The South Shore Press 5/22/24

PASS CHELSEY'S LAW

Photo Credit: Robert Chartuk

The year was 1997.

BY STEFAN MYCHAJLIW

At the time I had already been working as a television news reporter for four years at WSTMTV in Syracuse, New York.

They hired me despite having a face for radio, an eye chart of a last name, and being as green as the grass is long. I was a junior at the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University when I landed my first journalism job at that NBC affiliate, now known as CNY Central.

It was a Sunday. May 18th to be exact. Twenty-seven years ago this week. Photojournalist Chris Barrus and yours truly were working on what we thought was going to be a slow news day.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

We received word that a Native American protest was going to be taking place on the Onondaga Nation territory, which happened to run right through Route 81, a major

highway connecting Northern New York State to Tennessee. At issue was an agreement New York State government and some Chiefs entered into concerning taxes on cigarettes and gasoline.

We parked our news vehicle on a side road, at a lower elevation of Route 81, so no one really saw Chris and I approaching. While I parked, he grabbed his gear, ran over the hill, and got to the protest scene as soon as possible. I was about two minutes behind him.

When I walked over the small hill and saw the expanse of Route 81, I couldn’t believe the scene in front of me: rows and rows of New York State police in riot gear, bonfires, protestors, all in the middle of the highway, which was now totally shut down.

A violent melee erupted between law enforcement and Native American protestors. A number of police were hurt in the fracas. To this day, I can’t get the sound out

Freedom of the Press

of my head of batons hitting bone. It was a rapid-fire “ding” similar to when an aluminum bat crushes a softball. It didn’t stop for many minutes.

Keep in mind, cell phones weren’t prevalent at the time. Chris the photojournalist was nowhere to be found. I had no idea if he was in the middle of this battle or videotaping

from a distance. Many protestors were arrested and lined up in a singular row along the highway.

One of those in cuffs stood out: It was Chris the photographer.

Unbeknownst to me, a highranking New York State Police officer grabbed Chris and his camera and threatened him, ordered him to stop recording, that he was going

Long Island Loses a Legend: Joan Travan

ByRobertChartuk

The community is mourning the passing of Joan Travan, a longtime South Shore Press columnist and driving force behind many projects in her beloved hometown of Medford. She touched many lives both as a civic leader and in her profession as a Community Service Aide.

Her weekly photojournalism column, “Joan’s View,” provided a unique perspective on local life, community, and politics. Her remarkable contributions were recognized in 2018 with the New York State Community Service award by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Col. Josiah Smith Chapter as they declared June 9 as Joan Travan Day. Joan served as president of the Medford Taxpayers and Civic Association for nearly 20 years, where she proudly represented

local interests before businesses, developers, and elected officials. Some of the best features of Medford are the result of her vision, tenacity, and hard work, according to her many admirers.

Joan saw to it that Medford Veterans Memorial Park was expanded with the closing of the old road that used to run behind it. She fought for better conditions on Peconic Avenue, and for traffic to stay off of Route 112. She had a dream for a community center in Medford and when the opportunity arose in 2008, she helped secure $2 million in funding from the developers of the Caithness power plant. Joan formed the Medford Hamlet Foundation with the goal of building something wonderful in Medford. Sixteen years later, and with the help of many people and various levels of government, her vision became a branch of the

Medford Library, which will have its grand opening this summer.

“Sadly, Joan will only be at the ribbon cutting for the new library in spirit, but I know she will be on the minds of everyone there,” said Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, who served with her in the leadership of the Suffolk Association of Municipal Employees when they worked for the county. “Though

she will be sorely missed, her contributions to our community will live on.”

A mother of three, grandmother of seven, and a great-grandmother, Joan served as president of the Patchogue-Medford PTA Council.

A lover of the arts and an artist herself, she started the Cultural Arts Dance, which supported art education in the school district for years. “She has been involved in so many organizations that I can’t even list them all right now,” said her daughter, Julie Travan Snyder.

“Being involved in the community was her lifelong passion. All I can say is she left a legacy for her family to be proud of and that’s all that matters. Our lives will never be the same without her.”

Rosina Valvo, Joan’s niece, remembered: “She was a colorful character. I often stayed with her and my cousins when I was in my

to “ruin relations” with Channel 3. The police officer pulled the camera to the ground and placed Chris in handcuffs.

Thankfully Chris recorded this, along with the protest, and if memory serves me correctly this member of law enforcement was demoted a rank because of his physical altercation and threat with a member of the press.

Fast-forward 27 years later, and another government entity most certainly did not learn their lesson on the First Amendment and freedom of the press and freedom of speech. Lawyers from the Syracuse City School District sent my former station a threatening “cease and desist” letter for reporters to stop contacting publicly elected commissioners and district officials.

Keep in mind, these are reporters touching base with elected officials and administrators concerning a story about a teacher who was violently attacked in the classroom.

Continued on page 5

teens, and she would say, ‘Rosina, if I catch you smoking pot, I’m sending you back to your mother in a cardboard box.’ You can get into a political debate with her in about two seconds, but you better be well-informed because she knows her stuff. I always loved her stories about Eddie Money; she was really proud of the interview she did with him. She also told me once that she met Steven Tyler walking down the street in New York before he was really famous. She said, ‘I think he was high because he seemed really out of it.’ She just cracked me up!”

“My Grandma was the best Grandma and Great-Grandma,” her granddaughter, Brittany Snyder, wrote. “She was strong-willed, hard-working, loved helping the community, and would do anything for her family. As her only granddaughter and first grandchild, we spent so much time together.

Continued on page 5

Stefan Mychajliw following riots on the Onondaga Nation in 1997.

Photo Credit: Suffolk AME Joan Travan

Photo Credit: YouTube

ByRobertChartuk

Rally for New Laws as Drug Epidemic Sweeps State

Fentanyl is killing New Yorkers at a frightening pace, and the legislature must act now on bills to end the carnage. That was the message from a bipartisan group of Suffolk officials at a rally Friday imploring state leaders to enact four bills, including Chelsey's Law, they hope will turn the tide on the deadly drug epidemic.

"Suffolk residents are dying at the rate of more than one per day from fentanyl," said County Executive Edward Romaine at the Hauppauge rally, which featured more than a dozen activists and the families of overdose victims. "Fentanyl is so powerful, just one dose will kill you, and it's happening so much, it's really frightening," Romaine told the crowd.

Among the speakers making the case for stronger drug laws were the parents of Chelsey Murray, a 31-year-old Lake Grove woman who died from fentanyl poisoning. Chelsey's Law, which was stripped by the Democrat leaders of assembly and senate from Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget resolution, would increase penalties for those who knowingly sell drugs that can kill you. "Who are they protecting, the dealers or all the people who are dying?" Gene Murray wondered. "The legislature needs to put a stop to this. We can't keep adding to the list of people who are dying from illegal drugs."

Among the rally participants was Marge Kochman of Port Jefferson, who lost two sons to fentanyl. "Far too many lives are being lost to the flood of drugs coming from China.

The evil Democrats won't change the laws; they won't close the border where the drugs are coming in; they don't care about all the people who are dying," Kochman said.

State Senator Mario Mattera singled out the state officials by name who are blocking the bills he and other Republicans have sponsored to combat the drug scourge. "Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie: you pulled the fentanyl bill from the budget; you are blocking the laws we need to protect our citizens. It's time you stop the bleeding," Mattera said.

Also appearing at the rally was Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano, who sponsored one of the bills called for by the Suffolk Legislative Delegation. "You can sell fentanyl

and other illegal drugs that kill people, and the district attorney can't charge you with murder," DeStefano noted. "You can be caught with up to eight ounces of fentanyl, enough to kill hundreds of thousands of people, and you won't be held on bail thanks to the Democrat laws. The deaths can no longer be ignored; the Democrats have to get on board with these bills."

Senator Dean Murray explained another law that is part of the legislative package: "Xylazine, also known as tranq, is a powerful sedative for large animals. Drug dealers are mixing it with God knows what else, and people are dying. Currently, it's not listed as a controlled substance. My bill will change that while still allowing access to veterinarians who need it."

Good Riddance: Brookhaven Zombie House Comes Crashing Down

ByStefanMychajliw

on hand when a bulldozer started demolishing a

Lane in Medford.

A “zombie home” is one where the owner falls behind on payments, the bank begins foreclosure proceedings, but the

original owner bolts and leaves the house vacant. Much to the chagrin of neighbors and the surrounding community, the abandoned property usually falls into disrepair.

It is difficult for the bank or a municipality to take action to have the property fixed and cleaned up, since there is a bit of an ownership vacuum.

The house on Barbara Lane,

According to Allen Bode, the chief assistant filling in at the rally for Suffolk District Attorney Raymond Tierney, New York lags far behind other states when it comes to drug laws. "Death by Dealer" laws exist in 29 states, said Bode, who noted that 18% of autopsies on OD victims show xylazine in their system. He pointed out the many deaths of children in Suffolk who were exposed to illegal drugs and ticked off the number of trips to Albany and the rallies Suffolk officials have participated in to lobby for more powerful laws. "People OD in our county every single day, yet nothing gets done." Other bills referenced by Bode would require bail for drug dealers and allow payments from the Crime Victims Fund to help families pay for the funerals of people who die from drugs.

In April, Tierney announced a guilty plea from Jaquan Casserly, 34, of Holbrook, the dealer who sold the

drugs that killed Chelsey Murray. He was charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. He had a prior drug arrest on his record and is facing 10 years in prison. "We can't ask for bail for these drug sales," Bode said. "It's ridiculous."

Joining a number of grieving drug overdose families and activists at the rally were officials from both sides of the political aisle, including Kevin McCaffrey, Presiding Officer of the Suffolk Legislature, his fellow legislators Nick Caracappa, Steve Flotteron, Leslie Kennedy, James Mazzarella, Anthony Piccirillo, and Dominick Thorne, Suffolk Comptroller John Kennedy, Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico, Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer, a representative of Sheriff Errol Toulon, and various members of local law enforcement.

SCPD Travels to DC to Honor Fallen Officers

which had been vacant and open to the weather for many years, was uninhabitable and a blight on the community.

This dangerous eyesore was the source of neighborhood complaints about squatters, rodents and illegal drug activity.

It was demolished by the Town of Brookhaven in accordance with Chapter 73 of the Town Code which provides a “fast track” to rid neighborhoods of unsafe structures. The cost of demolition, debris removal and restoration of the land to nature is the responsibility of the property owner.

“The Town of Brookhaven began the demolition and clean up of this very damp and moldy blighted structure to the delight of neighboring residents. As the bank has a pending foreclosure action, we hope to see a brandnew home rise in this beautiful community someday soon,” said Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico.

Members of the Suffolk

traveled to Washington, D.C., during National Police Week. Many officers attended

a Candlelight Vigil and the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service.

The vigil honored officers who lost their lives last year.

Photo Credit: Robert Chartuk

Photo Credit: Robert Chartuk

Gene Murray, right, is joined by Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano, left, and Senator Mario Mattera, at the Hauppauge rally to win passage of a law named for his daughter, Chelsey.

Members of the group Rally to Fight the Fentanyl Crisis make their case for Chelsey’s Law, named for a Lake Grove resident killed by the deadly drug.

Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico, concerned neighbors, and community activists were

“zombie home” located at 56 Barbara

Photo Credit: Town of Brookhaven 56 Barbara Lane in Medford

ByStefanMychajliw

County Police Department

Photo Credit: Suffolk County Police Department SCPD Officers in Washington D.C.

LOCAL Honoring Those Who Fought for Freedom and Who Protect and Serve

ByStefanMychajliw

Legislator Leslie Kennedy hosted the 3rd Annual Suffolk County Heroes Breakfast at the American Airpower Museum in Farmingdale.

The breakfast honored Police, Fire, EMS, veterans, military personnel, and community leaders.

On hand was the mother of Army Specialist Jacob Fletcher, who lost his life in Northern Iraq. Jacob enlisted following the 9/11 attacks on America. He was 28-years-old when he was killed more than 20 years ago. The 1994 Babylon High School graduate was killed when explosives rocked the bus he was driving on. Fletcher was one of the first Americans to land on Iraqi soil during that war, parachuting into a territory just north of Baghdad.

Jacob’s mother, Dorine Kenney, was on hand at the breakfast for the naming of the Jacob’s Light “Beacon of Hope Award," which is named after her son. The Award is given to individuals and organizations that have overcome tremendous

hardships, and those who continue to strive to be a beacon of light for those in need.

This year, Kristina Moon and the Paws of War organization were honored. Kristina Moon is the President of the Billy Moon Foundation that was started after the passing of her husband, firefighter Billy Moon.

This foundation was created to honor Billy Moon’s memory for his selfless sacrifice to be both a first responder and organ donor. Also honored was the Paws of War organization which was founded in 2014 to honor and support veterans, active military members, and first responders. Paws of War offers services that enrich their lives through providing service and companion animals.

“Kristina Moon, wife of former FDNY firefighter Billy Moon, and Paws of War, represented by Ray Meyer, are excellent choices for this year’s Jacob’s Light Beacon of Hope Award. Both embody

strength and dedication to public service. Kristina Moon and her children embody the wishes of their late husband and father who donated five organs to strangers, upon his death. Kristina Moon has continued to advocate for organ donation throughout New York State. Meyer and Paws of War have continuously supported veterans, active military members, and first

New Kelp Farm for Violet's Cove

ByRobertChartuk

The benefits of kelp were extolled by local officials announcing an agreement for an aquaculture farm at Violet’s Cove in Mastic Beach with Sue Wicks, a former professional basketball star with roots to the local waters going back generations.

“When l came back to the area in my fifties it was heartbreaking to see the condition of our beloved waters, Wicks said. “The clams were gone, the oysters were gone. We are servants to the bay; we must protect it.”

Wicks followed in the footsteps of her ancestors, Suffolk’s earliest settlers who worked the local waters, and set up an oyster farm in Moriches Bay off the Havens Estate in her hometown of Center Moriches. With an assist from the officials gathered at the announcement—County Executive Ed Romaine, Legislator Jim Mazzarella, Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico, and

“The natural benefits of kelp are amazing,” Romaine said, noting that one plant can absorb as much nitrogen as can be processed by 28 innovative/alternative septic systems. “Sugar kelp can be eaten, it can be used as fertilizer. It’s an excellent crop because it grows in the offseason.” Brown tides caused by nitrogen from residential septic systems and fertilizer are one of the greatest threats to Long Island waters, the county executive stressed.

