The South Shore Press 2/18

BY ROBERT CHARTUK

I’ve been writing about New York politics since 1982, when Hugh Carey was governor, and I have not seen a more critical election for Long Island voters than this year. By any measure, the state has worsened during the tenures of the last seven chief executives, culminating in the sorry state of affairs under Kathy Hochul.

Known by taxpayers as the “Vampire State,” New York leads the nation in squeezing the most out of its citizens, with little to show for it from an Albany establishment that cares more about illegal immigrants, criminals, and maintaining the status quo than those who pay the bills.

Case in point is Legislator Nick Caracappa’s press conference Friday highlighting the terrible condition of Middle Country Road—State Route 25. He was joined by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Brookha-

ven Supervisor Dan Panico, police and fire officials, and civic and business representatives, all stating the obvious: Long Islanders, who pay confiscatory state taxes on gasoline, oil, tolls, and nearly everything else, are getting ripped off.

Romaine makes the case even further when he notes that the three rail lines serving Suffolk still rely on outdated diesel engines—a supposed no-no for Green New Deal politicians who want to take away our gas barbecues while driving utility costs through the roof. They will laugh all the way to the bank with fat salaries, pensions, and investment accounts while the rest of us endure record outmigration of our seniors and young people, crippling taxes and fees, crummy roads, and looming power shortages due to grid mismanagement. There is a glimmer of hope for change in November, when

The Stakes are High for New York in November

voters get a chance to boot Kathy Hochul and her Democrat regime, but it won’t be easy. Republican Bruce Blakeman already has the odds stacked against him in one of the bluest states in the union. As in Lee Zeldin’s challenge four years ago, just enough ballots will emerge from New York City to give Hochul an edge. I didn’t say votes—I said ballots—which operatives there are all too adept at producing. The rest of the state, Long Island especially, will have to make up the difference.

The new Democrat Socialist mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, is already asking for billions in state bailout funds to cover his wild promises: free transportation, government-run grocery stores, and upkeep for all the illegal immigrants his party invited in. This money would come from the rest of us, a tab that will go even higher

as businesses flee Mamdani’s Communist utopia and leave the remaining taxpayers holding the bag.

Hochul budgeted $4.5 billion this year for immigrant services, money on top of billions already spent in this sanctuary state. The scam is both simple and blatant: buy votes and force everyone else to pay for it.

This is why Democrats are fighting so hard against the SAVE Act, federal legislation that would require voter ID and keep non-citizens from voting.

As President Trump said, the only people who are against fair elections are the ones who can’t win without cheating.

The South Shore Press was at the GOP and Conservative conventions covering the candidates who will take on the entrenched elite. Get to know the names and their policies: Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for gov-

ernor, former federal prosecutor Saritha Komatireddy for attorney general, and Joseph Hernandez for comptroller, a businessman who vows to take politics out of the state’s investment portfolio. If results matter, anyone would be better than what we have now.

Garcia: Future of Empire State “In Your Hands”

By Stefan Mychajliw

Suffolk County Republican Chairman Jesse Garcia delivered an energetic call to action at the New York State Republican Convention in Garden City, telling delegates that the future of New York rests squarely in their hands as they nominated Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to challenge Governor Kathy Hochul.

“We keep the fight going right through tonight and right into tomorrow,” Garcia told party members gathered at the Garden City Hotel. “Because what is in your hands, in your hands, is the future of our Empire State. And it is in your

hands.”

Garcia framed the gubernatorial race as a team effort, urging unity across the ballot.

“You’re gonna elect Bruce Blakeman and his entire team to run it up,” he said. “We’re talking about a team. We’re talking about a team.”

The Suffolk GOP chairman praised the presence of party activists from across New York. “It’s great to see delegates and volunteers from the state of New York here,” Garcia said, adding that grassroots energy would be critical in the months ahead.

He also singled out Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt for praise, describing him as “one of the best allies” he has

in state government. Garcia called Ortt “a fighter” who “likes to take the fight to the State Senate over and over again,” and credited him with having “broken their supermajority.”

“He’s brought his skills as an Army veteran and he’s brought it to the chamber floor,” Garcia said.

Looking ahead to November, Garcia predicted that a strong showing at the top of the ticket would reverberate throughout state government. “With a big Bruce Blakeman win, we’re gonna make Rob Ortt the majority leader,” he declared.

“There’s a lot at stake,” Garcia said. “Keep the fight going.”

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 Stefan Mychajliw

New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt opened his remarks at the New York State Republican Convention by pointing to Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine as proof that Republicans can win, and govern, in dark blue New York.

“Ed Romaine did a great job,” Ortt told delegates gathered at the Garden City Hotel in Nassau County. “His victory in Suffolk wasn’t an accident. It was about leadership, it was about results, and it was about giving people a real alternative. What happened in Suffolk can be replicated

Ortt: Suffolk Model Can Lift Blakeman Statewide

statewide.”

Ortt said Romaine’s win showed that even in competitive counties, voters are willing to back Republican candidates who focus on public safety and fiscal discipline.

“People want a better way forward,” he said. “They want common-sense government, and when we offer it, they respond.”

The convention formally nominated Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman as the GOP candidate for governor to challenge Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul. Ortt framed the race as pivotal for the direction of the state.

“We can’t just wait for the pendulum to swing,” Ortt

Dear Editor:

said. “We’ve got to swing it back ourselves. And that starts by electing Bruce Blakeman Governor.”

Ortt was sharply critical of Democratic leadership in Albany, arguing that power rests with legislative majorities rather than solely with the governor.

“The fastest way to change the direction of this state is to change the makeup of the Legislature,” he said. “We need more Republican senators. We need more Republican assembly members.”

He predicted that a Blakeman victory would have a ripple effect. “When Bruce needs us. This is the year we step up.” Blakeman, in brief remarks following his nomination,

pledged to focus on affordability, public safety and economic growth as themes of his campaign.

Clean Energy or Costly Nuclear Detour?

By Nuclear Information and Resource Service

In case you haven’t noticed, the nuclear industry’s political grip has reached truly absurd levels. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recent push for new reactors in New York is alarming—but not exactly shocking. She’s follow ing the path set in 2016, when Gov. Cuomo became the first state leader to push through a nuclear bailout to prevent old, uneconomical reactors from being retired—essentially giv ing the industry a lifeline when it was circling the drain.

Cuomo admitted to negoti ating the $7.6 billion bailout behind closed doors with cor porate executives for months,

Now Hochul is using nucle ar to stall real progress. The

state’s utilities are actively resisting renewable energy expansion. If they actually cared about reducing emissions, they’d be pushing for grid modernization and renewable

The Zero Emission Credit is set at $14.70 per megawatt-hour—basically the same as the federal subsidy under the Inflation Reduction Act. Hochul’s office is spinning this as a win, saying Constellation Energy, the company that owns and operates New York’s upstate nuclear plants, will use federal taxpayer dollars to reimburse New Yorkers for the bailout. But they’re not ending the bailout. The federal subsidies expire in 2032, and

Constellation is already laying the groundwork to extend state-level subsidies indefinitely.

Despite all the hype, the facts haven’t changed. Small modular reactors (SMRs) aren’t working—too expensive and unworkable. AP1000 reactors are hugely expensive and face massive supply chain issues. Wind and solar are cheaper, faster to deploy, and more reliable.

This isn’t about climate. It’s about protecting utility profits and keeping the energy system centralized and controlled. Gov. Hochul may have swallowed the nuclear bait—but we don’t have to.

My name is Charlotte Bruin and l live in North Shirley. I just want to say I love your newspaper. I have been receiving a complementary copy and I’m definitely going to subscribe. I appreciate the local coverage and the stories.

—Charlotte Bruin, North Shirley

“ Early detection allowed us to take control of the situation and make a plan together.”

State Urged to Repair Deadly Route 25 Corridor

By Robert Chartuk

“We can’t wait till 28” was the rallying cry Friday as dozens of residents, elected leaders, police and fire officials, and civic and business representatives called on the state to fix Route 25, a main Suffolk thoroughfare that has fallen into dangerous disrepair.

The statement refers to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s plan to defer improvements to the state road to 2028. “We’re sending a clear message to Albany and the New York Department of Transportation: fix Middle Country Road now,” said Suffolk Legislator Nick Caracappa, organizer of the rally. “It’s dangerous. We’ve had car accidents every single day. In the last two days we’ve had two rollovers, including this morning and yesterday afternoon.”

To exemplify the Legislator’s point, a collision occurred across the street from the event just as it ended. “It was ironic,” he said, “but it happened.”

The heavily-traveled route has once again made New York’s “Top 10 Worst Corridors List,” a distinction it has carried for more than 10 years. “For this stretch of roadway to still be on the list after over a decade, you think they would do something about it,” Caracappa continued.

He described nearly 200 potholes between Routes 83 and 347, “some of them crater-size like the moon.”

Drivers, he pointed out, are forced to swerve abruptly. “Left takes you into oncoming traffic or onto vehicles waiting to make a turn. Right takes you into another vehicle in another lane, up onto the sidewalk where pedestrians are,” Caracappa explained.

“It’s a disaster. It’s dangerous. It’s deadly, and it has to be addressed.”

County Executive Ed Romaine pointed to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—the bipartisan federal infrastructure bill supported by Long Island’s congressional delegation—saying funds have been held up in Albany for more than two years. “The residents of Suffolk County deserve their fair share from trillions of dollars promised to us for critical infrastructure projects to our region,” Romaine stressed.

The Long Island officials called for immediate pothole repairs and longterm improvements, including a total resurfacing, medians to restrict dangerous left turns, synchronized traffic lights, additional lighting, lit pedestrian crosswalks, and upgraded LED streetlights to replace aging high-pressure sodium fixtures.

“This is a four-lane highway. We should bring traffic to a halt when someone’s trying to cross the street,” Caracappa said, noting residents have to dash across with strollers or food carts after exiting buses. “We can’t

wait till 28. That’s gonna cost lives.”

He invited Gov. Hochul to see the conditions for herself. “I invite the governor to come down here and take a nice little drive on 25,” he said. “She should wear a mouthpiece because her teeth will be chattering. It’s like an amusement ride as you go over the potholes.”

“Middle Country Road is not just a line on a map: it’s a lifeline for families, small businesses, first responders, and commuters along the spine of Suffolk County,” said Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano. “This is a major state roadway, and it demands immediate attention—not studies, not excuses, and not delays stretching years into the future.”

Senator Dean Murray added, “Public safety cannot wait. This road needs to be fixed now and permanent upgrades to start long before 2028 rolls around.”

Among those attending the rally, hosted at Cella Bagels by Centereach businessman John Rose, were Assemblyman Doug Smith, Legislators Dominick Thorne and Leslie Kennedy, Suffolk Comptroller John Kennedy, County Clerk Vincent Puleo, Brookhaven Clerk Kevin LaValle, Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro, the Farmingville and Coram Fire Departments, and Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services.

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Charles Wohr, 95, Air Force Veteran, Community Leader

By Robert Chartuk

Charles William Wohr, a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran and pillar of the East End community, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, in East Moriches. He was 95.

Born August 3, 1930, in Patchogue to Charles and Barbara Wohr, Charlie grew up in Farmingdale and graduated from Farmingdale High School before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1949. Trained as an aircraft and engine mechanic,

LOCAL

By South Shore Press Staff

he was stationed at Wheelus Air Base in Tripoli, Libya. He later flew missions in support of nuclear weapons testing at Bikini Atoll in the Pacific and missions into South Korea during the Korean War.

After his military service, Wohr worked in the defense industry before dedicating himself fully to community life. He served as Commander and longtime Treasurer of Eastport American Legion Post 1545 and was honored as Grand Marshal of the Fifth Annual Veterans

Day Parade, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches.

A member of the East Moriches Fire Department for more than 40 years, Wohr also volunteered countless hours as a driver for Disabled American Veterans, transporting fellow veterans to medical appointments across Long Island.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 66 years, Jean Greenan Wohr. He is survived by five children: Charles (Debbie), Warren (Lori), Winston (Tere-

sa), Marlene Mead (William), and Andrew (Jamie); 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren, all of whom were his pride and joy.

Known for his sharp wit and generous spirit, Charlie found happiness in tending his beloved garden, sharing its harvest freely with friends and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Legion Post 1545, 478 Montauk Highway, Eastport, NY 11941.

Chamber Coalition Offers Small Business Grants

The Brookhaven Chambers of Commerce Coalition is offering its 2026 Small Business Improvement Grant, awarding $1,200 to help local businesses invest in upgrades and longterm growth.

The annual grant is designed to support projects that strengthen small businesses and enhance their visibility, efficiency, or operations, according to Barbara Ransome, the coalition president who is managing the program.

Funds may be used for equipment purchases or updates, capital improvements, consulting services, business plan development, marketing strategies, pro-

motional advertising, signage, and energy-efficient upgrades such as lighting or insulation.

