By Matt Meduri
“I’ll drink to that!” was the operating line at Tuesday’s announcement that the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) is operating within full compliance of federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards - a full six years before the federal deadline.
Continued on page 4
By Matt Meduri
The election for Smithtown Town Supervisor will be held alongside local elections in November, but the first hurdle is the primary for the Republican nomination.
Two-term Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park) successfully primaried thenSupervisor Pat Vecchio (R) in 2017, winning a full term that November. He was reelected with almost 75% of the vote in 2021. Wehrheim has staked his campaign for a third term on downtown revitalization, overhauling the town’s park system, and delivering infrastructure and quality-of-life upgrades to bring Smithtown into the “Twenty-First Century.”
Wehrheim is facing a primary challenge from term-limited Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga). Trotta has staked his campaign on advocating against overdevelopment and creating an open space preservation program similar to its County-level counterpart.
Early voting begins June 14, with the primary election to be held Tuesday, June 24.
Both candidates sat down with The Messenger one-on-one for the purpose of these candidate spotlight interviews.
Interviews on Pages 14 & 15
Port Jefferson Summer Farmers Market at Harborfront Park
Mother's Day Brunch at Long Island Aquarium
May 11, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM
May 18-November 28, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Family Fun Weekend at The East Wind Shoppes
June 21-22, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Bird and Breakfast at Connetquot State Park
May 11, 8:00 AM to 11 :00 PM
Islip Farmers Market at Town Hall - June 7-November 22, 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Fleece and Fiber Festival at Hallockville Museum Farm
2025 Islip Chamber of Commerce Street Fair
June 22, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
May 17, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Grooves on the Green in Ronkonkoma
Nesconset Spring Fling May 18, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Alive After Five in Patchogue
June 26, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Jones Beach Air Show
May 24-25, 10:00 to 4:00 PM
Every other Wednesday until September 24, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Hoshyla Farms Lavender Festival
PUBLISHER
Diane Caudullo
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Matt Meduri
STAFF REPORTERS
Cait Crudden
Raheem Soto
ART PRODUCTION
MANAGER
Sergio A. Fabbri
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Colin Herr
CONTRIBUTORS
PJ Balzer
MANAGER
Tim Walz
DELIVERY PERSONNEL
PJ Balzer
Joe Cuminale
Colin Newman
Ashley Pavlakis
Madison Warren
OFFICE MANAGER &
ACCOUNTS
RECEIVABLE
Kim Revere
PROOFREADER
Giavanna Rudilosso
SOCIAL MEDIA
Madison Warren
Continued from front cover
All treated water that the SCWA supplies to its approximately 1.2 million customers falls at the enforceable contamination standard of four parts per trillion (PPT) for both PFAS and PFOS - synthetic “forever chemicals” that require significant purification to eliminate. Such chemicals have been used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foam, among others. Since these chemicals cannot break down naturally, they’re known to contaminate water for drinking and home use. Long Island has been all too familiar with these health crises, ranging from Forge River in Mastic to the former Grumman sites at Bethpage and Calverton.
The EPA’s enforceable standard of 4 PPT for drinking water was set in April 2024.
However, such chemicals can be treated via the use of granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment systems, 17 of which the SCWA installed in the past year alone. Testing has shown that GAC remediation removes PFAS compounds to non-detecable levels.
“We took aggressive actions based on the science,” said SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz (pictured right). “We knew that PFAS needed to get out of the water. As of April 2025, every single well [in Suffolk County] is free of PFAS and every single tap is free of PFAS.”
Lefkowitz said much of the success has come from “going after” polluters to hold them “accountable” and those actions still continue today.
“They will pay for the damage they’ve done to our aquifer,” said Lefkowitz, adding that the SCWA “doesn’t wait for the regulators”, instead being proactive in remediating water quality. Much of the efforts have been funded to the tune of $16 million in State grants.
“We [Suffolk County] have world-class beaches, a booming business community, some of the best restaurants in New York, and neighborhoods where you can raise your family. A place that deserves high quality water, and Suffolk County Water Authority is delivering it,” said Lefkowitz
SCWA CEO Jeff Szabo (pictured left), joined by SCWA Board Members John Rose and John Porchia, called the announcement a “major victory” for Suffolk’s fight against PFAS.
“We began testing for PFAS back in 2013, long before most utilities were even aware of the issue,” said Szabo. “In 2017, I stood with other leaders from New York in personally demanding that the EPA move forward with setting a standard for PFAS. We began installing GAC well before New York State and the EPA enacted drinking water standards. Since 2020, we’ve rolled out more than 25 GAC treatment systems (pictured below), specifically to treat and remove PFAS.”
Szabo says that the SCWA isn’t stopping there. The public benefit corporation is “piloting advanced technologies like resin base treatment, reactivated carbon, and other measures to stay ahead of the science and reduce long-term costs for customers.”
Szabo also thanked the SCWA’s team of engineers who have designed the PFAS treatment systems, the production control staff who keep the systems running, and the laboratory team that persists with “complex” testing requirements.
“Science will continue to improve and regulations at the state and federal level will continue to be set. But the residents of Suffolk County should feel
confident that the Suffolk County Water Authority will remain one step ahead of the regulators to make sure drinking water is safe,” said Szabo.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) (pictured left) was heralded by the SCWA as a life-long advocate for the environment during his decades of public service.
“Clean water doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” said Romaine. “The County and the SCWA are part of a national effort to hold the chemical companies that knew what they were doing responsible for this. We are going to make sure that our drinking water and our aquifer remains as pure as possible so that all citizens here in Suffolk can drink with confidence and hold up a glass and feel confident.
Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) (pictured left) was on hand with Minority Leader Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon) and Legislators Catherine Stark (R-Riverhead) and Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters).
“Once again, Suffolk County is leading the way,” said McCaffrey. “We understand the value and the importance of providing clean drinking water because as the County Executive often says, ‘we stand on top of the water that we drink.’”
McCaffrey heralded the Legislature’s initiative under leadership of his predecessor, thenPresiding Officer Rob Calarco (D-Patchogue), of holding opioid companies accountable for the damage they have done to Suffolk residents. McCaffrey pledged that the Legislature will act accordingly in holding chemical companies accountable.
“The challenges that we face with a singlesource aquifer are going to persist,” said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches) (pictured left). “Those who created firefighting foam did so out of necessity, but the record is clear. Those companies, 3M being one of them, knew full well what those [foams] would do to the environment. Those dangers have played out not only in Suffolk County and Brookhaven Town, but throughout this country. And collectively, all of us are paying the costs in our water bill that we hope to recoup from these companies who did wrong by all of us.”
Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director for the Citizens Campaign for the Environment (pictured right), called PFAS the “greatest environmental and public health challenge of our generation.”
“Sadly, with more research that is done, the more science reveals that the health impacts are more widespread than we originally thought,” said Esposito, adding that PFAS are linked to a wide variety of cancers - such as thyroid, kidney, breast, and testicular - as well as liver disease, immune system program, reproductive health, and development disorders in children, among others.
“Many times, environmentalists go it alone, but here in Suffolk County, we go together with elected officials, with Republicans and Democrats, with the SCWA, and with the public,” said Esposito. “When we take PFAS out of our drinking water supply - the aquifer - we’re also then making our lakes, streams, tributaries, bays, and harbors cleaner and safer for marine life that lives there.”
Executive Romaine referenced a recent study showing that beer made with PFAS-contamined water will possess those same toxins
“If the beer is made with Suffolk County water, there are no PFAS in it,” said Chairman Lefkowitz. “So, let’s drink up.”
The story of Farrm Vineyards begins not with a dream of making wine, but with a shocking discovery that changed everything. In 1991, Rex and Connie Farr received devastating news from the County: their well water tested positive for 59 parts per million of aldicarb, a toxic pesticide used to control Colorado potato beetles.
The contamination was a legacy of Long Island’s agricultural past—the region had been “the potato capital of the country for 50, 55 years,” and decades of chemical farming had left its mark deep in the groundwater.
That wake-up call transformed the Farrs from conventional farmers into pioneers. Today, forty years after they first went chemical-free in 1985, they remain the only certified organic vineyard on Long Island. Their exclusive wines have earned awards from the Best Tasting Institute and are only available at the farm.
From 9:00a.m. to noon this Saturday, Rex will team up with renowned biodynamic expert Steve Storch for an immersive three-hour experience that promises to change how you think about both farming and wine. For just $30, visitors will discover “Farming by the Stars”—the fascinating world of biodynamic agriculture that creates wines with a distinctly clean character.
“You’re tasting 20,000 years in the making,” Rex explains. “That glacier came in 20,000 years ago, deposited some incredible minerals into our soils all up and down the East Coast.”
Talk, Taste, Tour—Naturally
Rex’s philosophy is simple but profound: “We Talk, We Taste, We Tour—Naturally.” This isn’t just a tagline—it’s how every visitor experiences Farrm Vineyards. The talking comes from Rex himself, a master storyteller who went “from Park Avenue to John Deere” and has four decades of fascinating agricultural wisdom to share. The tasting features wines that have earned awards from the Best Tasting Institute and you literally cannot buy anywhere else. And the touring reveals secrets of biodynamic farming that most people have never imagined.
Credit: Matt Meduri
visitors taste in their chemical-free wines. Like the finest European wines, Farrm’s bottles offer a purity that comes from soil untouched by synthetic chemicals for 40 years. When asked to describe their wine in one word, Rex doesn’t hesitate: “Clean.” Whether it’s their rosé or Cabernet Franc, “it’s clean because you haven’t messed around with [the soil], and that affects the taste.”
Your Perfect Wine Country Escape—Right Here on
Located at 156 Young’s Avenue, just before Long Island splits into its famous forks, Farrm Vineyards offers something completely different from commercial wine experiences. This pastoral hideaway— quiet, beautiful, and utterly authentic—sits perfectly positioned whether you’re heading to the North or South Fork.
The Farrs offer free tastings, tours, and talks to visitors in a distinctly European style—intimate, focused on the wine and the story rather than commercial fanfare. “You’re going to first take a deep breath and figure out there’s nothing synthetic about what’s going on,” Rex promises. “You’re going to walk on that soil, walk on that ground, and you’re going to feel a give and take because it’s not going to be cement.”
Rex’s journey from Manhattan native to Long Island’s organic wine pioneer reads like a novel. After serving in Vietnam and spending two decades in New York’s fabric industry, he transformed his life and created something extraordinary—Long Island’s first certified organic farm and its only certified organic vineyard.
When asked about transitioning from vegetables to grapes, Rex offers his colorful version: “All good stories started in the bar... I’m sitting there. They said it couldn’t be done. Well there was a bottle of Jack in the bar. I woke up the next morning and the Jack was gone and the grapes were in.”
Rex is quick to make an important distinction: “We’re farmers, not winemakers.” On their 40acre property, they dedicate 8 acres to growing four premium Bordeaux varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Working with acclaimed winemaker Greg Cove, these organically grown grapes become wines that have earned recognition from the Best Tasting Institute—and they’re exclusively available at the vineyard. Their collection includes Merlot, Cabernet Franc, their signature Reserve blend, and a fabulous rosé that visitors rave about. Each bottle represents something you simply cannot experience elsewhere on Long Island.
As Long Island’s only certified organic vineyard, the Farrs have taken a radically different approach for four decades. “70% of our wine in this country tests positive for Roundup,” Rex reveals, explaining the difference
Saturday’s biodynamic tour represents a rare chance to discover the fascinating world of “farming by the moon”—ancient techniques that create modern excellence. You’ll learn why Rex buries cow manure in cow horns, how lunar cycles affect grape growing, and why their wines taste so remarkably different from anything else you can buy.
This isn’t commercial wine country with party buses and crowds. This is intimate, educational, and absolutely authentic—perfect for wine lovers seeking something genuine and Long Islanders who want to discover an amazing secret in their own backyard.
When visitors connect their tasting with the vineyard experience, Rex calls it “that excavation point that goes boom shaka”— the moment when everything clicks and you understand why these wines are truly special.
The exclusive biodynamic farming experience takes place Saturday, 9:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. at Farrm Vineyards, 156 Young’s Avenue in Baiting Hollow. Fee: $30 includes tour, lecture, and tasting. Regular free tastings available daily. Visit farrmwine.com (with two R’s) for more information.
Sometimes, government can get it right.
Even more so, the public-private partnerships that, in our opinion, provide a good balance to public works display their effectiveness with ease.
The Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) has accomplished two things that many voters desire of their government and in some cases rarely see fulfilled.
For the first, the SCWA was able to not only abide by a deadline, but beat it - by a long shot. Their recent announcement of getting Suffolk’s water quality within federal EPA guidelines introduced in 2013 speaks volumes when the fed’s deadline was 2031. That’s a full six years ahead of schedule. Rarely do we see government work that quickly, even if it was a decade from the original start. This could have easily been way behind schedule and over budget, if history of government and government-affiliated organizations is any bellwether.
It’s also important to note that the SCWA is not a branch of Suffolk County government. It’s a public benefit corporation, but the inclusion into Suffolk government and interoperability with elected officials at the varying levels of government is tantamount to water quality and the deliverance of basic services to their nearly 1.2 million customers.
Secondly, the SCWA was able to achieve this deadline through another tool not often used by government: proactivity.
It’s one thing to beat a deadline for the sake of doing so, but it’s another to see around the curve, especially when it involves public health and protection of our crucial sole-source aquifer.
Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz was joined by numerous elected officials to break the big news, while all toasted with a clean glass of Suffolk County tap water.
We’re also elated to see that efforts to hold the parties who knowingly polluted our environment accountable is continuing. For too long, Suffolk has been treated like a dumping ground for toxic chemicals, while chasing down those responsible is nothing short of a wild goose chase.
In that vein, we call on EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) to deliver a win for his stomping grounds: direct the vested agencies to clean up the former Grumman site in Calverton, which is polluting the Peconic River - and thereby the Peconic Bay - at staggeringly high rates of toxicity that greatly exceed the federal guidelines.
We not only give kudos to the SCWA for meeting the deadline, but we also do so for their ability to think and work proactively. And they continue to do so in terms of maintaining and modernizing their systems, while also continuing near-constant work in the labs to ensure that our water is free from toxins.
Cheers, indeed.
If New York State wasn’t already in the running for an Olympic gold in the “Detached from Reality” category, this latest bill would certainly guarantee it.
Albany Democrats recently rammed through a “Medical Assistance in Dying” bill, one that would allow patients with a grim prognosis of just six months to live - usually with a terminal illness - to seek medically-applied suicide.
Such laws are on the books in about a dozen other states, and nations like Canada and Switzerland were early pioneers in the practice.
We understand the argument that someone with an extraordinarily low life expectancy, especially one that would likely be wrought with torment and pain, could have a more humane end in simply taking a lethal injection - or other lethal cocktail.
We also understand that the similar laws in New Jersey only saw 101 people utilize this option in 2023 alone, the vast majority of whom were old, white women.