Legislator Mazzarella spoke of a quick approval process for the operation as the state, county, and town came together in record time to green-light the project.

Volunteers from community organizations, Building Trades Local 138, and even the family of Suffolk Planning Commissioner Sarah Lansdale turned out to put together drying racks and help

prepare the site. Brookhaven Superintendent of Highways Dan Losquadro made space available at a nearby highway yard for processing.

“This is what the Mastic Peninsula should be known for,” Supervisor Panico told the crowd of environmentalists and other supporters at the new aquafarming site. “Our environment is our economy,” he said. “They are tied together.”

Representing the National Surfrider Foundation was Jennifer Latham of East Moriches who pointed out the power of elected officials working with environmentalists to protect the region’s natural resources. “Moriches Bay is an integral part of our ecosystem as it connects the local waters to the Atlantic Ocean,” Latham explained. “We must protect it, and this kelp farm and the many more that are sure to follow will go a long way toward restoring our natural heritage.”

Welcoming Wicks and her new endeavor were Mastic Beach Property Owners Association officials Mike and Catherine Kobasiuk and Kevin Collins. Also on hand were Maura Spery from the Mastic Beach Conservancy, Creek Defender Walt Meshenberg, Frank Fugarino with the Pattersquash Civic Association, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Vanessa Lockel, and Robert Carpenter of the Long Island Farm Bureau, who said he looks forward to kelp on the menus of local restaurants.

The famed Violet’s Cove Restaurant stood at the site until

Their compassionate efforts in supporting veterans and their families exemplify the spirit of service and generosity that this award represents. Kristina Moon, President of the Billy Moon Foundation, has shown remarkable resilience and dedication in her advocacy for organ donation and providing essential support to donor families in honor of her late husband, Billy Moon. Paws of War has made an extraordinary impact by rescuing animals and providing vital services to our veterans and first responders. Both are truly embodying the Beacon of Hope Award,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin.

responders through providing service and companion animals for a decade,” said Legislator Kennedy.

"I am incredibly honored to recognize Kristina Moon and the Moon Family, and Paws of War for the Jacob's Light Humanitarian Award for their unwavering dedication to our community, our local veterans and first responders.

This event has been made possible for the past three years through the generosity of multiple organizations. Every year, the airpower Museum donates the space, the Bristal Assisted Living donates food and drinks, and Catholic Health partners with Legislator Kennedy’s office to help coordinate the Hero’s Breakfast.

it was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. The county has taken over the panoramic waterfront property with plans to build a park pavilion and other amenities to increase public access to the bay, according to Legislator Mazzarella. The new park is part of a grand revitalization planned for the area which includes a new Smith Point Bridge, rebuilding of the Neighborhood Road Business District, the Forge River

Watershed Sewer Project, and the town’s new Patriot’s Preserve Park. The county is also looking to redevelop the Shirley Marina and expand Smith Point Park.

“This is our home,” Wicks said. “We belong to this bay; we are servants to this bay.” A graduate of Center Moriches High School, Wicks was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 after a five-year career with the New York Liberty.

DeStefano Recognizes Students of the Month

Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig—Wicks has expanded into kelp.

Photo Credit: Legislator Leslie Kennedy

Photo Credit: Robert Chartuk

An array of local officials and environmentalists turned out to announce a new kelp farm at Violet’s Cove.

Hubert Johnson, Comptroller John Kennedy, Assemblyman Steve Stern, Legislator Rebecca Sanin, Kristina Moon, Veteran Derek Cartwright, Veteran Ronald Williams, Ray Meyer, Legislator Leslie Kennedy, and Senator Mario Mattera

ByStefanMychajliw New York State Assemblyman Joe DeStefano honored “Student of the Month” certificates to

Lynette Hack for May, and Nathaniel Maritato for June at Patchogue-Medford School District.

Photo Credit: Facebook.com

Nathaniel Maritato (left), Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (center), and Lynette Hack (right).

ByRobertChartuk

Remitting Suffolk’s hotel/ motel tax will be easier through a new online portal announced by County Comptroller John Kennedy. The 5.5% occupancy fee applies to all lodging facilities, including residences and tourist homes that rent for less than 30 days.

Funds generated by the tax, which was increased last year by the county legislature, go to promote tourism and improve the county’s parks and other assets that make the area such a desirable place to visit. Currently, the tax generates about $11 million per year, revenue that is expected to climb to $20 million if tourism continues at its present rate. The tax is on top of the 8.625% sales tax collected by the county.

“I am excited to provide an efficient and transparent tool for remittance of hotel/motel occupancy taxes,” Kennedy said of the new portal, which was developed by iGovServices, a Reston, Va., tech firm. “My Office is committed to promoting userfriendly technology. We are improving the way we interact with the many people whom we are honored to serve.”

Rentals covered by the tax include motels, cabins, cottages, campgrounds, Airbnb’s, and Vrbo’s, as well as private homes, particularly in the Hamptons, rented for huge sums to celebrities and other well-todo vacationers. Responding to community complaints, towns such as Brookhaven are cracking down on the short-term rental of homes, pools, and other facilities that can attract large crowds and noisy parties.

A portion of the tax will go to a special fund to support a new convention center in Ronkonkoma, part of the $2.8 billion Midway Crossing development. The behemoth project, sprawling across 179 acres, will connect the Ronkonkoma Long Island Rail Road Station with MacArthur Airport. Its 2.7-million square feet is planned for a myriad of scientific, entertainment, and tourism space, including facilities for medical research and healthcare, a 300-room hotel, and other residential, retail, and commercial components. When fully built in an estimated 10-15 years, the project is projected to produce $4.5 billion per year in recurring economic impact, according to the Long Island Regional Planning Council. The developers estimate that Midway Crossing will create 14,500 jobs, including positions in the STEM and healthcare fields, and yield $1.95 billion in total economic impact. The convention center itself will be subject to the hotel tax.

New Portal to Remit Suffolk Hotel/ Motel Tax

The legislature’s near doubling of the tax didn’t sit well with East End lodging establishments, particularly in Montauk, which generates 25% of the revenue, and in East Hampton and Southampton, tourist meccas that collect 43%. Leo Daunt, proprietor of Daunt’s Albatross Inn and president of the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, argued, “We don’t mind paying a tax, as long as some of that tax comes back to the community.” He called it an “extraction that goes from Montauk to a convention center on the other side of the county.”

Objections to the tax hike fell on deaf ears with the majority of the legislators who argued that those who could afford East End rates won’t blanch at the tariff. “They’ll still come to the beautiful beaches and parks that all of the taxpayers have helped pay for over

Freedom

Continued from page 2

the years,” said Legislator Nick Caracappa. “The tax is still below the average in New York State and nationally, and we’re proud of that,” he said, continuing, “I see it as a win-win situation. We’re generating funds to promote tourism and contribute to one of the largest projects to be based in the county. It will provide jobs for people here on Long Island whose earnings will go to our small businesses and our school districts.”

The legislature’s presiding officer, Kevin McCaffrey, echoed his colleague’s sentiments pointing out that he knows of few places in the country that charge visitors less than 5% percent. Deputy Presiding Officer Steven Flotteron said that it was “only fair” for the tax to help fund the convention center considering how revenues from taxpayers

of the Press...

Folks, as the old saying goes, sunshine is the best disinfectant, whether it is CNY Central, the South Shore Press, or any other media outlet in America.

Democracy depends on a free press, a necessary fourth branch of government that is supposed to hold elected officials and those in power accountable. Without the checks and balances of independent watchdogs keeping a close eye on government, corruption and abuse would run rampant in our communities. Without the media's ability to independently question and hold public officials accountable, our communities would resemble third world

dictatorships. It sure sounds like Kim Jung Un is running the Syracuse School District’s Office of Public Communications.

Keep in mind, I have a strong and unique perspective of both sides of media, having worked in front of the camera and being the elected official getting grilled by pesky reporters. For nine years I served as the independently elected Erie County Comptroller, and for the past year was Vivek Ramaswamy’s spokesman for his presidential campaign.

In my mind, I’d be a billionaire if I had a dollar for every time I felt like media ran unfair or unflattering stories on yours truly when I was in

in the western towns went to Eastern Long Island preservation efforts.

All registered lodging facilities are required to file a tax return and remit the occupancy tax on a quarterly basis, Kennedy notes. Quarterly returns must be filed for each facility operated for the preceding three-month period ending the 20th of March, June, September, and December of each year. The county will require the 2nd quarter filing of 2024 to be remitted via the new iGovServices portal, which can be accessed at: https:// suffolkcountyny.igovservices. com.

Chris Sturm, CEO and Lead Implementation Consultant of iGovServices stated, "We are happy to partner with Suffolk County in bringing new selfservice options to the community. Our award-winning software and support make tax remittance simple. Comptroller Kennedy's Office and iGovServices share the same goal of strengthening public trust through offering convenient and straightforward solutions." The Comptroller said his Office will continue to review this platform and all existing software with a focus on solutions that are intuitive, costeffective, and paperless.

The South Shore Press Newspaper

Established 1984 - Published Weekly An Official Paper of Suffolk County

Periodical postage rates paid at Shirley, N.Y. 11967

public service or representing politicians on the campaign trail. Was media always “fair and balanced” towards yours truly or Republicans? Absolutely not. We only elevate discourse and shoot down bad ideas or hold government accountable by engaging in more speech, not stifling it.

Our Founding Fathers thought so strongly about freedom of speech and freedom of the press they enshrined it in one of the amendments of the Constitution: the First one. While media can most definitely be biased and sometimes unfair, it does not give those in power an excuse to abuse their authority to restrict the freedom of the press.

Long Island Loses a Legend...

Continued from page 2

I’m going to miss our shopping trips, Starbucks dates, or just being able to call or text her every day. My Grandma didn’t take anything from anyone - if you know, you know! She was always by my side whenever I needed her and always had my back no matter the situation.

I’m so lucky we have so many beautiful memories together,

and I’m eternally grateful she was able to meet her greatgrandson. She loved Angelo more than anything, and I will share stories so he doesn’t ever forget his amazing GreatGrandma. I will miss you every single day for the rest of my life. I love you, Grandma.”

Family and friends remembered her at a Funeral Mass at St. Sylvester’s Church

in Medford on May 17. “We join together in honoring Joan Travan’s legacy and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time,” said her union’s President Dan Levler. “Joan will truly be missed by her brothers and sisters in Suffolk AME and throughout the county.” The Calverton National Cemetery will be her final resting place.

The South Shore Press LLC, Publisher

Mailing Address

Tel: (631) 878-7800 • Fax: (631)

News: news@southshorepress.com

Legal Notices: legals@southshorepress.com

Sports: sports@southshorepress.com

Letters: comments@southshorepress.com

Advertising: ads@southshorepress.com

Director Stefan Mychajliw

Robert Chartuk, Deborah Williams, Howard Roark, Barbara LaMonica, Stefan Mychajliw, Tom Barton, Nancy Burner, Fredrick Miller, Rich Acritelli, Chase Millwater Proofreader Kaitlyn Bankson

First Copy Free. Each Additional Copy is 75¢

$35.00YearlySubscription OutofSuffolkCounty,only$40.00

Copyright© 2024 South Shore Press, LLC. All rights reserved. Material appearing herein may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form. Copying part or all of the editorial or graphic arts in any machinereadable form, making multiple printouts thereof or other uses of the work product contained herein is expressly prohibited and is inconsistent with all applicable copyright laws. Advertisers purchase space and circulation only. All property rights to any advertisements produced for the advertisers by South Shore Press, Inc. using art work and/or typography furnished or arranged by South Shore Press, LLC. shall be the property of South Shore Press, LLC. No such ad or any part thereof may be reproduced or assigned without the express written consent of South Shore Press, LLC. South Shore Press, LLC. assumes no financial responsibility for errors beyond the cost of the actual space occupied by the error. Postmaster: Send address changes to P.O. Box 431, Shirley, N.Y. 11967.

South Shore Press, LLC. is a proud member of the following community organizations: The Greater Mastic Beach Chamber of Commerce, The Rocky Point Sound Beach Chamber of Commerce, The Mastic/Shirley Chamber of Commerce, The Moriches Chamber of Commerce, The Bellport Chamber of Commerce, The Manorville Chamber of Commerce, The Medford Chamber of Commerce and The New York Press Association.

Serving the Communities of The Village of Bellport, Brookhaven, Center Moriches, Centereach, Coram, East Moriches, East Patchogue, Eastport, East Shoreham, Farmingville, Gordon Heights, Lake Ronkonkoma, Manorville, Medford, Mastic, The Village of Mastic Beach, Middle Island, Miller Place, Moriches, Mount Sinai, North Bellport, The Village of Patchogue, Port Jefferson Station, The Village of Port Jefferson, Ridge, Rocky Point, Ronkonkoma, Selden, Shirley, Shoreham, Smith Point, Sound Beach, Speonk, Terryville, Wading River, & Yaphank.

New Portal to Remit Suffolk Hotel/Motel Tax

Photo Credit: Vibrant/FinServe

ByRobertChartuk

Suffolk Officials Commit to Historic Preservation

With the centuries-old Avery House in East Patchogue as a backdrop, Suffolk officials made a commitment to restore and preserve the county’s diverse holdings of historical properties. Appearing with Legislator Dominick Thorne, who led the effort to obtain the property from the Avery Family, Suffolk Executive Edward Romaine signed a bill to allocate $250,000 to fund needed repairs to the main house and various outbuildings of the former farm and homestead.

“Suffolk County has a rich historical and cultural heritage that should be protected, and we are committed to preserving this history through the acquisition of buildings, gardens, and other sites of cultural and historic significance,”

said Thorne, who took an interest in the sprawling 11.5-acre Avery estate as a volunteer park watcher. A relief station for county Park Rangers will be located on the grounds as a way to provide ongoing security while staffers work to curate the property as a museum and catalog the many antiques and local artifacts amassed by the generations of Averys who lived there.

“The land here has a long and ancient history,” said Romaine, a former history teacher, who noted that the property was purchased from the Unkechaug Indians in the 1600s. According to Romaine, who called for an inventory of an estimated 200 historic properties owned by the county, Suffolk has the oldest English-speaking settlements in the state, with Southold and

Southampton founded back in 1640. “The more we show respect for our past, I become more confident of our future,” the county executive said.

According to Romaine, past administrations neglected the county’s historic structures. He said he will tap the money earmarked for restoration efforts in the fund created through Suffolk’s hotel/ motel tax. “These properties did not receive the attention they deserve,” he said. “That all changes with the new administration and the support of historically minded legislators such as Dominick Thorne.”

