Smithtown Messenger Mar. 5, 2026

Where To Find Us

Tierney Nabs BurglaryCarjacking Ring

By Matt Meduri

A seventeen-day crime spree last summer resulted in a thirty-eight-count indictment against nine defendants, who are alleged to have organized an armed robbery, burglary, home invasion, and carjacking ring.

The criminal conspiracy was uncovered by a wide cast of law enforcement bodies, including the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office Gang Task Force, the Suffolk P.D., the Suffolk Sheriff’s office, State Police, NYPD, and the Nassau P.D., as well as municipal law enforcement across Long Island and the Lower Hudson Valley.

The investigation consisted of hunting patterns between burglaries, stolen vehicles, and armed robberies. Thirty search warrants later, the enterprise was found to have operated primarily within Suffolk County. The nine defendants are alleged to have broken into eight auto-body shops and two residences, committed three armed robberies, stole multiple vehicles, and were in possession of multiple handguns. Cash, vehicles, and license plates, the last of which were used to swap with other vehicles to evade detection by law enforcement, are alleged to have been stolen.

Continued on page 5

Smithtown Unveils Smart Pass for Parks

By Matt Meduri

The initiative has several goals, including reducing spending, increasing revenues, streamlining the process, and making it easier for Town residents to access parks and charging non-Town residents accordingly.

on page 10

The new digital parking system comes with security, convenience, and modernization features, according to the Town. If the legislation is passed, residents will be able to register their vehicles with their license plates or by visiting the office of Town Clerk Tom McCarthy (R-Smithtown). The Town adds that the new system will cut the absolute requirement to appear at Town Hall, reducing waiting on lines, but retaining the old system for those who prefer it.

WINTER EVENTS

Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute at the Paramount Huntington

March 5, 8:00 PM

Stand Up Comedy Show at Po’Boy Brewery, Port Jefferson Station

March 7, 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM

March Market at Bayport United Methodist Church, Bayport

March 7, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

NY Blood Drive at Christ Lutheran Church, 117 Carleton Ave, Islip Terrace

March 9, 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Comedy Night Fundraiser

Presented by The Long Island Limousine Association at The Hamlet Wind Watch Golf & Country Club, Hauppauge

March 12, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Rhythm of the Dance at Staller Center for the Arts, Stony Brook

March 14, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Station Paddy’s Day at Station Yards, Ronkonkoma

March 14, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

2026 Annual Spiritual Awareness & Charity Event at Stonebridge Country Club, Smithtown

March 14, 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Polish American Independent Club, Port Jefferson Station

March 15, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Sunday Funday: Ssssensational Ssssnakes at Sweetbriar Nature Center, Smithtown

March 15, 1:00 PM

Jigs on the Sound at Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company, Port Jefferson

March 19, 6:45 PM to 9:30 PM

Hauppauge Spring Craft Fair at Hauppauge High School

March 21, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Conveniently

WHERE TO FIND OUR PAPER

COMMACK

Bagel Chalet

Bagel Toasterie (Mayfair Shopping Center)

Candlelight Diner

HAUPPAUGE

Hauppauge Palace • Shop Rite (Smithtown Bypass)

KINGS PARK

3 Sons Deli • Bagel City Company Kings Park Card Shop

Kings Park Manor • Linda’s Pizza

LIRR Kings Park Train Station Park Bakery • Raleigh Poultry Farm

LAKE GROVE

Lake Grove Village Hall

RONKONKOMA

718 Slice Pizzeria (719 Hawkins Ave)

SMITHTOWN

American Legion

Hot Bagels • LIRR Smithtown Train Station

Maureen’s Kitchen • Millennium Diner

Smithtown Bagels

Smithtown Seniors Center

Smithtown Town Hall Stop & Shop • Sweetwaters

ST. JAMES

50% Cards Store (Lake Avenue)

7 Eleven (356 Lake Avenue) Lake Ave Deli

LIRR St. James Train Station

Smithtown 2026 Seasonal Job Opportunities Across Multiple Departments

The Town of Smithtown is now accepting applications for its 2026 seasonal workforce, offering a wide range of summer employment opportunities across Recreation, Parks, Buildings & Grounds, the Municipal Services Facility, and the Department of Public Safety.

Seasonal positions include scorekeepers, certified lifeguards, park attendants, parks laborers, sanitation helpers, swim instructors, and recreation aides supporting camps, clinics, and other summer programs. These roles provide residents — particularly students and young adults — with valuable work experience while supporting the services that keep Smithtown active, clean, and safe throughout the busy summer months.

At the forefront of this year’s hiring effort is the Town’s pressing need for a Pool Manager at Smithtown Landing Pool. Each summer, the facility serves as a central gathering place for families, swimming lessons, and community programming. From late June through Labor Day, the Pool Manager oversees daily operations with a strong emphasis on safety, staff supervision, facility oversight, and public engagement. The role requires steady leadership, sound judgment, and aquatics experience, as it shapes the overall tone and success of the Town’s busiest recreational site during evenings, weekends, and holidays.

In addition to aquatics leadership, the Recreation Department is also highlighting the opportunity for a Windsurfing Director to guide the Town’s summer waterfront program. This flexible-schedule leadership role involves supervising daily windsurfing instruction, ensuring participant safety and equipment readiness, training instructors, developing engaging lesson plans for all skill levels, and maintaining compliance with safety regulations. The position plays an important part in maintaining the quality and safety of Smithtown’s waterfront programming.

“A summer job with the Town of Smithtown has long been a meaningful rite of passage for our young residents,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park) in a statement. “It’s an opportunity to build a strong résumé, stand out on college applications, and, more importantly, develop real-world skills that prepare them for the next chapter of adulthood. Many of our seasonal employees return year after year — and some even grow into permanent roles serving this community.”

Applicants for most positions must be 16 years of age as of April 1, 2026. Those under 18, if appointed, must provide appropriate working papers in compliance with New York State Labor Laws. While the majority of seasonal openings are within Parks and Recreation, additional opportunities are available at the Municipal Services Facility and within Public Safety.

Residents interested in applying may visit SmithtownNY.gov and navigate to the “Seasonal Job Opportunities” page under the Personnel Department to review available positions and complete the online application process.

For a full list of currently available positions, visit the Town of Smithtown Website at SmithtownNY. gov/514/Seasonal-Job-Opportunities

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Suffolk Board of Elections Unveils New Voting Machines

By Matt Meduri

The Suffolk County Board of Elections (BoE) is making haste to unveil new voting machines ahead of the June 2026 primaries.

The initiative was spearheaded by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) upon his inauguration in 2024, with the goal being to safeguard elections and instill voters’ confidence in results.

The BoE had the new machines on display for the public at the Floyd Memorial Library in Greenport on Tuesday.

The most important aspect of the new machines are the hybrid usage of digital and paper ballots. Voters will consult the machines, and with the old-school privacy curtains making a comeback, they will replace the well-known privacy booths that populate polling places.

Currently, voters check in and receive a slip that corresponds to their electoral district. They then head to another station to receive their ballot. With the new systems, that second trip will be erased. Instead, voters will receive a blank ballot and immediately head to the machine, close the curtain, and insert the ballot into the feeder.

Then, the digital setup takes over. Voters can select their preferred language and tap their selections for each office. Marking too many choices for one office will be a problem of the past, as the machine will not allow candidate thresholds to be exceeded. Additionally, voters can change their preferred language mid-vote, mainly for ease of reading wordy ballot

measures in another tongue.

Accessibility is also key. The voting machines come with physical handsets lined with braille instructions, and the screens can be lowered and angled to accommodate those in wheelchairs. BoE went even further by incorporating mechanisms for paralyzed voters who might control their wheelchairs with their mouths.

Write-in voting is still an option. Voters can select the option and the touchscreen keyboard appears, allowing them to legibly write in their choice for an office.

Once the voter chooses to conclude the process, the machine will inform them of any

slots left blank, which the voter can go back to correct or choose to leave blank and proceed. The blank ballot is then printed to show the voters of their choices. Then, the ballot can be cast, where it is transferred automatically to a lockbox.

The machines are not Internet-accessible and the only ports on it are for verification for the polling place and the Suffolk County BoE. The paper ballots remain in the lockbox as a separate record.

The new machines will be in action for the June primaries and the number of machines per polling place will be scaled to the precinct’s population.

Continued from front cover

Tierney Nabs Burglary-Carjacking Ring

“If you are going to commit crimes either outside of Suffolk County to come in, or based in Suffolk County to go outside, it doesn’t matter, we are going to work with our law enforcement partners to hold you responsible,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney (R) (pictured right). “The breadth and escalation of criminality alleged in such a short period of time in this indictment is staggering.”

The Suffolk D.A.’s office released footage shows the alleged perpetrators driving a stolen BMW M3 from Suffolk to Westchester County on July 19, 2025, where they then broke into three auto-body shops and stole hundreds of dollars in cash and approximately 200 blank checks before returning to Suffolk.

On July 25, 2025, the same ring is alleged to have broken into a Hyde Park auto-body shop and stole a Chevrolet Suburban, which was then used to rob a Poughkeepsie auto-body shop of a safe containing $5,000 in cash, more blank checks, and 48 sets of New York State license plates. The plates were then allegedly sold to those looking to attach to stolen cars to avoid detection by law enforcement.

Footage also shows members of the conspiracy allegedly staged an unsuccessful break-in attempt at a Lamborghini dealership in Nassau County on the drive back from Poughkeepsie. The Suburban was then driven to Melville, where it was recovered.

the defendants allegedly did not know how to drive a manual transmission.

Another alleged crime in Suffolk is that of an Amityville break-in, where cash and a Porsche SUV were stolen, while a separate victim is alleged to have been carjacked at gunpoint in Deer Park outside her house. Additionally, the group allegedly broke into a Bay Shore residence and stole $4,700 in cash while holding the victim at gunpoint. None of the victims were harmed.

“Criminals don’t recognize County lines or State lines,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches). He also called on Governor Kathy Hochul (D-Hamburg) and the State Legislature to “reform our bail laws.” He decried that two of the nine defendants, who were charged with Burglary in the Third Degree, did not have counts high enough to allow bail.

Justin Kenny, 24, of Bohemia. Jones is also alleged to be a member of the Bloods with two prior felony convictions, including attempted murder. Tierney said that his office is not “prepared” to make a public statement on any possible gang affiliations of the defendants.

