Smithtown Messenger Archive Feb. 13, 2025

Hochul Visits ISP for $150M Airport Investment

By Matt Meduri

On Wednesday morning, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) visited Islip MacArthur Airport (ISP) to announce a $150 million State investment to make the airport a transit hub, with improved connectivity to the LIRR Ronkonkoma Station.

The funding, along with $50 million from Suffolk County, will also lay the groundwork for the purchase of forty-eight acres of land that could be used for a north terminal, a plan that is still under deliberation by the Town of Islip.

The funding comes not only at a time of discussions of a significant overhaul of the airport to improve mass transit connectivity, but also to preserve the economic powerhouse that is ISP and the surrounding areas.

Continued on page 8

Futterman Lanza, LLP, Expands to New Office

By Matt Meduri

A long-venerable Smithtown law practice is not only celebrating a milestone, but has also expanded into a new office space with their sights set on future growth.

Futterman Lanza, LLP, was founded by Aaron Futterman and Ronald Lanza almost twenty-one years ago on East Main Street in Smithtown. Since then, their scope has expanded to two other firms, one in Garden City and the other in Bay Shore, while their staff has grown significantly from the small-scale operation it once was.

While the firm has now moved into a new office space in the Hillside Village Plaza in Village of the Branch, along with an expanding staff list of attorneys, secretaries, and paralegals, the firm remains just as committed to providing expertise in the areas of elder law and estate planning. Continued on page 3

(Left to right) Ronald Lanza, Aaron Futterman, and Jaclyn Kramer cut the ribbon of Futterman Lanza, LLP’s, new office (Credit - Matt Meduri)

Governor Kathy Hochul (Credit - Matt Meduri)

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Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Smithtown Matters

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Futterman Lanza, LLP, Expands to New Office

“This moment represents more than just a new space. It’s a symbol of growth, collaboration, and the continued commitment we have to serving our clients and community,” Futterman told a packed room of attendees, including clients, supporters, and members of the Greater Smithtown Chamber of Commerce and neighboring businesses. “I want to express my gratitude to the incredible team. The dedication, hard work, and passion that everyone has made this possible and I couldn’t ask for a better group to be with. This office isn’t about just expanding physical space. It’s about expanding possibilities where innovation, integrity, and professionalism come together to create meaningful solutions.”

A representative for Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) presented the team with a New York State-issued certificate of recognition, as well as best wishes on their expansion.

Futterman Lanza, LLP, opened its doors in Smithtown on April 1, 2004, remaining there for twelve years before relocating to another East Main Street location in 2019. The current move is their most recent, to which founding partner Ronald Lanza credits the magnanimity of their long-time landlords. Their Bay Shore location opened in 2008, followed by the Garden City site in 2009.

Of the initial vision of the firm, Lanza told The Messenger, “The vision then was to learn something, get a discipline, an area of law, and only practice in that area of law and get really good at it really fast.”

Elder law consists of creating legal documents to, in Lanza’s words, “protect them from getting sick and not dying.”

“Getting terribly sick and the costs, like in a nursing home for example, are ruinous, and we can help people position their assets in a lawful way to help shelter them from those costs and protect their assets,” said Lanza. “Elder law is counseling people on how to set up their estates so that they can pass assets to their loved ones easily, without a lot of legal and court intervention, and, at the same time, in a manner that protects them from the effects of these longterm illnesses.”

The firm also provides Medicaid planning, as well as planning on facilitating

in-house health assistance in ways that do not bankrupt a client with no other alternatives.

Lanza says that, within his firm’s experience, cases between feuding family members are “few and far between.”

“More often than not, our clients are families that aren’t disagreeing on those levels. It happens here and there, but not too much.”

The firm currently employs fourteen attorneys, with another three on the way. With incoming ancillary staff members, the team membership is approaching forty employees.

Futterman Lanza, LLP, primarily deals with Nassau and Suffolk county clients. Lanza is also licensed to practice in Florida, which he says comes in handy due to the amount of snowbirds from Long Island to the Sunshine State.

To founding partner Aaron Futterman, The Messenger posed a question typically pitched to candidates for elected office: “What is your favorite quote, motto, or words to live by?”

“Work hard, do the right thing. It always comes back. That’s how this place was built,” Futterman told The Messenger. “People talk, it gets around, and that’s how - twenty-one years later - we’re in this big office.”

Futterman says that the initial “vision” didn’t necessarily include an endgame of their current state. Rather, he prioritized the “four elements.”

“Know your business, know your clients, do right by your clients, and be kind,” said Futterman. “There’s always different detours and turns, but I knew that if you did those things, the end result is good.”

However, Futterman echoed Lanza’s perspective on the core mission of their practice: expertise in a concentrated area.

“A doctor can’t be a brain surgeon, a podiatrist, and a specialist in another area; you have to pick something,” said Futterman. “We made a conscious effort to become experts at elder law and estate planning, service our clients, and do the right thing. That’s always the mantra.”

Futterman Lanza, LLP, is located at 50 Route 111, Suite 314, in Village of the Branch and can be reached at 631-868-8811.

The full team of attorneys of Futterman Lanza, LLP (Credit - Matt Meduri)

By Cait Crudden

Suffolk County Declares War on Child Sex Trafficking with Multi-Agency Plan

In the wake of the disappearance and recovery of fourteen-year-old EmmaRae Gervasi, Suffolk County officials have launched a multi-agency initiative to combat child sex trafficking. Dubbed Operation Safe and Lasting Return, this coordinated effort brings together law enforcement, social services, and non-profit organizations to prevent exploitation and ensure the safety of vulnerable children.

The tragic case of EmmaRae Gervasi, who went missing and was later found toward the end of January, has underscored the urgent need for stronger protection against child trafficking. Authorities have since arrested a twelfth suspect in connection with her disappearance and sexual assaults, highlighting the widespread and insidious nature of trafficking networks in the region. Additionally, it was revealed that EmmaRae suffered abuse at the psychiatric facility where she was housed following her rescue, further emphasizing systemic failures in protecting at-risk youth.

Suffolk County’s new initiative is spearheaded by Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina, Sheriff Errol Toulon (D) (pictured left), the Suffolk County Department of Human Services, and various social service and nonprofit agencies. The multi-pronged approach aims to enhance law enforcement efforts, improve victim support services, and increase public awareness of trafficking dangers.

Enhanced Law Enforcement Measures, under the leadership of Commissioner Catalina and Sheriff Toulon, allows law enforcement agencies to ramp up investigations into trafficking rings and implement new strategies to identify and prosecute offenders. Specialized units will receive additional training in recognizing the signs of trafficking and handling cases with sensitivity and urgency.

Strengthening Victim Support Services, the Suffolk County Department of Human Services will work closely with non-profits and child welfare organizations to provide comprehensive care for trafficking survivors. Officials are also reviewing protocols at psychiatric facilities to prevent further abuse and revictimization of rescued children.

Prevention, education Initiatives and public awareness campaigns will be launched to educate parents, teachers, and community members about the warning signs of child trafficking much like the one held by Legislator Flotteron recently.

Collaboration with Non-Profit Organizations specializing in child protection and trafficking prevention will play a crucial role in outreach efforts. These organizations will assist in identifying at-risk youth and providing long-term support for survivors.

The announcement of Operation Safe and Lasting Return has been met with strong support from local leaders and community advocates. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating child trafficking.

“What good society turns a blind eye to missing children? What good society

doesn’t go and try to protect its children?” said Romaine. “They find them through social media, exploiting them mentally. They offer drugs, fake love, sometimes clothing or things the children might not get at home. After a period of time, they turn around and say now you have to pay me back.”

Commissioner Catalina (pictured right) echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that traffickers will face severe consequences.

“When victims can’t repay, they’re told to work it off, which often means being forced into sexual exploitation.”

Sheriff Toulon highlighted the importance of the initiative.

“In my forty-three years in law enforcement, I have never seen such a collaborative effort dealing with this mission, and it is a mission that all of us need to look at and address.”

The case of EmmaRae Gervasi has served as a catalyst for action, bringing renewed attention to the growing issue of child trafficking in Suffolk County. With Operation Safe and Lasting Return now in motion, officials hope to prevent future tragedies and ensure that every child has the opportunity for a safe and secure future.

Community members are encouraged to report any suspected trafficking activities. The battle against child sex trafficking is far from over, but Suffolk County’s bold new approach signals a significant step toward justice and protection for vulnerable youth.

Amtrak Eyes Expansion to LIRR Ronkonkoma Station

By Cait Crudden

Long Island commuters and travelers may soon have a new, more convenient option for reaching major cities like Washington, D.C., and Boston without the need for a transfer at Penn Station.

Amtrak is exploring the possibility of extending its service to the Long Island Rail Road’s (LIRR) Ronkonkoma Station, a move that could significantly enhance regional transportation and provide new economic opportunities for Suffolk County.

Currently, Long Island residents looking to travel via Amtrak must take the LIRR to Penn Station and transfer to an Amtrak train, adding time and inconvenience to their journeys. Bringing direct Amtrak service to Ronkonkoma would eliminate that extra step, allowing for a seamless travel experience from Long Island to the Northeast Corridor’s major destinations. This proposal has drawn strong support from local leaders, including Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) and Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip), who see this as a game-changer for Long Island transportation.

If Amtrak service were extended to Ronkonkoma, it would further solidify the station’s status as a key transit hub. Ronkonkoma Station already serves as a crucial point on the LIRR, particularly for commuters traveling to New York City. Additionally, its proximity to Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) makes it an ideal location for expanded rail service, potentially increasing connectivity between air and rail travel in the region.

Executive Romaine expressed enthusiasm about the potential expansion.

“Ronkonkoma is going to become a transportation hub,” said Romaine. Supervisor Carpenter echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the impact on local transportation; however, the Islip Town Board voted against allocating $872,000 towards the project.

“Amtrak is working in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Administration and MTA Long Island Railroad to study the extension of Amtrak’s Northeast Regional service to Ronkonkoma,” Amtrak said in a statement. “The first step of this multi-step process, the Service Development Plan (SDP), will begin this year. Once the SDP is complete, we will have a better understanding of the feasibility costs and timeline for potential implementation.”

One of the most significant benefits of this proposal is the potential for improved transportation to and from Long Island MacArthur Airport. A direct Amtrak connection at Ronkonkoma could lead to the introduction of shuttle services between the station and the airport, making it easier for travelers to fly in and out of Long Island without needing to go through New York City.

MacArthur Airport has long been seeking ways to increase passenger volume and expand its reach. An Amtrak stop in Ronkonkoma could serve as a catalyst for more domestic and possibly even international flights in the future by making the airport more accessible to travelers from across the Northeast.

While the prospect of Amtrak service at Ronkonkoma is promising, several logistical and financial hurdles need to be addressed before it can become a reality. Key considerations include infrastructure upgrades, track capacity, and funding allocations. Additionally, coordination between Amtrak, the MTA, and local municipalities will be necessary to ensure the project moves forward efficiently.

Despite these challenges, local officials remain optimistic about the proposal’s future. Community support will also play a crucial role in advancing the project, as public demand can help prioritize funding and planning efforts.

For now, Suffolk County and Town of Islip officials continue discussions with Amtrak and transportation authorities to assess feasibility and potential timelines.

