Islip Messenger Apr. 30, 2026

Leaders, Victims’ Families Rally Against State Criminal Justice Bills

By Madison Warren

On Friday, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) and Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney (R), joined by other local leaders and State representatives, came together to raise public awareness about several pieces of legislation currently being considered in Albany.

In Hauppauge, they stood alongside families of homicide victims to discuss the Elder Parole Act, the Fair and Timely Parole Act, the Earned Time Act, and the Second Look Act. Officials said the proposed bills could lead to the early release of thousands of New York’s most violent offenders back into communities.

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Islip Councilwoman Kicks Off

NYS CampaignAssembly

By Matt Meduri

The Seventh Assembly District is being vacated this year by three-term Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo (R-Sayville). He is running for the Eighth Senate District to fill a vacancy prompted by the retirement of Senator Alexis Weik (R-Sayville).

That led Islip Town Councilwoman DawnMarie Kuhn (R-Bohemia) to throw her hat in the ring for the open seat.

Kuhn was elected to represent the Town’s Second Council District in 2025, a contest in which she defeated David Chan (D-Oakdale) 58%-41%. Kuhn holds multiple high-level degrees in public policy and statistical/data analytics and served as Chief of Staff for six years to then-Legislator, now-Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville).

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SPRING EVENTS

Hello Spring Fest at St Thomas of Canterbury Church, Smithtown

May 2, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

East Islip Spring Craft Fair at East Islip District Grounds, Islip Terrace

May 2, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Toss For a Cause - 50/50 Cornhole Tournament at Great South Bay Brewery, Ronkonkoma

May 2, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Spring Craft Fair in Yaphank

May 2, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Oakdale Improvements Community Service at Oakdale Train Station

May 2, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Hoarder’s Flea Market in Centereach

May 2-3, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Passport through Parks: Heckscher, Family Program May 9, 10:00 AM

Bald Hill Fair at Catholic Health Amphitheater at Bald Hill Farmingville May 7-17, Times may vary

Rooted: A Local Spring Festival at Downtown Wading River

May 16, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Spring Farm Festival at Smithtown Historical Society

May 16, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Nesconset Spring Fling, Music Fest, and Food Truck Rodeo at Nesconset Gazebo Park

May 17, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Pickles & Paws at Southaven County Park, Yaphank

May 30, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

(631) 269-6421

Conveniently

BAY SHORE

AMVETS Post • Boulton Center • Leggio’s Deli

EAST ISLIP

American Legion Post • Harry’s Bagel Mister Softee Ice Cream • Pat’s Market

ISLIP

American Legion Post Bagels & More • Oconee Diner

OAKDALE

The New Idle Hour Deli

50% Cards Store (Wendy’s Shopping Center)

RONKONKOMA

718 Slice Pizzeria – (719 Hawkins Ave) Airport Diner • AMVETS Post 48 • B&B Bagels

B.L.D.’s Restaurant • American Legion Post Ronkonkoma Train Station

SAYVILLE

Sayville LIRR Train Station

Sayville American Legion Post • Stop & Shop

WEST ISLIP

Best Farms Market

Higbie Bagels • West Islip Bagels West Islip Community Center West Islip LIRR Train Station

WEST SAYVILLE

LI Maritime Museum

CENTRAL ISLIP:

National Pizza Party Day -May 15, 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM

ISLIP:

Painted Flower Pots - May 14, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

EAST ISLIP:

May the Fourth Masterpiece - May 4, 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM

WEST ISLIP:

Mixed Media Mother’s Day Portraits

- May 7, 6:15 PM to 7:00 PM

CONNETQUOT:

Sensory Play Dough Making: Flowers

May 11, 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM

SAYVILLE:

Nachos After School

May 6, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

BAYPORT:

Family BINGO Night -May 14, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM-

BRENTWOOD:

-Window Decorators

May 4, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

State Senator’s Aunt Targeted in Elder Scam

By Madison Warren

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches), Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney (R), the Northport Village Police Department, and State Senator Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) came together to raise public awareness about a specific scam recently brought to their attention, following the conviction of two individuals for grand larceny in an elder abuse case. Officials said they wanted to ensure that elderly residents are aware of the scheme and know how to protect themselves to prevent further financial harm and victimization.

According to D.A. Tierney, the case began last September when an elderly woman in her eighties was at home using her computer and began receiving messages claiming her device had been compromised. The alerts instructed her to call a phone number for assistance from someone claiming to be an Apple support representative. Tierney said the victim remained on the phone with the caller for nearly two hours before later being contacted by another individual who claimed to be from her bank.

That caller allegedly told the woman that multiple credit cards linked to her computer had been compromised and that $45,000 had been spent on pornographic websites. Tierney said the victim was left shocked, confused, and distraught. The following day, the alleged bank representative called again and convinced her to hand over $30,000 for what was described as safekeeping. In a state of panic and fear, the victim complied.

Afterward, the victim felt unsettled by the situation and confided in her son about what had happened. Realizing his mother had likely been scammed, he contacted the Northport Village Police Department, which immediately launched an investigation.

The very next day, the scammers reached out to the victim again, this time asking for more money, an additional $30,000, and then, quickly, the detectives on the case were about to identify the two perpetrators in this case.

Detectives from the Northport Village Police Department identified a vehicle connected to the scam and shared that information with other law enforcement agencies in Suffolk County and outside New York. When suspects tried to take another $30,000 from the same victim, police were ready. Authorities coordinated with law enforcement in Franklin County, where officers located and stopped the vehicle. During that stop, the $30,000 was recovered and later returned to the victim.

D.A. Tierney credited the successful recovery of the victim’s money to the extensive investigative work of the Northport Village Police Department, along with assistance from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office Asset Forfeiture Bureau, Intelligence Bureau, Suffolk County detectives, and law enforcement partners in the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Officials obtained a court order allowing the recovered funds to be returned to the victim, money Tierney noted represented her retirement savings and what she had worked for her entire life to earn.

Tierney said the case should serve as a reminder for residents to report scams immediately and not suffer in silence. He urged anyone targeted by suspicious calls, emails, or money demands to contact law enforcement as quickly as possible, speak with their bank, and consult trusted family members or friends before sending any money.

Senator Palumbo said the case hit especially close to home because the victim was his 85-year-old aunt. He publicly thanked the Northport Village Police Department, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, and all the investigators involved for their dedication to recovering the stolen funds.

“This is what they do every day,” Palumbo said, praising the often-unseen work of law enforcement.

Palumbo also used the case as a warning to the public, saying scams targeting seniors have become increasingly sophisticated.

“Notify law enforcement and your bank as soon as you possibly can,” he said, adding that many people assume stolen money is gone forever, but cases like this show that quick reporting can make recovery possible.

Officials said the case should serve as an important reminder for residents, especially seniors and their families, to remain cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, and computer pop-up warnings requesting money or personal information. They urged anyone who believes they may be targeted by a scam to contact law enforcement and their financial institution immediately, stressing that quick action can be critical in stopping fraud and recovering stolen funds.

Published

Continued from front cover

Leaders, Victims’ Families Rally Against State Criminal Justice Bills

Officials expressed frustration with Albany, with Tierney stating that any one of the proposed bills on its own would be significant enough to undermine public safety, and warned that if all four were passed, the impact on New York would be severe. He added that each of the four measures already has a majority, or is close to a majority, of co-sponsors in Albany. If enacted, Tierney warned, the legislation would undo much of the progress made by prosecutors, law enforcement, and victims’ advocates, while weakening public confidence in the justice system.

The Elder Parole Act

Tierny (pictured right) noted that while the name may sound compassionate, he argued the consequences would be far different. Under the bill, individuals who have served 15 years in prison and are age 55 or older would become eligible for parole consideration, including those convicted of the most serious violent crimes. He said the measure would effectively eliminate life without parole in many cases and would be deeply unfair to victims’ families who believed justice had been served when offenders were sentenced to spend the remainder of their lives behind bars. Those families would be required to “revisit the trauma” through parole hearings, which would “reopen painful wounds.”

Tierney said killers such as Joel Rifkin, Colin Ferguson, Payton Gendron, and even Gilgo Beach’s Rex Heuermann would all potentially fall under the bill if they met the age and time-served requirements.

“These are individuals who were sentenced to spend the rest of their lives behind bars and face the full consequences of their actions,” which he said reflects the purpose of the justice system and called the bill “ridiculous.”

The Elder Parole Act (S.454/A.514) was sponsored by now-former Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-Greenwich Village) and Assemblywoman Maritza Davila (D-Bushwick), respectively. Of the Suffolk delegation, only Assemblyman Phil Ramos (D-Brentwood) has co-sponsored.

The Fair and Timely Parole Act

Turning to the second proposal, Tierney criticized the Fair and Timely Parole Act, saying it would fundamentally change how parole decisions are made. He said the bill would prohibit parole boards from considering the seriousness of an offender’s underlying crime and instead focus primarily on behavior while incarcerated.

As an example, Tierney referenced Colin Ferguson, who killed six people and wounded 19 others in the 1993 Long Island Rail Road massacre. Tierney argued that under the proposed legislation, the nature of crimes such as those would carry far less weight in parole decisions. He said the measure would make parole nearly automatic by preventing boards from fully considering the violent acts that led to incarceration in the first place, adding that it would render the parole process largely meaningless.

The Fair and Timely Parole Act (S.159/A.127) is sponsored by Senator Julia Salazar (D-Bushwick) and Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Hollis), respectively. Of

the Suffolk delegation, only Assemblyman Ramos has co-sponsored.

The Earned Time Act

Addressing the third proposal, Tierney sharply criticized the Earned Time Act, saying it would dramatically reduce prison sentences for many offenders. He said that while incarcerated individuals currently may receive limited sentence reductions for good behavior, the proposed bill would allow many sentences to be cut roughly in half.

He noted that the measure would apply retroactively, which he warned could result in thousands of offenders, including those convicted of violent crimes, being released from prisons across New York at the same time.

Tierney called the proposal “madness” and urged greater public awareness of its potential impact. He also argued that once earned time credits are granted, they could not easily be revoked, even if an inmate later engaged in violent or disruptive conduct while incarcerated. According to the D.A., this could reduce accountability inside correctional facilities and create more dangerous conditions for correction officers, civilian staff, and inmates alike.

Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) said the “greatest concern” of the Earned Time Act is that victims are not being considered when these proposals are debated and warned that families could be forced to relive the worst moments of their lives repeatedly through renewed hearings and release proceedings. Murray pledged to stand alongside D.A. Tierney and urged prosecutors across New York to join the opposition to what he called “dangerous legislation.”

The Earned Time Act (S.342/A.1085) are sponsored by Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) and Assemblywoman Anna Kelles (D-Ithaca), respectively. Of the Suffolk delegation, only Assemblyman Ramos has co-sponsored.

The Second Look Act

Saving what he called “the worst for last,” Tierney strongly criticized the Second Look Act. Under the proposal, inmates

who have served ten years or half of their sentence, whichever is less, could petition the court for a reduced sentence. Tierney said those requests would be heard by a different judge rather than the original sentencing judge, who would have firsthand knowledge of the case and the circumstances surrounding the conviction.

Tierney warned the bill would overwhelm courts across New York, forcing prosecutors to repeatedly relitigate cases while requiring taxpayer-funded legal representation for petitioners. He also argued that there would be no true finality in sentencing, saying offenders could continue to return to court for repeated requests for sentence reductions.

He used examples such as Rex Heuermann and Payton Gendron, saying even those convicted of the most notorious crimes could eventually seek relief under the proposal. Tierney argued that, when combined with other pending legislation, the cumulative effect would dramatically shorten sentences and create repeated opportunities for violent offenders to seek release.

The Second Look Act (S.158/A.1283) is sponsored by Senator Julia Salazar (D-Bushwick) and Assemblywoman Latrice Walker (D-Brownsville), respectively.

