The South Shore Press 2/11

From the NEWSROOM

BY ROBERT CHARTUK

Legislator Jim Mazzarella pointed it out: with the temperature hovering at five degrees and the wind chill well below zero on Saturday, the Shirley Community Ambulance might very well have hosted the coldest awards night in Suffolk history.

Asked if he thought they might cancel, Assemblyman Joe DeStefano said, “Are you kidding? These folks would go out in a hurricane. A blizzard isn’t going to stop them.”

The volunteer company had much to celebrate. Numerous members earned service awards and recognition for responding to the most calls. Most impressive were the emergency responders who used their skills and dedication to resuscitate people— strangers who were gone, and whom these heroes brought back to life.

The company’s volunteers, numbering around 70, answered 1,636 calls in 2025— more than four per day—and turned out for neighboring departments 165 times. They provided post-delivery care to three mothers and their newborns and were deployed to 25 structural fires. Their top responder, Arthur Reilly, went on 318 calls. Other notables included Jack Dittler with 242 responses, Michael Neuhaus with 203, and Ashley Vega with 199 alarms answered. Presented with a special Second Chance Award for their lifesaving actions were Humberto Diaz, Skylar Edwards, and Mike Neuhaus. The trio was recognized for their role in rescuing a severely injured victim and was honored alongside the Trauma Team at NYU Langone Hospital—Suffolk. Through their coordinated efforts and rapid response, the victim was

given a second chance at life.

Chief Marc Lampert has been with the company for 15 years and is a life member. He recalled the time he and his wife witnessed a car crash on Smith Road and he called 911.

“The ambulance arrived, and these young people came out and they weren’t going crazy like you see on TV,” he said.

“They collected their gear and calmly went over and assisted the victims.”

Soon after, two other cars crashed and another ambulance responded. “They were calm and collected too, and I told my wife right then and there: that’s what I want to do.” After extensive training, Lampert became an Emergency Medical Technician with a Critical Care designation and now leads one of the most dedicated teams in Suffolk.

“These are the people who show up to help their fellow neighbors no matter what,”

Senator Dean Murray said at the Watermill awards dinner in Smithtown. “It could be the middle of the night, a blizzard like we are having right now. They could be at a family event, sleeping, or at work, and they will stop what they are doing to answer the call.

The community is fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers.”

Shirley Community Ambulance Heroes Honored

COVERING ALL OF SUFFOLK

We hope you enjoy your complementary copy of the South Shore Press —our way of welcoming new readers to truly local journalism. In this edition, you’ll see what sets us apart:

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By The South Shore Press

It’s Time to Stop Albany from Treating Long Island Like a Cash Machine

Here’s something Albany insiders don’t want you to hear: for decades, Long Island hasn’t been treated like a community of families, small businesses, and taxpayers who deserve respect. We’ve been treated like a piggy bank. Every year, they come back for more—more taxes, more fees, more regulations—and in return we get lectures, mandates, and neglect. They tax us, regulate us, and talk down to us, then forget we exist the moment the budget is passed.

No one represents that failure of leadership more clearly than Gov. Kathy Hochul. She’s had three and a half years to prove she could turn this state around—three and a half years to make our streets safer, lower taxes, and make New York affordable again. That’s not a short trial run; that’s a full opportunity to lead. Yet what do we have to show for it? Higher crime. Higher costs. Higher taxes. And a growing sense of disorder.

You don’t need a thick policy report to understand what’s happening. Just fill your gas tank. Pay your property tax bill. Walk through a

nesses out of the state. She allowed Albany bureaucrats to bully the suburbs with one-size-fits-all mandates while catering almost exclusively to New York City’s political machines.

train station late at night and ask yourself whether things feel safer than they did a few years ago. Real life is the report card, and right now New Yorkers are flunking under Albany’s leadership. Hochul’s tenure has been a masterclass in how not to govern. She defended disastrous bail policies while repeat offenders cycled in and out of the system, leaving law-abiding citizens to deal with the consequences. She signed off on bloated budgets that drove spending through the roof and pushed families and small busi-

Now, as if to make her priorities unmistakable, she’s cozying up to the most radical voices in city politics—the same crowd that thinks defunding the police is “progress,” believes every problem can be solved with higher taxes, and treats the suburbs as an afterthought or, worse, an obstacle. If that’s who’s cheering for you, it says everything. You’re not governing for Nassau or Suffolk, for upstate towns, or for middle-class families trying to stay afloat. You’re governing for activists, consultants, and social media trends. That’s not leadership; that’s surrender.

Here’s the part Albany insiders don’t like: for the first time in a long time, Long Island has a real fighter stepping forward to take on the status quo. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman isn’t a career insider cutting backroom deals. He isn’t auditioning for Manhattan cocktail parties or cable news hits. He’s one of us. He understands what it means to live here, pay these taxes, worry about

safety, and raise a family without feeling like the state is working against you.

As county executive, Blakeman focused on the basics that Albany forgot: public safety, lower taxes, local control, and common sense. While others chased headlines, he did the work. While Albany politicians argued over slogans, he backed law enforcement. While they kept raising spending, he looked for waste to cut. While they ignored the suburbs, he stood up for them.

Blakeman understands something Hochul never has: New York does not begin and end at the city line. Farmers matter. Suburban families matter. Small businesses matter. Long Island matters. The people who commute every day, coach Little League, run diners and hardware stores, and pay the bulk of this state’s bills matter too.

For years, though, we’ve been told to sit down, shut up, and pay up. Every budget cycle, Albany treats Long Island like an ATM they can tap whenever they need more cash. Don’t complain. Don’t question. Just keep sending the checks.

This race is our chance to say enough. Enough being the

financial engine of the state while getting scraps in return. Enough being lectured by politicians who’ve never set foot in Levittown or Ronkonkoma. Enough being represented by leaders who take marching orders from the far-left city crowd instead of listening to the communities that fund this state.

Hochul had her opportunity. She’s had years to deliver results. Instead, crime is worse, affordability is worse, and trust in government is worse. That’s not spin—it’s what families feel every day when they balance their checkbooks and look over their shoulders.

The choice is simple. We can stick with the same Albany machine politics that got us into this mess, or we can finally put a real Long Island voice at the table. We can keep rewarding failure, or we can demand accountability.

It’s time Albany feared Long Island voters a little more and ignored us a lot less. This time, we don’t just send another check and hope things magically improve. This time, we send a message— and that message is Long Island First.

Despite Repeated Warnings, NY’s Energy Crisis Looms

New York is on the cusp of a full-blown energy crisis, and the real tragedy is that if catastrophe does strike, it will have been entirely avoidable.

Since the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) was passed in 2019, the Assembly Minority Conference has warned that our energy grid is in serious jeopardy.

Our concerns about the rushed electrification of New York’s power grid are shared by independent energy experts, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), and countless New Yorkers who are tired of watching energy prices spike while grid stability plummets.

NYISO has been sounding the alarm about potential energy shortfalls for years. Prior to a tar-

geted 2025 heatwave warning, the energy management organization stated broadly that full electrification under current conditions is not feasible at best and dangerous at worst.

Fast forward to earlier this week, when NYISO flagged another disturbing anomaly: forecasted energy prices hit a historically significant high—more than double the next-highest value recorded since the CLCPA was passed.

According to the organization, on Jan. 28, day-ahead pricing—a mechanism that helps stabilize energy costs by using predictive models to facilitate energy purchasing—reached more than $1,000 per megawatt-hour in many regions of the state. Since 2019, that number has never broken $400 in the central region, and just one week earlier, lows in the central region were around $55.

ing the state’s grid. New Yorkers should not have to worry about whether their home energy needs are at risk every time we experience a snowstorm, cold snap, or heat wave.

What do all of these factors have in common? They fall squarely within the purview of the governor and the Legislature to fix. Instead of racing to eliminate natural gas and other traditional heating methods, we must develop a diverse, resilient energy grid that leverages nuclear, renewable, and traditional energy sources.

This drastic fluctuation is unprecedented. NYISO representatives attribute this abnormal volatility to aging energy infrastructure, higher natural gas costs, and growing electrification strain-

Dear Editor: I just received a copy of an article that South Shore Press sportswriter Tom Barton wrote about my sons, Logan and Alex Silbert. I wanted to say thank you so much for such a kind article about my boys. It’s always exciting to see their names in print, but Tom’s writing went above and beyond and truly touched us. We would never have even seen the article if a coach from another team hadn’t shared it with us. Please let Tom know that he really touched this mom’s heart.

Sincerely, Anne Silbert

Simply put, we are nowhere near ready for full electrification, and if New York attempted to meet the emissions demands of the CLCPA as written, we would not have enough power to heat and cool homes, hospitals, schools, and emergency services.

As such, I have sponsored legislation (A.653) to protect energy

choice in New York and ensure customers have access to the type of energy that makes sense for them. Conference members have also proposed a wide range of reforms designed to bolster reliability, keep costs down, and protect vulnerable New Yorkers.

Legislating is rarely straightforward. But when experts, non-governmental agencies, the public, and lawmakers at every level are explicitly and repeatedly warning that something is wrong, leaders ought to listen. This is one of those cases.

To my colleagues and the governor: New York must take a more measured approach to grid reliability. We need more generation—including natural gas—to come online quickly to avoid a crisis. There is no defensible excuse not to.

Will Barclay is the leader of the Assembly’s Republican Caucus.

By Stefan Mychajliw

Library Artists Reception Showcases Local Creative Talent

The Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library continued its growing focus on cultural programming with an Artists Reception celebrating the work of local residents and launching its newest art exhibition.

The event, hosted from 2 to 4 p.m. at the library’s main branch in Shirley, drew a strong turnout from across the district. Four artists: Peter Russo, Jeannie Baker, Charles Gerbino Jr., and Whitney Bell, attended to meet visitors and discuss their pieces. A fifth artist, David Bradshaw, joined the exhibition the following day, with his work added on Sunday.

Library Director Lonna Castro said the reception builds on earlier community-centered programming that highlighted local voices.

“This reception builds directly on the spirit of Stories That Started Here, where we celebrated local voices through the written word,” Castro said. “Whether through writing, visual art, or photography, our community is rich with creativity.”

The exhibition showcases a variety of artistic media and styles. Russo’s paintings focus on the energy and movement of coastal waters, while Gerbino, known as Artful Surfer, presents sculptural sea creatures made with found materials inspired by marine life. Bell’s photography captures the quiet power of natural landscapes, and Baker’s work includes

statuary and handcrafted pieces influenced by global traditions and her own creative practice. Bradshaw’s black-andwhite photography offers a cinematic look at urban architecture and city detail.

Maura Feeney, the librarian who coordinated the reception and exhibition, said meeting the artists added an important dimension.

“Having the artists present allowed visitors to engage more deeply with the work and the stories behind it,” Feeney said. “These conversations are an important part of what makes programs like this

resonate with the community.”

Board of Trustees President Joe Maiorana said the program reflects the library’s responsibility to enrich community life.

“As trustees, our responsibility is to ensure the Library remains a trusted public institution that uses its resources thoughtfully,” Maiorana said.

The exhibition remains on display at the library, 407 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley, with additional receptions and creative programs planned in the months ahead.

Suffolk Police Sergeant Seriously Hurt in Shirley Crash

By Stefan Mychajliw

A Suffolk County Police sergeant was seriously injured in a motor vehicle crash in Shirley, according to police.

The collision occurred at approximately 12:55 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3rd, at the intersection of William Floyd Parkway and Ridgewood Drive.

Police said Sgt. Wayne Kelly, 46, was on duty and operating an unmarked 2017 Chevrolet Impala southbound on William Floyd Parkway when the crash occurred.

At the same time, a northbound 2008 Honda Odyssey was attempting to make a left turn onto westbound Ridgewood Drive.

Investigators said the Honda struck the Impala during the turn.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene and provided medical assistance. Kelly was transported by ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

The driver of the Honda was identified as Cristian Guartatanga Carchipulla, 40, of Shirley. Police said Carchipulla was taken to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries.

Detectives from the Suffolk County Police Major Case Unit were called to the scene and are investigating the cir -

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cumstances leading up to the crash. Authorities did not immediately release additional details about road conditions or whether any summonses were issued.

Both vehicles were impounded for a safety check, which is standard procedure in serious crashes involving injury, police said.

The intersection remained under investigation for a period of time Tues -

day as detectives gathered evidence and spoke with witnesses.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen the crash or has information that could assist investigators to contact the Major Case Unit at 631852-6555.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information is expected to be released as detectives continue to determine the cause of the collision.

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LOCAL

By Stefan Mychajliw

Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon highlighted the enforcement impact of a newly enacted local law aimed at strengthening oversight of hotels and motels as part of the county’s ongoing effort to combat human trafficking.

