The South Shore Press 4/1

BY ROBERT CHARTUK

Years back, my mother attended the Relay For Life, a cancer awareness event hosted by Miriam Gillies, a Center Moriches mainstay who has been involved in all kinds of community events for many years. She was driving a golf cart and offered my mom a ride. Little did she know that they were at the head of the relay and got a huge round of applause from the crowd, a proud moment Frances Chartuk would talk about until she passed away from cancer at age 87.

Miriam is celebrating her 90th birthday and has not missed a beat in her community calendar. She was on the reviewing stand for the St. Patrick’s parade and braved the rainy day in November

to help organize the East Moriches Veteran’s Day Parade.

Miriam Gillies has spent decades at the heart of the community, building a legacy of volunteerism that continues to this day. A member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches, she has played a role in nearly every major local event, from parades to fundraisers and seasonal traditions.

In 2011, Miriam was named the first female grand marshal of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, an honor that surprised even her. Years earlier, she organized the popular Halloween window painting contests, bringing together students from schools across

Happy 90th Birthday Miriam Gillies

the area, including Our Lady Queen of the Apostles and Center Moriches schools.

Her impact reaches far beyond celebrations. Gillies

brought the Relay For Life to the Bay Area, raising thousands of dollars for cancer research while personally connecting with survivors—relationships she maintains to this day. Diagnosed with cancer herself in 2005, she considers the event one of her proudest accomplishments.

She has also been involved with Suffolk Crusaders soccer to fight cancer, supports families affected by tragedy, and volunteered with the Passport Rotary Club, helping with food drives, organ donation awareness, and outreach to those in need.

Gillies’ service stretches back to the late 1970s, when she participated in the Blessing of the Fleet and launched the first Offshore Women’s

Fishing Tournament. Over the years, she has volunteered with the American Cancer Society, East End Hospice, Camp Paquatuck, and countless chamber initiatives, including the Veterans Day Parade, holiday celebrations, and community programs.

Those who know her say she is often the first call when someone needs help. Still, Miriam is quick to credit others.

“I could never have accomplished any of this without the support of my community and friends,” she said. “They gave 110 percent, and still do.”

At 90, Miriam Gillies remains as active as ever—a constant presence, and a reminder of what one person can do for a community.

William Floyd Honors “Shining Stars” Educators

By Stefan Mychajliw

The William Floyd School District has announced SCOPE Education Services “Shining Stars” for the 2025-26 school year, recognizing their exceptional service and dedication to students.

Cecelia Claudio, a teaching assistant at Tangier Smith Elementary School, received the Support Staff Service Award, while Moriches Elementary School Principal Deirdre Redding and Assistant Principal Nikki Stallone each earned Administrator Service Awards.

District officials said the honorees were selected for their leadership, commitment and lasting impact on the William Floyd school community.

The Board of Education will

formally recognize the recipients at upcoming meetings scheduled for April 21 and May 12 at 7 p.m. in the high school library. Redding, who has served nearly 19 years in Moriches, including eight as principal, oversees a school of about 850 students and 100 staff members.

Known for her collaborative leadership style, she emphasizes shared decision-making and strong school-community partnerships to support student success.

Stallone, assistant principal since 2018, brings instructional expertise and a student-centered approach, supporting teachers with research-based strategies while fostering a welcoming environment for students and families.

Claudio, a 25-year veteran,

works in a 15:1 fifth-grade classroom, providing individualized academic support and promoting social-emotional growth among her students.

Officials said her patience, compassion and professionalism have made a lasting difference, while her collaboration with colleagues helps meet diverse student needs.

The district said the awards highlight the vital roles educators and support staff play in shaping student success and strengthening the broader community.

Officials added that the recognition reflects a continued commitment to excellence across all levels of education in the district.

The district encouraged residents to attend the upcoming ceremonies to celebrate the

honorees and recognize the dedication that continues to inspire students, staff and families

across the community each day and throughout the school year ahead.

COVERING ALL OF SUFFOLK

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Letter from Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico to Governor Kathy Hochul

By Supervisor Dan Panico

I am writing to seek your support and partnership in preserving a large Pine Barrens property situated within the Compatible Growth Area of the Central Pine Barrens in the Town of Brookhaven.

This heavily forested parcel is bound by North Street on its western and northern boundaries, low-density residential development along Weeks Avenue on its eastern boundary, and Moriches–Middle Island Road to the south. Referred to as the “Pine Ridge Preserve” in the most recent iteration of the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan, the property narrative in the Plan states: Pine Ridge Preserve: Brookhaven: An 800-acre parcel of highly intact pine barrens forest containing significant habitat for rare Lepidoptera (Coastal buckmoth) and several New York State Natural Heritage-ranked species. Remarkably free of invasive plant species.

The property is a significant open space conservation target and, as noted, is located within the Central Pine Barrens—a natural landscape and environmental region of paramount importance to New York State residents, especially those in Suffolk County. The Pine Barrens constitute a globally rare ecosystem and overlie one of the purest and largest supplies of clean drinking water on Long Island. Because of these values, New York State adopted the Pine Barrens Protection Act in 1993 to ensure permanent protection of this region.

As the New York State Open Space Plan narrative indicates, the property possesses significant wildlife habitat value for many species, including those identified as “Greatest Conservation Need” in the most recent iteration of the New York State Wildlife Action Plan. Furthermore, a property of this size would provide numerous outdoor recreational opportunities for residents, including hiking, bird watching, and nature study.

The property also has substantial watershed value, recharging large volumes of clean drinking water to the underlying aquifers. It is estimated that approximately 365 million gallons of water recharge the aquifers through the property annually—enough to meet the daily water supply needs of about 8,300 residents.

Given these values, the Town has permanently protected 164 acres in the southeastern portion of the property and is currently negotiating to acquire an additional 10-acre parcel. However, this still leaves hundreds of acres of unprotected Pine Barrens land available for public acquisition. Due to the significant acreage that remains unprotected, the Town of Brookhaven does not have the fiscal capacity to acquire it alone. It is my hope that the State of New York will work in partnership with the Town to acquire the remaining acreage of this important open space. It is also important to note that there is broad support for preserving this entire tract

within the Long Island conservation community. The Long Island Pine Barrens Society, for example, has identified the property as one of fifteen unprotected sites worthy of protection as part of its “Best of the Rest” campaign.

In addition, such a significant and environmentally valuable property would serve as a fitting tribute to the late Richard “Dick” Amper, whose lifelong

advocacy and leadership were instrumental in preserving the Long Island Pine Barrens. Naming this preserve in his honor would recognize his enduring legacy and commitment to environmental conservation. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss the details of a state–town partnership and thank you in advance for your consideration of this request.

By Stefan Mychajliw

Heads Shaved, Hearts Full: Community Fights Cancer

A big and enthusiastic crowd gathered at Momo’s Too in Bayport for a community event that blended camaraderie, sacrifice and an unusual but powerful act of giving: shaving heads to support children battling cancer.

The Late Knight Hooligans, a joint team formed by members of the Late Knight Warriors and Long Ireland Hooligans, helped raise more than $46,000 at this year’s St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser, with over $15,000 contributed by the team alone. The group earned recognition as the event’s top fundraising team, underscoring the strength of their collective effort.

Unlike traditional fundraisers, the St. Baldrick’s event centers on participants volunteering to have their heads shaved in solidarity with children undergoing cancer treatment. The act serves as both a visual symbol of support and a deeply personal commitment to the cause.

Among the standout moments was the shave of Anthony Irvolino, who had spent four years growing his hair to more than a foot in length. As his mother made the first ceremonial cut, the room fell quiet before erupting in applause, capturing the emotional core of the event. Irvolino’s shave also drew the highest level of on-site donations.

Kyle Thompson was recognized as the event’s top individual fundraiser, raising more than $4,000 through extensive

outreach efforts that helped drive the team’s success.

The event was hosted by Momo’s Too owner Richie, who not only provided the venue and refreshments but also joined participants in shaving his own head.

Volunteer barbers, local businesses and community supporters contributed to

an atmosphere that was both celebratory and deeply meaningful.

While the shaved heads will grow back, organizers emphasized that the impact of the day will last far longer, helping fund critical research and bringing hope to families facing childhood cancer.

Suffolk Honors Irish

American Heritage Leaders

By Stefan Mychajliw

Suffolk County officials gathered in Hauppauge to celebrate Irish American Heritage Month and honor residents whose contributions reflect the community’s deep cultural roots.

The annual ceremony, organized by Legislator Steven J. Flotteron, highlighted the enduring impact of Irish Americans across Suffolk County.

The celebration stems from a measure establishing March as Irish American Heritage Month, recognizing the roughly 300,000 county residents of Irish descent.

Officials praised honorees for strengthening civic life and preserving traditions.

“It was a pleasure to recognize these deserving honorees,” said Presiding Officer Anthony A. Piccirillo.

Music and performances filled the ceremony, including renditions of the Irish and American national anthems, along with appearances by the Suffolk County Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums and the Hibernian Festival Singers.

Guests later enjoyed traditional Irish fare.

Honorees included Nicholas Deegan, Barbara and Jim Kinnier, Kevin Collins, William Duffy, Esq., Mark Brosnan, Dean Gandley, Kevin McGiff,

Raymond A. Tierney, Esq., Georgia Grant, Shawn O’Neill, Vic Vogel, Brian Gillen, Brian Clancy, Katie Schrader, Andrew Thomas Cole, Sheilla Gallagher Buhse, The Stapleton Family, and Michael L. McCarthy.

Leaders said the event underscores the lasting influence of Irish Americans and their ongoing contributions to Suffolk’s civic and cultural life.

Organizers noted the ceremony continues to grow, bringing families and neighbors together in recognition and pride.

Officials emphasized that honor -

ing these individuals helps preserve heritage while encouraging continued engagement across the county for future generations.

The gathering also featured reflections on Irish traditions of service and storytelling, with attendees noting their lasting importance.

“It connects generations,” one attendee said. “We carry it forward together.”

Officials said the celebration serves as a reminder of shared heritage and community bonds that continue to shape Suffolk today.

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LOCAL

By Stefan Mychajliw

More than 170 new law enforcement officers officially joined the ranks of Suffolk County and several local agencies during the graduation of the Suffolk County Police Department’s 194th Recruit Class, at Suffolk County Community College’s Grant Campus in Brentwood.

The ceremony, led by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina, marked the completion of an intensive 31-week training program designed to prepare recruits for the complex demands of modern policing.

The graduating class included 119 Suffolk County Police recruits, along with 54 recruits

Suffolk Police Graduate New Class of Recruits

from outside agencies.

Participating departments included the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, East Hampton Town Police Department, Village of Freeport Police Department, Southold Town Police Department, Stony Brook University Police Department and several others across the region.

Throughout their training, recruits completed more than 1,000 hours of instruction covering a wide range of topics, including criminal law, emergency medical response, domestic violence, anti-bias training, mental health awareness, cultural diversity, counterterrorism and the use of body-worn camera technology.

County Executive Romaine praised the graduates and

emphasized the importance of their role in maintaining public safety.

“There is a reason Suffolk County is the safest county in the nation,” Romaine said. “It is through their dedication and commitment to law enforcement that we ensure that our families and communities remain safe.”

The ceremony recognized not only the recruits’ academic and physical achievements, but also their readiness to serve communities across Suffolk County and beyond.

Romaine also thanked the graduates for their decision to pursue careers in public service.

“We wish you the best of luck and thank you for answering the call to serve,” he said.

As the new officers take their

oaths, officials noted that their training and commitment will play a critical role in strength-

ening public trust and ensuring the continued safety of local communities.

Suffolk Police Agencies Step Up Efforts to Recruit Women

By Stefan Mychajliw

Suffolk County law enforcement agencies are ramping up efforts to recruit and retain more women, with both the Sheriff’s Office and Police Department highlighting initiatives aimed at building a more representative workforce.

Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. announced continued progress in the department’s participation in the national 30x30 Initiative, which seeks to increase the percentage of women in policing to 30% by 2030. Since joining the pledge in January 2024, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office has increased female representation among sworn personnel by 6%, bringing new momentum to a

force that previously stood at 16% female officers.

The agency has also made strides in leadership, with female

supervisory roles in the Corrections Division rising by nearly 29% and a 20% increase reported in the Police Division. Officials

say those gains are the result of targeted outreach, mentorship programs and internal policy changes designed to support career advancement.

“The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is proud to continue our work with the 30x30 initiative,” Toulon said, noting efforts to both attract new recruits and provide resources for current officers to grow professionally.

The Sheriff’s Office has hosted informational sessions where female officers share their experiences and answer questions from prospective applicants. Quarterly meetings among female staff have also led to improvements, including updated parental leave resources and uniform adjustments.

Meanwhile, the Suffolk County Police Department is also focusing on recruitment through events like a recent Women of the SCPD panel at St. Joseph’s College. Female officers shared personal stories to encourage others to consider careers in law enforcement.

“If you don’t think you’ll fit the mold, figure out a path,” Officer Victoria Funez told attendees. Department leaders emphasized that policing offers diverse opportunities and a supportive environment. Officials from both agencies say increasing female representation strengthens their ability to serve the community and reflects a broader commitment to inclusion in public safety careers.

Suffolk County Sheriff Announces R.E.A.D. Program

By The South Shore Press

Individuals reentering the community after incarceration will be able to receive library cards through a new partnership between the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office and the county’s public libraries as part of the Reentry Education and Access to Discovery (R.E.A.D.) Program, Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. announced.

