Smithtown Messenger Archive July 2, 2026

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Thursday, July 2, 2026 ~ Volume 138 ~ Issue Number 33 ~ $1.00

EDITION

Heat Wave Advisory for July 4th Weekend

By Madison Warren This week, County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) (inset) shared important summer safety reminders for Suffolk County residents, with a particular focus on staying safe during the heat wave expected to impact Long Island over the coming days. He was joined at Smith Point Beach by local leaders and public safety experts to discuss ways residents can enjoy a safe and healthy summer.

A classic Long Island summer often means spending sunny days at local beaches like Smith Point or relaxing in a backyard pool. As families head to the water this season, Romaine, alongside County officials and public safety experts, is reminding residents to prioritize water safety and take the necessary precautions to help prevent drowning and other water-related accidents.

Continued on page 5

Concert, Drone Show, Parade on Deck for Smithtown’s 250 Weekend

By Matt Meduri

The long-awaited 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States is finally here, and municipalities across Suffolk are sparing no expense to ring in the once-in-a-generation experience.

For Smithtown residents, they can expect the festivities to kick off on Friday, July 3, with the American 250 drone show and classic rock concert at Callahan’s Beach - free of charge. The show is being run in partnership with the Smithtown America 250 Committee and Cosentino Companies. The classic rock tribute band, NY to Boston, will be providing musical stylings, and food trucks - 3 Sons, Philly Pretzel Company, and Ralph’s Famous Ices - will be ensuring all cravings will be catered to.

Continued on page 10

Smithtown officials gather a patriotic Town Hall (Credit - Town of Smithtown)

FULL STORIES ON:

Cipher Room Opens in Smithtown Page 10

HSE & HSW Seniors Celebrate Graduations Page 12 & 13

Commack Ball Player Hits His Stride Page 22

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Messenger Papers

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Thursday, July 2, 2026

SUMMER EVENTS Sayville Farmers Market at the Islip Grange Every Saturday until November, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Port Jefferson Summer Farmers Market Every Sunday until November, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Islip Farmers Market at Town Hall Every Saturday, 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM AMERICA’S 250th FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR & DUCKS BASEBALL Fairfield Properties Ballpark-Central Islip July 2-4, gates open at 5:35 PM Shoreham Wading River Community Programs Miller Avenue School, Shoreham July 4, 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Port Jefferson Village Day Block Party July 5, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM Country Nights at Station Yards, Ronkonkoma July 8, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM Summer Craft Fair at Smithtown Village Historical Society July 11, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Brotherhood for the Fallen 1/2 Mile Fun Run, 5K & 10K at Suffolk County Police Department – 4th Precinct July 11, 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM Kings Park Rocks at Kings Park Main Street July 13, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM Great South Bay Music Festival at Shorefront Park July 23-26, various times Sayville Summerfest at Gillette Park & The Common Ground August 7-9, various times

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Library News

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Cacciato’s Corner Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, July 2, 2026

It’s Time to Tear Down the Scaffold Law

By Anthony Cacciato This column acts as a forum for discussing the most pressing issues facing Long Islanders, with an emphasis on providing an alternative voice in favor of free markets and limited government as solutions. It also seeks to explore the varying perspectives of the next generation of Long Islanders on current events in the hopes of bringing the voices of young Long Islanders to the table.

Earlier this year, the New York State Legislature finalized a budget which included historic reforms to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), a set of environmental regulations notorious for increasing the time and cost associated with housing construction in the state. Governor Kathy Hochul (D-Hamburg) spearheaded the effort as part of her “Let Them Build” campaign, joining a number of blue state governors which have embraced housing deregulation as part of the Abundance movement within the Democratic Party.

While this long overdue reform to SEQRA is a welcome first step, there is still a web of regulations at the State level which continue to drive up construction costs. One of the worst offenders is New York’s Scaffold Law, which places absolute liability on property owners

and contractors for injuries sustained while on the job. The law, which is entirely unique to New York, drives up insurance costs on construction projects, inflating the overall price tag. As a result, New York contractors end up paying nearly double that which their counterparts in other states spend on insurance.

These costs have a tangible and immense impact upon housing in New York, especially in New York City. According to the Citizens Budget Commission, a nonpartisan civic thinktank based in New York, the law “increased affordable housing and other development costs by an estimated 7%.” Higher costs don’t just result in more expensive housing. When housing is more expensive to build, contractors and investors may choose to simply not build, dampening housing supply and deepening the affordability crisis for New Yorkers.

Despite the costs associated with the law, it has continued to have fierce support in Albany, especially from organizing labor. Supporters of the status quo often push back on critics by claiming that the law ensures a high standard of safety on worksites to avoid the possibility of an accident on the job. However, the law creates an abundance of bad incentives for workers on construction sites. One of the

most frequently cited issues is worker intoxication while on the job, since under absolute liability, employers cannot defend themselves by pointing to the actions of their employee. Absolute liability also incentivizes workers to file fraudulent claims under the law, due to the difficulty of fighting the claim in court.

By tackling issue-ridden SEQRA, Hochul has demonstrated her willingness to pursue deregulation in spaces traditionally seen as untouchable for Democrats. Provided that SEQRA is the hallmark piece of environmental regulation law in New York State, many had thought it unlikely to see any real reform under a Democratic administration. If she is able to pursue environmental regulation reform, it’s likely she could effectively do the same for labor regulation reform.

While there is bound to be pushback, as has always been the case when debating the Scaffold Law, it is clear that Hochul has both a mandate and political capital to pursue bold reforms in the name of increasing housing affordability. At a time where affordability is among the most salient issues for young people, Hochul has a unique opportunity to parlay her success with SEQRA and make even greater strides to address the housing crisis.

Anthony Cacciato is an incoming law student at Touro Law Center.

He is an alumnus of Carnegie Mellon University, where he studied under Dr. Jonathan Cervas on the topics of election data and redistricting.

He is a lifelong Suffolk resident and currently resides in Huntington.

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Thursday, July 2, 2026

Continued from front cover

Heat Wave Advisory for July 4th Weekend Credit - Madison Warren

Commissioner Rudy Sunderman of the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services emphasized that every drowning is preventable and stressed the importance of education, awareness and preparedness. He noted that the department responded to 119 drowningrelated emergency calls in 2025, including 16 fatalities, and has already received 50 drowning-related 911 calls so far in 2026.

Sunderman reminded residents that drowning prevention applies to both children and adults, encouraging swimmers to use the buddy system, designate a water watcher, wear life jackets when appropriate, and learn to recognize the signs of drowning. He also urged parents to teach children to always ask permission before entering the water and encouraged everyone to learn CPR, noting that those skills can save lives in an emergency.

Jamie Ryan of Stony Brook Children’s Hospital said drowning prevention is a top priority for the hospital, emphasizing that “drowning prevention isn’t just one thing, it is layers of protection, one on top of the other, of extra vigilance that really creates that barrier and saves lives.” She encouraged families to remain extra cautious around the water throughout the summer, especially during the busy Fourth of July weekend.

Romaine thanked the lifeguards, fire districts, EMS personnel, the Sheriff’s Office, police departments and all first responders who are there when emergencies occur. He said they all share the same goal: ensuring Suffolk County residents and visitors enjoy a safe and happy summer while spending time in the county’s beaches, pools and waterways. Romaine emphasized that everyone must do their part by taking extra precautions to prevent accidents.

Romaine also addressed the extreme heat expected to impact Long Island this week, with temperatures forecast to climb into the upper 90s.

As residents prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July and the nation’s 250th anniversary outdoors, he urged everyone to take the heat seriously by staying hydrated, limiting prolonged sun exposure, checking on vulnerable neighbors, and following heat safety guidelines to ensure a safe holiday weekend.

Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott encouraged residents to take advantage of Suffolk County’s cooling centers during the county’s first major heat wave of the summer. Operated by local towns and listed through the Suffolk County

Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, the air-conditioned facilities offer residents a safe place to escape extreme temperatures.

He also noted that local libraries provide another cool refuge and reminded residents to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take precautions while spending time outdoors.

Pigott’s heat safety message encouraged residents to visit NewYork.gov to locate the nearest cooling center and check its extended hours of operation.

He also urged families to closely monitor children and older adults during periods of extreme heat, emphasizing that even a few minutes inside a hot vehicle can become dangerous. Sundar encouraged neighbors to check on one another throughout the heat wave to help ensure everyone stays safe.

Chief Deputy Parks Commissioner Jason Smagin said police officers were directed to watch for signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion during their day-to-day interactions with citizens. All officers were advised about cooling center information. If someone feels overheated and needs to get to a cooling center, call 911, and an officer will get you the help you need. He said that county police officers are also a top priority; ensuring they are hydrated, cool, and safe during shifts will be at the forefront.

As Suffolk County residents prepare to spend the coming weeks at beaches, pools, parks and backyard gatherings, county officials are urging everyone to make safety a priority. Whether it’s preventing drownings, recognizing the signs of heatrelated illness, or checking on vulnerable neighbors, officials stressed that a few simple precautions can help ensure everyone enjoys a safe, healthy, and memorable summer.

Suffolk Marathon Raises Record Funds for Veterans Services

By Madison Warren Suffolk County officials gathered at Gardiner County Park in West Bay Shore on Wednesday morning to recognize the recipients of the proceeds from the 2025 Suffolk County Catholic Health Marathon, announcing a record $141,114.69 in funding for Veterans’ organizations across the county.

The marathon, which has supported local Veterans since its inception in 2015, continues to

Credit - Madison Warren

provide critical resources for the more than 90,000 Veterans who call Suffolk County home. To date, the event has raised more than $1.2 million for Veterans’ services and organizations.

Marcelle Leis, director of the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency, welcomed elected officials, sponsors and representatives from the 23 organizations receiving funds. She thanked Catholic Health, the marathon’s title sponsor, along with Suffolk County Parks, Suffolk Bus, I Run This Island Foundation, and the many volunteers who help make the annual event possible. She also noted that three organizations received marathon funding for the first time this year, expanding the event’s reach within the local Veterans community.

County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) praised the Veterans Service Agency, the Suffolk County Legislature, and everyone involved in organizing the marathon. He said the event not only provides runners with the opportunity to achieve personal goals but also directly benefits organizations that support Veterans throughout Suffolk County.

“The greatest run course goes over the Robert Moses Bridge,” Romaine said, encouraging residents to participate in this

year’s event. “You not only run to do your best, but you run to support all these organizations that do such a great job for Suffolk County.”

Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point), Chair of the Legislature’s Veterans Committee, challenged residents to help grow participation in this year’s marathon. After attracting just under 3,000 participants last year, he encouraged runners to recruit friends and family to reach 3,500 participants.

He emphasized that every registration helps fund programs serving Veterans and their families.

Representing Catholic Health, Kevin Ferrarotti said the marathon is more than a race; it is a community effort that brings together healthcare providers, first responders, businesses, and residents in support of those who served the country. He reaffirmed Catholic Health’s commitment to caring for Veterans and highlighted the organization’s role in providing emergency medical coverage throughout marathon weekend.

Organizers also announced that registration for the 2026 Suffolk County Marathon Weekend, scheduled for October 17-18, is off to a strong start.

A speaker from the I Run This Island Foundation said registrations are tracking approximately 35% ahead of last year’s pace, putting the event on course to become the largest marathon weekend in its history and potentially generate even greater funding for Veterans’ organizations.

Residents who are unable to participate as runners are encouraged to volunteer, as hundreds of volunteers are needed to support the event.

Registration and volunteer information is available at SuffolkCountyMarathon.com.

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Editorial Thursday, July 2, 2026

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

The Republic Has Survived 250 Years.

Do We Deserve to Keep It?

The many adages of Benjamin Franklin, perhaps one of the wisest men this country ever produced, still ring true today.

Not only did he acknowledge that the preservation of the republic hinged on the conscientiousness of the people, but that those who “sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither and lose both.”

Last week, we gave a doom-and-gloom report on where we think things went wrong.

This week, we’ll offer some ideas that we think would monumentally improve our republic for another 250 years.

As a disclaimer, many of these ideas are filed under the “magic wand” category, but we’re optimistic the “American Dream” can refer to more than just what this country can do for us; rather, what we can do for the country.

America First We’re not naive to the fact that to whom much is given, much is required. No global superpower can isolate themselves and only deal with the rest of the world when it’s convenient to do so.

But we’re also not naive to the fact that our politicians for decades, of both parties, have gradually abdicated the core duties of any government: keeping the economy humming and securing the homeland. All other operations are tangential at best or detrimentally bureaucratic at worst.

And unfortunately, each Congress has become more unscrupulous and apathetic than the last.

We were taught for many years that “nationalism” was a dirty word, only associated with white supremacists or the Nazis.