The measure was adopted by the Suffolk County Legislature and signed into law by County Executive Ed Romaine.

Lennon announced the law following a press conference at the William H. Rogers Legislative Building in Hauppauge.

The legislation is designed to provide law enforcement with additional tools to identify, investigate and deter trafficking-related activity.

It increases mandatory record keeping requirements for hotel and motel operators, strengthens

Suffolk Law Targets Hotels in Human Trafficking Fight

penalties for violations, and places restrictions on hourly room rates, a practice officials say is often associated with trafficking and other criminal conduct.

“With this now signed into law, our law enforcement has more tools to prosecute those who trade people for money,” Lennon said.

Romaine joined Lennon along with members of the Suffolk County Legislature, New York State officials, law enforcement representatives, emergency services personnel, and advocates from ECLI-VIBES and the Suffolk County Anti-Trafficking Taskforce.

Officials at the event emphasized the need for coordinated enforcement and stronger local laws to protect vulnerable individuals and improve public safety across Suffolk County.

“As we continue to confront

the challenge and reality of human trafficking in Suffolk County, we must look at every aspect of this situation and address it accordingly,” Romaine said.

The law also aims to strengthen cooperation between county agencies and law enforcement by

establishing clearer compliance standards within the hospitality industry, improving transparency, and ensuring swift consequences for operators who enable or ignore trafficking activity.

County officials said the hospitality industry plays an important role in identifying suspicious activity, and the updated requirements are intended to ensure businesses are partners in prevention efforts. Lennon said the county will continue working with local and state agencies to hold offenders accountable.

Suffolk Police Bust International Human Trafficking Ring

By Stefan Mychajliw

Suffolk County Police arrested a Bronx man for his alleged role in an international human trafficking ring that investigators say brought victims into Suffolk County over a three-year period.

The arrest followed a long-running investigation that began in 2022, when officers from the Second Precinct Investigative Unit conducted surveillance at the Roadway Inn, located at 270 West Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station. During that surveillance, officers

observed women they believed were being trafficked and engaged in prostitution.

The case was later taken over by the Suffolk County Police Human Trafficking Investigations Unit, with assistance from the Second Precinct Investigative Unit, the SCPD Warrant Enforcement Section, the New York City Police Department, the FBI and investigators from the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office.

Police said Erick Acevedo was arrested at approximately 10:35 a.m. on Cedar Avenue in the Bronx. Investigators allege that

Acevedo transported women to hotels and collected money from sex workers as part of the trafficking operation.

Authorities said the ring has ties to the Dominican Republic, Brazil, New York and Florida, and may extend to other states. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to identify additional suspects and potential victims.

Acevedo, 36, of 1750 Sedgwick Ave. in the Bronx, was charged with promoting prostitution in the third degree, a D felony, and conspiracy in the fifth degree, a misdemeanor. He was issued

a desk appearance ticket and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip.

Police are urging anyone who may have been a victim of this trafficking operation, or who has information about the case, to contact the Suffolk County Police Human Trafficking Investigations Unit at 631-854-7512 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220TIPS. Detectives emphasized victim safety and support services remain a priority throughout the ongoing investigation effort.

Candlelight, Cooking Raise Fire Risks on Valentine’s Day

By Staff Report

To keep the spark alive safely this Valentine’s Day, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) encourages extra caution when cooking and using candles to celebrate the holiday.

According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fires and injuries – nearly half (49 percent) of all reported U.S. home fires involve cooking equipment – while an average of nearly 6,000 home fires involving candles are reported to U.S. fire departments each year.

“Valentine’s Day at home often includes a special meal and candlelight,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “Keeping an eye on what’s cooking and using candles carefully can help prevent a celebration from turning into an emergency.”

Over one-quarter (29 percent) of reported home cooking fires and

half of the associated deaths are the result of unattended cooking. Keep these simple cooking safety tips in mind this Valentine’s Day: Stay in the kitchen while boiling, frying, grilling, or broiling food. Always turn the stove off when leaving the room—even for a short time. When simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly and set a timer to remind yourself that you are cooking. Anything that can catch fire—wooden utensils, oven mitts, towels—should be kept away from your stovetop. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, put the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Create a “kid and pet-free zone” of at least three feet (one meter) around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is carried or prepared. Candles are also a leading cause of home fires and must be used with supervision and caution.

According to NFPA data, more than half of all candle fires began when a flammable object—furniture, curtains, home decorations, clothing—was too close to an open flame. In 21 percent of home candle fires, the candle was either left unattended, discarded, or otherwise misused. Over one-third (36 percent) of candle fires originated in the bedroom.

A safer alternative to candles is battery-operated flameless candles, which offer a similar look and feel to real candles while simultaneously eliminating the risk of fires.

If you plan on using real candles, NFPA recommends the following: Keep candles at least one foot (30 centimeters) away from anything flammable. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Blow out all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep. Avoid the use of candles in bedrooms and other places people may fall asleep. Put candle holders on a sturdy and uncluttered surface. Use candle

holders that are sturdy and will not tip over easily. Do not burn a candle all the way down; put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container. Keep hair and any loose clothing away from the flame. Store matches and candles up high and out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked

cabinet.

For more information about cooking and candle safety, visit the NFPA’s cooking safety and candle safety pages. In addition, the association encourages the public to make sure they have working smoke alarms and develop and practice a home escape plan.

SANTOS UNCENSORED BY

GEORGE SANTOS

Every year, I look forward to the Super Bowl halftime show almost as much as the game itself. It’s one of those uniquely American moments where everything else stops. Families are in their living rooms, kids are running around with plates of wings, grandparents who don’t know a first down from a field goal are watching along, and for fifteen minutes everybody is focused on the same thing. No politics. No drama. No division. Just music. Just fun. At least, that’s how it used to be.

This year, sitting on my couch, I kept turning up the volume because I thought something was wrong with my TV. I’m not kidding—I thought my speakers were blown. I grabbed the remote, hit volume up, up, up, and still couldn’t understand a single word coming out of Bad Bunny’s mouth. Not one. And that’s when it hit me: it wasn’t the television. It was the show.

Now look, I respect success. I respect hustle. Bad Bunny built

a global following, and that’s not easy. Nobody can take that away from him. But the Super Bowl isn’t a niche concert for die-hard fans who already know every lyric. It’s not a late-night festival crowd. It’s the biggest stage in America, and if you’re headlining it, the bare minimum expectation is that people can actually hear you sing.

Instead, what we got felt like fifteen minutes of flashing lights, smoke machines, camera cuts every half second, dancers flying everywhere, and vocals buried under a pile of speakers. It was all spectacle and no connection. I kept waiting for one moment—just one—where the music would cut through. It never came.

That’s the difference between this performance and the ones people still talk about years later. When Prince played guitar in the pouring rain, you felt it in your chest. When Bruce Springsteen ran across the stage, you heard every lyric like he was singing straight to you.

Half Time a Bad Bunny Bust at Super Bowl

Beyoncé was crystal clear. Even Shakira and J.Lo brought huge Latin energy while still making sure every word, every hook, every beat landed.

Music is supposed to communicate something. It’s language, emotion, storytelling. If the audience can’t understand what’s being said, what exactly are we connecting to? At that point, it’s not really a concert— it’s just background noise with fireworks.

The NFL keeps missing the point. The Super Bowl isn’t about chasing what’s trendy on streaming apps. It’s about bringing the whole country together. People who speak English, Spanish, or both should be able to follow along without subtitles or a decoder ring. Representation is great. Quality matters more. You can sing in any language, but if the sound mix is muddy and unintelligible, nobody wins.

By the time it ended, I couldn’t name a single song he performed—and that tells you

everything. The best halftime shows stay with you for years. This one was gone before the second-half kickoff.

Maybe I’m old-school. Maybe I just like my concerts to sound like concerts. But if you’re going to take the biggest stage in

America, give us something we can actually hear, something we can sing, something that brings the country together.

It’s the Super Bowl, not a nightclub at 2 a.m. And next year, I hope the NFL remembers that.

Veteran Mental Health Takes Center Stage at Capitol

By Robert Chartuk

Veteran mental health and suicide prevention took center stage at a bipartisan press conference at the New York State Capitol, where elected officials and advocates warned that veterans across New York continue to face elevated risks and urgent gaps in care.

Speakers pointed to data showing veterans die by suicide at significantly higher rates than the general population, with younger veterans facing particular vulnerability during the transition to civilian life. They stressed

that awareness campaigns, while helpful, must be paired with expanded services, early intervention and consistent funding.

“Veteran suicide is not an abstract issue; it is a real and ongoing crisis impacting families and communities in every corner of our state,” said Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano. “While awareness has increased, the data shows that awareness alone is not enough. We need real investments in mental health services, peer support and community-based programs that reach veterans before a crisis turns deadly.”

DeStefano said he is committed to bipartisan legislation that strengthens peer support networks, expands access to mental health care and ensures veterans’ service organizations have the facilities and infrastructure needed to meet growing demand.

Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio said stigma and access remain major barriers for veterans seeking help. “Too many veterans are struggling in silence,” Giglio said. “We need to make mental health care easy to access, close to home and free of stigma, so veterans feel supported when they reach out.”

Assembly

Local leaders echoed the need for coordination across levels of government. Suffolk Legislator Chad Lennon, a Marine Veteran, said counties

are often on the front lines of crisis response. “Local government plays a critical role in connecting veterans to services,” Lennon said. “That’s why state and county partnerships are essential to saving lives.”

Advocates highlighted peerto-peer outreach, crisis intervention and community-based programs as effective tools when adequately supported.

“We owe our veterans more than gratitude; we owe them action,” DeStefano said. “That means making sure no veteran feels isolated or forgotten when they need help most.”

Giglio Urges Students to Apply for $20K Scholarships

By Stefan Mychajliw

Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio is urging students and families to take advantage of a new scholarship opportunity that could provide significant financial support for higher education and career training.

Giglio (R,C–Riverhead) announced that the Chime Scholars Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026–2027 scholarship program, offering awards of up to $20,000 for students of all backgrounds pursuing college degrees or workforce training. The scholarship is open to

students seeking a wide range of educational paths, including traditional college programs, apprenticeships, trade schools, technical training and professional certification courses. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2026.

“Higher education and workforce training should be accessible to every student, regardless of their background or financial situation,” Giglio said. “Programs like the Chime Scholars Foundation help remove barriers and give students the support they need to pursue their goals, whether that’s earning a degree, learn -

ing a trade or gaining valuable workforce credentials.

“Since its launch in 2022, the Chime Scholars Foundation has awarded $7 million in scholarships to more than 1,000 students nationwide, funded through Chime’s 1% pledge to expand access to education and training opportunities.According to the foundation, the program has already demonstrated strong results.

In surveys, 100% of graduates reported the scholarship helped them complete their degree or certification. Additionally, 87% of scholars are

projected to graduate — nearly double the national graduation rate for Federal Pell Grant recipients — and 72% secure employment in their chosen

field within six months of graduation.

Giglio stressed that many students and families may not be aware of resources available to help offset rising education and training costs, making outreach and awareness critical.

“I encourage eligible students in our community to explore this opportunity and apply,” Giglio concluded.

Students can review eligibility requirements and submit applications online through the Chime Scholars Foundation website.

LOCAL

By Robert Chartuk

Members of the Unkechaug Nation marked the winter solstice and honored the whale during a ceremonial gathering at the Manor of St. George, returning Indigenous spiritual traditions to a site deeply tied to their ancestral history.

Unkechaug Chief Harry Wallace said the ceremony reflected an enduring bond between the Nation and the Manor, which sits on original Unkechaug land in Mastic. “There’s always been a connection,” Wallace said. “Our people worked there, celebrated there, and maintained relations

Unkechaug Nation Returns Sacred Ceremonies to Manor of St. George

with the Manor from the very beginning of colonial times.”

The winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year, holds special spiritual meaning. Wallace said the ceremony was held to honor the whale, an animal central to Unkechaug culture and identity. “It’s a very spiritual time for us,” he said. “This was the first time we conducted a solstice ceremony at the Manor, and that made it especially meaningful.”

The whale ceremony included prayer, the offering of traditional tobacco, the smoking of a sacred pipe, and a symbolic offering to the ceremonial fire.

Shane Weeks, who helps lead whale response ceremonies on Long Island, said the ritual reflects centuries of respect for balance and sustainability.

“Whales are a huge part of who we are as a people,” the Shinnecock Nation member said. “We’ve honored them for thousands of years, long before commercial whaling changed the oceans.”

Manor representative John Scott Prudenti said the event reflects a renewed and respectful relationship between the estate and the Unkechaugs.

“We’re working closely together to reconnect and strengthen a relationship that goes back

generations,” Prudenti said. “It’s important that the Manor acknowledges that history and supports these traditions.”

