When I served as Erie County Comptroller, the “Taxpayers’ Watchdog,” I kept a dry-erase board in my office. I intended to change the daily quote I wrote for myself and my staff.
That changed after a drive to Albany with then Assemblyman Michael “Mickey” Kearns, when two private-sector guys vented about politicians who put personal and political interests above the people they served.
Our conversation turned to government decision-making. I recalled that my predecessor, Alfreda Slominski—the longest-serving Comptroller in county history—once offered sound advice: “Good governance leads to good politics, not the other way around.”
Mickey then shared his father’s wisdom: “There is no right way to do the wrong
thing.”
As soon as I returned from Albany, I wrote that on my board. It stayed there the rest of my public career. It reminded me daily to put service over self and never let fickle political winds guide my decisions.
Sadly, New York’s current governor, Kathy Hochul, clearly does not follow the same principle.
As Erie County Clerk, Hochul refused to give illegal immigrants driver’s licenses. Yet her first executive order as governor cemented New York as a sanctuary state. On her watch, illegals now get licenses.
As a Congresswoman in a deep-red Republican district, she earned an “A” rating from the NRA. Now she’s intent on stripping away Second Amendment rights.
No right way to do the wrong thing
Her latest hypocrisy involves the federal government shutdown.
Just over 200 days ago, Hochul praised Senator Chuck Schumer for siding with Republicans to keep the government open.
“Senator Schumer has delivered time and time again for New York State,” said Hochul on March 19th, 2025.
Today, bowing to progressives like Zohran Mamdani, she blasts Republicans for the current shutdown. Let’s be clear: Democrats bear responsibility. Even worse, Hochul, Schumer, and Mamdani support the shutdown to advance their mission of free health care for illegal immigrants.
During my service, I held fast to the principle: “There is no right way to do the wrong thing.”
We should send Hochul a dry-erase board with that very message. Sadly, she’d likely erase
it and write down the day’s polling numbers—at the taxpayers’ expense.
Brookhaven to shutter Holtsville Hal’s longtime zoo
By Robert Chartuk
It was the home of weather prognosticator Holtsville Hal and a family attraction for generations, and now the zoo at the Brookhaven Ecology Center is being closed.
The animal preserve will gradually wind down operations over the next year, with animals to be relocated to sanctuaries. Town officials said the move follows complaints from former employees and animal welfare groups who raised concerns about mistreatment and poor conditions.
The closure was announced during a budget meeting at Town Hall in Farmingville. Officials said the decision was also driven by financial considerations, noting the zoo costs about $2 million annually to operate. Supervisor Dan Panico said resources would be better directed toward core town functions such as parks and building services.
The 30-acre Holtsville Ecology Site, located off Buckley Road, will remain open. The property includes two public swimming pools, playgrounds, picnic
areas, walking trails, and a fitness course. Officials said a new playground and spray park could be developed on the zoo property once the animals are rehomed.
The zoo, which is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, has faced scrutiny since a 2024 investigation found evidence of neglect, including unsanitary enclosures and inadequate space for several species. Former caretakers also raised concerns about noise and stress caused by large groups of visitors.
Relocation of the animals will take time, officials said, as the town works with local nature centers and sanctuaries to find appropriate homes. Groups such as the Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown and the Hoyt Farm in Commack were mentioned as potential destinations for Holtsville Hal and his companions.
The employment status of the zoo’s staff has not yet been determined. The Brookhaven Town Board must still vote to ratify the closure as part of budget deliberations, but officials indicated support for the move.
Meta AI
File Photo
Town of Brookhaven
Holtsville Hal on Groundhog Day.
LOCAL
By Robert Chartuk
A 911 call comes in about two men stealing from cars in a local parking lot. Suffolk police dispatch one of their new drones, which arrives in under a minute and streams video back to dispatch. Officers are advised of the suspects’ location, leading to arrests.
This was part of a demonstration at Police Headquarters in Yaphank unveiling Suffolk’s new $600,000 drone fleet, which will give police eyes in the sky with a slew of new capabilities.
County Executive Ed Romaine said the program reflects his priority to provide law
Suffolk police launch $600K drone fleet
enforcement with the latest tools. “We will continue to invest in technology to ensure residents remain safe and the police have what they need to protect them,” Romaine said, noting the funds came from a state grant.
The drones can be dispatched automatically and flown remotely from the department’s Crime Analysis Center. They are equipped with thermal cameras for searches, a high-definition zoom lens capable of reading license plates, and street maps to display addresses clearly. Each unit can automatically return to its docking station if communications are lost, avoid obstacles, and deploy a
parachute if needed. Much of the initial investment was for infrastructure with new units costing about $30,000 each.
Suffolk Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina called the program an innovative step forward, saying, “These drones provide real-time awareness, allowing detectives operating remotely to guide ground units with accurate, up-to-date information.”
The program has begun test flights at the Second Precinct in Huntington, with expansion planned for the First Precinct in West Babylon and the Third Precinct in Bay Shore. Romaine said the South Shore’s 7th Precinct will receive drones next year and, because
of its size, will host the county’s largest fleet. He praised the drones’ ability to locate lost
people, especially children, using their infrared heat-detection system.
Romaine signs law ‘Protecting Suffolk’s Working Waterfronts’
By Deborah Williams
Suffolk County has taken a historic step to protect its maritime heritage and economy by enacting legislation establishing a Working Waterfronts Program — the first initiative of its kind in New York State.
The new law creates a framework for acquiring conservation easements on commercial waterfront properties, ensuring they remain dedicated to maritime uses such as aquaculture, marine repair, commercial fishing, and recreational boating — rather than being lost to residential and other development pressures.
Modeled after Suffolk’s successful Farmland Preservation
Program, this initiative provides long-term protections for industries that are not only vital to the local economy but also deeply rooted in Suffolk’s heritage. Suffolk’s 2,949 marine-related businesses employ over 38,000 residents and make up more than 6% of Suffolk County’s economy.
Legislator Jim Mazzarella, Chair of the Legislature’s Economic Development, Planning and Housing Committee said, “I am proud to have helped advance this landmark legislation. Growing up on the waterfront, I know firsthand the unparalleled connection our communities share with the sea — from fishing and boating to our vibrant maritime traditions.”
“This is about safeguarding not
only our economy, but our way of life,” added Mazzarella.
The newly created Work-
ing Waterfront Committee, a 17-member advisory body, will oversee the program and work
directly with commercial waterfront property owners interested in applying for conservation easements.
Legislator Catherine Stark, co-sponsor of the legislation, said, “For generations, families on the East End have built their lives and livelihoods around the water,” said Legislator Stark. “This bill ensures that those opportunities will not be lost. By protecting access to our working waterfronts, we are protecting both our economy and the way of life that defines Suffolk County.”
With the bill now signed, Suffolk County will begin the process of identifying, protecting, and investing in properties that are central to the county’s working waterfronts.
Paws of War rescues animals, heals heroes
By Robert Chartuk
Paws of War is making a life-saving difference by rescuing dogs from shelters, hoarding cases, and disaster zones and pairing them with veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families—all at no cost to those who serve. The nonprofit’s mission extends beyond adoptions, offering free training and veterinary services that help both animals and their handlers thrive.
“We never breed dogs,” said Laurie Eisenberg, a critical programs volunteer. “Every animal we place has been rescued, and every adoption for our veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families is completely free.”
The group is known for its “War-Torn” program, which reunites U.S. servicemembers with animals they bonded with during deployments. “When soldiers deploy, they’re prepared for combat—but not for falling in love with a stray puppy or kitten,” Eisenberg explained. “We make sure those
animals come home, at no cost to the soldier or their family.”
In addition to adoptions, Paws of War
provides progressive training that can certify a dog as a service animal for veterans coping with PTSD, traumatic brain
injuries, and other invisible wounds.
Monthly mobile veterinary clinics offer vaccinations, wellness checks, and microchipping, again free of charge to the community they serve.
The need is especially great here on Long Island, home to the nation’s second-largest veteran population. Eisenberg said service dogs can make the difference between despair and recovery. “We have veterans in our program who almost weren’t here anymore because of the suicide epidemic,” she said. “These dogs aren’t just companions—they’re catalysts for healing.”
Founded more than a decade ago by Robert Misseri, Paws of War operates from its headquarters in Nesconset with a small staff and a large team of volunteers. “Every animal we save and every hero we help makes a real difference,” Eisenberg added.
To make a donation or volunteer, visit them at: www.pawsofwar.org.
Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella
Law siging ceremony to protect Suffolk County Waterfront businesses.
Robert Chartuk
Showing off a new drone are County Executive Ed Romaine, left, Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina, and Suffolk Clerk Vince Puleo.
Paws of War
Paws of War friends Courtney and Charlie.
By Robert Chartuk
Bill Zalakar, former president of the Long Island Farm Bureau and a longtime figure in the region’s agricultural industry, has been appointed the group’s new administrative director.
The appointment marks a return to leadership for Zalakar, who served as president of the bureau from 2019 to 2022 and has also held positions at both the state and national levels. The Long Island Farm Bureau represents farmers in Nassau, Suffolk, and New York City, serving as a local chapter of the New York Farm Bureau, which advocates and lobbies
Zalakar named new Farm Bureau director
on behalf of the farming industry and promotes local agriculture initiatives.
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico praised the appointment, calling Zalakar an experienced and respected choice. “Bill Zalakar is a great person and exceptionally qualified new leader of the Long Island Farm Bureau,” Panico said. “At our farmland advisory meetings, he is always on top of issues, with a keen understanding of agriculture and a passion to keep farming going for future generations. I wish him and his predecessor, Rob Carpenter, who retired and took a new position with the County of Suffolk, the very best.”
Zalakar, 64, spent nearly three decades in leadership roles at Kurt Weiss Greenhouses in Center Moriches, one of the largest greenhouse companies in the country. He later became chairperson of promotion and education for the New York State Farm Bureau and also served on committees for the American Farm Bureau Federation, helping to educate and advocate for farmers.
In his new role, Zalakar is expected to focus on public policy, education, and outreach, ensuring that farmers are represented on issues such as land preservation, labor, and environmental regulations.
The position opened earlier
Your NYS refund check is on the way
By Deborah Williams
Did you file your taxes early in 2023? If you did, you are first on the list to receive your NYS inflation refund check.
Inflation refund checks will be sent this fall to 8.2 million households throughout all corners of New York State. Roughly 1.2 million Long Islanders are eligible to receive refund checks.
Checks were mailed out beginning at the end of September and deliveries will continue throughout October and November.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s office said, “Your check may arrive earlier or later than your neighbors, as mailings will not be based on zip code or region.”
Hochul’s office told South Shore Press that the checks are mailed out according to when you filed your tax returns in 2023. So, if you filed early, you will get your check in the first round. If you filed an extension, and didn’t file until Oct 15, you are at the bottom of the mailing list.
Hochul also warned about refund check scams. Do not respond to texts and phone calls about your refund.
“New Yorkers do not have to do anything to receive an inflation refund check outside of meeting the eligibility requirements,” Governor Hochul said. “With scams targeting the state’s inflation refund initiative, let me be clear: The Tax Department and the IRS do NOT call or text individuals
this year following Carpenter’s retirement. Zalakar assumed the post last month at the bureau’s
has already hit the ground running.
Moriches Rotary Hosts 17th Annual Oktoberfest
volunteers.