In fact, the only countries on earth who don’t practice a healthy dose of nationalism in their policy, domestic or foreign, are the ones who are sinking faster than they can bail the water. Having pride in one’s country, even in recognition of its faults, and working to advance the interests of one’s country are the basic tenets of any civilization.

It’s safe to say we’ve lost the plot as a country. We’ve contorted our core mission into being the saviors of the world - whatever that means - and have decided to punish the current U.S. residents for the crimes of ancestors, whatever those might be. The pathologically altruistic societal model, pushed mostly by progressive Democrats, has turned into a self-defeatist and nihilistic worldview.

On the other hand, Republicans have pushed ideas that are just as pathologically altruistic, especially when it comes to war - the chief export of the U.S. these days, which illuminates why this country can never seem to break its addiction to conflict.

In short, you can’t serve two masters. You will end up hating one and loving the other. If you’re America First, you should live in America. If you’re Mongolia First, go live in Mongolia. If you’re Kosovo First, go live in Kosovo. If you’re Israel First, go live in Israel.

Conservatives have also opined that we can “walk and chew gum” when it comes to watering the gardens within the borders of this nation and those abroad, but they ignore the fact that dependency breeds resentment.

That’s not exclusive to foreign countries who are just as addicted to the almighty dollar as our politicians are, many of them disgustingly so. Americans were traded civil liberties and personal prosperity for equity-inducing social programs that cannot handle the bloat. And when people expect the government to help them, it doesn’t breed affinity or devotion. It breeds, “what can my country do for me?” instead of, “what can I do for my country?”

Is it any question why so many Americans spit on our heritage and legacy? The Marxist programming in higher institutions is undeniable, but the bigger piece of the puzzle, we think, is dependency. And when that dependency is consistently undelivered by the government, it stands to reason that those same Americans have grown unaware of the greatness of this country - only because the government simply can’t deliver every promise and right every wrong. That was never the intention in the first place.

Moreover, those who truly love the U.S. don’t seem to have the time, money, or energy to truly connect with it. They’re worker drones who’ve been pushed beyond the brink of reasonable expenditures of that time, money, and energy, all to end up less free and poorer than they were before. It’s a nationwide burnout that will eventually rear its patriotic head.

America First should mean that the prosperity and safety of the American public should be prioritized by our representatives, who we elect and pay. Anyone who says that’s a “radical” take should be deemed an enemy of this country, plain and simple. Any other country on earth would hold the same prerogative, and rightly so.

It’s not rocket surgery, but the despots pretending to care about the American people will have you believe it is. That’s exactly the deterrent they need to keep YOU from seizing power.

Remember, don’t look left or right. Look up.

Congressional Overhauls Congress has never been more out to lunch and it shows. While there are some good stewards, most are there simply because of institutional power, monumental checks from the donor class and lobbies, and simply because “they know best.”

Our wish list: term limits for the House and Senate and a mandatory retirement age in line with federal standards. Congressional salaries should be capped at median income for the district or state they represent. Citizens United must be overturned - the Supreme Court case allowed for limitless corporate spending in elections so as to not violate the

First Amendment. The Supreme Court itself should reject lifetime appointments as well, and both should be barred from any type of stock, equities, or futures trading - and they should be regularly probed by the IRS while regular Americans could deal with being left alone.

Don’t think these politicians are disgustingly greedy beyond reproach? Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said in a press conference in May that members of Congress should be allowed to trade stocks because their $174,000 annual salary has been frozen since 2009.

Yet, many of these people come out of Congress as millionaires, with book deals, cable news spots, or lobbying firms waiting for them after they leave the Hill.

Cry us a river, Speaker Johnson, especially when more Americans are placing necessities like groceries on credit cards and homeownership and children are increasingly considered luxury goods - two canaries in the coal mine that show the country is on the brink of collapse.

Another necessary change: require line-item spending. Congress’ main role is to hold the purse strings. Why then do they pass one, giant, pork-barrel omnibus bill each winter?

It’s not because they’re great fiscal stewards or financial geniuses. It’s so they can take more meetings with more lobbyists for more money in their campaign coffers, and so they can grandstand to their bases on whatever hot-button issue is dominating social media that week. They should spend the ENTIRE session budgeting; forget most other things.

Republicans took over the House in 2022 on that prospect alone. They have failed, miserably - the so-called “fiscal conservatives” running Washington.

Additionally, birthright citizenship needs to end. The Supreme Court made a terrible decision this week. It’s a comforting practice and one that’s been utilized for centuries in moral ways, but the abuse cannot be ignored. “Birth tourism” is a real phenomenon that only treats the U.S. like an ATM. A child who is simply born on “magic American dirt” who then grows up in another country now has access to the same benefits and suffrage as an American whose ancestors built this country does. There’s something deeply wrong and illogical with that.

Furthermore, ALL foreign lobbying needs to end. If a foreign nation wants some form of American aid, they can send their diplomats to the embassy and negotiate. Your elected officials for years have taken money from foreign countries to legislate on their behalf.

That is not “democracy.” That is corporate capture of the most insidious and illogical of its kind. It’s gotten so absurd that Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) went on FOX News claiming he’s told his constituents to urge their younger family members to sign up for the military to go fight in another pointless, regime change war in the Middle East. Graham has also traveled multiple times to Israel to coach them on how to get our guys to go to war.

If that’s not treason and a dereliction of duty to the American people, we don’t know what is. Graham and others like him - there are plenty on both sides of the aisle - need to be tried for treason.

Congress’ job is to balance the budget. If they can’t do that, their terms should be immediately invalidated and new elections should be held. If these people ran your business, you’d fire them in a heartbeat. But because they’re politicians, they get reelected anyway.

The best part is, Congress can sign all of these provisions into law. They don’t, however, and that should tell you everything you need to know.

If you’re not at the table, you’re what’s on it, so the saying goes, and you ought to get it out of your head now that some politician or party is coming to save you.

We did the research. No one is coming to save you - politically, at least. And neither party wants to fix the system because not doing so merely justifies their own jobs.

Time for Another Revolution?

When backed into a corner for too long, an animal will eventually fight back.

The question is, how do Americans do so?

We think there’s ample evidence that alternative media and the ubiquitousness of the Internet has smeared writing on the wall that mainstream media simply can’t ignore.

You can’t get away with anything anymore, and that’s for the better. We believe there is a subtle takeover going on now, but those in power are keenly aware.

We hope it doesn’t resort to violence - we don’t condone or want any violence - but is there any question as to why people are more on edge nowadays than ever? Social media brain-rotting and violent video games might be part of it, but we think those excuses peddled by mainstream media and politicians are red herrings.

It’s the angst and ire of a people clearly not heeded when they make decisions at the ballot box. That kind of experiment only ever exists on borrowed time.

Many voted for Trump to not entangle us in another Middle Eastern war - which has been widely proven to have been started at the behest of Israel - yet we got it anyway.

That’s they’re way of saying, “We know what you want. We don’t care. We’re doing this anyway.”

In our eyes, the Second American Revolution has already begun. Thankfully, it’s in information, alternative media, and diligent dot-connecting. We hope it’s sufficient, but if the ruling class decides to further abdicate their duties, we fear a revolt that will make January 6 look like a middle school play.

We can desire to “keep the republic,” but if we Americans continue to sit idly by, waiting for a political party to come save us, do we deserve to keep the republic for another 250 years?

Op-Ed Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

7

Thursday, July 2, 2026

I Have Down Syndrome. My Life Is Worth Living

By Mark X. Cronin When a YouTube personality named Jesse Ridgway recently announced that he and his wife had terminated a pregnancy after a Down syndrome diagnosis, millions of people had something to say. I am one of them, but I am not here to talk about Jesse Ridgway. I am here to let my son John’s words and life respond.

When my wife and I learned that our son John had Down Syndrome, the covering OB came into the room and said, “I’m so sorry, I have bad news for you. It appears your son may have a slight case of Down Syndrome.” A cardiologist added, matter-of-factly, “They try to save many of these babies nowadays.”

Then a family member, someone who loved us and was trying to help, offered what she thought was an encouraging thought. She said that nowadays, these people are doing more, that someday, John could grow up to push a broom at Burger King.

I have two other sons. When each of them was born, I believed everything was possible. They could grow up to play centerfield for the New York Yankees. For John, the ceiling being offered was a broom.

That is what we were up against from the first day of his life. Not cruelty. Not malice.

Just a world that had already decided what John could and couldn’t do, before he had drawn ten breaths.

The medical facts about Down Syndrome are real, and they are not the whole picture.

They never are. John needed intestinal bypass surgery on day three of his life. Before he was three months old, he had open-heart surgery. He struggled with coordination and speech and learned sign language to communicate. He wears special contact lenses to manage keratoconus and hearing aids for progressive hearing loss.

All of that is true. Here is what else is true.

John Cronin is a 30-year-old entrepreneur. Together, we built John’s Crazy Socks, a social enterprise that has shipped to customers in 94 countries and donated more than $850,000 to charitable causes. The young man who could not speak is now a soughtafter keynote speaker who has addressed the United States Congress, the United Nations, and hundreds of audiences across the country. Forbes named him to their 30 Under 30 list. EY named him an Entrepreneur of the Year, the first person with Down Syndrome to receive that honor.

Last week, John spent a day on Capitol Hill meeting with legislators. He came home and left again to compete in the New York State Special Olympics State Games in track and field. Last night, he was out with his brother and friends at a watch party for the Knicks.

This is not a story about an exceptional case. It is a story about what becomes possible when we refuse to let a diagnosis set the ceiling.

Too often, medical professionals focus only on the challenges. They give parents an accurate list of what may go wrong, without any sense of what a full life with Down Syndrome can look like. Parents, already frightened, absorb that information and carry it forward. It shapes what they hope for. It shapes what they allow themselves to imagine.

Parents facing this diagnosis deserve the full picture. They deserve to hear about the medical challenges, yes. They also deserve to hear about the joy, the humor, the love, the contribution, the irreplaceable presence that a person with Down Syndrome brings into the world.

We should never be blinded by a person’s limitations. We should be awed by their possibilities.

Our expanding ability to test, to screen, to select offers the seductive promise that we can engineer away uncertainty. But that carefully designed child, healthy and built to specification, could still grow up to struggle with depression, addiction, loneliness, or heartbreak. Life has always found a way to confound our plans. We never truly know what we are getting. What we know is that every life, shaped by its own challenges and possibilities, has the capacity to surprise us if we let it.

I will not tell anyone what decision to make. That is not my place, but I will tell you what I know.

My name is Mark Cronin. I have a son named John, and I will let John speak for himself.

“Some guy named Jesse said people with Down Syndrome don’t have good lives. My name is John Cronin. I have Down Syndrome. I have a great life. My life is worth living.”

Mark X. Cronin is the co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks.

Motorist Suing Suffolk Cops Was Clearly Resisting Arrest

By Steve Levy | Long Island Life & Politics A Suffolk man, Craig Manning, appeared at a press conference with his attorney, Frederick Brewington, in a prelude to a lawsuit Manning will bring against the Suffolk County Police Department because he was punched several times by Officer Robert Rufrano after a traffic stop in Medford.

If you just look at an isolated freeze-frame of the video, it is obvious that he was punched. But a look at the entire video shows that it was Manning who was at fault.

The officers pulled him over for an illegal left-hand turn. When asked for his license and registration, Manning refused to submit them. He immediately became uncooperative and demanded to talk to the officer’s manager.

The video shows the officer seeking to handcuff Manning for not cooperating, and, thereafter, Manning pushing off against the officers. At one point, he is even seen lunging his head toward Rufrano. The officer responds with a number of quick blows to try to bring Manning under control.

Manning and his attorney are claiming that this is police brutality. But we have to ask: What are police officers supposed to do when a six-foot, six-inch individual resists arrest? If they are prohibited from using physical force to arrest someone who doesn’t want to be detained? Suspects will just walk away without paying a price. The fabric of our society would disintegrate.

Do we want people who were stopped by police to be able to tell the police that they will not provide their license and registration after being involved in traffic violations?

Do we want them to be able to physically oppose being placed in handcuffs when they’re told they’re under arrest?

Manning had a legitimate course of action he could have taken. He could’ve simply complied with the police officers’ request for his license and brought a lawsuit later if he thought he was being wrongfully targeted.

He could even decide against providing them with any information, but it would make him subject to arrest. He could’ve allowed himself to be cuffed, rather than resist, and bring a lawsuit later.

But that’s not what happened. Manning was wrong, first in refusing to provide information to the police, and then again when he refused to be handcuffed when he was going to be arrested.

His hostile attitude toward the Suffolk County Police Department should not be rewarded with a big payday.

Manning wants to send a message that it’s perfectly OK to refuse to cooperate with police, resist arrest, and thereafter sue for monetary damages when a physical confrontation ensues.

