My wife Ashley and I pinched pennies the past few years to pay down debt and get above water from a purely financial perspective.
There’s a support group for most American families who worked hard, scraped by, and did their best to pay down debts to eliminate credit card and interest payments: it’s called everybody.
It wasn’t easy. Now my amazing wife is a stay at home mom who is an incredible mother who is raising our three kids who are home: Maksym (7), Emeryk (5), and Victoria (3).
While we struggled to pay down debt, Ashley was a Social Worker, who worked hard improving the lives of the less fortunate. I’m not sharing any deep family financial secrets, but folks who go into Social Work assuredly aren’t doing it for an astronomical paycheck.
From a financial standpoint our family “battened down the hatches” and kept a close eye on every penny
going out the door.
We were rabid about paying down and off two credit cards and we knew we were facing a huge end of lease payment to keep our family SUV, which is needed to chauffeur three kids in child safety seats and booster seats.
It wasn’t easy. We made tough choices as a family. Sure, we could have easily called our car loan institution to stretch out payments or even extend the loan to only have a monthly payment. It was an option to call the two credit card companies and increase our lines of credit.
That wouldn’t have solved our issue or made a dent in the principal. While this was an option, it was the equivalent of putting our finger in the dam, simply delaying the principal payments on those three outstanding debts.
We didn’t take a $15,000 family trip to Disney, we shopped at generic brand stores, even ransacking our
SANTOS UNCENSORED
BY GEORGE SANTOS
Many in Washington, D.C., prioritize self-interest over public service. However, this past week, we witnessed one of the most selfless acts displayed by a politician in recent memory. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik of Upstate New York had been tapped to serve as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under the Trump administration. After months of delays in what should have been a seamless and straightforward confirmation process in the U.S. Senate, she made the difficult decision to withdraw her nomination.
Her reasoning was clear:
With the razor-thin Republican majority in the House of Representatives, her absence would make it significantly harder to pass President Trump's ambitious agenda. The challenge was further exacerbated by the blatant political maneuvering of New York's governor, who sought to delay the special election for her seat until November, denying the people of her district proper representation in Congress for the sake of partisan gain. This shameful tactic is a desperate attempt to weaken Republican momentum and stall meaningful legislative progress.
Big Government Must Reduce Spending. My Family Did
house to find a massive amount of clothes to sell to consignment stores. We literally sold clothes for extra cash.
As best as we could, we lived by many of the principles espoused by nationally known financial expert Dave Ramsey, which includes stashing away $1,000 for emergencies, paying off debt, and avoiding leases like the plague.
While it was difficult, challenging, and not ideal, at the end of last year we were able to sock away enough to fully pay off both credit cards and pay off the entire balance of what was left on our SUV.
Ashley and I lived within our means, paid off principal, drastically reduced debt, and are in a stronger financial position to take care of our family for years to come.
How much better off would the United States government be if Congress and national politicians did the same thing? Right now
the national debt is an astounding $36.7 trillion. The independent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) predicts this financial albatross around our necks will climb to $56 trillion in ten years.
This means every man, woman, and child in America would have to cough up $106,000 each to pay off the principal.
Since that’s not feasible, right now the government pays more on the
interest on the national debt than we do on national defense. Let that sink in: America is not paying down principal, only making interest payments on its “credit card,” and that bill is more than what we pay to defend our great nation.
Now more than ever, we need to support President Trump and Elon Musk in their mission to reduce spending and eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse from the bloated bureaucracy.
Taking One For Team Trump
Congresswoman Stefanik, now in her 11th year in Congress, remains one of the youngest and most influential members of the federal government. A trailblazer in every sense, she has been a driving force in expanding female representation within the Republican Party and has stood as one of President Trump's most loyal and effective allies. More than that, she is a true patriot one who just demonstrated her deep commitment to the country by setting aside a prestigious diplomatic appointment in favor of ensuring that the American people receive the legislative results they were promised.
I had the honor of serving alongside Congresswoman Stefanik and the privilege of getting to know her before I was ever elected. She is the epitome of a team player and a public servant who always puts country above self. Watching her make such a personal and professional sacrifice was both difficult and painful. Yet, after hearing her reasoning, it was impossible not to be moved.
Make no mistake Congresswoman Stefanik is a force to be reckoned with and a legislative warrior whom few would dare challenge. To those celebrating this decision
as some sort of twisted political victory, I say: Do better. Mark my words she will serve in this administration sooner or later, and when that day comes, we will see who has the last laugh. In the meantime, Congresswoman Stefanik will continue to deliver for New Yorkers and the American people. She will lead the charge in advancing President Trump's agenda and securing the legislative victories he promised in his bid to reclaim the White House. And he knows he can count on her to get the job done.
Continued
Photo Illustration
Credit: Grok/X
ByGeorgeSantos
Is A Boy is on the WFHS Girls’ Varsity Track Team?
Is a 14-year-old biological boy who socially identifies as a female competing on the William Floyd Girls track team?
A concerned parent who contacted the South Shore Press who wishes to remain anonymous says that is the case, and expressed concern over student safety and future funding for the William Floyd School District.
If this is the case, the participation of a biological boy competing in a girls' Varsity team at William Floyd High School would be in direct violation of President Trump’s Executive Order that threatens to withhold federal funds from schools that allow biological boys to compete in girls’ sports”
“Therefore, it is the policy of the United States to rescind all
funds from educational programs that deprive women and girls of fair athletic opportunities, which results in the endangerment, humiliation, and silencing of women and girls and deprives them of privacy. It shall also be the policy of the United States to oppose male competitive participation in women’s sports more broadly, as a matter of safety, fairness, dignity, and truth.”
Multiple parents sought answers from the District and shared emails they sent to administrators, coaches, and athletic directors, to what they see as a clear violation of President Trump’s Executive Order.
“The mental health of students comes first. The District has to make a decision: abide by federal law or continue letting a biological boy compete on a girls team,” said the parent of a William Floyd
student who agreed to be quoted by the South Shore Press, but not identified by name.
A second parent who also requested anonymity told the South Shore Press the biological boy who is competing on the William Floyd Girls Track team is considered a trans athlete, is around six feet tall and retains typical male physical characteristics.
This athlete’s transition has been strictly social according to two parents and one member of the William Floyd School District girls tram team, which would mean no medical hormone treatment has been undertaken to alter their appearance.
As a result, two parents and a teammate believe this remains a male Freshman student who has simply chosen to identify as female.
“Even in practice when we’re
supposed to be at the same pace, he bolts in front of everyone and looks back at us,” said one William Floyd Girls Track Team member to the South Shore Press, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of physical harm and retaliation from other students.
The parent who agreed to be quoted by the South Shore Press said the biological boy was allowed to use a girls locker room in the past, with some sort of plastic sheet separating that athlete and the rest of the girls on the team.
The concerned parent stated Section XI, the governing body of high school athletics in Suffolk County, requires all athletes to participate in six practices before competing in games.
Because of that practice rule, it is believed the first track competition the biological boy would be able to participate in would be the Middle
County at William Floyd meet on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025.
The South Shore Press has emailed a list of questions to representatives from the William Floyd School District, and will update this web story if a response is received.
According to the District website, the next public meeting within the William Floyd School District is its Budget Adoption and Board of Education meeting at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025, at the Jeanne Dawson Memorial Library.
The two parents provided the name of the biological male athlete in question, who appears on the active roster of the William Floyd Girls Track Team, but the South Shore Press is not publishing this individual’s identity because they are a minor, with an expected graduation date of 2028.
William Floyd Update: Police Now Escorting Students to Sporting Events
ByGeorgeSantos
Since the initial reports regarding the participation of a 14-year-old biological male competing on the William Floyd Girls Track Team, no changes have been made by the William Floyd School District or Section XI, the governing body of high school athletics in Suffolk County.
Concerned parents and students who initially reached out to The South Shore Press continue to demand answers, but their efforts have reportedly been met with silence from district officials.
Student-athletes and their families who spoke to The South Shore Press on the condition of anonymity remain frustrated over what they perceive as a direct violation of federal policy and a failure to address the concerns of female athletes.
An executive order signed by President Trump on February 5th, 2025, threatens to withhold federal aid from districts who allow biological boys to compete
against girls.
“It shall also be the policy of the United States to oppose male competitive participation in women’s sports more broadly, as a matter of safety, fairness, dignity, and truth,” wrote President Trump in his executive order.
In response to rising tensions and fears over student safety, the Suffolk County Police Department has now been requested to escort students to school-sponsored events and athletic competitions.
Some parents have voiced concerns that the district’s inaction has led to heightened emotions and potential safety risks at upcoming meets.
“We never wanted it to get to this point, but students are afraid to speak out, and now they feel unsafe even attending events” said one parent, who spoke anonymously due to fear of threats and reprisals against their child who attends William Floyd High School.
A William Floyd Girls Track Team member echoed similar concerns, telling The South Shore Press, “People are afraid. Some girls don’t even want to run anymore. We just want fairness.”
As of now, the William Floyd School District has yet to publicly respond to these concerns.
The next scheduled Board of Education meeting remains set for April 22nd, 2025, at the
Jeananne Dawson Memorial Library, where frustrated parents say they plan to demand action.
The South Shore Press will continue to follow this developing story.
Medford Cat Sanctuary Owner and 100-Plus Felines Perish in Monday Morning Fire
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
Suffolk County Police Chief of Detectives William Doherty announced at midday on Monday, March 31st they are actively investigating the Medford blaze that took the lives of the beloved owner of Happy Cat Sanctuary and at least 100 cats.
“It’s too early” to determine any cause, Doherty said.
There were reportedly 300 cats in or around the house at the time of the fire, which broke out at about 7:15 a.m. By the time the Gordon Heights Fire Department arrived, the fire had spread to the point of no return for the Dourland Road home.
Many friends of the 65-yearold victim—Chris Arsenault, who officials announced had run back into the home to save as many of the kittens he kept as he could—and supporting organizations took to social media to express their heartbreak over the loss.
“Chris was a good neighbor,
he really cared about the cats,” said Rosalie Hanson, who lived down the street from him. "This is really tragic. I can’t believe this happened.”
“I am absolutely gutted right now,” Community Cat Care wrote on Facebook. “My heart is just in pieces over this today. RIP to all of the cats who perished in this tremendously tragic fire.”
As marketed on their website, Happy Cat Sanctuary was a nonprofit, no-kill rescue and rehabilitation center that specialized in caring for at-risk cats, including those that had
been abused, neglected, or used as bait in dog-fighting rings.
Arsenault first began rescuing cats in 2006 after his son Eric, died in a motorcycle accident, at the age of 24.
Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal Chris Mehrman indicated that a good number of cats–such as one that was rushed to a Port Jefferson Animal Hospital and issued a clean bill of health—did survive; they were not living in the house, but rather in shelters behind the destroyed property.
Suffolk County Police Cars
Credit: CMJ Enterprises
Arsenault pictured with one of the thousands of cats he sheltered over the years.
Credit: Facebook: Community Cat Care | Jodi Lynn Spear
LOCAL Advanced DNA Steals the Show in Alleged Gilgo Beach Killer Court Appearance
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
As expected, it was a madhouse at the Arthur M. Cromarty Criminal Court Complex on Friday, March 28th, with major media members and countless others turning out to gauge the state of the County’s prosecution of alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuremann.
Though the 61-year-old Massapequa native was in attendance, the star of these proceedings was Kelley Davis, an associate professor of genome sciences at the University of Washington with an impressive resume that took literally all day to comb through.
Davis was the first expert witness in the hearing, called upon to determine the admissibility of “nuclear DNA testing.”
The magna cum laude Harvard and Cal State Berkeley graduate provided contextual overwhelm by describing her studies, fellowships, and peer-reviewing highlights.
She also detailed the high authenticity of nuclear DNA readings—particularly in narrowing down hairs beyond certain family members of a direct bloodline relation.
According to Davis, mitochondrial DNA rules out a certain percentage—99% as it pertains to the Gilgo case.
DNA evidence concluded the hairs found on each victim allegedly belonged to Heurermann, his exwife, Asa Ellerup, and daughter, Victoria.
The former N.Y.C. architect’s family are not suspected to have
Big Government...
Continued from page 2
Continued on page 4 Your family will wallow in financial hell in perpetuity if all you’re doing is paying high interest payments on your credit card and not making a dent in principal.
This is exactly what the federal government is doing.
If they don’t embrace painful but necessary spending reductions, Congress is putting our national security at further risk by further bankrupting the United States.
My family did it. The federal government must do the same.
been involved, as they were out of town during the time frame in which the seven murders currently linked to Heuremann took place.
They are: Jessica Taylor, Valerie Mack, Sandra Costilla, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Megan Waterman, Amber Lynn Costello, and Melissa Barthlemey.
The lattermost victim, notably, featured no DNA evidence tying her to Heuremann.
Ellerup was in attendance on Friday with her attorney shortly after taking the next step toward finalizing a divorce from Heuremann. She first filed in the summer of 2023 after Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney and company’s bombshell arrest of Rex made national headlines.
The defense requested Friday’s hearing, demanding more clarity as to why DNA testing was outsourced to the Richard Green-founded Astrea Labs, which is based in California.
Heuremann’s attorney Michael Brown saw two objections overruled before being permitted to cross-examine the witness. He attempted to discredit Davis’s occupational relevance to the Gilgo case, being a population geneticist as opposed to a forensic scientist.
Davis confirmed she is being paid
and stills from ID's "Long Island Serial Killer" documentary.
$400 an hour by Suffolk County, plus travel expenses.
What cannot be refuted, she and colleagues assert: Nuclear DNA is more precise than mitochondrial DNA—which is exactly why the defense does not want what they denigrate as “magic” anywhere near this case.
In February, Brown intimated past police handling—or lack thereof—will play into his defense moving forward.
“We are looking forward to 12 people [jurors] from Suffolk County, the residents in Suffolk County who are familiar with what goes on in Suffolk County,” Brown told reporters.
“We are looking forward to having them sit in that courtroom and listen to the evidence, and listen to the lack of evidence, listen to the whole picture, as opposed to just snippets that you may have heard, looking forward to that.”
(L) Six of Heuremann's alleged victims. (R) The Riverhead court building that hosted Friday's hearing. (B) Heuremann's mugshot
ByRobertChartuk
The community is grateful for the Long Island Railroad’s effort to improve the Mastic-Shirley Station but is suffering sticker shock over the $7.5 million cost. Complaints have spurred Senator Dean Murray to request an itemized breakdown of the money spent.
“While the community and I appreciate the upgrades made to the station, several elected officials and dozens of constituents from the area have reached out to my office, questioning the costs of the improvements,” Murray wrote to Janno Leiber, the Chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the railroad’s controlling entity.
“During this time of greater attention to expenditures at all levels of government, I would like to request an itemized breakdown of all costs associated with the project.”
The senator also asked if the money came from the $24.5 million Suffolk County pays each year for station maintenance or if the funds came from the MTA’s Five Year Capital Plan.
“Structurally, a station has
Sticker Shock over $7.5 Million Railroad Project
to be a lot more secure than something you'd have in your backyard,” Murray continued. “I do understand that these projects may cost a bit more, but with that said, $7.5 million does seem a bit steep. So I'd like to know where and how that money was spent.”
