Practically once a week, my wife Ashley and I have the same conversation about living in the People’s Republic of New York: why are we still here? Why do we stay?
I’m of the mindset of selling the house, packing up, and moving the family to a so-called “Red State” where common sense and sanity reign in local and state governments, where the weather is warm and the politics aren’t insane.
“It” is about the quality of life for our three kids still at home. If we fled the Empire State like tens of thousands of other New Yorkers for a region without a state tax, our income automatically goes up ten percent.
Weather is also a big factor in wanting to hit the road, especially with younger kids. Sure, summer months can be sweltering in warmer regions
like Florida, North Carolina, or South Carolina. But on the flip side, I’d rather be able to enjoy the outdoors roughly eight to nine months of the year, rather than having practically no spring and a shortened summer season of barely three months of nice weather.
If I had my druthers, we’d be gone in a flash. My parents are dead, and thankfully, there’s this invention called “the airplane” where we could regularly fly back to New York to visit siblings and cousins. FaceTime also allows us to have a one-on-one connection with loved ones.
For Ashley, the argument to stay always boils down to not wanting to rip the kids out of a school district they love, and wanting to be close to elderly family while they are still alive.
I get it. She “wins” that argument all day long. Happy
BY GEORGE SANTOS
I woke up this morning with the sun pouring in, warm and unbothered, as if it didn’t know what day it was—or maybe I’m numb and just don’t care. Funny how nature stays indifferent while the world watches, judges, speculates. But me? I’m calm. Centered. Nostalgic.
Today is my last day of freedom at least in the physical sense. Tomorrow (last week Friday), I surrender. And yet, I don’t feel broken. I feel… resolved. I’ve always said I’m a survivor. I’ve always said, “You may not like me, but you will never ignore me.”And hasn’t that proven true?
I’ve lived a life most wouldn’t
dare to dream. A gay, Latino, Jewish-ish kid from Queens who made it to the U.S. House of Representatives—and made it unforgettable. Say what you want about me (believe me, you all have), but I never backed down from who I was. I lived out loud. Even when the world tried to mute me.
Sure, the road got bumpy. Okay, it got volcanic. But if you think any of that ever stopped me from getting up, showing up, and speaking up, then you never understood me to begin with.
I’ve been called a liar, a grifter, a joke, a fraud. But I’ve also been called a fighter, a voice for the
wife, happy life. So we’re basically stuck here in the prison known as New York State, and are reminded of the soon-to-be Socialist/Communist regime that’s permeating politicians and making life miserable for those of us who stay.
Think about it: a Communist is about to become the next Mayor of New York City. This will negatively impact every single New Yorker from Buffalo to Brookhaven.
Businesses will bolt the Big Apple, driving down tax revenues that will force those of us who remain to kick in a bigger share to make up the difference.
State lawmakers are getting just as nuts as those in New York City.
New York is about to ban gas stoves. Yes, you read that right. New construction builds will be
required to install only electric appliances. Soon you’re only going to be able to buy an electric car here in New York. All new sales must be electric in the years ahead.
The bloated budgets passed by Albany lawmakers aren’t getting any smaller, with a record high $254 billion spending package passed this year. More spending.
More taxes. More of the same radical progressive insanity that placates the woke mob, while hurting families in the political process.
It breaks my heart, it really does. Unless we see a drastic change in the 2026 statewide elections, we’ll just have to ask the last person leaving New York State to please turn off the lights.
unheard, and—my favorite— “the most entertaining man in American politics.” (Thanks, Jesse Watters. Still waiting on the coffee date.)
Yes, I’ve made mistakes. And yes, there are things I wish I had done differently. But I will never apologize for living life authentically—even if sometimes that authenticity came with chaos. As I once told reporters outside court: “I’m human. I fumble. But I rise.” And that’s exactly what I plan to keep doing.
Today, I’ve spent my time quietly. No glitz. No cameras. Just good food, my family, any
dogs and moments of stillness. I’ve reflected on my mother my hero who I know is watching over me. I’ve prayed. I’ve cried. I’ve laughed too. Because if you can’t laugh at the insanity of life, then what’s the point?
To my haters, I say: enjoy the silence. It won’t last.To my supporters: I carry your faith with me like armor.And to the rest of America: you haven’t seen the last of me.
This isn’t a goodbye. It’s an intermission.
Starting tomorrow, I enter a new chapter. One with cinderblock walls and no cell
reception but trust me, that won’t stop the show. I’ve got plans. Ideas. Maybe even a little writing project. Because if I’m going to be off the stage for a bit, I might as well work on the script for my comeback.
So tonight, I raise a glass (sparkling water, for now) to the madness behind me and the mystery ahead. I leave you with the same spirit I brought to Congress: unfiltered, unafraid, and fabulous.
And maybe—just maybe—I’ll leave the door open a crack for a little weekly note from the inside.
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
Term Limits in Suffolk: Romaine, McCaffrey Team Up to Sign Preservation Act
Alongside various other local leaders, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and presiding officer of the Suffolk County Legislature joined to sign into law the Term Limit Preservation Act of 2025 on Friday, July 25th.
“This important measure ensures that our elected leaders can remain focused on serving the people and tackling the real challenges facing our communities,” said Romaine.
Despite New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s “EvenYear Elections” law of 2023, the landmark initiative unanimously passed to amend the County
Charter to extend legislator terms countywide from two to four years, regardless of what year they assumed office.
“Governor Hochul’s election law is a blatant power grab by our Democrat-controlled state government,” said McCaffrey. “Today, we have provided Suffolk’s voters the opportunity to affirm their belief in term limits and protect local elections.”
The act affords voters the ability to safeguard local governance and taxpayer resources in ways they could not prior. It ensures legislators may complete a full term, even if their 12th year of service occurs during that term.
What’s more: With terms shifted from two to four years, instances wherein three elections occur in four years are effectively eliminated.
Adds McCaffrey: “This law protects the integrity of our government and honors the will of the people. We will not allow Albany to undo decades of commonsense reform.”
“Now, it’s up to the voters,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine emphatically promised as he officially signed the bill into action at the William Rogers Legislative Building in Smithtown—a midday triumph worthy of the subsequent applause it garnered.
Hochul Visits Suffolk County Community College Touting 'Free' Community College
ByDeborahWilliams
The SUNY Reconnect community college initiative offers tuition, fees, books, and supplies for eligible adult learners, ages 25-55, in high-demand fields.
Governor Kathy Hochul visited Suffolk County Community College as part of her efforts to highlight the SUNY Reconnect program to provide free community college for adult learners, ages 25-55, who don’t already have a college degree and who are pursuing an associate degree in a high-demand field.
The SUNY Reconnect program will begin in fall 2025.
“In every corner of our state, adult New Yorkers will have access to free community college so they will be able to realize their dreams of better jobs in high-demand industries,” Governor Hochul said. “Through SUNY Reconnect, community colleges like Suffolk County Community College will offer a world-class education to New Yorkers, for free, and will help empower these future leaders to turbo-charge our state economy and pursue paths to upward mobility.”
Suffolk Community College (SCC) began rolling out its Reconnect program in June. 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.
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 according to SUNY.
Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Edward Bonahue said, “Suffolk County Community College is dedicated to the value of lifelong learning, and SUNY Reconnect is a major step forward in helping us fulfill that mission. With this support from the state, we are proud to welcome adult learners preparing for careers in the high-demand fields critical to growing Long Island’s workforce.”
SUNY Reconnect will fund degrees in high-demand fields including:
• Advanced manufacturing
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Engineering
• Technology
• Nursing and allied health fields
• Green and renewable energy Pathways to teaching in shortage areas
Governor Hochul was joined by SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. as they visited Suffolk County Community College where they highlighted the school’s Heating,
Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) program, which is an eligible associate degree program under the free community college initiative.
Other support for the launch of SUNY Reconnect includes:
• Allocated $4 million to
community colleges to support SUNY Reconnect programmatic implementation through advising, enrollment, outreach, award of credit for prior learning, and other student services, supports, and campus operations.
• Provided an additional $1 million to cover equipment,
materials, supplies, and other onetime needs to increase student enrollment capacity in highdemand programs.
• Announced $1.1 million in grant funding to help community colleges increase access and ensure degree completion for adult learners.
Former Middle Island Bank to Be Repurposed as Starbucks
ByRobertChartuk
A vacant bank building on Middle Country Road is poised to get a new lease on life—as a Starbucks coffee shop—following key approvals and community support.
The site, located at 599 Middle Country Road, is currently zoned J4 but is set to undergo a change to J5 zoning to allow for the reuse of the structure as a drive-through Starbucks. The project involves no additional land clearing, but instead focuses on revitalizing the existing footprint with new landscaping, awnings, and signage to suit the new use.
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, who also serves on the Central Pine Barrens Commission, said the project required a hardship exemption under the New York State Pine Barrens Act, despite the lack of any new clearing.
“I attended the Pine Barrens Commission meeting and voted in support of the hardship application that was before the Commission,” said Panico. “You might be surprised to know that even a change of zone, in this case from J4 to J5, to allow for the reuse of the existing building is considered ‘development’ under the NYS Pine Barrens Act since the property is in the Pine
Barrens Compatible Growth Area—necessitating the need for a hardship approval.”
The plan will now go before the town board for change of zone and site plan hearings to make way for the repurposing.
Local civic leaders and residents welcomed the news. “Thank you so much, Supervisor Dan Panico!” said Gail Lynch-Bailey, president of the Middle Island Civic Association. “The reuse of this existing beautiful brick building is a great example of smart redevelopment. Middle Island is excited to have a major brand join our Main Street corridor.”
Suzanne Walsh McKeon, a local resident, added: “Repurposing an existing building means less new building development.”
The site has sat unused for
years, and its transformation is expected to bring renewed energy and economic activity to Middle Island’s core commercial corridor. Starbucks was founded in 1971 in Seattle, Washington, and has since grown into one of the world’s most recognizable coffee brands. As of 2025, Starbucks operates over 16,000 stores in the U.S., with more than 150 locations on Long Island alone. The company continues to expand aggressively in both suburban and urban markets, focusing on drivethrough accessibility, digital ordering, and community-based store design.
Repurposed properties such as the Middle Island site are part of Starbucks’ national strategy to blend growth with sustainability and smart redevelopment.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey and more celebrate a landmark signing in Smithtown on Friday, July 25th.
Credit: SSP
SCCC rolls out free tuition in certain fields.
Credit: Suffolk County Community College
Credit: Google Maps
The old bank building on Middle Country Road will be the site of a new Starbucks in Middle Island.
ByRobertChartuk
Emergency Service Volunteer Housing Bill Signed Into Law: Suffolk County Tackles Recruitment Crisis with New Housing Incentive
With a stroke of the pen, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine officially enacted legislation aimed at easing the housing burden for the region’s firefighters and EMS volunteers. The new law, sponsored by Legislator Dominick Thorne and passed unanimously by his Suffolk colleagues, offers targeted housing assistance to emergency service volunteers, with the goal of bolstering recruitment and retention in an increasingly challenging environment.
The signing ceremony, held at the Brookhaven Fire Department, was attended by a broad coalition of supporters from across the emergency services community and county government. Local fire departments, representatives from firefighter associations, and elected officials including Legislators Jim Mazzarella, Jason Richberg, and Suffolk County Clerk Vincent Puleo joined in recognizing the urgent need for solutions to Long Island’s volunteer crisis.
The new law authorizes Suffolk
County to work with towns and fire districts to create affordable housing opportunities for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel, including access to county-owned properties, tax incentives, and housing preference provisions. Thorne’s legislation is the first of its kind on Long Island and has drawn statewide attention.
“Volunteer firefighters and EMTs are the backbone of our emergency response system,” said County Executive Romaine. “If we don’t act now to help them stay in our communities, we risk losing a public safety system that saves lives every single day.”
Romaine called the bill a “bold and necessary step” to address the dwindling number of volunteers— down from years past amid rising housing costs, demanding time commitments, and an aging membership.
Suffolk’s Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services Commissioner Rudy Sunderman underscored the stakes: “We handle about 600 emergency calls a day in Suffolk County. That’s 600 calls answered
by roughly 11,000 volunteers—a number that continues to decline. This law gives us a fighting chance to reverse that trend.”
Brookhaven firefighter Robert Deshler put the issue in stark personal terms. “Any incentive to keep volunteers is great,” he said. “It’s a huge commitment—time, training, missed holidays. It’s like a second job. And when you’re just starting out, and rent’s $2,500 a
month, it’s hard to be a volunteer.”
The law’s passage was welcomed by leaders from the Fire Fighters Association of the State of New York, the New York State Fire Districts Association, the state Fire Chiefs Association, and their Suffolk County counterparts—all of whom hope to see the policy expanded across New York.
“This is the model needed to
keep the volunteer force going,” said FASNY President Gene Perry. “A recent study showed it would cost taxpayers over $6.4 billion to replace our volunteers with paid personnel. You’d see fire district taxes double. Keeping volunteers isn’t just good policy—it’s economic common sense.”
Legislator Mazzarella agreed. “This is what responsive government looks like. It’s our job to make sure our heroes can afford to live in the communities they protect.”
Legislator Thorne said implementation discussions will begin immediately, with pilot programs expected as early as next year. “We’re proud to lead the way in Suffolk,” Thorne said. “This law isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of a countywide commitment to those who give their time, their skills, and sometimes their lives to keep us safe.”
For now, local departments and their advocates hope the message is clear: Suffolk County values its volunteers—and is willing to act to keep them.
Officials to Host Emergency Preparedness Forum Highlighting Long Island Storm Risks
ByRobertChartuk
Concerned about Long Island’s vulnerability to hurricanes and other storms, local officials are encouraging residents to attend a free Emergency Preparedness
Presentation on August 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the South Country Ambulance facility, on Station Road in Bellport.
Sponsored Assemblyman Joe DeStefano and Congressman
Andrew Garbarino, in partnership with the Suffolk Department of Fire Response and Emergency Services, will offer guidance on how families can prepare for severe weather and other emergencies.
“Long Island is no stranger to powerful storms,” said Assemblyman DeStefano, referencing Superstorm Sandy, the infamous 1938 hurricane, and many more in between, including nor’easters. “Whether it’s flooding, wind damage, or prolonged power outages, our communities need to be informed, equipped, and ready. This presentation will give residents the tools they need to stay safe.”