Jose Ramos, 20, of Bay Shore, and Carlos Benitoz-Montoya, 20, of Bay Shore, face a top count of Robbery in the Second Degree and faces up to fifteen years in prison. Noel Santelises, 21, and Edward Nunez, 28, both of Brooklyn, have been indicted with Burglary in the Third Degree, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.

The indictment also alleges that while in Florida between July 27 and 29, 2025, that the defendants acquired two firearms and stole a Dodge Charger that they drove back to Suffolk, using swapped plates from the Poughkeepsie shop job.

On the way home, they are alleged to have attempted to break into yet another auto-body shop in Arcadia, Florida, before carjacking a BMW sedan. The BMW was abandoned, as

“These defendants allegedly conspired to coordinate and expand the scope of their criminal conduct outside of Suffolk County,” said Tierney. “They believe by traveling across Suffolk County lines and engaging in criminal activity in a number of different jurisdictions that law enforcement could not coordinate their investigations and they would get away with their crimes.”

“We would have liked to have asked for bail, but we could not because the State Legislature has seen it fit to take that out of the hands of prosecutors,” said Tierney.

Romaine (pictured right) added that “crime would drop precipitously” if the bail laws were reformed.

“Without those changes, without this cooperation, we’re not gonna see these bad guys put away - and they are bad guys who need to be put away,” said Romaine.

Five defendants face a top count of Robbery in the First Degree and face a maximum sentence of twenty-five years in prison if convicted: Savion Jones, 22, of Huntington Station; Leny Cruz, 23, of Brooklyn; Harvin Parra, 20, Bay Shore; Robert Salters, 20, of Wyandanch; and

SCPD Should Ticket Left Lane Campers

We’ve spared no expense in expressing our chagrin for seemingly out-to-lunch drivers who insist on driving well below the speed of traffic in the lane solely intended for passing.

Our theory: many drivers are either unconfident behind the wheel or simply bad drivers. They can’t handle the constant action in the right lane with off-ramps and on-ramps, and the middle lane is too chaotic with the constant action on both sides. So, the path of least resistance is, ironically, the one created to ease resistance on the road.

Left lane campers don’t even realize they’re holding up traffic, causing accidents, and simply inflicting agita upon innocent commuters who remain cognizant of their fellow motorists.

Interestingly, New York State has the “Slow Poke Law” on the books. VTL 1120 requires that drivers stay in the right-hand lane, especially if driving below the normal speed of traffic. Violating drivers can catch three points on their license and up to $150 in fines per offense.

But laws are only as good as enforcement.

Therefore, the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) should allocate resources to ticketing these drivers to stop the madness and restore order to our highways. We certainly don’t imply that the SCPD isn’t doing their jobs, as there are, frankly, many more important calls to take than left-lane campers.

But the police cruisers sitting between the medians along the Expressway can easily throw on the lights and hand out some discipline, because not only is the entire Island fed up with it, it seems to be a problem endemic to this country as of late.

With all the great divisions, bureaus, and task forces of local law enforcement, we respectfully suggest there be a body dedicated to enforcing this law that is on the books for a reason.

When the left lane’s passing attribute is considered sacrosanct, traffic moves smoother, lane transitions can happen without having to bob and weave between garden snails and tractor-trailers, and congestion is much less prevalent. Wishful thinking to pine for a congestion-free Long Island altogether, we’re afraid.

And while we’re at it, the metered lights at onramps only add more calculus to what should be a quick and smooth merging process onto highways. The point of the on-ramp is to match the speed of highway traffic to effectuate a smoother merge. Instead, the metered lights, which operate during peak hours, force traffic to stop mere meters away from the merge, requiring cars to floor the pedal to match traveling speeds or nudge their way in at an agonizingly slow pace.

Those lights also back up traffic on the on-ramps and onto the service roads in the mornings, and in heavily congested areas that can back up into the adjoining intersection. Now, gridlock is an added problem.

Again, we are not accusing the SCPD of simply turning a blind eye. With so many people camping the left lane, we understand that enforcement can be a massive undertaking, and people are sure to feel singled out.

But a law is only as good as enforcement.

Get out of the left lane!

Suffolk BoE Strikes a Balance in New Voting Machines

In the modern age, election security is not only one of the most salient issues, but one of the most politically radioactive.

When Donald Trump (R-FL) lost in 2020, Republicans decried it as election fraud, which was never conclusively proven one way or the other. Now, Democrats are opining that the 2024 election was stolen from Kamala Harris (D-CA).

Much of the ire comes down to the machines, and many wish for the “hanging chads” problem of 2000 since paper ballots are, on paper, much harder to fudge than electronic machines.

But the Suffolk County Board of Elections (BoE) has just rolled out an entirely new, state-ofthe-art fleet of machines that marry the past with the future and seek to give all parties what they want.

First, we’re incredibly impressed with the accessibility features. Not only can the machines be angled to accommodate wheelchair-bound voters, but blind and even paralyzed voters can still keep the privacy and sanctity of the ballot box intact. It seems as if the BoE thought of everything in that regard.

The ability to change the display language mid-voting session is also a great touch, as ballot measures, that are often verbose and somewhat confusing, can be displayed in a different language for ease of understanding.

The lengthy and often bitter battles of write-in candidacies are also erased with these machines, as there will be no way to challenge illegible penmanship since the machines will print them just like the other text on the ballot.

The printed ballot also makes this a hybrid system. The voter can see their ballot as they filled it out before it’s cast. The paper ballot is then secured in a lockbox as a backup record to square electronically reported results.

The best part: the machines are not Internetaccessible. This was the greatest cause of concern during the 2020 debacle, as machines that were ostensibly not accessed via the Internet still had those capabilities. And even if there’s no cable plugged into the Ethernet port, it doesn’t necessarily mean the machine is inaccessible wirelessly. The new machines rolled out by BoE don’t even talk to each other, let alone other devices.

We appreciate the balance, nuance, and consideration taken when getting these machines online.

Dishonesty Has a Way of Catching Up with You

You can only fool someone for so long. We’ve all heard the common adage: a lie is immense work to uphold, because the more you lie, the more you have to remember. Eventually, it unravels and the fallout can be toxic.

This type of dishonesty we’re discussing isn’t “little white lies.” Your wife always looks good in the new dress she bought. The home-cooked meal your in-laws made is always delicious. Trying to be completely honest in some situations provides a juice that’s not always worth the squeeze.

And in the cases where honesty is necessary, diplomacy is always key in teeing up a tough conversation.

But blatant, pathological dishonesty is another beast. It saps confidence, ruins trust, and wears out those affected by it. In some cases, an entire group of people can be turned against each other because one person’s special life talent is gaslighting.

This can pertain to a simple “he said, she said” scenario, overselling yourself, or narcissistically

manipulating people for one’s personal gain or to simply find entertainment in pitting allies against each other. Projection is also a great way to build up rage in those around such a person, as the “everyone is an idiot except for me” trope is incomparably exhausting.

Credibility is an interesting thing. It can take a lifetime to accrue but a split second to destroy.

Tread carefully and remember that the onion will eventually be peeled back, and some might do more than just cry…

Long Island Battery Energy Storage is Safe

By Kyle Rabin

A recent op-ed in this outlet [The Messenger 2-12-2026, “Battery Storage Can Be Dangerous and Expensive for Our Community,” by Hauppauge F.D. Commissioner Scott Munro] painted a frightening but very misleading picture of battery energy storage systems (BESS). It described fires that “cannot be extinguished,” toxic plumes spreading across Long Island, and elected officials putting communities at risk. While this piece and its claims may have caused concern, those claims are also not supported by the facts.

Long Islanders deserve an honest conversation about how battery energy storage is regulated and why it matters for our future.

New York has one of the most rigorous battery energy storage fire and safety codes in the country. It was not written by energy companies. It was developed over a two-year collaborative process involving State agencies, independent fire safety experts, and New York’s fire service. Just one example: the chief of FDNY fire prevention helped shape the standards that now govern how these systems are designed, sited, and operated across the state. These are the same professionals who are dedicated to protecting millions of New Yorkers every day.

The updated New York State Fire Code, which took effect January 1, 2026, was created to prioritize community safety. It now requires independent peer review of utility-scale battery storage projects during the development process, long before a project even begins construction. That means a qualified third party scrutinizes every design feature before it is approved. The new code requires 24/7/365 monitoring of fire detection systems with direct notification to local fire departments. It mandates emergency response plans be developed in coordination with local first responders, along with site-specific training so firefighters know how to respond in the extremely unlikely event of an incident. Finally, it requires regular special inspections and that qualified technical personnel are available for immediate dispatch to support local responders during any incident. No project can be built without meeting these and many other requirements.

We do not have to rely on theory to know these protections work. Current BESS safety standards require extensive fire testing from the smallest battery component up to the full battery container. These tests are performed by fire safety professionals with decades of experience keeping all of us safe. They inform how safety measures are designed to prevent a fire in the first place and inform the best responsive practices in the extremely rare case of a fire.

The op-ed claimed that battery fires “cannot be extinguished” and can burn for days or weeks. This is misleading. Modern battery energy storage systems are designed with containment as the primary strategy — not because fires are uncontrollable, but because fire science has shown that isolation, cooling, and air monitoring are the safest and most effective

approaches. This is standard practice in fire protection engineering and is consistent with how fire departments across the country manage similar infrastructure. The claim that a single rainstorm can start a battery fire is simply inaccurate and does not reflect today’s advanced technology.

The op-ed relies heavily on a report by a single author, which has not been subjected to independent peer review or validation by any recognized fire safety standards body. That report is at odds with national fire safety standards — including the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 855 and the International Fire Code — that have been developed through years of collaboration among hundreds of fire safety professionals, engineers, and first responders.

The maps included in the piece are not backed by evidence or real-world data, which tells a very different story. After battery storage fires in the summer of 2023, state agencies reviewed air, soil, and water samples and found no reported injuries, no harmful levels of contaminants and no threat to the surrounding communities.

We face real energy challenges. Electricity demand is rising rapidly, extreme weather is straining the grid, and the cost of keeping the lights on is increasing. Battery storage helps address these challenges by storing electricity and delivering it when demand is highest, reducing our reliance on expensive peaker plants and helping keep energy costs down for working families. States like Texas have already invested heavily in battery storage, where it helped save customers nearly $750 million during the peak summer months of 2024. Long Islanders deserve the same benefits.

