The South Shore Press 1/21

From the NEWSROOM

BY ROBERT CHARTUK

After writing news stories for 45 years, some refer to me as the Dean of Suffolk reporters. The undisputed King of Long Island journalists, however, is Karl Grossman, whose weekly column is featured on Page 12.

I remember covering a meeting of the Suffolk Legislature as a 21-year-old cub reporter, sitting next to Karl, who was already a legend. We were following the Shoreham nuclear plant debacle, which later became the subject of his acclaimed book, Power Crazy: Is LILCO Turning Shoreham Into America’s Chernobyl? This was at the start of a journey under the tutelage of a master that continues to this day.

The atomic fiasco was not the first controversial issue the King

had sunk his teeth into. Back when Robert Moses was the region’s ultimate power broker, Karl went up against him over his plan to extend Ocean Parkway across Fire Island to William Floyd Parkway. The highway would have marred what would become the Fire Island National Seashore, an ecological gem along the barrier island. Karl’s coverage galvanized opposition to the 17-mile road, earning him the enmity of one of the most powerful figures of the day.

This was not the first time Grossman tangled with Moses. The master planner also loomed large when the World’s Fair came to Queens in the early 1960s. In building out the region’s transportation network,

Featured Columnist: Karl Grossman, The King of Long Island Journalists

Moses displaced numerous communities, particularly black and minority neighborhoods. When the residents came to the fair to protest his heavy hand, Moses called in Pinkerton agents, who beat them with batons. Karl’s coverage of the incident prompted a call to his publisher—and his firing.

Karl quickly landed back on his feet, securing a job with another paper and continuing a stellar career that endures to this day.

That experience and insight remain vital assets as, this week, Karl turns his attention to the race for New York governor. He landed an interview with Gov. Hochul’s lieutenant, Angelo DelGato, who is challenging her for the Democrat nomination. Read

Wilderness Area Named for Former Congressman

By Robert Chartuk

The stunning Fire Island High Dune Wilderness Area, just over the Smith Point Bridge in Shirley, is named for Otis G. Pike, the congressman who represented Suffolk from 1961 to 1979. Pike was a noted environmentalist whose legislation created the Fire Island National Seashore and the 1,381-acre park that carries his name.

Located on the barrier island that protects the mainland from the ocean, the area is the only federally designated wilderness in New York State. Seven of Fire Island’s 32 miles have that distinction in a tract that stretches from the Seashore visitor center at Smith Point all the way to Watch Hill.

Hikers are treated to a spectacle of both marine and terrestrial life. White-tailed deer make their home in forests of pine, bayberry, and poison ivy, while piping plovers—an endangered species—nest

in bare patches along the beach. Red foxes also inhabit the wilderness, along with hawks, snowy owls, and speedy

shorebirds. Red-winged blackbirds fill the marshes with song, and dragonflies dart among the rushes to catch mosqui

toes and flies. The ocean is a haven for seals and whales and all manner of game fish—bass, bluefish, and fluke—while migratory ducks raft in the bays between the island and the mainland.

It was the work of South Shore Press columnist Karl Grossman that exposed a plan by Robert Moses to extend Ocean Parkway across the wilderness and connect it to William Floyd Parkway. His reporting led to the preservation of this spectacular shoreline asset, which was once the province of Col. William Tangier Smith, an early Suffolk settler who owned 81,000 acres in what would later become Brookhaven Town.

A Democrat, Pike was born in Riverhead and served in the Marine Corps in the Pacific as a dive bomber and night fighter pilot during World War II. He graduated from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs and later earned a law degree from Columbia Law School.

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COVERING ALL OF SUFFOLK

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Sunrise Wind Pause Highlights Fatal Flaw in State Energy Plan

By Robert Chartuk

The Trump administration’s decision to halt the Sunrise Wind turbine project has intensified scrutiny of New York’s long-term energy strategy, raising concerns about rising electricity costs, grid reliability, and the state’s ability to meet surging future demand driven by population growth, business expansion, and artificial intelligence.

Federal officials shut down Sunrise Wind and other offshore wind installations currently under construction, citing Pentagon concerns that the turbines could interfere with military radar and communications systems. Officials also signaled broader opposition to Green New Deal policies that eliminate fossil fuels.

The Sunrise project, located off Montauk Point and connected to the mainland by a 123-mile transmission cable, was roughly 40 percent complete and ex-

pected to power nearly 600,000 homes.

The move sent Ørsted, the Danish company building the turbines, scrambling for options, including engaging with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and other federal permitting agencies in an effort to reverse the decision, while also evaluating potential legal action. The developer said it is complying with the 90-day suspension order and taking steps to halt construction in a manner that protects health, safety, and the environment.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the administration was pausing leases for “five expensive, unreliable, heavily subsidized offshore wind farms,” adding that “one natural gas pipeline supplies as much energy as these five projects combined.” Burgum said President Trump is “bringing common sense back to energy policy and putting security first.”

The projected cost of the massive 84-turbine project—the

country’s largest offshore wind farm—is unknown. Based on a recent $9.4 billion Ørsted stock offering, with $6.27 billion earmarked for Sunrise Wind, the final tab appears to be skyrocketing.

Gov. Kathy Hochul criticized the move, accusing the administration of undermining clean energy and job creation. “They will look for any excuse to continue their assault on clean energy and the thousands of good-paying jobs these projects bring,” she said, adding that “there is no credible justification for this stoppage.” The real threat to national security, Hochul charged, is “undermining our energy independence.”

Hochul has acknowledged that renewable energy alone cannot meet New York’s future electric needs. She has publicly stated that nuclear power will be required to maintain grid reliability—an admission that underscores the long lead times, regulatory hurdles, and massive

costs associated with building new nuclear capacity.

Analysts and lawmakers warn that the state’s heavy reliance on wind, solar, and controversial battery storage facilities, while restricting clean-burning natural gas infrastructure, reflects a fundamental failure of energy planning. Modern natural gas plants emit far fewer pollutants than older facilities, cost significantly less to build, and can be brought online far faster than offshore wind or nuclear projects, they argue.

Critics have long warned that the result of New York’s Green New Deal policies will be higher electric bills and outages, particularly as AI-driven data centers place unprecedented demands on the grid. Failing to meet the state’s energy needs will deepen the economic strain on residents already paying some of the highest taxes and fees in the nation.

While Hochul is poised to blame rising costs on the Trump administration’s decision to halt

offshore wind projects, opponents argue the state’s energy challenges stem from years of policy decisions that ignored cost, reliability, and the continued importance of natural gas in powering New York’s economy. The state sits atop a Saudi Arabia–sized supply of gas that could lift the economic prospects of millions, yet Green New Deal politicians such as Hochul and the Democrats who control Albany won’t let it be touched.

It’s Time for an Energy Policy that Actually Works

By Senator Mario Mattera

New York is facing an energy reality we can no longer afford to ignore. As chairman of the State Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, I support renewable energy and environmental protection. But slogans and experiments cannot power homes, protect public safety, or keep energy bills affordable. We need realistic solutions—and abundant, clean-burning natural gas must be part of the equation.

Recent battery storage fires, including another incident in Orange County, underscore serious concerns about relying too heavily on technologies that are not ready for widespread deployment. Lithium-ion battery fires burn at extreme

temperatures, cannot be easily extinguished, and put firefighters, residents, and our environment at risk. No one wants these facilities near their homes, and for good reason.

Meanwhile, New Yorkers are paying the price. Electric rates are rising dramatically, driven by overreliance on intermittent wind and solar generation paired with costly battery storage. That is not a responsible path forward.

Natural gas remains the most efficient, economical, and reliable bridge fuel available. We should be retooling existing power plants into modern combined-cycle facilities equipped with carbon capture technology. This approach dramatically reduces emissions while ensuring dependable baseload power.

Carbon capture is already being

used successfully across the United States and Canada. It works—and it protects both our air and water.

Projects like the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE)

Message to Gov. Hochul:

“Don’t do it, Kathy”

Dear Editor:

Long Island’s energy needs have been mismanaged going all the way back to the Shoreham nuclear plant—which we’re still paying for. Does Gov. Hochul really think our electric bills will go down by eliminating fossil fuels, or does she simply lack the courage to stand up to the radical wing of her party that’s pushing this?

No one wants huge solar farms taking over our green spaces, and the windmill

natural gas pipeline would reduce our dependence on hundreds of LNG tanker trucks hauling fuel from Pennsylvania—each emitting pounds of CO₂ per mile on New York

projects are collapsing under their own weight. Sunrise Wind is turning into a financial debacle on par with Shoreham, as its developer, Ørsted, recently had to issue more than $9 billion in stock to keep the project alive. Who do you think is going to pay back the investors? If you said the beleaguered ratepayers of Long Island, congratulations—you’ve won a spot in the Ratepayer Hunger Games. Good luck.

With the Trump Administration balking at giving the Danish company federal tax subsidies, you just know the governor is going to bail them out to

roads. Pipeline delivery is safer, cleaner, and far more efficient. At the same time, Albany policies remain inconsistent. Suspending all-electric building mandates while advancing the “100-foot rule,” which forces homeowners to shoulder the cost of gas hookups, sends mixed signals and hurts working families.

New York needs balance. Renewable energy has a role, but so does domestic natural gas, thermal energy reuse, and practical innovation. Energy policy must be guided by facts, not ideology. Our residents deserve reliability, affordability, and safety—and natural gas helps deliver all three.

State Sen. Mario Mattera (R2nd Senate District) is chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications.

keep her green-energy dream alive. Don’t do it, Kathy! Adding higher state taxes to our already unaffordable electric bills will be the last straw for the people of Long Island.

For politicians who claim to care about affordability, their support of the greennew scam is hypocrisy at its worst. I don’t want an electric car, I don’t want them to take away my gas grill, and I certainly don’t want them to raise my rates to support it.

—Desiree Glock, Centereach

By Robert Chartuk

Oh, Deer: Feds Announce South Shore Cull

Deer management operations will take place this month at Fire Island National Seashore and the William Floyd Estate as the National Park Service moves forward with its White-tailed Deer Management Plan, aimed at restoring balance to fragile ecosystems on federal lands.

According to a National Park Service announcement, the controlled cull will be carried out in January by highly qualified wildlife professionals on federal property only. Portions of both sites will be temporarily closed during operations to ensure public safety, officials said.

Venison from the operation is expected to be donated to local food banks, including Island Harvest, Westchester Pantry, and the Harry Chapin Food Bank through Long Island Cares. The donation practice has been part of the program for several years, with thousands of pounds of meat provided to hunger-relief organizations.

Park managers say an overabundance of white-tailed deer has had a measurable impact on native vegetation across Fire Island and the William Floyd Estate in Mastic Beach. Deer browsing damages or eliminates young trees and shrubs, reducing forest regeneration and shrinking forested areas over time. The loss of native plants also diminishes habitat for birds and other wildlife that depend on diverse understory growth.

The management plan is designed to protect long-term ecological health while

preserving visitor access and enjoyment of parklands. National Park Service officials emphasize that maintaining a balanced ecosystem is part of the agency’s mission to safeguard natural resources for future generations.

