My first news article was published in the Oswego Messenger while I was in college 45 years ago, and I’ve been at it ever since. After writing countless stories for the South Shore Press on pretty much everything under the sun, I now have the honor and pleasure of being named News Director, taking over from Stefan Mychajliw, a true professional whom I’ve learned from even after all these years in the business.
What keeps me going is the people and places I write about. There’s always something happening; someone is always doing something. And
if I think the readers would be interested or need to know, I’m going to write it.
As a community newspaper, the South Shore Press keeps tabs on what’s going on. We promote the events and the happenings, and we also follow what’s occurring in government and politics. New York is one of the most expensive places to live in the country, and the people need to know why that is and who’s responsible.
The First Amendment gives the press not only the freedom, but the obligation to hold those in power accountable. It exists so newspapers
Dean of Suffolk reporters named South Shore Press news director
like ours can ask hard questions, shine light on decisions that affect our lives, and ensure that government at every level remains answerable to the people it serves.
I think back to my first job as a reporter all those years ago and the Monday mornings when I needed to have my stories done and a picture for the front cover. Driving around in a panic to get a worthy photo was always a challenge, but Long Island never let me down. I’m off again—same mission—but you’ll always know what I’m up to in the pages of the South Shore Press.
Police unity event brings holiday meals to 1,000 families
By Robert Chartuk
Cars stretched for a few blocks outside the 7th Precinct in Shirley as residents lined up for something far more meaningful than a free turkey: a reminder that their community cares.
This year marked the precinct’s eighth annual giveaway, where officers and volunteers teamed up to distribute 1,000 holiday meals—each bagged, boxed, and loaded directly into the cars of local families, noted COPE Officer Stacie Pollio.
“It’s amazing to see all of the smiling faces and to know that we are making a difference here in the community,” said Centereach resident Patricia Poggi of EJ’s PJs.
For volunteer Steven Tavarez of Stony Brook, owner of SJ Home Design, the day carried personal meaning. “I think it’s important to remember where you come from,” he said. “At one point in my life I was on the opposite side where my family needed the help, so now I’m grateful that I can contribute.”
Inspector Donald Raber called the Unity Event one of the precinct’s most
rewarding efforts. “This is a great day for interacting with the community,” he said as volunteers slid meals into the cars. “They just open the door for you and throw in a turkey and all of the fixings so everyone can enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner.”
Event sponsors include: Abbruzzese Floors, Azure Realty, Bulovas Restorations, Classic Floral, Clare Rose, Daggett Management, Datascan, East End Screen Printing & Embroidery, East End Sign Design, Esposito Custom Homes, EXIT Realty, Fidelis Care, Fine Fare, Hampton Coffee Company, Hampton Home Improvement, Heritage Harbor Financial Associates, Hummus Mediterranean Grill, Kidz Helping Kidz, Leisure Village Association, Martin Brower, Miller & Caggiano LLP, Performance Food Service, Propane Depot, Shirley Feed, SJ Home Design, Steuben Association, Stop & Shop, Suffolk Credit Union, The Harbor Church, Wegmans, Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner, and Legislator Jim Mazzarella.
Robert Chartuk
South Shore Press News Director Robert Chartuk with his Story of the Year Award from the New York Press Association and Outstanding Media Award from the Public Relations Professionals of Long Island.
Robert Chartuk
Members of the Suffolk PD 7th Precinct with helpers at the annual Thanksgiving giveaway.
By Robert Chartuk
Brookhaven saw a milestone in senior housing development as the Crest Group broke ground on phase two of its Villas at Setauket project, expanding its 55+ rental community in East Setauket. The project, which adds eight new units on 1.2 acres, reflects ongoing demand for age-restricted housing that balances independent living with community amenities.
The Villas at Setauket already provide townhomes and garden-style apartments designed for active adults, and the expansion aims to meet growing interest among retirees and near-retirees in the area. Accord-
Villas at Setauket expands senior housing in Brookhaven
ing to project officials, the new phase will include thoughtfully designed layouts, accessible features, and green spaces to foster both comfort and social engagement.
Town Supervisor Dan Panico praised the expansion, noting it strengthens Brookhaven’s portfolio of housing options while supporting local economic growth.
“We are committed to providing diverse housing opportunities for all residents,” Panico said.
“Projects like Villas at Setauket allow seniors to remain in the community they know and love, close to family, services, and local amenities.”
The development aligns with broader regional trends, as Long Island towns increasingly face
demand for housing tailored to older adults seeking independence without leaving their hometowns. Community leaders also highlighted the project’s potential economic benefits, including construction jobs during the build-out and the continued participation of residents in local commerce once units are occupied.
Public input was incorporated early in the planning stages, with nearby residents participating in town meetings and site reviews. Officials emphasized that traffic, parking, and environmental considerations were addressed to minimize impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.
Construction is expected to continue through the coming
year, with completion anticipated by late 2026. Once finished, the Villas at Setauket will provide a mix of new housing choices that
reflect Brookhaven’s commitment to sustainable growth, quality of life for seniors, and inclusive community planning.
Suffolk County SPCA charges Central Islip man with animal cruelty
By Deborah Williams
Crimes against pets hit home especially hard. Most people can’t imagine harming their beloved cat or dog. And, yet it happens to the horror of everyone.
The Suffolk County SPCA has charged a Central Islip resident with animal cruelty following an investigation into the neglect of a dog from earlier this year.
Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk County SPCA, announced that Leonard Morelli, 70, of Central Islip, has been charged with ten misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. The charges follow a September 2025
incident in which authorities discovered five dogs confined in deplorable conditions inside Morelli’s Central Islip home.
The dogs included a male Yorkie mix of undetermined age; a male Jack Russell mix named “Mickey,” also of undetermined age; a three- to four-year-old male terrier mix; a two- to four-year-old female terrier mix; and a one- to three-year-old female terrier mix. All of the animals were found suffering from varying degrees of dehydration and or emaciation.
In addition to the surviving dogs, investigators recovered the unidentifiable remains of a sixth dog and partial remains of a seventh dog from the residence. The surviving dogs were surrendered to a local shelter, where they received necessary medical care and will
be made available for adoption.
On November 19, 2025, SPCA detectives issued Morelli a Field Appearance Ticket. He is scheduled to be arraigned in First District Court in Central Islip on December 9, 2025
The Suffolk County SPCA remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals in the county. If you witness any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County, please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722
SPCA made sure to say that that a criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty
New weight limit imposed on Smith Point Bridge
By Robert Chartuk
New restrictions have been placed on the Smith Point Bridge after an inspection revealed structural deterioration, prompting an immediate three-ton weight limit. The reduction, ordered by the state Department of Transportation following a routine review, will remain in place as engineers study the condition of the 65-year-old span.
The new restriction comes as the long-awaited replacement of the bridge faces a year-long delay. The postponement stems from design modifications—including a handicap-accessible fishing pier, an observation area beneath the span, and a 12-foot-wide shared-use path—that require additional state and federal approvals.
“Following a routine inspection conducted by the NYSDOT that revealed structural deterioration, Suffolk County will post the Smith Point Bridge with a maximum three-ton weight limit for
trucks effective immediately and until further notice,” Legislator Jim Mazzarella said in a statement.
“The Department of Public Works is
coordinating closely with the New York State Department of Transportation to conduct a more in-depth analysis and determine all available options to safely
raise the load rating,” the statement continued. “This temporary restriction comes as Suffolk County continues its ongoing planning for the construction of a new bridge to ensure long-term safety and reliability for residents and visitors.”
Hardesty & Hanover, the firm that designed the original 1959 drawbridge, is engineering the new structure, estimated to cost $126.5 million. The 1,600-foot prestressed concrete span, similar to the Ponquogue Bridge in Hampton Bays, will feature ADA-compliant sidewalks, bicycle-friendly shoulders, and a 55-foot navigation clearance, eliminating the need for a drawbridge. Portions of the existing span will remain as a fishing pier.
Residents aren’t happy about the situation. “What happened to the replacement?” wondered Kenneth Harkin. “Everything was moving then NOTHING. They literally built a dock and a ferry to work on the windmill project while the bridge replacement is in limbo.”
Suffolk County SPCA
Charges handed down for animal cruelty.
Crest Group
A new home at the Villas at Setauket.
Robert Chartuk
The aged Smith Point drawbridge.
LOCAL Watch out for puffbacks!
By Deborah Williams
Cold weather is here and folks are starting to fire up their furnaces. Mastic Beach Fire Department has some words of wisdom for those of you with oil furnaces.
“It’s puffback season, so we wanted to pass along some helpful information for our residents,” said Mastic Beach FD on their social media pages.
What exactly is a puffback? A puffback occurs when a furnace or boiler does not light correctly, which allows unburned fuel to build up inside the combustion chamber. The fuel eventually ignites, which causes something
like a backfire. Imagine when a car exhaust system backfires, you see a plume of smoke come out of the exhaust pipe. That is similar to a puffback, except it happens in your home - often creating a large amount of soot and carbon monoxide and setting off smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.
“If you have an oil furnace, have it serviced at least once a year. They clean it out, change the oil filter, and check the flue pipe to make sure there’s no blockage,” said Bill Biondi, Commissioner of the Mastic Beach Fire Department. “A puff back happens when there isn’t proper ventilation. The ignition misfires.
Homeowners press the little red button again too quickly, it refires again pumping more oil in there, and then the puff back fills your house up with smoke.”
Poor maintenance can also lead to improper combustion, which creates excessive exhaust gasses such as carbon monoxide. Improper combustion may also lead to excessive smoke coming from the chimney- sometimes seen as thick black or even white, smoke. While there is no guaranteed way to ensure a puffback does not occur, the best form of prevention is to get annual inspections and keep up on the maintenance of all fuel burning appliances. Call for your service today!
Suffolk sheriff unveils powerful prisoner memoir exhibit Auroras light up Long Island sky in rare solar storm
By Deborah Williams voices.
Going to jail is no small matter. You are there because you did something you should not have done, and as a result, both your life and the life of the victim have been damaged. However, incarceration does not have to be an ending—it can also mark the beginning of a new chapter in one’s life.
To support that new beginning, a weekly memoir class was launched in 2023 for men and women in the Sheriff’s Addiction Treatment Program. The class, taught by journalist and volunteer Andrew Visconti, provides participants with a structured space to tell their stories and reclaim their
Each week, participants receive a writing prompt and are invited to share their reflections with the group. The goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where individuals can explore the experiences— both positive and negative— that have shaped their lives.
“The memoir writing class launched in 2023 has become one of the most meaningful of the programs,” said Sheriff Toulon. “Each week, Andrew offers participants writing prompts that invite them to explore the experiences that have shaped their lives. He gives them a safe space to process trauma, loss, hope, identity, and transformation.”
On Tuesday, November 18 at
12 p.m., Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon, Jr., was joined by Visconti and several formerly incarcerated individuals to unveil the “In Their Words” memoir exhibit at the Yaphank Correctional Facility.
“In Their Words” features written reflections from incarcerated men and women with substance-abuse issues who participated in the specialized program.
The exhibit features excerpts from participants’ writings over the past two years. These reflective pieces touch on themes of memory, loss, hope, and transformation. The collection will be on display in the visiting lobby of the Yaphank Correctional Facility throughout the holiday season.
By Robert Chartuk in color.
“The sun is a mass of incandescent gas, a gigantic nuclear furnace,” as the song goes, and when it acts up, solar flare-ups can cause strange phenomena on Earth. Beyond threatening satellites and zapping electronics, the sun’s energy can set our atmosphere ablaze in a dance of colors.
The Northern Lights, or auroras, are mostly seen around the poles, where the Earth’s magnetic fields are strongest. It’s there that cosmic particles collide with atmospheric gases to create the brilliant curtains of undulating color that define the phenomenon. It is rare for these lights to reach as far south as Long Island — but when they do, it’s quite the sight, as evidenced by a recent display captured in Center Moriches by photographer Steven Woronick.
Dr. Woronick, who holds a Ph.D. in physics from Stony Brook University, was stunned when the sky above him erupted
“I looked up and saw a blazing red aurora directly overhead,” he said. “It was astonishingly intense — so bright that the ambient lights didn’t diminish it at all.”
The display was driven by a powerful coronal mass ejection linked to a massive solar flare, triggering one of the strongest geomagnetic storms in years. According to NOAA, the event reached severe G4 levels, strong enough to push auroral activity deep into the mid-latitudes across North America.
Woronick’s photograph shows a sweeping pallet of lights rising over the treetops. “The colors were extraordinary — red, orange, yellow, green, even hints of purple,” he said. “And the stars were visible right through it, confirming it wasn’t cloud cover.”
For Long Islanders fortunate enough to witness it, the rare celestial show turned an ordinary night into a moment of cosmic wonder.
Avoid messy puffbacks. Get your furnace cleaned out.