“For what was done, the cost seems excessive,” said Center Moriches resident John Montecalvo. Chris Anderson of Mastic Beach guessed: “It will probably say something like this: Material cost: $250,000 Labor cost: $7 million.”
“It took them almost all winter to construct the useless ‘pavilion' and put up the new platform shelter,” said Shirley resident Kathryn Nocerino. “There is still no seating or source of heat for passengers.” Nocerino went on to say that the station is an “active crime area, with muggings and frequent car break-ins. There is also a prostitution problem— johns cruise the area. There is almost no police presence. Riders do not linger here after exiting trains. For most of the day, this is a deserted no-man’s-land,” she said, adding, “Riders' real needs for safety, comfort, and security at the Mastic-Shirley Station
remain unaddressed.”
Senator Murray has recently contacted U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, asking that the federal government tie funding for the MTA to costcutting efforts. “We’ll help you out, but you've gotta clean up your act,” Murray opined. “What bothers me is they act like nothing is wrong. They become indignant if someone says they are wasting a ton of money and have to rein in expenses.”
In her efforts to fund the transportation behemoth, Gov. Kathy Hochul stirred up a hornet nest of controversy by instituting a congestion pricing toll in lower Manhattan and proposing a payroll tax on Long Island and surrounding areas. The MTA spends $19.9 billion annually and is looking for the state to cover a $68.4 billion capital budget, all while Leiber reports a $33 billion budget deficit.
New Name, New Mission for Brookhaven Hospital
ByRobertChartuk
The hospital in East Patchogue, known for generations as Brookhaven Memorial, has a new name and a new partner, with
ByRobertChartuk
An animal farm harkening back to Colonial times is taking shape at the Manor of St. George in Shirley with the addition of eight goats. They will be part of a petting zoo open to the public when the historic Manor kicks off a new season on May 1.
The popular historic attraction traces its history back before the American Revolution when it was the working farm of one of Brookhaven Town’s earliest settlers, Col. William Tangier Smith. It became Fort St. George
after being captured by the British during the war and retaken by Col. Benjamin Tallmadge during his famous excursion in 1780.
“Thanks to a donation by Melinda Novak over at the Long Island Game Farm, we now have four pygmy goats at the estate for visitors to enjoy,” said John Scott Prudenti on behalf of the Manor Trust. They join four Nigerian dwarf goats donated by a resident through Shirley Feed, a provider of feed and fodder for the new inhabitants.
its sights set on offering a broad range of new services with an unprecedented level of quality.
Most recently, it was called Long Island Community Hospital and now, as part of its affiliation with NYU Langone Health, the facility on Hospital Road will be the NYU Langone Hospital— Suffolk. The new moniker comes from its connection to New York University and benefactor Kenneth Langone, the billionaire co-founder of Home Depot.
Local officials and supporters turned out to herald a remarkable transformation of the hospital under NYU Langone. It has added robotic surgery and gynecologic
oncology, enhanced vascular, surgical, gastroenterological, and orthopedic services, and improved key outcomes such as length of stay and infection rates.
“Since affiliating with NYU Langone three years ago, our newest hospital has made incredible strides in quality and safety to better serve patients in Suffolk County,” said Robert I. Grossman, MD, CEO of NYU Langone Health and dean of NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
“The completion of this merger, along with the expansion of our outpatient locations in the local community, marks a new era of healthcare exceptionalism on Long Island.”
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The New Mastic-Shirley Station
Credit: Robert Chartuk
Farm Takes Shape at St. George Manor Local officials and NYU Langone Hospital—Suffolk reps cut a ribbon to announce the East Patchogue facility’s new name.
Credit: NYU Langone
John Scott Prudenti and Amanda Yerry with the new inhabitants of the Manor of St. George.
Credit: Robert Chartuk
ByRobertChartuk
Musk Posse Takes to the Streets in Smithtown
He used to be the darling of the Democrats, the builder of the electric vehicles that were the cornerstone of their green agenda. But when Elon Musk backed Trump for president and was appointed to head up a department to cut government waste and abuse, they lost their minds.
Tesla dealerships and drivers were attacked, vehicles were torched, and Musk hatred was fomented by politicians and celebrities alike. The Trump administration labeled them domestic terrorists. The nation split into two camps: taxpayers who want the tech titan to root out $1 trillion in federal waste and those who think it’s a bad idea.
keep the protesters apart under the steady din of blaring car horns along Nesconset Highway. No incidents were reported.
“We’re out here supporting our President and Elon Musk for doing what the people have been demanding for years: stop the Washington fraud and abuse,” said George Pritchard, a North Shirley 7-11 Corner Patriots member who helped organize the rally. “Elon Musk is our hero. He’s finding the fat in government for President Trump to trim.”
Pritchard noted Patriots groups in attendance from across the island, including Amityville, Bellmore, and South Huntington. The hundred-plus on the Trump side far outweighed the dozen or so demonstrating against him.
Man on the Street: At the Tesla Rally
ByRobertChartuk
“We appreciate the job Elon Musk and President Trump are doing for our country. These are two billionaires who don’t need all of this aggravation. They’re doing it for us, and we are thankful for every dollar they save on our behalf.
Darlene Solano, Bellmore
Everyone knows that Washington is out of control. Just look at the $36 trillion National Debt. It’s insane what they did to us. Now we have people trying to straighten things out, save some money. I applaud them. Keep up the good work.”
Kathryn Katsaros, Coram
“Musk is wielding a chainsaw to our government institutions and is firing people without due process,” charged Dave Block, a Nesconset resident on the other side of the security fencing. “He’s doing great harm to the entire world.”
Trump campaigned on creating a Department of Government Efficiency and promised voters he would bring in Musk to run it. Right out of the gate, the entrepreneur and his team of business leaders and tech execs uncovered massive waste in practically every place they looked. They reported bizarre programs that few Americans could wrap their head around and overseas spending that angered many. The nation’s collective jaw dropped when Trump cited some of the more egregious examples during his
State of the Union address.
“We’re finding out where all of our money has been going, and it’s astounding,” said rallygoer Vicki Katsaros of Coram. “Instead of cheering Elon Musk for saving taxpayer dollars, they’re going after him. I guess they think it’s okay for America to go trillions of dollars in debt so we can shell out $10 million for male circumcision in Mozambique and $20 million for an Arab Sesame Street program.”
Musk’s team is going department by department in putting the government under a microscope as he did at Twitter when he fired 80% of the workforce with no appreciable effect. He said he’s on track to uncover $1 trillion in waste, fraud, and abuse.
What they are doing to Tesla is crazy. They’re showing that the Green New Deal was a bunch of B.S. They don’t like Elon Musk, so they’re back to buying gas cars. First, they love him; now they hate him just because he wants to save the taxpayers some money.”
Lisa Bagnasco, Amityville
Elon Musk is an American hero. He’s a successful businessman and entrepreneur who’s now turning his energy to cut fraud, waste, and abuse from the government. He’s exactly what we need: someone to DOGE out the worst in Washington.”
Joe Box, America First Warehouse, Ronkonkoma
Those of us who work in the private sector want to see the government cut down to size. We send way too much to Washington and get little in return. The bureaucracy needs to be reduced, and Musk and Trump are the perfect guys to do it.”
We don’t want Elon Musk running the country. The greedy billionaires are stealing our hard-earned dollars and we want our Democracy back.”
The two sides showed up at the Tesla dealership in Smithtown on Saturday to state their case. Suffolk Police made a concerted effort to
Credit: Robert Chartuk
Matthew Kochman, Port Jefferson
Rev. Marcia Grace, Sound Beach
Supporters and detractors of President Trump and Elon Musk turned out for a rally at the Tesla dealership in Smithtown. Here’s what they had to say.
LOCAL ESM School District Emphasizes Social-Emotional Learning and Disabled Student Inclusion
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
In its commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, the Eastport-South Manor Central School District hosted its “Respect For All” event in the Jr.-Sr. High School’s library media center on March 19.
The highly attended socialemotional learning event lent families within the district the opportunity to become more informed on new schools of thought.
Special Guest and author Jack Berkemeyer presented “Understanding Adolescents,” through which he counseled parents on how to improve their relationships with their children during the 10-15 age range where many complications often arise.
William
Paca
Berkemeyer touched on gaming and cell phone use, puberty and an adolescent’s undying need for consistency and accountability.
DASH Family Service League, South Oaks Hospital of Northwell Health, Response Crisis Center and Rise Life Service were also in attendance, representing just a few of the many local resources available beyond the school system.
Parents also bought their children free ID cards through the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and library cards through the Center Moriches Library at the event.
Two days later, Dayton Avenue Elementary School students sported brightly colored socks for “Rock You Socks Day,” which itself commemorates World Down Syndrome Day.
March 21 signals the annual
occasion where flashy socks are flaunted, a reference to the karyotype of a Down Syndrome chromosome resembling mismatched socks.
Dayton Avenue Elementary School students recently used their voices to showcase their acceptance of and admiration for all their disabled classmates.
Nico Calabria and Joven Booker, para-athletes from the Bionic Project, visited the students to define “disability” as a means to help stress the virtue of raising awareness and practicing inclusion.
“We are asking the students to consider what they can do today to make Dayton Avenue more inclusive,” said Dr. Shelita Watkis, Dayton Avenue principal.
Watkis qualified the assembly as a successful call to action.
Middle School Students Earn CPR Certification
ByDeborahWilliams
Eighth-grade students from Ms. Brianna Rodda’s First Aid and Safety class at William Paca Middle School, in the William Floyd School District, joined forces with members of the Mastic Ambulance Company and Stony Brook Hospital to practice and earn their CPR certification.
“My main goal as a teacher is to teach my students lifelong skills that they can carry with them long after leaving my classroom, especially skills that may one day help them save a life,” said Ms. Rodda.
This hands-on experience equips students with lifesaving skills and reinforced the importance of emergency preparedness in everyday life.
One parent, Jessica Jeudi, said on William Floyd’s Facebook Page, “Love this!! My son participated in this and he was very excited!! Thank you to Mastic Ambulance and Stonybrook hospital for all your help!!”
Students learned essential first aid skills such as what to do in a choking emergency, how to use an AED and proper CPR techniques. Earning their CPR certification ensures that students are prepared to respond in critical situations and potentially save lives at home, in school and in
the broader community.
A former student, Thomas O"Brien weighed in saying, “That is a great learning experience FLOYD STRONG! Keep up the good work, Alumni Class of 1973.”
Bob Vecchio, Executive Director of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association said, “It’s always a great thing when students can learn lifesaving skills. Schools have long offered CPR courses and other important life skills lessons over the years and hopefully no one will have to apply these skills in the future.”
According to the American Heart Association, “children as young as nine years old can learn and retain CPR training. Younger children do not generally have the strength to perform an adequate chest compression on an adult, but learning this life skill will stick with them for the rest of their life.”
There are countless incidents of young people performing CPR, first aid, or utilizing other emergency training skills to save a life, sometimes years or even decades later.
“Opportunities like this highlight the value of collaboration between schools and local services,” said Ms. Rodda. “The professionals at Mastic Ambulance and Stony Brook University Hospital are
strengthening community safety and fostering a sense of responsibility among students.”
Commitment to learning these vital, lifelong skills empowers the participating students to make a real difference in the world around
them and serves as a positive step toward fostering a safer, more prepared community.
Suffolk Courts Celebrate 95-year-old Justice, the Hon. Betty Weinberg Ellerin
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
In conjunction with Women’s History Month, the Suffolk County Courts held a special event on Thursday, March 20 to commemorate Hon. Betty Weinberg Ellerin and more at the Marquette L. Floyd Supreme Building of John P. Cohalan, Jr.’s Court Complex in Central Islip.
The assigned theme for the Suffolk County Women in the Courts Committee-sponsored occasion: “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.”
District Administrative Judge Hon. Andrew A. Crecca presided before introducing the woman of the hour.
“Today, we honor women from all backgrounds and all fields who dedicate their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership,” Crecca said before bringing on the night’s keynote speaker. “Whether looking throughout history or right here in our courtroom today, trailblazing women have worked tirelessly to build bridges, nurture minds, set forth new trails, inspire action, and shape a more inclusive society.”
Judge Ellerin, a retired justice of the Supreme Court’s appelate Division for the First Department in New York City, championed women’s rights at each stopgap throughout a remarkable legal career. She graduated from NYU in 1952, and was first elected as a
Justice of the New York Supreme Court in 1979.
In 1982, she was appointed the first woman to serve as deputy chief. In 1985, Governor Mario Cuomo appointed her as the first female jurist to serve on the associate justice of the Appellate Division, First Department bench.
Lastly, Governor George Pataki later appointed Ellerin the first woman to be presiding justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, a post she held until her 2005 retirement.
“Suffolk County has always had a very soft spot in my heart,” the esteemed 95-yearold justice spoke to the roaring and applause-ready masses. “You have had so many judges who are
very sympathetic to the issues that are so important to me: the recognition of equality for women in opportunities within the court system. Clearly, Suffolk County leads the pack.”
Ellerin recalled that back in the day, only one position could be made open for a woman, if that. “Back then, we all fought each other really hard for that one spot,” she said. “But today, we ensure that there are an equal amount of positions available to all qualified women, and now we all fight together to safeguard our placement in those spots.”
The Connetquot High School Treble Choir, who sang the national anthem during the top of the festivities, closed the ceremony with a beautiful rendition of “Let the River Run.”
Credit: Eastport-South Manor Central School District
Credit: Wm. Floyd School District (T) Bionic Project athletes with Dayton Ave students. (B) Dayton Ave educators and students rocking colorful socks for World Down Syndrome Day (R) A third-grade student being fingerprinted for an ID card through the Suffolk County Sheriff’s “Operation Safe Child Program.”
Eighth-grade students from Ms. Brianna Rodda’s First Aid and Safety class at William Paca Middle School.
Judge Ellerin, District Administative Judge Crecca, and Women in Courts Committee.
Credit: Office of the District Administrative Judge
ByRobertChartuk
Praise After an Early Morning Blaze
When an early morning fire broke out next to her home in Shirley, Pearl Amoroso was in a panic. “Flames were coming over the fence and started to melt the vinyl siding of our house,” she told The South Shore Press in describing that horrible night. “Thankfully, the firefighters were there very fast and saved our house. They are my superheroes.”
It was a windy, bitterly cold night when Amoroso was awakened by banging on her door. “It was my next-door neighbor looking for a fire extinguisher. Their house was already in flames. Thank God they got out, and no one was hurt,” Amoroso told the story. “My husband and I got the dogs and cats out and moved the cars. The flames were right there; we thought our house was next.”
The chief of the Mastic Beach Fire Department, Luis Grego, got there first. “The family was already outside, and we made sure everyone was safe,” he said. Right behind him was unit 5-13-2, a three thousandgallon pumper with a full crew.
“We had it under control in about 10 minutes,” the chief reported.
Nine other departments from the surrounding area joined in to battle the five a.m. blaze, thought to be caused by a space heater, and completely extinguished it in less than a half hour.
“They were very professional, everyone knew their job. It was
amazing,” Amoroso recalled. “They were really hustling, and l prayed for them, young and old. I don’t know how they do it. Without them, my house would have been destroyed. It was humanity at its best.”