No one is asking Long Islanders to accept risk without safeguards. The question is whether we make decisions based on verified facts and nationally recognized safety standards, or on fear and a single unreviewed report. Concerns about community safety are legitimate for any new infrastructure. But the answer is not to reject the infrastructure we need. The answer is rigorous regulation, transparent communication, and continued improvement.

That is exactly what New York’s battery energy storage fire and safety code delivers, and we owe it to our communities to have this conversation honestly.

Kyle Rabin is the Director of Membership Services and the Senior Policy Director pertaining to Large-Scale Renewables at the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACENY).

Letters to the Editor Voting Matters

The South Shore Needs a Trader Joe’s

Dear Editor,

The president pointed out that the system was broken (he was right) and that he was the only person who could fix it. Many people believed him. Well, he’s looking to replace it rather than fix it.

What can save democracy? We can. Dwight Eisenhower said: “There is nothing wrong with America that the faith, love of freedom, intelligence, and energy of her citizens cannot cure.” We the people have been given the power by the founders, but we have to vote as if we care about proper representation. We must hold Congress accountable to look out for our welfare.

The people in Congress have to understand that lobbyists and corporations didn’t elect them. If they’re not representing the people, they’re not doing their jobs.

I understand that people typically vote according to party philosophies, but I should point out that Congress has abandoned those philosophies and focuses on job security. We must show them that the people determine their job security. In 2026 we have to restore the system of checks and balances which is critical to the survival of our democracy. This time, you can’t be complacent and just vote a straight party line. Look into the candidates.

If the current situation continues for another 3 years, there may not be any way to repair the damage. The 2026 election is the most important election of our lives. Your children and grandchildren are depending on you.

Sincerely,

Charles Gueli Laurel

Dear Editor,

Western Suffolk on the South Shore of Long Island deserves respect.

Rodney Dangerfield would agree. We need what the North Shore has had for a few decades: a Trader Joe’s.

Trader Joe’s is where you go for snacks that make you think you’re eating healthy, instead of just fulfilling a munchies crave. Sure, there are healthy selections, staples you rely on, fair prices, reliable items-when they don’t run out. But Trader Joe’s has a cachet, a certain symbol. A place has arrived with a Trader Joe’s in town.

Commack, Stony Brook, even Miller Place have their own Trader Joe’s.

So, is Sunrise Highway chopped liver? We don’t rate a Trader Joe’s?

After a long spell of abandoned shopping strips, renewal has appeared along Sunrise Highway, from Oakdale to Sayville. Aldi, Lidl, Nordstrom, Panera Bread, MacDonalds, Burger King, Meat Farms, Stop and Shop, Uncle Giuseppe’s, Whole Foods, Chik-Fil-A and more. Businesses, whose marketing know a good thing, have chosen to open here.

I wrote requests to the dead letter box on the Trader Joe’s website and called, asking them to open a new store here, without response.

Trader Joes is not the only grocery and healthy food store, but having one here would show Rodney, and the South Shore of Western Suffolk, more...respect.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Edelman Islip

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Suffolk County Officers Reunite with Saved Car Crash Victim

By Madison Warren

On Wednesday, five Suffolk County Police officers were reunited with a 19-year-old Patchogue resident after saving him from a horrific car crash last November.

The Jeep Cherokee, driven by 19-year-old Kervens Lesperance, flipped while traveling southbound on Nicolls Road and became engulfed in flames. When officers arrived at the scene, they helped put out the flames and were able to pull the teen from the

in mind: get Kervens out of the car. Officer Capobianco began working to free him while Officer Renna bought precious seconds by trying to put out the flames. The other officers, Rosciano, Stroehlein, and Nofi, worked together as a team to do what they could to help.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said the officers demonstrated what it truly means to be a police officer. He

and keep people safe.

The first officer on the scene, Officer Capobianco, said the timing of how everything unfolded was truly in their favor. When he arrived, he saw the car already engulfed in flames and described the situation as extremely stressful. He noted that a difference of just seconds could have meant life or death in this circumstance.

The emotional reunion served as a powerful reminder of how quickly a routine night can turn into a life-threatening situation. Thanks to the quick thinking and teamwork of the responding officers, what could have ended in tragedy instead became a story of survival. For Kervens and the officers who helped save his life, the moment marked not just a reunion but a lasting reminder of the impact those critical seconds

This Week Today

Thursday, March 5, 2026

National, State, and Local Temperature Checks

By Matt Meduri

National

The United States is now in a fullyfledged armed conflict with Iran. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, was killed in a joint airstrike with Israel on Saturday.

According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the strikes were to “remove the existential threat” posed by the Iranian “terror regime.” President Donald Trump (R-FL) had said that the war was started to halt Iran’s alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons, for its sponsorship of terrorism, and the oppressive and murderous actions of the regime.

What’s culminated after years of economic sanctions imposed by Republican and Democratic presidents is not only a concerted assassination of Iran’s leader, but the eye-opening reactions from Iranian citizens to his death. Videos have gone viral showing the Iranian people celebrating in the streets after learning of confirmation of Khamenei’s death.

Moreover, the move was the second theatre of the Trump Administration’s geopolitical strategy as of late. In January, the U.S. deposed Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, causing further economic damage to China and Russia, with whom the four nations share a de facto alliance. Iran’s crude oil exports to China account for between 80% and 90% of Iran’s total oil exports. Between 1.4 million to 2.15 million barrels are sent to China every day, according to Reuters.

The strikes killed several Iranian political figures, while Trump told the Iranian people, “...take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will probably be your only chance for generations.” He also warned that “secessionist groups” will face severe consequences should they act.

Iran responded with missile attacks on Tel Aviv and Haifa, Israel, and on U.S. military bases across the Persian Gulf region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that Iran targeted U.S. bases in Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain.

against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R). Cornyn, who has represented Texas in the Senate since 2002, is generally considered to be a top establishment Republican. Paxton is running to Cornyn’s right. The winner of the runoff will earn the GOP nomination for a seat that’s seen as at the far edge of the competitive table, but a race that has room to grow.

Democrats went with Texas State Rep. James Talarico (D) to be their nominee for Senate. He dispatched Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D, TX-30) (pictured above), who has been seen as a rising star on the progressive left.

The Republican Primary results were mirrored in TX-02, a suburban Houstonbased congressional district, where Dan Crenshaw (R) was easily ousted in his Republican Primary. He was defeated by Texas State Rep. Steve Toth (R), who earned 57.7% of the vote in a four-way race. Crenshaw, notable for his signature eye patch, quickly earned respect as a younger, no-nonsense Veteran of the party’s growing base. However, the further populist development of the Republican Party has drawn the classic base away from Crenshaw, who has gone so far as to say the perceived “establishment” simply “doesn’t exist.”

The biggest and most predictable news of the night came from North Carolina, where the presumptive nominees were formally given the nod to run in November. Former Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Whatley (R-NC) swept all 100 of the Tar Heel State’s counties and emerged from a field of seven.

Explosions have been reported in Bahrain and Kuwait, while the UAE intercepted a number of Iranian missiles.

In domestic political news, the general election midterm ballot began to take shape, as Arkansas, North Carolina, and Texas held their primaries on Tuesday.

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) (pictured above) advances to a runoff

Democrats, on the other hand, went with former, two-term Governor Roy Cooper (D-NC), who also swept the county map and defeated five other candidates for the nod. Elected in 2016, Cooper ousted a Republican governor on the same night Trump won the state. Cooper was re-elected in a close, yet relatively decisive, margin in 2020, also when Trump was on the ballot. Cooper was term-limited to run in 2024 and has been seen as perhaps the cycle’s most venerable heavyweight candidates.

In Arkansas, Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) easily won a three-candidate primary to run for a third term. The hawkish Republican is not seen in any remote danger due to Arkansas’ intense Republican leanings.

State Governor Kathy Hochul (D-Hamburg) and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria) are inching towards their plan to deliver universal childcare to the state.

On Tuesday, Hochul’s office released a statement that said that she and Mamdani have reached their “first major milestone” in the plight with the selection of the first communities to receive 2,000 2-K seats this autumn. $1.2 billion was committed to support this, and $73 million was put towards these inaugural 2,000 seats.

“As New York’s first mom Governor, achieving affordable, universal childcare has been a key priority for my administration and we are doing the work to see it through,” said Hochul in a statement. “That’s why we don’t hesitate to partner with New York City to lay the groundwork and fund not one, but two years to realize the full implementation of free childcare for all two-year-olds across the city.”

The communities that have been selected are Washington Heights and Inwood, Fordham and Kingsbridge, the East Brooklyn neighborhoods of Canarsie, Brownsville, and Ocean Hill, and Ozone Park and the Rockaways.

“Raising a child takes a villageand it takes a city government willing to set up and tackle the childcare crisis head-on,” said Mamdani in a statement. “On day eight, we moved closer to making universal childcare a reality. This fall, 2,000 New York City two-year-olds will have a brighter future because of it.”

The State is also keen to expand their “high-quality childcare programs,”

including an $8 billion investment in childcare infrastructure. The total FY2027 investments for childcare and Pre-K services across New York will be $4.5 billion.

Local

For Women’s History Month, the ladies of the Suffolk County Legislature are joining forces to help women in need.

Legislators Trish Bergin (R-East Islip), Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport), Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station), and Ann Welker (D-North Sea), along with their respective staffs, will be conducting a clothing drive to collect “business and casual attire,” and accessories such as gently-used shoes and handbags. The donations will then be delivered to organizations across Suffolk to women in need for an “improved self-image and a greater sense of independence in a time when hard-working families are beset by economic difficulties.”

Women’s History Month began as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress requested President Ronald Reagan (R-CA) proclaim the second week of March as Women’s History Week. The plight continued for several years until 1987, when the entire month of March earned the designation.

Donations can be directed to Legislator Bergin’s office at 44 East Main Street in East Islip; Legislator Bontempi’s office at 224 Wall Street, Suite 303, in Huntington; Legislator Kennedy’s office at 725 Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge; and Legislator Sanin’s office at 315 Walt Whitman Road in Huntington Station. The drop-off site for Legislator Welker’s office can be obtained upon contact at DO2. Legislature@suffolkcountyny.gov.

Smithtown Matters

Smithtown Unveils Smart Pass for Parks

With the license plate readers, residents won’t have to scrape the tags off the windshields. Instead, the Town says residents can “set it and forget it” with Smart Pass.