By Robert Chartuk Muriel Corcoran,
The Rotary Club of the Moriches hosted its 17th Annual Oktoberfest at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck recently, bringing a lively celebration of Bavarian culture to the community. The three-day event featured traditional German food and beverages, live entertainment, carnival rides from Wonderland Midway, and a variety of local vendors.
Event chair Peter Traina said the festival is about more than just food and fun. “This is a celebration of Bavarian culture, but it’s also about bringing people together,” Traina said. “From families enjoying the rides to neighbors sampling local food and beer, it’s an event that truly unites our community. Prost!”
Morgan Stanley, Aspen+Ash Development and the Dunathan family, and Rotary Club President Mike Lally.
Visitors explored a range of vendors, including Everything But the Beach, Bad Smoothies, Melted Moma Confections, LaCorte’s Farm Stand, Pocket Full of Druzy, Sea Breeze Sensations, Holly Saladino’s handcrafted jewelry, EMO Apparel, S&T Enterprises, and East Coast Babes. VFW Post 414 of Center Moriches also participated, proudly supporting veterans and their families.
for personal information.”
Who’s Eligible for an Inflation Refund Check?
You are eligible for an inflation refund check if, for tax year 2023, you:
- Filed Form IT-201, New York State Resident Income Tax Return; - Reported income within
the qualifying thresholds; and
- Were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.
You will receive a check from $150-400 depending on your income and whether you are married filing jointly, married filing separately, or single.
The festival was made possible through support from numerous local businesses and community leaders, including Nettie’s Bakery, Steve Kronman & Imperial Bag & Paper, Norberto Pool Company, The Rico Foundation, Exit Liberty Realty, The Kanas Foundation, True Value, C.M. South Shore Plumbing, Moriches Bay Diner, All Aspect Tree Co., Legislator Jim Mazzarella, Kevin and Kate Spellman,
Attendees also enjoyed interactive games, photo opportunities, and cultural demonstrations that showcased traditional Bavarian music, dance, and crafts. Families and friends mingled, sampling delicacies while enjoying a festive, family-friendly atmosphere throughout the weekend. Organizers said proceeds from Oktoberfest benefit Camp Pa-QuaTuck, supporting programs for children and young adults with disabilities. The annual festival continues to serve as a highlight of the community calendar, bringing together neighbors, local businesses, and volunteers to celebrate culture, community, and service.
Calverton office and
Bill Zalakar
Robert Chartuk Oktoberfest
Grok/Twitter
New York State inflation refund checks are on the way.
LOCAL Community celebrates five years of Alma’s East Moriches salon
By Robert Chartuk
It’s not every day the Suffolk County executive drops by your salon, but that’s exactly what happened when Ed Romaine joined friends and loyal customers to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Alma Zalakar’s shop in East Moriches.
For Romaine, it was an opportunity to showcase a small business that has become a local anchor. “Small businesses like Alma’s are the heart of Suffolk County,” he said. “This shop isn’t just a place for beauty—it’s a place where community grows.”
Zalakar, who opened her salon on Montauk Highway in 2019, has built more than a business; she’s built a following. Customers describe her shop as a warm, welcoming space filled with conversation, laughter, and the comfort of familiarity. “She’s a great hair cutter—that’s why I keep coming back,” said Steve Tooker of Eastport. “She’s been here for five years—we’d make it 50 if we could.”
Her journey began in El Salvador, where she cut hair as a child, practicing on family and friends. After coming to the United States, she worked in various salons before realizing her dream of opening her own place. Today, her full-service studio offers haircuts, coloring, facials, and beauty treatments, but clients say what sets her apart is her personal touch.
“I love how Alma does my hair,” said Kim Champion of East Moriches. “She’s very accommodating, and she gets me. I’ve known her for years.”
That loyalty was evident at the anniversary celebration, where longtime customers gathered with flowers and congratulations. Local attorney Joe McHeffey recalls being Zalakar’s
first customer 14 years ago in Center Moriches. “Everyone knows Alma,” he said. “She’s very popular.”
As Zalakar welcomed hugs, laughter, and well-wishes, she summed up her success: “I love it—this is my passion. The community is very welcoming, like a family. God planned for me to be here.”
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION
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Serving the Communities of The Village of Bellport, Brookhaven, Center Moriches, Centereach, Coram, East Moriches, East Patchogue, Eastport, East Shoreham, Farmingville, Gordon Heights, Lake Ronkonkoma, Manorville, Medford, Mastic, The Village of Mastic Beach, Middle Island, Miller Place, Moriches, Mount Sinai, North Bellport, The Village of Patchogue, Port Jefferson Station, The Village of Port Jefferson, Ridge, Rocky Point, Ronkonkoma, Selden, Shirley, Shoreham, Smith Point, Sound Beach, Speonk, Terryville, Wading River, & Yaphank.
Steve Tooker
Alma Zalakar receives an official Certificate of Congratulations from County Executive Ed Romaine
LOCAL
By Robert Chartuk
Suffolk County has agreed to pay $9 million to settle a federal lawsuit filed by the mother of 8-year-old Thomas Valva, who froze to death in his father’s unheated garage in January 2020.
The agreement is expected to end a five-year legal battle brought by Justyna Zubko-Valva seeking justice for her son. Thomas’ father, Michael Valva, and his then-fiancée, Angela Pollina, were convicted of second-degree murder for forcing the child and his brother to sleep in the Center Moriches garage as temperatures plunged to 19 degrees.
The settlement, described in court filings as a “global agreement,” follows months of
Suffolk settles $9M suit in death of Thomas Valva
mediation ordered by Magistrate Judge Arlene Lindsay. The payout will require approval by the Suffolk Legislature.
Zubko-Valva, represented by attorney Thomas Bosworth, initially sought $200 million in damages. Bosworth called the case a “traumatic ordeal” for his client, adding, “While we can’t bring Thomas back, we hope this resolution will help protect other children.”
The 2020 lawsuit alleged that years of abuse were ignored despite repeated reports of neglect. Teachers testified during the murder trials that Thomas and his brother often arrived at school hungry, bruised, and shivering. After spending the night in the freezing garage, Thomas died when his father
washed him off with an outdoor hose.
A special grand jury later criticized Suffolk’s Child Protective Services for deeming more than 10 abuse reports “unfounded,” shielding caseworkers from scrutiny. The county has since enacted reforms, including a “blind removal” process to reduce bias in child custody decisions.
Shaken by the tragedy, residents lit blue lights and tied ribbons in his memory. A bench now stands at the entrance of the East Moriches school attended by the brothers. County Executive Ed Romaine said he was personally affected by the case, noting that his grandchildren attended the same school as Thomas.
Longwood High School seniors debate in Mock Legislature
By Michael J. Reistetter
Suffolk County Legislators
Chad Lennon and Dominick Thorne hosted Longwood High School students for a hands-on introduction to the legislative process. The session was held at the William H. Rogers Building in Hauppauge on Tuesday, September 30th.
Students participated in a mock legislative session, taking seats at the horseshoe and acting as Presiding Officer, legislators, and citizens to question, debate, and vote on model public safety legislation.
“It was an honor to welcome students from my district to the Suffolk County Legislature,” said Thorne. “It is inspiring to see students become involved when given an opportunity to participate firsthand in the legislative process.”
Adds Lennon: “It was great to see these students engage in a caucus, and to debate issues which we in the Legislature confronted as well. I’m always happy to focus on the good we in government can do for our fellow citizens and to encourage the next generations to speak up on matters of concern to them.”
Students debated relevant hot-button issues such as cannabis packaging, street takeovers, and public safety. They were separated into two sides—supporting or opposing.
“These future leaders had a chance to see what it’s like to consider, debate, and vote on an issue as we do in the Legislature each session,” said Presiding
SCPD officer busted on DWI charge
Officer Kevin McCaffrey. Seniors Brielle Stone, Angel Vacey, Grace Mitchell, Dominic Laduto, and Jenna Abdella all praised the event as eye-opening, fun, and inspiring—especially for those considering careers in government or political science.
In a day and age where one can tailor their internet algorithm to only “feed” them what they want to consume, it is paramount that younger generations still be amply exposed to opposing viewpoints, constructive criticism, and general negativity.
This program did just that, instilling in these Longwood students that hearing out objectionable rhetoric can only help one’s defense of their position.
By Stefan Mychajliw
A Suffolk County police officer is in hot water with the law himself and has been indicted on charges of vehicular assault and driving while intoxicated after allegedly striking a pedestrian in Huntington Village while off duty.
District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced Monday that Alexander Vargas, 30, of Babylon, faces one count of Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree, a Class E felony, and two misdemeanor counts of Driving While Intoxicated. Vargas, a Suffolk officer, was arraigned in County Court before Judge James McDonaugh, who suspended his license but released him without bail. Cur-
rent New York State law does not permit bail for the charges he faces.
According to investigators, the crash occurred around 2:30 a.m. on June 22, 2025. Vargas was allegedly driving a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro southbound on New York Avenue at a speed above the posted limit when he struck a 28-year-old man crossing at the intersection of New York Avenue and Carver Street.
Police said officers responding to the scene found Vargas a block away, sitting inside his parked car. He was allegedly intoxicated and was taken into custody.
The victim was transported to Huntington Hospital with serious injuries. Prosecutors said he suffered fractures to
his clavicle, hand, finger, and cervical spine, as well as a head laceration that required staples.
Tierney emphasized that his office would continue pursuing impaired driving cases regardless of the defendant’s background. “Impaired driving and reckless behavior behind the wheel are not tolerated in Suffolk County regardless of the defendant’s occupation,” he said.
Vargas, who is represented by attorney Steven Politi, is scheduled to return to court on November 13, 2025. If convicted on the top charge, he faces up to one and one-third to four years in prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney MacDonald Drane.
Suffolk County Legislature
Students from Longwood High School caucused during a mock legislative session hosted by Suffolk County Legislators Chad Lennon (LD-6) and Dominick Thorne (LD-7) in the William H. Rogers Building in Hauppauge on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Justyna Zubko-Valva
Thomas Valva
SANTOS UNCENSORED
BY GEORGE SANTOS
Over the last 27 days, I have been sitting in the FCI Fairton Special Housing Unit (SHU), and I’ve come to the realization that I have truly hit rock bottom—if there ever was one to hit. This time has allowed me to reflect on how I got here—not just in the SHU, but in prison. My own personal choices, made while blinded by the lust for ambition, brought me here. Yes, my self-destruction was caused by me, and no one else.
The sad part is that it took reaching the very limit of insanity for me to think beyond the noise and the cloud in my very messed-up mind. The truth is, I have utterly disgraced the names of both my parents, who never deserved this and who never set examples remotely close to the things I’ve done. Both were honest and hardworking people their entire lives.
My mom (God rest her soul) worked tirelessly to provide my sister and me with a dignified life, and my dad, even to this day at 61, still wakes up at 3:30 a.m. every morning to go to work. I had an honest upbring-
ing, and I failed when I strayed from those values.
I failed my family. I failed my friends, donors, voters, supporters, employees, and volunteers. Over the course of the last eight years, I have let so many people down. The worst part was my justification to myself: “It’s only to win the election so I can fight for our country.” Sick. That’s what that was—very sick.
I know I’ve caused so much trouble to so many good people, and they will never forgive me—and rightfully so. The only thing I can do now is say how profoundly and deeply sorry I am. If I could do it all over again, I would do it 100% differently—with only honesty and integrity at all times, no matter how hard the truth was.
I am sorry for the world of pain, suffering, disappointment, and chaos that I brought into so many lives. For that, I will have to work tirelessly to regain the trust of the American people and my community. I promise to be a better man, a better citizen, and above all, a better human being.