What They’re Saying

Tierney said the package of proposed criminal justice bills favors offenders over victims and warned that, if enacted, thousands of violent prisoners could return to communities across New York. He urged lawmakers and Governor Kathy Hochul (D-Hamburg) to reject the measures, even calling on the Governor to veto any of the bills that reach her desk.

Romaine (pictured above) said he stands with Tierney and agrees that the possibility of these bills being passed is catastrophic to New York and our safety.

“They undercut the very foundation of what the criminal justice system is about,” said Romaine. “It is about protecting the innocent, prosecuting the guilty and making them pay, and protecting those out there.”

Romaine said many residents have asked why so many people have left New York in recent years, and argued that,

among other factors, the State’s criminal justice policies have contributed to that trend.

“Enough is enough.”

Senator Murray said victims should not have to continue fighting for justice after law enforcement has made arrests, prosecutors have secured convictions, and offenders have been sentenced.

He argued that families who believed justice had been served are now being forced back into the battle to preserve those sentences, calling it a sign that the system has been turned upside down. Murray added that during National Crime Victims’ Rights Awareness Week, lawmakers should be standing with victims rather than advancing legislation he said would reopen wounds for those families.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina reiterated the concerns raised by his colleagues, adding that the men and women of the Suffolk County Police Department are working harder than ever to keep the streets safe, and warned that if the proposed bills are passed, it would make their jobs significantly more difficult.

During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Theresa Bliss shared that she is not receiving the support she needs at this time. She shared the heartbreak of losing her 25-year-old son to murder in 2021 and spoke about turning that grief into advocacy for other families affected by violent crime. Since her son’s death, Bliss has worked to ensure victims are not forgotten and that their voices remain part of the justice process.

Bliss (pictured top photo) said families who have already endured unimaginable loss should not be forced to revisit that pain through repeated court proceedings.

“They shouldn’t be fighting this fight,” she said, urging lawmakers to consider the emotional toll proposed legislation could have on victims and their loved ones.

As the debate over these proposed bills continues, speakers urged residents to make their voices heard and stand with victims’ families. Many Long Island representatives have publicly opposed the legislation, but residents were encouraged to learn where everyone stands on the bills, contact those who support or remain undecided, and share their concerns.

Officials said public awareness and community action will be key in determining whether the bills move forward in Albany.

Does Albany Really Have Nothing Better to Do?

This week, Suffolk officials and crime victims gathered to decry a quartet of criminal justice laws that are making their way through the New York State Legislature.

While we think that some criminal justice reforms in this state have their origins in well-intentioned workshops, they fail to be squared by reality and instead become a pipe dream of progressive altruism.

The Elder Parole Law, according to D.A. Ray Tierney (R), might as well be called the “Abolish Life Without Parole Bill,” which will allow some inmates over the age of 55 to get parole hearings, regardless of the severity of their crimes.

We suppose that the Democratic lawmakers who support these initiatives don’t understand the importance of a sentence of life without parole. It’s literally in the name of the charge. Why waste time trying to pass a law that simply wastes time in the already-beleaguered criminal justice system? Colin Ferguson, who committed the LIRR massacre in the 1990s, shouldn’t be able to retire from prison simply because he hit an age that’s currently less than the average retirement age in New York.

The Fair and Timely Parole Act only takes into account a prisoner’s behavior while incarcerated, with the severity of their crimes that landed them there considered irrelevant for the sake of the parole hearing.

Only in a state as backwards as New York would lawmakers give the benefit of the doubt to a potentially heinous criminal simply because of good behavior while locked in a cell the size of a bathroom for the majority of the day.

Then there’s the Earned Time Act, which aims to reduce prison sentences by expanding “merit time” and “good time” credits for inmates who participate in rehabilitation or vocational programs. It allows inmates, regardless of their conviction, to earn up to 50% off their sentence.

We can understand the impetus of the bill, in that some people might be rotting in prison far past their due date, while others might be in for a crime

committed in their youth as the State prisons combat staffing shortages. However, we don’t think the juice will end up being worth the squeeze.

Progressive Democrats, to their credit, lead with their hearts, but to their detriment, the heart isn’t as accurate as the brain. The completion of programs does not necessarily equate to rehabilitation and the ability of an inmate to be reintegrated into society, especially when the charges are more severe and New York continues to insist on having a revolving-door criminal justice system. It’s also ironic that when Democrats passed bail reform laws in 2019 to empty jails and prisons, they’re still trying to do what they can to empty them.

Moreover, it seems that this is trying to solve a problem that can be solved in a simpler, less mentally gymnastic way: enforce the law, hold criminals accountable, and return local control to prosecutors and judges. Just a bold, new idea we’re throwing out there.

Finally, we have the Second Look Act, which aims to resolve mass incarceration by allowing inmates to petition for resentencing after serving a significant portion (ten-plus years) of their long sentences. D.A. Tierney invoked the example of the “racist Buffalo supermarket killer,” who could apply for resentencing in just six years.

That begs the question: does Albany, namely the Democrats in charge, really have nothing better to do?

The state faces another year of serious fiscal mismanagement, the ambitious laws Democrats have passed since gaining an unfortunate trifecta in 2019 have, for the most part, not panned out, and the Republican brand is suffering nationally, it doesn’t compare to the Democrats’ out-to-lunch model of governing here in New York.

Unless, leadership is intent on creating more problems to then present themselves as the solution…

Where Are the

This week, Suffolk County announced a strict enforcement update on relatively new laws passed by the County Legislature to regulate e-bike/escooter usage, particularly as it pertains to the safety of their operatorspredominately teenagers - and motorists across Suffolk.

Last week saw a harrowing incident of a fifteen-year-old teenager who was hit by a car in Huntington hamlet and faces critical injuries. In October, an e-bike rider was killed after being struck by a drunk driver in Melville.

The dangers are ever present, but what seems more ever present, to us, is the frequency of people riding these scooters, often without helmets, on sidewalks, or on busy roadways.

Bicyclists can already be presumptuous enough when sharing the asphalt with automobiles, demanding to be treated like vehicles but refusing to obey the rules of the road - especially when they migrate in herds of dozens at a time.

But the e-bikes bring a twist to the tale, as many are equipped to travel up to 20mph - those that can travel north of that are considered illegal in Suffolk County, according to the new laws - and their riders are often more unpredictable and seem to think they can seamlessly blend into traffic.

They couldn’t be more mistaken, especially when congestion is perhaps the most agita-inducing it’s ever been, drivers seem more rage-prone than ever, and the conditions of the roads make Long Island appear as if it were the victim of an airstrike.

But the biggest question we have: where on Earth are the parents?

Let’s start with an age-old constant: kids will be kids, and kids will do stupid things. Moreover, it wasn’t that long ago that ads would play on television, “It’s 10:00p.m., do you know where your kids are?”

And yet, it seems that the youth today can’t be as trusted with the relative independence they get in their teen years, but certainly not the freedom any teen would crave. It seems these e-bikes have gone to some kids’ heads, as if they’re handed a de facto vehicle without a driver’s license.

Some experts have testified to us that some parents will buy these scooters

Parents?

as gifts for their kids, perhaps to make up for lost time and attention due to the economic strain, the near-impossibility of a sole-breadwinner household in the modern era, and Long Island being one of the most expensive places to live in the United States. Busy parents aren’t necessarily negligent, and while we’re sure most parents aren’t intentionally negligent, parenting is by far the most important job any person can have.

The time and firmness must be found. It’s not just about neighborhood annoyances, flocks of e-bikes doing tricks on public roads, or zooming along the shoulder. The cases get more serious and the regard for safety is seemingly absent from various parts of the community. We get more and more press releases about unfortunate severe injuries or fatalities, sometimes at fault of another motorist, other times at fault of the operator of the scooter.

We appreciate the stiff upper lip the Legislature and local law enforcement bring to this issue. The use of e-bikes to commute to work, to save on gas, or get around without the effort of a pedal bike shouldn’t be restricted, but there are times and places for these types of devices. Thankfully, the laws and their enforcement won’t hamper the use of these scooters entirely.

We’re sure most adult commuters can be responsible, but the frontal lobe isn’t fully formed until the age of 25. If parents aren’t capable of selfgoverning, then added law enforcement must, at a point, step in. We don’t think this is an overreach and we think it’s an appropriate reaction in the face of something that’s quickly becoming a recurring public safety issue. We also appreciate that these laws were unanimously approved by the eighteenmember County Legislature, showcasing that this is far from a partisan or ideological issue.

If parents are indignant with this new law and its enforcement, perhaps they should take an introspective look at their own guidance of their children and realize this is a much bigger issue than a simple family meeting.

We think many are responsible and most will heed these warnings. For those who don’t, this should be a course in public awareness.

We sincerely hope it’s not a crash course…

Is the Suffolk E-bike Ban an Overreach?

By Hank Russell | Long Island Life & Politics

Suffolk County officials had a press conference last week touting its new law that bans e-bikes and scooters on roads with speed limits above 30 miles an hour.

We agree with the ban on sidewalks, but we are not sure if this might have significant ramifications for low-income people who need to get to work in an efficient, affordable manner.

Of course, it’s absurd to think that an e-bike should be on a main road artery such as Sunrise Highway or the Long Island Expressway. But there are many local roads where the speed limit could go up to 40 miles an hour.

On Long Island, there is very limited public transportation, and owning a car is

out of reach for many lower-income folks.

E-bikes give these folks a practical option to get to work. We see folks bicycling to work all the time on the shoulder of the road. What difference does it make if they have an electric bike that makes it more convenient for them and less physically onerous?

We think the sponsors of this bill were well-intentioned, but that the bill should be tweaked to be more practical and accommodating for those of lower means.

This op-ed originally ran in Long Island Life & Politics. For more from LILP, visit them online at lilifepolitics.com.

Don’t Allow Bettors to Wager on Death

By Hank Russell | Long Island Life & Politics

We’ve been searching for the word that would best describe betting on the outcome of world events, such as when an individual is going to die or when a war will start. After a great deal of searching, one word stands out.

That word is “icky.”

How untoward that we would place bets on the demise of others. Worse yet is that these types of betting schemes can be dangerous because we incentivize those placing the bets to actually facilitate the event to occur. This is especially troubling when it comes to policy matters in which elected officials are involved.

Think about all the inside information that is in the heads of local, state and federal leaders. What is to prevent them from sharing that information with someone close

to them who then bets on whether a bill is likely to become a law?

We already know that Congress is notorious for its insider trading on both sides of the aisle. Case in point is former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and her financial analyst husband, making millions over the years through their investments. It’s no wonder that efforts to prohibit this insider trading in Congress have been quashed several times.

It’s well past time that Congress passes the bills to curb the insider trading abuse. While they’re at it, they should also ban wagering on death and war.

This op-ed originally ran in Long Island Life & Politics. For more from LILP, visit them online at lilifepolitics.com.

Letter to the Editor

What I did on Earth Day, April 22

Dear Editor,

Bright and early, I wanted to do my bit for planet Earth. Here in Suffolk, that means putting plastics out for recycling pick-up. Then I loaded up my car with junk to take to the PK Metals on Route 112 in Coram. I have been such a good customer they gave me a poinsettia at Christmas.

Leaving with about a gallon of gas money, I next headed to lunch with my mother. We stopped at Viva Juan in Selden in a plaza that if you blink you, you would miss it driving by. We both had a nice Mexican lunch. The place was small with just one waiter, but the music was lively, lending to the atmosphere. Last stop on my recycling mission was to deposit my clean empty makeup containers in the box at Ulta in the Smithhaven Plaza around the corner from my home. Once inside the store, it was hard to locate the box usually by the checkout line. Now it is hidden in the last aisle of the store. My collection of year’s worth of containers went thud to the bottom of the box. Deposit made, I headed home. Later that evening, I was back to Selden branch of the Middle Country Library system for the Brookhaven Comprehensive Land Use Plan public engagement session. I went and engaged with consultant, Jen, who encouraged me to use post-it notes to put my feedback up on white boards. I did so and spoke to my Brookhaven District Three Councilman, Neil Manzella (R-Selden), for a few minutes. As more people of all ages filed in, I exited.

