Kudos to Congressman Warren Davidson for wanting to dig deep into the psyche of mentally ill individuals who suffer tremendously from Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS).
The Ohio conservative introduced a bill, co-sponsored by fellow Republican Representative Barry Moore from Alabama, that directs the National Institutes of Health to “study the psychological and social roots of what is known as Trump Derangement Syndrome, a phenomenon marked by extreme negative reactions to President Donald J. Trump.”
This brilliant legislation will take a deep dive into the minds of radical progressives who suck their thumbs in the fetal position in their safe space at the mere mention of President Trump’s name.
The United States Senate is back in session this week, and at the top of their legislative agenda sits what many are calling the cornerstone of President Trump’s second-term domestic policy— the “Big Beautiful Bill.” Fresh off its hard-fought passage in the House of Representatives, this comprehensive package of tax relief, regulatory rollback, infrastructure renewal, and economic growth incentives is now facing its greatest challenge yet: making it through the politically charged, often gridlocked United States Senate.
As I wrote last week, getting the bill through the House was no walk in the park. It took tireless negotiation, serious concessions, and a bold vision from Republican leadership to bring together a majority willing to stand behind this landmark legislation. But now, the real test begins. Because as any
I know firsthand that Trump Derangement Syndrome is a true mental illness. I’m sure you do as well.
When I successfully ran for Erie County Comptroller in 2012 and began my first term in 2013, I could not win without massive support and votes from Democrats, who propelled me to victory in a presidential year when Barack Obama was at the top of the ticket. If I ran again, those same Democrats would never, ever cast a ballot for me again.
In the BT years (Before Trump), none of us were forced to pick a jersey based on our politics. Nowadays, political ideologies and our belief systems are usually in an “us versus them” mentality. If you’re “with” Trump then you are an evil, hate-mongering racist who is worse than a Nazi.
seasoned political observer will tell you, the Senate operates by its own rules—and those rules are often guided more by personalities, procedural hurdles, and longstanding egos than by party unity or national interest.
Despite Republicans holding the majority in both chambers, the Senate is a different animal entirely. Unless you have a filibuster-proof majority, which requires 60 votes, even the best ideas can die a slow death in committee or get watered down beyond recognition. And here’s the reality: the Republican majority in the Senate is not filibuster-proof, and more importantly, it's not in lockstep. That’s the problem.
To put it plainly, the GOP Senate conference is fractured. While the House has recently shown more discipline and cohesion, the
Up until 2015, when Donald Trump entered the national political landscape, many Democrats were open to voting for Republicans like me, and I counted many left-wing
liberals as close, personal friends.
Those days are long over. Multiple, close family friends refuse to speak to my wife and me because
I’m a Republican who strongly supported President Trump in his three elections for commander in chief.
The Senate’s Big Test: Will the 'Big Beautiful Bill' Deliver Relief for New Yorkers and Advance President Trump’s Agenda?
Senate remains a chamber full of lone wolves, media darlings, and "maverick" lawmakers who sometimes seem more interested in Sunday talk show appearances than advancing conservative policy. This dynamic has led to a troubling scenario: Several Republican senators have already signaled they will not support the bill in its current form. That puts everything on the table, including the provision many of us in New York are especially excited about— SALT relief.
Let’s talk about that for a minute.
For far too long, hardworking taxpayers in high-cost-of-living states like New York have been punished under the current federal cap on State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions. That cap—set at a mere $10,000—has been devastating to middle-class families in suburban
counties across Long Island, Westchester, and beyond. These are not wealthy elites we’re talking about; they’re firefighters, teachers, nurses, and small business owners who get hit with state and local taxes that would make your head spin, only to be told by the IRS, “Sorry, we’re not going to help you out.”
The “Big Beautiful Bill” raises that cap dramatically—from $10,000 to $40,000—finally giving relief to the people who need it most. This isn’t about subsidizing “blue states.” It’s about fairness. It’s about recognizing that federal tax law should not punish people just because of where they live. And for residents of New York, this is a game-changer.
But not everyone sees it that way.
Some Republican senators— particularly those from low-tax
states—continue to argue that lifting the SALT cap amounts to a “bailout” for blue states. They say it's a distortion of the federal tax code. But here’s the honest truth: Many of those states benefit far more from federal dollars than they contribute in taxes. New York, on the other hand, is a net donor state. We pay more into the federal system than we get back. So the idea that New Yorkers are looking for a handout is not only inaccurate—it’s insulting.
Unfortunately, this kind of internal party friction is exactly what makes passing major legislation in the Senate so difficult. Unlike the House, where a simple majority rules, the Senate’s rules are designed to empower the minority, encourage debate, and— let’s be honest—stall progress. That’s where we are now.
BY GEORGE SANTOS
SANTOS UNCENSORED
Stefan and Ashley Mychajliw
Credit: Stefan Mychajliw
Dave Matthews Band/Blossom Music Center
Credit: Stefan Mychajliw
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
A press conference never smelled so dank.
Countywide officials gathered on Tuesday, May 27th, to provide an oral recap of the dozens of raids that recently led to the recovery of over 15,000 illegal weed products.
Commencing on May 20th, the joint mission—that spanned 44 total smoke shops or independent convenience stores—permanently halted five businesses altogether.
Seven arrests were made in the process, including one the same morning of a man caught dealing to William Floyd School District 13-year-olds in the Mastic-Shirtley area.
Romaine and his fellow leaders vehemently remarked that all those selling cannabis without a permitted license to do so are subject to equal pursuits.
Flavored vape pods marketed and sold en masse to minors sat amongst the endlessly high-potency sea of THC-certified evidence on display at the Yaphank-held news update.
“I get a lot of phone calls from parents very fearful for their children vaping in school bathrooms,” said Councilwoman
Pot Shop and Roll: SCPD Announces Takedown of 26 Illegal Dispensaries
Jane Bonner. “The amount of THC vaping kids are doing in bathrooms at school is unbelievable.”
Some of the largest busts thus far occurred at Cloud Nine V in Farmingville, Simply Green in Coram, Vape Guru in Bay Shore and The Norm in Patchogue.
Illegal fireworks and Coloradooriginated magic mushroom chocolate bars were also discovered in these raids, according to Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina.
The police commissioner revealed they plan to eventually burn the products recovered, and that testing for harmful additives is “probably impossible” due to the sheer volume in custody.
These won’t be their last raids, though, thanks to both Suffolk County and individual town laws that make it easier for the proper branches to conduct said raids than in years past.
“The town laws have a lot more teeth when it comes to closing down buildings… it’s extremely beneficial when it comes to an operation like this,” said Catalina. “Bringing all of us together to leverage the different powers we have to hit these people with all the power that we have.”
Catalina said all seven precincts were polled to determine what the most advantageous locations for them to “hit” were, and “that’s what we did.”
Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., Legislators Leslie Kennedy, Steve Flotteron and Jim Mazzarella were also on hand to express their praise for their collaborators and contempt for illegal drug distributors who compromise the safety not just of children—of everybody.
Flotteron memorably mocked a certain zany graphic-clad, purplecolored package presented at the presser; he reckoned that it looked like “something you would buy for your 5-year-old.”
Speaking on behalf of the Coram community she represents, Councilwoman Bonner notably preferred to refer to Simply Green as “the establishment” when talking about the noble service its shutdown rendered possible.
Bonner noted that “in Brookhaven, you can only sell in proper zoning areas—this is retail, not industrial.”
She says the investigation confirmed “the people that opened these shops advertising they are
licensed” are wrong, leading to the slippery slope wherein the adults who choose to purchase cannabis products there for recreational use are led to do so under false pretenses.
“They were doing their due diligence hoping to buy legal, safe and tested. But it [Simply Green] did not have the proper license.
“I appreciate our wonderful partners in law enforcement and
colleagues in the Legislature for understanding the seriousness of this,” Bonner concluded.
“We don’t know what is in these products when they are unregulated,” said Mazzarella.
“These bad actors; there are dens of illegal activity,” he added. “A lot of times, they become quality of life issues. Surrounding neighborhoods are being affected… It’s unfortunate.”
Officials Urge Hurricane Preparedness at Smith Point Press Conference
ByRobertChartuk
“Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane.”
That’s the message the Red Cross and local emergency officials sent out Monday at a Smith Point press conference to urge Long Islanders to get ready for the upcoming tropical storm season.
Right now is the time to get a preparedness checklist at RedCross. org and take the steps necessary to protect life and limb from storms they say are inevitable. Also, sign up for emergency notifications at Smart911.com and get the Smart911 app on your phone.
Rudy Sunderman, Suffolk
County’s Commissioner of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services, delivered the morning’s central message: Preparedness isn’t optional — it’s essential. “Our coastal location means we are always at risk for tropical systems, and early planning is the best protection,” Sunderman said. “Hurricane preparedness comes down to three essential steps: Be Prepared. Be Informed. Know Your Zone.”
Sunderman stressed the importance of having a “To-Go Kit” ready now, before storms are on the radar. That means enough food, water, medication, batteries, flashlights, pet supplies, and personal necessities to last at least
several days. He also emphasized that evacuation plans should be reviewed ahead of time — not as a storm is making landfall. “Know how to safely exit not only your home but your neighborhood,” he warned.
The commissioner also encouraged all Suffolk residents to create a Smart911 profile. “Smart911 gives our first responders critical details about you and your family while also allowing you to receive vital information,” Sunderman said. Residents can also text “SuffolkAlerts” to 67283 to receive real-time emergency notifications directly from the county.
Hurricane zones were another key focus. Suffolk County has four official evacuation zones: A, B, C, and D. Sunderman urged residents to check the Suffolk County website now to determine which zone they live in. “Don’t wait for a storm to be named — take the time to prepare now,” he said.
Jose Dominguez, CEO of the Red Cross Long Island Chapter, echoed that warning. He said the Red Cross has preparedness checklists, mobile apps, and tips for building safe family communication plans in the event of a disaster. “Preparedness starts at home, with you, your family, and even your pets,” Dominguez said. “We’re here to help you make a plan.”
Mastic Beach Fire Department
and emergency management
Commissioner Bill Biondi shared a sobering reminder from experience. “Having been through Hurricane Sandy and some other pretty devastating storms, I know what can happen to the South Shore,” Biondi said. “People need to be prepared and pay attention. If the order is given to evacuate, please follow it. If you stay behind, you’re putting your life at risk, as well as the emergency responders who will have to come get you.”
“The water is coming sooner or later,” noted Senator Dean Murray. “You must be prepared. Don’t wait for a named hurricane; we’ve had
three devastating storms over the last few years that didn’t have names.”
Also attending the preparedness event was Brookhaven Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig, along with representatives from Congressman Andrew Garbarino’s office, Suffolk Parks, Long Island Rail Road, PSEG, Haugland Group, New York Emergency Services, and Red Cross volunteers. “Our message couldn’t be any clearer: get ready for the storms now while you still have a chance,” warned Assemblyman Joe DeStefano.
(L to R) Sheriff Toulon, Police Commissioner Catalina, County Exec Romaine, and Legislators Mazzarella and Flotteron pose with some smelly evidence at the illegal cannabis dispensary bust press event.
Elected leaders
officials at a Smith Point press conference urging the public to get ready now as the hurricane season begins.
Red Cross volunteers Mitchell Carr, left, and Peter King review storm preparedness information with Mastic Beach Fire Commissioner Bill Biondi.
Credit: Michael J. Reistetter
Credit: Robert Chartuk
Credit: Robert Chartuk
ByRobertChartuk
Garbarino Leads Push for Stronger Cybersecurity in Silicon Valley Talks
The Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, South Shore Congressman Andrew Garbarino, spent the week engaging directly with top technology and cybersecurity leaders in Silicon Valley, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration between the federal government and private sector to bolster U.S. cyber resilience.
The Long Island Rep participated in a series of briefings, discussions, and a formal hearing focused on enhancing critical infrastructure protection, modernizing regulations, and keeping pace with fast-moving technological advancements. The visit included tours of Apple headquarters, cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and a field hearing hosted by the Hoover Institution at
Stanford University.
His activities come as Suffolk tightens its security in the wake of a 2023 ransomware attack that led to the shut down of the county’s computer network, costing taxpayers millions and disrupting services for months.
“Meeting directly with the technology leaders and experts driving the future of cybersecurity allowed us to hear firsthand how Congress can better support their work—whether that means strengthening public-private partnerships, cutting through outdated red tape, or ensuring federal policies keep pace with the rapid evolution of the digital landscape,” Garbarino said.
The field hearing featured testimony from Google, Palo Alto Networks, and Corridor representatives, with breakout sessions including Microsoft, Ivanti, Tanium, Horizon3.ai, and
Apple. Conversations centered on persistent challenges such as ransomware, regulatory overlap, and the dual-edge role of artificial intelligence in cyber defense and offense.
Experts urged lawmakers to streamline cybersecurity mandates, enhance timely threat intelligence sharing, and support innovation
that embeds security into products at the development stage. Participants also stressed the importance of recruiting and retaining a skilled cyber workforce, a concern echoed throughout the week.
Garbarino, who represents New York’s 2nd Congressional District, has made cybersecurity policy a key priority in Congress,
especially in the face of increasingly aggressive cyber threats targeting U.S. infrastructure and institutions. It was recently revealed that U.S. electric grid components made in China contained chips that could enable the Communist country to shut down transformers and other vital equipment.
“This trip to Palo Alto was a powerful reminder that America’s cybersecurity advantage depends on innovation, collaboration, and leadership,” Garbarino said. “Together, we are working to secure our nation’s critical infrastructure and ensure a safer, stronger future for all Americans.”
