Tierney Announces Indictments in Carjacking Gang
By Matt Meduri
Tuesday morning brought an announcement of indictments in a gang who have perpetrated dozens of carjackings, credit card theft, and theft of other valuables. The string of crimes swept Suffolk and Nassau counties, as well as portions of New York City and Westchester County from February 2023 to August 2024.
Thirteen defendants of the Hempstead/Freeport-based “5-L” gang - or “CC Boyz” gang - have been charged for their alleged roles in fiftytwo vehicle break-ins, fifteen vehicle thefts, and the theft of seventyfive credit cards used to make more than $40,000 in fraudulent purchases at retail stores.
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Beauty Bomb : The
Med-Spa in Smithtown
By Diane Caudullo
Christine Gerena, a former Physicians Assistant working in Pediatric Neurosurgery, has turned into a superstar of the medical injectables of the current boom in aesthetics.
From Commack, now living in Smithtown, Christine opened her Beauty Bomb Spa first in the My Salon Suites not that long ago in April 2022. Originally a oneroom setup which tripled in business in its first year, the business doubled that in its second year, quickly facilitating the need for a much larger space.
Continued on page 3
Christine Gerena (center) and her staff (Credit - Matt Meduri)
D.A. Tierney (right) and SCPD Commissioner Catalina (left) announce indictments in the carjacking crime spree at the SCCC Police Academy in Brentwood (Credit - Matt Meduri)
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Smithtown Matters
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Beauty Bomb - Luxury-Concierge-Boutique Med-Spa in Smithtown
Interestingly, Christine’s current staff of eight, most already working in the same industry, were all originally regular clients of hers. They all thought so highly of Christine, her integrity, knowledge, and work that they chose to come alongside her and assist her in providing stellar services to her growing clientele. Her team eagerly told of Christine’s expertise and her ability and willingness to educate others, those in the field and the clients themselves.
Christine travels across the nation as the recognized expert in her field and is responsible for training many others. She is the go-to expert who handles the calls when someone has questions on the equipment, the procedures, or special circumstances other technicians need to address.
One staff member, LeeAnn, said of Christine that she takes real time with each person, as every face and individual’s wants and needs are unique. Jamie, also on staff, added that Christine’s abilities are “nothing shy of facial artistry”.
Now in a gorgeous, expansive, brand-new location on the main level of the new Lofts at Maple and Main, they will continue to offer many services such as botox, injectables, filler, skin resurfacing, IV vitamins, anti-aging, and more. Beauty Bomb will also be hosting informational sessions to learn about the various procedures as well as basic skin care and other important
and necessary information. Christine showed a special interest in helping young girls learn more about some of the not-so-great skin care regimes out there being followed from the internet and also assisting them to be more confident in their own skin.
Another topic near and dear to Christine is motherhood and the effects it has on a woman’s body. She is in the process of creating the “pink flamingo” room. The pink flamingo is known as the bird who loses its color upon giving birth, which she believes is a direct correlation to women who give birth. The new mom is depleted of so much, and the concern is that a few days or weeks later, mom is just up and running - without a true replenishing or rejuvenation to account for what the body has just endured. Christine and her team would like to change that.
Beauty Bomb is currently open for business but will host an official grand-opening on March 22. At the grand opening attendees will be able to tour the facility, learn about the many services, meet the team, and have a chance to win raffles and prizes of over $10,000 worth of gifted services.
To learn more about their team and their services and the details on their grand opening go to www.beautybombny.com. Beauty Bomb is Located at 100 W Main Street, Ste E, in Smithtown and can be reached at (516) 732-6712.
Senator Mattera Welcomes SBU Student Samantha Giacini to His Office
Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) is proud to welcome Samantha Giacini, a freshman at Stony Brook University, to his office as a session intern. A dedicated student with a strong passion for public service, Samantha is pursuing a double major in political science and economics and has already been recognized as an undergraduate fellow and future inductee into the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Beyond her academic achievements, Samantha is actively involved in her community as a peer educator at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Smithtown. In her free time, the Smithtown High School West graduate enjoys attending concerts and Broadway shows with friends.
She aspires to continue her education in law, with the goal of making a meaningful impact on the world.
Senator Mattera expressed his enthusiasm for Samantha joining the team, stating, “Samantha’s dedication to her studies and her passion for public service are truly commendable. It is always inspiring to see young leaders like her stepping up and getting involved in their communities. The entire staff is thrilled to have her join us for the session and look forward to seeing all that she accomplishes.”
Samantha is equally excited about the opportunity, sharing:
“I am incredibly grateful for the chance to work alongside Senator Mattera and his talented staff. This experience will allow me to learn firsthand about public service and advocacy, and I am eager to contribute in any way I can.”
As she embarks on this journey, Samantha brings a strong work ethic, fresh perspective, and enthusiasm for learning. Senator Mattera and his office look forward to supporting her growth and success.
Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) has represented the Second District in the New York State Senate since 2021. The Second District contains the entire Townships of Huntington and Smithtown.
Senator Mattera serves as Ranking Member on the Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions Committee and on the Energy and Telecommunications Committee. He also serves on the committees on Cannabis; Civil Service and Pensions; Labor; and Transportation. The Second District office is located at 180 East Main Street, Suite 210, in Smithtown and can be reached at 631-361-2154.
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Official Newspaper for County of Suffolk, S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs, Village of Head of the Harbor, Village of Nissequogue, Inc., Village of the Branch, Hauppauge, Kings Park, Commack, Smithtown School District.
Published every Thursday by: Messenger Papers, Inc. 558 Portion Road, Suite B Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Email: editor@messengerpapers.com www.messengerpapers.com
The Smithtown Messenger is a community newspaper serving Smithtown, Kings Park, St. James, Nesconset, Hauppauge, Commack, and Stony Brook
Entered as a second class matter at the Post Office of Smithtown, NY, under act of December 28, 1879. Periodicals postage paid out of Smithtown, NY. This newspaper will not be liable for errors appearing in any advertisement beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error.
The opinions expressed in byline articles, letters and columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of Messenger Papers, Inc, its publishers or editors. Pictures submitted for publication remain property of the publisher.
Postmaster: Send address changes to Smithtown Messenger, P.O. Box 925, Smithtown, NY 11787
Continued from front cover
County
Tierney Announces Indictments in Carjacking Gang
Defendants have been caught on home surveillance and security video cameras targeting residential driveways, gyms, hotels, golf courses, and assisted living facilities across Suffolk County. Investigators also allege the defendants carried out a grand larceny scheme using phishing emails to gain access to bank accounts, resulting in the withdrawal of over $50,000 from victims’ accounts.
Videos were then played, showing the alleged defendants opening unlocked cars where the key fobs were left. One gang member drove a particular car across the victim’s front lawn, as the car was blocked in the driveway by another vehicle. The defendants also allegedly broke the windows of fourteen vehicles to gain access.
Defendants also allegedly used the stolen cars to “car check,” switching license plates to other vehicles to avoid detection by law enforcement. Some vehicles were eventually abandoned in Suffolk and Nassau counties.
Defendants also allegedly used stolen credit cards immediately after obtaining them to make purchases, allowing investigators to narrow down their searches.
The string of crimes occurred in the late-night and early-morning hours. The investigation revealed that defendants allegedly used real estate phone applications to target Suffolk neighborhoods where they believed victims would be more likely to leave their cars unlocked with wallets and/or car keys inside.
Fifteen Social Security cards and fourteen National Insurance cards were also involved in the thefts.
The three primary defendants consist of Shawn Mullen, 24, of Hempstead, Trevon Brandon-Douse, 26, of Freeport, and Zion Fenner, 25, of Freeport.
Mullen faces a top count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C Felony. He is charged with 197 counts, including 178 felony charges. He allegedly broke into approximately thirty-five vehicles and stole fourteen vehicles. He was held on a $1 million cash bond, $5 million bond, or $10 million partially secured bond. He faces five to fifteen years in prison if convicted on the top charge and faces consecutive sentences if convicted of multiple charges.
Brandon-Douse faces the same top county as Mullen, and is charged with seventy-nine counts, including seventy-three felonies.
Fenner faces a top count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony and is charged with a total of fifty-nine felonies for allegedly breaking into ten vehicles and stealing three.
Jaquan Wilson, 21, of Hempstead, faces a top county of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C Felony. He is due back in court in April and faces five to fifteen years in prison if convicted.
Edwin Pierre, 25, of Freeport, faces the same charge, but was released from jail without bail because the charges are considered non-bail eligible in New York.
Kavon Wilson, 21, of Hempstead, was charged with Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, a Class E Felony. Wilson was released from jail due to the charge being non-bail eligible. The same charge and circumstances apply to Andrew Lawrence, 23, of Hempstead, Joshua Lee Garrett, 20, of Bethpage, and Brianna
Patterson, 32, of Hempstead.
Damien Patrice, 27, of Hempstead, faces a charge of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, but is currently in New York State Department of Corrections custody on an unrelated matter.
Jarell Lanier, 25, of Freeport, faces a top count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony. He is also in NYSDOC custody on an unrelated matter.
Jamal Woodise, 24, of Freeport, faces a top count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony, but is currently in custody on NYSDOC on an unrelated matter.
Rahmadon Cruz, 28, of the Bronx, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony and faces up to two to four years in prison if convicted. He is still at large.
“This indictment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting Suffolk County residents from property theft. Through meticulous investigation and collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we’ve dismantled a sophisticated criminal operation that targeted neighborhoods throughout our county,” said District Attorney Ray Tierney (R). “These alleged gang members strategically victimized our communities, breaking into vehicles, stealing credit cards, and quickly making purchases before victims could respond. Let it be clear – in Suffolk County, you cannot steal other people’s property with impunity. I want to thank our law enforcement partners and the investigators and prosecutors in my office that helped bring this indictment to fruition and we look forward to holding these individuals responsible in court.”
“This criminal enterprise capitalized on unsuspecting people for a year and a half, stealing property and peace of mind,” said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina. “What this gang didn’t count on was the tenacity of our detectives to uncover their schemes. I commend the Fifth Squad, the District Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners that sent a clear message that property crime is not victimless and one we are focused on.”
“Here’s a message for every wouldbe criminal out there: if you try to exploit the postal system for criminal use, Postal Inspectors will be on the case, and we’ve had a lot of practice arresting fraudsters, over 250 years’ worth. I’d like to thank all our law enforcement partners for their assistance with this case and bringing these individuals to justice,” said USPIS New York Division Acting Inspector in Charge Brendan T. Donahue.
“I commend the outstanding work of District Attorney Ray Tierney and Commissioner Kevin Catalina in putting an end to the brazen criminal activity that targeted the residents of Suffolk County,” said Vincent F. DeMarco, United States Marshal for the Eastern of New York and former Suffolk County Sheriff. “The United States Marshals Service is proud to have played a key role in the successful apprehension of the defendants yesterday.”
“This indictment once again highlights the power that Suffolk County’s law enforcement network has in taking down criminal operations and keeping our communities safe,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. (D). “The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable and protect our residents from those who seek to victimize them. I commend the officers involved in the investigation for their tireless work in bringing these individuals to justice.”
Credit - Office of Executive Romaine
SCPD Commissioner Kevin Catalina - (Credit: Matt Meduri)
USPIS New York Division Acting Inspector in Charge Brendan T. Donahue (Credit: Matt Meduri)
Tragedy on Blue Point Beach: Who Killed Carlos Lopez?
By Raheem Soto
A quiet morning on Long Island’s South Shore turned tragic when a passerby discovered a man’s body near the shore at the end of Blue Point Avenue.
