Calvin Graham's legacy of service to our great nation is one for the record books. It is highly unlikely that any military enlistee will join the armed forces, fight in a war, and take shrapnel to the face who will be younger than the age of 12. That’s right. Calvin was 12 years old when he enlisted in the Navy to fight in World War II.
He was moved to serve following Japan’s deadly sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. It is believed that Mr. Graham, all of 12 years old, forged a guardian’s signature, stole a notary stamp from a hotel innkeeper, and filed the fraudulent paperwork stating he was old enough to serve.
There is a long history of teens, especially in the WWII era, who
willingly sacrificed their lives to fight for freedom around the world.
Take Joseph L. Argenzio, Jr. He was only 16 years old when he stormed the beaches of Normandy. He survived only because he jumped over the side of his boat, while his fellow soldiers in front of him who advanced forward were slaughtered by unrelenting German gunfire. Mr. Argenzio lived only because he was forced to use the bodies of two fellow American comrades as shields to avoid a hail of German bullets and bombs as he advanced on the beach.
While Graham and Argenzio miraculously survived the horrors of war as young teens, 15-year-old Dan Bullock did not.
BY GEORGE SANTOS
What can we, as Americans, expect when the richest man on Earth turns his back on the most powerful man on Earth— and then throws a childish tantrum online for all the world to see? That’s exactly what happened when Elon Musk, fresh off his resignation from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), unleashed a bizarre and immature tirade against President Trump and his America First agenda.
Just days after stepping down, Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) and began a full-blown online assault against President Trump’s "Big Beautiful Bill"— legislation designed to streamline federal programs, reduce waste, and jump-start our economic recovery. Instead of respecting
the policy and engaging like an adult, Musk resorted to smears, conspiracy theories, and flat-out nonsense.
Musk accused the president of everything from blocking the release of the Epstein files to manipulating social services for political gain. In one nowinfamous post, Musk wrote, “The reason the Epstein list hasn’t been released is because Trump is on it.” An outrageous and baseless claim. Let’s not forget that Musk himself has had connections to Epstein’s social circle. So before throwing stones, perhaps he should take a long look in the mirror.
Let’s be honest: This isn’t the first time Elon Musk has demonstrated unstable behavior. He has a well-documented
How Hard Have We Fallen?
He enlisted in the Vietnam War and is believed to be the youngest casualty of that conflict. It is believed that Bullock was 14 years old when he doctored his birth certificate to serve. He died in his bunker at his base when a North Vietnamese combatant tossed a small explosive device called a “satchel charge" into his barracks.
These were brave and honorable children who thought so much of their country that they took incredible risks and fabricated birth documents just for the chance to serve. These heroes lived by the mantra of “service over self” and were willing to die to fight for the United States of America.
Compare these three heroes,
who couldn’t legally buy a beer, and countless others who did the same, to the 21-year-old Coram “man” who police arrested for engaging in social media pranks.
Kyle Vazquez’s claim to fame is having people record him dumping buckets of raw eggs and beans on his head at various businesses, then posting his hijinks to social media. I’ll remind you that he’s a 21-yearold “adult” who most definitely is old enough to purchase beer and cigarettes and vote.
This is how far we’ve fallen as a society in the span of 80 years: 12, 14, and 16-year-olds are willing to die for their country, while 21-year-olds measure the heights of success and achievement as how many clicks and views they
can get for dumping eggs on their noggin.
Suffolk Police and the Suffolk District Attorney did not find Vazquez’s pranks humorous. Neither did the two business owners who had to spend big bucks cleaning up after his egg and bean mess. Kudos to law enforcement and prosecutors for charging the “man” with felonies. His parents must be proud.
Hopefully, going through the criminal justice system and the potential of spending time in prison will scare Vazquez straight. Right about now either a miracle or a tough time behind bars will scramble some sense into his brain and get this young man on the right track.
When the Richest Man on Earth Throws a Tantrum
history of erratic outbursts, impulsive social media rants, and questionable drug use. Multiple reports and even his own public appearances have suggested that his mental clarity isn’t always, well, clear. When Musk is under the influence—or simply acting out—he tends to lose control of what comes out of his mouth (or what he blasts out to millions of followers online).
According to a source inside the White House, Musk’s temper tantrum boils down to one simple thing: President Trump told him “no.” Repeatedly. Especially on Musk’s extreme proposals to gut funding for essential public services.
“Musk wanted President Trump to be cruel,” the source told me, “and gamble with the
lifelines of millions of Americans who rely on federally funded assistance programs—including child welfare and poverty relief.”
But President Trump stood his ground, just as he always has.
From day one, he’s made it clear: America’s government should work for its people—not the billionaires trying to buy it.
The source put it plainly: “Elon realized he wasn’t the president and never would be, no matter how much money he threw around. That realization broke something in him. That’s when he quit and started attacking.”
And honestly, that tracks.
We’ve seen Elon Musk spiral before—remember the meltdown during the Wisconsin Supreme Court race? He parachuted in with sweepstakes
gimmicks, giving away “big checks” and making a spectacle of himself. I called it out then, and I’ll call it out again now: It was a cringeworthy stunt that insulted hardworking voters. It backfired spectacularly, and the seat went to a radical liberal judge who’s now redrawing the congressional map to favor Democrats.
The American people— especially in the heartland— don’t take kindly to a billionaire showing up with flashy giveaways, acting like he can buy their loyalty. It’s offensive. It reeks of arrogance. And it shows how disconnected Musk really is from the working-class Americans who power this country.
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
“This a happy place,” the owner of Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices & Ice Cream in Centereach repeatedly expressed in an interview with the South Shore Press on Tuesday, June 3rd. “It’s unfortunate.”
Such came less than 24 hours after the apprehension of Kyle Vazquez, 21, of Coram. Ralph’s management believes the “social media prankster” acted with all entitlement, and no accountability on the night of April 29th when he made a show of dumping a vat of eggs upon himself.
“You can’t go into somebody’s place and dump garbage and leave,” the Ralph’s owner told The South Shore Press.
And yet that’s exactly what Vazquez did; not just at Ralph’s, but everywhere, evidently.
Suffolk County Police announced earlier on Tuesday that Vazquez was arrested the previous night and charged with the following: Dissemination of an Unlawful Surveillance Image in the First Degree; Unlawful Surveillance in the Second Degree; and Criminal Tampering.
The felonious charges (eight counts total) stemmed from a litany of video-documented incidents—namely the Ralph's stunt, a similar one involving a
Centereach Ralph's Speaks with SSP About Egg Bucket Basket Case
bucket of beans he poured over his shirtless self inside Wing Wah Chinese Restaurant just up the road, and other instances involving unconsented filming inside homes in Centereach and Selden.
According to his 101.6K follower “tommytuffknuckles8”
TikTok profile, Vazquez has a knack for "cringe" attempts at "cringer" comedy. He regularly stages “gotcha” style cell phone shoots that depict unknowing individuals becoming victims of his senseless bits.
Internet commenters, including one who even declared: “Free my man!” after learning of Vazquez’s arrest, may be here for his tired shtick.
However, Ralph’s, and those like-mindedly right-minded about this objectively odd, “common sense in ruins” Gen-Z phenomenon wherein family establishments are rendered unsafe from the aimless, the shameless and the brainless, are absolutely not.
Their owner takes special umbrage with Vazquez’s lack of self-awareness, and those who would mimic his blatant disregard for community.
He held a broom in hand as he swept past not just the day’s obligatory scraps, but pointed reminders of the pointless stainage Vazquez’s reverberative tomfoolery caused.
The egg bucket dump seen and heard ‘round the local world splashed from where Vazquez stood to Ralph's' mini-pavilion for outdoor seating; this led to the mulched area needing a total overhaul, the owner confirmed.
That eggs were spilled outside the storefront, meant Board of Health-required signs typically reserved for the interior had to be displayed outside for the two weeks it took for the Ralph’s staff to clean up Vazquez’s certifiably asinine mess.
Above all, management is thankful no one was hurt. They agree Suffolk County's police force—as they have with the 2024-born Street Takeover Task Force created to eradicate coordinated drag races—are doing their job to decrease these types of head-scratching incidents.
The Ralph’s owner commended Suffolk County Police for their bang-up response, singling out the order of protection he revealed was in place to prevent a beyondbraggadocious Vazquez from returning to the scene of one of his many publicized crimes.
“The disregard for the customers, my employees… he [Vazquez] didn’t think about them and the business. He only thought about himself,” the owner added. “See the sign [behind the counter]: ‘An egg
is an allergy…’ Even if there’s a schmear of peanut butter outside.. we take it seriously.”
Should anything have gone worse as a result of Vazquez’s buffoonery, he fears the blame would have been put on Ralph’s; an undeserved, and thankfully dodged fate.
“What if someone had an allergy outside? A kid went into anaphylactic shock? You know who they’re going to go after? They’re going to go after me.”
How management speaks of their predominantly teenage staff makes it abundantly clear: young as Ralph’s late-night scoopers may be, they each hold far more maturity than the dude
with a screw loose a few years their senior.
Vazquez was arraigned in Central Islip Court on June 3rd. Meanwhile, Ralph’s Italian Ices sold summer delights hand over fist that day—not curtailed by Vazquez; rather, indefinitely puzzled by what transpired.
“This is a nice store,” the owner reaffirmed. “This is a happy business for families to have fun at.”
As for Vazquez, his definition of “fun and games” may have just run out, given the daunting nature of his charges.
“It’s not a speeding ticket,” the owner said. “It’s a felony.”
You can say that again.
Shock Value Shenanigans: Coram Prankster, 21, Charged for Centereach Disturbances
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
The Suffolk County Police Department held a 1:30 p.m. press conference on Tuesday, June 3rd, to provide an update about an interesting case first reported the previous night.
Kyle Vazquez of Coram was arrested on June 2nd, and charged in connection with video recordings that allegedly depict him engaging in a slew of asinine escapades.
One shows Vazquez dumping a large container of eggs on his head in front of the Middle County Road-located Ralph’s Italian Ices in Centereach on April 29th.
He reportedly fled the scene via automobile, leaving behind the eggs and broken shells where he stood as he hightailed it out of there.
Vazquez subsequently uploaded the video to social media. His Instagram account has 75,000 followers, but all posts have since been removed.
However, his TiKTok profile advertised in the bio of his seemingly now halted Instagram –tommytuffknuckles8 – is still up and running at 101.6K followers and nearly 5 million likes.
A quick survey of Vasquez’s posts on this platform confirms a pattern of bombarding unknowing storegoers and street pedestrians with “gotcha” stunts in exchange for online clout within the “embarrassment and cringe humor” market.
An investigation by the Sixth Precinct Investigative Unit commenced following the
Though his Instagram has been limited, Vazquez' ambush humor-heavy "tommytuffknuckles8" TikTok account is still up and running at 101.6K followers and 4.9 million likes, as of Tuesday.
Ralph’s incident and its prolific performance on social media. Naturally, additional footage, incidents and victims were instantly detected.
The shock-value jokester shirtlessly poured a bucket of beans over his head and onto the floor at Wing Wah in Centereach on April 30th at
approximately 8:45 p.m.
Later, between May 19 and May 24, Vazquez recorded additional disturbances he created within two homes in Centereach and one in Selden. In doing so, he filmed residents of all three—and the insides of their homes—without their consent.
Vazquez was arrested at the home of a friend in Centereach on Monday night at around 8:20 p.m., and was formally charged with three counts of Dissemination of an Unlawful Surveillance Image in the First Degree, three counts of Unlawful Surveillance in the Second Degree, and two counts of Criminal Tampering.
He was arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on June 3rd.
“This is a nice store,” the owner reaffirmed. “This is a happy business for families to have fun at.”
Credit: SSP | TikTok
Credit: TikTok | Suffolk County Police Department
ByDeborahWilliams
Suffolk County's Orbic Electronics Investing $110 Million – Over 1,000 New Jobs
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that Orbic Electronics Manufacturing, LLC, a specialized global manufacturer of telecommunications and consumer electronics devices, has broken ground on its new $110 million manufacturing global hub at 555 Wireless Boulevard in Hauppauge, Suffolk County.
This project is expected to create more than 1,000 new hightech and skilled manufacturing jobs, retain 66 existing positions currently based in Suffolk County, and will bring Orbic’s complete manufacturing and production operations from overseas facilities in India and China to its New Yorkbased headquarters.
Empire State Development is supporting this landmark reshoring initiative with up to $10 million in performancebased Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits, recommended by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council. The groundbreaking
marks a pivotal moment in Long Island's manufacturing sector and establishes New York as a national leader in rebuilding America's critical technology supply chains.
“Today's groundbreaking at Orbic Electronics represents the future we're building across New York State — one where companies choose to invest, innovate, and create good-paying jobs right here at home,” Governor Hochul said.
Orbic CEO Mike Narula said, "This project marks an exciting milestone for Orbic and a powerful step forward for high-tech manufacturing on Long Island and New York State. This effort underscores our commitment to producing high-quality, Americanmade technology while supporting local vendors and strengthening the regional economy by bringing more than 1,000 new manufacturing jobs to the region from overseas.
We are proud to grow in New York and to contribute to the state’s innovation economy, and we thank Governor Hochul and Empire State
Massive Fire at
Development for their leadership, vision and invaluable support."
State Senator Mario Mattera said, “The past few years have clearly shown the importance of our region becoming more selfsufficient. This significant project will help advance that goal while strengthening our economy and creating valuable opportunities for the local workforce.”
Assemblymember Michael Fitzpatrick said, “The arrival of Orbic's $110 million manufacturing
Calverton Recycling
hub marks a significant step forward for Long Island's economy. Creating over 1,000 skilled jobs and bringing production back to the U.S. strengthens our local workforce, benefits families across the region and will breathe new life into Long Island's manufacturing sector.”
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said, “We are grateful for Orbic’s decision to build their business in Suffolk County. This important project creates jobs and opportunities, helping Suffolk
grow, and we look forward to seeing Orbic flourish.”
Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim said, “We are incredibly proud to see Orbic choose Smithtown as the home for this transformative investment. This is more than just bringing high-tech manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. — it’s about bringing them back to our community.”
The newly renovated production facility will be designed to manufacture up to 5 million devices annually—including smartphones, tablets, wearables, and networking equipment—meeting the needs of both consumer and enterprise customers.
Orbic will also collaborate with Suffolk County Community College and Queensborough Community College to create specialized training programs focused on advanced electronics manufacturing, including circuit board assembly, quality control, testing procedures, and advanced manufacturing processes.
Facility Raises Health Concerns; Officials Call for Federal, State Monitoring
ByRobertChartuk
A towering inferno that engulfed the Crown Recycling Facility in Calverton early Wednesday morning drew an overwhelming response from Long Island’s firefighting community—and now, a growing call for environmental oversight amid fears of toxic pollutants.
The fire broke out around 2 a.m. at the Crown facility, located on Youngs Avenue next to Riverhead Town's recycling facility, and quickly consumed four buildings on the property. According to the Riverhead Fire Department, more than 250 firefighters from 35 departments and agencies across Suffolk County responded to the alarm, battling flames for over nine hours.
“By 1 p.m., the fire was almost fully contained, with only a couple of active hotspots remaining, and cleanup operations have since begun,” the department said in a statement. “We are pleased to report
that there were no serious injuries; one firefighter was treated on scene for minor injuries and has been released.”
Fire officials extended heartfelt gratitude to the mutual aid departments and emergency responders whose coordinated efforts, they said, prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby homes and businesses. “Your tremendous support made a critical difference,” the Riverhead Department said.
Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio also commended the firefighters and emergency medical personnel for their swift and heroic actions.
“I want to sincerely thank the firefighters and EMS personnel who worked through the night to contain the fire at the Crown Recycling facility,” said Giglio.
“Their quick response and effort protected nearby homes, businesses, and residents from what could have been a far worse situation.”
Giglio said she has contacted Congressman Nick LaLota’s office
to request air quality testing by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), noting that the nature of the burning materials— including construction debris— raises concerns about airborne contaminants such as asbestos and heavy metals.
Residents in the area are echoing those concerns,
calling for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the EPA to begin immediate and ongoing environmental monitoring of the site.
“We don’t know what was burning in there — but it sure wasn’t just wood and paper,” said one nearby resident. “We want the
air and soil tested for toxins. The government has to step in.”
In response to the potential health risks, the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management has issued alerts to residents within a 4-mile radius of the site, urging them to remain indoors and keep windows closed as a precaution.
Brookhaven Continues Long-Range Effort to Restore South Shore Wetlands
ByRobertChartuk
In its ongoing effort to reclaim and restore the fragile salt marshes along Suffolk’s South Shore, Brookhaven Town has taken another step forward with the demolition of a long-abandoned waterfront home on Riviera Drive in Mastic Beach. The property, long a blight along the scenic shoreline, will be preserved as open space and incorporated into one of the largest marshland restoration projects on Long Island.
For over a decade, Brookhaven has been methodically acquiring land in this flood-prone area, which was severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The storm damaged many homes beyond repair, prompting longtime residents to sell or surrender their properties. In coordination with Suffolk County
and supported by state and federal funding, the town has since assembled more than 300 parcels, comprising approximately 147 acres, to reestablish the salt marsh that once thrived here.
“The unspoiled views along the waterfront in Mastic Beach,
from land or sea, will no longer be marred by this monument of blight,” said Town Supervisor Dan Panico. “The property will be preserved and added to the hundreds of lots that we have acquired to keep the area the beautiful place that it is.”
Suffolk County’s Orbic Electronics Investing $110 Million –Over 1,000 New Jobs
Massive Fire at Calverton Recycling Facility Raises Health Concerns.
Credit: Meta AI
Credit: Robert Chartuk
Credit: Town of Brookhaven The “Monument of Blight” on Riviera Drive in Mastic Beach comes tumbling down.
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School students recently participated in Law Career Day, which was held on May 22nd.
The event lent the district’s elder-most Sharks the chance to receive endless insights into what a typical day can be like for a professional attorney. It also provided a guide as to what courses students at both the high school and collegiate levels ought to enroll in, should the law track appeal to them more than any other.
Guest panelists also waxed poetic about both the challenges of law school and the defining moments of their respective careers.
“Even if you are not a lawyer, the law affects all of your rights,” consumer debts attorney Maria
Order in the Court: Law Career Day at Eastport-South
Manor Jr.-Sr. High School
Degennaro told the students. “I encourage you to take a law class.”
Alongside Degennaro were: attorney Gabriele Burner, Karen Caggiano, Bureau Chief Family Court Bureau Karen Caggiano, Surrogate’s Court Deputy Chief Clerk Amy Campbell, New York City Supreme Court senior court reporter Darlene Devlin, Suffolk County Court Judge Kenneth Lauri and paralegal Emma Rubin.
Eastport-South Manor senior Angelina Sankar, also a Mock Trial member, rounded out the panel.
As part of the Law Career Day’s morning seminar, all panelists in attendance also tackled contemporarily prescient issues such as the ramifications of artificial intelligence. They also conveyed the importance of writing and public speaking, in law and as a virtue in general.
Additionally, bankruptcy lawyers are ever in demand, the panel confirmed. Express your ideas, appreciate mentorship, and make a name for
yourself in your community, the panel also professed.
As do we in The South Shore Press newsroom.
Romaine Slams State Over Prisoner Backlog:
"They Made the Problem—Now Solve It."
ByRobertChartuk
Suffolk County Executive
Ed Romaine is calling out Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state prison system over what he calls a growing and dangerous crisis in the county’s jails—one that’s forcing local taxpayers to foot the bill for housing convicted felons who legally belong in state custody.
In an exclusive interview, Romaine said New York has failed to transfer 140 sentenced inmates to upstate prisons, as required by law, and instead is leaving them in Suffolk County’s already strained correctional system.
“They’ve been convicted and are supposed to be in state prisons—and they’re not—because the state is just not taking them,” Romaine said in an exclusive interview with the South Shore Press. “Now, why is the state not taking them? Well, Gov. Hochul fired 2,000 corrections officers who were striking for better working conditions, and she’s closing prisons around the state.”
Under state law, inmates sentenced to more than one year must be transferred to state facilities within 10 business days. Romaine said that’s no longer happening, leaving the county jails in Riverhead and Yaphank to absorb the influx, which now totals 140 convicted felons and is climbing weekly.
“What started as 125 last week is now 140. And next week, it’ll be over 150, because they’re taking maybe two or three a day when they should be taking 20 or 30,” Romaine noted.
Romaine said Suffolk’s two jails are built to house local defendants awaiting trial for lesser offenses, not state prisoners who have been tried, convicted, and sentenced for heavier crimes. “It’s a dangerous situation,” he warned. “Our jail staff are already spread thin. This is putting them at risk. And it’s costing our taxpayers a fortune.”
“Everyone saw this coming and tried to get Hochul and the Democrats to change course, but they are hell bent on perpetuating a criminal justice system that serves the lawbreakers, not the honest citizens of this state,” said Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, a Suffolk Sheriff Department veteran. “Close jails, fire 2,000 corrections officials, and push cashless bail and an anti-police agenda and this is what you get. Another Albany problem dumped on Long Island.”
The County Executive estimated the additional cost at over $300,000 so far, driven largely by mandatory overtime for correction officers forced into double shifts to meet staffing needs.“The state says they’ll pay us $100 a day per inmate,” he said. “Our real cost is closer to $250 a day or more. That’s just for food and staffing. We’re not even talking about medical care.”
In a letter sent to Hochul last month, Romaine made his frustrations clear: “I understand that the state faces similar staffing challenges, but it is unfair to shift this burden to the County with minimal financial compensation and little to no collaboration.”
“We applaud County Executive Romaine for bringing light
this issue to light,” said Lou Viscusi, president of the Suffolk Corrections Officers Association.
“This will help alleviate some of the strains on my members,” he said, noting that handling the extra inmates require an excessive amount of overtime and unnecessary streets on the officers.”
The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has blamed the transfer backlog on staffing shortages caused by the unauthorized strike in March. Following the walkout, Hochul’s administration terminated roughly 2,000 corrections officers, leaving the system shortstaffed and triggering the current crisis.
But Romaine said the responsibility still falls squarely on Albany. “This is a self-made problem,” he said. “They made the problem, now solve it. Don’t put it on the backs of the counties to bail them out.”
He said Suffolk officials have attempted to work with the state through normal channels, but those efforts have been ignored. “There’s no discussion, no phone call, no apology, no plan. Nothing. Just silence,” Romaine said. “It’s essentially, ‘eat dirt and deal with it.’ Well, we’re done dealing with it.”
Asked about his next move, Romaine said he would not rule out potential legal action. “We are considering our options,” he said. “We may need to compel the state to follow its own laws. This article, I hope, serves as a wake-up call, because we cannot
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The crisis, he added, is now spilling into broader safety concerns—both for staff and inmates. Suffolk’s jails are mixing pre-trial detainees with convicted felons, an administrative nightmare that’s never meant to happen. “It’s not just a financial burden—it’s a management and safety disaster,” he said. “This is a matter of public safety. And the state is violating its own law. We’re not going to sit back while Albany passes its problems onto Suffolk.”
Romaine also noted that the backlog includes inmates who may be undocumented and on probation, and said Suffolk has already tried to work with federal immigration authorities to deport those with felony records.
“We offered ICE a list—people already on probation and in the system. Not landscapers trying to feed their families, but felons. Why don’t you go after them first?” he said. “But even that gets ignored.” He added: “We’re not going to tolerate this much longer,” he said. “We’re being treated unfairly, and while other counties may be affected, no one is carrying the burden like we are in Suffolk.”
He pointed out that Suffolk has already settled fair contracts with its correctional officers, unlike the state, and that leadership starts at the local level. “Unlike the state, we lead. We solve problems. I just settled with the PBA. I just settled with our correctional officers. That’s leadership,” he said.
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During Law Career Day, NYC Supreme Court senior court reporter Darlene Devlin explained to Eastport-South Manor aspiring law students how her equipment works.
Credit: Eastport-South Manor Central School District
ByRobertChartuk
Sunshine, Shopping, and Shortcake at Chamber Street Fair
Main Street in Center Moriches was alive with crafts, music, food, and foot traffic Sunday as the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches hosted its Annual Spring Street Fair, adding extra buzz to a busy weekend downtown.
The street was lined with colorful vendor stalls offering everything from arts and crafts to gourmet treats. Jimmy Osborne’s Chain Reaction band kept the event lively as a steady stream of folks and families took in everything the
fair had to offer. Even the weather cooperated as a bright, sunshiny day broke a week of rain.
The event, described as a celebration of “local business and community spirit,” welcomed residents and visitors with free admission and the simple joy of shopping, eating, and enjoying life in a close-knit Long Island town. June bugs also flocked to the firehouse for a plate of shortcake heaped with whipped cream and berries at Company 1’s Annual Strawberry Festival.
Shortcake Tradition Still Sweet After 91 Years
ByRobertChartuk
For more than nine decades, the Annual Shortcake Festival has brought the community of Center Moriches together for a day of strawberries, whipped cream, and hometown pride. Hosted by the fire department’s Company 1, the event remains a cherished and enduring summer tradition.
Held at the firehouse on Main Street in conjunction with the Chamber’s sidewalk fair, the festival has grown from a small gathering in 1933 to a true hometown classic.
“This is about more than dessert,” said former Center Moriches Fire Department Chief Bill Renzetti, who’s been working the event for years. “It’s about keeping tradition alive, honoring our past, and spending time with the people who make this town what it is.”
The event traces its roots to June 9, 1933, when the very first strawberry and ice cream festival was held by the department. Tickets were just 50 cents, as compared to $8 today. That year, a flyer urged
neighbors to “join with us!”—and they did for nearly a century.
Fire Commissioner Mike Schlosberg, who joined volunteers in preparing the treats, said the event is a way to show appreciation to the public while raising funds for Company 1.
“It connects us to our roots,” Schlosberg said. “And it reminds everyone that the firehouse isn’t just for emergencies. It’s a place for the community to come together.”
The department was officially established in 1899, formed by residents who banded together after devastating local fires. Over the past 126 years, it has transformed from a horse-drawn engine company into a modern, volunteer force responding to hundreds of emergency calls every year.
Yet even with that progress, the department hasn’t lost sight of its small-town spirit. “Things have changed in the world,” said Renzetti, “but at the firehouse during strawberry season, it always feels like home.”
Credit: Robert Chartuk
Credit: Robert Chartuk
ByDeborahWilliams
Suffolk County School Superintendents Association Recognizes Valedictorians
The Suffolk County School Superintendents Association hosted its 31st annual Valedictorians Luncheon at Villa Lombardi in Holbrook on May 29, an annual SCSSA tradition that honors the enviable accomplishments of Suffolk County’s highest-achieving Class of 2025 graduates.
The luncheon was attended by school district superintendents, high school principals, special guests, the valedictorians, and their parents.
After a warm welcome by SCSSA President-Elect Dr. Timothy T. Eagan, SCSSA President Dr. Harold Dean told
the valedictorians that their success is a testament to their relentless dedication, hard work and perseverance.
“As you look ahead to the paths you will forge and the lives you will impact, know that we take great pride in both your accomplishments and your potential to make a meaningful difference in the world,” said Dean. “We encourage you to remain true to your values – they are the foundation of a lasting leadership.”
Guest speaker Dr. Carl Lejuez, Executive Vice President and Provost at Stony Brook University, encouraged the valedictorians to seek mentorship but to remain true to
themselves.
“From the first day of college, look for an opportunity to make a connected relationship with faculty and staff,” said Lejuez. “You should take something from mentors while staying yourselves” and that it is important to “carve out your own place.”