Looking forward to what they will compile for feedback. I know I gave mine. I am so glad that I saw the advertisement for this in The Messenger’s Brookhaven Matters from the April 16 edition.

Respectfully submitted,

Jamie Hanja Lake Grove

Dear Editor,

Parents, Parent Your Kids!

I’m so glad to see that the County is taking steps to get these e-bikes off the roads. Nothing wrong with trying to get to work in a different way, or if you don’t have the funds for gas or car insurance, but something had to be done.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve almost been involved in accidents and, God forbid, killed a teenager on accident because these bikers come out of nowhere and have no regard for the road. The curved hill on Mooney Pond Road in Coram approaching North Ocean Avenue has almost gotten me several times. Kids fly up and around the hill not realizing it’s a blind curve. I don’t want to see what happened in Huntington to continue to happen.

Parents…do your jobs! I know we’re all busy and stressed and working two jobs and side gigs to make ends meet, but your kids can’t parent themselves! Who on earth is giving these scooters to their kids and not setting ground rules or at least giving them stern direction on how to use them. They don’t even have their driving licenses yet, but they’re whipping around curves and weaving into traffic like they own the roads.

Again, I have nothing against people using these bikes responsibly, but enough is enough. Suffolk County isn’t Lord of the Flies.

Parents, do better!

Sincerely,

Peeved and Relieved Gordon Heights

County Gets Serious on E-Bike Enforcement

By Matt Meduri

On April 15, a fifteen-year-old East Northport teen was operating a Jasion e-bike in Huntington hamlet, when he was struck by a school minibus at the corner of Little Plains Road and Broadway. The teen was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip with critical injuries.

In October 2025, an e-bike rider was killed after a Melville motorist, who was intoxicated, was attempting to turn onto the Expressway’s South Service Road in Melville. The month prior, a twentythree-year-old e-bike rider was seriously injured after being struck by a motorist in Lake Grove.

The usage of e-bikes, or e-scooters, is developing into a serious problem across the county. In December 2025, the Suffolk County Legislature voted unanimously to adopt new laws allowing greater enforcement capabilities in pursuit of public safety. The Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) elected to give the new laws time to permeate before ramping up enforcement efforts.

Thursday afternoon saw that de facto grace period end, as Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina called the seemingly ubiquitous devices “inherently dangerous.”

The new laws enforce drivers to wear helmets, prohibit anyone younger than sixteen years from operating e-bikes on public roads, and allow law enforcement to confiscate the vehicles in cases of reckless or impaired driving. Catalina noted that “it doesn’t matter” if operators under 16 are with their parents during operation. In fact, in such cases, the parents will get the summons instead of the minor.

The new laws also prohibit riders from taking the scooters on public roads with speed limits higher than 35mph.

E-bikes have three classifications. Class 1 bikes have electric motors that provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that assistance stops when the bike reaches a speed of 20mph. Class 2 scooters have motors that can operate without pedaling, but that assistance also stops at 20mph. Anything above those thresholds are considered Class 3 scooters, which are outlawed in Suffolk County. Catalina warned that modifications to Class 1 or 2 bikes to upgrade speed capacities, for instance, constitute a Class 3 bike, warranting confiscation.

“We will impound that bike and it will become the property of Suffolk County,” said Catalina at Police Headquarters in Yaphank on Thursday. “If your kids are out there, taking over the streets [as seen in many videos], we will take those e-bikes and we will not be giving them back.”

The fines are steep. The first offense fetches a fine up to $500, with second offenses clocking in at up to $1500. Redemption fees for the first offense can reach up to $1300, $3300 for the second offense, and a whopping $7300 fine for the third offense, plus mandatory jail time.

“Most importantly, we care about the children and their safety,” said Catalina. “I fully expect many people to be upset about it, but quite frankly, if you don’t care about your children, we do.”

Since March 1, Catalina shared that the Highway Patrol alone issued 53 tickets for e-bikes on sidewalks, 37 tickets for riding on roads with speed limits greater than 35mph, and 6 tickets for other reasons.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) thanked the unanimous support of the eighteen-member County Legislature.

“If you fall off that bike even at twenty miles per hour, you’ll get a major head injury or some type of major injury,” said Romaine. “These are not for racing around; they’re not pseudomotorcycles.”

Romaine added that the bikes are not permitted for use at Suffolk County parks, and that parts of the Pine Barrens and hiking trails have been “torn up” by the bikes.

Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville) said that while the weather is getting nicer, “you don’t have a constitutional right to ride recklessly on an e-bike,” and that he frequently sees e-bikers riding on sidewalks and weaving in and out of traffic in downtown Sayville.

“You’re putting people at risk, and we’re protecting the public from these dangers,” said Piccirillo. “We’re not trying to dampen anyone’s spirits on what you do on a nice day, but public safety is one of the charges of this Legislature.”

Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport), one of the bill’s sponsors, urged the parents to “truly read up on the laws” and “have conversations” with their children of the dangers of riding these e-bikes out there.”

Suffolk County Police have shared bodycam footage of a traffic stop of a man riding an e-bike on the shoulder of the Long Island Expressway. The rider was given a ticket and the officers gave him a lift off the highway.

Legislators Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters), Rebecca Sanin

(D-Huntington Station), Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point), and Trish Bergin (R-East Islip), along with County Clerk Vincent Puleo (R-Nesconset), all stood with Romaine and Catalina in the announcement of the new laws.

Legislator Sal Formica (R-Commack), Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee, said that the County must remain firm in the enforcement of these laws.

“Some people think we’re taking rights away; that’s not the intent at all,” Formica told The Messenger. “These are pretty reasonable things we’re putting out there. How you can be against that is mind-boggling as a parent; it’s the safety of the children. Our children are our future.”

Formica shared that upon moving to Commack years ago, one of his neighbor’s children was killed after colliding with a tree while riding an e-bike.

“We understand that certain people might use these bikes to travel to work, to save on fuel. We have no problem with that, but it has to be done in a responsible manner. You can’t have these bikes weaving in and out of traffic on normal roads. You’re looking for something bad to happen.”

Formica said that some parents might not be “thinking it through” when buying their children these scooters. He speculates that constant hustle culture and the concept of a sole breadwinner being long-gone in today’s age urges parents to make up the difference by buying their kids such devices.

“A child’s mind is not developed when they’re teenagers. Even on regular bikes, they travel in packs, sometimes dozens of them, going right at cars, doing stunts, some are video taping. Ultimately, it always leads to tragedy or severe injury,” said Formica.

This Week Today

Thursday, April 30, 2026

National, State, and Local Temperature Checks

By Matt Meduri

National

The evening of April 25 saw a thwarted shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, and what many are classifying as the third attempt on President Donald Trump’s (R-FL) life.

Around 8:30p.m., suspect Cole Tomas Allen (pictured above), 31, was confronted near the main metal detector area of the Washington Hilton, the same locale in which President Ronald Reagan (R-CA) was nearly assassinated in 1981. CCTV footage shows Allen sprinting past the security checkpoint, where a chase then ensued. The scene was described by CNN’s Wolf Blitzer as at least six shots being fired from a “very serious weapon” before Allen was tackled by police. One officer was struck in his bulletproof vest but is expected to recover.

Trump, the First Lady, Vice President J.D. Vance (R-OH), and other high-profile members of the Cabinet were quickly evacuated. Secret Service requested all attendees leave the hotel by 9:45p.m. It was Trump’s first White House Correspondents’ Dinner he attended while president, having skipped the events during his first term and the 2025 dinner.

Family members have claimed that Allen made “radical statements” to do “something to fix the issues with today’s world.” Whether that was directly implicating a move on Trump’s life has yet to be determined. Allen was allegedly part of the Connecticutbased “Wide Awakes” and attended a No Kings protest in California. A manifesto was allegedly sent by Allen to his family members before the shooting.

“I am a citizen of the United States of America,” reads Allen’s alleged manifesto. “What my representatives do reflects on me. And I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes... Turning the other cheek when *someone else* is oppressed is not Christian behavior; it is complicity in the oppressor’s crimes.”

According to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC), Allen donated $25 to ActBlue as part of Kamala Harris’ (D-CA) 2024 campaign. He is a resident of the Greater Los Angeles area as of 2010. Some of Allen’s professors at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and the California Institute of Technology have praised Allen as a “nice, gentle, smart young man,” who was

regularly engaged with computer science coursework.

Allen is charged with Using a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Transportation of Firearm in Interstate Commerce with Intent to Commit a Felony, and Attempting to Assassinate a United States President.

The second Trump Administration saw its third high-profile departure, this time in the form of a resignation from Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR) .

The resignation culminates months of allegations of abuse of power, extramarital affairs, drinking on the job, frequent absences, and a hostile work environment. The secretary allegedly had her subordinates create official trips for her where she could spend time with friends and family, while her husband, Shawn, was accused of inappropriately touching two women at the Department of Labor Building, resulting in his February ban from the premises.

Earlier this month, Politico reported that Trump was leaning towards firing ChavezDeRemer (pictured right) She resigned on April 20 to take up work in the private sector.

extended the truce, there remains a dual blockade, with Iran blockading the Persian Gulf, and the U.S. Navy blockading Iran.

In political news, Florida now appears to be formally entering the national redistricting “arms race” after months of speculation.

Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has pitched a map to the Republicancontrolled Florida Legislature that would likely add four more seats to the GOP’s national fold. Such a map would serve as an effective counterbalance to Virginia’s recently-passed referendum that is now on hold as it withstands legal scrutiny.

Before her stint in the Trump Cabinet, ChavezDeRemer served one term in the House after flipping a suburban Oregon district red in 2022. She was narrowly defeated for re-election in 2024.

Keith Sonderling (R-FL), described as an influential Washington insider, now serves as Acting Secretary of Labor.

The Iran War drags on into its second month, as the U.S. sees 15 casualties and over 500 military personnel wounded. Israel has suffered 17 casualties and over 700 wounded, atop 28 killed civilians and more than 8,500 injured. The war has wreaked an estimated $11.52 billion in economic damage per the U.S. and Israel.

Meanwhile, Iran has suffered nearly 3,500 civilian casualties, more than 26,000 injured, and about $270 billion in direct economic damage. Per the U.S. and Israel, Iran has, to date, suffered at least 6,000 military casualties and 15,000 wounded.

Iran says that the U.S. seizure of the MV Touska, an Iranian container ship, violated the ceasefire deal, as Trump has ordered the U.S. Navy to destroy any Iranian boats laying down mines in the Strait of Hormuz. While Trump has indefinitely

CreditShawn T. Moore, U.S. Department of Labor

Republicans currently hold a 20R8D edge in a map that already receives an F letter grade from Princeton’s Gerrymandering Project. The proposed map would likely wipe out four more Democrats, paving the way for a 24R-4D wipeout in a state that backed Trump 56%-43% in 2024. The districts to be dismantled are FL-09, a suburban Orlando seat that went to Harris by a three-point margin; FL-14, Tampa BaySt. Petersburg (Harris +8); FL-23, Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale (Harris +2), and FL-25 (Hollywood, Weston, Pembroke Pines (Harris +5.5).

Some Republicans warn, however, that the mid-map shuffle only effectively guarantees the GOP more seats assuming that Democrats stay home as they did in 2024 and that Independents swing right as they did in 2022. Neither factors are guaranteed; Democrats currently lead the generic ballot average by 5.4%, according to Real Clear Politics.

DeSantis’ legal counsel is pitching the move during the special session in Tallahassee, which ends Friday, based on the assumption that federal law supersedes the state’s 2010 Fair District Amendments.

State

The murderer of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller, Guy Rivera, has been sentenced to a maximum of 115 years to life in prison. Diller was killed on March 25, 2024, while conducting a traffic stop in Far Rockaway.