County officials declare war on child trafficking (Credit - Office of Executive Romaine)

Credit - Office of Executive Romaine

Credit - Office of Executive Romaine

By Raheem Soto

Justice 21 Years in the Making: Cold Case Murder Finally Solved

It took twenty-one years, a retired detective who wouldn’t let it go, and the latest forensic technology. Still, Justice has finally caught up with the man authorities say brutally murdered an 88-year-old widow in her own home.

Raul Ayala, now 51, has been indicted for the 2003 killing of Edna “Timmie” Schubert, a beloved North Bay Shore resident who was viciously beaten to death in what police describe as a senseless act of violence.

The break in the case came after a retired detective refused to let Schubert’s murder fade into history, pushing for a new look at old evidence. That persistence, combined with modern DNA analysis, led authorities straight to Ayala—who, at the time of the murder, lived just 200 yards from Schubert’s home.

“This indictment proves that justice has no expiration date,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney (R). “Thanks to the relentless dedication of our retired and active law enforcement officers, along with advances in forensic technology, we were able to charge this defendant for a crime that has haunted Suffolk County for over two decades.”

On December 12, 2003, Schubert’s worried neighbors went to check on her after noticing something wasn’t right. One of her windows was shattered, and her front door was ajar.

What they found inside was horrific.

Schubert, who had lived alone since her husband passed, had been beaten to death in her bedroom. There was no doubt it was a targeted attack. Still, despite extensive efforts from the Suffolk County Police Department, the case eventually went cold.

For years, Schubert’s friends and neighbors were left with more questions than answers. Who could do this to a kind, elderly woman? Why had she been targeted? Would her killer ever be found?

While many had moved on, retired Suffolk County Detective Pasquale Albergo never stopped thinking about the case.

In 2023, two decades after the crime, Albergo made a call that changed everything. He contacted the Suffolk County Homicide Section and asked a simple question:

“Can we take another look at the evidence?”

That was all it took to reignite the investigation.

Homicide Detective Brendan O’Hara took over the case, teaming up with retired fingerprint expert Timothy Kelly. Together, they re-examined fingerprints taken from the crime scene— prints that had gone unlinked for years.

This time, they found their match: Raul Ayala, then a neighbor who lived around the corner from Schubert.

Now that Ayala was on their radar, detectives went even further.

Investigators revisited previously untested blood evidence found on Schubert’s pantyhose and white long-sleeved shirt. The advanced DNA testing revealed something new—a mixture of Schubert’s blood and DNA from an unknown male. D.A. Tierney shared that Schubert’s cause of death was “blunt force trauma,” but not after “extensive facial fractures, as well fractures to her sternum, ribs, thyroid bone, and thyroid cartilage.”

Police had a strong suspicion of who that unknown male was.

With Ayala, in their sights, authorities began digging into his past. They discovered that after Schubert’s murder, Ayala had left Long Island and moved to Talmo, Georgia.

In August 2024, members of the Suffolk County Police Department traveled to Georgia to track Ayala and collect fresh DNA evidence— without tipping him off.

It didn’t take long.

Detectives watched as Ayala casually tossed out a few items, scratchoff tickets, and plastic bottles. That trash, which meant nothing to him, was about to seal his fate.

The discarded items were rushed back to New York for forensic analysis. And when the results came in, there was no doubt—the DNA from one of the bottles matched the DNA found on Schubert’s clothing.

With irrefutable evidence in hand, police moved in on Ayala.

On January 16, 2025, Ayala was arrested in Georgia with help from local law enforcement. After two decades of living free, he was taken into custody and extradited back to Suffolk County.

On February 7, 2025, Ayala stood before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz for his arraignment. He has been charged with Murder in the First Degree (a Class A felony) and two counts of Murder in the Second Degree (both Class A felonies).

Given the heinous nature of the crime, Judge Horowitz denied bail, ensuring that Ayala remains behind bars as he awaits trial.

If convicted, he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina made it clear— this case sends a message.

“Let this case serve as evidence that no matter how much time passes, we will never stop working for victims,” Catalina said. “Decades after Edna Schubert was senselessly murdered, her perpetrator was finally identified and arrested due to the unrelenting efforts of Homicide Squad detectives.”

Schubert’s friends, neighbors, and the entire North Bay Shore community can now find some closure, knowing that the man accused of killing her will finally answer for his crime.

And as for those who think time will let them get away with murder?

This case proves otherwise. Justice doesn’t forget.

The U.S. is Not at ATM

During his inauguration speech to kick off his unprecedented second term, President Donald Trump (R-FL) declared a new “golden age” for the country.

While the “golden age” promises will take time to materialize, what is certain as of now that the political/campaign playbook has been rewritten and the U.S. is certainly heading into unprecedented territory, namely by virtue of Trump’s Herculean task of slashing federal waste, fraud, and abuse and appointing perhaps the most fascinating Cabinet in modern history.

But the U.S. and the rest of the world are grappling, and will essentially be forced to grapple, with a new mantra that will likely transcend domestic politics and international relations themselves:

The U.S. is not an ATM.

Trump received scrutiny on the campaign trail for his threats of tariffs, not only against adversarial entities, but even some of our strongest allies. Such scrutiny intensified almost immediately after Trump was sworn in and carried out his campaign pledges exactly as he had been posting all election season.

No other country is quite like the U.S., not only in terms of what we provide the world - for better or for worse - but also in terms of who we are as a people, historically and present-day. The American people are resilient, tenacious, and intrinsically libertarian, which is why the modern populist movement has been so successful, owing not only to Trump, but others like Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Those diametrically opposed in almost every ideology, they both understand a truth that is seemingly more universal now than it ever has been: Washington is broken.

But such a statement cannot be taken seriously if actions thereafter are not taken.

“How could Trump do this to our allies?” claim many in mainstream media. A better question would be, “how can our allies do this to us?”

While the U.S. has a host of venerable allies across the globe, it’s becoming more and more clear - especially in the wake of the exposure of disgusting abuse of taxpayer funds at the hands of USAID - that the U.S. has been the “nice guy” for too long.

There’s nothing wrong with being the “nice guy,” but it certainly doesn’t pay. The bottom line shouldn’t always be the driving force behind projects and politics, but when it comes to running a government as gargantuan as ours, both domestically and abroad, it’s not a bad concept to keep in mind.

Trump has made a very simple ultimatum to our allies: pony up the money you owe us, or compensate us otherwise.

Many slam Trump’s “transactional” nature, but it’s only new to the federal government in recent years. The “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” model isn’t necessarily flawed in and of itself. If it’s fine on a local bartering level, why can’t it be applied on a much larger scale?

The reality is, many countries, even our allies, had a “friend” instead of a “parent” in the U.S. government. This isn’t to say the U.S. should be the “world’s policeman,” but in some respects, we have to be, primarily through leading by example.

We all had that one friend growing up whose parents treated them like a friend instead of a child. At first glance, it seemed liberating or even “cool” to have such lax parents, only for us to realize as we age that a true parent is far more invaluable than one who simply wants to be a friend.

And when Trump got re-elected, many countries, especially American adversaries, quickly lined up. This is typical of an administration turnover, but we find that the response to Trump’s win clearly surmounts that of conventional political wisdom.

Immediately after Trump’s historic comeback, it seemed as if mom couldn’t keep the kids in order, but dad’s car had just pulled in the driveway. Suddenly, everyone wanted to behave.

At the same time, we uphold the principle that “to whom much is given, much is required.” We’re not above rendering aid to the world, especially

to our allies who don’t have the sphere of affluence we have, but symbiotic relationships aren’t above anyone, we find.

That said, the world needs to look at the U.S., not as an ATM - substantiated by the bottomless pit that is the taxpayers’ checkbook - but as a nation of values, steadfastness, and deliberation. Teddy Roosevelt’s “walk softly and carry a big stick” dogma applies here. Allowing the entity at the other side of the negotiating table to “save face” is a tenet of the Roosevelt doctrine, a value we’ve already seen Trump uphold regarding trade relationships with North American neighbors.

Moreover, the “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine couldn’t have come at a better time. Letting the East play in the East and the West play in the West, in terms of values and economics, is a way to restore some forms of global economic balance. As an isolationist at his core, Trump isn’t beyond force when necessary, another virtue emblematic of the Roosevelt aphorism.

At the same time, the U.S. being viewed as an ATM applies to immigration and, more importantly, how the rest of the world views the U.S. in that regard.

Firstly, no one has any “right” to enter any country, regardless of origin or destination. No other country tolerates the lax and loophole-prone immigration laws that were instituted by Congress in the 1980s. The buck has been passed endlessly since then. The left romanticizes Scandinavia for many values, which isn’t all incorrect, but those nations’ immigration laws couldn’t be more apples-to-oranges compared to the U.S. Such countries, like Denmark, require language proficiency tests, a work history, no criminal record, no indebtedness to the state, and no certain forms of social assistance reception for at least two years.

Sweden, while it maintains birthright citizenship, stipulates that at least one parent must be a Swedish citizen.

That said, no other country will take immigrants with no work history or skillsets. This is a facet of our system that should not be relinquished, as the U.S. should remain a prime beacon of opportunity.

But generosity should not be limitless, nor should such generosity be levied in the face of such blatant abuse, either at the hands of the system, or individual bad actors. For years, the values, culture, and citizenry of the U.S. have played second fiddle to economic opportunity. It’s understandable why economics is such a compelling facet of our nation, but there’s so much more to any country than just making money. That concept has been lost on the world who view the U.S. as a means to an end and who demand American citizenship as a “right.”

In light of foreign assistance, relationships with allies and adversaries alike, and the image of the U.S. as a site of opportunity, the world should be prepared for a consciously generous United States, one that will not be treated like an ATM, and one that does walk softly and carry a big stick.

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

By Senator Mario R. Mattera

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Albany Democrats have once again shown that their priority is clinging to power, not serving the people of New York. Whether it’s their latest failed backroom scheme to rig our democracy or their disastrous sanctuary state policies that have left our communities paying the price, the reality is clear— one-party rule in New York is failing us all.

The Albany Democrats’ Disgraceful Attempt to Silence Voters

Recently, Albany Democrats attempted to push through a corrupt, backroom bill designed to silence the voices of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers.

Their goal?

To manipulate the system in their favor, ensure their political survival, and block any challenge to their radical agenda. They don’t care about fairness, they don’t care about representation, and they certainly don’t care about the voters.

This bill was nothing more than an anti-democratic power grab. It was an attempt to change the rules mid-game because they know their policies have made life worse for New Yorkers. With crime skyrocketing, costs out of control, and illegal immigration overwhelming our communities, they feared a reckoning at the ballot box. So, instead of fixing the mess they’ve created, they tried to rig the system.

But they failed. Their disgraceful scheme was exposed, and thanks to Republican opposition, their power grab has been halted—for now. Let me be clear: just because they failed this time doesn’t mean they won’t try again. This is a warning to every New Yorker—Albany Democrats will do anything to keep their grip on power, even if it means trampling our democracy in the process.

We will remain vigilant. Senate Republicans will continue to stand up for the people of New York, fight back against these disgraceful attacks, and put the needs of working-class families first.

The Catastrophic Cost of New York’s Sanctuary State Policies

While Albany Democrats work to consolidate their own power, their failed

The Mattera Report: The Democrats’ Failure to Govern Effectively Congress Should Approve DOGE

By Steve Levy | Long Island Life and Politics

Many Americans who have longed for a watchdog to slice through all of the immense wasteful spending in the federal government have been excited about the concept of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) headed by Elon Musk. There is so much waste out there, and so much potential to save billions of dollars.