Amoroso reached out to everyone she could think of to express her appreciation for the emergency volunteers, including the office of Assemblyman Joe
East Patchogue Father of Human Trafficked Teen to Sue County
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
Court documents this week revealed that Frank Gervasi—the outspoken parental guardian of an East Patchogue 14-year-old girl who was subjected to sexual exploitation on an Islip Marina yacht for 25 days—intends to file suit against Suffolk County.
Gervasi contends his daughter—who shall remain unnamed henceforth, as she is a minor—had her constitutional rights violated when a Suffolk Family Court Judge remanded her to Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center in Dix Hills after her early January rescue.
The following month, a Sagamore-employed mental health therapist aide had been charged with child sex abuse and endangering the welfare of Gervasi’s child.
"Sometime after the placement at Sagamore, staff members reported to their supervisor that another employee was being a little to [sic] ‘handsy’ with the minor," Gervasi wrote in the notice filed by his attorneys at Keegan & Keegan, Ross & Rosner in Patchogue.
Deshaun McClean, 42, allegedly molested the teenager on at least two occasions during her in-patient treatment, bringing a grueling overload of burden to a victim and her family who had already suffered plenty.
Court records citing surveillance footage purport the defendant touched the teen’s
private body parts, performed massages and watched her touch herself on numerous occasions between Jan. 9th and Jan. 28th.
The Gervasi patriarch now seeks monetary damage for the strife brought upon by this abominable happenstance.
Gervasi made national headlines during a “Dr. Phil Podcast” appearance where he recounted recovering his daughter from waterside capture after receiving an anonymous tip.
Months later, a dirty dozen have been charged with a range of crimes ranging from kidnapping to child sex trafficking and rape.
An 83-count indictment pertaining to the initial 11 defendants was unsealed in Suffolk County Criminal Court in Riverhead last week.
Since McClean’s alleged crimes occurred after the victim had been freed from what Suffolk prosecutors argue was a pretty
DeStefano. “We are very fortunate to have such dedicated and skilled volunteers,” said the assemblyman, himself a member of the Medford Fire Department and a district commissioner. “They were on the scene at five o’clock in the morning, putting their lives on the line for their neighbors.”
Also responding to the William Floyd Parkway fire was Rudy Sunderman, a former Suffolk legislator and commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services.
“This man showed up to make
sure everyone was okay,” Amoroso said. “We owe him our gratitude, along with Chief Grego and everyone else who came to our rescue. They make it worth living on Long Island. We are so blessed to have them. They even helped us with our dogs. They are our heroes. People helping people—This is what America is all about.”
“Thank you to the community for supporting us,” said Chief Grego, a master electrician who’s been on the force for 16 years. “The volunteers do a great job and really appreciate the community for their support.”
Hikers Trek 80 Miles to Montauk to Save Lives from Colon Cancer
ByRobertChartuk
Looking to save lives by drawing attention to colon cancer, a pair of hikers passed through Suffolk’s South Shore during an 80-mile beach trek from Robert Moses State Park to Montauk.
adult continued.
cut-and-dry human trafficking ring, he is being tried separately.
The Deer Park resident remains free on cash bail. He is due back in court on April 28.
As winter paves way for springtime, those who walk down to the water in Islip can’t help but think of an image and locale sullied by the knowledge of what pedophiliac nefariousness transpired there, per the efforts of some grade-A cretans of the universe.
Meanwhile, even so-called sanctuaries like Sagamore Psych Center—the recipient of 107 complaints of abuse and neglect this decade, according to data provided by the New York State Justice Center—can’t keep the stew from spoiling rotten.
Hence, the fury of a fed-up father who demands more answers with each new development in this case; answers to questions that all begin with the same pointed keyword: Why?
Long Island residents Brian Crowe and Leilani Garcia have launched “Mission to Montauk,” a self-organized journey to spread awareness about colon cancer prevention and early detection. Their goal is simple: to educate the community on the importance of screenings, lifestyle choices, and breaking the stigma surrounding the disease.
For Brian, the mission is deeply personal. A father and music producer, he was diagnosed with colon cancer at just 43 years old after experiencing extreme abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements, and severe weight loss. Despite his initial reluctance to undergo a colonoscopy, a friend and surgeon at Montefiore Hospital urged him to seek immediate care. That decision, Crowe believes, saved his life.
“I woke up to the horrific news that I had a large cancerous tumor in my intestines that had spread,” Crowe recalled. “Had I waited weeks for my scheduled colonoscopy, I probably wouldn’t be here today.”
Following an emergency colectomy, Crowe endured a grueling recovery but ultimately emerged cancer-free. Now, he is using his experience to warn others
about the disease that nearly took his life.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States. While often deadly, it is also highly preventable with routine screenings and early detection. However, Crowe points out that many insurance companies do not cover colonoscopies for individuals under 45 unless they have a family history or severe symptoms.
“I had no idea my symptoms were warning signs,” Crowe said. “Had I been more informed, I might have caught it earlier.”
Beyond awareness, Crowe and Garcia also want to highlight the healing power of nature. Their trek along Long Island’s south shore is a reminder of how time spent outdoors can help reduce stress, boost immunity, and improve mental well-being.
After passing through some local beaches, including the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness area and Smith Point Park, the pair completed their journey at the Montauk Point Lighthouse. They encourage supporters to share their message, help spread awareness, and promote the lifesaving power of early detection.
For more information or to contact Brian Crowe, email BrianCroweNY@gmail.com. To donate, go to https://giveahand. com/fundraiser/mission-tomontauk-colon-cancer-awareness.
Credit: Pearl Amoroso
The home on William Floyd Parkway that went up in flames.
Sagamore Psychiatric Center of Dix Hills, where the unconsenting teenage human trafficking victim's sexual abuse by the hands of a since-arrested
Credit: GoFundMe
Hikers with a Cause Brian Crowe and Leilani Garcia
Credit: Mission to Montauk
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
From Stagefright to Bright Lights: Homecoming for Trump-Tabbed Opera Man at the Paramount
The Long Island native who memorably belted the National Anthem at President Donald J. Trump’s second inauguration will play the Paramount Theater in Huntington this Saturday—not too far from his humble Holbrook beginnings.
Christopher Macchio, 46, was also honored by the Sachem School District’s education foundation on Thursday, March 27.
“Very excited that AMERICA’S TENOR, our very own Christopher D. Macchio, will be singing the National Anthem at the Inauguration!!” New York State Assemblyman Doug Smith (Holbrook), also a Sachem alum, wrote on Jan. 19th. “Making Holbrook, Sachem, and our entire community proud!!!!”
During a recent interview with the New York Post, Macchio recalled how crippling shyness as a teenager prohibited him from unleashing his first-rate pipes by the way.
“I discovered I could sing when I was 13 by listening to and mimicking the soundtrack to ‘The Godfather Part III,'” he said. “But at the time, I was a bookworm. I just wanted to be left alone in the library.”
His performance anxiety escalated to a point where he even
Just
Dick's:
'Ghost Mall'
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
“It’s a real shame what’s happening over there, because I grew up in that mall,” one Wantagh native recalled.
A heap of others with proud South Shore roots would most definitely agree, as the sight of a vacant Sunrise Mall in Massapequa—save for the still open for business “Dick’s Sporting Goods”—makes any hour “Dour Hour” for all those driving by.
The shopping plaza had one of the last remaining Orange Julius locations on Long Island, and also sported a Macy’s as an anchor tenant since the very day the mall first opened back in 1973.
Prior to the mall’s closure, patrons were not allowed inside, and only able to access stores that were facing the parking lots.
advised his choir teacher that he would quicker accept being failed than adhering to a mandate to sing in front of people.
Macchio ultimately came out of his shell under the guidance of this same educator, and the rest is literal history of the national persuasion.
He last-minute flexed in for Elton John at a Mar-a-Lago-set New Year’s Eve Party, which began a decade-long friendship with the future Commander-in-Chief.
A Pre-White House Trump next sang his song-filled mentee’s praises to Rod Stewart, who saw Macchio sing at his 70th birthday celebration shortly thereafter.
Youngsters devoid of an appreciation for the works of, say, the wide audience-reaching Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, may be inherently predisposed to not “understanding Macchio’s game” — as when they think of the opera, their minds go to “Saturday Night Live” era Adam Sandler.
As cheekily all-in-good fun as “The Sandman’s” little numbers may be, what Macchio brings is indisputably the real deal.
Case in point: he performed “The Lord’s Prayer” at Trump’s brother Robert’s funeral services in 2020.
Said Macchio: “The President himself called me over and told me that my voice was just as good as Pavarotti’s.”
EJ's PJs Aims to Keep Thousands Warm This Year
ByRobertChartuk
Thousands of people are snuggling up at night in comfy pajamas courtesy of EJ’s PJs, a group that is looking to keep 20,000 people warm this year.
“We started out on my front porch giving away pajamas to some of our neighbors in need,” said founder Patricia Poggi. They gave out 34 pairs from her Centereach home that first year and named the effort after her sons Edward, Jeremy, and Patrick.
Now, 14 years later, EJ’s PJs has distributed over 16,000 pairs of pajamas, with a goal of surpassing 20,000 by the end of 2025. The organization has grown from a small family effort into a yearround nonprofit and serves children, veterans, domestic violence shelters, and even individuals in recovery centers.
They have declared April “Pajama Month,” aligning with National Pajama Day on April 6 and Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day on April 16. To mark the occasion, EJ’s PJs is launching several initiatives, including
“Push-Ups for Pajamas,” a fundraiser encouraging teams and organizations to pledge donations. Businesses such as Primark, Starbucks, and Hummus Fit have already pledged support.
The organization is also preparing for its second annual trip to Louisville, Kentucky, where it will once again provide pajamas for an elementary school.
The tradition began when a local school bus driver bought pajamas for a child who couldn’t afford to participate in Pajama Day, an act of kindness that resonated with Poggi.
Locally, EJ’s PJs continues to expand its outreach on Long
Island, providing pajamas to early childhood programs, mental health facilities, and summer camps. “Suffolk County and Long Island will always be home base,” Poggi said. “You have to take care of home before you can take care of the world.”
As the organization continues to grow, Poggi remains focused on a single mission: pajamas. “I only need one subject,” she said. “One pair of pajamas can make a difference.”
Join them on April 5 for their Breakfast with the Easter Bunny fundraiser at the Texas Roadhouse in Selden. Donations are welcome at ejspjs.org.
Sunrise in Massapequa the Latest Long Island
This Nassau County mall gutting comes after Suffolk County saw similar “Dawn of the Dead”–evoking mall erasure, namely at the SunVet Mall of Holbrook. SunVet’s lone remaining tenants included a Citibank and a Liquor Store before construction began on a transformative outdoor plaza rebrand, which is still in the works.
No plans have been announced for what tenant neighbors Massepequa’s Dick’s Sporting Goods location may soon come to welcome.
At the start of 2025, Newsday reported that the Sunrise Mall Holdings LLC stopped extending leases for Sunrise Mall in 2022.
“The partnership group did not provide details but hopes to make an announcement this year,” a managing member told the outlet.
With two standard-issue stories of athletic equipment and apparel, Dick’s continues to thrive in the Massapequa area—a hotbed for outdoor kids.
Still, a lone Dick’s defeats the purpose of the mall experience it was initially erected to serve.
As Jason Lee’s Brodie Bruce uttered in Kevin Smith’s criminally slept-upon “Clerks” follow-up “Mallrats” in 1995, “Oh, how I love the smell of commerce in the morning.”
Generations of patrons at Sunrise sure did too, before Amazon killed the mall-going star.
Musical Power Couple Visits West Babylon Record Store
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
Continued on page 10
Celebrity sensations Selena Gomez and beau Benny Blanco visited the humble and locally beloved Looney Tunes Record Store in West Babylon Saturday afternoon.
Promoting their new album “I Said I Loved You First” and small business in one lowkey turned massive buzz swoop, the recentlyengaged collaborators surprised three in-person shoppers upon arrival, and hundreds by the end of their hour-long drop-by.
Reports say fans of the “Back to You” singer and husband-to-be— who has written decades of No. 1 hits such as “Moves Like Jagger” for Maroon 5 and “Love Yourself” for Justin Bieber—were stunned beyond belief, some nearly even falling faint at the sight of the former.
The pair conversed with store owner Karl Groeger and promoted selections from his
in-store vinyl collection before engaging in “meet-and-greets” with eager album purchasers. They also worked the counter and answered call-ins directly.
In a video posted to Looney Tunes Record Store’s Instagram account, Blanco—who famously lifted his professional tag from the “Carlito’s Way” gangster of the same name—called Looney Tunes “the greatest record store in the New York City area.”
“Call Me When You Breakup,” the album’s first single that features breakout Gracie Abrams, peaked at a respectable No. 58 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
Gomez, who first rose to child stardom as a part of the Disney Channel Series “The Wizards of Waverly Place” (2007-2012), recently plugged a starring performance in the Oscarnominated “Emilia Perez” for Netflix.
After years of ghost-writing or super-producing from behind
the scenes, Blanco has recently put a face to his no longer inname-only brand. He provides informative breakdowns of his creative process on a rotation of video-inclusive podcasts, and also had a laugh-out-loud recurring role in rapper Lil Dicky’s semiautobiographical, industrysatirizing “Dave” for FX.
Artists such as Cardi B, LL Cool J, Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato have visited the store in years past. However, these were mostly ticketed meet-andgreets—with some culminating in performances.
Gomez may not have sung during her brief outing on the South Shore of suburban Suffolk County on March 22. Still, it was a memorable springtime commencement for all who encountered the 2-time Grammy Award nominated artist and her ferociously influential, 11time Grammy-winning fiancé nonetheless.
Patricia Poggi of EJ’s PJs
Credit: EJ’s PJs.
Ban on Face Masks in Public May Be Coming to NY STATE
ByDeborahWilliams
Governor Kathy Hochul is renewing her push to ban face masks in public. Exemptions for religious and medical reasons would be worked into the legislation.
Hochul is asking the legislature to include some form of the previous public face mask ban in the budget due April 1.
Hochul first expressed her support for public face mask bans in the summer of 2024 as the country watched N.Y. universities erupt in protests and violence in support of Hamas and in opposition to Israel and Jewish people generally. That, and increased crime where criminals and vandals were wearing masks to hide themselves.
“Masks used in — commission of a crime are deeply troubling to me,” said Governor Hochul after a recent
meeting with several members of the legislature.
“Think about a bank robber — walks in, their face is covered,” Hochul said. “Someone assaults someone on the subway, they can get away with it, despite the fact that we have cameras, because they are masked.”
New York had a longstanding law that banned masks in public that was suspended by former Governor Andrew Cuomo during COVID and the BLM riots.
The law was suspended despite the fact that during the 2020 Summer of Rage when Black Lives Matter and antifa-related groups violently protested in cities across America, they used face masks to conceal their identity from law enforcement.
Instead of keeping the law
with some changes, Cuomo and the legislature repealed the law completely in 2020. Now, in 2025, with crime and violent protests increasing and criminals once again hiding themselves from security cameras and law enforcement with
masks and hoods, Hochul looks to bring the mask ban back.
The New York Civil Liberties Union opposes any restrictions on public masks saying people should have a right to protest anonymously.
