As America gears up for its 250th birthday, you’d think this country was some dystopian nightmare judging by the professional victims clogging social media 24/7.
News flash: this is still and always will be the greatest country on Earth.
Only in America can somebody grow up with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, Uber Eats, Amazon Prime, unlimited entertainment, instant healthcare access, and a supercomputer in their pocket, all the while living in their parents’ basement, and still somehow claim they’re “oppressed.”
Please.
We are living through one of the greatest economic revolutions in history. Artificial intelligence is creating fortunes overnight. Anybody with talent, hustle and a laptop can build a
business, create content, trade stocks or learn skills for free online.
But instead of seizing opportunity, too many people would rather major in Sanskrit or gender studies, rack up $300,000 in student debt, then blame America because their “career journey” ended behind a Starbucks espresso machine.
Let this sink in: YOUR failed life choices are not the fault of the Founding Fathers.
The Constitution gave you freedom. God gave you free will. What you do with both is on you.
Meanwhile, the loudest anti-America crowd is posting angry TikToks from $1,200 iPhones while sitting in climate-controlled apartments waiting for DoorDash to deliver lunch because apparently walking to the kitchen and preparing
America at 250: Love It or Leave It
your own food is now considered oppression.
And here’s the insane part: the people screaming that America is awful never seem eager to move anywhere else.
Try spending two weeks in Iran. Or Cuba. Or Venezuela. Go criticize the government there and see how long that works out for you. You’ll be kissing the ground at JFK begging to come home before your passport stamp dries.
No nation in human history has delivered more freedom, opportunity and prosperity to more people than the United States of America.
So as we hit 250 years, maybe it’s time to stop whining, stop apologizing and start appreciating the greatest country the world has ever seen.
Love it or leave it. I’m happy and staying right where I am.
America 250: Patriot Pride Comes to Brookhaven
By Stefan Mychajliw
As communities across Long Island prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, two patriotic events in Brookhaven are set to honor the nation’s history while bringing residents together for education, entertainment and community pride.
Leading the celebration is AMAC’s “Bootcamp for Patriots,” scheduled for Saturday, June 20, from noon to 5 p.m. at the America First Warehouse, located at 90 13th Avenue in Ronkonkoma.
Organizers describe the event as an inspiring afternoon focused on patriotism and America’s upcoming semiquincentennial celebration.
The program will feature speakers including Rebecca Weber and John Solomon, patriotic presentations and appearances by the Freedom Truck mobile museum, an immersive traveling exhibit highlighting key moments in
American history.
The event will also include an America 250 vendor village, commemorative swag bags for the first 250 attendees and family-friendly activities. Tickets
are $20 and can be purchased online at amac.us/bootcamp. Organizers noted that seating is limited, though all ages are welcome to attend.
A week earlier, on Saturday, June
13, Veterans Park in Selden will host “America 250 Across the 4th LD” from 1 to 5:30 p.m.
The free community celebration is presented by the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Brookhaven Town Parks.
Residents can attend at no cost and enjoy historical reenactments, colonial-era exhibits, food trucks, vendors, a touch-a-truck display, student art showcases and live music by Southbound beginning at 7 p.m.
A centerpiece of the event will be the unveiling of the Hometown Heroes Veterans Wall, an Eagle Scout project created by Matthew Keraga in collaboration with Boy Scouts Troop 229.
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico said the event reflects the pride and patriotism of the local community.
“It’s going to be one of the biggest patriotic events of the summer,” Panico said.
Stefan Mychajliw
File Photo
Bootcamp for Patriots
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Suspending New York’s gas tax should not be viewed as some courageous act of generosity from Albany Democrats. It should be viewed as the absolute bare minimum, the political equivalent of finally returning someone’s wallet after you already emptied half the cash out of it.
Families are getting hammered every time they pull up to the pump. Commuters, contractors, landscapers, delivery drivers, and small business owners are watching their paychecks evaporate before they even buy groceries. It’s a no brainer for Governor Hochul to heed the call of the NYS Senate GOP and suspend the gas tax immediately.
For the sake of suffering taxpayers, do it, and do it quickly.
Senate Republicans are right to demand it. It’s the first item on a long overdue taxpayer rescue mission.
Here’s a “Christmas in May” wish list for Albany:
Scrap congestion pricing.
Nothing says “Merry Christmas” quite like charging working people extra money just to drive into Manhattan and earn a paycheck.
SSP Op Ed: Albany’s War on Your Wallet Continues
Albany elites call it environmental policy. Everyone else calls it another cash grab.
Then kill the all-electric home mandate. Builders and industry groups have warned these mandates could add thousands, in some estimates up to $25,000, to the cost of a new home. At a time when young families already can’t afford to buy a house in Suffolk County and across New York, Albany’s solution is apparently to make homes even more expensive.
And don’t forget the electric school bus mandate. Even with delays, school districts are still staring at massive infrastructure costs, charging stations, fleet conversions, and pressure on an already strained electric grid. Taxpayers will pick up the tab. We always do.
Meanwhile, New Yorkers already pay some of the highest utility costs in America. Recent energy data showed New York residential electricity prices were nearly 50% above the national average, ranking among the highest in the nation.
And yet Albany keeps shrinking energy options.
Take fracking. While neighboring Pennsylvania tapped into the Marcellus Shale and generated jobs, royalties, and billions in economic activity, New York slammed the door shut. Multiple reports comparing New York and Pennsylvania counties found New York lost enormous economic opportunity because of the ban, including estimates of roughly $11,000 per resident and $27,000 per household in lost economic output.
You don’t have to love fracking to recognize reality: expanding domestic energy options lowers costs. More supply means cheaper energy. Cheaper energy means lower utility bills. Instead, Albany chose ideology over affordability, and taxpayers are paying for it every single month.
Then there’s the proposed pied-à-terre tax, because apparently the state hasn’t driven away enough taxpayers already. Albany politicians seem convinced wealthy residents and job creators are just endlessly refillable ATMs. But when those people finally pack up for Florida, Tennessee, or the Carolinas, guess who gets stuck paying the difference?
The middle class.
The people who can’t afford to leave.
The same people already drowning under property taxes, utility bills, insurance costs, and inflation.
And while taxpayers are told there’s never enough money for relief, New York has spent billions on illegal immigrants, lavishing them with stays in hotels most folks can’t afford, food, shelter, healthcare, and other services. Fed up and frustrated taxpayers see that spending and wonder why there’s always money available for everyone except
New York State Senate Republicans are calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to suspend the state gas tax as drivers continue facing rising fuel prices across the state.
In a letter sent to the Governor, Senate GOP members urged Hochul to temporarily suspend state taxes on motor fuel and diesel fuel, arguing New Yorkers are struggling under the weight of soaring transportation costs.
According to the correspondence, drivers are currently paying an average of more than $4.60 per gallon for gasoline and nearly $6 per gallon for diesel.
“Families are feeling pain at the pump. It’s time to provide real relief,” Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt said.
The lawmakers pointed to a similar fuel tax suspension enacted in 2022 when gas prices climbed above $5 per gallon during the Biden administration.
At the time, Hochul supported a temporary fuel tax holiday that state officials estimated reduced prices by at least 16 cents per gallon statewide.
State Senator Alexis Weik said New Yorkers are once again waiting for action from Albany.
“New Yorkers are paying on average $4.60+ a gallon for gas and nearly $6 for diesel, and Governor Hochul has yet to lift a finger to help,” Weik said.
“This is exactly why we are calling for a suspension of the state gas tax once again.”
State Senator Dean Murray said families and small businesses need im-
the struggling families footing the bill.
So yes, scrap the gas tax immediately.
Then keep going. Put the petal to the metal. Don’t stop. Hit the gas hard.
Scrap congestion pricing. Repeal the electric mandates. Expand energy production. Stop punishing homeowners and businesses. Rein in the spending addiction that has made New York one of the most unaffordable states in America.
Because New Yorkers don’t need symbolic gestures anymore. They need Albany to finally stop making life impossible.
GOP to Hochul: Cut the Gas Tax Now!
mediate relief as inflation continues to impact household budgets.
“Households are struggling with the price at the pump and we should do what we can to help families and small businesses at this time,” Murray said.
Senator Peter Oberacker added that rising fuel costs are affecting commuters, farmers, and businesses statewide.
“New York temporarily suspended parts of the gas tax in 2022,” Oberacker said. “It’s time for Governor Hochul to do it again.”
NYS Republican Conference Correspondence to Governor
Robert Chartuk
File Photo
SOUTH SHORE PRESS EDITORIAL
LOCAL Drunk Drivers Warned: Get Caught, Car Gets Crushed
By Stefan Mychajliw
Suffolk County officials announced an aggressive summer crackdown on drunken and drug-impaired driving, warning motorists that under certain circumstances the county can confiscate and even crush vehicles seized in DWI-related cases.
Standing beside a confiscated BMW that was later crushed by Gershow Recycling during a live demonstration, County Executive Ed Romaine, Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina and Chief Assistant District Attorney Allen Bode outlined expanded patrols, new drug-detection technology and stepped-up prosecutions aimed at removing impaired drivers from Suffolk roads and waterways during what prosecutors call the “100 deadliest days of summer” between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
“We’re all here to emphasize a message that we talk about time and time again — do not drink and drive. Do not take drugs and drive,” Romaine said. “If you get behind the wheel and we catch you … we’re going to take your car.”
Pointing to the BMW parked behind the podium, Romaine added: “You’re going to watch your car get crushed.”
Catalina said the Suffolk County Police Department is increasing enforcement across the county during the busy summer season. The department recently added nine Marine Bureau officers and plans to add nine more to patrol Long Island waterways. Police are also expanding the North Shore Delta patrol unit to
24-hour operations for the summer and assigning five additional officers to highway patrol teams focused on impaired and aggressive drivers.
“This is a zero-tolerance approach,” Catalina said. “If you’re driving impaired, whether you’re impaired by alcohol or by drugs, plan on heading off in the back of one of our police cars.”
Catalina also announced the deployment of new Sotoxa saliva-testing devices that can detect the presence of drugs, including cannabis, in drivers suspected
EMS Heroes
By Stefan Mychajliw
Suffolk County legislators honored 18 emergency medical service professionals during a ceremony marking EMS Appreciation Week at the William H. Rogers Legislative Building in Hauppauge.
Hosted by Legislator Dominick Thorne, chairman of the Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness Committee, the event recognized first responders from every legislative district for lifesaving work performed daily across Suffolk County.
“It’s a privilege to celebrate the incredible life-saving efforts of these highly trained and dedicated emergency services workers,” Thorne said. “EMS personnel are ever ready, ever responding, always with professionalism, empathy and care.”
Thorne noted his honoree, John Skippon, participated in 26 cardiac resuscitations, a choking rescue and assisted in two births during his career in emergency services
Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo praised his honoree, Ryan Stahl of the Holbrook Fire Department, calling him “a dedicated and highly experienced Emergency Medical Technician” with numerous lifesaving awards earned during emergency responses.
Honorees included Gavin McQuade of the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance
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of impairment.
Bode warned drivers that even a first arrest can bring steep financial penalties.
“Even if you are lucky enough just to get caught before you hurt yourself, you’re looking to spend $15,000,” Bode said. “It’s not worth the risk.”
Founded in 1964, Gershow Recycling is a metal recycling company that operates nine facilities across Long Island and Brooklyn, employing more than 750 workers.