The valedictorians were then called to the stage, accompanied by their school superintendent and high school principal, to receive a certificate of recognition, a plaque and a copy of Dr. Seuss’s “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”
During his closing remarks, Dr. Eagan congratulated
the valedictorians on their outstanding accomplishments and charged them with the following advice. “Approach
your college education with the same passion that got you here today.”
Suffolk County Eligible for Additional Supportive Housing Funding
ByDeborahWilliams
Suffolk County Supportive Housing projects are eligible for substantial new funding in the recently passed New York State FY26 budget. The funding will help homeless veterans, domestic violence victims, chronically homeless families, and those with mental illness.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the availability of $45.9 million through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative. This funding increase is the first increase in funding for the program since its creation in 2016.
Projects may now apply for up to $34,000 annually per unit or qualifying individual in the New York City metropolitan area, which includes all five city boroughs: Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties — an increase of $9,000 over the previous rate. Developments in other areas of the state are eligible for up to $31,000 annually per unit or qualifying individual, which is an increase of $6,000 over the
previous rate.
“Supportive services are a vital component of our efforts to ensure all New Yorkers have a safe, stable place to call home,”
Governor Hochul said. “By expanding the funding available through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, we can help individuals experiencing homelessness get the help they need to remain stably housed within their community.”
Expanding access to supportive housing statewide is part of a $25 billion five-year plan to create and preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 homes with support services for vulnerable populations. To date, the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative has financed supportive services and operating costs for more than 9,600 units of safe and permanent housing.
This initiative provides operating funding for supportive service providers serving homeless veterans and their
families; survivors of domestic and gender-based violence; older adults who are disabled or frail; young adults with a history of incarceration, homelessness, or foster care; chronically homeless individuals and families; individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities; individuals reentering the community from prison; and those living with HIV or AIDS, serious mental illness or substance use disorders.
The State Office of Mental Health serves as the lead procurement agency for the funding, which is dispersed by an interagency work group of eight state agencies serving vulnerable New Yorkers.
Olive Oil! Farmers Market Frenzy Opens Outside Dennison Building in Hauppauge
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
Representatives from the local Legislature and Suffolk County’s nearby offices were joined by excited townsfolk for midday market-going under a bath of much-welcomed sunlight on Thursday, June 5th.
The Suffolk County Farmers Market kicked off at 12:30 p.m. Some local farming and green businesses that set up booths for the occasion included Tea and Munchies Long Island, Cornell University Cooperative Extension (CCE), Ann’s Garden of Babylon, Vincent Farm’s Natural Foods, and Turturuci and Sons’ Artisanal Italian Products.
CCE spoke to interested customers about their in-house dietician’s regimens and how their efforts benefit entire communities, from the youth on through to senior citizens. Fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins—you name it, they’ve got it.
Legislator Jason Richberg of the 15th District spoke with The South Shore Press on the
Vincent Farm's was postiviely flooded with activity just after the
scene shortly after he made a couple of purchases himself.
“I’ve been to a lot of local farmers' markets within the district and without, and I think it’s a great way to invest in local businesses,” he said. “It also showcases that they have different tastes—whether it’s spicy olive oil, or even ginger tea” and so forth.
Richberg believes it imperative to show support for the community and for “folks who work and live right next to us.” He gleefully confirmed he had bought both hibiscus mint and the golden milk mix from Tea and Munchies; and some basil olive oil and chili olive oil from the Artisanal Italian shop on hand for good measure.
Sounds like a delightful and delicious day, indeed, for all who turned out.
Suffolk County Eligible for Additional Supportive Housing Funding
Suffolk County Class of 2025 valedictorians attended the SCSSA Valedictorian Luncheon at Villa Lombardi in Holbrook.
Credit: Meta AI
Credit: Suffolk County School Superintendents Association
Credit: Michael J. Reistetter
Suffolk County Farmers Market commenced.
ByRobertChartuk
Chief Gregory Miglino Named Third District Healthcare Hero by Suffolk Legislature
Chief Gregory Miglino of South Country Ambulance was honored this week as a Healthcare Hero during a special ceremony at the Suffolk Legislature. The award, presented by Legislator Jim Mazzarella as part of Healthcare Hero Month, celebrates frontline professionals whose exceptional dedication has improved the lives of county residents.
A Marine Corps veteran and lifelong public servant, Chief Miglino has led South Country Ambulance since 1997, making him the longest-serving EMS Chief Officer in Suffolk County history. Over the course of his career, he has personally responded to more than 80,000 emergency calls, including landmark events such as the
Child
Westhampton wildfires, the crash of TWA Flight 800, the September 11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and a dramatic Bellport ice rescue this past winter.
“Chief Miglino exemplifies the very best of what it means to serve one’s community,” said Legislator Mazzarella. “His decades of dedication, leadership, and compassion have saved lives, inspired generations, and strengthened emergency medical services across Suffolk County.”
Under Miglino’s leadership, South Country Ambulance has earned state and county honors for excellence. He has been instrumental in establishing specialized emergency response teams, including Suffolk’s first EMS Marine Unit, and has
Support
Specialist
championed EMS education, volunteerism, and workforce development. His leadership has helped shape emergency response countywide and set a standard for others to follow.
A staunch advocate for training and recruitment, Chief Miglino was also a driving force behind the restoration of funding for the SERVES tuition program, helping aspiring EMS professionals offset education costs in exchange for volunteer service.
“Chief Miglino’s legacy is one of impact, integrity, and inspiration,” said Mazzarella. “He is leaving a lasting mark on our county, and we are proud to recognize him as a true Healthcare Hero.”
Caitlin
Del Vento Named Suffolk Employee of the Month
ByRobertChartuk
Caitlin Del Vento, a Child Support Specialist with the Suffolk Department of Social Services, has been named Employee of the Month for May 2025 in recognition of her outstanding service and leadership in the Child Support Enforcement Bureau.
The Mastic Beach resident was honored during a ceremony at the County Legislature, where officials praised her initiative in tackling the department’s most complex bankruptcy-related cases—an area she took on without prior experience. Del Vento significantly enhanced the department's operations and case management processes by mastering the legal and
procedural challenges and creating efficient checklists and tracking systems.
“Caitlin exemplifies what public service is all about,” said Legislator Jim Mazzarella, who presented the award. “She brings not only professionalism and skill to her role, but also a spirit of teamwork and optimism that inspires those around her.”
Her collaboration with assistant county attorneys has further strengthened interdepartmental coordination, earning her a reputation among peers and supervisors as a knowledgeable, dependable leader in her field.
“It’s always a privilege to recognize the incredible talent
we have in county government,” Mazzarella added. “Employees like Caitlin keep Suffolk County moving forward through their
tireless efforts and commitment to excellence.”
East Patchogue's Rachel Fassman Honored for Lifesaving Service and Community Commitment
ByRobertChartuk
Rachel Fassman, a lifelong East Patchogue resident, emergency nurse, and decorated EMS volunteer, was honored this week for her extraordinary service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to public health and safety.
The Suffolk County Legislature presented the recognition during a special ceremony led by Legislator Dominick Thorne, who praised Fassman as “a devoted professional who defines what it means to serve selflessly, skillfully, and with heart.
“Rachel Fassman is the gold standard in EMS and nursing care — exceptionally skilled, deeply committed, and always putting others first,” Thorne said. “She’s not only a local hero — she’s a shining example of dedication and commitment across Suffolk.”
Fassman, 33, has been on the front lines of emergency medical care for over a decade. She joined South Country Ambulance Company in 2013 and rose swiftly through the ranks—from Crew Chief to Lieutenant, and currently serves as Major, one of the department’s highest officer roles. She also works per diem with Patchogue Ambulance Company as a Critical Care Technician, where she’s served since 2018.
In parallel with her volunteer
leadership, Fassman built a remarkable clinical career. After earning her Critical Care EMT certification in 2015, she pursued her dream of becoming a nurse while working full-time and volunteering. She was accepted into Stony Brook University’s Accelerated Nursing Program in 2019 and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in nursing in 2020.
She now works as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at NYU Langone Hospital Suffolk, where she fills essential roles as charge nurse, trauma nurse, triage nurse, and
primary nurse. Her clinical certifications include ACLS, PALS, BLS, and TNCC.
“We have few people in our community — or anywhere — with Rachel’s level of training, commitment, and compassion,” Thorne said. “Her lifesaving impact extends from the front lines of emergency response to the hearts of the people she serves. She exemplifies the best of Suffolk County.”
She’s received numerous recognition during her service with the South Country Ambulance Company, including:
South Country Ambulance Chief Gregory C. Miglino accepts Healthcare Hero accolades from Legislator Jim Mazzarella.
Caitlin Del Vento accepts Suffolk Employee of the Month honors from Legislator Jim Mazzarella.
Credit: Office of Legislator Mazzarella
Credit: Office of Legislator Mazzarella
Credit: Office of Legislator Thorne
Rachel Fassman receives an honor from Legislator Dominick Thorne.
Sayville Schools Appoints Interim Assistant Superintendent for Business and Personnel
ByDeborahWilliams
The Sayville School District Board of Education appointed
Robert Bartels as the District’s interim assistant superintendent for business and personnel. Bartels spent 32 years in school administration and business, most recently serving over 24 years in the Rockville Centre Union Free School District.
Bartels served as assistant superintendent for business and personnel in Rockville Centre from August 2000 until his retirement in December 2024. Additionally, he was Rockville Centre’s interim superintendent of schools from October 2021 to June 2022, expertly guiding that school district through its return from the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Bartels has also worked in the business and finance departments of the Kings Park, East Meadow, and Commack school districts.
Bartels said, “The Sayville Public
Schools are enticing because it is part of a beautiful, small, closeknit community that values their schools and wants to maximize the educational opportunities for all of their students. I am excited to begin working with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marc Ferris, the Board of Education, and the District’s central administrative team to continue to build on the achievements and successes of the district.”
Mr. Bartels plans to offer guidance and support to the Board of Education and administration during his time with the Sayville School District. By reviewing the District’s financial position, budgeted expenses, and revenues, Mr. Bartels is looking to create a multiyear plan for fiscal stability.
Mr. Bartels graduated from Villanova University in 1986, earned an MBA in finance from Adelphi University in 1991, and received a professional diploma
in school business administration from Long Island University in 1994.
"The Sayville School District is excited to have Mr. Bartels
join our leadership team," stated Sayville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marc Ferris. "Mr. Bartels is an incredibly accomplished business administrator with a proven track record of success. His deep expertise,
unwavering professionalism and commitment to supporting student learning through sound financial planning will have a great impact on our students and community."
NY Bullet Aid to Benefit EastportSouth Manor Science Program
ByDeborahWilliams
The Eastport-South Manor Central School District received $30,000 in bullet aid from New York State, thanks to Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio. The additional funds will be used to fund the district’s science program.
Like a grant, bullet aid is a type of targeted funding given to schools, public libraries and nonprofit institutions in addition to appropriated state aid. School districts are thus able to allocate the additional monies for necessary programs and expenditures not already included in the annual district budget.
Eastport-South Manor Director of K-12 Science Dr. Jessica Mintz reported that the aid has been used to purchase a tower garden for each elementary school to teach students about hydroponics and sustainability.
The district also purchased new equipment for the Jr.-Sr. High School’s Project Lead the Way Program’s (PTLW) new aerospace course, including model
rockets and additional VEX robot parts. The PTLW Program’s Introduction to Engineering Design and Principles of Engineering courses also received a Vernier Go Direct Structural Material tester and a Flex Plate Conversion Kit for 3D printers.
The Science Research Program will also benefit from the purchase of a poster printer, micro-centrifuges, magnetic
hot plates, a micro growing rack and equipment to study microplastics.
“The Eastport-South Manor Central School District is so grateful for the Bullet Aid provided by Assemblywoman Giglio,” Superintendent of Schools Joseph A. Steimel said. “The aid will go far in educating our students with state-of-the art equipment for years to come.”
The Long Island Express: A Hurricane’s Wrath on the South Shore
ByRobertChartuk
As hurricane season begins, The South Shore Press brings you this special feature by reporter Robert Chartuk on the infamous “Long Island Express” storm of 1938 with eyewitness accounts compiled by the Quogue Historical Society on the 50th Anniversary of the tragic event.
On September 21, 1938, the “Long Island Express” hurricane tore through the South Shore with a
ferocity that caught communities off guard, leaving a trail of devastation and stories of survival that would echo for generations. The ocean surged through dunes, homes were swept away, and lives were lost, but the resilience of those who survived painted a vivid picture of human endurance.
Taking a direct hit on Westhampton Beach, the storm’s power was apocalyptic. Approximately 179 dune houses
were obliterated, with only a few left standing, uninhabitable. The ocean carved seven new inlets through Fire Island between Cupsogue and the Quogue village line. The Moriches and Potunk Coast Guard Stations were swept away, and iconic landmarks such as the West Bay Bathing Beach (Swordfish Club) and the Quantuck Beach Club were destroyed. The latter’s clubhouse was found a mile north on a Quiogue lawn.
The Westhampton Yacht Basin became a graveyard of sunken and stranded boats, and the south end of the West Bay Bridge was rendered useless. A 6-foot wall of water surged down Main Street, carrying debris from the dunes and flooding the first floor of the Six Corners School to nearly 5 feet. Miraculously, the 200 children inside were dismissed just in time, escaping unharmed.
Louis Green, a plumber working at the Dune Deck Hotel on Dune Road, recounted the storm’s sudden escalation. “It wasn’t really good in the morning… But there was no indication that it was going to be that bad,” he noted. By 2 p.m., the
storm’s intensity was undeniable. Green and a colleague tried to secure the hotel, but by 3 p.m., conditions were so dire he couldn’t drive his truck home. It was later found overturned and ruined by saltwater.
