The South Shore Press 2/19/25

Thomas LaMarco

Get Off My Lawn From the

BY STEFAN MYCHAJLIW

Cold weather blues are kicking in and for the 30th winter in a row, I’m wondering why I still live in the People’s Republic of New York. The cold is putting yours truly in quite the grumpy mood. I’m feeling like the crabby old man yelling at kids to “get off my lawn” if they stand within six feet of green grass.

Between the cold, high taxes, and borderline socialist control of governments across the state, I consistently ask myself “why do we stay?”

Family is the one and only reason why we live in New York. That’s it. If I wrote a typical “pros and cons” list of leaving or staying, that one solitary word would be on the “pros” side of why we remain in New York.

Thankfully the Wright Brothers pioneered the beauty of flights and we could be back regularly to see family and friends.

Just like you, I’m so done with

blustery conditions and basically hibernating from November until March. I feel like a prisoner living in New York, counting the days until our youngest graduates from high school.

Until then…..here’s some angry and joyous thoughts to round out this week’s “From the Newsroom” column.

* The National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Football League’s (NFL) “All Star” games are a joke and complete waste of time, especially seeing how the National Hockey League (NHL) got it right with its “4 Nations Face Off.”

In essence, the best players from the United States, Canada, Finland, and Sweden compete in an Olympics style tournament.

The winner will be decided Thursday night in Boston. America clinched a spot in the finals after literally and figuratively beating

BY GEORGE SANTOS

It’s a new year, a new Congress, and new leadership has taken the reins in Washington, D.C. But one thing that remains unchanged? Business as usual.

This week, the conversation in Congress has once again shifted to the need for a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government. So much for the lofty promises from House Republicans that 2025 would bring a balanced budget.

For those unfamiliar with my ongoing frustration over CRs, let me explain why this issue is so critical. Congress holds the power of the purse, meaning it is responsible for funding the government through 12 individual appropriations bills each year. However, Congress has

been derelict in this duty since 1997, failing to pass a full budget for 28 consecutive years—and the consequences fall squarely on the shoulders of American taxpayers.

You may be wondering: Why does this matter? How does it affect me?

Every time Congress fails to pass a proper budget and instead resorts to a CR, it neglects its responsibility to conduct oversight and rein in wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars. This past weekend, reports surfaced that Congress had illegally appropriated over $500 billion in spending for programs whose authorizations had expired—some of them more than 40 years ago. And that was just in 2024 alone.

Canada. Fisticuffs flew in the first nine seconds of that game, with three fights breaking out in the time it took me to sneeze twice.

Ratings are up, fans are excited, and national pride is on the line during the round robin tournament. No idea how other leagues can spice up their worthless All Star Games. They most certainly could learn a thing or two from the NHL.

* It is shocking how low the mainstream media will go to twist the truth and bend logic to launch bombs against the Trump Administration and its allies.

CBS News anchor Margaret Brennan basically suggested in an interview with Marco Rubio that the weaponization of free speech created a culture in Nazi Germany that led to the Holocaust. I can’t even believe I just typed that. "Well, he (Vice President JD Vance) was standing in a country where free

speech was weaponized to conduct a genocide," Brennan said, drawing a quick condemnation from Rubio.

"Free speech was not used to conduct a genocide. The genocide was conducted by an authoritarian Nazi regime that happened to also be genocidal because they hated Jews,” correctly countered Rubio.

* At the local level I served for

nine years as the independently elected Erie County Comptroller. I made zero friends in that position. It was my mission to uncover fraud, waste, and abuse within the walls of government at the county level. The pushback was intense. I always wore that as a badge of honor, that it meant I was doing my job slashing the size of a big, bloated bureaucracy.

Congress’ Fiscal Failure: Another Year of Irresponsible Spending

This reckless mismanagement is infuriating. As Americans, we are forced to watch in real-time as Congress drives our national debt past a staggering $36 trillion.

Our hard-earned tax dollars are being thrown into the abyss of government inefficiency, all while our elected officials shirk their responsibility to restore fiscal sanity.

For the past month, Elon Musk and his DOGE Task Force have been exposing the depths of government waste and corruption, and with every new revelation, the scale of mismanagement and misuse of taxpayer money becomes more apparent. One would hope that congressional leadership is paying attention— that they would recognize this financial crisis and take action to curb reckless spending, at the very least by returning to preCOVID-19 spending levels.

on page 3

Credit: Grok/Twitter

SANTOS UNCENSORED

Illustration of the United States Capitol

Continued

Photo Illustration

Credit: Grok/Twitter

ByDeborahWilliams

The year was 2017.

Landmark Settlement Impacts SCPD on Gun Confiscation and Pistol Permit Revocation

Firearm owners, pistol permit holders, and Port Jefferson homeowners Thomas and Diane LaMarco called for an ambulance to help their son, who at the time was struggling with a mental health issue.

“My son lives with us and had an issue where we had called in for some help in 2017,” said Thomas LaMarco.

Their son got the help he needed. Life moved on. So they thought.

Four years later, in 2021, the LaMarco’s were shocked at what happened next when Thomas attempted to renew his pistol permit.

Only then did Mr. LaMarco learn that the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) revoked Thomas and Diane’s pistol permits.

They were also forced to fork over their firearms.

“I got a letter saying that my wife and I were both suspended and the reason was that our son had sought help several years earlier,” said LaMarco.

“They gave us an order to surrender our firearms otherwise, we'd be subject to arrest. We had no choice but to turn them into the Sixth Precinct.”

After surrendering their firearms as ordered to do so by the SCPD, the LaMarco’s contacted attorney Amy L. Bellantoni of Bellantoni Law, who specializes in Second Amendment issues.

Multiple legal questions quickly arose concerning the Suffolk County Police Department confiscating Thomas and Diane LaMarco’s firearms and revoking their pistol permits: does a local police department have the authority

to even do that, considering the rights all Americans have under the Second Amendment?

The other lingering legal question burned at the LaMarco family: How could local law enforcement take away their guns and pistol permit for the mental health struggle of an adult son who happened to live with them, under the same roof?

Thomas LaMarco said he was shocked and angry.

“How can they totally disregard the Second Amendment? I learned that SCPD (Suffolk County Police Department) sees its internal handbook as the law of the land even if it violates the Constitution.”

Attorney Bellantoni agreed, and filed suit against the SCPD on behalf of the family one year later, in August of 2022.

She has an active Second Amendment practice. The case

Passionate, Patriotic Pride for President's Day

ByRobertChartuk

What better day to hail the Commander in Chief than Presidents Day? That was the sentiment of a group of Patriots who turned out on a cold, blustery afternoon to show their support for President Trump.

Calling themselves the 7-11 Corner Patriots for their meeting place along William Floyd Parkway in Shirley, the flagwaving group was serenaded by the honks of motorists signaling their approval.

“We’re here to express our gratitude for a president who’s going to save our country from the failures of Joe Biden,” said George Pritchard, the driving force behind the Patriot group.

“From inflation to wars to illegal immigration, Trump was left a mess. We’re behind him 100 percent to clean it up,” the North Shirley resident proclaimed.

The 7-11 patriots have staked out the Moriches-Middle Island Road corner for a few years now, displaying flags and signs for their

favored candidates. “We were out here for Congressman Lee Zeldin when he ran for governor, and we are delighted the president chose him to head the EPA,” said Mike Osip of Calverton. “They’re going to do great things for our country.”

George Miklas agreed: “Donald Trump is a hero among the presidents. He left the life of luxury and risked his life to take care of the little guy. He wants us to be prosperous. He wants us to be safe. He keeps pushing

was brought in the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York.

The crux of the lawsuit according to the filing is that the SCPD has a “pattern over roughly ten years of denying, suspending, and revoking pistol permits for anyone who lived with someone who was seeing a therapist, was transported to the hospital for a mental health evaluation, or had ever been in the hospital for mental health treatment,” said Bellantoni.

“If the police responded to your house for someone else, not for yourself, but for someone else that you live with, then they revoke your permit and confiscate your firearms,” added the Second Amendment attorney.

The legal goal was to pin down and force the SCPD to admit they took their guns because they called an ambulance for their son, and not any issue tied directly to the couple.

When asked if proof of proper storage by the permit holder made a difference Bellantoni said, “I deposed the people from the Pistol Licensing Bureau, and they specifically said safe storage doesn't matter. If someone in the household is disqualified, everybody in the household is disqualified.”

The Suffolk County Police Department held that it had the right to revoke or deny pistol permits to anyone in the household if any other person sought any kind of help for a mental health issue.

Bellantoni felt she was on a strong legal footing, especially since she believed that was in direct conflict with the US Supreme Court’s recent Bruen decision.

ahead with the MAGA agenda no matter what they throw at him.”

“President Trump put one of our own in his cabinet. That says a lot. We have the commissioner of the EPA right here from our community. It's exciting,” said Zeldin neighbor Cathi Schwarting. “We love the direction he’s taking this country.”

The pro-Trump demonstrators do have their detractors, as once in a while, a passing driver rolls down their window and hurls an expletive. “F*ck Trump was a common refrain. “These people are so brainwashed,” Pritchard commented. “They have to be in complete denial not to see what the president has done just in his first few weeks in office. The billions in waste he has exposed already is mind-boggling, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

“Elections do have consequences,” noted Pat Hahn from Center Moriches. “The consequence is Donald Trump will make America great again. I’m really not sure what these other people want.”

particularly harsh words from the judge in July 2024, Thomas LaMarco felt the SCPD realized the case was not going their way.

The federal judge at one point even said “The Suffolk County Attorney fails to argue the proper application of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision (New York State Rifle & Pistol Ass'n, Inc. v. Bruen) by dodging the issue, asserting that the subject matter of this case is somehow outside the ambit of the Second Amendment.”

“It is obvious that this case involves the proper application of the Second Amendment,” said the court.

After these strong words from the federal judge, the SCPD returned LaMarco's permits and firearms.

The family then had a critically important decision to make: do they take back their firearms and pistol permits and drop the lawsuit, or continue their legal battle to prevent what happened to them from continuing to happen to other Suffolk County firearm owners?

Thomas LaMarco said he “felt they (SCPD) thought he would drop the case” if they returned them.”

They decided to forge ahead with their lawsuit.

When asked why he didn’t just end the lawsuit, LaMarco told the South Shore Press that “It really was the fact that Suffolk County is totally out of control with how they treated us. It was really more of a personal issue - the fact that they were just able to totally disregard the Second Amendment. That's really why we pursued it.”

Rather than continue the lawsuit, Suffolk County settled.

In 2022, the Bruen case resulted in the New York gun law being ruled unconstitutional and that the ability to bear arms in public was a constitutional right.

The ruling included the requirement that the “historical traditions of firearm regulation” be considered not new-aged intentions brought forward by New York and other states.

As the case rolled on, and after

In what is considered a monumental Second Amendment victory for firearms owners across the South Shore, the Suffolk County Police Department agreed to stop its years-long practice of revoking pistol permits and confiscating firearms due to a third party’s medical condition, of someone who just happens to live in the same home.

Continued on page 8

Congress’ Fiscal Failure...

Continued from page 2

Instead, they continue to maintain the inflated spending levels set by Nancy Pelosi during the pandemic, keeping billions flowing to programs that are no longer needed. This bloated, unnecessary spending creates endless opportunities for waste, fraud, and abuse—all at the taxpayer’s expense.

This newspaper is committed to transparency and

accountability, and we urge our readers to take action. Call your representatives in Washington, D.C. Let them know that you oppose runaway spending and demand responsible budgeting. Remind them that they were elected to serve the people— not to take the easy way out with short-term fixes that drive inflation higher.

The time for empty promises and irresponsible shortcuts is over. Congress must do its job.

The 7-11 Corner Patriots who their supporter of Donald Trump on Presidents Day.

Cathi Schwerting, left, and Kathryn Katsaros on Presidents Day.

Credit: Robert Chartuk

Credit: Robert Chartuk

LOCAL

ByRobertChartuk

Unanimous Approval for Shirley Mosque

A new mosque on William Floyd Parkway in Shirley won unanimous approval from the Brookhaven Town Board after dozens of supporters spoke in its favor. Only two neighbors expressed concerns over the Muslim facility despite a robust social media debate in which some residents railed against the 13,500-square-foot structure.

“We are glad the process is complete,” said Imaam AbdulLateef Poulos of Mastic, who started on the project 20 years ago. He thanked Supervisor Dan Panico and the town board, which was acting in the capacity of the former planning board in approving the site plan, for their unwavering support.

The supervisor noted that the house of worship is permitted on the two-acre residentially zoned property under the town code and expressed regret over some Facebook comments that cast aspersions on the Muslim faith.

“Brookhaven is a welcoming place that doesn’t accept hatred or bigotry,” Panico stated before the 7-0 vote. “Mastic-Shirley is a community of people who accept others who are not like them.”

The mosque, on the corner of Tudor Road, is envisioned as a community center with a basketball court open to the public. “We want this to be a place where everyone can come and be together as a community,” said supporter Ghulam Sarwar. “This will be an asset not just for now but also for generations to come.”

Nearby resident Clara Scocozzo addressed the town board, stating: “I am here today not because l am opposed to one’s religious freedoms but because the size of the land purchased does not accommodate the applicant’s needs. Beyond the concerns of adding over 150-plus cars to already congested roads such as William Floyd Parkway, Heston Road, and Tudor Road,

which are at their breaking point, I worry about the hazards these additional cars will pose to walkers, joggers, bikers, and children in the area.”

Speaker Nancy Slane echoed Scocozzo’s concerns. “There is not enough parking for this,” she said, noting that the traffic on the parkway is already “horrendous.”

According to the Heston Road resident, it sometimes takes 20-25 minutes to reach Sunrise Highway, a situation that’s even

worse when the Long Island Rail Road crossing gates are down.

Traffic engineer Osman Barrie of Nelson+Pope detailed the conclusions of a traffic study, which found that the mosque would cause a minimal increase in traffic since the Islaamic Center of Mastic-Shirley already holds prayers across the street, and many of those who would go there already live in the community. “Local use is not expected to generate additional

traffic,” Barrie said.

Designer Tahir Qureshi testified that 124 parking spaces, more than the 87 required under the town code, will provide “ample” parking for the facility.

“I am upset that more residents did not attend the meeting, especially the ones who are affected by the rear yard setback change to now the side yard. That's all I have to say—extremely disappointed,” Scocozzo concluded.

When Will It End? Two Speedsters Arrested for LIE-Set, 109mph Drag Race in Shirley

ByMichaelJ.Reistetter

All summer long. All fall long. And now far into the winter. Young drivers are taking major advantage of their driving privileges, racing rampant not just all over town—but on our highways at illegal speeds that double the county limit.

Last Friday was no exception. Even after the unfortunate plight of Officer Brendon Gallagher, the Suffolk County highway patrolman who risked his life— and nearly lost it—to nab a reckless Mustang-peddler also sporting priors galore, there are some brainless individuals out there who are still not getting it. Amidst a heap of coordinated incidents across the county, including the prohibition of emergency medical service

responses to injured civilians and cops, The Suffolk County Police Street Takeover Task Force was enacted to combat this recent uprising of fast and furious ridiculousness.

Their latest collar: pulling over 20-year-olds Evan Hacker, of East Patchogue, and Randy Lopez, of Middle Island in Shirley, off of Exit 68 at around 9:45 p.m. on Feb. 7th. According to a police statement, the pair had their headlights off when they were clocked at 109 mph.

Along with the efforts of the task force within the realm of protecting busy streets from vehicular pervaders, pleas from local government to Albany for a legislative overhaul have not been few and far between.

Outside Stony Brook Hospital

last month as Gallagher fought for his life, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine reminded his constituents for the umpteenth time: “You don’t protect the public with laws that allow people to speed race well over 100mph” and “to speed race the Long Island Expressway.”

It is the county’s mission to locally enforce the demands they have consistently made of those at the very top: if one dares to drag race with no regard for

their fellow man, nor the safety of the greater community, their cars won’t be the only thing impounded moving forward— with bail reform an utmost priority.

Thus far, the task force has monitored car meet-ups previously coordinated over social media either blatantly so by participants, or in code. A police spokesman could not confirm for local media whether or not this played a factor in

the bust of Hacker and Lopez’s roadshow.

The drivers will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Feb. 27th. They face jail time, fines and license suspensions.

Hacker drove a 2016 Audi S3, and Lopez drove a 2020 Infiniti Q50.

Needless to say, the defendants do not drive these cars anymore.

Shootings Disrupt Quiet Ridge Neighborhood

ByRobertChartuk

Suffolk Police were called to a home in Ridge, where they found a woman seriously wounded and a suspect barricaded in one of the rooms. After attempts to coax the man out failed, police broke in and discovered the homeowner, Gerard Senatore, dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Neighbors were instructed to stay indoors Saturday as a negotiator tried to contact Senatore, 66, a retired Suffolk Corrections officer. “This is the Suffolk County Police Department. We need to speak with you. Please come outside,” the negotiator said over a loudspeaker, while officers with the Seventh Precinct huddled behind their vehicles. After about

an hour, police entered the home and found Senatore’s body.

The other victim, who was described as a 68-year-old resident of the Woodbrook Drive home, was airlifted by police helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital in serious condition from two gunshot wounds. A neighbor spoke about the commotion caused by the heavy police response but declined to comment on Senatore or the other residents.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Homicide Squad detectives at 631-852-6392.

Credit: Suffolk County Police Department

Members of the Suffolk County Police Department's (SCPD) Street Takeover Taskforce pictured immediately after stopping Hacker and Lopez off of exit 68 in Shirley on Friday, Feb. 7th.

Credit: Islaamic Center of Mastic-Shirley

Credit: Robert Chartuk

The home on Woodbrook Drive where the shootings took place.

ByMichaelJ.Reistetter

Per Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney, Brianna Hassett, 33, of Wading River, was arrested last week and charged with:

Two counts of “Bribe Receiving in the Third Degree” (Class D felonies)

One count of “Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree” (Class E felony)

One count of “Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree” (Class E felony)

One count of “Official Misconduct” (Class A misdemeanor)

An office assistant within Suffolk County’s Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs, Hassett was formally arraigned on Fri., February 14th. If convicted of the top count(s), she faces 3 ½ to 7 years in prison.

“This defendant is accused of placing her own greed ahead of

Suffolk County Employee Charged with Accepting Bribes, Falsifying Documents

her duty as a public servant,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will not tolerate corruption in any government agency or department.”

According to the investigation's initial findings, Hassett is alleged to have used her access in late January 2025—in criminal concert with another individual not employed by the county, Esteban Bermudez, 35, of Hampton Bays—to falsify an application for a home improvement license.

In exchange for a cash bribe,

Hassett reportedly provided questions and answers to the proficiency examination one must pass for the county to grant a vocational license.

Hassett is also alleged to have accepted a second cash bribe in exchange for falsifying insurance information on a license application.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine expressed regret that the integrity of “thousands of county employees” may now be unduly called into question thanks to the purported wickedness of one.

“When someone is found to have violated the trust of the public and their colleagues, my administration will not hesitate to work with the District Attorney to have them prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Romaine said. “I want to thank the District Attorney and our law enforcement for their swift action. I have directed our Department of Labor to undertake an extensive review of this employee’s work to ensure all permits filed are complete, accurate and meet all legal requirements.”

Hassett was released from jail without bail. She is due back in court on March 12.