Congressman Garbarino emphasized the importance of local resilience. “We’ve seen firsthand how quickly conditions can turn
dangerous,” he said. “Preparedness saves lives, and this event is all about empowering families to take action before disaster strikes.”
The presentation will include practical advice on making emergency kits, evacuation plans, communication strategies, and how to respond in the critical moments before, during, and after a storm.
Attendees will also be able to hear directly from local leaders and emergency officials.
Joining the effort are Senator Dean Murray, Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico, Town Councilman Michael Loguercio, and County Legislators Chad Lennon, Nick Caracappa, and Dominick Thorne—all of whom stress the need for emergency planning.
“This isn’t just a lecture—it’s a community call to action,” said Legislator Dominick Thorne, an EMS volunteer who serves on the Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness Committee. “We’re all in this together, and knowing what to do in an emergency is the first step in protecting your loved ones.”
“It is vitally important that people are prepared when a big storm hits,” Senator Murray said. “The emergency managers putting this on are very good; they really get people prepared. This is one you don’t want to miss.”
Residents are encouraged to RSVP by scanning the QR code on the flyer or by calling (631) 2070073. The event is free and open to the public.
Credit: Office of Assemblyman DeStefano
County Executive Ed Romaine signs a bill sponsored by Suffolk Legislator Dominick Thorne, right, to help create affordable housing for emergency volunteers, as FRES Commissioner Rudy Sunderman looks on.
Credit: Robert Chartuk
ByRobertChartuk
'Angelica Nappi Avenue' Unveiled as Community Honors Life Lost and Law Inspired by 14-Year-Old Victim
On a solemn morning in Patchogue, the life of 14-year-old Angelica Nappi was honored in a ceremony that turned tragedy into transformation, as elected officials, community members, and the Nappi family gathered to unveil new street signage officially renaming a portion of Woodside Avenue as “Angelica Nappi Avenue.”
The street renaming, spanning from Mercury Avenue to County Route 101, is not just a tribute to the young Holbrook girl who died in 2008 after being struck by a reckless driver with seven prior license suspensions, but also a lasting reminder of the movement she inspired—culminating in the passage of Angelica’s Law, a statewide measure signed by the governor in 2023 to hold serial unlicensed drivers more accountable.
“This is a fitting tribute to Angelica, whose life was tragically cut short by a driver who should have never been behind the wheel,” said Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano, who co-sponsored Angelica’s Law. “Naming this intersection in her honor ensures that her story is never forgotten. It reminds us that behind every traffic fatality, there is a name, a face, and a family that is left forever changed. Let this place stand not only as a memorial, but also as a powerful reminder of our ongoing commitment to vigilance, accountability, and the priceless value of every human life.”
Angelica’s death sparked widespread outrage after it was revealed that the man who broadsided the car she was riding in had his license revoked earlier that same morning. Despite his long history of violations, he
served less than six months in jail. In response, the community rallied behind the Nappi family, pushing for change that finally arrived in the form of Angelica’s Law, which reduces the threshold of prior moving violation suspensions required to charge a driver with a felony, and increases penalties to up to two years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
Her father, Joseph Nappi, stood at the site of the crash Thursday morning with a heavy heart and a powerful message. “This is a real honor in Angelica’s memory,” he said. “We’re turning a negative into a positive to save lives. God put us through this so we could turn it around to help others avoid such a tragedy.”
The effort to rename the road was spearheaded by Suffolk Legislator Dominick Thorne, who sponsored a unanimously adopted resolution to honor Angelica. He praised her family members for their courage and emphasized the lasting impact of her story.
“This is a moment of remembrance and an effort to move people to think about what’s going on over our roads and convince them to be more careful,” Thorne said. “People need to find out about Angelica and make sure they don’t end a life and ruin many others. We must turn this tragedy into triumph. Keep in mind the life you save may be your own or someone you love.”
Her mother, Dawn Riendeau, acknowledged the difficulty of returning to the site where her daughter’s life was cut short. “This day is very emotional; coming to the site of the crash is very difficult,” she said, holding back tears. “We’re doing something, so her life was not in vain. We made
a promise to help make sure other families don’t go through this. People will remember her bear and her smiling face and think about the decisions they make.”
The girl’s sister, Nicolette, poured out her heart in two books in her memory: “Memories of Angelica” and “Afterwhile, A True Crime Memoir,” which details the family’s yearslong struggle to change the state law. The book is a “testament to the power of faith, forgiveness, and resilience,” the back cover reads. “Witness a young girl grappling with immense grief transform into a woman who finds strength and purpose in her fight for justice.”
Senator Dean Murray, who co-sponsored the law, pointed to the power of Angelica’s memory to change behavior and save lives. “We hope people see Angelica’s signs and ask, ‘Who is that?’” Murray said of the county markers renaming the road between CR 101 and Mercury Avenue. “We want them to Google it or ask ChatGPT so they can find out her story and think twice before getting behind the
wheel when they should not be driving.”
Isai Fuentes, a representative from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), spoke at the event and emphasized the ripple effect of such tragedies. “Two out of three people are impacted by drunk drivers during their lifetime,” Fuentes said. “But this family took pain and made it a purpose—to benefit the community and the state.”
Angelica’s mother, who has long advocated for tougher laws and more public awareness, closed her remarks with a simple, powerful reminder: “We’re here because of her—because of Angelica—and we’ll never stop fighting to make sure no other family goes through what we did.”
As the new street signs were revealed and a small bear placed at the site in Angelica’s honor, the mood was reflective but resolute. The loss remains unfathomable, but her name now stands watch over a road she once traveled, urging every driver who passes to remember and to choose responsibility.
Longtime Suffolk Courts District Executive Warren Clark Retires
ByRobertChartuk
Warren
G. Clark, Esq., the
district executive for New York’s 10th Judicial District–Suffolk County, has retired after 25 years of dedicated service. His retirement was formally announced by Administrative Judge Hon. Andrew A. Crecca.
Appointed in 2012, Clark served with great distinction as the highest-ranking nonjudicial employee in the Suffolk County courts. As district executive, he has been responsible for the operation of a court system that serves the needs of the 1.5 million citizens. In this capacity as the chief administrative
officer for the courts, Clark oversaw all nonjudicial operations including budget and finance, human resources, space and facilities management, information technology, and security coordination. Clark was instrumental as district executive for the past 13 years, having led the courts through periods of significant growth, modernization, and transformation. At the time of his retirement, he was in charge of more than 1,000 court employees and worked in coordination with more than 80 sitting judges.
“With decades of service
in the court system, and a lengthy and distinguished term as district executive, Warren Clark carries an encyclopedic understanding of court operations,” said Judge Crecca.
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“It is nearly impossible to think of the district executive role without thinking of Warren, and all of us in the courthouse are going to deeply miss his expertise and guidance.”
Prior to his retirement, many judges, attorneys, and court employees gathered for a celebration at the restaurant Shandon Court in East Islip to honor Clark for his remarkable career and countless contributions to the legal community. Among those in attendance were Clark’s former administrative judges, Hon. A. Gail Prudenti and Hon. C. Randall Hinrichs.
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Family and friends of Angelica Nappi are joined by local officials at a ceremony naming a portion of Woodside Avenue after the teen.
Credit: Robert Chartuk
Credit: Suffolk County Courts
Warren Clark
ByRobertChartuk
Boats, Bait, and Brotherhood: Veterans Honored at Anglers Annual Outing
With American flags flying from the sterns of local boats and lines cast into the waters of Moriches Bay, dozens of U.S. military veterans were treated to a full day of fishing and fellowship Saturday as part of the 6th Annual “Take a Vet Fishing” event, hosted by the Great Gun Moriches Anglers Fishing Club.
Launching from the Union Avenue Dock, the event paired veterans from across Suffolk with volunteer captains and mates who donated their boats, bait, and time to show appreciation for those who served.
“We’re not just thanking our veterans, we’re welcoming them into a circle that respects and supports them,” noted Great Gun President Evan Goldstein, who introduced the idea to the club after seeing a similar initiative in Florida.
The yearly outing has grown steadily thanks to word of mouth and strong community support. More than a dozen boats, with 49 veterans fanned out across the bay and inlet, with some venturing out into the ocean, chasing summer
fluke, bluefish, and sea bass.
“This started with a handful of captains and an idea—how do we give something back to the men and women who’ve sacrificed for us?” Goldstein said. “Now we’ve got more boats than ever, incredible sponsors, and a long list of veterans who want to come aboard.”
The angling club partnered with sponsors, including the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches, Hart’s Cove Bait & Tackle, L&L Wholesale Bait, and the NY BBQ Brigade, which provided a catered lunch after the boats returned to dock. Families of veterans were invited to join in and share in the camaraderie.
Founded through the merger of two local fishing clubs, the organization’s mission is to promote conservation of local marine resources through responsible fishing and recreational activities throughout the Moriches Bay and Moriches Inlet areas, while also giving back to the community.
For more information, visit www.greatgunanglers.com or follow the club on Facebook.
Suffolk County Law Enforcement to Receive Over $1.3 Million
ByDeborahWilliams
Suffolk County law enforcement agencies, including the District Attorney, Police, Sheriff, and Probation Departments will receive a combined $1.3 million from the state as part of a statewide effort to reduce crimes with guns.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced $36 million for the “Safer Streets” program to enhance local law enforcement efforts across the state.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine hosted Governor Hochul at the Suffolk County Police Academy. The funding will bolster a nationally recognized program, the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative that provides law enforcement agencies in 28 communities outside of New York City with state funding for equipment, overtime, and personnel, as well as comprehensive, focused training and technical assistance.
Long Island will receive $2.7 million overall with Suffolk County getting $1,333,943: Suffolk County District Attorney – $564,291
• Suffolk County Police Department – $459,998
• Suffolk County Probation Department – $176,256
• Suffolk County Sheriff's Office – $133,398
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said, “Thank you to Governor Hochul for providing Suffolk County with vital resources to address gun violence and domestic abuse in our communities.
These grants help ensure that our law enforcement officers have the tools they need to protect our families, support survivors, and build safer neighborhoods for everyone who calls Suffolk home.”
The program is credited for a 52% drop in shootings between 2021 and 2024. Last year, shooting incidents with injury reached the lowest point since the state began tracking data in 2006. In 2024, Long Island had the lowest number of shootings in recent recorded history.
“The GIVE initiative is a crucial part of our comprehensive plan to reduce firearm-related violent crime — and it’s working. That’s why we are doubling down and reinvesting $36 million to ensure that law enforcement agencies across the state have the tools they need to stop shootings and proactively prevent gun violence,” said Hochul.
Collectively, GIVE participating communities saw reductions in all seven index crime categories–four violent (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and three property (burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft)–during the first quarter of 2025 when compared to the same period last year. Preliminary data reported to DCJS showed an 18 percent reduction in total index crimes, a 19% decrease in violent crime, and an 18% decline in property crimes.
Suffolk County Police Department Commissioner Kevin Catalina said, “The grant money builds upon our success in fighting gun violence, providing funds to focus on enforcement and community outreach efforts.”
Long Island saw similar preliminary trends, with the Nassau County and Suffolk County police departments reporting doubledigit decreases in total index crime, violent crime, and property crime reported, and the Hempstead Police reporting double-digit reductions in total index crime and violent crime, and an 8% decline in property crime.
Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., said, “The GIVE grant has been a critical tool in our efforts to reduce gun violence by funding key personnel and supporting programs that reach at-risk youth before trouble does. This is what real collaboration looks like, and we’re proud to continue this vital work together.”
Rebecca
said, “Today marks a significant step forward in our fight to keep our kids safer in Suffolk
If There's a Dip, There's a Rip!
ByDeborahWilliams
Many people think they know what to do if caught in a rip current, but do you really know? Recommendations from lifesaving experts have recently changed.
Rip currents, commonly called riptides, take the lives of roughly 100 people every year. Recent deaths of two prominent people bring the dangers of rip currents to the forefront.
The famous Cosby Show child actor, who played Theo, MalcolmJamal Warner, died recently drowning in a rip current while on vacation in Costa Rica. Also, Major League Baseball prospect
Suffolk County Legislator
Sanin
County, ensuring that their future is not defined by the fear of violence but rather the promise of hope and possibility.”
Suffolk County law enforcement to receive funds from the State.
Credit: Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
Credit: Robin Leuthardt
turned South Carolina cop, Anderson “Chase” Childers, 38, drowned in a rip current while
trying to help rescue people off Pawleys Island in South Carolina.
Saturday • August 9th Noon
(Rain Date August 10th)
LOCAL
ByDeborahWilliams
Center Moriches Union Free School District Called Out in State Audit
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli issued a tough report to Center Moriches Union Free School District regarding the District’s tracking of taxpayer funds.
The District was found to not be monitoring employee time sheets putting more than $100,000 in payments into question.
Particularly troubling is that the audit found that the school district approved time sheets for:
• Overlapping game schedules which would require attending two games at the same time in different locations.
• No games scheduled on the date when compensation was requested.
• No home game scheduled on the date when compensation was requested.
• Submitting time sheets for payments for multiple tournaments on the same date and location.
• One employee was paid approximately $37,153 for 675 hours of tutoring services that were provided during their regularly assigned work schedule.
Comptroller findings include that “officials did not make accurate, approved and supported payroll payments to employees for tutoring, covering classes, chaperoning and sports scorekeeping.”
Further, ”time sheets for 13 employees with 1,096 tutoring hours and 724 chaperone and sports scorekeeping events were not adequately supported to ensure payments totaling $100,103 were accurately paid.”
“We questioned the reasonableness of payments for 258 chaperoning and sports scorekeeping events totaling $14,190 due to various discrepancies with game schedules. For example, time sheets were submitted with
Mather Hospital and Suffolk County Want You to be Diabetes-Free
ByDeborahWilliams
Suffolk County and Mather Hospital want you to learn how to live healthy and prevent diabetes.
Northwell’s Mather Hospital is hosting a free yearlong diabetes prevention program designed to help you modify your lifestyle to prevent the disease.
Suffolk County has an overall adult diabetes rate of 9.5%. New York State has a rate of 11.4% or 1.8 million people. The highest counties in NY are Orleans (16.8%), Chautauqua (15.8%), and Niagara (15.5%).
