The South Shore Press 12/18/24

CRASH KILLS

From the

NEWSROOM

BY STEFAN MYCHAJLIW

In the heart of downtown Detroit, on the cusp of “Greektown” is one of the oldest Catholic Churches in the Motor City. Completed in 1885, Old Saint Mary’s Catholic Church is where I was blessed to receive a much needed message to “slow down” the closer we get to Christmas.

My wife Ashley and yours truly have three young children at home, -- ages six, five, and two. Just like you, we are both quite busy with the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. I’m guilty of having more of a focus on Amazon, presents, parties, and preparing for the holiday rather than reflecting and praying about the true spirit of what we

BY

Drones have been dominating public discourse this past week. If you haven't read about them, seen reports, or even discussed the issue yourself, then you are remarkably detached from the prevailing concerns. The alarming number of drone clusters spotted across the tristate area — particularly in rural and sparsely populated regions — has raised serious questions. The most unsettling aspect of this situation is that government officials, at various levels, appear to lack any concrete understanding of what is happening. This absence of clarity has only deepened public anxiety.

should celebrate and reflect on.

This past week, Fr. John “J.J.” Mech from Old Saint Mary’s in Michigan asked parishoners:

“Christmas is almost here. How is your preparation faring? Are you feeling good? Do you need a little peace?,” asked Father J.J.

“Yes!” was my resounding reply. Absolutely.

Then that week’s first and second readings from the Old and New Testament put things in perspective on the mindset we should choose not just during the Christmas season, but every day of the year.

“Be glad and rejoice with all

your heart,” was in the first reading from the Book of Zephaniah.

“Sing for joy,” was followed up in the second reading from the Book of Isiah.

I’m Catholic but also enjoy listening to Christian author and televangelist Joel Osteen. One of his talks focused on the importance of not only living in joy, but making sure we don’t choose to let anyone around us steal our joy.

Father J.J. from Old Saint Mary’s hit this point home even harder like a two-by-four of truth to the side of the noggin by challenging us by also asking:

Continued on page 9

Choose Joy

Attack of the Drones!

For almost two weeks now, state and municipal governments have been pressing the federal government for explanations, yet their appeals have gone unanswered. Lawmakers have begun to weigh in on national news outlets and social media platforms, adding to the chorus of concern. Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) has openly criticized the administration for its lack of awareness and decisive action, calling it a "clear show of incompetence." The frustration is palpable. While politicians and media outlets engage in rhetoric and

finger-pointing, ordinary citizens are left demanding straightforward answers to these troubling developments.

The situation escalated further last week when Representative

Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) made an appearance on television and issued an extraordinary claim. He asserted that the drones were being launched from "an Iranian mother ship positioned in the Atlantic basin, sending these attackers toward us."

For a brief moment, this alarming theory gained traction and triggered widespread panic, particularly among communities already on edge. Social media platforms and web forums reflected a mix of fear, outrage, and skepticism. Many worried that such a scenario, if true, could signal a severe security breach. Thankfully, the Pentagon quickly refuted Van Drew’s assertions, confirming that no such vessel existed and that these fears were unfounded. Yet, even as they quelled that particular theory, they offered no alternative explanations, nor did they indicate any concrete action being taken.

From conversations I’ve had and information from reliable sources,

it seems increasingly plausible that these drones are part of a highly classified military operation or experimental rollout. The nature of the technology and flight patterns suggests that the U.S. Space Force may be involved in these tests. This hypothesis raises further questions: Why does the White House seem to be in the dark? Why does the Pentagon publicly admit to having no knowledge while simultaneously failing to act?

The unsettling answer lies in the structural realities of our government. We are experiencing the consequences of an overly compartmentalized bureaucracy, which diverges significantly from the transparent governance envisioned by the Framers of the Constitution. Information silos within the military-industrial complex often lead to a lack of coordination and accountability, even among top federal authorities.

Continued on page 5

Credit: Grok AI

Drone panic spreads across America

GEORGE SANTOS

SANTOS UNCENSORED

Old Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Detroit, Michigan

Credit: Stefan Mychajliw

ByMichaelJ.Reistetter

Learn How to Donate: GoFundMe Created for Late William Floyd Coach Sumpter

Though there is no undoing the overwhelm of loss, the spirited community members within the William Floyd School District have nevertheless rallied together to find positivity in the face of devastation, and in short order.

No word has been spared, and even more charitable actions have been shared in memory of William Floyd’s Darrell Sumpter, and in support of his family. The boys’ varsity assistant basketball coach passed away in a motor vehicle crash on Sunrise Highway on Friday. He was just 51 years old.

By weekend’s end, the GoFundMe page created by Darrell's son, Dejiah, in honor of the Sumpter patriarch — and to cover the burden of funeral expenses — had nearly met the

entirety of its initial $60,000 goal sum.

According to the fluid log of participants featured on the page, the five-figure amount of funds raised is the product of 650-plus donators — a testament to the impact Darrell had on the Mastic-Shirley community in which he too nobly lived before tragically perishing.

Sumpter served as assistant basketball coach for boys’ varsity hoops at William Floyd High School since 2015. He volunteered throughout the community for many years before that as well. The WFSD youth basketball program and official booster club would not be where they are today without Sumpter’s instrumental efforts.

“Today we unexpectedly lost the man who made a lot of people’s world go round — my dad. We

are completely heartbroken,” Dejiah wrote in the GoFundMe profile summary.

After commending the “outpour of support” for his siblings and mother, and noting the daunting hardship of funeral planning and “rehoming of our

mama,” Dejiah continued to reflect on the legacy of his late father. “Coach D gave us his all, he deserves a proper goodbye. On behalf of his family and basketball family, thank you all so much.”

In a statement released to

Beloved William Floyd Coach Killed in Car Crash

ByDeborahWilliams

Hearts are heavy across the William Floyd School District as they confirmed the tragic loss of their much-beloved boys’ varsity assistant basketball coach, Darrell Sumpter, in a car crash on Sunrise Highway. Coach Sumpter was pronounced dead at the scene.

Coach Sumpter lived in Shirley and was “a proud William Floyd graduate, a longtime community member, a family man, and a highly-regarded coach and mentor for our boys’ and girls’ basketball programs.

“He served as an assistant basketball coach on the boys’ varsity team since 2015, and as a volunteer for the youth of the community for many years before that,” said the William Floyd School District on their website.

Social media is filled with

outpourings of sadness and expressions of love and respect for Coach Sumpter. Coach is clearly a much-loved man who touched the lives of many in inspirational ways.

So many people are coming forward with stories of how Coach Sumpter affected them or their kids, that there is no doubt that Coach Sumpter met his goal of being a “great man.” His reach was broad and deep.

“My heart is heavy for my community this morning who have experienced a tragic, sudden, and devastating loss. I'm personally reminded once again how fragile this temporary life is and that within a second it can change forever,” said William Floyd graduate PJ Balzer.

“He was instrumental in the creation of the WFSD youth basketball program and booster club that has made a difference in the lives of so many boys and

girls student-athletes within our community,” the district said.

Classmate and friend Rachel Hargrove said, “You were everyone’s friend because you were never anyone’s enemy. This is not only a huge loss to us who were graced with your presence but the whole William Floyd community.”

Supervisor Dan Panico, Town of Brookhaven, wrote in tribute, “Rest in Peace Coach Sumpter. Although I did not know him well, I am told by those who did that he was beloved. Atop being a phenomenal basketball coach, he was a great role model for so many young lives who needed just that. May his family find peace and may he be remembered for the positive impact he had on so many in the community.”

The Shirley Drive-In weighed in saying, “My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Darrell Sumpter the young man killed in the crash in Shirley. He was also an old friend of mine as well. You will be missed!”

Coworker and friend Ben Cohen said, “Darrell is a hard worker, great father, great basketball coach, great coworker. Darrell is loved by many and will be deeply missed. This is very sad. Rest easy my friend, it's always been a pleasure working with you.”

Bob Vecchio, executive director of the Nassau Suffolk School Boards Association said, “Prayers go out to the entire Floyd family tonight. Mr.

the community, the William Floyd School District noted that “colleagues, fellow coaches and social workers” met with the boys’ and girls' teams mere hours after the passing of one of their leaders on and off the court to deliver the most unfortunate news.

“We will continue to have grief and crisis counselors available for any students who may need them,” the district wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Sumpter’s family, friends, and all of the student-athletes who loved and cared for him.”

The link to Darrell Sumpter’s GoFundMe will be indefinitely accessible on The South Shore Press’ X account: @ sspnewsroom.

Rest in peace, Coach Sumpter. Our hearts go out to your family, friends and community.

Darrell Sumpter cared deeply and passionately about kids. A bright light taken way too soon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends and we pray for peace and strength for his loved ones during this difficult time.”

“Definitely a mentor to all three of my sons. You will be missed, you were a great man,” said Shanelle Brown.

“My heart is heavy thinking about a childhood friend! RIP Darrell! Sitting here reading all of the lives he touched!” said Christine Vettek-Morales.

Kalyn Thomas Strickland Sr said, “Everything you did for me when I was a kid will never be forgotten. You took me in at 17 and showed me what a father was, you will be missed.”

“The basketball community lost a great (brother) today. May

you coach in the sky like you did on earth the countless lives you affected will miss your presence," said Marcel Seymore.

Joseph Schweigert said, “I will always be grateful for your kindness towards my family and me. Your passing is a tremendous loss to our community, as you were a man with a heart of gold.”

“I am speechless and heartbroken. I was at the hospital the night the 1st Sumpter baby was being born! I remember Sue and Darrell ready to give birth and start their life! Darrell was a young man, still maybe a teen, the life they built from that day forward is incredible! I always told my kids their story over the years! Darrell, Mr. Sumpter was an upstanding citizen of our community, a great leader to our youth, and an exceptional role model!” said Andrea Thomas McAlonen.

Once a Colonial, always a Colonial.

Credit: GoFundMe

Beloved Wm. Floyd Coach Sumpter killed in a car crash

Beloved Wm. Floyd Coach Sumpter killed in a car crash

Credit: Facebook

Credit: Facebook

ByRobertChartuk

Tragic Loss Stuns Community

The tragic loss that sent waves of grief across the William Floyd community first appeared as a routine police report.

“Incident: Man Killed in Motor Vehicle Crash,” read the dispatch from the Suffolk Police.

“Location: Sunrise Highway, 1½ miles east of Horseblock Road, Shirley. Date/Time: Friday, December 13, 2024 at 1:37 p.m.

Word spread quickly; it was beloved coach Darrell Sumpter, leaving his family, friends, teachers, and students stunned.

“Suffolk County Police Fifth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a man in Shirley today,” the report continued.

“Darrell Sumpter was driving a 2002 Cadillac westbound in the left lane of Sunrise Highway, 1½ miles east of Horseblock Road,

ByRobertChartuk

Another victim of accused murder monster Rex A. Heuermann has been announced by District Attorney Raymond Tierney, bringing the total of women he allegedly killed to seven.

Valerie Mack disappeared from New Jersey in 2000, and her body parts were found by hunters off Mill Road in Manorville. Years later, her other remains were discovered at Gilgo Beach along with 10 other victims, uncovering a murder mystery that shocked Long Island.

Appearing before Supreme Court Justice Timothy Mazzei in Riverhead, Heuermann, 61, was charged with murdering Mack in a case that relies on a raft of evidence, including DNA, crime planning documents, and “souvenir” newspaper clippings about the killings found during searches of his Massapequa Home. Tierney, who announced he will try the Manhattan architect himself, also updated the indictments of the other

when the vehicle swerved and struck a 2021 Ford utility truck traveling in the right lane. Both vehicles left the roadway and overturned at 1:37 p.m. Sumpter, 51, of Shirley, was pronounced dead at the scene.”

A passenger, Susan Sumpter, 48, of Shirley, and the driver of the Ford, Jason Troccoli, 52, of Lake Ronkonkoma, were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the report.

The vehicles were impounded for a safety check. Anyone with information is asked to call the Fifth Squad at 631-854-8552.

Memorials flooded in. “Mr. Sumpter was a proud William Floyd graduate, a longtime community member, a family man, and a highly-regarded coach and mentor for our boys’ and girls’ basketball programs,” said a remembrance sent out

by

the William Floyd School District. “He served as an assistant basketball coach on the

boys’ varsity team since 2015 and as a volunteer for the youth of the community for many years

New Charges in Serial Killer Case

crimes he says were committed.

According to the indictment, a hair found on Mack’s body is a statistical match to Heuermann’s daughter, Victoria. More modern technology than what was available at the time of Mack’s discovery was able to make the alleged connection.

Hairs from six of the seven Gilgo victims have been matched to the defendant, according to the district attorney.

A “Murder Manifesto” forensically recovered from Heuerman’s computer offers evidence on how he planned the murder of Mack and

his other alleged victims, Tierney told a large gathering of reporters at the Riverhead court complex. News clippings going back to 1993 “evinced his intent and interest in the murders,” he said.

A hulking figure standing in court wearing a black suit, Heuermann appeared wobbly as the indictment was presented. “Your honor, I am not guilty of any of these charges,” he told Judge Mazzei in a clear voice. The judge said he expected the accused’s attorney, Michael J. Brown, to request a “Frye Hearing” to challenge the use of the nuclear DNA techniques presented as evidence, the first time the technology is being used in a New York State murder case.

before that. Coach Darrell was instrumental in the creation of the WFSD youth basketball program and booster club that has made a difference in the lives of so many boys’ and girls’ student-athletes within our community.”

According to the district, colleagues, fellow coaches, and social workers met with the boys' and girls' teams to share this tragic news. “We will continue to have grief and crisis counselors available for any students who may need them. Members of the William Floyd school community have also reached out to the Sumpter family and will continue to offer any support that is needed in the coming days and weeks. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Sumpter’s family, friends, and all of the student-athletes who loved and cared for him.”

Brown said he will look to separate the Mack case from the others, arguing that while there are similarities between the first victims, known as the “Gilgo Four,” there are substantial differences between the other cases, including Mack’s. Brown fingered former Suffolk Police Chief of Department Jim Burke for the murders, saying he is “one hundred percent certain” he was involved. Brown referenced reports that Burke, when he was at the top of Suffolk law enforcement, purposely kept the FBI and other police agencies out of the Gilgo case, a reason there was no movement until Tierney took charge and created a special Gilgo Task Force.

The hearing disclosed grisly details of Valerie Mack’s death, including the dismemberment of her right leg, where she had a tattoo of her son's name. The act clearly intended to inhibit the identification, Tierney noted, and was corroborated by Heuermann’s Manifesto. A tattoo on Gilgo

Also in the courtroom were the families of all seven of the Gilgo victims, represented by attorney Gloria Allred. “They are here to show the Mack family that they are not alone in their grief, despair, depression, anger, and trauma resulting from these crimes,” Allred said. Each of the families presented the Macks with a red rose. “None of these victims deserved to die,” Allred stated. “All were innocent and were just trying to earn some funds to support themselves and their families.”

“These are the most courageous people I’ve ever met,” District Attorney Tierney said of the fathers, mothers, aunts, uncles, and daughters of the victims who stood beside him at the courthouse press conference. “They are very grateful for the small amount of closure we’re able to bring.”

victim Jessica Taylor was mutilated in a similar fashion, according to Tierney.

Darrell Sumpter

Rex Heuermann, accused Gilgo Beach serial killer, pleads not guilty to 7th murder charge.

District Ray Tierney announces new charges in the Gilgo Murder case.