The program is designed to support successful community reentry by connecting individuals with educational, employment, and technological resources available through local libraries. Participants who have a definite release date will be able to register while incarcerated and receive a library card upon release.

“Eighty-five percent of the men and women incarcerated in our jails return back to our communities, so it is vital to give them the tools to succeed. I thank

the Suffolk Cooperative Library System for partnering with us to expand access to Suffolk’s libraries and the important resources they provide,” said Suffolk Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr.

“The Public Libraries of Suffolk County are proud to participate in the Sheriff’s R.E.A.D. Program. Accessibility for all is one of the central values of public libraries, and their programs and services are a natural fit for those looking to successfully re-enter their communities,” said Kevin Verbesey, Executive Director of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System (SCLS).

“As the Central Library for Suffolk County, the Patchogue-Medford Library is proud to participate in Sheriff Toulon’s R.E.A.D. program. Public libraries have always been places where people can find information, support, and a path forward, and we believe strongly in being a resource for those re-

turning to our communities,” said Danielle Paisley, Director of the Patchogue-Medford Library.

The Sheriff’s Transition and Reentry Team (START) will maintain a database of eligible participants and distribute the physical cards upon release. The standard plastic cards will provide 90 days of access to Suffolk County libraries, with no indication of prior incarceration.

Suffolk County libraries offer many resources that may benefit individuals reentering the community, including access to computers, internet, printing, educational materials, job search assistance, and other support services.

The START Resource Center assists formerly incarcerated individuals and their families with connections to reentry support, including mental health and substance abuse services, help obtaining documentation and employment, and assistance with food

and clothing. Since the program launched in 2020, participants have had a recidivism rate nearly half of the New York State average.

The Suffolk Cooperative Library System supports 56 public libraries

serving more than 1.5 million residents across Suffolk County, providing shared resources, training, and collaborative services that strengthen library programs and community access to information.

SANTOS UNCENSORED

BY GEORGE SANTOS

Let me be blunt—because that’s what New Yorkers deserve right now. What just happened in the United States Senate isn’t compromise. It isn’t prudence. It isn’t governance. It’s negligence dressed up in a cheap suit and sold to the American people as “progress.”

Partially funding the Department of Homeland Security in a moment of global instability, rising threats, and overwhelmed infrastructure is not just irresponsible—it’s dangerous. And if you think that danger is abstract, far away, or theoretical, I invite you to spend one hour—just one—in any major New York airport right now. Because the consequences are already here.

Let’s talk about what this means in real terms. New Yorkers are some of the hardest-working people in the country. Every day, thousands of them commute through airports like JFK and LaGuardia— not just for vacations, but for work, for family, for survival. These are not luxury hubs. These are lifelines. And what do they face now?

Longer TSA lines. Reduced staffing. Slower security screenings. Strained Customs and Border Protection operations. And behind

all of that? A workforce of federal employees who are being told, once again, to show up and do their jobs without knowing if they’ll be paid on time—or at all. That’s not just unfair. That’s a security risk.

When you underfund DHS, you are not trimming fat—you are cutting into muscle. You are weakening the very systems designed to protect Americans from real threats. Aviation security is not a “pause and resume” operation. It requires consistency, morale, and resources. You don’t get to gamble with it because Washington couldn’t get its act together.

And let’s not kid ourselves—this partial shutdown hits New York harder than most places. Why? Because New York is a target. It always has been. From 9/11 to the present day, we’ve lived with the reality that our transportation hubs are not just busy—they are high-value targets. Every delay in screening, every staffing shortage, every lapse in oversight creates opportunity. Not for convenience— but for catastrophe.

You cannot claim to be serious about national security while playing political games with the agency tasked with protecting the

DHS Funding Fight Hits Travelers Where It Hurts

homeland. And yet, here we are.

The Senate’s decision to only partially fund DHS sends a chilling message—not just to federal workers, but to every American traveler: your safety is negotiable. Think about that.

While politicians congratulate themselves on “avoiding a full shutdown,” they are quietly allowing a partial one to chip away at the very systems that keep our skies secure. It’s like celebrating that only half the bridge collapsed. That’s not a win—that’s a warning.

And the people paying the price? They’re not in Washington. They’re in Queens. In Brooklyn. In Suffolk County. They’re the business traveler stuck in a two-hour TSA line. The single mom trying to make a connecting flight. The TSA agent pulling a double shift, exhausted and uncertain about their paycheck. This is what dysfunction looks like when it leaves Capitol Hill and lands in real life.

Now let’s talk about morale—because no one in Washington seems interested in it. DHS employees are among the most critical workers in our federal system. They are on the front lines of border security, counterterrorism, disaster

response, and aviation safety. And what do they get in return? Budget brinkmanship. Political theater. And a paycheck that’s suddenly a question mark.

You cannot expect peak performance from a workforce that’s being treated like an afterthought.

Security is not just about technology or policy—it’s about people. And right now, those people are being asked to carry the weight of Washington’s failures. That is unacceptable.

And here’s the part that really gets me: this was avoidable. There is no shortage of money in Washington. There is no shortage of rhetoric about how important national security is. What there is, however, is a shortage of courage.

A shortage of leadership willing to say, “Enough. We fully fund DHS. Period.”

Instead, we got half-measures. Political hedging. A decision that tries to please everyone and ultimately protects no one. New Yorkers deserve better.

They deserve an airport experience that is efficient, secure, and reliable. They deserve a federal government that understands the unique risks facing a city like ours.

And they deserve leaders who prioritize safety over soundbites.

Because let me tell you something—there is nothing partisan about airport security. There is nothing ideological about protecting American lives. This should be the easiest vote in Washington. And yet, somehow, it wasn’t. So here we are, once again, dealing with the consequences of a government that can’t seem to do the bare minimum when it matters most. This isn’t just about budgets. It’s about priorities.

And right now, the message from the Senate is clear: they’re willing to roll the dice. Well, I’m not. And neither should you. Because when it comes to the safety of New Yorkers and Americans, “partial” is not good enough.

By The South Shore Press

Republican New York State Comptroller candidate Joseph Hernandez sharply criticized state leadership, accusing top officials of “sleeping at the switch” as millions in taxpayer dollars went unaccounted for at the now-defunct Seneca Babcock Community Association, a multi-million dollar non-profit in Buffalo, New York.

Responding to a South Shore Press investigation that first exposed years of missing financial filings and alarming audit red flags at the Buffalo nonprofit, Hernandez said his initial reaction was “anger,” calling the situation a fundamental breakdown of government oversight.

“This was a program meant to help the most vulnerable people in our communities, and it was abused,” Hernandez said. “You don’t go from 2004 to 2020 without filing required financial reports to New York State unless the peo-

Hernandez Blasts Albany Over Nonprofit Scandal

ple responsible for oversight are completely asleep at the wheel.”

As previously reported by the South Shore Press, the nonprofit failed to maintain basic accounting records and received a rare “disclaimer of opinion” from auditors, meaning its finances could not be verified. Within 24 hours of that reporting, the organization’s

executive director resigned and operations began shutting down.

The embattled agency also lost its non-profit status after failing to file required federal tax forms dating back to 2017.

Hernandez placed direct blame on Attorney General Letitia James, and Governor Kathy Hochul, and State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, accusing the trio of abandoning their roles as fiscal watchdogs.

“This is despicable. The Comptroller and the Attorney General are supposed to be the watchdogs of taxpayer dollars, and instead they’ve been silent, absent, and ineffective,” Hernandez said. “They didn’t just miss this, they ignored glaring red flags for years.”

He pointed to the nonprofit’s loss of tax-exempt status and years of missing filings as warning signs that should have triggered immediate intervention.

“In the private sector, this would

never fly,” Hernandez said. “Auditors would be sounding alarms, regulators would be stepping in, but in New York government, nobody acted. That’s a failure of leadership, plain and simple.”

Hernandez warned the Buffalo case may be “just the tip of the iceberg,” drawing comparisons to the massive nonprofit fraud scandal in Minnesota and suggesting the scale in New York could be far greater.

“When this onion is peeled back, Minnesota is going to look like child’s play,” he said. “We have a systemic culture in Albany where taxpayer money is taken, mismanaged, and in some cases outright stolen, and nobody is held accountable.”

The controversy has already prompted calls for a broader statewide probe into nonprofit oversight, as questions continue to mount over how such lapses went undetected for years. New York

State Assemblyman Joe DeStefano and Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro have called for James to investigate.

In a statement to the South Shore Press, a spokesperson for DiNapoli stated the agency that would investigate should be the New York State Attorney General’s Office.

“The State Comptroller does not have jurisdiction to examine the financial affairs of nonprofits, such as missing financial filings and lapses in compliance with state and federal nonprofit laws. Legislator Todaro appropriately sent his letter to the Office of the State Attorney General, whose Charity Bureau regulates not for profits in New York and does these examinations. It appears that Mr. Hernandez misunderstands the legal authority and role of this office,” said Jennifer Freeman, director of Communications for the Office of the State Comptroller.

Democrats Kneecap Hochul’s Insurance Reduction Plan

By Robert Chartuk

Gov. Kathy Hochul has launched a statewide advertising campaign promising to crack down on high auto insurance rates, but her message fell on deaf ears in Albany, where Senate Democrats removed her insurance proposal from their budget bill.

According to the governor, who campaigned on the issue in Suffolk last month, New Yorkers pay about $1,500 more than the national average per year on car insurance, which on Long Island can total between $4,000 and $8,000 per year.

“In the Senate’s one-house budget, everything that the governor put in to address the insurance

crisis, they took out,” Murray said. “So the Democrats basically said, yeah, we know it’s a problem. But we don’t want to do anything about it.”

Hochul’s plan focused largely on tackling insurance fraud, an issue Murray said contributes to higher premiums statewide.

“I don’t think that’s the magic solution, but it’s something,” Murray said. “Compared to doing nothing, we’d rather see the governor’s plan. But the Senate Democrats didn’t even want to do that.”

Murray noted that the issue is not new. More than a decade ago, while serving in the Assembly, he introduced legislation aimed at cracking down on organized insurance fraud rings that inflate costs for honest drivers.

“I had a bill addressing organized fraud, criminalizing those schemes and increasing the penalties,” Murray said. “That would have helped fight these rings that are driving up rates. But they didn’t want to do anything because it was a Republican bill.”

Murray also pointed to structural problems in how insurance regulation is handled in New York. In 2011, the state merged the insurance and banking regulators into the Department of Financial Services. Murray said the change diluted oversight that once focused specifically on insurance issues.

“Instead of a department concentrating on insurance, it’s combined with banking and finance,” he said. “Insurance just doesn’t get the attention it should.”

Budget negotiations now move into the final stage, and Murray said lawmakers will continue pressing the issue. “We’re not just

going to sit quietly while they do nothing,” he said. “We’re going to keep pushing to get something included in the final budget.”

Murray Blasts Parole Bill Prioritizing Former Inmates

By Stefan Mychajliw

Sen. Dean Murray is blasting proposed state legislation that would require at least one formerly incarcerated individual to serve on the New York State Board of Parole, arguing the measure puts criminals ahead of victims.

The bill, S.3746, recently advanced by the Senate Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction, would mandate that the governor appoint at least one formerly incarcerated person to the parole board. Supporters of the legislation say it would bring valuable perspective to decisions affecting individuals seeking reentry into society.

Murray, a member of the same committee, sharply criticized

the proposal and voted against it, framing the issue as one of priorities.

“Just once, it would be refreshing to see my colleagues across the aisle introduce legislation

to ensure crime victims’ voices are represented on the State Parole Board,” Murray said in a statement. “I voted against this legislation because I will always prioritize victims over criminals.”

The legislation’s sponsor memo argues that individuals who have experienced incarceration firsthand can offer unique insight into rehabilitation and reentry, potentially informing more balanced parole decisions. The parole board, which can have up to 19 members, is responsible for determining whether incarcerated individuals are ready to return to the community.

Murray, however, contends that the bill overlooks the needs of crime victims and their fami-

lies, and he pledged to continue advocating on their behalf.

“I will continue to advocate for the rights of victims, their loved ones, and all law-abiding New Yorkers while Senate Democrats continue to prioritize criminals,” he said.

The proposal is currently on the Senate floor calendar, with several Democratic lawmakers listed as co-sponsors. If enacted, the measure would take effect immediately and amend existing executive law governing parole board appointments.

The debate highlights ongoing divisions in Albany over criminal justice policy, particularly regarding rehabilitation efforts and the balance between offender perspectives and victim advocacy in the parole process.

LOCAL

By Stefan Mychajliw

Caracappa Honors District Leaders During March Events

Two taxpayers of Suffolk County’s Fourth Legislative District were recognized during March by Legislator Nick Caracappa for their contributions to the community, marking both Women’s History Month and Irish American Heritage celebrations.

As part of Women’s History Month, Caracappa named Centereach resident Lisa Mitnick as the district’s Woman of Distinction. Mitnick has built a record of service spanning education, business and civic organizations throughout the region.

She previously served as both vice president and president of the PTA at Holbrook Road Elementary School, where she worked with parents, teachers and administrators to support students and school programs. Her leadership extended beyond the classroom into the broader business community.

Mitnick currently serves as co-chair of the HIA-LI Membership Committee, helping lead outreach efforts with local businesses. She is also vice president of the Board of Trustees for the Middle Country Public Library and a board member of the Middle Country Public

Library Foundation.

Her past roles include treasurer and board member of the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce and co-business chairperson of the Smithtown Industry Advisory Board, reflecting her continued involvement in strengthening ties among schools, businesses and residents.