Musk is a good choice because he has valuable experience in creating lean private sector companies that have been run very efficiently. A prime example is his having taken over Twitter and finding that 80% of the workers there were not contributing at all to the company’s mission. They were let go, and the company is running as efficiently, if not more, than before.

That kind of common sense is desperately needed in the federal government. The left is going apoplectic over the Musk appointment in part because they don’t want anyone uncovering the fact that they have been spending like drunken sailors, including all kinds of crazy, radical and wasteful programs into omnibus bills such as Build Back Better and the socalled Inflation Reduction Act.

They also hate Musk because he purchased Twitter and exposed their obvious bias against conservative posters. He leveled the playing field and the left just can’t stand it.

They’re also furious that he sided with Trump in this last election. But let’s

This is NOT ‘Resistance

By Jennifer Dzvonar

Corner’

As stated in our NYS charter, the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) organization, composed of local businesses. It is not by design nor practice, one that supports politicians or engages in political demonstrations. The antique train car, near the corner of NYS Route 112 and 347, is the private property of PJS/T CoC as is the surrounding land, flagpole, and Legacy patio. The 100-year-old car serves as the CoC office. It and the property, intended solely for use for CoC sponsored events, is diligently maintained by the all-volunteer board. Despite the Town Park sign having utilized our old corner marquee to rename the park behind the train car, the public park is marked by the paddock fencing.

Last week’s cover and page A3 of The Times Beacon Record Newspaper showed trespassers with a megaphone and signs standing on the train car decking and patio. This letter is intended to clarify: the train car and its surrounding property is private space and the PJS/T CoC has given no public

policies are wreaking havoc on our state. Nowhere is this more evident than in their disastrous sanctuary state policies, which have turned New York into a magnet for illegal immigration and left hardworking taxpayers footing the bill. Suffolk County is now facing the devastating financial consequences of these reckless policies. A federal court ruling may force the county to pay millions of dollars in damages—possibly upwards of $60 million—simply because county leaders tried to assist federal immigration enforcement. This is absurd. Our county was punished for doing the right thing—helping to enforce the law— while Albany Democrats continue to enable illegal immigration at every turn. This crisis is overwhelming our communities. Even Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, has admitted that New York City is bursting at the seams and cannot handle the influx of illegal migrants. Yet, instead of addressing the issue, Governor Hochul (D) and the Democratic majority in Albany refuse to act. Executive Order 170, signed by Governor Cuomo (D) in 2017, made New York a sanctuary state and sent a clear message to the world: illegal immigration will be tolerated, even at the expense of New Yorkers.

Enough is enough. We are calling on Governor Hochul to immediately rescind Executive Order 170 and put an end to this madness. The taxpayers of Suffolk County—and all of New York—should not be forced to bear the cost of failed immigration policies. Our state must follow the law, not encourage its violation.

The people of New York deserve a government that works for them—not one that silences their voices and forces them to pay for the reckless policies of radical politicians. I will continue to fight against these failures, stand up for hardworking families, and demand accountability from those in power.

Senate Republicans are here to restore common sense and put you, the people, first.

Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) has represented the Second District in the New York State Senate since 2021. The Second District contains the entire townships of Smithtown and Huntington.

be clear: he was a Democrat-voting billionaire for years. It’s only when the party went so woke and crazy and suppressing so much speech that he felt he had to switch lanes to protect the future of free dialogue.

They claim Musk has conflicts, but it’s not clear what they are referring to. If he has a government contract, he would simply abstain on anything in that lane. And really, does anyone believe that this guy worth hundreds of billions of dollars is putting himself on the line like this to eke out another billion or two? That’s chump change to Musk.

With all that said, it is important that Musk and this agency get congressional approval.

Conservatives rightly railed against Joe Biden (D-DE) having appointed John Kerry (D-MA) as a climate czar. He was given resources on a departmental level yet reported to no one in Congress. It was wrong for Kerry, and it shouldn’t be that way for Musk either.

We strongly support DOGE and Musk’s involvement, but we believe that Trump should put his agency through Congress and allow for proper oversight. Then let’s go get onto the job of cutting out all this waste and abuse.

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

individual or group permission to use it. The Chamber liability insurance does not cover trespassers either. I ask you and your readership to help spread the word.

Jennifer Dzvonar serves as President of the Port Jefferson StationTerryville (PJST) Chamber of Commerce. The chamber can be reached at pjstchamber@gmail.com.

CreditJennifer Dzvonar

8 County News

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Continued from front cover

Hochul Visits ISP for $150M Airport Investment

Hochul was introduced by Kevin Law, Executive Vice President and Partner with TRITEC Real Estate, as well as the governor’s pick to serve as chairman of Empire State Development, New York’s primary business-aid agency. Law also served as a co-chair of Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine’s (R-Center Moriches) transition team, along with Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip).

Law praised the leadership of Supervisor Carpenter and Executive Romaine, as well as that of Governor Hochul.

“And I’ve seen work that the governor has initiated and completed,” said Law, discussing Buffalo’s status as the “hottest real estate market” in the state, Central New York’s expected economic booster shot from semiconductor manufacturing, the Capital Region’s status as a national nanotechnology center, increased housing stock in New York City, and her commitments to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Stony Brook Hospital, and the Sunrise Wind Project on the South Fork.

referencing her parents’ emigration from Ireland who took up work in South Dakota and Chicago before eventually settling in the “promised land” of Buffalo, mainly for its steel industry. She compared the job exodus and subsequent hollowing out of Buffalo to when Northrop Grumman left Long Island in 1996 following the companies’ merger.

“Governor Hochul not only understands our region, she understands the communities, the towns, the villages, and the hamlets within our region. She understands our economy, she’s been a tremendous cheerleader and a supporter of all of our collective efforts,” said Law.

A slate of elected officials were present at Wednesday’s announcement, including Supervisor Carpenter, Executive Romaine, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches), Smithtown Councilman Tom Lohmann (R-Smithtown), Islip Town Councilmen John Lorenzo (C-West Sayville), Jorge Guadron (D-Central Islip), and Mike McElwee (R-West Islip), Islip Town Clerk Linda Vavricka (R-West Islip), Brookhaven Councilman Neil Foley (R-Blue Point), and several members of the Suffolk County Legislature.

Labor leaders were also present, including Terry Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI; Dorothy Roberts, President of the Long Island Hospitality Association; Marc Herbst, Executive Director of the Long Island Contractors Association; and ISP Airport Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken.

Present also was Chris Coluccio, Co-President of the MacArthur Business Alliance, who conferred to The Messenger ISP’s economic breadth: ten thousand businesses and nonprofits within just a five-mile radius around the airport.

“Long Island is one the most unique, diverse places in our entire state in terms of the natural beauty,” said Hochul. “But also, the charming little villages and hamlets that dot the communities and really give them their charm and personality.”

Hochul credits her understanding of municipal issues to her fourteen years of experience in local government in Erie County (Buffalo).

Regarding transit, Hochul touted the latest LIRR schedule performance; it’s had the best on-time performance in two hundred years, along with increased ridership.

“MacArthur Airport has come a long, long way since 1942 and was first built as a military installation. I could not have been prouder when I saw that USA Today named it, not just in the top-ten, but the third-best small airport in America [in 2024],” said Hochul, adding that the airport gives easy access to Long Island’s most valuable assets, such as the Gold Coast, the Hamptons, the wineries, and the farmers’ markets, the last of which she said are “second-to-none.”

Under Hochul, the State invested $40 million in ISP. She and the State now intend to build on that investment, in the form of a pedestrian walkway from the Ronkonkoma LIRR Station to the existing terminal. The funding is also allocated for road redesigns, parking facilities, and utility systems.

Additionally, the investment paves the way for Suffolk County and Islip Town to unlock forty-eight acres of land for the potential development of a north terminal. The Town Board adopted a study of the plan, and Supervisor Carpenter says it’s the “preferred” location of a new terminal, one that would be directly adjacent to the LIRR Ronkonkoma Station. While no formal plan has been adopted, discussions have included that the north terminal house domestic flights, while the existing south terminal house international flights. Such a plan could also be a part of the proposed Midway Crossing, which contains plans for a convention/conference center and a hotel near the airport.

“Land is priceless, especially out here, but you can use that for all the ideas that you have. I’m not here to tell you what to do with this; I’m here to support your vision,” Hochul told local officials.

It is the hope of the governor and local officials that the redevelopment of the area not only become a transit hub for out-of-state tourism and intra-state travel, but that the far reaches of Long Island can become more interconnected to a highly reputable airport and New York City.

But Hochul offered a compelling background for her vision of revitalization that is shared by local officials.

“What happens to the community psychology when the jobs leave?” said Hochul,

“You lose your sense of identity for a long time. Anything I can do to create jobs, I am there,” said Hochul, adding that, under her tenure, 50,000 new private-sector jobs have been created along with the formation of 47,000 new businesses in 2023 alone. She detailed the list of incentives for municipalities to revitalize, such as access to a $650 million discretionary fund for downtown revitalizations and wastewater infrastructure. Hochul also touted her plan to return a $3 billion surplus to New Yorkers via inflation rebate checks in the amount of $500 to joint filers making $300,000 or less annually, and $300 to single filers earning $150,000 or less.

“How are we losing out on the most beautiful place in the world to live because we didn’t have the ambition, the courage to build housing?”

Hochul also spoke highly of her friend and colleague in Executive Romaine.

“Ed Romaine has made sure I feel welcome [in Suffolk County]. It makes a difference in where we’re [the State] going to help. This is not about scoring political points; it’s about working for the people,” said Hochul.

“Elected officials have a special obligation that once they take office, to work together for the common good. I appreciate the government’s investment in Suffolk County,” said Romaine. “We want to create good-paying jobs that help make our community proud. We want to thank you for your visit. I look forward to working with you.”

“With this investment, we are laying the foundation for long-term economic growth, bringing in the kind of high-quality jobs and creating new opportunities for our young professionals to make sure that they stay here,” remarked Supervisor Carpenter.

“I thank the governor for her investment in the infrastructure surrounding the Ronkonkoma Station and the Long Island Metro Area,” Councilman Lorenzo, whose district contains ISP, told The Messenger. “We believe this investment goes hand-in-hand with the County and the Town’s continued investment to provide for the economic development of his important area of Islip. I look forward to working closely with the State, County, and the Town Board to properly develop this area for the future and ensure that we have the proper infrastructure surrounding it.”

“The LIRR is the largest commuter railroad in the nation, the longest, the oldest, and the most invested, and the most used, and with a 95 or 98% on-time rate; you can’t beat that. But it’s up to us to make sure we have the amenities, the upgrades, and the extensions necessary to make that [increased use and connectivity] happen,” Hochul told local media after the press conference.

Hochul also commented that she thinks it’s a “good idea” to have a connection between two terminals, should the north terminal be constructed at a later date. She called the area an “economic engine” that has been aided especially with JetBlue’s recently-added routes to and from ISP.

Off-topic questions were allowed, to which Hochul responded that she is monitoring the avian flu epidemic that forced the culling of almost 100,000 ducks at Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue last month, adding that animals can eventually be reintroduced, but only after the site has been sanitized.

“We have to be proactive and not wait until we’re in a crisis situation,” said Hochul.

The Messenger asked Governor Hochul about the status of her conversations with President Donald Trump (R-FL) regarding congestion pricing. Trump has suggested he could cut the program through the Federal Department of Transportation, but Hochul’s demands are that the federal government pony up the estimated $15 billion in lost revenue.