The award may not be used to

supplement routine operating expenses.

“The coalition recognizes that our small business communi-

ties are always challenged,” said Ransome, a former Port Jefferson deputy mayor and operator of the Ransome Inn. “With this in mind, we are offering two operational grants to help offset operational expenditures. Recipients will be announced at the coalition’s Awards Reception Night in April.”

To qualify, a business must have 50 or fewer employees and must be a member of a local chamber within the Town of Brookhaven. That chamber must also be a member of the BCCC in good standing. Applicants must have been in business for at least one year. Nonprofits are not eligible.

Grant winners must provide proof of expenditure within six months of receiving the award

unless other arrangements are preapproved. Only business owners or principal executives may submit an application, and proof of ownership or entitlement must accompany the request.

The formal application consists of a letter of request submitted as a PDF or Word document, including complete contact information within the document. Letters must be emailed to bransome@optonline.net and info@portjeffchamber.com with “BCCC Small Business Improvement Award” in the subject line.

All applications must be received by March 4, 2026. Questions may be directed to Ransome at 631-889-1190 or by email.

By Staff Report

A tense situation unfolded in Shirley last week when a 10-year-old boy climbed through a second-story window and onto the roof of his home.

“I came out for a walk and heard the boy screaming,” said William Floyd Parkway neighbor Frank DeNatale. “He had climbed out of a second-story window and was sitting on the peak of the roof.”

The police came quickly and went out on the roof to comfort him, making sure he didn’t fall, DeNatale reported. Soon after, a Mastic Beach Fire Department ladder truck arrived and extended an aerial platform to the top of the roof as police steadied the young boy. They guided him into the bucket, and the rooftop jaunt ended safely with everyone on the ground.

“I guess at that age the boy needed to get out and explore the world,” DeNatale concluded. “Thankfully, the ice and snow had melted and the roof was dry. He climbed up but couldn’t get back down without a big assist from the emergency responders.”

DeNatale’s neighborhood was rattled a few years earlier when a car crashed through his fence and ended up in his yard. “It’s a busy area,” he noted. “There’s no telling what’s going to happen.”

SANTOS UNCENSORED

BY GEORGE SANTOS

There comes a point in public life when you stop pretending corruption is isolated. You stop telling yourself it’s just “one bad guy,” just “one scandal,” just “one rotten apple.”

Spend enough time around politics, finance, media, and the global donor class, and you learn something uncomfortable: the rot isn’t accidental. It’s cultural. It’s protected. And every so often, a case breaks open that shows just how deep that protection goes. The Jeffrey Epstein case is one of those moments.

Not rumor. Not theory. Not internet speculation. It is documented through Department of Justice indictments, federal court filings, plea agreements, sworn victim testimony, and flight records entered into evidence. You don’t need imagination. You just have to read what has already been admitted in court.

The facts are damning. Epstein ran a sex trafficking operation that preyed on underage girls, some as young as fourteen. Federal

prosecutors charged him with trafficking minors across state lines. Victims testified they were recruited, abused, and pressured to recruit others.

This went on for years, spanning multiple states and countries. He owned properties in Manhattan, Palm Beach, New Mexico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He traveled constantly on a private jet. He had money, lawyers, and access most CEOs would envy. And the government knew all of this.

In 2008, federal prosecutors in Florida struck what became known as the non-prosecution agreement. Instead of facing federal charges that could have put him away for life, Epstein received a deal. He pleaded guilty to lesser state charges and served time in a county facility with work-release privileges, leaving jail most days to go to his office.

The agreement extended immunity broadly, shielding potential co-conspirators. Later, a federal judge ruled victims were not properly notified of the deal, violating

Above the Law In Plain Sight

their rights. If that doesn’t raise serious questions about unequal justice, nothing does.

Regular Americans miss tax payments and face swift consequences. Yet a wealthy financier running a trafficking ring secured extraordinary leniency. That disparity is what troubles people. It suggests influence and status can distort accountability.

Then there is the company he kept. Publicly released flight logs and visitor records show Epstein moving comfortably among financiers, academics, celebrities, and international elites. Even after earlier accusations surfaced, he maintained relationships. Banks continued doing business. Lawyers represented him. Universities accepted his donations. The concern is not only that crimes occurred, but that institutions appeared willing to maintain proximity to power.

That points to something larger than one individual. It suggests a cultural failure within influential circles—a willingness to overlook

disturbing allegations in exchange for access, money, or prestige

Americans were never meant to accept the idea that some people operate above consequences. The country was built on the premise that no one is entitled to immunity because of wealth, connections, or social status. Yet celebrity culture and financial power often create informal hierarchies that resemble exactly that.

The larger issue is institutional accountability. Prosecutors, banks, universities, media organizations—each plays a role in maintaining standards. When they fail to act decisively in the face of credible allegations, public trust erodes.

The lesson many Americans draw from the Epstein case is simple: justice must be consistent. One standard. One set of rules. Transparency over secrecy. If powerful individuals commit crimes, investigations must proceed without fear or favor.

Arepublic depends on equal application of the law. The moment

citizens believe there is a protected class immune from consequences, confidence in the system fractures. The Epstein case should have been a wake-up call—not just about one man’s crimes, but about how influence, wealth, and reputation can warp accountability. No one should be above the law.

Kassar Urges Conservatives to Defeat Hochul in 2026

By Stefan Mychajliw

New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard “Gerry” Kassar opened the party’s 2026 annual conference with an optimistic message about growth, organization, and the high political stakes ahead in what he called a historic election year.

Kassar told activists the party saw major gains in 2025, citing its strongest enrollment since the mid-1970s and renewed strength in counties across the state. He credited grassroots organizing and local election victories for helping Conservatives remain influential even without statewide races last

year.

“Our social media had 3 million views in 2025,” Kassar said, highlighting the party’s expanded outreach through podcasts, press appearances, and public events. He also noted the Conservatives remain the only political organization in New York to regularly publish a formal platform and legislative ratings.

Looking ahead, Kassar warned that changes in state election law will put an unprecedented number of contests on the ballot in November 2026 — more than 3,000 races statewide, ranging from governor to town councils.

“That will be the most elections

on a state ballot in the history of the state,” he said, calling it a major opportunity for Conservatives to run candidates and expand their reach.

Kassar also made clear that defeating Governor Kathy Hochul will be one of the party’s top priorities in 2026.

He argued that New York is suffering under one-party Democratic control in Albany and said Conservatives must help lead the charge for a new governor who will reverse what he called reckless liberal policies on crime, taxes, and quality of life.

Kassar framed the coming year as a battle against Albany liberals

and “ever-growing socialist-democratic friends,” arguing that Conservative ideas are essential to counter what he described as mismanagement in state government and decline in New York City.

“This conference is about ideas,” he told attendees. “It’s our first opportunity in 2026 to strengthen our organization and really expand our reach.”

He also emphasized the party’s need to meet strict statewide vote thresholds to retain its ballot line, warning that opponents hope Conservatives “go away.”

Kassar closed with a call to action, urging members to leave Albany prepared for what he described as the “fight of 2026” — for a new governor, legislative gains, and victories across the state.

“I leave you with a single charge,” he said. “Win in 2026.”

DeStefano Earns Nod for Fifth Assembly Term

By Stefan Mychajliw

Suffolk County Republicans have once again nominated State Assemblyman Joe DeStefano to run for reelection, backing the Medford Republican for a fifth term representing the 3rd Assembly District.

DeStefano secured the nomination at the party’s convention at GOP headquarters in Medford, where committee members gathered to finalize their slate for federal, state and county races.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to have been nominated by the Suffolk County Republican Party to run for a fifth term in the New York State Assembly,” DeStefano said in a statement. He thanked Suffolk GOP Chairman Jesse

Garcia and party members “for your faith and confidence in me,” adding that their support “means a great deal.”

DeStefano also offered a personal note of appreciation to Maria Polak, a longtime friend who placed his name in nomination at the convention. “Maria’s friendship

and unwavering support over the decades is something I treasure, and I am truly humbled by her kind words,” he said.

As he prepares to return to Albany for the 2026 legislative session, DeStefano said his campaign will focus on affordability, public safety and energy policy. He criticized what he described as “reckless spending and city-centric policies” that have driven up costs for Long Island families and pledged to fight for tax relief, including eliminating state sales tax on gasoline and household supplies and enacting a true state spending cap.

He also vowed to push for repeal of the state’s cashless bail laws and to oppose elements of New York’s climate agenda that he argues

increase energy costs and threaten reliability. In addition, DeStefano said he would continue opposing the MTA payroll tax and congestion pricing while advocating for infrastructure improvements, including repairs to State Route 25 in Brookhaven. “New York leads the nation in out-migration. That must stop,” he said, pledging to protect law-abiding residents and restore balance in Albany.

In addition to DeStefano, the Suffolk County GOP nominated Daniel Losquadro for County Comptroller; Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo for the 8th State Senate District; DawnMarie Kuhn for the 7th Assembly District; Brianne Wakefield for the 4th State Senate District; State Senators Anthony

Palumbo for the 1st Senate District and Mario Mattera for the 2nd Senate District; Stephen Kiely for the 1st Assembly District; Will Sussman for the 4th Assembly District; Joseph Cardinale for the 11th Assembly District; Dave Weber for the 12th Assembly District; Jodi Giglio for the 1st Assembly District; Doug Smith for the 5th Assembly District; Michael Fitzpatrick for the 8th Assembly District; Michael Durso for the 9th Assembly District; Rep. Nick LaLota for reelection in his Congressional district; Representative Andrew Garbarino for reelection in his Congressional district; Mike LiPetri for the 3rd Congressional District; and Vincent Puleo for reelection as Suffolk County Clerk.

LOCAL

By Stefan Mychajliw

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman accepted the New York State Republican Party’s nomination for governor Tuesday, pledging to unite Republicans across the state to defeat Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in November.

Speaking at the GOP convention at the Garden City Hotel in Nassau County, Blakeman thanked party leaders and highlighted what he called a strong Long Island partnership. “We have a great partnership here on Long Island,” he said, acknowledging state and local officials including Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt and Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay.

Blakeman Wins GOP Nod for Governor

Blakeman told delegates they were embarking on a statewide mission. “We have people from every part of the state — from Jamestown across to Plattsburgh, all the way down to New York City and out to Montauk Point,” he said. “We are a party of every race, every religion, every ethnic group, people of all abilities and lifestyles. We come together with principles and values.”

He drew loud applause when he praised former President Donald Trump and sharply criticized Hochul’s leadership. “Look at what this country would be like if we had one more year of comrade Kathy,” Blakeman said.

Blakeman also introduced members of his statewide ticket,

calling them “outstanding individuals, people of character, patriotic people, people who care about this state.”

Elected Nassau County executive in 2021, Blakeman has centered his tenure on tax relief and public safety. He eliminated $150 million in planned tax increases, secured multiple credit rating upgrades and sworn in more than 200 new police officers while expanding anti-crime initiatives such as Operation Overwatch.

A former Hempstead town councilman, county legislator and Port Authority commissioner, Blakeman is an attorney admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. He lives in Atlantic Beach with his wife, Segal.

Komatireddy Vows Tough-On-Crime AG Campaign

By Stefan Mychajliw

Saritha Komatireddy, the Republican nominee for New York State Attorney General, pledged a return to tough-on-crime enforcement as she addressed delegates at the New York State Republican Party convention at the Garden City Hotel in Nassau County.

“It is an honor to be here,” Komatireddy said, thanking party leaders and adding, “I’m just honored to be a part of Bruce Blakeman’s ticket.”

She told attendees her campaign would focus on grassroots outreach.

“This is about old-fashioned, meeting people face-to-face, and

earning every vote,” she said.

“My commitment is I will work hard every day … to make

sure that Bruce Blakeman is our next governor.”

Komatireddy sharply crit-

icized what she described as rising crime and public safety failures across the state.

“Everyday New Yorkers are being stabbed at random. People are burned alive in the subways. Homeless Americans are freezing to death in the streets and repeat offenders are being released over and over again in every county in the state,” she said.

A former federal prosecutor and national security official, Komatireddy built her career in law enforcement after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

She spent more than a decade prosecuting leaders of Al Qaeda, ISIS and Mexican drug cartels as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of New

York, handling cases involving terrorism, cybercrime, narcotics trafficking, money laundering and public corruption.

She later served as chief of staff of the Drug Enforcement Administration, overseeing a 10,000-person global agency. Komatireddy has received multiple U.S. Attorney General’s Awards and national law enforcement honors.

A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, she clerked for then-Judge Brett Kavanaugh and later served as counsel to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. She is now a partner at Holtzman Vogel, teaches at Columbia Law School and is the mother of four.

Hernandez Touts American Dream in Comptroller Bid

By Stefan Mychajliw

Joseph Hernandez, the Republican nominee for New York State Comptroller, told party delegates that his candidacy is rooted in the American dream that brought him to the United States as a child refugee.