The victim, 27-year-old Carlos Lopez of Central Islip, had been stabbed multiple times, setting off a homicide investigation that has left the community on edge.
Lopez’s body was found early Tuesday morning, prompting a rapid response from Suffolk County Police. First responders confirmed his death at the scene, and the Homicide Squad quickly secured the area. Blue Point, a small waterfront town better known for its breweries and scenic views, is not the kind of place where violent crime happens. This murder has left locals shaken.
Investigators are also looking into Lopez’s connections. Did he have enemies? Was he involved in something that put him in danger?
The community wants answers, and so does his grieving family.
with any information, no matter how small.
For now, Lopez’s family is left mourning a life cut short. His mother, speaking briefly to reporters, pleaded for justice.
“My son didn’t deserve this,” she said. “Whoever did this needs to be found.”
The Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad continues to investigate. Anyone with information is urged to call 631852-6392 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
A killer is out there. And it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes to light.
Police have not disclosed any suspects or motives but are following several leads. The fact that Lopez was stabbed multiple times suggests a personal attack rather than a random act of violence. Was he lured to Blue Point, or was he killed elsewhere and left on the beach?
Blue Point is a place where people feel safe walking their dogs at sunrise or enjoying coffee by the bay. Now, there’s a lingering fear.
“We don’t have this kind of crime here,” said a longtime resident. “It’s unsettling.”
Police are urging the public to come forward
New York City Becomes a Chess Board
The rumors swirling around the political future of New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) have taken the state and country by storm. What initially began as a high-profile corruption case - Adams is the first NYC Mayor to be charged with federal crimes while in office - the case has taken a series of twists and turns, with Governor Hochul (D) mulling the causes and effects of deposing Adams, as well as the apparent fraternizing with the Trump Administration regarding immigration enforcement.
Elected in 2021 after the disastrous terms of Bill de Blasio (D), Eric Adams easily defeated Guardian Angel Curtis Sliwa (R), calling himself the “future of the Democratic Party.” Any candidate who would fill the open mayoral seat that year would have a mandate to put the city back on track in terms of improving public safety and policepublic relations, as well as help stem the outmigration problem that has turned New York’s budget and local economies on their heads.
Instead, Adams has produced the lowest approval ratings for an NYC Mayor since the Associated Press began such polling in 1996, clocking in at just 26% in the final quarter of 2024.
But Adams’ slide in popularity isn’t recent, nor is it self-contained. In the wake of the criminal indictments, which allege he accepted gifts and bribes from the Turkish government, a Quinnipiac poll found Adams with a 28% approval rating.
Even with the lapse of a year in between the polls, they produce strikingly similar results: nearly two-thirds of the city - and a roughly equal number of Democrats - believe Adams should resign. Marist’s 2024 poll found that 69% of NYC residents and 71% of Democrats believe he should resign, with 30% believing he should serve the rest of his term. The poll also found that residents believe by a margin of 63%-36% that Hochul should remove Adams from his position, a broad power vested to the executive within the New York State Constitution.
But one statistic gives him a near-zero chance of winning a primary, let alone the 2025 general election: according to Marist, only 18% of NYC residents think he should run for re-election.
So much for being the “future of the Democratic Party.”
But this isn’t an indictment on Adams as much as it is the complex political calculus facing New York, particularly New York City.
For starters, New York’s monumental shift to the right in the 2024 presidential race was the single-largest swing for any state in the nation, with the formula coming down to a massive enthusiasm gap. Kamala Harris (D-CA) failed to retrieve 625,000 votes that Joe Biden (D-DE) did in 2020, while Donald Trump (R-FL) added almost 330,000 to his fold. The end result was Harris becoming the first Democrat to win New York by a margin of less than one million votes since 1988.
That swing was mostly produced by New York City, with all five boroughs taking unprecedented double-digit swings to the right.
Such change in an institutionally Democratic area is cause for concern, especially since it’s not relegated to just one fluke election. Then-Congressman now-EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) produced staggering numbers in New York City that Trump actually improved upon in a completely separate type of election.
The city has also proven to make the immediate bedroom communities ground zero for a more competitive New York, with Nassau County and North Jersey also finding themselves in such massive rightward swings in relatively short periods of time. NYC proper, southern Brooklyn in particular, was also responsible for the GOP cracking Democrats’ supermajority in the State Senate last year
Ironically, it seems that New York City could be Republicans’ friend in flipping New York, rather than the insurmountable obstacle it has been for them for decades. And with all or most of the calculus lying on the Big Apple, it is in Democrats’ best interests to navigate this situation deftly so as to preserve their political prospects.
The second part of the equation comes from the fact that Hochul is obviously floundering going into 2026. We’re comfortable classifying her as a slight underdog, but it won’t be a cakewalk for Republicans either - that is, unless Zeldin decides to make another run for governor.
Hochul entered Election Day 2024 with a lower net favorability rating than Donald Trump in New York, although he was also underwater. His net approval rating, while still negative, is the highest it’s been in New York State since he began his political career, according to the Siena College. Correlation doesn’t always equal causation, especially when comparing one election year to another, but those trends are highly notable in a state that’s been more like Fort Knox to Republicans than most others.
Hochul will also likely face a primary from outspoken Congressman Ritchie Torres (D, NY-16), while former Congressman Jamaal Bowman (D, NY-16) has publicly expressed interest. While Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado (D) dismissed rumors of trying to primary his boss, his recent departure from the 2026 lieutenant governor’s race makes us wonder if he’ll throw his hat in the ring after all. Primarying a direct superior is often a terrible political move with massive ramifications.
But two weeks ago, Delgado called on Adams to resign, the first such endorsement from the executive branch, leading to a Hochul spokesperson definitively stating that Adams does not speak for the governor.
These little internal disputes might be indicative of a much larger problem, posing the question, who is the Democratic standard bearer in New York and is there a political power vacuum looming?
Enter former Governor Andrew Cuomo (D), who served from 2011 until his abrupt resignation amid sexual assault allegations in 2021. Cuomo is now running for NYC mayor, hoping to stage his own political comeback, despite the U.S. House admonishing him for his deliberate cover-up of the nursing home deaths during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
In our opinion, Cuomo should not be mayor of New York; he should be in prison.
But that aside, Cuomo has a massive coalition in New York, particularly in the city, mostly of laborers, black voters, and working-class Italians. Cuomo might have significant baggage, but to many voters, he’s someone with whom they’ve identified for years. Old school Democrats who are fatigued of Trump might just throw their support behind in light of the scandals, while progressives will likely feel politically homeless.
As of now, it’s our opinion that Cuomo has the best chances of the declared or prospective candidates of not only winning a primary, but winning the general election. This, of course, depends on just how pervasive the COVID-19 scandal is on the mind’s of NYC voters, as well as the possibility of an enthusiasm gap that brought New York closer to a single-digit race for the first time in generations.
Where NYC’s grid-like infrastructure morphs into grids on a chess board comes in two parts: Adams’ possible new-found ally in Donald Trump and the political future of New York City, and Cuomo’s own political prospects relative to his former number-two in Kathy Hochul.
When Adams was indicted last year, we wrote that Trump predicted, pretty much an exact year prior, that if Adams bucked his party on immigration, he would be indicted.
Right now, Attorney General Pam Bondi (R-FL) is asking New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) to essentially can the Adams investigation, about which James, according to her, was aware for the last three years, which, along with the aforementioned Trump prediction, leads us to believe the criminal allegations were kept in James’ and company’s back pocket for political expediency.
Now appears to be that time.
This isn’t a defense of Adams; we think he has no business being mayor, but if charges are charges, why weren’t they brought when it came to the attention of the attorney general?
Meanwhile, Adams not only has the governmental fate of the city on his shoulders, but more so the political fate.
At this point, even without Cuomo on the ballot, Adams is effectively guaranteed to lose the Democratic Primary. Multiple notable progressives have joined the race, with State Senator Zellnor Myrie (D-Prospect Lefferts Gardens) considered a heavy frontrunner.
If Hochul does not depose Adams, it turns into a zero-sum game, wherein Adams is virtually guaranteed to be denied a second term - either by virtue of the primary or general - so a possible move on his part would be to run as an Independent.
Not only would this be a spite move fitting for sectional politics, but it would likely confirm he sees more of an ally in Trump than he does in his current caucus. An Independent Adams, even with a Cuomo candidacy, presents the real chance that a Republican could win the election vis-a-vis vote splitting.
This isn’t open-and-shut, rather just a distinct possibility. Cuomo could win a three-way race on a ticket that includes an Independent Adams, specifically if he can win more of the progressives and minority communities.
Otherwise, Republicans might be boxed out of winning the mayoralty in a two-way race. Even with the shifts we’ve seen in the last two statewide elections here, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx are heavily Democratic, with Queens not far behind at a roughly 60%-40% split. The latter statistic is proof of concept of a more competitive New York city and state overall.
But is that a risk Democrats want to run?
To avoid this, it makes strategic sense for Hochul to depose Adams, thereby allowing New York City Public Advocate Jumanne Williams (D) - who ran to primary Hochul in 2022 - serving as acting mayor until a special election is held after Adams’ resignation or deposition. Democrats could nominate a new candidate and likely cakewalk November.
But will Hochul help produce, either directly or indirectly, a scenario that produces a Mayor Cuomo? Her former boss kept her in the dark for his entire governorship and even considered replacing her with an NYC progressive in 2018. Cuomo’s lack of action in public works, his sexual assault allegations, known “bully” personality, and the damning control freak behavior exercised during COVID makes him a political liability.
There’s also no telling how much of a partner Cuomo will be to Hochul, or vice versa, should political strain be more present than political gain.
Either way, the rightward shift in New York doesn’t appear to be slowing, and if both Hochul and Cuomo, should he be elected mayor, continue to govern as has been tradition the last several years, they’ll only do more to push the state more to the center, up and down the ballot.
If Cuomo tries governing like a moderate, even potentially working with Trump, who’s to say he won’t suffer the same fate as Adams? The mob boss-like power Cuomo has will be tested in such a scenario.
The political vacuum in New York seems very real, as any moves Democrats make either imperils their immediate political prospects or goes against their own personal spite for another.
One thing, however, is for sure: Cuomo belongs in a prison cell long before he’ll ever belong at Gracie Mansion.
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
By Mike Simonelli
Back in July 2021, the San Francisco Gay Men ‘s Choir posted a video in which they sang, “We’ll convert your children – happens bit by bit, quietly and subtly and you will barely notice it…We’re coming for your children…The gay agenda is coming home. The gay agenda is here.”
Apparently unsatisfied with the progress so far, four years later the Long Island LGBT Network has now announced they’re coming for our school board. Claiming they feel threatened by President Trump’s (R-FL) recent actions eliminating biological men from participating in women’s sports and “banning gender affirming care for young people,” the Network is preparing candidates to run in the May 20, 2025, New York State (NYS) Board of Education elections in thirteen Long Island school districts. Among the faculty members in their candidate training academy is NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli (D-Great Neck Plaza) who applauded the Network’s efforts and recognized their “critical role in the fight for justice and equality.”
Like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, the Network’s founder, David Kilmnick, cloaks his intentions under such noble ideals as justice, equality and children’s safety, saying - “This is for LGBTQ and allied folks…who think that we should have safe schools.”
Who can argue with the fact that schools should be a safe place for ALL children to be able to learn math, science, English, social studies, world languages, performing arts, health, electives and participate in sports?