Honored For Courage Under Pressure
Corps; Taylor K. Vecsey of the Bridgehampton Fire Department; Steven Januszkiewicz of the Mastic Fire Department; Nicholas Mangogna of the Selden Fire Department; Diane Gardiner of the Setauket Fire Department; Alyssa Corona of the Middle Island Fire Department; John Skippon of Patchogue Ambulance Company; Ryan Stahl of the Holbrook Fire Department; Matthew Pasieka and Emily Cassar of the Central Islip-Hauppauge
Volunteer Ambulance Corps; Jon Michel of Bay Shore-Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance Corps; Tricia Higgins of the Smithtown Fire Department; Jennifer Carney of the St. James Fire Department; Lucas Ramalho of the Babylon Fire Department; Carlos Saravia of the North Amityville Fire Company; Esteban Lopez and Mark Brenner of Huntington Community First Aid Squad; and Roger Ketchum Jr. of the Halesite Fire Department.
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Gershow Recycling File Photo
Suffolk County Legislature
EMS Appreciation Week
Senior Reporter Robert Chartuk
LOCAL
By F.C. McKinley
A horrifying child abuse case tied to a Bayport family has stunned Suffolk County after prosecutors accused three generations of women of allegedly torturing and imprisoning a 7-year-old girl before she died from a massive untreated infection.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney announced that Emily Kelly, 50, of Bayport, was indicted on murder charges in connection with the death of Jor’Dynn Duncan, a child placed in Kelly’s care by Child Protective Services.
Kelly’s mother, Barbara Renner, 75, and Kelly’s daughter, Elyssa Seymore, 24, were also indicted on related charges stemming from what prose-
Bayport Trio Accused in Torture Death of 7-Year-Old Girl
cutors described as months of systematic abuse.
“My office is announcing the indictment against three co-defendants after a lengthy grand jury investigation into the alleged prolonged torture, abuse, and the brutal murder of a defenseless, innocent child,” Tierney said. “This was not an alleged single act of violence. It was months of alleged systematic cruelty and sadistic abuse.”
Authorities said paramedics responded to the Bayport home a few days after Christmas, on Dec. 29th, 2025, after Kelly called 911 claiming the child was suffering cardiac arrest.
Jor’Dynn was rushed to NYU Langone Hospital-Suffolk in East Patchogue, where she was pronounced dead.
Investigators later discovered
roughly 90 injuries across the child’s body, according to the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Prosecutors allege cellphone videos and photographs recovered from Kelly’s devices documented prolonged restraint, untreated wounds and repeated abuse dating back nearly a year.
Officials also alleged Jor’Dynn missed about 40 days of school while Kelly allegedly fabricated excuses involving illnesses, family deaths and even a Disney World trip to conceal the abuse.
Kelly is being held on $5 million cash bail and faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted. Renner and Seymore were also ordered held on bail pending the case.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Geek Squad Peep? Best Buy Worker Busted
By F.C. McKinley
A Best Buy employee is accused of secretly sending a customer’s intimate photos to his own phone after she handed over her device for technical help, Suffolk County police said.
The allegations have sparked concern over privacy and data security when customers hand over personal devices for repairs or technical support, and whether or not there are more victims out there.
Kaelem Von Camper, 31, of Greenlawn, was arrested following an investigation into the April incident at the Best Buy store on Walt Whitman Road in Huntington Station.
According to police, a 36-year-old woman visited the electronics retailer on April 17th around 10 a.m. seeking assistance with her cellphone.
Investigators said Von Camper, an employee at the store, handled the woman’s phone while helping resolve the issue.
But shortly after leaving the store, the victim allegedly received an AirDrop notification indicating intimate images from her phone had been sent to an unknown number without her knowledge or permission.
Detectives from the Second Precinct Crime Unit launched an investigation and determined the images were allegedly transferred to Von Camper’s
cellphone, authorities said. Von Camper was arrested at the Second Precinct and charged with Unlawful Dissemination or Publication of an Intimate Image, a misdemeanor. Police later announced he was additionally charged with Unauthorized Use of a Computer, also a misdemeanor.
He was issued a Desk Appearance Ticket and is expected to be arraigned at First District Court at a later date.
Police are now urging anyone who believes they may have had a similar experience involving Von Camper to contact the Second Precinct Crime Unit at 631-854-8275.
Commack Sex Den Busted in Trafficking Probe
By F.C. McKinley
A suspected brothel masquerading as a quiet Long Island business was busted when Suffolk County cops swooped in and arrested two women in a human trafficking probe tied to a Commack Road property, authorities said.
Detectives with the Suffolk County Police Human Trafficking Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at 1005 Commack Road around 12:55 p.m. after neighbors complained about suspicious activity at the location for weeks, police said.
Inside, investigators allegedly uncovered an illicit sex operation advertised online, along with cash and electronic devices now being combed for evidence of a
larger trafficking network. Maria Marin-Barco, 31, of Flushing, and Andreina Campos-Herrera, 33, of Dix Hills, were both charged with prostitution after detectives said the pair used internet sites to solicit customers.
The women were issued Desk Appearance Tickets and will be arraigned at a later date.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that additional victims or suspects could be connected to the operation as detectives continue digging through seized phones and electronics.
The raid also exposed a bizarre twist: online business listings reportedly identified the address as “Hope Enrichment,” an unclaimed preschool listing on Yelp. It remains unclear whether any
legitimate school ever operated there.
Town of Huntington Code Enforcement officials and the Fire Marshal also descended on the property, slapping the homeowner with multiple summonses tied to alleged violations discovered during the raid.
Human trafficking investigators say suburban brothels often hide in plain sight, tucked inside residential neighborhoods and commercial storefronts while operating through online ads and encrypted messaging apps.
Police are urging anyone with information about activity at the Commack Road location to contact the Human Trafficking Investigations Unit at 631-8547512 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800220-TIPS.
Suffolk County DA
Jor’Dynn Duncan
SCPD
Kaelem Von Camper, Mugshot
SANTOS UNCENSORED BY GEORGE SANTOS
The Republican Party is not having a civil war. It’s having a facelift, and President Donald Trump is holding the scalpel.
For decades, Republican voters were told to sit down, shut up, clap politely, and accept the same tired cast of “electable” senators who perfected the art of losing gracefully while cashing donor checks behind the scenes. The consultant class loved it. K Street loved it. The cocktail circuit in Washington practically built shrines to mediocrity. But then came Trump, and suddenly Republican voters remembered something very inconvenient for the establishment: primaries are for the people, not for the Senate cloakroom.
Today’s runoff battle in Texas between Ken Paxton and John Cornyn is bigger than one Senate seat. It’s a referendum on whether the GOP wants to keep embalming itself in stale “politics as usual” or finally embrace the unapologetic, combative movement voters have been screaming for since 2016.
And let’s be honest here.
The old Senate GOP model has been exhausted. Republican voters are tired of politicians who campaign like conservatives back home and govern like timid interns once they hit Washington. They’re over the carefully scripted outrage, the performative hearings, and the endless promises to “fight” right before another compromise that somehow leaves conservatives holding the bag.
Trump understands something the establishment still refuses
Trump Using a Scalpel, Not Chainsaw, for GOP ‘Facelift’
to grasp: Republican voters no longer want managers. They want warriors
That’s why his endorsements have become political earthquakes. He’s not just backing candidates. He’s reshaping the ideological DNA of the Senate GOP. He’s elevating figures willing to challenge the bureaucratic rot, confront the media-industrial complex, and actually govern with the backbone voters thought they elected years ago.
The panic inside Washington is almost theatrical. Senate insiders clutch pearls every time Trump targets an incumbent as if voters owe these people life-
time employment. Newsflash: a Senate seat is not a country club membership. If voters believe someone has gone stale, complacent, or disconnected, they have every right to replace them with leadership that reflects the moment.
And the moment right now is crystal clear. Americans are furious with managed decline masquerading as governance. They are tired of Republicans who speak in focus-group-tested riddles while the country faces border chaos, economic anxiety, and institutional distrust. Trump’s movement is disruptive because the country itself has
been disrupted.
What’s happening in Texas today is the continuation of a political realignment that began the second Trump rode down that escalator and shattered the illusion that Republican voters were still obedient little patrons of the consultant aristocracy.
The establishment calls it dangerous. The voters call it accountability.
Frankly, the Senate GOP could use a little disruption. A chamber once filled with cautious caretakers is now being forced to evolve into something sharper, louder, and far more responsive to the Republican base. Good.
Politics was never supposed to be a retirement village for professional insiders.
The future of the GOP belongs to candidates who can actually connect with voters outside the donor wine cave circuit. Trump saw that years ago while the old guard was still hosting luncheons to workshop losing strategies with pollsters who haven’t predicted anything correctly since the invention of the Blackberry.
The Republican Party is changing because the country demanded it. And whether the establishment likes it or not, Trump is still the architect holding the blueprint.
Communities Unite In Patriotism On Memorial Day
By Robert Chartuk
Pouring rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of the residents who turned out for Memorial Day ceremonies across Long Island as annual parades and services went on as usual.
In Center Moriches, a procession went down Main Street led by members of VFW Victory Post 414, which organizes the event every year. Culminating at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery where a memorial service takes place, the event drew a solemn crowd despite the weather.
“We have a tremendous amount of veterans buried here who served in the World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond,” said Post Commander Robert Galbraith, who officiated the ceremony. Earlier, veterans and volunteers placed American flags donated by East Moriches Hardware at
the graves of those who served. Flowers for the ceremony were donated by Kurt Weiss Greenhouses, Galbraith noted.
“It’s a special day when we recognize those who gave their lives so that America can be free,” said County Executive Ed Romaine. “It’s a time where we think about and honor the sacrifices they made.”
Following the Center Moriches service, Romaine, along with Legislator Jim Mazzarella, Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico, and Councilwoman Karen Dunne-Kesnig, went on to services in Mastic Beach, Greenwood Village, and Calverton National Cemetery, where volunteers placed thousands of flags to honor the veterans.
Calverton is one of the largest and most significant national veterans cemeteries in the United States, serving as the
final resting place for more than 300,000 veterans and their family members. Established in 1978 on former naval property, the cemetery honors Americans who served in conflicts ranging from World War II to the present day.
The South Shore events were among many across the area including parades and services in Brookhaven, Bellport, Medford, Middle Island, Smithtown, Kings Park, St. James, Commack, Greenlawn, Lake Ronkonkoma, Elwood, Centerport, Huntington Village, and Lindenhurst.
A national holiday, Memorial Day was formally established in 1868 to honor those who died in the Civil War. Over time, the holiday expanded to recognize all American military personnel who lost their lives in service to the nation.
Robert Chartuk
Hector Sanchez of VFW Post 414 raises the flag during a Memorial Day Service in Center Moriches.
Chat GPT
Photo Illustration
By South Shore Press
A contract dispute between Healthfirst and Catholic Health is raising concerns among Long Island residents and officials who fear thousands of patients could soon lose access to trusted doctors, hospitals and specialists.
The disagreement threatens coverage for more than 300,000 Long Islanders enrolled in Healthfirst plans through Medicaid, Child Health Plus, the Essential Plan and Affordable Care Act marketplace programs. Catholic Health, which operates six hospitals and numerous outpatient facilities across Nassau and Suffolk counties, would become out-of-network if the two sides don’t settle.
Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano warned the dispute could
Health Care Dispute Raises Alarm Across Long Island
Services to become out-of-pocket if health care deal can’t be reached.
create major hardships for working families, seniors and patients already struggling with rising living costs.
“This is not just anoth-
er corporate disagreement,” DeStefano said. “Families should never have to fear losing access to their doctors because billion-dollar institutions failed
to reach an agreement behind closed doors.”
DeStefano called for New York State to require mandatory binding arbitration before major insurers and hospital systems can terminate agreements affecting large numbers of patients. He urged Albany to strengthen continuity-of-care protections and increase transparency during negotiations. He’s also pushed Gov. Hochul to more aggressively weed out corruption and fraud in the health care system.
According to Catholic Health, negotiations with Healthfirst broke down after the insurer allegedly sought reimbursement reductions the health system said would impact patient care. Healthfirst said it remains focused on maintaining afford-
able access for its more than 2 million members statewide.
Beginning May 15, Catholic Health hospitals and physicians are expected to become out-ofnetwork for several Healthfirst plans unless an agreement is reached. Patients currently receiving active treatment may qualify for temporary continuity-of-care protections.
Health care analysts say disputes between insurers and hospital systems are becoming increasingly common nationwide as rising labor costs, Medicaid reimbursement pressures and disputes over payment structures strain providers and insurers alike.
DeStefano said Albany must take action before more Long Islanders are caught in the middle.
Can Suffolk Handle Another Population Boom?
By South Shore Press
For decades, Long Island residents watched friends, relatives and businesses pack up and leave New York for lower taxes and cheaper living in Florida, Texas and the Carolinas. Now, Suffolk County officials believe a different trend may be emerging: New York City residents heading east.
County Executive Ed Romaine has openly promoted Suffolk as an alternative to the Big Apple, arguing that rising taxes, congestion pricing, public safety concerns and declining quality of life are pushing people out of the five boroughs.
The county has launched advertising campaigns aimed at attracting businesses and families looking for more space, safer neighborhoods and suburban living while remaining within
commuting distance of Manhattan.
But while the prospect of new residents and investment excites business leaders and real estate agents, it also raises a pressing question: Can Suffolk County handle another population boom?
Home prices continue climbing, leaving many longtime residents struggling to afford homes in the communities where they grew up. Young adults increasingly remain with parents well into adulthood, while renters compete for a shrinking supply of apartments.
Traffic congestion has also worsened.
Major east-west corridors, including Sunrise Highway, Route 25 and the Long Island Expressway, already experience heavy
backups during peak hours, and William Floyd Parkway virtually shut down during the first warm weekend this May when the Smith Point Bridge was reduced to one lane due to repairs.
Schools are facing mounting pressures as districts contend with rising costs, overcrowded classrooms and increasing demands for special education and immigrant services.
Infrastructure concerns also loom large.
Aging sewer systems, water quality issues and stormwater runoff remain major challenges, especially as brown tides and other nitrogen-fed algae blooms shut down local waterways every summer.
At the same time, some downtowns are undergoing visible cultural and political changes as
newcomers reshape communities once defined by generations of local families. Seasonal visitors who escaped the city during COVID never went back.
In Mastic Beach, years of decay led Brookhaven officials to name a master developer to rebuild the entire Neighborhood
Road business district.
In many other communities, officials are pushing for new sewer installations to serve existing needs and facilitate expansion. They also continue appeals to state and federal officials for funding to fix the aging infrastructure.
Judge’s Lesson Brings Constitution to Life
By South Shore Press
In recognition of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, former federal judge Joseph Bianco visited Eastport-South Manor Junior-Senior High School to give students an inside look at the American judicial system and the principles that shaped the nation’s founding.
Speaking to seventh and eighth grade students, Bianco discussed the structure of the court system, how judges are appointed and the importance of judicial independence.
He also highlighted the ideals laid out in the Declaration of Independence and explained the various roles and responsibilities within a courtroom.
Bianco encouraged students to pursue their goals and stressed
that hard work and determination can open doors to endless opportunities.
During the presentation, Bianco shared details about his own path to the federal bench, including his studies at Georgetown University and Columbia Law School, as well as his work as a terrorism prosecutor and chief of the Organized Crime and Terrorism Unit before becoming a judge.
Bianco served as a United States District Court judge for the Eastern District of New York beginning in 2006 before later serving on the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Throughout his judicial career, he presided over several high-profile cases, including
prosecutions involving the violent MS-13 gang.
Before joining the bench, Bianco worked as senior counsel and deputy assistant attorney general for the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division and also served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York.
He additionally spent time in private practice at prominent law firms Debevoise & Plimpton LLP and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.School officials said the visit gave students a unique opportunity to connect classroom lessons about civics and American history with real-world legal experience from one of the nation’s most accomplished jurists.
Robert Chartuk Traffic is a major concern as Suffolk faces another population boom.
Chat GPT
ESM Central School District Former Federal Judge Joseph Bianco
HISTORY LESSONS
BY RICHARD ACRITELLI
“Within the past week, unmistakable evidence has established the fact that a series of offensive missile sites is now in preparation on that imprisoned island. The purpose of these bases can be none other than to provide a nuclear strike capability against the Western Hemisphere.”
— President John F. Kennedy, October 22, 1962
These words of Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis threatened the survival of not only the United States, but possibly the world through the possibility of a nuclear attack. Over America’s history there have been both foreign and domestic speeches that demonstrated the issues the United States would follow and oppose. There are points in American history that our foreign policy was completely altered.
“With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power we have not interfered and shall not interfere. But with the Governments who have declared their independence and maintain it, and whose independence we have, on great consideration and on just principles, acknowledged, we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in any other manner their destiny, by any European power in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States. In the war between those new Governments and Spain we declared our neutrality at the time of their recognition, and to this we have adhered, and shall continue to adhere, provided no change shall occur which, in the judgement of the competent authorities of this Government, shall make a corresponding change on the part of the United States indispensable to their security.”— President James Monroe, 1823
As large parts of the West -
FOG OF WAR AND HUMANITY
BY RICHARD ACRITELLI
Former Major League Baseball player Frank Tepedino says the lessons he learned on the diamond prepared him for a far different mission following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Tepedino joined historian and author Richard Acritelli on “The Fog of War and Humanity,” where he reflected on his baseball career, his transition into public service, and the emotion-
Major Speeches That Shaped U.S. Foreign Policy
ern Hemisphere, especially in South America began to revolt against Portuguese and Spanish control, America saw an opportunity to strengthen our own national security.
America fought and survived two wars since 1775, the Barbary Pirates, governed a large nation that expanded towards the northwest, and increased its agricultural and industrial might. Foreign governments, especially the British, realized that American independence would not vanish and they had to respect this country.
The “Monroe Doctrine” capitalized on the independence movements against these European countries, presented American demands that colonialism would no longer expand in the Western Hemisphere and that the United States was the lead power in this part of the world. Any additional European involvement or efforts to regain lost territories would be seen as a threat to America. About one hundred and forty years later, the words of Kennedy against Soviet military expansion in Cuba were influenced by the Monroe Doctrine to oppose the deployment of enemy missiles.
“For the first time last night, Polish military invaded our territory and attacked from our soil. We have now been returning fire since 5:45 a.m! And from now on, we shall repay bomb for bomb! He who fights with poison will be fought with poison gas! He who distances himself from the rules of humane warfare conduct, cannot expect anything from us but retaliation. I will lead this battle so long, regardlessagai whom, until the security and the rights of the Reich are secured.
Hitler, September 1, 1939
al aftermath of the attacks that forever changed New York and the nation.
Growing up with a passion for baseball, Tepedino eventually reached the major leagues, playing for organizations including the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves. He told Acritelli that the sport taught him discipline, teamwork, and how to handle pressure — lessons that later shaped his re-
Hitler addressed the “socalled” crimes that have been waged against the German people and his refusal to allow a Polish attack into his nation. Whereas these false words by Hitler mentions the German attack into Poland, it lead to a destructive war. President Franklin D. Roosevelt had two major events on this day, first this war, secondly was the promotion of General George C. Marshall as the Army Chief of Staff. As Hitler’s forces overran the Polish military, many Americans strictly adhered to isolationism. There were fears that another war would lose Americans in battle, as our nation was still reeling from the Great Depression. Marshall’s military relied on horse cavalry, few modern tanks, planes, weapons, and insight. As the Axis conquered parts of Europe and Asia, Americans distributed rakes and shovels during the Civilian Conservation Corps. Marshall was forced to remove older army officers, deal with a defiant congress to support military growth, and quickly established the first peace time draft. Hitler’s actions carried anxiety toRoosevelt and Marshall who understood at this moment that America was unable to defeat these powers.
increasing measure of control from Moscow. Athens alone -Greece with its immortal glories -- is free to decide its future at an election under British, American and French observation.” — Former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, 1946.
After World War II, the Allies quickly went from friends to adversaries, especially over the expansion of communism in parts of Europe and Asia. During the end of the war, Churchill feared that Soviet liberation in Eastern Europe resulted in occupation of these countries until the end of the Cold War in 1989. Churchill realized that Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin had to be halted. Unlike after World War I, where America did not accept the Treaty of Versailles and the involvement within European affairs, this policy changed in 1946. President Hary S. Truman kept American troops in Europe, provided aid in Europe through the Marshall Plan. Americans feared the “Red Scare,” but Churchill’s beliefs presented a change in global leadership that relied on the United States to lead the free nations around the world against this hostile threat.
Adolph
For over six years I’ve worked on the rearmament of the German Wehrmacht. During this time we expended over 90 billion Reichsmark for this purpose. Today is the best equipped and far above any comparison with our military in 1914. My confidence in it is unshakeable! As I called up this Wehrmacht, and when I now call for sacrifice from the German people, and if necessary, all sacrifices, then I have a right to do so. Because today I am as willing as I was before to make every personal sacrifice. I ask of no German man, something other than what I volunteered for and was always willing to do for four years. There shall be no sacrifice in Germany that I would not take upon myself immediately”—Dictator
“From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic an iron curtain has descended across the Continent. Behind that line lie all the capitals of the ancient states of Central and Eastern Europe. Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest and Sofia, all these famous cities and the populations around them lie in what I must call the Soviet sphere, and all are subject in one form or another, not only to Soviet influence but to a very high and, in some cases,
Quickly, Stalin tried to prevent the American, British, and French from holding onto West Berlin through the “Berlin Airlift.” Americans who were hardened from the horrors of World War II, fully understood the need to meet this monumental threat. For nearly forty-five years, American leadership opposed communist threats from the Soviet access to a nuclear bomb, the Korean & Vietnam War, and the strategy of President Ronald Reagan to outspend the Soviets in the 1980’s, to overturn this communist power that was bent on expansion.
From Major League Baseball To Ground Zero
sponse during one of America’s darkest moments.
“When 9/11 happened, I knew I couldn’t just stand by,” Tepedino said during the interview. “I had to do something.”
Following his baseball career, Tepedino became a firefighter and first responder, saying he was drawn to the same sense of brotherhood and teamwork that existed in professional sports. After the attacks on the Twin
Towers, he joined countless others who stepped forward to assist in rescue, recovery, and support efforts connected to Ground Zero.