Diller, 34, of Massapequa Park, was the first NYPD officer to be killed in the line of duty since 2022.

Last month saw an uproar as Rivera was acquitted of first-degree murder, instead settling on manslaughter. He has a lengthy criminal record with 21 prior arrests, including nine felonies, going back to 2009. He served three-and-a-half years in 2011 for assault and robbery, and served another five years for possession of a controlled substance in 2015. Rivera is represented in the Diller case by the Legal Aid Society.

“There are no words in the English language that are going to take away the pain and suffering, not even the knowledge that this defendant will most certainly die in a prison cell, and I promise you he will,” said Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise.

Local

Small Business Week is around the corner and the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) will host a purchasing forum on Tuesday, May 5, at 11:00a.m. at its facility at 180 Fifth Avenue in Bay Shore.

The forum allows businesses to learn about the products and services for which the SCWA contracts. As per the SCWA, they partner with a “wide range of vendors across multiple sectors, including construction, information technology equipment, legal, and financial services.”

“Small Business Week is a fitting time to build new partnerships with local enterprises,” said SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz in a statement. “This forum ensures business owners understand our procurement process and how they can work with SCWA to support our infrastructure and daily operations.”

Attendees will also receive information on how to bid on upcoming contracts, the types of services required, and the vendor registration process.

“Working with reliable local businesses helps SCWA deliver on its commitments,” said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo in a statement. “We rely on these partnerships to continue providing highquality drinking water to our customers, and we encourage companies to attend and learn how to navigate our contracting procedures.”

National Small Business Week runs from May 3 to 9. The SCWA reaffirms their dedication to “working with local small businesses to maintain its operations and fulfill its core mission.”

Continued from front cover

Islip Councilwoman Kicks Off NYS Assembly Campaign

Kuhn hosted her official campaign kickoff last Thursday in East Islip. She said her impetus for running is to bring her election law, local government, and data analytics skills to the various committees in the State Legislature’s lower chamber, as well as to support law enforcement and enhance Suffolk’s safety and affordability.

“I want to keep local control, not Hochul control,” Kuhn told The Messenger, referencing Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D-Hamburg) bipartisanly panned 2022 plan to erode local zoning controls to ameliorate the state’s housing stock concerns.

“Bail reform is a tremendous issue and it needs to be repealed,” said Kuhn. Fixing Tier 6, of which Kuhn as a municipal employee is a member, is also a priority.

“We’re doing the same job as our colleagues that may be ten, fifteen, twenty years older than us. We don’t have the same retirement and that’s not fair,” said Kuhn. “My cousins, who are teachers, shouldn’t have to be in the same classroom from twenty years old to sixty-three years and retire with less of a pension than their colleagues who were lucky enough to be in Tier 4.”

Fresh off an election win to the Islip Town Council, Kuhn said her quick pivot arose from her specific recruitment by the group Women on the Rise, made up of State Assembly Republican women.

“Unfortunately, out of the forty-seven Republican members of the State Assembly, only three are women,” said Kuhn, 38, adding that as a Millennial, she can bring a voice for women to Albany that is “sorely needed on the Republican side.”

Of her first hundred days at Town Hall, Kuhn said legislation passed as consisted of appointing heads to the Adjudication Bureau, Tax Assessor, and Planning Boards position, as well as “critical legislation.”

Kuhn’s age also complements a younger profile, especially among Islip Republicans. Presiding Officer Piccirillo, Assemblyman Gandolfo, as well as Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook) and Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport), are all under 45 years of age.

“It makes me very hopeful for the future. For far too long, we’ve been allowing other people to make decisions for our generation and to be a part of that team is very humbling,” said Kuhn. “We want Suffolk to remain the suburban dream that we grew up with in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s.”

Suffolk Republican Committee Chairman Jesse Garcia (R-Ridge) said that Kuhn’s recruitment is crucial for the Republicans’ minority caucus in the Assembly, which is dwarfed by the Democrats’ 103-seat supermajority.

“Kuhn was overwhelmingly elected to an open Town Council seat in a year we new was going to be difficult for Republicans,” Garcia told The Messenger “This year, when we need fighters, it’s not just about youth; it’s about experience. She’s a small business owner, someone who’s been embedded in the community, someone who has done the work for recognition, accolades, or remuneration - just because of her love for the community. That’s what we want first and foremost.”

Garcia hailed Kuhn’s “independent” nature and ability to “speak her mind.”

Of Kuhn’s quick ascension from Town Hall to the Assembly campaign trail, Garcia compared the move to the NFL draft.

“We have our number-one pick because people from Albany were looking to sign her early. When the vacancy showed up, we needed someone who we could depend on, someone tested, experienced, and not scared to fight.”

Of the Islip Republican Committee’s comparative youth to other parts of the County GOP’s machine, Garcia said that that component of the many assets across the map makes Islip “successful.”

Assemblyman and Islip GOP Chairman Smith said that Republican women in the Assembly “pressed hard” for Kuhn to run to succeed Gandolfo.

“It’s going to work out very well,” Smith told The Messenger. “She will be very missed in the Town of Islip, but she’ll be an asset to the Assembly Republican Conference in Albany.”

Assemblyman Gandolfo has no qualms of leaving his seat behind to a potential successor in Kuhn.

“When I made this decision [to run for State Senate], one of the things weighing on me was who would fill the seat,” Gandolfo told The Messenger. “All of those concerns went away.”

Within the Town of Islip, the Seventh District includes Atlantique, Bay Shore, Bayport, Brightwaters, East Islip, Fire Island, Great River, Islip Terrace, North Great River, Oakdale, Ocean Beach, Saltaire, Sayville, West Bay Shore, West Sayville, and parts of Bohemia, Gilgo-Oak Beach-Captree, Islip hamlet, and West Islip. Within the Town of Brookhaven, the district contains Blue Point, Fire Island, Patchogue, and parts of East Patchogue.

Kuhn will likely face Patricia Kopp (D-Oakdale) in the November general election. Gandolfo was re-elected to this seat in 2024 over Garett Petersen (D-East Islip) 63%37%. Across his three elections, he never received less than 60% of the vote.

SCWA Enters 40-Year Agreement to Operate Saltaire Water System

The Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) and the Village of Saltaire have announced a 40-year agreement for SCWA to operate the Saltaire public water system on Fire Island. Through this agreement, SCWA will manage 456 service connections, including 26 village-owned connections and assume maintenance of 62 fire hydrants throughout the community.

As part of the operational transition, SCWA will install water meters on all Saltaire service connections. To improve water reliability across the area, SCWA will open normally closed valves to connect the Saltaire system with two neighboring SCWA-operated systems. This will allow the infrastructure to function as a single, integrated system that provides immediate operational backup.

“This agreement is a practical step forward for both Saltaire and SCWA,” said SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz. “By integrating Saltaire into our existing Fire Island infrastructure, we are building a more resilient water system for the barrier island. We look forward to providing Saltaire residents with the reliable service and high-quality water they expect.”

This agreement expands the operational footprint of SCWA on Fire Island and the surrounding barrier islands, building on recent management agreements in the Oak Beach and West Gilgo communities.

“For over a century, the Village of Saltaire has prided itself on delivering quality water service to its residents,” said Saltaire Village Mayor Hugh O’Brien. “Today, we look forward to our new partnership with Suffolk County Water Authority, ensuring that in the years to come our community will enjoy and benefit from SCWA’s expertise and traditional standards of excellence.”

The agreement will go into effect on June 1, when residents will be converted to SCWA customers.

“Operating a public water system requires constant monitoring and dedicated infrastructure,” said SCWA CEO Jeff Szabo. “SCWA has the personnel, technology and experience to manage this system effectively. Residents will now have access to our 24/7 emergency response team and the benefit of a fully interconnected water distribution network.”

‘Planting Roots for Our Future’: Romaine, Puleo Team Up to Plant Trees in 250th Initiative

By Matt Meduri

While the County and various municipalities make ambitious plans to experience the once-in-a-lifetime milestone of the 250th anniversary of the U.S., Suffolk officials are looking to extend the county’s current legacy far beyond 2026.

County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) and County Clerk Vincent Puleo (R-Nesconset) are teaming up to run the Planting it Forward to 2276 initiative in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The County is launching the Living Legacy Tree Registry, a “permanent historical record of trees planted throughout Suffolk County…on Arbor Day,” according to a release from the County. The initiative began on April 24 and continues through June 1.

Residents are invited to plant a tree and register it as part of the countywide legacy. 2,500 red oak saplings are being distributed while supplies last at select County Parks. Participants can plant their tree anywhere in Suffolk County and register its location through www. suffolk250.org. Potential arborists can dedicate their tree in honor of a loved one, family member, or future generations, and each registered tree will receive a Suffolk 250 Living Legacy Certificate of Registration. These will be permanently preserved and displayed in a ceremonial volume maintained by the Clerk’s office.

For readers in all three of our editions, Lake Ronkonkoma County Park (600 Lake Shore Road) is one location. For our Smithtown readers, head to

Blydenburgh Park in Smithtown hamlet. For our Brookhaven readers, your stops consist of Southaven County Park in Brookhaven hamlet, while Indian Island County Park might be nearby in Riverhead. For our Islip readers, head to Gardiner Park in West Bay Shore, Timber Point Park in Great River, or West Sayville County Park in West Sayville.

Other parks on the menu consist of Sears Bellows County Park in Hampton Bays, West Hills County Park in West Hills, and Bergen Point County Park in West Babylon.

“The perfect society is when all men plant trees under whose shade they will never sit,” said Romaine at Gardiner County Park in West Bay Shore. “We’ll probably never see these trees because hopefully they’ll outlast us.”

Clerk Puleo encouraged residents to get involved, hoping that Suffolk County can grow as “many trees as possible” in light of the celebrations this year.

“These will be in our records at public access for anyone to see,” said Puleo. “You can dedicate these trees to a Veteran, your parents, a pet, anybody.”

Suffolk County Legislator Sal Formica (R-Commack) said the initiative is simple: “planting roots for our future.”

“It’s a lot bigger than the people here today. It’s similar to looking back in history; you can trace your lineage. What the plant essentially becomes is a memoir

for the future,” Formica told The Messenger. “In 2276, we’ll be long gone, and our great-great grandchildren can look at a tree that their ancestors planted.”

Formica added that he already has a constituent eager to plant a red oak at Owl Hill I have one constituent looking to plant at the Owl Hill Estate in Fort Salonga.

“I like to believe that Owl Hill will be alive and well in 2276. This tree will be very, very tall by that time and the roots will be embedded in the ground forever. It’s a very symbolic thing.”

Minority Leader Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon) said, “we’re looking towards the past and the future, but also saying that, in the future, we want to ensure we’ve made this planet and our Island a better place by planting these 2,500 trees.”

Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society Seeks Funds in Sachem Vote

May 19 will Sachem Central School District residents hit the polls to approve their budgets and elect members to the Board of Education.

On the backs of their ballots, voters will find a proposition of whether to approve funds for the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society. State Education Law says that school districts can place local historical societies on funding propositions for museums, programs, and other forms of cultural enrichment and education. Societies must meet certain criteria, such as being a registered not-for-profit and a New York State Board of Regents-designated and approved society.

The Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society has held that charter since the 1980s, and for fourteen-year president Evelyn Vollgraff, the move is about preserving local history, offering programs to local students, and simply trying to make ends meet in a trying time. They’re looking for voters to approve a transfer of $45,000 from the Town of Brookhaven to the Society. The tax hike would account for an additional $1.15 per year per household.

“All the money we raise comes from our eight-to-ten fundraiser a year and member dues. We probably raise about $18,000 a year, but insurance alone on our two properties is $7,000,” Vollgraff told The Messenger, adding that insurance rates - for liability only - has nearly doubled in the last three-and-a-half years. The Society insures its museum on Hawkins Avenue and the Fitz-Greene Hallock Homestead on Pond Road.

