What were you thinking when you decided to nominate a fullfledged Communist as the person who will represent your party in the New York City Mayoral elections?
Yes, I understand the other “top” option was former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Political pickings were slim here, I get it.
But you truly believed a crazy Communist was the guy? Let’s do a post-mortem on Zohran “Commie” Mamdani’s radical beliefs. I’ll use direct quotes straight from the horse’s mouth along with his campaign policy positions so there’s no mistaking that he makes AOC and Bernie Sanders look conservative.
• “I don't think we should have billionaires.”
• Called the New York City Department “racist, anti-queer and a major threat to public safety.” I wish I were making this up.
• Wants government funded and managed grocery stores across New York City, which could kill bodega owners.
• Refused to condemn the horrific phrase “globalize the intifada.” Many Israelis believe this is a call to use violence against Jews.
• When his fellow New York State Assembly members annually pass a resolution that honors Israel and rejects the horrors of the Holocaust, Commie Mamdani would not sign on.
• Will spend $65 million of taxpayer dollars on trans surgeries
BY GEORGE SANTOS
Ladies and gentlemen of Long Island we’ve got a serious problem brewing across the East River, and his name is Zohran Mamdani.
Now, you might be reading this and thinking, “George, I live on Long Island. What do I care about some radical from Queens?” Well, let me stop you right there. Because if you think what happens in the five boroughs stays in the five boroughs think again. New York City is the economic engine, the cultural epicenter, and the political megaphone of the Tri-State region. And when radicals like Mamdani grab hold of that megaphone, trust me the fallout hits all of us.
Zohran Mamdani, the son of farleft academic Mahmood Mamdani, didn’t just fall from the tree he was grown in it. The elder Mamdani is a darling of post-colonial Marxist academia, a man who sees Western liberal democracy not as a beacon of freedom but as a system to be deconstructed, redefined, and
replaced. That worldview? It didn’t just shape Mahmood’s lectures it molded Zohran’s entire political ideology.
This is not your average progressive. Zohran Mamdani is a Democratic Socialist, cut from the same ideological cloth as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, but with an even more radical edge. He wants to upend the system and he’s not being quiet about it.
What Would Life Under Mamdani Look Like?
Let’s talk brass tacks. What would it mean if Mamdani’s policies took root not just in his district, but in City Hall, Albany, or God forbid on the national stage?
1. Defunding the Police by Design
Zohran Mamdani has made it clear: he wants to defund and dismantle the NYPD. Not reform. Not restructure. Defund. That’s not
for minors.
• Stated he will order the NYPD to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the Big Apple.
• Promised to tax neighborhoods based on race. You read that right. Commie Mamdani promises to tax white neighborhoods.
As much as I want to blame a small minority of voters who cast ballots in a Democratic Primary (1.1 million Democrats compared to all 5.5 million registered voters in New York City), the person I blame for Commie Mamdani’s win is Kathy Hochul.
The Governor is the leader of the Democratic Party in New York State. Hochul could have slammed the brakes hard on Commie Mamdani before the Primary,
NYC Voters Have Lost Their Minds Zohran
law enforcement that’s lawlessness. And while he hides behind phrases like “reimagining public safety,” we know what that really means: turning over our streets to chaos. For Long Islanders commuting into the city every day, for the small businesses relying on tourism and stability, for the families who want to visit a museum or see a Broadway show — Mamdani’s antipolice agenda isn’t just dangerous. It’s a threat to your safety, your livelihood, and your freedom.
2. A War on Property Owners and the Middle Class
Mamdani doesn’t believe in private property the way you and I do. He’s championed “universal rent control,” a utopian scheme that punishes landlords even the small mom-and-pop ones and rewards dependency. He wants to give unelected tenant boards control over your investment, your
endorsed another candidate, and put her political apparatus behind another candidate.
She didn’t.
Why not? Because birds of a radical progressive feather flock together. Mamdani and Hochul are one in the same politically.
Commie Mamdani is proud that the first Executive Order Kathy Hochul’s signed was to continue making New York a sanctuary state. The Communist who could be Mayor must also love Hochul’s plan to give illegal immigrants $50 million so they could hire lawyers.
I’m sure Commie Mamdani is thrilled that Hochul is banning the sale of new gas powered cars in New York, and forces all new builds to ban gas stoves and only install electric.
Kathy Hochul and Zohran “Commie Mamdani” are two political peas in a radical progressive pod. They’re made for each other.
Since multiple candidates are still in the race for New York City Mayor in the general election, it sure looks like remaining candidates like Andrew Cuomo, incumbent Eric Adams, and Republican Curtis Sliwa will split the vote, allowing Commie Mamdani to run up the middle and win.
New York: you only have yourself to blame. Your first mistake was Kathy Hochul.
That was disastrous enough.
Now you’re doubling down by electing Zohran “Commie” Mamdani Mayor.
Will the last person to leave New York please turn off the lights.
retirement, your property. What’s next? Seizing your home because it’s “too big”? Taxing you for owning more than one bathroom? Don’t laugh these people think private ownership is oppression. And they’re coming for the suburbs next.
3. Free Transit Paid for by You
Mamdani loves to talk about “free” this and “free” that especially when it comes to public transit.
Sounds great, right? Until you realize free just means you’re paying for it whether you use it or not. Higher tolls. More congestion pricing. Skyrocketing taxes on homeowners and commuters especially from Long Island.
His plan? Punish drivers. Punish suburbs. Force everyone into a onesize-fits-all transit utopia that only works on paper and in the lecture halls of Columbia and NYU
4. Open Borders, Sanctuary Everything
Mamdani is an unapologetic champion of sanctuary city policies. He wants New York to be a safe haven not for American citizens struggling to make ends meet, but for illegal migrants flooding the system, draining resources, and crowding our hospitals, schools, and shelters.
He’s even pushed for the right of non-citizens to vote in local elections. That’s not democracy that’s dilution. That’s theft of the American vote.
Let’s not kid ourselves. Mamdani’s rise is no accident. It’s the direct result of decades of radical academic brainwashing, championed by the likes of his father, Mahmood Mamdani who views Western civilization through a lens of guilt, colonialism, and oppression.
ByRobertChartuk
Independence Parade Fills Patchogue with Pride
Patchogue’s Main Street blossomed into a tapestry of red, white, and blue as the Lions Club Fourth of July Parade unfurled under a sunny summer morning. A local tradition since 1947, the parade has become a signature celebration of our nation’s birth.
This year, the parade marched under the civic pride of Mayor Paul Pontieri, proudly serving as grand marshal. He was accompanied by state Assembly members Joe DeStefano and Jarett Gandolfo, Senator Dean Murray, Suffolk Comptroller John Kennedy, Legislator Dominick Thorne, and Village Trustee Jack Krieger— waving to cheering spectators, and soaking in the hometown spirit along the way.
The Patchogue Fire Department rumbled through with antique apparatus and modern rigs, cheered on by enthusiastic crowds celebrating the nation’s 249th birthday. Reenactors with the Willis Company Volunteers from Hempstead participated, along with the Jayne-Lattin VFW, Great South Bay Lions, Knights of Columbus,
Long Island Aquarium, Patchogue Ambulance, Am Vets Post 111, and American Legion Post 269, to name a few.
The parade honors the enduring ideals that shaped our country in 1776: liberty, sacrifice, and unity. It echoes celebrations across America—much like the famed Bristol, Rhode Island event dating back to 1785—underscoring the deep-rooted tradition of marking Independence Day with community processions, music, and remembrance.
From its beginnings in babythemed pageantry in the 1920s, through wartime tributes in the 1940s, to today’s full-fledged patriotic gala, Patchogue’s celebration has reflected changing times while preserving a core message: That freedom is born of collective effort and enduring respect for our heritage.
On Main Street this July, Mayor Pontieri and the other local leaders didn’t just lead a procession—they led a community in celebrating freedom’s promise with heartfelt waves, proud uniforms, stirring music, and the timeless rhythm of a village united in gratitude.
Banners of Honor: Rocky Point Rallies to Salute Hometown Heroes on 4th of July
ByRobertChartuk
A heartfelt tribute to military service members took place outside the Rocky Point VFW Museum, as community members, elected officials, and local organizations came together to support their Hometown Heros and experience the live reading of the Declaration of Independence.
The 4th of July event was part of the sixth annual Hometown Hero Banner Program, which displays more than 50 banners honoring veterans from World War I to the present. Organized by the Rocky Point Sound Beach Chamber of Commerce, the event draws volunteer support from local scouts, Civic Association members, the Historical Society, firefighters, and elected officials.
“This is an annual grassroots effort,” said Gary Pollakusky, RPSB Chamber President. “We raised $3,000 from sponsors and all of it goes to the VFW for whatever they need, whether it’s museum work or building repairs.”
Elected officials in attendance included Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner, State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, Alexa Wienclaw representing Congressman Nick LaLota and Quentin Palifka representing Legislator Chad Lennon.
The gathering served as a powerful show of gratitude to those who served, with banners hanging proudly as a visual reminder of the community’s commitment to honoring its heroes.
Credit: Robert Chartuk
Credit: Alicia Palifka
Stars, Stripes & Patchogue Pride
Selfless Saints on Earth Serenaded at Oheka Castle Heroes Breakfast
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
The Fourth Annual Suffolk County Heroes Breakfast took place on Thursday, June 26th.
Hosted by Legislator Leslie Kennedy out of the 12th District, the Oheka Castle-set event brought heroes from across the island to Huntington—where they broke bread, traded stories, and received their flowers.
Created to honor thankless frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the breakfast has consistently expanded thereafter. They recognize firefighters, police officers, and EMTs now as well.
A pair of Jacob’s Light Humanitarian Awards were presented to: (1): Suffolk County Police Officer Brendon Gallagher, hospitalized for three weeks with traumatic injuries he sustained while chasing down a repeatoffending highway speedster; and (2): Stephanie Diller, widow of New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller, the Franklin Square native who was killed in cold blood while
Service Celebrated: Suffolk County Legislature Honors 18 Women Veterans
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
June 24th was a day of high-spirited remembrance in Hauppauge.
Though June 12th is annually designated as “Women Veterans Appreciation Day,” Tuesday was that day at the William H. Rogers Legislature Building in Hauppauge. Each of the 18 Legislative Districts selected a deserving woman with decorated military service to receive special distinction.
Freedom and liberty rang throughout the halls and beyond before and after each presentation.
Credit: Long Island National Cemetery June 12th marks the anniversary of President Harry S. Truman signing the Women's Armed Services Integration Act in 1948. This law enabled women to serve as regular and permanent members of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and the newly formed Air Force.
on the job in March 2024.
“Jonathan was the kind of man who made life better just by being in it. He had gentle strength, a steady moral compass, and a heart full of kindness,” Stephanie said of her late husband. “He was brave, Humble, and endlessly giving; the kind of person who didn’t need recognition to do what was right.”
An educator, Stephanie created the Officer Jonathan Diller Memorial Scholarship to support students who exhibit kindness, service, faith, integrity, courage and character.
Guest speaker Jim Jacobs of the Tunnels to Towers Foundation also spoke on the importance of recognizing those who signed up for a life of service and sacrifice not for the credit, but because it’s the right thing to do.
Tunnels to Towers was created in memory of the late Stephen Siller, a firefighter who died on 9/11. Unable to drive the blocked-off Brooklyn Battery Tunnel into Manhattan, Stephen famously strapped 60 pounds of gear to his back and raced on foot to the World Trade Center
“It is a special privilege to honor Suffolk’s women veterans each year. Beyond the uniform, their service continues in our communities. And throughout America’s history, women have served in wars and conflicts from the Revolutionary War on,” said Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey.
From his 14th Legislative District, McCaffrey selected Christine Glynn, Chief Warrant Officer 4, of Lindenhurst, a US Marine since 1988. She has served as a presidential security guard, military police officer and administrative chief. She is currently the Senior Marine Instructor for the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program at Lindenhurst High School.
Additionally, Glynn served as chairperson for the Suffolk
site, a mission from which he never returned.
The foundation provides mortgage-free homes to first responders’ families and special
County Legislature’s Women Veteran’s Advisory Board, as a member of the Suffolk County Task Force to assist retired Veterans, the Northwell Health Women Veterans Health Initiative Board, and the National Women Marines Association.
“Today, women serve in all military specialties, including logistics, munitions, intelligence, and even combat,” McCaffrey added. “Their contributions are vital to what many consider the strongest, most professional, educated, and agile military our nation has known.”
Additional honorees—in Legislative District order— include: First Lieutenant Felicia Hobson, of Riverhead (US Army); Airman First Class Jacqueline S. McKay, of Flanders (US Air Force); Master Sergeant Denise DeSena, Master Sergeant, of Mastic Beach (US Air Force);
“smart” home adaptability for injured veterans.
“It’s important to recognize the unsung heroes that walk side by side with us but never get that
Sergeant Arletty Ruger, of Farmingville (US Marine Corps); Staff Sergeant Pamela A. Pfeil, of Mastic (US Army); Corporal Janet Santeramo, of Ridge (US Marine Corps); Chief Master Sergeant Marcelle Leis, of Patchogue (US Air Force); Specialist Kiersten Armstrong, of Oakdale (US Army); Staff Sergeant Dolores Wilkerson, of Holbrook (US Army); Valerie Gibbs, of East Islip (US Navy); Sergeant Clara Scavelli, of Islip (US Marine Corps); Angelique Williams, YN2/E5, of Smithtown (US Navy); Kathy Albrecht, Helicopter Medic, of Smithtown (US Army); retired Staff Sergeant Candice R.A. Smalls, of Dix Hills (US Air Force); Major Marlene Dietrich Health, of Dix Hills (US Air Force); Airman and Plane Captain Sonya (Bernal) Weisbrot, of Dix Hills (US Navy); and Private First Class Donna VanCott Healy, of Northport (US Army).
acknowledgment,” said Legislator Kennedy. “I’m thankful for all those who made this ceremony possible and gave thanks to those whose actions were extraordinary.”
Legislator Leslie Kennedy pictured with Jacob's Light Humanitarian Award recipient Stephanie Diller.
Credit: Legislator Leslie's Kennedy
Credit: Tom Barton
ByDeborahWilliams
2025 Navy SEAL LT Michael P. Murphy Run Around the Lake
2025 Navy SEAL LT Michael P. Murphy Run Around the Lake sponsored by the Ronkonkoma Rotary just took place.
The race beneficiary, the LT Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation, was founded by Murphy’s family in 2007, driven by his belief that “education will set you free.”
Michael Patrick “Murph” Murphy (May 7, 1976-June 28, 2005). Local hero, Michael Murphy, was born and raised on Long Island where he served as a Town of Brookhaven lifeguard at Lake Ronkonkoma. Instead of attending Law School at Penn State, he joined the Navy SEALs. Murphy was 29 years old in June 2005, when he perished in a fierce firefight in mountainous terrain along the AfghanistanPakistan border in Operation
Red Wings as the leader of a four-man SEAL team. Michael was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. LT Murphy also received, the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
Using their own funds, the Murphy family began this foundation to honor Michael’s legacy and support students who embody his values. The Foundation continues to grow, awarding scholarships that keep Michael’s spirit and service alive!
“We want to give a big thank you to everyone who came out yesterday! All your support means the world to us and the families of the brave men and women who have fallen for this country. It's an honor to help celebrate Michael Murphy's legacy and we can't wait to see you again next year!” said the family.
The Race Around the Lake was started in 1980 by the Ronkonkoma Rotary. In 2011, Dan Murphy, father of Navy SEAL LT Michael P. Murphy, approached the Ronkonkma Rotary to ask if we would team up with the Michael Murphy Foundation and use the race to honor and remember his son and the other men who made
the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Red Wings.
Rotary accepted this honor and in 2012, the Navy SEAL LT Michael P. Murphy Run Around the Lake was born. Approximately 900 runners participated and since that time we’ve added a certified halfmarathon course and grown to over 3,600 runners.
He Wanted It to Be Here, a Moment at Gavin's Memorial in Eastport
ByRobertChartuk
I met with Tova Keblish on a warm summer afternoon in Eastport, in the small park on Seatuck Avenue where her son Gavin’s spirit lingers like the fragrance of the lavender swaying gently in the breeze. It’s a quiet, soothing spot where Gavin once rode his BMX bike as a kid. There’s a blue bench with a plaque and a purple ribbon in memory of those lost to fentanyl poisoning. It’s not the place Tova first imagined for her son’s memorial. But as she told me her story, I realized it was exactly where it was meant to be.
“He died before we knew what fentanyl really was,” Tova said softly. Gavin was just 23 and an only child, a motocross racer and counselor for the children of Little Flower. He was in Montauk, out with friends, when someone handed him a pill—just one. “He didn’t know,” she said. “He trusted someone, and it took his life.”