“I came here at the age of seven,” Hernandez said at the New York State Republican Convention at the Garden City Hotel in Nassau County, where he received the party’s official nomination.

“My father was a political prisoner. My dad launched his business. My mom cleaned houses. And they taught us a couple of very bold lessons.”

The first lesson, he said, was about self-reliance.

“You better work hard because nothing in this country is free. Some people think it is. That’s not the case. Nothing is free. There is no such thing as a free lunch.”

The second lesson was the value of education.

“Education was our ticket out of that situation,” Hernandez said, noting that he earned five degrees, three from the University of Florida, one from Yale and one from Oxford.

Most important, he said, was love of country.

“My parents said this country gave them the opportunity to be bigger. You have to love it unconditionally,” he said.

“This great, capitalistic, individual country allows a person to dream, allows a little Cuban

kid to dream that one day he would run for Comptroller of the State of New York.”

Calling the upcoming election “a big, amazing battle that’s transformative,” Hernandez warned that New York is on a “very, very dangerous trajectory.”

Hernandez is an entrepreneur and investor in biotechnology and healthcare and the founder and senior managing partner of Blue Water Venture Partners.

Over his career, he has founded or led more than a dozen companies and taken multiple firms public on the NASDAQ.

He is the father of three children.

LOCAL

By Stefan Mychajliw

State Sen. Dean Murray rose on the Senate floor to oppose Senate Bill S9155, legislation that changes how New York measures the distance between adult-use marijuana dispensaries and nearby schools and houses of worship.

The bill would prohibit dispensaries from operating on the same street and within 500 feet of a school or 200 feet of a house of worship, with distances measured in straight lines from the center of the nearest entrance of each building.

Supporters say the measure clarifies state law, but Murray argued it weakens protections for children and strips munici-

Murray Blasts Cannabis Zoning Changes Near Schools

palities of meaningful control.

“We’re talking apples and oranges,” Murray said, rejecting comparisons between cannabis rules and alcohol regulations.

“You can’t walk down the street, not smell the skunky, disgusting smell… We pass laws regarding secondhand smoke… Alcohol?

I’ve never heard of secondhand alcohol drunkenness.”

He described what he called a realistic outcome under the bill.

“That pot shop could literally be a stone’s throw away from the monkey bars where an eight-year-old is swinging,”

Murray said. “They’re going to smell it. We’re not helping these kids any.”

Murray repeatedly cited the Town of Brookhaven as proof that local zoning authority is

limited.

Brookhaven opted into allowing cannabis sales believing it could confine dispensaries to industrial zones.

“Surprise, surprise. They don’t have control over that,” Murray said, recounting conversations with the Attorney General’s office. He said he was told the state controls licensing, while zoning remains local only if it does not interfere with state objectives.

“Do we really have control? The answer is no. Absolutely not.”

Calling the legislation a continuation of earlier missteps, Murray concluded, “We are compounding that mistake at the risk of our children… It’s all about the Benjamins. No thank you.”

Verma Tax and Accounting Solutions Takes a Proactive Approach

By Staff Report

Before opening his doors in 2016, Aman Verma took an uncommon step: he asked people what frustrated them most about their accountants.

“The same thing kept coming up,” Verma recalled. “They only hear from their accountant when it’s time to file taxes.”

Determined to change that experience, Verma built his firm around a proactive philosophy. Instead of waiting for tax season, his team monitors changes in tax law year-round and reaches out to clients to sched-

ule planning meetings, helping them take advantage of new opportunities and reduce liabilities before deadlines arrive.

“Clients often hear from us in summer or fall—not just April—so we can plan ahead for deductions, credits, and new regulations,” Verma noted.

What began as a one-person operation in Smithtown has grown into a four-member team serving clients locally and nationwide. The firm offers comprehensive accounting and tax services—bookkeeping, payroll, business and personal returns, partnerships, nonprof-

its, estates, and trusts—everything except auditing. With CPAs on staff and Verma’s wife, an enrolled agent, the firm holds full IRS and New York State credentials.

A Lake Grove resident who grew up in Dix Hills after moving to Long Island from India at age three, Verma earned his Bachelor of Science in Business and Accounting with honors from the University of Phoenix.

Although he initially studied pharmacy, Verma discovered his true calling in accounting, drawn by a passion for tax strategy and helping clients navigate

complex laws. “I love being able to show someone how the tax code can work for them,” he said.

Deeply rooted in the community, Verma serves on several local boards, including the Smithtown Performing Arts Board and youth sports organizations, and as PTA treasurer. During COVID, he launched a nonprofit supporting families in need. Family remains central to both his life and business, reflecting the values that continue to guide Verma Tax and Accounting Solutions as it grows.

James O’Malley’s “Ivyland” Tops Folk Radio Charts

By Mike Kornfeld

South Shore singer-songwriter James O’Malley is earning national recognition following the release of his fifth solo studio album, Ivyland, which recently ranked among the most-played albums on folk radio nationwide.

The 12-song collection charted at No. 33 on Folk Alliance International’s January rankings, based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic forum used by folk radio DJs across the country. The placement marks a significant milestone for O’Malley, whose thoughtful songwriting and intricate fingerstyle guitar work have long resonated with audiences throughout the New York metro area, according to his publicist, Mike Kornfeld.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, O’Malley traces his musical inspiration to Elvis Presley, with

The Beatles cementing his lifelong devotion to songwriting. Influenced by artists ranging from Leonard Cohen and Tim Hardin to Bert Jansch and Bob Dylan, he developed a lyrical style known for vivid imagery and emotional range. His warm tenor voice and narrative-driven songs explore themes of family, relationships, memory, loss, and hope.

In his 20s, O’Malley performed with an acoustic group called The Braid, which toured the college coffeehouse circuit during the 1970s and was signed to a major label. After the group disbanded, he stepped away from music while raising a family, eventually settling in Center Moriches with his late wife, Patricia. The couple restored a 19th-century Victorian home where O’Malley wrote dozens of songs, often with Patricia listening

nearby.

“She was the muse, the inspiration, and the critic,” O’Malley said of his wife, who passed away in 2022. Her influence is honored on Ivyland’s opening track, “Did You Ever Hear Her Sing Hallelujah.”

Beginning in the 1990s, O’Malley re-embraced performing, appearing at Long Island venues including libraries, folk festivals, house concerts, and coffeehouses. His previous albums include I’m Ready (2001), If Only In My Dreams (2005), Tales To Tell (2010), and The Writer Remains (2015).

Outside of music, O’Malley spent decades working as a rigging supervisor at Brookhaven National Laboratory, where music remained a constant presence. Today, he continues performing solo and with Candice Baranello as the folk

duo Take 2. Reflecting on his career, O’Malley said knowing his

songs have connected with listeners “is the greatest reward of all.”

HISTORY LESSONS

BY RICHARD ACRITELLI

“For those two weeks, we were the best team in the world.”—Defenseman John “Jack” O’Callahan

The necessary “jolt” that Herb Brooks provided to his team to tie Sweden came in the final moments, when he pulled goaltender Jim Craig to add another player onto the ice. It was imperative that the United States, down 2-1, score within the final seconds against Sweden or they would have had difficulty advancing out of this Olympic pool. After playing better over the next two periods and with the Americans on the brink of losing, defenseman Bill Baker scored his only point of the games, evening the score at 2-2. It was one of the most vital goals of the tournament and allowed the United States to stay in contention for a medal.

During his younger years, Baker played for the Grand Rapids Indians, attended the University of Minnesota, and was drafted with the 54th pick by the Montreal Canadiens in 1976. Baker scored the biggest goal of his life and kept America alive against talented European teams. He was a winner, earning a high school state title, a championship under Brooks at the University of Minnesota, and a gold medal at Lake Placid. For about four years, Baker played in 143 National Hockey League games with the Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Rockies, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers. This All-American and member of the Olympic and National Hockey Halls of Fame later attended dentistry school, becoming an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

On the American way to a 7-3 victory over Czechoslovakia, four Americans scored goals against the second-best team in the tournament. The nation

FOG OF WAR AND HUMANITY

BY RICHARD ACRITELLI

American imperialism, the Spanish-American War, and the Philippine-American War were the focus of a recent discussion hosted by historian Richard V. Acritelli, featuring guest Liam Carballal. The wide-ranging conversation examined how U.S. foreign policy decisions more than a century ago continue to echo in modern geopolitics.

The dialogue on Acritelli’s program, the Fog of War, began with the 1898 explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, an event that helped propel the United States into war with Spain. While con -

Netflix: “Miracle: The Boys of ‘80” and The Pursuit Of Olympic Greatness

saw the “blunt” look of Brooks on the sidelines when his finest player, Mark Johnson, was speared in the shoulder. With a glaring look, Brooks supported his team by threatening to “bury that goddamn stick in your throat” in response to the cheap shot. It was a clear dirty play that accomplished two important objectives. First, the players were angered by the injury to their teammate, displaying no sense of regionalism within the unified American squad. Secondly, although players often expressed frustration with Brooks’ tactics, years later they understood that he would fight for them against the opposition.

This biography presented the dire need for Americans living under Cold War tensions to rally behind a determined coach and his team against communist rivals. The game against the Czechs highlighted differences that often hurt the younger American squad, which faced seven Czech players from the 1976 Olympic team with an average age of 26, some as old as 32. One of the main themes of the production was that the United States, until facing Finland, was not expected to defeat the clearly superior foreign teams.

Facing highly touted Czechoslovakia, America was ranked

only seventh and achieved a decisive victory through the strong play of Buzz Schneider. He had played for Brooks in college and believed he was the most prepared figure ever to lead him. Schneider was also a member of the U.S. National Team in 1974, the 1976 Olympic squad, and later joined the International Hockey League in 1978. In the film “Miracle,” Schneider’s son Billy portrayed him as one of the key players on the team. At 26, Schneider was one of the older members of the 1980 squad and, unlike several teammates who played professionally in North America, he signed with a Swiss organization.

Al Michaels stated in “Miracle: The Boys of ’80” that Americans went from burning the flag during the tumultuous 1970s to proudly waving it at Lake Placid. The Brooklyn-born broadcaster, heard nationally since the late 1960s, gained early experience calling baseball games for the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants. The directors included many of Michaels’ recollections of Brooks, the team’s inner workings, and the prevailing belief that the United States would never win gold.

Five-time gold medalist Eric Heiden drew enormous attention during the Games, yet he became a fan of the hockey team and closely followed its success. Americans increasingly embraced the Olympic “darlings” who thrived under Brooks’ direction. Another key figure chronicled in this special was the physical presence of defenseman O’Callahan. The biography explored the blue-collar background of O’Callahan and his family. Growing up in Charlestown, Massachusetts, he was a tough competitor who did not shy away from fights and

lived in a community of police officers, firefighters, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and even gangsters.

At 6’2”, O’Callahan was a fierce competitor who proudly reflected on footage of his father and family cheering the 1980 team’s victory. He was both a key player and spokesperson, never afraid to voice his feelings. At times, the hard-nosed defenseman became emotional while watching game footage and family interviews in the documentary. Injured during the first two games against Sweden and Czechoslovakia, O’Callahan hated being sidelined.

Success followed O’Callahan throughout his career. An All-American at Boston University, captain of the school’s 1978 national championship team, and a most valuable player, he was among its most accomplished student-athletes. Although injured early in the Olympics, he played a pivotal role in supporting Craig against the offensive strength of European teams. The documentary featured a young O’Callahan stating that he “would have passed up a million dollars to play for his country — it is the greatest feeling you will ever have.”

Recently, freestyle halfpipe skier Hunter Hess stated he was not competing for America, but for his family and friends. That view contrasts sharply with the 1980 hockey team of young college players eager to represent their nation and achieve a monumental victory. O’Callahan later played several seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks and New Jersey Devils.

Next week will be the final installment on the 1980 American hockey team’s pursuit of a gold medal.

Spanish-American War Discussion Highlights Long Island Ties

temporary yellow journalism portrayed the blast as a Spanish attack, modern historians largely attribute it to an internal accident caused by flawed ship design. Nonetheless, sensational reporting fueled public outrage and accelerated America’s path to war. The conflict elevated Theodore Roosevelt, whose Oyster Bay home, Sagamore Hill, remains a lasting Long Island connection to the era. As assistant secretary of the Navy, Roosevelt aggressively prepared the fleet for war. The swift defeat of Spain at Manila Bay under Admiral George

Dewey signaled the arrival of the United States as a global naval power.

However, the aftermath in the Philippines proved far more complicated. After purchasing the islands from Spain for $20 million, the United States faced resistance from Filipino leader Emilio Aguinaldo, who had expected independence. What followed was a brutal insurgency marked by guerrilla warfare, disease, and controversial tactics such as the “water cure,” an interrogation method widely condemned as torture.

