About fifteen years ago, I attended a Catholic men’s retreat that changed the way I view life’s “coincidences.” I had told a friend how a series of strange events led me to the retreat, part of the Catholic Cursillo movement. He smiled and gently corrected me: “A coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.”
That truth hit me like a two-by-four to the noggin. We often encounter Holy Spirit moments when we least expect them—moments that shape our faith and remind us that our prayers are always answered, just in God’s time and in ways we can’t foresee.
When we pray for strength,
we might expect divine lightning to strike us with instant courage. Instead, I believe God places us in situations where that strength can grow.
One such moment came recently during a conversation with the owner of the South Shore Press. We talked business, then shifted to our $10,000 “Random Act of Kindness” contest—send your stories to news@southshorepress. com or tag #SuffolkKindness on Twitter.
Our talk turned to relationships. I asked about the key to a lasting one, and once again, I was struck by another simple truth. “It’s an equation,” he said. “Pure joy and
Service vs. Expectation
happiness come from loving with a servant’s heart—serving without expecting anything in return. On the other end of the spectrum is expectation. I’m happiest when I’m serving.”
Wow. It really is that simple. My wife Ashley and I have our moments, but after nearly ten years of marriage, our love thrives on service, not expectation.
Sure, the contest offers big prizes, but my hope is that kindness itself becomes the reward—that Suffolk County fills with hearts ready to serve, love, and lift others.
I’m trying my best. I hope you do the same.
Butler eyewitness doubts Trump shooting story
By Robert Chartuk
Eyewitness Dan McRuitt says he’ll never forget the day shots rang out above him at the Trump rally in Butler, Pa.—or the questions that still haunt him about what really happened. McRuitt, owner of a meat packing business in the nearby town of Cabot, attended the event with his son and stood just left of the stage when gunfire erupted from a rooftop behind them. “We knew exactly what it was,” he said. “We shoot all the time. You could hear the bullets zipping over our heads and right into where Trump was at.”
McRuitt’s friend, firefighter Corey Comperatore, was killed in the attack, and several others were injured. But in the months since, McRuitt says government agencies have offered “only part of the truth.”
“The whole thing’s fishy,” he said. “There’s just little things that don’t add up. I just don’t see how all that could
play out without some other support.” McRuitt said locals who know the Butler Farm Show grounds, where the
shooting occurred, find it implausible that a young man could climb onto a nearby rooftop with a ladder and a rifle unnoticed. “You carry a ladder around and not be noticed?” he said. “There were thousands of people there. It’s not like you’re holding your beer and a bag of cookies.”
He also questioned how quickly the shooter’s body was cremated and why Pennsylvania’s governor arrived at the scene so rapidly. “It was like, boom, he’s already there. How’s that work?” McRuitt asked. “Did he not know something ahead of time?”
He believes an independent investigation is needed. “It needs to be looked at by people with no political ambitions,” McRuitt concluded. “Fresh eyes, different minds, because we’re not getting the whole story. The government needs to tell the public the entire truth.”
Photo Illustration
Stefan Mychajliw
Eyewitness Dan McRuitt
LOCAL
By Robert Chartuk
On the surface, the assassination attempt on President Trump and the murder of an innocent bystander in Butler, Pa., resulted from a tragic lapse of security at the very moment a deranged young man decided to make his move. But to the local residents who were there, the official explanation just doesn’t add up.
The South Shore Press returned to the Butler Farm Show fairgrounds to ask locals about their view of the events that shocked the nation.
Among the rolling farmland north of Pittsburgh, the public remains unyielding in its suspicion. “I don’t trust the government; they’re lying about everything on this,” said Ken Weaver, a lifelong Butler resident. “How in the world can someone get this close to the President of the United States with a rifle and a ladder and no one stops him? He may be a lone shooter but he did have help. We’re still waiting for the details on how this happened and who else was involved.”
Trump
By Robert Chartuk
Lingering questions shadow Trump attack in Butler
Eyewitness Dan McRuitt stood just left of the stage when the shots were fired. “You could hear the bullets zipping over our heads.” His friend, firefighter Corey Comperatore, was killed shielding his family from the gunfire. Months later, McRuitt remains skeptical. “The whole thing’s fishy. There’s just little things that don’t add up. I just don’t see how all that could play out without some other support.”
Alvin Vogel, a longtime board member of the Butler Farm Show, had a premonition that something bad was going to happen based on his interaction with federal agents in the weeks before the shooting. “The way the guys were running around, chickens with their heads cut off, they didn’t know what they were doing,” he said. “I told my wife, ‘There’s going to be trouble up there.’”
When the shooting started, Vogel said warnings were ignored. “Everybody was hollering, ‘Guy on the roof, guy’s got a gun,’” he recalled. “But the sniper had him in his sights and the woman from the FBI said, ‘Don’t do a thing.’
Then when the president was hit,
shooter’s
Residents of a quiet Bethel Park neighborhood say they hardly knew the family of Thomas Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman who tried to assassinate President Trump in Butler, Pa. Neighbors described the family as reclusive, keeping to themselves for years before the shooting drew national attention to their normally peaceful street.
“I did not know anything about them or who they even were. I couldn’t have recognized them,” said neighbor Forrest Works, who has lived across the street for nearly a decade. “They kept to themselves. The dad mowing
they said, ‘Okay, shoot him.’” Vogel also questioned the speed of the shooter’s cremation. “His parents didn’t even get a chance to have anything for him,” he said. “That’s the reason I think there were other people involved.”
In the shooter’s hometown of Bethel Park, neighbors painted a picture of a family that kept to itself. “I did not know anything about them or who they even were. I couldn’t have recognized them,” said Forrest Works, who lived across the street for nearly a decade. “They kept to themselves. The dad mowing his lawn is the only thing that I’ve ever seen of who lives in the house.”
Another neighbor, who declined to give his name, blames the radicalization of the young man on forces aligned against Donald Trump. “There are powers that be that don’t want what the President is doing. He’s a disruptor, and they’ll do anything to stop him. They got to this kid through the internet and influenced him; they motivated him to try and kill the President. This is where the investigation should be focused. We need answers on this.”
For many in the region, grief for Comperatore—described by friends as a man of faith and courage—still runs deep. Buffalo Township Supervisor Gary Risch remembered him as “an excellent man, great father, great to his wife, great to his kids—just a super guy.” He added, “On a scale of one to 10, as far as being a good person and good for the community, he’s definitely a 10.”
At the Lernerville Speedway, where Comperatore coordinated emergency crews for the races, friend Jessica Mohrbacher was devastated by his loss. “He was a
very special person, both him and his whole family,” she said, noting that the speedway was packed during a special ceremony in his honor. “They have a statue of him at the firehouse,” she pointed out. “He is sorely missed by everyone.”
More than a year later, Butler remains haunted by that summer afternoon. The fairgrounds have locked gates to keep out the many out-of-town visitors attracted to the deadly scene. “It needs to be looked at by people with no political ambitions,” McRuitt concluded. “Fresh eyes, different minds, because we’re not getting the whole story.”
family kept to themselves, neighbors say
his lawn is the only thing that I’ve ever seen of who lives in the house.”
Works said it wasn’t unusual for neighbors to know little about one another but added that the Crooks family stood out for their absence from community life. “Even Halloween, this time of year with people walking around, nobody’s going to their house. They were just not active in the community.”
After the July shooting, the quiet street of modest, well-kept homes transformed into a media and law enforcement hub. “It was relatively crowded,” Works said. “Surprisingly, not crazy, though. It was just pretty much everybody watching the house.
So it wasn’t a ton of bother to us, the neighbors, but it was packed. It was definitely interesting, for sure.”
He stayed away as police and reporters filled the area. “I wasn’t here for the weekend at all, so I didn’t even come back until Monday morning. I grabbed stuff real quick and left,” he said. “There were police. The road was blocked. Media, obviously, like the tents and things like that… that really only lasted for a couple days.”
Other neighbors approached by the South Shore Press politely declined to discuss their neighbors, unwilling to relive the unexpected notoriety caused by the tragic event.
Clueless security opened the door to tragedy, official says
By Robert Chartuk
The shocking account of Alvin Vogel, a longtime board member of the Butler Farm Show, raises new questions about the government’s handling of the assassination attempt on President Trump.
Vogel described what he called a scene of “utter confusion” in the weeks before the shooting, with federal agents preparing the grounds but failing to secure the area where the gunman later climbed onto a rooftop just 100 yards from the President.
“Two weeks before, the FBI came in, we had to get everything out of all the buildings and put it
in one building,” Vogel recalled.
“Then they put their own lock on it so nobody could get in.” Despite the heavy federal presence, he said, “The way the guys were running around, chickens with their heads cut off, they didn’t know what they were doing. I told my wife, ‘there’s going to be trouble up there.’”
Before the bullets started flying, Vogel said multiple warnings were ignored. “Everybody was hollering, ‘Guy on the roof, guy’s got a gun,’” he said. “But the sniper had him in his sights and the woman from the FBI said, ‘Don’t do a thing.’ Then when the president was hit, they said, ‘Okay, shoot him.’”
Local skepticism has deepened amid what residents view as government coverup. Vogel questioned why the shooter was cremated within days, saying, “His parents didn’t even get a chance to have anything for him.” He added, “That’s the reason I think there were other people involved.”
Months later, Vogel said the Farm Show grounds remain a grim attraction. “We still have people coming in, from China, from Germany, from Australia—just to see where it happened,” he said.
“We had to put locks on the gates.” To many locals, Vogel concluded, “It was a conspiracy—and we’ll never know the whole story.”
Robert Chartuk
Bethel Park resident Forrest Works interviewed by South Shore Press News Director Stefan Mychajliw.
Robert Chartuk Downtown Butler, Pa.
Robert Chartuk
Butler Farm Show Board Member Alvin Vogel points to the roof where the assassin lay in wait for President Trump.
By Robert Chartuk
Buffalo Township Supervisor Gary Risch described Fire Chief Corey Comperatore as “an excellent man, great father, great to his wife, great to his kids—just a super guy,” in an interview reflecting on the community’s loss and resilience following his murder during the attempted assassination of President Trump in Butler, Pa. Risch, who has served in Buffalo Township’s local government for years, said Comperatore was deeply involved in his community and dedicated to public service. “He was fire chief for years and did a lot for the township,” Risch
Township supervisor remembers beloved fire chief
said. “On a scale of one to 10, as far as being a good person and good for the community, I would definitely give him a 10-plus.”
The rural township, which includes the Lernerville Speedway in Sarver where Comperatore handled fire safety and training, continues to honor his memory. “He’s still very much on our minds. They had a huge ceremony for him at the track, motorcycle rides— they’re raising money,” according to Risch. “His wife’s giving it to charity; there are such a great family.”
Risch said while the assassination attempt on President Trump in nearby Butler put the region under an unwant -
ed national spotlight, Buffalo Township residents are focusing on what unites them. “That was really in Butler,” he said. “It wasn’t here.”
He described Buffalo Township as one of the best places to live in western Pennsylvania. “Other than the Butler Fair, this racetrack brings more money into the county than anything else,” he noted. “Everybody wants to live here because we have a good school district. Houses don’t last a week when they go on sale.”
Proud of his community’s spirit and resilience, Risch said the township remains strong in the face of tragedy. “It’s just a good rural area,” he said. “One of the best places to be.”
Butler father doubts official Trump shooting story
By Robert Chartuk
Curtis Jones stood behind a table of miniature farm dioramas at a toy show in Butler, Pa., when he spoke about the day President Trump was nearly killed just across the parking lot. The handcrafted displays—built by Jones and his family—drew plenty of interest from visitors, but his mind was on what happened nearby that day.
“My youngest boy was here with my mother-in-law. They were right here,” he said, acknowledging how the rally could have ended differently for his loved ones. He pointed over to the site, noting just how close the shooter got to the President without being detected.
Jones said the biggest mystery for him is how the would-be assassin, 20-yearold Thomas Crooks, was able to reach the rooftop without being stopped. “How does a kid with a ladder and a rifle not get noticed with thousands of people and police?” he wondered. “That’s the big question. You know, that’s why I think there’s no way he acted alone.”
Asked about early reports that the roof was too steep to patrol, Jones shook his head. “Yeah, that was bogus,” he said. “That was an excuse. You can see the slope—it’s not that steep.” Locals measured the distance to the President at just over 100 yards, an easy shot even for a novice.
Sheriff recounts chaos of Butler assassination attempt on Trump
By Robert Chartuk
In a riveting interview with the South Shore Press, Butler County Sheriff Mike Slupe recounted the tragic day President Trump was almost killed. Slupe was positioned near the stage, about 60 feet from the podium, when gunfire erupted.
“Because of an earlier fireworks complaint, that’s what went through my brain,” Slupe said. “When it went pop, pop, pop, I initially thought it was just fireworks. The stage speakers were hit, sending equipment crashing down. More shots were fired, the President goes down. Everybody was on the ground, chairs everywhere,” he recounted.
Slupe navigated through panicked attendees to the bleacher area, where someone shouted that a man had been shot in the head. He radioed for paramedics, who were stationed nearby and responded immediately to assist fire chief Corey Comperatore, one of the victims.
and Butler County deputies, quickly responded. Slupe praised their efforts, saying officers engaging the shooter likely prevented further tragedy. It was a Butler Emergency Services Unit officer’s shot that disabled the assailant’s gun seconds before a Secret Service sniper killed him.
Jones is open to the idea that investigators might not be hiding facts but simply waiting for clarity. “I think that our government now and the FBI are very, very transparent,” he said. “But you know, if they don’t have full answers yet, maybe they’re not releasing information
until they know everything. I’m saying, it’s still ongoing— they’re still processing everything.”
Looking toward the fairgrounds, Jones reflected on the event. “Yeah, that blows my mind,” he said. “That’s why I think that he didn’t act alone.”