“No updates at the time, but this is really important to Long Islanders,” Hochul told The Messenger. “It is an old system; I want to make it better.”

Hochul added that while she has numerous friends who have remarked on the shorter ride times into the city due to the congestion pricing, she “doesn’t measure success by anecdotes.”

“I’m going to convey to the President at the right time that this is actually better than people anticipated in terms of reducing commuter traffic in, quality of life in that region, and businesses are not affected. People are actually moving around quicker. Cab drivers are saying they can have more fares because they’re able to move people and drop them off more quickly. Bus lateness is down 20%.”

“He [Trump] knows New York City. He understands what congestion can do to paralyze and cause illnesses,” said Hochul. “So, a lot of people are saying, ‘if you’re willing to pay this price, you get that precious time back in the days.’”

Governor Hochul, Supervisor Carpenter, Executive Romaine, and members of the Islip Town Board (Credit - Matt Meduri)

National, State, and Local Temperature Checks

By Matt Meduri

One of President Donald Trump’s (R-FL) most contentious Cabinet picks was confirmed Wednesday morning.

Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (R-HI) was confirmed as the eighth Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard, among Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (I-CA) for Health and Human Services (HHS) and Kash Patel (R-NV) to lead the FBI, has been one of Trump’s most unique and controversial nominees on Capitol Hill.

Gabbard was confirmed in a 52-48 vote, earning the support of every Republican except former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). No Democrats voted to support her.

A large part of the Senate’s scrutiny of Gabbard is her staunch defense of Edward Snowden, an NSA contractor who released classified information in 2013 pertaining to the United States’ global surveillance programs. The revelations sparked massive debates over the fine line between national security and personal privacy.

Snowden was charged with two counts of violating the Espionage Act in 1917 and theft of government property. His passport was revoked thereafter and he was restricted to Russia’s Moscow International Airport for over a month. He was later granted asylum by Russia; he was granted Russian citizenship in 2022 by President Vladimir Putin.

Calls to formally pardon Snowden have not dissipated over the years and have reached a relative fever pitch in light of Trump’s crusade for government transparency.

Gabbard has also been criticized for her comments on recently-exiled Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. In 2019, she claimed Assad is “not an enemy of the United Stations because Syria does not pose a direct threat to the United States.” In a separate later interview, she called Assad a “brutal dictator.”

State

Albany Democrats’ attempt to change the state’s election laws to possibly delay a special election has been defeated.

The move from the Assembly’s top Democrat, Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx), comes off former Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s (R, NY-21) (pictured below left) nomination by President Trump to serve as his Ambassador to the United Nations. While Stefanik has not yet resigned the seat, she has already given a de facto “farewell tour” and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted to advance her nomination to the full Senate in a 19-3 vote on January 30. Seven of the ten Democrats on the committee voted to advance her nomination, further indicating that Stefanik’s nomination is not one of the contentious Trump picks. Democrats ultimately decided to kill the bill in committee on Monday, mostly at the behest of Governor Hochul. New York’s current special election laws stand and the special election to fill the soon-to-be-vacant North Country seat will likely be held in the spring.

Gabbard began her career in politics as a Democrat in 2002 in the Hawaii State House, later serving a term in the Honolulu City Council. In 2013, she was elected to represent HI-02 in the U.S. House, during which she served a three-year stint as the vice chair of the Democratic National Committee. Gabbard served in the House until 2021, when she ran for president in the Democratic primaries. Here, her opposition to some of the more “establishment” values of her party became apparent. She became an Independent in 2022.

She became perhaps the most surprising Trump surrogate in his 2024 campaign, appearing alongside him at rallies, including at Madison Square Garden. Gabbard registered as a Republican last year.

Gabbard also served in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel serving in the 440th Civil Affairs Battalion in the Iraq War. She received multiple commendations, including a Meritorious Service Medal.

Born in American Samoa, Gabbard became the first highest-ranking Pacific Islander American government official.

Meanwhile, the nomination for RFK, Jr. is underway, with Wednesday afternoon bringing the penultimate step in the process.

In a 53-47 party-line vote, the U.S. Senate passed a cloture vote - one to end immediate debate - and advance his nomination to the full Senate. The final vote that could confirm or deny his Cabinet position is scheduled for Thursday, February 12.

RFK earned the support of some Republicans who seemed ambivalent towards his nomination, including Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

Speaker Heastie filed a bill to amend New York’s public officers law relating to filling vacancies in elected offices. The legislative intent of the bill begins with the Legislature finding that New York’s special election laws “place undue financial and operational burdens on local boards of elections and exacerbates voter confusion and fatigue by asking voters to frequently participate in elections throughout the year, thus resulting in lower voter turnout and decreased participation in the electoral process.”

The bill further stipulates that local elections must comply with state and federal requirements under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), which includes poll worker training to “ensure elections remain inclusive and accessible to voters.” Furthermore, Heastie found that the “unpredictability of holding multiple elections throughout the year may leave local boards unable to fiscally plan for such unexpected expenses,” since counties generally have months of preparation ahead of elections.

Regarding voter fatigue, Heastie finds that multiple elections per year results in a “confusing and challenging” process that results in lower turnout and an electorate that is overall less representative of the people.

“This is particularly true in congressional elections, which may encompass multiple counties and involve several boards of elections.”

The bill would have changed the law to require the governor to declare a special election date fifteen days after a vacancy occurs; current law mandates such a declaration ten days after a vacancy arises. However, if a vacancy occurs in the same calendar year as a general election date, between forty and one hundred days from the proclamation of vacancy, the governor would be allowed to schedule the special election on the same day as a general election.

NY-21 is a safe Republican seat, with Stefanik having won each election since her first in 2014 with no less than 55% of the vote. Her 2024 margin resulted in a lopsided 62%38% victory.

“Assembly Bill A.4881, which changes the time frame in which Gov. Hochul can schedule special elections for Senate, Assembly, and congressional seats, could have delayed the upcoming special election and deprived nearly 800,000 New Yorkers in the North Country the representation in Congress they deserve for possibly up to nine months,” said Assemblyman Keith Brown (R-Northport) in a statement. “This would have been a complete eclipse of democracy and betrayal of public trust, disenfranchising countless voters who put their faith in elected leaders to make decisions in their best interest.”

“We will not stand for this blatant lack of respect for voters in our state. Albany Republicans will continue to fight back against proposals like this one to maintain fairness in New York State’s electoral process,” Brown added.

Brown’s comments were echoed by Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R-Medford), who said in a statement, “The decision to reject this delay is a positive step for New Yorkers. It’s a victory for the people of the TwentyFirst District, who deserve immediate representation in Washington on the issues that impact their everyday lives.”

It is unclear if Democrats plan to pick up the bill again in the immediate future.

Local

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) and the Department of Health Services have announced a Diabetes Prevention Program available to residents.

The department invites those at risk of developing Type-2 Diabetes to participate in the program, which is based on the National Diabetes Prevention Program. The national program advocates for moderate behavioral changes, healthy eating, and physical activity.

“We want our residents to be healthy and live fulfilling lives,” said Romaine in a statement. “We encourage all adult residents to take a one-minute risk survey to learn if they are at risk for prediabetes. Through educational programming and preventative measures, we are here to help you reduce your risk.”

The move by Democrats was especially contentious considering Republicans are working with a bareminimum 218-seat majority. Stefanik’s resignation with the possibility of a special election delay would have cost Republicans a valuable seat as they attempt to pass Trump’s agenda, while North Country residents would have gone nearly a year without a representative.

Republicans slammed the move as a political stunt to deny House Republicans a full quorum in Washington.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 98 million Americans - more than one in three - are at risk for diabetes. The CDC has given the Suffolk program a “full plus” recognition. To date, 440 Suffolk residents have successfully completed the program.

“Diabetes puts the body at risk for many serious health conditions,” said Dr. Gregson Pigott, Suffolk County Health Commissioner. “The good news is that moderate changes in lifestyle can help restore blood sugar to normal levels and result in significant health benefits.”

Suffolk residents are encouraged to take the oneminute risk test at https://doihaveprediabetes.org/ Additionally, seminars are being held to inform the public. Upcoming dates are:

Monday, February 24, 6:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at the Smithtown Public Library in Nesconset; Wednesday, March 12, 12:00p.m. to 1:00p.m. at the Brookhaven Free Library, 273 Beaver Dam Road, Brookhaven; Wednesday, March 19, 12:00p.m. to 1:00p.m. at the Center Moriches Public Library; Friday, March 28, 1:00p.m. to 2:00p.m. at the Patchogue-Medford Library.

Emma Delia

July 19, 1930 – February 10, 2025

It is with profound sadness that the family of Emma Delia announces her passing on Monday, February 10, 2025, at the age of 94 in Smithtown, New York.

Born on July 19, 1930, in Queens, New York, to Margaret and Hugo Ghiringhelli, Emma was the beloved sister to a family of four brothers. She graduated from Newfield High School and later began working at Con Edison, where she met her beloved husband, Pat J. Delia. They were married on July 25, 1954, and were married for over seventy years. They initially settled in Huntington Station. As their family grew, they relocated to Smithtown, where Emma would reside in a home she loved for sixty-two years.

Emma dedicated over thirty years working in the Smithtown School District, including Smithtown High School East, where her compassion, warmth, and loving spirit touched countless lives of students. A gifted painter, she drew inspiration from the calming beauty of nature, most notably the shore and forest trails where she loved to walk with her dogs, Dotsy and Dolly, and her

children. Emma also sang in the choir at Saint Patrick’s in Smithtown, passing on a profound love of music to her children and grandchildren.

Her greatest joy by far was being surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband Pat J. Delia, children Karen Cotten (Robert), Michael (Jonathan Cleveland), Pat Delia, and son-in-law Chuck Curiano. She has five incredible grandchildren, Jennifer, David, Matthew, Benjamin, and Emma; and two great-grandchildren, Avery and Ayla. She is preceded in death by her beautiful daughters Joette Curiano, Lori Kanestrin, and daughter-in-law Victoria Delia.

Admired for her grace, gentle spirit and steadfast faith, Emma was known to never utter a harsh word about anyone or anything.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her. The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of

love and support during this difficult time. A wake will be held on Wednesday, February 19 between 2:00p.m to 4:00p.m. and 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. at Branch Funeral Home, 190 East Main Street in Smithtown.

Funeral services will take place on Thursday, February 20 at 9:45a.m. at Saint Patrick’s Church, 280 East Main Street in Smithtown.

Interment will take place on Thursday, February 20 at 11:15a.m. at Smithtown Cemetery, 64 North Country Road in Smithtown.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to the Joette P. Delia Curiano Scholarship in memory of Emma’s generous and nurturing spirit. The scholarship can be visited at https://www.cfgcr.org/securedonations/curiano/, or by scanning this QR Code at below right:

Suffolk County Bus Riders Left in the Cold—and Looking for Answers

By Raheem Soto

For many Suffolk County residents, public transit isn’t a choice, it’s a necessity. But with dozens of bus shelters removed in recent years, commuters are finding themselves waiting in the cold, rain, and snow with no protection.

Officials say the shelters were taken down due to repeated vandalism. Still, with winter in full swing, riders are asking when—or if—they’ll be replaced.

The removal of the shelters has been a source of frustration for daily commuters like Latoya Bazmore of Mastic, particularly during the colder months.

“It’s hard enough waiting for the bus in freezing weather, but without shelters, it’s even worse,” she said. “A little protection from the wind and snow makes a big difference.”

