Smithtown Messenger Archive Nov. 21, 2024

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Thursday, November 21, 2024 ~ Volume 137 ~ Issue Number 1 ~ $1.00

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‘The Sky’s the Limit:’ A Conversation with Suffolk GOP Chairman

Jesse Garcia

By Matt Meduri

The 2024 presidential election has the signals of a realigning election, one that seems to have received its core support from an unlikely locale: New York.

The Empire State hasn’t backed a Republican presidential nominee since 1984, with no Republican exceeding 40% of the vote since George W. Bush (R-TX) in 2004. This year, however, while the state was not technically considered “in play,” - Trump did visit the state three times - it still offered what seems to be the greatest rightward shift of any state in the country.

Continued on page 4

Chariman Jesse Garcia addresses attendees at the 2024 election night watch party (Credit - Matt Meduri)

Smithtown Bulls Gymnastics: County Champs

By Ashley Pavlakis The Bulls are back, taking what’s theirs.

The Smithtown Bulls varsity girls Gymnastics team won the Suffolk County Championship on November 5. The team reclaimed the title after having placed second in 2023. The Bulls finished the season with a 9-1-0 record.

The Bulls are led by third-year head coach, Jessica Berroyer. A former Bull herself, Berroyer took over the squad in 2021 and has helped lead the team to two Suffolk County titles in three years. Berroyer is joined by coach Ken Fast.

“Kathy Egan was retiring, and she really only wanted to retire if I was taking the team from her. I have been coaching outside the school district for [about] thirteen years in competitive gymnastics. Coaching the sport was nothing new, but just transitioning into the school district,” Berroyer told The Messenger.

Continued on page 10

(Credit - Smithtown Bulls Gymnastics)

FULL STORIES FULL STOON: RIES ON:

Suffolk’s FEMA Request Denied Page 8

L.I. Senators Protest Congestion Tax Page 18

Bulls: A Season of Firsts in a Decade Page 23

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Smithtown Matters Thursday, November 21, 2024

Smithtown Pet of the Week: Adopt Lucky!

Meet the Smithtown Animal Shelter’s Pet of the Week, Lucky! This handsome, black-and-white male, labrador mix, is approximately four years old. Lucky is a golden nugget of joy in search of his four-leaf clover. Sadly, luck was not on his side when he was abandoned by the people who adopted him due to a change in their living situation. Despite his heartbreak, Lucky remains incredibly sweet, loving, and playful. The dedicated team at the Animal Shelter exclaims that this good boy is the most outgoing, friendly pup who loves meeting new people. To say that Lucky is a social butterfly would be an understatement.

Lucky has so much love to give, is full of energy, and can be adopted to a home with children, and likely other pets. He has a penchant for escape, so this is something that his future family will need to keep in mind. Lucky is an absolute crowd-pleasing delight, who would make a wonderful addition to a household looking for a fun-loving companion.

If you are interested in meeting Lucky, please fill out an application and schedule a date/time to properly interact in a domestic setting, which includes our Meet and Greet Room, the dog runs, and our Dog Walk trail.

For more information regarding our rescue animals available for adoption visit:. TownofSmithtownAnimalShelter.com Foster Opportunity If you have no other pets or young children at home and are looking for a way to serve your community, please consider signing up to be a foster.

Foster parents provide temporary care for cats, kittens, and dogs in their own homes. Some animals need as little as two weeks of care, while others may need care for extended periods of time.

Download the Foster Application at: https://www.smithtownny.gov/ DocumentCenter/View/4325/FosterApplication Thinking About Adoption?

The Smithtown Animal Shelter’s primary concern is finding the perfect home for each animal that finds his/her way to us. The Animal Control Officers and Kennel Attendants at the Smithtown Animal Shelter will go out of their way to ensure both the rescued and rescuer are made for one another.

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

Visitor Hours at the Smithtown Animal Shelter are currently Monday through Saturday from 10:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings: by appointment only). To inquire about the Pet of the Week or to meet your potential soulmate, please call the Smithtown Animal Shelter at 631-360-7575.

INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE TO BE HELD AT TEMPLE BETH CHAI

For over forty years, the local houses of worship meet to share an interfaith prayer service to offer thanks and praises to God. We share the voices of our choirs, the musical talents of various congregants, and words of faith and thanksgiving from all the clergy. There will be a fellowship time afterwards. The Calvary Lutheran Church, St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church, Temple Beth Chai of Hauppauge, and the United Methodist Church of Hauppauge take turns in hosting the event annually.

There is usually a food collection (for a local food pantry) at the services. All of the Hauppauge and Smithtown community are welcome to join us at this year’s Thanksgiving Interfaith service.

For more info, please contact either Temple Beth Chai at 631-724-5807 or Rabbi Alan Stein at (516)-643-1313 or via email at RabbiAlanStein@yahoo.com

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Election News Thursday, November 21, 2024

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Continued from front cover

‘The Sky’s the Limit:’ A Conversation with Suffolk GOP Chairman Jesse Garcia

In 2020, Joe Biden from 1996 to 2012 being (D-DE) won New York its longest Democratic with 60% of the vote voting streak. Al Gore’s to Donald Trump’s (R(D-TN) eleven-point win FL) 37%. This year, Vice in Suffolk in 2000 is the President Kamala Harris best performance for a (D-CA) only took in 55% Democrat going back to of the vote to Trump’s 1964, and the second-best 44% - about a twelveoverall. point swing to the right.

Trump flipped Suffolk in Kamala Harris delivered 2016, winning it by almost the worst performance 50,000 votes and seven for a Democrat in the points. In 2020, Suffolk Empire State since 1988, held the title of the largest when Michael Dukakis suburban county in the (D-MA) won New York by nation to back Trump, but just 250,000 votes, and Trump only held Suffolk by she is the first Democratic the narrowest of margins: nominee since that just 200 votes out of nearly election to win New 750,000 ballots cast.

York by a margin of less This year, however, than one million votes.

Suffolk delivered the best Additionally, 2024 is the margin for a Republican first election in which since 1988: Trump took New York voted to the 55.01% of the vote to right of Washington state Harris’ 44.16%, with since 1956, Connecticut just 0.83% going for Chairman Garcia speaks at Donald Trump’s rally at Nassau Coliseum in September (Credit - Matt Meduri) since 1960, and Delaware third parties. Trump’s since 1980. near-eleven-point win To better understand the swing as it pertains to New York’s possible translates to a margin of almost 80,000 raw votes. playing power in 2028, as well as what it means Suffolk-side, The Messenger “That’s why we’ve coined the phrase ‘Suffolk is Trump Country.’ We’ve sat down with the brains behind the local Republican Party: Chairman Jesse demonstrated through local governance a collaborative operation to run Garcia (R-Ridge) campaigns on the path to victory in different races,” said Garcia, adding “This was a race where a very simple question was asked by Trump: that Suffolk posted the largest number of votes for Trump of any New York ‘are you better off now than you were four years ago?’” Garcia told The county, and it was the most populous county nationwide to go for Trump in Messenger . “We can compare two records, one of historically low inflation, three consecutive elections. unemployment, energy independence, our country respected around the The swing wasn’t just confined to Suffolk, however, as neighboring world, and a secure border that made our communities safer. Under Harris Nassau County broke an even longer voting streak to hand Trump back the and Biden, we’ve had record high inflation, wages at their all-time low, an White House keys. Ancestrally, Nassau is about as red as Suffolk, backing unsecure border that allowed sex traffickers, human traffickers, and cartels Democrats only ten times going back to 1900, the year Nassau and Queens to poison our children with fentanyl and take over our communities, and the split to form their own counties. Its Democratic voting streak from 1992 to foreign policy of appeasement, which made America less safe because our 2020 is its longest on record, with Gore’s nineteen-point win in 2000 being enemies became emboldened. The voters are very, very astute. They do their the second-best on record, just behind 1964. own research, they know what works and what doesn’t work, and this was a Nassau County broke for Trump by about three points, or a margin of complete rejection of Democratic policies that have come down from Albany 30,000 votes. and Washington, with the ‘woke” policies that have truly divided America.”

Also on the national level, Garcia also shared his optimism and approval At Donald Trump’s September rally at Nassau Coliseum, The Messenger of President-elect Trump’s choice in Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental spoke with Garcia, who called Long Island the “tip of the spear” in making Protection Agency (EPA).

New York competitive. Last Tuesday’s election results certainly seem to have “I’m very proud that Suffolk’s favorite son will be joining the Trump Cabinet. vindicated that analysis.

He has an exceptional environmental record as a former State Senator and “We are the engine that drives Republican victories locally and statewide. former Congressman. He knows the importance of balance of preservation We have seen Donald Trump, in the ultimate rejection of the progressive of the environment, quality of life, and economic growth, and that view is agenda, come within eleven points of capturing this state,” said Garcia. “He shared by millions of Americans,” said Garcia. gained almost thirteen points in four years and had historic numbers across Garcia, who was unanimously elected as GOP Chairman in 2019 and the state. I’m proud that as the Chairman from Suffolk, we delivered 400,000 became the first Hispanic chair of any party in New York, outlined just how votes for Trump, a record number of votes any presidential nominee has much the local party has gained in just the last few years. ever received from this county.”

In 2021, for the first time in twenty years, Suffolk elected a Republican Donald Trump also managed to follow the path chartered by former District Attorney in Ray Tierney (R). That same election, Republicans took a Congressman and 2022 gubernatorial nominee Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) by either majority in the County Legislature for the first time in sixteen years. Suffolk meeting or exceeding Zeldin’s margins in the four solidly-blue boroughs of followed up the 2021 local red wave election by coming out hard for Lee New York. Trump has received almost 40% of the vote in Queens, 30% each in Zeldin during his 2022 gubernatorial campaign, where he received almost Brooklyn and the Bronx, and 20% in Manhattan. In the last three presidential 60% of the votes and almost 300,000 raw votes. Finally, the local party’s elections, New York City, overall, has moved almost thirty points to the right. success met them a third consecutive time in 2023, as Ed Romaine (R-Center Harris’ performance in New York now begs the question: was the swing self- Moriches) became the first Republican elected County Executive since 1999, contained and will New York drift leftward in 2028, or is New York shaping up and with him, Republicans formed their first supermajority in the County to be the next big battleground for - at least - the 2030s?

Legislature since 1996.

The answer might be found within our own county, and Democrats’ twenty“What we are demonstrating here at the local level, I believe, is being year dominance in local politics in Suffolk County might have offered a bit of witnessed by statewide and national candidates. Trump talked about making a mirage over our true political ancestry.

America more affordable, secure, and safe, and we’ve heard those terms Going back to the birth of the GOP in 1856, Suffolk County has only backed in our local elections in 2023,” said Garcia. “You can see that the ability of Democratic presidential candidates in just nine elections, with the stretch Continued on following page

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Election News Thursday, November 21, 2024

Continued from previous page

‘The Sky’s the Limit:’ A Conversation with Suffolk GOP Chairman Jesse Garcia

Republicans to govern locally and connect with voters is being noticed in statewide races.”

Garcia also notes Long Island’s red hue in the Senate race, which saw Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) beat first-time candidate Mike Sapraicone (R-Floral Park) by seventeen points. While it’s still a large win, it’s noticeably decreased from Gillibrand’s previous three margins. Her first election was a 2010 special to fill the seat of Hillary Clinton (D). Gillibrand won with 63% of the vote and carried only eight of New York’s sixty-two counties, Suffolk not included. Gillibrand would trounce Wendy Long (R) in 2012, taking 72% of the vote and winning all but two counties. Gillibrand took a third landslide for a second full term over Chele Farley (R) in 2018, winning with 67% of the vote, but losing twenty-six counties she had carried before.

Sapraicone might have lost by seventeen points statewide, but he carried Suffolk County by six points - a margin of about 45,000 votes - and he even won Nassau County by just 0.1% - or about 800 votes out of almost 800,000 cast. Along with denying Gillibrand cultural Long Island’s two counties, Sapraicone is also on track to flip eleven other counties that backed her six years ago.