Annual renewals are automatic and real-time verification allows Town Park Rangers to allow park and facility access instantly. The Town also says the move will allow them to rein in overhead by reducing printing fees and streamlining administrative costs.

The price tag for Smart Pass is a $5 per-vehicle processing fee. Seniors of 65 and Veterans will have their processing fee waived. Home care nurses and other caregivers can also apply for placards of the resident they assist. The fee for non-residential parking would be $20 per vehicle per day. Nonresident guest passes can be obtained in connection with resident-only vehicles.

Non-resident vehicle passes are currently $12 per vehicle per day, only with “group outings” accompanied by a permit-holding Town resident. Short Beach in Nissequogue is currently the only exception, as non-resident parking is not available there.

Online tutorials will be made available if the new law takes effect and in-person assistance will be available.

The Town Council held a public hearing on Tuesday to gauge residents’ opinions on the matter.

A Smithtown resident said he has a mooring at Long Beach in Nissequogue and called for an amendment to the Smart Pass bill since he already pays slip fees.

Another resident said that he also owns a boat and trailer and uses the ramp frequently.

“We already pay fees for that. If I have my wife or kid that needs to come down [to the dock] later and meet me, I’m not going to pay another five dollars for each vehicle that goes down there,” said the resident at Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon. “I would personally like to see the $5 fee slide for a while and see where the non-resident fees come in, because I have non-resident family, and what I see is they [Park Rangers] are just letting them through the booth. Then, my family members are getting tickets.”

The resident added that the $20 non-resident fee should “subsidize” the automated sticker fee. He also said that teenagers working the guard booths should be reduced, as he sees “three kids” at a “small park; one kid can maintain that.”

A St. James resident said she thinks it’s “unfair” to impose the $5 fee since young families “cannot afford that.”

“With the taxes we pay, we shouldn’t have to be charged a fee,” the St. James resident said. “My husband is a fisherman and goes every day. We’ll be waived because we’re senior citizens, but I feel for the young families. I don’t think they should have to pay.”

Yes, We Are Rebuilding: Our Answer to the Community

By Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

After ample public input, the plan to rebuild the Stump Pond Dam advanced past the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). The Council’s decision and findings now head to the Legislature for approval.

I believe the Legislature will approve rebuilding the dam and restoring Stump Pond because it is the right decision.

The community delivered hundreds of letters and dozens of testimonies to the Council, with those residing near Blydenburgh County Park resoundingly in favor of rebuilding. Anyone who listened knows why: the residents of the surrounding communities miss the recreational opportunities once afforded to them by the pond. For two centuries, they had grown accustomed to fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and boating well before it became a public park.

Several residents even had stories of Mr. Weld, the property’s former owner, giving them permission, as children, to camp, swim, and boat at what is now Blydenburgh County Park.

Residents have waited long enough to reconnect with this treasured icon.

The loss of recreation has not been the only negative impact. The dam served as flood control for the area downstream of it. Public roadways, parks and private properties all stand along the shores of the Nissequogue and are now exposed to flooding.

The newly created “free-flowing river” section, where the pond once stood, is also less than ideal for marine wildlife. The new section’s turbidity is too high for wildlife due to years of sediment buildup.

Engineers incorporated environmentalists’ concerns by installing a fish ladder that will allow local species to navigate between the impounded water and the downstream area.

The proposed solution from our engineering consultants balances the needs of all parties involved, bringing us to a better place than either the status quo or what was.

As I stated the day after the flood, I support the restoration of the Stump Pond Dam and look forward to its completion.

County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) has served as Suffolk County Executive since 2024. He previously served as a Suffolk County Legislator representing the North Fork from 1986 to 1989 and again from 2005 to 2012. He served as Suffolk County Clerk from 1989 to 2005 and as Brookhaven Town Supervisor from 2012 to 2023.

State Leaders Highlight Financial Strain Amidst Liberal Energy Policy

By Madison Warren

Last week in Albany, Assemblyman Jarret Gandolfo (R-Sayville) joined colleagues at the “Lights on with Energy Relief” press conference to address the recent spike in utility bills and what he described as the financial strain the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) is placing on New Yorkers.

Many New Yorkers can agree that this winter has taken residents by surprise for several reasons. Among the most pressing concerns, however, has been the sharp rise in utility bills, adding another layer of strain for families already struggling with the high cost of living. The goal of the press conference was to shed light on what lawmakers say is driving the spike in energy costs and why bills have increased so dramatically in recent months.

Lawmakers introduced an alternative energy relief proposal to reduce costs for residents and small businesses. The plan, they explained, would revisit portions of the state’s existing clean energy mandates and offer what they describe as a more measured approach to implementation. Supporters argue the proposal would address affordability concerns while still maintaining long-term energy goals.

“Residential customers in New York have seen their electricity prices rise by about 47% since 2019. That’s a major hit to household budgets, and we need to start addressing affordability in a real way,” Gandolfo told The Messenger

Under the proposal, lawmakers are calling for the creation of an Energy Price Rebate Check Program that would provide approximately $2 billion in one-time relief to

New Yorkers. Modeled after last year’s Inflation Refund Check Program, which distributed roughly $2 billion to about 8.2 million residents statewide, the plan would base eligibility on income level and tax filing status. Married couples filing jointly earning under $150,000 would receive $400, while those earning between $150,000 and $300,000 would receive $300. Single filers, heads of household, or those filing separately earning under $75,000 would receive $200, with those earning between $75,000 and $150,000 eligible for $150. Supporters say a comparable number of residents could qualify for the new rebate program.

In addition to the rebate checks, the proposal includes measures to reduce long-term energy costs. One bill would require surplus and uncommitted funds remaining in NYSERDA’s Climate Investment Account at the end of the fiscal year to be returned to ratepayers as utility bill credits. Lawmakers estimate that approximately $2.4 billion currently sits in the account. The plan also calls for reinvestment in natural gas facilities and upgrading existing plants to stabilize energy supply, as well as a broader “all-ofthe-above” energy strategy that supporters argue would improve grid reliability and help moderate utility rates.

Beyond immediate rebate checks and bill credits, the broader proposal outlines a series of measures to prevent future energy price spikes. Lawmakers are seeking to roll back or modify certain state climate mandates, including provisions related to zero-emission school buses, all-electric building requirements, and restrictions on fossil fuel use. The plan would also prohibit local governments from

Mattera Introduces Bill to Create NYS Domestic Violence Registry

By Matt Meduri

Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) on Wednesday announced a new bill he is bringing to Albany, one to create a New York State Domestic Violence Registry.

The goal is to protect victims, prevent repeat abuse, and strengthen public safety across the state, according to a release from his office.

The bill, S.8932, would establish a “publicly accessible registry for persistent domestic violence offenders, similar in structure to the existing sex offender registry,” according to the release. The proposal specifically handles repeat offenders, recognizing the escalating aspect of domestic violence behavior and that “prior abuse is one of the strongest predictors of future harm.”

“Domestic violence is not a private matter, it is a serious and repeatable crime,” said Senator Mattera in a statement. “This legislation is about prevention, accountability, and giving people the information they need to protect themselves and their families.”

The bill is co-sponsored by fellow Suffolk Senators Alexis Weik (R-Sayville) and Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk). The legislation is currently under review by the Senate Codes Committee.

The legislation found its inception after a conversation Mattera had with a Long Island mother whose daughter was killed by a repeat domestic violence offender. For Mattera, the issue was then made personal.

“Right now, there is no real way for someone to know if the person they are dating has a history of domestic violence. That silence can be deadly. In my daughter Meghan’s case, the danger wasn’t visible until it was too late,” said Bevin Llanes, mother of Meghan who was stabbed 54 times by her partner, in a statement. “Senator Mattera’s bill changes that. A persistent domestic violence offender registry gives people the ability to protect themselves before harm happens, not after. It

brings truth into the open and creates accountability. This bill is about prevention, transparency, and saving lives,”

Mattera, a father of two young women, says the issue hits “close to home.”

“When a grieving mother asks you to act so another family doesn’t have to endure that pain, you listen. This bill honors those who have already been impacted and works to protect potential victims from repeat abusers,” said Mattera.

Laura Ahearn, Esq., LMSW, Executive Director of the Suffolk and Nassau County Crime Victims Centers (CVC), and one of the Island’s foremost crime victim advocates, supports Mattera’s proposal.

“This is an important step toward empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their personal safety,” said Ahearn in a statement. “Too often, victims enter relationships without access to critical information about a partner’s history of violence. This registry will provide a vital tool for prevention while incorporating strong safeguards to protect the confidentiality and dignity of victims. We fully support this legislation and its commitment to both transparency and survivor protection.”

The registry, if created, would be housed within the Division of Criminal Justice Services. It would only apply to those who have been convicted of a domestic violence offense and have at least one prior domestic violence conviction. First-time offenders would not be included. Publicly available information would be limited to what is necessary for identification and public safety, including a suspect’s name, date of birth, conviction information, county of conviction, and a current photograph. Addresses and sensitive personal identifiers would not be made public.

limiting energy source choices and require utilities to notify customers when supply rates increase significantly.

The proposal further calls for expanding natural gas production and pipeline capacity in New York, investing in nuclear and advanced energy technologies, and commissioning a full cost-benefit analysis of the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Additional measures include exploring small modular nuclear reactors and expanding the state’s POWER UP grant program to support energy infrastructure and business development.

A memo released this week from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to the office of Governor Kathy Hochul (D-Hamburg) outlined projected costs associated with complying with the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). According to the memo, utility bills could increase by as much as 46 percent, potentially costing families thousands of dollars more each year. In response to the projections, Jarret Gandolfo said the estimates raise serious concerns about the financial impact the state’s energy policies could have on residents and stressed the need for a more balanced approach that considers affordability.

For Gandolfo and fellow lawmakers backing the proposal, the message is centered on affordability. With utility costs continuing to rise, they argue that providing immediate relief and reassessing energy policy are necessary to ease the financial burden on households across the state.

Due process would be ensured by requiring the registration’s order by a judge after proof of prior convictions. The registry would also be “time-limited and tiered based on the number of prior convictions, with removal periods ranging from five to twenty years, depending on offense history.”

“This is a reasonable, carefully tailored, and constitutionally sound approach,” said Mattera. “It focuses resources where the risk is greatest, balances public safety with privacy protections, and reinforces that domestic violence must be taken seriously.”