In a separate event at the H. Lee Dennison Building, Caracappa honored William Duffy as the district’s Irish American Person of Distinction. A Longwood High School graduate, Duffy enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1989 and served through 1993, including during Operation Desert Storm.

Following his military service, he earned degrees from Stony Brook University and Hofstra University School of Law, later building a career in public service and law. Duffy currently serves as counsel to the Suffolk County Legislature and chief of staff to the presiding officer.

Caracappa praised both honorees for their dedication and ongoing contributions to the community and thanked them for their continued public service efforts.

Water Rates Rising SLIGHTLY Under SCWA Budget

By Stefan Mychajliw

Suffolk County Water Authority customers will see a slight increase in their water bills under the agency’s newly approved $346 million budget for Fiscal Year 2027.

At its March 26 meeting, the authority’s board adopted the spending plan, which includes a 2.81% rate increase for ratepayers. For the average customer, that translates to an additional $16.62 per year, or about $1.39 per month, bringing the typical annual bill to $607.

While any increase impacts household budgets, officials emphasized that the adjustment is smaller than last year’s 2.99% hike and remains below the projected rate of inflation.

“We developed this budget with fiscal responsibility in mind while funding our core infrastructure needs,” said SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz. “We are advancing our treatment capabilities and securing our water system for the future without placing an undue financial burden on our ratepayers.”

The increase comes as the authority faces rising operational costs, particularly tied to water treatment. The price of materials such as carbon—used to filter contaminants like PFAS—has contributed to higher expenses, along with ongoing infrastructure upgrades.

A significant portion of the budget

is dedicated to capital improvements, including new treatment systems, replacement of aging wells and water mains, and upgrades to metering technology. Officials say these investments are necessary to maintain water quality and system reliability for the more than 1.2 million residents served by SCWA.

Board members noted that replacing older infrastructure can help prevent costly failures and reduce disruptions for customers over time.

Despite the increase, SCWA pointed out that its average annual bill remains significantly lower than neighboring systems, including Liberty New York Water in Nassau County.

The new rate schedule takes effect June 1, 2026, and will be reflected in customers’ bills shortly thereafter.

HISTORY LESSONS

BY RICHARD ACRITELLI

“He couldn’t get it off, so he took a machete and cut the man’s wrist off, and when he did that, of course, the man was bleeding profusely. [I tried to help him], but when I looked back, I saw a Japanese guard sticking a bayonet through his stomach.”

These were the words of an American soldier who observed the death of a comrade at the brutal hands of the Japanese military during the Bataan Death March. Whereas American and Filipino forces were weakened by the fighting against the Japanese, they slowed down the enemy’s timetable to capture Manila.

It is believed that 60,000–80,000 Filipinos and Americans were taken prisoner, where the Japanese were infuriated over their unwillingness to surrender. For the next three years, the Americans were starved, beaten, and killed at the hands of their Japanese captors.

There were about 12,000 Americans who were taken by the Japanese, and they immediately felt the sting of this military power, which did not recognize the rules governing warfare. For sixty-five miles, the Americans were ordered, with no food, water, or rest, to march to Camp O’Donnell.

During the Bataan Death March, the Americans faced cruelty of the highest order, as when they stopped walking for water or rest, they were bayoneted by soldiers. Americans had their possessions stolen from them, had no protection from the sun, and fresh Japanese guards were rotated to maintain a quick pace. This was one of the worst moments of World War II, as there was nothing that could be done to help these

FOG OF WAR AND HUMANITY

BY RICHARD ACRITELLI

Clarence F. Simpson’s life has been defined by discipline, service and a deep commitment to others, from his early days in Harlem to the battlefields of Vietnam and his decades of work helping fellow veterans.

Featured on Richard Acritelli’s Fog of War podcast on hmTV, Simpson discussed growing up in Harlem, where childhood memories included summer days around open fire hydrants, building scooters from scrap wood and waiting outside a Borden’s ice cream factory for free treats. In 1959, his father moved the family to Manorville, a shift from city streets to rural life that proved transformative. At first, the change was difficult. But Simpson soon embraced the responsibilities that

men from the heinous treatment that was openly committed against them. It was not until 1946 that an American military court sentenced Lieutenant General Homma Masaharu to death for his command responsibility during the Bataan Death March.

America was vulnerable when President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered General Douglas MacArthur to flee Corregidor across the open waters of the Pacific to reach Australia. The Japanese held the advantage through their momentum to conquer territories from the Aleutian Islands, parts of China, Burma, Southeast Asia, and toward the borders of Australia at the Solomon Islands. Fighting a two-front war, most American resources were sent to General Dwight D. Eisenhower in the European Theater of Operations, while MacArthur was given what remained.

The “island hopping” campaign began after the fighting at Guadalcanal through the strategy of largely bypassing strong Japanese garrisons. American forces starved out larger Japanese garrisons, prevented supplies and reinforce-

The Roots of the WWII Great Raid on Cabanatuan Prisoner of War Camp

ments from reaching them, and essentially took them out of the war. The Allies captured islands that had fewer enemy troops and weapons, where it would be quicker and involve fewer casualties to push the Japanese toward their own “home islands.” Supported by the Higgins landing craft, numerous Marine and naval assaults took islands such as Guam, Peleliu, Saipan, and Tarawa.

In July 1944, Admiral Chester Nimitz, MacArthur, and Roosevelt met to discuss future operations. Nimitz wanted to forgo these islands and take Formosa, while MacArthur was devoted to his pledge of “I Shall Return” to the imprisoned Americans. There were about six hundred prisoners of war held at Cabanatuan; many had been sent to different camps in Japan and other occupied territories. These Americans were in poor physical condition due to lack of food and disease, and faced the real threat that the Japanese government would kill them before they could be liberated. MacArthur’s return to the Philippines was exhilarating for the Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in the Pacific, as the Japanese were continually defeated by American forces.

As the Americans fought the enemy in the Philippines, frequent reports indicated that the Japanese High Command ordered defenseless American soldiers to be shot or burned alive with gasoline. While these Americans were not far from MacArthur’s lines, there was plenty of fighting to be done before they could be rescued. Eleven soldiers escaped from the “Palawan Massacre,” which pushed MacArthur

to save Americans from almost certain death at the hands of their captors. The Japanese War Ministry intended: “Whether they are destroyed individually or in groups, and whether it is accomplished by means of mass bombing, poisonous smoke, poisons, drowning, or decapitation, dispose of them as the situation dictates. It is the aim not to allow the escape of one, to annihilate them all, and not to leave any traces.”

Before and during the assault on the Philippines, Lieutenant General Walter Krueger was briefed about the Japanese atrocities targeting Americans. After his 6th Army landed at Lingayen Gulf on Luzon Island, it was determined that a secret combat mission should be conducted to prevent further killings by the enemy. A graduate of West Point in 1908, Krueger fully understood the topography of the Philippines; as a younger officer, he had been tasked with mapping many of the areas he later encountered as a commanding general. Krueger was an aggressive officer, more suited to leading troops in the field against retreating Japanese forces. Krueger ordered this mission, but it was a difficult task, as there were seven thousand enemy soldiers near Cabanatuan. He placed responsibility on Lieutenant Colonel Henry Mucci, the commanding officer of the inexperienced 6th Ranger Battalion. Mucci, from Bridgeport, Connecticut, was a 1936 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He had three previous years of Army experience and survived the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor. He was a well-liked, charismatic

officer who often smiled but was a strict taskmaster in training and combat.

At first, the 6th Ranger Battalion guarded the field headquarters of Krueger’s 6th Army, but Mucci was determined to lead his forces into battle against the Japanese. Many of these soldiers came from the Midwest and western United States as farm and cattle hands, and had trained in the mountains, tropics, and harsh conditions of New Guinea. Mucci was driven to turn these men into “killers” against the enemy, continually stressing marksmanship, bayoneting, hand-to-hand combat, and a willingness to meet and defeat the Japanese in the field.

An untested force was now ordered to carry out an operation behind enemy lines, in stealth, and with enough power to overwhelm the Japanese guards. Mucci weeded out married men and any soldiers who did not want to serve in the Rangers. Part of the plan to reach Cabanatuan was as follows: “The Rangers would move to Guimba, about seventy-five miles east of base camp, on 28 January and pick up an eighty-man guerrilla force and native guides at a nearby guerrilla camp. They would then march on a route chosen by local civilians and rendezvous with the Alamo Scouts and a second eighty-man guerrilla force at Balincarin, about five miles northeast of the objective, on 29 January. They would complete their plans there and, unless the situation had changed, conduct the operation that night.”

Next week will be the second half of this story that chronicles the “Great Raid.”

Clarence F. Simpson’s Life Of Service

came with it. He helped build the family home while living in it, chopping wood, pumping water, wiring rooms and learning practical skills. He credited his father, an engineer, with instilling discipline, structure and a strong work ethic.

In high school, Simpson was active in sports, playing soccer, basketball and track. He later attended Suffolk Community College, where he recalled the shock of hearing about President John F. Kennedy’s assassination while on campus. At the time, the growing conflict in Vietnam still felt distant.

That changed in 1965 when Simpson received his draft notice. He reported for duty on Dec. 7, a date he said he would never forget. After induction at Fort Hamilton and training at Fort Dix and Fort Lewis, he deployed with the 4th Infantry

Division to Vietnam in 1966. Simpson described the war as physically demanding and unpredictable. His unit spent long stretches in the field, often 35 to 40 days at a time, operating near the Cambodian border. He faced intense heat, heavy rains and constant danger from enemy forces and hidden explosives. He was wounded by grenade fragments while assisting fellow soldiers and later experienced the longterm health effects associated with chemical exposure.

Despite the hardships, Simpson emphasized the strong bonds formed among soldiers. Those relationships endured long after the war ended, with many of his fellow servicemen remaining close friends throughout his life.

After returning home, Simpson served briefly as a drill

instructor at Fort Dix, helping prepare new soldiers for combat. He then built a successful civilian career, working at Grumman, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Xerox and later AT&T, NYNEX and Verizon, where he trained employees across the country.

Simpson also witnessed history firsthand, including the Sept. 11 attacks while working in Lower Manhattan. Like his military service, the experience left a lasting impression.

In later years, he found a second calling through Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 11 in Suffolk County, where he serves as vice president.

The organization mentors struggling veterans, supports treatment court programs and helps connect former service members with critical resources. Simpson has also partici -

F. Simpson

pated in a PTSD support group for more than two decades. His life reflects resilience, service and a belief that helping others is the most important mission of all. View the full Fog of War interview at hmTV.

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

BY KARL GROSSMAN

There is opposition from Suffolk County environmentalists to Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposal to delay for a decade New York State’s climate goals because, according to her, the state can’t meet its targets for reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

When the act became law in 2019, it was heralded nationally. “New York climate plan among nation’s most ambitious,” was the headline in the Christian Science Monitor. Its article spoke of the plan leading to “solar panels on every roof” and energy generated by wind power.

The act requires, by 2030, a 40% reduction from 1990 levels of the primary cause of climate change or global warming—emissions of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. And it calls for an 85 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels by 2050.

But as the headline that covered the front page of Newsday last month said: “HOCHUL: PUT BRAKES ON STATE’S CLEAN ENERGY GOALS.” In the accompanying article, Hochul said: “We need more time, and so I am proposing that we amend the law.”

Hochul is also facing criticism, including from Suffolk, for her staunch advocacy of nuclear power. In Suffolk decades ago there was a plan to build seven to eleven nuclear power plants. Grassroots opposition and the state and Suffolk government challenged nuclear power here. The first plant constructed, at Shoreham, was stopped from going into operation.

At the start of this year, the state Public Service Commission under Hochul approved a $33.3 billion state subsidy for four aging nuclear power plants upstate, money to be paid by every electric ratepayer in the state between 2029 and 2049. The billions would go to Constellation Energy, the owner of the plants. “This will be the largest single use of ratepayer dollars compared to any other [state] PSC-approved energy program in history,” said the statewide Alliance for a Green Economy. It follows a $7.6 billion, 12-year statewide ratepayer-paid bailout for the four plants that began in 2016. Also, Hochul is pushing for five gigawatts of new nuclear power in New

Critics Go Nuclear on Hochul’s Energy Plan

York, the equivalent of five large nuclear power plants. She said in a speech last year: “I’m the first Democratic governor in a generation to say to nuclear, ‘I’m embracing this.’ My state will embrace this.”

But from Suffolk, Michelle Santantonio of the South Country Peace Group said last week that her organization “opposes Governor Hochul’s proposal to abandon New York’s commitment to clean, renewable, and affordable energy as envisioned in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and instead promote nuclear power plants, the most expensive and dangerous way to produce electricity ever invented. At a time when the world is closer to nuclear annihilation than ever, we need to reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons and the nuclear reactors that enable them. In 2020 and 2021 alone, the world added 464 gigawatts of wind and solar power-generation capacity, which is more power than can be generated by all the nuclear plants operating in the world today. It is those sources of power for the people that the governor should be supporting.”

Long Islanders—some from Suffolk—

UNDERCOVER NEW YORK

BY KATHRYN NOCERINO

If you take William Floyd Parkway north to Route 25 and make a left, you will eventually reach a place called “Wardenclyffe,” which was once the laboratory of a man named Nikola Tesla. Tesla, an immigrant from what we now call Croatia, is responsible for our modern electrical system. After a few false starts, he went to work for Thomas Edison, where he developed what is now our system of power transmission: AC current. He also pioneered research into what would eventually

become X-ray technology. He was so bright that he hovered very closely to insanity. Tesla was said to have gone into some kind of year-long coma as a young man, and when he awoke, he had developed what would become his theories about electricity.