Green’s most harrowing moment came when he helped Mrs. Thomas J. Brennan and her maid escape their collapsing home. “I took a piece of the boardwalk from in front of the Dune Deck and put the two
women on it, and we started to float across the bay to the mainland,” he recalled. Dodging debris, including a massive fuel tank, they reached safety near Oneck Lane. Exhausted and disoriented, Green couldn’t remember how he made it home to Baycrest Avenue, where his wife and brother-in-law had feared him lost. “When she said that I was upstairs taking a shower, they could hardly believe it!” he said, reflecting on the joy of his survival.
Sayville Schools Appoints Interim Assistant Superintendent for Business and Personnel
Credit: Sayville Schools
Locals check out what was left of the West Bay Bridge in Westhampton Beach after the “Long Island Express” hurricane roared through in 1938.
Beach Lane in Westhampton Beach after the “Long Island Express” hurricane in 1938.
Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, Eastport-South Manor Superintendent of Schools Joseph A. Steimel, Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum and instruction Dr. John J. Christie, Principal Salvatore Alaimo and Senator Anthony Palumbo
Credit: Quogue Historical Society
Credit: Quogue Historical Society
Credit: Eastport-South Manor Central School District
ByRobertChartuk
William Floyd Students Display Creative Talents at 2025 Civic Art Show
Student artists from the William Floyd School District were again in the spotlight at the Pattersquash Creek Civic Association’s annual art show last week, a colorful event that filled the air with creativity and community pride.
The Civic Association, a grassroots group that advocates on behalf of Mastic Beach residents and the environment, transformed its monthly meeting into a gallery night dedicated to the artistic achievements of local youth.
“We look forward to this every year,” said civic president Frank Fugarino, a retired educator and longtime supporter of student programs. “It’s a great way to bring
people together and celebrate the talent and imagination of these young artists.”
The show featured artwork from kindergarten through 12th grade under the auspices of Floyd’s Chairperson of Fine Arts, Theresa Bianco, and the art department staff. Superintendent Kevin Koster was also attending the exhibit.
“This is exciting for us,” Bianco said. “We like to get the artwork out into the community, not just hang it on the wall. Thank you to the parents for supporting and encouraging these artists.”
From vibrant collages to intricate drawings, the exhibit showcased the full range of the students’ talents, drawing praise from neighbors, parents, and civic members alike.
Brookhaven Continues Long-Range Effort to...
Continued from page 4
The home at 579 Riviera Drive, once a symbol of storm devastation and decay, is now cleared, making way for land that town officials say will eventually revert to its natural state.
Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig joined Panico at the demolition and praised the town’s initiative: “I was thrilled to watch this long-standing eyesore come down. The land will now have a chance to return to its natural condition.” She noted that Brookhaven’s approach to flood mitigation is rooted in naturebased solutions rather than hard infrastructure.
Their restoration plan includes removing phragmites and other invasive species, filling outdated
mosquito ditches, and carving sinuous tidal creeks to improve drainage and flood control. The goal is to build a resilient marsh system that will absorb floodwaters, restore wildlife habitat, and provide public access through eco-friendly boardwalks, Dunne Kesnig explained. The area is home to species such as diamondback terrapins and saltmarsh sparrows, which rely on healthy tidal wetlands for survival.
“By removing encroachments and curbing future development, Brookhaven aims to allow this unique ecosystem to regenerate. Permanent road closures are also being considered to further discourage vehicular traffic in sensitive zones,” town officials said.
Steve Brown, a member of Brookhaven’s Open Space and Farmland Preservation Committee, which recommended the acquisition of many of the parcels, noted the significance of the project: “Once again, the town has taken the initiative to preserve environmentally sensitive lands to help protect our environment. These wetlands are critical for water quality and for supporting a healthy coastal ecosystem. Brookhaven has been especially active in preserving properties along the South Shore waterfront.”
The property is part of the 1,685acre Mastic-Shirley Conservation Area, where the federal government owns 613 acres, the state 93 acres, Suffolk County about 77 acres, and Brookhaven 147 acres. The land
includes the former site of Captain Andy’s Fishing Station, opened in 1940, and more recently, Violet Cove Restaurant, which closed in 2008 and suffered severe damage during Sandy. A $2 million state grant is being directed toward redevelopment of the property, where the former restaurant building was demolished in 2022 to prepare the site for public recreational use, including kelp farm operations by Center Moriches native Sue Wicks.
“The state funding will go toward converting this vacant land overlooking Narrow Bay into a recreational eco-destination,” said Assemblyman Joe DeStefano. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase nature-based approaches to flood mitigation, enhance recreational access, and educate the public about
the importance of our coastal environment.”
While the full restoration of the Mastic Beach salt marshes may take time, the recent demolition marks a visible milestone in the town’s long-term vision: to retreat from the most flood-vulnerable areas and allow nature to reclaim a shoreline that once flourished with tidal channels, maritime forests, and rich biodiversity.
For now, town officials say they are focused on finalizing designs and securing additional funding, including support from New York State, as they prepare to transform a once-suburbanized coastline into a model for climate resilience and environmental renewal.
William Floyd High School student Maria Campasano of Mastic shows off her work with her friend, Kiara Cuello, of Moriches.
Jennifer Menjivar Galica, 5th Grade
Isabella McCreery, 12th Grade
Eleventh grader Kyleigh Montella with her portfolio prep work.
David Villegas, 11th Grade
Anyeli Robles Amaya, Kindergarten
Alice Yilmaz, 10th Grade
Abigail Boschi, 9th Grade
Credit: Robert Chartuk
Credit: Jennifer Menjivar Galica
Credit: Isabella McCreery
Credit: Robert Chartuk
Credit: David Villegas
Credit: Anyeli Robles Amaya
Credit: Alice Yilmaz
Credit: Abigail Boschi
LOCAL
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
East Hampton Cocaine Kingpin Convicted
A Brooklyn man, Michael Khodorkovskiy, 45, was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney announced in his office’s last news update of May 2025.
Back in April, Khodorkovskiy pled guilty to a second-degree offense: trafficking cocaine from his Brooklyn stomping grounds to an elite clientele base docked in Long Island’s East End.
“Khodorkovskiy’s operation
was not only expansive, it was sophisticated and targeted,” DA Tierney said. “His arrest followed a long-term investigation that uncovered over a kilogram of cocaine, hidden compartments in his vehicle, and nearly $140,000 in cash and gold coins linked to drug sales.”
Court documents and Khodorkovskiy’s own admissions confirmed that, between July 2023 and Aug. 2024, he sold large quantities of cocaine to an undercover police officer near his Brooklyn domicile.
School's Out: Former Sachem Elementary PTA
President Arrested for Grand Larceny
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
$27,000 is a remarkable amount of school lunches.
Pamela McManus, 42, of Holbrook allegedly stole well over this much from Nokomis Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA), upon which she served as President from July 1st, 2021 to June 30th, 2024.
According to Suffolk County District Attorney Ramond A. Tierney, who announced McManus’ arrest and subsequent arraignment this past week, an investigation determined that McManus had sole access to the PTA bank account through a Visa Debit Card.
“Parent Teacher Associations are an integral part of our school communities throughout Suffolk County,” DA Tierney said. “The allegations in this case represent a disturbing betrayal of trust, and my office will continue to hold accountable those who unlawfully abuse their positions for personal gain.”
The disgraced former Sachem School District Elementary PTA head’s bank account access even transcended her presidential tenure.
Under the belief these drugs were to be distributed throughout Suffolk County, the defendant next traveled to the area himself. He sold cocaine directly to another undercover police officer in East Hampton— with designs on reaching both the aforementioned town and Montauk to satiate tourist hotbed activity.
From the onset of the investigation, undercover operatives were able to successfully penetrate Khodorkovskiy’s network by posing as customers. The undercover officers would then contact Khodorkovskiy or his “associates” to arrange for cocaine purchases.
He was arrested on Aug. 2nd, 2024, by members of DA Tierney’s East End Drug Task Force. At the time of his arrest, a kilo and a quarter of cocaine was found on his person.
A hidden “trap” compartment
When she turned over the account to the remaining PTA board members last October, numerous personal expenses were instantly detected.
Purchases were made from Amazon, Walmart, Target, Verizon Wireless, PSEG, Sephora and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Such paints a modern-day, smaller-scale but nevertheless morally askance portrait of a Long Island school district representative gone rogue with greed, a la the Roslyn School District scandal of the early 2000s.
Per reports, McManus is also alleged to have stolen cash directly from the PTA bank account through equally unauthorized withdrawals. These transactions are considered unlawful for occurring out of session, during summer and holiday breaks.
McManus surrendered to the DA’s office on June 5th. Her official charge is one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (Class D Felony).
This offense is considered nonbail eligible under New York State law. She was released on her own recognizance, and is due back in court on July 10th.
Continued from page 10
Dorothy Raynor McGonigle, then a high school freshman, described the eerie atmosphere as the storm approached. “High winds, driving rain, and a humid, heavy feel to the atmosphere were not out of the ordinary,” she said, but the situation escalated rapidly. Dismissed from Six Corners School due to shattering windows, her mother drove her home through a maze of fallen trees. Later, she and a friend ventured to the Yacht Basin to secure their sailboats, only to be reprimanded by her father, Cliff Raynor, who recognized the storm’s unprecedented danger. “He had, by then, realized that this was no ordinary storm, and we were all in great danger of being wiped out,” she remembered. Her father’s tow truck became a lifeline, rescuing people from flooded beach houses. McGonigle joined a caravan fleeing to the Henry Perkins Hotel in Riverhead, where residents anxiously awaited news. “It was frightening not knowing the whereabouts of either Mother or Father!” she said. The next day, she saw Westhampton’s devastation: “Yachts stuck in hedges, buildings broken and twisted, the dunes flattened… It was all but impossible to comprehend.”
In Quogue, the storm was equally merciless. The ocean broke through the dunes at multiple points, creating the 400-foot-wide, 20-foot-deep Quantuck Inlet. The Quantuck Beach Club and nearby houses were swept away, and floodwaters surged nearly a mile north, destroying the Causeway, railroad tracks, and the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. The Church of the Atonement was lifted off its foundation but held fast by trees. The Beach Lane Bridge was
$38,550 in cash and 39 gold coins with an estimated value of $100,000 were recovered from Khodorkovskiy’s Brooklyn apartment.
$395,055 in U.S. currency was later seized from various bank accounts linked to Khodorkoyskiy.
Credit:
Suffolk District Attorney's Office
“Khodorkovskiy’s operation was not only expansive, it was sophisticated and targeted,” DA Tierney said.
was also discovered in his Mercedes Benz. Here, police recovered additional cocaine and the narcotic MDMA.
Following a search warrant,
The Long Island Express...
demolished, and Ogden’s Pond overflowed, ruining parts of the Field Club golf course. Two young men, Charles Lucas and Tommy Fay, drowned during rescue efforts, and the Quogue Beach Club was half-destroyed.
When the storm hit, Japsie Lockett Sears was at her mother’s Beach Lane home, closing it for winter. “The whole thing to remember is this: we were just taken by surprise,” she said. Fear gripped the household as winds intensified and water surged over their hedge. “We were so scared we couldn’t breathe!” she recalled.
Water poured through the house, carrying vegetables from the kitchen to the stairs. Sears, her mother, young son, and housekeeper fled to the second floor, watching the flood recede just in time. Rescued by Ed Payne in a small rowboat, they were rowed to safety and sheltered at a cottage behind the Quogue House. “The next day we returned to a house full of sand,” she said, encapsulating the storm’s lingering impact.
Samuel B. Cross, working in the Suffolk County Highways office, experienced the storm’s deceptive calm during its eye. “The sun and blue sky appeared,” he said, but the respite was brief. After helping evacuate children from Mechanic’s Hall, he navigated flooded roads to reunite with his wife. “Fred Palmer, Jr. came home and reported that they were picking up bodies on the golf course, and right then and there, we knew that it was much worse than just another bad northeast storm,” he said. The next day, he surveyed the Quantuck Beach Club’s destruction, marveling at a pot of clam chowder still simmering in an undamaged building.
Mrs. Norvin R. Greene, living
The investigation was conducted jointly by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s East End Drug Taskforce (EEDTF), East Hampton Town Police Department, the Suffolk County Police Department, the New York State Police, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Office of Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York.
“Our communities deserve to be safe from the violence, addiction, and destruction that follow in the wake of drug trafficking,” Tierney added.
on Dune Road, faced a life-ordeath ordeal with her children and unexpected guests. As waves battered her home, breaking windows and toppling the refrigerator, she sheltered eleven people, including a family with two babies. “We all fled to the second floor,” she said, but the rising water forced them to the attic. “The men smashed part of the roof, so we could see the bay, and have an exit in case the house fell.”
When a neighbor’s roof collapsed into Moriches Bay, Greene feared the worst, but her home’s concrete foundations held. “There’s no doubt these features saved our lives,” she surmised. Cold and terrified, the group survived, though Greene wrestled with the moral dilemma of a single life preserver, which a young girl claimed with the quip, “No, girls first!”
The Long Island Express left Westhampton and Quogue reeling. Twenty-nine people drowned in Westhampton alone, and infrastructure— electricity, telephones, and roads—was crippled. The Patio Building became an emergency headquarters, and the Westhampton Country Club a temporary morgue. In Quogue, the school served as a shelter. The storm’s suddenness, as Japsie Sears noted, was its defining trait, amplified by the lack of modern forecasting.
Yet, amidst the tragedy, the stories of heroism emerged. The villages rebuilt, but the hurricane’s scars shaped their identity. As Dorothy McGonigle reflected, “For many years afterwards, restoring Westhampton Beach was the main topic of conversation,” a testament to the storm’s enduring legacy and the resilience of those who faced it.
Credit: Sachem Schools/Youtube & Billy Madison (1995)
If not stealing from your own organization is cool, then call us Miles Davis.
ByDeborahWilliams
Free Air Conditioners for Essential Health Plan Members with Asthma
Governor Kathy Hochul announced new resources to help some New Yorkers with asthma when the summer heat begins to hit.
The programs will assist in access to affordable cooling at home and at cooling centers, provide additional support for cool and resilient buildings, help keep kids cool at schools, and offer new tools and expanded funding for communities to prepare for and adapt to extreme heat and mitigate urban heat islands.