Tepedino described New York City in the days after Sept. 11 as both devastated and united.
“The city was in shock, but at the same time, you saw incredible resilience,” he said. “People came together like never before.”
ChatGPT
Historic speeches that shaped history.
Fog of War
Frank Tepedino on the Fog of War
By Neil W. McCabe
There are many different ways the White House press corps interacts with President Donald J. Trump and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Questioning the President
No president has given the press more access or opportunities to engage with him than Trump. One would think that this would endear him to the press, but it literally has no effect on their hostility toward him, which is driven by class consciousness.
For better or worse, Trump represents working Americans, and not the college-educated, so the reporters, who came from all the best families and went to all the best schools, recognize that he is a threat to the ongoing societal structures that have been in place for decades.
In every culture, the well-off always call the man representing their employees a dictator.
You can hear the contempt in every question that begins: “Do you really think it’s appropriate..?”
Fortunately for Trump, his media skills are highly developed, to the point that the constant confrontations always come off as unfair — to the reporter.
One of the most common ways to question the president is when he departs or arrives via Marine One on the South Lawn. More often than not, Trump will not take questions when he arrives back home after a long day, but almost always he will take questions when he is departing.
Roughly an hour to 30 minutes before the president walks by, the reporters speed-walk — no running — from their holding pen, also known as the Palm Room, and line up along a chain strung through stanchions
Sometimes I read history online. Since my maternal grandmother’s line originated in Norway, I have an interest in Norse history, such as it is. I got entangled in the story of Gunhild, “Mother of Kings.” Here is what I got out of it.
She was the beautiful daughter of Ozil Tote of Halogaland and lived with two shamans from whom she was learning magic. She later had them killed and married a nice guy called Eric Bloodaxe, with whom she ravaged Norway, etc., for many years. Nobody liked Harold, but
Covering the Trump White House: An Insider’s Account
on the grass.
Whether he comes out from the door below the South Portico or from the Oval Office door past the Rose Garden, Trump enjoys working the line. Going back to the 2016 campaign, I saw one reporter ask Trump three different questions as he tracked Trump’s progress down the rope line — after every other rival for the GOP presidential nomination had left.
Recently, at a departure, I asked the president which was more broken, OPEC or NATO. He brushed off the question about OPEC, saying he had little to do with it, but he gave a long answer about his frustrations with NATO, especially during the Third Gulf War.
It was captured by my network and the White House pool feed, and the answer became part of the day’s Trump narrative.
After Marine One took off, a bunch of us who got questions in gave each other professional appreciation nods and fist bumps.
There are other variations of this access, such as Trump taking questions on the flightline or when he walks to the back of Air Force One for a gaggle.
Trump also invites reporters into the Oval Office for the signing of legislation or executive orders, as well as cabinet
meetings. These opportunities are not open to every reporter; rather, there is a rotating handful of reporters, videographers and still photographers selected by the White House Press Office, whose content is available to everyone.
Greet-Meet-Eat
For heads-of-state meetings, the White House staff calls it “Greet-Meet-Eat.” The president and the world leader greet the press in the Oval Office, with Trump and his guest sitting in front of the fireplace. Then the two leaders sit down for their discussions, followed by a luncheon for the leaders and their staffs.
The most famous Greet-MeetEat was actually just a Greet. Barely a week after returning to the White House, Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office. The two men were set to sign a major agreement for the U.S. to exploit Ukrainian mineral deposits as recompense for military and economic assistance.
While the tables were being set for the lunch, the Oval Office meeting went off the rails when Vice President James D. “J.D.” Vance called out Zelensky for his lack of respect and decorum. It did not get better when Trump told Zelensky he did not hold the cards for the demands he was making — and then Zelensky got into a back-and-forth with my RAV colleague Brian Glenn.
Glenn asked Zelensky why he was not wearing a suit, like Glenn was wearing. P“Do you own a suit?” the reporter asked.
“I’ll wear a suit after this war is over,” the Ukrainian president said. “Maybe one something like yours, maybe better, maybe cheaper.”
The reporters were soon ushered out of the Oval Office by the wranglers. The wranglers are
the junior staffers at the press office who ride herd on the reporters and coordinate with each day’s pool. These young men and women are not to be dismissed. I dealt with current White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in the first term when I covered the White House for One America News.
After the reporters were dismissed from the Oval Office, it was Zelensky’s turn — no meeting, no luncheon — and the staff was told to start breaking down the tables and chairs.
Most recently, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva derailed his own Greet-MeetEat.
Da Silva, a leader of the leftwing axis of anti-American Latin American governments, came to the White House on May 7 to work out tariffs Trump imposed on Brazil.
When Lula arrived, the Brazilian leader said he would prefer to have his meeting and meal first, then greet the reporters with the president.
Trump agreed, but Lula pulled a fast one.
After the meeting and luncheon — as the press pool waited nearly two hours to be called into the Oval Office — Lula looked at his watch and begged his leave. His next appointment was a press conference at the Brazilian embassy.
He may have thought it was funny, but Trump does not forget slights easily, and Lula can look forward to being handed the bill for this stunt in time.
Briefing room flex
In this term, the president has held seven solo press conferences, but none in prime time. He has met with reporters for informal gaggles more than 350 times and is on track for more than 1,000 by the time he starts his third term.
Although Karoline Leavitt also meets informally with reporters for gaggles in the driveway by the West Wing, for White House reporters her more than 60 press briefings are the mainstay of their coverage.
There are 49 seats in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room — seven rows of seven. Each seat is assigned by the White House with input from the White House Correspondents’ Association. Some assigned seats are a function of seniority, while others are assigned to ensure that regional and foreign news outlets get a fair shot.
The front rows go to the mainstream media heavies: Fox News, CNN, The New York Times and the three traditional broadcast networks. The dozens of reporters without assigned seats start showing up two hours before the briefing to secure a foothold along the walls of the room. The jockeying gets nasty, with late arrivals worming and squirming into gaps between their colleagues.
While these reporters fight for a shot at catching Levitt’s eye, the front rows are always empty until the two-minute warning, except for where Fox’s Peter Doocy sits. He is always there early.
Upon the two-minute warning, reporters quickly tell their editors and control booths to get ready, but the real signal that the briefing is about to start is when the front-row reporters plow through their less fortunate colleagues packed to the gills between the wall and the chairs.
“Excuse me, excuse me, coming through,” is the signal call from the elite members of the White House press corps as they execute their regular flex on the little people.
Leavitt opens with statements and messaging before opening it up to the floor — and the game is afoot.
they were much more frightened by his lovely wife, Gunhild. All of this was chronicled in an illuminated manuscript called the Heimskringla. People kept getting killed, mostly with a sword to the head. It was exactly like Game of Thrones. Guys I never heard of kept getting gruesomely whacked. Finally, a rival called Edgil put a horse’s head on a stick (the Nithing Pole) as a “pagan” curse against the married couple. I thought only the Mafia did that. There was also lots of stuff involving blood. Did these people think
they were Aztecs or what?
A child was born to an old king. The boy, Haakon, later called in Norway “Haakon the Good,” was raised by King Athelstan of England (not to be confused with the notorious English king Ethelred the Unready). For some reason, a bishop Christianized Eric and Gunhild, and the king at the time gave them Northumbria. Northumbria doesn’t exist anymore, although the land is still in place.
The story does not end there: the death of Eric, younger paramours, a move to Orkney, and
many more battles. At last, in the year 977, King Harold Bluetooth of somewhere drowned Gunhild in a bog. 977 happened a long time ago. There was no indoor lighting, no public transportation, no cellphones, no after-hours clubs. Christopher Columbus didn’t “discover” America until 1492. Having to live entirely without consumer products, the ancient Norwegians were left to occupy themselves as best as possible. Be nice; don’t get drowned in a bog.—Kathryn Nocerino
Gunhild, Mother of Kings
BY KATHRYN NOCERINO
Neil W. McCabe
South Shore Press White House Correspondent Neil W. McCabe.
Gunhild of Halogaland Gunhild
Visit this cozy coffee spot inside the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library at 407 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Closed 9:30 AM — 6:00 PM 9:30 AM — 6:00 PM 9:30 AM — 6:00 PM 9:30 AM — 6:00 PM 9:30 AM — 5:00 PM 9:30 AM — 4:00 PM
ASK NANCY
BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ.
Q: My father has dementia and now needs nursing home care. We were told his Power of Attorney does not allow gifting. Why is that such a big problem?
A:Families are often shocked to learn that a single missing provision in a Power of Attorney can completely change their options during a nursing home crisis. Imagine this: a father suffers a stroke and quickly declines cognitively. Within a few months, the family realizes he will likely need long-term
nursing home care.
His wife is still living at home and is terrified she will lose the family’s life savings paying privately for care.
The family meets with an elder law attorney and learns there may still be ways to protect assets for the healthy spouse. However, there is one major problem: the father’s Power of Attorney does not contain gifting authority. Most people hear the word “gifting” and assume it only means birthday checks or giving money to children or grandchildren.
In reality, gifting powers are often one of the most important parts of a Power of Attorney when Medicaid or long-term care planning becomes necessary.
A Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust, called your “Agent,” to handle financial matters on your behalf. While many Powers of Attorney allow an Agent to pay bills and access bank accounts, additional authority is often needed to transfer assets, change ownership of accounts, create trusts, or reposition assets as
Does Your Power of Attorney Allow Gifting?
part of Medicaid planning. Even if those transfers are being made solely to protect a spouse or preserve assets for the family, the law may still legally consider them “gifts.” Without proper gifting authority, the Agent may not have the ability to complete the planning.
As a result, families are sometimes forced to begin a guardianship proceeding in Court just to obtain authority that could have been included in the document years earlier.
Guardianship proceedings can be expensive, stressful, and time-consuming during an already difficult situation. Another common issue is that many older New York Powers of Attorney were signed before changes in the law took effect in 2021. Prior to that change, gifting authority was often contained in a separate document called a Statutory Gifts Rider. We frequently see older documents where that Rider was never signed or was improperly executed, leaving families without the authority they thought they
IN THIS YOUR TIME OF LOSS
had during a crisis. We frequently meet families who believed they had “done their documents,” only to discover during a crisis that the Power of Attorney was outdated or missing important provisions. Unfortunately, these issues are often not discovered until the person is already incapacitated and unable to sign a new document.
Gifting authority is not simply about giving money away. A properly drafted Power of Attorney may allow an Agent to protect assets for a spouse, create or fund trusts, continue tax planning strategies, or carry out other important estate planning goals if incapacity occurs.
Of course, these powers should not be granted lightly. A gifting provision can give an Agent significant authority over finances and assets, which is why choosing the right Agent is extremely important. Many people focus heavily on their Will or Trust, but during a lifetime crisis, the Power of Attorney is often the document families rely
on most. Reviewing your documents before a crisis occurs, especially older Powers of Attorney, can make an enormous difference when families need flexibility the most.
- Alma Muharemovic, Esq. Alma Muharemovic, Esq. is an associate attorney at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. focusing her practice areas on Estate Planning. Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. serves clients from New York City to the east end of Long Island with offices located in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, Manhattan and East Hampton.