The conversation also

examined America’s broader expansion at the turn of the century, including the Open Door Policy in China and Roosevelt’s backing of the Panamanian revolt that enabled construction of the Panama Canal. While strategically transformative, these moves reflected an assertive foreign policy often described as gunboat diplomacy.

Throughout the discussion, Acritelli and Carballal emphasized the enduring tension between strategic necessity and moral consequence. The wars of 1898 reshaped America’s global standing, but they also

revealed the complex human costs of empire — a dynamic that continues to shape debates over U.S. power and responsibility today. Check out the full interview at www.hmtcli.org.

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

BY KARL GROSSMAN

$33 billion—That’s the amount of money the New York Public Service Commission—its members appointed by the governor—has just approved for you as an electric ratepayer, and every other ratepayer in the state, including all businesses and nonprofit institutions, to pay from 2029 to 2049 to bail out four nuclear power plants upstate.

The $33 billion would be included as a charge in the bills electric utilities send to all New York ratepayers.

In 2017, the PSC approved a $7.6 billion, 12-year bailout of the plants, which their owners had wanted to shut down because they said they were not economical.

They include the oldest nuclear power plant of the 94 now operating in the United States: the Nine Mile Point Station Unit 1 in upstate Oswego, which began operating in 1969, and the second-oldest nuclear plant running in the nation, the R.E. Ginna plant, near Rochester.

Nuclear power plants, when they were first introduced in the U.S. in the 1950s, were licensed for 40 years. After 40 years, it was determined that internal parts, especially metals, would become so embrittled by radioactivity that the plants would not be safe to operate.

Now, our money, to the tune of $33 billion, would be used in the coming two decades to keep Nine Mile Point 1, having run in 2026 for 57 years, and Ginna, running for 56 years, operating far longer.

If there is an accident at any of these plants, upstate is not that far from Suffolk County, as radioactivity would blow in the wind. A check on Google says they are in the range of 200 air

Governor Hochul’s $33 Billion Nuclear Bailout

miles, and a little more depending on what part of Suffolk.

Consider taking a drive in a 57-year-old automobile upstate, or anywhere. How confident would you be in its mechanical ability?

But New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is totally enamored of nuclear power. She seemingly believes that the Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and Fukushima disasters never happened. She has been calling for New York State to become the “center” of a nuclear revival in the U.S.

As she said in her “State of the State” address last month, in 2025, “I took the bold step of greenlighting the first nuclear power project in a generation…. We set a goal of building one gigawatt of nuclear power,” the equivalent of one large nuclear power plant. She went on that for 2026, it’s “go big” on nuclear power. “So I’ve

UNDERCOVER NEW YORK

BY KATHRYN NOCERINO

Listen up: if you ignore something, it will simply go away! Dismiss all those tedious people who keep advising you to nip it in the bud. Forget the images they provide, such as a snowball rolling downhill.

Out of sight, out of mind, I say.

Society has many chances to make your life miserable: mental health, annual medical exams, nutrition, etc.

In the 50s, Mad Magazine had it in for Prince Charles. At that age, he was all ears, and he smiled continuously without being attractive. The character they supposedly based on him was called “Alfred E. Neuman.” Once the image reached Chas, he is said to have gotten… mad. He allegedly mailed an unsigned

decided to raise the bar to five gigawatts. That’s more nuclear energy than has been built anywhere in the United States in the last 30 years.”

She is pushing particularly so-called “advanced” nuclear power plants—even though, as a comprehensive analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists and other studies have found, they are not “advanced.”

“If nuclear power is to play an expanded role in helping address climate change, newly built reactors must be demonstrably safer and more secure than current-generation reactors. Unfortunately, most ‘advanced’ nuclear reactors are anything but,” concluded its report.

“Not So Advanced: Hype vs. Reality for Nuclear Technology” was the headline of a piece from the Natural Resources Defense Council.

But, as Hochul declared re-

letter to them from Buckingham Palace claiming there was no resemblance at all. Do you believe this story? Personally, I’m on the fence. The letter itself has conveniently disappeared. Alfred E.’s most famous saying: “WHAT, ME WORRY?”

Many years later, Joan Rivers, American comic, alluded to the physical presence of the British royal family in a show. She said, “We all know how people name their dogs. Here, Duke; here, Prince; here, Queenie!” Fortunately, Charles has now grown into his looks. All kinds of ethical conundra crop up. For example, what is your opinion of the following: a doctor has examined someone’s husband/grandpa/gramma/

cently, “This is not your grandmothers’ and your grandfathers’ nuclear. This is advanced. This is state-of-the-art. This is safe.”

In fact, the “advanced” nuclear power plants being promoted today are decades-old designs that didn’t work then and are now being wheeled out as new-and-improved nuclear power plants.

Meanwhile, Hochul also keeps insisting that nuclear power is “zero-emission” and thus an antidote to climate change. But the nuclear fuel cycle—mining, milling, and enrichment of nuclear fuel—is heavily carbon-intensive, and nuclear power plants also emit carbon, a radioactive form of carbon, Carbon-14.

She is fond of old nuclear plants, too, like the four upstate plants the $33 billion bailout would keep running. “They’re all up on Lake Ontario, and one is actually the oldest operating nuclear facility in the United States, going strong and safe since 1969,” Hochul claims.

Of the bailout and Hochul’s push for nuclear power, Laura Shindell, the New York State director of the organization Food & Water Watch, says: “It’s outrageous that New Yorkers will once again be forced to bail out this toxic, money-burning industry with billions and billions more in the coming years. Despite decades of evidence that nuclear power is both inherently dangerous and cost-foolish, Governor Hochul insists on throwing good money after bad, with everyday families footing the bill. We’re fed up with the governor’s repeated failure to deliver on promises of clean, affordable energy for this state. She claims she cares about affordability, and then approves this rate

increase.”

Says Avni Pravni-Buck, deputy director of Alliance for a Green Economy: “Governor Hochul and her Public Service Commission have locked New Yorkers into an expensive and inefficient scheme to enrich Constellation Energy, while taking New York further away from our renewable energy and climate goals. Every dollar spent on Constellation’s reactors is a dollar that could have gone to building renewable energy and storage, which is cheaper, cleaner, and better for our electricity grid. We’re dismayed to hear that electric ratepayers will now be footing a $33 billion bailout for the upstate nuclear reactors, without any forward-looking plan to transition to renewable resources…”

Tim Judson, executive director of the Nuclear Information and Resource Service, says: “New York’s nuclear bailout program has always been a classic ‘bridge-to-nowhere’—forcing households and businesses to fork over pots of gold, only to leave us with an ever-growing pile of radioactive waste. Since 2017, we have been charged over $4 billion to prop up old, uneconomical nuclear power plants—12 times more than we have spent on incentives for renewable energy. The bailout program was supposed to be expensive but temporary, a $7 billion ‘bridge to renewable energy.’ Here we are years down the road, and the PSC has decided not only to make the bailout basically permanent, but to dramatically increase the cost to $33 billion over an extra 20 years. New York needs to pull the plug on it.”

A true green energy path is before us. This is not it.

Going Away

third cousin. The diagnosis is grave. The doctor is afraid of telling the patient about this due to his or her fragility, but he does inform the next of kin. What would you do if you were next of kin? Would you tell him or her, thereby making his or her life miserable? Would you say nothing on the proviso that ignorance is bliss? (What, me worry?) Maybe the situation would be different if you had a pain. Years ago, I had a colleague who was a genuine Indian mystic. He swore that, through sheer mind control, he could overcome the weather. One day, Sudakhar failed to show up for work. That day became a week. Finally, Sudakhar’s wife called in: he had left the

that morning and came back home with pneumonia. His next appearance at work found him swathed in a heavy, though ill-fitting, coat.

ASK NANCY

BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ.

Q: A few

years ago,

I added my son’s name to my deed. Will this be an issue if I need nursing home care in the future?

A:Adding a child’s name to your deed can have significant consequences, particularly if you later need nursing home care and apply for Chronic Medicaid. Medicaid eligibility rules are complex, and transfers of property can directly affect whether benefits are approved.

When applying for nursing home Medicaid, the state reviews all financial

transactions made within the five years (60 months) prior to the application. This is known as the “look-back period.” If you transferred assets for less than fair market value during that time, Medicaid treats the transfer as a gift. Adding your son to your deed without receiving full market value in return is typically considered a partial gift of your home. If the transfer occurred within five years of applying, Medicaid may impose a penalty period during which it will not pay for your nursing home care. The length of the penalty is calculated by dividing the value of the gifted portion by the state’s average monthly nursing home cost. Importantly, the penalty period does not begin until you are otherwise eligible for Medicaid and residing in a nursing home.

There are limited exceptions to the five-year rule, which include, but are not limited to, transfers to a spouse, a disabled child, or a “caretaker child” who lived

Should You Add Your Child To Your Deed?

in the home for at least two years and provided care that delayed nursing home placement. These exceptions are narrowly defined and require documentation.

Beyond Medicaid concerns, adding a child to a deed may expose the home to that child’s creditors, divorce proceedings, or financial difficulties, and you may lose full control over the property. Additionally, there are certain tax implications when transferring property that can negatively affect you or your child. Lastly, the way your property is titled — whether as tenants in common or joint tenants with rights of survivorship — can lead to unintended consequences, potentially undermining your estate planning objectives or leaving some or all of the property subject to Medicaid estate recovery claims.

While no one can predict future health needs, planning ahead is critical. Strategies such as a properly drafted Medicaid Asset Protection Trust, created at least five

years before care is needed, may protect your home without exposing it to the risks associated with co-ownership. Consulting a Medicaid-conscious estate planning attorney is the best way to safeguard your assets and avoid future complications.

Erin Cullen, Esq. is an associate attorney at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C., focusing her practice

on Trusts and Estates. Michal Lipshitz, Esq. is a Senior Associate Attorney at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C., focusing her practice on Estate Planning and Elder Law. Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. serves clients from New York City to the East End of Long Island, with offices located in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, Manhattan, and East Hampton.

LIBRARY LIVING

BY TARA D’AMATO Assistant Library Director

Tri-Hamlet Group Plans Floyd History Event

The Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library will host a special presentation, “The Life of William Floyd,” on Sunday, February 22, from 1 to 3 p.m., as part of local preparations for the nation’s 250th anniversary in

Organized in partnership with the Tri-Hamlet 250 Committee, the event will spotlight Long Island’s only signer of the Declaration of Independence and highlight Suffolk County’s growing efforts to elevate its Revolutionary War legacy. The program will feature remarks by County Executive Ed Romaine and Ron Gross from the New York State United Teachers, along with interactive and educational exhibits presented by local historical and civic groups.

The Daughters of the American Revolution’s Colonel Josiah Smith Chapter will host an interactive station titled “Would You Have Signed?” inviting attendees to reflect on the risks and sacrifices faced by the Founding Fathers. Exhibits and historical information will also be provided by DAR, Friends of Fire Island National Seashore (William Floyd Estate), the community library, and the Mastic Peninsula Historical Society.

The program builds on recent recognition of December 17 as “William Floyd Day” in Suffolk County, an annual observance honoring Floyd’s birthday

and contributions as a Revolutionary War leader and public servant. Born in Mastic in 1734, Floyd rose from managing his family farm to serving in the Continental Congress and signing the Declaration of Independence.

Organizers say the library event is designed not only to honor Floyd’s legacy, but also to foster civic pride and deepen public awareness of the region’s historic role in the nation’s founding. Registration is available through the library.

— The Life of — William Floyd

Sunday, February 22 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Join the Tri-Hamlet Group for a presentation on the Founding Father, William Floyd.

Featuring:

• Addresses by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and NYSUT

2nd Vice-President Ron Gross

• Daughters of the American Colonel Josiah Smith Chapter will present an interactive station “Would You Have Signed?”

• Exhibits and information provided DAR, FINS (William Floyd Estate), your Community Library, and Mastic Peninsula Historical Society. Register at communitylibrary.org or call 631-399-1511 x2024

By Staff Report

Long Island’s electric grid is facing increasing reliability challenges over the next several years as rising demand collides with generator retirements and delays in new power supplies, according to a newly released national reliability assessment.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) 2025 Long-Term Reliability Assessment places New York, including Long Island, in an elevated risk category for electricity shortages during peak demand periods later this decade, particularly during extreme weather events.

While New York currently meets required reserve margins, NERC warns that planned retirements of aging peaking power plants could create localized shortfalls, especially in downstate regions such as Long Island that are electrically constrained and heavily dependent on trans-

Long Island Faces Growing Power Shortfall Risks, NERC Warns

mission imports. The report specifically cites the New York Independent System Operator’s findings that retirements of peaker units could strain system adequacy if replacement resources or transmission upgrades are not completed on time.