Dr. Steve Woronick Stunning photo of the Northern Lights taken over Center Moriches.
Suffolk County Sheriff Department
Former inmates participate in a writing program to help move forward in a positive way.
LOCAL Soaring into history: A paratrooper’s D-Day journey
By Robert Chartuk
The jumpmaster calls out and the paratroopers rise. I’m tapped by the soldier behind me. Equipment check: OK. We hook our lines to the cable. The bell rings: Jump!
I’m in the seat of PFC Francis J. Mellett, flying in the Douglas C-47 that dropped him and 17 other paratroopers over Normandy ahead of the D-Day invasion. Mellett’s aircraft was number 67 of the 438 that flew that day. Number 66 was shot down by German anti-aircraft fire, killing everyone aboard.
Nicknamed the Second Chance, the twin-engine plane was operated by volunteers with the American Airpower Museum in Farmingdale. As part of their Living History Flight Experience, I was fitted with a World War II jacket and helmet and briefed as if I were PFC Mellett, alongside the other paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division. They were told no prisoners would be taken. Less than half were expected to survive.
Mellett carried more than 300 pounds of equipment. In addition to his parachute and M1 rifle, he was issued three days’ worth of ammunition, an anti-tank mine, a first aid kit with morphine, and a pin indicating the painkiller had already been administered so medics wouldn’t repeat the dose.
The twin engines roared as we lifted off into a bright, windless sky. The C-47 rose quickly and ran smoothly, not unlike a modern aircraft. The Great South Bay passed beneath us, and I imagined it as the English Channel. The real trip would have taken two hours before Mellett went out the door over France. His mission was
to help liberate coastal towns and deny the Germans access to Utah Beach and the other landing zones that would bring thousands of Allied soldiers into the fight.
The jumpmaster called for us to stand and attach our static lines. Ten of us inched toward the door, imagining what it must have felt like for those young men as they leaped into the dark night.
Francis J. Mellett was born in Brooklyn in 1920. After volunteering to serve, he joined the 101st Airborne Division at Camp Toccoa and was assigned to the 3rd
Platoon as an assistant machine gunner. After training at Fort Benning and Camps Mackall and Shanks with the famed Easy Company—later featured in the movie, Band of Brothers—he headed to Aldbourne, England, to await the invasion of Europe.
They 101st paratroopers were the forerunners of today’s special forces— screened for toughness, hardened by two years of training. They were put into action after making only five qualifying jumps. These soldiers, many of them starting out as teenagers, were sent behind enemy lines, charged with securing vital objectives, enduring relentless fire, and carrying out their mission with little hope of rescue.
Twenty-three years old, Mellett landed in Normandy on June 6, 1944. After regrouping with other paratroopers in Ste. Marie-du-Mont, he helped secure the town of Carentan and survived the remainder of the campaign.
In my uniform pocket was a card describing the fate of PFC Francis J. Mellett. After heading to Bastogne on December 18, while taking the town of Foy, Mellett was killed by a sniper. Eight weeks later, his younger brother, John, was also killed in action in Luzon, Philippines, at the age of 22. They are both interred at Long Island National Cemetery in East Farmingdale.
Their sacrifice helped shaped the course of history. The courage of these young Americans—who faced overwhelming danger to confront tyranny— helped secure the freedoms we know today. Remembering their service ensures that the cost of liberty, paid in full by men like the Mellett brothers, will never be forgotten.
Rev. Minson’s new book honors America’s protectors
By Robert Chartuk
“Chaplain in Shades,” the new book by Rev. Bill Minson, serves as a heartfelt tribute to the men and women of America’s law enforcement, fire service, emergency response, and military communities.
Revered nationwide as a Spiritual Responder, Minson said the project was inspired by the attempted assassination of President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, and a text message that made him realize how often the public overlooks the immense pressure and sacrifice that define these professions.
“A friend criticized the Secret Service, and it moved me to reflect on how little most people understand about those who work in what amounts to a zero-sum business—one mistake away from catastrophe, yet rarely thanked when they succeed,” Minson explained. The book became his answer: a sweeping, decades-long homage to those who run toward danger without hesitation, often for people they have never met.
Drawing from his experiences as
Chaplain for the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army after 9/11, as well as his work with victims’ families in tragedies from Oklahoma City to Parkland, Minson weaves together stories of bravery, grief, and resilience. He highlights the ripple effects of 9/11 on a generation of young Americans who joined the military or entered law enforcement because they felt called to serve. He also recounts witnessing families confront the killers of their loved ones, including a Parkland mother addressing her son’s murderer in court.
The book’s title comes from his nickname at the 9/11 Family Assistance Center, where responders referred to him as “the chaplain with the shades.” Minson wears them due to lingering effects from eye issues, but the name stuck and ultimately shaped the book’s identity.
With a foreword by country music icon Wynonna Judd, Minson hopes his writing uplifts morale across all service professions and inspires Americans to value character, mentorship, and community. “We have a lot of work to do,” he said. “But if we stay positive and
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Check out his work at www.chaplaininshades.com
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American Airpower Musem
Reporter Robert Chartuk attaches his static line during a Living History Flight Experience.
Rev. Bill Minson
Rev. Minson’s new book honors America’s protectors.
LOCAL
By Deborah Williams
The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County (GSSC) is hosting its annual Holiday Light Show at Camp Edey in Bayport for an expanded, magical walk-through experience.
Launched more than 20 years ago, the GSSC Holiday Light Show has grown into a Long Island tradition. The light show will be open Thursdays through Sundays from November 28 to December 21, 2025.
The highlight of the show will be “Girl Scout Way,” an area where the five winners from the 2025 Girl Scouts Holiday Light Design Contest will be on display. The winners are:
- Penelope Alambra, Smithtown, Troop 358, Brownie
Girl Scouts of Suffolk County host Walk-through Winter Wonderland
“This event is a beautiful example of how Girl Scouts combine imagination, leadership and community spirit to shine light—literally and figuratively—on the holiday season,” said Tammy Severino, President & CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County.
See features at this year’s
Holiday Lights Show and buy tickets at http://www.gssclightshow.org. The event is open to the public and ticket prices start at $12.50. Tickets and Cozy Bungalow reservations must be purchased in advance.
A new “Cozy Bungalow Package” with admission for up to five guests in a private winter-themed bungalow plus food vouchers is available at a special rate. Themes include Nordic Nest (Scandinavian, rustic, snowy lodge), Holly Jolly Hut (traditional red and green Christmas décor), Gumdrop Cottage (candy-colored fun straight from a storybook and gingerbread-inspired décor) and Starlight Shack (twinkle lights and a starry winter’s night with touches of snowflakes).
Nosotros Queremos: New Taco Bell a possibility in Medford
By Michael J. Reistetter
The Brookhaven Town Board convened a public hearing on Thursday to consider a proposal that has circulated for months: demolishing an existing Medford bank building and replacing it with a Taco Bell.
The plan, more formally described as a 2,118-squarefoot “major restaurant with a drive-thru” and outdoor seating, immediately stirred speculation. After all, whenever a familiar storefront goes dark in any neighborhood, it rarely takes long before locals start rooting for their favorite Mexican-inspired American chain to take over.
Bell & Factfinder.census.gov
the 700 Sills Road Plaza in Medford, a center anchored by Stop & Shop, appears imminent.
Councilman Michael Loguercio publicly welcomed the idea, noting that any new food
business would add energy to the already bustling commercial hub.
Earlier chatter about a Taco
Bell rising along Route 111—often dubbed “Restaurant Row”— near the intersection of Hauppauge and Smithtown has yet to materialize.
Meanwhile, their south shore neighbor at the 700 Sills Road Plaza in Medford, anchored by Stop & Shop, appears determined to attract something, Taco Bell or otherwise.
Observers note that the property’s value makes prolonged vacancy unlikely; a less cult-beloved but still reliable option would surely emerge before the parcel sat unused.
Even areas with multiple locations to choose from within a five- to ten-minute radius are powerless to The Bell’s charm, even with the recent phenom-
enon of stalwart dollar-menu items ballooning to prices upwards of $3.80.
Such is the stranglehold it has had on the culture, thanks in large part to impactful press in popular media like “Demolition Man,” “Mean Girls,” “Talladega Nights,” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” to name a few.
If approved, the new Taco Bell would sit near Planet Fitness, IHOP, and Friendly’s, rounding out a cluster of familiar destinations.
Construction could cost about $1.5 million—roughly equivalent to the damage inflicted by a fevered spree order of 231,125 limited-edition Flamin’ Hot Grilled Cheese Burritos.
Cómo se dice, “payment plan?”
Eelgrass remediation in ESM: What’s it all about?
By Michael J. Reistetter
Members of the Eastport-South Manor Science Honor Society recently volunteered in an eelgrass remediation initiative. They collaborated with partners at SAVE Environmental on the project.
The organization is credited with developing the eelgrass-based restoration technique associated with Zostera marina in scientific circles.
A vital component of coastal ecosystems across the United States, eelgrass has declined dramatically in New York State waters, according to information provided by the district.
Throughout the exercise, students learned firsthand a specialized method created by Robert Vasiluth of SAVE Environmental. The technique involves attaching eelgrass seeds to live clams using
biodegradable, nontoxic reef glue.
Once placed into the bay, the clams naturally burrow into the sediment, planting the seeds directly into suitable habitat where new growth can thrive.
Through careful instruction and hands-on teamwork, students prepared more than 2,000 clams for distribution over the coming weeks, contributing meaningfully to a restoration effort that has already shown promising results in regional waters.
Vasiluth also provided students with essential background on the broader ecological goals of the project, namely its role in supporting the long-term health of the South Shore of Long Island.
His presentation highlighted how community-led environmental projects can produce measurable improvements, and he emphasized that student partic-
ipation directly supports ongoing conservation research and fieldwork.
The group plans to continue its volunteer efforts in the spring, when additional planting and monitoring activities will take place.
Eastport-South Manor Director of K–12 Science Dr. Jessica Mintz commended Science Honor Society co-advisors Robert Bolen and Kelly Spadafora and their students for this impressive commitment to environmental stewardship.
She noted that projects like this demonstrate how the district provides authentic scientific experiences that inspire learning, foster responsibility, and connect students to the local environment.
Their dedication continues to strengthen environmental awareness within the community and in general.
Taco
The arrival of a Taco Bell at
Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
Holiday light spectacular put on by Suffolk County Girl Scouts is coming up.
Eastport-South Manor Central School District
Eastport-South Manor Science Honor Society members attached eelgrass seeds to clams for SAVE Environmental.
SANTOS UNCENSORED
BY GEORGE SANTOS
Let’s be honest. The Jeffrey Epstein scandal was never just about one monstrous man. It has always been a reflection of America’s ruling class—the elite circles, the media powerbrokers, and the political insiders who pretended for years that nothing was wrong. Now the truth is finally breaking through, piece by piece and lie by lie.
Before getting into the newest revelations—the documents, the flight logs, and the sudden waves of institutional amnesia—one simple fact must be stated clearly:
Republicans were the ones who demanded accountability while Democrats and their media allies tried to wish the entire thing away. And believe me, as someone who has been accused of telling more stories than most, nothing I have ever said even comes close to the hypocrisy that surrounded Epstein and the people who protected him.
Epstein created a life defined by access. He moved effortlessly through the highest tiers of American power, whether in academia, finance, philanthropy, or politics. His money opened every door. His charm disarmed people who should have known better. His connections kept him safe from consequences that would have destroyed anyone else.
For years, the institutions that claim to uphold American values turned a blind eye.
The same crowd that lectures the public about morality, about the MeToo movement, about believing all women, had no problem attending Epstein’s events, seeking his favors, or enjoying the benefits of his wealth. Universities took his donations. Foundations welcomed his involvement. Socialites bragged about being on his guest list. Reporters heard whispers and rumors, but somehow those stories dissolved before they ever reached publication.
It is remarkable how quietly a scandal disappears when the wrong people might be exposed.
To be fair, people from across the political spectrum crossed paths with Epstein. Many were simple acquaintances. Some were completely uninvolved. But some still have very serious questions to answer. What cannot be denied is that Epstein’s deepest and most influential relationships were concentrated inside the Democratic-aligned East Coast elite that he relied on and thrived within.
I am not naming individuals. That is for investigators.
But anyone who has ever looked at the network Epstein built knows exactly the types of institutions and
The Epstein Files: Republicans Were Right All Along
figures involved:
• Ivy League power circles
• East Coast political dynasties
• Clinton-era operators
• Media executives and cultural influencers overwhelmingly aligned with the Democratic establishment
These were not casual connections. These were tight networks of influence—the kind Democrats pretend only exist on the Republican side.
All the while, these same institutions lectured America about ethics and virtue while Epstein walked through their world like a respected figure.
Long before Epstein became a national name, Republicans were the ones raising red flags.
