-life concerns impacting everyday New Yorkers. Legislation that tackles issues ranging from congestion pricing and retail theft to public safety and the migrant crisis was summarily rejected by Assembly Democrats.

“Albany Democrats won’t even look in the direction of legislation that makes people safer, puts guardrails on the migrant crisis or supports the men and women of law enforcement. It’s yet another example of how the public interest runs a distant second to party loyalty for members of the Majority Conference,” said Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R-Pulaski). “It’s not surprising Democrats blocked Republican bills in committee, but they offer nothing in the way of solutions. Public opinion polling shows nearly 60% of New Yorkers believe the quality of life here has gotten worse in the past year. Today’s committee work gave us a clear indication of why and how One-Party Rule continues to fail us.”

In November, a Marist College poll reported 59% of New Yorkers feel the quality of life in the Empire State has deteriorated over the past year, while a Citizen Budget Commission survey released in March showed just 30% of New York City residents are satisfied with their quality-of-life conditions. A Siena College poll in February showed crime and the migrant crisis among the top three concerns on the minds of New Yorkers. On Tuesday, Assembly Democrats blocked twenty Republicansponsored measures – the majority of which addressed crime, migrants or qualityof-life issues – from moving out of various committees and to a full vote in the Chamber.

The list of Republican-sponsored proposals blocked in Assembly committees includes:

• A.8414 (Beephan): Congestion Pricing Exemptions - Establishes a central business district toll exemption for officers and employees of the city of New York, first responders, physicians, nurses and people entering the city for medical treatment

• A.8034 (Barclay): Protecting Counties and Municipalities From “Right to Shelter” Confusion - Requires local governing bodies in New York state to opt-in to accepting migrants from other jurisdictions

• A.8283 (Barclay): Expanding Bail Qualifying Offenses - Ensures that persons who commit hate crimes or make terroristic threats or threats of mass harm are held accountable for their actions by restoring judicial discretion to judges when making pre-trial release decisions, allowing threats of mass harm to be treated as hate crimes and providing enhanced penalties for these offenses to make the punishment proportional to the crime

• A.5395 (Brabenac): Green Light Law Repeal - Repeals the Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act

• A.5592 (Brabenac): Criminal Possession of Fentanyl - Creates the class E felony of criminal possession of fentanyl, which is committed when a person knowingly or intentionally manufactures, distributes, dispenses or possesses with intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense fentanyl or any derivative

• A.8399 (Brown, A.): TAP Prohibition for Antisemitic Activity - Prohibits the granting of tuition assistance awards to any student who has knowingly engaged in certain antisemitic activities

• A.8594 (Brown, K.): Smash and Grab - Establishes the crime of coordinated petit larceny, permits a principal to be eligible to be held on bail for coordinated petit larceny and creates a public service campaign on larceny

• A.6792 (DeStefano): Hate Crimes Against First Responders - Designates offenses against law enforcement, emergency medical services personnel and/or firefighters as hate crimes, thereby increasing the penalty for the offense

• A.7976 (Fitzpatrick): Employee Protection Concerning Shoplifters - Prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for confronting an individual to prevent a theft or the unlawful taking of goods, wares or merchandise

• A.5336 (Flood): Supervised Injection Sites Ban - Prohibits supervised injection sites

• A.8828 (Flood): “Public School Instructional Materials Review and Transparency Act” - Establishes a review process for formal complaints by parents or guardians concerning instructional material

• A.4146 (Lemondes): Opioid Rehabilitation Facility - Relates to the establishment and operations of a dedicated opioid rehabilitation facility and the diversion of certain criminal defendants to such facility

• A.4632 (McGowan): Victim Right to Attend Parole Board Meetings - Requires notice to crime victims that he or she has the right to attend interviews between the Board of Parole and incarcerated individual; requires the Board of Parole to review victim impact statements

• A.6929 (McGowan): Hate Crimes at Houses of Worship - Expands the criteria for a hate crime to include specified offenses or violations committed on the grounds of a church, synagogue, mosque, or other house of worship

• A.7991 (Mikulin): Murder of a Minor - Ensures individuals convicted of committing murder of a minor (under 18 years old) in the first or second degree are sentenced to life without parole

• A.8279 (Ra): “DSA Act” - Enacts the “Dismantling Student Antisemitism Act,” which requires state colleges to implement programs and training to curtain incidents of antisemitism on campus; institutions that fail to comply would lose public funding

• A.8013 (Reilly): Protecting Locations Serving Children - Provides that schools, child day cares, day care centers, or community-based organizations that support activities for children under the age of 18 cannot serve as a shelter for migrants

• A.7319A (Slater): Migrant Registration Requirements - Requires residents of the state, who are foreign refugees, to register with the office of temporary and disability assistance

• A.7985 (Slater): “Death By Dealer” - Establishes the crime of criminal sale of a controlled substance resulting in death

• A.5186 (Tannousis): Protecting Law Enforcement and Their FamiliesEstablishes the crimes of harassment of a law enforcement officer or a member of the officer’s family in the first degree and second degree Members

This Week Today

National, State and Local Temperature Checks

By Matt Meduri

National

While the primary calendar is on hold until April 13, national news pertaining to the 2024 elections has not slowed down. The Presidential election in particular has had several major developments in the last week.

Of the first notable occurrence, after much speculation, the No Labels movement has officially abandoned a third-party run for the White House this year, a move that is likely to be of more benefit to President Biden’s (D-DE) re-election campaign than it likely will to Donald Trump’s (R-FL) chances of returning to Washington.

Started in 2010 as a response to the nascent Tea Party movement, the No Labels organization sought compromise, bipartisanship, and centrism at a time when high-stakes games of political chicken were only becoming more cutthroat. The 2024 election is currently seeing historic lows of frontrunner candidate favorability, and along with hyper partisan demagoguery and congressional gridlock - prompting the early exits of many GOP Congressmembers on Capitol Hill - the stage seemed more than set for the first formidable thirdparty candidacy since Ross Perot’s (I-TX) bids in 1992 and 1996.

However, the movement had just one problem: their ideal candidates passed on seeking the nomination one after another. Retiring Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) repeatedly earned the chagrin of Democratic leaders for fraternizing with the organization, increasing speculation that one of the last Senate Blue Dogs would break rank and run as an Independent. Manchin instead chose to not seek re-election to the Senate, giving Republicans a virtually guaranteed lock on flipping the long-elusive Class I Senate seat from West Virginia. The seat has not been held by a Republican since 1959.

The only notable No Labels associate that is intent on making a run for any office this year John Avlon (D-Sag Harbor), a former CNN anchor and former editor-in-chief of The Daily Beast, who is seeking the Democratic nomination to take on Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) in New York’s First Congressional District. Avlon decided not to run to the tune of No Labels movement and decided to pick a side in the race. He faces 2020 candidate and Stony Brook professor Nancy Goroff (D-Stony Brook) in the primary.

It’s unclear just how much national support a No Labels candidate would have gotten. On paper, most Americans hold the ideals of centrism, bipartisanship, and compromise in high regard, but many are not willing to be the side that gives in on certain issues. Abstract support only goes so far, but a No Labels candidate probably would have benefitted Trump more than Biden, at least as far as current polling implies. Biden’s low approval ratings (mid-to-high 30s, give or take), as well as his underperformance among key demographics - young, Hispanic, and black voters - means he has much more to lose from a strong Independent bid this year.

Biden’s aggregate unfavorability rating - 14.1 points, according to FiveThirtyEight - is also almost five points less than that of Trump’s - 10.2.

Robert F. Kennedy’s (I-MA) Independent bid’s effect on the race doesn’t seem to hold as much weight as it did after he first suspended campaign for the Democratic nomination to run third-party, but it was assumed his rhetoric might have siphoned support from Trump. However, his selection of Nicole Shanahan, a young Silicon Valley attorney who has perennially donated to high-profile Democratic candidates, might make RFK’s presence on the November ballot more neutral.