Initially, she wanted to place the memorial where he died. “I wanted it to be in Montauk,” she said, “where he took his last breath,
sitting against a utility pole.” The town of East Hampton removed the pole. It was a sign, she felt, from Gavin himself. “He was telling me, ‘It’s okay, Mom. It’s not supposed to be there.’”
And so she came home. Friends Theresa and John Gator offered her a lot, and she accepted. “It’s close. I can visit it. His friends can visit. And it’s where he lived, where he laughed, where he loved.”
Tova poured herself into the space. She planted crepe myrtle, "Cat’s Pajamas," hydrangeas, mums,
and lavender. Fifth Avenue Paving donated bricks. A neighbor mows the grass. And others, quietly and generously, have helped keep the park blooming. “It’s exactly how I imagined it,” she said. “A wonderful tribute to my only son.”
Just as the memorial park in Eastport is a place for reflection and healing, Gavin’s Treasures— the shop Tova opened in her son’s memory—is a sanctuary of love, meaning, and connection on Main Street in Center Moriches. Filled with handmade gifts and curated works by local artists, the store
The Big Beautiful Bill Hits...
Continued from page 2
Mahmood’s teachings center on the idea that the global South must rise against the West, that liberal democracy is a facade, and that power must be dismantled and redistributed through identity politics and class warfare. Zohran is putting that theory into practice not in a classroom, but in our city halls.
Continued on page 5
New Yorkers especially those of us in Nassau and Suffolk cannot afford to ignore this.
Here’s the bottom line: what starts in Queens doesn’t stay in Queens. The crime. The taxes. The migration. The radical education. It spreads like wildfire. And before you know it, your quiet Long Island neighborhood starts to look a lot like Mamdani’s socialist vision.
He’s not just a policy threat. He’s an ideological Trojan horse. And
You want to keep your
backyard clean? You’d better start looking at who’s tracking mud into your front yard. This isn’t just about NYC. It’s about Long Island, Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and the entire state of New York.
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is as much a tribute to Gavin’s generous spirit as it is a refuge for the grieving, the curious, and the hopeful. Each piece tells a story, every display is purposeful, and at the heart of it all is Tova, offering comfort and community to those who walk through the door. Like the bench in the park, the shop is a space where Gavin’s presence can still be felt—and where the love he gave continues to grow.
Sitting on the bench together, she pointed to the plaque: “Gavin’s Bench is dedicated to everyone who would like to talk to a loved one either here or there. Gavin listened to many—the world is missing a larger-than-life person.”
You feel him here, in the stillness, in the care woven into every planted flower and perfectly placed stone. It’s a place for remembering, for healing, and for understanding just how devastating—and random—the fentanyl crisis can be.
And yet, as much as it is born of tragedy, Gavin’s memorial—like Gavin’s Treasures- is filled with love. Just like the park. Just like the bench. Just like Gavin.
We need leadership that stands for the police, for private property, for legal immigration, and for the hardworking men and women who pay their taxes, raise their kids, and expect nothing more than a fair shot at the American Dream.
Zohran Mamdani represents the exact opposite. He’s not just a “nice guy from Queens with fresh ideas.” He’s the test-run for a New York where woke ideology replaces common sense, and socialism replaces sovereignty. We cannot, must not, let that happen.
Stay informed, and as always never stop fighting for the America we know and love.
Robert Chartuk, Deborah Williams, Howard Roark, Stefan Mychajliw, Tom Barton, Nancy Burner, Fredrick Miller, Rich Acritelli, Michael J. Reistetter, Tara D’Amato
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2025 Navy SEAL LT Michael P. Murphy Run Around the Lake
Credit: Robert Chartuk
Credit: LT Michael P. Murphy Run Around the Lake
ByRobertChartuk
Suffolk GOP Passes Term Limit Preservation Act in Response to State Election Mandate
Making the next move in an electoral chess match against Albany Democrats, Suffolk Republicans advanced a bill this week to extend county legislative terms from two to four years— an aggressive counter to a controversial state law that forces all elections, from local to federal, onto the same November ballot in even-numbered years.
Dubbed the Term Limit Preservation Act of 2025, the legislation passed unanimously in the Republican-led county legislature following a public hearing. The measure now heads to a countywide referendum in November, when voters will decide whether the change becomes law.
Supporters argue the bill is necessary to uphold the county’s voter-approved term limit structure, first enacted in 1993 and reaffirmed in a 2022 charter amendment passed with nearly 86% of the vote.
“This legislation aligns Suffolk’s term limits law with
the new election schedule imposed by the state, preserving the spirit and intent of citizen-led government,” explained Suffolk GOP Chairman Jesse Garcia. “It ensures that local elected officials continue to serve within the limits the people approved, regardless of interference from Albany Democrats.”
Garcia sharply criticized the state’s Even-Year Election Law, passed by the Democraticcontrolled legislature and signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2023, as “a blatant voter suppression tactic dressed up as reform.” He warned it would disrupt county leadership by forcing legislators to campaign in back-to-back years, potentially triggering costly special elections, resignations, and a weakened focus on governance.
Under the current term structure, Suffolk legislators serve two-year terms, capped at 12 years total. Without the proposed extension, the winners of this fall’s election would be required to run again next year
to comply with the state law.
“This is about preserving what the voters have already approved,” said Legislator Jim Mazzarella, who added that the new state schedule threatens midterm resignations, causing costly special elections and political instability.
Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey said the legislature would not have revisited term lengths if not for the state’s mandate. “This is not a partisan move—it’s a necessary fix to an Albany-imposed problem,” he said.
The current 12-year cap will remain intact under the new structure, but the bill includes a grandfather clause allowing sitting legislators to finish their final term even if it puts them slightly over the limit.
Though driven by the GOP majority, the bill received backing from several Democrats, including Minority Leader Jason Richberg, who called it “a common-sense measure.” He noted that similar proposals
had been floated in the past— including a 2020 effort by Legislator Samuel Gonzalez— but failed to gain traction.
County Executive Edward Romaine said he would sign the bill, adding that the state law shortchanges voters and creates an environment where legislators will have to campaign two years in a row instead of focusing on governing.
The legislature moved quickly to approve the measure to meet legal deadlines. According to legislative counsel William Duffy, the finalized bill must be submitted at least 90 days before Election Day and receive preclearance from the state attorney general under a 2022 law strengthening New York’s voting rights protections.
Opponents of the law argue it’s part of a broader effort by Albany Democrats to centralize electoral control, reduce local influence, and tilt the playing field by diverting voter attention away from local issues. Critics have pointed to related moves, including attempts to redraw political boundaries in favor of Democratic candidates and the appointment of judges from heavily Democratic areas to oversee redistricting and election-related lawsuits.
The measure now heads to the November ballot. If voters approve, Suffolk legislators elected this fall would begin serving four-year terms in January 2026, maintaining the 12-year service cap.
As the legal battle over election law shifts to the state’s highest court, Suffolk County may soon become a key test case in a larger national fight over how—and when—Americans vote.
The state law shifting elections to even-numbered years is still under legal challenge. Though a lower court initially struck it down, a mid-level appellate court reinstated it in May. The case is now headed to the New York Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, with a hearing scheduled for September.
Suffolk Officials Launch Summer STOP-DWI
ByRobertChartuk
Calling on residents to plan ahead, drive sober, and help prevent another season of senseless tragedies, Suffolk Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., led a coalition of law enforcement and community advocates to launch the 2025 Summer STOP-DWI Campaign.
“Impaired driving is a choice, a selfish and dangerous one,” Toulon said. “Make this a summer to remember, not one you wish you could forget.”
Driving while under the influence is no longer just about alcohol, Toulon stressed. “With changes in marijuana laws, drug-impaired driving is surging. National
data shows drugs are now more commonly present than alcohol in fatal crashes,” he said, noting that his office’s Drug Recognition Experts are being requested more often by outside agencies, helping build stronger cases and improving road safety across Suffolk.
The sheriff stood alongside a powerhouse of advocates in emphasizing the deadly cost of impaired driving, including County Executive Ed Romaine, Vehicular Crimes Bureau Chief Carl Borelli, STOP-DWI Coordinator Caroline Flynn, and MADD Regional Executive Director Paige Carbone. “Making the decision to drink and then drive is selfish and dangerous to not only you, but especially
to other people on the road,” Romaine said. “Suffolk County law enforcement is out there looking for you.”
Romaine and Toulon jointly appealed to the state legislature to modernize the state’s impaired driving laws, particularly those that complicate the prosecution of drugimpaired drivers. “Our prosecutors are being forced to choose from an
antiquated list of substances, making it difficult to charge offenders even when they are clearly a danger to others,” Romaine said. “We need laws that reflect modern realities— whether it’s pills, pot, or synthetics. Impairment is impairment. Period.”
Suffolk County leads the state in DWI-related fatalities, with an average of one death every day—a statistic that Borelli called both
heartbreaking and unacceptable.
“We need common-sense legislation from the state to help prosecutors do their jobs,” Borelli said on behalf of District Attorney Ray Tierney. “We need stronger laws to stop this scourge. I’d rather get a call at 2 a.m. asking me to come pick you up than the other call.”
Reporting from the state capital in Albany, Assemblyman Joe DeStefano says that while a handful of meaningful Republican-backed bills managed to cross the finish line this legislative session, the overall performance of the state legislature was marked by missed opportunities and misplaced priorities.
“In a year when New Yorkers needed bold, decisive action on crime, affordability, and economic recovery, the Democratcontrolled Legislature delivered very little,” DeStefano said in reviewing the session’s outcome.
“Still, we fought for and passed several important measures that reflect the real needs of our communities.”
Among the bills DeStefano
highlighted was the Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety
Law, which establishes a statewide program to erect memorial signs honoring individuals killed in vehicle crashes on state highways. “This is
about dignity, remembrance, and a public reminder of the human cost of unsafe driving,” said DeStefano. “It’s a simple, heartfelt measure that offers grieving families a lasting tribute.”
Continued on page 18
Sheriff Toulon announced the launch of the 2025 Summer STOP-DWI Campaign
Credit: Suffolk County Sheriff's Office | Facebook
Memorial
Credit: Robert Chartuk
The state Assembly Chamber.
LOCAL
ByRobertChartuk
Get Ready to Shell-ebrate: Oyster Jamboree Coming to Smith Point
Suffolk is getting ready to shuck and celebrate as County Executive Ed Romaine, local officials, and oyster farmers come together to announce the first-ever Long Island Oyster Jamboree, set to take place on Saturday, August 16 at Smith Point Park.
Hosted in partnership with the Long Island Oyster Growers Association (LIOGA) and Tiki Joe’s, the event is a free, familyfriendly festival celebrating one of the region’s most prized—and flavorful—natural resources: Long Island oysters.
“If you love oysters, this will be the place to be,” said Romaine, who noted that while places such as Oyster Bay and Connecticut have respectable shellfish, “they are not as good as our oysters grown right here in our local waters.” Romaine added that the Jamboree will feature free parking, live music, family contests, activities for all ages, and a wide variety of food, including non-seafood dishes.
Only local oyster harvesters will be featured at the Jamboree, promoting an industry with a $16.5 million impact on Suffolk’s economy. In 2024, 10 million oysters were harvested in county waters. And according to event organizers, that’s just the beginning.
“We grow the best oysters in the world on Eastern Long Island,” boasted Eric Koepele, president of LIOGA and the man behind the Jamboree. “Our oysters have a distinct flavor profile depending on where they’re grown—from the Peconic and Great South Bay to Moriches and Narrows Bay. We’re the Napa Valley of oysters.”
Koepele shared a bit of oyster lore as well: “Queen Victoria issued a decree that the only oysters served at Buckingham Palace should come from Long Island.” His family-run oyster farm in Peconic Bay, discovered for sale on Craigslist four years ago, involves his wife Rosemary and children Grady, Samantha, and Tallulah.
And the mission goes beyond flavor—it’s about restoration and sustainability. “We’re claiming our turf back,” Koepele said, aiming to double the county’s oyster harvest each year in what he’s dubbed "Koepele’s Law." A hundred million oysters in 10 years is a lofty goal but the oyster mavin believes the farmers can hit it.
Suffolk Legislator Jim Mazzarella reminded attendees of the oyster’s deep local roots:
“They were a food source for Native Americans and early settlers. Oysters were once a cornerstone of the economy— and we’re bringing them back.” He noted that the shellfish also support the environment. As filter feeders, oysters help clean the bays they call home.
The Jamboree is also a chance for families to enjoy Suffolk’s beautiful shoreline. “We’re excited to host the oyster fest, which we plan to make an annual tradition,” said Martin Grimes, COO of Tiki Joe’s. “There will be many activities right here on the ocean for families to enjoy.”
Romaine hinted at even more good news: “We’re looking into lowering parking fees next year across all county parks and beaches. Everyone—especially working families—deserves a place to enjoy themselves.”
Whether you come for the oysters, the ocean breeze, or just a good time with neighbors, the Oyster Jamboree is shaping up to be a summer highlight.
Legislator Catherine Stark added, “We’re lucky to have a county that supports aquaculture. It ties everything together—our waterfronts, boats, economy, and environment.” She noted that organizations such as the Peconic Estuary Partnership, Moriches Bay Project, and the Friends of Bellport Bay are dedicated to restoring Suffolk’s bays through reestablishing eelgrass and shellfish beds, water quality monitoring, and community outreach.
Moriches Chamber Prepares for a Blockbuster Centennial Year
ByRobertChartuk
The Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches is gearing up for a major milestone: its 100th anniversary next year. Founded in 1926, the Chamber will mark a century of business leadership, community engagement, and economic development with a full slate of events and promotions beginning this fall.
“We’re not just looking back— we’re moving forward with pride and purpose,” said Art Gerhauser, past president and Centennial Committee chair. “Our theme is ‘100 Years of Providing the Needs of Our Community,’ and we’re organizing programs that reflect that commitment across generations.”
The celebration kicks off in Fall 2025 with signature events such as the Fall Festival, March
of the Goblins, and the annual Tree Lighting, all infused with centennial spirit and enhanced promotions. The Chamber will also launch a 2026 calendar, featuring member advertising and photos from local artists— possibly as a collector’s item for purchase—and a limited-edition Christmas ornament showcasing the centennial sailboat logo.
“There’s real excitement in the air,” said Jackie Osborn of Jimmy Osborne Music, the current president of the Moriches Chamber. “You’ll see the ‘100 Years’ branding in everything we do—from the Chamber’s advertising to our 2026 networking events and community outreach. This is a moment to bring our entire business community together.”
Suffolk Sheriff Celebrates First Triplets to Earn Eagle Scout in New York
ByDeborahWilliams
Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., recognized Helaina Danetta Rivers, Henri Daniel Lispare Rivers IV, and Henniyah Danella Rivers with the Community Leadership Award in honor of their recent achievement of becoming the first set of triplets in New York and the first Black triplets in the country to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
The triplets join the ranks of one president, Gerald Ford, who was also an Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout Award is a prestigious rank that requires participation in a multi-year merit badge program and creating a service project that benefits the community. Since it was first awarded in 1912, more than 2 million young men have achieved Scouting America's highest rank. Young women are now welcome in Boy Scouts of America and can now also achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
“Eagle Scout” is the highest rank a young person can reach in Scouting. In fact, only around 5% of all Scouts who
join ever reach the Eagle rank. Hamilton Bradley of New York is the earliest known Black Eagle Scout in BSA history. His Eagle Scout court of honor was held on Dec. 19, 1919.
For their projects, the Rivers siblings worked to enhance Brightwaters Town Hall. Helaina replaced a dilapidated wooden flagpole, Henri positioned permanent benches, and Henniyah designed paving stones around the flagpole and placed planter boxes to beautify the area. Brightwaters Village Mayor John Valdini, Trustee Bill Pitta, DPW Foreman
Mike Gralton, and volunteer Charlie Hayward—who assisted with the concrete— were also on hand for the award presentation.
Each month, Sheriff Toulon presents the Community Leadership Award to Suffolk County residents who go above and beyond to support their communities and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. To nominate someone for the Sheriff Toulon Community Leadership Award, please email: Suffolk_ Sheriff@SuffolkCountyny.gov.
Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches President Jackie Osborne and Art Gerhauser, Centennial Committee chair, show off a chamber plaque from 100 years ago.
Promoting local oysters are, from left, Charles Bartha, John Gianott, Legislator Jim Mazzarella, Kayla MacKay from Legislator Chad Lennon’s office, County Executive Ed Romaine, Eric Koepele, Legislator Catherine Stark, and Jason Smagin.
Credit: Robert Chartuk
Credit: Robert Chartuk
Credit: Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Sheriff celebrates Eagle Scouts.
