The South Shore Press 5/6

BY ROBERT CHARTUK

There are people in every community who lead from the front—and then there are those who lead from behind the scenes, never seeking recognition, but leaving a lasting mark all the same. Richard J. Drnek III was one of those rare individuals.

In speaking with those who knew him best, a clear picture emerges: a man deeply committed to his family, his business, and the community he loved. Not loud. Not flashy. Just steady, dependable, and always willing to step up when it mattered.

“He was one of those good people you meet in life,” said his close friend Fred Towle. “No matter what, Rick treated you the same—with friendship, kindness and sincerity.”

That consistency defined

him. Whether it was running Hansen Floor Covering in Mastic, a family business that has served the area for more than 50 years, or supporting local causes, Drnek carried himself with pride and purpose. A craftsman by trade, he not only built a successful business, but passed that work ethic on to his sons.

“He wasn’t the guy who stood up and spoke,” Towle said. “He was the guy behind the scenes who actually worked and got things done.”

Janine Towle echoed that sentiment, describing a man who never looked for attention, but was always present when the community needed him. From Little League and the Boy Scouts to local merchant groups and charitable efforts, Drnek was often the first to

Richard J. Drnek III, A Quiet Force Who Got Things Done

lend support—quietly, without expectation.

He served with the Mastic-Shirley Chamber of Commerce and the Montauk Highway Merchants Association, eventually becoming its president to help guide local businesses through challenges while maintaining a strong voice for the community.

More than anything, those closest to him remember his outlook on life.

“I’ve never met anybody more positive and upbeat about life, friends, family, and his community,” Fred Towle said. “He was all about the community.”

Rick is survived by his beloved wife, Laura; his sons Rick (Jeanmarie), Eric (Alyson) and Kenny; his cherished grandchildren Bria, Ricky, Levi, Lily, Roman and Marlaina; and

his siblings Jacqueline, Mary, Donald, Mark and Gary. Services were held privately. His legacy, however, will remain firmly rooted in the community he

Masons Expand Suicide Awareness Bench Program

By Robert Chartuk

A growing network of unassuming park benches across Suffolk is carrying a powerful message: no veteran is alone in the fight against suicide.

The initiative by the Masonic War Veterans has rapidly expanded over the past two years. “We’re up to 12 benches now, with more on the way,” said District Deputy Grand Master Robert Licata, who is helping to spearhead the effort. “We’re going to wind up with about 16 benches in just two years— dedicated to the battle within.”

Each bench is more than a place to sit. Affixed with information for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, they serve as quiet intervention points—visible reminders that help is always within reach. Locations have been carefully chosen for visibility and reflection, including waterfront settings in Port Jefferson, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park in Farmingville, and other high-traffic public spaces across Long Island.

Licata emphasized the urgency behind the project. “It’s extremely important based on the number of suicides continuing at around 20 a day,” he said. “We’re bringing

awareness across Suffolk County so veterans know they’re not by themselves. They have somewhere to turn.”

The hotline, he noted, is staffed by trained

professionals available 24/7. “It’s not just someone answering a phone—it’s people who know how to engage, how to keep someone talking, and how to guide them to the help they need,” Licata noted.

The effort has drawn strong support from the broader Masonic community, including Steven Rubin, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York, who has spoken at several bench dedications. “Veterans carry a battle within,” Rubin said. “These benches offer a place of reflection, peace, hope, and awareness—and a reminder that help is only a call away.”

Funded through donations and grassroots support from local Masons, the program continues to grow as new communities request installations. Organizers are still identifying future locations, with the goal of expanding the network even further.

For Licata and his fellow volunteers, the mission is clear. “If one person sees that bench, makes a call, and gets help,” he said, “then everything we’ve done is worth it.”

COVERING ALL OF SUFFOLK

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By Senator Dean Murray

I would like to take a few minutes to lay out exactly what Assemblyman Joe DeStefano and I were facing, and the actions we took regarding the South Country School District fiscal crisis.

Let me start by saying that in all my years of public service, I have never seen such a dire and disastrous financial situation.

In January 2026, we were approached by school district officials about an impending financial problem in which they had “overspent” their budget by roughly $3.4 million. As the days and weeks went by, it became clear the number was substantially higher. As those figures continued to change, my office contacted the NYS Comptroller’s Office and requested an audit to determine the true extent of the deficit.

The official numbers ultimately showed the district was $8.7 million short this year, with another negative $1.8 million in reserves— bringing the total to $10.5 million for the 2025-26 school year.

Unfortunately, the financial problems do not end there, as additional debt looms moving forward.

Rescue Plan Keeps Schools Open Amid Crisis

However, because New York State does not engage in multi-year budgeting, our focus had to remain on the current year to ensure students could actually complete the school year.

Based on the district’s situation, it was set to run out of money at the beginning of May. When I say “run out of money,” I mean that literally. There would be no funds to pay teachers and staff, no money for services, and no ability to keep the lights on. The school year would have effectively ended early—doors closed, students sent

home, and all school activities halted.

Obviously, we could not allow that to happen.

There are some who argue we should have “done nothing” and allowed the situation to unfold. To them, I say: doing nothing would have cost taxpayers millions more.

A large bond payment is due shortly. Without state assistance, the district would not have had the funds to meet that obligation.

A default would have dropped the district to “junk bond” status, dramatically increasing borrowing costs and adding millions in additional expenses—costs that would ultimately fall on taxpayers.

We could not allow that to happen. Our priority was clear: stabilize the district, keep schools open, ensure employees were paid, and meet all financial obligations, including payroll and bond payments.

Some have suggested that doing nothing would have triggered an immediate state takeover. That is simply not the case. Even if a takeover were to occur, it would not have happened in time to address the immediate crisis. The result would have been the

same—schools closing early, students losing instructional time, and taxpayers facing significantly higher long-term costs. That is not an acceptable outcome.

Looking ahead to the 202627 school budget, uncertainty remains. Due to ongoing disagreements among the Democrat majority in Albany, a state budget has not yet been finalized. As a result, we do not yet know how much state aid will be allocated to school districts.

Assemblyman DeStefano and I have been advocating for districts to receive more than the 1% increase proposed by the Governor. If successful, that increase could help reduce the tax levy currently being considered.

It is important to clarify, however, that state lawmakers do not control school district budgets or tax rates. While we helped enact the 2% tax cap, local school boards determine their budgets and whether to propose exceeding that cap.

If a district proposes a tax increase above the cap, it must be approved by at least 60% of voters. If that threshold is not met, the budget goes to a second

vote, where the board may revise or maintain the proposal. If it fails again, the district must adopt an austerity budget, reverting to the prior year’s spending level. Ultimately, voters decide how that process plays out.

I hope this explanation provides a clearer understanding of the circumstances Assemblyman DeStefano and I faced, and why we took action to “rescue”—not “bail out”—the district, its students, and its taxpayers.

As part of that effort, I insisted on strict oversight measures. The legislation requires detailed, line-item financial reports to be submitted quarterly for the next 30 years to the district CFO, local school board, NYS Division of Budget, NYS Comptroller, NYS Education Commissioner, and legislative finance leaders.

Beyond stabilizing the situation, we must also determine how this crisis occurred. The public deserves answers. That is why I have spoken with Ray Tierney and requested an investigation into whether any wrongdoing took place. The bottom line is simple: we will not allow this situation to be ignored or forgotten.

LOCAL South Country Lifeline Secures School Year, Adds Oversight

By Robert Chartuk

A last-minute legislative rescue is giving the South Country School District a critical financial lifeline, ensuring classrooms remain open, employees are paid, and a looming fiscal crisis does not spiral into long-term damage.

State lawmakers approved an emergency measure providing an immediate $7 million advance in state lottery aid, along with authorization for the district to borrow up to $11 million to stabilize its finances. The combined $18 million package is designed to address urgent cash flow needs and eliminate deficits that had placed the district on the brink of running out of money within weeks.

The measure allows the district to access an advance on its share of state lottery aid, providing immediate funds to meet obligations, including an upcoming bond payment that, if missed, could have triggered severe financial consequences and long-term damage to the district’s financial standing.

Senator Dean Murray said the action was necessary to prevent a far worse outcome for both taxpayers and students.

“This is not a bailout. It’s a rescue,” Murray stressed. “We allowed them to borrow against their own lottery funds. That was their money anyway.”

Murray warned that failure to act could have resulted in the district defaulting on its debt, potentially driving borrowing costs dramatically higher in the future and creating ripple effects for years to come.

“By doing this legislation, we saved the kids’ school year,” he said. “The kids will finish the school year, the teachers will get their paychecks, and they’ll keep operating through the end of the school year.”

Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano said the legislation was carefully structured to provide immediate relief while imposing strict long-term safeguards.

“This was about stepping in at the right moment to protect students and taxpayers,” DeStefano said. “We worked behind the scenes to make sure South Country had a path forward without putting the burden on families any more than necessary.”

The lawmakers credited Governor

Kathy Hochul and legislative leadership for advancing the bill, which had not been resolved as part of the overdue state budget.

The plan includes strict oversight provisions, requiring detailed quarterly financial reports to the state comptroller, division of budget, and legislative leaders. The reporting requirements are intended to ensure transparency and prevent future fiscal mismanagement.

“Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable,” DeStefano said. “The community deserves clear answers and consistent oversight going forward.”

As part of the agreement, the borrowed funds must be used specifically to address existing deficits in the district’s general fund, including a projected multi-million-dollar shortfall by the end of the current fiscal year. The advance aid will help cover immediate operating expenses through the end of the school year but cannot be used to reduce the district’s upcoming tax levy.

The district has proposed a 2026–27 budget that includes a 13.45% tax increase, which would exceed the state’s tax cap and require at least 60% voter approval. Officials have indicated that the budget must stand on its own, without reliance on the emergency

funds.

Former school board president Gregory Miglino, who has been sharply critical of district leadership, said the legislative action provides needed short-term relief.

“Any help in this desperate situation is appreciated,” Miglino said, while noting concerns about long-term debt. He also praised the lawmakers for calling for further scrutiny. “I applaud Senator Murray and Assemblyman DeStefano for calling on the district attorney’s office to criminally investigate what has gone on.”

Lawmakers confirmed they have requested a review by Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney to determine whether any wrongdoing contributed to the district’s financial crisis. While no findings have been announced, the request underscores the seriousness of the situation and the demand for accountability.

While the district still faces significant financial challenges, the legislation buys valuable time—keeping schools running, stabilizing finances, and allowing students and staff to complete the academic year without disruption as deeper questions about past management continue to be examined.

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LOCAL

By Robert Chartuk

In a community built on volunteerism, few families embody the spirit of service like the Sundermans.

For more than half a century, the Sunderman name has been synonymous with dedication to the Mastic Fire Department and the broader Mastic-Moriches community. What began with one man’s commitment has grown into a multi-generational legacy of firefighters, emergency responders, and auxiliary members—all united by a shared mission to give back.

That legacy began with Rudolph G. Sunderman, who joined the Mastic Fire Department more than 60 years ago. Over the decades, he rose through the ranks to become chief and continues today as a commissioner, a role he has held for 37 years. His leadership helped shape not only the department, but also the values that would guide his family for generations.

His son, Rudolph A. Sunderman, followed closely in his footsteps. Inspired as a child by watching his father respond to emergencies, he joined the department in 1987 and now has

Sunderman Family Defines Generations Of Service

nearly 40 years of service. He served as chief of the department and also as chief of the Mastic Volunteer Ambulance Company. Beyond the local level, Sunderman has played a major role in fire service leadership, serving as president of the Suffolk County Fire Districts Association, president of the Brookhaven Town Fire Chiefs and Fire Districts Association, and as a director of the New York State Fire Districts Association. He also served as a former Suffolk County legislator and currently serves as commissioner of the county’s Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services.

The next generation is already continuing the tradition. His son, Rudolph M. Sunderman, currently serves as assistant chief of the Mastic Fire Department and has about 10 years of service, having also come up through the junior ranks.

The family’s commitment extends across siblings and extended relatives. Anthony Sunderman, Rudolph A.’s brother, has 35 years of service and is a department director. Their sister, Christina Sunderman, is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary.

The family tree reaches even

further into the fire service. Terence Scaffaro, a relative, is an ex-chief and current director with 50 years of service, while William Ponzio, another relative, is a longtime member of nearly 50 years and serves as captain of the Fire Police.

Women in the family have played an equally vital role through the Ladies Auxiliary. Helen Sunderman, wife of Rudolph G., has approximately 30 years of service and is a past president of the auxiliary. Dottie Rosenman, the mother of Rudolph A., has more than 50 years in and is a past president of the Ladies Auxiliary.