As far as the Presidential race goes, a new set of

polls poses the question of just how far a Trump victory could go.

A recent Emerson College poll of 1,000 registered voters across New Jersey finds Biden up just five points - 46%-39% - against Trump in a head-to-head matchup, and seven points - 41%-36% - over the former president in a five-way race, with RFK, Green Party candidate Jill Stein (G-MA), and People’s Party candidate Cornel West. West is a famous author and social activist whose areas of focus include race, gender, and class struggles in the U.S. He has been affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America since 1982.

New Jersey has not backed a Republican candidate for President since 1988. Some polls from the Northeast show Trump might have more support than previously considered. Latest polls from Maine put Trump ahead in the polling average by six points, a large margin for a Republican in a state that has not backed the GOP since 1988.

The last Siena College polls for New York were released in February and showed Biden leading Trump by as high as twelve points and as low as nine points, both in head-to-head polling. New York has not backed a Republican since 1984, with no Republican eclipsing 40% of the vote here since George W. Bush in 2004.

Biden’s attempts to court voters under 30 - a demographic among whom he is markedly underperforming - continue as he revisits a student loan forgiveness plan.

Last year, the Supreme Court struck down Biden’s attempt at sweeping loan forgiveness, which would have forgiven up to $10,000 of debt for most borrowers. The new plan is more targeted and built off of existing programs, all to possibly circumvent the scrutiny of the country’s highest court.

Borrowers who now owe more money on their loans than their principal balances would be eligible for up to $20,000 in relief, regardless of income. Borrowers who have owed for more than twenty years, people who took out loans to enroll in “low-value” academic programs - as classified by the federal government - and those who face “financial hardships” are also included in the plan.

Missouri leads a suit against the plan joined by Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Dakota, Ohio, and Oklahoma.

“Yet again, the President is unilaterally trying to impose an extraordinarily expensive and controversial policy that he could not get through Congress,” the suit reads.

Speaking of Ohio, a technicality has possibly jeopardized Biden’s chances of appearing on the November ballot, as a state law requires candidate certification by August 7, almost two weeks before the Democratic National Convention. The Republicancontrolled legislature would have to create a special exception to the ballot deadline, or the DNC would have to be moved in advance of Ohio’s election business.

Ohio, long considered a quintessential swing state, has raced to the right in the Trump Era. Along with Ohio, Florida, another perennial swing state, appears to have moved off the competitive table almost entirely, as the state Board of Elections announced this week that registered Republicans now outnumber registered Democrats by almost one million voters.

The current breakdown consists of 38.8% registered with the GOP, 32.4% registered with the Democratic Party, and 28.8% registered unaffiliated. Even in an election year, the state Democratic Party continues to lose registered voters, and only eleven of Florida’s sixtyseven counties have majority-Democrat registration.

Finally, in Nebraska, GOP intraparty fighting is ongoing

as the state’s legislature aims to transition Nebraska’s electoral vote allocation from the Congressional District method to the winner-take-all method practiced by fortyeight states.

Since 1992, Nebraska has awarded the statewide winner of the popular vote two electoral votes, and one vote for the popular vote winner in each of the state’s Congressional District; Nebraska has three. NE-03 and NE01 are solidly Republican, while NE-02, containing most of the Omaha area. It’s the state’s only blue-leaning area. The district first backed a Democrat in 2008. Trump won it narrowly in 2016, but Biden won it by six points in 2020.

Maine is the only other state that distributes its electoral votes by the same method. Trump was the first Republican to win the Second District in 2016, capturing it again in 2020, marking the first and only time both states have simultaneously split their electoral votes.

Nebraska is also the only state with a unicameral (one chamber) nonpartisan legislature. Hardline affiliates of the GOP hope to prevent a narrow Biden win by having Omaha’s votes absorbed by the statewide popular vote, one almost guaranteed to go to Trump.

State

In state election news, Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Wheatley Heights) has announced that she will not seek re-election in the Eleventh Assembly District.

Jean-Pierre first assumed office in 2014, winning each election by no less than 59%. In 2022, she was re-elected by a razor-thin over first-time candidate Christopher Sperber (R-West Babylon), winning by just 247 votes out of over 36,000 cast.

The open seat now sits as a top target for the GOP to flip going into the 2024 elections. The Eleventh District includes Amityville, Lindenhurst, North Amityville, North Lindenhurst, East Farmingdale, Wyandanch, Copiague, Amity Harbor, and parts of Deer Park, Wheatley Heights, West Babylon, and East Massapequa.

Local

Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) secured $1.5 million for Port Jefferson’s Harbor dredging and wave wall construction projects. The funding for the Town of Brookhaven is provided by the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Bill. The funding will allow for dredging and structural improvements within the Town of Brookhaven Marina. The Port Jefferson Harbor is kept at a depth of twenty-six to allow for passage from the harbor entrance to Port Jefferson Village. Estimates say that 14,000 cubic yards of sediment must be dredged from the Town Marina and adjacent lands, and 40,000 to 50,000 cubic yards of sediment must be dredged within the larger harbor.

“Infrastructure projects like dredging in Port Jeff Harbor are vital to boosting our waterfront economy and quality of life for Long Island families. I will continue to work with all of my colleagues to continue to put Suffolk County first,” said LaLota.

“The dredging and wave wall construction at Port Jefferson Harbor is a priority, and now that this $1.5 million in funding has been secured, we are ready to move forward,” said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches). “While a lot of emphasis and attention has been focused on south shore erosion, it is important to recognize that our north shore has challenges as well. This funding will help us work to meet these challenges and we are thankful for Congressman LaLota’s advocacy on behalf of Brookhaven Town.”

Smithtown Youth and Community Alliance to Host Wellness Event Focused on Self-Care and Coping Skills

The Town of Smithtown Youth and Community Alliance, in partnership with Horizons Counseling and Education Center, and the Youth Bureau, will host a wellness event, scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 10:00a.m. to 11:30a.m. at the Smithtown Library located at One North Country Road. This free event, open to middle and high school students, aims to promote mental health awareness and empower participants with valuable self-care and coping skills.

“Today’s youth are encountering mental health concerns more than ever before. Academic and social stressors on youth in school make an event such as this integral in their socialemotional learning process,” said Joe Bieniewicz, LMHC, CASAC Master Counselor, Director of Horizons Counseling and Education Center. “Approaching wellness of the entire individual through developing coping skills and self-care activities to manage stress will allow for pro-social and adaptive learning for the person and positive interactions with others.”

Through this interactive event, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities designed to enhance their understanding of wellness practices while learning practical coping strategies. These tips and tools for young

people are intended to help with the upcoming stressful time of year when finals and testing are taking place.

“We wanted to bring attention to Mental Health Awareness Month and the stigma that surrounds this topic. Having open discussions can break down barriers so our loved ones can get help and support they may need,” Kelly DeVito, Youth Services Coordinator. “Our goal is to give the youth participants different strategies for how they can help themselves when they are having a difficult time.” -

The free event is open to Middle School and High School students. Participants will receive a community service certificate (1.5 hours) upon completion of the program. Space is limited and registration is required. To sign up for Spring Into Wellness visit: https://lp.constantcontactpages. com/ev/reg/pm4s9nm and follow the simple registration instructions.

For more information on this and future youth empowerment programs, contact Kelly DeVito at Smithtown Horizons Counseling & Education Center at (631) 360-7578.

The Smithtown Library is located at 1 North Country Road in the Village of the Branch.

Commack H.S. Ninth Grader Presented with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Community Service Award

Harold Teller wanted to find a way to help those in the community confronting mental health issues. So, Teller, now a ninth grader at Commack High School, started a basketball tournament for friends and classmates.

Two years later, the annual event has raised nearly $13,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Teller on Wednesday received a visit at the high school from Ann Morrison-Pacella, the foundation’s executive director for the Long Island Chapter.

With his family, Principal Carrie Lipenholtz and other high school administrators on hand, Morrison-Pacella presented Teller with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Community Service Award.