Though the South Shore Press awaits confirmation through proper channels, public records show Hassett was salaryemployed by the county in this role as early as 2021.

This is an ongoing story. Stay tuned for more.

New System for Suffolk Financial Watchdog

ByRobertChartuk

A new system designed to enhance Suffolk’s financial security has been implemented by County Comptroller John Kennedy. Partnering with the FinTech firm three+one, the county will increase scrutiny over the companies it deals with.

The system utilizes an automated collateral reporting process to verify that appropriate insurance and protection of public funds are in place, according to Kennedy. The frequent updates allow the comptroller to confirm that millions of taxpayer dollars are secured across every county department, even when new accounts are opened. The ability to spot vulnerabilities before they escalate allows the county to take proactive steps to safeguard their assets.

“Since the implementation of this strategic monitoring system, all participating banks have remained in compliance

with state laws regarding the safeguarding of taxpayer dollars,” Kennedy noted. “The benefits of this program include enhanced security and improved visibility into Suffolk County’s financial standing.”

Suffolk learned its lesson on computer system security when it was hacked during the Steve Bellone administration, causing millions in damages and shutting the county’s network for months.

Kennedy thanked his staff and three+one for their diligence in implementing the new system. He also gave kudos to County Executive Edward Romaine for his support of the Department of Audit and Control. “I take my responsibility to protect the economic well-being of Suffolk County Taxpayers very seriously,” Kennedy said. “This collateral initiative significantly strengthens our financial security.”

Located in Pittsford, N.Y.,

Get Off My Lawn...

Continued from page 2

I’m floored at the massive level of anger and vitriol directed at Elon Musk and President Trump for their cost cutting Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). They’re justifiably slashing ridiculous government spending, and desperate Democrats are

crying foul over Musk having access to Social Security records.

Keep in mind identifying and slashing government waste was an issue championed by both former Presidents Clinton and Obama. Since the slashing is being done by President Trump, radical progressives and left wing

three+one specializes in liquidity analysis and data services for public sector municipalities, schools, and colleges. They provide data-driven insights to

lunatics are screaming bloody murder, then crawling in the fetal position while shedding tears of sadness.

This out of touch, knee jerk opposition is just one reason why President Trump crushed VP Kamala Harris at the ballot box. It will be the reason why Republicans will do well in the next midterm elections.

Established 1984 - Published Weekly An Official Paper of Suffolk County

Address Service Requested

The South Shore Press Newspaper (ISSN#1531-4391 or USPS# 019051) published weekly by:

help officials make informed decisions about maximizing cash management, and provide an online service to evaluate bank treasury service fees.

* It’s roughly one month until the first day of spring. March 20th, 2025 can’t come soon enough. Yes, I’ll be in a much happier mood with warmer weather and plenty of green grass to see across Suffolk County. Just stay off each other's lawns, and especially mine.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Center Moriches, NY and at additional mailing offices.

377 Main Street, Center Moriches, NY 11934. P.O. Box 316, Shirley, New York 11967

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Mailing Address

Tel: (631) 546-5990 • Fax: (631) 784-3377

South Shore Press LLC E-Mail

Proofreader Kaitlyn Bankson News: news@southshorepress.com Legal Notices: legals@southshorepress.com Sports: sports@southshorepress.com

Letters: comments@southshorepress.com

Advertising: ads@southshorepress.com

& Design Media Barrel LLC Photographers & Reporters

Director Stefan Mychajliw

Robert Chartuk, Deborah Williams, Howard Roark, Stefan Mychajliw, Tom Barton, Nancy Burner, Fredrick Miller, Rich Acritelli, Michael J. Reistetter, Tara D’Amato

First Copy Free. Each Additional Copy is 75¢

$9.00MonthlySubscription

$100.00OneYearSubscription(Print, Digital & Newsletter)

$150.00OneYearPremiumSubscription(ALL ACCESS - Print, Digital, Exclusive Digital & Newsletter)

Copyright© 2025 South Shore Press, LLC. All rights reserved. Material appearing herein may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form. Copying part or all of the editorial or graphic arts in any machinereadable form, making multiple printouts thereof or other uses of the work product contained herein is expressly prohibited and is inconsistent with all applicable copyright laws. Advertisers purchase space and circulation only. All property rights to any advertisements produced for the advertisers by South Shore Press, Inc. using art work and/or typography furnished or arranged by South Shore Press, LLC. shall be the property of South Shore Press, LLC. No such ad or any part thereof may be reproduced or assigned without the express written consent of South Shore Press, LLC. South Shore Press, LLC. assumes no financial responsibility for errors beyond the cost of the actual space occupied by the error. Postmaster: Send address changes to P.O. Box 431, Shirley, N.Y. 11967.

South Shore Press, LLC. is a proud member of the following community organizations: The Greater Mastic Beach Chamber of Commerce, The Rocky Point Sound Beach Chamber of Commerce, The Mastic/Shirley Chamber of Commerce, The Moriches Chamber of Commerce, The Bellport Chamber of Commerce, The Manorville Chamber of Commerce, The Medford Chamber of Commerce and The New York Press Association.

Serving the Communities of The Village of Bellport, Brookhaven, Center Moriches, Centereach, Coram, East Moriches, East Patchogue, Eastport, East Shoreham, Farmingville, Gordon Heights, Lake Ronkonkoma, Manorville, Medford, Mastic, The Village of Mastic Beach, Middle Island, Miller Place, Moriches, Mount Sinai, North Bellport, The Village of Patchogue, Port Jefferson Station, The Village of Port Jefferson, Ridge, Rocky Point, Ronkonkoma, Selden, Shirley, Shoreham, Smith Point, Sound Beach, Speonk, Terryville, Wading River, & Yaphank.

Suffolk County Department of Labor (SCDOL) logo.

Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy

Credit: SCDOL

ByMichaelJ.Reistetter

Mrs. Hochul Comes to Islip: Governor Announces $150 Million for LIRR, MacArthur Airport Connection

Gov. Kathy Hochul touched down in the South Shore on Wednesday to introduce her administration’s bombshell investment—a milestone that will at last bring Ronkonkoma Station travelers quick-as-canbe access to nearby Long Island MacArthur Airport.

The Democratic state leader spoke with the full support of local Republican representatives like Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter, and Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico at approximately midday on Wed, Feb. 12th.

By all accounts, this is an urgent issue of bipartisan interest, in which politicking and red tape must be checked at the door, and so it is.

Proposed for MacArthur’s North Terminal, the new Long Island Railroad (LIRR) connection initiative vows to bring forth an overwhelming uptick in accessibility, and overall transportation infrastructure within the surrounding region as a result.

From MacArthur’s hanger-side press conference pulpit, Hochul acknowledged up top and ahead of all else the virtue of airports, calling sky transit way stations the

“doormat to the rest of the world.”

Hochul regurgitated reports that the LIRR had its best performance in 200 years. In “working for the people” per a transformative collaboration with an organization swimming in the black compared to the greater MTA’s well-publicized debt woes, any political points scored are purely coincidental.

Given the reported $150 million investment sum, Hochul assured that, per this decision, New York State is not just investing in the airport and rail industries, but booming local commerce and maintaining the community relations that make this rocking area go round year in and year out.

“We're investing in our firehouses, our schools, creating more union jobs, apprenticeship programs and just making Long Island more affordable,” Hochul promised. “This [Long Island] is a place that matters. It is one of the most unique, diverse places in our entire state in terms of the natural beauty. You think about the amazing wetlands, the parks inland, I've hiked to many of them, to our beautiful shores and the beaches.”

Now, residents and visitors alike get to limit their hassle considerably when flying in and out.

“It's extraordinary,” Hochul

Susan Watts/Office of Governor K

A week after the latest Siena College poll cast Gov. Hochul's approval ratings in a ghastly state, she pivoted with a major announcement on the local front that many residents on both sides of the aisle can get behind.

doubled down. “It's extraordinary.”

First built in 1942, MacArthur Airport was commissioned as a military installation that has since exponentially grown in scope. USA Today recently ranked it the thirdbest small airport in the country, Hochul touts.

Thus, the governor did not hesitate one iota to expand upon the initial $40 million—an investment that successfully erected MacArthur’s inaugural international terminal— she allocated to the airport upon first assuming office in 2022.

With no disrespect to the rideshare industry, Hochul is intent on diluting the reliance on Ubers, Lyfts and taxi cabs by letting the good people of Long Island greatly benefit from a pedestrian walkway

that will bring them to MacArthur quicker than you can say: “The next stop is…”

“....RON-KONK-OMA.”

“Let's just make it easier on people,” Hochul said, before segueing into her team’s continued job creation solutions. Redesigning the roadwork networks, parking garages and utility systems in and around the Ronkonkoma Stationto-MacArthur metropolis, for starters, will unlock 48 acres— thereby requiring plenty of manpower.

She commended Carpenter for being a persuasive person who “doesn’t take no for an answer,” thanked the town supervisor for the many meetings held on the matter at hand, and her commitment

to maintaining a “pro-housing community.”

Hochul also expressed gratitude to Kevin Law for giving smalltown laborers tabbed for massive projects “the strong sense of place that they do matter” per his efforts as chairman of Empire State of Development, representatives from contributing organizations like the Suffolk County Village, the Long Island Federation, Nassau Building Trades, Sheet Metal Transportation Unity (SMART).

In closing, Hochul reminded all in attendance on Wednesday that her number-one priority—among several juggled in the wake of her grave Siena College pollings last week—is “building back the State” so she can continue to do it for four more years, if she convinces enough people to vote her in.

On Long Island, Hochul said her belief is as follows: “You have the elected leaders, the relationships with labor, the community partners that you have, and this incredible asset, this jewel of an airport, and the Long Island Rail Road that's been here for 200 years — you've got it all.”

To LIRR President Robert Free, Hochul fittingly quipped: “Well done, Robert. Let’s keep it rolling. Let’s keep it rolling.”

Mather Nurse Recognized for Saving House Fire Victim

ByStefanMychajliw

Steven Cortes, a

Hospital. “He truly exemplifies the mission, vision, and values of Northwell Anesthesia.”

"Steven's quick thinking,

training and experience helped save a life that night," said Mather President Kevin McGeachy. "I congratulate him for showing

the highest level of dedication and professionalism, the kind of extraordinary patient care for which Mather is known."

William Floyd High School Adds Four to Its Wall of Distinction

ByStefanMychajliw

The William Floyd Fine Arts & Music departments will host their fourth annual Fine Arts Wall of Distinction ceremony on Thursday, February 27th, at 6 p.m. in the east lobby of the high school near the Nick Poulos Memorial Auditorium.

Certified Registered

Nurse

Anesthetist

was honored with a lifesaver award from Northwell’s Anesthesia Service Line for his role in saving the life of a house fire victim.

Last October, Mr. Cortes finished his 10-hour shift and began driving home to his wife when he came upon an active house fire in his neighborhood. The first person on the scene, he called 911, then assisted in rescuing a 62-year-old disabled man trapped in the blaze.

The paramedics on the scene tried unsuccessfully to place a breathing tube in the fire victim.

Steve rushed in and successfully intubated the man on his first attempt. After securing the patient's airway, he remained at his side in the ambulance and aided in the resuscitation efforts on the way to the closest hospital.

“Steve spent the entire evening and night displaying an extraordinary level of compassion and selflessness,” said Michael Lampasona, Nurse Anesthesia Manager at Mather

The Fine Arts Wall of Distinction serves as a permanent symbol of appreciation recognizing educators or graduates from the William Floyd School District who have excelled in the areas of art or music.

This year's honorees include Stan Davis, Lucille Maier, Laura Mole and Barbara Sapanaro.

The purpose of the program is to celebrate those who have made significant contributions to society and whose accomplishments, affiliations and careers have honored the legacy of excellence in the school community. You are invited to attend but must notify the school district ahead of time. To attend the fourth annual Wall of Distinction Ceremony you must RSVP to Nancy Slane at nslane@wfsd.k12.ny.us or by calling 631.874.1143.

Credit:

L to R: Dr. Joseph Marino, Northwell SVP Anesthesia Service Line, Dr. David Park, Anesthesia Chair, Steven Cortes, Michael Lampasona, Nurse Anesthesia Manager at Mather Kevin McGeachy, President, Mather Hospital

Credit: Northwell Health

William Floyd High School

Credit: WFSD

ByRobertChartuk

Second Amendment Warrior Angelo Veltri

When government attempts to take away the Second Amendment privileges of its citizens, the National Association for Gun Rights springs into action. Based in Colorado, the 4.5 millionmember organization has chosen a Long Islander as its federal affairs associate.

Shoreham native Angelo Veltri is a veteran of battling tyrannical actions. He started out with Young Americans for Liberty, organizing student protests against the antidemocracy practices of their schools. His work on local political campaigns caught the eye of the gun rights group, and they brought him aboard.

“Politicians are pretty much like college administrators. We get them to respond by petitioning, phone banking, email, and other activities,” the advocate explained. “We let them know there are millions of responsible gun owners out there who don’t appreciate attacks on their Second Amendment rights.”

Coming from New York, which has some of the most strident disarmament politicians in the country, Veltri’s group is challenging the Village of Babylon’s move to ban gun shops. “This does not fit within the text, history, or the tradition of the Second Amendment,” Veltri argues. “There have been no cases where localities have outright banned gun shops. In order to keep and bear arms, you need to be able to acquire them. That's an implied right.”

Last year, NAGR also challenged New York State’s attempt to ban Glock switches on pistols, mechanics that allow the guns to be fired more rapidly. “If you ban the switches, you ban Glocks, and that’s unconstitutional,” Veltri said. His group also stays on top of infringements to the Bruen decision, the landmark Supreme Court ruling that struck down New York’s concealed carry law. Red flag laws are also on their agenda, as Veltri notes that the majority of gun confiscations in the state were done in his hometown of Suffolk.

As bills pop up, Veltri rallies

against them, such as an Albany proposal to put a 10-day waiting period on gun purchases. “What if a woman needs to buy a firearm to protect herself and then has to wait a week and a half?” he asked. “A right delayed is a right denied.” There are also “bureaucratic disarmament” measures that would require people to pass shooting tests with 90% accuracy before they can buy a gun and provide

notarized proof of drug tests and mental health evaluations. Other bills call for evidence that owners purchased safe storage depositories for firearms and pass criminal background checks, which is ironic, Veltri points out, because New York’s “Clean Slate” law prohibits employers from looking into the backgrounds of those they want to hire.

They are also against changing the minimum age to buy a firearm from 18 to 21. “Eighteen-year-olds can sign up for the military and die for their country. So, it makes no sense why they wouldn't be able to carry a gun.” Another law rubbing the gun rights group the wrong way is a requirement that those looking to buy a rifle or shotgun first get a hunting permit. “What is lost in all of this is the targeting of lawful citizens since, as we know, criminals don’t follow any of these laws,” Veltri said, referring to the high rates of gun violence in cities such as New York and Chicago, which have strict restrictions.

Veltri is the founder of Save Long Island, a group that also

tangles with government on behalf of the citizenry. They were at the forefront of the fight to get rid of Suffolk’s red light cameras and are pushing Nassau County to do the same. “We are against other confiscatory and unconstitutional activities such as school bus cameras and license plate readers,” he said. “New Yorkers are guaranteed certain freedoms, and we have to keep government from abusing them.”

Veltri started out on a different path in life, having attended LIU Post on an academic and athletic scholarship as a top baseball prospect. When the college merged with another school, the scholarship changed and he decided to earn a helicopter pilot license. He was working on upgrading it to a commercial license when the National Association for Gun Rights called him to Washington. “I was on one career path, and now I’m on another that l feel very passionate about,” Veltri said. “There is an overwhelming need to keep government officials in check on any number of issues.”

Manorville 'Sanctuary' for Animals Hit with 100-Plus Neglect Charges

ByMichaelJ.Reistetter

The doggone DA has done it again.

Amidst his timely re-election year crackdowns upon hot-button local crime outbreaks such as human trafficking, fentanyl distribution and street racing, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney and his team have zeroed in on prosecuting countless animal abusers.

On Valentine’s Day, where love and good feelings are positively airborne, the DA fittingly announced freedom for animals kept in a so-called sanctuary that turned out to be anything but.

Double D Bar Ranch, Inc., of Manorville was arraigned on 112 counts of animal neglect the previous day. The “animal sanctuary” is accused of failing to provide proper care to the cats, chickens, cows, goats, horses, turkeys, peacocks, pigs, sheep and assorted waterfowl they had on their premises. They reportedly denied these animals adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care.

A dog, a mule and an alpaca were

also among the impacted animals mentioned as victims of Double D Bar Ranch’s alleged improprieties.

“No matter what name it operates under, a ‘sanctuary’ is not a sanctuary when it becomes a place of suffering,” DA Tierney said.

“Our commitment to protecting animals is unwavering. When those who claim to provide care instead allow neglect and cruelty, we will take necessary action. This prosecution reflects our dedication to ensuring that no animal is left to suffer without food, water, shelter, or medical attention. We are grateful to our many partners, law enforcement and beyond, who stepped in and stepped up for these animals.”

DA Tierney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) began investigating the facility in early January 2025, shortly after they staged a successful New Year’s-set puppy rescue at a Ronkonkoma residence. Responding to numerous complaints about the welfare of the kept animals, daily dropbys made by undercover BEAST detectives confirmed close to

zero accommodations were being provided for the animals amidst frigid, sub-zero temperatures.

Some animals were even found deceased, and those who had survived were later determined to have a litany of untreated medical conditions, which include but are not limited to dental disease, tumors, matting, respiratory infections, arthritis, emaciation and so forth.

Dozens of animals of various species have since been removed and efforts to remediate the premises are continuing. An appearance ticket was issued on February 11, 2025. Double D Bar Ranch is prohibited from taking on any additional animals during the pendency of this case.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office thanks 13 Hands Equine Rescue, Blue Arrow Farm,

Deep Hollow Ranch, Eastern Snouts, Humane Long Island, Mattituck Laurel Veterinary Hospital, Suffolk County Farm Cornell Cooperative Extension, The Suffolk County Executive’s Office and The Town of Brookhaven for their assistance. Do you wish to report animal abuse, neglect, or the illegal possession of a dangerous animal? Call Crimestoppers at 1-800-220TIPS.

Seeds of Success Sown at William Floyd High School

ByStefanMychajliw

The Floyd Academy recently hosted its annual midyear graduation ceremony to celebrate the 15 students who officially completed their high school graduation requirements and became the first members of the Class of 2025.

The ceremony featured many of the graduates, their families, friends, faculty, staff, administrators, members of the Board of Education, mentorship partners from Stony Brook University and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Long Island.

“Today we are acknowledging your success – you are a success story,” said John DeBenedetto, principal, Floyd Academy. “This year we talked about creating a vision to guide you in achieving your goals. Today is proof that with a plan, with support and with hard work, you can achieve your goals and achieve your vision.”

At the ceremony, Mr. DeBenedetto invited each graduate up to the front of the room to receive their certificate of completion while he shared personalized highlights about them. He also detailed their future life plans, which include going to a trade school, attending college, entering the workforce, pursuing a career in nursing, enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps and more. Midyear graduates are also invited to walk with the full Class of 2025 at June commencement.

“We are excited for your future – we have witnessed you grow and

mature,” said Mr. DeBenedetto. “You are a different person than when you started at the Academy. You now have a new foundation to help you achieve your future goals and dreams.”