ByRobertChartuk
Tri-Hamlet 250th Committee Launches Plans to Celebrate America's Semiquincentennial in Grand Style
As the United States approaches its 250th birthday next year, a dedicated group of community leaders, educators, and local officials has come together to ensure the Tri-Hamlet area— Mastic, Shirley, and Moriches— marks the milestone with the honor and historical significance it deserves. The newly formed Tri-Hamlet 250 Committee is planning a multi-year celebration that culminates on July 4, 2026, with events that spotlight the community’s rich Revolutionary War heritage and its most prominent patriot, William Floyd.
“Our goal is to plan a celebration befitting the legacy of William Floyd and the William Floyd Estate,” said committee coordinator Bill Doyle. “This isn’t just a birthday party for the country—it’s an opportunity to tell the story of one of our own, a man who quite literally put his life on the line for our freedom.”
Floyd was the first New Yorker to sign the Declaration of Independence and remains one of the most under-recognized founding fathers. Through public education and community engagement, the committee hopes to change that. “We want people to understand the courage it took to sign that document, and why William Floyd’s signature mattered—not just to our area, but to the entire nation,” Doyle said.
Leading up to July 2026, the committee is organizing a series of events, beginning with a kickoff celebration called Fire Up for Freedom on July 19, 2025, at the Mastic Beach Property Owners Association on Neighborhood Road. Other planned events include concerts, parades, and William Floyd’s birthday celebrations, all intended to engage residents and elevate the TriHamlet area’s historic profile.
The committee’s objectives are as ambitious as they are community-minded. They include
establishing the MBPOA property as the celebration’s headquarters, with the William Floyd Estate— the only original home of a Declaration signer in New York— serving as the celebration’s focal point. The estate, managed by the National Park Service under Fire Island National Seashore, will be supported by a temporary visitor center at the MBPOA during the holiday period.
A celebration feature will be a new monument at Patriots Preserve Park in Shirley, featuring a bronze replica of the Declaration of Independence mounted on granite. The project, championed by Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico, is scheduled to be unveiled in time for the semiquincentennial. “Our monument will rival the one at Boston Common,” Panico said. “We’re proud to honor the local heroes who played such an important role in our country’s founding.”
Panico credited funding for the
monument to a combination of a state grant arranged years ago by former Congressman Lee Zeldin and then-Senator Tom Croci, as well as community benefit funds from the Sunrise Wind energy project.
The celebration will also pay tribute to Brigadier General Nathaniel Woodhull, William Floyd’s brother-in-law; Major Benjamin Tallmadge, George Washington’s head of intelligence; and Col. William Tangier Smith, the Lord of the Manor of St. George.
Another key priority is logistical coordination, particularly around traffic and parking, which will require collaboration between the William Floyd School District, the Town of Brookhaven, and Suffolk County. A separate working group will focus on educational initiatives, teaming up with local school districts, BOCES, and the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library to develop
classroom programs centered on William Floyd and the nation's founding.
“The celebration is about more than just fireworks and fanfare,” said Doyle. “It’s about raising awareness, boosting civic pride, and maybe even increasing property values by showing that we are a community rooted in history.”
With strong support from the Town of Brookhaven, particularly its historian’s office and Council District 6 representative Karen Dunne Kesnig, the committee actively encourages more residents to get involved. “We sincerely hope others will want to be a part of this important initiative,” Doyle said.
As the calendar counts down to July 4, 2026, the Tri-Hamlet 250 Committee is making sure that when the country celebrates its 250th year of independence, the Bay Area will stand proudly at the center of the story.
LIMEHOF THE CHARTS! Meet 10 Senior Scholarship Winners with Musical Moxie
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
In keeping with the season, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) recently awarded 10 $1,000 scholarships to some of the island's brightest young musical talents that graduated this month.
“These students have not only shown talent and passion, but they’ve made the significant decision to continue their journey by majoring in music or theater in college,” said Tom Needham, LIMEHOF vice chairman.
LIMEHOF tabbed the following students for this most special distinction: Eden Yiya Hu (Wading River, Shoreham Wading River High School, Violin); Elliot Jaklitsch (Port Jefferson Station, Comsewogue High School, Cello/Horn); Justin Lowenhar (Greenlawn, Harborfields High School, Musical Theater- Tenor); William MacIntosh (Farmingville, St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School in West Islip, Violin); Maya McCarthy (Rocky Point, Rocky Point High School, Mezzo Voice, Violin, Piano); Romy Park
(Plainview, Plainview-Old Bethpage High School, Viola); Ashley Retzlaff (Freeport, Freeport High School, Mezzo Soprano, Musical Theater); DeAndre Simmons (Huntington, Huntington High School, Violin); Mackenzie Sweeney (Center Moriches, Center Moriches High School, French Horn); Alyssa Wong (Great Neck, Great Neck South High School, Musical Theater).
“One of the things I like to tell the students is that many of the artists we’ve inducted started their musical careers when they were their age, and that’s very true,” Needham added. “So a lot of these kids we’re giving scholarships to, could in fact one day become future hall of fame inductees themselves.”
Three of the honorees performed on the LIMEHOF stage. MacIntosh and Simmons showcased their violin skills, while Wong sang “Dyin’ Ain’t so Bad” from “Bonnie & Clyde.”
“It really impresses us to hear and learn about the commitment of these students here on Long Island,” said Paul Graf, member of the LIMEHOF Education Advisory
Committee.
“Thousands of students are graduating this month and here we found eleven that are above and beyond. It was exciting to meet them, talk with them and learn about their lives and their commitment to music and music education.”
LIMEHOF also awarded its third annual Pat DeRosa award—
named for the late local legend, of Huntington, who cracked the Guinness Book of World Records in 2018 as the “World’s Oldest Professional Saxophone Player.” He was 101—and still playing—in 2022.
Athansia Kacharba of Bay Shore took home this year’s Pat DeRosa prize for her saxophone and vocal efforts.
Founded in 2004, LIMEHOF is
a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations.
For more information about their scholarships and educational programs, visit https:// www.limusichalloffame.org/ scholarshipsgrants/.
Local Leaders Celebrate Library Literacy in Middle Country
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
As the County’s countless districts ramp activity back up following the Fourth of July holiday, let us remember the recent local leader highlights we’ve yet to cover due to the demands of another successful special edition graduation issue.
One such noteworthy occasion includes the Literacy Celebration at the Centereach Branch of the Middle Country Public Library. The annual event, held on Wednesday, June 18th, regularly honors young academics and new citizens who are immersed in the citizenship programs offered by the library.
Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy and Twelfth District Legislator Leslie Kennedy were in attendance, while Senator Dean Murray, Assemblywoman
Rebecca Kassay, and Brookhaven Councilman Neil Manzella sent certificates that were rewarded.
“It’s heartwarming to see people work hard and do the right thing, and there’s nothing
better than seeing people get rewarded for that hard work,” said Legislator Kennedy. “The community support that night was just incredible. The whole thing was just great.”
LIMEHOF 2025 scholarship award winners and LIMEHOF representatives at award ceremony.
Credit: LIMEHOF
Credit: Legislator Kennedy's Office Legislator Leslie Kennedy (pictured center) handing a certificate to one of the new citizens.
ByRobertChartuk
Center Moriches Teachers Named Top Educators
High school French teacher Oana Curticapean and middle school paraprofessional Rachel Miller have been named Teacher of the Year and Paraprofessional of the Year in Center Moriches, earning top honors for their outstanding contributions to students and the school community.
The two were recognized during a recent Board of Education meeting, where they were presented with official citations and heartfelt praise from school officials, including Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ricardo Soto.
“These two educators truly represent the best of what we strive for in Center Moriches,” said Superintendent Soto. “They
have created joyful, constructive environments that help our students thrive—and we’re proud to recognize their work with this welldeserved honor.”
Curticapean, affectionately known as “Madame” by her students, was selected for her ability to spark a love of the French language and culture through dynamic and engaging lessons. She has been widely praised for creating a classroom where students feel both supported and inspired to grow.
“Her love for teaching is evident in all that she does,” her citation read, “leaving a lasting impression not only on her students, but also on their families and the school community at large.”
Miller was honored for her dedication to supporting students throughout the middle school and her leadership as a coach of the girls’ tennis and lacrosse teams. Colleagues noted her calm presence
and her ability to respond quickly and thoughtfully to students’ individual needs.
“She has repeatedly gone above and beyond the scope of her role,” her award citation stated, “responding to student needs without hesitation, providing on-the-fly modifications to support learning and behavior, and remaining a steadfast, joyful presence.”
Both honorees were nominated by members of the school community and selected by a committee that included Board of Education members.
For more information about the Center Moriches Union Free School District, visit cmschools.org or follow the district on Facebook at facebook.com/cmschools.org.
Scout Honors Beloved Principal with Wishing Well Tribute
ByRobertChartuk
He described her as kind, a good person, someone always willing to listen, and when she passed away unexpectedly, Kim Hardwick left a void in the heart of one of her students. Antonio Gerbino will never forget his principal and created a tribute to her on the way to becoming an Eagle Scout with Troop 414 in Center Moriches.
Joined by family, friends, and colleagues of Mrs. Hardwick, the teen dedicated a wishing well in her honor on the front lawn of the Clayton Huey Elementary School, where they first came together.
In a ceremony filled with emotion and gratitude, Antonio addressed the crowd with a message that spoke from the heart. “Throughout my entire time as a student at Clayton Huey, Mrs. Hardwick stood by my side,” he said. “She lifted me through my lowest points and was a source of positivity and kindness.”
Antonio explained that when he began planning his Eagle Scout project, he didn’t have to think twice about what he wanted to do— or for whom. He knew he would build something meaningful at the school that shaped his childhood, and he knew it would be for the beloved principal who helped shape him. The idea of a wishing well
came naturally. “As you may know, a wishing well is a source of hope and a place to deposit your aspirations,” he said. “Mrs. Hardwick was exactly that to me. She always listened to my concerns and generously and genuinely made it her mission to better any circumstance.”
As the sun set on the front lawn of Clayton Huey, the well stood tall—not just as a symbol of remembrance, but as a beacon for the future. Antonio shared that the well is meant to remind the community, “whether knowing Mrs. Hardwick or not, that they have a place here… that hope and faith supersede fear and uncertainty.”
Among those deeply moved by the tribute was George Keller, the troop’s committee chairman, who praised Antonio’s dedication and spirit. “Antonio is an exemplary scout, always willing to help his fellow scouts and the community,” Keller said. “It’s wonderful that he honored his teacher with his Eagle Scout project.”
Antonio closed the ceremony by inviting his sister and cousins to place painted stones—each one decorated by local fifth graders— around the base of the well. He encouraged others to take part in the tradition. “At the end of this dedication, please feel free to take a stone to decorate as your own
source of a well wish. You can bring it back to the well or keep it for yourself,” he said.
The ceremony wasn’t just a recognition of a young man’s path to Eagle—it was a moment that celebrated the enduring power of kindness, the influence of a good teacher, and the strength of a tightknit community.
Antonio made sure he thanked the many people who guided him along his life’s path:
• Scoutmasters and Adult Leaders of Troop 414: Mr. Keller Jr., Mr. Keller Sr., Mr. Sigerson, Mr. Kaiser, Mr. Person, Mr. Nizza, Mr. Russell, Mr. Tremel, Mrs. Harke, Mr. Penniese, and Mr. Aylward
• Scouts who helped with the fundraiser and project: Patrick Hart, Patrick Caruso, Jameson Keller, Riley Keller, Dylan Davis, Matt Russell, PK Bechtold, Zack Finn, Riley Kaiser, Mason Kaiser, Logan Kaiser, Cameron Eten, Colin
Suffolk's Bank Account
Freck, Joe Nizza, and April Harke
• Community contributors: True Value (donated car wash soap), Home Depot (donated rocks), Matt Kruk of Roma Funeral Home (memorial stone), and the Sigerson family (bucket and lumber)
• School district support: Mr. Ricci, Mrs. Jackson, and the Grounds and Security Team of the Center Moriches School District
• Board of Education: Mr. Brian Tenedy
Teachers: Mrs. Lopez (fourthgrade teacher) and Mrs. Phillips (Clayton Huey art teacher)
• Family: His parents, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
• Guests of honor: Mr. Honor and the family of Mrs. Hardwick
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
Coming down the Washington, D.C., pipeline this week: Suffolk County and three+one’s Bank Account Collateralization Program has reached a most noteworthy milestone: They won an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo).
The county’s Bank Account Collateralization Program was also selected Best in Category for Financial Management.
Started in 1970, the NACo Achievement Awards annually honor effective county government programs.
Suffolk County Comptroller John M. Kennedy, Jr., created the Bank Account Collateralization Program in partnership with Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine.
Their goal: to ensure that bankheld County funds are properly and sufficiently collateralized. As the program’s CFO, Comptroller Kennedy protects the assets of over 1.5 million residents countywide.
“It is an incredible honor for
Suffolk County’s Bank Account Collateralization program to be granted a NACo Achievement Award and to be selected as Best in Category,” said Kennedy. “County Executive Romaine and I share a deep commitment to safeguarding taxpayer dollars.”
Well wishers with Scout Antonio Gerbino as he shows off his Eagle project in memory of Principal Kim Hardwick.
A young Antonio Gerbino with Principal Kim Hardwick.
Credit: Robert Chartuk
Credit: Gerbino Family
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ricardo Soto, left, Teacher of the Year Oana Curticapean, Paraprofessional of the Year Rachel Miller, Board of Education President Lauren Slionski, and Trustee Marcus Babzien
Credit: Center Moriches School District
ByDeborahWilliams
Panico Speaks Out on Suffolk County DSS Bypassing Housing Codes in Mastic Beach/Brookhaven
Supervisor of Brookhaven, Dan Panico, announced a major legal victory against a corporate landlord whose properties in Mastic Beach were the source of serious qualityof-life concerns.
Following a thorough investigation, the town issued 196 summonses, resulting in 131 guilty pleas and $103,500 in fines. Many of these properties were actively occupied but lacked required rental permits, with numerous violations including illegal construction, unsafe overcrowding, and serious property neglect.
As part of the settlement, the owner known as SARV has agreed to open a part-time office in Mastic Beach to respond directly to complaints and work with the town. They also donated six vacant parcels as part of the agreement to mitigate fines, which will now be preserved as open space. They plan on actively managing their properties and making all of them
code compliant with valid rental registrations and inspections.
Panico said, “We are sending a clear message and will demand code compliance for the people we represent, who deserve to live in clean, safe neighborhoods.” The announcement was made with Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin J. LaValle, Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig and Councilman Neil Foley.
Frank Fugarino, president of the Pattersquash Creek Civic Association, said, “We support the efforts of Superviso Panico and urge the Legislature to pass these regulations. Absentee landlords have been abusing the towns and the famlies. Imagine the famlies that are essentially forced to live in these conditions. If they speak up, what will happen to them?”
Panico also went to the Suffolk County Legislature to speak in support of a proposed bill that would mandate the Suffolk County Department of Social Services
(DSS) to follow local town building and housing codes-including the necessity of a valid rental registration from the Town of Brookhaven.
“I want to be able to drive down the street and not know which homes are privately owned and which ones are operated by rental agencies. Every one deserves the
same level of safety and security in their home,” Fugarino added.
Right now DSS is allowed to avail themselves of New York State (NYS) Temporary Housing codes that allow them to bypass local town codes.
“Taxpayers should not fund what is at times unsafe and overcrowded housing that negatively affects
those who reside there and the surrounding neighborhoods. Moreover, areas with historically lower housing values have long been plagued by an over abundance of such housing that serves to diminish the quality of life in those areas,” Panico said.
The bill, sponsored by Legislator Jim Mazzarella, Legislator Nick Caracappa, and Legislator Dominick Thorne will ensure that homes are inspected and compliant with Brookhaven Town codes for occupancy and the New York State Building and Fire Prevention code.
“It’s time to raise the bar on DSS housing, protect our firefighters, protect our communities, and do what should be common sense. Just because NYS allows DSS to utilize the state’s temporary housing codes doesn’t mean they should - and taxpayers shouldn’t fund non-code compliant housing,” said Panico.
The bill will be rediscussed in August at the Suffolk County Legislature.
Seides and Scerri: Historic Preservation Dream Team Leads Revival of Bay Area Landmarks
ByRobertChartuk
With the restoration of centuries-old homesteads, the care of forgotten cemeteries, and the planting of Main Street’s iconic trees, two local men have teamed up to protect the past and beautify the Moriches Bay Area.
Bert Seides, president of the Ketcham Inn Foundation and a trained architect, is a lifelong preservationist whose passion began at 13 when he rescued a Model A Ford from a chicken coop. Today, his energy is devoted to restoring five historic sites under the Foundation’s care, including the Ketcham Inn itself, the Mary E. Bell House and the Smith Farmstead.
His partner in many of these efforts is Steve Scerri, longtime superintendent of Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, whose expertise and resources have helped transform historic preservation into a community-wide effort.