The parents of Valerie Mack receive flowers of support from the families of other Gilgo Murder victims.

Credit: Facebook

Credit: Newsday Press Pool photo by James Carbone

Credit: Robert Chartuk

Credit: Robert Chartuk

ByRobertChartuk

Fort Sumter Pilgrimage Explores Family's Civil War Legacy

After years of wondering about a great uncle who played a tragic role in the history of America, Willard Parker Hough took a trip to South Carolina to find out what happened to his Irish heir. The Stony Brook man’s travels took him to Fort Sumter, where an attack by the newly formed Confederacy started the Civil War. It was there that the heartbreaking story of Artilleryman Daniel Hough began to unfold.

To win citizenship in his new country, Hough entered the Union Army as a private and became part of the 1st U.S. Artillery. He fell under the command of Major Robert Anderson, who was keenly aware of the rumblings of succession among the citizens of Charleston. Stationed with 85 men at Fort Moultrie, the major realized his position was indefensible, so on the day after Christmas in 1860, he regarrisoned his company to the more robust Fort Sumter.

Following the War of 1812 with Britain, President Andrew Jackson recognized the need to strengthen the new nation's coastal defenses, especially to protect the Atlantic entrance to Charleston, the south's busiest port. Millions of tons of Massachusetts granite created an island at the confluence of the Ashley and the Cooper rivers where none had been before. Bricks made by slaves in Charleston kilns were stacked 50 feet high and 8 feet thick to repel the assaults of any belligerent ships. It was named for General Thomas Sumter, a southern hero of the Revolutionary War.

Anderson’s move to Sumter infuriated the Confederates, and they sent a demand to President James Buchannan to evacuate. He refused. A federal ship sent with provisions was turned away by shore batteries now surrounding the island. When Abraham Lincoln took office a few months later, he ordered Anderson to hold the fort. His Confederate counterpart was General Pierre G.T. Beauregard, commander of the militia at Charleston who, as history would have it, studied under Anderson

at West Point. He was ordered to compel his former teacher to abandon Sumter. Anderson declined, telling him, “You have your orders; l have mine.”

At 3:20 a.m. on April 12, 1861, the Confederates warned they would open fire in one hour. Anderson held firm. At 10 minutes past the allotted time, Captain George S. James, commanding a battery east of Sumter, ordered the firing of a single shell, which illuminated the skies over the fort and initiated a barrage that would nearly level the installation. Major Anderson returned fire, but by noon, only six of his 60 guns remained in action. The citizens of Charleston, roused from their beds by the bombardment, watched in shock and awe.

“The firing of the mortar woke the echoes from every nook and corner of the harbor,” noted a report. “That shot was a sound of

fort over the next 34 hours. A hot shot from Fort Moultrie, now in the hands of the Confederates, set fire to the officer’s quarters. Flames surrounded the magazines; the fort’s flagstaff was shot away. Major Anderson signaled that he had enough. A proud soldier, he would not

alarm that brought every soldier in the harbor to his feet and every man, woman, and child in the city of Charleston from their beds. A thrill went through the whole city. It was felt that the Rubicon was passed.” Civil war, long dreaded, had begun, leaving a diarist to note: “Some of the anxious hearts lie on their beds and moan in solitary misery wrestling with the uncertainty of what the war would bring.”

More than 3,000 shells, an incessant fusillade of 10inch columbiads, mortars, and 400-pounders, bombarded the

Attack of the Drones...

Continued from page 2

Adding to the frustration is the timing. Next week marks the final legislative session of the year for Congress before lawmakers break for the holidays. Based on past experiences, it is unlikely that Congress will prioritize this issue or make a concerted effort to demand answers from the Pentagon. Many

representatives seem eager to leave Capitol Hill and spend time with their families rather than tackle urgent national security concerns.

Public comments on news articles and social media reflect a clear pattern: people feel increasingly disillusioned with the government's ability to address such threats transparently. Many

concede a surrender, that his action was an evacuation, and Beauregard, not welcoming the prospect of further assaulting his former instructor and friend, agreed and let his men leave peacefully. Miraculously, none of them were killed in the bombardment that started the war that tore apart the nation.

Stepping off the ferry from Patriots Point, Parker Hough, joined by his wife Sandra Sprowes, a dean at Suffolk Community College, is greeted by a ranger with the National Park Service. They walk toward the fort and he

worry that if these drone sightings are indeed tests, they represent a worrying lack of oversight. Others speculate that these events may expose vulnerabilities in national security that adversaries could exploit. The demand for clarity and accountability is growing louder, and until definitive answers are provided, this issue will continue to erode public trust.

takes in the destruction. The once proud bastion had been reduced to a single level of pock-marked brick. Inside, he sees the massive cannons still on the tracks the artillerymen used to aim them. There is a flag flying with 33 stars of statehood, the totality of America at the time of the war. The ranger points out iron projectiles protruding from walls they could not penetrate. His attention is drawn to a brick with a set of fingerprints made when a slave child turned it to dry so long ago. The ranger said the captive worker could not have been more than eight.

At a quiet spot away from the tourist crowd, the ancestor asks about Private Daniel Hough. The ranger’s eyes alight. The terms of Major Anderson’s evacuation included the safe passage of his men out of Charleston with their belongings intact. And there was one more thing: The dispossession would be heralded by a 100-gun salute by the fort’s remaining guns. Beauregard acceded to his former mentor’s wishes.

As Private Hough prepared his cannon for the 47th round of the epic salute, something went wrong. The weapon exploded and he was killed instantly, the first casualty of the War Between the States. Among the last boat of sightseers that afternoon, the Long Islander was asked to stay behind. He was escorted to the eastern rampart, to the majestic flag that stated the Union’s dominion over Fort Sumter, and was asked to proudly lower it for the day.

For now, we remain in a state of uncertainty, caught between speculative theories, official silence, and bureaucratic inertia. The American people deserve answers — and more importantly, they deserve a government that operates with transparency and efficiency, not one that leaves them in the dark while critical questions loom unanswered.

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Fort Sumter’s remaining level.

Willard Parker Hough with his wife Sandra Sprowes after lowering the flag at Fort Sumter.

Credit: Robert Chartuk

Credit: Willard Parker Hough

ByRobertChartuk

County Issues Christmas Conflagration Caution

Christmas trees can go up in flames in seconds, a tragedy

Suffolk officials demonstrated Friday to urge residents to be extra careful this holiday season.

The frightening scene played out at the Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) facility in Yaphank where a tree rapidly ignited a building. Fighters moved in quickly to extinguish the flames, but the point was made: a live tree must be treated with extra caution.

“December has become the number one month for home fires due to Christmas trees and holiday decorations,” noted FRES Commissioner Rudy Sunderman. “Tree fires can spread rapidly and can engulf an entire room in just one minute.”

Nationwide, there were over 800 fires caused by holiday decorations between 2018 and

2020, fire officials said. About 21 million real trees will be sold for home use this year. Statistics show that 38% of the fires were caused by electrical problems, 35% came from cords, plugs, bad lights, or circuit overloads, 20% were from heating sources, and 7% fires were started by candles.

The county offered these tips to help keep the holidays safe: Choose a healthy tree with needles that do not fall off when touched; buy it from a reputable seller.

Keep the tree well-watered; check the water levels in the stand every day.

Before putting up lights and holiday décor, inspect them for frayed wires, cracked sockets, or loose connections.

Be sure not to overload outlets; stick to one high-wattage appliance per socket to avoid overheating.

Keep cords out of harm’s way — do not pinch them in windows or run them under carpets or heavy furniture. Be sure to position cords safely to

avoid tripping hazards.

Make sure the tree is three feet away from any heat source and does not block exits or doorways.

Turn off holiday lights before

Investors Throw Millions at Suffolk

ByRobertChartuk

Bidding was brisk by investors willing to lend Suffolk money at under 3% thanks to an improved bond rating under County Executive Ed Romaine.

The sale of $350 million in Tax anticipation notes at 2.94% and $46.4 million in Refunding serial bonds at 2.66% was reported by Comptroller John Kennedy. He attributes the impressive number of bidders to the county’s improved credit ratings which resulted in healthy competition and significant cost savings for the residents of Suffolk County.

"We were very pleased with the results of today's sale and that the market is reacting favorably to the progress Suffolk has made, as evidenced by strong investor support,” Kennedy said.

The proceeds will be used to fund county operations until all property taxes are collected by Suffolk’s 10 towns and remitted to the county. They will be repaid

in July. The refunding serial bonds were issued to refinance certain outstanding debt and will provide budgetary relief of over

$1.5 million over the next four years, bringing the total savings achieved from refinancing debt to $60 million since 2015,

according to Kennedy.

Suffolk has seen several bond rating upgrades in 2024 due to

leaving home or going to bed.

Most importantly, check smoke detectors to make sure they’re working properly.

To protect our furry little friends, keep cords out of reach to prevent chewing hazards; secure trees to prevent them from tipping over; and keep holiday plants such as poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe out of reach. They can be toxic to pets.

“Suffolk County is home to 109 volunteer fire departments, and they will be on call to respond in an emergency,” said Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, a Medford Fire Commissioner. “Use caution and common sense so we can all celebrate a safe and happy holiday.”

improved financial management and budgetary stability, credit rating agencies say. In February, S&P Global Ratings upgraded its long-term rating from A+ to AA- with a stable outlook. This reflected stronger financial performance, higher reserves, and improved fiscal policies.

In September, Fitch Ratings raised the county’s bond rating from A- to A and revised the outlook to “positive.” This improvement was attributed to efficient budgeting, increased reserves, and the county’s steps to address past structural imbalances. And in December, both agencies provided the county with the highest shortterm ratings, F-1+ and SP-1+ for the recent tax anticipation notes, signaling strong fiscal stability heading into 2025.

These upgrades are expected to lower borrowing costs for the county and reflect growing confidence in its financial health.

Officials and members of fire services community turn out to urge residents to be cautious this Christmas season.

Firefighters move in after demonstrating how a Christmas tree can ignite a home in seconds.

FRES Commissioner Rudy Sunderman discusses holiday hazards.

Credit: FRES

Credit: FRES

Credit: FRES

Suffolk’s improved credit rating and financial stability has netted millions at under 3% in recent bond sale.

Credit: Robert Chartuk

ByRobertChartuk

Navy

Electrician

History Comes Alive at Military Museum

Louis John Acompora was aboard the USS California when it was sunk at Pearl Harbor on the “Day that will live in infamy.” Surviving the ordeal, he was transferred to the USS Chicago and was involved in several South Pacific battles until it was sunk from under him at Rennell Island in 1943.

The Long Island native made it through that attack as well, and his story takes center stage at the Military History Museum in Rocky Point. On display are his uniform and personal effects, including a dollar bill that was salvaged from the California and returned to him months later.

The museum is the dream of the nearby Rocky Point VFW Post 6249 membership, whose stories are befitting of the many heroes depicted in the gallery’s hallowed halls. There’s museum advisor Joe Cognitore, the post’s commander, whose Army service in Vietnam earned him a Bronze Star with a “V” for valor.

Another Bronze Star recipient is museum advisor Dan Guida, who operated tanks as an Army Platoon Officer in Vietnam. The producers of the movie, “Forrest Gump,” modeled the character of Lieutenant Dan after him, right down to the Tiparillo cigars he smoked in combat. Dan was played by actor Gary Sinise, who told Guida, "I played a hero; you are a hero."

The museum is curated by Rich Acritelli, a military historian who served as a Staff Sergeant in the Army Reserves and the New York

Air National Guard. He takes you on a museum tour, starting with famous athletes who served in the U.S. military, including Yankee great Yogi Berra, Cleveland Ace Don Feller, and Ted Williams, considered the best major leaguer ever. Featured from Long Island is Marine Corp Vet Frank Tepedino, who played alongside Yankee icons Whitey Ford and Mickey Mantle, along with Hank Aaron when he was with the Braves. There’s also an honor role of local high school and college stars who went right into the military.

The athletes are watched over by a portrait of General Douglas MacArthur, who, Acritelli notes, was an advocate of sports in the military, believing that physical fitness and competitive spirit were essential for building effective soldiers and fostering camaraderie.

The general served as a Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he introduced a more rigorous physical education program and expanded opportunities for cadets to participate in sports. He went on to serve as the president of the American Olympic Committee for the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics.

Hanging from the museum’s ceiling is an armory of guns used by soldiers from battles dating back to the early 1800s, including an Italian World War II Assault Rifle, an M19 60mm mortar, and a Springfield Model 1873 weapon used by the Cavalry in the Native American War. A wooden item looks like a gun but is actually a camera used for artillery training. “Instead of shooting, you took a

picture,” Commander Cognitore explained. “If there’s a plane on the film, you passed.” Some weapons are at ground level, where visitors can take aim, imagining what the soldiers saw when they looked down the barrel.

Covering a wall is a rack of helmets worn by soldiers fighting for East and West Germany, Bulgaria, Japan, Vietnam, France, Russia, and the United States. The styles are representative of the World Wars and beyond. There’s a Woman’s Army Corps uniform along with shoes, medals, patches, and everything else a soldier would have on their person. War souvenirs are on hand, such as a Solomon Islands native sword, a Japanese armored vest, ornate brass vases hammered out of artillery shells from the 1918 Argonne Offensive, and one of the museum's rarest possessions, a pair of insignias from Nazi Ernst Kaltenbrunner, a Holocaust criminal hanged after he was convicted during the

Nuremberg trials.

“We were contacted by a woman whose father interrogated the Germans after World War II, and he brought the patches home,” Acritelli explained. “She wanted a place where they can be remembered as a part of world history.”

Donations since the museum opened last year on Pearl Harbor Day have been significant, the curator said, noting that the museum continues to appeal to the public for historic items. A good number of war memorabilia came from the collection of Tom Spier, the mayor of Shoreham. They also welcome monetary donations, which will land a benefactor on a Wall of Honor along with main sponsors including the Teacher’s Federal Credit Union, Riverhead Building Supply, King Quality, Sunrise Home Improvement, and builder Mark Baisch, who donated the land and the building, which will soon be joined by an annex designed to look like the original

Rocky Point Train Station.

New acquisitions will be displayed with the museum’s other artifacts, such as a Union officer’s Civil War sword, a 1932 U.S. Army Sabre, and numerous plaques and displays featuring local heroes, such as Sergeant Michael S. Curtin, a Marine Corps veteran of Operations Desert Storm and Shield who lost his life rescuing people from the World Trade Center on 9/11.

The museum is a community effort, with East Islip students building stands to display the items and a Rocky Point class creating signs depicting the distances to home from battlefields across the world. Every item is carefully cataloged by Acritelli, a history teacher at Rocky Point High School and Suffolk Community College professor who has detailed the provenance of many of the items on the museum’s website at www. vfw6249scountymilitarymuseum. org.

Credit: Robert Chartuk

Credit: Robert Chartuk

A Purple Heart and other medals.

A museum visitor checks out a military uniform with advisor Lieutenant Dan Guida.

Michael P. Murphy (May 7, 1976 – June 28, 2005) was a U.S. Navy SEAL officer of Patchogue who posthumously received the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military decoration, for his actions during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan. His story is one of incredible bravery and sacrifice.

World War II General Dwight D. Eisenhower who became president.

East Moriches Hardware: Two Centuries of Service

ByRobertChartuk

There’s been a hardware store on the main corner of East Moriches for more than 200 years, a tradition that carries on through proprietor Mike Cavanaugh.