Congratulations to this year’s midyear graduates: Nicholas Allison, Melvin Amaya, Jaden Braun, Diana Gonzalez, Adrianna Hernandez, Nahzavia Jasper, Darian Manzolillo, Matthew McAlonen, Alexis Montanez, Isabella Papaccio, Hannah Perrone, Alif Rahman, Nevaeh Ringgold, Kelvin Rodas Garcia and Caiden Wilkerson.

Credit: Office of the District Attorney County of Suffolk

This battered horse has nothing to worry about any longer, thanks to DA Tierney and his BEAST detectives.

Credit: NAGR Angelo Veltri

Floyd Academy

Credit: WFSD

WFHS 'Floyd Academy' Program Celebrates its 2025 Mid-Year Graduating Class

ByMichaelJ.Reistetter

The Floyd Academy—an alternative education program in the William Floyd School District— recently hosted its annual mid-year graduation ceremony to celebrate the 15 students who officially completed their high school graduation requirements.

The first members of the 2025 graduating class—four months ahead of their senior peers over at William Floyd High School—are, in alphabetical order: Nicholas Allison, Melvin Amaya, Jaden Braun, Diana Gonzalez, Adrianna Hernandez, Nahzavia Jasper, Darian Manzolillo, Matthew McAlonen, Alexis Montanez, Isabella Papaccio, Hannah Perrone, Alif Rahman, Nevaeh Ringgold, Kelvin Rodas Garcia, and Caiden Wilkerson.

For the occasion, the graduates were serenaded by their families,

friends, faculty, staff administrators, members of the Board of Education, and the institution’s mentorship partners out of Stony Brook University and Big Brother-Big Sister (BBBS) of Long Island.

Said Principal John DeBenedetto: “Today we are acknowledging your success — you are a success story,” said John DeBenedetto, principal, Floyd Academy. “This year we talked about creating a vision to guide you in achieving your goals. Today is proof that with a plan, with support and with hard work, you can achieve your goals and achieve your vision.”

At the ceremony, Principal DeBendetto rewarded each graduate with their certificate of completion. He shared the personal achievements and future life plans for each of the recipients. Whether it’s heading to trade school, attending college, entering

the workforce, pursuing a career in nursing, or enlisting in the US Marine Corps, this year’s Floyd Academy class demonstrates that it’s never too early to bring your wildest visions to life—thanks to the initial educational opportunities and encouragement you received on the homefront.

Mid-year graduates are permitted to walk with the full Class of 2025 in June.

“We are excited for your future – we have witnessed you grow and mature,” DeBenedetto added. “You are a different person than when you started at the Academy. You now have a new foundation to help you achieve your future goals and dreams.”

A warm and hearty congratulations from the South Shore Press to Floyd Academy’s mid-year graduating class of 2025, and best of luck to them in all their future endeavors.

Landmark Settlement Impacts...

Continued from page 3

As part of the settlement, the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) makes no admission that they did anything wrong but also agrees that they will never do ‘it’ again.

“The win is for everybody in Suffolk County, not just us. If we didn’t keep going with the case, Suffolk County would just continue doing what they did to us to everyone else,” said Thomas LaMarco.

Bellantoni said, “The County could not identify any defense to the claim that their policy violates the Second Amendment, so they settled the case rather than suffer a loss in court on the merits.”

The sweeping settlement applies to all residents of Suffolk County, not just to the LaMarcos.

In the settlement agreement, Suffolk County’s Pistol Permit Licensing Bureau is permanently restrained from taking any negative action against a licensee or an applicant or interfere with an individual’s right to possess

solely based upon:

(a) the disqualification, prohibited status, and/ or perceived ineligibility of an adult cohabitant who received mental health treatment, was transported for mental health evaluation, and/ or admitted to an inpatient facility for psychiatric, and

(b) for failing to report to Suffolk County Police Department Pistol Licensing Bureau that an adult cohabitant received mental health treatment, was transported for a mental health evaluation and/or admitted to an inpatient facility for psychiatric treatment.”

The South Shore Press contacted representatives from both the Suffolk County Police Department and the Suffolk County Attorney’s Office, with a list of ten specific questions pertaining to the lawsuit.

Tuesday morning, the Suffolk County Public Information Office responded without answering any of the questions regarding pistol permit revocation and confiscation of firearms.

Their statement was vague and non-responsive to the issues of the case and the questions of The South Shore Press, “The Supreme Court’s decision in Bruen has caused law enforcement across the state and the country to reassess pistol licensing policies which had previously been upheld by the courts. This consent decree represents the SCPD’s adaptation to this decision.”

Bellantoni responded to the County’s statement saying, “Their policy is so patently repugnant to the Second Amendment, it didn’t take Bruen to force that realization. Even so, Suffolk County failed to take any action to remove such policies - even in the face of Bruen, which was decided in 2022.”

It is clear, that had the LaMarcos not continued their case, the SCPD and the Pistol Licensing Bureau would continue revoking permits and confiscating the firearms of law-abiding residents of Suffolk County taking away their Second Amendment rights.

Holbrook Welcomes Drive-Thru Only Starbucks, Patchogue Takes on Takeout Only 'B-Dubs'

ByMichaelJ.Reistetter

You can take them hot to go!

Zero hour, 8 a.m, February 10th: Holbrook-residential Chiefs haters rejoiced in ordering their postSuper Bowl cup of joe.

Meanwhile, Swifties queued up “Folklore” melancholy to get ahead of their case of “The Mondays.” Each group took comfort in knowing their servers on this day had their eyes and efforts expressly on them: the “on-the-go” commuters.

In case you missed it, this date brought forth the first standard "doubled-sided drive-thru only" Starbucks location in the U.S. According to reports, one drivethru lane is dedicated to mobile order pick-up, with the other dedicated to traditional drive-thru ordering.

No lounging on a work break or writing a “this will have made it all worth it” screenplay on the long and winding road called the modernday job hunt is possible at Shops at Sunvet-located store, per the parent

company’s commitment to testing new concepts.

While an East Setauket Starbucks location also operates as a drivethru only, this was not done in conjunction with Starbucks' rollout initiative.

Holbrook’s “Starbucks Go” arrives the same week Buffalo Wild Wings followed through on its promise to unveil a “GO” counterpart in downtown Patchogue just in time for the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 9th.

Die-hards and casual fans of America’s pastime alike were pleased to find they could pull up to 125 E. Main Street and either mobile-order or in-person select their requests the old-fashioned way.

The dressed-down decor exists as a “B-Dubs”-certified way station equipped with digital menu boards; you’ll know exactly where you are when awaiting your order—and in fact, even have the option to sit in and catch a game at the restaurant

as per usual courtesy of their largescreen TVs designed to entertain the on-standby customer.

“I was just driving by and saw it and thought I ought to give it a try,” one customer, of East Patchogue, told The South Shore Press on the scene. “They don’t have a lot [of Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants] out here.”

Now, they do have one; wherein waiting overly so for your food is but a thing of the past.

This is Buffalo Wild Wing’s second “GO” to open its doors on Long Island, after Shirley unveiled theirs last year. Though consideration for the concept predated COVID, it sure did wonders for maintaining the popular sports bar brand’s reputation during the first year of the pandemic when the first GO location was launched.

Six workers will work Patchogue’s “BWW: GO.” The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to midnight every gameday.

Outside and Inside Buffalo Wild Wings Go On Main Street in Patchogue (T), and the Double-Sided ‘Drive-Thru Only’ Starbucks at Golden Hour (B)

Floyd Academy's Class of 2025 graduates.

Credit: WFSD

ByRobertChartuk

Community Mourns the Loss of a Cherished Couple

The community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of John and Florence Bivona, a devoted pair known for their kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for their family.

John went to work with Brookhaven Town right out of high school, where he had the opportunity to meet his wife, the daughter of a co-worker. Like many residents, their families had summer homes in the Mastic-Shirley area and relocated permanently from the city.

Though they never met during their early years, they grew up close to each other, with John attending William Floyd High School and Florence just over the border at Longwood, their son, Thomas, remembered. “They were involved in many things, but the family was at the heart of everything they did. They were the best grandparents you could imagine.”

While John moved up the ranks of the Brookhaven Highway Department over a 43-year career, Florence was a stay-at-home mom for a while and then became a

fixture in the community as a bus driver with William Floyd for many years. “She was a great mom; everybody knew her; they all loved her,” Thomas said. In her spare time, she was into crafts—knitting, making candies, and doing things around their Mastic Beach home.

After years with the highway department, working his way up from laborer to area foreman, John became the deputy commissioner of the town’s Department of Waste Management. He was also involved in politics, serving as president of the Shirley Republican Club and then rising to chair the Brookhaven Town GOP. Retiring to Ridge, John revitalized the Leisure Village Republican Club and stayed active in local campaigns. Both were members of the Civil Service Employees Association, with John Serving as President of the union’s Highway Unit. He was also the Grand Knight of the James V. Kavanaugh Knights of Columbus Council 5293.

It was a “fairytale beginning,” son John said in remembrance, “when the love you shared forced you to take things into both your hands and sneak away to get married on

Valentine’s Day in 1966, followed by a traditional wedding a few weeks later. You were parents for 55 years, and you both always exhibited the importance of family. A perfect example of a mother’s love and caring. A perfect example of a father’s guidance and strength. Perfectly balanced in equal parts. A brightly shining example to us all was your deep love for each other and your family. There are no two

Tributes to John and Florence Bivona

ByRobertChartuk

Tributes poured in for John and Florence Bivona, the beloved couple portrayed by many as dedicated to their family and community. Spending most of their 59-year marriage in Mastic Beach, the Bivona retired to Ridge, where they also made their mark as activists and cherished neighbors.

“The Bivonas made a difference in their community, and everybody loved them,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. “John served as the Brookhaven Republican chairman and provided invaluable support throughout my career. l believe l speak for everyone who knew them when l say their memory will always be cherished.”

“We’ve all been touched by this loving couple. They made a profound impact on our community,” said Father John Ryan of St. Jude’s Roman Catholic Church. The Father described how John reached out to him nine years ago when he first came to the parish. “He was right there by my side with a personal touch. They

lived a life of faith and will continue on their journey together.”

“They loved me more than you will ever know,” said grandson Riley. “My grandma always told me how happy she was that l grew up so beautifully. If they were here, they would want to say that to everyone.”

“They were a loving, caring couple. It was always a pleasure to see them,” said Carol Calabro of Leisure Village, where the Bivonas retired. “We have 2,300 residents, and l know l speak for all of them when l say John and Florence will be sorely missed,” she said, noting that John had revitalized the village's Republican Club. “They were very active and passionate about bringing this community together.”

“John was right there for me when l started my political career,” said Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano. “His support and knowledge were invaluable. He served as the GOP chairman and never stopped being involved in campaigns and keeping the party strong.”

“For more than 50 years, John

Bivona, Florence, and the Bivona Family have been synonymous with the values, ideals, and success of the Brookhaven Town Republican Committee,” said its chairman, Jesse Garcia.

“Even in retirement, John continued to serve the Brookhaven GOP as a Member of the Committee, Executive Board Member Emeritus, and recently revitalized one of the country's most influential Republican clubs, the Leisure Village Republican Club.”

“John was a mainstay in our party; he was one of the elders. He

better models for all who knew you. Our hearts are broken into pieces now that you are both gone so suddenly, but soon, the memories and life examples you provided will overtake the pain. We will forever be guided by your example and we strive to reach for the stars and achieve our goals, always.”

“I have many fond memories of my aunt and uncle—also my Godfather—but one stands out the

most,” said their niece, Carmela Lentz. “It was when I was about 11 and my uncle Johnny picked me up to spend the weekend with them to help with my new baby cousin John. I had the best weekend with them. It was a time when I felt so special.”

The couple didn’t let retirement slow them down and bought a motor home to hit the road. “They were big Elvis fans and went down to Graceland and Nashville and plenty of other places, even Canada,” Thomas recalled.

The Bivonas had a big family, with daughter Florence Bivona-Eaton having grandson Christopher, who gave them three great-grandchildren: Brayden, Briella, and Brantley. John had two children, Johnny and Joseph, and Thomas gave them Riley and Ashlynn.

After a service at St. Jude’s Church in Mastic Beach, the Bivonas were interred at St. Lawrence the Martyr Cemetery in Sayville, joining other family members there. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to the Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

had so much experience that he would share with us when we first got involved,” said Senator Dean Murray, who worked with Bivona on races before he even became a candidate himself. “When I first ran, I needed guidance, and he was the best person to go to in the TriHamlet Area.”

“The Bivona Family have always been and will continue to be warm, loving, community-minded people,” Legislator Jim Mazzarella said. “They are positive examples of what a good neighbor should be.”

“John was very supportive during

my entire career,” stated Suffolk Comptroller John Kennedy. “He was a guiding focus and was always there for me, an all-around great guy.” Suffolk Legislator Dominick Thorne added, “His presence and leadership will never be forgotten.” Son Tom Bivona, who serves as President of the Suffolk Deputy Sheriff’s PBA, said that when anyone visited them, they would always wait at the door and flash the lights as they pulled away. “They would never shut the door until we were gone. Waving goodbye is the last image l have of them.”

Local Leader Celebrates Brookhaven Woman’s 102nd Birthday

ByStefanMychajliw

Not only was February 8th Stella Crennan’s 102nd birthday, but Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig declared it to be “Stella Crennan Day” in the town.

Family and friends gathered at Oasis Rehabilitation and Nursing to celebrate the major milestone: Stella surpassing the century mark and blowing out candles to celebrate her 102nd birthday.

“Stella has lived an incredible life and it was a pleasure to witness her family and friends join in the special day,” said Councilwoman Dunne Kesnig, who presented Crennan with an official proclamation from the Town of Brookhaven.

Crennan is known for giving

back to the community and a life dedicated to serving others. She grew up in Yaphank and is the product of Polish immigrant parents.

She worked at Camp Upton in

Yaphank during WWII, which served three purposes: a hospital, camp for enemy combatants, and an army processing center where potential U.S. troops were screened to determine whether or not they were ready for battle.

Florence and John Bivona

John and Florence Bivona.

Credit: Bivona Family

Credit: Bivona Family

Credit: Facebook

Stella Crennan and Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig

Water Agency Sustains Top Tier Rating

ByRobertChartuk

In the face of persistent economic pressures and rising infrastructure costs, the Suffolk County Water Authority has sustained its AAA bond rating.

It’s the highest given by Fitch Ratings, the global agency that analyzes the credit worthiness of government entities.

“Maintaining this AAA rating demonstrates our commitment to fiscal responsibility and long-term planning,” said SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz. “Fitch’s decision reinforces that we are managing our resources wisely, which helps us keep costs down for our customers while investing in the infrastructure needed to deliver high-quality water.”

The highest possible rating reflects the authority’s strong financial management, operational efficiency and commitment to infrastructure investment without increasing long-term debt, Lefkowitz noted.

“This designation ensures SCWA would receive the most favorable interest rates if entering the bond market to fund critical infrastructure projects.”

The water authority has historically used bond offerings to support significant projects such as the installation of new pipelines, the development of additional supply wells and the implementation of advanced water treatment technologies to meet evolving regulatory standards.

STATE

Op-edby

JosephP. DeStefano

However, SCWA has adopted a pay-as-you-go approach to infrastructure investment, meaning that it has not taken on any new long-term debt since 2020, a strategy that Fitch noted in its decision, agency officials pointed out.

“Our financial strategy remains focused on delivering reliable, highquality water to Suffolk County residents while keeping rates affordable,” said SCWA CEO Jeff Szabo. “This decision is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire team, whose efforts ensure we remain a strong and resilient organization.”

Fitch Ratings cited SCWA’s strong financial management policies, high liquidity and proactive infrastructure investments as key factors in keeping the AAA rating intact.

“This speaks to the diligent financial oversight we’ve exercised over the past several years,” said Chief Financial Officer Christopher Cecchetto. “Our conservative approach to budgeting and strategic investments has positioned us well, even in challenging economic conditions. The AAA rating will allow us to secure the best possible financing terms if borrowing becomes necessary in the future.”

He added that the authority continues to maintain its strong financial position while offering some of the most affordable water

rates in New York State.

The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-

benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2

million Suffolk County residents, it operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.

Go ESM! Spotlighting a Congressional App Challenge Winner and World Read Aloud Day Participants

ByMichaelJ.Reistetter

A South Shore school district that regularly sits amongst the most actively involved features many esteemed members raking in countless achievements this month.

One such standout student is Trevor Flores, of Eastport-South Manor (ESM) Jr.-Sr. High School. He was crowned the victor of the annual 2024 Congressional App Challenge in New York’s Second District, which is represented by Andrew Garbarino.

This unique contest is an official initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives wherein congressional members host competitions. These face-offs take place within their respective districts, and are designed to encourage participating students to hone in on their coding skills and overall computer science aspirations.

Needless to say, but we’ll say it anyway, Flores’ app, Seandertal, placed him far past the rest. The Roblox Lua-based survival game requires players to dodge objects to the beat of a song, perfectly bringing together his passions for programming and music.

While Flores’ game successfully sought to impress local government members currently employed to make a national influence, fellow ESM upperclassmen banded together

Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School students shared their favorite books with elementary school students on World Read Aloud Day.

to cast their influence onto their younger counterparts within the district.

On Feb. 7th, English Honor Society members shared their favorite books with Dayton Avenue, Eastport, Tuttle Avenue, and South Street Elementary School Students in honor of “World Read Aloud Day.”

The national day of celebrating the power of reading encourages people across the world to read aloud together and share stories to advocate for literature and the written word.

Moreover, ESM’s state student volunteers also took the time to encourage and assist the young students in conceiving, writing and illustrating their own stories.

The Sharks are not the only

school district collective to partake in these activities. However, their efforts demonstrate how a child’s sense of community can be enhanced and life can be enriched not just in traditional expressive arenas such as in sports or on the stage.

The South Shore—Long Island in general—is rife with school districts keen on adapting to the digital times, while also focusing on preserving traditional institutions.

The earlier one embraces reading, the more possibilities open up for them in the near future.

They may even become an award-winning computer programmer by the time they finish their grade school studies.

Illegal Immigrants Voting Threatens Democracy

votes, pure and simple, and damn the cost to our communities, health care infrastructure, public safety, schools, etc.

The key to Democracy in America is the right of its citizens to vote. This bedrock principle is one of the chief reasons our nation has evolved into the global economic and military powerhouse it is today.

Unfortunately, New York City liberals are fighting tooth and nail to undermine this principle by allowing illegal immigrants to vote. This is the reason why they flooded our state with aliens despite the horrendous consequences. They want the

This charade is playing out in the Court of Appeals, where Republican challenges are being heard. The lower courts ruled in favor of providing this precious right only to citizens, and now it’s up to a group of Democrat appeals judges to decide. To anyone not motivated by Progressive politics, illegal immigrant voting is a terrible idea and clearly violates the New York State Constitution. Dragging this legal battle out further wastes taxpayer resources and is clear evidence advocates of this scheme have

chosen partisan politics over sound electoral policy.

Allowing people who came into our country illegally under false pretenses to vote is an affront to the immigrants who have taken the critical step to formalize their citizenship, pledge their allegiance to the U.S., and commit to civic participation in our state and nation. Ignoring the Constitution diminishes our democratic republic and has no place in our democracy.

Case in Point: The potential for disruption becomes much greater when city elections allowing non-citizen voting are printed on the same ballots as state and federal races. Under

these circumstances, votes from illegal immigrants in the city would overwhelm those in the rest of the state.