Rudolph A. Sunderman’s immediate family continues that tradition. His wife, Laura Sunderman, serves as vice president of the Ladies Auxiliary, having been active for 34 years. Their daughter Megan Sunderman serves as president, Katie Sunderman serves as secretary, and Jennifer Sunderman is a member. Rudy M. Sunderman’s fiancée, Anna Paulette, is also a member. The extended family remains deeply involved as well. Anthony Sunderman’s wife, Stacy Sunderman, and their daughter, Stephanie Sunderman, are both

members of the Ladies Auxiliary. Donna Scaffaro, wife of Terence Scaffaro, is a past president.

Altogether, 18 members of the Sunderman family are actively involved in fire service and auxiliary roles—an extraordinary level of dedication spanning multiple generations.

“We truly enjoy helping the community,” Sunderman said. “Whether it’s responding to alarms, fire prevention, or community events, it’s about giving back.” Recognizing the value of this service, he added, “Thank you to every member of the department, because it is

the dedication of the volunteers that helps serve and protect the residents of the community.”

That commitment reflects a broader culture within the Mastic Fire Department, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. As the department moves into its second century, the Sunderman family stands as a powerful example of what sustains volunteer service: a deep-rooted commitment to neighbors, a tradition passed from one generation to the next, and a shared belief in serving something greater than oneself.

Dispatcher Guides Baby Delivery Before Help Arrives

By The South Shore Press

The call about a woman in labor came into the emergency center at 1:15 a.m. but the baby wasn’t going to wait for help to arrive.

Guided only by the calm voice of a Suffolk County dispatcher on the other end of a 911 call, the child was delivered in a Coram home before police, fire, or EMS crews could get there.

Timothy Murphy took the call reporting a woman in active labor. With first responders still en route, he provided step-by-step instructions to the caller, helping guide the delivery and ensuring the safety of both mother and child.

Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services Commissioner Rudy Sunderman praised Murphy’s actions, noting the critical role dispatchers play behind the scenes during emergencies.

“Tim Murphy is an emergency service dispatcher for us, and when we heard of his delivering of the baby, we were excited,” Sunderman said. “That’s what our emergency service dispatchers do every day.”

Sunderman emphasized that while dispatchers may not be physically on scene, their impact is often immediate and life-saving.

“They’re the behind-the-scenes workers, the behind-the-scenes first responders that are there to support our residents any time they call 911,” he said.

Murphy’s calm and professional guidance helped bring a new life into the world under stressful circumstances, a moment Sunderman called a source of pride for the department.

“They delivered the baby prior to police, fire and EMS arrival,” Sunderman said. “The whole thing—he walked them through it. He did a great job. We’re very proud.”

Murphy was later presented with a certificate in recognition of his actions.

Officials say the incident highlights the dedication and professionalism of Suffolk County’s dispatchers, who serve residents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

SANTOS UNCENSORED

BY GEORGE SANTOS

Let me say this plainly, because subtlety has never won a war, and it certainly won’t win one in the Strait of Hormuz: what we are witnessing under Donald Trump is the reassertion of American will, wrapped in strategy, discipline, and just the right amount of unapologetic strength.

For months, the world watched as Iran attempted to choke one of the most critical arteries of global commerce.

The Strait of Hormuz is not just water, darling—it is power. It carries roughly a fifth of the world’s oil, and when Iran tightened its grip, markets trembled, allies panicked, and the so-called “international community” did what it does best: held meetings and produced absolutely nothing.

Enter President Trump.

Now, critics will clutch their pearls and say this is escalatory.

I say it is decisive. The administration’s “Project Freedom” is not just a military maneuver; it is a message. American naval forces are actively guiding and

protecting vessels through hostile waters, restoring confidence, restoring commerce, and—let’s be honest—restoring respect.

And guess what? It’s already working. We’ve seen American-flagged ships successfully transit the strait under U.S. protection. That’s not theory; that’s results. We’ve seen negotiations quietly moving forward, with the President himself noting they are going “very well.”

That, my friends, is what leverage looks like. You don’t negotiate from weakness. You negotiate from a position where your adversary understands— deep in their bones—that you are serious.

Now let’s talk about the brilliance here, because it’s layered. This isn’t reckless war-making. It’s controlled pressure. The United States is simultaneously:

• Reopening a global economic lifeline • Protecting innocent sailors stranded in a geopolitical crossfire • Forcing Iran to the table under conditions they cannot ignore

All while signaling very clear-

Power, Not Posturing, In the Persian Gulf

ly: we prefer peace, but we are more than prepared for victory. And that’s the part the naysayers hate. Because President Trump doesn’t posture—he acts. When Iran threatens, he answers. When global trade is held hostage, he breaks the blockade. When diplomacy stalls, he creates momentum.

Is it risky? Of course. Leadership always is. But the alternative—allowing Iran to dictate terms in one of the most strategic waterways on Earth—would be catastrophic. What we are seeing is not chaos. It is controlled dominance. And I’ll say what many are thinking but too timid to

articulate: this is how wars are won—not just with missiles and ships, but with clarity, confidence, and an unshakable belief that America leads, not follows. So yes, be optimistic. Because for the first time in a long time, the United States is not reacting to events in the Middle East. It is shaping them.

The Death of Spirit Airlines: How Communists Posing as Democrats Delivered Higher Prices for Everyone

By Howard Roark

Spirit Airlines is gone. As of May 2, 2026, the ultra-low-cost carrier that rattled the industry for 34 years has begun an orderly wind-down of operations. All flights are canceled. Customer service is shut down. Seventeen thousand workers have lost their jobs. Assets are headed for the auction block. The bright yellow planes that once symbolized cheap fares for working families are grounded for good.

This wasn’t some unforeseeable act of God. Spirit had been bleeding cash for years—unprofitable since the pandemic, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy twice since late 2024, most recently in August 2025. Rising fuel costs, especially after the Iran conflict choked global oil supply, delivered the final blow. But the story of how a scrappy discounter that forced bigger airlines to compete on price ended up liquidated is a textbook case of elite incompetence wrapped in self-congratulatory rhetoric.

Spirit built its reputation on bare-bones service and rock-bottom fares. No frills, lots of fees, but undeniably cheap tickets that let regular Americans fly who otherwise couldn’t. For years, it was one of the most profitable U.S. carriers before the wheels came off. That “Spirit Effect”—the way its mere presence on a route drove down prices across the board—is exactly what regulators claimed they were protecting.

Enter the Biden administration’s antitrust warriors. In July 2022, JetBlue agreed to buy Spirit for $3.8 billion (plus assumption of

debt). The deal would have created a stronger low-fare challenger to the Big Four legacy carriers. JetBlue executives and Spirit’s leadership at the time saw it as a lifeline: keep the routes flying, preserve jobs, maintain pressure on prices. Spirit said the combination would ensure its survival and expand lowcost options.

Democrats in Washington hailed the government’s intervention as a triumph for the little guy.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, never one to miss a chance to lecture about “runaway consolidation,” cheered the block. In March 2024, after a federal judge sided with the DOJ, she posted: “I’ve warned for

months that a JetBlue-Spirit merger would have led to fewer flights and higher fares… This is a Biden win for flyers!”

The Department of Transportation, under Secretary Pete Buttigieg, fully supported the DOJ’s lawsuit to block the proposed JetBlue-Spirit merger. The agency argued it would eliminate “the largest, most aggressive ultralow-cost competitor,” grounding Spirit’s most cost-conscious customers and substantially reducing competition on routes carrying millions of passengers.

President Biden himself declared it a victory for consumers: “Capitalism without competition isn’t

capitalism—it’s exploitation.”

They told us keeping Spirit independent would preserve those magical low fares. Instead, the independent Spirit is dead. The low-cost capacity it provided is vanishing from the market. And basic economics—supply and demand—suggests what comes next: higher prices for the very people Warren, Buttigieg, and Biden claimed to champion.

This is the pattern. Progressive rhetoric about protecting the poor collides with reality. They rail against “monopolies” while ignoring that JetBlue plus Spirit would not have created anything close to one. The U.S. airline industry has four dominant players. A fifth competitive force combining two smaller carriers would have intensified pressure on fares, not eliminated it. The notion that this was some antitrust emergency was farcical from the start. No serious person believed JetBlue-Spirit would control the skies.

Capitalism isn’t perfect, but it works because failing companies either adapt or exit, and capital flows to where demand meets profitable supply. Government meddling that prevents sensible consolidation while a company circles the drain doesn’t save consumers—it destroys options. Spirit’s low-cost model is now gone. Routes will shrink. Remaining carriers will face less downward pressure on prices. Everyone pays more.

The left loves to portray itself as the defender of the working class against greedy corporations. Yet time after time—rent control that shrinks housing supply, energy

policies that drive up costs, border policy that floods our streets with drugs and crime, minimum wages that price low-skill workers out, and here, antitrust theater that killed a discount airline—the result is the opposite of the promised outcome. The poorest travelers lose affordable flights. Workers lose jobs. The “solution” creates the very scarcity it claims to fight.

Nobody serious argues for unchecked monopolies. Government has a role in preventing true market domination. But suggesting JetBlue acquiring Spirit threatened consumers while letting Spirit die a slow death in bankruptcy court is the kind of policy malpractice that should make everyone distrust those pretending to help us.

Voting has consequences. Handing power to ideologues who prioritize narrative over outcomes means real people—families trying to visit relatives, workers commuting for better jobs, small businesses shipping goods—bear the cost. Spirit’s yellow planes won’t be coming back. The cheap seats they represented are disappearing with them.

The powers that be will blame fuel prices, or markets, or anything except their own choices. But facts are stubborn. They blocked the merger that could have kept Spirit aloft. They celebrated it. Now the low-cost carrier is liquidated, and the bill lands on consumers. That’s not protecting the little guy. That’s Washington at work. Americans should remember it the next time someone promises to fight “for the people” by strangling the businesses that actually serve them.

Spring Bursts Into Bloom at Waterdrinker Farm

By Robert Chartuk

Spring has arrived in spectacular fashion at Waterdrinker Family Farm, where the annual Tulip Festival has grown into one of Long Island’s most vibrant seasonal attractions.

Now in its eighth year at the Manorville location, with another in Riverhead, the festival has expanded dramatically, featuring up to 2 million tulips in bloom alongside a sprawling field of daffodils. Rows of brilliant color stretch across the property, drawing families, photographers, and flower lovers from across the region.

“It’s a beautiful place to spend a sunny afternoon,” said Brittany Grube of East Moriches, who visited with her daughter, Abrianna.

“We loved it.”

Visitors can wander through the fields, take photos among the blossoms, and participate in

area that brings the spirit of the Netherlands to life. Visitors can stroll through the miniature town and explore exhibits detailing the origins of tulip cultivation and Amsterdam’s deep connection to the flower. The immersive setup offers a fun, educational experience for kids and adults alike.

Adding to the experience is the on-site brewery, now in its fifth year of operation. According to bartender Cole Olson, the brewery produces its own craft beverages, giving visitors a chance to unwind with a locally made drink after exploring the grounds.

the popular U-pick experience, bringing home fresh-cut tulips by the stem.

But the flowers are only part of the draw.

The farm has evolved into a full family destination, complete with a lively petting zoo featuring pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, donkeys, and even a giant tortoise. Children can enjoy mini golf, jumbo jump pads, and open play areas, while

adults take in the relaxed, outdoor atmosphere.

“It was really nice to be among so many flowers,” said Trisha Dupiton of Selden. “They are very aesthetic and have a calming effect on your soul.”

A standout feature is the “Little Amsterdam” village, a charming

With countless photo opportunities, activities for all ages, and ever-expanding floral displays, the festival continues to grow in popularity each season.

For hours, tickets, and updates, visitors are encouraged to check the farm’s website at www.water-drinker.com

Memories of Mothers

By Tom Barton, South Shore Press Sports Director

For as long as I can remember, when I looked around the dinner table, I was surrounded by mothers. My father got sick when I was very young, I had no brothers, and never met either of my maternal grandfathers. So I learned early on what motherhood really meant. Love and caring are often used to describe mothers, but those words don’t go deep enough.

There is one word that defines my mother, Debbie Barton: inspirational. And that’s not just a son’s praise—it’s the truth. She came from modest beginnings and worked hard to build a better life. She even flew to Germany during the war because she couldn’t stand being away from my father, who was stationed there. After returning home and starting a family, tragedy struck when my father suffered a stroke in his early 40s.