It was Republicans who questioned the sweetheart plea deal he received in Florida.It was Republicans who pushed for full transparency instead of selective and sanitized leaks.It was Republicans who demanded answers about federal agencies failing to act on credible reports for years.
And when the case resurfaced, it was the America First movement that pushed hardest for the truth to come out.
Why?
Because the America First movement never owed anything
to the elite networks that protected Epstein.
Democrats did. Their top donors, their preferred institutions, and their media allies had far more to lose. Their incentive to bury or slow-walk the truth was enormous.
And the American people noticed.
As more unsealed files and hidden testimony come into view, one thing becomes painfully clear:
This was never just about Epstein. It was about the system that allowed him to operate.
Every document and every log tells the same story:
• People who should have spoken up stayed silent
• Institutions that should have intervened refused to act
• Journalists who should have investigated backed away
• Political forces that claim to protect women and children suddenly had nothing to say
Now that the truth is finally coming to light, Democrats and their allies want to pretend it is all ancient history—a resolved chapter from a distant past.
But Republicans, especially those in the MAGA movement, refuse to let this be swept away.
This scandal is bigger than Epstein.It is bigger than any political party.It is bigger than the partisan
noise surrounding it. It is a national moral reckoning. And the only movement that has consistently demanded the whole truth, wherever it leads, has been the America First movement.
Because accountability is not optional.Because elite protection is unacceptable.Because the victims deserve answers and justice, not excuses.And because if the system that protected Epstein remains in place, someone else will one day step into the void he left behind.
Democrats can deny, deflect, and minimize. They can call every new revelation old news. They can insist that Americans move on.
But the public sees what really happened.
They see the hypocrisy.They see the double standards.They see exactly who fought for transparency and who tried to shut the curtains.
And as someone who knows intimately what it feels like to have every detail of your life dissected and broadcast, let me say this clearly:
If ordinary Americans are held accountable for every action they take, then the elites who protected Epstein should be held accountable too.
The unraveling has begun thanks to President Trump. And it is nowhere near finished.
What to do about fire trucks and the Smith Point Bridge?
By Deborah Willams
The bad news that Smith Point Bridge was in rough enough shape to put severe restrictions on its use came down this week.
County Executive Ed Romaine said in a statement, “Following a routine inspection conducted by the NYSDOT that revealed structural deterioration, Suffolk County will restrict Smith Point Bridge to a maximum three-ton weight limit (ap -
prox. 6,600 pounds) for trucks effective immediately and until further notice.
That weight limit will affect many pick-up trucks, SUVs, and campers. With camping and beach going popular activities, if something isn’t worked out an entire season or two of outdoor recreational activities may be lost for many people.
Safety comes first and in that equation is how to get emergency first responder equipment such as fire trucks (50-80,000 pounds) and ambulances (10-15,000 pounds)
over the bridge. Having access for emergency vehicles has to be figured out now and cannot weight until a fire starts or an emergency happens.
Bill Biondi, Commissioner of the Mastic Beach Fire Department, said, “We’re going to try to get a mini pumper over as soon as we have permission and store it in the pavilion. We would only be allowed to use the bridge’s southbound lane.”
If the load rating is not increased, or emergency equipment can’t use the bridge at all, that’s where Sunrise Wind may
come in to the picture. The size and weight of the equipment Sunrise uses was already too much for the bridge.
Biondi said, “Sunrise runs a barge system back and forth from the mainland for their project. We may end up needing some help and using their barge to get a truck over.”
The County is coordinating closely with the State Department of Transportation to conduct a more in-depth analysis and determine all available options to safely raise the load rating.
I’m thankful for the golf cart scenes in “Hall Pass”
By Michael J. Reistetter
For 13 years, one recurring scene has survived every rewrite of a long-gestating screenplay: a group of boys tearing through off-limits territory in a runaway golf cart. That image has become a creative constant, inspired by Peter and Bobby Farrelly’s 2011 comedy “Hall Pass.”
The film isn’t considered a top-tier entry in the Farrelly brothers’ catalogue, which includes “Dumb and Dumber”
and “There’s Something About Mary,” but it holds near-legendary status for the writer and his friends. Starring Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis in peak “SNL” form, the movie follows two suburban husbands who inflate tales of their past romantic “game” to mask the lull in their marriages. Their wives, played by Jenna Fischer and Christina Applegate, eventually grant them a “hall pass,” a sanctioned week of misbehavior that quickly reveals how unprepared the men are to relive their supposed heyday.
The plot may sound predictable to newcomers, but the film’s peculiar, spirited execution makes it unforgettable. The writer counts “Hall Pass” among his favorite films—his personal number one of 2011, edging out “Moneyball.” His lone complaint is that the movie doesn’t spend more time with its riotous supporting ensemble: J.B. Smoove, Stephen Merchant, and Larry Joe Campbell as the iconic Hoghead. Their brief but memorable moments include cruising for
attention at Applebee’s and wildly evading police in a golf cart they may or may not have
misplaced minutes earlier. The chaos spills onto the streets of a New England town, offering what the writer considers comedy at its finest. As Thanksgiving approaches, he recommends another overlooked 2011 favorite, “Tower Heist,” now streaming on Netflix. Still, no matter the season, glimpsing a golf cart, joining a bachelor party, or simply riffing with friends reliably transports him back to the camaraderie and absurdity of “Hall Pass.” A small but enduring triumph.
New Line Cinemas
There’s a special place in my heart reserved for randos on runaway golf carts. Just look at them.
Robert Chartuk
Mastic Beach Fire Department makes plans on how to get fire fighting equipment across the bridge.
LOCAL
By Michael J. Reistetter
“And it’s probably a dream. It’s got to be that.”
Primarily shot in Smithtown, Holbrook, and Selden in 2023, The New Yorker’s No. 2-ranked film of 2024 is now streaming for free on Hulu.
“Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point,” directed by Smithtown native Tyler Taormina, is a timeless, feel-good (and occasionally gut-punching) holiday hangout film that brings four generations of a proudly loud Long Island Italian-American family together for what could very well be their last epic gathering in their matriarch’s forever home.
It stars Michael Cera, Elsie Fisher, Ben Shenkman, and Maria Dizzia, alongside various
“Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point” — now streaming on Hulu!
newcomers with local roots earning their big break in a certifiable super-indie. Watch and you’ll spot countless Suffolk County fixtures that wound up being showcased on the silver screen at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in France.
Distributed by IFC, “Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point” was previously available on AMC+ and Amazon. The film is also due to air on AMC in conjunction with its holiday programming block.
“Miller’s Point” has drawn comparisons to the intimate works of Richard Linklater (“Dazed and Confused”), Robert Altman (“A Prairie Home Companion”), Martin Scorsese (“GoodFellas”), Ron Howard (“Parenthood”), John Hughes (“Home Alone”), and Ingmar
Bergman (“Fanny and Alexander”). It’s also been described as something straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting and likened to a snow globe-kept time capsule.
Suffolk staples featured as memorable locations in the film include Red Acre Farms of St. James (formerly Dairy Barn), and Cella Bagels of Selden.
Local producers on the film include Eric Berger (co-writer, script supervisor), Calogero Carucci (producer; also director of “Moving in 2008” and “Long Island Gus”), Amanda Donnadio, Krista Minto, and South Shore Press reporter Michael J. Reistetter.
“We’re going to clean up good for this one, boys. Suits, ties, socks, the whole nine.”
SNAP benefits too easily lost to thieves
By Deborah Williams
SNAP benefits are flowing again after the government shutdown has been resolved. But, that means fraudsters are back to work, too.
EBT/SNAP cards are especially vulnerable to illegal card skimming machines. In most states, swiping your card is the only way to redeem SNAP benefits. California is currently the only state with the more secure chip cards.
A thief can grab your card number from a skimming machine the same way they steal credit card information. Once they have your information,
benefits meant for you are put onto new cards. The thieves then make large purchases and
resell the items for their own profit.
“New York State needs to
show the same urgency protecting SNAP recipients as it does warning about scams,” said Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano.
“It’s unacceptable that SNAP cards still lack the basic chip security every modern credit and debit card has, leaving families vulnerable to theft and fraud.”
There is a bill in the NY Senate and Assembly that would mandate EBT cards use chip technology, but it has not advanced out of committee. And, the federal government announced in late September that chipped SNAP EBT cards will be rolling out in additional states soon.
As of October 1, 2025, applications for stolen SNAP
benefits will no longer be accepted. Federal authorization to replace stolen SNAP benefits ended on December 20, 2024. Congress ended the federal reimbursement program in December 2024, meaning local agencies can issue replacement cards, but not replace the stolen money.
There are things you can do to protect your benefits from theft. Change your PIN frequently; look closely at card readers before swiping; and reporting suspicious devices immediately. If you think your SNAP benefits were stolen, contact Social Services to report the theft and request a replacement EBT card.
Suffolk Courts Celebrate National Adoption Day
By Stefan Mychajliw
Suffolk County Family Court held its annual National Adoption Day ceremony at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, celebrating the adoptions of nine children. Now in its third year at the scenic venue, the event was made possible by the Suffolk County Bar Association Charity Foundation, allowing the court to host the celebration away from the courthouse and create a joyful atmosphere for families and children.
Supervising Judge Caren Loguercio presided over the ceremony. Notable attendees included County Executive Edward Romaine, County Attorney Christopher Clayton, District Executive LorieAnn Bitetti, Riverhead Town
Supervisor Timothy Hubbard, Commissioner of Social Services John E. Imhof, and judges of the Suffolk Family Court bench. Children from the Rashti family led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to open the celebration.
“Today, we celebrate the incredible families formed through adoption,” Judge Loguercio said. “We send a message about the beauty of creating forever families for children who deserve love, a home, and commitment.” County Executive Romaine thanked volunteers and families who open their hearts to children in foster care.
Keynote speaker Justin Hebert shared his experience adopting his 13-year-old daughter, Lily, and her younger brother, describing the chal-
lenges and joys of welcoming them into their home. Lily also addressed attendees, thanking everyone “for helping all the kids out there who need to find a better place.”
After the press conference, each family finalized their adoption in private court sessions, celebrated with hugs, photos, and applause. Children enjoyed activities including face painting, book signings, therapy dogs, and appearances from Disney’s Ariel and the Long Island Ducks mascot. Each child received a backpack filled with gifts, and all families received complimentary Aquarium passes.
National Adoption Day highlights the need for loving homes for children in foster care; Suffolk currently has more than 700 children awaiting adoption.
Grok/Twitter
Moves are being made to modernize SNAP/EBT care technology.
Hulu/Omnes Films/IFC
“Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point” has drawn comparisons to the intimate works of Richard Linklater, Robert Altman, and Martin Scorsese.
Suffolk Courts
Justin Hebert delivers keynote speech.
LOCAL
By The South Shore Press
Susan Ann Mineo was born on November 28, 1961, in New York City, to Barbara and Jeremiah Ormond, and passed away on November 15, 2025. Her life was defined by love, resilience, generosity, and a deep commitment to family and community.
Susan is survived by her partner, Anthony DeTomaso, who was her high school sweetheart before the two reconnected later in life. She was the devoted mother of James, Vito, and Joseph, and the cherished grandmother of Giovanni, Eleanor, and Benjamin, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy.
Susan delighted in spending
By The South Shore Press
Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School in the Connetquot Central School District celebrated academic excellence and community leadership as it inducted 44 students into the National Junior Honor Society. The annual ceremony recognized students who have demonstrated exemplary scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship and character.
Families, faculty and district administrators gathered in the school auditorium for the evening event, which opened with a performance of the national anthem by the Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School Show Choir. NJHS adviser Ms.
Obituary: Susan Ann Mineo
time with her grandchildren, visiting as often as possible and sending holiday cards adorned with her whimsical drawings of them together. Throughout a courageous five-year battle with cancer, she remained steadfast in her devotion to the people she loved.
For more than three decades, Susan taught at Kreamer Street Elementary School in the South Country School District, working in both special education and kindergarten classrooms. Her warmth, patience, and creativity touched the lives of countless students, colleagues, and families.
Raised in Brooklyn and later in Mastic, Susan eventually made her home in the Crystal Beach community of Moriches,
where she lived for the remainder of her life. Surrounded by loved ones, she was comforted in her home and passed away peacefully.
She will be remembered for the joy she shared, the light she offered, and the enduring impact she left on all who knew her.
Her family finds comfort in knowing that her spirit endures in the many lives she touched, the lessons she shared, and the love she gave so freely. They remember her laughter, her boundless curiosity, and her unwavering belief in the goodness of people. Susan’s legacy continues in the memories she created and the community she strengthened. She will be deeply missed by all.
Oakdale-Bohemia Names 44 to NJHS
Senia welcomed the audience and introduced the inductees, noting the hard work and commitment required to earn
a place in the prestigious organization.