Garcia with Lee Zeldin (left) at the GOP’s annual GOTV Hangar Rally (Credit - Matt Meduri) “I’m proud that even against an absentee Senator in Gillibrand, this is the second consecutive Senate cycle that our Democratic term Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson) narrowly trails former Port Senators, including Chuck Schumer (D), lost Long Island. And now, his junior Jefferson Village Trustee and Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay (D-Port Jefferson) partner lost Long Island. That says a lot.” by less than half of a percentage point. The Fourth District includes the Indeed, New York’s U.S. Senate races have become more interesting, heavily-Democratic Three Village area. In 2022, Flood unseated a thirty-year with the universally-known - and Senate Majority Leader - Chuck Schumer incumbent in then-Assemblyman, now-County Legislator Steve Englebright (D) winning by just fourteen points in 2022, losing both Suffolk and Nassau (D-Setauket). The historic upset was quickly downplayed by some that Flood decisively to Joe Pinion (R). His only close election in his Senate career was had only ridden Zeldin’s coattails into office. The extraordinary close result in 1998, when he unseated New York’s most recent Republican Senator, Al this year proves that the Suffolk GOP can continue to play in areas like Three D’Amato (R-Lido Beach).

Village.

“We have a lot of talented and successful Republican chairs across the Likewise, Republicans came extraordinarily close to flipping an Assembly state, and they see what we’re doing in Suffolk. We share the same tactics and district that has been a Democratic bastion for years. Retired NYPD police tools,” shared Garcia. Given the quick and tectonic shift in Suffolk’s politics, officer Joe Cardinale (R-Amityville) trails Kwani O’Pharrow (D-West Babylon) and how such a swing certainly contributed to the dramatic statewide swing, by just a single vote out of nearly 25,000 cast in the Suffolk portion of the party leaders from around the state should be consulting with Garcia on how district, which includes most of the traditionally Democratic Town of Babylon. to keep pushing the Empire State, especially its valuable basket of twenty“For us to force Democrats to defend an open seat that weighs in as eleven eight electoral votes, into more purple territory. points more Democratic than the nation overall, a seat they’ve had in their Garcia is also optimistic about the Republican energy in Suffolk County. All column since the 1980s, that’s a triumph in itself,” said Garcia. “Joe Cardinale Republican State Senators and Assemblymembers were re-elected this year, is an outstanding candidate, and this will not be the last we’ve heard of while the race in the Fourth Assembly District has not yet been called. One- him. He’s demonstrated a path for success, and we’re moving forward with that mandate. While the two races might result in losses for the county GOP, the tightness of the races ensures a solid floor of support has been established.

But Garcia says that, ultimately, it all comes down to the communities that make the changes happen.

“This is the result of the work of my committee members and volunteers, the thousands of them who live and work in the communities, members of local chambers of commerce, the PTAs, the rotary clubs. They are the ones who truly make this happen. With their dedication, the sky’s the limit,” says Garcia.

All eyes now turn to perhaps one of the unlikeliest ground-zeroes for a national campaign. Confidence in a shifting New York was vindicated in Tuesday’s election results, and national Republicans must now keep their newfound coalition together to fully push the state into more competitive waters.

(Left to right) Chairman Garcia and Congressmen Garbarino and LaLota celebrate at the 2024 election night watch party (Credit - Mattt Meduri)

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Editorial Thursday, November 21, 2024

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Congestion Pricing Part II: The Return of the Tax That We All Saw Coming In June, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) unexpectedly announced that the long-developed MTA congestion pricing tax plan was indefinitely shelved.

Hochul impressively managed to incense both sides of the political aisle, with Democrats panicking about their city’s crumbling mass transit system, and Republicans calling an election-season bluff on the Governor’s part. Both parties seemed to agree that allowing the plan to come to fruition would be politically inexpedient in a crucial, wild-card federal election that saw New York take a dramatic shift to the right.

As it turns out, all who called Hochul’s bluff, primarily Republicans, were vindicated by her latest turnaround. Congestion pricing is now back on for motorists heading into New York City. Come January, the taxes will begin at $9 per vehicle entering Manhattan south of 60th Street. By 2028, drivers will have to fork over $12 per vehicle per entry, with the plan culminating in its originally-intended $15 by the next decade.

It’s no secret that the MTA has been mismanaged for years and that New Yorkers are regularly bled like stuck pigs for every penny they have, despite Long Islanders living in one of the highest-taxed places on Planet Earth. We stick by our earlier words on this: the congestion tax is a slap in the face to a predominantly working-class state.

We’ve parsed through the 2024 election results tirelessly over the last two weeks, but it’s worth mentioning that Democrats’ have mistaken the New York electorate for people they are not. In fact, this argument could be made for Democrats nationally.

They expected single-issue voters to win the swing states and hold the line the blue ones based on social issues.

But the candidate who is believed by the voters to be better equipped on handling the economy is usually the one who ends up getting elected.

It’s no secret that economics was key in this election, but perhaps nowhere else has that been so prominent than in New York’s numbers for Vice President Kamala Harris (D-CA). Democrats mistook a blue bastion like New York to be a progressive stronghold, rather than the working-class state it actually is.

Hochul and company’s misunderstanding of the electorate is what prompted the tectonic shift, and plans like congestion pricing are the prime suspects. While some Suffolk residents make six-figure salaries, and are still living paycheck-to-paycheck, we find it difficult to envision an environment in which economics is not the prime issue. While a $9 tax seems like a drop in the bucket, people in New York already feel as if they’re living under a microscope. Now, they have to cautiously plan around this tax, while workers, notably labor unions, are stuck between a rock and a hard place.

At this point, it doesn’t really matter if Hochul comes to terms with the moods of New Yorkers, because it seems as if this plan will go through. The $9 tax is already in line with federal approval. And if Albany can’t cut the waste, fraud, and abuse, such as legislative Democrats signing themselves large pay raises right before Christmas 2022, then the point is still moot. The tax will be implemented; otherwise, the MTA says services will have to be cut. The CEO of the MTA, Janno Lieber, makes almost $400,000 annually. We’re not typically in the business of judging peoples’ salaries, as, usually, the price tag can be justified. But if the MTA really is in this massive cash shortfall they’re claiming, and one that can only be rectified by higher taxes or decreased services, then they might need to look inward. It’s not necessarily that the price tag is high, but where is our return on investment? Why bilk the taxpayers out of pocket change when the MTA has executives who make almost as much as the president?

Furthermore, if an executive is paid such an exorbitant salary - which, at face value, could be justifiable with this role - then why should the burden of payment fall on the taxpayer?

These executives, who are not lacking in administrative experience, should be able to figure out how to right their own ship. Working-class New Yorkers should not have to be the savior of a public benefit corporation managing the biggest transit system in the country.

But it’s more the principle of the matter with which we take most protest. In a heavilytaxed state where no services and agencies seem to improve in service and scope, why is New York coming for more of our tax dollars?

Yes, Every Vote Does Matter There’s a very palpable cynicism in American politics that votes, depending on location, state, and/or partisan lean, do matter and will ultimately not affect the result. A lot of the cynicism, we find, is directed at our hybrid form of government and the unique Electoral College, but the reality is that someone, somewhere, will feel slighted and misrepresented no matter the way in which elections are handled.

But if any election should be a counter to the argument, 2024 is perhaps the best example.

We’re vocal proponents of the public getting to know their local elected officials, as these are the public servants who have the most power to make the most changes in your immediate community and life. What’s, for the most part, a big plus is that these people live in your neighborhoods as well, which only makes for a reason to connect with them.

New York has also had problem after problem once Democrats consolidated a trifecta in Albany after the 2018 midterms. One of our final editorial messages before the historic 2024 elections was “Make New York Purple Again,” in hopes that legislative Republicans could crack the supermajorities in both chambers. Such a feat occurred in the Senate, where Stephen Chen (R-Bensonhurst) has ousted one-term Senator Iwen Chu (D-Brooklyn). One race remains too close to call, but regardless of what happens there, Democrats have fallen at least one seat short of the supermajority.

We see this as a huge win, not only for our state, but for the countless voters who have felt unredeemed by their political participation in however many cycles they consider to have been an exhibition match. The cracking of the supermajority means another step towards checks and balances in Albany. This could have an impact on runaway legislation that has led New York to become the biggest exporter of residents in the country.

But legislative gains were not limited to New York. Republicans have also cracked both legislative supermajorities in Vermont, the bluest state in the Union.

Republicans have also clawed back state chambers in Michigan and Pennsylvania, while Minnesota seems like a wild card at the moment based on close races. These residents can now have more balance in their government, namely the swing states, but also stop the onslaught of one-party rule in others.

Even more so, we cannot understate New York’s shift to the right this election.

For all the millions of voters who for years have believed that their vote never mattered because New York was always so unrelentingly blue, we’ll point out two reasons why those voters are wrong in their assessment.

For one thing, the shift cost Kamala Harris (D-CA) the popular vote, a feat that was deemed nearly impossible by forecasters, even if Trump won in the College. The shift in New York also led to down-ballot energy that cracked the supermajorities.

The second reason: because of the significantly higher floor the GOP has in New York, should it remain by 2028, New Yorkers are going to find themselves in a hotlycontested battleground state in the next presidential race. Long Island received rare appearances from presidential campaigns from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Donald Trump this year. The voters of our state will be spoken to more directly by the candidates, making for the environment where most voters might start to believe their vote is “worth something.”

So, where did this swing come from?

We’re comfortable in saying that the momentum began right here in Suffolk County.

If we go back just a few years ago, Democrats held a sizable majority in the Legislature, had locks on the County Executive and District Attorney seats, and effectively controlled government up and down, at least at the County level for the better part of twenty years.

At face value, Suffolk seemed like a deep-blue county, but the idiosyncrasies of politics is perhaps most observable at the local level. This, we believe, led to a form of Democratic complacency, coupled with the overplayed hand that Trump was essentially unelectable and their assumption that the GOP had ostracized themselves from the mind of the astute voter after the 2022 midterms.

When Jesse Garcia (R-Ridge) became Chairman of the Suffolk GOP in 2019, it only took two cycles for the shift to emerge. A red wave in 2021 took the Legislature and the D.A.’s office. In 2022, Long Island, along with New York, were key to a razorthin GOP House Majority. And in 2023, Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) became the first elected Republican County Executive since 1999, with the GOP forming a supermajority in the Legislature for the first time in almost thirty years.

But it goes deeper than just wins and losses. Democrats are now forced to defend once-deep-blue turf in Three Village and the Town of Babylon. A true political movement starts at the grassroots level, and Suffolk, under the leadership of Chairman Garcia, have transformed Suffolk, not only into a Republican-run County, but one that will certainly be the “tip of the spear,” in the Chairman’s own words, in turning New York red in four years.

The 2022 House Majority for the GOP should tell voters of all ideologies that single votes can absolutely matter, since a branch of government was divided because of close races here.

But on top of New York now shaping up to be a more competitive environment, thanks mostly to Garcia and Suffolk County, the local 2024 elections prove why a single vote can matter.

In the Eleventh Assembly District, Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Wheatley Heights) decided to retire. The open-seat contest was immediately viewed to be competitive, as Jean-Pierre only won by the narrowest of margins in 2022. While she lost the Suffolk side of the district, she was buoyed by just a handful of electoral districts in East Massapequa.

This is a district where Republicans were lucky to eclipse 40% of the vote just a few years ago.

While the race has not yet been called, Kwani O’Pharrow (D-West Babylon) leads former NYPD officer Joe Cardinale (R-Amityville) by just a single vote in the Suffolk portion of the district. O’Pharrow has a lead of about two hundred votes in the Nassau portion of the district, but a one-vote lead is almost unheard in larger circles, but such margins are more common on the lower levels.

Every vote does matter, even if the results are not’ immediately apparent. For all the average cynic might know, the vote that he or she just casted in their deep blue/ red state could be a complete sea change in just a few years.

And for all any of us know, we could easily see a local elected official take office by just a single vote.

Yes, every vote does matter.

Op-Ed Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Protecting New York’s Farmland Benefits Us All

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By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay New York farms have been a building block for our communities and our state for generations.

Unfortunately, a number of conditions have threatened our farmland and put enormous pressure on hardworking farmers and the agricultural sector. A recent report from New York Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli (D-Great Neck Plaza) confirms the severity of the concerns members of the Assembly Minority Conference have expressed for several years.

According to the report, between 2012 and 2022, New York state lost approximately 14% of all farms, accounting for 9% of the total farmland in the state.

Further, we are losing both farmland and farms faster than the nation as a whole and nearly all our neighboring states. DiNapoli pointed to labor, commodity prices and unpredictable weather as major contributing factors to these losses.