The registration fee entailed would also be required, with a portion to be dedicated to the Domestic Violence Awareness Fund to “support prevention and education efforts statewide.”

Those statewide awareness efforts are also a facet of this bill, and it’s Mattera’s hope that this legislation sparks a “statewide conversation and welcome[s] collaboration”

“Domestic violence is an escalating, repeat behavior,” Mattera said. “This registry ensures that victims’ voices are heard, that offenders are held accountable, and that New York takes meaningful action to provide safeguards for our residents. This is an important protection, and we must pass this in 2026.”

If anyone on Long Island has an issue with a domestic violence issue should reach out to the CVC Domestic Violence Hotlines for assistance. Suffolk County residents can call (631) 332-9234 and Nassau County can call (516) 542-0404.

The Stump Pond Saga

Stump Pond Dam Takes Next Steps

Perhaps the most salient issue in Smithtown as of late is the debate over whether the Stump Pond dam should be rebuilt in Blydenburgh County Park. The dam collapsed when torrential rain slammed Suffolk in August 2024.

The Suffolk County Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) has convened on the matter and galvanized passionate public opinion on both sides of the issue, as well as presentations from engineers. The CEQ recently voted almost unanimously to declare a negative State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) declaration, meaning that the reconstruction of a dam will not pose environmental harm.

Now, the prerogative lies with the Suffolk County Legislature, whose Environment, Parks, and Agriculture (EPA) Committee adopted the CEQ’s findings on Monday at their meeting in Riverhead.

Residents spoke in the public portion, some in favor and some against rebuilding the dam.

“Blydenburgh Park belongs to all of Suffolk County,” said one speaker. “As such, the voices of all the county residents and visitors should be considered, not just those of the residents in the surrounding communities. I believe the County is doing what it feels the audience wants. However, there have been more voices from local people than from those that use the park but live further away.”

The speaker, a hike leader in Blydenburgh, added that her “fear” is that the “imbalance will sway the decision” among other hikers of the park.

“They’re mostly people from Suffolk, but some from Nassau, Queens, and even further away,” she said, adding that the former pond is not what drew all attraction to Blydenburgh Park.

“Cool-weather visitors come mostly to walk or fish, both of which can be done with or without a lake. For them, just the streams are a very attractive feature,” said the hiker. “Since the dam broke, I have not witnessed a decrease in the number of hikers who walk with me.”

She added that she’d “prefer to see wetlands and free-flowing streams,” and that in Blydenburgh, “there is an opportunity that exists nowhere else” on Long Island due to its size.

Kathy McConnell called the Nissequogue River the “longest, largest, and most ecologically important river running to the Long Island Sound,” and the “jewel of the North Shore.”

“Whatever your reason to dam this river, to insist it won’t have an impact on the environment is just nonsense. It’s an insult to common sense,” said McConnell. “You’ll have to go to science, which tells us the newly resurrected freshwater wetlands and forests are extremely rare and provide critical habitats for many species of greatest conservation needs.”

McConnell added that thirtynine bird species are designated in Blydenburgh, not counting the rare “plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals that depend on these uncommon habitats.” She added that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has identified threatened species and that the new dam under consideration is not a “flood control” dam.

“Another dam failure would reduce all the water behind it all at once, setting off a dangerous flood downward,” said McConnell. “An environmental impact statement (EIS) would determine which alternative is safer.”

Finally, McConnell said that Suffolk County “knows how valuable wetlands are,” owing to their $4

million expenditures in one park to restore “just a few acres.”

“There are nine other parks in Suffolk stocked with fish for angling, but there’s no place else where native plants are sprouting from seeds that were underwater for two centuries.”

John Turner, Senior Conservation Policy Advocate for the Seatuck Environmental Association, called the CEQ’s negative declaration an “error.”

“You’re talking about a 115-acre riparian meadow that would be flooded and the food chains being created there,” said Turner. “We recommend a positive declaration.”

Nancy Mafredonia said that the County purchased Blydenburgh Park in the 1960s because of Stump Pond.

“The twenty acres on the north part of the park is on the National Register of Historic Places because of the mill. It’s an amazing complex,” said Mafredonia. “The County has for decades planned to make the mill a working mill. We obviously can’t do that without a pond.”

Mafredonia said that she spoke with a lady who lives downstream and is concerned about flood control measures.

“I know there is a whole national push to remove dams, and I do believe that this is a good idea in many cases, but we are not in the wilderness here. This is not Wyoming; this is a very dense area. It does not make sense to get rid of this dam,” said Mafredonia. “Thousands upon thousands of people enjoyed this pond, which is the third-largest on Long Island. Saying ‘let the river run free’ sounds wonderful, but it’s not practical in this situation.”

Joe Abraham, President of the Great South Bay Audubon Society, a Smithtown resident, said his organization is in favor of leaving the pond in its “natural state,” and that he “rarely” saw boaters on the water when the pond was intact.

“The issue of having a natural environment as it is now supersedes the ability of a couple of boaters to enjoy the lake,” said Abraham.

Justine D’Antonio, a former Smithtown resident, said that she took a recent hike and that the trail is “perfectly accessible,” and that a bridge instead of a dam to connect the cut off parts of the park is the better option. On the other hand, the equestrians have lobbied in favor of the dam for the purpose of accessing more horse trails on the Forestwood side of the park.

Roy Crowe said that the park was immensely popular before the dam collapsed.

“There was not a single evening that I did not go there between April and October that was not full of kids and adults fishing, people taking advantage of it,” said Crowe. “But since the dam failed, it’s just not the same park. We can argue about the bridge, the brook trout, the birds. I’m asking to restore the park to what it was because it was a very well-used community spot.”

The EPA Committee, after extensive debate, voted in favor of accepting the CEQ’s findings on a 6-3 party-line vote. Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport), who serves as Chair, and Legislator Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), who serves as Vice Chair, voted in the affirmative, as did Legislators Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), whose district includes Blydenburgh Park, RJ Renna (R-Lindenhurst), and Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point). Legislators Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), who expressed lengthy concerns of the CEQ’s findings, Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station), and Ann Welker (D-North Sea) voted against it.

The full Legislature will have a say at their next general meeting, March 10. If adopted, the State DEC will then oversee the permitting process.

School Highlights

Standing Ovation for Smithtown Father and Son at Smithtown Board Of Education Meeting

Smithtown High School East senior Bradley Fils-Aime and his father, John Fils-Aime, were recognized during the February 11 Smithtown Central School District Board of Education meeting for their heroic actions during last month’s winter storm. The pair received official commendations and a standing ovation for their selfless act of courage in helping to rescue a father and son who had fallen through the ice at Gibbs Pond.

On January 25, as the storm raged, Bradley heard cries for help outside his home.

“I jumped over the fence and actually saw someone in the lake,” he recalled.

Bradley immediately called for his father, who rushed to the pond, while his mother, Erlande FilsAime, dialed 911. According to Bradley, the father had fallen through the ice and his 12-year-old son, attempting to save him, also ended up in the freezing water. Smithtown park rangers and members of the Nesconset Volunteer Fire Department quickly responded. Following their instructions, the victims crawled across the ice until rescuers were able to pull them to safety. Both were transported to a local hospital and treated for hypothermia.

Service and bravery run in the Fils-Aime family. John is a lieutenant with the FDNY, and Bradley serves as a lifeguard.

“My first instinct was just to help,” Bradley said. “Being a lifeguard, I know how dangerous it could be.”

Superintendent Dr. Mark Secaur pointed out that Bradley’s efforts exemplified a core principle of The Smithtown Promise—You Are a Difference Maker.

Holocaust Education at Smithtown HS East & West

Dr. Bernie Furshpan, the son of two Holocaust survivors, visited Smithtown High School East and High School West on March 2-3 to educate students about the genocide and answer questions about his parents’ experience.

Dr. Furshpan, who is an educator at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center in Glen Cove, told the harrowing story of how his father, age 10, the only survivor of a family of eight, managed to

live in a forest in Poland for three years as the Nazis entered his village in Poland.

“There’s always hatred, but let’s stop this nonsense,” Dr. Furshpan told the students. “Let’s grow as a society.”

This program was brought together by Director of Social Studies, Dr. Benevenuto, as part of all 10th grade social studies curriculum. Dr. Furshpan also handed out a questionnaire for students to fill out.

Hauppauge High School held a special celebration to recognize the Class of 2026’s highest academically achieving students. During the event, 14 seniors were honored for earning 100+ weighted grade point averages, distinguishing themselves among their classmates.

Congratulations to seniors Christina Caputo, Louis Fusaro, Trinity Garcia, Ryan Genovese, Katherine Marietta, Jemia Mattison, Aryanna Ress, Madeline Rohde, Abiha Sadiq, Laila Spezio, Emma Tjersland, Pranav Vijayababu, Jacob Wolmetz and

Tiana Yip.

A highlight of the celebration was the exciting announcement of this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian. Jacob Wolmetz was named valedictorian of the Class of 2026, while Katherine Marietta was named salutatorian. Principal Joseph Wieckhorst and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Donald Murphy, along with members of the high school staff, guidance department and central office, commended the students for their academic excellence and contributions to the school community.

Hauppauge HS Honors Top of the Class of 2026

The Necessary Standard for American Education

The War Powers Resolution

By Matt Meduri

This week, we’re breaking from reviewing the executive departments to dig into a timely piece of American civics: the War Powers Resolution of 1973.

What is the War Powers Resolution?

The War Powers Resolution of 1973, or simply the War Powers Act, is a federal law that seeks to check the president’s power to engage in an armed conflict without the Congress. It says that the president can send the Armed Forces abroad into combat only by the “statutory authorization” of Congress or in the case of a “national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces.”

Under the Constitution, war powers are divided. Article I, Section 8 says that Congress has the power to declare war, raise and support Armies, provide and maintain a Navy, make rules and regulations for naval forces, calling the militia into action, make rules regarding land and water captures, and grant letters of Marque and Reprisal (licensing private citizens to capture enemy vessels). Section 8 also empowers Congress to appoint officers of militia and train the militia to the standards set by Congress.

and 7 Democrats against.

The act, however, resulted in a high-profile presidential veto and a subsequent override by Congress. On October 24, 1973, Nixon (pictured left) vetoed the bill, saying it posed “dangerous and unconstitutional restrictions.” Congress overrode that veto on November 7 in a 284-135 vote of the House. It became law when the Senate voted (75-18) that same day.

Article II, Section 2 designates the president as the “Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into actual Service of the United States.”