“We’re private; everyone is a volunteer. We’ve spent so much time trying to fundraise that the programs start to slide. It’s the overhead that’s killing us.”

Vollgraff, also co-president and founder of the Lake Ronkonkoma Improvement Group, says that maintenance of the homestead is both tricky and costly. The house was built in 1888 and retains its plaster walls, which have needed replacement to host the two annual Victorian teas that complement the property’s original time period. Volunteers currently maintain the property and grounds every Tuesday voluntarily.

Local history is also important, and Vollgraff says that most schools don’t teach local history anymore. The Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society boasts many artifacts and timelines, but chief among them is their “extremely rare” collection of Indian arrowheads, some likely tens of thousands of years old.

“The museum itself has a history going back to when the Agnew and Taylor Building was the only building on Hawkins Avenue, which was a dirt road at the time,” said Vollgraff. “We want to get the kids in here to learn about their local history, but it just gets harder and harder with costs going up.”

Miller Place was able to fetch $250,000 for their similar projects, while the Whaling Museum was funded to the tune of $100,000 through the Sag Harbor School District, as examples cited by Vollgraff.

“We’re not asking for that much money. We just want to fund our programs, spread the word, work with our Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. It’s sad; we spend less on programs and more on maintenance.”

The budget vote is on May 19. The proposition needs a majority of the vote to pass.

Brentwood Counselor Earns State Honor for Expanding College Access

Two East Middle School eighth grade students in the Brentwood Union Free School District have been selected to showcase their artwork in the 2026 National Junior Art Honor Society Exhibition.

Brenda Flores and Sean Adu, both members of the school’s National Junior Art Honor Society chapter, were chosen from a competitive pool of more than 2,000 submissions. Their work will be featured in a virtual exhibition representing 75 schools across 26 states.

Flores’ piece, “Balloon Letter B,” highlights her attention to detail and growth as an artist.

“I mostly like this work of art because of all the details I was able to achieve,” she said. “It

challenged me to try something new, and I think I did really well at capturing the value of light and form.” Her work was created under the guidance of teacher Jenn Grasso-Moise.

Adu’s drawing, “Honu kai,” reflects both artistic skill and environmental awareness. Inspired by the decline of sea turtle populations, he intentionally depicted a single turtle to emphasize their endangered status. “Sea turtles have been around for more than 100 million years,” he said. “Please save the turtles, and do not litter our oceans.” The title of his piece means “sea turtle” in Hawaiian. His teacher is Stephanie Veitsman.

Central

Islip Senior Andrea Funez

Wins Gates Scholarship

Andrea Funez, a senior at Central Islip High School, was announced as a winner of the prestigious Gates Scholarship. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to exceptional student leaders, with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential, and only 300 students are chosen nationally.

The Central Islip School District wishes Andrea success in her next four years at Georgetown University.

Connecting Classrooms to Community at Manetuck

Manetuck Elementary School in the West Islip Union Free School District hosted a Community Connections event on April 17, welcoming a variety of local organizations and professionals to engage with students and share insight into their important roles within the community. Participants included representatives from the fire department, police department, emergency service workers, a respiratory therapist, a local baker, a public librarian and a dancer.

Throughout the event, students rotated through interactive booths, where they learned about a wide range of careers and the vital services these

professionals provide. Many stations offered hands-on experiences, giving students the opportunity to try on police, fire and EMS gear and gain a deeper understanding of the responsibilities associated with each role.

The event provided a meaningful opportunity for students to explore potential career paths while recognizing the importance of community helpers. By connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences, Community Connections fostered curiosity, appreciation and a greater understanding of how individuals work together to support and strengthen the community.

School Highlights

East Islip Softball Team Wins Inaugural Laney McGowan

Legacy Game

East Islip High School’s varsity softball team celebrated a meaningful day on and off the field at the inaugural Laney McGowan Legacy Game on March 18, highlighted by a strong all-around performance in a 14–2 win over Bellport.

Coach Jason McGowan’s seven-year-old daughter, Stella, threw out the ceremonial first pitch, adding a personal and heartfelt moment to the day. Before the game, McGowan addressed both teams and those in attendance, emphasizing perspective and gratitude.

“In life, the scoreboard isn’t what matters most,” McGowan said. “We’re lucky to have the opportunity to play this game. Laney didn’t get that chance, so don’t take it for granted.”

Marisa Renganeschi led the offense, going 3-for-3 with three runs scored and four stolen bases. Lexi Kneisel was 2-for-4 with two runs, two doubles and three RBIs, and reached a milestone with her 100th career hit, becoming the tenth player in the program since 2012 to accomplish the feat.

Reagan O’Hara added two hits and two RBIs, while Kate Vessalico went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and a triple. Alexa Leonard hit her first home run of the season and had two RBIs. Sophia Corso contributed two hits, including a double

and an RBI, and Delaney Crowe finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Crowe also earned the win in the circle, pitching five innings while allowing five hits, striking out seven and walking none. It marked her second victory in a 24-hour span.

Beyond the game, the event honored the life and legacy of Laney McGowan while bringing together the East Islip and Bellport communities for a shared cause.

“This game means more than just softball,” senior captain Kayla Varga said. “It’s about playing for something bigger than ourselves and honoring Laney’s legacy.”

“It was amazing to see everyone come together,” junior captain Lexi Kneisel said. “Our parents, our families, the whole community — everyone had a part in making this special.”

The game also helped raise awareness for Dravet syndrome while reinforcing the importance of gratitude and perspective. With strong community support, the East Islip softball program plans to make the Laney McGowan Legacy Game an annual event. “This is something we want to keep building every year,” Varga said. “It’s a great way to honor Laney and bring people together.”

Sayville Middle School Students Win Nationwide Writing Contest

Twenty-nine seventh grade students from Sayville Middle School have been selected for publication in a national student anthology through Young Writers USA. The students, taught by English teachers Shannon McCann and Shannon Voyack, submitted original short stories as part of the contest’s theme, Unsolved: Mystery and Betrayal. Their work will be featured in the spring edition of a creative writing anthology showcasing student voices from across the country. The published anthology is expected to be released this spring.

“This is an incredible accomplishment for our students,” said Ms. McCann. “Our students embraced the challenge of the theme and produced thoughtful, imaginative stories that truly stood out.”

“Our students worked hard to develop compelling characters and suspenseful plots, and it’s exciting to see their efforts recognized on a national level,” added Ms. Voyack.

Young Writers USA runs national writing contests for schools, helping to turn students’ imagination and creative talent into confidence and writing skills. The organization supports educators across the United States by creating engaging contest themes, providing resources, and awarding prizes to both schools and students. Students also have the unique opportunity to see their work published in a real, physical book, an experience that fosters pride and celebrates their accomplishments.

“Having 29 students recognized at the national level speaks volumes about their creativity, perseverance, and commitment to their craft. This achievement also reflects the dedication of our teachers, who consistently inspire and support our students in reaching their full potentials.”

“We are extremely proud of our students for this outstanding accomplishment,” said Dr. Joseph Castoro, Sayville Middle School principal.

For more information on the Sayville Union Free School District, visit the district’s website at sayvilleschools.org. Happenings in the district can also be found on the district’s Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/saydistrictpr. #CaringAndLearning

The Necessary Standard for American Education

Parliamentary Discipline

By Matt Meduri

Last week saw a trio of resignations from the House, Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Tony Gonzales (R-TX), and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), the most for one week since before the Civil War. All three members, plus another who has not resigned, faced either censure and/or expulsion votes.

For this week, we’ll discuss the various forms of parliamentary discipline for the three branches of government.

Congressional Methods

Censure: Article I, Section 5, Clause 2 of the Constitution allows the House of Representatives to censure its own members. Essentially a public humiliation ritual, the censure has no legal consequences or bearing on the recipient’s occupation of office. The punishment is meant to be procedural, wherein the Speaker of the House reads aloud the rebuke and the member in question must stand before the House.

Only twenty-six censures in the House have been successful, the most recent being in 2025, when Congressman Al Green (D-TX) was censured for disrupting President Donald Trump’s (R-FL) joint session address. Green earned notoriety for waving his cane at the president and declaring that Trump had “no mandate to cut Medicaid.” He was removed by the House Sergeant-at-Arms, and saw ten Democrats vote with all Republicans to formally rebuke him.

The first House censure was in 1832 against William Stanberg, a National Republican from Ohio. He was censured in a 93-44 vote for “insulting the Speaker of the House,” according to the official History, Art, and Archives of the U.S. House.

Three Democrats were censured in 2023, making for the busiest censure year since 1870. Two Republicans voted to censure Congressman Paul Gosar (R-AZ) in 2021 for posting a video depicting himself committing violence against Congresswoman Alexandria OcasioCortez (D-East Elmhurst). Prior, the censure had not been invoked since 2010 over financial charges.

The most common reason for censure, “using unparliamentary language,” has occurred seven times between 1866 and 1921.

The U.S. Senate is afforded the same censure privileges. Like those of the House, Senate censures are passed on a simple majority vote and involve the condemned to face their punishment in front of their colleagues.

Only ten Senators have ever been censured, the first being Timothy Pickering, a Federalist from Massachusetts, in 1811, and the most recent being David Durenberger (R-MN) in 1990. Our research finds that charges of Senate censures are more severe than those of the House. Besides the 1902 incident of Benjamin Tillman (DSC) and John McLaurin (D-SC) censured for “fighting on the Senate floor with each other,” most consist of higherprofile charges like abuse of office, improper financial conduct and theft, and leaks to the press of government plans.

The most notable censure of the Senate was that of Joseph McCarthy (RWI) (pictured right) for his refusal to cooperate with a congressional investigation into his conduct as Chair of the Senate Government Operations Committee. His obstruction stemmed from his questionable practices to oust the federal government under President Harry Truman (D-

This column will seek to address the long-forgotten concept of civics and how it relates to American government in general, from the federal level to the local level. This column will explore Constitutional rights, the inner workings of government, the electoral process, and the obligations and privileges of citizens.

MO) of suspected communists. McCarthy maintained this prerogative during the Eisenhower Administration.

The House can also censure members of the judiciary, such as the Supreme Court, the presidential Cabinet, and the president himself. In fact, the first attempted use of censure in the country was against Alexander Hamilton, then-President George Washington’s Treasury secretary. Hamilton was accused by Congressman William Giles of mishandling two congressionally authorized loans.

Andrew Jackson (D-TN) is the only president to have been censured, although it was later expunged from records. Donald Trump faced several censure attempts between 2017 and 2020, although all failed.

Expulsion: The same clause of the Constitution that empowers Congress to censure its members empowers it to expel its own member. The rare form of discipline has only been used a handful of times. However, a twothirds vote of the House is required, as opposed to a censure’s simple majority.

House members looking to expel a colleague must sponsor a resolution and refer it to the House Ethics Committee, where an investigation ensures. Committee members vote to recommend an expulsion based on the findings.

Only twenty-one members of Congress have been expelled, fifteen from the Senate and six from the House. Of those, seventeen, all Democrats, were expelled for supporting the Confederacy in 1861 and 1862.

The first expulsion was that of William Blount, a Democratic-Republican Senator from Tennessee, who in 1797 was expelled from the Senate in a 25-1 vote on allegations of treason and conspiracy to incite an Indian rebellion to help the British conquer West Florida.

Congress wouldn’t see an expulsion from 1862 until 1980, when Congressman Michael Myers (D-PA) was convicted on bribery charges in connection with the Abscam scandal. 2002 would see the expulsion of James Traficant (D-OH) for bribery, racketeering, and tax evasion.

Then, perhaps the most famous expulsion in history, that of George Santos (R-Queens) (pictured right), one of four Long Island Republicans who helped constitute a GOP majority in 2022. His 311-114 vote was sufficient to expel him nearly one year into his term, although some objected to his expulsion being the only one to materialize without a conviction.