The authorities should send a message to people like Manning that they will not profit from their hostility toward police officers, who are simply trying to do their job.

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

Letter to the Editor Blame Game Dear Editor, The reflecting pool is turning colors not intended by the present administration. Whatever the reason, it’s because someone other than the present administration is at fault.

That’s the same story with everything, especially the keystone agenda - immigration. Here in Congressional District 1, it’s the same story: they did it, not me. It’s the blame game. They don’t understand that the chair they occupy belongs to the people. Harry Truman said before

he took office upon FDR’s death, “I’m just keeping it for the next guy.”

It’s the people’s seat, and they are supposed to do what the collective body wants, not what their contributor dollars say. As the pool goes green, as in algae - or red, as in the cost of goods and services - they arrest people without a surveillance video or other proof. All the while, their wealth grows, and contracts go out without competitive bids. $14 billion of our money was wasted.

Immigration reform in East Hampton has Congressman LaLota holding that town hostage as he threatens to block federal funds over cooperation with ICE. Immigration has changed so much. In 1900, people

escaped the Tsar and later the Communists by coming to America. Later, it was to escape from famine and after WWII, we opened up Ellis Island to accommodate refugees.

As it is inscribed on Lady Liberty’s side, (we were founded as a diverse nation of the tired, the poor), “Give me our huddled masses yearning to breathe free. I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Who will you vote for?

Sincerely, Joel Reitman Peconic

Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, July 2, 2026

St. Catherine of Siena Hospital

Two national recognitions, one unwavering commitment to YOU.

Recognized among the nation’s best with a CMS 5-Star rating and an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Group.

At St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, our commitment has always been clear: putting patients first in everything we do. That means expanded surgical technologies for improved patient outcomes, award-winning St. Francis Heart Center cardiac care, a dedicated high-tech spine center, and an enhanced emergency room— ensuring our community has access to the care they deserve.

Because purpose-driven care leads to better outcomes.

SCAN ME

Learn more at chsli.org/ st-catherine-siena-hospital

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5/14/26 13:42

This Week Today Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

9

Thursday, July 2, 2026

National, State, and Local Temperature Checks

By Matt Meduri National

Democratic Party.

DeGette becomes the fifth Democrat and seventh overall member of the House to lose renomination this cycle.

Democrats also got a win with CO-05, a Colorado Springs-based House seat, with former chief of staff to Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff (D-CA), Jessica Killin (D). She has almost $1.4 million in the bank, compared to freshman Congressman Jeff Crank’s (R) $1.3 million. CO-05 is a medium-red district at best, but Democrats are optimistic the seat is in play with Killin on the ballot.

The lone resister of the progressive wave was one-term Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO), who also served two terms as governor from 2011 to 2019. He prevailed over progressive State Senator Julie Gonzalez (D), 55%45%.

Despite the ideological and generational contest on the Democratic stage, the general election likely won’t play host to such fireworks. Colorado has become an obdurately progressive blue state, and State Senator Mark Baisley (R), the GOP nominee for Senate, has raised just $77,147 according to FEC filings as of June 10. He reports just over $11,000 cash on hand. Hickenlooper, meanwhile, has raked in almost $10 million this cycle and has $3 million in the bank. No Republican has won a Senate race in Colorado since 2014.

In CO-08, a prime swing district that Republicans flipped in an upset in 2024, Democrats went with State Representative Manny Rutinel (D). Party leaders, however, have worried Rutinel’s stances are too progressive for a Trumpwon, suburban-Denver district where 40% of the population is Hispanic.

State To close out Pride Month, Governor Kathy Hochul (D-Hamburg) announced a new round of investments to support the LGBTQ+ community.

Hochul is committing $1.8 million for “LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Crisis Counseling Services,” which also includes training for local 988 crisis counselors on the concerns of LGBTQ+ youth, $500,000 to develop a “statewide LGBTQ+ Legal Hotline and Resource Website,” and landmarks to be “illuminate[d] across New York State in celebration of Pride Month.”

Such landmarks include 1WTC, the Tappan Zee Bridge, State Education Building, Empire State Plaza, Grand Central Terminal’s Pershing Square Viaduct, the Moynihan Train Hall, the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse, the LIRR Credit - United States Congress

Venezuela was rocked by massive 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes over the weekend.

Over 1,700 people are reported dead as of press time, over 5,000 have been injured, and over 43,000 remain missing.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) predicts that the death toll could be much higher as recovery efforts ensue. They estimate it could exceed 100,000, making it the strongest earthquake to hit the country since the 1900 San Narciso earthquake.

800 buildings are reported to have collapsed; the United Nations has estimated the damage to be US$4.7 to $8.7 billion, about 4%-8% of Venezuela’s GDP. That cost could be 1.5 to 3 times that estimate.

On the homefront, President Donald Trump (R-FL) was dealt one win and one major loss by the Supreme Court.

In a win for the President, the Court overturned a New Deal-era precedent that presidents did not have unchecked power to replace commissioners on regulatory agencies that are established

by Congress specifically to have a buffer from presidential power. The Court ruled that those positions are effectively atwill positions, subject to the president’s pleasure. The decision was 6-3 along ideological lines.

However, the loss comes from the Court overturning Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship. Chief Justice John Roberts opined that Trump’s order cannot be squared with the Fourteenth Amendment, that anyone born in the U.S., even children to parents “unlawfully or temporarily” present in the country, are conferred citizenship.

Trump issued the now-doomed executive order on his first day back in office last year. Several federal judges across the country prevented the law from taking effect.

In the majority opinion, Roberts was joined by Trump-appointed Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh. All three Obama-appointed Justices agreed.

The only dissenters were Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and the Trumpappointed Neil Gorsuch.

In domestic political news, Georgia will not partake in the mid-decade redistricting “arms race.” It alleviates Democratic fears that another Deep South state would spring for an aggressive Republican gerrymander after the Calais Vs. Louisiana decision that altered how majority-minority districts can be drawn.

The move is somewhat surprising, as Governor Brian Kemp (R-GA) had called a special session of the Georgia Legislature to debate redistricting, but just hours before the session was called, Georgia House Speaker John Burns (R) sent a letter signed by all Republican House leaders that they would not put redistricting to a vote.

The current 9R-5D delegation is all but

certain to be preserved after the November elections.

For 2026, primaries continue in earnest.

Republican voters in Louisiana hit the polls on Saturday to select a nominee in the runoff. Trump-endorsed, three-term Congresswoman Julia LetLow (R, LA-05) easily won the runoff against State Treasurer John Fleming (R-LA). She carried most of the state’s parishes - county equivalents and won 56.9% of the statewide vote. Over 315,000 ballots were cast.

Letlow and Fleming denied two-term Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) renomination, making him the first Republican Senator to lose a primary since Richard Lugar (R-IN) in 2012. Letlow is all but certain to prevail over three-generation farmer Jamie Davis (D-LA).

Louisiana last sent a Democrat to the Senate in 2008 with Mary Landrieu (D-LA), who would be defeated by Cassidy in the 2014 red wave.

Primaries continued to Colorado, an extension of the battleground between progressives and establishment Democrats.

Those aligned with the faction, some of whom are members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), scored significant wins and unseated two incumbents in New York last week.

Some of that energy transcended to the Rocky Mountain State. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser (D) defeated three-term Senator Michael Bennett (D-CO). Incumbent Governor Jared Polis (D) is term-limited.

The Obama Administration alum, Weiser, won a close race for Colorado Attorney General in 2018 and expanded on that margin in 2022. He’s been a vocal opponent of President Trump and criticized Bennett for being too amenable to Trump in the Senate.

Weiser took 55% of the vote, mostly concentrated in Denver, the affluent mountain suburbs, and working-class, Hispanic communities in western Colorado. Bennett won the rest of the state, taking 45% of the total vote. Had Bennett won the primary and the November general, he’d have been able to appoint his successor to the Senate.

Nonetheless, Democrats are heavily favored to win the open gubernatorial seat in November. No Republican has been elected governor of Colorado since 2002.

The biggest win in the House elections for progressives was in CO-01, a compact district taking in Denver proper that was a Harris +56 seat in 2024. Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D) (pictured above), who was first elected in 1996, saw her congressional career come to an end. Political newcomer Malet Kiros (D), 29, defeated the fifteenterm DeGette 51.3%-41.7%, as of press time. Kiros ran to DeGette’s left in another win for the democratic socialist wing of the

East End Gateway at Penn Station, and Niagara Falls, among others.

The funding also includes a $16 million-plus expansion of the Lorena Borjas Transgender and NonBinary Wellness and Equity Fund, an initiative that has supported dozens of organizations and invested nearly $12 million in health and human services, legal support, and workforce development for transgender individuals.

The $16 million infusion makes it one of the largest such funds in the nation.

Hochul says that access to “lifesaving services” must be ensured by the State after the Trump Administration “defunded the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGTBQ+ Youth Specialized Services program.”

“New York is the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ movement, and I could not be prouder of that,” said Hochul in a statement. “When there are assaults on LGBTQ+ rights all across America, New York will not sit on the sidelines. We will always stand hand-in-hand with our LGBTQ+ community and continue our fight for equality because feeling safe is a human right. We stand for those rights today, and we’ll always keep fighting for those rights in the future.”

Local The East Coast is on a severe heat advisory for the July Fourth-250th celebration weekend. The Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) is urging customers to reduce water usage as demand approaches “record levels” amid intense heat.

Additionally, the U.S. Drought Monitor currently classifies Long Island in a severe drought.

The SCWA is reporting “high water infrastructure demand during overnight and early morning hours from irrigation systems.” They warn that water tanks that begin the day at low levels require more time to refill, and that low-level tanks reduce system pressure, which can “ lower flow to homes and limit water availability for fire protection.”

“No additional infrastructure is available to meet this demand, “ said the SCWA. While the SCWA has not issued a Water Alert, they are requesting that customers adhere to the odd/even schedule for watering their lawns. Oddnumbered street addresses should only water on odd-numbered calendar days; even-numbered street addresses water on even-numbered days. No lawn watering is permitted between 10:00a.m. and 4:00p.m.

Weather projections indicate continued dry conditions, meaning, according to the SCWA, “demand will remain elevated without active conservation.”

10

Smithtown Matters Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Continued from front cover

Concert, Drone Show, Parade on Deck for Smithtown’s 250 Weekend

“Rooted in the very history that shaped our nation, Smithtown carries forward a legacy of patriotism, resilience, and deep respect for those who came before us. This celebration is more than a fun weekend—it is a tribute to our shared heritage, our enduring values, and our unwavering commitment to the residents we proudly serve,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park). “We honor our Veterans, our first responders, our families, and the freedoms that define us, and we look forward to bringing our community together for a truly inspiring weekend that reflects the spirit of America and the pride of Smithtown.”

Gates will open at 3:00p.m. The show runs from 6:00p.m to 9:30p.m. Shuttle buses will be available at Chase Bank at NY-25A and Bread & Cheese Hollow Road in Fort Salonga. Shuttles will begin running at 3:00p.m.

While the event is free for Town residents, vehicle reservations are required for on-site parking. Residents who are unable to secure a vehicle reservation are encouraged to check Event-brite for a chance to grab one of the limited number of passes that may become available due to cancellations.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring blankets and chairs, as well as family and friends.

“Cosentino Companies is proud to serve as the Event Sponsor for Smithtown’s America 250 celebration, a once-

in-a-lifetime moment to honor the founding of our Nation and the freedoms that continue to unite us as Americans,” said Peter Cosentino, Jr., of Cosentino Companies. “Our work in Smithtown has always been rooted in a deep respect for history, community, and service — from preserving the Harned Brothers Saw Mill to the restoration and installation of the Hoyt Farm water tower in memory of our colleague, project manager, local resident, and Vietnam veteran, John E. Baker. John lived a life of service to his country and his community, and we are proud to help keep his memory alive through projects and opportunities that benefit the people of Smithtown. We cannot think of a more meaningful way to honor that legacy than by supporting this historic celebration of America’s 250th birthday.”

On Saturday, July 4, the Town’s annual parade will culminate with a ceremonial reading of the Declaration of Independence at Town Hall.

The parade steps off at 10:00a.m. from Singer Lane, adjacent to Branch Plaza and concluding at Town Hall, 99 W. Main Street.

The ceremony continues at 11:00a.m., where the Declaration of Independence will be read from descendants of Smithtown’s founding family. The Smithtown Knights of Columbus will be offering hot dogs, water, and soda at Town Hall as their “gift to the

community” in honor of the day.

“Reworld is proud to serve as a Liberty Sponsor for Smithtown’s America 250 celebration,” said Maureen Early, Lead Community Relations Specialist at Reworld. “As we honor this historic milestone, we’re proud to support the Town of Smithtown and continue building on our shared commitment to strengthening and sustaining the communities we serve across Long Island.”