Santos in Solitary: A hard lesson from SHU
To my family: I love you, and I’m sorry I have shamed you all and brought you dishonor with my poor choices.
To the people of New York’s 3rd Congressional District: you deserved much more than my unacceptable behavior and the dishonor I brought to our district.
To the Queens, Nassau, and National GOP: I let you all down as a Republican, and I need to stand up and apologize for my actions and how they affected us as a party—both locally and nationally.
Friends, old and new: you deserved much more than what I gave you, and for that, I will try to make it up to you once I’m out of prison.
To President Trump, the leader of our Party and our Country: I make this promise, sir—I will do better, be better, and always carry on the mission of the America First Agenda until my last breath. Mr. President, I’m not sure you’ll ever see or read this, but I’m sorry for letting you down and for narrowing the House majority by one seat due to my
very public undoing. I hope you will still have me on your team in the future so I can prove I’ve learned from my poor choices and actions.
To my South Shore Press readers: thank you for reading my column every week for the last year, and thank you
for allowing me to share my thoughts with you on an array of topics, including my life in prison.
And to the SSP team: thank you for taking a chance on this sinner and allowing me to show my worth and value as I write for you all.
Joe Exotic response regarding George Santos column
By
“The Tiger King” emailed the SSP about George Santos’s life behind bars. We verified that the message came from Joe Exotic:
“So they put you in Solitary Confinement under protective custody?
Your life is going to suck for the next seven years.
I spent 2 years and eight months in Solitary except 2 years of it was in a Federal
Holdover in Oklahoma called Grady County.
They not only put me in solitary but tied me naked in a chair and put me in a shower so long the skin came off my arms.
They did this to a 21-year-old man named Justin (last name redacted) and he hung himself over it.
Finally, people like you with a voice might be able to bring some of this to light because America has no room to bitch about any other country the
way they treat people in prison.
I spent months on the road being shipped from place to place without ever getting clean clothes, a toothbrush or soap to wash with. Their excuse is they are broke and short-staffed.
Your goal should be to get President Trump to let you, me out of here and team up with a task force made up of You, Me, and Todd Christly so we can go before Congress and change this all.
There is enough money be-
ing spent by inmates alone that if the BOP had someone able to market things inside better and get some things on the commissary to be sold, the illegal stuff would nearly stop.
But we need President Trump to listen and trust that we could do this and take a burden off the taxpayers and make it more humane.
Wait until you experience Scabies, rats, and mold. Then we will know you are having fun.”
-
Mysterious object puzzles visitors to Pratt estate
By Robert Chartuk
A mysterious object welcomes visitors to the Pratt Family estate: a black, 25-foot-long pipe with a hollow bulb at one end. At first glance, it resembles an oversized garden sculpture, but in truth, it is a listening bell—an unusual gift from Japan to the wealthy family decades ago.
The bell, a relic of cultural exchange, has puzzled and fascinated visitors and historians alike. Its purpose seems simple: to amplify ambient sound—but the experience is unlike anything most have ever encountered.
“It’s eerie and mesmerizing,” said a visitor to the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, which now occupies the estate. “You hear things you don’t expect. It’s like the pipe has a mind of its own.”
The Pratt Family, prominent industrialists and philanthropists who settled on Long Island’s Gold Coast in the 1880s, received the bell as a diplomatic gift, though the specifics of its origin are shrouded in mystery. Japanese engineers are believed to have designed it to demonstrate acoustic principles, yet it also carries an aura of ceremony and
tradition. Its unusual design—a long hollow tube with a cutout in the bulb for people to put their heads inside—suggests a blend of function and artistry. Though never widely studied, the listening bell continues to spark curiosity, according to Bernie Furshpan, the Holocaust center’s vice chairman. Visitors are encouraged to approach it patiently, sitting on a small bench and hearing the sound waves vibrate around the bell. The result is surprisingly clear, sometimes revealing distant voices, rustling leaves, or the faint hum of the surrounding
estate.
For those who come across it, the bell is a reminder that history is not always silent. At the Pratt
preserve, a curious artifact continues to speak across generations, inviting guests to hear a story in every whisper.
Robert Chartuk
The Listening Bell at the Pratt Estate.
George Santos
File Photo
Joe Exotic
Joe Exotic, The Tiger King
Joe Exotic
File Photo
LOCAL
By Deborah Williams
Eastport-South Manor Junior-Senior High School students Sarah Issac, Lucille Romaine, Andrew Santangelo, William Steinacher and Michell Zheng were named Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program for exceptional academic promise.
Although these students will not continue in the 2026 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, this is an outstanding achievement. Commended students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2026 competition by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
The District congratulated
Eastport-South Manor students selected for merit commendation
these students for this exceptional accomplishment.
In September 2026, more than two-thirds (about 34,000) of the high scorers will be designated Commended Students. They will be named on the basis of a nationally applied Selection Index qualifying score that may vary from year to year.
In recognition of their outstanding ability and potential for academic success in college, NMSC will honor these students by sending Letters of Commendation through their high schools. Although Commended Students will not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, some may be candidates for Special Scholarships offered by corporate sponsors. NMSC will notify those candidates in November 2026.
To enter the National Merit Scholarship Program and compete for recognition and 7,590 scholarships to be offered in 2027 students must take the PSAT/ NMSQT in October 2025 and meet other program entry requirements.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships that began in 1955.
The program is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), a not-forprofit organization that operates without government assistance. United States high school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National
Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which serves as an initial screen of over
1.3 million entrants each year, and by meeting program entry and participation requirements.
WFHS students build, test solar ovens for science project
By The South Shore Press
Students at William Floyd High School recently turned science lessons into hands-on discovery by building and testing solar ovens. The innovative activity, led by teachers Christopher Ribaudo, Nicole Vitale, and Dana Harbers, introduced Earth and Space Science students to renewable energy concepts in a memorable and practical way. Using simple household materials such as cardboard boxes, tin foil, plastic wrap, and black construction paper, the students designed ovens capable of capturing and concentrating solar energy. The project’s objective was clear: demonstrate how solar ovens function by absorbing and reflecting sunlight to generate heat. Students worked
in small groups, encouraging collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity while modify-
ing their ovens for maximum efficiency.
Once construction was complete, the classes headed outdoors for testing. During the first trial, students inserted thermometers inside their ovens to record temperature changes before and after exposure to direct sunlight. This allowed them to track real-time data and see the effectiveness of their designs. For the second round, students placed s’mores inside their creations. Excitement grew as they watched chocolate and marshmallows soften and melt, confirming that their ovens were not just theoretical models but functioning devices.
The school community also highlighted the role of local
support in making the project possible. Mama Lisa Restaurant in Mastic generously donated 50 small pizza boxes, which served as the foundation for many of the student-built ovens. Teachers expressed gratitude for the partnership, noting how it reinforced the connection between classroom learning and the broader community.
Ms. Harbers praised her students’ efforts, saying, “Earth and Space Science students show off their solar ovens after a successful test run!” Another teacher added, “Students in Mr. Ribaudo’s and Ms. Vitale’s class testing out their solar ovens outside.”
For William Floyd students, renewable energy education came with sweet results.
$36.2 Million to Restore Vital Roadways on Long Island
By Deborah Williams
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that resurfacing projects are getting underway on the Northern State Parkway and other key roadways on Long Island, representing a $36.2 million investment that will improve travel and enhance safety for hundreds of thousands of motorists in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
“New Yorkers deserve and demand quality roads and bridges that allow them to get where they need to go safely, efficiently and with a minimum of hassles,” Governor Hochul said. “These pavement projects will improve travel on some of Long Island’s busiest highways and give commuters a few less headaches
during their commute.”
On the Northern State Parkway, the $18.5 million project will begin this week in the westbound lanes and continue through the end of the 2025 construction season. Major construction activities will take place during off-peak and overnight hours to reduce impacts to travel.
Reflective pavement markings will also be installed to increase visibility for drivers and more than 50 sidewalk ramps at parkway entrance and exit ramps will be upgraded to meet standards established by the American with Disabilities Act.
A $17.7 million project that will also renew key sections of the Sunrise Highway service
roads and Route 25 in Suffolk County. This project will mill and resurface more than 60 lane miles of aging asphalt, beginning with the Sunrise Highway service roads from Manor Lane to Brentwood Road in the Town of Islip.
During 2026, work will take place at the following locations: Route. 25 (Middle Country Road) from Route. 25A to Splish Splash Drive in the Town of Riverhead
Sunrise Highway South Service Road from Montauk Highway (Route. 85) to Nicolls Road (Route 97) in the Town of Islip
Sunrise Highway North Service Road from Nicolls Road (Route 97) to Pond Road in the Town of Islip.
WFSD
Solar oven project
Eastport-South Manor Central School District
Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School students Michell Zheng, Andrew Santangelo, Lucille Romaine, Sarah Issac and William Steinacher were named Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Key Suffolk roads will be under construction.
LOCAL
By Robert Chartuk
Four rallies were held Monday outside Stony Brook University ahead of the state’s public hearing on its draft energy plan, reflecting deep divisions over New York’s energy future.
The largest rally, organized by Sen. Mario Mattera, ranking Republican on the Senate Energy Committee, drew elected officials, union leaders, and residents who warned against phasing out natural gas. Mattera said the mandates of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act are already harming New Yorkers. “Utilities have begun passing costs onto families and businesses—that cost is now over $2.9 billion,” he said. “We need to pause or repeal the
Rallies highlight split over state energy plan
2026 all-electric mandate to protect our economy and give New Yorkers real energy choices.”
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine backed a broad energy mix. “The future of our state depends on energy. While I support wind and solar, we need all of the above, including natural gas. The state cannot ban this option when we are in dire need,” Romaine said.
Joining the rally were the Association of Steamfitters Local 638, Plumbers Local Union 200, Utility Workers 132, and the Long Island Carpenters, who argued the plan must include every energy source to create jobs and grow the economy.
Babylon Town Supervisor Richie Shaeffer was the only Democrat to attend. “We need
affordable alternatives to solar and wind,” he said, voicing support for the Northeast Supply Enhancement Pipeline and Constitution pipelines.
Assemblyman Phillip Palmesano called the state’s approach “unworkable,” blaming Gov. Kathy Hochul for high costs. “Her plan is to dismantle natural gas and remove consumer choice. That’s why people are leaving New York in record numbers.”
Separate rallies included the Nassau Suffolk Building and Construction Trades Council and electrical workers backing natural gas, fuel cells, and nuclear, while the Citizens Campaign for the Environment and a progressive coalition opposed fossil fuels.
Public weighs in on state energy
plan
By Robert Chartuk
New York’s energy plan drew sharp debate Monday at a packed public hearing at Stony Brook University, where speakers urged policymakers to balance environmental goals with economic realities.
Local officials, union leaders, and business representatives, stressed that solar and wind alone cannot meet New York’s energy demand, pointing out that natural gas still generates more than 40% of the state’s electricity. Many warned that eliminating it would drive up utility bills, cost jobs, and make the state less attractive to energy-intensive industries such as artificial intelligence.
Sen. Mario Mattera, the ranking Republican on the
Senate Energy Committee, told the crowd that the Climate Leadership and Community
Protection Act’s mandates are already hurting families. “Utilities have begun passing costs onto families and businesses—so far that cost is over $2.9 billion,” Mattera said. “We need to pause or repeal the law’s all-electric mandate to protect our economy, and give New York ratepayers real energy choices. What New York needs is a plan, not a ban.”
Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio struck a similar chord, noting the State Energy Research and Development Authority’s push for green energy and warning that “families, seniors, and small businesses are feeling the burden every month when they open their bills. Until the proper infrastructure is in
place, we cannot expect New Yorkers to bear skyrocketing utility costs.”
Others called for approval of the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project and Constitution pipelines to supply the region with natural gas, as well as construction of the Caithness power plant for a new source of power.
Environmental advocates, however, pushed back. Huntington Station resident Billi Roberts argued the state cannot retreat from its climate goals. “The problems with fossil fuel burning have caught up to us,” she said. “We need a real energy plan, not one that kowtows to out-of-state fossil fuel interests.”
Kawasaki Greenhouses awarded funding for watershed project
By Deborah Williams
Kawasaki Greenhouses, located in East Moriches, NY, was awarded over $180,000 for a water quality conservation project.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $25 million has been awarded statewide to help New York’s farmers support agricultural water quality conservation projects. This is a record level of funding awarded in any one round of the State’s Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement and Control Program (Ag Nonpoint), which is being provided through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and, for the first time, the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
Kawasaki Greenhouses is the only project awards on Long Island. $183,694 was awarded to the Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with Kawasaki Farms Greenhouses in the Long Island Sound Watershed (EPF).
Kawasaki Greenhouses is located on Evergreen Ave in East Moriches.
“By tapping into our Bond Act funding, we are now able to expand our reach and support even more on-farm projects across the State through our Ag Nonpoint program,” Governor Hochul said. “Our farmers care deeply for the land they work, so it’s critical we provide them with the resources they need and deserve to safeguard our waterways while protecting our
communities and our natural resources from climate change.”
New York’s agriculture sector is a critically important segment of NY’s economy. Preserving water quality while expanding operations is good environmental practice and good business.
New York State Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “Farmers are stewards of the land. They care deeply about the quality of water they use for their crops and animals, and they are active partners in practicing sustainability on their farms. This record-level funding will help protect our most valuable natural resource by allowing farmers to continue instituting best practices and to adapt new technologies as they become available.”
Robert Chartuk
Senator Mario Mattera at the state energy hearing.
Robert Chartuk
Senator Mario Mattera and County Executive Ed Romaine at the energy rally.
Kawasaki Greenhouses Kawasaki Greenhouses receives state funding for water quality project.
HISTORY LESSONS
BY RICHARD ACRITELLI
Recently, over Eastern Europe, President Vladimir Putin’s military violated the airspace of several NATO nations, heightening concerns about regional security. It marks a significant escalation, as NATO countries express growing unease over Russian maneuvers near their borders.
The latest provocation occurred after the Polish government intercepted and shot down drones over its territory. Polish officials warned Moscow that any further incursions would be met with decisive military response. Within days, Russian fighter planes flew into Estonia for approximately twelve minutes, while drones were reported over Romania and Latvia, signaling a coordinated demonstration of Russian aerial capability.
Analysts suggest these maneuvers may be intended as a diversion, distracting eastern NATO nations that provide Ukraine with weapons and logistical support. The timing has drawn scrutiny, following strong international condemnation at the United Nations, where multiple nations criticized Putin’s aggression and voiced support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Former President Donald J. Trump also commented, making overtures toward Putin while simultaneously describing Russian military strength as a “paper tiger.”
Trump indicated that the U.S. would provide Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. In response, Russia warned that advanced weapons capable of striking Moscow could prompt retaliatory measures against NATO nations.
The current standoff underscores the historical tension between Russia and NATO, rooted in decades of geopolitical rivalry. The 80th anniversary of the end of World War II serves as a
New
By Michael J. Reistetter
To kick off the latest Masterpiece Weekend™—a biannual get-together my film school buddy and I hold where we alternate screening movies the other hasn’t seen—I shipped up to Boston on Friday, September 26. Mere hours later, we were opening-night gazing at One Battle After Another in fully immersive IMAX.
The $175 million action-satire is helmed by Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights), fronted by Leonardo DiCaprio (The Wolf of Wall Street), and inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland. The film brought our tradition full circle. Back in 2017, we planned to see PTA’s
East vs. West: Historic Russia-U.S. Friction
reminder of the origins of modern superpower competition. After Nazi Germany’s defeat, Joseph Stalin grew distrustful of Western powers, fearing that his former allies might initiate WWIII.
Germany was divided among the American, British, French, and Soviet zones, with Berlin, the former capital, falling within the Soviet sphere of influence.
Tensions escalated on June 24, 1948, when the Soviet Union cut off all rail, road, and water access to West Berlin. This blockade imposed communist control over the city, isolating a western presence.
At the onset of the Cold War, President Harry S. Truman established a framework for countering Stalin’s expansionist ambitions through strategic, non-combative measures. The Truman Doctrine aimed to curb the influence of “armed minorities” in regions like Greece and Turkey, using military and economic aid. Truman’s policies demonstrated American resolve against communist expansion and reassured allies of the United States’ willingness to act decisively.
The parallels to modern Europe are striking. Today, many countries fear Russian expansion in
Ukraine and emphasize the importance of unified economic and military strategies to deter Putin’s ambitions. History is repeating itself, with echoes of the early Cold War influencing contemporary Western approaches.
Truman’s determination to protect West Berlin, despite the Soviet blockade, reflected his understanding of the city’s strategic importance. With 2.5 million residents living amid the ruins of a war-devastated city, West Berlin represented a humanitarian responsibility and a symbol of Western resilience. Both sides issued competing currencies, laying the foundation for the eventual division into East and West Germany.
Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech highlighted the growing divide, as the Soviets sought to eliminate the western presence in West Berlin, fearing the Deutsche Mark would destabilize East Germany’s economy. American General Lucius Clay stressed the importance of maintaining West Berlin, asserting that the city had become a symbol of American intent and prestige in Europe.
To counter the blockade without triggering war, Truman ap-
proved the Berlin Airlift, known as “Operation Vittles,” while the British conducted “Operation Plainfare.” The missions delivered supplies to West Berliners around the clock, supported by U.S. B-29 bombers capable of carrying nuclear payloads.
The airlift required remarkable logistical coordination. Planes landed every forty-five seconds at Tempelhof, Gatow, and Tegel airports, delivering more than 2.3 million tons of cargo over a year. Resources included food, medicine, and other essentials, often accompanied by symbolic gestures such as American flags and small treats for the population below.
The effort mirrored modern concerns in Ukraine, where miscalculation could escalate into broader conflict.
Military units were heavily involved. The 86th Fighter Wing provided air security over key regions of West Germany, ensuring transport planes reached their destinations. Pilots and support personnel were recruited globally, including an airman who brought a camel named “Clarence” to Germany as a mascot for morale and fundraising, helping sustain the humanitarian effort.
On May 11, 1949, Moscow lifted the blockade, restoring access to West Berlin and solidifying the city’s strategic significance. The crisis underscored the enduring threats posed by Soviet ambitions and highlighted NATO’s critical role, which had been established shortly before the blockade’s end. West and East Germany emerged as distinct nations, cementing Europe’s division for decades.
The Berlin Airlift left lessons for U.S. leaders, including the importance of preparedness, logistical excellence, and demonstrating resolve in the face of aggression. These lessons shaped Ameri-
can military and foreign policy from Truman through President George H.W. Bush and continue to inform strategies in addressing contemporary Russian aggression under Putin.
As Eastern Europe confronts renewed Russian airspace violations, the historical parallels to the Cold War are evident. NATO nations, backed by the United States and other allies, are again navigating the delicate balance of deterrence, diplomacy, and military readiness. The unfolding situation over Estonia, Latvia, Romania, and Poland demonstrates the risks inherent in confronting a powerful neighbor with expansionist ambitions.
The West must remain vigilant, as Truman and his contemporaries were during the Berlin Crisis. Airspace incursions, coupled with Putin’s threats over Ukrainian weapons deliveries, suggest an attempt to test NATO resolve and disrupt support for Kyiv. These maneuvers remind the world that history is instructive and may repeat itself in complex ways.
Ultimately, Europe and the United States face the challenge of balancing deterrence with avoiding escalation. Maintaining support for Ukraine while preventing direct conflict with Russia mirrors the Cold War dilemma: defending allies and demonstrating strength without triggering war. As in 1948, current decisions will likely shape international security and political dynamics for decades.
The skies above Estonia, Latvia, Romania, and Poland have become a modern proving ground, echoing the Berlin Airlift. In both eras, the West faces an assertive Russia seeking to expand influence through force. Observers continue to monitor closely, aware that a single misstep could have far-reaching consequences for global stability.
PTA Alert: One LOST parallel after another
later, less broke and ex-
tra-stoked, we found One Battle After Another—about a burntout resistance rabble-rouser (DiCaprio) protecting his teenage daughter (Chase Infiniti) from his ex-outfit’s enemy (Sean Penn)—an entertaining entry in a visionary’s filmography.
Clear cinematic comparables were tricky. Spielberg cited Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove. Others mentioned Lumet’s Running on Empty. DiCaprio in a bathrobe channeled Goodfellas meets The Big Lebowski. Personally, I spotted at least seven parallels with ABC’s LOST.
The killing of a former protagonist in Act I mirrored LOST’s plan to off Jack Shephard in its pilot. Act II found DiCaprio’s Code Name: Bob Ferguson peering up at circling
helicopters in a scene echoing Jack’s iconic island gaze. Post-island Jack and Bob could easily share a Modelo.
Connections ran deeper: PTA’s long-rumored rivalry with Tom Cruise surfaced via a mid-chase quip, del Toro’s Sensei telling Leo to tuck and roll
“just like Tom f—ing Cruise.”
The “Christmas Adventurers” society felt straight out of LOST’sOthers. Locke’s dad even appeared among them. And the climactic paternity-test reveal?
A verbatim echo of Kate’s tragic origin.
Demonstrated in both: villainous fathers aren’t necessarily dads. Bob, though, clearly is—PTA’s cracked self-insert, spilling years of wine until he became Steely Dan.
Phantom Thread at Brooklyn’s Alamo Drafthouse—before pivoting to Katz’s Deli pastra-
mi sandwiches and The Blues Brothers instead. Years
Warner Bros.
In “One Battle After Another,” Sean Penn (left) and Leonardo DiCaprio (right) evoke Dennis Hopper in “Blue Velvet” and Jeff Bridges in “The Big Lebowski,” respectively.
LOCAL
By Deborah Williams
The Suffolk County 911 system received 27,000 reports of domestic violence (DV) in 2024. That is roughly 74 reports of DV a day, every day for an entire year. Over the last decade more than 280,000 incidents were reported underscoring the urgent need for coordinated action.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine signed an executive order creating the Suffolk County Alliance Against Domestic Violence, a groundbreaking ten-member initiative to strengthen coordination among government agencies and nonprofit providers in the fight against domestic violence.
“Through an executive order
By Michael J. Reistetter
For the next four Sundays — Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 19, and Oct. 26 — the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) will host a king’s ransom of local acts at its Stony Brook headquarters.
Each show will kick off at 3 p.m., with Marci Geller, Rupert Wates, Marian Mastrorilli, and Emmett Hughes set to rock loudly, proudly, and often.
Additionally, on Saturday, Oct. 18, Rosemarie Reed will screen her film “Playing in the FM Band: The Steve Post Story” as part of the organization’s local filmmaker series.