Deer reduction activities will be limited strictly to federal lands and will not take place in residential areas or on private property. The agency noted that similar management efforts have been used successfully in other national parks to address ecological damage caused by high deer

populations.

Fire Island National Seashore officials said the program also includes public outreach, educational materials, and ongoing research to monitor forest recovery and wildlife conditions following removals. Additional information, including frequently asked questions and scientific background, is available at nps.gov/fiis.

Visitors are encouraged to check for temporary closures before arriving. Updates will be posted by the National Park Service throughout the January operations.

Mastic Beach Man Recognized for Decades of Service

By Robert Chartuk

Steve Barile of Mastic Beach was honored at Baiting Hollow Scout Camp in Calverton for his many years of service to the camp. The Baiting Hollow Alumni Association presented Barile with its Alumni Service Award, which is given annually to an individual who has gone above and beyond for Baiting Hollow and the Scouts the camp serves.

This year marks Barile’s 24th year working on the summer camp staff. Over the years, Barile, 46, has served in a variety of roles, including assistant cook, archery director, C.O.P.E. (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) and climbing director, support staff member, and shooting sports director.

Barile’s service to Baiting Hollow includes volunteering year-round to help prepare for and run activities and special events, such as the Baiting Halloween haunted trail and December’s Brunch with Santa, as well as assisting with maintaining and improving camp facilities. His other volunteer experience includes serving as a past chief of the Mastic Beach Ambulance Company.

A 1998 William Floyd High School graduate, Barile is the technical director at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson.

Barile is also an Eagle Scout, and he earned the Vigil Honor, the highest honor awarded by Scouting’s national honor

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“I love what I do, and I’m very grateful that I’m able to help mold our Scouts to become leaders and good people,” Barile said. “This camp is like a second—and sometimes first—home for me, and I

hope I’m able to continue doing what I love.”

The Baiting Hollow Alumni Association Fellowship Dinner on January 3 was the first event marking the camp’s yearlong 100th anniversary celebration.

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Serving the Communities of The Village of Bellport, Brookhaven, Center Moriches, Centereach, Coram, East Moriches, East Patchogue, Eastport, East Shoreham, Farmingville, Gordon Heights, Lake Ronkonkoma, Manorville, Medford, Mastic, The Village of Mastic Beach, Middle Island, Miller Place, Moriches, Mount Sinai, North Bellport, The Village of Patchogue, Port Jefferson Station, The Village of Port Jefferson, Ridge, Rocky Point, Ronkonkoma, Selden, Shirley, Shoreham, Smith Point, Sound Beach, Speonk, Terryville, Wading River, & Yaphank.

Suffolk County Water Authority Completes Major Water Main Replacement in Shirley

By The South Shore Press

The Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) has finished replacing about 2,400 feet of old transite water main along Floyd Road and nearby streets in Shirley. The replacement comes after an increase in main breaks in the area. Modern ductile iron pipes were installed to strengthen system reliability and maintain water quality for customers.

“This investment will create a more reliable distribution system for the Shirley community, reducing disruptions and

improving long-term performance,” said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo. “Replacing aging infrastructure is essential to maintaining safe, high-quality drinking water, and we appreciate the support of local leaders as we continue this work.”

The upgrade is part of SCWA’s broader initiative to replace aging water mains throughout Suffolk County. The program prioritizes areas based on past break history, pipe materials, and operational needs.

Deputy Presiding Officer Jim Mazzarella visited the site during construction and sup-

ported the project. “Our priority is ensuring that neighborhoods like Shirley have dependable public infrastructure,” said Mazzarella. “It is great to see SCWA taking a proactive approach that will improve service and reliability for our community.”

Construction was completed this week. Road paving related to the project is planned for later this year.

SCWA operates as an independent public-benefit corporation under New York State law, serving around 1.2 million residents of Suffolk County on a not-for-profit basis without taxing power.

Winter Light Levels Raise Concerns Over Seasonal Depression

By Staff Report

As daylight hours shrink and temperatures drop, health experts say many Americans may experience seasonal depression, a form of mood disorder linked to reduced exposure to natural light during the winter months. Often referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, the condition is most common in northern regions where winter days are shorter and sunlight is weaker. Symptoms can include a persistent low mood, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, and a loss of interest in activities that are normally enjoyable.

Experts note that while working in naturally lit rooms can help support overall

well-being, indoor daylight typically falls far short of the light levels needed to significantly counter seasonal depression. Even bright indoor environments often provide only a fraction of the light intensity people receive outdoors, particularly during winter. By comparison, outdoor light—whether on a sunny or overcast day—is substantially stronger. Health professionals say spending time outside in the morning, even briefly, can be beneficial. Importantly, the mood-regulating effects of light come from exposure through the eyes, not from sunlight on the skin, meaning heavy winter clothing does not diminish the

benefit.

For individuals who struggle to get outside regularly, light therapy has emerged as a widely recommended option. Light therapy boxes are designed to emit bright, full-spectrum light that mimics outdoor conditions. When used consistently—typically for 20 to 30 minutes in the morning—these devices have been shown to improve mood, energy levels, and sleep patterns for many people.

Doctors also emphasize the importance of maintaining regular sleep schedules, staying physically active, and maximizing exposure to natural light whenever possible. Simple changes, such as taking a morn-

ing walk, working near windows, or opening blinds early in the day, can provide added support. While seasonal mood changes are common, experts advise individuals experiencing persistent or severe symptoms to seek medical guidance. Early recognition and proactive strategies, they say, can make a meaningful difference during the darkest months of the year. With winter now well underway, health professionals encourage residents to be mindful of their light exposure and to take steps that support both mental and physical well-being as the season progresses.

Great Healthcare Plan to Cut Costs, End Subsidies

By Robert Chartuk

A sweeping healthcare plan unveiled by the Trump Administration calls on Congress to replace Obamacare with a new system geared toward lowering costs, reducing federal spending, and returning decision-making power to patients.

The bill, dubbed the “Great Healthcare Plan” by the President, is designed to address rising premiums, high prescription drug prices, and what officials describe as excessive taxpayer-funded subsidies that have kept Obamacare afloat for more than a decade.

The administration argues that President Obama’s Affordable Care Act caused healthcare costs to skyrocket while requiring billions of dollars each year in federal subsidies to stabilize insurance markets. Critics charge that the act was designed to fail and move the country toward a government-run healthcare system.

The subsidies, estimated at more than $350 billion over the next decade, are now at the center of

a major standoff in Washington. Democrats have warned they may again shut down the government if the funding is not renewed, while Republicans argue that extending the subsidies only prolongs a broken system rather than fixing it.

Under the proposal, money currently paid to insurance companies through Obamacare subsidies would instead be sent directly to eligible Americans. Supporters say this would allow individuals and families to buy coverage that better fits their needs in a competitive marketplace, encouraging innovation and driving down costs. Illegal immigrants would not be deemed “eligible Americans,” setting up a broader conflict over the Democrat-backed model of expanding government-funded healthcare to non-citizens.

Lowering prescription drug prices is another cornerstone of Trump’s plan. It calls for codifying “Most-Favored-Nation” pricing to ensure Americans pay no more for certain medications than patients in other developed countries. The

administration says recent agreements with major pharmaceutical manufacturers have already reduced prices on drugs used by millions of Americans, including insulin.

The plan also targets insurance premiums by ending pharmacy benefit manager kickbacks and requiring insurers to disclose profits, overhead costs, and claim denial rates in plain English. Healthcare providers and insurers that accept Medicare or Medicaid would be required to clearly post prices and fees, expanding transparency and accountability.

“We are ending the days of insurance companies hiding behind complexity. Americans deserve plain-English information about costs, profits, and denied care,” Trump said. “Healthcare providers and insurers must be transparent up front. This plan restores accountability and gives power back to patients.”

According to the White House, the plan would save taxpayers at least $36 billion through reforms to cost-sharing programs while

reducing premiums for common Obamacare plans by more than 10 percent.

The proposal represents a sharp departure from the universal healthcare model favored by Democrats, which includes coverage for non-citizens. Instead, Trump’s plan emphasizes individual choice, market competition, and placing healthcare dollars directly in the hands of taxpayers.

“Americans should not need a dictionary or a lawyer to understand their health insurance,” the

President said. “My plan requires clear, plain-English pricing and coverage so families can make informed decisions.”

In its summary of the proposal, the White House also noted that President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts law expanded access to health savings accounts for up to ten million people on Obamacare, took what it described as the most significant actions to reduce healthcare fraud and abuse in history, and made the largest investment in rural healthcare ever.

SANTOS UNCENSORED

BY GEORGE SANTOS

America is a nation forged in courage, law, and strength, and its defenders deserve our unwavering support. The tragic fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis is a heartbreaking event that has shaken a community and a nation. My deepest condolences go out to Ms. Good’s family, a 37-year-old mother of three whose life, like all human life, mattered profoundly to her loved ones and her community. The pain of that loss is real, and no family should ever have to endure something like this.

Yet in the days since that painful morning, the national conversation has too often been hijacked by political theater instead of grounded in truth, justice, and law. What happened in Minneapolis must be examined fully and fairly, but it must also be understood in the broader context of defending our nation’s sovereignty and enforcing the rule of law.

Immigration and Customs

Enforcement is not some fringe agency meant to be sidelined or scapegoated. It is a frontline defender of America’s borders and interior security. Under President Trump’s leadership, ICE has confronted cartel smugglers, human traffickers, MS-13 gang members, drug networks, and countless violent criminals. These are the forces that tear apart communities and threaten the safety of everyday Americans.

Minneapolis was the focus of Operation Metro Surge, a lawful federal initiative intended to address illegal immigration and the violent crime that often accompanies it. This operation, the largest of its kind in years, deployed agents to protect communities that had become overwhelmed by criminal alien activity. Federal officers were sent with a clear mission: to uphold federal law and protect the American people.

The shooting of Ms. Good occurred during a high-risk law

America Must Stand By ICE Amid Tragedy and Truth

enforcement operation, one in which agents are constantly faced with split-second decisions in life-or-death situations. The Department of Homeland Security has maintained that the ICE agent involved acted in accordance with his training and in defense of himself and his fellow officers. President Trump himself reviewed footage of the incident and affirmed the importance of backing officers who are trying to enforce the law under extremely difficult conditions.

We must remember that agents operate in a world where criminal actors exploit chaos. When officers are faced with a vehicle that could become a deadly weapon, the choices they make are agonizing and instantaneous. Even when outcomes are tragic, it is reckless to condemn law enforcement professionals without acknowledging the dangers they confront every day.

Defending ICE is not saying

there is no pain. It is saying we must uphold law and safety. To the critics calling for the dissolution of ICE or for its agents to be criminally charged, I hear their pain. I hear the sorrow of Ms. Good’s family. But abolishing the very agency that protects our communities would be a betrayal of their sacrifice. Removing tools from the hands of lawful enforcers emboldens cartels, encourages illegal entry, and undermines public safety.