“It’s nice to run a business in a village where most of your customers are your neighbors,” the long-time Bay Area resident said. “We have friends, and we have customers, and they’re all pretty much the same.”

There’s no need to drive to a box store run by an unknown corporate entity when you can get the same items at East Moriches Hardware and better service from people you know. “You don’t have to walk around looking for something or someone to help you,” noted Bryan Hellmer of Center Moriches as he checked out with some paint Cavanaugh mixed for him. “I’ll be home painting in the time it would take to drive to Home Depot and wait in line over there,” the customer said of the value in shopping local.

Being in the same location for so long gives the store owner great insight into the community. “I have people working for me that came in here in strollers with their parents,” said the Center Moriches High School Class of ‘78 grad who, judging from the plaques and letters of appreciation on his walls, has given much back to the place he

to Montauk and back. We hid when they came to get us because we wanted to make it all the way there and back.”

calls home. He reminisces with a customer about the Camp Pa-QuaTuck bike-a-thon he rode in when he was 12. “They had a bunch of kids ride their bikes a hundred miles

A fixture at the store for all those years was Mike’s mother, Kathy Cavanaugh, who knew more about tools and hardware than some of the tradesmen who came in. She passed away in April and is sorely

missed.

The building, which is featured in old postcards and the Illustrated History of the Moriches Bay Area by Mary and Van Field, contained the East Moriches Post Office back in the 1800s. It was known as L.H. Smith's hardware store for many years until Cavanaugh took it over. He restocked everything but kept displays of vintage hardware and antiques pertaining to the area. Around the holidays, residents love his window scenes, such as a model train running amongst the reindeer.

The store is often visited by elected officials who live locally, including Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico, County Executive Ed Romaine, District Court Judge Edward Hennessey, and former Councilman George Davis, who was also the Receiver of Taxes. “Mike Cavanaugh is a revered businessman here in our community,” Judge Hennessey said. “We’re glad he stuck so close to his roots.”

Mather Hospital Dedicates New Outpatient Behavioral Health Building

ByStefanMychajliw

Northwell’s Mather Hospital dedicated its recently acquired Outpatient Behavioral Health Services building that allows the hospital to transform how it provides mental health services, expanding programs and introducing a new Rapid Access Center.

The building, located across the street from the hospital at 100 Highlands Blvd., was purchased with public and private funding totaling $9.2 million, including a grant from the New York State Department of Health.

Mather Hospital Outpatient Behavioral Health Services building grand opening.

“Tonight, we choose hope; tonight, we celebrate a victory,” Erin Dainer, MD, chair of the Department of Psychiatry for Mather Hospital, said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This facility, born from the collective will of government, health care providers, and generous philanthropists, stands as proof that together, we can make a difference. Within these walls, lives will be transformed.”

The building houses Mather’s Adult and Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Programs, Chemical Dependency Program, Eating Disorders and Gambling Addiction programs, and a new Rapid Access Center allowing patients immediate access to assessments and referrals for behavorial health care. The Center is expected to be opened by the end of the year.

As part of the acquisition, Mather also expanded its

Adolescent Partial Hospitalization program by 10 slots and added a co-occurring disorders track. The hospital also added capacity for its outpatient Medication Assisted Treatment program. A recent series of community leader forums conducted by the hospital revealed a severe shortage of behavioral health services for both adolescents and adults was a top concern.

“The statistics are stark, but they are not just numbers. They represent real people, our friends, family, and neighbors. Every year,

more than one in five New Yorkers battle the invisible wounds of mental health disorders, and in any year one in ten face challenges so profound they impact their ability to work, to love, to simply live,” said Dr. Dainer. “The need is monumental and has only been made worse by the opioid epidemic and recent pandemic.”

“There is no doubt we have a mental health and substance abuse crisis in this country,” said Denise Driscoll, NP, assistant vice president for Behavioral Health at Mather Hospital, noting that

53 million Americans are living with mental illness. “Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U. S. and 2.5 million Americans are diagnosed with an opioid use disorder. According to the CDC, annual drug overdose deaths have eclipsed the peak of yearly deaths from car crashes, gun violence or any one year of the AIDS epidemic.”

Driscoll said that there is only one provider available for every 350 individuals looking for services, and 28% of adults experiencing mental health symptoms reported they were not able to access or navigate their way to the treatment they so desperately needed.

“Let 100 Highlands be a permanent symbol to our community that no one gets left behind and a beacon of hope to those living with mental illness and substance abuse that recovery and a life well lived is possible,” she said.

Proprietor Mike Cavanaugh, right, shows off a antique fire extinguisher with Ryan Hayes.

East Moriches Hardware

East Moriches Hardware

Business owner Mike Cavanaugh wields an oversized hammer at East Moriches Hardware.

Credit: Robert Chartuk

Credit: Robert Chartuk

Credit: Robert Chartuk

Credit: Robert Chartuk

Credit:

ByRobertChartuk

Red Light Rebates on Horizon

Motorists stung by fees tacked onto red light camera tickets may be in for some cash back as a state court made a key decision in the refund battle.

Responding to lawsuits that argued the fees are not allowed under the state legislation that authorized the camera program, the Appellate Court said motorists can collect from Suffolk County as a class rather than file individual claims.

“This is a victory for drivers who have been ripped off by their own government for years,” said Stephen Ruth, the “Red Light Robinhood” who recently celebrated Suffolk’s canceling of the camera program altogether. “If we never resisted, the tyranny would have continued.”

Suffolk lawmakers added a $30 administration fee on top of the $50 ticket, while Nassau added $100, milking millions from motorists who saw penalties dramatically increase if they

delayed or ignored payment. The program crashed in Suffolk after local senators balked at renewing it. “We put a full court press on the legislators warning them that they would have hell to pay if they continued the cameras,” said Angelo Veltri, president of Save Long Island. “This money grab was unconstitutional and illegal from day one. We should get all of our money back.”

The attorney who brought the refund suit, David Raimondo, credited Legislator Rob Trotta for pushing through a bill in Suffolk last year that ended the extra fees, euphemistically termed "public safety" and "driver responsibility" charges.

“He saved the taxpayers millions because everyone knew this was illegal, and the county was going to have to pay the money back,” Raimondo said.

According to the attorney, records show that Suffolk collected more than $90.5 million in fees between 2013 and 2023 and owes drivers 6%

interest per year on top of that as per state law. “The exposure is astronomical.”

The class action designation allows motorists to go after the refunds as a group. “The counties

have all of the data on who paid what. The settlement will be enormous,” said Raimondo, who will seek a fee for representing the class. He was the attorney for the Red Light Robin Hood

and won the dismissal of a raft of felony charges for destroying dozens of the cameras across Suffolk.

“There are emails directing county employees to decrease the timing of the yellow lights to catch more drivers,” Ruth said. “These things were not only illegal, but they were also dangerous. People were getting killed.”

A vocal opponent of the cameras, Legislator Trotta attended a victory party hailing the program’s demise. “We were jumping up and down telling them the fees were illegal, but they went ahead and did it anyway,” the Fort Salonga Republican said. He joined other legislators and County Executive Ed Romaine last week at a press conference announcing the cancellation of the dreaded program, which was instituted by then-County Executive Steve Levy in 2010 to shore up Suffolk’s finances and was renewed under his successor, Steve Bellone.

Suffolk AME Joins Mass Criticism of Special Needs-Tailored 'Early

Intervention Hub'

ByMichaelJ.Reistetter

When an organization famous for its consummate support of its members and their endeavors breaks the usual mold to poke holes in well-intended efforts with massive ramifications, the greater community listens.

That is exactly what the Suffolk AME did on Wednesday, Dec. 11th, when its president released a statement opposing a new initiative crafted to provide enhanced assistance for children with special needs on the clerical front.

Per their leader, Daniel C. Levier, the Suffolk Association of Municipal Employees — which boasts New York State Department of Health employees who “play a critical role in ensuring that 5,000 children with special needs receive the critical services” they need — views the Early Intervention Hub as an "unnecessary and cumbersome burden.”

Timeliness is of the essence when it comes to entering key data into any system. Input of key data here especially serves as the gateway for logistical — and

literal — services to be approved and allocated to children with special needs, according to the Suffolk AME.

“Before it only took a matter of minutes to process intake forms,” said Levier. However, with Early Intervention put into place by the state, it now takes Suffolk AME members close to an hour to enter data and expedite the provision of said essential services.

Therefore, what was first offered as “help,” just became

another challenge to face — an overall hassle for all involved.

Last month, reports confirmed that Gov. Kathy Hochul had approved a 5% rate raise for all things early intervention, effective this past April.

Several months later, children with disabilities are still not receiving the vital services from the “slowest [early intervention program] in the nation.”

“Our members have worked tirelessly around the clock to

Choose Joy...

Continued from page 2

“Perhaps you sense that we prepare for and celebrate Christmas doing the opposite of what brings peace and joy to the world. Maybe we embrace too much of the secular culture and not enough of the Gospel culture. Are we able to listen to God in the midst of all this?”

There are no accidents. An “accident” is when God chooses to remain anonmyous. This was an important, faith-based message I needed to hear during this visit to Old Saint Mary’s in Detroit.

Ashley is very active in the PTO of our boys’ school. She’s a Saint. No idea why she married

me. I always say she either lost a drunken wager or our great grandparents back in Ukraine traded goats and she was forced to marry me.

She’s the main organizer of a massive, “12 Days of Christmas” gift card raffle that benefits our sons’ school, and I’ve been hyper focused on collecting gift cards for the fundraiser. I’ve also been fixated on Amazon deals, shopping, worrying about what we’re getting for the kids, organizing our own Christmas dinner, all the while getting through the usual routine of our hectic lives.

Not once have I really focused this Advent Season

ensure families are still receiving the type of services they deserve and require, despite the unexpected challenges with this new system,” Levier said, before putting the ball back in the state’s court.

“It's now time for the state to work with us and with the county to let our previous system remain in place indefinitely to ensure all necessary data is properly entered until the issues with the 'Early Intervention Hub' are fixed."

on what we should be fixated on this Christmas: joyously praying, reflecting, and living as an example of peace and love to make our little corner of the world a better and more peaceful place to be.

Time is ticking. Christmas is almost here. Let’s take a breather when we feel like we’re starting to lose ourselves in the hustle and bustle of preparing for the holiday.

To get in that headspace I love the prayer of Padre Pio: “Pray, hope, and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”

Amen.

Motorists are in line for red light camera refunds.

Credit: Chat GPT

ByDeborahWilliams

Final Numbers Show Trump Expands the Map in New York Crushing Harris in Suffolk County

The final presidential election numbers are in and it’s not close in Suffolk County. Trump lagged behind Harris by just shy of ten points expanding the Republican map in New York.

Trump won big in Suffolk County — 54.1% (417,549 votes) to Harris’ 44.3% (341,812 votes).

While it was no surprise that Harris won the state and its 28 electoral votes, it is clear that Democrats lost important

ground in New York.

Harris won fewer votes compared to Biden in 2020 (-39,209), while Trump made gains over his 2020 performance (+36,296). The differences in New York City proper were especially apparent. Harris beat Trump by 37 points in NYC while Biden won NYC with a 53-point margin in 2020 and Hillary Clinton won it by 62 points in 2016.

New York State Conservative

Party Chairman Gerry Kassar, said, “Trump got 321,733 votes on the Conservatives Party line the second highest we ever received.”

“Whether Biden or Harris, the Democratic Party through poor policy decisions and general inept governing on a national level made themselves unpopular at levels rarely seen. That up against a former President with a governing record made a change in the White House inevitable,” said Kassar.

Some pundits said that Harris lost because of misogyny, but the numbers belie that claim. Harris, the next woman to run for president after Clinton, underperformed Clinton by 25 percentage points in 2024. It seems unlikely there are 25% more misogynists in New York.

It’s not only about Harris — as bad of a candidate as she was on so many fronts. Trump gained in NYC, and New York generally, because of the bad policies of the Democrat Party. Whether it is the economy, the open border, crime, infringements on free speech and the Second

Amendment, or disastrous foreign policy, Democrats were behind the proverbial eight ball at every turn.

Trump had remarkable gains in cities and in the suburbs. He gained support from whites, Asians, Hispanics, Blacks, and Jews. In short, even in states and counties where Trump lost, he won support and

made important gains for the Republican Party in New York and across the country.

New York was once a deep blue state, but no more. Packed rallies, and more votes, in the state show Trump has growing popularity even in a blue state – a state that is a bit lighter blue these days. A look at the map shows a decidedly pink hue to New York.

Senator Murray, Local Leaders to NYS: 'Take Control of

the

MTA's Finances'

ByMichaelJ.Reistetter

State Senator Dean Murray, Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and other elected officials gathered at the Perry B. Duryea building in Hauppauge on Dec. 11th to request an independent group take over the run-amuck finances of the MTA.

In 2025, Murray will introduce new legislation: a fiscal “checks and balances” proposal for the aforementioned organization.

“For far too long, the MTA has been mismanaged,” according to the senator. “There’s been fraud, waste, and abuse” — including losses of $150 million in 2017, $290 million in 2018, $525 million in 2019, and over $750 million last year.

“That is money the MTA should have in their hands… they watched and did nothing as they jumped over turnstiles and drove through their tolls without paying,” Murray added. “How can you, in one hand, watch that money disappear, and in the other, ask for more money?”

When he took to the podium last Wednesday, Romaine

likened the MTA's conundrum to the famous “Oliver Twist” line: “Please Sir, may I have some more?”

After the well-earned chuckles, some most serious matters were subsequently, and repeatedly made clear: the demand for oversight and accountability. Enhanced safety. The unburdening of taxpayers. And less overtime as a virtue.

Should the legislation go through, an amendment to the Public Authorities Law will be in order. A five-member financial control board for the MTA would be created. All appointees would be recommended by the majority and minority leaders of the State Senate and Assembly.

The governor would have final approval and authority, as a designated chairperson. Key provisions include: Unanimous Board Decisions, Project Oversight, Comptroller Involvement, Contract Compliance, and Accountability Measures.

Per Murray’s vision for the board, they strive to “clean up the MTA’s fiscal mess in a way that will protect taxpayers from

unfair and unaffordable funding schemes.”

“It’s time to ensure the MTA becomes the reliable, efficient transit system that New Yorkers deserve,” he said.

Calling Murray’s proposal “much-needed legislation,” Comptroller Kennedy lambasts the MTA’s board as "either incapable or unwilling to take the firm action necessary to ‘stop the bleeding.’”

Meanwhile, those tasked to serve the community on the local front are, as abundantly

evidenced, more than ready to take said action.

“It’s time to put people in place who will make the hard decision and support the hard-working men and women who make the sacrifices for us,” Kennedy added.

Additional representatives who were unable to attend weighed in with their support as well.

Senator Anthony Palumbo believes the Authority failed to adapt amidst the advent of infrastructure-impeding “congestion pricing.” “Pouring

additional tax dollars into the MTA is not a solution,” he said.

“Year on year we see unbridled increases in both MTA fares, and MTA-related taxation. While a critical backbone of New York's infrastructure, the MTA must exist within a fiscally sound environment, rather than one of limitless spending and limited responsibility,” said Assemblywoman Jodie Giglio.

“This legislation will restore taxpayers' confidence while providing fiscal control over an agency that spends billions transporting millions, and give New Yorkers the world-class transit system they deserve,” she added.