With nowhere to turn, my mother prayed—and found her answer in a newspaper ad for nurses. In her 40s, she went back to school and excelled, completing courses faster than expected and proving doubters wrong. She didn’t ask for handouts—she worked, fought, and built something admirable.

When retirement came, she chose not to slow down. Instead, she bought a bigger house so her grandchildren would always have a place to play. Even today, she continues working as a nurse, caring for disabled patients. That’s inspiration.

My sister Kim embodies another word: kindness. Nearly nine years older than me, she helped raise me during difficult times. She treated every moment with patience and compassion. A special needs teacher, religion instructor, and longtime Girl Scout leader, she gives her time selflessly. She even carries spiders out of the house instead of killing them. She has raised her daughters to see the good in the world and to always be kind.

Then there is my wife, Abby The word that defines her is hope. She sees the world not for what it is, but for what it could be. When we met, I had very little, but she believed in me and pushed me through difficult times. That hope shaped our life together. Today, we look at our children and see that same spark in them—a gift passed down from their mother. Abby’s hope has built our future, and it continues to guide us every day.

By Stefan Mychajliw, South Shore Press Digital Editor

Two incredible mothers in my life are the glue that holds our family together: my wife, Ashley, and my mother, Arlene June Mychajliw.

My mother was born into unimaginable hardship. Abandoned as a child, she was raised in orphanages and foster homes where she suffered abuse. She ran away as a teenager, and I don’t blame her. Despite having no example of a healthy family, she did her best to raise seven children, including me.

We were poor, and home life was often difficult. My father was an abusive alcoholic. But my mother gave me two gifts that shaped my life: faith and education. She encouraged me to attend Mass and made sure school came first. She connected me with a priest, Fr. Ronald Pecci, who became a mentor and father figure. That guidance changed my life. Because of her, I worked hard, graduated from Syracuse University, and built a career in politics and journalism. My mother wasn’t perfect, but she did the best she could—and I owe everything to her.

Today, I see the opposite childhood in our three children—Maksym, Emeryk, and Victoria—and 99.999% of the credit goes to my wife, Ashley She is a social worker with a natural gift for motherhood. She keeps our home running, sets boundaries, and fills our lives with love and stability.

Our children will never know hunger, hardship, or instability. That’s what every parent strives for—to give their children a better life. That’s the American Dream, and we are living it because of Ashley

My mother passed away suddenly in 2013. Even now, I catch myself thinking, “I should call Mom.” I would give anything for one more conversation. If your mother is still here, tell her you love her—not just on Mother’s Day, but every day.

God bless all mothers for their sacrifice and love.

STATE By Stefan Mychajliw

A band of Catholic nuns who’ve spent more than a century caring for the poorest and dying is now in a bitter legal fight with New York State. The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, who run a free hospice for terminal cancer patients, say a sweeping state gender-identity mandate could force them to violate their faith, or face fines, shutdown, even jail.

The sisters have now gone to federal court, accusing the state of trampling their constitutional rights. Their attorney, Martin Nussbaum, says the case is about whether religious groups can continue their mission without government coercion. South Shore Press contributor Stefan Mychajliw spoke with him.

Q&A With Martin Nussbaum Stefan Mychajliw: Martin, can you help me better understand what the big legal issue is because here we have some amazing nuns, do great work…

NYS Bullies Hospice Nuns Over Gender Rules

and what exactly is New York State trying to make these poor nuns do?

Martin Nussbaum: The state passed what it calls the New York LGBTQ Bill of Rights for

long-term care facilities, and it imposes gender ideology on how the sisters care for patients. That includes requiring them to allow biological men into women’s rooms or bathrooms,

use preferred pronouns, and engage in what’s called “affirming” speech. They also have to undergo training that promotes this ideology. All of this directly conflicts with their Catholic beliefs. These sisters have served dying cancer patients for 125 years — for free — and now the state is telling them they must change how they operate at a fundamental level.

Mychajliw: How sick is it that these woke radical progressives in New York could potentially punish elderly nuns… with jail time?

Nussbaum: The penalties are extremely serious. If they don’t comply, they could lose their license, face fines, lawsuits, and even up to a year in jail. What’s happening here is the state elevating gender ideology in a way that overrides religious belief. The sisters are being forced not just to tolerate something, but to affirm it through speech and action. That raises major constitutional concerns involving

religious freedom and compelled speech.

Mychajliw: I can’t imagine the level of stress… these poor elderly sisters just want to care for very sick individuals.

Nussbaum: They remain focused on their mission. This is a community devoted to caring for people who are dying, and that’s where their attention is.

Mychajliw: And how are they holding up?

Nussbaum: They’re remarkable. They’ve even declined many media requests because they want to focus on their patients and bring comfort in their final days.

Mychajliw: Where does the case stand right now?

Nussbaum: We filed in federal court on April 6. It’s at an early stage, but this case will ultimately decide whether the government can force a religious community to violate its beliefs just to continue serving others.

HISTORY LESSONS

BY RICHARD ACRITELLI

“On the road to victory you have endured every discomfort and privation and have surmounted every obstacle ingenuity and desperation could throw in your path. You did not pause until our front was firmly joined up with the great Red Army coming from the East, and other Allied forces coming from the South. Full victory in Europe has been attained.”—General Dwight D. Eisenhower, May 6, 1945

At this point eighty-one years ago, World War II in Europe was rapidly ending through the immense pressure that the United States, England, and the Soviet Union applied against the Third Reich. Hitler’s self-proclaimed thousand-year leadership of the Nazis lasted twelve years and ended in a complete disaster for large parts of Europe. Eisenhower had immense authority during the fighting, but he was solemn in understanding the immense losses of this tragic conflict.

About ten days before the surrender of Germany, American and Soviet forces met at the Elbe River. While these men were from different backgrounds, they were joined by the hope of finally ending this war against Hitler. For the Soviet Union, it took three years to force the Germans out of their territory, with an estimated 29,000,000 killed, along with the western part of their country destroyed. Whereas the United States entered this conflict late, the nation fought a brutal two-front war with an immense number of soldiers, resources, and military support to defeat German and Japanese forces. The culmination of the war in Europe was seen on

FOG

OF WAR AND HUMANITY

BY RICHARD ACRITELLI

Decades of Long Island history came to life during a recent episode of “The Fog of War and Humanity,” hosted by South Shore Press History Columnist Richard Acritelli and featuring News Director Robert Chartuk.

The wide-ranging conversation focused heavily on the deep historical roots of the South Shore and Brookhaven Town, with Chartuk drawing from both personal experience and years of reporting to highlight stories often overlooked in mainstream accounts.

A lifelong resident of Center Moriches, Chartuk described the area as a classic small-town American community with ties that stretch back generations. That sense of continuity, he explained, is what makes local history so powerful.

The River Crossing and American, Soviet Allied Forces

April 25, 1945, as the Soviets encircled Berlin and met the Americans close to the town of Torgau on the Elbe River.

These two major warring powers were represented by junior officers from both sides who shook each other’s hands. At the end of the war, there was a risk that American and Soviet forces could assault each other through friendly fire. The Americans at this eastern point were led by Lieutenant Bill Robertson from the 69th Infantry Division under the leadership of General Courtney Hodges of the First Army. Robertson understood that his soldiers were going to contact the Soviets and needed a symbol to present the American presence. While they did not have an official American flag, Robertson created one to help represent this legendary Allied union. At first, the Soviet counterpart be-

lieved that the American military might be Germans, but Robertson’s substitute flag clarified their identity. When both sides met, these foreign Allies flashed the “V” sign for “Victory.”

As these soldiers met, it marked the beginning of brief encounters between Americans and Soviets to celebrate the end of the war. From private soldiers to generals, gifts were exchanged among these victorious military forces. Soviet Marshal Ivan Konev gave American General Omar Bradley a horse, and in return, Konev was presented with the Legion of Merit, while the head of Soviet forces received a jeep. Meeting his counterpart, Eisenhower presented Zhukov with his favorite drink, Coca-Cola. Shortly after the war, Eisenhower commented on his relationship with Zhukov, stating, “Georgy is a very decent fellow. [If he were]

left on his own, I believe I could do business with him.” Although American and Soviet forces came from vastly different backgrounds, many of these soldiers were pleased to know that they had jointly fought this war to end Hitler’s tyrannical grip on Europe. World War II in Europe, and later the victory against Japan, resulted in 40,000,000 to 60,000,000 losses. It was estimated that Poland lost 20% of its total population, China faced staggering deaths of well over 20,000,000, and Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union each lost about 10% of their people. Both armies had already liberated concentration and extermination camps, where they witnessed murder, cruelty, and starvation under the warped policies of the Nazi regime. These two converging armies would always recall the scenes of battles fought in Europe for almost six years.

When Eisenhower walked through the Ordruf concentration camp with Generals Bradley and George S. Patton at his side, the disdain on his face was easily seen. Concerned that people might doubt these Nazi atrocities, Eisenhower directed American soldiers—and later members of Congress—to witness these liberated camps. As the war came to an end, soldiers hardened by fighting in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany were shocked at the sight of government-organized murder. Although both sides were on the verge of a monumental victory, they saw immense disease, destruction of cities and towns, and the displacement of populations from France to the Soviet Union.

Many of these soldiers were relatively young, and they carried these horrific memories for the rest of their lives. There was virtually no counseling or support services to help them deal with the violent impact of the war. Later, these veterans worked, raised families, took care of their homes, and dealt with the reminders of the war that were rarely spoken about.

The Cold War began soon after this historic Allied meeting at the Elbe River, where men from different ideologies shared the same types of scars from World War II. Soviet soldiers returned to a western region of their nation that had been virtually destroyed by the advancing and retreating Nazis. On Long Island, the massive “Baby Boom,” the GI Bill, and communities like Levittown were created to meet the needs of returning veterans who represented the “Greatest Generation.” Both countries emerged as superpowers, but there was a tremendous cost to defeat the Nazis and Japanese and restore safety and stability.

Eisenhower shared many personality and command traits with President and General Ulysses S. Grant. When he met with the German Wehrmacht delegation to sign the final peace, he spoke briefly but reminded these senior enemy figures that they would be held responsible for maintaining the peace. Just as Grant had reminded his officers to stop firing artillery after the surrender of General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, Eisenhower was pleased with victory in Europe but remained mindful of the tremendous losses.

Local History Comes Alive On Fog Of War Podcast

“You realize quickly that history isn’t something distant,” Chartuk said during the interview. “It’s right here—woven into the streets, the homes, and the people you’ve known your whole life.”

From there, the discussion shifted into the Revolutionary War era, where Long Island played a far more significant role than many realize. Chartuk pointed to William Floyd of Mastic as a central figure, noting that his restored homestead stands as one of the most important historic sites in the region.

Chartuk explained how Floyd’s home was occupied by British forces during the war, reflecting the divided loyalties across Long Island at the time—where neighbors often found themselves on opposing sides of the conflict.

Another key figure was William “Tangier” Smith, whose sprawling estate, now known as the Manor of St. George, became a strategic British outpost during the war. Chartuk detailed how the site was later recaptured in a daring raid led by Benjamin Talmadge, one of General George Washington’s most trusted intelligence officers.

Talmadge’s raid not only reclaimed the manor but also disrupted British supply lines, including the destruction of a massive hay reserve in Coram— an operation ordered directly by Washington to weaken enemy cavalry forces.

The podcast also explored lesser-known but equally compelling figures, including Nathaniel Woodhull, who was mortally wounded after refusing

to renounce his allegiance to the American cause. Chartuk recounted how Woodhull was brought back to Mastic, where he later died—cementing his place in local and national history.

Beyond battlefield events, physical remnants of history are still visible across Long Island today. From colonial homes bearing markings from British occupation to centuries-old cemeteries containing Revolutionary War veterans, the region remains a living archive.

“These aren’t just stories in books,” Chartuk noted. “You can stand in these places, see the evidence, and connect directly to what happened.”

Acritelli praised Chartuk’s ability to bridge journalism and historical storytelling, noting that his work continues to preserve local heritage for future generations.

The podcast highlights a history that will take center stage as the community celebrates the nation’s 250th birthday. To view the podcast, visit www.hmtcli.org.

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

BY KARL GROSSMAN

This is a tale about unintended consequences in science, governmental malfunction affecting Suffolk County, and a mammoth spread of poison globally.

It began in 1938. As the website Health Brief related last week: “In 1938, a chemist at the DuPont company accidentally discovered an exciting new polymer. It repelled water, it was chemically stable and nonreactive, and nothing stuck to it. The material—brand name: Teflon—has been used in countless consumer products since then to reduce friction between surfaces. Among its best-known applications is in nonstick cookware…In the past few decades, however, the chemicals that go into nonstick surfaces have been linked to certain health issues and environmental pollution.”