Geller is a seasoned, narra-
Deputy
By Michael J. Reistetter
Romaine signs Executive Order addressing domestic violence
I signed today, creating the Alliance Against Domestic Violence, we are combating this disturbing number. The Alliance represents an unprecedented level of coordination between county agencies, law enforcement and not-forprofits when responding to domestic violence reports, said Romaine. “By breaking down silos between agencies and responding with data-backed decision-making, we can ensure that victims do not have to relive and retell their victimization, receive care, and have a clear point of contact to access support.”
The Alliance will:
• Establish mechanisms for real-time data sharing between law enforcement and service
providers to improve victim referrals and case coordination.
• Implement countywide programs and services focused on prevention, intervention, and recovery.
• Launch public awareness and education campaigns to promote early intervention and community engagement.
• Hold quarterly meetings to review and assess the work of the Alliance.
“Suffolk County remains committed to protecting our most vulnerable residents and ensuring that every person feels safe in their own home,” said Romaine. “This Alliance allows all our community partners to work together with shared data, shared resources, and one shared goal: ending domestic
violence.”
If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence or
October Slate for LIMEHOF
tively driven singer-songwriter who has shone everywhere from intimate coffeehouses to
prestigious concert halls. She has performed on “Live! with Regis,” “Good Day NY,” and
“CNN Worldbeat.” Her music has featured on ABC Family (now Freeform), MTV, VH1, PBS, A&E, Discovery Channel, and USA Network, among other popular platforms. She also toured for two years as the opening act and backup vocalist for Blackmore’s Night, a LIMEHOF inductee.
Multi-award-winner Wates combines unforgettable songs with virtuoso guitar playing. His music blends folk, jazz, and classical influences, reflecting both his English roots and years on the road in the U.S.
Mastrorilli, a Huntington-based singer-songwriter, crafts songs ranging from moody to playful. Her latest CD, “Sea Salt and Sawdust,” was
is in a controlling or financially controlling relationship, please call (631) 854-SAFE (7233).
released on March 1. Hughes, also from Huntington, writes and performs original songs blending rock, reggae, pop, and heartfelt lyrics. He’s also a chiropractor, master gardener, sailor, and father. Documentary filmmaker and former WBAI station manager Reed honors Steve Post with “Playing in the FM Band.” The radio legend, whose voice is synonymous with the Nixon-scandalized Watergate era, “pioneered freeform radio by improvising self-deprecating stories.”
This month also marks the last call for those eager to visit LIMEHOF’s “Billy Joel: My Life” exhibit, which officially closes on October 26.
Sheriff Dexter: Meet Suffolk’s newest K9 officer
Dexter, Dexter, read all about it—there’s a new Sheriff K9 in town once more.
Already having assisted in numerous investigations—including tracking down a suspect who fled from a DWI crash—2year-old Dexter has been hard at work even before assuming his official title on October 2, said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon.
The sheriff presented the sable-colored German Shepherd K9 with his official shield during a Thursday morning ceremony held at Yaphank headquarters.
Dexter trained for six months with his handler, Deputy Sheriff Adam Henn, before earning his
stripes. The police pup is certified as a dual-purpose police K9 in both narcotics detection and patrol.
His responsibilities: tracking missing or wanted individuals, locating narcotics, searching and patrolling buildings, and assisting with traffic enforcement.
In his short time in service, Dexter has already been deployed more than 50 times.
“We are proud to welcome Dexter as our newest K9,” said Sheriff Toulon. “He has already assisted in numerous investigations, including tracking a suspect who fled from a crash, and he will continue to be an important part of keeping Suffolk County safe.”
K9 officers like Dexter are vital assets to law enforcement
operations, the Sheriff’s Office noted. Their highly specialized training enables them to assist with tasks that go far beyond the capabilities of human officers alone.
Given their track—and tracking—record, police dogs play an essential role in modern public safety—more than the average person may come to realize.
Dexter’s work in Suffolk County is expected to continue growing as he and Deputy Henn respond to calls throughout the region. The Sheriff’s Office regularly trains and updates its K9 teams to ensure the highest standards in law enforcement.
Be on the lookout for more K9s tabbed to protect and serve as invaluable members of the local police force.
LIMEHOF
This month marks the last call for those eager to visit LIMEHOF’s “Billy Joel: My Life” exhibit, which officially closes on October 26.
Suffolk County Executive Office
County Executive Rommaine signs order creating domestic violence alliance.
Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Suffolk County Sheriff Toulon deputizing K9 Officer Dexter on Thursday, Oct. 2.
October 21, 2025 at 1 PM
Port Je erson Free Library Meeting Room 100 Thompson St Port Jefferson, NY 11777
October 23, 2025 at 7 PM
Commack Public Library 18 Hauppauge Rd. Commack, NY 11725
October 24, 2025 at 1 PM
Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library BB-Johnson Auditorium East S Country Rd Brightwaters, NY 11718
October 28, 2025 at 4 PM
West Babylon Public Library Meeting Room A 211 Route 109 West Babylon, NY 11704
Q: Why
ASK NANCY
BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ.
should I look at my beneficiary designations if I already have a will or a trust?
A:Many people think that once they sign a will or a trust, all of their assets will follow those instructions. The truth is that certain accounts do not go by what your will says. Life insurance policies, retirement accounts, such as IRAs and 401(k) plans, and even some bank or investment accounts with a “payable on death” or “transfer on death” designations will pass directly to the person named on that form. In most cases, the paperwork on file with the company controls, not your estate planning documents.
Reviewing any beneficiary designations on your accounts is not only about catching mistakes like leaving an old beneficiary listed by accident. It is also about making sure the people you care about are protected. For example, if you have created a trust for your children but your IRA still names them directly, those funds may end up exposed to creditors, divorcing spouses, or poor financial decisions. By updating the beneficiary designation so that the account passes through the trust, the funds can be managed and preserved for your family while still being available for important needs like health, education, maintenance, or support.
The same is true if you have a loved one with special needs. If that person receives an inheritance outright, it could affect their eligibility for government benefits. Directing the inheritance into a Supplemental Needs Trust ensures they are cared for without losing essential support.
Fall Estate Planning Review: Beneficiary Designations
It is crucial to name both primary and backup beneficiaries. If your first choice has died or cannot accept the inheritance, the account will otherwise be pushed through probate, which may cause unnecessary delays and expenses.
Life does not stand still. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the loss of a loved one should always lead you to review your designations. Fall is also a natural time to handle these updates, as families are getting organized before the year comes to a close.
The bottom line is simple. Beneficiary designations are powerful tools, but only if they are current and coordinated with the rest of your estate plan. A short review now can give you peace of mind and ensure your legacy is protected for the future.
LIBRARY LIVING
BY TARA D’AMATO Assistant Library Director
Library Offers After-Hours Live Homework Help
“I need three more sources about Eleanor Roosevelt for my essay,” or “I don’t remember how to do long division the way the teacher showed us.”
It’s 7 o’clock on a Sunday, and the library is closed! Now what? Many students use the Internet for information, but Google answers don’t always meet the standards for successful school
After hours, residents can use a special library service designed for students: Brainfuse Help Now. This free service is available online using a library card barcode. To access it, visit https://www.communitylibrary. org/departments/childrens-services/ homework-help/. The service runs daily from 2 p.m.–11 p.m., with some features, like the Writing Lab, available 24/7 on a submit-and-respond basis. Brainfuse Help Now employs certified teachers across all subject levels who interact with students in real time via a chat and whiteboard interface. Tutors do not complete homework for students. They coach students to solve problems independently. Students can get help in math, science, reading/writing, social studies, AP classes, and test preparation for state exams, the PSAT/SAT, and ACT. Tutors are familiar with curriculum standards and modern teaching methods, including the “new math,”
and can provide assistance in Spanish.
Brainfuse Help Now offers features that support learning beyond homework. Skills Building lets students practice state-aligned lessons. My File Sharing enables students to send work-in-progress to tutors for feedback. My Session Replay captures help sessions for later review. My Tutoring Archive saves tutoring sessions, and My Test Archive stores practice tests. A 24-hour Writing Lab allows students to submit essays or other assignments ahead of deadlines for tutor feedback. Even students who do not need tutoring can enhance their learning outside school.
Brainfuse Help Now also serves adults returning to school for high school equivalency diplomas or college degrees. Adult learners have access to GED content, professional help with resumes and cover letters, U.S. citizenship preparation, and tutorials for software like MS Office Essential Skills Series. Residents of Mastic, Mastic Beach, Moriches, and Shirley who do not yet have a library card can sign up for a temporary card online at live-brary.com and begin using Brainfuse Help Now the same day. Services like Brainfuse Help Now provide a cost-effective academic support system for families, helping students of all ages, working parents, and those needing one-on-one guidance.
ChatGPT
File Photo
Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library
Dare to explore the library after dark?
Join us for a spine-tingling Spooky Walk through the stacks, where ghostly whispers, flickering lights, and mysterious tales lurk around every corner…
Line up between 6:15 – 8:15 PM
Last entry at 8:30 PM sharp!
Patrons will be led in small groups on a guided tour through the library’s hidden corners and shadowy spaces. What secrets lie beyond the shelves? Only the brave will find out.
• Perfect for teens and adults looking for a little pre-Halloween thrill
• Costumes encouraged, though not required
• Last entry at 8:30 PM — once the doors close, they stay closed…
Teens
Unless otherwise noted, all programs are for teens in grades 6 through 12.
Register for programs three easy ways: In person, online at www.communitylibrary.org or contact the Teen Reference Desk at 631-399-1511 ext. 2015 for the Moriches Branch, ext. 1029 for the Mastic Beach Branch or ext. 2025 for the Main Building.
Fun and Games
Pin Pals
FUN & GAMES
Earn a pin each time you attend a teen program! You can also trade pins with teen staff while in the library. Use them to decorate your backpack or anything you want!
Retro Gaming
Stay connected and follow us on Instagram: @mmsclteens
Entertainment
Teen Halloween Movie Nights
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Tuesday, October 14, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Held at our Main Building. Haunted Mansion (2023 version)
Thursday, October 16, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Switch Game Time
Friday, October 17, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Held at our Moriches Branch.
Fridays, October 3 & 10, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Held at our Mastic Beach Branch.
Registration begins on 9/30. Watch a Halloween movie and eat Halloween candy!
Held at our Mastic Beach Branch.
Registration is open.
Wednesday, October 22, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Held at our Main Building.
Registration begins 2 weeks before each session. Hang out and play Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart, Mario Party, or Switch Sports
Registration is open.
Daggerheart
Monday, October 13
Teen Halloween Party
Thursday, October 30, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Held at our Main Building. Registration begins on 10/16.
Play games, eat pizza, watch a scary movie, and more!
6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Pretend it is the arcade days with some retro NES games on the Nintendo Switch! Eat snacks and try to get the highest score!
Held at our Mastic Beach Branch.
Registration begins on 9/29.
Mystery Video Game Tournament
Saturday, October 25, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Held at our Moriches Branch.
Registration begins on 10/11.
Join TSD librarian, Charlie, and your friends to create your own character and embark on an exciting adventure in the new tabletop game –Daggerheart!
Retro Gaming
Friday, October 17, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Think you’re a video game master? Put your skills to the test, as you won’t know which game you’re playing until you arrive for the tournament! The overall winner earns themselves a $20 Nintendo eShop Card!
Held at our Mastic Beach Branch.