Ricardo Sanchez, general chairman of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW 589), agrees with the leaders' sentiments — blaming labor for mismanagement is a fool’s errand.

“We welcome an independent set of eyes to hold all parties accountable,” Sanchez said. “Labor can be a part of the solution when it has a willing partner.”

Map showing Harris vs. Trump votes in NY by county

Donald Trump expands the map in NY

Senator Dean Murray (center) pictured alongside Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (left) and Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy (right) at the Wednesday, Dec. 11th press conference.

Credit: X

Credit: Grok AI

Credit: The South Shore Press

LOCAL

ByMichaelJ.Reistetter

'This is Community': Long Island Cannabis Club Dispensary Grand Opens in Deer Park

The Long Island Cannabis Club (LICC) of Deer Park held its grand opening on Friday, Dec. 6th.

The celebratory balloons are not being packed away just yet, though, as they plan to host another ceremony this coming week to commemorate the launches of their website, delivery service and limited holiday-time gift basket offerings.

The 4,200-square-foot location at 94 East Industry Court is sure to be the latest hotbed destination for those who have, or will come to adopt “pot” as their virtue.

Following the statewide legalization of marijuana in regulation, and after enduring two years' worth of the application rigmarole, the ownership group behind the island’s latest retail cannabis

store is as relieved to finally be in business as they are to shatter lingering stigmas.

Partners at LICC include Leslie Rodriguez, a licensed massage therapist and former retail manager, and Anthony Augustino Traina, an operating engineer, dog rescuer and French bulldog breeder.

The pair were kind enough to lend The South Shore Press a Friday night tour of their facilities a week into their operation.

Rodriguez commended fellow partners of theirs, such as pro athlete clientele-wielding acupuncturist Lisa Ripy, for wearing multiple hats across infinite rounds of out-of-store galvanizing and in-store teambuilding. Rodriguez and Traina also each have doting relatives of theirs on staff — signifying a classic value kept alive to satisfy the modern-day customer and workflow alike.

LICC’s foremost mission: to bring the greater community together under one grand unifying commonality: “the plant.”

Route 27 grows, cultivates, and supplies LICC with its product — some from the Hudson Valley, and most else from Long Island, including the Long Island brand, “Wahoo Forest.”

Qualifying for a more ideal license due to being part of a woman-owned business prior, Rodriguez, Ripy and Company have not missed a beat while given the go to unload their conditionally required convictions. “We are here to provide an alternative adult-use recreational means of unwinding and relaxing,” said Rodriguez.

For those who do not smoke, cannabis-certified relaxation by way of LICC can come in the form of a “gummy” or other candies, or through an infused drink. Rodriguez touts multiple products of theirs that can captivate one on levels ranging from discrete to profound.

When asked about their contact with fellow dispensaries who may have more skin in the game duration-wise, or organizations with broad mental, physical, and spiritual health crossover, Rodriguez adamantly stresses “collaboration over competition.”

For every purchase in-store, 3% goes to municipal efforts such as a recovery and rehabilitation facility in Amityville.

Heavy Hearts on the Passing of Pat Peluso

ByRobertChartuk

Hearts were heavy in the Moriches Bay Area on the passing of Pat A. Peluso. A local Realtor who was very active in his community, he served as past president and board member of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics and Shirley. Thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Barbara; children, Paul and Pam; and the rest of the Peluso family.

For decades, Pat advocated for local businesses and the wellbeing of the chamber and the community at large. Originally from Corona, the long-time Shirley resident studied at Queens College.

“I know that many of us had opportunities to interact with Pat, and the memories that will always stay in my mind will be

how at every function he insisted on singing karaoke to a Frank Sinatra song,” remembered Frank Montenez Jr., chamber president.

“It was a staple at many events, and I am sure he's belting out ‘My

“This is not just something to ‘get high.’ This is something that can really help you on a mental health level, with anxiety and depression, nerve radiculopathy, muscle rigidity, muscle spasms and ADD," said Rodriguez. "It helps sedate your body when you alone can’t do it.”

“Sometimes, it’s very hard for people to unwind,” Rodriguez adds. “They are wound tight. Us on Long Island? We are ‘hustle and bustle.’ A certain type of relaxation and downtime — that is not going to be on a chemically dependent level — is something we’ve definitely been needing here.”

As of last week, Long Island locals have another “above board” option to turn to; if last week’s turnout is any indication, more impromptu network events are on the way.

"There’s a new wave of people who don’t want to go to a bar,” said Rodriguez. “This is a new era and culture for socialization.”

At Long Island Cannabis Club, no one is turned down, or left out; only lifted up and empowered from within.

“This is community,” said Rodriguez. “We just want this equitable program to be rolled out as efficiently as New York state promises.”

Long Island Cannabis Store joins Strain Stars of Farmingdale and Beleaf of Calverton among the cannabis dispensaries that opened this month. Farmingdale also is home to the popular dispensary, Happy Days. The Brooklyn-originated Beleaf also intends to open its third location in Medford at some point during the new year.

MacArthur Christmas Concert

Way’ on his way to the pearly gates.”

Services were held at Robertaccio Funeral Home in Center Moriches, with interment at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

LICC owners Anthony Augustino Traina (left) and Leslie Rodriguez (right) - now open for business just in time for the holiday season!

Credit: LICC

Credit: LICC

Credit: Facebook Pat Peluso

ByRobertChartuk

Travelers at Islip MacArthur Airport were treated to the seasonal sounds of the musicians from Longwood High School. The Jazz Band belted out some

favorites under the baton of Conductor Matt Zebrowski. The school’s Chamber Orchestra, led by Kimberly Burns, filled the air with holiday spirit, while the Harp Ensemble shined under Lauren Zamborelli.

Credit: Robert Chartuk

Conductor Matt Zebrowski leads the Longwood High School Jazz Band during a Christmas concert at Islip MacArthur Airport.

LOCAL

ByDeborahWilliams

William Floyd Schools Add Metal Detectors After Gun Incident

Earlier this school year, a student brought a handgun to William Floyd High School which prompted quick action by law enforcement and the school district. The district moved quickly to implement safety and detection measures to protect students and staff.

The Board of Education, in an emergency executive session following the incident, decided that all designated entrances in each school K-12 will be equipped with walk-through metal detectors. The time for implementation has come.

The William Floyd School District announced that they are set to begin the use of metal detectors in a pilot program at William Floyd High School beginning next week. The district worked with vendor, GXC, Inc., to implement, test, train, and establish procedures. This pilot program (starting with three units), will test the use of metal detectors at the north, south, east, freshman, and Floyd Academy entrances.

After a successful pilot program at the high school, the same program will be rolled out in the middle and elementary schools.

James Montalto, Public Relations Director of William

Floyd Schools, said, “The district worked swiftly and efficiently over these past two months to get this pilot program off the ground. After conducting our due diligence, we selected the OPENGATE system which provides quality metal detection with a more subtle look, which we felt was important to maintain a welcoming school environment for our students. We are hopeful that we can work out any issues or challenges that may arise in this pilot so the transition to the middle and elementary school levels will be seamless.”

During the trial run, random groups of students will be selected to test at each high school entrance while the process is tested for effectiveness and efficiency. Once the procedures are in place and working successfully, additional units will be deployed at each entrance to ensure a smooth and efficient entrance into the building each school day.

The district said that “there will be a learning curve and expected challenges along the way with a new initiative of this size and scope, but we will continue to make progress and strive to keep our students and staff safe. We will continue to keep the community informed every step of the way.”

The district provided answers to some basic questions parents and students might have. If you have additional questions please email publicrelations@wfsd.k12. ny.us.

What is the OpenGate metal detection system?

OpenGate is a metal detection system from GXC, Inc., a metal detection company located in Islandia, NY. OpenGate is a state-of-the-art wire-free screening portal consisting of two independent pillars equipped with a support base and electronic analysis system. The units are more visually appealing and do not give the feeling of a courthouse, jail or an

airport metal-detection system.

Has the OpenGate system been used anywhere else?

Yes, it has been used in many prominent locations serving many thousands of people quickly and efficiently. This is the same weapons detection system used by many professional sports teams from the NFL, NBA, and MLB. It is also used by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the United States Tennis Association, Apple, Amazon, the NYPD, the Dallas Independent School District, and many others.

Why was the OpenGate system selected?

The system was selected for the ability to screen large numbers of people quickly as well as efficacy, reduced false alarms, portability, indoor and outdoor use, and focus on weapons detection rather than just focusing on metal objects.

What will the pilot program at the high school be like?

Students will enter the building and random groups of students will be chosen to walk through the metal detectors. During this time, we will document any issues such as long wait times, false alarms, or student hesitancy. We will also use this as an opportunity to collect data for efficiency and effectiveness, including Will this replace the metal detector wands?

This high school pilot program will continue to be done in coordination with the metal detector wands that have been in use for more than a decade. Will it negatively impact short- and long-term health?

The system is not harmful as it uses non-ionizing electromagnetic fields far below levels considered dangerous to human health. It is safe for those with cardiac pacemakers, insulin pumps, cochlear implants, etc.

Wm. Floyd schools add metal detectors

Credit: Grok AI

ByDeborahWilliams

The Christmas and holiday season is filled with fun and family, but don’t forget to pay attention to some basic safety tips along the way.

Bill Biondi, commissioner of the Mastic Beach Fire Department said, “Indoor and

Follow These Safety Tips for Fire-free Holidays

outdoor lights, decorated trees, greenery on the mantle, lots of extra things plugged in with family visits, and candles being lit all add to the festivities of the season and can also present a risk of a devastating fire in your home. You can do some simple things to keep your home safe.”

U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 835 home structure fires yearly that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees. Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two in five (41%) home Christmas tree fires.

Nearly 20% of Christmas tree fires are started by lamps or bulbs. Candles started 11% while 40% of home Christmas tree fires started in the living room.

Candle fires peak in December and January and home-cooking fires during Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are second only to Thanksgiving. Year-round, one-third of home decoration fires were started by candles. This jumped to almost half in December.

This flyer from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends some basic tips to keep you, your family, and your home safe during the holidays.

Trend: New Yorkers Heading South

ByRobertChartuk

the South Shore Press

encountered many New

who moved to the Palmetto State. Here’s what they had to say.

It’s more laid back here than Long Island. People are nicer, the quality of life is better, and it’s more family-oriented. The costs are pretty much the same, but the taxes are lower. Plus, there’s no snow.”

Frank Orlando, Brooklyn South Pizza owner, formerly of Wheatley Heights

It was a no-brainer moving here. We work remotely and can go anywhere, so we chose Charleston. There’s a great city vibe, people are younger, and it’s warm. The beaches are beautiful.”

Alex Nicholson, formally of Manhattan

It’s better to do business in South Carolina; there are not as many regulations, taxes, and fees. That’s why big corporations are coming here, and it’s booming. I’m glad l moved out of a Woke Society and have freedom; Woke is not free.”

Maurice Skerritt, formerly of Stony Brook

The cost of living is much lower and the people are much nicer; they don’t

honk at you when you’re driving. The restaurants are great and the food is just as good, if not better, than New York, and the hospitality is better.”

Oylan Nicholson, formerly of Manhattan

We like the climate, resources, and the culture — there are plenty of things to do. Anything is better than the New York taxes. They’re awful.”

People are friendly; our kids really enjoy it here. The real estate prices are much better, and the taxes and fees don’t crush you. Gas is cheaper.”

It’s way more affordable here; you can have a house for the cost of an apartment. You make less than in New York, but you end up with more. I like the freshness of the food. It’s a better place to raise a family.”

Merline Berrouet, formerly of Ozone Park

Melissa Rowe, Constantia, NY

Scott Rowe, Constantia, NY

Traveling to South Carolina for a story on a Civil War hero,

Man on the Street

Yorkers

Holiday fire safety tips

Pay attention to fire safety during the holidays.

Credit: National FIre Protection Association

Credit: Grok AI/X

LOCAL

ByMichaelJ.Reistetter

Riders on a Mission: Beloved Bethpage Bar ‘Nostalgia’ Revives All Things ‘90s

“If you want to return to your childhood, look no further,” said Danny Bishop, of West Babylon.

A murderer’s row of bar tapes featuring a Classic Nickelodeon “Orange” VHS tape, The Simpsons’-certified “Duff Beer,” and “Michael’s Secret Stuff” from “Space Jam” is quite the scintillating scene-setter when you first arrive.

You know off the Mickey Kaline-signed bat Nostalgia is populated by the all-grown kids of a few certain generations with shared pop-cultural crossover.

You also recognize no one would ever double-dare “Irish exit” out its doors, lest they want to miss out on a trip down memory lane lined with oversized “Ed, Edd ‘n Eddy” jawbreakers and arenajailbroken Beyblades.

In one particular moment, consecutive TVs play an old Tweety Bird commercial for “Orange Crush” soda, the “Rocket Power” Christmas special, and music videos for NSYNC and Green Day while “Taste of Ink” by The Used annihilates on the mostly partial to pop punk inhouse “aux.”

Uncoincidentally, nostalgia tastes great in an aptly-named place such as this that flaunts

a “Good Burger” on its menu, because of course they would.

From the Rocko, Heffer and Powerpuff Girl-guarded chalk mural; to the signed photos from “Full House” and “Boy Meets World” castmates; the fully inoperation “Mortal Kombat” game back by the bathrooms— themselves lined with old DC and Marvel comic strips; and the large Gameboy cutouts on the backdoor patio, everywhere you step foot, a great wave of memory unlock awaits.

“It’s that feeling you get when you were a kid and a commercial was all in your face and eclectic— and you get to experience that again,” said David Cunha, of Hicksville, who has worked at Nostalgia since its first day of operation in September 2022.

Social butterflies and those afraid of the intermittent dark will all find something to get gassed up about. Much to the chagrin of Tony Soprano, another ‘90s icon experiencing renewed popularity these days, God bless the Quailman-esquely heroic “algo,” “Remember When…” has, by design, become the most preferred form of conversation within Nostalgia’s walls.

When The South Shore Press inadvertently crashed their staff’s

and More

Christmas party on Tuesday, Dec. 10th, Shawn O’Connor, 47, and business partner Pete Dragone, 40, were kind enough to explain it all.

Having conceived the idea with another partner when they were working at Revolution Bar and Music Hall a few years back, Shawn O’Connor always knew he wanted to open a ‘90s-themed bar. Once a '90s kid, always a '90s kid.

Dragone ran One-Eyed Jacks in the same 380 North Wantagh Avenue location for 10 years before falling in love with O'Connor's pitch. He and fellow members of their current ownership brain trust - Thomas Angenbroich and Costas Themistocleoussubsequently teamed up for the

nostalgic takeover.

Noteworthy guests they have hosted since predominantly building their bar's innards with relics pulled direct from their youth include: Danny Tamberelli (“All That," "Adventures of Pete and Pete") Thomas Ian Nichols (“American Pie,” “The Rookie of the Year”), Danny Cooksey, “Salute Your Shorts,” "Stoop Kid” in “Hey Arnold,”) Fred Mascherino of the band Taking Back Sunday, and animator Jeff Brennan (“Courage the Cowardly Dog, "Dragon Tales") who will return to Nostalgia on Jan. 25th to teach a 1 p.m. art class.

Making essential connections through friends of friends and by attending '90s conventions

in Connecticut, O’Connor and company are beyond proud of the rolodex of niche, yet supremely appreciated contacts they have amassed.