“The overall decline of farmland is troubling, as conversion to other uses, particularly residential, commercial or industrial, may prevent its use for farming in the future. This includes 1,728 acres located in agricultural districts classified as solar electric generation facilities,” reads DiNapoli’s report.

Thankfully, despite this alarming trend, output and production have remained stable, and there are some highlights to note. New York ranked top three in the

production of apples, milk, beets, maple syrup and cabbage, and overall, our farms took in $8.5 billion in 2022. That represents a 47% increase from 2017. We’ve also seen a large spike in agritourism income.

Our farms continue to face significant headwinds, however. In 2022, farm expenses reached $6.2 billion, a $1.9 billion increase compared to 2017. Labor costs rose 68% during that period, by far the largest increase of any category. Making matters worse, the number of hours farm employees need to work before being eligible to earn overtime has already been reduced from 60% to 56%, and that number will drop all the way down to 40% by 2032.

For these reasons, our Conference has fought hard to protect New York’s farms, and we will continue to do so in light of the comptroller’s report. In recent years, we have proposed policies like the “Food Insecurity, Farm Resiliency and Rural Poverty Initiative” to assist farmers struggling during the pandemic. We have also introduced legislation to give our dairy industry a boost by allowing state schools to buy improperly maligned whole and 2% milk produced here. Our conference also wholeheartedly supports continued funding for Locally Sourced Food Reimbursement to reimburse school lunch programs that have purchased at least 30% of their food products from New York State farmers,

growers, producers, and processors.

New York’s farms are a huge part of our state’s proud tradition of producing some of the nation’s best agricultural products. Preserving our farmland and ensuring valuable farm acreage isn’t needlessly hijacked by ineffective green energy initiatives is in everyone’s best interest. We must find a way to reverse this troubling trend before it’s too late.

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.

To Restore Faith in U.S. Democracy, Adults, as Well as Kids, Need Civics Lessons

By Hanna Skandera and Michael Carney In an era of political polarization and widespread civic illiteracy, an unlikely group is spearheading a movement to reinvigorate American democracy: middle school students.

Over 6,000 students in twenty-eight states devoted countless hours to prepare for the National Civics Bee this year. Their enthusiasm highlights a critical gap in our education system and offers a potential solution.

The stark reality is that civic education in America has been neglected for decades. According to the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, only a third of adults would pass the civics exam required for U.S. citizenship. Even more alarming, the Annenberg Public Policy Center reports that nearly one-fifth of Americans can’t name a single branch of government.

For the younger generation, the outlook is equally grim.

The 2022 Nation’s Report Card revealed that a mere 22% of eighth graders are proficient in civics.

There’s a growing recognition across the country that we’re facing a civic crisis. From local initiatives to national programs, efforts are underway to revitalize civic education and promote essential democratic skills.

The National Civics Bee, launched in 2022 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and its founding

Dear Editor,

partner, the Daniels Fund, is one of the most innovative responses to this challenge. This competition, modeled after the National Spelling Bee, tests middle schoolers on crucial concepts like voting rights, separation of powers, and pivotal moments in American democratic history.

What sets the Civics Bee apart is its non-partisan, apolitical approach and ability to scale nationally in partnership with local chambers of commerce. In our divisive times, these competitions offer a refreshing focus on the fundamental principles that unite us as a nation.

Moreover, it’s not just engaging students; entire families are getting involved by attending events and helping children prepare.

The Civics Bee’s impact extends beyond competition day. This knowledge equips them for a lifetime of active citizenship.

“Before the National Civics Bee, I thought that maybe I could do a bit of volunteer work, but other than that, it was mainly the government’s job [to solve problems],” Washington state champion Benjamin Wu said in a 2023 interview. “But now I know that there’s a lot of things that I and other people like me can do to help our community.”

As we approach another fraught election, the

importance of civic literacy cannot be overstated. Despite our differences, we are bound by a shared constitutional framework. It’s crucial that we, as a society, prioritize teaching these fundamentals.

The success of the National Civics Bee should serve as a call to action. We need to champion similar initiatives, advocate for robust civics programs in our schools, and commit to enhancing our own civic knowledge.

Educators, policymakers, and citizens must recognize that a well-informed populace strengthens and revitalizes our democratic institutions.

Our democracy faces numerous challenges, from misinformation to apathy. But if we follow the lead of these civic-minded youngsters, we might just secure a brighter future for our republic. After all, an informed and engaged citizenry is the bedrock of a thriving democracy.

Hanna Skandera is the president and CEO of the Daniels Fund and former Secretary of Public Education of New Mexico. Michael Carney is the president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Editor’s Note: This op-ed was written before Election Day 2024. We feel that the point of this article is still sound for publication.

Letter to the Editor

Suffolk County LIRR commuters, drivers, and taxpayers beware. Since 2019, the party-line stance was it would require a $15 toll for Congestion Pricing to raise $15 billion. This would help fund the MTA $51 billion 2020 - 2024 Five Year Capital Plan.

Now five years later, Governor Hochul (D) claims that the same $15 billion can be found with a $9 toll. She proudly boasts that this 40% reduction in the price will save commuters and taxpayers a significant amount of money. How do you justify the change in math five years later? No details were provided at Hochul’s press conference to explain this. The MTA Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey periodically raise bridge and tunnel tolls.

It will be the same with MTA Congestion Pricing before reaching $15. So much for truth in advertising.

Sincerely, Larry Penner Great Neck

Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian, and writer who previously served as a former Director for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management. This included the development, review, approval and oversight for billions in capital projects and programs for NJ Transit, MTA, NYC Transit bus, subway, and Staten Island Railway, Long Island and Metro North Rail Roads, MTA Bus, NYCDOT Staten Island Ferry along with thirty other transit agencies in New York and New Jersey.

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

Email us at: editor@messengerpapers.com

8

County News Thursday, November 21, 2024

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

FEMA Denies Assistance to Suffolk Storm Victims; Governor Hochul to Appeal

By Cait Crudden

In a controversial decision, the Federal Emergency Management Agency Rocky Point and Sound Beach were hit with six-to-eight-foot mudslides that (FEMA) has denied Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D) request for individual completely engulfed vehicles. In the weeks following the storm, residents assistance to homeowners affected by expressed hope that federal assistance the devastating flash floods that struck would help them recover.

Suffolk County in August. The storm, Now, with FEMA’s denial, that hope which caused widespread damage in has been dashed.

Smithtown, St. James, Stony Brook, Many homeowners are struggling to Centereach, East Setauket, and other fund repairs, and some have resorted communities mostly on the north to taking on significant debt to make shore, left residents grappling with their homes livable again. For others, costly repairs to their homes. the damage remains unrepaired, FEMA’s decision cites that the leaving families in unsafe or unstable storm did not meet the “severity” conditions. requirements necessary to qualify for Local officials and advocacy groups individual assistance. While federal have condemned FEMA’s decision, funds were approved for repairing arguing that the criteria used to evaluate destroyed infrastructure, the lack disasters fail to capture the financial and of direct aid to residents has drawn emotional toll on individual families. sharp criticism from state officials and Governor Hochul announced plans community members. to appeal FEMA’s decision, stating that The flash floods wreaked havoc on the state would exhaust all options to many neighborhoods, submerging secure assistance for the storm victims. homes and vehicles, flooding She has thirty days to file the appeal. basements, damaging foundations, In a statement, Hochul’s office and destroying personal belongings. emphasized the importance of federal The effected area is said to have support in helping New Yorkers recover Stumps visible for the first time in nearly 200 years after Hurricane Ernesto wiped received almost a foot of rain in just from disasters, adding that the denial of away the dam at Stump Pond in Blydenburgh Park (Credit - Hector Gavilla) a couple of hours, while hamlets like individual assistance “will be appealed”.

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK In re: Chapter 11 THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF Case No. 20-12345 (MG) 1 ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NEW YORK, Debtor.

ii. the Office of the United States Trustee, Southern District of New York, 201 Varick Street, Suite 1006, New York, New York 10014 (Attn: Greg Zipes, Esq. and Shara Cornell, Esq.); iii. counsel to the Committee, Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP 780 Third Avenue, 34th Floor, New York, New York 10017 (Attn: James I. Stang, Esq., Karen B. Dine, Esq., and Brittany M. Michael, Esq.); and iv. all other parties in interest that have filed requests for notice pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 2002 in the Debtor’s chapter 11 case.

OBJECTIONS NOT TIMELY FILED AND SERVED STRICTLY AS PRESCRIBED HEREIN MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED BY THE BANKRUPTCY COURT AND MAY BE DEEMED OVERRULED WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE.

NOTICE OF (I) DEADLINE FOR CASTING VOTES TO ACCEPT OR REJECT PLAN OF REORGANIZATION, (II) HEARING TO CONSIDER CONFIRMATION OF PLAN OF REORGANIZATION, AND (III) RELATED MATTERS PLEASE TAKE NOTICE OF THE FOLLOWING: 1. On November 6, 2024, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Bankruptcy Court”) entered an order in the above7. For purposes of filing pleadings in these cases, the address of the Court is captioned chapter 11 cases [Docket No. 3376] (the “Disclosure Statement Order”): (a) approving the Disclosure Statement for Plan of Reorganization Proposed by One Bowling Green, New York, New York 10004-1408. Attorneys may also file The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York and Additional Debtors pleadings on the Bankruptcy Court’s Document Filing System (ECF) by completing [Docket No. 3375] (together with all schedules and exhibits thereto, and as may and submitting the Electronic Filing Registration Form, available at http://www. be modified, amended, or supplemented from time to time, the “Disclosure nysb.uscourts.gov.

Statement”); (b) establishing the Record Date, Voting Deadline, and other related 8. Please be advised that the Confirmation Hearing may be adjourned dates in connection with confirmation of the Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization or continued from time to time by the Bankruptcy Court, the Debtor, or for The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York and Additional Debtors the Additional Debtors without further notice other than as indicated [Docket No. 3354] (together with all schedules and exhibits thereto, and as may in any notice or agenda of matters scheduled for a particular hearing be modified, amended, or supplemented from time to time, the “Plan”);2 and that is filed with the Bankruptcy Court. If the Confirmation Hearing is (c) approving procedures for soliciting, receiving, and tabulating votes on the continued, the Debtor and Additional Debtors will post the new date and time Plan and for filing objections to the Plan (the “Solicitation Procedures”); and (d) of the Confirmation Hearing at https://dm.epiq11.com/drvc. The Plan may be approving the form and manner of notice and other related documents as they modified, if necessary, prior to, during, or as a result of the Confirmation Hearing, relate to the Debtor. without further notice to creditors or other parties in interest, unless such notice 2. A hearing to consider the confirmation of the Plan (the “Confirmation is required by the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rules, or other applicable law.

Hearing”) will be held before the Honorable Martin Glenn, Chief United States 9. Copies of the Disclosure Statement, Plan, and Disclosure Statement Order Bankruptcy Judge for the Southern District of New York, in a courtroom to be determined, at the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District are available for review free-of-charge on the website maintained by the of New York located at One Bowling Green, New York, New York 10004 (the Debtor’s claims, noticing, and solicitation agent, Epiq Corporate Restructuring, “Bankruptcy Court”) on December 3, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. (prevailing LLC (the “Voting Agent”), at https://dm.epiq11.com/drvc. Copies of the Disclosure Statement and Plan are also available upon request by contacting Eastern Time).

3. Pursuant to the Disclosure Statement Order, for a vote to accept or reject the the Voting Agent by (a) calling (888) 490-0633 (Toll-Free) or +1 (503) Plan to be counted, a Ballot must be completed and returned in accordance with 520-4459 (International), (b) emailing RCDRockvilleInfo@epiqglobal.com, the instructions provided on the Ballot so that it is received by November 26, (c) writing to: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York, c/o 2024 at 5:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time).

Epiq Ballot Processing Center, P.O. Box 4422, Beaverton, OR 97076-4422, or 4. In connection with confirmation of the Plan, the Debtor and Additional (d) submitting an inquiry on the Voting Agent’s website at https://dm.epiq11.