One-party Democrat rule has given us the highest taxes and fees in the nation. Our children and seniors cannot afford to live here. People are bailing out of our state in record numbers only to be replaced by illegal immigrants. Letting them vote will override the will of the citizens and make matters worse.

Being a citizen of the U.S. carries inherent meaning and value, and becoming an American is an incredible privilege. For those who want to become a legitimate part of our

country, I offer my support and admiration. The pathway to gain citizenship is not always easy, but there are essential reasons for instituting formal requirements. Ignoring those requirements is both disrespectful and dangerous.

As a member of the state Assembly’s Republican Conference, I will continue to stand in opposition to any law that weakens our democracy. I truly hope the state Court of Appeals swiftly ends this waste of time, energy, and legal resources and strikes down this assault on U.S. election law once and for all. Anything less would be an insult to our state and our nation.

Credit: Eastport-South Manor Central School District

STATE

ByDeborahWilliams

Black 'Conservative' History Month Part 2: 'Democrats Promise Hope, but Don't Deliver'

The South Shore Press continues its series for Black History Month focusing on black/brown people who espouse conservative views.

This week, the focus is on Dion Powell, a member of the Conservative Party of New York and former candidate for the NYS Senate.

Dion began his political life as a Democrat. He helped found the Bronx Young Democrats and became the chair of the Caucus of Color for the New York State Young Democrats. Powell was a community liaison for Assemblyman Michael Blake (D-Bronx) from 2019 to 2022.

Over time, Powell became disillusioned by what he saw in the Democrat Party.

“I saw how much corruption there was in the Party,” Powell said, referencing what he considers a coopting of the Democratic mission statement.

Powell ran unsuccessfully for election to the NY Senate in the Bronx in 2024 but gained 25% of the vote against the Working Family Party candidate and remains active in Conservative politics.

Asked about what he thinks about the common refrain that black voters all think alike, and they

vote Democrat all the time, Powell said, “I feel as though that way of thinking is wearing off. Thanks to modern technology, we've all found each other. We (black Conservatives) all are no longer the odd men out as ‘Uncle Tom’ sellouts. We are no longer outcasts amongst our own people.”

Popularity also plays a role in politics. Powell said, “We made it cool to wear the red hats. We made it cool to associate with these wonderful people in the streets. Once black people make it cool, word spreads the great black wall of silence breaks. That's what I think put President Trump over the topplus he came to the Bronx where I’m from!”

Powell is heavily involved with Blexit NY, a Conservative campaign founded by Candace Owens to encourage African Americans to quit the Democratic Party.

“We have chapters in 48 States, DC, and 16 historically black college campuses. It’s revolutionary and we have a community now,” Powell said. “The great black vote has been fractured from the same old script that produced no results. Democrats promise us hope but don't deliver us effective help.”

Powell tells a story of planning a Blexit rally in New York City where Blexit was so demonized by the Left that they had to move the

venue from Brooklyn to Queens. Powell recounts how they were able “to guilt and shame all the elected officials in New York who weren't black for attacking a pro-black organization. We used their script against them.”

They used the image of a little white girl putting her hand over the mouth of a little black girl representing white Liberals trying to stifle black Conservative voices.

“We put all the elected officials on blast. We did a lot of social media. It got so bad for them (Leftists) that they retreated. By the time the rally happened, we had ZERO protestors.”

Powell opined on why he thought President Trump made such gains in black/brown voters saying the "red pill" for many black voters was the crush of illegal immigrants into cities and all the services given to them while black/brown Americans were told to stand aside.

“Once we started seeing migrants in cities like New York and Chicago get pushed ahead of us that's when it became real - that we were second-class citizens and that there may be a great replacement theory

conspiracy amiss,” said Powell. “Democrat mayors fast-tracked illegal immigrants through the shelter systems where our people take two to three years to get a voucher to get an apartment.”

Brookhaven Hosts Black History Month Celebration

ByStefanMychajliw

The Town of Brookhaven celebrated its 34th Annual Black History Night at Town Hall.

Dr. Michelle Raysor delivered the keynote address, and according to Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico, “spoke about the grit necessary to succeed and never give up.”

The event also honored graduating seniors from Brookhaven who maintained a grade point average of 90 and above.

“Black history is American history and we should all work everyday to reaffirm the dignity of every human being and the successes of our youth who are the future. Congratulations to all of the students and best wishes as you advance to college,” said Supervisor Panico.

Chairwoman, Ms. Charlotte

Members of the Town of Brookhaven Black History Commission are: Dr. Corrinne

Happy Valentine's Day – I Want a Divorce!

ByDeborahWilliams

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, New York State is making it easier than ever to get a divorce. New York’s "Uncontested Joint Divorce" process has been updated to make the process simpler and cheaper.

Before Uncontested Joint Divorce was an option, married couples had to sue each other for a divorce. This was the case even if both parties agreed they wanted a divorce.

The New York State Unified Court System recently announced a simplified process using a single set of forms consolidating what used to be several steps into one.

"This type of divorce is much easier and quicker to obtain because you do not have to prove the

Credit: Grok/Twitter

Getting a divorce in NY just got easier.

grounds (reasons) for the divorce, and because you will file your papers together asking the Court to

approve what you agree will happen after your divorce, instead of one spouse filing for a divorce against

the other," said the Unified Court System information.

Forty-five percent of New Yorkers are married and roughly half of all marriages end in divorce. New York is home to 1.34 million married women and 1.4 million married men. The marriage rate in New York is 5.2/1000 with the divorce rate around 2.7/1000.

Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas said, "The Uncontested Joint Divorce program, which allows for eligible spouses to file and sign their divorce papers jointly— without having to prove reasons for the divorce—will save divorcing couples time and money."

Couples must still come to an agreement on child custody and any

Ms. Leah M. Jefferson, Mr. Myles Green Dr. Georgette Grier-Key, Mr. Tracy Todd Hunter, Mr. Clayton Hudson, and Dr. Loraine Richardson McCray.

financial or property arrangements, and they may sometimes want a lawyer to help them with that, but after that is done, the new process should make the final divorce process easier and less stressful.

Once both parties agree, the forms can be filed online with the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System. If a child under 21 is involved, a separate form for child support and visitation agreements will be required.

The updated process only applies to no-fault divorces. This means that neither party claims abuse, neglect, or adultery. If either party claims harm in their marriage, the more traditional divorce process will have to be used.

Credit: Grok/Twitter

Credit: Deborah Williams

Representation of image Blexit NY used in their campaign against left-wing protesters of their event meant to be in Brooklyn. It represents that the most vocal voices again black conservatives are white liberals.

Dion Powell, a Member of the Conservative Party of NY

Graham,

Pressley,

34th Annual Black History Night

Credit: Town of Brookhaven

ByDeborahWilliams

William Floyd Graduate Lee Zeldin Uncovers Billions in Misuse of Tax Dollars as EPA Administrator

William Floyd High School’s own, former Congressman Lee Zeldin is now the 17th administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

He hit the ground running and, metaphorically speaking, used a chainsaw and not a scalpel to slash wasteful spending and uncover fraud, waste, and abuse.

Zeldin uncovered billions of dollars in highly questionable spending of taxpayer funds in just his first two weeks in office.

Much of the spending has nothing to do with the environmental mission of the EPA.

Zeldin’s EPA found $20 billion in taxpayer money "hidden" at an outside financial institute by Biden-Harris officials in the waning days of their administration.

"An extremely disturbing video circulated two months ago, featuring a Biden EPA political appointee talking about how they were ‘tossing gold bars off the Titanic,’ rushing to get billions of your tax dollars out

the door before Inauguration Day,"

Zeldin said in a video posted to X. "The ‘gold bars’ were tax dollars, and ‘tossing them off the Titanic’ meant the Biden administration knew they were wasting it."

The name of the financial institution holding the funds was withheld as Zeldin said he did not think the institution had done anything wrong.

The focus now is getting these taxpayer funds back.

Zeldin made no bones about what he found, saying, “This scheme was the first of its kind in EPA history, and it was purposefully designed to obligate all the money in a rush job with reduced oversight before Inauguration Day.”

Zeldin was clear that his approach to his job is “To Power the Great American Comeback, I am instituting a ZERO TOLERANCE policy at EPA to END ANY AND ALL waste and abuse.”

He hasn’t wasted a second since being confirmed on January 29th.

The former NYS senator and congressman made it clear that he is focused on what he calls “Pillar 1 of EPA’s Powering the Great American Comeback” initiative that is centered around the agency’s core mission to protect human health and the environment.

“Clean Air. Clean Land. Clean Water. For every American,” says Zeldin.

In an interview on Fox Business, Zeldin said, "There's going to be this level of accountability so that when grants are being distributed, there is an expectation that there's going to be this line-byline accounting. This should be the new normal."

The savings continue as the EPA also announced that it will not be renewing Politico membership and Politico E&E, saving the American taxpayers $458,919 per year.

Over 170 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and "Environmental justice-focused employees" were placed on administrative leave. Zeldin made it clear that the priority of the EPA under President Trump

will be on its core mission of protecting human health and the environment and “Powering the Great American Comeback.”

Elon Musk and DOGE also gave Zeldin a shout-out saying, “EPA also cancelled 3 DEI contracts, saving American taxpayers $45M.”

A $50 million Biden-era environmental justice grant to the Climate Justice Alliance, which believes “climate justice travels through a Free Palestine,” was also ended.

Man on the Street: A DOGE for New York?

ByRobertChartuk

A New York State DOGE is a great idea. I’m sure it would reveal some very wasteful ways the politicians in Albany are spending our money.”

George Pritchard, Shirley

It’s pretty obvious that the Progressive Democrats who control state government are stealing our money. We have no idea where it’s going and don’t see any results. A full financial accounting will expose a lot of corruption.”

Toni Urban, Shirley

The Biden-Harris administration used “Environmental Justice” to funnel billions to far-left groups in the name of climate equity. $50M was also funneled to two NY/NJ immigration groups, according to Zeldin.

In addition to uncovering fraud, waste, and abuse, Zeldin visited disaster-impacted communities in North Carolina, Los Angeles, and East Palestine, seeing the needs of the people on the ground.

Governor Hochul wants to increase her budget by $19 billion. I’m pretty sure it’s all wasteful spending. We need a DOGE to put a stop to this.”

Pat Hahn, Center Moriches

New Yorkers are the highesttaxed people in the nation. If a Department of Government Efficiency can’t weed out the wasteful spending, then l don’t know who can.”

People are leaving the state in droves. They can’t afford to live here because of the taxes. Albany spends twice as much as Florida, and they have more people and no income tax. Something is seriously wrong here, and the DOGE has to get to the bottom of it.”

George Miklas, Farmingville

We need Elon Musk to come to New York and tell us where all our money went.”

Vicki Katsaros, Coram

Joe McGowan, Middle Island

President Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency has uncovered billions of dollars in Washington waste. The South Shore Press Man on the Street asked residents what they thought about creating a DOGE for New York.

Illustration of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin Cost Cutting Credit: Grok/Twitter

STATE

ByDeborahWilliams

Trump's DOGE Finds Billions in Waste, Fraud, and Abuse of Taxpayer Money

President Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with an executive order on the day of his inauguration.

Elon Musk spearheads this initiative providing recommendations to "slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies." And, there are no shortages of wasteful expenditures to uncover.

Musk described every agency as a "Target-rich environment" for finding waste, fraud, and abuse at a recent press conference with Trump in the Oval Office.

Trump's executive order creating DOGE renames an existing White House office called the U.S. Digital Service, created under President Barack Obama, to U.S. DOGE Service. The Digital Service primarily works to improve government technology.

The newly named DOGE's purpose is to "implement the

President's DOGE Agenda, by modernizing Federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity," as well as a new “temporary” purpose of "advancing the President's 18-month DOGE agenda." Trump gave an end date for DOGE of July 4, 2026.

The U.S. Digital Service has about 230 employees currently who work on projects such as updating the IRS file system and improving the Social Security Agency’s (SSA) website. DOGE says its SSA work is projected to save the agency about $285 million.

Every day, since Elon Musk and his DOGE team began work, revelations about waste, fraud, and abuse, have come to light. There are so many that it is almost too much to keep track.

The South Shore Press, in its weekly DOGE Report, will highlight some especially egregious uses of taxpayer money. Here is a snapshot of some of what has been found across the agencies of the federal government.

FEMA paid a hotel in New York

A DOGE for New York

ByRobertChartuk

As the new Department of Government Efficiency uncovers jaw-dropping levels of federal waste and corruption, state legislators are calling for a DOGE in New York. They believe Albany is rife with runaway spending, particularly as Gov. Kathy Hochul is looking to spend $19 billion more than last year in a state with the highest taxes and fees in the nation.

“We need to find out where the taxpayer money is going. All of it needs to be exposed so the public understands what’s going on,” said Senator Mario Mattera, who noted that New York spends twice as much as Florida, which has a larger population. “We need to make sure that Albany is held accountable for spending taxpayer dollars and are not wasting it on nonsense.”

Living up to his campaign promise to cut Washington spending, President Donald Trump created DOGE and put billionaire Elon Musk in charge of it. His exposure of the billions of dollars spent by the U.S. Agency for International Development alone left taxpayers wanting more. Next up on the DOGE hit list is the Pentagon, Department of Education, and the Treasury as the waste cutters slash their way through the government.

“With a $237 billion state budget, you can’t tell me there’s no waste,” said Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano. “In only a matter of weeks, the DOGE found billions in misspent federal funds, and more are found every day. We need to do the same thing in New York.”

Rather than a DOGE, Gov. Hochul has proposed an office to improve government services. A new “Office of Innovation and

Americans.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, with Musk, reported $20 billion that was spirited out of the federal government to a private account in the last days of the Biden administration seemingly with no accountability as to where this money was going and for what purpose. $45 million in Diversity Equity, Inclusion (DEI) contracts were also canceled.

Efficiency” will use data-driven strategies to assess the delivery of government services and identify areas for improvement, according to Hochul spokesperson Kassie White.

“The goal is to enhance service delivery, not to reduce resources or eliminate essential programs,” she said. “This effort builds on the work of the existing Office of Customer Experience, which aims to improve service delivery and ensure that every interaction with government is clear, simple, and responsive to the needs of the people we serve.”

“A DOGE for New York is an excellent idea,” exclaimed Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick. “There is bureaucratic bloat here as well. If we're going to make New York more affordable and get the tax burden under control, then a DOGE would be very helpful,” the assemblyman said, adding: “The $36 trillion National Debt is going to be a very heavy weight around the necks of our children and grandchildren into the future. Our spending needs to be reined in because it is making the state unaffordable.”

“With New York’s budget approaching a quarter of a trillion dollars, a New York DOGE would be kept very, very busy,” said Senator Dean Murray. “There are billions of reasons why we need it.”

Senator Monica Martinez was cool to the idea, however, stating: “Arbitrary budget cuts don't create efficiencies or eliminate waste; they harm residents. Government functions best when it has the resources necessary to fulfill the important work expected of it, not when it's deprived of the personnel and budget needed to meet its core commitments, as is happening in Washington,” Martinez said.

USAID, under Biden, sent $20 million to a group called Sesame Workshop to produce a children’s show that "promotes inclusion, mutual respect and understanding across ethnic, religious and sectarian groups."

Housing and Urban Development “lost” “$1.9 billion that was just recovered after being misplaced during the Biden administration due to a broken process.”

Social Security currently pays over $100 billion/year to individuals with no Social Security number or even a temporary ID number and some were so old they surely were dead. Musk said, "At this point, I am 100% certain that the magnitude of the fraud in federal entitlements (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Welfare, Disability, etc.) exceeds the combined sum of every private scam you’ve ever heard by FAR. It’s not even close.”

HHS canceled 62 contracts

worth $182 million that were not healthcare programs. This included terminating a $168,000 contract for an Anthony Fauci exhibit at the NIH Museum.

Department of Education terminated 70 DEI training grants totaling $373M. One trained teachers to “engage in ongoing learning and self-reflection to confront their own biases and racism, and develop assetbased anti-racist mindsets.”

Department of Education terminated grants to the four “Equity Assistance Centers” totaling $33M. One of the programs assisted employees in “Disrupting their Whiteness.” Twenty-nine DEI training grants totaling $101 million were also ended.

Health and Human Services (HHS) canceled 167 contracts saving $115 million, including a $2.23M contract for HHS for “equity assessments of existing program policies.”

Department of Agriculture terminated 18 contracts for $9 million, including contracts for “Central American gender assessment consultant services,” “Brazil forest and gender consultant services,” and the “women in forest carbon initiative mentorship program.”

DEI programs across the government here and abroad were canceled in the millions of dollars. Millions in savings is also realized by canceling subscriptions and other services to far-left-leaning media outlets.

Do You Have a Star on Your New York Driver's License?

ByDeborahWilliams

Do you have a star on your New York driver’s license?

If not, there’s still time to get your REAL ID-compliant driver’s license with that star on it.

But it’s better to get it sooner rather than later.

Don’t wait another day to apply. New Yorkers will need a REAL ID to board an airplane beginning on May 7, 2025.

All Department of Motor Vehicle offices in Suffolk County provide the REAL ID prescreening service.

New York residents who want to board an airplane for a domestic flight will soon need a REAL IDcompliant driver’s license. If their driver’s license is not REAL IDcompliant, they will need another approved form of identification, such as a passport to board their flight or enter a secure federal facility or military base.

The REAL ID driver’s license and enhanced license have a small star or flag on them to indicate they meet federal regulations that establish minimum security standards.

Make an appointment through any Suffolk County DMV to get your REAL ID.

You will need to bring specific documents to prove U.S. citizenship and New York residency. Required documents include one proof of identity (passport or U.S. birth certificate), proof of legal presence for non-U.S. citizens, two proofs of New York residency, your Social Security card (if you’ve been issued one), and a current driver’s license if you are applying to exchange one issued by another U.S. state.

New York residents have the option to upgrade to a REAL ID

or an enhanced ID if their license does not currently have the star or they can stick with an older standard driver’s license. However, a standard credential—without the star—will not be valid to board a domestic flight or to access secure federal facilities, including military bases and some federal offices.

Transportation Security Administration officers who staff the ticket document checking station at airports will not allow travelers into the checkpoint without a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification after May 7, 2025.

City over $59 million to house and feed illegal immigrants in a luxury hotel. FEMA’s mission is supposed to be disaster relief for

Anthony Fauci Museum Cancelled from Budget

Credit: Grok/Twitter

HISTORY LESSONS

BY RICHARD ACRITELLI

“No one gets left behind, you know that.”

― Mark Bowden, "Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War"

The American public does not have the stomach to see innocent people starving in other countries, but we are sickened to see our soldiers dragged through foreign streets. These were the thoughts of our citizens thirty-two years ago when addressing the fighting that engulfed the East African nation of Somalia that has been fighting a terrible civil war since 1991.

Outgoing President George H.W. Bush ordered American forces on December 4th, 1992, to protect the food shipments that were directed to the starving people in Somalia.

Major General William F. Garrison was ordered to lead 25,000 American soldiers who were sent to support this complex humanitarian effort that occurred during a civil war. Enlisting into the army in 1966 and being commissioned as a second lieutenant after graduating from officer candidate school, Garrison fought in two combat tours in South Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for valor and served in the Phoenix Program that was carried out by the Central Intelligence Agency and the army to capture, convert, and assassinate high-ranking Vietcong figures.