American Party - were investigated for various quid pro quo land deals. Had Congressman Cory Mills (R-FL) resigned, it would have been the all-time record. Mills has stated his intent to remain in his seat and fight the sexual misconduct allegations.

For Sheila Cherfilus McCormick (D-FL), she resigned just minutes before a hearing on her expulsion was set to commence. She is charged with funneling FEMA funds to her campaign fund, among other charges, which amount to fifty-three years in prison.

For Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales, the threat of expulsion was not far off for them. They both resigned before official proceedings could take place.

What’s usually a historical rarity has ostensibly become more commonplace in the modern political era.

Executive Branch

The most common form of discipline against a president is impeachment, requiring a simple majority vote of the House to formally charge - impeach - the president a two-thirds majority of the Senate to convict and remove the president from office, after a trial has commenced. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presides over the case.

Like a courtroom, members of the House act as prosecutors, and the president, like any defendant, has the right to legal counsel.

CreditMatt Meduri

This privilege, bestowed upon Congress by Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution, applies to the president, vice president, federal judges, and civil officers of the United States, such as Cabinet members.

Unlike a typical court proceeding, there is no appeal process for a Senate conviction, and the president cannot pardon someone convicted in an impeachment trial.

Impeachment proceedings are rare enough at the presidential level, but the two of Trump’s have lived in recent memory. To date, he’s the only president who’s been impeached more than once. Despite many attempts, almost every modern president has faced them, only three have been officially impeached: Andrew Johnson (D-TN) who was charged with violating the Tenure of Office Act and survived the Senate trial by just one vote in 1868, Bill Clinton (D-AR), and Trump.

The Senate hasn’t expelled a member since 1862. The most recent motion was for that of Senator John Ensign (R-NV) in 2011 over financial and martial scandals. Ensign resigned before the vote.

Procedural Punishment: Besides censures and expulsions, members of Congress can be reprimanded, a formal vote of disapproval, yet not as severe a censure, be removed from committee posts, or see certain privileges suspended.

How is This Current?

As we said at the start, last week saw three resignations from the House, the most in history going back to February 27 and 28, 1857. Three representatives, William A. Gilbert (R-NY), Orasmus B. Matteson (R-NY), and Francis Smith Edwards - of the

Richard Nixon (R-CA) resigned in 1974 before he could be impeached by the House, a move that seemed all but certain, as did a guilty verdict in the Senate. James Buchanan (D-PA) and Joe Biden (D-DE) were investigated but never impeached. Thomas Jefferson and John Tyler saw their impeachment inquiries downvoted by the House, while Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Hoover, Truman, Lyndon Johnson, Reagan, H. W. Bush, and W. Bush had inquiries proposed but never saw a House vote.

Cabinet member impeachments are ever rarer, with only two in history. Secretary of War William Belknap (RIA) was impeached in 1876 for receiving kickbacks from a military trading post contract. He resigned before the House vote, but the vote was still conducted. The Senate later acquitted him.

The other is Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas (D-CA), who was impeached in a razor-thin 214-213 vote in 2024 over his handling of the southern border. The Senate dismissed the accusations as the impeachment articles did not comply with the Constitution.

Senior Citizen Boutique Coming to Maria Regina’s

By Madison Warren

Voices For Seniors, a local Long Island nonprofit founded during the COVID-19 Pandemic, has made it its mission to improve the lives of senior citizens throughout the community.

Through advocacy for stronger legislation, public education, and ongoing support for older adults and their families, the organization continues to expand its impact. Now, they are preparing to launch a new initiative: a senior-citizen boutique at Maria Regina Nursing Home.

The boutique will be a free, oneday pop-up event on May 2, giving residents of Maria Regina Nursing Home the opportunity to browse and shop donated items at no cost. The goal is to provide residents with a sense of normalcy and independence that can often be missing after transitioning into a nursing home setting.

“For so many residents, especially those without active family involvement, even the smallest choices have been taken away,” said Tracey Alvino, Director of Voices For Seniors. “This boutique gives them something powerful back: the ability to choose for themselves. It’s not just about items. It’s about dignity.”

Alvino told The Messenger that

donations for the event have been overwhelming, with support pouring in from the local community and beyond. She said the idea for the boutique grew out of the success of the organization’s “Operation Christmas Senior” initiative.

Through that program, Voices For Seniors collects donations such as clothing, snacks, and hobby items, then distributes them to senior citizens who may have limited family involvement or simply need extra love and support during the holiday season.

Alvino said the feedback from that initiative was incredible. She shared that the organization received letters from nursing home staff explaining that the new clothing and gifts some residents received had a meaningful impact, helping uplift their spirits and making them more social and confident in their everyday lives.

But the organization wants senior citizens to know its support extends far beyond the holiday season and continues year-round. In addition to the boutique, which organizers hope to expand to nursing homes across Long Island, Voices For Seniors also runs the “Ansiano Project,” an initiative that allows nursing home

residents and staff to reach out at any time if they or someone they know is in need of clothing, shoes, or other everyday essentials.

All 185 residents of Maria Regina Nursing Home are invited to attend and shop for whatever items they would like at the boutique. Community organizations such as EJ’s PJ’s have also joined the effort, donating pajamas and other items to help stock the pop-up shop.

“This is how we show our seniors they are not forgotten,” said Vivian Zayas, Co-founder of Voices For Seniors. “Every donation becomes a moment of joy for someone who truly needs it.”

Still, the fight for advocacy is far from finished. Alvino said the group continues to push for greater accountability regarding what many seniors experience. The organization is actively working on legislative efforts at both the federal and state levels, including supporting a bill currently in Congress and advocating for “Granny Cam” legislation in New York. Members of the group were in Albany this week, meeting with lawmakers to lobby for the proposal and continue pressing for stronger protections for seniors.

But as Voices For Seniors continues to grow, members say their mission remains simple: to ensure senior citizens feel valued, supported, and never forgotten. Through advocacy, community outreach, and initiatives such as the boutique and the Ansiano Project, the organization hopes to bring dignity, comfort, and connection to older adults across Long Island.

The very first pop-up shop will be located at Maria Regina Nursing Home in Brentwood, May 2nd, from 12:00p.m. to 3:00p.m. If you would like to learn more, head to www. voicesforseniors.org.

First Responders Lacrosse Clinic Hosted by Miller & Caggiano

More than 200 eager young lacrosse players attended the Fourth Annual First Responders Youth Lacrosse Clinic, hosted at the East Islip Football Stadium. Cosponsored by Miller & Caggiano, LLP, Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport), and Assemblyman Jarrett Gandolfo (R-Sayville), the afternoon offered training in fundamentals for kindergarten through twelfth-grade boys and girls.

Acting as instructors were nearly three dozen lacrosse players from teams that included Fed LAX, SCPD Lacrosse, NYPD Lacrosse, Secret Service Lacrosse, MTAPD Lacrosse, FDNY Lacrosse, NYPD Lacrosse, Suffolk County Women’s Lacrosse and Boldest Lacrosse.

“We’re proud to be working on this clinic with Congressman Andrew Garbarino and Assemblyman Jarrett Gandolfo,” said Attorney Jacob Bloom Esq. of Miller & Caggiano, LLC. “We have so many young lacrosse players out here today and are happy to support them and the first responders, who are volunteering their time.”

The event has everything from experienced young players to those who were picking up a stick for the first time. Players were divided by age and sex and players worked on the fundamentals of passing, battling over the ball and even endurance.

“We delighted to be out here with the kids and interacting with the community and have a little fun,” said Larry Falkman of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Lacrosse team. “This is a popular clinic, and we’re glad we could be a part of it.

Throughout the season, various first responder teams play in tournaments, charities and other activities, mostly to raise money for causes that include helping the family of fallen first responders.

“I really think this is our biggest clinic yet,” says Gandolfo. “At the end of the day, it is always a great event. We really want to thank Miller & Caggiano for their financial and other support to make this happen. Of course, we want to thank the first responders for donating their time to make this a success.”

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By Matt Meduri

Budget Hits One Month into Overtime

The record-setting $260 billion budget continues to see negotiations over key issues and as Governor Kathy Hochul (D-Hamburg) attempts to take the reins as progressive Democrats put their loyalists in place.

Albany has now blown past the April 1 deadline to the tune of exactly one month this Friday, and some lawmakers believe there’s still no end in sight.

While Tier 5 and 6 pension plans still hang in the balance, State Aid to school districts is also delayed, unfolding at an inconvenient time when districts are putting their budgets together to be put out to the public for a vote.

“Our school board members do a great job and they’re trying to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, but without the numbers from Albany, it makes it impossible to craft those budgets and put them out to public referendum,” Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook), a former math teacher and Ranking Member on the Assembly Education Committee, told The Messenger. “That’s a real problem that the Governor needs to address.”

Assemblyman Mike Durso (R-Massapequa Park), (pictured right) said that with all he and his colleagues have been hearing, the majority party is “nowhere close” to finalizing the negotiations.

“I think this is a further indictment that one-party rule doesn’t work. When you have the same party in the Governor, the Senate majority, and the Assembly majority and they can’t agree on something, there’s a bigger problem,” Durso told The Messenger “Democratic rule throughout all these years has shown that they can’t get a budget done on time. New Yorkers are paying for it out of pocket.”

Energy mandates also remain contentious, as Hochul has attempted to backtrack some of the deadlines in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), even at the behest of all Republicans in the Legislature, and even some moderate Democrats. However, stalwarts for New York’s “Green New Deal” are not seeing the forest for the trees, Smith says.

“These unrealistic mandates are not only costing the residents of New York State, but they just make no sense. We aren’t generating enough electricity to meet the mandates. We really need to rely on the free market to move us toward that. It’s not working.”

Smith said that he is optimistic the Governor will remain firm in her stance.

“The Assembly Republican Conference motto has always been, ‘we told you so,’” said Smith (pictured right) of the climate mandates. “Unfortunately, this is one time that we’re not happy to say that we were right, and they should have taken pause and taken more input from the private sector and we wouldn’t be in this position.”

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria) looms in the background of these negotiations, as he hopes to secure some key platform wins for his constituents, while Hochul attempts to appease all sides of the political aisle in hopes of securing reelection this November. Her eleventh-hour push to tax secondary luxury homes is being panned by many on the right, while Mamdani is effectively taking it as a consolation prize in lieu of some of his more ambitious taxation plans.

“I think some of these progressive, socialist policies might end up in the final budget, and I wish that my Democratic colleagues were more afraid of the people they represent than they are of the far left,” said Smith.

“Long Island and Upstate always get the short end of the stick when it comes to funding, and Mayor Mamdani is following suit with every other mayor,” said Durso. “They’re spending money and New York State’s got to bail them out for the things that they have caused once again. When you talk about new taxes that are just going to be expected to be paid by the hard-working people of New York, it’s a problem.”

“I think Hochul is throwing Mamdani a bone because she knows raising taxes is really a nonstarter among most New Yorkers,” Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo (R-Sayville) (pictured left) told The Messenger. “I don’t think it’s going to be the answer to all their prayers for a windfall of money.”

Gandolfo says that Albany should be focused on the nuts-and-bolts issues that government is classically expected to represent.

“We’ve passed six extenders now, which is a little ridiculous. We need affordability, public safety reforms. Hopefully, when we see a final budget document, there’s some common sense in there.”

Gandolfo added that Tier 5 and 6 negotiations consist of “lots of moving parts” primarily between the Governor and the unions, rather than the Assembly and Senate leaders.

“I think we have shared experiences, shared trauma,” said Smith of a younger generation looking to galvanize the ballot box. “Growing up in a post9/11 world, living through the pandemic, trying to buy a home, raise a family, start a business here on Long Island. It just sheds a different type of experience. We have a certain grit that other generations haven’t had to combat.”

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D-Port Jefferson) says a big sticking point is auto insurance, a point on which Smith is not as optimistic the Governor will get her way.

