The South Shore Press 8/6/25

41ST YEAR • ISSUE 32

The People̕s Newspaper - Covering All of Suffolk County

August 6, 2025

CROOKED CONTRACTOR CRACKDOWN Suffolk County Legislature Launches Legislation to Protect You from Unlicensed Contractors

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LOCAL

LOCAL

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Suspect Shoots Suffolk Cop in the Face Story on

NYS Assemblyman: Do Not Ban Gas Stoves for Electric

SSP EXCLUSIVE: Santos Breaks Silence Behind Bars

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Story on pg.2

Credit: George Santos

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The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

From the

Pull the Plug on Banning Gas Stoves

NEWSROOM BY STEFAN MYCHAJLIW When Hurricane Sandy tore through the South Shore killing 13 people in Suffolk and Nassau Counties, the Department of Energy estimated that 8.5 million electricity customers were left without power. In the crippling “Buffalo Blizzard of 2022” that killed 47 people during bitter and blinding winter storms, National Grid estimated that 108,000 customers lost power in the freezing cold. One saving grace during these natural disasters that saved lives and in some cases, kept the heat on and power going: gas-powered sources of energy. That power source is about to be eliminated, thanks to shortsighted legislators in the State of New York. You see, the Albany brain trust passed a Green Scam law that forces all new builds to ban gas stoves and install only electric appliances and heating sources.

That’s right, gas stoves are gone. Gas power is gone.

did not have access to natural gaspowered heat. Never. There’s been plenty of times when power goes out because the grid cannot handle surges or during a raging blizzard.

If you want to buy a newly constructed home in New York State next year, lawmakers are forcing job-creating construction companies to only install allelectric. There’s so many bad outcomes that are going to happen once this becomes the law of the land January 1st, we would need The South Shore Press to be 973 pages long to include them all. Suffice to say I’ll fit some of the worst in this “From the Newsroom” column. New York State Assemblyman Joe DeStefano also put pen to paper and added his two cents in an editorial column in this edition of The South Shore Press. To left-leaning state legislators who bent the knee to the woke mob who pushed Green Scam proposals like this one on the State of New York, I have one question: What are

New York State already suffers from a crippling affordability crisis. Folks can barely afford their homes in Suffolk County, let alone pay for a newly constructed home from the ground up. Job creators like construction companies will suffer because folks just won’t want to pay the extra (on average) $20,000 to $40,000 it will cost to have allelectric. Chat GPT

Photo Illustration you going to do when a hurricane hits, when a blizzard pummels a region of New York or when the overtapped grid can’t handle the influx of power and a senior citizen dies in the bitter cold, what condolences will you offer their

BY GEORGE SANTOS

July 25, 2025, at precisely 2:07 p.m., my world changed in a way I never could’ve imagined. That was the moment I walked through the gates of the Federal Correctional Institution Flatiron Satellite Camp in New Jersey. Let me be very clear: Nothing prepares you for that kind of awakening. I wasn’t escorted by guards in shackles or thrown behind bars in some Hollywoodstyle prison drama. No, I walked in. On my own. Wearing a fluorescent yellow jumpsuit that made me feel like a

What are stuck or stranded vulnerable seniors going to do when there’s no power and a home is 100% reliant on electricity? I’ve never in my life heard of a gas-powered emergency when we

They’ll have to deal with the needless deaths of New Yorkers who lost their lives simply because the power went out.

George Santos, My Life Behind Bars

SANTOS UNCENSORED

caution sign in human form. As I crossed the threshold of the dormitory and took my first steps into what would become my new reality, I caught a glimpse of myself in the small, scratched mirror held up by one of the inmates. That image—me, holloweyed, clad in state-issued polyester—hit me like a punch to the gut. The tears came faster than I could stop them. I didn’t care who saw. That reflection, in that moment, made the weight of my decisions, my mistakes, and the road that led me there all too real. It was the clearest, most painful mirror I’ve ever looked

family?

The state has to pull the plug on this misguided law forcing new builds to be all-electric. If not, job losses, business losses, and skyrocketing home costs will be the least of lawmakers’ worries.

into—one that didn’t just show my face, but the wreckage of the life I had built. The dorm itself? It brought back strange echoes of summer camp—if summer camp had bars, regulations, and a stench of despair. Imagine a cafeteria straight out of a public school built in the 1970s—same linoleum floors, the same clatter of trays, only now the food is joyless and served with indifference. The bathroom, though, deserves its own horror novel. The closest thing I can compare it to is an abandoned gym locker room from a forgotten high school—grim, damp, smelling of

Credit: George Santos

George Santos

mildew and regret. You don’t go in there without flip-flops and prayer. It’s been just over a week now,

but I can tell you this much: When people say “prison sucks,” they aren’t just talking about the bars and the bunks. Continued on page 8

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The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

Mazzarella Introduces Consumer Protection Bill Targeting Unlicensed Contractors

LOCAL

By Robert Chartuk In a move to crack down on dishonest business practices and protect local consumers, Suffolk Legislator Jim Mazzarella has introduced a new bill that significantly strengthens the county’s licensing enforcement laws for contractors and other regulated professions. His “Protecting Suffolk Consumers” resolution seeks to amend Chapter 563 of the Suffolk County Code, enhancing the tools used to prevent unlicensed or previously penalized individuals from continuing to operate unlawfully. “While most professionals in Suffolk County conduct business with integrity,” Mazzarella said, “a small but dangerous minority

continue to exploit consumers— especially the elderly and vulnerable—by operating without a license or in violation of prior penalties. This legislation sends a clear message: there will be consequences.” The bill proposes the following key reforms: • Stronger licensing procedures to close loopholes and prevent repeat offenders from reentering the marketplace under new business names. • Increased penalties for violations under Chapters 563 and 564, which govern consumer protection and contractor licensing. • Expansion of the “Registry of Unscrupulous County Licensed Professionals,” a public database that

Suffolk Sheriff's Office Deputy Rescues Injured Hawk in Eastport

flags individuals who have lost their licenses due to serious violations or criminal conduct. The legislation also aims to reinforce fairness in the trades by supporting law-abiding professionals who adhere to the rules and provide quality service. “We’re not just going after bad actors—we’re standing up for the hardworking, honest contractors who follow the law and serve their customers with pride,” Mazzarella said. The Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing & Consumer Affairs is expected to work closely with the Legislature on enforcement and outreach. The resolution is scheduled for a public hearing later this summer.

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From the Comptroller's Office: Suffolk County Audit Division Unequivocally Passes By Michael J. Reistetter The Suffolk County Comptroller’s Office announced yet another victory this week in the form of a “pass” rating for its internal quality control system. ALGA-which stands for The Association of Local Government Auditors-served as the issuing entity.

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Sheriff rescues injured hawk.

By Deborah Williams An injured hawk was spotted on the side of the road, and a Suffolk County Sheriff’s deputy stopped to help it out. Over the weekend in Eastport, a deputy sheriff saw an injured bird on County Road 51. She retrieved the animal, later identified as a red-tailed hawk, and deputy sheriffs began contacting local wildlife shelters to seek veterinary treatment. The hawk was safely transported to STAR Foundation Wildlife Rescue in Middle Island and taken into their care for assessment and treatment. The South Shore Press was in contact with the Star Foundation this morning and their spokesperson gave us the sad news that the hawk did not survive. STAR spokesperson said, “The bird had chest contusions and neurological issues in both legs and unable to stand. The bird was in oxygen for 12 hours yesterday trying to save it from the contusions. There was a lot of bruising in the lungs.” “It is very hard to get a bird through with these types of injuries. We could have worked on the legs given more time.

Sometimes nerve damage can be reversed, but he couldn't stand and he basically couldn't breathe,” STAR spokesperson said. “He was very grateful to be here. You could tell he really needed the help and seemed to know we were giving him comfort.” Sometimes, if a bird can be rehabilitated, even if it can’t be released to the wild, it can become an educational bird and live out its life. That was not to be in this instance due to the severity of the injuries. The STAR representative said, “We do absolutely keep any animal that we can that we think would be comfortable enough to be an educational animal. We have quite a few of them here. We actually have a red-tail hawk with no eyes. He was attacked by crows and had his eyes pecked out.” STAR Foundation is a Long Island nonprofit 501(c)(3) volunteer organization, dedicated to the welfare of domestic and wild animals. "Our goal is to provide a safe haven for every injured or orphaned Long Island animal in need of medical care, rehabilitation, or humane euthanasia, and to return as many healthy animals as possible to their natural habitat."

An on-site Peer Review of the Audit Division’s 2022-2024 performance took place last month. According to ALGA’s findings, Suffolk County was officially deemed compliant with Government Auditing Standards (GAS). In a letter to Suffolk County Comptroller John M. Kennedy, Jr., ALGA praised the County Audit Division’s organizational efficiency, skilled staff, electronic paperwork, audit reports, and operational thoroughness, despite the robust size of its office.

Credit: New York Suburban Homes

Suffolk County (pictured) is in compliance with Government Auditing Standards (GAS), according to a 2022-2024 Peer Review. “We found this peer review to be a valuable and constructive process and sincerely thank the team for the thoughtful insights

that they shared from their experiences,” said Comptroller Kennedy.

A Successful Performance Audit for Suffolk County's Traffic and Parking Violations Agency By Michael J. Reistetter Suffolk County announced a performance audit of its Traffic and Parking Violations Agency (TPVA) last week. The particular area of examination covered the agency's fines, fees and revenue allocations between January 1st, 2022, and December 31st, 2023. Issued on July 9th, the audit's objective was to determine if

TPVA properly reported revenues received to the New York State Justice Court Fund (JCF), if the latter’s distribution statements were accurately prepared, and to verify whether TPVA remitted the proper funding their way.

interviewing county personnel tasked with program oversight, a swift determination was made.

After thoroughly reviewing all laws, regulations, legislative resolutions, justice court handbooks, revenue databases and contracts, obtaining all obligatory financial statements and

Per Comptroller John Kennedy’s office, revenues collected during the audit period in question totaled $40, 597, 773.

Across the board, the audit concluded that each entity involved acted above board and according to protocol.

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The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

LOCAL

Suffolk County Sales Tax Collection up 3% for First Half of 2025

By Deborah Williams Suffolk County sales tax revenues are up 3% ($28 million) from 2024 for the first six months of the year. Last year for the same time periods revenues were $933 million and are at $961 million for 2025. New York State Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli, issued the Local Sales Tax Collections report saying statewide sales tax collections were $11.9 billion in first half of 2025, up 3.7% ($423 million) over the prior year. New York City collects about three times more in sales taxes than the next highest region (Long Island) and comprises approximately half of all collections statewide. This is because, among other things, the City is a global tourism destination and home to more than two-fifths of the state’s population. “While New York’s local sales tax

collections experienced stronger growth in the first half of 2025, future revenues may become less predictable as local communities weather federal policy changes, inflation and other economic factors,” said DiNapoli. “Local officials should continue to take advantage of all the financial tools and guidance my office has to offer to help them strengthen their finances and resiliency amid these uncertain times.” Most counties in New York State share a portion of their local sales tax revenue with cities, towns, villages and, in a few instances, school districts within their borders. These sales tax allocations are made in accordance with statute or pursuant to sharing agreements between the county and its city or cities. Suffolk County is one of 12 counties in New York that shares no

State Legislature and be signed into law by the governor.

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Sales tax collection is up in Suffolk County. portion of the sales tax. Recent policy changes at all levels of government (local, state and federal) can influence local sales tax performance. For example, in 2024, Suffolk County adopted a local law to increase its sales tax rate from 4.625% to 4.75%, effective

March 1, 2025, to help fund its new countywide drinking water protection program. Local rate changes, while not common, can have a large effect on collections for the affected taxing jurisdiction. These rate increases must receive approval from the

Nearly 86% of counties outside of New York City had an increase in collections. Year-over-year growth in collections during the first half of 2025 almost doubled that for the same period last year and was nearly the same as the average growth rate for the January to June period from 2010 to 2019 during the recovery and expansion following the Great Recession. Each of the state’s 10 economic development regions, including New York City, experienced a year-over-year increase in collections, with growth varying on a region-by-region basis. Eight counties are experiencing difficulty and did have a decline in first-half sales tax collections. St. Lawrence saw the steepest decline at -5.7%, followed by Livingston (-5.1%) and both Sullivan and Schoharie (-2.9%).

Masonic War Vets Unveil Memorial Bench at Bald Hill to Support Veterans in Crisis By Robert Chartuk A new bench installed at Suffolk’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Bald Hill now serves as more than just a place of rest—it stands as a quiet but powerful message of hope and help for veterans struggling with mental health challenges. Led by Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa, Chairman of the Legislature’s Veterans Committee, the Farmingville dedication ceremony brought together local officials, veterans’ advocates, and Masonic leaders to unveil the new bench, donated by the Free Masons and Masonic War Veterans. Prominently affixed to the bench is a plaque bearing the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a resource that provides 24/7 mental health support to those in need. “This is another indication that Suffolk County supports its veterans, especially those from the Vietnam Era,” said Caracappa, whose mother, former Legislator Rose Caracappa, was instrumental in building the Bald Hill monument. “We want the veterans to know they are not alone; they are appreciated; they are loved.” Situated atop one of Long Island’s highest points, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial—a soaring, redwhite-and-blue pyramid—has stood since 1991 as a symbol of service, sacrifice, and remembrance. With the addition of the new bench, it now also offers a moment of pause for reflection and a lifeline to those who may be silently suffering. Legislator Ann Welker, a member of the Veterans Committee whose daughter and sister are both military veterans, credited Tim Rumph of the Potunk Masonic Lodge in Westhampton with initiating the bench project. “It’s

wonderful to see how it all came together,” Welker said. Marcelle Leis, Director of the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency, underscored the urgency of the effort. “We lose 22 veterans a day to suicide in this country. We need to cut that number to zero,” she said. The bench is part of a broader initiative by Suffolk County Masons to install similar memorials across the region. According to Robert Licata, the District Grand Master for Suffolk, benches have already been placed in Babylon, Bay Shore, East Hampton, and Port Jefferson, with five more locations planned. Funding comes from the Masonic District Brotherhood Fund. “We have many people who care,” Licata said, noting that more than 25,000 Masons are active across New York State. Among the attendees was New York State’s top Mason, Grand Master Steven Rubin, who spoke about the long history and mission of the Masonic War Veterans organization, founded in 1948 in Buffalo following World War II. “We don’t just commiserate, we act upon the challenges we face,” Rubin said. He invoked the phrase “the battle within” to describe the emotional toll veterans often carry. “This is a quiet, powerful place of reflection, peace, hope, and awareness,” he added, gesturing toward the towering monument and the newly installed bench nearby. Clarence Simpson, vice president of the Vietnam Veterans of America Suffolk County Chapter 11, stood among about a dozen members of his group, identified by their bright green jackets. “This bench can be the difference between life and

Credit: Robert Chartuk

Many turned out for the bench dedication at Bald Hill death,” Simpson noted. The ceremony closed with a moment of silence and the solemn reading of the helpline plaque, a reminder to all that help is only a phone call away—by dialing 988. Among the dozens of veterans

and their family members who attended the event were James Brennan, deputy director of the county’s Veterans Service Agency; Bill Benedetto, District Staff Officer for Suffolk County; John Findlay, Post Commander of Masonic War

Veterans Post 23; Don T. Kuhner, commander general, New York State; Vincent Scandele, first lieutenant commander general, New York State; and Stuart H. Smith, director general, New York State.

A Successful Performance Audit... Continued from page 3 Additional contributors to the audit include Executive Director of Auditing Services Frank Bayer, CPA; and the remainder of the audit team: Manuel Alban (Assistant Director), Thomas Macholtz (Chief Auditor), Timothy Smith (Investigative Auditor), and Jeannie Rasco (Senior Auditor). Established on April 1st, 2013, as an arm of the Suffolk County District Court, TPVA’s mission “is to ensure the equitable adjudication of traffic violations.” “We provide a platform where individuals can articulate their

Credit: suffolkcountny.gov

Established on April 1st, 2013, as an arm of the Suffolk County District Court, TPVA’s mission “is to ensure the equitable adjudication of traffic violations.” concerns, receive a judicious hearing, and collaborate on constructive resolutions,” their mission statement continues.

“We are fostering a culture of transparency and contributing to safer roads through an efficient and respectful legal process."