A photographic reminder of Steve Urkel here, “The Nutty Professor” soundtrack on vinyl there, while cute in isolation, are artifacts that take on a deeper meaning when considered with the sum of the parts making up a vast hodgepodge of additional “blast from the past” wall fodder. Their end goal: to open more "Nostalgia's" down South. The biggest challenge for the first Nostalgia thus far? Cultivating a steady following on-site, and not just online (@nostalgiabarli on Instagram).

Nostalgia charges a cover at the door for premium shows to compensate bands, and may introduce creative membership packages in the future.

Until then, regulars and prospective newcomers can visit nostalgiali.com to reserve a guaranteed seat for exciting events.

Next up: a first day of Chanukah-set, Dec. 26th trivia night exclusively devoted to “Adam Sandler's Eight Crazy Nights.” I know I will be there with my entourage in tow.

Farmingville Man Convicted of Felony Environmental Crimes

ByStefanMychajliw

Suffolk County District

Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that Giampiero Cali, 48, of Farmingville, pleaded guilty to Endangering the Public Health, Safety or the Environment in the First Degree, a class C felony, and other related charges, for dumping hazardous materials in Suffolk County that originated from a Brooklyn demolition site.

“Suffolk is no one’s dump site,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This is our home. I will continue to devote substantial resources to ensure we have the purest land, air, and water, not only for our

enjoyment, but for our health and safety.”

Cali, a principal at Truck Tec Material Corporation, was charged with intentionally dumping acutely hazardous materials in the form of construction and demolition debris, sourced from a demolition site in Brooklyn, at CMM Landscape Supply in Yaphank.

Prosecutors said Cali had been directed to dispose of this specific payload at Posillico Materials, a facility authorized to accept such material by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

It was finally compounded by his effort to conceal his unlawful disposal at CMM by creating a “substitute” payload, according to police, which he attempted but failed to pass off as the original payload to both environmental crime investigators and Posillico.

The case against Truck Tec and Cali began in February 2024, when Cali directed a Truck Tec employee to pick up a payload of demolition debris in Brooklyn using a Truck Tec-registered commercial dump truck, and then bring that payload to a residential site in Medford for disposal.

When the employee arrived at the Brooklyn construction site, he

texted Cali that the payload was not clean fill. Cali responded to the employee to take only small pieces, mix it with other fill to disguise its characteristics, and load it.

The departing Truck Tec vehicle was flagged by members of the New York City Business Integrity Commission, who notified detectives with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) to be on the lookout for the vehicle for possible illegal dumping.

BEAST detectives then tracked the vehicle and intercepted it just as it was about to dump the dirty payload onto residential property in

The truck was impounded for safety violations and on suspicion of contaminated fill. A laboratory analysis was conducted on the fill and revealed the presence of cobalt, an acutely hazardous substance under New York state regulations. Truck Tec, through corporate counsel, accepted a corporate plea for attempted unlawful disposal of solid waste, ultimately resulting in a $15,000 fine against the corporation with a direction to cure all safety violations with the truck itself and to dispose of the dirty payload at Posillico Materials with compliance reporting on each aspect to the court.

Medford.

Credit: Suffolk County DA

Credit: Suffolk County DA

Credit: Suffolk County DA

Truck driven by Giampiero Cali

Giampiero Cali mugshot

Fill from Giampiero Cali

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your age.

Credit: Shawn O’Connor

STATE

ByDeborahWilliams

Government Wins and Pets Lose in Latest Court Ruling

New York state, and Gov. Kathy Hochul, won a court ruling over a law they claim helps pets, but in reality drives egregious pet mill operations underground, while at the same time shuttering businesses that kept a watchful eye and safe conditions for our beloved pets.

New York’s Puppy Mill Act will go into effect as scheduled on Dec. 15 despite all efforts to delay it and allow time for something more sensical to be worked out. The act bans pet shops from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits in New York.

Suffolk State Supreme Court Justice Frank Tinari's ruling said plaintiffs in the two cases, including three pet shops on Long Island, did not prove they would be irreparably harmed if the emergency injunction was not granted. This is even though the evidence was clear that this law would drive many, if not most, pet shops out of business while doing nothing to shutter puppy mills.

From the perspective of generational pet shops, New York state is implementing a state takeover of their business via an onerous law.

When asked who benefits and whom is harmed by this law, Jon Gill, Creedon & Gill, P.C., attorney for the pet shops, said it was clear. Good families who want healthy pets will now have a lot less choice. Shelters cannot provide the purebred companion animals that the public wants. Puppy mills will continue to thrive under the new law because people will still seek purebred pets. But they won't have the security of knowing the mother and the pups are healthy and welltreated.

Gill said the clear “winner” here is the government, “if you live in New York and you want a pet, you have to buy from a government-

subsidized rescue or a governmentrun shelter. They are the only two places you can go.

“The shelters down here have just received huge grants from the government. The city shelters recently got $10.6 million to upgrade their shelters. The government just shut down this industry and made it a government monopoly,” Gill said.

Jessica Selmer, third-generation owner of Selmer’s Pet Land said, “In 1939 my immigrant grandfather pursuing the American Dream opened his store in South Huntington, NY. He named it

“Selmer’s Pet Land.” My father was born in that home that ultimately became a thriving business. This business defined my family and its legacy for 84 years in what is believed to be the oldest pet store in the United States.”

“Until ... Animal activists no longer felt that animals should be offered as companions. These activists felt that freedom of choice was irrelevant, and all animals should be from unregulated rescues,” Selmer added. Activists were relentless in their protests and lobbying.

There is a special irony that pet shops were considered “essential” in New York during COVID, and now the state thinks nothing of enacting

legislation that puts them out of business.

Selmer said in her submission to

the court, “The final blow was the signing of that misguided law by Governor Hochul put forward by Assemblywoman Rosenthal and Senator Gianaris. It was a difference of opinion between unchecked activists and families who preferred to obtain their furry family member from a well-respected, wellregulated brick-and-mortar facility. We were deemed essential during the heartbreaking pandemic.”

Gill said, “I was surprised. I thought the judge was going to grant us a hearing to call witnesses to establish that this law was irrational.”

Instead, Judge Tinari ruled against the injunction without even having a hearing and listening to

the evidence.

"My clients are disappointed with the court's decision as it spells the end of their long-standing legitimate retail businesses here in New York state," Gill said. "A hearing would establish that this puppy law was based on nothing more than a false narrative and has no rational basis to its end goal of eliminating puppy mills."

Gill made it clear this ruling essentially closed his client’s businesses and that of hundreds of other pet shops across the state. “I'm going have to check with my clients if they want to continue because what's the point if we win the case two years from now after they are already closed.”

Farmingville Man Convicted...

Continued from page 14

Cali initially made arrangements with Posillico; however, after permissions were secured to release the truck, he instead drove the contaminated payload to CMM, where he was accused of falsely informing CMM staff that the payload was “clean fill,” resulting in a greatly reduced price for disposal and permission to dump on CMM grounds.

When BEAST investigators soon thereafter confronted Cali, he was accused of fabricating paperwork with Posillico and attempted to pass off a separate load of fill as the contaminated payload. After BEAST investigators conducted a comparative fill analysis, Cali’s fraud was exposed.

For his actions, Cali was indicted for:

* One count of Endangering the public health, safety or the

environment in the first degree, a Class C felony;

* One count of Endangering the public health, safety or the environment in the third degree, a Class E felony;

* Five counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, Class E felonies;

* One count of Unlawful Dealing in Hazardous Wastes in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor; and

* One count of Unlawful disposal of solid waste, a Class B misdemeanor.

Cali pleaded guilty to all the charges contained in the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz.

Justice Horowitz sentenced Cali to 840 hours of environmentallyfocused community service and five years of probation. In addition, Cali will have to pay an

Dire Need for New York Criminal Justice Reform

Op-Edby Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano

Concerns about crime and public safety haven’t subsided since the botched criminal justice “reforms” of the Democrats. In fact, the shortcomings of their policies and the backward priorities of Progressive prosecutors have become more glaring. A recent Siena Poll shows a majority of New Yorkers believe crime has worsened in the past year.

Amid heightened tensions, law-abiding citizens want action. They’re getting just the opposite. The high-profile case of Daniel Penny in New York City shows how destructive liberal prosecutors have become. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg should never have prosecuted the former Marine.

Thankfully, Penny was acquitted by a jury earlier this week. Bragg’s handling of this case is emblematic of his and other Democrats’ broader failure to prioritize public safety and fairness. His outright refusal to prosecute certain criminal offenses while pursuing politically driven prosecutions has emboldened criminals and sent a dangerous message.

The Penny case has brought renewed attention to the dire consequences of Bragg’s policies and the need for direct action. In an effort to provide voters with the tools to hold elected officials accountable, the Assembly Republicans have introduced a constitutional amendment that will allow for the recall of district attorneys such as Alvin Bragg. The recall would be initiated by a petition signed by voters within their respective county. Finally, the people would have a mechanism to remove officials who fail to uphold

the law.

This call to action was inspired by a successful recall election in San Francisco. Former District Attorney Chesa Boudin was removed from office in 2022 by voters for his softon-crime approach to the job. Alvin Bragg is no different and New Yorkers should be afforded the same opportunity. Prosecutors who fail to hold criminals accountable only exacerbate the problem.

In the coming months, the Legislature will have the opportunity to reconsider the deeply flawed criminal justice changes that have swept an era of lawlessness across the state. Issues such as bail reform, Raise the Age, Clean Slate, the broken parole system, mask bans, and cooperation with immigration agencies need to be reconsidered and corrective measures implemented.

The actions taken by Daniel Penny wouldn’t be necessary if the

additional $50,000 in fines (on top of the $15,000 incurred against his corporation), and his dump truck has been forfeited to Suffolk County.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Kendall Walsh and Jed Painter of the District Attorney’s (BEAST), with Assistant District Attorneys Michael Reynolds and Craig Pavlik of the District Attorney’s Asset Forfeiture and Intelligence Bureau (AFIB) handling the civil asset forfeiture aspect of case.

The criminal investigation was conducted by Detectives Walter Justincic, Thomas Smith, and Donna Giordano of the District Attorney’s squad, with valued support from the NYC Business Integrity Commission and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. The asset investigation was conducted by SCDA Detective Investigators Paul Rauseo and Michael Dunn.

justice system weren’t compromised by liberal political ideologies jeopardizing public safety. It is essential to reexamine these policies and, once again, prioritize the safety of our communities. Refusing to put the interests of law-abiding citizens before those of the most violent

and dangerous individuals in our community is a gross dereliction of duty.

We will push hard to get the Democrats to join us and approve this much-needed measure of accountability and restoration of power to the people.

Activists win in effort to shutter generational pet shops

Dire Need for New York Criminal Justice Reform

Credit: Grok AI

Credit: AI

STATE

ByDeborahWilliams

Nearly 60% Want Hochul Out

A recent Sienna Poll delivers bad news to Gov. Kathy Hochul and a blow to Democrat policies generally. Her poll numbers are in a hole that will be difficult to dig out of.

Just 33% of voters would reelect Hochul today and 57% chose “want someone else.” Hochul still falls below 50% even when looking at just Democrats.

“When only Democrats are asked if they want Hochul as their nominee in 2026, 49% say yes, while 32% say no,” Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg said. “Voters say that all things being equal, they’d prefer a Democrat over a Republican to be the next governor, 52-34%, with 85% of Democrats saying Democrat, 85% of Republicans saying Republican. Independents side with the Republicans 39-29%.”

New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerry Kassar said, “The nominations for governor are in February of 2026. Hochul can be nominated, but she's going to have to start figuring things out. She remains highly unpopular.”

“Even when she tries to give us back $500, everybody criticizes her for having such a bad state of the economy. You've got state after state that are examples of how to do business in terms of taxation issues that are completely different than the model New York state has been using for the last 15 years.”

At a time when the state is spending $2-3 billion on illegal immigrants while regular New Yorkers suffer under a struggling economy, it is no wonder there is criticism about the latest tax rebate coming from Albany.

Kassar says, “Let's say you're building a new house, or you're going to buy a house from some new development, and you find out you've got to go through all these manifestations because you can't use regular gas heat anymore, and so you have to use these new systems, which are extraordinarily expensive and aren't necessarily as effective. What does that cost to your bottom line over several years? $500 begins to sound like a drop in the proverbial bucket.”

The Sienna poll showed that 43% said the economy and

cost of living are number one, followed by affordable housing and illegal immigrants.

On the issue of illegal immigrants, 51% of Democrats and 87% of Republicans want New York state to support Trump's efforts to deport migrants who are illegally living in New York.

“Well, so does Mayor Adams, apparently,” says Kassar. “It's just one of those things where it is transcending.”

“I'm not sure it always pops in polling the way we

see it as insiders. The illegal immigration issue is a very real tie-in with public safety and law enforcement. You don't necessarily see public safety and law enforcement as a number pop as much because they are included in the illegal immigration deportation issue. I believe that if you dig down into those numbers, you're going to find that public safety and crime are very, very high up on voters’ minds, even though they may not always appear that way on the surface,” added Kassar.

“Most people involved in the day-to-day aspect of political campaigns first look at the vulnerabilities of the incumbent and Hochul had a consistently consistent high vulnerability index going back now for many, many months — frankly to before the last election, which was very close,” offered Kassar.

In the end, people are going to look at these numbers and continue to say Gov. Hochul is beatable and maybe she needs to start thinking about whether she wants to run for reelection and subject herself to a strong Democratic primary. And no one knows what Attorney General James wants to do.

Kassar concluded by saying, “I'm sure Trump would love to see her (AG James) run for governor. New York showed itself in this last election to not be supportive of these radical far-left policies and James is firmly implanted in those. She is a leader of the cause and that might go back to the fact that she was the first working family's party member to be elected to the New York City Council.”

Hochul's poll numbers are in a hole

Credit: Grok AI

HISTORY LESSONS

BY RICHARD ACRITELLI

“Did you ever hear of the Z-Men? Sounds like a gag, doesn’t it?” Bob Hope asked his audience over a Christmas radio broadcast in 1944. “Well it isn’t,” he continued. “Z-Men are the guys without whom General Ike’s army and Admiral Nimitz’s navy couldn’t live ... Z-men are the men of the Merchant Marine.”

The United States Merchant Marine Academy was officially created in 1943 at Kings Point, NY. During the earliest existence of this nation, trade has always been a vital part to the American economy, with our ships traveling to every corner of this world. Whereas it took years for the United States to compete with the major powers with trade and naval abilities, by the end of the 19th Century this country surpassed the British Empire through economic productivity. President Ulysses S. Grant began the process of creating military and shipping policies, training, and protection that was needed to aid our vessels that were operating thousands of miles away from our country. In 1934, after the loss of the SS Morro Castle and the death of 134 people, the American government understood that a Merchant Marine academy was necessary towards the support of American shipping.

During the middle of World War II, the government established the Merchant Marine Academy that is located on the northwestern tip of Nassau County at Kings Point. It was created by Congress in 1936 through the U.S. Merchant Marine Cadet Corps Act. Seven years later, the government officially established this location that sat on 82 acres, 28 buildings, waterfront facilities, 100 vessels, dorms, and classrooms for education and training. Starting construction in 1942, 15 months

later, the establishment of this facility was finished during the height of World War II. Sitting on the heightened elevation of Kings Point, the academy is about 20 miles east of Manhattan, and it overlooks Fort Totten and Schuyler in Queens and the Bronx, the Throgs Neck Bridge, and the Long Island Sound. On September 30th, 1943, American forces were operating on the Italian mainland and expanding through the Pacific islands in Asia. Roosevelt stated at the dedication that this “Academy serves the Merchant Marine as West Point serves the Army and Annapolis the Navy.”