“We are thrilled to be in partnership with Suffolk County to preserve, curate, and promote this exceptional resource,” said Steve Lucas, treasurer of the Patchogue Historical Society, who noted that the property is the second oldest in Suffolk County to have remained under the ownership of a single family. Gardiners Island off Long Island’s East End is the oldest, according to the historian. He will be working with Focus East Patchogue and other organizations to create FriendsofAvery.org to raise funds and help with running the property. “We look forward to the public use and enjoyment of this gem right in our backyard, a wonderful complement to the other revitalization efforts going on in our area,” said John Quatrale, a Focus board member.

The main house is taking on a museum quality as park employees Susan Shiebler and Sarah Chartuk take stock of the many items left behind by Humphrey Avery and generations of his family. On display are vintage advertising from the Swan River Nursery the Averys ran at the farm, antique furniture, family heirlooms, and horse show memorabilia collected by Barbara Avery, the last inhabitant of the estate. The historic structures, added to Preservation Long Island’s Endangered Historic Places list in 2019, had been at risk of demolition or intensive redevelopment since Barbara’s death in 2017. Another site preserved by the county in

High Honors for One of SCPD's Top Cops

ByStefanMychajliw

Suffolk County Police Department Deputy

Commissioner Belinda AlvarezGroneman was named "Woman of the Year" by the Suffolk County Association of Women Police at a recent ceremony.

Officers Alisa Cipolla and Melissa Henry were also honored.

Deputy Commissioner AlvarezGroneman has protected and served Suffolk County since joining the force in 1981. Her first job was Community Service Aide.

Four years later, she transitioned to the role of a police officer. Throughout her distinguished

career, she has been recognized numerous times for outstanding police work. In 1997, Deputy Commissioner AlvarezGroneman made history as the first Hispanic woman to serve on the Police Commissioner's staff as Special Assistant, focusing on enhancing police-community relations.

Her leadership was instrumental in revitalizing the 3rd Precinct Explorer program, empowering youth in the community.

After retiring as a detective, Commissioner AlvarezGroneman joined the Office of Congressman Lee Zeldin during his inaugural term in 2015. In

this role, she dedicated herself to serving the community in various capacities, including immigration, security, and law enforcement.

Deputy Commissioner AlvarezGroneman is also active in numerous charitable endeavors and community organizations such as the Suffolk County Executive’s Hispanic Heritage

Month Celebration, Adelante’s Puerto Rican/Hispanic Day Parade committee, and the Adopta-Family at Christmas Program, sponsored jointly by the Suffolk County Police Department and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office through Pronto of Long Island.

Commissioner Alvarez-

the area was the Bianchi/Weiss property on South Country Road, which has been designated as a nature preserve. The Avery Estate sits along a historical gateway that passes through Patchogue, home to Lakeview Cemetery, and Main Street, where the Carnegie Library and Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts stand.

Legislator Thorne credited his fellow legislators in supporting the expenditures necessary to protect and preserve the county’s historic treasures, and thanked his other partners in government, Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico and Councilman Neil Foley, for their focus on preservation.

Groneman also had leadership roles in various advisory boards, including chairing the Suffolk County Executive's Advisory Board and serving on former Rep. Rick Lazio’s Hispanic Advisory Board. Additionally, she served as President of the Suffolk County Police Officers Hispanic Society from 1989 to 1993.

Suffolk County Cops Collar Suspect in Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash

ByStefanMychajliw

Five months ago, 63-year-old Richard Dirocco was killed by a hit-run driver just north of the Frank Court intersection.

Five months later, Suffolk County Police arrested the man they believe was behind the wheel of the vehicle that killed him.

Following an investigation by Major Case Unit detectives, 72-year-old Michael Sabeno, of 18 Avenue D, Holbrook, was charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash Resulting in Death.

While police arrested the person they believe hit Dirocco and killed him, they are still making a public plea for information from anyone who knows what happened that day. You can contact Major Case Unit detectives at 631.852.6555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800220-TIPS. All calls can remain confidential.

Photo Credit: Robert Chartuk

Photo Credit: Robert Chartuk

Photo Credit: Twitter.com

Suffolk Legislator Dominick Thorne, left, and County Executive Edward Romaine at a special signing ceremony to approve $250,000 for the restoration of the Avery property in East Patchogue.

The main Avery Homestead.

Deputy Commissioner Belinda Alvarez-Groneman was named "Woman of the Year"

Photo Credit: Suffolk County Police Department Accused hit-and-run driver charged five months after accident.

ByRobertChartuk

Great Brookhaven Cleanup

Environmentally minded residents and those who want their town to look a little bit better participated in the Great Brookhaven Cleanup, an annual effort that removed tons of litter and debris from the landscape.

It’s part of the Great American Cleanup, the nation’s largest organized beautification and community improvement program. Over the last decade, more than 50,000 Brookhaven residents joined millions of volunteers in 15,000 communities across America to pick up 750 million pounds of garbage, beautify over 500,000

miles of roadway, and clean up more than 500,000 miles of rivers, lakes, and seashores in their communities.

“Brookhaven Town is full of caring and conscientious residents, and everyone's efforts are deeply appreciated to make our town look better,” said Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico, who filled up a few trash bags along with town council members Jonathan Kornreich, Jane Bonner, Neil Manzella, and Karen Dunne Kesnig, Town Clerk Kevin LaValle, and Suffolk Legislator Jim Mazzarella.

“The volunteers know that they really make a difference, and the results are dramatic,” Panico

“The communities look clean and beautiful, and there is a sense of hometown pride and accomplishment.”

The program is sponsored by Teachers Federal Credit Union, with Arrow Recycling, and was helped by members of the James V. Kavanaugh Knights of Columbus Council and many other local organizations. “The Mederos Family went out and cleaned the median on William Floyd Parkway all the way from Brushwood Drive to the Smith Point Bridge,” said Grand Knight Frank DeNatale, Jr., pointing out just one of the many areas targeted by the cleanup campaign.

“Thank you so much to all of the residents who joined Farmingville

Ten "Teeny" Nominations for Talented William Floyd High School Students

ByStefanMychajliw

Ten William Floyd High School theater arts students – on stage and behind-the-scenes –have been nominated for Teeny Awards in six categories.

The Teeny Awards, modeled after the Tony Awards, celebrates the achievements of local high

school theater arts students at an annual celebration and ceremony sponsored by the East End Arts Council.

This year’s nominees include: Judges’ Choice Winner: Manson Trio in Pippin featuring Kassidy Chamberlain, Gianna DeMuria and Jaysen Pommells

Lead Role in a Musical, Comedy: Jaysen Pommells in the role of Leading Player in Pippin

Best Supporting Role in a Play, One-Act or Student Production: Rajana Heron in the role of Beth in Night of One Acts

Supporting Role in a Musical, Comedy: Ashlyn Manion in the role of Berthe in Pippin and Michael Pedra in the role of Charlemagne (King Charles) in Pippin

Outstanding Performer in a Musical: Kassidy Chamberlain in the role of Featured Dancer in Pippin and Kiya Cuevas in the

role of Theo in Pippin

Outstanding Poster Design: Catherine Corry for Pippin

This year’s Teeny Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 9th, at 3:00 p.m. at William Floyd High School, with the red carpet beginning at 1:00 p.m.

noted.

Residents Association for today's Spring Cleanup and Planting, in conjunction with The Great

Brookhaven Clean Up,” said Marissa Pizza.

Photo Credit: Councilwoman Jane Bonner’s office

Photo Credit: Marisa Pizza

Photo Credit: Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library

The crew working Cedar Beach in Mt. Sinai take a break during the Great Brookhaven Cleanup.

The crew with the Farmingville Residents Association during the Great Brookhaven Cleanup.

Residents participating in the Great Brookhaven Cleanup pose at the Mastic Beach Library.

Photo Credit:

High School

ByStefanMychajliw

Palumbo Honors Stony Brook University CEO as "Woman of Distinction"

New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo (R,C-New Suffolk) named Stony Brook University CEO Carol Gomes as the “Woman of Distinction” within his 1st senatorial district. Both attended the annual New York State Senate Women of Distinction event at the State Capital in Albany.

"Today marks a celebration of extraordinary dedication and leadership in healthcare," said Senator Palumbo. "It is my great privilege to honor Carol Gomes as my 2024 New York State Woman of Distinction."

Senator Palumbo remarked that “As Chief Executive Officer of Stony Brook University Hospital, Ms. Gomes has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to excellence in healthcare.”

“It is an honor and privilege to

stand beside the many accomplished women leaders in New York State for this prestigious recognition,” added Gomes.

With over 35 years of experience, Ms. Gomes has played a pivotal role in elevating Stony Brook University Hospital to its status as Long Island's premier academic medical center. Her visionary leadership as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer has propelled the hospital to new heights of innovation and patient care.

Under Ms. Gomes's guidance, Stony Brook Medicine completed its largest expansion project in 2019, including the opening of the Medical and Research Translation (MART), Stony Brook Children’s and Hospital Pavilion. Her strategic vision and operational excellence have positioned Stony Brook University Hospital as a beacon of

cutting-edge healthcare delivery.

"Carol Gomes's remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication make her a true inspiration to us all. Her leadership in healthcare has touched countless lives, and her commitment to excellence sets a standard for others to follow,” concluded Senator Palumbo.

As a recipient of numerous leadership awards, including recognition from the American Society for Clinical Pathology and recipient of the American College of Healthcare Executives Award of Distinction, Ms. Gomes's impact extends far beyond the walls of Stony Brook University Hospital. Her leadership in sustainability efforts and commitment to quality care have earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and peers alike.

Full Steam Ahead for Shirley Starbucks

ByStefanMychajliw

Coffee lovers will have another place to get their caffeine fix in Shirley, as the Brookhaven Town Board approved zoning and procedural requests for Starbucks to build a new store located at 855 Montauk Highway.

Starbucks Construction Manager Jeff Beringer and Mancini Mui Architecture CEO Mark Mancini presented plans before the Brookhaven Town Board at their last public meeting.

Starbucks needed special permits to build outside seating and to establish a commercial restaurant on the site.

“On behalf of Starbucks, we are excited to be a part of this community,” said Beringer.

The location on Montauk Highway was ideal for the national

coffee chain.

“There will be no additional curb cuts onto Montauk Highway, as all existing ingress and egress to the center will remain the same,” said Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico.

“We tried to locate in different areas, but one of the biggest obstacles was disturbing a traffic pattern. The shopping center works extremely well in getting people in and out. There’s no cross traffic and it is safe for pedestrians. It’s going to work extremely well in this area,”

Starbucks representatives also announced potential hours for the new Shirley location: opening at either 5:30 a.m. or 6:00 a.m.

Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays from 6:30 a.m. to either 8:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m.

No official date for a grand opening has been set.

ByStefanMychajliw

Helping homeless veterans in need by packing bags of supplies.

Hosting a food drive for the less fortunate in Bellport and Shirley. Cleaning and making repairs at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, a special camp for individuals with disabilities. Volunteering at Bethel Farm in Centereach.

These are just some of the many ways Rotarians helped others on their “Day of Service,” with groups within the Ronkonkoma district and ten states and seven countries.

said Mancini.

Photo Credit: Facebook.com

Photo Credit: Town of Brookhaven

Photo Credit: Town of Brookhaven

New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo (R,C-New Suffolk) and Stony Brook University CEO Carol Gomes

Proposed Starbucks location at 855 Montauk Highway in Shirley

Proposed Starbucks location at 855 Montauk Highway in Shirley

New Corrections Recruits to Protect and Serve in Suffolk County

ByStefanMychajliw

Approximately 26 men and four women make up the new class of 30 Suffolk Sheriff’s

Office Corrections Officers. A swearing-in ceremony was held, with Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. and fellow officers presiding.

The new recruits are now headed to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Academy Bureau to begin their rigorous fourmonth training program.

Eastport-South Manor Seniors Participate in College Decision Day

ByStefanMychajliw

Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School seniors donned college sweatshirts and Tshirts instead of their usual school garb in recognition of

National College Decision Day.

Nationally, this annual celebration takes place as an opportunity to celebrate the graduating students’ hard work, accomplishments and post-high school plans.

On the morning of College Decision Day, seniors gathered in the hallway and took photos of their classmates and friends, proudly wearing their post-high school academic destinations.

Photo Credit: Suffolk County Sheriff Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Corrections Officer Class

Photo Credit: Suffolk County Sheriff Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Corrections Officer Class

Photo Credit: ESM School District

Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School seniors celebrated National College Decision Day.

ByStefanMychajliw

Ridge Fire Department Memorial Day Parade

A steady rainfall did not dampen the spirits to honor veterans at the Ridge Fire Department Memorial Day Parade. A solemn ceremony was held after the parade procession.

“The least we could do to honor

those whom we have lost in battle. Then the rain slowed and we had a beautiful ceremony to pay tribute to all who made the ultimate sacrifices for our freedoms. It’s important that we always remember the true meaning of Memorial Day,” said Brookhaven Councilman Michael Loguercio.

The Ridge Fire Department started in 1940 on a small parcel of land and with a two-car garage. It was officially incorporated by New York State one year later in 1941.

Big Honors for Five Decades of Dedicated Service to Suffolk County

The South Shore Press congratulates Suffolk AME (Association of Municipal Employees) member Karen Malewicz, who was honored at the Police Civilian Unit’s annual Civilian Longevity Awards Ceremony.

Karen has worked for a total of five decades, primarily, and currently, at the Suffolk County Police Department Information Technology Bureau, where she’s been serving taxpayers for the past 40 years.

Suffolk AME is the largest independent Union in Suffolk County, representing more than 6,000 active and retired public employees.

The union constitutes 30 different Unit Boards ranging from Consumer Affairs and Civil Service, Crossing Guards, DPW, and Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, to Vector Control, Suffolk County Community College, the Department of Social Services, and more.

Albany Lawmakers Want to Crack Down on Social Media Companies That Target Teens

ByDeborahWilliams

Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy likened teen social media addiction to being hooked on heroin. Now some Empire State lawmakers want one more shot at cracking down on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter who are manipulating algorithms to get teens addicted.

Legislators in Albany are trying to reinvigorate a bid to curb negative effects of social media on teens with the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) For Kids Act.

Legislation regulating social media didn’t make it through state budget talks this year, but some in Albany are making a last-ditch effort trying to beat the end of the legislative session.

The proposed bill prohibits the use of algorithms that provide addictive social media feeds to minors and establishes remedies and penalties for platforms that don’t comply.