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The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

Historic Tax Credits Expand Making More Suffolk County Projects Eligible

LOCAL

By Deborah Williams The historic preservation tax credit program, both state and federal, has made it possible to rehabilitate many historic buildings across the state. The recent New York State budget expands the use of historic tax credits for affordable housing efforts. Use of the New York State rehabilitation tax credit was previously restricted to properties in census tracts at or below the state family median income; however, the restriction has been lifted if the rehabilitation is for the purpose of creating affordable housing. Suffolk will benefit from these changes in eligibility. “Suffolk County has had a relatively low usage of the credit due to the lack of eligible census tracts. However, due to the enhancements included in the budget, there are now 8 additional properties that have recently come into the program and will be submitting designs for approval,” said. Dan Keefe, Public Information Officer for the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The details on the eight newly eligible Suffolk County projects have not been released yet as they are not through the final approval process.

There have been four completed historic tax credit projects in Suffolk County since 2017:

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Governor Hochul said, “New York State’s rehabilitation tax credit programs are attracting strong private investment to these properties, spurring much-needed quality, affordable housing and bringing new life to our communities.” Preservation League of New York State President Jay DiLorenzo said, “Historic rehabilitation tax credits have proven transformational for communities and Main Streets throughout New York State.

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Credit: East Hampton Historical Society

Historic Thomas and Mary Nimmo Moran House Reusing our existing buildings creates local construction jobs, provides space for small businesses, creates much-needed housing, and keeps demolition debris out of our landfills.” Owners of income-producing real properties listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places may be eligible for a 20% Federal income tax credit and a 20-to-30% State credit for the substantial rehabilitation of historic properties. The final credit amount is based on the cost of the rehabilitation. Property owners must be approved for the Federal credit in order to be eligible for the State’s credit. The State’s credit is

capped at $5 million per building rehabilitation, which is generally restricted to eligible census tracts for commercial uses but now is available statewide for the purposes of creating affordable housing. The number of New York State rehabilitation projects was more than double and the total economic activity was more than three times that of the next leading states (Ohio and Texas respectively). New York State led the nation in the use of State and Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits to improve landmark buildings across the State in 2024.

Acupuncturist Nanci Simari Brings Healing Energy to Center Moriches By Robert Chartuk In a peaceful office tucked away in Center Moriches, licensed acupuncturist Nanci Simari is doing more than just needle treatments—she’s offering transformation. With a deep-rooted passion for natural healing and decades of experience in Chinese medicine, Simari is helping patients find balance, energy, and relief through the ancient art of acupuncture. Simari’s journey into holistic wellness began unexpectedly in the gardening section of a bookstore, where a casual interest in herbs grew into an intensive study of traditional plant medicine. This fascination led to hands-on apprenticeships in wildcrafting and tincturemaking, and eventually drew

her to acupuncture after her own struggle with chronic neck pain from long hours at a desk from working in the video industry for 15 years.

Chinese medicine: acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, qigong movement, and lifestyle guidance. “The needles are just one part of it,” she explains. “What matters most is understanding the body’s internal balance: yin and yang, qi energy, and how each organ system contributes to your overall health.”

“I had such great results from acupuncture, it just stayed with me,” she said. “I realized I didn’t want the end product of my work to be another TV commercial. I wanted to help people heal.” Simari completed her formal education at Pacific College of Health and Science in New York City, a rigorous four-year program that provided both clinical experience and a second bachelor’s degree in professional studies. She’s since practiced in Virginia, Westhampton Beach, Eastport, and now Center Moriches, where her cozy office has become a haven for patients

An Official Paper of Suffolk County Address Service Requested The South Shore Press Newspaper (ISSN#1531-4391 or USPS# 019051) published weekly by:

377 Main Street, Center Moriches, NY 11934.

· Thomas and Mary Nimmo Moran House and Studio, Village of East Hampton

A significant growth in the Federal and State rehabilitation programs has been the adaptive reuse of historic properties that create new affordable housing units, or in many cases, rehabilitate existing units.

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· Bates House, Village of Greenport

· Old Field Club Pavilion, Old Field

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Credit: Nanci Simari

Acupuncturist Nanci Simari, an expert in ancient Chinese healing. seeking natural solutions to pain, stress, fatigue, digestive issues, and more. Her approach draws from all five branches of traditional

With her warm, grounded presence and deep clinical knowledge, Simari builds individualized treatments that reflect a person’s symptoms and their story. Nanci Simari’s practice is currently accepting new patients. Her Center Moriches office offers flexible scheduling and a serene, supportive setting for healing. For appointments or inquiries, contact her at 631-729-3005.

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The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

LOCAL

Kavanaugh Council Earns Top Honor for Third Straight Year Under Grand Knight Frank DeNatale

By Robert Chartuk For the third consecutive year, the James V. Kavanaugh Council #5293 of the Knights of Columbus has earned the prestigious Star Council Award, the highest recognition given by the Supreme Council in Connecticut. The honor marks the end of a distinguished term for Grand Knight Frank DeNatale, who guided the Mastic-based council through another year of outstanding service to faith, family, and community. “The Star Council Award represents excellence across four pillars—faith, community, family, and membership,” DeNatale said. “To be honored again is not about me—it’s a tribute to the 160 active brother Knights of our council who continue to serve with unity, charity, fraternity, and patriotism.”

The Star Council designation is awarded to local councils that meet or exceed benchmarks in charitable giving, community outreach, faith-based initiatives, and member recruitment. Under DeNatale’s leadership, the Kavanaugh Council demonstrated excellence across all categories. Among their standout achievements: • Annual Community Barbecue: Held every August and fully catered, the free event serves more than 200 residents from the Tri-Hamlet area. Attendees are never asked for donations, though nonperishable food items are welcomed and donated to St. Jude Parish Outreach. • Financial Assistance: The council offers direct financial aid to local families in crisis—no questions asked.

• Support for First Responders: Contributions have been made to local fire departments and ambulance services, reinforcing the council’s commitment to civic partnerships. • Holiday Gatherings: The Knights also host annual Christmas dinners for members, their families, and invited guests. Founded in 1962, the Kavanaugh Council continues to play a vital role in the Shirley, Mastic, and Mastic Beach communities. Its efforts reflect the vision of Father Michael J. McGivney, who founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882 to support Catholic families in need. While DeNatale is stepping down to make way for the new Grand Knight, Frank Nappi, he remains deeply committed to the council’s mission. “It’s been the

Credit: Chat GPT

honor of a lifetime,” he said. “We serve not for recognition, but to live our values and strengthen our community.” Catholic men interested in joining the Kavanaugh

Council can call 631-281-4473. For women, the council’s Columbiettes offer a parallel path of service built on the same values of faith, charity, and community involvement.

Remember the Fallen: Calverton Memorial Service for WWIIPerished Air Force Lieutenant Set for Aug. 13 Grumman Memorial Park on the left. The procession is 1.7 miles, with an anticipated 20-minute

duration at respectably slow speeds. A flyover is also slated. Barring

unforeseen weather conditions, the skies will be filled with many a moving reminder of our fallen.

Kids Can Get up Close with Marine Life at Mastic Beach Conservancy Event Credit: findagrave.com & X: @NatCemCalverton

An Air Medal and Purple Heart recipient, U.S. Army Air Force First Lieutenant William T. Cleary never had a proper burial-until now.

By Michael J. Reistetter The Calverton memorial service for William Thomas Cleary (19231944) will take place on Wednesday, August 13th. It will kick off at 11 a.m. A U.S. Army Air Force First Lieutenant during World War II, Cleary was reported “missing in action” as a member of the 773rd Bomber Squadron/463rd Bomber Group at just 21 years old on December 10th, 1944. He is believed to have perished alongside a crew of 10 others when their plane was shot down into the sea near Italy for unknown reasons. The Air Medal and Purple Heart recipient’s upcoming service is courtesy of a joint effort coordinated between the Lake Ronkonkoma Heritage Association and Legislator Leslie Kennedy of the 12th District. According to Ellyn Okvist, lead organizer and a representative for the former, Cleary never received

a proper burial. Moreover, the memorial will also be in honor of the late veteran’s father, John Richard Cleary, Sr., and his younger brother, James Cleary, with the hope they too will rest in peace knowing all is in order and that William is “Home at Last.” Findagrave.com confirms Cleary resided in Kings County before enlisting in the Army on March 30th, 1943. He was last employed as a New York City bookkeeper prior to serving his country in the grandest way possible. Riverhead town police will man the honor procession that is to precede Cleary’s memorial. Those keen on paying their respects should arrive at 9:30 a.m., and are advised to line up facing West—just east of the BP Gas Station on the right embankment, heading west on NY-25. Once on NY-25, continue straight at an abbreviated velocity past

By Robert Chartuk A hands-on environmental adventure awaits local families this month as the Mastic Beach Conservancy teams up with the Seatuck Environmental Association to host “Kids-N-Sea Creatures Exploration Day” on August 20 at Lawrence Creek Beach. The free event will introduce children to the wonders of marine life through a Seine Net Drag—an engaging activity in which naturalists and young explorers drag nets through the bay waters to discover the creatures living just beneath the surface. Organizers say the experience is designed to spark curiosity and environmental awareness in kids while offering a fun and educational outdoor experience. “This is a great way for children to connect with nature and learn about the diverse species that inhabit our bays,” the Conservancy says. “We want them to see firsthand how important it is to protect

Credit: Mastic Beach Conservancy

Kids will have a chance to see what lies below the surface of local waters at the Kids-N-Sea Creatures Exploration Day on August 20.

and understand ecosystems.”

our

local

Participants will meet at Lawrence Creek Beach on Riviera Drive between Park and Lincoln Drive. No registration is required, and the event is geared toward children ages three and up. Families are encouraged to bring bug spray, water shoes, and a towel. The Seine Net Drag is one of several community

events hosted by the Mastic Beach Conservancy as part of its mission to promote conservation, environmental education, and sustainable use of the local shoreline. More information about ongoing conservation efforts of these groups can be found on Instagram at @ seatuckenvironmental and www.masticbeachconservancy. org.

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The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

Mastic Beach American Legion

35th Annual

Clam Bake / Pig Roast

Saturday • August 9

th

Noon to 4:00pm (Rain Date August 10th)

Veterans $35, Adults $40 Youth 11-20 $20, Under 10 Free (food, beer, & wine included)

110 Mastic Beach Rd. 631-395-1981 We serve fellow Veterans & our Community

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LOCAL

Judgment Against Suffolk County in Second Amendment Case Becomes Final

By Deborah Williams In an update to a Suffolk County Second Amendment case that South Shore Press has been following for months, Steven I. Locke United States magistrate judge, finalized an order against Suffolk County for using an unconstitutional policy to deny plaintiff, Brett Milau, a pistol permit. In Brett Milau’s Second Amendment case, where Suffolk County used an unconstitutional policy to deny him a pistol permit. While a previous case (LaMarco v. Suffolk County) only applied to the unconstitutional taking of LaMarco’s pistol permits, this ruling applies countywide to all residents who can legally own a firearm. The Milau case is an acrossthe-board victory declaring the entire policy of using a disqualified third party as a lever to keep another person from lawfully having a permit and firearm unconstitutional.

“Suffolk County has, for decades, interfered with the rights of individuals to possess firearms based on their cohabitation with a prohibited person. We are very pleased that the federal court has found Suffolk County’s policy unconstitutional and has issued a final order permanently enjoining the County from enforcing or implementing such a policy in the future,” said Amy Bellantoni of Bellantoni Law Firm who represented Milau. The final order says loud and clear that the County agencies may no longer uses these unconstitutional grounds for removing a person’s Second Amendment rights. The ruling reads, “That Defendant County of Suffolk and its officers, agents, servants, employees, and all persons in concert or participation with them who receive notice of this Order are permanently enjoined, effective immediately, from adopting and/or enforcing any orders, resolutions, ordinances, policies or practices

Smooth Roads for Shirley: $1.9 Million Pavement Project Completed

Superintendent Losquadro and Councilwoman Dunne Kesnig at the corner of Deer Path and Margin Wood Drive West in Shirley.

This week, Brookhaven Town Highway Superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro and Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig announced the completion of a nearly $2 million pavement project in Shirley. As a result, 18 roads have been utterly enhanced. “This paving project north of Golden Gate Drive built upon resurfacing we completed in the area last year,” said Losquadro. “We continue to move through the Town, improving infrastructure one roadway at a time.” Drainage maintenance preceded paving. Damaged concrete aprons were replaced, as was worn curbing. Such cost approximately $600,000,

according to Brookhaven.

the

which have the purpose or effect of prohibiting an individual’s ability to possess firearms based solely upon a cohabitant’s status as statutorily prohibited from possessing a firearm.” Suffolk County did not convince the court that their practices were consistent with the Second

Amendment and the ruling went against them. Financial damages will also be paid by Suffolk County. The case involves actions related to the First, Second, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendment claims against the Suffolk County defendants. Defendants in the case include

Suffolk County, Commissioner Timothy Sini, Individually, Sgt. William Walsh, Individually, Police Officer “John” Molinari of the Pistol Licensing Bureau, Individually, Captain Williams Scrima, Individually, and “John Doe,” Commanding Officer of the Suffolk County Property Section.

George Santos, My Life Behind...

Credit: Town of Brookhaven

By Michael J. Reistetter

Credit: Grok/Twitter

Suffolk County loses Second Amendment case.

Town

of

The following roadways saw total resurfacing: Margin Drive West, Carmen View Drive, Woodchuck Court, Coraci Boulevard, Cotton Tail Court, Fox Hollow Drive, Pheasant Way, Quail Run, Deer Path, Acolade Drive W, Arpage Drive W, Smith Road, Robinwood Drive, Hurstwood Road, Wellwood Drive, Sagewood Drive, Baywood Drive and Thornwood Drive. Adds Councilwoman Dunne Kesnig: “If we had unlimited budget, all roads in Brookhaven could look as pristine as the newly paved road on Margin Drive West; great job by our highway department.”

Continued from page 2 It’s not just the loss of freedom—it’s the erosion of your dignity. It’s realizing how many basic human rights we all take for granted on the outside. A pillow that isn’t made of rubber. Soap that isn’t government-issued sandpaper. The freedom to choose when you eat or even what direction you walk in. Here, everything is regulated, stripped down, dehumanized. I’m in what they call a “camp”—a minimum-security facility that, in theory, should feel less harsh than the prisons you see on TV. But let’s not kid ourselves: A cage is still a cage, even if it doesn’t have bars. I now live among 47 other men, mostly fellow whitecollar offenders, a few caught up in the dragnet of drugrelated cases. We each carry our own stories, our own falls from grace, and yet we are now all wearing the same uniform, eating the same meals, following the same monotonous schedule. Every day is an exercise in patience and mental endurance. You quickly realize that time doesn’t move here— it drips. Slowly. Painfully. The routine is soul-numbing. Wake up, count, eat, line up, repeat. You begin to understand why some men talk to the walls or

pace like caged animals. The silence here is loud, and the noise never stops. But even in this grim, surreal place, something caught me off guard—the facility itself. FCI Flatiron Camp is, bizarrely, one of the strangest and most oddly fascinating places I’ve ever seen. It’s part institutional compound, part industrial relic, surrounded by patches of overgrown grass and concrete paths that lead to nowhere. No one on the outside ever thinks about what these places look like, let alone who’s inside. After all, we’re the “scum,” right? Society writes us off, labels us, forgets us. Well, I refuse to be forgotten. I came here with a mission— one I hold as closely as the pocket Constitution I brought with me. That little booklet isn’t just a reminder of the rights I still possess as an American citizen—it’s a statement of defiance. I may be serving time, but I’m not surrendering my voice. I’m not going to be silent about the way dignity is quietly stripped from the incarcerated. I will not allow my fellow inmates—or myself—to forget that we are still human beings, still Americans, and still protected under that sacred

document. In this place, hope is no longer a vague ideal. It becomes your lifeline. Hope takes on new shape and meaning when everything else has been taken from you. I cling to it—not out of weakness, but because it’s all that’s left. I’ve begun to feel like I’m fading, like the George I knew is slipping away. That’s been the hardest part. Not the routine, not the bed, not even the loss of freedom— but the slow disassociation from the man I once was. You start to forget what the world feels like when you’re not constantly being watched, measured, or judged. But I haven’t given up. I won’t. Because this moment in my life, as bitter and brutal as it is, will not define the whole story. It’s only a chapter. And like any good book, the best chapters are still unwritten. So I write this now not to ask for sympathy—but to share the raw truth of what this place is. What it does. And what I’ve come to understand about myself, my country, and the system we live under. Because if there’s one thing prison has taught me—it’s that even behind these walls, your voice still matters. And mine isn’t going anywhere.