“I really felt that it was important for you to understand how what you did is really making a difference,” MorrisonPacella told him. “I truly believe that your generation is going to change the stigmas with asking for help and for talking about mental health. To have a young person like yourself do something like this to raise awareness is really making a difference.”

“We’re so incredibly proud of you. Your efforts are so meaningful,” said Lipenholtz.

Not only does Teller intend to continue the annual 3v3 basketball tournament held in Holbrook — which annually has attracted 150 participants — he also is planning to host a capture-the-flag event at Short Beach in Nissequogue on May 5 to raise additional funds for the foundation.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention uses the funds in the local community for education and to support those who are struggling or have lost someone.

“I know people who have struggled with mental health, and I wanted to help,” Teller said.

“It’s not a comfortable topic to talk about, and it should be,” said Morrison-Pacella. Doing events like you are having and raising awareness and letting people know that it’s OK not to be OK, and that when we talk about our struggles that we can get help, that helps other people understand they are not alone.”

Ann Morrison-Pacella with CHS ninth grader Harold Teller.

Smithtown MessengerBrookhaven MessengerIslip MessengerThursday, April 11, 2024

Smithtown HS West Student Raises $27K in Fight Against Leukemia and Lymphoma

Sophia Enright, an 11th grade student at Smithtown High School West, has raised $27,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as part of the LLS Student Visionaries of the Year program.

Sophia was the leader of “Bulls Against Blood Cancer,” a 20+ person team of students from HS East and West. One of the several fundraising activities she organized was “Loose Change for Leukemia” at Mount Pleasant Elementary, which alone raised about $7,000 in three weeks.

Sophia’s incredible efforts will also serve as her Service Learning Project in her pursuit of the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness.

Three Hauppauge Students Advance to National Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge

The Hauppauge School District congratulates students Mihir Sathish Kumar, Vaibhavi Hegde and Atharv Prabhu (pictured left to right) who each earned first place at the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.

A program of the Society of Science, the challenge seeks to inspire young scientists, engineers and innovators to solve the grand challenges of the 21st century.

Mihir’s project is “BioPlast Clean: An EcoClean Solution for Microplastic Filtration.”

Vaibhavi’s project is “What Materials Work Best for Creating Biodegradable Plastic?” and Atharv’s project is “Can Biodegradable Hydrogels Help Conserve Water While Farming?” They will now advance to the national competition

Smithtown High School West Quarterback Named Honor Speaker by Classmates

Smithtown West senior, Brayden Stahl, was selected by his peers to be this year’s commencement speaker, it was announced during the school’s annual Gold Cord breakfast, on April 3.

“It’s a big honor, and the relationship I’ve built with my classmates and the respect I’ve hopefully earned from them is what got me to that position,” Brayden exclaimed.

Smithtown High School West Principal John Coady expressed his appreciation for the school’s highest academic achievers among the senior class.

The senior class encompassing 114 students who achieved a cumulative 4.0 GPA assembled in the G Café for a breakfast to recognize their lofty achievements.

“Smithtown West is a great school because we have great students like you,” Coady told the honorees.

The gold cord honorees are slated to attend a second ceremony, with their families, on May 22. Each senior will be called to the stage and their college destination and planned major will be shared.

North Students Head to International DECA Competition

The Sachem High School North DECA team, advised by Mr. Tom Davis, had a successful trip to the state conference in Rochester earlier this month, bringing home several awards. The team’s seven competitors each won at least one medal in their respective categories and brought home 14 awards in total.

Most notably, High School North students Tricia Block and Sofia Miele qualified to compete at the International DECA Conference in Anaheim, California later this spring. In Anaheim, both students will compete against the best young business students in the country.

Three Village Students Qualify for National Math Competitions

Two Three Village Central School District students, senior Michael Lu and ninth grader Harry Gao, qualified for the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad and United States of America Junior Mathematical Olympiad, respectively.

Qualification for the USAMO or USAJMO is considered one of the most prestigious awards for high school students in the United States. The process to earn a qualification starts with the American Math Competition. Each year, approximately 50,000 students across the country participate in the AMC, representing the top .333% of math students in the U.S. Out of those participants, only around 5,000 are invited to take the America Invitational Math

Exam. This year, 14 students from Three Village qualified for the AIME. A composite score is then used to determine qualification for the USAMO or USAJMO. A simple calculation shows that these participants, including Lu and Gao, likely represent the top 0.00333% in the country, a truly impressive accomplishment.

Both USAMO and USAJMO are six-question, nine-hour mathematical proof competitions, given over two days. Beyond awards for top scorers, the main goal for the USAMO and USAJMO is to select top math students to join the Mathematical Olympiad Program to compete and train to represent the United States at the International Mathematical Olympiad.

Sixth Graders Leave Their Mark at Setauket Elementary School

Sixth graders at Setauket Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District are leaving their mark on the building with a mural. Each year, the sixth grade class paints a hallway mural before moving up to junior high school.

This year, sixth graders created a painting in the style of Mary Blair, an American artist who produced art and animation for the Walt Disney Company. Students created their own version of “It’s a Small World.” In addition to honoring Mary Blair’s work and style, the sixth graders created the mural during Women’s History Month.

(Photo left) Sixth graders at Setauket Elementary School created a “It’s a Small World” mural in the style of artist Mary Blair.

The Necessary Standard for American Education

What is Civics?

By Matt Meduri

The word “civics” comes from the Latin word civicus, meaning “relating to a citizen.” Specifically, civics relates to the behaviors, obligations, and privileges of citizens regarding their communities, developments, and relationship with their governments, from political, practical, and theoretical perspectives. Laws, codes, and duties of citizenship are also included in the definition.

In the modern education system, the subject of civics has gradually been phased out with the introduction of the U.S. Department of Education in the 1970s. The subject of “social studies” combines aspects of history and civics, as well as subject of more experiential learning, such as values, social justice, and inter-community relationship not pertaining to government.

For the purpose of this column, we will look to revive the subject of civics from an objective perspective, specifically outlining the levels and divisions of government, the governmental rules, relations, and duties to its constituents, and how citizens are enfranchised by local laws all the way up to the U.S. Constitution.

As an introductory piece, we will briefly outline the three levels of government, a basic tenet of American civics usually introduced to students in middle school.

Federal

The three branches of the federal government are the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. In short, the Executive branch consists of the Presidency and most of his Cabinet members. The Executive branch’s main role is to enforce the laws of the United States, including, but not limited to, international diplomacy and commerce, dealing with state governments in relation to funding, disasters, and other means of organization, security, and the handling of the economy at-large. Cabinet members range from secretaries of Commerce, Transportation, Health and Human Services (HHS), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Education, State (foreign policy and relations), Homeland Security, among other departments and sub-departments. The Attorney General functions as the nation’s leading prosecutor and example for legal enforcement.

The President also enjoys the responsibilities of appointing Justices to the Supreme Court, the nation’s highest bench, as well as federal judges across Thirteen Circuits, eleven for states and territories, one for the District of Columbia, and one for the nation at large. New York is part of the Second Circuit, along with Connecticut and Vermont, and the Circuit Justice is Sonia Sotomayor. New York is divided into four Federal Court Districts; Suffolk County is located in the Eastern District.

Presidential terms are limited to two four-year terms or ten years of service, whichever comes first. This is to account for possible Vice Presidential succession mid-term.

Legislative

The Legislative Branch of the government is concerned with creating the laws. This is the responsibility of Congress. Congress is the collective term for the two chambers of government: The U.S. House of Representatives (the lower chamber) and

the U.S. Senate (the upper chamber). Together, they create a bicameral (two-chamber) legislature. The two chambers ensure a hybrid form of government, in which citizens receive representation proportional to their state and district populations in the House, while they also receive equal representation in the Senate.

The House is made up of 435 Congressional Districts. The number has been capped since 1960 when Alaska and Hawaii became states in 1959. Every ten years, the Census is conducted to count the population and gauge which states gain and lose Congressional districts.

