Living the arc of the American Dream means we provide our children with a better life than what we experienced. We correctly gauge success by giving kids a more loving and comfortable upbringing than the lives that our parents provided us. It is a staple we strive for from one generation to the next.
The bar was easy for yours truly to do this for our three children at home: Maksym (7), Emeryk (we call him Emmy, 5), and Victoria (3).
My childhood home was rampant with abuse and raging alcoholism. Food was scarce. We lived in a tiny house in an alley in one of the most impoverished and dangerous neighborhoods in Buffalo, New York. Our biological father got hammered every Saturday night after calling bingo at our church and gambled away his entire paycheck, leaving us with very little.
The Arc of the American Dream
BY
Former Congressman George Santos on the Indictment of Rep. LaMonica McIver From
Lately, I’ve been pressured to weigh in on the case of New Jersey Congresswoman LaMonica McIver — and I’ll be honest, my take might not sit well with everyone. So I give you fair warning: Proceed at your own risk.
Rep. McIver is a freshman lawmaker from New Jersey who has already made national headlines — but not for the reasons any member of Congress would hope for. In a matter of months, she’s found herself in a legal firestorm, under indictment by a federal grand jury in New Jersey, and staring down the very real possibility of spending years behind bars.
The charges? A highly publicized and controversial incident at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility, where Rep. McIver reportedly became physically aggressive with federal law
I thank the Lord for that struggle. I am blessed because of those hardships. It molded me into the man I am today. Necessity is the mother of all invention, and those difficult challenges forced me to work ten times harder, faster, and smarter in order to escape the throes of extreme poverty.
At six years old we walked by ourselves through a rough neighborhood to our local Boys and Girls’ Club. As a “shortcut” we would hop trains or walk the railroad tracks that cut the time of our walk in half.
When I wanted new clothes, I worked.
In the summer I cleaned a campground picking up cigarette butts and trash from multiple parks. Back home I picked up a job working at a corner store that had a
enforcement officers. The footage, statements, and documentation released by the DOJ are damning enough to get her indicted. McIver, however, claims the incident was an act of "congressional oversight." I call it what it looked like: thuggish behavior — plain and simple.
Let’s be clear: I don’t condone what she did. Her lack of composure, her short fuse, and her inability to conduct herself with the poise expected of a sitting member of Congress are all deeply concerning. Her conduct is unbecoming of her office.
But here's the thing: even someone I may disagree with or view as unfit for office still has a fundamental, constitutional right to due process.
This is where I expect some of you will begin to disagree with me.
And that’s okay — I’m used to that. But I’m speaking from experience.
meat market in the back. At 14 years old I was taught how to take apart massive circular saws to clean excess meat and bone from big blades. I did the same with the cutting boards used to slice meat.
When I was given financial aid warnings from Syracuse University to pay end-of-semester bills or I would be kicked out of college, I worked.
One summer I stocked shelves and loaded trucks overnight at a supermarket, then went straight to a job at my Catholic church doing odd construction and landscaping jobs.
I eventually got hired at WSTMTV in Syracuse as a junior in college, at first working as a photojournalist and then a reporter 30-40 hours per week, all the while taking a full-time load of courses to earn my
undergraduate degree. Yes, my early life was a struggle, but through God’s grace and hard work I’ve been fortunate to have not only broken a vicious cycle of
public assistance and poverty that plagued my family, but have been blessed to have achieved personal and professional success. I am living the American Dream.
You see, I was not afforded due process. I was railroaded by a bipartisan political machine that cared more about saving face and appeasing media narratives than about upholding the basic tenets of American justice. A representative from my own home state famously said I wasn't entitled to due process in Congress—only in a court of law—even as I was actively challenging the legal matters against me. He claimed being a member of Congress was a "privilege" — not a right — and used that justification to join a chorus of Republicans and Democrats who overturned the voice of the voters of New York’s 3rd Congressional District.
They silenced the will of the people. They tossed out the results of a fair election before my day in court ever came.
Now, as Rep. McIver faces her own storm, I’m watching history
try to repeat itself — and I’m urging my former colleagues in Congress to pump the brakes.
It was wrong when they did it to me, and it would be wrong to do it to Rep. McIver.
Congress needs to stop playing judge, jury, and executioner. Let the courts do their job. If Rep. McIver is found guilty and refuses to resign, then we can talk about appropriate action. But until her case is adjudicated, the people who elected her deserve to have their voices heard through her.
The U.S. Attorney handling her case — Alina Habba — is no pushover. A former civil litigator and known Trump ally, Habba’s appointment surprised many on the Left. But make no mistake, she’s shown no fear in holding even fellow conservatives accountable.
Her prosecution of McIver is rooted in her commitment to law and
order — something we on the Right should be consistent in upholding. That said, the principle of due process must apply, no matter who the accused is.
And let’s not forget the glaring double standard at play here.
We currently have a Democrat, Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, under federal indictment for accepting bribes tied to foreign interests — charges far more serious than what Rep. McIver is facing. His case carries grave implications for U.S. foreign policy and national security, yet no effort has been made to expel him. And don't even get me started on former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, who was convicted of bribery, found guilty of acting as a foreign agent for Egypt, and sentenced to over a decade in prison. Yet somehow, Democrats circle the wagons when it’s one of their own.
GEORGE SANTOS SANTOS UNCENSORED
COSI, Columbus, Ohio. From L to R, Maksym, Emeryk, and Victoria Mychajliw
Credit: Stefan Mychajliw
ByRobertChartuk
Suffolk Cracks Down on Illegal Limos, Party Buses Ahead of Summer Season
With summer celebrations, weddings, and graduations around the corner, Suffolk officials are urging residents to steer clear of illegal limousine and party bus operators, warning that riding with unlicensed drivers could cost more than just the fare.
At a consumer protection news conference outside the H. Lee Dennison Building on Wednesday, County Executive Ed Romaine joined legislators, police, and industry experts to highlight the dangers posed by unauthorized transportation providers. Many of them operate without insurance, proper licenses, or even working safety equipment.
“If they’re unlicensed, they don’t know what they’re getting into if there’s an accident,” Romaine said. “The most important thing is to ensure that you are getting into a licensed vehicle — whether it’s a limo, taxi, or bus. If there’s a problem, you want recourse. Without a license, there’s no one to hold accountable.”
Romaine likened the issue to hiring an unlicensed contractor. “If something goes wrong, they walk away with your money and there’s nothing government can do; you’re left to fight it out in court,” he said. “Our concern is for the consumer of Suffolk County. This is about protection.”
According to officials, the signs of a legally certified vehicle are clear: Look for a red diamond sticker in the window, and check the license plate for markings such as “T&LC,” “LIVERY,” or “BUS.” These indicators confirm that the vehicle is approved and regulated by Suffolk’s Department of Labor,
Licensing, and Consumer Affairs.
Tom Gouldsbury, president of the Long Island Limousine Association, said illegal operators pose a serious threat, not just in terms of risk, but also financially. “Underinsured drivers don’t have the $1 million or more in liability coverage that licensed services are required to carry,” he noted.
Legislator Kevin McCaffrey, the legislature’s presiding officer, warned that if an accident occurs, consumers could be on the hook for damages. “I guarantee you there’ll be a gap in what you need,” McCaffrey said. “And that gap could be devastating.”
The dangers of unregulated vehicles were underscored by Suffolk County Chief of Patrol Gerard Hardy, who recalled the 2018 limousine crash in Schoharie that killed 20 people. The vehicle, a modified Ford Excursion, had repeatedly failed inspection, and the driver lacked proper credentials.
Closer to home, a 2015 limousine crash in Cutchogue killed four women during a winery tour. The tragedy spurred safety reforms across New York after the victims’ families reached a $6.1 million settlement and advocated for tighter regulations.
To prevent similar disasters, Suffolk police will be increasing inspections and compliance checks this summer. “Alarmingly, what we’re seeing is unlicensed operators, uninsured vehicles, damaged frames, and inoperable safety exits,” Hardy said.
Wayne Roger, commissioner of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs, encouraged residents to call his office before hiring any private transportation.
“The smartest thing anybody can do is call and verify,” he said.
Becoming a certified limo driver isn’t just a matter of owning a vehicle.
Joe Marotta, a board member of the Long Island Limousine Association, said drivers need to obtain a Class E license from the DMV and undergo insurance vetting based on their record.
Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft fall outside of county oversight, but have their own internal vetting processes. Riders should always check the app for driver photos, license plates, and car details before getting in, Roger added.
As party season kicks into high gear, officials urged residents to do their homework before booking transportation. “We’re not trying to ruin anyone’s celebration,” Romaine said. “We’re trying to make sure they get home safe.”
Eastport-South Manor Recognizes Junior Scholarship Award Winners
ByDeborahWilliams
The Eastport-South Manor Jr.Sr. High School announced Junior Scholarship Award winners during a ceremony held on June 5 in the library. The scholarships are for the Rochester Institute of Technology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the University of Rochester and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Six students were awarded a scholarship for the Rochester Institute of Technology for a waived application fee and a $96,000 scholarship ($24,000 annually).
• Ryan Almeida - Computing
• Trevor Flores- Humanities and Social Sciences
• Szonja Gabor- Women in STEM Jordan GoldhammerBusiness and Leadership
• Kiera Romond- Art and Design
• William Steinacher- Science and Math
• Students who were awarded scholarships to the University of
Rochester will receive a waived application fee and a $20,000 scholarship ($5,000 annually). The students are: Jameson Ackley- Bausch & Lamb Honorary Science Award
• Kate Boeko- Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award
• Bennett Leselrod- George Eastman Young Leaders Award
• Michell Zheng -Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology
• Andrew Santangelo (Innovation Award) received a scholarship to Worcester Polytechnic Institute, which waives his application fee and awards him a $100,000 scholarship ($25,000 annually) if accepted for admission.
• Lee Pacello (The Rensselaer Medal) which waives the application fee and a gives an $160,000 scholarship ($40,000 annually) if accepted to the university.
The Eastport-South Manor Central School District congratulated the juniors on their outstanding accomplishments in being admitted to these stellar educational institutions.
Father's Navy Jacket Brings Back Memories of World War II
little chilly out, and I was my father’s son, so I made my way in his warm embrace from 80 years ago.
I met a military man who described what the Naval jacket’s insignia meant. There was a gold eagle surrounded by a wreath known as the “Ruptured Duck.”
It was awarded to honorably discharged personnel to show they were authorized to wear their uniforms home (during a time of clothing shortages).
Credit: Robert Chartuk
ByRobertChartuk
On my way out the door to cover the Veterans Day Parade in East Moriches last November, I remembered my dad’s World War II coat hanging in the closet.
I wondered if it would fit. It was a
He had an eagle symbol showing he was in the U.S. Navy and a service stripe or “hash mark” signifying that he served four years. A patch with lightning bolts identified him as a radioman, while two chevrons with a rocker showed his rank as chief petty officer.
The annual parade ended at Soldiers and Sailors Park, where they conducted a ceremony honoring the nation’s veterans. I shared the story of my dad’s service:
Center Moriches native Michael
A. Chartuk followed in his older brother’s footsteps and joined the Coast Guard in 1939. His first duty was patrolling New York Harbor, and he was popular with the crew because he was the only one who knew how to cook. He was sent to radio school, and when World War II broke out, he was dispatched by the Navy to Hispaniola, an island in the Caribbean, to set up a radio station to intercept enemy messages.
“German Morse Code was very precise, and when I heard it, I knew
it was them,” he once told me. “The hair would stand up on the back of my neck.” The transmissions consisted of only dots and dashes, but during the war, they were of significant importance to the Allies.
One day, a special attaché landed on the island and presented my dad with a Navy Commendation medal. Because he was considered a spy, they wouldn’t tell him what he did to deserve it. After the war, he found out. A message he picked up instructed a German submarine
wolf pack to intercept the Queen Mary, which was being used to transport U.S. soldiers across the Atlantic for the battle in Europe. The message was decoded, and the ship was diverted. My dad saved thousands of lives.
Years later, he ran into a fellow veteran at a Memorial Day service in Bellport and told him the story. The fellow’s eyes welled up, and he clutched my dad’s hands, thanking him. “I was on that ship,” he said.
Former Congressman George...
Continued from page 2
The bottom line is this: Rep. McIver stays unless and until she is convicted in a court of law. We don’t fix one injustice by committing another. Using me as precedent for further expulsions is misguided, shortsighted, and simply wrong.
To my former colleagues: Stop the theatrics. Stop engaging in political score-settling. Start doing the job the American people sent you there to do. If we’re no better than the Democrats who keep running witch hunts against President Trump, then what are we even fighting for?
This country deserves better. Let’s return to the principles that made this nation great—fairness, justice, and the rule of law. That means no more expulsions without due process. Get to work.
South Shore Press Reporter
Robert Chartuk in his dad’s World War II jacket.
Credit: Eastport-South Manor Central School District Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School juniors Ryan Almeida, Jordan Goldhammer, Andrew Santangelo, Michell Zheng, William Steinacher, Trevor Flores, Bennett Leselrod, Szonja Gabor, Lee Pacello and Kiera Romon each received Junior Scholarship Awards
ByRobertChartuk
Suffolk Water Authority Beats Federal PFAS Deadline by Six Years
All Treated Water Now in Full Compliance With EPA Standards
In a major public health milestone, the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) announced it has achieved full compliance with federal drinking water standards for toxic PFAS chemicals—six years ahead of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2031 deadline.
Despite widespread contamination across Long Island’s aquifer, SCWA’s most recent testing in April 2025 confirmed that no treated water in its system contains PFOA or PFOS—the two most concerning PFAS compounds— above the federal limit of 4 parts per trillion (PPT), authority officials noted. The standard, finalized by the EPA in April 2024, is considered among the most stringent in the nation.
“This is a historic achievement,” said SCWA Chairman Charles Lefkowitz. “Given the extent of PFAS detections across Long Island
and the size of our system, this result shows that with the right investment and urgency, we can stay ahead of emerging threats to public health.”
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals found in everything from nonstick pans to firefighting foam. Because they don’t break down easily, they’ve accumulated in soil and groundwater, including Long Island’s drinking water supply. Long-term exposure to PFOA and PFOS has been linked to cancer, developmental problems, and hormonal disruption.
To meet the new EPA standards ahead of schedule, SCWA installed 17 granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment systems over the past year. These advanced filters remove PFAS by binding the chemicals to specially prepared carbon. According to SCWA, testing shows that these systems reduce PFAS levels to non-detectable.