For most of his career, Garrison trained with special forces operations and intelligence gathering units. From 1985-1989, Garrison led the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment (known as Delta Force). Chosen as the commander to lead forces into Somalia through a combination of a humanitarian and a combat operation to arrest the warlords who halted food shipments to this poor country. A capable officer, Garrison, was quickly promoted to the higher ranks of colonel, brigadier, and to major general. In 1991, Garrison helped the antidrug operations to help arrest the notorious drug kingpin Pablo Escobar.

“Operation Restore Hope” was mostly led by incoming President Bill Clinton to ensure that food supplies reached the starving people of Somalia. The United States tried to help this destabilized nation after its dictatorship was overthrown in 1991. While the United Nations tried to create a coalition government, the most powerful Somali militia, led by Muhammad Farah Aidid, disrupted the stability and food shipments.

Aidid and his Habr Gidr clan were the most powerful group that wanted to take control of this nation and deter any Western resistance against them. Garrison was forced to fight rival clans and warlords and refused to adhere to a ceasefire to distribute the food to the needy people. Instead, these factions stole food, opposed each other, and increased internal strife that led to increased civilian deaths. In an unusual coincidence,

Aidid’s son Hussein traveled to the United States in 1979, graduated high school, and he later served in the marine corps in Kuwait during Desert Storm. In 1995, Hussein was a marine corps corporal reservist, became an American citizen, and after the death of his father, went back to Somalia to assume the role as a general to try and run this country.

The 1990’s was a vastly different mission for the American military compared to the larger-scale functions that were expected to oppose the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Although America had the tragic loss of the Beirut, Lebanon mission that resulted in the terrorist death of 241 dead Americans, the 1990s marked a decade by supporting peacekeeping and “policing” missions. These initiatives were seen in Desert Shield and Storm in (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq) to halt and destroy the expansion of Saddam Hussein’s military. Under Bush and Clinton, American armed forces were deployed to Panama, Haiti, Yugoslavia, and reacted too late to the genocide in Rwanda, and faced severe fighting in Somalia some 32 years ago.

Whereas the United States and the United Nations delivered some food to the people, the fighting and instability hampered this mission. Clinton was determined to support the efforts in helping the Somalis, but he decreased the American presence to 4,200 soldiers. With fewer military resources, Garrison backed “Operation Provide Relief” that achieved limited gains against the tenacity of Aidid’s militias. Pakistan also deployed soldiers to aid the United Nations mission to help provide food and security to this ravaged population. On June 5, 1993, tensions worsened when Aidid’s militia attacked and killed 24 Pakistani peacekeepers. While Aidid was not caught, his forces wreaked havoc against the coalition of 28 nations that were unable to provide consistent care for this beleaguered nation.

Almost two months later, four American soldiers were detached to the United Nations, and they were killed after hitting a land mine in the road and were attacked by enemy Somali forces. Clinton was in a precarious spot, as this humanitarian operation was being threatened by elements of this native population and American losses started to mount. The president responded that “appropriate action” would be waged against Aidid and his quasi-military forces. But some of these words were bravado, as Garrison’s request for armor and AC-130 Spectre gunships to protect his soldiers on the ground were denied by Secretary of Defense Les Aspin.

The United States was in a difficult position, as Clinton expected to carry out this mission, but there was limited weaponry available to support a depleted force.

Clinton ordered Delta Force and the

Thirty-Two Years After the Battle of Mogadishu

Rangers into this country to search for Aidid and to provide noticeable deterrence from these well-known reinforcements. Coupled with the background Special Forces leadership experiences of Garrison, Task Force Ranger was sent to Somalia to capture Aidid and ensure that food shipments were delivered. The addition of the Rangers allowed Garrison an ability to conduct swift, calculating, and surgical strikes to capture and/or kill Aidid and his lieutenants. This operation fell into the strengths of the Rangers to analyze and act upon intelligence to possibly find Aidid from his many hiding spots and allies that protected this hostile foe. These Rangers were motivated to begin their actions against the lawlessness of Aidid’s Somali network.

In August and September, Garrison ordered six missions into Mogadishu to target Aidid, but each time, they were unable to pin down the Somali strongman. Garrison counted on the strength of the Rangers that had a unique history of fighting from the Revolutionary War to its enhanced warfare responsibilities during World War II. The Rangers trained in Northern Ireland before the Torch landings of North Africa in 1942, fought through major engagements in Europe, including at Normandy where they climbed the cliffs of Pointe Du Hoc at Omaha Beach. At the “Atlantic Wall,” the fighting phrase of “Rangers, lead the way” was established. And in the Pacific, the Rangers liberated 500 prisoners of war from a Japanese camp at Cabanatuan in the Philippines. Garrison directed these capable soldiers to overturn the will of Aidid’s resistance to oppose his forces and the mandate to help these starving people that were caught in the middle of a civil war.

On October 3rd, 1993, “Operation Gothic Servant,” also known as “Task Force Ranger,” drove into the center of Mogadishu to assault the leadership structure of Aidid. As this mission proceeded into this dangerous city, it eventually became one of the bloodiest battles since the Vietnam War. American Rangers were also dropped in by helicopters and through motor transport to capture 24 of Aidid’s followers at the Olympic Hotel in Mogadishu. Seventeen helicopters flew overhead to aid the ground forces, as early gains were made by the Rangers. This operation disrupted a meeting between Somali clan leaders, former judges, intellectuals, and older figures. Observing this meeting were younger Somalis wearing Western and traditional clothing who were interested to watch the decision-making of these local leaders.

Garrison was in communication with the ground and helicopter forces to jointly coordinate this assault. With American soldiers drastically reduced and not having the requested armor and gunships,

the Rangers and Delta Force stirred up the “bees’ nest” of Mogadishu. While American training and weaponry was still superior, they were outnumbered and outgunned against the defiance of the waiting Somalis. These militias were motivated to hit American forces, and they were near reinforcements to overwhelm the Rangers, Delta Force, and the Black Hawks that circled in the skies.

Within the buildings and the debris were Somalis who were armed with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades (RPG) that targeted and shot down Super 61 at 4:20 p.m. The loss of this helicopter began 15 hours of ferocious combat against the American military. Garrison immediately ordered the Rangers to approach the downed helicopter, to recover the survivors and the dead before the militia reached them. They raced to the site and were quickly surrounded by Aidid’s forces that were eager to exert additional losses on the Americans. In the air, there was a P-3 Orion spy plane that operated over the skies to provide intelligence for the ground forces. The Somalis quickly barricaded the roads to prevent the convoys from having an easy passage to the helicopter wreckage. Whereas information was collected, it was sent to forward observers, and often too late to the Humvees and trucks that were under fire.

Trying to reach one helicopter through utter chaos, MH-60, Super 64, was hit by RPGs and it crashed to the ground. Driving in different directions and under constant fire, the Rangers took heavy losses, and they were forced back to their base. They had to unload their prisoners, care for American casualties and dead, resupply ammunition, and prepare to move out. While at the first crash site, the Somalis pinned down American forces, at the second destroyed a helicopter, two American Special Forces operators made their way to this spot under incessant fire. They were surrounded by the enemy, lost their lives, the pilot was severely wounded, almost ripped to shreds and captured by Aidid’s followers.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michael J. Durant, an experienced helicopter pilot who flew combat missions during Prime Chance, Just Cause, and Desert Storm. Durant notably was the first helicopter pilot to assault an Iraqi SCUD missile launcher, and he flew over 150 medevac missions to help his comrades. A seasoned pilot who trained others, Durant, was a fine pilot in the Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). Before being shot down, Durant’s helicopter was nearby to help capture these Somali leaders. Without the armor and the far more advanced gunships, the Rangers were stuck trying to secure the helicopter wreckage in the face of aggressive enemy fire.

This past week, Netflix released

a three-part documentary that chronicled this American military mission that faced overwhelming enemy odds against them. While American soldiers were far more superior, they were amid a civil war, and against militias that openly defied America’s presence in their country. Durant was one of four combat veterans who openly identified their harrowing experiences within this battle. The three interviewed Rangers were all younger soldiers who were motivated to utilize their military skills to ensure that the food mission was successfully conducted by deterring the continued efforts of Aidid to hurt this objective.

Thirty-two years after this fateful mission, grief over the losses are easily seen on their faces, as they are unable to forget this tragic warfare. Durant was severely wounded and while he heard Americans operating near him, they were unable to rescue him from Aidid’s militia. A deal was later brokered to free Durant, as he recalled, “I knew my crew was gone and I had 11 days to come to terms with that, but I didn’t know two other very good friends were gone.”

The alarming parts of this documentary presented the Somalis that engaged the American military and were interviewed about their roles during the Battle of Mogadishu. Time did not mend the beliefs of the Somalis who viewed American forces as tyrants within their homeland. These American veterans still observe the ghosts of this heroic fight that, unlike the size of the Gulf War, was fervently engaged by a minimal number of soldiers. Opposing an estimated enemy of at least 1,000 enemy militia, these veterans addressed this intense two-day battle.

Questions were later presented to Clinton and Aspin on why the government refused to adhere to the weaponry needs of Garrison’s forces that operated on the ground. There were two outcomes from this battle, first, American government and military leaders were caught off guard, and they lacked the necessary military resources. Secondly, Clinton had to answer for the loss of American soldiers and the television footage of Somalis dragging them through the streets of Mogadishu. Two months later, Aspin was forced to resign his position as the Secretary of Defense over this military debacle.

After this battle ended on October 4th, there were 18 American dead, 84 wounded soldiers, and 13 United Nations casualties. While the numbers are not exact, the Somalis are estimated to have lost 1,000 or more members of the militias who opposed 100 Rangers and Delta Force members. May this country always remember the sacrifices of these Americans to promote our ideals of humanitarianism and stability to the people of this wartorn nation.

ASK NANCY

BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ.

While it is not necessary to have an attorney when dealing with health care documents, most attorneys will assist clients with executing a living will, health care proxy and HIPAA release form as part of their estate plan.

A living will serves as the “roadmap” for your agent. It serves as your voice when you are unable to speak for yourself and are in an irreversible state, with no reasonable expectation of recovery. The living will often directs an agent to withhold or withdraw treatments if recovery is not expected. The document can list specific treatments to be withheld, including dialysis, antibiotics, and a feeding tube. A health care proxy is a document that states who will make medical decisions if you lack the mental capacity to make them on your own. A HIPAA release form provides doctors with a list of people who you trust and permit to have copies of your medical records or have permission to speak to your

Medical Directives to Plan for Your Care

doctors.

Beyond the attorney’s office, you should speak with your physician about a MOLST form (“Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment”). A MOLST is a medical New York State Department of

Credit: One Photo | Dreamstime.com

Health form that is printed on pink paper. You will review the form with your New York State-licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, and that medical professional will sign the document. As the patient moves from home to a medical facility, or between facilities, all health care professionals are directed to follow the medical orders as stated in the MOLST. Under State law, the MOLST is the only authorized form in New York State for documenting both non-hospital Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) and Do Not

LIBRARY LIVING

BY TARA D’AMATO

Assistant Library Director

) 281-6435 RomaFuneralHome@yahoo.com www.romafuneralhome.com

Intubate (DNI) orders.

MOLST is generally for patients with serious health conditions. The MOLST serves as a single document that contains a patient's goals and preferences regarding a variety of topics. It can include direction on general treatment guidelines, future hospitalization and transfer, artificially administered fluids and nutrition, antibiotics, dialysis, and other treatments.

Using legal and medical forms, you can direct your care when you are unable to speak for yourself. Speak with your lawyer, medical professionals and family members to make sure your wishes are wellknown and well-documented.

By Britt Burner

Britt Burner, Esq, is an attorney at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C., focusing her practice on Elder Law and Estate Planning. Burner Prudenti Law serves clients from Manhattan to the east end of Long Island with offices located in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, New York City and East Hampton.

Stream Grammy Winners with Freegal Music

The Grammy Awards just happened, and did you know you can hear the winners by using free music downloads from your library? Anyone with a library card has free access to over 15 million songs from more than 28,000 labels, including the entire Sony Music catalogue. With the Freegal Music service, library cardholders

• Have a weekly download limit of 5 songs to keep and a streaming limit of three (3) hours daily. Library cardholders can keep track of individual download selections in the upper right corner of the site. Every song has a sample clip that you can listen to before completing a download, but you must be logged into the website to enjoy the sample clips.

• Enjoy easy access: Library cardholders will start by going to the

library’s designated website portal: http://www. communitylibrary.org/ digital and click “music”. Downloads on the website are in MP3 format with no DRM; also available are music videos in the MP4 format with no DRM. This service will work on almost any computer, player, tablet or smartphone. The Freegal Music mobile app is free in the Apple® App Store and Google® Play. Library staff will help cardholders with their first download and/ or set up an app for their device.

• Enjoy music videos, which cost two of your

allotted three weekly downloads. You’ll be unable to download a music video without two available downloads.

• Query the search engine, which provides both a simple and advanced search and will return results primarily by the album name from which the song originated.

Freegal Music is a program that appeals to all age groups. From the latest Billboard hits to children’s songs for a long car ride, to classical, jazz, gospel or show music--your Library has something to offer for everyone to listen to.

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. 2023 for the Main Building. Call or visit any building to register, regardless of program location.

Take Care of Yourself

MAKER SPACE CLASSES

Silver Sneaker Full-Body Workout

Tuesdays, February 4, 11, 18, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Marketing

Held at our Main Building.

Your Small Business Using the Makerspace

Registration begins Friday, January 24.

Wednesday, February 19

7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Held at our Main Building.

Everyone Loves a Story

What’s on your Nightstand?

Thursday, February 13, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

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

Registration begins Wednesday, February 5. Looking for ways to promote your small business through swag and giveaways?

Come explore the possibilities that the Makerspace has to offer. Learn how you can put your logo, slogan, or other marketing content on objects such as mugs, keychains, embroidered patches, t-shirts, posters, and more!

Yoga in Spanish / Yoga en Español

Saturday, February 15, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Held at our Main Building.

Registration begins Saturday, February 1.

Crafting with Cricut: Painted Boards

Tuesday, February 25

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. or 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Join Tatiana for a beginner yoga class in Spanish! Tatiana Correa is a certified yoga instructor, RYT200. She will guide you through simple poses to stretch your body and relax your mind. Please bring a yoga mat.

Held at our Main Building.

¡Venga y acompañe a Tatiana para una clase de yoga que será para principiantes y en español! Tatiana Correa es una instructora certificada de yoga, RYT200. Ella le guiará a través de posturas simples para estirar su cuerpo y relajar su mente. Por favor, traiga una alfombra de yoga.

Registration begins Tuesday, February 11. Join us to create your own personalized sign to decorate your home or office. In this class, will take an unfinished wooden board and paint it. Then we will use the Cricut to cut a design we will apply to the wooden board. Participants will learn how to navigate Cricut’s Design Space and create a customized design, cut by our Cricut machine. Materials for this craft will be provided (limit to one per registrant).

favorite book of all time. Appetizers will be provided. Wine and beer will

layered novel set in 1972 and reflecting back to the 1940s in the small, racially segregated

perspectives, McBride explores themes of community, race, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. As the story progresses, secrets about the town’s past are revealed, touching on generational trauma and and insight into the human condition. McBride shows us that even in dark times, it is love and community-heaven and earth-that sustain us. Copies

The MMSCL is now participating in These free, live virtual presentations are from some of the best-known authors.

Visit https://libraryc.org/communitylibrary to see a list of upcoming authors and to register.

Tuesday, February 18, 2:00 p.m.

SATURDAY MOVIE MATINEES

Held at our Main Library at 2:00 p.m.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Saturday, February 1

To Kill a Mockingbird (NR) 1962

Saturday, February 8

King Richard (PG-13) 2021

Saturday, February 15

Hidden Figures (PG-13) 2016

Saturday, February 22

Freedom Writers (PG) 2007

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

SUFFOLK COUNTY

MID-ISLAND MORTGAGE CORP., Plaintiff against MUHAMMET OZEN, et al Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered August 21, 2023, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on March 5, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Premises known as 1 Ellen Ct, Lake Grove, NY 11755.

District 0208 Sec 008.00

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff against VINCENT DELLORCO, et al Defendant(s)

Ronkonkoma, New York 11779

DLJ MORTGAGE

CAPITAL INC., Plaintiff, against JOHN E. STROH

SR. AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN

TO EUGENE ROBERT

STROH A/K/A EUGENE

R. STROH A/K/A EUGENE

STROH; PATRICK JAMES

STROH AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN TO

EUGENE ROBERT STROH

A/K/A EUGENE R. STROH

A/K/A EUGENE STROH; DARLENE ANN MCGEE

STROH A/K/A DARLENE

ANN STROH AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN

TO EUGENE ROBERT

STROH A/K/A EUGENE R. STROH A/K/A EUGENE

CANCELED

Block 11.00 Lot 029.000. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lake Grove, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $412,399.72 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 605329/2016. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

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

L16156 - 01/29/2025, 02/05/2025, 02/12/2025 & 02/19/2025

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered September 17, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on March 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Premises known as 108 Riviera Drive, Mastic, NY 11950. District 0200 Sec 882.00 Block 07.00 Lot 040.001. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Township of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $268,055.96 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 203289/2022.

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.

Daniel J. Panico, Esq., Referee File # 10601958

L16157 - 01/29/2025, 02/05/2025, 02/12/2025 & 02/19/2025

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF SUFFOLK INDEX # 602624/2024

Filed Date: 8/8/2024

Supplemental Summons

Plaintiff designates Suffolk County as the place of trial based on the location of the mortgaged premises in this action

Mortgaged Premises: 2368 Louis Kossuth Avenue,

STROH if living, and if dead, the respective heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignors, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and their respective husbands, wives or widow, if any, and each and every person not specifically named who may be entitled to or claim to have any right, title or interest in the property described in the verified complaint; all of whom and whose names and places of residence unknown, and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained by the Plaintiff; JOHN DOE AND JANE DOE 1 THROUGH 50, INTENDING TO BE THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DISTRIBUTEES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, TRUSTEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF THE ESTATE OF EUGENE ROBERT STROH A/K/A EUGENE R. STROH A/K/A EUGENE STROH, WHO WAS BORN IN 1935 AND DIED ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2021, A RESIDENT OF SUFFOLK COUNTY, WHOSE LAST KNOWN ADDRESS WAS 2368 LOUIS KOSSUTH AVENUE, RONKONKOMA, NEW YORK 11779, THEIR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST IF ANY OF THE AFORESAID DEFENDANTS BE

DECEASED, THEIR RESPECTIVE HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE AFORESAID CLASSES OF PERSON, IF THEY OR ANY OF THEM BE DEAD, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE HUSBANDS, WIVES OR WIDOWS, IF ANY, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF; CLERK OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY DISTRICT COURT; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS LLC; TOWN SUPERVISOR TOWN OF ISLIP; CLERK OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY TRAFFIC & PARKING VIOLATIONS AGENCY; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; "JOHN DOE #1" to "JOHN DOE #10," the last 10 names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the complaint , Defendants.