Rather than concern for children’s academic education, a closer look at the LI LGBT Network (which lost $10 million in state funding after an investigation found it was mishandling the millions in taxpayer dollars it received each year) reveals what they really want is for children to learn fantasy pronouns and pledge allegiance to LGBT values.
They’re Coming for Your School Board
Part of the Safe Space Pledge, retrieved 3-05-2025
During June 2022, in response to parents who felt the books used in the Smithtown libraries pride displays were “not material suitable for the small ages that were visiting the children’s room,” the trustees voted to remove the pride decorations and books from display in all the children’s sections of the towns four libraries. Among the books parents didn’t want their young children seeing was What are Your Words? which taught children between four and eight years old nonsensical pronouns like “Ey/Em, Ze/Hir, Xe/ Xir, and She/They.” The young, animated boy character details how, “Sometimes I just use one set of pronouns, sometimes I change my pronouns, and sometimes I use all the pronouns I can think of.” In another book, They, She, He, Me, children three years and older are taught the non-existent pronoun “Ze”, along with a more confusing one, “Tree.” A third book, titled Growing Up Trans is targeted at children ages eleven to eighteen. The LGBT Network led such an uproar over these books being removed from the children’s display, within forty-eight hours the library board held an emergency meeting and voted to put the pride displays back up. The LBGT Network then endorsed three candidates that would go on to beat out twelve others in the contentious October 2022 Smithtown library board elections, Annette Galarza, Mildred Bernstein, and Howard Knispel.
That same month over in the Connetquot School District, children “reported feeling uncomfortable by the Progress Pride flag being displayed” in a high school classroom. To make the classroom safe and inclusive for those students, the district leadership asked the teacher to remove the flag during regular classroom hours and display it only during the Genders & Sexualities Alliance (GSA) club meetings she led there after school hours. Even though it is the district’s policy that only the American flag and New York State flag be displayed in the classrooms, the Network complained to Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) that it was a “potential Human Rights law violation” and tried to bully the district, leading a protest before the next school board meeting.
Every October, the Network celebrates National Coming Out Day which, in recent years, entails encouraging children to sign a “Safe Space Pledge.” In 2022 that pledge, distributed via flyers to schools across Long Island, fought for racial equity and inclusion by having white children commit to being “thoughtful and intentional about the space I take up.” That sentence was quickly removed after backlash, but in 2024, children were still asked to pledge to “combat heterosexism” and “use terms like ‘significant other,’ ‘partner,’ or ‘spouse,’ instead of ‘boyfriend/girlfriend’ or ‘husband/wife.” In the section, “I commit to being a trans equity and gender-inclusion advocate,” along with becoming a “pronoun pro,” children pledge to “support the implementation of All-Gender Restrooms in our community and school.”
Instead of tolerance and inclusion toward LGBT classmates, children are now being taught to be advocates for the LI LGBT Network’s values in schools where the majority can’t even comprehend basic English. Along with declining scores in Long Island schools from the previous year, the most recent statewide testing showed only 38.7% of Suffolk students achieved a proficient score in English Language Arts. Against the backdrop of declining scores, there are over 4,000 GSA clubs in schools nationwide, and “nearly 6,000 public schools which hide child’s gender status from parents,” including many in New York thanks to its Supportive, and Affirming School Environment for Transgender and Gender Expansive Students policy. Despite all that “progress,” the LGBT network is focused on training school board candidates to fight against mandates protecting girls’ sports and confused children. Meanwhile the LI LGBT Network candidates will undoubtedly support fulfilling Kilmnicks’ vision for “LGBTQ literature, symbols…in all our institutions” - which includes elementary schools.
Let girls be girls, kids be kids, and students be students. Our children need schools and board members to ensure all students (not just those identifying as LGBT) have safe, supportive and inclusive environments where they can focus on the academic subjects’ parents send them there to learn. The only pledge any child should be doing in school is to the one thing that unites them all - allegiance to the United States of America.
Mike Simonelli is a retired Army officer, retired police officer, combat Veteran, author, and proud father of a United States Marine.
8 Congressional News
Bipartisan Navy and Marine Corps Caucus Launched to Bolster U.S. Maritime Strength
By Raheem Soto
In a show of bipartisan cooperation, Representatives Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) and Chris Deluzio (D, PA-17) have joined forces to launch the Navy and Marine Corps Caucus, a congressional group dedicated to strengthening U.S. military readiness, shipbuilding efforts, and service member support.
With global threats rising and America’s adversaries expanding their naval power, this caucus couldn’t come at a more critical time. The U.S. Navy is facing serious shipbuilding delays, maintenance backlogs, and recruitment challenges, while China’s navy is growing at an alarming rate. The Navy and Marine Corps Caucus aims to cut through bureaucratic red tape and ensure that America’s maritime forces remain the strongest globally.
“America’s Navy and Marine Corps are the backbone of our national security,” said LaLota, a former Navy officer. “This caucus will fight to ensure they have the funding, tools, and support they need to keep our nation safe.”
LaLota, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, served as an officer and knows firsthand what it takes to keep America’s fleet strong and service members supported. His Democratic co-chair, Chris Deluzio, also served as a naval officer, making this caucus a mission close to home for both leaders.
The formation of this caucus isn’t just political theater—it’s happening at a crucial moment for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
China’s naval fleet is expanding rapidly, and military experts worry that the U.S. is falling behind. In the last decade, China has dramatically outpaced the U.S. in shipbuilding, investing heavily in warships, aircraft carriers, and advanced missile systems.
The U.S. Navy’s budget has ballooned to $255.8 billion for fiscal year 2024. Yet, shipbuilding delays and maintenance issues continue to plague the force. The backlog in ship maintenance alone is causing serious readiness concerns.
Military leaders have warned that the Navy’s “risk-averse” culture is slowing down muchneeded modernization efforts and making it harder to compete with rising global threats.
These aren’t just abstract policy concerns—they have real-world consequences. If the U.S. Navy isn’t ready, America’s adversaries will exploit that weakness.
“We can’t afford to wait,” said Deluzio. “Our naval forces must be prepared to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. This caucus is about ensuring we act before it’s too late.”
So, what exactly will the Navy and Marine Corps Caucus focus on?
• Shipbuilding & Modernization: The U.S. Navy needs more ships and needs them fast. The caucus will work to ensure that shipbuilding contracts are fulfilled efficiently and that the fleet remains strong.
• Service Member Support: Beyond equipment, this caucus is committed to supporting Sailors and Marines—ensuring they have access to quality housing, healthcare, and resources for their families.
• Military Readiness & Training: A strong Navy and Marine Corps isn’t just about numbers—it’s about having the most well-trained and well-equipped force in the world. The caucus will push for enhanced training programs and readiness initiatives.
• Fighting Bureaucracy: Military funding gets entangled in Washington red tape too often. The caucus wants to streamline decision-making so the Navy and Marine Corps can get what they need when they need it.
“We’re not here for political games,” LaLota added. “We’re here to make sure America’s naval power remains second to none.”
Top Navy and Marine Corps officials have already supported the caucus, recognizing that congressional advocacy is crucial to strengthening the force.
Admiral James Kilby, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and Surface Warfare Officer, emphasized that bipartisan support from Congress is vital to ensuring the Navy’s ability to meet growing challenges.
Lieutenant General Eric Austin, the Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration, welcomed the caucus and noted that U.S. Marines are undergoing significant modernization efforts to stay ahead of evolving threats.
A recent House Armed Services Committee hearing revealed serious concerns about the state of the U.S. Navy. President of the Shipbuilders Council of America, Matthew Paxton, testified that the Navy’s risk-averse culture hurts shipbuilding and delays repairs. Military
officials warned that the Navy is being disadvantaged by aging vessels, slow shipyard output, and inefficient spending.
With China aggressively expanding its naval power, the U.S. can’t afford delays.
The Navy and Marine Corps Caucus plans to hold defense contractors and Pentagon officials accountable to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent effectively on military readiness.
While much of the focus is on shipbuilding and strategy, the caucus also recognizes that supporting service members and their families is just as important.
Too many military families struggle with poor housing conditions, lack of medical resources, and bureaucratic red tape when accessing benefits. This caucus wants to fix that.
“Our Sailors and Marines shouldn’t have to worry about basic needs,” said LaLota. “If they’re willing to put their lives on the line for our country, the least we can do is ensure they have the support they deserve.”
For LaLota and Deluzio, the fight is personal. Both have worn the uniform and understand that America’s naval power isn’t just a policy issue—it’s a matter of national security.
As America faces new and growing threats, the question remains: Will Washington step up and ensure our military is ready?
If the Navy and Marine Corps Caucus has their way, the answer will be a resounding yes.
National, State, and Local Temperature Checks
By Matt Meduri
National
The assembly of President Donald Trump’s (R-FL) historic second Cabinet is almost complete, but a few nominees are still yet to be confirmed.
Trump’s pick for his Labor Secretary is former Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR). She flipped Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District in 2022 but was defeated for re-election in 2024. The suburban Portland district is one of the most competitive at the national level, but has a slight Democratic lean.
Chavez-DeRemer has not been seen as controversial as some of Trump’s other nominees, but some Republicans remain concerned about her labor relations background.
Chavez-DeRemer cleared the committee vote of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee to the tune of a 14-9 vote. Three Democratic Senators defected to advance her nomination to the full Senate - Maggie Hassan (DNH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO). Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), however, voted against her nomination advancement due to her sponsorship of the PRO Act.
The Protecting the Right to Organize Act is a law that was proposed last Congress. The measure would prevent employers from holding mandatory meetings for the purposes of counteracting labor organizations and would bolster employees’ rights to join unions. The bill would also permit unions to encourage secondary strikes, an action by one union in support of a strike initiated by another union, but often in the same group of companies or trade. Additionally, the bill would weaken “right-to-work” laws, which gives employees the option to join a union and pay dues. Such laws are on the books in twenty-seven states.
vacant for months. The proposed law’s intention was to hold the special concurrently with the next general election to reduce “voter fatigue,” increase election administration logistics, and increase turnout. While Democrats have tabled the bill, speculation swirls they’ll pick it back up.
Republicans have already lost two other members since the start of the first Congress. Former Congressman Matt Gaetz (R, FL-01) resigned his Florida Panhandle seat after Trump announced him as his Attorney General nominee. After allegations of sexual misconduct, Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration.
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis (R), a Trump endorsee, easily won the January primary, but will have to wait until April 1 until the special election. The deeply-Republican district is not expected to be close, as Gaetz was re-elected in 2024 with 68% of the vote. Patronis faces 2024 nominee Gay Valimont (D).
Neither a Senate cloture vote nor a full Senate vote have been scheduled.
Finally, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21) is up for Ambassador to the United Nations (UN). She cleared her Foreign Relations Committee vote with ease by a 19-3 margin at the end of January. No further votes have been scheduled. Senators Chris Coons (DDE), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) were the only holdouts.
Stefanik was the first Cabinet or Cabinet-level official to be announced by Trump in the wake of his election, but Republicans have intentionally slow-walked her nomination so as to not lose her membership in the House.
Republicans currently have the bare-minimum majority of 218 seats, Stefanik inclusive. Without her, Speaker Mike Johnson (R, LA-04) and company will have a significantly more difficult time in passing Trump’s agenda, which, in the current state of affairs, remains mostly partisan.
“We’re kind of taking our direction from the White House in terms of who they want to move and when,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) told NBC News. “But my assumption is it probably has to do with the majority, the margin they have in the House right now.”