LIBRARY LIVING
BY TARA D’AMATO Assistant Library
Empire State Park Pass Added to Library Museum Pass Program
Get out and enjoy the season by borrowing a State Park Pass! Now you can borrow an Empire State Park Pass for a day to access any of these amazing sites and park free of charge through the Community Library Museum Pass Program. Details about the pass program are available online here: https://www.communitylibrary. org/Adult/museum/Default.aspx or call the Library at (631) 399-1511 ext. 240 to find out how you can take advantage of this membership perk.
State parks include:
Jones Beach State Park, famous for its landmark water tower and popular sandy beach, is the most celebrated of the many parks on Long Island. The Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center features exhibits on beach ecology.
Nissequogue River State Park connects with Sunken Meadow State Park, allowing visitors to explore 153 riverfront acres of trails, saltwater wetlands and wildlife habitats on Long Island’s north shore.
Visitors can surf cast for striped bass at Camp Hero State Park. The boat basin at Captree State Park is popular with charter boats, and Connetquot River State Park Preserve is a favorite spot for fly fishermen. Anglers can also enjoy some of the best surf fishing in
the world at Montauk Point State Park, where tides from the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound converge.
Hither Hills State Park campground delivers a one-of-a-kind oceanfront camping experience so popular that you should reserve a spot early.
If you prefer a shaded woodland campsite, try Wildwood State Park, where the campground is nestled on the headland overlooking the cool waters of Long Island Sound.
The sweeping lawns, formal gardens and 65-room Tudor-style Gold Coast mansion of Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park will take visitors back to an age of splendor and beauty.
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve offers environmental programs, hiking, fishing and biking on the former Marshall Field III estate.
The Empire Pass must be picked up from the library and then returned to the library. Passes are for district residents only. Patrons need a valid, unexpired, unblocked adult library card with fines not exceeding $25.00 to reserve a museum pass. New patrons may make a reservation upon receipt of their library card. This includes patrons who have signed up for a temporary library card.
Patrons must bring their library card and photo ID with them to the museum. Please note that Smith Point Beach is not a state park; it is a county park.
Kostanti A Kruk, Owner Matthew Kruk, Licensed Funeral Director
STATE
By Neil W. McCabe
It was not the intention of the Framers that the Senate and the President be at odds, but in our system that has very often become the case, even when the president’s party controls the upper chamber.
Although President Donald J. Trump did not stand in the way of Sen. John R. Thune (R.S.D.) becoming majority leader, Thune has positioned himself as the chief resister to the president’s agenda on Capitol Hill.
Trump gave Thune a June 1 deadline to resolve the impasse on funding ICE and border enforcement. The plan was to pass the additional $40 billion through reconciliation, a method that allows the Senate to sidestep the 60-vote threshold to end debate and hold a vote, on the idea that budget, tax and debt bills cannot be delayed by a filibuster.
With 53 Senate Republicans, and Vice President James D. “J.D.” Vance always ready to break a tie, Thune should have been able to pass the bill before the Senate skipped town for the Memorial Day weekend and the rest of that week.
Once word got out that there was a reconciliation bill in play, senators piled on with their own projects, so that the bill
Thune Becomes Thorn In Trump’s Side
could have been as much as $72 billion.
Among the items Thune allowed to be tacked onto the reconciliation bill were provisions for $1 billion for the new White House ballroom, along with its extensive national security and medical facilities.
Then, because Senate Democrats planned to stage amendment fights regarding the Justice Department’s $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, that issue became part of the mix, although that fund was just an administrative cutout at DOJ to better facilitate claims by victims of DOJ weaponization from the
already established Treasury Department Judgment Fund.
That fund paid out $4 billion in 2025 — and requires no new legislation or appropriations.
Faced with a fight over the ballroom and the weaponization fund, Thune called it a day. The Senate returns June 1, hopefully refreshed and focused.
Trump’s relationship with House Republicans has been warm and reciprocal going back to the 2016 presidential campaign, when the then-New York City real estate developer met with GOP congressmen. Many of the congressmen brought their families, and the meeting
ran way overtime as the candidate joined selfies and conversed easily with the members of the lower chamber.
At the parallel event held with GOP senators, Trump’s meeting took on the look and feel of a show trial as Republican senators, most notably Sen. Jeff L. Flake (R.-Ariz.), harangued the future commander-in-chief.
There is something in the constitutional water at play, because although Flake was obnoxious, each senator sees themselves as a potential president. On the House side, staffers address the most senior and powerful chairmen by their first
names, but on the Senate side that would never happen. There are more examples, but that one is enough to paint the picture.
Eleven years later, Thune leads Senate Republicans in keeping that vibe alive.
From the opening days of the administration, Thune made it clear that he would not fight for confirmations for Trump’s middle-range nominees — the deputies, assistants and associates — and he said he would allow Senate Democrats to block Trump’s nominees to the U.S. attorney offices in their states, effectively allowing the local federal prosecutor offices to continue the harassment of Trump supporters, which made the weaponization fund necessary in the first place.
Now, the buzz here is that Thune may not last until the end of the session.
The majority leader position is not a constitutional office; it is a party position, so if 27 of the 53 Senate Republicans vote today, tomorrow or whenever to oust Thune, it is done.
Tensions between Senate Republicans allied with the president and Thune are becoming so fraught that the broader and more personal reconciliation may never happen.
Trump Pushes New 401(k) Investment Options
By South Shore Press
A broader effort by President Trump to increase personal wealth and long-term financial security for working Americans is now extending into the nation’s retirement system, potentially allowing millions of workers to invest part of their 401(k) savings in assets such as cryptocurrencies, private equity and real estate.
The U.S. Department of Labor is accepting public comments on a proposed regulation tied to President Trump’s executive order, “Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors.” The proposal would ease regulatory barriers and reduce legal liability concerns for employers and investment managers that choose to offer alternative investments through workplace retirement plans.
Administration officials say the proposal is part of a larger economic strategy aimed at helping Americans build wealth beyond traditional stock and bond investments. Trump has also promoted new “Trump Accounts” designed to encourage savings and investment for
young Americans, while the “Big Beautiful Bill” includes provisions eliminating federal taxes on Social Security benefits, overtime pay, and tips for many workers.
Supporters say the combined
policies are intended to allow Americans to keep more of what they earn while expanding opportunities to grow retirement savings over time.
“Our goal is to deliver on President Trump’s promise for
a new golden age by fostering a retirement system that allows more Americans to retire with dignity,” Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said in announcing the proposal. Under the proposed rule,
retirement plan managers would still be required to evaluate investments based on performance, fees, liquidity and risk.
Officials say the regulation creates a “safe harbor” process intended to shield fiduciaries from lawsuits if they follow proper review procedures before offering alternative assets.
Financial firms and cryptocurrency advocates praised the proposal as a modernization of the retirement system, arguing that broader diversification could improve long-term returns and give average workers access to investments historically reserved for hedge funds, wealthy individuals and large pension systems.
Critics, however, warn that volatile assets such as cryptocurrencies and private equity could expose retirees to greater financial risks, higher fees and reduced liquidity compared to traditional retirement investments. Some consumer advocates argue many workers may not fully understand the risks tied to speculative assets.
The proposal remains in the public comment period before any final rule is adopted.
Photo Illustration
President Trump and Senator Thune
Photo illustration
LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of Formation of DWELL COLLECTIVE LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on 02/27/ 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 999 MONTAUK HWY UNIT 32 PMB 70, SHIRLEY, NY, 11967, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR RASC 2006KS8 Plaintiff, Against JERONE BOOKER; et al Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 04/15/2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, on 6/4/ 2026 at 10:00AM, premises known as 838 Doane Avenue, Bellport, NY 11713, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, and State of New York. District 0200 Section 959.00 Block 06.00 Lot 009.000 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $244,306.38 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 603145/2019 Daniel James Murphy, Esq., Referee.MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573 Dated: 4/1// 2026 File Number: 401-0399 CA
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY MID-ISLAND MORTGAGE CORP., Plaintiff against MUHAMMET OZEN, et al
Defendant(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540. Pursuant to a Judgment of
Foreclosure and Sale entered August 21, 2023, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on June 10, 2026 at 2:00PM. Premises known as 1 Ellen Ct, Lake Grove, NY 11755. District 0208 Sec 008.00 Block 11.00 Lot 029.000. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lake Grove, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $412,399.72 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 605329/2016. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the 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. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. 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.
Steven P. Bertolino, Esq., Referee File # NY202200000067-1
L16511 5/6/2026, 5/13/2026, 5/ 20/2026, 5/27/2026
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of Formation of MARK KNOTOFF ASSOCIATES, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on MARCH 19, 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 MARK KNOTOFF ASSOCIATES, LLC, 209 MILL ROAD, WESTHAMPTON BEACH NY 11978. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK CARDINAL CREDIT X, LLC, Plaintiff
AGAINST LNP ASSOCIATES LTD; et al.,
Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 23, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on June 15, 2026, at 1:30PM, premises known as 12 Jordan Drive, Medford, New York 11763. 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, Suffolk County, State of New York, District 0200 Section 701.00 Block 05.00 Lot 006.000. Approximate amount of judgment $303,946.08 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 618846/ 2025.
Latoya Robert Angela James, ESQ., Referee THE CAMPOREALE LAW GROUP PLLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 585 Stewart Avenue, Suite 301 Garden City, New York 11530 (646) 346-6045
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER
TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. DEBORAH DAWSON AKA DEBORAH DAVAN, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 23, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on June 16, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., premises known as 489 Carnation Drive, Shirley, NY 11967. 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 615.00, Block 04.00 and Lot 007.002. Approximate amount of judgment is $392,962.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #208227/ 2022. Cash will not be accepted.
Brooke J. Breen, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK The Bank of New York Mellon f/k/a The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the Certificateholders of CWALT, Inc., Alternative Loan Trust 2005 -3CB, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2005-3CB, Plaintiff AGAINST Fiorina Selesnick a/k/a Florina Selesnick, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 14, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on June 17, 2026 at 12:30 PM, premises known as 43 Morris Avenue, Patchogue, NY 11772. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being near Patchogue, in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, Section: 894.00, Block: 03.00, Lot: 088.003. Approximate amount of judgment $350,035.53 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #601079/ 2019. Only Bank or Certified check payable to the Referee will be accepted for the downpayment. No third party check or cash will be accepted. Michael Clancy, Esq., Referee McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC 420 Lexington AvenueSuite 840 New York, NY 10170 21-01861NY 89826
Supreme Court County of Suffolk ARC Home LLC f/k/a WEI Mortgage LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST Adam F. Tuzza a/k/a Adam Tuzza a/k/a Adam Francis Tuzza, Olga Tuzza a/k/a Olga A. Tuzza, et al, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 18, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY on June 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM premises known as 80 Woodacres Road, East Patchogue, NY 11772. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Suffolk, State of New York, SECTION: 983.00, BLOCK: 01.00, LOT: 025.000, District 0200. Approximate amount of judgment is $552,973.37 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 203102/2022.
This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule. In such event, all purchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale.
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
Jonathan A. Baum, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR OPTION ONE MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007-CP1, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007CP l, Plaintiff, Against PAUL WAGNER A/K/A PAUL J. WAGNER; et al, Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 03/22/2023, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, on 6/16 /2026 at 12:00PM, premises known as 43 Adobe Drive, Shirley, New York 11967, 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 967.00 Block 03.00 Lot 040.000
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $202,980.94 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 615765/2019
John Doyle, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Notice of formation of GRACEFUL CONNECTIONS HOME CARE, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on 5/05/26.