The president, therefore, is empowered to defend the U.S. from attacks and leads the Armed Forces. The president can also sign or veto congressional acts of war; presidential vetoes in this regard are subject to a congressional override.

The president can also be impeached and removed from office for providing “aid and comfort” [Article III, Section 3] to enemies or committing any military act against the U.S.

War powers were intentionally divided between the executive and legislative branches to prevent any form of unilateral control.

History and Origin

The Vietnam War produced the War Powers Resolution, as the U.S. continually found itself in armed conflicts that were not officially authorized. President Richard Nixon’s (R-CA) secret bombings of Cambodia was the tipping point for Congress to act.

The enactment of the bill required that the deployment of troops to combat zones and the stationing of troops after 60 days would need prior congressional approval. The president also needs to consult with Congress on further engagements until hostilities cease. The House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee are the primary recipients of these reports.

Since the resolution’s passage, presidents have sent over 130 reports to Congress requesting approval for military action. Since 2001, just four presidents accounted for over 100 of those requests. Historical examples include the Multinational Force in Lebanon Act, which stationed Marines in Lebanon from 1982 to 1983, and the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 1991, which involved the U.S. in the Gulf War.

Recently, the War Powers Resolution has been invoked several times, namely in relation to U.S. ground action in Venezuela and bombing campaigns in Iran. The Senate voted 50-50 last month to block a resolution directing the removal of Armed Forces from Venezuela. Vice President J.D. Vance (R-OH) (pictured right) broke the tie, and three Republicans voted with the Democrats in favor of the motion.

The War Powers Resolution of 1973 was sponsored by Congressman Clement Zablocki (D-WI) (pictured right) on May 3, 1973. It passed the House in a 244-170 vote. While it was a predominately party-line vote, 73 Republicans voted in favor and 61 Democrats voted against it.

The Senate vote was composed similarly. The bill passed 75-20, with 27 Republicans voting in favor

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. Published by Messenger Papers,

tantamount to implicit authorization of military action, even though the resolution says that funding does not equal authorization.

Members of Congress then challenged the Kosovo bombings in Campbell V. Clinton, but the D.C. Circuit Court ruled that it was a non-justiciable political question and that Clinton had withdrawn before another deadline, thus complying with the resolution.

Legal scholar Philip Bobbitt has called the War Powers Resolution unconstitutional, saying, “the power to make war is not an enumerated power,” with enumerated powers being those that are specifically, explicitly listed authorities granted to the branches of the federal government by the Constitution. Bobbitt believes that the Framers of the Constitution that statutory authorizations would be how the U.S. would commit war, and that formal declarations are intended for only “total wars,” and not singular operations, skirmishes, or other forms of military action.

Bobbitt further opines that Congress’ prerogative in war is appropriating funds, while the president’s role as commander-in-chief is about execution. Thus, “a democracy cannot… tolerate secret policies,” so as to not undermine the legitimacy of governmental decisions.

Legal Questions and Enforcement

The War Powers Resolution has been heavily debated since its passage, as Congress has argued the Necessary and Proper Clause gives them such legislative authority, while the others have argued that it curtails the president’s role as Commanderin-Chief.

While those two principles have been at historical odds, a lack of enforcement when the War Powers Resolution is perceived to have been violated is also at the crux of the issue.

A notable instance was in 1999, when President Bill Clinton (D-AR) continued bombings in Kosovo two weeks after the 60-day deadline had passed. Clinton’s legal team had said, however, that the bombings were consistent with the War Powers Resolution because Congress had approved a bill funding the operation. Clinton’s team said that that funding was

Separation of powers issues have also challenged the constitutionality of the War Powers Resolution, as congressional approval and executive consultation with the legislature changes the balance of constitutional powers in Articles I and II.

The Obama Administration would be put on notice with the resolution due to military inventions in Libya in 2011. That resulted in a 286-145 vote of the House to rebuke American and NATO operations in Libya. Legal analysts, including Yale Law Professor Bruce Ackerman, said that Obama’s position had lacked a “solid legal foundation.”

The Obama Administration was also challenged with their interventions in Syria. Obama had asked for congressional authorization for action after chemical weapons were used in the Syrian Civil War, which was denied.

The Trump Administration also received War Powers criticism, notably in relation to the Saudi Arabian-led campaigns in Yemen and after the assassination of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. While the Senate voted 56-41 in favor of invoking War Powers, the House did not take up a vote before the end of term.

When the Trump Administration struck Iran to kill General Qasem Soleimani in 2020, the Senate and House approved War Powers Resolutions. Trump vetoed the resolution, but the Senate failed to override it.

The Trump Administration is currently facing another War Powers Resolution from Congress, sponsored by Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) over the strikes in Iran that killed Ayatollah Khamenei.

For years, both the Senate Republican Conference and the Assembly Republican Conference have been warning that New York’s climate mandates were moving too fast, with too little planning, and with no realistic strategy to keep energy affordable or reliable for families and businesses.

Now the truth is finally coming out.

A memo from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) confirms what many of us have been saying all along: the policies driving New York’s energy transition are coming with staggering costs for the very people they are supposed to help.

Under the state’s Cap-and-Invest program, a major component of Albany Democrats’ energy ill-conceived energy policies, gasoline prices are projected to rise by as much as $2.23 per gallon, pushing prices to roughly $5.25 per gallon at today’s levels. Heating costs could increase dramatically as well, with some households facing energy bills rising by more than $4,100 per year. Small and medium-sized businesses could see their utility costs increase by up to 45 percent.

These are not theoretical numbers. These are real projections that could soon impact millions of New Yorkers. Families already struggling with rising costs cannot afford another financial hit. Seniors on fixed incomes should not have to choose between heating their homes and buying groceries. Small businesses cannot continue to absorb skyrocketing operating costs. And our hardworking men and women of labor will lose their careers and their livelihoods.

For years, Albany Democrats dismissed these concerns as the “price of doing business” and insisted their policies would save money in the long run. But now even their own agencies are acknowledging the massive price tag attached to these mandates and that their claims are a farce.

As my mom always used to say, “Don’t let me tell you I told you so.”

But unfortunately, that’s exactly where we are today. Many of us warned that rushing toward sweeping mandates without a practical plan would create serious affordability

Around Town

problems for New Yorkers. Now those warnings are being confirmed. That is why it is time to change course.

Energy policy cannot be driven by ideology alone. It must be grounded in reality. Right now, too many New Yorkers feel like Albany is ignoring the financial pain they experience every time they open their utility bills.

We must repeal the CLCPA before it drives gasoline and energy prices even higher.

We must stop piling on unfunded mandates such as allelectric building requirements and the all-electric school bus mandate that restrict energy choices while offering no realistic alternatives.

We must invest in our aging electric grid before mandating energy choice.

We must get the NESE Natural Gas Pipeline operational.

And we must work together to find the real energy solutions New Yorkers need and deserve. Our Conferences are committed to examining every possible form of reliable and realistic clean energy including:

- Retooling our existing power plants with carbon capture /

Thursday, March 19th 1:30pm – 7:30pm 284 East Main Street, Smithtown Canning Hall All participating donors will receive a coupon for a slice of pizza from and a N.U.T. pass!

To sign up, please scan the QR code below or contact Mary Ellen McCrossen at (631) 469-0989. For medical eligibility questions, please call 1-800-688-0900

combined cycle power plants which are over 50% carbon free

- Thermal and geothermal networks

- Green hydrogen

- Sewage heat recovery expansion,

- Small nuclear modules

We can move to a cleaner energy future, but it must be done responsibly…in a way that protects our workers, our ratepayers, our businesses and our environment.

New Yorkers deserve an energy policy that protects our environment without bankrupting our residents, supports union jobs, and keeps our state competitive rather than driving families and businesses away.

The bottom line is simple: goals are good…but mandates without a realistic plan are not.

New Yorkers need a realistic energy plan – not ideological bans.

Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) has represented the Second District in the New York State Senate since 2021. The Second District contains the entire Townships of Huntington and Smithtown.

16

Long Island Life & Politics

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Court Lets Congestion Pricing Stand

By Hank Russell | Long Island Life & Politics

A federal judge ruled against President Donald Trump’s (R-FL) efforts to shut down New York City’s congestion pricing program, calling the president’s actions illegal, “arbitrary and capricious.”

U.S. District Court Judge Lewis J. Liman — a Trump appointee — wrote in his decision on March 3 that “The Defendants’ termination” of congestion pricing would be was unlawful, and that any attempt to enforce the February 19 letter … would be unlawful,” according to Newsweek.

The letter Liman referred to was the one written by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to Governor Kathy Hochul (D-Hamburg). As previously reported in Long Island Life & Politics, Duffy told Hochul that the agency is putting a stop to the pilot program, formally known as the Central Business District Tolling Program, in which certain vehicles are charged tolls upon entry into Manhattan south of 60th Street during peak hours. He said the program hurts working people and small businesses.

“New York State’s congestion pricing plan is a slap in the face to workingclass Americans and small business owners,” Duffy said. “Commuters using the highway system to enter New York City have already financed the construction and improvement of these highways through the payment of gas taxes and other taxes. But now the toll program leaves drivers without any free highway alternative, and instead, takes more money from working people to pay for a transit system and not highways.”

In his decision, Liman called Duffy’s attempts to close down congestion pricing “arbitrary and capricious on the basis that the policy rationales were post hoc rationalizations which were themselves arbitrary and capricious,” according to USA Today.

LILP reached out to the White House and was referred to the Transportation Department, which did not respond as of press time.

Hochul praised Liman’s decision. “The judge’s decision is clear: Donald Trump’s unlawful attempts to trample on the self-governance of his home

state have failed spectacularly,” she said. “Congestion pricing is legal, it works, and it is here to stay. The cameras are staying on.”

“We’ve said it all along, and Judge Liman’s clear, detailed ruling leaves no doubt: congestion pricing is legal,” said MTA Chair/CEO Janno Lieber. “It’s here to stay. And it works. Traffic is down, business is up, and we’re making crucial investments in a transit system that moves millions of people a day. Today — once again — Secretary Duffy failed and New York is winning.”

“Congestion pricing has been a once-in-a-lifetime success story,” Hochul added. “I have been clear from day one: my administration will fight any unlawful effort by the Trump administration to attack the sovereignty of New York State with everything we’ve got. Today, we won again.”