New Grants Available to Veterans Organizations
ByDeborahWilliams
Governor Hochul announced a new round of funding for veterans’ organizations across the state.
Capital grants are now available to expand services for organizations serving veterans, service members, and military families. Hochul’s executive budget includes proposals to enhance veteran suicide prevention initiatives and expand support to Gold Star families.
At least $1.35 million is available through the third round of the Veterans’ Nonprofit Capital Program (VNCP) distributed by the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York to expand and enhance quality services available to the state’s veterans, service members and military families.
$3.65 million in grants to 57 qualifying veterans’ organizations statewide was previously provided through the first two rounds of this program.
“I am deeply grateful to New York’s courageous servicemen and women whose selfless sacrifice protects our country and all that we cherish,” Governor Hochul said. “We owe them the same measure
of devotion as they have shown to us and this funding will help them access quality services for them and their families.”
Through strategic funding, veterans’ organizations can modernize their facilities, broaden their services, and significantly enhance the lives of those who have served our country.
New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana DeCohen said, “Thanks to the Governor’s leadership, we are not just enhancing services, we are building a brighter future that honors the service and sacrifices of our Veterans and ensures they receive the care and recognition they so deeply deserve.”
To qualify for this funding, at least 75% of the organization’s current members must be veterans or service members of the United States Military, with military family members comprising the majority of all remaining members. The organization must verify to the State that their principal purpose is to provide services and resources to veterans, service members and military families.
Funding through the Veterans' Nonprofit Capital Program is
provided for architecture, design, engineering, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or expansion of an eligible facility and purchase of eligible furnishings or equipment.
A webinar outlining the process for applicants will be posted April 9 and applicants may also submit questions through April 11, with answers posted no later than April 18. All applicants must be prequalified in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) at the time of application
They say that a mask ban could give police a reason to “unfairly stop” –black, brown, and Muslim people. Some in the legislature agree.
Others like, Sen. James Skoufis who introduced legislation to prohibit wearing a mask for the purpose of menacing or threatening violence say, ““Whether it’s in the budget or not, I think it’s long past due that we have this conversation,” he said. “There needs to be an intent to harass or menace. If you’re not doing that, wear as many masks as you want.”
Some European countries banned the public wearing of face masks already – sometimes for different reasons. Switzerland and France banned wearing a full-face veil in public. The Netherlands, Denmark, Austria and Bulgaria have full or partial bans on wearing face coverings in public.
The New York Department of Veterans’ Services can be reached at 888-838-7697 or its website to meet in person or virtually with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor to ask any benefits-related questions.
Hochul Pushes for Discovery Rule Changes in Domestic Violence Cases
Continued on page 11
ByDeborahWilliams
Governor Kathy Hochul is sounding the alarm and asking for changes in discovery rules for domestic violence cases in New York State.
Current discovery law results in delays and automatic dismissals that adversely affect survivors of domestic violence. Hochul’s office says that following enactment of "Discovery Reform" there has been a 94.3% increase in dismissal of cases involving domestic violence in New York City and 49.1% in the rest of the state.
The governor is pushing for essential changes to the state’s discovery process that will ensure their abusers are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
“Combating domestic violence is personal to me — and for the entirety of my career in public service, I’ve prioritized policies that protect survivors and improve law enforcement response to these crimes,” Governor Hochul said. “While crime is going down across New York, crimes related to domestic violence remain stagnant. To address this issue and ensure the safety of all New Yorkers, we need to continue funding the programs that protect victims and survivors, and streamline discovery laws to hold individuals who cause harm accountable for their actions.”
Domestic violence advocates say discovery reform put onerous evidence timing rules in place that are regularly impossible to meet leading to the accused abuser to get cut free with no accountability. Prior to the rule changes in 2019 convictions were at 31%, but now just 6% of abusers are convicted.
“The choice between fair and speedy trials, which are important objectives, but also letting dangerous abusers off the hook, is a false choice,” Hochul said. “We must do both.”
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney says the rules need to be changed.
“District Attorney Tierney agrees that Domestic Violence cases and others have suffered under New York's discovery laws and he also agrees that the discovery laws need to change. However, the DA does not support the efforts on the table because he feels that they do not go far enough,” said Tania Lopez director of communications for Tierney.
Long Island Against Domestic Violence Executive Director, Wendy Linsalata says, “We are fully behind modifications to the law that are going to help prosecutors be able to prosecute cases. DA Tierney has doubled
the size of his DV unit, but even with that in place cases are being dismissed at a much higher rate. At the end of the day, if cases are not prosecuted, survivors will not be comfortable or confident to report abuse again.”
What changes might be put in place?
The governor proposes tweaks to discovery rules that would ensure procedural fairness, shorten case processing times, reduce the length of pretrial incarceration, and safeguard sensitive and personal information belonging to witnesses. These changes include:
• Expanding the scope of automatic redaction to include sensitive details, such as witnesses’ physical addresses and personal data unrelated to the case, eliminating the need to engage in lengthy litigation to redact such material.
• Removing the incentive to delay bringing a challenge in a manner that can result in technical dismissals unrelated to the merits of the case or the legality of the investigation.
• Ensuring that cases are not dismissed if discovery compliance falls short of perfection.
• Clarifying that prosecutors are not required to track down information that is by definition irrelevant.
Grants are available for veterans organizations.
Governor Kathy Hochul is renewing her push to ban face masks in public.
Credit: Department of Justice
Credit: Grok/Twitter
ByDeborahWilliams
Is Trump Trying to Kill Big Bird?
The heads of National Public Radio (NPR) Katherine Maher and the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) Paula Kerger were summoned to Congress this week to make their case as to why the taxpayer should continue to give them money.
Trump and others don’t want to kill Big Bird. They want him to move into his own apartment and pay his own rent.
Katherine Maher said NPR plays an essential role in "delivering unbiased, nonpartisan, fact-based reporting" to Americans. Maher even claimed she had "never seen any instance of political bias determining editorial decisions."
Even left of center, HBO talk show host Bill Maher, an unabashed Trump basher called for the defunding of NPR after the dismal performance of the CEO in front of Congress and claims of being unbiased.
“Give me a break, lady!” said Maher in reaction to NPR Maher's
claim that the station is non-bias. “I mean, they're crazy far-left.”
Elon Musk calls PBS and NPR “state affiliated media.”
Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CBP) gets roughly $500 million a year that it distributes to NPR and PBS stations around the country. Local NPR radio stations get roughly 10% from the government. PBS gets 16% of its funding directly from the government.
"Why do we need to subsidize," Maher asked. "We're so polarized. These outlets became popular at a time when Republicans and Democrats didn't hate each other and weren't at each other's throats and didn't think each other was an existential threat. In that world, you can't have places like this, I think, anymore. They have to be private."
NPR’s Maher did try to regain some ground in her testimony by saying she regrets calling Trump a “deranged racist sociopath” and saying America was "addicted to
white supremacy.”
Use of tax dollars to fund PBS and NPR has long been questioned by fiscal conservatives. The Left likes to frame it as Republicans hating Big Bird and Mr. Rogers.
The truth is that conservatives support children’s educational programming as much as anyone. NPR and PBS and their supporters on the Left say the funding level isn’t that much money per person.
But, that’s not the point.
The question is why in 2025 is the taxpayer is funding one media outlet? Taxpayers don’t fund CBS or Fox News–why PBS and NPR? Abundant media content for adults and children is available. The media landscape is nothing like it was in 1967 when CBP was founded.
And, why should the taxpayer subsidize what has become a radical, left-wing communication arm of
the Democrat party.
New York State Conservative Party Chairman Jerry Kassar said, “The Conservative Party has been advocating for the highly partisan and political NPR/PBS to lose federal funding for many, many years, since we see them as nothing more than an extension of the Democratic Party. NPR and PBS have a lack of interest in balancing opinions.”
NPR senior editor Uri Berliner looked at the D.C. voter registrations of NPR newsroom employees funding that there were 87 Democrats and zero Republicans. Berliner was later fired for exposing the political divide and bias at NPR.
In the hearing, Rep. Pat Fallon (RTX) cited NewsBusters studies, that found that PBS "News Hour" used 162 labels of "far-right" extremism and only six uses of "far left" terms. Another found coverage of the 2024 party conventions gave the Republicans 72% negative coverage, while the Democrats received 88% positive coverage.
DOGE Report: Downsizing at USAID Can Keep Going Says Appeals Court
ByDeborahWilliams
President Donald Trump and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team just won a third case at the US Court of Appeals.
DOGE will be free to continue operating at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) after a ruling by the Court.
A group of USAID employees sued saying the Trump administration violated the US Constitution’s Appointments Clause by allowing Elon Musk and his DOGE team to cancel government contracts, place USAID staff on administrative leave, and close the headquarters.
For clarification, DOGE is a review and recommend agency, they do not make administrative or operational changes at any department. Agency and cabinet heads make those decisions.
Late last week, U.S. Court of
Appeals Circuit judges Arthur Marvin Quattlebaum Jr. and Judge Paul V. Niemeyer found that Trump’s team "made a strong showing that they are likely to succeed on the merits of the appeal, that they will be irreparably injured absent the stay," according to court documents. The judges also found that the stay "favors the public interest."
A district court had blocked DOGE from going forward, but the Court of Appeals saw it differently. DOGE review at USAID can continue. The ruling stated, “And as to Musk, the evidence before us creates a strong likelihood that he functioned as an advisor to the President, carrying out the President’s policies of shrinking government and reducing spending, not as an Officer who required constitutional appointment.
Trump through DOGE took aim at USAID from the start.
Trump is not alone in having
deep concerns about USAID and foreign aid. USAID has been criticized for being inefficient and poorly managed for many years.
An Associated Press poll showed that 60% felt that the United States was spending too much taxpayer money on foreign aid.
What is USAID? They are an agency of the federal government that funnels taxpayer dollars across the world to USAID partners with private voluntary organizations, indigenous organizations, universities, the private sector, international agencies, other governments, and other U.S. Government agencies.
USAID’s federal spending has
increased from $10.5 billion in 1980 and grew to $40 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2023. Savings projected from the cuts is between $6-12 billion depending on what analysis method is used.
On the face of it, it sounds like USAID does good works around the globe and they do get involved with some important humanitarian projects. But, they also have substantially spread out of their core mission and embraced the woke agenda of DEI, transgender ideology, cruel animal experiments, and other shocking things.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he cut 83% and terminated
5,200 programs at USAID. Some programs are clearly outside of the interests of America according to the policies and agenda set out by President Trump. USAID and other partner organizations spent taxpayer funds on things such as $1.5 million to advance DEI in Serbian workplaces; $70,000 for a DEI musical in Ireland; $47,000 for a transgender opera in Colombia; $32,000 for a transgender comic book in Peru.
Other core programs that are found to be critical will be retained and ‘live’ under the umbrella of other federal agencies.
Watery Grave for U.S. Flagship
ByRobertChartuk
It was going to be restored to its previous glory as part of a transformative economic development project along the Manhattan waterfront. The flagship of the nation, the SS United States, the fastest passenger liner ever to cross the Atlantic, would be repurposed as a unique, mixed-use destination, including a 1,000-room hotel, numerous food and beverage courts, multiple event venues, acres of public green space, and a world-class museum.
The project would be a capstone to a decades-long effort to revitalize the Hudson River waterfront, create thousands of new jobs, and generate millions in tax revenue annually.
But it was not to be. After a succession of owners failed in their dream to bring this legendary liner back to life, it’s now headed for a watery grave in the Gulf of America. At least it will achieve at least one more superlative—the ship will form the largest ever artificial reef, serving as a habitat for marine life and an attraction for anglers and divers.
During its storied service career, the SS United States smashed the transatlantic speed record in 1952, a feat that’s never been duplicated. Berthed at the famed Pier 86 in Manhattan, it carried over 1 million passengers, from celebrities and royalty to immigrants and tourists. The sleek ship was also a top-secret
convertible troop transport that could rush 14,000 troops 10,000 miles without refueling.
Waiting for a rebirth, the United States languished at a pier in Philadelphia and suffered under the weight the COVID crisis put on the conservancy trying to save it. They had high hopes for a home port on the Hudson with pedestrian access to the Javits Convention Center. Adjacent piers would have been redesigned and reconstructed and the ship’s magnificent stacks would be a beacon to tourists. Instead, it is being readied at the Port of Mobile to be sunk 20 miles off Destin-Fort Walton Beach in the Florida panhandle, where it will continue its life below the waves.
NPR and PBS on the chopping block.
USAID sign being removed
Credit: Grok/X
Credit: Kayla Bartkowski, Getty Images
SUFFOLK CLOSE-UP
BY KARL GROSSMAN
Rich Schaffer, who will have been leader of the Democratic Party in Suffolk County for 25 years as of September, is not shaken by Republican gains in recent times nationally and in Suffolk.
“We’ve been there before over the years I’ve been county chair,” Schaffer was saying. “We saw this when young Bush [George W. Bush] was president. But a lot of times, the party in power makes mistakes upsetting people. And I think with Trump, we are in a whole different universe.
“There’s lots of chaos,” he continued in a recent interview. “His administration is hell-bent at going after Social Security and other programs middle-class Suffolk County residents want and deserve from government.”
The administration of President Donald Trump has an “extreme agenda” in a huge number of ways, said Schaffer, particularly its assault on the “check-and-balance process that the Constitution lays out. We can’t undo by a power grab the democratic experiment that was created in Philadelphia,” he said, referring to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 which created the governmental system for the new nation.
“As this sinks in,” he said, “the shine will wear off” of Trump support.
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Schaffer is more than a longtime Suffolk County political leader. He has served nine terms as Babylon Town supervisor and still is town supervisor. Earlier, between 1988 and 1992, he was a member of the Suffolk County Legislature. He has long been chairperson of the Suffolk County Supervisors Association.
He has breathed politics and government for decades—and takes a very personal approach. For example, he lists his cell phone number on the Town of Babylon government website for constituents to call. How many officials do that?
Schaffer began in politics in Suffolk County in 1974 when he was 11 years old. Tom Downey, the older brother of Schaffer’s friend Jeffrey Downey, was running for Congress and Schaffer distributed campaign literature for Downey.
Democrat Downey, regarding early political starts, was elected a Suffolk County legislator at 22. In 1974, at 25, he was elected to Congress, becoming the youngest member of the House of Representatives that term. He was reelected to eight succeeding terms.
Schaffer, now 61, was sworn in to his first term as supervisor of Babylon Town in 1992 at 29 becoming the youngest person in the 20th century to be its top town official. He has been supervisor for 22 years, longer than
Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico said he met with hospital officials to discuss plans to expand the size of the hospital. “NYU Langone is making a tremendous push onto Long Island. Councilman Neil Foley and I recently sat down with them about their plans to substantially upgrade and expand the former Brookhaven Hospital in East Patchogue. Once that site plan is submitted we will have a planning board public hearing in the coming months,” Panico stated.
Longtime Dem Leader Praises Republican Romaine
anyone in Town of Babylon history.
In February, announcing his reelection bid for supervisor for what would be his 10th term, Schaffer, before a gathering of “several hundred supporters,” as the Babylon Herald Beacon reported, “emphasized his people-first approach to governance.”
“That’s the way we should govern,” he was quoted as saying. “Look around this room—you’ll see people from not only the Democratic, but Conservative, Republican, and Independent parties as well. That’s because here in the Town of Babylon, we talk to one another and work together for our constituents.”