What we don’t understand is how this doesn’t eventually lead to a slippery slope where some forms of end-of-life care are inevitably replaced with two doctors telling you to kill yourself. How long will it take for amendments to be made to this bill that expands the definitions qualifying someone for this procedure?
In our opinion, it sends a terrible, nihilistic message to our state, particularly our youth. We live in a troubled, misguided world as is. Why complicate that with such a dystopian option, and an irreversible one at that?
Several Democrats of the Assembly and Senate voted against the bill, including Suffolk’s own Senator Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood). However, none of Suffolk’s Democratic delegation in the Assembly voted against it, and all - save for Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D-Port Jefferson) - co-sponsored it.
Shame.
Moreover, the bill received blistering opposition from three Democratic Assembly members, all of whom are black women. They claimed that the bill would disproportionately
affect minority communities who, in their words, already face significant health disparities. We won’t judge on to what extent those disparities persist - as we don’t cover those areas - but we will take the Assemblywomen’s words at face value. Not only does this bill reek of a slippery slope, but the argument could be made for population control in certain neighborhoods.
And yet, Democrats rammed it through Albany anyway.
Not a single Republican supported it, and Governor Kathy Hochul (D) is yet to sign it. Her veto would return it to the Legislature, where, based on the holdouts already, it seems unlikely the veto could survive a legislative override. Hochul could very easily have the last word here, and since she already seems to be in a tough spot for re-election next year, a veto could pay electoral dividends among notable religious and Jewish groups who are racing to the GOP as we speak.
Or, she could continue to have the worst political instincts we’ve ever seen and sign it into law. Her choice.
The bottom line is, why bother investing in medical research to possibly create lifesaving medicines, or at least an alternative that would make a terminally ill patient’s last months not so grueling? We think that the MAID bill discourages that type of development, encourages State-sponsored suicide, and will possibly lead to an even slipperier slope in the future.
Don’t believe us? In Canada, there are debates about whether or not people with mental illnesses should be allowed to partake. The Canadian government seems to have no qualms about it.
Imagine your government deems you so ill, so incorrigible, and so irredeemable that they might as well hand you the syringe yourself?
We’re a hard no on this bill and we encourage Governor Hochul to have the last word. Veto it.
A nation’s flag is not yours.
Such a flag is not your group.
Such a flag is not your beliefs.
Such a flag is not your values.
Such a flag is not your political identity.
Such a flag is not your sect.
Such a flag is not your gender.
Such a flag is not your ideology.
Such a flag is not yours to deface, alter, amend, edit, or embellish to make you more comfortable.
Such a flag is not yours to dole out to those who beg according to your wishes, nor is it one to withhold from those you deem unworthy.
Such a flag might in essence be a piece of fabric.
Such a flag might be slightly tattered or sun-bleached.
Such a flag might be in need of retirement.
Such a flag might even seem like an archaic symbol with which some can’t exactly identify.
But such a flag is our logo to the world.
Such a flag encompasses us all, no matter how much you might love or hate the country it represents.
To sectionalize the flag to fit our own interests and ideologies is one that fails to represent us collectively - not through a fault of its own, but ours.
Such a move is selfish, pedantic, and dilutes the representation it has afforded for centuries.
You won’t always love your leaders.
You won’t always love your neighbors.
Sometimes, you won’t always love what your country does.
But some things are static for a reason, to never change despite how the times may.
The sooner we forget that we’re all in this together, the sooner we lose the republic we were supposed to keep.
By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay
Raising the age of criminal responsibility in New York has created a nightmare scenario that opened statutory loopholes which prohibit law enforcement and prosecutors from doing their job. As a result of this reckless policy failure, youth violence in New York has skyrocketed while gangs recruit those under 18 to do their bidding knowing they’ll be siphoned off to more lenient Family Court instead of facing substantial consequences for their actions.
The statistics surrounding this failure are startling. Before New York changed its age of criminal responsibility to 18 years old, courts could treat 16- and 17-year-olds who committed serious felonies as adults. In 2017, nearly 60% of offenders charged with serious crimes were convicted in adult criminal court, and more than 1,000 received a prison or jail sentence. In 2024, however, less than 10% (435 of 4,475 offenders) received a felony conviction, with only 211 confined to an Office of Children and Family Services facility for more than a year.
These numbers are staggering, and to be clear, we aren’t talking about minor offenses. The crimes involved in these cases include:
• 159 arrests for homicide (completed /attempted);
• 613 arrests for firearms/dangerous weapons;
• 818 arrests for assault;
• 1,292 arrests for robbery;
• 65 arrests for sex offenses;
• 368 arrests for burglary;
• 730 arrests for larceny;
• 131 arrests for controlled substances offenses; and
• 13 arrests for Making a Terroristic Threat (source: Department of Criminal Justice Services).
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch has rightfully called out these policies for what they are: reckless. Simply put, New York Democrats have created a system that gives dangerous criminals a pass. Charges of homicide, assault and sexual offenses have gone unprosecuted as a result of these so-called criminal justice “reforms.” The perpetrators of these crimes are old enough to know murder and rape are wrong. Refusing to allow prosecution of them isn’t reform, it’s insanity.
The Assembly Minority Conference has offered several proposals to address this problem.
• A.4705 (Barclay) – Prevents 16-and 17-year-old Adolescent Offenders (AOs) who commit serious felonies from escaping criminal liability by being removed to Family Court. Requires 16- and 17- year-old AOs charged with non-violent felonies to be removed to Family Court unless the court decides,
after reviewing Family Court records, and upon a motion by the district attorney, that circumstances exist that should prevent the transfer to Family Court. Requires 16-and 17-year-old AOs who commit any violent felony (e.g., gang assault, criminal possession of a weapon) to remain in the Youth Part of Superior Court, unless all parties (judge, defense attorney, prosecutor) agree the action should be removed to Family Court in the interest of justice. Requires victims to be made aware of the final disposition of a case in Family Court;
• A.3167 (Reilly) – Includes the possession of a loaded firearm as one of the circumstances that permits the AO defendant to be tried in the Youth Part of the Criminal Court and not escape criminal responsibility by being removed to Family Court or juvenile probation intake; and
• A.4124 (Reilly) – Prevents AOs from having their criminal case removed to Family Court from the Youth Part of Criminal Court if they are charged with the newly created crime of Aggravated Grand Larceny or Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree as defined in subdivision eight of section 155.30 of the Penal Law. Removes the requirement that a prosecutor must prove that extraordinary circumstances exist (one out of a thousand cases) that warrant the case to remain in the criminal Youth Part of Superior Court. Without corrective action at the state level, the coming summer months will be especially challenging for law enforcement and residents in New York. These policies have done nothing but make our streets less safe and empower criminal enterprises. Simply put, Raise the Age is a broken law that legislative Democrats refuse to fix. I strongly urge the governor and her legislative allies to change this policy immediately.
If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can be reached by mail at 19 Canalview Mall, Fulton, NY 13069 and by email at barclayw@nyassembly.gov. You may also find me, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, on Facebook or Twitter at @WillABarclay.
Assemblyman Will Barclay (R-Pulaski) is the Assembly Minority Leader and has represented the 120th Assembly District since 2003. The 120th District contains most of Oswego County and parts of Cayuga and Jefferson counties.
To the Editor,
Organizations in New York can pay a person with a disability as little as $.05 per hour, and it is legal. This must end.
It’s time for New York to eliminate the subminimum wage and treat people with disabilities with the fairness they deserve. The State Senate has passed Bill S.28 to do just that, and now it is time for the
Assembly to act before their session ends.
As the father of John Cronin, a young man with Down Syndrome, I’ve seen firsthand what people with differing abilities can accomplish when given the chance. John cofounded a business with me, John’s Crazy Socks, and we have learned that hiring people with differing abilities is not charity, it’s good business. More than half of our
employees have a disability. They work hard, deliver incredible results, and earn the same wage as their colleagues.
The subminimum wage law, a relic of 1938, allows people with disabilities to be paid as little as 5 cents an hour. That’s not just outdated; it’s wrong. It tells people that their labor, and their lives, are worth less.
New York should lead the nation
by ending this discriminatory practice. No exceptions. No more second-class workers. I urge the State Assembly to pass S.28 and help build a more inclusive and just future for all.
Sincerely,
Mark X. Cronin Co-Founder and President, John’s Crazy Socks Farmingdale, NY
Thursday, June 12, 2025
The Enacted Budget for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2025-26 is projected to total $254 billion, a 5.2% increase in spending at a time when new federal actions on funding and policy may change the relationship between the federal government and states. Actions that have already occurred at the federal level, paired with potential Congressional action, may mean that in the upcoming months New York will see challenges to the recently Enacted State Budget, according to a report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli (D-Great Neck Plaza).
“The stakes are high for New York if the cuts being discussed in Washington occur,” DiNapoli said. “The state needs to do what it can to stabilize finances, build reserve funds, focus on efficient service delivery and develop a strategy for how to contend with federal changes. The final budget had some measures built into help navigate this uncertainty, but the state needs to do what it can to prepare in a transparent manner before our options are even more limited.”
While detailed spending projections are not yet available from the Division of the Budget (DOB), preliminary projections indicate spending will increase. All Funds spending in SFY 2025-26 is projected to total $254 billion, an increase of $12.5 billion from $241.5 billion in SFY 2024-25. State Operating Fund spending is expected to grow 9.3%, continuing a recent trend of significant growth. Between SFY 2019-20 and SFY 2024-2025, State Operating Funds spending grew 4.6% annually on average – more than double the preceding 5-year period.
The big two items in state spending – School Aid and Medicaid – are the primary drivers of these increases. The Enacted Budget provides $37.4 billion in School Aid on a School Year (SY) basis, an increase of $209 million (0.6%) over the Executive Budget and $1.7 billion (4.9%) over SY 2025.
The Enacted Budget appropriates $109.6 billion for Medicaid in the Department of Health’s (DOH) budget for SFY 2025-26, which is an increase of $7.7 billion (7.6%) from the prior year and $1.7 billion (1.6%) over the Executive Budget proposal.
Authorization was also included to transfer up to $8 billion from the General Fund to repay the state’s outstanding advance with the federal Unemployment Trust Fund. If New York eliminates the entire advance, the effective federal unemployment insurance tax rate for New York employers will decrease from 1.5% for 2024 to an effective federal tax rate of 0.6% for 2025. This should provide relief to small businesses across the state and will allow the state to increase benefits for workers which have remained stagnant since 2019.
Based on available information, All Funds revenues for SFY 2025-26 are projected to total $248.9 billion, nearly the same as in SFY 2024-25. All Funds tax collections for the current fiscal year are projected to decrease by $474 million (less than 1%) to $117 billion.
Economic uncertainty may affect revenue collections. A projected acceleration in inflation, triggered in part by the impact of tariffs on prices, may affect state sales tax collections. In addition, a continued decline in tourism above what is currently being seen would also negatively impact New York’s revenues, not only through lower sales taxes received from hotel stays, restaurant meals, and souvenir purchases but also from income taxes paid from workers in the leisure and hospitality industry. Since the beginning of the year, there are 11,200 fewer jobs in the industry.
Federal funding is a significant part of the state budget: In SFY 2024-25, federal receipts totaled $96.7 billion or 38.8% of the state’s budget. A range of state services and programs rely on federal funding, although the greatest share – an estimated 87% in SFY 2025-26 – supports health and human services programs. DiNapoli launched an online resource that provides greater detail on federal funding in the budget and for the public safety net in New York state.
On April 29, prior to the adoption of the budget, the Executive reported that $1.3 billion in federal cuts had already been made to state programs—not including separate actions affecting New York’s local governments, universities, and nonprofits. Reductions included $325 million in resiliency funding, $79 million in SUNY research grants, and $24 million for assistance to food banks and farmers. Other actions include elimination of federal staff for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program; termination of more than 1,200 federal workers who live in New York; and attempted termination of federal approval of congestion pricing in New York City’s business district which continues to be litigated.
The state has not taken any significant cost containment measures or implemented a strategy for addressing federal cuts, so how these risks will be reflected in DOB’s Enacted Budget Financial Plan for the next four years remains to be seen. Executive and Legislative leaders have acknowledged the actions in Washington may require them to convene a special session. The Enacted Budget does contain language that authorizes the Director of DOB to withhold appropriated funding if any quarterly financial plan update shows an imbalance of $2 billion or more. The state also has nearly $8.8 billion in its statutory rainy day reserve funds, an important safeguard against economic disruptions and tax revenue shortfalls.
According to the Executive, the impact of the House mega-bill on New York would be far-reaching. An analysis from DOH indicates that the proposed federal changes could result in estimated lost federal funding of $10.1 billion and new state-funded Medicaid costs of $3.3 billion. The Executive estimates the proposal would increase the number of people without health insurance in the state. New York has one of the lowest uninsured rates in the nation (4.8% in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau); if these projections are accurate, the number of uninsured would grow by more than 150%, rising from approximately 938,000 to 2.4 million. Other changes would increase state costs and reduce eligibility for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program and eliminate funding for the clean energy transition and climate and resiliency programs.
DiNapoli stressed the importance of focusing budget management on the current year and on the potential for drastic changes in the outyears. He recommended continuing to build reserves, both statutory rainy day funds and informal reserves; focusing on efficiency in service delivery, particularly by implementing prior audit recommendations; and developing a strategy for articulating criteria for how the State will respond to federal cuts.
Assemblyman Keith Brown (R-Northport) joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers today to support the introduction of Assembly Bill A.8540, the Fentanyl Fathers and Mothers Act—a comprehensive proposal to combat the fentanyl crisis through education, prevention and mental health support in New York’s schools. Sponsored by Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R-Gloversville), the bill would require the creation of a statewide Fentanyl Education, Awareness and Recognition Program for students in grades six through 12 across all public, private and charter schools.
For Assemblyman Brown, this crisis is deeply personal.
“Four weeks shy of his 20 birthday, my nephew Jesse Romanasky died from a fentanyl overdose,” Brown said. “Jesse wasn’t some nameless case; he was a real kid. He worked at UPS, refereed youth soccer games on the weekends and took college classes at night. But like too many kids, his path to substance use started young—vaping at 14, marijuana at 15, pill parties by 16, and then hard drugs at 18. Two years later, he was gone.”
Brown shared that his sister believes Jesse suffered from undiagnosed bipolar disorder, something they came to understand too late. That’s why he is calling for the bill to go beyond drug warnings and incorporate real mental health education and emotional skill-building into school curriculums.
“This legislation has to be about more than saying ‘don’t do drugs.’ We need to equip students with the tools to manage emotional pain, anxiety and stress, the things that so often drive kids toward dangerous substances in the first place,” said Brown. “Schools must teach emotional coping skills, stress management and where to go for help when life feels overwhelming.”