President Trump understands this. That is why his administration is appealing a federal judge’s restrictions on federal agents in Minnesota—because law enforcement must be empowered to act, not hamstrung by policies that leave officers vulnerable in the face of violent opposition. Accountability should be real, transparent, and guided by law. But we cannot allow peaceful protest to be overshadowed by mob rule or attacks on our institutions.

When churches are disrupted, when agents are doxxed, or when federal officials are harassed for doing their jobs, that is not justice. That is intimidation. The Department of Justice is right to pursue penalties against those who cross that line.

In times of national anguish, America has always found balance by honoring victims while fortifying institutions. ICE exists to keep Americans safe, to enforce immigration laws passed by Congress, and to protect our borders and cities from criminal exploitation.

Let us grieve with those who grieve, demand a fair review of this incident, and at the same time stand strong for the men and women who risk everything to protect our homeland. America cannot back down. America cannot retreat from law and order. And America certainly cannot survive without an ICE that is respected, supported, and empowered to carry out its vital mission.

Lawmakers Return to Albany Amid Rising Costs, Crime

By Robert Chartuk

With the 2026 state legislative session underway in Albany, local lawmakers say the focus will be affordability, crime, energy costs, and New York’s ongoing population loss.

Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano said the new session offers an opportunity to confront problems he says have been ignored for years. “I am committed, as a member of the Republican Conference, to solving the long-standing problems that get ignored by the majority year after year,” DeStefano said.

Affordability remains at the center of that effort. DeStefano pointed to New York’s $254.4 billion state budget, which is $137 billion larger than Florida’s, despite Florida having 3.5 million more residents and no state

income tax. He said Long Island residents are being unfairly burdened to support state spending priorities that do not benefit them. “We should not be a cash cow for New York City priorities,” he said, arguing that taxes and regulations are driving residents and businesses out of the state.

Public safety is another major focus for Assembly Republicans this session. DeStefano blamed cashless bail and other criminal justice reforms for what he described as a persistent crime wave. “Criminals get arrested time after time, and judges don’t have the power to hold them, allowing offenders to go right back out and commit more crimes,” he said, pledging continued efforts to roll back those policies.

Energy policy and rising utility costs are also expected to domi-

nate debate in 2026. DeStefano sharply criticized the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), saying it has driven up costs for families, schools, and municipalities. “If you want to skyrocket energy prices and shackle an economy, the CLCPA is exactly how you do it,” he said, calling for a more pragmatic energy strategy that includes using the state’s plentiful supply of natural gas to grow the economy and create jobs.

Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay echoed those concerns, saying affordability has become a political talking point without meaningful action.

“Life here remains, quite simply, unaffordable, and there is little evidence meaningful steps are being taken to do anything about it,” Barclay said. He cited rising state

spending, above-average electricity costs, and New York’s low national ranking for affordability as evidence the current approach is failing.

“The mass exodus of New Yorkers to other parts of the country is the clearest sign that we need to move this state in a new direction,” Senator Dean Murray pointed out. “Seven straight years of total Democrat control has

made New York completely unaffordable and a place where people no longer want to live. This is why we must pass and implement our plan to reverse course and Save New York.”

Reaction to the session opening also came from community and advocacy groups. Walter J. Mejia, president of New York Republican Latinos, said voters are increasingly frustrated with unmet promises. “We need a New York that we can call home,” Mejia said, urging the election of leaders who address housing costs, taxes, education, and healthcare.

With affordability, crime, and economic pressures shaping the debate, lawmakers from both parties are preparing for a contentious 2026 session that could have lasting implications for New York’s future.

Suffolk Officials Slam Hochul Speech as Empty Promises

By Robert Chartuk

Officials across Suffolk reacted sharply to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2026 State of the State address, criticizing the speech as heavy on rhetoric and light on solutions to affordability, public safety, and energy reliability.

State Senator Dean Murray said he was “very disappointed” by the address, particularly the governor’s comments regarding immigration enforcement. Murray said Hochul “absolutely attacked ICE officers,” adding that they are law enforcement professionals enforcing federal law and deserve support, not

criticism.

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico focused on what he described as the overuse of the word “affordability” in modern politics. Panico warned residents to be skeptical of slogans without substance, saying government budgeting is “math, not magic,” and that Long Island’s geography and infrastructure limit what can realistically be achieved.

“The governor spoke repeatedly about affordability without once addressing the need to rein in state spending,” noted Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio. “Instead her proposals relied on even more spending, which will only

worsen New York’s affordability crisis. I was particularly disappointed by her push to expand universal two-K, three-K and pre-K in New York City while Long Island families continue to struggle with limited access.”

Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano said the address failed to acknowledge the consequences of one-party Democrat rule in Albany. “Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State was long on promises and short on accountability,” DeStefano said, citing high taxes, rising utility costs, unaffordable housing, and public safety concerns. He argued that families need relief, not new gov-

ernment programs, and called for lower taxes, reduced regulation, and restrained spending.

DeStefano also criticized the governor’s stance on crime, saying she avoided the root causes. “Soft-on-crime laws, such as

cashless bail, remain in place, law enforcement morale is at historic lows, and communities are paying the price,” he said. On energy policy, DeStefano said Albany’s mandates have driven up costs and threatened grid reliability, warning that the administration’s acknowledgment of rising future demand comes too late without a major policy shift.

Suffolk GOP Chairman Jesse Garcia compared Hochul’s address to a familiar pattern of unfulfilled promises. He called for an end to one-party rule in Albany and urged voters to seek new leadership focused on taxes, public safety, and accountability.

LOCAL

By Sam Hogan

Three libraries serving Suffolk communities will receive more than $568,000 in funding through the New York State Aid for Library Construction Program, supporting safety upgrades, infrastructure repairs, and improved community spaces.

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, who helped secure the funding, said the investments will go toward ensuring libraries remain safe, reliable, and responsive to local needs.

“Our libraries are essential community resources—places where families learn, connect, and access vital services,” DeStefano said. “This funding will help ensure these facilities remain safe, reliable, and equipped to meet the needs of our communities, while pro-

State Funding for Local Libraries

tecting taxpayer investments in public infrastructure.”

The Mastics–Moriches–Shirley Community Library will receive $275,000 to renovate its parking lot, enhance elevator emergency communication and security systems, and install new shelving, furniture, and equipment for its maker space, café, and media room at its Shirley location. The improvements are intended to boost accessibility, safety, and programming opportunities for patrons of all ages.

South Country Library in Bellport will receive $100,000 to remove and replace approximately 22,000 square feet of aging roofing, including both flat roofing and asphalt shingles. The project addresses long-term maintenance concerns and aims to prevent weather-related damage that could disrupt library services.

The Suffolk Cooperative Library System will receive $193,522 to install a full-building standby generator at its Bellport facility, ensuring uninterrupted operations and access to critical services during power outages and emergencies.

DeStefano thanked local library staff and trustees for their work on the projects and acknowledged the New York State Library for its role in reviewing and approving the funding applications.

“These investments improve safety, reliability, and accessibility while ensuring our libraries can continue serving the public—even during emergencies,” DeStefano said. “I’m proud to support funding that strengthens these community anchors and delivers real benefits for Suffolk County families.”

Sportsman’s Club Continues Fundraising, Giving Tradition

By Robert Chartuk

The Peconic River Sportsman’s Club in Manorville recently raised an additional $68,100 for breast cancer research, treatment, and support organizations, bringing the club’s total contributions for the cause to more than $400,000.

This year’s beneficiaries include the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition, Lucia’s Angels, and the North Fork Breast Cancer Coalition. Checks were presented to representatives of each organization during a special luncheon held just before Christmas, marking another milestone in the club’s long-running commitment to community-based charitable giving.

One of the oldest and most civ-

ic-minded sportsmen’s organizations in New York, the club places public service at the core of its mission. “Giving back to the Long

Island community—especially through critical fundraising for worthy causes—is a core value of our club,” said Vice President Joe

Hocker. “These organizations are doing outstanding work, and we are proud to support them.”

The fundraiser was organized by Director Ed Walden, Director Frank Laurita, committee chairs Natalie Lugo and Warren Busch, and Sporting Chairman Sal Echel. Numerous additional club members also volunteered their time and effort, contributing to the smooth operation and overall success of the event.

Founded on the principles of sportsmanship, conservation, and fellowship, the Peconic River Sportsman’s Club has built a reputation that extends far beyond outdoor recreation. Its guiding philosophy of “preserving the past and enriching the future” is reflected not only in its support of outdoor traditions, but also

in its engagement with local and regional causes.

Beyond organized fundraising, club members regularly contribute through volunteer work, donations, and hands-on assistance to charitable initiatives across Long Island. This sustained involvement has helped foster strong relationships with nonprofit organizations and reinforced the club’s role as a dependable civic partner.

Through decades of service and generosity, the Peconic River Sportsman’s Club has demonstrated how an organization can make a lasting impact. By combining tradition, volunteerism, and a commitment to paying it forward, the club continues to set a high standard for community responsibility locally.

Family Service League Marks 100 Years on Long Island

By Robert Chartuk

Family Service League will mark 100 years of service to Long Island communities in 2026, celebrating a century of providing care, support, and hope to individuals, families, and children facing life’s most difficult challenges.

Founded in 1926, Family Service League has evolved alongside the communities it serves, responding to changing needs with programs focused on behavioral health, substance use treatment, housing assistance, family support, and crisis intervention. Today, the organization reaches approximately 60,000 people each year through more than 60 programs offered at 20 locations across Long Island. The centennial year will also mark a major leadership transition.

President and CEO Karen Boor-

shtein is preparing to retire, with new leadership set to guide the organization into its next chapter.

“As I prepare to retire during this centennial year, I am confident that new leadership will build on this foundation and continue advancing our mission,” Boorshtein said. “We remain focused on expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and staying responsive to community needs.”

To commemorate the milestone, Family Service League will host a series of signature events throughout 2026. Great Chefs of Long Island will be held March 23 at Crest Hollow Country Club, moving to spring to encourage broader participation. The annual Walk for Wellness will take place Sept. 20 at Belmont Lake State Park and will expand to include a Health Fair offering resources and

family-friendly activities.

A Centennial Gala on Nov. 5 at The Heritage Club will serve as the culminating celebration, bringing together community leaders, partners, and supporters to honor a century of service.

The organization is also launching The 1926 Club, a monthly giving program named for its founding year, along with a Centennial Brick Campaign that allows supporters to sponsor commemorative bricks honoring loved ones or milestones.

While the centennial reflects on past accomplishments, FSL leaders emphasize the future. “Reaching 100 years is an incredible honor,” Boorshtein said. “But our work is far from done. The next century will be defined by compassion, resilience, and belief in the strength of our community.”

LOCAL

By Robert Chartuk

Construction is moving forward on a new mosque on William Floyd Parkway in Shirley following final approvals and site clearing.

The project, formally known as the Islaamic Center of Mastic-Shirley, also called Masjid Umar Bin Khattaab, had received unanimous approval from the Brookhaven Town Board. The two-acre property is zoned for residential use, where houses of worship are permitted under town code.