Tesla was deathly afraid of pearls. A lifelong bachelor, he developed a fixation on a white pigeon, which he believed contained the soul of his ideal love. He associated with Swami Vivekananda, whom he told he had de -

gathered last month at the Nassau County Executive Building in Mineola, for, as an announcement said, “a rally urging Long Island state legislators to defend New York State’s landmark climate law from Governor Hochul’s stated intention to weaken it.”

Among those addressing the gathering was Eric Weltman, senior organizer with the Washington, D.C.-based organization, Food & Water Watch. He declared: “We’re proud to stand with so many incredible allies today to speak out against Governor Hochul’s efforts to weaken New York’s climate law—and to urge our state legislators to stop her cynical scheme.” Among the groups present that he named included: the South Shore Audubon Society, New York Public Interest Research Group, Long Island Progressive Coalition, New York Communities for Change, Grassroots Environmental Education, and the Sierra Club.

Weltman said, “We’re in a climate crisis, and our energy bills are too darn high. Yet Hochul is consistently siding with the greedy fossil fuel industry. Hochul’s Trump-like track record includes approving costly fracked gas pipelines,

fumbling efforts to build renewable power, and failing to implement clean energy laws. Now Hochul is attempting to sneak a revision of our climate law into the state’s budget, using phony statistics to roll back pollution reduction requirements.”

“Long Island is ground zero for the devastating impacts of climate change, including the pain and suffering and damage from Superstorm Sandy,” he said. “The good news: policies to move off fracked gas and other dangerous and costly fossil fuels and lower utility bills, create good jobs, and reduce air pollution while reducing the threat of climate change…. Our legislators must stand up to Hochul and defend New York’s climate law.”

On March 11—the 15-year anniversary of the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power plants in Japan—a letter was sent to Hochul signed by more than 200 organizations, including groups from Suffolk County.

It began: “The undersigned organizations write to you in strong opposition to your plan to build five gigawatts of nuclear power plants in New York State. New nuclear reactors are not a climate solution and are a sure path to wasting ratepayer money, driving up our bills, and failing to reduce emissions.”

The nuclear fuel cycle—including mining, milling, and fuel enrichment— emits greenhouse gases, and nuclear power plants themselves discharge a radioactive form of carbon, Carbon-14.

“To fulfill your affordability agenda, you must implement solutions proven to reduce energy bills quickly, such as distributed solar, energy efficiency in buildings, rate redesign, and thermal energy networks,” said the letter. “New nuclear reactors will perpetuate all the waste, cost, health, and safety problems of New York’s aging reactors.”

“One need only look,” it continued, “to Georgia’s Vogtle nuclear power plants.” The first nuclear power plants constructed in the U.S. in 30 years, the two plants “took 17 years to build and cost $36.8 billion, more than twice the originally approved timeline and cost,” and will generate “the most expensive electricity in the world.”

The Sage of Shoreham

veloped a “death ray” which could split the planet in half. He also believed in what physicists now posit as “free field energy.”

My uncle Rudolph, who was exceptionally bright but also exceptionally lazy, used to discuss Tesla’s black box and that mysterious ray. My father’s eldest brother (the first male in an Italian family is raised like a little king), he built his own radio at a time when those devices were rare. Army Intelligence visited their home on the Lower East Side,

terrifying my paternal grandparents. He once connected a mailbox to a remote detonator and, when the unfortunate postman got fairly close, badaBOOM! Up went the whole neighborhood’s bills and holiday cards. The postman was never seen on that route again.

Of course, my uncle also spent lots of time on the Hollow Earth Theory, the Lost Continent of Mu, and Fortean phenomena. Let that be a lesson to you.

ART ART CLUB CLUB

WEDNESDAYS APRIL 1, 15, 22, 29 6:00 - 7:00 PM

ASK NANCY

BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ.

Q: I received a notice that my mom’s Medicaid needs to be recertified. Is this something I should ask an elder

law attor-

ney about?

A:Having an experienced elder law attorney overseeing the Medicaid application and recertification processes can certainly better one’s chances of achieving and maintaining Medicaid eligibility.

For 2026, Medicaid has imposed an asset limit of $33,038 for an individual applicant or $44,796 if both spouses are applying for long-term care services. For community-based services, Medicaid’s income limit is $1,836 per individual ap -

plicant and $2,489 per couple. With proper planning, income beyond the limits can be maintained to continue to support the expenses of the household. While there are no transfer penalties imposed for home care applicants who have given assets away prior to application, nursing home applicants do have to undergo a five-year lookback review. While most transfers/gifts will result in a penalty period during which Medicaid will not pay for the facility, certain asset transfers will be exempt. Whether both spouses are applying for coverage or just one, the finances of both must be disclosed.

Once someone has been accepted into the Medicaid long-term care program for Community Medicaid (in-home care) or Chronic Medicaid (nursing home care), they will be required to recertify annually. The recertification process ensures that the applicant remains eligible for coverage. The annual review requires updated asset and income verification for the Medicaid applicant, not the spouse. Sometimes Medicaid recipients experience an increase in their assets as a result

Medicaid

Why Legal Guidance Matters

of the standard accrual of interest, receiving an inheritance, or accepting proceeds from a lawsuit. An attorney can advise what estate planning can be done to prevent ineligibility or a lapse in benefits. Recertification can also prompt determining whether a recipient is receiving the appropriate level of care.

As of the beginning of January 2026, there are 3,812,810 Medicaid recipients within the five boroughs and 662,136 Medicaid recipients in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Medicaid applications and recertifications are processed by each county’s Department of Social Services, or the Human Resources Administration for those receiving care in the five boroughs of New York City. Due to the volume of applications and recertifications, and the millions of dollars expended by the state to provide Medicaid, the system can be unforgiving. Working with an elder law-focused estate planning attorney can help individuals achieve and/or maintain eligibility, while also protecting hard-earned assets so they can eventually be passed on to the next generation. Recertification also provides

TIME OF LOSS

the opportunity to review your assets and estate plan. A key estate planning goal for a Medicaid recipient and their spouse is to avoid probate because whatever assets are includable in a deceased Medicaid recipient’s probate estate will be subject to a clawback from Medicaid for services provided during life. Proper planning includes protection of assets for eligibility purposes, as well as after death, to prevent recovery of the value of the services rendered during life.

Erin Cullen, Esq. is an associate attorney at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C., focusing her practice on trusts and estates. Britt Burner, Esq. is the managing partner 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

Seed and Spice Library –Free Seeds, Sample Spices So many people love gardening, and the library is here to help you grow your own vegetables and flowers. Home grown vegetables taste great and are a fun family project. At each branch we have a SEED library where you can get free seed packets to grow at home. Visit any MMSCL branch in person and choose from a selection of seasonal seed varieties. All have been selected to grow in our area. All you need is a library card. You can take a limited number of packets per visit, just head to the Adult Services Desk to get some seeds. They are yours to keep and grow.

We will also be highlighting a variety of seasonal and international spices throughout the year. If you enjoy cooking and exploring new recipes, check out the spice library at the Main branch. Past spices we have explored include zaatar, pink pepper, and dill. Sign out a packet of spice, grab a free recipe booklet that includes a history of the spice and its origins, and try out your cooking skills with a new flavor.

By Stefan Mychajliw

Suffolk County prosecutors dropped the hammer on a violent Long Island street crew, unveiling a sweeping 57-count indictment that reads like something out of a crime thriller: two murders, multiple shootings, armed robberies, and even a rogue cop accused of fueling the chaos.

Eighteen alleged members and associates of the Riverhead-based “48 Gang” are now facing serious charges tied to a years-long reign of violence that authorities say terrorized neighborhoods from 2021 through 2025.

“This indictment is yet another example of our commitment to eliminating gang violence,” vowed DA Raymond Tierney. “Gangs and illegal guns have no place in Suffolk County: we will bring everyone involved to justice.”

Bloodshed Crew Busted—

Cop Accused in Gun Plot

At the center of the case are Justin Dicks and Jacob Moore, both 24, accused of the 2021 execution-style kill -

ing of 18-year-old Marcel Arrington in Mastic Beach during a botched robbery. Prosecutors say the pair lured the teen with a fake drug deal before allegedly shooting him in the chest.

In a separate slaying, alleged gang member Nickomas Allen is accused of tracking down and shooting James Ayers in the head on a Riverhead street in 2023 after a heated confrontation.

Authorities say the gang operated out of housing complexes in Riverhead, using shared weapons and brute force to dominate turf and bankroll their activities through robberies, drugs, and fraud.

Among the most shocking twists: Kyren Braunskill, a Mount Vernon police detective, is accused of secretly supplying guns to the gang and even trying to arrange violence through his underworld ties.

“This case highlights that no one is

above the law,” said Riverhead Police Chief Ed Frost. “The violent acts of a few won’t destroy our community.”

The crew’s alleged crimes include back-to-back armed robberies at 7-Eleven stores, a deli heist that ended with a clerk pistol-whipped, and a terrifying shooting into a home occupied by elderly residents.

“We will not stand by,” said Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina. “Those who bring fear to our neighborhoods will be held accountable.”

Investigators recovered at least a dozen illegal firearms tied to the group.

“This shows what teamwork can do,” added Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. “Dangerous criminals off the streets.”

With multiple defendants facing decades behind bars, officials say the message is loud and clear: Suffolk County is taking its streets back.

Magician Thune Makes Senate Disappear STATE

By Neil W. McCabe

Senate Majority Leader John R. Thune presented himself as the man leading the fight for President Donald J. Trump’s top legislative priority, the SAVE America Act, a comprehensive bill to require voter ID, clean up the voter rolls, and provide modern election security measures.

Trump said about the SAVE Act on Truth Social: “It supersedes everything else. MUST GO TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE.”

The president is not one for nuance. Thune sleeps hooked up to an IV bag full of nuance.

Complicating passage of the SAVE Act is Thune’s decision to work with Senate Democrats to pass the federal budget at the end of January without funding for the Homeland Security Department, separating that department with its own funding set to expire Feb. 13.

Trump demanded Thune link that DHS funding, which includes Border Patrol, the Transportation Security Administration, the Coast Guard, and Secret Service—and portions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement—to passage of the SAVE America Act. For Thune, it was a bridge too far.

The SAVE America Act did not have grassroots or donor support that was coming to bear on Capitol Hill. Without outside pressure, the bill’s champion, Sen. Michael S. Lee (R.-Utah), cannot whip up the 60 votes he needs to force a floor vote. Senate rules state that senators are either debating or voting. If debate ends, there must be a vote.

Reacting to Trump and Lee, Thune put the SAVE Act on the floor for debate, but without the 60 votes to end debate, it just twists in the wind until the end of the session, when it will expire worthless and alone.

Here, the real pressure comes from the calendar—in this case, Holy Week—and its attendant jet fumes wafting from Reagan National up to Capitol Hill, combined with the whiff of exhaust from the dozens of vehicles idling in the East Plaza, with interns at the wheel waiting to take their masters to the airport.

The senior senator from South Dakota responded to the signal from his tower, and he went to work.

With the Homeland funding, Republican and Democratic senators continued to take to the floor for remarks on the bill, or anything else that came to mind. Just before midnight, the Senate seemed to wind down. The floor was empty and quiet.

Then, Thune took the floor at or around 2 a.m.

A Senate majority leader is not a constitutional office. It is a party office, held by a man who was elected on the second ballot, 29-24, but it has its perks. One of them is that he can immediately seize the floor when he wants it and bring up any bill he wants to address.

This time, Thune took the floor and told the presiding officer that debate on the DHS funding had ended. Then, with a handful of senators and staffers on the floor, the presiding officer called the vote on Thune’s Homeland funding bill—which funds virtually the whole department except for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations section.

There was a voice vote, so passage was recorded as unanimous, without any names on the roll call—and with that, Thune was gone.

The Senate returns to business April 14, the Tuesday after Greek Orthodox Easter. The House returns the day before for a roll call vote, which is really just to make sure everyone is back to work.

Before he left town, Speaker J. Michael Johnson (R.-La.) rejected the Thune DHS bill and arranged for the House to pass its own DHS bill that funds the whole department through May 22. It might have been the beginning of negotiations to end the impasse, but alas, Thune and the Senate had already disappeared.

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

Public Notices

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

SUMMONS AND NOTICE

Index No. 604731/2025 Date

Filed: 2/21/2025

Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity buy solely as Owner Trustee of CSMC 2019-RPL7 Trust, Plaintiff, -againstAny unknown heirs, devisees, distributees or successors in interest of the late Robert A. VonSinca a/k/a Robert VonSinca, if they be living or, if they be dead, their spouses, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors in interest, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the Plaintiff; Clerk of the Suffolk County Traffic & Parking Violations Agency, and "JOHN DOE", said name being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, and any parties, corporations or entities, if any, having or claiming an interest or lien upon the mortgaged premises, Defendants. PROPERTY

ADDRESS: 141 Elenor Avenue, Mastic, NY 11950

TO THE ABOVE NAMED

DEFENDANTS:

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or a notice of appearance on the attorneys for the Plaintiff within thirty (30) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may 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.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED

DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. S. Betsy Heckman Torres, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Suffolk County, entered March 18, 2026 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Consolidation and/or Modified Mortgage (hereinafter “the Mortgage") to secure $140,349.43 and interest, recorded in the Suffolk County Clerk's Office on January 3, 2018, at Liber M00022889 of Mortgages, page 910 covering premises known as 141 Elenor Avenue, Mastic, NY 11950 a/k/a District 0200, Section 910.00, Block 03.00, Lot 025.000. The relief sought in the within

action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Suffolk County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated.