Both Wallace and Weeks noted that bringing the ceremonies to the Manor represents healing and continuity. “This is about honoring our ancestors and carrying our responsibilities forward,” Wallace said. “Being welcomed here again matters.” Organizers said they hope future ceremonies will continue at the 127-acre estate, which has a panoramic view of Narrow and Bellport bays near Smith Point.

Trump Lifts Atlantic Fishing Ban

By Robert Chartuk

The Long Island commercial fishing fleet will regain access to Atlantic waters following a new presidential proclamation that lifts a ban inside the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument.

The offshore fishing grounds, located southeast of Long Island along the edge of the continental shelf, covers roughly 4,913 square miles of deep-sea canyons and underwater mountains in the Atlantic.

Long Island fishermen, particularly vessels sailing from Montauk, Shinnecock, and other East End harbors, have long argued the waters are part of traditional fishing routes for

highly migratory species such as tuna and swordfish.

The monument was created in 2016 under the Antiquities Act, setting aside the area for protection of sensitive marine

habitats and geological features. Restrictions on commercial fishing were later eased in 2020, before being reinstated in 2021, when federal officials cited potential harm to the

monument’s scientific and historic resources.

The latest proclamation reverses that 2021 decision, concluding that a blanket fishing ban is not necessary to protect the area. It states that commercial fishing, when properly regulated, can coexist with conservation goals because fish stocks and habitats are already governed by extensive federal law.

The proclamation highlights the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, which requires science-based management through regional fishery councils that include state representatives and industry stakeholders. It also notes that many species found in the monument range widely throughout the Atlantic and are not unique

to the protected area.

Other laws, including the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Clean Water Act, and Oil Pollution Act, remain fully in effect and continue to regulate fishing practices, protect vulnerable species, and address pollution threats.

For Long Island’s maritime economy, the shift could restore opportunities for federally permitted boats, while maintaining catch limits, gear rules, seasonal closures, and habitat safeguards. Supporters say the change balances conservation with economic survival for coastal communities, while critics argue the monument deserves stronger protections, ensuring the Atlantic debate continues offshore.

Mastic Beach Open Space Preservation Targets Flood Protection

By Staff Report

Suffolk County has added a small but strategic parcel of land in Mastic Beach to its growing open space holdings, strengthening natural protections for one of Long Island’s most flood-prone coastal areas. The acquisition advances a long-term effort with the Town of Brookhaven to preserve land within the Mastic-Shirley Conservation Area and reduce future storm damage.

The newly acquired 0.21-acre property on Lafayette Drive sits alongside existing county parkland, expanding a continuous buffer designed to absorb storm surge and heavy rainfall. Combined with previous purchases by the County and Brookhaven, more than 226 acres have now been preserved in and around the conservation area. County officials say the initia-

tive reflects lessons learned from increasingly intense weather events and the lasting impacts of Superstorm Sandy, when multiple breaches led to widespread flooding across the Mastic-Shirley peninsula. Hundreds of homes were inundated during the storm, underscoring the vulnerability of low-lying neighborhoods along the bay.

County Executive Ed Romaine said preserving open space is a proactive approach to protecting coastal communities as storms grow stronger and rainfall totals rise. By expanding undeveloped areas along the shoreline, the County aims to reduce flood damage while allowing natural systems to function as intended.

Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella said the acquisition is part of a broader coastal resiliency strategy that prioritizes flood mit-

igation while restoring habitat and ecosystems in the southern portion of the community. Open space preservation, he said, provides both environmental and public safety benefits.

The Lafayette Drive purchase is the latest addition to roughly 76 acres the County has preserved within the conservation area alone, representing nearly $1.4 million in investment. Officials view additional acquisitions as essential to establishing a public floodplain protection zone that can support wetland and floodplain restoration projects.

Beyond flood protection, the preserved land is expected to enhance scenic views, recreational opportunities and environmental health, while limiting future development in areas most at risk from coastal storms and rising waters in the region.

LOCAL

By Stefan Mychajliw

In recognition of National Missing Persons Day, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney is renewing a call for the public’s help in identifying multiple sets of unidentified human remains connected to long-unsolved homicide investigations.

Tierney announced that the District Attorney’s Cold Case Task Force continues to actively pursue answers for victims whose identities remain unknown, urging community members to review new information and updated forensic renderings in two longstanding cases: Medford Jane Doe and Bellport Jane Doe.

“We are asking the public to take a moment to read the information available and to look at these new renderings of the victims,” Tierney said.

“We believe someone must know something. No tip is too small.

“Medford Jane Doe was discovered dismembered on Dec. 7, 1994, inside a blue Rubbermaid garbage can along a roadside in Medford.

Investigators determined she

Suffolk DA Seeks Help Identifying Jane Doe Victims

was murdered by serial killer Robert Shulman. The victim was a white woman believed to be between 20 and 30 years old, approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 135 pounds. She had a tattoo on her upper left shoulder featuring the name “Adrian.”

Recent genetic genealogy work revealed she had Western European ancestry, primarily from England, Scotland and Wales.

The task force has released a clay facial reconstruction, an updated composite sketch and a revised tattoo depiction.

Bellport Jane Doe was murdered in 1983 by her landlord, Arthur Kinlaw, while living on Michigan Avenue in Bellport.

She was known as Marie or Maria and described as a Black or Hispanic woman weighing approximately 300 pounds. She walked with a walker after suffering a shattered femur. An updated composite sketch has also been released.

The public is encouraged to visit SuffolkCountyDA.org/cold-cases to review case details and images. Tips remain confidential.

HISTORY LESSONS

BY RICHARD ACRITELLI

“It is a crisis of confidence. It is a crisis that strikes at the very heart and soul and spirit of our national will. We can see this crisis in the growing doubt about the meaning of our own lives and in the loss of a unity of purpose for our nation. The erosion of our confidence in the future is threatening to destroy the social and political fabric of America.”—President Jimmy Carter, July 15, 1979

These were the challenging words used by President Carter to address the serious problems that deeply hurt the nation during the 1970s. After losing its first war, Americans watched U.S. military forces withdraw from a decade of fighting and losses in South Vietnam, where the nation later witnessed its defeat by the communists in 1975. For years, citizens waited in long fuel lines, paid high gas and oil prices, and endured drastic shortages of this vital resource. As in recent years, the American consumer in the 1970s was battered by inflation that reached as high as 14 percent.

Around the world, other countries began to view the United States as no longer a superpower—neither respected nor feared by its enemies. In late 1979, within weeks of each other, the Iranian government captured American embassy workers, and the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Although Carter condemned these actions, both Iran and the Soviet Union refused to relent under diplomatic pressure.

Meanwhile, America fell behind the economic rise of Germany and Japan, particularly in technology and the production of fuel-efficient automobiles. It was a painful period, with many Americans wondering

FOG OF WAR AND HUMANITY

BY RICHARD ACRITELLI

A new episode of The Fog of War and Humanity podcast brings listeners a deeply personal account of military service, antisemitism, and Holocaust remembrance through the life story of Gary Glick, commander of Jewish War Veterans Post 652 in Merrick.

Hosted by Richard Acritelli and produced by the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County, the multi-part conversation traces Glick’s journey from growing up in 1950s East New York to serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. Glick, born in 1949, described a childhood shaped by

Netflix and the American Boys of Winter

whether better days lay ahead.

Over the past week, Netflix released a new documentary on the 1980 American Olympic hockey victory over the dominant Soviet Union. Directed by Max Gershberg and Jake Rogal, the film brings this historic sports moment to life. The documentary highlights the small town of Lake Placid, host of the 1980 Olympics, set in New York State’s Adirondack Mountains. “Miracle: The Boys of ’80” chronicles the creation of the team, its makeup, coaching, and hard-fought success.

The late Herb Brooks, then head coach at the University of Minnesota, was selected to lead the Olympic team, though he was not the first choice. Driven and intense, Brooks sought to blend an American style of play with the disciplined strengths of the Soviet system. Widely regarded as one of the greatest

college hockey coaches, Brooks’ intensity was recalled vividly by his children and former players. Brooks was determined to reverse the team’s poor international performances and make the Americans competitive against the Soviets. These games were personal for him, as he had been the final player cut from the 1960 Olympic team. He later recalled the heartache of watching that team win gold, remembering his father telling him that the coach had “cut the right guy.”

Though Brooks never won gold as a player, he became consumed with building the strongest possible team for Lake Placid.

Early in training, Brooks confronted deep regional rivalries between Midwestern and New England players who were not yet unified. Previous U.S. men’s hockey teams had

fared poorly internationally, and many expected the same result. These players, largely from working-class families, hoped to represent America on the world stage.

The documentary captures these backgrounds through the memories of team captain Mike Eruzione, who described his large family, its values, and the psychological pressure Brooks placed on the team. Even as captain, Eruzione was told he would be cut before later being reinstated. Players recalled constant evaluations and the fear of being among those cut before the final roster of twenty.

Defenseman Ken Morrow, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound player from Flint, Michigan, reflected on how his father fostered his love of hockey, even building a backyard rink. Morrow later became a longtime auto worker before passing away from can-

cer. The documentary shows both the athletes’ drive and the family pressures they faced. After winning Olympic gold, Morrow went on to help the Islanders capture the Stanley Cup the same year and later served as a Hall of Fame player, assistant coach, and director of scouting.

Perhaps the most important player was goaltender Jim Craig of Boston University. Before the Olympics, Craig endured the loss of his mother to cancer and the financial struggles that followed for his family. His emotional interviews reveal the strain of balancing grief, responsibility, and Olympic preparation during a pivotal time in his young life.

A strong sense of nationalism emerges as the team pursued greatness amid widespread skepticism. Many believed the Americans had no chance, nearly proven true in their opening game against Sweden. Forward Mark “Magic” Johnson recalled fearing the team might implode early. Brooks, furious after a lifeless first period, demanded more.

During that game, forward Rob McClanahan suffered a serious injury and felt Brooks’ wrath, questioning his toughness despite their recent national championship success together at Minnesota. McClanahan admitted he nearly punched Brooks, while Brooks later said the team needed a “jolt.” Even decades later, the tension remains visible as players recall moments when Brooks pushed too far.

Next week’s installment will continue the story of the Boys of Winter and their unforgettable Olympic journey.

A Soldier’s Journey Through Service, Faith, and History

New York’s diversity, where ethnic and religious differences mattered little to kids on the block.

Facing a low draft number after graduating Far Rockaway High School, Glick enlisted in 1969 to control his own path. After training in Georgia and Virginia, he was stationed in Texas and later Germany, experiences that exposed him to overt antisemitism both at home and abroad. He recalled moments of ignorance and hostility, but also unexpected kindness that helped keep him grounded. While stationed in Germany, Glick visited the Dachau

concentration camp memorial, an experience he said never leaves him. Seeing the ovens and walking the grounds left a permanent mark, reinforcing his connection to Holocaust survivors and the responsibility of bearing witness.

Glick later served as a chaplain’s assistant overseas, working alongside clergy of different faiths and gaining a deeper respect for religious practice and mutual understanding. Returning home in 1972, he used the GI Bill to build a career in the trades, a path that led to a stable family life he once thought unlikely.

Decades later, Glick joined the Jewish War Veterans, where he found camaraderie and purpose in preserving overlooked stories, including those of veterans who were also Holocaust survivors. Now in his seventies, he remains committed to education, remembrance, and advocacy.

As Acritelli noted, Glick’s story is not just history, but lived experience—one that underscores why these memories must continue to be shared before they are lost. Listen to his riveting interview at www. hmtcli.org.

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

BY KARL GROSSMAN

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine last year wrote a letter to New York State Health Commissioner James McDonald about a “drug known as 7-OH… a synthetic compound that is made in a laboratory and is a concentrated version of a compound found in a low concentration” in a “leaf product called kratom… Both kratom and 7-OH are sold over the counter in smoke shops and gas stations throughout my county.”

“7-OH is known as ‘drug store’ heroin,” said Romaine. “Its full name is 7-hydroxymitragynine,” he noted. “It is available in our community in convenience stores, smoke shops, and most gas stations. 7-OH is sold in tangerine- and berry-flavored tabs, packaged like candy, in 15 mg and 30 mg tabs,” he said. “They cost approximately $6 and $19 per pill, respectively.”

“7-OH behaves in the body like an opiate,” said the county executive. “It results in rapid, sinister physical dependence…. The drug is on TikTok” and pitched as “a treatment for anxiety and depression. Users can get hooked” in “a little over a month. The withdrawal experience is severe and prolonged.”

“I am concerned with the availability of this unregulated drug increasing in our community,” wrote Romaine. “Currently, 7-OH is banned in the state of Florida, and the FDA is considering making it a Schedule I drug.”

“The lack of awareness of what this is,” said Romaine, “has provided a loophole for dangerous, legal opiate/opiate-like risk in our community. I would encourage your office to act quickly before it creates another public health crisis. We need to stay ahead of this.”