This year’s guest speaker was Connetquot High School
senior Olivia DiGaetano, a former Oakdale-Bohemia NJHS member. She spoke to students about the significance of the honor and reflected on how her involvement in the society helped shape her academic and personal goals. DiGaetano urged inductees to view the recognition not as a final achievement but as motivation to continue pursuing excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
The ceremony continued with the traditional candle lighting, led by NJHS officers President Hassanatou Diallo, Vice President Jake Gesseck, Secretary Wyatt Ruppert, Treasurer Wesley McCuen and publicists Chase Adler, Cora Grippo and Leah LaBarba.
Each candle represented one of the organization’s core principles, symbolizing the qualities the new inductees are expected to uphold.
In a highlight of the evening, student Andrew Vereb conducted a special honorary induction of teacher Mr. Agatstein, honoring his dedication to Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School and his positive impact on students.
Board of Education President Marissol Mallon closed the ceremony by leading the official NJHS pledge. With families looking on, the 44 inductees formally joined the National Junior Honor Society, marking an important milestone in their academic careers.
WFHS teacher presents curriculum at Culinary Institute
By The South Shore Press
Amanda Huff, a science teacher at William Floyd High School, recently showcased her nutritional science curriculum at the Culinary Institute of America’s main campus in Hyde Park, drawing an audience of more than 100 educators, administrators, and food service professionals. Her presentation emphasized a standards-based approach to teaching nutritional science and underscored William Floyd’s growing commitment to advancing nutrition education at the secondary level.
Dawna Cintron, chairperson of the William Floyd School District’s Science Department, called Huff’s participation a significant professional milestone and a reflection of broader educational needs. Cintron
noted that high schools are increasingly seeking programs that connect scientific learning with real-world applications.
“It’s evident that there is a significant need for such courses in our high schools, and Mrs. Huff’s efforts are paving the way for greater community involvement and support for science in education,” she said. Huff said she hopes to expand her course beyond the district by collaborating with educators across the state. Her goal is to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition education and to encourage the creation of similar programs in other schools.
William Floyd High School’s Nutritional Science course is a half-year interdisciplinary program for students in grades 10 to 12. It explores environmental processes, the human
impact on global systems, and potential solutions to environmental challenges. The curriculum integrates agriculture with science, mathematics, reading, and writing, offering students hands-on labs and projects, many conducted in the school greenhouse. Topics include soil science, food production, energy sustainability, food science, and related career paths.
Founded in 1946, the Culinary Institute of America is considered one of the world’s premier culinary schools. With campuses in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore, the institute offers degree programs, professional certificates, industry conferences, and consulting services. The presentation marked an important step in promoting statewide nutrition.
Connetquot Central School District National Junior Honor Society Ceremony.
Roma Funeral Home
Roma Funeral Home
WFSD Culinary Institute of America
HISTORY LESSONS
BY RICHARD ACRITELLI
“I had hoped for the nomination in 1844, again in 1848, and even in 1852, but now I would hesitate to take it. Before many years abolitionists will bring war upon this land. It may come during the next presidential term.”—President James Buchanan
These were the words of the 15th American president, James K. Buchanan, during the tumultuous 1850s. Before taking office, Buchanan had over forty years of political experience at both the state and federal levels, yet he is often regarded as the worst presidential leader in American history. Born in 1791 to a well-to-do Pennsylvania family, he was the son of an Irish immigrant. After graduating from Dickinson College with honors, he excelled in debating the law. At the start of his career, the United States fought Britain in the War of 1812, during which Buchanan served in a cavalry unit near Baltimore. He later returned to Pennsylvania, established a law practice, and served in the legislature for five years.
In 1820, Buchanan was elected to five terms in Congress, gained respect for his constitutional knowledge, and was appointed to the House Judiciary Committee. Originally a Federalist, he supported Democrat Andrew Jackson in the Election of 1824. When President John Quincy Adams won that controversial race, Jackson believed Buchanan had opposed his candidacy in Congress. Still, Jackson later selected him as minister to Russia, and in 1834 Buchanan was elected to the Senate for an eleven-year term. After
The troubled presidency of James K. Buchanan
becoming president in 1844, James K. Polk appointed Buchanan as Secretary of State. Buchanan oversaw negotiations with England during the Oregon Crisis, establishing the border at the 49th parallel, and witnessed the U.S. victory over Mexico and the annexation of vast southwestern territories.
By 1852, Buchanan sought the presidency but failed to win the nomination. President Franklin Pierce later appointed him ambassador to England. The 1850s were marked by rising sectional tensions, and Americans watched violence erupt in Kansas between free-state and slave-state supporters. During Buchanan’s 1856 presidential run, the nation was shocked by the brutal caning of Senator Charles Sumner by Representative Preston Brooks. The country faced deepening
challenges with few solutions to ease the divide. Although Buchanan won the election, he carried only four northern states and barely secured Pennsylvania. He viewed abolitionists as agitators responsible for escalating the crisis, arguing that slavery consumed too much of the government’s time. “Most happy will it be for the country,” he claimed, “when the public mind shall be diverted from this question.”
As president-elect, Buchanan followed the Supreme Court’s deliberations in the Dred Scott case and was informed by two justices that the Court would not restrict slavery’s expansion. The decision enraged northerners, particularly abolitionists, because it ruled that Black Americans had no constitutional rights and were considered property. Bu -
chanan welcomed the ruling, believing it would “speedily and finally” settle the issue. Instead, the crisis worsened, and he soon suffered a serious health ailment—possibly arsenic poisoning—that left him severely ill. The New York Times even ran the headline “Narrow Escape of the President Elect from a Violent Death.” In his inaugural address, fully supporting the Court’s ruling, Buchanan told Americans that slavery in the states was “beyond the reach of any human power except that of the respective States themselves.”
Believing slavery to be a constitutional property-rights issue, Buchanan hoped the Court’s decision would end the national debate. He supported Kansas’s admission as a slave state, reasoning that its expansion would ease tensions. In his first State of the Union Address, he insisted that forcing Kansas to adopt or reject slavery against popular sentiment would only “continue and exasperate the existing agitation.” Meanwhile, rising Republican leader Abraham Lincoln argued that slavery should not be permitted to expand into new territories. In 1859, southern states even met in Vicksburg to discuss reopening the foreign slave trade.
On October 17, 1859, radical abolitionist John Brown led a brief seizure of the Harpers Ferry arsenal, intending to arm enslaved people for future revolts. Colonel Robert E. Lee and a detachment of Marines retook the arsenal and captured Brown. Buchanan viewed the raid as
confirmation that northern abolitionist “troublemakers” sought to destabilize the nation. After serving one term, Buchanan watched as Lincoln was elected president in 1860. Immediately afterward, seven southern states announced their secession. Unlike George Washington during the Whiskey Rebellion or Andrew Jackson during the Nullification Crisis, Buchanan refused to use force.
Although the Constitution allowed the federal government to suppress domestic rebellion, Buchanan would not act against the South. He remained hesitant in the White House, fearful that any escalation would spark war, and longed to return home to Pennsylvania. Lincoln, meanwhile, could not act for five months as he awaited inauguration. In his final address, Buchanan argued that slavery was a state issue and suggested that secession resulted from northern interference: “…As sovereign States, they, and they alone, are responsible before God and the world for the slavery existing among them…”
Where Buchanan was conflicted and passive, Lincoln was determined to preserve the Union. When they finally met, Buchanan told the incoming president, “If you are as happy entering the presidency as I am in leaving it, then you are truly a happy man.” Despite more than forty years of public service, Buchanan left office as a seasoned politician who refused to use his authority to halt secession or prevent the nation’s slide into civil war.
Comptroller touts cloud migration as modernization breakthrough
By Robert Chartuk
Suffolk Comptroller John Kennedy has announced a major milestone in the county’s financial modernization efforts, confirming the successful cloud migration of a key financial management system. Kennedy said the upgrade marks a new era of fiscal transparency, operational efficiency, and technological stability for county government.
Kennedy described the cloud transition as “a foundational step in building the government Suffolk taxpayers deserve—one that is modern, efficient, and transparent.” He emphasized that the project was completed using internal expertise from his office and
County Executive Ed Romaine’s administration, avoiding the expense of outside
consultants. “By successfully executing this major project using our own internal talent,
we saved taxpayer dollars and ensured that the system was built by the people who use it every day,” he said.
He noted that collaboration across departments was central to meeting the project’s timetable and budget. “The seamless partnership between my office and County Executive Romaine’s staff has delivered this critical upgrade on time and on budget, proving that smart government can achieve complex goals without reliance on costly external consultants,” Kennedy said.
Cybersecurity improvements were another major factor driving the migration. “First and foremost, we achieved the highest level of security that can be attained, protecting
Suffolk County’s systems and finances from the consequences of the previous cyber event,” he said. The new platform will also allow the vendor to manage software updates, ensuring “cybersecurity, timely updates and faster transaction times.”
Kennedy also credited Suffolk County Community College for hosting the large-scale training effort required for the new system. “A new system is only as effective as the people who use it,” he said. “SCCC’s Brentwood Campus provided critical facilities that enabled us to train hundreds of county employees in the new system.”
The upgrade is an important step toward the goal of a unified financial platform.
Smithsonian
President James K. Buchanan
Comptroller’s office
Suffolk Comptroller John Kennedy
LOCAL
By Michael J. Reistetter
Do you believe in miracles? One community on Long Island sure does.
Smithtown High School West’s Connor Dubeau has made national headlines recently; doctors feared he would not be able to walk again after he shattered the C4 bone in his neck diving into Gilgo Beach waters just this past summer.
The near-fatal accident would bunch most student-athletes; but not Dubeau—who has his hopes set on returning to the ice, and just may soon get his wish.
Reports confirm the impact of the devastating blow left him temporarily paralyzed at the
Rink of dreams: Smithtown hockey player determined post-NDE
time. Fortunately, for Dubeau, his teammate Kevin Bonino had just become a lifeguard. He sprung into swift action, pulled his friend from the water and kept calm and maintained order while administering life-saving training.
Dubeau was rushed to the hospital thereafter, but relief was not immediate as tense moments were still a flurry. While his teammates fought their thoughts of putting a bow on his hockey playing career, doctors were more consumed with whether or not he could ever regain basic mobility.
A complicated surgery proved a success, when, only two days later, Dubeau mystified all onlookers by walking without inhibition. He spent only eight
days total in the hospital before he was discharged and assigned to commence rehabilitation.
Dubeau is not cleared to skate yet, but these days, he’s at every practice, encouraging his teammates, and studying systems—all while manifesting the finishing touches of a real-world movie called his blessedly spared life.
Per CBS News, Dubeau has received encouraging messages from professional players throughout the National Hockey League, including his favorite player—former Montreal Canadien, Nashville Predator and New Jersey Devil P.K. Subban.
Subban told Dubeau to stay strong, and keep fighting.
As do we at The South Shore Press.
Infant suffers fentanyl poisoning, Brentwood man charged
By Michael J. Reistetter
Suffolk County officials announced the arrest of Henry Martinez, 21. The Brentwood resident faces multiple charges following an incident in which an eight-month-old infant in his care suffered fentanyl poisoning and required emergency lifesaving treatment.
The charges, which include Assault in the Second Degree, stem from allegations that Martinez consumed fentanyl in close proximity to the child, causing her to experience respiratory distress consistent with opioid exposure, per medical reports.
“The alleged use of fentanyl in the presence of an eight-monthold infant, resulting in the child suffering respiratory distress and requiring emergency Narcan treatment, demonstrates a
shocking disregard for the safety and welfare of a vulnerable child,” said Suffolk DA Ray Tierney. “My office will continue to hold accountable those whose dangerous actions endanger our community’s most defenseless members.”
Suffolk County Commissioner Kevin Catalina echoed these condemning sentiments. “The dangers of fentanyl are evident in what we see every day, but the disregard for keeping this baby out of harm’s way is truly egregious. Thankfully, she received the necessary medical care to prevent further tragedy.”
Investigators say the incident occurred on November 12th, at approximately 11:05 a.m. Martinez allegedly snorted fentanyl through a plastic straw while the
child was next to him on a bed and then lay beside her while still holding the straw containing drug residue.
Paramedics responded to the 9-1-1 call the defendant made and revived the infant, who was then transported to Good Samaritan Hospital. Staff administered Narcan, and she survived.
A court-ordered search uncovered fentanyl on Martinez’s bedroom floor, digital scales, a cellphone, and packaging materials.
Martinez was arraigned before Judge Eric Sachs, who denied the request for bail and ordered supervised release. He is due back in court on November 24th and faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.
Honduran national indicted for sexually abusing children
By Deborah Williams
Jimmy Harry Velasquezgomez allegedly sexually abused children under 12 years old on multiple occasions. A call for any additional victims to come forward is made.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced that Velasquezgomez, 44, a Honduran national, was indicted for grabbing the buttocks of children in TJ Maxx in Medford on three separate occasions.