“We’ve heard from teachers and medical professionals that kids are really suffering, that kids are not

alright,” said Queens Democrat Assemblywoman and sponsor of the bill, Nily Rozic.

Rozic believes that social media algorithms contribute to addictive behaviors around social media use.

In bringing the bills back to life (A8148 & S7694), Assemblywoman Rozic thinks she has a chance to create a safer Internet for young people.

“We need to be doing something to alleviate the trauma and the compounding effects of social media on their mental health and well-being. In the Assembly alone, we have over 90 co-sponsors,” Rozic said.

Julie Scelfo, founder of Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA), said in an interview with Fox News Digital that “We believe protecting kids online is so much bigger than any one app. We have to update our 20th century policies to address 21st century technology. We can't just play Whac-A-Mole. We need to address the underlying problem, which is algorithms that sow harm and discord for profit.”

"For any policy to be effective,

it will have to withstand First Amendment scrutiny. And we believe an effective policy is one that deals with the underlying problem of addictive and exploitative algorithms. So that's why we're very supportive of the age-appropriate design code, which would implement design reforms and additional protections for young people, supplemented by robust efforts to educate parents

about the harms of social media for their kids,” Scelfo added.

There is disagreement with others believing that the algorithms do no harm and, in fact, create better content for teens and that changing how it works could end up producing more harm for kids.

“The truth is that algorithmic feeds are actually making social media use play a critical role

in reducing harmful content and ensuring minors see ageappropriate posts,” said Adam Kovacevich, CEO of Chamber of Progress, a group that advocates for technology policy, said in a recent opinion piece published in USA Today.

Kovacevich pointed to the potential for cutting off kids from support resources and creating barriers to accessing digital information for a whole host of topics that could be vital for kids with unsupportive families.

Algorithms are “ensuring that (teens) are seeing healthier feeds (and) better content, so if the bill bans algorithmic feeds by default for teenagers, teenagers are actually more likely to see spam, junk, hate, misinformation on their social media feeds,” Kovacevich said.

Should the bills reach New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk, there is little doubt that lawsuits will be next. First Amendment constitutional questions about editorial freedoms have been previously raised around similar legislation that targeted social media operations and methods.

Photo Credit: iStock

Legislators in Albany are trying to pass the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) For Kids Act.

Photo Credit: Brookhaven Councilman Michael Loguercio Ridge Fire Department Memorial Day Parade

ByStefanMychajliw

Photo Credit: Suffolk AME

Karen Malewicz was honored at the Police Civilian Unit’s annual Civilian Longevity Awards Ceremony.

Mastic Beach

STATE ByDeborahWilliams

Plea Deals Proposed for Migrants Accused of Brutally Beating Police

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg continues his procriminal policies by making generous plea deals with illegal immigrants who savagely attacked police.

Six of the seven illegal immigrants that were charged for the vicious February Times Square attack on NYC police officers have been offered plea deals with very light sentences.

Video of the police being beaten and kicked in the head and body went viral after the February attack. The attack took place when police tried to break up a group of illegal immigrants in front of a shelter on 42nd Street.

“Absolutely disgusted that progressive Alvin Bragg giving migrants who beat up a cop ridiculous plea deal. They will probably serve less than 6 months!,” wrote parental rights advocate Katie Wright on Twitter.

“If they were running for president as Republicans, they would all be serving life

sentences. If the illegals accept the new plea deal, they would only serve a year in jail for pleading guilty to second-degree assault,” posted Trending Politics Co-Owner Collin Rugg.

Despite their association with a brutal Venezuelan street gang, Wilson Juarez, 21, and Kelvin Servita-Arocha, 19, face only 6

months in prison for obstructing government administration.

Both are subjects of ICE detainers, but because NYC, as a sanctuary city, does not work with Immigration officials there is little hope that these violent, illegal immigrants will be deported.

Yoheny Brito, 24, Ulises

Bohorquez, 21, and Andres Gomez-Izquiel, 19, were offered plea deals that would see them only serve a year in jail in exchange for second-degree assault plea. The DA’s office said they also offered a plea deal to Yorman Reveron, 24, that would send him to prison for two years for pleading guilty to seconddegree assault.

None of the defendants have accepted the plea deals as of yet. The trial will begin June 18 if the deals are not finalized.

One of the attackers was arrested again just last week for petit larceny while out on bail for the attack on officers, reports the NY Post.

Judge Laura Ward said in court, “I am very tempted right now to put you in jail. I am telling you right now, if I learn you are rearrested for anything at all between now and this case being finished, I will order a warrant and I will place bail so high, you will not get out,” she continued.

Bragg has been widely criticized for his “Day One” memo that calls for attorneys in his office to not prosecute certain crimes and not seek bail for many others. He has been defiant that his office allows him the discretion to disregard certain crimes when it comes to putting even serial criminals on trial.

Official responses from NYPD officials and Mayor Adams have not yet been released.

Analysis: A Threat to Democracy by Weaponizing "Lawfare"

ByDeborahWilliams

With President Trump being metaphorically handcuffed by the judge in his “Stormy Daniels” trial of commenting publicly on the case, he is now enlisting allies to show up and court to blast what he calls “lawfare” against him.

In a casting call similar to his former NBC show “Celebrity Apprentice,” elected officials and those loyal to the former President have been showing up daily to the Manhattan courthouse to declare the prosecutions of former President Trump as being politically motivated and even a threat to American democracy.

Senators J.D. Vance (R-OH), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) are the most recent elected officials to hold a press conference outside the Manhattan courthouse where former President Trump is standing trial.

Although the lawmakers support former President Trump politically, the overriding message was one of election integrity. Their message: the Biden administration is a threat to our democracy by using the courts to hamstring a candidate for president, or any office, in order to tip the scales of the 2024 presidential election.

“Democrats are trying to beat

Trump in the jury box because they can’t beat him at the ballot box,” said Senator Tuberville.

Senator Vance commented on New York Attorney General Bragg using the courts to interfere with the presidential election and keep a major candidate from running an active campaign.

The Ohio junior senators said Democrats should “persuade the voters, not prosecute a candidate.”

Senator Vance brought home the message that any political party should let their platform convince voters to elect them and not use “lawfare” to impede an opponent from running an effective campaign.

Previously, Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), Ken Paxton, the attorney general of Texas, and Dave McIntosh, leader of the anti-tax “Club for Growth” also showed up at the courthouse to speak to the media and support Trump.

“It’s a crime in this country to use the court system to go after your political opponents,” Scott said. “What is happening in this courtroom is clearly criminal.”

Scott further said on Fox & Friends, “This is just political persecution. If we don’t stop this, they can go after you. Every American is at risk. I’m going to go support this president because

this is wrong, what’s happening to this guy.”

Let the “marketplace of ideas” rule the day seems to be the overall theme from all over the political spectrum – even from a host of the left-leaning outlet CNN.

Progressive CNN host Fareed Zakaria agreed that the Trump prosecution is politically motivated stating on his Sunday show, "I doubt the New York indictment would have been brought against a defendant whose name was not Donald Trump.”

Zakaria agreed that the prosecutions of Trump are politically motivated. Zakaria said that to many average Americans this trial, "may serve to make him (Trump) the object of some sympathy among people in general who believe that his prosecutors are politically motivated. This happens to be true, in my opinion.”

President Biden’s claims that a second-term Donald Trump presidency is a threat to American democracy seems to fly in the face of opinions from attorneys, elected officials, and media from across the political spectrum. Instead, it is the abuse of the American system of jurisprudence that is the real and

present threat to our democracy.

Trump's comments after the indictment were telling and many now see the truth in them whether they support Trump politically or not. Trump said then, "In the end, they're not coming after me. They're coming after you — and I'm just standing in their way.

“The ridiculous and baseless indictment of me by the Biden administration’s weaponized Department of Injustice will go down as among the most horrific abuses of power in the history of our country," he said. "Many people have said that; Democrats have even said it. This vicious persecution is a travesty of justice."

Photo Credit: Twitter

President Trump posted his mug shot to Twitter.

Photo Credit: Twitter

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg

ByRobertChartuk

Trump Turns Lawfare Lemons into Lemonade

Stuck in New York in what legal experts are calling a sham trial and blatant election interference by President Joe Biden, Donald Trump blew the Big Apple away with press briefings and an epic campaign rally across the river in New Jersey attended by nearly 100,000 supporters.

Biden’s attempt to defeat the former president with lawfare— Trump is facing charges by three different Democrat prosecutors— is backfiring badly. Leading Biden in almost every poll, Trump goes before the cameras in the Media Capital of the World daily and bashes his opponent for his shady legal tactics and the sorry state of the union under the lifelong politician.

Trump’s Wildwood rally was an extended compare-and-contrast between the two presidents with jabs and vignettes sprinkled in, spurring the crowd into patriotic chants of “USA, USA,” and other supportive mantras. Central to Trump’s reelection bid is Biden’s poor handling of the economy and the crushing inflation voters are experiencing due to Bidenomics. The year 2019, before the “China Virus” derailed Trump’s agenda, was one of the best economically for the nation; the three-plus years under Biden have been among the worst.

Trump reminds everyone that he was the first president in generations to not have a war start under his watch. He boldly proclaims that Putin would have never invaded Ukraine while he was in the Oval Office, Hamas would not have conducted the

October terrorist attack on Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza would not have broken out.

Trump explains to his crowds that Biden abruptly abandoning Afghanistan, leaving the Bagram Air Base and billions of dollars in military equipment to Communist China, was the “nation’s biggest foreign policy failure.” Biden’s blunder, he says, emboldened the nation’s adversaries, with North Korea threatening its neighbors and China gearing up to invade Taiwan. “The Middle East is a mess,” Trump exclaims. Trump also castigates his opponent for throwing open the southern border and inviting in millions of illegal aliens, while allowing a flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs to destroy American families.

In an unprecedented spectacle,

the nation’s top Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and a who’s who of Congressional reps, took to the microphones outside the New York courtroom where Trump is sequestered and fired away at Biden and the “corrupt Democrats” with both barrels. Trump was slapped with a gag order by the judge hearing the case, a move that motivated Trump’s defenders even further.

As the cameras rolled, it was revealed that the judge presiding over the case is a substantial Biden donor and his daughter is a major Democrat fundraiser who has generated tens of millions for Trump’s opponents—and millions in personal profit—by highlighting the trial. Biden sent a lawyer from the Justice Department to try the case,

which was previously thought by the Justice Department and the Manhattan district attorney to have no merit.

The prosecutor in Trump’s Georgia case hired her boyfriend to go after the ex-president and it was revealed that he billed taxpayers for the time he spent in Washington coordinating the case with the Biden White House.

The two went on numerous vacations together, purportedly spending money he earned on the case which the DA said she paid back with cash she had stashed at her house. The Florida case where Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate was raided has been put on hold to sort out irregularities in the way the seized documents were handled.

Democrats trying to throw him off the ballot using the narrative that Trump fomented the January

Carville Throws Biden under the Bus

6 Capitol riots failed in Colorado, while an expected ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on whether presidents have immunity for their executive actions may also throw another monkey wrench in Biden’s lawfare tactics.

Lost in the drama of the day is the Democrat targeting of Trump’s attorneys, including former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, for supposedly helping him conduct criminal acts.

A former chief advisor, Peter Navarro, is in jail for invoking executive privilege and refusing to testify before Congress against his former boss. Ironically, this week Biden’s attorney general, Merrick Garland, invoked the same privilege and refused to testify about Biden taking classified documents from Washington when he was vice president.

The fact that these years-old cases are coming to light just before the election is not lost on anyone, and with Biden tanking in the polls and Trump making a play in typically Blue States such as New Jersey, political observers believe lawfare is Biden’s only hope for reelection. Doubling down, Trump has planned another rally in the South Bronx, an area thick with Democrat voters.

Trump, and those speaking on his behalf, conclude with a single point they believe should send chills down the spine of every American: If a political party can turn the taxpayer-funded Justice system against billionaire Donald Trump and his supporters, imagine what they could do to everyone else.

ByRobertChartuk

The latest Democrat pundit to throw Joe Biden under the bus was James Carville, the former Clinton rainmaker, who took exception to the president’s crowing about the U.S. economy under his watch.

“If you’re 26 years old, you have no hope of buying a house, of educating children, you’re probably living in the basement with your sister in your mother and daddy’s house,” Carville said during a recent interview with Chris Cuomo. And when President Biden talks about how good the economy is, your reaction is, ‘What’s that guy talking about?’”

Carville, father of the famous political admonition, “It’s the economy, stupid,” said he was “joining the head scratchers” over Biden’s assertion that the economy is doing well. “I don’t think, if people don’t feel like they’re in a good economy, you can’t convince ’em,” he said.

Biden was given a pass by CNN’s

Erin Burnett when he said on her show that he had inherited 9% inflation when he took over from President Trump, when in fact it was 1.4%. Burnett didn’t challenge the claim but the rest of the world took umbrage over the blatant mistruth. Fueled by record government borrowing and spending, inflation skyrocketed under Biden, leaving Americans shocked by the price of groceries, fuel, housing, and other necessities.

The National Debt is $34.7 trillion and is rising by $1 trillion every 100 days, the Gross Domestic Product is paltry, and economists fear an economic quagmire that could rival the Great Depression.

“And I think there’s a bunch of Ivy League economist academic types that go in saying, ‘Sir, this is the best economy we’ve had since 1969, you have to go out and promote it.’ That’s not the world people are living in,” Carville continued. “I agree with the critics that this is not the proper messaging.”

Even Cuomo, the brother of

at the president. “There’s a disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street and the president seemed to forget that in this interview,” he said. Following Carville’s remarks, Cuomo quickly shifted the conversation to Robert Kennedy and his bid for the White House. The pair argued against those who predict that the Liberal Democrat will take votes from Biden rather than Trump.

Biden’s blinders on the economy also rankled Van Jones, a former CNN host and Obama’s Special Advisor for Green Jobs, who stated: “It should be a wake-up call. Young people are upset and it’s not just the situation in Gaza. The economic prospects for young people are miserable. We just don’t have a pathway for young people to pay off their student debt, get a house; people are looking at this AI wave and are worried about what job, what career path they will have. So, that pain will have to be spoken to directly and specifically, and I think we’re not yet hearing a fullthroated approach to the young people,” Jones said, adding, “There’s a symbolic piece around student loans, but that’s not going to be enough for Joe Biden.”

