Employees with County Executive Steve Bellone’s IT department subpoenaed to testify before a special committee looking to get to the bottom of the cyberattack that paralyzed Suffolk government for months were noshows at Monday’s hearing.
Special Counsel Richard Donoghue, the former U.S. attorney retained by the legislature to assist in the investigation, said he will seek a state Supreme Court order to compel the testimony of Jack Bloom and Vincent Cordiale, two staffers in the county’s Department of Information Technology (DoIT).
Hackers locked up Suffolk’s system in September and sent Bellone a ransom demand, which he refused to pay, and instead shut down all county computers. The county executive immediately identified the county clerk’s office, the scene of an illegal Bitcoin mining operation, as the entry point for the cyber thieves. Peter Schlussler, IT director in the clerk’s office, was the first speaker to testify voluntarily before the investigative committee in June. He denied that the hackers came in through his department and placed the blame on lax security managed by the DoIT staff.
Appearing at the committee’s latest hearing was Judith Pascale, the county clerk when the shutdown occurred. She praised Schlussler’s handling of the situation and detailed efforts to strengthen her office’s firewall.
“Weighing the accomplishments achieved over his 22 years as a Suffolk County IT employee, characterizing Mr. Schlussler as the prime instrument in causing the devastating cyberattack on Suffolk County defies logic,” Pascale told the committee. “This irony is compounded by the fact that it was Mr. Schlussler who repeatedly sounded the alarm that Suffolk was vulnerable to such an attack.”
Testifying voluntarily on Monday was clerk’s office IT staffer Jason Bruno, who said county DoIT personnel had full access to his office’s system and had said warnings coming in through its Cortex security setup didn’t seem to concern them. Under questioning from committee member Kevin McCaffrey, the legislature’s presiding officer, he said the Cortex alerts increased to approximately three to five per day in the weeks leading up to the attack, and he was told “don’t worry about them, we’re fine” by the county IT staff. “It was not the heightened level of response we thought we would get.” According to Bruno, the hackers already had full administrative access to the county’s system months prior to the September shutdown.
Bruno went on to say that in the days following the Bitcoin discovery, there was much activity in the county data center located with the clerk’s office in Riverhead. Clerk employee Chris Naples was arrested for setting up Bitcoin mining computers and is currently out on paid leave as his case is adjudicated. With regard to the DoIT staffers strengthening IT security in the wake of the Bitcoin bust, Bruno charged that the department “did not have the staffing and the skills to do their job.”
Legislator Sarah Anker focused questions on an “Iron Key” thumb drive which Bruno possessed that contained all of the log-in information needed to access the clerk’s system. Palo Alto, the county’s cybersecurity consultant that created the Cortex monitoring software, had said the passwords were hacked from the Iron Key, but Bruno disputed that saying, “I don’t know how they were able to hack” the encrypted device. He assured Anker that the log-in data on the key have since been updated, and multiple levels of authentication protocols are in place to access the clerk’s computers.
With employees from the clerk’s office giving their version of events, anticipation was building to hear Suffolk’s side of the story. County Executive Bellone’s office has not responded to requests for information outside of initial press appearances and statements accusing Schlussler of lying. Special Investigator Donoghue said he expects DoIT personnel to testify at the next hearing on August 23, either by subpoena or court order. The subpoena powers granted to the special committee are only the second time such authority has been provided in the legislature’s history.
On July 24, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine (center) and Deputy Supervisor Dan Panico (right) joined Southampton Town officials, family and friends of Andrea Spilka to celebrate the dedication of the Andrea Spilka Preserve in Eastport. Andrea, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 72, was an environmental advocate who dedicated her life to improving Eastport and its neighboring communities. She served as president of the
Southampton Town Civic Coalition; and was a member of the Greater Eastport Chamber of Commerce; the Brookhaven Town Open Space and Farmland Acquisition Advisory Committee; Southampton Water Protection Alliance and was a leader in the Eastport Green Project. The new Andrea Spilka Nature Preserve is located near Seatuck Creek in Eastport on the south side of Montauk Highway.
Long Islanders on the edge of their seats for any information about the Gilgo murders received heartbreaking news Friday with the identification of “Fire Island Jane Doe” whose body parts washed up along separate stretches of the Atlantic.
At a press conference attended by nearly two dozen reporters, Suffolk District Attorney Raymond Tierney, flanked by members of his Gilgo Task Force, announced that advanced DNA techniques matched samples from the victim to Karen Vergata, a former Glen Head resident.
Vergata’s severed legs were discovered in a black plastic garbage bag at Davis Park beach in 1996. Nearly 15 years later, her skull was found at Jones Beach near the remains of a victim referred to as “Peaches” by investigators because of one of her distinctive tattoos.
Tierney said he cannot link the murder of Vergata at this time to Rex Heurmann, a Massapequa Park architect arrested by the task force for the alleged killing of three of the 11 victims connected to Gilgo Beach. “I think it’s important that we remember and honor not only Ms. Vergata but all the victims on Gilgo Beach,” the prosecutor said.
In a murder mystery that unnerved Long Islanders for more than a decade; the bodies of Amber Lynn Costello, Melissa Barthelemy, and Megan Waterman were found in the heavy brush off Ocean Parkway near Gilgo. Heuermann has been charged in their deaths in a case Tierney said revolves around hair found with the victims traced by DNA to the suspect and his wife, along with phone records linking him to the victims and other evidence. He is suspected in the death of a fourth Gilgo victim,
Maureen Brainard-Barnes, which Tierney said the task force is actively investigating. All four of the women were found wrapped in burlap and bound around their ankles.
Vergata’s sudden disappearance when she was 34 and living in Manhattan puzzled her family, which hired an investigator in an attempt to locate her. She had two children and led a troubled life, according to news accounts. A cheek swab from a relative processed by the FBI, a partner in Tierney’s task force, matched a DNA profile that was created from Vergata’s remains.
“We are going to continue to work this particular case as we did the Gilgo Four investigation,” Tierney told the media throng outside his office in Hauppauge. “It’s important to note there are no charges at this time,” Tierney said. “Miss Vergata’s disappearance was in 1996, which
was 27 years ago. We’re going to have no comment on what, if any, suspects we’ve developed.”
Heuermann, 59, has pleaded not guilty to first and second-degree murder charges in the Gilgo case and remains incarcerated. At a hearing last week, Tierney, who said he will try Heuermann himself, started the process
The Suffolk OTB is on a roll with a $200 million expansion on tap, and a loyal client base that has made it one of the most popular entertainment destinations on Long Island.
As a public benefit corporation, the organization provides millions to the state for education aid and funding to Suffolk County. Under the guidance of former state Senator Phil Boyle, who had a hand in approving the legislation that made the wagering mecca possible, the Off Track Betting operation was pulled out of bankruptcy as interest in horse racing waned and is now on track for a new 110,000 square-foot facility at its Jake’s 58 Casino in Islandia.
Boyle spoke about plans to expand Jake’s during a sit-down last week with the South Shore
Press. Operating out of the former Marriott hotel, they’re planning to double the number of video lottery terminals and electronic table games to 2,000 and revamp the 40-year-old facility’s 210 rooms. There will be expanded conference space, a high-end lounge and a three-story parking garage that will address one of the popular casino’s more pressing problems—lack of parking for its 3,000-5,000 daily guests.
Boyle also envisions a sports book grill to take advantage of the explosion in sports betting as part of a venue managed and operated by OTB employees, only one of two casinos in the country that are run by a government entity. The gaming operation was previously managed under contract with Delaware North, but the Suffolk OTB bought them out and now runs its own successful venture.
According to Boyle, who’s been at the helm for six months, Jakes brings in about $23 million monthly, with a daily take at around $765,000 depending on promotions and specials. From that, the Department of Education gets 45%, the New York Gaming Commission gets 10% for the rental of the Jake’s slot machines they own, the New York horse industry gets 5%, and the OTB keeps 40% to run the place and pay its employees. The OTB still runs horse betting parlors in Hauppauge and Farmingdale, and through 50 QWIK-Betz terminals located countywide at pubs, restaurants and card shops, Boyle reported.
The OTB isn’t interested in pursuing one of the full casino licenses being offered by the state, considering the enormous $500 million licensing fee. Sites under consideration include the Nassau HUB, Times Square, Hudson Yards, and property near
the Mets’ Citi Field. With its expanded operations as a Class II video terminal casino, officials said revenue to the receiving entities will substantially increase.
The OTB has won approval for the expansion from the Village of Islandia, which Boyle said has worked with casino officials to address concerns of nearby neighbors over noise and parking. The project will include a 10-foot high, 800-foot long sound wall and a tripling of parking capacity that will keep guests off adjoining streets, he said. “The mayor and the village board have been tremendous partners in this project,” Boyle noted. According to Mayor Allen M. Dorman, “Islandia’s Taxpayer Relief Agreement with Jake’s 58 saves residents over $1,100 per year on average.”
Gamblers can choose from any number of wagers from a penny
of turning over voluminous evidence to his defense, which includes about 2,500 documents and hundreds of hours of video footage taken at his residence and his office. “We’re prepared to go forward," his attorney, Michael Brown, said. "We will defend this case in the court of law and we will go to trial.”
on up and can even take a crack at a progressive machine currently at $1.9 million. The electronic terminal paid out $1.4 million to a lucky guest last year whose draw lined up all the symbols necessary to win.
The OTB president and CEO took a moment to speak to guests Mary and Paul Wetterau, who traveled from Franklin Square to try their luck at Jakes. “We come about once a month and really enjoy it,” Mary said, noting that she has no interest in going to one of the full casinos. “We like it right here at Jakes,” she said as her husband went off to cash in their winnings for the day.
Boyle expects the expansion project to begin in the fall and take about 18-24 months to complete. Jake’s will remain open during the construction, and Boyle said he looks forward to the day the doors connecting the buildings swing open.
Curtis Sliwa has been locking horns with NYC Mayor Adams and calling him out for having no plan when it comes to the flood of illegal migrants. Sliwa is fighting Adams to prevent relocation of migrants to taxpayer funded parks and other publicly-owned properties in NYC. In a recent interview I did with Curtis, he extolled as only he can do, “If you are an illegal alien yourself you would think you hit Powerball and Lotto. Who would have ever thought you could come from North Africa…fly across the Atlantic Ocean, land in Mexico City, work your way up to the border and the next thing you know you make it across from Juarez to El Paso. Catholic Charities meets you there, and it’s like Vanna White from Wheel of Fortune; where do you wanna go? We’ll pay for you; we’ll give you money and the migrants are like “You're kidding.” Curtis went on, “They are the most surprised. We are surprised because we have to pay for this nonsense, but the illegal aliens can’t believe not only how easy it is to get into the country, but we have everything paid for you, lock, stock and barrel.”
Few have the “chutzpah” and resolve to stand up for the people of New York like Curtis Sliwa. The Guardian Angels founder went from managing a McDonalds in the Bronx in the 1970s to advocating for the people
of New York on crime and quality of life issues. Curtis, in his unique ability to paint a picture, says of the wave of illegal migrants, “They have instantaneous contact with everyone back in their country of origin so they can photobomb, the can Facebook Live, and people back there can see and say ‘Oh my God, You’re in what? ‘Times Square’, the gateway to the world?’ referring to the ease at which people can come here without the long wait to get here legally.”
My cohost at Real Americas Voice News Ben Bergquam recently documented on film that almost everyone coming across the border at illegal entry locations were either from Senegal, Ghana or other African countries, not Mexico or Central America. They all had cell phones and almost all were single working-age young men and acted like they were out for a Sunday stroll across the border, hardly “refugees” from war-torn countries.
I will never forget an interview I did with a CPB agent at the border in New Mexico. She said there is a game afoot, people come here illegally from other countries knowing that they won’t have a hearing for many years and then won’t show up to them. They start collecting money for food and housing right away, as opposed to coming her legally through the visa process where they can only stay for a year.
Agree with him or not, Curtis Sliwa has been on the forefront of
almost every major issue affecting New Yorkers for four decades. On his WABC Radio show he recalled how in 1992, the Mafia, in a failed assassination attempt, shot him nine times and he said he is unafraid of anything Mayor Adams or anyone else can throw at him.
When I asked Sliwa if there was anyone standing in the way of Adams’ plans to flood the rest of New York State with illegal migrants, he continued, “The only person to have been able to preemptively stop illegals from being exported from New York City is former NYPD colleague of Adams and Rockland County Executive, Ed Day, who was able to get a court order to block the NYC Mayor from sending busloads of illegals into Rockland County, and in retaliation Adams played the race card and called Ed Day a racist.” Curtis explained that Mayor Adams “Will do anything
to attack anyone in his way” and recounted that when Gov. Abbott of Texas invited him to the border and asked Mayor Adams to join with him and take their argument to D.C., Adams dismissed him and accused the Governor of racist policies as the buses have continued to roll into New York, a sanctuary state.
Sliwa called Mayor Adams “The Swagger Man with No Plan” and is “flying from the seat of his pants” and “one day it’s to put up a tent, the next day it’s to take over recreational centers, the next day it’s we are going to take over the Trump golf course in the Bronx because it’s city land.” Curtis maintains that communities have to preemptively get together and fight and protest as they were able to stop the Mayor on relocating 1,000 migrants in a “tent city” at the Creedmoor psychiatric facility in Queens.
As Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced the appointment of Blake G. Washington as New York State Budget Director, many critics point to the recent decision as political patronage rather than a merit-based selection.
"During this pivotal time for our state's economic prospects, I am eager to have Blake Washington at my side as we put together a budget that aims to address the needs of every New Yorker," stated Governor Hochul. However, the precedents set by her previous appointments and the uncertain tenure of the role suggest that Washington's appointment may have been influenced more by political ties than by his qualifications.
The Budget Director plays a huge role in the state government. They head a team responsible for scrutinizing funding requests submitted by various state agencies and amalgamating them into a single executive budget proposal for the Governor's approval, ultimately to be enacted by the legislature. This comprehensive
review involves program and management evaluations, economic and revenue analysis, and assessing demographic and caseload data to establish necessity. The budget office also examines national and state economic statistics to help predict state business activity and revenue.
Upon reviewing and analyzing the agencies' budget requests, the staff proposes recommendations for the Governor's overall budget plan. The Governor then reviews these proposals, often incorporating additional directions. Following this, the Governor typically presents the budget to the legislature,
emphasizing the state's priorities in a state-of-the-state message.
Hochul's record with this crucial role has been marred by instability. Preceding Budget Director Robert Mujica, a holdover from predecessor Andrew Cuomo's administration, departed after over a year. Interim Budget Director Sandra Beattie was dismissed mere months into her term due to procurement issues. A provisional appointment of Bob Megna, a close associate of the Governor, was openly acknowledged as a short-term solution. Now, Washington, a stalwart of the State Assembly, steps into the constant flux of the
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Speaker Carl Heastie, an ally to Governor Hochul, suggested Washington's appointment. Despite Washington's extensive history with the Assembly Ways and Means Committee since 2002, critics argue that his sudden rise into the role seems more influenced by political considerations than meritocracy.
Immediately following Washington's appointment, there was a swift rearrangement within the Assembly's budget team, fueling the fire of speculation. Philip Fields, another appointee by Heastie on the day he advanced Washington, will now step into Washington's role, with Matthew Golden, Fields' former deputy, joining him.
While it remains to be seen whether Washington's appointment will deliver stability and robust fiscal management to the office of the Budget Director, critics view these shifts as further evidence of political maneuvering overshadowing the need for qualified leadership and sound fiscal stewardship.
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ByRaheemSoto
Governor Kathy Hochul and NYC Mayor Eric Adams have unveiled their latest project – a hefty $485 million plan to combat gun violence. This announcement is indicative of their propensity to pour funds into societal problems instead of seeking to address their root causes. This approach aligns with a disturbing trend among New York's city and state officials, a tendency to prioritize flashy, bigticket spending over strategic, costeffective solutions.
Their initiative, charmingly dubbed "A Blueprint for Community Safety," was developed over 18 months by the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, whose process purportedly integrated feedback from 1,500 residents and 800 children. The Task Force's funding distribution plan has earmarked large amounts for various objectives, including housing improvements and mental health resources. Yet, it largely sidesteps the pressing need for better law enforcement and stricter
penalties for gun violence offenders.
Looking at the allocation details, it's hard not to question the judiciousness of their approach. A staggering $118.3 million will be funneled into early intervention programs, such as mentorship initiatives for young individuals.
In comparison, a similarly large sum of $118.5 million will cater to employment and entrepreneurship programs. Conversely, a mere $2.6 million has been dedicated to enhancing relations between the police and the communities they serve. The glaring discrepancy between these allocations indicates that the city and state prioritize social programs over law enforcement, a vital component of community safety.
Equally noteworthy is the $106.66 million for traumainformed care and mental health resources. While there is no denying that mental health plays a role in violence, assuming it is the key to resolving the deep-seated issue of gun violence oversimplifies the problem. It's akin to addressing
the symptoms while ignoring the disease, failing to tackle the systemic roots of urban crime and violence.
Further scrutiny reveals the plan's heavy focus on six underinvested precincts in the Bronx and Brooklyn, neighborhoods that account for 25% of the city's gun violence. This approach seems to shift the attention towards these politically favored areas and pet projects, leaving one to question if it genuinely addresses the root causes
of gun violence or simply funnels money into preferred regions. Moreover, historical evidence indicates that similar large-scale spending has not produced the desired results. Past efforts to curb gun violence through sizeable financial investments have often failed to yield tangible benefits. A case in point is the "Cure Violence" initiative launched in 2010 with a budget of $36 million. This program sought to prevent shootings in 17
neighborhoods by intervening in conflicts and offering job assistance. However, a subsequent study found no significant impact on shooting rates.