“Scorching summer temperatures and increasing extreme weather events threaten the lives and wellbeing of New Yorkers across the state,” Governor Hochul said. “That's why I'm directing State agencies to take action and ensure all New Yorkers can afford and access relief from the full spectrum of heat risks.”
Over 120,000 Suffolk County residents are on the Essential Plan and if you or someone in your family has asthma, you could get some help.
The newly created Essential Plan Cooling program will provide eligible Essential Plan members a free air conditioner to help keep their homes cool. The air
Air-conditioning units will be available to Essential Plan members on a first-come, first-serve basis until August 31, 2025, or until funds run out. If an air conditioner cannot be safely installed, a fan will be
provided.
Installation cannot exceed $900 for a window or portable air conditioner or $500 for a standing floor fan. For an existing wall sleeve unit replacement, installation cannot exceed $1,100. Cash benefits are not available.
Who Can Get an Air Conditioner
To qualify, you must submit an application for the Essential Plan Cooling Program and meet the following eligibility requirements:
• Be enrolled in NY State of Health’s Essential Plan.
• Have persistent asthma meaning you experience asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing attacks, chest tightness, or chest pain much of the time or need a daily medication for asthma to control your symptoms
• Have not received a cooling unit in the past five years through the
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Cooling Program.
• Request installation at the permanent residential address on file with NY State of Health.
How to Apply
Applicants must apply at https:// info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/.
The application will take five to ten minutes to complete. Note that if you navigate away from the application your information will not be saved, so plan to complete your application in one sitting. Applications will be accepted until August 31, 2025, or until funds run out.
The New York State Department of Health also launched its interactive New York State Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard that will allow the public and county health care officials to determine the forecasted level of heat-related health risks in their areas and raise awareness about the dangers of heat exposure.
Summer is Here – Many Can Visit NY State Parks for Free/ Discounted
ByDeborahWilliams
The weather has turned and everyone is itching to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. Suffolk County has several state parks to choose from and New York State offers several programs that get you into state parks for free.
Saving money these days is so important, but you still want to get the kids or grandkids, and yourself outdoors enjoying nature and getting some exercise. Take advantage of these opportunities to use the state parks for free.
Whether you enjoy beaches, hiking, or bicycling, the great outdoors awaits you and your family. Put this article on your fridge to guide you on how to access the parks for free.
New York State Golden Park Program for Seniors
If you are a New York State resident 62 or older, on Monday - Friday (except holidays), you can obtain free vehicle access to most* state parks, boat launch sites and arboretums and fee reduction to state historic sites and state-operated golf courses.
Simply present your currently valid New York State Driver License or New York State Non-Driver Identification Card** at the park entrance. No application is required as your NY State Driver's License/ Non-Driver ID Card serves as
Summer is Here – Many Can Visit NY State Parks for Free/Discounted
your pass. For locations with pay stations, please contact the facility directly for information.
For information about facilities where this program is valid, contact New York State Parks or 518-474-0456.
** A New York State Driver License or a New York State Non-Driver Identification Card may be obtained from your local Motor Vehicle office. You may want to contact them first to be certain you bring the required forms of identification.
Patriot Park Plan for New York National Guard
The Patriot Plan Benefit allows residents of New York State, who are members of the New York State National Guard, Militia, or Reserves to apply for one free Empire Pass during their active duty assignment. The Empire Pass issued through
the Patriot Plan Benefit is for the servicemember’s own use or is shareable with their family.
The Empire Pass holder may present or scan their Empire Pass at participating NYS Park sites to waive the Vehicle Use Fee. For additional information on the Empire Pass, including where it is accepted.
Lifetime Liberty Pass for Veterans or Gold Star Parents, Spouses, and Children
The Lifetime Liberty Pass allows qualified New York State (NY State) Veterans or Gold Star Parents, Spouses, and Children discounted use of state parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities operated by the NY State Parks and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Once issued, the Lifetime Liberty Pass will never expire.
The Lifetime Liberty Pass benefits include free vehicle entry to most state-operated parks and DEC-operated dayuse areas, as well as numerous state-operated boat launch sites, historic sites, arboretums, and park preserves; free greens fees
at state-operated golf courses; free swimming pool entrance at State Park pools; and discounted camping and cabin rentals at most State Park and DEC campgrounds. The pass holder must be present when utilizing the pass for its intended benefits.
How Hard Have We...
Continued from page 2
Continued on page 13 Clearly, everything he’s surrounded himself with hasn’t been working. His claim to fame is dumping disgusting food on his head, recording it, and posting it to social media.
Patriotic warriors like
Calvin Graham, Joseph L. Argenzio, and Dan Bullock fought, were hurt, and died to give us the incredible freedoms that we enjoy today.
Unfortunately, some feel the need to flex and exercise the freedom to be stupid for clicks.
East Patchogue's Rachel Fassman...
Continued from page 9
Continued on page 13
• 2015 Basic Life Support Provider of the Year
• 2016, 2021, 2022 Advanced Life Support
• Provider of the Year
• 2020 Member of the Year
• Top Responder of the Year for 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023
Thorne concluded the ceremony by presenting Fassman with a proclamation recognizing her “extraordinary leadership in emergency medical services,
her lifelong commitment to community care, and her enduring impact on the people of Suffolk County.
“Rachel shows up when people need her most, again and again — and she never asks for recognition. Today, we’re giving her what she’s earned a hundred times over.”
For Rachel Fassman, the honor was humbling. “I’m just grateful to be able to do what I love and serve the community I grew up in,” she said. “It’s always been about the people.”
conditioner will be delivered and installed by an approved vendor.
Credit: Meta AI
Credit: New York State Parks
Free Air Conditioners for Essential Health Plan Members with Asthma
STATE
Latino Leadership Summit Brings Community to Albany
ByRobertChartuk
Latino community leaders from across New York gathered at the state capitol last week for the 2025 Latino Leadership Summit, an annual event hosted by Assemblyman Joe DeStefano and the New York State Assembly Republican Conference.
Now in its latest edition, the summit is designed to connect Latino-based organizations with the inner workings of state government. Attendees took part in a daylong series of panels, networking opportunities, and guided tours that offered insight into the legislative process and the role Latino voices play in shaping public policy.
NATION
ByDeborahWilliams
“This summit is about making sure Latino New Yorkers see themselves in their government,” said Assemblyman DeStefano. “We want leaders from our communities to walk these halls, meet their lawmakers, and leave knowing that their voices matter here.”
Dozens of representatives from nonprofits, faith groups, civic associations, and advocacy organizations participated in the summit. Highlights included a meet-and-greet with Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, policy briefings with Republican lawmakers, and a behind-thescenes tour of the historic capitol building.
“The Republican conference believes strongly in civic engagement, especially among communities that have historically felt left out of the conversation,” said DeStefano. “We may differ on some policy issues, but empowering Latino leadership is something we can all agree is vital
for the future of New York.”
Participants were encouraged to ask questions, exchange ideas, and build working relationships with legislators and each other.
“It’s not just about politics — it’s about people,” DeStefano added. “When we open the doors of government and let people
When the Richest Man...
Continued from page 2
Let’s talk Tesla for a moment. The company has suffered significant losses as a direct result of Musk’s political behavior. This past week alone, Tesla’s stock took a massive $152.4 billion hit in a single day on June 5th, 2025—directly tied to Musk’s escalating feud with President Trump. Let that sink in. A business empire crumbling because its founder can’t keep his ego in check.
Industry insiders I spoke with raised an interesting point: Could Musk be intentionally tanking Tesla stock? Could this all be part of some convoluted PR strategy or stock buyback scheme? If so, that raises serious legal and ethical questions. Could there be criminal intent behind this manipulation of Tesla’s value? We don’t know for sure—but it’s a question worth
asking, especially when billions of dollars and thousands of shareholders are involved.
Here’s the bottom line: Elon Musk is not the steady, visionary genius he claims to be. He’s an unstable, unreliable opportunist who lashes out when he doesn’t get his way. And he’s using his platform and fortune not to innovate, but to meddle in American politics with reckless abandon.
Meanwhile, President Trump remains focused on the mission: getting the Big Beautiful Bill passed through the Senate. This legislation is a cornerstone of his second-term economic recovery plan. It will clean up bureaucratic waste, redirect resources to the people who need them most, and lay the foundation for a stronger, freer, and more prosperous America.
in, we all benefit. These are the community leaders on the front lines, and we want them to know that Albany is listening.”
Organizers say the summit has grown steadily in attendance and visibility, with this year drawing participants from every region of the state.
It’s time for our lawmakers— especially Republicans in Congress—to stop letting Elon Musk’s money scare them into silence. Primaries funded by billionaires shouldn’t dictate policy. The American people should. And the American people didn’t elect Elon Musk.
President Trump was elected because he represents us—not the global elite, not Silicon Valley tycoons, and certainly not the unstable whims of Elon Musk. Congress must remember that, dig deep, and pass the Big Beautiful Bill. Our country’s future depends on it. In the end, history will not remember Musk’s meltdowns or X tantrums. It will remember the leaders who stood tall and put America first—even in the face of billionaire bullies with too much time and too much ego.
DOGE Report – Musk Exits, DOGE Continues
It’s been one week since Elon Musk’s 130-day limit as a Special Government Employee ended and he moved on from his daily leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk was given a golden key to the White House along with much thanks and praise at the farewell press conference with Trump.
Fireworks between Musk and President Donald Trump erupted almost immediately with the two trading barbs on X/Twitter over the "Big Beautiful Bill." Musk, and frankly some other Republicans, expressed concerns about spending, worrying that any successes of DOGE are wiped out in the bill. Demands that more cuts, or at least reductions in increases, be put into the bill to work toward getting the federal budget back on track.
The back-and-forth between Trump and Musk became personal and heated belying a tiff between two people who had become very close. Those close to the friendship expressed disappointment that this disagreement spilled out into
the public view and said they felt the two would likely come back together as friends after a cooling off period.
While all that was happening, DOGE was working quietly in the background toward its goals to reduce waste, fraud and abuse across federal agencies.
Credit Card Diet
The credit card diet continues.
Credit Card Update! After 14 weeks, the program to audit unused/unneeded credit cards has expanded to 55 agencies resulting in ~610k deactivated cards. As a reminder, at the start of the audit, there were ~4.6M active cards/ accounts; more work to do!
Elimination of Unused Phone Licenses
DOGE eliminated even more unused phone lines.
Approximately $800k/year is saved by eliminating ~1,700 unused plans, switching plans for many of the remaining ones, and eliminating 2,218 unused cellular equipment payments.
VoIP licenses were reduced from 9,195 to 2,690, eliminating 6,505 unused/unnecessary
subscriptions and saving ~$469k/ year. DOGE says it will continue to work agency by agency to identify wasteful IT spending.
Federal Retirement System
Goes Digital
On June 2, online digital retirement became the government standard at Federal Retirement System. As of June 2, 65+ year old paper process for filing for retirement benefits will be replaced with an all digital alternative. This will dramatically reduce the average time people
wait to receive their benefits.
Fraud in Federal Student Aid
The US Department of Education (DOE) and DOGE said, they “took action on long-running fraud in federal student aid estimated to cost taxpayers > $1B/ year and contributed to shortfalls in education funding available to low income students.”
DOE disburses $120 billion in student aid per year between Pell Grants and loans. The fraudsters
(largely international crime rings):
• Use stolen SSNs to sign up for online classes at secondary institutions
• Use the same SSNs to receive federal student loans or Pell Grants
• Use a chatbot to “show up” for the first few days of classes
• Pocket a portion of the money (which is sent from the federal government to the school to the fake students)
It is estimated that over 20% of online community college enrollments per year are siphoning off Pell Grant money meant for low-income students. DOE is instituting mandatory identity checks for all first-year students receiving financial aid. Contracts Update
DOGE said that over the past week, agencies terminated 61 wasteful contracts with a ceiling value of $428M and savings of $255M, including a $71.3k HHS professional services contract for “media training for up to 12 people to enable them to more effectively and clearly communicate to members of the press/reporters.”
Credit: State Assembly
Latino leaders with GOP Minority Leader Will Barclay, front row left, and Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, center.
HISTORY LESSONS
BY RICHARD ACRITELLI
“It was one of the finest events that Rocky Point VFW Post 6249 ever organized. We had many members helping, participating, and watching the almost 160 runners at our fourth annual PTSD Joseph Dwyer 5K race. Special thanks to Vietnam War army combat medic Frank Asselta who continues the mission of caring, recognizing, and promoting the awareness to all past, present, and future members of the military who are personally inflicted with this war time related medical condition. This post already looks forward to carrying out this patriotic athletic event next spring.”
These feelings were presented by VFW Post 6249 Commander Joseph A. Cognitore on the productive days that this military installation undertook last weekend. This PTSD run was held at Rocky Point High School on May 30th, during a mostly cooler, windy day that did not hinder the runners and walkers. Gathering, there was a noticeable warmth amongst these participants, that included many returning citizens to care for these veterans, health, and athletic competition.
On this day, there are military memories that were demonstrated through the VFW members' hats, shirts, and spirit to present this “worthy” cause. Watching this patriotic fervor was Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner and Suffolk County Legislator and reservist Marine Corps Major Chad Lennon, who ran in this daunting race. Both significant figures observed their constituents' appreciation of Assetla’s drive to make this moment an important veterans’
were the Vietnam veterans who endured poor treatment when they returned home and had some PTSD conditions of their own. They have tirelessly partaken in a mission to ensure that recent War on Terror veterans in Iraq and Afghanistan are cared for by a grateful nation. With over 500,000 Americans serving in these difficult fighting areas, it is estimated that today there are almost 6000 veterans, some 12%, who struggle with PTSD.
VFW Post 6249 and the mission to carry out its annual 5K PTSD Race and D-Day Ceremony
and swimming confines of New York State. Trevor Green is a dynamic figure who has earned the highest levels of athletic achievements within both sports and once he graduates from Rocky Point, he will swim for the University of Minnesota. Always a sound athlete, he chose to run with his younger teammates to motivate them along this daunting course.