Founded in 2001, the Islaamic Center has grown to

Construction Advances on Islaamic Center of Mastic-Shirley

approximately 400 members. Its stated mission is to establish and maintain a place of worship for daily congregational prayers, weekly Salaatul Jumu’ah services, Islaamic education, and charitable programs that support the spiritual development of the Muslim community. Center officials stress that the facility will be open for public activities, including use of an indoor basketball court.

Plans call for a two-story mosque standing about 35 feet high and totaling roughly 13,000 square feet. The site design includes 124 off-street parking spaces, exceeding

the minimum required under local zoning regulations. During hearings on the plan, residents expressed concerns that the center is too close to neighboring homes and will draw parking to side streets.

In addition to serving as a house of worship, the facility is envisioned as a community-centered space. Once construction is complete, the mosque is expected to accommodate regular prayer services, educational activities, and community gatherings for residents of the Mastic-Shirley area and surrounding neighborhoods.

Pictorial History of Shirley

By Robert Chartuk

Drive around Shirley today and you’ll still see glimpses of the way it used to be, when it was a fresh new seaside community promoted by its founder, Walter T. Shirley, as a “nice place to live. It was a haven for beaches, boating, and fishing—a vacation paradise that became a thriving community. It was originally called Mastic Acres and Tangiers after one of the area’s Colonial Settlers. Known as a “Town of Flowers,” it drew thousands from New York City starting in the 1950s with many of the original families still there to this day.

HISTORY LESSONS

BY RICHARD ACRITELLI

Gen. George Washington: “ Now you hear me, and you hear me well. You will ride out of my camp. You are not to discuss what has occurred here tonight—not with your staff, not with your men. Put your pistol on him, Alex, and go with him. See him onto his horse and out of this camp, and if he tries to take his men with him, shoot him.”

Gen. Horatio Gates: “ You would not dare.”

Gen. George Washington: “ Try me, General Gates. Only try me.”

The above quote was delivered by actor Jeff Daniels portraying General George Washington during one of the darkest moments of the Revolutionary War. Unlike other conflicts, there are relatively few Revolutionary War films focused on Washington. Jeff Daniels, known for both serious roles and his comedic range in “Dumb and Dumber,” presented a powerful and restrained portrayal of Washington in the 2000 production “The Crossing,” which captured the bleak state of the Continental Army before the 1776 Battle of Trenton.

Daniels had several standout scenes in the film that conveyed the immense pressure of leading a fledgling army fighting for independence. In the opening exchange, General Horatio Gates bluntly tells Washington the war is lost, that he has failed as a leader, and that his army is in shambles. Washington, stoic and resolute, refuses to accept the insult, stands by his soldiers, and maintains faith that the American cause is not over.

Another memorable moment occurs when the Continentals surprise and defeat the German Hessian forces. As

FOG

OF WAR AND HUMANITY

BY RICHARD ACRITELLI

After growing up amid hardship in the Bronx, Miguel Logreira chose a life of service that would carry him across five continents and through some of the most consequential moments of the late Cold War and Gulf War era. More than two decades later, his commitment to helping others has not faded—it has simply taken a new form.

Logreira recently sat down with historian and host Rich Acritelli on The Fog of War and Humanity, a podcast produced by hmTv, where he reflected on a military career shaped by

History vs. Hollywood: Major Historical Films

Colonel Johann Rall lay dying, Washington met with him as a “courtesy of war,” referencing the Battle of Long Island and the atrocities committed by Hessian troops at Brooklyn Heights. This A&E production remains one of the finest portrayals of Washington’s resolve at the dawn of the Revolution.

“We fight for men and women whose poetry is not yet written but which will presently be as enviable and as renowned as any.”

These words reflect Colonel Robert G. Shaw’s belief in fighting for the freedom of enslaved people during the Civil War. The 1989 film “Glory,” depicts a young and inexperienced Shaw during the 1862 Battle of Antietam. Wounded in combat, he is awakened by a runaway slave tasked with burying fallen Union soldiers. Early in the film, Morgan Freeman is introduced as a grave digger

who checks Shaw to see if he is still alive.

Shaw, from a wealthy abolitionist family with ties to the Massachusetts governor, suffered from both his wounds and post-traumatic stress. He was asked by Governor John A. Andrew to command the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first African American units in the Union Army. Matthew Broderick convincingly captured Shaw’s emotional struggle, dispelling doubts that “Ferris Bueller” could handle such a serious role. Those doubts vanished when Broderick, portraying Shaw, demanded that a corrupt general allow his regiment to fight. In the final scene, soldiers who once resented him during training cheered Shaw as they charged a Confederate stronghold.

Ness: “I have sworn to capture this man with all legal powers at my disposal, and I will do so.”

Malone: “ Well, the Lord hates

a coward.”

Malone: “ Do you know what a blood oath is, Mr. Ness?”

Ness: “Yes.”

Malone: “Good—because you just took one.”

“The Untouchables,” (1987) was a unique film that portrayed the violent clash between organized crime and law enforcement during the Great Depression in 1930s Chicago. The film opens innocently but quickly turns brutal when a young girl purchases moonshine for her mother. Capone’s men plant a bomb that kills everyone involved, immediately establishing the gangster’s ruthless control.

Kevin Costner portrayed a young Treasury agent, Eliot Ness, while Sean Connery played veteran cop Jimmy Malone, a beat officer disgusted by corruption. Malone mentors the idealistic Ness within a police force and legal system deeply compromised by Al Capone. Robert De Niro transformed himself into Capone—gaining weight, wearing padding, shaving his hair, and adopting a chilling laugh—to portray the Brooklyn-born mobster. Capone despised the nickname “Scarface,” was eventually imprisoned at Alcatraz, and spent the remainder of his life quietly.

One of the film’s strongest scenes occurs when Ness confronts Capone in his hotel after Malone’s murder. De Niro exudes menace, while Costner shows quiet determination. While The Untouchables celebrates Ness’s role in enforcing Prohibition, his later life was troubled by multiple divorces, alcoholism, and a drunk-driv -

ing incident. The Prohibition era also fueled bootlegging on Long Island, from Bayville to Montauk, where rum runners smuggled alcohol ashore. Amityville became a key South Shore hub, part of what was known as “Rum Row.”

Jim Braddock: “ The thing is, I can’t afford to pay the heat, and I had to farm my kids out to relatives. They keep cutting shifts down at the dock—you don’t get picked every day. I sold everything I had to anyone who would buy it. I went on public assistance at the relief office; they gave me nineteen dollars. I need another eighteen dollars and thirty-eight cents so I can pay the heating bill and get my kids back. You all know me well enough to know if I had anywhere else to go, I wouldn’t be here.”

Ron Howard’s 2005 film “Cinderella Man,” is one of the finest portrayals of the Great Depression. Boxer Jim Braddock struggled to find steady work, food, and shelter for his family. Russell Crowe delivered a compelling performance, capturing Braddock’s hardship, pride, and grit. Paul Giamatti played his loyal manager and trainer, Joe Gould, relentlessly pushing promoters to give Braddock a chance. As conditions worsened, Braddock’s wife sent their children to live with relatives due to a lack of food, heat, and electricity. With tears in his eyes, Braddock sought public assistance, walked past luxury apartments near Central Park, and went to Madison Square Garden to beg for help. “Hat in hand,” he appealed to promoters, managers, and writers for enough money to bring his children home.

Miguel Logreira’s Life Of Service Beyond The Battlefield

resilience, empathy, and cultural understanding. A high school dropout who joined the Army seeking purpose, Logreira was steered into military intelligence after recruiters recognized his multicultural background and natural aptitude for languages. Over his career, Logreira became fluent in Arabic and Portuguese, and earned airborne wings through grueling training at Fort Benning. He later attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, where immersion in culture—not just vocabulary—became central to his work. That

approach followed him into overseas assignments in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, including Germany during the fall of the Berlin Wall and Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War.

Logreira says his greatest lessons came not from rank or accolades, but from people—mentors who became father figures, fellow soldiers who relied on one another in extreme conditions, and civilians whose lives were shaped by war and scarcity.

A traumatic brain injury from a Humvee rollover later challenged his memory and speech, but he credits rehabilitation and

perseverance with helping him rebuild.

Today, Logreira continues to serve through advocacy, mentorship, and engagement with fellow veterans. He participates in VA programs addressing PTSD and substance abuse, speaks openly about the importance of empathy in leadership, and focuses much of his energy on being a present and intentional father to his son. His life experience, he says, has reinforced a simple belief: service does not end with retirement.

Logreira’s career reveals a soldier whose greatest mission

extended beyond combat and into service to people across cultures and communities.

BY KARL GROSSMAN

With Elise Stefanik, the sixterm Republican member of the House of Representatives from upstate Schuylerville, suddenly deciding that she would not run for governor of New York this year, the race became a threeway contest.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, after a big re-election win in November, is now the presumptive Republican nominee. He was sworn in last week to a second term as county executive, with his eye on seeking to become the state’s governor. “I’m on a journey. I don’t know where the path will end,” he said.

Earlier this month, at the annual Long Island Association Breakfast, Blakeman spoke of a “listening tour” of the state he undertook to gauge support for being the GOP nominee for governor. Although “here on Long Island, people are generally happy,” he said, he found in his “travels around the state” that there are regions where people “aren’t very happy. They’re miserable—they feel that the state government has let them down.”

Blakeman, formerly presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislature and a Hempstead Town councilman, is significantly behind incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, according to early polling.

If Blakeman, an attorney from Atlantic Beach, is elected governor, it would be a geographic rarity in New York State politics. Since the office of governor was created in 1777, the only individuals who have held the position with residential ties to Nassau and Suffolk counties were Hugh Carey and Theodore Roosevelt. Carey, while maintaining a home in Brooklyn, also had one on Shelter Island, and Roosevelt, a Manhattan native, lived at Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay while serving as president.

New York’s Race For Governor

Blakeman is a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, who has said he has given Blakeman his “Complete and Total Endorsement” for the GOP nomination for governor.

Hochul also attended the Long Island Association event. There, she criticized Blakeman for having Nassau County coordinate with ICE in federal immigration enforcement efforts. She also took aim at his launch of a program for deputized, armed Nassau County civilians to function as a reserve force—Hochul labeled it a “militia”—with a mission that includes assisting ICE alongside local police.

Hochul, who is seeking a second term as governor, is being challenged by her lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, who is running against her in a Democratic primary. According to polls, Hochul is well ahead of both Blakeman and Delgado.

In the 2014 New York gubernatorial election, Governor

Andrew Cuomo selected Hochul as his running mate for lieutenant governor. She had previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives. The pair was re-elected in 2018. Hochul ascended to the governorship in 2021 when Cuomo resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment.

Hochul, of Buffalo, became the state’s first woman governor and chose Delgado in 2022 to replace Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin, who resigned after being federally indicted on corruption charges. That case was dropped last year following the death of a key witness.

Hochul and Delgado, of Rhinebeck and also a former member of the House, ran together in 2022. Their political relationship later soured, with Delgado announcing last year that he would not run with Hochul in 2026 but instead challenge her for the Democratic nomination for governor.