What that scientist, Roy Plunkett, accidentally came upon received the scientific names per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—or PFAS.

They’re also called “forever chemicals” because once produced, they are nearly impossible to get rid of. Extensive and elaborate filtering is one way. And they’re everywhere—no longer mainly on pots and pans.

The National Geological Survey in 2023 issued a “National News Release” with the headline “Tap water study detects PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ across the U.S.” The subhead: “USGS estimates at least 45% of tap water could have one or more PFAS.”

It said: “There are more than 12,000 types of PFAS, not all of which can be detected with current tests…This USGS research marks the first time anyone has tested for and compared PFAS in tap water from both private and government-regulated public water supplies on a broad scale throughout the country.”

“PFAS Can Be Found in Many Places” was the heading of a

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency statement titled “Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS.” It said:

“Last updated on April 21, 2026.”

The EPA list includes: “Drinking water—in public drinking water systems and private drinking water wells; Soil and water at or near waste sites—at landfills, disposal sites, and hazardous waste sites; Fire extinguishing foams…Such foams are used in training and emergency response events at airports, shipyards, military bases, firefighting training facilities, chemical plants, and refineries; Manufacturing or chemical production facilities that produce or use PFAS—for example, at chrome plating, electronics, and certain textile and paper manufacturers; Food—for example, in fish caught from water contaminated by PFAS and dairy products from livestock exposed to PFAS; Food packaging—fast food containers/wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and candy wrappers;

UNDERCOVER NEW YORK

BY KATHRYN NOCERINO

The French have a phrase, “Nostalgie de la boue,” which translates loosely as “nostalgia for the mud-puddle” and is often used to suggest a return to base or primitive behavior. Both the French and the English involve themselves in a contest over who has the oldest and/or most unassailable pedigree. Such a pedigree comes with its own set of rules governing deportment.

Let me inform all of you now that everyone who is alive today comes from an equally ancient lineage. My family is particu-

larly old. They originated in the primordial ocean as a one-celled organism and, once the Mediterranean or the Black Sea had cooled to room temperature, painstakingly hauled themselves out onto dry land using their gills.

At the time, they probably resembled the cartoon-like modern fish called a “mudskipper.” There was still no language, so they were collectively known as “UMPH,” the sound they had to make when hauling themselves out of the mud.

One French contender who

The headline last week on a full-page article in Newsday: “Suffolk’s plume study.” The subhead: “Tests find chemical spread worse than Navy has disclosed.”

Household products…stain- and water-repellent used on carpets, upholstery, clothing, and other fabrics, cleaning products, nonstick cookware, paints, varnishes, and sealants; Personal care products—certain shampoos, dental floss, and cosmetics…” That is some list! And the EPA list of health impacts is substantial. A variety of cancers are in the middle of the EPA list. Under the heading “What We Know about Health Effects” is this line: “Current peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to,” and then came the list: “Reproductive effects such as decreased fertility…Developmental effects…including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes… Increased risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers. Reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections, including reduced vaccine response; Interference with the body’s natural hormones...”

‘Forever Chemicals’ Raise Alarm in Suffolk Mud

calls himself “Jarl Ale de Basseville” and styles himself as a “Viking prince” calls one of our First Ladies “a nice girl” (oddly paraphrasing the lady’s own husband). Jarl primarily makes his living by taking pictures of models and swears that “ladies love threesomes.” Yo, mudskipper—along with the rest of us…I require all of my subjects to address me as “Your Majesty.” Instances of my family’s pedigree have followed it into the near-present. We were supposed to have owned a villa in North Italy which, during

The article began: “A far more extensive plume of industrial chemicals is spreading beyond the former Grumman site in Calverton than the U.S. Navy has acknowledged, according to independent water testing by the Suffolk County Health Department. The finding, presented by the county at a forum in Manorville…shows the hazardous and, in some cases, carcinogenic chemicals are migrating directly toward the Peconic River, putting the entire estuary at risk, according to a Suffolk hydrogeologist.” He is Andrew Rapiejko of the Health Department.

“The 6,000-acre former Grumman site was used to build and test fighter jets from 1954 to 1996,” the piece noted.

“Late last month, Suffolk County banned fishing in Swan Pond, south of the Grumman site, after Navy tests revealed high levels in freshwater fish in the waterway….PFOS and another type of chemical found in the pond, PFOA, are part of the larger PFAS group, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” said the article by Tara Smith.

Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Farmingdale-based Citizens Campaign for the Environment, was at the hearing and, the piece reported, “said the Navy had data about fish in Swan Pond for more than a year before sharing it with Suffolk County.” It quoted Esposito declaring: “Their actions have been unconscionable and basically criminal. They let people eat toxic fish.”

Tough words pointing to a government malfunction.

In March, Brendan Carpenter and Ann Borruto of the Times Review Media Group wrote a story headlined “Study: ‘Forever chemicals’ found in vegetables from Long Island farm stands.” They reported: “Forever chemicals known as PFAS—cancer-causing pollutants already found in Long Island groundwater—have been detected in vegetables purchased from farm stands across the North and South forks, according to a new study by Stony Brook University.”

Last month, Newsday ran an article by Mark Harrington headlined: “Toxic forever chemicals raise concerns about garden, farm products on Long Island.”

It quoted Walter Hang, president of the Environmental Health Research Group, saying: “These PFAS compounds are just spreading farther and farther and concentrating more and more, and just because they ban them doesn’t mean the problem has gone away. We have just not solved this problem in any fashion. It’s everywhere and it’s bioconcentrating in humans…it’s just a problem of unprecedented proportions because of the toxicity and the incredible persistence and the volume of these compounds that are produced to this day.”

The U.S. is “regulating” PFAS; state and local governments have banned many, and industry has withdrawn many, yet they are still manufactured internationally and imported into the U.S. in various products.

Meanwhile, a Wall Street law firm, Krentsel Guzman Herbert, is running an announcement headlined “Forever Chemicals Lawsuits, Justice for Long Island,” saying: “We’ll make these companies pay for what you have suffered due to PFAS contamination.”

the 12th century, hosted “The Holy Roman Emperor.” We had an archbishop, and my paternal grandmother’s uncle held some kind of office in the Vatican requiring him to carry the Pope’s comic book—or flyswatter. This is nothing: I always referred to my Aunt Dolores as the last Roman empress. Why, then, was I unable to buy a co-op on Park Avenue? Why couldn’t I join St. Bart’s Community Club? This is something that still manages to concern me when I have a pain. The fact remains that, no mat-

ter how lengthy your pedigree, you will still have to pay the fare when you get onto a bus or a subway train.

ASK NANCY

BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ.

Q: What is Supported Decision-Making, and can it be used instead of guardianship?

A:Supported Decision-Making is codified under New York law as an alternative to guardianship. It allows individuals to make their own decisions with the assistance of trusted supporters, rather than transferring decision-making authority to a court-appointed guardian.

Traditionally, when a person was unable to manage personal or financial affairs, families were directed toward guardianship proceedings. While guardianship remains appropriate in certain cases, it is a court-supervised process that can limit an individual’s ability to make decisions, depend -

Supported Decision-Making vs. Guardianship: Understanding the Difference

ing on the circumstances. As a result, alternatives are often considered where appropriate.

Supported Decision-Making offers a different approach. Instead of transferring decision-making authority, the individual enters into a written agreement identifying trusted supporters and the areas in which support is needed, such as financial matters, medical care, or housing decisions. These supporters may assist by helping the individual understand information, review documents, attend appointments, and communicate decisions to third parties. The individual, however, remains the decision-maker.

Most people do not make important decisions alone. We rely on family members, professionals, and others we trust to talk things through and help us understand our options. Supported Decision-Making builds on that concept by providing a formal structure for individuals who may need additional support.

In everyday situations, this may allow a supporter to communicate with a bank, doctor,

or service provider alongside the individual, without the need for a court-appointed guardian. For many families, this can avoid a formal guardianship proceeding altogether.

Supported Decision-Making is often appropriate where a person can participate in decision-making but needs help with more complex or unfamiliar matters. It is frequently used for individuals with developmental disabilities, but it may also apply in other situations where support is needed without full court involvement.

However, it is not appropriate in every case. If an individual cannot understand decisions even with assistance, or is at risk of harm or exploitation, guardianship may still be necessary.

Understanding the distinction between these options is important. In appropriate cases, Supported Decision-Making provides a way to offer assistance while preserving independence and avoiding court involvement.—Alma Muharemovic, Esq. and Britt Burner, Esq.

Alma Muharemovic, Esq. is an associate attorney at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C., focusing her practice on estate planning. Britt Burner, Esq., is the Managing Partner at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C., focusing her practice on

estate planning and elder law. Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. serves clients from New York City to the East End of Long Island, with offices located in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, Manhattan, and East Hampton.

LIBRARY LIVING

BY TARA D’AMATO

Assistant Library Director

Seed and Spice Library –Free Seeds, Sample Spices

If you love gardening, the library is here to help you grow your own vegetables and flowers. At each branch, we have a seed library where you can get free seed packets to grow at home. Visit any MMSCL branch in person and choose from a selection of seasonal seed varieties. All have been selected to grow in our area. All you need is a library card. You can take a limited number of packets per visit—just head to the Adult Services Desk to get some seeds. They are yours to keep and grow. Learning how plants grow, starting seeds, and tending a garden are fun activities that the whole family can

Our spice library is also available for you to try out new flavors. We will be highlighting a variety of seasonal and international spices throughout the year. If you enjoy cooking and exploring new recipes, check out the spice library at any branch. Past spices we have explored include za’atar, pink pepper, and dill. Sign out a packet of spice (yours to keep), grab a free recipe booklet that includes a history of the spice and its origins, and try out your cooking skills with a new flavor.

This month’s featured spice blends are shichimi togarashi, a Japanese seven-spice blend based on peppers, and a Portuguese peri peri blend featuring African bird’s-eye peppers for a real kick.

As Giuliani Fights for His Life, Recall Two Recent Battles That Show His Genius

By Neil W. McCabe

“America’s Mayor” is fighting for his life, and Americans are remembering him as the man who fought for them—everywhere.

Media reports say the man who led New York City from 1994 to 2001 is on a ventilator in an intensive care unit at a Florida hospital.

President Trump, in a May 4 Truth Social post, expressed his heartfelt concern:

“Our fabulous Rudy Giuliani, a True Warrior, and the Best Mayor in the History of New York City, BY FAR, has been hospitalized and is in critical condition. What a tragedy that he was treated so badly by the Radical Left Lunatics, Democrats ALL — AND HE WAS RIGHT ABOUT EVERYTHING! They cheated on the Elections, fabricated hundreds of stories, did anything possible to destroy our Nation, and now, look at Rudy. So sad!”

Rudolph G. Giuliani first walked onto the national stage in 1974, when he prosecuted Rep. Bertram L. Podell (D.-N.Y.), the Brooklyn congressman who was working a side hustle for an airline seeking routes to the Bahamas.

It was the height of the Watergate Hoax, and the young Brooklyn-born assistant U.S. attorney put the congressman on the stand for a cross-examination that was so brutal that Podell asked for a recess.

When the congressman returned to the courtroom, he agreed to a guilty plea that ended his political career—and launched a legend.

Here are two chapters of the Giuliani story in the recent past that show his uncanny ability to read the situation and take action.

Giuliani Ends

The Mueller Probe

I met the mayor, who was serving as Trump’s attorney, as a Washington-based reporter trying to make heads or tails out of the Russian Collusion Hoax.

While the mainstream media promoted the hoax, I had established by February 2017 that it was all so much garbage from sifting through the hoaxers’ own work product and sources on Capitol Hill. When it was over, I asked the mayor how he did it.

“I told them, if they didn’t shut it down, I would go after their law licenses,” he told me.

For nearly two years, Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller and his team had kept the investigation going in order to trip up as many Trump donors, staffers, and associates as possible. It was very much reminiscent of how the Watergate prosecutors managed to convict 90 associates of President Richard M. Nixon while promoting that hoax.

Giuliani told me he had been keeping a list of prosecutorial abuses by the Mueller team, but then he got hold of a big one.

Mueller attorneys approached a man with a script they wanted him to read. The script had the man testifying that one of his friends was a conduit between Russians and the Trump campaign.

When the man refused, the Mueller team went to his wife with a story about her son and the man’s stepson and told her: You love your son, but your husband does not. We told him that if he cooperates, we will not prosecute his drug dealing—but he refused. What kind of husband is he?