“I haven’t spoken with a single representative who is opposed to lowering rates. What we’re working to accomplish is lowering rates without opening up New Yorkers to new liabilities if they find themselves involved in an accident,” Kassay told The Messenger “The only thing worse than a late budget is a budget that doesn’t deliver what our constituents need.”

Kassay is requesting $330,000, which is matchable with federal funds, to fund the nurse training program at the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook to support “quality care for those who served while also helping to grow our healthcare workforce.”

“I am grateful that this has been included in the Assembly’s one-house budget,” said Kassay (pictured bottom left), adding her thanks to Assemblyman Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills) for his chairmanship of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee. “We will work to see that this is included in the final budget.”

On energy, Kassay was one of several Democrats to co-sign a letter to the Governor urging her to reconsider deadlines on climate mandates. With the groundbreaking of the NESE natural gas pipeline, Kassay, an environmentalist by trade, said that the pipeline can “provide some traffic relief while making our roads safer.”

“As we continue to diversify our energy sources with clean wind and solar and build towards energy independence, I am committed to keeping the lights on in New York and delivering relief from the unacceptably high utility costs that are adding to our affordability crisis.”

Theatre & the Arts

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Theatre Three’s ‘The 27th Annual Festival of One-Act Plays’ Thrills Audiences!

By Cindi Sansone-Braff

How awe-inspiring is it to have a one-act theater festival that accepts play submissions from around the globe right here on Long Island?

This highly anticipated theatrical event began in 1998 at Port Jefferson’s iconic Theatre Three. Since then, this wellrespected festival has received more than 13,000 submissions and produced more than 140 world premieres by more than 100 playwrights.

Saturday afternoon’s packed house drew an enthusiastic audience, including three of the selected playwrights: Jacquel R. Tomlin, Dave Huber, and Mike McGeever, who traveled from their faraway home states to see their plays fully staged.

This year’s festival showcases eight exceptional short plays, selected from a whopping 762 submissions. Staged in the intimate Ronald F. Peierls Theatre on Theatre Three’s Second Stage, the festival’s success is largely due to Jeffrey Sanzel, its founder and director. Sanzel is a creative genius who dives deep into each script to reveal the subtext in the dialogue, amplify the themes, and uncover the essence of the characters, all while honoring the playwright’s intent.

The festival opens with Mike McGeever’s well-crafted dramedy “Tortured Poets,” which explores pop culture’s tendency to misinterpret the lives and works of renowned writers and the insecurities many new writers contend with as they struggle with their craft. The play is set in the office of The Tortured Poets Department, the name of Taylor Swift’s 2024 top-selling album. The cast parodied some of the greatest literary giants, including Linda May as Emily Dickinson, Brittany Lacey as Sylvia Plath, Evan Teich as William Shakespeare, David DiMarzo as Edgar Allan Poe, and Andrew Timmins as John Lennon.

May. The talented Haley Saunders excelled as his loving but troubled daughter, Bri.

The second act opens with David Huber’s thought-provoking “The Diary of Maria,” which takes place outside a high school after a production of “The Diary of Anne Frank.” This timely two-hander features one of my favorite One-Act Festival veterans, Douglas J. Quattrock, as Mr. Harris, a well-meaning but riskaverse drama teacher. Angie Barrientos Gómez gave a moving performance as Maria, a high school student whose whole life falls apart through no fault of her own.

Jacquel R. Tomlin’s hilarious “Out of the Closet” proves she is a playwright with a great ear for comedic dialogue that rings painfully true. This show features three generations of highstrung women with tons of emotional baggage that surfaces during the holidays in a big way in a small space. Saunders as Shelly, Sari Feldman as Beverly, and Phyllis March as Vye displayed great onstage chemistry and strong comedic timing.

Ke’Ashma Simpkins, making her festival debut, gave a stellar performance as Julia, a young accountant and aspiring poet.

Playwright Barbara Kimmel’s short play, “Reconstruction,” based on her own life experiences, packs quite a punch, proving that when it rains, it pours.

Jules Greaves delivered a memorable performance as a woman grappling with a breast cancer recurrence while also dealing with costly home repairs. One-Act Festival veterans Antoine Jones as the doctor and Steven Uihlein as the repairman were outstanding in their roles, as was Brian McCready as the empathetic husband.

Jason Furnari was perfectly cast as Dev, a fast-thinking art gallery director in Rex McGregor’s cleverly written satire, “Stuck Fast.” Dev is forced to deal with an angry eco-protester, played by Simpkins, a versatile actor who delivers a nuanced performance as a young woman hell-bent on saving the planet, no matter who it hurts or what it takes!

Closing the first act is Vince Gatton’s “A Grove, Again,” a poignant family drama centered on a tragic event that altered the course of their lives. Steve Ayle delivered a heartrending performance as a man with a traumatic brain injury, comforted by his loving wife, Lyn, portrayed brilliantly by

CreditSteven

The verbal gymnastics in the cleverly written absurdist comedy “The Dry Cleaners” by Philip Hall showcased the talents of Teich and Lacey. The duo’s rapid-fire dialogue, filled with tonguetwisters and delivered with machinegun precision, stunned the audience, leaving them bursting with laughter and erupting in spontaneous applause.

The festival closes on a whimsical note with the entire cast performing in Brad White’s charming fantasy “The Last Living Quimbly.” The show takes place in a small town facing a depressing economic downturn. Due to an unusual discovery, the residents take a giant leap of faith, where you’ve just got to believe to see it. Ted Moriates’ awardworthy performance as Mayor Carson, the voice of reason; March’s captivating performance as the kindhearted Mrs. Finkle; McCready’s hilarious portrayal of the bumbling Officer Henderson; and Jones’ remarkable depiction of the eccentric Professor Winslow made this show a standout. Whatever you do, please don’t forget to pick up your “Official Quimbly Fur” on your way out, a smile-inducing souvenir from Theatre Three’s The 27th Annual Festival of OneAct Play.

Running through May 9, 2026, at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage of Theatre Three, these eight cutting-edge premieres are guaranteed to entertain, engage, and enthrall you!

Seating is limited, so be sure to order your tickets now by visiting their website at: TheatreThree.com/festivalschedule/, or by calling the Box Office at 631-928-9100.

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an awardwinning playwright. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Connecticut and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of “Grant Me a Higher Love,” “Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships,” and “Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic.” Her full-length Music Drama, “Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music,” is published by Next Stage Press.

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Third Trump Assassination Attempt – Left Must Acknowledge Its Violence Problem

By Shane Harris | Editor-in-Chief of AMAC Newsline

President Donald Trump was the target of yet another assassination attempt this weekend, this time during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. Details are still coming in, but what does seem clear now more than ever is that Trump Derangement Syndrome is no longer just a joke or online meme. It is a very real psychological sickness driven by a left-wing cult of violence that is tearing at the seams of American society.

Video of the terrifying moment during the event at the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., shows the President speaking with someone on stage when muffled shots are heard in the background. Secret Service then quickly rushed Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other highprofile cabinet members out of the room.

Trump later posted on Truth Social that a “shooter has been apprehended” and applauded Secret Service and law enforcement officers for acting “quickly and bravely.” He also briefly spoke to members of the press from the White House Press Briefing Room podium to update them on the situation.

There have been no reported fatalities or serious injuries from the incident. One law enforcement officer was reportedly hit in his bulletproof vest.

The alleged shooter has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California. Allen, allegedly a substitute teacher who recently won “Teacher of the Month” in Los Angeles County, had a shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives as he unsuccessfully attempted to rush through a Secret Service checkpoint before being apprehended. An unknown number of shots were fired.

Over the next few days and weeks, expect plenty of back-and-forth debate online about Allen’s political leanings and past statements. Liberals are already claiming with zero evidence that the whole thing was a hoax (just as they have with past Trump assassination attempts) while simultaneously claiming that Allen is actually a radical right-winger. Conservatives (with substantially more evidence, including the fact that Allen reportedly donated to Kamala Harris), are pegging him as yet another left-wing terrorist.

But Allen’s personal politics shouldn’t be the main focus here. His actions reveal a deep and sinister undercurrent of violence in our culture directed at President Trump –and all of his supporters – that keeps showing up over and over. On that front, there is no question that the broader liberal establishment, and particularly the corporate media, are responsible.

Americans won’t need to be reminded of the nearmiss assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 2022. That shooting killed two people in the crowd behind Trump and critically injured two others. Then there was the second major assassination attempt in Florida, when another would-be killer was captured with a rifle at Trump International Golf Club.

But while those incidents dominated the headlines for several weeks, they weren’t the only ones. Back in 2016, a British national attempted to grab a police officer’s firearm at a Trump rally in Las Vegas, later telling authorities that he wanted to shoot him. In 2017, another deranged individual tried to flip Trump’s presidential motorcade with a forklift in North Dakota. In 2020, a French-Canadian citizen mailed Trump a package containing deadly ricin poison. In July 2024, a Pakistani national was arrested for partaking in a murder-for-hire scheme to take out Trump. And just this past February, Secret Service killed an individual who brought a shotgun and a gas canister to Mar-a-Lago.

There’s also the broader context of violence against conservatives – most notably the assassination of Charlie Kirk last year. Many other conservative influencers face death threats almost daily and have had their addresses and personal details posted online. Left-wing influencers like Hasan Piker openly call for death to conservatives.

Liberals can deflect all they want, but the reality is that it seems as if it is primarily right-wing figures who are facing down such violence – strongly suggesting that it is the left

that has a violence problem, not the right. Joe Biden was notoriously unpopular, but he never had a bullet graze his ear, and we never heard stories about lunatics storming events he was attending to try to murder him.

There will be plenty to analyze as more details emerge about Allen and what motivated him to commit this seemingly insane act that had virtually no chance of success. But this shocking story has already reinforced the disastrous consequences of the left-wing cult of violence –and that it must stop before more people end up dead.

Overview - AMAC -

The Association of Mature American Citizens

The Association of Mature American Citizens represents Americans 50 plus. AMAC is centered on American values, freedom of the individual, free speech, and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family, with benefits at all levels.

AMAC plays a vital role in helping build the services that will enrich the lives of America’s seniors. AMAC Action, a 501 (C)(4) advocates for issues important to AMAC’s membership on Capitol Hill and locally through grassroots activism. To Learn more, visit amac.us

SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Single shows on sale May 18. OUR 2026-27 SEASON

WORD OF THE Week

Etymology:

c.1600, originates from the Latin obstreperus, meaning “clamorous, noisy.”

OBSTREPEROUS

adjective

Pronounced: /uhb·streh·pr·uhs/ Definition: stubbornly resistant to control, unruly, and loudly disruptive.

Example:

“The team’s morale sank due to the manager’s obstreperous work ethic.”

Synonyms: clamorous, brazen, defiant

Antonyms: amenable, docile, cooperative

Source: Oxford Languages

WORD WHEEL

S V E H P A U

See how many words you can create. Must have center letter in word and can use letters more than once. 4 letter word minimum.

SUDOKU

See left for the answers (please don’t cheat!)

This Week in History

May 1, 1840:

“Penny Black,” the world’s first adhesive postage stamp is issued by the United Kingdom.

May 4, 1972:

“The Don’t Make A Wave Committee,” a fledgling environmental organization founded in Canada in 1971, officially changes its name to the “Greenpeace Foundation.”

May 6, 2001:

During a trip to Syria, Pope John Paul II becomes the first pope to enter a mosque.

May 5, 1965:

First large-scale U.S. Army ground units arrive in South Vietnam.

April 30, 1952:

Mr. Potato Head is the first toy advertised on television.

Source: Onthisday.com.

May 2, 1949: Arthur Miller wins a Pulitzer Prize for his play “Death of a Salesman.”

May 3, 1960: Musical

“The Fantasticks” by Harvey Schmidt and Tom

opens in Greenwich Village, becomes “the longest-running musical in the universe.”