The timing is also complicated by Albany Democrats’ efforts to delay the special election until November, possibly leaving the North Country seat
Republicans also lost former Congressman Michael Waltz (R, FL06) as he became Trump’s National Security Advisor. State Senator Randy Fine (R), also endorsed by Trump, easily won his January primary. The April 1 special election coincides with the FL-01 special. Republicans are expected to maintain control of the Saint Augustine-South Daytonabased seat. Fine faces teacher Joshua Weil (D).
While these special elections are likely to remain in Republican hands, margins will be key, and they could offer a glimpse of the 2026 midterm moods. Special elections are often seen by analysts as one of the foremost barometers going into a midterm election.
However, Democrats have lost a seat of their own in the Wednesday passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner (D, TX-18).
Turner was just elected in 2024, filling in the seat vacated after the death of then-Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D). Turner was 70. Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) will announce a special election date for this deep-blue, Houston-based seat. Turner succeeded Erica Lee Carter (D), Jackson Lee’s daughter, who represented the district for just two months after her mother’s death.
The passing of Turner brings the House total to a 218-214 Republican majority.
Finally, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL-19) (pictured above left) has announced he is running for Governor of Florida in 2026. Governor Ron DeSantis (R) is term-limited. The firebrand conservative has been a staunch supporter of Donald Trump since he was elected in 2020. He was re-elected in 2024 with 66% of the vote, a landslide. Donalds was a registered Democrat until 2010.
State
While the strike has ended in most downstate prisons, it persists in Upstate and Western New York prisons. Thousands of correction workers may face fines or termination if they do not return to work. Prosecution is even on the table for some workers.
“They are in violation of the law. We have laws in our books that are supposed to protect us in these situations. Therefore they are violating New York state law at this moment,” Hochul said Tuesday morning, while also calling herself “sympathetic” to the cause.
The strikes have started mostly regarding staffing concerns and abhorrent working conditions and living conditions for the prisoners, with some former service members saying the situation is “worse than Iraq.”
As of Tuesday, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NYDOCCS) has said that roughly 8,000 correction officers and sergeants are still striking, while 2,000 have returned to work.
“They’ve created very unsafe circumstances. There are serious consequences. We have warned them day after day after day,” said Hochul. “A lot of warnings, that you could lose your healthcare, the healthcare is gone, people are going to be arrested, you could be going to jail. You’ve lost your job, you’ve lost your income, you’ve lost everything,” she added, although less than ten officers have been fired, according to officials.
Hochul has brought in the National Guard to help alleviate the situation, while prison visitations have been cancelled statewide.
Last Thursday, Hochul said a tentative agreement had been reached to end the strike, but concessions have been insufficient in bringing the strike to an end.
Local
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has put out a statement of advice, which has been disseminated by the office of County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches), regarding the ongoing avian flu pandemic that has claimed hundreds of thousands of poultry and has ceased operations at Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue, Long Island’s last duck farm.
Governor Kathy Hochul (D) (pictured above right) has told New York prison guards to quit their strike or risk losing their jobs.
In cases where DEC field staff cannot collect samples or carcasses from the sites, DEC asks the public to limit direct contact with dead wildlife and to keep children and pets away.
To dispose of a dead bird properly, DEC instructs:
• Wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection, such as safety glasses or goggles;
• Avoid direct contact with the carcass or carcass fluids by using a shovel or garbage bag to pick up the bird;
• Triple-bag carcasses and place in an outdoor trash receptacle;
• Remove and discard gloves and wash hands with soap and water immediately after;
• Change your clothes and wash them after disposing of the bird;
• Clean the shovel, if used, with hot, soapy water and disinfect it with diluted bleach (one-third cup of bleach to a gallon of water).
For more information or to submit a report, call the DEC at 844-332-3267.
10 Community Spotlight
An Inside Look at The Lofts at Maple and Main
By Matt Meduri
As part of Smithtown’s overall revitalization, restoring empty and blighted properties is perhaps the foremost component, along with incentivizing development and capturing the synergy between residential and commercial development.
The Lofts at Maple and Main serve as the first transitoriented development (TOD) project in downtown Smithtown. Occupying the land of the former Nassau Suffolk Lumber and Supply Company - then a twelve-year blighted propertybroke ground in 2019. It formally launched its grand opening last year, featuring seventy-one units and a mixed-use zoning aspect with businesses on the ground floor.
The primary aim is to be a walkable community. The complex has three buildings, the first facing Main Street directly across from Town Hall, and the latter two set back from Maple Avenue. The property sits just across Smithtown Central School District across New York Avenue, and just up Main Street from a variety of businesses and shopping plazas.
The Messenger got an inside look at the property well into their nascent existence, along with some of the businesses occupying the ground level of the Main Street building.
The attention-grabbing features of the complex are the facilities on the lower level of the Main Street building, available to all Lofts residence. The lower level consists of a gym, storage units, a small movie theater, and a game room.
The theater features one large television, through residents can block out certain times for sports matches, birthday parties, or movie nights through streaming services. The outside hallway is adorned with the classic movie theater look of illuminated posters of hit movies, including E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, Avatar, and Goodfellas.
The game room features a billiards table and an air hockey table, just adjacent to the theatre.
The gym features several different stations and personal trainers hired by residents are permitted into the facility for the duration of a session.
Each building has seventeen basement storage units that can be utilized by residents for an additional fee. Dimensions ranging from 4x10 feet to 7x15. Each basement housing the storage units has an elevator and separate loading dock to make moving in and out easier.
The Main Street building contains a near-even split of one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, twelve and fourteen, respectively. The large onebedroom units are situated on the first floor.
Units are only for rent, with the market price letting each unit rest between the $3000 and $4000 monthly rate. One-bedroom units in the backmost buildings of the complex start at around $2900, with top-floor two-bedroom units clocking in at $3950.
Interior design of the units is uniquely urban-contemporary in style, along with in-unit washing machines and dryers. Walls and windows were designed with noise reduction in mind, making even the Main Street-front units silent from the outside world.
Each building also has a separate style of artwork throughout the lobbies and hallways. The Main Street building consists of landscape photography, primarily coastal settings. The central building’s theme is that of music, with posters and photos ranging from Prince, Woodstock, and other memorabilia. The southernmost building’s theme is modern art, featuring replica paintings of Van Gogh, Picasso, and notable artists.
A particular standout of the Lofts is that some floors only feature a handful of units, with the Main Street building’s top floor featuring just two. Neighbors are nearby, but the constant noise of foot traffic down the hall negates a hotel-like feeling for an apartment building.
The lower level of the Main Street building facing Main Street is currently home to two businesses, with room for more. Beauty Bomb Aesthetics and Dirty Cheesecake are the current tenants. For a spotlight on Beauty Bomb, turn to Page 3.
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
The facade of the Main Street building (Credit - Matt Meduri)
A furnished unit's living room, kitchen to the left.
UCP of Long Island Marks 75 Years of Changing Lives for Individuals with Disabilities
By Raheem Soto
For seventy-five years, United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island (UCP-LI) has been making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. What started as a small group of determined parents in 1948 has become one of Long Island’s most vital organizations, providing essential services, education, and advocacy for thousands of people with disabilities.
In 2025, UCP-LI will celebrate this milestone with a year of special events, community engagement, and a renewed commitment to its mission: ensuring that every individual— regardless of ability—has the chance to live a full, independent life.
UCP-LI has never been about handouts— it’s about empowerment. Over the decades, the organization has evolved to meet the community’s needs, growing far beyond its original focus on cerebral palsy. Today, it serves individuals with a wide range of disabilities, offering education, employment, housing, and medical care support.
Some of the organization’s biggest milestones include:
1961: Opened the Suffolk Rehabilitation Center, offering physical and occupational therapy to children with disabilities, including those with muscular dystrophy, polio, and spina bifida.
1983: Became an affiliate of the national United Cerebral Palsy Association, launching Adult Day Treatment, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Supported Employment programs.
1990s: Expanded residential programs, including Eaton Knolls, a 13-unit accessible apartment complex in Central Islip for adults with disabilities capable of independent living.
What truly makes UCP-LI stand out is its community-driven approach. It’s not just about providing resources but giving people the tools and confidence to live independently and thrive.
“We don’t just help people get by—we help them build their futures,” said Colleen Crispino, President & CEO of UCP-LI. “For 75 years, we’ve been fighting to make sure every individual with a disability has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
To mark seventy-five years of service, UCP-LI is hosting a lineup of special events throughout 2025, giving supporters a chance to celebrate, give back, and get involved.
Some of the biggest events on the calendar include:
Gold Coast Invitational (May 15, 2025): A golf tournament at Cold Spring Country Club, raising funds for UCP-LI’s life-changing programs
Young Professionals Cornhole Tournament (July 2025): A fun networking event bringing together young professionals to support UCP-LI’s mission.
5K Walk N Wheel (September 2025): A community-wide event that welcomes participants of all abilities to walk, roll, or run to support UCP-LI’s programs.
Life Without Limits Gala (October 23, 2025): The flagship fundraising event, celebrating the impact of UCP-LI and raising critical funds for future initiatives.
Handbag Bingo (November 23, 2025): A lively, entertaining fundraiser supporting services for individuals with disabilities.
These events are not just about raising money but about raising awareness. They remind the community that disability advocacy isn’t just a cause—it’s a responsibility.
Any organization that lasts seventy-five years doesn’t do so without incredible people behind the scenes. From staff and volunteers to the individuals UCP-LI serves, this milestone is about honoring every person who has played a role in shaping the organization.
That’s why UCP-LI recently received special recognition from New York State Senators Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood) and Mario Mattera (R-St. James), who presented a proclamation to commemorate the organization’s impact.
Senator Mario Mattera spoke about UCP-LI’s longstanding commitment to the Long Island community:
“It was great to join Senator Monica Martinez to present UCP of Long Island President & CEO Colleen Crispino with a special proclamation to celebrate their 75th anniversary! The day was even more special when we were joined by participants from UCP-LI’s Adult Day program, Chris G. and Stanley B.
I congratulate UCP-LI on their incredible run of 75 years and thank all who have dedicated their time and effort over the past seven decades for all they do for individuals with disabilities.
Your commitment has helped countless lives, and we hope you all know how very appreciated you are.”
While seventy-five years is a considerable accomplishment, UCP-LI is not slowing down anytime soon. The organization is expanding programs, advocating for better policies, and adapting to new challenges to ensure that the next generation of individuals with disabilities has even greater opportunities.
“Our work is far from done,” Crispino said. “There are still barriers to break, lives to change, and communities to build. We are committed to growing our impact and making sure that everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to live a full and independent life.”
As UCP-LI celebrates 75 years of impact, the organization is calling on Long Islanders to get involved. There are countless ways to support the mission, whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy.
Visit UCP-LI’s official website for more information about its programs, upcoming events, and ways you can make a difference.
Senator Mario Mattera presents a special proclamation to UCP of Long Island President & CEO Colleen Crispino in honor of the organization's 75th anniversary, joined by participants from UCP-LI's Adult Day program, Chris G. and Stanley B.
March 6, 2025
Milestone Day at Tackan Elementary School in Smithtown
Students at Tackan Elementary celebrated their 100th day of school on February 25 in style, by dressing for the part. Kindergartners with mustaches, canes, and grey buns roamed the halls and classrooms. Fifth graders who were celebrating their 1,000th day of school celebrated with balloons and headbands.
A New Musical Era at Smithtown High School East
Speeches were made, thank you’s were given, the ribbon was cut, and with that, a new era began at Smithtown High School East on February 26.
After nearly a year of renovations, district administration, staff and students were able to see the school’s brand-new auditorium/performing arts center.