The gunman had climbed onto buildings outside the fairgrounds’ perimeter. “He went through a catacomb of buildings, got on top of an air conditioner, climbed a pole, and jumped across roofs,” Slupe said. “There was no security there—it was outside the farm show property.”
Law enforcement, including the Secret Service, state police,
Reflecting on the attack, Slupe said, “There were tens of thousands of people there. Everybody dealt with it in their own way. Butler is a great community, and it’s just a shame that all the hours people stood in the heat were ruined by this kid.”
For Slupe, the day remains unforgettable. “It’s a miracle the President turned his head from the shooter. That, and the quick action of law enforcement, saved many lives.”
Stefan Mychajliw
A bronze statue outside of his fire department honors Chief Corey Comperatore.
Stefan Mychajliw Butler County Sheriff Mike Slupe.
Robert Chartuk
Curtis Jones.
LOCAL
By Robert Chartuk
Return to Butler: residents recount fairgrounds shooting
The most unsettling detail you notice when visiting the Butler Fairgrounds— where a 20-year-old sniper almost killed President Donald Trump from a rooftop only a hundred yards away—is how close he was able to get with a ladder and a gun.
Previously known as the birthplace of the Jeep, the community of Butler, Pa., gained notoriety as the place where Thomas Crooks came within an inch of killing a President. More than a year later, locals are still angry and suspicious, rejecting Washington’s explanation of what really happened that fateful day.
“The whole thing just doesn’t make sense. They’re hiding something,” a Butler resident told me. “You don’t get that close to a President with a rifle unless someone lets you.”
Eyewitnesses insist people in the crowd pointed out the gunman to law enforcement long before the shots rang out. “They did nothing,” another resident told me, shaking his head. “Then they say, ‘Oh, the roof was too steep to have anyone up there.’ That’s nonsense. We’ve all seen it—it’s flat enough to walk on.”
A member of the Butler Fairgrounds board agreed. He described the security operation as “a mess from word one.” After meeting with federal agents weeks before the rally, he told his wife something felt off. “I said to her, ‘They really don’t know what they’re doing. I think something bad is going to happen.’”
The failure of the Secret Service and federal law enforcement under the Biden administration was not an isolated act of neglect, residents believe, but the culmination of years of political persecution. “They were negligent to the point of being complicit,” one called it, quick to point out that the shooting resulted from the failure of the feds, not local law enforcement.
The locals connect the dots the way many Trump supporters have done.
“They framed him with Russia Gate, impeached him twice, dragged him into court on ridiculous charges, went after his family and associates, and tried to keep him off the ballot,” said another resident I interviewed. “It seems like they would stop at nothing to keep him from being President.”
An hour’s drive south to Bethel Park— the shooter’s quiet suburb outside Pittsburgh—feels worlds away. Most residents declined to talk, weary from the media glare. But a few did, carefully. “The family was quiet, kept to themselves; we didn’t see much of them,” said one neighbor. “Nothing about them seemed out of the ordinary.”
The consensus: the ideology that drove the assailant didn’t come from this tidy neighborhood of modest homes but from the dark corners of the internet that prey on disaffected youth. “I don’t know where it’s coming from—the dark web, chat rooms—but it did reach this young man and drove him to try and kill the President.”
At the Lernerville Speedway, where volunteer firefighter Corey Comperatore once worked as part of the safety crew, people spoke with emotion and pride. “Corey represented the best of us,” said a track spokeswoman who knew him.
“He died shielding his family from bullets meant for the President. He’s a hero.”
The Speedway held a memorial night in his honor, and he will forever be remembered through a bronze statue in front of the Butler Fire Department.
The community’s hospitality to the South Shore Press was as heartfelt as their grief. “Tell people Corey was a man of faith,” one said quietly. “He didn’t die for politics—he died doing what was right.”
Driving the rolling farm roads between Butler and Pittsburgh, the contrast in outlook is stark. The rural counties are deep red, Trump signs here and there; the suburbs Democrat blue, disturbed by his return to the White House. “If the shooter hadn’t been taken out,” a man in Butler told me, “we would’ve made sure he didn’t walk out of there alive.” Meanwhile, in Bethel Park, another said coldly, “Too bad he missed.”
The divide is as wide as the state itself. But here in Butler, one conviction unites nearly everyone I met: they don’t believe what Washington is telling them. To them, the government’s version of events doesn’t add up—and until the truth comes out, the shadow of that summer afternoon will linger over western Pennsylvania.
Trump shooting still on the minds of local residents
By Robert Chartuk
The streets of Western Pennsylvania are still buzzing about the near-assassination of President Trump. The South Shore Press Man on the Street found out what residents are talking about more than a year later.
“I don’t trust the government; they’re lying about everything on this. How in the world can someone get this close to the President of the United States with a rifle and no one stops him? He may be a lone shooter, but he did have help. I’m waiting for the details on how this happened and who else was involved.” — Ken Weaver, Butler, Pa.
“If the cops weren’t there, it would have been a different story. I would have shot the SOB myself. I’m still pretty angry that the President comes here and this is what happens.” — Chip Hill, Butler, Pa.
“Not a Trump fan; wish he had better aim.” — Anonymous, Bethel Park, Pa.
“I said to my buddy, ‘There’s someone on the roof,’ and nobody did anything. Something’s not right about the whole picture; he didn’t act alone. What do we have to do as citizens to stop something like this?” — Drew Hay, Mars, Pa.
“What surprised me is how quickly Trump’s wound healed. I’m a war veteran, and my scars took a long time. It looks like the Trump organization set the whole thing up for a photo op.” — Ken Williams, Bethel Park, Pa.
“I’m not buying the lone-wolf scenario. He didn’t do this on his own; he had help. It seems like he was in brainwashed; it didn’t come from his parents.” — Sheryl Colamarino, Monroeville, Pa.
“There’s definitely a cover-up. They got rid of the body real fast — dead people don’t talk. I don’t trust the government. I don’t doubt their tentacles reached out to the small-town local police.” — CK, Cabot, Pa.
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Robert Chartuk
Downtown Butler, Pa.
Robert Chartuk
Chip Hill.
LOCAL
By Deborah Williams
Former President Donald Trump has commuted the prison sentence of former Congressman George Santos, ordering his release effective immediately.
“George has been in solitary confinement for long stretches of time and, by all accounts, has been horribly mistreated,” Trump said in a statement Friday night. “Therefore, I just signed a commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, immediately.”
Santos, who has been serving an 87-month sentence for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, has written about his prison experiences in his regular column for the South Shore Press. In those writings, he de-
Trump commutes George Santos’ sentence IMMEDIATELY
scribed being placed in solitary confinement “for his protection,” calling the conditions unbearable and making a direct appeal to Trump for help.
Relief came Friday evening when Trump signed the commutation order. Santos had pleaded guilty in August 2024 and was ordered to pay restitution to his victims totaling $373,749.97, along with $205,002.97 in forfeiture. He served just over a year of his sentence before receiving clemency.
In his statement, Trump defended his decision, describing the former congressman’s punishment as excessive compared to others in public office.
“George Santos was somewhat of a ‘rogue,’ but there are many
rogues throughout our country that aren’t forced to serve seven years in prison,” Trump said. Trump then turned his criticism toward Democratic Senator Richard “Da Nang Dick” Blumenthal, referencing the senator’s false claims of serving in Vietnam. “He was a complete and total fraud,” Trump said. “He never went to Vietnam, never saw Vietnam, never experienced the battles there, or anywhere else. His war hero status was totally and completely made up.”
Trump concluded by contrasting the two men, saying, “This is far worse than what George Santos did, and at least Santos had the courage, conviction, and intelligence to always vote Republican.”
Exclusive: Joe Exotic the “Tiger King” writes
By Joe Exotic the Tiger King
I get all correspondence that you put out, George, and trust me, I feel your pain. I was forced to endure two years and eight months of what you are enduring right now, except you haven’t reached the point where they tie you into a chair naked after beating you and putting you in a dark shower so long that your arms bleed from the straps. I pray this never happens to you.
People think inmates in prison are just complaining and deserve to be treated like animals because they broke
the law. I think every person should have to spend 30 days in the SHU before being sworn into political office so they can experience what they’ve built and ignored as it continues to happen to people like you and me. No human being should be treated as such in the United States, especially for crimes that hurt no one.
I question President Trump about how he can continue to ignore and leave me in prison dealing with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses after federal witnesses admitted to perjury and plotting to kill me on television. I still sit here waiting for justice and the abili-
Woman indicted for allegedly stealing over
By Deborah Williams
Brightwaters woman allegedly stole from her employer while also illegally collecting unemployment insurance benefits.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that Christa Ramos, 57, of Brightwaters, was indicted for Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, and other related charges, for allegedly stealing over $230,000 dollars from her employer.
“Stealing from a small business is not just a crime against one employer; it’s a crime against the backbone of our economy and the fabric of our community,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office is committed to holding individuals accountable who exploit small businesses for
personal gain.”
According to the investigation, between December 2018 and June 2023, while working as an office manager at Northeast Electrical Contractors, Inc., Ramos was responsible for paying the bills associated with the company. Instead of simply paying the bills, Ramos allegedly began writing checks to herself totaling approximately $230,398 without any authorization. Ramos then allegedly deposited these checks into her personal bank account and used the funds for her own personal expenses. Ramos was also allegedly collecting unemployment insurance benefits while she was employed full-time for Northeast Electrical Contractors, Inc.
While employed, Ramos allegedly made repeated repre-
sentations to the New York State Department of Labor that she was unemployed. In her role as office manager, she was able to conceal the fact that she was collecting unemployment benefits. In total, Ramos allegedly stole more than $40,000 in taxpayer funds.
Ramos was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro and held on cash or bond. She faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Patrick Waters of the Financial Crimes Bureau. The investigation was conducted by Detective Thomas Speciale of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit.
ty to go home. I say your lawyers should have you moved to a place like FMC Fort Worth, where death threats don’t happen because everyone there is just trying to go home. I pray you make it through this treatment without praying for your heart to stop like I did. Somehow, God gave me the strength to survive, hoping President Trump makes this right.
My parents died while I was in solitary confinement, and I’ve lost everything. Hold on to hope, George. I believe President Trump will do the right thing. Hold on to God and your family.
$230,000
Joe Exotic
File Photo
Meta AI
Photo Illustration
Office of Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney Brightwaters woman allegedly steals hundrds of thoussand from local business and cheats on unemployment..
SANTOS
UNCENSORED
BY GEORGE SANTOS
On October 17, 2025, I was given something I never thought I would have again: a true second chance at life. A chance to grow, to change, and to walk a better path.
When you go through darkness, when you lose everything, your freedom, your reputation, your sense of control, you either surrender to despair or choose to fight your way back. I chose faith. And faith, in its purest form, has brought me here today.
First and foremost, I want to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for never abandoning me. I am far from perfect. I have stumbled, I have made mistakes, and I have faced the consequences of my actions. But even when I was at my lowest, when the world turned its back on me, His grace carried me through. There were nights I thought I would not make it to the morning, but He never left my side. His mercy gave me strength when I had none, and for that, I will be eternally grateful.
I also want to express my deepest gratitude to President Donald J. Trump. Earlier today, I had the honor of speaking with him
personally, a conversation I will never forget. In that moment, I did not just see the strength of a great leader; I saw the heart of a man who truly believes in mercy, redemption, and the enduring promise of America, the promise of a second chance.
President Trump’s decision to commute my sentence was not an act of politics; it was an act of compassion. His kindness, his humanity, and his generosity toward my family and me touched me deeply. He reminded me that in this country we love so much, no mistake, no hardship, and no fall from grace can erase the potential for renewal. His faith in second chances reignited my own. For that, I will be forever thankful.
To my friends who stood by me when I had nothing left to offer, thank you. You prayed for me, you believed in me, and you fought for me when I could not fight for myself. You showed me that even in Washington, D.C., there are real friends, people who care about more than headlines and politics. I will not name names because there are too many, and I would never
George Santos: A Free Man
want to leave anyone out. But you know who you are, and I will never forget your loyalty or your love.
To my critics, I hold no anger, no resentment, no bitterness. I have made peace with my past. I move forward with humility and gratitude. Life is too short to waste on vengeance or retribution. We are all Americans, flawed, human, and trying our best to do right. We may disagree, but at the end of the day, we all want a better, fairer country.
That is why, inspired by President Trump’s commitment to peace and his tireless efforts toward a safer world, I am dedicating my next chapter to doing good, to building bridges instead of walls. My focus will be on prison reform and accountability. I know firsthand how broken parts of our justice system are. I have lived it. I have seen the inhumanity, the indifference, and the abuse of power. No one, no matter their crime, should ever be dehumanized or degraded. The conditions I endured at FCI Fairton under Warden Lynn B. Kelly and Assistant Warden Nobile will stay with
me forever. But rather than dwell on pain, I will turn that experience into purpose. I will fight to ensure that every inmate in this country is treated with dignity, that rehabilitation means more than a word on paper, and that the justice system truly lives up to its name.
I am not returning to public life to settle scores or chase headlines. I am returning because I have a mission. I have learned that the measure of a man is not how he falls, but how he rises after the fall.
Yes, I am back, but I am back as a new man, with faith in God, gratitude in my heart, and a renewed commitment to service.
This is not the end of my story. It is a new beginning. And to anyone reading this who has fallen, who has been cast aside, or who feels forgotten, remember this: if you are still breathing, God is not done with you yet.
America is still the land of second chances. I am living proof of that.
Romaine honors Sandpebble Project Management
By Deborah Willams
You may not know the name, but you know the local community projects handled by Sandpebble Project Management. For fifty years, Sandpebble has been leading projects on our public libraries, firehouses, village halls, and emergency services buildings.