“The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office takes allegations of crimes against children extremely seriously,” said District Attorney Tierney. “The charges against this defendant describe disturbing acts of sexual abuse that strike at the heart
of our community’s sense of safety. My office will relentlessly pursue justice on behalf of these victims.”
According to the investigation, between April and October Velasquezgomez approached young children aged 7, 9, and 11 and touched their buttocks and genitals. In each case, the parents were nearby looking at other items. After each incident the child ran back to their parent and told them what happened. Police were notified and an investigation began.
The Suffolk County Police Department gathered evidence, including video surveillance from each incident, which allegedly showed Velasquezgomez present at each incident. Velasquezgomez was also allegedly observed on video touching his
genitals over the clothes while staring at the 9-year-old child.
On November 14, 2025, Velasquezgomez was arraigned on the indictment for three counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, Class D violent felonies, three counts of Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, Class A misdemeanors, and three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Class A misdemeanors.
If you believe that you or your child has been the victim of Velasquezgomez, please contact the Suffolk County Police Department Special Victims Section at 631-852-6184.
Velasquezgomez was held on $350,000 cash, $950,000 bond, or $3.5 million partially secured bond. He faces up to seven years in prison.
SCDA
Suffolk County’s District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.
Chamine-hs.org & Instagram
Chaminade HS senior Kevin Bonino (left) used his lifeguard training to save pal Connor Dubeau’s (right) life this summer.
Office of Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney Honduran man indicted for touching young childen in TJ Maxx store.
ASK NANCY
BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ.
Q: Should I make charitable gifts during life or after death?
A:It depends on your goals and circumstances.
Donating to an IRS-qualified public charity or private foundation while you are alive may qualify you for an income tax deduction. A donor’s adjusted gross income determines the deduction available in return for charitable giving. However, charitable giving after death has estate tax benefits if the value of your estate nears or exceeds the state or federal estate tax exemption.
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) or Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs) can be used to charitably gift during life. DAFs allow you to contribute cash or investments to a fund managed by a charity or financial institution. DFA
funds grow without income tax consequences. A donor can recommend grants be made to charities during life or have the fund donated at your death after years of appreciation. Alternatively, CLTs allow donors to transfer assets to an irrevocable trust and pay the income generated from the trust assets to the Charity.
When the donor dies, the remaining assets pass to the donor’s family or non-charitable beneficiaries. There are income tax benefits available to the donor. At the donor’s death, the CLT assets transferred to beneficiaries free of capital gains. Charitable giving after death can be achieved by naming a charity as beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement account, making bequests in your Trust or Will, or through the creation of a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT). CRTs allow you to transfer assets to an irrevocable trust and the income generated from the assets can be paid to non-charitable beneficiaries for a specific period.
‘Tis
the Season to Give Thanks & Give Back
When the donor dies, the charity receives the assets left in the CRT and that value determines the estate tax deduction. Similarly, if you name a charity as beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy, the asset is not includable in the donor’s estate value, and the charity receives the asset income tax-free. If gifting to a charity pursuant to a Trust or Will, the gift’s value is excludable from you the value of your taxable estate. You can also include a provision in your Trust or Will known as a “Santa Clause” which allows assets to pass to named charities if the beneficiaries choose to give. This is often used if the estate’s total value exceeds the state or federal estate tax exemptions.
You should work closely with your accountant, financial advisor, and estate planning attorney to decide which options are most appropriate and practical for you.
Erin Cullen, Esq. is an associate attorney at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. focusing her practice
IN THIS YOUR TIME OF LOSS
areas on Trusts and Estates. Britt Burner, Esq. is the Managing Partner at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. focusing her practice areas on Estate Planning and Elder Law. Burner Prudenti
Law, P.C. serves clients from New York City to the east end of Long Island with offices located in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, Manhattan and East Hampton.
LIBRARY LIVING
BY TARA D’AMATO
Assistant Library Director
Library of Things
Now
Available to Borrow
LIBRARY OF THINGS is a collection of useful objects to borrow. The Library is offering these items for loan to provide access to items that may only be used occasionally, and to enhance quality of life for the community. Adult cardholders can reserve and check out up to TWO items from this collection at a time. In order to borrow any items from the library, your MMSCL card must be up-to-date and in good standing. Patrons with long-overdue items and/or replacement fees on their cards will not be able to borrow items until they have cleared their record. Items can be reserved up to 60 days in advance either online or by calling 631-
Some new things you can now borrow:
• OBD2 Car code reader – it features built-in OBD2 DTC lookup library, which help you to determine the cause of the engine light, read code, erase code, view freeze frame, I/M ready, vehicle information, data flow, real-time curve, get vehicle speed information, calculate load value, engine coolant temperature, and get engine speed.
• Wi-Fi hotspots are devices which broadcast internet access over Wi-Fi connections using a 4G LTE network. Use your Alcatel Linkzone Mobile Hotspot as hotspot for up to 15 devices via Wi-Fi, plus one device via a USB
connection.
• A birding adventure backpack filled with everything you need to find and identify local birds. Donated by the Eastern Long Island Audubon Society. Includes 2 pairs of binoculars and regional bird ID guides.
• Lawn Sign Kits – Happy Birthday and Congratulations lawn sign letters with stakes.
• Karaoke Machine – complete with PA system, 2 microphones, power adapter and cable
• Indoor air quality monitor - The AirKnight 10-in-1 indoor air quality monitor contains high quality sensors that detect the most threatening air pollutants (CO2 (carbon dioxide), PM2.5 & PM10 (particulate matter), TVOC compounds.
Chat GPT
Photo Illustration
Chat GPT
Photo Illustration
Kostanti A Kruk, Owner Matthew Kruk, Licensed Funeral Director
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
JUST FOR TEENS
Teens Read
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!
Advanced Battle of the Books
Name That Landmark!
Tuesdays, December 2, 9, 16
Tuesday, November 4
Thursdays, December 4, 11, 18
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Held at our Main Building.
Held at our Main Building.
Registration is open.
Marvel Multiverse RPG
Monday, November 10
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Held at our Mastic Beach Branch. Registration begins on 10/27. Play as your favorite Marvel superhero or create your own to face off against the most menacing villains of the Marvel Multiverse in this exciting tabletop game!
Roblox Escape Room
Tuesday, November 11, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Mystery Video Game Tournament
Saturday, November 22
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Held at our Moriches Branch.
Registration begins on 11/8. Think you’re a video game master?
Happening at the
Do you have an interest in reading and trivia?
Registration begins on 10/21. Join the fun on Kahoot. Guess U.S. landmarks from photos and compete for bragging rights!
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.
Switch Game Time
Wednesday, November 5
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Teen Writers
Held at our Main Building. Registration begins on 10/28. You have been transported into the world of Roblox! Work together to complete the IRL versions of favorite Roblox games in order to escape! Will you escape back to reality, or be trapped in the world of Roblox forever?
Retro Gaming
Friday, November 14, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Held at our Mastic Beach Branch. Registration begins on 10/31.
Wednesday, December 17, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Held at our Mastic Beach Branch.
Held at our Mastic Beach Branch. Registration begins 10/22. Hang out and play Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart, Mario Party, or Switch Sports.
Registration begins on 12/3.
Grab a prompt, write a story, and share with the group or keep it for yourself.
Wednesday, November 19, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Held at our Main Building. Registration begins on 11/5. Pretend it is the arcade days with some retro NES games on the Nintendo Switch! Eat snacks and try to get the highest score!
Theater for Young Audiences Info. Meeting
Wednesday, December 10, 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Held at our Main Building.
Registration begins on 11/19.
Entertainment
Meet up to get information and ask questions about performing in our production of the classic story of Peter Pan for the children’s department! Rehearsals will count as community service.
Comfy Cozy Sunday: K-Pop Demon Hunters
Sunday, November 23, 1:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Held at our Main Building.
Inclusive Program
Teen Enrichment: Christmas Karaoke
Tuesday, December 9, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Registration begins on 11/10. Watch K-Pop Demon Hunters and decorate cookies. This program may not be suitable for teens with food allergies.
Held at our Main Building.
Registration begins on 11/18.
Sign up to sing Christmas karaoke and cheer on your friends with Ms. Currao (William Floyd High School Special Education teacher) and other friends from the library. Enrichment is a distinctive program designed for those with special needs.
Teens Read
Advanced Battle of the Books
Tuesdays, November 4, 11, 18
Thursdays, November 6, 13, 20
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 countywide competition for teens in grades 9 through 12. We will compete against other Suffolk County libraries in the spring.
Manga Book Club & Anime Watch Party
Wednesday, November 5 4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Held at our Mastic Beach Branch.
Registration begins on 10/22. Read and discuss by Natsuki Takaya, then enjoy eating snacks as we watch episodes from the anime adaptation! Check out the book with your library card from the Mastic Beach branch or Main building.
Adults
Register for programs three easy ways: in person, online at www.communitylibrary.org or contact the Adult Information Desk at 631-399-1511 ext. 2014 for the Moriches branch, ext. 1028 for the Mastic Beach branch or ext. 2024 for the Main Building, regardless of program location. Programs are for Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library cardholders only, unless otherwise stated.
Take Care of Yourself
Rooted in Growth
Everyone Loves a Story
EVERYONE LOVES A STORY
Monday, March 24, 6:00 – 7:15 p.m.
Held at our Moriches Branch.
Registration begins Monday, March 3.
Book Discussion:
What’s on your Nightstand?
Thursday, March 13, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Held at Sunsets at Senix Restaurant
50 Senix Ave, Center Moriches, NY
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
Thursday, December 18, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Held at our Main Building.
Plant your own succulent in a custom decorated planter while exploring themes of personal growth! Presented by Christine Szaraz from Stony Brook University’s Healing Arts program.
Relax with Yoga
Tuesday, March 4, 11, 18, 25 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Held at our Main Building.
Registration begins Tuesday, February 25.
Registration begins on Thursday, November 20. Join us in our Book Discussion of The Husbands by Holly Gramazio! A “Read with Jenna” favorite, this book follows Lauren, a refined Londoner, who is greeted by the door by her husband, Michael. There’s a big problem though – she’s not married. She’s never seen Michael before in her life. Yet, according to her friends and the photos on her wall, they’d been together for years. Michael then miraculously disappears inside her house, and a new man emerges in her attic replacing Michael. This mystery posits Lauren to question: If swapping lives is as easy as changing a lightbulb, how do you know you’ve taken the right path? Pickup of The Husbands will be available November 20 at our Customer Resource Services Desk.
What’s On Your Nightstand?
This in-person yoga practice is guided from a chair and a mat to provide options and variations for accessibility. You will be encouraged to move at your own pace and in a way that is kind to your body. It is a practice for beginners or anyone looking to find extra room to breathe and decompress. It will focus on connecting breath and movement and creating length and strength in the body.
Thursday, December 11, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Held at Sunsets at Senix Restaurant, 50 Senix Avenue, Center Moriches
Registration begins Tuesday, December 2.
Home Improvement Workshop
Your Home’s Electrical System
Saturday, March 29, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Held at our Main Building.
Registration begins Thursday, March 6.
Join Brian Schnee to learn how the electrical system in your house provides appropriate power to satisfy your electrical needs safely. This discussion will include your home’s incoming service, the main electrical panel board, wiring materials, outlets, smoke detectors and safety measures. This class will be followed by an electrical workshop on April 5 where you will have the opportunity to wire your own outlets and light switches.
Registration begins Tuesday, March 4. Deciding what to read next? Join us for a discussion about books at Sunsets at Senix! There is no assigned reading; chat about what you are currently reading, what you want to read, or your most favorite book of all time. Snacks will be provided. Wine and beer will be available for purchase. Open to all.
Book Discussion
Thursday, March 20, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Held at our Main Building. Registration begins Thursday, February 20. Bernadette Fox is notorious. To her Microsoft-guru husband, she’s a fearlessly opinionated partner; to fellow private-school mothers in Seattle, she’s a disgrace; to design mavens, she’s a revolutionary architect; and to 15-year-old Bee, she is her best friend and, simply, Mom. Then Bernadette vanishes. It all began when Bee aced her report card and claimed her promised reward: a family trip to Antarctica. But Bernadette’s intensifying allergy to Seattle— and people in general – has made her so agoraphobic that a virtual assistant in India now runs her most basic errands. A trip to the end of the earth is problematic. To find her mother, Bee compiles email messages, official documents, and secret correspondence – creating a compulsively readable and surprisingly touching novel about misplaced genius and a mother and daughter’s role in an absurd world. Copies of the book will be available at our Main Branch starting February 20.
Deciding what to read next? Join us for a discussion about books at Sunsets at Senix! There is no assigned reading; chat about what you are currently reading, what you want to read, or your most favorite book of all time. Snacks will be provided. Wine and beer will be available for purchase. Open to all.