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LOCAL

The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

Page 9

Cherry Avenue Gives Back to Community with 'Broadway by The Sea' Program

By Deborah Williams See a great play and help a family in need all at the same time! Cherry Avenue Elementary School, in the Sayville Union Free School District, used their SCOPE summer enrichment program to make a difference in their community. Through the “Broadway by The Sea” student theater initiative, the school raised supplies for Sayville’s Care Closet, a District resource for community families in need. “Broadway by The Sea” is a student theater program, led by

teacher Katie Trunz, in which students refine their skills in acting, singing, dancing, and more over a four-week period. All their work is sea-themed, and culminates in a “Broadway, Jr.” performance of an ocean-themed show chosen based on the students’ interests. All audience members have been asked to bring nonperishable food items, toiletries, and clothing to the production as donations for Sayville’s Care Closet. “The ‘Broadway by The Sea’ program is so important for us as we continue to embrace our students’ talents and creativity all year-long—

The Presidential Fitness Test Is Coming Back to America's Schools

including throughout summer vacation,” said Cherry Avenue Elementary School Principal Dr. Lisa Ihne. “Now, with the added aspect of community service, the program’s work is truly invaluable to our school and to Sayville. We have already seen donations begin to come in, and I am excited to see the difference this production will make.” For more information on the Sayville Union Free School District, visit the district’s website at sayvilleschools.org. Happenings in the district can also be found on the district’s Facebook page.

Credit: Cherry Avenue Schools

Cherry Avenue’s “Broadway by The Sea” Donation Boxes

Mastic Beach Fire Department Hosts Spaghetti Dinner to Support Firefighter Battling Cancer By Robert Chartuk For over a decade, firefighter Tom Tiedemann has rushed into danger to help others. Now, his brothers and sisters at the Mastic Beach Fire Department are rallying to support him in his greatest personal battle: a fight against pancreatic cancer.

Credit: Grok/Twitter

President Trump is reinstating the Presidential Fitness Test nationwide.

By Deborah Williams Suffolk County has a childhood obesity problem. The County is far from alone with childhood obesity on the rise across the state and country. This past week, President Trump signed an executive order bringing the Presidential Fitness Test back to public schools nationwide. The test began 1956 under President Eisenhower and was ended by President Barack Obama in 2013. The Fitness Test was a longstanding presence in American schools. Adults from across the country remember the pull-up, bar hang, push-ups, shuttle run, and the sit-and-reach flexibility challenge. It was a way to take a broad measure of the health and fitness of America’s children. Today, with kids more sedentary than ever before and their heads buried in screens and video games, obesity and obesityrelated disease is on the rise in America’s youth. America’s kids are not fit and healthy–it’s as simple as that. In Suffolk County, New York,

approximately 19.9% of students have a BMI indicating obesity, according to the New York State Department of Health. This data is based on reports submitted to the State Health Department during the 2022-23 and 202324 school years. Nearly 30% of all Suffolk County residents are considered obese with 34% more overweight. “Getting the kids off the couch and away from the screens is a great idea,” said Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano in response to news of President Trump rebooting the Presidential Fitness Test. “I appreciate the president setting a standard for physical fitness in America.” Suffolk County towns with the highest obesity rates are: Wyandanch (40.2%), North Amityville (36.6%), Flanders (36.6%), North Bellport (36.2%), and Gordon heights (36.1%). Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be responsible for rolling the Fitness Test back into the schools and it will be a key part of the "Making America Healthy Again" agenda.

On August 9, from 4 to 8 p.m., the department is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at its headquarters on Neighborhood Road. The community event will include a 50/50 raffle, prize drawings, and dinner for a $10 admission fee. All proceeds will help Tom and his wife, Melissa, cover medical expenses as he undergoes treatment. “For 10 years, Tom has been there for this community—day or night, rain or shine,” said Bill Biondi, Mastic Beach Fire Commissioner. “He’s the kind of guy who never hesitated to step up when someone needed help. Now it’s our turn to be there for him.” Tiedemann, a respected member of the department’s SCUBA Rescue Team, has earned the admiration of fellow firefighters and residents alike.

Kennedy said Thursday that the Presidential Fitness Award was “a huge item of pride when I was growing up,” adding that “we need to re-instill that spirit of competition and that commitment to nutrition and physical fitness.” These childhood issues with fitness follow the kids into young adulthood. A study from the Pentagon shows that 77% of young Americans would not qualify for military service without a waiver due to being

Credit: Facebook

“Tom’s bravery goes beyond the fireground. He’s facing this diagnosis with unbelievable strength,” Biondi added. “He’s not just a firefighter. He’s a friend, a husband, and a role model. The least we can do is show him the same kind of dedication he’s shown us for the past decade.”

the Tom & Melissa Tiedemann GoFundMe page or by contacting the fire department directly at MBFDchiefs@gmail. com.

Community members who can’t attend the dinner are encouraged to donate through

“No one fights alone, not in our department,” Biondi said. “We’re inviting the entire community to join us, not only for a plate of pasta, but to show the Tiedemanns that we’ve got their back.”

overweight, using drugs or having mental and physical health problems. The most common reasons for disqualification are overweight (11%), drug and alcohol abuse (8%), and medical/physical health (7%). Outside New York City, rates of obesity among children in public school districts have increased 11% since the COVID-19 pandemic. The State Health Department estimates that during the 2022-23 and 2023-24

school years 19.4% of elementary students and 21.4% of middle and high school students statewide have a BMI placing them in the obesity weight status category. The original Presidential Fitness Test was established under the Eisenhower administration in the 1950s and underwent several iterations in the decades to come. Starting in the 1960s, those with the highest fitness scores were eligible to receive a Presidential Physical Fitness Award.

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The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

Retired Engineer Advances Groundbreaking Theory After a Tornado Roars past Him

LOCAL

as branches to be driven into solid wood, a phenomenon he saw with the trees knocked down on his farm. Though he holds no formal degree in meteorology, Muller’s credentials are formidable. During his 35-year career at Brookhaven Lab, he helped fabricate a 138kV superconducting transmission cable and was awarded a U.S. patent for a wood-processing shear system designed for renewable energy

Credit: Robert Chartuk

Manorville engineer Tom Muller points out the damage from a storm that roared through his farm.

By Robert Chartuk A powerful storm a few years back didn’t just topple trees in Suffolk County—it may have upended decades of meteorological theory. Thomas R. Muller, a retired engineer from Brookhaven National Laboratory, believes he’s uncovered the true mechanical structure of tornadoes after witnessing one firsthand on his Manorville property. “I was closing a gate on my farm when the wind kicked up hard, and within seconds, two trees were snapped clean in half behind me,” Muller said. “There was no roar, no warning”—just a blast of rain on his leg and then devastation. But what Muller noticed next didn’t match the traditional “funnel cloud” description. The trees were broken about 10 feet above the ground—mid-trun k—w it hout disturbing their neighbors or even the leaves on nearby branches. That prompted the veteran engineer to launch a full-scale analysis using his expertise in machinery and decades of experience working with Long Island trees. His conclusion? Tornado winds don’t spin around in a funnel as many have believed. Instead,

Muller theorizes that they act more like a mechanical fan belt, with air cycling vertically as if between two pulleys—one near the ground and another higher in the atmosphere. The “belt” of air moves up and down at incredible speeds, delivering isolated bursts of destructive force before hopping over adjacent areas and striking again. He calls it the “Fan-Belt Tornado Model.” Muller’s theory fits eyewitness observations from the November 2021 storm, a July 1989 Long Island tornado, and another recent one that also hit Manorville. In all cases, trees were snapped mid-height and laid down across roofs or the forest floor, without the telltale debris swirls or widespread destruction depicted in traditional tornado models. What might have remained a backyard curiosity gained interest after Muller released his technical report: “The Discovery of the True Mechanical Structure of Tornados on Long Island.” The report challenges the long-standing Fujita scale, suggesting it vastly underestimates wind speeds and ignores the role of vacuum forces during touchdown. Muller holds that the intense vacuum within a storm cell enables small items such

production. His story also has a nearmystical twist: While the 2021 storm approached, Muller’s son— hundreds of miles away in Indiana— called his mother after receiving a storm alert for Long Island. “It was like a warning from the sky itself,” the 81-year-old engineer said. “And just seconds after I closed the gate, the trees snapped. It was instantaneous.”

The National Weather Service confirmed tornado activity in the area that day, and Muller met with meteorologists at the Upton office to discuss his findings. He hopes his “fan belt” model will lead to better understanding—and potentially lifesaving innovations—in storm prediction and mitigation. For now, he continues observing from the ground, armed with a chain saw, a bulldozer, and a new way of seeing the sky.

PSEG Long Island Steps up Tree Trimming Ahead of Potential Storms By Robert Chartuk As hurricane season ramps up, crews from PSEG Long Island are out in force across Suffolk neighborhoods, trimming back tree limbs and clearing vegetation that could take down power lines during storms. The company says it’s part of a larger push to provide safer, more reliable power to its customers, particularly when high winds and heavy rains threaten the electric grid. “Providing safe, reliable power is a key part of PSEG Long Island’s mission,” said Jeremy Walsh, a spokesman for the utility. “Vegetation management is critically important in our service area, as tree-related outages are the second leading cause of interruptions.” Since assuming responsibility for Long Island’s electric system in 2014 under an arrangement with the Long Island Power Authority, the Public Service Enterprise Group has removed more than 136,000 hazardous trees and large limbs and trimmed more than 29,000 miles of distribution and transmission lines, according

Credit: Robert Chartuk

PSEG worker trims trees in Center Moriches to ensure the safety of electric lines. to Walsh. The work is done in accordance with industry best practices, which aim to preserve the health of trees while guiding future growth away from power lines. The utility has also tackled another persistent threat—vines. According to company data, over 24,000 vine locations across Long Island and the Rockaways have been identified, cut, and treated through a specialized mitigation program. “By combining storm hardening, regular maintenance, and targeted trimming, PSEG

Long Island has become the most reliable overhead electric service provider in New York State,” Walsh said. Residents can expect to see ongoing trimming efforts throughout the summer and fall, with crews focusing on historically vulnerable circuits and areas flagged by field inspections. PSEG officials urge property owners to allow trimming where necessary and to report any trees or limbs threatening power lines by calling 1-800-490-0075 or visiting psegliny.com.

We All Have a Role to Play in Protecting Our Water Supply

Authority

Op-Ed by Jeff Szabo, Chief Executive Officer, Suffolk County Water

Last week, the Suffolk County Water Authority issued a Stage 1 Water Alert for the 1.2 million people we serve across Suffolk County. This is not something we do lightly. The alert follows several weeks of extreme water demand that have pushed our system to its limits, particularly during the early morning hours, when automated sprinkler systems turn on across the county. The situation is serious: If this

demand continues during the early morning hours, water pressure for fire hydrants and emergency services will be reduced. Behind the scenes, our Production Control team is working around the clock to meet this demand. SCWA builds the distribution system for peak demand days. However, the demand continues to increase. Every well that can be running is running. Pressure zones are constantly adjusted. Water is moved strategically across our distribution system to keep tanks from running dry. But there’s only so much the system can give when everyone uses water at the same time. So why not just build more wells to meet peak demand? First, we must protect our sole source aquifer. Overdrawing it would threaten

water quality and future availability. Second, building new wells and facilities to support the highest possible demand—demand that typically exists on a few summer mornings each year—would cost millions of dollars. That cost would be passed on to our customers in the form of higher rates. It simply isn’t sustainable.

it. The majority of residents default to Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. When everyone waters at the same time, it causes massive strain on our system, leading to dangerously low tank levels. The odd/even schedule splits demand in half—spreading it more evenly across the week and giving our tanks time to recover between peaks.

That’s why conservation is so important. We’re asking customers to eliminate unnecessary water use and strictly follow the odd/even lawn watering schedule. It’s not just a suggestion—it’s the most effective tool we have to immediately reduce demand and protect water availability for essential uses.

The consequences of ignoring this guidance are real. When tanks run low, pressure drops. That means your faucet or shower may come out at a trickle. And that same low pressure affects fire hydrants, which rely on strong, sustained water flow to be effective during emergencies. This is not just about lawn health—it’s about community safety.

Most customers already water their lawns every other day, which is good. The problem is when they do

We’re also asking customers to

stop all watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when evaporation is highest and water is wasted. Fix leaks promptly, delay car washing, and avoid using hoses to clean sidewalks or driveways. Every gallon saved makes a difference. At SCWA, we’re doing everything in our power to keep the system running smoothly and ensure water is there when you need it. But we cannot do it alone. Conservation must be part of the solution, and we all have a role to play. To learn more about the odd/ even watering schedule and other tips to reduce water use, visit www. scwa.com/conservation. Let’s work together to protect Suffolk County’s most vital resource—not just for today, but for the future.

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LOCAL

The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

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'Food Desert' Emerges After Grocery Stores Pull Out

By Robert Chartuk A growing food desert has taken hold in Coram, Middle Island, and Gordon Heights, where the recent closures of Stop & Shop and King Kullen have left thousands of residents with limited access to fresh food. With only a small independent grocer remaining along the Route 25 corridor, officials say the communities are now in crisis. “This has left a gaping hole in the entire area,” said Senator Dean Murray, who is working to get the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to formally designate the region as a food desert. “You’ve got Coram—the largest hamlet in all of Brookhaven Town—and Middle Island and Gordon Heights, and there’s one

small grocery store in between. People used to walk to these supermarkets. Now, some have no access to fresh food at all.”

people don’t own cars, will suffer the most. “If someone needs formula or eggs, it shouldn’t cost them $30 in transportation just to get it.”

Murray said he’s reaching out to supermarket executives and exploring potential state incentives to bring new food retailers into the area. “I’m confident that the free market, with a little help from government, will step up. This is a growing population center—prime territory for major supermarket chains.”

Senator Murray shot down the idea of government-run supermarkets as proposed by Socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani in New York City. “It’s completely absurd to think politicians can run grocery stores without costing taxpayers a bundle and making the problem worse,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to working with private industry. “We can’t afford to drag our feet on this,” he said. “This is something we need to fix, and fast.”

Residents say the store closures will hit working families, the elderly, and low-income residents especially hard. “Where are people supposed to buy their food?” wondered civic activist Rosalie Hanson. “Not everyone can drive to Miller Place

Credit: Chat GPT

or Selden. If you just need a few things for dinner, it’s now a whole project. It’s not just inconvenient, it’s expensive. People will have to

spend money on gas or Uber just to feed their kids.” Hanson said communities like Gordon Heights, where many

“For now, the community waits with empty shopping carts,” Hanson noted.

Happy Gilmore 2: An Avant-Garde Adam Bomb We Love to Watch in the Dark

Credit: Netflix

C'mon, get happy: The Sandman is back!

By Michael J. Reistetter The rebel sleazily recruited by confetti-wapping conventionshatterers runs raucously back toward a traditional base that, once upon a time, greatly compromised to envelop him so. A story. As old. As time. "Happy Gilmore — a stupendous Adam Sandler insert in every which sense, from the now-movable (?) putting green to the great sizzler in the sky haunting with infinite jest, is indubitably down in the dumps that protrude from not-quiteBoston latter-day New England. Upon our reunion with the ferocious ice hockey goon turned super-driving gold jacketeer, he is stuck somewhere between a flask masquerading as a rock and his indefinitely suspended happy place. He’s lost it all. But dammit, does it ever excite us that his handful of children—at least in their everybody loves a flawed hero with more-than-acute rage stage of their eternal youth— blindly go to bat for a patriarch who’s both a self-penned pariah

and the perennial object of Stephen A. Smith’s wrath. This adds up, given that shocking blow that solidified his downfall from certified darlinghood grace. Armored with a new large sum to play for (funding his daughter’s hefty collegiate ballet foray), Happy sporadically snaps out of his self-sabotaging proclivities, ultimately assuming a face on par with his namesake as he dolphin-dives back down the well called good-ol’ golf. It’s the game that gave him everything, and that which took everything from him all the same. In a meta-stroke, "Happy Gilmore" has influenced generations in-universe and out to crow-hop before teeing off. And much like the "Dark Knight" on extended sabbatical, the sheer fact Happy once existed, and still does, inspires antiestablishment songbirds galore to band together and sing “Endless Love” against the machine. In the first Part II since “The Godfather’s” fellow instant classic follow-up to guarantee a

trio of supporting actor Oscar noms at the strike of tee time, Happy is charged with picking up the pieces of his life. There are needles in the hay, and then there is finding that one resilient tee in a sea of broken ball-holders. Do so, and you may stand to thwack thunderously enough to save the unforeseen new love interest: a sport you go way back with, and that finds itself presciently threatened by the rising tides of a LIV-lovin’, Savannah Banana salivation society. Sandler’s “Uncut Gems” director Benny Safdie thrives as slimeball promoter Frank Manatee; the Goldmember to iconic returnee Shooter McGavin’s Dr. Evil. Spoilers abound: In a crunch, the enemy of our enemy must now become our friend; and what's a friend, if not someone who too loves to save a shared favorite pastime from going dark?