But the ceremony will be more than just a parade and a historical reading. It will include Main Street’s adornment with banners and Town Hall’s decoration with Revolutionary War flags.

“Draper Asset Management is proud to serve as a Liberty Sponsor for Smithtown’s America 250 celebration as we come together to honor this extraordinary milestone in our Nation’s history,” said members of Draper Asset Management. “The 250th anniversary of America’s independence is not only a moment to reflect on the courage and vision of our founders, but also an opportunity to renew our commitment to the communities we call home. We are honored to support our hometown, in celebrating our shared values, improving quality of life, and helping pave the way for the next generation to inherit a stronger, vibrant community guided by the enduring principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and by the sacred honor we share in preserving them.”

Cipher Room Opens in Smithtown

By Madison Warren The Cipher Room, Spy Trail Distillery’s new cocktail bar and tasting lounge, officially celebrated its grand opening in downtown Smithtown last week.

Community members, local officials, and Smithtown Chamber of Commerce members gathered to welcome the new business, which expands the Ronkonkoma-based distillery’s presence while offering handcrafted cocktails made with its locally distilled spirits.

The ambiance is a perfect blend of polished, modern design and subtle nods to Long Island history, creating what the team calls a modern interpretation of an 18th-century spy tavern, with a tasteful atmosphere that pays homage to the region’s past.

Owners Robyn and Mark Grindel are excited to open The Cipher Room just ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday celebration this weekend. Robyn told The Messenger that the project had been in the works for the past year after the couple learned the downtown Smithtown space had become available.

While the two were on vacation in Germany, Mark immediately began making calls to secure the location, recognizing its potential to bring their vision to life.

The journey began years ago when Mark, already established in his career, started to wonder if there was something more out there for him. His wife, Robyn, encouraged him to trust his instincts. After years of researching and learning about the bourbon and spirits industry, the couple eventually took a leap of faith that led them to Spy Trail Distillery and, later, to The Cipher Room.

The inspiration behind the distillery’s unique theme comes from both history and family. The Grindels live just off Long Island’s Spy Trail, a historic route that commemorates the Culper Spy Ring, America’s first organized intelligence network during the Revolutionary War. Drawn to the rich history that unfolded right in their own backyard, they built the brand around the legacy of espionage and coded communication. Their family’s military ties also played a role, as the couple’s son serves in the U.S. Army in cyber warfare, further reinforcing the theme of intelligence, strategy, and service that is woven throughout both Spy Trail Distillery and The Cipher Room.

Robyn said every aspect of the brand has been intentional. From the hidden messages and design elements featured on each bottle to the carefully selected furnishings throughout the tasting room, every detail was chosen to create a welcoming atmosphere while thoughtfully honoring the history and legacy that inspired Spy Trail Distillery and The Cipher Room.

To bring their vision to life, the Grindels partnered with DUNE & SAGE, an interior design studio led by owner Kathleen Benkowsky. Through thoughtful design and careful attention to detail, Benkowsky helped transform the space into the immersive experience the couple had envisioned. Robyn said there was no one else she would have wanted to work with, crediting Benkowsky’s creativity and dedication as instrumental in making The Cipher Room’s grand opening a reality.

The grand opening was attended by Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park), Suffolk County Legislator Sal Formica (R-Commack), Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James), and many other community leaders, all of whom expressed their support for the new business. During the celebration, the Grindels were presented with several certificates and proclamations recognizing the opening of The Cipher Room and its contribution to the Smithtown community.

Legislator Formica said businesses like The Cipher Room are exactly the type of investment local leaders hope to attract to Smithtown, noting that they bring visitors to the area and help support the local economy. He acknowledged that the project faced challenges along the way but said town officials remained committed to helping it succeed. Formica added that Smithtown is committed to being business-friendly and will continue working to attract businesses that strengthen the community and contribute to its economic growth.

Robyn said the support from the Smithtown community has been overwhelming and that she is excited to become part of the town. She said she looks forward to welcoming guests, creating lasting memories at The Cipher Room, and building relationships within the community.

Looking ahead, the team has several exciting plans, including the release of its seven-year bourbon in conjunction with this weekend’s 250th anniversary celebration. Spy Trail Distillery will also be participating in community events throughout the year.

To stay up to date on upcoming events and releases, follow @ spytraildistillery on Instagram.

For more information, visit www.spytraildistillery.com.

Spy Trail Distillery is located at 159 Comac St. in Ronkonkoma, while The Cipher Room is located at 52 N. Country Rd. in Smithtown.

News Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, July 2, 2026

11

Ronkonkoma Legion Post Celebrates 100 Years

By Matt Meduri The William Merritt Hallock Post of the American Legion, Post #155, celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 27, appropriately coinciding with the 250th birthday of the United States’ independence.

The American Legion as a nationwide network began in 1919, when Army Lieutenant Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., the president’s son, led its founding to bring soldiers together for fellowship and community service.

In May 1926, neighboring Legionnaires urged Lake Ronkonkoma Veterans to form their own group. They did so that year, naming the post in honor of a 24-year-old Lake Ronkonkoma native who died in combat in the Battle of Belleau Wood in World War I. The first Legionnaires of the area named Leroy Vollgraff as their first Post Commander and would gather at the historic Newton’s Garage on the corner of Ronkonkoma Avenue and Portion Road. All original members had served in the Army or the Navy alongside the Allies against Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire.

In November 1928, then-Commander Jack Millan and member Joe Kirk personally put down $1,400 - over $27,000 in value today - a six-acre lot on Church Street. The men then gave the land to the Post at no cost and took a second mortgage on the property for a proper clubhouse to be built.

Today, that’s where Post #155 stands and that’s where festivities were held last weekend.

Post Commander Fred Tartaglione (pictured left) began the ceremony by acknowledging those who gave the Ultimate Sacrifice.

An empty table (pictured right) with various symbolic elements stood at the left end of the dais as a reminder of those who could not attend.

“It proves that even though time passes in our case a hundred years, posts and the people in them still go on,” said Tartaglione. “We still remember who came before and we hope they will remember us when we’re gone and keep this post alive for another 100 years.”

Thomas Eichacker (pictured right), grandnephew of William Merritt Hallock, called the 100year anniversary a “deeply emotional and profound honor” for his family.

“Though William never made it home to Lake Ronkonkoma, the veterans who returned in 1926 ensured his name would never be forgotten,” said Eichacker. “They built this post, chose him as its namesake, and created the sanctuary where generations of service members could find support, camaraderie, and healing.”

State Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) (pictured left) said called the Post and others like a “very, very valuable service” to those who have served.

“Every time we drive by, every time we see it [the Post], it reminds us that it’s filled with amazing, incredible human beings who stepped up and said, ‘I will serve, I will sacrifice, and I love this great nation,’” said Murray.

Rosemarie Kluepfel, President of the Long Island Blue Star Mothers, said she first “fell in love” with the Veteran community because “they are the first ones to step up.” She noted that most of them have been Vietnam Veterans, who were “not treated that well when they came back.”

“It doesn’t take a lot to make a difference in somebody else’s life,” said of the services provided by Veterans organizations.

Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) said that her father, a World War II Marine who earned a Purple Heart, “taught” her “what it is” to be a Veteran. County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset) called the 100-year mark a “unique milestone,” adding that the nation would not have survived 250 years if not for the service of Veterans.

“You’re only going to see this [milestone] once,” Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R-Medford) told The Messenger. “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have the liberties we have today. What a better time to celebrate this and the nation’s 250th within a week from each other.”

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches) contrasted the celebratory mood with a starker assessment of the nation’s moods.

“I am almost at a loss for words at times when I see the lack of reverence, respect, or knowledge as to how we’ve been here for 250 years,” said Panico.

“I see people utilizing their democratic rights in a direction that is, in my view, counter to everything that our Veterans fought for. It’s just bewildering.”

The event was well-attended by community members. Paws of War and Pal-OMine Equestrian were on hand to inform on their various services for Veterans, and Hot Dog Hustler provided an array of creative takes on classic American barbecue.

12

School Highlights Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, July 2, 2026

An Equation for Excellence

Great Hollow Middle School seventh grader Frankie Stollberger has been accepted into Stony Brook University’s prestigious Institute for Creative Problem Solving, a highly competitive STEM program that brings together some of Long Island’s brightest young minds to explore advanced concepts in mathematics, science and engineering.

Frankie, along with

two fellow Great Hollow students were part of only a select number of finalist teams representing Long Island in the First in Math Statewide Competition in Albany last year. Frankie was recently recognized at a recent board of education meeting for this outstanding accomplishment.

“Frankie, your grit, curiosity, and exceptional problem-solving skills have

brought you to this moment,” said Smithtown Central School District Director of Math, Mrs. Angelica Babino. “We cannot wait to see the

incredible discoveries you will make and the achievements that lie ahead through this program and beyond.”

HSW Seniors are Seniors No More!

It was a day of celebration and inspiration as the newest graduates of Smithtown High School West turned their tassels and tossed their caps into the air. On June 26, 311 seniors comprised the Class of 2026 as they enjoyed a wonderful commencement ceremony.

Principal William Holl addressed the graduating seniors and praised their sense of community. “This has always been a school where students show up not just for class, but for each other. Whether you wore a jersey, performed on stage, played an

instrument, competed academically, volunteered your time or found your place in one of our many clubs, you helped build a community that is closeknit, supportive and something you should be proud of.”

Honor Speaker Kristin McGuire wanted her colleagues to reflect on who they were in high school and who they can become, telling the class, “Who we are today is a reflection of every trivial moment we’ve experienced thus far: a mosaic of every interaction, every friendship, every hardship, every

success, and even every failure that shapes our identity. With this in mind, remember that these 12 years are the foundation for the people we are today. Graduation is not just an opportunity to start over, but an opportunity to reflect on the experiences and build on the lessons learned in high school.”

After the congratulatory speeches and diploma distribution, the seniors then participated in the traditional moving of the tassels to indicate their becoming alumni of the Smithtown Central School District.

School Highlights Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Caps Off to the HSE Class of 2026 The tassels have been turned, the diplomas have been earned, and the memories will last a lifetime. On June 26, Smithtown High School East seniors celebrated their commencement ceremony.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Secaur took pride in the achievements of the graduating seniors, while also praising the family support systems who helped them achieve this milestone.

“While this day is about you, please be sure to thank your parents and guardians for this is a great day for them as well. They have made countless sacrifices to make this day a reality,” said Dr. Secaur.

Principal Paul McNeil told the graduation class, “You matured into responsible young adults who set the bar for academic achievement and student conduct. You fully embraced our comprehensive high school program, participating in rigorous coursework, numerous electives, games on this very field, the Business Olympics, drama productions, and performances at Carnegie Hall. Next year, and in life, my challenge to you is this: set the standard by outworking those around you. Your success is largely predicated on your work ethic. Put in the time and work harder than everyone else around you!”

Honor Speaker Madeline McCullough, selected by her peers to speak, encouraged her classmates to take risks. “As we sit here in our caps and gowns, it feels like everything is ending, but in reality, we’re just getting started,” McCullough exclaimed. “Don’t let time take away your ambition, your passion, and every unique part about you that got you to where you are today. So, classmates, family members, friends and faculty: congratulations, you got your second chance. The question now is, what are you going to do with it?”

After the congratulatory speeches and diploma distribution, the seniors then participated in the traditional moving of the tassels to indicate their becoming alumni of the Smithtown Central School District.

13

Civics 101

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Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, July 2, 2026

The Necessary Standard for American Education Major Compromises in U.S. History

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

By Matt Meduri In light of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S., we took a look through the history books to find perhaps the most major compromises in U.S. history.

Also known as the Constitutional Compromise of 1787, this deal handled how the population would be counted towards lower-chamber representation pursuant to the Connecticut Compromise. It would also affect how many electoral votes each state would receive in presidential elections.

Southern states, who relied on slavery, wanted their entire populations to count towards the federal tally. Free states wanted to exclude slaves from being counted. This led to an impasse between what would become the Union North and the Confederate South. Sensing the amount of electoral power the Southern states could amass through their slave population, Northerners, some of whom had abhorred slavery from the beginning of the nation’s founding, saw no path forward to eliminating the practice if the South got their way.

On the other hand, Northern negotiators couldn’t dig their heels in, as Southern states could have easily walked away and hastened the fracture that would eventually unfold with the Civil War. The three-fifths ratio comes from a proposed amendment to the Articles of Confederation as it pertained to each state’s wealth and their tax obligations. This also

This deal was brokered between Alexander Hamilton (portrait painting on left), Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. Hamilton argued for a national government to pay the states’ Revolutionary War debts. The Northern states, who still owed large amounts, were in favor of the plan, while the Southern states, who had mostly paid off their debts, were opposed.