The state with the highest population, California, at about 33,000,000 people, has the most Congressional districts, fifty-two. Seven states are atlarge Congressional districts, meaning the population is low enough that the entire state is its Congressional district, giving it just one Representative in the House: Alaska, Delaware, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming.

New York just lost a Congressional district after the 2020 Census, giving twenty-six seats. Democrats hold sixteen seats, while Republicans hold ten, the highest number for the GOP in New York since 2000.

Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) represents the First District (NY-01), encompassing the entire Towns of East Hampton, Riverhead, Shelter Island, Smithtown, Southampton, and Southold, as well as most of Huntington, and northern and eastern Brookhaven.

Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) represents NY-02, which includes the entire Towns of Babylon, Islip, and parts of southwestern and central Brookhaven. NY-02 also includes parts of the Town of Oyster Bay in Nassau County.

Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Great Neck) represents NY-03, which includes northern Queens, most of Nassau County, and a few hamlets and villages of Huntington Town in Suffolk.

A majority in the House is 218 seats. Members then nominate Representatives to serve as Speaker of the House, the primary point of legislative agenda and third in line for Presidential succession. Currently, Republicans have a bare-minimum majority of 218 seats, a number that will slowly tick up when four solidly-Republican districts hold special elections. The majority party of the House not only has a chance to elect a Speaker of their party, although there is no Constitutional obligation that the Speaker hails from the majority party, but also receives the chairmanship of all committees of the House. Committee control can be a serious gate for legislation to make it to the House floor for a full vote. Committees’ areas of focus include Agriculture, Armed Services, Budget, Energy and Conservation, Ethics, Financial Services, and many other categories of governance. Subcommittees are even more specific in scope and can be formed on an ad hoc basis, such as the Subcommittee of Ethics that investigated the alleged fraud perpetrated by former Congressman George Santos (R-Queens).

Citizens can elect a U.S. Representative every two years. Resignations, deaths, or expulsions result in open seats, which can affect House business if one party has a thin enough majority. Special election dates are declared by the governor of a state in which the vacancy occurs and state laws vary as to when the special election must be set. In some jurisdictions, if

This column will seek to address the long-forgotten concept of civics and how it relates to American government in general, from the federal level to the local level. This column will explore Constitutional rights, the inner workings of government, the electoral process, and the obligations and privileges of citizens.

a vacancy occurs within close proximity of the regular election, the seat will remain vacant until that election.

The five territories each receive one non-voting delegate to the House. Delegates can sponsor legislation and sit on committees but cannot cast floor votes.

When legislation makes it out of committee, it heads to the House floor for a full vote. Debate on the House is limited due to the large body of legislators. Once the legislation passes the House, it heads to the upper chamber.

The Senate receives two Senators per state, each up for reelection every six years, ensuring that each state receives equal representation. Since the Senate only consists of 100 members, debate is much more flexible, allowing Senators to “filibuster” legislation, a long-winded speech against legislation that can last hours or even days. The Senate consists of committees similar to the House, with the majority party receiving the chairmanship of each committee and the coveted post of Senate Majority Leader.

Fifty-one seats is required for an outright majority, although the same party that controls fifty seats as well as the Vice Presidency gains control of the Senate, as the V.P. is the President of the Senate. This scenario occurred after the 2020 elections. Democrats currently control the Senate with fiftyone seats.

Control of the Senate is much more difficult to see down the road than that of the House, as six-year terms mean that certain Senate maps are aligned with presidential and midterm years. House elections occur every two years and are more susceptible to partisanship and down ballot voting. Neither the House nor the Senate currently have term limits.

Judicial

The Judicial Branch includes the Supreme Court and other federal court systems, as outlined in the Executive Branch section. There are nine Justices on the Supreme Court. Justices are appointed by the President and interviewed and either confirmed or rejected by the Senate. Justices serve life-time appointments until death or resignation.

While technically nonpartisan, conservative-appointed Justices currently control the bench with six seats to the liberalappointed Justices’ three.

The purpose of the Judicial branch is to interpret the laws, with the conflicting doctrines of “strict” or “loose” constructionism of the Constitution a major point of their decisions. The two ideologies treat the Constitution somewhat differently, with strict constructionism offering little to no room for interpretation outside the text, while loose constructionism offers for more debate on the Founding Fathers’ original intentions, as well as inclusions of recent precedents. Cases can be referred to higher courts or knocked down to lower courts based on scope, jurisdiction, or precedent.

Judicial precedent is a massive part of the branch’s job. Precedent is essentially a pathway to a legal decision based on previous decisions, court rulings, or overturnings.

States are divided into Federal Court districts and are represented by Presidential-appointed judges.

Around Town 15

Legislator Trotta Recognizes Kings Park’s Marge Connick as the 13th Legislative District Irish American of Distinction

In 2019, the Suffolk County Legislature passed a resolution requesting each Legislator to select an Irish American person of distinction who resides in his or her district to be honored at the Irish American Heritage Celebration in Hauppauge during the month of March.

On March 27, a celebration was held at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge to recognize each Legislator’s honoree. Several Irish musicians, Step Dancers, the Suffolk County Pipes & Drums and Suffolk County Police Emerald Society entertained the honorees and their families, as well as various county officials.

Marge Connick is a proud Irish American as her grandparents came to the United States for a better life and found one in Kings Park, where they raised their five daughters. Her parents moved to Smithtown, but she still had friends in Kings Park. At a farewell party for her cousin who was leaving to serve in the military, she met her future husband, Bill. While they dated in high school, it was not until after she finished nursing school that they were married. They bought a house in Kings Park, where they raised their two children and where she continues to live today.

“I have known Marge for years and she was a dedicated and caring nurse for 48 years working primarily in the oncology unit at St. John’s Hospital which was later renamed St. Catherine of Siena,” said Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga). “Marge is the consummate volunteer –offering her services to such organizations as the Kings Park Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Catholic Daughters of America, St. Joseph’s Church, and is a proud member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.”

(Photo left) Pictured at the ceremony, are from left, Legislator Rob Trotta, Marge Connick, her son Bill, and behind them, his three sons who are triplets.

Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) has represented the Thirteenth District in the Suffolk County Legislature since 2014. The Thirteenth District includes Fort Salonga, Head of the Harbor, Kings Park, Nissequogue, San Remo, St. James, and parts of Commack and Smithtown hamlet within Smithtown Township, and parts of Commack within Huntington Township.

Legislator Trotta serves as the Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, Vice Chair of the Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness Committee, and serves on the Committees on Budget and Finance and Seniors and Human Service.

Connick was recently honored as the Grand Marshall of the 2024 Kings Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The Thirteenth District office is located at 59 Landing Avenue, Suite 1, in Smithtown and can be reached at 631-854-3900.

Smithtown Central School District Students Enjoy Eclipse Viewing

Students throughout the Smithtown Central School District participated in various activities celebrating the area’s historic solar eclipse on April 8.

Donning protective glasses — many of which were purchased by school PTA groups— students created “pin hole viewers,” played eclipse bingo and stepped outside to view an celestial event.

The next total solar eclipse in the United States is expected to occur in 2044.

By PJ Balzer

Last week, Brookhaven Town lost a fifth grader to suicide. A young lady, not even a teenager yet, found herself in a place where taking her own life seemed to be the best future for herself. While we know nothing about the circumstances surrounding her untimely passing, and her family has asked for the utmost privacy in their time of tremendous mourning, it’s eternally beneficial to dive into why young people are increasingly taking this route. What is making our children anxious, depressed, and in some cases contemplate or fully attempt suicide?

The suicide rates amongst our adolescents and teenagers are astounding. Yet, there are many different factors, both societal and personal, that are behind these rates. The United States falls almost directly in the middle of suicide rates by country worldwide. We aren’t at the top of the list, but not at the bottom either. Youth suicide rates have risen as much as 62% from 2007 to today. We have approximately two million children and teenagers in the United States make at least one suicide attempt each year.