The discussions are expected to inform legislative efforts in Washington as Garbarino and his colleagues continue to push for actionable reforms to protect the nation’s digital and physical infrastructure.
Suffolk County to Receive over $2.3 Million for Summer Youth Employment
ByDeborahWilliams
Governor Kathy Hochul announced Suffolk County will receive $2,315,367 in Summer Youth Employment funds. Statewide $56.5 million will be allocated to help approximately 21,000 young people from low-income households enter the job market this summer through New York State’s Summer Youth Employment program.
To be eligible for the program, youth must be between the ages of 14 and 20 and have a household income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which varies by household size and, for example, is $53,300 for a family of three.
As part of the FY 2026 State Budget, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is distributing funding to all 57 counties and New York City to implement a Summer Youth Employment Program to introduce at-risk youth to New York’s workforce, where they will gain professional training and develop useful skills that will help them improve educational performance and explore possible career paths.
“Investing in our young people’s future and providing them with the resources and tools they need to succeed is a top priority of my administration,” Governor Hochul said. “The Summer Youth Employment Program helps young New Yorkers across the state find good summer jobs that provide valuable experiences and skills that will help them pursue their educational and career goals and prepare them for success in the workforce as adults.”
The Summer Youth Employment Program supports businesses and communities across the state in providing summer jobs for youth from low-income families. Participants work in entry-level jobs at places such as parks, summer camps, childcare organizations, cultural centers, educational facilities, and community-based organizations, among others.
“Giving our young people access to real-world job experience is one of the smartest investments we can make,” noted Assemblyman Joe DeStefano. “This program opens doors for kids who might not
otherwise get the chance to build the confidence, skills, and work habits that lead to lifelong success.”
New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Summer jobs are a gateway to the world of work for young New Yorkers. The skills and
experience they will gain through Summer Youth Employment Program will continue to serve them long into their chosen career fields. This initiative is a winwin-win for young New Yorkers in underserved populations, their communities, and the New York State economy.”
The FY 2026 State Budget included an increase of $1.5 million for the program over last year to address minimum wage increases. The program served more than 21,000 young people last summer.
Stalemate over Stony Brook Dam and Road Fuels Frustration, Prompts Rally
ByRobertChartuk
Residents of Stony Brook and nearby communities gathered Saturday in growing frustration over the stalled reconstruction of Harbor Road and the Mill Pond dam—washed out last year in a torrential August storm. The gathering drew more than 200 demonstrators to the edge of the now-drained Mill Pond, where they held signs reading “Fix the dam road” and “Stop ducking the problem,” demanding action after months of inaction.
While elected officials from multiple levels of government attended and echoed residents’ concerns, the impasse remains unresolved—mired in a bureaucratic tug-of-war over who owns the damaged infrastructure. The dispute has left the main thoroughfare between neighborhoods impassable and the historic pond reduced to a muddy crater.
The heart of the conflict is ownership—without a clear
titleholder, no application for federal aid through FEMA can be filed. Brookhaven Town and Suffolk County officials say records indicate that the nonprofit Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) owns the road and dam. Speaking at a press conference the day before the rally, Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico cited 1980s-era documents signed by WMHO President Gloria Rocchio
affirming ownership.
“We have proved conclusively who owns the property,” Panico said. “We just need a signature so we can move forward.”
Rocchio, however, told reporters Saturday that the nonprofit’s own title report found the issue “undetermined” and raised concerns about liability. “It’s very complicated,” she said.
Continued on page 5
Congressman Garbarino, right, discusses cybersecurity with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Rep. Mark Green.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced Suffolk County will receive $2,315,367 in Summer Youth Employment funds.
Credit: Office of Rep. Garbarino
Credit: Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul
Credit: Robert Chartuk
The damaged section of Harbor Road.
ByStefanMychajliw
Public Relations Professionals of Long Island Celebrates 2025 Award Winners
Public Relations Professionals of Long Island (PRPLI) celebrated the region’s top communicators on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, during its 34th Annual Awards Luncheon at Westbury Manor. The event recognized outstanding achievements across public relations, journalism, education, and nonprofit leadership while raising funds for PRPLI’s annual college scholarship program.
This year’s luncheon honored professionals across seven categories, highlighting the powerful role communications plays in community building, advocacy, and public service. The event brought together PR practitioners, media leaders, educators, and business professionals to spotlight stories—and people—that make an impact.
“This event reminds us that great communications aren’t just about words—they’re about relationships, leadership, and the ability to inspire meaningful
change,” said Theresa Jacobellis, President of PRPLI and Director of Communications Solutions at IPRO. “Our honorees reflect the very best of our profession, and we’re thrilled to recognize their contributions to Long Island and beyond.”
The 2025 honorees are:
• Ron Edelson, ZE Creative Communications – Jack Rettaliata Lifetime Achievement Award
• Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, Family & Children’s Association – Long
Island Achievement Award
• Robert Chartuk, South Shore Press – Outstanding Media Award
• Jennifer Cline Sargent, Hofstra University – Howard M. Blankman Outstanding Mentor Award
• Sarah Logan, IPRO – Rising Star Award
• Christopher Collora, EGC Group – PR Campaign of the Year
• Vito Postiglione,
Farmingdale State College –PRPLI College Scholarship Recipient
PRPLI extends its gratitude to the generous businesses and organizations that supported the event. Sponsors play an essential role in making the luncheon possible and helping sustain PRPLI’s mission. Special thanks to Nassau/Suffolk Hospital Council (Platinum Sponsor); IPRO and the Alzheimer's Association of Long Island (Gold Sponsors); MGD Investments (Silver Sponsor); and, Mark Grossman Public Relations (Bronze Sponsor).
The organization also thanks the companies that donated raffle prizes, helping to raise additional funds for PRPLI’s student scholarship program. They include: Adventureland, Brokerage Comedy Club, Cradle of Aviation Museum, Fitness Technology by Dennis Berry, Jake’s 58: Suffolk OTB, Long Island Ducks, Panera Bread, and RPM Raceway.
Public Service Community Mourns the Loss of Alan Joseph Croce and Frank C. Tassone, Sr.
ByRobertChartuk
The public community is mourning the loss of two respected figures whose lives reflected long-standing commitments to service, integrity, and family. Alan Joseph Croce, a former state corrections commissioner and retired undersheriff, and Frank C. Tassone, Sr., a devoted family man and father of a prominent local government executive, passed away within days of each other this week.
Alan Joseph Croce, 89, of Mattituck, passed away on May 28. A U.S. Navy veteran, Croce served with distinction in law enforcement as an undersheriff with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department before being appointed commissioner of the New York State Commission of Corrections. Known for his leadership, fairness, and advocacy for reform within the criminal justice system, Croce’s decades of public service earned him
widespread respect across the region.
Visitation for Croce was held May 30 at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrated at Our Lady of Ostrabrama R.C. Church in Cutchogue, officiated by Father Ryszard Ficek. Entombment with U.S. Navy Honors followed at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale. Donations to the
Long Island State Veterans Home are appreciated in lieu of flowers.
Frank C. Tassone, Sr., of East Northport, passed away on May 26 at 96. He was remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who lived a quiet but meaningful life centered on family and faith. Tassone was the husband of Concetta Tassone and father of four, including Frank Tassone, Jr., a longtime member of the Suffolk County
Stalemate over Stony Brook...
Continued from page 4
Officials at the rally floated various potential resolutions— including arbitration or court intervention. But all agreed that a court case could drag on for years, and eminent domain is off the table because federal reimbursement would not apply to land seized by force.
Lisa Davidson, a rally
organizer and trustee of Head of the Harbor, a village cut off when the dam let loose, said the event helped galvanize the community, though no immediate solution was in sight.
“People are so fed up,” she noted.
The damage spans about 200 feet of Harbor Road and the underlying dam. The road straddles the border between
Brookhaven and Smithtown, though officials from both towns say the damaged portion falls outside their legal jurisdiction. Meanwhile, the formation of a new riverbed in the drained pond could drive up the cost of any future reconstruction, further complicating the effort.
Some environmentalists, such as John Turner of the Seatuck
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Republican Committee and a senior executive at the Suffolk County Water Authority. His values were carried forward in his son’s involvement in public service and local government.
He is survived by his children Valentino, Nick (Jeanne), Donna (Darren), Koffer, and Frank (Leigh); grandchildren Nicole, Michael, Michelle, Melissa, Jessica, Jenna, and Jake; and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation for Tassone took place Friday at Brueggemann Funeral Home in East Northport.
A Funeral Mass was held at St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church, with burial following at St. Charles Cemetery.
As their families gather to honor their lives, both men are remembered for the quiet dignity with which they served—one through public institutions, the other through the foundation of family that supports them.
Environmental Association, advocate for keeping the water flowing naturally rather than allowing the former Mill Pond to refill. They are also pushing to allow Stump Pond in Smithtown, which was washed out during the August storm, to remain in its natural state instead of rebuilding its dam as proposed by the county.
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Alan Joseph Croce and Frank C. Tassone, Sr.
Credit: Facebook/Tassone Family
SSP Reporter Robert Chartuk (bottom row, second from left)
Credit: Public Relations Professionals of Long Island
ByRobertChartuk
Patchogue Pride Parade Returns This Sunday with Expanded Mission and New Grand Marshals
Patchogue’s annual Pride Parade steps off this Sunday at noon, continuing its growing tradition of visibility, inclusion, and community support for LGBTQIA+ residents. The parade will begin at Route 112 and march west along Main Street toward Blue Point.
Now in its third year, the event is hosted by Patchogue Pride under the newly formed nonprofit Long Island Equality, founded by Ronald Diele-Stein, who also serves as president. This year’s Grand Marshals are Michelle Cavaleri and her son Chris Genovese, who have been involved with the parade since its inception and provide counseling services to LGBTQIA+ youth through SouthShore Counseling &
Mediation in East Patchogue.
A launch party and fundraiser was held Friday at Blue Point Brewery, celebrating the group’s new 501(c)(3) status and passing the ceremonial sash from last year’s marshals to Cavaleri and Genovese. “We’re not just a parade anymore,” said DieleStein. “We’re doing Friendsgiving, toy drives, community donations, and working toward scholarships and summer programs.”
Following the parade, the Fierce and Fabulous Patchogue Pride Spectacular takes place at Patchogue Theatre from 4–6 p.m., featuring comedian Jack Sullivan and multiple performances.
More information can be found at www.patchoguepride.com or on social media @patchoguepride.
Credit: Patchogue Pride
ByDeborahWilliams
Sayville Elementary Schoolers Celebrate First Responders
Sunrise Drive Elementary School in the Sayville School District hosted more than 50 first responders in a parade to celebrate and thank the
community’s everyday heroes.
The parade circled the school’s parking lot with musical accompaniment from the Sayville High School marching band, while students and families lined the route holding signs of support.
The annual first responders parade honored family members and friends of Sunrise Drive students who serve. Additionally, the event celebrated all members of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fifth Precinct, the Sayville Fire Department, and Community Ambulance.
“This is one of the most meaningful and anticipated events on our calendar,” said Sunrise Drive principal Dr. James Foy. “It gives our students the chance to personally thank the heroes who protect and serve this community and to show just how much their presence means to us all.”
Following the parade, first responders were welcomed into the school cafeteria for a reception featuring
performances from the fourth and fifth grade orchestras, who played selected pieces, including “America the Beautiful.”
For more information on the Sayville Union Free School
Bellport Seniors Earn 'Building Bridges Award'
ByDeborahWilliams
Bellport High School
Multicultural Student Association
President Alyssa Vargas and Secretary Rosemarie Okorafor were recently named recipients of the Building Bridges Award presented by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island.
The students were recognized at the Suffolk County Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration for demonstrating a commitment to fostering inclusive, compassionate and civically engaged communities.
“To earn the recognition, Vargas, a senior, demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication, working diligently to unite students through various multicultural initiatives. Her efforts have been instrumental in the planning and execution of the school’s Hispanic Heritage and Black History that fostered cultural awareness and appreciation,” said a District statement
For the Hispanic Heritage
celebration, Vargas organized a panel of guest speakers, all of who were alumni of Bellport High School and graduates of the English as a New Language program.
During the Black History celebration, she played a key role in coordinating a groundbreaking, entirely student-led program—the first of its kind at the school.
Alongside her peers, she helped organize a Black History talent show featuring student dancers, poets and singers. Faculty and administrators alike were deeply moved by the energy and unity displayed throughout the program.
Okorafor, also a senior, earned accolades for her academic and leadership roles. She is an accomplished Advanced Placement student who is actively engaged in both her school and community.
She is a dedicated participant in the Women in Science and Engineering program at Stony Brook University, where she advances her studies in STEM, and volunteers at both the South Country and Brookhaven
public libraries. At South Country Library, she contributes to beautification projects in the community garden and assists in sorting and distributing seeds to local farms. At Brookhaven Library, she creates bookmarks for nursing home residents, assembles treat kits for local families, and designs birthday banners for individuals receiving treatment at
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. #CaringAndLearning.
the local oncology center. Beyond her volunteer work, she supports Lighthouse Mission, a local charity organization that provides food and clothing for families in need.
Continued
Student Artists Shine in Countywide Water Awareness Poster Contest
ByRobertChartuk
A celebration of creativity and environmental awareness took center stage last week, as six Suffolk students were honored for their winning entries in a countywide poster contest focused on the importance of water and its protection.
Now in its third year, the annual event drew more than 250 entries from students across local school districts. After several rounds of internal review, a final group of winners was selected and recognized during a special award ceremony that included certificates, themed giveaways, and a celebratory pizza party held in the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) Board Room.