This also revolved around the site for the nation’s capital. New York City served as the temporary capital at the time, and Jefferson and Madison wanted the capital to remain in a large, financial, Northern-state hub, such as New York or Philadelphia.

The famous “dinner table bargain” in June 1790 saw Madison agree to cease his blocking of the assumption of states’ debts and to court Southern states’ delegates to back the plan.

In return, a ten-square-mile tract of land along the Potomac River would become the permanent national capital, with no state overseeing it. Nestled between Virginia and Maryland, the District of Columbia was born. In August 1970, the federal government assumed about $25 million worth about $910 million today - in state debts and established a public credit system.

The Missouri Compromise Signed by President James Monroe in 1820, the Missouri Compromise set the groundwork for future free and slave states, and it came at a time when westward expansion was kicking into gear.

The compromise prohibited slavery in the Louisiana Territory and in any state north of the 36th Parallel. Missouri had been admitted as a slave state and Maine, then a district belonging to Massachusetts, was admitted as a free state. It kept the balance in the U.S. Senate equal - 12 free states and 12 slave states.

This compromise didn’t last long, however. The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 allowed new states’ settlers to decide on the slavery issue themselves through popular sovereignty. The Kansas-Nebraska Act turned temperatures up to new heights, namely through the violent period of “Bleeding Kansas,” and is generally regarded as one of the most destructive policy decisions in the U.S. Many historians also agree that it greatly hastened the start of the Civil War. The Compromise of 1850 This deal was struck through five separate bills passed by Congress in September 1850.

Senator Henry Clay, a Whig of Kentucky, and Senator Stephen Douglas (D-IL) settled the deal with the support of President Millard Fillmore, a Whig of New York. This compromise dictated how slavery would be handled in the territories acquired after the Mexican-American War ended in 1848.

The Compromise of 1877 Also known as the Corrupt Bargain, this deal settled the disputed results of the 1876 presidential election.

In the Reconstruction Era following the end of the Civil War, the South had been under strict Union military control, as they enforced fair treatment and suffrage. That allowed Republicans to control state governments in the South and saw the rise of the first black politicians in the federal government, most of whom were Republicans.

In the 1876 election, Samuel Tilden (D-NJ) (pictured left) received 184 electoral votes and Rutherford B. Hayes (R-OH) (pictured bottom left) won 165 votes. Both were short of the 185 electoral votes required to become president.

Four states returned disputed slates of presidential electors, leaving 20 votes at stake.

Any disputes resolved in favor of Tilden would have made him the 19th President of the United States, whereas Hayes needed all 20 in order to win.

Florida, South Carolina, and Louisiana had their disputes tied directly to post-war self-determination. Republican-controlled vote returning boards invalidated many Democratic votes amidst voter intimidation, violence, and allegations of fraud. These states were particularly notorious for their corruption and instability.

In Oregon, one Republican elector was a U.S. Postmaster, which violated the constitutional rule against electors holding offices of “trust of profit.”

Thus, the compromise: Tilden and the Democrats would accept Hayes’ victory in exchange for withdrawing federal troops from the South. Then-President Ulysses Grant (ROH) had already begun that process, which was growing unpopular even among Union Northerners. Hayes would win all four of those disputed states to win one of the narrowest elections in history, and the 1876 election would be the second of five elections in which the winner lost the popular vote. Tilden won the national popular vote over Hayes by 3 points.

However, that compromise would see the rise of the “Solid South,” a period of dominance for the Democrats that would endure for the next century, unfortunately at the expense of blacks and poor whites. This would usher in the era of Jim Crow, the KKK, and the Great Migration, among other notable occurrences.

The 1876 election remains one of the most contentious and high-stakes presidential elections ever held.

Credit - Mathew Benjamin Brady

The Three-Fifths Compromise

The Compromise of 1790

Under this deal, California was admitted as a free state and fugitive slave laws were strengthened - slaves found in the free North were ordered to be returned to the South.

Ths deal also banned the slave trade in Washington, D.C., but still allowed slavery there, and defined the northern and western borders of Texas. Territorial governments for Utah and New Mexico were established with popular sovereignty policies towards slavery.

The debate erupted from white Southerners looking to settle in the Southwest and bring slavery with them, further complicated by Texas’ claims to territory it had never classically held. Texas would give up their claims to parts of New Mexico in exchange for $10 million in federal debt relief.

The Compromise of 1850 was merely a postponement of the Civil War, but historians argue it played a major role in that regard as much as it did a catalyst for the war. It’s also argued that the compromise pushed Northern abolitionists, who despised the Fugitive Slave Act, to join the rebellion and aid more slaves to freedom via the Underground Railroad.

Credit - Jose Maria Mora, Library of Congress

One of the earliest compromises in American history, this one laid the groundwork for our federal legislature.

Edmund Randolph, of Virginia, proposed the creation of a bicameral (two-chamber) legislature. Membership would be allocated to each state proportional to its population.

Candidates for the lower chamber, the U.S. House, would be elected directly by the people, while candidates for the upper chamber, the U.S. Senate, would be nominated by the state legislatures and elected by members of the lower state house.

But less populous states feared their interests would be drowned out by the larger states. Gunning Bedford, Jr., of Delaware, argued that if overlooked, the smaller states could be led to find a foreign ally that would “take them by the hand and do them justice.”

That led to William Paterson, of New Jersey, to propose a unicameral legislature. Under this proposal, each state would have equal representation in the federal government, regardless of their population.

At the time, the Southern states were growing and favored proportional representation, while New York, the largest state at the time, wanted equal representation per state. James Madison and Alexander Hamilton were the two leaders spearheading the movement for the proportional representation system.

Overall, it was part of a much broader conversation of just how concentrated power should be in a central federal government, and it defined that states are individual entities who have the right to exercise their own prerogatives and lobby for their own needs. The delegates also feared a backslide into the type of strong central government from which they had just obtained their independence.

Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth, both of Connecticut, were credited with the framework that led to the compromise. On July 16, 1787, in a 5-4 vote of the states, a deal was reached. Every state would be given equal representation in the upper chamber, the Senate, and proportional representation in the lower chamber, the House.

Credit - John Trumbull, 1792

The Connecticut Compromise

angered Southern states, who viewed slaves as property, as those slaves would increase their tax obligation. James Madison wrote in The Federalist Papers, Paper No. 55, that three-fifths was an approximation of the economic value a slave contributed compared to a free worker.

This compromise would later be abolished by the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865.

Around Town Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

15

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Congressman Nick LaLota Recovers Over $15 Million for Suffolk Residents Since taking office in January 2023, two-term Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) has brought in more than $15 million for Suffolk County residents who were otherwise entitled to those funds.

The recovery of these funds comes through “hands-on constituent casework with federal agencies,” according to LaLota’s office.

Some of these dollars include $8.8 million through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), $1.2 million through the Social Security Administration (SSA), nearly $175,000 through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), over $315,000 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and nearly $500,000 through the Department of Justice’s Victims Compensation Fund.

“My casework team has hit a new milestone since I took office, cutting through red tape at the IRS, VA, Small Business

Administration, and other federal agencies to recover more than $15.6 million for Suffolk County residents,” said LaLota in a statement. “Behind that number are Veterans who got the benefits they earned, seniors who got the Social Security checks they counted on, and families who received overdue tax refunds. That’s real money back in their pockets for everyday expenses and a little more relief for household budgets.”

Other funds came through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Railroad Retirement Board, the Department of Education, the United States Postal Service, the Department of the Treasury, the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Credit - Matt Meduri

By Matt Meduri

“Whether relief comes through constituent casework, a quadrupled SALT cap, or $42.1 million in community project funding investments for our county, towns, and villages, I’ll keep fighting to ensure Long Island gets its fair share. If you need help with a federal agency, contact my Hauppauge office at (631) 289-1097 or visit LaLota.house.gov.”

NY-01 covers the entire towns of East Hampton, Riverhead, Shelter Island, Smithtown, Southampton, and Southold, as well as most of Huntington and the northern half of Brookhaven.

LaLota’s district office is located at 515 Hauppauge Road, Suite 3B, in Hauppauge.

Local History

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Bicentennial celebrations, 1976

Thursday, July 2, 2026

July 4, 2026

By Ellyn Okvist, B.Sc. Two Hundred and Fifty Years Has Finally Arrived.

banners. We have officially crossed 660 as of yesterday.

People have the spunk to ask us, “why? Why the banners?”

Our reply: They are all that matters. On June 14, we held the Killed in Action Memorial Ceremony in Raynor Park, which followed the 250th Celebration Parade. November will bring Veterans Day, and we plan on unveiling the Honor Memorial for Women Veterans in our Community. May 2027 will bring Lake Ronkonkoma Day, a day of community and local folks lightly and respectfully celebrating Memorial Day as only Lake Ronkonkoma can.

Today also brings another of my Department of Defense letters, this one telling of a 17-year-old young man from Lake Ronkonkoma as he served as a Navy sailor in WWII. Legally leaving high school early when called by the effort, he

The United States Semiquincentennial, also called the Sestercentennial (two and a half centuries), or the Quarter Millennium, marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Festivities have been marking various events leading up to the Declaration of Independence’s anniversary.

And it is everywhere - the love for our Country, our fellow Americans, and our lives that we have led, free and fair because of the brave soldiers and sailors who have fought for our Independence, over and over again whenever the threat emerged. The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783) between Great Britain and the Thirteen Colonies, which won independence as the United States of America, was the USS Rockaway, seaplane repair war that sealed our country.

Familiar names to attach were George Washington, as the commander of the Continental Army, he played a crucial role in leading American forces against the British.

Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, articulated the colonies’ desire for freedom. Benjamin Franklin, a diplomat, secured vital French support for the American cause. John Adams, a strong advocate for independence, was a key figure in the Continental Congress. Marquis de Lafayette, a French general who fought alongside American troops, helped secure the effort. Andrzej Tadeusz Bonaventura Kościuszko, a Polish general and military engineer, was a revolutionary who changed the tides at the Battles of Saratoga.

This quest for independence was executed by many leaders, as named here. But perhaps the greatest became one of the 200 men crew of the USS Rockaway. This contributions have come from the “regular” guy, the people was a United States Navy Barnegat-class seaplane tender in that fought on their own land, their villages, and the greater commission from 1943 to 1946. She served in both the fronts that developed as the years went by.

Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean during World War II. The feeling applies to the entire country. Representatives In 1948, she was loaned to the United States Coast Guard, from all over the world have come to the USA in fighter planes, in which she served as USCGC Rockaway (WAVP-377), later tall ships, and so many other honorary ways to celebrate with WAGO-377, WHEC-377, and WOLE-377, from 1949 to 1972. us. The tall ships exhibitions - Aarhus, Denmark; Bordeaux, In June 1944, USS Rockaway arrived in England to France; Tallinn, Estonia; Szczecin, Poland; Boston; Baltimore support Allied operations for the invasion of France. The - so many other ports and, of course, the final stop, New York ship patrolled the English Channel for 20 days, conducting City, where they will be in all of our red, white, and blue glory convoy escort duties and serving as flagship for Rear Admiral on July 4 to recognize our freedom.

J. Wilkes, USN. During the landings commencing on June 6, And here we are, in Lake Ronkonkoma, the small 1944, Rockaway transported U.S. Army and Navy personnel village where many of us have been lucky enough to be across the Channel and provided anti-aircraft protection for born and raised, or imported at any time to become fine Allied beachheads against German air attacks. Her versatile representatives of our town. We are blessed to have a part role as a seaplane tender enabled rapid deployment of in this event. aviation support and logistical aid in the immediate invasion In 2021, I started the Military Tribute Banner Program, a zone. Following the initial assault, Rockaway continued fully funded grant from the County of Suffolk to display our patrol and convoy operations in the English Channel through heroes and to tell a small part of their story. It started at 40 the summer of 1944, contributing to the consolidation of the

beachheads and the broader liberation efforts in northern France.

These duties underscored her importance in maintaining supply lines and air defense amid ongoing threats from Axis forces.

Rockaway earned one battle star for her World War II service. The Rockaway was a small ship, with only a skeleton arsenal, 1 × single 5-inch (127 mm) 38-caliber dual-purpose gun mount, 1 × quad 40-mm anti-aircraft gun mount, 2 × dual 40-mm anti-aircraft gun mounts, 4 dual × 20-mm anti-aircraft gun mounts, and 2 × depth charge tracks for defense.

The details of all of their orders are long, but I will tell you that they did amazing, almost impossible things while in service. The sea planes that needed repairs were hung from a device that lifted it from the water and the crew repaired them while in rowboats underneath the planes - all this directly from the sea. They also reported to British Admiral Bertram Ramsay, on the ship to the shores of Normandy. The first of the 32 Phoenix caissons actually arrived on D+2, at Omaha Beach at 2200 Zulu on 7 June—eight hours ahead of schedule. Moran arrived later that day on board the seaplane tender USS Rockaway (AVP-29). What he saw undoubtedly pleased him.