The front nine resembles a cable cold-cut of “That’s My Boy,” with Uncle John Daly in place of Uncle Vanilla Ice, and none of that… moving on. Much like Donny Berger’s triumphant descent down Little Fenway to stop his son’s wedding, that “Simon Birch” inciting moment in “Happy Gilmore 2,” of course, came out of left field. Meanwhile, the back nine? Simply off the rails. And as always, we cannot look away. A Sandler film with something to say about this oftentimes troublesome day and age? Quite fitting, considering the self-reflective crescendo of the current box office behemoth “Superman” was something out of the “Click” display menu narrative device. You think you could get that by me, James Gunn? Lest you forget yours truly’s rejected pass at spoofing the Son of Krypton

saga, proudly entitled “I Now Pronounce You Clark and Lois.” It’s not trying to be “Caddyshack,” or even “Happy Gilmore,” for that matter. What “Happy Gilmore 2” supposes: It’s OK to not be OK. If life were a constant good-times-roll montage, with no conflict to overcome or compelling hook to hitch our jiggling wagons to, then our happy places would just be places. Three watches in, this unbiased reviewer at last appreciates Tuesday’s not gone with the wind; it’s merely submerged within the Jack Daniels Jr. my laptop’s ‘enter’ key is very very sneakily protecting for the sake of this bit. Allow me to top myself off; next round’s on you, Sandman. You can do it, because you just did it. …and we’re still reaping all of the benefits.

CONTACT US News Releases, Story Ideas, and Community Events:

news@southshorepress.com

Sports stories and sporting events:

sports@southshorepress.com

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The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

LOCAL

West Nile on Long Island: 14 Mosquitoes Test Positive for Virus

By Michael J. Reistetter Local health officials reported on Monday, July 28th, that 14 mosquito samples collected on July 16 from nine Suffolk towns tested positive for the West Nile Virus. The samples were taken from Dix Hills, Holtsville, Lindenhurst, Melville, Nesconset, Northport, Rocky Point, St. James and West Babylon. Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott made the announcement, which also served as a public service address informing residents on all the ways they can adequately combat exposure to infected mosquitoes. The County has not reported any human cases of West Nile this

year. However, West Nile has been detected in Suffolk every year since 1999. There were 21 confirmed cases just last year. Says the County’s health department: Most people infected with West Nile virus will experience mild or no symptoms, but some can develop severe symptoms, including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and even paralysis. The symptoms can last several weeks, with permanent neurological devastation on the table if not treated. People over 50 are especially encouraged to take precautions.

According to the Suffolk County Health Department, minimizing outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, wearing shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and utilizing mosquito repellent are all recommended. The virus through bites.

is

transmissible

To keep mosquitoes from laying eggs within or around the home, one should empty and scrub or simply throw out and replace water-holding containers for good measure. "Mosquito activity is picking up with the warmer weather and with it comes the risk of being exposed to West Nile virus," said Pigott. "While there is no cause for

Credit: Pexels

Beware, or be bitten. alarm, we advise residents to take precautions and cooperate with us

in our efforts to reduce exposure to mosquito-borne diseases."

Game On: Late-Blooming Comedy "BASEketball" Coming to H-Town's Arthouse Cult Cafe The baseball-basketball fusion these man-children improvise into existence at a keg party they weren’t invited to is a game Zucker and his entourage actually concocted themselves once upon a time. Now, everyone who’s ever shot baskets with their buds has likely at some point dabbled in this diamondized alternative to the challenge-based

Credit: "BASEketball" (1998)/Universal Pictures & scienceonscreen.org

After contentious streaming negotations with Paramount, "South Park" just helped BASEketball stars Trey Parker (L) and Matt Stone (R) attain comedic billionaire status.

By Michael J. Reistetter “BASEketball” (1998) heads to Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington for one night only on Saturday, September 27th at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for the public and $10 for members. Visit cinemaartscenter. org for more details. Back before Trey Parker and Matt Stone delivered Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical satire “The Book of Mormon,” they jumped at the chance to act for “Airplane!” writer-director David Zucker— fearing “South Park” would be controversialized into a one-anddone entity. Fast-forward over a quartercentury later: “South Park” is the absolute ire of the Head of State, making it as relevant today as POTUS contends it isn’t. Renewed eyeballs are on Zucker and his zany collective’s classic slapstick works in the wake of Liam Neeson’s “The Naked Gun” reboot running like a Bronco down the LA freeway into worldwide theaters this week. Ergo, “BASEketball,” step on up, collect your flowers and take a

bow. It’s far ahead of its time in its ruthless riffing upon the rampant overcommercialization of pure-atheart pastimes. The underrated sports lampoon predicted a prioritieslollygagged landscape; one wherein opportunities to become Mr. Moneybags have corrupted societally made-jaded athletes’ and their foremost benefactors’ sense for the virtue of gainfully pursuing victory. As detailed in Cinema Arts Centre’s “BASEketball” promotion: “Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of ‘South Park,’ star as two guys who invent a game in their driveway that quickly becomes a national obsession and catapults them into the spotlight. ‘BASEketball's a hilarious comedy about babes, brews and being number one.” Though not a slam dunk at the box office, “BASEketball’s” home video performance—coupled with “South Park” becoming one of those infinite juggernauts of the crude humor-animated field—solidified Parker and Stone as household names with staying power.

H-O-R-S-E exhibition. Free stickers and mix CDS will be given away to early bird arrivals at the September 27th showing. The film features a supporting cast that includes Yasmine Bleeth, Jenny McCarthy, Robert Vaughn and Ernest Borgnine, as well as celebrity cameos by Reggie Jackson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,

Dale Earnhardt, Al Michaels, Bob Costas, Dan Patrick and Kenny Mayne. It runs 103 minutes, and is rated R for raunchy. ...really? You're going to correct us and say the 'R' rating stands for "Restricted?" Thanks, narc. Restrict this.

Calling All Vendors: Moriches Chamber Announces Annual Fall Festival By Robert Chartuk The Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches is now accepting vendor applications for its Annual Fall Festival, set for October 19. This vibrant community event draws crowds to Main Street in Center Moriches, which will be closed for the duration of the event. Vendor spots are assigned first come, first served and are not guaranteed—early registration is strongly encouraged, especially for those requesting the same location as a previous fair. Go to moricheschamber.com to reserve a spot. Mailed applications and checks must be received by October 17, according to Chamber Treasurer Gerry Sapanaro. After that date, only cash or money orders will be accepted and must be dropped off at Moriches Bay Realty on Main Street. The cutoff to preregister is 3:00 p.m. on October 17. Dayof registration is $100 per spot, cash only. Spots are reserved with payment only; vendors can’t call to reserve a space. Join the fun, connect with the community, and showcase your

Credit: Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches

goods or services at this beloved fall tradition. There is no rain

date, so mark your calendars now.

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LOCAL

The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

Page 13

Behind Bars: Sound Beach Man Sentenced Eight Years for Weapons, Cocaine in House with Child Or more specifically, possession of illegal weapons and narcotics in a home that housed a 7-yearold.

Credit: Suffolk DA's Office

In addition to eight years of imprisonment, Daniel Fink (pictured) will also require five years post-release supervision for his drug- and weaponsrelated crimes.

By Michael J. Reistetter Daniel Fink, 23, of Sound Beach, was sentenced to eight years in prison last week, followed by five years of postrelease supervision. He pled guilty to his crimes back in June: one major charge included two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree.

“We will not tolerate the endangerment of children through illegal drug and weapons activities,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This defendant’s decision to store illegal narcotics and firearms where a 7-year-old child was present is unconscionable. This case highlights the tragic reality of how drug crimes often put our most vulnerable citizens at risk.” Court documents confirm the defendant’s admissions took place on January 15th, 2025. Upon a search of his Sound Beach residence, Suffolk County policy recovered four loaded and operable semiautomatic pistols. Police also picked up MDMA (ecstasy or molly), ketamine and clonazepam on Finkle’s person. In addition to his Controlled Substance possession felony, Fink also pled guilty to eight counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

Bay Shore Man Indicted for Brutal Machete Murder and Shooting Suffolk Officer in the Face, DA Says By Robert Chartuk A Bay Shore man accused of nearly decapitating a former coworker and later shooting a Suffolk police officer in the face during a violent standoff has been indicted on murder and attempted murder charges, District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced Friday. Nieves Reyes, 48, was arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr., on a six-count indictment, including seconddegree murder, three counts of first-degree attempted murder, and criminal use of a firearm in the first degree. Reyes is being held without bail and faces up to 40 years to life in prison if convicted of the top charges. “Attacks on Suffolk’s law enforcement officers will be

Credit: News feed

Nieves Reyes

met with the law’s most serious consequences,” Tierney said. “The defendant allegedly committed a heinous act of violence that claimed a life and then opened fire on the brave officers who were doing their duty to serve our community. This is a stark reminder of the dangers that our men and women in law enforcement

face every single day.” According to prosecutors, the violence began on July 23, when Reyes allegedly ambushed and killed 66-year-old Eugene Allen, a former coworker at Suffolk Transportation Services. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Reyes chasing Allen with a machete in a targeted attack on New York Avenue in Bay Shore. Allen’s body was discovered hours later in a wooded area, hidden beneath brush. He had sustained severe machete wounds to the head and multiple defensive injuries, authorities said. “The victim in this case was maliciously, ruthlessly, and savagely cut down by this alleged defendant,” Tierney stated. Continued on page 18

Skilled Auto Body Technicians Needed! All Positions!

Page 14

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The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

MUSIC BY THE BAY August 16, 2025 7-11PM Marina One Riveria Drive, Mastic Beach Featuring

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STATE

The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

Page 15

Is Your License Plate Peeling Apart?

By Deborah Williams Way back in 2014 the peeling plate fiasco began. Over ten years later there are still a lot of peeling New York State license plates. What’s going on? Why are they still on the road? We all drive around and see that some license plates are completely missing the outer layer making the plate numbers unreadable. Others are partly delaminated with sections of the plastic flapping in the wind. There was an issue in 2014 where the surface coating delaminated from the plates. One would think that after 10 years, and being able to replace the plate for free, that this problem would be long gone. But, it’s not. New York State DMV still processes a lot of plate changes. Up to 24,000 each year. “The State Custom Plates Unit processes on average 2,000 peeling

plate applications each month. Consumers have a responsibility to make sure their plates are readable. They can be ticketed for driving with unreadable plates,” said Tim O’Brien from the NYS DMV. Suffolk County Police told South Shore Press they do not log peeling plates specifically when ticketing for unreadable plates, but in 2024 they ticked 4,863 drivers and so far in 2025 they have 3,409 tickets. Some portion of those are peelingplate violations. Intentionally obstructing or altering your license plate can get you a hefty ticket, but so can driving around with a peeling plate that you never addressed. Suffolk County Police department has in the past done task force-like enforcement efforts aimed at unreadable license plates. If you have a peeling plate, get ahead of the problem, replace it, and avoid a big fine. A fine of $150 plus administrative fee is a big price

for something you can get fixed for free. If you want the same plate number that will cost you $20. Customers who want the next available standard plate number for free can email the DMV at dmv. sm.peelingplates@dmv.ny.gov. You should include your current plate number in the subject line and the following information in the email: • Name as it appears on the registration • Address (please update your address, if not current, prior to e-mailing your request) • City, state, ZIP code • Daytime telephone number • Peeling plate number • Attach a photograph of the peeling plates • Replace plates and keep plate number • To replace your plates and keep your plate number, complete the Application for Replacement

Credit: New York DMV

Peeling license plates must be replaced. Plates - Keep Same Plate Number (PDF) (PP-7 that you can find on the DMV website). Mail the completed application, a photograph of the peeling plates, and a $20 check or money order (made payable to "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles") to the Custom Plates Unit.

• Allow 4 to 6 weeks for your new plates to arrive in the mail. DMV mails your registration/ windshield sticker separately from the plates.

• Keep long hair tied back, especially when gardening.

time outdoors and talk to your veterinarian about ways to reduce ticks on your pet.

• Visit dmv.ny.gov/plates/ peeling-and-damaged-licenseplates.

Ticks Are on the March in New York than they could before and establish populations,” said Roome. “Going back maybe 15 or 20 years ago, there wasn’t much of an issue. Ticks were still around, people still got tickborne diseases, but it wasn’t quite the problem that it is now. We’re also having really mild winters. Deer ticks are active anytime it’s over 39 degrees, so we have a lot longer active periods for ticks now, unfortunately.”

Credit: Grok/Twitter

Tick populations are on the rise in New York.

By Deborah Williams 2025 is the worst tick season ever for New York. Tick populations are up in all five boroughs on NYC and on Long Island. In Central NY, ticks have increased 200%. The typically cooler climate and wooded areas of the the Northeastern United States gives us terrific spring and summer weather and the ticks love it too! The tick situation this summer is severe, driven by a bumper crop of acorns in 2023 that led to increased populations of acorn-eating animals like deer, mice, and squirrels leading to a surge in ticks, which feed off of these animals. Information out of Columbia University says, “Increases in deer and tick populations in the regions around New York or any other city can lead to an increased number of ticks in the city. These days, deer are being 'pushed' into the city as deer populations grow and as human populations expand out into areas that were previously forested or uninhabited.” Yetrib Hathout, professor of

pharmaceutical sciences and director of the Binghamton University Tick-borne Disease Center, collects and screens ticks to see which pathogens they carry and which changes occur from season to season, year to year. Close to 500,000 new cases of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases arise each year. “People talk about Lyme disease, but ticks carry different pathogens, not only the Borrelia that causes Lyme,” said Hathout. “When someone gets bitten by a tick, usually doctors just give them doxycycline, which may work against some bacteria, but it doesn’t work against parasites such as Babesia. The bottleneck right now is an accurate diagnosis.” Hathout said that pathogens that would normally be confined to a specific region of the country are starting to spread. The number of ticks carrying multiple infectious pathogens is increasing in the Northeast. Mandy Roome, associate director of the Tick-borne Disease Center: “Ticks can now move further north

The NYS Health department says while hiking, working, or spending time in wooded areas, follow these simple steps to help prevent tick bites: • Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and closed-toed shoes.

• Check for ticks often while outdoors and brush them away before they attach. • Perform a full body check multiple times during the day, as well as at the end of the day, to ensure that no ticks are attached. • Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors. • Shower soon after coming indoors. • Remember to check pets thoroughly for ticks after spending

• Consider using EPA-registered repellents labeled as effective against ticks containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535, and follow label instructions. If you are using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second. • If you find an attached tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to remove it right away. Avoid risky removal strategies such as detergent or burning, as these could increase your risk of infection. See the Department of Health's (www. health.ny.gov) for a video on proper tick removal technique.

Building Electrification Ruling: Latest Gut Punch to Long Islanders Op-ed by Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano The Democrat energy agenda just delivered another blow to hardworking Long Islanders. In a decision that puts ideology ahead of practicality, a court ruling has cleared the way for the state to impose a sweeping mandate that nearly all new buildings seven stories or less must rely solely on electric, zeroemission appliances and heating systems. This is just the latest example of how out of touch the Democrats have become with the needs of real New Yorkers. In Suffolk County and across Long Island, families are already struggling with high taxes and utility bills, housing shortages, and inflation. Forcing new homes to go fully

electric adds another layer of cost and complication, without any guarantee that the power grid can actually handle it. Cornell Professor Lindsay Anderson and her team ran the numbers. Their energy projection model, based on the state’s energy usage and transmission infrastructure, showed that we simply won’t have enough reliable power to meet the demands imposed by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), the law behind the Democrats’ Green New Scam. And it’s not just about power supply. It’s about affordability. Take the CLCPA’s school bus mandate: all buses must be electric by 2035, with a projected cost of up to $15.25 billion. Mandates for fire trucks will be billions more. Now the construction

industry faces a similar fate. Homebuilders, remodelers, and contractors—many of them local small businesses—are being pushed to comply with unworkable, expensive rules that taxpayers don’t want. And yes, those costs will be passed down to homebuyers. As Donna Ciancio of the Homebuilders and Remodelers Association pointed out, this mandate is likely to chill new home construction, especially in areas plagued by a lack of affordable housing. Phil Nanula, president of Essex Homes, put it plainly: The cost to build a single home could jump by $20,000. On Long Island, where housing is already unaffordable for many young families and first-time buyers, that kind of increase will be the final signal for them to pack up and leave.