The Fentanyl Fathers and Mothers Act mandates:
• Age-appropriate instruction on the dangers of fentanyl and synthetic opioids,
• Naloxone (Narcan) training and distribution in schools,
• The inclusion of bereaved parents to share personal stories and humanize the crisis,
• A requirement for the Departments of Education and Health to jointly develop and implement the curriculum,
• State funding for educator training, curriculum development and naloxone access.
Brown is advocating for schools to go further by incorporating:
• Mental health education that helps students recognize emotional distress in themselves and others,
• Coping strategies for managing stress, peer pressure and trauma,
• Empathy-based learning to help students understand the broader consequences of their actions and how substance abuse can devastate families and communities.
“Jesse was loved deeply. And when we lost him, it didn’t just take one life, it shattered so many others,” Brown said. “Our children deserve to understand the risks and realities. But they also deserve support, compassion and tools to navigate a very complicated world.”
“I’m proud to co-sponsor this bill. For Jesse. For every student who still has a chance. Let’s act now, and let’s save lives.”
By Matt Meduri
A new poll has gauged a significant paradigm shift The House GOP Caucus received a shakeup this week, hearkening to quorum issues faced in 2024 and early 2025.
Congressman Mark Green (R, TN-07) has announced that he will resign from the U.S. House after the “Big Beautiful Bill” achieves its final fate.
“I am grateful to Speaker [Mike] Johnson (R, LA-04) and House Leadership for placing their trust in me to chair the Committee on Homeland Security, lead the effort to impeach former Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and to pass H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, the strongest border security legislation in history to ever pass the House,” the four-term Congressman said in a statement. “However, my time in Congress has come to an end.”
Green’s retirement will be effective after passage of the Big Beautiful Bill. He will take a job in the private sector thereafter.
With just 220 seats in the House, Green’s early departure from Congress will give Republicans a one-seat majority. 218 seats are required for a majority, endangering legislative progress with an already-tenuous majority.
The quorum issue is reminiscent of the one faced by the House GOP Conference towards the end of the 2023-2024 session. A flurry of retirements and early resignations not only imperilled the House GOP’s ability to pass legislation, but also cast doubts on their ability to retain the lower chamber in the 2024 elections.
Governor Bill Lee (R-TN) will have ten days after Green’s formal resignation to set a special election date, which will be held between 100 and 107 days after that. TN07 is located in Western Tennessee, with small parts of the district taking in exurban Nashville. The seat is safely Republican, having given Republicans north of 65% of the vote from 2012 to 2020. Green’s latter two elections - 2022 and 2024 - saw him take just under 60% of the vote, likely due to redistricting and Independent candidates taking in about 2% of the vote each time.
Newsom responded to the former Auburn University football coach (Tuberville) by telling him, “stick to football, bro.”
Finally, the first dominos of the 2025 election cycle fall into place with nominees chosen in Tuesday’s primary for New Jersey Governor.
Governor Phil Murphy (D-NJ) is termlimited in a state that shifted dramatically to the right in 2024. The Garden State has not backed a Republican presidential nominee since 1988. It went for Joe Biden (D-DE) by sixteen points in 2020, only to go for Kamala Harris (D-CA) by just six points. Countyby-county registration data show the GOP adding to their rolls while Democrats are bleeding registrants, particularly in North Jersey.
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (D, NJ-11) (pictured above) easily defeated five other high-profile candidates to earn the Democratic nod for governor. She has represented a classically Republican suburban-Newark district that has raced to the left in recent years. She won fifteen of New Jersey’s twenty-one counties, with the outliers owing to regional support of the other candidates.
The district backed President Donald Trump (R-FL) by twenty-two points in November.
Regarding the riots in Los Angeles, President Trump has more or less endorsed the arrest of Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) (pictured above)
Tensions have hit a fever pitch as demonstrations against raids by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have fomented political angst between the two coasts.
At a White House press conference, a reporter asked President Trump if “Border Czar” Tom Homan should arrest Governor Newsom, after Newsom reportedly “dared” Homan to do so.
“I would do it if I were Tom,” said Trump. “I think it’s great. Gavin likes the publicity, but I think it would be a great thing.” Trump added that Newsom is a “nice guy”, but “grossly incompetent.”
Newsom responded on social media, “This is a day I hoped I would never see in America,” he wrote. “I don’t care if you’re a Democrat or a Republican this is a line we cannot cross as a nation — this is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism.”
The episode currently culminates in threats of federal charges for both Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) should the two interfere with federal immigration enforcement.
Newsom also said in an MSNBC interview, “He’s [Homan] a tough guy, why doesn’t he do that [arrest]? He knows where to find me?”
Newsom has also announced plans to sue the Trump Administration over the recent deployment of the National Guard. The administration also mobilized 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles on Monday morning.
Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), who recently announced his candidacy for Alabama governor in 2026, wrote on X, “L.A. looks like a third-world country - anarchists are in charge, law enforcement is being attacked, and the rule of law is nonexistent. Lock him [Newsom] up.”
On the Republican side, former State Assemblyman and 2021 gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciatteralli (R) will once again lead the GOP ticket this November. He easily won the five-way primary with 68% of the vote as of press time. He swept every county.
Ciattarelli outperformed expectations in 2021, losing to Murphy by just three points in a relatively quiet race. The race is now expected to be a barometer on President Trump’s first year back in office, while a tug-of-war in a possibly emerging battleground.
New Jersey last elected a Republican governor in Chris Christie (R-NJ) in 2013.
State
Tensions run high across the nation in response to the situation unfolding in Los Angeles, as Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21) has called Governor Kathy Hochul (D) a “hypocrite” on Monday regarding Hochul’s stance on the National Guard deployment to California.
Stefanik, a 2026 gubernatorial hopeful who has all but announced that she’s running at this point, compared Trump’s actions to Hochul’s actions in using the New York National Guard earlier this year to secure State-run prisons after a crippling correction officers strike.
“She [Hochul] is a total hypocrite as she has the NY National Guard in prisons due to a crisis that SHE created,” said Stefanik on X on Monday. “And now Hochul is once again siding with violent rioters and anti-ICE criminals instead of supporting our brave men and women in law enforcement.”
Hochul joined other Democratic governors in calling Trump’s use of the National Guard an “alarming abuse of power.”
“It’s important we respect the executive authority of our country’s governors to manage their National Guards — and we stand with Governor Newsom who has made it clear that violence is unacceptable and that local authorities should be able to do their jobs without the chaos of this federal interference and intimidation,” the governors, including Hochul, wrote.
Meanwhile, religious groups are urging Hochul to veto the “Medical Aid in Dying” legislation that has passed both chambers of the State Legislature.
The bill would permit terminally ill patients with a life expectancy of less than six months to receive life-ending medication after an approval from two physicians.
Religious groups like the New York State Catholic Conference and Agudath of Israel - a leading Orthodox Jewish organization - have lambasted the bill and have lobbied for Hochul to give it the ax.
“We fully expect the Governor will also hear the concerns of the disabilities community, which has expressed grave concern that they will be coerced toward assisted suicide due to loss of
independence or bodily function,” wrote NYS Catholic Conference Director Dennis Proust in a statement.”
The Orthodox Union’s Rabbi Moshe Hauer warned of the “slippery slope” of legalizing medically assisted suicide.
Disability advocates have also railed against the bill. The Center of Disability Rights, while not issuing a formal statement on the bill, has spent time and effort lobbying against it.
Notable Democratic holdouts in Albany have rested their case on the law disproportionately affecting minority communities.
“While I do support the freedom to choose and freedom to decide in the pursuit of happiness, my concern and opposition of this bill comes from the great risk of targeting vulnerable communities of color, given the historical health disparities that they continue to face,” said Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn (D-Flatbush). Assemblywomen Michaelle Solages (D-Elmont), Latrice Walker (D-Brownsville), and Crystal Peoples-Stokes (D-Buffalo) delivered similar sentiments before voting against it.
In the Assembly, the bill passed 81-67 with two absences. No Republicans backed it and were joined by twenty-two Democrats in opposition. Members of the Suffolk delegation who voted for it are Tommy John Schiavoni (D-North Haven), Rebecca Kassay (D-Port Jefferson), Phil Ramos (D-Brentwood), Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills), and Kwani O’Pharrow (D-West Babylon). All mentioned, sans Kassay, co-sponsored the legislation.
The Assembly version of the bill was sponsored by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-Scarsdale).
The bill passed the Senate 35-27 with excused absence from Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue). The bill was sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-Greenwich Village). Democratic Senators April Baskin (D-Buffalo), Siela Bynoe (D-Westbury), Cordell Cleare (D-Harlem), Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood), Roxanne Persaud (D-Canarsie), and Sam Sutton (D-Gravesend) joined all Republicans in voting against it.
If the bill earns Hochul’s signature, New York would join fourteen states and the District of Columbia to have these laws on the books. California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.
The nearest neighbor is New Jersey, which in 2023, saw 101 people use medically-assisted suicide. Of them, 81% were of 65, 57% were female, and 95% were white.
Local
The Suffolk County Department of Parks and Department of Health Services are issuing water safety advisories for the summer season.
The County recommends never swimming alone, swimming in designated areas - those supervised by lifeguards - learning to swim - even adults - supervising children at all times, wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, avoiding alcohol around water, heeding warnings - such as tides, rip currents, and water conditions - learning CPR and basic First-Aid, and installing selflatching fences or barriers around a home pool.
In 2024, there were twenty-four drownings across all of Suffolk’s bodies of water.
“Summer in Suffolk County means enjoying some of the most beautiful beaches and waterways in the country,” said County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) in a statement. “But we must never let our guard down around water. One moment of inattention can lead to lifelong consequences. Whether you’re boating, swimming, or simply relaxing near water, safety must always come first. With more people expected to visit our beaches and parks this summer, we want to ensure fun doesn’t turn into tragedy. My administration is committed to public safety, and that includes reminding families to take simple but critical precautions around water.”
The County’s Parks and Health Services departments will continue to work with lifeguards, first responders, and local municipalities to monitor conditions, enforce safety measures, and provide education to the public.
For more information, visit www.suffolkcountyny.gov.
Lake Ronkonkoma
First Tuesday of the month
Time: 7-8 p.m.
Location:
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
307 Hawkins Ave
Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Ronkonkoma AM
Last Friday of the month
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Location:
Day Haven Adult Day Services
2210 Smithtown Ave Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Ronkonkoma PM
Second Monday of the month
Time: -7:30 p.m.
Location:
Day Haven Adult Day Services
2210 Smithtown Ave Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
00.272.3900
By Cait Crudden
Long Island took center stage in the national conversation on workforce development last week as Congressmen Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) and Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) proudly welcomed U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR) to Suffolk County for a comprehensive tour showcasing the region’s innovative training programs and robust labor partnerships.
The visit began at the Local 290 Training Center in Hauppauge, where Secretary Chavez-DeRemer was joined by Reps. Garbarino and LaLota, received an up-close look at apprenticeship programs run by the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (NASRCC). The delegation toured hands-on training labs focused on welding, framing, and acoustical ceiling installation, and later sat in on classroom instruction sessions in the center’s lecture hall, engaging directly with apprentices and instructors.
“Long Island has long been a leader in workforce innovation, and today’s visit showcased the strong partnerships between labor, education, and government that are building pathways to good-paying jobs for local workers,” said Garbarino. “From apprentices learning the trades at Local 290 to advanced technical training programs at Suffolk County Community College, these initiatives are not only equipping our workforce with the skills they need — they’re also strengthening Long Island’s economic future. I thank Secretary Chavez-DeRemer for making the trip and recognizing the importance of continued investment in our skilled workforce.”
Following the stop in Hauppauge, the group traveled to Suffolk County Community College’s Brentwood campus to visit the National Offshore Wind Training Center (NOWTC), a state-of-the-art facility designed to prepare workers for jobs in the growing offshore wind energy sector. The tour included demonstrations of safety training in sea survival, working at heights, and fire response which is critical skills for workers supporting the future of renewable energy along the Atlantic Coast.
“Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s visit to Suffolk County and her engagement with Long Island’s blue-collar labor leaders highlight the new Republican Party’s commitment to supporting both business growth and hardworking Americans through fair wages, safe working conditions, and expanded opportunities,” said LaLota. “To keep our region competitive, we must continue investing in workforce development and modern infrastructure. In Congress, I’ll keep fighting for commonsense solutions that strengthen job training, connect workers to good-paying careers, and grow Long Island’s economy from the ground up.”
Secretary Chavez-DeRemer applauded the local efforts and pledged continued support from the U.S. Department of Labor.
“Long Island’s skilled workforce is thriving under President Trump’s leadership, with thousands of new jobs created since he took office. I saw that firsthand today – from topnotch training programs to the small businesses driving local growth. When we invest in skills and opportunity, we empower our men and women to build better lives. I look forward to continuing to work with Congressmen Garbarino and LaLota to advance President Trump’s America First agenda and deliver for American workers,” said Chavez-DeRemer.
At the Local 290 Training Center, Anthony Villa, Business Manager of Local 290, welcomed the attention from Washington and praised the collaboration.
“The Carpenters were honored to host the Secretary and our local members of Congress, and we look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of our members and all blue-collar workers across Long Island and throughout New York State. The construction industry is critical to New York’s economy, and our world-class training center ensures that the next generation of carpenters have the skills they need to be successful,” Villa.
The workforce development tour was also attended by leaders from local labor unions, education institutions, county workforce development offices, and economic development organizations. The day’s events underscored a shared commitment to ensuring that Long Island remains at the forefront of emerging industries like offshore wind and maintains a well-trained, highly skilled workforce to meet the demands of the future.
As Long Island continues to evolve with national trends in construction, energy, and advanced manufacturing, today’s visit made one thing clear: the region is not only ready for the future, but also helping lead the way.
“Long Island has long been a leader in workforce innovation, and today’s visit showcased the strong partnerships between labor, education, and government that are building pathways to good-paying jobs for local workers.”
Congressmen Andrew Garbarino
Thursday, June 12, 2025
By Raheem Soto
Commack will begin stationing armed guards at every school in the district starting this September. The decision follows a March 2025 vote by the Board of Education and the approval of the 2025–2026 school budget by district voters in May
The district entered into a one-year contract with Covert Investigations & Security, a private security firm based in Ronkonkoma. The agreement takes effect on July 1, 2025, with full implementation planned for the start of the school year in September. Each of Commack’s four elementary schools will have one armed guard, while both middle schools and the high school will have two.
Under the plan, guards will remain stationed outside school buildings during school hours, covering entrances, parking areas, and other access points. District officials stated that guards would not be assigned to interior hallways or classrooms and would only enter school buildings in the event of an emergency.
Commack becomes one of at least 18 school districts in Suffolk County that currently employ armed guards as part of their school safety plans. Nearby districts, including Smithtown, Half Hollow Hills, Hauppauge, Massapequa, and South Huntington, have implemented similar programs since 2018. Most have contracted with private firms and utilize a perimeter-only security model with trained officers on standby throughout the school day.