By PJ Balzer

My wife and I met in a soup kitchen ministry in Bushwick, Brooklyn - right on Starr and Wilson to be exact. A few blocks walk from the well-known Maria Hernandez Park and Knickerbocker Avenue is where we spent our Friday and Saturday, serving, helping, and ministering to the residents and children that lived in that immediate neighborhood.

At that time, 2010-2012, Bushwick was in the midst of a drastic change. People that looked like me were moving in by the dozens. There was a music and art scene starting to arise with trendy restaurants popping up one after another. The predominantly Puerto Rican and Mexican neighborhood was beginning to look more like Williamsburg a few towns over. Williamsburg used to look like Bushwick until it was purposely transformed into Soho. Bushwick, at least that section of it, was being taken over by people who were ushering in change by the day. We’ve since given this type of movement other names, but it’s best known as “gentrification.”

Where Do We Go Now?

Back then, I personally thought gentrification was the coolest and hippest thing ever. The inner city was getting a refacing of new stores and new apartments. Colorful art and graffiti were popping up on every wall. The outside music scene was thriving in summer months. Landlords, of course, were updating all of their buildings. They were building new and aesthetic structures to go with the new crowd that was flooding in. There were noticeably a lot of building upwards because the “new crowd” liked a view of the Manhattan skyline.

With that change came skyrocketing rent prices. The people being moved in were easily able to pay them. Apartments that were once $1,000 a month were now going for over $2,000. People behind the scenes started making money hand-over-fist, but that’s the whole point, isn’t it?

Next to the soup kitchen we were volunteering at lived a widow well into her eighties. She was nearly homebound and very seldomly ventured outside by herself. We used to take turns bringing her a plate of food after we served the rest of our guests who came in to eat. She gladly received it and always asked if we had carrot cake for dessert. The leader of the ministry often made sure we had carrot cake to give her.

One day she said to me, “They are harassing me for months now to leave this apartment. But where am I going to go? They offered me money to leave and move to the South Bronx. This was my family’s apartment and all that I’ve known.”

Her apartment was rent-controlled and had been in her family for years. She was offered a lump sum of money to leave immediately. When she expressed that she didn’t want to leave her home and couldn’t afford to live on what she was being offered, the pushing and prodding started. “Get this old lady out at any cost,” was the sentiment towards her and the rest of the residents in her building. These apartments could be rented for at least double what

they currently are. That was the point of getting her out.

The more I sat and got to know the people we were there to serve, the more similar stories I heard. People were being pushed out of where they grew up and lived for generations. People who loved Bushwick loved their neighbors and neighborhood. I began to realize personally that the gentrification I thought was hip, trendy, and cool came with a strong undertone of power and resources that was literally dragging innocent people out to sea. People who are drowning usually kick, scream, and tread water first.

Everything in life has a cost and often there are helpless people behind the scenes paying it, maybe not paying with the resources that others desire, but paying with their dignity, their respect, personal peace, and their sense of community and stability.

May God’s strength always protect those that are too weak to protect themselves.

PROTECTING THOSE WHO PROTECT YOU

LOUIS CIVELLO, PRESIDENT

The Spallina’s Where Lacrosse Runs in the Family

By Ashley Pavlakis

Another day, another article about lacrosse. As I’ve discussed previously, the women’s lacrosse pipeline on Long Island runs deep. The Spallina family has had plenty to celebrate in 2026 in the world of lacrosse.

The Spallina family fully embodies what it means to play and coach lacrosse. Hailing from Mt. Sinai, the Spallina’s legacy in lacrosse spans from Long Island, all the way to Syracuse and Clemson. Joe and Mary Beth have four children who play lacrosse at the Division I level. Alexa [attack ‘29] plays for the Clemson Tigers, Joey [attack ‘26], Brett [midfield ‘27], and Jake [defense ‘27] play for the Syracuse Orange. The fifth, Olivia, plays youth lacrosse.

Joe Spallina coaches the women’s Division I lacrosse team at Stony Brook University and is currently in his fifteenth season at the helm. In those 15 years, he’s turned the program into a powerhouse. Spallina has coached plenty of Long Island natives like Kylie Ohlmiller, Ally Kennedy, and Ellie Masera, just to name a few.

Coach Spallina has racked up quite the resume during his tenure as the Seawolves head coach. He’s won coach of the year 10 times - that alone should tell you something. In February, Spallina notched his 300th career win, making him the winningest coach in program history.

Collegiate lacrosse is no joke, and the culture Spallina has cultivated at Stony Brook is top tier. Spallina has produced 15 Tewaaraton nominees, 24 IWLCA All-Americans, 11 conference championships, and 12 NCAA tournament berths with 4 quarterfinal appearances.

Joey Spallina, the oldest sibling, committed to Syracuse in 2020 as the number one

recruit [‘22] in his class. The commitment was only the beginning of what was to come for 22 in orange. Spallina scored 501 points in high school for Mt. Sinai, which currently stands as the all-time record for varsity lacrosse on Long Island. At Syracuse, he amassed 313 points in 66 games played. Spallina is the all-time career points leader for the Orange. Joey was drafted third overall in the 2026 Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) Draft to the Maryland Whipsnakes.

Alexa Spallina, the fourth oldest, committed to Clemson in 2024. Like her brother, she was the number one recruit in her class. Spallina is a 3x USA lacrosse All-American, 2x All-Long Island, and a 3x All Suffolk County winner. Spallina has her whole collegiate career ahead of her but has made the most of her freshman season. The attacker has notched 101 points in her first season for the Tigers. She’s the only Spallina sibling to amass the feat of scoring 100 points in a single season.

The stat ties her for fourth all-time in career scoring for Clemson. Joey scored 68 points as a freshman, with his highest single season point total being 90.

Joe’s fifth-ranked Seawolves are 14-2-0 with one game remaining before the playoffs begin. Alexa’s twelfth-ranked Tigers are 14-4-0, and Joey and the twins are 11-3-0 with the fourthranked Orange. The Spallina family is in for a fun ride come playoff time. Stony Brook and Clemson are chasing their programs’ first National Title in the women’s game, while Syracuse is looking for their first since 2010 on the men’s side. Regardless of the outcomes, Long Island is proud of the Spallina family for all they’ve accomplished!

Ward Melville Boys Badminton: Hungry for

By Ashley Pavlakis

Badminton was always the most fun lesson during gym class, where we got to play for an entire week.

I imagine the Patriots find the sport fun as well, considering their strong 2026 season.

The Ward Melville boys’ varsity badminton team is a member of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and competes in League I. The boys are led by eighth-year head coach Brian O’Shaughnessy, who is joined by assistant coach Allie Kennedy. The Patriots boast a 10-0-0 record, leaving them as one of two teams to remain undefeated this season.

“We have a very senior-heavy and experienced group, and a few of our players are some of my volleyball boys in the fall. Their volleyball skills translate to badminton very well. The other seniors, mainly our singles players, have just fallen in love with the game and have played year-round versus one another in a local gym,” O’Shaughnessy told The Messenger. “They’re intelligent players and have a high competitive drive. They’ve done well figuring out how to win, where in the past they would just fail at trying to take the easy way out. They like to compete and like the challenge of winning. They push each other in practice, and it just helps make us stronger and stronger. Pretty much iron sharpening iron.”

The Patriots are hot this season, winning all ten of their matches so far. Varsity badminton uses rally scoring, which is said to make the match quicker and more exciting. The highest win total scored by Ward Melville was 9-0, which they did twice in backto-back outings.

“Our girls’ team has had a lot of success in the past, not so much on the boys’ side. The program has existed for nine years, and we’re a perennial playoff team; we just haven’t made the next level jump. Typically, we’ve been anywhere from a 5-7 seed,” said O’Shaughnessy.

The Section XI Badminton playoffs begin May 7,

More

with the top six teams hunting for the right to keep their season going. The Patriots want to make it to the tournament and go all the way.

“To win a championship, we have to be able to beat the teams that have historically had success: Miller Place, Commack, and Half Hollow Hills. Hills have dominated for a while now. We see them in the last game of the season, and they’re undefeated as well. So hopefully with how things have gone and how hungry we’ve become, we can win a big game when it matters,” said O’Shaughnessy.

Having the experience is one thing, but the mental aspect is another. Ward Melville has been working on their mental game to coincide with the physical game.

“The mindset I want our boys to carry into the playoffs is to be active and not reactive when they’re playing. Pushing their style of play and making their opponent have to adjust to them rather than us having to be reactionary and play from behind. If our boys can bully their opponents on the court, then it puts us in a very good position to be successful,” said O’Shaughnessy.

Floyd Tops South Fork for Senior Night

By PJ Balzer

The William Floyd boys’ varsity lacrosse team fought out a tough game against South Fork this past week. The Colonials’ perseverance led them to pull out a 12-8 win to also top off a special celebration of senior night.

The first quarter of this match started out in overdrive as the Colonials scored two quick goals. South Fork answered back with a few shots that reached the back of the net as well. The score was 4-3 at the end of the first quarter with the Colonials on top.

The Colonials’ defense was on top of their game in the second quarter and certainly made the difference. They held the South Fork attack to only one goal while Floyd’s offense continued to do their job. The second half of the game was dominated by the Colonials’

attack as a barrage of goals were scored by multiple different players in green and white.

The Colonials offense was led by Marc Pluchino who had a game-high total of four goals and three assists. PJ Gilhauley followed behind his teammate with two goals and one assist. Matt Taiani, Ryan Murtha, Matt Filosa, Jack Meyer, and Brett Pitkanen all added at least one goal and assist to the board.

The Colonials goalkeeper, Matt Shaw, had an impressive 20 stops in the win.

Floyd improved their overall record to 6-4 and their Division I record to 4-4. They continue to seek out a spot in the playoffs this week at they’ll play at Huntington in another Division one battle. Best of luck to Coach Desmond Megna and the Colonials!

Brentwood Softball Cuts Ribbon and Gets the ‘W’

By PJ Balzer

What a perfect day for a softball game and even more so on a brand-new softball field. This past Tuesday afternoon, the Brentwood varsity softball team hosted neighboring Central Islip for the first time on their new field.

After much hard work, perseverance and patience from the district and many faithful community members and groups, the Brentwood community came out to see their girls’ softball team in action after cutting the ribbon and stepping onto a brand-new field. The lady Spartans didn’t disappoint their home crowd one bit.

Stepping up to the plate in a big way was Jerelin Bello. She went 3 for 3 with a double and 2 RBIs to lead Brentwood. Neidi Santiago added a clutch and momentum shifting hit and Janiyah Torres contributed a hit that drove in crucial run. Other key contributors were Kaylee Bonilla and Mia Neris who both added to the Spartans scoring attack.

Brentwood also had an extremely strong showing on the pitcher’s mound from Janiyah Torres who pitched the full game while also striking out seven batters to get Brentwood the win by a score of 5-4.

Brentwood is a community that exemplifies pride, hard work and perseverance. All three were certainly on full display today. Best of luck on your new field, Brentwood!

SENATOR ALEXIS WEIK, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH STONY BROOK CANCER CENTER AND STONY BROOK MEDICINE, INVITES YOU TO A MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY VAN

The custom-designed 40-foot van offers state-of-the-art 3D digital mammograms.

Screenings are performed by NYS-registered radiologic technologists with advanced training in mammography. The van has a comfortable waiting area, private dressing room and a complete exam room.

Where: Connetquot Public Library

SENATOR ALEXIS WEIK, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH STONY BROOK CANCER CENTER AND STONY BROOK MEDICINE, INVITES YOU

760 Ocean Ave, Bohemia, NY 11716

When: Friday, May 8, 2026

9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

To schedule an appointment,

ELIGIBILITY:

• Must be female and 40 years of age or older.

• No mammograms in the past year.

• Not pregnant or breastfeeding.

• No implants or breast issues, such as a lump or nipple discharge.

• Never diagnosed with breast cancer.

TO A MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY VAN

• Office visit within the past year with a gynecologist, primary care physician or internist who is willing to accept the results of the screening.