Despite the high price tag of these initiatives, they have consistently missed the mark. Critics argue that instead of providing a solution, these programs merely serve as band-aids, masking the unresolved real issues. The Adams and Hochul administrations are repeating this pattern of unproductive spending in the name of community safety.
Instead of developing a focused, strategic plan to tackle gun violence, the Adams and Hochul administrations appear to prioritize optics and progressive approval over effectiveness. To truly address gun violence, strong leadership is needed that acknowledges the complexities of the problem rather than relying on a scatter-shot funding approach in hopes that some solutions might stick. It seems that Adams and Hochul may have missed the target in their latest attempt to combat gun violence.
New York’s Medicaid program will shatter the $100 billion mark for the first time, and it is expected to soar even higher as the thousands of migrants invited to the “Sanctuary” state start tapping the public health system.
The state will spend an estimated $108 billion in 2023-2024 for 7.8 million recipients, a cost of $13,846 each to the taxpayers.
The program offers a full range of health services, including all regular medical checkups and follow-up care, doctor and medical clinic visits, medicine, vaccines, medical supplies, equipment and appliances, lab tests and x-rays, eye care and eye glasses, emergency and dental care.
Working New Yorkers who can’t afford a private plan are seething. David Tudor, a Long Island carpenter, who did not have insurance when he needed to have a finger removed due to an infection, spent $60,000 out of pocket for his care. “I’m broke and have to go to work every day with one less finger to pay for the health care of everyone else. It’s just not right,” said the resident of a state that has the highest taxes and cost of living in the nation. “People are leaving in droves, and the poor suckers like me are left holding the bag.”
Local officials lashed out against the state for pulling a fast one to intercept federal Medicaid funding meant for the counties. “These funds were included in the Affordable Care Act as a way to incentivize states to expand the Medicaid program,” explained Brookhaven Town Supervisor Edward Romaine, a candidate for Suffolk County Executive. “The law required states to share a portion of this money with counties to help pay
for Medicaid, which every county in New York does. Withholding these funds forces the counties to make up the difference by raising taxes.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s confirmed that the state will withhold $219 million this upcoming fiscal year in funding that the federal government specifically earmarks for counties. Those costs will increase to $439 million in fiscal year 2025, and $774 million in fiscal year 2026 as the Medicaid bill explodes.
New York has the second-largest number of people enrolled in Medicaid in the country. Federal eligibility for Medicaid was expanded under the Affordable Care Act, with Congress agreeing to pay an increased share of the cost to states and local governments.
With migrants pouring into the country under President Biden’s open border policy, the program will start providing medical coverage to an estimated 25,000 undocumented immigrants age 65 and over in New York who are ineligible for Medicare, the government’s other public health program, at an estimated cost of $171.million.
“Public health insurance coverage for asylum seekers and other migrants may drive further costs to the state,” Gov. Kathy Hochul’s budget office acknowledged in her executive spending plan earlier this year.
The state’s share of Medicaid spending is on track to be 53 percent higher in 2024 than it was five years ago, according to Bill Hammond with the Empire Center for Public Policy.
Gov. Hochul’s budget also pumps an additional $72 million to three state university hospitals —Upstate Medical Center, SUNY Downstate
and Stony Brook University — to cover “uncompensated” patient care.
“This trend has pumped billions more into what was already a costly healthcare system by national and international standards,”
Hammond said. “New York spends more per capita on Medicaid – and on health care generally – than any other state.”
A major player in New York Mayor Eric Adams’ effort to reduce violence and drug crimes in the city was arrested in a massive upstate gun and narcotics bust involving 15 suspects in upstate Orange County.
The mayor was counting on Michael Rodriguez, 48, head of Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (BRAG), to help curb shootings and street crimes. Instead, he was charged by the Orange District Attorney’s office with supplying drugs to dealers in Middletown and Port Jervis. In a raid of his Yonkers home, cops allegedly found illicit drugs, more than $165,000 in cash, and two illegal guns, a Ruger .380 caliber handgun and a Bond Arms .357-caliber handgun. Rodriguez’ group, BRAG, is among the grassroots organizations listed as community partners in the city’s “Blueprint to End Gun Violence.” The group’s monicker is ironically similar to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s name, who announced at the beginning
of his term that he would not prosecute misdemeanors and other crimes, a pro-criminal stance that has fostered a massive crime wave.
According to Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler, the busts were the result of a twoyear investigation that netted the 15 suspects, three illegal guns, and more than 1.5 kilograms of crack cocaine. “There are still those who think that they can sell narcotics with impunity if they insulate themselves through the
use of intermediaries,” Hoovler said. “This case exemplifies the benefits of coordinated and dedicated enforcement actions by police and prosecutors, and why no one who trafficks narcotics in Orange County can hope to evade law enforcement,” he said.
“The allegations of drug trafficking and gun possession against Michael Rodriguez are shocking and disturbing, especially since he has attended anti-violence events and peace marches portraying himself as someone who cares about stopping the violence in our community,” Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said. “These charges are the exact opposite of the good work cure violence groups are doing.”
Rodriguez is charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance, seconddegree conspiracy and firstdegree criminal possession of a weapon, according to the Orange County DA. Due to the severity of his alleged crimes, he was not able to skirt the state’s cashless bail law and is being held in an Orange County jail.
New York will have to crank up the construction of non-fossil fuel energy systems by 200% if it wants to meet its ambitious green energy goals, according to a report from Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, who warned that the cost associated with the new facilities will be ultimately borne by the ratepayers.
“New York’s energy goals are attainable, but require careful attention and management to address challenges, meet ambitious deadlines and avoid future pitfalls,” DiNapoli said in addressing the clean energy goals set out in the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPC).
Solar, wind and other green energy projects will have to produce an astounding 78,073-gigawatt hours above 2022 levels, an increase of over 200 percent, to reach the
CLCPC goal of 70 percent green electricity consumption in seven years.
The New York Independent System Operator, the agency which coordinates the state’s power grid, predicted energy shortfalls, especially in New York City, if transmission lines aren’t upgraded fast enough to make up for the planned closure of older fossil fuel power plants. It noted that these gas and oil “peaker” plants, utilized during periods of high demand, might have to remain in service longer than previously thought.
“The costs of incentivizing renewable electricity development and transmission upgrades are borne almost exclusively by New York’s utility customers through a charge per kilowatt hour of electricity consumed,” DiNapoli said, confirming critic warnings that the green energy projects
will make electricity extremely expensive in the Empire State.
“In the 12 years from 200809 through 2020-21, NYSERDA spent roughly $6.7 billion of ratepayer funds on a variety of clean
energy programs,” DiNapoli said, referring to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The authority is responsible for subsidies and other incentives to power developers looking to generate clean electricity.
Escalating costs of green energy came to light at the Port of Albany, where the budget for an offshore wind farm mushroomed from $350 million to $604 million, requiring an as-of-yet undetermined source of funding.
New York state ranks sixth place nationally in its production of renewable power, with 124,912-gigawatt hours of green electricity produced in 2020, the report noted, from sources including biodiesel, hydropower, solar, and wind. The state ranks third after Washington and Oregon in the generation of hydroelectric power and is 10th in the generation of solar electricity. New York is 18th in the generation of electricity with wind. As of last year, approximately 29 percent of the electricity generated in the state came from renewable sources, according to the study.
Moving further away from the tried-and-true method of voting with paper ballots, the New York Board of Elections approved the use of touch-screen voting machines for future elections.
ByRobertChartukAttempting to counter the effects of shutting down schools during the 2020-2021 COVID lockdowns, Gov. Kathy Hochul is directing more than $100 million to New York’s public schools to help students overcome learning gaps and mental health issues.
The “Recover From COVID School Program” will provide funds to match school district investments in student mental healthcare services and learning loss. A separate $8.3 million program is aimed at sustaining new schoolbased mental healthcare clinics.
“The effects of the pandemic on our students were devastating and irreversible,” Hochul said. “That’s why we’re making historic investments to address learning loss and expand mental health support in our schools. By pinpointing where students have fallen behind and getting them the mental health resources they need, this funding will help put New York students back on the path towards success.”
As part of the grant program, school districts and BOCES can group together or apply separately for funding to support a program they themselves have developed and implemented, with grant money covering 50% of a project's startup and ongoing costs.
Eligible for funding will be programs that expand student access to mental healthcare professionals, intervention and educational efforts and other school-based practices that promote mental well-being.
“These grants will supplement the efforts already underway in our schools to address the pandemicrelated trauma and meet the needs of students still struggling with academic, attendance and mental health issues,” said state Education Commissioner Betty Rosa. “Traumatic experiences can affect all aspects of learning. Every child deserves access to a quality education, and these funds will enable our educators to deliver critical support to the students most impacted by the pandemic.”
Government reform groups and other opponents of the machines said the decision is “bad for voters.” Touch-screen ballots don’t leave a verified paper trail and are potentially vulnerable to hackers that could swing an election away from the true winner, critics charge.
Currently, all voting machines in New York operate with paper ballots that voters fill out by hand and feed into a tallying machine. The ballots are available for recounts and other challenges.
Election Commissioner Douglas Kellner, one of two Democrats on the four-person board, questioned whether the lack of an actual paper ballot violates state law, which requires that there be a paper trail that can be used if a recount is called. “We should be steering county elections officials towards hand-marked papers,” Kellner said. “This system is significantly more expensive and has these other issues and lacks the confidence of a substantial number of voters in the community.”
Republican Commissioner Peter Kosinski disagreed with Kellner, arguing that it’s up to the individual counties to decide
on using the machines. “That's not our job,” Kosinski said. “If the county voters and their county board say, ‘We don't like this type of machine because we can't do X, Y and Z with it,’ then the county can say, ‘We’re not going to buy it.’”
Known as the ExpressVote XL, the touch-screen systems are made by a company called Election System and Software. Voters can tap the candidates they want and then the machine converts the ballot into a barcode, which is then fed into a machine that records the results. Critics say the process is wide open to fraud and manipulation.
Kellner voted no to the certification, but the other Democrat on the board, Andrew Spano, voted with the two other Republicans to approve the machines.
Common Cause, one of several
groups that oppose the voting method, said New York already uses the best available voting machines and should not change them.
“Our concerns are really that why would we move away from the gold standard that we currently have, in which a voter marks their own ballot, and it's scanned in, to move to a system that is more insecure,” said the group’s Susan Goff. “It's incredibly expensive. And the idea of transitioning voting machines, right before a very consequential election cycle, and 2024 just seems like a bad idea.”
Goff predicted that skepticism over the machines will “fan the flames” of misinformation regarding the safety and security of public elections.Following the vote, Common Cause called the certification of the machines “an exceedingly poor decision.”
The Democrats who run New York were solidly behind the Sanctuary policies that have created a nightmare as thousands of migrants are taking them up on their offer of free housing and services. The reality of migrants sleeping on city streets and taxpayers on the hook for billions of dollars to support them is now hitting home, and the Democrat solidarity over the come one, come all policy is starting to crack.
When a delegation of fellow Democrats from Queens demanded a sit down with Mayor Eric Adams to discuss the crisis, he went back at them. In a lengthy questionnaire sent as a prerequisite to him agreeing to meet, Adams demanded to know what they were doing to address the problem.
“To maximize everyone’s time, the mayor has asked that each elected official submit answers to the following questions ahead of the meeting,” Adams’ staff said in an email accompanying the questionnaire.
“The No. 1 question I'm asking everyone now – did you go to Washington to get us more money?” Adams asked the Queens delegation, which included City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “What have you done for the migrants and where would you like for me to house them?” the nine-question checklist queried. He also wanted to know if the lawmakers had supported his call for a national emergency, visited a migrant site in the last year, suggested alternative sites, or called on the federal government to stop migrants from being bused to the city.
“His back is against the wall, and his frustration is certainly showing in that email,” said Donovan Richards, the Queens borough president who received the questionnaire, but did not attend the meeting. The Democrat said he initially laughed at the questions.
Perhaps the residents of New York should send the mayor a questionnaire asking what he thought would happen if he threw open the door to thousands of migrants, and how he expected to pay for their upkeep. They should also ask if he thought about the taxpayers before he promoted his Sanctuary City policy to the flood of immigrants now taking him up on his offer.
Criticizing President Biden didn’t help his cause either. As the migrants poured in, Adams called out the administration
for its open border policy and demanded Washington dollars to pay for the estimated 95,000 immigrants who have arrived in the city so far. With 50% of the city’s hotels filled with the homeless and Adams looking to put them up in schools, parks, airport buildings, college dorms, and other facilities, the city is out of room. He’s gone as far as to sue suburban towns and counties for taking measures to block him from shifting the problem to their communities.
Some of the elected leaders hit with the questionnaire viewed it as a patronizing gesture that could alienate key allies. Adams has already identified potential challengers to his reelection and uses the issue to attack them, as evidenced by his frequent admonishments of City Comptroller Brad Lander for not going to Washington to ask for help. The Queens delegation represents middle and workingclass black constituents who make up a significant portion of Adams’ voter base. These taxpayers will be among the most affected as the migrants compete for jobs, schooling, and city services.
The officials, which also included state Democrat lawmakers and representatives of Congressman Gregory Meeks, questioned Adam’s about the services he’s providing at shelters amid concerns of loitering, panhandling and women turning to sex work, according to reports from attendees and those briefed on the meeting, who noted that the discussion was tense.
City leaders have increased public pressure on both Biden and Gov. Kathy Hochul for help with the crisis. So far, Hochul has redistributed over a billion in state taxpayer dollars to the city but has said nothing about the open borders or the estimated 2,000 immigrants being shipped to New York each week. Adams, who called a billion-dollar increase in his annual spending plan the “asylum seekers federal shortfall,” said the city will need more than $4 billion over the next two years to support the immigrants.
The plot thickened when the judge overseeing the city’s shelter system asked Adams for a wishlist of his funding needs, signaling that she may order the Hochul administration to provide the monies. Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Erika Edwards oversees the decades-old “Right to Shelter” court settlement that forces New York to provide a bed to anyone who asks for one. In a less-than-veiled reference to
Hochul, Adams retorted, “We need all of our partners to step up and treat this crisis like the emergency that it is, instead of abandoning New York City to provide shelter and care for more than 95,000 asylum seekers by ourselves.”
New York’s public advocate, Jumaane Williams, recently toured the Roosevelt Hotel, which the city is using as a migrant intake center. He lashed out at Biden for the crisis and urged the president to visit the city himself. “Maybe that will spur some more action from the White House,” Williams said. Images of migrants sleeping on cardboard boxes outside the center drew international concern.
So far, Biden has only ponied up about $142 million to help the city with the promise of another $100 million, an amount the mayor described as a “drop in the bucket” compared to the billions the city will spend on the crisis.
The mayor was reportedly underwhelmed after a meeting in Washington with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who offered to assign him a point person for migrant issues. In addition to calling for hundreds of millions in aid, Adams is pushing for the feds to step up authorizations so the migrants can legally work in the city.
“We're all calling for it,” he said. “We need a response from Washington, and I have not
gotten a yay or nay, and we need it,” the mayor said.
City Councilman Bob Holden (D-Queens) weighed in: “This is so comical, it’s beyond absurd. We don’t need a liaison, we need a plan: What do we do with 90,000-plus migrants who are unvetted and now in New York City?” he wondered. “Biden is asleep at the wheel, has been and continues to be — obviously — not engaged and not trying to solve any of New York’s problems. You want to speed this up, check these people out, see if they deserve to get the status of asylum, and that should be the number one priority.”
The crisis unfolding in New York and cities across America is a direct result of a Democrat policy to change the demographics of the nation by ushering in unskilled economic refugees under the guise of giving them political asylum. Once in the country, their asylum claims won’t be adjudicated for years and in the meantime, the Democrats will push to grant them amnesty and make them permanent citizens. They will require ongoing government services, which the Democrats will be happy to provide using taxpayer money in exchange for their votes.
Inflation, supply chain problems and a drawn-out governmental approval process have put the squeeze on the developers of offshore wind projects, moving them to seek higher prices than their contracts provide. The companies are spending billions to develop the green energy projects and are looking to New York regulators to allow them to charge ratepayers more for their power.
The developers of the Empire Wind 1, Empire Wind 2, Beacon Wind and Sunrise Wind have appealed to the state’s Energy Research and Development Authority and the Public Service Commission for relief.
Said Teddy Muhlfelder, vice president of one of the companies, Equinor Renewables Americas, “Like other developers at the forefront of this emerging U.S. industry, we have seen the estimated costs of our projects rise
sharply due to inflation, supply chain disruptions, permitting and interconnection delays, rising interest rates, and other outside factors. While we have worked to manage these issues, given the unique moment in our global economy, this is an industry-wide issue that cannot be overcome at the project level.”
Bernard Looney, the CEO of BP, another company looking to charge ratepayers more for the wind-generated power, said, “We will not develop projects
that don’t meet our returns threshold, which is why we are in the midst of renegotiating the purchase contracts in the East Coast with our partner, Equinor.” He said the company needs to make 6-8% returns on its investment in the projects.
“NYSERDA is not in a position to comment on matters internal to the joint venture, but is confident in the ability for the developers to meet all their contractual commitments,” an authority spokesman said.
In the grand architecture of the United States judicial system, the figure of the federal district judge stands as a stalwart pillar, essential for maintaining the integrity and balance of our legal framework. Appointed through a stringent and transparent process, these judges possess the authority to interpret laws, mediate disputes, and ensure an even-handed equilibrium between government branches. This piece aims to delve deeper into the influence and responsibilities of these judges from a conservative viewpoint, highlighting the vital importance of their role to the attentive citizenry.
To truly understand their significance, we first need to explore the pathway leading to the bench of a federal district court. After careful consideration, the President nominates individuals for these roles, each standing out based on their remarkable career achievements, commitment to upholding the Constitution, and alignment with principles of law and order. After nomination, the Senate engages in a confirmation process to further validate their credentials. This multi-layered process indicates the enormous responsibility and trust vested in these positions.