Commack officials emphasized that the district’s decision was not in response to a specific incident but rather part of a broader review of safety protocols. Over the past several years, the district has implemented multiple infrastructure upgrades, including secure vestibules, door-ajar alarm sensors, visitor ID scanning systems, and surveillance cameras. A team of unarmed guards—primarily retired law enforcement personnel—has also been in place.
The armed guard program is being introduced as an additional layer to what officials described as a “multi-tiered” school safety framework. The security contract is included in the 2025–2026 school budget and does not require a tax increase. District leadership stated that the agreement was reviewed and approved in coordination with legal counsel, risk assessment consultants, and local police representatives.
Covert Investigations & Security, the company awarded the contract, also provides security services to Smithtown and Half Hollow Hills. In both of those districts, the guards remain outside school buildings and follow district-specific safety protocols. All armed personnel must pass the required training and participate in annual requalification.
Preparation for the program will take place over the summer. Guards will undergo background checks, complete school safety training, and receive emergency protocol briefings, which will be coordinated with building administrators. The district has said that guards will not be present during summer school or enrichment programs. Training will take place when students are not on campus.
Officials have announced that informational materials will be distributed to families prior to the school year’s resumption in September. The district’s website will include updated security procedures and contact information for school safety coordinators. Staff briefings and emergency response rehearsals will also take place in August to ensure readiness.
Reactions from the community have been mixed. On social media and in community
meetings, some parents have expressed support, noting that other local school districts have already adopted similar policies. Supporters often emphasized the importance of reducing emergency response times and having trained professionals on site as a precaution.
Others have raised questions about the decision. Some residents said they were concerned about the presence of firearms on school grounds, even in the hands of professionals. Others questioned whether the funds might be more effectively directed toward student support services such as counseling, mental health programs, or school psychologists. Some community members expressed conditional support, saying they agreed with the reasoning but still had concerns about how the presence of armed guards might affect student perceptions or day-to-day school operations. District officials have responded by clarifying that guards will not interact with students unless an emergency requires their involvement.
According to neighboring district reports, including statements from Smithtown and Half Hollow Hills, armed guards are typically posted in marked or unmarked vehicles and remain out of sight during routine school activities. Their primary function is to provide a rapid response option in the event of a threat or act of violence.
Commack’s program is expected to follow that model. District officials emphasized that the guards are not intended to play a disciplinary role or become part of instructional operations.
Other Long Island districts, such as Sachem, have opted not to pursue armed guard programs but continue to review regional trends. The adoption of armed security varies widely, depending on district size, local law enforcement relationships, and public sentiment. Commack’s implementation will be monitored throughout the school year. Officials plan to assess the program through staff feedback, family input, and standard safety performance reviews. The Board of Education will determine whether to renew or modify the contract during next year’s budget cycle.
Further communication from the district is expected in July and August as training and implementation milestones are reached. According to officials, the district will continue to strike a balance between transparency and security needs to ensure that families and staff have the necessary information without compromising operational procedures.
The first day of school in September will mark the formal launch of the program, capping a summer of training, coordination, and planning. As Commack joins a growing number of districts turning to armed security, school officials say the primary goal remains consistent: to keep students, staff, and school communities safe while maintaining a secure and supportive learning environment.
Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) is proud to announce that Salvatore Riccobono, a decorated Vietnam veteran, retired NYPD officer, and dedicated community advocate, has been named to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame for the 2nd Senate District.
Mr. Riccobono served in the United States Army Medical Corps from 1965 to 1967, achieving the rank of Specialist E-4. Deployed to Vietnam from May 1966 to May 1967, he was part of a combat support group for helicopter medical evacuations and the 93rd Evacuation Hospital. He played a critical role in medevac missions and humanitarian flights to remote Montagnard villages, bringing care and hope to regions with no access to basic infrastructure.
Following his military service, Mr. Riccobono continued his commitment to public safety as a New York City Police Officer, serving on the East Village plainclothes unit during one of the city’s most turbulent periods. His work took dangerous criminals off the streets and brought stability to a community in need.
In civilian life, Mr. Riccobono has remained deeply involved in veteran and civic service. Since moving to St. James in 1999, he has been a cornerstone of the local veteran community
as Junior Vice Commander of VFW Post 395 in St. James, where he’s organized Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades for over a decade. He is also active in the Greater St. James Civic Association and the Fraternal Order of Police.
Senator Mattera praised Mr. Riccobono’s lifelong dedication to service.
“Salvatore Riccobono represents the very best of our nation. From the battlefields of Vietnam to the streets of New York, and now in our own communities here in Suffolk County, he has exemplified honor, bravery, and compassion,” said Mattera. “I am proud to recognize his sacrifices and contributions by inducting him into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.”
Mr. Riccobono shares his life with his beloved wife, Patty Murray Riccobono, and is the proud father of two sons, James and Daniel. He cherishes his daughters-in-law, Suzanne and Maryvic, and his five grandchildren: Max, Molly, Brady, Emelyn, and Luca.
Through every chapter of his life, Salvatore Riccobono has lived by a steadfast belief in service, sacrifice, and love of country. Senator Mattera and the entire community thank him for his unwavering dedication.
By Cait Crudden
Tensions have reached a flashpoint in Los Angeles as anti ICE protests spiraled into violent riots, echoing unrest seen amidst the 2020 racial justice protests and even recalling the destructive 1992 riots sparked by the Rodney King verdict. In response, President Donald Trump (R-FL) has deployed the National Guard and ordered Marines on standby to restore order with dozens of rioters that have been arrested.
What began as a reaction to aggressive federal ICE raids against undocumented workers quickly unraveled into widespread disorder. Over the weekend, forty-one protesters were arrested: twenty-one by LAPD, nineteen by California Highway Patrol, and one by the L.A. Sheriff’s Office, facing charges including assault with a deadly weapon on an officer, arson, looting, and failure to disperse.
One suspect was arrested for allegedly using a Molotov cocktail against the authorities. Protesters smashed windows, set self-driving vehicles ablaze, blocked the 101 Freeway, and forced authorities to issue an unlawful assembly order.
President Trump invoked federal authority under Title 10 to order 2,000 National Guard troops and placed 700 Marines on standby. This marks the first presidential deployment of a state’s National Guard without the governor’s consent since the 1965 civil rights actions, drawing historical comparison to the federal response to the 1992 riots.
On Truth Social, Trump defended the move, “We made a great decision in sending the National Guard to deal with the violent, instigated riots in California. If we had not done so, Los Angeles would have been completely obliterated.”
Activist voices, including California’s Governor and Democratic officials, placed blame on Trump, accusing him of stoking violence. But federal and local conservatives have highlighted a law-and-order imperative, drawing parallels to the disorder seen in the 1992 and 2020 riots, situations that required decisive federal action to protect lives and restore peace.
The 1992 Rodney King Riots triggered by public outrage over police brutality resulted in 63 fatalities, thousands injured, and $1 billion in property damage. Ultimately quelled by
National Guard troops sent in by President George W. Bush (R-TX) with similar urgency and scope to the current deployment.
During the 2020 BLM Riots, protests spawned from the death of George Floyd quickly spiraling into violence and looting. Governor Gavin Newsom (DCA) requested the National Guard troops to assist, highlighting the need for law enforcement backup during widespread civil unrest.
The current unrest is notably smaller in scale, yet the comparable tactics, road blockages, property destruction, and attacks on police echo past events and underscore the ongoing challenge of balancing civil liberties with community safety.
Governor Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass (D) have condemned Trump’s troop deployment as federal overreach and have even threatened to sue. They have called the deployment unlawful and imply the President’s actions have made matters worse.
President Trump and supporting conservatives maintain that decisive action was necessary to quell the violence and protect federal operations. They warn that without prompt federal intervention, Los Angeles could descend into chaos.
The events in Los Angeles serve as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding law and order as the foundation of a free and civilized society. While the right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of American democracy, that right ends where violence, destruction, and disregard for public safety begin.
When mobs hurl Molotov cocktails at police officers, torch vehicles, and blockade highways, they are not expressing civil dissent, they are engaging in lawlessness that puts innocent lives at risk. President Trump’s swift action to deploy the National Guard underscores a necessary commitment to restoring order and protecting communities. Without a firm response to anarchy, we risk emboldening those who would tear down our institutions instead of working within them. It is the duty of elected officials, law enforcement, and responsible citizens to stand together, not just against lawlessness, but in defense of safety, justice, and the rule of law.
By Matt Meduri
Candidate: Legislator Rob Trotta
Residence: Fort Salonga
Position Sought: Smithtown Town Supervisor (Republican Primary)
Party Lines: None, running against Supervisor Ed Wehrheim for nomination
Endorsements: Nesconset Civic Association; my endorsement is from the people, the residents of Smithtown who want to keep Smithtown and not turn it into Queens or Nassau.
Q: What is your professional background and how does it equip you for Smithtown Town Supervisor?
A: There’s no one in the Legislature or the Supervisor’s office who is doing brain surgery. A lot of what goes on in government should be common sense, period. We shouldn’t have department heads driving leased Yukon Denali’s, costing the taxpayers. The higher-ups in the Parks Dept. all have these fancy cars. They’re all leased; I FOIL’d [Freedom of Information Law] it. They’re leasing them from Enterprise. The Parks Dept. Commissioner shouldn’t have his employees waxing and washing his car every Friday morning. Multiple employees have told me.
The County has a $4 billion budget. I’m the chair of the Ways & Means Committee, which watches over where and how the money is spent. While I don’t make the executive decisions, I see firsthand where there’s waste. $4 billion is a little bit more than $130 million [Smithtown’s budget].
Budgeting comes down to common sense. Everyone gets X amount of dollars and decisions are made as to where that money is used. While it’s great that Supervisor Wehrheim thinks the parks are an important feature, there’s no one ever at them. They spent $83M on parks, especially a lot of turf fields; they’re everywhere. Between 92-94% of the time, those fields are not in use. I got that number from an AI program, where you put in the data, such as the times of days, hours of peak usage, etc. Half the year, they’re not used at all. Keep in mind, Brady and Raynor Parks used to have night leagues. There’s no more leagues there. I don’t know the exact number, but let’s say if 100 teams were playing, now there’s 50. They’re not even using those two other fields. You wouldn’t even need Flynn. The fields are too short to be used for multi-day tournaments.
About a month ago, I went there because someone told me the field is too short. I walk up, the game is tied 4-4 in the fifth inning, with a guy on second base. The next pitch, the batter hits a home run out of the park. He drops the bat and walks off the field. The umpire told me you can only hit one home run per game per team. He said it was due to a combination of the new carbon fiber bats and the field length. The Town also made the fences way higher, especially in front of the scoreboard.
Right now, they’re not in use; all winter they’re not in use. The field at Brady Park has way less softball leagues than it used to. I would have spent $30M on the fields and put the rest of the money on the main streets to bury wires in Smithtown, St. James, and Kings Park. I would have purchased buildings in downtown Smithtown to create more municipal lots. There’s private lots that are chained off that you can’t park in. You’d have no wires. It would free up parking. Someone told me there’s only one sign that says, “Municipal parking this way.” I haven’t seen the sign, but there should be signs. Look at Cold Spring Harbor; it’s a little town similar to Kings Park and St. James. There’s a parking lot there. People come in, park, spend some money for half-hour or so, and then go home. That should be done here. The parking is so horrible, they’ve [Smithtown] done nothing about it for twenty years. It’s the same thing in Kings Park across from Ciro’s. You could buy the laundromat, flatten it out, and make it parking. Restaurants would be full.
Q: The wires and poles belong to the carries and utilities, respectively. How would you move forward in burying the wires?
A: Very simple. Look at Farmingdale. Half the town is done and half isn’t. They’re doing the other half of the town starting in about a week. PSE&G doesn’t bury the lines; you hire the contractors to do it. Downtown Kings Park is 2/10 of a mile from Indian Head Road to Pulaski Road. The estimate to bury the wires there is $2 million.
Q: Rounding out twelve years in the County Legislature, what are some of your key accomplishments?
A: I purchased more open space than any other Legislator; we’re approaching 70 acres of land in Smithtown that will be preserved forever, such as 27 acres at Owl Hill and 15 acres in Head of the Harbor. The land will be preserved forever. If I am elected Supervisor, I will look at buying the Gyrodyne property and Bull Run Farm [both in St. James], partnering with the right people. Because the Town doesn’t have an open
space preservation program, we’ve missed out with partnering with the County to buy these. I’ve also passed multiple bills securing funding for the sewers in Kings Park, another $500K for Pulaski Road. I authored a bill that requires phones at hotels and other commercial spaces to dial 911 automatically, without having to dial out. I know someone whose daughter was murdered in a hotel in Texas. She tried to call 911 but had to dial out first. It passed here in Suffolk, it went through the State, and back in Donald Trump’s (R-FL) first term, I was invited for a bill signing. I couldn’t make it because I was on vacation, but I can’t think of another bill that started in Suffolk that ended up as a federal law.
Q: The Town does have an open space program. What are your grievances and how would you make it better?
A: It’s transfer-of-development rights. It provides higher density housing in other locations. It’s not an open space preservation program. If you donate a little piece of property, the Town will let you increase the density of your project. It’s a fallacy; he’s [Wehrheim] trying to use that as an open space preservation. He’s counting on people not knowing the facts. We can rebuild these downtowns with lower-density housing and condominiums. Who benefits from these apartment buildings? Developers. How did he get $400,000 in his campaign account? Follow the money. People like Toby Carlson, the Reliable Tree Service, Pioneer Paving, all these companies who have done work for the Town. I used to arrest people for this type of money laundering. I’m not saying it’s illegal, but it’s unethical.
As a Legislator, I put a bill in that said you cannot take any money from any union after a contract and you can’t knowingly take money from anyone doing business with the County. People who want or get something give politicians money. I’m not blaming Wehrheim for taking the money; it’s just the system. I try not to take similar monies. Sometimes people just send you checks, ironically. I got a check years ago and it happened to be from the Professors Guild of Suffolk Community College. I got criticized for taking the money. I didn’t know who they were. But it’s different when you’re getting money from Pioneer Paving and then you give them a $2 million contract.
The Charlie Reicherts of the world do good work; he’s an altruistic guy. Reichert gave me $15K-20K for my campaigns. The Vanderbilt Planetarium was named for him after he donated to it, and before I was a Legislator, not because I was a Legislator he donated to. He owns five supermarkets and two of them aren’t even making much money. His philosophy is community. He’s very quiet about it, and doesn’t want fanfare. He’s a very generous guy. I don’t know anyone in the world like this. I wish more people were more like him; I wish I was more like him. He’s never asking for anything.
The current Supervisor bought the site of the old gentleman’s club on the Nissequogue River. It looks better than it did, I’ll give him that. But he is not talking about the threeand four-story apartment buildings he’s approved in the Master Plan with underground parking. He hasn’t mentioned it.
Q: You’ve staked much of your campaign on overdevelopment. Can you point to some examples?