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 16, 2025 Andrew Loete, Esq. Associate Attorney LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (585) 247-9000 Fax: (585) 247-7380 Our File No. 24095998 #102876

L16485- 3/25/2026, 4/1/2026, 4/ 8/2026, 4/15/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Suffolk County. WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF RELIANT TRUST, SERIES FLC, Plaintiff -against- UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF SHEILA HAHN; PAMELA HAHN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF SHEILA HAHN; SHARYN HAHN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF SHEILA HAHN; JILL HAHN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF SHEILA HAHN; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT) O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; SUNRUN, INC.; "JOHN DOE" AND "JANE DOE" said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed

herein, Defendants Index No. 626334/2025. Mortgaged Premises: 110 Crystal Beach Boulevard Moriches, NY 11955 District: 0200 Section: 911.00 Block: 01.00 Lot: 030.000 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above captioned action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the 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 OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a reverse mortgage to secure $705,000.00 and interest, recorded in the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office on May 26, 2011, in Liber Book M00022081, at Page 782, covering the premises known as 110 Crystal Beach Boulevard, Moriches, NY 11955. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the reverse mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Suffolk as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located. 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. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP

1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff.

L16491- 4/1/2026, 4/8/2026, 4/ 15/2026, & 4/22/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

MIDDLE ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Middle Island Fire District, in the Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York, at a meeting thereof, held on the 18th day of March, 2026, duly adopted, subject to permissive referendum,a Resolution, an abstract of which is as follows: Expenditure for the purchase of Nozzles and Foam Kits, with necessary and related equipment, not to exceed $17,000.00 from the Fire Apparatus & Equipment Reserve Fund. Dated: Middle Island, New York March 23, 2026 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS OF THE MIDDLE ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT IN THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK Chrissy Rosenfeld, District Secretary L16489- 4/01/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF SUFFOLK CMG MORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff, Against COREY LEMAY A/K/A COREY M. LEMAY, et al, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 10/23/2017, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, on 4/13 /2026 at 11:00AM, premises known as 30 Balsam Drive, Medford, New York 11763, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. District 0200 Section 870.00 Block 03.00 Lot 030.002 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $318,054.88 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 604459/2015 Thomas Joseph Demayo, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573 Dated: 2/19/ 2026 File Number: 15-311761 CA

L16472- 3/11/2026, 3/18/2026, 3/25/2026, & 4/1/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Formation of GOLDEN HAVEN HONEY, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on March 24, 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 GOLDEN HAVEN HONEY LLC, 58 Quaker Path, Stony Brook, NY 11790. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

L16495- 4/1/2026, 4/8/2026, 4/ 15/2026, 4/22/2026, 4/29/2026, & 5/06/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK Index No. 604396/2026 Date Summons Filed: 2/17/2026

MIRELLA G. CARCHI Plaintiff designates Suffolk County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is Plaintiff's residence. Plaintiff, SUMMONS -againstPlaintiff resides at 52 Pauls Path, Coram New York 11727. EDWIN A CARCHI, Defendant. ACTION FOR DIVORCE To the above named Defendant: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this 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, where service is made by delivery upon you personally within the State of New York, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. Dated: February 13, 2026 Jan Gomerman, Esq. Attorney for Plaintiff 807 East Jericho Turnpike Huntington Station, NY 11746 631-549-1777

L16477- 3/18/2026, 3/25/2026, & 4/1/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST JOSE A. LOPEZ, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 13, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on April 23, 2026 at 10:30 AM, premises known as 3 Park Avenue, Medford, NY 11763. All that certain plot piece

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200 Section 867-00 Block 01.00 Lot 040.000. Approximate amount of judgment $648,132.28 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #613544/ 2023. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Thomas McNally, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22004335 89201

L16480- 3/25/2026, 4/1/2026, 4/ 8/2026, & 4/15/2026

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 #: 613545/ 2024 Towd Point Mortgage Trust 2018-2, U.S. Bank National Association, As Indenture Trustee Plaintiff, vs Kimberly A. Unger, County Of Suffolk, Jonathan Dembrow As Administrator And As Heir To The Estate Of Nat J. Dembrow, Jessica Zimmerman As Heir To The Estate Of Nat J. Dembrow 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, People Of The State Of New York, United States Of America On Behalf Of The IRS 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: 2909 Falcon Avenue Medford, NY

11763 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 Jessica Zimmerman As Heir To The Estate Of Nat J. Dembrow, Defendant 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 TwentyFourth day of February, 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 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. dated March 11, 2008, executed by Kimberly A. Unger to secure the sum of $277,095.00. The Mortgage was recorded at Book 21690, Page 655 in the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk on April 2, 2008. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed December 9, 2015 and recorded on June 23, 2016, in the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk at Book 22713, Page 418. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed February 17, 2016 and recorded on June 23, 2016, in the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk at Book 22713, Page 419. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed February 20, 2018 and recorded on June 13, 2018, in the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk at Book 22934, Page 475.

The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed February 20, 2018 and recorded on June 13, 2018, in the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk at Book 22934, Page 476. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed January 11, 2019 and recorded on April 3, 2019, in the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk at Book 23016, Page 961.

The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed December 4, 2020 and recorded on December 22,

2020, in the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk at Book 23211, Page 394. The mortgage was subsequently modified on November 18, 2022. The property in question is described as follows: 2909 Falcon Avenue, Medford, NY 11763 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: February 27, 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. 89338

L16471- 3/11/2026, 3,18/2026, 3/25/2026, & 4/1/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Formation of S.M. & H.S., LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on 03/24/ 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 SARA SARTI, 14 GATEWOOD DR., HAUPPAUGE, NY, 11788, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

L16493- 4/1/2026, 4/8/2026, 4/ 15/2026, 4/22/2026, 4/29/2026, & 5/06/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

The following self storage unit contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by StorQuest Self Storage, 10 Frowein Rd, Center Moriches, NY 11934 To satisfy a Lien on April 16th ,2026

2-91C Elmer Navarro, 2-116D Steve Lupski, 3-165R Crystol Engle

L16490- 4/01/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Formation of BROOKE FOLK MEDIA, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on 12/02/ 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 277 MIDDLE COUNTRY RD PMB 1004, SELDEN, NY 11784. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

L16467- 3/4/2026, 3/11/2026, 3/ 18/2026, 3/25/2026, 4/1/2026, & 4/8/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Formation of SHIJIA QIAO AWAKENING COACHING LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on 12/01/ 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 SHIJIA QIAO, 96 ROSEMARY LN, CENTEREACH, NY, 11720, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

L16473- 3/11/2026, 3/18/2026, 3/25/2026, 4/1/2026, 4/8/2026 & 4/15/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of formation of Clear & Carry, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on February 7,2026. Office located in Suffolk. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC 36 Kent Drive Shirley, NY 11967. Purpose: any lawful L16462- 2/25/2026, 3/04/2026, 3/11/2026, 3/18,2026, 3/25/ 2026, & 4/01/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of formation of EYEASE LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on January 10th 2026. Office located in Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 57 Silver Road Mastic Beach NY 11951. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

L16492- 4/1/2026, 4/8/2026, 4/ 15/2026, 4/22/2026, 4/29/2026, & 5/06/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Formation of DINAS LOVE STORIES & SERVICES LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on March 12, 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 Dina Gutierrez, 9 Newbrook Lane, Bay Shore, NY 11706. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

L16494- 4/1/2026, 4/8/2026, 4/ 15/2026, 4/22/2026, 4/29/2026, & 5/06/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY HUDSON CITY SAVINGS BANK, Plaintiff against ABRAHAM L. TURPIN A/K/A ABRAHAM TURPIN, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, NY 10591. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered December 20, 2019, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on May 5, 2026 at 10:30 AM. Premises known as 105 Carlton Drive East, Shirley, New York 11967. District 0200 Sec 615.00 Block 02.00 Lot 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. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $494,834.06 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 609334/2015. Cash will not be accepted at the sale. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District's Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing.

Pamela Greene, Esq., Referee File # 2154-000927

L16486- 4/1/2026, 4/8/2026, 4/ 15/2026, & 4/22/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Formation of ETL Advisors, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 202602-19. Office location: Suffolk County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to INC AUTHORITY RA, 42 BROADWAY, FL. 12-

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

200, NEW YORK, NY, 10004, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

L16469- 3/4/2026, 3/11/2026, 3/ 18/2026, 3/25/2026, 4/1/2026, & 4/8/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION OF THE SOUTH COUNTRY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing of the qualified voters of the South Country Central School District, Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York, will be held at the South Country Central School District Administration Building, 189 North Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York, in said District on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 6:15 p.m., prevailing time, for the transaction of such business as is authorized by the New York State Education Law, including the following items.

(1)Presentation of the budget document.

(2)To discuss all of the items herein set forth, to be voted upon by voting machine, at the election to be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, as hereinafter set forth.

(3)To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that said vote and election will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Bellport Middle School, 35 Kreamer Street, Bellport, New York, at which time the polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, to vote by voting machines upon the following items:

(1)To adopt the annual budget of the School District for the fiscal year 2026-2027 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the School District.

(2)To elect two (2) members of the Board of Education, each for a three-year term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2029.

(3)PROPOSITION:

MODIFICATION OF NONPUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENT TRANSPORTATION (REDUCTION)

PROPOSITION: Reduction of school bus service for resident students attending non-public schools, effective at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year from 25 miles to 15, which would result in an estimated decreased annual expenditure by the District of $900,000.

Shall the Board of Education of the South Country Central School District be authorized to modify the School District’s current policy for transporting

non-public school students from the current twenty five (25) miles to fifteen (15) miles, effective at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year, thereby reducing the proposed 2026-2027 School District budget in the approximate amount of $900,000, and levy the necessary tax therefore?

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that petitions nominating candidates for the office of Member of the Board of Education of the South Country Central School District shall be filed with the District Clerk of said School District at the District Clerk’s office, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York, not later than April 20, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., prevailing time. All nominating petitions must be signed by at least 35 qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 or 2% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); must state the name and residence of each signer, and must state the name and residence of the candidate. Vacancies on the Board of Education shall not be considered separate, specific offices; candidates run at large. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 or pursuant to Article 5 of the New York State Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 and has voted at any annual or special district meeting within the past four (4) calendar years, such voter is eligible to vote at this election; if a voter is registered and eligible to vote pursuant to Article 5 of the New York State Election Law, such voter is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register. Voters may register on any school day prior to May 13, 2026, at the Office of the District Clerk located at District Office, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., prevailing time, to add any additional names to the registers to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have her or his name placed on such registers provided that at the meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known, or proven to the satisfaction of the Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such public hearing or election for which such registers are prepared, and that the registers so prepared pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 and the registration list prepared by the Board of Elections of Suffolk County will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk of the School District, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York, and

will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District on weekdays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, on and after Thursday, May 14, 2026, and Saturday by pre-arranged appointment, except Sunday; AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to New York Education Law §2014, the Board of Registration shall meet on May 19, 2026, at Bellport Middle School, 35 Kreamer Street, Bellport, New York, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, to prepare the Register of the School District to be used at the annual meeting and election that is to be held in 2027, and any special meeting that may be held after the preparation of said Register, at which time any person will be entitled to have her or his name placed on such Register, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the school meeting or election for which such Register is prepared. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that qualified voters with disabilities who seek information about access to polling places may, in advance of the day of the vote, contact the District Clerk at (631) 7301542 for information about accessibility.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that beginning seven (7) days immediately preceding the May 6, 2026, public budget hearing, any resident in the District may request to review a copy of the proposed budget by appearing at the Office of the District Clerk, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York. Additionally, a statement of the estimated expenses for the ensuing year may be obtained by any resident in the District during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding said election on the school district website www.southcountry.org, at the South Country Library, located at 22 Station Road, Bellport, New York, or Brookhaven Free Library, located at 273 Beaver Dam Road, Brookhaven, New York, during their normal hours of operation, at the School District Administrative Center, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York, and at each of the following school buildings in which school is maintained between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., prevailing time, except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: Bellport High School

Bellport Middle School

Frank P. Long Intermediate School

Brookhaven Elementary School

Kreamer Street Elementary School

Verne W. Critz Elementary School

South Haven Early Childhood Center

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Real Property Tax Law Section 495, the School District is required to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how much of the total assessed value on the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted, identified by statutory authority, and show: (a) the cumulative impact of each type of exemption expressed either as a dollar amount of assessed value or as a percentage of the total assessed value on the roll; (b) the cumulative amount expected to be received from recipients of each type of exemption as payments in lieu of taxes or other payments for municipal services; and (c) the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. The exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on any website maintained by the District.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for absentee and early mail ballots will be obtainable during school business hours at the office of the District Clerk beginning April 20, 2026. In accordance with Education Law §§ 2018-a and 2018-e, completed absentee and early mail ballot applications may not be received by the District Clerk earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the election, and must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or to the agent named in the absentee or early mail ballot application. Absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. A list of persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued, and a list of all persons to whom early mail voter’s ballots shall have been issued, will be available for public inspection to qualified voters of the District in the office of the District Clerk on and after May 14, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on each weekday through May 19, 2026, the day set for the annual election, and on May 16, 2026, by advance appointment by contacting the District Clerk at (631) 730-1542. Any qualified voter may, upon examination of such lists, file a written challenge of the qualifications as a voter of any person whose name appears on such lists, stating the reasons for such challenge. Any such written

challenge shall be transmitted by the District Clerk or a designee of the Board of Education to the inspectors of election on election day. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the South Country Central School District by requesting and returning a registration application to the District Clerk in person, or by email to cflynn@southcountry.org or fax sent to (631) 286-2457. The request for the registration application may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the registration application by either mail, fax or email. Military voter registration application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the South Country Central School District may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk and return such military ballot application to the District Clerk in person, or by email to cflynn@southcountry.org or fax sent to (631) 286-2457. In order for a military voter to be issued a military ballot, a valid military ballot application must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m., on April 23, 2026. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a non-military ballot application under Section 2018a of the Education Law. The application for military ballot may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax, or email. A military voter’s original military ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York 11772, along with the required signed affidavit by the voter.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk before the close of polls on May 19, 2026, showing a cancellation mark of the United States Postal Service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or received not later than 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026, and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education in accordance with New York Education Law