Referring to their “legacy of leadership, resilience, and meaningful impact,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine presented a proclamation to Sandpebble Project Management, of Speonk, NY, recognizing the firm’s 50 years of service as a trusted advocate for public-sector clients across Long Island.
“For five decades, Sandpebble has brought vision, precision, and
excellence to the construction and renovation of libraries, fire districts, and municipal buildings, enhancing the quality of life for residents from Amityville to Sag Harbor,” said Suffolk County Executive Romaine. “Their proven ability to deliver complex public projects on time and within budget speaks to their leadership and professionalism.”
Sandpebble’s Suffolk County portfolio includes many public sector buildings that we all know and rely on in our local communities. Projects include: Longwood Public Library; Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library; West Islip Public Library; Westhampton Beach Fire Department; Medford Fire Department; Westhampton Beach downtown revitalization;
Westhampton Beach Village Hall; Center Moriches Fire District; Village of Sag Harbor Fire and Police Departments; East Hampton Emergency Services; Southampton Village Police Department; and Amityville Village Hall.
Victor Canseco, President and CEO of Sandpebble Project Management, accepted the proclamation, thanked the County Executive, and credited the team behind the milestone.
“This honor belongs to the entire Sandpebble team,” Canseco said. “It takes a group of dedicated professionals to do what we do— managing complex public projects with accountability, transparency, and a commitment to the communities we serve.”
As an independent Owner’s
Representative, Sandpebble manages in the owner’s interest, enforcing scope clarity, cost trans-
parency, and contractor accountability from pre-design through ribbon-cutting.
“Cat’s in the Cradle” doc to screen at Cinema Arts Nov. 1
By Michael J. Reistetter
“Harry Chapin - Cat’s in the Cradle: The Song That Changed Our Lives” will screen at the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington on November 1. Fitting, considering the hyper-local legend status of its subject. Rick Korn’s documentary, which won Best Film at the 2025 Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) Film Festival, celebrates 50 years since the folk singer-songwriter turned humanitarian released his most
popular song.
Notable musicians appearing in the film to discuss “Cat’s in the Cradle’s” enduring cultural impact include Billy Joel, Pat Benatar, Judy Collins, Dee Snider, Darryl McDaniels, Mandy Patinkin, Robert Lamm, and Whitfield Crane. They reflect on the song’s timeless themes of parenthood and the passage of time.
“What makes this song so amazing is the multi-generational and multi-cultural effect it has on people around the world, even to this day,” said
Korn.
The Cinema Arts Centre screening comes a day after the film’s Tribeca premiere on October 30 and just before its DVD and digital streaming release, announced this week by Korn, producer Jason Chapin (Harry’s son), and editor S.A. Baron. The trio was honored with the 2024 Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for advancing Chapin’s fight against hunger.
Proceeds from the Huntington screening will benefit the Cinema Arts Centre and Long
film’s national tour will also support WhyHunger, the nonprofit Harry helped launch.
“‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ gave Harry a platform to build his hunger charities,” Korn said. “Fifty years later, WhyHunger is helping millions of people in 24 countries at a crucial moment in history.”
“My father wrote many unforgettable story songs,” added Jason Chapin. “But ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ is his best known. I’m thrilled the film captures so many beautiful stories about the song and his legacy.”
Island Cares, the food bank founded by Chapin in 1980. The
Cinema Arts Centre & Jason Chapin Though the event is currently sold out, according to Cinema Arts Centre’s website, a “very limited number of tickets” may become available on the day of the show.
File Photo
George Santos
Suffolk County Executive office
Ed Romaine, Suffolk County Executive; Victor Canseco, President and CEO, Sandpebble Project Management; Diane McCarron, C.O.O., Sandpebble; Chris Barletta, Operations Manager, Sandpebble; and Greg Russo, Site Project Manager, Sandpebble.
LOCAL
By Robert Chartuk
Governor Kathy Hochul’s veto of a bipartisan measure to improve electric vehicle (EV) emergency training has drawn sharp criticism from local legislators who say the decision puts first responders and the public at risk.
The bill would have required the State Fire Administrator to create a hands-on EV emergency response and recovery training program for firefighters, police officers, and first responders statewide. Hochul vetoed the bill, labeling it “laudable” but claiming it would impose costs “not accounted for in the state’s financial plan.”
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, a Medford Fire Commissioner, called the governor’s decision “a
Hochul pulls the plug on first responder safety
blow” to public safety.
“Firefighters, police, and EMS personnel face growing risks as electric vehicles become more common,” he said. “Instead of protecting our first responders, Governor Hochul vetoed the bill, saying it costs too much. Safety shouldn’t take a back seat to her priorities, such as free cell phones and rent for illegal immigrants. We owe it to our men and women in uniform—and the communities they protect—to ensure they have the tools and knowledge to respond safely to all emergencies.”
Legislator Dominick Thorne, chair of Suffolk’s Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services Preparedness Committee, said Hochul’s veto “endangers” personnel.
“Mandating the proliferation of lithium-ion battery storage units and electric vehicles while not providing the necessary training to protect our public is ludicrous,” Thorne said. “The governor should remember her first constitutional job is public safety.”
Both lawmakers vowed to keep the bill alive and rally support in the next legislative session, emphasizing that the rise in EV-related fires makes specialized training not just “laudable,” but essential.
“Hochul and the Democrats increased state spending to record levels by adding $12.5 billion to an already bloated $241.5 billion budget from last year,” DeStefano noted. “Now they can’t come up with money to train first responders?”
Fribble the cat is dead due to cruelty and neglect
By Deborah Williams
A Suffolk County woman was arrested this week on charges related to the death of Fribble the cat.
Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk County SPCA, announced that Mackenzie Beck, 27, of Kings Park, has been charged with Abandonment of Animals and Animal Cruelty, both misdemeanor offenses.
Gross said these charges “carry a penalty of up to a year in jail and/or $1,000 fine. If you’re convicted of animal cruelty, you go on the Suffolk County animal abuse registry and cannot own
an animal again for 10 years.”
The charges stem from an incident that occurred in January 2025. Beck had been hired by Fribble’s owner through the popular pet sitting website, Rover, to care for the eightyear-old male black cat. Beck is accused of failing to provide the cat with medical attention resulting in its death.According to investigators, Beck left New York on January 5, 2025, for personal business, leaving Fribble at her residence despite the cat’s need for urgent veterinary care at the time. While away, Beck eventually arranged for the someone to take Fribble to a veterinary hospital on Janu-
ary 7. However, it was too late for Fribble and he passed away later that same day. Beck did not return from her trip until January 10.
Gross said, “Do the due diligence just as you would if you leave your child at a daycare center or with anyone to make sure that that the person or facility is the right place, a safe place. Check out the caretaker for your pet every time.”
Over 3,000 cases of animal abuse were reported last year in Suffolk County. If you witness any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County, please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722.
William Floyd Board of Education recognized
By The South Shore Press
Members of the William Floyd Board of Education have been recognized as part of School Board Recognition Week, observed from October 13 to 17, 2025. The event, designated by the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA), honors school board trustees for their dedicated volunteer service and their commitment to providing quality education to students across New York State.
The William Floyd Board of Education is composed of seven elected community members: April Coppola, president; Robert Taiani, vice president; and trustees Angelo Cassarino, Jennifer Heitman, Lorraine Mentz, Kevin Meyer, and Luis J. Soto. This year, the board
also welcomes three non-voting student members—seniors Nasyah Crosby, Muhammad Saad, and Andrew Winter—participating through a new state initiative that gives students a voice in district governance. The initiative aims to incorporate student perspectives into board discussions while fostering civic engagement and leadership skills among young people. The board plays a crucial role in the success of the William Floyd School District, overseeing policies that promote student achievement, maintaining transparent communication with the community, managing the district’s finances responsibly, and ensuring accountability through the evaluation of the superintendent. Their work also involves long-term planning to
improve educational programs, facilities, and extracurricular opportunities for the district’s more than 8,700 students.
Superintendent of Schools
Kevin M. Coster expressed deep appreciation for the board’s efforts, stating, “I am grateful to our Board of Education for their tireless efforts each and every day throughout the school year. It takes a high-functioning Board of Education to ensure strong schools, and that is exactly what we have at William Floyd.”
The district encourages residents to take part in recognizing the contributions of the William Floyd Board of Education during this special week and to thank them for their continued leadership and dedication to the community’s students.
Grok/Twitter
Charges brought on animal neglect and cruelty resulting in the death of a cat. governor.ny.gov/
Governor Kathy Hochul
William Floyd School District April Coppola President
LOCAL
By Deborah Williams
What would you do if you could design your own fish?
Tangier Smith Elementary 4th graders had a chance to do just that.
Tangier Smith Elementary students in Ms. Chanda Zadrazil’s STEM classes recently visited Osprey Park for an exciting hands-on learning experience. Students learned about the parts of a fish and designed their very own fish species, recorded data about the weather and seined for marine life at Forge River. Walt Meshenberg, with the Save the Great South Bay organization, and Alex Mercado, a fisheries specialist from Cornell Cooperative Extension accompanied the students.
William Floyd students design their own fish at Osprey Park
Students collected marine life and recorded data that will be used by the New York State Department of Conservation to assess the health of the Forge River ecosystem as part of their “Day in the Life” program. Through this program, students experience the real-world impact of their field work while also learning more about their local ecosystems.
Suffolk County Legislator
James Mazzarella applauded the William Floyd School District “for giving these students the opportunity to explore environmental science and learn the importance of protecting our local waterway.”
William Floyd High School science students have regularly participated in the “Day in the
Life” program, most recently engaging in a data collection activity that focused on studying the biodiversity and water quality in local Long Island waterways. Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary School students have also participated in this program at the Forge River and Carmans River in addition to visiting the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge for even more educational opportunities.
“Thank you to Walt and Alex for providing our students with such an amazing hands-on experience at Osprey Park!” said Ms. Zadrazil “They got to see the environment they play in every day through a new lens, a living ecosystem worth protecting and caring for.
SOMS provides free haircuts for picture day
By Deborah Williams
South Ocean Middle School students looked sharp for picture day, thanks to a community partnership with Three Jays Barber Shop. Principal Christopher Cherouvis and the barbers volunteered their time over the weekend before picture day, offering free haircuts to help students look and feel their best. The event aimed to boost pride, confidence, and belonging within the school community— values educators at South Ocean strive to instill in their students daily.
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and give back in ways that
directly benefit our students,” said Principal Cherouvis. “One of my goals is to ensure that each
of our students feels confident, supported, and prepared for every aspect of school life, both
academically and personally.”
The haircut event followed the Patchogue-Medford homecoming parade on Saturday, October 4. Students came to the middle school afterward for their free trims, joined by Patchogue-Medford School District Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Frank Mazzie, who stopped by to help spread enthusiasm. The students’ fresh looks were on full display for picture day that Monday and Tuesday.
“The District thanks Mr. Cherouvis and Three Jays Barber Shop for graciously volunteering their time to provide students with this meaningful experience,” said Interim Superintendent Lori Cannetti.
Parents and community members filled the school’s Facebook page with praise for the initiative, applauding both the barbers and Principal Cherouvis for leading by example and showing students the importance of self-confidence, care, and community connection.
The collaboration between South Ocean Middle School and Three Jays Barber Shop exemplifies how local partnerships can make a lasting difference— helping students not only look good but also feel good about themselves.
For more information, visit the Patchogue-Medford School District website at www.pmschools.org or follow #PatMedPride on social media.
‘Ghoul Scout Halloween Happenin’ with K-pop Demon Hunters
By Deborah Willams
The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County “Ghoul Scout Halloween Happenin’,” a day of spooky fun is almost here.
This year’s event will include activities themed around the popular Netflix’s breakout animated musical fantasy, “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” in which the girl group Huntr/x (with members Rumi, Mira, and Zoey) balance pop stardom with secret lives as demon hunters, confronting supernatural threats and a rival demon boy band, the Saja Boys, while navigating themes of identity, friendship, and the power of community.
The event is on Saturday, October 18, 2025 @ 3:00 to 9:00 pm at the Girl Scouts’ Camp
Edey, located at 1500 Lakeview Avenue, Bayport, NY 11705. All girls are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and bring a bag for trick-ortreating inside the camp. A Demon Hunter costume is even better! Events will run all day, broken into afternoon and evening sessions. Activities will include: 3pm-6pm: Pumpkin painting Costume fashion show (4:30pm) Zombie archery* Cornhole tournament Arts & Crafts 6pm-9pm: Spooky forest trail Glow in the dark gaga ball S’mores bar Halloween movies Arts & crafts Food trucks (additional cost) and a selfie station will be available all day. Register by October
11 for a free Ghoul Scout Halloween Happenin’ event patch! Online Advance Pricing: Registered Girl Scout: $20; Non-Registered Child: $25; Adult: $10. Buying Tickets at the Door? Add $5. Free for children 2 and under. Tickets can be purchased at Ticket Spot. Since 1968, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County has been committed to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision making.
South Ocean Middle School
A South Ocean Middle School student receives a free haircut.
William Floyd School District Students learn about water, fish, weather and more in Osprey Park.
Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Suffolk County Girl Scouts get ready for haunting Halloween fun.
By Robert Chartuk
A Suffolk County artist has become a star on one of golf’s biggest stages. Elaine Ryder-Thompson, the official artist of the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, was congratulated by tournament officials and local dignitaries after her fine art prints sold out during the international event.
Ryder-Thompson, who lives and works in Bohemia, was personally assisted at the Ryder Cup by Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey and Deputy Presiding Officer Steve Flotteron. “Steve has been attending all my artist receptions for many years,” she said. “I was thrilled that he volunteered to help me for a
Local artist shines at Ryder Cup with official poster
full day—he was one of my best staffers!”
Flotteron praised her achievement, calling it “a proud moment for Suffolk County to see a local artist represent Long Island before a worldwide audience.”