A: When Governor Hochul (D) was mandating that we build apartments near train stations, Wehrheim said it was crazy and that we wanted local control. Her mandate was 15 units per acre, based on how far a municipality is from a major transit hub. Right off the bat, the Town put 46 units on a half-acre with underground parking [the Tanzi Property in downtown Kings Park]. Almost ten times her mandate. The Board of Zoning Appeals approved the Tanzi Project, and Wehrheim calls it a “wonderful project.” It’s four feet away from a commercial property where they sand tombstones. Wehrheim said at a January board meeting, “we’re going to do the same thing in St. James.”
I don’t even consider this an election; it’s a referendum. If people want these buildings in Smithtown, let them vote for it. I’m not going to lose any sleep over it. If they want Smithtown to retain its character with low-density housing, then they can vote for me. I’ll put term limits in instantaneously as well.
Tritec is also gunning for a four-story apartment with underground parking in Smithtown right near my district office. I’m not totally against underground parking if it provides green space. If you’re going to get some green space, I could maybe swallow it. Underground parking in these situations is strictly to increase density.
52,000 people live within a two-mile radius of Kings Park; you have Fort Salonga, San Remo, Smithtown, and Commack. Don’t you think if you fix up Kings Park, people will now go there to eat and walk around? Putting apartment buildings with 200-300 people in them won’t have any effect on your downtown. Look at Islip or Cold Spring Harbor; no apartments. The Town also didn’t do parking correctly in St. James, very similar to Smithtown. If the Town would have gotten the owners together for a long parking lot, then when the sewers go in, we would already have the density to do that [downtown revitalization].
(continued on page 17)
By Matt Meduri
Candidate: Ed Wehrheim
Residence: Kings Park Party Lines: Republican, Conservative First Elected: 2018 (Supervisor) Prior Elected Experience: : Town Council (appointed in 2003), elected in 2003, re-elected in 2007, 2011, and 2015.
Notable Endorsements: Labor, Law Enforcement, Elected Officials
Q: What is your professional background and how has it equipped you for Supervisor thus far and for another term?
A: Before entering public service, I worked my way up the ladder in the Smithtown Department of Parks, Buildings and Grounds as a laborer all the way to Parks Director, overseeing operations in the Department. That experience—managing infrastructure, personnel, and budgeting—gave me a strong foundation in how to deliver real results for residents. Since being appointed to the Town Council in 2003 and then sworn in as Supervisor in 2018, I’ve applied that hands-on knowledge to governing effectively.
As a full-time Supervisor, I bring a sharp, day-to-day focus to every aspect of town operations. That dedication has helped us achieve and maintain a AAA bond ratingwhich with unfunded mandates and changes to credit ratings is no easy feat these daysrestored roughly 75% of our parks system, and returned over $83 million in grants back to the taxpayers—all while keeping property taxes low and under the cap. We were one of two towns to not pierce the cap this year. Eight towns pierced the tax cap this year.
Q: What is the single-biggest issue facing Smithtown today and what have you done and will you do to solve it?
A: Maintaining affordability for families and seniors while protecting our quality of life is paramount. That means balancing the need for smart development with preserving our suburban character. My administration has worked to expand the tax base—through revitalizing blighted or vacant commercial properties—without raising taxes. We’ve also secured millions in State and federal grants to fund infrastructure and public safety improvements. Going forward, I’ll continue to fight for local control over zoning, advocate for taxpayer savings through modernization, and ensure our community remains a place where young people can afford to stay and older residents can comfortably age in place.
Q: Some fear overdevelopment in Smithtown and across Suffolk. How does Smithtown fare in terms of density compared to similar municipalities? Additionally, how can smart development ease the town’s housing market and provide paths to ownership, especially for young residents?
A: Smithtown ranks among the lowest in terms of population density compared to similarly sized towns. We have taken deliberate steps to preserve open space while revitalizing our downtowns in a way that supports small business, walkability, and community pride. For example, we’ve capped the building heights in the downtown areas at their existing precedent so that Smithtown will never see high rise buildings. Instead, our small business districts will be quaint, walkable downtowns that are safe for pedestrians, young people, and cyclists to traverse through. Smart development— like mixed-use buildings in downtown corridors—can help meet the demand for housing without sprawl. This approach provides more attainable options for young professionals, divorcees, and seniors looking to downsize, all while protecting the character of our neighborhoods.
Q: In that vein, Smithtown has an open space preservation plan. Explain how the program works, the density-to-acreage ratio, and how it’s helped increase the Town’s total of open space?
A: Smithtown’s open space preservation program is one of the most proactive in Suffolk County. The plan focuses on acquiring environmentally sensitive or underutilized parcels and designating them for permanent preservation. We keep a fund set aside to match with the County’s Landbank program. Also, we use Transferable Development Rights (TDR) to require the private sector builder to preserve, balancing development with conservation by maintaining a density-to-acreage ratio that favors green space— ensuring that for every acre developed, we are preserving or enhancing parkland and natural habitat. Thanks to this approach, we’ve expanded our open space and restored over 80% of our park system, while also adding new parks, athletic fields, and trails for residents to enjoy.
If you want to purchase land for the purpose of open space or creating something else, like parking, for example, you’d have to raise taxes. That sounds great on paper
until you have to come to the Town comptroller and find out where the money comes from. The only revenue stream available to do all that is to raise property taxes. With buying open-space, Mr. Trotta says he will “on day one” put an open space account in place. With what money? There is no money tree at Town Hall. It was established about 6-7 years ago for $2M. There’s $1.6M in it right now.
What we do is have the TDR program. Instead of taxing the residents to buy open space, what we do is go to a business owner that needs more flow from the County Health Dept. because he wants to expand his restaurant, for example. The Town Planning Dept. identifies environmentally sensitive land that we would like to see purchased and never built on. We then give that to the business owner who needs the extra capacity, and with the approval of the Health Dept., he then purchases that property which gives him the required units he needs from Health Dept. to expand and we put a covenant on the property so it can never be developed. That’s a more economical way, in my opinion, to do it.
When Mr. Trotta talks open space preservation, he’s basing it on the quarter-percent sales tax that the County has, which builds up millions. That’s why he was able to purchase Owl Hill and other properties. I could assure Mr. Trotta those millions do not exist in the Town budget. The only way he could amass an account like that [the County’s] is to raise taxes.
Q: Some feel that the investment in the parks isn’t worthwhile, considering a declining youth population. Can you explain the logic in investing in the parks as your administration has?
A: For many years, the parks were left to age out. When we took office in 2018, the entire parks system was in need of upgrades and improvements. So, we decided to put that as one of our top priorities. Our parks are filled to capacity, probably seven months out of the year, and if it’s a mild winter, there are people using our parksprovided there’s no snow on the ground. You can go any evening to Flynn Park; the fields are full with tournaments. On weekends, the same thing. The Smithtown Kickers and Slammers [Soccer Clubs] are constantly talking about not enough field space for those leagues.
The parks are used by our young residents in little league, football, softball, and tennis, and it’s used by a large majority of the senior community, such as pickleball, tennis, park picnics, and grandparents bringing their children to spray parks, such as Hoyt Farm. They’re widely used by everybody that resides in the Town, young, middle-aged, and elderly. If you put a house on the market in Smithtown, it generally doesn’t last five days, and the people moving into these new houses - two of them on my street in the last six months - they’re not seniors, they’re young couples raising children here. I think it’s vital to continue to put the funding back into the parks for present and future use. The parks system is a large part of what makes a community and what keeps residential property values high. Our beaches, parks, and concert series attract thousands and thousands of residents; company picnics, family picnics, birthday parties as well.
Q: Many residents complain of the safety and aesthetic problems posed by not burying electrical lines. How can the Town solve that problem?
A: When we did the renovations, sewer mains, and water installations on Lake Avenue in St. James, we had PSE&G executives and representatives tell us that, at the time, it would cost $6M per mile to bury the wires and take the utility posts off the sidewalks. Lake Avenue is more than a mile long. We wanted to do that project with a $4M grant, which we wound up not getting, but we used reserve funds. We did install many double-poles and they cleaned up the overhead wires.
When we won the $10M DRI grant for Downtown Kings Park, we spoke to PSE&G about burying the lines. I have a PSE&G report that they sent back that states that PSE&G will not bury the wires on Main Street in Kings Park because Main Street is too narrow and already has utilities in there, such as water mains and fiber optics. There is not enough width in that road to do it. That comes right from their engineers and executives.
However, at the time, they said they would take the poles off Main Street, move them to the rear in the commuter lot, and run the services into the buildings from the back. That would eliminate most of the poles on the sidewalks. We have appropriated around $2.6M to undertake that project. In 2026, when we start the streetscape renovations, that will take place. The businesses will have to incur the expense of running the lines into the rear of their buildings. So, we’re trying to work out while we’re in the planning stages to come up with some grant money to redirect the wires. That’s going to happen, but it was not possible to bury the wires. You can’t dictate to a utility. PSE&G reps have told me face-to-face in meetings that Mr. Trotta has called for meetings with them. (continued on page 17)
By Matt Meduri
The Twenty-Sixth Amendment, in addition to being the penultimate amendment made to the Constitution to date, lowered the minimum voting age to eighteen years old.
The minimum age for suffrage had never been codified by federal law. The framers of the Constitution did not instill this metric, likely due to their emphasis on federalism and allowing the state to make their own decisions. As such, the states had their own authorities to set voting ages, with twenty-one years of age being adopted as the unofficial national standard.
Calls to lower the voting age to eighteen began in the 1940s, with Senator Harley Kilgore (D-WV) advocating for it in 1941 during the 77th Congress. Kilgore wasn’t in a room by himself, as fellow Senators, Representatives in the U.S. House, and even First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt all agreed.
Although such a resolution never made it through the halls of Congress, it did spark interest and debate on the topic. Georgia became the first state to lower the voting age to eighteen in 1943, followed by Kentucky doing the same in 1955.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower (R-KS) became the first president to publicly support the change, doing so in his 1954 State of the Union address.
However, the Vietnam War would become the primary point of debate on this issue, as many found it counterintuitive that the young men drafted into the war had no way of voting for the same politicians who would vote to send them there. Moreover, the young soldiers had no recourse at the ballot box upon their return.
The saying, “Old enough to fight, old enough to vote”, quickly became a commonplace sound bite, especially off the heels of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s (D-NY) decision to lower the military draft age to eighteen during World War II. The slogan even has roots to that era, when Senator Kilgore and company had already begun advocating for the change.
President Lyndon Johnson (D-TX) also encouraged lowering the vote age, as evidenced by the 1963 report by the President’s Commission on Registration and Voting Participation. Johnson proposed the change on May 29, 1968, in the final months of his presidency.
Public support for the measure was also whipped by the involvement of young people in the social and political movements of the 1950s and 1960s, such as the Civil Rights Movement. The argument was that if young people were willing to participate in demonstrations for fundamental change, then they should be able to have a say in the system as well.
Opponents, however, argued that idealism among the youth and lack of “vested interests” should preclude those younger than twenty-one years from voting. Even so, these arguments would eventually be seen as supportive of the measure, as many viewed the political system at the time as in crisis. The logic was that a perpetually younger voting bloc in each election would bring balance to the government and public policy, especially in
times of political consternation.
In 1970, Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) would propose an amendment to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to lower the national voting age to eighteen. President Richard Nixon (R-CA), despite his “misgivings about the constitutionality” of that provision, signed it into law and vowed to direct Attorney General John Mitchell (R-NY) “cooperate fully” in a “swift court test” to determine the constitutionality of the provision.
Nixon’s main point of contention wasn’t the lowering of the voting age itself, rather the method in which it could be legally applied.
Senator Kennedy argued that the Fourteenth Amendment allowed Congress to pass the legislation. In the Supreme Court case Katzenbach V. Morgan (1966), the Court ruled that if Congress acted to enforce the Fourteenth Amendment on a discrimination basis - that is, age discriminationthe Court would allow the law to stand if the justices could “perceive a basis” for the congressional action.
Nixon’s interpretation of Katzenbach feared that arguing on a basis of age discrimination would overextend the legal concept of discrimination. He feared that such a problem would lead to the Court’s overturning of the Voting Rights Act.
The case Oregon V. Mitchell (1970) would deliberate just that. The Supreme Court was deeply divided on this interpretation, striking down the provision that would establish eighteen years as the voting age in state and local elections, but upholding the provision lowering the age to eighteen years in federal elections. The decision required states to maintain two separate voting roles for the different categories.
Section 1: “The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.”
Section 2: “The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.”
After Oregon V. Mitchell, Senator Birch Bayh (DIN) surveyed election officials in forty-seven states, finding that the added registration and maintenance would cost about $20 million. He also found a case for immediate action to avoid “chaos and confusion” ahead of the 1972 presidential election, as the states would likely not have enough time to amend their own constitutions before then.
In March 1971, the Senate voted 94-0 in favor of a minimum voting age of eighteen years. Later that month, the House voted 401-19 in favor.
The Twenty-Sixth Amendment passed faster than any other amendment in U.S. history. On March 23, 1971, five states ratified: Minnesota, Delaware, Tennessee, Washington, and Connecticut - all within two hours of each other. A
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.
dispute remains as to which state was first to ratify. The Minnesota Legislature technically ratified first at 3:14p.m. EST (4:14p.m. CST). The U.S. Senate Parliamentarian ruled that while Minnesota acted prematurely, as the ratification hadn’t been sent to the states yet, the legality of its ratification was not overturned or officially challenged. Technically, Delaware was first to ratify under that interpretation.
Just three months after it was sent to the states, Ohio became the thirty-eighth state to ratify on June 30, 1971, making the Twenty-Sixth Amendment an addition to the U.S. Constitution. New York was thirty-first to ratify, doing so on June 2, 1971.
Four more states ratified after the threshold had been met. South Dakota did not ratify until March 4, 2014.
No action was ever taken by Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, or Utah.
Although the amendment passed faster than any other, it still faced significant opposition leading up to the ratification. After Nixon’s signing of the 1970 extension to the Voting Rights Act, seventeen states refused to pass measures to lower their minimum voting ages. Congressman Emanuel Celler (D-NY), who had served in Congress from 1923 to 1973, was one of the most vocal opponents of the idea during his tenure. As Chair of the powerful House Judiciary Committee for much of his time in Washington, Celler questioned the “good judgement” of the youth’s low experience with citizenship. He also argued that whatever good qualities youth might have had as soldiers didn’t necessarily translate to good qualities in terms of citizenship.
Professor William G. Carleton argued that the period of adolescence had grown significantly at the time, appropriately dovetailed with the amendment’s passage. He argued that the youth at the time had far less responsibilities than their counterparts of generations past. He also argued the correlation/causation of technological savvy with higher responsibility and intelligence.
To this day, many continue to argue that the voting age should have never been lowered. In fact, some assert that it should be as high as twenty-five. Proponents argue that a heightened age correlates to heightened responsibilities, civic understanding, and more “vested interests” as workers, earners, and owners.