Joining the chorus was David Axelrod, another Obama acolyte who called Biden’s CNN interview a “terrible mistake.” Panning his campaign for the president's dismal poll numbers, Axelrod said, “I thought they spent $25 million mistakenly last fall touting

Bidenomics and making the same argument that the president is making here. People are experiencing the economy through the lens of the cost of living, and he is a man who has built his career on empathy. Why not lead with the empathy?” Axelrod asked. “If he doesn’t win this race, it may not be Donald Trump that beats him; it may be his own pride.”

The commentary by the Democrat stalwarts is seen as a growing move to urge Biden to step aside and let former First Lady Michelle Obama, California Governor Gavin Newsom, or another candidate come in and save the day. The president's physical and cognitive abilities are clearly slipping and his staff, including White House Spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre, have to frequently step in for cleanup when he makes questionable public statements. “The point that he was making is that the factors that caused inflation were in place when he took office,” Jean-Pierre said.

former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who left office under a cloud of sexual harassment allegations, took potshots

Photo Credit: Wikipedia James Carville

Photo Credit: Trump Campaign

Trump rallies draw huge crowds.

ByDeborahWilliams

Let's Get Ready to Rumble: Biden and Trump Agree to Presidential Debates

Former President Donald Trump and President Biden agreed to two debates to be held in June and September.

The debates will take place on June 27th, 2024, on CNN and September 10th, 2024, on ABC. The CNN debate will occur before both the Democrat and Republican national nominating conventions.

In a move widely believed meant to minimize distractions to Biden, his campaign has insisted that the debates happen inside a TV studio with no audience and with microphones that automatically cut off when a candidate’s time for a response is up.

Biden then released a heavily edited video full of bravado, “Donald Trump lost two debates to me in 2020, and since then, he hasn't shown up for a debate. Now he's acting like he wants to debate me again. Well, make my day, pal. I'll even do it twice. So let's pick the dates, Donald. I hear you're free on Wednesdays."

Trump responded by saying President Biden was, “WORST

debater I have ever faced - He can’t put two sentences together!”

“I am more than willing to debate Crooked Joe at the two proposed times in June and September. I would strongly recommend more than two debates and for excitement purposes, a very large venue, although Biden is supposedly afraid of crowds,” Trump posted on X. “That’s only because he doesn’t get them. Just tell me when, I’ll be there. Let’s get ready to Rumble!!!."

Trump has also requested two additional debates in July and August. Biden has not yet responded to this request.

CNN criteria for participation would disqualify Independent Party Candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., both on the number of state ballots and polling percentage. CNN criteria require each candidate: be constitutionally eligible to serve as president; file a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission; have their name appear on enough state ballots to reach the threshold of 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency; agree to the debate's rules and format; and receive at least 15% in four separate national polls of registered or likely voters that meet CNN standards.

Congress Tries to Crack Down on Illegals Who Attack Cops

ByDeborahWilliams

The GOP-led House passed a bill that would deport illegal aliens who assault law enforcement officers and first responders.

Republican lawmakers act to kick illegal criminals out of the country on the heels of a controversial case where a gang of illegal aliens savagely beat and kicked two NYPD officers and were given very light plea deals by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg. This is just one of many cases of assault on law enforcement by illegals from across the country.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), told Fox News Digital when the bill passed Wednesday night, “House Democrats just voted to protect violent, illegal immigrants over our brave law enforcement officers. Once again, the Democrat Party proves they are the most anti-law enforcement party in history.”

Passed during National Police Week, a time when the nation honors police officers who have been slain in the line of duty and recognizes the valor of officers on the beat, it is but one piece of law and order legislation Republican lawmakers plan to move in the House.

Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) introduced the bill entitled the

"Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act." The bill requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain any alien person who is present in the United States without being lawfully admitted and has been charged with or convicted of assaulting a law enforcement officer. Firefighters or other first responders are included in the traditional definition of “law enforcement officer.”

“There is no reason that an illegal alien who attacks our law enforcement should remain in our country; that shows zero respect for our rule of law or our institutions, and they will not be positive contributors to society”, said Drew when the bill was introduced earlier this year.

Kennedy responded on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, by saying, “Presidents Trump and Biden are colluding to lock America into a head-to-head matchup that 70% say they do not want. They are trying to exclude me from their debate because they are afraid I would win. Keeping viable candidates off the debate stage undermines democracy”.

Bypassing the Commission on Presidential Debates, a nonpartisan group that has had more than 30 presidential and vice presidential debates since 1988, Biden said he would only participate in debates held by news organizations. Both candidates have expressed issues with both the format and timing of the Commission’s debates.

Flynn: Deliver the Truth, Whatever the Cost

He was a man at the highest level of U.S. intelligence. He knew the country’s secrets. And when he signed on with President Donald Trump, the Deep State took him out.

The final vote was 265 to 148 with 54 Democrats joining 211 Republicans to pass the bill.

One hundred forty-eight Democrats opposed the bill with 14 NY representatives among them. All of the “no” votes were cast by Democrats. Six Republicans and 11 Democrats did not vote on the bill.

Drew added, "Our police put their lives on the line every day to keep our citizens safe – you do not get to break our law by crossing the border illegally, attack those whose job is to protect and defend the public, and then expect to stay in the United States. Unfortunately, until our borders are closed and secured, these types of laws are necessary to protect our nation and its citizens.”

A former director of the National Intelligence Agency and National Security Advisor to two presidents, General Michael Flynn’s story is now being told with all its cloakand-dagger subterfuge in a new documentary titled “Flynn: Deliver the Truth, Whatever the Cost.” The movie is an inspirational story of survival, how his family withstood the blows of a corrupt government after he exposed deep-seated corruption within Washington’s corridors of power.

“We were up against the FBI and the intelligence community and elements inside of the White House and beat them,” Flynn explains.

“And through the lens of this movie, people are able to see and get a sense of what President Trump is going through because, on another scale, he is also experiencing the same things that my family and I experienced six, seven years ago. And so the timing for this movie is very, very important for the country.”

The longtime military man was an advisor to President Obama, and when he transitioned to the Trump Team, he was targeted by the most powerful forces in the U.S. government. Shortly after the 45th President’s election, Flynn was

visited by investigators sent over by FBI Director James Comey, who infamously admitted his agents were on a fishing expedition to see what they could find out about the new National Security Advisor. The conversation led to Flynn being driven from his post and an epic saga of persecution that eventually required a Presidential Pardon to clear him.

Since then, Flynn has made it his life’s mission to expose what he and Trump call a “Deep State” of government bureaucrats and operatives who will do anything to maintain their grip on power and continue feeding on the trillions of dollars the taxpayers are forced to send them every year. “I personally am on a mission to get my message out, not just about the movie, but about the potential risk that our nation faces if we allow these socialists to take over our country because that's what is happening,” Flynn said.

He is promoting the movie on a 35-city tour, which, itself, will be turned into a documentary depicting America’s response to what it is learning from the former general’s trials and tribulations. “We’re going to a lot of small places, small cities, and hundreds of people are turning out at each stop. We haven't really advertised other than on my social media accounts. That says a lot about these folks.”

For more information and screenings, check out www. flynnmovie.com

Photo Credit: C-Span

President Biden and President Trump agree to debates

ByRobertChartuk

Photo Credit: Twitter.com

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R) and law enforcement

Photo Credit: General Flynn

General Michael Flynn

ByRobertChartuk

New Minnesota Flag Has Islamic Symbol

Minnesotans found out last week that their state flag was replaced with a pennant featuring an Islamic symbol, a move that has some residents furious.

“Minnesota has been conquered. It is now Islamist,” proclaimed Jacqueline Toboroff, editor of the Manhattan Press. “They have literally replaced the Irish, British, German, Scandinavian Christians

and the Native Americans that were on the flag since 1858.”

Both the state’s seal and flag were attacked over their depictions of a Native American on horseback, which critics viewed as a reference to the displacement of indigenous people.

A 13-member committee considered 2,500 designs for the new flag and narrowed their selection down to six finalists. “Five

OP-ED

Op-edby

Attorney JosephT.Burns

Earlier this month, a Supreme Court Justice sitting in Saratoga County correctly invalidated a key part of the 2021 law that ended any role for the state judiciary in overseeing the canvassing of absentee ballots. This law not only required absentee ballots to be counted when local election commissioners disagreed on the validity of the ballot, but it prevented candidates when these “split” votes occurred from even going to court over the validity of the ballot. This new process was unfair, and it violated the provision of the state constitution that requires bipartisan control of local boards of elections. New York State has already filed its notice of appeal in this case, but the Appellate Division must uphold the trial court’s very sensible and reasonable decision.

Law prevented candidates from even seeking a judicial review of those ballots. The law requires — even though the election commissioners might not agree — that the absentee ballot be counted, and the judiciary is completely excluded from this process.

had an eight-point Islamic star, and that is statistically impossible,” Toboroff reported. “They said it was to reflect the new immigrants who are Somali Muslim.”

There are 5.9 million people in Minnesota, with 80% being white Christian, Toboroff noted. “One percent of the population in Minnesota is Muslim, and this is what's happening.” The new flag was not subject to a public referendum or vote of the legislature.

“It's an atrocity,” said Minnesota businessman Mike Lindell, the founder of My Pillow. “Everybody's going, what is this? It's just a takeover. This is like a Trojan horse here in Minnesota. When they started pouring in, they didn't love our country. I've seen it with my own eyes. They're not neutral. They hate this country. They hate the Judeo-Christian West. They're Sharia supremacist,” Lindell said, referring to an Islamic tradition that the European Court of Human Rights ruled is "incompatible with the fundamental principles of democracy.”

“We're sitting here and it's all different races. But you know, we're 80% Christian in Minnesota. One percent of these Islamists come in here, and then they get to have this flag,” Lindell continued. “It's like we're getting just attacked from every direction. It's disgusting.”

An eight-point star is used to represent the Islamic faith and the unity of the Muslim community. It is a common symbol in Islamic art and architecture and is known

as "khatim" or "khatim-sulayman," which means "seal of the prophets" in Arabic. Supporters of the new flag hold that the symbol represents Polaris, the North Star.

Governments run by Progressive Democrats across America are also looking to feature an eight-point Islamic star in their flags, with Minnesota’s neighbor, Wisconsin, getting close to making the change.

Democrats at It Again Courts Were Correct to Protect Ballot Counting in NYS

Upending bipartisan control over the canvassing of absentee ballots and removing the independent judiciary from the absentee canvassing process weakens New York’s electoral system. The absentee canvassing process in place before the 2021 change served New York voters well for generations.

election document after the voter had died.

The Staten Island grand jury went on to make recommendations on how to improve New York State’s electoral system. Among these recommendations were proposals for additional absentee voting safeguards such as requiring absentee voters to provide proof of identification with their ballot and prohibiting campaign workers from handling absentee ballots or absentee ballot requests.

The 2021 change to New York’s absentee ballot canvassing process did not make our electoral system better. It did not enhance voter confidence in the process. New Yorkers’ right to vote is protected by the state constitution. For this right to have any meaning, New Yorkers must have confidence that their elections are fair, honest, and administered in a bipartisan manner, as is required by the state constitution. The decision to strike down the main provision

of the new absentee canvassing process was correct; the Appellate Division must affirm this decision and preserve the integrity of our electoral system.

Joseph T. Burns is a Republican election lawyer who lives in Western New York and the former Deputy Director of Election Operations at the State Board of Elections. He filed an amicus curiae brief on behalf of the Republican Lawyers Club, a political action committee, in this case.

Our state constitution guarantees that elections will be administered in a bipartisan manner. Both major parties are ensured representation at our county boards of elections. This is an important and necessary election integrity safeguard.

The absentee canvassing law was found to violate this mandate of Article II of the state constitution. Under this 2021 amendment to the state Election Law, absentee ballots are counted even when the commissioners of elections disagree on whether the ballot should be counted. As bad as that might be, what’s worse is that this change to the Election

In recent years, New York has seen plenty of election-related scandals and mishaps. Many if not most of these problems would not have been unconverted if the changes made by the 2021 absentee canvassing law had been in place. In 2013, for instance, the Democratic Commissioner of the Dutchess County Board of Elections was forced to resign her position after pleading guilty to absentee ballot-related fraud.

More recently, a 2021 Republican primary election for a New York City Council seat on Staten Island was engulfed in an absentee ballot fraud scandal. No candidate or campaign staffer was ever charged with absentee ballotrelated fraud, but the Staten Island District Attorney — a Democrat — convened a grand jury to investigate the fraud allegations.

The grand jury report was a bombshell. It found a number of instances of irregularities in the primary election, including an instance of a voter signing an

Op-edby Assemblyman JoeDeStefano

Thankfully, the state Supreme Court shot down the latest attempt by the Progressive Democrats to force their woke agenda on New Yorkers. They are pushing for a constitutional amendment that would allow men to compete in women’s sports and children to get abortions and gender-changing procedures without telling their parents. While the court put the measure on hold for now, we need to brace ourselves for their next attempt.

Like most everything the Left does, they aren’t being truthful about their real intentions . The amendment innocuously calls for all citizens to be protected from discrimination. But dig deeper and you’ll see what they really mean is that children should have the right to do anything they want without telling their parents, while the

government, instead of protecting the kids, will go after anyone trying to stop them.

Everyone knows that it’s wrong to have boys in a girl’s bathroom and men shouldn’t be going against women in sports, and it’s equally crazy to allow kids to change their sex without telling their parents. Yet, anyone speaking out against this becomes a target of not only the outside agitators, but of the government itself.

These are the same forces that invade our children’s lives with material promoting men dressed as women, transgender surgery, and abortion on demand. It’s all part of a decades-old strategy to weaken the family unit and establish government as the controlling authority in people’s lives. It’s no wonder that the most powerful influencer of children today is TikTok, an invasive media operation run by Communist China, a country where civil rights hardly exist.

The Marxist influence on America’s youth is so powerful

that they have compelled college students to take to the streets in support of the terrorist regime Hamas. American youth draping themselves in Palestinian flags and disrupting the civil order can only be seen as a major coup by the forces aligned against us. These are the same interests that want us to change our constitution to promote even further degradation of our societal norms.

Sadly, the state Supreme Court does not have the last word on this issue. The Marxist Democrats who want ultimate power over every aspect of our lives will not give up and will take this to a higher court. As the debate rises to a fever pitch in the complacent media, and as the Chinese government bombards your kids with targeted propaganda, keep this in mind: Anyone pushing a constitutional amendment to allow men in women’s sports and radical surgeries in children without telling their parents have a hidden agenda that is absolutely not in the best interest of American society.