Continued on page 18

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The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

NATION

DOGE Report: Savings and Reforms Continue for the American Taxpayer

By Deborah Williams The big savings this week from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) amounts to $4.9 billion in a canceled U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program approved under former President Joe Biden. It has a nice sounding name, Grain Belt Express, but has a not so nice consequence for farmers and taxpayers. The program is a part of the climate alarmist, Democrat-led Green New Deal. The project is a highvoltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line intended to connect wind and solar capacity across Kansas and Missouri. The project faced fierce pushback from Illinois landowners over concerns about property rights and eminent domain. This commitment that would have provided a taxpayerfunded loan guarantee of up to $4.9 billion dollars, was issued by the Biden administration in November 2024. According to the DOE, this project is on one “many conditional commitments that were rushed out the door in the final days of the Biden

is not critical for the federal government to have a role in supporting this project. To ensure more responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, DOE has terminated its conditional commitment.”

Contracts Update

Credit: Grok/Twitter

DOGE saves billions in DOE loans.

administration.” In the time between VP Kamala Harris lost the presidential election and Inauguration Day 2025, President Biden pushed nearly $100 billion in closed loans and conditional commitments out the door. The

Trump administration will be reviewing each and every one of these to “ensure every single taxpayer dollar is being used to advance the best interest of the American people. DOE remains focused on advancing projects that expand American energy dominance and deliver on

President Trump’s commitment to lower energy prices for the American people. DOE said, “After a thorough review of the project’s financials, DOE found that the conditions necessary to issue the guarantee are unlikely to be met and it

STATE

Over the last five days, agencies terminated 122 wasteful contracts with a ceiling value of $1.4B and savings of $388M, including a $1.17M National Science Foundation consulting contract for “merit review experience study,” and a $523k DOE facilities services contract for “energy efficiency and renewable energy business admin support services.” The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) saved taxpayers $1.3 billion annually by inking a deal with Docusign. With this deal, Docusign’s e-signature plan will be offered at a 70% discount, and its Intelligent Agreement Management at a 50% discount. Potential savings at the GSA are $1.3B annually and opportunity for significantly more upside with additional agency uptake.

NY Joins Redistricting Showdown as Texas Democrats Flee State

By Robert Chartuk Political machinations that would usually fly under the radar have exploded into national view as legislators in Texas are moving to redraw Congressional district boundaries in an effort to bolster the slim Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives and give President Trump some breathing room in the second half of his term. To derail the plan, the legislature’s Democrats, after receiving an Austin pep talk from Brooklyn Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader, fled the state to prevent the GOP from assembling the quorum necessary to vote on the new lines. Gov. Kathy Hochul jumped into the fray by welcoming the runaways to New York and pledging to change the state’s Congressional boundaries to make up the difference in any loss of safe Democrat seats. The issue has grave

Credit: Chat GPT

implications for Trump as the Democrats have promised to impeach him for a third time and thwart his MAGA agenda if they gain control of the House. But what began as a Texas standoff has quickly turned into a full-blown interstate political collision, with New York steering into the pileup. Hochul’s offer to shelter absentee Texas lawmakers and shift New York’s district boundaries to counter Republican gains was met with swift backlash from state GOP

leaders who say Democrats are weaponizing election laws for national political ends. “It’s one thing for New York Democrats to trample our own state’s election laws—but now they’re offering political asylum to Texas legislators who literally walked out on their jobs,” said Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano. “If I hit the road every time the Democrats introduced a bad bill, I’d never be in Albany. This isn’t leadership—it’s cowardice.”

Continued on page 18

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NATION

The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

Page 17

Federal Reserve Thrown Under the Bus for Its Fiscal Failures

By Robert Chartuk For only the third time in history, a U.S. president visited the Federal Reserve bank in Washington. Donald Trump’s recent trip was historic, as he took Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to task for overspending on the renovation of the Fed’s buildings. He also seized the moment to draw attention to the failures of the Fed and the political bias of its leader, especially after Powell refused Trump’s request to cut interest rates, even after doing so to boost the presidential prospects of Kamala Harris. Across the country in Minneapolis, when rioters were destroying the city to protest the treatment of George Floyd, basketball star Royce White chose not to join the chaos. Instead, he led a rally at the Federal Reserve to drive home the point that the bank’s control of the money supply has a much greater impact on black and minority communities than racial issues. The Fed’s stated goal of 2% annual inflation means that

Credit: Federal Reserve

The Federal Reserve building in Washington.

every 10 years, the dollar will be worth 20% less. This policy has had a devastating effect on the working-class and lower-income wage earners struggling to make ends meet in an economy battered by the Fed’s actions. To a president pledged to make America great again, enough was enough. Former Trump economic adviser Judy Shelton does not mince words on the subject:

“For too long, the Fed has been accumulating power.” She said it “operates with models and mechanisms that simply don’t reflect real-world economic conditions,” adding that Powell was “setting himself up as some kind of an emperor.” Shelton argues that the $900 billion in unrealized losses on the Fed’s portfolio and the massive overspending on its renovation project are merely the threads one can pull to

unravel deeper systemic issues. She slammed the Fed’s policy of paying banks interest on reserves at a rate it sets, arguing the prescribed rate distorts the free market. “The Fed just keeps perpetuating its own power,” Shelton charged. “It fixes the interest rate—the price of loanable capital—by paying banks not to make loans.” Created in 1913 by the Federal Reserve Act, the Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United

States. Its specified role is to manage the nation’s monetary policy—primarily by controlling interest rates and regulating the money supply—in an effort to maintain stable prices, low unemployment, and financial stability. Its failure in these areas, particularly during the Biden administration, has put them in Trump’s crosshairs. Calling for sweeping reform— if not outright abolition—Shelton argues the institution “needs an entirely new construct.” She joins critics who are not simply asking for tweaks to interestrate decisions but demanding structural reform, new oversight mechanisms, clearer lines of accountability, and even reconsideration of the Fed’s very mission in a constitutionally governed republic. “The Fed has become an accomplice to fiscal recklessness,” concluded Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky in announcing his “Audit the Fed” bill. “It’s long past time for Congress to stop shirking its duty and hold the Federal Reserve accountable.”

What the Heck Happened to the Democrat Party? By Deborah Williams How did the Democrat Party end up with a Communist and open anti-Semite as its newest rising star? How did the party of my youth, and much of my adulthood, that stood with working people, farmers, families, unions, and small business come to be the party of Communists, Marxists, and Socialists? All the "–ists" run together in a uniquely antiAmerican platform. It has been shocking to watch! Why did the traditional leaders of the party largely support this turn away from American values rather than bring the party to heel for decency’s sake? For their own sake? The Party now has Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Sen. Bernie Sanders as Standard-bearers. Two politicians who want to impose the opposite of American values on all of us. They drip with disdain for America. They don’t want Americans to be educated and financially independent. They, coupled with the national teacher’s union, want to keep large swaths of Americans in a permanent state of poverty and dependence on the government.

And now, with AOC and Bernie’s support, the largest city in America, New York City, is on the verge of electing Zohran Mamdani, an open Communist, to be mayor. Commie Mamdani they call him and his platform and history show this nickname is spot on. The City of Buffalo is also on the verge of electing an open Socialist as mayor. If successful, that will make NY’s two largest cities run by the "-ists." What is to become of New York? In graduate school, I remember then Democrat Governor Mario Cuomo coming to the cancer hospital where I was studying and giving such a powerful speech. I don’t remember what he said, but I sure remember how he said it. Later, in the late 90s, I was at President Clinton’s “apology tour” speech in downtown Buffalo. Again, I recall the feeling of hearing such a powerful Democrat speaker who seemed to speak directly to us in the stands. After the speech, I had an opportunity to meet him ever so briefly and got one of the signature Clinton two-handed handshakes. I was, and am, a registered

Credit: Grok/Twitter

Democrat Party embraces Communism.

Democrat though my Party has left me in the dust. I am not alone in this feeling. We all saw that in the recent election where Democrats just like me left the party in droves and voted for President Trump. During my years working for Democrat NYS and Federalelected officials, and in and out of the County Democrat Committee, the Party was partisan for sure, all parties are, but they were not universally ugly, mean-spirited, and antiAmerican. Make no mistake the Democrat Party has largely

become these things. If you don’t tow the party line 100% you are a Nazi. I’ve been called a “gender traitor” and had my mental health questioned by people who used to be my friends. Why? Because I have refused to bow down to the new religion that is the far, far left Socio-Marxist takeover of the Democrat Party. I look at what I used to be enthusiastically and proudly involved in and do not recognize what it has become. I’m actually appalled by it. When people ask me about those times, I am quick to say that I worked in it when

they were reasonable people. When deals and lunches across the aisle were the norm. When, even when fierce disagreement happened, it never meant the other side was evil or that veiled, or not so veiled, threats against them and their families should be made. I am embarrassed at what my Party has become. They should be embarrassed, too. Will they wake up and return to the bread-and-butter, commonsense positions that most Americans support? There is no indication of that happening yet.

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The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

OBITUARY

Frances A Drnek

On the 23rd of July, 2025, having brightened this world for more than 93 years, Frances Drnek passed peacefully into heaven’s realm, where she’s no doubt rejoined her life’s love and companion. An only child, Frances would scarcely have believed she’d become matriarch to a family that included eight children, thirteen grandchildren, (including two through her eldest’s remarriage), and seven great-grandchildren. Growing up in Mastic Beach, young Frances Archer was the “girl next door” to Richard “Dick” Drnek, and he became the love of her life. They were married and moved to La Rochelle, France where he was stationed, serving as an MP in the U.S. Army. After three happy years abroad, and having borne two sons, the family left France and returned to Long Island with Dick taking the reins of the family business, Hansen’s Carpet

and Linoleum Corp. The arrival of twin babies was followed in rapid succession by another child, another, and yet another, as the Drnek brood reached six. Like a momma duck and her ducklings, the sight of Frances and her young family would warm the hearts of all she encountered at the grocery store, the bank, the post office, or the church. (In all those places, and especially at the family business, those ducklings knew better and would rarely stray from their row.) Five years passed before a seventh child arrived, and to everyone’s surprise, seven years later, Frances became a mother one last time. To her last days she provided counsel to all her adult children, and she relished her role as the hub in the wheel of family news, happily imparting updates on the exploits of children and grandchildren.

Building Electrification Ruling... Continued from page 15 We hear a lot in Albany about the need to solve New York’s housing crisis, yet policies like this do the opposite. They make it harder to build, harder to buy, and much more expensive. No wonder New York continues to lead the nation in out-migration. I’ve said it before: We need clean, reliable, and diverse energy sources. There is nothing smart—or fair—about pushing through an energy plan with no

real price tag, no infrastructure in place, and no regard for everyday New Yorkers just trying to make ends meet. The court ruling may have upheld the Democrat mandate, but it’s just another reminder that they are out of step with the people they’re supposed to serve. It’s time we restore some balance, common sense, and accountability to our energy policies—before there is no one left to turn off the lights.

Frances was a loving mother, and supportive spouse, but she was also creative and entrepreneurial. She sold Tupperware, and something called a “Relaxasizor.” A shortlived experiment in retail, “Gifts by Frances,” led to a managerlevel position for sales and marketing at Woolco. At 60 years of age, shortly after the unexpected passing of her husband, Dick, she moved

to Florida and got a real estate license. Frances's boundless energy, confidence, and capacity to take on all challenges defined her life and has shaped the lives of her children. She was and will always be a role model, a moral compass, and the world’s best mother. Frances will be buried alongside her husband, Dick, in

a private ceremony not far from their Mastic Beach home. Her loved ones are comforted in the belief that she has already joined him and two of their children, Linda and Kathleen, and is happily updating everyone on the family’s exploits. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Frances's name to St. Jude R.C. Church in Mastic Beach.

Bay Shore Man Indicted for Brutal... Continued from page 13 The following morning, as Suffolk County police attempted to serve a search warrant at Reyes’s residence, he allegedly opened fire with a shotgun, discharging five rounds through the door. One officer was struck in the face by buckshot, fracturing his cheekbone. Minutes later, Reyes allegedly fired another shot at an emergency services officer. At approximately 5:45 a.m., during a second breach

attempt, Reyes is accused of firing seven additional rounds before eventually surrendering after negotiations with hostage crisis officers. “This individual wanted to kill multiple police officers. He should never see the light of day again,” said Suffolk PBA President Louis Civello, who was surrounded by dozens of fellow officers at the arraignment. “He should spend the rest of his life in prison.” “This case is about more than just one horrific crime,”

Tierney said. “It’s about the resilience of our police, the loss of a community member, and the importance of holding violent offenders fully accountable. We will vigorously pursue justice for Mr. Allen and for the officer who risked his life in the line of duty.” Reyes’s attorney, Brett Bennett, could not immediately be reached for comment. He is scheduled to return to court on September 3.

NY Joins Redistricting Showdown as Texas Democrats... Continued from page 16 Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay echoed that sentiment: "It’s generous of Gov. Hochul and New York Democrats to offer political refuge to run-and-hide legislators from Texas. But here’s my advice for today’s guests at the Capitol: Go home and do the job you were elected to do.” Barclay added that Democrats don’t need a Texas quorum crisis as an excuse to “rig elections” in New York. “For years, Kathy Hochul and

New York Democrats have treated the state’s election laws as if they are written on a dry-erase board. Nowhere in America do the actual principles of democracy mean less than with New York Democrats,” he said. “I’ve got bad news for any representatives from the Lone Star State who abandoned their posts thinking they might land in the cradle of election integrity: Albany isn’t it.” Indeed, critics point to a pattern of election overhauls in

New York. In 2022, Democratdrawn redistricting maps were so aggressively gerrymandered that even the state’s own courts—led by Democrat-appointed judges— struck them down. Lawmakers later pushed through expanded absentee voting despite a failed public referendum, and passed a law to ensure legal challenges to election laws would be heard in Democrat-heavy jurisdictions. They’ve even moved town and county races to coincide with state and federal elections, a tactic

opponents say overwhelms voters and drowns out local issues. “This isn’t democracy. It’s manipulation,” said DeStefano. “And it’s one reason over a million New Yorkers have left for Republican states.” In Texas, meanwhile, the fight continues. Fifty-seven Democratic House members fled Austin on August 3, breaking quorum and preventing a vote on a GOPsponsored redistricting plan that could flip five seats currently

held by Democrats. Republican leaders responded by voting to issue civil arrest warrants for the absentees and directing the Texas Department of Public Safety to return them to the chamber. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared the lawmakers “delinquent” and accused them of holding hostage critical legislation related to flood recovery, property tax relief, and public safety. “There are consequences for their dereliction of duty,” Abbott said.