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 YANIQUE LEWIS, 68 CORBIN AVENUE, SHIRLEY, NY 11967, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
Notice of formation of StoryTechGo, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on 4/23/26. 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 THE LLC, 40 Ashley Circle, Manorville, NY 11949. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ELEFTHERIA TSIMPIDI AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE DECEDENT THEODOROS SAKOUTIS, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Discharging the Guardian Ad Litem, Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 20, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on June 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., premises known as 186 Mastic Beach Road, Mastic Beach a/k/a Shirley, NY 11951. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200, Section 974.70, Block 09.00 and Lot 024.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $182,585.69 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #622214/ 2019. Cash will not be accepted.
Samantha L. Segal, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff L16525 5/20/2026, 5/27/2026, 6/
3/2026, & 6/10/2026
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF NRZ PASSTHROUGH TRUST XVI, Plaintiff, vs. MATTHEW GERARD, Defendant (s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 7, 2026 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Town of Brookhaven, Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on June 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 33 ROBERT STREET, PATCHOGUE, NY 11772. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District: 0200, Section: 975.40, Block: 05.00, Lot: 027.000.
Approximate amount of judgment is $708,956.17 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 031952/ 2007.
If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee's attorney, or the Referee.
ROBERT FUCHS, Esq., Referee
Halliday, Watkins & Mann, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the regular scheduled meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Mastic Fire District for Monday June 1 st , 2026, has been CHANGED to Tuesday June 9 th , 2026. The meeting will be called to order by the Chairman at 7:00 pm at the Mastic Fire District headquarters located at 1080 Mastic Road, Mastic, New York. Dated May 18 th , 2026 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS OF THE MASTIC FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York.
THE CLASSIFIEDS
By: Rudolph A. Sunderman Fire District Secretary L16527 5/27/2026
PUBLIC NOTICE
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS MIDDLE ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT
PUBLIC NOTICE
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
MIDDLE ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the MIDDLE ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT will have an Information Hearing on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the District Office Building of the Middle Island Fire District, 195 Middle Country Road, Middle Island, New York, to review and invite the public comment on the upcoming referendum for voters to approve the Sale of Three (3) Trucks.
Dated: Middle Island, New York May 20, 2026
By Order of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Middle Island Fire District Chrissy Rosenfeld, District Secretary L16529 5/27/2026
PUBLIC NOTICE
AVISO DE ELECCIÓN ESPECIAL
POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA, que de conformidad con las Secciones 175, 176 y 179 de la Ley del Pueblo, se llevará a cabo una Elección
Especial de los votantes calificados del Distrito de Bomberos de Middle Island (“Distrito”) en el Pueblo de Brookhaven, Condado de Suffolk, Nueva York, en la Estación de Bomberos Principal, 31 Arnold Drive, Middle Island, Nueva York, el 30 de junio de 2026, entre las 6:00 P.M. y las 9:00 P.M., con el propósito de votar mediante boleta sobre la adopción o el rechazo de la siguiente propuesta: PROPUESTA
Se autoriza por la presente a la Junta de Comisionados de Bomberos a disponer mediante venta de un (1) Pierce Dash 105’ Quint 1999, considerado por el Distrito como excedente y ya no necesario, por un monto no menor a $125,000.00; un (1) International/Spartan ERV Rescue 1000/500 4x4 Rescue Pumper 2012, considerado por el Distrito como excedente y ya no necesario, por un monto no menor a $225,000.00; y un (1) Pierce Contender Series Pumper 2006, considerado por el Distrito como excedente y ya no necesario, por un monto no menor a $200,000.00, todo sujeto a referéndum obligatorio. Todo elector del mencionado
Pueblo que haya residido en el Distrito de Bomberos durante un período de treinta (30) días inmediatamente anteriores a cualquier elección de oficiales del Distrito de Bomberos y que en la fecha de dicha elección cumpla con los demás requisitos para votar y esté registrado conforme a las disposiciones del Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral, estará calificado para votar por dichos oficiales.
Tenga en cuenta que solo aquellas personas que se hayan registrado en la Junta Electoral del Condado en o antes del día 23 previo al día de la elección del Distrito de Bomberos serán elegibles para votar. En 2026, dicho registro debe haberse realizado en o antes del 7 de junio de 2026.
Por favor, tenga en cuenta que la Junta Electoral del Distrito de Bomberos de Middle Island se reunirá el 23 de junio de 2026 a las 12:00 p.m. en la Oficina del Distrito ubicada en 31 Arnold Drive, Middle Island, Nueva York, con el propósito de preparar los padrones de votantes registrados del Distrito de Bomberos.
Fechado: Middle Island, Nueva York
20 de mayo de 2026
Por orden de la Junta de Comisionados de Bomberos del Distrito de Bomberos de Middle Island
Chrissy Rosenfeld, Secretaria del Distrito L16530 05/27/2026
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE of SPECIAL ELECTION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a pursuant to Sections 175, 176 and 179 of the Town Law a Special Election of the qualified voters of the Middle Island Fire District (“District”) in the Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York, will be held at Main Firehouse, 31 Arnold Drive, Middle Island, New York on June 30, 2026, between the hours of 6:00 o'clock P.M. and 9:00 o'clock P.M., for the purpose of voting by ballot upon the adoption or rejection of the following proposition: PROPOSITION
The Board of Fire Commissioners is hereby authorized to dispose of by sale, one (1) 1999 Pierce Dash 105’ Quint, deemed by the District to be surplus and no longer needed, for the amount no less than $125,000.00; one (1) 2012 International/Spartan ERV Rescue 1000/500 4x4 Rescue Pumper, deemed by the District to be surplus and no longer needed, for the amount no less than
$225,000.00; and one (1) 2006 Pierce Contender Series Pumper, deemed by the District to be surplus and no longer needed, for the amount no less than $200,000.00 all subject to mandatory referendum. Every elector of the aforesaid Town who shall have resided in the Fire District for a period of thirty (30) days next preceding any election of Fire District officers and who on the date of said election is otherwise qualified to vote and is registered under the provisions of Article 5 of the Election Law shall be qualified to vote for such officers.
Please note that only those persons who have registered with the County Board of Elections on or before the 23 rd day before the Fire District election day shall be eligible to vote.
In 2026, such registration must have taken place on or before June 7, 2026.
Please be advised that the Board of Elections of the Middle Island Fire District shall meet on June 23, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at the District Office located at 31 Arnold Drive, Middle Island, New York for the purpose of preparing the rolls of registered voters of the Fire District.
Dated: Middle Island, New York May 20, 2026 By Order of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Middle Island Fire District Chrissy Rosenfeld, District Secretary L16531 5/27/2026
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LIVING ON LONG ISLAND
BY LAURA BUDNEY
There’s something about the South Shore of Long Island that keeps people coming back.
Maybe it’s the salt air rolling in off the Great South Bay, the energy of a packed summer street fair, or the feeling of grabbing a coffee in Patchogue Village and running into three people you know before you even reach the corner.
Whatever it is, Suffolk County continues to hold onto a charm that feels harder and harder to find elsewhere.
Over the past few years, we’ve watched people leave New York for warmer states like Florida and the Carolinas, chasing lower taxes and sunshine.
But more families are finding their way back home to Suffolk County. Once they leave, they realize it’s hard to replace the lifestyle we have here.
The South Shore offers something unique: waterfront
living mixed with tight-knit communities, local businesses, and access to New York City without sacrificing neighborhood character.
The real estate market here has stayed remarkably strong.
Home values across Suffolk County have climbed steadily, and demand remains high in South Shore communities like Sayville, Bay Shore, Babylon, and Patchogue. Buyers continue competing for homes because they see long-term value not just in the property itself, but in the lifestyle attached to it.
And what a lifestyle it is.
Summer weekends on the South Shore feel like a movie scene.
Families head to the beaches along Fire Island, ferries fill with visitors, live music pours out of waterfront restaurants, and local festivals bring entire towns together.
The Great South Bay Music
South Shore Living: Why Suffolk County Still Feels Like Home
Festival, Fourth of July parades, wineries out east, farmers markets, street fairs, and even the growing local pro wrestling scene all add to the personali-
ty that makes Suffolk County stand apart.
That’s what the South Shore has always offered. Not just homes, but a place to belong.
Laura Budney is a Licensed Realtor with Prime Realty. Contact her at 917-670-9339.
Suffolk living.
Take Our Survey
Your Community Library is planning for the future — and your voice matters.
THE FANTASY BASEBALL EXPERIENCE
By South Shore Press
It is time once again for fantasy baseball managers to speculate on saves, and while bullpen situations around the league are always changing, there may be no bullpen more unpredictable over the last few years than the one in the desert. The Arizona Diamondbacks’ closer situation could soon see another major shift, and fantasy owners would be wise to start paying attention now.
A.J. Puk has officially begun a rehab assignment for Arizona, and many around baseball expect him to reclaim the closer role shortly after returning to the major league roster. While veteran Paul Sewald has done a respectable job handling ninth-inning duties so far this
A New Snake in Town
season, the Diamondbacks may ultimately prefer the higher upside and more dominant stuff that Puk brings to the bullpen.
Sewald has been serviceable, but his ERA sits near 4.00, and at this stage of his career, Arizona may look toward a younger and more electric arm to lock down games moving forward. Before his injury, Puk appeared to be the organization’s preferred option in the closer role, and it would not be surprising to see him quickly work his way back into those opportunities once healthy.
For fantasy baseball players, that makes Puk one of the more intriguing speculative adds currently available. Saves are one of the hardest categories to predict and replace during the season, and getting ahead
BETTING WITH BARTON
BY TOM BARTON
The National Football League schedule release has grown into one of the biggest offseason events in sports, and for sports bettors, it has become almost as important as the games themselves. Fans and bettors alike immediately begin searching for favorable stretches, difficult travel spots, rest advantages, and potential betting value the moment the schedules are announced.
This year, fans of the New York Giants quickly noticed something that sparked excitement across social media and betting circles. The Giants are scheduled to face three different teams coming off international
travel during the 2026 season, leading many to believe New York could have a major scheduling advantage.
The first of those matchups comes in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams after the Rams open their season in Australia.
Then, in Week 5, the Giants will host division rival Washington Commanders following Washington’s trip to London. Finally, in Week 7, New York takes on the Houston Texans after Houston plays the Jacksonville Jaguars overseas in London the week before.
At first glance, these look like ideal situations for the Giants.
of bullpen changes is often the difference between winning and losing fantasy leagues. Managers who wait until the role officially changes are usually too late.
Of course, there is another wrinkle in the Arizona bullpen picture. Justin Martinez is also expected to return around the All-Star break, and many believe he could eventually emerge as the long-term answer in the ninth inning. Martinez possesses the kind of overpowering arsenal teams covet in a closer, which means the Diamondbacks could once again shuffle roles later in the summer.
Still, fantasy managers should not let that uncertainty stop them from acting now. Puk appears to have the clearest shortterm path to saves, and even a month or two of ninth-inning
opportunities can make a huge difference in fantasy standings.
For those with enough bench space or an available injured list spot, stashing both Puk and
The International Fallacy
Many bettors immediately assume teams returning from long international flights will struggle with fatigue, preparation, or jet lag. However, history suggests that blindly betting against teams coming back from
overseas travel may not be the smartest approach.