“I couldn’t do what I do without Steve,” said Seides. “He and the cemetery association have donated countless hours of labor and resources to help us preserve and protect these important sites. He’s more than a collaborator—he’s a cornerstone of our work.”
The Mt. Pleasant Cemetery borders the Havens House on Main Street and has become a key ally in its restoration. Scerri and his crew have maintained the lawns and landscapes of the Foundation’s multiple properties and spearheaded the restoration of the stone piers that once marked the formal entrance to the Havens Estate. Oldtimers will remember back in 1971
when the historic home was rotated 180 degrees and moved across the street to its current location.
Their most recent contribution is a “Welcome to Center Moriches” sign, now prominently displayed on the Havens House property. The duo also partnered with Rich K. Ely Tree Services years ago to line Main Street with trees, from the Forge River in Moriches to Seatuck Creek in Eastport. Planted as part of an Arbor Day project, the trees have matured into a living tribute to small-town pride.
“It’s been a privilege to work with Bert and the Ketcham Inn Foundation,” said Scerri. “We share the same passion for preserving the rich historical legacy of this area. Being able to contribute to that legacy is something I take great pride in.”
The preservationists work closely with the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches and the Moriches Bay Garden Club to maintain the historic look and feel of the village’s Main Street corridor. They have been behind the effort to have its centuries-old buildings deemed historic landmarks and help the Downtown Beautification Committee with its annual efforts to enhance Main Street with seasonal plantings, decorative displays, and community pride initiatives.
Next on the horizon for Seides and Scerri is an ambitious effort to rebuild the classic board fence that once stretched from the Smith Farm to the Havens House. The area is now part of Suffolk County’s Terrell River Park, but efforts are underway to reconnect the sites and tell the story of Long Island’s
historic, agricultural, and waterfowl heritage.
One vision is to construct a footbridge across the Terrell River, creating a walking trail from the visitor center at the Ketcham Inn across the park to the preserved Smith Duck Farm property, once part of the world-famous Long Island Pekin duck industry.
“This will be part of a larger heritage tourism trail,” Seides explained, “and it’s being mapped by a local Girl Scout working toward her Gold Award. The idea is to create a historic education complex that celebrates our area’s unique story and makes it accessible for future generations.”
The son of Stanley Seides, a local mink farmer and longtime Center Moriches chemistry teacher, Bert grew up surrounded by farming and has cultivated a deep respect for the area’s heritage. Over the years, he’s helped preserve barns, homes, and cultural sites throughout the region, including the Mary E. Bell House on Railroad Avenue, which earned him recognition from Preservation Long Island. He helps run a bookstore at the Ketcham site and a gift shop at the Haven’s property to raise funds for their community efforts.
Bert also serves as president of the Moriches Bay Historical Society and holds seats on the Suffolk County Historic Trust Committee, Preservation Long Island, and Brookhaven’s Historic District Advisory Committee, where he helps make sure the area stays true to its cultural roots. “The important thing is not just saving buildings,” Seides said, “it’s preserving identity.
These sites tell the story of who we are.”
Scerri, meanwhile, has become one of the most trusted cemetery professionals in the state. After being hired nearly four decades ago by Mt. Pleasant board member Tom Sinnickson while working as a teen at Pastor Chevrolet in Westhampton, Scerri went from being the cemetery’s only employee to overseeing a staff of 12 and the largest crematorium on Long Island. His first hire, Tom Maher, is still with him after 38 years.
Steve’s also played a vital role in restoring historic cemeteries, including sites on Beachfern and Wading River roads, and is frequently called upon by the New York State Division of Cemeteries to advise and revamp facilities across Long Island.
“Mt. Pleasant is an excellent example of a mature cemetery,” Seides said. “Steve and his team know how to do things the right way—with respect and special care.” Mt. Pleasant also repurposed the adjacent town highway department storage barns for a chapel and equipment use, demonstrating adaptive reuse in action. Beyond historic work, Scerri and his wife are part of New Beginnings, a nonprofit that provides services for individuals with traumatic brain injuries.
As the preservation dream team continues its mission, their impact is clear: From restored barns and interpretive trails to planted trees and manicured cemeteries, Bert Seides and Steve Scerri are ensuring that the heart of Center Moriches beats with the rhythms of its storied past.
Credit: Supervisor Dan Panico's office Panico calls for housing code enforcement.
Credit: Robert Chartuk
The historic preservation dream team of Bert Seides, left, and Steve Scerri.
ByRobertChartuk
State Grants Long-Delayed 9/11 Disability Benefits to Widow of Suffolk Deputy Sheriff
More than two decades after the September 11 attacks, New York lawmakers have approved a bill to restore disability retirement benefits to the family of Suffolk Deputy Sheriff Richard Stueber, who responded to the World Trade Center site and later died by suicide after years of battling posttraumatic stress disorder.
The bill, now awaiting the governor’s signature, corrects a technical loophole in state retirement law that denied Stueber the 75% accidental disability pension he had been awarded for mental illness connected to his Ground Zero service. The legislation ensures that Stueber’s
widow, Stacie, will receive the full benefit her husband earned.
Stueber, originally from Riverhead and a 23-year law enforcement veteran, had served as both an NYPD officer and Suffolk deputy sheriff. He was accepted into the federal Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Program in 2020 and received a favorable ruling from the New York State and Local Retirement System. However, due to a change in law that took effect after his application, he was deemed ineligible.
Forced to take his regular pension early, Stueber was later told he had to repay more than $50,000 in pension overpayments
and was downgraded to a 50% benefit. The financial strain, on top of his deteriorating mental health, created a devastating burden on the family, who had to navigate a yearslong legislative process to correct the error.
The bill passed unanimously in the state Assembly and state Senate. Suffolk County has committed $1 million to fund the reinstated pension, which will support Stueber’s wife and four children, whose ages range from high school to adulthood.
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, the bill’s sponsor, said the legislation was about justice and honoring Stueber’s service.
“Richard should never have
had to fight for benefits he clearly earned,” DeStefano said. “This bill ensures that his wife receives
the support he died waiting for. It sends a clear message: New York does not forget its 9/11 heroes or their families.”
DeStefano, a longtime advocate for first responders, said the bill is also structured to prevent other 9/11 veterans from facing the same legal barriers.
Deputy Stueber died in 2023 at age 50. His family and supporters say the horrors he witnessed at Ground Zero haunted him for years, and he struggled with depression and PTSD until the end of his life. Though the compensation cannot undo that suffering, his family says the new law represents long-awaited recognition and relief.
No Snacks, Denied! Fire Island Beaches with Strict Restrictions
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
Ocean Beach and Saltaire aren’t making it easy for summertime beachgoers to soak up the sun carefree with rules such as these.
Many territories belonging to the Fire Island frenzy of villages fall under federal oversight, as well as the Towns of Brookhaven and Islip. However, Ocean Beach and Saltaire uphold their own code of enforcement — as many have learned the hard way.
Upon these shores, local law dictates that a simple bag of Goldfish snacks could ring the violator a fine in the $300 range.
Not public alcohol consumption; public Goldfish snack intake—yes, you read that right.
Ocean Beach prohibits all flavored drinks, iced coffee, cans, cups, metal bottles or tumblers. Plain water is permitted—so long as it arrives in a clear plastic bottle. Otherwise, it’s getting the boot; and so too are you if you make enough of a stink.
These prohibitions also fall under the $300 open container violation, per the Ocean Beach Justice Court. Since fines were increased on Jan. 1st, 2024—the beach, to its credit, has never looked cleaner.
But, much like the tree that fell in the forest when no one was around to hear it, a clean beach with no crowd is still an empty one.
A couple of years ago, Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey sang of weird, but beautifully ironic instances—such as snow on the beach.
Meanwhile, at this rate, should so much as a simple snow cone touch the Ocean Beach sand, even the wildest dream team of defenders ever assembled couldn't get said deed-doer off.
Food is not allowed on the boardwalk or overpasses either, the draw of animals and safety hazards it would pose might be apparent.
With the calorie intake denial
in mind, one would presume they could burn some off instead; if they do so at Ocean Beach, though, they will have to do so through something that isn’t a ball or catch-involved sport, Frisbee or even kite-flying.
Pretty much all the good ones.
The beach is not known for its bike-friendliness either, if you can believe that. And by in large, a policy of mass quiet must be complied with from 10 p.m.
onward.
Saltaire is slightly less strict; $250 fines for non-plain water drinks. Pepsi lovers, look away.
The 2019 coming-of-age Broadway musical “Be More Chill” had it right with its titular messaging: something this pair of incorporated villages should consider adopting in the long run.
Granted, Fire Island is still
Fire Island. But life’s too short to follow every which guideline imposed when there are too many to have the fun under the sun that everyone deserves. If you’re heading to Fire Island, or any beach this weekend, stay safe and stay sunscreened. Paleskin kings, especially don't be damned: You sure know it to be true, the only thing worse than a $300 fine: sunburns redder than wine.
Eight Dee-Wees a Week: Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Arrests Several Drunken Drivers
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
This past weekend, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office made eight “Driving While Intoxicated” (DWI) arrests.
One of the booked and processed perpetrators, Darwin Perez Donis, 31, of Bellport, committed Aggravated DWI, per his charges. On Friday, June 20th, he was found swerving his 2017 Chevrolet Malibu over lanes,
and bloodshot-eyed, slurring his speech and reeking of alcohol upon interview.
Moreover, Donis registered a whopping .24 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in his chemical breath test—three times over the legal limit.
As part of ongoing DWI enforcement by the Sheriff’s Office, deputies are out into the late hours—ever on the lookout
for clocking poor decision-makers in the act before they can inflict vehicular harm onto themselves or others.
Through his DWI enforcement campaign, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., has consistently reminded residents of all ages to drink responsibly and to always have a designated driver in place.
“I commend my staff for their hard work in safely removing these impaired and dangerous drivers from our streets so residents who drive responsibly can arrive home safe,” he said.
Additional DWI arrests from Friday include: Ingrid Centeno, 55, of Brentwood; Zephyr Osit, 18, of Holbrook; and Louis A. Montanaro, 36, of Shirley.
Saturday’s slate: Rigoverto Diaz, 25, of Mastic; and Jarlen SueroHernandez, 18, of Patchogue.
And Sunday’s: Luis Crillo Mejia, 34, of Shirley; and Omar Cabrera Maldonado, 37, of Medford.
Richard Stueber.
George, we can't show up to Ocean Beach with Ring Dings and Pepsi.
Credit: Stueber Family
Credit: ChatGPT
Credit: Suffolk County Sheriff's Office
Darwin Perez Donis (R) of Bellport was arrested for Aggravated DWI on Friday.
In the wake of a pair of deep dive documentaries into the (alleged) Long Island Serial Killer, many of Rex Heuermann's prized possessions hit the online marketplace—inspiring a flurry of interest from Wild-Child and Twisted Sisters.
Some noteworthy relics include a 1972 Vietnam-era Jeep the Massapequa native once owned. Offers are up to $4,300 for this ride, while his 1977 yearbook at McKenna Junior High School is commanding $995 on eBay.
Currently, Heurermann is charged with slaying seven sex workers who disappeared from 1994 to 2010.
Many of their bodies were discovered buried in burlap along Gilgo Beach in 2010-2011, the result of local police’s search for a disappeared woman last seen in Oakdale—and who was never seen or heard from again, as recapped in the No. 1 Netflix and Peacock
documentaries.
National interest in the case has returned following Heuermann's wife and daughter's polarizing $1 million participation in the latter film.
Popular culture clearly remains enamored with this macabre story set between the familial innocence of local suburbia and the after-hours underworld sitting dead-smack right beneath it.
Case in point: how quickly Heuermann's items—for which proceeds will go to the family—are being sold off, and at substantially driven-up prices.
“I’ve been dealing with the ‘murderabilia’ industry for over 20some odd years and one thing I’ve learned is that when who is attached or charged with serial killings, items will be put up for sale,” Andy Kahan, who runs victims services at Crime Stoppers in Houston, Texas, told News 12 back in 2023.
Though the Jeep went up for sale
at $1,000, it was still taking bids as recent as July 1st–where the price reached over $5,100. It has 522,465 miles on it, according to its eBay listing, which is no longer accessible as of Thursday—suggesting a purchase is in order.
“Being sold together with the
trailer, the Jeep comes with a Hard top and soft top, along with all hard and soft doors,” the ad read.
“There are extra parts stored in the trailer in boxes. Jeep runs good and registration is ready to transfer.
Don’t be outbid on this one!”
This was not the alleged “murder
vehicle” that one witness tied an “ogre-like” John he and his prostitute roommate tried to con a day before she disappeared, recirculating later as one of the Gilgo Four.
The Jeep is not to be confused with the Green Chevrolet Avalanche—a description, coupled with Heuermann's menacing build, that investigators had a decade and a half prior, but seemingly did not proactively pursue until the DA Ray Tierney Task Force turned this icecold case scorching hot.
In 50 Cent’s “The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets,” Heuermann's wife, Asa, doubles down on believing her husband’s innocence.
Meanwhile, by film’s end, a title card read that daughter, Victoria— who spent a large portion of the documentary collaborating on processing such a blow to her family fold with the adult daughter of the BTK Killer—had been swayed to hold that her father most likely committed the gruesome killings.
Justice in Motion: Five MS-13 Gangbangers Indicted in Blue Point Beach Killing
Lopez-Lopez, 27, of Central Islip, was a former MS-13 member suspected of turning informant. His body was left on the shoreside (pictured) at the end of Blue Point Avenue back in early March.
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
According to federal authorities, three MS-13 members—Noel Portillo-Romero, Ernesto TorresHernandez and Omar ZavalaVentura—conspired to kill 27-yearold Carlos Lopez-Lopez in cold blood.
Lopez-Lopez was a former member of their outfit whom they suspected turned informant. His body was left on the shoreside at the end of Blue Point Avenue back in early March. He was stabbed and drowned.
The South Shore Press previously reported from the crime scene, the same day Lopez-Lopez was identified as the victim.
In their letter to the court trying the case of the three alleged perpetrators and their two accessories, assistant US attorneys wrote: “The exceedingly violent nature of these murders exemplifies the twisted and homicidal culture
of the gang, and the undisputable danger that these defendants pose to the community.”
Given the fraternal hazard of his allotment, the departed is considered no patron saint himself. Officials at the federal level contend he was linked to an earlier gangrelated killing: the October 23rd, 2023, murder of Yoneli RamosMoreno in Sunken Meadow Park.
Ramos-Moreno, an ex-associate of the gang, was targeted for working with their “Latin King” rivals. He was strangled with a rope and beaten to death before being discovered by hikers.
The unsealed federal indictment announced this week ties both murders to MS-13’s Hollywood Locos and Carlington Locos cliques. Each has a notorious foothold on Long Island.
Additional parties named in the indictment include David OrellanaAleman, described as the ringleader
of the gang, and Cruz Eduardo Sanchez-Gutierrez. The former remains in ICE custody in Texas as of this publication. Zavala-Ventura
was already in federal detention. The rest were arranged on Wednesday in Central Islip. Each faces life in prison—and potentially
the death penalty—if convicted. Racketeering and narcotics trafficking charges have also been issued to the defendants in question.
Unlicensed Contractor Charged for Presenting Forged Islip Permit to Great River Client
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
Rober Cortese, 37, of Huntington, was formally charged with Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney announced on Thursday, June 26th.
The owner of Tool Time Construction, Inc., allegedly committed false advertising when he claimed he had secured proper permitting to conduct business within the Town of Islip. Such stems from the revelation that he presented a forged building permit to a customer in Oct. 2021.
In May of that year, Cortese was contracted to complete a Great River-residing client’s pool and install an adjacent pool house on the same grounds. He assured the homeowner he was due to obtain all the necessary permitting, and upon constant inquiry, apparently gave in to providing a “copy” of permitting proof the client’s way to confirm compliance on his part.
Credit: longislandexpeditors.com
Providing permit documentation is half the battle; it must be legitamitely authorized.
“Unlicensed contractors have no safe haven in Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney.
After a complaint was issued and the formal investigation wrapped, Cortese surrendered to the Suffolk County DA’s Office on June 25th. He was subsequently placed under arrest, and is due back in court on August 6th.
If convicted, Cortese faces 2 to 7 years in prison.
Tierney continued: “We continually work with the Department of Consumer Affairs to warn homeowners against hiring unlicensed contractors to work on their homes and caution unsuspecting owners to always check with the Department before signing a contract so they can be assured they are contracting with licensed home improvement contractors on whom they can depend.”
Alleged Long Island Serial Killer Rex Heuermann's 1972 Jeep Other was originally listed at $1,000 on eBay, and is believed to have sold for over $5,100.
Credit: Suffolk County Sheriff's Office
Credit: SSP
ByMichaelJ.Reistetter
A Fourth of July Gone Awry: Coram Woman Fatally Shoots Boyfriend
The Suffolk County Police Department announced this weekend that they had arrested a female resident of Coram for killing her live-in boyfriend on Friday morning.