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HISTORY LESSONS BY RICHARD ACRITELLI “He was a bridge and tunnel artist, as I count myself as. We stuck to a lot of where we came from in what we wrote about, but we wrote about it using slightly different tools.” – Singer Bruce Springsteen These were the words of the legendary rock performer Springsteen in how he observed the longtime singing career of Billy Joel. Recently, HBO just released a two-part series, "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," that delves into the entire life of this immensely popular figure. It was a truthful look at the many different successes and difficulties that faced this brilliant, but at times troubled singer. Whereas this talented piano player and singer was inducted into the Music Hall of Fame, this documentary is worth watching, as it identifies with a combination of everyday problems and serious matters that has impacted Long Islanders. This five-time Grammy Award winner was born on May 9th, 1949, in the Bronx, and a year later, his family moved to the Hicksville suburbs, where he grew up in a Levitt home. While Joel has lived in many beautiful homes within the prettiest spots on Long Island, as a kid, he grew up as a regular, blue-collar citizen, where he still looks like these regular people. As with many immigrants who escaped other areas of the world to live on Long Island, Joel did not realize that some his Jewish family members barely survived the start of World War II. His family fled from Nazi Germany, as Joel’s grandfather had a lucrative textile business, but the massive discrimination from the Nuremberg Laws made life intolerable for Jews. For a time, Joel’s father was sent to a boarding school in Switzerland to escape the hatred that he faced when he received a German education. The Joels sold this thriving business for “pennies on the dollar” and quickly had to evade arrest from the Nazi authorities. Although they fled the Third Reich, members of his European family were killed at Auschwitz and the clothing that his family once made was later produced for concentration camp inmates before and during this war. Watching Joel several times at Madison Square Garden and listening to his music through the recent concerts of Mike DelGuidice at the Paramount in Huntington, many fans such as myself never realized the tragic history of this Long Islander’s relatives. With little money, they fled with papers that were marked perilously “Jewish,” and they were highly fortunate to escape into Switzerland. Right before World War II, they reached the United

States, Joel’s father, a GermanJewish immigrant, enlisted into the army, and returned to Europe to fight the Nazis. At the end of the war, Joel’s father saw the horrors of the Nazi regime as a soldier in the Third Army, where he liberated Dachau concentration camp on April 29th, 1945. Years later, Joel opposed President Donald J. Trump's views on the Charlottesville hate attacks. He wore a Yellow Star of David on his suit in protest, to recall the plight of his own family who were arrested and killed by Hitler’s regime. While he fought during the war, many members of the Joel family were killed by the Nazis. One of the few reminders that Joel had about his father, was his belief that “life was a cesspool.” Even as a combat soldier arriving home to Long Island, Joel’s dad experienced anti-Semitism, where this series presented older local pictures of the Meadowbrook Swimming Club: “Privileges of the Swimming Pool are Extended Only to Approved Gentiles.” The documentary presented the uncomfortable feelings that Joel felt about knowing little about his family's struggles before, during, and after the Holocaust. It was not until many years, he was reacquainted with his father who lived in Vienna, Austria, when he met his significantly younger stepbrother, who later became a band conductor. Joel had many unknowns in his life, the largest was perhaps his father, who divorced his family, left his children, and had no communication with them in Hicksville. Joel had the trying moments of continually struggling with why his father left and handling this terrible trauma for the rest of his life. Senior and junior Joels loved music, especially the piano, but Joel never received the warmth that he yearned for since his childhood. A great song that he wrote about his father was “Vienna,” where it presented perhaps a closure to the pain that Joel felt that never fully subsided. From watching the interactions with Joel, both were almost aloof from each other, and while they played piano together, there were no grand homecomings for him in Europe. Whereas there were many reminders of Long Island through local towns like Hicksville, Oyster Bay, and East Hampton and the landmarks, water towers, and beaches from this area. While Joel had many positive memories, he grew up as an “outsider” compared to many of his neighborhood peers. He learned about the classics from his mother and local kids bullied him for his musical interests. Never one to back down from a challenge, he learned how to box to defend himself and Joel always

The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

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The Personal and Creative Life of Legendary Long Islander Billy Joel While he did not react well toward negative music reviews of his songs, he had a motivational edge from his early life. There seemed to be a true love with his second wife Christie Brinkley who spoke warmly about her memories of Joel, especially for much of their time together in East Hampton. Through his song "Uptown Girl," singing and dancing with Christie, wearing a huge smile, Joel stated that he was comfortable wearing a “gas station uniform,” as he used to work at one as a kid. Credit: © Aaron Settipane | Dreamstime.com

Billy Joel performing live in Anaheim on March 28, 2009.

had the “underdog” presence that endears himself to many Long Islanders. Joel identified the love that his mother showed to him and his sister Judith, and the hardships of growing up in a single-family house, where their mom suffered from depression and alcoholism. Rosalind Nyman Joel constantly worried about money, caring for her children, and having enough food. Joel believed that they were “outcasts,” for being the only Jewish and divorced family on his block, where life was anything but easy. In front of a piano, Joel looks the most comfortable speaking about not graduating from high school and finding a way to survive through his music. He told his mother, “I am not going to Columbia University, rather Columbia Records.” Like many Long Islanders, Joel struggled within the earliest parts of his life, and he fought hard to stick to his love of creating songs that have stood the test of time. There seemed to be a connection between the adversity that Joel faced and his ability to rebound, and at moments, do better after some rough personal situations. This documentary provided a detailed look at the life of Joel playing music in bands that resembled The Beatles, to having long hair and face hair, to wearing a sports jacket and sneakers, as he sang to massive crowds, and connected with people from New York City to Moscow. This series heavily touched on his first marriage to his wife Elizabeth and how he met this lady, who was originally married to his good friend Jon Small. It showed that Joel realized that he was not always perfect, made mistakes, and dealt with own issues that saw him voluntarily go to a psychological facility. He was an artist who carried around a tremendous amount of “baggage” and how it always stayed with him through every part of his life. This documentary shows the character strengths and weaknesses of Joel, his resilience, and problems that he faced when he signed his first record contract.

Joel was excited to be producing music and putting it out to the public, but he barely made any money. His wife, Elizabeth, served as his bands manager, as they tried to maneuver the unknowns of this industry and to rebound from this poor record deal. In California, he never lost his connection to home, as he wore a, “Where the hell is Hicksville?” shirt. There were moments that he had to sing under a different name to make money, but this led to the hit “Piano Man.” From start to finish, the constant theme of this documentary was that Joel faced many obstacles that later transcended into his music that connect with global fans. During this entire biography, music icons such as Springsteen, John Mellencamp, and Pink addressed the perseverance of Joel to defy the critics and create songs with legends like Ray Charles and Elton John to keep making outstanding music. Elizabeth addressed the difficulties that Joel faced earlier in his career and tried to get him to become more business savvy in learning how the record labels operated. After the release of the "52nd Street" album, Elizabeth reeled in an unruly band, whom she called “Long Island Hooligans,” made sure they were prepared for all concerts, and pushed Joel to progress with his career. It was a battle to stay after these young musicians who enjoyed staying up late, drinking, and being unpredictable in their actions. This early life led to many personal problems between Joel and Elizabeth, who feared that her younger son would be negatively influenced. She was concerned about Joel’s widespread use of alcohol, drugs, and driving motorcycles that led to him getting severely hurt. He wrote many songs based on Elizabeth who was in many ways a “guardian angel” to watch over the start of his fame that led to his first divorce in 1982. Like many hardworking Long Islanders, Joel has a “chip on his shoulder" toward him that strengthened his musical career.

You see the difficulties in life continue for Joel, even as he was happy with Christie, had a daughter Alexa, life still had many curves for this rapidly successful musician. Financially, on the surface Joel believed that he was extremely comfortable, but his manager stole millions of dollars from him. Like Elizabeth, Christie told Joel to take a better interest within the business side of his growing music empire, as she fully believed that he was significantly losing money. He was forced to hit the concert road again and to make more recordings to make ends meet, heavily drank, and this placed a great deal of stress on the second marriage of Joel that led to divorce. There are many personal turns for Joel through relationships, his negative dealings with the press, and his considerations to permanently stop playing music with his band. Not a flashy person, an entertainer who has played almost on every continent for millions of people, who still live locally, Joel enjoys guiding his boat, and continually flashes his brilliance in front of the piano. Joel looks like your neighbor, a person you would pass in the store, and has the same understandings of the blue-collar, middle-class, suburban background of this special area of Americana. It presented the human side of a performer who over decades has created the finest and ongoing music that is still loved today and can be colorfully heard when fans in Madison Square Garden sing back his age-old songs. He made music like: "Good Night Saigon" that addressed the plight of "Vietnam Veterans," "Allentown" and the demise of the working class in this steel mill community, the friction of the United States and the rest of the world through "We Didn’t Start the Fire," "Piano Man" and the struggles of the everyday person, and daily life surroundings of "New York State of Mind" that resonates with local citizens. Since growing up in Hicksville to his older moments, Joel has continually mastered his talents from the classics to rock 'n' roll, and Long Islanders are always proud to call this musical legend one of our own.

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The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

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The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

September 2025 Brings Major Changes to Community Medicaid in New York

ASK NANCY BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ.

Q: A:

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What are the changes coming in September 2025 to the Community Medicaid program?

In New York, Community Medicaid is available to individuals living at home who need long-term assistance with activities of daily living. Community Medicaid offers inhome care through the personal care services (“PCS”) program and the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (“CDPAP”). PCS includes assistance with activities of daily living, such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, bathing, toileting, and grooming. Medicaidmanaged care organizations and local departments of social services contract with home care agencies that employ aides to that provide these personal care services. Alternatively, the Medicaid program, CDPAP, allows applicants who are eligible for home care services

to choose and hire their own personal caregiver. There are a few limits on who can be hired; it can be a friend or family member, but a spouse or parent will not qualify. The CDPAP services provided by a personal assistant can include any of the services normally provided by a personal care aide (home attendant), home health aide, or nurse. Starting September 1, 2025, the medical and clinical requirements to be eligible for in-home care paid by Medicaid are changing. Going forward, an applicant will need to demonstrate he or she needs physical assistance with at least three activities of daily living. Applicants diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia will be eligible to receive inhome services if they need supervisory assistance with only two activities of daily living.

Credit: One Photo | Dreamstime.com

Eligibility will continue to be determined through assessments of an individual’s functional and clinical needs by state contractor Maximus Health Services. This policy enactment was issued on June 30, 2025, which seems like a quick turnaround to September 1, 2025, but it did not exactly come out of the

blue. The new threshold was passed during the state’s 20202021 fiscal year, but enactment was postponed by the federal government’s pause on Medicaid changes during the pandemic. The state believes the savings could be up to $300 million annually but will come at a great cost to the elderly and disabled. Those who wish to receive in-

home care will also have to meet the income and asset limits required to be Medicaid-eligible. In New York, private pay inhome care costs up to $35 per hour which quickly becomes many thousands per month. An elder law attorney can help create a long-term care plan that saves money and provides you with the care you need to stay home safely. By Britt Burner, Esq. and Erin Cullen, Esq. Britt Burner, Esq. is the Managing Partner at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. focusing her practice areas on Estate Planning and Elder Law. Erin Cullen, Esq. is an associate attorney at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. focusing her practice on Trusts and Estates. 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.

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LIBRARY LIVING BY TARA D’AMATO Assistant Library Director

Families - Get Outside with the Library Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the beauty of our local community! Join up with the library staff at these scheduled family events at local parks and attractions. You’ll have fun, learn something new, and meet new friends. Instant social life!

Stroller Club @ Patriots Preserve

Tuesdays, August 5 & 19, 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. Registration required for each separate session. Meet us at Patriots Preserve for a morning walk with your little one. Ages birth-23 months with an adult.

Sandcastles @ Smith Point Beach

Monday, August 18, 6:00 –

7:00 p.m. Register one person to represent the family. Weather permitting. Meet up with library staff on the sand in front of Tiki Joe’s at Smith Point Beach for sandcastles and warm weather fun. We include a sun safety station with info, sunscreen and goodies for the kids, provided by Stony Brook Cancer Center’s Prevention in Action program. Families with children entering Grade 6 or younger.

Family Walk Night @ Patriots Preserve

Thursday, August 21, 6:15 – 7:00 p.m. Register one child entering Grade 6 or younger to represent the family.

Meet us at Patriots Preserve for a summer night walk with your family. Families with children entering Grade 6 or younger.

Crabbing @ Forge River Friday, August 22, 10:00 11:00 a.m. Register each child attending. Weather permitting. Did you know anyone can go crabbing for blue claw crabs from our local waters? With some simple equipment, you can catch come crabs for dinner or just for curiosity. We will be catching and releasing. Families with children entering Grade 6 or younger.

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The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

Adults

Register for programs three easy ways: in person, online at www.communitylibrary.org or contact the Adult Information Desk at 631-399-1511 ext. 2014 for the Moriches branch, ext. 1028 for the Mastic Beach branch or ext. 2024 for the Main Building, regardless of program location. Programs are for Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library cardholders only, unless otherwise stated.

Take Care of Yourself Rooted in Growth

Everyone Loves a Story

What’s on your Nightstand? SHAKESPEARE Monday, March 24, 6:00 – 7:15ON p.m. THE LAWN Thursday, March 13, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Held at our Moriches Branch. Registration begins Monday, March 3. King PlantLear your own succulent in a custom decorated planter9 while exploring Saturday, August themes of p.m. personal growth! Presented 2:00 – 5:00 by Christine Szaraz from Stony Brook Held at our Moriches Branch. University’s Healing Arts program.

Held at Sunsets at Senix Restaurant 50 Senix Ave, Center Moriches, NY Registration begins Tuesday, March 4. Deciding what to read next? Join us for a discussion about books at Sunsets at Senix! There is no assigned reading; chat about what you are currently reading, what you want to read, or your most favorite book of all time. Snacks will be provided. Wine and beer will be available for purchase. Open to all.

Happening at the

Join us on the Great Lawn at the Moriches Relaxfor with Yoga viewing of King Lear branch an outdoor Tuesday, March 4, 11, 18, 25 presented by Eastline Theatre. A family feud Book Discussion of Where’d You Go, Bernadette 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. tears apart a kingdom in Shakespeare’s epic Thursday, March 20, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. Held at our Held at our Main Building. tragedy. Bring your own blanket or chair to sit Registration begins Thursday, February 20. Main Building. on.Registration Open to all. Bernadette Fox is notorious. To her Microsoft-guru begins Tuesday, February 25. This in-person yoga practice is guided from a chair and a mat to provide options and variations for accessibility. You will be encouraged to move at your own pace and in a way that is kind to your body. It is a practice for beginners or anyone looking to find extra room to breathe and decompress. It will focus on connecting breath and movement and creating length and strength in the body.

husband, she’s a fearlessly opinionated partner; to fellow private-school mothers in Seattle, she’s a disgrace; to design mavens, she’s a revolutionary architect; and to 15-year-old Bee, she is her best friend and, simply, Mom. Then Bernadette vanishes. It all began when Bee aced her report card and claimed her promised reward: a family trip to Antarctica. But Bernadette’s intensifying allergy to Seattle— and people in general – has made her so agoraphobic that a virtual assistant in India now runs her most basic errands. A trip to the end of the earth is problematic. To find her mother, Bee compiles email messages, official documents, and secret correspondence – creating a compulsively readable and surprisingly touching novel about misplaced genius and a mother and daughter’s role in an absurd world. Copies of the book will be available at our Main Branch starting February 20.

Home Improvement Workshop

The MMSCL is now participating in Author Talks. These free, live virtual presentations are from some of the best-known authors.

Your Home’s Electrical System

Saturday, March 29, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Held at our Main Building. Registration begins Thursday, March 6. Join Brian Schnee to learn how the electrical system in your house provides appropriate power to satisfy your electrical needs safely. This discussion will include your home’s incoming service, the main electrical panel board, wiring materials, outlets, smoke detectors and safety measures. This class will be followed by an electrical workshop on April 5 where you will have the opportunity to wire your own outlets and light switches.

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Visit https://libraryc.org/communitylibrary to see a list of upcoming authors and to register. The featured March events and authors are: Power of Reset and How to Change What’s Not Working with Dan Heath #1 New York Times Bestselling co-author of Made to Stick, Switch, and The Power of Moments Wednesday, March 12, 2:00 p.m. How Women’s Liberation Transformed America: In Conversation with Clara Bingham Award-winning journalist and author of Women on the Hill and Witness to the Revolution Thursday, March 20, 2:00 p.m. Dreams We Chase: An Author Talk with Novelist Jennifer Weiner #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of Good in Bed, In Her Shoes, Big Summer, and The Breakway Wednesday, March 26, 7:00 p.m.

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Teens

The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

Unless otherwise noted, all programs are for teens in grades 6 through 12.

Register for programs three easy ways: In person, online at www.communitylibrary.org or contact the Teen Reference Desk at 631-399-1511 ext. 2015 for the Moriches Branch, ext. 1029 for the Mastic Beach Branch or ext. 2025 for the Main Building.

TEEN SUMMER READING CLUB 2025 June 26 – August 21

FUN & GAMES FOR TEENS

Mario Kart IRL

Your Library Loves to Help

Tuesday, August 12, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Held at our Main Building. Bilingual Buddies: ENG/ESP Registration begins on 7/29. Mondays, August 4, 11, 18, 25 A2:00 new Mario Kart racetrack has been – 3:00 p.m. unlocked— the library! Race RC cars around Held at our Main Building. Registration begins on 7/21. Mario Kart themed obstacle courses set up Learn Spanish utilizing library throughout library. Race against the clock databases thatthe are accessible with your library card. For all levels! and avoid those bananas!