Some people ran or walked in groups, while others tackled the hills and trails on their own looking to improve their times. They finished and wore proud looks on their faces under the Strong Island Running Club huge final timing air display. Hearing their names announced, they received cheers from the other runners and loved ones. Over 90 people received medals, where they also gained thankful hearty handshakes from
This race started at 12:30 p.m. on Rocky Point-Yaphank Road, just south of Route 25 A, ages ranged from a four-year-old to 80 and some that traveled from distant places on Long Island and even Texas. Wearing his patent Rocky Point Cross Country jersey, Senior Matteo Gravinese is a senior graduate of Rocky Point High School, a co-captain of his team, and an Academic AllCounty runner. This bright young man is also the valedictorian,
reality. Thank you to Jude Petrowski and the Long Island Military History Vehicle Club who helped pace this run and the traffic and medical support of the Suffolk County Police Department and the Rocky Point Fire Department. At the center of this program
and a National Merit scholar will attend Carnegie Mellon next fall. Gravinese was determined to win this race within the trails, hills, and fields that he traversed over the last six years.
Next to him was a major doublethreat athlete within the running
Germans, British, Canadians, and Americans during this fight. Over the years, he has amassed an impressive helmet collection that he put on loan for this military history museum. Spiers identified the reasons why these helmets were created, changed, and used in the field by the soldiers. A lawyer by trade, Spier presented a first-rate description of these military items, how they were manufactured, and why they were used during this epic warfare.
Cognitore, Asselta, and VFW Post 6249 Quartermaster Dan Guida. Thank you to all the runners who traveled to Rocky Point to reinforce this vital issue that does not leave combat soldiers and their families when they are out of uniform.
To cap off a strong week of service to the North Shore, Post 6249 sponsored an 81st annual D-Day ceremony at their major military history museum that is located at 108A King Road in Rocky Point. On June 1st, a chilly morning, Frank Lombardi, a former army captain within the rangers, a paratrooper who specialized with weapons, survival, and fighting, addressed the historic D-Day conditions of the airborne. Wearing a World War II jumper uniform, Lombardi had a helmet, weapons, and parachute to show the hardships of these soldiers to jump at night. He explained the mission of General Dwight D. Eisenhower to disrupt, confuse, and prevent German reinforcements to contest Allied landings at the beaches.
Mayor of Shoreham Village Tom Spier explained the military equipment that was used by the
Next to Spier, David DePinto, a resident of Setauket, is a lawyer who handles trusts, wills, and the private financial interests of his clients. This long-time legal mind is also an energetic citizen who has gained a keen sense of knowledge on the Normandy campaign against the Germans. He created a military display with sounds, smoke, land and fighting features of the American sea landings against Hitler’s vaunted Atlantic Wall. He presented the German reasoning, resources and weapons that widely faced the Allies as they reached these beaches under intense fire. Like, Spier and Lombardi, the people on this morning were fully engaged through the historic descriptions and observations of DePinto.
It is widely expected that this museum will shortly expand its important mission of identifying the resolve of American military forces to fight for freedom from the Revolutionary War to today. DePinto will continue to perfect his triumphant piece of history that will be displayed to the visitors at the VFW Post 6249 Suffolk County World War II and Military History Museum in Rocky Point. A distinctive moment that was shared by Lombardi, Spiers, DePinto and local politician Major Lennon provided a spirited discussion on strategy, tactics, and the fighting sacrifices of Americans who waded ashore to oppose the German Wehrmacht. Thank you to these speakers for their time to address these vital moments that were victoriously carried out by our citizens on these deadly French shores.
VFW Post 6249 is determined to support the betterment of the military and social affairs of Long Island. We are expanding the Veterans Wall of Honor at this museum and if there are any readers of The South Shore Press who would like to add family or friend names of veterans who served at any time, please contact Rich Acritelli at 631-839-2996/ richvack@yahoo.com or Joseph Cognitore at 631-873-8272/ vfw6249@yahoo.com. If you would like to attend the 18th annual VFW Post 6249 Wounded Warrior Golf Outing held at The Rock Golf Course in Wading River on September 22nd, please contact Cognitore to take part within this outstanding patriotic event.
BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ.
First step is to determine if Gloria has the capacity to sign advance directives, including a health care proxy and power of attorney. If this is not possible because she has deteriorated to the extent of being unable to handle her affairs or appoint someone to do so, the family may need to explore the commencement of a Mental Hygiene Law, Article 81 proceeding seeking the appointment of a guardian of the person and property of Gloria.
The commencement of the proceeding involves filing a verified petition with the Supreme Court of the county in which she resides, outlining the reasons why it is believed that she does not understand or appreciate the extent of her limitations and that she is likely to suffer harm if a guardian is not appointed for her. The appointment of a guardian in MHL, Article 81 proceedings
is based on functional limitations and not on medical diagnoses.
If there is a concern regarding potential financial exploitation or other imminent harm to Gloria, it may be prudent to request that the Court appoint a Temporary Guardian to immediately take steps to secure Gloria’s finances and prevent any further abuse.
The Court will set a hearing date and all interested persons will have to be notified, including Gloria’s spouse, all of her children, and her living siblings, if any. The Court will appoint a Court Evaluator to conduct an investigation. The investigation will include meeting Gloria in person, speaking with other friends and family members, and investigating her finances. In limited circumstances, it may be appropriate for the Court Evaluator to request the permission of the Court to review medical records. The Court may appoint an attorney to represent
Adult Guardianship in New York State
The Petitioner would be required to testify at the hearing, along with any other witnesses that will help demonstrate to the Court Gloria’s need for a guardian. The Court Evaluator will also testify as to their findings and recommendations.
If appointed, the permanent guardian will step into Gloria’s shoes. The Petitioner can request to serve as guardian or it can be a third party. The Court will tailor the powers granted to
$5 Parking Passes for Suffolk County Parks
Starting June 4, onetime use $5 parking passes will be available at MMSCL's main branch at 407 William Floyd Parkway in Shirley.
These passes are good from time of purchase through September 30, 2025. This is a onetime use parking permit. To use this parking permit, you must present it to the park attendant at the tollbooth when you enter the park.
Parking Permits may be redeemed at the following locations:
the guardian to meet Gloria’s individual needs and can appoint a guardian of the person, a guardian of the property, or both. There are various safeguards in place to ensure that once a guardian is appointed, Gloria will be protected, including the requirement that the guardian obtain a bond and file annual reports with the Court.
As you can see, seeking guardianship for an adult in New York can be quite nuanced. The legal proceeding is designed to protect Gloria by providing support and assistance that is best suited to her personal needs and circumstance.
Britt Burner, Esq. is a Partner at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. focusing her practice areas on Estate Planning and Elder Law Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. serves clients from New York City to the east end of Long Island with offices located in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, Manhattan and East Hampton.
Non-Lifeguarded/ Inland Parks
• Blydenburgh County Park Veterans Memorial Hwy, Smithtown, New York 11788
• Cathedral Pines County Park YaphankMiddle Island Rd., Middle Island, NY 11953
• Cedar Point County Park 5 Cedar Point Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937
• Indian Island County Park Cross River Drive (Route 105), Riverhead, NY 11901
• Lake Ronkonkoma County Park 600 Lake Shore Road, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
• Montauk County Park
527 E Lake Dr, Montauk, NY 11954
• Shinnecock East County Park Meadow Ln, Southampton, NY 11968
• Southaven County Park 761 Victory Ave, Yaphank, NY 11980
Lifeguarded Beaches/ Parks
• Cupsogue County Park 975 Dune Road, West Hampton, NY 11978
• Meschutt County Park Canal Road & Old North Hwy, Hampton Bays, NY 11946
• Smith Point County Park 1 William Floyd Pkwy, Shirley, NY 11967
Onepassperpatronper day.Norefunds.
Gloria.
Adult Children’s
Summer Reading Kickoff
Thursday, June 26, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Held at All Locations.
Sign up for our eight-week summer reading program for a chance to earn a prize! Read a book within the genre of the week and attend our Summer With Us programs to earn additional entry tickets. A winning ticket will be pulled each Friday. Free gifts and ice cream are available with sign-up while supplies last.
Teens
School’s Out Celebration
Thursday, June 26, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Held at All Locations.
Drop-in to get your Summer Reading booklet and starting prize! We will have activities and surprises at ALL LOCATIONS to celebrate the start of summer! Free ice cream for all (while supplies last)! Ages birth-entering Grade 6.
Teen Summer Reading Club 2025
June 26 – August 21
Join our Summer Reading Club and take on the Summer BINGO Challenge! Pick up a BINGO sheet, complete fun tasks, and check off your squares. Each BINGO you achieve earns you a raffle ticket for a chance to win cool prizes. Plus, complete a full “blackout BINGO” to be entered into a special prize drawing! Register and get your BINGO sheets at the Summer Reading Kickoff on Thursday, June 26th, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. (or anytime during the summer) at all three locations. Don’t miss out on the fun— reading, challenges, and prizes await!
Thursday, June 12, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Held at our Main Building. Registration begins 5/29.
Earn 2 hours of community service by preparing Summer Reading Club decorations for the Teen Department.
Color Our World - Summer Reading Club
Bookmark Competition
Design a themed bookmark and earn two hours of community service. The winning bookmark will be distributed throughout the library and the winner will receive a prize. Pick up an entry form at any branch. Entries must be returned to the Main building by Wednesday, June 25th at 9:00 p.m.
Friends of the Arts & Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics and Shirley presents:
The Summer Lawn Concert Series at the Moriches Branch
201 Montauk Highway, Moriches
Bring a chair, blanket, nonalcoholic refreshments and bug spray!
This concert series is made possible with a generous grant from the Suffolk County Film & Cultural Affairs thanks to local Legislator James Mazzarella of Shirley.
The Sitting Ducks Music Trio
Thursday, June 12, 7:00 p.m.
The Sitting Ducks Music Trio play a great mix of fun and relaxing music from the 1960s-90s including rock, pop, country, Americana and smooth jazz.
The John Fogarty Tribute Project
Thursday, July 10, 7:00 p.m.
SouthBound
Long Island
Thursday, June 26, 7:00 p.m.
SouthBound consistently delivers the kind of top-notch performance that makes crowds want to dance and sing along. Many non-country fans have even said, “I don’t like country, but I like SouthBound.” Enjoy listening to new and old country songs mixed with Southern and classic rock and originals.
Go down memory lane with the classic rock sounds of John Fogarty and Credence Clearwater Revival’s greatest hits. The JFT band has played Jones Beach Theater, Agawam Park in Southampton, many North Fork wineries, Napper Tandy’s, Tiki Joes. Now they’re right here with your favorites from the classic rock era.
Continuing All Summer..............................
The Day Trippers
Beatles Tribute
Thursday, July 17, 7:00 p.m.
Eagle River Band
Thursday, August 14, 7:00 p.m.
Chain Reaction Band
Thursday, July 31, 7:00 p.m.
LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES
NOTICE OF FORMATION
Notice of Formation of OPAL BEAUTY, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on APRIL 30, 2025. Office located in Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated for the process of service. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to CASSANDRA MASTROGIACOMO, 35 ELDER DRIVE, COMMACK, NY 11725, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK PHH MORTGAGE
CORPORATION, Plaintiff AGAINST PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF SUFFOLK COUNTY, AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF LISA WINTERS, AMBER ELEANOR CABOT AKA AMBER CABOT AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF LISA WINTERS IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR A GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 12, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on June 18, 2025 at 9:30 AM, premises known as 77 Spar Drive, Mastic Beach, NY 11951. 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 0209 Section 013.00 Block 03.00 Lot 025.000. Approximate amount of judgment $395,356.56 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index
#607939/2023. Donna England, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-001996 85476
Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB not individually, but solely as trustee for Residential Mortgage Aggregation Trust, Plaintiff AGAINST Patricia A. Musto, Dennis J. Musto, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 27, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on June 18, 2025 at 12:30 PM, premises known as 198 Concord Road, Shirley, NY 11967. 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 968.00 Block 02.00 and Lot 024.000. Approximate amount of judgment $267,618.31 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #607953/2023. Only Bank or Certified check payable to the Referee will be accepted for the downpayment. No thirdparty check or cash will be accepted. Michael T. Clancy, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22000087 85517
A/K/A LIZ ESPOSITO, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROSEMARIE EATZ A/K/A ROSEMARIE KATZ; LUCILLE DILORENZO, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROSEMARIE EATZ A/K/A ROSEMARIE KATZ; KAREN ANN DILORENZO, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROSEMARIE EATZ A/K/A ROSEMARIE KATZ; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF ROSEMARIE EATZ A/K/A ROSEMARIE KATZ, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE WATERWAYS AT BAY POINTE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA,
"JOHN DOE #1" through "JOHN DOE #12," the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.
To the above named Defendants
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.
NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT
THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $625,500.00 and interest, recorded on February 20, 2009, in Liber M00021789 at Page 475, of the Public Records of SUFFOLK County, New York., covering premises known as 566 MIRROR POND COURT, MORICHES, NY 11955.
The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.
SUFFOLK County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.
Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.
YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2021GS4, Plaintiff -againstMICHAEL FARRAR, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 31, 2025 and entered on April 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY on June 25, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State
of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the westerly side of Borch Hollow Drive, distant 325.00 feet northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the westerly side of Birch Hollow Drive with the northerly side of Strailer Drive; being a plot 217.80 feet by 100.00 feet by 217.80 feet by 100.00 feet.
District: 0200 Section: 587.00 Block: 02.00 Lot: 008.000 Said premises known as 561 BIRCH HOLLOW DRIVE, SHIRLEY, NY 11967 Approximate amount of lien $291,248.15 plus interest & costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 613638/2023.