Giuliani told me it had always been difficult dealing with Mueller, whose head was already filled with bread pudding.

He said every time he would call to speak to the prosecutor, the staff would put him off and claim Mueller was busy and unavailable, such that it might go months between the president’s attorney and the prosecutor looking to take the president down.

That all ended when Giuliani threatened to take away law licenses.

Shutting down the Mueller probe was a masterstroke by a true man of the law.

Giuliani to Trump: ‘This is bad.’

Another telling episode from later in Giuliani’s career was his recognition that something was very wrong on Election Night 2020.

It was at the East Room watch party, packed with 400 guests, big screens, and drinks.

At or around 11 p.m., Giuliani recognized that in key Democratic strongholds, like Fulton County, Georgia, and Philadelphia, the vote tallies were being held back.

This is a classic maneuver, made famous by Theodore White in his book The Making of the President 1960. White described how Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley ordered his machine to hold back its vote totals until after the heavily Republican southern and central Illinois reported, so he would know what number to write in to give the state to Sen. John F. Kennedy (D.-Mass.)—not Nixon.

Giuliani started barking to people at his table that something was up. Then he got up to find Trump.

Hearing the commotion, Trump’s campaign manager, William Stepien, grabbed the mayor and, with some others, pulled him into another room.

What is the problem? Stepien asked.

The mayor told Stepien that Trump needed to declare victory immediately because there was something strange about how the returns were coming in.

Stepien told Giuliani to relax and stop making people upset.

At the stroke of midnight, Trump was leading in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—four states and 62 electoral votes he carried in 2016, but which would be certified as going to former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the man who moved into the White House that next January.

In the morning, Trump called Giuliani.

The president asked his friend what the problem was. Although he still led in Georgia and Pennsylvania, the lead was gone in Michigan and Wisconsin, and their 36 electoral votes were trending away.

“This is bad,” Giuliani told Trump.

By the end of the call, the president told Giuliani he was in charge of protecting the president’s victory—a task he could not achieve, but not for want of trying.

Fighting to protect Trump’s 2020 victory cost Giuliani his fortune, his professional standing, and contributed, no doubt, to the health crisis with which he is now grappling. Yet he never backed off—and he has lived long enough to be vindicated.

There are thousands of Giuliani stories, maybe more, but these are the two that stick with me as my friend fights through this health challenge, so he can fight again.

LOCAL

By Stefan Mychajliw

The Public Relations Professionals of Long Island have announced two of the 2026 PRPLI Annual Award winners, recognizing excellence in mentorship and media impact ahead of the organization’s annual luncheon in May.

Brooke Oliveri, associate director of communications, marketing and public health initiatives for the Suburban Hospital Alliance of New York State, has been named the 2026 Howard M. Blankman Outstanding Mentor Award recipient.

Oliveri is recognized for her extensive work in health communications and her commitment to guiding interns and PRPLI members. Colleagues say

PRPLI Honors Oliveri, Conway With 2026 Awards

her mentorship has helped many young professionals launch successful careers while also strengthening the organization.

Also honored is Jill Conway, host of the “Secrets of Powerful Women” podcast and founder of Powerful Women USA, who received the 2026 Outstanding Media Award.

A veteran of two decades in television news, Conway now uses her platform to spotlight women’s achievements and challenges. Organizers said her work fosters connection and empowers women to share their stories and grow together.

“Brooke and Jill exemplify the very best of our profession,” PRPLI representatives said.

The awards will be presented during the PRPLI Annual

Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, May 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Westbury Manor.

Tickets, sponsorship opportunities and digital journal advertisements are currently available for those wishing to attend or support the event. Additional award announcements, including Campaign of the Year and scholarship recipients, are expected later this week.

PRPLI officials encouraged members of the public relations community to join in celebrating the honorees and their contributions to the industry, noting that both recipients have demonstrated leadership, creativity and a lasting commitment to advancing communications across Long Island and beyond through mentorship,

storytelling and collaboration that continues to inspire peers and future professionals alike as the organization prepares for its annual gathering this spring season ahead.

SpringFest 2026 Brings Family Fun to Moriches

By The South Shore Press

SpringFest 2026 will bring a burst of seasonal energy to the Moriches Branch of the Mastic-Moriches-Shirley Community Library, as residents gather for a day of family-friendly activities and community connection.

The event, scheduled for Saturday, May 9th, from noon to 4 p.m. at 201 Montauk Highway, is designed to welcome participants of all ages with interactive experiences.

“The goal of SpringFest is to create a welcoming, engaging space where families can come together,” said Kerrilynn Jorgensen, branch manager.

Attendees can explore crafts, lawn games, a scavenger hunt and creative stations, including tin can planters, pine cone bird feeders

and spring bonnet decorating, leading to a 3 p.m. parade.

Additional attractions include

air-powered rocket demonstrations, a plant swap, green screen photo opportunities and a community banner project.

Community partners will also play a major role, with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department offering Operation Safe Child ID cards and a K-9 demonstration.

Representatives from the Tesla Science Center and United Way of Long Island will participate, while local vendors provide food and artisan goods.

“Events like SpringFest reflect how the library brings people together in meaningful ways,” said Library Director Lonna Castro.

“It’s a great opportunity to highlight everything the library has to offer.”

Library Board President Joseph

Maiorana added, “We are proud to support events that strengthen connections and showcase the library’s role.”

The outdoor event is weather permitting, with a rain location set for the main building in Shirley.

SpringFest is free and open to the public, with no registration required.

For more information, call 631399-1511, ext. 2028, or visit www. communitylibrary.org for event details and updates from organizers ahead of the celebration.

Organizers said the festival continues to grow each year, drawing families from across the area to celebrate spring together in a vibrant and inclusive community setting for all.

Golf Classic Honors Paige Keely, Funds AVM Research

By Stefan Mychajliw

Nearly eight years after the death of six-year-old Paige Keely, her family and community continue to turn heartbreak into hope through ongoing efforts to raise awareness about brain arteriovenous malformations.

Nearly 200 supporters gathered at Nissequogue Golf Club for the third annual Paige Keely Foundation Golf Classic, an event dedicated to honoring Paige’s memory while advancing lifesaving research.

Paige, a first grader at St. James Elementary School, died in 2018 from an undiagnosed brain arteriovenous malformation, a condition that often goes unnoticed until it becomes

critical.

Her mother, Gina Keely, has since committed herself to preventing similar tragedies.

“The goal is to find this at the earliest stages of life,” she said.

The golf outing featured a full day of activities, including tournament play, dinner, raffles, auctions and entertainment, all aimed at bringing the community together for a common cause.

Proceeds from the event support critical initiatives, including a two-year research fellowship with Stony Brook University Medicine focused on improving awareness and early detection of brain AVMs.

“The earlier we find it, the more treatable it becomes,” Keely added.

Organizers said the grow-

ing turnout reflects increasing community support and a shared commitment to advancing research that could save lives.

The Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation, established in her memory, continues to fund independent research and educate families about a condition that, when detected early, is often treatable.

Through events like the Golf Classic, Paige’s legacy endures, inspiring others to seek answers, support research and help ensure more children have the chance to live full, healthy lives.

Keely said her daughter’s vibrant spirit continues to motivate the foundation’s mission to raise awareness, fund research and ultimately prevent future tragedies caused by undetected

brain conditions. Community members said the event also offers comfort, connection, and renewed purpose each year moving forward.

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Formation of VANDERWOLF SMOKE BBQ, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on 3/ 30/2026. 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 CRYSTAL VANDERWOLF, 12 SINNICKSON ROAD, CENTER MORICHES, NY 11934, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

L16502- 4/15/2026, 4/22/2026, 4/29/2026, 5/6/2026, 5/13/2026, & 5/20/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/ K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC

Plaintiff AGAINST GLENN GURRERA, LAURA LEVAY AKA LAURA LEAVY, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 24, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on May 26, 2026 at 11:00 AM, premises known as 76 Huntington Drive, Mastic Beach, NY 11951. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Mastic Beach, in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200 Section 983.40 Block 13.00 Lot 033.000. Approximate amount of judgment $175,057.66 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600572/ 2025. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Daniel J. Murphy, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 24003318 89598

L16501- 4/22/2026, 4/29/2026, 5/6/2026, & 5/13/2026

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.

L16505- 4/22/2026, 4/29/2026, 5/6/2026, 5/13/2026, 5/20/2026, & 5/27/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT- COUNTY OF SUFFOLK HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2006-A, MORTGAGEBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-A, Plaintiff, AGAINST EUMILITA JOHN, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on March 31, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on May 28, 2026 at 10:30 AM premises known as 26 Curtis Avenue, Bellport, NY 11713. Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Suffolk County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. District 0200 Section 899.00, Block 04.00 and Lot 037.000. Approximate amount of judgment $787,732.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #607897/ 2018. Annette Eaderesto, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747

L16507- 4/29/2026, 5/6/2026, 5/ 13/2026, & 5/20/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK PHH MORTGAGE

CANCELED

CORPORATION -against-A, AS CO-TRUSTEE OF THE FRANK CIASULLO IRREVOCABLE TRUST, DATED 6/13/2016 AND AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF RAYE CIASULLO AND THE ESTATE OF FRANK CIASULLO, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on March 10, 2026, wherein PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION is the Plaintiff and MICHELLE CLEMENZA, AS CO-TRUSTEE OF THE FRANK CIASULLO IRREVOCABLE TRUST,

DATED 6/13/2016 AND AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF RAYE CIASULLO AND THE ESTATE OF FRANK CIASULLO, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BROOKHAVEN TOWN HALL, 1 INDEPENDENCE HILL, FARMINGVILLE, NY 11738, on May 27, 2026 at 1:00PM, premises known as 21 ROSLYN COURT, EAST PATCHOGUE, NY 11772; and the following tax map identification: 0200-925.00 -03.00-002.000.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK

CANCELED

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 605630/2024. Jonathan A. Baum, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

L16509- 4/29/2026, 5/6/2026, 5/ 13/2026, & 5/20/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

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

L16510- 5/6/2026, 5/13/2026, 5/ 20/2026, & 5/27/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

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 AND SUMMARY OF BOND RESOLUTION FOR PUBLICATION AFTER ADOPTION)

The resolution, a summary of which is published herewith, has

been adopted on May 6, 2026 and the validity of the obligations authorized by such resolution may be hereafter contested only if such obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which the South Country Central School District at Brookhaven, in the County of Suffolk, New York, is not authorized to expend money or if the provisions of law which should have been complied with as of the date of publication of this Notice were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the publication of this Notice, or such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the constitution.

Christine Flynn District Clerk

BOND RESOLUTION OF THE SOUTH COUNTRY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT AT BROOKHAVEN, NEW YORK, ADOPTED ON MAY 6, 2026, AUTHORIZING THE LIQUIDATION OF THE ACTUAL DEFICIT IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT’S GENERAL FUND AT THE CLOSE OF THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2026, STATING THE ESTIMATED COST OF LIQUIDATING SUCH DEFICIT IS $11,000,000; APPROPRIATING $11,000,000 FOR SUCH PURPOSE; AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $11,000,000 BONDS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR SUCH PURPOSE

The object or purpose for which the bonds are authorized is the liquidation of the actual deficit in the School District’s General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, as certified by the State Comptroller.

The principal amount of obligations authorized to be issued is $11,000,000.

The period of probable usefulness is ten (10) years.

A complete copy of the Bond Resolution summarized above shall be available for public inspection during normal business hours at the office of the District Clerk, 189 North Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, New York. L16512 5/6/2026

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

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

purpose.

L16513 5/6/2026, 5/13/2026, 5/ 20/2026, 5/27/2026, 6/3/2026, & 6/10/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

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

Dated: May 1, 2026

L16514 5/6/2026, 5/13/2026, 5/ 20/2026, & 5/27/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Formation of GOLDEN HAVEN HONEY, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on March 24, 2026. Office located in Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to GOLDEN HAVEN HONEY LLC, 58 Quaker Path, Stony Brook, NY 11790. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Formation of DINAS LOVE STORIES & SERVICES LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (SSNY) on March 12, 2026. Office located in Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against

the LLC to Dina Gutierrez, 9 Newbrook Lane, Bay Shore, NY 11706. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC,-againstTHORE R. FOSS, JR., AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA FOSS, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on November 21, 2024, wherein MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC is the Plaintiff and THORE R. FOSS, JR., AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA FOSS, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BROOKHAVEN TOWN HALL, 1 INDEPENDENCE HILL, FARMINGVILLE, NY 11738, on May 18, 2026 at 12:00PM, premises known as 53 CHAMPLIN STREET, RONKONKOMA, NY 11779; and the following tax map identification: 0200-566.0003.00-031.000.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT RONKONKOMA, IN THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 621999/2021. Giuseppe T. Rosini, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

L16499- 4/15/2026, 4/22/2026, 4/2/2026, & 5/6/20256

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of formation of EYEASE LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on January 10th 2026. Office located in Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy

of any process served against the LLC 57 Silver Road Mastic Beach NY 11951. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

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

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C O O P S

“The bull on Wall Street isn’t the only one with brass balls.”