“This event is one of the highlights of the year,” said SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz. “Bringing in the students to celebrate their success, along with the parents and teachers to support them, makes this a great experience. We hope that everyone walks away from this with a sense of how important SCWA is to our community.”
This year’s winners are:
Genesis Stewart, Ridge
SCWA Director of Communications & External Affairs
Dan Dubois (left) and Attorney Alyson Bass
stand with the winners of the Suffolk County Water Authority's 3rd Annual
Elementary School
• Olivia Xie, Paumanok
Elementary School
• Zarah Gomez, West Babylon
Junior High School
• Zachary Cloke, Paul J. Bellew
Elementary School
• Serena Chabra, Signal Hill
Elementary School
• Emma Nopanen, Babylon
Junior-Senior High School
The poster contest continues
to be one of the agency’s most popular outreach efforts, aimed at inspiring young people to engage with vital environmental topics and to foster a deeper appreciation for water conservation and protection.
Serving approximately 1.2 million residents, the Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation that operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.
Bellport High School Multicultural Student Association
President Alyssa Vargas and Secretary Rosemarie Okorafor were recently named recipients of the Building Bridges Award presented by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island.
Sunrise Drive Elementary hosted their annual First Responders Parade
The first responders attended a reception after the parade.
Credit: South Country Central School District
Credit: Sunrise Drive Elementary
Credit: Sunrise Drive Elementary
Credit: Suffolk Water Authority
(right)
Poster Contest.
ByRobertChartuk
Smart Home Opens in Shirley, Giving Residents with Disabilities a High-Tech Path to Independence
A.J. Duran rolled up to her stove to cook an egg. Being in a wheelchair, the burners were much too high. No problem in her new home. She pressed a button, and the frying pan lowered to her level. She asked Alexa to play her favorite song while she cooked. When she was done, another button press brought the sink to just the right height for washing up.
All of it—the convenience, the comfort, the independence—was made possible by a new smart home developed by Family Residences and Essential Enterprises (FREE) in partnership with the Town of Brookhaven.
The home, located in Shirley, is part of the organization’s newest Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA), called Pinetop. The ribbon-cutting ceremony held this week marked the culmination of a five-year vision that combines cutting-edge smart technology with universal design principles to help residents with developmental disabilities live as independently as possible.
“This project is so special since it’s hard to find housing in general,
especially with the technology to help people do what many take for granted,” said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, one of the local leaders who joined FREE and supporters at the grand opening.
“This is an amazing opportunity for these residents,” added Brookhaven Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig. “It’s great to have this in our community.”
At the heart of the home’s impact is how it transforms everyday tasks into manageable—and even enjoyable—activities. For Duran, that means controlling the kitchen with the touch of a button or a simple voice command. Using Wi-Fi–enabled smart plugs and devices connected to Amazon Alexa, she can adjust the height of her appliances, choose her music, control TV programs, open the blinds, and turn on the lights.
“It’s amazing,” Duran said while demonstrating her kitchen routine. “I just say what I need, and it happens. It’s not just easier—it makes me feel like I have control.”
That autonomy is the driving force behind FREE’s approach to supported housing. Nicole Ramos, Senior Vice President of Housing
Services, delivered heartfelt remarks at the ribbon cutting, emphasizing that the Pinetop home is more than a building—it’s a symbol of what’s possible.
“This is a space built on vision, technology, and purpose, and it’s a bold step forward in what it truly means to support people in leading independent, fulfilling lives,” Ramos said. “Today, it stands not only as a model of innovation, with smart technology and accessible design but also as a testament to what’s possible when we dream big and deliver with intention.”
The home’s high-tech features also include a side-opening oven and Bluetooth-enabled systems that power the refrigerator, stove exhaust, and lights. Each resident has a personalized smart plug setup, giving them voice control over their daily environment. The window blinds can be raised and lowered with a word.
“This home is already transforming lives,” Ramos said. “The persons supported who live here aren’t just excited—they’re empowered.”
The project took five years of planning, design, and collaboration.
Ramos thanked a long list of partners, including architects, contractors, maintenance and landscape teams, Brookhaven officials, and state representatives.
None of this, she said, would be possible without the leadership of FREE’s co-presidents, Dr. Chris Long and Robert Budd, and the support of Brookhaven Town, including Supervisor Panico and staff.
“Pinetop is proof that when we
come together—with the right purpose, the right tools, and the right people—we don’t just meet expectations, we exceed them,” Ramos said. “Let this be the energy we carry forward—to help those we support reach high and achieve more.”
As A.J. Duran rolled out of the kitchen, music still playing in the background, the promise of a more independent, empowered life was already unfolding—one voice command at a time.
Suffolk Community College Reconnect Is Launched – Free Community College in High-Demand Occupations
ByDeborahWilliams
In the recently passed FY26 New York State budget, Governor Kathy Hochul signed new legislation to make major investments and enact initiatives to increase access to higher education. This legislation creates the opportunity for free community college in certain
needed fields and takes key steps to expand access to financial aid and invest in State University of New York and City University of New York campuses.
Suffolk Community College (SCC) rolled out its Reconnect program this week. Reconnect provides for a free associate program in designated highdemand fields of study. SCC
currently has 2,287 students ages 25-55. Of those students, they identified 596 who would currently meet the requirements of the SUNY Reconnect program.
Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College, told South Shore Press, "A highly skilled professional workforce is essential to the future of Suffolk County. Offering free community college to adults is a huge opportunity for the college to train new employees for in-demand fields and to bring critically needed new talent to the workforce pipelines. I applaud the Governor and the SUNY leadership for investing in expansion of these programs, as well as those adult students ready to pursue this unprecedented opportunity.”
The final allocation to SUNY’s community colleges will be based on the actual enrollment in the Reconnect program, which begins this fall.
“The New York State budget also provides $4 million in operating aid to our community colleges to support students in the free community college program. The proposed allocation to Suffolk Community College is $180,000,” said a SUNY spokesperson.
The FY 2026 Budget provides $47 million ($28.2 million SUNY, $18.8 million CUNY) to cover the remaining cost of tuition, fees, and books for community college students ages 25-55 pursuing select associate degrees in high-demand occupations, including nursing, pathways
Bellport Seniors Earn...
Continued from page 8
As an active member of the Multicultural Student Association, she helps organize school events that celebrate and highlight the achievements of students of color. One of her most significant contributions was leading the
development of the “Diversity of Thanksgiving Awareness” video, a student-created and edited project showcasing the cultural diversity of Thanksgiving traditions. This initiative aimed to foster awareness and appreciation for the varied ways people celebrate the holiday. Additionally, she played a
into teaching, technology and engineering.
“When my dad got his college degree, our family’s life was changed forever – I want every New York student to have that opportunity,” Governor Hochul said. “I am proud to announce that with the passage of this budget, New Yorkers now have the chance to pursue a free associate degree at SUNY and CUNY community colleges to help fill the in-demand jobs of tomorrow.”
The State University of New York, in alignment with the identified high-demand fields, has designated a number of our existing programs that qualify and are available on our website: https://www.sunysuffolk.edu/ apply-enroll/scholarships/sunyreconnect/index.jsp.
key role in planning Bellport High School’s Hispanic Heritage and Black History Month celebrations.
The South Country School District extends its congratulations to Vargas and Okorafor for working to make a difference in their school and community.
A.J. Duran cuts the ribbon to celebrate the grand opening of her new smart home.
Suffolk Community College Reconnect Is Launched – Free Community College in High-Demand Occupations
Credit: Robert Chartuk
Credit: Grok/Twitter
Connetquot Schools Recognize Exemplary, and Lifesaving, Students and Faculty
Services Joanne Pisani and Board of Education President Marissol Mallon.
ByDeborahWilliams
The Connetquot Board of Education recognized exemplary students and faculty for leadership and academic honors at their May 27th meeting.
Helen B. Duffield Elementary School lunch aide Diane Rambold was recognized for her quick decision-making. She performed abdominal thrusts on a second grade student, dislodging a piece of a bagel and potentially saving her life.
Adrianna Clarelli and CJ Connolly from Ronkonkoma Middle School and Maeve Boland from Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School were also honored with the National Junior Honor Society’s Outstanding Achievement Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates the students’ exceptional dedication to scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship. Adrianna, CJ and Maeve are three of the 500 students nationwide to receive this honor, along with a college scholarship to support their educational goals.
Nicolas Dilorio, a sixth grade student at Ronkonkoma Middle
School, was recognized for being a 2025 Scholastic Storyworks National Contest winner. In his award-winning entry, Nicolas chose the animal superpower of night vision and explained how he would use it. His writing was chosen over entries from across the nation.
Connetquot supports student growth through emotional awareness and social learning, helping students build selfawareness, manage emotions and strengthen relationships. Each month, the district highlights an EASL theme such as collaboration and teamwork, responsibility, gratitude, citizenship and acceptance.
Schools nominate standout students to be recognized as Connetquot’s Caring Leaders for their leadership in those areas. The following students were recognized as Caring Leaders:
• Roman Bradley (grade 8)
– Ronkonkoma Middle School –responsibility
• Aubrey Dean (grade 5) –Cherokee Street Elementary – grit
• Emelia D’Antonio (grade 7) –
Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School –collaboration and teamwork
• Peter Nicpon (grade 8) –Ronkonkoma Middle School – grit
• Evangelos Paravalos (grade 4) – John Pearl Elementary –collaboration and teamwork
• Francis Pipino (kindergarten)
– Edward J. Bosti Elementary –citizenship
• Parissa Rana (grade 10)
– Connetquot High School –responsibility
• Gabrielle Takacs (grade 4)
– Sycamore Avenue Elementary –citizenship
• Alesa Wilson (grade 8) –Ronkonkoma Middle School –gratitude
Girl Scouts Step Into Colonial History at the Manor of St. George
ByRobertChartuk
Girl Scouts from local troops and their families were given a hands-on history lesson as they toured the Manor of St. George, one of Long Island’s most historically significant landmarks.
About 60 girls, many from Troop 2144 of Service Unit 48, ranged in age from kindergarten to third grade and included both Daisies and Brownies. Representing area schools such as Tangier Smith, Hobart, and Woodhull, the young scouts spent the day immersed in Long Island’s rich colonial past—where battlefields, British redcoats, and America’s earliest settlers came vividly to life.
The Manor of St. George, a 127acre estate overlooking Moriches Bay in Mastic, is the former homestead of Col. William Tangier Smith, a prominent early settler and colonial governor. It played a key role during the Revolutionary War, including the famous 1780 raid by Col. Benjamin Tallmadge, whose successful attack against British forces at Fort St. George remains a celebrated moment in local and national history. The trail taken
by Tallmadge’s troops leading into the Manor was recently renovated by nine scout troops from across Suffolk and is part of a hiking path that has magnificent water and woodland views.
“The girls asked thoughtful questions, explored the grounds, and were amazed to learn that battles were fought right here in their own backyard,” said John Scott Prudenti, a Manor representative and local historian, who greeted the scouts during their visit. “It’s a rare opportunity for them to step directly into the
pages of American history.”
While many local children grow up hearing about George Washington and the American Revolution, few get to walk through the same halls that once echoed with the footsteps of patriots or stand beside the ancient cannons that once guarded this coastal outpost.
“This was more than just a tour—it was a moment of connection,” said a troop leader. “The girls left with souvenirs and stories they’ll remember for a long time.”
Continued on page 19
Connetquot High School Holds 'Coming Together Day'
ByDeborahWilliams
The Connetquot High School turf field was the backdrop for Edward J. Bosti, Cherokee Street, Duffield Avenue, Edith Slocum, Idle Hour, John Pearl and Sycamore Avenue fifth-grade students who enthusiastically gathered for the Connetquot Central School District’s Coming Together Day on May 27.
Connetquot’s Director of PE, Health, Athletics and Recreation
Peter Melore said, "Coming Together Day is one of the first steps of many which ensure that all Connetquot students get to
know each other and begin to bond before the start of middle school in the fall. Through fun activities and play, students make new friends and begin to understand the idea that we all become one student body in the end regardless of which elementary school you attended."
Sponsored by the Athletes Helping Athletes club and the high school athletic department, this tradition is an excellent, funfilled opportunity for students to make new acquaintances prior to moving up to Oakdale-Bohemia and Ronkonkoma middle schools this coming fall.
The students first filed into the bleachers, according to school, and wearing their color-designated T-shirts.
Before the activities, Cherokee Street physical education teacher
Additionally, student-athlete and AHA club member Lily Jonas was presented the Tim Bassett Award for her extraordinary leadership qualities.
During the morning, the students
participated in 10 different stations, including the cannonball brigade, crab soccer, noodle tag, tug-of-war, potato sack race, and more.
Best of all, the fifth-grade students returned to their respective schools knowing that they had made new friends and would see each other in the fall.
Connetquot’s Caring Leaders are pictured with (from left) Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph T. Centamore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Christina Poppe, Director of Student
Credit: Connetquot Central School District
Joe Nelson riled up the students as he announced each school.
Coming Together Day was sponsored by the Connetquot High School Athletes Helping Athletes club
A favorite activity at Connetquot’s Coming Together Day was crab soccer.
The Manor of St. George serves as the backdrop for a photo during the recent Girl Scout visit.
Credit: Connetquot Central School District
Credit: Connetquot Central School District
Credit: Girl Scouts
ByRobertChartuk
Vector Control to Conduct Aerial Mosquito Treatments Along South Shore
In an effort to curb the mosquito population before the upcoming summer season, Suffolk’s Division of Vector Control has announced aerial pesticide applications over several marshland areas this week. The treatments are scheduled over the next few days between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., weather permitting.