Still, many support the decision, especially as it relates to the minimum age for selective service. The youth vote is a particularly valuable voting bloc in federal elections, often having backed the Democratic presidential nominee for decades. In 2020, Joe Biden (D-DE won voters aged 18-29 by a whopping twenty-nine points. In 2024, they backed Kamala Harris (D-CA) by just four points.
Research suggests that the younger demographics are trending, or already are, much more Republican than they once were, albeit ethnic and educational faultlines still show a clear partisan division within the age demographic.
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Continued from page 15
The answer is, it has nothing to do with Suffolk County, and PSE&G will only deal with Smithtown elected officials.
PSE&G comes in to see us twice a year with their capital projects. When they do, we constantly bring up burying electric lines. Their answers from the executives have been, if there are new subdivisions going in, they certainly can bury the lines. However, Long Island, as a whole, in their words, is an overhead utility. It will always remain an overhead utility, and that’s why they’ve embarked on spending millions to put storm-hardened poles to replace the old ones. You see that all over Suffolk and Nassau as well. That would lead me to believe that we’re always going to remain an overhead utility.
Q: How are the DRI renovations going in Downtown Kings Park?
A: It was only two weeks ago when we received the authorization for the projects that NYS is going to allow us to do. We had the committee with multiple public meetings. They met with the State and local officials; Mr. Trotta appeared at most of them. Once you win the grant, you collectively come up with what the community wants to see. We sent about 15 projects that came from the business owners, chambers of commerce, civic groups, and residents who attended the meetings. The projects lie in the jurisdiction of the State, since it’s their money. They’ve allotted funding for the VFW on Church Street and the building on the corner of Indian Head Road and Main Street - a 3-story building with apartments and an Asian restaurant downstairs. They are also authorizing taking half of the municipal lot across from the fire house and turning that into a park setting for the business district. That parking lot is no longer full with commuters since the number of LIRR commuters has declined. We’re going to do that project in conjunction with the one the library is undertaking; it will be a mini “Central Park.” The library has plans for an amphitheatre. The State also awarded funding for a proposal by Flynn Real Estate to renovate one of the older buildings there, completely turn it into retail on the bottom and professional office/residence on top. You can’t move forward until the State gives authorization.
We will then try to meet with every business that did not get the funding and see if they’ll do some facade renovation work on their buildings to join a partnership with us in making sure that the district flourishes. That’s the stage we’re at. We do go to noncompliant businesses to cite violations, but when it winds up in court - most of the time, it does - because they don’t comply, then we are the mercy of the judge. Generally, what happens is it gets rectified, but a violator will say they’re trying to get a loan and most every time, the judge will give them 90 days. But in 90 days, the work must be completed. We do track that but again, when you write the violation, it comes in the form of a summons and if you don’t correct what you were summoned for, it goes to court. And now you’re in the court system.
Q: What are some big projects/proposals currently in the works?
A: We’re focused on expanding access. Plans for all-abilities playgrounds and new recreational programming are in the works. We’ve completed a hearing/ visual impaired upgrade to our website this year as well. A major goal or a “campaign promise” I want to begin after this election season, are plans to improve Wi-Fi in trouble spots around town through the use of Starlink technology. We’re also launching initiatives to modernize municipal systems to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Other projects include completing the downtown revitalization efforts in Kings Park, Smithtown, and the sewer connection in St. James. Also, we will be completing our plan for upgrades to recreational facilities to support revenue-generating tournaments like pickleball and softball, and getting Smithtown’s sewer infrastructure fully funded and underway. These are all vital projects for our long-term environmental and economic health.
Q: Sewers are almost always number-one on any elected official’s todo list. How are the sewers coming along in Kings Park, Smithtown, and St. James? What will you do as Supervisor, if re-elected, to continue that progress? Also, how has the $1.4M in wastewater infrastructure funds appropriated by Congressman LaLota factored into these works?
A: We’ve made significant progress on sewers in Kings Park, St. James, and Smithtown. Construction is well underway in Kings Park, with the engineering design progressing in Smithtown. In St. James, we are awaiting the upgrades to the Fairfield sewer district by the County and will be moving forward with connectivity for the downtown properties once that’s complete. The $1.4 million secured by Congressman LaLota (R-Amityville) is for stormwater infrastructure in Smithtown and a portion of Kings Park (LIRR station) to assist with flooding issues in the Smithtown Business District and along the Main Street strip in Kings Park. As Supervisor, I’ll continue advocating for state and federal partnerships to ensure we fully fund these systems. Sewer infrastructure not only protects our environment—it opens the door to smart economic growth and revitalization in our downtowns.
Continued from page 14
When I graduated from Commack High School in 1979, the Town’s population was 117,000 - the same as it is now. In 1979, 1,280 kids graduated from Commack; 410 graduated last year. Kings Park had 400 graduates in 1979; about 200 now. Smithtown had 1300-1400 graduates then; now it’s down to 600. It’s the same population, but it’s older. The kids are gone, so who’s going to live in the apartments? During COVID, all these people from Brooklyn, Queens, and Nassau County moved to Suffolk. I can’t tell you how many new Long Islanders I meet when I knock doors. They don’t want the apartments. There’s way fewer kids.
This housing shortage we’re having now is probably a short-term problem. Once you build these apartment buildings, they could sit empty. The Lofts at Maple and Main are only about 65% full. Eventually, the single-family homes will open up.
Sewers are supposed to be about clean water and downtown revitalization. But the developers see it and they start salivating over high-density housing. Who gives politicians money? If I owned a business in Kings Park, I’d probably vote for Wehrheim, but the 200-300 extra people from Tanzi property wouldn’t have any effect on the town. The 52,000 in that two-mile radius are the older people with disposable income. Young people paying $3K per month in rent - such as at a Tanzi apartment - don’t have that. This is suburbia; this isn’t Queens.
Q: At the January board meeting, you were supportive of the Kings Park DRI plan. Has that opinion changed?
A: There’s nothing happening in Kings Park. The Town would rather spend $83M on turf fields with very few kids in the Town. It’s mismanaged. They’re talking about the Kings Park DRI, they’re not doing it. There’s $10 million for Kings Park, but the Town spent $83M on parks.
Wehrheim said we might have to pierce the tax cap next year, due to Parks commissioner raises. The parks are basically closed 5-6 months a year. They become passive.
Q: There have been some concerns about your temperament over the years. Can you speak to those claims?
A: At last month’s BZA meeting, I was there to tell Cathy Raleigh I wasn’t against her zone change; I was suggesting it was too high of a density. Everyone I’m running with is against it, but I’m not. I love condos. She was seated in her car next to a man who was about 6’3”, and I had a very nice conversation with him.
The Town Supervisor is weaponizing his public safety against me for the benefit of a newspaper article. By the way, the police said there’s nothing there. They preserved the video, but there’s nothing on there [that shows me intimidating Cathy Raleigh]. They owe me an apology. I’ve known her for 25 years; they’re using women to discredit me.
I stand up for what’s right, period. Sometimes, when you tell the truth, it doesn’t sound good to people. If you don’t make enemies in this business [politics and government] and everyone’s friendly to you, you’re doing something wrong. There’s a lot of people who don’t care about the taxpayers’ money. I feel sorry for Cathy that they did to her.
Q: What is your favorite quote, motto, or work ethic?
A: “Good over evil.” Good always wins, even if it’s a tough path to take. Another favorite is, “all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
Q: How do you like to connect with your community?
A: I love the bluff, I love walking in Nissequogue River State Park. I love fishing and I’m a big gardener.
The Messenger thanks Legislator Trotta for his time for this interview.
Q: What is your favorite quote, motto, work ethic, or words to live by?
A: “Action is the foundational key to all success.” - Picasso. That mindset has guided me throughout my career. I believe leadership is about showing up, listening, and delivering real results. I’ve been proud of my career as a lifelong public servant, from the military to blue collar to managing the Town that I’ve lived in my entire life. I believe that dedication to community and putting in the hard work are non-negotiable to do this job. Those values continue to guide me every day.
Q: How do you like to connect with your community?
A: I’ve lived in Kings Park my entire life, and Smithtown is more than just where I work—it’s home. Whether it’s talking to residents at the local diner, attending a youth ballgame, or walking our incredible parks and trails, I stay connected by being present. What I love most about Smithtown is the sense of pride and community. It’s a town where people still know their neighbors, where generations of families live just blocks from one another, and where we work hard to preserve what makes our community so special.
The Messenger thanks Supervisor Wehrheim for this interview.
Thursday, June 12, 2025
By Madison Warren
Freedom is never free. Freedom comes with the cost of sacrifice. Our military faces challenges, hardships, and makes those sacrifices every day to protect and honor the country they love.
Missing home-cooked dinners with their family. Missing the sound of loved ones laughing during the holidays. Missing the comfort of their own bed. Missing the wag of a dog’s tail at the door when coming home. Missing the freedom to choose how to spend an ordinary day.
These are the moments most of us take for granted — but not them. For those serving in the military, these everyday comforts become distant memories, reminders of a life they put on hold for something greater than themselves.
Even after their service ends, their challenges don’t. For many Veterans, the transition back to civilian life can feel more overwhelming than the time they spent in uniform. The routines, bonds, and purpose they once had are replaced with a world that feels unfamiliar. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated twenty-two Veterans die by suicide every day. That heartbreaking number is a call to action.
So, how do we help Veterans confront these emotional wounds before they become unbearable? That is where The Warrior Ranch Foundation wants to help.
The Warrior Ranch Foundation, a nonprofit based in Calverton, was founded by Eileen Shanahan. What began as a dream became a reality when the ranch officially opened its doors in 2019. Her “lottery,” dream as she referred to it.
“The ranch itself was a dream of mine, and how it developed was because I love my country, and I love my horses. It is really that simple,” Shanahan told The Messenger
The ranch offers Veterans, as well as our brave first responders, a peaceful and therapeutic experience through meaningful time spent with horses. Participants learn everything from basic horse care to groundwork and riding, all at their own pace. Whether you’re a complete beginner or experienced with horses, there’s a place for everyone at Warrior Ranch.
Workshops are held several times a month, led by experienced trainers, including Gina Marie Lamb. These dedicated professionals guide participants through every step, sharing a common goal of building confidence, fostering trust, and providing a truly therapeutic healing experience. In addition to experienced horse professionals, mental health expert Antoinette DeGruccio is always present to provide added support.
This ranch has become a team effort, with volunteers dedicating their time to helping the ranch, and a community of many organizations building the ranch from the ground up. PSEG, American Regent, Craftsman Fence, and Riverhead Building Supply just to name a few.
The heart of Warrior Ranch began with Eileen’s first rescued horse, Warrior — a once-abused animal who arrived guarded and afraid. Through love, care, and patience, Eileen slowly helped him let his walls down. In 2016, inspired by Warrior’s transformation and at the same time, moved by the struggles Veterans face with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), she began researching how she could help these Veterans push through these struggles. With Warrior and her other horses, Cody and Midnight, she set out to create a space for healing, starting right in her own backyard.
When she began documenting the work she was doing, Eileen, along with her good friend for over fifteen years, Danielle Atlebrando, created a five-minute video to showcase to Suffolk County Elected Officials and the County Executive, and secured their farm in Calverton.
Warrior Ranch isn’t just a safe place for Veterans, but it’s a haven for horses, too. Every horse on the farm is rescued, just like Warrior, and is given a second chance through retraining and care. Just as the horses help Veterans heal, the Veterans also help the horses rediscover trust and purpose. It’s this powerful, mutual transformation that truly sets Warrior Ranch apart.
Eileen’s advocacy doesn’t stop at the ranch gates. Alongside her longtime friend and media specialist, Danielle Atlebrando, they began listening closely to the stories shared by Veterans. Over time, they noticed a powerful pattern — different voices, but the same message: these stories need to be heard. And together, they’ve made it their mission to make sure they are.
Five years ago, Eileen and Danielle began recording these
become that family again, offering connection, community, and healing during some of life’s darkest moments.
Eileen and Danielle’s passion for supporting those who’ve risked everything for others is nothing short of admirable. The outpouring of support they’ve received from their community, for both the ranch and the film, has made it all possible. Knowing they’re backed by such a community that believes in their mission fuels their drive even more. With “Warrior: A Battle Against Trauma,” they hope to reach even further, growing that community and expanding the impact of Warrior Ranch, one story — and one healing journey — at a time.
Danielle stated, “I think that the Warrior Ranch Foundation should be something that is in every state. I think there should be that opportunity. We have had people who have left here, some live in Colorado, some live in Texas, some live in Florida.
heartfelt conversations with Veterans — stories of pain and hope. The result was a powerful film they created titled “Warrior: A Battle Against Trauma, Learning to Love and Trust Again,” capturing the journey of healing through trust, love, and the unbreakable bond between humans and horses.
“It has been a labor of love,” said Eileen, “Because we love this place, love our Veterans, and love our country.”
The film was created to share a message and raise awareness. It highlights the powerful impact of equine-assisted therapy for Veterans while honoring the deeply personal stories of trauma they carry long after their service ends. Many Veterans leave the military feeling lost, uncertain of who they are or where to go next, missing the sense of purpose and family they once had. The film shows how Warrior Ranch can
And they come back here.”
The film premiered on May 22 at The Suffolk in Riverhead and has since been submitted to multiple film festivals, with the hope of reaching a wider audience and eventually becoming available for public viewing. Follow them on Instagram @ warriorranchfoundation for updates on the film.
Warrior Ranch isn’t a one-time program — it’s a lifelong community. Participants are always welcome to return, attend multiple workshops, and stay connected. The ranch is open to all Veterans and first responders who need it, offering a place of belonging and healing. They have now helped over 400 people with their work and are looking forward to that number growing. Once you’re part of Warrior Ranch, you’re part of the family for life.
To learn more about The Warrior Ranch or to apply for a workshop, please visit their website at www. warriorranchfoundation.org or call 631-740-9049.
If you are or you know a Veteran or first responder struggling with PTS or other mental health challenges, please know you are not alone. There is a community out there ready to support you, listen to you, and walk with you on the path to healing.
To all who have served, thank you for protecting our country and our freedom. Your sacrifices are seen, honored, and will never be forgotten.
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, June 12, 2025
By Robert B. Charles | AMAC Contributor
Alone? No. We are never alone, and we do not need another federal or state program, another Harvard study, or a government solution for the so-called “epidemic of loneliness.” We need something more basic: Each other, greater faith, restored values, closeness to family and friends, higher purpose.
“Let’s start at the beginning, a very good place to start,” to quote Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music, courage in the darkness. Some things we know. We have a loving God. To mind comes Matthew 28:20, a simple, profound promise, often forgotten: “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
So, Harvard just reported that those ages 30 to 44 are loneliest, 29 percent saying they are “lonely,” 24 percent of those 18 to 29, 20 percent of those 45 to 64, and 10 percent over 65. What do these numbers mean?