Long Island’s vulnerability is amplified by steadily rising electricity demand driven by population density, electrification of heating and transportation, and the broader statewide push toward electric vehicles and renewable energy. At the same time, much of the new generation coming online consists of solar and battery storage, which NERC notes are weather-dependent and less reliable during extended periods of high demand, such as heat waves or winter cold snaps.

The assessment also highlights broader concerns across the Northeast Power Coordinating Council region, including New York and New England, where

winter reliability remains a particular concern due to fuel supply limitations and reliance on natural gas infrastructure that can become constrained during severe cold.

NERC cautions that without accelerated development of dispatchable generation, expanded transmission capacity, or demand-side management programs, Long Island could face a higher risk of controlled outages during extreme conditions later in the decade. While no immediate crisis is projected, the report emphasizes that current planning assumptions leave little margin for error.

The watchdog organization urges state regulators and grid operators to move quickly to align power plant retirements with new capacity additions and to streamline permitting for both generation and transmission projects. For Long Island residents and businesses, the findings underscore growing

questions about grid resilience as energy demand climbs amid the push by Gov. Kathy Hochul and

the Progressive Democrats to eliminate fossil fuels in favor of wind and solar.

Longwood Hosts 22nd Legislative Breakfast

By Justin Danford

More than 300 education leaders, community partners and state and federal elected officials gathered at the Longwood Central School District in Middle Island for the 22nd Annual Longwood Regional Legislative Breakfast, one of Long Island’s longest-running education advocacy forums.

Representatives from more than 40 school districts joined policymakers for focused discussions on funding stability, legislative priorities and the policies shaping students’ futures.

“Each year we convene this regional conversation to model for our students the power of our great Democracy when educational advocates from across our communities unite to stand up for public education,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lance Lohman. “This forum allows us to speak with one voice in advocating for the stable funding and thoughtful policy support required to provide every child with a high-quality, 21st-century education.”

Now in its 22nd year, the February event has become a regional institution, bringing educators and lawmakers together around a shared commitment to students and communities.

“This breakfast is one of the most productive and thoughtful conversations we have all year,” said Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano. “It brings together school leaders, board members, parents and students from across Long Island in one room to meet with their elected officials.”

The morning opened with performances by the Longwood Junior High School Chamber Orchestra and Vocal Quartet. Welcoming remarks followed from Dr.

Lohman, New York State Board of Regents member Felicia Thomas-Williams, and Longwood Board of Education President Victoria Molloy and Vice President Daniel Tomaszewski.

Attendees paused to honor William K. Miller, a longtime Longwood Board of Education member and former vice president who served more than 24 years before his passing in December 2025. Miller championed student involvement on the Longwood Legislative Committee as full and equal members. Student representatives from William Floyd, Eastern Suffolk BOCES and Longwood addressed the audience, underscoring the impact of public education on their futures.

A featured presentation, “Stronger Together: Why Partnerships Matter,” included remarks from Molloy, Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association Executive Director Bob Vecchio and Eastern Suffolk BOCES Chief Operating Officer David Wicks, highlighting cross-district collaboration.

Following legislator introductions, participants engaged in a closed question-and-answer session. Longwood High School senior Gabriella Hepp delivered closing remarks.

LOCAL

By Robert Chartuk

Suffolk GOP Unveils 2026 Slate, Taps Losquadro For County Comptroller

Suffolk Republicans set their 2026 slate, spotlighting Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro as their choice for county comptroller.

Committee members packed party headquarters in Medford to finalize nominees for Congress, State Senate, Assembly, county clerk and judgeships. But the loudest applause followed the nomination of Losquadro, a Shoreham resident and five-term highway superintendent, who emerged from what party leaders

described as a crowded and competitive screening process to replace term-limited Comptroller John M. Kennedy Jr. Losquadro was first elected highway superintendent in a 2013 special election and won reelection to a fifth term in 2023. He previously served as a Suffolk County legislator from 2003 to 2010 and as a state assemblyman from 2011 to 2013.

Suffolk GOP Chairman Jesse Garcia said the strong interest in the comptroller’s race “demonstrates we have a very, very deep bench.”

“Hundreds of committee members came with incredible energy and enthusiasm to formally approve our slate of candidates for the upcoming elections,” Garcia said. “From every corner of Suffolk County, our grassroots leaders showed up in force and made clear that this party is strong, united, and fighting for the future of our neighborhoods.”

At the top of the statewide ticket is Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a fellow Long Islander running for governor. He will headline a ballot that also features U.S. Reps. Nick LaLota

and Andrew Garbarino seeking reelection, along with former Assemblyman Mike LiPetri challenging Democrat Tom Suozzi in the 3rd Congressional District.

In state races, Assemb. Jarett Gandolfo was nominated for the 8th District seat being vacated by Sen. Alexis Weik. Garcia said the slate reflects candidates “who live in and represent the very bedrock of our neighborhoods” and are committed to public safety, affordability and protecting Suffolk’s quality of life.

The Democrats have yet to announce their November ticket.

Brookhaven receives grant for water quality improvement

By The South Shore Press

The Brookhaven Highway Department has received a $293,000 grant from New York State to support water quality improvement efforts. The funding comes through the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Water Quality Improvement Project program and will be used to acquire equipment aimed at reducing road salt usage and preventing contamination of local surface waters.

With this grant, the department plans to purchase plow guards and brine sprayers. These tools are expected to enhance winter road maintenance by allowing for more precise application of brine and extending the life of snow plow blades. This approach is intended to decrease salt-laden runoff into nearby surface waters and limit salt intrusion into groundwater.

“Adding brine-spreading applicators to our existing arsenal of winter road maintenance equipment will lessen our reliance on

road salt that can pollute stormwater systems and nearby waterbodies,” said Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Daniel Losquadro. “And, the Razor System Split Plowguards will extend blade life and ensure more effective snow

By South Shore Press Staff

Building trade unions are intensifying their campaign to require Project Labor Agreements and registered apprenticeship programs on public construction projects, arguing the standards are essential to protect taxpayers, ensure quality work and strengthen Long Island’s middle class.

Union members recently packed the Suffolk Legislature and have appeared at other public forums to press lawmakers to adopt stronger labor requirements on publicly funded projects. Labor leaders say the push is about setting clear rules that govern how construction dollars are spent across the region, especially within school district projects. At the center of the effort is state legislation that supporters say would reinforce oversight,

and ice removal, minimizing the need for repeated salting.”

According to Losquadro, the eight new 535-gallon capacity brine sprayers are projected to use up to 70 percent less salt than traditional methods. The 212

new plow guards are designed for greater efficiency compared to straight-edge blades and have a longer lifespan than conventional options.

“Anything we can do to ensure our plow operators can stay out on the roads longer during these winter storm events, rather than having to pull their equipment off and into our maintenance shop for repairs, means the sooner we can get the roads cleared,” Losquadro said.

The total cost for purchasing this equipment is $367,000, with a required 25 percent match from the Town. The Highway Department expects these upgrades will help reduce its rock salt usage by about 30 percent. Currently, Brookhaven applies an average of 13,872 tons of rock salt each year across 3,700 lane miles.

“Over the years, we have seen Brookhaven’s coastal waters impacted by flooding and storm surges,” Losquadro said. “Stormwater from such events carries harmful

Trade Unions Push Job Protections

accountability and labor standards on school construction.

Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano, a co-sponsor of the bill and a former union representative said the measure reflects a commitment to taxpayers and workers alike.

“As a co-sponsor of Assembly bill A756B, I share the commitment to protecting local taxpayers, ensuring quality construction, and supporting the hardworking men and women who build and maintain our communities,” DeStefano said. He emphasized that strong labor standards are tied directly to public safety and fiscal responsibility.

“Fraud, exploitation, and substandard work have no place in our school districts, and any contractor who cheats taxpayers or endangers children must be held fully accountable,” he said.

Supporters argue that Project Labor Agreements provide a framework for fairness and transparency on large projects by establishing prevailing wage rates, clear work rules and apprenticeship participation.

They argue that PLAs are a practical tool to promote fairness, transparency, and quality, adding that they can improve workforce stability, enhance safety and training standards, and encourage the use of registered apprenticeships.

Union leaders say apprenticeship programs serve as workforce development pipelines, allowing young workers to earn while they learn and helping keep construction dollars circulating locally.

“My support for this legislation reflects my belief that public construction should strengthen Long Island’s middle class while delivering safe, well-built facilities

pollutants from public roadways into nearby waterways, degrading water quality. This project will improve the Highway Department’s capacity to mitigate harmful road maintenance pollutants from entering the Town’s stormwater system and discharging into nearby waterbodies, while strengthening our ability to maintain safe road conditions during increasingly variable winter weather.”

Brookhaven provides municipal services focused on resident needs and community improvements as described on its official website. The town serves residents in Suffolk County through accessible programs and facilities according to its official site. Efforts like this project align with Brookhaven’s commitment to fostering growth, enhancing well-being through responsible practices, improving traffic safety, supporting youth programs, maintaining nature preserves, and delivering essential services in Suffolk County as detailed online.

for our students,” DeStefano said. Labor representatives, who recently protested outside the Annual

Island, pledged to continue pressing lawmakers until stronger PLA and apprenticeship requirements are firmly embedded in school construction policy.

C O O P S

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This 100th edition (!!!)

Skye’s Sundae Scoops landing in your inbox Mond night because, while I was in Albany for Cauc Weekend, I got word that 5 Cent was performing Sund at the Hilton Albany My on reasonable response was cancel my Monday lunch the Penn Club and book o more night at the Alba Renaissance - purely so could breathe the same air

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I’m genuinely glad I did

Happy Monday, happy Presid enjoying it And if you’re not? reading and surprisingly solid

CONTENTIOUS COMMUNITY

This past week kicked off with a highly contentious Community Board 8 meeting at Rockefeller University (65th & York), and the fights/comments/upheaval were so wild you’d think you were watching a social clip and wondering if it was AI. Here’s the situation: there’s a plan for a homeless shelter to open at 61st & 1st—and the community is not having it. CB8 Chair Valerie Mason did her best to moderate, but the overall vibe in the room was: our hands are tied. This wasn’t local government coming to CB8 to ask constituents what they think—it felt like, “This is happening, and you’re welcome to vent about it.”

Assemblywoman Grace Lee is running for State Senate in the newly-vacant Brian Kavanagh seat and she’s up against a familiar name: her former opponent, former Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou Meanwhile, there’s lots of chatter about the court ruling that Staten Island’s congressional district is “screwed up,” with the redrawing process still underway and potentially in a way that could nibble into Dan Goldman’s seat And you know what happens next: the rumor mill goes into overdrive Does Dan run fo Does Justin Brannan jump into that same race opens up, could former Comptroller Brad Lander s All rumors but the underlying point isn’t Voters they’re actually in before they can decide who they’re

THE GRAND OL’ PARTY

This week on Long Island, the GOP Convention at the Garden City Hotel came with a huge elephant outside, a Nassau GOP wrapped minivan, and dozens and dozens of cops Although he was in session in Albany during the convention, Long Island Assemblyman Ed Ra, was celebrated as the new Minority Leader of the NYS Assembly A true lover of the spotlight, Bruce Blakeman delivered his campaign

speech about everything our current Governor is doing wrong, and named an upstate law enforcement leader: Todd Hood, Madison County Sheriff, as his Lieutenant Governor GOP strategist Vanessa Simon (a NYC Council candidate in 2021), was on the scene, as well as newly elected North Hempstead Town Council member, Yaron Levy, a business owner, and married father of three

In the room: Brice Peyre (Senior Advisor for Community Affairs to Council Member Virginia Maloney), state senate candidate Alina Bonsell (running as a Republican against Rebecca Seawright), a woman named Bonnie (she writes federal policy) who pressed on a few points, and Andrew Wolf, a real estate expert, who got into specifics. Public servants at the podium—including Chris Gonzalez from NYC DSS (yes, a Mike Bloomberg alum!)—gave the answers they had… which still ended with Valerie Mason getting screamed at. Harry Gale, Chief of Staff in Speaker Julie Menin’s district office, was there too, and Deputy Inspector Noreen E. Lazarus, commanding officer of the 19th Precinct, tried to calm the temperature by assuring the crowd their public safety concerns would be addressed.