The Suffolk County Health Department will have a trained lifestyle coach to run the National Diabetes Prevention
overlapping game times and for dates when there were no games scheduled,” said the comptroller report.
Surprisingly in 2025, District officials did not have an adopted, written payroll policy or set of procedures “to convey expectations and processes to be followed for ensuring payroll payments
to employees for miscellaneous activities were accurate, approved and supported.”
District officials agreed with the comptroller’s recommendations and have initiated or indicated they will initiate corrective action to be better stewards of the taxpayer funds.
The District will:
• Establish and adopt comprehensive written payroll processing policies and procedures for miscellaneous activities.
• Provide supervisors with training to ensure time sheets are only approved if they are adequately supported.
Mather Hospital Garners National Recognition for Heart Attack Care
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
Located in Port Jefferson, Northwell’s Mather Hospital recently earned two recognitions—and a partial third—all from the American Heart Association (AHA) for its remarkable medical treatment of patients who have suffered heart attacks.
The accolades include the Get With The Guidelines–Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI Gold Award, the Get With The Guidelines–Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Center Gold Award, and the 2025 Mission: Lifeline System of Care Regional Award.
Credit: matherhospital.org
“To receive gold awards after just four years is a testament to our dedication to quality,” said Mather Hospital President Kevin McGeachy.
Program at Mather Hospital on Mondays from 6-7:15 p.m. beginning Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. The program meets weekly until Dec. 29. The course then meets twice a month in January and February 2026 and monthly March through September 2026.
Participants are identified through their health care provider by either their fasting glucose 100-124 or their A1c 5.76.4. In addition, they must have a BMI of 25 or more and be over the age of 18. Participants cannot have diabetes or be pregnant.
Participants may also qualify by taking either the CDC or ADA risk test. Visit www.cdc.gov or diabetes.org and look for the "diabetes test" tab.
“We want to have them
Respectively, these three awards applaud Mather for its rapid, research-based care of people experiencing both non-ST elevation myocardial infarction and ST elevation myocardial infarction, and their overall adherence to quality performance standards.
change behaviors to get these numbers back into the normal range,” said Senior Public Health Educator Debora Rippel. “We do that by having them lose 5-7 percent of their body weight and increase their physical activity to 150 minutes per week. In addition, they develop new behaviors (weighing and measuring food, reading food labels, choosing low-fat, lowcalorie options/substitutions,
The hospital opened its Cardiac Catheterization Lab in 2021.
“To receive gold awards after just four years is a testament to our dedication to quality,” said Mather Hospital President Kevin McGeachy.
“Mather Hospital is dedicated to improving the quality of heart attack care and the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines program helps us achieve that goal,” he added. “The program puts proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis so patients have the best possible chance of survival.”
among other behaviors). We look at the environmental, psychological, and social aspects of their behaviors and help them identify ways to change them.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control one in three adults have prediabetes. Of those, more than eight in 10 are unaware that they have it. Without taking any action, 1530% of people with prediabetes could develop Type 2 diabetes
within five years. For every 2.2 pounds of weight an individual loses, their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes is lowered by 13%, according to the national program.
More information on the program at cdc.gov/diabetesprevention. To register, contact Debora at the Suffolk County Department of Health at 631853-2928 or Debora.Rippel@ suffolkcountyny.gov .
Mather Hospital sets diabetes prevention.
Credit: Mather Hospital
Center Moriches Union Free School District receives a tough audit outcome from NYS.
Credit: Center Moriches Union Free School District
ByRobertChartuk
Anthony Maag and Amaya Westbay Marry at the Vineyards at Aquebogue
Family and friends gathered on a bright summer day to celebrate the wedding of Anthony Adam Maag and Amaya Lynn Westbay, both lifelong residents of Center Moriches.
The couple exchanged vows and celebrated their union at the Vineyards at Aquebogue, surrounded by blooming gardens, rustic elegance, and a backdrop of vineyard charm. The joyful ceremony was followed by a lively reception at the vineyard.
Anthony is the son of Joseph Maag and Mary Beth Lichtneger, both of Center Moriches. He currently serves in the Air Force Reserves.
Amaya is the daughter of Michelle Moore, also of Center Moriches. She works in marketing for Kinexion, a nonprofit organization providing services for individuals with disabilities across Long Island.
The maid of honor for the nuptials was Hanna Schlosberg with bridesmaids Kimberly Moore, Kayla Vinci, Kaitlyn McDougal,
Ribbon Cutting Marks Grand Opening Of Fearless Dance Company in Center Moriches
and
Scala of the
and
ByRobertChartuk
Main Street got a little more vibrant this week with the official grand opening of Fearless Dance Company, a new studio bringing fresh energy, passion, and movement
and Emma Robinson. the junior bridesmaid was Cassidy Moore.
The best man was Stephen Bryant, joined by groomsmen, Ryan Vetack, Jakob Klaus, Connor Lyons, Marco Pascale, and Erik Matz. The junior groomsmen were Gianni and Jayden Bergami.
After the celebration, the newlyweds set off for a honeymoon in Montauk, where they planned to relax and enjoy the ocean breezes of the East End.
The couple will continue to reside in Center Moriches as they begin their new life together.
Hauppauge Youngster Named Honorary Sheriff amid Kidney Failure
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
Twelve-year-old Wyatt Houppert relished in all the glory in Riverheard on Tuesday, July 22nd.
On this day, a proud Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., relinquished his post to a most courageous individual who's certifiably worthy of both the gig and much, much more.
With his only kidney failing earlier this year, Wyatt is currently on multiple weekly dialysis sessions. As Wyatt braves for a lifesaving transplant, his kidney donor, Dawn Rice, coordinated this special event that ceremoniously demonstrated the community’s outpouring of support for the Hauppauge youngster.
The hosting Sheriff’s Office facilitated Wyatt and his three siblings’ entrance via emergency vehicles, the Drill Team conducted a presentation, and the officers
behind the new venture.
on hand partook in a formal salute—welcoming Wyatt into the brotherhood fold.
Wyatt becomes the latest, and youngest, to don the title.
the
to the community. The ribboncutting ceremony was attended by families, friends, students, and local leaders, including Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Karen Dunn Kesnig, who praised the effort
“I had a wonderful morning attending the Grand Opening of Fearless Dance Company in Center Moriches,” Dunn Kesnig reported. “I also had the pleasure of presenting Owner and Director, Cassandra Scala, with a certificate on behalf of the Town of Brookhaven. It was clear to see the hard work, dedication, and heart that was put into the new studio, along with the support of the Chamber of Commerce, her family, and dance students and parents. Congratulations to everyone involved!”
Founded and directed by Cassandra Scala, a lifelong dancer and educator, the Center Moriches
studio offers jazz, lyrical, technique, and choreography classes for students of all ages and levels. Scala brings over two decades of experience, having trained and competed at the highest levels, performed at prestigious venues, and led dancers to success in both recreational and competitive settings.
The event celebrated more than a new business—it was a testament to community spirit, family support, and the next chapter in a local dancer’s lifelong journey. With a mission to empower young minds through fearless expression, the studio is now enrolling for summer and fall sessions. For more information, go to fearless-dance-
Here’s wishing Wyatt continued triumph past all health hurdles, and to all those who follow Dawn Rice’s lead— selflessly providing to families in dire need.
company.com.
“This is about more than dance,” Scala said. “It’s about building confidence, character, and a space where kids can grow. I’m grateful to share this dream with the community I love.”
“It was great to see how many people attended the grand opening,” said Gerri Sapanaro with the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches. “Cassandra has a lot of energy, and I know she will do well.” She has already become a chamber member, and the organization looks forward to working with her to help ensure her success, according to Sapanaro, whose Moriches Bay Realty office is just a few doors down.
Cassandra
Fearless Dance Company snips
ribbon with Brookhaven Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig
family
friends at the grand opening of her new studio.
Anthony Adam Maag and Amaya Lynn Westbay are married at the Vineyards at Aquebogue.
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony A. Maag
Credit: Robert Chartuk
Credit: Robert Chartuk
Credit: Office of Councilwoman Dunne-Kesnig
Credit: Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Tuesday's ceremony welcomed Wyatt to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office family before he receives a kidney transplant from Dawn Rice, the wife of a Sheriff's Office corrections officer.
West Islip's Summer Investigations Program: A Success all Across the Board
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
One hundred sixty-plus elementary students from West Islip Union Free School District are complementing their summer recess with some noteworthy coursework.
Hosted by Paul J. Bellew Elementary School, West Islip’s “Summer Investigations” program runs Monday through Thursday, and is overseen by the aforementioned school’s principal, Rhonda Pratt.
Breaking in on Monday, July 7th, the inaugural theme was “Passports Around the World.” Students were encouraged to be eager and inquisitive while invited to explore a variety of continents, countries and cultures whose customs and histories were illuminated upon through interactive virtual tours.
At the library, kindergarten, first and second graders read “Same,
Same But Different” about two pen pals from different countries that discover they still share a great deal in common.
In third and fourth grade classes, students used Google Earth to “travel” to destinations that left an impression on them during their lessons.
Over in the STEM lab, students received a “boarding pass” to learn about airplanes. They built paper airplanes and launched them with full force, as they said “C’est la vie” to the days of seeing their makeshift model aircrafts seeing themselves confiscated for the same reason.
There is a time and a place for everything. For the next generation coming out of West Islip, this was a time for learning about measurements and calculations, and applying each toward adopting a better comprehension of the skybound field of aerodynamics.
More New Principals in Suffolk! East Islip Tabs a Pair of Educators Turned Admins
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
During summer recess, East Islip Schools have seen neighboring districts across the county make some key personnel moves and have decided to follow suit.
Firstly, effective July 1st, Tara Scully replaced Anthony Montemarano as principal of East Islip Middle School. As part of this shake-up, Montemarano moves up to take over the head job at East Islip High School.
“I’m honored to join the East Islip community as the principal of the middle school,” said Scully. “I look forward to building on its strong legacy and contributing to its bright future.”
A newcomer to the district, Scully, of Port Jefferson, previously worked in the Sachem Central School District. She was most recently their assistant principal at Samoset Middle School. Past roles she served include principal’s aide at the elementary level, AIS math teacher and classroom educator.
Scully earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Syracuse University, and later received a teaching certification from the University of Denver. She also earned a master’s degree from nearby Stony Brook University,
and an advanced certificate in educational leadership from LIU Post.
Meanwhile, at the high school level, Gregory Leger of Massapequa Park has stepped in to fill an assistant principal vacancy.
The former school counselor and varsity baseball coach at Elmont Memorial High School replaces James Horan.
“I am truly excited to immerse myself in the East Islip community,” said Leger.
“I look forward to building strong, positive relationships
with students, staff, families and community members.”
Leger earned degrees from both the University of Massachusetts Lowell (bachelor’s, English) and Cambridge College (master’s, school counseling). He also received a certificate of advanced study in school building and school district leadership from the College of Saint Rose.
Adds Leger: “I couldn’t be more excited to serve as assistant principal in such a historically successful school district and community as East Islip.”
Greatness at Gurwin: Excellence in Healthcare Honor Awarded to a Pair of Suffolk Residents
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
Improvement Champions was first issued in 2019 “to honor extraordinary personal leadership to improve quality of care, patient safety and patient experience.”
Meade was recognized for her empathetic approach and palpable pedigree amassed at Island Nursing & Rehab Center in Holtsville.
Gonzalez is the Director of MDS at Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack. In this role, she both
mentors her team and ensures round-the-clock quality care through deploying thorough documentation and overseeing all metric-related matters.
“We are incredibly proud to have not one, but two exceptional members of our Gurwin team honored by United Hospital Fund,” said Stuart B. Almer, president and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System.
“Jenny and Martiza’s dedication to advancing patient care reflects the shared commitment to
excellence that defines our entire organization. This recognition is a testament to their hard work, innovation and unwavering focus on improving outcomes for those we serve.”
United Hospital Fund (UHF) is an independent, nonprofit organization that works to build an effective and equitable healthcare system for every New Yorker. For more information, visit www.uhfnyc.org.
Visit their website at www. uhfnyc.org.
Gurwin Healthcare System announced this week that Jenny Meade, M.A., CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist from Center Moriches, and Martiza Gonzalez, RN, BSN, RAC-CT, of West Islip, are the 2025 Recipients of United Hospital Fund’s prestigious honor.
According to Gurwin, UHF’s Tribute to Excellence in Health Care Award for Quality
During the first week of the Summer Investigations program in the West Islip Union Free School District, elementary students explored “Passports Around the World.”
Jenny Meade, a speech-language pathologist from Center Moriches, and Martiza Gonzalez, a registered nurse from West Islip, are this year's recipients.
Credit: West Islip Union Free School District
Credit: Gerwin
Credit: East Islip School District
Effective July 1st, Tara Scully (left) replaced Anthony Montemarano as principal of East Islip Middle School, and Gregory Leger (right) has replaced James Horan as assistant principal at East Islip High School.
ByRobertChartuk
Painting the Court: Meryl Dee Becomes the World's First Pickleball Artist
Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in America, has found an unlikely muse in Meryl Dee Feuer, a lifelong artist who’s turned her paddle passion into paint. From her sunny Westhampton Beach studio, Meryl is pioneering a new genre of art, one where colorful balls bounce across imagined worlds, and surreal stories are told through the geometry of the court.
“I never set out to become the world’s first pickleball artist,” Meryl laughs. “But I play almost every day, and at some point, it just seeped into my imagination. The shape of the ball, the rhythm of the game— it started appearing in my work before I even realized it.”
Her work caught the attention of Dr. Harvey Manes, a prominent art collector, philanthropist, and the author of “Collecting Art for Pleasure and Profit.” He now counts himself as her biggest advocate.
“Meryl is doing something nobody else is doing,” said Manes. “She’s elevating a recreational sport into a visual language that’s bold, emotional, and deeply personal. I told her early on: ‘You may have
found your niche. Lean into it.’”
Born and raised in East Meadow, Meryl has been creating since childhood. “I’ve always been creative, making collages, drawing, you name it,” she explains. “Art has always been a part of me.”
She studied film and fine arts at NYU, and though she dabbled in photography and design, it wasn’t until about 15 years ago that she fully embraced painting. Early works focused on florals and American flags—vibrant expressions of color and emotion. But after discovering pickleball, she found her true voice.