Without denying that we live in a fraying society, less social interaction, more absorption in electronic games than outdoors or working, less thinking for oneself, and self-discipline, here is a truth: Another “government program” will not fix it.
Some of the so-called “loneliness studies” overstate the facts, push new government programs, but this is a deception, a hoodwink, a wrong remedy for a real problem.
Addressing modern loneliness – even accepting the data – is better suited to one-on-one engagement, churches, neighbors, employers, schools that teach individual responsibility, selfreliance, mental toughness, not the reverse.
Indulge me, and catch the Bible again, Jesus in Mark 12:29-31. Some may discount or mock them, but they stand the test of time, are instructive, uplifting, and often misunderstood.
“The first Commandment is: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’The second is this: ”Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
As a remedy for loneliness, Christ assures, comforts, and then timelessly proves, we are never alone but loved, and we can learn from that love how to love. We are lifted by slowing down, but not stopping, opening our hearts to neighbors.
There is more. This part is key. We are told that nothing is more important than love of God and loving our neighbors as ourselves, but – wait –what does that require? To love your neighbor as yourself, you must first love yourself.
The solution for loneliness is not in the government, never has been. Loneliness is from something missing that no government can provide, a gap finally filled by service to others, creative thinking for that end, personal engagement, and having faith.
Government cannot provide those things – except by getting out of the way. Instead of undermining moral teaching, churches, faithbased non-profits, pregnancy centers, police, military, and teachers with values, we need to lift them.
In Maine, as in other parts of the country, a left-leaning government sees itself as the answer to everything. Actually, it is not. It is often the problem, self-absorbed leaders who miss the forest for the trees.
As Maine’s budget has ballooned from 6.8 billion to submitted 11.7 billion, 450 million deficit in a handful of years, things have gone from bad to worse. Maine’s Democrat governor and legislature have mismanaged, misdirected, assumed powers they do not have, demeaned individual liberties, churches, faith-based nonprofits, law enforcement, and welcomed 8000 illegal aliens, drug traffickers, and record taxes.
To what end? Misery, a state in disrepair. Guess what else? In COVID, shutting schools,
bankrupting businesses, forcing people to abandon their faith for vaccines or lose their job, forcing closure of churches, businesses –spiked loneliness.
Schools, perhaps the biggest meltdown authored by Democrats – have 2.5 times the money pushed at them than 30 years ago – for more administration – while Maine fell from top in the nation to 50 of 50, a disgrace they own.
Loneliness? It is about being forgotten, misused, abused, taken for granted, left uneducated, subject to fear from illegals, traffickers, crime, and taxes so high that seniors face loss of their homes, and young people cannot afford to buy one.
Loneliness? Do you think the WWII generation did not feel that pain? Korean War, Vietnam, Cold War generations? But did they spike loneliness? They had faith, family, worked hard by choice, and knew service – a higher calling – was the answer.
Overview - AMACThe Association of Mature American Citizens
The Association of Mature American Citizens represents Americans 50 plus. AMAC is centered on American values, freedom of the individual, free speech, and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family, with benefits at all levels.
AMAC plays a vital role in helping build the services that will enrich the lives of America’s seniors. AMAC Action, a 501 (C)(4) advocates for issues important to AMAC’s membership on Capitol Hill and locally through grassroots activism. To Learn more, visit amac.us
Service defined them, not another government program to boost their self-esteem, learn sensitivity, find their transsexualism, do drugs easily, or other Maine answers.
Bottom line: What we need is truth, in government and in life. Loneliness, like a hundred other ailments, is serious – not for lack of another program, but because we are missing what we once had – love of others, love of self, love of God, and with those three things, inner peace.
Government cannot provide that, only we can – for ourselves and others, rising to help, serve, touch, and pull others from darkness. That is the solution, not the government.
So sleep, recalling Isaiah 49:10, the Bible’s enduring promise. “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you …” Alone? No, we are never alone.
Etymology: early 17th century: from Latin consternatio(n- ), from the verb consternare ‘lay prostrate, terrify’ (see consternate).
Source: Oxford Languages
noun
Pronounced: /kaan·stir·nay·shn/
Definition: feelings of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected
Example: “The plants, while pretty, were invasive, much to the consternation of the HOA.”
Synonyms: dismay, distress, angst
Antonyms: satisfaction, assurance, composure
See how many words you can create. Must have center letter in word and can use letters more than once. 4 letter word minimum.
See bottom left for the answers (please don’t cheat!)
June 16, 1858: Abraham Lincoln says “a house divided against itself cannot stand”, accepting Illinois Republican Party’s nomination for the Senate.
June 15, 1991: Climactic eruption of the Mount Pinatubo volcano in the Philippines, the second-largest volcanic eruption on Earth of the 20th century.
June 14, 1923: Recording of first country music hit (Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane).
June 13, 1942: Germany lands four saboteurs on Long Island.
June 17, 1970: Graphics Layout Artist Sergio Fabbri is born. Raised on Long Island, he joins Messenger Papers in 2008.
By PJ Balzer
I’m not really big on making New Year’s resolutions - not anymore at least. Maybe I’ve seen too many so easily broken, starting with most of my own. It’s become an annual joke amongst the faithful gym-goers that the New Year’s resolution folks will be here in January and gone by mid-February.
There’s always some truth in every joke.
I do spend the first week of the New Year praying with specific intention though. That intention being, “Lord, direct my steps in this New Year and show me which direction to take. Show me which activity to take on and which I’m currently involved in to draw back from,” - all while waiting on some outward direction, an open door, or even closed doors as well. God surely does answer prayer in strange and unexpected ways.
A few days into 2025, I heard God’s voice as clear as ever before, “I want you to let your personal prisoners go free, starting with those who you have a grudge against yet have done you no wrong. You don’t have to do it alone, I’ll help you.”
Along with this ever-so-tender voice came names of people He was reminding me of; people I’ve grown to dislike over the past years; people who I don’t necessarily agree with or see life through the same lens as; people that the many media streams have somehow convinced me are bad people and ruining my own life. Some of the people or people groups I’ve never met and the others I have met but truthfully have done me no harm. But nevertheless, I’ve been holding them as captives in my heart and mind for no justifiable reason at all.
Our society is more divided than ever before, that’s probably one thing we do all agree on. This is the devil’s work indeed. We dislike people we don’t even know and conveniently slap labels onto their backs. Many of the labels we use come from others. They come from the loud voices on television and on our favorite stations or podcasts. But the reality is that for the most part we’ve never met those people we dislike. We know nothing about them, their families, their life stories, or why they have or haven’t made certain decisions. We just simply dislike them and hold them captive as our personal prisoners.
If there’s one topic that you won’t have to read far to find in the Bible, it’s forgiveness. The entire book actually screams this message, starting with the nucleus of the entire book, John 3:16. From the Old to the New Testament, God speaks about His eagerness to show forgiveness to people that have went astray. He wants to forgive people that have hurt His heart by hurting others. He’s eager to forgive even His own enemies, those who are at enmity with Him. If God is this eager and willing to offer forgiveness. How much more should we let the innocent and the guilty go free from our own hearts’ solitary confinement cell?
Peter, a disciple who Jesus loved, was probably tired of offering forgiveness. By the text, it seems that he was being offended over and over by the same person. In his mind, this person was guilty of an offense or many offenses, and Peter was basically saying to Jesus, “I’ve forgiven this person, yet this is the last time.” From my understanding these, were probably real offenses and Peter was humanly justified in having enough - not divinely justified though.
“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21-22)
Jesus was encouraging Peter to let his personal prisoner go free once again and continue to do so. Jesus knows that holding unforgiveness rots us on the inside and makes our hearts heavy, bitter, and develops an unattractive character. Forgiveness, on the other hand, brings a softness, a tenderness, a merciful countenance, and a light that can be seen in our eyes.
It’s been a journey these past six months as the Lord can help me from the inside out to let my personal prisoners go free - in my case, starting with those who have done me no harm and moving to those who have as well.
What a blessed journey of gaining real freedom on the inside.
I’m praying for you, my friend, that these words would not only speak to your heart and life, but that you would be willing to ask God to help your heart be free as well.
“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”
- Lewis B. Smedes
Thursday, June 12, 2025
By Nancy Vallarella
Strawberry season is in full swing on Long Island, and there’s no better way to celebrate the local harvest than with a decadent twist on a viral favorite—Dubai Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Featuring fresh-picked berries wrapped in creamy pistachio and crunchy kataifi (shredded phyllo dough), then dipped in rich chocolate, this treat is as stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re gifting, entertaining, or indulging, this Long Island take on a global trend is pure summer magic.
Why You’ll Love It
Crispy, creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey—each bite is a little party. But don’t let the simple look fool you: patience and precision are key. Below are the essentials to make your own Dubai Chocolate Covered Strawberries, with tips and two variations to suit your style.
You can buy pistachio cream online, at some Costco locations, and at specialty markets, but many contain white chocolate and emulsifiers like lecithin. If you prefer to make your own, here’s a simple version inspired by Instagram’s @connies_sweetest_things.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups raw, unsalted pistachios, shelled and skin removed*
• ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
• ¼–½ cup neutral oil (like avocado or coconut)
• Pinch of salt
• Splash of water (as needed)
Directions:
1. Blend pistachios in a food processor until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
2. Add sugar, salt, and ¼ cup oil. Blend again.
3. Adjust with more oil or water until smooth and pourable.
4. Store in a jar. Use immediately or refrigerate.
*To remove the skin from the pistachio nut place shelled nuts into boiling water from 1 minute. Remove the nuts and submerge into an ice water bath for 1 minute. Remove nuts from ice water onto a kitchen towel. Place another towel on
top of the nuts and roll the nuts between the towels with the palm of your hand. This method removes most of the skin on the pistachio nut and creates a brighter, smoother pistachio cream.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup kataifi dough, chopped into ⅛–¼” pieces
• 6–8 large strawberries, washed and dried
• ½ cup pistachio cream
• 1 cup quality chocolate (milk, dark, or white—no candy melts!)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
Directions:
1. Toast Kataifi:
Preheat oven to. Place a tray inside for 5 minutes. Spread kataifi on hot tray and bake for 7 minutes. Stir. Continue to stir and bake every 3 minutes until golden.
2. Coat Strawberries:
Mix toasted kataifi with pistachio cream while warm. Mold about 1 tbsp of mixture around each strawberry. Place on parchment-lined sheet pan and freeze for 30 minutes.
3. Dip in Chocolate:
Melt chocolate and coconut oil over a double boiler. Dip frozen strawberries and return to parchment-lined tray. Chill in fridge for 1 hour or until it is set.
Optional Garnish:
Drizzle with extra chocolate and sprinkle with crushed pistachios.
Traditional strawberry -shaped version
Directions:
1. Hollow out strawberries.
2. Fill with pistachio cream mixed with kataifi using a small spoon or piping bag.
3. Dip in melted chocolate, garnish, and chill as above.
For video demos, check out on Instagram:
• @connies_sweetest_things – Full recipe + instructions
• @biancafrombrooklyn – Fun and informative tutorials
These Dubai-inspired treats are eye-catching and decadent—perfect for dessert boards, gifting, or treating yourself. Serve sliced or whole and prepare to wow your
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 ask a question, DM @lilocavore495 on Instagram or email lilocavore495@ gmail.com. Happy cooking!
Where to pick strawberries?
Two young family-owned farms in Suffolk County:
Sujecki Farms and Nursery Thera Farms
758 Edwards Avenue 1705 Brentwood Rd Calverton, NY 11933 Brentwood, NY 11717
631-512-7030
631-478-5229
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
By Mollie Barnett
Artificial intelligence may soon be your next dinner guest—and you might not notice the difference.
This week, new offerings from Veo, ElevenLabs, and HeyGen unveiled AI avatars with stunningly lifelike gestures, voice inflection, and body language. These advancements are so convincing, that even detection systems struggle to differentiate them from actual humans.
The implications are both thrilling and sobering.
These tools promise real breakthroughs—from multilingual content creation to around-the-clock customer service. But they also open doors to deepfakes, impersonation scams, and new forms of digital fraud.
Until recently, video production, voiceovers, and multilingual media were luxuries reserved for large companies. Now, AI tools put those capabilities into the hands of small businesses and entrepreneurs.
“Just as literacy unlocked opportunity, democratizing AI opens new doors for local businesses,” said Prakriti Jain, Vice President at Way & Means Technology.
On Long Island, real estate agents in the Hamptons are using AI-generated virtual tours that respond to client questions in real time. In Hauppauge, manufacturing firms are streamlining supply chains through AI-enhanced communications.
Even at home, AI is changing how families connect. Translation-enabled video calls are helping grandparents speak with bilingual grandchildren. AI tutors are adapting to students’ learning styles, providing customized support on demand.
The more realistic AI becomes, the more important verification grows.
Earlier this year, a finance executive in Hong Kong was tricked into transferring $25 million after attending a video call where every participant—except him—was AI-generated.
It’s not just a cautionary tale. According to recent studies, over a quarter of companies experienced AIrelated security incidents in 2024. As the tech matures, so must our defenses.
“The more advanced AI becomes, the smarter our safeguards need to be,” said Lorenza Binkele, CEO of Secure AI. “We’re building authentication systems that can’t be faked with a deepfake.”
Companies are turning to next generation “intelligent verification” systems. These tools use behavioral and biometric signals—like voice cadence, facial micro-expressions, and interaction patterns—to continuously verify identity.
The goal? Minimize friction for legitimate users while catching imposters in the act.
Startups like iProov are leading this charge, developing AI-powered liveness detection and movement analysis to thwart synthetic fraud.
Still, technology is only part of the solution. Education matters, too.
On Long Island, training programs are teaching employees how to spot AI-generated messages and verify suspicious requests. These sessions aim to empower, not intimidate—teaching people to work with AI to spot against AI.
Long Island may not be leading the AI charge—yet—but it’s moving. The region’s mix of suburban communities and commercial hubs creates fertile ground for smart, scalable adoption.
Local industry groups are beginning to explore AI’s security implications, and collaborations are forming to share best practices. Educational institutions like Hofstra and Stony Brook are integrating AI into cybersecurity and communications programs, laying groundwork for a more digitally fluent workforce.
The real momentum, however, is coming from early adopters— businesses and professionals who are testing, implementing, and educating others in real time. These efforts are shaping how the region approaches AI: not with hype, but with hands-on learning and a growing sense of urgency.
The AI shift isn’t just about business. It’s reshaping how families live and connect.
From voice assistants that help with homework to smart systems that manage chores and calendars, AI is being woven into daily life. But awareness remains key.
Experts recommend basic household habits—like verifying strange messages with a phone call or using a shared family passcode—to prevent misuse.
For kids and teens, age-appropriate education builds the digital literacy they’ll need to navigate a world full of synthetic content. These lessons focus on verification and critical thinking, not fear.
AI will only get more realistic. Video calls, voice assistants, and virtual collaborations are set to become more natural, multilingual, and emotionally intelligent.