Romaine sent copies of his letter to members of the State Legislature.

At the end of 2025 came an announcement from the office of

The Dangers of Kratom

Dangers of Kratom and 7-OH are detrimental to health.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul that “two pieces of landmark legislation to protect New Yorkers against the harmful effects of commercial herbal products known as kratom,” passed by the State Legislature, were “signed by the governor.”

Hochul was quoted as saying, “No parent in New York should have to endure the loss of a child to a substance simply because they didn’t know what it is. This legislation ensures transparency and strengthens our public health laws so that information about the ingredients and potential harmful risks associated with kratom are clear.”

Still, State Assemblyman Peter Steck of Schenectady told me last week that “much more regulation is needed.”

Said Steck: “I am proud the governor signed my bill requiring warning labels on kratom products and another restricting kratom sales to individuals under 21. These are important steps

UNDERCOVER NEW YORK

BY KATHRYN NOCERINO

No self-respecting Italian-American owns property without a fig tree on it. My paternal grandfather (a.k.a. “The Holy Terror”) kept a small, neat garden in the backyard of the brick two-family house he built in the Bronx for himself and his daughter’s household. Each winter, he shrouded the fig tree in several layers of oiled tarps to keep it alive.

Someone I know wrote a dissertation on Italian-American Use of Space. In addition to grottoes (usually containing a Virgin Mary), he also men-

tioned fig trees. Either is a dead giveaway.

The fig is an ancient fruit.

The Babylonian goddess Ishtar once took on the form of the Divine Fig Tree. Buddha achieved enlightenment beneath the Bodhi (or fig) tree. The Bible lists figs as one of the seven species of the land of Canaan.

You can also wear fig leaves, as evidenced by most of the statues I saw in the Vatican.

One spring, while visiting my Aunt Dolores in the Bronx, I gravitated to the fig tree and snarfed down as many of the

forward. However, much more regulation is needed to safeguard people from the dangers associated with kratom.”

“I am currently working to pass legislation that would prohibit the sale of products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, synthetic kratom, at levels exceeding 2 percent of total alkaloids or one milligram per serving,” he continued. He said that “7-hydroxymitragynine acts like an opioid and can lead to addictive behaviors, which may result in serious consequences for users. I am working hard this session to get this measure passed to better protect New Yorkers.”

He added, “It is also important that there be stronger federal regulation so kratom can be properly evaluated and addressed at the national level, given its potential for abuse and lack of approved medical use.”

Another bill on kratom under consideration in the State Legislature is a measure sponsored by Assemblyman Edward P. Ra of

Franklin Square on Long Island which, it declares, “establishes kratom… as a Schedule I controlled substance.” Such substances have a “high abuse risk” and “no safe accepted medical use.”

A key aspect of the kratom issue is 7-OH, which, although it makes up a tiny portion of the kratom leaf—less than 1 percent—can be and is being synthesized to a strength many times its potency in the plant.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a report last July titled “Preventing the Next Wave of the Opioid Epidemic: What You Need to Know About 7-OH.” It said that 7-OH “is a powerful psychoactive compound that occurs naturally in very small amounts in the kratom plant.” But, as the heading of one page of the report stated, “7-OH Is Engineered to Be Addictive. It Is a Potent Opioid by Design.”

“This dangerous opioid is sitting on store shelves, making gas stations and convenience

stores risky places where kids can purchase these drugs as easily as buying candy,” said the report. It went on: “‘Enhanced’ or ‘spiked’ kratom products may appear to be natural leaf, but actually contain as much as 500 percent more 7-OH than would be expected naturally.” Further: “7-OH is 13x more potent than morphine.”

Suffolk County government has been a leader in taking on kratom. In 2016, the Suffolk County Legislature passed a measure, authored by Legislator Steve Stern of Dix Hills and signed into law by then-County Executive Steve Bellone, banning the sale of kratom in Suffolk County to anyone under 21.

It declared: “This Legislature… finds and determines that kratom affects the brain like an opiate and can be highly addictive…. This Legislature also finds that longterm use of kratom has significant negative health effects…. Withdrawal symptoms are very similar to opiate withdrawal, including severe depression, anxiety, psychosis…. This Legislature further finds that overdoses of kratom are also dangerous, causing hallucinations, delusions, listlessness, tremors, aggression….”

Penalties for those who “sell, offer for sale or otherwise distribute kratom in the County of Suffolk to any person under the age of 21,” says the law, “shall be… punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to one year’s imprisonment.”

In an interview in 2025, Stern, now a member of the New York State Assembly, said, “Suffolk County was early on this.” He said he was pleased that the State Legislature had just passed the measure expanding statewide the Suffolk ban on the sale of kratom to those under 21.

Much more, indeed, needs to be done—on the state and national levels. As Romaine said, “We need to stay ahead of this.”

All About Figs

still-green fruits as I could eat. This resulted in a powerful stomachache, since they were unripe.

The Holy Terror also grew little pepper plants—terrifically hot—which he would liberally dose onto his food. If you are what you eat, what was he? I imagine a fig tree surrounded by flame.

Ada Boni’s Italian Regional Cooking includes a divine recipe for “Figs in Chocolate Sauce.” After being cooked and dipped in melted chocolate, the figs are dusted with powdered

cloves. All other desserts might pale in comparison. (Take that, Twinkies!)

It occurs to me that the farther south you go in Italy, the more fabulous the food becomes—until, once you reach Sicily, you are in paradise. My paternal grandparents were an incompatible couple: the wife a northerner from Milan, the husband a southerner from Naples. What did I keep at one end of my front lawn in Shirley? A cement foo dog. What does that make me? (Don’t answer that!)

Q:ASK NANCY

BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ.

in daily life.

How do families typically realize that a loved one may need a legal guardian?

A:In most cases, the need for guardianship does not arise suddenly. It develops quietly over time, as small warning signs begin to appear and slowly become harder to ignore. Families often first notice practical problems such as missed bill payments, unopened mail, or unpaid taxes. These issues may seem out of character and are often explained away at first. Medication routines may also become inconsistent, with prescriptions skipped, taken twice, or taken incorrectly. These changes can be subtle, especially when a loved one appears to be functioning well

Financial vulnerability is another common concern, particularly as scam calls, emails, and text messages have become part of everyday life. Many people receive fraudulent calls or messages on a regular basis, and older adults who are experiencing cognitive decline may have an even harder time recognizing when something is not legitimate. Family members may notice unfamiliar withdrawals, unexplained checks, or sudden generosity toward people the loved one does not know. In many situations, families try to help informally by organizing paperwork, paying bills, or going to appointments together, believing that this level of support is enough.

Over time, informal assistance may no longer be sufficient. A triggering event, such as a hospitalization, medical emergency, or communication from a financial institution, often brings the situation into focus. At that point, families may realize that despite their involvement, they do not have the legal authority to act.

Protecting Loved Ones: How Families Identify the Need for Guardianship

Without a Durable Power of Attorney or other planning in place, even close family members may be unable to access accounts, pay bills, or manage financial matters.

This stage is particularly difficult because families are often trying to respect a loved one’s independence while also worrying about safety. Cognitive decline rarely follows a straight path, and people may have good days and bad days. By the time legal authority is clearly needed, the individual may no longer be able to sign legal documents, leaving families with limited options and making court involvement difficult to avoid.

Recognizing early warning signs and addressing them early can make a meaningful difference. Planning ahead allows a person to decide who will step in to help with financial matters if assistance is needed in the future, whether through a Durable Power of Attorney, a trust, or a combination of planning tools. These decisions must be made while the person is still able to understand and participate in the process. Guardianship

IN THIS YOUR TIME OF LOSS

ones may need a guardianship.

is intended as a last resort, but without advance planning, it may become the only option available.

— Alma Muharemovic, Esq. Alma Muharemovic, Esq. is an Associate Attorney at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C., focusing her practice on estate planning. Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. serves clients from New York City to the East End of Long Island, with offices located in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, Manhattan, and East Hampton.

LIBRARY LIVING

BY TARA D’AMATO Assistant Library Director

Stream Music you Love with Freegal Music from the Library Got a new smartphone or earbuds for the holidays? Did you know you can get free music downloads from your library? Anyone with a library card has free access to over 15 million songs from more than 28,000 labels, including the entire Sony Music catalogue. With the Freegal Music Service, Library cardholders can:

• Have a weekly download limit of 5 songs to keep and a streaming limit of three (3) hours daily. Library cardholders can keep track of individual download selections in the upper right corner of the site. Every song has a sample clip that you can listen to before completing a download, but you must be logged into the website to enjoy the sample clips.

• Enjoy easy access: Library cardholders will start by going to the library’s designated website portal: http://www.communitylibrary.org/ digital and click “music”. Downloads on the website are in MP3 format with no DRM; also available are music videos in the MP4 format with no DRM. This service will work on almost any computer, player, tablet or smartphone. The Freegal Music mobile app is free in the Apple® App Store and Google® Play. Library staff will help cardholders with their first download and/or set up an app for their device.

• Enjoy music videos, which cost two of your allotted three weekly

downloads. You’ll be unable to download a music video without two available downloads.

• Query the search engine, which provides both a simple and advanced search and will return results primarily by the album name from which the song originated. Freegal Music is a program that appeals to all age groups. From the latest Billboard hits to children’s songs for a long car ride, to classical, jazz, gospel or show music -- your Library has something to offer for everyone to listen to.

NATION

By Robert Chartuk

New York’s correctional system remains under intense strain more than a year after a workforce demonstration exposed deep problems with staffing, safety, and policy— problems that continue to cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.

State budget figures show that approximately $680 million has already been spent stabilizing prisons since the 2025 crisis, with more than $1 billion in total state funds allocated through emergency extenders and the enacted budget.

At the height of the disruption, nearly 7,000 National Guard members were deployed inside correctional facilities. Today, about 2,700 guardsmen remain, costing the state roughly $50 million per month, with no clearly defined exit plan.

Assemblyman Joseph DeSte -

State Prison Crisis Persists As Costs Soar

ance on emergency spending and military support reflects a failure to confront the policies that led to the crisis.

“This is what happens when ideology replaces common sense,” DeStefano said. “We’ve spent hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars, deployed the National Guard, and yet the underlying problems inside our prisons have not been fixed.”

Correction officers and corrections-industry analysts have repeatedly warned that violence and disorder inside facilities increased following the implementation of the Humane Alternatives to LongTerm Solitary Confinement (HALT) Act. Officers say the law restricts their ability to immediately separate violent inmates in already understaffed facilities.

Although some HALT provisions were temporarily suspended during last year’s emergency under a memoran -

lature has taken no permanent action to amend or repeal the law. Republican lawmakers have instead pushed proposals to repeal HALT, expand contraband screening, and strengthen penalties for assaults against correction officers.

Democratic leaders have acknowledged the strain on the system, even as they defend the broader goals of reform.

“It’s really unsustainable,” said state Sen. Julia Salazar, who chairs the Senate’s corrections committee. “I’m grateful that National Guard members are supplementing the insufficient staff-levels in facilities, but it’s definitely not an ideal solution.”

DeStefano said the lack of a long-term plan leaves both officers and taxpayers exposed. “Emergency measures are not a solution,” he said. “New Yorkers deserve safety, accountability, and a corrections system that actually works.”

Mattera, MTA Boss Erupt in Screaming Fare

By Stefan Mychajliw

State Senator Mario Mattera didn’t back down as he confronted Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chair Janno Lieber in a fiery Albany budget hearing that erupted into one of the most dramatic moments of this year’s legislative session.

Mattera (R-Smithtown) sharply questioned the MTA’s $35 million contract with Allied Universal Security Services after reports surfaced that some guards were caught on video opening emergency gates for fare evaders.

The Long Island Senator has been outspoken in demanding tougher oversight of what he calls a sprawling and wasteful transit bureaucracy.

“Why do we have people helping people avoid tolls? We have videos,” Mattera pressed, challenging Lieber on why taxpayer dollars were being spent on a program accused of enabling the very crime it was meant to prevent.

Lieber, visibly irritated, shot back with raised voice. “Let me finish! Let me finish!” he shouted, insisting the deployment of guards had “reduced fare evasion by 36%.”

But Mattera refused to yield, demanding accountability. He questioned who was monitoring the contractors and why the MTA continued to hemorrhage hundreds of millions of dollars annually from turnstile jumpers, bus fare scofflaws and toll dodgers.

The exchange grew so heated that Assembly Ways and Means Chair J. Gary Pretlow abruptly intervened, pounding down order in the hearing room. “Shut up,” Pretlow thundered, halting the shouting match before it spiraled further.

Here is a transcript of that heated fight: Lieber: “Let me finish. Let me finish.”