The mosquito control effort will use a low-altitude helicopter to distribute granular larvicide pellets targeting mosquito larvae before they can mature into biting adults. The treatment areas include Smith Point County Park in Shirley, Fireplace Neck in Brookhaven, and several creek systems: Johns
Neck Creek, Mastic Beach, Grove Avenue, and Stillman, Mud, Abets, Beaverdam, and Hedges creeks.
The products being applied are VectoPrime FG and Altosid, which are considered low-risk to humans, pets, and most wildlife.
The larvicides contain Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), a naturally occurring bacterium that produces proteins lethal to mosquito larvae, and Methoprene, a synthetic hormone mimic that disrupts mosquito development, preventing larvae from maturing into adults.
They are considered harmless to humans, pets, fish, and most other species. Both products are approved
by the EPA and have been used safely for years in sensitive ecosystems such as wetlands, parks, and residential zones. They specifically target mosquito larvae in stagnant or slow-moving water and do not harm adult bees, butterflies, fish, or birds.
Treating marshlands early in the pest’s life cycle helps reduce the population before it spreads inland, where mosquitoes, known as the world’s deadliest vector, can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus or become a summer nuisance. With warmer weather approaching and rainfall creating ideal breeding conditions, county officials say now is the critical time to act.
Residents near the listed treatment areas are advised that while the helicopter operation may be briefly visible or audible,
there is no need for precautions— the products used pose no health risk when applied according to regulations.
Zeldin in Media Blitz to Reinforce Trump’s Agenda, Target Green New Deal Waste
ByRobertChartuk
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, a William Floyd graduate and former South Shore congressman, has been ramping up his media presence in recent days, advancing President Trump’s agenda to dismantle what he calls “wasteful, self-dealing” green energy initiatives and reinstate a commonsense approach to environmental regulation.
Appearing on national news programs and congressional hearings, Zeldin defended the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent rollback of billions of dollars in climate grants issued under the Biden administration during the transition period before President Trump took office, describing them as “gold bars tossed off the Titanic.”
According to Zeldin, $20 billion was funneled to pass-through entities with minimal oversight and rife with conflicts of interest.
“It’s been frozen, canceled, and is now under legal review. We’re not just warning about action—we’ve already taken it.”
The administrator was especially critical of congressional Democrats during his testimony and subsequent interviews, accusing Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Ed Markey of engineering a “con job on the American taxpayer” through what he described as a “Green Slush Fund.” He emphasized that the EPA’s statutory mission remains intact but with a redirected focus: “We proudly fulfill our legal obligations, including removing lead from water—but we won’t be complicit in funneling public funds into political pet projects that deliver no results for the American people.”
During a recent Senate Environment and Public Works
Committee hearing, Zeldin engaged in a heated exchange with Senator Adam Schiff over the targeted reductions. Schiff criticized a planned 55% cut in EPA funding, asserting it would lead to increased pollution and health risks, including various forms of cancer.
Defending the measures, Zeldin emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility and dismissed Schiff’s concerns as exaggerated, suggesting that the senator was engaging in political theatrics rather than constructive dialogue.
In addition to the $20 billion terminated climate fund, Zeldin said his office has canceled another $2 billion in smaller grants after multiple rounds of internal review.
“We’re doing this on behalf of the American public. The Green New Deal framework is designed to bankrupt this country in the name of climate justice, and we’re here to stop that,” declared Zeldin, an Army veteran who’s a Lieutenant Colonel in the reserves.
“The Green New Deal is one of the issues where in the name of climate change, there's a willingness to bankrupt this country,” Zeldin continued. “In the name of environmental justice, instead of spending a dollar on remediating an environmental issue, they'll spend a dollar on a left-wing advocacy group to tell us the next dollar should get spent on remediating the environmental issue.”
Zeldin also celebrated recent congressional action to overturn California’s electric vehicle (EV) mandate, which was poised to influence auto markets nationwide. “We should promote consumer choice, not restrict it,” he said. “If someone wants to drive an EV, that’s their choice. But we’re not going to let California set national policy through
regulatory overreach.”
The bills, passed by both chambers under the Congressional Review Act, not only rescind California’s EPA waiver to impose EV quotas but also prevent any future administration from reinstating similar rules. Zeldin hailed this as a “huge win for consumer freedom and national consistency.”
Governor Gavin Newsom has threatened to challenge the rollback in court, but Zeldin dismissed the likelihood of longterm success, noting that any such lawsuit could alienate critical swing states in a national election: “Try selling that in Michigan. Good luck.”
As Zeldin continues to defend the Trump administration’s environmental pivot, his role is quickly becoming one of the more high-profile in the federal government, signaling a broader shift toward aggressive regulatory reform and a rejection of Bidenera climate policies.
Memorable MDW Car Service: 25Plus Suffolk Veterans Transported to Jones Beach Air Show
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
For the third straight year, the Chair of the Suffolk County Veterans Committee coordinated a strong veteran presence in the Four Leaf Federal Credit Union Air Show that took place at Jones Beach over Memorial Day Weekend.
The May 24-25 show drew thousands of spectators, as was expected. Those on hand were able to delight in elite aerial demonstrations from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds (who teased their sky-bound theatrics earlier in the week before touching down at MacArthur Airport) and the U.S. Golden Knights, amongst other premier aviation ensembles.
Legislator Nick Caracappa personally worked with the New York State Park Department to arrange the transportation of, and subsequent on-site accommodations for the 25plus veterans he brought forth to Jones Beach in Wantagh on Saturday and Sunday.
Shaded seating, refreshments
and a respectable lunch spread were provided, and ample time to walk the nearby boardwalk was encouraged. Beyond entertainment, veterans were able to fraternally connect and share stories in the most patriotic atmosphere imaginable.
“I was honored once again to accompany over 25 Suffolk County Veterans and their loved ones to the 2025 Four Leaf FCU Air-Show at Jones Beach,” Caracappa wrote on Facebook.
“I am grateful to be able to do this for our Veterans and I must thank the following people for making this day possible,” he added. “Kara Hahn [of] NYS Parks. Katie, Jessica, Rob, and Mellisa of Four Leaf FCU… [and] John Corrado, Angelo Carbone, and Rich Spevak of Suffolk Transportation Services.
“Thank you all for making Memorial Day Weekend truly memorable for these Veterans!”
Credit: Centers for Disease Control
Credit: Legislator Caracappa's Office
Team Caracappa pictured at the Annual Memorial Day Weekend Jones Beach Air Show.
LOCAL
A K9 Named Sato: Suffolk's Newest Best Friend Earns Sheriff Corrections' Badge
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
What a good boy.
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office held a special ceremony to introduce their newest corrections officer, K-9 “Sato,” at the Yaphank Correctional Facility on Wednesday, May 28th.
A 2-year-old German shepherd trained in narcotics detection, Sato has been assigned to both the Yaphank and Riverhead Correctional Facilities.
Though he obviously could not speak on his own behalf, his
colleagues’ confidences more than confirm Sato's qualifications as a point-pup for all things safety and security maintenance.
“The K9s are important members of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon,“helping to not only protect our facilities and staff but also serving as a deterrent to those trying to smuggle illicit items into the jails.”
Sato received his formal training in the Narcotics Detection unit with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Department before making the
Suffolk County Executive Warns of Scam Bilking Seniors
ByDeborahWilliams
Suffolk County Police
Commissioner Kevin Catalina joined Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine warning Suffolk County residents of a new scam. Multiple Suffolk County residents have already fallen victim to these scams.
During these incidents, the victims were contacted by an individual claiming to be a bank representative who convinced them their bank account was compromised. Each victim was convinced to physically turn over their bank card and pin, which were later used to withdraw
trek over to Suffolk. He is tasked with conducting searches of inmate housing units and monitoring visitation hours.
What’s more: Sato is just the most
money from ATMs.
“What we have out here is scammers that are trying to invent every possible way to separate people from their money and take it for themselves,” Romaine said.
Romaine said, “Scammers can spoof a number to make it look like a legitimate company is calling. If they start asking for money or making demands, hang up and call the company directly. And guess what? Then they go to the ATM machine and steal their money. And this happened to a number of seniors.”
Continued on page 14
recent paw-patrolling addition to the team. The Sheriff’s Office intends to further expand its K-9 program with a fourth corrections dog this summer.
Dead Body Found in East Shoreham Pool
ByDeborahWilliams
Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating after a man was found deceased in a pool in East Shoreham at approximately 4:20 p.m. on May 25. An East Shoreham homeowner was removing the protective cover from his pool and discovered the body.
An autopsy will be conducted by personnel from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the identity and cause of death of the victim. The police commissioner said that it appeared the body had been in the pool for some time.
Detectives believe there is a strong possibility the body is Matthew Zoll. The male was not wearing shoes, was wearing clothing similar to what Zoll was wearing when he was last seen, and the home is in close proximity to the location where Zoll was involved in a singlevehicle crash the night of the murder.
The person that found the body is a member of the U.S.
This was made possible by a grant from the United States Police Canine Association. Visit www.suffolksheriff.com for updates.
Marshals Task Force. That Task Force spent time looking for Zoll when he fled after the crash.
Zoll is alleged to have stabbed his father, Joseph Zoll (61) to death in their home in Rocky Point in November 2024. Zoll called 911 himself and said that his son had stabbed him. He later died.
Police have not revealed a motive for the crime. The
younger Zoll fled the scene of the stabbing and later crashed his car in East Shoreham not far from where this body was found in the pool.
Matthew Zoll was described by police as a white male, 6 feet 1 inch tall, 150 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Police are waiting for DNA analysis to confirm the identity of the dead man.
Suffolk County Police Vehicle Auction Is Coming Up
ByDeborahWilliams
The Suffolk County Police Department Impound Section will hold an auction on June 7 at the department’s impound facility, located at 100 Old Country Road in Westhampton.
The auction will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held rain or shine. There will be a preview of vehicles on June 5 and June 6 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the impound yard. Vehicles will also be available for preview for
one hour prior to the start of the auction on June 7.
Approximately 85 lots will be auctioned off including sedans and SUVs. All vehicles will start with a minimum bid of $500 and are sold as-is.
Impound
Auction
Registration Procedure
Registration is required to bid. Registrants must show a valid government-issued ID to register. Identification will be confirmed at time of payment or your bid
will be void. Buyers must be 18 years of age or older. If you want to purchase a vehicle under a business name, you must produce a valid NYS Tax ID Card showing your Tax ID # at registration.
You can only register in person at the Suffolk County Police Impound Facility at 100 Old Country Road, Westhampton, N.Y. 11977
During the Vehicle Previews
Vehicle previews and registration are held on the Thursday and Friday before the auction from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on the Saturday of the auction from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. Bidding starts promptly at 9:00 a.m.
For a full list of vehicles, registration information and terms and conditions for the auction, visit https://suffolkpd. org and click on the Impound Section and Vehicle Auctions tab.
Credit: Suffolk Sheriff's Office
Sato and his law enforcement colleagues pose at his introduction ceremony.
Credit: Suffolk County Police Department
Credit: Suffolk County Police Department
Suffolk County Police vehicle auction is coming up Wanted Poster Matther Zoll
Suffolk County Executive Warns of Scam Bilking Seniors
Credit: Office of Suffolk County Executive
Senator Dean Murray Praises Law Enforcement Following Investigation Into Marijuana Edibles and Renews Call for Legislation to Protect Children
ByDeborahWilliams
Senator Dean Murray (R,CPatchogue) is praising law enforcement and school officials for their swift and cooperative response following the March incident at William Floyd Middle School where thirteen students became ill after consuming marijuana gummies. The investigation has led to the arrest of three individuals, one of which is believed to have supplied the students with marijuana gummies.
“I commend the police and school officials for working together to get to the bottom of this serious situation. All parties have been diligent since the March 3 event; we have been actively involved in discussions with law enforcement and school officials as we were determined to find the details of this situation. The cooperation and coordinated response helped ensure accountability and provided some answers for the families impacted and the safety of the community,” said NYS Senator Dean Murray, 3rd District.
While applauding the outcome of the investigation, Senator Murray emphasized that this case underscores a broader, unresolved issue; the sale and marketing of cannabis edibles in packaging that is clearly designed to appeal to children.
“These arrests are a step in the right direction, but it doesn’t solve the core problem, cannabis products being sold in packaging that mimics candy and snacks popular with kids is dangerous, deceptive, and completely unacceptable,” stated Senator Dean Murray.
Senator Murray is sponsoring legislation currently before the New York State Senate that aims to directly address this growing threat to children’s safety. Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio is carrying the companion bill in the New York State Assembly. The bill would prohibit the marketing of adult-use cannabis products that targets or appeals to minors, require clear and visible warning labels on all edible cannabis products and impose criminal penalties and strict regulations on the sale or
distribution of these products to individuals under the age of 21.
Senator Murray reaffirmed his commitment to working with parents, educators, public health officials, and law enforcement to advance policies that protect New York’s youth and hold bad actors accountable.
“My bill is focused on keeping our children safe by addressing this problem head-on. This incident at
William Floyd should be a wakeup call. I urge my colleagues in both houses to act swiftly and pass this legislation. We cannot wait for another event like this to occur before we do what’s right for our children,” stated Senator Dean Murray.
“We are grateful to the police for apprehending the individuals responsible for selling gummies to children within our community. We also support the efforts of Senator
Murray and Assemblywoman Giglio in prohibiting the deceptive marketing of adult-use cannabis gummies. All too often, the product packaging emulates snacks that are appealing to children; this needs to be addressed quickly before something tragic happens. Thank you to Senator Murray and Assemblywoman Giglio for their important work on this issue,” stated William Floyd’s BOE President April Coppola.