To the above-named defendants: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the plaintiff's attorneys within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER

ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE MORTGAGE COMPANY WHO FILED THIS FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT, A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AND YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HOME. SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY OR GO TO THE COURT WHERE YOUR CASE IS PENDING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO ANSWER THE SUMMONS AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY. SENDING A PAYMENT TO YOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY WILL NOT STOP THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (DLJ MORTGAGE CAPITAL INC.) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. This action was commenced to foreclose a mortgage against property located at 2368 Louis Kossuth Avenue, Ronkonkoma, New York 11779 McCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC By: CAREN BAILEY, ESQ. Attorneys for Plaintiff 1 Huntington Quadrangle, Suite 4N25 Melville, NY 11747 631-812-4084 855845-2584 facsimile File # 23301647

HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The State

encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non- profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or visit the Department`s website at www.dfs.ny.gov RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. You have the right to stay in your home during the foreclosure process. You are not required to leave your home unless and until your property is sold at auction pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale. Regardless of whether you choose to remain in your home, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY and pay property taxes in accordance with state and local law. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to "save" your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner`s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE

L16160 - 01/29/2025, 02/05/2025, 02/12/2025 & 02/19/2025

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, 21ST MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff, vs. JEFFREY ARTHUR CHAMBERLIN

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

INDIVIDUALLY AND AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ARTHUR CHAMBERLIN

A/K/A ARTHUR L. CHAMBERLIN, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 29, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on March 10, 2025 at 12:30 p.m., premises known as 3004 New London Avenue, Medford, NY 11763. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200, Section 659.00, Block 01.00 and Lot 038.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $191,258.29 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #630393/2023.

Ian Sack, Esq., Referee

Taroff & Taitz, LLP, Attorneys at Law, 630 Johnson Avenue, Suite 105, Bohemia, NY 11716, Attorneys for Plaintiff

L16162 - 02/05/2025, 02/12/2025, 02/19/2025 & 02/26/2025

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. PATRICIA A. MEARA, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA A. MUNOZ, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on December 2, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on March 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., premises known as 42 Holiday Park Drive, Centereach, NY 11720. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate,

lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200, Section 367.00, Block 02.00 and Lot 010.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $438,774.75 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #607189/2015.

Georgia Papazis, Esq., Referee

Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff

L16163 - 02/05/2025, 02/12/2025, 02/19/2025 & 02/26/2025

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLKBROOKHAVEN.

NASSAU FINANCIAL FEDERAL CREDIT

UNION, Plaintiff -againstWALEED SHAHBAZ, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on September 23, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, located at 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY on March 14, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. 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, known and designated as Section 959.00 Lot 1.00 Lot 039.000. Said premises known as 803 PROVOST AVENUE, BELLPORT, NY 11713

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 602790/2024.

LISA SINGER, ESQ., Referee

Terenzi & Confusione P.C. Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 401 Franklin Avenue, Suite 304, Garden City, NY 11530

{* SOUTH SHO4*}

L16165 - 02/12/2025, 02/19/2025, 02/26/2025 & 03/05/2025

REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLK

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff - against - STANLEY

DABROWSKI, et al

Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on January 12, 2023. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on the 12th day of March, 2025 at 9:30 AM. All that certain plot, piece, or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lake Grove, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York.

Premises known as 3 Bower Court, Lake Grove, NY 11755.

(District: 0208, Section: 004.00, Block: 04.00, Lot: 007.073)

Approximate amount of lien $80,723.51 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 617257/2018.

Donna England, Esq., Referee.

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409

Dated: January 13, 2025

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

L16166 - 02/12/2025, 02/19/2025, 02/26/2025 & 03/05/2025

INDEX NO. 631567/2023

Plaintiff designates SUFFOLK as the place of trial situs of the real property

SUPPLEMENTAL

SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 108 AVENUE B, HOLBROOK, NY 11741

District: 0200, Section: 727.00, Block: 08.00, Lot: 024.000

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

FAREVERSE LLC I/L/T/N FINANCE OF AMERICA REVERSE LLC

Plaintiff, vs.

JENNIFER L. STEADMAN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARIE ANTOINETTE STEADMAN; ROBIN M. STEADMAN AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARIE ANTOINETTE STEADMAN, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF MARIE ANTOINETTE STEADMAN, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such

unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK,

"JOHN DOE #1" through "JOHN DOE #12," the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.

To the above named Defendants

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT

THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $535,500.00 and interest, recorded on July 14, 2020, in Liber M00023153 at Page 091, of the Public Records of SUFFOLK County, New York., covering premises known as 108 AVENUE B, HOLBROOK, NY 11741. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.

SUFFOLK County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.

NOTICE

YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: January 30th, 2025

ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC

Attorney for Plaintiff

Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675

L16167 - 02/12/2025, 02/19/2025, 02/26/2025 & 03/05/2025

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff against VERONICA BRADY, 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 December 23, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on March 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Premises known as 225 Lyman Road, East Patchogue, NY 11772. District 0200 Sec 984.10 Block 06.00 Lot 009.000.

All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Bellport, in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $174,293.19 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 623458/2023. 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.

Enza Brandi, Esq., Referee File # 2296-004118

L16169 - 02/12/2025, 02/19/2025, 02/26/2025 & 03/05/2025

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

LEE

FULFORD, 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 March 7, 2024, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF THE BANC OF AMERICA FUNDING 2007-3 TRUST is the Plaintiff and LEE FULFORD, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the SOUTHAMPTON TOWN HALL, 116 HAMPTON ROAD, SOUTHAMPTON, NY 11968, on March 13, 2025 at 10:30AM, premises known as 458 BRIDGEHAMPTONSAG H A/K/A 458 BRIDGEHAMPTON –SAG HARBOR TPKE, BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY 11932; and the following tax map identification: 0900052.00-02.00-030.007.

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

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 036856/2008. Andrew Gilbride, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

L16170 - 02/12/2025, 02/19/2025, 02/26/2025 & 03/05/2025

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF THE BANC OF AMERICA FUNDING 2007-3 TRUST, -against-

NOTICE OF SPECIAL

DISTRICT MEETING OF THE SOUTH COUNTRY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK ON BEHALF OF THE BROOKHAVEN FREE LIBRARY

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Special District Meeting of the qualified voters of the South Country Central School District, Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York will be held at the Brookhaven Free Library, 273 Beaver Dam Road, Brookhaven, New York on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., prevailing time, for the purpose of voting by paper ballot upon the following items:

(1) To adopt the Annual Budget of the Brookhaven Free Library for the fiscal year 2025/2026 and to authorize that the requisite portion thereof be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the South Country Central School District.

(2) To elect (1) one Trustee of the Library to fill a five-year term commencing July 1, 2025.

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that for the purpose of voting at such meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the polls will be open between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., prevailing time, and voting will be held at the Brookhaven Free Library, 273 Beaver Dam Road, Brookhaven, New York; and

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a copy of a statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for the Brookhaven Free Library’s purposes exclusive of public monies, may be obtained by any resident of the District during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding said meeting except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from the Library located on Beaver Dam Road, Brookhaven, New York during regular business hours and from the School District between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (MondayFriday) at the District’s Administration building

located at 189 Dunton Ave., East Patchogue, New York.

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of Trustee of the Brookhaven Free Library must be filed at the Brookhaven Free Library, 273 Beaver Dam Road, Brookhaven, New York, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025; such petitions shall be filed between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday) prevailing time; each petition must be directed to the Director of the Library, must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the School District, and must state the residence address of each signer and the name and residence of the candidate. Vacancies on the Library Board are not considered separate, specific offices, and the nominating petitions, therefore, shall not describe any specific vacancies upon the Library Board for which the candidate is nominated.

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to § 2014 of the Education Law or pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law. If a voter has theretofore registered pursuant to § 2014 of the Education Law and has voted at any Annual or Special District Meeting of the South Country Central School District within the past four (4) years, such voter is eligible to vote at this election; if a voter is registered and eligible to vote pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law, such voter is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register. Registration shall be conducted for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law through Wednesday, April 2, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time and on all regular days during which the Office of the District Clerk is in operation at the Office of the Clerk located in the South Country Central School District Administration Building, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York, at which time any person will

be entitled to have his or her name placed on such register, provided that at such time he or she is known, or proven to the satisfaction of said Clerk to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such Special District Meeting for which the register is prepared. The register so prepared pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the School District in the Administration Building, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on each of the five (5) days prior to the date set for the meeting and shall be available between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, weekdays and on Saturday, April 5, 2025, by pre-arranged appointment by contacting the District Clerk at (631) 730-1542 or by email to cflynn@southcountry.org.

In addition, the registration list shall be available in the Brookhaven Free Library on the day of the vote.

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for absentee and early mail ballots will be obtainable from the office of the Clerk of the School District (Administrative Offices, 189 Dunton Ave., East Patchogue, New York) between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, during all days on which the School District is in session. Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than March 10, 2025, and by April 1, 2025, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter. If the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter at the office of the District Clerk the completed application must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025. No absentee or early mail voter’s ballot shall be canvassed unless it shall have been received in the office of the Clerk of the District not later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the vote/ election. A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots shall have been issued will be available in the School District Clerk’s office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on each of the five days prior to April 8, 2025, and on Saturday, April 5, 2025, by pre-arranged

appointment by contacting the District Clerk at (631) 730-1542 or by email to cflynn@southcountry.org. A challenge to an absentee ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an early mail ballot.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the South Country Central School District by requesting and returning a registration application to the District Clerk in person, or by email to cflynn@southcountry. org or fax sent to 631-2862457. The request for the registration application may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the registration application by either mail, fax, or email. Military voter registration application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 13, 2025. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the South Country Central School District, may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk in person, or by email to cflynn@southcountry. org or fax sent to 631-2862457. In order for a military voter to be issued a military ballot, a valid military ballot application must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m., on March 13, 2025. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a non-military ballot application under Section 2018-a of the Education Law. The application for military ballot may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax, or email. A military voter’s original military ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at South Country Central School District, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, NY 11772.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk (1) before the close of polls on April 8, 2025 showing a cancellation mark of the United States Postal Service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or (2) not later than 5:00 p.m. on April 8, 2025 and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.

Dated: January 22, 2025

East Patchogue, New York

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION SOUTH COUNTRY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK

Christine Flynn District Clerk

L16175 - 02/19/2025, 03/05/2025, 03/19/2025 & 04/02/2025

AVISO DE REUNIÓN ESPECIAL DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL DE SOUTH COUNTRY CIUDAD DE BROOKHAVEN, CONDADO DE SUFFOLK, NUEVA YORK EN NOMBRE DE LA BIBLIOTECA GRATUITA DE BROOKHAVEN

POR LA PRESENTE

SE NOTIFICA que se llevará a cabo una Reunión Distrital Especial de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country, Ciudad de Brookhaven, Condado de Suffolk, Nueva York, en la Biblioteca Gratuita de Brookhaven, 273 Beaver Dam Road, Brookhaven, Nueva York, el martes 8 de abril de 2025, a las 10:00 a. m., hora vigente, con el propósito de votar mediante boleta de papel sobre los siguientes temas:

(1) Adoptar el Presupuesto Anual de la Biblioteca Gratuita de Brookhaven para el año fiscal 2025/2026 y autorizar que la parte requerida del mismo se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad imponible del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country.

(2) Elegir (1) un Síndico de la Biblioteca para cubrir un período de cinco años a partir del 1 de julio de 2025.

SE NOTIFICA

ADICIONALMENTE que, a los efectos de votar en dicha reunión el martes 8 de abril de 2025, las urnas estarán abiertas entre las 10:00 a. m. y las 8:00 p. m., hora vigente, y la votación se llevará a cabo en la Biblioteca Gratuita de Brookhaven, 273 Beaver Dam Road, Brookhaven, Nueva York; y

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS

POR LA PRESENTE que cualquier residente del Distrito podrá obtener una copia de una declaración de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año siguiente para los fines de la Biblioteca Gratuita de Brookhaven, excluyendo los fondos públicos, durante los catorce (14) días inmediatamente anteriores a dicha reunión, excepto los sábados, domingos y feriados, en la Biblioteca ubicada en Beaver Dam Road, Brookhaven, Nueva York, durante el horario comercial habitual, y en el Distrito Escolar entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. (de lunes a viernes) en el edificio de Administración del Distrito ubicado en 189 Dunton Ave., East Patchogue, Nueva York.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS

POR LA PRESENTE que las peticiones de nominación de candidatos para el cargo de Síndico de la Biblioteca Gratuita de Brookhaven deben presentarse en la Biblioteca Gratuita de Brookhaven, 273 Beaver Dam Road, Brookhaven, Nueva York, a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del lunes 24 de febrero de 2025; dichas peticiones se presentarán entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 5:00 p. m. (de lunes a viernes), hora vigente; cada petición debe dirigirse al Director de la Biblioteca, debe estar firmada por al menos veinticinco (25) votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar y debe indicar la dirección de residencia de cada firmante y el nombre y la residencia del candidato. Las vacantes en la Junta de la Biblioteca no se consideran cargos separados y específicos y, por lo tanto, las peticiones de nominación no deben describir ninguna

vacante específica en la Junta de la Biblioteca para la cual se nomina al candidato. SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS POR LA PRESENTE que se requiere el registro personal de los votantes de conformidad con el § 2014 de la Ley de Educación o de conformidad con el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral. Si un votante se ha registrado hasta ese momento de conformidad con el § 2014 de la Ley de Educación y ha votado en cualquier Reunión Anual o Especial del Distrito Escolar Central del Sur del País en los últimos cuatro (4) años, dicho votante es elegible para votar en esta elección; si un votante está registrado y si un votante es elegible para votar de conformidad con el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral, también es elegible para votar en esta elección. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben registrarse. El registro se llevará a cabo con el propósito de registrar a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito de conformidad con el §2014 de la Ley de Educación hasta el miércoles 2 de abril de 2025, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., hora vigente y todos los días regulares durante los cuales la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito esté en funcionamiento en la Oficina del Secretario ubicada en el Edificio de Administración del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York, momento en el cual cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho registro, siempre que en ese momento se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicho Secretario que tiene derecho a votar en esa Reunión Especial del Distrito para la que se prepara el registro. El registro preparado de conformidad con el §2014 de la Ley de Educación se archivará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar en el Edificio Administrativo y estará abierto para inspección por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito a partir de cada uno de los cinco (5) días anteriores a la fecha establecida para la reunión y estará disponible entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., hora vigente, los días de semana y el sábado 5 de abril de 2025, mediante cita previa comunicándose con

el Secretario del Distrito al (631) 730-1542 o por correo electrónico a cflynn@ southcountry.org. Además, la lista de registro estará disponible en la Biblioteca Gratuita de Brookhaven el día de la votación.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS POR LA PRESENTE que las solicitudes de boletas de voto en ausencia y de voto anticipado por correo se podrán obtener en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar (Oficinas Administrativas, 189 Dunton Ave., East Patchogue, Nueva York) entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., hora vigente, durante todos los días en que el Distrito Escolar esté en sesión. Las solicitudes completas deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito no antes del 10 de marzo de 2025, y antes del 1 de abril de 2025, si la boleta se enviará por correo al votante. Si la boleta se entregará personalmente al votante en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito, la solicitud completa debe ser recibida por el Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. el lunes 7 de abril de 2025. No se examinará ninguna papeleta de voto en ausencia o por correo anticipado a menos que haya sido recibida en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del día de la votación/elección. Una lista de todas las personas a quienes se les han emitido papeletas de voto en ausencia o por correo anticipado estará disponible en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. cada uno de los cinco días anteriores al 8 de abril de 2025 y el sábado 5 de abril de 2025, mediante cita previa comunicándose con el Secretario del Distrito al (631) 730-1542 o por correo electrónico a cflynn@ southcountry.org. No se puede impugnar una papeleta de voto en ausencia sobre la base de que el votante debería haber solicitado una papeleta de voto por correo anticipado.

Y ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA

POR LA PRESENTE que los votantes militares que no estén registrados actualmente pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country solicitando y devolviendo una solicitud de registro al Secretario del

Distrito en persona, o por correo electrónico a cflynn@ southcountry.org o por fax al 631-286-2457. La solicitud de la solicitud de registro puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar de recibir la solicitud de registro por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico. Los formularios de solicitud de registro de votantes militares deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. el 13 de marzo de 2025.

Y ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA

POR LA PRESENTE que los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country pueden solicitar una solicitud de boleta militar al Secretario del Distrito en persona, por correo electrónico a cflynn@ southcountry.org o por fax al 631-286-2457. Para que se le emita una boleta militar a un votante militar, se debe recibir una solicitud de boleta militar válida en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del 13 de marzo de 2025. Las solicitudes de boleta militar recibidas de acuerdo con lo anterior se procesarán de la misma manera que una solicitud de boleta no militar según la Sección 2018-a de la Ley de Educación. La solicitud de boleta militar puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar de recibir la boleta militar por correo, fax o correo electrónico. La solicitud de boleta militar original y la boleta militar de un votante militar deben devolverse por correo o en persona a la oficina del Secretario de Distrito en el Distrito Escolar Central de South Country, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, NY 11772.

Y ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA

POR LA PRESENTE que las boletas militares se escrutarán si son recibidas por el Secretario de Distrito (1) antes del cierre de las urnas el 8 de abril de 2025 y muestran una marca de cancelación del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o muestran un respaldo fechado de recepción por otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o (2) no más tarde de las 5:00 p.m. el 8 de abril de 2025 y firmado y fechado por el votante militar y un

testigo, con una fecha que se determine que no es posterior al día anterior a la elección.

Fecha: 22 de enero de 2025 East Patchogue, Nueva York

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL DE SOUTH COUNTRY, CIUDAD DE BROOKHAVEN, CONDADO DE SUFFOLK, NUEVA YORK

Christine Flynn Secretaria de distrito

L16176 - 02/19/2025, 03/05/2025, 03/19/2025 & 04/02/2025

NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING OF THE SOUTH COUNTRY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK ON BEHALF OF THE SOUTH COUNTRY LIBRARY

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Special District Meeting of the qualified voters of the South Country Central School District, Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York will be held at the South Country Library, 22 Station Rd., Bellport, New York on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., prevailing time, for the purpose of voting by paper ballot upon the following items:

(1) To adopt the Annual Budget of the South Country Library for the fiscal year 2025-2026 and to authorize that the requisite portion thereof be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the South Country Central School District, pursuant to section 259 of the Education Law; and

(2) To elect two (2) Trustees of the Library to fill three-year terms commencing May 15, 2025, and ending May 18, 2028.

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that for the purpose of voting at such meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the polls will

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

be open between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, and voting will be held at the South Country Library, 22 Station Rd., Bellport, New York; and

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a copy of a statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for the South Country Library’s purposes exclusive of public monies, may be obtained by any resident of the District during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding said meeting except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from the Library located at 22 Station Rd., Bellport, New York during regular business hours and from the School District between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday) at the District’s Administration building located at 189 Dunton Avenue., East Patchogue, New York.