After a physical confrontation in the wee hours of July 4th, a day of celebration turned tragic when Ashley Guimont, 44, turned a gun on Alex Carter, 47, and pulled the trigger. The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m.
Guimont called 911 shortly after shooting Carter, according to the police report. Carter was immediately rushed to John T. Mather Memorial Hospital in
Port Jefferson, where he was pronounced dead.
The defendant admitted to police that she shot Carter, and claims self-defense. She alleged that Carter was strangling her; Guimont’s attorney, Michael Alber, says she is a victim of repeated domestic violence.
Charged with Murder in the Second Degree, Guimont was held overnight and arraigned in Central Islip the following day; she is currently being held without bail.
During her arraignment, prosecutors told the judge that police found a 9mm handgun on the kitchen counter and a shell
casing next to the body of the departed.
Per Alber: at the time of her arrest, Guimont had visible marks on her face and a swollen neck.
"This is a case where the history, circumstances of these parties are going to show that Ms. Guimont had absolute fear during this incident,” he told the local media.
This ongoing investigation is being headed up by Suffolk’s esteemed Homicide Detectives Squad.
Guimont has no prior criminal background.
If convicted of the top count, she faces 25 years to life behind bars.
Suffolk County Police Score Another Win over Dangerous Roadsters
ByDeborahWilliams
The Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) scored another win against dangerous, high-speed demons who take over our streets and highways.
It was a busy start to the weekend for the members of the
SCPD Street Takeover Task Force who arrested four people and impounded five vehicles in less than 24 hours.
SCPD said, “The road takeovers pose serious public safety hazards and threats to the lives and safety of those who participate and
South Shore Man Arrested in Niagara Falls Faces Multiple Felony Charges
James A. Matolchi (53), of Lindenhurst, NY, was arrested in Niagara Falls, NY, on multiple felony fraud charges.
ByDeborahWilliams
James
A.
of Lindenhurst, NY, was arrested in Niagara Falls, NY, on multiple felony fraud charges.
Matolchi was arrested by the Niagara County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Bureau following an investigation into an attempted fraud at Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union.
Matolchi was attempting to withdraw money from an
account which didn't belong to him. Matolchi was transported to the Niagara County Correctional Facility, where he will be arraigned through Centralized Arraignment court.
Niagara Falls Sheriff Michael Filicetti said Matolchi faces one count of Possession of a Forged Instrument 1st, a class C Felony, Identity Theft 1st; a class D Felony, Forgery 2nd; a class D Felony, and Attempted Grand Larceny 4th, a Class E Felony.
watch these dangerous stunts.”
Local residents had nothing but praise for the SCPD Task Force and flooded the Department’s Facebook page with thanks.
Resident Joe Kimotek said on the SCPD Facebook page, “I honestly can say this police department is getting better every day under new leadership all the new recruits coming out are gentlemen very professional. I take my hat off to management
and the staff they are heroes.”
SCPD reported on their social media that a 21-year-old Coram man was arrested and his 2004 Infiniti was seized on Friday evening, stemming from an incident that occurred five days earlier when the man fled police as they attempted to pull him over for speeding and driving recklessly.
Then on Saturday, three people were arrested and four
vehicles seized after the task force responded to a 911 call about a take over on Long Island Avenue and Commack Road in Deer Park.
Kelly Collins Stylarek said, “Thank you!! Long Island roads are like video games, no rules & you risk your life!”
“Thank you Task Force. Please stay vigilant and persistent in protecting us,” said Joanne O'Sullivan.
Suffolk County SPCA Charges Bay Shore Woman with Animal Cruelty
ByDeborahWilliams
Over the weekend, detectives from the Suffolk County SPCA charged a Bay Shore woman with animal cruelty charges.
Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk SPCA, said that its detectives charged Jacqueline Godoy, 57, with misdemeanor animal cruelty, alleging that she confined birds in poor outdoor conditions without clean water during extreme temperatures near 100 degrees.
Detectives from the Suffolk County SPCA responded with the Town of Islip Fire Marshal's Office to the Bay Shore residence due to conditions at the property. Forty-one birds consisting of ducks, roosters, and hens were removed from the outdoor property. John DiLeonardo of Humane Long Island and his staff worked in the heat to remove the animals to a safe location. The property was deemed unfit for human occupancy by the Town of Islip.
With the cooperation of the Suffolk County Police Department, the Town of Islip, Humane Long Island, and the Red Cross, residents and animals were removed. Godoy was charged by SPCA Detectives on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, with Animal Cruelty and Neglect of an Impounded Animal. Godoy is due in First District Court on July 14, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
The Suffolk County SPCA is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals in the county. If you witness any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County, please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722.
"This is a case where the history, circumstances of these parties are going to show that Ms. Guimont had absolute fear during this incident,” said defense attorney Michael Alber.
Credit: Suffolk County Police Department
Credit: Suffolks County SPCA Suffolks County SPCA rescues birds from abuse situation.
Matolchi (53),
Credit: Niagara Falls Sheriff's Department
ByRobertChartuk
Hochul's Nuclear Pivot Sparks Debate over New York's Energy Future
Governor Kathy Hochul’s embrace of nuclear power as a key component of New York’s energy strategy has ignited a fierce debate, pitting advocates of nuclear technology against critics who argue for a focus on renewables. The South Shore Press interviewed Linda PentzGunter of Beyond Nuclear, a staunch opponent of nuclear energy, and James Walker, CEO of NANO Nuclear Energy, a proponent of next-generation nuclear solutions, to explore the contrasting perspectives.
Pentz-Gunter sharply criticized Hochul’s nuclear push, calling it “foolish and reckless.” Severe emphasized that nuclear power’s long construction timelines— often 10 to 15 years—make it an ineffective solution for what she called an urgent climate crisis. “It’s promising jobs that, if they materialize at all, are well down the road,” she added. “The arguments are highly misleading.”
Pentz-Gunter argued that investing in wind and solar, coupled with energy efficiency measures, would yield faster carbon reductions and more immediate economic benefits.
“Every dollar invested in renewables gets you more carbon reductions faster than the same dollar invested in nuclear,” she said, citing the falling costs and rapid deployment of renewable technologies. She also dismissed the notion of nuclear providing energy independence, pointing out that uranium is mostly imported. “New York could lead on renewables and efficiency, but Hochul’s announcement turns the clock backward,” she said.
The nuclear opponent further criticized the industry’s “negative learning” trend, where projects take longer and cost more despite decades of experience. PentzGunter also expressed skepticism about small modular reactors (SMRs), calling their designs “unproven” and noting that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has raised safety concerns. “These are old designs that have blown up, caught fire, melted down,” she said, arguing that the push for SMRs is unrealistic given the lack of infrastructure and regulatory hurdles.
Pentz-Gunter also highlighted bipartisan support for nuclear power, debunking the assumption that Democrats uniformly oppose it. “It’s not a partisan issue,” she
said, noting that prominent Democrats, including Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Cory Booker, actively advocate for nuclear energy.
In contrast, James Walker of NANO Nuclear Energy, a company developing advanced microreactors, praised Hochul’s decision as a pragmatic step toward meeting New York’s growing energy demands, particularly for data centers and AI infrastructure.
“The U.S. needs a lot more power, especially because of AI,” Walker said, emphasizing nuclear’s highcapacity factor—its ability to provide consistent, reliable power compared to wind (25%) and solar (15%). He argued that renewables alone cannot meet the state’s needs without massive overbuilds and costly storage solutions, such as large-scale battery facilities.
Walker highlighted the closure of Indian Point, a nuclear plant that once supplied 25% of New York City and Westchester’s power, as a cautionary tale. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, now a board member at NANO Nuclear, shut down Indian Point due to safety concerns about its aging infrastructure. Still, Walker noted that Cuomo was never antinuclear and now supports new atomic
development. “They tried wind and solar, but they never got close to replacing Indian Point’s output,”
Walker said.
He touted advanced nuclear technologies, particularly SMRs and microreactors like NANO’s Kronos reactor, which can generate 20 megawatts and be deployed off-grid. “You can colocate industry with these reactors, opening economic opportunities without needing massive grid upgrades,” Walker said. He cited a planned 60-megawatt plant in upstate New York as an example, which would replace a former natural gas facility. NANO is also building a prototype reactor at the University of Illinois, with plans to scale production once licensed by the NRC.
Walker acknowledged the nuclear accidents at Three Mile Island and Fukushima but insisted that modern designs using “accident-tolerant” TRISO fuel eliminate meltdown risks. “These reactors cannot fail in the same way,” he said, emphasizing their safety and suitability for power generation. He also noted bipartisan support for nuclear, driven by tech industry lobbying and national security concerns about fuel supply chains. Recent
policies under both the Biden and Trump administrations, including Trump’s executive order to fasttrack licensing, have reduced regulatory timelines from 25 to 18 months, boosting companies like NANO.
Hochul’s nuclear pivot comes as New York grapples with ambitious climate goals and rising energy demands from tech industries. Critics like PentzGunter argue that renewables and efficiency offer a faster, cheaper, and more equitable path to decarbonization, accusing the governor of succumbing to nuclear industry influence. Meanwhile, proponents like Walker see nuclear as an essential complement to renewables, offering reliable power and economic benefits without wind and solar's land and infrastructure challenges.
As New York navigates this energy crossroads, the debate underscores a broader question: Can the state balance urgency, reliability, and sustainability in its quest for a clean energy future? For now, Hochul’s embrace of nuclear has set the stage for a contentious policy battle, with stakeholders on both sides vying to shape the state’s energy landscape.
Skilled Auto Body Technicians Needed!
STATE
ByRobertChartuk
Socialist Supermarket Scheme Could Spell Disaster for New York
If the socialist vision of Zohran Mamdani becomes reality, New York City could soon find itself in the grocery business—and on the hook for hundreds of millions in taxpayer subsidies each year. After winning the Democratic primary in a stunning upset over former governor Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani is poised to advance his plan for government-run supermarkets, a campaign promise critics say could turn into an expensive fiasco for the taxpayers.
Billionaire grocer John Catsimatidis, owner of the Gristedes supermarket chain, has already issued a dire ultimatum: If Mamdani socializes the food business, he will shut down his stores and potentially relocate his corporate headquarters out of the city.
“We can’t compete with Mamdani opening city-run supermarkets for free,” Catsimatidis said on his Red Apple radio show. “If New York is going socialist, we’re out.” A former candidate for mayor himself, he built a grocery, energy, and real estate empire after immigrating from Greece when he was six.
At the heart of the controversy is Mamdani’s proposal to establish a network of city-run grocery
stores aimed at ending so-called “food apartheid” in low-income neighborhoods. But critics say the math simply doesn’t work, and New Yorkers will end up paying the price.
A financial analysis conducted by artificial intelligence using conservative assumptions projects shows that running just 100 government-owned stores would cost the city an estimated $262.5 million annually, with only about 70% of that covered by sales. That would pile $78.75 million in yearly subsidies on the backs of the taxpayers. Expand that system to 200 stores, and the yearly taxpayer bill jumps to over $157 million, not including startup costs such as leasing, outfitting, or renovating retail space.
“The numbers are frightening,” one economist familiar with municipal budgets said. “New York is already drowning in obligations— pension debt, infrastructure, rising crime, illegal immigration costs— and now it’s going to sell bananas at a loss?”
The idea of public grocery stores isn’t new, and neither is its track record. Los Angeles and Philadelphia have dabbled in municipal food markets, only to see them collapse under ballooning costs, mismanagement, and limited
Competition at risk of city goes into the grocery business.
community interest.
In Europe, state-backed supermarkets have been phased out or privatized. And in Venezuela, a once-ambitious public food network degenerated into rationing, corruption, and chronic shortages.
“These socialist experiments always sound noble,” said one retail analyst. “But without profit incentives or accountability, they collapse under their own weight.”
Government-run food chains would also create a massive new bureaucracy, with procurement, transportation, labor contracts, and distribution all ripe for waste, fraud, and political abuse.
“Once you build a $500 milliona-year food system funded by taxpayers,” warned a former NYC comptroller staffer, “it becomes a piggy bank for the politically connected. Who’s going to get the trucking contracts? Who decides which neighborhoods get the stores? It’s a corruption trap.”
Mamdani’s plan could also devastate existing shops, bodegas, and independent grocers already struggling to compete with inflation and rising theft. If publicly subsidized stores take over the market with artificially low prices, private competitors will be forced to close, taking thousands of union and nonunion jobs with them.
“This isn’t about solving food insecurity,” Catsimatidis said. “It’s about crushing the private market and replacing it with a government monopoly.”
Critics argue that Mamdani’s plan reflects a broader pattern: idealistic socialist proposals that implode once confronted with reality. From New York’s failed attempts at public housing maintenance to the city’s ongoing struggles with cost overruns in public works projects, many fear that a publicly run grocery chain will become yet another cautionary tale of government overreach and fiscal irresponsibility.
Though Mamdani will be the Democrat candidate in a heavily blue city, he still has to get past Republican Curtis Sliwa, who gave the current mayor, Eric Adams, a run for his money four years ago. Adams, along with Cuomo and a few other wannabees, are considering runs as Independents, campaigns that could split the Progressive Democrat ticket and give Sliwa an edge.
As November’s general election looms, the stakes are clear: Will New York embrace Mamdani's radical transformation or pull back before the first taxpayer-subsidized loaf of bread hits the shelf?
From the Suburbs to the Statehouse: State Assembly Republicans
Keep up the Fight
ByRobertChartuk
With Democrats holding a commanding 103-to-47 majority in the state legislature’s lower house, the Assembly Republican Campaign Committee (RACC) has been digging in for the long haul, leveraging suburban voter enthusiasm and pushing back against the progressive agenda emanating from New York City and Albany.
As Albany “sinks deeper into chaos, we’ve been building something powerful,” said Republican Leader Will Barclay, a 22-year Assemblyman from upstate Pulaski. He noted that the Committee’s approach is focused on concrete results rather than empty words: “We’re not just talking—we’re organizing. And we’re winning ground.”
RACC reports a slate of accomplishments over the past year, including recruiting proparent, pro-law enforcement candidates, holding Gov. Kathy Hochul accountable for her “soft-on-crime” stance, fighting for election integrity and transparency, and mobilizing grassroots volunteers to help win at the polls.
Assembly Republicans—many
representing growing suburban districts—have warned that urban liberal interests view their regions as “piggy banks” they can raid to fund an ever-growing government. RACC’s messaging focuses on restoring common sense and fiscal responsibility, especially for taxpayers grappling with cost-of-living pressures.
Their bills aim to eliminate the sales tax on everyday items, expand the Earned Income Tax Credit, streamline executive agencies, and overhaul the budget process. They’ve also put forth measures to change the bail and discovery laws, aggressively target fentanyl and human trafficking, and support law enforcement.
On energy, the GOP legislators are looking to repeal mandates banning fossil fuels and requiring electric fire trucks and school buses. They want New Yorkers to reap the economic benefits of the Saudi Arabia-sized natural gas reserves right under their feet. In combating racism, Republicans have filed bills mandating antiSemitism training at colleges and cracking down on pro-Hamas protests.
Medford’s Joe DeStefano, a key RACC member, highlighted
the disparity between the two parties: “The $252 billion budget pushed through by the Democrats represents an alarming escalation in government spending, putting New York taxpayers on the hook for the most expensive bill in state history. They have dropped the ball on bail reform, inflation, energy costs, public safety , and
other priorities. New York is definitely not better off with the Democrats in control.”
New Yorker Elise Stefanik, Chairwoman of the House Republican Leadership in Washington, echoed RACC’s concerns, calling Democrat policies “radical, reckless,” and “antiworker, antifamily, antilaw enforcement.”
Leader Barclay concluded: “From Long Island to Buffalo, we’re fighting for affordability, public safety, and a government that works for families. We are not just talking—we’re organizing— and we’re gaining ground.”
Suffolk Officials Launch...
Continued from page 6
This year’s campaign will see enhanced sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols across the county, focusing especially on young drivers aged 21 to 34, who accounted for nearly half of all alcohol-related deaths during last year’s Independence Day holiday.
Sheriff Toulon’s STOP-DWI team is already on track to surpass last year’s arrest numbers, with 116 arrests as of July 1, compared to 209 total in 2024. “Just last week, our Deputies stopped a dangerous situation from turning deadly when they intercepted a drug-impaired driver attempting to go the wrong way on Sunrise Highway,” Toulon reported.
“Thank you all for your great work on our roadways every day.”
The campaign also emphasized education and outreach. Emily Cordano, an intern with the Sheriff’s Office, spoke movingly of her friend Andrew McMorris, a Boy Scout killed by a drunk driver in 2018 while hiking with his troop.