In fact, recent trends tell a very different story. Teams returning from international games have actually won 11 of their last 16 games the following week and posted an 8-7 record against the spread. Rather than looking sluggish, many of these teams have performed quite well after returning home.
There are several possible explanations. NFL franchises now travel with luxury charter planes, advanced recovery technology, and carefully planned schedules designed to minimize the effects of long-distance travel. Teams
also often stay overseas longer to better acclimate themselves and recover before returning home. Because of that, the old belief that international travel automatically creates a betting disadvantage may no longer hold true. In fact, if the public continues to overreact to those travel spots, there could actually be value in backing the teams returning from overseas rather than fading them.
As always in sports betting, perception and reality do not always match — and schedule quirks can sometimes create opportunities where bettors least expect them.
Barton’s Best Bet: Cards Cooked Before Kickoff
By Stefan Mychajliw
South Shore Press Sports Director and Managing Editor Stefan Mychajliw caught up with nationally known sports betting expert Tom Barton to break down the newly released NFL schedule and spotlight “Barton’s Best Bet” for the upcoming season. While the conversation touched on the Jets, Giants and the changing landscape of NFL scheduling, Barton made it clear his strongest wager is already locked in.
Stefan Mychajliw: The full NFL schedule came out. What jumped out at you?
Riverside FM
Stefan Mychajliw and Tom Barton
Tom Barton: We’re used to Sunday one o’clock football. Now games are everywhere — Wednesdays, Thursdays, streaming platforms, prime time. It’s become almost every day of the week. Traditionalists may not
love it, but for somebody like me, I kind of enjoy it.
Stefan Mychajliw: The Bills have Thanksgiving and Christmas games. It almost feels like the NFL took a Pollock painting approach and splattered games everywhere.
Tom Barton: Exactly. Five teams won’t even be on prime time at all, including the New York Jets.
Stefan Mychajliw: Speaking of the Jets, what stood out about their schedule?
Tom Barton: No prime-time games actually helps them. They
stay in rhythm, don’t deal with short weeks, and avoid the spotlight. That said, it’s still a tough schedule for a bad football team.
Stefan Mychajliw: Let’s get to what everybody wants: Barton’s Best Bet.
Tom Barton: Arizona Cardinals under five wins. That’s the play. Their first 10 weeks might be the toughest schedule I’ve ever seen. Absolutely brutal.
Stefan Mychajliw: That strong?
Tom Barton: Look at the division. The Rams are among the Super Bowl favorites. Seattle
is coming off a Super Bowl win. San Francisco is loaded again. On top of that, Arizona’s quarterback situation is already messy with contract issues during OTAs.
Stefan Mychajliw: So you’re saying the Cardinals are the dumpster fire of the NFL before the season even starts?
Tom Barton: There are several teams racing to the bottom for the No. 1 pick, but Arizona is absolutely one of them. I think they may win one or two games all year.
Barton’s Best Bet: Arizona Cardinals UNDER 5 wins.
Martinez could prove to be a very smart long-term strategy as Arizona’s ever-changing bullpen continues to evolve.
@Giants | X NY Giants
@zesty_mlb | X AJ Puk
By South Shore Press
The New York Islanders have a new star on the rise, and his name is Matthew Schaefer. The 18-year-old defenseman made history this week, earning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s Rookie of the Year. Even more impressive, Schaefer became the first unanimous winner of the award in 33 years.
From the very beginning, Schaefer’s NHL career has been nothing short of remarkable. He burst onto the scene by becoming the youngest defenseman in NHL history to record a point in his debut, doing so in style with a power-play goal that also stood as the game-winner. That was just the start of a historic season. As the year progressed, Schaefer continued to rewrite
Schaefer Wins The Calder Memorial Trophy
the record books. He became the youngest defenseman in NHL history to record a multigoal game, score an overtime goal, and reach the 25-point mark. His poise and production quickly made him one of the most exciting young players in the league.
Schaefer was surprised with the Calder Trophy during an appearance on Good Morning America, surrounded by family, including his father Todd and brother Johnny, along with former Islanders player Matt Martin and his family. The emotional moment highlighted just how meaningful the achievement was for the young star. In a heartfelt tribute, Schaefer dedicated the award to his late mother, Jennifer, who
passed away from breast cancer in 2024. In her honor, he has partnered with the Islanders Children’s Foundation and Northwell Health to help create a child support center for families battling cancer—showing that his impact reaches far beyond the ice.
“This definitely means a lot,” Schaefer said. “This year was super important to me.”
Statistically, his season was just as impressive as the story behind it. Schaefer finished with 23 goals and 36 assists for 59 points, breaking a record previously held by Hall of Famer Phil Housley for most points by an 18-year-old defenseman. He also tied Hall of Famer Brian Leetch for goals scored by a rookie defenseman.
Thor Says The Mets Are Rotten To The Core
By South Shore Press
The New York Mets are off to a disappointing start this season, currently sitting in last place in the NL East and falling well short of preseason expectations. With a roster built to contend and a fan base eager for success, the slow start has sparked frustration across both the media and the stands.
Much of the criticism has centered on what some believe to be issues within the clubhouse. Reports and speculation have pointed to a fractured locker room, including a potentially strained relationship between Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, as well as questions surrounding roster construction and young players being asked to perform in unfamiliar roles. While there is no shortage of theo-
ries, former Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard offered a different perspective this week.
Appearing on the show “Tomi Lahren Is Fearless” with Tomi Lahren, Syndergaard did not hold back when discussing his former team. The pitcher, who spent several seasons in New York and was part of a World Series run, suggested that the issues go beyond the field and into what he described as a declining culture surrounding the organization.
Speaking with Lahren, a noted Mets fan, Syndergaard also reflected on the departures of former fan favorites Brandon Nimmo and Pete Alonso. He indicated that changes in the clubhouse dynamic may be tied
Stony Brook Gets The World Cup
to broader shifts happening within the city itself.
Syndergaard, known to Mets fans as “Thor,” expressed disappointment in both the team’s performance and direction, noting that a high payroll has yet to translate into success on the field. His comments add to a growing chorus of voices.
This criticism follows similar remarks from radio host Sid Rosenberg, who recently voiced his frustration and even distanced himself from the team.
As the season continues, the Mets will look to turn things around and quiet the noise, but for now, the spotlight remains firmly on both their performance and the questions surrounding the organization.
By South Shore Press
If you weren’t able to secure tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, there’s still a way to be part of the excitement right here in Suffolk County.
Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium at Stony Brook University will host one of two free, large-scale World Cup viewing events as part of a statewide initiative designed to bring the global tournament experience closer to home. The effort, led by Empire State Development and New York State, aims to maximize both the economic and community impact of the World Cup across the region.
The Long Island event is scheduled for Friday, June 12, when fans can gather to watch
the Group D matchup between the United States and Paraguay, as well as a Group B match featuring Canada in Toronto. A second viewing event will take place on July 19 at Kensico Dam Plaza in Westchester County.
The family-friendly event is expected to draw thousands, offering residents a chance to celebrate one of the world’s biggest sporting events together. In addition to the live match broadcasts, organizers say the experience will include community-driven programming that reflects the culture and passion of the region, while also supporting local businesses and encouraging community engagement.
Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized that the initiative is about more than just watching
soccer. It’s part of a broader plan to ensure all New Yorkers can take part in the World Cup, even if they aren’t attending matches in person, while also investing in long-term community benefits.
Andrea Goldsmith, president of Stony Brook University, echoed that sentiment, noting the campus is proud to serve as a gathering place for Long Island families during this global event.
The viewing events also align with the state’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative, encouraging residents to enjoy outdoor spaces and shared experiences.
Additional details, including programming and activities, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, but one thing is certain—World Cup fever is coming to Long Island.
@IanJaeger29 | X
Noah Syndergaard
New York Islanders
Matthew Schaefer
LaValle Stadium
SPORTS
By South Shore Press
As the season begins to wind down, there is still plenty to celebrate across the Unified League, and Longwood High School did just that in memorable fashion this past week.
Longwood’s Unified Basketball team honored five seniors during a special Senior Night matchup against the Sachem High School North Arrows, and the evening delivered everything the occasion is meant to be. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the atmosphere was filled with smiles, highfives, and cheers, creating a celebration that extended far beyond the scoreboard.
Unified sports continue to highlight the true spirit of athletics—bringing together students of all abilities to compete, connect, and build lasting
Senior Night Is Truly Unified
friendships. For Longwood, this group of seniors has embodied that mission every time they’ve taken the court. Their energy, enthusiasm, and support for one another have helped shape a program built on inclusion, teamwork, and positivity.
Throughout the night, each senior was recognized for their contributions, not just as players, but as leaders within the school community. Family members, friends, teammates, and coaches all took part in honoring the group, creating a heartfelt moment that reflected the bonds formed over the course of the season.
The game itself served as the perfect backdrop for the celebration. Both teams played with enthusiasm and sportsmanship, reinforcing what makes Unified athletics so special. Every basket, assist, and defensive stop
was met with encouragement from the crowd, as the focus remained on participation, joy, and shared experience.
For the seniors, the night marked the culmination of their time in the program, but their impact will continue to be felt. They leave behind a legacy defined not by wins and losses, but by the sense of community they helped foster.
As Longwood looks ahead, the program will carry forward the spirit these seniors brought to the court—one built on inclusion, respect, and a genuine love of the game. And for one night, at least, the focus was exactly where it belonged: on celebration, appreciation, and the power of sport to bring people together.
Resiliency Is Synonymous With This Sachem Alum
By South Shore Press
A former Sachem standout has overcome more than her share of obstacles, and now she’s headed to the biggest stage in college lacrosse. Kristen Shanahan has played a major role in Maryland Terrapins women’s lacrosse’s success this season, emerging as one of the team’s key contributors as they prepare for the NCAA Final Four.
Shanahan enters the national semifinals ranked second on the team in points while leading the Terrapins in assists, a testament to both her scoring ability and playmaking presence. Long before her collegiate success, she built a remarkable résumé at Sachem East High School, where she became one of the most
decorated athletes in program history.
A 2020 graduate, Shanahan earned U.S. Lacrosse Third Team All-American honors as
a junior in 2019 after scoring 57 goals and adding 12 assists. She was a two-time All-County selection, named to Inside Lacrosse’s 2020 Rising Stars list,
and honored as a Newsday Player of the Year. She also excelled on the field hockey field, earning All-State recognition in both 2018 and 2019.
While her accomplishments are impressive, it is her resilience that truly stands out. Shanahan’s collegiate journey has been defined by perseverance through a series of injuries. After committing to University of Notre Dame, her freshman season was cut short before it began due to a torn ACL.
Following months of rehabilitation, she returned during her sophomore season, only to suffer a broken hip shortly after getting back on the field. Fully healthy as a junior, she appeared in 21 games, recorded her first
collegiate hat trick against Butler, and finished with 25 goals.
Adversity struck yet again during her senior season, when she suffered another torn ACL along with a torn labrum in her hip. Still, Shanahan refused to let setbacks define her career. Returning for a graduate season, she captained the Irish, started all 14 games, and scored a career-high 27 goals.
For her final chapter, Shanahan transferred to Maryland for the 2026 season. Now, her journey continues as she and the No. 3 Terrapins head to the Final Four in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend, where they will face North Carolina Tar Heels women’s lacrosse with a championship berth on the line.