Improved acoustics, new lighting, new seats, video monitors and a stateof-the-art lighting system will impress visitors as they take in a musical or theatrical performance.
Smithtown Central School District Director of Fine Arts, Victoria Hartman, said the facility is “not just an auditorium; it’s a state of the art, performing arts center that will be the hub for creativity,
learning and community connection.”
Superintendent Dr. Mark Secaur praised the collaborative effort it took to make this event possible, as did Principal Robert Rose, who thanked the SCSD Board of Education, the administration team at central office, the facility team, the Smithtown community and former Director of Fine Arts, Mike Mastrangelo.
Friends of Music Vice President, Amy Cusumano, told the audience, “We feel strongly about the partnership role we play in supporting the teaching staff in the music department and all the young musicians who will benefit from this new space. Brave to all of you.”
This was the room’s first full renovation since its inception in 1959.
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Hauppauge High School
Celebrates the Top of the Class
Hauppauge High School held a special celebration to recognize the class of 2025’s highest academically achieving students. Out of close to 260 seniors, fifteen were recognized for achieving a cumulative weighted GPA of 100.0+.
Congratulations to Srihan Adabala, Meghan Barry, Lina Cambardella, Brandon Cardamone, Sara Conquet, Savannah Fasner, Emma Jensen, Nicholas Lam, Lauren Masaitis, Maya McFadyen, Dev Mehra, Michael Oliveto, Brandon Rutley, Ayaan Shah, and Sajal Varshney.
Principal Joseph Wieckhorst along with members of the high school’s staff, guidance department and members of central office also recognized the class of 2025’s valedictorian Sara Conquet and salutatorian Ayaan Shah.
“To graduate with such academic honors is a testament to the amount of hard work and amount of time these students have spent on their academics,” said Principal Wieckhorst. “These students also excel in many other ways with their involvement in clubs, honor societies, performance groups and athletics. It is so impressive, especially in these days with all of the available distractions, to achieve so much through high school. We are so proud of these students and their accomplishments, and we are proud to know they will graduate and fully embody our goal to create leaders tomorrow.”
Sachem Students Selected for NAfME All-Eastern Honors Orchestra
The Sachem music department proudly congratulates Sachem High School East senior Jaden Rudnicki and Sachem High School North junior Matthew Umbenhower on their selection to perform in the 2025 National Association for Music Education (NAfME) All-Eastern Honors Orchestra.
This prestigious event brings together the top student musicians from eleven Northeastern states and Washington, D.C., to participate in a biannual conference. Participants are chosen based on a rigorous selection process that includes recommendation, audition, application and demonstrated excellence in their craft. The NAfME All-Eastern Honors Orchestra is one of six highly selective ensembles, with only 588 students from across the Northeastern United States earning a place in these elite groups.
Rudnicki and Umbenhower’s selection reflects their dedication, talent and commitment to musical excellence. This achievement highlights the strength of the Sachem music department and its ongoing commitment to fostering outstanding student musicians.
Bayport-Blue Point High School Student Named
National Merit Finalist
Bayport-Blue Point High School student George Rogers IV has been recognized as a finalist in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. This outstanding achievement reflects George’s exceptional academic dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence.
Over 1.3 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2023 PSAT or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors, included the highestscoring entrants in each state.
As a semifinalist, George fulfilled several additional requirements, which led him to the finalist level of the competition. As a finalist, he will be considered for a National Merit Scholarship. National Merit Scholarship winners of 2025 will be announced in four nationwide news releases, beginning in April and concluding in July. The Bayport-Blue Point School District congratulates George on this outstanding accomplishment.
The Necessary Standard for American Education
The State of the Union Address
By Matt Meduri
The State of the Union address, sometimes stylized as SOTU, while required by broad terms by the Constitution, shakes out to be a more traditional display, one that is especially subjective in tone and scope by the president delivering it. We turn to this topic in light of Tuesday night’s State of the Union address, the first of President Donald Trump’s (R-FL) second term and his fifth overall.
History and Origins
Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution states, “He [the president] shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.”
Because of the clause’s vague language, there is no set time of year or particular date on which the address must be given, nor does it stipulate specific policies to be discussed. Similar addresses are given by executives, such as State of the State addresses by governors, and even State of the County addresses by county executives. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) gave his first State of the County address in early May last year.
Regarding presidential State of the Union addresses, George Washington delivered the first regular annual message before a joint session of Congress - a joint session being one where both the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate convene together - on January 8, 1790, in New York City. New York was the provisional U.S. capital at the time. Thomas Jefferson would discontinue the practice as he felt it was too monarchical, reminiscent of the Speech from the Throne. From Jefferson, who was elected in 1800, onward, the address was instead written by the president and delivered to Congress to be read by a clerk.
Originally intended to be an update from the president to Congress, the State of the Union address has become more of a line of communication between the president and the American public, especially in the wake of broadcasting, live streaming, and Internet availability.
The practice of a formal address to Congress was not reinstated until 1913, when Woodrow Wilson (D-NJ) resurrected the practice, albeit with some controversy. Nearly every year since, the president has delivered the address to Congress in person. There have been a few exceptions of written statements or broadcasted speeches. The last State of the Union without a spoken address was done by Jimmy Carter (D-GA) in 1981, just days before his presidency ended after his defeat to Ronald Reagan (R-CA) in 1980.
The term to describe the address was “the President’s Annual Message to Congress.” Franklin D. Roosevelt (D-NY) popularized the phrase “State of the Union” in 1934, and that has been the generally accepted term since then.
The State of the Union address was typically held at the end of the calendar year, often in December. However, with ratification of the Twentieth Amendment moved the term dates for both the president and Congress. For the president, the opening of the term was moved from March 4 to January 20. For Congress, the start of terms were moved from March 4 to January 3. This was done to shorten the “lame duck” period for defeated or term-limited incumbents to limit their powers upon exit, as well as to modernize the process, as the U.S. no longer required the months of traveling and transmission to the nation’s capital. Because of this, every State of the Union address since 1934 has been delivered to Congress early in the calendar year, typically in January or February.
It is also customary that the sitting Speaker of the House formally “invites” the president to deliver the address in the House chamber, often prompting a resolution vote to permit the chamber’s space for the occasion.
While newly-elected presidents often give an address to Congress, they’re not typically considered a classic State of the Union address, mostly owing to the new president’s lack
of time in office and relative inability to update Congress and the nation on executive intent. While these speeches serve a similar function as the State of the Union address, they’re not officially considered as such.
Warren Harding’s (R-OH) speech in 1922 was the first to be broadcast on radio, and Calvin Coolidge’s (R-MA) 1923 speech was the first to be broadcast across the nation. FDR’s 1936 address was the first to be delivered in the evening, a precedent not followed until the 1960s. Harry Truman’s (D-MO) 1947 address was the first to be broadcast on television. Bill Clinton’s (D-AR) 1997 speech was the first to be broadcast available live on the World Wide Web.
Also bucking precedent, Ronald Reagan’s 1986 speech was the first to have been postponed in the wake of the space shuttle Challenger disaster that morning. In 1999, Bill Clinton became the first president to deliver an in-person State of the Union address while standing trial for impeachment. The speech was delivered on the same day that his defense team made their opening statements in his trial.
In 2019, Trump’s speech that year was originally planned for January 29, but was cancelled after then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D, CA-12) stated she would not proceed with a vote on a resolution to allow Trump to deliver his speech in the House chamber until the end of that year’s federal government shutdown. Her cancellation was a rescission of her earlier invitation to the president, likely the first time in history that a Speaker had disinvited a president from delivering the State of the Union address. The speech was later held on February 5.
The Formal Delivery
Every member of Congress is allowed to invite one guest each to the address, while the president may invite up to twenty-four guests to be seated with the First Lady in a separate box in the gallery. The Speaker may also invite up to twenty-four guests to sit in the Speaker’s box. The Cabinet, Supreme Court Justices, Diplomatic Corps members, and military leaders have reserved seating.
By approximately 8:30p.m. on the night of the address, Congress convenes and is seated, while the Deputy Sergeant at Arms often loudly announces the vice president. The vice president is positioned behind the president’s right shoulder (left shoulder in viewing), while the Speaker is seated to the president’s left. On occasion, if either cannot attend the speech, the next highest-ranking individual occupies the respective seat. The Deputy Sergeant at Arms again loudly introduces, in order, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Chief Justice of the United States and Associate justices, and the presidential Cabinet.
At around 9:00p.m., the House Sergeant at Arms faces the House Speaker and introduces the president, often followed by a standing ovation, cheering, and handshakes down the center aisle. The president then hands two copies of his speech to the Speaker and vice president.
Customarily, the Speaker formally announces the president before he begins his speech, typically stating, “Members of Congress, I have the high privilege and distinct
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.
honor of presenting to you the President of the United States.” However, the Speaker may opt not to do so, as was done in 2019 and 2024.
Traditionally, members of Congress are seated on separate sides of the chamber - literally “across the aisle.” In 2011, Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) proposed a resolution to intersperse the seating in the wake of the shooting on then Congresswoman Gabby Giffords (D-AZ). Sixty legislators signed on, with 160 signing on to a similar proposal in 2012. However, since 2016, the seating arrangement has mostly returned to its partisan makeup.
The Designated Survivor
One Cabinet member does not attend the meeting, called the designated survivor. This is done to protect the line of succession to the presidency in the event a major disaster or concerted attack kills or otherwise disables the president and other members in the line of succession.
Since the September 11, 2001, Attacks, members of Congress have been asked to relocate to undisclosed locations in the event of the same catastrophe. In such an event, the surviving members would form a “rump Congress,” dating back to the term in Seventeenth-Century England. The “rump” normally refers to the hind of an animal, implying “remnants,” and has been used to refer to any members of a legislature left over after the dissolution, formal or otherwise, of the existing at-large legislature. Since 2003, each chamber of Congress has a formally designated survivor.
Speech Contents
The purpose of the speech is merely to update Congress, and the nation, oftentimes rather succinctly. The preamble often goes, “The State of the Union is…,” with many saying “strong,” as popularized by Reagan in his 1983 speech. Gerald Ford (R-MI) had his own spin, by saying, “not good” in his 1975 address.
Apart from discussing statistics and specifics of the nation, as well as policy initiatives sought by the executive throughout the year and his term, special guests are often honored and recognized. Reagan’s 1982 address acknowledged Lenny Skutnik for his heroism after the crash of Air Florida Flight 90, saving the life of Priscilla Tirado after the plane crashed into the frozen Potomac River. Since then, special honorees have been referred to as “Lenny Skutniks.” Other designations can occur in this role, as Trump did in 2020. The unprecedented move saw conservative radio personality Rush Limbaugh awarded the Medal of Freedom mid-speech.
Most of the speech is frequently interrupted by applause, which is often partisan. The party of the president delivering the speech is usually the most jubilant, although some bipartisan moments can be observed in any given speech. Supreme Court Justices often do not applaud in order to maintain the appearance of political impartiality. The vice presidents and House Speakers once adhered to this tradition, but have since broken precedent in that regard.
The Opposition Response
While not mandated by the Constitution, the opposition party of the president has given a response speech since 1966, typically from a broadcast studio with no live audience. The speech is often given by a significant political leader, elected or unelected, of the opposition party. In 1997, Republicans delivered the first opposition response in front of high-school students. In 2004, Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM) delivered the first opposition speech in Spanish. In 2011, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN) delivered the response for a political movement, the Tea Party Express. The first Independent response was delivered by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Trump 2020 SOTU, with Pelosi behind tearing up speech.