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, CITIBANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF THE NEW RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2019-5, Plaintiff, vs. RODNEY A. MCCABE, ET AL., Defendant (s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 4, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Town of Brookhaven, Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on June 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM, premises known as 15 FORRESTALL DRIVE, MASTIC, NY 11950. 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: 671.00, Block: 02.00, Lot: 011.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $225,181.85 plus interest and costs. Premises will be
LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES
sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 602932/2023.
If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee's attorney, or the Referee.
For Sale information, please visit Auction.com at www. Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
JOHN DOYLE, Esq., Referee
Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR OPTION ONE MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007-CP1, ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-CP l, Plaintiff, Against
PAUL WAGNER A/K/A PAUL J. WAGNER; Et al, Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 03/22/2023, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, on 6/27/2025 at 12:00PM, premises known as 43 Adobe Drive, Shirley, New York 11967, and described as follows:
ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York.
Erin M. McTiernan, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 MIDLAND AVENUE, SUITE 205, PORT CHESTER, NY 10573
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
DITECH FINANCIAL LLC, -against-
MARLENE DIAZ, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on October 31, 2016, wherein DITECH FINANCIAL LLC is the Plaintiff and MARLENE DIAZ, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BROOKHAVEN TOWN HALL, 1 INDEPENDENCE HILL, FARMINGVILLE, NY 11738, on July 2, 2025 at 12:30PM, the premises known as 731 OLD MEDFORD AVE, MEDFORD, NY 11763 and the following tax map identification 0200-837.0003.00-039.00.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 002170/2013. Michael T. Clancy, Esq., as Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in
District 0200 Section 967.00 Block 03.00 Lot 040.000 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $202,980.94 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 615765/2019
accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.
DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, FOR NEW CENTURY HOME EQUITY LOAN
TRUST 2005-2, Plaintiff AGAINST CHARLES BROWN A/K/A CHARLES BROWN JR. A/K/A CHARLIE BROWN, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 17, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on July 8, 2025 at 11:30 AM, premises known as 71 Matsunaye Drive, Medford, NY 11763. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Medford, in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District: 0200 Section: 774.00 Block: 05.00 Lot: 017.000. Approximate amount of judgment $590,729.67 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #613506/2019. Annette Eaderesto, Esq., Referee Tromberg, Morris & Partners, PLLC 39 Broadway, Suite 1250 New York, NY 10006 25-001131 85688
Suffolk County proposes to replace the Smith Point Bridge (William Floyd Parkway, County Route 46), a movable bascule bridge, with a fixed bridge. This bridge crosses Narrow Bay at mile 6.1 in the Hamlet of Shirley and Village of Mastic Beach in the town of
Brookhaven NY. Mariners are requested to comment on navigational access, safety, and environmental matters. For detailed information about the project and where to forward comments please visit the U.S. Coast Guard’s Navigation Center website at SMB-D1Boston-BridgesPublicNotices@uscg.mil. Please refer to Public NoticeD1-214a. Comments will be accepted through June 23, 2025.
L16275 - 06/04/2025 & 06/11/2025
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR RMTP TRUST, SERIES 2021 COTTAGE-TT-V, Plaintiff, vs. JEFFREY A. NEVINS, JR., ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 21, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on July 15, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., premises known as 167 Avondale Drive, Centereach, NY 11720. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200, Section 421.00, Block 06.00 and Lot 033.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $572,385.87 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #603274/2023.
Richard A. Kaufman, Esq., Referee
Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 224133-1
EXPNY, LLC, C/O JMR ARCHITECT, 70 MAIN STREET, SUITE 101C, HUNTINGTON, NY 11743, has made application to the Town of Brookhaven Planning Board for approval of a Site Plan with Variances proposal for excavation within an exising motor vehicle service shop, proposed façade change, and site improvements including landscaping, grading, and drainage, known as Valvoline Instant Oil Change, located at 1650 Montauk Highway, Mastic, Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York as described as follows:
NORTH: MONTAUK HIGHWAY;
WEST: ETNA PLACE ;
SOUTH: N/A;
EAST: MASTIC ROAD.
Notice is hereby given that the Town of Brookhaven Planning Board will hold a public hearing in the Town Hall 2nd floor auditorium, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, New York on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 3:00 P.M., when adjacent property owners and/or others interested in any way in the proposal may appear before the Board to be heard.
A more detailed diagram of the subject property shall be made available virtually at https://www. brookhavenny.gov/1159/ Meetings
At said public hearing, any persons interested shall be given the opportunity to be heard. Anyone interested in submitting written comments to the Board may also do so via email at emccallion@brookhavenny. gov.
DATED: June 5, 2025
L16278-06/11/2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
that a public hearing will be held by the Brookhaven Town Board acting as the Planning Board on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., in person, on the 2nd floor of Brookhaven Town Hall
at One Independence Hill, Farmingville, New York, to consider the application of Richard and Deborah Sottosanti, 1 Surrey Lane, Manorville, NY to repeal Restrictive Covenants for property known as Gateway Manor Lot 1. Covenant relief being requested on the above-described premises is as follows:
An increase in clearing limit from 36% to 41%, and for the allowance of the existing shed, fence, and part of driveway to remain within the 50’ natural and undisturbed buffer.
The application and diagram of the subject property are on file in the Planning Division and may be examined during regular business hours. At the time of the public hearing all interested parties will be given the opportunity to speak.
Daniel J. Panico, Supervisor Dated: June 6, 2025
L16279-06/11/2025
MIDDLE ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT NOTICE TO BIDDERS PAVING AND CONCRETE REPAIR BID
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Middle Island Fire District at the Middle Island Fire District Administrative Building, 195 Middle Country Road, (mail P.O. Box 203), Middle Island, New York, until 6:00 P.M., time then in effect, on July 10, 2025 at which time they will be publicly opened and read by the said Board of Fire Commissioners at the District’s Administrative Building of the Middle Island Fire District, 195 Middle Country Road, Middle Island, New York, for the Paving and Concrete Repair at Headquarters and Station 2 as more fully described in the Specifications. Specifications and Bid Forms may be obtained from Ms. Christina Rosenfeld, Secretary of Middle Island Fire District located at 195 Middle Country Road, Middle Island, New York Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All bidders must schedule
LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL
an appointment to walk the grounds prior to bidding to understand the entire scope of the project. Please call District Manager, Kenneth Donnelly at 631-872-7035 to schedule an appointment.
The Board of Fire Commissioners reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or to waive informalities, as the interests of the Fire District may require.
Dated: Middle Island, New York
June 6, 2025
Christina Rosenfeld,
Secretary Middle Island Fire District 195 Middle Country Road Middle Island, New York 11953
L16280-06/11/2025
LEGAL NOTICE TO THE TAXPAYERS OF THE CENTER MORICHES FIRE DISTRICT:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board
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of Fire Commissioners of the CENTER MORICHES FIRE DISTRICT, Town Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of New York, on the 9th day of June, 2025, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the Town Law.
An extract of the resolution is as follows:
THE CENTER MORICHES FIRE DISTRICT SHALL SELL A 2010 THOMAS MARINE DOLPHIN
ALUMINUM BOAT & TRAILER; NO LONGER NECESSARY FOR THE DISTRICT'S USES AND PURPOSES VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND ($75,000.00) DOLLARS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS UNDER SECTION 176 SUBDIVISION 23 OF THE TOWN LAW.
Sale of said property is subject to permissive referendum as required under Section 176 subdivision 23 of the Town Law and in accordance with procedures for permissive referendums as described in the General Municipal Law.
Dated: June 9, 2025
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
CENTER MORICHES FIRE DISTRICT TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN
MICHAEL SCHLOSBERG Secretary L16281-06/11/2025
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A Pen Shakeup In Atlanta
ByTomBarton
This week one of the "safer" closers in all of baseball lost his job and we learned once again how volatile the back end of the bullpen is for real baseball, and for those fantasy baseball managers chasing saves.
Braves closer Raisel Iglesias has lost the closer role and with it every fantasy manager has lost valuable saves. Braves manager Brian Snitker told reporters that Iglesias won't be the closer going forward and unlike most managers he didn't immediately allude to this being a short-term fix, nor did he say he was being demoted in hopes to get him right. This seemed more serious and with the way Iglesias has been pitching we have to take into account this could be a move for the rest of the season.
Iglesias has been downright brutal this season. He has a 6.75 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, and while his 25
to 6 K to walk ratio has been solid, but his average fastball velocity is down one tick to 94 MPH and his strikeout rate is the lowest of his career. We also have to consider his age and contract. The 35-year-old is in the last year of a contract that pays him $16 million per season, and he is set to be a free agent next year. That makes this decision easier for management and the front office alike.
So, for fantasy fans, what does this all mean? Normally I would advise holding onto Iglesias and hoping for better days, but he is on the cutting block for me if you need the space. Again, his age and contract don't jump out as someone who will be able to return to the role, and while the best advice is stash him, most owners don't have the roster space for that.
We don't know who his replacement is and with the Braves falling out of contention they might not make a big move for an obvious
in the back end like a
type of player. Internally the Braves went to Pierce Johnson for the first save, and he allowed a home run in that chance. Johnson was great last season but has very limited closing experience. He owns a solid 3.86
My Fantasy Baseball Experience
ByJackThaler
Hi, my name is Jack Thaler and I will be doing a weekly fantasy baseball article throughout the summer. I am a 15-year-old kid who loves baseball. I started getting into fantasy about a year ago and I found that I love fantasy just as much as I love the real game.
The love of the game all began with my dad; he has been doing a fantasy league for almost 20 years and started teaching me about strategies and how the game works. Eventually I understood it well enough to start playing and my interest in it grew even more. With our shared passion we have joined the high stakes platinum league in Las Vegas. My dad had already done the league a couple times before and thought it was a good idea to have me come and help him. The league is NO JOKE. There are people who save up money just to get a chance to try and win because they are very talented and here, I was the only kid in the room. I was very nervous, but me and my dad had worked
out a decent strategy. That strategy proved to be on point. We ended up finishing in 4th out of 15 teams and we were in 1st a couple times throughout the year. In fact, with a week to go we still had a chance to win it all.
While it didn’t end with a victory like we had hoped it would, I still got to learn a very important lesson.
THE GAME IS NOT WON AT THE DRAFT. While the draft is still very important it does not match the importance of the waiver wire. Having a good draft doesn’t mean anything if you aren’t going to work on waiver pickups. The biggest mistake I made which led to us not making a profit was allowing myself to lose focus. Sure, the baseball season is a long tiring 162 games but that doesn’t mean you can allow yourself to fall asleep and completely lose focus. In the platinum league the waiver wire is every Sunday, and we missed multiple of these Sundays. This led to us missing multiple players who were at the caliber of league winners.
Now that I have told you about the biggest mistake not to make, I will talk about the draft strategy that got us so far into the league. I will start by asking you a question. Have you ever heard the name Phil Dussault? If you have not, then I shall explain his story. He had what people call the greatest fantasy baseball year ever by winning almost all high stakes league he joined. How did he do it? He did it by focusing on the undervalued positions. Back when Dussault first joined all those high stakes leagues the common strategy was to not draft a pitcher early. But Dussault thought differently and decided people were undervaluing pitchers by not drafting them at the start of the draft and decided to only draft pitchers at the beginning stages of the draft. His strategy of course worked and then everyone tried to replicate it by drafting pitchers early just like Dussault did. Me and my dad saw this and decided that it was crazy and that now hitters are being undervalued as a result. So, we decided to only draft hitters until we finally took Tanner Bibee as our ace in the 7th round. This strategy seemingly worked as we shot up the standings past all the pitcher heavy teams.
After a decently successful year we decided to enter the league again for a second try in 2025. We decided to alter our strategy and take one pitcher early so we don’t have to worry so much about our staff during the course of the year. So, we took Dylan Cease in the 3rd round. So far, our team looks decent as we are sitting in 9th place, but we are waiting for some mid-season
that will help.
ERA but also has allowed runs in three of his last six appearances and that comes with two home runs. The Braves might force him into some saves, but I don't see him running with the job.
Thirty-year-old Dylan Lee has some nice numbers on the season with a 2.25 ERA, but again the closing experience is limited. Lee is also a lefty, which many managers want to shy away from in the ninth. Lee might get a few saves here and there, but I wouldn't expect him to become the main option.
Aaron Bummer and Enyel De Los Santos have both been pitching well, but Snitker hasn't trusted them in high leverage spots yet this season. All of these names might get a couple of saves and the big question mark would be 28-yearold Daysbel Hernandez. Hernandez is on the IL right now with a right forearm injury, so this is dangerous territory, but he has been electric. Right now, the Braves bullpen is a mess. It doesn't look like there is a clear favorite to end the season in the 9th inning and that is too messy to stake your ratios for while chasing some saves.
Anthony was just called up this week and Sean Manea is on the way. After this happens, we should shoot up the standings like last year.
Now that you have heard my story I will focus on helping you dominate your fantasy baseball league next week.
stopper
Jansen
THE BETTOR ANGLE
BY TOM BARTON
The Oklahoma City Thunder opened up the NBA Finals as one of the biggest favorites in history and after losing game one those odds were literally cut in half, but there is still some value after their game two win.
The Thunder sat as much as -800 to open the finals and before game two that number was down to -350. That was a buy in moment for any keen sports bettor, but it didn't last long. The Thunder dominated game two and that shot the series back to -500 in most books.
The thing is, there is still some value here. Look, laying -500 in any situation is tough but you are getting a team that have controlled this series almost the entire time. In fact, the Pacers led for just three seconds in the game and OKC lost a 15-point fourth
Thibs Is Out
quarter lead. Then they went out and had full control in game two where it seemed like they led by double digits the entire night.
So now you get the #1 seed in the West, the best player on the court, the best defense in the NBA, home court advantage, and a team that has had the lead in almost the entire series, for what is still a discounted value. Remember this team opened at -800 and now is down to -500.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has the most points scored in the first two games of a finals already with 76 points and he looks unstoppable at the moment. The Thunder are also 5 1/2 point favorites for game three and they have history behind them, since 2005, road favorites of three or more points in the Finals have won seven of those eight games.