D&D
Registration begins on 10/3. Wednesday, October 22, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Monday, October 27, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Teens Read
Advanced Battle of the Books
Tuesdays, October 14, 21, 28 Thursdays, October 16, 23, 30
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Held at our Main Building. Registration is open. Do you have an interest in reading and trivia? Advanced Battle of the Books is a county-wide competition for teens in grades 9 through 12. We will compete against other Suffolk County libraries in the Spring.
Held at our Main Building.
Held at our Mastic Beach Branch.
Registration begins on 10/13.
Registration begins on 10/8.
Join Charlie, super-cool Teen Services librarian and your friends for a unique, custom-made D&D adventure! Character sheets and dice will be provided.
Pretend it is the arcade days with some retro NES games on the Nintendo Switch! Eat snacks and try to get the highest score!
Mystery Video Game Tournament
Saturday, October 25, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Held at our Moriches Branch.
Registration begins on 10/11.
Think you’re a video game master? Put your skills to the test, as you won’t know which game you’re playing until you arrive for the tournament! The overall winner earns themselves a $20 Nintendo eShop Card!
D&D
Monday, October 27, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Held at our Mastic Beach Branch.
Registration begins on 10/13. Join Charlie, super-cool Teen Services librarian and your friends for a unique, custom-made D&D adventure! Character sheets and dice will be provided.
3D Pens
Workshop
Tuesday, October 7, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Held at our Main Building.
Registration begins 9/23. Learn how to draw in 3D!
Eats
Teen Brunch: Egg Sandwiches
Saturday, October 4
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Held at our Main Building. Registration begins on 9/20. Learn how to make your own delicious breakfast sandwich.
Spooky Snacks
Tuesday, October 28
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Held at our Main Building.
Registration begins 10/14. Try out this year’s newest Halloween themed snacks!
These Fanta Jack O’
floats are a sweet and spooky twist on a
If you like French Toast with warm
Jack O’ Lantern Floats
Lantern
STATE
By Michael P. Mezzacappa
On the heels of protests by Hauppauge residents against the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility on Rabro Drive, the Islip Town Board extended a moratorium on the construction of such facilities.
This action contrasts with the state, whose recently introduced regulations fall short of addressing serious risks. While some measures from the state’s Fire Prevention and Building Code Council were positive—such as requiring centralized alarm systems monitored 24/7—others were inadequate. Rules mandating that qualified staff respond to emergencies within four hours ignore the reality that most fire departments cannot provide such coverage.
Letter: Islip’s Moratorium Right, State BESS Rules Lacking
BESS facilities use massive lithium-ion batteries, the same technology powering e-bikes and electric vehicles. These batteries remain volatile, with defective versions linked to deadly fires.
In one case, a blaze sparked by a faulty 250-to-500-watt e-bike battery destroyed an apartment building. These fires are dangerous because of thermal runaway: temperatures can soar from 212ºF to 1,800ºF in seconds, burning longer and releasing toxic chemicals.
Hauppauge residents had good reason to be concerned. New York has rolled out 6,800 BESS facilities statewide, generating 503 megawatts—less than one megawatt each. By contrast, Hauppauge’s proposed plant would have delivered 79 megawatts, representing 16% of the
state’s capacity and more than double the 63 megawatts produced by all 2,800 existing Long Island facilities combined.
Having litigated multiple wrongful death and serious injury cases involving defective lithium-ion batteries, I can attest to the dangers of this technology. Without safeguards for those living near sites, Islip’s moratorium was the right decision. State leaders should pause further BESS development.
Michael P. Mezzacappa is a partner and general counsel with Coffey Modica, a leading defense litigation firm with four offices across New York. He represents insurers, property owners, managing agents, and other professionals in major litigations, including lithium-ion battery explosions and fires.
VFW Post 414 hosts first Rifleman Run
By Robert Chartuk
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 414 in Center Moriches drew more than 100 runners and supporters for its inaugural Rifleman Run fundraiser, an event that combined community spirit with support for local veterans.
Held in Center Moriches with the Mastic Fire Department raising a giant American flag over the starting line, the 5K run was organized by post member Joseph Starling, an Afghanistan veteran, along with his family and fellow volunteers. Scouts from Troops 23 and 414 also pitched in to make the day a success as the runners
made their way through local streets. The winner of the race was William Roach of Center Moriches.
Post Commander Robert Galbraith, a Vietnam veteran now in his seventh year leading the post, said the turnout exceeded expectations. “It was the first time we did anything like this, and it was a huge success for us,” Galbraith said. “We had no idea how many people would show up, but we were thrilled to see the support from the community. Volunteers, families, and veterans all came together to make it a real nice event.”
Proceeds from the run will help the post resurface and reseal its parking lot, a long-needed project. Galbraith stressed
that such fundraisers keep the facility in shape so that local nonprofit groups can use it for their own community events free of charge.
Founded in 1937, VFW Post 414 is known for organizing the Center Moriches Memorial Day Parade, marching in Veterans Day ceremonies, and supporting local youth programs like the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay contests. The post also sponsors two Boy Scout troops and runs a blanket drive that donates handmade coverings to veterans in nursing homes.
Galbraith said the Rifleman Run will return next year, with hopes of drawing even more participants.
Family reunites since 1885 to preserve historic sites
By Robert Chartuk
The Bald Hill School House has long been a Farmingville landmark, its history inseparable from a tradition of community reunions. In 1885, local families gathered for an alumni picnic that led to the creation of the Farmingville Reunion Association, dedicated to preserving the area’s heritage.
“Our family has been connected to the schoolhouse from the very beginning,” said Willard Parker Hough, a descendant of early Farmingville settlers. “That spirit of coming together is what has kept this place alive for generations.”
When the building faced demolition after the district consolidated with Holtsville,
the reunion proved decisive. At the 1929 gathering, members launched a fundraising drive that raised $1,975 to purchase the schoolhouse and its 2¼-acre grounds.
“Pauline Dare, one of our relatives, went door to door selling $10 shares,” Hough recalled. “Our family bought some, and it’s because of that effort the schoolhouse still stands.”
The Houghs trace their lineage back to Virginia Dare, the first English child born in an American colony. “That sense of history runs deep within us,” said Hough, a past president of the association. “Protecting the schoolhouse felt like protecting part of our family.”
The Reunion Association’s work continued decades later.
In 1985, it helped save the home of Elijah Terry, Farmingville’s first teacher, relocating it next to the schoolhouse on Horseblock Road. Together, the two buildings became a historic pair for the community to cherish as part of Farmingville Hills County Park.
Although fire damaged the schoolhouse in 1992, community fundraising saved it once again. Today, it serves as an educational site, primarily hosting school field trips and the annual reunion.
“Every year since 1939, our family has gathered here,” Hough said. “The schoolhouse is more than a building—it’s a legacy. It represents history, family, community, and that spirit still inspires everyone who visits.”
Bill Roache
Rifleman Run winner Will Roache of Center Moriches.
Islip, NY
File Photo
Willard Parker Hough.
The members of the Reunion Association meets at its past president’s home.
NATION
By Deborah Williams
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) came into being at the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term in office with his friend and supporter, Elon Musk, at the helm.
Musk was both effective and controversial. He said from Day 1 that the goal was to embed the DOGE state-of-mind into every aspect of the federal government.
After a very public break-up between Trump and Musk, the two appeared to reunite at the recent memorial service for Charlie Kirk. Supporters looked on hoping the two friends would patch things up. It appears they haveat least on the DOGE front.
The General Services Administration (GSA) announced that
DOGE Report: Musk is back with ‘Grok for Government’
federal agencies will now have access to Musk’s Grok 4 and Grok 4 Fast as part of an agreement with xAI, for only $0.42 per organization in an effort that Elon Musk says will “drive innovation in government”.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing nearly every aspect of society. Although there are concerns for sure, there is little doubt that when it comes to efficiency in a lot of tasks, it is making things easier, quicker and, often better.
xAI is also committing dedicated engineers to assist agencies with rapidly and effectively implementing these AI tools into their work.
“Widespread access to advanced AI models is essential to building the efficient, accountable government that taxpay-
ers deserve—and to fulfilling President Trump’s promise that America will win the global AI race,” said Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum.
Elon Musk, xAI cofounder and CEO, said “xAI has the most powerful AI compute and most capable AI models in the world. Thanks to President Trump and his administration, xAI’s frontier AI is now unlocked for every federal agency empowering the U.S. Government to innovate faster and accomplish its mission more effectively than ever before.”
xAI will deliver introductory training programs and work with agencies to facilitate secure integration.
GSA said, “Access to AI tools is essential to meeting President Trump’s priorities to modernize
federal government operations, from predictive analytics in government acquisition to intelligent automation in administra-
tive processes. This partnership will empower agencies to tackle complex challenges with greater agility and insight.”
Pickleball’s rise brings health benefits—and risks
By Robert Chartuk
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States, drawing millions of new players while also sending a rising number of them to the doctor, according to a new study by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Harvey Manes.
Published in the International Journal of Clinical Studies & Medical Case Reports, Manes’ article highlights how the game’s popularity—fueled in part by its accessibility and social nature—has coincided with a surge in injuries. Pickleball participation soared 86 percent between 2019 and 2021, reaching nearly 9 million players.
Analysts project the number will climb to 22.3 million this year.
“While exercise has undeniable benefits, the can-do spirit of older players in particular
comes with risks,” Manes wrote. Informal surveys suggest one in three players over 55 sustain an injury annually, ranging from sprains and fractures to tendon tears and rotator cuff injuries.
About 90 percent of emergency room visits tied to the sport involve patients over 50.
Among the most common ailments are shoulder inflammation, Achilles tendon ruptures, knee meniscus tears, and lower back injuries such as herniated discs. Minor injuries can often be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, but more serious cases may require surgery, including fracture repair or joint replacement.
Pickleball’s rapid growth reflects its easy rules, welcoming spirit, multigenerational appeal, and competitive excitement, despite rising injury risks.
The Westhampton Beach physician is also an avid pickleball player himself, often seen on the courts with his partner, Meryl Dee Feuer, a renowned pickleball artist whose work captures the spirit of the sport. Together, they embody both the passion and caution behind America’s newest athletic obsession.
Despite the risks, pickleball remains highly attractive across generations. Once dominated by older adults, the sport is now offered at summer camps and schools, and could even reach Olympic status in the future, Manes predicted.
Riverhead man convicted of second-degree murder
By Michael J. Reistetter
Suffolk County District
Attorney Raymond A. Tierney
announced that Brent Henry, 61, was convicted of Murder in the Second Degree and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.
A jury convicted the Riverhead resident of killing Ines Reyes, 23, of East Patchogue.
“Mr. Reyes was one month away from becoming a father when the defendant made the senseless decision to murder him,” said DA Tierney.
“We can never give the victim’s daughter the chance to meet her father, but hopefully today’s verdict brings the family some measure of closure.”
Evidence established at trial indicated that on August 18th, 2023, Henry and Reyes had a verbal confrontation that escalated into a fist fight. The violent altercation occurred inside the Bellport home Reyes shared with his girlfriend—Henry’s niece.
After the scuffle, Reyes and his girlfriend left the residence and went to a home on Amsterdam Avenue in East Patchogue to join other family members. Shortly thereafter, Henry arrived at the Amsterdam Avenue house and confronted Reyes outside. This led to another fist fight. Henry then went to his vehicle, retrieved a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun, and shot Reyes multiple times in front of his girlfriend.
Reyes was taken to Long Island Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Henry was arrested the following day.