Meanwhile, neighbors are already looking north for a preview There’s a Safe Haven shelter on 91st between York and First (since October), and residents describe it as operationally rough: lots of sidewalk loitering, disruptive incidents, 911 calls, weapons found in tree pits, and recurring EMS visits where an ambulance blocks the street for 30 minutes at a time If that same rhythm lands at 61st Street, people aren’t just worried about traffic they’re worried it’ll collide with the existing gridlock near the 59th Street Bridge entrance/exit and the congestion pricing tolling zone, at an intersection that’s already as tight as it gets And that’s before you even get to the rest of the NIMBY concerns you can imagine

Long Island Lobbyist Nicole Weingartner was working the room as well, flexing her local Long Island political muscle - her husband Jason is Executive Director of New York Republican State Committee - and shared that she and Steve Malito have left DHC and joined Greenberg Traurig

CAUCUS WEEKEND

Friday night at Wellington’s in Albany, lobbying firm Bolton St Johns was on site with a humongous team handing out lanyards and credentials for the conference, spearheaded by VP Jordan Beberman (my former colleague at Millennial Strategies!) who is expecting her second baby

Another pregnant hustler mama at Caucus: Jacqueline Routh-Nevin, political affairs specialist at National Grid, remembering how she did this 12 years ago with her son, and now doing it again in this next chapter of her life CUNY Law’s Kelly Craig, also a mother of a 12-year old boy and an active Queens community voice, was on the scene in a fur vest - perfect for running from event to event and not having to ditch a coat!

Long Island Contractors Association’s Jaime Franchi and Senator Jeremy Cooney were twinning in plaid coats and that’s not even the best part of their overlap Senator Cooney is expecting a baby with the exact same due date as Jaime’s daughter Anna’s birthday: June 9 And as if that weren’t enough, Jeremy Cooney is also an alum (and trustee) of Jaime’s son Jacob’s college: Hobart and William Smith

Golf season is almost here, and Jaime Franchi

is already in full spring mode so if they’re dressing alike in the cold, the next logical step is obvious: get Jeremy Cooney on a Long Island golf course and have everyone fully commit to the theme!

AN OSCARWORTHY SELFIE

Friday night was also the NYC Council Speaker’s reception - sponsored by EmblemHealth with CEO Karen Ignagni on the stage - was perhaps the greatest City Council turnout at Caucus Weekend ever - with about 20 members on-site, including remarks by Speaker Julie Menin, and Deputy Speaker, Dr Nantasha Williams

In a packed room where it was hard to get the wide shot of everyone on stage together, John-Carlo Bautista, Senior Advisor to the Speaker, did what the best staffers do: he solved the problem standing on a chair to get the photo, while Council Member Kamillah Hanks took a selfie with everyone from the stage! Like the famous Oscars selfie!

SEEN ON THE SCENE

Spotted: Assemblyman Landon Dais receiving a makeup tutorial from Assemblywoman Chantel Jackson - with believe it or notLandon advising on contour, highlighter, and the fact that mascara should come last! (he’s the dad of two boys, how does he know about makeup!?) Assemblymembers Al Taylor and Catalina Cruz were matching - his bowtie, her dress - on stage at the opening night reception which naturally led to the only question that matters: should we start a Dancing with the Stars Political Personality edition?

In the crowd: EmblemHealth’s Ann Marie Adamson, Council Member Yusef Salaam and his chief of staff Wilma Brown - both rocking cool hats - Council Young Dems Sophie Secor who is also in law

Member Virginia Maloney, along with Anna Shakee Merritt - formerly with Deputy Mayor

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg was very friendly to all, making rounds and saying hello, and always-working, always-smiling Julian Fox Spector alongside his boss, Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzaleztaking meetings while in Albany, as well as showing up to all the scenes; and also spotted: Tiffany Raspberry, causing people to wonder what she’s up to post–Adams Administration; and former City Legislative Affairs, Shirley Paul, may be taking on a new role soon at the State level

Monique Chandler Waterman was best dressed of the night in a sparkly dress, shoes, and tights, with her husband looking dapper too Best dancer of the weekend goes to Waylyn Hobbs, Mayor of Hempstead - check out our viral IG reel - which got so many eyeballs in our political world - that also believe it or notsomeone I had never met before (Travis Jackson, City Publications of Long Island) recognized MY VOICE the next day from the video and asked if it was me dancing with the Mayor!

Actum’s Ryan Adams handing out Valentine’s Day themed event flyers Manhattan County Leader Keith L T Wright and Assemblyman Jordan J G Wright, Assemblyman Kwani O Pharrow and wife Cindy, Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs, and Jovan Richards, President of the NYS Young Dems and Senior Advisor to Tom DiNapoli, New York Apartment Association’s Kenny Burgos, seen all around the scenes

THE HEART OF GOVERNMENT

With Saturday being Valentine’s Day, I hosted oncamera interviews surrounding ‘The Heartbeat of Government’ featuring voices like Geoff Plante from KPMG Albany, who made quite the analogy (that I repeated 87 times) - we can think of public policy as the heart - how do we get the blood from the heart to the extremities? aka once the policy is in place, how do we implement it? That led to conversations on modernizing government systems - which someone like Council Member Virginia Maloney can speak to: bringing private sector tech experience into government - and Senator Zellnor Myrie, from his private sector experience at Davis Polk - raising the issue of not only outdated systems, but a procurement process so lengthy that by the time technology is ready to implement, it could be obsolete (These are the same issues we talk about over and over again, but anytime there’s a new analogy to visualize it, I’m game!) Former NYC DSS Commissioner Gary Jenkins, now the CEO of Urban Pathways - who worked in government for 30 years and now, in the nonprofit sector, says he has access to more data and information than he did on the public sector side How do we bridge that gap in a way that benefits the public and private sectors and the people the government serves?

Erik Bottcher had no down time! Being termmoment he ran for Congress, then quickly chang special election to fill Brad Hoylman’s seat, an later, was up in Albany setting up his new off scheduler Laurie Hardjowirogo, who retired, and to fill!

lower costs? Groceries and rent aren’t government-regulated, but insurance, utilities, tolls, and fares are - so what leverage does Albany really have over those line items, and how do you get that leverage into the budget?

SHOW ME THE MONEY?

Sitting in the Hilton Albany lobby on Sunday morning felt like a fashion showfabulous outfits streaming in and out of church, then right into midday conferences and award ceremonies With affordability top-of-mind, I started asking legislators a very specific question: what’s actually within your power to lower costs? Groceries and rent aren’t government-regulated, but insurance, utilities, tolls, and fares are - so what leverage does Albany really have over those line items, and how do you get that leverage into the budget?

LEGAL NOTICES

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

election/ mandatory referendum shall be eligible to vote. Dated: Mastic, New York February 2, 2026 RUDY SUNDERMAN, JR.

Secretary MASTIC FIRE DISTRICT

L16454- 2/18/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Speaking of automobiles at Motor Oil Coffee on State Street, Airbnb and Brooklyn Assemblyman Brian Cunningham hosted their own conversation on affordability and what it means for New Yorkers Warren Gardiner, Senior Manager for Public Policy at Airbnb, led the conversation Seen there: Brian Cunningham’s son Senator (who obviously stole the show), Statewide Public Affairs’s Jim Quent, Jaime Franchi from the Long Island Contractors’ Association, Relentless’ Joe Bonilla, and WeBridge Solutions’ Roberto Celestin

As Chair of the Senate Insurance Committee, Jamaal Bailey (who had all three of his kids with him for Caucus!) is leading investigations into rising property insurance costs and pushing reforms aimed at curbing fraud Assemblyman Charles FallChair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Consumer Fraud and Protectionzoomed in on auto insurance fraud, which might be more front-of-mind for Staten Islanders than Manhattanites (though we’ve learned Queens County has the highest rates of car insurance fraud in the state!) Since mentioning car insurance in her State

TALKING CENTS

of the State address, Governor Hochul has been talking about this issue a lot: staged accidents and the fraudulent medical claims that follow are what drives up New York’s highest-in-thecountry auto insurance rates Everyone’s seen that viral social media video of the car cutting in front of, then backing into the other car It’s why plenty of people - including my dad - have a dash cam now! Long Island Assemblyman and former Hempstead football coach Noah Burroughs indicated he’s working on an op-ed related to auto insurance and Hochul’s proposals - we’ll stay tuned for that!

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

L16455- 2/18/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Formation of INSURING FAMILIES

Foreclosure COVID-19 Rules issued Court of this to the conditions Terms of Locations L16453- 2/18/2026, 3/04/2026,

Notice of Formation of PRIORITY ACCESS

Speaking of automobiles at Motor Oil Coffee on State Street, Airbnb and Brooklyn Assemblyman Brian Cunningham hosted their own conversation on affordability and what it means for New Yorkers Warren Gardiner, Senior Manager for Public Policy at Airbnb, led the conversation Seen there: Brian Cunningham’s son Senator (who obviously stole the show), Statewide Public Affairs’s Jim Quent, Jaime Franchi from the Long Island Contractors’ Association, Relentless’ Joe Bonilla, and WeBridge Solutions’ Roberto Celestin

TALKING CENTS

As Chair of the Senate Insurance Committee, Jamaal Bailey (who had all three of his kids with him for Caucus!) is leading investigations into rising property insurance costs and pushing reforms aimed at curbing fraud Assemblyman Charles FallChair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Consumer Fraud and Protectionzoomed in on auto insurance fraud, which might be more front-of-mind for Staten Islanders than Manhattanites (though we’ve learned Queens County has the highest rates of car insurance fraud in the state!) Since mentioning car insurance in her State

of the State address, Governor Hochul has been talking about this issue a lot: staged accidents and the fraudulent medical claims that follow are what drives up New York’s highest-in-thecountry auto insurance rates Everyone’s seen that viral social media video of the car cutting in front of, then backing into the other car It’s why plenty of people - including my dad - have a dash cam now! Long Island Assemblyman and former Hempstead football coach Noah Burroughs indicated he’s working on an op-ed related to auto insurance and Hochul’s proposals - we’ll stay tuned for that!

TALKING CENTS

Pre-50 Cent chatter: Jason Salmon, former director of external affairs for the Office of Cannabis Management and now a consultant in the cannabis space, talking about the Strain Stars New Hour Scholarship Program at Farmingdale State College for students impacted by incarceration Nicole Robinson-Etienne, from LinkNYC, talking about upcoming PSAs on their screens in partnership with the Office of Victim Services to amplify their messaging around support to people who are victims of crime

TBROKERAGE, 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

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

REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF REGISTRATION ROLLS FOR THE SPECIAL ELECTION / MANDATORY REFERENDUM OF THE MASTIC FIRE DISTRICT TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF FIRE APPARATUS

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“CALL ME NEW YORK”

Sara Valenz Strategies, o Garcia from DoorDash (50 Cent Super Bowl commercial!), and an impromptu Mike Bloomberg 2020 presidential campaign staff reunion popped up including AJ Sunmonu, now with GrowNYC and Zach Rubin, now at Hollis Public Affairs

Robinson-Etienne, from LinkNYC, talking about upcoming PSAs on their screens in partnership with the Office of Victim Services to am messaging around support to people victims of crime

And at the much-anticipated Sunday night event: Manhattan District Leader William Smith and wife Alia were living their best Albany lives: two years ago it was a Rick Ross concert, and this year it was 50 Cent - second row floor Charlene Gayle was on the stage in a red minidress, and electeds had sparkly bands that allowed backstage access to photos with Curtis Jackson - and an energy-filled Max Weprin, who made sure to get the final selfie timestamped 11:05pm, with 50 Cent taking the stage by 11:07pm

DCAS’s Dan Flores was making the bar happy with his $2 bills - fun tips because they’re not common in the cash drawer! (Or sticking with our affordability/inflation theme: today’s $2 is yesterday’s 50 cents!)

PLEASED BE ADVISED, that the Board of Elections of the MASTIC FIRE DISTRICT shall meet on the 24th day of March, 2026, between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the Mastic Fire Headquarters Building located at 1080 Mastic Road, Mastic, New York, for the purpose of preparing the rolls of registered voters of the MASTIC FIRE DISTRICT. The mandatory referendum to be held by the MASTIC FIRE DISTRICT for the purpose of authorizing and empowering the Board of Fire Commissioners to sell one (1) 2008 Spartan Pumper Fire Apparatus will be held on March 24, 2026, the date of the Special Fire District Election, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., at the Mastic Fire Headquarters Building located at 1080 Mastic Road, Mastic, New York. Please note that only those persons who have registered with the County Board of Elections on or before the 23rd day before the day of the special

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff - against - STANLEY DABROWSKI, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on January 12, 2023. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on the 20th day of March, 2026 at 9:30 AM. All that certain plot, piece, or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lake Grove, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York.

Premises known as 3 Bower Court, Lake Grove, NY 11755. (District: 0208, Section: 004.00, Block: 04.00, Lot: 007.073) Approximate amount of lien $80,723.51 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 617257/ 2018. Donna England, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409

Dated: December 30, 2025

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the

PUBLIC NOTICE OF SUPREME OF SUFFOLK, TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, INDIVIDUAL SOLELY TRUSTEE ASSET TRUST, ELEFTHERIA HEIR AND THE DECEDENT THEODOROS AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant Discharging Litem, Confirming Report and Foreclosure entered on I, the undersigned sell at public Brookhaven Independence NY 11738 11:00 a.m., 186 Mastic Beach A/K/A All that certain parcel of and improvements erected, situate, in the Town County of New York, 974.70, Block 024.000. of judgment interest and be sold subject filed Judgment 2019. Cash accepted.