It's hard for some bettors to determine when there is value on a heavy favorite, but this is the time. The Thunder losing game one could have been the best thing for bettors who were looking to buy into the series. Think of it this way, if the Pacers had lost game one the look ahead line for game three would have been close to -1500 for the series, instead we get a chance at 1/3 of that price because of that loss.
Suggesting that anyone buy in on a -500 favorite is always dangerous, but the smart player still sees some value, and if you believe that the books always win there are reports that nearly 70% of the series money is on the Pacers. Being on the side of the books usually works out well so don't let the big line scare you off for this series.
Jump On the Thunder Now
ByTomBarton
The New York Knicks just finished off their best season in the past 25 years. They got within two games of a NBA Finals appearance, and a toe's length away from winning game one and sending this series to at least a game seven, but despite all of that success this week the Knicks fired their head coach.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau was relieved of his duties and Knicks fans are left shaking their heads. The decision was a quick one by the front office and comes just three days after the Knicks lost in game six to the Indiana Pacers.
Thibodeau led the Knicks to back-to-back 50-win seasons, which hasn't happened since 1995, and he even sits fourth on their all-time wins list. By every metric
Thibs was good for this franchise and was a successful coach, but the Knicks front office wanted more. His final numbers with the Knicks are a 226-174 record, which includes a 2021 Coach of the Year. He made four playoff appearances in the past five years with a 24-23 playoff record.
"Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans," team president Leon Rose said in a statement. "This pursuit led us to the decision to inform Tom Thibodeau that we've decided to move in another direction. We can't thank Tom enough for pouring his heart and soul into each and every day of being the New York Knicks head coach.
Thibodeau being released after making the conference or division
finals or NBA Finals seems like a knee-jerk reaction, but he is not alone as this has happened 30+ times over the years. It seems the Knicks didn't believe he could get over the hump and bring the
Big Apple a championship and they see an opportunity with the Celtics already limping into next season. Thibs has a .579 careerwin percentage as a head coach, the highest by any coach without a
Finals appearance in NBA history. What's next for the Knicks? We will find out soon but there will be a bullseye on his back and anything but a Finals appearance will be a cause of questioning this decision.
Hills Are the Champions of Long Island
ByTomBarton
Half Hollow Hills are your Class A Boys Lacrosse Long Island Champions. Hills won the title by beating Section VIII champion Massapequa by a score of 15-14 in a thrilling title game.
Hills West senior Luke Bradley had all eyes on him in the final moments as the game was tied at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium. But as the seconds ticked down Bradley scored the winning goal with 9.7 seconds left in the game and with that goal won the undefeated Half Hollow Hills team another Long Island trophy.
Bradley had a game for the ages as the final goal on the day only put a cherry on top of a truly remarkable game for the youngster. Bradley ended the game with four goals in all and added three assists to give him seven total points in the game.
All-everything star Anthony Raio also had seven points as he was his outstanding self with five
goals and two assists. Raio led all of Suffolk with 154 points. He has 85 goals and 69 assists on the year as well. Just three weeks ago Raio became Suffolk County’s alltime leading goal scorer in boys' lacrosse history. He now holds that record along with becoming Long Island’s all-time leader in goals, when he surpassed Syosset’s Jeff Cohen with 260.
James Bruno was a dominant offensive force with three goals while Zach Marco, Dan Chung
and Ryan Chung each had one goal. Nick Haugen chipped in with one assist and in net Sal Santoro stopped six goals. Santoro added to his saves number this season with a remarkable 219 saves.
Hills is now 20-0 on the season and 14-0 in division play. USA Lacrosse has Hills ranked as the #1 team in the country. They now will travel to Yorktown High School for the subregional game against Mamaroneck this Saturday.
Credit: Tom Barton
Tom Thibodeau Credit: @NBA_NewYork | X
ByTomBarton
Bayport-Blue Point Dominates Again
One of the most dominant teams in Long Island history can now call themselves the 2025 Long Island girls lacrosse champions.
The Bayport-Blue Point girls lacrosse team finished the season with an unbelievable 18-1 overall record, going 13-1 in division play. They then went on to beat Sayville 9-7 to win the Suffolk County title and now they just won 10-6 over South Side to claim the title the best team on Long Island.
It was all about the second half for the Phantoms as they entered halftime knotted up at
five goals apiece, but they came out the locker room with a new determination and held South Side to just one second half goal and shut them down in the final quarter.
Aubrie Eisfeld led the scoring with three goals while Olivia Brady had two herself. This was a full team effort though as seven different players had a goal in the championship game. Sara Richardt had one goal, and one assist, Emma Shanahan, Kailey Bruckner, Ava Meyn and Erika Kreuscher all had a goal in the game.
Sophia Diaz was solid in net with four saves, and the defense was the calling card, especially in the second half.
With those 10 goals that makes 12 games this season where the Phantoms scored double-digit goals and the 14th time this year the team won by three or more goals.
Bayport-Blue Point will now play in the state Class C Southeast Regional Final at Lakeland High School in Westchester County on Saturday as they look to add to their trophy case.
Smithtown West Gets Their First Title
ByTomBarton
The Smithtown High School West girls' lacrosse team are the Suffolk County "Class B" County champions.
West claimed their title when they defeated Harborfields by a score of 12 to 9 this weekend.
Jason Lambert, the district's director of athletics, said the win
marks Smithtown’s first ever girls' county title in lacrosse.
The school has gotten close but this time they were able to climb to the top of the mountain. This was the girls' third consecutive trip to the county title game and marks the culmination of the best season in school history.
The girls finished 15-3 overall
and 12-2 in division play. They won seven games in a row to close out the season and won 10 of their final 11 contests. The offense carried the day once again, as it has much of the year. West scored into double digits for the 13th game this season and scored 36 goals in the final three games.
Kate Theofield was simply unstoppable with five goals in the game adding to her 58 goals on the season. Alyssa Lorefice was a force with three assists while the Mennella duo also put up impressive stats. Kaitlyn Mennella scored three goals, and her sister Ashley Mennella had two goals and an assist. Jolie Schiavo and Sidney Marks each added one goal apiece while Vanessa Pollina chipped in with an assist. In goal Maribella Marciano had five saves.
A Duck Becomes a Cardinal
ByTomBarton
The Long Island Ducks are sending another player to the major leagues. This week they announced that right-handed pitcher Zach Plesac’s contract has been purchased by the St. Louis Cardinals organization.
Plesac will now report to the team’s Triple-A affiliate in Memphis, Tennessee in hopes that he can be brought up to the show once he impresses at AAA.
Plesac has made seven starts with the Ducks, which is tied for the most in the Atlantic League. His four wins are tied for third in the league, he ranks fourth with a 2.84 ERA and fifth with 38 innings pitched. The 30-year-old has been especially dominant of late, having made five consecutive quality starts going back to May 10. During that span, he’s allowed just five runs in 31 innings, good for a 1.45 ERA.
“Zach has unquestionably been one of the Atlantic League’s best pitchers this season,” said Ducks Manager Lew Ford. “We are excited for him and wish him the best of luck with this welldeserved opportunity.”
Plesac has been up in the
bigs before. He has six seasons of Major League experience, including five for the Cleveland Indians/Guardians and one for the Los Angeles Angels last season. In 86 starts he has compiled a 27-28 record with a 4.31 ERA. He also made one postseason appearance in the
Miller Place Heads to the Semifinals
ByTomBarton
The Miller Place softball team has been one of the best teams in Long Island history and now they have extended their quest to add New York State to that moniker.
The Miller Place girls won 6-5 with a walk-off hit over Marlboro Central in the State Class A regional final this weekend at Martha Avenue Park.
Sadie Bryant was the hero in this one as she came up to bat with the game knotted at five. Bryant squared to bunt with her first two strikes but with Kelsey Hoffman on third base Bryant hit one past the second baseman and Miller Place erupted when Hoffman crossed the plate.
This year's Panther's team has a lot of experience as the team who went deep last season had zero
Majors, tossing a scoreless inning of relief while striking out two in Game Four of the 2022 American League Division Series against the New York Yankees.
Plesac joins a Cardinals team that many believed would be sellers at the break but have made their way into a playoff contender.
seniors on their squad. Like last year this season's team is led by standout pitcher Ava Zicchinelli. Zicchinelli ended the season with 23 wins to her credit and had pitched back-to-back shutouts in the games leading into this regional final game. In fact, Miller Place had allowed just one run in their previous six games but this time it was the offense that stole the show and Zicchinelli threw a no-hitter in the County Semifinals.
Evelyn Paul and Delaney Schleider each had two RBIs while Laney Vomero added an RBI, and a run scored.
Miller Place will face MaineEndwell in the State Class A semifinals on Friday at Green Light Networks Grand Slam Park in Binghamton.
He becomes the fifth member and second pitcher of the 2025 Ducks to have his contract purchased by a Major League or foreign organization. An Atlantic League best 10 Ducks players had their contract purchased during the 2024 season. By leading the league, Long Island was the inaugural recipient of the ALPB’s Player Transfers Award.
Zack Plesac
Credit: @CardsPlayerDev | X
Credit: @avazicchinelli | X MP Softball
Phantoms Lax Team
Credit: bbpgvl | Instagram
Smithtown West Girls Lax
Credit: swgvlacrosse | instagram
SPORTS Center Moriches Wins School's First Championship
ByTomBarton
The Center Moriches boys' lacrosse team has won their first ever Suffolk County Class D championship.
The Red Devils beat Babylon 7-6 in a nail-biting game for both squads. Babylon came in as the favorite, being the top overall seed, and defending champions, but were turned away by a Red Devils team that had a history of getting so close but never able to lift that coveted trophy.
Center Moriches lost in the county championships in 2021 and 2022 but now can call themselves the best team in Suffolk County. The program that began in 2010 had to take down the #1 seed, who also were the defending champs, and they had already lost to them during the season 7-5. Overcoming what seemed to be the unbeatable giant just added to the celebration.
The Red Devils were led by a superlative effort from their goalie John Marino. Marino ended the game with 15 total saves, but the amount wasn't as impressive as how clutch his saves were in the late moments
of the game.
Marino was helped by some great defense, in particular by Mason Walsh who caused five turnovers in the title game. Offensively the Devils were led by Caden Leslie and William Jordan who each had two goals apiece and Leslie added an assist. Colin Casey had one goal and one assist, while Charlie Dechiaro and Christian
Versacci each notched a goal. Dominick Picullo and Gavin Javetski chipped in with one assist each.
Center Moriches will once again play the underdog role as they now move onto the Long Island Championship game at East Islip on Wednesday when they take on another top seed #1 ranked Cold Spring Harbor.
Another Trophy for Durkin
ByTomBarton
Miller Place High School Senior
Lauren Durkin is turning heads and now will be competing for a national championship.
Durkin who is a competitive rower with Oak Neck Rowing Academy, along with her teammates, placed first in the Women’s Varsity 4X Quad and second in the Women’s Varsity 2X/Double in the NYS Rowing Championship this past weekend.
Last year Durkin took second place in the 2024 NYS High School Championships and the
ESM Seniors Honored at College Signing Day
ByTomBarton
It was Senior College Signing Day for the Eastport-South Manor Central School District this week as they celebrated their student-athletes.
During Senior College
Signing Day 27 student-athletes were honored for their hard work, determination, dedication and sacrifice. ESM put out a statement saying the honor was a "testament of the athletes’ commitment to their sports and teams, as well as the incredible character they developed."
At the meeting the District Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics Patrick Hayes told the athletes, “We are
incredibly proud of you. You’ve inspired us, and we cannot wait to see what you achieve next.”
The following students were honored along with their sport and what school they have chosen to continue their careers with:
• Justin Albanese – crosscountry and track and field –Binghamton University
• Griffin Becker – boys lacrosse
– Belmont Abbey College
• Rebecca Benson – girls volleyball – Rochester Institute of Technology
• Gavin Calvo – cross-country and track and field – Farmingdale State College
• Sarah Cluff – girls lacrosse –Marist College
• Alexandra DaEira-Loccisano
– girls soccer – Pace University
• Logan DeLumen – boys volleyball – St. Joseph’s University
• Ayden DesLauriers – boys volleyball – Loyola University (Chicago)
• Katarina Dietz – girls lacrosse – Springfield College
• Gracie DiPalo – girls soccer –Mercy University
• Steven Gordon – football –SUNY Brockport
• Joseph Gubitosi – baseball –St. Joseph’s University
• Allyson Justesen – girls soccer – Oswego State University
• Sophia Kourounis – dance –St. Joseph’s University
• Noah Kirwin – baseball –CUNY Queens College
• Alexis Maggi – softball –SUNY Fredonia
• Alyssa Masino – St. Joseph’s University
Youth Nationals Championships.
The senior has had quite the career as she has also finished second in the under 17 Gold Coast Classic Indoor Regatta. She ended up in third place in the Saratoga Invitational Regatta Varsity and finished second in the under 17 New York State Championship as well.
Lauren will now be competing in the Youth National Championships in Sarasota, Florida in early June as she looks to add to her trophy case.
• Zackary Pittala – boys soccer
– Penn State University
• Natalie Psaltis – girls lacrosse – Jacksonville University
• Ella Russo – girls soccer –Mercy University
• Andrea Sammarco – girls flag football – St. Joseph’s University
• Michael Senzatimore – boys lacrosse – Post University
• Aidan Slovensky – boys soccer – Maritime College
• Breanna Viscusi – softball – Suffolk County Community College
• Kendall Ward – softball –SUNY Oneonta
• Sara Mikula – cross-country and track and field – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Paul Zorn – cross-country and track and field – Bentley University
Red Devils Lax
Credit: centermorichesathletics | Instagram
Panthers rowing duo also placed eighth at the 2024 US Rowing
Credit: Miller Place School District | Facebook Lauren Durkin
ESM Seniors
Credit: Eastport-South Manor Central School District