“I started seeing stories in the way the ball rolled into a bush or soared into the sky,” Meryl said. “There’s something whimsical and surreal about the game. I try to paint what I feel when I’m playing—the joy, the movement, the focus.”
Her first “pickleball painting” featured a vine entangling a rolling ball. Since then, she’s painted a strawberry pickleball, a Marsthemed ball, and her latest work uses pointillism—dots and color to create a floating, celestial orb. She’s also begun exploring the ball’s roundness as a form of visual
therapy. “Painting the ball—trying to get it perfectly round—it’s become meditative for me,” she said.
Dr. Manes, known for his impressive collection and curatorial instincts, was quick to recognize the novelty in Meryl’s work. “I’ve seen thousands of artists,” he said, “but Meryl’s paintings combine technical skill with heart. She’s not just painting a sport, she’s telling stories through it.” He added, “I told her, ‘You can be the Warhol of pickleball—just keep going.’”
The artist took the advice to heart. She has now created a dozen pickleball-themed paintings, some of which she’s sold at art shows and to fellow pickleballers. Her work recently caught the attention of a gallery representative at a Southampton art fair, and she is set to be featured at an upcoming exhibition.
“I didn’t expect people to connect with it so quickly,” she noted. “But pickleball is such a social thing; people who love it really love it.
They see themselves in my work.”
Meryl plays often, both in Westhampton Beach and during winter months at the Polo Club in Florida. While she admits she’s on the court “too much,” the game fuels her imagination and artistic energy. “It’s just pure fun,” she says. “When I’m playing, I’m in the moment, not thinking about anything else. That feeling carries into my art.”
Still, she remains grounded. “I’m just starting out. “I’m experimenting with oils, acrylics, spray paints, markers—whatever helps me express an idea,” she said, adding, “Art takes courage. It’s not easy to put something out there. A lot of people think they can’t do it, but I believe if you’re not afraid, you’ll surprise yourself.”
When not painting or playing, Meryl enjoys fine dining, time with her children, and caring for her aging father. “Life’s full,” she says. “But I’m grateful to have art as a way to express myself.”
As for what’s next, she’s open to wherever the paddle—or brush— leads. “You never know where a little yellow ball can take you,” she said, smiling brightly.
'Slow Down: Chicken Crossing'—Mastic Resident Uses Humor to Curb Speeding on Dangerous Road
ByRobertChartuk
Along a stretch of Mastic Road where speeding is common and roadside memorials tell a tragic tale, someone has made a comedic stand.
Handcrafted wooden signs have appeared along the busy thoroughfare, each painted with playful warnings that hide a serious message. One shows a cartoonish chicken in mid-strut, with the words: “Slow Down: Chicken X-ing.” Another features a woolly mammoth and the punning phrase: “Woly Crossing.”
The signs, which appeared anonymously, have stopped traffic—figuratively, if not literally.
“They’re funny, but they really make you think,” said resident Carla Nunez. “We’ve had too many crashes here, too many lives lost. These signs stand out in a way that
speed limit signs just don’t.”
That’s likely the intention of the mysterious sign-maker, who has remained unidentified but is clearly fed up with the daily dangers along Mastic Road. Not far from the humorous signs are somber white crosses and memorials marking the sites of fatal collisions.
The creative blend of humor and tragedy has caught the attention of drivers and elected officials alike.
“This is someone using creativity for a cause,” said Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, who represents the area. “It’s a reminder that every road sign doesn’t have to be official to be effective.”
The signs are simple: wood, paint, and some imagination. But residents say they’ve had an impact. Some drivers are tapping the brakes, others honking in support,
and a few have even pulled over to snap photos.
According to traffic records,
Mastic Road has long struggled with speeding and fatal crashes.
Despite increased police patrols and signage, enforcement remains
a challenge. As one passerby put it: “Maybe it takes a chicken and a woolly mammoth to get people to slow down.”
LIMEHOF Latest: Inaugural Music Doc Film Fest in Stony Brook (Aug. 8-10)
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
Twenty-four music documentaries will screen at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEOF) in Stony Brook from Aug. 8-10. Day one will kick off at 11 a.m., and each day’s slate will run through the evening.
Artists to be featured throughout the multi-genre-spanning marathon weekend include The Beatles, Harry Chapin, Zombies, Steppenwolf, Public Enemy, Ron Delsener and Garland Jeffreys.
“The highly anticipated LIMEHOF Music Documentary Film Festival puts Long Island at the center of the global music documentary scene—featuring bold, unforgettable films that capture everything from rock legends and rising stars to hometown heroes and hidden histories,” said Tom Needham, executive director of the festival.
Standard filmmaker Q&A panels will take place following select screenings. Live musical performances from Billy J. Kramer, Public Enemy’s DJ Johnny Juice, and Naked Blue are also on the itinerary.
Credit: LIMEHOF & GoFundMe
Want to score tickets? Visit www.limusichalloffame.org/ limehof-music-documentary-film-festival-2/.
Guggenheim Grotto’s Mick Lynch will also perform live on the scene—in conjunction with the opening day short film spotlighting his band, entitled “Coming Home: The Guggenheim Grotto Back in Ireland.”
The opening night main event will be “Cat’s in the Cradle 50th Anniversary: The Song That Changed Our Lives” in honor of LIMEHOF inductee and local Long Island legend, the late Harry Chapin.
A Huntington resident once upon a time, Chapin famously
utilized his platform to fight world hunger. He founded Long Island Cares, setting in motion a major philanthropic influence on the greater community to carry on far past his tragic death at just the age of 38 while en route to play a free charity show at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow.
Want to score tickets? Visit limusicalhalloffame.org/limehofmusic-documentary-filmfestival-2/ or contact LIMEHOF directly at info@limusichalloffame. org.
Meryl Dee Feuer with her pickleball art.
Credit: Harvey Manes
Credit: Robert Chartuk
ByRobertChartuk
MADD Pushes for Swift Implementation of HALT Drunk Driving Law to Curb Rising Roadway Fatalities
As drunk driving deaths have surged by more than 33% since 2019, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is urging federal officials to accelerate the implementation of the HALT Drunk Driving Law, a landmark mandate passed by Congress in 2021 that would require all new cars to be equipped with lifesaving anti-drunk driving technology.
“We know how to stop these tragedies before they happen, and the HALT Drunk Driving Law gives us the tools to do it,” said Isai Fuentes, Regional Program Director for MADD. “Now it’s time for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to finish the job and get this technology into every new vehicle.”
The law—short for Honoring the Abbas Family Legacy to Terminate Drunk Driving Act— was enacted as part of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act following decades of advocacy
by drunk driving victims and their families. It directs NHTSA to create a new federal motor vehicle safety standard requiring passive technology to prevent impaired driving.
The law was named in memory of the Abbas family—five members from Michigan killed by a drunk driver in 2019–and is considered one of the most significant traffic safety measures in decades. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, implementing the technology could save more than 10,000 lives annually.
Unlike breathalyzers or ignition interlocks, the technologies envisioned under the HALT Act are passive, meaning they operate in the background, without any action required from the driver. These include sensors that can detect alcohol on a driver’s breath, touchbased systems embedded in steering wheels, and cameras that monitor for signs of impairment through eye movement or driver behavior.
In late 2023, NHTSA issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and received more than 18,000 public comments. Despite this progress, MADD and its supporters worry that bureaucratic delays could push the timeline beyond the target implementation date set by Congress.
“Every year we delay, more than 13,000 families are left to mourn
their loved ones,” Fuentes said.
“This is not a political issue — it’s a public safety issue, and the solution is ready.”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had pledged during his confirmation hearing to work with Congress to ensure NHTSA has the resources to carry out the law. Meanwhile, automakers are moving forward. General Motors
CEO Mary Barra confirmed in December that the industry is working closely with regulators to make the technology a reality. “We’ve been working with regulators on that,” Barra said. “It’s technology that’s coming, and it’s going to be good for everyone.”
The measure is facing headwinds in Congress with Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania proposing the “No Kill Switches in Cars Act” to repeal the mandate, citing concerns about privacy, false positives, and constitutional rights
MADD emphasized that the HALT Act is not about government surveillance or punitive enforcement but prevention. The organization made clear it does not support any system that collects or stores driver data. “This is about stopping drunk driving before a car ever starts moving,” Fuentes said. “It’s about saving lives, not tracking them.”
For more information, visit madd.org/halt.
Outrage Grows as State Parole Board Weighs Release of NYPD Cop Killer
ByRobertChartuk
The New York State Parole Board is once again under fire, this time for its upcoming decision on whether to release David McClary, the man convicted of the coldblooded assassination of 22-yearold NYPD Officer Edward Byrne in 1988. McClary, who was sentenced to 25 years to life, is currently eligible for parole and is scheduled to appear before the board in the coming weeks.
The case sparked national outrage at the time. Byrne, a rookie officer just one month into the job, was shot five times in the head while sitting in his patrol car in Queens, assigned to guard a witness in a drug case. His murder, ordered by a drug gang to send a message, became a symbol of rising urban violence and an attack on the rule of law.
Now, with McClary’s parole hearing looming, New York
Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar is calling on the board to reject the killer’s bid for release, warning that a disturbing trend of leniency toward those who murder police officers is threatening public trust in the justice system.
“Enough is enough,” Kassar wrote in a letter to the board.
“Your decisions aren’t only morally indefensible—they’re dangerous. You release so many cop killers that one has to ask: Who protects the protectors?”
According to state officials, 43 individuals convicted of murdering police officers have been granted parole since 2017, including Lee Walker, who fatally shot Officer Juan Andino in 1984, and Herman Bell, who murdered NYPD Officers Joseph Piagentini and Waverly Jones in 1971.
“If you can’t draw a line in the sand for cop murderers, you’re unfit for office,” Kassar charged. “Stop deferring to leniency politics. Start valuing the rule of law.”
Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano, a longtime advocate for law enforcement, echoed Kassar’s plea. “David McClary didn’t just take one officer’s life—he tried to intimidate an entire system of justice,” DeStefano said. “We owe it to Officer Byrne, his family, and every cop on patrol today to send the message that some crimes cross a line that can never be undone. Parole should not be an option.”
DeStefano added that he is working on a bill to exempt cop killers from mandatory parole hearings, a move that would require changes to existing state statutes.
Now in his mid-50s, McClary is incarcerated at Green Haven Correctional Facility in upstate Dutchess County. His last parole hearing in 2023 resulted in a denial, but under current New York law, he is entitled to a new hearing every two years. His upcoming hearing is expected to take place in August 2025. Victim impact statements from law enforcement organizations and the Byrne family have already been submitted.
Representatives from the
Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, the New York State Association of PBAs, and the National Association of Police Organizations have all issued statements urging the board to keep McClary behind bars.
A growing number of New Yorkers are joining the call, as social media campaigns and online petitions demand an end to what critics are calling a “revolving door” justice system for convicted cop killers. One petition opposing McClary’s release has already
gathered over 100,000 signatures. Kassar said the movement will not end with this case. “New Yorkers are watching—and they’re losing faith,” he said. “This isn’t about vengeance. It’s about public safety, accountability, and standing with the men and women who protect us.”
The parole board has not issued a comment on McClary’s pending hearing. A final decision is expected before the end of the summer.
Attempted Vehicular Murder: Coram Woman Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
Philomena Mistretta, 51, of Coram, will also endure five years of post-release supervision after pleading guilty to Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney.
Mistretta was initially charged with intentionally striking a 63-year-old woman with a minivan following a verbal altercation that turned physical.
This near-fatal incident occurred on October 26, 2024, in a Bellport parking lot.
Court documents and the defendant’s own admissions confirm Mistretta was sitting in the driver’s seat of a 2004 white Toyota Sienna shortly after 3:30
a.m. when she struck up a heated argument with the victim. After getting out of the car to physically accost the victim,
Mistretta returned to the vehicle, backed up, angled her car toward the victim and drove over her; she was dragged for a short distance.
The victim was transported to Long Island Community Hospital with lacerations to her skull. Suffolk County Police arrested Mistretta at the scene shortly thereafter.
She officially pled guilty to three violent felonies on June 18th, and was sentenced on July 22nd.
“What began as a disagreement should never have escalated to this level of violence,” said DA Tierney. “The defendant made a conscious choice to harm another person, and today’s sentence reflects the gravity of that decision.”
Credit: NYPD Archive
Credit: MADD
A grieving mother at a memorial to drunk driving victims.
Credit: DA Tierney's Office Philomena Mistretta
NYPD Officer Edward Byrne
Yaphank Man Indicted in Drunken Speeding Crash
ByDeborahWilliams
A 21-year old man from Yaphank was allegedly speeding while impaired on alcohol and drugs when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a tree, injuring his passenger.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that Andy Bonilla Chicas was indicted for Assault in the Second Degree, Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree, and several related charges, for his involvement in an April crash that seriously injured his passenger.
He had struck a tree along the eastbound Sunrise Highway Service Road while he was allegedly driving while impaired by alcohol and drugs.
“Drivers who are caught operating on our roads under the influence of alcohol and drugs
will be held accountable for their reckless actions,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Suffolk’s streets must be kept safe.”
According to the investigation, on April 27, 2025, at approximately 3:25 a.m., Bonilla Chicas was allegedly operating a 2016 BMW 340i eastbound on the Sunrise Highway Service Road at a high rate of speed when his vehicle went off of the road going airborne before hitting a tree and landing on an embankment.
The impact on the tree caused the front passenger of the BMW to be thrown to the back of the vehicle. The passenger was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where she underwent emergency surgery for her injuries.
Bonilla Chicas was determined to be intoxicated and placed under
arrest. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment for minor injuries.
Chicas was arraigned for the following charges:
• One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony;
• One count of Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree, a Class E felony;
• Two counts of Driving While Intoxicated, Unclassified misdemeanors;
• One count of Driving While Ability Impaired by Combined Influence of Alcohol and a Drug or Drugs, Unclassified misdemeanors;
• One count of Reckless Driving, an Unclassified misdemeanor; and
• One count of Speeding.
Judge McDonaugh ordered Bonilla Chicas placed on supervised release with GPS conditions, alcohol and narcotics conditions and suspended his license during the pendency of the case. In addition, Bonilla Chicas was ordered to surrender his passport. He is due back in court on August 21, 2025, and faces up to seven years in prison if convicted on the top count.
If There's a Dip, There's a Rip!