On October 2, 2025, Henry was convicted of Murder in the Second Degree and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class A and Class C violent felonies, respectively. Henry is due to be sentenced on November 7. He faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
Assistant District Attorneys Elena Tomaro and Jonathan Cappiello prosecuted the case, with help from Detectives T. Michael Palumbo, Guido Cirenza, and Brendan O’Hara of the Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad.
Dr. Harvey Manes
Dr. Harvey Manes
Grok/Twitter Musk and Trump join forces to inject AI into the federal government.
SCDA
Brent Henry, 61, is due to be sentenced on November 7. He faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
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THE FANTASY BASEBALL EXPERIENCE
The Padres fantasy shakeup
By Tom Barton
The San Diego Padres were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs this past week by the Chicago Cubs. After once again falling short of the division crown to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the franchise now faces a critical crossroads with its roster construction.
The decisions the Padres make this offseason will also cause a ripple through the fantasy baseball community, with several big names potentially on the move. General manager A.J. Preller’s choices will likely begin with the bullpen, a key area to watch for fantasy players.
Robert Suarez enjoyed another strong season, recording 40 saves with a 2.97 ERA and a 27.9% strikeout rate. Suarez is signed through 2027 but holds an opt-out clause after this season. Should he
exercise it, he would immediately become the best closer available in free agency and could secure a larger contract than his current five-year, $46 million deal. At age 34, however, a long-term extension at a slightly reduced rate could keep him in San Diego.
If Suarez departs, Mason Miller appears ready to take over closing duties. Just 26 years old and under team control through 2029, Miller offers stability for the Padres’ late-inning plans.
Elsewhere, Luis Arraez is almost certain to be moved.
The 28-year-old contact specialist is capable of hitting .300 annually, but his lack of walks, limited power, and defensive shortcomings make him a poor fit for a cashstrapped team.
Ryan O’Hearn could also be on the way out. His power numbers dipped in San Diego, and with below-aver -
BETTING WITH BARTON
BY TOM BARTON
As the puck is set to drop on the NHL season, the championship odds provide a glimpse of how competitive this year may be. Several teams sit bunched near the top, with little separating them from the pack. In other words, it’s anyone’s game, and for bettors who love futures plays, this field is especially tough.
The opening odds favored the Florida Panthers to threepeat as champions. Can Florida win a third straight Cup? That hasn’t been done since the New York Islanders in 1982.
The Panthers opened at +650 but have since drifted to +750.
This week’s tough news came when captain Aleksander Barkov went down for the season, though much of the line movement reflects heavy betting on other contenders.
Dallas is one of those teams, currently sitting at +850, with the Carolina Hurricanes right behind them at +900.
The ever-dangerous Colorado Avalanche opened at +800, but the Edmonton Oilers, who lost in the Final each of the past two years, have surged to the top at +650. Much of that action is believed to come
from Canadian bettors hopeful that Connor McDavid finally lifts the Cup.
Locally, the Rangers can be had at +3000, good for 13th-best odds. In a weakened conference, some believe they could make a deep run. The Islanders, however, face a steeper climb with their odds sitting at +6600.
Odds for all teams:
Edmonton: +650
Florida: +750
Colorado: +800
Dallas: +850
Carolina: +900
Vegas: +1200
Tampa Bay: +1500
New Jersey: +1800
Los Angeles: +2000
Toronto Maple: +2000
Winnipeg: +2200
Washington: +2800
Rangers: +3000
Ottawa: +3300
Minnesota: +3500
St. Louis: +4000
Utah: +4000
Vancouver: +5000
Islanders: +6600
Columbus: +8000
Montreal: +8000
Calgary: +9000
Nashville: +9000
Boston: +10000
more as a designated
— a role the Padres can’t afford to carry.
NHL Stanley Cup odds 2025
age defensive metrics, he has profiled
hitter
Grok
Padres Free Agency
Finally, starters Michael King and Dylan Cease are both set for free agency. Given the team’s financial con -
straints, San Diego will likely have to choose between the two arms.
Grok
Stanley Cup
By Tom Barton
Ward Melville had a big buildup to their homecoming game this week, and the team made sure to deliver immediately, leaving absolutely no doubt about who would walk away the winner and leaving smiles on the faces of all of those in attendance.
The Patriots dominated Sachem North on Saturday, earning an impressive 43-13 victory. Ward Melville started fast, scoring two touchdowns in the opening quarter and building a commanding 29-7 lead by halftime to the delight of the home crowd.
Quarterback Hudson Philbrick was his usual self and surgical all afternoon, completing 10 of 12 passes for over 200 yards and two touchdowns. Star running
Ward Melville leaves no doubt on homecoming
back Joe Benedetto powered the offense, rushing for more than 150 yards and leading the scoring spree with three touchdowns on the day. His ability to break tackles and extend plays kept Sachem on its heels from start to finish even when they knew the run was coming.
On the defensive side, Victor Bergamaschi was a constant force in the backfield, recording two sacks and setting the tone for a dominant performance. The Patriots’ defense continued its strong season, maintaining its streak of not allowing more than 14 points in any game so far this year.
The victory capped off an exciting week of school spirit and celebration. The district organized several events leading
up to homecoming, including a carnival and a banner contest, creating a festive atmosphere for students, families, and fans alike.
The team’s commanding win was
the perfect way to close out the week’s festivities.
With the win, Ward Melville continues to build momentum and strengthen its case as one of
Port Jefferson hosts sports fair
the top teams in the county. The Patriots will look to keep their hot streak going next week when they return home to face Central Islip in another key matchup.
By Tom Barton
This week, students of all ages participated in the Port Jefferson School District’s annual sports fair, an event that drew strong participation and positive feedback.
As part of the program, fifth grade students from Edna Louise Spear Elementary School traveled on a special field trip to Earl L. Vandermeulen High School. There, they were greeted by more than 30 varsity student-athletes and 10 coaches who led an engaging, interactive day centered on athletics and school community connections.
The fair was designed to in-
By Tom Barton
The Shoreham-Wading River girls’ field hockey team is off to a fantastic start to the 2025 season, combining a stifling defense with an explosive offense to establish themselves as one of Suffolk County’s top contenders. Through their first seven games, the Wildcats own an impressive 6-1 record. Defensively, they have been nearly impenetrable, allowing just eight total goals in their seven games. Remarkably, three of those came in their only loss against Smithtown West, meaning they have given up just five goals in their six victories. They have also blanked three different opponents,
troduce younger students to the wide range of athletic opportunities available as they prepare
for middle and high school. Activities included demonstrations and hands-on sessions in
sports such as cross country, tennis, golf, soccer, volleyball, and football.
“Our goal is to spark interest and help students find a sport they’re passionate about before they enter middle school,” said Adam Sherrard, Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Nursing. “It’s about planting that seed early and showing them what’s possible.”
In addition to athletic exposure, the event placed a strong emphasis on mentorship. Varsity athletes not only demonstrated their skills but also took time to encourage and guide the fifth graders, sharing stories about their own athletic development and experiences within the
SWR Field Hockey continue to roll
proving their ability to dominate on both ends of the field. The offense has been almost equally dangerous, racking up 40 goals in seven games for an average of nearly six goals per contest. Leading the charge is standout Madison Herr, who continues to cement her status as one of Suffolk County’s brightest stars. Herr also represented the USA U17 National Team this past weekend in international play against Canada, showcasing her talent on a national stage.
So far this season, Herr leads Suffolk County in overall points with 21. She ranks second in goals with 15—just one shy of the county leader—and has added six assists, making her one of the
most complete players in the region.
Herr has received strong support from teammates as well. Cate Leonard and Mary Kilkenny each have six points on the year, with Kilkenny ranking 26th in the county with five goals. Leonard, along with Marisa Cacciola, ranks inside Suffolk’s top 50 in assists, with three apiece.
On the defensive side, Sophia Giangreco has anchored the back line with 30 stops, keeping opponents frustrated and helping the Wildcats control the pace of play. With balance, depth, and star power, Shoreham-Wading River is shaping up to be a serious postseason threat.
district. The event highlighted how leadership is passed down from the coaches to the varsity to the elementary athletes. District officials noted that these personal connections are what make the program meaningful. Younger students are able to envision themselves as future athletes, while older students gain valuable leadership experience through mentoring. Now a well-established tradition, the sports fair continues to serve as both a celebration of athletics and a tool for building unity across grade levels. By fostering enthusiasm and school pride, the event helps ensure that Port Jefferson students remain engaged, inspired, and connected through sports.
Port Jefferson School District | Facebook
Sports Fair Students
Three Village Central School District | Facebook
Ward Melville Pep Rally
Shoreham-Wading
Field Hockey Team
By Tom Barton
The Sayville varsity boys’ golf team delivered a historic performance this weekend, posting a record-breaking effort in a decisive win.
Perhaps inspired by the Ryder Cup being on Long Island this weekend the Golden Flashes set a new school scoring record with a team total of 176, finishing four under par. The performance not only established a program best but also secured a dominant 9-0 victory over West Islip.
Led by head coach Sean McLaughlin, Sayville’s golfers have been consistent and commanding throughout the 2025 season. With this latest result, the team improved to an
Sayville golf team makes history in impressive win
unbeaten 6-0-1 overall. Their dominance is reflected in the margins: aside from their lone tie, the Golden Flashes have outscored opponents by a combined 50-4, often leaving little doubt about the outcome.
Saturday’s match showcased both individual excellence and team depth. Ray Woolsey paced the group with a two-under 34 on the front nine at West Sayville Golf Course. His performance set the tone for a balanced effort across the roster, as each golfer contributed to the record-setting total.
The achievement represents more than just another win. Breaking the school scoring record is a milestone for a program with a proud tradition,
highlighting the team’s depth of talent and commitment to improvement. For the current roster, it is a benchmark that underscores just how far they have come — and how much higher they may climb.
As the season moves forward, Sayville has its sights set on remaining unbeaten and competing for a league title. With strong leadership, a balanced lineup, and newfound history behind them, the Golden Flashes are positioning themselves as one of the premier golf programs on Long Island this year.
For Coach McLaughlin and his players, the record-breaking performance is both a celebration of the present and motivation for what lies ahead.
Green leads Rocky Point
By Tom Barton
The Rocky Point boys cross country team traveled to Wappingers Falls this weekend and turned in a strong performance against some of the top competition in the state.
The race was held in upstate New York at Bowdoin Park, a course well known for its steep hills and demanding terrain. The course is also familiar to this Rocky Point Eagles Cross Country team. Those challenges didn’t faze the Eagles, who embraced the opportunity to test themselves against elite runners.
Leading the way for Rocky Point was standout Trevor Green, who clocked an impressive 17:04. Green
once again showed why he is among the premier runners not only in Suffolk but
on Long Island, placing near the top of the leaderboard in another competitive invitational.
Green is no stranger to success on tough courses. He currently owns some of the fastest times among returning Long Island runners, highlighted by his 16:18.3 at Sunken Meadow and an equally strong 16:17.9 at Bowdoin Park last season. He has consistently proven he can compete at the highest level, regardless of the venue.
Last year, Green placed ninth overall in the prestigious Federation Meet, a race that brings together the best athletes from across New York State. He also turned in
a stellar performance at the NYSPHSAA Championships, finishing fifth at Queensbury with a time of 16:04.1. Those marks established him as one of the top returning runners heading into the 2025 season.
In addition to his accomplishments on the trails, Green is also one of the top swimmers in Suffolk County. His dedication across multiple sports highlights his versatility and competitive drive, qualities that have made him a leader for Rocky Point.
With Green setting the pace, the Eagles will look to continue building momentum as the season progresses and championship meets draw near.