But perhaps the biggest duty of all was to rescue servicemen from the brutal attacks and get them to safety. Despite enemy shelling and minor problems, the tugs sited the Phoenix caissons and block ships where they were supposed to be. The Lobnitz pierheads were positioned and connected to the Whale bridges. The yard tugs served valiantly, racing into the middle of battle.

The ship took attack, and fifty of the crew lost their lives.

The sailors were given plain rifles and told this is what they were to use. The disabled ship sailed for Coco Solo Submarine base near Panama and was repaired.

So begins the story of a young man from Cherry Street and his brave part in the WWII conflict. Each and every Military Tribute Banner Veteran has a deep place in my heart. I have met every one of them or their family as they came by and received what has become an honor for our community. This has been one of the greatest experiences I will ever undertake, and I make a promise that each and every one of our brave will become immortalized on our website. I ask if you have a bit of extra time to help add all the information in, please contact me. Thank you.

I have the idea that I will be the proudest person of the moment on July 4th in the entire country. I consider myself a patriot; my flag and my country are secondary only to God and my family. As a young girl, I attended the 1976 Bicentennial in New York City and was able to add many facets to the Lake Ronkonkoma festivities in our village. These days of recognition mean something, they should be in your memories forever.

I plan on attending the July 4, 2026, festivities in New York City, and I am so excited I am walking in the clouds.

We hope to see you all for Veterans Day. God Bless America!

USS Rockaway, broadside view

Veterans’ Affairs Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, July 2, 2026

17

USA Patriots Softball Team Returns to Long Island

By Joe Cuminale The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, also known as the USA Patriots, once again returned to Long Island, and unlike last year’s appearance – it poured - they brought the sunshine with them this year.

It is always an honor to speak with and watch these amazing men play. Over the five years I have been attending these games, these athletes show the true meaning of the word perseverance always putting everything they have into every game.

Once again, Long Island’s Motorcycle Community was on hand, along with military vehicles provided by the SAR (Suicide Awareness & Remembrance) crew were on hand to escort the players from Hauppauge to Moriches for the games.

After the opening parade, National Anthem, and a few short speeches, it was time to play ball and watch these amazing athletes in action. Players shared their stories with fans, signed autographs for many in the crowd, and took photos as well. Overall, it was a great way to spend my Saturday, among true American heroes. Thank You, gentlemen, for always returning to Long Island every year for more than ten years now.

Stay safe and travel safe until we meet again, next year!

Bike Clubs Raise $13K in Annual Ride for Autism Awareness

By Joe Cuminale On Saturday, June 20, my friends from the Citadels M.C. (Motorcycle Club) and the Members of Suffolk County H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group), held the Third Annual Motorcycle Ride for Autism Awareness.

This Annual Ride raises funds for the Nassau-Suffolk Autism Society of America. CITADELS M.C. originated in Texas and has chapters all around the U.S., including Tennessee, Georgia, and now a Long Island Chapter. Members are law enforcement, first responders, Veterans. This event began three years ago, partly due to V.P. Randy Griggs’, of the L.I. Chapter, family connection. His daughter is autistic and benefits from many of the programs offered by the Nassau-Suffolk Autism Society of America.

This annual ride keeps programs, trips, and many events going. This organization uses funds to buy out movie theatres for family movie nights and also parks, such as Adventureland, so families can enjoy the rides and games together to enjoy the same outings that their friends experience every day.

Motorcycle riders from many different groups came out, despite at least four other motorcycle events and rides taking place that same day. As the riders began to arrive and register, they enjoyed bagels, donuts, and coffee, courtesy of the cool staff of Suffolk County Harley Davidson and to purchase raffle tickets for many awesome gift baskets and a 50/50 raffle.

There were also many vendors on hand offering everything from clothing, artwork, jewelry for sale.

Once the Suffolk County P.D. arrived to help escort the riders, the President of Suffolk County H.O.G. Chapter explained the ride route, and it was time to mount up and get ready to ride. As the riders were out, the crew from NY BBQ Brigade began preparing some awesome food for the hungry riders’ enjoyment upon their return.

The day resulted in raising more than $13,000 to keep programs going - 230 Motorcycle Riders from all walks of life coming together in a true showing of brother- and sisterhood to help others.

If you know of any family with autistic children or adults, or just want to know more about NassauSuffolk Autism Society of America, please contact Michele Iallonardi, M.S. Ed., Executive Director, at 631-836-1850 or miallonardi@nsasa.org.

I would also like to thank the following members of the Citadels, M.C., from around the country who came to Long Island to support this event: Tim Martin, National President; Michael Randall, Secretary, Atlanta, Georgia; Kelly Hunter, Nomads; Aaron Barasa, President, Alamo City, SanAntonio, Texas; Phillip Swearingen, President, Tennessee and most the Long Island (Ground Zero) Chapter; Steve Nicosia, President; and Randy Griggs.

And thank you to all the families and friends who made this year’s ride a huge success! Ride safe, ladies and gentlemen!

Long Island Locavore

18

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Seeing Red: Celebrate the Fourth of July with LI Island’s Harvest

By Nancy Val | Long Island Locavore

Three Red Superstars Long Island Strawberries: Nothing compares to strawberries picked ripe from a local field. They’re sweeter, juicier and more aromatic than berries that have traveled hundreds or even thousands of miles.

Nutritional benefits: outstanding source of Vitamin C, rich in antioxidants that help fight inflammation, good source of fiber, supports health and immunity Rhubarb: Often mistaken for fruit, rhubarb is actually a vegetable. Its bright, tart flavor balances sweet berries beautifully and gives summer desserts their signature zing. Nutritional benefits: excellent source of Vitamin K, contains calcium for healthy bones, rich in antioxidants, naturally low in calories Remember: Only the stalks are edible. Rhubarb leaves should never be eaten.

Red Currants: These tiny translucent berries are one of Long Island’s hidden gems.

Their bright acidity makes them ideal for jellies, sauces, syrups and pastries. Nutritional benefits: packed with Vitamin C, high in antioxidants, excellent source of fiber, good source of potassium.

From Market Basket to Holiday Dessert

Photos by Nancy Vallarella

As fireworks prepare to light up the skies this Fourth of July weekend, Long Island’s farms are putting on a spectacular show of their own. Vibrant shades of crimson fill market stands with the season’s most beautiful bounty, sun-ripened strawberries, tart rhubarb, and glistening clusters of rubyred currants.

The color red takes center stage this Fourth of July, and nowhere is it more beautiful than at the Port Jefferson Farmers Market on Sunday, where local farms are showcasing one of the season’s final and most delicious harvests.

One tent I never miss is Conzella’s Farm of Wading River. This week, my market basket overflowed with sweet strawberries, tart rhubarb and glistening clusters of red currants, three ingredients that capture the fleeting magic of early summer.

If you’ve been meaning to stock up on local strawberries, this Sunday may be your last opportunity. Rhubarb will likely remain available for several weeks, while jewel-like red currants should continue for another week or two before disappearing until next summer.

That’s one of the joys of shopping at our farmers markets. Every visit is a reminder that eating seasonally means appreciating nature’s schedule instead of expecting everything year-round.

This week’s haul inspired a rustic dessert that’s every bit as beautiful as it is delicious—a Long Island Locavore Strawberry Rhubarb Galette.

Unlike a traditional pie, a galette embraces imperfection. The flaky pastry folds naturally around the fruit, allowing the bubbling filling to become the star. It’s casual, rustic and exactly the kind of dessert that belongs at a backyard Fourth of July celebration.

Top it with homemade blueberry whipped cream and suddenly your dessert is wearing red, white and blue.

Red Currant Jelly

Long Island Locavore Strawberry Rhubarb Galette Ingredients: Pastry • 1.5 cup all-purpose flour • 1 Tbs sugar • 0.5 tsp kosher salt • 10 Tbs cold unsalted butter, cubed • 3–5 Tbs ice water Filling • 3 – 3.5 cups washed & sliced strawberries • 3 cups diced rhubarb (0.5-inch pieces – similar to the size of the sliced strawberries) that have been washed.

DO NOT USE LEAVES. • 1 cup sugar • 2 Tbs cornstarch or tapioca starch • 1 tsp vanilla extract • Pinch of sea salt Finish • 1 egg beaten with 1Tbs water • Coarse sanding sugar or granulated sugar Directions: Combine flour, sugar and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces remaining. Add ice water one Tbs at a time until the dough just comes together. You are looking for moist and shaggy dough.

Place dough on a clean surface and shape it into a rectangle. Fold onto itself in thirds (use a bench scraper). Give the dough a one-quarter turn and press it into a larger rectangle. Repeat the folding process one more time. – You are creating flaky layers. Wrap dough in a piece of parchment paper about the size of a half-sheet pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or longer.

Meanwhile, combine strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt in a bowl and fold together.

Roll dough (about one quarter-inch thick) into a 12-inch circle on parchment

Created by Nancy Vallarella, who brings farm-fresh recipes and local food knowledge to Long Island through farmers’ markets, demos, and more.

For more recipes or to connect: DM @lilocavore495 on Instagram or email lilocavore495@gmail.com

paper. Transfer to a baking sheet. Spoon the filling into the center, leaving a twoinch border. Fold the edges over the fruit, pleating naturally.

Brush with egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sugar.

Bake at 400F for 40–50 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Blueberry Whipped Cream Ingredients: • 1 cup heavy whipping cream • 2 Tbs powdered sugar • 0.5 tsp vanilla • 0.25 cup fresh blueberries Directions: Puree the blueberries until smooth. Whip the cream in a cold bowl and add powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.

Gently fold in the blueberry puree. Continue whipping just until medium peaks form.

Serve generous dollops alongside cooled slices of galette and garnish with fresh blueberries.

Ingredients & Tools: • 4 cup (2 pints) fresh red currants (washed, stemmed) • 1/3 cup water • Granulated sugar (amount equal to your extracted juice, typically about 1.75 - 2 cups • Tools: Heavy-bottomed saucepan, potato masher, fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth or food mill, and glass jars. (1) 12oz wide mouth mason jar and (1) 4oz wide mouth mason jar Step-by-Step Instructions: 1. Simmer and Crush: Combine the currants and water in a heavy-bottomed pan. Place over medium heat and crush the berries thoroughly with a potato masher.

Bring it to a boil, then reduce it to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes until the fruit is very soft and pale.

2. Strain the Juice: Use a wire sieve and strain or pass through a food mill. This should render about 1.75 - 2 cups of juice.

3. Boil with Sugar: Pour the strained juice back into a clean saucepan and bring it to a boil for 3 minutes. Measure out an equal amount of granulated sugar (e.g., if you have 2 cups of juice, use 2 cups of sugar).

Stir the sugar into the boiling juice until fully dissolved.

4. Test for Gel Point: Continue boiling rapidly until the jelly stage is reached. To test, place a small plate in the freezer. Drop a spoonful of jelly onto the cold plate; if it wrinkles and does not run when you push it with your finger, it is done. (Using a candy thermometer, this is usually at 220F).

5. Jar and Store: Skim off any foam from the top of the pot. Immediately pour the hot jelly into warm, sterilized jars, leaving onequarter inch of space at the top. Seal tightly.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or process in a hot-water bath canner for 10 minutes for long-term pantry storage.

The finished jelly is wonderful on toast, paired with soft cheeses, brushed over pastries (like the Strawberry Rhubarb Galette) or served alongside roasted meats.

As I left the market with my basket overflowing in shades of ruby and crimson, I couldn’t help but smile. Sometimes celebrating the Fourth of July isn’t just about flags and fireworks. Sometimes it’s as simple as supporting a local farmer, baking something from scratch, and gathering friends and family around a table.

This Independence Day celebrate the colors of our flag by celebrating the people who grow them.

Happy Fourth of July, and I’ll see you at the market!

AMAC Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Overview - AMAC The Association of Mature American Citizens

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Betsy Ross Quiz - by AMAC, D.J. Wilson Test your knowledge of Betsy Ross, the heroine associated with creating the first American flag.

Although historians continue to debate the accuracy of the flag story, Ross became a lasting symbol of patriotism, craftsmanship, strength, and perseverance during the Revolutionary era.