By Raheem Soto
Park Ranger Injured in the Line of Duty While Stopping a Drunk Driver
It was just another Saturday night patrol for Park Ranger Leyland Crocilla—until it wasn’t. Around 7:53p.m. on March 1, 2025, what should have been a routine evening turned into a dangerous confrontation with an out-of-control drunk driver, one that left Crocilla injured but ultimately ensured the safety of Smithtown residents.
Crocilla, a dedicated public servant, was patrolling when he spotted a vehicle with severe front-end damage heading north on Landing Avenue. The driver, later identified as 52-year-old Gregory Babigian of St. James, made a reckless attempt to turn onto Edgewood Avenue and, in the process, struck another car head-on. Instead of stopping, Babigian decided to flee—an all-too-common and often deadly decision made by impaired drivers.
Recognizing the immediate danger, Crocilla did what law enforcement officers do best—he took action. Initiating a traffic stop, he ordered Babigian to pull over. Initially, the suspect complied, but then things took a violent turn. Babigian suddenly threw his vehicle into reverse and rammed Crocilla’s patrol car—not once, not twice, but three separate times. It wasn’t until his vehicle finally broke down that the drunken rampage ended.
By the time the ordeal was over, Babigian was in custody, facing a laundry list of charges: Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Resisting Arrest, Assault, Criminal Mischief, Reckless Endangerment, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. Meanwhile, both he and Park Ranger Crocilla were taken to the hospital, treated for their injuries, and released.
This incident is a stark reminder of the real dangers that law enforcement officers face daily, even in seemingly quiet communities like Smithtown. While most people were settling into their Saturday night routines, Crocilla put himself in harm’s way to prevent what could have been a far greater tragedy.
Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park) didn’t mince words when expressing his gratitude.
“First and foremost, I am incredibly grateful that Park Ranger Crocilla is safe and on the road to recovery. His courageous decision to put himself in harm’s way to stop a dangerous drunk driver speaks volumes about his bravery, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to protecting our community,” said Wehrheim. “His swift and heroic actions undoubtedly saved lives last night. On behalf of a deeply appreciative community, we salute Park Ranger Crocilla for his outstanding service and commitment to keeping us safe. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery… I also want to commend the entire Department of Public Safety for their tireless efforts in maintaining order, deterring crime, and supporting our law enforcement agencies around the clock. Having a highly trained, well-equipped, and dedicated public safety team working alongside SCPD— whether on land or sea—is a tremendous asset to our town. Their commitment ensures the safety and well-being of our residents every single day.”
Councilman Thomas Lohmann (R-Smithtown), Director of the Department of Public Safety, echoed those sentiments.
“I am grateful that our officer and no other motorists sustained serious injuries during last night’s incident. This situation could have had a far worse outcome, and I am relieved that everyone involved is on the road to recovery,” said Lohmann. “This incident serves as yet another example of the outstanding work performed by the dedicated men and women of the Smithtown Department of Public Safety. Their commitment to protecting the community, responding to emergencies, and upholding public safety is truly commendable.”
Park rangers in Smithtown are more than just protectors of the town’s parks and beaches. New York State Peace Officers have the authority to enforce a wide range of laws, from traffic violations to criminal offenses. They work in close coordination with the Suffolk County Police Department and other agencies, serving as an integral part of the town’s public safety infrastructure.
This case highlights not just the dedication of one officer but the importance of having a well-trained, well-equipped public safety team in place. The reality is that drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 40 people die every single day due to alcohol-impaired driving. That’s more than 13,000 preventable deaths a year, all because some people still choose to get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t.
It’s a crime that law enforcement officers like Park Ranger Crocilla are fighting to stop every single day. And while he may have walked away with minor injuries this time, the risks are always there.
The town of Smithtown is standing behind Crocilla and the Department of Public Safety. Their work doesn’t always make headlines, but moments like this remind us of the sacrifices they make to keep our streets safe.
For residents who want to show their support, reaching out to local law enforcement, attending town safety meetings, and simply expressing gratitude for their work can make a world of difference. And as for anyone tempted to have “just a few drinks” before driving home—don’t. Call a cab, use a ride-sharing app, or have a designated driver. The risk isn’t worth it.
For more information or to report safety concerns, contact the Smithtown Department of Public Safety at (631) 360-7553.
At the end of the day, stories like this one should serve as a wake-up call. Drunk driving doesn’t just impact the person behind the wheel—it endangers everyone on the road. And it’s thanks to officers like Park Ranger Crocilla that more lives weren’t lost that night. Let’s all do our part to keep our streets safe.
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Local History
Thursday, March 6, 2025
‘Follow Through on What I Fought So Hard to Get’
By Ellyn Okvist, B.Sc.
May Miller Duffield (May 24, 1896-February 15, 1982) was a Charter member of the Lake Ronkonkoma Equal Rights Suffrage Club 1912, appropriate to highlight this March as it is Women’s History Month.
She married Raymond Duffield, and their marriage was a strong partnership that lasted more than fifty years. Their only child was a daughter, Norma Duffield Scarazzo (1926-2022).
May Duffield was ahead of her time. Her women’s business sense developed at an early age, and her careful planning and thoughts for the customer is what may have made her such a leader. Purchasing, developing, and running her Pavilion at Ronkonkoma Lake was a lifetime success.
She owned and operated the Duffield West Park Beach on Ronkonkoma Lake during the halcyon days of busy tourism. She was the sole owner of the Pavilion, and her community sense was enjoyed by so many from 1922 to 1969. Her story is a very unusual accomplishment for a woman in that time. With her husband Raymond by her side, there was no limit to living life to the fullest. She had landmark ideas for the business and constructed the pavilion on her property in 1922. Numerous activities were offered, and the parking field could accommodate 400 cars and buses. The guests would enter from Rosevale Avenue on the west side of the lake, the Islip side. Her weekend specials were offering hot meals to the lake visitors, and 100 to 200 of these delicious hot meals were sold daily.
Like many beaches at the time, Duffield’s had two large slides, 20 rowboats, a waterwheel, a diving platform and a motorboat used for sightseeing (pictured below). (Motorboats were banned from the lake by 1934). There were several tennis courts and playground equipment, such as slides and seesaws.
Duffield’s had one of the largest picnic grounds on the lake. It would be almost impossible to list every event held at Duffield’s over the years, but we can include our American Legion, Girl Scout meetings, rallies and leaders’ meetings, church outings, Lake Ronkonkoma Homemakers, Southside Hospital Auxiliary, blood drives during WWII, Lake Ronkonkoma School Field Days, and birthdays of local children. To read the guest list brings us back in time, as you will see familiar names that are still around today.
She sold the pavilion to the Town of Islip. During the 1970s, the pavilion was demolished, and new facilities were assembled on the site. During the 1980s, Ronkonkoma Town Beach remained the go-to place for picnics, swimming and outdoor activities.
Her business sense did not stop at the lake. During the high season in Lake Ronkonkoma, she would move into the cottage next to her home on Hawkins Avenue and rent out her home to boarders. She also established a laundromat in the cottage and took in laundry from whoever asked to be a customer.
Socially, May was involved in many areas. In the early 1900s, as a charter member of “The Philespersons,” was active on the local women’s basketball team and was the only married member. She loved sports and continued actively biking and bowling
throughout her life.
As a young woman, she had been keenly interested in playing baseball, but an accident, resulting in the loss of a finger from her left hand, ended her playing. Her interest never faltered, and she was a devoted Dodgers fan, sitting with a scorecard on her lap as she watched the games. With a true devotion to Girl Scouts, she led generations of young Girl Scouts and was honored for forty years of service. Her passion was ice skating on “her” lake, and in later years she would pull her car onto the ramp and ice skate while Ray would watch her.
May submitted her Application for Membership in the American Legion Auxiliary (pictured left) at the local William Merritt Hallock Post #155 and became a charter member of the Ladies Auxiliary. Her membership was confirmed as Raymond, her husband, was a Veteran of WWII. One can confirm the absence of May’s standing as a woman on the application, which still required to be recognized under a married husbands name.
But since this is Women’s History Month, let’s talk suffrage! Long Island and New York were a huge center for the suffrage crusade, and May Duffield was a confirmed leader. Rosalie Gardiner Jones, Edna Buchman Kearns, and Irene Davidson were regulars in Lake Ronkonkoma as the Lake Ronkonkoma Equal Rights Suffrage Club grew stronger. May recalled speaking on a soap box at the Riverhead Suffrage Rallies, during her militant Lake Ronkonkoma Equal Rights Suffrage Club days. Her daughter, Norma, recalls her mother firmly advising her to vote, saying, “Follow through on what I fought so hard to get.” May Duffield, the suffragette, stressed voting, not political party.
Norma, who was the only child of May and Raymond, and I shared personal conversations which were always educational. Her thoughts of her mother attending rallies and speaking never left her memory. Norma shared the memories of the love her parents shared. The family moved to Pennsylvania in 1969 after the sale of the pavilion, and it was there that May passed peacefully on February 15, 1982. She is Interred at the St. Lawrence Cemetery in Sayville.
Lake Ronkonkoma had many huge influences for suffrage, another being Lillian Browne Devere who we will see highlighted in my column next week, and others the week after that. When do we see such powerful women in one community, all adding to what we enjoy today? I ask that if anyone has further information on other suffragist women in Lake Ronkonkoma, please contact me.
May and Ray Duffield (Credit - Norma Duffield Scarazzo)
Duffield’s 1930
Technology News
Published
The Rise of Agentic AI: Promise, Prudence, and Growing Concerns in a Rapidly Accelerating Landscape
By Mollie Barnett
Agentic AI—technology capable of independently making decisions and solving complex problems—has accelerated dramatically from theoretical concept to practical reality, with widespread deployment now expected by 2027-2028 instead of the previously projected 2035-2040 timeline [McKinsey, The State of AI, 2024]. This swift emergence is generating substantial time and cost savings across multiple sectors while simultaneously raising serious questions about whether society, businesses, and regulatory frameworks are adequately prepared for such rapid transformation.
What Distinguishes True AI Agents
Unlike conventional AI systems that follow fixed pathways, agentic AI operates with significantly greater autonomy and sophistication. According to Bora Ger, Capgemini Global AI Strategist & Visionary based in Frankfurt, true AI agents differentiate themselves through four critical capabilities:
Understanding the environment: AI agents perceive their surroundings and gather data from the world around them, enabling informed decision-making based on contextualized information.
Decision-making skills: Rather than simply following programmed rules, these systems analyze situations and choose actions that lead to specific goals, making them effective in complex, unpredictable scenarios.
Chaining tasks: Agents break down complex problems into manageable sequential steps, tackling intricate issues through methodical decomposition where each step builds upon previous actions.
Continuous feedback loops: Perhaps most significantly, true agents learn and adapt through ongoing operation. They gather inputs, process information, and adjust actions based on results, minimizing the need for human intervention. [Bora Ger, LinkedIn post, approx. February 18, 2025]
Self-Reinforcing Learning Systems
The power of agentic systems stems largely from their sophisticated feedback mechanisms that enable continuous improvement without explicit human guidance. As these systems process increasingly diverse data streams— documents, images, structured databases, and real-time inputs—they reach critical thresholds where learning becomes self-reinforcing. When these systems reach critical data thresholds, they begin generating synthetic training examples for themselves, effectively creating their own curriculum to improve performance on tasks they struggle with [MIT Technology Review, Advances in Reinforcement Learning, 2024]. This creates a virtuous cycle: more data leads to better performance, which enables handling more complex tasks, generating more valuable data, and further enhancing capabilities. Financial systems processing millions of transactions daily exemplify this pattern, with fraud detection accuracy improving from 85% to over 90% in less than six months of operation.