Debtors are seeking approval of certain releases, including releases of certain com/drvc. Please note that the Voting Agent is not authorized to, and will nondebtor entities, that will become effective and binding on the Effective Date not, provide legal advice to you. If you need legal advice, please consult with in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the Confirmation Order. These your attorney. releases are described in detail in the Disclosure Statement.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS WITH RESPECT TO YOUR RIGHTS UNDER 5. The Plan proposes establishing the Trust to resolve all Abuse Claims against THE PLAN OR ABOUT ANYTHING STATED HEREIN OR IF YOU WOULD the Debtor and Additional Debtors. Persons and entities with Abuse Claims will LIKE TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE be forever barred from asserting their Claims against the Debtor, Additional VOTING AGENT VIA ONE OF THE METHODS SPECIFIED ABOVE. PLEASE Debtors or other parties specified in the Plan. If the Plan is approved by the NOTE THAT THE VOTING AGENT MAY NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE. Bankruptcy Court, all current and future holders of Abuse Claims against the IF YOU NEED LEGAL ADVICE, PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR ATTORNEY. Debtor and Additional Debtors can request and receive money only from the Trust. You should read the Plan and Disclosure Statement carefully for details Dated: November 6, 2024, New York, New York, /s/ Corinne Ball, Corinne Ball, Todd Geremia, Benjamin Rosenblum, Andrew Butler, JONES DAY, 250 Vesey Street, New about how the Plan, if approved, will affect your rights.

6. Responses and objections, if any, to the confirmation of the Plan must: (a) be York, NY 10281-1047, Telephone: (212) 326-3939, Facsimile: (212) 755-7306, in writing; (b) conform to the Bankruptcy Rules and Local Rules; (c) state the Email: cball@jonesday.com, trgeremia@jonesday.com, brosenblum@jonesday. name, address, telephone number and email address of the objecting party and com, abutler@jonesday.com, Counsel for the Debtor and Debtor in Possession the amount and nature of the claim of such party; (d) state with particularity the 1 The Debtor in this chapter 11 case is The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville basis and nature of any objection to the Plan, including the evidentiary support thereof, and, if practicable, a proposed modification to the Plan that would Centre, New York, the last four digits of its federal tax identification number resolve such objection; and (e) be filed with the Bankruptcy Court, together with are 7437, and its mailing address is P.O. Box 9023, Rockville Centre, NY 11571proof of service, and served so as to be received on or before November 26, 9023. Certain Additional Debtors, as defined in the Disclosure Statement, are co-proponents of the Debtor’s chapter 11 plan and anticipate filing chapter 11 2024 at 5:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) by: i. counsel to the Debtor, Jones Day 250 Vesey Street, New York, New cases of their own and seeking joint administration with this chapter 11 case.

2 York, 10281 (Attn: Corinne Ball, Esq., Todd R. Geremia, Esq., Benjamin Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings Rosenblum, Esq., and Andrew Butler, Esq.); ascribed to such terms in the Plan.

Governor Kathy Hochul at Kings Park High School in January (Credit - Matt Meduri)

The decision has also sparked broader debates about FEMA’s allocation of resources, with some questioning whether federal funding directed toward migrant assistance programs has affected the agency’s ability to address disaster-related emergencies.

Under the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, FEMA partners with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to provide shelter and related services for noncitizen migrants. In Fiscal Year 2024, $650 million was appropriated for the SSP, which supports the safe release of migrants from short-term holding facilities. Critics have raised concerns that the prioritization of such programs may detract from FEMA’s core mission of disaster relief for American citizens.

Residents and local officials have voiced their frustration, with some questioning FEMA’s assessment process and its definition of “severity”.

“I’m very, very disheartened that it’s not happening,” said one Suffolk resident, “It’s very sad”.

Local leaders are calling on state and federal representatives to advocate for fairer criteria in evaluating disaster declarations.

As Governor Hochul prepares her appeal, Suffolk County residents are left uncertain about the future. The lack of assistance has amplified calls for reform in FEMA’s disaster relief policies, with many urging the federal government to ensure that communities facing hardship are not left behind.

For now, affected families continue to rebuild on their own, hoping that the state’s appeal will bring much-needed relief.

This Week Today Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

9

Thursday, November 21, 2024

National, State and Local Temperature Checks National

seats, flipped blue in 2018. Steel clawed the seat back in 2020 and posted a five-point win in 2022, despite Biden carrying the seat by eleven points in 2020.

Initially, Steel looked to be more equipped to win a third term, as the Democratic primary got off to a rocky start. Even if Derek Tran narrowly loses this race as the last few votes are tabulated, he came remarkably close for a campaign with a short runway.

The Messenger forecasted that this is a seat Republicans would be able to hold. That result is still uncalled as of press time, but it seems that Tran will oust Steel, equating to no net gain for either party in the lower chamber.

The other California seat that remains uncalled in CA-13, which includes the hotly-competitive center of the Central Valley. The district includes Merced County and parts of Stanislaus (Modesto), Fresno, and San Joaquin (Stockton) counties. Trump is also the first Republican to win these counties since George W. Bush (R-TX) in 2004.

CA-13 was immediately expected to be a highly contentious district, as a slightly Democratic-leaning seat with no incumbent in 2022. Even as Biden won the area by almost twelve points in 2020, John Duarte (R) narrowly flipped the seat by just 0.4%, or about 500 votes out of 120,000 cast.

Duarte and 2022 challenger Adam Gray (D) were the only two candidates to appear on the top-two primary ballot, a system used in California whose results often are used to forecast electoral headwinds in the ensuing general election.

Durate had won the primary by about ten points over Gray, leading some, including us, to believe Duarte was in a better position than expected.

Credit - Matt Meduri

The second Cabinet of President-elect Donald Trump (R-FL) continues to come together, as more high-profile names make it to the list, with the vast majority requiring Senate confirmations after Trump is inaugurated at the fortyseventh president on January 20.

In perhaps the most-awaited Cabinet pick, Trump has emerged with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (pictured right), as his Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). RFK initially ran as a Democrat seeking to primary President Biden (DDE), before suspending his campaign last autumn to instead run as an Independent. RFK climbed a historically tall “glass mountain,” in the words of his daughter-in-law and campaign manager, in obtaining ballot access in all fifty states. He suspended his campaign this summer to officially endorse and join forces with Trump in the closest the U.S. has come to a legitimate fusion ticket in over a century.

Trump hasn’t shied away from the fact that he and Kennedy disagree on the environment, but Trump has explicitly stated his faith in Kennedy on health matters.

Trump has also tapped Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick, of New York, as his Secretary of Commerce.

Lutnick hosted an early October fundraiser for Trump at his Bridgehampton home and even spoke at the wild-card event at Madison Square Garden just before the election.

Former Congressman Sean Duffy (R, WI-07) has been selected as Trump’s Transportation Secretary. Duffy served in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2019, as Ashland County District Attorney from 2002 to 2010, and is a former prosecutor and sports commentator.

Trump is also hoping to bring back another congressional colleague, former Congressman Doug Collins (R, GA-09) as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Collins has served in the U.S. Navy and the Air Force Reserves, earning the rank of colonel while still an active service member.

Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright, of Colorado, is Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Energy, while Governor Doug Burgum (R-ND) is his pick for Secretary of the Interior.

Burgum was twice elected Governor of North Dakota before running a long-shot bid for the presidency earlier this year.

Trump has also tapped another celebrity to bring into his Cabinet, Dr. Mehmet Oz (R-PA). Oz unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania in 2022, losing to John Fetterman (D) by five points, allowing Democrats to hold both of the Keystone State’s Senate seats simultaneously for the first time since 1947.

Oz, the first Muslim candidate to be nominated by either party for a U.S. Senate seat, has been nominated by Trump to oversee Medicare and Medicaid, two federal health insurance programs covering about a third of the population.

Finally, Trump has nominated Linda McMahon (R-CT) to lead his Department of Education. McMahon is a former wrestling executive and the wife of former CEO of WWE and long-time friend of Trump, Vince McMahon. Ms. McMahon has also run two unsuccessful campaigns for U.S. Senate in Connecticut, losing in both 2010 and 2012.

McMahon had served as Trump’s Small Business Administrator during most of his first term.

All of these positions, and those we discussed last week, require confirmations by the U.S. Senate, except Susie Wiles’ position of White House Chief of Staff. Positions that require Senate confirmations where President-elect Trump has not put forth a nominee, as of press time, include Agriculture, Labor, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Management and Budget, Trade Representative, Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors, Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), and Science Advisor to the President.

While Republicans are projected to have won control of the U.S. House of Representatives, two races remain uncalled as press time, both in California and both featuring Republican incumbents.

In the Orange County-Los Angeles-based CA-45, twoterm Congresswoman Michelle Steel (R) is narrowly trailing challenger Derek Tran (D) by just 102 votes out of over 300,000 ballots cast. CA-45 is part of ancestrally-Republican Southern California that, along with three other SoCal-based

Credit - Matt Meduri

By Matt Meduri

Peltola benefitted from vote-splitting between Begich and former Governor Sarah Palin (R-AK). She was able to win in a similar rematch in 2022.

While Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ) has called the race, and while Begich has declared victory, some in the Last Frontier are awaiting the state’s certification of the results. The state is also likely headed to a recount over their “Ballot Measure 2” proposal, which, if enacted, would repeal Alaska’s open primary and ranked-choice voting systems. The proposal currently leads by just 900 votes out of over 300,000 cast statewide.

Democrats have, however, held a vulnerable seat, also in Orange County, California. The Huntington Beach-based district was once the stomping grounds of Dana Rohrabacher (R), who lost re-election in 2018 to Katie Porter (D), who quickly became a prominent figure in liberal circles. Porter failed to win the U.S. Senate nomination, leaving this seat open with 2022 challenger Scott Baugh (R) coming back for his own comeback.

Ultimately, Dave Min (D) has held this seat for the Democrats by just under three points. It’s another race we incorrectly called in our forecast, but was certainly in our “Upset Alert” category.

As of now, Republicans have 220 seats with a net gain of one, while Democrats have 213 seats with a net loss of one.

Two seats remained uncalled.

State In an eye-opening move, but one that has not been deemed unexpected by her critics, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) has resurrected the congestion pricing plan, which she unceremoniously and indefinitely shelved at the end of the summer. Many on both sides of the aisle interpreted this as an election-season reversal, as the unpopular plan would have likely hurt the Democratic brand in the 2024 elections.

Such a risk could not be afforded, as Democrats came dangerously close to seeing New York dip within single-digits in a presidential race for the first time in forty years.

However, the decision to resurrect the plan has received praise from New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D), who called Hochul a “leader” and cautioned New Yorkers that the city is safe from President-elect Trump’s plans to “terminate” the tax in his first week back in Washington.

Cars entering below Manhattan below 60th Street will be charged a $9 toll starting next year. The toll will increase to $12 by 2028 and then jump to the originally-slated $15 after 2031.

President-elect Trump and Governor Hochul (pictured left) have reportedly discussed working collaboratively, discussing fixing Penn Station and NYC’s subways.

Adams says that the concordance is welcome compared to Trump’s first term, which was served concurrently with the last few years of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s (D) tenure.

“We weren’t communicating before. We were warring and not working together,” said Adams. “When I said, ‘Let’s turn down the temperature, and let’s work together for the city of New York,’ all of a sudden we got a different energy.”

Local

He is currently on track to double his 2022 margin, still within just one percentage point, but 9% of the votes remain uncounted. It’s highly possible that Democrats flip this seat for a net gain of just one seat this cycle, but it remains just as likely that Duarte holds on.

A concrete call has been made, however, in Alaska’s atlarge district, where Nick Begich III (R) has unseated one-term Congresswoman Mary Peltola (D). Peltola won in a summer 2022 special election to vacate the seat held by Don Young (R), at the time the longest-serving House member, who had suddenly passed earlier that year. Peltola benefitted from the ranked-choice voting system Alaska had adopted, which, if no candidate receives a majority of the vote, the top four vote-receivers head a runoff, where the lowest-performing candidates see their votes redistributed to the voters’ second choice. The process continues until a candidate clinches a majority of the vote.

The Suffolk County Department of Aging has begun processing applications for the 2024-2025 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), a NYS program that helps eligible residents heat and cool their homes.

Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on income, household size, primary heating sources, and the presence of a household member who is under age six, age sixty or older, or permanently disabled.

Applicants who received benefits from the 2023-2024 HEAP program would have received an Early Outreach Application at the end of August. New applicants can reach the Department of Aging’s HEAP Hotline at 631-852-8326.

The Riverhead Energy Unit can be contacted at 631-8523631 for questions, or residents may visit the DSS Service Center at 605 Old Country Road in Riverhead.