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

§2035, any referenda or propositions to change the number of Board of Education members, or a bond issue for capital improvements, or any other petition, including but not limited to any petition required by law to be stated in the Notice of Annual Meeting and Election must be filed with the District Clerk at 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York 11772, not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on March 20, 2026. All such petitions must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the Clerk of the School District; must be signed by at least 88 qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 or 5% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); and must legibly state the name of each signer. However, the Board of Education will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, nor any proposition or amendment which is contrary to law.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that those voters seeking information regarding this Budget Vote and Election in Spanish should contact the Office of the District Clerk at (631) 730-1542. Christine Flynn District Clerk of the Board of Education South Country Central School District 189 Dunton Avenue East Patchogue, New York 11772

L16483- 4/01/2026, 4/15/2026, 4/29/2026, & 5/13/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiffagainst - JODI R. WILLIAMS A/ K/A JODI WILLIAMS A/K/A JODI RUSSO WILLIAMS, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on February 10, 2026. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on the 29th day of April, 2026 at 12:30 PM. 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 known as 31 Concord Road, Shirley, NY 11967. (District: 0200, Section: 907.00, Block: 04.00, Lot: 047.000) Approximate amount of lien $514,620.25 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 605781/2019. John Doyle, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/ 286-7409 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 Dated: February 26, 2026 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 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.

L16487- 4/1/2026, 4/8/2026, 4/ 15/2026, & 4/22/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST Sharon Klune a/k/a Sharon L. Klune; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 2, 2024 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Front steps of Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on April 28,2026, at 9:00AM, premises known as 4 Laurel Crescent a/k/a Laurel Cresent, Manorville, NY 11949. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in Manorville, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200 Section 510.00 Block 05.00 Lot 029.031. Approximate amount of judgment $635,637.89 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 207406/ 2022. J. Edward Gathman, Jr., Esq. LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: February 13, 2026

L16481- 3/25/2026, 4/1/2026, 4/ 8/2026, & 4/15/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT- COUNTY OF SUFFOLK WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION

TRUST 2018-HB1, Plaintiff, AGAINST CHRISTOPHER DALY, AS EXECUTOR OF THE

ESTATE OF NANCY DALY, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on April 29, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville NY 11738 on April 22, 2026 at 9:00 AM premises known as 18 Winnie Road, Center Moriches, NY 11934. Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Suffolk County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Center Moriches, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Section 944.00, Block 3.00 and Lot 42.000. Approximate amount of judgment $357,910.78 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #624676/ 2017. Mark Goldsmith, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747

L16482- 3/25/2026, 4/1/2026, 4/ 8/2026, & 4/15/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA, VOTACIÓN DE PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL DEL SUR DEL PAÍS CIUDAD DE BROOKHAVEN, CONDADO DE SUFFOLK, NUEVA YORK

POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO que se llevará a cabo una audiencia pública de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country, Ciudad de Brookhaven, Condado de Suffolk, Nueva York, en el Edificio de Administración del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country, 189 North Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York, en dicho Distrito el miércoles 6 de mayo de 2026, a las 6:15 p.m., hora vigente, para la transacción de los asuntos autorizados por la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York, incluidos los siguientes puntos.

(1)Presentación del documento presupuestario.

(2)Para discutir todos los puntos aquí establecidos, se votará mediante máquina de votación, en la elección que se llevará a cabo el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, como se establece más adelante.

(3)Para tratar cualquier otro asunto que pueda presentarse debidamente a la reunión.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que dicha votación y elección se llevará a

cabo el martes 19 de mayo de 2026 en Bellport Middle School, 35 Kreamer Street, Bellport, Nueva York, en cuyo horario de 7:00 a.m. a 9:00 p.m., horario vigente, se abrirán las urnas para votar mediante máquinas de votación sobre los siguientes puntos:

(1)Adoptar el presupuesto anual del Distrito Escolar para el año fiscal 2026-2027 y autorizar que la parte necesaria del mismo se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad imponible del Distrito Escolar.

(2)Elegir dos (2) miembros de la Junta de Educación, cada uno por un período de tres años que comienza el 1 de julio de 2026 y termina el 30 de junio de 2029.

(3)PROPOSICIÓN: MODIFICACIÓN DEL TRANSPORTE ESTUDIANTIL DE ESCUELAS NO PÚBLICAS (REDUCCIÓN) PROPOSICIÓN: Reducción del servicio de autobús escolar para estudiantes residentes que asisten a escuelas no públicas, a partir del comienzo del año escolar 2026-2027 de 25 millas a 15, lo que resultaría en una disminución estimada del gasto anual del Distrito de $900,000.

¿Debería autorizarse a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country a modificar la política actual del Distrito Escolar para el transporte de estudiantes de escuelas no públicas de las veinticinco (25) millas actuales a quince (15) millas, a partir del comienzo del año escolar 20262027, reduciendo así el presupuesto propuesto para el Distrito Escolar 2026-2027 en un monto aproximado de $900,000, y aplicar el impuesto necesario para ello?

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que las peticiones de nominación de candidatos para el cargo de Miembro de la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country se presentarán ante el Secretario de Distrito de dicho Distrito Escolar en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York, A más tardar el 20 de abril de 2026, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 5:00 p. m., hora vigente. Todas las peticiones de nominación deben estar firmadas por al menos 35 votantes cualificados del Distrito (que representen el 2% o el 2% del número de votantes que votaron en la elección anual anterior, lo que sea mayor); deben indicar el nombre y la residencia de cada firmante, y deben indicar el nombre y la residencia del candidato. Las vacantes en la Junta de Educación no se considerarán cargos separados ni específicos; los candidatos se postulan por mayoría.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que el registro personal de votantes es requerido ya sea de conformidad con la Ley de

Educación de Nueva York §2014 o de conformidad con el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral del Estado de Nueva York. Si un votante se ha registrado previamente de conformidad con la Ley de Educación de Nueva York §2014 y ha votado en cualquier reunión anual o especial de distrito dentro de los últimos cuatro (4) años calendario, dicho votante es elegible para votar en esta elección; si un votante está registrado y es elegible para votar de conformidad con el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral del Estado de Nueva York, dicho votante también es elegible para votar en esta elección. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben registrarse. Los votantes pueden registrarse cualquier día escolar antes del 13 de mayo de 2026 en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito ubicada en la Oficina del Distrito, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York, entre las 9 a. m. y las 4 p. m., hora vigente, para agregar nombres adicionales a los registros que se usarán en la elección antes mencionada, momento en el cual cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se coloque en dichos registros siempre que en la reunión de la Junta de Registro se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de la Junta de Registro que tiene derecho en ese momento o posteriormente a votar en dicha audiencia pública o elección para la cual se preparen dichos registros, y que los registros preparados de conformidad con la Ley de Educación de Nueva York §2014 y la lista de registro preparada por la Junta Electoral del Condado de Suffolk se archivarán en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito del Distrito Escolar, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York, y estarán abiertos a la inspección de cualquier votante calificado de el Distrito de lunes a viernes entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., hora vigente, a partir del jueves 14 de mayo de 2026, y el sábado con cita previa. excepto el domingo; Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que de conformidad con la Ley de Educación de Nueva York §2014, la Junta de Registro se reunirá el 19 de mayo de 2026 en la Escuela Intermedia Bellport, 35 Kreamer Street, Bellport, Nueva York, entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m., hora vigente, para preparar el Registro del Distrito Escolar que se utilizará en la reunión anual y elección que se llevará a cabo en 2027, y cualquier reunión especial que pueda celebrarse después de la preparación de dicho Registro, momento en el que cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se coloque en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de la Junta de Registro se sepa o se pruebe a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro que él o

ella tiene derecho en ese momento o posteriormente a votar en la reunión escolar o elección para la cual se prepara dicho Registro.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que los votantes calificados con discapacidades que buscan información sobre el acceso a los lugares de votación pueden, antes del día de la votación, comunicarse con el Secretario de Distrito al (631) 730-1542 para obtener información sobre accesibilidad.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que a partir de los siete (7) días inmediatamente anteriores a la audiencia pública sobre el presupuesto del 6 de mayo de 2026, cualquier residente del Distrito podrá solicitar la revisión de una copia del presupuesto propuesto presentándose en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York. Además, cualquier residente del Distrito podrá obtener un estado de cuenta de los gastos estimados para el año siguiente durante los catorce (14) días inmediatamente anteriores a dicha elección en el sitio web del distrito escolar.www.southcountry.org, en la Biblioteca South Country, ubicada en 22 Station Road, Bellport, Nueva York, o en la Biblioteca Gratuita Brookhaven, ubicada en 273 Beaver Dam Road, Brookhaven, Nueva York, durante su horario normal de funcionamiento,en el Centro Administrativo del Distrito Escolar, 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York, y en cada uno de los siguientes edificios escolares en los que se mantienen clases entre las 9 a. m. y las 4 p. m., horario vigente, excepto sábados, domingos y feriados:

Escuela secundaria Bellport

Escuela secundaria Bellport

Escuela Intermedia Frank P. Long

Escuela primaria Brookhaven

Escuela primaria de la calle Kreamer

Escuela Primaria Verne W. Critz Centro de primera infancia de South Haven Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que de conformidad con la Sección 495 de la Ley de Impuestos sobre Bienes Inmuebles, el Distrito Escolar debe adjuntar a su presupuesto propuesto un informe de exención. Dicho informe de exención, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, mostrará cuánto del valor total tasado en la lista de tasación final utilizada en el proceso presupuestario está exento de impuestos, enumerará cada tipo de exención otorgada, identificada por autoridad estatutaria, y mostrará: (a) el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención expresado como un monto en dólares del valor tasado o como un porcentaje del valor total tasado en la lista;

(b) el monto acumulativo que se espera recibir de los destinatarios de cada tipo de exención como pagos en lugar de impuestos u otros pagos por servicios municipales; y (c) el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones otorgadas. El informe de exención se publicará en cualquier tablero de anuncios mantenido por el Distrito para avisos públicos y en cualquier sitio web mantenido por el Distrito. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que las solicitudes para votar en ausencia y por correo anticipado se podrán obtener durante el horario de atención escolar en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito a partir del 20 de abril de 2026. De conformidad con los artículos 2018-a y 2018-e de la Ley de Educación, las solicitudes de voto en ausencia y por correo anticipado completas no podrán ser recibidas por el Secretario de Distrito antes de treinta (30) días antes de las elecciones, y deberán ser recibidas por el Secretario de Distrito al menos siete (7) días antes de las elecciones si la papeleta se enviará por correo al votante, o el día anterior a las elecciones si se entregará personalmente al votante o al agente designado en la solicitud. Las papeletas de voto en ausencia y por correo anticipado deberán ser recibidas por el Secretario de Distrito a más tardar a las 17:00 h, hora vigente, del martes 19 de mayo de 2026.