Measurable Benefits Driving Accelerated Adoption
The compressed implementation timeline is driven by compelling evidence of immediate value creation across sectors:
Legal: AI systems now analyze contracts with 60-80% accuracy, reducing attorney research time by 20-30%—approximately 15-20 hours weekly per attorney. For mid-sized firms with five attorneys, this efficiency translates to annual savings between $75,000 and $100,000
[McKinsey, AI in Law Firms, 2023].
Healthcare: Diagnostic tools have achieved 85-90% accuracy while reducing analysis time for medical imaging from 2-3 hours to just 1530 minutes per case. Administrative automation has streamlined scheduling and billing processes by 25%, generating approximately $50,000 in annual savings for typical clinics [MIT CSAIL, AI in Healthcare, 2024].
Financial Services: Fraud detection systems now operate with over 90% precision, identifying anomalies within seconds rather than hours. Automated trading platforms have reduced decision-making time from minutes to milliseconds, boosting profits by 10-15% for firms employing these technologies [McKinsey, AI in Financial Services, 2024].
Essential Questions Before Implementation: Despite compelling benefits, Ger cautions against rushing implementation without proper assessment. He recommends organizations ask these ten critical questions before proceeding:
• Task Complexity: Is it repetitive busy work, or does it require strategic decision-making? Your answer determines if AI can truly add value.
• Frequency & Scale: Will automation save significant resources, or is this a rare event that doesn’t justify the investment?
• Data Volume: Are we talking about processing thousands of queries where AI’s speed becomes a game-changer?
• Adaptability Requirements: Does your environment change constantly? AI shines when flexible responses matter.
• Learning Potential: Can the system improve over time through interactions? This is where AI’s true ROI emerges.
• Accuracy Standards: Medical decisions? Financial transactions? Know your error tolerance before deployment.
• Human Element: Some tasks need emotional intelligence and expert judgment. Be honest about AI’s current limitations.
• Security Framework: Sensitive data requires ironclad protection. Is your infrastructure ready?
• Regulatory Landscape: AI compliance isn’t optional. Know your industry’s requirements.
• ROI Reality Check: Calculate everything: Implementation costs, maintenance, training, and expected returns.
[Bora Ger, LinkedIn post, approx. February 18, 2025]
Growing Concerns About Preparedness
The compressed timeline for agentic AI deployment is triggering mounting concern across industry sectors and policy circles. The 12-year acceleration—from a 15-year horizon to just 2-3 years—has outpaced the development of necessary guardrails and adjustment mechanisms. “The technology is advancing faster than our regulatory structures,” suggests research in the field [MIT Technology Review, Regulatory Challenges of AI, 2025]. This readiness gap manifests across multiple dimensions:
• Regulatory Vacuum: Government agencies are struggling to develop comprehensive oversight mechanisms for increasingly autonomous systems. Questions about liability frameworks, algorithmic
transparency requirements, and responsibility boundaries remain largely unresolved across regulated sectors.
• Workforce Preparedness: By 2028, automation is projected to impact 44% of legal tasks, 30-50% of routine financial processes, and fundamentally reshape administrative staffing across education and healthcare [McKinsey, Future of Work, 2024]. Education and training infrastructure has not adapted quickly enough to facilitate large-scale workforce transitions.
• Ethical Frameworks: Organizations are deploying powerful decision-making systems without established protocols for handling the more unusual situation or edge case, addressing bias, or maintaining appropriate human oversight in high-stakes contexts.
• Security Vulnerabilities: The rapid proliferation of increasingly autonomous systems creates novel attack surfaces and security challenges that cybersecurity infrastructure is not fully equipped to address.
Looking Forward
As agentic AI continues its rapid advancement, differentiating between genuinely transformative implementations and overhyped applications becomes increasingly important. Organizations that thoughtfully assess potential applications against the framework of critical questions will be best
positioned to navigate both the compelling opportunities and significant concerns this accelerated timeline presents.
This isn’t merely about adopting new tools—it represents a fundamental shift in how organizations approach problem-solving, decision-making, and resource allocation in the transformed competitive landscape of A and beyond.
The winners in this rapidly evolving landscape will be those who balance technological ambition with strategic prudence, carefully evaluating where agentic AI truly adds value while actively addressing the regulatory, workforce, and ethical implications of implementation.
Thoughtful preparation rather than reactive adaptation appears to be the critical differentiator as society collectively determines not just how to implement this technology effectively, but whether we’re genuinely ready for the profound changes it will bring.
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
AMAC
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Zelensky – Not Thinking Straight
By Robert B. Charles | AMAC
Last week, in an extraordinary display, Ukraine’s President Zelensky sat in his designer military outfit and proceeded to lecture, interrupt, and disrespect America’s President, who was trying to broker peace and finance reconstruction. The spectacle was breathtaking. Zelensky is not thinking straight.
Why the meltdown? Why did Trump and Vance respond with indignance to demands for more money and security guarantees? Why did Zelensky renege on a clear way to finance his country’s reconstruction with mineral rights?
Some things are obvious, others not. Here are a few indisputable facts.
US taxpayers have given direct aid to Ukraine since Russia’s unprovoked annexation in February 2022 of between $200 and $350 billion, and indirect aid to NATO is far above that. Since 2014, the US has given Ukraine another $44.5 billion dollars in military aid.
By contrast, the US gives $870 million to our Pacific friend Taiwan, only three billion since 2014. So, Ukraine has drawn more than 100 times the aid Taiwan has in a decade.
The US, over the past 75 years, has given $22 trillion dollars to NATO, after financing the Allied WWII victory, which cost us 450,000 men. The US finances 16 percent of NATO’s budget, asking for two percent from the other 31 nations. Only 11 of them give that.
Since the Ukraine war’s start, which might have been prevented with diplomacy before 2014, for example, brokering a Panamastyle lease between Ukraine and Russia for warmwater port rights, the US has been Ukraine’s real defender.
In total support, Americans have given Ukraine more than all 31 other NATO members combined, running down our stockpiles of Stinger anti-aircraft and Javelin anti-tank missiles, M77 towed howitzers, 144, 000 rounds of ammunition, drones, A3 and M113 APC vehicles, body arm, helmets, rifles, radar, foreign-made helicopters, and F-16 production line for Ukraine.
Beyond readiness issues for our military, this contribution to Ukraine cost Americans dearly. While half a trillion dollars over ten years may seem small in comparison to our 6.3 trillion annual budget and 37 trillion debt, it is big. It helped fuel Biden inflation, that his nine percent in 2022.
So, returning to Trump’s peace plan, what did Zelensky do? While at the White House, he aborted the mineral rights agreement that would have created a 50-50 fund with US investment to underwrite Ukraine’s reconstruction and put a US “tripwire” in Ukraine.
US participants wanted a more direct return for US i risk-taking, but Trump wanted peace. This deal would have accelerated peace talks with Russia when it has a hollowed out army, high casualties – as Ukraine – and needs Chinese resupply and North Korean soldiers. The time is now.
Ukraine had a chance to step up, take the initiative, and form a lasting bond with us, accelerating the peaceful closure of a devastating war. What did Zelensky have to lose? Almost nothing. His country cannot continue fighting, except in continued, deathdealing stalemate.
Zelensky has no realistic chance of regaining the 20 percent of Ukraine illegally taken by Russia. That portion is notably “Russified,” speaks Russian, history with Russia, ion places – even before war – favored Russia. If this seems somehow outrageous, not part of the narrative, Western history books will
confirm it. Like other split nations, ethnic division continues and autocrats exploit them,
This war has no obvious way of ending short of more death, destruction, attrition, and risk of major escalation. Civilians pay the largest price in Ukraine. So, what is the answer?
Peace is hard but necessary. Russia will not get what it wants: the reassimilation of all Ukraine. Ukraine will not get recovery of the Russified east or NATO membership or US security guarantees.
For the US to secure Ukraine would, in effect, give Ukraine NATO membership, inviting a “hot war” with nuclear-armed Russia. For the US to walk away from Ukraine’s resources to refinance rebuilding would be folly. For NATO not to want this peace with Russia weakened is also folly.
What Trump-Vance want is to end the war, broker for
Overview - AMAC -
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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
Ukraine – incidentally, one of the most corrupt governments in the world – lasting peace, what they should also want, not pie in the sky but peace.
Instead, Zelensky – like a spoiled, demanding, out-of-touch child – threw a tantrum and demanded more US money and arms. He rudely interrupted, insulted, and chided Americans. Asked to thank America, he did not. Asked to apologize, he refused. Asked to contribute resources, he refused that too.
Bottom line? Russia is staggering, its army exhausted, low on everything from bullets to men. They are poised for peace but will keep fighting, with China and North Korea helping. Is peace a good idea? Yes. Possible? Yes. Will it last? Likely yes. Zelensky is not thinking straight. As his options vanish, he needs to rethink arrogance, not a good look. His countrymen need a leader, not a comedian.
13–
27,
Jul 10–Aug 24, 2025
WORD OF THE Week
Etymology:
mid 17th century: from Latin cogent- ‘compelling’, from the verb cogere, from co- ‘together’ + agere ‘drive’.
COGENT
noun
Pronounced: /koh·jint/
Definition: (of an argument or case) clear, logical, and convincing.
Example: “Partisan tensions eased when the leader made a cogent argument for the legislation.”
credible, valid, sound
Antonyms: vague, muddled, unconvincing
Source: Oxford Languages
WORD
U A I S M N
See how many words you can create. Must have center letter in word and can use letters more than once. 4 letter word minimum.
SUDOKU
See bottom left for the answers (please don’t cheat!)
This Week in History
March 7, 1876: Alexander Graham Bell receives a patent for the telephone in the U.S.
March 6, 1981: Walter Cronkite signs off as anchorman of “CBS Evening News.”
March 8, 1936: The first stock car race is held in Daytona Beach, Florida.
March 11, 2018: China’s National People’s Congress approves removal of term limits for a leader, allowing Xi Jinping to be president for life.
March 9, 1918: Russian Bolshevik Party becomes the Communist Party.
March 12, 1930: Mahatma Gandhi begins his famous 200 mile (300km) protest march against the widely hated British salt tax.
March 10, 1997: “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” created by Joss Whedon and starring Sarah Michelle Geller premieres on WB Television Network.
By PJ Balzer
Floyd Ousts Bay Shore in Rematch
There are high school sports games. There are anticipated playoff games. Then there are games like this.
The Class AAA boys’ semifinal game was one that the Long Island sports world has been waiting for all year. The William Floyd Colonials took on the Bay Shore Marauders before several thousand fans at a neutral site of Longwood High School. Bay Shore beat Floyd last year in the Suffolk County final game at the same exact place, then going on to win the Long Island championship and advancing to the state finals.
The stage was set once again tonight almost a year to date, Floyd with a convincing win over Ward Melville the prior playoff game, and Bay Shore the same over Riverhead.
Everything lined up perfectly for a rematch.
This game’s roots run much deeper behind the scenes than many people know. Several of the stars on each team play on the same summer league teams together. They are friends off the court, know each other’s families, and each other’s basketball games, strong points and weak ones too.
Yet, from the opening tip off to the final buzzer tonight. Friends have to become foes for the team’s name on the front of their jersey.