“This didn’t happen overnight,” said SCWA CEO Jeff Szabo. “We’ve been working for years to build a treatment program that protects
our customers and anticipates regulatory changes. The fact that we’re already in compliance—years ahead of the federal deadline— speaks to the expertise of our team.”
SCWA officials say their work isn’t done. The authority continues to monitor water quality closely and will immediately shut down any well exceeding the 4 PPT limit if treatment isn’t already installed. The long-term goal: eliminate PFAS entirely from the water supply.
“This is about protecting
public health,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine at a Holtsville press conference announcing the milestone. “I want to thank the Suffolk County Water Authority for acting early and doing what’s necessary to provide residents with some of the cleanest drinking water in the country.”
The Presiding Officer of the Suffolk Legislature, Kevin J. McCaffrey, echoed the sentiment: “The leadership of the Suffolk County Water Authority has
again shown its commitment to protecting the public, and in this case has exceeded expectations set by the federal government.”
Environmental advocates also applauded the early action. “PFAS contamination is a serious threat that demands action,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “I’m grateful to the Suffolk County Water Authority for taking steps to remove these toxic chemicals. Meeting the federal standards well ahead of schedule is a positive step forward in safeguarding Suffolk’s residents.”
SCWA’s accelerated work was supported in part by $16 million in grant funding from New York State, which helped offset the cost of installing the GAC systems while keeping water rates among the lowest in the state.
“This is one of the largest and most complex groundwater systems in the country,” Lefkowitz added. “We’ve proven that even in a region with serious PFAS challenges, we can deliver water that meets the highest health standards.”
Price Tag Revealed, Sticker Shock from $7.2 Million MasticShirley Station Reno
ByRobertChartuk
The newly renovated MasticShirley Long Island Rail Road station may boast new shelters, LED lights, and railing, but its $7.2 million price tag has riders and elected officials questioning whether taxpayers got their money’s worth.
Prompted by resident complaints, State Senator Dean Murray formally requested a full breakdown of the costs earlier this spring. This week, the Long Island Rail Road responded with a detailed letter outlining the expenses, ranging from nearly $1 million for prefabricated shelters to $880,000 for project management.
“There are some items in the cost breakdown that I’m reviewing,” Murray said. “While I appreciate the upgrades made to the station, several constituents and officials
have raised legitimate questions.”
According to the letter sent by Nick Fasano, the LIRR’s Director of Government and Community Relations, the renovation was funded under the 2020–2024 MTA Capital Plan and carried out through standard procurement and oversight processes. Fasano emphasized that the project was completed within budget and included participation from a small business mentoring program.
“The Mastic-Shirley station was in desperate need of renovation,” Fasano wrote. “The capital project delivers a beautiful modern station for our riders.”
“The problem here is the cost vs. what we got,” stated Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, whose district includes the commuter station.
“More than $7 million for small prefabricated shelters and some
concrete work seems like an awful lot,” he said, noting that the new shelters don’t provide adequate seating. “And $880,000 for project management is ridiculous.”
Continued on page 9
Manorville Community Ambulance Honored for Service, Generosity During EMS Appreciation Week
ByRobertChartuk
The Manorville Community Ambulance Company was officially recognized during EMS Appreciation Week in Suffolk County, a tribute to both its lifesaving service and its commitment to the broader community.
Known for responding to emergencies with professionalism, compassion, and skill, the volunteer ambulance company also earned praise this year for a selfless act of generosity that went far beyond their daily duties.
After learning that Boy Scout Troop 151 of Islip had its fully stocked $10,000 camping trailer stolen, the department, under the leadership of Chief Lenny Schnall, donated a brand-new trailer to replace it. The gift, backed unanimously by the ambulance board, ensured the troop could continue its programming and outdoor activities without interruption.
“This generous gesture reflects the values of empathy, teamwork, and civic responsibility that
define Chief Schnall and his department,” said Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella, who presented the recognition. “They serve as a shining example of how EMS professionals uplift our communities not just in times of crisis, but in everyday acts of kindness and support.”
The recognition comes as part of Suffolk County’s official EMS Appreciation Week, designated by Resolution 406-2024 to take place in May, with recognition ceremonies taking place throughout the year. The annual celebration honors the critical role emergency medical service providers play in
safety.
“This team goes above and beyond,” Mazzarella added. “Chief Schnall and his extraordinary crew embody the true spirit of EMS—unwavering dedication, compassion, and a deep commitment to serving others.”
Manorville Community Ambulance has long been a staple of first-response excellence in the region, maintaining high standards of emergency medical care while also engaging in outreach that strengthens the fabric of the community. The recognition highlights both their lifesaving mission and their impact as civic leaders.
Among those raising a glass to celebrate clean water are, front row from left, Kevin McCaffrey, presiding officer of the Suffolk Legislature, County Executive Ed Romaine, Adrienne Esposito, Legislator Jason Richberg, and Charles Lefkowitz, SCWA chairman.
Credit: Mike Reistetter
Credit: Chat GPT
public
Credit: Office of Legislator Mazzarella
Members of the Manorville Community Ambulance were recognized by Legislator Jim Mazzarella, third from right, for their life-saving service and commitment to the community.
ByRobertChartuk
Kyra's Law Gains Senate Approval, but Faces Uncertainty in the Assembly
A bill named for a Long Island toddler murdered by her abusive father has passed the state Senate with bipartisan support, but is now stalled in the Assembly, prompting frustration among lawmakers and advocates alike.
Kyra’s Law—named for 2½-year-old Kyra Franchetti, who was fatally shot by her father during a courtsanctioned, unsupervised visit despite repeated warnings— would require family courts to prioritize child safety by mandating evidentiary hearings when allegations of abuse or domestic violence arise during custody and visitation disputes. The legislation would also create a legal presumption against awarding unsupervised visitation to parents deemed dangerous.
“This is a really important bill,” stated Senator Dean Murray, who has championed the legislation in the Senate.
“I’ve met with Kyra’s mother multiple times. She’s dedicated her life to making sure no other child falls through the cracks. But for some reason, this bill just keeps hitting a wall in the Assembly. I don’t know why, and I want to find out.”
Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano, the bill’s co-sponsor, echoed the concern. “We’re
not talking politics here— we’re talking about the lives of children. The Assembly needs to act,” he said. “I’ve heard directly from families in our own communities who are being failed by the courts. They’re begging for help, and Kyra’s Law is a way to provide it.”
The issue hit home in Suffolk when 8-year-old Thomas Valva died in 2020 after being forced to sleep in a freezing garage by his father and the father’s girlfriend. The boy’s mother had warned family court officials and child protective services of ongoing abuse, but her concerns were repeatedly dismissed. She has since filed a $30 million lawsuit accusing the system of failing to protect her son.
“Everything broken about politics is happening right in front of us—at the expense of the lives of children,” says Kyra’s mom, Jacqueline Franchetti. “We have a bill in incredible shape with bipartisan support. We have over 100 Assembly cosponsors out of 150. We have the votes. We have overwhelming support. And still—no action.”
Just last week, Franchetti noted, two-year-old Montrell Williams was found dead by the Whitestone Bridge. His abusive father—granted access by family court—allegedly threw him into
the Bronx River during a courtapproved visit.
“Just like Kyra. Just like 38 other children in New York,” said the still-grieving mother who started the group, Kyra’s Champions, to push for the legislation. “We entrust our leaders to protect the most vulnerable. Instead, some of them are protecting abusers. We cannot save Kyra. We cannot save Montrell. But there are children who are still alive— for now. Let’s not wait until they’re gone too.”
For many, Kyra’s Law represents a long-overdue shift in how the state handles custody cases involving allegations of abuse. An East Moriches woman who’s been closely following the issue said she’s been locked in a bitter custody battle for five years. “The judge
won’t even consider the history of abuse by my son’s father,” she said. “The courts are complicit in allowing the abuser to continue their tactics of generalized fear, entrapment, and loss of due process. It’s domestic terrorism within the legal system.”
DeStefano added, “This isn’t just a Long Island issue. This is happening across New York. We need to stop pretending that shared custody is always the answer, and start recognizing the trauma being inflicted on these kids.”
Advocates for Kyra’s Law are urging the Assembly to take up the measure before the legislative session ends later this month. “We have the momentum. We have the support. Now we just need the will,” Murray said.
A Familiar Face Steps Up: Lonna Castro Named Director of Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library
ByRobertChartuk
Castro brings leadership experience, community focus, and a deep commitment to innovation and inclusion.
Lonna Castro has been named the new Director of the MasticsMoriches-Shirley Community Library—a familiar face to many in the community. She has held senior leadership roles at MMSCL in recent years and previously served as director of the Quogue Library. She brings a strong background in library administration, facility planning, and community partnership development to her new position.
Castro succeeds Kerri Rosalia, who led the library for 18 years and was instrumental in completing three major capital projects: the rebuilding of the main branch in Shirley and the creation of new annexes in Moriches and Mastic Beach.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Kerri Rosalia for her many years of dedicated service to our library and our community,” said Joe Maiorana, trustee president. “Kerri helped guide MMSCL through the pandemic and oversaw a transformative three-site building and renovation effort. As we move into the future, we’re thrilled to have Lonna Castro step into the director role. Her deep roots in our library, strategic
vision, and inclusive leadership make her the right person to lead us forward.”
Castro began her administrative career as director of the Quogue Library and held senior positions at the Montauk Library and the Bayport-Blue Point Public Library. At MMSCL, she has overseen operations, budgeting, staffing, and facilities, playing a central role in the library’s recent growth and modernization.
“I’m honored to have been chosen to lead MMSCL into its next era of service and innovation,” said Castro. “This library has always been a cornerstone of the community, and I look forward to working with our talented staff and dedicated patrons to expand our programs, deepen our connections, and ensure that our library continues to evolve in ways that meet the diverse needs of our residents.”
Castro, a Hampton Bays resident, is known for her
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commitment to inclusion. In response to the library’s growing Spanish-speaking population, she has been learning Spanish to better engage with all residents and foster a more accessible environment. Her community outreach work has included collaborations with the Quogue Wildlife Refuge and Red Sneakers for Oakley, a national nonprofit that promotes food allergy awareness. She has also supported literacy-focused efforts and events throughout the East End.
Known for her collaborative leadership style, Castro fosters innovation and encourages professional growth across her teams, helping to ensure that MMSCL continues to evolve as a dynamic, future-ready institution.
For more information about the Mastics-MorichesShirley Community Library and its programs, visit www. communitylibrary.org.
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Credit: Kyra's Champions
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ByRobertChartuk
Trump Cancels California's EV Mandate at White House Ceremony, Praises EPA Chief Lee Zeldin as "Most Important Man in the Room"
President Trump signed legislation Thursday rolling back California’s authority to impose electric vehicle mandates nationwide, using the White House ceremony to deliver a glowing and emotional tribute to his EPA Administrator, Lee Zeldin, a hometown hero from Shirley.
“Lee Zeldin, one of the most important men in this room,” Trump said, pointing toward the former congressman, state senator, and Army Reserve lieutenant colonel who now leads the Environmental Protection Agency.
“He’s the man I get nervous when I talk to. He’s doing a great job.”
Zeldin, a William Floyd High School graduate and Iraq War veteran, stood quietly among a crowd that included House Speaker Mike Johnson, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and top representatives from the auto and energy sectors.
President Trump praised Zeldin’s military service with the 82nd Airborne Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom, noting his work with an infantry battalion’s legal team while deployed in 2006. “He blows you guys away. He blows the politicians away,” Trump said, gesturing at lawmakers in the audience.
Zeldin, who nearly won New York’s governorship in 2022, received what Trump called a “standing assignment” to cut through red tape and accelerate energy project approvals.
“Nuclear: I say, okay, you can take two weeks for that approval,” the president told Zeldin. “It used to take 20 years, then they wouldn’t approve it. Now I say, Lee, nuclear— I’ll give you two weeks. A coal-fired plant, you only get a couple of days. Oil and gas? A week. He’s doing it so fast, and we have so many plants being built right now—it’s beautiful to see.”
The president tied the rollback of EV mandates directly to America’s growing energy demands, driven in part by the revolution in artificial intelligence. “We’re building massive electricity right now. It’s already started because of that guy right there, Lee Zeldin,” Trump said.
The president formally signed resolutions nullifying several California emissions programs under the Congressional Review Act. The rules, previously granted waivers under the Clean Air Act, allowed California to enforce stricter vehicle emission standards and effectively push electric vehicle adoption nationwide. Trump declared those programs now “fully and expressly preempted.”
Since New York follows California’s stricter standards of the Clean Air Act, this federal action preempts those standards, legally blocking New York from enforcing
its EV mandates, which call for eliminating all gas and diesel engines by 2035. New York is among 11 states (including California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Washington) that have filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Trump’s move, alleging federal overreach and improper use of the review act.
“Preemption of these programs is essential to preserving the Constitution’s allocation of power,” Trump said. “Our Constitution does not allow one state special status to create standards that limit consumer choice and impose an electric vehicle mandate upon the entire nation.”
Continued on page 10
Local Robotics Teams Compete in Mather Hospital's Great Robotic Challenge as Mather Exceeds 10,000 Cases
ByDeborahWilliams
Students from four local robotics teams got a surgeon’s view as they tested their skill at operating a next generation da Vinci® surgical robot in Mather Hospital’s Great Robotic Challenge. The event was part of the hospital’s marking its milestone 10,000th robotic surgery.
Teams from Longwood, Smithtown, Miller Place and a combined Port Jefferson-Mount Sinai team took turns sitting at the robot’s control panel as a surgeon would, viewing a high definition, 3D image of a “surgical” area. The task was to maneuver the robot’s arms to pick up rubber rings and place them on a series of cones. Longwood had the best overall score in the challenge.
Prior to the competition, Arif
Ahmad, MD, Director of Mather Hospital’s Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence, gave a presentation on robotic surgery and its current and future uses, including telepresence. Telepresence with Intuitive Hub allows live sharing of a procedure, using twoway audio and video, enabling surgeons who are in another geographic location to observe and mentor colleagues during robotic-assisted surgeries in real time.
Mather Hospital is in the top 10% of hospitals on Long Island performing robotic surgery, using five da Vinci® surgical robots. The hospital, which was the first Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence in New York State and an Epicenter in Robotic Bariatric Surgery, has performed over 10,000 robotic surgeries since 2011, consistently investing in
advanced technology and highly skilled surgeons.
The most common robotic surgeries at Mather are bariatric and general surgery, followed by gynecology, thoracic, and urology. Approximately 99% of our bariatric cases are performed robotically. The average length of stay for patients undergoing robotic surgery is two days.