Continued from page 6
You might think that getting caught in a rip current is a rare event and that it would never happen to you, but according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) over 80% of all beach rescues are due to swimmers being caught in rip currents.
The time to think about what to do is before the emergency happens, not in the moment. For your own safety, and that of your family, go over what to do ahead of time so you are prepared. Just like you know how you will exit your home in a fire.
Dr. Greg Dusek, Senior Scientist with NOAA said, “The East Coast sees more deaths from rip currents because of higher beach attendance in densely populated areas and intensified currents from offshore storms, especially in late summer to early fall.”
NOAA now says the age-old advice of swimming parallel to shore may not always work. Most people can swim no more than about 50 yards without touching bottom. Experts now urge you to do less and not to try to fight your way out of the current.
“If you do get caught in a rip current, the best thing you can do is stay calm. It's not going to pull you underwater, it's just going to pull you away from shore. Call and wave for help. You want to float, and you don't want to swim back to shore against the rip current because it will just tire you out,” says Dusek.
• “Flip and Float.” Legs up, back of the head against the water and use only gentle movements. This will relax you, conserve energy and help you stay above water longer.
• If you can, swim perpendicular to the direction of the current. If you can’t, wave,
float, and wait for assistance.
What are rip currents and how to spot them?
The United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) says: Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches.
• Rip currents typically form at breaks in sandbars, and also near structures such as jetties and piers.
• Rip currents are commonly found on all surf beaches, including Great Lakes beaches. NOAA says, “If you're on shore and see someone in trouble in a rip current call for help. If a lifeguard is not available, throw in something that floats or extend a reaching object, but don't try to be a hero and make the rescue yourself. Even trained lifeguards only attempt a rescue using a flotation device.”
Drunken accident injures passenger.
Credit: Grok/X
ByDeborahWilliams
Ten Suffolk County Residents Indicted In Cocaine Trafficking Ring
A multiagency law enforcement action closed the doors on a massive, family-run drug ring.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney, together with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, announced the indictment of 10 individuals for allegedly operating an extensive cocaine-trafficking network in Suffolk County.
The indictment came out of a joint investigation conducted by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s East End Drug Task Force along with members of the Suffolk County Police Department, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Police, the Southampton Town Police Department, the Riverhead Town Police Department, the Southampton Village Police Department, the East Hampton Town Police Department, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Gang Violence Task Force, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Fentanyl Task Force, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Freeport Police Department.
“This investigation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to dismantling drug trafficking operations that spew poison into our communities. The defendants in this case allegedly turned a residential neighborhood into an open-air drug market, bringing violence and addiction to the doorsteps of Suffolk County families,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I thank our dedicated law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly on this complex
STATE
ByDeborahWilliams
investigation, the success of which underscores the critical importance of collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies to combat the organized sale of illicit drugs.”
Chief James Kiernan of the Southampton Town Police Department, “Under the strong leadership of District Attorney Tierney, East End law enforcement has been working collaboratively to make cases like this possible. The resources required to build and prosecute these cases are enormous – far beyond the reach of any single agency working alone.”
Chief Ed Frost of the Riverhead Town Police Department. “Together, we remain committed to our shared goal of holding accountable those who peddle poison in our community and threaten the safety and well-being of our residents.”
New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino of the DEA, “This investigation, which
resulted in the seizure of cocaine, illegal firearms, as well as other illicit narcotics, has significantly disrupted a source of violence and harm posed to Long Island’s East End. The DEA remains committed to making sure our communities are safe.”
Deputy Chief Donnie Ethier of the Freeport Police Department. “This successful multi-jurisdiction collaboration is one of the tools used to accomplish our crime reduction mission in the Village of Freeport.”
According to the investigation, beginning in July 2024, law enforcement launched an investigation into Timothy Mckay, Sr., and his residence located at 20 Brown Street in Riverside, which was allegedly operating a drug market where several defendants openly sold quantities of crack cocaine to customers who frequented the location throughout the day, seven days per week.
An undercover member of the
Fentanyl Task Force purchased cocaine at this location on 26 separate occasions. The investigation revealed that Robert Love allegedly acted as the “head” of the operation, which employed several of his brothers.
Eighteen search warrants were executed across Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Queens County. Over 14 ounces of cocaine, over 100 pounds of illegal cannabis, eight operable firearms, ammunition, over $170,000 in cash was recovered.
The following defendants were arraigned on the indictment:
• Robert E. “Boy” Love, 71, of Riverhead
• Timothy Mckay Jr., 36, of Riverside
• Joe Mckay, 52, of Riverside
• Prince Yellordy, 48 Of Freeport
• Timothy “Booty” Mckay Sr., 56, of Riverside
• Ronald “Boo” Love, 59, of Riverside
• Aleatra Eleazer, 37, of Northampton
• Hallock “Hal” Luce V. 40, of Riverhead
Choo, Choo to the New York State Fair - Amtrak Makes It Easy!
Want to take your family on a trip to the New York State Fair and not worry about traffic and parking?
Amtrak and the NY Department of Transportation have partnered to make the trip easy for you and your family. Tickets are now on sale for direct train service to and from the Great New York State Fair. Daily train service allows fairgoers a convenient and costeffective way to travel to Upstate New York’s largest agricultural and entertainment extravaganza. Visit nysfair.ny.gov.
Throughout the Fair’s 13-day duration, five trains will make daily stops starting Wednesday, August 20 and continuing through Monday, September 1. Tickets are available now at Amtrak.com, via the Amtrak mobile app, at the station ticket counters, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.
“Taking the train to the Great New York State Fair is a convenient, affordable way to enjoy the best
Amtrak teams up with New York State Fair
that New York State has to offer,” Governor Hochul said. “From delicious food and live music to rides, games and the best agricultural exhibits anywhere in the state, this year’s Fair truly has
something for everybody. The Great New York State Fair is one of my favorite annual events, and I can’t wait to join the hundreds of thousands of visitors at this annual summertime spectacular.”
• Maple Leaf Train 63 – Departs Moynihan Train Hall at 7:16 a.m. and arrives at the Fair at 1:11 p.m.
• Maple Leaf Train 64 – Departs Toronto at 8:20 a.m. and arrives at the Fair at 2:51 p.m.
• Empire Service Train 281 –Departs Moynihan Train Hall at 10:21 a.m. and arrives at the Fair at 4:21 p.m.
• Empire Service Train 283 –Departs Moynihan Train Hall at 1:20 p.m. and arrives at the Fair at 7:13 p.m.
• Empire Service Train 284 –Departs Niagara Falls at 6:27 a.m. and arrives at the Fair at 9:31 a.m.
The Great New York State Fair opens Wednesday, August 20, and continues through Labor Day, September 1. Admission is $8 plus fees for adults. Tickets are free for adults ages 65 and over and children ages 12 and under.
By taking the train, visitors will save on traffic, parking fees, and gas by arriving steps from the fairgrounds via select Empire Service and Maple Leaf trains, which will make daily stops at the State Fair (in between stops at Rochester and Syracuse stations). Train service to the Fair includes:
Credit: Amtrak
Family-run drug ring busted.
Credit: Suffolk County Police Department
ByRobertChartuk
Garbarino Tapped to Chair House Powerful Homeland Security Committee
Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino has been named Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, a powerful post that places a Long Islander at the helm of national security oversight in a time of rising global threats and illegal immigrant issues.
Garbarino, who represents a district deeply shaped by the September 11, 2001, attacks, becomes the seventh lawmaker to lead the committee since its inception in the aftermath of 9/11. He said the appointment carries profound meaning for both him and the communities he serves.
“I am honored to have earned
the trust and confidence of my colleagues to lead the House Committee on Homeland Security,” Garbarino said. “As a lifelong New Yorker and representative of a district shaped by 9/11, I understand the stakes of this responsibility.
‘Never forget’ is more than a slogan. It is a commitment I have carried with me throughout my entire adult life.”
Few regions of the country are as attuned to the lasting impact of terrorism as Long Island. On that September morning nearly 24 years ago, hundreds of local residents—many commuting into Manhattan for work—lost their lives. Dozens of firefighters, police officers, and emergency responders from Suffolk and
Nassau counties perished trying to save others. In the years since, the region has remained highly engaged in homeland security efforts, from airport screening and cybersecurity to intelligence-
sharing partnerships among local law enforcement agencies.
Garbarino emphasized the pressing national challenges ahead, including the crisis caused by the Biden administration’s open border policy, the evolving threat of terrorism, and vulnerabilities in America’s cyber infrastructure.
First elected in 2020, Garbarino has served on the Homeland Security Committee since arriving in Congress. In the previous Congress, he chaired the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, where he also served as ranking member prior to Republicans retaking the House majority.
Garbarino’s elevation to
chairman comes at a time when Long Islanders remain acutely aware of threats to national security. Annual 9/11 memorial ceremonies in places across Long Island draw large crowds, and families who lost loved ones continue to advocate for stronger anti-terror measures and support for first responders suffering from long-term health effects.
“Andrew knows our history, and he knows our people,” said Joseph DeStefano, a longtime community leader and state assemblyman from Suffolk County. “He’s not going to back down when it comes to fighting for our safety. This is a proud moment for Long Island.”
Rigged Info, Real Consequences: New Coalition Aims to Restore Trust in Political Polling
ByRobertChartuk
Just days before the 2020 election, ABC reported a poll claiming Donald Trump was down 17 points in his race for the White House against Joe Biden. This proved to be embarrassingly wrong for a national news network and threw into question the validity of public polling and the motivations behind such bogus claims.
According to a coalition of independent pollsters, this was a deliberate act of misinformation, the kind that can sway elections,
Credit: Chat GPT
suppress voter turnout, and erode public trust in democracy itself. Now, a group of veteran pollsters is fighting back.
The newly formed National Association of Independent Polling (NAIP) brings together some of the country’s most accurate polling professionals to hold the industry accountable and expose politically motivated, agenda-driven data manipulation.
“Too many big-name polls aren’t just getting it wrong, they’re getting it wrong in the same direction, year
after year,” said Mark Mitchell, head pollster at Rasmussen Reports and a founding member of the new organization. “That’s not a margin of error. That’s not random. That’s a pattern.”
NAIP was founded by Mitchell, Richard Barris of Big Data Poll, Robert Cahaly of Trafalgar Group, and Matt Towery of InsiderAdvantage—a team with a proven track record of accuracy, especially in understanding and measuring support for President Trump’s MAGA movement.
“This is about more than polling,” said Barris. “This is about public trust. If we can’t get accurate readings on public opinion, how can voters make informed decisions? How can lawmakers rely on data to shape policy? And more importantly, how can we tell the difference between real sentiment and fabricated narratives designed to influence the electorate?”
The founders say the problem has worsened during the Trump era,
with mainstream media pollsters often underreporting Republican support by wide margins. The public is left confused, campaigns are misled, and the polls themselves become weapons of political influence, rather than tools of measurement.
“We’ve all seen these pop-up polling firms that vanish after a cycle or come back under a new name,” said Barris. “There’s never been anyone watching them. Well, now there is.”
NAIP’s purpose is twofold: to serve as a watchdog over an industry plagued by bad actors and to re-establish a gold standard of accuracy based on transparency, methodology, and long-term performance, not partisan spin.
“Most of the public thinks opinion changes month to month,” Barris said. “But in truth, the data shifts because the pollsters are talking to different types of people each time. We’ve proven that larger samples and smarter methodology
yield consistent, accurate results, not the wild swings you see in the mainstream.”
The group does not hide its criticism of the media and establishment firms, accusing them of gaslighting the public and suppressing legitimate perspectives. “This is affecting everybody’s numbers,” said Mitchell. “And it’s only going to get worse.”
For now, NAIP aims to establish a recognizable seal of integrity, a way for the public, media, and political leaders to distinguish credible pollsters from the rest. Membership isn’t open to just anyone. As Barris put it, “You have to have a published, public track record of accuracy. You have to get it right. Not always, but more often than not, and certainly better than chance.”
“This is just the beginning,” Barris concluded. “The American people deserve to know the truth, not be spoon-fed an agenda dressed up as data.”
Longtime Suffolk Courts District...
Continued from page 5
Clark joined the courts in 2000 as the principal law clerk to Administrative Judge Prudenti. He also served in the District Administrative Judge’s Office as a principal court attorney and court attorneyreferee. Prior to his ascension to district executive, he also served as the chief clerk of the Suffolk County District Court. In all, Clark served for five successive administrative judges: Justices Crecca, Hinrichs, and Prudenti, as well as Hon. H. Patrick Leis
III and Hon. Alan D. Oshrin—a long tenure that is a testament to Clark’s reliability and leadership skills.
Before his time with the courts, Clark began his legal career as an assistant Suffolk County attorney for six years and then served as a trial attorney at CGU Insurance Company for ten years. He is a graduate of SUNY Albany and Western New England School of Law.
Notably, Clark was instrumental to Suffolk’s
court operations during the coronavirus pandemic, where his institutional wisdom and management skills were critical in overcoming the complicated challenges of those extraordinary times.
More than 100 court employees—judges, clerks, court officers, and more—gathered at the main entrance of the John P. Cohalan Jr. Court Complex in Central Islip to say goodbye to their district executive on his last day at work.
Credit: Office of Rep. Garbarino
Congressman Andrew Garbarino
ByDeborahWilliams
DOGE Report: Trump Pulls Out of UNESCO – 'Not in America's Best Interest'
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has brought many things to light including waste, fraud, and abuse. They have also made recommendations to eliminate many programs that fund woke programs, DEI programs, and other agencies that are not working toward a better America.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is one of these agencies. This past week, the State Department declared that UNESCO membership was "not in the national interest" of the United States.
The State Department issued a statement saying that UNESCO works to advance “divisive social and cultural causes and maintains an outsized focus on the UN’s
Sustainable Development Goals, a globalist, ideological agenda for international development at odds with our America First foreign policy. UNESCO’s decision to admit the 'State of Palestine' as a Member State is highly problematic, contrary to U.S. policy, and contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization.”
"President Donald Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from UNESCO – which supports woke, divisive cultural and social causes that are totally out-of-step with the commonsense policies that Americans voted for in November," said White House Deputy Spokesperson Anna Kelly.
State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement on the exit that "Continued U.S. participation in international organizations will focus on
CONTACT US
advancing American interests with clarity and conviction."