Nassau County Executive and GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman (R-Atlantic Beach) — a vocal critic of congestion pricing — said that, if elected governor, he will eliminate the program. “On Day One as Governor, I’ll repeal Kathy Hochul’s Congestion Pricing tax — a $27-a-day penalty tax to hardworking New Yorkers already crushed by soaring property taxes and utility bills,” he said.

This article originally appeared in Long Island Life & Politics. For more from LILP, visit them online at lilifepolitics.com.

Real Estate Expert Sees Even More Bidding Wars on Long Island

By Hank Russell | Long Island Life & Politics

Mortgage rates have fallen below 6% for the first time in more than three years — a psychological and financial milestone that could re-energize the spring housing market. But according to Joe Moshé, Broker/Owner of Charles Rutenberg Realty, Inc., based in Plainview, the rate drop may spark renewed bidding wars across Long Island rather than bring relief to buyers.

Freddie Mac reported February 26 that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dipped to 5.98%, down from 6.01% the prior week and 6.76% one year ago. The last time rates were below 6% was September 2022.

“For buyers who’ve been waiting on the sidelines, this feels like a green light,” said Moshé. “But lower rates don’t automatically create more homes for sale. When demand rises faster than supply, competition follows.”

Inventory Shrinks as Prices Continue to Climb

Data from OneKey® MLS shows Long Island’s inventory crunch remains acute:

• Nassau County:

• Median single-family home price rose 3.1% year-over-year in January to $835,000 (up from $810,000).

• Available homes fell 16.8%, from 1,799 last January to just 1,497 this year.

• Suffolk County:

• Median sales price increased 4.5% year-over-year, climbing from $670,000 to $700,000.

• Inventory dropped 17.1%, from 2,561 homes to 2,124.

With fewer homes on the market and improved borrowing power, Moshé warns the region could see intensified buyer competition this spring — particularly in neighborhoods closer to New York City, where price pressure has historically been strongest.

A Window of Opportunity — But Not for Long?

“On Long Island, prices and inventory remain the key drivers,” Moshé said. “Lower rates improve affordability on paper, but they don’t fix supply shortages. Buyers who are financially prepared may want to act before competition escalates.”

He advises both buyers and sellers to focus on hyperlocal trends rather than headlines alone.

“Interest rates matter, but so

do weekly inventory levels, recent comparable sales, and seasonal momentum,” he added. “In this market, having real-time local data can make the difference between winning and losing a deal.”

As the spring market approaches, the sub-6% rate environment could mark a turning point — not toward a cooler market, but toward a faster-moving one.

This article originally appeared in Long Island Life & Politics. For more from LILP, visit them online at lilifepolitics.com.

Marble is Mind-Forming

By Mollie Barnett

You type a prompt. A world appears. Not a picture. Not a video. A place. Persistent, navigable, physically coherent — with depth and shadow and the logic of space baked into every surface. You can walk it, edit it, turn a corner and find something you didn’t expect.

Most people see that and think: Impressive demo. Cool technology. Maybe it’s useful for games or film. I see something else entirely. I see the inside of a robot’s head.

This Is Not About Video Games.

World Labs, founded by Fei-Fei Li, the researcher who built the dataset that sparked the modern AI era, The Godmother of AI, just closed a $1 billion funding round to scale a system called Marble. It generates fully explorable, physics-grounded 3D environments from text, images, or video.

Autodesk put in $200 million. Nvidia. AMD. Fidelity. These are not companies betting on a prettier rendering engine.

They’re betting on what Li has been arguing for her entire career: that intelligence — real intelligence — requires understanding the world in three dimensions. Geometry. Physics. Cause and effect. The way objects move, cast shadows, occupy space, resist force.

“AI must understand worlds, not just words.”

That sentence is not a tagline. It’s a thesis about what cognition actually requires.

Follow the Throughline.

Here is what most people miss when they look at spatial AI as a creative tool.

The same capability that generates a glowing forest from a prompt - the spatial reasoning, the physics engine, the persistent coherent geometry - is exactly what a robot needs to navigate a warehouse floor without destroying everything in its path.

It’s what a surgical assistant needs to understand the difference between tissue and instrument in three-dimensional space. It’s what an autonomous vehicle needs to predict where the pedestrian is going before she gets there. It’s what a manufacturing system needs to model a production line that doesn’t exist yet.

The wow factor and the worldchanging factor are the same.

Marble isn’t a visualization tool with ambitions. It’s a world model -- a system learning the underlying structure of physical reality so that anything operating inside it can think spatially, plan spatially, act spatially.

That’s not a feature. That’s a cognitive leap.

Yann LeCun Has Been Saying This for Years.

While everyone was arguing about whether ChatGPT was overhyped, LeCun; Turing Award winner and Godfather of AI, there are 3, (he built the mathematical foundations the helped form modern AI), was making a different argument entirely.

Language models predict tokens. They are extraordinary at it. But they have no physical intuition. No causal model of the world. No ability to plan a sequence of actions across time and space. They cannot imagine a future and then navigate toward it.

World models can. His JEPA architecture — Joint Embedding Predictive Architecture — trains AI on the abstract structure of reality from video and sensory data. Not pixel prediction. World prediction. The difference is the difference between describing a room and knowing how to move through it.

Three to five years, he says, before this becomes the dominant AI architecture.

The architecture that Le Cunn’s new lab, AMI, is building now.

The throughline from Marble to the robot in your warehouse to LeCun’s vision of embodied intelligence is not a stretch. It is a straight line.

Go to marble.worldlabs.ai. Type something. Anything.

And when that feeling hits — that quiet, slightly lofty recognition that something has shifted — don’t talk yourself out of it by asking what it’s worth. That feeling is not naivety. It is pattern recognition. Your brain is registering that a threshold has been crossed.

The noise will tell you AI is overhyped. Peak cycle. Disappointing.

We’ve been here before.

The noise is looking at the wrong thing - AI in a box.

What’s happening in spatial AI isn’t in a box it is all around you. Right now, the next gen AI is not a new feature in a chatbot.

It is the beginning of machines that understand the world the way we do — in space, in time, in consequence. The wonder you feel when a world blooms on your screen from eleven words is the correct response to that.

Marble is not a visualization tool with ambitions.

Marble is what it looks like when a mind is forming.

Long Island VIBE Trusted Members

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Iran’s Killing Fields – Trump’s Bold Action

By Robert B. Charles | National Spokesman for AMAC

In 1975, horror struck. Communist leader Pol Pot, educated in France, took over Cambodia. In four years, he “transformed” it into a “classless society,” abolished private property, religion, and rights, killed 1.5 million people, and left 20,000 graves. He was overthrown in 1979. The world –liberals and conservatives – decried the horror, said we should have done something, and called it “killing fields.”

In 1979, for a period of 13 years, a brazen, brutal, horrifying civil war raged in El Salvador, which was led by Communist revolutionaries called the FMLN. What started as hundreds of deaths became 75,000 killings, 8,000 disappearances, and death squads killing protestors. The world –liberals and conservatives – decried the horror, said we should have done something, more “killing fields.”

In 1979, a radical Islamic “revolution,” a ruthless totalitarian theocracy, took over Iran. Since that date, 100,000 citizens seeking basic rights have been killed. For 37 years, the world has decried the horror – compounded by the threat that it would go nuclear. In 2025 and early 2026, as protestors decided freedom was more important than life itself, 36,000 were mowed down by the Ayatollah’s troops.

On February 28, 2026, an American President, Donald J. Trump, said enough. After watching Iran’s terrorism spread, kill hundreds of thousands, watching them butcher 36,000 innocents at home, watch them threaten nuclear war on a global scale, he eliminated their supremely evil leader.

The world – ever fickle France and liberals of all stripes – now decry the end of this evil force, as Iranians – virtually all celebrating – cry tears of joy for potential freedom, an end to executions.

Mankind is, by nature, capable of great virtue, acts that profoundly better the world. Ronald Reagan brought down the Soviet Union, freeing 300 million souls from Communism. President Trump just freed 93 million Iranians, and likely – as other regimes and terror groups fold – more.

But mankind is also capable of enormous hypocrisy. Never doubt the power of good people to upend evil and restore normalcy, but do not doubt the power of good people to do nothing either –

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

to cower, conflate the truth with ideology, default to conformity, and indulge communism.

When all is done, when history of this time is written – as has happened in the case of Ronald Reagan’s courageous, unwavering leadership – the world will understand that President Trump’s convictions saved the Middle East, set a standard for bold action against evil, and brought Iran’s “killing fields” to an end. This is not over, but progress has been made against one of the most despicable, immoral, ruthless, and evil regimes in human history. Thank you, Mr. President.

WORD

OF THE Week

Etymology: early 17th century (denoting an itinerant seller of supposed remedies): from French, from Italian ciarlatano, from ciarlare ‘to babble’.

CHARLATAN

noun

Pronounced: /shaar·luh·tn/

Definition: a person falsely claiming to have a special knowledge or skill; a fraud.

Example: “It became quickly clear that the executive was nothing more than a charlatan who overstated his abilities.”

Synonyms: quack, sham, con artist

Antonyms: expert, professional, ace

Source: Oxford Languages

WORD WHEEL

E S T I A G R

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

March 5, 1558: Smoking tobacco is introduced to Europe by Spanish physician Francisco Fernández.

March 11, 1665: New York approves new code guaranteeing Protestants religious rights.

March 9, 1776:

Adam Smith publishes the influential economics book “The Wealth of Nations.”

March 8, 2014: Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 with 239 people on board loses contact and disappears, prompting the most expensive search effort in history and one of the most enduring aviation mysteries.

March 7, 1917: First jazz record is released on a 78 by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band for Victor Talking Machine Company (“Dixie Jazz Band One Step” on one side, “Livery Stable Blues” on the other).

Source: Onthisday.com.

March 6, 1869: Dmitri Mendeleev presents the first periodic table of the elements to the Russian Chemical Society.

March 10, 1862:

U.S. issues first paper money in the form of $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $500 and $1000 notes.

By PJ Balzer

These last few months of my life have had this undeniably common thread running right through them. This season of life I’m referring to began with a young lady we’ve known for a handful of years contacting my wife. Her concern and plea went something like this:

“Not many people know that I’m pregnant again and five months along now. The father of the baby doesn’t want her or want me to have her. When I told him I wanted the baby, he left and cut off all contact with me. Can you please help me with necessities for my baby? I really want her.”