Utility emergencies and weekend calls can be directed to DSS at 631-854-9100.

10

Smithtown Matters Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Continued from front cover

Smithtown Bulls Gymnastics Claim Suffolk County Championship Title Alena Giordano.

“It was super exciting; it was a really great meet. More than winning it this year, the more exciting thing was that we did it on our best meet of the season. The win wasn’t due to other people’s failures, but rather our actual success in earning it. Their sportsmanship and support for each other was unmatched,” said Berroyer.

Four Bulls are headed to Buffalo in March to compete at States. The Bulls bring a diverse squad to the meet as they have a gymnast for each skill.

Bayla Goldberg will compete in the allaround, Amanda Burns will compete on beam, Mary Saul will compete on vault, and Brooke Dunn will compete on bars.

Berroyer spoke highly of the four gymnasts as individuals, raving about how they each play a role in making Smithtown Varsity Gymnastics what it is today.

“All four of them were huge assets to our team as a whole, just for the success of our season. But I’m so proud that individually they’re being recognized because on and off the event they’re so deserving and they work so hard,” said Berroyer.

Credit - Smithtown Bulls Gymnastics

Smithtown Gymnastics has always been a top contender; that’s nothing new. Most notably, Bayla Goldberg and Amanda Burns have made names for themselves in their high school athletic careers.

Both girls were named Newsday’s Long Island top 50 athletes prior to the season starting. Now, they’re both headed back to States for a second and third time, respectively.

“We have a team of such young gymnasts; I have no seniors this year. They’re all returning because no one is graduating. Watching them grow and mature as people and gymnasts and coming back and doing it in such a great way after the loss last year was super exciting,” said Berroyer.

The Suffolk County Championship meet is a familiar one for the Bulls, as they’ve been to and won it three out of the last four years. This time, the bulls achieved their highest score, recording a 179.575. They also had eight gymnasts qualify for the individual county championship on Friday. Those gymnasts are Bayla Goldberg, Amanda Burns, Brooke Dunn, Mary Saul, Danielle Krause, Cassidy Luna, Giuliana Panzini, and

Legislator Kennedy Brings Live Turkeys to Building Blocks Developmental School

By Cait Crudden opportunities to countless children, becoming a cherished highlight of the school’s calendar.

For many students at Building Blocks, hands-on, sensory-based experiences like this are vital to their development. By interacting with the turkeys, children gain exposure to new textures, sounds, and sights, fostering their sensory processing and social interaction skills. The program also helps them learn about animals in a controlled, safe environment, encouraging curiosity and a love of nature.

The impact of this program has been profound, creating lasting memories and contributing to the developmental growth of the students. Teachers and parents have shared numerous heartfelt stories of children’s excitement and engagement during the turkey visits. The program highlights the importance of community partnerships and how local leaders can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with developmental needs.

Legislator Kennedy’s commitment to supporting Building Blocks and similar initiatives underscores her dedication to community service and educational enrichment. This year’s program continued the tradition of blending fun and education, leaving both students and staff delighted. As the Building Blocks community prepares to celebrate Thanksgiving, the turkey visit serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude, community support, and shared experiences that enrich lives.

For the students at Building Blocks, the live turkeys were more than just animals; they were an opportunity to connect, learn, and create joyful memories that will last a lifetime.

Credit - Office of Leslie Kennedy

This past week, Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) brought a unique experience to the students at Building Blocks Developmental School in Commack: a chance to meet two live turkeys.

This annual tradition, supported this year by the Suffolk County branch of Cornell Cooperative Extension, aims to give children an up-close encounter with these fascinating birds, enhancing their educational, and sensory experiences.

The turkeys, one male and one female, were the stars of the day. Alongside them, a Cornell Cooperative Extension instructor provided an engaging lesson about the birds, teaching students about their behaviors, habitats, and role in the ecosystem. This hands-on learning opportunity was designed to inspire curiosity and excitement, offering students a memorable experience that bridges education with nature.

Building Blocks Developmental School, a preschool catering to children aged two to five with developmental needs, serves families across Long Island and is in Commack. Its specialized team includes regular and special education teachers, speech and language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, licensed clinical psychologists, Board Certified behavior analysts, registered nurses, and a range of paraprofessionals. With over 150 staff members, the school is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment tailored to each child’s unique needs.

The annual turkey visit is a long-standing tradition initiated by Legislator Kennedy’s office. Over the years, the event has been supported by various organizations, including Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve, which previously provided live turkeys for the program. These visits have brought joy and learning

Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, November 21, 2024

12

School Highlights Thursday, November 21, 2024

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Nesaquake Middle School Has ‘Color Run’ Fun Nesaquake Middle School Principal, Mr. Dan McCabe, is willing to do many things for a great cause including getting slimed.

Many students were powdered with a rainbow of colors to help support the school’s cultural arts program and PTA events by participating in the Nesaquake PTAsponsored color run.

But the highlight was seeing their principal get slimmed.

Nesaquake PTA President Claudia Pira said, “I am proud to say we raised $20,800. We crushed our goal. We have the best community, and we are so much stronger together.”

Suffolk County Police Department K9 Unit Visits Smithtown HS East

Smithtown High School East students in Mrs. Volpicella’s Forensics 1 class got a firsthand account from those who have a nose for crime on October 17.

Suffolk County Police Department officers Mark Sacco and Ryan Neems, who work in the SCPD K9 Unit, brought their police dogs, Valor and Gunnar, and spoke about the function of the dogs and how they use their sense of smell to help.

The students were eager to learn about the dogs’ unique skills in aiding their handlers in catching criminals and solving crimes.

Valor and Gunnar are both German Shepherds and two of twenty canines the SCPD currently has working in their unit.

Smithtown Senior Citizens Treated to HS Matinee Smithtown High School East’s Drama Club presented a different take on High School “Senior Day” by performing “Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play!” in front of some special guests.

On October 23, senior citizens were invited to a special matinee performance where the high school cast mingled with audience members. The two generations discussed acting, Hitchcock, and preparation for the play. There were

thirteen students performing roughly seventy different roles, each with their own unique voice, typical of a radio performance from the 1940’s.

The show continued the rest of the week with night performances.

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

School Highlights Thursday, November 21, 2024

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Three Village Students Win VFW Essay Contests Two students from the Three Village Central School District won essay contests sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. High school students were invited to participate in the VFW Voice of Democracy student essay contest. The contest challenged students to write and record an audio essay based on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme was, “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?” Nafisah Haque, a junior in Ms. Parrella’s United States History and Government Honors class at Ward Melville High School, was selected as the local winner for Setauket Post 3054. Haque’s essay will now move on to the district level competition.

Additionally, students in grades six through eight were encouraged to enter the VFW Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest, which provides an

opportunity for students to share their thoughts on an annual patriotic theme. The theme for the 2024-2025 school year was, “My Voice in America’s Democracy?” Amelia James, a sixth grader in Mr. Prinzo’s class at Nassakeag Elementary School, was chosen as the local winner. Amelia’s essay will also advance to the district level competition.

Dr. Christina Cone, district director of social studies, commended the students, saying, “We are proud of their thoughtful reflections on our nation’s values. Their participation showcases both academic dedication and a commitment to the ideals of democracy. We wish them the best of luck in the next stages of the competition. A special thank you to Setauket VFW Post 3054 for their continued support of our students.”

Veterans Share Their Experiences with Hauppauge Middle School Ahead of Veterans Day, Hauppauge Middle School held a series of meaningful events to honor those who have served. The school’s celebrations included a patriotic flag display, grade-level assemblies featuring three local Veterans, a video tribute and lessons on the significance of Veterans Day. The school’s Student Leadership Advisory group kicked off the week’s events by decorating the school’s entrance and walkways with over 100 American flags. The striking visual display served as a visible reminder of the Hauppauge school community’s deep gratitude for Veterans and their families.

On November 8, students gathered for assemblies where they heard from three distinguished Veterans who have personal ties to Hauppauge.

Commander Grace Mehl and Lieutenant Frank D’Aversa, both retired U.S. Navy officers, are Hauppauge residents.

Grace graduated from Hauppauge High School as did Frank’s son. Grace Mehl, one of the first five women to command a U.S. Navy combatant ship, was awarded the Bronze Star in 1999 for her humanitarian efforts during the crisis in former Yugoslavia.

Frank D’Aversa volunteered for the Navy after graduation from Aviation High School on Long Island

with the goal of being an aircraft mechanic. He completed cruises in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean before deploying to Vietnam. After returning from Vietnam, he completed cruises in the Mediterranean and Caribbean before leaving the service in 1966. He continued in the field of aircraft maintenance, working for several airlines, before joining the Navy Reserve in 1973. He served an additional 30 years, eventually retiring as an Aviation Maintenance Limited Duty Officer in 2003.

The third guest speaker, Kevin Lynch, a U.S. Army Ranger, is the cousin of Ms. Campbell, a social studies teacher at Hauppauge Middle School. Captain Lynch served four tours in combat, including three in Iraq and one in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army’s elite 75th Ranger Regiment.

During the assemblies, each speaker shared their personal military experiences and discussed the significance of Veterans Day. Afterward, students had the opportunity to ask questions about their time serving the nation.

In addition to the assemblies, Hauppauge Middle Schoolers were shown a tribute video, containing photos of Veterans connected to the Hauppauge community. Throughout the week, students in grades six through eight learned about the origin of Veterans Day in their social studies classes in preparation for the guest speakers.

Students will now write essays on the theme, “What does ‘America the Beautiful’ mean to me, regarding Veterans and our military?”

Their essays will include reflections on what they learned from the guest speakers.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to our Veterans for sharing their experiences and insights with our middle school students,” Director of Social Studies and World Languages Kelly Barry said. “They left a profound impact on us all this morning. Their visit helped to instill a greater appreciation for the significance of Veterans Day and the sacrifices made by those who serve our country. We thank them for their unwavering dedication and for inspiring our students and staff with their courage, resilience and patriotism.”

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Civics 101 Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, November 21, 2024

The Necessary Standard for American Education Another Notable Comeback in American Politics

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.

By Matt Meduri While the country and the world are still reacting to President-elect Donald Trump’s historic comeback, it’s important to note that other American politicians have made once-unthinkable comebacks in politics under similar, or even more daunting, circumstances than Trump’s re-election. Last week, we discussed the first, and until this election, the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms, Grover Cleveland (D-NY), who also had his own comeback story.

But there’s an even wilder comeback story from perhaps one of the most divisive times in our country’s history. That comeback was of President Richard Nixon (R-CA).

Robert F. Kennedy, Sr. (D-MA) and civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. only did more to fan the flames of an already divided country. Moreover, college campus protests of the Vietnam War sparked violent confrontations with police, even escalating at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, oddly the same locale of the 2024 DNC. But Nixon was able to claim the divide to his advantage, campaigning on ending the Vietnam War and restoring “law and order.” Analysts believe that Franklin D. Roosevelt’s (D-NY) New Deal Coalition had collapsed with this watershed election.

Nixon would win 301 electoral votes with thirty-two states and a razor-thin popular vote margin. Humphrey won 191 electoral votes, with Wallace taking forty-six.

But Nixon wasn’t quite finished writing his own “art of the comeback.” His close, yet concrete, 1968 victory was already a phoenix-from-the-ashes moment for him, but it was hardly enough to prepare the nation for one of the most lopsided elections in our history.

The 1960 Presidential Election The 1960 election was historic for many reasons. Alaska and Hawaii had just become states the year prior and voted for the first time in a presidential race. This was the first election in which both major-party candidates were born in the Twentieth Century. John F. Kennedy (D-MA) became the youngest person elected to the presidency at forty-three years old. Moreover, he was the first Irish Catholic elected president. Kennedy’s victory in this hard-fought contest would bring an unparalleled edge to an American political dynasty that seems to have culminated in Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s abandonment of the party.

This election was also the first in which a presidential debate was televised, an aspect that historians agree helped swing the election to Kennedy, as he appeared more astute and collected, while Nixon appeared unkempt, shifty, and inexperienced in the nascent television set. Despite this, radio listeners agreed more with Nixon, while television viewers were more impressed with Kennedy.

The 1960 election was also important as it restructured campaign strategy in some ways. Richard Nixon worked to visit every state, while Kennedy focused on the battlegrounds. The result was a sizable margin in the Electoral College for Kennedy, 303 votes to Nixon’s 216. However, it was a photo-finish in the popular vote, with Kennedy winning by just over 100,000 votes out of more than sixty million cast. The election would also see the losing candidate carry more states than the victor for the first time in history, and would not be repeated again until 1976.