1) What was Betsy Ross’ paid occupation? a. Printer c. Schoolteacher b. Upholsterer and seamstress d. Silversmith 2)

According to her family accounts, who visited Betsy Ross in her shop in 1776 to ask her to sew a flag for the new nation? a. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, and John Adams b. Abraham Lincoln, Hannibal Hamlin, and Andrew Johnson c. George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross d. George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Benjamin Franklin

c. She was forced to leave Philadelphia d. She was imprisoned for supporting the Continental Army 13) Where is Betsy Ross reinterred today? a. Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia b. The grounds of the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia c. Independence Hall in Philadelphia d. Mount Vernon in Virginia 14) Which description best reflects Betsy Ross’s life and work? a. A hard-working business owner, widow, single mother, and property manager

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

b. A military commander and battlefield strategist c. A royal official in colonial government d. A novelist who wrote about the Revolution 15) What is one reason Betsy Ross remains an important figure in American memory? a. Her story connects everyday labor, women’s work, and patriotism during the Revolutionary era b. She signed the Constitution c. She became the first mayor of Philadelphia d. She invented the sewing machine Answers on Scoring on following page

3) Why is the story of Betsy Ross making the first American flag considered debated history? a. No one knew how to sew flags in the 1700s b. The story was mainly shared through family accounts c. The American flag did not exist until the Civil War d. Ross denied ever making flags 4) How did Betsy Ross become widely remembered after her death? a. As a model of patriotism b. As a famous general c. As the first president’s official historian d. As the founder of Philadelphia

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

S T A G E

5) How many spouses did Betsy Ross have during her lifetime? a. One c. Three b. Two d. Four

JUL 9 – AUG 23

6) Who was Betsy Ross’s first husband, with whom she eloped? a. Joseph Ashburn c. John Ross b. John Claypoole d. Bob Ross 7) What happened after Betsy Ross married her first husband? a. She was expelled from the Philadelphia Society of Friends for marrying outside the Quaker community b. She moved to England permanently with him, but returned briefly to sew the flag c. She stopped working as an upholsterer and became a writer d. She became a member of Congress

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N E X T

8) Which religious group did Betsy Ross eventually join, where women were considered equal spiritual partners to men? a. The Society of Free Quakers c. The Shakers b. The Puritans d. The Methodists 9) In addition to making flags, what else did Betsy Ross do? a. She made uniforms and blankets b. She made tents c. She prepared ammunition for the Continental Army d. All of the above 10) After John Ross’s death, what did Betsy Ross continue to do? a. Run an upholstery business b. Command a regiment c. Write the Declaration of Independence d. Serve as the governor of Pennsylvania 11) Which statement is untrue of Betsy Ross? a. She has been buried in three places b. She was one of 17 children, though only 9 survived into adulthood c. She made flags for the Pennsylvania Navy during the American Revolution d. She hid receipts in the wall of her upholstery shop to prove she created the first United States flag.

12) What challenge did Betsy Ross face in the final years of her life? a. She went blind b. She lost her citizenship

SEP 10–OCT 25

NOV 12–DEC 27

Bits & Pieces

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Thursday, July 2, 2026

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

SUDOKU

Continued from previous page

Betsy Ross Quiz SCORING GUIDE 13–15 correct: Betsy Ross expert 10–12 correct: Strong knowledge 7–9 correct: Solid start 4–6 correct: Keep learning 0–3 correct: Try again and review the answers ANSWER KEY 1 - b. Betsy Ross worked as an upholsterer and seamstress.

2. c. Ross’ account (per family tradition) says George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross visited her shop.

3. b. The flag story comes mainly from family accounts shared decades after the Revolution.

4. a. After her death, Ross became a popular symbol of American patriotism.

8. a. She later joined the Society of Free Quakers.

9. d. Her works included all of those listed – producing blankets, tents, and uniforms, and preparing ammunition and other supplies for the war effort.

10. a. After John Ross’s death, she continued operating her upholstery business.

11. d. Ultimately, no historical records have been found to verify Betsy Ross’ story regarding the creation of the first flag.

12. a. Ross became blind in the final years of her life.

13. b. She is currently reinterred on the grounds of the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia.

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

6. c. John Ross was her first husband.

14. a. Her life reflects the responsibilities of a business owner, widow, mother, and property manager.

This Week in History

7. a. She was expelled from the Philadelphia Society of Friends because John Ross was outside the Quaker community.

15. a. Ross remains significant because her story links women’s skilled labor with Revolutionary-era patriotism.

5. c. Betsy Ross had three spouses: John Ross, Joseph Ashburn, and John Claypoole.

WORD WHEEL

John Logie Baird demonstrates the first color television transmission in London.

July 2, 1865: One-time Methodist Reform Church minister William Booth and his wife Catherine Booth found the East London Christian Mission, now known as The Salvation Army.

July 4, 1776:

E

C T

I

July 3, 1928:

A See how many words you can create.

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

4 letter word minimum.

N L

July 8, 1497:

Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama departs on his first voyage and becomes the first European to reach India by sea.

July 7, 1550:

U.S. Congress proclaims the Declaration of Independence and independence from Great Britain.

Traditional date chocolate is thought to have been introduced to Europe.

July 6, 1775: Congress issues the “Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms”, written by Thomas Jefferson (inset) and John Dickinson and lists American grievances but denies any intent to be independent.

July 5, 1946: Louis Réard’s design for a bikini swimsuit debuts at a Paris fashion show, modeled by exotic dancer Micheline Bernardini.

Source: Onthisday.com.

Messenger Perspectives Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

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Thursday, July 2, 2026

Behind Every Diploma

By PJ Balzer

This past weekend, thousands of students graduated from our local high schools.

Some schools graduated just a few hundred students, while others graduated close to a thousand. Whatever the numbers of graduates were, as I stood there watching a few young people I know receive their diploma., I was reminded that behind every single diploma is a story.

Some of the stories are full of ease, a personal journey that’s been marked by a great support system, many milestones and a constant climb upwards. The diploma was one of the climaxes of that climb, but that’s certainly not every story.

Others are stories of constant challenges, loss along the way, heartbreak, and setbacks, stories riddled with detours, tears, and a support system that are in need of support themselves. The irony is that even though these two students’ names can be called next to each other to receive their diploma, their lives can exist on seemingly two totally different planets. Different worlds within the same community.

A young man who graduated by the skin on his teeth, but he made it. A young man who had to grow up faster than most kids who had the carefree years of childhood taken from him. Born to two sixteen-year-old parents who themselves were still children at the time, his mother had a learning disability while her own mother was a crack-cocaine addict who ran the streets while her children fended for themselves at home. The oldest of the siblings learned to care for the younger more childhoods being forfeited to necessity. The young man and recent graduate’s father died tragically when he was in elementary school. His mom was full-term pregnant with his siblings when his dad passed.

The young mom and her children moved from town to town, shelter to shelter, until they finally settled in one spot, herself being a single parent who dropped out of school early on, now had to figure out how to encourage her children to get an education. Even though she could barely read and write, not being able to help them with their homework, and despite living in deep poverty and struggling her way through life, she encouraged her son to stay in school and away from the streets that were pulling for him right outside their front door.

The young man ended up having a rough patch at fifteen years of age. The streets, bad influences, and friends who were doing everything but attending school had won, for now. He found himself twice in an Upstate correctional facility for youth offenders. Despite the detours and rough spot in the journey, he knew in his heart that this ultimately wasn’t where he belonged. He belonged back at home with his family and in school. He belonged setting a better example for his younger siblings who were watching.

Thankfully there were good, well-meaning people, who stepped in along the

WORD SEARCH

way. Even though the seeds that they planted in his heart didn’t immediately produce good fruit, those seeds were still there, and they were slowly growing. Local teachers, pastors, social workers, and case managers each saw something special in this young man and didn’t give up on what they saw, even though outer circumstances momentarily said otherwise.

This young man arrived home from a second court-mandated stay Upstate and tried doing things different this time. Attending school at night and meeting with his counselors and case workers regularly, he decided to take their advice and pursue graduating from high school in just a few months. It took some extra work to make up for lost time, but he did it.

So here we are, standing at graduation watching this handsome and charismatic young man hear his own name called. This long journey has detoured again towards walking across the stage to receive his high school diploma. Watching him reminded me that there certainly is a story behind that diploma that no casual onlooker could possibly know or imagine.

This isn’t just another sad story. It’s a raw and real story, a story of a human life brought into this world into circumstances that are much less than favorable. His childhood circumstances, by no wrongdoing of his own, have fought against him most of his life.

They’ve fought against him finishing school and going on to make something of his life.

Society at-large would love to declare him just another negative statistic.

God deems him infinitely important, redeemable, chosen and most importantly, loved.

Don’t give up on praying for your children, grandchildren, and your neighbors’ children as well. You truly never do know the timing and the wonderful ways that God can and will eventually answer your prayers.

Behind every answered prayer and behind every diploma, there is a story.

WORD OF THE

Week

AUTONOMY Etymology: 1591, borrowed from New Latin autonomia, borrowed from Greek autonomía “self-governance, independence, licence,” from autónomos “independent, autonomous” + -ia -y Source: Merriam-Webster

noun Pronounced: /aa·taa·nuh·mee/ Definition: the quality or state of being independent, free, and self-directing.

Example:

“The colonists fought to death for their God-given autonomy, starting a great nation in the process.”

Synonyms: sovereignty, liberty, self-determination Antonyms: dependence, subjection, heteronomy

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Commack

Baseball Player Looks to Put Long Island on the Map

By Jacob Infald As the July 11, 2026, MLB Draft approaches, 2023 Commack High School graduate Chris McHugh is preparing to have his dream realized and hear his name get called. While the draft hopeful has played college baseball at the highest level and traveled across the entire country to play the sport, his roots will always be here on Long Island as he looks to represent his family, coaches, and teammates as he takes the next step in his career.

For the past two seasons, McHugh has been a force for North Carolina State University in the Athletic Coastal Conference, one of the most competitive conferences in collegiate baseball. After transferring from Virginia Commonwealth University after a successful freshman season in 2024, McHugh has established himself as one of the top hitters in the ACC. This past season, he led the Wolfpack in RBIs, hits, and doubles, along with nine home runs.

This offensive production along with his 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame and ability to play both corner infield and outfield positions has put him in a position to hear his name get called at the upcoming draft.

“I would just go in there and just ‘see ball, hit ball’ and I was good at it, but when you get to the ACC, if you don’t have a plan every time you go up, you’re in trouble,” McHugh told The Messenger. “[NC State] helped me build a plan every time I got up there, so that’s probably the biggest thing I’d say mentality and approach-wise.”

What McHugh’s successful numbers don’t show is the work he had to put in through middle and high school to become a Division I baseball player. From crippling arm injuries as a youth player that prevented him from pitching, to not having a growth spurt until the second half of high school, McHugh said his recruiting process

was difficult as the majority of schools that he and his coaches reached out to were not interested. He said VCU was one of two Division I offers he received at the time of his commitment in late 2021.

Pete Kritikos and Paul Gibson III were two of McHugh’s primary coaches growing up. Gibson was the coach of McHugh’s travel team from when he was 12, up until the end of high school, and Kirtikos served more as a mentor and trainer for McHugh, being involved with his family for nearly 15 years from coaching his older brother Tim McHugh. Both Kritikos and Gibson are still involved in McHugh’s career, and Kritikos even flew down to Charlotte to watch McHugh play in the ACC Tournament this past spring.

“It’s big because [Kritikos and Gibson] know everything I’ve been through, whereas guys that just met me when I went to college, they don’t know what I was like when I was younger,” McHugh said.

“So having people that have seen me grow up, coached my brother, I trust a lot of what they say, they keep it real with me, so I’m blessed to have guys like that.”

Both Kritikos and Gibson told The Messenger that McHugh’s mentality is unlike other players that they have coached, and that is what allowed him to develop into a great player despite struggling with injuries and size growing up.

“He was more confident without being cocky and he was just a workhorse,” Kritikos told The Messenger. “He was a guy that just loved to play and loved to practice and would do it on his own all the time. Maybe he wasn’t always as clean, or he wasn’t always as polished as some other players, but you fast-forward as he gets older to putting on the size and strength he has now it kind of comes full circle, and it’s why he’s the player he is right now.”

As McHugh’s baseball journey has taken him across the country, he jokes that he always has to defend Long Island. McHugh said the majority of his teammates at NC State grew up down south, in warmer climates which allowed them to play in games year-round to help their development. This has led to many players looking down on Northern regions such as Long Island where the weather prevents players from competing during the winter months.

According to a post from MD&I Baseball Academy based out of Ohio, players born in California, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina made up roughly one-third of the over 600 players drafted in the 2025 MLB draft.

McHugh said he loves putting Long Island on the map and is looking forward to continuing to represent his home region at the next level.

“If there is someone to both vocally and physically represent Long Island, he’s someone that can really do it because like I said, he has that mentality that even

when we traveled. He always had that feeling that he’s just as good, the team’s just as good,” Gibson told The Messenger. “I think we’re finding ways to bridge the gap with the rest of the country. Yes, we are limited to the number of games we can play with the climate, but these kids have found ways to be in the weight room, and be in pitching labs, having live at-bats inside against quality pitchers.”