Through this war, this academy had 2,700 students, and while today the instruction lasts four years, due to the needs of this conflict, it was reduced to 24 months. The training occurred at Kings Point and in war zones to help support the shipping efforts of the United States to supply the massive war needs. Merchant Marine ships transported massive Lend-Lease supplies to the Soviet Union during World War II. There were over 200 million tons shipped with 1,554 ships that were sunk in hazardous waters. Major convoys transported supplies across the U-Boat infested Atlantic Ocean and another 2,500 miles from England to the Soviet ports in the Arctic Ocean. Traveling directly north of Norway, this was a perilous journey by American shipping to keep the Soviet Union supplied before and after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Countless convoys were directed to Murmansk and Archangel to prevent a collapse of the Soviet lines against the devastating strength of the German Wehrmacht.

By the end of this war, 142 midshipmen from the Merchant Marine Academy lost their lives by

VETERANS WAY

Type 2 diabetes is considered a presumptive condition by the VA for veterans exposed to herbicides like Agent Orange.

This designation simplifies the claims process by presuming the condition is service-related. Type 2 is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes glucose — sugar in your blood.

That’s why diabetes is also often called mellitus. It is the Latin word that means “sweet” or “honeyed.” It is the term used by the VA and in the official Schedule for Rating, which

The United States Merchant Marine Academy and its Proud History of Service

enemy air and sea attacks. There were 6,634 graduates of this academy who were “baptized” under the fire of this terrible war. Armies, marine, and air power may win a war, but they will not advance or win battles if they are not continually supplied. World War II had 243,000 sailors that served in dangerous waters, with 9,521 killed at sea. This was the highest percentage of military losses from any of the different branches of the Armed Forces. By far, being a member of the merchant marine as an officer or sailor was one of the most dangerous jobs in this war.

With the fighting finally coming to an end in 1945, the requirements of this military school went back to four years. This school that looks small in stature, is a leader in maritime education, and it instructed future officers through the earliest education on the first nuclear powered merchant ship the NS Savannah. And again, this academy had its officers serve during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. By 1956, Congress fully authorized the accreditation for this school as a degree-granting institution. In 1974, two years before the other government sponsored colleges, this school was the first of the academies to allow women to join its ranks.

Long Island has a proud history of military service to this nation through every major war. There have been mostly reserve and national guard bases in Patchogue, Riverhead, Westhampton Beach, Amityville, Montauk, Floyd Bennett Field, Garden City, Roslyn, Brentwood, Bellmore, Bayside, Flatbush, Roslyn and Shoreham. Many of these bases have trained and deployed local citizens who have supported military operations on every continent. The Merchant

Marine Academy has an interesting spot within the history of Long Island, as it has been the cornerstone for protecting our Armed Forces during times of war and peace.

During his junior year, Rocky Point student Matthew N. Amoscato was a tough three-sport athlete, the President of the Varsity Club, and was at a crossroads over his future college prospects. At a dinner with his family, former lacrosse coach Michael P. Bowler suggested that Amoscato should play lacrosse and attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Bowler explained that the Merchant Marine Academy would be close to home, he would gain a debt-free government sponsored military education, become an officer, and play defense on the lacrosse team. Amoscato believed that this legendary coach always presented “direction and much-needed

advice” to his players. Bowler was speaking from experience, as he had players represent Rocky Point at many major colleges and military academies in this nation.

Several weeks after graduating from Rocky Point High School in 2013, Amoscato reported to the Merchant Marine Academy. Attending this college, he believed, “I had repeated, thorough, and at times tough lessons on leadership, discipline, accountability, education, seamanship, and the responsibilities of being a devoted studentathlete and citizen.” This academy presented Amoscato with the chance to travel around the world, visit a dozen foreign countries, earn an engineering degree, and later be commissioned as a pilot in the United States Air Force. Today, he is an extremely disciplined young man and a lieutenant naval aviator of an AF KC-135.

Continued on page 19

Suffering From Type 2 Diabetes

gives the rating scale for every condition eligible for the VA disability benefits.

Agent Orange, an herbicide used extensively during the Vietnam War, contains dioxin, a toxic chemical linked to type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that dioxin disrupts the body’s endocrine system, leading to insulin resistance.

To qualify for presumptive benefits, veterans must have served in these areas:

* Vietnam: January 9,1962–May 7, 1975.

* Korean DMZ: September 1, 1967–August 31, 1971.

* Thailand: 1962–1976

* Guam and American Samoa: 1962- 1980

* Laos: 1965–1969

* Cambodia: 1969

* Johnston Atoll: 1972–1977

Those who served aboard U.S. vessels in Vietnam’s inland waterways or in locations where herbicides were stored or tested are also eligible.

The symptoms of Type 2

diabetes include: unusually severe thirst (Polydipsia), frequent urination (Polyuria), severe hunger (Polyphagis), fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing of wounds and frequent inflammations, unexpected weight change.

If not managed properly, it can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, eye damage, and an increased risk of infections.

Type 2 diabetes is very common among veterans.

This is mainly associated with lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, stress, mental health issues, and lack of access to health care. Smoking is also a common risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.

CDC research has shown that smokers are 30% to 40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to non-smokers. Unfortunately, many of these factors are associated with military service and the life of veterans after discharge.

BY REV. FREDERICK MILLER, PH.D.

Christian Meyers

ASK NANCY

BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ.

No, the filing requirements imposed on owners of corporate entities by the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) are suspended, at least temporarily.

The CTA, which took effect on January 1, 2024, mandates entities to report certain information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The CTA was designed to combat money laundering and other illegal actions. The law requires that individuals file basic information with FinCEN if they exercise substantial control or decisionmaking authority, and other individuals who receive a financial advantage from a business or entity. The items to report for each person includes name, date of birth, address, and the official identification number from a driver’s license,

New Information for Business Owners: Corporate Transparency Act

passport, or other government ID as specified in the statute.

However, on Dec. 3, 2024, in Texas Top Cop Shop v Garland et al., the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas granted a preliminary injunction. A preliminary injunction is an action by the

court during the pendency of a lawsuit that serves to put on hold certain actions while the case is being adjudicated in the courts. This decision has halted the enforcement of the CTA requirements due to concerns about its constitutionality and impact on small businesses.

The United States Merchant...

Continued from page 17

During a 9/11/01 program at this school, Meyers spoke about the rescue efforts of his uncle who passed during the attack on the World Trade Center. The Curtin family on this tragic date lost Michael, a graduate from Rocky Point, a United States Marine Corps Gulf War veteran, and an Emergency Service Unit police officer. They were impressed with Meyers, and they gave him a graduation scholarship in the name of Curtin’s patriotic memory.

This lanky young man from Rocky Point who was well liked by his teachers and peers was motivated to enter the military. It is a family tradition to serve, as Meyer's grandfather was a marine, his father is a New York City Fire Department Manhattan Borough commander and his brother just enlisted into the Army. During his first year at the academy, Meyers found his studies “extremely rigorous and different from high school.” A long stick

midfielder lacrosse player, he was a member of the Merchant Marine team that won the 2023 Skyline Championship.

Now a junior, Meyers has traveled to different locations around the world and enjoyed the sights at Singapore, Soul, Sriracha, and Tokyo, and at these spots, he has scuba dived and saw tigers. Always a student who enjoyed history, Meyers visited Nagasaki and observed the horrors of the second atomic bomb that was dropped on this Japanese city. On the USNS Comfort and Rappahannock, he learned about the engineering and maintenance of these ships, helped refuel different types of naval ships, and supported the USS Ronald Reagan. After graduation, it is his goal to go to flight school and possibly become a EA-18G Growler pilot. Over the last several years, Rocky Point High School Principal James Moeller has observed the strengths of this young man and believes, “Entering his junior year, he has traveled

to places across the world with the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. Flying in military aircraft, working with engineers in some of the most sophisticated equipment in the world and learned to problem solve in real life classrooms. The education and experience he has been exposed to will make him an incredibly sought after commodity when he is ready to enter the workforce after the Merchant Marine Academy.”

The United States Merchant Marine Academy has a long and storied history of proud support to this nation. Closer to home on Long Island, this major military school has surely made our citizens proud of these officers who often operate thousands of miles away from our shores to aid the missions of our Armed Forces. Thank you to Mathew N. Amoscato and Christian Meyers for greatly representing this academy at home and abroad through the protection of our national ideals.

If you have not yet completed the filing under the CTA, you do not have to at this time. While the court's ruling has put on hold the CTA's enforcement, further court proceedings may reinstate the need to register with FinCEN. Note that if this decision is overturned, entities

LIBRARY LIVING

BY TARA D’AMATO

Assistant Library Director

that have not filed may need to act quickly to be in compliance with the law.

If you have already filed with FinCEN, there is no need to be concerned and there is no additional action necessary. It is recommended that you remain informed as to the status of the case, the CTA, and its reporting requirements. Should the CTA be upheld, entities will again be required to report changes in beneficial ownership. At least for now, the fear of penalties for non-compliance can be put aside.

Britt Burner, Esq. is a Partner at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. focusing her practice areas on Estate Planning and Elder Law. 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.

Stream Movies, TV, Documentaries from Your Library

The Community Library has two great video streaming services you can access with your library card. Watch free movies at home, on the go on your tablet or laptop, or stream to your smart TV. Instead of paying cable TV fees or Amazon Prime, make the most of your library membership and save some money by streaming. Visit www.communitylibrary.org and select Books, Movies, Music from the top menu to get started. Don’t have home internet? Borrow a MiFi device from the library to access free Internet service from home. Please note, there may be a waitlist for this device.

HOOPLA

Hoopla lets you borrow digital music; movies, including children’s movies; documentaries, comics and graphic novels for children, teens, and adults to stream in your web browser or to enjoy offline on your device. With hundreds of thousands of titles

to choose from, and more being added daily, Hoopla is like having your public library at your fingertips. Instead of having holds and wait periods, you can borrow titles anytime you want. Any title you borrow can be viewed across any device you’re signed into.

Hoopla supports Amazon Alexa devices, too. Play borrowed audiobooks and music albums directly on your Amazon Echo, Dot, Spot, and Show devices. Just search for “hoopla digital” in the Amazon Skills marketplace.

To use Hoopla on your device, you must download the app first. Find the Hoopla app in the Apple, Google Play store and use your library barcode to sign in.

KANOPY

Kanopy is a videostreaming platform dedicated to thoughtful and thoughtprovoking films. With an ideal platform for showcasing independent films that fuel lifelong learning, Kanopy is on a mission “to ensure that everyone has access to enriching films that bridge cultural boundaries, spark discussion, and expand worldviews.” You can choose from thousands of Hollywood classics, mainstream hits, arthouse releases and foreign films to watch with the service. Watch up to 10 criticallyacclaimed movies, inspiring documentaries, and awardwinning foreign films each month. While it’s not the spot to go for the most current Hollywood blockbusters, it fills in our video library with content like award winners, classic and indie films, and foreign content. Kanopy also recently teamed up with HBO Documentaries, the hot indie studio A24 and the prestigious Criterion Collection to offer content.

Simply add your MasticsMoriches-Shirley Community Library card number and PIN or password after selecting Kanopy from the library’s webpage.

Happening at the

Children & Parents

Register for programs three easy ways: in person, online at www.communitylibrary.org or contact the Children’s Reference Desk at 631-399-1511 Ext. 2016 for the Moriches Branch or Ext. 1030 for the Mastic Beach Branch or Ext. 2028 for the Main Building.

Crafts-To-Go can be picked up at open library locations. One craft per child, per visit please

SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAMS

Stained Glass Holiday Tree

ALL IN-PERSON PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED IN-PERSON ONLY. SUPPLIES WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP.

Thursday, December 19

5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

PROGRAM REGISTRANTS MUST ARRIVE WITHIN 10 MINUTES OF THE START OF EACH PROGRAM OR THEIR RESERVATION WILL BE FORFEITED.

MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUR ONLINE PROGRAM CALENDAR FOR PROGRAM

Held at our Moriches Branch.

Drop-in. No registration required. Grades K-5.

BABIES / PRESCHOOL

Bookworm Book Club: Frizzy

Registration begins one week prior to each session unless otherwise note

Friday, December 20

Explore Everything - Shapes!

4:00 – 4:45 p.m.

Monday, December 2, 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Held at our Moriches Branch.

Held at our Mastic Beach Branch. For December we will be reading Frizzy by Claribel Ortega. Pick up the book at the front desk starting December 1. Grades 3-5.

Ages birth-23 months with an adult.

Zumbini

Tuesday, December 3, 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.

Held at our Mastic Beach Branch.

Ages birth-4 years with an adult.

LEGO Club

Messy Meetups

Monday, December 23

Wednesdays, December 4 & 18

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Held at our Moriches Branch.

Held at our Main Building.

Ages 18 months-5 years with an adult.

Drop-in. No registration required. Grades 3-5.

Baby Games

Monday, December 9

10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Festive Frosting

Held at our Moriches Branch.

Monday, December 16

Thursday, December 26

10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

6:00 – 6:45 p.m. OR 7:15 – 8:00 p.m.

Held at our Main Building.

Ages birth-18 months with an adult.

Held at our Main Building. Join us for festive holiday cookie decorating. No matter what holiday you celebrate, you can design a matching cookie to enjoy. Grades K-5.

SCHOOL-AGE

Playdate

Fridays, December 13 & 27

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Held at our Moriches B Fridays, December 6 & 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Held at our Mastic Bea Branch.

Please note this is an unstructured meet up. Ages birth-23 months

Held at our Main Building. Join us for a morning of bonding er

Art Stud Monday, December 16 10:00 – 10 Held at ou Main Building. Ages 18 months-5 with an ad

These programs are for the registered chil

Smash Bros. Tournament

Saturday, December 28

Tail-Waggin’ and Readin’ Fun!

3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Mondays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Held at our Moriches Branch. Grades 3-5.

Held at our Main Building. Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Held at our Mastic Beach Branch.

Drop-in. No registration required. Grades K-5.

f the program space. Registration begin oted.

Signing w (American S Beginners W Monday, De & Monday, December 9 4:30 – 5:30

Held at our Main Buildi Grades 1-5.

Grades K-5.

Writing

Adults

Register for programs three easy ways: in person, online at www.communitylibrary.org or contact the Adult Information Desk at 631-399-1511 Ext. 2014 for the Moriches Branch or Ext. 1028 for the Mastic Beach Branch.

Everyone Loves a Story

YOUR LIBRARY LOVES TO HELP

Creative Writer’s Workshop

What’s on your Nightstand?

Thursday, December 12

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group

6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 19

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 12

2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Held at our Mastic Beach branch. Register now.

Held at our Moriches Branch.

Registration begins Wednesday, November 27.

Express yourself in a safe and friendly environment with Anne Kelly-Edmunds during this monthly creative writing workshop. Create all types of original works in a supportive space.

Held at La Buena Vida Spanish Restaurant (714 Montauk Hwy, Moriches, NY)

Registration begins Wednesday, December 4.

The Family and Children’s Association is hosting a support group for caregivers who care for someone with dementia or memory loss. This group is for spouses, children, or any other family members or friends who are caring for someone with memory loss. Open to all.