McCaffrey added that Ryder-Thompson “embodies the creative spirit that makes our community shine.”
Her official Ryder Cup poster—commissioned by the PGA of America—captures the storied Black Course at Bethpage, where she first painted in 2002. The commemorative print was produced locally by Official Offset Corp. in Amityville, continuing a Long Island connection that runs through all stages of the project.
All fine art prints sold out at the Ryder Cup merchandise tent,
but fans can still purchase them at shop.rydercup.com or through her website, elainethompsonarts. com.
Ryder-Thompson, whose maiden name is Ryder, said she’s exploring whether she’s related to Samuel Ryder, founder of the historic competition. “It feels like destiny brought me here,” she said. “To have my art represent such a legendary event, right here on Long Island, is a dream come true.”
The Bohemia artist has also earned national attention for her presidential series, including her new work, Trump—The Party of Lincoln, which joins her acclaimed portraits of George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, John Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan.
Brookhaven Recycles student poster contest is underway
By Deborah Williams
The Town of Brookhaven invites students to participate in its 2nd annual Brookhaven Recycles Poster Contest. The contest is open to Brookhaven students grades K-12. Brookhaven wants you to show them your best artwork that will inspire others to reduce, reuse, recycle, and take better care of our planet.
Winners will be invited to attend the Town Board Meeting on Tuesday, November 20th where they will receive commendation from Supervisor Daniel J. Panico and members of the Town Board.
There will be winners in grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, and special education. In -
formation on judging and submission guidelines can be found at Contest guidelines.
The deadline to submit your poster is Tuesday, Oct 28th at 8:00 pm so get your creative juices flowing. Students should select one of this year’s themes as the basis for their poster. Theme 1: Choose to Reuse! Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: all three Rs are important, and this theme focuses on the second one: Reuse. For example, reusable bottles and Tupperware can replace single-use water bottles and Ziploc bags. Old boxes can be used to store things or can be made into a craft. There are so many creative ways to reuse old items, and they all help to make less trash. Use
your poster to show how people in your community can Choose to Reuse.
Theme 2: Recycle Right! We all want to recycle, but it’s important to recycle right! Make a poster that tells people what should go in the recycling bin. You can also use this to tell people what CANNOT go in the recycling bin. You can find examples of what can be recycled by visiting Brookhaven Recycles. For more information please contact Brookhaven’s Department of Recycling & Sustainable Materials Management by calling 631-451TOWN.
Connetquot High School makes a splash with pool reopening
By Deborah Williams
Connetquot is celebrating the grand reopening of the high school’s fully renovated indoor pool.
Originally dedicated in 1963, Connetquot High School underwent major additions and renovations with the pool being a big element.
The comphrehensive renovation was made possible through the 2022 bond initiative and includes major upgrades designed to enhance both safety and performance for student-athletes. These major pool upgrades were designed to enhance both safety and performance for student-athletes.
Superintendent Dr. Joseph T.
ceremony was
Key improvements include the complete replacement of the pool and deck tile, along with a new mud base and advanced waterproofing. Multiple ADA improvements were incorporated into the project, including an egress ramp and ADA-compliant showers. The facility now features state-of-the-art deck and competition equipment, including a modern scoreboard and timing system.
There were significant structural improvements and upgrades such as a complete replacement of the plumbing system, an advanced chemical treatment system and several behind-the-scenes enhancements to support long-term operation.
The existing athletic fields
were also renovated and three all-purpose fields were added along with new boiler and upgraded M/E/P service.
Other projects in the included a new 30,000 sq. ft. structural steel and masonry addition to the gymnasium encompassing a new weight room, locker rooms and mechanical room; two-story structural steel and masonry addition with 12 new classrooms, science laboratories, main office, computer rooms and a state-of-the-art media center featuring sun screens; and brand new 5,000 sq. ft. band room of poured concrete risers with radiant floor heating. As part of the project the existing cafeteria was demolished to create a 5-station food court with teacher’s cafeteria and bathrooms.
Centamore, board of education members, school administrators, the girls swim team and Con-
netquot students joined in the celebration of this significant investment.
Connetquot Central School District
A ribbon-cutting
held at Connetquot High School to celebrate the reopening of the school’s indoor pool.
Town of Brookhaven Brookhaven holds student centered recycling poster context.
Red Thompson
Elaine Ryder-Thompson is congratulated by Suffolk Legislature Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey, left, and Deputy Presiding Officer Steve Flotteron.
Q:ASK NANCY
BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ.
I was the named beneficiary on most of my loved one’s accounts, but there is one small account with less than $10,000.00 that has no beneficiary listed. Do I need to go through probate for one small account?
A:Typically, when a person passes with assets in their name alone that have no named beneficiaries, those assets require probate or administration in the Surrogate’s Court before the heirs can access them.
However, the probate process can be lengthy, especially when a complex family tree is involved. Thankfully, the Surrogate’s Court provides a simplified alternative for “small estates,” through a process called Voluntary Administration.
Voluntary administration is an expedited proceeding that can only be utilized when a fiduciary needs to transfer personal property valued at $50,000.00 or less. This includes bank accounts, automobiles, stocks, insurance proceeds, and other valuable tangible items. It cannot be used for real estate, even when that property is valued at less than $50,000.00. Unlike probate, which can take several months or even years depending on the complexity of the estate, a voluntary administration proceeding typically has a turnaround
Burner Prudenti Law: Small Estates and You
time of less than eight weeks before the fiduciary is authorized to act.
In addition, when compared to probate, voluntary administration often has lower costs due to minimal filing fees.
The process begins with an “Affidavit in Relation to Settlement of Estate,” which should be completed either by the Executor named in the Will, or, if there is no Will, by the deceased person’s closest living relative. The attesting party must provide certain information about the deceased and identify each of their next-of-kin, as well as the names and addresses of all beneficiaries in the Will (if there is one).
They must set forth all of the assets of the estate and their approximate values, as well as all of the liabilities of the estate, including outstanding bills, rents, and other expenses.
From there, the Court notifies each of the next-of-kin that a proceeding has been filed.
While probate requires each of these parties to either appear in Court or sign a document called a “Waiver and Consent,” voluntary
LOSS
administration has no such requirement – resulting in a process that moves more swiftly through the Court system and avoids the expense of having to serve parties with documentation.
Once the Court appoints a voluntary administrator, they will issue one Certificate of Voluntary Administration for each asset named in the affidavit. Those Certificates grant the fiduciary limited authority to collect each asset. In other words, if there are additional assets that are discovered after the Certificates issue, the fiduciary will need to return to Court and update the proceeding to reflect the new asset total.
If that total exceeds $50,000.00, a full probate or administration proceeding is required.
While voluntary administration is a useful option to collect smaller assets more quickly, the fiduciary has significant restrictions compared to the powers granted by the probate process. Accordingly, it’s always a good idea to consult an estate attorney to determine which method is best for your loved one’s estate.
Frank Oswald, Esq. is an asso-
ciate attorney at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. focusing his practice areas on Trusts and Estates. Britt Burner, Esq. is the Managing Partner at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. focusing her practice areas on Estate Planning and Elder Law. Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. serves clients from New York City to the east end of Long Island with offices located in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, Manhattan and East Hampton.
LIBRARY LIVING
BY TARA D’AMATO
Assistant Library Director
Your Library Loves to Help –Resources for Adults Life isn’t always easy. We have bad habits, we need help planning for when we get older, and we need help with the bills. The library has special workshops to get you the help you need with everyday problems. Check out these classes you can attend for free in November to help clear up some of the issues that are bothering you.
Learn To Be….Tobacco Free, Wednesdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19, Dec. 3, 10, 17 and Jan. 7, 6 – 7:15 p.m. Held at our Main Building. Register now with Suffolk County Department of Health Services. This free, multi-session program is offered by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services and is based on the CDC’s Clinical Practice Guidelines for treating nicotine dependence; focusing on the physical, behavioral and psychological aspects of nicotine dependence. Nicotine Replacement Therapies are available for a nominal fee. Those who use all forms of tobacco including cigarettes, chew, cigars and electronic cigarettes are welcome. For more information or to register, call Debora at 631-853-2928 or email debora.rippel@ suffolkcountyny. gov. You must register with Suffolk County Department of Health Services to participate.
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, Thursdays, Nov. 6 & 20, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Held at our Main Building. Registration begins Friday, Oct. 24.
The Family and Children’s Association is hosting a monthly support group for persons who care for someone with dementia or memory loss, which provides caregivers with emotional and social support, as well as educational materials to assist with caring for their loved ones. This
group is for spouses, children, or any other family members or friends who are caring for someone with memory loss. Please register for both sessions if you would like to attend both. Open to all.
PSEG Financial Assistance Workshop, Monday, Nov. 10, 7 – 8 p.m. Held at our Main Building. Registration begins Tuesday, Oct. 28.
PSEG Long Island will be onsite to present on financial assistance opportunities and programs available to residential customers, as well as some information to help understand the makeup of customer energy bills and leveraging Time of Day Rates to save energy and money. A customer service representative will also be available to assist customers with account-specific issues.
A HIICAP counselor from RSVP can assist you with Medicare and health insurance questions, reviewing Medicare Part D plans and more. Appointments required. Open to all.
Long Island Medicare Planning Educational Seminar, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 3 – 4 p.m. Held at our Main Building. Registration begins Wednesday, Nov. 5. Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period is underway — but it’s not too late to review! Join Jimmy DeZego and Freddy Ortiz from Long Island Medicare Planning for a short, easy-to-follow refresher seminar. We’ll review your current Medicare benefits, highlight what’s new this year, and answer your questions in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Open to all.
407 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley www communitylibrary org
Music Bingo
Wednesday, November 19 from 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Registration: Wednesday, November 12 at 9:00 AM
For more information please call 631-399-1511 x2035. Photographs may be taken at any of the library’s programs These photos may be used in library publicity, including but not limited to the library newsletter and web page If you do not want photos taken of you or your child(ren), be sure to inform the library staff member overseeing the program before the program begins All photographs are the property of the library If you will be joining us for a meeting or program, please let us know in advance if you need an accommodation that will make the event accessible to you
Mary Bruno Friedman’s Book Talk
*Of Heroic Proportion: An American Story
Tuesday, November 11, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Held at our Moriches Branch.
Registration begins October 28.
A nonfiction book about patriotism and a man’s survival in the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Mary will be discussing her book and answering questions. The author will not be selling copies of the book on the day of the presentation.
*Limited copies available for checkout at the library
*Purchase a copy on Amazon before the Book Talk Paperback (ISBN# 9798991612968) hardcover (ISBN# 9798991612944)
For more information please call 631-399-1511 x2023. Photographs may be taken at any of the library ’s programs These photos may be used in library publicity, including but not limited to the library newsletter and web page. If you do not want photos taken of you or your child(ren), be sure to inform the library staff member overseeing the program before the program begins. All photographs are the property of the library. If you will be joining us for a meeting or program, please let us know in advance if you need an accommodation that will make the event accessible to you.
STATE
By Deborah Williams
New York State Secure Choice Savings retirement program launched
Over 50 percent of working New Yorkers do not have access to a retirement plan through their employer — now for the first time in State history, those New Yorkers will have an easy way to save for their future.
A new state program delivers access to retirement savings to over 1.5 million New Yorkers currently without employer plans and provides eligible employers an easy way to help employees save for the future.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of the New York State Secure Choice Savings Program, a new state-sponsored retirement savings program for private-sector employees who do not have
access to a workplace retirement plan.
“With the launch of the New York State Secure Choice Savings Program, we are expanding access to retirement savings and empowering New Yorkers to invest in their future,” said Hochul. “The program provides another tool for employees to build long-term financial security and plan for a dignified retirement.”
New York Secure Choice is free and easy for employers, and allows employees to save automatically through payroll deductions into portable Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) they own and keep.
Following a successful pilot program, New York employers
with ten or more employees that do not already offer a qualified retirement plan will now be able to provide their employees the opportunity to save for retirement at work.
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller said, “New York Secure Choice provides a simple way for workers in New York State to save for retirement with every paycheck.”
New York Secure Choice will notify employers required to facilitate the program and provide them with registration details. If you are an eligible employer, you can also enroll today by visiting the Secure Choice website.
Smith Point Beach ‘severely eroded’ after Nor’easter
By Michael J. Reistetter
Smith Point County Park Beach in Shirley—along with other nearby oceanfronts— suffered significant damage during the Nor’easter that battered Long Island from Sunday, October 15th, into Monday the 16th.
In the days since, the shore has barely shored up—certainly not enough to call the locale in question hospitable by any means for beachgoers anytime soon.
Dog walkers, joggers, and fall explorers should take heed of the precedent set by the late-August 2024 superstorms and find alternative routes,
as organized restoration and nature’s slow healing process begin to take shape.
As summer paves way for an autumnal takeover, it’s imperative that residents living near
ocean waters understand best practices in safety.
Local officials have been vocal in their push for emergency state and federal aid to address the environmental and economic impacts of severe erosion.
While these talks progress, beach conditions remain treacherous. The lifeguards have gone home for the season—it’s wisest you do the same.
Rob Miller, an avid fisherman from Syosset, advised in conversation with The South Shore to proceed with caution when casting reels under heavy winds and rainfall.
“I personally prefer fishing the tail end of these storms;
the water is still good and churned up, which gets fish more active, but you don’t have to deal with worrying about using heavier tackle and struggling to get a read on the beach like you do in the middle of a storm,” he said.
“If you’re trying to be cautious,” Miller continued, “I would avoid venturing too far out on any jetties to fish during a storm. The waves can be very unpredictable and the current can be very strong around jetties so you can easily find yourself in a dangerous situation if you aren’t abreast of your surroundings.”
There you have it; to the greater beach-loving community: beware the tides of fall.