Bazmore has even seen firsthand how dangerous the lack of shelters can be.

“I saw a man fall on ice last week while waiting for the bus, and a woman with asthma was struggling to breathe in the freezing air,” she said. “We need these shelters back, especially for those with medical conditions or older people who can’t stand for long periods.”

In 2021, officials decided to remove damaged bus shelters after a string of vandalism incidents, including eighteen shelters along Nesconset Highway and Portion Road being hit by projectiles, possibly from pellet guns.

While safety and maintenance costs were key factors, the move left many commuters without a place to seek shelter while waiting for their buses.

The county has invested in modernizing public

transit, focusing on low-emission buses and service improvements. Still, riders say they’d also like to see bus shelter replacements prioritized.

“We understand vandalism is a problem, but there have to be solutions that don’t leave riders exposed to the elements,” Bazemore said.

Some ideas residents have suggested include:

Vandal-Resistant Shelters - Using materials that are harder to damage while keeping costs manageable.

Improved Lighting and Security - Adding better lighting or security cameras to deter vandalism.

Clear communication from Officials – Keeping the public informed on plans and timelines for replacements.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) has acknowledged residents’ concerns and emphasized that public transportation remains a priority. While no official timeline has been announced, officials say they are looking at costeffective, long-term solutions to address the issue.

For riders like Bazmore, the need for progress is urgent.

“I just want to know if there’s a plan,” she said. “Nobody’s expecting overnight fixes, but we need to know help is on the way.”

While public safety and infrastructure costs are important considerations, so is ensuring that riders have basic protections.

As Suffolk County looks ahead, finding a way to balance security, cost, and accessibility will be key— and commuters are hoping their voices are heard in the process.

Latoya Bazmore stands at an unsheltered bus stop in Mastic.

The Future is Bright

Have you ever gone to a park in the summer and thought, “I wish I had brought my sunscreen?” Some Smithtown High School West seniors are trying to make sure that issue will be resolved in the future.

Brianna Frayler, Ava Thomas, Isabella DiClemente, Samantha Becker, and Emma Risolo recently met with Smithtown Town council members to propose sunscreen dispensers at local beaches and parks.

The proposal is the Civic Capstone Project that the students need to complete to earn the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness.

Comfort and Cuddles at Smithtown Animal Shelter

Dogs, cats, bunnies, and other furry friends at the Smithtown Animal Shelter have some cozy new blankets to sleep in, thanks to students at Great Hollow Middle School.

Sixth and seventh graders worked together to make sixteen large blankets (and one small blanket for the bunny) in the Makerspace during their lunch periods to donate to the shelter.

Hauppauge H.S. Performers Inspire Middle Schoolers with Theater & Dance Showcase

Hauppauge High School’s theater and dance students recently visited Hauppauge Middle School for a special showcase performance, providing a glimpse into the performing arts opportunities available at the high school.

The high school musical theater students wowed the audience of middle schoolers with songs from popular productions, including “Pippin,” “Mamma Mia,” and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Additionally, dancers from the Dance I, II, and IB Dance classes performed dynamic routines in styles ranging from hip hop to jazz.

The event allowed middle school students to get a sneak peek at the variety of artistic opportunities awaiting them in high school.

Mt. Pleasant Students Learn About Black History Month

Smithtown’s Mt. Pleasant Elementary School students are celebrating Black History Month by researching and honoring the contributions, accomplishments, and lives that African Americans have made throughout history, and how they have helped shape the nation.

Fifth graders are making a collaborative quilt which will feature influential African Americans.

Learning About Black History Month at Dogwood Elementary

Second grade classes at Dogwood Elementary worked together to create a beautiful mural celebrating Black History Month.

Each class read a biography of three important historical figures —Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, and Thurgood Marshall. The students identified character traits that made each person unique and discussed why they are important figures in history and today.

Each student colored one square and then the mural was put together.

As second grade teacher Mrs. Aversano said, "This metaphorically represents how students can contribute in a small way that can lead to a larger goal."

The Necessary Standard for American Education

2024 Election Autopsy, Part V: The South

By Matt Meduri

Continuing our in-depth look at the 2024 results, we’ll look at a region of the country where some dramatic swings took place, but flew under the radar compared to the bigger stories of the night. Overall, the South remains something of a political mixed bag. Once heavily Republican - after generations of being solidly Democratic - the South is showing some signs of competition, namely in the Sun Belt states of Georgia and North Carolina. Other states, like Florida, for instance, appear to be moving off the competitive table at a rapid pace.

Alabama

Trump’s 30.5% win in the Yellowhammer State marks the largest margin for a Republican since Richard Nixon’s (R-CA) 1972 landslide. Having last backed a Democrat in 1976, Alabama did have some close calls in the 1990s and early 2000s. Trump swung all sixty-seven of Alabama’s counties rightward this election and narrowly flipped majority-black Marengo County, becoming the first Republican to carry it since 2004. Marengo is located in the “Black Belt,” a swath of majority-black counties across the central part of the state that is also intensely Democratic. Trump made gains of five-to-ten points in nearly all of them.

Arkansas

Trump’s 30.64% margin in Arkansas is the largest margin for any candidate since Nixon’s sweep of the state in 1972, even surpassing native son Bill Clinton’s (D-AR) margins there in the 1990s. Trump also flipped Desha County, becoming the first Republican since Nixon to do so. Even Nixon’s win of the county was rare, as Desha last backed a Republican then in 1888. The win is significant, as Desha - with a population of about 11,000 - is 47% black. Although Trump didn’t make the national inroads with black voters as many had estimated, shifts like Desha County are emblematic of a slow-and-steady method possibly working out.

Florida

Outside the seven swing states, Florida was - and isundoubtedly the most fascinating case study from the 2024 results.

At the beginning of the century, Florida was a must-win swing state regularly decided by razor-thin margins. It gave us a hint it was moving into more obdurate Republican territory in 2020, when it was one of just seven states to become more Republican that election, with the shift in Miami-Dade County being the most noticeable.

Miami-Dade last backed a Republican in 1988. In 2016, Hillary Clinton (D-NY) won the county by thirty points. Joe Biden (D-DE) took it by just seven in 2020. Trump won it by about twelve points in 2024.

Miami-Dade wasn’ the only sign of Republican strength, however. Trump flipped six counties, three of which he had carried in 2016 but lost in 2020. Those three include Duval (Jacksonville), Pinellas (St. Petersburg), and Seminole (Sanford). Trump also managed to flip Hillsborough (Tampa) and Osceola (Kissimmee), becoming the first Republican to win them since 2004.

Trump’s strength almost flipped Palm Beach County (Palm Beach), holding Kamala Harris (D-CA) to just a half-point margin, as opposed to Biden’s thirteen-point win here in 2020.

Like other Southern states, Trump swung all of Florida’s sixty-seven counties rightward, with the largest shifts found in the southern part of the state.

Trump’s 2024 Florida win marks the first time since 1988 that the state has been decided by double-digits, the first time Florida has voted Republican in three consecutive elections, and the first since 1984 that a Republican’s margin exceeded one million votes.

Florida clocked in with the third-largest rightward swing in the election at 9.7%, just behind New Jersey and New York. The 2022 and 2024 elections have certainly cemented Florida’s transition from a crucial swing state to a solidly Republican one, and the GOP still has ample room to grow statewide. The Miami Metro area houses three congressional districts, all currently held by Democrats, that are likely to be targeted by the GOP in the future. Meanwhile, Democrats’ prospects at any statewide race here have dwindled significantly.

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.

Georgia

Georgia played host to a serious upset in 2020: Biden became the first Democrat to win the Peach State since Clinton did so in 1992. Moreover, Trump’s semi-comfortable five-point margin here in 2016 made the flip all the more surprising.

That’s why Trump’s 2.2% margin over Harris, while not razor-thin, signals that the state will remain in the eye of the hurricane going forward. Atlanta’s quickly-growing and diverse urban areas and collar counties are pushing the state into a more competitive picture.

Before 2020, Republicans enjoyed both Senate seats, a quasi-competitive presidential race, and a lock on statewide offices. Now, Democrats control both Senate seats, Georgia is now a prime presidential swing state, and Republicans’ future here is uncertain, but in the Atlanta area, it might be on borrowed time.

However, Trump flipped three counties in the Black Belt, the swing counties of Baldwin and Washington - the latter being majority-black - and Jefferson County, also majority black. Washington went red for the first time since 2004, and Jefferson did so for the first time since 1988.

Trump’s 2.6 million votes is the record for most votes received by a single candidate in Georgia’s history, and Trump is also the second Republican in history - the other being George W. Bush (R-TX) - to win Georgia twice, owing to his intense ancestral Democratic lean.

Trump made gains across the state, even in some counties of Atlanta proper, but no major offset of votes arrived in any county to make the argument that the state is trending back to the right. On the other hand, Harris came just three points away from winning Atlanta-area Fayette County, which last backed a Democrat in 1976. Harris also delivered some of the best historic performances for a Democrat in Atlanta-area Henry and Cherokee counties.

While not a major improvement from either side, the Democrats’ gains are where the state is currently headed, meaning Georgia will very likely remain a swing state for the foreseeable future.

Kentucky

Once part of a swingier South, Kentucky has never been more Republican. Trump’s 1.34 million votes received in November is the most for any candidate in the state’s history, with his 30.5% margin being the best performance by a Republican in history.

Trump made gains in all 120 of Kentucky’s counties. Interestingly, his single-largest overperformance on the county level was in Elliott County, a constituency in the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field region. Elliott made history in 2016 when it backed Trump in a 70%-30% split after having never voted Republican in its entire history. Trump took 80% of the vote here in 2024.

The shift in Elliott County shows the hemorrhaging Democrats have experienced among working-class voters, specifically blue-collar laborers.

Louisiana

Trump is the first candidate since Reagan in 1984 to obtain over 60% of Louisiana’s vote. On his way, he flipped three parishes (county-equivalents): Iberville, St. James, and Tensas, the former two of which are plurality-white, and the latter of which is majority-black. Tensas Parish last backed a Republican in 1988, with St. James and Iberville last voting red in 1972.

Mississippi

At the beginning of the century, Mississippi was seen as a red state, but not one where Democrats were overwhelmingly behind. Having not backed a Democrat since 1976, Mississippi came relatively close in voting for Barack Obama (D-IL) in 2008 and even swung slightly towards him in 2012.

Trump delivered commanding margins here in 2016 and 2020, but some Democrats remained optimistic about Mississippi being a long-term play for them.

Trump easily won the Magnolia State in 2024, becoming the first Republican to obtain more than 60% of the vote here

since Ronald Reagan (R-CA) did so in 1984.

Trump flipped eight counties, of which five are majorityblack: Copiah, Issaquena, Jasper, Pike, and Yazoo. Trump flipped plurality-black Warren County, and flipped Oktibbeha and Marshall counties, both home to sizable black populations.

North Carolina

Long a white whale for Democrats, the Party of Jackson has not won a presidential - or U.S. Senate - race here since 2008. Before 2008, the Tar Heel State hasn’t backed a Democrat since 1976.

Although Trump doubled his 2020 margin, his 3.21% win this year was slightly below his 2016 margin, meaning that Democrats aren’t necessarily out of luck in North Carolina.