Delgado’s primary campaign website states: “Born and raised in Schenectady, Antonio Delgado is the son of working-class parents who taught him the value of hard work and perseverance. A Colgate graduate, Rhodes Scholar, and Harvard Law alum, Antonio has dedicated his life to leading with love and working to improve the lives around him.”

In an interview, Delgado charged that Hochul has been “capitulating to Trump.” He faulted Hochul, for example, over the state’s reversal on a pipeline pushed by the Trump administration—previously rejected by the state—that would carry fracked gas from Pennsylvania into New York.

Many of Delgado’s criticisms focus on environmental and energy policy. He said Hochul has not sufficiently implemented the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019, which aims to substantially reduce greenhouse gas

UNDERCOVER NEW YORK

Different Things People Eat SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

BY KATHRYN NOCERINO

Some people go to the supermarket and buy chicken nuggets for dinner; others hunt for their food. You will find many traditional American “folk” recipes for wild game such as deer (venison), pigeon (squab), squirrel, and rabbit. Since these animals are not found on the average American table, quite a few people are shocked when you mention them.

When I was at Yaddo, one of the male household staff spoke—when he spoke at all—of hunting and cooking squirrel. He was a Saratoga local.

A friend of mine lived with an Egyptian banker in North Bergen. Judith told me of a dinner at a neighbor’s house.

The lady of the house was an Egyptian import. She served a wonderful dish of fowl cooked en croûte (inside a crisp shell). Let us call the hostess “Ayesha.” Judith asked Ayesha where she got the protein. Judith expected her to say, “Rock Cornish game hen.” Ayesha, who spoke little English, said, “I show!” She opened the back door and pointed down. The backyard was filled with— yes, kiddies—common garden-variety pigeons, innocently strutting around the way they do. Ayesha said, “I catch, I wring neck, I pull out feathers…” Judith fled straight into the bathroom and lost the entire meal.

Lots of people fish. Nobody objects to

that. The French eat snails. The Italians eat octopi. Nobody makes a peep. But all you have to do is try to eat a pigeon, and all hell breaks loose.

I tend to avoid four-legged game animals due to the virtually undetectable presence of BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or “mad cow disease”).

I once had bigos (pron. bee-GOASH), or “hunter’s stew,” at a Czech restaurant called Ruc, and nothing happened to me. I guess I was just lucky. My mother told me the Poles have an almost identical recipe.

Go into your local park with a club and catch your dinner!

emissions and emphasizes green, renewable energy.

Delgado also differs with Hochul on nuclear power—a dominant issue on Long Island for decades, dating back to the Long Island Lighting Company’s effort to build seven to eleven nuclear power plants, beginning with Shoreham. Due to grassroots and governmental opposition, including from Governor Mario Cuomo’s administration, the Shoreham plant never went into commercial operation, and the broader plan collapsed.

Last year, Hochul began calling for new nuclear power generation in New York State, pushing for the state to become a center of a national nuclear power revival.

In her “State of the State” address last week in Albany, Hochul announced: “Last summer I took the bold step of greenlighting the first nuclear power project in a generation… At the time, we set a goal of building one gigawatt of nuclear power,” the equivalent of one large nuclear plant. “But if there’s one thing I believe, it’s this: go big or go home. So I’ve decided to raise the bar to five gigawatts. That’s more nuclear energy than has been built anywhere in the United States in the last 30 years.”

Delgado argues that nuclear power is a “distraction” from green, renewable energy sources led by solar and wind, which he says are more economical and faster to deploy in the face of climate change. Blakeman, meanwhile, is also a supporter of nuclear power.

Hochul, however, has retaliated against Delgado. As WCBSTV chief political correspondent Marcia Kramer has reported, Hochul has “banished him from his office… in the state Capitol in Albany,” taken away his New York City offices, and reassigned much of his staff.

MAKER SPACE

Main Library, 407 William Floyd Pkwy., Shirley (631) 399-1511 x 2023

Embroidery Machines

Brother PE545 Brother SE600

Embroidery Machines use specialized files and software to create and read designs. The machine can stitch a pre-programmed design onto fabric, where the fabric is held taut in a hoop, and the machine automatically creates the desired pattern. Our SE600 works with a USB and the PE545 can be used with USB or Bluetooth design transfer.

Sublimation Printer

This specialized printer uses sublimation inks to transfer designs onto specified materials, by applying high heat, permanently infusing the design onto shirts, mugs, and other sublimation vessels. This printer requires a sublimation blank in order for the design to transfer. The cost to print is $2.00 per sheet.

printing service

Available 3D Printers

• Prusa i3 mk3/mk3s

• Prusa XL

• Ultimaker 3

Print out your own original designs or those found on various open-source websites, using our 3D Printer. Upload your files to our website and complete the required form at communitylibrary.org under the services tab.

The Cricut Maker 3 is a high-performance cutting machine designed for crafting and DIY projects. It can cut over 300 materials, including fabric, vinyl, paper, and leather. Create custom designs for home décor, personalized gifts, apparel, scrapbooking, and more. Access a library of ready-made designs or create your own. Consult the Digital Services Department with questions regarding necessary materials to purchase.

The Cricut Heat Press and mug press are used to infuse iron-on materials such as ink and vinyl onto an object. A Digital Services Librarian will determine an ideal time and temperature for the press and use it to affix your design to your chosen object.

Button Maker

We have a button maker that uses specified supplies to create personalized buttons. Button makers work by pressing an image around a metal backing and then sealing the image with a plastic cover.

Ellison Die Cutter

It’s like cookie cutters, but for crafting! This hand-operated machine uses pre-designed metal “dies” to precisely cut shapes out of paper, cardstock, and other materials.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that creates a simulated 3D environment that users can explore and interact with in a realistic way.

Q:ASK NANCY

BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ.

New York is expected to legalize medical aid in dying. What should New Yorkers understand about this new law?

A:After more than a decade of legislative debate, medical aid in dying is close to becoming law in New York State. Governor Kathy Hochul has publicly announced her intent to sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act, which would allow certain terminally ill adults, under narrowly defined circumstances, to request and self-administer prescribed medication to bring about a peaceful death. If signed, the law will not take effect immediately. Instead, it includes a sixmonth delayed effective date to allow time for regulatory guidance, provider training, and implementation by the New York State Department of Health.

Eligibility under the law is limited and specific. To qualify, an individual must be at least 18 years old and have a medically

What Do I Need to Know About Medical Aid in Dying?

confirmed terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less to live. The individual must be mentally capable of making medical decisions and must voluntarily request the medication. Importantly, a person does not qualify based solely on age or disability, and the law does not apply to non-terminal conditions.

The proposed law establishes a clear, step-by-step process for obtaining medical aid in dying. A patient must make both a written request and an oral request, with the oral request recorded by audio or video. Two physicians must independently confirm the diagnosis, prognosis, and the patient’s ability to make informed medical decisions. A mental health evaluation may also be required if there are concerns about the patient’s decision-making capacity. Finally, there is a required five-day waiting period between when the medication is prescribed and when it can be filled, giving patients additional time to reflect.

Medical aid in dying medication is typically prepared by compounding pharmacies rather than standard retail pharmacies, so availability may be limited. The medication must be self-administered by the patient, most commonly by ingestion, although alternative methods, such as administration through a feeding tube, may be permitted. Because self-administration is required, some patients who otherwise meet the eligibility criteria may not be

physically able to participate.

Participation is entirely voluntary for physicians, hospitals, hospice providers, and pharmacies, and providers may opt out if participation conflicts with their professional or personal beliefs. In addition, most health insurance plans do not cover medical aid in dying, and federally funded programs such as Medicare cannot pay for it, meaning associated costs are generally paid out of pocket.

From an estate planning and elder law perspective, the new law also highlights important limitations in advance care planning. While a health care proxy allows an appointed agent to make many medical decisions on behalf of an incapacitated person, the request for medical aid in dying must come directly from the patient, not the health care agent. The law also restricts individuals who may benefit financially from a patient’s death from serving as witnesses to certain requests, underscoring the importance of thoughtful planning and clear communication.

Medical aid in dying represents a meaningful shift in how New York approaches end-of-life decision-making. As with many changes in this area, understanding

the law’s requirements, safeguards, and limitations is essential for patients, families, and professionals navigating end-oflife planning.

Alma Muharemovic, Esq., is an associate attorney at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C., focusing her practice on estate planning. Michal Lipshitz, Esq., is a senior associate attorney at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C., focusing her practice on estate planning and elder law. Burner Prudenti Law, P.C., serves clients from New York City to the East End of Long Island, with offices in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, Manhattan, and East Hampton.

LIBRARY LIVING

BY TARA D’AMATO Assistant Library Director

Live Homework Help from the Library Now Available 24/7 “I need three more sources about Eleanor Roosevelt for my essay,” or “I don’t remember how to do long division the way the teacher showed us,” It’s 7 o’clock, on a Sunday, and the library is closed! Now what? Many students rely on the Internet as a for homework,but even AI tools don’t always measure up to successful school assignments. Residents can now take advantage of a free library product designed just for students, called Brainfuse Help Now. You can access this service for free online using your library card barcode. To use it, just go to https://www.livebrary.com/study-

The service is available every day with live tutors, 24/7, with some features like the writing lab available on a submit-andrespond basis. Brainfuse Help Now employs certified teachers in ALL subject levels who interact with you in real time in a chat and whiteboard interface online. Rather than doing homework for you, they are trained to guide and coach students to work out the answers on their own. Students can get help in math, science, reading/writing, social studies, AP classes and even prepping for state standardized tests, as well as the PSAT/SAT and ACT exams. Brainfuse Help Now tutors know curriculum standards and even the “new math” methods. Tutors even provide help in Spanish language.

In addition to the live help sessions, the Brainfuse Help Now offers unique features that supplement student learning beyond just homework help. The Skills Building feature allows students to choose statealigned lesson plans to practice what they are learning at school. Features such as My File Sharing allows students to send work inprogress to tutors for constructive feedback. My Session Replay captures the entire help session, so students can review it even after

the session has ended and reinforce what they already learned. My Tutoring Archive saves all the student’s tutoring sessions, and My Test Archive allows them to save and review any practice tests they may have taken through the service. A 24 hour Writing Lab is another valuable tool which allows students to submit essays and any other form of writing ahead of their assignment due date for constructive feedback. A writing tutor will read it and make suggestions on what can be improved or corrected, and get back to the student. With features like this, even students who don’t need tutoring should use it just to supplement their classroom experience outside of school.

The service isn’t limited to just K-12 students, either. Many adults are returning to school either to complete High School equivalency diplomas, or attain college degrees to improve their job prospects and skills. Adult learners can benefit from Live Help’s library of rich adult learning content (GED) and live, professional assistance in resume/cover letter writing, U.S. citizenship preparation, learning software like MS Office Essential Skills Series, and more.