Through his years in government, Schaffer has emphasized bipartisan action. While a county legislator, he became close with Republican Ed Romaine of Center Moriches and Fred W. Thiele, Jr. of Sag Harbor, at that time a Republican, among other GOPers on the legislature. Of Thiele, now retired after 29 years in the state assembly, “We became friends.”
Of Romaine, now as county executive the top Suffolk County government official, “I’ve had more cooperation from Ed in one year than I’ve had with county executives for 20 years,” said Schaffer. He says Romaine is foremost “just a decent person.”
Schaffer further mentioned in the
New Name, New Mission... Animal Farm Takes...
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The Manor has also received a donation of mannequins from the Mastic Peninsula Historical Society, which they will dress up in garb reflecting the area’s rich history, including Revolutionary and War of 1812 soldiers, indigenous peoples, and Colonial tradesmen such as blacksmiths and whalers, Prudenti noted. “We want visitors to immerse themselves in what it was like living here in the seventeen and eighteen hundreds,” he said. The Manor House is a museum with artifacts detailing its history through the centuries.
The Manor recently invited local schools to arrange tours and will open a gift shop with souvenirs and crafts
The patient experience and quality of care have significantly improved since the hospital’s merger, Dr. Grossman noted. Surgical cases and other operating room procedures have increased by more than 50%; the length of stay has decreased; hospital-acquired conditions have decreased by 25%; and the time to see a provider in the Emergency Department has declined by nearly 70%. The hospital also introduced infusion services for cancer patients and people with neurological diseases, resulting in 4,000 new visits since implementation in May 2023.
reflecting the estate's importance in the founding of America. Owned by the same family since King William and Queen Mary gifted it to Tangier Smith, the property is celebrating its 70th year of being open to the public through the trust. Its last inhabitant, Eugenia Smith, a direct heir of Col. Smith, passed away in 1954. Her wish was to keep the 127-acre estate overlooking Bellport Bay open for the enjoyment of town residents.
The property has been pesticide-free since the 1940s and has relied on natural methods to combat ticks and mosquitoes, such as releasing hundreds of pheasants and quail. “We have a substantial turkey population, which keeps the bugs in check,” Prudenti pointed out.
interview, “tonight I’m having dinner with Angie Carpenter.” Carpenter is the supervisor of neighboring Islip Town, a Republican, and also a former member of the county legislature.
A native of North Babylon, Schaffer graduated as a political science major from the State University of New York at Albany where he was president of the student association. Then, back home, he attended and graduated from Brooklyn Law School.
As for the coming 2025 election in Suffolk, he thinks “all our incumbents” on the Suffolk legislature “are safe.” There are six Democrats currently on the 18-member panel. He is excited about Greg Doroski of Mattituck, a four-year member of the Southold Town Board, who has announced his candidacy in the legislature’s lst District.
Doroski, who has said his campaign will include focusing on protecting the underground water table on which Suffolk County depends, affordable housing and preserving farmland and open space, is also a brewer, now at the Riverhead Brew House.
“Who doesn’t like the brewmaster!” laughed Schaffer.
Looking ahead to the 2026 election in Suffolk, he is optimistic that a
Democrat can win in the lst C.D. over incumbent Republican Nick LaLota who lives in Amityville (in Babylon Town). And “we will help protect,” he said, Democratic incumbent Tom Suozzi of Great Neck whose 3rd C.D. includes a part of Huntington.
At the reelection announcement event, the Babylon Herald Beacon reported that Nancy Jones, a Babylon resident shared her support saying: “Rich is amazing: he is a man of his word. If anyone goes to him with an issue or problem, it gets resolved. If it’s not in his jurisdiction, he reaches out to make sure your concern is taken care of. He doesn’t say: It’s not my job.”
I know Babylon well having started as a reporter in Suffolk in 1962 at the Babylon Town Leader, which preceded the Babylon Herald Beacon. It’s a diverse town, and Schaffer is active in promoting diversity. At the reelection announcement event, Legislator Jason Richberg of West Babylon, the legislature’s Democratic minority leader, an African-American, said: “Rich has always made sure that we give more opportunities to people of color, people of different cultures and faiths, women, and to give everyone a second chance—and in some cases, a third. He makes sure things get done. That is what a leader does.”
BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ.
Not quite. For those who qualify and are enrolled, Medicare Part A will provide full coverage for the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), but from day 21 to 100, an individual is responsible to copay or use a coinsurance to cover what Medicare does not. For days 21 through 100, patients are responsible for a daily coinsurance amount, which is $209.50 in 2025. The 100day benefit period starts when a person is admitted to a hospital or SNF and ends when they haven't received any inpatient care for 60 consecutive days.
Medicare Part A, also known as hospital insurance, helps cover inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities including rehabilitation facilities. To be eligible for Medicare coverage for skilled nursing care, the care must be medically necessary and not custodial care. Medicare does not
cover custodial care, which is help with activities of daily living, such as dressing, eating, or bathing.
An individual is usually qualified to receive SNF coverage through Medicare Part A if he or she has been: (1) admitted to the facility is within 30 days of the date of hospital discharge;
(2) the prior hospitalization was for at least 3 consecutive days, excluding the day of discharge; (3) the resident requires daily skilled nursing or rehabilitation services that can only be provided in a SNF; (4) the resident is admitted to the facility to receive treatment for the same condition(s) for which
be terminated before the 100 days is up if an individual will not participate in rehabilitation treatments, or it’s determined the treatment will not help the person preserve or improve their skill level. If a patient does not qualify for Medicare but their family does not have the resources at home to care for them, Medicare will not provide payment for however long it takes to make a plan or apply for Medicaid. Once Medicare terminates coverage, the patient needs to return to his or her home or start privately paying for care which can cost hundreds of dollars a day. The only government program that pays for long-term care in a skilled nursing facility is Chronic Medicaid which has its own rules for eligibility. However, Community Medicaid is an alternative to consider for those who need daily assistance but have run out of their Medicare days or cannot afford or qualify for Chronic Medicaid. 100
he was treated in the hospital; (5) a medical professional certifies that the resident requires daily skilled nursing care.
While Medicare may contribute to a patient's skilled nursing costs for up to 100 days, a patient can become ineligible before those 100 days are up. Coverage can
BY TARA D’AMATO
Assistant Library Director
The Community Library has two great video streaming services you can access with your library card. Watch free movies at home, on the go on your tablet or laptop, or stream to your smart TV. Instead of paying cable TV fees or Amazon Prime, make the most of your library membership and save some money by streaming. Visit www.communitylibrary.org and select Books, Movies, Music from the top menu to get started. Don’t have home Internet? Borrow a MiFi device from the library to access free Internet service from home. Please note, there may be a waitlist for this device.
HOOPLA
Hoopla lets you borrow digital music, movies, including children’s movies, documentaries, comics and graphic novels for children, teens, and adults to stream in your web browser or to enjoy offline on your device. With hundreds of thousands of titles
to choose from, and more being added daily, Hoopla is like having your public library at your fingertips. Instead of having holds and wait periods, you can borrow titles anytime you want. Any title you borrow can be viewed across any device you’re signed into.
Hoopla supports Amazon Alexa devices, too. Play borrowed audiobooks and music albums directly on your Amazon Echo, Dot, Spot, and Show devices. Just search for “hoopla digital” in the Amazon Skills marketplace.
To use Hoopla on your device, you must download the app first. Find the Hoopla app in the Apple Google Play store and use your library barcode to sign in.
KANOPY
Kanopy is a videostreaming platform dedicated to thoughtful and thoughtprovoking films. With an ideal platform for showcasing independent films that fuel lifelong learning, Kanopy
is on a mission “to ensure that everyone has access to enriching films that bridge cultural boundaries, spark discussion, and expand worldviews.” You can choose from thousands of Hollywood classics, mainstream hits, arthouse releases and foreign films to watch with the service. Watch up to 10 critically acclaimed movies, inspiring documentaries, and awardwinning foreign films each month. While it’s not the spot to go for the most current Hollywood blockbusters, it fills in our video library with content like award winners, classic and indie films, and foreign content. Kanopy also recently teamed up with HBO Documentaries, the hot indie studio A24 and the prestigious Criterion Collection to offer content.
Simply add your MasticsMoriches-Shirley Community Library card number and PIN or password after selecting Kanopy from the library’s webpage.
Your Library. Your Community. A Modest Investment That Makes a Big Impact.
Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library 2025 Budget Message
As your local public library, we understand the financial pressures families are facing — from rising utility bills to the increasing costs of groceries, housing, and gas. That’s why we’ve taken great care in crafting a 2025 budget that is both fiscally responsible and responsive to the needs of our growing community.
If voters approve our proposed budget, the annual library tax levy for the average home (assessed at $1,995) will increase from about $710 to an estimated $745. That’s a difference of just $35 a year — or roughly $2.90 per month. For far less than the cost of a movie ticket, you’re helping ensure that our library continues to deliver the high-quality services, programs, and resources that make a real difference in people’s lives. (And with your library card, you can stream nearly 50,000 movies for free on Kanopy — no ticket required!)
While the proposed budget includes a 4.4% operating budget increase — which exceeds the state’s 2% tax cap — the actual impact on taxpayers remains minimal, while the benefits are significant.
Why the Increase?
Inflation’s Impact: Even as inflation is beginning to level off, the accumulated effects of the last few years have driven up costs for books, digital content, programming materials, energy, and other essentials.
Minimum Wage Mandate: The state’s increase in the minimum wage reflects an important value — fair compensation — but it also comes with no additional funding. Our library employs many entry-level staff members at minimum wage, and we must adjust to continue operating effectively.
Keeping Good People: We invest time and resources in training our staff — but without competitive pay, too many are leaving for higher-paying jobs elsewhere. Modest salary increases, especially for entry-level librarians and security guards, will help us attract and retain the skilled, compassionate staff who make our library feel like home.
We’ve always worked hard to stretch every dollar. But continuing to meet the needs of our community — especially with our new and improved facilities — requires thoughtful investment. This proposed increase ensures that we can maintain safe, vibrant, and inclusive spaces that serve residents of all ages and backgrounds.
It’s a Small Step with a Big Payoff.
Libraries are more than buildings. They’re the heart of a community — offering free access to knowledge, lifelong learning, job readiness, early literacy, arts and culture, and more.
Your support keeps it all going.
For questions or to learn more about this year’s budget proposal, please visit www.communitylibrary.org or contact Library Director Lonna Theiling at (631) 399-1511.
Thank you for supporting your Community Library.
LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES
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 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
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
LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES
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
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 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
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.
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 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
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
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.
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 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
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on November 25, 2024. Office located in Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to: 275 GILLETTE AVE,
BAYPORT, NY, 11705, USA. Purpose: To engage in any lawful activity.
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK – U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, -against- ELEFTHERIA TSIMPIDI, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE DECEDENT THEODOROS SAKOUTIS; THE UNKNOWN HEIRSAT-LAW, NEXT-OFKIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS AND PARTIES HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH THE DECEDENT THEODOROS SAKOUTIS, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN; LR CREDIT 10 LLC; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT); DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, DefendantsIndex No. 622214/2019
Plaintiff Designates Suffolk County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject premises is situated in Suffolk County. 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 upon the Plaintiff's attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the date 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. If you fail to so appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated February 11, 2025. NOTICEYOU 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 (U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Thomas F. Whelan, J.S.C. Dated: February 11, 2025 Filed: February 14, 2025 The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 186 Mastic Beach Road, Mastic Beach A/K/A Shirley, NY 11951. Dated: February 20, 2025 Filed: February 20, 2025 Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Richard F. Komosinski, Esq., Of Counsel, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591 Phone: (914) 345-3020
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, ATLANTICA, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. JEREMIAH C. DESMOND, Defendant.
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 20, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on April 15, 2025 at 10:30 a.m., premises known as 272 Railroad Avenue, Center Moriches, NY 11934. 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 792.00, Block 01.00 and Lot 005.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $457,008.23 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #207438/2022.
Annette Eaderesto, Esq., Referee
Vallely Law PLLC, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 165, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff AGAINST KENNETH W BLOOM, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 24, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on April 10, 2025 at 10:30AM, premises known as 339 Barton Avenue, East Patchogue, NY 11772 a/k/a 339 Barton Avenue, East Patchogue, NY 11772. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200 Section 925.00 Block 03.00
Lot 048.000. Approximate amount of judgment $427,748.98 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #201179/2022. Daniel J. Murphy, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 21-001003 84557
SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Suffolk County. US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, -againstVIRGINIA ANN JUDD, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF VIRGINIA A. BENSON; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF VIRGINIA A. BENSON; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT); "JOHN DOE" AND "JANE DOE" said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, Defendants Index No. 614269/2024 Mortgaged Premises: 397 Starlight Drive Shirley, NY 11967 District: 0200 Section: 670.00 Block: 03.00 Lots: 020.000 & 047.000 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above captioned action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff's attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner 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 hereof. 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 OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a Mortgage to secure $30,000.00 and interest, recorded in the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office on June 12, 1997, in Liber Book 19208, Page 985, covering the premises known as 397 Starlight Drive, Shirley, NY 11967. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Suffolk County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located.. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to 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. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff.
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLKBABYLON. CASIO REALTY, LLC, Plaintiff -againstSTEVEMAR REALTY, INC., et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 13, 2024 and entered on November 21, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public
LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES
auction on the front steps of the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY on April 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Amityville, Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the Westerly side of South Ketcham Avenue, (Clinton Avenue) distant 225 feet Southerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the Westerly side of said South Ketcham, with the Southerly side of Riverside Avenue, which point is also the Southeasterly corner of land now or formerly of Toomey, and from said point of beginning; RUNNING THENCE South 8 degrees 10 minutes 00 seconds West along the Westerly side of South Ketcham Avenue 188.91 feet to land now or formerly of DeQuillfeldt; THENCE South 66 degrees 56 minutes 00 seconds West along the last mentioned land, 292.90 feet to Narraskatuck River; THENCE along the Narraskatuck River, the following (5) courses and distances: 1. North 7 degrees 10 minutes 40 seconds East, 59.38 feet; 2. North 26 degrees 30 minutes 40 seconds East, 121.48 feet; 3. North 16 degrees 42 minutes 00 seconds West, 96.10 feet; 4. North 89 degrees 10 minutes 00 seconds East, 20.59 feet; 5. North 8 degrees 10 minutes 00 seconds East, 50.69 feet to land now or formerly of Pearl Grey Fishing Station, Inc., formerly of Toomey; THENCE along the last mentioned land, the following (3) courses and distances: 1. South 81 degrees 50 minutes 00 seconds East, 100 feet; 2. North 8 degrees 10 minutes 00 seconds East, 25 feet; 3. South 81 degrees 50 minutes 00 seconds East, 133.32 feet to the Westerly side of South Ketcham Avenue at the point or place of BEGINNING. District: 0101 Section: 011.00 Block: 01.00 Lots: 025.000, 026.000, 028.000, 029.000. Said premises known as 255265 SOUTH KETCHAM AVENUE, AMITYVILLE, NY 11701
Approximate amount of lien $776,340.52 plus interest & costs.