Renewed Push for Tougher Cannabis Laws After Middle School Incident
ByRobertChartuk
A disturbing incident at William Floyd Middle School has reignited calls for stronger laws to protect children from dangerous cannabis products disguised as everyday snacks. Thirteen students fell ill in March after ingesting marijuanainfused gummies, prompting an investigation that led to the arrest of three individuals—one of whom is believed to have supplied the illicit edibles to the students.
Senator Dean Murray praised the swift and coordinated efforts of law enforcement and school officials but said the case should serve as a wake-up call for state lawmakers.
“I commend the police and school officials for working together to get to the bottom of this serious situation,” Murray said. “All parties have been diligent since the March 3 event; we have been actively involved in discussions with law enforcement and school officials as we were determined to find the details of this situation. The cooperation and coordinated response helped ensure accountability and provided some answers for the families impacted and the safety of the community.”
But Murray warned that arrests alone won’t solve what he called “a core problem”—cannabis products being packaged and marketed in ways that directly appeal to children.
“These arrests are a step in the right direction, but it doesn’t solve the core problem,” said Murray. “Cannabis products being sold in packaging that mimics candy and snacks popular with kids is dangerous, deceptive, and completely unacceptable.”
Murray is sponsoring legislation to address the problem. The bill, paired with a companion measure sponsored by Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, would ban marketing cannabis products in ways that appeal to minors, mandate clear warning labels on all edible
cannabis products, and impose criminal penalties for selling or distributing cannabis to anyone under 21.
William Floyd Board of Education President April Coppola voiced support for the legislation, calling the current packaging and sales practices “a dangerous trend.
“We are grateful to the police for apprehending the individuals responsible for selling gummies to children within our community,” said Coppola. “We also support the efforts of Senator Murray and Assemblywoman Giglio in prohibiting the deceptive marketing of adultuse cannabis gummies. All too often, the product packaging emulates snacks that are appealing to children; this needs to be addressed quickly before something tragic happens.”
The William Floyd incident comes amid a broader crackdown on illegal cannabis sales in Suffolk. Police say they shut down five unlicensed pot shops and arrested eight people as part of a recent sweep targeting businesses that sell recreational marijuana without a state license—and, in some cases, directly to minors. According to Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina, the enforcement teams visited 44 businesses and found violations at 26 of them.
“Once marijuana was legalized, a bunch of individuals took advantage of that and started to sell, really, with impunity,” Catalina said. More than 15,000
illegal cannabis products and 15,000 flavored vapes were seized.
County Executive Ed Romaine vowed to keep pressure on illegal operations. “We not only padlock their business, but we seize all of their products,” Romaine said. “And the message is, if you’re selling marijuana illegally without a state license, we are going to catch you.”
But critics argue that the state’s legalization effort itself is broken. Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano, who voted against the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act in 2021, described New York’s rollout as a “predictable failure.”
He pointed to slow licensing, an explosion of illegal shops, and the state’s inability to regulate the trade. DeStefano also slammed the cannabis equity fund and allowing the Dormitory Authority, traditionally used for building schools and hospitals, to help finance cannabis shops.
“It’s hard to fathom how the state dormitory authority is now a major player in providing mind-altering drugs to students and other users,” he said. “People getting stoned on state-sponsored substances, especially our younger generations, is extremely counterproductive to a healthy, functioning society.
“We’ve seen what can happen when cannabis gets into the hands of children,” Murray concluded. “This isn’t just about law enforcement—it’s about legislation that makes sure it never happens again.”
Credit: Grok/Twitter
Senator Dean Murray is praising law enforcement and school officials for their swift and cooperative response following the March incident at William Floyd Middle School where thirteen students became ill after consuming marijuana gummies.
Last year, the Suffolk County Legislature approved a resolution to designate the third week of May as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Appreciation Week in conjunction with National EMS Week.
This year, Legislator Leslie Kennedy of the Twelfth District made sure to emphatically honor said mandate.
Kennedy attended a May 19th joint press conference at the Suffolk County Fire Academy in Yaphank wherein County Executive Ed Romaine, the Suffolk Legislature and numerous EMS Agencies took turns signifying their shared goal and commending the results produced.
All leaders in attendance, Kennedy included, delivered remarks as to how vital EMS workers are to maintaining public safety.
The very next day, Kennedy joined Legislator Dominick Thorne to acknowledge members of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Medical Crisis Action Team (MedCAT). These are highly trained officers tabbed to provide advanced life support and medical assistance in critical situations as EMS personnel are in the midst of responding.
Legislators Kennedy and Thorne bestowed upon the agency certificates of recognition; they go above and beyond what their MedCAT responsibilities require— and this ceremony demonstrated that fact wholeheartedly.
Later that same day, Tuesday, May 20th, the Suffolk County Legislature held a ceremony to honor EMS personnel from across the eighteen legislative districts
within Suffolk.
Kennedy’s selection to represent the Twelfth was Brian Roth, an EMS worker based out of the Nesconset Fire Department.
Earlier in 2025, Roth was named Nesconset Fire Department’s "EMS Worker of the Year."
“EMS workers are most effective when they have the necessary tools and supplies to respond to crises,” Kennedy’s office released in a statement.
“That’s why Legislator Kennedy is always in support of approving funds for essential lifesaving equipment for Suffolk County’s Emergency Medical Services, and why the Legislator is so keen on holding blood drives.”
Speaking of blood drives: Kennedy put a crescendo on the tag of EMS Appreciation Week with a blood drive booth set up at
the Memorial Day Week Hawkins Street Fair in Ronkonkoma on Sunday, May 25th.
Twenty-five pints of blood were donated on the day, per reports.
Another Kennedy and New York
Blood Center-sponsored blood drive took place this past Sunday, June 1st, at the Smithtown Street Fair. All donors were entered to win five tickets to Yankees vs. Mets on July 6 at Citifield.
Community Blood Drives Are Coming Up – Help Save a Neighbor!
ByDeborahWilliams
Community blood drives are so important to restock blood banks that are so vital to saving lives in our community. When summer months come, people scatter for vacations and summer fun and blood donations often drop. Consider giving blood now before you head off to the beach!
Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta’s Blood Drive in Kings Park - June 4
Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, in conjunction with St. Joseph Church in Kings Park, will host a blood drive in St. Joseph Church’s Travis Hall, 59 Church Street, Kings Park on Thursday, June 5, from 1:45 p.m. until 7:45 p.m.
Free parking is available in the lot off Old Dock Road. The drive is to benefit the blood banks maintained by Long Island
Blood Services, which provides blood to hospitals throughout Long Island.
To be eligible to donate blood, a person must be between the ages of 16 (16 with parental consent) and 76, (if older than 76, you need written permission from your doctor), weigh over 110 pounds and not have had a tattoo in the last three months. Please bring a valid photo ID with you. LI Blood Services recommends that you eat and drink plenty of fluids before donating. Previous donors should bring their blood donor card with them.
“Hospitals are always in need of blood supplies so it is important that if you can donate blood to do so because one pint of blood can help save three lives,” said Legislator Trotta. For more information you can call Trotta’s office at 631-854-3900.
Suffolk County Executive’s
Blood Drive at St. Anne’s Church - June 21
Join the Suffolk County Executive Office of Multicultural Affairs & Community Engagement for a communityfocused Blood Drive and Health Fair.
The event will feature health professionals, local
organizations, and community members coming together to promote wellness, provide health information, and support lifesaving blood donations. Attendees will have access to free health screenings, educational resources, and services that support both physical and mental well-being.
June 21, 2025, 11:00 a.m.– 4:00
p.m.
Suffolk County Executive Office Blood Drive/Health Fair at St. Anne’s Church, 88 Second Ave, Brentwood, N.Y. 11717
If neither of these dates work for you, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to participate. Call your local hospital or American Red Cross for how to donate through them.
Suffolk County Executive Warns...
Continued from page 12
Catalina said, “I'm not a fan of any criminal, but these criminals who do this scam, really have a special place in my heart. These crimes are a priority to us, and we're going to make sure that we get to the bottom of who's stealing. When we find them, we are going to throw the book at them because there is no more heinous crime than stealing from a lonely, elderly, vulnerable person.”
Commissioner Catalina reviewed two incidents that have occurred.
During the first incident, a 79-year-old North Babylon resident was contacted by phone by a man who identified himself as a bank representative. He told the victim his bank account had been compromised and convinced him to turn over his card for destruction and
reissuements.
An unknown male then went to the victim's home on April 29th to retrieve the card and a PIN number. A woman then used the card at an ATM in Garden City to withdraw $4,500 later that day.
On May 5th, a 58-year-old East Patrick woman received a text message inquiring about a bogus charge and provided a phone number of a so-called bank fraud hotline for her to dispute the charge. She called and provided her PIN number.
The operator informed her a bank rep would pick up her debit card to destroy it.
A man picked up the card from her home while a different male withdrew $650 at an ATM in Bohemia a short time later.
It is important to keep the following tips in mind in an effort for you to protect yourself and your bank account.
Don’t answer unknown calls.
· Scammers can spoof a number to make it look like a legitimate company is calling. If they start asking for money or making demands, hang up and call the company directly.
No one from a company is traveling to your home to pick up a bank card. If someone claims your bank accounts have been compromised, hang up and call the number on the back of the card.
Do not provide personal information, wire money or send gift cards.
Please share this information with friends and family to help others avoid becoming a victim!
Call South County Police Department or South County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220TIPS with any information or to report a scam.
Credit: Grok/Twitter
Credit: Legislator Leslie Kennedy's office
Community Blood Drives are Coming Up – Help Save a Neighbor!
Legislator Leslie Kennedy pictured center with EMS and Fire Safety Personnel.
ByRobertChartuk
Bellport Veteran Honored for Lifelong Commitment to Service
A Bellport resident whose life has been defined by service—from the battlefields of the U.S. Marine Corps to the front lines of public safety at home—has been inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.
Neil D. Thomas, a former Marine sergeant and longtime emergency services professional, was recognized for his exceptional military record and continued dedication to his community through fire and EMS work across Suffolk County. His induction highlights a career of courage, leadership, and a deep commitment to helping others.
Thomas served in the United States Marine Corps from 1994 to 2002, assigned to the elite 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), known as the
“USMC Raiders.” During his eight years of active duty, he held multiple leadership and combat roles, earning respect from his peers and superiors alike.
Following his military service, Thomas joined the FDNY in Brooklyn, where he served from 2002 to 2005. He has since spent over a decade as a dedicated volunteer in fire and EMS services and currently serves in several key roles: Captain of Special Operations for South Country Ambulance, Class A Firefighter with the Bellport Fire Department, and Fire Marshal for the Town of Brookhaven.
His extensive training and certifications include EMT-Basic, Hazmat Operations, and U.S. Coast Guard Boat Operator/Rescue Procedures—skills he uses daily in service to his neighbors.
The New York State Senate
Veterans Hall of Fame honors veterans who have gone above and beyond during and after their military service. Thomas’s nomination was submitted by State Senator Dean Murray of the 3rd Senate District.
“It was a true honor to name Neil Thomas as this year’s inductee,” said Senator Murray. “Neil proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps, continued his service with the FDNY, and remains dedicated to our community. His courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping others make him a true hero.”
Thomas, a 1994 Eastport High School graduate, lives in Bellport with his wife Amy and their three children, Hunter, Lochlyn, and Eastlyn.
“His induction into the Veterans Hall of Fame ensures that his legacy of service—both in uniform and in the community—will be
the state,”
Lights, Camera, Pomarico: LI Music and Entertainment HOF to Honor Local Filmmaker
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) will honor West Babylon’s Joe Pomarico on Saturday, June 21st by screening a short film block at its 97 Main Street, Stony Brook-located museum.
As part of their Monthly Local Filmmakers Series, LIMEHOF will screen comedy, drama and thriller short films all directed by Pomarico. The event is free for members and only $10 for general admission ticket purchasers, which includes Q & A access afterward. The tickets are only available at the counter on the day of the event.
The film block will feature Pomarico’s TV pilot, “Roach the Coach,” starring Ronkonkoma native comedian Chris Roach of “Kevin Can Wait” fame. The series spotlights the tale of a
veteran stand-up who brings an aspiring comedian under his wing.
"Roach the Coach's" premiere screening will be followed by screenings of short films Pomarico has already released, such as: “Soldiers Love to Come Home” (2008), “Gus” (2010), “My Butterfly” (2011), “This is Love” (2013), “Jiggle the Handle” (2022), “Hairbreadth Escape” (2023), and “Feline Abduction” (2023).
A no-budget, no-crew Doritos commercial, entitled “Crash the Superbowl Contest: Belt Something Out,” and shot in Ronkonkoma will also be on the day’s slate.
”I am deeply honored to be a part of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame’s local filmmaker series,” said Pomarico.
“Having my films shown here is not only personally meaningful,
but also a powerful way to shine a light on the incredible talent of Long Island filmmakers. It’s incredibly challenging to get the right people to recognize my films—especially as an independent filmmaker working
with limited resources and without the backing that many others have.”
Rob Eberle of Magnetic Vine and G & R Events will sponsor the series.
The Senate’s Big Test...
Continued from page 2
Even though the bill enjoys broad support among grassroots conservatives, business leaders, and everyday Americans who are tired of inflation, overregulation, and government overreach, a small but vocal group of GOP senators may stand in the way. That’s why we need real leadership, real courage, and a real push from the top to get this over the finish line.
And that’s exactly what we’re seeing from President Donald J. Trump.