U.S. District Courts, commonly recognized as the workhorses of the federal judiciary, handle a comprehensive range of cases. These involve the United States government, the Constitution, federal laws, and disputes between states or those involving foreign governments. The judgments and precedents set by these courts significantly shape American citizens' lives by safeguarding individual rights and ensuring fair and equal application of the law.
Federal district judges play a pivotal role in preserving the principles and values on which our nation was established. They are tasked with the essential duty of ensuring the rule of law is adhered to and that all government actions fall within the parameters set by the Constitution and federal laws. This guardianship extends to our cherished constitutional rights, including freedoms of speech, religion, assembly, due process, and equal protection under the law, consistently upholding the original intent of our nation's founders.
These courts also play a significant role in bankruptcy cases, serving as a beacon of hope for individuals and corporations in the throes of financial hardship. Federal district judges oversee the bankruptcy process, which helps
honest debtors to start anew. This can involve liquidating assets to pay off debts or devising a plan to repay creditors over time. Acknowledging the role of federal district judges in bankruptcy cases is particularly pertinent for citizens weathering financial storms, as they provide a lifeline toward financial recovery and a chance to rebuild their lives on solid ground.
Federal district courts also preside over naturalization ceremonies, an emblematic moment where new citizens are officially conferred United States citizenship. These ceremonies are
more than a legal formality; they celebrate the values of freedom, democracy, and equal opportunity that underpin our nation. For conservative observers, these ceremonies are a testament to the rule of law, symbolizing the idea that anyone, regardless of their origin, can fully embrace and contribute to American values and culture.
Moreover, federal district judges' decisions have far-reaching implications for the delicate balance of power among the branches of government. These judges serve as a crucial check and balance on the executive and
legislative branches, ensuring that the government operates within its constitutional boundaries and does not infringe upon individual rights. By upholding the principles of limited government and individual liberty, federal district judges play a role in safeguarding the system of checks and balances that forms the backbone of our democratic republic.
In conclusion, federal district judges are more than just functionaries within our judiciary.
Their work goes beyond the mere application of laws; it is a commitment to the fundamental ideals of justice, protection of individual rights, and the pursuit of a fair and balanced legal process. As their decisions directly influence our lives, safeguard our constitutional rights, and maintain the equilibrium of governmental power, it is incumbent upon us, as informed citizens, to fully understand their role and the selection process.
This understanding allows for more active engagement in the democratic process and helps to ensure the ongoing preservation of the principles on which our great nation was built. The rule of law, the protection of rights, and the balance of governmental power rely heavily on these guardians of justice.
ByRobertChartuk
“Bidenomics,” the president’s economic plan for America scoffed at by critics for its massive borrowing, war on domestic energy and huge spike in inflation, received a ruinous thumbs down by financial analysts as the government rating agency Fitch downgraded the nation’s credit rating.
The move will have a disastrous affect on the economy as the interest on the massive U.S. debt, currently at $32.6 trillion with the Fed tacking on an additional $5.1 billion per day, will skyrocket. The downgrade will trickle down into every taxpayer’s wallet not only as their credit card interest and other loan costs go up, but also as their share of the debt, currently at $253,686 per person, hits the stratosphere.
“This is a wake-up call for President Joe Biden's administration,” said the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. “Whether one agrees with Fitch's decision to downgrade the United States government or not, we are clearly on an unsustainable fiscal path,” said
the committee’s chair, Maya MacGuineas. “We need to do better."
Senator Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) was more direct: "The downgrading of America’s credit rating by Fitch represents a historic failure of leadership by both political parties and the Executive branch," he said.
"The credit agency specifically cited the decline in governance, erosion of cooperation in the federal government and ballooning national debt when making the determination to lower our credit rating."
The Fitch downgrade moves
the U.S. from the highest rating, AAA, down one notch. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who infamously told Americans that the Biden inflation was “transitory” as they continue to get crushed at the pump and the grocery store, called the move "arbitrary." Congressional Democrats attributed the downgrade on the opposition of some Conservative Republicans to raising the nation’s debt ceiling and proposing cuts to Biden’s record spending spree. The Biden campaign blamed the downgrade to former President Trump who simply
said, “Wow!”
"I strongly disagree with the Fitch rating decision," Yellen said. "The change is arbitrary and based on outdated data. Fitch's quantitative ratings model declined markedly between 2018 and 2020–and yet Fitch is announcing its change now, despite the progress that we see in many of the indicators that Fitch relies on for its decision.”
Reacting to the news, the U.S. stock market dropped precipitously. The Dow plunged 348.16 points, or 1%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq had its worst day since February, dropping 310 points, or 2.2%. The S&P 500 slid 1.4%, its biggest decline since April.
Explaining its downgrade, Fitch cited "a steady deterioration in standards of governance over the last 20 years, including on fiscal and debt matters, notwithstanding the June bipartisan agreement to suspend the debt limit until January 2025." The agency also reported that the U.S. has had “limited progress” in tackling rising social security and Medicare costs due to an aging
population. Social security trustees warned that payments to the nation’s elderly will only be able to continue until 2031. “At that point, the fund will become depleted,” the trustees said.
Despite promises to congressional Conservatives made when he was vying for house speaker, Rep. Kevin McCarthy crossed the aisle to line up Democrat votes to give Biden an unlimited credit card by removing the nation’s borrowing cap until 2025.
In its downgrade report, Fitch predicted that the economy will slip into a mild recession due to “tighter credit conditions, weakening business investment, and a slowdown in consumption” toward the end of the year and into 2024.
The agency sees U.S. annual real GDP growth slowing to 1.2% this year from 2.1% in 2022 and overall growth of just 0.5% in 2024. Job vacancies will remain higher and the labor participation rate will still be lower than pre-pandemic levels, which could negatively affect medium-term potential growth, Fitch predicted.
Trump supporters gathered on Saturday, July 29, at a Trump Rally in the working-class city of Erie, Pennsylvania. This rally was a strategic one for the Trump campaign. Erie County is a bellwether for the rest of Pennsylvania as its election results often parallel the state’s results. In 2016, Trump beat Clinton by 2% in Erie County. In 2020, even though Trump gained more than 6,000 votes over his victory in 2016, Biden won Erie County by a 3 to 1 margin in mail-in ballots. In 2020, Trump lost to Biden in Erie County by 1,417 votes, less than 1% of the vote.
Working class Erie, Pa. has been plagued with economic problems, the median income much lower than the national average as well with almost 14% of the population below the poverty line, according to the 2022 Census. Erie County also has a higher per capita death rate from drug overdoses than most places in the U.S. The need for economic redevelopment and the open border issue, which
many say is responsible for the devastating increased deaths of young people in Erie County, may swing Erie County back towards Trump.
I was on the ground covering the event for Real Americas Voice News and interacted and interviewed many rally-goers who traveled by car to get there from as far away as Florida. Seven-term House member, Congressman Mike Kelly who represents Erie, PA and was an early Trump supporter, fired up the crowd invoking the loudest reception of the day other than that of Trump, and proclaimed that Erie is “Trump Country.” House Rep. Dan Meuser also made a powerful case for Trump. He reminded the audience of the disparity between life under Trump and that of the Biden Administration. I interviewed Congressman Meuser before he went up on stage and he told me that his typical constituent has lost “$800-$900” per month under Biden, and that they are “furious” over the border situation. He went on to say that his constituents
want change and that Trump proved himself once and “they want him to do it again.” Former Ambassador to Denmark and former PA U.S. Senate candidate Carla Sands also addressed the crowd. Ambassador Sands helped Trump get NATO countries to kick in their 2% fair share during the Trump Administration.
Registered Democrats in Pennsylvania outnumbered Republican registered voters by about 590,000 voters in early January 2023, but the GOP has gained about 70,000 new Republican voters since the 2020 election, with a seismic shift from Democrat to Republican voter conversions putting Pennsylvania back in play for Trump in 2024. On the GOP primary side, a June Quinnipiac University poll shows Trump has support in PA from about half (49%) of all GOP voters in the state, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in a distant second place (25%).
Best estimates are that there were approximately 7,000 people in attendance. The Erie Insurance
subject to Brownfield remediation through the State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Arena has a “concert” capacity of about 9,000. Critics of the event claim that the arena was not full and that this was an ominous sign for the Trump campaign. They should be reminded that no other candidate on either side of the aisle even gets a fraction of the attendance of this rally or any other. Despite extreme weather and long distances from Erie to major population centers, the arena was still packed with supercharged Trump supporters. I conducted many ‘man on the
street’ interviews with the crowd and there was a common thread amongst them that our country is in dire shape and we need to fix crime, the border, our schools, the economy and our national security. One can argue that this rally was a smart move for the Trump campaign, targeting areas that are vulnerable for a Trump victory, especially places like Erie, Pennsylvania where less than 1,500 votes determined the outcome of the last Presidential election in that county.
ByRobertChartukThe once mighty Bethlehem Steel, former epicenter of the U.S. steel industry, is transforming its main facility in Lackawanna, NY to an entirely different purpose: sugar production.
Sucro Sourcing, a Miami-based sugar refining company, is putting in $35 million for facility upgrades and repurposing equipment to produce the crystal commodity at the rate of about 300,000 metric tons per year.
The investment is seen as a revitalization of a manufacturing corridor devastated by Washington policies that allowed for cheaper imports, particularly from China.
Three abandoned buildings are being transformed into a sugar refinery and warehouses, resulting in the creation of 55
new full-time jobs over the next three to five years, state economic development officials said.
“Like many, my family started in the shadow of the Bethlehem Steel Plant, where my father and grandfather worked and pursued the American dream,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul. “New York State continues to reverse the decadeslong industrial decline in upstate communities by investing in creating good-paying jobs, reimagining unutilized industrial space and spurring economic investment.”
Founded in 2014, Sucro Sourcing provides pure refined cane sugar for industrial customers. The Lackawanna facility will serve the food industry in upstate New York, as well as global multinational food companies.
The 12-acre site at the Lackawanna Business Park was
The Sucro project is one of several new developments at the Bethlehem site, including a project
by Time Release Sciences and new warehouse, manufacturing and industrial space.
A bill to end “birthright citizenship” for illegal immigrants has been proposed in Washington. The “End Birthright Citizenship Fraud Act of 2023,” introduced by Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, would end the practice of granting citizenship to “anchor babies” and their families.
“For far too long, illegal immigrants have exploited the United States Constitution by producing ‘anchor babies,’” Gaetz said. In 2021, 400,000 of these children were born in the United States, outpacing the birth rates of 49 states, according to the Congressman, who added, “Anchor babies on American soil incentivize illegal immigration and give an indefinite sanctuary to the parents who could care less about violating our immigration laws. This is a crucial step towards upholding the dignity and value of American citizenship and the American rule of law.”
An amendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act, the bill requires at least one parent to be a national, a refugee, have lawful permanent citizenship, or be an active member of the military in order for their children to receive automatic citizenship.
“Birthright citizenship has been grossly and blatantly misapplied for decades, recently becoming a loophole for illegal
aliens to fraudulently abuse our immigration system,” Gaetz charged. “My legislation recognizes that American citizenship is a privilege –– not an automatic right to be coopted by illegal aliens.”
The bill comes as the U.S. is experiencing a crisis with thousands of aliens crossing through Mexico under President Biden’s open border policy.
Internet influencer, Andrew Tate, embroiled in charges of rape, human trafficking, and creating a criminal gang for the sexual exploitation of women in Romania, has successfully appealed for his release from house arrest, according to his spokesperson. However, he remains restricted from leaving the country and from any close contact with other defendants, witnesses, alleged victims, and their immediate family members.
Mateea Petrescu, Tate's spokesperson, expressed hope for future favorable developments following this verdict. The Bucharest Court of Appeal ruling results from the formal indictment of Tate, his brother Tristan, and two Romanian
women, who were arrested near Bucharest in late December and denied the allegations. The decision specifies geographical limitations for all four defendants to the territories of Bucharest Municipality and the nearby Ilfov County, pending prior judicial approval for any travel.
While asserting his innocence, Tate shared his disappointment about initial media coverage portraying him as a criminal. He emphasized the lack of victims speaking against him publicly, while many have defended him. Any violation of their courtmandated obligations could result in the defendants being returned to house arrest or preventive detention.
The Tate brothers, holding dual UK and US citizenship, opposed the July 18 court
decision to continue their house arrest. After a successful appeal in March, they transitioned from police detention to house arrest.
Romania's anti-organized crime agency, DIICOT, sought to extend the house arrest in June after launching its
criminal investigation. The agency accuses the defendants of forming a criminal group in 2021 for human trafficking, operating in Romania, the US, and Britain. DIICOT alleges the gang lured seven women with promises of love to Romania for
sexual exploitation and physical violence. One defendant was charged with raping a woman twice in March 2022.
The authorities claim the women were controlled through intimidation, surveillance, and alleged indebtedness. Tate, previously barred from several major social media platforms due to hate speech and misogynistic comments, maintains that the charges are a political conspiracy and the prosecution lacks evidence. He faces additional civil lawsuits from women in Britain claiming to be victims of his sexual violence.
The ongoing investigation has led to the seizure of the Tate brothers' assets, including 15 luxury cars, high-end watches, and about $3 million in cryptocurrency.
mounting concern among high-profile figures about the nation's identity and its future. Despite their different professional backgrounds, Musk and Ramaswamy found common ground in their shared worry about what they see as a threat to the nation's core values and the future of the American Dream.
ByRaheemSotoElon Musk, Tesla founder and owner of X (previously Twitter), recently hosted a Twitter Space event with 2024 Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. They engaged in discussions regarding what they and many others believe to be a growing trend of antiAmerican sentiment among the country's elite.
Musk expressed his concern about this trend and emphasized the importance of American identity. He said, "We should be proud to be American, and I certainly am." He criticized the narrative being propagated by some influential sectors, describing it as detrimental to the nation's interests.
During this conversation,
the 2024 Presidential hopeful, Vivek Ramaswamy, also shared similar views.
Ramaswamy, known for his outspoken critique of 'woke' culture, voiced his apprehensions about the longevity of the American Dream, especially for future generations, including his children.
Ramaswamy's decision to run for the presidency marks a significant shift in his career.
He highlighted the prevalent trend in politics where many Republican representatives seemed to be running from something rather than towards something.
The Twitter Spaces conversation, marked by candid remarks and honest observations, echoed the
This conversation between Musk and Ramaswamy follows a trend on X, formerly Twitter, where Musk has interviewed several political figures, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Democratic aspirant Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
During the conversation,
Ramaswamy, the antiESG investor and biotech entrepreneur, shared his stance on the "America First 2.0" policy. Despite being the son of successful legal immigrants, Ramaswamy separated himself from the previous "America First 1.0" policy by championing merit-based immigration as a solution to economic growth in the US.
The conversation also saw discussions around the Russia-Ukraine conflict and American involvement. Both Ramaswamy and Musk questioned the Senate's July 26 vote against creating an Office of the Lead Inspector General
for Ukraine Assistance. On the trade front, Ramaswamy made it clear that he supported international trade, but with the caveat that all nations should play by the same rules. Contrary to the stance taken by former President Donald Trump, Ramaswamy expressed that leaving the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was a misstep.
The conversation gathered over 500,000 live viewers, touched on several topics central to the American socio-political landscape, and provided insights into Musk and Ramaswamy's views.
An herb used for centuries in Southeast Asia, kratom, is raising red flags in the states as lawsuits are coming in from deaths associated with the drug.
According to the FDA, people use the herb to self-treat pain, anxiety, depression, opioid use, and opioid withdrawal. But how safe is it?
U.S. District Judge Donald Middlebrooks has ruled that a Kratom distributor pay more than $11 million in damages to
the family of a Florida woman who died after using the substance. In that case, the Palm Beach County Coroner listed her cause of death as “acute mitragynine intoxication.”
Mitragynine is one of the main psychoactive components of the Kratom plant. “At high concentrations, mitragynine produces opioid-like effects, such as respiratory failure,” the coroner wrote.
Kratom is sold in U.S. stores and online, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
About 1.7 million Americans 12 and older were known to be users in 2021.
However, the FDA says Kratom isn’t “appropriate for use as a dietary conventional supplement,” and the plant isn’t approved as a prescription or over-the-counter drug.
Kratom can produce stimulant effects similar to coffee, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but in higher doses, it can be similar to opioids.
There could be a “soft landing” in 2024 for the economy, but what is in store for us after that? Inflationary pressures continue to mount-with gas on the rise again at over $3.80 per gallon at the pump, continued high prices at the supermarkets and credit card debt at $1 trillion. So what is the threshold for the American family?
During COVID, the Fed poured $125 billion per month into the economy and the Fed was buying T-bills that the banks were holding in their inventories, so the banks exchanged inventory for cash. With interest rates at zero percent, they were lending out money, offering 2 and 3% mortgages and cheap borrowing because of the quantitative easing. The Fed put cash into the economy as they were trying to overcome a recession. Last March, because of the recession looming, they started to reverse this quantitative easing. The Fed started to take back $95 billion per month and thisresponsible for the commercial credit crunch.
Without the money there is lower lending, and with high interest rates, companies won’t be investing. Economist Dr. Martin Cantor, Director, Long Island Center for SocioEconomic Policy said “The whole thing really hinges on the money supply, and there are two things that govern policy; fiscal policy with respect to the federal budget and monetary policy of the Fed.”
Cantor reflected that when Jerome Powell said that inflation was ‘transitory,’ he said to himself, “No way is this transitory… inflation is here to stay” and “Powell blew it at the Fed and when he said ‘transitory’ he just threw money out there thinking it would turn things around.”
Cantor indicated that that there was so much money out there that the economy exploded, and
now we are trying reverse it. The Fed raised interest rates 11 times since last year, the highest in 22 years.