Premises will be sold
subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 614694/2020. MICHAEL J. CORCORAN, ESQ., Referee
The Law Offices of Kyle M. Halperin, PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 27 East 21st Street, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10010 {* SOUTH SHO4*}
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff against THE UNKNOWN HEIRSAT LAW, NEXT-OFKIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH THE DECENDENT ANTHONY BISCARDI, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, et al Defendant(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, NY 10591.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered November 29, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on April 21, 2025 at 9:00 AM. Premises known as 159 HAWTHORNE STREET, MASTIC, NY 11950. District 0200 Sec 908.00 Block 04.00 Lot 027.000. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate Amount
of Judgment is $322,721.14 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 615688/2022. Cash will not be accepted at the sale. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District's Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing.
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST EDDIE ROMAN, CARMEN ROSADO, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 26, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on April 22, 2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 254 Auborn Avenue, Shirley, NY 11967. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Township of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of New York, District 0200, Section 746.00, Block 03.00, Lot 005.000. Approximate amount of judgment $238,215.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #603642/2018. Harvey B. Besunder, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-006778 83604
SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Suffolk County. U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF BKPLEG HOLDING TRUST, Plaintiff, -against- ELENA IVANOVA, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF
RONALD SAMMIS A/K/A RONALD P. SAMMIS A/K/A RON SAMMIS; TAYLOR SAMMIS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF RONALD SAMMIS A/K/A RONALD P. SAMMIS A/K/A RON SAMMIS; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF RONALD SAMMIS A/K/A RONALD P. SAMMIS A/K/A RON SAMMIS; STATE OF NEW YORK; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT); CLERK OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY TRAFFIC & PARKING VIOLATIONS AGENCY; "JOHN DOE" AND "JANE DOE" said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, Defendants Index No. 612102/2024. Mortgaged Premises: 23 Lafayette Avenue Mastic, NY 11950 District: 0200 Section: 824.00 Block: 07.00 Lot: 029.000 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above captioned action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff's attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner 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 hereof. 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 OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on Mortgage to secure $105,000.00 and interest, recorded in the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office on May 25, 2007, in Book M00021541, Page 431, covering the premises known as 23 Lafayette Avenue, Mastic, NY 11950. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale
of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Suffolk County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to 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. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325
Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff.
YEN LOPEZ A/K/A YEN R. LOPEZ A/K/A YEN S. LOPEZ A/K/A YENNIFER LOPEZ A/K/A YENNIFER R. LOPEZ A/K/A YENNIFER S. LOPEZ, ET AL.,
Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 12/12/2023, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, on 4/23/2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 42
Sterling Ave, Patchogue, New York 11772, And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of New York.
District 0200 Section 951.00 Block 06.00 Lot 005.000 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $713,931.57 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 624041/2018
Daniel James Murphy, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Supreme Court County of Suffolk US Bank National Association as Trustee for CMALT REMIC Series 2005-A1 - REMIC PassThrough Certificates Series 2005-A1, Plaintiff
AGAINST
Nelson Medina, et al, Defendant
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated May 7, 2024 and entered on May 17, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY on April 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM premises known as 17 Nadworny Lane, Stony Brook, NY 11790. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Suffolk, State of New York, SECTION: 247.00, BLOCK: 04.00, LOT: 009.003, District 0200. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,162,518.57 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 616581/2018.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 26, 2024 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on April 29, 2025 at 9:30AM, premises known as 1184 Waverly Avenue, Holtsville, NY 11742-1122. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of NY, District 0200 Section 653.00 Block 03.00 Lot 045.000. Approximate amount of judgment $647,043.19 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 031309/2013.
Amanda M. Baron-Frank, Esq., Referee
LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: March 5, 2025 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, vs. FRANCIS K. O'BRIEN, Defendant.
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 1, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on April 29, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 42 Annandale Road, Stony Brook, NY 11790. 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 329.00, Block 07.00 and Lot 006.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $567,698.91 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #606899/2016. Cash will not be accepted.
Mark Peterson, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff
REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLK U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC. ASSETBACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-AMC1, Plaintiff - against - THOMAS SULFARO, et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on January 28, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on the 23rd day of April, 2025 at 12:30 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of
Suffolk and State of New York.
Premises known as 60 Manor Drive, Shirley, (Town of Brookhaven) NY 11967.
(DSBL#: 0200-983.20-05.00039.000)
Approximate amount of lien $872,286.62 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 609048/2023. Jonathan A. Baum, Esq., Referee.
The deposit must be paid by certified check or bank check made payable to the Referee. Cash will not be accepted.
Davidson Fink LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff
400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618
Tel. 585/760-8218
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www. Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: March 11, 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.
HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2005-4, RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSET-BACKED NOTES, SERIES 2005-4, Plaintiff, AGAINST VANESSA L. SULLIVAN
AKA VANESSA SULLIVAN, et al. Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on November 25, 2024.
I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on April 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM premises known as 50 Astor Drive, Shirley, NY 11967.
Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Suffolk County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing.
All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Township of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. District 0200 Section 587.00, Block 02.00 and Lot 028.002-028.004.
Approximate amount of judgment $296,096.54 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #609710/2019.
Samantha Segal, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK TOWD POINT MORTGAGE TRUST 20194, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, Plaintiff AGAINST GEORGE ATHANASATOS; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 6, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on April 23, 2025
at 10:00AM, premises known as 6 Bullard Street, Mastic, NY 11950. 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 881.00 Block 08.00 Lot 031.000. Approximate amount of judgment $398,541.02 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #626455/2023. Ian Thomas Fitzgerald, Esq., Referee Fein, Such & Crane, LLP 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800 Rochester, NY 14614 SPSNY818 84897
Notice of Formation of SJC WOODLAND, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on MARCH 18, 2025. Office located in Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to SJC WOODLAND, LLC, 343 DAYTON AVENUE, MANORVILLE, NY 11949, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
L16224-04/02/2025
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST Sharon Klune a/k/a Sharon L. Klune; et al., Defendant(s)
Jacob Turner, Esq., Referee
LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: February 17, 2025 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
SUPREME COURT: SUFFOLK COUNTY. FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FREDDIE MAC SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES 2019-2, Pltf. vs. RONALD KOCSI JR, et al, Defts. Index #205792/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered June 27, 2024, I will sell at public auction at Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY on May 5, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. premises k/a 464 Carnation Drive, Shirley, NY 11967 a/k/a District 0200, Section 615.00, Block 05.00, Lot 017.00. Approximate amount of judgment is $253,630.60 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. STEVEN LOSQUADRO, Referee. MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 575 Underhill Blvd., Ste. 224, Syosset, NY 11791. #102176
The following Self Storage unit contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by StorQuest Self Storage
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 2, 2024 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Front steps of Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on May 1, 2025 at 9:30AM, premises known as 4 Laurel Crescent a/k/a Laurel Cresent, Manorville, NY 11949. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in Manorville, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of NY, District 0200 Section 510.00 Block 05.00 Lot 029.031. Approximate amount of judgment $635,637.89 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 207406/2022.
LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES
2021 Lakeland Avenue, Ronkonkoma NY 11779 (631) 954-2026 to satisfy a lien on 04/15/2025 at approx. 12PM at www. storagetreasures.com: Diana Menendez- 2069
L16227-04/02/2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION OF THE SOUTH COUNTRY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing 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 Central School District Administration Building, 189 North Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York, in said District on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 6:15 p.m., prevailing time, for the transaction of such business as is authorized by the New York State Education Law, including the following items.
1. Presentation of the budget document.
2. To discuss all of the items herein set forth, to be voted upon by voting machine, at the election to be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, as hereinafter set forth.
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that said vote and election will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Bellport Middle School, 35 Kreamer Street, Bellport, New York, at which time the polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, to vote by voting machines upon the following items:
1. To adopt the annual budget of the School District for the fiscal year 20252026 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the School District.
2. To elect three (3)
members of the Board of Education, each for a threeyear term commencing July 1, 2025, and expiring on June 30, 2028.
3. PROPOSITION:
Expenditure of no more than two million three hundred fifteen thousand dollars ($2,315,000) from the Capital Reserve Fund established on May 16, 2023, to finance projects for: (1) the replacement of the running track surface, resurfacing of field event areas, drainage upgrades, and installation of new visitor bleachers at Bellport High School; (2) the removal and replacement of gymnasium windows at Bellport High School; (3) the replacement of two boilers at Bellport High School; including such preliminary, ancillary, and incidental costs in connection therewith.
Shall the Board of Education of the South Country Central School District be authorized to expend two million three hundred fifteen thousand dollars ($2,315,000) from the Capital Reserve Fund established on May 16, 2023 (“Reserve Fund”), pursuant to Education Law §3651, for a capital improvement project consisting of: (1) the replacement of the running track surface, resurfacing of field event areas, drainage upgrades, and installation of new visitor bleachers at Bellport High School (One million three hundred forty thousand dollars ($1,340,000)); (2) the removal and replacement of gymnasium windows at Bellport High School (One hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($175,000)); (3) the replacement of two boilers at Bellport High School (Eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000)); and to make expenditures from Reserve Fund for the cost of other work required in connection therewith, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto in an amount not to exceed the estimated total cost of two million three hundred fifteen thousand dollars ($2,315,000), provided that the Board of Education may allocate funds amongst various components within the overall total expenditure at its discretion? AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that
petitions nominating candidates for the office of Member of the Board of Education of the South Country Central School District shall be filed with the District Clerk of said School District at the District Clerk’s office, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York, not later than April 21, 2025, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., prevailing time. All nominating petitions must be signed by at least 25 (representing the greater of 25 or 2% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); must state the name and residence of each signer, and must state the name and residence of the candidate. Vacancies on the Board of Education shall not be considered separate, specific offices; candidates run at large.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 or pursuant to Article 5 of the New York State Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 and has voted at any annual or special district meeting within the past four (4) calendar 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 New York State Election Law, such voter is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register. Voters may register on any school day prior to May 14, 2025, at the Office of the District Clerk located at District Office, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., prevailing time, to add any additional names to the registers to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have her or his name placed on such registers provided that at the meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known, or proven to the satisfaction of the Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such public hearing or election for which such registers are prepared, and that the registers so prepared
pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 and the registration list prepared by the Board of Elections of Suffolk County will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk of the School District, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District on weekdays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, on and after Thursday, May 15, 2025, and Saturday by pre-arranged appointment, except Sunday;
AND FURTHER NOTICE
IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to New York Education Law §2014, the Board of Registration shall meet on May 20, 2025, at Bellport Middle School, 35 Kreamer Street, Bellport, New York, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, to prepare the Register of the School District to be used at the annual meeting and election that is to be held in 2026, and any special meeting that may be held after the preparation of said Register, at which time any person will be entitled to have her or his name placed on such Register, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the school meeting or election for which such Register is prepared.
AND FURTHER NOTICE
IS HEREBY GIVEN that qualified voters with disabilities who seek information about access to polling places may, in advance of the day of the vote, contact the District Clerk at (631) 730-1542 for information about accessibility.
AND FURTHER NOTICE
IS HEREBY GIVEN that beginning seven (7) days immediately preceding the May 7, 2025, public budget hearing, any resident in the District may request to review a copy of the proposed budget by appearing at the Office of the District Clerk, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York. Additionally, a statement of the estimated expenses for the ensuing
year may be obtained by any resident in the District during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding said election on the school district website www.southcountry. org, at the South Country Library, located at 22 Station Road, Bellport, New York, or Brookhaven Free Library, located at 273 Beaver Dam Road, Brookhaven, New York, during their normal hours of operation, at the School District Administrative Center, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York, and at each of the following school buildings in which school is maintained between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., prevailing time, except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays:
Bellport High School
Bellport Middle School
Frank P. Long Intermediate School
Brookhaven Elementary School
Kreamer Street Elementary School
Verne W. Critz Elementary School
South Haven Early Childhood Center
AND FURTHER NOTICE
IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Real Property Tax Law Section 495, the School District is required to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how much of the total assessed value on the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted, identified by statutory authority, and show: (a) the cumulative impact of each type of exemption expressed either as a dollar amount of assessed value or as a percentage of the total assessed value on the roll; (b) the cumulative amount expected to be received from recipients of each type of exemption as payments in lieu of taxes or other payments for municipal services; and (c) the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. The exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on any website maintained by the District.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for absentee and early mail ballots will be obtainable during school business hours at the office of the District Clerk beginning April 21, 2025. In accordance with Education Law §§ 2018a and 2018-e, completed absentee and early mail ballot applications may not be received by the District Clerk earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the election, and must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or to the agent named in the absentee or early mail ballot application. Absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
A list of persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued, and a list of all persons to whom early mail voter’s ballots shall have been issued, will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the office of the District Clerk on and after May 15, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays prior to the day set for the annual election and on May 17, 2025, by advanced appointment by contacting the District Clerk at (631) 730-1542 and on May 20, 2025, the day set for the election. Any qualified voter may, upon examination of such lists, file a written challenge of the qualifications as a voter of any person whose name appears on such lists, stating the reasons for such challenge. Any such written challenge shall be transmitted by the District Clerk or a designee of the Board of Education to the inspectors of election on election day.
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) 286-
LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES
2457. 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 April 24, 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 and return such military ballot application to 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 April 24, 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 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York 11772, along with the required signed affidavit by the voter.
AND FURTHER NOTICE
IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk before the close of polls on May 20, 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 received not later than 5:00 p.m. on May 20, 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.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education in accordance with New York Education Law §2035, any referenda or propositions to change the number of Board of Education members, or a bond issue for capital improvements, or any other petition, including but not limited to any petition required by law to be stated in the Notice of Annual Meeting and Election must be filed with the District Clerk at 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York 11772, not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on March 21, 2025. All such petitions must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the Clerk of the School District; must be signed by at least 61 qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 or 5% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); and must legibly state the name of each signer. However, the Board of Education will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, nor any proposition or amendment which is contrary to law.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that those voters seeking information regarding this Budget Vote and Election in Spanish should contact the Office of the District Clerk at (631) 730-1542.
Christine Flynn District Clerk of the Board of Education
South Country Central School District 189 Dunton Avenue East Patchogue, New York 11772
AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA, VOTACIÓN PRESUPUESTARIA Y ELECCIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL DE SOUTH COUNTRY CIUDAD DE BROOKHAVEN, CONDADO DE SUFFOLK, NUEVA YORK
POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que se llevará a cabo una audiencia pública de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country, Ciudad de Brookhaven, Condado de Suffolk, Nueva York, en el Edificio de Administración del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country, 189 North Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York, en dicho Distrito el miércoles 7 de Mayo de 2025, a las 6:15 p.m., hora vigente, para la transacción de los negocios autorizados por la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York, incluidos los siguientes puntos.
1. Presentación del documento presupuestario.
2. Debatir todos los puntos aquí establecidos, para su votación por máquina, en la elección que se celebrará el martes 20 de Mayo de 2025, según se indica a continuación.
3. Tratar cualquier otro asunto que se presente debidamente ante la reunión. Y ADEMÁS, POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que dicha votación y elección se llevará a cabo el martes 20 de Mayo de 2025 en Bellport Middle School, 35 Kreamer Street, Bellport, Nueva York, hora en la que las urnas estarán abiertas de 7:00 a.m. a 9:00 p.m., hora vigente, para votar mediante máquinas de votación sobre los siguientes puntos:
1. Aprobar el presupuesto anual del Distrito Escolar para el año fiscal 2025-2026 y autorizar que la parte correspondiente se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad gravable del Distrito Escolar.