Samantha Referee Knuckles LLP, 120 Suite 215, 10591, Attorneys L16439- 1/28/2026, 2/11/2026, PUBLIC Notice of Kitchen LLC company. Organization Secretary New York 1st 2026 Suffolk County. designated process. SSNY of any process the LLC to country club Coram NY Purpose: L16437- 1/21/2026, 2/04/2026, 2026, & 2/25/2026

referendum Dated: February 2, SUNDERMAN, JR.

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. Auction Locations are subject to change.

L16453- 2/18/2026, 2/25/2026, 3/04/2026, & 3/11/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

LLC, filed with the (SSNY) on 12 in been a copy against MONTOBAN, COURT, purpose.

2/11/2026, 2/ 3/04/2026,

SALE SUPREME

BANK, ASSOCIATION, STANLEY a and 12, auction Hall, 1 Farmingville, of All that parcel of being in of Lake Brookhaven, State of Bower 11755. 004.00, 007.073) lien and subject to judgment and 617257/ Esq., Attorney(s) York, 347/286-7409 2025 health required governmental effect at but not maintaining social apart) any Bidders are with the

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 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

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

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 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

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 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

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

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 of whom places unknown

J. BONVENTRE; KOLB; BONVENTRE; GALLO; DEPARTMENT AND FINANCE; STATES INTERNAL SERVICE; and “MARY being intention any and persons having or lien foreclosed ____ No.: 608019/2025 Mortgaged Riverside (Town 11951 DEFENDANTS: HEREBY answer above serve

Plaintiff's (20) days Summons, of service, days after where other delivery United designated this action, appear service failure judgment you by demanded NOTICE ACTION THE OBJECT captioned foreclosure the date executed married Bank, $212,000.00, recorded Clerk November M00021411 Mortgage January Joseph Chase sum of and recorded Clerk February M00021916 Mortgages and modified a single $193,985.00 dated recorded in the Suffolk M00021916 JPMorgan National assigned Mortgage Inc. by 29, 2013 November of the

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

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 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

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

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

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THE FANTASY BASEBALL EXPERIENCE

By Tom Barton

As players have begun to report to spring camp, there has already been a rash of injuries. This season, however, they are not only happening to some superstars, but they are also the same injury. Francisco Lindor, Corbin Carroll and Jackson Holliday all broke their hamate bone this week and will miss significant time this spring. Carroll and Holliday will undergo surgery, miss the World Baseball Classic and have Opening Day availability in question. Lindor has not yet decided on surgery, but after being denied insurance for the WBC, he is also in danger of missing Opening Day.

Hamate injuries typically carry a return timeline of six to eight weeks, with many players noting that they do not feel fully healed for three to four months. The hamate bone is a small, hook-shaped bone located on the medial side of the wrist on the palm, just beneath the pinky. For hitters, this injury often occurs because the bat rests against that part of the hand during the swing. While hamate fractures are extremely rare for the average person, they have become increasingly common

among baseball hitters over the years.

From a fantasy perspective, the primary concern with hamate injuries is not necessarily the missed time, but the lingering impact on power. Reduced grip strength does not usually affect bat-to-ball skills, but it can significantly sap power until the wrist is fully recovered. That makes these injuries particularly tricky to evaluate in drafts.

Among the three stars affected, each should be approached with measured caution. Carroll’s game is built largely on speed, and he opted for surgery immediately. He deserves a slight downgrade, but he should not fall out of the second round. His power could return by June, and the rest of his skill set remains intact. Holliday is younger and therefore more volatile, but he should not be downgraded significantly given his premium position and strong supporting lineup. Lindor may be impacted the most if he ultimately requires surgery, though much of his value comes from areas beyond power. He remains a top-two-round talent.

None of these hitters rely solely on power, which helps preserve their fantasy value, but all should be downgraded slightly.

BETTING WITH BARTON

BY TOM BARTON

The Nevada Gaming Control Board reported earlier this week that $133.8 million was wagered with the state’s sportsbooks on this year’s Super Bowl. It marked the weakest Super Bowl handle for Nevada since 2016, when $132.5 million was bet on the Broncos versus the Panthers. Nevada’s figures included both in-person and online wagering, as well as future bets that were placed throughout the year in Las Vegas. Many industry insiders expected a slower year, which aligns with declining tourist numbers in the city, but there appears to be a much larger concern for operators moving forward.

The growing popularity of prediction platforms has emerged as a significant disruptor. Platforms such as Kalshi and PrizePicks reported record Super Bowl numbers, with some estimates suggesting that prediction markets now capture roughly five percent of the legal sports betting handle. Personally, Las Vegas felt noticeably quieter than usual during this year’s Super Bowl. Whether that was due to a lackluster

Prediction Markets Lead The Big Game Hamate Gate

matchup or the increased accessibility of mobile wagering options, it was not the same atmosphere the city has long been known for.

The rise of prediction markets is very real and presents a serious challenge to traditional sportsbooks. These platforms are not regulated in the same way as legal sportsbooks and therefore do not pay the same state taxes and licensing fees. In many cases, those savings are passed along to customers through better pricing. Kalshi reported more than $1 billion in total trading volume for this year’s Super Bowl, a massive increase from last year. Stock analyst Jordan Bender estimates that prediction markets now account for approximately $8 billion in annual wagering.

Kalshi has recently outspent Polymarket in the United States by roughly 19 times and DraftKings by about 35 percent, according to Sensor Tower estimates. Prediction markets appear to be here to stay until regulations change, as more bettors shift away from the lights and glitz of the Las Vegas Strip.

SPORTS

By Tom Barton

Floyd Cheer Excels at Nationals

The William Floyd varsity cheerleaders have advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Florida. Along the way, the team set historic milestones and delivered performances that will be remembered throughout the program’s history. The cheerleaders reached the finals and became the first team in school history to ever earn a finals performance at UCA Nationals. They also recorded three hit-zero routines and are currently ranked 16th in the nation, an incredible achievement on the sport’s biggest stage. On their path to national success, William Floyd placed

second among all Long Island teams, missing the top spot by just two-tenths of a point. Their results set a new benchmark not only for William Floyd, but for Long Island as a whole, showcasing the program’s growth, consistency, and competitive excellence during the championship weekend at Disney World.

The team’s social media page celebrated the accomplishment, stating, “WFVC (William Floyd Varsity Cheer) makes history at UCA Nationals! We couldn’t have asked for a better weekend.” The post continued, “The journey was never easy, but it was worth it. Every practice built confidence, every setback built strength. We left it all on the mat and achieved so many

goals we set — proud doesn’t even begin to cover it. And now we have this moment for life.”

The semifinal appearance represents countless hours of preparation, discipline, and teamwork from the athletes and coaching staff. Competing on a national stage against the best programs in the country, the William Floyd varsity cheerleaders demonstrated poise, resilience, and championship-level execution. Their performance in Orlando reflects not only athletic skill, but also the dedication and unity that define the program. With history already made, the future of William Floyd cheerleading has never looked brighter as they continue chasing excellence together.

Back-to-Back Gold Medals

By Tom Barton

The Half Hollow Hills combined fencing teams put on an impressive display and delivered a strong overall performance at the County Championships. Competing against the top programs in Suffolk, the Hills fencers showcased depth, consistency, and high-level individual talent throughout the event. Their success was highlighted by several standout performances across multiple weapons, reinforcing the program’s continued strength and competitiveness.

Leading the way was senior Jerry Wu, who captured the Men’s Épée county title for the second consecutive year.

Wu’s victory capped another dominant season and further cemented his place among the elite fencers in the coun-

ty. Teammate Daniel Lin also turned in a strong showing in Men’s Épée, earning a fifthplace finish and contributing

valuable points for the Hills contingent. In Men’s Sabre, Austin Kim battled through a deep field to secure a sixth-place finish, while Pinky Roengwijittra matched that result with a sixth-place finish in Women’s Sabre.

Wu’s championship run added to an already remarkable résumé. Last season, he opened the year by winning his first 39 bouts and finished with an outstanding 49–9 overall record. As a junior, he went 35–1 during the regular season, won the Suffolk individual tournament in Épée, and placed second at the Brentwood Holiday Tournament. Those accomplishments set an exceptionally high standard entering his senior year, yet Wu managed to meet

Nobody Beats the Wiz

By Tom Barton

This past week, the world-famous Harlem Wizards visited William Floyd and put on a show for everyone in attendance. The Wizards are a professional basketball team that is much more than your normal pass-and-shoot style of play. They are a theatrically minded, high-flying and fun-filled group that puts the wow factor back into the game. The Wizards took on teams from Tangier Smith Elementary School, John S. Hobart Elementary School and the William Floyd Learning Center to help raise funds for the schools’ PTOs.

During the game, the Wizards thrilled the crowd with unique skills, tricks, alley-oops

and slam dunks, while also keeping fans laughing with their comedy routines. The event featured a “Wiz-Kids” introduction and pregame activities, interactive player introductions, a halftime game of musical chairs with volunteers from the audience, autographs, giveaways, raffles and more. To wrap up the night’s festivities, the Wizards invited everyone in the gym onto the court to participate in a celebratory dance party. You will not see that at your typical Knicks or Nets game.

The William Floyd rosters included administrators, faculty and staff members from each participating school. Representing Hobart were Mr. Virgona, Mr. Abbene, Mr. Diaz, Ms. Fehmel, Ms. Mas -

trup, Ms. Prestia, Mr. Roldan, Mrs. Spencer, Mrs. Wallace, Mr. Young and Mr. Carey, who served as the team’s coach. Tangier Smith was represented by Mr. Ciliotta, Mr. Slinkosky, Mr. Melandro, Ms. Romero, Mr. Paniccia, Mr. Scudero, Mr. Rode, Mr. DeChiaro, Mrs. Clark and Mr. Germer. The William Floyd Learning Center roster featured Mr. Bretton, Mrs. Prestia, Ms. Gonzalez, Mr. Delince, Mr. Kimmerling and Mr. Cook.

Everyone in attendance was able to enjoy the spectacle of the Harlem Wizards and cheer on their school teams against the fun-filled group. The Wizards will be visiting other Suffolk County schools later this basketball season.

and even exceed expectations. In the championship bout, Wu defeated second-seeded Patrick Klinkenberg of Whitman by a score of 15–11 to claim the gold medal. He concluded the tournament having suffered just one loss during league pool play, an impressive feat at the county level.

Elsewhere at the event, Ward Melville sabreist William Dreyer also made headlines by winning back-to-back county titles. Dreyer defeated fourth-ranked Joseph Losquadro of Centereach in the semifinals before topping second-ranked Ciaran Coyne of Sayville in the final.Overall, the County Championships proved to be a memorable and successful outing for the Half Hollow Hills fencing program.

SPORTS

By Tom Barton

American Soccer Club

New York has announced the re-signing of midfielder Sean Fitzgerald to a one-year contract for the 2026 National Premier Soccer League season. The Smithtown native returns to the Fighting Tomcats for a second season after being part of ASC New York’s inaugural campaign in 2025.

“I’m super excited to be playing for ASC New York again this summer,” said Fitzgerald. “I really enjoyed everything about the club last season and everyone involved was great to be around, so I’m looking forward to getting started again soon with the group. With many familiar

Smithtown’s Fitzgerald Returns To the Fighting Tomcats

faces returning and some strong new additions, we have motivation entering the season and believe we can go far.”

As a youth player, Fitzgerald competed for the Smithtown Kickers and the New York Cosmos Academy. This summer, ASC New York will face the Cosmos in an exhibition match on Long Island, adding a meaningful storyline for the local product. Fitzgerald has also played for Long Island Soccer Club, the Long Island Rough Riders, Electric City Shock, and the Staten Island Monarchs.

Collegiately, Fitzgerald spent four seasons at SUNY Binghamton, appearing in 32 matches from 2021 through

2024. He transferred to Molloy University in 2025, where he played in 14 matches and made 13 starts, further developing as a versatile and reliable midfielder.

“Sean is a very smart player with a high soccer IQ,” said ASC New York head coach John Fitzgerald. “He is a strong competitor in midfield and brings versatility because he can also play in defensive roles. He sees the game well, adds positivity, and is a natural leader. He connects players with different styles and experiences, and we are thrilled to have him back.”

At Smithtown West, he earned MVP honors, led scoring, and gained All County recognition as senior.

Ducks Sign a Former Snake

By Tom Barton

The Long Island Ducks have signed former major league right-handed pitcher Harrison Francis. This will be his first season with the Ducks and his eighth in professional baseball.

“We look forward to welcoming Harrison to Long Island,” said Ducks manager Lew Ford. “He has the ability to be a versatile member of our pitching staff this season and bring value in multiple roles.”