Mattera: “You know what? Because you’re rambling. Why are we, why do we have this? Why do we have people that are helping people? We have videos.”

Lieber: “It’s reduced evasion by 36% Mr. Stop right now.”

Mattera: “Who is watching that? Who is watching that? “

Lieber: “Shut up! “

Mattera: “Don’t, who are you telling shut up?”

Lieber: “Be quiet. I said stop.”

Mattera: “Excuse me. Apologize to that.”

Lieber: “I said I apologize.”

Mattera: “You better apologize. He started yelling first. Tell him to stop.”

Mattera later defended his tough questioning, saying, “I am being respectful and somebody’s not answering questions properly.” Lieber eventually apologized as well, admitting, “I shouldn’t raise my voice.”

The confrontation highlighted the growing frustration among lawmakers over fare evasion losses that watchdogs estimate approached $1 billion in 2024 alone. Despite Lieber’s assurances that evasion rates are dropping, senators like Mattera argue the MTA must do more to stop waste and restore confidence in the system.

LOCAL MMS Library All Abilities Awareness Fair To Feature Paralympian Wrestler

By Mark Grossman

The Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library will host an All Abilities Awareness Fair on Saturday, February 28, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the library’s main location, 407 William Floyd Parkway in Shirley. The event is designed to celebrate inclusion, raise awareness, and bring the community together for a day of learning, connection, and fun for people of all abilities.

The afternoon will feature a variety of activities and informational opportunities, including resource and sensory tables, arts and crafts activities, and an opportunity to meet service dogs through Canine Companions for Independence. The national nonprofit organization provides expertly trained service dogs to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities at no cost. Attendees will be able to meet trained service dogs, learn about the organization’s mission, and explore how to foster a future service dog, offering a firsthand look at how these remarkable animals support people with disabilities.

A highlight of the afternoon will be a special appearance by Rohan Murphy, a nationally recognized Paralympian wrestler and motivational speaker. Born without legs, Murphy defied expectations to become a multi-time national wrestling champion and international competitor. A graduate of Penn State University, he is also a recipient of the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award from the Nation -

al Wrestling Hall of Fame. Today, Murphy travels the country speaking to young people and community audiences about perseverance, self-belief, and redefining what is possible.

“I’ve learned that challenges don’t define us — how we respond to them does,” said Murphy. “I hope my story encourages young people to see their own strengths, embrace who they are, and recognize that they are capable of far

more than they might imagine.”

“Our community is rich in diversity, and that includes not only culture and background, but the many different abilities and experiences people bring with them,” said Kerrilynn Jorgensen, Moriches Branch Manager and All Abilities Awareness Fair Committee Chair. “This event is about celebrating inclusion, fostering understanding, and reinforcing the message that

Report: New York Gets ‘F’

By Stefan Mychajliw

New York received mixed marks in the American Lung Association’s 2026 “State of Tobacco Control” report, with the organization warning that the state is falling short in key areas of the fight against smoking.

The report grades states on five tobacco control measures proven to reduce tobacco use and prevent disease.

While New York earned high ratings for smokefree workplace laws, it failed in the area of prevention funding.New York received an “F” for funding state tobacco prevention programs, the lowest grade in the report.

everyone belongs and everyone shines.”

“Our library district serves a wonderfully diverse community, and with that comes a responsibility to offer programming that is inclusive, meaningful, and reflective of the people who live here,” said Joseph Maiorana, President of the Library Board of Trustees. “The All Abilities Awareness Fair underscores the Board’s commitment to supporting programs that

celebrate differences, promote understanding, and ensure the library remains a welcoming and relevant resource for everyone.”

The Fair is open to all ages and underscores the library’s ongoing commitment to accessible, inclusive programming that brings people together. For more information, contact the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library at 631-399-1511, extension 2024.

For Tobacco Prevention Funding

The Lung Association said lawmakers must increase investments in prevention and quit

smoking services to reduce tobacco-related deaths and illness.

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death, claiming more than 28,170 New York residents each year, according to the report.

New York earned an “A” for the strength of smokefree workplace laws and “B” grades for tobacco taxes and access to quit smoking services.

The state received a “D” for efforts to end the sale of flavored tobacco products, which the Lung Association said continue to contribute to youth addiction.

The report noted that federal tobacco control efforts were weakened in 2025, including major staffing cuts at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products and reduced resources for the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office on Smoking and Health.

The association said these rollbacks increase the need for stronger state-level action. Despite receiving more than $1.5 billion from tobacco taxes and settlement payments, New York funds tobacco control programs at only 20.8% of the level recommended by the CDC. Michael Seilback, assistant vice president for advocacy at the Lung Association in New York, called on state policymakers to boost prevention funding, raise tobacco taxes further and close enforcement gaps on flavored tobacco sales.

The report’s full findings are available at Lung.org/sotc.

“The worst piece of advice I was given was from my mother… ‘everything in moderation’... Nothing in my life has been in moderation” Kathy Wylde

Same, Kathy I never know what to do with the question “What do you do for fun?” because so much of what I do is the fun this version of my career started as a Zoom-era joy, and it’s followed me into real rooms ever since It’s fun for me to wake up early on a Sunday to attend the JCRC Congressional Breakfast It’s fun for me to move into an apartment with outdoor space because I’m already picturing who I can invite over An

my idea of fun depends on other

by the time you reach the bottom

There wasn’t a room City Council Speaker Julie Menin wasn’t in this week with (and I thought my schedule was a lot!) - her new security detail, photographer and team, including Special Advisor John-Carlo Bautista - in tow! Beginning with being honored at the Lexington Democratic Club Gala, and concluding with today at the JCRC Congressional Breakfast

THE END OF AN ERA...

The Partnership for New York City bid adieu to Kathy Wylde at the Rainbow Room on Tuesday night, with so many former Partnership staff in the room that Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal was on the scene trying to corral alumni for a group photo. “Snapple fact”: Brad previously served as counsel to the Partnership! The crowd was a who’s-who of the business and political world: Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, district attorneys, former Comptroller Scott Stringer, and Polly Trottenberg, former United States Deputy Secretary of Transportation and former NYC DOT Commissioner, were just a few in attendance.

The praise for Kathy Wylde was steady, including an introduction from Governor Kathy Hochul—which prompted Wylde to joke, “Kathy Hochul’s done this for me six times—I’ll make it up to her in 2026.” The evening concluded with a proclamation from Speaker Julie Menin We hear NYC Council Member Gale Brewer was among the last to leave…

...THE START OF AN AGE

Steve Fulop is stepping in as the next CEO of the Partnership for New York City, and a leadership change that draws a lot of attention for a simple reason: this is one of the city’s most powerful crossroads Money, policy, personalities so when the CEO changes, people line up to help define what the Partnership is, and how it wields its influence With DSA-aligned

electeds and advocates continuing to push a “tax the rich” message - often aimed broadly at the city’s business community and, by extension, the Partnershipsome observers see a case for the organization to be more public-facing about what it does and why

Bradley Tusk has been making that argument explicitly, framing Fulop’s arrival as an opportunity to evolve from policy papers and convenings into a more direct political force, and Fulop appears open to that approach, bringing Tusk on as an adviser

At the same time, people close to Kathy Wylde note that her model was intentionally quieter: influence built through relationships, negotiations, and welltimed interventions rather than public fights The subtext isn’t so much a dispute over results as a debate over tactics in a changing political environment and with Fulop arriving and Tusk in the mix, the Partnership may be testing a posture that’s a bit louder than it’s been in recent years

L AUNCHPAD

Andrew Kirtzman celebrated the launch of his firm, KSX Communications Kirtzman is a former host of NY1’s “Inside City Hall,” authored a biography of Rudy Giuliani, and previously served as a senior adviser to the New York City schools chancellor At his party: a large group of reporters, including Nolan Hicks from Streetsblog, plenty of NY1 faces, Bernadette Hogan,

NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin and Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal popped inand the quote of the night overheard: “I was a progressive until Kathy Hochul decided to tax Zyns ” The gathering was at OPTO (which means “to desire”) - with Chef Alex Tubero and his bride Natalie in the room, alongside Andrew Taranto, who worked for State Senator Leroy Comrie, then the Long Island City Partnership, then Actum and is now with KSX Communications

DOUBLE ENTENDRE?

In another meaning of OPTO with TWU Local 100’s contract expiring in May, the next few months set up a three-corner negotiation: the MTA is the formal employer at the table, but Gov Kathy Hochul - who steers the MTA’s leadership and funding - remains a central player, especially on flashpoints like OPTO (one-person train operation) TWU president John Samuelsen is already signaling a no-holds-barred fight to preserve two-person crews and avoid what he calls a “lowball” deal, while Hochul’s team is stressing her record on transit funding and safety and pointing back to collective bargaining An argument that is about work rules, staffing, and who sets the operating model for the next decade and with the FIFA World Cup hitting the region starting mid-June 2026, the timing couldn’t be tighter: New York’s transit system will be under the brightest possible spotlight just weeks after the contract deadline

POLITICAL

At the annual JCRC Congressional Breakfast - held this year at Park East Synagogue, both to accommodate the massive audience and as a nod of solidarity six weeks after an antisemitic protest targeted an event thereleadership showed up in force for the Jewish community Rep Adriano Espaillat put it plainly, and it echoed what NYC Council Member Mercedes Narcisse has said, and what Stefano Perez (chief of staff to Assembly Member Jake Blumencranz) has said too: this is about cross-cultural understanding It’s easier to hate someone you don’t know and if, at age 12 or 13, you were invited to a Bar or Bat mitzvah, that likely meant you had at least one Jewish friend

Reps Mike Lawler, Tom Suozzi, and Laura Gillen - not Jewish themselves, but representing large Jewish populations - were recognized as consistent allies Assembly Member Jake Blumencranz is part of a youth council at the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County, where students are brought in to learn, directly, what hatred can do to people And going into 2026, the leadership picture is clear: JCRC Board President David Moore, coming out of UJA leadership with a focus on civic engagement and education; JCRC-NY CEO Mark Treyger, a former educator; and Council Member Eric Dinowitz, chair of the Committee on Education, leading the way

JCRC-NY past president Cheryl Fishbein continues to host Shabbat dinners at home on Friday nights - 15 to 20 people from across faiths, leadership and advocacy - so people can share a meal, bond, and know someone Jewish and Council Member Justin Sanchez, the Bronx delegation cochair and a new member, made a point of taking a tour of the Holocaust museum exhibit - there may be no synagogues in his district, but he understands cultural competency: the more we get along, the better off we are (For what it’s worth, Rep Dan Goldman met his wife years ago at a Jewish event You really do have to leave the house to build relationships, and see where they go!)

REMEMBERING THE PAST

What happened outside Park East Synagogue in November wasn’t a policy protest: it was intimidation aimed at a Jewish institution and a Jewish event, using “Zionist” as a proxy for Jews and flirting openly with violence That’s the line JCRC-NY has spent 50 years trying to hold in New York: when activism turns into targeting Jewish spaces and dehumanizing Jewish people, it’s antisemitism, which corrodes the civic fabric for everyone

JCRC-NY’s answer is the unglamorous work it does best: education, boroughby-borough partnerships, and sustained dialogue across ideologies, one relationship at a time And for the quiet majority the 70% in the middle who aren’t screaming on social media while the loud minority dominates the feed you’re not alone Moderates like Reps Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen take heat precisely because they won’t join the extremes, but New York still runs on the coalition-builders

Continuing on this topic This week marked Holocaust Remembrance Day - and NYC Council Members visited the Museum of Jewish Heritage Holocaust Exhibition - alongside Elyse Buxbaum Speaker Julie Menin rolled out a Council-led five-point antisemitism action plan anchored by a new “safe perimeter” concept for houses of worship and schools modeled on the City’s constitutionally-tested approach to clinic access laws

The legislative package includes perimeters for worship sites (Menin) and educational facilities (Eric Dinowitz and Joann Ariola), expansion of nonpublic school security reimbursements (Mercedes Narcisse), emergencyplanning support for religious institutions (Virginia Maloney and Dinowitz), a hate/bias reporting hotline (Lincoln Restler),

DOE-required social-media harm materials (Shaun Abreu and Linda Lee), and hate-crime case status reporting (Dinowitz) Menin is framing it as both protection and prevention; pairing preparedness with education, including her prior push to expand Holocaust education through eighth-grade visits to the Museum of Jewish Heritage The Council notes NYPD data showing antisemitic incidents made up 57% of reported hate crimes in 2025 even though Jewish New Yorkers are about 10% of the city, fueling a push to harden security while insisting First Amendment protest rights remain intact

AROUND TOWN

In other news: Dermot Smyth, after 17 years with the UFT, is now CUNY Vice Chancellor of Government Affairs - big Jeff Rodus shoes to fill! Jordan Stockdale, former chief of staff to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, is now Deputy Comptroller for Policy with NYC Comptroller Mark Levine (public service really is in Jordan’s veins) Inaugurations galore! Bronx BP Vanessa Gibson stunned in a sequined pink dress while NYC Council Member Virginia Maloney celebrated her inauguration alongside multigenerational colleagues from city, state, and federal government New York State Assembly Member Brian Cunningham and NYC Council Member Mercedes Narcisse each hosted their State of the District

Spotted on the steps of Queens Borough Hall: Chris Barca, communications director for Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, in a Patriots jacket, chatting football with Evie Litwok - yes, the 4’10” Evie is a football fan - and Chris is an unabashed Patriots-and-Yankees loyalist despite working for Donovan Proof of concept: different passions + same Borough = still friends

Also worth flagging: former NYC DCAS Commissioner Louis Molina and Airbnb’s Michael Blaustein have joined the board of WITNESS to Mass Incarceration, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Long Island City Evie Litwok, the organization’s executive director, is now on her fourth cohort of 30 students, teaching vocational skills: tailoring, clothing merchandising and manufacturing, sewing, retail, and clothing design Rumor has it the WITNESS students will be doing a pop-up alterations booth at SOMOS Albany who needs their suit pants hemmed and hasn’t had time?