“A selfish decision changed a lot of lives,” Emily said, her voice steady. “Like Andy used to say: never waste a moment. I’m here today to ask people to have a plan—ask a friend, call a parent, get an Uber. Just don’t drive impaired.”
Paige Carbone of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) praised Suffolk’s efforts but emphasized that education and legislation must go hand in hand.
“This is a public health crisis,”
Carbone said. “And it demands action—not just from drivers but lawmakers. We owe it to every family that’s lost a loved one to make real change.”
“Every DWI arrest is a potential life saved,” said MADD’s Flynn. “But enforcement alone isn’t enough—we need education, prevention, and stronger state laws to truly make an impact. No one should have to get that knock on the door because someone made the reckless choice to drive impaired.”
“We would rather come pick you up than mourn you,” Legislator Chad Lennon said. “Unlike those in Albany, we want to keep our communities safe.”
Credit: Chat GPT
ByDeborahWilliams
DOGE Report: Savings and Best Use of Taxpayer Dollars Continues
The FBI announced that rather than spend untold billions of dollars on a new suburban FBI campus, they would use the existing federally owned Ronald Reagan Building for their new headquarters. The FBI is vacating its longtime home at the J. Edgar Hoover building due to poor building conditions.
One of the first agencies that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) went after for waste, fraud and abuse at home and abroad was the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The U.S. Customs and Border Protection moved into the USAID’s shuttered headquarters, the Ronald Reagan Federal Building. Now, it will be the new FBI Headquarters.
"This is a historic moment for the FBI,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement. "Moving to the Ronald Reagan Building is the most cost effective and resource efficient way to carry out our mission to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution," he added.
In other news of the FBI embedding DOGE practices into their everyday operation, the FBI rooted out fraud and abuse across the nation.
A former electronics technician at the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office and his sister were charged today with felony charges for conspiring to defraud the United States to obtain at least $350,000 in low-bid electronics equipment contracts from the FBI.
The Justice Department announced the results of its 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, which resulted in
criminal charges against 324 defendants, including 96 doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other licensed medical
professionals, in 50 federal districts and 12 state Attorneys General’s Offices across the United States, for their alleged participation in various health care fraud schemes involving over $14.6 billion in intended loss.
The government seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, crypto currency, and other assets as part of the coordinated enforcement efforts.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services also announced that it successfully prevented over $4 billion from being paid in response to false and fraudulent claims and that it suspended or revoked the billing privileges of 205 providers in the months leading up to the Takedown.
Trump Announces MABA Commission to Make America Beautiful Again
ByRobertChartuk
In a sweeping executive order signed just ahead of the July 4 holiday, President Trump launched the “Make America Beautiful Again Commission,” a high-level federal panel aimed at restoring the nation’s national parks, conserving natural resources, and reopening public lands to traditional uses such as hunting, fishing, and recreation.
The move marks a major initiative by the Trump administration to pair conservation efforts with economic growth and rural revitalization, while reversing what he called “years of mismanagement, regulatory overreach, and neglect” by prior administrations.
“Our public lands belong to the American people, not to the Washington bureaucracy,” President Trump stated. “We’re restoring access, rebuilding roads and trails, and making our country’s parks and outdoor spaces more beautiful and more open than ever before.”
The executive order, issued July 3, directs federal land management agencies, including the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management, to expand access to public lands, cut bureaucratic red tape, and encourage “voluntary, on-theground conservation efforts.” The effort aligns with his initiatives to Make America Great Again (MAGA) and Make America Healthy Again (MAHA).
Locally, residents hope the order spurs the reopening of the mansion at the William Floyd Estate in Mastic, which has been closed for the last five years for renovation. Other federal assets on Long Island that could benefit from the action include the Fire Island National Seashore and Otis Pike High Dunes Wilderness Area, Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge in Shirley,
Elizabeth A. Morton Refuge in Sag Harbor, and the Seatuck land on the Great South Bay in Islip.
Citing more than $33 billion in deferred maintenance across the National Park Service and Forest Service, the order positions the new commission as a force for reform and coordination across departments.
According to the White House, the outdoor recreation economy now generates $1.2 trillion in output and supports 5 million jobs— proof, the administration says, that conservation and economic growth “go hand in hand.”
The commission will be chaired by Secretary of the Interior Rick Manning, with Trump’s Assistant for Domestic Policy serving as executive director. It includes senior officials from the Departments of Defense, Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Office of Management and Budget, and the White House economic team.
The commission is tasked with developing actionable strategies to:
• Restore degraded parks and trails;
• Recover wildlife populations through cooperative programs, not federal mandates;
• Expand public access to lands for recreation, hunting, and fishing;
• Improve clean water availability and aquatic ecosystem health;
• Promote a wide range of outdoor activities — from boating and skiing to off-roading and birdwatching.
“This is not just a conservation effort — it’s a cultural and economic revival,” said Secretary Manning. “We’re bringing back the spirit of exploration, stewardship, and pride in America’s great outdoors.”
While environmental groups cautiously welcomed parts of the plan, some expressed concern about the emphasis on deregulation and expanded access. Critics warned that increasing recreation and development in sensitive areas could put fragile ecosystems at risk.
But Trump officials insisted the order reflects a pragmatic, balanced approach. “Too often, conservation has meant locking the American people out,” said a senior White House official involved in drafting the order. “This President believes you can protect the land and enjoy it, and that conservation works
best when it’s done with local communities, not against them.”
President Trump’s latest move builds on his 2020 signing of the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act, which allocated billions toward deferred maintenance in national parks and permanently funded the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The new commission is expected to monitor and expand on that progress.
“This is a moment for all Americans to come together,” President Trump concluded. “Whether you’re a hunter in Montana, a hiker in the Adirondacks, or a family heading to Yellowstone, we want you to see a country that’s clean, open, and beautiful. We are making America beautiful again.”
Moriches Chamber Prepares...
Continued from page 7
The Chamber plans to spotlight area milestones, partnering with other organizations also celebrating landmark anniversaries. Special events will include a Founders Day Celebration, a “Person of the Year” party, a Chamber Monopoly Game, and even a Moriches Centennial Ale brewed by Moriches Field Brewing Co.
The Chamber is also investing in lasting legacy projects, such as repainting the Canal Street mural, awarding scholarship bonuses, and exploring a Centennial Greenway at the site of the former Jonesy’s Hardware Store—connecting Main Street to Neville Park with a pedestrian walkway.
Other potential centennial ideas include community welcome signage, new parking initiatives, a Moriches Chowder Contest, and a community Fishing Tournament.
But before the centennial year begins in earnest, summer will be ringing with music.
“We’re thrilled to once again host our 2025 Summer Concert Series, which will feature nine amazing shows at Clayton Huey Elementary School and Sailor & Soldiers Memorial Park,” Osborne said. “These events are a local tradition, and we’re inviting area businesses to be a part of it.”
Concerts will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on select Saturdays in July and August. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs
and enjoy music under the stars. Sponsorships are now open to local businesses and Chamber members.
“It’s a great way to show community support and get in front of hundreds of residents,” Osborn noted. “The concert series is just one example of how we bring people together—and we hope to carry that same energy into our centennial year.”
For sponsorship details or to get involved in the Chamber’s 100-year celebration, visit moricheschamber.org. “This is going to be the biggest year yet for the Moriches,” said Gerhauser. “We’re celebrating our past— and building something lasting for the future.”
FBI chooses Ronald Reagan Building as its new headquarters.
Credit: Ronald Reagan Building
Credit: Robert Chartuk
HISTORY LESSONS
BY RICHARD ACRITELLI
“The support from Councilwoman Bonner and that of the Knights of Columbus is invaluable to our mission,” said Father Frank, “Jane’s spirit and commitment to help makes a lasting difference to those we serve.”
These were the words of Father Frank Pizzarelli on the heart of Bonner to help the vital mission of Hope House Ministries. When hearing the political name of Bonner, this is the usual response that is often expressed about her spirit to always help others. Recently the Rocky Point Sain Jude Council 5814 Knights of Columbus has chosen Bonner to be its first female recipient to be honored at its golf outing that will start at 7 am on July 15th, at the Middle Island Country Club. This group is led by Grand Knight Doug Bauer, and he was elatedly exclaimed, “This is a historic occasion for us, and we are thrilled to recognize Bonner for her outstanding services and support of the organization.” A portion of the proceeds raised by the Knights of Columbus will be donated to Hope House/Matt’s House in Port Jefferson. A member of the Knights, a longtime resident of Rocky Point, and a business owner of Trophy Hut, Bobby LoNigro has known Bonner for many years. He reinforced the words of Baur, “we are pleased to celebrate all the outstanding efforts and contributions that she has made over so many years to make our communities into a nicer place to live and raise our families. Jane has always been a proud supporter of the Knights of Columbus, Hope House Ministries, the three churches we support, as well as the residents in Northern Brookhaven!”
The story of this sixty-oneyear-old leader began as a child in Northport. She enjoyed riding her bike, swimming at Crab Meadow Beach, playing soccer and volleyball. Bonner learned the importance of services through the Coast Guard service of her father James, who was stationed at Eaton’s Neck. After graduating high school in 1982, Bonner attended the Katherine Gibbs School to be trained as a secretary. A few years later, she was married and began her family, as her daughter Elizabeth was born in 1986 and in 1989 followed her son David. Moving to Rocky Point, Bonner often watched her children participate in volleyball, basketball, run track, and perform in concerts where they played the clarinet and flute.
For three years, Bonner became a member of the board of education, where she oversaw the establishment of new classes and programs for the students at this district. Bonner gained additional experience as the President of the Rocky Point Civic Association and as an aide to former Suffolk County Legislator Dan Losquadro. During her first campaign to run as a member of the town council, she established a grassroots effort to oppose a candidate who out spent her $10 to $1. Always an active figure, Bonner knocked on 11,000 doors and lost many pounds from the energy that she demonstrated during this tenacious political contest. Losquadro views
Bonner as an extremely close friend, colleague, and a driven local political leader who constantly strives for excellence.
Working closely with her for many years, Losquadro recently stated, “I have known Jane for almost a quarter of a century and hired her as my constituent services aide when I was first elected county legislature almost twenty-two years ago. She was presented with this position because I realized Jane’s passion for helping people and making her community into a stronger place. For those reasons amongst others, I advocated for her to run for the open town council seat which she still holds. I can honestly say that I have never known an elected official more in tune with the needs and desires of the communities they represent. I count myself extremely fortunate to have Jane as a dear friend and simultaneously collaborate with her every day as a colleague.”
For almost two decades, Bonner has attained an outstanding record for meeting and exceeding the demands of this rigorous political position. Bonner has amassed a unique record that focuses on following goals that constantly care for businesses, local citizens, veterans, the environment, economic development, and always help our elderly and veterans. Within her district, she has fought homeowners, investors, and banks that have either left their homes in disarray or abandonment. Many of these poorly conditioned homes have lowered the values of many neighboring residents. Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine worked closely with Bonner for several years and he identified her abilities, “to always have an open door for her constituents and to work across party lines to achieve to many vital initiatives. Jane is passionate about public service and is never shy to address and resolve any problems within her district. She understands the zoning regulations and has fervently opposed over four hundred ‘Zombie Houses’ within her area of this township. She has widely assisted the challenging needs of her people through the Halleck House, VFW Post 6249, drainage concerns from washed out roads, sanitation, and recycling. And she has attained important funding to care for these vital social concerns. Bonner has a tremendous connection with all local, state, and federal leaders to fight for the needs of her constituents.”
A notable battle that Bonner waged was against the owners of the Oxygen Bar that was located on the corner of Route 25A and Broadway Avenue in Rocky Point. There were numerous code violations, violence, and a complete disregard for public safety on this busy corner. Since 2011, the Town of Brookhaven refused to renew its permit to serve alcohol and for several years after this business closed, it was a “blight” within this area. Under Bonner’s direction, the town purchased this land and built a park on this busy spot. Later, a bronze statue of Private First-Class Joseph Dwyer was installed by the Rocky Point VFW Post 6249 to
Councilwoman Jane Bonner and almost two Decades of Service to the Town of Brookhaven
recognize the military concerns of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Bonner had the vision to change a negative piece of real estate that at one time offered no positive value to the public and eventually placed a valuable veterans reminder of local and national service to understand the necessity of recognizing PTSD amongst American combat veterans.
On the tenth anniversary of 9/11/01, Bonner was fully behind this VFW’s efforts to build a 9/11/01 learning site at the Diamond in the Pines Park in Coram. Post 6249 took a small piece of land, in an area that was situated near several baseball fields, a park for children, and built a memorial to recall the lost residents of the Town of Brookhaven, the War on Terror Veterans, and the Rescue Workers. Bonner’s office continually helped establish one of the largest 9/11/01 memorials on Long Island. Cognitore recalled the unrelenting efforts that Bonner demonstrated to ensure the success of this project, “She is a true to friend of VFW Post 6249 through every type of veterans initiative and Jane is present at our programs, where she always presents a brilliant smile and a can-do attitude. As Americans were remembering
the difficult memories of 9/11/01, her support ensured that our residents had a tremendous spot to recall these hard national moments. Bonner is a positive public figure, who understand the issues that impacts all generations of veterans, and she has always been a true friend to this post.”
The owner of King Quality Roofing and Siding Jeff Brett summed up the immense value that Bonner has presented to her district over the years. Brett recently stated, “Jane is an amazing council woman who cares
about the people in her district, trying to keep them safe, aides our veterans, supports businesses, and wants all of her residents to have a good life in her district.” If you are interested in playing golf and supporting this wonderful charity by the Knights of Columbus, please contact, For more information about the 2025 Golf Outing or to register, please contact (631) 821-0049 or tim23red@aol.com. Once again, thank you for all the major efforts of Jane Bonner to make every day count towards the needs of her constituents.
DeStefano Touts GOP Bills...
Continued from page 6
Another win for the Assembly Republican Conference came with the passage of a bill to allow individuals to join the Donate Life organ donor registry via state income tax filings. “This makes it easier for people to give the gift of life,” DeStefano said. “Streamlining the process will save lives.”
The Emergency Medical Services Tax Cap Exemption, a bill long championed by GOP lawmakers, was also passed. The measure removes EMS costs from the property tax cap calculation, making it easier for local governments to fund ambulance services. “EMS isn’t a luxury — it’s essential,” said DeStefano, an emergency services volunteer for over 40 years. “This gives towns the flexibility they need to properly support first responders.”
Another bipartisan success was the Fiscal Cliff Task Force bill, which will examine how public assistance recipients can lose benefits abruptly as their income rises — a phenomenon known as the “benefits cliff.” DeStefano said, “This is about building pathways out of poverty, not punishing people for working more.”
Yet despite these advances, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay says the overall legislative record paints a troubling picture.
“This session will be remembered for what wasn’t done,” Barclay said. “We still have
a broken economy, an affordability crisis, and a public safety system in need of serious reform. Instead of facing these problems, the majority passed bills that amount to political window dressing.”
Barclay pointed to controversial measures such as physician-assisted suicide, judicial redistricting, and the continued zero-emissions school bus mandate, calling them distractions from core issues like taxes, crime, and energy affordability.
DeStefano echoed that criticism: “We offered commonsense bills to reduce wasteful spending, rein in climate costs, require voter ID, and support law enforcement. The Democrats blocked or ignored all of them.”
New York has long been plagued by a one-party system controlled by Progressive Democrats who favor urban interests over those of the suburbs, such as Long Island.
Several GOP-sponsored bills were killed by the Democrat leadership without a floor vote, including proposals to study childcare barriers and enhance sector-based job training. “These weren’t partisan ideas. These were practical solutions that Democrats refused even to debate,” DeStefano noted.
Other bipartisan bills that did pass included:
• The Keep Police Radio Public Act, ensuring emergency responders and journalists can access encrypted police communications.
• The FAIR Act, which expands the attorney general’s authority to crack down on “unfair or abusive” business practices.
• The RAISE Act, requiring artificial intelligence developers to follow written safety protocols for AI models.
But DeStefano says the bigger picture is grim. “The Empire State is hemorrhaging residents and jobs. Our energy costs are exploding. Crime is up, and taxes keep climbing. The Legislature’s majority had a chance to change course based on the commonsense ideas we presented—but they didn’t.”
Barclay put it more bluntly in a column summarizing the session: “The 2025 agenda felt more like strategic procrastination than an honest effort to address the many issues plaguing taxpayers. Until Albany confronts the affordability crisis and begins listening to the people, nothing’s going to change.” Fiscal conservatives were appalled by the state budget passed during the session, a $254 billion behemoth that’s $12.5 billion higher than last year
As lawmakers return to their districts for the summer, DeStefano says he’ll keep fighting for Long Islanders. “We may be in the minority, but we’re not powerless,” he said. “We’ll keep pushing for the reforms New Yorkers desperately need and deserve.”
BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ.
Yes, especially if your new property is out of state. There are factors you must consider when incorporating a seasonal property into your estate plan.