Senior Advocate

Take Care of Yourself

Friday, December 27

Silver Sneaker Full-Body Workout

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Tuesdays, December 10 and 17, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Held at our Mastic Beach branch.

Held at our Main Building.

Deciding what to read next? Join us for a discussion about books at La Buena Vida! There is no assigned reading; chat about what you are currently reading, what you want to read, or your most favorite book of all time. Appetizers will be provided. Wine and beer will be available for purchase.

Book Discussion of The Santa Suit Thursday, December 19, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. Held at our Main Building.

Registration begins Thursday, December 5

A representative from the Suffolk County Office of the Aging will meet one-on-one to discuss different benefits and programs available to senior residents. The Advocate is available on a walk-in basis. No appointment required. Open to all.

Social Work Assistance

Registration begins Monday, December 2. Join certified Silver Sneaker instructor, Jennifer, for a light cardiovascular workout that combines strength and resistance training, balance, coordination, and stretching. Wear comfortable clothing. Resistance bands will be provided. This class is done either standing or sitting. Bring light weights and water to class.

Join us to celebrate the magic of the holidays and second chances while discussing the novella, The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews. Newly-divorced Ivy Perkins is looking for change and buys an old farmhouse sight unseen. She didn’t bargain on just how much of a labor of love it would be as the previous family left so much junk and furniture behind. At the top of a closet, Ivy finds an old Santa suit – beautifully made and decades old. In the pocket of a suit she finds a note written by a little girl who has one wish, and that is for her father to return home from the war. This discovery sets Ivy off on a mission. Who wrote the note? Did the man

The library will be providing social work assistance by our licensed social worker Alex and social work intern Anne. They can help connect individuals to services and appropriate resources for housing and financial assistance, provide referrals for programs, complete various forms and applications, and more. Appointments are required. Open to all.

Make a one-hour appointment with Alex: Thursday, December 19

9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Held at our Moriches Branch.

Make a one-hour appointment with Anne: Friday, December 20

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Held at our Main Branch

The MMSCL is now participating in Talks from some of the best-known authors. Visit see a list of upcoming authors and to register. Registration beings, Friday, November 22. The featured December authors are:

Unearthed: Exploring the Smithsonian National Gem Collection with Dr. Jeffrey Post A Library Speakers Consortium and Smithsonian Institution Collaboration Wednesday, December 4, 2:00 p.m.

On Pulse-Pounding, Family Driven Mysteries: A Conversation with Laura Dave New York Times Bestselling Author of The Last Thing He Told Me Wednesday, December 11, 2:00 p.m.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT: SUFFOLK COUNTY.

FEDERAL HOME

LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FREDDIE MAC SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER

TRUST, SERIES 2019-2, Pltf. vs. RONALD KOCSI JR, et al, Defts. Index #205792/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered June 27, 2024, I will sell at public auction at Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY on January 8, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. premises k/a 464 Carnation Drive, Shirley, NY 11967 a/k/a District 0200, Section 615.00, Block 05.00, Lot 017.00. Approximate amount of judgment is $253,630.60 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

STEVEN LOSQUADRO, Referee. MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 575 Underhill Blvd., Ste. 224, Syosset, NY 11791. #101941

L16114 - 12/4/2024, 12/11/2024, 12/18/2024 & 12/25/2024

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF THE CHALET SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. JENNIFER WAGNERAUERBECK A/K/A J.D. WAGNER-AUERBECK A/K/A JENNIFER W. AUERBECK A/K/A

JENNIFER WAGNER, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 3, 2023 and an Order Appointing Successor Referee duly entered on April 30, 2024 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on January 7, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., premises known as 24 Golden Gate Drive, Shirley, NY 11967. 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 980.30, Block 01.00 and Lot 032.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $260,227.18 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #616260/2021.

John Bennett, Esq., Referee

Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No.: 203392-1

L16115 - 12/4/2024, 12/11/2024, 12/18/2024 & 12/25/2024

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST Sharon Klune a/k/a Sharon L. 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 January 3, 2025 at 11:00AM, 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 10th 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: November 18, 2024

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

L16116 - 12/4/2024, 12/11/2024, 12/18/2024 & 12/25/2024

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff AGAINST Richard Sapienza, a/k/a Richard A. Sapienza; Debra Sapienza, a/k/a Debra A. Sapienza; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 23, 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 January 13, 2025 at 1:00PM, premises known as 45 Crestwood Drive, Shirley, NY 11967. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of NY, District: 0200 Section: 669.00 Block: 01.00 Lot: 003.004. Approximate amount of judgment $550,531.92 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 615251/2023. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. John W. Doyle, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: October 16, 2024 For sale information, please visit Servicelinkauction.com or call (866) 539-4173 83072

L16118 - 12/11/2024, 12/18/2024, 12/25/2024 & 01/01/2025

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 RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST C/O U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST MOHAMMAD ALTAF HAIDER AKA MOHAMMAD A. HAIDER, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 3, 2024, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on January 13, 2025 at 9:30AM, premises known as 11 Pinetree Drive, Shirley, NY 11967. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200 Section 981.80 Block 05.00 Lot 038.000. Approximate amount of judgment $299,483.25 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #606508/2023. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the District and SUFFOLK County Auction Plan in effect at this time. Frank M. Maffei Jr., Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22003185 83505

L16119 - 12/11/2024, 12/18/2024, 12/25/2024 & 01/01/2025

Notice is hereby given that an On-Premises Catering Establishment-Liquor License, NYS Application ID CL-24-108012-01 has been applied for by 112 Hospitality LLC d/b/a The Meadow Club to sell beer, wine, cider and liquor at retail in an onpremises Catering-Liquor establishment. For on premise consumption under the ABC law at 1147 Route 112 Port Jefferson Station NY 11776.

L16122 - 12/11/2024 & 12/18/2024

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLK

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR OPTION

ONE MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007-CP I, ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-CP l, 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 the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, on 1/9/2025 at 11:00AM , 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: 11/8/2024 File Number: 19-301611 mbayram

L16123 - 12/11/2024, 12/18/2024, 12/25/2024 & 01/01/2025

REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLK THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWALT, INC. ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2005-86

CB, Plaintiff - againstREMBERTO R. DELGADO BLANCO, AS EXECUTOR

OF THE ESTATE OF ROSANNA MEDINA A/K/A ROSANNA MEDINA-BLANCO, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on October 18, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on the 15th day of January, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being near the Village of Marlchea, in the Town of Brookhaven, in the County of Suffolk and State of New York.

Premises known as 34A Midland Avenue, Mastic, NY 11950.

(District: 0200, Section: 824.00, Block: 03.00, Lot: 033.000)

Approximate amount of lien $290,579.40 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 029672/2009. William F. Andes, Jr., Esq., Referee.

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840

New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409

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

Dated: November 6, 2024

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. Auction Locations are subject to change.

L16124 - 12/18/2024, 12/25/2024, 01/01/2025 & 01/08/2025

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

SUFFOLK COUNTY

MID-ISLAND MORTGAGE CORP., Plaintiff against MUHAMMET OZEN, et al

Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s)

Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered August 21, 2023, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on January 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Premises known as 1 Ellen Ct, Lake Grove, NY 11755. District 0208 Sec 008.00 Block 11.00 Lot 029.000. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lake Grove, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $412,399.72 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 605329/2016. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply

with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

Steven P. Bertolino, Esq., Referee File # NY202200000067-1

L16125 - 12/18/2024, 12/25/2024, 01/01/2025 & 01/08/2025

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

DITECH FINANCIAL LLC, -against-

MARLENE DIAZ, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on October 31, 2016, wherein DITECH FINANCIAL LLC is the Plaintiff and MARLENE DIAZ, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BROOKHAVEN TOWN HALL, 1 INDEPENDENCE HILL, FARMINGVILLE, NY 11738, on January 16, 2025 at 12:30PM, premises known as 731 OLD MEDFORD AVE, MEDFORD, NY 11763; and the following tax map identification: 0200-837.0003.00-039.000.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 002170/2013. Michael T. Clancy, Esq. - Referee. The Referee does not accept cash and only accepts bank checks or certified checks made payable to Michael T. Clancy, as Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

L16126 - 12/18/2024, 12/25/2024, 01/01/2025 & 01/08/2025

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING OF THE MASTIC FIRE DISTRICT

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the 2025 Organizational Meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Mastic Fire District will be held on Monday, January 6th, 2025, at 7:00PM (Prevailing Time) at the District Office, 1080 Mastic Road, Mastic, New York.

Regular Meetings of the Board of Fire Commissioners will be held on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00PM (Prevailing Time) during 2025. Should the first or third Monday of the month fall on an observed federal legal holiday, the regular meeting will take place on the following regular business day.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF FIRE

COMMISSIONERS OF THE MASTIC FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, New York. RUDOLPH A. SUNDERMAN

District Secretary

L16127-12/18/2024

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF THE RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-1, -against-

LJ EQUITIES II LLC F/K/A 166 FROWEIN LLC, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on September 23, 2024, wherein HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF THE RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-1 is the Plaintiff and LJ EQUITIES II LLC F/K/A 166 FROWEIN LLC, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BROOKHAVEN TOWN HALL, 1 INDEPENDENCE HILL, FARMINGVILLE, NY 11738, on January 22, 2025 at 1:00PM, premises known as 24 SPAR DRIVE, MASTIC BEACH, NY 11951; and the following tax map identification:

0200-975.00-11.00-015.000 F/K/A 0200-975.00-05.00015.000 F/K/A 0209013.00-05.00-015.000.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT MASTIC IN THE TOWNSHIP OF BROOKHAVEN, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 610904/2020. Elyse Nicole Grasso, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

L16128 - 12/18/2024, 12/25/2024, 01/01/2025 & 01/08/2025

NOTICE OF MEETING

The annual Organizational Meeting of the East Moriches Fire District will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM at the East Moriches Fire House. The regular monthly meeting will follow. The subsequent regular monthly meetings of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Moriches Fire District will be held on the first Monday of each month, 7:00 PM, at the East Moriches Fire House except that the September monthly meeting will be

held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, 7:00 PM. The regular monthly workshop meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Moriches Fire District will be held on the third Monday of each month, 7:00 PM, at the East Moriches Fire House. There will also be a Budget Hearing held at the East Moriches Fire House on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 7:00 PM. This notification is given pursuant to the provisions of Section 94 of the Public Officers Law of the State of New York.

BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS

EAST MORICHES FIRE DISTRICT

Robert Kanas, District Secretary

Dated: December 16, 2024

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THE BETTOR ANGLE TM

BY TOM BARTON

During bowl season there are a number of factors that bettors have always had to keep an eye on. Motivation, rest travel, which team's fan base would make the trip, what coaches would be on the sidelines and a slew of other things have always been important to making some money during bowl season.

This year, however, there is a new wrinkle in the sports bettors' minds that might take precedence over all of that: optouts. In the new world where NIL deals have affected the status of the sport of college football as much as anything we've ever witnessed, many students are opting out of their bowl games and transferring to other teams. Transfers are not the be all and end all for making a bet, but the information certainly needs to be a paramount concern for sports bettors this holiday season.

Some of the information that you can get will be a bit misleading, though, because some transfer portal players will still play in the game. Western Kentucky, for example, has 18 players in the transfer portal, but in the past some of those players have still decided to play in the game.

Opt outs have become so problematic that Marshall had to cancel their Independence Bowl game against Army because they won't be able to field a team. The Thundering Herd have already lost over 25 players to the transfer portal and none were expected to play.

The news of Marshall opting out came after coach Charles Huff left to take the vacant job at Southern Miss.

Missing coaches has always been a bowl season issue for sports bettors.

Opt-outs and Coaching Changes for the Bowl Season

This season, West Virginia fired head coach Neal Brown and offensive coordinator Chad Scott will serve as the interim head coach for the bowl game. While Jacksonville State's head coach, Rich Rodriguez, will take that head coaching job at West Virginia. Rod Smith will serve as the interim for the bowl.

For UNLV their head coach, Barry Odom, took the Purdue job, which leaves Del Alexander as the interim head coach for the bowl game. They also will likely be without their offensive coordinator Brennan Marion.

Sam Houston lost their head coach for Temple. Their offensive coordinator Brad Cornelson will serve as the interim.

And in the most reported coaching change this off season, North Carolina fired head coach Mack Brown, who will not be

the team for the Fenway Bowl and replaced him with Bill Belichick. Belichick will not coach the team for their bowl

No Forgiveness Without Punishment

ByTomBarton

More than 18 years after the Duke lacrosse players allegations, their accuser Crystal Mangum has come forward and has admitted that she made it all up.

Mangum has said, "I testified falsely against [the lacrosse players] by saying that they raped me when they didn't ... I made up a story that wasn't true ... I hope that they can forgive me."

Was her story to get attention? Was it racially motivated? Was it simply because she is an awful person? It almost doesn't matter why because the fallout was greater than anyone could have imagined. Her lies ruined the members of that team's lives and tarnished their reputation forever.

Mangum is a horrible human being. I'm not sure anyone would now argue that point. Not only did she lie and destroy these boys, but she later stabbed her boyfriend and is now serving a prison sentence. That is a jail cell she should never be allowed to leave.

She should serve life in prison for what she has done. Lying about a crime and being caught lying, or admitting to it, should then have the same punishment as the crime itself. Far too many people in today's society are freely lying to get their way and then they have a "whoops, I'm sorry" sort of blasé attitude later on, with no real connection of the devastating wake they have

left in their path. Just recently ABC News was caught in a similar spot when they agreed to pay a defamation lawsuit to President Trump after correspondent George Stephanopoulos said on the air that Trump was a racist. That was an out-and-out lie.

Mangum's lie was even worse, and having the book thrown at her should be the only course of action. I understand the notion that she came clean and there has to be some leniency for that, but none will come from me. The damage will never be undone. You have to remember the psychological damage that this had to take on those young boys and the strain it put on not only themselves but their families and friends. When a lie is told like this people look at you differently, and in many cases things can never be repaired.

There are people who are collateral damage just because Mangum decided that today was a good day to ruin lives.

The North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper, at the time, did not prosecute Mangum for perjury after the case was dismissed, saying at the time that the investigators thought “she may have actually believed the many different stories that she has been telling.” Now coming clean 16 years later and showing she knew the truth the whole time can't impact her criminally. It's ridiculous that the statute of limitations on perjury charges last only two years in North Carolina. So in essence she gets off scott-free and is able to clear her conscious. Isn't that convenient? It's pretty easy to come clean when there will be no repercussions.

What's worse than that is Mangum is not alone in pushing the lie. The media showed its ugly head in the matter when they all but convicted the boys before a trial.

The Duke Lacrosse team became

national news and fodder for comedians for years after that. The salacious, blood thirty "journalists" didn't wait for evidence because the juicy story was too good not to run with.

Continued on page 31

William Floyd Mourns Their Coach

Coach Darrell

ByTomBarton

The William Floyd School District has lost one of its own as boys’ varsity assistant basketball coach Darrell Sumpter has passed away.

Coach Sumpter was in a motor vehicle crash that took his life this week. William Floyd's website said that "Mr. Sumpter was a proud William Floyd graduate, a longtime community member, a family man, and a highly-regarded

coach and mentor for our boys’ and girls’ basketball programs. He served as an assistant basketball coach on the boys’ varsity team since 2015, and as a volunteer for the youth of the community for many years before that. Coach Darrell was instrumental in the creation of the WFSD youth basketball program and booster club that has made a difference in the lives of so many boys’ and girls’ student-athletes within our community."

with

game, though, as tight ends coach Freddie Kitchens will serve as the interim head coach.