The modern-day closed-door conversation is today’s social media stunt: call out the person or institution with power, make the public watch, and force a response

In NYC, Mayor Zohran Mamdani called out Citadel CEO Ken Griffin, using Griffin’s non-primary New York residence as a symbol in the fight for a pied-à-terre tax It worked The video made headlines, put pressure on Albany, put billionaires on defense, and now Mamdani, Griffin, and Governor Kathy Hochul are all, in some form, part of the same conversation

But the question underneath the stunt is bigger than one billionaire, one apartment, or one tax proposal Our economy depends heavily on the same wealthy individuals and corporations some love to criticize They pay taxes, fund nonprofits and create jobs They donate to cultural institutions, hospitals, universities, parks, campaigns, causes, galas, and every other ecosystem the city runs on “Tax the rich” may be a clean political message, but in a city built on finance, real estate, philanthropy, and ambition, it also makes for a complicated governing strategy Who pays for New York? Who benefits from New York? And what happens when the people with money decide they no longer want to play the political game?

On the other side of the coin, and country, we have Spencer Pratt running for Mayor of Los Angeles and becoming one of the more interesting localgovernment voices of the moment After losing his home in the Palisades fires, he has been publicly calling out the cost, red tape, and absurdity of trying to rebuild His politics are very different from Mamdani’s, but the tactic is similar: use social media to point at power and ask, loudly, why is this so expensive, why is this s hard, and who exactly is benefiting?

New Yorkers know this feeling We have seen government spend hundreds o millions of dollars on emergency contracts, vendor systems, consultants, an programs that sound compassionate but fall apart in execution During th migrant shelter crisis, for example, there were massive food contracts while tray of food were reportedly going uneaten or being thrown out while loca organizations and restaurants were ready to do the work in ways that could hav supported both migrants and small businesses The question became: why doe government so often make helping people so expensive, so inefficient, and s disconnected from the communities it claims to serve?

New York has always been a gambling town! We’ve just called it real estate, politics, finance, and nightlife but this week, Resorts World Casino made risktaking official

Resorts World is now the first commercial casino in the five boroughs to offer slot machines, electronic table games, and live dealer action all under one roof

Spotted: Nas, Queens royalty himself, standing alongside KT Lim, Chairman of Genting Berhad, and “Queens Get The Money” BP Donovan Richards for the first craps roll in NYC history

Beyond the influencers, fanfare, and media coverage were the people who made the casino happen: local elected officials, community partners, corporate leaders, and neighborhood validators the people who have spent years debating whether casinos would corrupt the city, save the city, entertain the city, or simply reveal the city as it already is

In the room: former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams; her Council successor, Ty Hankerson; Council Members Selvena Brooks-Powers, Nantasha Williams, Kevin Riley, Joann Ariola, and Shanel Thomas-Henry; State

Senator John Liu; Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer-Amato; and key Resorts World leaders including Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East; Michelle Stoddart, Senior Vice President of Community Development; Meghan Taylor, Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Relations; and Kevin Jones, Chief Legal Officer

We hear Actum’s Ryan Adams was fielding all kinds of inquiries all day and night

from a quieter location than the gaming floor!

RED RIBBON TO RED CARPET

Urban Pathways had a big week: from a ribbon cutting in the Bronx to a fundraising gala to keep the work going

That’s the political parallel: In New York, Mamdani is asking whether billionaires are paying enough into the city they benefit from In Los Angeles, Pratt is asking why a city with so much money, ideology, and bureaucracy still cannot make rebuilding possible for the people who live there One is a socialist mayor calling out private wealth The other is a fire survivor calling out public dysfunction Different politics, different cities but same public mood: people want power to

QUEENS ROLLS THE DICE

The Frederick Shack Residence at 1405 Boston Road is a new $38 million, 79-unit affordable and supportive housing development in Crotona Park East, named for the late longtime Urban Pathways CEO Frederick Shack, whose legacy carried through both events Urban Pathways is now led by former DSS Commissioner Gary Jenkins 36 years at the agency who took over just months before Fred’s sudden passing

The events brought out the full supportive-housing ecosystem, including state and city officials: HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas, OMH Commissioner Dr Ann Sullivan, new NYC DSS Commissioner Erin Dalton, Bronx BP Vanessa Gibson, community leaders, and neighbors Clearly, supportive housing takes a city, a borough, a state, a budget, community boards, and several layers of government to actually happen so now that we have this model with these partners, the hope and the challenge is: can we create the next one faster?

Sneak peek behind the scenes: I had the pleasure of emceeing the ribbon cutting, which meant I got a front-row seat to one of New York politics’ most sacred rituals: making sure everyone is properly recognized If you’ve ever been to an event with political personalities, you know the ribbon may be ceremonial, but the recognition is deadly serious Throughout the program, I was passed notes reminding me to mention the Assemblymember who was in Albany but had staff on-site, the community board chair who had been there since day one, and the many other people whose fingerprints were on the ribbon long before the scissors came out And I take that job very seriously

At the gala this week, Urban Pathways honored Kirk Goodrich, President of Monadnock Development, and Tim Gjonbalic, CEO of Promise Hospitality Group, with plenty of political personalities in the room including DOB Commissioner Ahmed Tigani and Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr Helen ArteagaLandaverde

IT’S A BIRD, IT’S A PL ANE, IT’S A...?

Remember Blade helicopter rides from Manhattan to the Hamptons? I’ll never forget the time I was at an event with Will Heyburn from Blade and he introduced himself as the CFO of the largest dedicated air transporter of human organs in the country I thought he was kidding! HE WASN’T I love that fun fact

Anyway, Blade’s medical business is now Strata Critical Medical, and Blade sold its passenger flight business to Joby Aviation in 2025 So this week, Joby launched demos of its quiet, allelectric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft flying taxis! from JFK to Manhattan, with demo flights clocking in around 10 minutes, in partnership with the Port Authority and city partners

On the scene: Bishop Mitchell Taylor opened with a moving provocation, noting more privately that even with his own relationship with MTA CEO Janno Lieber, his first loyalty is to workers

In the crowd was 21-year-old Brandon Berdosana, the youngest TWU Local 100 conductor, who has since gone viral and drawn media interest for a possible job shadow though, naturally, MTA permission is the holdup

And beyond the speeches and leadership were the actual workers, including Corey Gamble (not to be confused with Kris Jenner’s boyfriend and esteemed manager Corey Gamble), an MTA electrician in East New York focused on ventilation, drainage, hydraulics, and mechanics within the subway system; and Joey Fenice, a NYCTA/MaBSTOA mason who knows everything about laying concrete and also laying mosaic tile inside subway stations Both represent the story unions tell best: stable work, real skills, job security, and a path into the middle class

On the scene, and impressed: Queens Chamber CEO Tom Grech, Kevin Cox of VertiPorts by Atlantic, Joby Chief Policy Officer Greg Bowles, Port Authority’s Kathryn Garcia, Deputy Queens Borough President Ebony Young, Council Members Shanel Thomas-Henry and Amanda Farías, State Senator Erik Bottcher, and Assemblymembers Tony Simone and Jordan Wright

BRASS BALLS

We hear students from Aviation High School and August Martin High School are already being pulled into the pipeline, learning the aircraft technology behind this next era of mobility which is very much up Assemblyman Clyde Vanel’s alley Vanel, a pilot himself, has been championing youth aviation through his Youth Flight Program with United Youth Aviators and the Young Airmans Association for quite some time Fun fact: he is not the only elected who flies Senator John Liu, Assemblyman Anil Beephan, and Westchester County Legislator Judah Holstein are pilots too

On May Day, outside MTA headquarters, TWU Local 100 President John Chiarello took the mic in a sea of transit workers and labor leaders and delivered t Wall Street isn’t the only one with brass

The broader message had the fingerprints of TWU International President John Samuelsen all over it a ruthless advocate for his workers, and exactly the kind of posture his members seem to admire, even if you might not want to be the person on the receiving end

ARTS AND CULTURE

Evie Litwok’s WITNESS to Mass Incarceration Art of Tailoring debuting a potential new Mets team and leather jacket this week at the Borough Hall, catching the attention ovan Richards

SKYELIGHTS

This newsletter takes about 10 hours a week to write, edit, fact-check, polish, overthink, re-polish, and send into the world and I'm ready to make it even better

May is packed: Style Across the Aisle details are about to drop, there are weddings and Mother's Day brunches and Memorial Day weekends, plus all the behind-the-scenes building that makes the public-facing work actually work And In The Room Media is expanding, which means recalibrating how we do well, everything

So the Sundae Scoop is getting some spring cleaning think of it as a reset to come back sharper I'll still be very much in motion posting in real time, doing events, sharing what's worth sharing but giving myself permission to hit pause on the weekly grind when it makes sense When it comes back, it'll be tighter, smarter, and worth the wait If something's too good not to say in the meantime, you'll hear about it Promise

LIVING ON LONG ISLAND

BY LAURA BUDNEY

If you’re buying a home on Long Island—or anywhere in New York—having a dedicated buyer’s agent in your corner isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. In a fast-moving, competitive market, a buyer’s agent becomes your advocate, strategist, and steady voice when emotions start to run high.

Let’s start with the most important piece: fiduciary duty. In New York State, when an agent represents you as a buyer, they’re legally bound to act in your best interest. That includes loyalty, confidentiality, full disclosure, obedience, reasonable care, and accounting. In real terms, your agent is required to negotiate the strongest deal for you, protect your personal and financial information, and share anything that could impact your decision-making. It’s not just guidance—it’s a legal obligation to put you first.

That level of representation is especially valuable on Long

Island, where inventory can be tight and bidding wars are common. A skilled buyer’s agent knows how to position your offer to stand out. It’s not always about offering the highest price—it’s about crafting smart, appealing terms while still protecting your interests. From analyzing comparable sales to spotting potential red flags in a listing, your agent helps you stay grounded and avoid costly missteps.

But a great buyer’s agent does more than work the numbers— they act as a true matchmaker. They take the time to understand not just your budget and wish list, but your lifestyle, priorities, and even your gut instincts. The right agent can connect you with a home that feels right, not just one that checks boxes on paper. And in a process that can be emotional, stressful, and, at times, overwhelming, they’re also there to keep you balanced—talking you through tough decisions,

Your Secret Weapon In the Housing Market: Why a Buyer’s Agent Matters

calming nerves during bidding wars, and reminding you when to walk away from something that isn’t the right fit.

There’s also the advantage of access and local insight. They bring a deep understanding of local neighborhoods—everything from school districts and property taxes to future development plans. That kind of knowledge goes far beyond what you’ll find scrolling online listings.

And then there’s the process itself. Buying real estate in New York isn’t always straightforward. Between attorneys, inspections, and contracts that differ from other states, it can feel overwhelming quickly. A buyer’s agent helps manage the moving parts, coordinates with all parties involved, and keeps your deal on track from offer to closing.

At the end of the day, going into the homebuying process without a dedicated buyer’s agent can leave you at a disadvantage.

With the right professional guiding you, you’re not just touring homes—you’re making informed, confident decisions with someone who is legally and ethically committed to your success. Laura Budney is a Licensed Realtor with Prime Realty. Contact her at 917-670-9339.

Take

THE FANTASY BASEBALL EXPERIENCE

It’s Straight A’s for Perkins

By Tom Barton

Before the season began, it was widely expected that the Athletics would mix and match in their bullpen while searching for a reliable closer. After losing Mason Miller last year, the team entered the season without a clear ninth-inning option and appeared ready to patch things together once again.

Veteran arms such as Mark Leiter Jr. were brought in to try to rediscover late-career success, while Hogan Harris remained in the mix. Still, the bullpen was viewed by many as a potential weakness, with uncertainty surrounding who would ultimately take control of the final innings.

However, savvy fantasy baseball managers kept an eye on Jack Perkins, a highly touted prospect with intriguing upside. While Perkins had previously struggled to go deep into games as a starter and dealt with injuries, his talent was never in

question. Now, he is beginning to show why so many believed in his potential.