Monarch’s marvelous migration a wonder of nature
By Robert Chartuk
Each fall, millions of monarch butterflies set off on a journey that seems almost impossible—traveling up to 3,000 miles from Canada and the northern United States to the mountain forests of central Mexico. Their navigation system rivals that of migratory birds, relying on sunlight, internal clocks, and even the Earth’s magnetic field.
Beachgoers along Fire Island were treated to the sight of thousands of the creatures as they rested along the way.
Weighing little more than a raindrop, monarchs use the position of the sun as their primary compass. Specialized cells in their eyes detect its
angle, allowing them to orient southward in fall and northward in spring. Because the sun moves across the sky during the day, monarchs rely on an internal clock in their antennae to correct for time, keeping them on a steady course. When the sky is overcast, they switch to a backup system—a magnetic compass. Tiny particles of magnetite in their bodies help them sense Earth’s magnetic field and maintain direction without visual cues.
Most astonishing of all, the generation that migrates south has never made the journey before. Their ability to find the same fir-covered mountains their ancestors left the year before appears to be genetically encoded—a living memory
passed from one generation to the next.
In spring, the cycle begins again. The butterflies leaving Mexico lay eggs on milkweed in the southern United States and die soon after. Their offspring, generations one through three, continue the relay northward. Then, in late summer, a “super generation” is born. These long-lived monarchs store energy, delay reproduction, and make the entire return trip to Mexico.
How they find their ancestral groves remains a marvel of nature. Guided by sunlight, magnetic fields, and instinct, the monarch’s improbable voyage endures—one of the world’s most delicate and enduring triumphs.
(T) Bob Chartuk & (B) Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine
The beach in Hampton Bays adjacent to the commercial fishing docks also suffered heavy erosion.
Grok/Twitter
A new state program delivers access to retirement savings to over 1.5 million New Yorkers currently without employer plans.
Robert Chartuk
Monarch butterflies rest at Cupsogue Park before their long journey south.
HISTORY LESSONS
BY RICHARD ACRITELLI
Recently, President Donald Trump stated that America would possibly arm the Ukrainians with Tomahawk missiles. Even after repeated warnings against these weapons by Russian President Vladimir Putin, these weapons could change the scope of the war against the Russians. These missiles could demonstrate to an already challenged Russian military effort that interior military and infrastructure targets will be hit.
There are recent estimates of 5,000-7,000 deaths of Russian soldiers being killed every week and Trump has completely changed his tone through enhanced aid to Ukraine. Although it took time for superior American tanks, fighter planes, and weapons systems to finally reach Ukraine, they were utilized to defend against the Russian military. As Trump is furious over the refusal of Putin to discuss a lasting peace, his tone has drastically changed to oppose the Russians.
About two weeks ago, it was my opportunity to write a story on the American and British response to the Soviet closure of transportation lines into Berlin. While these actions were carried out by Premier Joseph Stalin in the earliest parts of the Cold War, the tensions were long lasting. There is some anxiety today that the Russia-Ukraine War will escalate like the many examples that occurred during the Cold War like that of the failed Bay of Pigs invasion.
During the second half of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s term, the leftist rebel Fidel Castro defiantly opposed the Cuban government. While the United States had major investments within the agriculture, industry, gambling, and hotel sectors, most of the Cuban people lived below the poverty line. They viewed President Fulgencio Batista as a corrupt leader, who was seen as an American puppet. Operating deep in the Sierra Maestra Mountains, Castro fought Batista’s forces and made significant military gains against his government.
On January 1st, 1959, Castro finally defeated Batista and ruled Cuba within the shadows of the United States until 2008. Quickly, Castro minimized all ties with the United States, nationalized western property, and established strong relations to the Soviet Union. Cuba began purchasing its oil from the Soviet Union and when American owned refineries refused to produce this resource, Castro seized these fuel centers. This island nation was like the presence of western powers in Berlin to contest the Soviet sphere of influence. Premier Nikita Khrushchev wanted to take advantage of this difficult situation for the United States
Eisenhower, JFK, Castro and the Bay of Pigs Invasion
and quickly sent military and economic aid to bolster Castro. Americans worried about the motives of Castro, near the dangerous moment of when air force pilot Francis Gary Powers U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union on May 1st, 1960. Right before Eisenhower left the presidency, he ended all relations with Cuba.
Castro confiscated the rest of western property and expanded his influence by sending agents to Central and South American nations to infiltrate their governments with communism. Before leaving office, Congress retaliated by giving Eisenhower the authority to use force against Castro, cut off the sugar cane trade to America, and placed a trade embargo on Cuba. By March 1960, Eisenhower ordered the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to plan an operation to overthrow Castro and establish a friendly government. As Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy campaigned against Vice President Richard M. Nixon, counter revolutionary exiles were recruited and trained to oppose the communists. Kennedy loudly criticized Eisenhower’s leadership as weakening the American ability to deter the Soviets. After he was elected to the presidency, Kennedy was quickly briefed on this operation that was established by Eisenhower. Under both Eisenhower and Kennedy, over a thousand Cuban exiles/refugees, many from Miami, were trained off the coast of Florida and Guatemala. Kennedy quickly approved this mission and believed that it was America’s interest to depose Castro, regain global credibility against the Soviet Union. Led by the Special Forces and the Central Intelligence Agency, Cuban troops were taught weapons training, infantry tactics, land navigation, guerilla operations, paratrooping skills, and were intent on destroying the enemy
air force.
There were thirty-nine recruits who were former pilots in the Brigade 2506 that was created from Cuban exiles. They had a $13 million budget, where many of these fighters descended from Castro’s opposition to the Frente Revolucionario Democratico (FRD). An alarming problem was split loyalties of the Cubans as some of Castro’s agents infiltrated the training, planning, and learned of the invasion date and location.
The large Cuban population in Florida posed a serious problem towards this invasion, as they openly spoke about this military plan, and some Cuban American newspapers reported on the likelihood of this assault.
Both the American and Cuban exiles realized they had to use Cuban pilots to fly aircraft to destroy Castro’s fighter planes on the ground. These freedom fighters planned on deceiving Castro’s forces by communicating that they were disgruntled pilots who were recently opposed to communist rule, where they would assault enemy planes on the ground, and defect to the United States. The pilots from Brigade 2506 were expected to carry out this main attack on three different airfields. As the exiles were given training and arms, it was a dangerous plan that counted on the support of the Cuban population. There were many risks to a plan that was far from certain to succeed under an untested presidential administration.
Two days after the aerial attacks, the landings would penetrate inward, attack surrounding enemy forces, establish a bridgehead, and install a new government. Much of this planning was carried out by the experienced intelligence leadership of Allen Dulles who ended up creating a historically flawed operation. It was expected that a former member of
munists. Castro strengthened his grip over Cuba, captured four hundred prisoners, and embarrassed the United States on the global stage. Ninety miles from Cuba was the strongest military power and economy in the world that was humbled by a new leader and a weaker army. The youthful Kennedy looked vulnerable and stated, “Meanwhile we will not accept Mr. Castro’s attempts to blame this nation for the hatred with which his onetime supporters now regard his repression. But there are from this sobering episode useful lessons for all to learn. Some may be still obscure and await further information. Some are clear today.”
Castro’s government Jose Miro Cadona would lead the Cuban Revolutionary Council’s new government. Guided by American support, over one thousand exiles were directed to land on the southern coast of Cuba, within the swampy areas of the Bay of Pigs. They were going to hit the beaches at night and in an area that was estimated to contain few communist forces. But if the Cubans quickly mobilized, the exiles were completely exposed, as they were over eighty miles away from escaping into Escambray Mountains.
On April 15th, 1961, the air operations began with eight World War II B-26 bombers that left Nicaraguan bases and were painted to look like Cuban aircraft. This was a pivotal part of this campaign to destroy Castro, but these bombers missed most of the targets that were expected to help the landings. Right away, this story publicly broke with pictures of these older American bombers, and it proved that the Kennedy Administration was behind this covert plan. As the exiles were preparing to land, Kennedy canceled a second bombing run.
Immediately, this flawed operation had no chance of success and was quickly doomed as Castro used his army and air strength to defeat these beleaguered forces. There was virtually no air cover for the exiles, vital supply ships were sunk, and poor weather prevented reinforcements from hitting the beaches. With a lack of ammunition and supplies, the exiles were stranded, and Kennedy ordered a last-ditch air operation from Nicaragua that arrived too late, and it failed to save these soldiers from being captured or killed by Castro.
For this young president, the “Bay of Pigs” was a complete fiasco that openly questioned his judgement to make complex military decisions against the com-
About five days later, Eisenhower met Kennedy at Camp David to discuss the failures of this humiliating operation that weakened this new leader. While both men were smiling, Eisenhower was asked by Kennedy to evaluate the problems that plagued this failure to depose Castro. He quietly listened to Kennedy, his description of the plans, and fears over the spread of communism within the Western Hemisphere. Eisenhower wrote diary entries of this meeting and through one of his excerpts, he observed, “....It appears that too much specialized equipment was carried in a single ship and, when this ship was damaged, the troops on the beach were left fairly helpless. I inquired whether or not the troops had had the equipment immediately with them (in platoons and companies) to establish effective road blocks on the three avenues of entry into the swamp area. He was under the impression that this equipment was properly distributed, and the troops well trained in its use. Therefore, the reason for the quick penetration of the swamp into the vulnerable beachhead was unknown.”
In retirement, Eisenhower often presented important military and foreign policy advice to the next several Presidents, and this valuable information began with Kennedy. There is the iconic picture of Eisenhower with his head down speaking to Kennedy, as it showed the teacher addressing the pupil. He tried to prepare this new President that the communists did not respect weakness, and Kennedy could expect a challenge from Moscow. Like the fears of the escalated fighting outside of Ukraine reaching America and the NATO nations, the tensions from the moments of the Bay of Pigs between East and West are lessons that are relatable to today. Whereas Trump always believed that he could handle Putin, he should look at the previous foreign policy and military issues of the Bay of Pigs invasion and its escalation into the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Meta AI
Photo Illustration
NATION
DOGE Report: What has been accomplished in the first ten months?
By Deborah Williams
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was established by executive order on President Trump’s first day of his second term. Ten months later, the department reports significant progress in cutting federal waste.
According to the DOGE Savings Tracker, the agency has saved $214 billion in its first fiscal year — roughly $1,329.19 per taxpayer. The savings can be followed in real time on X/Twitter at @DOGELiveTracker.
DOGE achieved these savings through asset sales, contract and lease cancellations or renegotiations, fraud and improper payment elimination, grant cancellations, interest savings,
programmatic reforms, regulatory streamlining, and workforce reductions.
Despite pushback from entrenched bureaucrats and Democrats in Washington, DOGE has averaged $21.4 billion in monthly savings. Some were easy fixes, while others required whistleblower input and deep audits. DOGE’s broader mission, officials say, is to change the culture of government — reminding every employee that taxpayer dollars belong to the American people, not the agencies that spend them.
In just the past five days, agencies terminated 108 wasteful contracts worth $5.8 billion, yielding $397 million in savings. These included a $3.1 million State Department education contract for “Tanzania National
Coordination Office Development,” a $46,500 U.S. Agency for Global Media lease for “Voice of America East Asia and Pacific Service,” a $5.8 million Health and Human Services contract for “executive coaching and leadership training,” and a $44 million State Department contract for “professional services in Doha, Qatar.”
Critics argue that because total federal spending rose six percent, DOGE has not curbed the overall growth of government. Supporters counter that Congress, not DOGE, controls the budget — and partisan gridlock has stalled broader spending reforms.
DOGE officials say they will continue rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse while Congress battles over future budgets.
Four teens charged in Middle Island robbery
By Michael J. Reistetter
The Suffolk County Police Department has had its hands full on the youth front of late. Their latest violent crime arrests came early in the evening on Thursday, October 9th.
According to police, they arrested four teenagers in direct connection with the gunpoint robbery of another teen in the parking lot of a Middle Island apartment complex.
Reportedly, an 18-yearold male was in the midst of brokering a luxury clothing sale over social media when he was approached by two armed suspects and two accomplices—two 18-year-olds and two
juveniles—on the night in question. The suspects reportedly
forced the teen at gunpoint to hand over the high-end clothing stored in his car’s open
trunk. After seizing the goods, the group fled the scene on foot.
This confrontation took place at 5:05 p.m. in the Fairview Circle parking lot of the Artist Lake Fairview apartments.
With special assistance from their invaluable K-9 unit, Suffolk County police officers were able to track the group to a nearby home at 353 Artist Lake Drive in Middle Island.
The quartet was subsequently arrested at 6:35 p.m.
They are: Isaac Brutus, 18, of Lindenhurst; Aubre Vandunk, 18, of Oceanside; an unnamed 16-year-old; and an unnamed 17-year-old.
Their official charges include
first-degree robbery, first-degree criminal use of a firearm, and multiple weapons possession charges.
The two 18-year-olds were arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip, while the minors appeared in the court’s youth division later that same day, Friday, October 10th.
The incident highlights a troubling trend of violent crime among Long Island teenagers, leaving communities and law enforcement across both counties on edge. As authorities continue to investigate, many are left asking: What’s driving youth to such dangerous extremes?
One thing is clear—the kids, indeed, are not alright.
DA: Bay Shore father sexually abused 8-year-old daughter
By Michael J. Reistetter
Despicable.
According to Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney, a 33-year-old Bay Shore man was convicted after a jury trial of “Course of Sexual Conduct in the First Degree” for repeatedly sexually abusing his daughter over approximately one year.
“Today, justice has been served for a young victim who showed extraordinary courage in coming forward and telling the truth,” said District Attorney Tierney.
“This conviction reiterates our ongoing message that we will not tolerate the sexual abuse of children in our community, especially by those entrusted with their care and protection.
I hope the result of this case encourages those quietly suffering from abuse to report the abuse to authorities.”