In his second term, President Trump has demonstrated an unshakable commitment to getting results—even when the path is steep and the obstacles are many. Whether it’s through executive orders, fighting in the courts, or tough negotiations with Congress, this president is fighting tooth and nail to deliver on the promises he made to the American people. He knows what’s at stake.
While his critics continue to obsess over style, President Trump remains focused on
substance. He understands that the American people didn’t reelect him to play politics— they reelected him to fix what’s broken. And he’s doing exactly that. His team in the White House is working around the clock, not only to push this bill forward but to build bridges— even with unlikely partners.
Take, for example, Senator Chuck Schumer of New York.
Now, nobody would mistake Schumer for a conservative.
But the Trump administration has shown a remarkable willingness to reach across the aisle and find common ground when it benefits the American people. If that means working with Schumer on SALT relief or infrastructure projects that benefit New York, so be it.
This is the kind of pragmatic leadership our country needs.
Of course, it’s going to take time. There will be amendments, debates, and probably more than a few procedural delays. That’s the nature of the beast. But every day that passes without action is another day that families in New York and across the country continue to struggle
For more information on how to nominate other local film directors and movies to consider in the future, contact LIMEHOF directly at info@ limusichalloffame.org.
under the weight of high taxes, crumbling roads, and federal bureaucracy.
The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking. If the Senate can muster the discipline and courage to do what’s right—not just politically convenient—we could be on the verge of one of the most significant legislative victories of the Trump presidency.
The “Big Beautiful Bill” is more than a slogan—it’s a serious piece of legislation with the power to revitalize our economy, restore fairness to the tax code, and deliver real relief to the American people. But it won’t happen without a fight.
Now is the time for conservatives to stand up, speak out, and remind their senators who sent them to Washington in the first place. The people want action. The people want results. And most importantly, the people want a government that works for them, not against them.
Let’s finish the job. Let’s pass the Big Beautiful Bill.
remembered and celebrated across
Senator Murray noted.
Credit: Office of Senator Murray
Veterans Hall of Fame Honoree Neil D. Thomas and family with Senator Dean Murray.
Credit: LIMEHOF
Pomarico (bottom left) will also hosted a Q & A on June 21st after his films are screened.
Hochul Uses Taxpayer Dollars to Subsidize Building Vehicles New Yorkers Won't Be Able to Buy
ByDeborahWilliams
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she directed the use of just under $17 million in taxpayer funds to subsidize new machinery and equipment at a General Motors facility in Western New York that builds V8 engines that, ironically, New Yorkers soon won’t be allowed to buy themselves.
The Tonawanda, New York, plant will produce a nextgeneration small-block V-8 engine for use in GM’s line of fullsize trucks and SUVs.
The project is part of an $888 million investment in the plant by GM.
The rub for taxpayers is that Hochul’s Green New Deal requires all new passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs sold in New York State to be zero emissions by 2035.
The requirement for electric vehicles begins to phase in in 2026, starting with 35% of sales required to be electric, 68% of sales by 2030, and 100% of sales by 2035.
Many Democratic state
legislators and many other leftleaning elected officials across New York heaped praise on GM's $888 million investment, even as they also voted for the very same mandates to only use electricpowered appliances in their homes and EV vehicles.
New York State Conservative Party Chairman, Jerry Kassar, says, “Governor Hochul has attracted many descriptions to encapsulate her time as Governor. She can add the 'inconsistent Governor' to the list. It’s no wonder the majority of New Yorkers believe it's time for a new state leader.”
The South Shore Press did ask Governor Hochul’s office how she squares giving state tax dollars to an auto plant in Buffalo to build V-8 engines when her policy won’t allow gas-powered passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs to be sold in New York starting in 2035.
New Yorkers won’t be able to purchase any of the vehicles they are subsidizing by 2035.
The Governor's Office declined to address the policy inconsistency and instead offered The South Shore Press a response restating
support for the GM facility.
Empire State Development will provide up to $16.96 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits in return for investment commitments to move the project forward.
The governor’s statement at the time of her original announcement said, “The project will support 870 jobs at Tonawanda Propulsion, including 177 jobs that were deemed at risk.”
Hochul’s office said, "Governor Hochul is proud to support American companies like General Motors that create goodpaying union jobs in Western New York. This massive $888 million investment was only possible because of Governor Hochul's economic development strategy, which is attracting jobs, investment and opportunity to upstate New York. For questions about GM's sales and manufacturing strategy, we'd refer you to GM."
Can't We All Just...
Continued from page 2
The hate and vitriol from folks who I thought were friends intensified when I joined my dear friend Michael Caputo in 2016 as part of the Communications Team for the 2016 Republican National Convention.
My only “loss” was no longer being friends with many who suffered from Trump Derangement Syndrome and who view relationships as transactionally dependent upon political beliefs. Their psychosis is based on the belief that “I only like you if you think, act, talk, and think like me.” I simply lost friends. President Trump almost lost his life twice when two lunatics who suffer from TDS attempted to assassinate him.
Thankfully, I do have some close friends who are rational, loving people whom I have remained close to despite their intense political opposition to President Trump, his policies, and beliefs.
They’re not Rosie O’Donnell types who pack up and leave America to live in Ireland just because a person they disagree with politically is serving as president.
Take the singer Dave Matthews, for example. I’m a huge fan. Been going to his concerts since 1996.
My wife, Ashley, and yours truly pick a different city each summer and travel to see a Dave Matthews Band (DMB) show. This year was the Blossom Music Center outside of Cleveland, Ohio.
Matthews is considered to be a hard-core liberal, a proPalestinian sympathizer who is highly critical of Israel and the Trump administration's close relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Matthews performed a new song at that Cleveland show titled “Peace on Earth,” which many see as a pro-Palestinian diatribe that refers to Israel in the lyrics “I know you want peace on earth, but we got to kill the monster (Israel) first.”
After hearing the proPalestinian diatribe, Matthew Traub, a pro-Israel Canadian
with almost 18,000 followers on Instagram, blasted Matthews, stating that he “didn't write a peace song — he wrote a Hamas anthem.” The Jewish community advocate even produced a video on Instagram criticizing Matthews’s song.
“What you (Matthews) really delivered was a soft, self-righteous lullaby for terrorists. Not a single word about the 1,200 Jews slaughtered on October 7th. Not a mention of the children burned alive. Not a syllable for the 59 hostages still trapped beneath Gaza. The monsters already came. They filmed themselves committing genocide. They raped women next to their murdered friends and they dragged babies through fuc$*ng hell, and you picked up a guitar and gave the killers a ballad. This wasn't peace. This was propaganda,” said Traub. I completely agree with Traub’s political sentiments 100%. Here’s what I’m not going to do: engage in irrational behavior like those suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome. I can separate my political beliefs and love for people and musicians who are on the opposite side of the political spectrum from me. Sure, I disagree with Matthews on many things, "political."
But that doesn’t stop my love and passion for his music (don’t judge me) because I firmly believe he and his band are one of the best in the world, and deserve their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
I’m not a nut who will join Rosie O’Donnell and flee the country if a Democrat wins the race for the White House in 2028. I’m not going to stop listening to my favorite musician just because their political beliefs are different from mine. Next year, you better believe Ashley and I will mark a date on the calendar for a city we’ve never been to so that we can pay good money to see another Dave Matthews Band show.
You see, we’re not insane.
Imagine the peace on earth we’d experience if those suffering from TDS did the same?
Credit: General Motors
Hochul Uses Taxpayer Dollars to Subsidize Building Vehicles New Yorkers Won’t Be Able to Buy
ByDeborahWilliams
DOGE Report: Musk's Time Without Comparison in Modern History
President Donald Trump held a lengthy press conference in the Oval Office to thank Elon Musk for his time serving as head of the Department of Government efficiency (DOGE).
“Elon's service to America has been without comparison in modern history,” said Trump in the Oval Office.
Trump said, “With DOGE, Elon has delivered a colossal change in the old ways of doing business in Washington. He has installed geniuses with an engineering mindset and unbelievably talented people and computers.”
Critics like to point to Musk as a “Nazi” or perceived failures because the trillion dollar savings didn’t happen in the first 100 days. The truth is that DOGE has changed the mindset of the government, at least part of it, and now the American people have eyes wide open with regard to waste, fraud, and abuse of
By Attorney JosephT. Burns
The 2028 New York Senate race could deliver the kind of political spectacle that rarely makes its way to one of America’s bluest states: a bare-knuckled brawl between the leader of the Senate Democrats and the progressive insurgent who is a hero to the party’s activist base.
That’s the match many progressives are hoping for, with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez potentially setting her sights on Chuck Schumer’s Senate seat. A recent poll from the left-wing firm Data for Progress shows the 35-year-old congresswoman leading Schumer among likely Democratic voters.
While the source of the poll might invite some skepticism— Data for Progress has made a name for itself pushing the Democratic Party leftward, often at the expense of Democratic incumbents—the numbers will only amplify the pressure on AOC to challenge New York’s senior senator.
Should she run, it wouldn’t be the first time Ocasio-Cortez unseated a powerful Democratic insider. In 2018, she toppled Joe Crowley, then chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a fixture in New York Democratic politics, in a primary that served as the progressive movement’s declaration of war against the party elite.
their tax dollars. In addition to billions in savings vast changes have been made, and are being made to inefficient and fraudulent processes.
Musk said, “This is not the end of DOGE, but really the beginning. My time as a special government employee necessarily had to end. It was a limited time thing. But, the DOGE team will only grow stronger over time. The DOGE influence will only go stronger. It's a new way of life. They're going to continue doing an incredible job, and I'll continue to be visiting here and be a friend and advisor to the president.
“I expect to continue to provide advice whenever the President would like. I expect to remain a friend and an advisor, and certainly if there's anything the President wants me to do, I'm at the President's office,” Musk said.
“I'm confident that over time we'll see a trillion dollars of savings and a trillion dollars of
wasted board reduction. The accomplishments of the DOGE team thus far, in terms of FY25 and FY26, are over $160 billion, and that's climbing,” said Musk. “We expect that to probably go over $200 billion soon.”
“The mindset and the senior ranks of every federal department, has really changed. And with Elon's guidance, they're helping to detect fraud slash waste and modernized broken and outdated systems,” said Trump. “Elon's really not leaving, he's going to be back and forth, I think, I have a feeling. It's his baby, and I think he's going to be doing a lot of things.
The Progressive vs. The Pragmatist
Since then, AOC has cultivated a national following that combines social media savvy with an uncompromising, left-wing ideology. And with Schumer increasingly viewed by the progressive base as a creature of Washington’s permanent class, the ingredients for a showdown are all there.
The Working Families Party— New York’s influential left-wing fusion party—is almost certain to back AOC should she make a run for the Senate seat. Thanks to New York’s unique electoral fusion laws, the WFP’s endorsement offers more than just symbolic support: It delivers activists, ground troops, and a second ballot line.
Since it was established as a party in 1998, the WFP has served as a vehicle for progressives frustrated by Democratic moderation; in AOC, they would find a candidate capable of channeling dissatisfaction with the Democratic establishment into a full-scale rebellion.
But for all the online, progressive energy that surrounds AOC, New York Democrats have not consistently embraced progressive insurgents. Andrew Cuomo, in 2014 and again in 2018, easily fended off two far left primary challengers as governor.
And while New York City Democrats twice backed ultraprogressive Bill de Blasio for mayor, in 2021, Eric Adams won the Democratic primary for mayor by explicitly running against the party’s progressive base.
Interestingly, the current front-
runner in the 2025 Democratic mayoral primary is none other than Cuomo himself.
Since he resigned as governor in 2021, Cuomo has been a fierce critic of the Democratic Party’s progressive wing. While the primary remains weeks away, New York Democratic voters appear to be charting a course away from ideological purity and toward pragmatic governance.
Still, Schumer would be a fool to take a challenge from AOC lightly. Given his long history in New York State politics, it’s unlikely that he will. Schumer was first elected to the State Assembly at 23.
After serving in Albany and then as a Member of Congress from Brooklyn, Schumer ran for the Senate in 1998. Before getting to the general election, Schumer had to face two New York Democratic giants in the primary: New York City Public Advocate Mark Green and 1984 Democratic
"DOGE has helped to transform the Federal government by eliminating waste and bloat that has been ignored for years. DOGE is playing a key role in eliminating millions of taxpayer money being misspent, including contracts for illegal alien facilities that sat empty during the Biden Border invasion and funding for hotel rooms to house illegal gang members. DOGE’s mission to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse continues!" said White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson.
Musk’s role fell under a special category of federal worker called Special Government Employee (SGE). SGE status was created in 1962 to allow the federal government and independent federal agencies to bring in people with special skills for specific short-term roles. SGEs may work no more than 130 days in a 365day period although they can continue to work over several years.
general election. Under New York’s fusion system, a defeated candidate could remain on the ballot under a third-party line, dividing the Democratic vote and giving the GOP a shot to win a Senate seat in New York.
That’s no idle concern: New York Republicans have shown unexpected strength in recent years, turning formerly competitive regions like Long Island red. In 2024, Donald Trump made historic gains across New York City’s five boroughs, and the GOP has its largest caucus in the city council in decades. Even the Democrats’ enormous statewide voter registration advantage has narrowed in recent years.
After beating Green and Ferarro, Schumer faced off against Republican incumbent Alfonse D’Amato in the general election. While Schumer beat D’Amato by a comfortable margin, the general election contest was hard fought.
Schumer hasn’t faced a serious primary or general election since that race in 1998, but that doesn’t mean his political operation has gotten rusty. During his tenure in the Senate, Schumer served as the leader of his party’s campaign committee, and any New York politico will tell you that he keeps his finger on the pulse of Empire State politics.