*No newsletter next week: I’m off to Vegas to see the Backstreet Boys at the Sphere Enjoy Super Bowl Sunday and we’ll see you at Caucus Weekend in Albany! Send along your events, panels, parties and happenings across New York*

SKYELIGHTS

Why are people the way they are? I took the Enneagram test this week and got Type 9: The Peacemaker - the harmony-seeker, the bridgebuilder, the “let me translate what everyone means so we can actually move forward ”

It makes perfect sense, because my entire world runs on personality Politics is personality in public Leadership is personality under pressure Every “issue” has a human being attached to it, with a wiring you can feel if you pay attention long enough

Now, I’m fascinated by the idea that the job might select for certain types Not ideologies but temperaments If that’s true, then “political style” is part of our biology We spend so much time trying to change minds, when what if it’s all just learning how people are built? Why some political personalities can walk into a room and make everyone feel energized, while others make people feel interrogated Why some leaders crave consensus and others crave combat Why some people process disagreement as data, and others experience it as disrespect

I’m a 9, so my default is: Where’s the common ground and how do we keep the room intact? If you’re curious what you are: you should take the test It’s $1 95 and it’s useful not just for understanding yourself, but for understanding your own relationships, both personal and professional If you take it, tell me what you are I’m collecting data For civic reasons For science For New York!

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

Notice of Formation of INSURING FAMILIES

BROKERAGE, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on 1/7/2026. 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 INSURING FAMILIES BROKERAGE, LLC, 69 LAKEWOOD CT., APT 3, MORICHES, NY 11955, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

L16440- 1/28/2026, 2/04/2026, 2/11/2026, 2/18/2026, 2/25/ 2026, & 3/4/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

of filed Judgment Index # 605895/2023. Jeffrey S. Lanzet, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706

L16438- 1/28/2026, 2/04/2026, 2/11/2026, & 2/18/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ELEFTHERIA TSIMPIDI AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE DECEDENT

THEODOROS SAKOUTIS, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order

NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court County of Suffolk U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for RCAF Acquisition Trust, Plaintiff AGAINST Anthony Napoli, Rose Napoli a/k /a Rose M. Napoli a/k/a Rose Marie Martino a/k/a Martino Rose, et al, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 12, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY on March 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM premises known as 323 Barton Avenue, Patchogue, NY 11772. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situated, lying and being in the County of Suffolk, State of New York, SECTION: 925.00, BLOCK: 03.00, LOT: 040.000, District 0200. Approximate amount of judgment is $520,594.60 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions

Discharging the Guardian Ad Litem, Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 20, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on March 3, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., premises known as 186 Mastic Beach Road, Mastic Beach A/K/A Shirley, NY 11951. 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 974.70, Block 09.00 and Lot 024.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $182,585.69 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 622214/ 2019. Cash will not be accepted.

Samantha L. Segal, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff L16439- 1/28/2026, 2/04/2026, 2/11/2026, & 2/18/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of Suffolk ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE Index #: 608028/ 2025 U.S. Bank National Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Trustee For The RMAC Trust, Series 2018 G-CTT Plaintiff, vs Darcy M. Morgan As Heir To The Estate Of Robin A. Truskolaski, Tammy E. Truskolaski As Heir To The Estate Of Robin A. Truskolaski If Living, And If He/ She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General

Or Specific Property Action; Being Herein Described Included Husband, Law, Next Executors, Devisees, Trustees, And Assignees Deceased, Deriving Upon, Or Property Them, Or Their Respective Widows, Heirs At Descendants, Administrators, Legatees, Committees, Assigns, Whose Stated, Plaintiff, Robin A. And If He/She And All Plaintiff, Claim To General The Real This Action; Persons Described Included Husband, Law, Next Executors, Devisees, Trustees, And Assignees Deceased, Deriving Upon, Or Property Them, Or Their Respective Widows, Heirs At Descendants, Administrators, Legatees, Committees, Assigns, Whose Stated, Plaintiff, America Capital People York John unknown persons heirs, distributees, administrators, guardians, or successors interest premises.)

Mortgaged Palmetto 11967 To Defendant: summoned Complaint serve a if the Complaint with this Summons, appearance, attorney(s) after the Supplemental exclusive (or within

Lanzet, LAMBERT GORDON Bay 2/04/2026, NOTICE COUNTY BANK ITS BUT vs. AS DISTRIBUTEE OF

SAKOUTIS, ET Guardian Ad Referee’s duly 20, 2025, Referee will the Farmingville, 2026 at known as Mastic 11951. or buildings thereon and being Brookhaven, State of Section Lot amount $182,585.69 plus Premises will provisions of 622214/ Esq., Manfro, Road, New York Plaintiff 2/04/2026, NOTICE and Action State Of Suffolk FORECLOSE A 608028/ Individual Trustee Series Darcy The Truskolaski, Heir A. If He/ All Plaintiff, Claim To General

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, Unknown Heirs Of Robin A. Truskolaski If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, United States Of America On Behalf Of The IRS, Capital One Bank (USA), N.A., People Of The State Of New York John Doe (Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.) Defendant(s). Mortgaged Premises: 63 Palmetto Drive Shirley, NY 11967 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the

service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Suffolk. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Tammy E. Truskolaski, and Unknown Heirs of Robin A. Truskolaski, Defendants In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Susan Betsy Heckman Torres of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Twelfth day of January, 2026 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk, in the City of Riverhead. The object of this action is to foreclosure a mortgage upon the premises described below, originated by Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Continental Mortgage Bankers Inc. dba Financial Equities dated July 7, 2015, executed by Robin A. Truskolaski (who died on February 14, 2017, a resident of the county of Suffolk, State of New York) to secure the sum of $173,000.00. The Mortgage was recorded at Book M00022613, Page 102 in the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk on August 3, 2015. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed June 27, 2019 and recorded on July 18, 2019, in the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk at Book M00023043, Page 001. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed March 4, 2021 and recorded on March 22, 2021, in the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk at Book M00023249, Page 223. The property in question is described as follows: 63 Palmetto Drive, Shirley, NY 11967 NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this Foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: January

19, 2026 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose.

L16441 - 1/28/2026, 2/04/2026, 2/11/2026, & 2/18/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,against- GEORGE M. WILLIAMS, 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 12, 2025, wherein JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION is the Plaintiff and GEORGE M. WILLIAMS, 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 27, 2026 at 1:30PM, premises known as 36 HOUNSLOW ROAD, SHIRLEY, NY 11967; and the following tax map identification: 0200-907.00 -03.00-013.000. 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.: 614366/2024. Denise Merrifield, 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.

L16435- 1/28/2026, 2/04/2026, 2/11/2026, & 2/18/2026

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 Public Sale: The following Self Storage unit contents containing household and other goods Will be sold for cash by StorQuest Self Storage 393 Smith Road Shirley, NY 11967 (631)-729-6945 To satisfy a lien on 2/22/2026 at approx. 12:00pm at www.storagetreasures.com Unit # -207 L16450- 2/11/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK ____ FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FREDDIE MAC SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES 2020-1, Plaintiff, vs. Any unknown heirs to the Estate of JOSEPH E.

BONVENTRE next of kin, devisees, legatees, distributees, grantees, assignees, creditors, lienors, trustees, executors, administrators or successors in interest, as well as the respective heirs at law, next of kin, devisees, legatees, distributees, grantees, assignees, lienors, trustees, executors, administrators or successors in interest of the aforesaid classes of persons, if they or any of them be dead, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff; KAREN J. BONVENTRE; FRANCES KOLB; MICHAEL J. BONVENTRE; AGATHA J. GALLO; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; and “JOHN DOE” and “MARY DOE,” (Said names being fictitious, it being the intention of plaintiff to designate any and all occupants, tenants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises being foreclosed herein.) Defendants. ____ Filed: 03/25/2025 Index No.: 608019/2025 SUMMONS Mortgaged Premises: 204 Riverside Avenue Mastic Beach, (Town of Brookhaven) NY 11951 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on Plaintiff's attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is for the foreclosure of: Mortgage bearing the date of September 5, 2006, executed by Joseph Bonventre, married to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. to secure the sum of $212,000.00, and interest, and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Suffolk County on November 1, 2006 in Liber M00021411 Page 292. Mortgage bearing the date of January 25, 2010, executed by Joseph Bonventre to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. to secure the sum of $4,914.45, with interest, and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Suffolk County on February 11, 2010 in Liber M00021916 Page 819. Said Mortgages were consolidated and modified so as to constitute a single lien in the amount of $193,985.00 by agreement dated recorded in the Suffolk M00021916

JPMorgan National assigned Mortgage Inc. by 29, 2013 November of the Liber That JPMorgan National assigned Mortgage Inc. by dated recorded the Office County Page bearing 2014, Bonventre Bonventre Loans, secure with interest, Office County M00022719 Caliber Vericrest assigned Mortgage Servicing dated recorded Office County Page Loan assigned Mortgage Mortgage Trustee Freddie Risk Transfer -1 by February on January Office County Page the within judgment the Mortgaged described debt secured described designates the place venue Mortgaged situated. Section: 938.00 Lot: 024.000 0209 01.00 District: Block: 06.00 DATED: March Rochester, YOU ARE LOSING not respond and complaint of the for the filed this against answer judgment you can to an where

distributees, creditors, executors, successors in next of trustees, or the persons, if dead, all names and KAREN FRANCES

STATE TAXATION

O/B/O DOE” names designate tenants, any, interest in being Defendants.

Index SUMMONS Beach,

NAMED

the to Answer on twenty of this day (30) service any personal

The in days of your against Complaint.

SOUGHT bearing 2006, Bonventre, Chase sum of and the of executed by JPMorgan secure the interest, of the Said consolidated constitute of

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL

dated January 25, 2010 and recorded on February 11, 2010 in the Office of the Clerk of Suffolk County in Liber M00021916 Page 820. That JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association duly assigned said Note and Mortgage to Vericrest Financial, Inc. by Assignment dated May 29, 2013 and recorded on November 4, 2013 in the Office of the Clerk of Suffolk County in Liber M00022418 Page 863. That JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association duly assigned said Note and Mortgage to Vericrest Financial, Inc. by Duplicate Assignment dated January 14, 2014 and recorded on June 23, 2014 in the Office of the Clerk of Suffolk County in Liber M00022500 Page 615. Loan Modification bearing the date of October 23, 2014, executed by Joseph Bonventre and Karen J. Bonventre to Caliber Home Loans, Inc. f/k/a Vericrest to secure the sum of $213,353.45, with interest, and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Suffolk County on July 15, 2016 in Liber M00022719 Page 483. That Caliber Home Loans, Inc., f/k/a Vericrest Financial, Inc. duly assigned said Note and Mortgage to Specialized Loan Servicing LLC by Assignment dated April 12, 2019 and recorded on May 21, 2019 in the Office of the Clerk of Suffolk County in Liber M00023029 Page 615. That Specialized Loan Servicing LLC duly assigned said Note and Mortgage to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, as Trustee for the benefit of the Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust, Series 2020 -1 by Assignment dated February 25, 2021 and recorded on January 24, 2022 in the Office of the Clerk of Suffolk County in Liber M00023371 Page 440. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the Mortgaged Premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Suffolk County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the County in which the Mortgaged Premises is situated. District: 0200

Section: 938.00 Block: 07.00 Lot: 024.000 F/K/A District: 0209 Section: 001.00 Block: 01.00 Lot: 024.000 F/K/A District: 0200 Section: 938.00 Block: 06.00 Lot: 021.000