In fact, Nixon came within five states and just about 80,000 votes of winning the presidency.

Historians also give credence to the theory that Alaska proved to be the most decisive state, as Nixon exhausted his resources in campaigning in all fifty states. Alaska did go to Nixon, albeit narrowly, but his time there is interpreted to have cost him the election, as he could have campaigned in Illinois and Texas, two close states that would have secured him the White House. Nixon was pressured to contest the results of the election, as Kennedy’s running mate, eventual President Lyndon Johnson (D-TX), had considerable clout in Texas, alongside the powerful Chicago political machine. Nixon ultimately did not contest the race, but an audit did swing Hawaii to Kennedy.

This sets the stage for some familiar overtones we heard in this election, but the contentious election was more than just numbers. Key issues included Civil Rights, segregation, the Vietnam War, and the space race with the USSR, among other topics.

Nixon’s career didn’t appear over at first, as the election was still close, and he had considerable name recognition after serving as Vice President under President Dwight Eisenhower (R-KS) for his two full terms.

But Nixon’s comeback started with an unlikely figure that appeared to have ended his public service career altogether: himself.

Nixon’s “Last Press Conference” California, like many other Western states for a large period of the 1900s, was considered a “red” state, and the Western front was seen as an impenetrable Republican fortress that gave them the floor they needed to compete nationwide. The only Western states Nixon had failed to carry in 1960 were Nevada and New Mexico, which were still remarkably close. California very narrowly went to native son Nixon, but it was on a Republican voting streak that would not be broken until 1992.

California seemed like the easiest rebound for Nixon. Not

The 1972 Election only would it amount to political survival, but governing the one of the country’s largest and most influential states would easily be a catapult back to the presidential map, for a likely 1964 rematch with Kennedy.

However, embarrassingly Nixon lost his home state by about five points to Governor Pat Brown (D). Democrats had poor electoral prospects in the Golden State, with Brown being the only Democrat to govern the state since 1938, and before that, 1894. Brown had also not taken the campaign seriously until late in the season, by which time, nearly all polls and pundits forecasted a Nixon win. Brown managed to close the gap in the last few days, but Nixon was still favored to win.

In his concession speech the following morning, Nixon stated his discontent with the media, whom he accused of siding with his opponent.

“Now that all the members of the press are so delighted that I have lost, I’d like to make a statement of my own,” he told about one hundred reporters at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. “I leave you gentlemen now. And you will now write it. You will interpret it.

That’s your right. But as I leave you, I want you to know—just think how much you’re going to be missing. You don’t have Nixon to kick around anymore. Because, gentlemen, this is my last press conference.”

Governor Brown would then lose the 1966 election to Ronald Reagan (R-CA).

Nixon seemed to be his own victim, taking himself out of the national spotlight and effectively giving up.

Six years later, Nixon would win the landmark election of 1968.

The 1968 Election Tensions had hardly been diffused since the 1960 election.

President Kennedy had been assassinated in 1963, seeing Lyndon Johnson ascend to the presidency and win a massive landslide in 1964, campaigning primarily on Civil Rights and continuing tenets of the Great Society. He defeated Senator Barry Goldwater (R-AZ), who won just six states. Johnson’s landslide is the last in which many Rocky Mountain and Great Plains states, as well as Alaska, have backed a Democrat for president.

But Johnson was incredibly vulnerable due to the country’s shifting views on race, as well as mass-opposition to the Vietnam War, nervousness of nuclear escalations from the Cuban Missile Crisis, to name a few. Johnson barely survived the New Hampshire Primary, suspending his campaign and kicking the contest to an open primary. Johnson would be the last incumbent president to decline re-election until Joe Biden (D-DE) did so in July.

The Democrats were in need of a quick reshuffle, going with Vice President Hubert Humphrey (D-MN). Segregationist Alabama Governor George Wallace, after much suspense surrounding a Democratic or Independent run in 1964, ran on a “states’ rights” platform as it pertained to racial integration. He only carried five Southern states, the last time any Independent candidate would win any electoral votes and/or states in a presidential contest.

The 1960s were also one of the most tumultuous periods of modern American history, as the assassinations of both Senator

Nixon campaigned on the strong economy and foreign affairs successes, while Senator George McGovern (D-SD) called for an immediate end to tensions in Southeast Asia, as well as a pitch of a guaranteed minimum income (GMI). Additionally, McGovern’s campaign was damaged early by mental health revelations of his running mate, Senator Thomas Eagleton (D-MO). Eagleton was replaced by Sargent Shriver (D-MD) after just nineteen days of the campaign.

But the fallout for McGovern was more than that. Analysts might be correct in theorizing that the 1968 election was the collapse of the New Deal coalition that guaranteed Democrats electoral success during the 1930s and 1940s. Since Nixon was making good on his promises, it was easily foiled by worries that McGovern’s platform was simply “too radical.”

Nixon won in a landslide victory. He carried 60.7% of the popular vote, the most for any Republican candidate in history, and swept forty-nine states, losing only Massachusetts and the District of Columbia. Nixon became the first two-term vice president to win two terms as president and is the last Republican to have carried Minnesota in a presidential race.

Only seven states were classified as “close” this cycle - those whose margins were within ten points for either candidate compared to thirty-four states in the same column in 1960 and twenty-eight states in 1968. Nixon’s closest state was Minnesota, which he carried by 5%, a decent margin for a battleground, followed by Rhode Island, South Dakota, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Maine’s First Congressional District.

In short, it was a blowout of historic proportions that seemed almost off the table completely when Nixon lost the 1962 California governor’s race in a humiliating fashion and seemingly retired from politics altogether.

Of course, Nixon’s legacy would forever be tainted by the Watergate scandal, but it doesn’t take away from the massive political movement that Nixon was able to spearhead, destroying a once-monolithic coalition and winning one of the most lopsided elections in history in one of the most divisive times of our country.

History in the Making?

We offer this in-depth analysis of a political comeback in the wake of Donald Trump’s. Although not quite the landslide Nixon pulled off in 1972, Trump’s win this year is more on par with Nixon’s 1968 win. Trump technically exceeded Nixon’s electoral and popular vote counts, but there was no notable third-party candidate on the ticket this year.

But there are similarities. Trump appears to have broken a valuable Democratic coalition that appears to be on heavily borrowed time, he left Washington a pariah with virtually no political path forward - although he never took himself out of politics like Nixon did - combined with investigations and assassination attempts.

Brit Hume, a political commentator of ABC News, now with Fox, reacted to Trump’s comeback on election night, comparing it to Nixon’s exact trajectory we’ve outlined. Hume believes that Trump’s “extraordinary” comeback “surmounts” that of Nixon’s.

Smithtown Matters Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

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Thursday, November 21, 2024

Town Exhibits Historic Records and Documents Showcasing San Remo American Dream Story The Town of Smithtown is pleased to announce historic property records and tax documents donated by Thomas Gugliotta are now on display at Town Hall.

Gugliotta, a proud first-generation resident of Smithtown donated the records in hopes of sharing his parents’ great American Dream story. The display, located at Town Hall outside the Tax Receiver’s office, serves as a tribute to the values of hard work, resilience, and community spirit that define so many Smithtown families.

Thomas Gugliotta’s parents, Biase and Philomena, immigrated from Italy in 1956, arriving in the San Remo neighborhood with their infant daughter. Thomas was born in San Remo and grew up in the same home he resides in today, where he continues to cherish his parents’ legacy.

“I got very nostalgic talking with Thomas. We shared memories about our families, how they migrated here to Smithtown and how generations before us made a great life, which are now etched in our history,” said Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park). “The Gugliotta family represents what Smithtown is all about: resilience, hard work, and pride in one’s roots. These historical documents not only honor their personal history but also serve as an inspiration to our community about the power of perseverance in the pursuit of the American Dream.”

Thomas’s father, an Italian Allied Forces WWII veteran, experienced unimaginable hardship during the war. Shortly after Italy joined the Allied forces in 1943, Biase Gugliotta was captured and held in a Nazi labor camp until it was liberated by American forces in 1945. In 1956, his family settled in San Remo, where Biase worked as a custodian at Kings Park High School until his retirement in 1986. Thomas shared his father’s proud journey with Town Officials, of achieving U.S. citizenship, thanks to the assistance of Smithtown’s first Police Chief, Cy Donnelly in 1969.

“My father would walk to Town Hall to pay his taxes, proud of everything he had accomplished… It’s an honor to have these records displayed here in a way that might inspire others to reflect on the American story—one rooted in family, history, and proud heritage,” said Gugliotta.

Thomas Gugliotta recalled that his father would actually walk to Town Hall to pay his property taxes, all the way from San Remo, making it a point to share how deeply proud his father was to do so.

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Originally named after a small Italian Riviera village, San Remo has a unique historical significance and has served as a home to many families who have shared similar dreams of building a new life.

This exhibit was made possible thanks to the collaboration with the Smithtown Senior Center team and Town Administration. The Town is deeply grateful to Thomas Gugliotta for sharing his family’s history and hopes this exhibit will spark meaningful discussions about family legacies, community history, and the value of the American Dream.

Thomas’s heartfelt story about his family is also available to watch on Smithtown GTV’s YouTube channel. It captures the personal stories behind the historical documents, offering a unique perspective on the history of San Remo and the people who have built their lives here. The Town Hall display is a testament to the enduring strength and pride of immigrant families who continue to enrich the fabric of Smithtown.

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Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, November 21, 2024

First New York State Landmark of Lake Ronkonkoma

By Ellyn Okvist, B.Sc. The Community of Lake Ronkonkoma has a total of eight NYS Historical Markers, twenty-six Historic Landmarks of Lake Ronkonkoma, one Legends & Lore, and one permanent monument, The Lake of Haunting Mystery located at Lake Ronkonkoma’s Eagle Watch Park. Markers preserve history and heritage, educate the public, encourage pride of place and promote resident participation in their community’s roots. It’s time to become familiar with the very first Legends & Lore marker that was placed.

Lake Ronkonkoma has a great piece of folklore that needed to be shared.

Legends & Lore was designed to commemorate legends and folklore as part of our heritage. Folklore is the stories, customs, and traditions that are passed on from one person to another, often from generation to generation. This special category of markers is under the oversee of the New York Folklore Society. The Legends & Lore Marker displays a bright red face with gold lettering and boasts a delightful sun, moon and stars beautifully pictured above the main body.

After a long application period, The Lake Ronkonkoma Heritage Association won approval for this marker. It was the very first marker they obtained and reflects a local legend in town.

Reverence was given to the Native Algonquin tribes in our area during the creation phase. This was not a simple procedure. Primary source research was used as part of the application for the marker, which completed the path of the concept.

The initial cost of the marker was out of reach for the local group, and research steered them to the William G. Pomeroy Foundation of Syracuse.

The marker remains the property of the Heritage, as the grant award to cover the costs was made by The William G. Pomeroy Foundation.

The marker was installed on December 16, 2016, on an extremely cold night under a full moon, complete with ceremony and refreshments. Our “Indian Princess” was driven to the festivities in a sparkling new white Mustang. The crowd was a mixed bag of youth right up to town elders, who voiced their approval of the honor being introduced to our town. The large group of attendees had no fear of the moonlight and brisk weather, as the excitement and the reading of two town legends that coincide with the subject added to the celebration.

Even before it was installed, the marker held its own place in history.

Long time residents can easily recognize the seven sculptured aluminum fish that climb the pole, representing the seven-year rise and fall of

LEGENDS & LORE

the lake’s water level. The woven basket represents the “boundary fishing place” where fish could be caught and stored by the natives at the lake. The sculptures were hand crafted by Ellyn Okvist. The light blue pole that holds the sign was meticulously chosen to match the color of the sky most often over Ronkonkoma Lake, and the raised letters reflect the “presence of a local Native American Princess” that waits for a victim every year.

The time has come for the marker to be relocated where it can further serve residents of the community. It will be placed at Eagle Watch Park, the corner of Portion Road and Shorehaven Boulevard, where it will complement the standing monument constructed by George Cristino and his brother Steven Cristino. The monument was an Eagle Scout project in 2006, and it holds what has been considered the utmost absolute description of Lake Ronkonkoma.