Residents of Mastic, Mastic Beach, Moriches, and Shirley who don’t yet have a library card can even sign up for a temporary library card online at live-brary.com and begin using the Live Help service the same afternoon. Online products like Brainfuse Help Now provides a cost effective academic support system that families should take advantage of. Working parent households, families with one or more students across ages and learning spectrums, students who may benefit from tutoring help on a specific subject, students who require general homework help to stay on top of assignments, and/or thrive with one-on-one guidance are just some of the many learners who could benefit from the library’s Live Help.

DIGITAL RESOURCES

Access our digital collection at www.communitylibrary.org/digital

We’re Here to Help!

We’ll get you all set up to borrow library digital content, from eBooks to eMagazines & music. Call: (631) 399-1511 x2023 to schedule a free one-on-one tech help appointment.

Free Streaming Music & Free Downloads to Keep

Freegal is a music service from your library that provides two great ways to enjoy your favorite music. All you need is your library card number. Freegal offers access to about 3 million songs, including Sony Music’s catalog of legendary artists. You can download and keep 5 tracks per week and listen to streaming music for up to 8 hours per day.

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By Robert Chartuk

Mastic Catering Hall Project Kicks Off Sewer-Driven Revival

The former Casola Well Drillers property on Montauk Highway in Mastic is being cleared for a new full-service catering hall, a project local leaders say shows how the Forge River Watershed Sewer Project is starting to unlock economic development along the corridor.

“The former Casola Well Drillers located on Montauk Highway in Mastic was recently demolished to make way for a brand-new, full-service catering hall,” Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Karen DunneKesnig reported. “The owners anticipate construction to begin sometime in 2026.”

Suffolk Legislator Jim Mazzarella, a key advocate for the sewer project, said the development is the type of investment the new wastewater infrastructure was built to support.

“This is exactly what we want the sewer district to attract,” Mazzarella said. He called it “a positive move toward bringing economic development and

Mastic flushed into the new network, which is based near Brookhaven Calabro Airport.

Mazzarella said the sewer investment is intended to do more than protect the environment. By allowing new construction and expanded uses on previously constrained parcels, he said it can help reshape the look and feel of Montauk Highway.

“We always talk about improving the highway corridor,” he said. “It’s businesses like this that lend to the beautification and the streetscape because they’re going to spend money on landscaping and beautifying their brand-new buildings. That’s what generates the revitalization.”

aside funding to help smaller businesses connect. Mazzarella previously secured $1 million to defray commercial hookup costs, with grants of up to $15,000 aimed at businesses with 25 employees or fewer. He said properties along Montauk Highway, including the new catering facility, may be eligible for assistance as the county rolls out the program.

renewal to our downtown.”

New construction along Montauk Highway is a meaningful marker because it reflects the payoff of decades of work to bring modern sewers to an area that long relied on cesspools, the legislator noted.

The Forge River Watershed

Sewer Project, a $228 million initiative, is designed to improve the quality of local waterways and protect Long Island’s aquifer by moving wastewater from septic systems into a new treatment and recharge basin. Officials marked an early milestone as the first homes in

Across the street, another sewer-enabled project is also taking shape. Greek Bites Grill and Cafe, currently operating in Moriches at the former Carvel stand, is planning a new building near Sign Design, adding to what Mazzarella described as some of the first ground-up projects positioned to benefit from the sewer district.

County leaders have also set

The moment carries extra weight because sewering in the Forge River watershed has been discussed for generations. Supporters describe the new system as the manifestation of roughly 50 years of planning and advocacy aimed at reducing nitrogen pollution and restoring local waters. For residents, it signals a new chapter in the economic revitalization of the area.

Mazzarella said the momentum is continuing, with plans to discuss extending sewer service farther south at the Mastic Beach Property Owners Association meeting on Feb. 5, as leaders look to keep investment and jobs moving into the community.

Take the Plunge for Veteran Mental Health

By Stefan Mychajliw

Operation VEST will host its 5th Annual 22° Run & Plunge, a family-friendly event dedicated to raising awareness for suicide prevention among veterans, active-duty military, and first responders.

The rain-or-shine event will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Walker Park and Beach in Brightwaters. Participants can take part in a scenic 2.2-mile run or walk starting at 10:00 a.m., followed by a polar plunge into the Great South Bay at 11:00 a.m.

People of all ages and abilities are welcome to run, walk, plunge, do both, or participate virtually.

“Operation VEST is dedicated to preventing veteran suicide by addressing the unique and individual needs of veterans, raising awareness, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health so veterans and active military members can heal and find support,” said New York State Senator Alexis Weik.

Safety will be supported by the Suffolk County Police Department and Marine Bureau, the Bay Shore Fire Department Dive Team, Bay Shore-Brightwaters Rescue, and the Brightwaters Highway Department. You are invited to complete 22+1 push-ups together to honor the cause and encourage conversations about mental health.

Each day, an estimated 20 veterans die by suicide. For every completed suicide, there are more than 30 attempts—over 250,000 annually—according to the

EliteFeats.com Run and Plunge Poster

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Organizers say these numbers underscore the need for continued awareness and community involvement.

Operation VEST is a Long Island-based 501(c)(3) organization committed to ending suicide one life at a time by addressing the diverse needs of veterans. All proceeds from the event remain local, directly supporting veterans with food insecurity, housing assistance, counseling services, service dogs, alternative therapies, and other essential resources.

Registration is now open at 22degreerun.com. The event is sponsored in part by the Legere Family Foundation, Good Samaritan Hospital, and Texas Roadhouse of Deer Park.

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of formation of Wendy’s Kitchen LLC a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on January 1st 2026 Office located in Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to Wendy’s Kitchen 13 country club drive apt 13h Coram NY 11727. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

L16437- 1/21/2026, 1/28/2026, 2/04/2026, 2/11/2026, 2/18/ 2026, & 2/25/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, -against - YVONNE VIVAR, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on December 10, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER

TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and YVONNE VIVAR, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BROOKHAVEN TOWN HALL, 1 INDEPENDENCE HILL, FARMINGVILLE, NY 11738, on February 19, 2026 at 9:00AM, premises known as 448 REVILO AVE, SHIRLEY, NY 11967; and the following tax map identification: 0200-642.0003.00-049.000. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 604160/2019. Mark Goldsmith, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE

SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

L16428 - 1/21/2026, 1/28/2026, 2/04/2026, & 2/11/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

The Bank of New York Mellon FKA The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the certificateholders of the CWABS, Inc., AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2006-25, Plaintiff, Against James P. Walsh; Stephanie M. Walsh; John F. O'Neill, his successors or assigns, as Commissioner of Social Services of Suffolk County, Social Services District; People of the State of New York; Peter Meyer; Commissioner of Taxation and Finance; John T. Mather Memorial Hospital; Glenn Hesselbach and Debra Hesselbach; Jaime Correia as Executor of the Estate of Florence Van Brussel; Equable Ascent Financial, LLC; Penny Whyard; Capital One Bank USA, NA; Springleaf Home Equity, Inc. f/k/a American Gen. Home Equity, Inc.; Colonial Woods Condominium; Midland Funding LLC; Continued Care of LI, Inc.; Southside Hospital; Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC; Claire Gangi; Peconic Bay Medical Center; Autovest, L.L.C.; Clerk of the Suffolk County District Court; Clerk of the Suffolk County Traffic & Parking Violations Agency; Commissioners of the State Insurance Fund; Contemporary Dental Associates; Commissioner of Taxation and Finance; Internal Revenue Service; Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 06/16/2021, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, on 2/5/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 27 Pineway Avenue, Mastic Beach, NY 11951, and described as follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. District 0200 Section 970.00 Block 02.00 Lot 012.000 And 013.000.

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $469,411.27 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 604429/2019 Billie Jean Miller, Esq., Referee. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800)

280-2832. SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570

Dated: 11/25/2025 File Number: 35262 MB

L16427 - 1/07/2026, 1/14/2026, 1/21/2026, & 1/28/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF THE LB-CABANA SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. CHARLES ROACH, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 16, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on February 10, 2026 at 10:30 a.m., premises known as 113 Camille Lane, East Patchogue, NY 11772. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200, Section 898.00, Block 07.00 and Lot 007.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $653,766.69 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #608882/ 2023.

Annette Eaderesto, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 222773-1

L16426 - 1/07/2026, 1/14/2026, 1/21/2026, & 1/28/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, SBJK HOMES, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL AGNELLO, IF LIVING, AND IF ANY BE DEAD, HIS RESPECTIVE HEIRS-ATLAW, NEXT OF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING UNDER, BY OR THROUGH SAID DEFENDANT WHO MAY BE DECEASED, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN, ANNETTE M. AGNELLO AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL AGNELLO, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming

Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 1, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on February 10, 2026 at 11:30 a.m., premises known as 39 Moriches Island Road a/k/ a 39 Eastview Avenue, East Moriches, NY 11940. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at East Moriches, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200, Section 890.00, Block 05.00 and Lot 043.001. Approximate amount of judgment is $233,784.90 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 604912/ 2017. Cash or third-party checks will not be accepted, only bank or certified checks made out to me as referee. Giuseppe Rosini, Esq., Referee Margolin, Weinreb & Nierer, LLP, 575 Underhill Boulevard, Suite 224, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff L16409 - 1/07/2026, 1/14/2026, 1/21/2026, & 1/28/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF THE SOWER COLLECTION LLC

The Sower Collection LLC filed Articles of Organization with the New York Secretary of State on November 1, 2025. Office location: Suffolk County. The Secretary of State has been designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process to: 23 Bernard Place, Centereach, NY 11720. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

L16420- 12/17/2025, 12/24/ 2025, 12/31/2025, 1/07/2026, 1/ 14/2026, & 1/21/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF SPARTAN FUNDING I TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. SALEH UDDIN & KAYES ALI LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 25, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on February 17, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., premises known as 43 Cherry Street, Selden, NY

11784. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Selden, in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200, Section 519.00, Block 01.00 and Lot 011.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $617,018.03 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 628889/ 2023.

Richard J. Kaufman, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 230174-2

L16432 - 1/14/2026, 1/21/2026, 1/28/2026, & 2/04/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company. Name: SMH Consulting Firm, LLC. The Articles of Organization filing date with the Secretary of State (SSNY) was August 1, 2025. Office Location: Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail a copy of process to 24 Lake Terrace Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

L16433- 1/14/2026, 1/21/2026, 1/28/2026, 2/04/2026, 2/11/ 2026, & 2/18/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK– U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, -against PATRICIA LINDA WALTERS, RALPH R. DOWLING, JOHN NICHOLAS DOWLING, MICHAEL P. DOWLING, LEYLA P. DOWLING AND RICHARD R. DOWLING, AS HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE DECEDENT AGNES DOWLING; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS-AT-LAW, NEXT-OF-KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS AND PARTIES HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH THE DECEDENT AGNES DOWLING, BY PURCHASE,

THE FANTASY BASEBALL EXPERIENCE

Bichette Knows Fantasy

By Tom Barton

This week, the New York Mets lost out on Kyle Tucker and quickly pivoted to Bo Bichette, and for fantasy purposes, this is an absolute win for Bichette managers and those targeting the star. You will hear talk that Bichette is switching positions, and long term that is why some teams were hesitant to commit to lengthy contracts, but for fantasy players, that should not matter at all. In fact, a move to third base only adds positional eligibility this season, which actually increases his fantasy value.