Should he face AOC in a primary, the political skills he has developed over 50 years in politics will certainly come in handy.
The broader risk for Democrats is that a bruising primary could fracture the party heading into a
A Schumer-AOC battle would be more than a contest between generations or personalities. It would be a referendum on the future of the Democratic Party: a choice between pragmatic centrism and ideological purity, between a party that governs and a movement that agitates.
For conservatives, the prospect of that clash will be welcomed. At the very least, it promises to expose the deep fissures within the Democrats’ coalition. At best, it could open the door for the GOP to be competitive in a race long thought to be unwinnable. Either way, a Schumer-AOC fight will be one Republicans will enjoy watching.
Joseph T. Burns is an attorney with the law firm Holtzman Vogel and a highly respected New York election lawyer and political strategist.
Credit: Grok/Twitter
Elon Musk and President Donald Trump held a press conference marking the end of Musk's term as head of DOGE.
Vice President nominee Geraldine Ferraro.
Credit: Chat GPT
Photo Illustration
HISTORY LESSONS
BY RICHARD ACRITELLI
“So, every time I come back to these beaches or any day when I think about that day 20 years ago now, I say once more that we must find some way to work to peace,— and really to gain an eternal peace for this world.” - President and General Dwight D. Eisenhower, June 6th, 1964
On the 20th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy, Supreme Commander of Allied Expeditionary Forces (SHAEF) and later President Dwight D. Eisenhower spoke to Walter Cronkite at these French beaches. This noted journalist, television commentator, and a trusted reporter, earlier covered many of the combat stories in Europe during the war. While this assault was successful, Eisenhower had many pressures before he was able to order this massive undertaking against Hitler’s “Atlantic Wall.”
Several months before D-Day, during the 1943 Tehran Conference, Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin refused to believe that the United States and England were serious about opening a second front. Stalin argued that the fighting in North Africa, Sicily, and on the Italian mainland were mere “side shows,” and that his forces were fighting the bulk of the German military on the Eastern Front. He told President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill that he did not trust their motives to push forward a larger invasion, when they did not yet pick a military leader to command this operation.
Traveling home from the Tehran Conference that ended on December 1st, 1943, Roosevelt struggled with making this leadership choice. It was expected that Army Chief of Staff General George C. Marshall would leave his post in Washington, D.C., to be the senior leader of Normandy. Roosevelt agonized over losing the trusted Marshall, whom he widely counted on to be near him in America. But the president informed Marshall that he would accept any position without argument that was directed at him. In Cairo, Roosevelt instructed Marshall, “The immediate appointment of General Eisenhower to command of Operation Overlord has been decided upon.” Marshall still carried
out the immense task of running both wars in Europe and the Pacific.
With his planners and soldiers from several different countries being collected and trained in England, Eisenhower formulated the Normandy plan. To deceive the enemy, “Operation Fortitude North and South,” continually suggested that this attack would be mounted against Calais or in Norway. There was a series of communications, “dummy/fake” weapons sites, false radio and news information that tricked the Germans from reinforcing Normandy. Although General George S. Patton lost his 7th Army from the “Slapping Incident” during the Sicilian campaign. He also irritated Eisenhower through his perceived anti-Soviet speech that was widely
The Plans, Challenges, and Actions of General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s D-Day Assault on Normandy
lines. With 58 German divisions in the west, Eisenhower wanted to prevent Rommel from helping his armies at the beaches. It was essential to neutralize the German Panzers at Calais from being directly ordered to overwhelm the Allies as they were in the early and risky moments of D-Day. As bombers targeted the productivity of the Ruhr Valley, the Allies bombed numerous German targets to weaken Rommel’s forces in Western France.
Eisenhower planned to assault these German fortifications by utilizing 160,000 Allied soldiers by landing at the five beaches of Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha, and Utah. In 1942, Hitler utilized German firms, slave labor, and military forces to pour cement to create major
the course of the war.
Whereas the Allies counted on immense military power, the earliest attempts to assault France resulted in an embarrassing disaster. During the August 1942, “Dieppe Raid,” mostly 6,000 Canadian forces, with British soldiers and 50 American Rangers tested the German resolve to defend parts of France. About 10 months after Pearl Harbor, Americans witnessed the strength of the Wehrmacht through the disaster of “Operation Jubilee,” which occurred near the French resort town of Dieppe. Although these forces made it ashore, their gains quickly dissolved, as a full retreat was difficult to sustain from this mission. Two years later, Eisenhower had to guard against another failed “Dieppe Raid,” that inflicted heavy Canadian losses with 3,350 casualties with 1,950 prisoners taken by the enemy.
expected large amount of air and sea casaulties, but Eisenhower reasoned that every part of his team would have to accept some losses to ensure success. There is the historic picture of Eisenhower smoking cigarettes and asking the airborne what college football teams they followed and where they lived in America. These young paratroopers informed Eisenhower not to worry, as they would defeat Hitler’s forces from the air and on the ground.
reported in the English town of Knutsford. Eisenhower retained his old, but controversial friend to later run the Third Armies armor pursuit against the enemy across open French territory. Eisenhower reasoned that the Germans were not yet beaten, and that Patton’s armor brilliance was needed to fight the enemy as they later pushed eastward in France.
Eisenhower’s plans focused on the importance of gaining air superiority and destroying any resources that could be utilized by the enemy to support Normandy. From the air, the Allies had to destroy the German transportation, communication, and reinforcement
Girl Scouts Step into...
Continued from page 10
Prudenti said he hopes educational visits like the Girl Scouts continue to grow in popularity. “This place is not just about the past,” he said. “It’s about inspiring the next generation to understand where they come from—and maybe even imagine where they can go.”
The Manor and its museum
is open to the public from May through October, Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Wednesdays available for pre-arranged group tours—a perfect opportunity for schools and civic groups to engage with Long Island’s
For more information or to schedule a group tour, contact the administration office at 631281-5034.
fortifications that faced the British Channel and the Atlantic Ocean. Eisenhower guarded against recent military history to repeat itself at Normandy. Whereas the Allies pushed forward at North Africa and Sicily, Salerno and Anzio proved that the Germans would mount a serious tenacity against any landings. His armies had to be well, equipped, led, and widely supported on, over, and off the beaches. Eisenhower understood that Normandy was a gamble and if it failed, this would tragically alter
Earlier in his life, Eisenhower was a talented athlete and a respected football coach. He saw himself as leading a team with many different players, roles, and strategies from this complex plan to open this second major front. A key factor that was widely utilized was the ability of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions to land closely behind the Normandy lines to disrupt, overcome, and confuse enemy movements toward the beaches. He continually agonized over the
Determined to finally order the start of D-Day, on June 4th, Eisenhower had to contend with difficult weather conditions off the coast of Normandy. He was already delayed one night, but the order had to be given to ensure that the massive force had enough time to assemble and move across the channel. Making this momentous decision, Eisenhower reasoned to his senior staff members, “How long can you hang this operation on the end of a limb and let it hang there?” Informed of an expected break in the weather, Eisenhower stated, “I am quite positive that the order must be given.” Armed with a wellconceived operation and motivated Armed Forces from many nations, and especially the airborne that he just encountered, Eisenhower was confident in the “crusade” that he ordered to start the final process of destroying Hitler’s Third Reich in Western Europe.
D-day beach map. Map of the D-Day invasion at the Omaha beach in Normandy, France.
Eisenhower Stamp. ISLE OF MAN - CIRCA 1994: A stamp printed by GREAT BRITAIN shows image portrait of General Dwight David (Ike) Eisenhower - Supreme Allied Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, circa 1994
Taxes, Taxes, Taxes
BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ.
There is no tax imposed by New York or the federal government on the person inheriting assets. However, estate taxes will apply to estates that exceed a certain value. In 2025, an estate in New York becomes taxable at $7.16 million. On the federal level, an estate becomes taxable at $13.99 million. Estate taxes are paid by the estate before beneficiaries receive their share.
Somewhat related is the concept of a gift tax. When a gift is made during life, the IRS requires the filing of a gift tax return if the gift exceeds the annual exclusion amount of $19,000 per recipient for 2025. The filing of a gift tax return may not trigger any tax due but is set as a placeholder against the federal lifetime exemption of $13.99 million. New York State does not impose a gift tax. As long as the giver lives out three years
from the date the gift is given, the value will be removed from their taxable estate. If they do not survive the three years, the value of the gift will be added back into the estate when determining the amount of estate taxes owed.
Regardless of the value of one’s estate, another type of tax to be aware of is capital gains tax upon sale. This applies to assets that are owned and used for personal or investment purposes including stocks, bonds, real estate, or cryptocurrency. If these assets grow in value over the course of ownership, a tax on the growth will be paid upon sale of the asset. Capital gains taxes arise on both the federal and state level. The tax is on the profits made when the property is sold based on the increase in fair market value from the date of purchase or inheritance, otherwise known as the cost basis. Inheritance of a property creates a reset of the cost basis. Upon the death of the owner of the property, the basis will be the date of death value rather than the original acquisition amount. For example, a stock is purchased at $20 and increases in value to $50. If sold during the lifetime of the owner,
there would be a capital gains tax owed on the $30 gain in value of that stock. In contrast, if the original purchaser held onto the stock for their life, and it gets sold after their death, the basis would be the $50 date of death value and, if sold immediately,
family
since 1976
$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:
could result in little or no tax. The lesson here is to be careful with lifetime gifting as this will eliminate the availability of the step up in cost basis at death.
Minimizing or eliminating taxes on an estate during life and at death is complicated. There are several taxes to consider, and a prudent person should be sure to get the proper advice to make certain that the elimination of one tax does not increase taxes in another area.
Britt Burner, Esq. is a 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.
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
LEGAL NOTICE FOR LLC:
Notice of formation of Mourgo LLC, Articles of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/29/2007. Office location: County of Suffolk. SSNY designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 183 Montauk Highway, Moriches, NY 11955. Purpose: Any lawful act.
Notice of Formation of OPAL BEAUTY, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on APRIL 30, 2025. Office located in Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated for the process of service. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to CASSANDRA MASTROGIACOMO, 35 ELDER DRIVE, COMMACK, NY 11725, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
NEWREZ LLC
D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, -against-
LATASHA A. ALLAMBY, 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 12, 2025, wherein NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT
MORTGAGE SERVICING is the Plaintiff and LATASHA A. ALLAMBY, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BROOKHAVEN TOWN HALL, 1 INDEPENDENCE
HILL, FARMINGVILLE, NY 11738, on June 17, 2025 at 10:30AM, premises known as 32 RIVER ROAD, SHIRLEY, NY 11967; and the following tax map identification: 0200-849.0001.00-002.000.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 628317/2023. Annette Eaderesto, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.
HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2006-A, MORTGAGEBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-A, Plaintiff, AGAINST EUMILITA JOHN, et al. Defendant(s)
Pursuant to an amended judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on March 31, 2025.
I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on June 11, 2025 at 10:30 AM premises known as 26 Curtis Avenue, Bellport, NY 11713.
Please take notice that this
foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Suffolk County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing.
All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. District 0200 Section 899.00, Block 04.00 and Lot 037.000.
Approximate amount of judgment $787,732.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #607897/2018.
Annette Eaderesto, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, vs. RONALD VOEGELE A/K/A RONALD E. VOEGELE, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 11, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on June 12, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., premises known as 121 Hagerman Avenue, East Patchogue, NY 11772. 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 979.70, Block 05.00 and Lot 004.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $350,497.03 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index
#615544/2022. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www. Auction.com [auction.com] or call (800) 280-2832.
Brian Egan, Esq., Referee
Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff
U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for RCAF Acquisition Trust, Plaintiff AGAINST Anthony Napoli, Rose Napoli a/k/a Rose M. Napoli a/k/a Rose Marie Martino a/k/a Martino Rose, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 12, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on June 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM, premises known as 323 Barton Avenue, Patchogue, NY 11772. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, Section: 925.00, Block: 03.00, Lot: 040.000, District 0200. Approximate amount of judgment $520,594.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605895/2023. Jeffrey S. Lanzet, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-090676-F00 85450
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff AGAINST PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF SUFFOLK COUNTY, AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF LISA WINTERS, AMBER ELEANOR CABOT AKA
AMBER CABOT AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF LISA WINTERS IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR A GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 12, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on June 18, 2025 at 9:30 AM, premises known as 77 Spar Drive, Mastic Beach, NY 11951. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0209 Section 013.00 Block 03.00 Lot 025.000. Approximate amount of judgment $395,356.56 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #607939/2023. Donna England, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-001996 85476
Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB not individually, but solely as trustee for Residential Mortgage Aggregation Trust, Plaintiff AGAINST Patricia A. Musto, Dennis J. Musto, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 27, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on June 18, 2025 at 12:30 PM, premises known as 198 Concord Road, Shirley, NY 11967. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and
State of New York, District 0200 Section 968.00 Block 02.00 and Lot 024.000. Approximate amount of judgment $267,618.31 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #607953/2023. Only Bank or Certified check payable to the Referee will be accepted for the downpayment. No thirdparty check or cash will be accepted. Michael T. Clancy, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22000087 85517
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
LONGBRIDGE FINANCIAL, LLC Plaintiff, vs.
ELIZABETH ESPOSITO A/K/A LIZ ESPOSITO, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROSEMARIE EATZ A/K/A ROSEMARIE KATZ; LUCILLE DILORENZO, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROSEMARIE EATZ A/K/A ROSEMARIE KATZ; KAREN ANN DILORENZO, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROSEMARIE EATZ A/K/A ROSEMARIE KATZ; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF ROSEMARIE EATZ A/K/A ROSEMARIE KATZ, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property
LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL
described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE WATERWAYS AT BAY POINTE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
"JOHN DOE #1" through "JOHN DOE #12," the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.