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of Trustee of the South Country Library must be filed at the South Country Library, 22 Station Rd., Bellport, New York, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025; such petitions shall be filed between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday) prevailing time; each petition must be directed to the Director of the Library, must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the School District, and must state the residence address of each signer and the name and residence of the candidate. Vacancies on the Library Board are not considered separate, specific offices, and the nominating petitions, therefore, shall not describe any specific vacancies upon the Library Board for which the candidate is nominated; and

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to § 2014 of the Education Law or pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to § 2014 of the Education Law and has voted at any

Annual or Special District Meeting within the past four (4) years, such voter is eligible to vote at this election; if a voter is registered and eligible to vote pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law, such voter is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register. Registration shall be conducted for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law through Wednesday, April 2, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time on all regular days during which the Office of the District Clerk is in operation at the Office of the Clerk located in the South Country Central School District Administration Building, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such register, provided that at such time he or she is known, or proven to the satisfaction of said Clerk to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such Special District Meeting for which the register is prepared. The register so prepared pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the School District in the Administration Building, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on each of the five (5) days prior to the date set for the meeting and shall be available between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, weekdays and on Saturday, April 5, 2025, by prearranged appointment by contacting the District Clerk at (631) 730-1542 or by email to cflynn@southcountry.org. In addition, the registration list shall be available in the South Country Library on the day of the vote; and

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the South Country Central School District by requesting and returning a registration application to the District Clerk in person, or by email to cflynn@southcountry. org or fax sent to 631-2862457. The request for the registration application may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the registration application by either mail, fax, or email. Military voter registration application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 13, 2025.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the South Country Central School District, may request an application for a military

ballot from the District Clerk in person, or by email

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for absentee and early mail ballots will be obtainable from the office of the Clerk of the School District (Administrative Offices, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York) between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, during all days on which the School District is in session. Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than March 10, 2025, and by April 1, 2025, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter. If the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter at the office of the District Clerk the completed application must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025. No absentee or early mail voter’s ballot shall be canvassed unless it shall have been received in the office of the Clerk of the District not later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the vote/ election. A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots have been issued will be available in the School District Clerk’s office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on each of the five days prior to April 8, 2025, and on Saturday, April 5, 2025, by pre-arranged appointment by contacting the District Clerk at (631) 730-1542 or by email to cflynn@southcountry.org. A challenge to an absentee ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an early mail ballot.

to cflynn@southcountry. org or fax sent to 631-2862457. In order for a military voter to be issued a military ballot, a valid military ballot application must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m., on March 13, 2025. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a nonmilitary ballot application under Section 2018-a of the Education Law. The application for military ballot may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax, or email. A military voter’s original military ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at South Country Central School District, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, NY 11772.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk (1) before the close of polls on April 8, 2025 showing a cancellation mark of the United States Postal Service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or (2) not later than 5:00 p.m. on April 8, 2025 and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.

Dated: January 22, 2025 East Patchogue, New York BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION SOUTH COUNTRY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK

Christine Flynn, District Clerk

L16177 - 02/19/2025, 03/05/2025, 03/19/2025 & 04/02/2025

AVISO DE REUNIÓN ESPECIAL DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL DE SOUTH COUNTRY CIUDAD DE BROOKHAVEN, CONDADO DE SUFFOLK,

NUEVA YORK EN NOMBRE DE LA BIBLIOTECA DE SOUTH COUNTRY

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que se llevará a cabo una Reunión Distrital Especial de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country, Ciudad de Brookhaven, Condado de Suffolk, Nueva York, en la Biblioteca de South Country, 22 Station Rd., Bellport, Nueva York, el martes 8 de abril de 2025, a las 9:30 a.m., hora vigente, con el propósito de votar mediante boleta de papel sobre los siguientes temas:

(1) Adoptar el Presupuesto Anual de la Biblioteca South Country para el año fiscal 2025-2026 y autorizar que la parte requerida del mismo se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad imponible del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country, de conformidad con la sección 259 de la Ley de Educación; y (2) Elegir dos (2) Síndicos de la Biblioteca para cubrir períodos de tres años que comienzan el 15 de mayo de 2025 y terminan el 18 de mayo de 2028.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS

POR LA PRESENTE que, para votar en dicha reunión el martes 8 de abril de 2025, las urnas estarán abiertas entre las 9:30 a. m. y las 9:00 p. m., hora vigente, y la votación se llevará a cabo en la Biblioteca South Country, 22 Station Rd., Bellport, Nueva York; y

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las peticiones de nominación de candidatos para el cargo de Síndico de la Biblioteca South Country deben presentarse en la Biblioteca South Country, 22 Station Rd., Bellport, Nueva York, a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del lunes 24 de febrero de 2025.; dichas peticiones se presentarán entre las 9:30 a. m. y las 5:00 p. m. (de lunes a viernes), hora vigente; cada petición debe estar dirigida al Director de la Biblioteca, debe estar firmada por al menos veinticinco (25) votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar y debe indicar la dirección de residencia de cada firmante y el nombre y la residencia del candidato. Las vacantes en la Junta de la Biblioteca no se consideran cargos separados y específicos y, por lo tanto, las peticiones de nominación no deben describir ninguna vacante específica en la Junta de la Biblioteca para la cual se nomina al candidato; y

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que el registro personal de los votantes es obligatorio de conformidad con el § 2014 de la Ley de Educación o de conformidad con el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral. Si un votante se ha registrado previamente de conformidad con el § 2014 de la Ley de Educación y ha votado en cualquier Asamblea Anual o Distrital Especial dentro de los últimos cuatro (4) años, dicho votante es

elegible para votar en esta elección; si un votante está registrado y es elegible para votar de conformidad con el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral, dicho votante también es elegible para votar en esta elección. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben registrarse. El registro se llevará a cabo con el propósito de registrar a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito de conformidad con el §2014 de la Ley de Educación hasta el miércoles 2 de abril de 2025, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., hora vigente en todos los días regulares durante los cuales la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito está en funcionamiento en la Oficina del Secretario ubicada en el Edificio de Administración

POR LA PRESENTE que cualquier residente del Distrito podrá obtener una copia de una declaración de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año siguiente para los fines de la Biblioteca South Country, excluyendo los dineros públicos, durante los catorce (14) días inmediatamente anteriores a dicha reunión, excepto los sábados, domingos y feriados, en la Biblioteca ubicada en 22 Station Rd., Bellport, Nueva York, durante el horario comercial habitual, y en el Distrito Escolar entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. (de lunes a viernes) en el edificio de la Administración del Distrito ubicado en 189 Dunton Avenue., East Patchogue, Nueva York.

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York, momento en el cual cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se coloque en dicho registro, siempre que en ese momento se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicho Secretario que tiene derecho en ese momento o en lo sucesivo a votar en dicha Reunión Especial del Distrito para la cual se prepara el registro. El registro preparado de conformidad con el §2014 de la Ley de Educación se archivará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar en el Edificio Administrativo, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York y estará abierto para inspección por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito a partir de cada uno de los cinco (5) días anteriores a la fecha establecida para la reunión y estará disponible entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., hora vigente, los días de semana y el sábado 5 de abril de 2025, mediante cita previa comunicándose con el Secretario del Distrito al (631) 730-1542 o por correo electrónico a cflynn@ southcountry.org. Además, la lista de registro estará disponible en la Biblioteca South Country el día de la votación; y

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS POR LA PRESENTE que las solicitudes de boletas de voto en ausencia y de voto anticipado por correo se podrán obtener en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar (Oficinas Administrativas, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York) entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., hora vigente, durante todos los días en que el Distrito Escolar esté en sesión. Las solicitudes completas deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito no antes del 10 de marzo de 2025, y antes del 1 de abril de 2025, si la boleta se enviará por correo al votante. Si la boleta se entregará personalmente al votante en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito, la solicitud completa debe ser recibida por el Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. el lunes 7 de abril de 2025. No se examinará ninguna papeleta de voto en ausencia o por correo anticipado a menos que haya sido recibida en la oficina del

Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del día de la votación/elección. Una lista de todas las personas a quienes se han emitido papeletas de voto en ausencia o por correo anticipado estará disponible en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. cada uno de los cinco días anteriores al 8 de abril de 2025 y el sábado 5 de abril de 2025, mediante cita previa comunicándose con el Secretario del Distrito al (631) 730-1542 o por correo electrónico a cflynn@ southcountry.org. No se puede impugnar una papeleta de voto en ausencia sobre la base de que el votante debería haber solicitado una papeleta de voto por correo anticipado.

Y ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA

POR LA PRESENTE que los votantes militares que no estén registrados actualmente pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country solicitando y devolviendo una solicitud de registro al Secretario del Distrito en persona, o por correo electrónico a cflynn@ southcountry.org o por fax al 631-286-2457. La solicitud de la solicitud de registro puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar de recibir la solicitud de registro por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico. Los formularios de solicitud de registro de votantes militares deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del 13 de marzo de 2025.

Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA

POR LA PRESENTE que los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country pueden solicitar una solicitud de boleta militar al Secretario del Distrito en persona, o por correo electrónico a cflynn@ southcountry.org o por fax al 631-286-2457. Para que se le emita una boleta de votación militar a un votante militar, se debe recibir una solicitud de boleta de votación militar válida en la oficina del secretario del distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del 13 de marzo de 2025. Las solicitudes de boleta de votación militar recibidas de acuerdo con lo anterior se procesarán

de la misma manera que una solicitud de boleta de votación no militar según la Sección 2018-a de la Ley de Educación. La solicitud de boleta de votación militar puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar de recibir la boleta de votación militar por correo, fax o correo electrónico. La solicitud de boleta de votación militar original y la boleta de votación militar deben devolverse por correo o en persona a la oficina del secretario del distrito en el Distrito Escolar Central de South Country, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, NY 11772.

Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA POR LA PRESENTE que las papeletas militares serán escrutadas si son recibidas por el Secretario de Distrito (1) antes del cierre de las urnas el 8 de abril de 2025 mostrando una marca de cancelación del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o mostrando un endoso fechado de recibo por otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o (2) no más tarde de las 5:00 p.m. del 8 de abril de 2025 y firmadas y fechadas por el votante militar y un testigo de ello, con una fecha que se determine que no es posterior al día anterior a la elección.

Fecha: 22 de enero de 2025 East Patchogue, Nueva York

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL DE SOUTH COUNTRY, CIUDAD DE BROOKHAVEN, CONDADO DE SUFFOLK, NUEVA YORK

Christine Flynn, Secretaria del Distrito

L16178 - 02/19/2025, 03/05/2025, 03/19/2025 & 04/02/2025

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, Plaintiff, -againstJennifer Robinson as Heir to the Estate of Kathleen Paccione, Peter Paccione as Heir to the Estate of Kathleen Paccione, Patrick Paccione as Heir to the Estate of

Kathleen Paccione, John T. Mather Memorial Hospital, Clerk of the Suffolk County District Court, Clerk of the Suffolk County Traffic & Parking Violations Agency, People of the State of New York, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, United States of America - Internal Revenue Service, Kathleen Paccione's unknown heirs-at-law, 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 said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right, title or interest in the real property described in the complaint herein, James Krauss, Defendants.

Index #: 610021/2024

Filed: 04/18/2024

SUMMONS

Plaintiff designates Suffolk County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the subject premises is situated.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S):

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the attorneys for the plaintiff within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York; or within sixty (60) days if it is the United States of America. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: Bay Shore, New York April 17, 2024 FRENKEL, LAMBERT, WEISS, WEISMAN & GORDON, LLP BY: Deana Cheli

Attorneys for Plaintiff 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, New York 11706 (631) 969-3100

Our File No.: 01-099455F00

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT

THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $215,034.48 and interest, recorded in the office of the clerk of the County of Suffolk on January 30, 2007 in Liber M00021466, Page 485 covering premises known as 438 Auborn Avenue, Shirley, NY 11967. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.

L16179 - 02/19/2025, 02/26/2025, 03/05/2025 & 03/12/2025

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST JOSE A. LOPEZ, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 17, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on March 24, 2025 at 10:30AM, premises known as 3 Park Avenue, Medford, NY 11763. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and

improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200 Section 867-00 Block 01.00 Lot 040.000. Approximate amount of judgment $648,132.28 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #613544/2023. Andrew J. Levitt, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-004335 84419

L16180 - 02/19/2025, 02/26/2025, 03/05/2025 & 03/12/2025

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC Plaintiff, -against- ROBERT W. JOHNSON JR. AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT W. JOHNSON; JOSHUA JOHNSON AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT W. JOHNSON; JEREMY JOHNSON AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT W. JOHNSON; if living, and if he/she be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; PHYLLIS ZANICHKOWSKY AS TRUSTEE OF THE ROBERT W. JOHNSON

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

REVOCABLE TRUST,

DATED JULY 12, 2020; MIDLAND FUNDING LLC APO GE MONEY BANK; DAVID NEY; COMMISSIONER OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA INTERNAL REVENUE

SERVICE; CLERK OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY DISTRICT COURT; STATE OF NEW YORK; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; and JOHN DOE AND JANE DOE #1 through #7, the last seven (7) names being fictitious and unknown to the Plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the

tenants, occupants, persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the Complaint, Defendants. INDEX # 607016/2024

Original filed with Clerk April 29, 2024. Plaintiff Designates Suffolk County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated Suffolk County. Premises: 142 New York Ave Sound Beach, NY 11789. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of

this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); the United States of America may appear or answer within 60 day of service hereof; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. Said Supplemental Summons and Amended Complaint are being filed pursuant to Amended Court Order dated January 16, 2025. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company

who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: Uniondale, New York, January 28, 2025. Pincus Law Group, PLLC. By: /s/ Linda P. Manfredi, Esq., Attorneys for Plaintiff,

425 RXR Plaza Uniondale, NY 11556, 516-699-8902

L16181 - 02/19/2025, 02/26/2025, 03/05/2025 & 03/12/2025

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, March 6, 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 Gerard and Cheryl Manning, 8 Sterling Path, Yaphank, NY to repeal Restrictive Covenants for property known as Sterling Ridge Lot 4. Covenant relief being

requested on the abovedescribed premises is as follows:

An increase in clearing limit from 36% to 61%, and a reduction in the natural buffer from 50-feet to 20-feet.

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 Dated: February 12, 2025

L16182-02/19/2025

Auto Donations

GOT AN UNWANTED CAR??? Your car donation to Patriotic Hearts helps veterans find work or start their own business. Fast free pick. Running or not! Call 24/7: 1-888-251-3135.

Autos Wanted

***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$

Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199. Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS. 516-297-2277

We buy 8,000 cars a week. Sell your old, busted or junk car with no hoops, haggles or headaches. Sell your car to Peddle. Easy three step process. Instant offer. Free pickup. Fast payment. Call 1-855-4033374

Health

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY

USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 888-514-3044

THE CLASSIFIEDS

HELP WANTED

Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS

USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-855-399-2582

HEARING AIDS!! High-quality rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-598-5898

Help Wanted

Print Shop needs Jogger/Press Helper. Warehouse experience helpful, but not necessary. Productive environment 40-50lbs lift requirement, looking for reliable dependable person. Good Pay and Benefits. Apply in Person: 14 Ramsey Road, Shirley NY 11967 9:00 am-4:00pm M-T, or fax resume to 631-345-0709. Phone-631-345-3800 ext 223.

MACHINE OPERATOR

TECHNICAIN Experienced person with ability to running, operate and maintain machinery. We will train person to run our equipment. Good starting pay and benefits. For consideration, please Email your resume to: admin@atlanticcolor. com or fax your resume to: 631-3450709. You may also come in to fill out an application at 14 Ramsey rd. Shirley NY, 11967.

Travel Services

SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

TV Internet Phone

AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-855-399-2803

DIRECTV - All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069

Home Improvement

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855399-2076

Prepare for power outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-

leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496

Do you know what’s in your water? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-2475728

Attorney

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-4544717. Be ready with your ZIP code to connect with the closest provider

Services

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably.

Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311 Have ZIP code of property ready when calling!

Consumer Cellular - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682 Real Estate Wanted

Buying /

BY TOM BARTON

As spring training has begun we are starting to see players on the field and in their new uniforms. The talk of guys being in "the best shape of their lives" has begun and hearing the crack of the bat and whoosh of the fastball fills the air. For sports bettors that means one thing, future plays.

This is the time of year where most sports bettors can see teams roster construction and really start to assess what teams to invest in for the upcoming year. Of all the major sports baseball has proven to have the most parity, which also makes it harder to predict than any other sport.

This season it almost feels like it's the Dodgers or the field. But, we have said that before with high spending, "super teams" that fell short. This version of the Dodgers seems like the most stacked preseason team in memory and when you look at them on paper they stack up as the best team ever. Games aren't played on paper

though and a lot can go wrong between now and October.

With that said no one can argue that Los Angeles shouldn't be the odds on favorites to begin the year, again, and book makers have agreed setting them up as +400 favorites to repeat. That number has even gone to +300 in some spots and has been getting bet hard in the early going.

With all the talk about how much losing Juan Soto will hurt them, the New York Yankees are still the second favorites at 8-to-1 odds to win it all. Juan Soto's new team is right behind the pinstripes as the Mets come in at +850.

That makes both the Yankees and Mets the favorites to win their respective divisions as well. The Mets have a tougher road as the Atlanta Braves are nipping on their tail to win the World Series at 9-to1 odds and fourth overall.

The Yankees and Mets then both see a division rival tied for the next odds with the Baltimore Orioles

The Dodgers Are the Hated Favorites

and Philadelphia Phillies both sitting at 12-to-1 odds. The Orioles have been falling as they didn't address the loss of their staff ace in Corbin Burnes and you can get them at +1500 in some books while the Phillies are rising. Concerns over the back end of their bullpen don't seem to be swaying bettors off of the Phils as they are being bet heavily early on.

The Astros were sitting at 12 to 1 with those two, but the loss of Alex Bregman this week has watched them fall to +1400 in most places. That puts them just in front of the San Diego Padres, who are 15 to 1, but the rumors of the Padres potentially trading some of their key players has bettors weary and their line could shift drastically before opening day.

The Guardians, Rangers, Mariners, Red Sox, and Diamondbacks all are listed at +2500. That's pretty good value if you think one of them can pull the upset. The Red Sox have re-hauled

their team and added Bregman this week, the Guardians always seem to be in the mix, Seattle always has the pitching they just need some hitting, and the Rangers are not far away from winning it all and have some healthy players coming back like Jacob Degrom, who could be a big difference maker.

The Twins and Cubs come in at 30-to-1 odds and both are in weak, winnable divisions. The Cubs seem like the more likely value as they have made someoff season moves to inspire confidence in them and they are the type of club who will make a big trade during the season to get a player they need to take that next step up.

Fantasy Baseball - Closer Value Is Found in Fake News

ByTomBarton

In fantasy baseball circles there are two very different philosophies in regards to obtaining saves. Some want the top-notch closers who are reliable not only in getting saves, but also can help in ERA, K's and WHIP, while others look at the volatility of the position and decide to wait until the end for a closer in waiting who will eventually get the job.

I have always been on the side where I want an established arm. Not everyone can stomach paying for the Emmanuel Clase's of the world. But, those who did were paid off handsomely last season. Clase ended with 47 saves and a ridiculous 0.61 ERA. Ryan Helsley led the majors in saves with 49, while putting up great counting stats, and Josh Hader was his usual dominant self with 34 saves and over 100 strikeouts. These back end relievers, with a few more names, will cost a premium in drafts this spring, but if you decide to wait there is some value out there.

Just last week Kenley Jansen signed with the Los Angeles Angels. Jansen is thought to be "too old" and in fantasy leagues older players are always undervalued but Jansen holds some great value. He is the

surefire closer on a team that only has a young, and wild arm behind him. Jansen reportedly took less money for the guarantee as saves. He is 32 away from having the third most all time saves and you can be sure that the Angels want him to get there as their main stopper.

Jansen also had some pretty great numbers last season and the underlying metrics show no reason to doubt him. The 37-year-old notched 27 saves in 31 opportunities for the Red Sox last season and he had 62 strikeouts in 54 2/3 innings. His

28.4% strikeout rate ranked in the 84th percentile and he had a .213 expected opponents batting average. Everything but his age says this is a lockdown closer that you can get later than you should.