Mather Hospital is an
accredited 248-bed, non-profit community teaching hospital dedicated to providing a wide spectrum of high-quality health care services to Suffolk County residents, showing compassion, respect and treating each patient in the manner we would wish for our loved ones.
Mather has twice earned the highest five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services for outcomes, patient experience and process and has the prestigious Magnet® recognition three times from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice. The hospital was rated high performing by U.S. News & World Report 2024-2025 Best Hospitals.
East Moriches Street Renamed in Honor of Local Army Hero Jack Dyer
ByRobertChartuk
In a moving tribute to a young man who dedicated his life in service to his adopted country, Brookhaven Town officially renamed a street in East Moriches after U.S. Army veteran Jack Dyer. What was once Tuthill Point Farm Road now bears the name Jack Dyer Drive, honoring a patriot whose story began in a Siberian orphanage and ended in the uniform of the U.S. military.
Dyer, who died tragically in a motorcycle accident in Florida just days before Christmas last year, was remembered in a heartfelt ceremony attended by local leaders, clergy, and family members. Town Supervisor Dan Panico, County Executive Ed Romaine, Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig, Suffolk Judge Pat Blake, and members of the Dyer
family pulled the cover off the sign that now bears Jack’s name.
“These are the toughest, but most meaningful events,” said Supervisor Panico. “Thankfully, we live in a community where
people care about each other, so this road renaming will be a great tribute to Jack.”
Jack was adopted at age six by John and Elizabeth Dyer, along with sisters Bridget and Katey, who has since passed away. Born in Russia, Jack spent his early childhood in an orphanage before being brought to East Moriches— the place he would always call home. He was enamored by Disney World since his time in the orphanage and was working security at the time of his death. His mother shared a memory of Jack’s first Halloween in America. “I dressed him up in a Superman costume,” she said, smiling through tears. “He said, ‘You mean, you just have to put the bag out and get free candy?’ He wanted to go again the next day.”
Continued on page 12
Local robotics teams compete in Mather Hospital’s Great Robotic Challenge
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin
Credit: Mather Hospital
Credit: News feed
Credit: Dyer Family Jack Dyer
Spota Spotted: Disgraced Former DA Out of Prison, Working at Hauppauge Law Firm
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
Former Suffolk County
District Attorney Thomas Spota was sentenced to five years imprisonment in 2020 for his role in covering up his partner-in-crime, Police Chief James Burke’s unlawful beating of police department detainee Christopher Loeb.
Out on work release, the 83-yearold re-emerged this week for his part-time role under the supervision of the same Hauppauge criminal defense attorney who defended him years ago, Anthony LaPinta.
Though disbarred from practicing law as part of his original sentencing, Spota is cleared to work as a nonlawyer administrative clerk.
According to reports, Spota has been working at the firm— Reynolds, Coronia, Gianelli &
LaPinta, L.L.P. Attorneys at Law— since August.
He does about 10 to 15 hours per week—a stark contrast from the hours he put in as the district’s top prosecutor once upon a time.
Spota’s conspiracy, obstruction, witness tampering, and corruption crimes have received renewed exposure through a pair of popular Gilgo Beach Killer documentaries released on Netflix and Peacock, respectively, in April and this past week.
The docs both contend that while Spota was busy scratching the backs of dirty deed-doers also tasked with leading premier investigative details, the Long Island serial killer who preyed on prostitutes remained at-large, free to terrorize defenseless young women in plain sight.
Suffolk and Nassau County Police Officers Awarded Theodore Roosevelt Police Award
ByDeborahWilliams
Each year, a member of the Suffolk County Police Department is honored alongside a member of the Nassau County Police Department for returning to work following a major physical challenge or handicap during the annual Theodore Roosevelt Police Awards.
The 2025 ceremony, held in Oyster Bay on June 12, honored Suffolk County Police Detective Timothy Thrane and Nassau County Police Officer Alexa Crimaudo.
The Suffolk County Police Department offered a hearty “Thank you” to Detective Thrane and Officer Crimuado for their dedication to the residents of Long Island.
Nassau County Officer Crimaudo was honored for working through her battle with Stage 2 Hodgkin's lymphoma, taking just eight days of sick time throughout her chemotherapy treatments.
Suffolk County Officer Thrane's recognition came after his return to work after being critically injured in the line of duty in November 2021. Then-officer Thrane was directing traffic at the
scene of a motor vehicle crash. An SUV driver pulled over to ask him a question. That’s when someone driving while impaired slammed into the SUV, which struck the 35-year-old officer pinning him underneath the vehicle.
The impact fractured his skull and tore open an artery that started rapidly bleeding inside his skull. Thrane was rushed to Stony Brook’s Level 1 Trauma Center where Dr. Michael Egnor and Bryan Bobrowski, P.A. in neurosurgery opened Tim’s skull and stopped the bleeding.
Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella (R-3rd District) held an event to celebrate the 100th birthday of one his district’s treasured residents, Catherine “Kitty” Walsh.
“It was a privilege spending some time with Kitty and all her friends this morning at the Mastic Recreation Center. She is a real spitfire! God Bless her, said Mazzarella. “Longevity of life is a blessing for an individual and for a community, which benefits
from the knowledge, warmth, and experience that such an individual brings to all.”
Kitty was born on June 16, 1925, to her mother Wilhelmina while traveling by boat from England to America—a remarkable beginning to a remarkable life.
A lot has happened in these last 100 years. A century ago, the Jazz Age was in full swing, Mount Rushmore was being constructed, and Hitler published his manifesto "Mein Kampf."
Malcolm X, Johnny Carson and Margaret Thatcher were also born in 1925. Penicillin wouldn't be discovered for a three more years. World War 1 was over, but World War 2 was brewing to be followed by other wars and conflicts. Men were sent to the moon and so many other scientific discoveries.
Kitty spent her early years in New Jersey until the age of 18, before embarking on a vibrant and spirited career as a dancer, performing in lounges across New York City and Long Island. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Joe, at a nightclub in the Bellport/ Patchogue area. They married in 1962 and shared a loving union until Joe’s passing in 2008. Together, they made their home in Mastic Beach, where Kitty continues to reside.
Kitty is known and admired for her fun-loving nature, flashy style, and ever-present smile. She is a caring, intelligent, and
from the trauma of the accident. His immune system attacked his lungs, which resulted in acute respiratory distress syndrome. At the same time, Thrane also had damaged spinal ligaments, a broken shoulder and hand, and injured ligaments in his left knee.
After three-and-a-half weeks on a ventilator and in a medically induced coma, Thrane recovered and was completely neurologically intact.
With the support of his wife and three children, Thrane returned to work less than a year after the accident.
and admiration for
deep
Out on work release, Spota (B) is under the supervision of the same Hauppauge criminal defense attorney (T) who defended him against corruption charges years ago.
Credit: (T) lapintalaw.com (B) SCDA
Suffolk and Nassau County Police Officers Awarded Theodore Roosevelt Police Award
humorous friend, and her joy for life continues to inspire all who know her.
Mazzarella said, “Having
respect
those whose lives have had a lasting and positive impact on others, I presented Catherine “Kitty” Walsh with a Proclamation to honor and celebrate her milestone. Happy 100th Birthday!”
Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta Congratulates Troop 7's New Eagle Scout Nicholas Colao of St. James
ByDeborahWilliams
Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta recognized Nicholas Colao of Troop 7 for attaining the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout at his Court of Honor at the IBEW Hall on Sunday, June 8, 2025. He was joined by family, friends, fellow scouts and dignitaries.
President John F. Kennedy was the first official Boy Scout to rise to the office of president. He served in a troop in Bronxville, New York, from 1929 to 1931. Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden were all Scouts too. Gerald Ford, the 38th president is, at least so far, the only Eagle Scout to ascend to the White House.
And now, a Suffolk County Scout will attain the rank of Eagle Scout. Who knows, maybe he will become president one day too.
“In Scouting, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout is a monumental challenge that only 5 percent of scouts ever complete. Young men and women who embark on this life-changing journey are sure to experience personal growth and build rewarding friendships along the way. But that’s not all — an Eagle Scout’s dedication is rewarded beyond their prestigious rank, with many benefits they’ll take with them for the rest of their lives!,” says ScoutSmarts.
For his Eagle Scout Community Service Project, Nicholas restored the graves of 62 veterans at the
cemetery at St. James Episcopal Church. He also replaced a missing bench outside of Mills Hall at the church that was used by residents waiting for rides or needed a place
to sit.
“This is a very proud moment for Nicholas, his family and friends and the other scouts. This
accomplishment will be with him for the rest of his life, and I am sure he will serve as an inspiration to the younger scouts,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.
Sayville Science Students Present Research at Brookhaven National Laboratory
ByDeborahWilliams
A trio of Sayville High School RISE science research students presented their collaborative research in May at the Brookhaven National Laboratory Science Scholars Symposium.
The RISE science research students used high-tech equipment to research mycotoxins in coffee. Students Amelia Doxsee, Alexandra Sullivan, and Kieran Larkin had this opportunity as part of the Student Partnerships for Advanced Research and Knowledge (SPARK) collaboration.
To gain access to the Brookhaven Lab National Synchrotron Light Source II Beamlines and the lab’s infrared spectroscopy and microscopy equipment, the students underwent vigorous training. Using the highly advanced lab, the Sayville team was able to research the prevalence of potentially deadly and cancer-causing mycotoxins in raw coffee beans from various regions around the world.
They discovered that these
The Arc of the American Dream...
Continued from page 2
Thank heavens, the upbringing my wife and I provide our kids is the polar opposite of my upbringing.
I lived in Columbus, Ohio and commuted home on weekends for a year while working as spokesman and deputy communications director for Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign for president of the United States. Ashley and the kids would drive up on many weekends to see me. We fell in love with the 15th most populous city in America.
Since then, we take an annual trek to Columbus. One year we visit their zoo, the next year the Center of Science and Industry (COSI). It’s a fancy title for their science museum. This year we visited COSI and added an interactive performance of the children’s video creator “Danny Go” at the Palace Theatre. He’s popular on social media for singing and dancing videos.
If I could have bottled up pure joy in all three of our kids, I could have done it on this trip to Columbus. My heart exploded watching the smilies on their faces, especially
Emmy while he danced and swung his ridiculously overpriced strobe light that we bought at the concession stand.
Then it hit me, in a good way, like a gut punch: Thank God these kids will never, ever know (God willing) the struggle and hardships I experienced in life. I never thought such an emotional or reflective moment would hit me while in the middle of a kids’ dance routine in Columbus, Ohio, but here we are.
When the owner of The South Shore Press and I reflect on our respective childhoods, one quote consistently pops up in our conversations:
"Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times." According to the Google Machine these words of wisdom are attributed to G. Michael Hopf.
I struggle mightily with this concept, because dear God, no parent wants their children to struggle and experience “hard times.” Never. It would be repulsive and abusive to manufacture “struggle” just because we believe
in the theory that good times can create “weak men.”
Mentally ill, radical progressives often create false struggles and injustices in their feeble minds to pretend to be victims. They choose to be a victim rather than a victor, when in reality they’re truly limousine liberals with amazing lives and practically nothing to complain about.
The best I can do is focus on faith in teaching them important life lessons so they can experience good times and become strong and independent adults. That answer can be found in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances.”
If we teach our kids through our faith-based actions to work hard, play hard, and be joyous, prayerful, and thankful in all circumstances, then at least we’ve created the environment where they can survive and thrive in this crazy world of ours.
We would have done our part as parents.
The rest is up to them.
mycotoxins do not dissipate during the high or low temperature coffee roasting and brewing processes and remain present in high percentages of consumed coffee beverages. Their work was on display at the Sayville Science Symposium at Sayville Middle School.
“We pride ourselves at Sayville High School in offering students every opportunity to thrive in their desired field,” said Sayville High School principal Stephanie Bricker. “It was incredible to see
these students have the chance to use some of the most advanced technology and resources available on Long Island. I hope this is an experience they carry with them throughout the rest of their academic careers.”
For more information on the Sayville Union Free School District, visit the district’s website at sayvilleschools.org. Happenings in the district can also be found on the district’s Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/saydistrictpr.
Price Tag Revealed...
Continued from page 4
Continued on page 9 Commuter Kathryn Nocerino also took aim at the effort: “This colossally expensive renovation was completed without the provision of seating for passengers or heating and cooling. After 9/11, the MTA received tons of money from the Federal government to improve communications. This was not done,” she said.
The cost details themselves, provided for the first time, have fueled more skepticism:
• $2.38 million for structural and platform repairs
• $1.42 million for plaza elements, including granite benches, signage, planters, and ADA improvements
• $915,000 for shelter fabrication and delivery
$700,000 for communications upgrades, including trenching and fiber optic work
• $880,000 for project management
• $450,000 for electrical upgrades
• $28,600 for bike racks at seven stations (including MasticShirley)
The final tally: $7,239,000, and for many residents, the scope of work doesn’t justify the cost.
“It took them almost all winter to construct the useless ‘pavilion’ and put up the new platform shelter,” Nocerino added.
Senator Murray is not letting the issue drop. He has contacted U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, urging federal authorities to consider tying MTA funding to fiscal reforms.
“We’ll help you out, but you’ve gotta clean up your act,” Murray said. “What bothers me is they act like nothing is wrong. They become indignant if someone says they are wasting a ton of money.”
As community frustration simmers, Murray said he’ll continue pushing for greater transparency and oversight. “I understand that infrastructure projects cost money,” he said, “but the people deserve to know if it’s being spent wisely.”
For now, the Mastic-Shirley station stands as a symbol of modernization—and a flash point in the ongoing debate over wasteful MTA spending.
Credit: Sayville Schools
Sayville RISE science research students Amelia Doxsee, Alexandra Sullivan, and Kieran Larkin
Troop 7’s new Eagle Scout, Nicholas Colao, receives a proclamation for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout from Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.
Credit: Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta
Gene Gerrard Celebrated at 103: A Life of Service, Still Inspiring
ByRobertChartuk
Family members, friends, and admirers gathered at the Hotel Canandaigua on the lake to celebrate the remarkable 103rd birthday of Eugene “Gene” Gerrard, a WWII veteran, former Brookhaven Town councilman, and lifelong servant to his community and country.
Gerrard, who now lives in Ontario County with his daughter Pam Ruschak, received standing ovations, a champagne toast, and rounds of heartfelt tributes during the celebration. One guest, Rep. Claudia Tenney, called him “a living link to the Greatest Generation
whose impact on New York stretches from Montauk to the Finger Lakes.