Una lista de personas a quienes se les deben haber emitido papeletas de voto en ausencia, y una lista de todas las personas a quienes se les deben haber emitido papeletas de votante por correo anticipado, estará disponible para inspección pública para los votantes calificados del Distrito en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a partir del 14 de mayo de 2026, entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m. de cada día laborable hasta el 19 de mayo de 2026, el día establecido para la elección anual, y el 16 de mayo de 2026, mediante cita previa comunicándose con el Secretario del Distrito al (631) 730-1542. Cualquier votante calificado puede, al examinar dichas listas, presentar una impugnación por escrito de las calificaciones como votante de cualquier persona cuyo nombre aparezca en dichas listas, indicando las razones de dicha impugnación. Dicha impugnación por escrito será transmitida por el Secretario del Distrito o una persona designada por la Junta de Educación a los inspectores de elecciones el día de la elección.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que los votantes militares que no estén registrados actualmente pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country solicitando y

devolviendo una solicitud de registro al Secretario del Distrito en persona o por correo electrónico acflynn@southcountry.orgo enviar por fax al (631) 2862457. La solicitud de registro puede indicar la preferencia del votante militar de recibirla por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico. Los formularios de solicitud de registro de votantes militares deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito a más tardar a las 17:00 h del 23 de abril de 2026.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que los votantes militares que son votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de South Country pueden solicitar una solicitud de boleta militar del Secretario de Distrito y devolver dicha solicitud de boleta militar al Secretario de Distrito en persona o por correo electrónico acflynn@southcountry.orgo enviar por fax al (631) 2862457. Para que un votante militar reciba una boleta electoral militar, debe recibir una solicitud válida de boleta electoral militar en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del 23 de abril de 2026. Las solicitudes de boleta electoral militar recibidas de acuerdo con lo anterior se procesarán de la misma manera que una solicitud de boleta electoral no militar según la Sección 2018-a de la Ley de Educación. La solicitud de boleta electoral militar puede indicar la preferencia del votante por recibir la boleta por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico. La solicitud original de boleta electoral militar y la boleta electoral militar deben devolverse por correo postal o en persona a la oficina del Secretario de Distrito en 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York 11772, junto con la declaración jurada firmada por el votante.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que las papeletas militares se escrutarán si son recibidas por el Secretario de Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el 19 de mayo de 2026, que muestre una marca de cancelación del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o que muestre un endoso fechado de recibo de otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o recibido a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del 19 de mayo de 2026, y firmado y fechado por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha que se determine que no es posterior al día anterior a la elección.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que de conformidad con una regla adoptada por la Junta de Educación de acuerdo con la Ley de Educación de Nueva York §2035, cualquier referéndum o proposición para cambiar el número de miembros

de la Junta de Educación, o una emisión de bonos para mejoras de capital, o cualquier otra petición, incluyendo pero no limitado a cualquier petición requerida por ley para ser indicada en el Aviso de Reunión Anual y Elección debe presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito en 189 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, Nueva York 11772, a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, el 20 de marzo de 2026. Todas estas peticiones deben estar escritas a máquina o impresas en idioma inglés; deben dirigirse al Secretario del Distrito Escolar; deben estar firmadas por al menos 88 votantes calificados del Distrito (que representen el mayor de 25 o el 5% del número de votantes que votaron en la elección anual anterior); y debe indicar legiblemente el nombre de cada firmante. Sin embargo, la Junta de Educación no aceptará ninguna petición para presentar ante los votantes ninguna proposición cuyo propósito no esté dentro de los poderes de los votantes para determinar, ni ninguna proposición o enmienda que sea contraria a la ley. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que aquellos votantes que buscan información sobre esta votación y elección de presupuesto en español deben comunicarse con la Oficina del Secretario de Distrito al (631) 730-1542. Christine Flynn Secretario de Distrito de la Junta de Educación Distrito Escolar Central del Sur del País Avenida Dunton 189 East Patchogue, Nueva York 11772

L16484- 4/01/2026, 4/15/2026, 4/29/2026, & 5/13/2026

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THE FANTASY BASEBALL EXPERIENCE

The start of baseball season is one of the most exciting times of the year for fantasy owners. Drafts are complete, lineups are set and optimism is everywhere. But that excitement can quickly turn into frustration when a key piece of your roster goes down before things even get going.

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The Loss of a Superstar

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One name to keep an eye on is Austin Hays. Likely available

BETTING WITH BARTON

BY TOM BARTON

The Final Four is officially set, and while the matchups are drawing plenty of excitement, one storyline continues to stand out—oddsmakers still don’t seem fully convinced by the remarkable run of Danny Hurley and the UConn Huskies.

On one side of the bracket, a true heavyweight battle awaits as the Arizona Wildcats and Michigan Wolverines square off in a No. 1 vs. No. 1 matchup. Arizona enters as a slight 1.5-point favorite, with the total set at 157.5. That line reflects what most analysts believe—this game is essentially a toss-up. Michigan has been on a scoring tear, putting up 90 or more points in every tournament game so far, while Arizona’s defense has been just as impressive, holding three of its four opponents to 66 points or fewer.

But it’s the other semifinal that has bettors talking.

Despite their recent dominance, UConn enters as a 2.5-point underdog against the Illinois Fighting Illini. That brings the spotlight right back to Hurley, who has built a reputation as one of the most reliable coaches in March—not just for winning games, but for covering the spread.

Hurley’s recent tournament record is nothing short of incredible. Over his last 18 NCAA Tournament games, he is 17-1 straight up—and remarkably, 17-1 against the spread.

The Huskies captured national championships in 2023 and 2024, narrowly missed another run in 2025 with a two-point loss to the eventual champion, and now find themselves back in the Final Four after knocking off the tournament’s top overall seed in a thrilling comeback as a 6.5-point underdog.

It’s the kind of sustained success that places Hurley among the elite coaching runs in college basketball history. Yet, the betting markets remain cautious.

Early action shows Illinois drawing nearly 60 percent of the bets, signaling that the public still sees this matchup as a tight contest.

And that may be fair. On paper, this looks like a physical, hard-fought game that could go either way. But history suggests one thing: betting against Hurley this time of year has been a risky proposition.

As the Final Four tips off, all eyes will be on whether UConn can keep its run alive—and whether the “Hurley magic” continues to defy expectations.

on many waiver wires, Hays has a starting role in the outfield and brings a solid track record. He hit 15 home runs in just

103 games last season and has recorded four separate seasons with 15 or more homers. With a career batting average of .262,

he offers steady production and is a reliable short-term option.

Another intriguing pickup is Matt Wallner. Known for his power, Wallner has the potential to hit 30 home runs and drive in close to 90 RBIs if he can stay healthy. While durability has been a concern, his upside makes him an appealing replacement for managers looking to make up lost power.

For those willing to take a chance, Jordan Lawlar could be a high-upside option. A highly regarded prospect, Lawlar may be in line for increased playing time and offers a combination of power and speed that could pay off down the stretch.

Injuries are an unfortunate part of the fantasy game, especially early in the season. The timing may sting, but how you respond can define your year. Staying active on the waiver wire and making smart adjustments now can help keep your team competitive moving forward.

The Golden Goose is Back

SPORTS

By Tom Barton

The commissioner of baseball keeps telling everyone he wants to grow the game and get more eyes on the national pastime, but his actions say otherwise. Rob Manfred can talk all he wants about expanding the sport, but what fans are seeing on the field—and more importantly, off it—tells a very different story.

Take Opening Day, or what used to be Opening Day. It once felt like a holiday, a day when baseball returned in full force, with games all afternoon and into the night. This year, that tradition took another hit. The New York Yankees opened the season in a standalone game against the San Francisco Giants, which is fine on the surface, but the next day didn’t even feature a full slate of

Manfred Ruins Baseball ... Again

games. That’s not a celebration of baseball—it’s a disjointed, watered-down version of what used to be special.

And then came the latest twist. In his all-powerful wisdom, Manfred decided that Opening Day should now feel more like Opening Night, with first pitch at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. To make matters worse, the game was placed on Netflix. So now, not only are younger fans shut out because the game runs too late on a school night, but many families can’t even watch without another subscription. Sorry guys I don’t need to hear the Uso’s take on a double play ball.

Think about that for a second. Kids who look up to stars like Aaron Judge might not even get to see him play on Opening Day. East Coast fans are left checking the score the

next morning instead of watching the final outs. The days of talking about the game at school the next day are slipping away, replaced by highlights and notifications.

For Yankees fans, it gets even worse. If you want to watch every game this season from your couch, be ready to pay up—potentially close to $200 in streaming services. Between Netflix, Apple TV, Prime Video, Peacock, and access to ESPN, FOX and YES Network broadcasts, it’s become a fulltime job just figuring out where the game is.

If the goal is truly to grow the game, it shouldn’t be this complicated. Forget the gimmicks.

Let kids watch their teams. Let fans turn on the TV without jumping through hoops. Baseball doesn’t need reinvention— it needs accessibility.

Ducks Add More to the Roster

By Tom Barton

The Long Island Ducks continue to shape their roster ahead of the upcoming season, announcing the return of right-handed pitcher Ryan Langford and the addition of outfielder Aaron Takacs.

Langford enters his second season with the Ducks and fourth in professional baseball after serving as a versatile arm in 2025. The 26-year-old appeared in 23 games, including one start, posting a 4.97 ERA with 35 strikeouts across 38 innings. He proved especially effective at home, recording a 2.65 ERA in nine outings at

Fairfield Properties Ballpark. Langford also finished five games and frequently delivered in extended outings, including three scoreless innings on July 11 against Lancaster and September 2 at Gastonia. Prior to his time on Long Island, the Florida native spent two seasons in the Los Angeles Angels organization, reaching Triple-A. Across 59 appearances, he compiled a 3-7 record with a 4.33 ERA, six saves and 100 strikeouts over 106 innings. He began his professional career in 2022 after a stint with the Frederick Keys.

Takacs, meanwhile, brings a strong bat and reliable glove to

the Ducks lineup. The 28-yearold played 100 games in the Atlantic League last season, splitting time between the Staten Island FerryHawks and the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars. He posted an impressive .307 batting average with eight home runs, 59 RBIs and a .400 on-base percentage. Defensively, he recorded a .985 fielding percentage with seven outfield assists. A career .298 hitter, Takacs earned All-Star honors in 2024 with the Lincoln Saltdogs. Both players expressed excitement about contributing to the Ducks’ pursuit of a championship this season.

Trump Ensures Army-Navy Football Has No Conflicts

By Tom Barton

Last week, Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at preserving the tradition of the annual Army–Navy Game by ensuring it remains a standalone event on the college football calendar. The move is intended to highlight one of the sport’s most historic matchups and prevent scheduling conflicts that could divide national attention.

The order calls for an exclusive broadcast window for the game, which is played between the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Traditionally held on the second Saturday in December, the game has occasionally faced competition from College Football Playoff matchups and other postseason contests in recent years.

According to a White House statement titled “Preserving America’s Game,” such scheduling conflicts “weaken the national focus on our Military Service Academies and detract from a morale-building event of vital interest.” The policy directs that no major college football broadcasts, including those tied to the College Football Playoff, should directly compete with the Army–Navy Game.

To support the initiative, the executive order instructs the Federal Communications Commission and the United States Department of Commerce to work alongside the National Collegiate Athletic Association, College Football Playoff officials, and television networks to avoid overlapping game times.

“Nobody’s going to play football for four hours during that very special time of the year,” Trump said prior to signing the

order. “It’s preserved forever for the Army–Navy game.” He acknowledged potential legal challenges, adding, “Of course, we’ll probably get sued at some point.” The president was joined by midshipmen from the Naval Academy during the signing ceremony.

Coaches and athletic leaders from both academies welcomed the decision. Navy head coach Brian Newberry praised the effort, calling the game “a game with a soul.” Meanwhile, Army Athletic Director Tom Theodorakis expressed appreciation for the focus on preserving the event’s legacy.

First played in 1930, the Army–Navy Game remains one of college football’s most storied traditions. Currently broadcast by CBS Sports through 2038, the game continues to draw national attention as a celebration of service, rivalry, and tradition.

With this new directive, officials hope the game will continue to stand alone, allowing fans across the country to fully embrace one of the most meaningful events in American sports.

You’re Killing Me Smalls

By Tom Barton

As baseball season gets underway this week, a wave of nostalgia naturally follows, and few films capture that feeling quite like The Sandlot. From the unforgettable “Great Hambino” to the legendary dog chase and backyard fireworks, the movie remains a timeless favorite for fans of all ages. Still, it’s the iconic characters of Wendy Peffercorn and Squints that often stand out the most.

Now, Long Island baseball fans will have a chance to hear directly from the actors behind those beloved roles.

Marley Shelton and Chauncey Leopardi are set to host a special Q&A event this summer at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Scheduled for June 26, the event will give fans an inside look at the making of the classic film. Shelton and Leopardi are expected to share behindthe-scenes stories, reflect on memorable moments and revisit what made the 1993 movie such a lasting part of baseball culture. For many, it’s a rare opportunity to connect with the stars who helped bring those unforgettable characters to life.

The event is already gen -

erating buzz across the local community, especially among those who grew up quoting lines from the film and recreating its sandlot magic in their own neighborhoods. Whether it’s your first time revisiting the movie or you’ve seen it countless times, the evening promises to be a celebration of baseball, childhood and storytelling. Tickets for the event go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, and a strong turnout is expected. Fans are encouraged to act quickly to secure their seats for what should be a fun and nostalgic night on Long Island.

Floyd’s Offense Starts the Season Fast

By Tom Barton

The William Floyd Colonials Boys Lacrosse are off to a strong start this season, opening with two straight wins while showcasing an explosive offense and solid defensive play.

William Floyd began the year with a convincing 10-3 victory over Eastport-South Manor Sharks, setting the tone for what has quickly become an exciting start. Leading the way in the opener was Marc Pluchino, who delivered a standout performance with five goals and two assists for a seven-point effort. PJ Gilhauley followed with three

goals and one assist, while Matt Filosa contributed three assists to help pace the offense. Additional scoring came from Brett Pitkanen, who found the back of the net twice, and Ryan Murtha, who added two assists. Matt Taiani chipped in with an assist, while Matt Shaw anchored the defense with seven saves in net.

Just three days later, the Colonials hit the road and earned a 7-3 win over Rocky Point Eagles. Once again, strong goaltending and balanced scoring led the way. Shaw was outstanding between the pipes, recording 14 saves to keep Rocky Point at bay. Offensively, Pluchino con -

tinued his hot start with three goals and one assist. Filosa, Murtha and Taiani each

recorded identical stat lines with one goal and two assists apiece, highlighting the team’s

unselfish play and depth. Gilhauley also contributed with a goal, rounding out another well-balanced effort.

Through two games, William Floyd has scored 17 goals, a clear sign that this offense has the potential to be one of the most dangerous in the league. More importantly, contributions have come from across the roster, making the Colonials a difficult team to defend.

With momentum on their side, William Floyd will look to build on this early success as the season continues. If the first two games are any indication, the Colonials are poised to make plenty of noise this spring.

Sachem Graduate Heads to Overseas Championship

By Tom Barton

Former Sachem North High School standout Cam Lee continues to make an impact on the football field, helping lead the Durham Saints to a berth in the British National College American Football Championship. The title game is set for March 24, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time and streaming live on the YouTube channel for British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS).