The Fed has said that their target inflation rate is 2% and the target unemployment rate is 4.4% so we still have a way to go. The second quarter GDP numbers came in at 2.4% growth this year, but keep in mind the GDP grew by 3.6% in the 3rd quarter last year. So there has been a contraction, and inflation is still rising, albeit at a lower rate, in what Martin Cantor calls “the most unusual inflationary economy.”
Inflation is when you have ‘too many dollars chasing too few goods’ while manufacturing and productivity aren’t expanding. People staying home during COVID spent money on products while manufacturing contracted and supply chain issues arose, so inflation spiked. Remember that although the inflation rate has been going down moderately, it is still compounded year over year. The last three years have had an incredible impact on the consumer, and inflation is still outstripping any wage growth. Manufacturing and productivity are down and that’s what’s keeping inflation up.
Then there is the commercial real estate industry, which is in trouble. There are several reasons why. Higher interest rates put pressure on the commercial real estate industry and companies financed their acquisitions with debt at a time when property values were high combined with low interest rates. Commercial real estate is stressed now, especially in the office markets with the vacancy rate at 18.6%, 5.5% higher than when the pandemic began in early 2020. As loans mature, owners of commercial properties will have to refinance at the new higher rates spelling disaster for commercial real estate portfolios. Don’t forget the inflationary impacts on construction costs. Dr. Cantor
did an economic impact study for the Long Island Contractors Association on the cost of supplies for construction and
says that basically everything is up 50%.
Despite the rosy picture that the analysts and our government is painting about a “soft landing,” the pressures on the average American family tell a different story. Low manufacturing rates, the commercial real estate dilemma and high construction costs will also have a further impact on the economy and unemployment numbers and it is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ a deeper recession will hit.
Will the Democrats avoid big losses in the 2024 election cycle with a “soft landing” or will the longer-term effects of all these factors culminate before 2025. The threshold and breaking point for the American people and the economy remains to be seen.
Among the many rule changes stuffed into the Inflation Reduction Act is a measure drug research companies say will hamper their ability to develop new and improved medicines. According to the advocacy group PhRMA, drug price fixing under President Biden’s catch-all elixir for the U.S. economy has created a “Pill Penalty” that will remove incentives for companies to create new drugs for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other maladies.
According to PhRMA, “small molecule medicines” can be selected for price setting as early as seven years after the FDA’s initial approval, which is long before the end of their average 13-to-14-year effective patent life. “As a result, this Pill Penalty may discourage companies from researching and developing small molecule medicines at all. Additionally, because these medicines can be selected so early, companies are also discouraged
from doing R&D in the years following a medicine’s initial FDA approval–putting at risk the progress we’ve made to fight cancer and other diseases,” the group said in a statement.
Analysis of small molecule prescription medicines receiving initial FDA approval between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2012, by the Partnership for Health Analytic Research (PHAR) finds the IRA could acutely discourage critical post-approval research and development — hindering innovation for cancer, rare diseases and other treatment advances.
The analysis found that more than half of the drugs studied by the partnership were improved at least once after the first seven years of being on the market. Had prices been fixed at the new seven-year milestone, companies may not have had the incentive to keep improving their medicines and the public would have suffered, PhARMA argues.
They have called on Congress to repeal the Pill Penalty and allow drug companies to profit up to the previous 14-year limit, noting the following statistics:
72% of post-approval indications expanded a medicine’s use to new age groups or other defined populations, and 25% were for new disease targets.
61% of small molecule cancer medicines were awarded at least one post-approval indication.
63% of medicines first approved as orphan drugs were awarded at least one post-approval indication.
“Post-approval indications represent important advances for patients and are particularly common for rare diseases and cancer treatments, as researchers learn more and follow scientific leads following initial approval,” the advocacy group said. “Congress must prioritize reforms to fix the Pill Penalty and protect innovation for lifesaving care.”
A drug cartel was busted by Mexican marines for stashing 110 pounds of dynamite in a methamphetamine laboratory, explosives that are being used more and more to attack law enforcement.
"It could be used to manufacture bombs, as well as mines and other explosive artifacts that would be capable of damaging highly armored
vehicles," the Navy Department said in a statement.
The military discovered the dynamite in a cave-like structure in the northern state of Sinaloa, headquarters of the powerful drug cartel of the same name.
In nearby raids, Marines also found three other drug labs with almost one ton of "nearly finished" meth, toxic drugs headed for the U.S.
In July, a competing drug cartel exploded a series of seven roadway bombs in western Mexico that killed four police officers and two civilians. According to the governor of Jalisco, the blasts were a trap set by the cartel to kill law enforcement personnel. The bombs tore craters in the road, destroyed at least four vehicles and wounded 14 people.
The attacks were the latest
example of the increasingly open, military-style might possessed by the country’s drug cartels. A National Guard officer in the neighboring state of Guanajuato was killed by a bomb in June and last year, explosives wounded 10 soldiers and a civilian in the neighboring state of Michoacan.
Cartels are also incorporating trench warfare, pillboxes, homemade armored cars, and
drones modified to drop small bombs in their battles against each other and the police.
The militaristic power of the cartels, which have become increasingly wealthy by flooding the U.S. with illicit drugs, demonstrates how ineffective U.S. and Mexican authorities are against stopping the scourge of drugs in America.
ByRobertChartuk
World War III will not be fought with bombs and munitions as in previous global conflicts, but with viral attacks such as COVID and cyber hacks that even now, are having a crippling effect on many institutions.
So says Richard A. Muller, a 34year Jason National Security adviser and professor of physics emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley, whose books include “Physics for Future Presidents” and “Energy for Future Presidents.”
In a widely-published commentary, he noted: “This isn’t some far-fetched disaster scenario cooked up by Hollywood screenwriters. Biological and cyber viruses have been, in a sense, field-tested. The great value to the attacker of a two-pronged biological and cyber attack is the possibility of achieving destructive goals while keeping the whole operation covert.”
According to Muller, Vladimir Putin’s losses in Ukraine and the rebellion of the Wagner Group, the mercenaries he’s used to help wage the war, have increased the chances that the Russian president will lash out and expand the 17-monthold conflict. “But World War III may not be what you expect,” he continues. “The current paradigm
of escalating nuclear conflict was articulated 60 years ago by physicist Herman Kahn, founder of the Hudson Institute, but other technologies have come a long way since then. Conventional guns, bombs, missiles or troops may not figure in World War III at all. Biological and computer viruses are likely to be the weapon of choice.”
Noting that early COVID panic came from Italy’s inability to care for all of its infected patients, Muller explained that for maximum disruption, the second thrust of any aggression might be a cyberattack on hospitals, perhaps disguised as ransomware. Again, the trick would be to make it seem as if the attack were originating outside the aggressor’s country. In other contexts, this is called a “false flag” operation. The target country might not even recognize it as part of a two-front, synergistic attack of biological and computer viruses.
Ransomware could simultaneously target energy grids, power plants, factories, refineries, trains, airlines, shipping, banking, water supplies, sewage treatment plants, and more. But hospitals would be the most salient targets, Muller went on. Avoiding obvious military targets would enhance the illusion that World War III hadn’t begun. The attacker or attackers might falsely claim their
own systems are also under siege. Misdirection can be more effective than a smoke screen.
Deterring such an attack will require a clear, credible and articulated promise to respond to aggression. It can’t be covert. “If China, Russia or both attacked the U.S. this way, how would we react?” Muller asked. “Policymakers need to come up with an answer. An economic embargo seems suboptimal. Many would interpret nuclear retaliation as disproportionate. Developing a retaliatory virus would take time, and responding this way would clearly violate the Biological
One country that doesn’t have a drug problem is Singapore, which recently carried out the execution of a woman for heroin trafficking.
Saridewi Djamani, 45, was sentenced to death by hanging after being caught with 31 grams of heroin, a quantity the Central Narcotics Bureau said was enough to sustain the addiction of about 370 users for a week. It was the first time a female was executed in the Southeast Asia nation in over two decades.
Another convicted drug dealer, Mohammed Aziz Hussain, 56, was also executed for selling about 50 grams of heroin. A third trafficker is slated for execution following Hussain.
The country’s law mandates capital punishment for anyone convicted of trafficking more than 500 grams of
cannabis or 15 grams of heroin.
The narcotics bureau noted that Djamani and Hussain were given due process, which included appeals of their conviction and sentence, and a petition for clemency.
The previous execution of a woman in Singapore was in 2004 when a 36-year-old hairdresser, Yen May Woen, was executed for drug trafficking, according to
news reports.
Human rights organizations, activists, and the United Nations have repeatedly urged Singapore to abolish the executions, arguing capital punishment does not deter illegal drug activity. Singapore authorities, however, maintain that the death sentences play a crucial role in curbing drug supply and demand.
Weapons Convention.”
If deterrence fails and an attack takes place, correctly identifying the perpetrator has to be the first priority, according to Muller. This may or may not be easy, butretaliating against the wrong actor risks making an already bad situation worse. Reopening the COVID-19 origin investigation would provide good practice. Confiscation of the foreign assets of the attacking nation could be effective. A strong cyberattack capability aimed at the enemy’s military and industry is key. Hospitals should be spared, lest the victim of an attack appear to
become the aggressor and lose the moral high ground.
There are many reasons why an adversary may want to launch a covert attack on the U.S. economy. America’s leaders need to take seriously the prospect that their country could be defeated without being invaded or even knowing it is under attack. “The way to deter such an attack is to convince potentially hostile actors that success is impossible and the consequences for the attacker will be swift and severe,” Muller advised. “The U.S. needs to make it clear that its commitments to North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies, Ukraine, Taiwan and others won’t waver even if the American economy falters.”
Muller was also a faculty senior scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and has a distinguished career with Jason, an independent group of elite scientists that advises the U.S government on matters of science and technology, mostly of a sensitive nature. The group was created in the aftermath of the Sputnik launch as a way to reinvigorate the idea of having the nation's preeminent scientists help the government with defense problems, similar to the way that scientists helped in World War II, but with a new and younger generation.
Roger Philip Berg, age 78, died in his home in Mastic Beach, New York on August 1, 2023 after a yearlong battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was a 1962 graduate of William Floyd High School and went on to serve in the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. Roger later tended bar for renowned establishments ranging from the Stork Club in New York and the Bath and Tennis Club in Westhampton Beach to Taboo in Palm Beach, Florida. Together with his mother Blanche, he opened several of his own restaurants including Le Shack in Mastic and Beacher’s on Westhampton Beach’s Dune Road. Roger was an avid ocean lover and also lifeguarded on Dune Road for over 20 years. Roger married Bozena Siara of Radom, Poland in 1987, and they had two children. Roger is survived by his son, Cuyler Berg, daughter Natasha Berg, and beloved dog, Leche. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends. Roger was preceded in death by his parents Blanche Berg and Philip Berg. If you'd like to make a donation in his memory, the family asks you to kindly consider supporting Disabled American Veterans and/or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The environment has long been a leading concern in Suffolk County and thus having a Suffolk County Environmental Executive Forum early in the contest for Suffolk’s highest county government position, county executive, was a natural.
Held last week at Stony Brook University, sponsored by the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, Julie Tighe, president of the fund and also the league itself, opened the forum by saying “this election season is critical to the environment.”
The environment is not only on the “top of the minds” of people, but “permeating into their daily existence,” Tighe said. She addressed how in recent weeks “we’ve seen apocalyptic orange skies” and there have been “multiple torrential rainstorms” including, she noted, four inches of rain in Suffolk the day before the forum last Monday evening. Further, globally there was a series of days that had “the hottest temperatures the Earth has ever seen.”
The extreme weather events— drought in Canada resulting in massive wildfires and orange skies
in the U.S., severe rainstorms especially in Vermont and upstate New York, and the globe’s hottest weather in 120,000 years—are being attributed to climate change caused largely by the burning of fossil fuels.
Tighe urged people to make the environment a “top priority” in the coming election.
On the ballot in November as candidates for Suffolk County executive will be Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine, the Republican nominee who before becoming supervisor of Long Island’s largest town was a long-time Suffolk legislator, and David Calone, the Democratic nominee, an attorney, an exprosecutor including for the U.S. Department of Justice, and also formerly chairman of the Suffolk County Planning Commission and a trustee of the Long Island Power Authority.
Each spoke for the several minutes allotted for opening and closing statements and were separately questioned for more than a half-hour apiece by Tighe.
Before becoming leader of the league, she was chief of staff of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for
BY REV. FREDERICK MILLER. PH.D.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice ending Korean hostilities. The era ran from June 25, 1950, to Jan. 31 1955; Congress extended the period due to the uneasy peace negotiations after the armistice was signed in 1953.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, Korea had been a part of the Japanese empire, and after World War II it fell to the Americans and the Soviets to decide what should be done with their enemy’s imperial possessions. In August 1945 they decided to divide the peninsula in half along the 38th parallel. The Russians occupied the area north of the line and the United States occupied the area to the south.
By the end of the decade, two states had formed on the peninsula. In the south, the anti-communist dictator Syngman Rhee enjoyed the reluctant support of the American government; in the north, the communist dictator Kim II Sung enjoyed the slightly more enthusiastic support of the
11 years. There were about 200 people in attendance at the forum.
Calone, of East Setauket, was the first to appear on the stage. In his opening remarks, he said: “I am the candidate with the broadest environmental experience of any candidate we have ever seen run before for Suffolk County executive.” And he referred to actions he has taken on environmental and energy matters in various positions he has held.
Calone said “we have significant issues facing our county” and cited two. One was how Romaine, he charged, “failed to deal with the landfill in Brookhaven Town” which has been “poisoning the community and putting our entire economy at risk.” The second was the rejection by the Republican majority on the Suffolk Legislature on having a referendum on the November election ballot on a measure increasing the sales tax in the county 1/8th percent to raise money to replace cesspools on which most of Suffolk depends with sewers and what are termed Innovative/Alternative Septic Treatment System.
However, when it came his turn, Romaine, of Center Moriches, said prior to his taking office as
Brookhaven supervisor there was a push by the then Democratic town administration to increase the size of the landfill. Instead, said Romaine, he called for closing the landfill, and that has been happening while he seeks reducing waste with a “circular system” concentrating “on recycling.” As for a referendum increasing the sales tax for money for sewers and new high-tech septic systems, he said the plan developed is “far from perfect” and “I don’t believe legislators were involved in drafting this legislation,” but “I am not going to let the perfect be the enemy of the good.” He said: “I hope it goes through and if it doesn’t, you have an ironclad commitment from me that another plan will be forthcoming as soon as possible and that plan will include consultation with all 18 county legislators and not be drafted in secret.”
About climate change, Calone and Romaine had similar positions—both advocating the elimination of fossil fuels especially through the use of solar and wind power and electric vehicles. Romaine said “we can substitute green, non-polluting power” for energy to replace the
burning of fossil fuels.
Romaine pointed to repeated endorsements he has received from environmental groups that he has received as a candidate for the legislature and town supervisor “because of the work I’ve done for the environment.” He spoke of endorsements by the Sierra Club, Long Island Environmental Voters Forum and the league. He said that as a legislator “I preserved more land in my district”—which, he noted, included Shelter Island, Riverhead and Southold towns and eastern Brookhaven—“than the other 17 county legislators together.”
To hear all of what was said in the hour-and-a-half forum, a video of it is on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=x0agp2ALNfY&t=3s This can also be linked to by inputting on Google or YouTube the words Suffolk County Environmental Executive Forum. The incumbent Suffolk County executive, Democrat Steve Bellone of West Babylon, after three fouryear terms is term-limited and will leave office at the end of this year.
Soviets. Neither dictator was content to remain on his side of the 38th parallel, however, and border skirmishes were common. Nearly 10,000 North and South Korean soldiers were killed in battle before the war even began. Thus, the North Korean invasion came as an alarming surprise to American officials, they realized that this was not simply a border dispute. Instead, many feared it was the first step in a communist campaign to take over the world.
President Harry S. Truman responded to the invasion with a so-called police action by assembling a group of international allies to come to the aid of the South Koreans.
North Korea had the support of the Soviet Union and China. By September 1950, North Koreans had nearly pushed the UN troops off the peninsula. While the Russians provided military equipment and advisors, they did not engage full-scale in the war.
The Chinese sent nearly 250,000 troops into North Korea. By
July 1950, American troops had entered the war on South Korea’s behalf.
Around September 1950, President Truman and General MacArthur, the commander in charge of the Asia theater, had decided on a new set of war aims. It became offensive to ‘liberate” the North from the communists.
Initially, this was a success, pushing the North Koreans out of Seoul and back to their side of the 38th parallel. But, as the Americans crossed the boundary and headed north toward the Yalu River, the border between North Korea and China, the Chinese started to worry about protecting themselves from what they
called “armed aggression against Chinese territory.” The Chinese leader Mao Zedong warned the United States to keep away from the Yalu boundary unless it wanted full-scale war.
While Truman looked for ways to prevent the war, General MacArthur, however, thought anything short of this wider war represented “appeasement,” an unacceptable knuckling under to the Communists. Finally, in March 1952, he sent a letter to Joseph Martin, a House Republican Leader who shared MacArthur’s support. For Truman, this letter was the last straw. On April 11, the president fired the five star general for insubordination.
6.8 million American men and women served from June 27, 1950 to Jan. 31, 1955. Of them 33,700 died in combat. When the troops came back to civilian life they were mostly ignored due to the fact that Truman labeled the war as simply a “police action.” It also was named the “Forgotten War.”
The William Floyd Colonials have always had extremely talented athletes and some of the most competitive sports teams in Suffolk County. Athletes like Nigel Green and Tom Banducci have come through this school and went on to have successful athletic careers.