In other nuts-and-bolts cutting and fixing, DOGE continues its work to streamline process and eliminate spending that is not in the best interest of America. To date, DOGE lists savings of $199 billion. That is $1,236.02 per taxpayer based on 161 million individual taxpayers.
DOGE also estimates savings from regulatory changes at $30.1 billion.
DOGE has also deleted 1.8 million words from regulations and guidance documents. The website dashboards are updated weekly allowing you to track progress across all federal agencies: www. doge.gov
Contracts Update
This past week, agencies terminated 141 wasteful contracts with a ceiling value of $5.1B and savings of $498M, including a $526k United States Agency for International Development (USAID) professional services contract for a “global health security advisor in Senegal,” and a $1.4M HHS contract for “professional services in Rwanda.”
Weather Radio Update
Since the last update, National Weather Service (NWS) upgraded 33 more sites to wireless (saving ~$114k/month), bringing the total to roughly 750 upgraded sites. NWS has finished producing networking kits for all LTE-compatible sites. The remaining 274 sites will complete upgrades across the U.S. over the coming weeks.
DOGE continues to create efficiencies.
HISTORY LESSONS 'A Local Company of American Heroes'
BY RICHARD ACRITELLI
“You know Dad, I’m not looking to get killed but God forbid if it should happen, understand it happened doing something I loved, and I’d rather that than sit behind a desk for 30 years and hate my life.”
These were the words of Daniel Murphy from the views of his son Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy to serve in the naval special forces. Since his death in 2005, this veteran has become symbolic of sacrifice and service to America during the start of the Global War. Murphy’s name can be historically mentioned in the same words as other key leaders who helped this country since its creation. Whereas Long Island is a small place on the map, there has been a “Historic Company of Heroes” that has fought in numerous conflicts to protect our people. Here are local leaders who could have easily been friends with Murphy, served with him, and experienced the same joys here on the island.
Benjamin Tallmadge was a key American Revolutionary war officer from Setauket and was a local boy who had shown an early prominence as a student, where he attended Yale University at fifteen years old. While attending this college, he met Nathan Hale, and both men watched the colonies separate away from the strength of British control. Like other colonists, Tallmadge was opposed to the authority of King George III and Parliament and after the 1775 Battles of Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill, he enlisted into the Continental Army as a lieutenant.
A year later, General George Washington fought one of the largest battles of the war, here on Long Island, but it led to a disaster that saw the retreat of his army from Manhattan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. For Tallmadge, the war became increasingly personal, as his brother was taken prisoner and held in horrible conditions by the British. In 1778, Tallmadge was a major and was ordered by Washington to oversee an intelligence-gathering system to determine the actions of the British in the colonies and specifically their presence in New York City. Whereas Washington lost this major city, he was determined to analyze the strength of British operations, resources, and leadership. Tallmadge collected much needed information for Washington and kept a watchful eye on activities of the enemy within this part of Suffolk County. Through the establishment of the Culper Spy Ring, Tallmadge helped fulfill the demands of Washington to detect the actions of the British through his local friends. Historic names like Austin Roe, Caleb Brewster, Abraham Woodhull, and Anna
Strong, all played a significant role in attaining information for Tallmadge. None of these spies were ever caught by the British and if you’re driving within this part of the North Shore, you will see their names on roads and landmarks. Under the presence of Tallmadge, vital information was collected and sent to Washington’s Headquarters in parts of New York and New Jersey to help him lead against the enemy.
Tallmadge created secret codes and informants to determine intelligence that was used to prevent the British navy from landing army forces in Rhode Island. They uncovered the treachery of Benedict Arnold, a once trusted officer who fought for Washington and was wounded against the British. Married to a younger woman, they had five children, fell into debt, and he widely resented Washington and Congress for not being promoted fast enough.
In September of 1780, after several months of contact with the British authorities in New York City, Arnold attempted to turn over this key military base on the Hudson River, by giving the plans to a British Major John André. Whereas Arnold escaped, André was caught and interrogated by Tallmadge, who reasoned that André was a soldier who tried to do his duty for his nation. This local resident was at the heart of one of the worst forms of treachery ever to hit the United States.
Two months later, Tallmadge was always motivated to gain information about Long Island and learned of a British supply base at the base of Carmen’s River and the Great South Bay, near Smith’s Point beach. At first, Washington refused to allow the trusted Tallmadge to wage this assault, as he feared losing him. Tallmadge again, traveled to this fort, gained additional information, and learned of the vast supply of hay in Coram. Washington finally allowed Tallmadge to carry out this operation, he landed at Mount Sinai, traveled through parts of this town, Coram, Yaphank, Ridge, into Shirley, and Mastic. Undetected, his forces surprised the British, took their resources, prisoners of war, destroyed a supply ship, and set the hay on fire, before taking whale boats back to Connecticut.
It was a precision operation that struck in the middle of loyalist territory that demonstrated to the British that the Continentals would never forget about the British presence in Eastern Long Island. A local citizen, Tallmadge, was a close confidant of Washington, he was at the heart of the movement to gain a fighting independence. Murphy and Tallmadge were both
patriots who were practically the same age through their service to defend this nation. And both citizens were determined to support our people, as Murphy was earlier accepted into several law schools and Tallmadge after the war served as a Federalist congressional representative in Connecticut for several terms. While both men were from different time periods, they were patriots who loved our local communities and were devoted local citizens to serve this nation.
Another patriot was Theodore Roosevelt, who made his home in Sagamore Hill, Cove Neck, near Oyster Bay. A staunch patriot who believed in the growth and drive of the United States, he believed that this nation had to fight the Spanish over its control of Cuba. Born in 1858, Roosevelt was an energetic figure who was influenced by his father Theodore, who later was a founder of the American Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a city Orthopedic Hospital. Under President Rutherford B. Hayes, Theodore Sr. gained political experience and was nominated as a Collector of Customs for New York City.
The younger Roosevelt learned the importance of giving back to America and the need to stay physically active. During his younger years, he was a cowboy on the frontier, wrestler, boxer, rowed his boat across the Long Island Sound, hiked, and loved learning about the outdoors. A big game hunter, Roosevelt later became a major proponent of conservation that led to the local, state, and federal parks system. For the rest of his life, Roosevelt exhibited this immense amount of energy that he inherited from the presence of his father through all his major accomplishments.
Roosevelt later reformed the New York City Police Department, strengthened the physical requirements, and walked the police beats at night to ensure that they were on duty. He was
instrumental in helping William McKinley become president of the United States. He was given the position of Assistant Secretary of the Navy and was extremely concerned about the presence of a strong Spanish government off our shores in Cuba. While he was second in charge, Roosevelt believed that war was imminent, and he tirelessly worked to ensure that the navy was prepared. Roosevelt feared the strength of superior naval forces that operated near the United States that weakened the Monroe Doctrine. Roosevelt was a known “Hawk” who called for action against the Spanish, and this became increasingly vehement after USS Maine was destroyed in Havana Harbor that killed 260 sailors. While the Spanish were most likely not responsible for this American loss, Roosevelt was incensed at the close presence of this European power.
On April 25th, 1898, McKinley declared war against the Spanish, but as the United States had a capable navy, the army was not prepared to go into battle. Roosevelt immediately left his post, organized the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, and gained the rank of lieutenant colonel under the direction of his friend Colonel Leonard Wood. While Roosevelt had three years of experience in the New York National Guard as a captain, he quickly used his energy to organize, train, and deploy 1,000 soldiers to fight in Cuba. For Roosevelt, this was a defining moment in his life, where he would have to carry out the national deeds that he widely called for in government.
The “Rough Riders” was almost the character background of Roosevelt, as they were a collection of veterans, cowboys, law officials, bandits, hunters, Native Americans, Ivy League students, and athletes to make up this notable regiment. Whereas Roosevelt had no experience leading large columns of soldiers, inside of a month, he quickly learned, and there were pictures of
him sitting upright on horseback commanding this regiment. These Americans had a massive amount of flair, character, and drive to oppose the enemy in Cuba. While this conflict was considered a “Splendid Little War,” Roosevelt was at the center of the fighting that was 90 miles off the coast of Florida within the tropics of this nation. On July 1st, Roosevelt led the Rough Riders through an aggressive pursuit against the enemy up Kettle Hill near the San Juan Heights. Armed with a pistol that was made from the steel taken from the remnants of the USS Maine, in a lower position, Roosevelt on his horse “Texas” led his men under intense fire upward to overcome the enemy infantry and artillery.
Near Roosevelt, whom he later promoted as a brigadier general, was Captain John J. Pershing, who led African American soldiers during this battle. Roosevelt was one of the loudest supporters of the war against Spain and under fire he achieved one of the most important victories of this military contest. After the war, he criticized the War Department for keeping American soldiers who were highly susceptible to the illnesses in Cuba, and while he was nominated for the Medal of Honor, he did not receive it until 100 years later. Like Murphy and Tallmadge, Roosevelt was a young military leader who strongly understood the importance of protecting America.
Like for Murphy and Tallmadge, service was a family tradition for the Roosevelts, his son Quentin who enjoyed living at Sagamore Hill, hiking, fishing, and swimming, was killed during World War I. He flew operations within the 95th Aero Squadron within the U.S. Army Air Service and was killed from wounds that he received from enemy German aircraft. In 1944, Teddy Jr., a World War I veteran, he later became a brigadier general, led the first soldiers ashore during the Normandy invasion to defeat the Nazis at the “Atlantic Wall,” where he directed his men, “We’ll start the war from right here!” Thirty six days later, this Oyster Bay citizen died of a massive heart attack in his tent and like his father, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Murphy was an energetic young man who grew up in Patchogue and he had a good deal in common with Tallmadge and the Roosevelts. Long Islanders are extremely proud of these historic military stories of bravery that showcase the devotion of its citizens to protect this country. Whereas they lived in different periods, these leaders were certainly “brothers in arms” to aid the United States.
Estate planning is especially challenging for blended families. They must consider how an estate plan will impact the surviving spouse, biological children, and stepchildren. Understanding the dynamic of your blended family and the degree to which all parties can work together or maintain a relationship after your passing is crucial. Avoiding the probate process can be one way to simplify things after your death.
If you die with a Will, your Will must be probated and an executor must be appointed by the Surrogate’s Court before gaining access to your assets, paying your bills, or making distributions to your beneficiaries. The probate process requires that your heirsat-law (spouse and children, but not stepchildren) be served with
a copy the Will and sign consents or be given the opportunity to file objections, even if you have disinherited them. If you are looking to avoid this, a Trust may be your answer. The Trust can do all the heavy lifting of directing how your estate is handled, but it does not require any notification to your family members or court intervention to empower the trustee to enact your estate plan.
For blended families, creating a Trust can be very advantageous for multiple reasons. Consider the second marriage where each spouse has children from a prior relationship and the intention is for both families to split the primary residence of the couple equally. Without proper planning, when the first spouse dies, the property may pass automatically to the surviving spouse upon the first spouse’s death. The survivor then has
Estate Planning for Blended Families
Credit: Iryna Kushnarova | Dreamstime.com
full control over who inherits the property and, intentionally or not, may fail to include the children of the deceased spouse in his or her own estate plan at death.
However, if each spouse establishes a Trust which owns half of a property, each Trusts’ terms can ensure the surviving
family
spouse can use the property for life, and then upon the survivor’s death, it can be distributed according to each spouse’s wishes. Since ownership as tenants by the entirety or joint tenants will override any estate planning documents, the deed must also be changed to reflect the fact that one-half of the
property is owned by each spouse’s Trust. This can be used to distribute other assets as well.
The right attorney can help you navigate the distribution of your assets for both your spouse and your biological children. Talking through the proper plan should include a discussion about each asset, where you intend for it to go, and who will be the best person(s) to manage your estate.
By Britt Burner, Esq. and Erin Cullen, Esq.
Britt Burner, Esq. is the Managing Partner at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. focusing her practice areas on Estate Planning and Elder Law. Erin Cullen, Esq. is an associate attorney at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. focusing her practice on Trusts and Estates. 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.
Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the beauty of our local community! Join up with the library staff at these scheduled family events at local parks and attractions. You’ll have fun, learn something new, and meet new friends.
Patriots Preserve
Tuesdays, August 5 & 19, 10:00–10:45a.m.
Registration required for each separate session.
Meet us at Patriots Preserve for a morning walk with your little one.
Ages birth-23 months with an adult.
Sandcastles @ Smith Point Beach
Monday,August18,6:00–
7:00p.m.
Register one person to represent the family.
Weather permitting.
Meet up with library staff on the sand in front of Tiki Joe’s at Smith Point Beach for sandcastles and warm weather fun. We include a sun safety station with info, sunscreen and goodies for the kids, provided by Stony Brook Cancer Center’s Prevention in Action program.
Families with children entering Grade 6 or younger.
Family Walk Night @ Patriots Preserve
Thursday,August21,6:15–7:00p.m.
Register one child entering Grade 6 or younger to represent the family.
Meet us at Patriots Preserve for a summer night walk with your family.
Families with children entering Grade 6 or younger.
Register each child attending. Weather permitting.
Did you know anyone can go crabbing for blue claw crabs from our local waters? With some simple equipment, you can catch come crabs for dinner or just for curiosity. We will be catching and releasing.
Families with children entering Grade 6 or younger.
BY TARA D’AMATO
Assistant Library Director
Kostanti
Welcome to our MakerSpace
Get ready to design, create, and innovate! Come explore our 3D printers, crafting supplies, laser engraver, embroidery machines, and more.
No appointment needed – just bring your ideas. Let’s make something amazing!
Need guidance on what materials you’ll need or interested in a one-on-one appointment? Contact our staff in Adult Reference at 631-399-1511 x2023.
Makerspace Drop-In Hours
MORNINGS: Tuesdays, Fridays, & Saturdays 10 AM - 1 PM
11:00 am / Check-In & Range Open 11:30 am / Lunch Available 1:00 pm / Shotgun Start
Scramble Format
Beverage Cart Snacks and Drinks During Play 6:00 pm / Dinner & Awards
Registration Includes Welcome Gifts for All Players Multiple On-Course Contests Longest Drive, Wager Game, (2)Closest to Pins 1st - 3rd Team Placements
First Class Raffle
LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLK
WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2018-HB1, Plaintiff, AGAINST
CHRISTOPHER DALY, AS EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF NANCY DALY, et al. Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on April 29, 2025.