Lee, a 2021 graduate, has been a driving force behind Durham’s success this season, delivering one standout performance after another. His efforts have earned him a place in the program’s record books, as he set a new single-season mark with 18 total

touchdowns, including 15 receiving scores. His ability to stretch the field and consistently produce has made him one of the team’s top offensive weapons.

Founded in 2006, the Durham Saints have grown into one of the premier programs in the BUCS league, and this year’s championship appearance marks another major milestone for the program. With Lee playing a key role, the team has continued its steady rise on the national stage.

After graduating from Sachem North, Lee went on to continue his academic and athletic career at Williams College, where he totaled nearly 1,000 receiving yards over four seasons. His devel -

opment at the collegiate level helped prepare him for his current success overseas.

Lee’s football journey began with a historic high school career at Sachem North, where he became the only player in program history to surpass both 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards. His versatility and playmaking ability set him apart and laid the foundation for his continued success.

Now, with a record-breaking season already behind him, Lee will look to add one more accomplishment — a national championship. As the Durham Saints take the field, the Sachem community will be watching with pride, cheering on one of its own on an international stage.

SPORTS

By Tom Barton

Opening Day is always a special moment in baseball, and this week, everything clicked for the William Floyd Colonials as they kicked off the 2026 season in dominant fashion.

The Colonials rolled to a convincing 10-0 victory over Walt Whitman Wildcats, showcasing a complete team effort on both sides of the ball. From the first pitch to the final out, William Floyd controlled the game and set the tone for what they hope will be a strong season ahead.

Leading the way was ace

Everything Goes Right on Opening Day for WF

pitcher Jacob Cooke, who delivered an outstanding performance on the mound. Cooke allowed just two hits over five shutout innings, keeping Whitman’s hitters off balance all game long. He was nearly untouchable, striking out 11 of the 15 outs he recorded in a dominant display of pitching. Offensively, the Colonials brought plenty of firepower. Kiernyn Mehmel, Gabe Beta, Andrew Marino and Spencer Link each turned in multi-hit performances, helping fuel the 10-run outburst. Contributions came from throughout the lineup, highlighting the team’s depth and ability to produce in key moments.

The Colonials were just as sharp defensively, making the routine plays and backing up their pitcher with solid glove work across the field. It all added up to a near-flawless opener and an ideal start to the season.

William Floyd will look to keep the momentum going as they continue their threegame series against Whitman. The Colonials will then face Patchogue-Medford Raiders and Longwood Lions in backto-back three-game sets.

If Opening Day was any indication, the Colonials are ready to make some noise this spring.

Fraser Keeps Rewriting the Record Books

By Tom Barton

Evan Fraser of Patchogue-Medford High School turned in an impressive performance on the state stage, capping off a standout indoor track season.

Competing at the New York State Boys Indoor Track and Field Championships last week, Fraser earned a sixthplace finish in the 300-meter dash. The senior crossed the line in 34.44 seconds, a time that not only secured his place among the state’s best but also marked a personal record. In true form, Fraser once again etched his name into the

school record books, continuing a trend that has defined his season.

Fraser’s success didn’t begin at states. Over the past few months, he has consistently delivered top-tier performances in the 300-meter dash. Last month, he captured first place at both the Suffolk County Large School Boys Indoor Track and Field Championships and the Section XI Championships, solidifying his position as one of the top sprinters in the region.

At each of those meets, Fraser not only claimed victories but also broke the school record, previously setting it at 34.49 seconds before lowering

it again at the state championships. His ability to continually improve and perform under pressure has been a key factor in his remarkable season. With a combination of speed, determination and consistency, Fraser has put together one of the most memorable indoor track seasons in recent school history. His accomplishments have brought pride to the Patchogue-Medford community and set a high bar for future athletes.

As his senior year continues, Fraser’s performances serve as a testament to hard work paying off on the biggest stages.

Port Jefferson Track are New York’s Best

By Tom Barton

The Port Jefferson Varsity Boys Track Team has a new title to celebrate, as its 4x800-meter relay squad can now officially call itself state champions.

After a strong and consistent season, the relay team of Lucas Sweeney, Sean Grossman, Christopher Nam and Sviatsoslav Zalizniak delivered when it mattered most, capturing the state title in impressive fashion. The quartet showcased determination, teamwork and endurance, capping off a season that had already hinted at something special.

Guided by coaches Andrew Cosci and Dannie Holland Jr., the team steadily built momentum throughout the year. Their hard work paid off in a big way at the state finals, where they rose to the occasion against top competition from across New York.

The championship performance adds to what has already been a remarkable season for Port Jefferson. Earlier this year, the team made headlines by breaking the school’s 4x800 relay record at the Millrose Trials, posting an impressive time of 8:07.15. That milestone performance served as a preview of what was to come and demonstrat -

ed the group’s potential on a larger stage.

From the early meets to the final race of the season, the Royals showed consistency and resilience, improving with each outing. Their state title not only highlights their talent but also reflects the dedication of the athletes and coaching staff behind the scenes.

With this achievement, the Port Jefferson relay team has etched its name into the program’s history, giving the school community plenty to celebrate and setting a high standard for future teams to follow.

Coach of the Year Goes to Pat-Med

By Tom Barton

A well-deserved honor is heading to Patchogue-Medford High School, as girls varsity basketball head coach Leighann Gallagher has been named Coach of the Year for the 2025–2026 season by the Suffolk County Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.

Gallagher’s recognition comes after another strong season leading the Raiders, where her leadership and commitment helped guide the program to continued success. Known for her dedication both on and off the court, Gallagher has played a key role in developing her student-athletes and building a competitive, team-first culture.

In a statement shared on the

district’s social media page, school officials praised her efforts, saying, “The district congratulates Coach Gallagher on this well-deserved honor and commends her remarkable leadership, dedication, and hard work.” The statement went on to highlight her impact on the program, adding that “Coach Gallagher’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to her student-athletes continue to elevate the Patchogue-Medford girls basketball program and represent Raider pride at the highest level.”

Under Gallagher’s guidance, the Raiders have remained a respected presence in Suffolk County, consistently competing at a high level while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and

sportsmanship. Her ability to connect with players and bring out their best has been a cornerstone of the program’s success. This latest recognition not only reflects the team’s achievements this past season but also the lasting impression Gallagher has made on the Patchogue-Medford community. From developing talent to fostering a positive environment, her influence extends far beyond the scoreboard.

As the program looks ahead to next season, Gallagher’s leadership will once again be a driving force. For now, though, the spotlight is rightfully on a coach who continues to make a difference both on the court and in the lives of her players.

It’s Official - Farrow Wins Best of the Best

By Tom Barton

A standout season for Milania Farrow just got even more memorable.

Last week, we shared that the William Floyd Colonials sophomore was nominated for the prestigious Sports Illustrated National High School Girls Athlete of the Week award. This week, it became official—Farrow has been named the winner for March 9–15, earning national recognition for her outstanding play.

Farrow played a key role in helping William Floyd advance to the Final Four of the New York State Public High

School Athletic Association Tournament. Her nomination came after a dominant performance in the state quarterfinals, where she poured in 30 points to lead the Colonials to a convincing 61-30 victory over Corning-Painted Post.

The community showed up in full support during the voting process. Farrow earned nearly 55,000 votes out of approximately 100,000 cast, a strong showing that reflects both her impact on the court and the pride of the William Floyd community.

For those who have followed her journey, Farrow’s success comes as no surprise. She has been part of the William Floyd school district

since her early years, attending John S. Hobart Elementary School and William Paca Middle School before making her mark at the high school level.

Still just a sophomore, Farrow has already established herself as one of the top players in the area, combining scoring ability with leadership and poise in big moments. Her recognition on the national stage is not only a personal achievement but also a point of pride for the entire William Floyd community.

With more basketball still ahead in her high school career, this latest honor could be just the beginning for one of Long Island’s rising stars.

McCormick Wins the State Championship

By Tom Barton

The Bay Shore Girls Varsity Track Team continues to shine on the big stage, and leading the way is standout distance runner Maggie McCormick. McCormick added another major accomplishment to her already impressive résumé this past week, capturing the state championship in the 1,500-meter run. The victory is the latest in a long line of achievements for the Bay Shore star, who has consistently been one of the top distance runners in the region—and the country.

Earlier this season, McCormick earned national recognition when she was named National Girls Indoor Performer of the Week by MileSplit USA

for the week of December 29, 2025, through January 4, 2026. Her performance during that stretch helped solidify her status as one of the nation’s elite high school runners.

During the winter season, McCormick turned heads at the Hispanic Games, held at The Armory. Competing in the mile championship race, she posted a time of 4:48, setting a new indoor personal best. It marked her second time breaking the 4:50 barrier and was an impressive eight seconds faster than her performance at the same meet the year prior.

She didn’t stop there. Just two days later, McCormick delivered another standout showing at the Section XI Girls Crossover D meet, competing in the 600-meter

championship. She clocked a 1:40.55, nearly five seconds faster than her previous personal best and her first time racing the event since 2024. In addition to her success on the track, McCormick has also been recognized for her achievements in the classroom. She was recently honored as a Scholar Athlete by News 12 Long Island, an award given weekly to one outstanding student-athlete.

A three-time All-State distance runner, McCormick has also earned nine All-County honors and has served as a team captain since ninth grade. With her latest state title, she continues to build a legacy as one of Bay Shore’s all-time greats.

SPORTS

By Tom Barton

The annual battle between New York’s Finest and Bravest returned to the ice this week, as the 52nd Annual Heroes Hockey Game delivered another exciting chapter in one of the city’s most spirited rivalries.

The matchup featured members of the New York City Fire Department taking on the New York City Police Department in a game that has become a beloved tradition. Each year, the contest brings together first responders for a competitive night of hockey while also celebrating the dedication and service they

NYPD Upends the FDNY

provide to the community.

From the opening puck drop, both teams played with intensity, showcasing skill, toughness and pride. The physical nature of the game reflected the longstanding rivalry, with neither side willing to give an inch. Fans in attendance were treated to a fast-paced and hard-fought contest that stayed close from start to finish.

In the end, it was the NYPD who came out on top, edging the FDNY by a narrow 3-2 margin. The game remained tight throughout, with both teams trading scoring chances and big defensive plays. A few key moments ultimately

made the difference, allowing the NYPD to secure bragging rights for another year.

While the final score favored the police department, the true focus of the event goes far beyond the result. The Heroes Hockey Game continues to serve as a reminder of the bond shared between New York’s first responders and the respect they have for one another, even in the heat of competition.

Year after year, the game brings the community together, honoring those who put their lives on the line while also providing an entertaining and meaningful event for all involved.

ESM Honor Society Runs for a Great Cause

By Tom Barton

Dedicated members of Eastport-South Manor National Honor Society and Eastport-South Manor National Junior Honor Society took part in a meaningful community event last week, lacing up their running shoes for the Andrew’s Top Gun Run 5K.

The annual race, which supports local causes, provided students with an opportunity to stay active while giving back to the community. Participation in the event reflects the values of service and leadership that both honor societies emphasize, and students embraced the chance to make a positive impact beyond the classroom.

Several participants turned in strong performances on race day. Kyler Albert, Blake Fiori and Matthew Keller each stood out by placing in their respective age groups, highlighting both their athletic ability and dedication.

The Eastport-South Manor school community praised the students for their efforts and commitment. In a statement shared on the district’s website, officials noted, “The National Honor Society members not only showcased their commitment to community service through their participation but also demonstrated the spirit of teamwork and leadership that the organization fosters. It’s inspiring to see these young leaders

The Final Four are Set

By Tom Barton

Unlike any other sport, simply reaching the Final Four is a major accomplishment for most programs. In college basketball, the Final Four carries a different weight than winning a division or just making the playoffs—it represents surviving the long, grueling road of the NCAA Tournament and earning a spot on the sport’s biggest stage.

This year’s bracket features a compelling mix of powerhouse programs and hungry contenders. On one side, two No. 1 seeds, the Arizona Wildcats and Michigan Wolverines, will square off in a matchup worthy of a championship game. Both teams have looked dominant at different points this season, setting up what many expect to be a tightly

contested battle.

On the other side, the UConn Huskies continue their remarkable run under head coach Dan Hurley. UConn briefly trailed early in their Elite Eight matchup but didn’t take control until Braylon Mullins knocked down a dramatic game-winning three-pointer to send them to the Final Four. Hurley’s squad has been nothing short of dominant in recent years, with their only NCAA Tournament loss since 2022 coming against the eventual champion Florida Gators last season.

Standing in their way are the Illinois Fighting Illini, who are making their first Final Four appearance in more than two decades. While not a traditional Cinderella, Illinois brings a unique roster built with a strong international

presence, making them both intriguing and easy to root for. Meanwhile, Michigan is chasing history of its own, looking to end a more than 25-year championship drought for the Big Ten. Despite dealing with injuries, the Wolverines have not missed a beat, showcasing one of the most explosive offenses in the tournament.

Arizona, on the other hand, is aiming to shake off years of near-misses. The Wildcats have often come close but fallen short, and this year presents another opportunity to break through and capture a long-awaited title.

With storylines across the board, this year’s Final Four promises to deliver drama, intensity and unforgettable moments.

making an impact both in and outside the classroom.”

Events like the Top Gun Run continue to bring together students, families and community members for a shared cause, reinforcing the importance of service and connection. For the Eastport-South Manor students involved, the experience served as both a rewarding day of competition and an opportunity to support something larger than themselves.

With strong participation and positive results, the honor society members once again demonstrated what it means to lead by example—both on the course and in the community.