Statistics show that living in poverty does have an effect on the number of people attempting to take their life. A Boston University research team learned that the rate of suicides in children and adolescents is 37% higher in counties with the highest levels of poverty. Unemployment, economic disadvantages, and worrying about basic needs have a profound

The Ripple Effect

impact on the growing, developing brain of a young person. That would plainly tell us that a child’s circumstances undoubtedly have an effect on how valuable they feel their life is.

Social media use along with bullying is also are affecting our youth at alarming rates. The majority of children who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or tendencies are experiencing bullying at school that is following them home on their phone or smart device. In my own childhood and experience, there was bullying of course, but the bullying seemed to stay at the recess yard or lunchroom while we hoped it would dissipate by the following day. Many times, it did. In 2024, children can be bullied online all day long. They can wake up and go to sleep bombarded by pictures and comments about themselves. There are even photoshop options that can put the young person in places, with other people or even naked

when they truly aren’t.

Furthermore, everything we do and say as adults around our children matters. There has been a major ripple effect from the top right to the very bottom. The way we treat and speak about other humans, our children ultimately will end up mimicking. National figures have made it a common practice to label, degrade, and dehumanize people that are different or disagree with us. This speech is blasting into our living rooms and into the corridors of our hearts. We discuss or repeat what they say, our children are taking it all in as children do. The cycle continues, the statistics rise, and we have our neighbors’ children, and possibly our own, who hate themselves, want to die, and maybe are willing to prematurely try to.

I pray for her parents and loved ones who have a really long journey of grief ahead of them. I pray for children that are being bullied to a breaking point even as you read this article. I pray that common decency, compassion, and the willingness to get to know others as humans before giving them a label returns. I pray that people who are exhausted by life and how hard it can be at times find a renewed sense of hope today. I pray that those who have lost the will to live may have that flame rekindled in their hearts. I pray that our families, communities, and nation will heal and return to the ancient paths that we once knew and stood on. I pray for you.

TikTok’s Influence Continues To Grow Despite Concerns About Chinese Spying

By Andrew Shirley | AMAC Exclusive

Despite a wealth of evidence suggesting that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is using TikTok to spy on and even socially program American citizens, the popular social media app is continuing to gain users at breakneck speed. One big reason why could be the enormous sums of money the app’s parent company is spending on lobbying and advertising.

According to a Wall Street Journal report published on January 30, TikTok “spent $1.5 billion building an operation intended to convince U.S. lawmakers that the popular videosharing app is safe.” Moreover, according to Open Secrets, TikTok parent company ByteDance “spent more in the first three quarters of 2023 than any prior year” on lobbying efforts. In total, they spent over $7.4 million in 2023. From Q3 2022 to Q3 2023, the platform increased its lobbying spending by 326 percent.

At the same time, TikTok has launched a massive national advertising campaign to build its popularity with the American people. Although exact numbers have not been made public, the website TvRev reported that the company has “focused heavily on cable news networks and broadcast in that timeframe as well. Fox News is the No. 1 network by share of TikTok TV ad impressions since June 1, with 18.9%, while CNN is No. 2 at 15.2%. CBS, Fox, ABC, and MSNBC are all among the top 10 as well.”

In one ironic incident that made headlines, during the Republican presidential primary debate hosted by Fox News, a question posed to candidates about whether or not to ban TikTok was followed immediately by a TikTok commercial.

Those advertising and lobbying dollars appear to be quite effective, too. According to a Pew poll released on

January 31, TikTok is growing faster than any other social media platform in the United States. 33 percent of American adults polled said they used TikTok in 2023, an increase of 12 percent since 2021.

That increase is being driven in large part by exponential growth among young adults. 62 percent of those surveyed between the ages of 18 and 29 said they have used TikTok, compared to 39 percent of 30 to 39-year-olds, 24 percent of 50 to 64-year-olds, and 10 percent of adults 65 and older.

Moreover, these numbers don’t even take into account the number of Americans on the platform who are under 18. An estimated 25 percent of TikTok’s roughly 100 million monthly U.S. users are between the ages of 10 and 19.

TikTok’s meteoric growth has raised serious concerns about both data privacy and the possibility that the CCP could be using the app to negatively influence American users.

As a Chinese company, ByteDance is required to report any and all data it collects to the Chinese Communist Party under the provisions of a 2017 Chinese law. That means that the CCP could be using TikTok to collect troves of data on millions of American citizens, including personal information such as their address and phone number.

These concerns led to a TikTok ban on all federal devices last year, and a number of states – led by both Republicans and Democrats – have followed suit.

But it’s not just privacy concerns that have led to pushback on the platform. Numerous studies have also found that TikTok pushes harmful content to kids, including videos that promote eating disorders and even suicide.

Dozens of American kids have also been hospitalized or even killed by dangerous trends on TikTok like the “blackout

challenge” and “NyQuil chicken challenge.” Virtually every American user, no matter their age, is inundated with hypersexualized videos, many of which feature underage girls.

During a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in January, Senator Ted Cruz blasted TikTok for promoting “self-harm videos and anti-Israel propaganda” to American children. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew denied the accusations while touting the effective safety measures the platform employs.

However, according to tech experts, the Chinese version of TikTok, called Douyin, offers a version of the app that is far safer than the one pushed to Americans. Douyin’s platform limits use by children to 40 minutes per day and reportedly promotes educational content, rather than the destructive and harmful content peddled to American kids.

Given the ongoing power competition with China, many experts strongly believe the CCP is deliberately using TikTok as a psychological weapon against the American people.

There is now no denying that TikTok is becoming one of the most powerful cultural forces in our society – a development driven in large part by Chinese lobbying and advertising dollars. The question now is if lawmakers will have the courage to do something about it.

Andrew Shirley is a veteran speechwriter and AMAC Newsline columnist. His commentary can be found on X at @AA_Shirley.

By Peter Chidichimo

Guest Column Descent into New York

We had enjoyed a comfortable ride on American flight 4555, cruising at 30,000 feet, enjoying our grab-and-go sandwiches, and the coffee that air passengers crave so much. One of the nice things about visiting Key West every March is the relatively expedient flight. While officially listed at three and a half hours, our experience has been closer to three hours, wheels up to wheels down.

As the flight attendant announced our initial descent into New York’s LaGuardia, I ruminated on that word, “descent.” To descend: to plunge, plummet, stumble, or tumble. I tried to remember if I heard that word when we landed in Key West, maybe or maybe not. I heard it now, any coincidence we were returning to New York?

25,000 Feet

As usual, I followed the news while soaking up the Florida sunshine. The latest from New York is the squatter disaster. According to a story published on Fox News on March 19, a property owner in New York City was arrested after encountering a standoff with a group of squatters, who decided to inhabit her property following her parents’ deaths.

“It’s enraging,” said property owner Adele Andaloro, who inherited the million-dollar home from her parents. “It’s not fair that I, as the homeowner, have to be going through this.”

Meanwhile, in the Sunshine State, Governor Ron DeSantis (R) just signed HB.621, which protects property owners’ rights and provides remedies against squatting.

“We are putting an end to the squatter scam in Florida,” said Governor DeSantis. “While other states are siding with the squatters, we are protecting property owners and punishing criminals looking to game the system.”

It’s true. Under this new law, a property owner in Florida can request law enforcement to immediately remove a squatter under certain conditions, which are clear and reasonable, including that the individual unlawfully entered the property and was directed to leave. Putting homeowners first, what is Florida thinking?

20,000 Feet

What else is going on in the Big Apple? Former NYC Police Commissioner Ray Kelly has warned that among the thousands of migrants entering the city are notorious gang members from Venezuela and El Salvador. These are “prison spawned gangs” that bring “mindless violence” to our cities, according to Kelly and the FBI.

Apparently, we are in the midst of Albany’s newest great social experiment, the perfect storm of NYC declaring itself a “sanctuary city” for illegal and potentially dangerous migrants, while NYS Democrats reform our bail laws.