DATED: March 25, 2025 Rochester, New York NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the Mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for

further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your Mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. BY: Sean P. Williams, Esq. DAVIDSON FINK LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd., Ste. 200 Rochester, New York 14618 Tel: (585) 7608218 WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. SCHEDULE A LEGAL DESCRIPTION ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Mastic Beach, in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, known and designated as Lot Nos. 3059 and 3060 as shown on a certain map entitled, “Map of Mastic Acres, Unit 6”, filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on April 5, 1946 as Map No. 1478; said lots when taken together are more particularly bounded and described as follows:

BEGINNING at a point on the southerly side of Riverside Avenue distant easterly 140.77 feet from the corner formed by the intersection of the southerly side of Riverside Avenue and the easterly side of Madison Street; said point also being the division line between Lots 3058 and 3059 as shown on above mentioned map; RUNNING THENCE along the southerly side of Riverside Avenue South 81 degrees 43 minutes 10 seconds East, 100.00 feet to the division line between Lots 3060 and 3061 as shown on above mentioned map; THENCE along said division line South 1 degree 52 minutes 10 seconds West, 300.00 feet to the division line between Lots 3093 and 3060 as shown on above mentioned map; THENCE along said division line and along the division line between Lots 3059 and 3093, North 81 degrees 43 minutes 10 seconds West, 100.00 feet to the division line first above mentioned; THENCE along said division line North 1 degree 52 minutes 10 seconds East, 300.00 feet to the southerly side of Riverside Avenue, the point or place of BEGINNING. The improvements thereon being known as 204 Riverside Avenue, Mastic Beach, New York - 11951. L16451- 2/11/2026, 2/18/2026, 2/25/2026, & 3/04/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

MIDDLE ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Middle Island Fire District, in the Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York, at a meeting thereof, held on the 5th day of February, 2026, duly adopted, subject to permissive referendum, a Resolution, an abstract of which is as follows:

Expenditure for the purchase of a shed and any necessary related items at the Station 2 property, not to exceed $19,500.00 from the Property Acquisition & Improvement Reserve Fund.

Dated: Middle Island, New York February 9, 2026 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS OF THE MIDDLE ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT IN THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK Chrissy Rosenfeld, District Secretary

L16452 - 02/11/2026

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

Notice of Formation of PRIORITY ACCESS TRANSPORT SERVICES LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on 12 /24/2025. 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 ANN MONTOBAN, 819 WOODLAND COURT, CORAM, NY 11727, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

L16446- 2/4/2026, 2/11/2026, 2/ 18/2026, 2/25/2026, 3/04/2026, & 3/11/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR PRL TITLE TRUST 1, Plaintiff AGAINST DOUGLAS A. ZEMAN, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 10, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on March 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM, premises known as 85 Buckley Road, Patchogue, NY 11772. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at North Patchogue, in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200 Section 951.00 Block 03.00 and Lot 017.004. Approximate amount of judgment $326,951.77 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #603569/ 2024. Daniel Murphy, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 23-003160 88892

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR PRL TITLE TRUST 1, Plaintiff AGAINST DOUGLAS A. ZEMAN, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 10, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on March 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM, premises known as 85 Buckley Road, Patchogue, NY 11772. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at North Patchogue, in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200 Section 951.00 Block 03.00 and Lot 017.004. Approximate amount of judgment $326,951.77 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #603569/ 2024. Daniel Murphy, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 23-003160 88892

L16447- 2/11/2026, 2/18/2026, 2/25/2026, & 3/04/2026

L16447- 2/11/2026, 2/18/2026, 2/25/2026, & 3/04/2026

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THE FANTASY BASEBALL EXPERIENCE

Real Life Impact, but a Fantasy Dud

By Tom Barton

Sometimes in fantasy baseball circles you’ll hear the phrase “he’s a better real-life player than fantasy player,” and there aren’t many who fit that description better than recently traded Brendan Donovan.

Donovan was dealt to the Seattle Mariners in a three-team trade that sent young talent and prospects to St. Louis and Tampa Bay. While he’s the headline name in the deal, fantasy managers should temper expectations. Donovan’s real-life value comes from his versatility—he can play virtually anywhere on the field—and his defense is excellent. He also adds value through savvy baserunning and consistently professional atbats, traits that matter a lot to MLB teams but do very little for fantasy production.

From a fantasy perspective, Donovan is limited, though he remains a solid plug-and-play option. Moving to T-Mobile

Park isn’t going to help his already modest power output. Expect no more than around a dozen home runs at best, with single-digit totals a real possibility. Speed isn’t part of his profile either—he’s never stolen more than five bases in a season—so he provides little help in that category.

Where Donovan can contribute is in counting stats, as he should hit in a good lineup and see regular playing time. Even there, the upside is fairly capped. His runs scored totals, typically in the mid60s, could rise slightly in a better offense, but his RBI production has always lagged. He’s topped 50 RBI only once in his career, and expecting more than the low-tomid 50s would be optimistic.

Batting average is where Donovan truly helps. He’s a career .282 hitter and spent much of last season flirting with the .290 mark. If you’re chasing average, he can be useful—but that’s a narrow path to fantasy relevance.

Overall, while Donovan is an

BETTING WITH BARTON

BY TOM BARTON

The dust has settled on the NFL season, or perhaps better said, the confetti has settled, and now it should be time to sit back and relax. That is not the case for sharp sports bettors, however, as they are already crunching numbers and looking ahead to next season to identify the next potential underdog to reach the Big Game. Seattle and New England certainly have plenty working in their favor to make another run, but the competition will be fierce. With every team starting from a clean slate, sportsbooks must anticipate how free agency will unfold, what trades may materialize, and, most importantly, how the draft will reshape rosters. All of that comes before factoring in schedules and travel criteria, which have yet to be finalized.

With so many moving parts, there are moments when bettors can find a slight edge, and this window immediately following the Super Bowl is often one of them. Taking an early position, usually on a

long shot, can provide value before markets fully adjust. Identifying that team is part analysis and part art. Below are the odds as of Monday morning following the Seahawks’ championship, with Seattle opening as the favorite to win next year’s Super Bowl at 8-to-1.

Seattle +800, Rams +900, Ravens +1200, Bills +1200, Packers +1400, Eagles +1400, Lions +1500, Chiefs +1500, Chargers +1500, Patriots +1500, 49ers +1700, Broncos +2000, Texans +2000, Jaguars +2000, Bears +2500, Bengals +3000, Cowboys +3000, Colts +4000, Buccaneers +4000, Vikings +5000, Commanders +5000, Falcons +6600, Giants +6600, Steelers +8000, Panthers +10000, Titans +10000, Raiders +15000, Browns +15000, Saints +15000, Cardinals +25000, Jets +25000, Dolphins +25000.

This early market reflects projections more than certainty, but for bettors willing to embrace volatility, it can be the most intriguing time of the year.

important piece in real baseball, fantasy managers should view him as more of a bench option. Unless

you’re desperate for batting average help, he’s not someone who needs to be rostered aggressively.

And even then,

ly better, more targeted solutions.

The Super Bowl Look Ahead

SPORTS

By Tom Barton

It is one thing to win a single championship, but securing three titles in one day is nothing short of historic. That is exactly what Sachem East junior Bella Galeas accomplished this past weekend with a remarkable performance at the Suffolk Large School Indoor Track and Field Championships, held at Suffolk Federal Credit Union Arena on the campus of Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood.

Galeas dominated the competition by winning three individual events in a single meet, a feat unmatched by any other athlete on the day. She captured the 55-meter championship with

Sachem Star Has Historic Day

a time of 7.32 seconds, showcasing her explosive speed. She followed that effort by claiming the 300-meter title, where she set a new meet record with an outstanding time of 40.62 seconds. Galeas completed her historic day by winning the long jump championship with a leap of 18 feet, 3½ inches, demonstrating her versatility and athletic range. No other competitor at the championships managed to win more than one individual event, underscoring just how special Galeas’ performance truly was.

Her success was not an isolated achievement but rather the continuation of an impressive upward trajectory that has made her one of the most exciting ath-

letes in Suffolk County. Galeas has been one to watch since last year, when she captured county titles in both the 300 meters and the long jump during the indoor season. She carried that momentum into the outdoor season, where she added Suffolk County championships in the 400-meter hurdles and the long jump to her growing résumé. This weekend’s performance further cemented her reputation as one of Suffolk County’s most well-rounded and dominant competitors. With her blend of speed, strength, and consistency, Galeas continues to raise the bar and establish herself as a standout athlete whose best performances may still be ahead of her.

WF Boys Varsity Basketball Champions Once Again

By Tom Barton

The William Floyd boys’ varsity basketball team is back in the playoffs. While that may not come as a major surprise given the program’s sustained success, it is still an impressive accomplishment once again.

Led by head coach Will Slinkosky, the Colonials sit at 17-2 on the season and recently suffered just their second loss since opening night. They quickly rebounded with another victory to secure their fourth consecutive League I championship.

William Floyd has now finished as the League I champion in each of the past four seasons, shattering the previous program record. Their lone league loss to Bay Shore ended an active streak

By Tom Barton

The William Floyd girls’ varsity basketball team, led by head coach Rich Sinclair, finished the regular season with an impressive 16-4 overall record and a 13-3 mark in League I play. Like the boys’ program, the Colonials continue to make history, as their five-year playoff streak is now the longest in program history by a two-year margin. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams have reached the playoffs in each of the past five seasons. Entering the year, expectations were high following media day, as the Colonials returned a deep roster featuring a strong mix of talent, athleticism and age that blended well on the court. The team’s leading scorer is

of 54 consecutive League I wins, which itself stands as another

remarkable program milestone. By winning the league title, the Colonials have ensured that the road to the final four runs through them, reaffirming their status as the premier program in Suffolk County.

The Colonials are led by a strong senior core, headlined by Sharod Sutton and JJ Smith, both returning starters from last year’s squad. Sutton leads the team in scoring while also making his presence felt as a distributor and on second-chance opportunities around the basket. Smith is second on the team in scoring at 13 points per game and is one of William Floyd’s most dangerous three-point shooters. Coach Slinkosky has also praised both players

Youth Leads Playoff-Bound Floyd

junior Savannah Pantry, who is averaging an impressive double-double this season and showcasing a well-rounded skill set. Pantry averages 13 points and 11 rebounds per game while also leading the team in blocked shots. Second in scoring is Taleah Coppola, a freshman already in her second varsity season after debuting as an eighth grader last year. Coppola averages 12 points per game and also leads the Colonials in assists and steals. Sophomore Milania Farrow adds another scoring threat, averaging 11 points per game, while junior Chloe Campbell provides a strong interior presence as one of the team’s top rebounders and shot blockers.

William Floyd has also received significant contribu -

tions from first-year varsity player Gabrielle Bell Eleazer, who is notably just a seventh grader. She is averaging eight points per game and has become a key contributor on the defensive side of the ball. Her rapid development has added valuable depth to an already versatile lineup.

The Colonials’ roster also includes seniors Jana Aly, Helen Lin and Vinte’ya Rountree; juniors London Barnes, Jewlianna Brown, Rosie Micucci, Jayla Thomas and Caiden Widecki; and freshmen Gizelle Edwards and J.J. Stewart. The team is supported by assistant coaches Robert Hodgson and Nicholas Thomas. As the Colonials turn their focus to the postseason, the future remains bright for this talented and youthful squad.

for their defensive intensity, frequently emphasizing that defense sets the tone for the team’s overall pace and identity.

Seniors Ja’Quan Thomas and Jesse Durham have also played key roles this season. Thomas, known for his football background, brings elite athleticism to the court, averaging 10 points per game while serving as a key rebounder. Durham provides a reliable scoring punch as a productive perimeter shooter, averaging eight points per contest.

With just one regular-season game remaining, the Colonials now turn their full attention toward the postseason, confident and battle-tested as they begin another playoff run.

SPORTS

By Tom Barton

The Long Island Ducks will be getting a familiar arm back on the mound this season as the team announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Ramon Santos. The veteran arm begins his third season with the Ducks and 13th in professional baseball.

“Ramon has, quite simply, been one of the Atlantic League’s best relief pitchers during each of the past two seasons,” said Ducks Manager Lew Ford. “We are excited to welcome him back to our pitching staff this year.”

Santos combined to make 64 appearances during his first two seasons with the Flock (2024-25), compiling a 10-2

The Ducks Re-Sign Santos

record with a 0.55 ERA and 20 saves. In 65.2 innings of work, he allowed just 10 runs (four earned) on 32 hits and 32 walks while striking out 113 batters (15.5 strikeouts-pernine-innings). The 31-year-old was voted by Ducks fans as the 2024 Team MVP, presented by Delmonte-Smelson Jewelers, after finishing third in the Atlantic League with 14 saves and leading all Ducks pitchers with 45 appearances to go along with a 6-1 record and a 0.58 ERA.