However, the 2022-23 season may have been one of the best in school history as the individual and team achievements may have entered uncharted territory for William Floyd sports.
The fall sports for the Colonials was highlighted by an unreal cross country season from Zariel Macchia.
Macchia has built up a resume that compares well with Shoreham/ Wading River’s Katherine Lee, who also dominated Long Island Cross Country from a young age. The William Floyd sophomore won her third Suffolk County Cross Country Class A Championship this past fall and parlayed it into a Class A State Championship victory.
She would go on to compete at the newly renamed Champs Sports Northeast Regional Championships and would qualify for the national championship meet at Balboa Park in San Diego. Macchia would finish sixth at the National Championship, earning her All-American status for the 2022 season. Her historic season wouldn’t stop at the Champs Sports National Meet, she would then race at another National Championship, the Garmin Running Lane Championship, where she finished runner-up in the meet. Macchia would race two more times in cross country as she ran a u20 qualifier for Team USA’s Cross Country team and she would make the team with a third place finish in the girls 6k race. She would then go on to race at the u20 World Championship in Bathurst, Australia, where she took home a bronze medal for finishing third overall at the u20 championships.
The Varsity Football Team at William Floyd also deserves to
receive some attention for their outstanding year in 2022.
The Colonials had a dominant regular season, finishing winning the Division One League Championship and having an undefeated league record. Unfortunately for the Colonials, their great season wouldn't result in a County or Long Island Championship as they lost in the second round of the playoffs to the five seed Ward Melville by a score of 14-7.
In the winter, the Girls’ Basketball team had arguably its best season in program history. The Colonials finished the 2022-23 regular season with an impressive 14-6 overall record (13-3 league record) en route to their first league title since 1982. The season didn’t end with just a league title, the girls’ team made it all the way to the Section XI Final Four for the first time in program history. They defeated Sachem East in a home playoff game to make it to the final four before falling in the County Semifinal.
Individually, Junior Kayla Gilmore continued to add to her impressive resume for the Colonials. She was named Co-Team MVP, League II Player of the Year, All-Conference, All-County, AllLong Island, and All-State during her junior campaign.
Gilmore also joined some elite company in William Floyd Girls’
Basketball history as she became just the fourth player in the program’s history to record over 1,000 career points in a career and she has a chance to get to 1,500 during her senior season. Gilmore also broke the program record in points scored in a single game with a 51 point performance this season.
Joining Gilmore as Team MVPs were Jacky Sutherland and Keyaisia Brewster. Sutherland and Brewster had outstanding seasons as well. Both girls received All-League honors while Sutherland went on to receive All-County and AllConference honors for her efforts this season.
Head Coach Amy Lin also received recognition as the League II Coach of the Year for guiding the girls to their first league title in 31 years.
The boys’ basketball team also ended an eleven year title drought as they took home a league championship in 2022-23 thanks to a 15-5 overall record and 14-2 league record. They would make the postseason and win a dramatic playoff game over Half Hollow Hills West, which was considered the highlight of the season for the team.
Mikey Smith led the charge for the Colonials in 2022-23 as he would win League II MVP honors as well as being named All-League, All-Division, and All-County for his spectacular senior season.
Joining Smith on the All-League team were his teammates Jayson Yourison and Joey McLaurin, who also had outstanding years on the hardwood.
The Girls Indoor Track season was once again highlighted by All-American Zariel Macchia. Following her unreal Cross Country season, Macchia would help guide her 4x800 meter relay team to the fastest time on Long Island after winning the Ocean Breeze Invite. Macchia also would claim All-League, All-County, AllState, and All-American honors for another year of dominance.
Teammates Aaliyah Jordan, Destiny Samuels and Brianna Smith joined Macchia on the All-League team as well.
The Boys’ Indoor Track Team was highlighted by All-State
performances by LaDuke Harris and Krismar Powell. Matteo Higueros, Tyri Hubbard, Joshua Jordan and Jamir Mills also made All-League for the Colonials during the indoor track season.
The Varsity Wrestling team had a successful season that saw them get selected as the most improved team in Suffolk County.
Their season was highlighted by winning the annual Kujan Brothers’ Memorial Tournament and placing second in the Suffolk County Dual meet. Ten Colonials competed in the Suffolk County Championships, with Aaron Nelson and Jack Meyer leading the way with a third and fifth-place finish, respectively, in their weight classes. Nelson and Meyer received All-County honors for their outstanding seasons while Nelson competed in the New York State Championships, being the first Colonial in nearly a decade to make it to the State Championship meet.
The Baseball team saw a great individual performance from left-handed pitcher Jayden Zayas, as he would walk away from the 2023 season receiving All-County honors. His teammates Joseph LoMonaco and Angelo Velez also had solid years for the Colonials, walking away with All-League honors.
The Softball team saw Kiara Bellido have a generational season for the Colonials. She brought home League III Player of the Year honors as well as Suffolk County Large School’s Player of the Year and Newsday’s All-Long Island honors.
Bellido is ranked as the number 34 player in the Class of 2024 by Extra Inning Softball and is already committed to Syracuse University where she will continue her academic and athletic career.
Bellido also saw her teammate Michelle Segura receive All-County honors for her efforts in the 2023 season.
Kayla Gilmore brought her dominance on the hardwood onto the Lacrosse field this spring and she did not disappoint.
Gilmore – who is committed to play lacrosse at the Universiy of Maryland – led all of Suffolk County in goals scored with 64.
For her efforts, she was named AllAmerican, Academic All-American, All-County, All-Long Island, team MVP, and White Letter Award recipient.
Jacky Sutherland, Emily Murtha, Emma DiMaio and Kayden Meyer also had outstanding seasons that led to them earning All-County honors.
Speaking of dominant athletes, Zariel Macchia continued to add to her storied Colonial career this spring as she was named first-team All-American in the 5k and mile. She was also named All-State, AllLong Island, All-League and AllCounty for the third season in a row.
Macchia also guided the 4x800 meter team consisting of herself, Karen Jackson, Destiny Samuels, and Aaliyah Jordan to a Suffolk County Championship. Jordan also starred in an individual event as she was the county champion in the 400 meter hurdles and was named All-League and All-County while Destiny Samuels was also named All-League and All-County as well.
The Boys’ Lacrosse team had a successful season where they saw longtime head coach Dennis Megna win the Division I Coach of the Year Award for his outstanding work at the helm of William Floyd Lacrosse.
Geo Alvarez and Connor Langdon took home All-County honors for their efforts for the Colonials’ Boys Lacrosse team.
The Boys’ Track team saw LaDuke Harris wrap up his historic High School Career with a New York State Championship in the Long Jump this spring.
Harris – who was also the star Quarterback for the William Floyd Football Team – capped off his high school sports career with a long jump of 22 feet, 11½ inches to take home the state title.
The William Floyd Colonials had an outstanding year thanks to great leadership from coaches, teammates, and Athletic Director Brian Babst.
Babst and his PR assistant James Montalto have helped continue a tradition of William Floyd athletic excellence that hopefully will continue on for many years to come.
Domingo Germán has had a rollercoaster season in 2023, from suspensions for doctoring baseballs to pitching the 24th perfect game in Oakland in June following the death of his uncle a few days prior. Unfortunately for the right-handed starter, this most recent development might unfortunately end the ride for good in the Bronx.
The Yankees released a statement about an hour before first pitch last Wednesday via Twitter – now known as “X” – that Germán voluntarily agreed to seek treatment for alcohol abuse and will miss the remainder of the 2023 season because of the treatment.
“Domingo Germán has agreed today to voluntarily submit to inpatient treatment for alcohol
abuse,” read the statement on the Yankees Official Twitter Page. “He will be placed on the Restricted List for the time that he is away from the club. It is critical that Domingo completely focuses on addressing his health and well-being. We will respect his privacy as he begins this process.”
This news comes as the result of what General Manager Brian Cashman described to the media as an alcohol-related incident that occurred last Tuesday.
“I’m worried right now for the person and the immediate family,” Brian Cashman told Brian Hoch of MLB.com. He also added that “Alcohol abuse is something Domingo Germán has had to deal with in the past.”
Germán has been one of the better starting pitchers on a
Yankees team that has seen a revolving door this season due to injuries to other key pieces and inconsistent outings from everyone outside of Gerrit Cole. He has posted a 4.56 ERA across 108 ⅔ innings and struck out 114 batters in his 2023 campaign.
The 30-year-old becomes the second Yankee starting pitcher to enter treatment for alcohol abuse in the last decade as CC Sabathia entered a similar program in 2015 prior to the team’s Wild Card Playoff game against the Houston Astros.
The Yankees will still be able to retain Germán for the 2024 season as he will enter his final year of arbitration with the team before he hits the open market in 2025, but the team may release him due to incidents like this in the past.
The Mets mini-sale continued on before the Tuesday evening deadline as the Mets officially have traded utility man Mark Canha to the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday night.
Canha, 34, has been a solid contributor to the Mets since he signed with the team prior to the 2022 season. Canha signed a twoyear, $26.5 million contract that could potentially end at the end of the season, baring his team option for 2024 gets picked up by the Brewers. As part of the trade, the Mets will cover his remaining salary for this year above the league minimum, but Milwaukee will be on the hook for the buyout of a 2024 option.
In 2022, Canha had a .266 batting average, an OPS+ of 126 (an average hitter would have a 100 OPS+), and led all of baseball in times hit by pitches with 28. This season has been slightly worse than his 2022 campaign as his average and on base numbers have slipped a little bit as he now has a .245 batting average and his OPS+ is two points
above league average at 102.
The Mets were able to get a nice return for the former seventh round draft pick as they got Minor League pitcher Justin Jarvis from the Brewers.
Jarvis was ranked as Milwaukee’s 30th best prospect by MLB Pipeline and he certainly fills a need for the Mets as they lack any sort of young pitching prospects who could help the Mets in the near future.
The 23 year old pitcher will check in as the Mets number 13 prospect according to MLB Pipeline and he will be assigned to the team’s Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse. He previously pitched in Double-A for the Brewers where he pitched a 3.33 ERA before being promoted to Triple-A, where he made three starts for the Brewers before being traded.
The Mets were expected to trade off at least one more piece before the 5:00 Eastern deadline on Tuesday. Justin Verlander has found himself in the middle of a bidding war and outfielder Tommy Pham should get a similar return that Canha did for the Mets.
ByNickCipollaThe Jets may be looking to add more star power as running back Dalvin Cook met with the team this week.
It was reported earlier this week that the Ex-Viking running back will visit the team as he is seeking a new deal after he was surprisingly released by Minnesota this offseason.
Cook is one of the NFL’s premier running backs as he has made four straight Pro Bowls and has rushed for 1100+ yards in each of these four seasons with a peak year that saw him run for 1557 yards in 2020.
The Jets would hope to add him to create a scary one-two
Nestor
Jr. – who has just completed his rehab assignment – will most likely take Germán’s
punch that would include Cook and second year running back Breece Hall who had a promising rookie season until he tore his ACL in Denver early in the year.
Cook appeared to be very impressed with the Jets visit and he would cancel all his remaining visits with other teams around the league.
ByNickCipolla
ESPN announced early Monday morning that Doc Rivers will be joining ESPN’s broadcasts of the NBA beginning next season
Rivers was previously the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers before getting fired this off-season after they lost in the second round of the playoffs.
Rivers also most notably coached the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Clippers during his tenure as an NBA coach, including a finals win in
Rivers also was a key piece in the 1990s New York Knicks, starting 45 games in the 1992–93 season where he averaged 7.2 points and 5.4 assists.
With Rivers being hired, the “worldwide leader in sports” will be laying off a longtime commentator – and another Ex-Knick – Mark Jackson and promoting sideline reporter Doris Burke into the main commentary group alongside Rivers and the legendary Mike Breen.
As the trade deadline passed the collective baseball world all were put on notice that the Yankees as we know have died and aren't coming back soon. By making no moves (two middle relievers equal no moves), Brian Cashman sent a very direct message to the fans and to major league baseball as a whole. That message was, we are waving the white flag. But, instead of waving the white flag on the season like Uncle Stevie did across town, Cashman told everyone the white flag has been raised on the New York Yankees as a whole.
As chants rained down this week on the ballfield of "Fire Cashman" and "Boone must go", most fans shook their heads in agreement. But, therein lies the problem.
Brian Cashman knew his job was in jeopardy, yet made no significant moves. Boone had to hear the rumblings of him being replaced, but he continued to post lineups that made everyone question the logic. The training staff now has allowed two significant pieces of this team to play through injuries, and the Yankees developmental minor league system is ranked near the bottom of the league year after year.
The Yankees are broken. We can point to Cashman and his horrendous roster construction, or Boone and his bad lineups, or the systems in place that can't seem to let a bat flourish, but the real problem falls on one man's shoulders ... Hal Steinbrenner. Steve Cohen looks inept right
ROTOMILLTM BY CHUCK T. Fantasy Sports
Well we have started the 17th week of the fantasy baseball season. This of course means one thing and one thing only. There are only nine weeks left to the season. Now that is certainly a lot of baseball, fully 1/3 of the season to go, and now is not the time to fret over ratio innings that you have lagged in. If your team batting average is poor or your team ERA is high the denominator is quite large at this point to enact any meaningful changes. But in the all important counting stats; stolen bases, strikeouts and stats, much can and should be done. In my dynasty league I find myself entering week 17 down nine saves. Now the math is not very difficult with nine weeks left to go, I need to gain one save per week. The key for you is to stay focused, see the task at hand and implement the plan.
This is the worst time of the season to employ rookie starting pitchers. A rookie starting pitcher will tend to be on a strict pitch count. That will curtail his opportunities at quality starts and games won. So much to my
for excellence. George didn't always deliver that excellence, and he certainly didn't win the way he wished he had for over a decade, but there was never a question of IF he wanted to win. With Hal, that question is real.
surprise when I checked the stat categories for the last 15 days, I ran a sort of the save category. And much to my surprise two names came up with five saves in the last 15 days, Adbert Alzolay of the Chicago Cubs and Trevor May of the Oakland A’s. Now the Oakland A's have not been competitive in 2023 so I would not endorse putting in for Trevor May. But the Chicago Cubs, we’ll give plenty of opportunities for saves to Alzolay. In 46 innings pitched he has allowed 37 hits while striking out 52 batters and walking only seven. This means
now, but he made quick and decisive decisions to make his team better in the future. Owners like Arte Moreno have been called out by their
fans, but they made strides to compete. Hal remains sitting on his hands. The Steinbrenner name used to be synonymous with striving
Hal Steinbrenner is running out the same product as last season. He is also filling the stadium nightly. So the question becomes does Hal even care about winning? It's a fair question to ask and from this vantage point the answer is no. So, Yankees fans you can chant to fire Boone, scream down to get rid of Cashman and boo the players, but you are doing it from Hal's property and lining his pockets. Why would he change such a money making situation?
that his WHIP is a figure below 1. And he has converted 12 save chances.
Most of the season I have employed a split of six starting pitchers alongside two relief pitchers. And with Devin Williams and Will Smith of the Texas Rangers, I have eight of 12 possible points in that category. But I am only nine saves away from being the best saves team in my league, and those are four points that are not smart to walk away from. Simply switching to a five starting pitcher alongside three relief pitcher configuration
may yield the nine saves that I need to become the best save team in my dynasty league. I know that I have written in the past that it is always smart to put counting categories in the bank whenever possible and I did that when the Atlanta Braves had an injury to their closer in April. I knew A.J. Winter would not be a long-term solution for saves this year. What I did know was that if I carried him as a third closer during the month of April those would be saves in the bank that I would look back later on in the season and be thankful for. And sure enough that has happened. I am now within striking distance of the league lead in a counting category. And that is just where I am. Banking stats is one of the smartest strategies any fantasy baseball owner can employ. Always do it with stolen bases and always do it with saves. If I can move from an eight to a 12 in this one category it could be the difference between prize fund money and not finishing in the money.
Some owners do like to double down with starting pitchers
who are getting two starts in a given week. I have not had good luck with this strategy during the 2023 season. It has felt like the pitchers that have gone twice in a given week have had one or more of their starts blow up during that week. It is symptomatic of how unreliable starting pitching is in the game of baseball at this time. But there is a certain common sense to the fact that if you employ a five starting pitcher alongside three relief pitcher configuration you can get the extra starts put to good use that you are losing by putting in the third relief pitcher. There is no mitigating strategy that can reduce this risk for your offense. If you put in a player who has a high number of stolen bases but very low power and low on base percentage and a poor batting average, those things will be exposed. Jorge Mateo is a perfect example of a player who embodies that risk. Because while it's true that he can steal 50 bases in a season he can also put up a 278 on base percentage and go for weeks at a time without hitting a home run.
A Trust Protector is a disinterested individual named in your trust who has the power to amend the trust if necessary. If you have a Revocable Trust, you have complete control while you are living. You can alter the terms, change the trustees and beneficiaries, and even terminate the trust altogether. However, upon your death a Revocable Trust becomes irrevocable, meaning it cannot be further changed or modified. Problems could arise if you missed the opportunity to make an important modification to your trust. For example, if one of your children had a child shortly before your death before you had the chance to provide for them in your trust. Or one of your beneficiaries is
facing bankruptcy, leaving their inheritance vulnerable to their creditors.
It is in these situations where the Trust Protector would step in. A Trust Protector has to be an independent third party and cannot be related or subordinate to you or any trust beneficiaries. The Trust Protector could then modify the trust when your beneficiaries experience major life changes so that the trust more fully complies with your intent. Additionally, changes in the tax or trust laws might arise—the Trust Protector would be able to amend the trust to adapt to these legal changes.