To the above named Defendants
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure
to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.
NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT
THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $625,500.00 and interest, recorded on February 20, 2009, in Liber M00021789 at Page 475, of the Public Records of SUFFOLK County, New York., covering premises known as 566 MIRROR POND COURT, MORICHES, NY 11955.
The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.
SUFFOLK County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.
Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.
YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
Dated: February 23, 2025
ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID,
CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC
Attorney for Plaintiff Orit Avraham, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675
U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR LEGACY MORTGAGE
ASSET TRUST 2021GS4, Plaintiff -againstMICHAEL FARRAR, et al
Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 31, 2025 and entered on April 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY on June 25, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the westerly side of Borch Hollow Drive, distant 325.00 feet northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the westerly side of Birch Hollow Drive with the northerly side of Strailer Drive; being a plot 217.80 feet by 100.00 feet by 217.80 feet by 100.00 feet.
District: 0200 Section: 587.00
Block: 02.00 Lot: 008.000 Said premises known as 561
BIRCH HOLLOW DRIVE, SHIRLEY, NY 11967
Approximate amount of lien $291,248.15 plus interest & costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 613638/2023.
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, CITIBANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF THE NEW RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2019-5, Plaintiff, vs. RODNEY A. MCCABE, ET AL., Defendant (s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 4, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Town of Brookhaven, Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on June 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM, premises known as 15 FORRESTALL DRIVE, MASTIC, NY 11950. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District: 0200, Section: 671.00, Block: 02.00, Lot: 011.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $225,181.85 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 602932/2023.
If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee's attorney, or the Referee.
For Sale information, please visit Auction.com at www. Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
JOHN DOYLE, Esq., Referee
Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR OPTION ONE MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007-CP1, 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
unit contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by StorQuest Self Storage 2021 Lakeland Avenue , Ronkonkoma NY 11779 (631) 954-2026 to satisfy a lien on 06/11/2025 at approx. 12PM at www. storagetreasures.com: Chloe Castellano -1131, Denzell Gardner2053,Elizabeth Mcnulty -2171, Frank Rose -3183
L16274-06/04/2025
Suffolk County proposes to replace the Smith Point Bridge (William Floyd Parkway, County Route 46), a movable bascule bridge, with a fixed bridge. This bridge crosses Narrow Bay at mile 6.1 in the Hamlet of Shirley and Village of Mastic Beach in the town of Brookhaven NY. Mariners are requested to comment on navigational access, safety, and environmental matters. For detailed information
about the project and where to forward comments please visit the U.S. Coast Guard’s Navigation Center website at SMB-D1Boston-BridgesPublicNotices@uscg.mil. Please refer to Public NoticeD1-214a. Comments will be accepted through June 23, 2025.
L16275 - 06/04/2025 & 06/11/2025
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THE BETTOR ANGLE TM
BY TOM BARTON
When you see a -800 favorite in any sport you just assume that it's one of the best teams in the league against one of the worst, and even then, it still is shocking to see such disparity. But when you see a favorite of that level in a championship series it's even more alarming, and that is the case for this year's NBA Finals.
This series is shaping up to be one of the biggest favorites in the history of the NBA and every time it has been that was, the favorite has won the series.
Since 1968 the biggest Finals spreads have all been won by the big favorite starting in 2001 by the Lakers who were -2000 to win the title over the Sixers. In
2018 the Warriors were -1075 over the Cavs. The 1996 Bulls were -950 against the Sonics, the Spurs were close at -900 against the Knicks in 1999, while we have now had two -800 favorites in the Lakers in 2000 over the Pacers and this year's OKC team over the Pacers.
In fact, there have been just 16 times in NBA history where we have had underdogs bringing back a price tag of +250 or more and just once has a team won the series. That was the 2004 Pistons over the Lakers at +500. This year's Pacers have those same +500 odds.
Many are speculating that this upset would be one of the
The Finals Favorite Will Cost You
biggest in NBA history, right up there with Dirk and the Mavs taking down the Super team led by LeBron. There is also the sentiment that the Thunder are in fact undervalued. This is the #1 seed, they have one of the best players in the NBA on their team, play outstanding defense, and are one of the youngest teams in the league. While an upset is always possible this OKC team might be one where we look back in 5 or 10 years and wonder why they were so cheap to win the series. If history tells us anything it's that the favorite should not only win the series but do so in impressive and easy fashion.
Fantasy Baseball - A New Closer In Wrigley
ByTomBarton
The Cubs have a new closer, but will it last? That seems to be the question on everyone down at Wrigleyville's lips and for good reason.
The Cubs have seemingly had closer issues for years and all off season Cubbie fans were waiting to hear what the front office would do to address the problem. In fact, over the past 10 years, eight pitchers have led the team in saves. The band aid's that were attached to the position this off season were hardly settling for Chicago fans, and the fantasy community seemed to also not buy into their stop gap options.
Porter Hodge was a name that a few insiders believed in, but
he was a tentative arm at best, and the prevailing thought was the Chicago would bring in an arm to close games out. Maybe Kenley Jansen, maybe it would be a a big deal for Mason Miller, but not many believed they would find an in-house option.
The Cubs, and fantasy owners alike, are suddenly very excited about their new back-end arm, and I am buying in. Daniel Palencia is a name you want to grab immediately in all formats, and he might be their long-term solution for the 9th inning. Palencia took over the team lead by converting his fifth straight save opportunity this weekend.
Palencia has a closers makeup. This Saturday he had six pitches
that were thrown for triple digits and while he can get a little wild at times that velocity is what a team wants in the 9th to shut down offenses. He joined the Cubs in 2021 in the Andrew Chafin trade with Oakland and
was thought of as a weapon, if he could ever gain some control. His control has been there, and he has now only allowed runs in one of his 16 appearances on the season.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell has said he will mix and match in the 9th inning but if Palencia can keep finding the strike zone, they have no reason to remove him. Get on this closer now before your league mates realize what's happening in Wrigley.
Smithtown Students Experience the Subway Series
ByTomBarton
The New York Yankees vs. New York Mets series are dubbed the "Subway Series" because you can hop on the train and take it to the next stadium. That experience is unique to New York and the phrase began back when the Yankees would play the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants.
The tradition of hopping on the subway line and visiting both parks in a day is something very few people have ever done, so when a group of students were able to experience the game this way it was all the more special.
Students in Mr. Rosa, Mr. Hennings and Mr. Costello's college sports management programs from both Smithtown High School East and West recently took part in this unforgettable "Subway Series Experience.”
The trip started in Queens
with an in-depth and behindthe-scenes tour of Citi Field then students followed the path of the #7 and #4 subway lines up to the Bronx where they participated in a networking and Q&A session with top Yankees Executives in the DigaCore Conference Center. After the panel, students were treated to field-level seats at that evening against the Texas Rangers. They also received
concession vouchers, future NYY game ticket vouchers, and several of the students even found themselves up on the video scoreboard between innings.
The teachers said this was an incredible and unforgettable experience offered to the students registered in the Smithtown School of Business college sports management courses.
Credit: Smithtown CSD Smithtown East and West Business Students
Wrigley Field
Credit:
ByTomBarton
Lake Recognized for True Excellence
Miller Place's Brendan Lake was recently nominated for the Rohan Murphy Inspirational Wrestler of the Year Award.
Lake, a senior, received the recognition at the 52nd Annual All-County Dinner. Miller Place's social media site said, "Brendan Lake exemplifies everything this award stands for: resilience, heart, and the unwavering belief that hard work can overcome any barrier. His story has been an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of witnessing it."
The award goes above and
beyond sports as Rohan Murphy was an American Paralympian, wrestler and now is a motivational speaker.
During his early years, Murphy was unable and unwilling to participate in sports due to his physical disability. He lost his legs at birth, however, when he was in the eighth grade, East Islip coach Ron Croteau offered Murphy a position as equipment manager for the soccer, wrestling and tennis teams. After noticing both Murphy’s dedication as manager Croteau suggested that Murphy begin wrestling. Murphy ended up becoming one of the most
decorated wrestlers in East Islip Redmen history by finishing his career as a three-time AllLeague and two-time All-County wrestler.
Murphy walked on to wrestle at Penn State University where he earned three varsity letters while at Penn State. Murphy grabbed the attention of Nike and was subsequently featured in Nike’s “No Excuses” campaign.
The award is now given to a wrestler that has shown perseverance and overcome adversity throughout their wrestling career.
The Breeder's Cup Is Coming Back to Long Island
ByTomBarton
The Breeders' Cup World Championships are coming to Long Island. Governor Kathy Hochul announced that Belmont Park has been selected to host the 2027 Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
The Breeders' Cup is called thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious international festival and now will be hosted in Nassau County. New York State and the New York Racing Association,
Inc., are currently redeveloping Belmont Park, with a $455 million capital construction project set to result in a world-class racing and entertainment destination on Long Island. The historic venue has been at the forefront of racing and a symbol of horse racing on the Island for generations and now they will continue that tradition.
“The redevelopment of Belmont Park is bringing thousands of jobs and generating $1 billion of economic activity on Long Island,”
Second Title for Girard
ByTomBarton
Ward Melville golfer Ella Girard has won her second Suffolk County Championship.
The Ward Melville Girls Golf Team also finished in second place at the county championships. Girard led the way and now she will head to the State Championships.
This is Girard's second title, but it seems like a long time coming for the golf star. She won the championship as an eigth grader three years ago and is now back on top. Over the course of the 36 hole and two-day marathon tournament she shot 14-over-par to beat the field by a full five strokes.
She was tied on day two but pulled away with bogey after bogey
Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to the investments we are making at Belmont Park, the long held dream of bringing the prestigious Breeders’ Cup back to New York will soon be a reality.”
The new Belmont Park is expected to be completed in September of 2026. Following the return of thoroughbred racing to Belmont in 2026, additional racing and non-racing activities at the new facility will generate $155 million in annual economic output and produce $10 million in new state and local tax revenue per year.
Included in the new project is a 300,000-square foot, five-story building featuring the modern amenities and hospitality offerings sports fans have come to expect. In addition, the new facility will have a larger infield to provide fans and the community with more green space than ever before.
Belmont Park has not hosted the Breeders' Cup in more than 20 years. 2027 will be the fifth time the venue has hosted the event after hosting in 1990, 1995, 2001 and 2005. The Breeders’ Cup at Belmont Park will be held Oct. 29-30, 2027.
Bellport Races to a Title
ByTomBarton
Bellport High School’s sprint medley relay team won first place this week at the Glenn D. Loucks Games.
The team, comprised of Desmond Escobar, Raymond Kreamer, Vincent Pitre Jr. and John Uyi, ran the race in 3:31.94, making them the second fastest sprint medley relay team in New
York State. The excellent final time also puts the team as the eighth fastest time in Glenn D. Loucks Games history.
The time beat second place Suffern who came in with a time of 3:32.81. No other Long Island team finished inside the top 19 finishes.
The win also secured them a spot at nationals.
to take the commanding lead and then went on to hit par on six
straight holes to secure the victory.
Ward Melville Golf Team
Credit: Three Village Athletics | Facebook
Credit: South Country Central School District | Facebook Bellport Relay Team
Brendan Lake
Credit: Miller Place School District | Facebook
Belmont Park's New Design
Credit: @GovKathyHochul
SPORTS Two Juniors Get Call from the Hall
ByTomBarton
This week the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame (SSHOF) and Team Up 4 Community (TU4C) proudly honored Kate Gironda and Rowan Golub for their extraordinary commitment to community service.
Both Golub and Gironda are juniors at Ward Melville High School. The recognition took place during a special event marking the launch of a new partnership between SSHOF and TU4C to celebrate the achievements of studentathletes who lead by example, both in sports and in service.
Golub is a baseball player that is starting for the Varsity team this year. Besides excelling on the field, he takes on a leadership role and mentors the 9th and 10th graders. Off of the field he’s dedicated over 40 hours as a tour guide for the Three Village Historical Society. He is involved with the Culper Spy Day tours, which highlight Setauket’s role in George Washington’s spy ring. He also has his hands in other community-based services like assembling blankets for
animal shelters, he works with Operation Christmas Child and has delivered meals to homebound veterans.
Gironda is part of the Three Village Swim club and has excelled in the water for Ward Melville. She also has done outstanding work outside of the pool where she works with the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation. The Foundation said about her that "Kate has devoted countless hours to supporting veterans and their families — embodying the spirit
of giving back and making a meaningful difference." They went on to say, "We are beyond proud to share that Kate was honored with the 2025 Female Suffolk County Hall of Fame Community Service Scholarship Award for her unwavering commitment to volunteerism and service."
The Three Village social media site put out a congratulations by saying, "Congratulations Kate and Rowan!! We are so proud of you!"
The duo won with a 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory over Commack's Jeffrey Behar & Eric Benderly at Smithtown East this weekend. They will now be joined by
Madisetty is a senior while Gonzales has yet to even reach high school.
Kate Gironda and Rowan Golub
Credit: Three Village Athletics | Facebook
ByTomBarton Half Hollow Hills East's Lohit Madisetty and Marcus Gonzales have won the Section XI - Suffolk County Athletics Doubles Title.
their teammates, Hills East's Tommy Walsh and Sam Stein, along with the duo they defeated and Shoreham-Wading River's Ray Hidaka and Kai Hidaka at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Individual Championships.
Credit: Long Island Tennis Magazine | Facebook Lohit Madisetty & Marcus Gonzales