I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on August 6, 2025 at 9:00 AM premises known as 18 Winnie Road, Center Moriches, NY 11934.
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 at Center Moriches, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Section 944.00, Block 3.00 and Lot 42.000.
Approximate amount of judgment $357,910.78 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #624676/2017.
Mark Goldsmith, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR OPTION
ONE MORTGAGE LOAN
TRUST 2006-1, ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1, -against-
DALE R. HUMPHRIES, 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 April 17, 2025, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR OPTION ONE MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-1, ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1 is the Plaintiff and DALE R. HUMPHRIES, 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 August 5, 2025 at 10:30AM, premises known as 23 FLOYD BENNETT DRIVE, SOUND BEACH, NY 11789; and the following tax map identification: 0200-072.0005.00-021.000.
CANCELED
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWNSHIP OF BROOKHAVEN, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 616714/2021. 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.
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF THE LBCABANA SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. CHARLES ROACH, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 16, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on August 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., premises known as 113 Camille Lane, 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 898.00, Block 07.00 and Lot 007.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $653,766.69 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #608882/2023.
Annette Eaderesto, Esq., Referee
Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 222773-1
Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE INDEX #: 621171/2024 NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC Plaintiff, vs KATHLEEN E. RILEY 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 GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; SUCH UNKNOWN PERSONS BEING HEREIN GENERALLY DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN 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, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF THE IRS JOHN DOE (Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.) Defendant(s).
MORTGAGED PREMISES: 50 East Masem Square East Patchogue, NY 11772 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s)
within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Suffolk. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Kathleen E. Riley Defendant In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Susan Betsy Heckman Torres of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Sixteenth day of June, 2025 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk, in the City of Riverhead. The object of this action is to foreclosure a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by Kathleen E. Riley dated the June 25, 2018, to secure the sum of $200,000.00 and recorded at Book M00022946, Page 587 in the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk on July 31, 2018. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed June 28, 2024 and recorded on August 6, 2024, in the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk at Book M00023602, Page 360. The property in question is described as follows: 50 East Masem Square, East Patchogue, NY 11772 NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this Foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.
YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: June 24, 2025 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 86310
REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLK JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiffagainst - PAUL W. KING A/K/A PAUL W. KING, SR., et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on November 30, 2022. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on the 13th day of August, 2025 at 9:30 AM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York.
Premises known as 129 Woodside Avenue, Patchogue, NY 11772 a/k/a 129 West Woodside Avenue, Patchogue, New York 11772. (District: 0200, Section: 893.00, Block: 02.00, Lot: 006.000)
Approximate amount of lien $548,064.40 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 603041/2018. Paul R. Feuer, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite
LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL
840
New York, NY 10170
Tel. 347/286-7409
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www. Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: June 2, 2025
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. Auction Locations are subject to change.
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered August 21, 2023, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on August 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM. Premises known as 1 Ellen Ct, Lake Grove, NY 11755. District 0208 Sec 008.00 Block 11.00 Lot 029.000. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lake Grove, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate
Amount of Judgment is $412,399.72 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 605329/2016. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.
Steven P. Bertolino, Esq., Referee File # NY202200000067-1
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSRMF MH MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST II, Plaintiff AGAINST DORA W. CHAN, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 2, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on August 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM, premises known as 20 West Lake Drive, Patchogue, NY 11772. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Patchogue, in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0204, Section 012.00, Block 04.00, Lot 003.000. Approximate amount of judgment $469,615.02 plus interest
and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610027/2018. Only Bank or Certified check payable to the Referee will be accepted for the downpayment. No third party check or cash will be accepted. Andrea Denicola, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 16003669 86099
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: SUFFOLK COUNTY. DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS INDENTURED TRUSTEE FOR NEW CENTURY HOME EQUITY LOAN
TRUST 2004-1, Pltf. vs. COLLEEN T. MURPHYGAZZO; et al, Defts. Index #615421/2023. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Sept. 17, 2024, I will sell at public auction at Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY on August 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. premises k/a 25 Patchogue Street, Patchogue, NY 11772 a/k/a Section 19, Block 4, Lot 53. Said property beginning at a point on the northerly side of Patchogue Street distant 358 ft. westerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the northerly side of Patchogue Street and the westerly side of Cedar Avenue; running thence NW 90 ft.; running thence SW 49 ft. to the easterly side of a private road known as Willow Walk; running thence SE along the easterly side of Willow Walk 90 ft. to the northerly side of Patchogue Street 49 ft. to the point or place of beginning. Approximate amount of judgment is $117,123.07 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale and the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law. ANNETTE EADERESTO, Referee. HILL WALLACK, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 261 Madison Avenue, 9th Fl. Ste 940, New York, NY 10016. File No. 17511-4340 - #102396
L16309 - 07/23/2025, 07/30/2025, 08/06/2025 &
08/13/2025
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY
US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff against THE UNKNOWN HEIRSAT LAW, NEXT-OFKIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH THE DECENDENT ANTHONY BISCARDI, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, et al Defendant(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, NY 10591.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered November 29, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on August 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Premises known as 159 HAWTHORNE STREET, MASTIC, NY 11950. District 0200 Sec 908.00 Block 04.00 Lot 027.000. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $322,721.14 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 615688/2022. Cash will not be accepted at the sale. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District's Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce
any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing.
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST EDDIE ROMAN, CARMEN ROSADO, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 26, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on August 26, 2025 at 9:30 AM, premises known as 254 Auborn Avenue, Shirley, NY 11967. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Township of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of New York, District 0200, Section 746.00, Block 03.00, Lot 005.000. Approximate amount of judgment $238,215.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #603642/2018. Harvey B. Besunder, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-006778 86428
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK – COMPULINK CORPORATION, DBA CELINK, Plaintiff, -against- MICHAEL M. VARRIALE JR. AKA
MICHAEL L. VARRIALE, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL VARRIALE AKA
MICHAEL YARRIALE; ANTHONY VARRIALE, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL VARRIALE AKA
MICHAEL YARRIALE; FRANCESCO VARRIALE, AS HEIR, DEVISEE,
DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL VARRIALE AKA
MICHAEL YARRIALE; PAUL T. VARRIALE AKA
PAUL V. VARRIALE, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL VARRIALE AKA
MICHAEL YARRIALE; YOLANDA COUTANT AKA YOLANDA VARRIALE, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL VARRIALE AKA
MICHAEL YARRIALE; THERESA M. MCGUIRE AKA THERE M. VARRIALE, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL VARRIALE AKA MICHAEL YARRIALE; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL VARRIALE AKA MICHAEL YARRIALE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ACTING ON BEHALF OF DEPARTMENT OF TREASURYINTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; DITECH FINANCIAL LLC; CLERK OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY TRAFFIC & PARKING VIOLATIONS AGENCY; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; “JANE DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #1, Defendants - Index No. 603028/2023 Plaintiff Designates Suffolk County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Suffolk County. To the above named Defendants–YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of
the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated June 25, 2025. NOTICEYOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME – If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (COMPULINK CORPORATION, DBA CELINK) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable S. Betsy Heckman Torres, J.S.C. Dated: June 25, 2025 Filed: June 30, 2025. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 380 West End Avenue, Shirley, NY 11967. Dated: February 11, 2025 Filed: July 9, 2025 Greenspoon Marder
LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Monica G. Christie, Esq., 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105 P: (212) 524-5000 F: (212) 524-5050 No Service by fax) Service purposes only: Trade Centre South 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 P: (888) 491-1120 F: (954) 3436982
Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company, Plaintiff AGAINST
Aaron Ruff a/k/a Aaron G. Ruff, Individually and on behalf of the Estate of Millinee Thomas; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 15, 2021, amended November 22, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on August 28, 2025, at 9:00AM, premises known as 108 Wilson Avenue, Medford, NY 11763. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Middle Island, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of New York, District 0200 Section 497.00 Block 02.00 Lot 006.000. Approximate amount of judgment $328,134.19 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 612283/2015.
Brian Egan, Esq., Referee
LOGS Legal Group LLP
f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 272-a, 264 and 265 OF THE TOWN LAW AND SECTION 104 OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that, pursuant to Sections 272-a, 264 and 265 of the Town Law and Section 104 of the Public Officers Law, a public hearing will be held by the Town Board, Acting as the Planning Board, of the Town of Brookhaven at the Town Board Auditorium, One Independence Hill, Second Floor, Farmingville, New York 11738 on August 14, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. to consider the certification of the Mastic Beach Neighborhood Road Revitalization Area Urban Renewal Plan pursuant to Article 15 of the New York State General Municipal Law.
A copy of the plan is on file in the Planning Division and may be examined during regular office hours by any interested person. At said public hearing, any persons interested shall be given the opportunity to be heard.
Dated: Farmingville, New York
July 17, 2025
KEVIN J. LAVALLE, TOWN CLERK TOWN OFBROOKHAVEN
L16317-07/30/2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Southport 2013 LLC, c/o Heidenberg Properties, 234 Closter Dock Road, Closter, NJ 07624, has made application to the Brookhaven Town Board acting as the Planning Board for approval of a site plan for a 5,000 square foot addition, requiring variances for amount of parking. This proposal is known as Southport 2013 LLC @ Shirley, located at 999 Montauk Highway, Shirley, Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York and described as follows:
NORTH:
Now or Formerly AFFORDABLE CUSTOM HOME BUILDING CORP, Now or Formerly JADE CASTLE INC, Now or Formerly GRZ PROPERTIES INC, Now or Formerly GRZ PROPERTIES CORP, CHRIST CHURCH INC, Now or Formerly 72 MCGRAW STREET CORP, NEW YORK STATE ROUTE 27;
WEST:
Now or Formerly DELUCCA JAMES V, Now or Formerly SHIRLEY FIVE ASSOCIATES LLC, Now or Formerly DELA CRUZ RAMIREZ JULIO A & Now or Formerly RAMIREZ JULIO ANGEL DELA CRUZ,
Now or Formerly
MARTINEZ CARLOS & MEJIA MARTINEZ MARIA, Now or Formerly PAPA SALVATORE&GIUSEPL/E VENERA PAPA, Now or Formerly SAFI MOHAMED & MICHEL ASHLEY, Now or Formerly HOLTON DONALD J & CAROL A, Now or Formerly TRAYLOR NICKOLAS & JENNIFER, Now or Formerly UPSTATE WAREHOUSE LLC;
SOUTH:
Now or Formerly 980 1029 MONTAUK HIGHWAY LLC, MONTAUK HIGHWAY, Now or Formerly CAMPAGNA KATHRYN &JACQUELINE KNOEPFFLER & BARBARA DELANEY & ELIZABETH LANGA, Now or Formerly 8 STAR PROPERTIES 2 INC, Now or Formerly AAA M REALTY INC, Now or Formerly ELKIN MICHELE R, Now or Formerly 921 CORP, Now or Formerly BACKHAUS WILFRED T JR, Now or Formerly CN & GN ASSOCIATES LLC;
EAST: Now or Formerly GENOVESE MARION & GENOVESE VALENTINA, Now or Formerly LONGO CAROL L, Now or Formerly FAHIE RICHARD A, Now or Formerly ADICKES PETER & PHUOC THI, Now or Formerly GREGORY T & JEAN L WAHL REV TRUST & GREGORY T & JEAN L WAHL TRUSTEE, Now or Formerly
PORCELLI ANTHONY & NICHOLAS & JAMES JR, Now or Formerly BROWN IVORY, Now or Formerly BAPTISTE ANDREA & STANLEY, Now or Formerly CHINCHARAULI GIORGI, Now or Formerly 980 1029 MONTAUK HIGHWAY LLC;
Notice is hereby given that the Brookhaven Town Board acting as the Planning Board will hold a public hearing in the Town Hall 2nd floor auditorium, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, New York on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 5:30 P.M., when adjacent property owners and/or others interested in any way in the proposal may appear before the Board to be heard.
A more detailed diagram of the subject property shall be made available virtually at https://www. brookhavenny.gov/1159/ Meetings
At said public hearing, any persons interested shall be given the opportunity to be heard. Anyone interested in submitting written comments to the Board may also do so via email at emccallion@brookhavenny. gov.
DATED: July 21, 2025 Daniel J. Panico, Supervisor L16318-7/30/2025
THE CLASSIFIEDS
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The Fantasy Baseball Experience - Does Picking First Matter?
ByJackThaler
Hi, my name is Jack Thaler, and I hope you enjoyed last week's edition of My Fantasy Baseball Experience.
This week, I will try to find out if having the Number 1 pick in the draft matters.
To determine if the number one pick matters, I will be using the top 3 ADP players from the last four years, as the person with the number one pick almost always selects a player within the first three ADP spots.
I will say a year did matter if at least 2 of that year's top 3 ADP players were deserving of that spot during that year in ADP.
In 2024, these three players were Ronald Acuna, Bobby Witt, and Julio Rodriguez.
Acuna ended up being out for the year, Witt had a really good year, and Rodriguez had a down year.
So 2024 does not matter much for the number one pick. In 2023, these three players were Aaron Judge, Trea Turner, and Jose
Judge was out for most of the year, Turner had a fine year but was not deserving of this spot, and J-Ram had a down year but I will still say that he was deserving.
So 2023 didn’t matter for the number one pick. In 2022, the top 3 were Trea Turner, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Juan Soto.
Turner was deserving of this spot, Vladdy was also deserving, but Soto was not deserving, though. 2022 was our first year where having the Number 1 pick mattered.
In 2021, the top 3 were Ronald Acuna, Fernando Tatis, and Mookie Betts. Acuna only played half the season, Tatis was deserving, but Betts was not deserving, though.
So in 2021 having the Number one pick didn’t matter.
So in only one of the four years, having the number one pick mattered.
But I am still gonna say it depends from year to year
because while there is always a ton of really good players and hidden talents available to people in the first round who don’t have the number one pick, some years there is a player available who is just so much better than all the others that having the number one pick matters a lot.
This was the case in 2021 with Tatis, who hit 42 bombs while also stealing 25 bags and batting .282. So always make sure to look out for that one super player, but also remember that you can have an incredible first-round pick without having the number 1 pick. Now for my waiver pickups
ByTomBarton
There is a growing concern in both New York and San Francisco and the critics have gotten louder by the day about each team's shortstop position.