If you are a resident of New York and you own property in another state, your Will can list who you wish to inherit the property after your death. However, if that house is in your individual name, the executor of your estate will have to file a court proceeding in your home state and also in the state where the secondary property is located. Once your executor is appointed in both states, he or she can transfer the property according to your Will.
The better option would be to establish a trust and deed the property into the name of the trust. By doing this, your summer home will no longer be in your name and will therefore avoid probate in both states, avoiding
How Seasonal Properties Affect Your Estate Planning
court fees and the time delay associated with bringing the outof-state proceeding.
Very often, the vacation home is a special place with special memories. This may result in
multiple family members wanting to inherit the property and keep it in the family. In these cases more than any others, it is advisable to make it clear who will own the property and who will continue to be responsible for the costs
including utilities, real property taxes, capital improvements, etc. It may be appropriate to leave the house in a trust with a sum of money meant for continued support of the property, while in other cases there may be one
family member that is given the right of first refusal to purchase the property from the other beneficiaries.
Leaving instructions in your estate planning documents on how a seasonal property will continue to be used and/or owned after your death, can prevent friction amongst family members and ensure your investment can be enjoyed for decades to come. If you plan on investing in a seasonal property, you should consult your estate planning attorney to update your plan to suit your family’s goals.
Britt Burner, Esq. is the Managing Partner at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. focusing her practice areas on Estate Planning and Elder Law. Erin Cullen is a graduate of the Maurice A. Dean School of Law at Hofstra University. Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. serves clients from New York City to the east end of Long Island with offices located in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, Manhattan and East Hampton.
Suffolk County libraries use their negotiating power to get terrific discounts at local attractions for our patrons. There are no refunds or exchanges for library discount ticket purchases.
Library Discount Price: $31.50 per ticket – purchase at any branch customer service desk. ($18 discount
Tickets allow one-day access to the park and unlimited rides all day. Parking is free. Available at all three of our library buildings. We accept cash or debit/credit card. Valid from June 1, 2025, through October 5, 2025, on the days the park is open.
Viking Fleet Montauk Whale WatchingCRESLI
The Gateway Playhouse
Visit the Adult Department at our Main Branch, 407 William Floyd Pkwy, to receive a discount code.
Purchase must be made online at VikingFleet.com using the library discount code. *For MMSCL patrons only. Tickets are available June 29 – September 8.
Library Discount Price: $60 for Adults/ $30 for Child (age 5-12), 4 and under no charge (Currently a $25 savings).
Library Discount Price: 50% off.
Please visit the Adult Department at the Main Library to receive a discount code. While supplies last, check availability. Limited quantity available for each performance. For MMSCL patrons only. Offer may end at any time without notice.
Credit: Wutthichai Luemuang | Dreamstime.com
Adult Children’s
Summer Reading Kickoff
Thursday, June 26, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Held at All Locations.
Sign up for our eight-week summer reading program for a chance to earn a prize! Read a book within the genre of the week and attend our Summer With Us programs to earn additional entry tickets. A winning ticket will be pulled each Friday. Free gifts and ice cream are available with sign-up while supplies last.
Teens
School’s Out Celebration
Thursday, June 26, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Held at All Locations.
Drop-in to get your Summer Reading booklet and starting prize! We will have activities and surprises at ALL LOCATIONS to celebrate the start of summer! Free ice cream for all (while supplies last)! Ages birth-entering Grade 6.
Teen Summer Reading Club 2025
June 26 – August 21
Join our Summer Reading Club and take on the Summer BINGO Challenge! Pick up a BINGO sheet, complete fun tasks, and check off your squares. Each BINGO you achieve earns you a raffle ticket for a chance to win cool prizes. Plus, complete a full “blackout BINGO” to be entered into a special prize drawing! Register and get your BINGO sheets at the Summer Reading Kickoff on Thursday, June 26th, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. (or anytime during the summer) at all three locations. Don’t miss out on the fun— reading, challenges, and prizes await!
Thursday, June 12, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Held at our Main Building. Registration begins 5/29.
Earn 2 hours of community service by preparing Summer Reading Club decorations for the Teen Department.
Color Our World - Summer Reading Club
Bookmark Competition
Design a themed bookmark and earn two hours of community service. The winning bookmark will be distributed throughout the library and the winner will receive a prize. Pick up an entry form at any branch. Entries must be returned to the Main building by Wednesday, June 25th at 9:00 p.m.
mental health
Take charge of your mental well-being
Make your mental health a priority with our extensive array of services and resources. Explore the tools and support essential for you to flourish and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
LIBRARY PROGRAMS
Social Worker
Appointments required. Open to all.
Tuesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Thursdays, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Held at our Main Building, 407 Wm. Floyd Parkway, Shirley.
Support Group
Fridays, July 11, 18, 25, 11:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m. Held at our Mastic Beach Branch, 369 Neighborhood Rd. Join your community for a support group meeting with our social worker, Anne. Open to all.
Health Insurance
Wednesdays, July, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Held at our Mastic Beach branch. Bilingual (English-Spanish) help for enrolling in health insurance through the NY Marketplace. No registration required. Open to all.
MASTICS MORICHES SHIRLEY LIBRARY
Association for Mental Health and Wellness Information Table
Thursday, July 24, 1:00 – 4:00 p m Held at our Mastic Beach Branch
The Association for Mental Health and Wellness will be at our Mastic Beach branch to provide information about their care management services. Open to all. Drop-in.
LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, -againstTHOMAS PERKINS, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on March 20, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and THOMAS PERKINS, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at BROOKHAVEN TOWN HALL, 1 INDEPENDENCE HILL, FARMINGVILLE, NY 11738, on July 22, 2025 at 12:00PM, the premises known as 9 DREAMLAND STREET, MASTIC, NY 11950 and the following tax map identification 0200786.00-02.00-029.003.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 610707/2023. Ian Sack, Esq., as Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social
distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, -against-
ANTHONY CATANZARO, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ANNA M. CATANZARO, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on July 27, 2023, wherein BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST is the Plaintiff and ANTHONY CATANZARO, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ANNA M. CATANZARO, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BROOKHAVEN TOWN HALL, 1 INDEPENDENCE HILL, FARMINGVILLE, NY 11738, on July 16, 2025 at 11:00AM, the premises known as 102 PEPPERIDGE LAKE ROAD, EASTPORT, NY 11941 and the following tax map identification 0200722.10-01.00-002.000.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT EASTPORT, TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 602533/2021 OR 202500075. Thomas McNally, Esq., as Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.
The Bank of New York Mellon FKA The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the Certificateholders of the CWABS, Inc., Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-25
Plaintiff,
Against
James P. Walsh; Stephanie M. Walsh; John F. O'Neill, his successors or assigns, as Commissioner of Social Services of Suffolk County, Social Services District; People of the State of New York; Peter Meyer; Commissioner of Taxation and Finance; John T. Mather Memorial Hospital; Glenn Hesselbach and Debra Hesselbach; Jaime Correia as Executor of the Estate of Florence Van Brussel; Equable Ascent Financial, LLC; Penny Whyard; Capital One Bank USA, NA; Springleaf Home Equity, Inc. f/k/a American Gen. Home Equity, Inc.; Colonial Woods Condominium; Midland Funding LLC; Continued Care of LI, Inc.; Southside Hospital; Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC; Claire Gangi; Peconic Bay Medical Center; Autovest, L.L.C.; Clerk of the Suffolk County District Court; Clerk of the Suffolk County
Traffic & Parking Violations Agency; Commissioners of the State Insurance Fund; Contemporary Dental Associates; Commissioner of Taxation and Finance; Internal Revenue Service;
Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 06/16/2021, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, on 7/22/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 27 Pineway Ave, Mastic Beach, NY 11951, and described as follows:
ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York.
District 0200 Section 970.00 Block 02.00 Lot 012.000 and 013.000
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $469,411.27 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 604429/2019
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www. Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
Billie Jean Miller, Esq., Referee.
SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, vs. RONALD VOEGELE A/K/A RONALD E. VOEGELE, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 11, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town
Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on July 24, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., premises known as 121 Hagerman Avenue, East Patchogue, NY 11772. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200, Section 979.70, Block 05.00 and Lot 004.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $350,497.03 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615544/2022. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www. Auction.com [auction.com] or call (800) 280-2832.
Brian Egan, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff
WELLS FARGO BANK N.A., AS TRUSTEE, FOR CARRINGTON MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006NC3 ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, Plaintiff, AGAINST SOPHIA ANTONELLA 2009 LLC, et al. Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on May 20, 2025.
I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on July 24, 2025 at 10:30 AM premises known as 65 Maple Lane, Medford, NY 11763.
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 West Yaphank, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. District 0200 Section 526, Block 3 and Lot 12.
Approximate amount of judgment $437,313.62 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #609423/2015.
Annette Eaderesto, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747
STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK _____ THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWABS, INC., ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-13, Plaintiff, vs. Any unknown heirs to the Estate of JANET COLEMAN next of kin, devisees, legatees, distributees, grantees, assignees, creditors, lienors, trustees, executors, administrators or successors in interest, as well as the respective heirs at law, next of kin, devisees, legatees, distributees, grantees, assignees, lienors, trustees, executors, administrators or successors in interest of the aforesaid classes of persons, if they or any of them be dead, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the Plaintiff; Any unknown heirs to the Estate of DAVID RUSSELL A/K/A DAVID L. RUSSELL, next of kin, devisees, legatees, distributees, grantees, assignees, creditors, lienors, trustees, executors, administrators or successors in interest, as well as the respective heirs at law, next of kin, devisees, legatees, distributees, grantees, assignees, lienors, trustees, executors, administrators or successors in interest of the aforesaid classes of persons, if they or any of them be dead, all of whom
LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES
and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the Plaintiff; APPLIED CARD BANK F/K/A CROSS COUNTRY BANK; CLERK OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY DISTRICT COURT; FREDERICK COURTNEY, DDS; AMERICAN EXPRESS BANK FSB; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; DIERDRE
PATTON A/K/A DIERDRE
RUSSELL A/K/A DIERDRE
RUSSELL PATTON;
DOUGLAS A. RUSSELL A/K/A DOUGLAS
RUSSELL, JR.; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; MEAGHAN A. GRIBBINS; JESSE ALLAN RUSSELL; Defendants. _____ TO THE ABOVE NAMED
DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on Plaintiff's attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.
NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF
SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is for the foreclosure of: Mortgage bearing the date of June 20, 2006, executed by MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION
SYSTEMS, INC., ACTING SOLELY AS NOMINEE FOR COUNTRYWIDE HOME
LOANS, INC. to JANET COLEMAN AND DAVID L. RUSSELL to secure the sum of $135,500.00, and interest, and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Suffolk County on July 19, 2006 in Book 21340 Page 457. That MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION
SYSTEMS, INC., ACTING SOLELY AS NOMINEE FOR
COUNTRYWIDE HOME
LOANS, INC. duly assigned said Note and Mortgage to THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWABS, INC., ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-13 by Assignment dated November 9, 2011 and recorded on December 13, 2011 in the Office of the Clerk of Suffolk County in Book 00022147 Page 606. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the Mortgaged Premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Suffolk County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the County in which the Mortgaged Premises is situated. District: 0200 Section: 824.00 Block: 03.00 Lot: 009.00 Filed: June 17, 2025 Index No.: 600931/2015 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Mortgaged Premises: 35 Fulton Avenue Mastic, (Town of Brookhaven) NY 11950 DATED: January 23, 2025 Rochester, New York 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. Molly L. Chapman, Esq. DAVIDSON FINK LLP
Attorneys for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd., Ste. 200 Rochester, New York 14618 Tel: (585) 760-8218
WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION
OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. SCHEDULE A LEGAL DESCRIPTION
ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Mastic in the Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York described as follows: LOTS numbered 6104,6105,61 06,6107,6108,6109,6110 and 6111 as shown on subdivision map entitled, “Map of Mastic Park, Section 6” filed in the Office of the Clerk of Suffolk County on September 12, 1921, as Map No. 759.
HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2005-4, RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSET-BACKED NOTES, SERIES 2005-4, Plaintiff, AGAINST VANESSA L. SULLIVAN AKA VANESSA SULLIVAN, et al. Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on November 25, 2024.
I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on July 30, 2025 at 10:30 AM premises known as 50 Astor Drive, Shirley, NY 11967.
Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Suffolk County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing.
All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Township of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State
of New York. District 0200 Section 587.00, Block 02.00 and Lot 028.002-028.004.
Approximate amount of judgment $296,096.54 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #609710/2019.
Samantha Segal, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747
Mortgaged Premises: 33 WINSIDE LANE, CORAM, NY 11727
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWALT, INC. ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 200523CB, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-23CB, Plaintiff(s), against UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF PABLO DAVID ORDONEZ, and if they be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action, such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of who and whose
names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff, BETTY E. PICHARDO AS HEIR AT LAW OF PABLO DAVID ORDONEZ, ARIEL ORDONEZ AS HEIR AT LAW OF PABLO DAVID ORDONEZ, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC., CLERK OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS LLC, "JOHN DOE #1" through "JOHN DOE #12," the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendant(s). 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 within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York) in the event the United States of America is made a party Defendant, the time to answer for the said United States of America shall not expire until sixty (60) days after service of the Summons; 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. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending
for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Leopold & Associates, PLLC, BY: Andrey V. Reznik, Esq., Attorneys for Plaintiff, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504 914-219-5787 File # 12042737
Help for Homeowners in Foreclosure New York State Law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully. Summons and Complaint You are in danger of losing your home. If you fail to respond to the summons and complaint in this foreclosure action, you may lose your home. Please read the summons and complaint carefully. You should immediately contact an attorney or your local legal aid office to obtain advice on how to protect yourself. Sources of Information and Assistance The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-269-0990 or visit the Department's website at http://www.dfs.ny.gov. Rights and Obligations YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. You have the right to stay in your home during the foreclosure process. You are not required to leave your home unless and until your property is sold at auction pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale. Regardless of whether you choose to remain in your home, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF
LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES
YOUR PROPERTY and pay property taxes in accordance with state and local law. Foreclosure rescue scams Be careful of people who approach you with offers to "save" your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner's distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services.
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF SPARTAN FUNDING I TRUST, PLAINTIFF, VS. SALEH UDDIN & KAYES ALI LLC, ET AL., DEFENDANT(S).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 25, 2025, 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 9:00 a.m., premises known as 43 Cherry Street, Selden, NY 11784. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Selden, in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200, Section 519.00, Block 01.00 and Lot 011.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $617,018.03 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #628889/2023.
Richard J. Kaufman, Esq., Referee
Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 230174-2
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
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.
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
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
LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES
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
Notice of Public Sale: The following Self Storage unit contents containing
household and other goods Will be sold for cash by StorQuest Self Storage 393 Smith road Shirley, NY 11967 (631)-729-6945 To satisfy a lien on 7/22/2025 at approx. 12:00pm at www. storagetreasures.com
L13 Marcel Grimes
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Events
The Fantasy Baseball Experience - Who's Next?
ByTomBarton
Being proactive in fantasy baseball is a never-ending venture. You have to be quick and ahead of the curve if you want to win consistently and that means knowing what players will be coming up to help your team.
This season we have watched some big in-season call-ups like Nick Kurtz and Mick Abel make an immediate impact to their teams but also watched as high-profile players like Jac Caglianone and Brooks Baldwin struggle to make the adjustment. So, with the trade deadline approaching here are some minor league names to keep tabs on and perhaps take the chance to grab them a little early and get the jump on your league mates. So, as Bill Goldberg would say ... who's "Next."
Colby Thomas was called up this week and if he is still available, he is a must-grab. Thomas gets to play in a minor league stadium in
Sacramento and can mash. He led the minors in extra base hits last year and was top five in home runs. This season he is hitting near .300 down on the farm.
Justin Crawford can make an immediate impact if Philly calls him up. Crawford was injured but never hit the IL this year and still has been raking. Crawford is batting .344 with 23 steals in 29 attempts through 54 games at Triple-A. The Phillies have not had great production from Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas in center field. Crawford could be a boost for those looking for the ever-coveted steals.
Bubba Chandler isn't on the Pirates roster simply because they are the Pirates. Pittsburgh has a habit of keeping talent down and manipulating their service time and Chandler seems like the perfect example of that. He is no Paul Skenes, but he isn't all that far off stuff-wise. Chandler is someone
who throws into triple digits throughout his games and has a league best strikeout percentage. Once he comes up there will be some volatility, but those K's will rack up and he can be popped right into your rotation.
The last player to go get off
ByJackThaler
Hi it's Jack Thaler again. I hope you enjoyed last week's edition of My Fantasy Baseball Experience and had a good 4th of July weekend. This week I will be focusing on the question “is spring training useful?”.