In 2019, the great social experiment began when Governor Cuomo (D) and the Democratic majority overhauled the bail system, which essentially removed the ability of prosecutors to remand defendants for certain crimes, or for judges to exercise discretion in keeping potentially dangerous offenders off the streets. Weak bail laws, sanctuary status for illegal migrants, possible gang members, what could possibly go wrong?

With NYC’s misguided sanctuary policy, the NYPD is barred from communicating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), whereby illegal offenders could be detained or possibly jailed, which would protect the public.

The Great Experiment Blows Up

To illustrate the danger of the great experiment, in September 2022, 26-year-old Jose Ibarra came to NYC, after entering the U.S. illegally under Biden’s open border policy. While here, he was arrested but not detained. He then went to Athens, Georgia, where he was again arrested more than once, and again released (Athens is also a sanctuary city). Ibarra is now charged with the murder of an innocent college student, Laken Riley.

In a brutal melee in January, as many as thirteen offenders were caught-on-camera assaulting two police officers in Times Square. Many of the suspects, including migrants, were released without bail. A week later, authorities revealed that several of the men had fled the Big Apple for California. The Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) declined to respond when asked about allowing the defendants to walk free. Many have since been re-captured.

Federal officials say that in many cases, New York officials do not alert them when an undocumented defendant is released from court or jail. Doing so would be prudent, until such time that Federal authorities can decide the proper course of action. Apparently, this is how criminal justice works in Big Apple sanctuary land.

I did some checking and learned that, in 2019, Governor DeSantis signed legislation requiring all law enforcement agencies in Florida to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The legislation prohibits local governments from enacting policies that protect undocumented immigrants from deportation. Those jurisdictions will be required to honor U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers for undocumented immigrants who are arrested or convicted of a crime.

It’s called protecting the public.

“Sanctuary cities basically create law-free zones where people can come to our state illegally, commit criminal offenses and then walk right out the door and continue to do it,” DeSantis said. “In Florida, that will not happen.”

10,000 Feet

In a case that has shaken Long Island residents, human remains were recently found across Babylon Township and Bethpage State Park. Suffolk police tracked down suspects living in a shared home in Amityville, where “sharp instruments, multiple body parts, and other related items” were found. Four people were charged with concealing a human corpse, tampering with evidence, first-degree hindering prosecution, and tampering with physical evidence. Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney Frank Schroder, of the Homicide Bureau, stated police have obtained damning evidence against the four, including human remains, meat cleavers, butcher knives, large amounts of blood, as well as video surveillance.

The four defendants were released without bail, after being issued GPS monitoring devices, pursuant to New York Democrat’s lenient bail laws. Governor Hochul (D) blamed their release on the D.A.’s office, alleging that the prosecutors failed to build their case. But she is totally wrong. Per D.A. Ray Tierney (R), law enforcement had to act and make the arrests to protect the public.

“You would think leaving body parts in a park for children to find would be bail eligible,” quipped a prosecutor at a news conference.

If you’re wondering about bail policy in Florida, it’s really quite straightforward. Bail is determined by several factors, including the seriousness of the crime, the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the weight of the evidence. Importantly, Judges can use discretion when determining bail amounts based on the defendant’s likelihood to return to court and their previous criminal history.

5,000 Feet

Meanwhile, New York residents can take solace that Albany Democrats have been hard at work looking after the quality of life for all its citizens. About a year ago, the New York State Education Department released a directive that public school districts are to stop using Native American-themed mascots and logos by the end of the 2022-2023 school year, or risk certain withholding of state aid.

Meanwhile, Long Island school districts are projecting higher tax increases pending a lastminute handout in state financial aid. Preliminary reports show that property taxes would rise an average 2.67% during 2024-25 school year. It’s no secret Long Islanders already pay sky-high property taxes, with 60% of those taxes allocated to school districts. Fixing the so-called mascot issue will undoubtedly cost money for some districts, while having nothing to do with educating our students, as they struggle to catch up from the Pandemic lockdown.

Still not convinced that Albany has the best interests of New Yorkers at heart? This past November, the Governor signed legislation requiring middle and high schools to provide free menstrual products in all school bathrooms, even men’s rooms. It also requires cosmetologists to receive training on all hair types and patterns, including natural hair types. All fine and good, but are these really the top priorities the state faces?

Since 2016, and maybe earlier, the Empire State has topped the list for residents relocating to the Sunshine State, according to data from the Census Bureau. It was during the COVID-19 Pandemic that many New Yorkers were attracted to Florida’s less harsh COVID restrictions and open economy, not to mention lower taxes and school choice.

And speaking of school choice, Florida’s “Schools of Hope” charter school program has attracted the attention of Success Academy, New York’s largest charter operator. Citing Florida’s openness to school choice, Success Academy founder Eva Moskowitz is planning to become a provider in the Sunshine State, reportedly telling the NYS Board of Education that working in New York, though gratifying, has become increasingly difficult.

“I want to be in a place that’s high-growth, high-innovation, and welcoming to parental choice,” said Moskowitz.

0 Feet

With the descent into New York over, can’t possibly get any lower than this, or can we?

Smith Haven Mall

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Guest Column

The Conservative Podcast Revolution

By Aaron Flanigan | AMAC

In a national media and digital information landscape dominated by the left, from social media companies to cable networks, to legacy news outlets, the conservative podcast ecosystem has emerged as perhaps the right’s most effective platform for information dissemination.

According to a recent Pew Research study, 49 percent of Americans have listened to a podcast within the last year, and nearly one in five reported listening to a podcast on a near-daily basis. Podcasts, in the words of the report, have “become a big part of the normal routine—and news diet—of many Americans, especially younger adults.”

Another recent survey found that Americans aged 18 to 34 listen to podcasts at the same rate as they watch television. Podcasts have given listeners the freedom to consume an enormous library of content ondemand while they commute to work, go to the grocery store, or mow the lawn.

Of course, political shows account for only a fraction of the nation’s most widely listenedto podcasts. But even so, current podcast rankings indicate that conservative content is not only present in the world of podcasts but is in many ways thriving.

According to a recent examination of the “News” subcategory of Apple’s podcast chart, which ranks the nation’s top 200 news shows, 45 of them, or nearly a quarter of the shows included in the rankings, feature outspoken conservative voices.

The top of the list includes figures like Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson, Dan Bongino, Megyn Kelly, Charlie Kirk, Candace Owens, and Matt Walsh. Conservative thought leaders Glenn Beck, Mark Levin, Michael Knowles, Allie Beth Stuckey, Victor Davis Hanson, and Senator Ted Cruz are also in the top 50, with other rightof-center strongholds like Bill O’Reilly, Andrew Klavan, and Steven Crowder making the top 100. Voices such as Tim Pool, Jesse Kelly, Sean Hannity, Benny Johnson, and Lou Dobbs also earned a spot in the top 200.

Of the top 50 “News” shows, 16— or approximately a third—are hosted by conservative voices, signaling a strong conservative footprint in the podcast world. Even outside of the “News” category, right-ofcenter shows like “The Joe Rogan Experience” (which ranks as the third highest national podcast in any category) and “The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast,” as well as traditional religious podcasts like Fr. Mike Schmitz’s “The Bible in a Year,” often beat out left-wing favorites like “Pod Save America,” “The Rachel Maddow Show,” and other MSNBC-produced shows like the left-wing “Prosecuting Donald Trump.” (Nota bene: readers looking for a conservative podcast to follow should be sure to tune in to AMAC’s “Better for America,” hosted by AMAC CEO Rebecca Weber. You can find every episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and AMAC’s YouTube channel.)

Though Apple’s rankings fluctuate slightly, the presence of conservatives on the podcast charts only appears to be growing stronger—a clear sign that large swaths of American citizens are hungry for content that dissents from leftwing political orthodoxy and openly promotes conservative points of view.

The rise of conservative podcasts has been several years in the making—and unsurprisingly, prominent voices on the left have already begun to sound the alarm. “I think the sheer volume and consistency of rightwing shows that currently populate the charts tells us something quite real,” Vulture writer Nicholas Quah worried in a 2020 piece.