Perkins is quickly emerging as the Athletics’ go-to option in the ninth inning. He has recorded saves in each of his last three appearances, signaling a possible shift toward a more defined role at the back end of the bullpen. For a team still building toward the future, this could be an important development.

What makes Perkins especially interesting is his background as a starter. He brings a full arsenal of pitches, giving him the ability to attack hitters in multiple ways. Scouts have long pointed to his competitive, bulldog-like mentality — a trait that often translates well to high-pressure, late-inning situations.

For the Athletics, Perkins appears to be a natural fit as they continue to evaluate young talent and build for the years ahead. His emergence could provide much-needed stability in a bullpen that has been

BETTING WITH BARTON

BY TOM BARTON

searching for answers. For fantasy baseball players, the value is even more immediate. Closers are always in demand, and finding one on the waiver wire can be a differ-

ence-maker. With his recent performances and growing role, Perkins has quickly become a must-add option for anyone in need of saves.

While the Athletics may still

be sorting things out, one thing is becoming clear — Jack Perkins could be the answer they’ve been looking for in the ninth inning.

Chopping Down Baseball Run Lines

When it comes to baseball betting, one piece of advice often repeated is to be cautious with the run line. While it can be tempting to take the better odds, many bettors prefer to lay the extra juice on the moneyline rather than rely on a team to win by multiple runs.

For those unfamiliar, the run line typically requires a team to win by at least two runs, offering a more favorable payout compared to the standard moneyline. For example, earlier this week the New York Yankees were listed at -220 against the Baltimore Orioles with Max Fried on the mound. That meant a bettor would need to risk $220 to win $100. However, taking the Yankees on the run line offered even money, as long as they won by more than 1.5 runs.

The challenge with the run line is simple — teams are focused on winning, not covering. A one-run victory counts the same in the standings, making it risky to rely on margin. That unpredictability is what keeps many bettors away from consistently playing the run line.

Still, there are certain teams this season that have been rewarding those willing to take that risk. One standout has been the Atlanta Braves, who have been exceptional against the run line. The Braves

currently hold a 24-11 record against the run line, cashing at an impressive 68.6 percent rate. That level of consistency is difficult to ignore, even if some believe it may not be sustainable over a full season.

Injuries can always impact trends, and the loss of Ronald Acuña Jr. could be a factor moving forward. Even so, Atlanta’s ability to win games by multiple runs has created value for bettors who have backed them in these spots.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are another team performing well against the run line, covering at around a 63 percent clip. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Milwaukee Brewers have all posted run line success rates above 60 percent, making them worth monitoring.

As for the Yankees, they are not far behind. New York has been on a hot streak, and 12 of its last 13 victories have come by at least two runs. That trend suggests they may also be a team to consider in the right situations.

While the run line always carries risk, identifying teams that consistently win with margin can provide an edge. For bettors, it is all about finding the right balance between value and reliability over the course of a long season.

SPORTS

By Tom Barton

When the Ducks signed an ex-Cy Young winner, even they couldn’t expect this kind of performance right off the bat. Tenyear Major League veteran and 2020 National League Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer delivered a historic performance on Sunday, throwing the third no-hitter in Long Island Ducks franchise history during Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Lancaster Stormers at Penn Medicine Park.

Bauer was in complete command from the first pitch to the last. The right-hander tossed seven scoreless and hitless innings, allowing just one baserunner in the shortened doubleheader contest. After retiring the first 15 batters he faced, Kevin Watson Jr. reached on a one-out walk in the sixth inning. Bauer quickly regained

Bauer is Cy-Like in His Ducks Debut

control and retired the next five hitters to finish off the no-hitter.

He struck out seven batters while throwing 84 pitches, including 54 strikes, in a dominant outing that showcased the veteran’s experience and precision.

With the performance, Bauer became just the third pitcher in Ducks history to throw a no-hitter, joining Rod Henderson, who accomplished the feat on May 25, 2001 against Atlantic City, and Robert Stock, who did it on July 18, 2023 against Southern Maryland.

Bauer also became the ninth pitcher in Atlantic League history to record an individual no-hitter. It was the first seven-inning no-hitter in Ducks history and the first no-hitter ever thrown in the Atlantic League during the month of April. At 35 years old, Bauer

also became the second-oldest pitcher in league history to accomplish the feat.

While Bauer dominated on the mound, the Ducks offense provided plenty of support in a 13-0 victory. Long Island broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning when Kole Kaler lined a two-run single down the left field line.

The Ducks then blew the game open with a four-run fifth inning, highlighted by Henry Kusiak’s two-run home run to right field and an RBI single from Alsander Womack.

Long Island added two more runs in the sixth inning when Kusiak scored on a passed ball and Wilmer Difo delivered an RBI single. In the seventh, Kusiak added a two-run groundrule double before Gavin Collins capped the scoring with a tworun homer to left.

It was a memorable day for the Ducks, as Bauer’s historic no-hitter and a powerful offen-

sive

Spallina Becomes Syracuse’s All Time Leading Scorer

By Tom Barton

Mount Sinai native Joey Spallina added another unforgettable chapter to Syracuse men’s lacrosse history on Saturday afternoon, becoming the program’s all-time points leader as the No. 5 Orange defeated Colgate, 14-7, at the JMA Wireless Dome.

Spallina entered the game needing just two points to break the longstanding record held by Syracuse legend Mike Powell. He reached the milestone in the first quarter when he recorded an assist on a goal by Michael Leo, giving him 308 career points and moving past Powell’s previous mark of 307, which had stood since 2004. By the end of the afternoon, Spallina had pushed the new re-

cord even higher. The star attackman finished with seven points on two goals and five assists, raising his career total to 313 points. It was

a fitting performance for one of the most accomplished players in program history. The moment was made even

more special as it came in front of a home crowd of 6,498 fans during Senior Day, in what marked Spallina’s final regular-season appearance at the JMA Wireless Dome. Syracuse also honored 10 seniors and a student manager during the pregame ceremony, adding to the emotional atmosphere of the day.

Spallina, a Mount Sinai native and one of Long Island’s brightest lacrosse stars, has been a standout since arriving at Syracuse. Known for his vision, creativity, and scoring ability, he has consistently delivered in big moments while becoming one of the faces of college lacrosse.

While the spotlight shined on Spallina’s historic achievement, the Orange also delivered a strong team performance to close out the home schedule in style. Syracuse

Howard Becomes a National Finalist

improved to 11-3 on the season with the convincing victory.

Michael Leo and Finn Thomson each had outstanding offensive performances, scoring four goals apiece while also adding assists for five-point afternoons. Their finishing ability helped Syracuse control the game throughout.

In goal, Jimmy McCool made 10 saves and helped anchor a defense that shut Colgate out in the fourth quarter. The Orange used that strong defensive finish to pull away and secure the seven-goal win.

For Syracuse fans, it was a day filled with celebration — a Senior Day victory, another strong performance from a top-five team, and a new all-time scoring leader.

For Joey Spallina, it was history made at home.

By Tom Barton

Suffolk County’s own Camryn Howard has added another remarkable achievement to his growing résumé, capturing the U.S. Open Under-17 71-kilogram freestyle national title with an impressive performance on one of wrestling’s biggest stages.

Howard, a Bellport sophomore, showcased skill, toughness, and composure throughout the tournament, finishing his championship run with a dominant 5-0 shutout victory over Jason Dube in the title match. The win secured Howard the national crown and further established him as one of the top young wrestlers in the country.

After surviving a dramatic firstround comeback victory earlier in the event, Howard left no doubt in the finals. He opened the scoring on a shot clock violation before

delivering a lightning-quick counter go-behind takedown as the first-period clock expired, pushing his lead to 3-0. A failed challenge by Dube’s corner added another point, giving Howard a commanding 4-0 advantage heading into the second period.

Still pressing the action, Howard added one final step-out point later in the match to complete the 5-0 decision and secure the championship. His combination of timing, defense, and relentless pace proved too much for the competition.

Howard’s title also means New York State will once again have a freestyle representative at the UWW Under-17 World Championships. It marks the fourth time in the past five seasons that the Empire State has sent a representative to the prestigious international event.

He now joins an impressive

group of New York wrestling standouts who have represented the state on the world stage, including Zack Ryder, Elijah Diakomihalis, and Yianni Diakomihalis, the only New Yorker to win gold at the event since it returned in 2011.

Earlier in the tournament, Howard earned his place in the national finals with a commanding 8-0 semifinal victory over Minnesota standout Lincoln Robideau.

Howard built a 6-0 lead by halftime through a series of takedowns, turns, and activity points before closing out the match in dominant fashion.

He was also tested in the quarterfinals, where he battled past nationally ranked Colin Rutlin of Missouri by a score of 13-8 in one of the most competitive matches of the weekend. Howard answered every challenge and continued

advancing. For Bellport, Suffolk County, and the Long Island wrestling community, Howard’s championship is a proud moment.

SPORTS

By Tom Barton

Shoreham-Wading River High School proudly celebrated a distinguished group of student-athletes who have committed to continuing their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.

Surrounded by family members, friends, coaches, and faculty, the seniors were recognized for their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence both in the classroom and in competition. The ceremony marked an important milestone, as each student-athlete prepares to take the next step in their journey.

The event highlighted the strength of Shoreham-Wading River’s athletic programs and the hard work these students have put in over the years. From early

SWR Celebrates Their College Commits

morning practices to late-night games, their efforts have helped shape not only their individual success but also the pride of the school community.

The following student-athletes were honored for their college commitments:

Michela Nobre will attend D’Youville University to compete in acrobatics and tumbling at the NCAA Division II level, while Gia Politi is headed to La Salle University for acrobatics and tumbling at the Division I level.

James Cook will continue his basketball career at St. John Fisher University, and Lilah Cutalo will join the cheerleading program at the University at Albany.

In field hockey, Marisa Cacciola will attend Franklin Pierce University. The lacrosse program was well represented, with George Greene (Siena University),

Anthony Mullen (Salve Regina University), Tyler Nowaski (Molloy University), and Andrew Cimino (University of Richmond) continuing their careers on the men’s side.

On the women’s side, Jocelyn Kavanaugh (Rochester Institute of Technology), Katherine Keegan (Binghamton University), Leslie Jablonski (Fairfield University), Anabel Keegan (Towson University), and Aubrey Russo (Georgian Court University) will all compete at the next level.

In soccer, Aidan De Collibus will attend the University of Bridgeport, while Mia Mangano (Johnson & Wales University) and Olivia Pesso (Amherst College) will play on the women’s side.

Rounding out the group, Michael Pfeiffer will continue his volleyball career at St. Joseph’s

University.

The ceremony served as a proud moment for the Shoreham-Wading River community, celebrating not only athletic talent but also academic achieve-

ment and character.

As these seniors prepare for graduation, they carry with them the support of their school and the excitement of new opportunities ahead.

Half Hollow Softball Score a Different Kind of Run

By Tom Barton

The Half Hollow Hills JV softball team stepped off the field and into the community this past weekend, taking part in Alec’s Run at Hills West lats week.

The event brought together students, families, and community members for a day centered on fitness, unity, and support for a meaningful cause. For the Hills JV softball team, it was an opportunity to give back while representing their program in a positive and impactful way.

Several members of the team delivered strong performances during the run. Lily Catalano and Divon Rodriguez each

earned third-place finishes in their respective age groups, showcasing both determination and competitive spirit.

Their efforts stood out among a large field of participants and reflected the hard work they bring not only to the softball

field, but to everything they do.

Leading by example, Coach Hayden also had an outstanding showing, finishing in first place in her age group. Her performance added to an already successful day for the team and highlighted the leadership and dedication she brings to the program.

While the results were impressive, the day was about more than just times and placements. Alec’s Run is an event that emphasizes community involvement, and the Hills JV softball team embraced that spirit from start to finish. Whether running, cheering, or supporting fellow participants, the group made its presence felt in a positive way.

Events like this allow student-athletes to connect with their community beyond competition, reinforcing the values of teamwork, compassion, and service. For the Hills JV softball team, it was a chance to come together outside of their usual setting and support a cause that means a great deal to many in the area.

With strong finishes and a meaningful experience to take with them, the team made the most of the day.

It was a successful outing for Half Hollow Hills, both in terms of performance and community impact, as the players and coaches showed what it truly means to represent their school with pride.

Smithtown Celebrates Athletes with Commitment Ceremonies

By Tom Barton

Smithtown Central School

District Director of Athletics

Jason Lambert led two college commitment ceremonies for High School East and High School West student-athletes on April 22, celebrating a special milestone for members of the senior class.