“Gene’s story is the story of America: duty, faith, hard work, and humility,” Tenney said. “At 103, he’s still reminding us what integrity looks like.”
Former Brookhaven Town Board colleague Charles Lefkowitz, the Chairman of the Suffolk Water Authority, also made the trip upstate to honor his old friend.
“Gene taught us that politics is service, not theater,” Lefkowitz said.
“Even when the cameras were gone, he kept fighting—for seniors, for
veterans, for firefighters. He made government work for the people.”
Guests at the event shared laughs and memories, including photos from Gerrard’s days in the military, printing business, and fire
department service. As the sun set over Canandaigua Lake, a small fireworks display capped off the evening, a fitting salute to a man whose life continues to shine with purpose.
Gerrard, moved by the crowd, thanked everyone warmly: “I never expected to live this long, but I’m grateful for every moment. And I’m especially grateful for all of you.”
Royal Rangers Recognized
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
A local youth troop with an alliterative designation was honored in a Gold Medal of Achievement Ceremony on Saturday, June 9th.
The Boy Scouts of Americaadjacent “Royal Rangers” is a boys mentoring program organized through the Assemblies of God churches and all related affiliates.
The Gold Medal of Achievement—bestowed upon David Hendrick of Smithtown, Jacob Alarcon of Shirley, Ralph Madrigal of Islip, Samuel Mateo of Central Islip and Steven Tola of Hauppauge this weekend—is comparable to the Boy Scouts’ Eagle Scout Award.
“The diligence and dedication it takes to get these awards are nothing short of incredible,” said Legislator Leslie Kennedy, who
Credit: Legislator Kennedy's Office
Legislator Kennedy (second from right) with the five Royal Rangers being honored.
was in attendance on Saturday. “These Royal Rangers are incredibly hard workers,” she added, “and are well equipped to be future leaders.
While Protesters Burn the U.S. Flag, Mastic Beach Honored It in Special Ceremony
ByRobertChartuk
As anarchist groups across the country made headlines by burning the American flag in protest of President Trump’s immigration policies—doing so on both Flag Day and the President’s birthday—a group of veterans and volunteers in Mastic Beach gathered quietly to uphold the very traditions that define the nation’s core values.
At the Arthur H. Clune American Legion Post 1533, veterans were joined by residents and members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts for a solemn and respectful Flag Retirement Ceremony, giving old and tattered flags a proper farewell in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code.
The event coincided with the 250th anniversary of the United States Army and came at a time
of heightened political division and public protest, stark contrast to the dignity and reverence on display at the Legion post.
“This is how we honor the symbol of our country — not by desecrating it, but by treating it with the respect it’s due,” said Post Commander Rick Rossi. “The flag represents not just the government of the day, but the sacrifices made over generations to preserve our freedom, including the right to protest. That’s what makes this ceremony so meaningful.”
The tradition of retiring American flags by burning them in a controlled and respectful manner dates back to at least 1937 and has been codified in the U.S. Flag Code. According to Section 8(k) of the code, when a flag is “in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display,” it should be “destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
Flags collected from schools, homes, and local institutions were folded into ceremonial triangles, saluted, and then placed into a specially prepared fire pit behind the post on Neighborhood Road. Scouts from local troops 48 and 138 participated by carrying flags to the fire, offering short statements of respect, and learning
about the meaning behind the stars and stripes.
“It’s really important for kids to see what the flag stands for — freedom, unity, and history,” said the Commander. “We want them to understand that patriotism isn’t about politics — it’s about pride, service, and respect.”
The timing of the ceremony — on June 14 — held deeper
resonance this year, as it also marked the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army. Across the nation, communities celebrated the milestone with parades, military tributes, and educational events. At the same time, the Army itself honored its founding in 1775 with a wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery and special ceremonies at bases around the world.
Trump Cancels California's EV...
Continued from page 6
Continued on page 10 He emphasized that greenhouse gas emissions do not qualify as “compelling and extraordinary local conditions,” the threshold for waiver approval under the Clean Air Act. “Accordingly,” Trump said, “the joint resolutions prohibit the EPA from approving future waivers for California that would impose California’s policy goals across the entire country.”
The move is one of the administration’s most dramatic environmental policy reversals, delivering a clear message to automakers, energy producers, and consumers: Internal combustion is here to stay, and the federal
government, not California, sets the rules.
Though silent during the ceremony, Zeldin appeared moved by the president’s public show of confidence. Trump called his work “more important” than any political campaign. “What you’re doing now is even bigger, if you want to know the truth,” the president said.
Speaker Mike Johnson and other top officials nodded as Trump closed the event by signing the resolutions into law. “Because of what we’ve done today,” Trump declared, “we’re ending the electric vehicle mandate for good.”
Gene Gerrard celebrates his 103rd birthday with U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney and former Brookhaven Councilman Charles Lefkowitz.
Mastic Beach Fire Department First Lieutenant Kevin Wittmann properly disposes of an American Flag.
Credit: Family of Gene Gerrard
Credit: Glenn O’Connell
LOCAL
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
Sickening: Snapchat Predator Indicted for Raping
Two Children in Smithtown
Bradley Schioppa, 18, of Bay Shore, was indicted for Rape in the First Degree on Wednesday, June 11th. He is charged with sexually abusing two 11-year-old boys he met over the social media platform Snapchat.
“This defendant is accused of committing horrific acts against two innocent children,” Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said. “These charges reflect the seriousness of the alleged conduct.
Protecting our most vulnerable residents, especially children, remains my highest priority. We will pursue this case with the full force of the law to deliver the justice these children deserve.”
Per the investigation, a Snapchat group chat was created among several 11-year-old boys from the Smithtown area. Utilizing the username tag “paxonhotsg5,” Schioppa was also added—the rest none-the-wiser to the fact this was not another child around their age, but a predator.
Schioppa next began to show up at locations where the rest of the group would plan to meet. The boys realized he was older, and the defendant would allegedly drive them around in his car, buy them snacks and drinks and instigate
Schioppa, 18, reportedly framed the sexual abuse he performed on two 11-yearold boys as "dares" and “pranks."
prank games.
He is accused of sexually abusing one 11-year-old boy in the bathroom of Robert A. Brady Park near Maple Ave., and another 11-year-old boy in the bathroom of a CVS up the road.
In both instances, he framed the abuse he performed as darebased “pranks” the boys would be compensated for if they complied.
In May, the mother of one of the victims discovered messages between Schioppa and her son. When the sexual abuse was disclosed, a police investigation followed.
Schioppa was formally arrested
on May 21st, and arraigned this week for the following felonies: three counts of Rape in the First Degree (Class B, violent) and two counts of Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree (Class D, violent).
The defendant was also hit with a
Class A misdemeanor: Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
Schioppa is due back in court on July 8th. He faces 25 years in prison for his heinous crimes against young children, if found guilty.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office asks all those who may have communicated with Schioppa over Snapchat to contact them at (631) 852-2555 or the Suffolk County Police Department Special Victims Section at (631) 852-6531.
Salvadorian National Pleads Guilty to Stabbing at Copiague Deli
ByDeborahWilliams
A Salvadorian national, Gherson Lopez, 29, pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree for fatally stabbing 34-year-old Jose Argueta-Canales outside of a Copiague deli in May 2023.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the guilty plea.
“No legal outcome can bring back Mr. Argueta-Canales but now this defendant will be held accountable for his actions,” said DA Tierney. “Our office remains committed to prosecuting violent crimes to the full extent of the law.”
According to the investigation, on May 15, 2023, Lopez and the victim were smoking outside of a
Copiague deli when they got in a verbal altercation. The altercation turned physical, but the fight ended when Lopez complained that he hurt his hand during the scuffle.
Lopez and the victim allegedly then shook hands, and the victim sat down on a bench near the deli and began eating. The two men
exchanged words again as the victim was seated on the bench, when the defendant stood over the victim and stabbed him in the chest twice, causing his death.
On June 11, 2025, Lopez pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony, before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro.
Lopez faces 20 years in prison, followed by 5 years post-release supervision. Lopez is due back in court on August 13, 2025, and is being represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Kenneth Buckheit of the Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad.
Manhunt Over: Body Found in East Shoreham Pool Last Month ID'd as Wanted Father-Slayer
Department announced in a press conference that the body discovered is likely Zoll's due to the clothing and its close proximity to a wooded crash site also tied to Zoll.
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
The aforementioned 23-year-old patricide committer notoriously flew the coop in November after allegedly stabbing his father to death in their Rocky Point residence that same month.
His cause of death has yet to be determined, police announced this week—though speculation given the circumstances regarding his discovery all these months later are surely abound.
Matthew Zoll was reportedly
discovered on May 25th beneath a partially ajar Loop-Loc pool cover in the backyard of a home located on Pal Court in East Shoreham.
Interestingly enough, the home belonged to an off-duty Suffolk County Police detective. He and his teenage son clocked what remained of Zoll as they opened up their pool for the summer.
As Newsday detailed, the detective belonged to the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, which was assigned to search
for Zoll.
Before becoming the primary suspect in the stabbing death of his
USPS mail carrier, former MTAemployed father, Joseph, 54, in the fall, Matthew Zoll had been for some time diagnosed with schizophrenia
disorder. He previously disappeared in the spring of 2024 after stopping his medication.
Continued on page 15
Moriches Mother Murdered
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
Friday, June 6th, 2025: A day that would forever rock a Long Island family.
According to Suffolk County Police, a woman called 9-1-1 at 8:20 a.m. that morning. She had found her daughter, Rebecca Roth, 33, dead in the driver’s seat of the Hyundai Elantra outside the Tall Oaks Apartments they shared.
The next day, James Quininchetta, 40, of Ridge, was arrested for killing Roth— reportedly over a $1,500 debt.
“Boom, boom, boom — he put five shots into my baby,” the victim’s mother told News 12. “How do you kill a young girl that you hardly know, who has a family?”
Quinichetta was charged with second-degree murder, processed at the Seventh Precinct, and arraigned at First District Court
in Central Islip on June 7th.
Friends and family launched a GoFundMe campaign over the weekend to help support Roth’s young son and cover funeral costs in her honor.
“Please keep her son Pharaoh, her mother Laura, and her sister Jessica Roth Christiansen in your thoughts and prayers,” fundraiser organizer Kim Wershil wrote.
The fundraiser has garnered $3,000 of its $5,000 goal as of Monday, June 9th.
Detectives ask that anyone with information on the shooting pertinent to the ongoing investigation contact the homicide squad at (631) 852-6392 or leave an anonymous message with Crime Stoppers at 1-800220-TIPS.
The Suffolk County Police
Credit: Facebook & Suffolk County Police Department
Credit: Suffolk County District Attorney's Office
Credit: Wikipedia & News 12
Blue skies were bleak over the town of Moriches this past weekend for more reasons than one.
Gherson Lopez
Credit: SCPD
ByDeborahWilliams
New York's Government Assisted Suicide Bill Gets Passed and Blasted
The New York State Senate recently passed the Medical Aid in Dying Bill (MAID) otherwise known as government-assisted suicide. The State Assembly had already passed the legislation.
The next step is either veto or signing by Governor Kathy Hochul. It is unclear whether she will sign it, but insiders say it is unlikely the Democrat-controlled legislature would have passed it without conversation with Hochul’s office and some assurance she was going to sign it.
New York State Conservative Party Chairman, Gerard Kassar urged Governor Hochul to veto this “dangerous legislation”. This
legislation is a slippery slope.
Kassar said this might be the worst legislation of its kind in the nation.
“There is no waiting period or psychological evaluation required.”
The Conservative Party issued a scathing rebuke of the State Senate's passage of assisted suicide legislation, calling the move “a moral and political disgrace that cheapens life and endangers the most vulnerable among us.” Kassar warns that it opens the door to coercion, abuse, and a culture of hopelessness masquerading as compassion.
“This legislation is not about dignity—it’s about surrender,” said Kassar. “Instead of investing in pain management, mental health services, and real palliative care, the
Democrat-led Senate wants to offer death as a substitute for support. It’s appalling.”
Although 11 states have some sort of law allowing terminally ill people to end their lives after consulting with at least one doctor, MAID is controversial and not just on religious grounds. Concerns about an ever-widening list of socalled terminal diseases is a serious issue. In one state, eating disorders can qualify for MAID. There is also concern over pressure and coercion on patients for financial reasons, lack of family support, or family pressure due to caregiving and expense burdens.
Dennis Proust of the New York Catholic Conference said, "We're saying as a society 'sometimes
suicide is OK.' That's a terrible message for our youth. It's a terrible message for everyone."
The Conservative Party underscored its longstanding opposition to assisted suicide and noted that many disability rights groups, religious leaders, and bioethicists across ideological lines also oppose such laws. “This isn’t a left vs. right issue—it’s right vs. wrong,” Kassar added.
Though controversial and fraught with ethical issues, MAID is widely popular in some form across N.Y. As many as 65%, and higher in some polls, support MAID.
Kassar condemned the measure as an abandonment of New York’s moral responsibility to protect
those facing terminal illness, aging, or depression—not pressure them toward an irreversible end.
He also cited the experience of other jurisdictions where so-called "safeguards" have gradually eroded, leading to a troubling expansion of eligibility and abuses of the law.
“The so-called ‘right to die’ becomes a duty to die when insurance companies realize it’s cheaper than treatment, or when an overwhelmed caregiver sees no alternative,” Kassar warned. “There is nothing progressive about normalizing suicide. Governor Hochul has a chance to stop this madness and draw a line for decency and life. We urge her in the strongest possible terms: veto this bill.”
Federal and Local Leaders Step Up Fight Against Fentanyl as Crisis Claims Thousands in New York
ByRobertChartuk
The nationwide battle against deadly drugs took a big step forward last week as Congress passed the HALT Fentanyl Act, a sweeping bipartisan measure that permanently classifies fentanylrelated substances as Schedule I drugs. The bill, now headed to President Trump’s desk for signature, gives law enforcement expanded tools to dismantle trafficking operations and combat the synthetic opioid that’s become the deadliest drug threat in America.
South Shore Rep. Andrew Garbarino, who voted in favor of the bill, called the fentanyl crisis “a national emergency” that demands decisive action. “The fentanyl crisis is taking lives at an alarming rate, and stronger tools are urgently needed to confront it head-on,” Garbarino said. “Every single life lost to fentanyl is more than just a statistic—and this bill is a critical step toward saving lives and securing our borders.”
The federal crackdown arrives as New York continues to reel from the consequences of synthetic opioids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 30,000 opioid-related deaths occurred in New York between 2018 and 2024—many of them tied to fentanyl or its analogs.