Additionally, according to Pew Research, Republicans are more likely than Democrats to listen to content that clearly expresses political opinions. “Among podcast listeners overall, Republicans who listen to podcasts are also

somewhat more likely to be listening to content with political opinions,” the report states. “About three-in-ten podcast listeners who are Republicans (31%) say they listen to podcasts that include a host’s or guest’s opinions about government and politics, vs. 21% of Democratic listeners.”

What this suggests is that the conservative establishment and the Republican Party have a vital opportunity to reach and activate voters through podcasts. The success of hosts such as Matt Walsh in mobilizing his audience to pressure the Tennessee legislature to ban the University of Vanderbilt’s transgender clinic from performing surgeries on minors demonstrates the potential of podcasts as a political tool for the conservative movement.

For a digital medium that has long been considered a stronghold of the left, this trend should be taken as a significant

Overview - AMAC - The Association of Mature American Citizens

The Association of Mature American Citizens represents Americans 50 plus. AMAC is centered on American values, freedom of the individual, free speech, and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family, with benefits at all levels. AMAC plays a vital role in helping build the services that will enrich the lives of America’s seniors. AMAC Action, a 501 (C)(4) advocates for issues important to AMAC’s membership on Capitol Hill and locally through grassroots activism. To Learn more, visit amac.us

victory for the right. Much as conservatives have dominated talk radio in recent decades, we may be witnessing the birth of a new generation of opportunities for the conservative cause, reaching voters directly through podcasts.

The rise of conservative podcasters should also remind conservative Americans that their values and beliefs are far more widespread and popular than the corporate media would have them believe. One of the primary goals of the liberal press is to convince right-of-center Americans that their principles and way of life are antiquated and dying –a narrative that is completely undermined by the surging popularity of conservative voices in the podcast space.

That alone is reason enough to queue up a conservative podcast on your next road trip, visit the gym, or time spent simply relaxing at home.

WORD OF THE Week vapid

Origin: mid 17th century (used originally in description of drinks as ‘lacking in flavor’): from Latin vapidus.

Source: Oxford Languages

Synonyms: insipid, uninspired, colorless

Adjective

Pronounced: va·puhd

Definition: offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging

Example: “Instead of an interesting dialogue, the date only consisted of vapid conversation.”

Antonyms: lively, exciting, invigorating

WORD WHEEL SUDOKU

See how many words you can create. Must have center letter in word and can use letters more than once. 4 letter word minimum.

This Week in History

April 14, 1865: U.S. President Abraham Lincoln is shot in the head by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theater in Washington; he dies a day later

April 13, 1742: George Frideric Handel’s oratorio “Messiah” performed for the 1st time at New Music Hall in Dublin

April 11, 1783: Hostilities formally cease in the American Revolutionary War

April 15, 1912: RMS Titanic sinks at 2:27 AM off Newfoundland as the band plays on, with the loss of between 1,490 and 1,635 people

April 17, 1492

Christopher Columbus signs a contract with the Spanish monarchs to find the “Indies” with the stated goal of converting people to Catholicism. This promises him 10% of all riches found, and the governorship of any lands encountered.

How Conservatives Can Directly Defund DEI In K-12 Education

By Max Eden | AMAC Outside Contributor

Three years ago, Republicans were reluctant to take direct aim at diversity, equity, and inclusion. It just sounded too nice to oppose. Better, political strategists thought, to go after the toxic concepts and practices by a different name: critical race theory.

After years of public debate and controversy, a substantial share of the public understands the core ideas, be they labeled CRT, promoted as “social justice,” or implemented as DEI. And as policymakers ponder how to root out this ideology from higher education, it is important that they also revisit K-12 education for places where their policies failed to bear fruit because they didn’t use quite the right words.

A few weeks before American universities’ morally demented reaction to the Hamas attack against Israel helped to solidify citizens’ understanding of the true meaning of DEI, USA Today ran an article claiming that K-12 public schools spend about $20 billion per year on DEI training. Of the 45 major school districts they examined, seven came from Florida. Tampa, for example, spends $36 million per year on DEI training for its teachers.

The most popular DEI training, according to USA Today, is Glenn Singleton’s “Courageous Conversations,” which explicitly peddles critical race theory. Rounding out the top five is “UnboundEd,” which explicitly teaches anti-white racism (insisting that there’s no such thing as a good white person).

But wait — isn’t that against the law in Florida? Possibly, but Florida’s anti-CRT law, as with virtually every anti-CRT law, wasn’t clear enough in its language or savvy enough in its structure to accomplish the

goal that many of its supporters hoped that it would. The official materials used by the state of Florida to promote the Stop WOKE Act claimed it “prohibits school districts, colleges, and universities from hiring woke CRT consultants.” But it clearly didn’t.

That’s because Florida’s Stop WOKE Act listed a series of concepts that “woke CRT consultants” may not explicitly endorse. But what if, instead of self-declaring as “woke CRT consultants,” they call themselves “DEI consultants”? What if they promote those concepts through slightly different words? Or, what if they promote those concepts directly with the backing of local officials who want to spend tens of millions of dollars on left-wing indoctrination instead of, you know, tutoring or teacher pay?

This is why the budding effort to dismantle DEI bureaucracies in higher education should be accompanied by an effort to defund DEI consultants in K-12 education directly.

There are two key elements to an effective strategy

for the latter. The first, which was unthinkable three years ago but is becoming more common in legislative language, is to name DEI directly to send an unambiguous signal to local school administrators. The second, which has not yet been attempted, is to task state superintendents with creating lists of vendors that are ineligible to receive state funding.

This second step is key. Simple statutory language is inadequate to defund the constant linguistic churn of CRT/DEI/”woke” consultants effectively; there must be an element of executive discretion. A state secretary of education should be charged with creating and annually updating a list of vendors that the state will not permit its money to flow to. “Courageous Conversations” obviously belongs on that list, as does “UnboundEd.” But so, too, would “Brave Talks” or “Boundless Ed,” if either of those two companies decide to form spinoffs to try to get around the law.

In late January of 2024, Florida issued its final regulations to dismantle DEI in its higher education system. Education Commissioner Manny Diaz should explore whether the law gives him the flexibility to issue a regulation specifying “woke” K-12 consultants that are ineligible for state funding. If not, it should be an easy fix for the legislature to do so.

Defunding DEI consultants won’t, of course, fix the culture of American education overnight. But with so many problems facing this generation of students, not spending $20 billion dollars on divisive indoctrination consultants would certainly be a step in the right direction.

Reprinted with permission from AEI by Max Eden.

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Greenlawn -Healy’s Inn

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Rocky Point -Rocky Point Alehouse

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Ronkonkoma - Farrell’s Tavern

284 Ronkonkoma Ave. -

Mastic Beach -Linsa Torr’s Place

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Smithtown Matters

Paws of War Hosts ‘Spectrum Paws’ Program for Participants from Winter’s Center for Autism

In observance of Autism Awareness Month, Paws of War recently launched and hosted its weekly ‘Spectrum Paws’ program that provides educational enrichment and career experience for individuals on the Autism spectrum. Every week, the nonprofit welcomed program participants from The Winters Center for Autism. The mission of the Spectrum Paws program is to unite communities of individuals on the spectrum with dogs and cats that provide companionship, therapeutic support and enrichment opportunities, paving the way towards social and emotional independence.

“Our Spectrum Paws program is designed to provide individuals with Autism a place to build a resume, learn what aspects of animal care interest them and guide them to the next steps in their lives. As we expand and grow our program, Spectrum Paws will impact the lives of families in a positive way, bringing opportunities for both growth and healing,” said Christine Geraghty, Director of The Spectrum Paws Program.

The participants from the Winter’s Center for Autism work with Paws of War’s dog trainers and kennel staff throughout the session where they completed day-to-day tasks including giving the puppies baths, feeding and cleaning up after mealtimes, preparing medications and care packages for dogs who are being adopted. They also gained an education in areas including dog training and medical and behavioral assessments.