Power of Reset and How to Change What’s Not Working #1 New York Times Bestselling co-author of Made to Stick, Switch, and The Power of Moments
The featured March events and authors are:
Women on the Hill
STATE
By Robert Chartuk
A long-sought push to protect Mastic Beach from chronic flooding took a major step forward with a $10 million Green Resiliency Grant secured by local legislators for drainage and stormwater upgrades. The award marks one of the largest single state investments ever directed to the area.
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano said the grant represents the culmination of years of coordinated advocacy and on-the-ground collaboration among local, state and federal partners.
“For years, we’ve been fighting to secure real, lasting flood-mitigation solutions for Mastic Beach,” DeStefano said. “This investment is an important win for
State reps nail down $10 Million to fight Mastic Beach flooding
our community, and it reflects the persistence, coordination and unified effort of the many partners who’ve been working together toward the same goal.”
He noted that bi-monthly stakeholder meetings—originally launched by former Congressman Lee Zeldin, later led by Sen. Alexis Weik and taken over by DeStefano in 2022—have helped maintain structure and momentum for a community long challenged by flooding. DeStefano credited Senator Dean Murray with playing a key role in advancing the monies.
“I want to especially thank Senator Murray for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us throughout this entire process,” DeStefano said. “From day one, he made it clear that Mastic
Beach needed and deserved this investment. When we worked together to elevate the urgency of these stormwater projects, the state listened.”
Murray said the funding represents a strong commitment to the area’s future, especially with the Beechwood effort to redevelop the Business District.
“The Tri-Hamlet area has seen its share of flooding and water damage over the years, and as we continue moving forward with the Mastic Beach redevelopment project, it’s important that we remain focused on flooding, drainage and stormwater runoff,” Murray said. “This grant is truly an investment in the future of Mastic Beach. I applaud everyone who worked together to make it possible.”
Lawmakers urge repeal of all-electric
By Robert Chartuk
State lawmakers are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to call a special legislative session before year’s end to repeal New York’s all-electric building mandate, which is set to take effect January 1. Their push follows the administration’s recent decision to delay implementation amid concerns about affordability and grid reliability. Republican legislators argue the mandate, created under the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, would raise construction costs, strain the electric grid, and deepen the state’s housing shortage. They warn that delaying the policy
could allow a post-election reinstatement similar to the congestion pricing pause. Supporters of repeal are
backing a bill from Sen. Mario Mattera, the ranking Republican on the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Commit -
building mandate
tee, along with a companion measure from Assemblyman Michael Durso. The legislation would reverse requirements that most new buildings rely solely on electric systems. In a letter to the governor, lawmakers said the mandate is unrealistic without major upgrades to New York’s energy infrastructure. They cited findings from the New York Independent System Operator showing that widespread electrification without additional power generation could threaten grid stability. Homebuilders estimate the mandate could add about $20,000 to the cost of constructing a new home, compounding already high building expenses.
Mattera said residents
Labor leaders saluted at annual event
cannot afford another costly directive. He argued that New Yorkers are already burdened by the cost of living and that the mandate represents another obligation families cannot absorb. He added that the grid is unprepared, communities lack support, and residents should not face policies advanced without practical consideration. Mattera urged the governor to fully repeal the mandate rather than delay it, warning that postponement would leave homeowners, builders, and ratepayers uncertain heading into 2026.
Lawmakers say a special session is the only way to provide clarity amid cost increases tied to the energy transition right now.
By Robert Chartuk
Celebrating the backbone of Suffolk’s workforce, Assemblyman Joe DeStefano hosted his annual Labor Leaders Recognition event last week, shining a spotlight on union leadership and public service. The evening’s honoree was Thomas Bivona of the Deputy Sheriffs PBA.
“This event is about recognizing the labor leaders who keep Suffolk strong,” DeStefano said. “Their commitment to public service, public safety, and the wellbeing of working families is the backbone of our community. Honoring Tom Bivona reflects the dedication and leadership we see across all of our public workers.”
Bivona, a 13-year veteran of the department and lifelong Suffolk
resident, represents 265 deputy sheriffs. Rising from midnight highway patrol to district court duties and later to union leadership, he earned a reputation as a steady advocate for fair pay, safer working conditions, and modern reforms. DeStefano praised Bivona as “a tireless advocate, an exceptional leader, and a true public servant.”
The Assemblyman highlighted Bivona’s success negotiating contracts, pushing for pay equity with the Suffolk County Police Department, and resolving longstanding overtime and promotion disparities. Bivona’s leadership extends beyond the job, DeStefano noted, describing him as a devoted husband, father, and William Floyd graduate committed to improving the community that
helped shape him.
Sponsors for the event included Miller & Caggiano, LLP, whose support helped bring together labor officials, elected leaders, and residents, including Legislator Nick Caracappa and Brookhaven Councilman Neil Foley.
Throughout the night, DeStefano emphasized the importance of strong labor partnerships, telling attendees, “Our workforce is the backbone of Suffolk County, and leaders like Tom show what integrity, fairness, and commitment to service look like every day.”
The event also encouraged continued civic engagement, offering attendees an opportunity to support DeStefano’s work in Albany and his ongoing advocacy for law enforcement, labor families, and community investment.
Chat GPT.
Residents in for a shock if all-electric mandate isn’t repealed.
Alice Painter
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, left, and Senator Dean Murray in Mastic Beach to announce $10 million to fight flooding.
Alice Painter
Deputy Sheriff PBA President Tom Bivona is celebrated by Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, left, Brookhaven Councilman Neil Foley, and Legislator Nick Caracappa.
NATION
By Deborah Williams
The holidays are upon us and the cost of Thanksgiving dinner is always a touch point on how Americans are feeling about the state of the economy. The cost of food and energy are big tickets items in any family budget.
After inheriting sky-high inflation, that peaked at 9.1%, from the Biden administration, President Trump’s economic policies have brought down inflation (2.9%) and stabilized the economy.
President Trump promised to crush inflation and lower prices — and he’s delivering this Thanksgiving, with the classic holiday feast about 3% cheaper than last year, according to the Wells Fargo Thanksgiving Food
Report.
Thanksgiving dinner will cost you less this year
The report said, “In a win for consumers and a testament to the behind-the-scenes coordination between producers and retailers, the American consumer will have reason to celebrate this Thanksgiving. The cost of Wells Fargo’s Thanksgiving menu has fallen by about 2 to 3%, depending on the shopper’s buying strategy.”
Americans are seeing acrossthe-board price declines for the holiday staples, with dinner rolls down 22%, frozen vegetables down 15%, and items like turkeys, stuffing, gravy mix, fresh cranberries, and pumpkin pies all costing less.
“It’s proof that under President Trump’s leadership, America is winning the war on high
prices — even as Democrats grind the country to a halt with their deranged, reckless government shutdown,” said a White House statement.Meanwhile, retailers are offering their cheapest Thanksgiving meals in years.
Walmart’s Thanksgiving meal costs 25% less than 2024 — with its lowest turkey price since 2019. The meal feeds ten people for just under $4 per person.
Aldi’s Thanksgiving meal costs $7 less than last year — its lowest price since 2019. The meal feeds ten people for $4 per person.
Target’s Thanksgiving meal is at its lowest price ever. The meal feeds four people, for less than $5 per person.
Santos Guest Editorial: Filibuster at a Crossroads
By George Santos
The debate over whether the Senate should invoke the nuclear option to abolish the filibuster remains a defining test of Washington’s capacity for restraint. Everyone wants swift results, but few are willing to confront the long-term risks. I believe firmly in strong, decisive leadership, and President Trump has consistently demonstrated that quality on the national stage. His instinct to cut through dysfunction is precisely why many Americans trust him to steer the country forward.
Even so, the Senate must think carefully before making a
change of this magnitude. The filibuster is imperfect, yet it has long served as a guardrail that
tempers extreme impulses on both sides. It forces lawmakers who disagree to sit together, ne-
gotiate, and occasionally compromise. Removing it might deliver short-term wins, but it also unleashes consequences no one can fully anticipate.
Power in Washington never remains with one party forever.
While President Trump would use a faster Senate to secure the border, strengthen the economy, and protect American families, we must ask what happens when Democrats eventually reclaim the majority. Their record shows a willingness to deploy every procedural tool available to advance sweeping policies voters never demanded.
Without the filibuster, they would have an unobstructed runway to transform the country. They could federalize
elections, expand the Supreme Court, or impose far-reaching energy mandates before the public had time to grasp the impact.
Reforming the system is worthwhile, but permanently eliminating a central feature of the Senate’s design demands caution. The filibuster is more than a procedural annoyance; it is a mechanism that slows overheated passions and requires deliberation. At a moment when political incentives reward speed over wisdom, taking a breath and thinking ahead may be the most patriotic act our leaders can undertake. Such prudence preserves stability and safeguards the nation’s longterm democratic health.
Leavitt says Americans still deserve answers on Butler shooting
By Robert Chartuk
The President’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, says the country still deserves straight answers about what drove Thomas Matthew Crooks to take aim at President Donald Trump — a year and a half after the Butler shooting and despite the FBI’s assurance that the 20-year-old left no meaningful digital footprint.
Her remarks came during a Pod Force One interview, where Leavitt acknowledged the public’s frustration in the government’s handling of the case, a distrust the South Shore Press detailed in its recent series on the assassination attempt.
“Those questions are definitely deserving of answers and I understand why the public wants
those answers, and I believe the president does too,” she said, adding that she personally wants clarity as well.
The comments follow reports that Crooks allegedly operated numerous hidden online accounts promoting political assassinations, revolutionary violence, and hostility toward Trump. The findings sharply contrast with the FBI’s early narrative that Crooks was “a ghost” online, offering no insight into motive or ideology.
The July 13, 2024 attack in Butler wounded the President, killed a local firefighter, and critically injured two supporters — yet major questions remain unresolved 16 months later. Recent reports uncovered years of disturbing posts believed to be connected to Crooks across YouTube, Discord,
and other platforms, including a 2020 message advocating “terrorism style attacks” against political leaders. None of this material appeared in the FBI’s public findings, nor in a congressional investigation that found no motive and no extremist activity.
Leavitt said President Trump himself “has inquired with the Secret Service and the FBI,” requesting an updated briefing to determine whether anything new had surfaced. She did not say whether the president is satisfied with the explanations provided.
This report is the latest installment in The South Shore Press series on the Butler shooting, which continues to explore why so many questions remain unanswered more than a year after the attempt on President Trump’s life.
Chat GPT
Photo Illustration
Wells Fargo Thanksgiving Food Report Prices are down for your Thanksgiving meal this year.
Robert Chartuk
The building in Butler, Pa., where the sniper took the near-fatal shots at the President.
LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of Assumed Name filing of DUCKPOND GATHERING.
Assumed Name Filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on 9/10/ 2025. Entity Real Name East End Party Services LLC.
Notice of Formation of Grounded Glow LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/10/ 2025. Office in Suffolk County. SSNY designated agent for service of process; mail to 195 Nassau Blvd Unit B, Garden City South NY 11530. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on September 7, 2025. Office location: Suffolk County, NY. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: 6 Mount Logan Court, Farmingville, NY 11738. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
ARC Home LLC f/k/a WEI Mortgage LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST Adam F. Tuzza a/k/a Adam Tuzza a/k/a Adam Francis Tuzza, Olga Tuzza a/k/a Olga A. Tuzza, et al, Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 18, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY on December 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM premises known as 80 Woodacres Road, East Patchogue, NY 11772. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Suffolk, State of New York,
SECTION: 983.00, BLOCK:
01.00, LOT: 025.000, District 0200. Approximate amount of judgment is $552,973.37 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 203102/2022.
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Erin McTiernan, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT
WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP, 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT- COUNTY OF SUFFOLK WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2018-HB1, Plaintiff, AGAINST CHRISTOPHER DALY, AS EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF NANCY DALY, et al. Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on April 29, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on December 3, 2025 at 9:00 AM premises known as 18 Winnie Road, Center Moriches, NY 11934. Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Suffolk County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Center Moriches, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Section 944.00, Block 3.00 and Lot 42.000. Approximate amount of judgment $357,910.78 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #624676/ 2017.
Mark Goldsmith, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLP - Attorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on October 2025. Office located in Suffolk County, NY. SSNY has been designated
as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to 60 Appel Drive, Shirley, NY 11967. Purpose: Baking and selling home-made goods.
SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF SUFFOLK-BROOKHAVEN. US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR CRMSI REMIC SERIES 2006-03-REMIC PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-03, Plaintiffagainst- KARL T. EDWARDS A/ K/A KARL EDWARDS, LISA L. EDWARDS A/K/A LISA EDWARDS, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated May 7, 2024 and entered on May 17, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY on December 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the Southeasterly side of Poospatuck Lane, distant 75.68 feet Southwesterly from the corner formed by the Easterly side of Poospatuck Lane with the Southerly side of Pawnee Avenue; being a plot 159.51 feet by 100.0 feet by 198.06 feet by 107.17 feet. District: 0200 Section: 909.00 Block: 08.00 Lot: 002.000 Said premises known as 77 POOSPATUCK LN, MASTIC, NY 11950 Approximate amount of lien $393,439.06 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 601542/2018.