Photo Credit: State of Minnesota

Photo Credit: State of Minnesota

The new Minnesota state flag.

The old Minnesota state flag.

The Federal Government Reaches a Dubious Distinction on the Debt

ByDeborahWilliams

The United States government has just reached a dubious and disturbing financial benchmark that will hurt already suffering families: more money is now being spent on just the interest payments on the almost $35 trillion national debt than on national defense or Medicare.

This also means every man, woman, and child in America owes $103,207 each to pay it off.

The Treasury Department said that for the first time in the history of the United States, interest payments on the national debt were $514 billion and have exceeded every other individual budget item except

Social Security.

Federal spending rose by $162 billion last year just to cover interest on the nation’s debt.

The United States debt to GDP ratio is at an alarming 122% compared to 58% in 2000 and 35% in 1980.

The Committee for a Responsible Budget estimates that 39 cents of every dollar paid in personal income taxes goes to pay down the interest on the national debt.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) said that federal spending looks to be unsustainable long into the future stating in a recent report that, "The federal government

faces an unsustainable long-term fiscal path” if spending continues to rise.

Coupled with a ballooning national debt, stubborn inflation persists for another month. New inflation numbers were also released for the month of April, showing continued problems for the national economy and continued high prices for everyday Americans.

With the Consumer Price Index (CPI) also still stubbornly high at 3.4%, and Producer Price Index (PPI) up 2.4%, there is little chance of a reduction in interest rates from the Fed anytime soon.

Inflation is still running well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target and when inflation is above 2% the Federal Reserve can consider it threatening to the United States economy.

Chris Larkin, managing director of trading and investing at E*Trade said in an interview with CNN, "In late 2023, some investors thought the Fed would start lowering interest rates in March, and get six or seven cuts in by the end of this year. More hot inflation data could make the debate about whether 2024 will

contain even a single cut.”

For the taxpayer, this means continued high prices for daily

Photo Credit: USDebtClock.org

snapshot of the national debt clock

VETERANS WAY

BY REV. FREDERICK MILLER, PH.D.

Memorial Day is an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2024 will occur on Monday, May 27th, 2024.

Across the United States, Memorial Day is celebrated with parades each year, often incorporating military personnel and members of veteran’s organizations. This year the American Legion Arthur H. Clune post 1533 of Mastic Beach is sponsoring its 48th Memorial parade. The parade will be held on Memorial Day 5/27/2024, starting at Commack Road and Neighborhood Road at 10:30 a.m. The parade will go down Neighborhood Road to the cemetery at Lakeview Drive. There will be a very small ceremony at the cemetery and the parade will then go to the Legion Post on Mastic Beach Road and Washington Road for the closing ceremony.

HISTORY OF MEMORIAL DAY

The Civil War which ended in 1865 claimed more American lives

Memorial Day 2024

than any conflict in U.S. history and required the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries. Americans in various towns and cities visited those cemeteries in the springtime paying tributes to the countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.

On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans,

called for a nationwide day of remembrance to take place on May 39th, 1868. He called the day Decoration Day, and its purpose was to place flowers, or otherwise decorate the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and those bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land. He chose the date because it wasn’t the anniversary of any

particular action.

During World War I the United States found itself embroiled in another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars and the name Decoration Day became Memorial Day. In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the Last Monday in May in order

to create a three-day weekend for federal employees; the change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.

The American flags are flown at half-mast. Americans also observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. There is also a moment of silence at 3:00 p.m. Some people wear a red poppy in remembrance of those fallen in war – a tradition that began with a World War I poem. The poem was written by Colonel John McCrae, a physician in 1915.

The poem's, “In Flanders Fields,” opening lines refer to the fields of poppies that grew among the soldiers' graves in Flanders. In 1918 Moina Michael attended an Overseas War Secretaries conference wearing a silk poppy pinned to her coat and distributed over two dozen more to others present. In 1920 the National American Legion adopted it as their official symbol of remembrance. The American Legion continues to use the poppy program every year as the symbol of remembrance

Help is available to you by calling the local VA hospital in Northport, (631) 261-4400, or Veterans Crisis Line 1 (800) 273-8255 Press 1 to talk to a veteran or have a confidential chat at veteranscrisisline.net or text to 838255. If you have any questions relating to veteran problems, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to answer it. Contact us at drfred72@gmail.com.

HISTORY

LESSONS

BY RICHARD ACRITELLI

If these vehicles could speak, what stories would they have to share about the mobile military history that they display on our local roads. The Long Island Military History Vehicle Club is based out of Bohemia, and it provides a great deal of patriotism to the veterans and families of this area. There are about twenty members who operate military antique jeeps from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, Two and Half Ton Trucks, Hummers, World War II Bicycles and Motorcycles. While this organization is based out of Bohemia, there is also a Nassau Chapter, who provide the same positive activities within their county. During COVID-19, there was a brief respite toward the activities of this organization that was hampered by the pandemic, but now they have a full schedule of future dates to present their unique vehicles at local events.

For close to twenty years, the members of this motor club have brought smiles to many older veterans and their families. Once a year, they drive to the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook to provide a convoy of military vehicles to honor our oldest local military figures. Working with local Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legions across the

county, this organization operates these nationalistic vehicles in Armed Forces, Veterans, Memorial, Independence, and St. Patrick’s Day Parades in Jamesport, Patchogue, Riverhead, Kings Park, and Smithtown.

Jude Petrowski from Riverhead is a key member of this club and he is extremely pleased with their ability to continually provide appreciation to our older World War II, Korean, and Vietnam Veterans. Petrowski and his fellow members also support the Honor Flight program that brings older veterans for the thrill of military flights to commemorate their amazing service to this nation. During birthdays, this club organizes a parade of vehicles for older veterans who enjoy seeing these vehicles that they might have operated during their younger years in uniform. There are moments this military history vehicle organization will coordinate activities with Suffolk and New York City Police to conduct flyovers for various milestones. A memorable occasion was when a 100-year-old veteran danced to music for his birthday at Applebees.

A retired mechanic for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Paul Randazzo of Stony Brook is a key participant of this military vehicle organization.

Long Island Military Vehicle Club's Proud Recognition of Our Military History and Veterans

He is immensely proud of the happiness that they bring to veterans and military families. Driving a 1960 French Hotchkiss Jeep, he believes that this piece of military antique was used by the French Army in North Africa during the fighting in the Algerian War from 1954-1962. Randazzo is happy to showcase this foreign jeep in many of the local parades with his fellow members of this organization.

Randazzo is also a volunteer Chief Vehicle Maintenance Mechanic for the Museum of American

Armor in Bethpage. For years he has handled every type of repair and restoration for major military pieces that are seen by thousands of visitors. Over the last ten years, Randazzo has worked on jeeps, tanks, armored personnel carriers that will be seen and operated during the May 18th-19th military encampment. Randazzo is pleased with the growth of this tremendous museum that is the largest of its type within the tristate area that features a 25,000 square foot World War II Museum to remind our local citizens the victorious importance

of these vehicles and how they helped our Armed Forces defeat the Germans and Japanese. Through the mechanical talents of Randazzo, he is able to support the educational programs to numerous field trips, speaking arrangements, and handson view of these impressive military vehicles. Thank you to Long Island Military History Vehicle Club’s Suffolk County Chapter for their energy to ensure that patriotism is always enhanced through the unique and charitable qualities of this local organization!!!!

Photo Credit: Arlington National Cemetery

Photo Credit: File Photo

White marble headstones at Arlington National Cemetery

SPORTS A Hard Knock New Uniform

ByTomBarton

The New York Giants grabbed headlines this week and neither of the headlines seemed to please the fans.

The Giants unveiled their new retro uniforms and they were met with immediate scorn and ridicule. The Giants' new design, which they will wear twice this season, is based off of throwbacks to commemorate their 100th season in football. New York will call them the "Century

Red" style but it combines red and blue jerseys, red and blue helmets and brown pants.

The style is a mix of three different commemorative teams. The jersey will reflect the 1933 Giants team.

The helmet is for the 1938 team and the pants are from the 1925 season.

Big Blue also made news when it was announced that they were the team chosen to be on Hard Knocks.

The documentary series follows one team through training camp

with behind-the-scenes looks at players and the inner workings of an NFL training camp experience. Traditionally teams have shied away from being on the show but years ago the NFL stopped asking permission and made teams be a part of it. The Giants have already said that the series had cameras in the room for the Saquon Barkley decision, the trade for Brian Burns and when they picked Malik Nabers this offseason so this could be more intriguing than most years.

Autino Is in The Record Books

ByTomBarton

Comsewogue's Tommy Autino placed 2nd at the North Shore Invitational with a time of 4:26:49. Autino's time places him with the 2nd fastest time in school history.

The 5'8" 120 pound Autino's primary Position is in the 1600 meters with his secondary Position in the 1000 meters. Earlier this year he along with Terrance Degnan placed 8th and 13th at the Suffolk Coaches Invitational. Their times both qualified for the Section XI State Qualifier coming up in November. The team placed 8th overall.

Comsewogue Wins the Invitational

ByTomBarton

The

46th annual Smithtown invitational track and field meet was named for coach Bob Pratt.

While all the girls did a wonderful job a few names stood out above the rest. Madelyn Serxner finished 1st in the 400 meter dash with a time of 1:01:20. Ashley Then and Jackie Antelo finished the same event at 8th and 11th. Lexi Cole ended up taking 2nd place in the 800 meter run while Madison Cole took home 3rd in the 1500 meter.

Cole also finished first in the 3000 meter with a time of 10:47:71 and Hermoine Granger took home

6th in the same event. Salome Maginier finished 3rd in the 100 meter hurdles in both the prelims and finals. Sophia Deja ended up taking home the title best in the high jump and the entire relay team took home first place 4x800 meter relay.

Miller Place Is Going National

ByTomBarton

Miller Place sophomore Paige Reitan has qualified to

represent her region at the USA Gymnastics Nationals. Reitan is a level 10 gymnast, and will be

All Levels Success

ByTomBarton

As sports fans we normally see one team with an incredible record and say it was a great year for the school, which it is, but it's increasingly rare to see that sort of success across multiple levels at one school. That is what Longwood accomplished this season.

The Longwood Lions watched three of their teams excel this spring to heights that we haven't seen in a long time. The junior varsity team finished the season with a 16-2 overall record. Coach Gregorovic led the young men to a fantastic year with contributions from everyone as they set the tone

at the lower level.

The varsity team has been one of the most talked about, and most successful teams, in Suffolk all season long. They finished 16-4 overall and 16-2 in conference to win the league 1 title. Along the way they won 11 straight games and gained notoriety with tremendous pitching performances by Dennis Ennis and the likely player of the year CJ Forman.

When you see the success range over all of the baseball teams you can also see how a program is being built. The Lions have very good coaching and the next crop of varsity.

Christian Cox Keeps Hitting

ByTomBarton

Shoreham-Wading River's Christian Cox set the school's batting average record this season. Cox finished with a remarkable .639 average during the regular season. The 5'8" 174 pound senior got to the record by getting 39 hits and finished the season with a flurry. Cox ended the year going 15 for 16 with seven extra base hits in his last 4 games. Over those last 4 games he also drove in RBI and had 7 runs scored.

Cox plays catcher and third base, but he is the starting shortstop on most days. Scouts have said he can throw upwards of 80 mph across the diamond and that should allow him to stay on that side of the

Reitan will be joined by

infield. He led Shoreham Wading River to a 16-4 overall record and they went 15-3 in league play. Cox

who is also a level 10 gymnast. Musso qualified as an alternate at Nationals. The Miller Place squad has had an excellent season and another sophomore

Comsewogue varsity girls track team won the Bob Pratt Invitational. The

Photo Credit: Comsewogue Athletics | Facebook

Credit: @Giants | X

Photo Credit: Comsewogue Athletics | Facebook Tommy Autino

New York Giants' new uniforms

Comsewogue Track and Field

Photo Credit: Longwood Central School District | Facebook

The Longwood Lions' JV Team

has decided to continue his career at Framingham State University in Massachusetts.

Christian Cox

Photo Credit: @ChristCox18 | X

Photo Credit: Miller Place School District | Facebook The Miller Place Gymnastics Team competing at the Nationals in Daytona Beach this month.

sophomore Savannah Musso,

Angelina Donofrio, who is a level 9 gymnast, also qualified for Eastern Nationals in Myrtle Beach.

SPORTS Harrison Butker Was Right!

ByTomBarton

Courageous, brave and fearless are the buzzwords that we usually hear when an athlete speaks up for something he believes in. But, that was not the case this week when Harrison Butker spoke from the heart and talked about his beliefs. Suddenly, there was outrage aimed at Butker for speaking his mind and the vitriol and scorn that has followed has hit epic levels.

Here's the thing ... Harrison Butker was right.

Before we go any further let's set the stage about what happened. Harrison Butker is a kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs. He was asked to give the commencement speech at Benedictine College, a Catholic College in Kansas. Butker has been known not only for his tremendous kicking talent for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs, but also as an outspoken advocate for Christian beliefs. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and is a prolife supporter. So, when he took to the podium no one should have been shocked at what would be said, but the Left became predictably outraged.

Butker addressed the students by telling them that woman should take pride in being a mother and that while some of them may lead successful careers, the majority of them would be most excited by becoming a mother. He also made it a point to speak about leaning into his own vocation in life, that was not as an NFL star, but rather a father and husband. He continued with tears in his eyes to praise his own wife and express his love for her and her

support. Butker then went on to take on the new culture of America and told young men to "Be unapologetic in your masculinity. Fight against the cultural emasculation of men. Do hard things. Never settle for what is easy." Saying that broken families and specifically absentee fathers is problematic.

So why are people upset? Those beliefs that he expressed were twisted and turned by his detractors. They have taken to social media and news programs saying that he told woman to stay in the kitchen. They have tried to make people believe he was attacking Woman and a lifestyle that he doesn't agree with. Instead of listening to the speech of what was truly said. The hatred for Butker has gotten so big that change.org has a petition for the Chiefs to throw him off the team that has over 100,000 signatures and the official Kansas City X account doxxed the star kicker, before giving a half-hearted apology.

Sadly, that is where we are in society. Former Chief Tyreek Hill was arrested on domestic violence charges in college while current Chief Rashee Rice is facing eight felony charges and multiple civil lawsuits in relation to his role in a multi-vehicle crash in Dallas, Texas, this March and he was accused of assault in May. These are just two examples of NFL players that don't have a petition for them to lose their job, but Butker does, for speaking his mind. Neither of those players, nor any others I could find with legal troubles were ever called out by their city the way he was. I could go on and on about NFL players that have a multitude of legal issues, yet there was hardly an outcry for

Suffolk's Aces Deliver

ByTomBarton

Pitching took center stage in the early rounds of the Suffolk County baseball playoffs this week. We knew that there would be an ace's duel in the Miller Place against Kings Park matchup and it delivered.