One Suffolk County case this month illustrated the crisis in stark terms. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney announced the indictment of Quon Williams, 39, of Islip Terrace, who is accused of possessing more than eight ounces of fentanyl—enough to kill over 113,000 people. Even more disturbing, the drugs were allegedly stored in a home with children.
“These allegations highlight a deeply troubling situation where substantial quantities of deadly narcotics were allegedly found in a home where three young
children lived,” Tierney said. “We will continue working with law enforcement to investigate these allegations thoroughly while ensuring the safety and welfare of the children involved.”
While the HALT Fentanyl Act focuses on law enforcement, state lawmakers are pushing educational efforts to curb the crisis before it begins. In Albany, Medford Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano is backing the Fentanyl Fathers and Mothers Act—legislation that would launch an opioid education campaign for students in grades 6 through 12.
“Education is our first line of defense when it comes to combating the evils of drug addiction,” said DeStefano. “Too often, our youngest New Yorkers are exposed to illegal, deadly substances with no concept of the risks associated with buying, selling, and using those substances.”
The proposal, sponsored by Assemblyman Robert Smullen of the Mohawk Valley and supported by members of the Assembly Minority Conference, includes emotional testimony from grieving parents such as Greg Swan, cofounder of the Fentanyl Fathers nonprofit.
One of the bill’s supporters, Assemblyman Keith Brown (R-Northport), lost his 19-yearold nephew, Jesse, to a fentanyl overdose—underscoring the bill’s urgent and personal relevance. Jesse was a student, worker, and youth soccer referee whose sudden death left a lasting impact on his family and community.
“Stories like Jesse’s serve as a powerful reminder of how real this crisis is,” Brown said. “Students learning about these stories will respond to their authenticity.”
The educational initiative also aims to teach students about synthetic opioids such as carfentanil, which is 100 times more
potent than fentanyl, and about how drug dealers increasingly lace other substances with fentanyl—often without the user’s knowledge.
With federal and state efforts converging, the message from lawmakers and law enforcement
is clear: Fentanyl is a scourge that requires a multipronged response— one rooted in prevention, prosecution, and education.
“Tragically, there is a need for such a bill,” DeStefano concluded, “but the harsh reality speaks to the demand that this step be taken.”
As the HALT Fentanyl Act awaits the president’s signature, advocates across New York hope it will mark a turning point in the effort to stem the tide of synthetic opioid deaths— and begin saving lives.
East Moriches Street Renamed...
Continued from page 6
Jack grew up as a joyful, hardworking boy with a sharp wit and a deep sense of purpose. “He worked at Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck growing up,” his mother recalled. “He made a lot of money since the customers loved him. He had a good sense of humor and was a wonderful son.” His parents said Jack loved America fiercely. “He wanted to give something back in return,” his mother said. “That’s why he joined the Army.”
Jack’s father added, “He was very patriotic. His grandfather had served, having lost an arm in the Korean War, and Jack admired him. Even though he was afraid of heights, he signed up to be a paratrooper. He told his mom, ‘Sometimes you just have to get over it.’ That’s who he was.”
At 19, Dyer enlisted and became part of the 173rd Airborne Brigade — known as the “Sky Soldiers.” He served in Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf, later continuing his military service in the Army National Guard at the time of his death. “It’s an honor to have a street named after him,” said his father. “I am overwhelmed by the support and love from the community.”
Suffolk Executive Romaine paid tribute to Jack’s deep roots in East Moriches. “He was a friend and neighbor. As long as we remember him, he will live on through his contributions to his community and service to his country. He may have been adopted from Russia, but he considered America his home.”
officials and the family
Councilwoman Dunne Kesnig echoed the sentiment. “He was a son, a brother, and a friend. We’re giving him the recognition he and his family deserve.”
Priests from the Diocese of Rockville Centre blessed the sign. Jack had been an altar server at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Center Moriches and played soccer, football, and lacrosse at Bishop McGann-Mercy Diocesan High School in Riverhead.
Longtime family friend and babysitter Eileen Broich of East Moriches, who attended the ceremony, remembered Jack as a joyful child. “He was the sweetest little boy — always smiling, always curious, and just a pleasure to be
around,” she said. “Watching him grow up into the man he became was a gift.”
Judge Blake reflected on watching Jack grow up in the neighborhood. “I remember him playing Army with the local kids. He always saw himself as a U.S. soldier. He went on to serve his country, but it all started here in East Moriches. He put service above self.”
As an American flag waved over the newly unveiled Jack Dyer Drive, the community stood united, not only in grief but also in pride for a local son who embodied courage, patriotism, and love for his country and town. “He may have come from far away,” Supervisor Panico said, “but Jack Dyer was always one of us.”
Credit: Robert Chartuk
Local
of Army veteran Jack Dyer at the street newly named for him.
ByRobertChartuk
New York Officials Want Answers from Gov. Hochul on Her Sanctuary State Stance
A list of questions on illegal immigration that state legislators say New Yorkers deserve answers to was submitted in a formal letter to the U.S. House Oversight Committee ahead of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s upcoming testimony in Washington.
The letter served as a roadmap for Committee Chairman James Comer to use as Congress investigates the impact of New York's sanctuary policies, including the implications for public safety and the obstruction of federal immigration enforcement efforts.
“As New Yorkers, we have witnessed firsthand how this administration’s sanctuary policies have spiraled into an unmanageable migrant crisis,” said Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano, who joined members of the Republican Conference in detailing the questions at an Albany media event. “Our communities are overburdened, law enforcement
the Trump administration’s effort to deport illegal aliens, starting with convicted criminals, has been met by violent protests in Democratrun cities such as New York and Los Angeles.
“This is about accountability and transparency,” DeStefano added. “Gov. Hochul created this crisis, and now she’s trying to distance herself from it. We won’t let her rewrite the narrative.”
Credit: New York Assembly
Members of the state Assembly’s Republican Conference announce questions Gov. Hochul must answer during her testimony before the House Oversight Committee.
is overwhelmed, and taxpayers are footing the bill for Albany’s refusal to cooperate with federal immigration laws. Gov. Hochul has a lot to answer for, and we’re making sure those questions are asked.”
The letter outlines a series of inquiries regarding the use of taxpayer resources, the influx of migrants into suburban and upstate communities, coordination with
federal immigration authorities, and the administration’s refusal to address the growing public safety concerns tied to sanctuary practices.
DeStefano noted that the governor’s policies have shifted the burden onto local governments and school districts, strained public services, and ignored the voices of the very people most affected. The issue has taken on new urgency as
The Republican Conference’s letter and accompanying questions were submitted to the House Oversight Committee in advance of Gov. Hochul’s appearance. Among the questions posed by the Republicans include:
• Why didn't you change New York’s sanctuary status during the height of the migrant crisis?
• Why did you demand federal funds while blaming the federal government for the crisis?
• How were the illegal migrants vetted? What public safety protocols were in place?
• What was done to ensure that terrorists, gang members, and drug traffickers weren't let in?
• Why did you use emergency powers to award a $432M nobid out-of-state contract without transparency or accountability?
• How do you justify allowing Sakir Akkan, a Turkish national who entered the U.S. illegally and kidnapped a 15-year-old girl in your own Capital Region, to walk free with just a ticket after a traffic stop?
• How does bail reform protect public safety when violent offenders are allowed to roam free?
The Republican legislators, noting that New York taxpayers pay billions for illegal immigrant housing, food, transportation, education, fire and ambulance, and other services, concluded by asking: “What about the citizens who’ve lived, worked, and paid taxes here their whole lives?”
Stefanik Grills Hochul Over Migrant Crimes in Explosive D.C. Hearing: "She Created This Crisis"
ByRobertChartuk
The political battle over New York’s immigration policies burst into the national spotlight as Governor Kathy Hochul faced a blistering round of questioning from Rep. Elise Stefanik during a congressional hearing into “sanctuary state” policies, which Republicans say dictate New York’s refusal to fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Stefanik, a top House Republican and likely contender for the 2026 New York gubernatorial race, unleashed a wave of pointed questions, citing a series of violent crimes allegedly committed by illegal immigrants that she blamed directly on Hochul’s executive actions.
“You are shielding illegals,” Stefanik charged in a tense exchange that saw the governor repeatedly try to push back. “These horrific crimes are happening in your New York, a five-year-old girl raped, a woman burned alive because of your failed sanctuary state policies.”
The hearing, convened by the House Oversight Committee, examined how Democrat-led states such as New York, Illinois, and Minnesota have implemented policies that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies. The Republican-led panel sought to pin rising public safety concerns on Democratic sanctuary laws, setting the stage for a 2026 campaign cycle likely to be dominated by immigration and law-and-order messaging.
In Albany, members of the Assembly Republican Conference were quick to slam Hochul’s testimony as evasive and out of touch with the suffering endured by communities grappling with the influx of illegal migrants.
“Gov. Hochul’s testimony was nothing more than a desperate attempt to defend the indefensible,” said Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano. “Her sanctuary state policies have failed New Yorkers. Under her leadership, our state has become a magnet for lawlessness, where dangerous individuals slip through the cracks and local communities are left to deal with the consequences.”
DeStefano cited a now-infamous case involving Sakir Akkan, a Turkish national who entered the U.S. illegally and later raped a 15-year-old girl in Albany. Akkan was initially released with a court ticket after a traffic stop, a decision that critics say stems directly from sanctuary state protections.
“New Yorkers deserve answers, not talking points,” DeStefano said. “Our law enforcement agencies are overwhelmed, local services are stretched to the breaking point, and taxpayers are footing the bill for a crisis this governor refuses to admit she caused.”
Among the inquiries Hochul struggled to directly address were several raised by Stefanik and outlined by the state’s Republican delegation:
• Why didn’t Hochul revoke New York’s sanctuary status during the height of the migrant
crisis?
• How were incoming migrants vetted for public safety risks, including gang or terror affiliations?
• Why did the governor extend Executive Order One — reinforcing sanctuary protections—three times, even as violent incidents involving illegal immigrants piled up?
“You signed this on your first day in office,” Stefanik told Hochul, “and you extended it again and again while crime surged and illegals were allowed to walk free. You’re not standing up for New Yorkers; you’re prioritizing illegals over victims.”
The governor, while condemning the crimes as “horrific,” insisted that her administration does cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in criminal matters.
“We’ve handed over more than 1,300 convicted criminals to ICE since I took office,” Hochul said, adding that state troopers are focused on serious threats like gun trafficking and drug smuggling, not civil immigration enforcement. “We are a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants. Abandoning either is a threat to our democracy.”
But Stefanik wasn’t buying it. “You don’t even know the names of these criminals—you didn’t recognize them when I brought them up,” she charged, referencing other high-profile cases involving violent crimes committed by
undocumented immigrants. “New Yorkers do know their names. And they know who’s to blame.”
The Republican Conference’s formal letter to the Oversight Committee included a list of demands for clarity on how taxpayer funds were used to support illegal immigrants and what vetting measures were in place to ensure the safety of New York citizens. Hochul and the Democrats who control the state Legislature budgeted $4.3 billion for migrant services this year, having spent $1.3 billion last year.
DeStefano emphasized that sanctuary policies don’t just pose a theoretical risk—they’re having real consequences for suburban and rural communities unprepared to handle the scale of recent migrant arrivals.
“Whether it’s school districts having to absorb non-English speaking students or volunteer EMS squads getting overwhelmed with calls, it’s all coming back to the policies set by this governor,” he said. “And she had the gall to go down to Washington and pretend like she’s a bystander in all of this.”
In her prepared remarks, Hochul cast herself as a leader caught in the middle of a federal failure. “New York has managed an unprecedented influx of migrants because of a broken border,” she said. “States like mine are doing our part, but we can’t be expected to fix this nation’s broken immigration system.”
She took a swipe at House Republicans, accusing them
of “torpedoing bipartisan immigration reform every time it’s within reach,” obviously ignoring the actions of President Trump in shutting down the border during his first weeks in office. Critics have long charged that the Democrats loading up communities with illegal immigrants is part of their long-range plan to harvest new voters.
Hochul’s deflection didn’t sit well with Stefanik, who pointed to Hochul’s record of executive orders and state-level obstruction of ICE as the root cause of rising crime.
“You want to blame everyone but yourself,” Stefanik said. “But the American people, and the people of New York, see through it.”
For political observers, the hearing served as an unofficial preview of a 2026 gubernatorial matchup. Stefanik’s command of the moment, combined with her tough-on-crime message and fluency in local cases, left many wondering whether Hochul might be more vulnerable than Democrats expect against a Republican candidate in a heavily leaning Blue state.
“I wouldn’t want to be Governor Hochul heading into next year with this record,” DeStefano said. “She owns this crisis. And the people of New York won’t forget it.”
As the hearing concluded, Stefanik had one final message: “New Yorkers need a governor who puts them first. Not criminals. Not illegals. Just law-abiding citizens who deserve to feel safe in their homes again.”
STATE
ByRobertChartuk
A Justice System in Chaos: How Progressive Democrat Policies Have Endangered New York
From Albany to Suffolk County, New York’s criminal justice system is under siege—crippled by a deluge of radical progressive policies, softon-crime laws, and the outright refusal of state leaders to uphold basic standards of public safety. Governor Kathy Hochul and the Democrat supermajority in the legislature have engineered a system where criminals, many of them violent, some not even American citizens, walk free. At the same time, law-abiding New Yorkers live in fear.
Cashless bail is at the heart of the crisis. It allows individuals accused of serious crimes to be released without posting bond. Its defenders say it creates equity in the justice system. Its critics—now the majority of workingclass New Yorkers—call it what it is: a revolving door for criminals.
Add to that Hochul’s sanctuary state agenda, under which New York invites in illegal immigrants and actively undermines federal immigration enforcement. Residents have had enough of criminals such as Josue Waldemar Chun-Orellana, a 26-year-old alien recently convicted of incest and raping a child under the age of 11 in Nassau County. He never should have been here. And under the Trump administration’s strict border enforcement, he wouldn’t have been.
Meanwhile, groups such as Islip Forward are undermining ICE by publishing alerts tracking the movements of immigration agents and helping undocumented individuals avoid lawful deportation. This raises an important question:
Who’s funding these organizations— and to what end? Who’s organizing the riots breaking out in cities across the country? Trump’s Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel have vowed to find out and hold them accountable.
Protesters organized across all 50 states took to the streets for weekend demonstrations, a coordinated attack on what organizers call Trump’s authoritarian overreach in trying to bring the illegal alien problem under control. Timed to coincide with the President’s 79th birthday, Flag Day, and the Army’s 250th anniversary military parade in Washington, D.C., the protests went forward under the banner of “No Kings. No Tyrants. No Crowns.”