At the same time, detection systems are improving. New tools can flag AI-generated content with greater accuracy than human observers. Verification is becoming seamless, even invisible.
The challenge is not to avoid AI but to understand it deeply enough to use it responsibly. Businesses and families that embrace AI with clear boundaries and informed habits will be best positioned for success.
In the end, the voice on the line might be artificial but the relationship it supports can be very real. The future belongs to those who can tell the difference and build systems to make sure that difference matters.
‘Tis the
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Oh, long may it wave, O’er the Land of the Free and the Home of the
By Ellyn Okvist, B.Sc.
Flag Day is a holiday celebrated on June 14 in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The Flag Resolution stated, “That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
Flag Day was first proposed in 1861 to rally support for the Union side of the American Civil War. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson (D-NJ) issued a presidential proclamation that designated June 14 as Flag Day. On August 3, 1949, National Flag Day was officially established by an Act of Congress. On June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania became the first state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday, beginning in the town of Rennerdale. New York Consolidated Laws designate the second Sunday in June as Flag Day, a state holiday.
Working as a grade schoolteacher in Waubeka, Wisconsin, in 1885, Bernard J. Cigrand held the first recognized formal observance of Flag Day at the Stony Hill School. The school has been restored, and a bust of Cigrand also honors him at the National Flag Day Americanism Center in Waubeka.
about our flag and our American Legion as they complete the Celebration with dignity.
Our village AMVETS Post #48 has started a wonderful Field of Flags this year, and I see it as a complete success and our newest addition. Our own Gabrielle Brewer has led the project with a personal expression, one aspect making custom name tags for each veteran, and the Ladies Auxiliary have given the project a special meaning. The flags will surround their monuments from Memorial Day to Flag Day. You can never have enough red, white and blue in Lake Ronkonkoma!
Our Flag has held high esteem in many of our Veterans hearts. My younger daughter has a July birthday, and she would miss a classroom celebration, and a summer birthday party did not work for the schoolmates. Her grandfather, George Okvist (WWII), took the reins of her birthday celebration, which he “placed” on Flag Day. He prepared the party, red, white and blue, little flags and flag pencils. It was a double-header; she was able to have her birthday party and he would celebrate his favorite holiday - Flag Day.
There are a handful of local schools which still celebrate Flag Day, and we do see many individual homes with our flag proudly displayed. Celebrating Flag Day can always accommodate you and your family’s needscelebrations, barbeque, beach day, so many ways, but always remember our flag and its significance.
Flag Day is not an official federal holiday. Federal law leaves it to the discretion of president to officially proclaim the observance. Title 36 of the United States Code, Subtitle I, Part A, Chapter 1, Section 110 is the official statute on Flag Day. It is the discretion of each individual state to declare a state holiday.
On June 14, 2025, the United States Army will Celebrate their 250th Anniversary (birthday). Military parades and events over the weekend of June 14-15 have been planned and will no doubt be spectacular at each one.
The U.S. Army is marking this 250th anniversary with a day packed full of historic events in Washington, D.C. The celebration includes an Army Birthday Festival on the National Mall, a Grand Military Parade along Constitution Avenue, and a spectacular fireworks display. The weekend kicks off on Friday with Army Day at the Washington Nationals game, and Saturday’s schedule features everything from a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to live music, military demonstrations, and family-friendly activities. Tickets are free but required for the parade and evening festivities.
The Army Birthday Festival will take place between 7th and 12th Streets NW and includes interactive exhibits, performances, and special appearances by soldiers and celebrities. The Grand Military Parade begins at 6:00p.m. and features over 6,000 troops, military vehicles, flyovers, and more. Metro and rideshare are strongly recommended due to limited parking. This non-political event celebrates the Army’s legacy under the theme “This We’ll Defend.” For tickets, maps, and updates, visit www.army. mil/1775 and follow #Army250.
Our American Legion, The William Merrit Hallock American Legion Post #155 has announced their Annual Flag Day Ceremony, which will be held at 115 Church Street, Lake Ronkonkoma at 4:00p.m. This Ceremony has been presented for many years in our village, and if possible, please stop down and learn
Lake Ronkonkoma holds a grand place in the history of the U.S. Army. The Grange Family has two Generals commending our village.
Legendary Ranger, Lt. Gen. David E. Grange Jr. (pictured left), a decorated veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam and the revered namesake of the Army’s Best Ranger Competition is our highest-ranking Military personnel. A soldier’s soldier and an icon in the Ranger community, Grange was born in 1925, in Lake Ronkonkoma. His legacy and valiant leadership will withstand history. He was married to Lois Okvist Grange and had three children. Grange is among the few paratroopers in United States Army history to make three combat jumps—one during World War II (Southern France) and two in Korea (the Battle of Yongju and Operation Tomahawk).
Our second General, Grange’s son, retired Maj. Gen. David L. Grange (pictured left), served for thirty years and among positions he held in Delta Force, the U.S. Special Operations Command and the 101st Airborne Division. His career parallel’s his father, yet still unique.
The Lake Ronkonkoma Heritage Association Military Tribute Banners have captured an overwhelming number of the US Army Veterans and commend each and every one for their brave and selfless duty to our country. Their ranks and service place them as the heroes of the village.
The U.S. Army Center of Military History will commemorate the 250th Commemoration of the Revolutionary War through outreach events and other media to educate and inspire all members of American society by honoring the selfless acts of courage and heroism performed by soldiers in service to our nation. To learn more about this commemoration, visit the U.S. Army Center of Military History’s website: history.army.mil.
To learn more about the National Museum of the United States Army, go online to thenmusa.org
Both sites hold a magnitude of information and history that you will enjoy. Honor the Flag of our country, on Flag Day and everyday.
By Kimberly Mosscrop, Esq.
When it comes to planning for the future, especially for the people and causes we care about most, two legal tools often come into play: estates and trusts. While they are closely related, they serve different purposes and function in distinct ways. Understanding how each works is essential for creating an effective estate plan.
An estate is essentially everything a person owns at the time of their death—bank accounts, real estate, investments, personal belongings, and even outstanding debts. After someone passes away, their estate is typically settled through a legal process known as probate. This court-supervised procedure involves validating the individual’s Will, appointing a fiduciary to manage the estate, settling any debts or taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries. If there is no Will in place, state laws determine who receives the assets.
Probate can be time-consuming and expensive, and because it’s a matter of public record, it offers little privacy. In some cases, these drawbacks may be minor. But for others—particularly those with complex family situations or valuable assets—the process can be burdensome.
A trust, on the other hand, is a legal arrangement in which one person or institution, known as the Trustee, holds and manages assets for the benefit of another, known as the beneficiary. Trusts can be created during a person’s lifetime or set up to take effect upon death. Unlike estates, trusts only control assets that have been specifically transferred into them. This means that simply creating a trust document is not enough; the assets must be properly titled in the name of the trust.
One of the primary advantages of a trust is that it generally avoids probate, allowing assets to be distributed more quickly and privately. Trusts can also offer more control and flexibility over how and when assets are distributed. This can be especially helpful in situations involving minor children, blended families, or beneficiaries with disabilities or financial challenges.
It’s important to note that estates and trusts are not mutually exclusive. Most comprehensive estate plans include both. For example, even if someone creates a trust to avoid probate, they may still have an estate to administer for any assets that were not properly transferred to the trust.
Choosing between a trust-based plan and a more traditional estate-focused approach depends on specific goals, assets, and family dynamics. Some individuals may find that a simple Will and the probate process are sufficient, while others may benefit from the additional privacy, control, and flexibility that a trust can offer.
In short, estate planning is not one-size-fits-all. Understanding the difference between estates and trusts—and how they can work together—is a key step in protecting your legacy and ensuring that your wishes are carried out effectively. Consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney can help you decide what tools make the most sense for your personal situation.
Kimberly Mosscrop, Esq. primarily practices in the areas of Elder Law, Estate Planning and Medicaid planning at Futterman Lanza, LLP. Kimberly Mosscrop assists families in preparing for any eventuality using asset protection, will preparation, revocable and irrevocable trusts, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Proxies and Living Wills. Futterman Lanza, LLP is an elder law and estate planning law firm with staffed offices in Smithtown, Bay Shore, Melville and Garden City, New York. Kim primarily works in the Smithtown office. The firm’s holistic approach anticipates and provides solutions in the ever-changing landscape. You can learn more about Kimberly Mosscrop and the firm by visiting www.trustedattorneys.com.
By Cait Crudden
Against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Ronkonkoma, Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) launched her re-election campaign Monday evening with a vibrant, tropicalthemed event dubbed “Leslie’s Luau.” The celebration, held at the scenic Beach Club on the Lake, drew a lively and enthusiastic crowd of supporters, community leaders, and residents, all rallying behind Kennedy’s bid for another term in office.
The luau was more than just a campaign kickoff, it was a full-fledged community celebration. With Hawaiian décor, lakefront views, and a festive atmosphere, the event offered guests a relaxed yet energized environment to show their support and hear from the legislator herself.
“This is about more than just a campaign,” Kennedy said during her remarks. “It’s about continuing the work we’ve started together protecting our communities, holding the line on taxes, and ensuring that Suffolk County remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I’m honored by your support, and I’m ready to keep fighting for you.”
Dozens of tiki torches lined the patio as the sun dipped behind the lake, adding a warm glow to the evening’s festivities. Attendees were treated to a delicious buffet of island-inspired dishes and traditional favorites, which received rave reviews throughout the night. From Hawaiian chicken and pulled pork to island inspired rice and vegetables, the menu reflected the celebratory spirit of the evening.
The crowd included a wide range of guests, from elected officials, PBA’s and civic leaders to small business owners. The setting provided a perfect blend of casual engagement and political enthusiasm, with many donors expressing optimism about Kennedy’s continued leadership.
Throughout the evening, supporters shared stories of Kennedy’s involvement in the community, from championing public safety initiatives and infrastructure improvements to advocating for seniors and veterans. Her record in the legislature, marked by responsiveness and fiscal responsibility, was cited frequently as a key reason for her broad support.
One notable aspect of Kennedy’s campaign style is her accessibility. Known for attending many local events and always welcoming constituents into her office, she has built a reputation as a legislator who’s always willing to listen. That was on full display at the luau, where she made time to speak with virtually every guest in attendance.
The event also served as a major fundraising success, with campaign staff confirming that contributions exceeded expectations and will give Kennedy’s reelection bid a strong early boost.
As music played and supporters mingled under the stars, it was clear that the energy behind Kennedy’s campaign was both personal and political. “Leslie’s Luau” wasn’t just a fundraiser, it was a heartfelt expression of community support, enthusiasm, and trust in a legislator who has consistently delivered for her constituents.
With the campaign now officially underway, Kennedy’s team says they’re ready to hit the ground running. The Legislator was grateful for the momentum this event generated and the dedication of her supporters which is unmatched, and the fundraiser night made it clear that they are ready for another victory.
Kennedy ended the night with a simple message to her supporters stating to The Messenger, “Let’s keep working, let’s keep growing, and let’s keep Suffolk strong together.”
By Madison Warren
Last Thursday, on June 5, the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge kicked off summer with the launch of a brand-new farmer’s market. Each week, local vendors gather to showcase their homemade and homegrown products to a community eager to support small businesses and enjoy high-quality, locally sourced goods.
The market takes place every Thursday from 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. in the building’s north parking lot. Visitors can browse a diverse selection of vendors, including Ahsak Skincare—an organic, holistic beauty
brand founded by Kasha Mann (pictured right). Ahsak offers handmade soaps, lip care, and skincare essentials crafted from natural ingredients. In addition to providing clean beauty solutions, the business gives back by donating a portion of its proceeds to support U.S. military veterans.
Another must-visit vendor is Sunflower Café, a beloved French-European bistro based in Bayport. This family-run eatery offers a tempting assortment of freshbaked pastries and gourmet treats to the market each week, giving visitors a delicious taste of their menu.
Other vendors regularly featured at the market include Anne’s Garden, Vincent Farms, Cornell University Nutrition, Elijah Farms, and Turturici and Sons, among others. Together, they create a vibrant and welcoming space that celebrates sustainability, small businesses, and community connection.
“Hosting a farmers’ market at the Dennison Building is a tremendous way to promote our local farms and artisans while providing our residents and county employees easy access to healthy foods and fresh produce this summer,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) in a statement. “The agricultural industry is pivotal to our local economy, and we will continue to explore ways to support our farmers and producers.”
According to the County, Suffolk County is home to more than 575 farms with nearly 35,000 acres of land used for agricultural purposes. Suffolk is also ranked number one in New York State in nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, sod and aquiculture production.
This farmers’ market boosts local businesses and fosters a great community spirit. We hope to see you at the next one!
By Raheem Soto
Looking for a unique and creative way to kick off the summer? The Butterfly Sand & Seashell Craft Workshop offers a rare chance to engage with Long Island’s natural beauty through art, guided by the renowned mixed media artist Anna Chan.
The event will take place on Wednesday, June 26, at 6:30p.m. at the Long Island Maritime Museum, located at 88 West Avenue in West Sayville. Participants will use sand, shells, and other natural materials to create butterfly-inspired artwork in a relaxed, step-by-step workshop format.
No experience is necessary, and all materials are included in the $35 registration fee, making it a great value for money. Attendees are welcome to bring their own light refreshments. Due to limited space, pre-registration is required by calling (631) 854-4974.
This program is part of a seasonal lineup presented by the Suffolk County Parks Department in partnership with the Maritime Museum. These events are designed to be both educational and accessible, with a focus on connecting residents to the local landscape through hands-on, affordable programming.
Anna Chan, a Long Island-based artist, began her current body of work in 2020, transitioning from jewelry design to large-scale nature-based art. Her mosaics—created using shells, sand, and sea glass— often depict marine life, birds, and butterflies. Many of her works are ephemeral installations crafted directly on the beach, while others have been
exhibited and sold in galleries.
Chan’s style emphasizes texture and natural composition, often turning simple materials into highly detailed representations of life found along the coast. Her work has been featured in regional and national media, gaining attention for its blend of environmental consciousness and visual artistry.
The upcoming workshop reflects Chan’s artistic focus and the county’s emphasis on regional engagement. Using materials collected from local shorelines, participants will actively create their pieces while learning about both technique and the natural elements involved, fostering a sense of active participation and learning.
Hosting the event at the Maritime Museum also provides visitors with an opportunity to explore one of Suffolk’s key historical institutions. The museum regularly offers programming that ties into Long Island’s rich maritime history, vibrant culture, and unique environmental heritage.
The Butterfly Sand & Seashell Craft event is one of several seasonal programs designed to draw residents into community spaces through accessible, creative experiences. Whether attending solo or with family, the workshop is designed to offer a relaxing and enriching evening centered on Long Island’s coastal charm.
For more information about this and future programs, residents can contact Suffolk County Parks or visit the Long Island Maritime Museum website.