The Dominican Republic native began the 2025 season in the Mexican League with Leones de Yucatan and Rieleros de Aguascalientes, combining to pitch in 13 games. Prior to joining Long Island, he

spent nine seasons in the St. Louis Cardinals organization (2012-19, 2021) and one in the Washington Nationals system (2022), reaching as high as Triple-A. In 214 games (46 starts) during that span, he accrued a 24-31 record with a 3.86 ERA, 12 saves and 458 strikeouts to 215 walks over 492.1 innings. Santos was originally signed by the Cardinals as an international free agent in 2012.

Santos said “I am very happy and grateful for the opportunity to play with the Ducks again. Coming back to this team means a lot to me because it’s not just about competing – it’s about working as a family, with respect, sacrifice, and a true passion for the game.”

Harbaugh Tags Nagy as His New O.C.

By Tom Barton

The New York Giants are headed in a brand-new direction with their new head coach, and that process has continued as he begins to assemble his staff. This past week, Jim Harbaugh made his first major hire, selecting former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy to run the Giants’ offense.

Nagy comes from the Andy Reid coaching tree and now gets the opportunity to work with an exciting trio of offensive weapons in quarterback Jaxson Dart, wide receiver Malik Nabers, and running back Skattebo.Nagy has spent a combined 14 seasons under Reid during his coaching career and most recently served as Kansas City’s offensive

coordinator from 2023 through 2025. Like Nagy, Harbaugh also began his NFL coaching

career under Reid, working as a special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach with

the Philadelphia Eagles. While both coaches share that common background, Harbaugh and Nagy were never on the same staff during their time in Philadelphia. Nagy’s second stint in Kansas City concluded earlier this month after the Chiefs missed the postseason for the first time in 11 years and his contract expired. Prior to returning to Kansas City, Nagy served as the head coach of the Chicago Bears from 2018 through 2021, guiding the team to two playoff appearances during that span. This offseason, Nagy interviewed for multiple head coaching vacancies, including positions with the Cardinals, Raiders, Ravens, and Titans, before ultimately landing in New York.Harbaugh was hired by the Giants earlier this

The Jets Bring on a Familiar Face

month following his dismissal from the Ravens and immediately began evaluating offensive coordinator candidates. Early speculation suggested that the Giants would pursue Harbaugh’s former Baltimore offensive coordinator, Todd Monken. However, those plans changed when the Cleveland Browns hired Monken as their next head coach earlier this month.With Monken off the board, the Giants pivoted quickly, landing Nagy to oversee an offense that is expected to feature creativity, versatility, and quarterback development. The hire signals a commitment to blending Harbaugh’s physical football philosophy with Nagy’s experience in modern, quarterback-friendly offensive systems as the Giants attempt to reshape their identity.

By Tom Barton

The New York Jets offense was stagnant for much of last season, so a change was widely expected. The change the Jets made is one of the more highly regarded offensive minds in the league, and expectations are high for the unit’s new leader. The Jets have hired Long Island native Frank Reich to take over as offensive coordinator. Reich was most recently an adviser with Stanford University football and served as the Cardinal’s interim head coach during the 2025 season, leading the team to its most wins since 2020. He brings 16 years of NFL coaching experience and previously served as head coach of the Carolina Panthers in 2023. Prior

to his time in Carolina, Reich spent five seasons as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 to 2022. During his tenure in Indianapolis, the Colts posted a 40-33-1 regular-season record and earned playoff appearances in 2018 and 2020. As the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2016 to 2017, Reich helped guide the team to a Super Bowl LII victory while working with both Carson Wentz and Nick Foles. He also served as offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers from 2014 to 2015 and as wide receivers coach for the Arizona Cardinals in 2012.

Reich began his coaching career with the Colts as a coaching intern from 2006 to 2007 before holding roles as an offensive

staff assistant, quarterbacks coach and wide receivers coach. Before coaching, Reich spent 14 seasons as an NFL quarterback after being selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 1985 NFL Draft. He appeared in 10 games and made seven starts for the Jets during the 1996 season, where he was a teammate of current Jets head coach Aaron Glenn. In his most extensive playing time, Reich threw for 2,205 yards and 15 touchdowns. Over his career, Reich appeared in 118 regular-season games and 14 postseason contests, including Super Bowl XXVII. He was a member of six Super Bowl teams overall, winning two championships as a coach.

SPORTS

By Tom Barton

Girls Wrestling: Top of the Heap

The combined girls wrestling team in Suffolk County captured the Suffolk County Dual Meet Championship this week, completing a remarkable run through the season. Not only did the team win the title, but it also finished undefeated and defeated the Town of Huntington in dominant fashion by more than 50 points, showcasing its depth and strength across every weight class.

The combined squad features student-athletes from Bellport, Riverhead, Longwood, Patchogue-Medford, William Floyd, and Westhampton Beach. Bringing together wrestlers from multiple districts has proven to be a winning formula, as the team consistently over-

whelmed opponents with balanced lineups, strong technique, and relentless effort. Their impressive results throughout the season have vaulted them to the top of the rankings, as they are currently ranked No. 1 in New York State and No. 22 overall in the nation.

Led by head coach Joseph Sciolo, the team has continued to raise the standard for girls wrestling on Long Island. Sciolo’s leadership and preparation have helped mold a group that competes with confidence and composure, regardless of the opponent. With the Dual Meet Championship secured, the team will now turn its attention to the upcoming Suffolk County Wrestling Tournament state qualifier, where individual wrestlers will have the opportu-

nity to advance and compete for spots at the state level.

Several school districts took time to recognize the accomplishment. The Longwood School District released a statement celebrating its athletes, saying, “Congratulations to our Longwood wrestlers and the entire championship team.” South Country Central also congratulated its student-athletes, adding, “The South Country School District congratulates the team on their impressive win and wishes them continued success as they advance into postseason competition.”

With momentum firmly on their side, the combined girls wrestling team will look to build on this historic season and continue making waves on both the state and national stage.

Three in a Row for Mangiamele

By Tom Barton

Shoreham-Wading River senior Leyton Mangiamele broke his own record this weekend, soaring 22 feet, 8¾ inches to surpass the indoor school mark of 22-4 that he set just last season. With the victory, Mangiamele also defended his Suffolk County title in the long jump, a championship he has now claimed three consecutive years. The performance was made even more dramatic as he was seen limping after his jumps, raising concerns about his health while highlighting his toughness and determination. Despite the discomfort, he delivered the best jump of

his career when it mattered most. The Wildcats enjoyed a

strong overall team showing at the county meet, highlighted by several standout perfor -

mances across multiple events. Senior Logan Jung added to the celebration by capturing the county title in the high jump. Jung cleared 6 feet, 2 inches to secure first place and give Shoreham-Wading River another championship performance in the field events.

Sophomore Frank Valenti was the point leader of the day for the Wildcats and played a major role in the team’s success. Valenti finished third in the long jump with an impressive leap of 20 feet, 6½ inches, earning valuable team points. He also captured a county title of his own in the 55-meter high hurdles, crossing the finish line with a winning time of 8.00 seconds.

The combination of experienced seniors and emerging underclassmen showcased the depth and balance of the Shoreham-Wading River program. With record-breaking performances, multiple county champions, and strong finishes throughout the meet, the Wildcats demonstrated why they continue to be one of the top track and field programs in Suffolk County. The momentum from this weekend’s success sets the stage for an exciting remainder of the indoor season and beyond. The confidence gained from this meet should carry the team into postseason competition strongly.

William Floyd Awarded Special Sports Grant

By Tom Barton

William Floyd Middle School received a $12,500 grant from the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter Program to support its physical education department and athletic teams. The grant will help WFMS transform its auxiliary gymnasium into a safe, inclusive, and engaging recreational space designed to promote student wellness, positive behaviors, and school connectedness.

Representatives from the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation attended the January 13 Board of Education meeting to formally congratulate WFMS and present the school with the grant award. With the grant funds, WFMS will equip the auxiliary gym with age-appropriate recreational and fitness equipment

that will benefit both physical education classes and school athletic teams. The upgraded space will provide students with a healthy outlet for physical activity, stress relief, and positive social interaction throughout the school day. The auxiliary gym will also serve as an incentive-based space, rewarding students who demonstrate positive behavior, strong attendance, and academic effort. Students who exemplify these traits will be given additional opportunities to access the gym and its equipment during their lunch periods. In addition to use during the school day, WFMS plans to make the space available to students beyond normal school hours, expanding opportunities for physical activity and structured recreation. School administrators believe the im-

proved gym will play a key role in fostering a positive school climate and supporting the overall well-being of students.

“Our aim is to promote physical health, mental well-being, positive decision-making, and student engagement,” said WFMS Principal Camelle Person. “We want to ensure that all students have access to opportunities that support their growth both inside and outside the classroom.”

Mrs. Person also expressed her appreciation to the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation for its generosity and continued commitment to youth sports and wellness initiatives nationwide. She additionally thanked WFMS teacher Kristen Alvy for her leadership in identifying the grant opportunity and successfully coordinating the

application process. The grant represents a meaningful investment in student health, school

SPORTS

By Tom Barton

When you set a record at a school like William Floyd, it carries extra weight, and that is exactly what senior Jack Meyer accomplished this week when he became the winningest wrestler in school history. Meyer set the new standard with his 146th career victory, establishing a benchmark at a program known for its rich wrestling tradition. The record was broken at the Division I Dual Championships held at East Islip High School, surpassing the previous mark of 145 wins that had stood for 21 years and was held by John Barone. Since breaking the record, Meyer has continued to add to his remarkable total. He recorded three more victories on Senior Night, and with each win he continues to raise the bar. The record now stands at 149 career wins, and he will have additional opportunities to build on it as the postseason approaches.

Meyer, a three-year captain and six-year varsity member, competes in the 138-pound weight class. He has long been a wrestler to watch, reaching the rare milestone of 100 career wins during his junior season. This winter, he helped lead the Colonials to the League I championship, the program’s first league title in more than four decades.

“I have had the pleasure of coaching Jack for most of his life, starting with the Floyd Boyz Wrestling Club and continuing all the way through varsity,” said longtime head coach Tony Mecca. “I’ve watched him grow from a boy into a young man. We’ve had many special athletes come through this program, but Jack ranks right at the top. He can

Meyer Keeps Adding to New School Record

achieve anything he sets his mind to and represents everything we want this program to stand for.”

Over his six-year varsity career, Meyer has built an impressive résumé. He is a two-time All-County student-athlete, a two-time Newsday Top 100 selection, a five-time All-League honoree, a two-time league finalist, and the recipient of the Spartan Award as a junior, recognizing the most outstanding wrestler in League I. He also joined the Century Club during his junior year.

Meyer is also a standout multisport athlete. He stars on the varsity soccer team, serving as a team captain, and earned Newsday Top 100 honors, two All-League selections, and three years as a starter. He additionally contributed to the varsity football team as a placekicker and punter on a Division I championship squad.

Beyond athletics, Meyer excels academically and musically. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Tri-M Honor Society, Student Government, and the Yearbook Club. A talented trumpet player, he performs with the Brass Quintet, earned SCMEA All-County honors four times, and was selected once as a NYSBDA All-State musician. Enrolled in the Personal Training and Nutrition program within the district’s Career and Technical Education offerings, Meyer has taken multiple Advanced Placement courses, maintained honor roll status throughout his career, and volunteers mentoring youth in wrestling, soccer, and lacrosse. He has attended William Floyd schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade. His legacy at William Floyd will endure forever.

Panthers Wrestling Win State Championship

By Tom Barton

Miller Place wrestling are the New York State champions after a memorable performance this weekend. The Panthers earned that distinction with a dominant 45–24 victory over Shoreham-Wading River in the Division II high school championship, capping off an outstanding season with the program’s ultimate goal achieved.

Leading the way for Miller Place were Nicolo Dolson at 110 pounds, Brett Winslow at 132, Charles Clifford at 138, Alex Southworth at 144, Jack Miller at 175, Brice Browning at 190, Andrew Bennett-Guma at 215, Bradyn Ellis at 285, and Reese Zakar at 103 pounds. Each wrestler played a crucial role, contributing valuable points and momentum as the Panthers pulled away and

secured the prestigious state title. The victory was a true reflection of the team’s depth, preparation, and determination from top to bottom. This championship marked a complete team effort, as Miller Place consistently delivered in key matchups throughout the dual. Following the win, the Miller Place wrestling program shared its pride in the accomplishment, stating, “State Champs! Incredibly proud of this group. We were talking about a state title since the beginning of the season, and I’m not sure how many people actually believed we could do it, but these boys got it done. They ran the gauntlet today and earned it!” With the state championship now secured, the Panthers will shift their focus to individual success. Miller Place will compete next at the

KEEPS