Trump’s “Border Czar,” former Acting ICE Director Tom Homan, lives by the mantra that anyone who entered the U.S. illegally has broken the law and is subject to deportation. The Trump administration has made it clear that criminals will be the first to go.
In contrast, Gov. Hochul has embraced a strategy of denial. During a fiery congressional hearing last week, Rep. Elise Stefanik grilled her over a string of migrant-related crimes, including the rape of a five-year-old girl and a woman burned alive—cases directly tied to her sanctuary policies. Hochul’s response? Deflection. She blamed the crisis on federal inaction and a lack of border legislation.
But Stefanik wasn’t buying it. “You’re prioritizing illegals over victims,” she said. “And New Yorkers
know it.”
One case cited involved Sakir Akkan, an illegal immigrant from Turkey who raped a 15-year-old girl in Albany after being let go from a previous infraction with a court appearance ticket. He should have been detained. Akkan’s release, critics argue, stems directly from the sanctuary protections championed by Hochul.
On Long Island, the fallout is growing. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine has sounded the alarm over Hochul’s delay in accepting over 140 convicted felons from county jails who are legally required to be housed in state prisons. The reason? Staffing shortages caused by the governor’s closure of several upstate prisons and the firing of 2,000 corrections officers who went on strike to protest dangerous working conditions.
The result is a ticking time bomb in county facilities. “We’re housing violent state inmates in jails meant for pre-trial detainees,” Romaine said. “It’s dangerous, unsustainable, and costing Suffolk taxpayers more than $300,000—and that number rises every week.”
The New York State Association of Counties echoed Romaine’s concerns, warning that local facilities aren’t equipped to manage long-term prisoners and can’t afford the financial burden. The state reimburses just $100 a day per inmate, while actual costs top $300.
What’s worse, some of these inmates are undocumented. Romaine says the county has offered ICE a list of known felons on probation, yet Albany has stonewalled attempts at collaboration. “We’re not talking about landscapers,” he said. “We’re talking about felons. And still nothing gets done.”
This is the brutal reality in New York today: Criminals are released, violent offenders are shielded, and law-abiding residents are left to pick up the tab.
Progressive activists claim this is about equity. But equity doesn’t mean lawlessness. It doesn’t mean handing over neighborhoods to illegal immigrant gangs, or asking overwhelmed EMS workers, teachers, and police officers to manage the consequences.
To be clear: The sanctuary state policies in Albany are not compassionate. They are reckless, dangerous, and unsustainable. They have led directly to horrific crimes, overwhelmed public systems, and a complete breakdown of trust in government. They have also handed a potent issue to Republicans such as Stefanik, who appears poised to mount a serious gubernatorial challenge next year.
Anyone challenging the status quo has a strong argument to make: The Democrats support a system that favors criminals over victims, ideology over common sense, and illegal immigrants over lawful citizens. New York’s criminal justice system must be changed.
Protecting the populace shouldn’t be a partisan issue. It’s the foundation of a functioning society. Political leaders must prioritize public safety and punish those who break the law. Until that happens, the crisis will continue to grow. And New Yorkers will keep paying the price.
DOGE Report: House Rescission Bill Codifies DOGE Recommendations and DOGE Nixes Millions for 'Essentials in Equity'
ByDeborahWilliams
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) made many recommendations for removal of existing and future expenditures of taxpayer funds at the federal level. Some items such a cancellation of unused phone lines and other contracts have already been made. But, some expenses were appropriated by Congress and need to be formally rescinded.
The rescission package passed by the House removes $9.4 billion in federal funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting. The funds had been previously approved, but recommended for removal by DOGE. The bill passed the House in a 214-212 vote.
“The Rescissions Bill is a NO BRAINER, and every single Republican in Congress should vote, ‘YES.’ MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,” Trump said in a Truth Social Post just minutes before the vote.
The rescission bill cuts
$1.1 billion taxpayer subsidy of the Corporation of Public Broadcasting which funds PBS and NPR. President Trump has said these stations "spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as 'news.'" $8.3 billion for the controversial United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other foreign aid is also part of the bill.
The bill goes to the Senate next where it only needs a simple majority to pass as opposed to the usual 60-vote threshold to get by a filibuster. Republicans could lose three members and have vice president JD Vance break the tie and still have the bill pass.
“Those Democrats saying that these rescissions will harm people in other countries are missing the point. It’s about people in our country being put first,” said Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., during floor debate. “It is about putting Americans first — what a concept.”
Senate Majority Leader Thune says he expects the bill to be taken
up by the Senate in July with the budget reconciliation bill coming up first.
In other DOGE news as they continue their daily effort to ferret out waste, fraud and abuse of your tax dollars, many contracts and service changes have been made. It isn’t sexy, but bit by bit, million by million the taxpayers are being served by eliminating wasteful spending.
Contract Update
Over the last week, agencies have terminated 90 wasteful contracts with a ceiling value of $1.5B and savings of $200M including a $911k NASA DEI climate contract for “integrating earth observations toward advancing equitable resilience to geo-hazards in a changing climate,” and a $4.6M HHS DEI contract for “essentials in equity” via “innovative modeling and policy analysis interactive tools.”
How $4.6 million in DEI contracts for "essentials in equity"
DOGE cuts may become
made the agency function better is anyone’s guess.
Unused Software License Update
The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture saved $14M/yr by removing 6,323 unused Power Apps (20,708 to 14,385), 2,549 Team domestic
calling licenses (8,412 to 5,863), 822 Project Planners (2,116 to 1,294) and 2,335 Visio licenses (4,987 to 2,652).
NASA saved approximately $500k/yr by removing 2,500 unused Office licenses (60,000 to 57,500).
Credit: Chat GPT
Gov. Hochul
HISTORY LESSONS
BY RICHARD ACRITELLI
“Prisoners of war shall be treated with a spirit of goodwill and shall never be subjected to cruelties or humiliations.”
This quote was established by the Japanese Government Army Instruction No. 22, Article 2 of the General Rules of handling prisoners of war that was published in 1904. Some 30 years later, the Japanese military and government refused to adhere to these guidelines. When Russian soldiers were captured during the Russo-Japanese War, the Russian’s who were Japanese prisoners were shocked at the kind medical treatment and care that they received. Even neutral British war observers reported that Japan fully complied with the Hague Convention, where it was known that the Russians did not have enough resources to care for their prisoners and purposely killed some of them in the field.
Up until 1920, the Japanese respected other combatants, and provided them with noticeably adequate services during a conflict. After 1920, the Japanese military gravitated closer toward government rule, the people wanted expansion in the Pacific and Asia, and this nation openly competed with the United States and major European powers. After the fighting of World War I claimed almost twenty million lives, many of the industrialized powers were determined not to use warfare as a national foreign policy. Through the Washington Naval Conference, Kellogg-Briand, and the Locarno Pact, numerous countries were not interested in military expansion. Although the Japanese were civilized during its fighting with Russia and World War I, they gravitated toward a policy of extreme inhumanity against all combatants. This nation promoted a refusal to extend humanity toward foreign military and civilian prisoners of war. It was a goal of the Japanese government to utilize this brutality as a method to show its strength in dealing with the United States and European powers.
By the 1930s, this policy was relentlessly carried out through the Japanese code of Bushido. From
the Emperor to a private soldier in the army, this country started the process of carrying out a fanatical war without mercy against all Japanese enemies. This military power exclaimed that surrender was an act of total cowardice and treated all combatants and foreign populations with total disdain. While the United States was marred with the Great Depression, Japan began its pursuit for a larger empire in China, where they established this policy of domination and terror. From 1910-1945, the Japanese controlled the Korean Peninsula and like in China, they subjected the people to their rule, considered them inferior within their own lands, and
Changes in Japanese Treatment of Enemy Combatants Before World
conquered the industrialized city of Nanjing, they were outraged over the Chinese military resistance against them in Shanghai. It quickly became apparent that the people of Nanjing were going to feel the brunt of this rage toward them as they learned of the major pillaging, rape, and carnage that was openly carried out by the Japanese soldiers. As there was a foreign safety zone that was established to protect some of the Chinese citizens, the Japanese carried out mass killings within this city. It was observed that blood “flowed” through the city streets of Nanjing, as the Japanese troops carried out competitions against the Chinese and prizes were
confiscated natural resources. This was the beginning of the “Rising Sun’s” operations in the Pacific and Asia to collect enough resources to fuel its immense national and foreign growth.
In 1937, before the Japanese
Manhunt Over...
Continued from page 11
Continued on page 15 Police described Zoll as “dangerous” for months. In a press conference to address these latest revelations, police posit the East Shoreham body is likely Zoll’s, due to the (1) clothing; (2) lack of shoes; and (3) half-mile proximity to the same wooded area off 25A and William Floyd Parkway where Matthew crashed
his father’s Yukon SUV during his attempt to flee.
Extensive searches by local police, K-9 patrol dogs and the U.S. Marshal had concluded nil up until this point.
As the investigation continues, detectives and the public alike ask: What brought Zoll to Pal Court, and how exactly did he meet his demise?
given out to its men for the largest number of civilians and soldiers who were bayoneted to death. Pictures circulated of the Japanese soldiers yelling “banzai” at these motivated killings that occurred in Nanjing. It was estimated that 200,000-300,000 people were lost through this massive carnage that received no outside help to end this bloodshed.
As America handled the end of the Great Depression, most of our citizens did not react to these Japanese actions that were on the other side of the world. We were a strictly isolationist nation that had no interest to oppose this tyranny, and the British and French were unable to handle Hitler’s expansion into Austria and Czechoslovakia. Congress tied President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s military authority through the Neutrality Acts that
War II
prevented large-scale weapons sales to aid the Chinese who fought for their survival against a superior force.
Japanese aggression directly impacted the United States through its bombing of the USS Panay (PR5) presence in the Yangtze River. The Panay operated in these waters to protect American shipping, and it was tasked to rescue our citizens from the killing that engulfed Nanjing. The Japanese military ordered air assaults on all shipping that operated in the Yangtze River that was north of Nanjing, as their aircraft dropped 20 bombs against the Panay. The commander of this American gunboat ordered this vessel to be abandoned, and the crew faced continued Japanese aerial assaults in the river. It was quickly reported that three Americans, forty-three sailors and five civilians were wounded. While there was outrage in the United States, it was quickly put to rest through a settlement with the Japanese government that claimed this was an unfortunate accident between both nations.
During the interwar years in 1932, the Japanese government established Unit 731 to increase its research on biological weapons. Originally given the code names of the “lumber yard” and “Epidemic Prevention and Water Purification Department of the Kwantung Army,” these secret operations were expanded in 1941. It quickly grew to about 150 buildings, an airfield, housing for prisoners, animals, and its existence was not known by most of its government and people. Whereas biological testing and use was widely banned by a 1925 Geneva agreement, Japan pushed forward with advanced testing until the end of World War II.
The growth of these secret activities later accelerated into horrific experiments against Chinese, American, Mongolian, Korean, British, and French prisoners of war. Japanese science and military figures continually prodded their government to widen
the scale of this horrific testing. Unit 731 orchestrated numerous experiments that tortured people to determine how much pain they could sustain under the warped disguise of scientific and military needs. They watched and analyzed prisoners who were cut open, tested people with plague-infested fleas, prisoners were “pickled in formaldehyde,” as their body parts were examined in different laboratories.
This top secret organization tried to determine how much pressure a body could resist using chemical weapons before they died. Like the heinous crimes that SS Doctor Josef Mengele carried out at Auschwitz, the Japanese government supported the growth of these terrible exams that saw their doctors inject “horse urine” into human kidneys. They willingly placed people in gas chambers and documented their attempts to care for their children as they were dying.
During the war, the Chinese civilians were assaulted with diseases that were created by Unit 731 that were dispatched by trains and airplanes. Treatment for these purposeful ailments were difficult for Chinese doctors to detect, as they never witnessed this type of biological warfare and nerve agents that were used on their own people. After the war, justice was not fully carried out, as the start of the Cold War persuaded American military and government leaders to allow many of these Japanese war criminals to avert punishment. Through the expansion of global Communism, many Japanese scientists, military, and government leaders were given immunity for the information that they shared with the United States on their wartime testing. There have been few apologies for these atrocities by the Japanese government and little mention of these crimes within their textbooks.
Next week, we will delve into the Japanese military actions against prisoners of war during the fighting of World War II.
Credit: Thanat Sasipatanapa | Dreamstime.com
Credit: Thanat Sasipatanapa | Dreamstime.com
Interior of the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall ,the Japanese army massacred more than 300,000 civilians.
Interior of The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall,Nanjing city. JIANGSU,CHINA 20 august 2020 - Interior of The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall ,the Japanese army massacred more than 300,000 civilians.
BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ.
Life insurance policies can be an important part of your estate plan, but choosing to buy life insurance and how to plan with it will differ for everyone based upon assets, income, age, and family structure.
The type of life insurance policy determines the role life insurance plays in your estate plan. Term life insurance is typically set for 10, 20, or 30 years but does not build a cash value or have an investment component. Term insurance only provides a death benefit if the insured dies before the expiration of the policy. This may suit a parent or business. A parent can invest in this policy to provide stability for the family upon their death with the intention of replacing their salary to cover expenses associated with raising a family, such as mortgage payments, childcare and education.
For a business with multiple owners, a term policy can fund a buy-sell agreement to allow the co-owners to buy out the estate
for the deceased owner’s share of the business. If an individual is the sole owner of a business, a term policy provides some leverage during the period after the owner’s death to negotiate a sale or find new leadership. Term policies can keep a family or business afloat if a key player dies and the family or business needs time to adapt. Even though term policies do not have cash value, they can be an integral part of the plan and should be disclosed to your estate planning attorney.
In contrast, whole life insurance policies have a cash value that can be accessed during life in addition to the death benefit. Financial planning may include a policy that allows for income tax-free growth in a policy that can be borrowed against throughout your life. In a taxable estate, life insurance policies are often used for easy access to liquidity to pay estate taxes.
Caution: Regardless of the type of policy, the death benefit of the life insurance policy is countable
How Life Insurance Fits Into Your Estate Plan
toward your gross taxable estate, which in New York, is taxable when the estate is over $7.16 million. So, if the estate is already at $6 million and there is a $2 million dollar life insurance policy, the total estate will be $8 million and will be taxable.