In New York the media has been relentless on bashing the Yankees Anthony Volpe. Volpe has now watched fans turn on him because of his bad base running, bad decisions, terrible defense and now hitting slump. Volpe was supposed to be the next great Yankee and the front office turned away from additions like pursuing Carlos Correa and Cory Seagar for the young SS. Even internally there were questions if the position should be given to him or Peraza.
In San Francisco the Giants needed some stability in the middle of their lineup and paid a very heavy price tag to get Willy Adames this past winter. Adames has slumped big time
of the week.
Pitchers:
• Patrick Corbin
• Frankie Montas
Patrick Corbin got off to a fine start this year, but he has put up two really good starts in a row and looks like his old self again.
Frankie Montas since coming back from injury, has been great, and if Montas gets going, he can be really good, so look out.
Hitters:
• Ryan McMahon(3B)
• Matt Shaw (3B)
Ryan McMahon is a powerhitting lefty, and going to New York means he is going to have the short porch to hit to, so I expect a lot of homers from McMahon. Watch out for him.
Matt Shaw is a top prospect for the Cubs who got his rookie year off to a rough start.
Right now, though, he has a massive hit streak going, and Shaw has a lot of talent on his side, so watch out for him as well.
I hope these waiver adds help, and I look forward to seeing you next week for my 8th edition of My Fantasy Baseball Experience!
has been brutal. From a team, and fan base, that watched superior defensive play from that position for years the grumbling and now outright boos have begun for Adames.
Both Volpe and Adams lead all shortstops in errors this year and their base running
has been frustrating for fans, but for us in the fantasy baseball community I say...who cares? Honestly at this point we have learned that both are having down years offensively, but neither are in danger of losing their jobs and if they are butchers in the field it only can lower their value if you are looking to trade for them.
Ramirez.
Photo Illustration
Credit: Chat GPT
with the Giants and his defense
Credit: @Yankees | X Anthony Volpe
BETTOR ANGLE TM
BY TOM BARTON
When betting on future plays most of the public lean toward futures like who will win the Super Bowl, will a team win their division, or team totals and will their team go over or under the posted number. Those bets are concrete and undeniable. The winner is math and secure, there is no guess work involved. That however is not the case for many futures bets.
Things like the MVP award, or Rookie of the Year, are based off of relying upon other people's opinions and selecting their option. So, while it seems a bit more volatile, in reality it can give a professional an edge. You have to think about what story will captivate people the most, what player will be most noticeable or who will stand out from the crowd.
That is especially true when talking about Coach of the Year as a futures bet. The Coach of the Year award is potentially the most subjective award that you can bet on. While the MVP or ROY rely on stats and performance, the Coach of the Year has no such criteria. In fact, it often doesn't go to the team with the best record, but more so what is viewed as the best coaching job. Again, a very subjective and opinion-based concept.
This year new faces in new places lead the betting numbers. Chicago Bears new head coach Ben Johnson leads the field to win the award at +650 and he also has gotten the bulk of the bets on him. Many expect the Bears to improve greatly and if they do Johnson will get the praise.
Likewise Mike Vrabel, the Patriots new headman in charge, is
Coach of the Year Is All About the Newbies
second on the list at 8:1 odds. Vrabel takes over a bad New England team that many expect to turn things around this season.
Continuing with the new faces in new places trend is Laim Cohen who takes over the Jags and comes in at 10:1 to win the award and Aaron Glenn the new headman for the New York Jets is also 10:1.
The Seattle connection is clear with the next two as Mike MacDonald is 13:1 to win COY and former Seattle, and now Las Vegas, coach Pete Carroll is not far behind him at 14:1. Rounding out those 20:1 or under are Dave Canalas at 15:1, Kyle Shannahan at 18:1, and Johnathan Gannon at 20:1 odds.
Notice not one Coach of the Year odds within the favorites for the returning Super Bowl champs. Nor any for the Andy Reid or the
Harbaughs. The Coach of the
SPORTS Jayden Stroman Will Head to College, Not the Pros
ByTomBarton
Jayden Stroman was one of the most highly touted recruits in the country, but ultimately he went undrafted and will head to college.
The MLB draft last week saw a number of high schoolers drafted into pro ball, including a number from Suffolk County, including a first-round pick. But Stroman, who has a claim to be the best player on Long Island went undrafted and it left many wondering why.
The answer is as simple as it can get, and that is his commitment to play in college swayed major league teams away
from him and his signability.
We often see young high school arms get drafted, only to choose the college route and then the team who drafted those arm lost that slotted pick.
Stroman was adamant about playing for Virginia. He was originally committed to Duke but when the coach left for Virginia, Stroman followed. That signaled to many in the industry that the talented athlete wanted to go to college, rather than jump right into pro ball.
Stroman, a member of the Patchogue-Medford High School baseball and indoor track and field teams, was named
the male recipient of the 2025 Butch Dellecave Award in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments this year. The award not only highlights his on the field contributions but also
his leadership, character, and dedication.
Stroman also won the coveted Carl Yastrzemski Award, presented by the Suffolk County Baseball Coaches Association to Suffolk’s most outstanding player.
There is no doubt that Stroman will enter the draft again, and he will likely raise his stock as he takes on some ACC competition.
Suffolk's Schools of Distinction
ByTomBarton
The NYSPHSAA has recognized the Schools of Distinction and Excellence for the 2024-2025 school year.
To be recognized as a School of Distinction, a school must apply for the honor and have 100% of its varsity teams earn the Scholar-Athlete Team Award during their respective sports seasons.
The School of Excellence designation is awarded to schools that apply and have at least 75% of their varsity teams achieve this same academic recognition.
The award is given out by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. The purpose of the award is to unite athletic departments in challenging their teams to achieve statewide academic honors. Each school will then send a representative to receive the commemorative award in the local athletic director workshop this fall.
"Congratulations to our
Schools of Distinction and Excellence,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA executive director. “These prestigious honors represent the culmination of a school year marked by outstanding achievement in the classroom. These accolades would not be possible without the dedication, hard work, and commitment of the student-athletes, coaches,
and administrators whose efforts these awards proudly recognize.”
The schools of distinction for this year include Eastport-South Manor, Elwood John Glenn, Greenport, Harborsfield, Miller Place, Northport, Rocky Point, Sachem, Sayville, ShorehamWading River, and Ward Melville.
Jayden Stroman
Credit: Patchogue Medford School District | Facebook
Section XI Logo
Credit: Section XI Suffolk County Athletics | Facebook
ByTomBarton
Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dies
This week a true American hero has died when Terry Bollea passed away.
Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, died Thursday night at 71 years old from what the Clearwater Fire and Police Departments are calling a cardiac arrest. First responders came to Hogan's Clearwater Beach home where he was treated by fire and rescue crews before being transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Hogan is a legend among legends in the wrestling and WWE world. Speaking to a wrestling aficionado
a Rocky Point fan said, "Without Hogan we wouldn't be here. He is on every Mount Rushmore for wrestling no matter how you break it down."
Hulk Hogan was a comic book hero come to life and anyone who grew up in the 80s watched this character captivate their childhood. From his massive 24-inch biceps, that he called pythons, to his signature golden mustache Hogan was unique in every way.
He symbolized everything that was good for young fans as his catchphrase was promoting good ethics and morals. He urged kids to "train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins" and his popularity
SWR Announces New AD
ByTomBarton
The Shoreham-Wading River School District has announced Debra A. Ferry, CAA, as its new director of health, physical education and athletics.
The district said on their social media that "Ms. Ferry brings extensive educational and athletic leadership experience from her previous role as director of athletics at Half Hollow Hills Central School District."
Ferry has been at Half Hollow Hills since 2016 and has led athletic programs across four schools with over 125 teams. She developed and mentored over 190 coaches while introducing new programs including unified sports, boys and girls bowling, and flag football. Her creation of a mandatory Code of Conduct Night promoted responsibility and community partnerships.
Before Half Hollow Hills Ms. Ferry served as director of health, physical education, nursing and athletics in the Port Jefferson School District. She created a High School Wellness Physical Education course incorporating modern fitness trends and successfully built a lacrosse program from community level to
exploded into his followers being called Hulkamaniacs. Hogan showed us all how to rip off a shirt, to "Hulk up" and how to be true to America. There isn't an 80s kid left who doesn't get a little extra juice in their veins when they hear his music hit: "I am a real American."
Hogans's battles where he defended America against Russians like Nikolai Volkoff were legendary but it was when he defeated the Iron Sheik and won the belt that Hogan was able to put himself, and the WWF, on the map. The pinnacle of wrestling came when Hulk Hogan body-slammed André the Giantat at Wrestlemania 3 in front of more than 90,000 fans.
Hogan then went on to the competing wrestling promotion WCW and took them to heights never seen before when he turned heel and joined the NWO. As much as Hogan was woven into the lexicon of 80s kids with his all-Americana look and character, every 90s kid will remember his black on white attire and spraypainted championship belt. Hogan showed true range in flipping persona's and both were among the most successful of all time.
Hogan continued to wrestle on and off and received what many call the loudest ovation in wrestling history when he faced off against the Rock at Wrestlemania in 2002, his first appearance since 1993.
Hogan also took to the big screen where he played iconic Thunder Lips in Rocky III as well as many TV appearances and even had a cartoon.
Just last year the Hulkster was
still wowing crowds when got the loudest ovation when he gave an impassioned speech in support of Donald Trump on the final night of the Republican National Convention. Recently Hogan and his wife were baptized as he "was at peace and found God."
Terry Bollea has passed on but his legend will live forever, or better said Hulkamania will never die ... brother.
John Glenn's Coach Is Stepping Down
ByTomBarton
John Glenn's High School football coach Dave Shanahan is retiring.
middle school and junior varsity teams.
She currently serves as second vice president of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, a prestigious eightyear term through 2032. She previously held the position of Section XI female representative to NYSPHSAA from 2015 to 2023 and served as president of Section XI, demonstrating her influence in shaping state athletic policy.
Ms. Ferry’s coaching background includes head girls varsity field hockey coach from 2002 to 2007 and head junior varsity girls lacrosse coach from 1999 to 2006 at Northport High School, plus collegiate coaching at SUNY Cortland and roles with the Long Island Region of the Empire State Games and the United States Field Hockey Association.
“We are pleased to welcome Ms. Ferry to the ShorehamWading River School District,”
Superintendent of Schools Mr. Gerard Poole said. “With her combination of administrative expertise, teaching background and hands-on athletic experience, she is positioned to enhance our district’s integrated approach to student health, physical education and athletics.”
Shanahan has been the head man in charge of the Elwood football program for more than 30 years and has decided at 56 years old to hang up the whistle.
Shanahan not only was the head football coach, but also taught physical education and health at John Glenn for 30 years. He began his career in 1995 and has taken the role as the school's athletic director for the past nine years.
He will remain in the AD position as an interim for the 20252026 school year before stepping away entirely from the district, but will step down from coaching and teaching immediately.
Who Cares About...
Continued from page 28
Let the fan bases and media crush these players to the tune of a great song to fantasy players' ears. Volpe, while he has been in a big offensive slump, has produced 13 home runs, 10 steals, 43 runs and an awesome 54 RBIs. Forget his .214 average and just say he is a 4 category producer right now.
To put that into perspective Volpe has as many home runs as Vlad Guerrero, which is tied for 12th among shortstops. His 10 steals are just icing on the cake as
is his runs scored. What makes Volpe so valuable is his RBIs. He is still in a great lineup and his 54 RBIs are sixth among short stops, only two behind Bobby Witt and Lindor.
Willy Adames has a similar case. Adames is hitting under .230, that's the bad, and he doesn't run. But, when you, and the Giants picked Adames you knew he wouldn't run much and his average was always in question. Adames though can still hit and has. He ranks sixth at the shortstop position with 15 home
runs and is only one off of third place. Nineteen home runs is the most at the position. His 60 runs also put him sixth at the position and his 53 RBIs has him seventh among shortstops.
Both Volpe and Adams are getting crushed by the media and their fans but it presents a buy-low opportunity. Jump on the bandwagon of bashing these players, then go pick them up and you have a starting SS that both have been solid contributors in three categories at a weak position.
Credit: Shoreham-Wading River Central School District | Facebook
Debra A. Ferry
Hulk Hogan
Credit: @JesseKellyDC | X
Coach Shanahan was also inducted into the Sachem Hall of Fame in 2022.
SPORTS Bellport's Freshman Wins Championship in Fargo
ByTomBarton
Bellport High School’s freshman Camryn Howard has won a national title at the Fargo National Championships.
Howard's hand was raised in victory after he competed for three days during the intense tournament and walked away the winner. He began the tournament as the #1 seed and defeated his best competition in the #2 seeded Asher Bacon, from Pennsylvania. Howard won by a 5-0 decision to
win the 157-pound title and become Bellport’s first national champion.
The title adds to the already impressive list of successes for the youngster. Howard won double gold medals at the Pan Am world championship in the Under 16 division, he is a threetime Suffolk County champion and a New York State champion, holds three All-State titles and numerous All-American titles, and holds the record in Suffolk County for the fastest pin in 11 seconds.
New York USA Wrestling has Howard sitting atop their 2028 Big Board, and is one to watch
for through his career. The South Country School District extended its congratulations to the freshman in a social media post this week.
Rocky Point Alumn Take First
ByTomBarton
Rocky Point High School's alumni Gianna Amendola took first place at 138lbs in the Women's Open division this week.
Amendola rose to new heights at the Nuway Nationals in Atlantic City, NJ. Amendola has been wrestling for the East Stroudburg Warriors for three seasons now.
She has improved on the mat every year since her freshman season. She began her college career with a 10-5 overall record that included a 4-2 dual record, with five falls and two technical falls. The next year she improved that to an 8-8 record with eight falls, and now as a junior she has reached new heights. This year she went 2113 with a 3-1 dual record, with eight falls and five technical falls.
She got her start at Rocky
Point High where she won the 2022 Long Island Championship. She led the Eagles to two county championships while showing her leadership skills as the captain of the squad.
Off the mat she is an Honor Roll Student who is majoring
in psychology and is looking to take her career into psychology or law enforcement.
Gianna is seen here with ESU wrestling coaches Anibal Nieves and New York wrestling legend, Mia Macaluso, along with future Gladiator, Ava Capogna.