The Spectrum Paws program encompasses three tiers. Tier one encompasses the enrichment program, providing job and educational training for individuals seeking a career in working with animals. Tier two connects individuals on the spectrum with Paws of War’s therapy and emotional support dogs that provide people on the spectrum with emotional support and independence, which can assist in relieving stress and anxiety and enhancing behavior and social skills. In tier three, Paws of War will provide individuals on the spectrum with companion dogs with the potential of becoming service dogs through training.

The Winters Center for Autism is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides adults with autism support through job creation, training and placement to address the excessive unemployment rate among people with autism. The organization works with these adults to identify skills and talents and match them with businesses and organizations open to creating jobs for capable and trained employees. The Center also provides fitness, recreation and social programs to assist participants in achieving their goals.

For more information about Paws of War and their Spectrum Paws program, please visit, www.pawsofwar.org.

Cat

Please drop off Items from now until May 1, 2024 at Legislator Trotta’s Office, 59 Landing Avenue, Suite 1, Smithtown Monday – Friday between 9am-4pm.

For more information, please call his office at 631-854-3900.

Thank you for your donations!

Paws of War is located at 127-6 Smithtown Boulevard in the Nesconset Plaza.

Around Town

Suffolk County Executive Romaine Announces Return of ‘Heroes of the Game’

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches), in partnership with Legislator Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), the Long Island Ducks, Flagstar Bank, and the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency, announced the return of the Heroes of the Game program for the 2024 season to honor local veterans and active-duty personnel.

More than 100 local veterans and active military personnel will be honored during the season. Up to two “Heroes of the Game” will be selected during all home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark. Each will be honored with an in-game tribute for their selfless and courageous service. In addition, each hero will receive 10 complimentary tickets to the game for their friends and family.

“The ‘Heroes of the Game’ program gives baseball fans the chance to honor and recognize the selfless men and women who put their lives on the line for our country,” said Romaine. “With Suffolk County being home to the largest veteran population in New York State, it is critical that we continue to do all that we can to ensure our nation’s heroes receive the financial, medical, psychological and physical help they deserve.”

“Suffolk County’s partnership with the Long Island Ducks in honoring our local veterans is the absolute best salute to service in the game. With over 100,000 veterans calling Suffolk County home, what better way to celebrate ‘America’s greatest Heroes’ than paying tribute to them during ‘Americas greatest pastime!’ It’s important we recognize these brave men and women of our military for their services, sacrifices and commitment

to our great Nation,” said Legislator Nick Caracappa. “As a community, we come together as one to show our Love of Country and our Love of the Game. Thank you to all those who have served and are currently serving. God Bless our Veterans, our Troops, and God Bless the United States of America.”

“The Ducks are pleased to be able to continue this terrific program,” said Long Island Ducks President/Chief Business Officer Michael Pfaff. “The feedback we received from fans, veterans, sponsors and the community has been tremendously positive, and we’re looking forward to another great season saluting those we owe so much to.”

“Flagstar Bank is proud to sponsor the ‘Heroes of the Game,’ who are selected at each Long Island Ducks game,” said Rosa Murciano, Flagstar Long Island branch banking division executive. “As active members of the Long Island community, we are honored to have the opportunity to recognize veterans among family and the communities these men and women have worked tirelessly to serve and defend.”

Since 2015, Suffolk County Government and the Long Island Ducks have proudly honored hundreds of local veterans and military personnel. Suffolk County is home to nearly 100,000 veterans, the largest amount in New York State.

Veterans and active-duty personnel can register to be recognized as one of the “Heroes of the Game” at suffolkcountyny.gov/heroes, by contacting HeroesGame@suffolkcountyny.gov

WFHS Youth & Government Excels at 88th Annual Youth & Government Conference

The William Floyd High School Youth and Government program continued its tradition of success and dominance at the 88th annual New York State YMCA Youth and Government conference held March 22-24 in the state’s legislative chambers in Albany. This was the largest conference in the program’s history with 643 students participating from across New York State. William Floyd students continued to outshine their peers by garnering election to seven of the nine elected state leadership positions including the governorship, as well as securing numerous awards.

William Floyd High School senior Nikolas DelVecchio presided over this year’s conference as youth governor. Nikolas, who was elected governor at last year’s conference, passes the torch to Olivia Phillips, who will lead the 2025 conference as governor.

In addition to securing the top leadership role for the third consecutive year, William Floyd students were elected to six other state elected positions. Those include: Mathew Reis, lieutenant governor; Aisha Barrie, Senate ProTempore, Senate Liberty; Hiba Farooq, speaker, Assembly Freedom; Kaitlyn Corn, deputy speaker, Assembly Liberty; Alice Chen, attorney general; and Kayla Bundick, public defender.

Throughout the weekend, students debated original legislation and argued appellate cases with their peers in the actual governmental chambers. In addition to having the top six ranked bills that were heard, William Floyd students Mackenzie Hackett and Hailey Hamilton garnered the Best Brief award, and, Berline Francois won the Best Attorney award in the judicial branch.

In the legislative chambers, Nia Alicea, Hiba Farooq and Rachel Chen (Assembly Freedom), and Victoria Basharina, Giselle Canales and Joyce Chen (Senate Freedom) won Best Bill awards, respectively. Madison Lockwood (Senate Freedom) won the Best Debater award.

Please note that due to the number of students involved, each legislative branch of government has two versions – example: Assembly Liberty, Assembly Freedom, Senate Liberty and Senate Freedom.

Additionally, students who were among the best at the state conference

were selected to represent New York at the YMCA Conference on National Affairs (CONA), a 10-day, nationwide summer conference held in Black Mountain, North Carolina, which primarily focuses on gaining awareness of issues of national concerns, as well as increasing an understanding of the federal government and its relation to state, national and international affairs. Students will write and debate federal proposals with their peers from across the nation. Students selected for this prestigious honor include:

Olivia Phillips, Mathew Reis, Alice Chen,

Robert Feeney, who has served as the program’s advisor since 1985, has had the opportunity to mentor generations of students with an interest in government and public policy. Under his guidance, dozens of former students have achieved success in public policy, government and law, with many serving prominent roles in the public sector. He is also a member of the YMCA Youth & Government Hall of Fame. This year, Mr. Feeney is joined by Alyssa Tepper as the co-advisor. Both Mr. Feeney and Ms. Tepper are extremely proud of the accomplishments of the William Floyd Youth and Government students, who worked very hard since September preparing for the conference.

Aisha Barrie, Joshua Schultzer and RenaeMarie Kelly. Alternates to the conference are: Antonio Cortes, Hiba Farooq, Jason Alexopoulos, Madison Lockwood, Mars Smothergill and Sarah Foley.

Hauppauge’s Hoops for Heroes

On April 5, Hauppauge High School’s faculty and staff faced off against members of the New York Police Department, Suffolk County Police Department, Hauppauge Fire Department, Hauppauge-Central Islip Volunteer Ambulance Corps. and active-duty military members during the district’s first Hoops for Heroes basketball game.

The Hauppauge community filled the stands of Hauppauge High School’s gymnasium for the March Madness-style game for a good cause. The proceeds raised from the event benefitted the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Hauppauge High School’s Share and Care charity, a nonprofit that aids students in need of help paying for school related expenses.

Each team was coached by the high school’s students and the varsity cheer team along with teaching staff members cheered the teams on.

Ahead of the game, the entrance to the gymnasium was filled with informational booths, concessions and raffles for visitors to enter and win. The NYPD band performed along with Hauppauge’s pep band made up of students from grades five through 12 to usher in

the players. The event was a massive success, raising a total of $9,548 for charity.

Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) attended as well as Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James), Legislator Trish Bergin (R-East Islip), and Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset). It was also a fun night with games, prizes and raffles.

“The outpouring of support for our members of law enforcement and first responders is clearly evident on the faces of all the students here,” said Legislator Kennedy. “I’m proud to stand alongside them in their fundraising initiative.”