Stony Brook inducts their 2025 hall of fame class
By Tom Barton
This weekend, Stony Brook University proudly inducted four exceptional Seawolves into the Rita & Kurt Eppenstein Athletics Hall of Fame. The ceremony, held at Stony Brook Arena, honored the Class of 2025 for their outstanding contributions to Seawolves athletics.
Michael Bamiro ’13, Football
A dominant offensive tackle, Bamiro anchored Stony Brook’s line from 2010–12, starting 33 straight games. His play helped propel the Seawolves to national recognition and back-to-back FCS playoff appearances, with the rushing offense ranking among the nation’s top 10. He earned first-team All-Big South and AP All-America honors in 2012 before signing with the
Philadelphia Eagles. Bamiro later played professionally with the New York Giants, Montreal Alouettes, and Washington Valor.
Shayla Giosia-Brown ’15, Softball
An all-conference honoree in each of her four seasons, Giosia-Brown powered Stony Brook to the 2013 America East Championship and NCAA Tournament berth. She graduated as the program’s all-time leader with 163 RBIs and finished second in hits (232). She still ranks among the top 10 in singles, doubles, total bases, home runs, and runs scored. Her go-ahead grand slam against UAlbany sealed the 2013 title run.
Sean Chamberlain ’07, Men’s Lacrosse Chamberlain helped guide
Stony Brook to four straight America East playoff appearances, including the 2005 championship game. He tallied 80 career points and after graduation became head coach at Farmingdale State in 2014. Under his leadership, the Rams have reached eight straight Skyline Conference playoffs, they have won backto-back titles and made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.
Erica Keller-Meyer ’99, ’03, Women’s Soccer
One of the program’s greatest scorers, Keller-Meyer set Stony Brook’s career goals record with 45, a mark that still stands. She also holds records for career points and most goals in a single game. In 1997, she netted 18 goals and 43 points, both single-season Division I program records.
The Eagles Cross Country Team
Section XI - Suffolk County
Sayville Golf Team
Stony Brook Athletics
Facebook
Stony Brook Hall of Famers
SPORTS
By Tom Barton
This week, FDNY members, New Yorkers, and thousands of visitors from across the country came together to participate in the annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk in New York City.
The event is held each year in memory of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller and in honor of all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Siller, who was assigned to Brooklyn’s Squad 1, famously ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel in full gear to reach the Twin Towers after the terrorist attacks, ultimately sacrificing his life in the line of duty.
The Tunnel to Towers 5K
By Tom Barton
Shoreham-Wading River’s standout wrestler Gavin Mangano has officially chosen his next stop.
Mangano committed last week to wrestle for the Penn State Nittany Lions, becoming the program’s first commit for the Class of 2027. His decision gives the defending national champions another blue-chip talent to build around.
Mangano enters college as the No. 1 recruit in New York State from his class and the No. 13 recruit nationally. He projects as a 149- or 157-pounder at the collegiate level, where Penn State has
Tunnel to Towers run brings out the best of the best
Run & Walk has been held every year since 2002, always taking place on the last Sunday in September. What began with just 1,500 participants more than two decades ago has grown into one of the largest and most meaningful 5K runs in the nation. It is now recognized as one of the premier charity races in America, attracting tens of thousands of runners, walkers, and supporters each year.
The course itself symbolizes Stephen Siller’s heroic final footsteps, beginning at the entrance of the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel (formerly the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel) and finishing at the site of the former Twin Towers. Along the way, participants reflect on the courage and
sacrifice of not only Siller, but also the 343 FDNY firefighters, countless law enforcement officers, EMT’s and thousands of civilians who perished on that tragic day.
Funds raised from the event directly support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s wide range of charitable programs. These include mortgage-free homes for the families of fallen first responders, smart homes for catastrophically injured service members, and assistance for veterans struggling with homelessness.
The event continues to grow each year, ensuring Stephen Siller’s legacy and the sacrifices of so many others will never be forgotten.
Mangano chooses the Nittany Lions
consistently produced NCAA champions. If he ultimately wrestles at
157 pounds, it could create an especially intriguing situation with PJ Duke, the No. 2 overall
recruit in the Class of 2025. Duke is also projected at 157, meaning two of New York’s premier wrestlers could compete side by side—or possibly battle for lineup spots—at the same weight. Both athletes trained under Khaled Dassan at KD Training Center, making their potential convergence in State College all the more compelling.
Mangano’s high school career has already reached legendary status. Dominant on the mat, he even captured a state title this past March despite suffering a broken leg. His ability to fight through the injury showcased his resilience and competitive fire, traits that Penn State head coach Cael
Sanderson has long valued in his wrestlers.
Mangano later described being in pain during that state championship match but said his adrenaline and determination carried him through. Doctors initially projected his recovery at eight to twelve weeks, and the Nittany Lions expect him to be fully healthy by the time he arrives on campus in 2027.
For Penn State, already a powerhouse program, Mangano’s commitment reinforces their grip on elite recruiting. For Gavin Mangano, it’s the next step in a career that has already been defined by toughness, talent, and championship aspirations.
The Giants have to make moves at deadline
By Tom Barton
When Jaxson Dart stepped onto the field, it became immediately clear that this team was in a different frame of mind. The energy from both the players and fans was undeniable, and Dart rewarded them by delivering their first victory of the season and looking good in the process both with his arm and legs.
Unfortunately, the excitement quickly turned somber when star receiver Malik Nabers went down with a season-ending injury. Normally, such a blow might cause a team to write off the year and focus on developing its young quarterback. But Dart needs weapons to win. Relying on Robinson and Slay-
ton, especially behind a shaky offensive line, is not going to maximize his potential.
Complicating matters further is the sense that if general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll cannot deliver results this season, others will eventually get the opportunity to guide Dart’s bright future. That urgency makes pursuing roster upgrades almost mandatory.
One particularly intriguing trade target is Chicago Bears receiver D.J. Moore. Moore brings precisely what the Giants are missing—sharp route running, strong yards-after-catch ability, and professionalism. He has produced despite playing with young and often struggling quarterbacks through-
out his career. With Chicago drafting his likely replacement this spring, Moore could be available.
The challenge for New York is financial. The Giants remain mired in salary-cap issues, with Daniel Jones’ dead cap hit still on the books. Moore’s hefty contract makes acquiring him difficult unless the Giants get creative—perhaps overpaying so the Bears absorb some of his salary. Another possibility would be sending back a major asset, such as Kayvon Thibodeaux, to offset the cost.
Tough decisions await, but one truth is undeniable: the Giants must surround Jaxson Dart with the right weapons. His development depends on it, and the clock is already ticking.
@NlwcFan | X Mangano on the sidelines
New York City Fire Department | Facebook Tunnel to Towers runners
@idjmoore | X
DJ Moore
SPORTS
By Tom Barton
DraftKings has announced that they will once again partner with The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation this October for the Pink ‘Em campaign, part of its DraftKings S.E.R.V.E.S. program. Since launching seven years ago, the Pink ‘Em campaign has raised more than $600,000 through free-to-play pick ’em pools tied to NFL games. With a new goal of $100,000, DraftKings aims to support breast cancer awareness and programs that assist women, men, and families impacted by the disease.
“DraftKings is built on the passion of our fans, and we’re proud to channel that same energy toward such an im-
DraftKings, Larry Fitzgerald team up for a good cause
portant cause during Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” said Matt Kalish, President of DraftKings North America.
“With the support of The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation and our dedicated customers, I’m confident we can achieve this October’s $100,000 donation goal and make a difference for the countless families impacted by breast cancer.”
Pink ‘Em free-to-play charity pools will run during Weeks 5 through 8 of the NFL season.
Customers can pick winners for each Sunday matchup to compete for a share of $5,000 in DK Dollar prizes. DraftKings will donate $1 per entry for the first 20,000 free entries each week to The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, funding
breast cancer health services and providing assistance to families dealing with the disease.
“I’m grateful to team up once again with DraftKings and their loyal community of fans who continue to show up year after year for the Pink ’Em campaign,” said Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Founder of The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation. “The generosity from this program has already made a real difference for families facing the challenges of breast cancer. What I love most is that it brings people together. Fans can enjoy the game they love while also helping provide critical support and hope to those who need it most.”
Bunting Season: How I’d save baseball as Commissioner
By Michael J. Reistetter
Don’t let Google fool you— today’s “bunting” isn’t about birds or baby blankets. It’s about baseball. And it’s long past time the sport reclaims one of its simplest, smartest, and most underappreciated skills: the bunt.
Once a cornerstone of strategy, bunting has become baseball’s vinyl record—scratched, shelved, and dismissed in the age of launch angles, power metrics, and exit velocity. But if Major League Baseball truly wants to preserve its integrity, it shouldn’t look to robo-umps or analytics tweaks. It should look to small ball, the craft
that once defined the sport’s strategic soul. Enter the “designated bunt -
er.” Like football’s kicker, this specialist would step in exclusively for high-stakes bunts.
Each team would carry two— one earning $1 million, one at league minimum—with three bunting attempts per game. Miss once, the backup tries. Miss twice, no more bunts. Simple. Risky. Beautiful. These tacticians wouldn’t swing for fences but would master the delicate tap—a fading art capable of turning chaos into runs and confusion into victory. Managers would regain the chess-match decision-making baseball once thrived on, while youth coaches might once again teach kids how to lay one down instead of swinging for the stratosphere.
By Tom Barton
Hundreds of fans showed up for Rocky Point’s homecoming game this weekend looking for a show — and they got one in the form of an old-school defensive clinic by the Eagles football team.
The Eagles defeated Harborfields 14-0, improving their record to 3-1 on the young 2025 season.
Rocky Point’s defense has been stout all year, and on homecoming, in front of their loyal fans, they turned in their best performance yet. The Eagles had held every opponent this season to 21 points or fewer, with their only loss coming against the lone team to score more than two touchdowns on them. On homecoming, they raised the bar even higher, completely shutting down
the Harborfields offense.
The entire defense deserves credit for the impressive win, but several players stood out. John Nadeau intercepted a pass just before halftime to preserve the Eagles’ 7-0 lead heading into the locker room, while Cristian Cordova came up with a key fumble recovery. Both DJ Xavier and Jack Krilovitch recorded sacks, applying steady pressure throughout the game. Brogan Casper may have been the defensive player of the game, forcing a strip sack and batting down multiple passes at the line, as the Eagles line play played a pivotal role on the day. Casper also made an impact on offense, hauling in a deep touchdown pass from quarterback Peyton Reisinger, who threw for two scores on the day. Reisinger’s
Power will always thrill, but finesse wins games. The bunt challenges pitchers, unsettles defenses, and demands attention. It’s time to remind fans that baseball’s beauty isn’t just in 450-foot blasts—it’s in the perfectly placed roll down the third-base line.
So bring back the bunt. Bring back creativity, strategy, suspense, and joy. Baseball was never built on power alone—and it’s time to start playing like it.
And yes, these bunters could still hit if necessary. Imagine corner infielders charging in, bracing for a bunt, only to see a well-timed slash past them. The crowd erupts. That’s baseball—unpredictable, cerebral, alive, and full of subtle drama.
Rocky Point’s homecoming is a defensive show
other
to Ryan
strike that gave the Eagles some breathing room in the second half.
It was a complete effort from Rocky Point, with a defense that set the tone and an offense that capitalized when it mattered most.
touchdown went
Espinal on a 50-yard
The Eagles will look to carry that same defensive intensity into next week’s matchup when they travel to face West Islip.