In 2023 the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Commission was formed to serve the needs of the community. The LRHC will now oversee the landmarks and other distinctive indications in town. The group includes a majority of born and raised community members, and their research base extends directly to their families with heritage back as far as the 1600s. This makes it easier to obtain absolute primary source information, which allows the true facts to be passed directly to the community.

Please stop by and take a look at the other New York State markers in town, which will add a spark of history to your thoughts. Eight NYS markers can be found as follows: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church; St. Josephs Roman Catholic Church; Long Island Motor Parkway (Lakeland Fire Dept. Sub-station on LI Motor Parkway); Lillian Devere, our town matriarch (American Legion on Church St.); Arrowheads (Cherry St.); Hook & Ladder 1 (loss/stolen); Caleb Newton Farm (Lakeshore Rd. & Portion Rd.); and the Methodist Church (private collection).

Further Information can be obtained from the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Commission at thelakeheritage@aol.com.

Indian Princess of Lake Ronkonkoma. Legend says she claims one male each year by drowning to be with her at the bottom of the lake as she seeks her true love.

Credit: Ellyn Okvist

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Local History

Long Island Life & Politics Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, November 21, 2024

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SCPD Announces Crackdown on Driving Offenses, Theft, Hate Crimes during Thanksgiving Holiday

(631) 269-6421

Credit - Office of Ed Romaine

By Hank Russell Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) joined members of the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) and local elected officials at a press conference at SCPD headquarters in Yaphank on November 20 for a press conference announcing that a new AntiStreet Takeover Task Force has been established to crack down on illegal street takeovers. He also announced that more patrols will be out in force to stop theft, hate crimes and aggressive and impaired driving.

“We want to keep everyone safe this holiday season,” Romaine said.

The big news was the takedown of an illegal street takeover that took place on the night of November 16 at the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station parking lot in Ronkonkoma involving more than forty vehicles. At the press conference, there was a pickup truck that was impounded by the task force.

“You had drivers doing donuts with forty [other drivers] watching,” Romaine said. “The Task Force moved in; the entrances were blocked in.”

There is legislation being introduced that would increase penalties for those involved in street takeovers and other forms of aggressive driving, according to the County Executive.

“There’s a price to be paid for those who don’t obey the law and endanger others.”

According to Acting Police Commissioner Robert Waring, the task force broke up seven takeovers since November 8, issuing 263 summonses and impounding four vehicles. The officers, he said, “will be spending time away from their families to keep people safe.”

Waring said street takeovers are not exclusive to Suffolk. “It’s actually a worldwide thing. I’ve seen it. It’s social media-driven and it’s a problem.”

Waring said its intelligence section is aggressively monitoring any possible street racing or takeovers and work with Nassau County and New York State police, as well as the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department. “This model [of collaboration] will be very successful,” he said.

“We are implementing everything we can to stop this.”

Romaine also announced that there will be a greater police presence at shopping malls and local downtowns. Suffolk’s Chief of Patrol, Gerard Hardy, offered the following advice.

“It’s very simple: Don’t leave personal belongings in your car, lock doors and be aware of your surroundings,” Hardy said. “Situational awareness is a big thing. So, if you just know where you’re at all times. If you carry a purse, make sure it’s protected.”

In addition, Romaine said police will be on the lookout for “porch pirates” who steal packages from in front of people’s homes. “If you go after the smaller things, the larger things usually don’t happen. … If you try to rip people off, we’re going to catch you.”

Police will also look after houses of worship this holiday season, especially synagogues.

Romaine said the Criminal Intelligence Unit will be monitoring possible hate crimes. “We’re just typically watching synagogues more because of what’s happening in the Middle East because it somehow spills over into this country,” he said. “People who are very foolish decide to carry these [acts of hate] in this country. We hope that’s not the case.”

Most of the press conference focused on the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, aggressive driving and distracted driving. The latter two, Hardy said, “are two areas that cause crashes [that] lead to property damage, injuries to our citizens, and, unfortunately, deaths. … Our roadways are not always the safest place to be [sometimes].”

For those who wish to go out drinking, Hardy warned those who think about getting behind the wheel.

“This is a conscious choice. This is an easy choice to make. If you’re going to go out, if you’re going to celebrate with your family and friends, we want you to make the smart decision. Have a plan that involves a designated driver or…a rideshare, which is almost impossible to not get home safely and to not cause accidents on the roadways.”

“We have a clear message: Not in Suffolk!” Romaine said. “We want this to be a community where safety comes first for our law-abiding citizens. For those who don’t abide by the law, we’re going to make sure that there are consequences.”

This article originally appeared in Long Island Life and Politics. For more from LILP, visit them online at lilifepolitics.com.

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State News Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, November 21, 2024

NYS Senators, Union Leaders, Farmers Rally to Oppose Congestion Pricing

By Guest Contributor

Republican Senators, Steamfitters Union Local 638, New York Farmers Bureau, and community members rallied together to urge Governor Kathy Hochul (D) to rethink her backing of the congestion pricing plan and call on the legislature and partners in the federal government to repeal her plan, which threatens to impose an additional hidden tax on New Yorkers and make New York even less affordable. The press conference even spotlighted two industries that would be affected by the ill-conceived congestion pricing plan – labor and agriculture.

Just one week following the recent election, Governor Hochul’s apparent shift in gears on congestion pricing raises questions about the sincerity of her previous “pause” on the initiative, which is now seen as nothing more than a political maneuver. On Monday, the MTA board moved forward by approving a base toll of $9, set to escalate to $12 between 2028 and 2030, and eventually reaching $15 by 2031. This decision marks a troubling trajectory for local businesses and commuters, who now face the reality of increased costs imposed by a system they believe primarily serves to further taxing already struggling families and enterprises.

During the press conference, Senator Rhoads read off direct quotes on the Governor’s website from prominent officials praising the Governor’s “pause” on congestion pricing back in June. With conviction, Senator Steven Rhoads (R-Bellmore) argued that these sentiments are just as relevant today as they were back in June.

“Governor Hochul’s immediate push for congestion pricing right after the election not only exposes a political stunt that prioritizes her radical agenda, but it also turns a blind eye to the real issue—MTA mismanagement—while imposing yet another burden on hardworking New Yorkers. Governor Hochul can’t fool the public by framing this new tax as a “savings” plan simply because it will be phased in,” said Rhoads. “It’s become painfully clear that congestion pricing is not actually about the environment or stopping congestion—it’s about money.

Sadly, hardworking New Yorkers are the ones who will be paying the price for Governor Hochul’s commuter tax, adding to the growing sentiment that that New Yorkers feel forgotten and forced out of a state that has become unaffordable to live, work, and raise a family. Unpausing congestion pricing is not courage; it’s cowardice. The Governor is sidestepping the tough budget choices a true leader should make in this situation.”

As the MTA begins a public education campaign to promote the imminent return of congestion pricing, the Senators remain concerned about the timing of this initiative, coinciding with the busy holiday season when public attention and engagement may be at its lowest. The implications for Long Island commuters, businesses, and local delivery services are profound, as they stand to be disproportionately affected by the toll hikes. Local Senators joining the conference voiced their strong disapproval, emphasizing that the congestion pricing scheme threatens to stymie economic recovery and innovation at a time when support for businesses is paramount.

“The farm community works on razor thin margins and any additional cost or burden on the farmers is going to impact everyone. This will severely impact the farmers as it’s going to increase the cost of doing business that will ultimately be necessary to pass along to the consumers and the people that consume the local products,” said Rob Carpenter, Administrative Director and County Manager of the New York Farmers Bureau.

“Nassau County residents depend on their cars for work, medical care, and family visits, yet they’ll bear the brunt of this $9 toll—which is expected to eventually increase—along with added costs for trucks, buses, taxis, and ride-shares,” said Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (R-Malverne). “The real issue isn’t traffic, it’s the MTA’s mismanagement. Instead of taxing drivers, the MTA should address inefficiencies and toll evasion. This tax will only worsen affordability and continue to drive families and businesses out of the State. New Yorkers deserve real solutions, not politically driven gimmicks.”

“Governor Hochul and New York’s Democrat leadership are once again looking to Long Islanders to bail out the MTA…It is a slap in the face to struggling Long Islanders to ask them to once again pay higher taxes just to get to work. Now more than ever, Long Islanders needed relief. Instead, they got deception and higher taxes,” said Senator Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk).

“Before asking New Yorkers to provide more funding for the MTA, we must first demand that the MTA gets its fiscal house in order,” said Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue). “Let’s start with these four steps... first, have the State Comptroller conduct a forensic audit of the MTA... next, replace all waist-high

turnstiles with head-to-toe turnstiles to eliminate turnstile jumping... also, crackdown on toll evaders who are using “ghost plates,” plate covers or other methods to obscure their license plates... and finally show 100% compliance with the use of the fingerprint scanners for tracking overtime.”

“This unfair tax will take money out of the pockets of the very residents who have already voiced their opposition to this money grab without even giving them a chance to have a say in its return,” said Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James). “That is clearly the wrong approach and demonstrates again how our residents are viewed as the ATM for the rest of New York. Instead of asking them to give more, why doesn’t New York State tap into the close to $5 billion that was wasted on the illegal migrant fiasco or make more of an effort to fight fare evasion?”

“Congestion pricing is just more bad policy put in place by the one-partyrule of New York State. The solution is simple, crack down on theft of services like people jumping turnstiles. Instead, Governor Hochul continues to punish those who are law-abiding citizens just trying to live and work in New York, while rewarding crime and criminals,” said Senator Alexis Weik (R-Sayville).

“The congestion tax is not only a burden on police officers and other essential commuters - it’s bad for public safety. The NYPD is already severely understaffed and struggling to recruit and retain police officers, who can find better pay and benefits in almost any other police department,” said NYC Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry. “Forcing cops to dig deeper into their pockets just to report for duty will send even more of them running for the exits.

A congestion tax would mean even fewer cops on the streets. New Yorkers can’t afford that.”

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Overview - AMAC The Association of Mature American Citizens

Soros Woke Prosecutor Movement Big 2024 Loser

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

By Andrew Shirley | AMAC Newsline Columnist While former President Donald Trump’s historic comeback rightly garnered most of the headlines following last week’s elections, the campaign of liberal megadonor George Soros to “reimagine” the American criminal justice system through softon-crime prosecutors and policies was also dealt a crushing blow on November 5. In total, at least a dozen Soros-linked district attorneys went down.

The most high-profile district attorney race in the country this year was in Los Angeles, where incumbent Democrat George Gascon was facing off against Independent challenger Nathan Hochman.

Gascon, who received $2.5 million from Soros-linked groups in 2020, has long been a standard-bearer of the “woke” prosecutor movement. He was an early advocate of ending cash bail, refusing to charge anyone under 25 as an adult, and downgrading charges for crimes he considered to be “victimless,” such as vandalism and robbery. Violent and nonviolent crime has skyrocketed under his watch.

Following two recall attempts against Gascon which fell just short, LA voters finally ousted Gascon this year, with Hochman winning 61.5 percent of the vote to Gascon’s 38.5 percent. Even as Kamala Harris won LA County by 30 percent, voters still chose Hochman, a former GOP nominee for California Attorney General, by 24 percent.

Just up the coast in Alameda County, outside of San Francisco, voters also recalled far-left District Attorney Pamela Price, who had been in office for less than two years and received more than $1 million from Soros-linked groups. The recall, led by the group “Save Alameda for Everyone,” a local grassroots organization, passed with 64.8 percent of the vote.

Price has garnered controversy throughout her tenure for her unapologetic “prison last” approach to criminal justice. One of her first actions after taking office was dropping two murder charges in a highprofile triple homicide case against Delonzo Logwood, a career criminal who killed three people outside a club in 2016. After Price took office, she dropped two of the homicide charges and downgraded the final murder charge to “voluntary manslaughter.”

As a result, Logwood went from a potential charge of life without parole to a sentence of only 12 years. Because the charge includes time already served, he is now looking at early release within a few years.

The Logwood case became an immediate rallying point for the movement to recall Price and culminated in her ultimate removal in this deep-blue progressive stronghold.

In Oregon, Democrat Multnomah County DA Mike Schmidt lost his re-election bid to one of his own office’s deputy attorneys, Nathan Vasquez. Schmidt was one of the primary backers of the ballot measure to decriminalize virtually all drug use in Portland, Oregon. According to the New York Post, shortly after the measure passed, “the city declared a state of emergency after an explosion of fentanyl deaths” and “cops resigned en masse — with many citing Schmidt as the reason for their exit.”