Trump flipped plurality-white Anson and Nash countiesAnson voted Republican for the first time since 1972 - and he flipped Pasquotank, coloring the county red for the first time since 1988. Trump made gains across almost the entire state except the western part, those around Asheville who were severely affected by Hurricane Helene in the autumn. But what is more certain is that North Carolina won’t cease to be a critical swing state. The 2024 election marks the fifth consecutive cycle in which North Carolina has been decided by a margin of less than five points, the longest active streak of any state.

South Carolina

The Palmetto State was one Democrats had long been hoping would pan out into an actual target. Trump’s 2016 and 2020 wins here were underwhelming for a state that hasn’t voted blue since 1976.

However, Trump’s 1.48 million votes is a record for any candidate in the state’s history. It was the largest Republican win since 1988 and Trump swung all forty-six of South Carolina’s counties to the right.

Tennessee

Trump’s 1.96 million votes is a statewide record for any candidate and his 29.7% margin is the best for a Republican since 1972. He swung all ninety-five of Tennessee’s counties to the right.

Trump also came just twenty-five votes away from flipping majority-black Haywood County, which has not backed the GOP since 1972.

Virginia

After having backed Republicans exclusively from 1968 to 2004, Virginia hasn’t backed the GOP then, gradually moving leftward each cycle. The cause is social liberalism concentrated in large suburban areas and college towns, as well as a highly diverse immigrant electorate in Northern Virginia (NoVA), many of whom fill federal government jobs in Washington, D.C.

Virginia’s dramatic leftward turn began in 2016, when Hillary Clinton (D-NY) won it by more than five points, a significant margin for a swing state that used to be much more conservative. Joe Biden’s (D-DE) ten-point win in 2020 was a shocker, marking the best performance for a Democrat in the Old Dominion since Franklin D. Roosevelt (D-NY) in 1944. Such margins made Republicans assume Virginia was out of play for good.

However, Kamala Harris (D-CA) made a tiny improvement over Clinton’s 2016 showing, meaning the state shifted rightward about 4.5%. This was the first election where both candidates received more than two million votes each, and Donald Trump (R-FL) is the first Republican to win the popular vote without Virginia since 1924.

Trump’s biggest win came from Surry County, which last backed a Republican in 1972, with some of the largest rightward shifts coming from NoVA’s Loudon, Fairfax, and Prince William counties, and NoVA-area independent city Manassas Park.

West Virginia

Trump cleared 70% of the vote here, marking a record for any party in the state’s history. He carried every county, but Harris swung one leftward, Tucker County (Parsons).

Smithtown Senior Center: A Grandson’s Tribute to a Community That Cares

By Raheem Soto

When Christopher Okrent, a twenty-fiveyear-old Human Services major at St. Joseph’s University, needed to choose an organization for his college paper, the decision was deeply personal. He didn’t pick a random charity or a well-known nonprofit. Instead, he chose a place that changed his family’s life—the Smithtown Senior Citizen Center.

For Christopher, this wasn’t just another academic assignment. It was a chance to honor the community that had given his grandmother, Martha Okrent, a renewed sense of purpose and belonging after the passing of her husband, Paul.

Thanks to his work, the Smithtown Senior Center is now getting the recognition it deserves as a place where seniors aren’t just members—they’re family.

Christopher grew up watching his grandmother thrive at the Smithtown Senior Center. After losing her husband, Martha could have easily become isolated. Still, instead, she found friendship, laughter, and a sense of purpose within the center’s welcoming community.

“The friendships she made with the staff and other members helped her cope with her grief tremendously,” Christopher recalled. “It was more than a place to pass the time—it became her second home.”

The center’s impact on Martha was so profound that Christopher felt compelled to share her story through his college paper. His work highlighted the center’s role in enhancing the lives of seniors but also earned him an A on his assignment—a win he proudly shared with the staff and members.

Smithtown Senior Center Director Doreen Perrino remembers Christopher’s visit fondly.

“It was an incredible honor when Christopher asked to visit the center to gather information for his college paper,” Perrino said. “He is such an outstanding young gentleman, pursuing a career in Human Services because of his passion for helping people. I loved reminiscing with him about his lovely grandparents—especially Martha, who was known around the center as the Wii Bowling Champion!”

And she wasn’t exaggerating.

Martha wasn’t just any senior center member—she was a fierce competitor in Wii Bowling, a skill she learned from Christopher and his brothers at home. She quickly mastered the game and soon became a legend at the center, consistently beating her friend and fellow member, Kevin Morrow.

Christopher reconnected with Kevin during his visit, sharing laughs and memories about their friendly rivalry.

“Martha was tough to beat,” Kevin admitted with a smile. “She always kept me on my toes.”

But it wasn’t just about the games. Martha was also an active book club member, a regular at social lunches, and a vibrant part of the senior center’s daily life.

Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park) wasn’t surprised to hear about

Christopher’s paper or his family’s heartfelt connection with the center.

“The team at the Smithtown Senior Center is more than just staff—they are family,” Wehrheim said. “They know every member by name, remember their grandkids, their favorite hobbies, and even the incredible stories from their past.”

He praised the center for going above and beyond to make seniors feel valued.

“Whether it’s celebrating a birthday, reminiscing about cherished memories, or simply sharing a laugh over a cup of coffee, the staff creates a warm and welcoming place where every senior feels truly at home.”

After turning in his paper and receiving top marks, Christopher made a memorable trip back to the senior center—this time with his mother—to personally thank the staff and share the news.

For the Smithtown Senior Center team, it was a proud moment—not just because the center was recognized in Christopher’s work, but because it reinforced what they already knew: Their work makes a difference.

For those who don’t know, the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center isn’t just a place for seniors to pass the time. It’s a hub for activities, friendships, and vital services for Smithtown residents aged 60 and older.

Members can enjoy arts, fitness, and wellness programs; social clubs, including book clubs, gardening, and quilting; casino and theater outings, luncheons, and community advocacy; and home maintenance and repair services for seniors.

The center operates Monday through Friday, 8:30a.m. through 4:00p.m., with adjusted summer hours being 8:30a.m. through 3:30p.m. It also provides transportation for members, ensuring that no one is left out of the community they love.

Joining is simple—Smithtown residents aged 60+ can sign up for free by filling out an application on-site and providing proof of residency. Members receive a welcome packet, a tour of the facility, and access to a full calendar of events.

Christopher’s story isn’t just about his grandmother—it’s about every senior who finds comfort, companionship, and joy at the Smithtown Senior Center. It’s about the dedicated staff who treat every member like family. And most of all, it’s a reminder that no one should have to navigate their golden years alone.

This project was a way for Christopher to give back to a place that gave his grandmother so much. For the Smithtown Senior Center, it was another example of their lasting impact on generations of families.

And for anyone wondering if senior centers make a difference—ask Martha Okrent. Her story lives on, not just in Christopher’s paper, but in the heart of the community she loved so much.

Eugene Cannataro Senior Center is located at 420 Middle Country Road in Smithtown and can be reached at 631-360-7616. Transportation Services can be reached at 631-265-8811.

Scouts Participate in Scout Sabbath and Scout Sunday Services in Hauppauge

As the Boy Scouts (Scouting America) celebrate their 115th year of serving youths, Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops Venture Crews, and Explorer Posts along with Brownies and Girl Scouts and their adult scouting volunteer leaders attended and participated in the annual “A Scout is Reverent” recognitions during the Scout Sunday Servies at various local Catholic and Protestant Churches and at the Jewish Scout Sabbath services held locally at area temples and synagogues during the month of February.

A Scout is Reverent…Boy Scout Troop 343 (Hauppauge). participated in the Scout Sabbath on February 7 at Temple Beth Chai of Hauppauge and in the celebration of the Scout Sunday Mass at the St. Thomas More R.C. Church in Hauppauge on February 8, where they attended Mass, displayed their colors, and presented the communion gifts. Fr. Anthony Asir, who was the Celebrant for the Mass, blessed the scouts and their leaders during the service. At Temple Bet Chair of Hauppauge, Rabbi Alan Stein led the Jewish Sabbath services

St. Thomas More R.C. Church (which sponsors Boy Scout Troop 343) was

one of the Matinecock District (Scouting America)’s host churches for the Catholic Faith during the start of the National Boy Scout Week and Temple Beth Chai of Hauppauge was one of the four area temples to host Scout Sabbath services.

By Ellyn Okvist, B.Sc.

‘You Can Take That to the Bank’

Local banking consisted of a trip to Patchogue, Smithtown, or as far as Riverhead, and it was time for Lake Ronkonkoma to have its own bank. On July 15, 1927, an application was made to the National Office of the Controller of Currency to obtain a charter for a National Bank in Lake Ronkonkoma. The bank was established under charter #13130 on October 8, 1927. With the 250th Birthday of the United States of America next year, it is important to recognize that our bank was formed with our original forefathers’ regulations.

April 9, 1928, opened the doors on our new The National Bank of Lake Ronkonkoma which was located in the original building right at the corner of Portion Road and Hawkins Avenue, the northeast corner. (Pictured above) The building was designed as a professional office, and hand-painted window signage showing the purpose were in both windows on each side of the door. The bank took in $43,000.00 that opening day in new accounts, and there was a wait for customers as the new account information was processed, which took time as it was all done by hand.

the bank, and they held an open house for their friends. Refreshments were served with the Board of Directors acting as hosts. A well-used service of the bank was the Christmas Club, as it was easier for one to save money for the holiday. Home Improvement Loans and loans of all types were always given consideration.

Among former employees and Board Members, in no particular order, are: Julia Rivelisse, Mary Semini, Robert Long, Joseph Kirk, Ralph Wheeler, George C. Raynor, Louis Hellman, Clarence E. Dare, James Agnew, Mallard Reeve, H. William Berger, William Grath, G. Howard Hatfield, William E. Richard, G. Barkley Davis, Herbert E. Mallett, Anton B. Pedisich, John M. Pokorny, Charles Beck, and Charles F. Ulrich.

The Secretary of the Treasury authorized our bank to print three different types and denominations of National currency right here in the basement of the bank. In 1929, the first $20.00 bill with serial # A000001A, was issued. The bill is shown here, depicting the first bill off the press. Note The National Bank of Lake Ronkonkoma printed on the left side of the bill face (pictured right).

Crime, especially bank robberies in New York City, hit a high in the 1920s, and one of the answers to this was to appoint certain locations on Long Island the authority to print currency. From 1929 to 1935, certain locations were printing full speed, supposedly hidden from public knowledge. This was authorized by the United States Mint, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, per the US Department of Treasury. Printing continued until 1935 at our bank.

During early 1946 a large rear addition was added to the building. Between 1949 and 1959, the building was enhanced to its “modern” look today with large plate glass windows and brick which formed the facade or original build as it was expanded and to ensure matching esthetics. Acquired by People National Bank on December 7, 1964; Bankers Trust of Suffolk June 30, 1971; Bankers Trust Company on October 30, 1976; Barclays Bank of New York November 1, 1982; Barclays National Bank Limited 1984; Barclays Bank PLC January 1, 1985; Then finally acquired by Bank of New York December 11, 1992.

On December 16, 1994, the bank officially closed its doors.

Due to the foresight of the Fire Commissioners of Lake Ronkonkoma, today it is owned and operated by the Lake Ronkonkoma Fire District to enhance community communications and allow use of the building to those who need to hold a meeting. The LRFD outbid Lake Liquors for the opportunity to purchase the building. On February 8, 1995, Lake Ronkonkoma Fire District purchased the building from Barclays Bank/Bank of New York.