We are far enough into the season where we have kind of determined what types of seasons players are having and we can use this information to solve an important question in the fantasy baseball world ... is spring training data useful. This season there were some main spring training breakouts I will look into. Curtis Mead, Aaron Judge, Kyren Paris, Rafael Devers , and Garrett Crochet. Let me sort these names into two groups, the ones who performed really well in spring training and the ones who didn’t. The ones who did well are Curtis Mead, Kyren Paris, and Garrett Crochet. The ones who didn’t perform are Judge and Devers.
Curtis Mead only had 18 AB’s in spring training but managed to go 14 for 18 with 1 HR, so
waivers is a little bit of a cheat by me because he isn't strictly a minor leaguer and that is Ha-seong Kim from the Tampa Bay Rays. Kim has a long major league career but after an injury marred spring he has not taken a single at bat with his bigleague club. Kim provides a steady
bat, and he will be another steals target for savvy owners. The Rays are in a pennant chase and their SS production has been awful, they won't wait long before calling Kim up and seeing if they can improve that need area before making a trade to do so.
far in the regular season he is batting .225 with only 3 HR’s. Paris started out strong but has been slumping and has returned to being a below average hitter.
But Crochet is one of the best pitchers in baseball right now and has followed his spring training success. The two hitters who didn’t perform well are now two
of the best hitters in the game (for Judge this is an understatement). What I can conclude is that spring training does not have a big impact on a player's regular season performance and you should not pay attention to a player's spring training stats for fantasy purposes.
Bubba Chandler
Credit: @indyindians | X
THE BETTOR ANGLE TM
BY TOM BARTON
With the addition of legalized sports betting into today's world there is more and more speculation about players making bets and a gambling culture surrounding athletes. This week those concerns hit a new level when NBA free agent Malik Beasley's name was splattered across the news outlets.
Beasley is under federal investigation after being accused of allegedly gambling, in at least some form, on NBA games. The news didn't come to a surprise to Beasley's attorney who said this has been ongoing for 18 months, but that didn't stop the story from spreading like wildfire.
The story blew up because of not only who was making the alleged bets, but also why. According to multiple news outlets Beasley is $8 million in debt, has been sued
several times, and the amounts make the story even stranger.
Just one of Beasley's debts is to his haircutter and that number is a staggering $26,827, to Cairo Cuts. The business had to sue Beasley to try and recoup the funds. He also is being sued by his dentist for more than $30,000 and even his rent is overdue, and he was taken to court for almost $15,000 in that case.
These are just some of the oddity debts he has rung up. The more substantial includes taking out a $650,000 cash advance from Hazan Sports Management Group Inc., he was also sued several years ago by South River Capital, LLC, for nearly $6 million dollars.
This all leads to the investigation by the league that Beasley was gambling on the NBA. One
sportsbook reportedly detected unusual betting activity on Beasley betting prop plays. Insiders have pointed to a January 31st game in 2024 matchup between the Bucks and Portland Trail Blazers as evidence. The odds on Beasley recording less than 2 1/2 rebounds moved significantly before the game, calling an alarm to the risk room. The line jumped from going +120 to more than 2 1/2 to 1 after the Under experienced a high amount of action. Beasley recorded six rebounds that night.
"An investigation is not a charge," Beasley's attorney, Steve Haney, told ESPN. "Malik is afforded the same right of the presumption of innocence as anyone else under the U.S. Constitution. As of now he has not been charged with anything.
The NBA has already had Miami
Beasley Betting Basketball?
guard Terry Rozier give them a black eye when he was under federal investigation as part of a wider government probe into a sports gambling ring. They also
Eric Strovink Is the New Manager
ByTomBarton
The Mount Sinai baseball team has a new head man in charge and that new coach is a name that everyone in the school knows well.
Mount Sinai has hired Eric Strovink as their new head varsity baseball coach. Strovink played college ball at LSU before getting to play pro ball for the Texas Rangers back in the early 90s.
Strovink batted .516 when he was in high school at ShorehamWading River. He had one of the memorable games for the school when he hit three home runs in one game and helped his team win the New York State Championship in 1987. After that he went to LSU where he was with standout pitchers, and major leaguers Ben McDonald and Russ Springer. Strovink finished his college career when he came back to the island to be with his sick mother and was exceptional at CW Post. There he hit 17 home runs, with 52 RBIs and led Post to a conference title.
He played minor league ball for one season in 1991 with the Texas
Rangers and has been coaching ever since. He coached travel and high school teams as well as gave his advice at local camps and clinics.
His two sons continue the Strovink baseball tradition. Brennan, an All-State standout, played and coached at Limestone University.
Kyle, an All-American catcher, later played at Limestone with his brother. Both sons now coach high school baseball teams. Kyle also coached at Princeton and Long Island University.
Strovick quickly received nothing but praise from his peers on the hiring and Mount Sinai could not be happier with their choice. Eric's son Brennan will also join the team as an assistant coach and had this to say about his father's hire. "Excited for this new opportunity, if you know my dad you know he’s a good man and will do right by the kids and the program. I will be joining him as an assistant. All a part of gods plan, ready to get to work."
The Rocky Point Eagles head coach Anthony Anzalone also had
nothing but praise for his fellow coach's new gig. He took time to congratulate Strovink saying, "Congratulations to my good friend Eric Strovink on becoming the new head baseball coach of Mount Sinai! Your leadership, passion, and dedication have left an unbelievable mark on Rocky Point baseball and
our entire community. Throughout my coaching journey, I’ve had the privilege of being guided by many incredible mentors. While I’ve made my share of mistakes, the times I made the right decisions were often due to your invaluable guidance. Winning a County Championship alongside you as a coach is a memory
I will cherish forever.Thank you for everything you’ve done for Rocky Point—your selfless efforts have not only shaped hundreds of players but have also defined the spirit of our program and town. Strov is Rocky Point Baseball and always will be. Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter my friend!"
Woman Are Champions Again
ByTomBarton
Riley Gaines and her fellow swimmers have tasted a bit of justice this week. The University of Pennsylvania has agreed to resolve a Title IX investigation with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights after it has found that it unlawfully allowed a transgender woman to compete on the women’s swim team. This is now in violation of federal policy.
The world became aware of the issue after Lia Thomas, a transgender athlete, won the NCAA Division I women’s 500yard freestyle championship in 2022. Thomas swam for Penn University and his win caused an uproar that has been well documented since that moment.
Riley Gaines was just one of the swimmers who was denied a proper placement because of him swimming with the female team and soon after there was a loud outcry for a fairer playing field in women's sports. This past election President Donald Trump put forward an executive order banning such participation.
Under the agreement, Penn University will disavow previous policies and publicly apologize to female athletes “disadvantaged” by Thomas’s participation. Thomas will also be stripped of his titles and records, while the school will erase him from the record books and award the proper awards to the female competitors.
Penn also must be proactive and adopt “biology-based” definitions of sex under Title IX and affirm no males may join women’s sports or enter women-only facilities.
The apologizing also extends to sending personalized letters of
apology to any female athletes impacted and issuing a formal public commitment to Title IX compliance and current NCAA eligibility rules.
The NCAA has updated its own rules to limit eligibility in women’s sports to those assigned female at birth.
Penn President J. Larry Jameson issued a statement that said the university was following the NCAA and Ivy League policies at the time but now acknowledges that Thomas’s participation created unfair conditions for female athletes.
Coach Strovink
Credit: VFW Post 6249 Suffolk County World War II and Military History Museum | Facebook
Credit: Riley Gaines Lia Thomas and Riley Gaines
Heat
have had Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter be banned from the NBA for life in 2024 due to his involvement in a gambling scandal.
Better Bettor, Wagering Week, The Night Cappers, The Bookmakers,
sports host and pro handicapper Tom Barton, SGN is dedicated to providing
ByTomBarton
Unified Basketball on Top Once Again
"They are all winners because they take the court and enjoy the game," is a simple thing to say but it rings true when you talk about the Unified Basketball teams across Suffolk County.
This year the Miller Place Unified team completed its second season and saying they were all winners is just the start of the praise of these young athletes. The team celebrated their seniors this week, who all
Bellport's
ByTomBarton
completed two seasons on the newly found team.
Miller Place said of the team that the team "had an incredible second season built on teamwork, inclusion, and community spirit." The effort and enthusiasm of the athletes can be felt during every game, and they continued that in year two.
Miller Place's Unified team has had 26 student-athletes on their squad over the two seasons as they compete as part of Section
Dellecave Duo
This past week Bellport High School celebrated their seniors Ella Masem and Michael Frankie. Both student-athletes were honored as nominees for the prestigious 23rd annual Butch Dellecave Awards.
The award goes above and beyond what the young athletes do only on the field. The top Suffolk County female and male awards are presented to studentathletes who demonstrate impressive academic as well as athletic achievements. The awards are named for Butch Dellecave, who served as an educator at Connetquot for 30 years, was a sports official in Suffolk County for nearly 20 years and founded the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.
Masem was a standout as a track-and-field star but also was nominated because of her
XI Athletics. The team plays an eight-game regular season against other Suffolk County Schools, four at home and four on the road.
Last year when I spoke to organizers, they seemed to be using basketball as a baseline with hopes they would soon extend the unified model to other sports. It certainly has been a win for everyone involved and for those of us covering these players.
impressive GPA. She holds AllLeague, All-State, All-County and All-Federation titles and will continue her career running at Syracuse University in the fall.
Frankie is a three-sport star for basketball, baseball and football, and like Masem he earned the nomination for what
he did in the classroom as much as his athletic skill with his high GPA. He holds an All-State title for football, as well as Academic All-County and All-Division titles for basketball, and is a starting pitcher and All-County title holder for baseball. He will be playing Division 1 football at Wagner College in the fall.
The Knicks Finally Settle on Their Coach
ByTomBarton
When the Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau after the season ended many Knicks fans were upset and assumed New York had a clear replacement for the man who took them further into the playoffs than anyone had in the past 25 years.
As the weeks and weeks went by there was a growing speculation that the Knicks didn't have that replacement in place, but this week they finally named their new head coach.
Mike Brown is set to become the franchise's 32nd head coach and the word coming out of the Knicks camp is that he was their leading candidate all along. Brown has the winning pedigree they like and felt he was more than just a safe pick. The thought was Brown would appease both the players and fan base, but the
Brown has plenty of positives. He has coached in 758 regularseason games with a .599 winning percentage. That is experience that very few candidates could offer. He also has peaked in the job with two Coach of the Year awards. He has also had a good relationship with some of the game's biggest
Suffolk Hockey Wins the Title
ByTomBarton
The Suffolk County Police Department's Hockey Team got a hard-earned victory over their rivals last week and now they have some bragging rights until the next time they both face off on the ice.
stars, which bodes well for the Brunson/Towns duo. He also led his last two offenses to two top five finishes in passes per game, while the Knicks were 12th worst in the league.
The flip side to Brown is also pretty alarming. This is a coach who has been fired four different times and very quickly at times. He didn't last a season with the Lakers and lasted just two with the Kings.
The job is a hard one for Brown because Thibs took them so far and they were so close to getting to the Finals that anything short of what they did this year will seem like a letdown. Brown has had a rough go in the playoffs. His only Finals appearance was almost two decades ago and for Knicks fans that's the only goal that would justify this coaching change.
The team, which includes PBA, SDA, and SOA members beat the New York Police Department Corona Ice Hockey Team. The win was not just for bragging rights because with the victory the SCPD team won the 2025
Spring League Championship.
The game saw a lot more scoring than most hockey fans are used to, but the prolific offense by Suffolk was able to hold on and win the game 6-4.
The Hot Shots Hockey League is made up of Police and Fire Departments from around Nassau, Suffolk, NYC’s five boroughs and New Jersey. It is Long Island's largest police and fire hockey league. Everyone who plays in the league must either be a firefighter, police officer or function within a uniformed service.
initial reactions are mixed at best from the fan base.
Frankie and Masem
Credit: South Country Central School District | Facebook
Mike Brown
Credit: @NBA_NewYork | X
Credit: Suffolk County Police Dept. | Facebook Suffolk PD's Hockey Team
Miller Place Unified Team
Credit: Miller Place School District | Facebook
SPORTS Ducks Showcase the Children
ByTomBarton
This past week the Long Island Ducks held a kids-friendly day at the ballpark and it was a rousing success.
The stadium was filled with children of all ages for their game this week against the Staten Island Ferry Hawks and it highlighted the attention to community the Ducks have across the island.
Before the game began the Long Island Sharks cheer team was on the field to perform and they knocked it out of the park
with their cheers. The young girls were all smiles to be able to cheer on the actual field itself and they got the crowd pumped up and clapping from the very start.
After the cheer squad left the field the Ducks welcomed on some youngsters behind home plate to sing the national anthem. Then invited some very young little leaguers out to run the bases and some even played catch with the players. All in all there were multiple teams, camps, squads, and schools on hand for the very kid-oriented game.
Longwood Lax Award Winners
ByTomBarton
The Longwood Lions girls lacrosse team gave out some special end of the year awards and their star players were able to take home these prominent honors before graduation.
Hailey Greene led the way by receiving the White Letter Award for the 2025 Spring Season. Greene is now heading into her senior year with the Lions but as an underclassman she was described by the school saying Greene "contributed significantly to the success of the team as our goalie throughout the season."
Graduating Senior Olivia Kaelin won the Bulldog Award for the Spring Season. Kaelin was the
team's Draw Specialist and Lead Midfielder. The school described her efforts: "Her willingness to battle it out on the circle and between the 30s ultimately proved to be the reason for one of LVGL’s most successful seasons ever."
The final award came as a shock to no one who has followed the Lions this season when senior Ava Franco was named as the 2025 Spring Season Longwood Varsity Lacrosse MVP. Franco is generally considered one of the best players in Suffolk County and this is now the second year in a row that she has taken home the team MVP award.
The girls finished the season with a 10-8 overall record and 8-7 in league play.
Besides the Sharks performing there was the Sunrise Drive Elementary School, Our Lady of Mercy Joseph Lamb, and the Paul J. Bellew Elementary Schools on hand for the event.
The players interaction with the kids didn't only go from Quakerjack and the Ducks, but even the Ferry Hawks were playing catch and chatting up the summer camps. Every year we are reminded of how special a night at the ballpark for the Ducks can be, but when the kids are so heavily involved it makes the whole event unforgettable
and gives the parents and children alike lasting memories.
Theofield Is an All-American
ByTomBarton
Smithtown West's Kate
Theofield has been a fixture atop the mountain when it comes to the best lacrosse players in Suffolk County, Long Island and even New York State. But, she recently secured her spot among the top players in the entire country when she won All American honors.
Theofield led her team to a Suffolk County Class B title this season, after getting to the finals the past two years and coming up short. The win only highlighted an outstanding year for her and her team, and put a cherry on top of an excellent high school career. She now heads to Rutgers with another accolade and this time it's an AllAmerican honor.
She began her season on fire leading her team to a win over nationally ranked Sayville (N.Y.). In that game you could see who the standout player was and Theofield made sure we all knew it was her. She scored five goals and seven draw controls. She then went on to score four goals and two assists the next game. Through the first four games of the year, Theofield had 16
Is Spring Training...
Continued from page 28
With that said here are my waiver pickups of the week.
Pitchers:
• Eury Perez
• Edward Cabrera
• Lucas Giolito
• Trevor Rogers
Eury Perez made his first start since 2023 a couple weeks ago and got off to a rocky start but put up six shutout innings on July 3rd and looked like his old dominant self, the only risk I would give is if he gets hurt again or if he is still a little rusty. Edward Cabrera has looked dominant to start 2025 and has finally started to put it all together after years of disappointment and injuries. I would compare Edward Cabrera to one of my recommended
waiver pickups of last week in Jose Soriano, they both have incredible stuff and I have believed that they both can be aces and both of them have performed that way in 2025. The only risk for Cabrera is that he has a ridiculous injury history so pick him up with caution.
Lucas Giolito has shown a lot of success in the past and has been on a really good run lately so pay attention but watch out for his health. Trevor Rogers followed up a shutout performance with two more quality starts which makes me wonder if this is finally Trevor Rogers year so pay attention to him on the wire.
Hitters:
• Trevor Story(SS)
• Addison Barger(OF)
This week was a really pitcher heavy waiver wire so I only have
two hitters for you. Trevor Story had a ridiculous stretch in the mid-late 2010’s with the Rockies but after signing a big contract with the Red Sox he has been disappointing for the past couple years, so far this year story has been pretty good but the run he has been on these past couple weeks is even better so watch out for Story on the wire and pay attention to his health and the fact that he has been disappointing in recent years. Addison Barger is a young outfielder for the Blue Jays who has been on a crazy run lately, although he was never a big prospect Barger has been on a crazy run and it is worth looking into him on the wire.
I hope these waiver adds help you and I hope to see you next week for my 5th edition of My Fantasy Baseball Experience.