That night, I lay in bed and thought about this young lady and her situation. I also thought about how many young people are in situations similar to hers without any hope, help, or anyone to confide in. How many children among us are entering this world not being wanted by one parent or both? This tiny and helpless baby girl is one of them, beginning her life in the negative, not being wanted or loved by her father, with her mother also feeling the tremendous sting of rejection and loneliness. If this doesn’t move my heart or yours toward a little more compassion and empathy, I don’t think anything will.

The Bible also has a common thread running through it because God always has a plan of His own. In nearly every book of the Bible, God mentions in some form how He Himself loves and wants the people who are rejected by family, society, and even popular church culture. He has a large and special place in His heart for the lonely, the fatherless, the orphan, the widow, and the impoverished. He runs toward those whom the majority push aside. The people groups who aren’t held in high esteem, He intentionally seeks after. The uninvited and unwelcome, He sets a place at His table for. Jesus welcomes the unwanted close to His side, including those whose parent or parents wished that they weren’t born.

Give Me the Unwanted One

David, well before he was known as the mighty and revered King of Israel, he was the youngest son of Jesse, with seven older brothers. David was the one looked past, rejected by his own family, and considered the “runt of the litter.” He was considered the least likely to become anything worthwhile in the world’s eyes. Yet in God’s eyes, he was His prized possession and first choice.

In 1 Samuel 16, God sends one of His servants to anoint, or separate for a specific service, the future king of Israel. God prompts the prophet Samuel to the home of Jesse because one of his sons is God’s choice. When Samuel arrives and announces his reason for visiting Jesse, Jesse of course brings out his oldest and strongest sons, the trophies of the family. The warrior-like, well-built, and tall in stature sons are brought out first. Samuel, though, overlooks David’s seven older, more physically imposing brothers and asks Jesse if there is another son. There is, but he is a frail-looking teenager who is outside performing the most menial task of tending to the family’s herd of

sheep. The family feels that it certainly couldn’t be him that God was setting apart for such a mighty position. We now know him as David, the great

king, psalmist, warrior, and a man after God’s own heart.

My friend, God doesn’t see or perceive things the way we do. As a matter of fact, He oftentimes looks at things in the opposite manner. Maybe your life has been unfairly marked by rejection and loneliness. You know what it’s like to live life as the overlooked underdog, unwanted by those you love, the “black sheep” of your family, purposely planned around and uninvited. But like I said earlier, God has a plan of His own.

There’s plenty of room near the side and in the heart of Jesus for you. Maybe that’s why I felt strongly prompted to write this specific thought this week—just for you, and for her too. Despite her dad not wanting this baby girl, she was born healthy, with everything she needed and more. She is loved by her mom, by neighbors like us, and most importantly, loved and chosen by her Creator with a purpose.

Bereavement Support Groups

Will be offered at St. John Nepomucene and are open to people of any faith

Loss of Spouse

General Loss

Loss of an Adult Child

Thursday, March 5th – April 30th at 7PM

(Note: there will be no meeting April 2nd as it is Holy Thursday)

The General Support Group & Loss of a Spouse Group is open to anyone who has suffered a loss at least three months prior, which would be December 5, 2025.

The Loss of Adult Child Group has no wait requirement.

Each group meets weekly for 90 minutes followed by refreshments and hospitality. There is no cost but a commitment to attend each meeting throughout the program is required. All groups are offered in a closed and confidential setting with highly trained f acilitators and are limited to 12 people.

Pre-registration is required. Please call 631-589-0540, ext. 250 for more information or to reserve your seat for the group you would like to attend.

Thursday, March 5, 2026

BUSSI : From Long Island to the NHL

By Ashley Pavlakis

From Miller Place to the National Hockey League, Brandon Bussi has made it big. Bussi, a goaltender, currently plays for the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL.

Bussi is a Long Island native. That’s one phrase I will never get tired of hearing. I’m always so proud of the athletes from Long Island who go on to play professionally in their respective sports. Bussi grew up in Sound Beach and attended Miller Place High School. Growing up, he played for the PAL Jr. Islanders.

“His record-breaking start in the NHL and his determination, work ethic, and character serve as an inspiration to our students, showing them that their goals are within reach through perseverance and dedication,” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie.

The goaltender made his NHL debut on October 14 versus the San Jose Sharks. Bussi recorded 16 saves in a 5–1 victory over the Sharks. The 27-yearold has made 28 starts this season, notching 24 wins. The Sound Beach native currently boasts a .906 SV%, which is impressive for a rookie.

The undrafted goaltender was claimed by the Hurricanes at the beginning of the season after spending three seasons in the AHL. He had stints with the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers before finding his way to Carolina.

Bussi recently signed a three-year, $5.7 million contract with the Canes over the Olympic break. In celebration, the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation donated $10,000 to the Autism Society of North Carolina in support of his younger brother, Dylan.

Bussi attended Western Michigan University, playing his college hockey at the Division I level. He played 39 games for the Western Michigan Broncos men’s ice hockey, notching a 26–12–1 record during his time there.

At 6-foot-4, Bussi stands tall in the net for the Canes. He is not the tallest, as Ivan Fedotov of the Philadelphia Flyers and Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars are both listed at 6-foot-7. Larger goaltenders have the advantage of covering more space in the net, giving shooters fewer opportunities to score.

The Canes were in town in February, and Bussi made the start in net for his team at Madison Square Garden. With 40-plus family members and friends in attendance, Bussi made sure to put on a show. The goaltender made 16 saves in a 2–0 shutout win for his team.

Growing up, Bussi idolized the King of New York, none other than Henrik Lundqvist. Dreams do

come true, and Bussi got to meet his idol after the game.

Bussi has helped to lighten the load for Frederik Andersen. With Pyotr Kochetkov out for the season due to injury, Bussi has filled the role nicely. He has split time in net with the Danish goaltender this season.

The Hurricanes currently lead the Metropolitan Division with a 38–15–6 record. With the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs on the horizon, Bussi will look to be a key factor down the stretch. With the way he’s been playing, he could very well be instrumental in helping Carolina get over the hump they’ve endured the last few seasons.

Harborfields Girls’ Basketball Beats Northport En Route to County Final

By Ashley Pavlakis

The Tornado claimed the Tiger on Long Island this past week. The Harborfields High School girls’ varsity basketball defeated the previously undefeated Northport High School girls’ basketball in the semifinal matchup to advance to the Class AA County Final.

Harborfields girls’ basketball is a member of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and competes in League 4. The girls are led by first-year head coach Jason Brittman, who is joined courtside by assistant coach Hafner. This season, the team boasts an 18–4 record.

The Tornadoes have suffered four losses this season, all of which have come against two specific teams: league opponents Half Hollow Hills West High School girls’ basketball (44–50 L, 35–39 L) and Westhampton Beach High School girls’ basketball (46–68 L, 55–67 L). Coincidentally, they played those two teams back-to-back each time they met—once in January and again in February. Those two sets of losses are the only blemishes in their impressive string of wins.

The Class AA playoff bracket saw Harborfields face Centereach High School girls’ basketball in the first round, beating them 49–35. Advancing to the semifinal matchup, they took on the talented and undefeated Northport Tigers. The Tornadoes gave it everything they had to emerge victoriously and put an end to the Tigers’ season. When the buzzer sounded, the Tornadoes’ bench erupted in cheers as the team rushed the court to celebrate together. Head coach Jason Brittman has now guided his team to the County Final in his first season behind the bench.

A 57–51 win sent them to the County Final, which will take place on Friday, March 6, at a neutral site on the campus of Stony Brook University. The opponent? Westhampton. Having faced them twice this season means the two teams are familiar with one another. Third time’s the charm, right?

Westhampton, a League 4 opponent, currently sits atop the league standings with a 20–2 record. Their only losses this season came against Baldwin High School girls’ basketball and Bay Shore High School girls’ basketball. Westhampton’s offense is similar to Harborfields’ in that it consistently produces points and wins.

Harborfields has been productive on offense, averaging 45-plus points per game in each of its 18 wins. A majority of those victories fell within the 52–65 point range. Scoring has not been an issue for the Tornadoes, to say the least.

Harborfields celebrated its four seniors in late January as part of the Senior Day tradition. Liz Sabino, Rose Poller, Grace Hochheiser, and Scarlet Carey are set to graduate this spring. All four seniors are members of the leadership group, serving as captains for the Tornadoes. Hochheiser and Sabino are multisport athletes for Harborfields.

The Harborfields girls’ varsity basketball team has put together a fantastic season this year. The Tornadoes fell short in the second round of the playoffs last year and may have used that loss as motivation to go all the way this season. Only time will tell, but a title is on the line come Friday when Harborfields and Westhampton step onto the court.

Suffolk County Basketball Finals at Stony Brook This Weekend

By PJ Balzer

It’s Long Island’s very own version of “March Madness.”

This upcoming weekend, the gymnasium at Stony Brook will be full of fans from all over Suffolk County as they cheer on their high school team playing for the Suffolk County basketball Championship games in their respective division.

Last year, the Mount Sinai boys’ basketball team won their first Suffolk County and Long Island class A championship in school history. This year the boys are back in the championship game, and they brought back their girl classmates as well! The boys are playing against a strong Kings Park team on March 7 at noon. The Mount Sinai girls’ team will play Shoreham-Wading River on Friday, March 6, at 3:00p.m.

In the class AAA large school final, Brookhaven town has a boys’ team who brought back their girls’ team also. The William Floyd High School boys’ team gets another shot at the Suffolk large school title this year as they will take on Bay Shore this Saturday, March 7, at 5:00p.m. The two teams played each

other twice already this year as they each took one game. William Floyd girls’ team joins them as they beat Ward Melville last weekend in the semifinal game to reach the first championship game in school history for the girls’ program. They will face off with the top seeded Walt Whitman this Friday,

Smithtown West boys’ team has been one of the top teams on the entire island all season. They finished league play with a perfect 16-0 and only lost one non-league game to Baldwin. This is a team that hoops fans have followed all over the island this season. They will face off with another powerhouse, Half Hollow Hills West. Hills finished the regular season 15-1 while having some convincing playoff wins to carve out their way to the class AAA championship game. These two high powered teams will meet at Stony Brook University this Saturday, March 7, at 2:30p.m. for the Suffolk class AA title.

The winner of each game will move on to face the Nassau County winner in their respective class next weekend. Each game requires a ticket only purchased on Gofan. No tickets are sold at the door.