Miller Place sent Nick Frusco to the hill against Kings Park's Hunter Colagrande. Their stats speak for themselves. Frusco came into the game ending the regular season with 33 innings pitched, ending

them to be thrown off the team. The reaction here is what Butker said, is somehow worse than what players have done.

Even in writing these words I expect a blowback on myself for "agreeing" with Harrison Butker. Few will read until the end and just make assumptions, much like his speech. We live in a cancel culture, but only people who don't agree with the cancel culture get canceled. For the record it doesn't matter if I agree with what Butker said, but I certainly agree with how he said it and his right to say it. Unlike players like Colin Kaepernick, who chose to have their voice heard while in uniform, inside his employers building, Butker said what he did outside of the Chiefs or anything to do with football. He didn't stop an interview or interject his moral compass in the locker room or on the field. This was done at a Catholic college that he was invited to speak at, and spoke about Catholic

beliefs. In fact, even the woke-driven NFL had to agree that Butker chose the right place and wouldn't receive any league discipline. Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, in a written statement to people stated “Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity." The mere fact the NFL felt a need to address his personal beliefs is outrageous in itself. Especially because many people, and many woman, agree with him. The Left want you to believe that there is something so wrong with what Butker believes, that he should lose his job. But, the fact is there were more woman at the Right to Life Rally, a cause he supports so strongly, than the Women's March. He left the stage to a standing ovation, and an 18-second applause after he told woman that the most happy they will be is when they become a mother. Then, just days after his speech the Chiefs #7 jersey skyrocketed in sales, above his own teammate's Patrick

Mahomes for men, and is the #1 selling jersey among woman. Butker clearly isn't alone in his beliefs. Harrison Butker was right and we should ALL agree with that, perhaps not what his beliefs are, but he is right. You may disagree with Butker stating that he believes that the most rewarding job in the world is raising your children, but he was right where he said it. You can disagree with his take that men should be masculine and not have to apologize for that, but he was right when he chose that forum to say it. You can even disagree with the fact that he called out our current president and his conflicting religious beliefs, but he was certainly right to choose that audience to express those views. I am not asking you to like Harrison Butker, but we should all agree that he was right on when, how, and why he said what he said. If we live in an America where you believe that people should be allowed to express their opinions and fight against what they believe is morally wrong, then we all have to agree that Harrison Butker was right. I can only imagine the response if an athlete stood in front of a left-leaning audience and told the crowd that woman should not take pride in being mothers and rather focus on their career. That being a feminine male is perfectly ok and don't let anyone tell you different, and ended the speech by bashing Donald Trump. There certainly would be no petition. I tip my cap to Harrison Butker for his courageous, brave and fearless speech. Whether I agree with what he said isn't the topic here, I I agree with his right to say it and he chose the right forum to do so.

with 4 wins and an incredible 0.42 ERA. He struck out an unreal 75 batters in just 33 innings and allowed only 8 total hits on the year. Hunter Colagrande was even better. He threw 42 innings, good for a perfect 7-0 record. His 0.44 ERA and 0.45 WHIP spoke volumes of his dominance and he added 65 Ks to his final stat line.

As they faced off against each other it was Colagrande who had the final win. He pushed Kings Park to a 2-0 win by throwing a complete game shutout. Miller Place mustered

just 4 hits and one walk against him as they waved at his pitches all day, leading to 11 strikeouts. The win moved his record to 8-0 and moved Kings Park one step closer to a title.

It seems anytime we have talked about great pitching in Suffolk County this season we have mentioned CJ Forman and he did not disappoint in his 8-2

Mighty Moeller Gets 100

ByTomBarton

Rocky Point's McKenzie Moeller scored her 100th career goal this week for the Eagles.

Moeller finished the year with 37 goals, 33 assists which was good for 70 points. Her 70 overall points put her among only a dozen Suffolk players with 70 or more points on the season, while her 37 goals led the Eagles. Moeller ended the year on fire with 3 goals and 3 assists in her final game. She also scored 9 goals in her last 4 games to go along with 15 points over that span.

Moeller began her career playing on the varsity lacrosse team as a freshman. She is a multisport star as well as she is the center on the varsity basketball team and also plays soccer for the school. Moeller is also excelling off the field as she has been inducted into the National Junior Honor Society and helps coach younger teams.

win over Patchogue-Medford. The Longwood ace threw a complete game with 11 strikeouts to move Longwood on in the bracket.

Photo Credit: @coach_abreu_kp

McKenzie Moeller

Photo Credit: Section XI - Suffolk County Athletics | Facebook

Hunter Colagrande

Photo Credit: The Heritage Foundation | Facebook Harrison Butker with his children

SPORTS

ByTomBarton

Not Just the Boys of Summer

Baseball might still be America's Pastime, but the term "boys of summer" may have to change soon if Southampton's Baily Brown has anything to say about it. Brown has been playing on the varsity team with the Mariners boys since the 8th grade and has been progressing every year since.

Going back to the 8th grade coach Zach Epley could see something special. Brown pitched just 8 innings in that season, but struck out 8 batters and opened some eyes along the way. Since then she has only gotten better. Brown pitched more than 30 innings last season as a freshman logging the second most innings on the team. This year she upped her game once again going 21 innings and pitching to a 3.80 ERA. Epley said that she was their "go to reliever" and acted as a closer in quite a few games, but she still amassed the fourth most innings on the team.

She also started 13 games at third base and her arm plays well all over the field. "She has a cannon over there," said Epley who gushed about Brown's arm, but made it a point to say the curveball was her best pitch. "She has a very good 12 to 6 curveball and great command. She knows how to pitch and hit the corners, and very importantly doesn't walk anyone" he continued. Being around the plate is a huge asset and Brown isn't just throwing, she is showing she is pitching.

When Brown came onto the team in the 8th grade there were some questions but they quickly faded once

she took the field. Now, she is just one of the boys and a heck of a player. Brown has now faced every team in the league and they all know her and just look at her as a formidable opponent, and forget that she is a female. Now, in tenth grade Epley says she is as good of a person as she is a ballplayer, and the team accepted her right away. He says, "She gets along with everyone, takes a joke, has a good personality and is right in the mix."

Most of her teammates have known her as a ballplayer first, and foremost, ever since they were much younger. She grew up playing with her travel team and played in Little League with most of her team. Epely alluded to her intense dedication to the sport a few times saying she's a hard worker, and doesn't miss a workout or practice. That dedication is easy to see when you hear that one week after the season ended she has already joined a travel team to keep playing throughout the summer. Brown's resume reads like a

Grit" award. Epely tells a story about how she hurt her hand badly and it was swollen and in rough shape. Brown was back on the field 20 minutes later and ready to go. He said that would have knocked some guys out for a few days.

The next step for Brown is putting some more zip on her fastball. Coach Epley is "hoping the next two years to get more speed on the fastball." She has impressed her coach so much that he is already thinking of the Women's Major League Baseball league. He's already started to evaluate Brown against the pro's stating they throw into high 70's and she is into her 70's now. Like any good coach he puts the onus on himself to get her to the upper 70's by the time she is a senior.

Baily's brother Mick Brown just walked on to Notre Dame football and had a couple of tackles in their spring game, so the athleticism certainly is in the family, but Baily looks like she has just as bright of a future. Meanwhile, Coach Zach Epley and Southampton will be coming back with a full team next year. They made some big strides in 2024 with series wins against Mattituck and John Glenn, who they haven't won against in a few years. While Epley enjoyed talking about Brown on the diamond it's what he said of her off-the-field impact that really made a statement. He has two daughters, 9 and 7. He said that his daughters "look up to Baily. They see her as a role model and show that you can do anything you want. She is very inspiring."

Back-to-Back for Half Hollow Hills

ByTomBarton

Half Hollow Hills has won the 2024 Division 1 county Championship. The win gives Half Hollow back-to-back women's flag football championships after they captured the title last season.

Hills were led by their dynamic quarterback Samantha Heyman. Heyman, who is just a sophomore has made a statement this season and ended it with an exclamation point in the final game of the season. Heyman ended the day 16-for-19 with three touchdown passes, and as a dual threat QB she added 66 rushing yards to her stat line. Oh, and yes she does play on both sides

The Golden Eagles Are Champions

ByTomBarton

St. Joseph's University has won the Skyline Conference Championship.

After winning the regular season title for the third year in a row St. Joe's finished off their outstanding season by winning the championship.

The Golden Eagles proved they were by far the best team in the conference all season long and now have the championship to show it. The top-seeded Eagles needed to win both games against Farmingdale State College on the final day to capture the title. After dropping game 1 by a score of 6-1 the Eagles rebounded and took both games. They won the first game by breaking out the bats and the offense carried them to a 12-5 victory.

The drama was only beginning though for the Eagles as they won a nail-biter 9-8 to win game 2 and hoist

the championship.

Senior second baseman John Lynch was named the tournament's

Most Outstanding Player. Lynch was unconscious at the plate batting . 471.

He had three doubles, two home runs, 8 runs scored and drove in 6.

Lynch was named to the second team All Conference this season and

he was not alone. The Golden Eagles had four first team All Conference players with shortstop Mike DiFilippo, outfielder Anselmo Joya, pitchers Peter Manger and Dante Morabito all being selected. Along with Lynch, Jordan Ramlogan and Jack Kelly made the second team and head coach Tom Caputo won Coach of the Year honors.

Late Heroics Keeps Sayville Perfect

ByTomBarton

The Sayville flag football team are the new Suffolk Class B champions. Olivia Moynihan put the finishing touches on Hauppauge when she connected with Mia DeSimone for a touchdown to send the Golden Flashes to the title.

The TD pass made the final

of the ball and had two picks.

Half Hollow Hills was the #1 overall seed coming in and most thought they were the most

complete team and that is exactly what they showed in a 19-6 final over third ranked PatchogueMedford. Next up for the team will be the Long Island Championship.

Tennis Championships Spread across Suffolk

ByTomBarton

The Ward Melville tennis team won both the singles and doubles titles at the Section XI - Suffolk County Athletics Division III Championships this week.

Ward Melville was led by Robert Monticciolo , who won his singles

title and Harshith Pennabadi & Shashank Pennabadi who won their doubles championship.

Meanwhile, earlier in the week Ishaanth Reddy Guduru, from Smithtown West took home the singles championship for Division 1 and Commack's Eric Benderly & James Yuwon the doubles title.

score 22-13 over Hauppauge in one of the better battles we have had this season. The Golden Flashes came in as the #1 overall seed with a perfect 11-0 record and had a formidable opponent in #2 seed Hauppauge, who finished the regular season 11-2.

The Flashes and Moynihan will now face the winner of Plainedge vs. East Rockaway in the Long Island championship this Thursday in Nassau county.

budding superstar, regardless of gender. She won last year's Cy Young for the team as the best pitcher and this season she won the teams "True

Photo Credit: Zach Epley

Half Hollow Hills Flag Football Team

Photo Credit: Section XI - Suffolk County Athletics | Facebook

Photo Credit: Long Island Tennis Magazine

Robert Monticciolo, Harshith Pennabadi & Shashank Pennabadi

Baily Brown

St. Joseph's Baseball Team

Photo Credit: St. Joseph's Baseball Website

Photo Credit: @SayvilleFlashes | X

The Sayville Flag Football Team

THE BETTOR ANGLE TM

BY TOM BARTON

The NFL's marketing machine has made their schedule release seem like a national event. Teams around the league make very creative videos and have fun with their new schedules. But, the smart sports bettor looks at the schedule and tries to find angles to take advantage of situational betting.

Sure, it's fun to see who you will be able to watch while eating a turkey leg on Thanksgiving, sports bettors are more looking into who's on a short week. When you look at the NFL season there are some things that jump right off the page.

With the new extended season bye weeks have become even more important. The Eagles, Chargers, Lions and Titans all have a bye week in week 5. That means there will be no rest after that. Something to keep in mind. Week 14 brings us six teams that will get their rest very late. That can be a benefit for playoff ready teams to take a breather and get healthy, like the Ravens, but that can also be a hindrance on teams needing a reset and a chance for coaches to evaluate. The Patriots, Commanders, and Broncos all will have new

quarterbacks.

Reading more into the schedule we see that the Atlanta Falcons have a season win total of just 9 1/2 this year, yet the preseason numbers have them being favored in 13 of their last 14 games. The Chicago Bears have the easiest schedule weeks 1-10. The Bears and Steelers don't play any divisional games until after week 10, which is the latest in NFL history that a team has ever played its first division game. Six of their final eight games will be divisional games. That's an end of the year gauntlet. Jared Goff won't play a game outdoors until week 9 at Green Bay. The Lions will play a total of just 3 times outdoors all year. The Eagles play four of their final five games in Philadelphia, giving them a distinct late-season edge.

Bettors have grown accustomed to the Jaguars in London and this year will be the second straight year they play back-to-back games there. Last season they went 2-0 in that spot, cashing as an underdog. The familiarity and less travel has to be taken into account. Christmas is Wednesday, which can throw a

Finding Betting Angles in the NFL Schedule

team's internal clock off. This will be just the third time over the past 76 years that the NFL has held a game on a Wednesday. The Chiefs will travel to Pittsburgh for this one, with the Ravens heading to Houston. Betting on a team off a bye week has become an increasingly popular bet and that means betting against the 49ers this season. The 49ers will be going against four teams off a bye week. Then there are the Bills, Browns, Bears, and Vikings who face an uphill challenge because they have to go on the road for three straight games. Teams that have had to play three consecutive road games the past two seasons are a combined 8-19 on their three-game trip.

Finally, some hometown schedule quirks. The New York Jets will also show us if they can respond to the limelight with six prime time games in the first 11 weeks of the season. While the Giants will play the Cowboys twice this season, like always, but this year is different because both contests will be played on Thursday, that's only happened a total of two times in just under 100 years.

ASK NANCY

BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ.

Probate Litigation and Will Contests –When Is It Worth It to Challenge a Last Will and Testament?

I thought I was due to inherit from a family member, but then I learned that I was not included in the will. I hear litigation can be expensive and time-consuming. How do I know if it is worth it to challenge a decedent’s last will and testament?