During the Great Depression (1929-1939), the bank remained open. This was a proud time for the management and staff as they were able to continue their services to the community during this horrific time the country was facing. In order to meet high demands of business that had been increasing for several years, the National Bank of Lake Ronkonkoma installed a new vault, which almost tripled the bank’s safe deposit facilities. The new vault had 170 safe deposit boxes of five different sizes and increased the bank’s safe deposit boxes from 95 to 265. This vault still stands in the current building. The vault added interest to the fifteenth-year anniversary celebration, as the bank opened April 9, 1928.

During WWII, the bank was a stabilizing influence, with assets of $50,000.00 available to serve the public. March 1950 had the bank install receipt machines, which would allow the tellers to furnish a registered receipt to checking account customers making deposits. This made it more convenient and quicker for the customers. Wednesday October 8, 1952, was the twenty-fifth anniversary of

The bank building, now owned by the Lake Ronkonkoma Fire Commissioners, was declared a Town of Brookhaven Landmark on July 25, 2006, with the landmarking process done and completed by Lenore Baake. On November 1, 2014, the building was declared a Historic Landmark of Lake Ronkonkoma #5 by Ellyn Okvist of the Lake Ronkonkoma Heritage Association. The event was well attended and simultaneously declared Agnew & Taylor at the same time.

The original building is approaching 100 years old, and The Lake Ronkonkoma Historic Commission has begun pre-application with The National Register of Historic Places, the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Missing Patchogue Teen Emmarae Gervasi Found on Boat, Arrests Continue

By Cait Crudden

After a harrowing nearly month-long disappearance, 14-year-old Emmarae Gervasi (pictured right) was found alone on a boat docked in an Islip canal on January 3. Suffolk County police have since arrested a 65-year-old man in connection with the case, which has raised questions about possible sex trafficking.

Emmarae vanished on December 9 after leaving her Patchogue home without shoes or a jacket. Surveillance footage later showed her knocking on doors at a Bohemia motel the next day before disappearing again. Her father, Frank Gervasi, led an extensive search to find her.

A critical tip received directed Gervasi to a boat in a canal near Islip, where he discovered his daughter.

“The lady who gave me the tip was afraid to go in the boat,” Gervasi recounted. Emmarae was safely recovered but is reportedly traumatized by the ordeal.

Suffolk County police confirmed the arrest of a suspect in the case but did not release details. Online court records identify the man as Francis Buckheit, 65, of East Islip. Buckheit was arraigned on charges of rape, kidnapping, and endangering the welfare of a child, with the alleged crimes occurring on December 13.

Buckheit is being held without. His attorney, Danielle Papa, spoke to reporters after his arraignment, emphasizing her client’s presumption of innocence

“These are very serious charges, but as all individuals charged with a crime, he deserves the presumption of innocence,” she said. Papa also hinted that there might be “more to the story” as investigations continue.

“Obviously, there was an incident involving a minor and because she’s a minor, I’m sort of precluded from saying a lot,” Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney (R) remarked. “Thankfully that child has been found and she’s safe. We’re going to continue to work with our county attorney’s office to make sure that she stays safe, and we are going to work on that.”

When Tierney was asked whether others were involved in the teen’s abduction, Tierney stated, “I can tell you there were monumental efforts undertaken on behalf of both my office, the PD, the marshal service as well as a number of entities. I can tell you that if anyone thinks that they can engage in this type of conduct with a minor without ramifications, well, we’ll see what the grand jury says.”

Frank Gervasi, auto detailer and amateur porn star, has alleged that his daughter was a

victim of sex trafficking and that she was forced into dangerous and exploitative situations during her disappearance.

“Emma was being held against her will,” he said in a social media post. “She was not allowed to leave the boat unless escorted by someone. This is sex trafficking, and it’s being looked into.”

Gervasi believes Emmarae initially left with a man she met online but was later abandoned and picked up by Buckheit. He said his daughter has struggled with drug abuse in the past and was wearing a court-mandated ankle monitoring bracelet when she disappeared.

Prosecutors allege that Buckheit planned to sail the teen to the Carolinas.

The case has drawn attention to the risks of online predators and the need for awareness about trafficking. Suffolk County police and prosecutors urge the public to share any information that could assist in the investigation.

While Emmarae begins her recovery, her case highlights the importance of community vigilance and support in protecting vulnerable individuals. “She’s doing good,” her father said. “She’s got a long road of recovery ahead of her, but, you know, that’s the way it goes with this kind of stuff.”

Gervasi, at just 14, has experienced an onslaught of harrowing experiences for her age, including treatment at substance abuse facilities in New York and Minnesota.

Last Tuesday brought the shocking revelation that Gervasi allegedly faced sexual abuse during her time at a children’s mental health facility while recovering from the traumatic experience. Deshaun McClean, 42, was charged with criminal sexual conduct.

Gervasi’s home life has also been called into question, where her posts on TikTok and Instagram have shown her in lingerie and acting in sexually suggestive manners.

Last week, a twelfth person was arrested in connection with Gervasi’s trafficking. Daniel Soto, 36, of Bay Shore, was arrested last Friday on charges of Second-Degree Rape and Endangering the Welfare of a child.

Other alleged defendants include Elizabeth Hunter, 34, and Jacquelyn Comiskey, 52, the latter of whom allegedly offering Gervasi to Bunice Knight, 47, in exchange for drugs. This is a developing story.

FDA Bans Red 3 Food Dye Over Cancer Risk

By Cait Crudden

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially banned the use of Red 3, also known as erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3, in foods, dietary supplements, and oral medications. The decision, announced earlier this month, comes decades after the dye was prohibited in cosmetics due to cancer concerns. Red 3 has continued to be used in a range of products, including candies, snack cakes, and some ice creams, lending them their distinctive bright red hue.

The ban follows a 2022 petition filed by over two dozen food safety and health advocacy groups, urging the FDA to revoke Red 3’s authorization. Studies have linked the dye to cancer in laboratory rats, prompting concerns about its safety. In its decision, the FDA cited the Delaney Clause, a provision in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act that requires the agency to ban any additive shown to cause cancer in humans or animals.

“The FDA is taking action that will remove the authorization for the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs,” said Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods. “Evidence shows cancer in laboratory male rats exposed to high levels of FD&C Red No.3. Importantly, the way that FD&C Red No. 3 causes cancer in male rats does not occur in humans.”

The decision has been welcomed by consumer advocacy groups, who have long called for the dye’s removal from the market saying that this is a win for public health. They believe consumers have been unknowingly exposed to a carcinogen in everyday foods for far too long.

Red 3 has been found in a variety of popular items, such as Valentine’s Day candies, Brach’s candy corn, Ring Pops, and certain ice creams and popsicles. The FDA’s ban is effective immediately, but products already on store shelves will remain available until current inventories are depleted. Manufacturers will have until January 2027 for food products and January 2028 for ingested drugs to reformulate their offerings without Red 3.

The FDA’s decision has reignited discussions about the safety of other synthetic food dyes, including Red Dye 40, which is still widely used. While not currently banned, Red Dye 40 has been linked to behavioral issues in children, such as hyperactivity and ADHD. Advocacy groups are urging further investigation into its potential risks, though no regulatory action has been announced.

The FDA’s action is expected to prompt greater scrutiny of synthetic food dyes and their impact on human health. Many consumers are now paying closer attention to ingredient labels, seeking natural alternatives to synthetic additives.

Manufacturers are already exploring replacements for Red 3, with natural dyes derived from fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based sources gaining popularity. Industry experts predict that the ban could accelerate the shift toward cleaner and safer food production practices. Some of these companies’ products already have alternative, more natural ingredients in Europe, which have stricter standards.

While the FDA’s decision is seen as a significant step forward, advocates continue to push for comprehensive evaluations of all synthetic food dyes to ensure consumer safety.

Celebrate the memories

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Birthright Citizenship Excluded Illegals From Day One

By Betsy McCaughey | AMAC Outside Contributor

Get ready for a Supreme Court showdown over President Donald Trump’s challenge to birthright citizenship — the idea that all children born in the United States have the same rights, regardless of where their parents came from. Despite what many pundits and even lower-court judges are saying, this is not a slam dunk for the president’s opponents. There are powerful arguments and Supreme Court precedents on both sides.

The case often cited, United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898), actually supports Trump. The court ruled that the protections and guarantees afforded by the 14th Amendment belong to citizens and noncitizens alike, “so long as they are permitted by the United States to reside here. “

That was 127 years ago.

On Jan. 20, Trump declared, by executive order, that babies born to illegal immigrant mothers, and lacking a father who is a citizen or legal U.S. resident, will no longer automatically receive U.S. citizenship. Starting on Feb. 19, 2025, hospitals would be barred from issuing U.S. birth certificates for these newborns, who number about 250,000 per year.

Trump also took aim at birth tourism, ending automatic citizenship for the 30,000 babies born each year to women who enter the U.S. legally on temporary visas to give birth here.

Some women wade across the Rio Grande, others fly first class, but both claim citizenship for their newborns under the birthright clause of the 14th Amendment.

The clause was originally proposed to guarantee citizenship to children born to former slaves, but during the drafting in 1866, Congress expanded it to children of any race or ethnicity born in the U.S.

At the time, Congress did not debate whether the offspring of people in the country illegally were guaranteed citizenship. There were no immigration laws or illegals in 1866. Even the odious Chinese Exclusion Act wasn’t passed until 1882, and the U.S. didn’t put numerical limits on immigration until 1921.

Yet Trump’s executive order triggered lawsuits by 22 states, the city of San Francisco, and numerous nonprofits. Within days, federal judges were blocking its implementation.

Judge John C. Coughenour of the Western District of Washington state called it “blatantly unconstitutional.” Judge Deborah Boardman of Maryland claimed that in the past the Supreme Court has “resoundingly rejected the president’s interpretation” of the 14th Amendment.

These are overstatements. There’s no predicting how the Supreme Court will rule. Only Justice Samuel Alito has expressed a view, stating during his confirmation hearing that birthright citizenship “may turn out to be a complicated question.”

As for precedent, there’s only one Supreme Court ruling on birthright citizenship in the last 160 years. Defenders cite the Ark decision, but in fact, it actually undercuts their argument by specifying that 14th Amendment protections extend to all people who “are permitted by the United States to reside here.”

Justice Horace Gray, writing for the court, supported the decision by citing an earlier Supreme Court ruling — Yick Wo v. Hopkins (1886) — which said the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause applied to people of

all races “who have the right to temporarily or permanently reside within the United States.” Not people here illegally.

These cases do not back up Boardman’s flamboyant claim that the court has “resoundingly rejected” Trump’s interpretation.

Lacking precedent, the justices will likely look to founding principles. Birthright citizenship is a noble idea. Its defenders warn that making children born to illegal immigrants ineligible would produce a subclass of people with fewer rights and threaten American egalitarianism.

But birthright’s critics argue that its abuse makes a mockery of citizenship and turns taxpayers into saps.

Nationwide, nearly 60% of households headed by an illegal immigrant collect federal benefits like the

Overview - AMACThe Association of Mature American Citizens

The Association of Mature American Citizens represents Americans 50 plus. AMAC is centered on American values, freedom of the individual, free speech, and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family, with benefits at all levels.

AMAC plays a vital role in helping build the services that will enrich the lives of America’s seniors. AMAC Action, a 501 (C)(4) advocates for issues important to AMAC’s membership on Capitol Hill and locally through grassroots activism. To Learn more, visit amac.us

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program aid and Medicaid, according to the Center for Immigration Studies. Often a U.S.-born child is the meal ticket making the household eligible.