DANIEL J. MURPHY, ESQ., Referee David A. Gallo & Associates LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 5025.2805
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER
TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff against THE UNKNOWN HEIRS-ATLAW, NEXT-OF-KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH THE DECEDENT ANTHONY BISCARDI, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, et al
Defendant(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, NY 10591. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered November 29, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on December 16, 2025 at 9:00 AM. Premises known as 159 HAWTHORNE STREET, MASTIC, NY 11950. District 0200 Sec 908.00 Block 04.00 Lot 027.000. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $322,721.14 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 615688/2022. Cash will not be accepted at the sale. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District's Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held by the Brookhaven Town Board acting as the Planning Board on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., in person, on the 2nd floor of Brookhaven Town Hall at One Independence Hill, Farmingville, New York, to consider the application of Linda Koerner-Pargament, 11 Cristina Dr, Manorville, NY to repeal Restrictive Covenants for property known as Manorville Pinewoods Lot 4. Covenant relief being requested on the above-described premises is as
follows:
An increase in clearing limit from 36% to 55%.
The application and diagram of the subject property are on file in the Planning Division and may be examined during regular business hours. At the time of the public hearing all interested parties will be given the opportunity to speak.
Daniel J. Panico, Supervisor L16396 - 11/26/2025
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held by the Brookhaven Town Board acting as the Planning Board on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., in person, on the 2nd floor of Brookhaven Town Hall at One Independence Hill, Farmingville, New York, to consider the application of Jared Bartholomew, 33 Briana Ct, East Moriches, NY to repeal Restrictive Covenants for property known as The Landings at Hart Cove Lot 16. Covenant relief being requested on the above-described premises is as follows:
A decrease in the eastern natural and undisturbed buffer from 25-feet to 20-feet in width. The application and diagram of the subject property are on file in the Planning Division and may be examined during regular business hours. At the time of the public hearing all interested parties will be given the opportunity to speak.
Daniel J. Panico, Supervisor L16397 - 11/26/2025
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE:The following self storage unit contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by StorQuest Self Storage, 10 Frowein Rd, Center Moriches, NY 11934 To satisfy a Lien on December 17,2025. 2-116D Steve Lupski, 2-117D Ny’Asia Rizo, 3-148E Denise Derner
L16399 - 11/26/2025
PUBLIC NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK DITECH FINANCIAL LLC,against- MARLENE DIAZ, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on October 31, 2016, wherein DITECH FINANCIAL LLC is the Plaintiff and MARLENE DIAZ, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at
public auction at the BROOKHAVEN TOWN HALL, 1 INDEPENDENCE HILL, FARMINGVILLE, NY 11738, on December 4, 2025 at 12:30PM, premises known as 731 OLD MEDFORD AVE, MEDFORD, NY 11763; and the following tax map identification: 0200-837.00 -03.00-039.000.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 002170/2013.
Michael T. Clancy, Esq.Referee. The Referee does not accept cash and only accepts bank checks or certified checks made payable to Michael T. Clancy, as Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing.
*LOCATION OF SALE
SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.
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LIBRARY CAFÉ: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library hereby solicits proposals for a well-qualified food service operator to operate the Library’s café. Please scan the code to access the “Request for Proposals” or visit www.communitylibrary.org
THE FANTASY BASEBALL EXPERIENCE
The Grisham ripple effect
By Tom Barton
Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham has accepted the Bombers’ $22 million qualifying offer, meaning he will be with the Yankees for at least one more season.
The move created a ripple effect for both the Yankees and the fantasy baseball community. The new contract doesn’t only force us to evaluate Grisham, but also the players who stand to lose value because of the decision.
While it’s fair to say “good for you, Grisham,” the reality is that this hurts his fantasy value. The advanced metrics show that Grisham’s season was no fluke. He hit 34 home runs and
posted a 125 OPS+, but the reason he now loses fantasy appeal is the strong chance that he splits playing time in a crowded Yankees outfield.
The Yankees have been linked to Cody Bellinger and have also shown interest in making a splash for Kyle Tucker. Either of those additions would take an outfield spot alongside MVP Aaron Judge. The Yankees also have top prospect Spencer Jones pushing for a big-league callup, and many expected Jasson Domínguez to finally be given a starting role.
Fans hoped the Yankees would pursue Steven Kwan, but the Grisham decision likely eliminates that possibility. There is also no room at des -
ignated hitter with Giancarlo Stanton and Ben Rice taking those opportunities.
For fantasy players, Grisham’s value is slightly downgraded, though many were skeptical he would fully repeat last season anyway. He now profiles as a reasonable lateround pick. However, if the Yankees re-sign Bellinger or trade for Tucker, it could crush Domínguez’s value once again and dim Spencer Jones’s immediate outlook.
This move may work out well for the Yankees as a real team, but for fantasy purposes, the qualifying offer could create a frustrating season for several young players who once seemed poised for breakout roles.
BETTING WITH BARTON
BY TOM BARTON
Last week, when the Kansas City Chiefs walked off the field in Denver, they held a record of 5-5. That meant the Chiefs lost, were out of the playoffs, sitting in third place, and had effectively lost the division, with the Broncos at 9-2 and owning the tiebreaker.
None of that seemed to matter to sportsbooks around the country. Despite the Broncos’ impressive win, the Colts sitting at 8-2, and the Patriots having just two losses, the Chiefs’ magic somehow remained intact when it came to futures odds.
Kansas City entered Week 12 with the best odds to win the Super Bowl in the entire AFC. They were placed ahead of all the teams mentioned above, with only the Rams and Eagles at +550 above them to lift the Lombardi Trophy this winter. Kansas City sits at 8-1 to win it all, as it appears the public and sportsbooks don’t believe that Mahomes and Reid are truly
having a down season.
It further shows how committed sportsbooks are to preseason expectations when we look up and see the Buffalo Bills slotted right behind Kansas City to win the AFC. This is the same Bills team sitting in second place and unlikely to win their division as they chase the Patriots. After them come the Colts at 11-1, which makes sense, but following that is another 5-5 team currently out of the playoff picture: the Ravens at +1200.
The AFC has been ruled by Lamar, Allen, and mostly Mahomes for so long that the public seems reluctant to move off them, but it’s strange nonetheless. For pure value, none of these non-playoff teams seem appealing, but can I interest anyone in a first-place, two-loss powerhouse at a great price? The Broncos and Patriots are currently +1600 if you’re willing to believe.
In Mahomes the odds trust
@MLB
Trent Grisham
@PatrickMahomes
Patrick Mahomes
By Tom Barton
We can now call Commack “Title Town.” After this past weekend, the name is more than fitting, as the community didn’t celebrate just one state title but two. The Boys Varsity and Girls Varsity Soccer Teams both won the 2025 New York State Championships. The accomplishments achieved this weekend will be remembered for years to come, as both programs delivered performances that showcased talent, resilience, and true Commack pride.
The Girls Varsity Soccer state champions earned their place in the history books by defeating Cicero–North Syracuse 2–0 up in Cortland. That historic
Commack should be renamed “Title Town”
victory secured the program’s first-ever state championship. The win represents a monumental moment for Commack athletics, highlighting a season defined by determination, teamwork, and exceptional play on both sides of the ball. Every member of the roster contributed to this breakthrough achievement, making the title even more meaningful for the program and the community. Not to be outdone, the Boys Varsity Soccer team is also bringing home a state championship. Earlier that same afternoon, the boys captured their third state title by defeating defending champion Fairview 1–0 in Middletown. Ryan C. delivered the decisive first-half goal, while goalkeeper Zach B.
anchored the Cougars’ third straight shutout. The team’s resolve was especially impressive as they held strong for the final 10:22 while playing down a man after a red card. Their previous titles came in 2014 and 1995, and this latest victory adds to a proud tradition of excellence.
With both championships secured on the same day, Commack becomes the first Suffolk County school — and only the 13th in New York State history — to win both boys and girls soccer titles in the same postseason. Both teams even toppled defending champions on their road to glory, making this one of the greatest athletic moments in Commack and Suffolk history.
Port Jeff cross country goes back-to-back
By Tom Barton
The Port Jefferson Royals cross country team are champions once again, continuing a tradition of excellence that has defined the program for years. Although the Port Jeff squad was moved to Division D two seasons ago, because of enrollment, the shift did nothing to slow down their momentum or diminish their determination. Instead, the Royals embraced the challenge, pushed forward, and ultimately repeated as champions with another impressive performance that showcased both depth and discipline.
Port Jefferson scored 51
By Tom Barton
points to win the Class D title at the Public School State Championships last weekend at Queensbury High School. The victory marked another milestone in the team’s ongo -
ing success and demonstrated the strength of a group that has worked tirelessly since the beginning of the season.
Leading the way was junior Sean Grossman, who delivered a standout run and continued to establish himself as one of the top young athletes in the division. Seniors Sviatoslav Zalizniak and Christopher Nam followed closely behind, placing sixth and seventh in the team-scoring category and giving Port Jeff a powerful trio at the front of the pack.
Junior Christian Paterno also played a crucial role, contributing a steady and reliable performance that helped solidify the team’s positioning.
Seniors Chase Davis and Lucas
Sweeney rounded out the scoring and ensured the Royals maintained the consistency needed to secure the championship. Their combined efforts reflected the balanced lineup that has made Port Jefferson one of the most respected cross-country programs in the state.
With strong leadership, committed athletes, and a deep roster capable of rising to the occasion, the Royals once again proved that hard work and unity can overcome any challenge. Their latest title adds to an already impressive legacy, and the team will undoubtedly look to continue building on this success in the seasons ahead.
A three-year hockey game in the making
For the first time in three years, the long-awaited rematch finally took place — and it proved to be a classic worth waiting for. This weekend, the Suffolk County Police Department faced off against the Suffolk Sheriff’s Department in a charity hockey game that brought together first responders, families, and members of the community for a meaningful cause. The game was held at the Clark Gillies Arena at Dix Hills Park, providing the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of spirited competition. The game was presented to see who the best of the county was.
This special matchup was played to benefit the Strohm
Foundation, a leading organization dedicated to helping first responders combat cancer. The foundation supports cancer research and funds hospitals and programs committed to discovering better treatments and ultimately finding a cure for all forms of the disease. Proceeds from the event will directly assist the foundation’s efforts, including lifesaving research conducted through Stony Brook’s World Trade Center Health Program, which continues to serve countless responders affected by 9/11-related illnesses.
Fans were able to enjoy the game for an affordable $10 admission, with all children under 12 welcomed in for free, making the event accessible
for families across Suffolk County. The crowd filled the arena with enthusiastic energy, cheering loudly and showing appreciation for both teams’ dedication on and off the ice. Hockey was chosen as the sport for the fundraiser due to its immense popularity among Long Island first responders and law enforcement officers, many of whom grew up playing the game or continue to play recreationally.
In the end, the game served as far more than a competition. It became a celebration of unity, service, and the ongoing fight to support those who protect the community. Both departments honored the cause with passion, sportsmanship, and unwavering commitment.
portjefftrack | instagram
Port Jeff track
Commack Community and Beyond | Facebook Commack Girls Soccer State Champions
Suffolk County Court Officers Benevolent Association
Charity hockey teams
SPORTS
By Tom Barton
New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn says he has spoken with Kris Boyd and is confident the cornerback and special teams standout will be OK after being shot in midtown Manhattan early Sunday morning. Glenn said the hospitalized Boyd was “upbeat” during their recent conversation. He added that he was unsure when Boyd might be released from the hospital, where he has been listed in critical but stable condition.
“Don’t know just yet,” Glenn said. “But I will say this, just talking to him, he felt really upbeat. And again, that’s what gives me comfort,
Glenn says Boyd is upbeat after shooting
that he feels like that and he’s talking that way.”
New York police released surveillance images Monday of a man sought in the shooting of Boyd. A motive for the shooting remains under investigation, and authorities said it is not clear whether Boyd was targeted. No other injuries were reported. The shooting happened shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday about halfway between Madison Square Garden and Times Square. Boyd, 29, was taken to Bellevue Hospital after being shot in the abdomen, police said. The shooter fled the scene and remains at large.
Boyd has not played this season after being placed on season-ending injured reserve
with a shoulder injury that required surgery. He signed with New York as a free agent in March and was expected to play a key role on a revamped special teams unit under Glenn and coordinator Chris Banjo. The injury occurred during an August 2 training camp practice, when Boyd was carted off the field.
Despite the setback, Boyd has remained around the team while recovering. He previously spent four seasons with Minnesota after being a seventh-round pick from Texas in 2019. He later signed with Arizona and joined Houston’s practice squad before agreeing to a one-year deal with the Jets.
nior Maddie Laezza delivered another remarkable performance this past weekend, placing second in 17 minutes, 15.2 seconds in the Class B 5K race at the NYSPHSAA Public School State Championships at Queensbury High School. With this impressive finish, she has officially qualified for the prestigious State Federation Championships. That event will be held this weekend at Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls. Her advancement to the Federation meet is another milestone in what has already become one of the most compelling stories of the season.