If you are considering challenging the probate of a last will and testament, there are a number of factors to consider in determining whether you have legal standing to challenge the will and whether a will contest is worthwhile. Generally, only someone who is adversely affected by the disposition set forth in the will, or someone who would inherit if the decedent did not have a will, has standing to challenge whether a will should be admitted to probate. Fiduciaries also have standing to challenge a will if their role is changed by the document.

Assuming there is standing to challenge a will, there still are several other factors to consider. You should consider whether the last will offered for probate evidences a significant departure from the decedent’s long-standing estate plan or

testamentary scheme. Whether the decedent had testamentary capacity at the time the will was made or was susceptible to undue influence is also paramount in determining whether there are grounds to contest probate.

There are also procedural and technical requirements that an estate litigator will review in determining whether there is a sufficient basis to contest a will. New York Law requires that certain formalities are observed during a will execution ceremony. Indeed, the Surrogate reviewing the will has an obligation to question the truth of the document being offered for probate.

Ordinarily, when the will is prepared by an attorney, the execution ceremony conforms with the statute and the instrument is accompanied by a “self-proving affidavit” –whereby the witnesses assert that

the decedent was of sound mind at the time the will was made and that it was executed in accordance with the statute. Having a selfproving affidavit makes a will contest more challenging for a would-be objectant.

To gain more information about the will execution and

who played a role in crafting the document that disposes of the decedent’s estate, parties are entitled to take examination under oath of the attorneydraftsperson and witnesses to the will. In doing so, the participants in the proceeding are granted access to the attorney’s file,

notes, correspondence, and other documents relied upon in preparing the instrument. When these depositions are taken prior to the filing of written objections with the Surrogate’s Court, the estate bears the cost of producing the attorney-draftsperson, witnesses and obtaining the transcript of the proceedings.

This underscores why it is paramount to consult with an experienced estate litigation attorney and timely appear in court if you believe there are grounds to contest the admission of a last will and testament to probate.

Paul M. O'Brien, Esq. is of counsel at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. focusing his practice on Estate Litigation. Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. serves clients from New York City to the east end of Long Island with offices located in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, Manhattan and East Hampton.

Photo Credit: ID 154769727 © Romolo Tavani | Dreamstime.com

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, TEACHERS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. KELLYANN T. PETERSEN f/k/a KELLYANN T. EGAN, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly filed on March 20, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hall, Farmingville, NY 11738 on May 29, 2024 at 10:30 pm, premises known as 115 North Clinton Avenue a/k/a 115 Clinton Street, Patchogue, NY 11772. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at North Patchogue, in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of New York, known and designated as District: 0200; Section: 923.00; Block: 05.00; Lots: 032.00 and 033.000 and will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 615525/2023. ANNETTE EADERESTO, Esq., Referee

Terenzi & Confusione, P.C., 401 Franklin Avenue, Suite 304, Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff.

L15880-5/1/2024,5/8/2024, 5/15/2024&5/22/2024

SUPREME COURT –COUNTY OF SUFFOLK BOARD OF MANAGERS OF WATERS EDGE AT SMITH POINT CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff against G STONE ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC, et. al. Defendants – Pursuant to the Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 15, 2024, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, New York on May 30, 2024 at 9:00 a.m., premises known as 10 Waters Edge, Shirley, NY. All that certain plot, piece, tract or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. District 0200, Section 985.21, Block 01.00 and Lot 010.000. Approximate amount of the lien $30,358.40 plus interest and costs and accrued

monthly assessments and special assessments owed to Plaintiff from September 18, 2023 through the date of auction. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #23-606736. Anthony M. Parlatore, Esq., Referee. Taylor, Eldridge & Endres, P.C., (Attorney for Plaintiff) 811 West Jericho Turnpike, Suite 101W, Smithtown, New York 11787 (631) 2655550, Fax (631) 265-5590 Dated: 05/01/24

L15884-5/1/2024,5/8/2024, 5/15/2024&5/22/2024

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, ISANTHES, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. JOSEPH TIROTTA, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 29, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on June 4, 2024 at 10:30 a.m., premises known as 17 Kent Place a/k/a 13 Kent Place, Mastic, NY 11950. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200, Section 786.00, Block 06.00 and Lot 013.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $394,510.82 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600981/2019. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale.

Annette Eaderesto, Esq., Referee

Vallely Law PLLC, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 165, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff.

L15887-5/1/2024,5/8/2024, 5/15/2024&5/22/2024

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLK

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL

ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR OPTION ONE MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007-CP1, ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-CP1

Plaintiff, Against

PAUL WAGNER A/K/A

PAUL J. WAGNER, ET AL,

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 03/22/2023, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, on 6/5/2024 at 12:00PM, premises known as 43 Adobe Drive, Shirley, New York 11967, And Described As Follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town Of Brookhaven, County Of Suffolk And State Of New York.

District 0200 Section 967.00 Block 03.00 Lot 040.000

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $202,980.94 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 615765/2019

Erin M. McTiernan, Esq., Referee.

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 3/25/2024 File Number: 19-301611 CA

L15895-5/1/2024,5/8/2024, 5/15/2024&5/22/2024

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLK

CMG MORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff, Against

COREY LEMAY A/K/A

COREY M. LEMAY, ET AL,

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 10/23/2017, I, the undersigned Referee,

will sell at public auction, at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, on 6/3/2024 at 11:30AM, premises known as 30 Balsam Drive, Medford, New York 11763, And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town Of Brookhaven, County Of Suffolk And State Of New York.

District 0200 Section 870.00 Block 03.00 Lot 030.002

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $318,054.88 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 604459/2015

Thomas Joseph Demayo, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573 Dated: 3/18/2024 File Number: 15-311761 CA

L15896-5/1/2024,5/8/2024, 5/15/2024&5/22/2024

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. THEODOROS SAKOUTIS, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 21, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on June 4, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., premises known as 186 Mastic Beach Road, Mastic Beach a/k/a Shirley, NY 11951. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200, Section 974.70, Block 09.00 and

Lot 024.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $149,776.04 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #622214/2019. Referee does not accept cash, only bank or certified checks made payable to Michael Clancy, Esq., as referee. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale.

Michael Clancy, Esq., Referee

Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff

L15897-5/1/2024,5/8/2024, 5/15/2024&5/22/2024

NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF SUFFOLK DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE, FOR CARRINGTON MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2005NC1 ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, Plaintiff, v. LILLIE EVERETTE A/K/A LILLIE M. EVERETTE, ET AL, Defendants.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT

In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Suffolk County on February 15, 2024, I, Giuseppe Rosini, Esq., the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on June 03, 2024 at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, at 11:30AM the premises described as follows:

373 Smith Road Shirley, NY 11967 SBL No.: 0200-879.0001.00-009.000

ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of New York.

The premises are sold

subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 619242/2019 in the amount of $389,568.88 plus interest and costs. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System's COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale.

Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072

L15899-5/1/2024,5/8/2024, 5/15/2024&5/22/2024

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLK

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-25

Plaintiff, Against

JAMES P. WALSH; STEPHANIE M. WALSH; ET AL;

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 06/16/2021, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, on 6/10/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 27 Pineway Avenue, Mastic Beach, NY 11951, And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town Of Brookhaven, County Of Suffolk And State Of New York.

District 0200 Section 970.00 Block 02.00 Lot 012.000 And 013.000.

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $469,411.27 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions

of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 604429/2019 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www. Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.

Billie Jean Miller, Esq., Referee.

SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570

Dated: 3/28/2024 File Number: 35262 CA

L15919-5/8/2024,5/15/2024, 5/22/2024&5/29/2024

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Annual Meeting of Lot Owners of MOUNT PLEASANT CEMETERY ASSOCIATION will be held at the offices of the Association at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 1 Old Cemetery Road, Montauk Highway, Center Moriches, New York 11934 at 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, June 11, 2024

1. to elect, in accordance with the Bylaws of the Association, trustees to the Board to fill vacancies that will be created by the expiration of the term of the class of trustees whose term expires at the 2024 annual meeting; and 2. to transact such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting of lot owners.

By Order of the Board of Trustees Mount Pleasant Cemetery Association

L15921 - 5/15/2024, 5/22/2024, 5/29/2024 & 6/5/2024

Notice is hereby given that a Summer On Premises Liquor License, Application ID NA-0341-24-115763 has been applied for by 620 Bay LLC d/b/a The Dunes serving beer, wine, cider and liquor to be sold at retail for on premises consumption in a restaurant for the premises located at 622 Bayberry Walk a/k/a 621 Bay Walk Ocean Beach NY 11770.

L15922 - 5/15/2024 & 5/22/2024

SUPPLEMENTAL

SUMMONS

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ACTING THROUGH THE FARMERS HOME ADMINISTRATION, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Plaintiff, -against- ANTHONY OCASIO AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF MARY D. OCASIO; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF MARY D. OCASIO, if living, and if he/she be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; JOHN B. WINGATE, HIS SUCCESSORS OR ASSIGNS, AS COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SERVICES OF SUFFOLK COUNTY; THE NEW YORK STATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING CORPORATION, A PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION, CREATED AND EXISTING AS A SUBSIDIARY OF THE NEW YORK STATE HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY; TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN; STATE OF NEW YORK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN ;and JOHN DOE AND JANE

DOE #1 through #7, the last seven (7) names being fictitious and unknown to the Plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the Complaint, Defendants.

INDEX # 603319/2022

Original filed with Clerk February 23, 2022. Plaintiff Designates Suffolk County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated Suffolk County. Premises: 39 Moriches Middle Island Road, Shirley, NY 11967. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); the United States of America may appear or answer within 60 day of service hereof; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. This supplemental summons and amended complaint are being filed pursuant to court order dated March 29, 2024. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE

COURT. Dated: Uniondale, New York April 24, 2024. Respectfully submitted, Pincus Law Group, PLLC. By: Jennifer L. Neuner, Esq. Attorneys for Plaintiff, 425 RXR Plaza Uniondale, NY 11556, 516-699-8902

L15925 - 5/15/2024, 5/22/2024, 5/29/2024 & 6/5/2024

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

NEWREZ LLC

D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff, -against- ADRIAN R. STASKY AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF THERESA STASKY; DEIDRE PABISZ AKA DEIDRE C. CARMICHAEL AKA DEIDRE LAWTON AKA DEIDRE STASKY AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF THERESA STASKY; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THERESA STASKY, if living, and if he/she be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, and JOHN DOE AND JANE DOE #1 through #7, the last seven (7) names being fictitious and unknown to the Plaintiff, the persons

or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the complaint, Defendants. INDEX # 615608/2023

Original filed with Clerk June 23, 2023. Plaintiff Designates Suffolk County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated Suffolk County. Premises: 4 Quail Rd Mastic Beach, NY 11951. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED

DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); the United States of America may appear or answer within 60 day of service hereof; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The supplemental summons and amended complaint are being filed pursuant to the Re-settled Order dated April 30, 2024. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: Uniondale,

New York, May 10, 2024. Pincus Law Group, PLLC. By: Margaret Burke Tarab, Esq., Attorneys for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 516-699-8902

L15926 - 5/22/2024, 5/29/2024, 6/5/2024 & 6/12/2024

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST

Sharon Klune a/k/a Sharon L. Klune; Brian Klune a/k/a Brian J. Klune; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 2, 2024 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Front steps of Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on June 21, 2024 at 9:00AM, premises known as 4 Laurel Crescent, a/k/a Laurel Cresent, Manorville, NY 11949. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in Manorville, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of NY, District 0200 Section 510.00 Block 05.00 Lot 029.031. Approximate amount of judgment $635,637.89 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 207406/2022. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District.

Jacob Turner, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: April 22, 2024

For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

L15927 - 5/22/2024, 5/29/2024, 6/5/2024 & 6/12/2024

Notice of Public Sale: The following Self Storage unit contents containing

Autos Wanted

***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$

Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199. Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS. 516-297-2277

Health

FreedomCare. Let your loved ones care for you and get paid! Paid by Medicaid. Choose family or friends as your paid caregiver. Check your eligibility today! Call FreedomCare now! 1-855-385-7556

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY

USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 888-514-3044

Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-855399-2582

HEARING AIDS!! High-quality rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-598-5898

Home Improvement

Do you need a Roof or Energy Efficient Windows & Help paying for it? YOU MAY QUALIFY THROUGH NEW

THE CLASSIFIEDS

RELIEF PROGRAMS (800) 944-9393 or visit NYProgramFunding.org to qualify. Approved applications will have the work completed by a repair crew provided By HOMEOWNER FUNDING. Not affiliated with State or Gov Programs.

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-3992076

Help Wanted

Project Engneer (Bellport, NY): Anlyze & coordnte blueprnts & drawngs of steel manufactrer & heavy constrction contractr & prvide engneerng advce for desgn, constrction & structre. Reqs: Bach in Civil Engneerng or rel & 3 yrs exp as Project Engneer, Civl Engneer or rel pstion. Salary: $120,000/yr. Mail resume to: HR, Integrated Structures Corp, 4 Pinehurst Dr, Bellport, NY 11713.

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS PT: Teaching Driver's Ed. Located In Centereach. $16- $18/ Hour. Call/ Text 631-831-7277 Or Email: johnperetta@ yahoo.com

Office Assistant (East Meadow, NY): Assist with admin. tasks, data entry, document management, answer phone calls, manage & organize schedules & meetings as well as perform general office work. (Salary $52,250 per annum). Req’s 2 years

of office administrator work experience, customer service & general business activity. Apply HR, Maleni Group, Inc. 1863 Chester Drive, East Meadow, NY11554.

Real Estate

Shirley - Completely redone, Raised Ranch, new bathrooms, new hardwood flooring, new kitchen appliances, private backyard, low taxes, conveniently located to all highways and shopping $285,000. Call Stanzoni Realty at 631-399-4000

OWN LAND IN NEW YORK? Our hunters will Pay Top $$$ to lease your land. Call now for free info packet 1-866309-1507 www.BaseCampLeasing.com / Ref# NY11721

Pompano Beach, FL Condo–Emerald Tower, 2 bdrm+den, large balcony, direct ocean view, deeded beach. Totally remodeled, W/D in unit. $549,900 – Call Mike, Owner 954-257-2227

Travel Services

SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

Attorney

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to

ders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Auctions

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY ONLINE AUCTION: 5/1-5/31 Bar & Grill with Brewery Equipment. 126 N. 3rd Street, Douglas, Wyoming. 10,900 SF Retail, TURN-KEY OPERATION!

TV Internet Phone

Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069

AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-855-399-2803

Services

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spi-