The ceremonies honored graduating seniors who have committed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. Surrounded by proud family members, friends, coaches, and school staff, the student-athletes were recognized for years of dedication, hard work, and success both in the classroom and in competition.

Lambert praised the Class of 2026 for the lasting impact it has made on the district during the past four years.

“The amount of success the senior class has had since they walked through the doors four years ago is incredible,” Lambert told students and parents. “You have set the bar for future classes. Today is a day to celebrate all of our student-athletes, their parents, and their accomplishments.”

His message reflected the pride felt throughout the Smithtown community as these seniors prepare for the next chapter of their lives. Many of the students being honored have spent years representing Smithtown East and Smithtown West with distinction, helping build successful programs while creating lasting memories along the way.

As each student-athlete was recognized, family members smiled, applauded, and captured the moment with photos. Seniors

proudly wore the colors of their future colleges, symbolizing both their achievements and the exciting opportunities ahead.

College commitment ceremonies have become a meaningful tradition for many schools, offering student-athletes a chance to celebrate the culmination of years of training, sacrifice, and perseverance. For the seniors in Smithtown, the event also served as a reminder of how far they have come since entering high school.

Whether on the field, court, track, or in the classroom, these students have represented their schools with pride and determination. Their success has helped raise the standard for those who follow.

Now, with graduation approaching, they prepare to begin new journeys at colleges across the country.

By Tom Barton

Floyd Softball Celebrates Senior Day

The William Floyd varsity softball team took time to celebrate a special moment this week, honoring its lone senior, Cameron Horne, during its annual Senior Night ceremony before a matchup against Middle Country.

Led by head coach Frederick Luhrs, the Colonials may be a young team filled mostly with underclassmen, but they made sure to recognize Horne’s dedication and contributions to the program. Surrounded by family members, friends, coaches, and teammates, Horne was celebrated in a heartfelt pregame ceremony that highlighted her commitment and leadership.

Senior Night is always a meaningful tradition, and while William Floyd had just one senior to honor this season, the moment

was no less significant. Horne has helped guide a developing team through the challenges of a competitive schedule, serving as an important presence both on and off the field.

On the field, the Colonials have faced some early-season struggles, but there are clear signs of progress. Offensively, William Floyd has begun to find its rhythm, scoring 17 runs over its last two games. That recent surge reflects the potential this young lineup has shown throughout the season.

In fact, the Colonials have scored six or more runs in more than half of their games this year, demonstrating their ability to generate offense and put pressure on opposing teams. As the season continues, that production could play a key role in turning close games into wins.

With a roster gaining experi-

ence each time it takes the field, William Floyd appears to be trending in the right direction. The combination of youth, improving confidence, and a growing offense gives the Colonials reason for optimism in the weeks ahead.

Next up, William Floyd will look to carry that offensive momentum on the road when it faces Central Islip. The Colonials will then return home for another important matchup against Patchogue-Medford.

As the team continues to develop, Senior Night served as a reminder of the dedication and leadership that help build a program. For Cameron Horne, it was a well-deserved moment of recognition, and for the Colonials, it was another step forward in a season still full of opportunity.

Longwood Pitches Another No-Hitter

By Tom Barton

Longwood baseball made headlines last week when a no-hitter helped secure a playoff berth despite the team being only halfway through the regular season. Not to be outdone, the Lions delivered another dominant performance this past week by throwing yet another no-hitter. This time, Jagger Franco and Adam Szczepanik combined to silence the opposition and continue Longwood’s remarkable undefeated season. Franco was outstanding in his five innings of work, striking out an incredible 13 batters out of the 15 outs he recorded. From the opening pitch, he overpowered hitters with a commanding performance on the mound.

After Franco’s dominant outing, Szczepanik came on in relief and finished the job in style. He struck out four batters over the final two innings,

preserving both the victory and the combined no-hitter. Together, the duo gave Longwood another memorable pitching performance in what has already

Petrucci

By Tom Barton

Melville head baseball coach Lou Petrucci reached a major milestone this week, earning his 300th career victory in a dominant 9-0 win over Sachem North in a Suffolk League II matchup.

Petrucci, a longtime fixture in Long Island baseball, has built a career defined by consistency, leadership, and a deep commitment to the game. Reaching 300 wins is a testament to his dedication and the countless players he has helped develop over the years.

The milestone victory was highlighted by a strong allaround performance from the Patriots. Ward Melville wasted no time getting on the board, as Chase Eichner delivered a threerun double in the first inning to

give the team an early lead.

The offense continued to produce throughout the game.

Ben Hetzel had an outstanding day at the plate, going 4-for-5, while Deek Karpowicz added three hits in a 3-for-4 performance. Both players also crossed the plate, helping Ward Melville maintain steady offensive pressure.

On the mound, Nicholas Failla turned in a dominant outing. He pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just five hits while keeping Sachem North off balance all game long. His performance anchored a shutout effort that secured the historic win for Petrucci.

With the victory, Ward Melville improved to 6-7 on the season as the team continues to build momentum. The Patriots will look to carry that confi-

become a special season.

The Lions’ pitching staff has been nearly untouchable all year, and this past week was another example of that excellence. Over 20 innings during the week, Longwood pitchers allowed just one hit total. Even more impressive, in a three-game series against Walt Whitman, the Lions surrendered only one run combined.

That level of consistency on the mound has made Longwood one of the toughest teams to score against anywhere on Long Island. Whether it has been starters going deep into games or relievers closing the door, the Lions continue to receive contributions throughout the staff.

Of course, strong pitching is only part of the story. Longwood has also backed those efforts with

Nabs 300th Win

dence forward as they navigate the remainder of their schedule.

Following the game, Anthony Palumbo praised Petrucci’s accomplishment, saying, “A truly impressive accomplishment and a testament to his years of coaching excellence.”

Milestones like this reflect more than just wins and losses. They represent years of dedication, mentorship, and a lasting impact on student-athletes and the community.

For Ward Melville, the victory was not only another step forward in the season but also a chance to celebrate a coach who has given so much to the program.

As the season continues, Petrucci’s 300th win will stand as a memorable moment and a reminder of the success built over his distinguished career.

timely hitting, solid defense, and the confidence that comes with winning. All of it has helped the Lions race out to a perfect 12-0 record.

Now, the next challenge awaits as Longwood prepares for a three-game series against Patchogue-Medford. The matchup should provide another strong test as the season moves deeper into the schedule.

For now, though, Longwood continues to set the standard with dominant baseball. Two no-hitters in such a short span, an unbeaten record, and a playoff spot already secured have made this one of the most impressive starts in program history.

If the Lions keep playing this way, there may be even more headlines still to come.

SPORTS

By Tom Barton

This past Friday, the William Floyd boys’ varsity lacrosse team gave its seniors a night to remember, earning a hard-fought 12-8 victory over South Fork on Senior Night.

Led by head coach Desmond Megna, the Colonials battled through a competitive contest to improve their overall record to 6-4 and move to 4-4 in Division I play as they continue their push for a second consecutive playoff berth.

The game began at a fast pace, with William Floyd scoring the first two goals of the night. South Fork answered quickly, however, and the Colonials held only a slim 4-3 advantage after an entertaining opening quarter.

William Floyd then took control in the second quarter. The

Floyd Lax Leans on the Offense Senior Night

Colonials played strong defense, limiting South Fork to just one goal while adding three of their own offensively. That impressive stretch sent William Floyd into halftime with a 7-4 lead and momentum firmly on its side.

South Fork refused to go away and trimmed the deficit to two goals during the third quarter, but the Colonials responded once again when it mattered most.

William Floyd scored four times in the fourth quarter to pull away and secure the 12-8 win.

Marc Pluchino continued his outstanding season with a dominant all-around performance, finishing with game-high totals of four goals and three assists. Matt Taiani also made a major impact, recording two goals and two assists.

Three other Colonials posted multiple-point efforts, including

PJ Gilhauley with two goals and one assist, Ryan Murtha with one goal and two assists, and Matt Filosa with one goal and one assist. Jack Meyer and Brett Pitkanen each added a goal as well.

In net, goaltender Matt Shaw turned in a tremendous effort, making 20 saves to help preserve the victory. His strong play between the pipes was a major factor throughout the night.

Prior to the game, William Floyd honored its 11 senior players in a ceremony with family members, friends, coaches, and teammates. Recognized were Avery Bent, Jake Bongiovi, Matt Filosa, JP Galasso, PJ Gilhauley, Marquis Johnson, Jameek LeeRudd, Josiah Lors, Jack Meyer, Brett Pitkanen, and Marc Pluchino.

The Colonials now turn their attention to another important

Division I matchup when they travel to face Huntington on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. With momentum building, William

Pat-Med Star Makes 500th Save

Floyd will look to continue its strong play in the final stretch of the season.

By Tom Barton

This past week, Patchogue-Medford star goaltender Ramon Mateo reached a remarkable milestone, recording his 500th career varsity save in a thrilling 7-6 victory over Commack.

What makes the achievement even more impressive is that Mateo accomplished it as only a sophomore. Reaching 500 career saves at such a young age speaks volumes about his talent, consistency, and importance to the Raiders program. With plenty of varsity lacrosse still ahead of him, the milestone may be only the beginning of what could become a historic career.

Mateo has already built an outstanding reputation in a

short amount of time. Last season, he was named the Division I Rookie of the Year after making an immediate impact as a freshman. Rather than slowing

down after a strong debut season, he has continued to elevate his game this spring.

Known for his quick reflexes, strong positioning, and ability

to make big saves in key moments, Mateo has become one of the top young goalies on Long Island. His presence in net gives Patchogue-Medford confidence every time the Raiders take the field.

The milestone came in another important win for Pat-Med, as the team edged Commack by a 7-6 score. It marked the Raiders’ second consecutive victory and provided valuable momentum as the regular season enters a critical stretch.

Patchogue-Medford now sits at 5-6 overall and appears to be finding its rhythm at the right time. With Mateo leading the defense and the offense coming through in close games, the Raiders are building confidence heading into the final portion of the schedule.

Next up is a challenging threegame road trip that could have major postseason implications. Pat-Med will first visit Sachem East before traveling to face North Babylon. The stretch concludes with another tough matchup against Longwood. Those contests will test the Raiders, but having a standout goaltender like Mateo gives the team a chance in every game. His ability to control the crease and make momentum-changing saves can be the difference in tight matchups.

For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Mateo and his impressive milestone. Five hundred career saves as a sophomore is a tremendous accomplishment, and many more may still be on the horizon.

Smithtown Makes History on the Court and in Hearts

By Tom Barton

History was made this week in the Smithtown Central School District, and it was a moment that went far beyond the scoreboard. Cheers echoed, sneakers squeaked, and smiles filled the gym as the district hosted its very first Unified Basketball game on Tuesday night.

Held at Smithtown High School West, the event brought together more than 30 student-athletes who took the court against Middle Country. Unified sports are designed to unite students of all abilities, creating an inclusive environment where teamwork, sportsmanship, and connection take center stage. The atmosphere inside the gym reflected just how meaningful the night was. The stands were

packed with families, teachers, and classmates, all cheering enthusiastically and showing their support. It was a celebration not just of competition, but of community.

Smithtown Central School District Director of Athletics Jason Lambert shared how important the moment was for the district.

“This is my fourth year here in the district as athletic director, and when I interviewed for the position, I said we need to have unified sports here full-time,” Lambert said. “We were fortunate enough to get Unified Bowling started, and now we have basketball. It’s as positive a sports environment as you’ll ever be a part of.”

Head coach Emily Fey, who also leads the Unified Bowling team, expressed her excitement

about finally seeing the program take the court.

“We’ve been waiting such a long time for this,” Fey said.

“We’re so happy and thankful to Smithtown. We have 32 players signed up and more are coming. The more, the merrier for me.”

The game itself was filled with energy, encouragement, and moments that brought the crowd to its feet. Teammates supported one another, celebrated each basket, and demonstrated the true spirit of unified athletics.

The district’s social media account also highlighted the significance of the night, sharing, “We will have more on this historic night later this week. Here’s to making history—together.”

For Smithtown, the introduction of Unified Basketball marks an important step forward in

expanding opportunities for all students to participate in athletics. It reflects a commitment to inclusion and ensuring that every student has the chance to be part of a team.

As the final buzzer sounded,

it was clear that this was just the beginning. The smiles, cheers, and sense of belonging made the night unforgettable.

In Smithtown, history was made—and it was a victory for everyone involved.