Laezza’s rise is extraordinary, especially consider -
ing how new she is to cross country racing. Before this fall season, she had never run
the sport competitively. Her athletic background centered on indoor and outdoor track and field, where she excelled in middle-distance and distance events, as well as soccer, a sport she played for years. After careful consideration, she chose to pursue cross country instead of continuing with soccer — a decision that has proven to be transformative for both her and the ESM program. From her very first meet, Laezza established herself as a dominant force. She went completely unbeaten in all of her local races throughout the regular season. Laezza won every dual meet, consistently finishing well ahead of the
field of competitors, and she topped the merged results at both the Suffolk County Division Championships and the State Qualifier. Her combination of speed, endurance, and competitive instinct set her apart immediately.
The only runner to defeat her all season was John Jay–Cross River senior Sloan Wasserman, the top-ranked runner in New York State, who edged her out at the championships. Still, finishing second to the state’s premier talent only underscores Laezza’s rapid rise and enormous potential. With the Federation Championships ahead, she continues to write one of Suffolk County’s most impressive debut seasons.
Retooled Hills West gunning for another title
By Tom Barton
Last season, the Hills West Girls Volleyball Team clinched the NYSPHSAA Class AA Championship by defeating Fayetteville–Manlius in five games at the state tournament in Glens Falls, New York, earning the school’s very first state championship. That historic victory set a new high standard for the Half Hollow Hills West program, and this year’s team has continued to build on that remarkable success. The 2024–2025 Colts have looked nearly as strong, showing impressive growth, depth, and resilience as they work to follow up last season’s
unforgettable run.
This week, the Hills West Girls Volleyball Team captured the Suffolk County Class A Championship with a thrilling straight-set victory over Islip. Star player Veronica Pelis has stepped into an even larger leadership role this season, helping the Colts replace two of last year’s top contributors without missing a beat. Pelis recorded 13 digs and four aces to lead the top-seeded Colts to a 25–23, 25–17, 25–22 win over No. 3 Islip. Ella Corso added nine digs, nine kills, and two aces, while Emily Dantona contributed five kills and three blocks. Morgan Wolcott had 10 digs, seven kills, and two aces, and setters Autumn Fichtel -
berg and Lex Ferguson distributed the offense with 14 and 10 assists, respectively, helping secure the program’s second straight county title.
The Colts opened the first set with an early 8–1 lead after a kill from Corso. Islip trimmed the deficit to 18–16 following a kill from Addeo and an ace from Haynes, but Hills West responded, taking a 23–20 lead after a kill by Gabby Williams and an ace from Pelis. Islip fought off two set points before a service error ended the frame.
Hills West (16–1) will now face South Side or Plainedge at 4 p.m. on Wednesday in the Long Island Class A Championship at Hauppauge.
Eastport-South Manor Central School District | facebook
Maddie Laezza
kris_boyd2 | instagram
Kris Boyd
Half Hollow Hills Central School District | Facebook Hills West champs
SPORTS
By Tom Barton
Not one, not two, not three, but for the fourth consecutive year, the Port Jefferson Royals Girls Volleyball Team has been crowned County Champions. The honor further solidifies their status as one of the most dominant programs in the region. The Royals delivered a commanding performance on November 3rd, sweeping Greenport 3–0 to secure yet another county title. Their energy, discipline, and precision were on full display, as every player contributed to a victory that highlighted both their talent and their commitment to excellence.
Following their county win, the Royals advanced to the
It’s a four-peat for Port Jefferson
Sub-Regional Playoff Game on November 12th, where they faced the Section 1 Champion at John Jay High School. The matchup served as an important benchmark for the team, allowing them to test their strengths against some of the toughest competition in New York State. With steady leadership, strong communication, and relentless determination, Port Jefferson continued to demonstrate why they have become such a consistently successful program. Their efforts have now placed them among the top volleyball teams in the state, as the Royals officially advance to the Final Four. Pool play will begin on Friday, November 21st at 2 p.m., where Port Jefferson
will compete against three formidable opponents: Portville, Mount Academy, and Lansing. Each of these teams brings its own style and strengths, setting the stage for a thrilling and highly competitive round of tournament play.
During pool play, every set and every point will be critical as the Royals look to secure one of the top two spots needed to advance to the championship match. The finals will take place on Saturday, November 22nd, giving Port Jefferson the opportunity to compete for a state title. With their impressive season, unwavering teamwork, and championship pedigree, the Royals head into the Final Four with confidence and determination.
Gresalfi named Coach of the Year
By Tom Barton
Sachem North’s Danielle Gresalfi has been officially named the Suffolk County Class A Cheer Game Day Coach of the Year, an honor that highlights her exceptional leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to her athletes. This recognition reflects not only her deep passion for cheerleading, but also the remarkable culture she has built within the Sachem North Cheer program. Coach Gresalfi has spent years shaping a high-energy, supportive, and disciplined environment in which her athletes can grow, thrive, and perform at their best.
Throughout the season, her
guidance has helped the team rise to new levels of excellence, both on and off the mat. Under her direction, athletes have demonstrated improved technique, strong teamwork, and an impressive ability to perform with confidence in high-pressure situations. Many parents, students, and staff members have praised her for consistently going above and beyond, whether it’s motivating athletes during practice, preparing them for major competitions, or fostering camaraderie that extends well beyond cheerleading itself.
This award is also a powerful acknowledgment of the enthusiasm, work ethic, and positive energy she brings to the program every single day.
Coach Gresalfi is known for
pushing her athletes to be their best while also reminding them of the importance of supporting one another and representing their school with pride. Her influence has helped shape a team that values unity, respect, and resilience just as much as performance.
Gresalfi was hired in 2017 after she graduated from Sachem in 2012. She then went onto compete at a high level in cheerleading, winning titles at Sachem, Hofstra and for Team USA. She has been a part of a variety of different cheer programs.
It is a proud and well-deserved moment for Coach Gresalfi, her athletes, and the entire Arrow community. Her impact continues to inspire everyone involved in the program.
SWR Cheerleading finishes strong in the championship
By Tom Barton
The Shoreham–Wading River Wildcats Game Day Cheerleading Team were named the runners-up at the NYSPHSAA Game Day State Championships, marking another milestone in what has quickly become an impressive and rapidly growing program. The team has performed incredibly well throughout the season, showing dedication, spirit, and skill as they continued to build upon last year’s success. After placing fourth in 2023, the Wildcats made a significant leap this year, finishing second in Class C with an outstanding score of 85.90. Although the Class C championship ultimately went to Putnam Valley, the Wildcats
left the competition with a sense of pride and accomplishment for how far they have come.
The team’s performance showcased not only strong technical ability, but also the enthusiasm, energy, and teamwork that define Game Day cheerleading at its best. Their routines were marked by precise motions, loud and clear calls, and a united presence that energized both the judges and the audience. Each athlete contributed to a performance that highlighted the strength of their program and the commitment they bring to every practice and competition.
A special honor was awarded to Wildcat team member Grace Tufano, who was named the Wildcat Sportsmanship winner.
This recognition celebrated her leadership, positivity, and the respect she consistently shows toward teammates, coaches, opponents, and officials. Her attitude reflects the values the Wildcats strive to represent both on and off the mat.
The success of the Shoreham-Wading River Game Day Cheerleading Team this season serves as a testament to their hard work, resilience, and passion for the sport. With continued growth and a strong foundation in place, the Wildcats are poised for even greater achievements in the years to come. Their runner-up finish at the state championships is not only a remarkable accomplishment, but also a sign of the bright future ahead.
Sachem Schools | Facebook
Danielle Gresalfi, Coach of the Year.
Port Jefferson School District
Port Jefferson Volleyball Champs
Shoreham-Wading River Central School District | Facebook SWR Cheer
By Tom Barton
The Ward Melville boys cross country team delivered an outstanding performance at the NYSPHSAA Championships this past weekend, finishing an impressive second overall in the entire state. The talented group — Asher Tu, Matteo Ritieni, Luke Jantzen, Andrew Senf, Anthony Anatol, Pepe Van Der Velden, and Ty Buonomo — continued their season-long display of strength, consistency, and depth as they competed against the top programs across New York State.
Each runner contributed to the team’s outstanding success, showcasing the determination and discipline that have defined Ward Melville’s distance pro-
Ward Melville impresses at State Tournament
gram for years. Their collective effort earned them a well-deserved runner-up finish, marking one of the strongest showings in program history and reinforcing Ward Melville’s reputation as one of the premier cross-country teams in the state of New York.
Among the standout performances, senior star Anthony Anatol delivered a truly exceptional race, placing fifth overall out of an astonishing 488 runners. His top-five finish not only highlights his individual talent and competitive drive but also reflects the hard work he has put in throughout the season. Anatol’s performance played a crucial role in securing the team’s second-place finish and added another remarkable achievement to his already impressive resume.
The entire Ward Melville squad demonstrated remarkable poise in a championship setting, navigating a challenging course and highly competitive field with maturity and focus. Their teamwork, preparation, and commitment to excellence were evident from start to finish, making this result a source of pride for both the athletes and the whole Ward Melville community.
As the season concludes, the team can celebrate not only a strong finish at the state meet but also the dedication, growth, and camaraderie that carried them there. Their second-place finish at the NYS Championships stands as a testament to their exceptional effort and the bright future of Ward Melville cross country.
Ward Melville cruises to the title game
By Tom Barton
The Ward Melville Patriots brought their A-game in every facet this weekend, dominating from start to finish as they crushed Sachem North in the Suffolk County Playoffs. The Patriots defeated North 42–7 in what can only be described as a full and complete effort by every member of the team.
Ward Melville has become accustomed to winning convincingly, as they have now secured nine victories by 22 points or more this season. With their fourth straight win, the Patriots improved their overall record to an impressive 9–1. Their offense has been
team performance, several key players once again stood out. Running back Joey Benedetto rushed for nearly 80 yards and scored three touchdowns. He added almost 40 receiving yards, contributing to a standout performance, and his 5.6 yards per carry highlighted his efficiency and power.
entering the game in relief of Philbrick during the second half. Wide receiver Joey Karpowicz also shined, becoming one of six Patriots to record a reception. He finished with more than 100 receiving yards and two touchdown catches, proving to be a matchup nightmare for the Sachem defense.
By Tom Barton
This week, Rocky Point High School senior Trevor Green delivered another outstanding performance at the NYSPHSAA Cross Country Championships at Queensbury High School. Trevor placed 17th overall in the competition, a finish that earned him All-State honors. This marks his third All-State selection in four years.
Green is a senior at Rocky Point High School and also swims year-round with the Three Village Swim Club. He specializes in IM, fly, and back, and placed third in both the 200 IM (1:49.94) and the 100 back (49.98) at the 2025 New
one of the most explosive units on Long Island, averaging nearly 44 points per game and consistently overwhelming opposing defenses.
Quarterback Hudson Philbrick was equally sharp, throwing for just under 300 yards and recording two touchdowns through the air. He was nearly flawless, completing 88 percent of his passes and finishing with an outstanding quarterback rating of 166.9.
While the win was a total
Lj Depaul added another rushing touchdown after
Defensively, Ward Melville handled business with authority, registering eight tackles for loss and two sacks. Their ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt plays ensured Sachem North was never able to gain momentum.
The Patriots now move forward in the playoffs with confidence and championship aspirations.
RPHS senior Green swims to state honors
York Public High Schools Boys Federation Championships. Both times were lifetime bests. He also earned personal bests in the 200 back (1:48.45) and 400 IM (3:55.72) at Ithaca Sectionals at the end of March, finaling in the 200 back (10th), 200 fly (8th), and 400 IM (3rd). Over the short-course season, he improved by 1.2 seconds in the 200 back, 2.5 seconds in the 200 IM, 2.8 seconds in the 400 IM, and 4.2 seconds in the 200 fly.
Green has verbally committed to attend the University of Minnesota, where he will continue his academic and athletic career as part of a highly competitive collegiate swim program. He had already committed to the school prior to this season,
further showing his advanced mindset. His consistent growth, discipline, and ability to excel in multiple sports have made him one of Rocky Point’s most accomplished student-athletes.
Rocky Point Athletics congratulated the standout competitor on social media, saying, “What an incredible high school cross country career. Congratulations, Trevor! Your dedication, grit, and heart have left a lasting mark on Rocky Point.”
Trevor’s achievements in cross country as well as swimming highlight his remarkable work ethic, competitive spirit, and commitment to excellence, making him a role model for athletes across the Rocky Point community.
shotby.awilliams | Instagram
Joey Benedetto
Three Village Athletics | Facebook WM Cross Country team
Green
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