Crystal Mangum

Credit: @catturd2 | X

Credit: wfsd.k12.ny.u

Stumper

Marshall Football HC

Credit: @HerdFB | X

SPORTS Army-Navy Game Brings Out the Big Guns

ByTomBarton

The 125th edition of the Army-Navy football game was a spectacle that rivaled almost any college football game in recent memory.

The game itself was the subplot to the things that surrounded the play on the field. The ArmyNavy match-up has always been about more than just football. Year after year people sit and watch the nationally televised game looking to see the pomp and circumstance that surrounds the aura of the game. From the National Anthem to the cadets in the stands, every moment makes you glad to be an American.

This year, Navy won the game,

31-13 in an upset. Quarterback

Blake Horvath passed for two touchdowns and also ran for two more as the dual-threat QB took center stage on the field. Navy will now face Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl, and Army was slated to play in the Independence Bowl, but recent opt-outs forced Marshall to drop out, a new team has yet to be decided.

Those are fine storylines for a sports column, but why this game would make national news, and national waves, was because of what was taking place off the field, — or better yet, who.

President-elect Donald Trump was in attendance at Northwest

Stadium in Landover, but he was not alone. As it has become the norm with Trump, he now travels with the elite of the elite.

Joining the president in his

suite was Vice President-elect

JD Vance; Speaker of the House

Mike Johnson; incoming Senate

Majority Leader John Thune; the world's richest man Elon

Sachem Inducts Their 2024 Hall of Fame Class

ByTomBarton

The Sachem Athletic Hall of Fame has selected its newest members to be inducted.

The 2024 induction class will be honored this Saturday night at the Thomas J. Sabatelle Gymnasium at Sachem High School North.

The Sachem Alumni Association honors the most deserving former athletes, coaches, and supporters for their dedication to Sachem Athletics each year. The honorees are selected by a committee of athletic directors, coaches, and current hall of famers.

“We continue to honor our rich Sachem history and tradition through the Sachem Athletic Hall of Fame,” said Chris R. Vaccaro, ‘04, president/ founder of the Sachem Alumni Association. “This is truly one of the most special days of the year in Sachem, and we look forward to seeing our alumni and former coaches come home. We love bringing everyone together to celebrate our community. That’s what it’s all about.”

Sachem’s Athletic Hall of Fame began in 2003 but did not have another event until 2016. That is when the Sachem Alumni Association in partnership with the Sachem Athletic Department decided to make this an annual event. This year will be the ninth induction class.

The Sachem Athletic Hall of Fame Class of '24 Inductees with their graduation year and sport are listed below:

Courtney Bertolone, ‘07, Field Hockey & Lacrosse

Karen Bravy Grace, ‘90, Soccer

Joe Buonincontri, ‘78, Basketball

Jimmy Fox, ‘82, Wrestling

Larry Iacono, ‘84, Football & Wrestling

Jacque LaPraire, ‘81, Football & Baseball

Katie Mollot-Carey, ‘04, Lacrosse, Winter Track & Soccer

Mike Mollot, ‘98, Lacrosse

Eddie Morales, ‘81, Gymnastics & Wrestling

Rachel Rowe, ‘12, Cross

Country & Track & Field

Patrick Perritt, ‘05, Football, Wrestling & Lacrosse

Karriem Pierre, ‘93, Gymnastics & Track & Field

Frank Saladino, ‘79, Football

Craig Smart, ‘99, Soccer

Deborah Spitzli O’Brien, Gymnastics Coach

Joey Varrone, ‘74, Cross

Musk; nominee for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth; and Daniel Penny, the hero who was recently acquitted of charges in the subway situation.

The crowd cheered and at times chanted in unison up towards the star-studded luxury suite. But this was not starstudded like, say, the Chiefs' suite that has Taylor Swift and other celebs, instead this box was being cheered at by our nation's soon to be fighting men and women. The excitement they showed gives a good litmus of how the military looks at our next president and the stadium vibe was one of anticipation and dare I say joy.

Country, Track & Field

James Byrne, ‘89, Football, Baseball & Triathlon

Dennis Dragonette, Baseball Coach

The Yankees Improve After Soto Heads To Queens

ByTomBarton

After the news that Juan Soto would be joining the team across town, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman began to make some serious pivots.

This week the Yankees signed Max Fried and then traded for Devin Williams. The Yankees now have arguably the best pitching in all of baseball, and certainly the best in the American League East.

Max Fried comes over with a brand new eight-year, $218 million deal. Fried is nearly a perfect fit for the Yankees. He is a lefty, which in Yankees Stadium is a big boost, he also is a ground ball pitcher and has excelled year after year. Fried is a two-time all-star that pitched for the Braves last season. He had an 11-10 record and 3.25 ERA in 29 starts. Fried also is known for going deep into games and last season he tied for the MLB lead with two complete games and one shutout. That is nothing new for Fried as since 2020 he has a 2.81 ERA , which is the lowest in baseball among pitchers with at least 500 innings in that span.

The Yankees weren't done there as they went out and

traded from the now deep rotation to get a dynamic back end arm. The Yankees dealt Nestor Cortes and a minor leaguer for the Brewers closer Devin Williams. Williams is one of the best closers in the sport and now allows the Yankees to put Weaver back in that shut down 8th inning slot. Williams is a two-time National League Reliever of

the Year and was also the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year. Over his six-year, he compiled a 1.83 ERA with 68 saves, a 1.02 WHIP and 14.3 K/9.

The Yankees don't seem to be done even after these two outstanding moves, but one thing is for sure, that Soto money is going to good use on the field.

Trump, Vance, and Musk

Credit: @elonmusk | X

Sachem Hall of Fame

Credit: @SachemSchools | X

Credit: @newsbronx | X Devin Williams

SPORTS Olivia Pesso Tops Off Her Season

ByTomBarton Shoreham-Wading River's

Olivia Pesso is no stranger to winning and now she has topped off an incredible high school girls varsity soccer season with a slew of awards and honors.

Pesso is just one of three high school soccer players from Long Island to be named to the All Region team. She was

also named the Class A County Player of the Year and the New York State sportsmanship award winner.

Pesso led the Wildcats to their second straight New York state championship game appearance after winning back-to-back Long Island titles. Pesso proved to be not only one of the best regular season performers, but stepped

her game up in the playoffs.

During the Long Island Championship game her coach Gilmore said, “I think this was

one of the best games I’ve ever seen Olivia play. She was all over the place. She was calm and secure with the ball and really did everything we asked of her.”

What's incredible is Pesso still has another year of eligibility and she also excels at track for the Cats.

Ex-Met Joins The Ducks 25th Team

ByTomBarton

Former New York Mets

starting pitcher Bill Pulsipher has been chosen as the sixth member of the Long Island Ducks' 25th Anniversary Team.

Pulsipher was with the Ducks from 2004 to 2007. He made 37 appearances (36 starts) with a 17-10 record that included four complete games and one shutout. Pulipher had 162 strikeouts over 229 innings while walking just 68 batters. During the Ducks' championship season of 2004, went 9-5 with a 3.67 ERA in 18 games. He then saved his best for the postseason where he won both of his playoff starts including the clinching Game Three of the Atlantic League Championship Series.

Longwood Cheerleaders Have A Big Weekend

ByTomBarton

The Longwood Cheerleading team had an exceptional week filled with medals and honors.

The Longwood Cheerleaders competed in multiple events this week and showed off on the mat. The varsity cheerleaders delivered a flawless "Hitting Zero" performance at their first Section XI competition. The varsity team was able to secure a third place finish in the event.

The team then went on to compete at the UCA Pocono Regional in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Once again the cheer squad brought home an impressive top-three finish. With that win they earned a bid to attend the National High School Cheerleading Championship at Walt Disney World in February. That competition has been held for more than 40 years.

The UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship is the culmination of the season for cheerleaders across the nation. It’s the most prestigious high school national championship in the country.

Over the weekend the JV and Junior High cheer teams also attended their first competitions of the season. They were in full control of the mat and showed off their impressive skills by bringing home second-place finishes.

SWR Honors Their Best Athletes

ByTomBarton

This week Shoreham-Wading River honored their outstanding student-athletes for their exceptional seasons.

Athletic Director Eric Bramoff introduced the All County and All State athletes, among other honorees, to the board members and families present.

The All County athletes are Jocelynn Besold, Kelly Hudson and Katie Lahey (varsity cheer); Spencer

Pulsipher was selected to the Atlantic League All-Star Game in 2004 and was named an ALPB Postseason All-Star that same year. Pulsipher currently resides with his family in East Moriches, and gives personal pitching instruction at 365 Athletics in Bellport.

Izzy Grillo is on a Roll

Grillo shot a 279, 199, and 262 which was good for an impressive 740 series total score.

Grillo's score of 279 set the

Lee and Patrick Shea (varsity boys cross country); Ellie Connell (varsity girls cross country); Haylie Abrams, Ellie Arena, Madison Herr and Reese Marcario (varsity field hockey); Mike Casey and Sean Casey, (varsity football); Brody Constantine (varsity boys golf); Alyssa Wood (varsity gymnastics); Patrick Morano (varsity boys soccer); Ava Gengler, Morgan Lisiewicz, Mia Mangano and Olivia Pesso (varsity girls soccer); Emily Herr (varsity swimming), Christina

the county for the current

Grillo rolled a 205 against Bellport last week and Comsewogue is off to a hot start to begin the season.

Pagnozzi (varsity girls tennis); and Michael Pfieffer (varsity boys volleyball).

The All State athletes are Emily Herr (state champion in the 200 yard IM, third in New York State in 100 butterfly); Madison Herr, Morgan Lisiewicz (fourth team) and Olivia Pesso (Class A County Player of the Year, All Region and New York State Sportsmanship Award.

It was a banner year for Shoreham-Wading River in sports.

Credit: Michael Polak

Bill Pulsipher

Credit: Longwood Central School District | Facebook Longwood Cheer

ByTomBarton Comsewogue bowling's sophomore Izzy Grillo was a standout this week as they defeated Middle Country.

mark for the new high game in Suffolk County for this season. Her combined score of 740 for the series also set a new high for series in

season.

Credit: Section XI - Suffolk County Athletics | Facebook Izzy Grillo

Olivia Pesso

Credit: Shoreham Wading River Wildcat Athletic Booster Club | Facebook

Credit: Shoreham-Wading River Central School District | Facebook SWR Athletes

SPORTS The Best Players in The County Take Home Awards

ByTomBarton

The National Football Foundation (NFF) and Len Genova, President of the Suffolk Chapter held its first ever photo hhoot/ Media Day for its major 2024 Football honorees this week.

The event brought out the county's best and brightest gridiron stars. The players sat with each other and you could see the comradery among those involved. Some teams sent their offensive line for a photo

opportunity, while others sent their star position players, but everyone in attendance made an impact on the field this season.

While much of the night honored what took place in 2024 there was also a definite sense of optimism for the county for the upcoming 2025 season. “It’s a great opportunity to recognize and promote our 2024 honorees and announce the top returning QBs on Long Island, we are very excited,” said Chapter

Three-Peat for Ronan

ByTomBarton

Stony Brook’s Andy Ronan has been named the CAA Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year honors.

Make that three in a row now for Ronan who takes home the award for the third consecutive season.

Ronan steered the ship and brought Stony Brook a third

straight CAA title. In the closest finish in conference history, the Seawolves edged Northeastern by just one point to claim the championship. Stony Brook had five runners finish in the top 17, including three runner place in the top eight.

Ronan not only led the Seawolves to a third consecutive CAA Championship but they also finished in 13th place in the

No Forgiveness...

Continued from page 27

I hold a similar contempt on them as I do the accuser herself. While I stand by the statement that Mangum should never leave her jail cell, I also would like to see some punishment for the media who spread those lies and helped force a narrative that was built on a fabrication. At least for Mangum's sake she admitted this and is seeking some form of forgiveness, I am fairly certain we won't see any media outlets asking the Duke players to forgive them and admit their wrongdoing. It will be business as usual. Just like I am sure there will

President Len Genova.

Among those that were recognized included the Golden Eleven & Top Scholar Athlete. The Golden Eleven recognizes the top scholar athletes in the county based on their athletic and academic excellence. One scholar athlete is selected by

each head football coach from throughout the county based on criteria set by the NFF. From that group, a selection committee consisting of multiple head coaches from each Division selects the top eleven scholar athletes and the overall Top Scholar for Suffolk County. Among the finalists were Aaron Fisher from William Floyd and Gavin German from Smithtown West.

The Orlin & Cohen Player of the Week were honored as well. Each week during the regular season and playoffs

one player is selected county-wide for their outstanding performance on the gridiron. Ja'Quan Thomas,

Anthony Raio, Hudson Philbrick, Shane Kiernan, and Joe Filardi were among the group of players honored.

The best offensive line in the country included Longwood's dominant front with Jordan Bennett, Clint Chichester, Michael Duarte, Gio Johnson, Ryan Morrissey, and Greg Princivil on hand to accept the honors while Bayport-BluePoint also were named among the 4 best offensive lines in

U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Northeast Region this fall.

In Stony Brook's three seasons as a member of the CAA, Ronan has produced 23 All-CAA Cross Country performers and helped the men's squad capture the conference championship in all three years. Ronan has now been named conference coach of the year 12 times during his tenure on Long Island.

It's not just his accomplishments in athletics that makes Ronan stand out. His athletes are excellent in the classroom as well. Ronan's teams are always near the top academically. Four of his athletes have won the SUNY Chancellor Award, more than 10 of them have been named to the USTFCCCA All-Academic Individual Team while 16 of his squads have been awarded the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team award.

His team also was able to take home All Conference honors as well as Henry Gartner, Collin Gilstrap, Michael Hawkes, and Steven Struk all were named to the All Conference team.

be no admission or wrongdoing for one of her biggest supporters Al Sharpton. These leaches will always grab hold and then release waiting for the next story.

The North Carolina Department of Corrections' website lists Mangum's projected release date as Feb. 27, 2026.

And the look to the future was the 2025 Long Island

participants presented by

& Cohen. The 4th Annual LI

Challenge will be held this summer. The event is a skills competition for the top returning QBs on Long Island. Shane Kiernan from Miller Place will lead the field of 11 players that also includes Nick DeVito and Antonio Marrone from Smithtown.

A Long Island Star Continues To Shine At Stony Brook

ByTomBarton

Chornomidza is a Lindenhurt freshman who Long Island swimming and diving fans know well. She was a four-year letterman at Lindenhurt and spent the last season as captain of the team.

Chornomidza was named to the 2023-2024 All-America team

and was an All-America Academic selection. The two-time All-State (2022, 2023) and 2023 All-Long Island team member also was a part of three-time All-County (2021, 2022, 2023) choices.

Chornomidza holds six school records in diving and she excels when she is not in the pool receiving an AP Scholar Award, AP Seminar and Research Certificate, AP Scholar with Honors, AP Capstone Diploma, and AP scholar with Distinction.

Suffolk.

QB Challenge

Orlin

QB

Suffolks Best

Suffolks Best

Andy Ronan

Credit: Tom Barton

Credit: Tom Barton

Credit: @StonyBrookXCTF | X

Stony Brook's Natalia Chornomidza has been named the CAA Rookie Diver of the Month for November/December.

Credit: @StonyBrookSD | X Natalia Chornomidza

Credit: Tom Barton

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