Bichette can flat-out hit. He led the league in hits in both 2021 and 2022 and, when healthy, looked excellent in 2023 with a .306 batting average while also showing power with 20 home runs. In 2024, he was again struck by the injury bug, which cannot be completely

discounted, but he looked noticeably better late in the season and showed signs of returning to form. He still hits almost 90% in the zone and has a low 18% whiff rate.

Bichette is exactly the type of player I am targeting in fantasy drafts. I understand the injury risks, and they are real, but hitters capable of flirting with a .300 average are rare in today’s game. Pair that batting average with strong counting stats while hitting behind Francisco Lindor, with Juan Soto also in the lineup, and the upside becomes very clear.

I believe a healthy Bichette could approach 100 RBIs and possibly score close to 100 runs. Add that to a .290-plus average and you have a top-tier fantasy option who may be available at a discount because of injury concerns and the position change. Injury-prone players always carry risk, but if you are going to take that chance, it should

BETTING WITH BARTON

BY TOM BARTON

Quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle as the Denver Broncos punched their ticket to the AFC Championship Game, immediately sending shockwaves through the betting market. With Jarrett Stidham now expected to start against the New England Patriots, Denver’s odds shifted dramatically. The line opened at Broncos -4.5 and was quickly bet up to -6 in some spots, reflecting both uncertainty and public skepticism. At the same time, Denver’s Super Bowl odds drifted to the longest on the board among the four remaining teams.

Stidham’s résumé explains the hesitation. Having started just four games across six NFL seasons, he is firmly a career backup. He has not thrown a regular-season pass since 2023 and owns an uninspiring 8-to-8 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Jarrett Stidham is 1-3 as a starter, has not thrown a pass in a game since Jan. 5, 2025 (Week 18 last year) and has not started since Jan. 7, 2024. (Week 18 two years ago). Earlier in the week, look-ahead odds had Denver listed as a slight 1.5-point home favorite regardless of whether they faced New England or Houston. That confidence evap-

be on someone with legitimate MVP-level upside. Bichette fits

orated the moment Nix went down, and it is fair to question how anyone can be comfortable backing Stidham on the sport’s biggest stage. For what it’s worth Jarrett Stidham’s 2025 preseason line was impressive. He was 30-for-38, for 376 yards, 4 TD and 0 INT. That’s good for a 143.0 passer rating.

For Denver to survive, the defense must carry the load. The Broncos ranked in the top three for much of the season in several major defensive categories and have been the backbone of their postseason run. Still, recent results raise concerns. Texans quarterback Drake Maye just threw three touchdown passes against Houston’s top-ranked defense, taking advantage of poor quarterback play on the other side to earn the trip to Denver.

Can Sean Payton and a dominant defense be enough to overcome the loss of their starting quarterback? The sportsbooks have already answered part of that question. Their aggressive line movement suggests they do not believe the public will fully buy into that narrative. Now, the only remaining question is how much higher this number can climb before kickoff.

Stidham Changes The Odds Quickly

There’s a New Man in Charge

By Tom Barton

After a couple of days of waiting for the news to be officially released and the paperwork signed, the New York Giants and John Harbaugh finalized their deal this weekend, making him the next head coach of the franchise. The agreement is expected to be one of the largest coaching contracts in NFL history, reportedly spanning five years and worth approximately $100 million.

Harbaugh becomes the Giants’ fifth head coach, or seventh including interim appointments, since Tom Coughlin resigned in January 2016. His arrival marks a major shift for an organization that has struggled to find

stability over the last decade.

Former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken is reportedly expected to join Harbaugh’s staff, which would immediately give the Giants a respected and proven offensive voice.

The moment Harbaugh was let go by the Ravens, he became the hottest name of the coaching cycle and one of the most sought-after candidates in recent memory. His résumé speaks for itself. During his 18 seasons in Baltimore, Harbaugh compiled a 180–113 regular-season record and went 13–11 in the postseason, highlighted by a Super Bowl championship. He consistently fielded competitive teams and maintained one of the league’s

most respected cultures. It bodes well for the Giants that Harbaugh could have chosen from any of the league’s nine open head coaching positions, yet he selected New York. Upon accepting the job, he immediately spoke positively about the foundation already in place. With a core that includes Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers, Skattaboo, Carter, Burns, and Dexter Lawrence, the Giants possess a blend of young talent and established stars.

If Harbaugh can bring his trademark discipline, adaptability, and leadership to Big Blue, the long-awaited turnaround in New York could happen much faster than many expected.

Ex-Giants, Jets Wife Runs for Congress

By Tom Barton

The wife of former New York Giants and New York Jets wide receiver Plaxico Burress has announced her run for New Jersey’s 9th Congressional District. Attorney and former Penn State athlete Tiffany Burress is seeking the seat currently held by Rep. Nellie Pou. The district covers portions of Bergen and Passaic counties, located less than 10 miles west of New York City. In her campaign announcement, Tiffany Burress explained that her background as a personal injury attorney prepared her for a career in public service. She emphasized her experience advocating for individuals who feel overlooked or disadvantaged by the system.

“I’ve spent my career standing up for people who feel like the system is stacked against them,” Burress said, noting that she has taken on large corporations in court and fought for everyday families.

Tiffany has been married to

By Tom Barton

The Long Island Ducks have announced the team’s first signing of 2026, welcoming Major League veteran outfielder Jacob Robson. Robson will begin his first season with the Ducks, his second in the Atlantic League, and his 10th season in professional baseball.

“We are excited to begin building our roster for the 2026 season and look forward to having Jacob be a part of our club this year,” said Ducks manager Lew Ford. Robson reached the Major Leagues in 2021 with the Detroit Tigers. He spent the first six seasons of his career (2016–19, 2021–22) in the Ti -

Plaxico Burress since 2005, and the couple shares two children, a son, Elijah, and a daughter, Giovanna. Plaxico Burress, 48, was drafted into the NFL in 2000 and enjoyed a long professional career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and New York

Jets before retiring in 2013. Since stepping away from football, Plaxico has remained active in sports media, co-hosting FOX Sports Radio’s national weekend show and podcast “Up On Game.”

According to his LinkedIn profile, he is also the owner of

Ducks Have First Signing of 2026

gers organization. In 552 minor league games, he compiled a .283 batting average with 34 home runs, 210 RBIs, 313 runs scored, 559 hits, 108 doubles, 22 triples, 111 stolen bases, and a .376 on-base percentage. The 31-year-old earned two MiLB. com Organization All-Star selections in 2019 and 2021 and was named a Midseason All-Star in both the Single-A Midwest League in 2017 with West Michigan and the Eastern League in 2018 with Erie. The London, Ontario native has since played three seasons in the American Association and one in the Atlantic League. He appeared in 42 games with Gastonia of the ALPB in 2024,

batting .277 with eight home runs, 27 RBIs, 28 runs scored, 18 stolen bases, and a .936 OPS. Robson also spent two seasons with the Kansas City Monarchs from 2022 to 2023 and one season with the Winnipeg Goldeyes in 2025, winning an American Association championship in 2023.

Internationally, Robson represented Canada at the 2012 18U Baseball World Championship, winning a silver medal, the 2019 Pan American Games Qualifier, and the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he batted .417. He was originally selected by Detroit in the eighth round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Mississippi State

a juice bar in New Jersey. Tiffany Burress brings her own athletic résumé to the campaign. She competed in the 100-meter dash at Penn State University and, at one point, qualified for Olympic trials, highlighting her lifelong discipline and competitive drive.

In her announcement, Burress was critical of Rep. Nellie Pou, accusing her of benefiting from a long political career without private-sector experience. She argued that her own path was built through hard work rather than political favoritism.

Burress concluded her announcement by encouraging voters to embrace change, stating, “Let’s try something different.”

University.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to play on Long Island this season,” said Rob -

son. “The Ducks are a historic organization, and I’m excited to help the team compete for a championship in 2026.”

SPORTS

By Tom Barton

The Bay Shore Schools Board of Education recently recognized and congratulated girls varsity cross country standout Maggie McCormick for her outstanding achievements on the track and on the national stage. McCormick, who has committed to the University of Florida, was honored for her performance at the Nike Cross Country Nationals, one of the most prestigious high school running events in the country.

McCormick competed at the Nike Cross Country Nationals in December in Oregon, where she represented Bay Shore and New York with distinction. She was one of just five female runners from New York State

Record Setting Maggie McCormick Competes at Nationals

to qualify for the elite event. Against a deep national field, McCormick finished third among the New York runners and placed 36th overall, a strong showing that highlighted her consistency and competitiveness against the nation’s best.

Her success has continued into the indoor season. McCormick currently holds the fastest high school girls indoor mile time in the country, clocking an impressive 4:48 at the Hispanic Games last weekend. That performance has further solidified her reputation as one of the premier distance runners in the United States and placed her at the top of the national rankings.

The Board of Education

recognized McCormick prior to its meeting, applauding her dedication, work ethic, and exceptional results throughout the cross country season and beyond. Board members praised her for representing Bay Shore with pride while excelling at the highest levels of high school competition.

McCormick’s recent commitment to the University of Florida marks the next step in her running career, as she prepares to compete at the Division I level in one of the nation’s strongest collegiate programs. Her accomplishments serve as an inspiration to fellow student-athletes and reflect positively on the Bay Shore School District’s athletic programs.

Miller Place Keeps the Paddle

By Tom Barton

This past week, an old rivalry was renewed, and Miller Place once again came out on top. In a highly anticipated matchup against Mount Sinai, the Miller Place Panthers captured the ninth annual “Battle for the Paddle” with an impressive 44–19 victory over the Mustangs. The win not only delivered bragging rights, but also continued a tradition that has grown into one of the area’s most spirited rivalries.

The friendly competition for the paddle began in 2017 and has since become a staple on both teams’ schedules. Each

year, the game brings added intensity, emotion, and pride, with players on both sidelines

fully aware of what is at stake. This season was no different, as both squads came in eager

to make a statement.

Miller Place set the tone early, using a balanced offensive attack and disciplined defense to take control of the contest. The Panthers moved the ball effectively, capitalized on key opportunities, and consistently pressured Mount Sinai throughout the game. By halftime, Miller Place had built a comfortable lead and showed no signs of slowing down in the second half.

Mount Sinai fought hard and continued to compete, showing resilience despite the growing deficit. The Mustangs managed to generate some scoring chances, but the Panthers’ defense limited big plays and forced timely stops

to keep momentum firmly on their side.

With the victory, Miller Place remains in possession of the paddle for the eighth consecutive season, further cementing its recent dominance in the rivalry. The result was a testament to the program’s consistency, preparation, and commitment to excellence.

As the season continues, both teams will look ahead to new challenges, but this game will remain a highlight. The “Battle for the Paddle” once again lived up to its reputation, delivering excitement, pride, and a memorable chapter in a rivalry that continues to thrive year after year.