To protect against this, the ownership of the policy can be
placed into an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT), which will remove the death benefit from the taxable estate and either eliminate or reduce the amount of tax owed. Removing the death benefit from the taxable estate will enhance liquidity after death to pay estate expenses, often preventing an Executor or Trustee from having
to sell a property or other nonliquid assets. Hasty sales may result in less advantageous terms.
Life insurance is also commonly used for funeral expenses. Some whole or term policies can cover funeral expenses, but there are also policies designed for sole purpose. Funeral policies can be purchased with an insurance carrier or the funeral home of your choice.
Planning with life insurance requires the advice of competent insurance professionals and estate planning attorneys to ensure the most advantageous outcome for you and your beneficiaries.
Britt Burner, Esq. is the Managing Partner at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. focusing her practice areas on Estate Planning and Elder Law. Erin Cullen is a graduate of the Maurice A. Dean School of Law at Hofstra University. 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.
$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:
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.
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 SALE
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 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
BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR OPTION ONE MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007-CP1, ASSET-
BACKED 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.
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
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, -againstMARLENE 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 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.
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK 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
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
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, -against-
THOMAS PERKINS, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on March 20, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and THOMAS PERKINS, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at BROOKHAVEN TOWN HALL, 1 INDEPENDENCE HILL, FARMINGVILLE, NY 11738, on July 22, 2025 at 12:00PM, the premises known as 9 DREAMLAND STREET, MASTIC, NY 11950 and the following tax map identification 0200786.00-02.00-029.003.
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
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, -against-
ANTHONY CATANZARO, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ANNA M. CATANZARO, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on July 27, 2023, wherein BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST is the Plaintiff and ANTHONY CATANZARO, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ANNA M. CATANZARO, 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 16, 2025 at 11:00AM, the premises known as 102 PEPPERIDGE LAKE ROAD, EASTPORT, NY 11941 and the following tax map identification 0200722.10-01.00-002.000.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 610707/2023. Ian Sack, 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 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.
PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT EASTPORT, TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 602533/2021 OR 202500075. Thomas McNally, 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 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.
The Bank of New York Mellon FKA The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the Certificateholders of the CWABS, Inc., Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-25
Plaintiff,
Against James P. Walsh; Stephanie M. Walsh; John F. O'Neill, his successors or assigns, as Commissioner of Social Services of Suffolk County, Social Services District; People of the State of New York; Peter Meyer; Commissioner of Taxation and Finance; John T. Mather Memorial Hospital; Glenn Hesselbach and Debra Hesselbach; Jaime Correia as Executor of the Estate of Florence Van Brussel; Equable Ascent Financial, LLC; Penny Whyard; Capital One Bank USA, NA; Springleaf Home Equity, Inc. f/k/a American Gen. Home Equity, Inc.; Colonial Woods Condominium; Midland Funding LLC; Continued Care of LI, Inc.; Southside Hospital; Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC; Claire Gangi; Peconic Bay Medical Center; Autovest, L.L.C.; Clerk of the Suffolk County District Court; Clerk of the Suffolk County Traffic & Parking Violations Agency; Commissioners of the State Insurance Fund; Contemporary Dental Associates; Commissioner of Taxation and Finance; Internal Revenue Service;
Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 06/16/2021, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill,
Farmingville, NY 11738, on 7/22/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 27 Pineway Ave, Mastic Beach, NY 11951, 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.
District 0200 Section 970.00
Block 02.00 Lot 012.000 and 013.000
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $469,411.27 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 604429/2019
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www. Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
Billie Jean Miller, Esq., Referee.
SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Sealed bids subject to all instructions, terms and conditions herein and pursuant to the specifications, will be received by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Brookhaven Fire District, at the Fire District Office, 8
Seeley Street, Brookhaven, New York 11719, until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, they will be opened publicly and read aloud after 6:00 p.m. prevailing time, on the said date for the service as specified and the contract awarded as soon thereafter as practical for the:
Contract No. 25-100
Brookhaven Fire District Proposed Office and Garage Alterations and Additions
Specifications, proposal and proposed contracts may be obtained at the office of the Fire District located at 8 Seeley Street, Brookhaven, New York 11719, Monday, July 23, 2025 (Monday through Friday), from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a nonrefundable fee of $ 250.00.
Please call Michelle at 631286-0051 if you have any questions.
A proposal submitted by a bidder who is not in full compliance with the provisions of the contract documents and drawings at the time of submission will be denied. The right is reserved to waive any informalities in, to reject any or all bids submitted, or accept the bid
and award the contract to the lowest, responsible, formal bidder therefore, pursuant to section 103 of the General Municipal Law.
Issue Date: June 11, 2025
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
BROOKHAVEN FIRE DISTRICT TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN
ATTEST:
MICEHELLE ROLSTON
Secretary
L16285-06/18/2025
Notice of Adoption of a Resolution Subject to Permissive Referendum Authorizing the Establishment of the Town of Brookhaven Mastic Beach Sewer District NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Board of the Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York, at a regular meeting thereof held on June 12, 2025, duly adopted a resolution subject to permissive referendum, the purpose and effect of which is to authorize the Establishment of the Town of Brookhaven Mastic Beach Sewer District. The improvements proposed and rendering of services required in connection therewith, all as more fully described in the MPR, at a maximum estimated capital cost for sewer infrastructure (including construction, construction administration, engineering, legal, bond counsel, a 30%
contingency an escalation to the projected midpoint date of construction (excluding grants)), with an estimated annual operating cost of the infrastructure of $1,140,000, and the annual cost per typical household is estimated at $4,297, including sewer hook up, in the first year of operation and upon completion of construction and connection to the sewer system the anticipated annual cost will be $2,788 per single family user. The subject resolution is available for public inspection between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Brookhaven Town Clerk’s office located at One Independence Hill, Farmingville, New York.
Dated: June 12, 2025. Farmingville, New York By Order of the Town Board Town of Brookhaven Kevin J. LaValle, Town Clerk
L16286-06/18/2025
Notice is hereby given that an On Premises(Bar/ Tavern)Full Liquor License, Application ID NA-0370-24146101 has been applied for by QEP LLC d/b/a Quogue East Pub serving beer, wine, cider and liquor to be sold at retail for on premises consumption in a bar/tavern for the premises located at 530 Montauk Highway East Quogue NY 11942.
L16287 - 06/18/2025 & 06/25/2025
Auto Donations
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Elder Care Offered
PRIVATE SENIOR RESIDENCE: Your Loved Ones Will Be Treated Like Family. Basic Care Provided. Meals, Laundry, Housekeeping & Gym Onsite. PRIVATE PAY ONLY. arlinresidence@gmail.com 914-462-0624
Help Wanted
Print Shop needs Jogger/Press Helper. Warehouse experience helpful, but not necessary. Productive environment 40-50lbs lift requirement, looking for reliable dependable person. Good Pay and Benefits. Apply in Person: 14 Ramsey Road, Shirley NY 11967 9:00 am-4:00pm M-T, or fax resume to 631-345-0709. Phone-631-345-3800 ext 223.
MACHINE OPERATOR
TECHNICAIN Experienced person with ability to running, operate and maintain machinery. We will train person to run our equipment. Good starting pay and benefits. For consideration, please Email your resume to: admin@atlanticcolor. com or fax your resume to: 631-3450709. You may also come in to fill out an application at 14 Ramsey rd. Shirley NY, 11967.
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Real Estate For Sale
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Services
PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR
Post-Hype Grabs
ByTomBarton
Sometimes when you're hurt or broken it's hard to trust again. That goes for love and life, and it also goes for fantasy baseball.
Oftentimes as a fantasy community we fall in love with the ceiling of players only to watch them fail to live up to that hype. Many of us then aggressively hit that drop button and never look back. That's where the post-hype players come into play. These players can help your fantasy team, and many are still sleeping on them because they didn't live up to their hype. But they are young, their upside is still skyhigh and they are likely sitting on your waiver wire ready to help your fantasy team right now.
The San Francisco Giants entered the week in a first-place tie with the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers, and many are asking how that is possible.
The Giants have been one of the most profitable teams in baseball this season while bettors and baseball fans continue to doubt them. San Fran doesn't have a star-studded lineup; they lack a big-time power hitter in the middle of the order and by and large this team flies under the radar every year because of these things. In fact, they haven't had a 30-home run hitter since Barry Bonds and their best offensive player Matt Chapman is currently on the IL. They tried to go buy some offense in the offseason, but Willy Adames
Jo Adell is the first name to go grab and insert into the lineup right away. Adell began June red-hot. In his first 10 June games he had 6 home runs and 10 RBIs with a 1.186 OPS. The six homers were tied for the MLB lead after the first two weeks in June. Adell still is batting over .300 this month with a 1.141 OPS and he has only struck out 12 times in 40+ at bats.
Adell was a super prospect and is still just 26 years old. I would never count on him for a high average, but scouts saw 30-30-type potential. He only has three steals so far, but his speed is certainly there, as he stole 15 bases last season. His power has been on display with 13 bombs so far this year and that can be counted on. The Angels will give him a lot of
rope, and he is starting to look like a good player to throw into that OF spot-on fantasy teams.
Nick Kurtz had everyone in the fantasy community singing his praises before he was brought up the majors. Kurtz was crushing it, and it seemed like daily there was videos online of him going yard in AAA. He actually hit eight home
runs in 100 at bats before being called up. Then he came up and struggled mightily.
Kurtz seemed to find his way at the end of May with four home runs in four games but then got injured and hit the waiver wire for most leagues. Since he's returned, he has struggled again and if he isn't on the wire, you can probably get him in a
trade from a frustrated owner and that is exactly what you should do. Kurtz is in a minor league ballpark where the ball has been flying out and word is that as the summer gets closer the more it will fly out. Kurtz can be a league winner when he heats up and as the heat comes so will his bat.
Pickups To Push You To The Top
ByJackThaler
I hope you enjoyed my first edition of The Fantasy Baseball Experience last week and had a great Father's Day weekend. This week I will be focusing on players you should add to your team.
Last week I talked about draft strategy and how me and my dad went hitter heavy. I left out how hard it was to pick up pitching throughout the year. We were forced to scrap together a rotation mainly through waiver pickups. Our biggest pitching waiver pickups were a combination of four players. Javier Assad, Clarke Schmidt, Tobias Myers, and Kirby Yates.
Javier Assad was a fine reliever going into the year but switched to a starter in 2024 and finished with a 3.73 ERA and was for sure one
of our overall best waiver pickups. Clarke Schmidt was a fine player in 2023 but never really broke out. In 2024 he started 16 games and posted a 2.85 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. Tobias Meyers was a rookie in 2024 who we took a chance on picking up from the wire. He started 25 games posting
a 3.00 ERA for us. Finally, Kirby Yates who was supposed to be a setup man in 2024 but after Jose Leclerc started to struggle at the start of the season they decided to try Yates in the closer role. That's when Me and my dad jumped on him and he racked up 33 saves and put up a 1.17 ERA.
A Giant Pen
has not adjusted well. The public knows this, and they keep waiting for the fall.
The Giants though can pitch and pitch and pitch some more. They have some solid rotation arms like Logan Webb and Robbie Ray, but neither seem to be pushing the agenda for the Joe Public bettor. Their young starters have also contributed in a big way with Harrison, Birdsong and Loup all looking great at points this year.
With all that said though it's the bullpen that has been the thing to bet on. Betting in game on bullpens is tricky and some would say, next-level betting, but with the Giants you feel comfortable. San Fran is so good
that their closer was struggling to begin the season, so they replaced him, and he is looking like one of the best in the league. In fact, their new 8th inning man Rodriguez is looking as good as Doval the closer.
The Giants bullpen is becoming historic. Entering the week, they had the lowest adjusted bullpen ERA than anyone since 1927. That Cubs team had 75 complete games that season, so it's not a stretch to say this is the best pen ever. Much like Cleveland last season they are mixing and matching and shutting teams down late in the game, which presents a buying opportunity for us. ERA is a stat where the average is 100 and they sit at -60. The Giants are a
team to watch in game and enjoy that bullpen success. As long as the public doesn't adjust this
team will keep putting up zeros on the scoreboard and adding zeros to your betting account.
Jo Adell
Credit: @Angels | X
Evan Carter
BY TOM BARTON
Bayport-Blue Point Cruise to the State Title
ByTomBarton
Bayport-Blue Point girls' lacrosse are the New York State champions after dominating in the final game to win the title.
Bayport-Blue Point won the Class C state title in a route winning 17-7 over Queensbury at SUNY Cortland this weekend. The Phantoms were on top of their game from the start. They came out of the locker room on fire on both ends of the field. Their offense was in full control and their defense clamped down hard to lead to a 12-2 halftime lead.
The Phantoms got up quickly with two goals to take a 2-0 lead when Queensbury scored to give them life. That was the last time they had life as that seemed to only anger the Phantoms who then answered by scoring the next nine goals.
Ava Meyn led the way with a game-high five goals. She scored all five in that nine-goal spurt in the game. Aubrie Eisfeld also had an outstanding game with four goals and three assists to lead the game with seven points. The offense was humming and everyone got involved. Kailey Bruckner had
three goals and one assist, Emma Shanahan put two shots in net, Olivia Brady had two assists, Sara Richardt, Liliana Lipuma and Erika
Kreuscher all chipped in with a goal apiece while Eva Carvahlo got one assist. Sophia Diaz and Peyton D'Angelo were shut down in goal.
The Phantoms are ranked eighth overall in the USA Lacrosse High School Girls' National Top 25 poll and finished with a 21-1 record.
Dominant Panthers Complete Their Quest
ByTomBarton
Since the Miller Place girls' softball team entered high school there has been an aura around this group of young ladies and that promise came to fruition this weekend when they won the state championship.
The Panthers not only brought home the very first NYSPHSAA Championship in the school's history but it's the first state championship for a public school from Long Island since 2017.
Following the Panthers season last year you could see what heights they could reach. There were no seniors on last season's dynamic club and when they came into 2025 there was a renewed focus and there was only one goal
that satisfy this team, and a state championship was in their sights.
All-everything Ava Zicchinelli was in her usual spot on the mound, and she did her usual, which is dominate the competition. Zicchinelli struck out five batters while allowing just three hits on the day. The shutout was a highlight moment in a career filled with those sorts of moments. This game was just as impressive as Friday when she pitched another shutout in the semifinals, that one she allowed just one hit.
Dellecave Award Nominees Shine for Their Schools
ByTomBarton
The Butch Dellecave Award is one of the most prestigious awards that any Long Island student-athlete can be honored to win, and even just being nominated comes with a grand distinction.
This year a couple of schools have acknowledged their nominees. At Ward Melville seniors Brennan Kurtz and Peyton Phillips were nominated for the annual Dellecave Awards sponsored by the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk.