Vasquez ran his campaign on a simple pledge to return the city to “sanity” by re-engaging with police and reestablishing the rule of law.

On the other side of the country, Western Georgia District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez, a Democrat backed by Soros-linked groups, was also soundly defeated. While the votes are still being finalized, Republican challenger Kalki Yalamanchili will likely defeat Gonzalez with more than 60 percent of the vote. The county she presided over was where illegal immigrant Jose Ibarra brutally murdered nursing student Laken Riley this past February.

According to The Daily Caller, Gonzalez focused her campaign on “Alternative accountability-based measures to address most nonviolent crimes or issues

19

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.

Thursday, November 21, 2024

presented by juvenile defendants.” Yalamanchili conversely pledged to crack down on illegal immigrants taking advantage of an “ineffective” DA’s office.

Since 2015, through a series of shell non-profits and PACs, Soros has led an aggressive campaign to impose his radical vision of “criminal justice” – which contains little actual justice – on America. In total, Soros has poured more than $40 million into at least 75 local prosecutor races throughout the country.

At the peak of his influence, 50 hand-picked Soros DAs presided over more than 20 percent of the country’s population, paving the way for an explosion of crime and chaos on the streets of some of America’s most important cities. But as of this November, the majority of these prosecutors have either resigned,

been recalled, or been defeated outright at the ballot box.

Nonetheless, there were some victories for Soros-backed DAs this year. In Savannah, Georgia, progressive prosecutor Shalena Cook Jones held on to her seat, while Soros-backed Monique Worrell reclaimed her position as the Orange-Osceola State Attorney in Florida after being suspended last year by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for “dereliction of duty” on crime. Other high-profile Soros DAs like Alvin Bragg in Manhattan – a key player in the Democrat lawfare crusade against Trump – also remain in office.

But the tide appears to have clearly turned against the Soros prosecutor movement. From a powerful force in the American legal system just a few years ago, it may soon become just a footnote in history.

B R I N G I N G B R OADWAY TO M AI N S T R E E T O N

S T A G E

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N E X T

Jan 16–Mar 2, 2025

NOV 14–DEC 29

MAR 13 THROUGH APR 27 2 02 5

MAY 15 THROUGH JUN 29 2 02 5

JUL 10 THROUGH AUG 24 2 02 5

the musical

Bits & Pieces

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Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, November 21, 2024

WORD OF THE

Week

Etymology: Middle English (formerly also as injoin ): from Old French enjoindre, from Latin injungere ‘join, attach, impose’, from in- ‘in, towards’ + jungere ‘to join’.

ENJOIN

SUDOKU

Verb Pronounced: en·joyn Definition:

instruct or urge (someone) to do something; (law) prohibit someone from performing (a particular action) by issuing an injunction Example (sense 1): “She was enjoined from entering the property.

Example: “The increased sales tax revenue augured well for the town’s budgeting process.”

Antonyms: yield, surrender; (law) permit, authorize, sanction

Synonyms: encourage, prompt; (law) prohibit, restrain

Source: Oxford Languages

See bottom left for the answers (please don’t cheat!)

This Week in History November 24, 1991:

WORD WHEEL

First international flight from Long Island’s MacArthur Airport (to Mexico)

B

D N

A E

See how many words you can create.

Must have center letter in word and can use letters more than once.

4 letter word minimum.

Russia’s Tsar Alexander I petitions for a Jewish state in Palestine

O F

November 25, 1979:

November 21, 1818: November 22, 1963:

US President John F. Kennedy (D-MA) assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald while riding in an opentopped motorcade in Dallas, Texas

Pat Summerall and John Madden broadcast a game together for the first time, a pairing that lasts twenty-two years and becomes one of the most well-known partnerships in TV sportscasting history

November 27, 1895: Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel’s will establishes the Nobel Prize

November 26, 1922:

English archaeologist Howard Carter opens Tutankhamun’s virtually intact tomb in Egypt

November 23, 1923:

Cecil B. DeMille’s first version of the film “The Ten Commandments” premieres in the U.S.

Messenger Perspective Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

21

Thursday, November 21, 2024

A Little Heavier Around the Holidays

By PJ Balzer

their chemo treatments coupled up with hospital stays. Some will receive a serious enough diagnosis to have to fly to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and spend most of their Christmas listening to the constant beeping of machines.

Without hair, without strength, and without much hope, the holidays will feel heavy this year.

Other readers or neighbors of ours have lost a spouse this past year.

Some had their spouse for many years and habitually still reach over to their side of the bed each morning before remembering that they aren’t there.

Others have lost their spouse of only a few short years, having to also bury many future dreams, hopes, and a life they had hoped for long with their spouse. The holidays bring back many memories, traditions, scents, and things most people would really enjoy together, but people in both of these situations most likely wish the holidays would just disappear this year and next year too.

Some people are fighting an addiction or helping a loved one to do the same.

It’s caused severed relationships and extreme stress in your entire family this past year. I personally understand how completely drained you are.

Others are spending their first holiday

Image by Freepik

This past weekend, I received an email from a friend serving the end of the third year on a twenty-year sentence in a maximum-security prison in Elmira, New York. While we write back and forth a few times a month. this was the first time he transparently started off the letter by saying, “Please keep me in prayer if you can. I just started feeling a little heavier this week knowing that the holidays are approaching. I’d rather just forget about them.”

While you most likely aren’t reading this while incarcerated, the human heart has much in common with its fellow man’s or woman’s. You may be feeling the same heaviness as my friend is experiencing this year. You may want to just skip over the holidays, the songs, the lights, and the laughter.

Maybe your life’s circumstances have drastically changed since last year and not for the better. Maybe things are just the same as they were last year, yet you’d really hoped for a change. I’m writing this directly to you, who might be feeling heavier around the holidays.

As we speak, there are people whose children are receiving a cancer diagnosis, some in the early stages and others terminal. By the time Christmas arrives, they will be most likely well into

separated from family who moved back to their country of origin. My wife can understand and empathize with that unique struggle. Other people have recently lost their jobs and are facing the financial crisis of a lifetime for the holidays. Some have been in a financial crisis for years now with no visible light at the end of this dark tunnel. Someone else has received an unexpected, past medical bill that

will ultimately affect the rest of their life. Gifts, meals of abundance, and the other holiday traditions are way out of the question this year. Others will be spending the holidays this year purchasing a newborn size grave blanket and laying it over a freshly dug grave. Another neighbor may only get one or two phone calls from their child serving a tour in the Middle East. How could their heart not be heavy?

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Lord, we pray for those readers today that are, like my friend, feeling the weight of the holidays approaching. We lift up to you Jesus those who are depressed, stressed out, and feeling such a darkness that they themselves have been wanting to die. We pray for those who are contemplating suicide or even using patterns of unhealthy behaviors and habits to slowly take their own lives, even without realizing it. We ask, God, that You would lift that deep depression and replace it with an overwhelming sense of Your love and value for them and their lives. We ask that You would place a new hope into their hearts as You also place good friends or even compassionate strangers around them. Put people in their paths and lives that would help them, pray for them, selflessly serve them, and be a friend that brings a breath of fresh air for a new day.

Thank you for loving us, Lord, and seeking us out even and especially in our darkest seasons of life. Thank you for a new hope this holiday season.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen

22

Veterans News Thursday, November 21, 2024

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Long Island ABATE Veteran’s Appreciation Dinner

Photo credits - Joe Cuminale

By Joe Cuminale I would like to introduce the readers of this fine publication to a group of Long Island Motorcycle Riders, known as Long Island ABATE (American Biker’s for Awareness, Training, Education). This group’s objective is to educate the non-riding community about awareness and safety through various programs in our public schools. The members also attend many of the street fairs and festivals around Long Island to help bring awareness to those that do not ride motorcycles. This organization is also a major advocate of helping our Veterans in many different ways.

They hold numerous events during the riding season such as a Motorcycle Awareness Ride to kick off Motorcycle Awareness Month in May and a Veterans’ Appreciation Ride around Flag Day in June which goes through Sag Harbor, with a flag line on the bridge dedicated to Sag Harbor resident and fallen in the line of duty Marine Lance Cpl. Jordan C. Haerter.

At these events, as well as at their monthly meetings, they have a Veterans’ Container at their table or booth for any donations people choose to give. All of these donations get matched two, three, and sometimes four times over. Around Veteran’s Day each year the group holds a Veteran’s Appreciation Dinner. After this event the funds gathered during the riding season are distributed in checks for the many different Long Island Veterans Organizations that help our Veterans right here on Long Island. All funds are kept here on Long Island to keep food pantries, mental health programs, assistance dog training services, and many VFW/American Legion/Am-Vets posts from getting lost in the government funding shuffle.

Since 2009, L.I. ABATE has distributed over $1.3 million to enable these smaller groups from going under due to lack of funding. This year’s Appreciation Dinner was held at the Port Jefferson Elks Lodge #2138 in Centereach and was a great success, with a total of $110,000 distributed among forty-two different Veterans’ organizations. Before the ceremony, those in attendance were treated to a beautiful rendition of our country’s National Anthem, performed by the lovely and talented Lyza Paradise. Thank you, young lady, for sharing your talent with us, and thank you to the Elks Lodge for hosting this year’s dinner, for the delicious food, awesome desserts, their hospitality and use of their Lodge. Thank you to L.I. ABATE President Chris Beckhans and the entire board for all the planning that not only went into this event, but all the events this amazing organization is involved with throughout the year.

Long Island ABATE is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) that promotes and protects the interests of Long Island Motorcyclists. For more information visit: longislandabate.org, or contact them at 1-888-LIABATE (542-2283) or membership@longislandabate.org.

Ride safe, ladies and gentlemen!

Sports Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, November 21, 2024

23

2024 Smithtown West Football: A Season of Firsts in a Decade

By Ashley Pavlakis The Smithtown West Bulls Varsity Football team found their receivers in the end zone for a touchdown quite a bit this season. Their offensive and defensive efforts on the field and earned them the Big 4 championship for the first time since 2013.

The Bulls are led by head coach Craig Perrino. Perrino coached the squad to an 8-2 record this season. The team hasn’t had a season with two or fewer losses since 2013.

Home turf was on their side this season as they went undefeated at The Pratt. The Bulls put up 30-plus points in six of eight regular season games during the 2024 season.

Football junkies would say that’s a pretty good statistic to have.

Seven seniors dawned the Bulls crest this season. While not as many as the 19 they graduated last year, still significant. Those seniors are Gavin German, Jason Antunes, Anthony Allocca, Leo Zabbia, George Siolos, Rocco Pesola, and Dylan Greene. German and Antunes were both named All County Members along with junior Michael Cascione.

Of the seven, German is committed to play Division III college football at Washington University next fall.

The third-seeded Bulls entered the Suffolk County playoffs at home in a quarterfinal matchup versus the sixth-seeded West Babylon Eagles. The blue and gold were no match for the Bulls as they clipped the Eagles 49-20. The 49 points was their highest offensive scoring total this season.

The Bulls moved onto the semifinals for

the first time since 2013 and would face Half Hollow Hills East. The Red Hawks finished the regular season in second place, one above the Bulls in the Division II standings.

Unfortunately, the Bulls’ playoff run came to an end on Saturday as they weren’t able to pull out the win over HHH East. The Redhawks had their number, putting up a clean sheet over the Bulls.

Most notably, junior Michael Cascione had himself a season with roughly 982 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. The three-sport athlete dominated on the turf this season and was a force to be reckoned with. In addition to football, Cascione also plays basketball and baseball for the Bulls.

Ahead of the 2024 season, the Bulls moved up from Division III to Division II, joining their cross-town rivals at Smithtown East. The Bulls didn’t take the promotion lightly though as they came charging into play. Scoring a significantly larger number of points over the opponent seems like a solid way to win games.

While the Smithtown West Varsity Bulls football team’s postseason didn’t go the way they had hoped, they still have plenty to be proud of. The 2024 season saw the Bulls accomplish things that hadn’t been done in a decade. The Bulls had the offense firing on all cylinders and their defense kept the opponents from entering the end zone too much. Sometimes, things don’t go the way we want them to. Falling short will serve as motivation to come back next season in search of a championship.

Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, November 21, 2024