Retro Gaming ON THE ROAD

Friday, August 15, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Fishing @ Osprey Park Held at and ourCrabbing Mastic Beach Branch. Friday, August 8, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Registration begins on 8/1. Registration begins on 7/25. Friday, August 15, 4:00 – Wednesday, August 6:00 20, p.m. 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Registration begins on 8/1. Held at our Main Building. Friday, August 22, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Registration begins on 8/6. Registration begins on 8/8. Tuesday, August 26, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.with some retro Pretend it is the arcade days Registration begins on 8/12. NES on the Nintendo Switch! Eat Have games fun crabbing and fishing with librarians from the and Adulttry andto Teen Departments. All score! snacks get the highest materials will be provided, or you may bring your own. Bring your own cooler or bucket to take home anything you catch. This program will take place at Osprey Park, 9 Oceanview Dr., Mystery Game Tournament Mastic Beach.Video Registration is required and weatherAugust permitting. Saturday, 23, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Held at our Moriches Branch. Registration begins on 8/9. Think you’re a video game master? Put your skills to the test, as you won’t know Mangagame Book Club & Anime Watch Party which you’re playing until you arrive Wednesday, August 13, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. for the tournament! The overall winner earns Held at our Mastic Beach Branch. themselves a $20 Nintendo eShop Card! Registration begins on 8/1.

Teens Read

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Read and discuss Frieren 1 by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe, then enjoy eating snacks as we watch episodes from the anime adaptation! Check out the book with your library card from the Mastic Beach branch starting 8/1. Check out the book through Comics+ with your library card.

Stay connected and follow us on Instagram: @mmsclteens

Fun and Games Pin Pals

Earn a pin each time you attend a teen program! You can also trade pins with teen staff while in the library. Use them to decorate your backpack or anything you want!

Card Exchange

Mario Kart IRL

Friday, August 1, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Held at our Mastic Beach branch. Registration begins 7/18. Play some Pokémon games and bring your own cards to exchange and show off. One pack of Pokémon trading cards will be provided to each registered teen.

Tuesday, August 12, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Held at our Main Building. Registration begins on 7/29. A new Mario Kart racetrack has been unlocked-the library! Race RC cars around Mario Kart themed obstacle courses set up throughout the library. Race against the clock and avoid those bananas!

Cooking Crimes

Retro Gaming

Tuesday, August 5 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Held at our Main Building. Registration begins 7/22. Eat treats and solve cooking crimes! Taste test various treats: one version of a dish follows the recipe, and the other does not! Can you figure out what went wrong?

Teen Karaoke Night

Thursday, August 7 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Held at our Main Building. Registration begins 7/24. Show off your vocal skills!

Super Smash Bros. & Mario Kart

Fridays, August 8, 22, 29 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Held at our Mastic Beach Branch. This is a drop-in program. Play different game modes to shake things up!

Daggerheart

Monday, August 11 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Held at our Mastic Beach Branch. Registration begins on 7/28. Join Teen Librarian, Charlie, and your friends to create your own character and embark on an exciting adventure in the brand-new tabletop gameDaggerheart!

Friday, August 15 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Held at our Mastic Beach Branch. Registration begins on 8/1. Wednesday, August 20 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Held at our Main Building. Registration begins on 8/6. Pretend it is the arcade days with some retro NES games on the Nintendo Switch! Eat snacks and try to get the highest score!

Mystery Video Game Tournament

Saturday, August 23 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Held at our Moriches Branch. Registration begins on 8/9. Think you’re a video game master? Put your skills to the test, as you won’t know which game you’re playing until you arrive for the tournament! The overall winner earns themselves a $20 Nintendo eShop Card!

D&D

Monday, August 25 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Held at our Mastic Beach Branch. Registration begins on 8/11. Join Charlie, super-cool Teen Services librarian and your friends for a unique, custom-made D&D adventure! Character sheets and dice will be provided.

Back-to-School Bingo

Tuesday, August 26 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Held at our Main Building. Registration begins on 8/12. Play this classic game with Ms. Maria and win some super cool prizes to start off the new school year!

www.communitylibrary.org

Join our Summer Reading Club and take on the Summer BINGO Challenge! Pick up a BINGO sheet, complete fun tasks, andSmash check off Bros. & Mario Kart Super your squares. Each 8, 22, 29, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Fridays, August BINGO you achieve Held Mastic Branch. earns at youour a raffle ticket Beach for a chance to win cool prizes. Plus, complete a full “blackout BINGO” This is a drop-in program. to be entered into a special prize drawing! Register and get your BINGO sheets at any Play game modeslong. to shake things of ourdifferent three locations all summer Don’t miss out on up! the fun—reading, challenges, and prizes await!

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The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff against - PAUL W. KING A/K/A PAUL W. KING, SR., et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on November 30, 2022. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on the 13th day of August, 2025 at 9:30 AM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Premises known as 129 Woodside Avenue, Patchogue, NY 11772 a/k/a 129 West Woodside Avenue, Patchogue, New York 11772. (District: 0200, Section: 893.00, Block: 02.00, Lot: 006.000) Approximate amount of lien $548,064.40 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 603041/2018. Paul R. Feuer, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www. Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 Dated: June 2, 2025 During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction

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

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 L16303 07/16/2025, Terms of Sale. 07/30/2025, 07/30/2025 & 08/06/2025 Steven P. Bertolino, Esq., Referee NOTICE OF SALE File # NY202200000067-1 SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY L16305 07/16/2025, 07/30/2025, 07/30/2025 & M I D - I S L A N D 08/06/2025 MORTGAGE CORP., Plaintiff against NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT MUHAMMET OZEN, et al COUNTY OF SUFFOLK U.S. BANK TRUST, Defendant(s) N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR Attorney for Plaintiff(s) LSRMF MH MASTER Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., PARTICIPATION TRUST Plaintiff AGAINST 20 Commerce Drive, Suite II, 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 DORA W. CHAN, ET AL., and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Lagrangeville, NY 12540. Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February Pursuant to a Judgment of 2, 2022, I, the undersigned Foreclosure and Sale entered Referee will sell at public August 21, 2023, I will sell at auction at the Brookhaven public auction to the highest Town Hall, 1 Independence bidder at Brookhaven Town Hill, Farmingville, NY Hall, 1 Independence Hill, 11738 on August 13, 2025 at Farmingville, NY 11738 on 10:00 AM, premises known August 19, 2025 at 12:00 as 20 West Lake Drive, PM. Premises known as 1 Patchogue, NY 11772. All Ellen Ct, Lake Grove, NY that certain plot piece or 11755. District 0208 Sec parcel of land, with the 008.00 Block 11.00 Lot buildings and improvements 029.000. All that certain erected, situate, lying and plot, piece or parcel of being in the Incorporated land, with the buildings Village of Patchogue, in and improvements thereon the Town of Brookhaven, erected, situate, lying and County of Suffolk and State being in the Incorporated of New York, District 0204, Village of Lake Grove, Section 012.00, Block 04.00, Town of Brookhaven, Lot 003.000. Approximate County of Suffolk and State amount of judgment of New York. Approximate $469,615.02 plus interest Amount of Judgment is and costs. Premises will be $412,399.72 plus interest, sold subject to provisions fees, and costs. Premises will of filed Judgment Index be sold subject to provisions #610027/2018. Only Bank or of filed Judgment Index Certified check payable to the No 605329/2016. For sale Referee will be accepted for information, please visit the downpayment. No third www.Auction.com or call party check or cash will be (800) 280-2832. accepted. Andrea Denicola, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, During the COVID-19 LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive health emergency, Bidders Williamsville, NY 14221 16are required to comply with 003669 86099 all governmental health requirements in effect at the L16306 07/16/2025, time of the sale including but 07/30/2025, 07/30/2025 & not limited to wearing face 08/06/2025 coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least NOTICE OF SALE 6-feet apart) during the SUPREME COURT: auction, while tendering SUFFOLK COUNTY. deposit and at any subsequent DEUTSCHE BANK closing. Should a bidder fail NATIONAL TRUST to comply, the Referee may COMPANY, AS refuse to accept any bid, INDENTURED TRUSTEE

FOR NEW CENTURY HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2004-1, Pltf. vs. COLLEEN T. MURPHYGAZZO; et al, Defts. Index #615421/2023. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Sept. 17, 2024, I will sell at public auction at Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY on August 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. premises k/a 25 Patchogue Street, Patchogue, NY 11772 a/k/a Section 19, Block 4, Lot 53. Said property beginning at a point on the northerly side of Patchogue Street distant 358 ft. westerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the northerly side of Patchogue Street and the westerly side of Cedar Avenue; running thence NW 90 ft.; running thence SW 49 ft. to the easterly side of a private road known as Willow Walk; running thence SE along the easterly side of Willow Walk 90 ft. to the northerly side of Patchogue Street 49 ft. to the point or place of beginning. Approximate amount of judgment is $117,123.07 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale and the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law. ANNETTE EADERESTO, Referee. HILL WALLACK, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 261 Madison Avenue, 9th Fl. Ste 940, New York, NY 10016. File No. 17511-4340 - #102396

GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH THE DECENDENT ANTHONY BISCARDI, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, NY 10591.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered November 29, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on August 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Premises known as 159 HAWTHORNE STREET, MASTIC, NY 11950. District 0200 Sec 908.00 Block 04.00 Lot 027.000. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $322,721.14 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 615688/2022. Cash will not be accepted at the sale. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District's Covid-19 Policies and L16309 07/23/2025, foreclosure auction rules. 07/30/2025, 08/06/2025 & The Referee shall enforce 08/13/2025 any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social NOTICE OF SALE distancing. SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY John C. Bennett, Esq., Referee US BANK TRUST File # 2236-000438 N A T I O N A L ASSOCIATION, NOT L16310 07/23/2025, IN ITS INDIVIDUAL 07/30/2025, 08/06/2025 & CAPACITY BUT SOLELY 08/13/2025 AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET NOTICE OF SALE TRUST, Plaintiff against SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK THE UNKNOWN HEIRS- WELLS FARGO BANK, AT LAW, NEXT-OF- N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EDDIE ROMAN, CARMEN E X E C U T O R S , ROSADO, ET AL., A D M I N I S T R A T O R S , Defendant(s) Pursuant to a TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, Judgment of Foreclosure and LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, Sale duly entered September LIENORS, CREDITORS, 26, 2024, I, the undersigned AND SUCCESSORS Referee will sell at public IN INTEREST, AND auction at the Brookhaven

Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on August 26, 2025 at 9:30 AM, premises known as 254 Auborn Avenue, Shirley, NY 11967. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Township of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of New York, District 0200, Section 746.00, Block 03.00, Lot 005.000. Approximate amount of judgment $238,215.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #603642/2018. Harvey B. Besunder, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-006778 86428 L16311 07/23/2025, 07/30/2025, 08/06/2025 & 08/13/2025 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK – COMPULINK CORPORATION, DBA CELINK, Plaintiff, -against- MICHAEL M. VARRIALE JR. AKA MICHAEL L. VARRIALE, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL VARRIALE AKA MICHAEL YARRIALE; ANTHONY VARRIALE, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL VARRIALE AKA MICHAEL YARRIALE; FRANCESCO VARRIALE, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL VARRIALE AKA MICHAEL YARRIALE; PAUL T. VARRIALE AKA PAUL V. VARRIALE, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL VARRIALE AKA MICHAEL YARRIALE; YOLANDA COUTANT AKA YOLANDA VARRIALE, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL VARRIALE AKA MICHAEL YARRIALE; THERESA M. MCGUIRE AKA THERE M. VARRIALE, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL VARRIALE AKA MICHAEL

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LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES 524-5000 F: (212) 524-5050 No Service by fax) Service purposes only: Trade Centre South 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 P: (888) 491-1120 F: (954) 3436982 L16315 07/30/2025, 08/06/2025, 08/13/2025 & 08/20/2025 NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company, Plaintiff AGAINST Aaron Ruff a/k/a Aaron G. Ruff, Individually and on behalf of the Estate of Millinee Thomas; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 15, 2021, amended November 22, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on August 28, 2025, at 9:00AM, premises known as 108 Wilson Avenue, Medford, NY 11763. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Middle Island, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of New York, District 0200 Section 497.00 Block 02.00 Lot 006.000. Approximate amount of judgment $328,134.19 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 612283/2015.

NC EL ED

New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated June 25, 2025. NOTICEYOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME – If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (COMPULINK CORPORATION, DBA CELINK) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable S. Betsy Heckman Torres, J.S.C. Dated: June 25, 2025 Filed: June 30, 2025. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 380 West End Avenue, Shirley, NY 11967. Dated: February 11, 2025 Filed: July 9, 2025 Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Monica G. Christie, Esq., 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105 P: (212)

CA

YARRIALE; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL VARRIALE AKA MICHAEL YARRIALE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ACTING ON BEHALF OF DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; DITECH FINANCIAL LLC; CLERK OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY TRAFFIC & PARKING VIOLATIONS AGENCY; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; “JANE DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #1, Defendants - Index No. 603028/2023 Plaintiff Designates Suffolk County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Suffolk County. To the above named Defendants–YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of

Brian Egan, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro &

Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: May 29, 2025

Thomas Joseph Demayo, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573 Dated: 7/10/2025 File Number: 15-311761 CA

$260,227.18 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #616260/2021.

John Bennett, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 L16316 07/30/2025, Broad Street, Suite 501, 08/06/2025, 08/13/2025 & L16319 08/06/2025, New York, New York 10004, 08/20/2025 08/13/2025, 08/20/2025 & Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm 08/27/2025 File No.: 203392-1 NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - NOTICE OF SALE L16320 08/06/2025, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK 08/13/2025, 08/20/2025 & SUPREME COURT 08/27/2025 CMG MORTGAGE, INC., COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, U.S. BANK Plaintiff, TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS Against TRUSTEE OF THE CHALET SERIES IV COREY LEMAY A/K/A TRUST, PLAINTIFF, VS. COREY M. LEMAY, et al, JENNIFER WAGNERAUERBECK A/K/A J.D. Defendant(s) WAGNER-AUERBECK A/K/A JENNIFER W. Pursuant to a Judgment AUERBECK A/K/A of Foreclosure and Sale, JENNIFER WAGNER, ET duly entered 10/23/2017, AL., DEFENDANT(S). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, Pursuant to a Judgment of at Brookhaven Town Foreclosure and Sale duly Hall, 1 Independence Hill, entered on August 3, 2023 Farmingville, NY 11738, and an Order Appointing on 9/10/2025 at 11:00AM, Successor Referee duly premises known as 30 entered on April 30, 2024, Balsam Drive, Medford, New I, the undersigned Referee York 11763, and described as will sell at public auction follows: at the Brookhaven Town ALL that certain plot piece Hall, 1 Independence Hill, or parcel of land, with the Farmingville, NY 11738 buildings and improvements on September 10, 2025 at thereon erected, situate, 9:30 a.m., premises known THE SOUTH SHORE PRESS lying and being in the Town as 24 Golden Gate Drive, of Brookhaven, County of Shirley, NY 11967. All that Suffolk and State of certain plot, piece or parcel New York. of land, with the buildings District 0200 Section 870.00 and improvements thereon Block 03.00 Lot 030.002 erected, situate, lying The approximate amount of and being in the Town of the current Judgment lien is Brookhaven, County of $318,054.88 plus interest and Suffolk and State of New costs. The Premises will be York, District 0200, Section 631-546-5990 sold subject to provisions of 980.30, Block 01.00 and legals@southshorepress.com the aforesaid Judgment of Lot 032.000. Approximate Foreclosure and Sale; Index # amount of judgment is 604459/2015

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Fantasy Sports

THE ROTOMILL

TM

The Fantasy Baseball Experience - Lock in on Locklear deadline passed. Arizona was able to play teams off of each other to get the best possible prospect back and invested into

Locklear. For fantasy purposes that means they will play him right away, he will have a long leash, and unless they want the

fans to revolt, those of you in keeper and dynasty leagues can bet he will be manning 1B for the snakes next year as well.