Another important role of the Trust Protector is Trustee oversight. The Trust Protector can approve or veto the Trustee’s investment decisions, review discretionary distributions
BY VINCENT PICA, COMMODORE ON THE SEA First District, Southern Region (D1SR) United States Coast Guard AuxiliaryAnybody who was born prior to, say, 1970, can remember the newscaster/weatherman Tex Antoine, aka, Uncle Weatherby. While weather forecasting is far more reliable than ever before, it pales in our esteem for the mariner that can open the back door, look up, gaze knowingly for a second or two, and pronounce, “nah, we’ll be coming home in a whopper. Tomorrow will be better.” And, sure enough, a half day later, it is pouring…
This is all about that mariner… Clouds are Batteries
Since this column started, we’ve written about the weather and seamanship many times. And, as those columns implied, clouds are batteries that store water and tremendous power. But the history of weather forecasting goes back to the dawn of time and is loaded with old wisdoms (“mare’s tails and mackerel scales make tall-ship captains take in their sails”) and many jokes, (“where else can you be so wrong so often and keep your job!?”) So, where does the weather, and these “sayings”, come from?
Part of the problem of weather forecasting was solved over a hundred years ago by British meteorologist, Luke Howard, when he devised a system of
filled by a non-family member. This opens the door to the possibility of the Trust Protector making changes after your death that you wouldn’t have ever wanted. There are also additional costs to consider since the Trust Protector is entitled to compensation. Consequently, it is important to consult an experienced trusts and estates attorney who can guide you on the costs and benefits of incorporating a Trust Protector into your trust.
made by the Trustee, resolve possible disputes between the Trustee and beneficiaries, and if necessary, remove the Trustee and appoint a successor Trustee. The powers of a Trust Protector can be tailored to your situation.
While a Trust Protector provides greater flexibility in the administration of your trust, it is not always advisable to have one. After all, the Trust Protector wields considerable authority, and the role has to be
Brittni Sullivan, Esq. and Dylan Stevens, Esq. are attorneys at Burner Law Group, P.C. focusing their practice areas on Estate Planning and Elder Law. Burner Law Group P.C. serves clients from Manhattan to the east end of Long Island with offices located in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, New York City and East Hampton.
nomenclature that the rest of the world’s scientists were constantly arguing about. Every country wanted to use its own language and definitions for naming clouds and their effects. Howard came forward using – you guessed it – Latin and the fight was over. Meteorologists the world over accepted his type/sub-type system:
Cirrus (“hair”) – wispy, highlevel clouds that foretell a major weather system on its way (the mare’s tails)
Stratus (“layer”) – these cloud formations have no specific feature except that they only form at specific altitudes (see the diagram)
Cumulus (“pile”) – the puffy clouds that coalesce into the thunderheads we all recognize that then presages the near immediate arrival of a major storm. BTW, the warmer the weather, the bigger they get (pile up into the sky.)
Nimbus (“precipitating”) – we’re all familiar with these. By this time, it’s raining. And the darker they are, the more water they are carrying.
Alto (“high”) – like in music, while it means high, it means the second highest (soprano or treble is higher in music) and cirrus’s and, often, the cumulo’s (thunderheads)
are even higher.
Watching the weather over hours or even days, often subconsciously by that back-door mariner, adds to your skills in predicting the weather. And it is all about the sun, the sea and the land interacting.
The sun heats the land faster than the sea. The warm air rises, taking some moisture from the sea, lakes, creeks and rivers with it, and forms cumulus (puffy) clouds. This vacuum effect then brings in cooler air from the sea to fill the gap created by the rising air over
the land and we have what we call a sea-breeze (“winds are known from whence they blow, currents are known for whence they flow.”)
The opposite effects happen at night, as you might guess. The land cools faster and the process reverses. All this is generally called “convection.” And where convection is occurring, clouds are forming – and they are batteries storing up water and power.
Another sign that weather is approaching is when the sky cover builds and the sea breeze stops… The cloud cover has now gotten
so thick that the sun can’t heat the air underneath the clouds. That’s when someone mutters, “Please, let it rain and clear out this humidity…” The cloud is acting like a blanket – and you know how much you like blankets in the summertime!
Ancient mariners looked for clouds for two reasons. They didn’t know that convection was causing the wind but clouds meant wind. They also meant land. Convection first lines the shoreline with clouds. “Land Ho’!” And it builds from there.
Some more proverbs? See if you can divine why they are true, based on what you now know:
“The moon with a circle brings water in her beak…”
“Rain before seven? Over by eleven.”
“Red sky at morning? Sailor take warning!”
BTW, if you are interested in being part of USCG Forces, email me at joinuscgaux@aol.com or go directly to the US Coast Guard Auxiliary “Flotilla Finder” at http://www.cgaux.org/units.php and we will help you “get in this thing...”
According to the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament Solomon was monarch of ancient Israel and the son and successor of David. He is described as having been the penultimate ruler of a combined Israel and Judah. The dates of Solomon’s reign are believed to be 970-931 BC.
Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem, dedicating it to God. He is portrayed as wealthy, wise, and powerful and as one of the 48 Jewish prophets. In the New Testament he is depicted as a teacher of wisdom excelled by Jesus of Nazareth, and as arrayed in glory but excelled by “the lilies of the field.”
The life of Solomon is primarily described in 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 2 Chronicles. His name means “peaceful” and “friend of God,” both considered foreshadowing the character of his reign.
Solomon was born in Jerusalem, the second born child of David and his wife Bathsheba. The biblical
narrative shows that Solomon served as a peace offering between God and David, due to David’s adulterous relationship with Bathsheba. Some historians cited that Nathan the prophet brought up Solomon, as his father David was busy governing the realm.
Solomon, as instructed by David, began his reign with an extensive purge, including his father’s chief general, Joab, and further consolidated his position by appointing friends throughout his administration, including in religious, civic, and military posts. It is said that Solomon ascended to the throne when he was only fifteen.
He greatly expanded his military strength, especially the calvary and chariot arms. He founded numerous colonies, some of which doubled as trading posts and military outposts. Trade relationships were a focus of his administration. He continued his father’s profitable relationship with the Phoenicians. They sent out joint expeditions to engage in
the trade of luxury products, importing gold, silver, sandalwood, pearls, ivory, apes, and peacocks. Solomon is considered the wealthiest of
the Israelite kings named in the Bible.
Solomon was most famous for his wisdom. In 1 Kings he sacrificed to God and God later
appeared to him in a dream asking what he wanted from Him. Solomon asked for wisdom in order to better rule and guide his people. God was pleased and personally answered his prayer promising him great wisdom because he did not ask for selfserving rewards like material possessions, a long life, or the death of his enemies.
The best-known example of his wisdom is the story of the two women each claiming to be the mother of the same baby. Solomon easily resolved the dispute by commanding the child to be cut in half and shared by the two. One woman promptly renounced her claim, saying that she would rather give up the child than see it killed. Solomon declared her to be the true mother.
Solomon has traditionally been considered the author of several biblical books, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. The ancient Kingdom of Israel gained its highest splendor and wealth during his 40 year reign.
BY NINA JOURAWLEFF
This week’s piece describes a devasted man who finally leaves his wife after enduring years of her short-lived attempts to mend her ways…
WoeisMe! You made our marriage mostly one of misery Lenore; I’m leaving you for good this time— as I can take no more!
So often you had vowed to change your sinful ways but, through the years you’ve broken all the promises you made…
I should’ve left you long ago for then I wouldn’t be the badly broken man that you have made of me—
afraid to ever give my heart away again afraid to ever give my heart away again!
Notice of Formation of ALRS PRODUCTS, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on JUNE 13, 2023. Office located in Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to LEGALCORP SOLUTIONS, LLC, 1060 BROADWAY SUITE 100, ALBANY, NY 12204. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
L15318 – 7/12/2023, 7/19/2023, 7/26/2023, 8/2/2023, 8/9/2023, & 8/16/2023
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, TRUMAN CAPITAL HOLDINGS, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. DOREEN HOFFMAN, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 6, 2018 and an Order Extending Sale Deadline and Other Relief duly entered on September 8, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on August 23, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 163 Roe Avenue, East Patchogue, NY 11772. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at East Patchogue, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200, Section 979.40, Block 11.00 and Lot 005.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $554,909.13 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #070274/2014. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale.
Brian T. Egan, Esq., Referee
Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 211656-1
L15343 – 7/19/2023, 7/26/2023, 8/2/2023 & 8/9/2023
AS TRUSTEE FOR LSRMF MH MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST
II, Plaintiff AGAINST DORA W. CHAN, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 2, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on August 22, 2023 at 4:00PM, premises known as 20 WEST LAKE DRIVE, PATCHOGUE, NY 11772. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Patchogue, in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0204, Section 012.00, Block 04.00, Lot 003.000. Approximate amount of judgment $469,615.02 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610027/2018. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the District and SUFFOLK County Auction Plan in effect at this time.
Only Bank or Certified check payable to the Referee will be accepted for the downpayment. No third party check or cash will be accepted. Andrea Denicola, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 16-003669
L15345 – 7/19/2023, 7/26/2023, 8/2/2023 & 8/9/2023
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK - COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR ELLINGTON LOAN ACQUISITION TRUST
2007-2, MORTGAGE
PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES
2007-2, V.
ANTONIO TYRA A/K/A
ANTONIO R. TYRA, ET. AL.NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated March 13, 2023, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk, wherein HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR ELLINGTON LOAN ACQUISITION TRUST
2007-2, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES
2007-2 is the Plaintiff and ANTONIO TYRA A/K/A ANTONIO R. TYRA, 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 August 24, 2023 at 9:30AM, premises known as 2 CURTIS COURT, MASTIC, NY 11950: District 0200, Section 822.00, Block 05.00, Lot 018.000:
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
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 602429/2018. Patricia Blake, 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.
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, V.
LEWIS GONZALEZ; ET. AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated August 16, 2022, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION is the Plaintiff and LEWIS GONZALEZ; 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 August 29, 2023 at 10:30AM, premises known as 78 ARPAGE DRIVE EAST, SHIRLEY, NY 11967: District 0200, Section 978.80, Block 04.00, Lot 039.000:
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, STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 607739/2019. Annette Eaderesto, 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.
L15381 – 7/26/2023, 8/2/2023, 8/9/2023 &
8/16/2023
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. on Behalf of Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I Inc. Trust 2005-WMC6
Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2005WMC6, Plaintiff AGAINST Eric Golden; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 27, 2022 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on September 6, 2023 at 11:00AM, premises known as 46 Bernstein Blvd., Center Moriches, NY 11934. 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 New York, Section 829.00 Block 02.00 Lot 009.000. Approximate amount of judgment $711,319.28 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 007197/2008. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District.
Barry J. Kushel, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: June 12, 2023
L15390–8/2/2023,8/9/2023, 8/16/2023&8/23/2023
INDEX NO. 605395/2023
Plaintiff designates SUFFOLK as the place of trial situs of the real property
Mortgaged Premises: 31 SHANNON BOULEVARD, YAPHANK, NY 11980
District: 0200, Section: 549.00, Block: 01.00, Lot:
003.002
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC
Plaintiff, vs.
ROBERT R. BRAND, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF HERBERT BRAND; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF HERBERT BRAND, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; RICHARD SACKETT; DEBBIE "DOE" (REFUSED LAST NAME); RICK "DOE" (REFUSED LAST NAME),
"JOHN DOE #4" through "JOHN DOE #12," the last nine names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint,
Defendants.
To the above named Defendants
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.
THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $510,000.00 and interest, recorded on March 15, 2019, in Liber M00023011 at Page 873, of the Public Records of SUFFOLK County, New York., covering premises known as 31 SHANNON BOULEVARD, YAPHANK, NY 11980. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.
SUFFOLK County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the
answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.
Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.
Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.
YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
Dated: July 18, 2023
ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC
Attorney for Plaintiff
Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675
L15392–8/2/2023,8/9/2023, 8/16/2023&8/23/2023
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, Plaintiff AGAINST MICHAEL SIENKIEWICZ AS TRUSTEE OF THE PATRICIA SIENKIEWICZ FAMILY TRUST, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 6, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on September 12, 2023 at 4:00PM, premises known as 34 Hackensack Road, Mastic Beach, NY 11951. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Township of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200
Section 981.90 Block 10.00
Lot 038.000 FKA District 0209 Section 028.00 Block
01.00 Lot 038.000 FKA
District 0200 Section 981.90 Block 06.00 Lot 038.000.
Approximate amount of
judgment $179,400.24 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #606853/2022. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the District and SUFFOLK County Auction Plan in effect at this time. Peter R. McGreevy, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 21-000075 76748
L15400 – 8/9/2023, 8/16/2023, 8/23/2023 & 8/30/2023
Notice is hereby given that a Summer on-premise full liquor restaurant license, Serial #1366806 has been applied for by MGHE LLC to sell beer, wine, cider and liquor at retail in an on premises restaurant. For on premises consumption under the ABC law at 40200 Main Road Orient NY 11957.
L15401 – 8/2/2023 & 8/9/2023
STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
Index No. 205610/2022
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWALT, INC., ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 200519CB, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-19CB, Plaintiff, v.
GARY LEWIS AKA GARY
G. LEWIS, LINDA LEWIS AKA LINDA A. LEWIS AKA LINDA A. SCHOOK, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICES, DELROY NEMBHARD, CLERK OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY TRAFFIC & PARKING VIOLATIONS AGENCY, JOHN DOE Defendants.
To the above named Defendants:
You are hereby summoned to answer the complaint in
this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff's attorneys within thirty days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.
YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of Honorable Christopher Modelewski, Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, signed the 21st day of July, 2023 at Riverhead, New York.
The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage on the following property:
SBL: 0200-966.00-06.00022.000
ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the lying and being at Shirley, in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, and designated as Plot No. 222, as shown on a certain map entitled, "Map
of Shirley, Long Island, Unit N", and filed in the Suffolk County Clerk`s Office on 11/28/55 as Map No. 2485, and being more particularly bounded and described as follows:
BEGINNING at a point on the northerly side of Lama Drive, distant 145 feet westerly from the extreme westerly and of an arc of a curve having a radius of 30 feet, a distance of 47.12 feet, said curve connecting the northerly side of Lama Drive with the westerly side of Alder Lane;
RUNNING THENCE along the northerly side of Lama Drive, North 87 degrees 57 minutes 40 seconds West, 75.00 feet;
THENCE North 2 degrees 02 minutes 20 seconds East 120.00 feet;
THENCE South 87 degrees 57 minutes 40 seconds East 75.00 feet;
THENCE South 2 degrees 02 minutes 20 seconds West 120 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING. The improvements thereon being known as 21 Lama Drive, Shirley, New York11967.
Subject to easements, covenants, and restriction of record. These premises are also known as 21 Lama Drive, Shirley, NY 11967. Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604
L15404–8/2/2023,8/9/2023, 8/16/2023&8/23/2023
INDEX NO. 612691/2018
Plaintiff designates SUFFOLK as the place of trial situs of the real property
Mortgaged Premises: 8 NEW ROAD, LAKE RONKONKOMA A/K/A RONKONKOMA, NY 11779
District: 0200, Section: 620.00, Block: 02.00, Lot: 019.000
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC
Plaintiff, vs.
ROBERT J. BAGLIORE, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF TERESA BAGLIORE; CHRISTOPHER J. BAGLIORE, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF TERESA BAGLIORE; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES TO THE ESTATE OF TERESA BAGLIORE, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; CITIMORTGAGE, INC.; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
"JOHN DOE #1" through "JOHN DOE #12," the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.
To the above named Defendants
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of
the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.
THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $262,032.00 and interest, recorded on March 26, 2007, in Liber M00021502 at Page 298, of the Public Records of SUFFOLK County, New York., covering premises known as 8 NEW ROAD, LAKE RONKONKOMA A/K/A RONKONKOMA, NY 11779.
The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.
SUFFOLK County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.
Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and
protect your property.
Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.
YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
Dated: July 18, 2023
ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC
Attorney for Plaintiff
Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675
L15405–8/2/2023,8/9/2023, 8/16/2023&8/23/2023
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that acquisitions have been proposed and contracts prepared under the New Suffolk County ¼% Drinking Water Protection Program-Open SpacePayGo as follows:
SITE Patchogue River
TAX MAP NO. 0200-973.10-02.00-036.000
OWNER Interstate Home Loan Center, Inc.
Copies of the proposed contracts can be seen at the office of the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning, Division of Real Property Acquisition and Management, H. Lee Dennison Building, 2nd Floor, Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, New York. The undersigned will hold a final public hearing of this acquisition, pursuant to Section 247 of the N.Y.S. General Municipal Law, at the Division of Real Property Acquisition and Management on the 17th day of August, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., at which time all interested persons will be heard.
Michael Brown Acquisition Unit SupervisorDated: July 28, 2023 Hauppauge, N.Y.
L15411–8/9/2023
LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER No. 887, EXTENDING LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER Nos. 750, 753, 756, 759, 762, 765, 768, 771, 774, 777, 781, 785, 789, 793, 797, 801, 805, 809, 813, 817, 822, 827, 832, 837, 842, 847, 852, 857, 862, 867, 872, 877 and 882 UNDER § 24 OF ARTICLE
2-B OF THE EXECUTIVE LAW
Local Emergency Order:
Extending the date for the submission of the County’s Multi-Year Financial Plan
I, Steven Bellone, the Chief Executive of Suffolk County, in accordance with a Proclamation of a State of Emergency issued on September 11, 2022, and continued on October 11, 2022, November 10, 2022, December 10, 2022, January 9, 2023, February 8, 2023, March 10, 2023, April 9, 2023, May 9, 2023, June 8, 2023 and July 8, 2023 pursuant to Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law and my power thereunder to suspend any local laws, ordinances, or regulations, do hereby:
Order, that due to the continuing threat to the public health, safety and welfare of Suffolk County residents and visitors posed by the cybersecurity event and the resultant unprecedented and evolving diversion of County resources to address emergency measures, the date for the submission and adoption of the County’s Multi-year financial plan is suspended as follows:
Section A4-1 (B) of the Suffolk County Administrative Code requiring submission of a four-year financial plan no later than 60 days after the adoption of the County expense budget shall be extended until 60 days following the cessation of the declared State of Emergency in Suffolk County; and
All associated actions required by section A4-1 of the Suffolk County Administrative Code shall be extended accordingly; and further
Order, that all Suffolk County Departments, Agencies, and Divisions or other duly authorized law enforcement agencies take whatever steps are necessary to assist in performing such emergency measures as deemed necessary; and further order that
This order shall cease to be in effect five (5) days after promulgation or upon declaration by the County Executive that the state of emergency no longer exists, whichever occurs sooner. The County Executive nevertheless, may extend such orders for additional periods not to exceed five (5) days each during the pendency of the local state of emergency. Failure to obey this order is a criminal offense, punishable by law under New York State Executive Law § 24 (5).