On top of wanting to represent Long Island as a whole, McHugh also wants to represent his family, especially his older brother Tim. Tim was a standout at Commack High School, graduating in 2019 with a scholarship to play at Texas Christian University. Unfortunately, he ended up getting his scholarship pulled last second due to roster limitations. He ultimately struggled to find his way in collegiate baseball, struggling with injuries while playing at St. John’s and Florida International University.

“I’ll always say he was way better than I was in high school, but I just got the opportunity to play because I went to a mid-major,” McHugh said. “The fact that I’m able to do it for him, it means the world because he helps me so much. The fact that you may hear my name get called in the draft, and while that was his dream [too] that’s gonna feel pretty good.”

For Kritikos and Gibson, having players succeed at the next level is nothing new, but McHugh is special. Formally both coaching at Team Beast before branching out and founding MVP Baseball, Kritikos, along with Gibson are the two Head College Recruiting Advisors for MVP, and since Kritikos founded the organization in 2022, they have seen over 250 players commit to play baseball at the college level. Kritikos said he has had four former players get drafted, and each time he sheds a few tears because he considers all of his players family members.

“When I first started in travel baseball, [McHugh’s] family was one of the first families that came on board and they were loyal from the beginning so it’s definitely a little bit different,” Kritikos said. “You can’t help but get choked up, that’s a kid who is achieving his dreams and doing it the right way, staying out of trouble, he’s close with his family, is just a good person, and for me just being a small part of that, it’s amazing, I couldn’t ask for more.”

Last week, McHugh was invited to participate in the MLB Draft Combine in Arizona, as he got one step closer to achieving his dream of playing in the MLB. McHugh calls it a surreal feeling, as everyone dreams of making the MLB, but so few get this close.

“You just have to trust the process,” McHugh said. “If you’re 14 years old and you’re tiny, so was I, it takes time.

I never thought I’d actually be here, but the fact that I am, I’m so blessed.”

Michael Hagens

23

Invited to Islanders

Development Camp 2026 Suffolk Sports HoF Inductees

By Ashley Pavlakis

By Ashley Pavlakis Did you know there are three Hagens siblings?

Michael is the oldest of the three. Although undrafted, he received an invitation to the development camp of his hometown team, the New York Islanders.

Michael Hagens, a native of Hauppauge, is a defenseman, in contrast to his brother James who plays forward. The 6’0” defender is true to his role, defending the blueline and stopping pucks from reaching his goaltender. His name will appear on the scoresheet from time to time, but his role is not meant to provide offense. Uniquely, he grew up playing forward before switching to defense, thus explaining the significant uptick in points at certain points in his career.

Hagens attended Boston College, where he got to play with his brother for two seasons. Hagens notched 1g-12a-13pts in his time as an Eagle. In February, the Eagles clinched the coveted Beanpot title with a 6-2 win over Boston University. Currently, Hagens is slated to play the 2026-27 NCAA season with the University of Vermont. Hagens took advantage of the transfer portal to sign with the Catamounts.

The Long Island native spent two seasons playing for the L.I. Royals, a Tier 1 AAA ice hockey team located in Kings Park. The program was established in 1980 and has helped develop quality hockey players. Those two years were perhaps Hagens’ best offensive seasons of his youth career. Hagens totaled 41GP- 21G- 31A52PTS as a member of the organization.

Like most young hockey players, preparatory school is the most sought-after route to get the best hockey experience. Hagens found himself at Mount Saint Charles Academy, where he spent three seasons. The school has produced 34 NHL draft picks, with one being James Hagens in the 2025 draft. Michael Hagens played 55 games, in which he produced 6G-12A-28PTS. After prep school, Hagens tried his hand in the

USHL (United States Hockey League) with the Chicago Steel. The USHL is a top tier developmental league that some players will play in to get some experience before college. Hagen’s two seasons in Chicago were plentiful as he played in 119 games and recorded 16G-42A-58PTS. The New York Islanders, like every other team, hosted their annual development camp after the NHL draft was completed over the weekend. Amongst the invitees were three Long Island boys: Michael Hagens (Hauppauge), Tanner Adams (Northport), and Ryan Franks (Roslyn).

“It’s been impactful to grow up with him and have the chance to play together at different levels. This week, I want to show Islander fans who I am and just try to get better each day,” Hagens told the Islanders media on Monday.

Eleven Long Island born players played on an NHL team this season. Two with the New York Islanders in Kyle Palmieri and Marshall Warren. Long Island continues to prove its ability to produce professional athletes at a high level. Congratulations to Michael on his camp invite.

Show Isles Nation what you can do!

A Cup of Surprises

By PJ Balzer If you haven’t tuned in to the FIFA World Cup yet, what are you waiting for?

There’s still time to jump on board of all the soccer madness. This World Cup has provided sports fans with the upsets, the turnarounds, and surprises that every sports fan loves.

The hosting nations have been first partakers in this cup of surprises. The United States came out with a vengeance the first two matches, defeating two teams in a convincing fashion that we weren’t sure how they would match up against. The U.S. has their first game in the knockout stage on July 1 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a highly anticipated matchup and the first time our boys have made it to the round of 32 in a while.

The chatter outside of this game will make for a good rivalry on the field and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Mexico is currently on a tear and a collision course with the quarter finals. They are undefeated so far in Cup play and just beat Ecuador Tuesday night to seat themselves with the remaining 16 teams. Mexico hasn’t won a game in the knockout stage of the Cup in 40 years.

Tuesday night, they made history.

Canada has been one of the biggest surprises of this tournament so far. Canada advanced to the Round of 16 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating South Africa 1-0 this past week by way of a time-winning goal from Stephen Eustáquio. This makes history as Canada’s first-

ever knockout stage win at a men’s World Cup. The biggest surprises have been the African nations.

Cape Verde, who are in the tournament for the first time ever in their nation’s history, were supposed to be an easy group stage knockout, but now find themselves playing Argentina this Friday in the round of 32. A win over Argentina, while highly unlikely, would fit right into the theme of this tournament. The Congo have pleasantly surprised soccer fans starting with their everloyal fan base. They have beaten and held a tie with a few teams that were supposed to drown them. I believe that Morocco, a top ten seeded team at the moment, could provide another surprise or two and find themselves in the semifinals.

France, Spain, and Brazil haven’t necessarily provided any surprises so far. These strong soccer nations usually play well into the tournament. Don’t be surprised if one of these three carry the trophy home this year. Germany is the undoubtedly the shocker. They were sent home this week in the first round of the knockout stage in penalty kicks by Paraguay. This was one of the best games I’ve seen so far, and Paraguay is known to fight until the final whistle. They did just that and prevailed over a soccer powerhouse.

I’m really excited for the remainder of this tournament as the intensity and desperation to win is about to be turned up two notches.

Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame held their annual induction ceremony back in May. 25 inductees were honored for the class of 2026. The Messenger would like to discuss six of the inductees, who were players, relevant to our coverage areas.

Nick Galasso, Keith Kinkaid, Marcus Stroman, Pete Yozzo, Arella Guirantes, and Kim Ryan are on the docket.

Nick Galasso (West Islip), a 2010 graduate from West Islip, played five years of varsity lacrosse for the Lions.

The three-time All-American holds the record for most points in Long Island high school lacrosse history with 500. He won the county, Long Island, and State titles with West Islip. Galasso spent two years at UNC and two at Syracuse playing Division I lacrosse.

Keith Kinkaid (Farmingville), a Sachem graduate, played 10 seasons in the NHL. Kinkaid was undrafted, signing with the New Jersey Devils in 2011 to begin his professional career. The goaltender also played for the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, and Colorado Avalanche.

Marcus Stroman (Patchogue), a pitcher who played for both the New York Mets and New York Yankees, played his college ball at Duke, setting the record for career strikeouts with 290. Stroman was drafted to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2012 in the first round. He’s spent time with the Jays, Mets, Yankees, and Cubs throughout his MLB career.

Pete Yozzo (Sayville) is perhaps the most prolific wrestler in Lehigh University history. The 2005 graduate finished his

collegiate wrestling career as a threetime All-American and a three-time EIWA champion. At 142lbs, Yozzo was the first wrestler in school history to win 100 career bouts.

Arella Guirantes (Bellport), had a phenomenal varsity career, amassing over 2,000 points as a Clipper. Guirantes played for Texas Tech and Rutgers during her collegiate career, playing a combined 110 games. She finished college with 1,696 points. In 2021, Guirantes was the 22nd overall draft pick of the Los Angeles Sparks. The guard also spent time with the Seattle Storm Chicago Sky during her WNBA career. Guirantes currently plays overseas.

Kim Ryan [Scavone] (Bay Shore), has five Hall of Fame induction honors. Ryan had a decorated softball career on the field as a player and a coach. The 2003 Boston College graduate was a pitcher for the Eagles and finished her career with a wealth of accomplishments. She’s BC’s all-time strikeout leader with 710; she’s second all-time in wins with 51 and shutouts with 17. She currently coaches softball at Meredith College and recently notched her 300th career win at the helm during the 2026 season.

The Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 is bright and deserving of its inductions. The Messenger could go on about everyone on the list, but there’s only so much room in a Newspaper.

Congratulations to those who were inducted; thank you for making Long Island proud of your accomplishments in the sports world!

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Messenger Spotlight

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Congratulations to

Hauppauge High School’s Class of 2026

the Days Count” and donations to support community organizations Care and Share, Hauppauge for Humanity and The Rachel Quinn Children’s Foundation. The Rachel Quinn Children’s Foundation is especially meaningful to the class, as many of the graduates had Mrs. Quinn as their fifth-grade teacher in her first year in the district.

“If there is one thing Mrs. Quinn wanted her students to carry with them, it was the importance of being kind,” Asimbaya said. “While she may not be here with us physically today, we hope she knows how many lives she’s touched, how many students she inspired and how much she continues to mean to our community.”

The class and guests then directed their attention to the football field’s video scoreboard for a message from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Donald B. Murphy, who was away attending his daughter’s own graduation ceremony.

The stories of the Class of 2026 and Dr. Murphy have been intertwined, as many of those students were just beginning their Hauppauge educational journeys in 2012, when Dr. Murphy joined the district. “Class of 2026, thank you for letting our stories be woven together,” Dr. Murphy said. “We are so proud of you. We believe in you. And we can’t wait to see what comes next.”

Continuing a Hauppauge High School tradition, Class of 2026 member Calvin Ni presented his work “Where the Prologue Ends,” as the class poem, which was printed on each program.

Prior to the presentation of the class, salutatorian Katherine Marietta and valedictorian Jacob Wolmetz

Credit - Hauppauge CSD

On the evening of June 26, the Hauppauge High School seniors took the first steps into the next chapter of their lives, cheered on by the friends, family and educators who supported them throughout the years. The Class of 2026 strode onto Robert Druckenmiller Football Field for the commencement ceremony as candidates and left it as graduates.

Clad in their blue caps and gowns, the graduates processed onto the field to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance,” performed by the high school wind ensemble. Class Vice President Serena Narang got the program started with the Pledge of Allegiance, and the chamber choir seniors delivered a beautiful performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Class President Hannah Harten, who became the school’s first graduating ex-officio student Board of Education member on Friday, then stepped up to the podium and spoke about the incredible community they built together.

“You’ve turned ordinary moments into some of my most cherished memories and made each of these 4,673 days ones that I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” Harten told her classmates. “I hope you never lose the parts of you that you found here. Hauppauge will always be your home, and the people seated beside you will always be your family.”

After Herten’s moving speech, Class Vice President Serena Narang, Class Treasurer Juliana Asimbaya, Class Secretary and Public Relations Officer Trinity Garcia, announced the Class of 2026’s gift: a plaque with the class’s slogan “Make

addressed their friends one more time. In her speech, Marietta commended her classmates on their hard work and challenged them to continue to see the obstacles before them as chances to continue to build.

“To have reached this point means that you have likely faced adversities over the past four years, and chose to view them as opportunities for betterment, rather than forms of limitation,” Marietta said. “Graduation is both a recognition of this tenacity and a quiet reminder that the unique paths before us will present similar challenges and moments of growth.”

Wolmetz encouraged his classmates to continue working towards their dreams and finding themselves, but to never forget the people who helped them along the way to those goals. “Because when you look back on your time in Hauppauge and later on your time in college, you’re not going to remember every grade you received or every test you took, you’re going to remember the people,” Wolmetz said.

The commencement concluded with the presentation of the candidates, the long-awaited walk across the stage to receive the diplomas they worked so hard for, the opportunity to toss their caps in celebration and the moments of jubilation jumping into their friends’ and family members’ arms.