Jeff Hoffman also falls into the realm of every statistic shows he can be a top 10 closer, but offseason red flags will keep his price tag down in drafts. Hoffman, who has never been a closer, signed a three-year, $33-million deal with the Blue Jays this winter to be exactly that, their closer.

Hoffman was electric last season with the Phillies. He had a tiny 2.17 ERA with 89 strikeouts over his 66 1/3 innings. Under the hood he also doesn't walk many batters and his whiff rate and chase rate are each ranked in the 96th percentile. He can get his fastball up near 99 mph and while he only has 12 saves in his career, he has been used in pressure-filled, postseason level situations without a problem. So, why is Hoffman not being selected in the top 10 closers? The inexperience is a small factor, but the injury, or thought

of one, is the driving force. Right after Hoffman was signed by the Blue Jays reports came out that two other teams had interest in signing him but his medicals were flagged as problematic. This news ran rampant through baseball media and has now taken on a life of its own. What most outlets fail to tell you is that both of the teams who flagged Hoffman's medicals still put an offer out for the 32-yearold to come and pitch for them. Neither team believed the flagged medicals were enough to not offer him millions and be on their team, so in the fantasy space why should we? Let the rumors and "injury" news drive his price down and you can nab yourself a potential stud closer for a value much lower than he should be.

These are just two examples of the perception of a closer against the average draft position. You can always wait it out and grab some low-end arms in hopes they get you saves, and you can still pay up big for the Clase's of the world to give you some stability at an unstable position, but if you want pure value use Kenley's age and Hoffman's injury news against them and grab two back end starters who both could bring you to a title.

Kenley Jansen

Credit: @kenleyjansen74 | X

ByTomBarton

Another Jets Failure Leads to Another "Rebuild"

The New York Jets are used to failure and they have closed the book on another failed experiment by a franchise that is so wrought with lack of success that they have become a punch line.

This week the Jets front office informed their 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers that they will be moving on from his services for next season.

Rodgers has said that he is unsure if he will even play this upcoming season, but according to many news outlets it won't be for the Jets. Rodgers said after the Jets’ 5-12 season that he wanted to take “a break mentally to kind of refresh and put my feet in the sand, and see where I’m at after that.”

That sentiment isn't only because he is 41 years old, but the lack of

success and the mentally draining Jets franchise had taken a toll on him.

The Jets are heading in a new

direction and for their side of things it makes little sense to begin a rebuild with an aging, disgruntled, and declining QB. They recently hired general manager Darren

Suffolk Swimmers Stand Out at the Championship

ByTomBarton

This weekend the Suffolk boys swimming championships at Stony Brook had no shortage of outstanding performances.

Rocky Point junior Trevor Green won the Section XI Championship in both the 100yard Individual Medley and the 200-yard backstroke. He won the 200-yard event with a time of 1:51.05. With his dual winning day Green was named the Outstanding Competitor Award Winner of the entire meet.

Green is a two-sports star as a swimmer and cross-country runner for the Eagles. Green has been qualifying for the state's since his freshman year in both the 200-yard and backstroke. He finished sixth in the state in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 4:37.34 and 10th in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 53.13.

Comsewogue's Ethan Placencia-Nazaren won the 200-

yard freestyle with a time of 1:45.24, while Sachem's Brayden Savas took home first place in the the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 4:46.61.

Smithtown had a very good day taking home multiple first-place finishes. Christopher Sweeney won the 100-yard breaststroke and Tyler Gallub won the 50-yard freestyle.

Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn and owner Woody Johnson wants them to install their guys to build this team.

New York doesn't have a high draft pick and their future QB doesn't appear to be on the roster, so this will be an interesting offseason for the franchise, who seem to always be rebuilding. Quinnen Williams, one of the Jets premiere players took to social media and put a thumbs down and wrote “Another rebuild year for me I guess." The constant rebuild mode has taken a toll on the fans as well as many were vocal on social media about the decision to move on, with no real solution in sight.

The Jets might also lose Devante Adams. Adams was obtained in a trade with the Raiders, specifically to be back playing with his best friend in Rodgers. Ironically, Rodgers has been linked to the Raiders as his next destination if he were to continue playing.

There were many outspoken doubters when the Jets brought the aging Rodgers into the fold a few years ago. New York has once again bungled years of players' careers and made ill-advised moves. Now all eyes are on the next regime as they begin what seems to be the perennial rebuild with this organization.

Lin Is Alone in the History Books

Credit: Half Hollow Hills HS East | Facebook HH East Fencing Team

ByTomBarton

This past week Half Hollow Hills East High School's Victoria Lin entered Long Island’s history book.

The Hills East senior became the first fencer on Long Island to win a county championship in two different disciplines. She had previously won the title as a foil fencer two years ago and this season won in the Women's Epee.

Lin went 14-1 and 5-0 in the final pool to win the Suffolk girls epee championship and become the first dual-discipline athlete ever on Long Island to do so.

Lin moved disciplines last year to help the team who lost their epees competitors. Credit can also be given to Hills head coach Steven Ferrantello who suggested the move and had confidence in Lin's ability to adapt.

Overall it was a great event for Hills East, who were the host school as they watched three fencers win at the championships.

Joining Lin in the winning were Jeremy Wu, who won the Men's Epee and Evie Pierre-Louis who won the Women's Sabre.

Evie Pierre-Louis swept the third pool to win the saber championship.

The 51st State Gets Punched In the Face as America Wins

What would you do if someone boo'd your nation's national anthem? Well, Team USA did what many of you just answered and punched them right in the face.

face to begin the hockey game and then it happened again and again as Team USA set the tone en route to a 3-1 victory and a spot in the championship game on Thursday.

Just seconds after the opening face off, the first haymaker was thrown and the fight had started. Team USA's Matthew Tkachuk and Canada's Brandon Hagel dropped their gloves and it was on with Tkachuk getting the better end of the brawl.

On the ensuing face-off, Matthew's brother Brady Tkachuk and Sam Bennett got into another fight and were sent to the penalty box. As Brady entered the box Matthew Tkachuk was all smiles

and celebrating his brother's arrival and you can see his American pride shining through for his brother's effort.

That was not the end of the brawling as just nine seconds into the game, Team USA's J.T. Miller and Colton Parayko went at it after a shot on goal by the U.S. to make that three fights in 9 seconds setting the tone for the game.

The game itself almost became a backdrop but Team USA advancing in that arena was pure cinema.

Dylan Larkin scored the go-ahead goal in the second period and Connor Hellebuyck saved 24 shots to lead team USA to the win.

Besides just the fighting this

has been viewed by many hockey insiders as one of America's greatest hockey victories. After the national anthem was disrespected twice, and the Canadian fans ripped Americans in the media all week, Team USA walked into their building, in their biggest market and beat them on the ice in their country's biggest game, after picking a fight with them. After the game Jack Eichel said the game reminded him of the intensity of a Stanley Cup Finals game and added that this was "one of the most exciting games I have been a part of." While Brady Tkachuk said "I feel like they're a lot of unhappy people here, especially in Montreal, a place that isn't my favorite."

ARodg No More

Credit: Grok

Credit: RP Athletics | Facebook Trevor Green

That is how the NHL's 4 Nations Face Off began on Saturday night. The 51st state, North North Dakota, or Canada as some still refer to it got literally punched in the

Tkachuk Fight

SPORTS Jack Meyer Leads the Colonials Impressive Weekend

ByTomBarton

The William Floyd varsity boys wrestling team had a strong showing at the League I championships last week.

Led by head coach Tony Mecca, the Colonials finished in second place as a team, with a grand total of 10 wrestlers finishing within the top four and earning All-League status. This included two league champions, four second place finishes, two third place finishes and two fourth place finishes. With their string showing 10 different wrestlers officially qualified for the county championships.

The overall champions were Jayvyn Johnson, wrestling at 138 lbs. and Josiah Lors at 215 lbs. Taking home second place were David Barrera at 116 lbs., David Gonzalez wrestling at 190 lbs., Aaron Land at 170 lbs., and Jack Meyer at 131 lbs.

Finishing in third place was Antonio Martin at 160 lbs., and Rob Martinez with a wrestling weight of 285 lbs. The fourth place wrestlers were Caleb Holmes at 124 lbs., and Ryan Murtha at 138 lbs.

The winning week didn't end

there as Jack Meyer was named the winner of the Spartan Award as the most outstanding wrestler in League I. He’ll serve as the flag-bearer at the upcoming county championships in honor of this achievement. Meyer had an outstanding season in which

he finished in the top three across numerous tournaments and had a highlight moment for the record books when he reached 100-career wins. That win makes him the seventh William Floyd wrestler to achieve the 100-win milestone and one of the rare wrestlers to do so in just his junior year. Coach Mecca added that he’s on pace to reach 115 wins and become the William Floyd alltime win leader in his senior year.

The Colonials Have a Fairytale Week

ByTomBarton

When the Ward Melville Cheer Team were selected to head down to Walt Disney World to compete for the UCA High School Nationals they knew they were facing off against not only the other teams there, but also facing history.

They faced that history and made some of their own when they placed second in the nation. That is the highest ever for a Ward Melville cheer team and they can write their names in the history books.

Competing in the Small Coed Game Day Division Ward Melville had an outstanding performance all weekend and set the new standard at the school. In addition they also received sixth place in a tough division.

The school put out a statement for the team that said "Congratulations Cheer Team and we are so proud of how hard you worked to bring our Cheer

The Wildcats Excel at the Fencing Championships

ByTomBarton

Shoreham-Wading

River

High School's fencing team had a banner week and some athletes stood out from the crowd.

The team watched as freshman Joseph Losquadro, who was in the Sabre competition, had an amazing run in his first year of high school fencing competition.

An integral part of driving his team to a fourth-place finish in the Suffolk County playoffs,

Joseph finished an impressive 12th place in the Individual County’s. For his skill and determination all season long we earned All-League and First Team All-County honors by the Suffolk County Fencing Coaches Association.

The fencing team also was led by senior Charles Pedersen, in the Foil. He had the highlight of his high school athletic career this past Saturday.

Pedersen has already

established himself as one of the best on the Island as he has qualified for individual playoffs all four years of his high school career. Over those playoff years he earned third place in his freshman year, fourth place in his sophomore year and second place in his junior year.

This week he was in a competition that forced a threeway fence-off after he led by seven touches at the end of regulation in the tournament. Pedersen won back-to-back bouts in the fence-off, for a final record of 16-1, to secure the 2025 Suffolk County Championship in Boys Foil Fencing.

Shoreham-Wading River said of Pedersen "Congratulations to senior 'King' Charles Pedersen for his incredible perseverance and triumphs thus far and wish him continued success as he furthers his academic and athletic careers at Wheaton College in Norton, MA as a member of the Lyons Men’s Fencing Team."

Program to the highest level of competition. Good luck at the Suffolk County Traditional Championship next weekend."

The Dodgers Are...

Continued from page 28

The Tigers, Royals and Brewers are next at 40-to-1 odds. The Tigers and Royals are in the same division with the Twins and while it's a very winnable division, this has gotten so much better the past few years. It's not hard to imagine that the Royals or Detroit's young core break out this season and that gives this number quite a bit of value.

The Giants, Rays, Blue Jays, Reds, and Cardinals all sit at just about +5500. The Cardinals have basically said this is a lost season for them. The Giants made a move to get more hitting but they still are in a division with the Dodgers and DBacks, both who are wearing NL Championship rings over the past few years. The same can be said for the Rays and Jays, who still have to take down the Yankees, Orioles and Red Sox to get into the conversation which leaves the Reds. This is a very

intriguing spot for Cincy who look like they are on the verge of breaking out and in the NL Central could steal the division crown. A young, upstart team like the Reds at this price could be a worthwhile shot for those looking for a long shot.

The Pirates are 75 to 1, but you really have to have faith in their young dynamic arms to be on top of their game all season and their weak hitting to string things together for this bet.

All the other teams are as long shots as you can get. The Angels, A's and Nationals are all 150 to 1 to win it all and while the Nats and A's might be intriguing, you're better off playing them at plus money to make the playoffs rather than this crazy long shot. The last three teams are the Marlins, Rockies and White Sox. 400-to-1 odds seem tempting, but they are 400 to 1 for a reason.

and sporting events: sports@southshorepress.com

Credit: Three Village Athletics | Facebook Ward Melville Cheer

William Floyd Wrestling

Credit: WIlliam Floyd School District

Joseph Losquadro

Credit: Shoreham-Wading River Central School District | Facebook

SPORTS Rocky Point Basketball Wins a Thriller

ByTomBarton

The Rocky Point Eagles have advanced to the next round of the playoffs and could not have done it in a more exciting fashion.

The Eagles won 60-58 over Westhampton on Thursday night in a game that was as close as the score would indicate.

Casmere Morrow looked the part of a superstar right from the opening tip. Morrow, who has a banner hanging in the Rocky Point gym for scoring 1,000 points in his basketball career for the Eagles, was the player everyone had eyes on and he proved to be every bit of that superstar.

The very first points of the game were scored by Morrow and his night was off to a fast start. That Rocky Point 2-0 lead would prove to be the situation for most of the game.

Although the Eagles were

being out rebounded under the basket early, they played excellent defense and held the lead for all of the early going. Morrow hit a big three early and his outside game proved to be as deadly as his inside presence as he hit two deep balls on the evening.

Westhampton was also firing away from three-point land but they simply weren't falling. There were some good looks, and some ill-advised deep shots, but the outside approach was a clear game plan that just wasn't effective against the Rocky Point defense. While the Westhampton three's were off the market, the Eagles were draining theirs and after a Brody Kiernan deep shot the Eagles suddenly had a 12-6 advantage.

Westhampton decided to go big and play inside which resulted in a nice run to tie the game at 12 behind a stellar effort from their senior Jordan Bennett. Bennett

Ducks Manager Makes the Anniversary Team

ByTomBarton

The Long Island Ducks have announced a very special addition to their 25th Anniversary Team. Current Manager and former outfielder Lew Ford has been chosen as the 15th member of the team.

Ford played for the Ducks for longer than anyone else with a 13-year playing career. During his time with the Ducks he set a team record for hits with 1,036, and he ranks second all-time in batting average with a .318 mark (min. 1,000 at bats). Ford also ranks second in games played, RBIs, runs scored, doubles, extra-base hits and total bases.

It's not just for the Ducks that Ford set high marks as he ranks second in Atlantic League history for doubles, third for hits, fourth in both total bases and extra-base hits, and fifth in both RBIs and runs. Ford was a part of the Flock's winning ways as he was part of three championship-winning teams in 2012, 2013 and 2019. He

had the play of the early going on a breakaway with a backwards dunk and highlight reel play that energized the visiting crowd.

The second quarter started much like the first with a backand-forth game as we found ourselves tied at 19 a piece. That is when Morrow took over once again. He scored 9 straight points for the Eagles and became the center piece of the offense. Just before the half Morrow went down hard on his hip and was noticeably limping, but Rocky Point had taken a 34-25 lead just before the half. I asked him about the hip after the game and he said it was a hard fall but he "was alright and he would be fine."

Coming out of the locker room Morrow led the charge again but a three from the top of the key by Max Wignall, who had three deep threes go down on the night, gave the Eagles their biggest lead at 13 points. That lead would slowly disappear as Westhampton would not go down without a fight. Truman Hahn came out of the halftime locker room like a man on fire. He drained a three, followed it with a layup, and had a turnover on defense. He then drew a foul, hit both free throws and when

also was on the team for eight division titles and 11 postseason appearances during his playing career.

Ford had his taste of the major leagues as in 2012 his contract was purchased by the Baltimore Orioles and was promoted to the Major Leagues later that same year. He spent six seasons in the majors with the Orioles and the majority of his years with the Minnesota Twins. For his major league career Ford finished with a .744 OPS and finished in the top 25 for the MVP award in his second season.

In the Atlantic League he was named Player of the Year in 2014, setting league singleseason records for hits with 189 and games played at 140. He earned three All-Star Game selections and was selected to two Postseason All-Star teams.

Ford now resides with his family in Selden, N.Y., and is entering his second season as Ducks manager.

his spark was done the lead was cut to just 6 points.

Malachi Bullock hit a shot with one second left on the third quarter clock to cut the lead to 4 points and we headed into the 4th quarter with a 47-43 Rocky Point lead. The raucous Rocky Point crowd was getting antsy but it never stopped their enthusiasm. The student section made the playoff atmosphere as loud and energized as I have seen and you can sense this would be a dynamic fourth quarter.

The final quarter began with the teams exchanging baskets, like two heavyweights in the late rounds both hoping for that knockout punch. With 6:30 to play it was a two-point game and you could cut the tension in the building with a knife. A once 13-point advantage was dwindled to just a basket and the Eagles were watching this one slip away.

After a controversial call of a double dribble under the basket, Westhampton drove the length of the court to tie the game and the visiting audience erupted as they could feel the momentum swing in their favor. These two teams were mirroring each other so much that we had back-to-

back travel calls because of their suffocating defenses.

Goaltending was called and now Westhampton took the lead 54-52 with just under 3 minutes to play but Jeremy Sanchez decided to play some power ball under the basket. He grabbed two rebounds against much taller competition and came away with the ball, only to put it right back and tie the game at 54. That was followed by a big steal by Max Wignall and he polished off the exciting play with a slam dunk to take the lead and send the crowd into a frenzy with 2:31 to play.

After Bennett hit two free throws Wignall had ice in his veins and swished a corner three to give Rocky Point a one-point lead with 1:18 to play. This was an ice-cold answer for Wignall who had no fear taking that shot in such a tense moment.

The Eagles defense forced a turnover on a shot clock violation with under a minute to play and then they bled the clock with excellent team passing taking it down to five seconds to shoot. They drew the foul and knocked down one for two for the two-point lead. After a bad pass by Westhampton and a missed shot under the net Rocky Point stormed the court and advanced to the next round.

Morrow led all scorers with 24 points, seven assists and seven rebounds. Wignall finished with 21 points and three threepointers including that late dagger. Sanchez added seven, Kiernan had five and Evan Fernandez hit a three.

Rocky Point will now take on the #1 seed Wyandanch this Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Zahra Is Headed to State's

in the shot put at the Suffolk County indoor track and field State Qualifiers.

Shotput insiders have remarked how any distance over 60' is something to really turn heads

in the event. Last month Zahra put up a distance of 57'7 in the 12-pound varsity event at Suffolk Community College in Brentwood. Zahra's distance for that event was good enough for him to take home first place by almost 10 feet.

Zahra has progressively gotten his distance further and further in each event he has competed in for the past two seasons. He also competes in the Discus, the Hammer Throw, and the Weight Throw.

Earlier this season he broke the Mustangs school record in the Weight Throw at the Section XI Pole Vault, Weight Throw, and Distance Meet with a distance of 52' 10.75'.

His Mount Sinai teammate Joe Augustine finished in eighth place in the qualifiers this past week.

Rocky Point Basketball

Credit: Tom Barton

ByTomBarton

Mount Sinai's Tyler Zahra is headed to the NYSPHSAA State Championship after his impressive performance this week.

Zahra had a distance of 60’9.75

Credit: Section XI - Suffolk County Athletics | Facebook Tyler Zahra

Credit: Michael Polak Lew Ford

ROCKY POINT ADVANCES