Evidence presented at trial established that, between October 2021 and November 2022, the victim — then 8 and 9 years old, and whose identity will remain undisclosed by the District Attorney’s Office for her protection — lived with her mother and father on an alternating weekly schedule. While with her father, the defendant engaged in acts of sexual abuse and threatened to beat her if she told anyone.
In early Fall 2022, the mother noticed the child had become extremely anxious about upcoming visits with her father.
In November, the child disclosed the abuse, and the mother
helped report it to the police. The defendant was subsequently arrested on November 8th, 2022.
On October 10th, 2025, a jury convicted the defendant of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree and Incest in the First Degree (both Class B felonies), and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (a Class A misdemeanor).
George Duncan, Esq., served as the defense attorney, while Assistant District Attorneys Johanna Poremba and Dana Castaldo prosecuted the case.
The defendant’s sentencing is scheduled for November 26th, 2025.
He faces up to 25 years in prison.
The luxury clothing robbery took place at 5:05 p.m. in the Fairview Circle parking lot of the Artist Lake Fairview apartment complex in Middle Island.
Grok/Twitter
DOGE saved billions in taxpayer money in its first ten months.
SCDA
“Today, justice has been served for a young victim who showed extraordinary courage in coming forward and telling the truth,”
LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE
SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF SUFFOLK U.S. BANK
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR BANC OF AMERICA FUNDING
CORPORATION MORTGAGE
PASS-THROUGH
CERTIFICATES, SERIES 20072, Plaintiff - against - GEORGIA
PETERSON AKA GEORGIA D.
PETERSON AKA GEORGIA B.
PETERSON AKA GEORGIA B.
KNIGHT AKA GEORGIA
DELAIN PETERSON, et al
Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on August 5, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on the 6th day of November, 2025 at 12:30 PM.
All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in South Setauket, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Premises known as 18 Brayton South Court, Centereach, NY 11720, a/k/a 18 Brayton Court North, South Setauket, NY 11720. (District: 0200, Section: 389.00, Block: 01.00, Lot: 041.001) Approximate amount of lien $968,452.04 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 600839/2015. Michael T. Clancy, Esq., Referee. The deposit must be paid by certified check or bank check made payable to the Referee. Cash will not be accepted. 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
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. Auction Locations are subject to change. L16358- 10/8/25, 10/15/25, 10/ 22/25, & 10/29/25
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST EDDIE ROMAN, CARMEN ROSADO, ET AL., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 26, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on November 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM, premises known as 254 Auborn Avenue, Shirley, NY 11967. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Township of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of New York, District 0200, Section 746.00, Block 03.00, Lot 005.000. Approximate amount of judgment $238,215.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #603642/ 2018.Harvey B. Besunder, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-006778 87308
HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2005-4, RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSET-BACKED NOTES, SERIES 2005-4, Plaintiff, AGAINST VANESSA L. SULLIVAN AKA VANESSA SULLIVAN, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on November 25, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on November 19, 2025 at 2:00 PM premises known as 50 Astor Drive, Shirley, NY 11967.
Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Suffolk County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Township of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. District 0200 Section 587.00, Block 02.00 and Lot 028.002-028.004. Approximate amount of judgment
$296,096.54 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed
Judgment. Index #609710/2019. Samantha Segal, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747
Notice is hereby given that an On-Premise Liquor License with Temporary Retail Permit, NYS Application ID: NA-0340-25130874 has been applied for by Doherty Ramen Lake Grove, LLC serving beer, wine, cider, mead and liquor to be sold at retail for on premises consumption in a restaurant, for the premises located at 3176 Middle Country Rd Unit B Lake Grove NY 11755.
L16371- 10/22/2025 & 10/29/ 2025
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of Formation of Grounded Glow LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/10/ 2025. Office in Suffolk County. SSNY designated agent for service of process; mail to 195 Nassau Blvd Unit B, Garden City South NY 11530. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR VELOCITY COMMERCIAL CAPITAL LOAN TRUST 2022-1, Plaintiff against NEW BEGINNINGS FRESH START LLC; MICHELLE DRIVER, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE OF THE MARY E. DODSON REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST DATED JULY 12, 2021, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC, 28 Corporate Drive, Suite 104, Halfmoon, NY 12065 and . Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered January 14, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on November 19, 2025 at 11:30 AM. Premises known as 63 West Lane, Medford, NY 11763. District 0200 Sec 527.00 Block 01.00 Lot 020.000. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $213,522.66 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 611997/2024. The foreclosure sale will be
conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District's Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing.
L16360- 10/15/25, 10/22/25, 10/ 29/25, & 11/05/25
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. DEBORAH DAWSON AKA DEBORAH DAVAN, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 23, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on November 19, 2025 at 12:30 p.m., premises known as 489 Carnation Drive, Shirley, NY 11967. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200, Section 615.00, Block 04.00 and Lot 007.002. Approximate amount of judgment is $392,962.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #208227/ 2022. Cash will not be accepted. Brooke J. Breen, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff L16361- 10/15/25, 10/22/25, 10/ 29/25, & 11/05/25
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of Formation of Tide to the Bay, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/12/2025. Office location: Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: Tide to the Bay, LLC, 382 Bernice Drive, Bayport, NY 11705. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE
FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF ABFC 2007WMC1 TRUST ASSET BACKED FUNDING CORPORATION ASSET BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-WMC1 -againstRENEE SCHIEFERSTEIN A/K/ A RENEE CARRICK AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ELEANOR A. SCHIEFERSTEIN, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on September 27, 2023, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF ABFC 2007-WMC1 TRUST ASSET BACKED FUNDING CORPORATION ASSET BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-WMC1 is the Plaintiff and RENEE SCHIEFERSTEIN A/K/A RENEE CARRICK AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ELEANOR A. SCHIEFERSTEIN, 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 November 18, 2025 at 12:00PM, premises known as 59 BROADWAY, SHIRLEY, NY 11967; and the following tax map identification: 0200-907.00 -07.00-002.000. 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 No.: 617683/ 2016. Giuseppe T. Rosini, 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. L16363- 10/15/25, 10/22/25, 10/ 29/25, & 11/05/25
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
The Bank of New York Mellon FKA The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the Certificateholders of the CWABS, Inc., Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-25 Plaintiff, Against James P. Walsh; Stephanie M. Walsh;
LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES
John F. O'Neill, his successors or assigns, as Commissioner of Social Services of Suffolk County, Social Services District; People of the State of New York; Peter Meyer; Commissioner of Taxation and Finance; John T. Mather Memorial Hospital; Glenn Hesselbach and Debra Hesselbach; Jaime Correia as Executor of the Estate of Florence Van Brussel; Equable Ascent Financial, LLC; Penny Whyard; Capital One Bank USA, NA; Springleaf Home Equity, Inc. f/k/a American Gen. Home Equity, Inc.; Colonial Woods Condominium; Midland Funding LLC; Continued Care of LI, Inc.; Southside Hospital; Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC; Claire Gangi; Peconic Bay Medical Center; Autovest, L.L.C.; Clerk of the Suffolk County District Court; Clerk of the Suffolk County Traffic & Parking Violations Agency; Commissioners of the State Insurance Fund; Contemporary Dental Associates; Commissioner of Taxation and Finance; Internal Revenue Service; Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 06/16/ 2021, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, on 11/7 /2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 27 Pineway Avenue, Mastic Beach, NY 11951, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. District 0200 Section 970.00 Block 02.00 Lot 012.000 and 013.000. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $469,411.27 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 604429/2019 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Billie Jean Miller, Esq., Referee. SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
L16357 - 10/8/25, 10/15/25, 10/ 22/25, & 10/29/25
John F. O'Neill, his successors or assigns, as Commissioner of Social Services of Suffolk County, Social Services District; People of the State of New York; Peter Meyer; Commissioner of Taxation and Finance; John T. Mather Memorial Hospital; Glenn Hesselbach and Debra Hesselbach; Jaime Correia as Executor of the Estate of Florence Van Brussel; Equable Ascent Financial, LLC; Penny Whyard; Capital One Bank USA, NA; Springleaf Home Equity, Inc. f/k/a American Gen. Home Equity, Inc.; Colonial Woods Condominium; Midland Funding LLC; Continued Care of LI, Inc.; Southside Hospital; Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC; Claire Gangi; Peconic Bay Medical Center; Autovest, L.L.C.; Clerk of the Suffolk County District Court; Clerk of the Suffolk County Traffic & Parking Violations Agency; Commissioners of the State Insurance Fund; Contemporary Dental Associates; Commissioner of Taxation and Finance; Internal Revenue Service; Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 06/16/ 2021, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, on 11/7 /2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 27 Pineway Avenue, Mastic Beach, NY 11951, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. District 0200 Section 970.00 Block 02.00 Lot 012.000 and 013.000. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $469,411.27 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 604429/2019 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Billie Jean Miller, Esq., Referee. SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 L16357 - 10/8/25, 10/15/25, 10/ 22/25, & 10/29/25
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, MECKLENBURG COUNTY In the MECKLENBURG COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, MECKLENBURG COUNTY In the MECKLENBURG COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
Jeimy Baez, Plaintiff, vs. James Matzen, Defendant TO: James Matzen Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed as required to be filed not later than forty (40) days after the date of the first publication of this notice, in the above-entitled action. The
Jeimy Baez, Plaintiff, vs. James Matzen, Defendant TO: James Matzen Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed as required to be filed not later than forty (40) days after the date of the first publication of this notice, in the above-entitled action. The
nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Complaint for Child Custody You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than forty (40) days after the date of the first publication of this notice, and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This, the October 06, 2025 day of _________, _________. (Party) Jeimy Baez _________ (Address) 6908 Centerline Drive, Charlotte, NC 28278
nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Complaint for Child Custody You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than forty (40) days after the date of the first publication of this notice, and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This, the October 06, 2025 day of _________, _________. (Party) Jeimy Baez _________ (Address) 6908 Centerline Drive, Charlotte, NC 28278
L16364- 10/15/25, 10/22/25, 10/ 29/25, & 11/05/25
L16364- 10/15/25, 10/22/25, 10/ 29/25, & 11/05/25
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY MID-ISLAND MORTGAGE
CORP., Plaintiff against MUHAMMET OZEN, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered August 21, 2023, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on November 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Premises known as 1 Ellen Ct, Lake Grove, NY 11755. District 0208 Sec 008.00 Block 11.00 Lot 029.000. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lake Grove, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $412,399.72 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 605329/2016. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY MID-ISLAND MORTGAGE CORP., Plaintiff against MUHAMMET OZEN, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered August 21, 2023, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on November 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Premises known as 1 Ellen Ct, Lake Grove, NY 11755. District 0208 Sec 008.00 Block 11.00 Lot 029.000. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lake Grove, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $412,399.72 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 605329/2016. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.
During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.