Date: July 28, 2023
Hauppauge, New York.
Steven Bellone County Executive
L15413–8/9/2023
LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER No. 888, EXTENDING LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER Nos. 682, 688, 694, 701, 708, 715, 722, 729, 736, 739, 742, 745, 748, 751, 754, 757, 760, 763, 766, 769, 772, 775, 778, 782, 786, 790, 794, 798, 802, 806, 810, 814, 818, 823, 828, 833, 838, 843, 848, 853, 858, 863, 868, 873, 878 and 883 UNDER § 24 OF ARTICLE 2-B OF THE EXECUTIVE LAW
Local Emergency Order:
Ordering the temporary reassignment of certain information technology employees in the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office
I, Steven Bellone, the Chief Executive of Suffolk County, in accordance with a Proclamation of a State of Emergency issued on September 11, 2022, and continued on October 11, 2022, November 10, 2022, December 10, 2022,
January 9, 2023, February 8, 2023, March 10, 2023, April 9, 2023, May 9, 2023, June 8, 2023 and July 8, 2023 pursuant to Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law and the authority granted to County Executives under Section 25 of the New York State Executive Law to use any and all facilities, equipment, supplies, personnel and other resources of the County in such manner as may be necessary or appropriate to cope with the local emergency, do hereby:
Order, that the local emergency caused by the recent cyberattack can be addressed more efficiently and effectively through the temporary reassignment of all information technology employees in the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office to the Department of Information Technology, so as to enable the County to have a cohesive and unified cybersecurity incident response under the leadership of one team. This team is led by the unified command of the Chief Deputy County Executive, the Department of Information Technology (DOIT) Commissioner, the Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) Commissioner, and the Police Department Commissioner, who are directly coordinating with the County’s incident response vendor Palo Alto Unit 42 and restoration and recovery vendor Fenix 24.
This order shall cease to be in effect five (5) days after promulgation or upon declaration by the County Executive that the state of emergency no longer exists, whichever occurs sooner. The County Executive, nevertheless, may extend such orders for additional periods not to exceed five (5) days each during the pendency of the local state of emergency. Failure to obey this order is a criminal offense, punishable by law under New York State Executive Law § 24(5).
Date: July 28, 2023 Hauppauge, New York.
Steven Bellone County Executive L15414–8/9/2023
LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER No. 889, EXTENDING LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER
Nos. 647, 651, 655, 658, 662, 667, 672, 677, 683, 689, 695, 702, 709, 716, 723, 730, 737, 743, 746, 749, 752, 755, 758, 761, 764, 767, 770, 773, 776, 779, 783, 787, 791, 795, 799, 803, 807, 811, 815, 819, 824, 829, 834, 839, 844, 849, 854, 859, 864, 869, 874, 879 and 884 UNDER § 24 OF ARTICLE 2-B OF THE EXECUTIVE LAW
Local Emergency Order: Ordering the suspension of local procurement laws, rules and regulations
I, Steven Bellone, the Chief Executive of Suffolk County, in accordance with a Proclamation of a State of Emergency issued on September 11, 2022, and continued on October 11, 2022, November 10, 2022, December 10, 2022, January 9, 2023, February 8, 2023, March 10, 2023, April 9, 2023, May 9, 2023, June 8, 2023 and July 8, 2023 pursuant to Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law and my power thereunder to suspend any local laws, ordinances, or regulations, do hereby:
Order, that due to the continuing threat to the public health, safety and welfare of Suffolk County residents and visitors posed by the cyber-security event and the need to suspend certain technology in order to determine the extent of the cyber-security threat, and in accordance with §103 (4) of the NY General Municipal Law, Local Emergency Order Nos. 647, 651, 655, 658, 662, 667, 672, 677, 683, 689, 695, 702, 709, 716, 723, 730, 737, 743, 746, 749, 752, 755, 758, 761, 764, 767, 770, 773, 776, 779, 783, 787, 791, 795, 799, 803, 807, 811, 815, 819, 824, 829, 834, 839, 844, 849, 854, 859, 864, 869, 874, 879 and 884 are extended and the following procurementrelated laws, regulations and rules are suspended as I deem necessary to expedite procurement of anything related to resolving the cyber-security event and procurement that is otherwise dependent on County technology and cannot be postponed until
the event is resolved:
Suffolk County Code:
• Chapters 1065 and 189
• Article IV sections A 4-13 and 14
• Article V section A5-1
• Charter sections C5-2 (C) and (L)
• Section A5-8, Chap. 575, Chap. 803, Chap. 353 and Local Law 41-2013 to the extent that they require execution of documentation of compliance
• All related procurement laws, rules, and regulations required to comply with this Order; and further
Order that the County Executive or his designees shall continue to have the authority to enter into any contract deemed necessary to address the threat posed by the cyber-security event.
Order, that all Suffolk County Departments, Agencies, and Divisions or other duly authorized law enforcement agencies take whatever steps are necessary to assist in performing such emergency measures as deemed necessary.
This order shall cease to be in effect five (5) days after promulgation or upon declaration by the County Executive that the state of emergency no longer exists, whichever occurs sooner. The County Executive nevertheless, may extend such orders for additional periods not to exceed five (5) days each during the pendency of the local state of emergency. Failure to obey this order is a criminal offense, punishable by law under New York State Executive Law § 24(5).
Date: July 28, 2023
Hauppauge
Steven Bellone County Executive
L15416–8/9/2023
LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER No. 890, EXTENDING LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER
No. 820, 825, 830, 835, 840, 845, 850, 855, 860, 865, 870, 875, 880 and 885 UNDER § 24 OF ARTICLE 2-B OF THE EXECUTIVE LAW
Local Emergency Order:
Extending the date for
public hearing and adoption of the County’s Proposed Capital Program
I, Steven Bellone, the Chief Executive of Suffolk County, in accordance with a Proclamation of a State of Emergency issued on September 11, 2022 and continued on October 11, 2022, November 10, 2022, December 10, 2022, January 9, 2023, February 8, 2023, March 10, 2023, April 9, 2023, May 9, 2023, June 8, 2023 and July 8, 2023 pursuant to Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law and my power thereunder to suspend any local laws, ordinances, or regulations, do hereby:
Order, as the proposed capital budget was filed on May 23, 2023, in accordance with Local Emergency Order No. 816 suspending Section C4-16 of the Suffolk County Charter requiring submission of a proposed capital program and related documents to the County Legislature on or before the 15th day of April until the 23rd day of May, 2023; and due to the continuing threat to the public health, safety and welfare of Suffolk County residents and visitors posed by the cyber-security event and the resultant unprecedented and evolving diversion of County resource to address emergency measures, and the inability to timely access certain data, the date(s) for public hearing and adoption of the County’s Proposed Capital Program is suspended as follows:
Section C4-19 of the County Charter regarding adoption of the Capital Program not less than two weeks after the public hearing required by § C4-18 and not later than the 30th day of June is hereby suspended and such hearing shall take place no later than the 31st day of July 2023; and further
Order, that all Suffolk County Departments, Agencies, and Divisions or other duly authorized law enforcement agencies take whatever steps are necessary to assist in performing such emergency measures as deemed necessary; and further order that
This order shall cease to
be in effect five (5) days after promulgation or upon declaration by the County Executive that the state of emergency no longer exists, whichever occurs sooner.
The County Executive nevertheless, may extend such orders for additional periods not to exceed five (5) days each during the pendency of the local state of emergency. Failure to obey this order is a criminal offense, punishable by law under New York State Executive Law § 24 (5).
Date: July 28, 2023 Hauppauge, New York.
Steven Bellone County Executive
L15417–8/9/2023
LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER No. 891, EXTENDING LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER Nos. 821, 826, 831, 836, 841, 846, 851, 856, 861, 866, 871, 876, 881 and 886 UNDER § 24 OF ARTICLE 2-B OF THE EXECUTIVE LAW
Local Emergency Order: Allowing the County to quickly respond to the potential arrival of asylum seekers
I, Steven Bellone, Suffolk County Executive, in accordance with a Proclamation of a Local State of Emergency issued on May 26, 2023, June 25, 2023 and July 25, 2023 do hereby find and order as follows:
Whereas, on August 2, 2021 the Federal Government issued an Order pursuant to 42 U.S.C. secs. 362 and 365 (the “Title 42 Order”) prohibiting migration into the United States by “covered noncitizens” traveling from Canada or Mexico; and
Whereas, the Title 42 Order expired on May 11, 2023 and upon its expiration, an anticipated surge of migration into the United States commenced resulting with the imminent arrival of individuals into New York State at an increased rate; and
Whereas, the State of New York has moved forward to tackle the housing crisis in a coordinated fashion by identifying suitable state and
federal locations to provide temporary shelter; and
Whereas, the State of New York has communicated that financial resources shall be provided to cover expenses relating to services and costs associated with the relocation and housing of said asylum seekers; and
Whereas, Suffolk County recognizes that the United States of America is a nation of immigrants and that our immigrant communities today contribute significantly to our vibrancy and prosperity.
Now, therefore, I, Steven Bellone, Suffolk County Executive by the power vested in me by the Suffolk County Charter and the Laws of the State of New York and pursuant to Section 24 of Article 2-B of the New York State Executive Law, do hereby temporarily suspend or modify any statute, local law, resolution, order, rule or regulation or parts thereof, if compliance with such statute, local law, resolution, order, rule or regulation would prevent, hinder or delay action necessary to assist, aid or cope with the aforementioned State of Emergency, and I hereby order the following:
A. The formation of an intergovernmental team (the “intergovernmental team”) that includes the Chief Deputy County Executive, which shall coordinate with the State of New York in relation to activities pursued by the State of New York involving the subject migrant population. The intergovernmental team will also communicate and coordinate with local notfor-profit organizations regarding resources that are available to assist in meeting the challenges faced by those impacted by this ongoing situation.
B. All County Departments are authorized to continue to communicate and work with the State of New York in conjunction and coordination with the County’s intergovernmental team regarding the temporary housing of individuals who are documented and legally released into the United States and are on the path to
become eligible to enter the workforce; provided that:
a. A “Lead Agency” or “Agent” has been designated by the Governor of the State of New York; and
b. The Lead Agency or Agent has expressed specific and quantifiable resources available to provide for the temporary housing of asylum seekers; and
c. The State of New York authorizes and releases the necessary financial resources for all costs associated with relocation and temporary housing of asylum seekers; and
C. No hotel, motel, owner of a multiple dwelling, or shelter in Suffolk County is permitted to contract or otherwise engage in business with any other municipality (an “external municipality”) without the permission or coordination of the County of Suffolk and/or the State of New York for the purpose of providing housing or accommodations for asylum seekers. This prohibition extends to any person or entity participating in an external municipality’s government program, or a contract or service funded by an external municipality or acting on behalf of any external municipality.
D. In order to effectuate Suffolk County’s role in this emergency, all procurement policies for the purchase of equipment, supplies or contracts, relating to this emergency, are suspended, specifically: Suffolk County Code Chapters 1065 and 189; Article IV sections A 4-13 and 14; Article V section A5-1; Charter section C5-2 (C) and (L); and Section A5-8, Chap. 575, Chap. 803, Chap. 353 and Local Law 41-2013 to the extent that they require execution of documentation of compliance; and all related procurement laws, rules, and regulations required to comply with this Emergency Order.
E. Regardless of any other remedy or relief brought by the County for any violation, the County Executive is authorized to direct the County Attorney to commence actions or proceedings in the name
of the County, in a court of competent jurisdiction, to abate any violation or, or to enforce any provision of this Emergency Order.
F. Remedies Not Exclusive.
a. No remedy or penalty specified in this Emergency Order shall be the exclusive remedy or remedy available to address any violation described in this Executive Order.
b. Each remedy or penalty specified in the Emergency Order shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or limitation of, the other remedies or penalties specified in this Emergency Order or in any other applicable law.
c. Any remedy or penalty specified in this section may be pursued at any time, whether prior to, simultaneously with, or after the pursuit of any other remedy or penalty specified in the Emergency Order or in any other applicable law.
d. In particular, but not by way of limitation, each remedy and penalty specified in this section shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or limitation of, the penalties specified in New York Executive Law Section 24, and any remedy or penalty specified in this section may be pursued at any time, whether prior to, simultaneously with, or after the pursuit of any penalty specified in New York Executive Law Section 24.
G. Effective Date
This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.
And I further order, that all Suffolk County Departments, Agencies, and Divisions or other duly authorized law enforcement agencies take whatever steps are necessary to assist in performing such emergency measures as deemed necessary; and further order that
This order shall cease to be in effect five (5) days after promulgation or upon declaration by the County Executive that the state of emergency no longer exists, whichever occurs sooner. The County Executive
nevertheless, may extend such orders for additional periods not to exceed five (5) days each during the pendency of the local state of emergency. Failure to obey this order is a criminal offense, punishable by law under New York State Executive Law § 24(5).
Date: July 28, 2023
Hauppauge, New York.
Steven Bellone County Executive
L15418–8/9/2023
REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLK
HSBC BANK
USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS
TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE DEUTSCHE ALT-A SECURITIES, INC.
MORTGAGE LOAN
TRUST, MORTGAGE
PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATE SERIES
2007-OA4, Plaintiff - against - ROSEMARY IMBESI, et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on February 1, 2019. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on the 7th day of September, 2023 at 10:00 AM. 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 Patchogue, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk.
Premises known as 240 North Ocean Avenue, Patchogue, New York 11772. (District: 0204, Section: 005.00, Block: 04.00, Lot: 029.000)
Approximate amount of lien $707,151.36 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 607523/2016.
Daniel J. Murphy, 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: July 5, 2023
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.
L15419–8/9/2023,8/16/2023, 8/23/2023&8/30/2023
NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION
CENTER MORICHES FIRE DISTRICT, IN THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK
SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Election of the qualified voters of the Center Moriches Fire District (hereinafter called the “Fire District”), in the Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York, will be held at the firehouse located at 301 Main Street, Center Moriches, New York, in said Fire District, on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. The polls shall open at 12:00 o’clock Noon (Prevailing Time) and shall remain open until 9:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) or as much longer as may be necessary to enable the voters then present to cast their votes.
NOTICE IS HEREBY
FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Fire District on July 24, 2023, the following Proposition will be submitted to the qualified voters of the Fire District for approval or disapproval:
PROPOSITION
SHALL the bond resolution of Center Moriches Fire District, in the Town of Brookhaven, New York, entitled: “BOND RESOLUTION OF THE
CENTER MORICHES FIRE DISTRICT (“FIRE DISTRICT”), IN THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK, ADOPTED JULY 24, 2023, AUTHORIZING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW TWO-STORY ADDITION TO THE EXISTING FIREHOUSE OF THE FIRE DISTRICT LOCATED AT 301 MAIN STREET, CENTER MORICHES, AS FURTHER DESCRIBED IN A PLAN PREPARED FOR THE FIRE DISTRICT BY MARTIN F. SENDLEWSKI, A.I.A. ARCHITECT-PLANNER, RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK, INCLUDING THE PURCHASE OF ORIGINAL FURNISHINGS, EQUIPMENT, MACHINERY OR APPARATUS AND ANY ANCILLARY OR RELATED SITE, DEMOLITION AND OTHER WORK REQUIRED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH (“PROJECT”); STATING THE ESTIMATED MAXIMUM, COST THEREOF IS NOT TO EXCEED $18,400,000, INCLUDING PRELIMINARY COSTS AND COSTS INCIDENTAL THERETO AND TO THE FINANCING THEREOF; APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT FOR SUCH PURPOSE, INCLUDING THE EXPENDITURE OF $500,000 FROM THE EXISTING “CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT RESERVE FUND” HERETOFORE ESTABLISHED, WHICH IS HEREBY APPROVED; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS OF THE FIRE DISTRICT IN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $17,900,000 TO FINANCE A PART OF SAID APPROPRIATION; DETERMINING THAT THE PERIOD OF PROBABLE USEFULNESS OF SAID PROJECT IS THIRTY (30) YEARS; DETERMINING THAT, PURSUANT TO THE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW ACT (“SEQRA”), THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS, ACTING AS LEAD AGENCY, HAS DETERMINED THAT
THE PROJECT IS AN UNLISTED ACTION AND A NEGATIVE DECLARATION HAS BEEN ISSUED AND FILED AND PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY OF TAXES TO BE COLLECTED TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON SAID BONDS,” BE APPROVED?
All residents of the Fire District who were duly registered to vote with the Suffolk County Board of Elections on or before August 21, 2023, shall be eligible to vote at said Special Election.