From the very beginning, this game was completely electric. Jermaine King came out with guns blazing and brought all the fire power out in a back-and-forth first quarter with stellar shot-making. Bay Shore finished the first quarter with six (6) three-pointers, with Floyd making four. Dahmarion Moses, who was a force to be reckoned with under the rim, had a putback layup to beat the first quarter’s buzzer, making the score 23-22 with Floyd on top.
But one of the strongest guard combinations on the Island in Carter Wilson, Corey Faines, and Kingsley Rogers were ready for war and not afraid to face this battle. Rogers and Floyd’s Jermaine King both finished the first half with 16 points apiece.
While the first half was a game played from behind the arc, the second half was decided around the rim. Jawuan Smith, one of the best mid-range players, shot blockers, and rebounders on the Island, had some crucial shots and rebounds at seemingly just the right time. Smith, who finished the game with 17 points, had a smooth finish at the rim to put Floyd up 54-46 with just under five minutes left in the game.
As much as it seemed like the game could be wrapping up with Floyd up 59-54 with only 1:21 left, Bay Shore hit two free throws and Kingsley Rogers hit a three-pointer with only seconds left to send the game into overtime tied at 59. Floyd was able to hit some crucial free throws in overtime and outlast
the defending Long Island Champs by a score of 67-61. Carter Wilson finished the game with 17 points, while Kingsley Rogers and Corey Faines had 22 and 13, respectively. Jermaine King led all scorers with 31. Floyd’s Coach William Slinkosky concluded an exciting evening with an emotional and heart felt tribute to Darrell Sumpter, William Floyd’s assistant and beloved coach who passed in a tragic car accident right before Christmas.
The Colonials advance for the second year in a row to the Suffolk County class AAA championship game where they will face off with Half Hollow Hills East. The game is 6:00p.m. Sunday, March 9, at Farmingdale State College. Tickets are available at GoFan.
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Around Town Winners Showcase Fine Art Exhibition at Mills Pond Gallery
Smithtown Township Arts Council is pleased to present Winners Showcase March 15 through April 11 at Mills Pond Gallery. The public is invited to an opening reception Saturday March 15, 1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. to meet the exhibiting artists and view the artwork.
The exhibit features the art of nine prize-winning artists from past juried exhibitions. Over sixty works of art created in acrylic, oil, watercolor, pastel, pencil, Silver Gelatin Film Photography, Carved Plaster and mixed media will be exhibited.
Christopher Hanson (Rocky Point) specializes in figurative and narrative pieces which range in many different styles and subject matters using Oil and Graphite. Also proficient in digital media, Chris explores many facets of Fantasy, Science fiction, and Horror in his professional illustrations.
Matthew Manthe (Miller Place) has been sketching since childhood, always with a pencil and paper in hand. “I have spent hundreds of hours filling my walls with artwork.” He exhibits in galleries across the Northeast. “I have a passion for filling every inch of the page with detail, a practice that has fueled my art for years.”
Howard Pohl (Lindenhurst) built his first darkroom in which to develop black-and-white film in 1985. Despite the popularity of today’s Digital photography, Howard still finds the traditional method of analog photography to be motivating and continues the process to this day. He is passionate about capturing the blacks, whites, and shades of gray that make up the monochromatic palette which allow him to stay true to the negative image.
Adam D. Smith (Selden) grew up on family boats on the waters of Long Island and has always been inspired by the beautiful coastline and the magic of water. “I relish the challenge of translating our environment onto canvas. Whether a coastal scene, a nautical-inspired work, or simply a water portrait, I love finding the right colors to invoke a response.”
Myungja Anna Koh (Stony Brook) bases her paintings on inspiration within her mind, specifically to capture and improvise the unique energy of objects. She wants to leave traces of paint on paper or canvas
by using momentary, impromptu energy. She works in acrylics, watercolors, and digital art. Also a children’s book author, Anna immerses herself in storytelling in her art and her writing.
Robert Berson (Northport) has lived on Long Island all his life except for a two-year stint in the Army. As a physician for some forty years, he did not always have the time to take lessons in drawing or painting but periodically would be drawn back to art and try to squeeze it into his days. Now retired for ten years, Robert has become more serious about his pastel art.
Nicholas Valentino (North Babylon) says, “Attending Parsons School of Design gave me the skills and confidence to pursue my creativity.” Nick brings a unique and personal perspective to his art. Working with mixed media and “throw-away” items, Nick’s passion is creating a new spin on automotive parts “giving them new life and purpose through my art.”
Ross Barbera (Ronkonkoma) is inspired by the interplay and rich diversity of textural surfaces, form and color in landscape environments. Many of his works explore the visual interaction that occurs between streams, ponds and bodies of water with their surrounding landscape environments. Ross taught at St. John’s University, Department of Art and Design, where he served as chair for three years.
Marianne Andresen-Magin (Huntington) has always loved to draw and paint. She specializes in illustration art and loves to feature animals in her artwork. Working in many mediums including ink, marker, watercolor, and colored pencils the beauty of nature and animals inspire her. Marianne is also an award-winning children’s book author.
For information or directions visit millspondgallery.org or call 631-862-6575. Mills Pond Gallery hours are Wednesdays through Fridays, 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 12:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. All parking in rear lot: GPS parking address is 176 Mills Pond Road in St. James. Admission to the Gallery is always free.
Robert Berson-Belmont Lake State Park-Pastel
Adam Smith Prussian Waters- Oil on Canvas
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Ross Barbera-Flight Lesson-Watercolor and Acrylic on canvas
Christopher Hanson-Isles of Mist-Oil on Linen
Nicholas Valentino- Scrap Yard Blues
Myungja Anna Koh-The Beta Dancing-Watercolor
Matthew Manthe-Dark Night-Carved Plaster
By Ashley Pavlakis
Sachem East Varsity Cheerleading: A Pyramid of Success
Two, four, six, eight, who do we appreciate? The Arrows!
The Sachem East varsity cheerleading team capped off another successful season with a Suffolk County Championship. The Arrows will look to defend their title as they head to states this week in Binghamton.
The Sachem East Arrows are a member of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and compete in Class A. The squad is led by twin sisters Victoria and Brianna Aghabekian. Victoria was named Suffolk County coach of the year by Newsday in 2024.
“My sister [Victoria] is the head coach and I’m the assistant coach. She’s been the head coach for five years, and I’ve been the assistant for four. We’re actually alumni, we graduated from Sachem East, cheered on the team for four years, graduated in 2011, we were captains. So, it’s like a full circle with going back and coaching now,” said B. Aghabekian.
This group of cheerleaders are no strangers to success, as they’ve won the Suffolk County Championship three out of the last four years, and they won the state and regional championship last year.
Greatness? Dynasty in the making? Whatever you would like to call it, the Arrows have their traditional and game-day routines down pat.
“It’s doing the reps several times over and over again until us and the girls feel confident in their skills where there’s no question in mind about how our performances will go,” said B. Aghabekian.
By Ashley Pavlakis
The Cougars are on the hunt at Centereach High School this season as the girls’ varsity basketball team is in the midst of a playoff run. The team has battled hard on the court this season to get themselves to a semifinal matchup with Smithtown West.
The Centereach girls’ varsity basketball team is a member of the New York State Public High School Basketball Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and competes in League IV. This season, the Cougars held a 17-3 record, best for third place in League IV. The only three losses came to Smithtown West and West Babylon (twice).
The team has eleven seniors set to graduate this spring. For most of their high school cheer careers, they found success on the mat. Some athletes are lucky to win a title once, but to win multiple times at different levels of competition is unique.
“They are the heart of the team, to be honest with you a couple of them I’ve coached every single year since I’ve been the coach so I don’t know how to coach a team without some of them, next year will definitely be different. They’re a great group of kids, it’s beyond a sport, they become a family. They spend most of their time with each other whether they’re at practice, all-star gyms, or tumbling classes,” said B. Aghabekian.
Sachem East earned three first-place finishes this winter season which helped them to secure the first place ranking. In addition, they also earned their first ever win at the Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA) Regionals. The competition typically is held at Disney and most teams usually have their sights set on making it to the most magical place on earth.
“We competed in the large varsity division this year which was one of the hardest divisions at the competition. We had an amazing performance for both routines, unfortunately, the competition was very hard to make it through the final rounds,” said B. Aghabekian of their second-place finish at the UCA’s.
In the sport of cheerleading, a team competes together as a unit. Sachem East embodies the concept wholeheartedly.
“You have to love it to be there, you can’t force anyone to be there to be successful. You have to wanna be better. And they all do it for each other,” B. Aghabekian told The Messenger.
Centereach Girls Basketball: On The Rise With Young Talent
The squad is coached by fifth-year head coach Steve Greco, coaching alongside him is assistant coach Colin Hintze. Uniquely, the duo are actually special education teachers at the middle school and teach across the hall from one another. Greco took over at the beginning of the pandemic, although it was a strange season to manage he took it in stride and turned the Cougars into a powerhouse over the last few years.
The 2024-25 season is the fourth consecutive season in which the Cougars have made the playoffs. Last season they were knocked out in the first round so redemption is surely on their minds. The Cougars had a semifinal matchup with the Bulls of Smithtown West on Tuesday night. Win or go home was the name of the game for both teams.
The Messenger spoke with Coach Greco prior to Tuesday night’s semi-final matchup. The final score of the game was 50-40 in favor of Smithtown West who will now head to the championship game on Sunday.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to have that third game with them [Smithtown West] on a neutral site, since we split at each other’s home. They’re a good team, I would say they move the ball well, they play well together. You kind of have to worry about all the kids on the court in that aspect. They move it to each other, they’re unselfish,” said Greco.
Junior Point Guard Hayley Torres notched her 1,000th point earlier this season for the Cougars. Torres plays an integral role for this team as Greco told The Messenger.
“We have two really good guards; we have Delaney Walters and Hayley Torres. Hayley is a junior now but came up as a seventh grader also in that weird COVID-19 year and has really been the catalyst for the change. Hayley came to an open gym and the way she just moved and handled the ball, I thought, “That kid is going to be a stud.’ She’s a true point guard, she does everything well, and she sees the floor well,” said Greco.
Perhaps a story in the making for the young Cougar squad is eighth grader Delaney Walters. The point guard was brought up to varsity as a seventh grader and has remained a member of the team since. This year she has 63 three-point shots and over 600 points in her young career. To think she still has four whole years of high school left to play is simply mind-boggling.
“Delaney, last year we brought her up and we knew this kid had everything that we needed to be successful. She is an unbelievable shooter, last year she came up and had 47 threes as a seventh grader, but didn’t really get to the basket. This year she’s growing, she’s only in eighth grade, but she got a little bit stronger and bigger so she’s able to get to the basket a little more,” said Greco.
Greco talked about the sense of cohesiveness within his team and how they mesh well together on and off the court.
“One of the biggest people for us, someone who doesn’t get a lot of recognition is Alexa Carmody. She’s our third guard; she does all those little scrappy things. She’s such a nice kid, very welcoming, and I think that kind of helps,” said Greco.
High school sports are only four years of an adolescent teen’s life, but for the Cougars, it’s about being in the moment and embracing it all.
“It’s not like they don’t take it seriously, they, at times, know how to have a good time and relax so the moment doesn’t get too big. Coach and I try to develop that environment where you don’t feel so much pressure on every play. We’ve turned the program around in a short period of time, so they do start to feel like they do belong,” said Greco.
Credit - Sachem Central School District
LONG ISLAND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL IS NOW NYU LANGONE HOSPITAL—SUFFOLK. WELCOME TO THE HEALTH SYSTEM.
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