L16359- 10/15/25, 10/22/25, 10/ 29/25, & 11/05/25
L16359- 10/15/25, 10/22/25, 10/ 29/25, & 11/05/25
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF LEGAL
NOTICE OF LEGAL
POSTPONEMENT OF SALE
POSTPONEMENT OF SALE
Supreme Court County of Suffolk Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, as Trustee for the benefit of the Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust, Series 2019-4, Plaintiff AGAINST Estate of Patrick Nestor, Jr., et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 6, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY on October 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM premises known as 47 Hunter Lane, Centereach, NY 11720. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Suffolk, State of New York, SECTION: 421.00, BLOCK: 04.00, LOT: 027.000; District 0200. Approximate amount of judgment is $312,599.62 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 607797/2023. Original Sale Date: October 3, 2025 Donna England, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 L16366- 10/22/25
Supreme Court County of Suffolk Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, as Trustee for the benefit of the Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust, Series 2019-4, Plaintiff AGAINST Estate of Patrick Nestor, Jr., et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 6, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY on October 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM premises known as 47 Hunter Lane, Centereach, NY 11720. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Suffolk, State of New York, SECTION: 421.00, BLOCK: 04.00, LOT: 027.000; District 0200. Approximate amount of judgment is $312,599.62 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 607797/2023. Original Sale Date: October 3, 2025 Donna England, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 L16366- 10/22/25
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
BOARD OF MANAGERS OF ARTIST LAKE CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff, against ANASTASIA 1031 CAPITAL LLC; and "JOHN DOE" AND “JANE DOE”, Defendants. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated July 21, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps of the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, New York, on November 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. premises being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, known and designated as Home No. 161 as shown on condominium plan entitled, "Artist Lake Condominium", and filed in the Suffolk County Clerks Office as Map Number 30, together with a .2909% undivided interest in the common elements of the condominium as same is defined in the Declaration of Condominium entitled "Artist Lake Condominium" recorded in the Suffolk County Clerks Office in Liber 7581 Page 56. Said premises being known as 161 Artist Lake, Middle Island, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of New York (District 0200, Section 434.00, Block 03.00, Lot No. 060.000). Said premises will be sold
BOARD OF MANAGERS OF ARTIST LAKE CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff, against ANASTASIA 1031 CAPITAL LLC; and "JOHN DOE" AND “JANE DOE”, Defendants. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated July 21, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps of the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, New York, on November 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. premises being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, known and designated as Home No. 161 as shown on condominium plan entitled, "Artist Lake Condominium", and filed in the Suffolk County Clerks Office as Map Number 30, together with a .2909% undivided interest in the common elements of the condominium as same is defined in the Declaration of Condominium entitled "Artist Lake Condominium" recorded in the Suffolk County Clerks Office in Liber 7581 Page 56. Said premises being known as 161 Artist Lake, Middle Island, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of New York (District 0200, Section 434.00, Block 03.00, Lot No. 060.000). Said premises will be sold
subject to zoning restrictions, covenants, easements, conditions, reservations and agreements, if any; subject to any state of facts as may appear from an accurate survey; subject to facts as to possession and occupancy and subject to whatever physical condition of the premises may be; subject to any violations of the zoning and other municipal ordinances and regulations, if any, and if the United States of America should file a tax lien, or other lien, subject to the equity of redemption of the United States of America; subject to the rights of any lienors of record whose liens have not been foreclosed herein, if any; subject to the rights of holders of security in fixtures as defined by the Uniform Commercial Code; subject to taxes, assessments and water rates which are liens on the premises at the time of sale, with accrued interest or penalties thereon and a first mortgage held by Denise Langweber & Laurence Langweber ($50,000.00), Henry Epstein ($25,000.00) Charles Sallah ($30,000.00) and Pitnick & Margolin LLP 401k f/b/o CL Margolin ($45,000.00), mortgagee, given to ANASTASIA 1031 CAPITAL LLC, mortgagor, in the original amount of $150,000.00 dated 4/ 28/2022 and recorded 6/10/ 2022 in Liber 23426 at page 101. NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED ONLY BANK OR CERTIFIED CHECKS PAYABLE TO JOHN LOUIS JULIANO, ESQ., AS REFEREE. Index No. 617437/2024 Dated: October 6, 2025 John Louis Juliano, Esq., Referee Cohen, Warren, Meyer & Gitter, P.C., Attorneys for Plaintiff, 98 Maple Avenue, Suite 100, Smithtown, NY 11787. L16362- 10/15/25, 10/22/25, 10/ 29/25, & 11/05/25
subject to zoning restrictions, covenants, easements, conditions, reservations and agreements, if any; subject to any state of facts as may appear from an accurate survey; subject to facts as to possession and occupancy and subject to whatever physical condition of the premises may be; subject to any violations of the zoning and other municipal ordinances and regulations, if any, and if the United States of America should file a tax lien, or other lien, subject to the equity of redemption of the United States of America; subject to the rights of any lienors of record whose liens have not been foreclosed herein, if any; subject to the rights of holders of security in fixtures as defined by the Uniform Commercial Code; subject to taxes, assessments and water rates which are liens on the premises at the time of sale, with accrued interest or penalties thereon and a first mortgage held by Denise Langweber & Laurence Langweber ($50,000.00), Henry Epstein ($25,000.00) Charles Sallah ($30,000.00) and Pitnick & Margolin LLP 401k f/b/o CL Margolin ($45,000.00), mortgagee, given to ANASTASIA 1031 CAPITAL LLC, mortgagor, in the original amount of $150,000.00 dated 4/ 28/2022 and recorded 6/10/ 2022 in Liber 23426 at page 101. NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED ONLY BANK OR CERTIFIED CHECKS PAYABLE TO JOHN LOUIS JULIANO, ESQ., AS REFEREE. Index No. 617437/2024 Dated: October 6, 2025 John Louis Juliano, Esq., Referee Cohen, Warren, Meyer & Gitter, P.C., Attorneys for Plaintiff, 98 Maple Avenue, Suite 100, Smithtown, NY 11787. L16362- 10/15/25, 10/22/25, 10/ 29/25, & 11/05/25
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company, Plaintiff AGAINST Aaron Ruff a/ k/a Aaron G. Ruff, Individually and on behalf of the Estate of Millinee Thomas; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 15, 2021, amended November 22, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on November 20, 2025, at 9:00AM, premises known as 108 Wilson Avenue, Medford, NY 11763. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Middle Island, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of New York, District 0200 Section 497.00 Block 02.00 Lot 006.000. Approximate amount of judgment $328,134.19 plus
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company, Plaintiff AGAINST Aaron Ruff a/ k/a Aaron G. Ruff, Individually and on behalf of the Estate of Millinee Thomas; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 15, 2021, amended November 22, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on November 20, 2025, at 9:00AM, premises known as 108 Wilson Avenue, Medford, NY 11763. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Middle Island, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of New York, District 0200 Section 497.00 Block 02.00 Lot 006.000. Approximate amount of judgment $328,134.19 plus
interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 612283/ 2015.
interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 612283/ 2015.
Brian Egan, 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
Brian Egan, 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
Notice of formation of 5 TALL TREE, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on 10/1/ 2025. 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 YVONNE YAKABOSKI, PO BOX 1912, RIVERHEAD, NY 11901, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose. L16365 - 10/15/25, 10/22/25, 10 /29/25, 11/05/25, 11/12/2025 & 11/19/2025
Notice of formation of 5 TALL TREE, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on 10/1/ 2025. 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 YVONNE YAKABOSKI, PO BOX 1912, RIVERHEAD, NY 11901, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose. L16365 - 10/15/25, 10/22/25, 10 /29/25, 11/05/25, 11/12/2025 & 11/19/2025
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THE FANTASY BASEBALL EXPERIENCE
Alvarez could be a fantasy steal
By Tom Barton
I can’t remember a time when the fantasy catching position was as deep as it will be entering the 2026 season. The position isn’t just deep and talented — it’s young, which means even more excitement and higher draft values. The obvious standouts like Cal Raleigh and William Contreras jump off the page, but there are a solid 10 to 15 catchers who could reasonably finish as top-five players at the position.
Players like Ben Rice, with his impressive Statcast profile, will be harder to land under the radar, and the Drake Baldwin types — with 19 home runs and 80 RBIs — can no longer be called sleepers. So, to find real value, we need to dig deeper. Fortunately for New York fans, we don’t have to look further than our own backyard.
Francisco Alvarez was once the talk of baseball as a top prospect, but his inju -
ry-shortened season seems to have made some forget just how high his ceiling truly is. Alvarez’s pedigree shows legitimate top-five upside — as soon as this upcoming season.
After being optioned to Triple-A in late June following a rough stretch, Alvarez returned and quietly became one of the best-hitting catchers in baseball. In the second half, he posted a .921 OPS, showing the kind of elite production few catchers can offer. If his surgically repaired thumb is fully healed by spring, Alvarez could easily return to form and exceed expectations.
At just 23 years old, Alvarez should remain a long-term fixture behind the plate for the Mets. For fantasy managers who prefer to wait on drafting a catcher, Alvarez is the perfect target — a player capable of delivering elite production at a discounted price. He may not enter 2026 as a consensus top-10 option, but by season’s end, he could easily be among the league’s best.
BETTING WITH BARTON
BY TOM BARTON
The Tennessee Titans have fired their head coach, and while the gravy train might have slowed for some sharp sports bettors, I still believe there’s value left on the board.
Finding niche areas in sports betting to make consistent money is an art form, but sometimes that art is just plain obvious. Betting on teams and players to go over the projected sack total against the Titans has been one of the biggest and easiest money-makers so far this young NFL season. Adding an opposing team’s top pass rusher to record a sack often pays plus money, and wagering on one of them to get two sacks usually pays handsomely each week.
The Titans may have a new head coach, but the sacks should continue. Cam Ward is reckless in the pocket—as most young quarterbacks are—and his offensive line isn’t doing him any favors. Tennessee can change schemes, but I still expect
Down goes
Ward
... again and again
Ward to struggle behind a weak line.
In Week 1 against the Broncos, the relentless Denver pass rush sacked Ward six times for 50 yards, with Nik Bonitto notching one. Week 2 brought more of the same, as the Rams tallied five sacks, including two from Byron Young. In Week 3, the Colts “only” got to Ward four times, but Tyquan Lewis had two. The Texans didn’t blitz much in their shutout win, recording just two sacks—both by Danielle Hunter. Against Arizona, Josh Sweat had two of the Cardinals’ sacks, and last week Maxx Crosby and the Raiders piled up six, with Crosby again collecting two.
Entering this weekend, the Titans have allowed four or more sacks in over half their games, with an opposing star recording two sacks in each of the last five.
This week, they’ll face former teammate Harold Landry and the New England Patriots.
Francisco Alvarez
Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward
SPORTS
By Tom Barton
The 2025 New York Yankees season came to an abrupt end last week, leaving many Yankees fans with the same feelings we’ve had for years. It feels like this team has so much more potential—and that something needs to change for them to climb back to the top of the mountain and win their 28th World Series.
Fittingly, the number 28 was worn by the man who joined this week’s South Shore Press podcast—former Yankee great and manager Joe Girardi. Girardi was also the last manager to lead the team to a championship back in 2009, and the drought since then has had many fans longing for the days when Joe was at the helm.
Girardi answered a wide
Yankee great joins the South Shore Press podcast
range of questions during the interview, and if one thing is clear, it’s that he remains as sharp as ever and could return to managing in a heartbeat. He acknowledged the Yankees’ strong season and noted how injuries—particularly to Gerrit Cole—could have easily derailed them. Discussing the Toronto series, Girardi said, “I just think for whatever reason, Toronto was a bad matchup for them this year... If this had been a seven-game series, I think the Yankees probably would have fared better.”
Girardi isn’t a man of excuses, but he doesn’t believe that anything short of a title means failure. He praised the great moments throughout the season while also understanding fans’ hunger for more.
That “more” has eluded Yankees fans for too long. No one wants Aaron Judge’s legacy to mirror Don Mattingly’s—greatness without a ring. Whether fans blame players, management, or ownership, everyone has an opinion on what went wrong.
Girardi also addressed the modern game—pitch counts, analytics, and lineup decisions. He stressed that not all pitches are created equal, saying, “Some of the greatest advice I ever got from Don Zimmer was: watch the swings. The swings will tell you when a pitcher’s done.”
On analytics, Girardi noted that they’ve always been part of baseball: “We did it back then too. We just didn’t have as much available as we do today... When I think of analytics, I don’t think
about managing a game as much as improving the players.”
Girardi spoke with intelligence and humility—traits rare even among the game’s best. His passion for baseball still shines through.
Listen to the full interview on our website at SouthShorePress. com, on Facebook at TheSouthShorePress, or on X (@ SSPNewsroom).
Sachem North wins the Game of the Week
By Tom Barton
The Sachem North vs. Sachem East rivalry remains one of the best in Suffolk County, and this year’s matchup was extra special as it was featured as the Orlin & Cohen Rockline Wealth Management Game of the Week in Suffolk.
Because of that distinction, the entire game was broadcast live on TD Sports and streamed on YouTube, giving fans everywhere a chance to experience the excitement.
Sachem North wasted no time showing who would control the day. The team jumped out to an early 7-0 lead before exploding for 24 points in the second quar-
ter. By halftime, North had built a commanding 31-7 advantage. The pace slowed in the second half, with Sachem East scoring the only touchdown after the break.
Quarterback Luke LaRocca was outstanding, completing 9 of 12 passes for more than 200 yards and three touchdowns, leading Sachem North to improve its record to 4-2.
Lucas Bouchard was the primary target, catching four passes for 120 yards, while LaRocca spread the ball around efficiently, connecting with five different receivers throughout the game.
The ground attack was balanced as well, with six different players recording rushing yards.
LaRocca capped his stellar day
by adding a rushing touchdown to his stat line.
It was a complete team effort for Sachem — dominance through the air, contributions from multiple players, and a defense that set the tone early and held strong late.
Next up for North is a road trip to Longwood, followed by their season finale back home against Central Islip on Halloween night.
With momentum on their side, the Flaming Arrows look to finish their season strong. East will have two more game to try to finish the season with a .500 record. Next week they take on Pat-Med before ending their year on the road against Ward Melville.
New home field advantage for Smithtown
By Tom Barton
Town and State officials joined the Smithtown Parks and Recreation Department, local sports leagues, and families on Sunday morning to celebrate the ribbon cutting and official opening of the new athletic fields at Charles P. Toner Park (The Armory) in Nesconset. Teams from SJN Youth Football, SJN Youth Cheer, and Smithtown Youth Lacrosse attended the event alongside their coaches, players, and families.
The two new multi-sport fields mark a major milestone for the Smithtown community, providing local leagues and residents with safe, high-quality facilities for years to come.
“This new facility reflects the best of Smithtown — teamwork,
collaboration, and community pride,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. “It’s a place where our young athletes can grow, compete, and learn life lessons that extend far beyond the field. None of this happens without the support of our local leagues, coaches, and families. On behalf of the Town of Smithtown, I thank everyone who helped make these fields of dreams a reality.”
Completed just in time for football season, the new fields will serve over 600 families, including more than 200 football players, 200 cheerleaders, and 200 lacrosse players — giving Smithtown’s young athletes their first official home field.
The facilities are also open and accessible to all Smithtown residents year-round, offering new
opportunities for recreation and community use.
The complex features a PFASand microplastics-free synthetic turf field, a hydroseeded natural-grass field with advanced drainage, new bleachers, and a scoreboard donated by community member Sean Hickey.
The project, engineered by Hayduk Engineering and built by Laser Industries, is part of Smithtown’s broader park improvement plan, which includes upgrades across the Town to enhance recreation and strengthen community life.
In recent years the Town has also completed new athletic fields and park upgrades at Whitman Hollow Park, Gaynor and Moriches Parks, and Browns Road Park.
Rivalry
South Shore Press
Joe Girardi on SSP podcast
Town of Smithtown
Smithtown Fields
SPORTS
By Tom Barton
Half Hollow Hills East senior Samantha Heyman has been named the first News12 Scholar Athlete Award winner of the 2024–25 school year, an honor sponsored by FourLeaf Federal Credit Union. The prestigious recognition celebrates outstanding student-athletes across Long Island who excel both academically and athletically while demonstrating strong character and leadership in their schools and communities.
Heyman, a multi-sport athlete, serves as a senior starter and captain on three varsity teams — Flag Football, Tennis, and Basketball — a rare accomplishment that highlights her versatility, commitment, and
Three sport star wins Scholar Athlete Award
athletic talent. As captain, she has earned the respect of her teammates and coaches through her hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship, setting a positive example for younger players on and off the field.
Heyman is an all-state doubles tennis player with the county team titles to her name. She is also the reigning flag football state player of the year. Last season, she had 78 touchdowns and led her team to the state finals.