Kurtz was one of the top linemen on the Island and was selected to Suffolk County’s Golden Eleven Team, which recognizes top senior football players who excel academically
and athletically. His leadership on and off the field exemplifies the qualities celebrated by this prestigious award. Phillips was recently recognized as one of the US Lacrosse Academic AllAmericans.
Brennan and Peyton were joined by the top male and female student-athletes from across Suffolk County. They were selected for their accomplishments on the field and more importantly their accomplishments in the classroom and commitment to the community. The Three Village social media account said, "Congratulations Brennan and Peyton!! We are so proud, and you represent Ward Melville Athletics with class and integrity!!"
Rocky Point High School also put out a social media post recognizing their nominees. Seniors Kylie Lamoureux and Aidan Barry both won nominations for the the Annual Butch Dellecave Award. Lamoureux is a lacrosse player for the school who ended the season with 48 total points and 37 goals en route to her leading her team to an 11-7 record. Barry wrestles for the Eagles and he won the 170-pound final at the Suffolk County Championships, clinching a spot at the New York State Wrestling Championships.
Shashank Wins the Sportsmanship Award
ByTomBarton
Ward Melville's tennis player
Shashank Pennabadi was awarded the Sportsmanship Award for his performance during the NYSPHSAA Championships.
Pennabadi has been in the tennis spotlight for years. He and his brother won the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Doubles Title last year. The year prior to that he helped Ward Melville to the Suffolk team final and finished third in the states in doubles competition. Pennabadi was 10-0 at singles 18-1 in all his doubles matches that season.
This year Pennabadi beat Cranfield by winning 6-1 in the
BBP Lax Championship Team
Credit: @SectXISuffolk | X
first set and then 6-3 to secure the second round in the states. UTR Sports ranks him as the top tennis player, and he finished as the runner up in the Suffolk County
singles championships. Pennabadi has decided to continue his playing career at South Carolina State University next season.
Credit: @NYSPHSAA
Shashank Pennabadi
Miller Place Softball Team
Kylie Lamoureux and Aidan Barry
Brennan Kurtz and Peyton Phillips
Credit: RP Athletics | Facebook
ByTomBarton
Bellport Seniors Sign to Play at The Next Level
Bellport High School recently celebrated their seniors who have committed to play athletics at the collegiate level next season.
Twenty-two seniors were honored during a signing day ceremony this week. With family members, friends and coaches gathering to show support, the students each signed a certificate symbolizing their commitment.
This is a list of the studentathletes, along with their sport and the school they have chosen to continue their careers at:
Football
• Michael Frankie, Wagner College
• Trey'von Holland, American International College Men’s Basketball
Jordan Battist, 238 Basketball Academy
• Sean Glynn, Springfield College
Men’s Soccer
• Antonio Harding, American
For All Basketball Is a Hit
ByTomBarton
This week student-athletes from across Suffolk County came together to showcase their talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship. They played in the annual Section XI For All All-Star Basketball Game.
The game was a fun event that showcased some excellent basketball being played on the court but also showed the size of the hearts of the student-athletes and those in attendance.
The Suffolk County PAL were the main providers to make the event happen as they provided uniforms and awards for all participants.
This year’s game was hosted by the Patchogue-Medford School District and held special significance as a tribute to Lt. Michael P. Murphy, U.S. Navy SEAL and PatchogueMedford High School graduate,
International College
Men’s Track and Field
Vincent Pitre, Albany University
Women’s Track and Field, Cross-Country
• Molly Hough, Emmanuel College
who gave his life in service to our country. The Section XI social media accounts said that "His courage and sacrifice remind us all of the freedoms we enjoy, including the ability to gather and celebrate our young athletes."
The For All part of the title represents that anyone can play in the event and it brought out some
great student athletes to take part.
The site went on to congratulate everyone saying, "From start to finish, the day was filled with community spirit, gratitude, and the joy of the game. Congratulations to all the players, and thank you to everyone who made this meaningful event possible!"
Republicans Win Fifth in a Row
ByTomBarton
The Republicans beat the Democrats in the annual Congressional Baseball Game this week and some might call it a landslide victory.
The Republicans beat up on the Dems by a score of 13-2 to win for the fifth year in a row. Speaker Mike Johnson took to X to talk about the game saying that the annual game "had more than 30,000 tickets sold and (raised) $2.8 million for charity."
The game supported more than 40 different charities this year. The Congressional Baseball Game started in 1909 by Rep. John Tener. It raises funds for groups like the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington and is an effort to try to show unity in our country.
Many will remember in 2017 there was a shooting at the Republican practice field, and Steve Scalise was back in uniform again
this year wearing #1. He wrote "The Congressional Baseball Game will always have special meaning to me. I am blessed that I was able to be the first at bat."
While Scalise was the first batter
Rep. August Pfluger stole the show and won the game's MVP award.
Pfluger, a former U.S. Air Force colonel, an F-22 fighter pilot, and congressman from Texas, made an outstanding defensive play that was
• Ella Masem, Syracuse University
• Macy Neider, Hofstra University
• Nevaeh Pedraza, College of Staten Island
• Stephanie Rodas, Georgian Court University
• Inocencia Rodriguez, Rowan University Dance
• Brenna Porter, Sacred Heart University Women’s Lacrosse
• Madeline Fox, Catawba College
• Lauren La Grega, Florida Southern College
• Ava Salinas, Old Dominion University Softball
• Gianna Brown, St. Joseph's College
• Rosaria Padilla, Suffolk County Community College Baseball
• Nolan Comerford, Slippery Rock University
Women’s Volleyball
• Sarah Meininger, St. Joseph's College Wrestling
• Henry Caceres, Nassau Community College Hockey
• Trevor Rodecker, PAL Junior Islanders
Mangiamele Leaps to States
ByTomBarton
Shoreham-Wading River's Leyton Mangiamele set a new school record in the long jump this week.
Mangiamele had a distance of 22’ 8½”. With that distance and his performance he earned an automatic qualification for the Section XI state team. This marks Leyton's third straight spring season on the state team.
Earlier this year he became the boys long jump champion at the Suffolk County high school small school indoor track and field championships. That day he improved his mark by almost 2 feet from the beginning of the season with a jump of 21 ft 8 ¾ in to win the long jump by nearly a full foot.
Mangiamele has showed massive improvements in his performance since last season, and that year was already impressive enough.
Dominant Panthers...
Continued from page 25
Emily Lopez led the scoring with an RBI single in the third inning to drive in Laney Vomero. Sadie Bryant took one for the team with the bases loaded and her hit by pitch pushed the score to 2-0. Then Zicchinelli added the last run with a single in the sixth driving in in Sadie Hoffman to give the Panthers the 3-0 win in Binghamton.
Overall, the Panthers finished the season 25-2 and 17-1 in division play. They wound up allowing just
the highlight of the game. He dove on a hard-hit chopper to the hot corner and made a diving play to tag the base and end any rally the Dems might have been trying to mount. That play got plenty of social media attention.
“Proud to have been selected MVP for this year’s Congressional Baseball Game!” Pfluger wrote on X after the game. “Couldn’t have asked for a better support team
here in DC! Another huge win for Republicans.”
Starting pitcher Rep. Greg Steube, from Florida, wore gold sneakers signed by President Trump. Steube held the Democrats to two runs over five innings, then Pfluger took the mound in the sixth.
The Democrats were a mess in
six runs in their last eight games combined and threw ten shutouts on the season.
Offensively Emily Lopez finished second in Suffolk County with eight home runs and Breya Kesler was inside the top 20 with three long balls on the season. Zicchinelli finished first in wins in the county and second in strikeouts.
This team will long be remembered as the team with all the expectations in the world that met every one and lifted that coveted state title.
the field and defensively they were as bad as last year. Some would say that is an extension of their political season as well. They all wore different jerseys and looked disjointed. The Republicans looked more organized as they all wore the same red uniform and “Make America Great Again” baseball caps.
Steve Scalise & August Pfluger
Credit: @SteveScalise | X
Credit: Shoreham-Wading River Central School District | Facebook Leyton Mangiamele
Bellport Seniors
Credit: South Country Central School District | Facebook
BBall For All Players
Credit: Section XI - Suffolk County Athletics | Facebook
SPORTS The Red Colts Are Pure Perfection
ByTomBarton
The Half Hollow Hills Red Colts are your 2025 Class A New York State Champions.
The championship game was pitted to be their toughest test yet, and the Colts walked away as the undisputed best team in the state. Half Hollow Hills beat West Genesee 15-10 in an offensive outburst that they couldn't keep pace with.
West Genesee was the giant this team had to slay, and they had the kind of season that it would take a superior effort to take them out.
They were working on a perfect season but watched as the Red Colts got off to a quick lead and then never looked back. It was Half Hallow Hills who were left standing with perfection intact, ending their season with an unblemished 23-0 mark.
Half Hollow Hills scored the first four goals of the game and that had ballooned to a 10-4 lead at the half.
The team that has won more boys lacrosse state titles (15) than any other team in New York, now were scrambling against the relentless offensive attack put on by the Red Colts.
Longwood Impresses at the State Qualifiers
Credit: Longwood Central High School | Facebook Lions girls' track and field
ByTomBarton
The Longwood girls' track and field student-athletes competed at the Suffolk County State Qualifier this week and they were impressive across the board.
Zoe Jackson led the way grabbing first place in triple jump and added a 3rd place finish in 1600m relay. Also gaining a first-place trophy was Victoria Paris who finished first in 100m hurdles and grabbed a Third-place trophy herself in the 1600m relay.
Sara Mangels had a pair of third-place finishes. One was in the 400m hurdles, while the second came in the 1600m relay.
Brook Pfeiffer also took home a third-place nod in the 1600m relay. Imani Smith was one off the lead with a second-place finish in shot put, while Sophia Drinkwater ended up in fourth in the pole vault.
With their accomplishments these athletes have earned a spot at the State Meet in Middletown, N.Y., this week. Zoe Jackson for the triple jump, and 1600m relay. Sara Mangels in the 1600m relay. Victoria Paris will compete in the 100m hurdles, and 1600m relay. She'll be joined by Brook Pfeiffer in the 1600m relay and Imani Smith will compete in the shot put.
The best player on Long Island had the type of game you'd expect from him as Anthony Raio had six goals and two assists in the game and he was paramount in the early game thumping scoring four of those goals before halftime.
Nick Haugen led the team with four assists and Zach Marco played a pivotal role with four goals of his own. It seemed every one of the team had a part of the offense in this one. Ryan Chung had two goals and one assist, Dan Chung added one of each, James Bruno scored two goals and Luke Bradley chipped in with one assist. In net Sal Santoro had 14
William Floyd Track Looks to Make a Statement at States
ByTomBarton
William Floyd will be well represented at the State Tournament this year as five William Floyd High School varsity track athletes will be heading to the Championships this upcoming weekend to compete for state titles.
The tournament will take the students to Middletown, NY. The boys’ track team are sending their 4 x 100 relay team to the NYS Championships. The team is led by head coach Ed Noll. The four student-athletes had an incredible performance at the state qualifying meet to get to this point and all eyes are on what they can do next. The team, consisting of Isaiah Taylor, Zavier Jenkins, Christian Hobson and Joshua Jordan, ran a time of 42.47, finishing second-
place overall out of every team in Suffolk. That time hit the New York State Super Standard, which gives them an automatic bid to the state tournament.
That's not all as this team also broke the school record of 42.84 set in 2012. They are breaking records
Pickups To Push You To The Top...
Continued from page 24
Through the help of those four pickups and others we managed to scrap together a fine rotation. Now that I have told you about my pickups from last year, it's time to help you with your current pickups. If you went hitter heavy like I did last year I will give you 3 pitchers you should consider picking up, but if you went pitcher heavy, I would also suggest to you 3 hitters you should consider picking up.
Pitchers:
Jacob Misiorowski(SP)Sandy
Alcantara(SP)Chase Burns(SP)
Jacob Misiorowski was a top
prospect for the brewers with nasty stuff but questionable control and durability. His durability was questioned due to how hard he throws. He was called up a couple days ago and made his first start. He looked nasty in five innings giving up no runs and striking out five. He did walk four though so if you pick him up be very cautious with his control and especially with his health. Sandy Alcantara has been one of the best pitchers in the league for the past couple of years but came into the 2025 season struggling badly. He managed to put up a really good start a couple days ago and looked like his old self by pitching six scoreless
while striking out six. If he truly is returning to his old form, then this is a definite pick up but there is a risk he continues to struggle so be cautious. Chase Burns is MLB Pipeline’s number eleven overall prospect. He was just called up to triple A and has been dominant in the minors to start the year. Even though he isn’t up yet it might be good to jump on him early. The only things to be cautious about are how young and unpredictable he is and if he doesn’t get called up soon.
Hitters:
Alejandro Kirk(C)Jeff McNeil(2B)Evan Carter(OF)
Alejandro Kirk has shown
success in years past and has been tearing it up recently at the plate. The only risk I can think of is if he cools off. With how slim the catching position can be in fantasy
I think that the risk of Kirk cooling off is worth taking. Jeff Mcneil has certainly shown past success by winning the 2022 NL batting title and in that same year he also won a silver slugger. Ever since Mcneil has cooled way off and has even been bad at the plate. He has been having a really good stretch lately and he might be worth looking into based off of how good he has been in the past.
Evan Carter is my final hitter recommendation. In a short span
and setting new marks and now the state tournament is shaping up to be their best yet. The team consists of three underclassmen including two sophomores. “They have worked so hard and continue to impress me with their dedication to the sport and what it takes to be successful in it. I can’t wait to see what they do up in Middletown.” said Coach Noll.
To no one's surprise, one of the best track stars in Long Island history will be headed to starts when Zariel Macchia heads upstate. She won the County Championship in the 1500- and 3000-meter events earning her a spot in the NYS Championship in both events. The BYU-commit has seven overall New York State Championship titles and will look to add to that trophy case.
of 22 games in 2023 he batted .306 with 5 home runs and that success continued into the playoffs of that year. After his breakout in 2023 he struggled in 45 games during 2024 after a back injury kept him off the field for most of the year. In 2025 he started the year in triple A before being called up and almost immediately injuring his hand. He came back a week ago and has been on fire ever since. I think the only cautions I would give is that he is still young and that he could get into a slump like in 2024.
Hopefully these waiver pickups help, and I hope to see you next week for my third edition of The Fantasy Baseball Experience.
saves and some key stops early on. It's the first state title in the school's history, and the first perfect season.