2. Elegir a tres (3) miembros de la Junta de Educación, cada uno por un período de tres años que comenzará el 1 de Julio de 2025 y terminará el 30 de Junio de 2028.
3. PROPUESTA: Gasto de no más de dos millones trescientos quince mil dólares ($2,315,000) del Fondo de Reserva de Capital establecido el 16 de mayo de 2023, para financiar proyectos para: (1) la sustitución de la superficie de la pista de atletismo, la repavimentación de las áreas de eventos deportivos, la mejora del drenaje y la instalación de nuevas gradas para
visitantes en la Escuela Secundaria Bellport; (2) la remoción y sustitución de las ventanas del gimnasio de la Escuela Secundaria Bellport; (3) la sustitución de dos calderas de la Escuela Secundaria Bellport; incluyendo los costos preliminares, auxiliares e incidentales relacionados.
¿Se autorizará a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country a gastar dos millones trescientos quince mil dólares ($2,315,000) del Fondo de Reserva de Capital establecido el 16 de mayo de 2023 (“Fondo de Reserva”), de conformidad con la Ley de Educación §3651, para un proyecto de mejora de capital que consiste en: (1) el reemplazo de la superficie de la pista de atletismo, la repavimentación de las áreas de eventos de campo, mejoras en el drenaje e instalación de nuevas gradas para visitantes en la Escuela Secundaria Bellport (Un millón trescientos cuarenta mil dólares ($1,340,000)); (2) la remoción y reemplazo de las ventanas del gimnasio en la Escuela Secundaria Bellport (Ciento setenta y cinco mil dólares ($175,000)); (3) el reemplazo de dos calderas en la Escuela Secundaria Bellport (Ochocientos mil dólares ($800,000)); y realizar gastos con el Fondo de Reserva para el costo de otros trabajos requeridos en conexión con ello, incluyendo costos preliminares y costos incidentales al mismo en una cantidad que no exceda el costo total estimado de dos millones trescientos quince mil dólares ($2,315,000), siempre que la Junta de Educación pueda asignar fondos entre varios componentes dentro del gasto total general a su discreción?
Y, ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que las peticiones de nominación de candidatos para el cargo de Miembro de la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country deberán presentarse ante la Secretaria de Distrito de dicho Distrito Escolar, en su oficina, ubicada en 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York, a más tardar el 21 de Abril de 2025, entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m., hora vigente. Todas las peticiones de nominación deben estar
firmadas por al menos 25 personas (que representen el mayor número de 25 o el 2 % del número de votantes que votaron en las elecciones anuales anteriores); deben indicar el nombre y la residencia de cada firmante, y deben indicar el nombre y la residencia del candidato. Las vacantes en la Junta de Educación no se considerarán cargos separados ni específicos; los candidatos se postulan por oposición.
Y, ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que el registro personal de votantes es obligatorio, ya sea de conformidad con la Ley de Educación de Nueva York, artículo 2014, o de conformidad con el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral del Estado de Nueva York. Si un votante se ha registrado previamente de conformidad con la Ley de Educación de Nueva York, artículo 2014, y ha votado en cualquier reunión anual o extraordinaria de distrito en los últimos cuatro (4) años calendario, podrá votar en estas elecciones; si está registrado y es elegible para votar de conformidad con el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral del Estado de Nueva York, también podrá votar en estas elecciones. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben registrarse. Los votantes pueden registrarse cualquier día escolar antes del 14 de Mayo de 2025 en la Oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito ubicada en la Oficina del Distrito, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York, entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m., hora vigente, para agregar nombres adicionales a los registros que se utilizarán en la elección antes mencionada, momento en el cual cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se coloque en dichos registros siempre que en la reunión de la Junta de Registro se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de la Junta de Registro que tiene derecho en ese momento o en lo sucesivo a votar en dicha audiencia pública o elección para la cual se preparen dichos registros, y que los registros preparados de conformidad con la Ley de Educación de Nueva York §2014 y la lista de registro preparada por la Junta Electoral del Condado de Suffolk se archivarán en la Oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito del Distrito Escolar, 189 Dunton
Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York, y estarán abiertos a la inspección de cualquier votante calificado del Distrito. Entre semana, de 9:00 a.m. a 4:00 p.m. (hora vigente), a partir del jueves 15 de Mayo de 2025, y el sábado con cita previa, excepto el domingo. Y, ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con la Ley de Educación de Nueva York, artículo 2014, la Junta de Registro se reunirá el 20 de Mayo de 2025 en la Escuela Intermedia Bellport, ubicada en 35 Kreamer Street, Bellport, Nueva York, entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m., hora vigente, para preparar el Registro del Distrito Escolar que se utilizará en la reunión anual y las elecciones de 2026, así como en cualquier reunión extraordinaria que se celebre después de la preparación de dicho Registro. En ese momento, cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de la Junta de Registro se sepa o se demuestre, a satisfacción de dicha Junta, que tiene derecho a votar en ese momento o posteriormente en la reunión o elección escolar para la que se prepare dicho Registro.
Y, ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que los votantes con discapacidad que reúnan los requisitos y deseen obtener información sobre el acceso a los centros de votación pueden, antes del día de la votación, comunicarse con la Secretaria del Distrito al (631) 730-1542 para obtener información sobre accesibilidad.
Y, ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que, a partir de los siete (7) días previos a la audiencia pública sobre el presupuesto del 7 de Mayo de 2025, cualquier residente del Distrito podrá solicitar la revisión de una copia del presupuesto propuesto presentándose en la Oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito, ubicada en 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York. Además, cualquier residente del Distrito podrá obtener un estado de cuenta de los gastos estimados para el año siguiente durante los catorce (14) días inmediatamente anteriores a dicha elección en el sitio web del distrito escolar www.southcountry. org, en la Biblioteca de
South Country, ubicada en 22 Station Road, Bellport, Nueva York, o en la Biblioteca Gratuita de Brookhaven, ubicada en 273 Beaver Dam Road, Brookhaven, Nueva York, durante su horario normal de funcionamiento, en el Centro Administrativo del Distrito Escolar, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York, y en cada uno de los siguientes edificios escolares en los que se mantengan clases entre las 9 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m., horario vigente, excepto sábados, domingos y feriados: Preparatoria Bellport
Escuela Intermedia Bellport
Escuela Intermedia Frank P. Long
Escuela Primaria Brookhaven
Escuela Primaria Kreamer Street
Escuela Primaria Verne W. Critz
Centro de Educación Infantil South Haven
Y, ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con el Artículo 495 de la Ley de Impuestos sobre Bienes Inmuebles, el Distrito Escolar debe adjuntar a su presupuesto propuesto un informe de exenciones. Dicho informe, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, mostrará qué proporción del valor catastral total en el registro catastral final utilizado en el proceso presupuestario está exenta de impuestos, enumerará cada tipo de exención otorgada, identificada por la autoridad legal, e indicará: (a) el impacto acumulado de cada tipo de exención, expresado como
monto en dólares del valor catastral o como porcentaje del valor catastral total en el registro; (b) el monto acumulado que se espera recibir de los beneficiarios de cada tipo de exención como pagos en lugar de impuestos u otros pagos por servicios municipales; y (c) el impacto acumulado de todas las exenciones otorgadas. El informe de exenciones se publicará en cualquier tablón de anuncios que mantenga el Distrito para avisos públicos y en cualquier sitio web que mantenga el Distrito.
Y ADEMÁS POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que las solicitudes para las papeletas de voto en ausencia y para voto anticipado por correo se podrán obtener durante el horario de atención escolar en la oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito a partir del 21 de Abril de 2025. De acuerdo con los §§ 2018-a y 2018-e de la Ley de Educación, las solicitudes de papeletas de voto en ausencia y para voto anticipado por correo completadas no pueden ser recibidas por la Secretaria del Distrito antes de treinta (30) días antes de la elección, y deben ser recibidas por la Secretaria del Distrito al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la papeleta se va a enviar por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección, si la papeleta se va a entregar personalmente al votante o al agente nombrado en la solicitud de papeleta de voto en ausencia o para voto anticipado por correo. Las papeletas de voto en ausencia y de voto anticipado por
correo deberán ser recibidas por la Secretaria del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m., hora vigente, del martes 20 de Mayo de 2025.
La lista de las personas a quienes se les habrán emitido papeletas de voto en ausencia y la lista de todas las personas a quienes se les habrá emitido papeletas de voto anticipado por correo estarán disponibles para su inspección por parte de los votantes cualificados del Distrito en la oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito a partir del 15 de mayo de 2025, entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m., los días laborables previos al día de las elecciones anuales y el 17 de Mayo de 2025, previa cita previa contactando a la Secretaria del Distrito al (631) 730-1542 y el 20 de Mayo de 2025, día de las elecciones. Cualquier votante cualificado podrá, tras examinar dichas listas, impugnar por escrito la cualificación de cualquier persona cuyo nombre figure en ellas, exponiendo las razones de la impugnación. Dicha impugnación por escrito será remitida por la Secretaria de Distrito o su designado por la Junta de Educación a los inspectores electorales el día de las elecciones.
Y, ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que los votantes militares que no estén registrados actualmente pueden solicitar su registro como votantes cualificados del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country. Para ello, deben presentar y devolver personalmente una solicitud
de registro a la Secretaria del Distrito, por correo electrónico a cflynn@ southcountry.org o por fax al (631) 286-2457. La solicitud de registro puede indicar la preferencia del votante militar de recibirla 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 24 de Abril de 2025.
Y ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que los votantes militares que cumplan los requisitos para votar en el Distrito Escolar Central de South Country pueden solicitar una solicitud de papeleta militar a ls Secretaria del Distrito y devolverla personalmente, por correo electrónico a cflynn@southcountry. org o por fax al (631) 2862457. Para que se emita una papeleta militar a un votante militar, la oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito debe recibir una solicitud válida de papeleta militar a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 24 de Abril de 2025. Las solicitudes de papeleta militar recibidas de conformidad con lo anterior se procesarán de la misma manera que las solicitudes de papeleta no militar, según la Sección 2018-a de la Ley de Educación. La solicitud de papeleta militar puede indicar la preferencia del votante militar por recibirla por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico. La solicitud original de papeleta militar y la papeleta militar de un votante militar deben entregarse por correo o
en persona a la oficina de la Secretaria de Distrito, ubicada en 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York 11772, junto con la declaración jurada firmada por el votante.
Y ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que las papeletas militares serán escrutadas si son recibidas por la Secretaria de Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el 20 de Mayo 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 de recibo fechado por otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o recibidas a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 20 de Mayo de 2025, y firmadas y fechadas por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha que se verifique como no posterior al día anterior a las elecciones.
Y ADEMÁS POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO que de conformidad con una regla adoptada por la Junta de Educación de conformidad con la Ley de Educación de Nueva York §2035, cualquier referéndum o proposición para cambiar el número de miembros de la Junta de Educación, o una emisión de bonos para mejoras de capital, o cualquier otra petición, incluyendo pero no limitado a cualquier petición requerida por ley para ser indicada en el Aviso de Reunión Anual y Elección debe presentarse ante la Secretaria del Distrito en 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York
11772, a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, el 21 de marzo de 2025. Todas estas peticiones deben estar escritas a máquina o impresas en idioma inglés; deben dirigirse al Secretario del Distrito Escolar; deben estar firmadas por al menos 61 votantes calificados del Distrito (que representen el mayor de 25 o el 5% del número de votantes que votaron en la elección anual anterior); y debe indicar legiblemente el nombre de cada firmante. Sin embargo, la Junta de Educación no aceptará ninguna petición para presentar a los votantes ninguna propuesta cuyo propósito no esté dentro de la facultad de los votantes para determinar, ni ninguna propuesta o enmienda que sea contraria a la ley.
Y ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que aquellos votantes que deseen información sobre esta Votación y Elección Presupuestaria en español deben comunicarse con la Oficina de la Secretaria de Distrito al (631) 730-1542.
Christine Flynn Secretaria de Distrito de la Junta de Educación
Distrito Escolar Central de South Country 189 Dunton Avenue East Patchogue, Nueva York 11772
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Miscellaneous
This year's Final Four doesn't feature a single Cinderella team. It doesn't have any true underdogs in the field. It doesn't even have anyone seeded anything other than #1 gunning for a title. What it does have though are elite teams competing for the championship, and a chance for us to make money on these high-profile schools.
This year's tournament has been heavily favorite leaning, and the public has done very well. In fact, favorites went 51-13 straight up during this year's tournament, that ties the most favorites winning all time. Sports book directors have said they have gotten crushed because of money line parlay favorites and that continued into the Sweet 16 and Elite 8. For the first time in history every favorite advanced in the Sweet 16 and Elite 8. Favorites have also won 14 straight tournament games. Now with just three games to playthings will potentially get tighter as the four teams left are so well matched up. The last time, and only time, we
BY TOM BARTON
The Best Final Four?
have ever seen four #1 seeds advance to the Final Four was in 2008. That season neither semifinal game was decided by fewer than 15 points. So, while it makes sense that #1 vs. #1 will produce better games this
weekend, it's far from a sure thing. Entering the weekend the odds to win it all look like this: Duke: +325, Florida: +350, Auburn: +450, and Houston: +600. Some trends
are pointing in the wrong direction for both underdogs Houston and Auburn. Only once in the past 15 seasons did a team with the worst odds go on to win it all. Florida has some history to contend with
also because Florida opened the season with 60-1 odds to win it all. The only #1 seed with that high of odds to make the Final Four was Gonzaga at 66-1 in 2017.
While Duke is the biggest favorite to win it all they have to do so on the road. You rarely see a true road game in the Final Four, but this year Houston will get their home cooking. Houston will be the 9th team to play a Final Four game in their home state. It has helped a lot. 7 of the last 8 teams who played in this spot won their Final Four game.
Duke is the 17th team to be the favorite entering the Final Four and seven ended up winning the title, with UConn doing so in each of the past two season. To add to that, only four lost in the semifinal game before the championship.
This tournament has been dubbed a "boring tournament" by many but getting the four best teams to match up is rare and we should enjoy the fact the best will play the best to see who is really the best.
ByTomBarton
The New York Yankees had an unbelievable weekend, and it had their haters questioning everything. The newest problem Yankee detractors are up in arms against is their use of what is being dubbed as their "Torpedo Bats."
Over the weekend the Yankees tied a Major League record with 15 home runs in the first three games. They had multiple players hit multiple home runs and Aaron Judge led the way with four home runs, 11 RBI and an OPS of 2.461 over the three-game set. But all anyone wanted to talk about was the new bats.
The bat discussion turned baseball fans, and Yankee haters, into babbling idiots, looking for excuses why the Bronx Bombers are crushing the baseball. So, let's set the record straight. First of all, the bats are being used by only two
Torpedo Bats Cause A Stir
players full-time, Jazz Chisholm and Anthony Volpe, and Cody Bellinger did try it over the weekend. In fact, the Yankee who had the best offensive series was asked about using the new bats and the captain said he wasn't using the new bat and added, "I think what I did this last year speaks for itself."