She says she loves seeing the joy the sport brings to her friends.
Heyman has a 98 unweighted GPA and is on the debate team.
She also volunteers for the Limb Kind Foundation, working with kids who have prosthetic limbs.
Her ability to manage a demanding athletic schedule while
excelling in the classroom speaks to her discipline and time-management skills.
As part of the award, Samantha received a $1,000 college scholarship from FourLeaf Federal Credit Union to support her future educational goals. She is also being featured in a News12 Long Island segment that will air multiple times per day, spotlighting her achievements and contributions.
Heyman’s recognition continues Hills East’s proud tradition of academic and athletic excellence. Her success serves as an inspiration to fellow students and athletes throughout the district, showcasing the true meaning of leadership, perseverance, and school spirit.
Sayville adds 11 new Hall of Famers
By Tom Barton
The Sayville School District honored some of the most accomplished figures in its athletic history as the Sayville Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025 was officially inducted during a ceremony last month. The eleven newest members inducted represent nearly nine decades of Golden Flashes excellence across multiple sports.
The new inductees include former student-athletes Mike Buck (Class of 1985), Joseph Gugliotta (Class of 2007), David Jackson (Class of 1973), Kristy Longman (Class of 2007), Matthew Messina (Class of 2005), Craig Orski (Class of 1999), Bob Peiser (Class of 1969), Louis Verspoor (Class of 1955), and Anne Wolstencroft (Class of
1935). Inducted coaches include longtime cross country and track coach Glenn Drago and
softball coach Jennifer Wittman-Cahill.
Mike Buck had a ground swell of support and even an entire website devoted to getting him into this Hall of Fame class.
While a few Sayville football players have come close Mike Buck remains the only player to ever actually play in the NFL.
To qualify for the Sayville Athletics Hall of Fame, student-athletes must be award-winning, varsity-level competitors who have demonstrated leadership, outstanding character, and a lasting impact on Sayville’s athletic program. They become eligible five years after graduating. Coaches must have achieved significant accomplishments and contri-
butions to Sayville athletics, in addition to exhibiting exceptional leadership and integrity. They are eligible three years after retirement.
“Each member of the Sayville Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is incredibly deserving of our district’s highest athletic honor,” said Dr. Ryan Cox, Sayville Public Schools Director of Physical Education, Health, and Interscholastic Athletics. “We thank them all for the remarkable contributions they have made to our program throughout their careers.”
This year’s Hall of Fame class marks the district’s first induction since 2017. The next class of honorees will be inducted in 2027.
Sayville’s offense puts on a homecoming show
By Tom Barton
The Sayville community was filled with school spirit and a strong sense of tradition during its annual high school homecoming celebration — but it was on the field where the best show of all took place. The streets were packed with Sayville Public Schools students as a vibrant parade snaked its way through the community. Students showcased their class pride with creatively designed banners and floats, drawing cheers from families and residents who lined the streets. Members of the Sayville High School cheer squad, dance team, and marching band also entertained the enthusiastic
crowd.
That turned out to be just the warmup, as the Golden Flashes put on an offensive clinic, defeating their rivals from Islip High School, 56-35.
Quarterback Patrick Coan went 7-for-11, throwing for just under 100 yards and two touchdown passes. He didn’t have to do much through the air though because he also rushed for nearly 140 yards and a score.
The dominant ground game continued with some great offensive line play. Running back Timmy Holahan matched Coan’s effort on the ground, rushing for nearly 140 yards himself and adding two touchdown runs, while Cole Cantarella continued the ground
assault with a touchdown run of his own.
Gabe Bethea and Jake Arato caught Coan’s two touchdown passes as the scoring barrage continued. Even the special teams unit got in on the scoring fun when Ben Kloska blocked a punt allowing Ryan Linker to return it 25 yards for another Sayville touchdown. Since homecoming, Sayville has continued to roll through the season, remaining perfect on the year. This explosive offense has proven to be one of the best in the county, scoring 30 or more points in every game played — including two 56-point performances and an incredible 62-point outing on the road against Hauppauge just one week ago.
Sayville School District
Sayville Hall of Fame Class of 1985 honoree Mike Buck
Half Hollow Hills East | Facebook
Samantha Heyman
Sayville Union Free School District Sayville homecoming
By Tom Barton
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive therapeutic equine programs using horses to facilitate growth, learning, and healing for children and adults with disabilities, individuals on the autism spectrum, veterans, and others, announced that the Clark Gillies Foundation has donated $7,500 to support scholarships for students in financial need.
Pal-O-Mine offers Adaptive Horseback Riding and Unmounted (ground-based) Equine Coaching and Horsemanship programs designed to benefit individuals of all abilities and ages. Each lesson is tailored with specific goals that target areas
Horses healing children receives donation
where a student needs the most support and growth. Adaptive Horseback Riding focuses on building riding and safety skills while also enhancing balance, responsibility, self-discipline, and patience. Equine Coaching and Horsemanship lessons are customized to match each student’s interests and abilities, promoting creativity, confidence, and adaptability.
Equine Coaching and Horsemanship lessons are customized to match each student’s unique interests and abilities, promoting creativity and adaptability. Through the instructors’ expertise in equine and small animal care, along with Pal-O-Mine’s comprehensive curriculums, students gain hands-on experience in caring for both large and small
animals.
“Pal-O-Mine creates a space where kids can heal and grow, no matter what they’re facing,” said Emily Tyree Collins, Executive Director of the Clark Gillies Foundation. “That mission mirrors our own, and we’re honored to support it.”
“Clark Gillies was a longtime friend and supporter of Pal-OMine, and we are immensely grateful to the Clark Gillies Foundation for continuing this treasured partnership with their generous gift,” said Lisa A. Gatti, Founder and CEO of Pal-OMine. “Clark was a passionate advocate for children facing challenges, and his legacy lives on through the foundation’s life-changing work.”
Pal-O-Mine began in 1995 as
a therapeutic horseback riding program for individuals with disabilities. Each week, more
Bad Bunny gets some Super Bowl competition
By Tom Barton
Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA is countering the NFL’s decision to have Bad Bunny be the Super Bowl halftime show with their own show, “The All-American Halftime.” The group announced, “The All-American Halftime Show” on X (formerly Twitter) this week, describing it as a celebration of “faith, family and freedom.” Turning Point did not list any musical artists to perform on Feb. 8 when NBC Sports will televise the Big Game; the group said performers will be announced at a later date.
The NFL’s decision to name Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the halftime show headliner at Levi’s Stadium has drawn
By Tom Barton
West Islip head coach Steve Mileti reached a major career milestone on Saturday, earning his 100th career victory as the Lions defeated Rocky Point, 14-7, in a hard-fought Suffolk County Division III matchup.
RB Jake Kramer powered the Lions’ offense with over 100 rushing yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, setting the tone with his physical play. Quarterback TJ Sonnenberg delivered in the clutch, completing 15 of 20 passes for 121 yards, including the dramatic game-winning 10-yard touchdown strike to Matt McDermott with just 26 seconds left. The late scoring drive capped a disciplined and
strong backlash from President Donald Trump’s MAGA movement and the mass majority of NFL fans. Critics questioned Bad Bunny’s relevance, use of Spanish in music, and prior political statements, scrutinizing whether he is an appropriate choice for such a widely watched national platform. He also flamed the fires by stating on Saturday Night Live that Americans have “four months to learn Spanish.” He was then spotted sitting during God Bless America at Yankee Stadium.
Turning Point’s announcement has positioned itself as an alternative that is more aligned with traditional American cultural values. By emphasizing “faith, family, and freedom” and
Coach Mileti nabs win #100
determined effort by the Lions, who showed resilience on both sides of the ball.
Defensively, West Islip was fantastic, they limited Rocky Point’s offensive opportunities and came up with key stops in the second half to preserve the narrow lead. Playing stellar defense is their calling card. They have not allowed more than 17 points all season and have held three opponents to a single TD or less. The win improved West Islip’s record to 4-1 on the season, keeping them firmly in the playoff picture as they continue their push toward another postseason berth.
For Mileti, the victory marked another memorable chapter in his remarkable 17-year tenure at
the helm of the program. Since taking over, he has built a tradition of consistency, discipline, and competitiveness — guiding the Lions to numerous playoff appearances and cultivating a strong football culture within the community. With this latest win, Mileti now boasts an impressive career record of 100-54, a testament to his leadership and dedication.
Players and coaches celebrated the milestone following the game, recognizing their coach’s longevity, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to excellence. For Mileti, the achievement reflects not only years of hard work but also the pride and unity that define West Islip football.
by referring to an “All-American” show, the group signals a deliberate contrast to the NFL’s official selection.
As of now, Turning Point USA has not revealed a venue, broadcast plans, or a roster of performers. They have, however, invited the public to participate in genre selection.
Whether the “All-American Halftime” will draw a significant audience or become a symbolic gesture in the larger culture war over entertainment and identity remains to be seen. What’s certain is that the announcement has already sparked debate, making the Super Bowl halftime show about more than just music—it is becoming another cultural battleground.
than 400 students attend one of the many programs offered at the Suffolk County campus.
SPORTS
By Tom Barton
WNBA All-Star Caitlin
Clark will be the featured speaker at the Long Island Association’s annual fall luncheon on Oct. 29 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.
The 23-year-old Indiana Fever guard “is a transformational figure,” said Matt Cohen, president and CEO of the LIA, the region’s largest business organization, who will interview Clark one-onone at the event. “She has, in many ways, transcended the sport of women’s basketball and changed the economics of the league.”
Cohen said their conversation will be dynamic and inspiring for Long Island’s business leaders, touching on
Caitlin Clark coming to Long Island
Clark’s impact on the game, how she handles pressure at such a young age, and her leadership both on and off the court.
“Caitlin is also a businesswoman and philanthropist,” Cohen noted. “She has partnerships with companies like Nike and Gatorade, and she’s helped break attendance records, increase ticket revenues, and generate more interest in the league than ever before — from both men and women.”
In 2024, Forbes named Clark to its list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women for her role in elevating professional women’s sports through record-setting attendance and viewership.
“Bringing Caitlin Clark to Long Island is something fresh,” Cohen said. “We’ve
had athletes before, but never someone so young who has truly transformed both the game and the business behind it.”
The LIA has also never featured a female professional athlete as its luncheon speaker. Cohen said the organization continues to broaden its reach, including launching a new program to support East End businesses and awarding small business grants.
Cohen plans to ask Clark about the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities and her Caitlin Clark Foundation, which aims to uplift youth through education, nutrition, and sport.
The day will begin with a networking reception followed by the luncheon and program.
Former Yankee and Met passes away
@Mets | X
By Tom Barton
Former MLB All-Star Sandy Alomar Sr. has died, Major League Baseball announced on Monday. He was 81 years old.
In addition to being an outstanding player, Alomar was also the father of two baseball greats — six-time All-Star Sandy Alomar Jr. and Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar. The Alomar name is well respected in the baseball community, and it began with Senior.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Major League player and coach Sandy Alomar Sr.,” MLB posted on X.
“The Puerto Rico native played for six different teams across
his 15-year playing career and was an American League AllStar for the Angels in 1970. He totaled 227 stolen bases, including a career-high 39 in 1971. He went on to coach for several Major League teams through 2009.”
Alomar Sr. played for the Braves, Mets, White Sox, Angels, Yankees, and Rangers during his playing career. As a coach, he worked with the Padres, Cubs, Rockies, and Mets organizations.
Over the course of his 15year career, Alomar hit .245 with 13 home runs and 282 RBIs. During his All-Star season in 1970, he batted .251 with 18 doubles, two home runs, and 36 RBIs, while stealing 35 bases.
The Puerto Rican native spent parts of three seasons with the Yankees from 1974–76 and also played with the New York Mets in 1967 and then coached for them.
“The Hall of Fame remembers Sandy Alomar Sr., who passed away at the age of 81,” the Baseball Hall of Fame posted on X. “The father of All-Star Sandy Alomar Jr. and Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar played 15 years for the Braves, Mets, White Sox, Angels, Yankees, and Rangers, in addition to a long coaching career.”
Alomar’s legacy continues through his family and decades of impact on the game he loved.
BMX tour visits Eastport-South Manor
By Tom Barton
Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School students filled the gymnasium for an assembly featuring members of the BMX No Hate Tour, held this week and sponsored by the U.S. Marines — and they were blown away by the excitement.
Now in its 25th year of going around to schools, this impactful program harnesses the thrill and energy of BMX biking to deliver important lessons on bullying prevention, overcoming obstacles, positive influences, problem-solving, and mental health awareness — all messages that strongly resonate with high school students.
Spokesperson Dan Sieg addressed the crowd, speaking
candidly about the realities of bullying and the importance of resilience and respect. Meanwhile, professional BMX riders Logan Place, Trevor Meyer, Zach Newman, and Russell Summerville wowed the audience with jaw-dropping stunts both on the ground and in the air.
One of the assembly’s most memorable moments came when Assistant Principal Daniel Franchese sat in a chair on the ramp as one of the riders pedaled and launched high above his head — to the amazement of the cheering students.
Although the BMX tricks drew plenty of excitement, the program’s most powerful takeaway came from Sieg’s inspirational message about determina-
tion and self-belief.
“Decide what your passion is,” Sieg told the students. “If someone gives you a hard time, put your head down and focus on the task at hand. I encourage you to find the passion and energy inside you — and put it in play.”
Only five schools in each state will get the tour and this is the only time of the year that they will be on Long Island.
The No Hate High School Tour features top BMX athletes performing high-energy action sports shows while sharing personal stories about bullying, inclusion, kindness, and mental health awareness — inspiring teens to be confident, compassionate, and positive in all aspects of life.
Sandy Alomar Sr.
Caitlin Clark
Eastport South Manor School District
BMX Tour
Yankee great joins SSP
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