Basketball Game Ends in Chaos, Arrests

By Tom Barton

Last week, a high school basketball game at Half Hollow Hills High School descended into chaos after a fight broke out between players from Half Hollow Hills and Comsewogue.

A 36-year-old man has been charged with third-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child following his alleged involvement in the incident. According to Suffolk County Police and multiple news outlets, the altercation occurred late in the game when tensions between the two teams boiled over.

Video footage circulating online shows players from both teams pushing, shoving, and grabbing one another as the

situation escalated on the court. What began as a confrontation between players quickly intensified when a spectator reportedly entered the fray. Authorities allege the man ran from the stands toward the on-court melee and struck a 15-year-old Comsewogue player during the brawl.

Police identified the suspect as Jeffery Vernot, 36, of Wheatley Heights. Reports indicate Vernot was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear before a judge on January 30 in connection with the incident. In the video, Vernot can be seen sprinting toward the group of players before appearing to make contact with a Comsewogue athlete, who was later observed stumbling on the court.

The fight occurred with just under one minute remaining in the game. Officials and school staff eventually intervened and were able to separate those involved after several minutes. Due to the severity of the incident and concerns for player safety, the game was officially called off before its conclusion.

School administrators and law enforcement officials continue to review the incident, and further disciplinary actions may follow. The altercation has sparked renewed discussion about spectator conduct at school sporting events and the importance of maintaining a safe environment for student-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans alike.

By Tom Barton

The Sachem community has lost one of its Hall of Famers and an early multi-sport athlete from the 1970s.

John Allen, affectionately known as “The Bear,” a member of the Sachem Class of 1976, passed away this week at his home in upstate New York. Allen, who was inducted into the Sachem Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023, was fiercely proud of his Sachem roots and remained deeply connected to the community.

He frequently shared memories of his time at Sachem and regularly traveled from Carmel, N.Y., to attend Sachem athletic events, including last weekend’s Sachem North vs. Bay Shore

Sachem Hall of Famer John Allen Passes Away

wrestling dual meet. “Sachem Tough, Sachem Proud” was how Allen often signed his messages, a phrase that perfectly captured both his enduring love for the school and the intensity he brought as a rugged, hard-nosed three-sport athlete. Legendary football coach Fred Fusaro said Allen was part of the foundation that elevated Sachem athletics in its formative years, noting that players like Allen built the tradition that followed. Allen’s athletic résumé remains among the most impressive in school history.

A three-sport athlete, two-sport captain, two-sport team MVP, and three-sport All-League and All-County selection, he earned nine varsity letters. He was a four-year var-

sity wrestler, three-year varsity track and field athlete, and twoyear varsity football player, and was the recipient of the Richard Van Norr Memorial Award as Sachem’s top male senior athlete.At the collegiate level, Allen attended the University of Massachusetts as a two-sport athlete, becoming one of the winningest wrestlers in school history while also contributing to multiple championship football teams. Following college, he continued giving back by coaching youth football in several local leagues.

Allen is survived by his brother Bobby, sister Jackie, nephew Mikey, and niece Leah Rose. He will be remembered not only for his athletic excellence, but for his loyalty, leadership, and unwavering pride in Sachem.

Colonials Host Coaches vs. Cancer/Score for a Cure

By Tom Barton

The William Floyd girls’ varsity basketball team, led by head coach Rich Sinclair, recently hosted a “Coaches vs. Cancer/Score for a Cure” game against Riverhead to raise money in the fight against cancer. As part of the initiative, the Colonials also participated in a shoot-athon, and through concessions and T-shirt sales, they raised nearly $650 for the American Cancer Society.

The Colonials showed their support for those who have battled or are currently battling cancer by wearing special pink T-shirts. On each shirt, players wrote the name of someone important in their lives who has been impacted

by the disease. Coach Sinclair expressed his appreciation to the student-athletes and

their families, William Floyd teachers, and the entire school community for their generosity and support of the cause.

On the court, the Colonials delivered an impressive performance, improving their record at the time to 6-0 with an 81-32 victory. The game began competitively, with both teams trading baskets throughout a closely contested first quarter. However, William Floyd’s offense began to find its rhythm in the second quarter, allowing the Colonials to take a 29-17 lead into halftime.

The second half was dominated by William Floyd, as the Colonials took complete control of the game. They

forced turnovers, secured key rebounds, and pushed the tempo, outscoring Riverhead 52-15 over the final two quarters to seal the decisive League I win. Junior Savannah Pantry led the way with a standout performance, recording a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double. Freshman Taleah Coppola also made a significant impact, contributing 12 points along with seven steals and five assists. Following the victory, the Colonials now sit at 6-2 in league play and 7-3 overall on the season. With momentum building both on and off the court, William Floyd is gearing up for another strong push toward the postseason.

Amputee Wrestler Talks to ESM Students

By Tom Barton

Rohan Murphy, a double amputee and former Penn State Division I wrestler, spoke to Eastport–South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School students about the importance of perseverance, resilience, and determination— traits he emphasized will carry them through both their personal and professional lives.

“You have a choice in life to be average, good, or great,” Murphy told the students. “I hope from here on out that you choose great.”

During the assembly, held in the school auditorium on January 8, Murphy shared his powerful life story, beginning with the loss of both of his legs at an early age. He spoke candidly about

the challenges he faced growing up, his lifelong love of sports, and the coach who changed the course of his life by encouraging him to try wrestling. That suggestion ultimately led Murphy to become a Division I wrestler at Penn State, defying expectations and redefining what was possible.

To the excitement of the student body, Murphy also conducted a live demonstration of his wrestling skills, challenging Eastport–South Manor athlete Cole Scesney on stage. The demonstration drew cheers from the crowd and helped illustrate Murphy’s message that physical limitations do not define a person’s potential.

Murphy stressed that adversity is something everyone

faces, regardless of background or circumstance. He explained that how individuals respond to adversity ultimately reveals their character and inner strength. Students were encouraged to reflect on what obstacles may be holding them back and to confront those challenges head-on.

“If I can overcome this and become successful,” Murphy said, “then there’s nothing standing in your way except your mindset.”

Murphy’s visit left a lasting impression on students and staff alike, serving as a powerful reminder that determination, belief, and hard work can overcome even the most difficult obstacles. His message resonated deeply, inspiring students to pursue greatness in their own lives, both inside and outside the classroom.

SPORTS

By Tom Barton

Shoreham-Wading River wrestler Gavin Mangano added another historic achievement to his résumé by capturing his fourth Eastern States Classic championship. Widely regarded as the toughest in-season wrestling tournament in the East, the Eastern States Classic once again showcased Mangano’s dominance on the mat.

In the finals, Mangano delivered a commanding performance, defeating the New York State Division I runner-up by a decisive 17–3 margin. His effort earned him Most Outstanding Wrestler honors for the tournament, further solidifying his reputation as one of the elite competitors in the region. With the victory, Manga -

Mangano Makes History Again

no became just the fourth wrestler in the tournament’s storied history to win four Eastern States titles. Even more impressive, he accomplished the feat in four consecutive years. That rare accomplishment places him alongside Long Beach’s Jacori Teemer, who won titles from 2015 through 2018, and Syosset’s Vito Arujau, who claimed championships from 2014 through 2017.

Mangano’s sustained excellence at one of the nation’s premier events highlights his consistency, preparation, and competitive edge against top-tier opposition year after year. The Eastern States Classic routinely features state champions, nationally ranked wrestlers, and future collegiate stars, making Mangano’s repeated success all the more

remarkable.

With this latest triumph, Mangano improved his career record to an astonishing 1985. Still only a junior, he has already established himself as one of the most accomplished wrestlers ever to come out of Long Island. His body of work speaks not only to his talent but also to his work ethic and ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stages.

Mangano has already committed to Penn State, one of the premier wrestling programs in the country, where he is expected to continue his rise at the collegiate level. As his high school career continues, Gavin Mangano’s legacy continues to grow, and his name is now firmly etched among the legends of the sport.

Desai Now No. 1 in the Country

By Tom Barton

Smithtown East High School

junior Trishna Desai delivered a historic performance recently, bowling an impressive 804 series. The milestone marked the first 800 series recorded in Suffolk County girls bowling in more than six years, a rare achievement that immediately turned heads across the county. Desai’s remarkable series featured game scores of 268, 279, and 257, showcasing consistency, power, and precision throughout the set.

With that performance, Desai’s season average climbed to an outstanding 226.6, which now ranks first overall in Suf -

folk County. Those who have followed her development closely were not surprised by

the breakthrough. Desai has been building toward a season like this through steady im -

provement, hard work, and a competitive mindset that sets her apart on the lanes.

As a sophomore, Desai already established herself as one of the county’s elite bowlers. She was selected to the Suffolk County Section XI All-Star bowling team, a significant honor reserved for the top performers in the region. That same year, she played a key role in leading the All-Star team to a state championship victory in Syracuse, further cementing her reputation as a clutch performer on the biggest stage.

During the state tournament, Desai averaged an impressive 226, including a high game of 247 against

top competition from across New York State. Her ability to maintain such a high level of play under pressure highlighted her maturity beyond her years and her readiness to compete with the best bowlers in the state. Now in her junior season, Desai continues to raise the bar for herself and for girls bowling in Suffolk County. With her historic 800 series and county-leading average, she has firmly established herself as one of the premier bowlers in the area. As the season continues, all eyes will remain on Trishna Desai as she continues to chase excellence and add to an already remarkable résumé.

Half Hollow Hills Star Heads to the Hall of Fame

By Tom Barton

Half Hollow Hills West

Class of 2021 alumna Jordyn Levy has been elected to the New York State High School Girls Soccer Hall of Fame

Class of 2026, an honor that recognizes her outstanding career and lasting impact on the sport. Levy starred as a forward for Hills West, where she quickly established herself as one of the most dynamic offensive players in New York State.

During her junior season, Levy earned New York State Player of the Year honors, a testament to her scoring ability, work rate, and leadership on the field. She was also named Suffolk County

Offensive Player of the Year twice and received All-American honors as a junior, cementing her status as one of the top high school players in the country. In addition to her high school success, Levy competed at the elite club level with SUSA G03 ECNL, further refining her skills against top national competition. Following graduation, Levy began her collegiate career at Indiana University, where she played in 32 total matches during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, making 16 starts at forward. Entering her freshman campaign, she was named to the Big Ten Women’s Soccer Players to Watch List and later earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors, highlighting

her immediate impact at the collegiate level.

After two seasons with the Hoosiers, Levy committed to continue her career at St. John’s University, joining head coach Ian Stone and the Red Storm as a junior in the fall of 2023. A Dix Hills, N.Y., native, Levy brought valuable experience, versatility, and attacking prowess to the St. John’s program.

Before college, Levy was regarded as one of the nation’s top prospects, earning a threestar rating and ranking No. 138 nationally by TopDrawerSoccer. Her Hall of Fame induction serves as a fitting recognition of a remarkable high school career and a continued legacy of excellence.

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