The bat in question is a new model designed to prevent getting jammed often, something Jazz and Volpe had issues with, by distributing the most amount of wood into a central location on the bat itself. Let's make it very clear to all of the X and social media posts that called it cheating... the bats are legal. The rules state that the barrel can't exceed 2.61 inches in diameter, which these bats don't, so it's a distribution issue, not an illegal bat.
To take it further it's not just the Yankees. A noted Red Sox fan from Barstool Sports, wants to ban the bats, but his favorite team's
manager Alex Cora actually said the Red Sox tried these bats in spring training. Other players around the league have also been using them including Francisco Lindor, (sorry to the Mets haters who had to jump on the Yankees success) Ryan Jeffers from the Twins, Junior Caminiero from the Rays and others. In fact, it's not just a one-year thing as Bellinger said the Cubs used them last year.
Chris Kirschner reported that the league told him the shape of the bat does not violate the rules. So, people like Trevor Megill, whose team was lit up by the Yankees and said, "I think it's terrible. We'll see what the data says ... but it's the Yankees, so they'll let it slide." You sound unintelligent and uninformed.
As to the question that suddenly everyone seems to be asking of will they ban the bats? The answer is no. It's not breaking the rules, and seemingly only the Yankees have
had success with the new design...or perhaps it was just Megill's terrible team that had something to do with it because after all Aaron Judge, Austin Wells, Paul Goldschmidt, Oswald Peraza, and Ben Rice all went deep on his team without the new torpedo bats.
Is There a Smackdown Coming to Tim Waltz?
ByTomBarton
Before you go spouting off at the mouth about how much of a tough guy you are and how you'd do in a fight, you should be cautious that there isn't a 7-foot, 325-pound Big Red Machine standing in the way.
After he apparently received the Democratic memo to be more masculine the former vice-presidential candidate Tim Waltz claimed that he could “kick most Trump supporters’ asses." That boast led to WWE legend Kane, whose real name is Glenn Jacobs, and who is now the mayor of Knox County, Tennessee, to challenge him to a charity wrestling match.
Jacobs went on X after hearing Waltz's comments and issued the challenge. Jacobs wrote “All joking aside, @GovTimWalz, let’s put our money where our mouth is…in a charity
wrestling match. We’ll split the gate 50/50 between our chosen organizations. I’ll kick things off myself with a $10,000 donation. What do you say?”
Jacobs has become a very popular mayor in Knox County, and he is an adamant Trump supporter. Kane then went on to say, "Everyone is always asking me if I have one last match left. I think I have found my final victim, er, I mean opponent."
Since that initial challenge Governor Ron DeSantis has offered for his state to host the would-be charity bout. Jacobs has also said he has a potential $50,000 in pledges and corporate title sponsorship in a further post via X. He also went on OutKick and said, "I'll do anything to get him in the ring."
To further entice the would-be tough guy Governor Jacobs said he is open to stipulations and
asked if he should compete with one hand tied behind his back or even blindfolded.
Unfortunately, not much has been heard from the Waltz side of things. It's unlikely the match would take place but for all of
The Brewers, and the rest of baseball fans hating on the Yankees new bats should take a word of advice from the Milwaukee Manager Pat Murphy who when asked about the new bats had this to say: "My old ass will tell you this for sure: It ain't the wand, it's the magician."
Kane's fans we are hoping he gets back into the ring to chokeslam one more fake tough guy.
Ducks Pfaff Wins Another Award
ByTomBarton
Michael Pfaff has won the 2025 Executive Circle Award. Long Island Business News (LIBN) has selected the Long Island Ducks president/chief business officer for the prestigious honor.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award from the Long Island Business News,” said Pfaff. “Thank you to the editorial staff for their consideration. I, along with the rest of the Ducks front office staff, look forward to an exciting and memorable 25th Anniversary Season.”
The Executive Circle Awards celebrate C-suites, directors and other senior-level executives who consistently demonstrate leadership skills, integrity, values, vision, commitment to excellence, company performance, community service and inclusion. The honorees were selected by the editorial staff of Long Island Business News.
“The 2025 Executive Circle honorees are trendsetters, good listeners and agents of change who empower those who work for them and those they work with on community boards and through mentoring. These leaders have impressive resumes and lead their companies and organizations to success, gaining the respect and praise of those around them,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/ Long Island Business News. “They are making a positive impact on
the lives of others, and we at Long Island Business News are pleased to recognize these outstanding leaders.”
Pfaff has been with the Ducks since 2002, taking over the position of general manager in 2006 before being named club president in 2011 and chief business officer in 2024. With him at the helm the Ducks became the first team in Atlantic League history to eclipse the 9 million fan mark and have welcomed more sellout crowds than any team in the league.
In addition to bringing in fans he also is the first-ever three-time
winner of the Atlantic League Executive of the Year Award, winning it in 2008, 2010, and 2016. The Ducks have also won three Atlantic League Championships during his tenure.
Pfaff and the other winners will be honored at a celebration on Thursday, May 22, at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.
Long Island Business News has been a trusted name by the business community for more than 70 years, Long Island Business News is the only publication that delivers local news about the business community in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Jazz's Torpedo Bat
Credit: @joepompliano | X
Tim Waltz
Credit: Grok
Credit: Michael Polak
Cohen Meets Sachem East's Students
ByTomBarton
Students from Sachem East’s Sports and Entertainment Management classes had a chance to visit the New York Mets this week.
The Sachem Students got an opportunity of a lifetime as they were able to visit Citi Field. Accompanied by Mrs. Cannetti and Mrs. McDermott, the students explored the stadium, gaining valuable insights into the inner workings of a professional sports venue.
The visit offered breathtaking views of the iconic New York
City skyline and exclusive access to multiple clubhouses. This was more than just a walking tour and an insight into the Mets that few fans ever get to witness and enjoy. The students even got to step onto the field itself and sat in the dugout.
Beyond the stunning sights, students learned about the behind-the-scenes jobs that keep a baseball game running smoothly. From game-day operations to technology management, they discovered the intricate details of the industry, including the surprising fact that someone manually resets the pitch clock at
every game.
Sachem Schools website said that the most exciting moment of the day was when the students
got a surprise visit from Mets owner Steven Cohen, along with the team’s beloved mascots, Mr. and Mrs. Met. Sachem said, "The
students left Citi Field with a newfound appreciation for the business of sports and memories to last a lifetime."
Scully Has No Equal at the States
ByTomBarton
Miller Place High School Senior Jillian Scully has now won backto-back titles for the NYSPHSAA & NYS Federation Championship in the shot put.
Jillian won the championship last year and once again showed her dominance taking home first place this season. Scully took home the award at the New York State indoor track and field championships at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island earlier this month.
Scully has secured herself as one of the island's best and most decorated athletes this year after a remarkable junior season. This time last year Scully won the indoor state championship in the shot put with a 42 foot, 11 ½ inch throw, dominating her
Two More Ducks Added to the 25th Anniversary Team
ByTomBarton
The Long Island Ducks have added two new names to their 25th Anniversary team. Former relief pitcher Michael Tonkin has been chosen as the 20th member and former infielder/outfielder/ DH Ray Navarrete will be a part of the special team as well.
Tonkin pitched with the Ducks during the 2019 and 2021 seasons. He was as close to a perfect shut down arm as you can get. He made 37 appearances and allowed just two earned runs in 43.2 innings of work, that comes out to an insanely low 0.41 ERA. He added 16 saves and struck out 52 batters while walking just 14.
Since his time with the Flock, the 35-year-old has gone on to spend two seasons in the Major Leagues. He was called up by the Atlanta Braves in 2023 before splitting the 2024 campaign with the New York Mets, New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins. Tonkin is currently pitching in MLB Spring Training with the Twins.
Ray Navarrete spent eight seasons in a Ducks uniform from 2006 to 2013. The powerful bat set franchise records for home runs with 137, RBIs with 548, runs, doubles, total bases, extrabase hits and at bats. He also ranks second in team history with 963 hits and third with
863 games played, holding both records at the time he retired.
He not only set Ducks records, but he still is the Atlantic League all-time record holder in runs, doubles, extra-base hits and hit by pitch while ranking second in RBIs and total bases and third in homers, at bats and games played.
competition by almost 3 feet and this year she upped her own mark with a throw of 46-11 ½ to win the state championship. This time the next closest competitor was more than 4 feet off her mark.
Scully's winter season including breaking the county shot put record, placing fifth at Nike Nationals, she became state
champion for the third season in a row, and was named AllAmerican once again.
Scully also won the state discus championship this season, also in dominating form. Scully will be attending LSU next year as she leaves one of the most impressive high school resumes in the Miller Place's history behind her.
Suffolk AD's Etch Their Name on the Wall of Honor
ByTomBarton
Former longtime Athletic
Directors Pat Smith and Georgia
McCarthy have been inducted into the New York State Athletic Administrators Association Wall of Honor.
He was part of the backto-back Atlantic League championships in 2012 and 2013, and he reached the Atlantic League playoffs in seven of his eight seasons with the Ducks. He became the first Duck to be named Atlantic League Player of the Year in 2009. He was named to the Atlantic League’s Silver Anniversary Team in 2023.
Smith served Smithtown and McCarthy in Huntington for many years.
Smith is a lifelong part of the Smithtown community and served as the athletic director for 19 years and has been at Smithtown as the AD since 2003.
Smith coached soccer and wrestling before becoming the
AD and was inducted into the Smithtown Booster Club
McCarthy became Huntington’s district director of health, physical education and athletics in 2002. McCarthy began her career in the district in 1992 as a physical education teacher at Flower Hill and later worked at Huntington Intermediate and the high school.
McCarthy was named Section XI’s female athletic council representative for Conference II and is Section XI’s representative on the NYSPHSAA’s modified (middle school/junior high school) committee.
Credit: Jillian.Scully | Instagram
Jillian Scully
Sachem East Students
Credit: Sachem Schools | Facebook
Ducks Field
Credit: Long Island Ducks | Facebook
Hall of Fame in 2022.
Credit: Section XI - Suffolk County Athletics | Facebook Award Winning AD's
SPORTS The New Dragon In Charge
ByTomBarton
The New York Dragons are back, and they have selected their new head coach.
The Dragons, of the Entertainment Football Association, have named Gerald Filardi head coach and director of football operations for the 2025 season.
When I interviewed General Manager Peter Schwartz months ago, he made it a goal to hire a Long Island coach to head up this allLong Island team and he delivered. Filardi has been the varsity head coach at Half Hollow Hills West High School in Dix Hills since 2019. This past season he led the Colts to a 9-2 overall record in Suffolk County Division III including 7-1 in the regular season.
“I am thrilled and deeply honored to accept the position of Head Coach
and Director of Football Operations of the New York Dragons,” said Filardi. “This organization has a proud history and a passionate fan base that deserves a team that plays with heart, discipline and innovation." Filardi is more than just your typical high school football coach. In 2012, he founded the Long Island Spartans, Long Island’s first travel football team and followed that up in 2013 with the formation of Long Island Elite Football, the region's first travel elite youth football program.
Peter Schwartz found his leader and said, “The New York Dragons are thrilled to welcome Gerald as the man who will lead us onto the field for our inaugural ENTFLA season. He checked all the boxes for us in our search for a Head Coach. Gerald is a proven leader and winner who is driven to grow football on Long Island at all levels.
Filardi played linebacker at Penn State and was part of four bowl games with the Nittany Lions including the Fiesta Bowl and the 1994 Rose Bowl that capped off a 12-0 season and a national championship. He finished his high school playing career as Walt Whitman High School’s
all-time leading tackler with 346. After college, Filardi went on to play professionally for the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arena Football League’s Albany Firebirds.
Filardi will also remain as the Half Hollow Hills West HS coach.
Filardi will now be in the process of putting together a team.
Schwartz will soon be announcing details about open tryouts. Training camp will begin in May with the 2025 season commencing on June 7th in Danbury against the Diesel. The Dragon’s home opener will be on Saturday June 14th against the New Jersey Ciphers at Nassau Coliseum.
The Giants Will Let Russ Cook
ByTomBarton
The New York Giants have signed their QB for the 2025 season...again. After signing Jameis Winston less than a week ago for a 2-year, $8-million dollar contract Big Blue have now added Russell Wilson to their quarterback room and is thought to be the starter.
The Giants signed the 10-time Pro Bowler to a $21-milliondollar deal, but just $10.5 of that is guaranteed. The 36-year-old Wilson has started 199 regularseason games with the Seahawks, Broncos, and last year with the Steelers. He also won a Super Bowl in the building he will now call home.
His 99.8 career passer rating ranks fifth in NFL history, he has always been considered a winner with a 121-77-1 record as a starter in the regular season and won the 2020 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.
In 2024, Wilson missed the first six weeks of the season with
Fantasy Baseball - Do Not Overreact
ByTomBarton
It seems every season, no matter the level of manager in fantasy circles, everyone overreacts to the first few games of the season. This is a normal human response because you are so amped up to see these players perform that your first real glimpse makes a lasting impact, but it shouldn't.
Aaron Judge is on pace to hit about 300 home runs, the Braves will never score a run, the White Sox have the best pitching in baseball, and Mike Trout is a bum and should retire. This all sounds silly right? That's because it is. The first week of the season will lead people to question their gut calls and worry about their slow starts, but it goes both ways
because some will feel validated in their picks a little too early and potentially make moves based on that.
This is the hold week, ok let's be real, this should be the hold month. Take the next few weeks to assess what we have watched and then you can make adjustments. That doesn't mean you shouldn't be active on the waiver wire or fielding trade offers but be cautious to not overreact to what you just watched.
Torpedo bats and youngsters looking great can make you feel good, but you have to have a discerning eye for this. Take the Yankees for example, Austin Wells has often been called the perfect swing for
Yankee Stadium, and now he is getting full time at bats. I'd be buying up Wells's fast start, but I also believed in him last week. Anthony Volpe has also been a massive talent ready to burst, but he isn't going to be a 40-home run hitter, even with his two early bombs with a torpedo bat.
The flip side of that is also worth noting. Max Fried won't have 5 errors behind him and better days are in store for him in the pinstripes, and Nestor Cortes isn't the worst pitcher in the history of baseball. But, while I'm willing to bet on a Fried turn around based on his history, I am weary of Cortes when you consider how last season ended, and the injuries that led to the Freeman granny.
an injury and was battling for a starting job with the Jets new signal caller Justin Fields, but he won the job and started the next 12 games for the Steelers. Wilson led Pittsburgh to a Wild Card appearance and has led his teams to double-digit wins in nine different seasons and nine playoff appearances.
Winston now will likely be a reasonably priced backup, that is
ready to step in if Wilson falters, and Tommy DeVito looks like the third string QB. The Wilson signing doesn't mean that Giants fans won't see a QB go to them in next month's draft, it merely means the Giants aren't convinced they will land a year one starter with that selection. Wilson offers a one year stopgap to their next franchise QB or a mentorship situation if they decide to draft a young signal caller this year.
So this week be cautious and be careful. Try to not let what your eyes see influence the rest of your season too much. Trust yourself from just a week ago and
start to breakdown if the quick starts or sluggish beginnings are a blip or an omen for things to come.