Ward Melville Badminton Wins The Suffolk Title
By South Shore Press
The Ward Melville High School badminton team has reached the top of Suffolk County, capturing the county championship and adding another impressive achievement to the school’s athletic legacy.
The Patriots put together a strong and consistent season, showcasing both depth and skill across their lineup. From singles to doubles play, Ward Melville demonstrated the kind of balance that championship teams are built on, with players stepping up in key moments throughout the postseason.
Badminton often flies under the radar compared to some of the more high-profile sports, but the level of competition in
Suffolk County remains intense year after year. This season was no different, and Ward Melville rose to the challenge, proving themselves against some of the top programs in the area.
Throughout the playoffs, the team displayed poise and determination, traits that have become hallmarks of the program. Whether it was grinding out long rallies or executing in pressure situations, the Patriots consistently found ways to come out on top.
The championship victory is a testament to the hard work put in by the student-athletes, as well as the dedication of the coaching staff. Practices, preparation, and a commitment to improvement all played a role in helping the team reach this milestone.
For the players, the title represents more than just a trophy—it’s the culmination of a season filled with effort, teamwork, and shared goals. Celebrations following the win reflected not only the excitement of the moment but also the pride in what the group accomplished together.
With the Suffolk County Championship now secured, Ward Melville adds another chapter to its tradition of athletic success. The victory serves as a reminder of the talent across all sports in the local community and highlights the impact of dedication and teamwork at every level of competition.
Sachem Schools | Facebook
Kristen Shanahan
Longwood Central High School | Facebook
Longwood Unified Basketball
Three Village Athletics | Facebook
Ward Melville Badminton
By South Shore Press
The William Floyd Colonials track and field team turned in an outstanding performance this past week at the Don Bohlinger Invitational, held at West Babylon High School. With strong finishes across multiple events, the Colonials showed off their depth, speed, and talent against some of Suffolk County’s top competition.
Leading the way was the boys 4x400-meter relay team, which captured first place with an impressive time of 3:29.56. The relay squad of Ryan Chickel, Divine Bennett, David Gilles, and Jordan Hua held off a strong challenge from Amityville to secure the victory and highlight an excellent day for the Colonials on the track.
William Floyd athletes also
By South Shore Press
Floyd Boys Run to Excellence
delivered several standout performances in the field events.
Amani Faltz earned a third-place finish in the triple jump, while Christian Hobson placed seventh in the same event. Hobson also had a strong showing in the long jump, finishing fifth overall. Vontrell Hobson and Jamerson Stokley added to the team’s success in the long jump by both finishing inside the top 20.
In the pole vault, Nicolaus Lattanzi tied for eighth place, while Temarr Burwell and Curtis Edwards each tied for seventh in the high jump to give the Colonials two top-10 finishes in the event.
Burwell continued his strong meet on the track, taking second place in the boys 400-meter hurdles. Teammate Dylan Jamie also performed well in the event, finishing inside the top 20. Jordan Hua added another solid result
with a sixth-place finish in the boys 110-meter hurdles.
The Colonials also took home second place in the boys 4x100-meter relay, continuing an impressive day for the sprint teams. Distance runners Duncan Mahnken and Richard Gielarowski finished second and third in the boys 3200-meter run, while Holden Lentini earned fourth place in the boys 800-meter run.
Emerson Molina finished inside the top 25 in the boys 400-meter dash, and William Floyd’s depth was on display in the boys 100-meter dash, where three Colonials finished inside the top 20 and three more landed on the leaderboard.
With postseason competition approaching, the Colonials continue to build momentum at just the right time.
Pat Med Secures League Championship
The Patchogue-Medford High School varsity softball team has officially wrapped up a tremendous regular season as Suffolk League I co-champions, marking a historic accomplishment for the program. The title is especially meaningful for the Raiders, as it is the school’s first league championship since 2006.
Patchogue-Medford finished the regular season tied for first place with an impressive 14-4 league record and a 16-4 overall mark. Throughout the spring, the Raiders proved themselves to be one of the most complete teams in Suffolk County, combining dominant pitching, strong defense, and explosive
offense on a consistent basis.
One of the team’s most impressive stretches came during a seven-game winning streak in which the Raiders never allowed more than three runs in a game.
By South Shore Press
Port Jefferson’s Salomé Maginier continues to make history on the track, delivering another standout performance this past week at the prestigious Loucks Games. Competing against some of the top athletes in the region, Maginier shined in the 400-meter hurdles, finishing with an impressive time of 67.97 seconds and setting a new Port Jefferson outdoor track school record in the process.
The Loucks Games, one of the premier high school track and field meets in the Northeast, has long been known for showcasing elite competition and remarkable performances. Maginier rose to the occasion in a big way, proving once again why she has become one of Port Jefferson’s
Their pitching staff and defense were among the best in the county all season long, giving opponents very few scoring opportunities. In fact, Patchogue-Medford allowed more
than five runs in a game only once all season, a remarkable achievement that highlights the discipline and consistency of the entire roster.
Offensively, the Raiders were just as dangerous. The lineup delivered big performances throughout the season, scoring 10 or more runs in nine different games. Their highest-scoring effort came earlier this month in a dominant road victory in which Patchogue-Medford erupted for an incredible 23 runs.
The balanced attack on both sides of the field helped establish the Raiders as one of Suffolk County’s toughest teams to face this season. From timely hitting to clutch pitching and depend-
Jumping into the Record Books
top athletes this spring season. Her record-breaking run was the result of months of dedication, hard work, and determination. The 400 hurdles is widely considered one of the most demanding events in track and field, requiring a combination of speed, endurance, rhythm, and technique. Maginier handled every challenge the race presented and delivered a performance that will now go down in school history.
The achievement adds another memorable chapter to what has already been an exciting season for Port Jefferson athletics. Teammates, coaches, classmates, and community members have all rallied around Maginier as she continues to raise the standard for the program.
Setting a school record at
an event as competitive as the Loucks Games makes the accomplishment even more special. It not only highlights Maginier’s talent but also reflects the continued growth and success of Port Jefferson’s track and field program.
With championship meets approaching, Maginier’s momentum could not come at a better time. Her performance at Loucks shows she is peaking at the right moment and ready to continue competing at a high level against some of the best athletes on Long Island and beyond.
For Port Jefferson, it was another proud day on the track and another reminder that history can happen whenever great preparation meets a great opportunity.
able defense, Patchogue-Medford consistently found ways to win games and build momentum throughout the year.
The league championship is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork shown by the players and coaching staff from the very beginning of the season. After nearly two decades without a league title, the Raiders have now brought championship softball back to Patchogue-Medford in a big way.
The district congratulated the team on its outstanding accomplishment and memorable season as the Raiders now prepare to carry that momentum into postseason play.
Patchogue-Medford School District | Facebook Pat Med Softball
William Floyd School District
Floyd Track
Port Jefferson School District | Facebook
Salome Maginier
By South Shore Press
The William Floyd Colonials girls varsity track and field team wrapped up an outstanding regular season with a 5-1 record in League I competition, continuing to establish themselves as one of Suffolk County’s top programs this spring.
The Colonials have been fueled all season by strong performances across multiple events, including standout work in the triple jump from senior Allana Morgan and junior Jazz Paul. Morgan currently ranks second in Suffolk County in the event, while Paul sits fourth overall, giving William Floyd two of the top triple jump athletes in the county heading into championship season.
The team also delivered an impressive showing at the recent Smithtown Invitational. One of
WF Girls Track Have a Nearly Perfect Season
the biggest highlights came in the 4x800-meter relay, where the team of junior Brianna Smith, sophomore Anise Cobb, sophomore Esther Delille, and seventh grader Sofia Garcia captured meet championship honors. The victory showcased the Colonials’ depth and talent across all grade levels, with younger athletes already making a major impact on the varsity stage.
Another memorable moment came from freshman Camille Obi, who set a new freshman school record in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 71.11 seconds. Obi’s performance added another exciting chapter to what has already been a successful season for the Colonials and highlighted the bright future of the program.
Throughout the spring, William Floyd has consistently
demonstrated balance between experienced leadership and emerging young talent. That combination has helped the team remain competitive in nearly every event while building momentum heading into the postseason.
Now, the focus shifts toward championship competition. The Colonials will send a large group of talented athletes to the upcoming Frosh/Soph Championships on May 18, followed by the Suffolk County Championship Meet on May 26 and the State
Qualifier
Meet on June 4.
With strong performances throughout the regular season and several athletes ranked among the county’s best, William Floyd heads into the postseason with confidence and plenty of momentum.
Half Hollow Hills Is Headed Back To The Playoffs
By South Shore Press
The Half Hollow Hills varsity softball team is heading back to the postseason for the second consecutive year, and they did so in convincing fashion this week with a dominant 12–0 victory over Middle Country.
The win capped off a strong finish to the regular season for Hills East, which ended the year with an 11–8 overall record. One of those losses came in non-league play, making their performance within league competition even more impressive. While the Thunderbirds may have started the season on a slower note, they found their rhythm when it mattered most, closing out the year with five wins in their final seven games.
What stood out most during this late-season surge was
the team’s resilience in tight situations. Hills East showed a knack for coming through in clutch moments, winning three of their last five games by just one run. That ability to stay composed under pressure could prove to be a major factor as they head into playoff competition.
A big part of the team’s success this season has been the steady presence of pitcher Lucy Feigenbaum. Serving as the team’s reliable starter, Feigenbaum recorded nine wins on the year, ranking her among the top pitchers in Suffolk County. Her consistency in the circle has given Hills East a strong foundation, allowing the team
Double Dose Of History
By South Shore Press
It was a week to remember for the Sachem East High School baseball program, as the team delivered not just one milestone moment, but two in a single game. In a dominant 10-0 victory over cross-town rival Sachem North High School, the win carried far more significance than just another tally in the standings. With the victory, head coach Coach Schnupp recorded his 250th career win at the helm of the program, a remarkable achievement that reflects years of dedication, consistency, and leadership.
The milestone win also had immediate implications for the team’s season. By defeating their rivals in convincing fashion, Sachem East officially secured its spot in the upcoming postseason, adding even more meaning to an already memorable day. What made the moment even more special was that the victory represented a second historic achievement. The 10-0 triumph also marked the 250th win in the history of the Sachem East baseball program itself, aligning perfectly with their coach’s personal milestone. It’s a rare and fitting coincidence that speaks to the sustained success and tradition built within the
program over the years.
The game itself showcased the team’s strengths on both sides of the ball. The offense provided plenty of support with 10 runs, while the pitching and defense combined for a shutout performance, highlighting the group’s ability to rise to the occasion in a high-stakes rivalry matchup.
For players, coaches, and supporters alike, it was a moment that captured both the past and present success of Sachem East baseball. With a playoff berth now secured and momentum on their side, the team will look to build on this historic performance as they turn their focus toward a postseason run.
to stay competitive in every game.
Offensively, the Thunderbirds have also shown growth as the season progressed, providing timely hitting and run support to complement their pitching. The combination of improved offense and dependable defense has helped turn their season around and build momentum heading into the playoffs.
Now, with a postseason berth secured, Hills East will look to carry that momentum forward. If their late-season performance is any indication, this is a team that could be poised to make some noise in the playoff bracket.
Half Hollow Hills Central School District | Facebook Hills East Softball