The Election Inspectors shall meet at the firehouse located at 301 Main Street, Center Moriches, New York, in said Fire District, on August 21, 2023 at 7:00 o’clock P.M. to commence preparation of the register of those persons eligible to vote in such Special Election. In accordance with said Section 175-a of the Town Law, only those persons registered with the Board of Elections of the County on or before August 21, 2023 will be entitled to vote at such Special Election.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
DATED: July 24, 2023
Michael Schlosberg FIRE DISTRICT SECRETARYL15420–8/9/2023
LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER No. 892, EXTENDING LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER Nos. 750, 753, 756, 759, 762, 765, 768, 771, 774, 777, 781, 785, 789, 793, 797, 801, 805, 809, 813, 817, 822, 827, 832, 837, 842, 847, 852, 857, 862, 867, 872, 877, 882 and 887 UNDER § 24 OF ARTICLE 2-B OF THE EXECUTIVE LAW
Local Emergency Order: Extending the date for the submission of the County’s Multi-Year Financial Plan
I, Steven Bellone, the Chief Executive of Suffolk County, in accordance with a Proclamation of a State of Emergency issued on September 11, 2022, and continued on October 11, 2022, November 10, 2022, December 10, 2022, January 9, 2023, February 8, 2023, March 10, 2023, April 9,
2023, May 9, 2023, June 8, 2023 and July 8, 2023 pursuant to Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law and my power thereunder to suspend any local laws, ordinances, or regulations, do hereby:
Order, that due to the continuing threat to the public health, safety and welfare of Suffolk County residents and visitors posed by the cybersecurity event and the resultant unprecedented and evolving diversion of County resources to address emergency measures, the date for the submission and adoption of the County’s Multi-year financial plan is suspended as follows:
Section A4-1 (B) of the Suffolk County Administrative Code requiring submission of a four-year financial plan no later than 60 days after the adoption of the County expense budget shall be extended until 60 days following the cessation of the declared State of Emergency in Suffolk County; and
All associated actions required by section A4-1 of the Suffolk County Administrative Code shall be extended accordingly; and further
Order, that all Suffolk County Departments, Agencies, and Divisions or other duly authorized law enforcement agencies take whatever steps are necessary to assist in performing such emergency measures as deemed necessary; and further order that
This order shall cease to be in effect five (5) days after promulgation or upon declaration by the County Executive that the state of emergency no longer exists, whichever occurs sooner. The County Executive nevertheless, may extend such orders for additional periods not to exceed five (5) days each during the pendency of the local state of emergency. Failure to obey this order is a criminal offense, punishable by law under New York State Executive Law § 24 (5).
Date: August 2, 2023
Hauppauge, New York.
Steven Bellone County ExecutiveL15421–8/9/2023
LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER No. 893, EXTENDING LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER Nos. 682, 688, 694, 701, 708, 715, 722, 729, 736, 739, 742, 745, 748, 751, 754, 757, 760, 763, 766, 769, 772, 775, 778, 782, 786, 790, 794, 798, 802, 806, 810, 814, 818, 823, 828, 833, 838, 843, 848, 853, 858, 863, 868, 873, 878, 883 and 888 UNDER § 24 OF ARTICLE 2-B OF THE EXECUTIVE LAW
Local Emergency Order: Ordering the temporary reassignment of certain information technology employees in the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office
I, Steven Bellone, the Chief Executive of Suffolk County, in accordance with a Proclamation of a State of Emergency issued on September 11, 2022, and continued on October 11, 2022, November 10, 2022, December 10, 2022, January 9, 2023, February 8, 2023, March 10, 2023, April 9, 2023, May 9, 2023, June 8, 2023 and July 8, 2023 pursuant to Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law and the authority granted to County Executives under Section 25 of the New York State Executive Law to use any and all facilities, equipment, supplies, personnel and other resources of the County in such manner as may be necessary or appropriate to cope with the local emergency, do hereby:
Order, that the local emergency caused by the recent cyberattack can be addressed more efficiently and effectively through the temporary reassignment of all information technology employees in the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office to the Department of Information Technology, so as to enable the County to have a cohesive and unified cybersecurity incident response under the leadership of one team. This team is led by the unified command of the Chief Deputy County Executive, the Department of Information Technology (DOIT) Commissioner,
the Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) Commissioner, and the Police Department Commissioner, who are directly coordinating with the County’s incident response vendor Palo Alto Unit 42 and restoration and recovery vendor Fenix 24.
This order shall cease to be in effect five (5) days after promulgation or upon declaration by the County Executive that the state of emergency no longer exists, whichever occurs sooner. The County Executive, nevertheless, may extend such orders for additional periods not to exceed five (5) days each during the pendency of the local state of emergency. Failure to obey this order is a criminal offense, punishable by law under New York State Executive Law § 24(5).
Date: August 2, 2023 Hauppauge, New York.
Steven Bellone County Executive
L15422–8/9/2023
LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER No. 894, EXTENDING LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER
Nos. 647, 651, 655, 658, 662, 667, 672, 677, 683, 689, 695, 702, 709, 716, 723, 730, 737, 743, 746, 749, 752, 755, 758, 761, 764, 767, 770, 773, 776, 779, 783, 787, 791, 795, 799, 803, 807, 811, 815, 819, 824, 829, 834, 839, 844, 849, 854, 859, 864, 869, 874, 879, 884 and 889 UNDER § 24 OF ARTICLE 2-B OF THE EXECUTIVE LAW
Local Emergency Order:
Ordering the suspension of local procurement laws, rules and regulations
I, Steven Bellone, the Chief Executive of Suffolk County, in accordance with a Proclamation of a State of Emergency issued on September 11, 2022, and continued on October 11, 2022, November 10, 2022, December 10, 2022, January 9, 2023, February 8, 2023, March 10, 2023, April 9, 2023, May 9, 2023, June 8, 2023 and July 8, 2023 pursuant to Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law and my power thereunder to suspend any
local laws, ordinances, or regulations, do hereby:
Order, that due to the continuing threat to the public health, safety and welfare of Suffolk County residents and visitors posed by the cyber-security event and the need to suspend certain technology in order to determine the extent of the cyber-security threat, and in accordance with §103 (4) of the NY General Municipal Law, Local Emergency Order Nos. 647, 651, 655, 658, 662, 667, 672, 677, 683, 689, 695, 702, 709, 716, 723, 730, 737, 743, 746, 749, 752, 755, 758, 761, 764, 767, 770, 773, 776, 779, 783, 787, 791, 795, 799, 803, 807, 811, 815, 819, 824, 829, 834, 839, 844, 849, 854, 859, 864, 869, 874, 87, 884 and 889 are extended and the following procurementrelated laws, regulations and rules are suspended as I deem necessary to expedite procurement of anything related to resolving the cyber-security event and procurement that is otherwise dependent on County technology and cannot be postponed until the event is resolved:
Suffolk County Code:
• Chapters 1065 and 189
• Article IV sections A 4-13 and 14
• Article V section A5-1
• Charter sections C5-2 (C) and (L)
• Section A5-8, Chap. 575, Chap. 803, Chap. 353 and Local Law 41-2013 to the extent that they require execution of documentation of compliance
• All related procurement laws, rules, and regulations required to comply with this Order; and further
Order that the County Executive or his designees shall continue to have the authority to enter into any contract deemed necessary to address the threat posed by the cyber-security event.
Order, that all Suffolk County Departments, Agencies, and Divisions or other duly authorized law enforcement agencies take whatever steps are necessary to assist in performing such emergency measures as deemed necessary.
This order shall cease to be in effect five (5) days after promulgation or upon
declaration by the County Executive that the state of emergency no longer exists, whichever occurs sooner.
The County Executive nevertheless, may extend such orders for additional periods not to exceed five (5) days each during the pendency of the local state of emergency. Failure to obey this order is a criminal offense, punishable by law under New York State Executive Law § 24(5).
Date: August 2, 2023 Hauppauge
Steven Bellone County Executive
L15423–8/9/2023
LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER No. 895, EXTENDING LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER Nos. 821, 826, 831, 836, 841, 846, 851, 856, 861, 866, 871, 876, 881, 886 and 891 UNDER § 24 OF ARTICLE 2-B OF THE EXECUTIVE LAW
Local Emergency Order:
Allowing the County to quickly respond to the potential arrival of asylum seekers
I, Steven Bellone, Suffolk County Executive, in accordance with a Proclamation of a Local State of Emergency issued on May 26, 2023, June 25, 2023 and July 25, 2023 do hereby find and order as follows:
Whereas, on August 2, 2021 the Federal Government issued an Order pursuant to 42 U.S.C. secs. 362 and 365 (the “Title 42 Order”) prohibiting migration into the United States by “covered noncitizens” traveling from Canada or Mexico; and
Whereas, the Title 42 Order expired on May 11, 2023 and upon its expiration, an anticipated surge of migration into the United States commenced resulting with the imminent arrival of individuals into New York State at an increased rate; and
Whereas, the State of New York has moved forward to tackle the housing crisis in a coordinated fashion by identifying suitable state and federal locations to provide
temporary shelter; and
Whereas, the State of New York has communicated that financial resources shall be provided to cover expenses relating to services and costs associated with the relocation and housing of said asylum seekers; and
Whereas, Suffolk County recognizes that the United States of America is a nation of immigrants and that our immigrant communities today contribute significantly to our vibrancy and prosperity.
Now, therefore, I, Steven Bellone, Suffolk County Executive by the power vested in me by the Suffolk County Charter and the Laws of the State of New York and pursuant to Section 24 of Article 2-B of the New York State Executive Law, do hereby temporarily suspend or modify any statute, local law, resolution, order, rule or regulation or parts thereof, if compliance with such statute, local law, resolution, order, rule or regulation would prevent, hinder or delay action necessary to assist, aid or cope with the aforementioned State of Emergency, and I hereby order the following:
A. The formation of an intergovernmental team (the “intergovernmental team”) that includes the Chief Deputy County Executive, which shall coordinate with the State of New York in relation to activities pursued by the State of New York involving the subject migrant population. The intergovernmental team will also communicate and coordinate with local notfor-profit organizations regarding resources that are available to assist in meeting the challenges faced by those impacted by this ongoing situation.
B. All County Departments are authorized to continue to communicate and work with the State of New York in conjunction and coordination with the County’s intergovernmental team regarding the temporary housing of individuals who are documented and legally released into the United States and are on the path to become eligible to enter the
workforce; provided that:
a. A “Lead Agency” or “Agent” has been designated by the Governor of the State of New York; and
b. The Lead Agency or Agent has expressed specific and quantifiable resources available to provide for the temporary housing of asylum seekers; and
c. The State of New York authorizes and releases the necessary financial resources for all costs associated with relocation and temporary housing of asylum seekers; and
C. No hotel, motel, owner of a multiple dwelling, or shelter in Suffolk County is permitted to contract or otherwise engage in business with any other municipality (an “external municipality”) without the permission or coordination of the County of Suffolk and/or the State of New York for the purpose of providing housing or accommodations for asylum seekers. This prohibition extends to any person or entity participating in an external municipality’s government program, or a contract or service funded by an external municipality or acting on behalf of any external municipality.
D. In order to effectuate Suffolk County’s role in this emergency, all procurement policies for the purchase of equipment, supplies or contracts, relating to this emergency, are suspended, specifically: Suffolk County Code Chapters 1065 and 189; Article IV sections A 4-13 and 14; Article V section A5-1; Charter section C5-2 (C) and (L); and Section A5-8, Chap. 575, Chap. 803, Chap. 353 and Local Law 41-2013 to the extent that they require execution of documentation of compliance; and all related procurement laws, rules, and regulations required to comply with this Emergency Order.
E. Regardless of any other remedy or relief brought by the County for any violation, the County Executive is authorized to direct the County Attorney to commence actions or proceedings in the name of the County, in a court of
competent jurisdiction, to abate any violation or, or to enforce any provision of this Emergency Order.
F. Remedies Not Exclusive.
a. No remedy or penalty specified in this Emergency Order shall be the exclusive remedy or remedy available to address any violation described in this Executive Order.
b. Each remedy or penalty specified in the Emergency Order shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or limitation of, the other remedies or penalties specified in this Emergency Order or in any other applicable law.
c. Any remedy or penalty specified in this section may be pursued at any time, whether prior to, simultaneously with, or after the pursuit of any other remedy or penalty specified in the Emergency Order or in any other applicable law.
d. In particular, but not by way of limitation, each remedy and penalty specified in this section shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or limitation of, the penalties specified in New York Executive Law Section 24, and any remedy or penalty specified in this section may be pursued at any time, whether prior to, simultaneously with, or after the pursuit of any penalty specified in New York Executive Law Section 24.
G. Effective Date
This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.
And I further order, that all Suffolk County Departments, Agencies, and Divisions or other duly authorized law enforcement agencies take whatever steps are necessary to assist in performing such emergency measures as deemed necessary; and further order that
This order shall cease to be in effect five (5) days after promulgation or upon declaration by the County Executive that the state of emergency no longer exists, whichever occurs sooner. The County Executive nevertheless, may extend
such orders for additional periods not to exceed five (5) days each during the pendency of the local state of emergency. Failure to obey this order is a criminal offense, punishable by law under New York State Executive Law § 24(5).
Date: August 2, 2023 Hauppauge, New York.
Steven Bellone County Executive
L15424–8/9/2023
TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Bids will be received and publicly opened and read aloud in the Town of Brookhaven Town Hall Lobby located at the Brookhaven Town Office Complex, One Independence Hill, Farmingville, New York, 11738, for the following project on the date as indicated at 11:00 am:
BID #23077
TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN OAKLAWN AVENUE RECHARGE BASIN PROJECT
BID DUE DATE: AUGUST 31, 2023
Specifications for the abovereferenced bid will be available beginning August 10, 2023.
Preferred Method
• Access website: Municipal Market | Brookhaven, NY (brookhavenny.gov): click on link for Bids.
• Follow directions to register and download document.
• Questions must be submitted in writing to the following e-mail: PurchasingGroup@ brookhavenny.gov
The Town of Brookhaven
reserves the right to reject and declare invalid any or all bids and to waive any informalities or irregularities in the proposals received, all in the best interests of the Town.
The Town of Brookhaven welcomes and encourages minority and women-owned businesses and HUD Section 3 businesses to participate in the bidding process.
Town of Brookhaven Purchasing Division
Kathleen C. Koppenhoefer, Deputy Commissioner (631) 451-6252
L15425–8/9/2023
TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
Proposals will be received by Town of Brookhaven, Purchasing Division, One Independence Hill, 3rd Floor, Farmingville, NY, 11738 for:
Request for Proposals (RFP) 23-10
The Division of Purchasing is on behalf of the Highway Department, Division of Stormwater is soliciting proposals from qualified firms / proposers to provide engineering services for the design and construction of a new recharge basin located on Prince Road in the hamlet of Rocky Point
Proposal Due Date: September 7, 2023 by 4:30 PM
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLRFP1985 awarded to the Town of Brookhaven by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
The RFP specifications are
available August 10, 2023 and may be obtained on:
• Municipal Market | Brookhaven, NY (brookhavenny.gov): click RFP link.
• Follow directions to register and download document.
• Questions must be submitted in writing by e-mail to: PurchasingGroup@ brookhavenny.gov
The Town of Brookhaven reserves the right to reject and declare invalid any or all proposals and to waive any informalities or irregularities in the proposals received, all in the best interests of the Town. The Town of Brookhaven welcomes and encourages minorities and women-owned businesses and HUD Section 3 businesses to participate.
For additional information call (631) 451-6252
LATE PROPOSALS WILL BE REJECTED
L15426–8/9/2023
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Sealed Bids will be received, publicly opened and read aloud at 11:00 a.m. in the Town Hall Lobby of the Town of Brookhaven, One Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, for the following item(s) on the dates indicated:
Bid #23078 – Annual Playground & Shade Shelter Installation Contract--August 24, 2023
Bid #23079 – Heavy Equipment, OEM PartsRebid---August 24, 2023
Specifications for the abovereferenced bids will be available beginning August 10, 2023.
Preferred Method
• Access website: Municipal Market | Brookhaven, NY (brookhavenny.gov): click
on link for Bids.
• Follow directions to register and download document.
• Questions must be submitted in writing to the following e-mail: PurchasingGroup@ brookhavenny.gov
The Town of Brookhaven reserves the right to reject and declare invalid any or all bids and to waive any informalities or irregularities in the proposals received, all in the best interests of the Town. The Town of Brookhaven welcomes and encourages minorities and women-owned businesses and HUD Section 3 businesses to participate in the bidding process.
Further information can be obtained by calling (631) 451-6252
Kathleen C. Koppenhoefer Deputy Commissioner TOWN OF BROOKHAVENL15427–8/9/2023
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Suffolk County. RON KING CORP., Plaintiff, -againstRAYMOND NEIGHLEY A/K/A RAYMOND NEIGHLEY, JR., AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF RAYMOND S. NEIGHLEY A/K/A RAYMOND NEIGHLEY, SR.; JACQUELINE CORDES, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF RAYMOND S. NEIGHLEY A/K/A RAYMOND NEIGHLEY, SR.; LENORE WIDMARK, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF RAYMOND S. NEIGHLEY A/K/A RAYMOND NEIGHLEY, SR.; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF RAYMOND S. NEIGHLEY A/K/A RAYMOND NEIGHLEY, SR., any and all persons unknown to Plaintiff, claiming, or who
may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to Plaintiff; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, Defendants. Index No. 207571/2022.
Mortgaged Premises: 58 North Howells Point Road Bellport, NY 11713 District: 0202 Section: 04.00 Block: 05.00 Lot: 037.000 To The Above Named Defendant(s): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. If you fail to appear or to answer within the aforementioned time
frame, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT
THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a Mortgage to secure $469,342.50 and interest, recorded in the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office on June 9, 2005 in Book M00021067, Page 079, covering the premises known as 58 North Howells Point Road, Bellport, NY 11713. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Suffolk County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located.. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, New York 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff.
L15429 – 8/9/2023, 8/16/2023, 8/23/2023, & 8/30/2023
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