Illegal border crossings are down 90% since Trump took office. But executive orders are temporary, lasting only as long as the president remains in office.

Regardless of how the court rules, Congress must act. Congress can revise eligibility for welfare benefits and impose stricter time limits, alleviating the cost to taxpayers and reducing incentives to enter the country illegally.

Otherwise, open borders and an extravagant welfare system will deplete this nation under a future presidency — with or without birthright citizenship.

BRINGING BROADWAY TO MAIN STREET Jan 16–Mar 2, 2025

13–

27,

Jul 10–Aug 24, 2025

WORD OF THE Week

Etymology:

late Middle English (in the sense ‘cloudy’): from French nébuleux or Latin nebulosus, from nebula ‘mist’. nebulous (sense 2 of the adjective) dates from the early 19th century.

NEBULOUS

verb

Pronounced: neh·byoo·luhs

Definition: in the form of a cloud or haze; hazy; (of a concept or idea) unclear, vague, or illdefined

Example: “The Senator could not provide reasoning for his nebulous claims of government efficiency.”

Synonyms: ambiguous, obscure, fuzzy

Antonyms: clear, obvious, unequivocal

Source: Oxford Languages

WORD WHEEL

L T M G O A R

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

SUDOKU

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

This Week in History

February 15, 1903: First Teddy Bear sold in America, made by Morris and Rose Michtom, sold in Brooklyn.

February 14, 2019: Amazon cancels plans to build a corporate campus in Queens after widespread opposition.

February 16, 1923: Howard Carter opens the inner burial chamber of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb and finds the sarcophagus.

February 17, 1950: Two Long Island Rail Road trains collide head-on, killing 32 near Rockville Centre.

February 19, 2008: Toshiba announces its formal recall of its HD DVD video format, ending the format war between Toshiba’s DVD and Sony’s Blu-Ray Disc.

February 18, 1885: Mark Twain publishes the “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” in the U.S.

February 13, 1942: Operation Sealion, Nazi Germany’s invasion of England, is cancelled by Adolf Hitler.

Henry Highland Garnet: Suffolk County’s Bold Abolitionist 21

By Raheem Soto

When we talk about the remarkable voices of black history, certain names dominate the conversation—Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Booker T. Washington.

But what about Henry Highland Garnet?

Never heard of him? Well, it’s time that changed.

Garnet wasn’t just another abolitionist fighting against slavery. He was bold. He was radical. He called for enslaved Americans to rise up and take their freedom—by force if necessary. That was a stance that even some of his fellow abolitionists weren’t ready for.

But here’s the kicker—before he made history, Garnet spent part of his youth right here in Suffolk County, in Smithtown, specifically. His journey to freedom led him through our own backyard, and his legacy deserves more attention, especially during Black History Month.

Henry Highland Garnet was born into slavery in Kent County, Maryland, in 1815. His family, like so many others, lived under the constant fear of being torn apart and sold off like property. But they weren’t going to wait around for someone else to decide their fate.

In 1824, when Garnet was just nine years old, his family escaped to the North, seeking freedom. Their journey led them through Delaware, Pennsylvania, and eventually to Smithtown, Long Island.

Now, let’s put this in perspective. New York had officially begun abolishing slavery in 1799, but racism was still alive and well. Black families like the Garnets had to navigate a world where freedom didn’t necessarily mean equality. Smithtown, at the time, was a place where free black communities were growing, and it became a temporary refuge for Garnet’s family before they moved on to New York City.

Garnet wasn’t interested in gradual change. He wasn’t here to beg slaveholders to “consider” letting people go. While many abolitionists, including Frederick Douglass, focused on moral persuasion—hoping to convince America that slavery was a sin—Garnet had a different message: Rise up. Fight back. Take your freedom.

In 1843, he delivered his famous speech, “An Address to the Slaves of the United States of America,” at a national abolitionist convention. And let’s just say—it wasn’t well received by everyone.

Here’s what he told enslaved Americans:

“Let your motto be resistance! Resistance! Resistance! No oppressed people have ever secured their liberty without resistance!”

That wasn’t a polite request. It was a call to arms. Garnet wanted slaves to revolt—to fight for their own freedom instead of waiting for laws to change or for white abolitionists to convince the country that slavery was terrible.

Even Frederick Douglass, as fierce as he was, resisted Garnet’s words at the time. The abolitionist movement was already seen as extreme— Garnet was taking it even further.

But let’s be honest—history proved him right. Slavery didn’t end because of moral arguments. It ended because of the Civil War, bloodshed, and force. Garnet was just ahead of his time.

Garnet wasn’t just a fiery speaker—he was also a minister. His faith and his fight for freedom were deeply connected. He believed God was on the side of the oppressed, and he preached it loud and clear

In 1865, as the Civil War ended, Garnet was invited to become the first African American to speak at the U.S. Capitol. Let that sink in. Before Martin Luther King Jr. or any other black leader addressed Congress, Henry Highland Garnet stood there, speaking truth to power.

He didn’t just thank the Union for winning the war. He made it clear that the fight for equality wasn’t over. Just because slavery was technically ending, that didn’t mean black Americans were truly free.

And he was right.

Reconstruction would bring new struggles, and it wouldn’t be long before the South found ways to re-enslave black people through sharecropping, Jim Crow laws, and voter suppression. Garnet knew the battle wasn’t over.

After the war, Garnet was appointed the U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, a country founded for freed African Americans. He spent the last years of his life there and passed away in 1882.

Today, he’s not a household name. His ideas were too radical for his time, and history tends to favor those who played it safe. But in 2024, with everything we know now, Garnet’s legacy deserves a second look.

His time in Smithtown reminds us that our county has ties to the fight for freedom. It wasn’t just a place of quiet suburban life—it was a stop on the road to liberty for many.

And Garnet’s message? It still matters today. Freedom isn’t just given—it has to be fought for. Whether it was slavery then or the political battles we fight today, that lesson never changes.

This Black History Month, let’s not just talk about the names everyone already knows. Let’s reclaim the stories of men like Henry Highland Garnet—men who refused to wait, refused to beg, and demanded justice on their own terms.

By Ashley Pavlakis

LIU Women’s Hockey: Honoring the Seniors and Celebrating a Milestone

The Long Island University Women’s Ice Hockey Team hosted Senior Day on Saturday afternoon prior to their matchup with the Franklin Pierce Ravens. The Sharks celebrated their nine seniors and a 100-point milestone for Carrigan Umpherville.

The Sharks are led by third-year head coach Kelly Nash and her all-female staff, which includes Nora McClaine, Sonja Shelly, and Shelly Picard. All four women previously played hockey at the collegiate and professional levels before transitioning to coaching. Uniquely, they all played for the Metropolitan Riveters in the (defunct) Premier Hockey Federation.

Nash was named NEWHA coach of the year in 2024 for her efforts behind the bench. The team is a member of the New England Women’s Hockey Alliance (NEWHA) and is a Division I institution for women’s ice hockey. The Sharks currently have a 17-9-3 record with four games left to go in the regular season.

Senior day is always special, but especially at the collegiate level. For the Sharks, they honored six forwards, two defensemen, and one goaltender in the pre-game celebration. Four of the nine are considered ‘super seniors’ as they were granted an extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic. Maggie Culp, Mary Rachel Lenaeus, Ashley Morrow, Sarah Rourke, Jeannie Wallner, Carrigan Umpherville, Anna Fairman, Bri Eid, and Abbie Thompson took to the ice with their family members to celebrate their time in the blue and gold.

Carrigan Umpherville entered the 2024-25 season with 91 career points. From a previous conversation with coach Nash, we learned how excited the squad was to have a fully healthy Umpherville return to the ice this season. On Friday, Umpherville finally hit the 100-point milestone when she scored a goal in the first period versus

the Ravens. For good measure, she scored another goal in the second period that would go on to be the game-winner. Umpherville is the last member of the inaugural squad to wear the Sharks crest as this is her final season.

Umpherville is just the second Shark to reach the 100-point mark in program history. Earlier this season, Long Island native, Jeannie Wallner notched the feat with a five-point effort over Franklin Pierce. Wallner netted four goals and one assist in that game to make for an even more memorable moment.

The Sharks had a new goaltender in the crease this season in graduate senior Abbie Thompson. The veteran is not new to college hockey as she spent four years in Minnesota playing at Bemidji State University in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). Thompson split time in net with the Beavers, but this season she’s taken on a starting role for the Sharks. The Minnesotan has fit in well on Long Island as she holds an 8-3-1 record in 16 games played this season. The Sharks sit comfortably in first place, something they have done in four out of six years since their inaugural season in 2019. With three NEWHA championship trophies in the case, they look to add another as the playoffs are right around the corner.

Smithtown West Girls Basketball Wins League IV Title for First Time Since 2010

By Ashley Pavlakis

The Smithtown Bulls are winning on the court this season as the girls varsity basketball team is on a roll heading into playoffs. The 2024-25 season wrapped up on Friday and the playoffs are around the corner. The Bulls are looking to rewrite their story and go beyond the first round of the playoffs.

The Bulls are led by head coach Katie Schroeder, a veteran coach who has seventeen years of experience behind the bench at the high school. She is joined on the bench by assistant coach Matthew English. The varsity squad is a member of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and competes in League IV. This season the Bulls consistently racked up W’s with a 17-3 record, their only three losses coming to West Islip, Centereach, and Commack.

The last time the Bulls won a league championship was in 2010. It’s safe to say it’s been a while since they made some noise on the court. The girls are looking to rewrite the narrative and hang a 2025 banner in the gym.

On Friday, Smithtown West took on the West Babylon Eagles and had a few things to celebrate. The varsity squad honored their two seniors and won the League IV championship. The 50-42 win over the Eagles earned them the top seed in the playoffs, a playoff game bye, and home-court advantage.

The team is largely made up of upperclassmen, with two seniors in Kate Braun and Rosa Pistone. Most notably junior point guard (PG) Catherine ‘Cat’ Piccininni has made a name for herself during her athletic career at Smithtown West. The PG recorded the first quadruple-triple-double in program history back in January, having notched 29 points, 15 rebounds, 11 steals, and 10 assists.

If there’s one thing about the Bulls, it’s their consistency on the court every game. They put up 50-plus points in 15 of their 20 games this season and won 13 of those times. The remaining five games were 40-plus point efforts that resulted in a win four times. Basketball is all about making sure the ball goes swish in the net and the Bulls are doing just that.

The playoff brackets are set for girls’ high school basketball on Long Island. The NYSPHSAA broke it down into four brackets, class AAA, AA, A, and B. The Smithtown West Bulls are placed in bracket AA. As we learned with Friday’s League IV championship win, the Bulls earned a playoff bye. This means they bypass the first round and will resume play on February 26th where they’ll play seventh-seeded West Islip.

The Bulls and Lions met twice during the regular season and both recorded a win. The Bulls won at home on January ninth and the Lions won at home on January thirty-first. With home-court advantage on their side in the 2024-25 playoffs, the Bulls have the opportunity to draw up something special on the court at Thad Mularz Gymnasium.

Photo credit - Ashley Pavakis

Hauppauge Middle School

Presents ‘The Wizard of Oz’

Hauppauge Middle School’s talented drama students brought the magical world of “The Wizard of Oz” to life in their showstopping production, held in the school’s auditorium on January 24-25.

Photos Credit – Hauppauge School District