Francis spent the first four seasons of his professional career in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization (2017–19, 2021). During that span, he compiled a 9-3 record with

Polak

a 5.04 ERA across 42 games, including seven starts, while striking out 97 batters in 84.0

innings of work. In 2018, the Tallahassee, Fla., native enjoyed a standout campaign, combin-

ing for an 8-0 record with a 2.53 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 14 appearances, including four starts, between the Diamondbacks’ Arizona League affiliate and Single-A Hillsboro.

The 27-year-old later spent two seasons with the Gary SouthShore RailCats of the American Association from 2022 to 2023. During that time, Francis made 38 appearances, 36 of them starts, posting a 10-14 record with a 4.88 ERA and 182 strikeouts over 182.2 innings pitched. He then split the 2024 season between the Gastonia Baseball Club of the Atlantic League and Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the Mexican League.

Most recently, Francis

competed in the Puerto Rican Winter League with the Criollos de Caguas, where he recorded a 4.05 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 40.0 innings across 10 games, including nine starts. Francis was originally selected by the Diamondbacks in the fourth round of the 2017 MLB Amateur Draft.

“I’m pumped to be a part of the Ducks and compete with other high-level talent,” said Francis. “Being on a team with experienced players who want to win and play the game the right way really appealed to me. I’m excited to chase a championship and continue growing as a pitcher.”

Bad Bunny is a Bust at the Super Bowl

By Tom Barton

Bad Bunny’s controversial Super Bowl halftime show has generated nearly as much buzz after the performance as it did beforehand. In the immediate aftermath, social media rushed to frame the artist’s appearance as a triumph, with phrases such as “highest-rated show ever” and “a rousing success” circulating widely. However, once verified data was released this week, those claims proved not only exaggerated but largely inaccurate. By most measurable standards, Bad Bunny’s halftime performance fell well short of expectations and can reasonably be described as a disappointment.

Much of the early coverage focused on the headline number that the Super Bowl averaged roughly 128 million viewers. What many reports glossed over, however, was the sharp decline in viewership during the halftime show itself. Compared to last year’s performance by Kendrick Lamar, overall halftime viewership dropped by approximately 39 percent, a

significant year-over-year decline for one of television’s most dependable audience peaks.

According to data released by Samba TV, viewership peaked during the second quarter before falling noticeably once Bad Bunny took the stage. The report noted that audience levels dipped to roughly 88 percent of peak viewership during the halftime performance. Traditionally, the Super Bowl experiences a modest increase in viewership from year to year, particularly during halftime. This year, however, there was an estimated three to four percent overall decrease, a shift that analysts suggest could equate to more than $100 million in lost advertising value.

Supporters of Bad Bunny have argued that the decline was due to the game itself being uncompetitive or uninteresting. That explanation is difficult to support. The score stood at 9–0 heading into halftime, leaving the outcome very much in doubt. Additionally, major sporting events across the country posted historic viewership gains this year. The College

Football National Championship Game, for example, saw its audience increase by 36 percent, demonstrating continued demand for marquee sports broadcasts.

Nielsen also introduced its expanded “Big Data and Panel” measurement system this season, designed to capture viewership more comprehensively across platforms. That change should have inflated ratings, not reduced them, further underscoring the magnitude of the halftime dip.

Historical comparisons add additional context. Michael Jackson’s iconic 1993 Super Bowl halftime show reached more than 51 percent of American households. Kendrick Lamar’s performance last year drew approximately 40 percent. Bad Bunny’s show, by contrast, reached just 37 percent of households, placing it well below recent benchmarks.

In a related development, Turning Point USA’s alternative halftime programming reportedly attracted more than 20 million viewers across multiple platforms, with some estimates suggesting that number could be significantly higher.

Altogether, data indicates that roughly 10 million viewers tuned out during Bad Bunny’s performance, suggesting that a substantial portion of the audience simply chose to change the channel rather than stay engaged.

SPORTS

By Tom Barton

There is a new school record at Half Hollow Hills West following a fascinating and dominant performance under the boards. Senior forward Kamari Vernot set a new Hills West boys basketball single-game record with 27 rebounds in a 78–62 victory over Hauppauge last week. The performance surpassed the previous record established in 2002 by former Hills West standout and current head lacrosse coach Connor Hagans.

Vernot was presented with the game ball during Senior Night, with Coach Hagans personally recognizing the milestone and congratulating him on the historic achievement. The moment was especially meaningful

Record Setting Rebounds

given Hagans’ connection to the program and his long-standing record, which had stood for more than two decades.

Vernot’s dominance did not stop with the record-breaking performance. Just two nights later against Eastport-South Manor, he added another 11 rebounds. He also grabbed 12 rebounds against West Islip, recorded 17 rebounds twice against East Hampton and Comsewogue, pulled down 16 boards against Great Neck North and finished with 10 rebounds in another matchup with East Hampton. His consistency and relentless effort on the glass have made him one of the most impactful interior players in the division.

Beyond the individual acco-

lades, Vernot’s rebounding presence has been a driving force behind Hills West’s outstanding season. The Colts have lost just once all year and currently sit at 19-1 overall, positioning them as the top team in the division. Their success has been built on strong defense, disciplined team play and controlling the tempo of games, with Vernot anchoring the paint on both ends of the floor.

As the postseason approaches, Hills West will look to continue its impressive run, with Vernot’s rebounding, leadership and physicality playing a key role. His record-setting night will be remembered as one of the defining moments of an already remarkable season.

Seventh Grader Manfre Knocking ‘Em Down

Rosalie Manfre and Izzy Grillo

By Tom Barton

North Country Road Middle School seventh grader Rosalie Manfre enjoyed an outstanding season competing on the Miller Place/Comsewogue Combined Girls Bowling Team, establishing herself as one of the program’s top performers despite being one of its youngest athletes. Manfre finished the season as the team’s second-highest scoring bowler and played a major role in leading the squad to an impressive 9-1 overall record.

Manfre’s success was not limited to individual competition, as she also excelled in doubles play. Partnering with Izzy Grillo, the duo delivered consistent performances throughout the season and finished third overall

in Suffolk County Doubles competition, a notable accomplishment against a field filled with experienced upperclassmen. Their chemistry and steady play helped them emerge as one of the most reliable pairs in the county.

Individually, Manfre ranked 11th overall in Suffolk County for high average, posting an excellent 189.53 pins per game. She also placed 11th overall for high series with a remarkable score of 659, further highlighting her ability to perform at a high level under competitive conditions. These rankings placed her among the county’s elite bowlers and underscored her consistency throughout the season.

As a seventh grader competing against mostly older

athletes, Manfre’s achievements are particularly impressive. Her performance demonstrated not only her technical skill and composure on the lanes, but also her ability to contribute meaningfully to a winning team environment. It’s impossible not to be extremely impressed. Manfre’s breakout season has set a strong foundation for future success as she continues her middle school and high school bowling career. With several years still ahead of her in the program, her early accomplishments suggest even greater achievements to come. Her contributions this season helped elevate the Miller Place/ Comsewogue Combined Girls Bowling Team and marked her as a rising talent within Suffolk County bowling.

William Floyd Sends Four Athletes to State

By Tom Barton

The William Floyd High School varsity indoor track team is sending four student-athletes to the Section XI state qualifying competition.

Allana Morgan, Angelle Sainteus, Brianna Smith, and Coral Macchia each earned a spot at the meet. The team, led by head coach John Ryan, is in the midst of another strong and successful season marked by impressive individual and relay performances.

Allana Morgan, the league champion in the triple jump, recorded the second-best jump in school history with a distance of 36 feet, 10.5 inches. She matched that mark at the state qualifiers, finishing just one

position shy of advancing to the State Championships. For her outstanding efforts, Morgan earned All-County (Large School), All-Sectional, and AllLeague honors, solidifying her place among the program’s top performers.

Angelle Sainteus in the 300 meters, Brianna Smith in the 1,000 meters, and Coral Macchia in the freshman/sophomore 1,500 meters also competed at the state qualifying meet. While they did not advance to the next level, each athlete delivered strong performances and earned All-League honors for their respective events.

The season has been filled with notable highlights. Allana Morgan, Angelle Sainteus, Jazz Paul, Coral Macchia, Brianna

Smith, and Melissa Alvarado-Martinez all produced scoring performances at the League Championship Meet. The 4x200-meter relay team of Samantha Seaman, Allana Morgan, Camille Obi, and Angelle Sainteus posted a season-best time of 1:51.76. At the County Championship Meet, Coral Macchia ran a season-best 5:19 in the freshman/sophomore 1,500 meters, automatically qualifying her for the Long Island Elite Meet.

William Floyd student-athletes competing at the Elite Meet later this month include Morgan, Sainteus, Seaman, Smith, Paul, Obi, and Macchia, along with the 4x200- and 4x400-meter relay teams.

SPORTS

By Tom Barton

There is a familiar face stepping into the role of new head coach at William Floyd High School. While it is never easy replacing a legend like former coach Paul Longo, the district has named a successor who will continue the program’s long-standing tradition of excellence. Pete Friedman, who served as an assistant coach under Longo for 19 years, will take over as the new head coach of the William Floyd High School Colonials varsity football team.

Friedman currently serves as the chairperson of Athletics, Physical Education, Health, and Family and Consumer Sciences at William Floyd and brings with him 27 years of coaching experience. Of those, 19 seasons were spent as a varsity assistant football coach under Longo from 2001 through 2019. Friedman was far more than a single-position coordinator, as he helped guide student-athletes in all facets of the game, including offense, defense, and special teams. His constant presence on the sidelines and deep familiarity with the program should make the transition a smooth one.

Friedman began his coaching career in 1999 at Northport before joining William Floyd one year later as the head coach of the William Paca Middle School football team. In 2001, he joined the varsity staff as an

Replacing a Legend

assistant coach and immediately helped lead the Colonials to their first Suffolk County Championship in program history, marking a turning point for Floyd football.

During his 19-year tenure as a varsity assistant, Friedman filled several key roles. He coached the defense alongside longtime coordinator Gil DeCicco while also working with wide receivers and overseeing special teams. His versatility and football knowledge allowed him to contribute wherever the program needed him most.

Friedman also brings head coaching experience from other successful programs. He coached boys’ lacrosse at Paca and led the team to the only undefeated season for the sport, at any level, in district history. He later became the first coach in school history to guide the girls’ varsity lacrosse program to the playoffs, reaching the postseason in five of his seven seasons, including final-four appearances and division championships in 2010 and 2011. In 2023, he served as the inaugural head coach of the girls’ flag football team, leading the Colonials to a 7-2 record and a playoff berth. Friedman currently serves as head coach of the Long Island Yellow Jackets girls’ club lacrosse team, which has won back-to-back national titles and is recognized as the top club team in

the country.

“I am honored to be selected as the next head coach of this storied football program,” Friedman said. “I will continue to lead with respect and passion while applying the

knowledge I’ve gained over the past 27 years to help the program flourish.”

Friedman is currently building his coaching staff, which is expected to include familiar faces and Floyd alumni.

New Royalty on the Sidelines

By Tom Barton

Port Jefferson School District has hired its new head football coach, as Craig Perrino will take the reins as the new leader of the Port Jefferson Royals varsity football program.

Coach Perrino is no stranger to the Royals community or the football team. He previously served as a varsity assistant coach during the 2025 season, where he quickly made an impact through his leadership, football knowledge, and commitment to student-athletes. Perrino has patrolled the sidelines for several years, gaining valuable experience along the way. Before joining Port Jefferson, he brought his passion for the game to Smithtown West, where he served as a varsity assistant football coach and continued to grow as a mentor and educator. In addition to football,

Coach Perrino has demonstrated a strong dedication to athletic development across multiple sports. His coaching background includes girls’ flag football, wrestling, and baseball, reflecting his belief in developing well-rounded student-athletes while fostering teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. His diverse coaching résumé highlights his ability to connect with athletes in different settings and emphasize core values that extend beyond competition.

Beyond the field, Coach Perrino is a dedicated health and physical education teacher at Port Jefferson Middle School and High School. In this role, he continues to positively influence students by promoting healthy lifestyles, character development, and academic success, further strengthening his connection to the school community.

Athletic Director Brian Babst expressed confidence in the hire, stating that Friedman will serve the program, community, and student-athletes well while continuing the winning tradition Floyd football expects.

Coach Perrino’s athletic background includes a distinguished collegiate playing career at Plymouth State University, where he was a three-year starting offensive lineman. He played a key role in leading his team to a conference championship in 2017. His leadership and dedication were recognized when he earned the prestigious Wharton Award in 2019 and was elected to the university’s Leadership Council that same year.

In announcing the hire, the Port Jefferson social media page stated, “With a strong foundation of leadership, coaching experience, and Royal pride, Coach Perrino is poised to lead the varsity football program into an exciting new chapter.” The district looks forward to the continued growth and success of Port Jefferson football under his direction.