Trade Deadline Closers By Jack Thaler

Credit: @Mariners | X

Tyler Locklear

By Tom Barton As the trade whirlwinds have settled down and we can all catch our collective breathes after a flurry of trades sent many of our fantasy teams into a tailspin, it's time to now reevaluate a few things. The closers moving teams will grab all the headlines, as they should, and even some bats will make a fantasy impact as we look at the last 8 weeks of the season. But, with all that said we can't forget the players who were traded for the big names and now will have a chance to shine. Tyler Locklear leads the impressive group, and he is someone you can throw into your lineup immediately. Locklear has already been told he will get the majority of starts at first base for Arizona and since the trade they have put him squarely into the middle of the order. Locklear will be playing in a favorable ballpark and an even more favorable lineup around him, with place setters batting in front of the slugger. Locklear has been on a tear

in Tacoma this season. Entering August he had a slash line of .316/.401/.543. That goes with him power stroke which has been as impressive as any time in his career with 19 HR and he has a great eye with a .944 OPS. Locklear also plays excellent defense and one thing he can give that few 1B can give you is that he will run. He had 18 steals in about 50 games this year in the minors, and he has showcased that throughout his career. Locklear already has two steals in his short time with Arizona and should have had three but slid past the bag. Locklear is older for some prospects liking at almost 25 years old, but that is also misleading because he plays a position that takes down minor leaguers' rankings because it is not considered a premium defensive position. If you want more confidence in him just look at the trade market. Suarez was the return to Seattle, who was without question the #1 bat for any team looking to beef up their lineup before the

Hi, I'm Jack Thaler back for another column this week after an exciting trade deadline. I hoped you enjoyed last week's edition of My Fantasy Baseball Experience. This week I will be doing something a little different. I will be talking about how the trade deadline affects fantasy baseball and my recommended waiver pickups will continue that theme. The main thing that gets affected by the trade deadline in fantasy baseball is closers. The trade deadline usually sees a lot of relief pitchers get shuffled around and this creates an opportunity for people who have a relief pitcher problem to go and pick up players who now have a shot at a closer role. This also means that some relievers you may have had on your team before will not be closing anymore and you will need to drop them. Now I will give you 6 of the players that now have the opportunity to close and talk about them. Cole Sands Jordan Hicks Michael Kelly Dennis Santana Randy Rodriguez Jojo Romero Cole Sands was already having a great year when Jhoan Duran got traded to the Phillies

Credit: @ThisDayFSU | X

Cole Sands

which opened up a huge opportunity for Sands to close. Not only was Duran traded but also Griffin Jax which just further secures Sands spot. Sands has not gotten any saves since the trade but I expect he will start racking up saves soon. Jordan Hicks was a relief pitcher turned into a starter by the Giants but now that he has been traded to the Red Sox he has been put back in the pen. Hicks has triple-digit potential and has already been put in 2 save situations for the Sox so even though they already have Aroldis Chapman, Hicks should still get some saves. Michael Kelly was a nobody before Mason Miller got traded to San Diego which opened up a closer role for Kelly. Kelly has an electric upper 90’s fastball

but his main pitch is a nasty sweeper which he usually uses as his 2-strike pitch. Kelly has a very low job security so if he gets on a cold streak I expect the A’s will try someone else out as the closer but for the meantime Kelly is the A’s closer, and he is a guy who should be targeted. Dennis Santana was already a proven backup option to David Bednar even before Bednar got traded to the Yankees. At the very beginning of the year Bednar had some struggles so the Pirates tried out Santana as the temporary closer. Santana had a good stretch while he was the closer and now that Bednar is gone the spot is left wide open for Santana and unlike some of the other people on this list Santana is already a battle tested closer so I expect him to hold the job for a while. Continued on page 31

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THE BETTOR ANGLE

The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

World Series Odds Change After the Trade Deadline

TM

BY TOM BARTON The Major League Baseball trade deadline is one of the most anticipated events on the sports calendar. Fans from every team hope their team gets the players they need for that big playoff push, or they are on the edge of their seat to read what top prospect will be coming back for their traded asset. After the dust settles baseball fans from all over weigh in on who won the deadline, who lost, and how much impact it really made. This trade deadline, compared to every other sport, can shift the landscape of the sport in an instant. Manny Ramirez was traded to the Dodgers and although he only played two months with LA, he still finished fourth in the MVP race. CC

Sabathia was traded to Milwaukee at the deadline and went on to CY Young votes. Randy Johnson went to Houston during the break as did Aroldis Chapman head to Chicago and delivered the Cubs a championship. This season we had no shortage of high-profile names switch teams. It was a bullpen market and it delivered in a big way. We saw Jhoan Duran, Mason Miller, David Bednar, Camilo Doval, Ryan Helsley, Kyle Finnegan, Tyler Rogers, and Griffin Jax switch teams, along with a slew of others. But, for us sports bettors the question is did anyone do enough to make us change our projections moving forward? There were a few key teams who watched their odds shift

Page 29

post-trade deadline. The Texas Rangers went from 28-1 to 20-1 to win the World Series. Their division rivals the Seattle Mariners slightly improved from 18-1 to 14-1. The San Diego Padres had the biggest bullpen shakeup but their odds only went from 22-1 to 16-1. The Philadelphia Phillies addressed their key need and picked up the best closer available dropping their futures numbers from 10-1 to 8-1. The San Francisco Giants sold and their odds reflected that going from 40-1 to 55-1, while the Rays also saw a big move going from 30-1 to 60-1, despite grabbing Griffin Jax. The markets still have the Dodgers on top with the best

Credit: @GMurphPhils | X

Jhoan Duran

odds to win it all but the gap has closed post-deadline and now that the teams are set it's time to

reevaluate and see if there is value left in your futures market.

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President Trump Saves College Sports bidding wars. There will be no more boosters buying rosters and no more roster turnover ridiculousness. There will be no more free-agency feel to college football and basketball. In the wake of the order many in the college football world have taken notice and praised the move. The biggest impact being the thirdparty payment situation. Longtime College Football announcer Tim

Brando said on X: "This is only the beginning of why we’ll see more massive changes to the sport we love. @POTUS loves it too." Ted Cruz added on X: "President Trump is absolutely right to shine a spotlight on this issue. Congress needs to build on the President’s work to save college sports. We must pass targeted legislation to protect student-athletes without hurting smaller programs or putting federal

bureaucrats in charge of college athletics." Nick Saban may have said it best when summing up the new bill. In an interview he stated that "President Trump's executive order takes a huge step in providing the educational model that has always been what we have tried to promote. We have to make a decision to decide if we want a revenue based model or an educational model."

The Champs Keep Impressing Credit: @RyanCFowler | X

Alabama Visits the White House

By Tom Barton This past week President Trump released to the public his new executive order that he has said "Saves College Sports." Details of the order include: • The preservation and, where possible, expansion of opportunities for scholarships and collegiate athletic competition in women’s and nonrevenue sports. • The order prohibits thirdparty, pay-for-play payments to collegiate athletes. This does not apply to legitimate, fair-marketvalue compensation that a third party provides to an athlete, such as for a brand endorsement. • The order provides that any revenue-sharing permitted between universities and collegiate athletes should be implemented in a manner that protects women’s and nonrevenue sports. • The order directs the Secretary

of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board to clarify the status of student-athletes in order to preserve nonrevenue sports and the irreplaceable educational and developmental opportunities that college sports provide. • The order directs the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to take appropriate actions to protect student-athletes’ rights and safeguard the long-term stability of college athletics from endless, debilitating antitrust and other legal challenges. • The order directs the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and the Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison to consult with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams and other organizations to protect the role of college athletics in developing world-class American athletes. In essence the bill will prevent billionaires from getting into

By Tom Barton The St. James-Smithtown Little League 12 under team has won the 2025 New York State Little League Championship. The victory is the first state title for the community and it took a comeback to complete the outstanding accomplishment. The team was down early 2-0 against South Shore Little League of Staten Island. After those two early runs the pitching and defense clamped down in a big way and didn't allow another run to cross the plate. The offense also got going and put up six runs in the fourth inning for a 7-2 final. Manager Scott Santelli’s team was led by Jeremy Katz, who hit a solo home run to cut the lead down early in the game and then he took another pitched deep in his next at bat for a two-run shot, his second home run of the day. Katz is no stranger to hitting the long ball as he won the New York State Little League Home Run Derby earlier

Credit: jasonpaderon | Instagram

Smithtown Players Celebrate this season.

not lost a game all season.

The win was extra sweet as they lost to this same South Shore team 8-2 in pool play, but they never gave up hope and were able to avenge that loss. They have been the underdogs before, even the game to get here they proved doubters wrong and won a brilliantly pitched game 2-0 over White Plains in the semifinal at Great Kills LL. White Plains had

Starting pitcher Kevin Moran threw a complete-game shutout, striking out eight in that performance. St. James Smithtown is now heading to the Metro Regional Tournament in Bristol, Connecticut. Play will begin this weekend as they look to continue their journey to the Little League World Series in Williamsport.

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The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

SPORTS

Trump Brings Fitness Back to Our Kids

By Tom Barton This week there was yet another Obama-led initiative overturned by President Trump when he signed an executive order reinstating the presidential fitness test. The fitness test was a staple for children for decades as a way to make sure they were in good physical condition. Originally beginning under President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956 the test required students to do physical activities such as running a mile, doing pushups and pull-ups. Barack Obama ended the test as we knew it under his leadership but now President

Trump has brought it back with a star-studded cast leading the way. Leading the order will be Paul Levesque, better known as "Triple H," who is a professional wrestler in the WWE and is now the chief content officer for the WWE. The Hall of Famer has been known to be one of the top physical specimens in the sport and was highlighted in fitness magazines throughout his career. Triple H is the son-in-law of Linda McMahon, the Secretary of Education. Levesque took to social media after the signing to express his gratitude saying, "Honored

Gualtieri Inducted

doesn’t begin to describe what this opportunity means. Physical fitness has been a part of my life from a young age and has created the path to support myself and family beyond my wildest dreams. The President’s Council on Physical Fitness is a vehicle to get young people active and healthy." Trump appointed Saquon Barkley as one of five NFL stars who will serve on the newly founded “President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.” The others are kicker Harrison Butker, defensive end Nick Bosa, former QB Tony Romo, and former Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor.

Credit: @TripleH | X

Also Roger Goodell, Tua Tagovailoa, and Wayne Gretzky will be part of the plans to overhaul America's young health.

champion Annika Sorenstam.

In attendance for the signing were golfer Bryson DeChambeau, and former pro-golfer 10-time major

Trump has been serious about getting America healthy again during his campaign and early on

Trumps Signs Fitness Order during this term. From naming RFK to his cabinet and now reinstalling the fitness test, he is living up to yet another campaign promise.

CC Sabathia Gets His Plaque By Tom Barton Former Yankee great CC Sabathia was honored this weekend in Cooperstown, NY, as he received his plaque and induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Credit: sectionxi.org

Larry Gualtieri Inducted

By Tom Barton Suffolk county official Larry Gualtieri was formally inducted into the NYSPHSAA Hall of Fame this week. Gualtieri officiated soccer, basketball, and baseball in Suffolk County (Section XI) since 1974. His status as one of the best officials in the state has been obvious for a while now. Section XI has selected him numerous times to represent the section as an official at the NYSPHSAA Boys Basketball and Boys Soccer State Championships and nearly every year the section also choose Gualtieri as a top-rated official to officiate in the sectional playoffs in all three sports. He has been a member of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials Board 40 (IAABO) of New York State since 1974 and has been a member of the Suffolk County

Soccer Officials Association since 1994, serving as president and vice president of NYS IAABO Board 19. He has also served as the president of the IAABO Board from 1985-87 and 2012-17. Gualtieri was recognized with the Larry Chizever Award (Official of the Year) twice and earned the President’s Award (IAABO Board 40) in 1993, 1997, and 2018. In 2011, Suffolk County Soccer Officials Association awarded him Man of the Year, and five years later, the Section XI Coaches Association voted him Referee of the Year. In 2014, he was inducted into the Center Moriches High School Hall of Fame. Gualtieri graduated from Center Moriches High School in 1972, earned a degree from Suffolk Community College, and then completed schooling at Suffolk County Police Academy to become a detective.

Sabathia played for the Indians, Brewers and the Yankees, but he went in wearing the interlocking NY on his cap. CC became a New York favorite from the moment he put on the pinstripes and every time it seemed that he was nearing the end, he would reinvent himself and show even more to the fans. Sabathia is just one of three lefthanded pitchers in history to join the 250-Win, 3,000-Strikeout Club, joining Randy Johnson and Steve Carlton. He was dominant in a way few pitchers ever are. He had five straight top five finishes for the Cy Young award, winning the award in 2007. Sabathia could have won the CY in both league in 2008 when he was traded to Milwaukee during the year. He then went on to lead both leagues in shutouts and although he pitched for the Brewers for just 3 months, he still received NL Cy Young votes. He then signed with the Yankees and continued that streak of Cy Young top finishes with three straight top five finishes in 2009, 2010, and 2011. He then

Credit: @MLB | X

CC Sabathia cemented his place in Yankee lore with a postseason and a ring in 2009. He started every game one in the playoffs and World Series and ended the postseason that year with under a 2 ERA. Sabathia was the ace that every Yankee fan was clamoring for and he delivered. Sabathia then

embraced New York and was a stanch advocate for youth baseball and devoting his time to making sure the younger fans were a part of the game. Sabathia enters the Hall of Fame on the first ballot as he received 342 votes (86.8 percent).

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SPORTS

The South Shore Press • August 6, 2025

Page 31

Nick DeVito Named Best in Suffolk QB Race Manhattan Shooter Was Targeting the NFL By Tom Barton As more details come out about the midtown Manhattan shooter it has become more clear about his motives and his target. New York Mayor Eric Adams has said that the gunman who killed four people at the Manhattan office building was targeting the NFL headquarters but took the wrong elevator.

Credit: @nick_devito1 | X

Nick Devito

By Tom Barton This past week there was no shortage of standouts at the 2025 Long Island Boys Quarterback Challenge. The annual event has become a summer event to mark on your calendar presented by Orlin and Cohen and organized by the National Football Foundation. This year the event welcomes 15 Long Island quarterbacks and their WRs for a skills competition. There are a number of categories to highlight the QB's IQ, accuracy, arm strength,

anticipation, and then honor one overall champion, that is the best of the challenge. This year's overall champion was Nick DeVito from Smithtown West. DeVito was impressive in a number of areas and the judges saw him stand out from everyone else. Smithtown West's offense should shine this season and with DeVito at the helm the sky is the limit. The Football IQ winner went to DeVito's crosstown rival in Antonio Marrone from Smithtown East. Marrone also was named runner-up to DeVito for the overall champion honor.

Trade Deadline Closers... Continued from page 28 Randy Rodriguez was having a career season as the Giants setup man but when Camilo Doval was traded it opened up a spot for Rodriguez to close. Rodriguez had a 1.20 ERA before the deadline and has already racked up a save since the Doval trade. I expect Rodrigeuz to hold the closer role for at least the rest of the year. Jojo Romero was having a

pretty good year before star closer Ryan Helsley was traded to the Mets. Jojo has put up saves in the past but never more than 3 in a year and he doesn’t have the greatest stuff. I don’t expect him to hold onto the job for very long, but he is a nice way to get some saves in the meantime. I hope these closers help you earn some saves, and I hope to see you next week for my 9th edition of My Fantasy Baseball Experience.

The shooter, Shane Tamura, left behind a note referencing a grievance against the NFL over an unproven claim he had CTE. "He seemed to have blamed the NFL," Adams said. "The NFL headquarters was located in the building, and he mistakenly went up the wrong elevator bank." The shooting took place at a skyscraper that is home to the headquarters of both the NFL and Blackstone, one of the world's largest investment firms, as well as other tenants. Blackstone confirmed that one

Credit: @JacobBaker613 | X

NFL Headquarters of its employees, Wesley LePatner, was among those killed.

for, and the building has nearly been cleared."

One NFL employee was seriously injured during the attack and is in a local hospital. Goodell addressed the situation by saying, "NFL staff are at the hospital and we are supporting his family. We believe that all of our employees are otherwise safe and accounted

Goodell added in the memo that there would be "increased security presence" at the league's offices "in the days and weeks to come." He said employees based in New York should work remotely the next day or could take the day off.

Sachem's Softball Fields Are Getting an Overhaul By Tom Barton Sachem's Athletic Directors Gary Beutel and Phil Torregrossa took to social media this week to share the progress that has been done to their new state-of-the-art softball field. The new field was voted on and approved in May 2024 and will be a turf softball field at Sachem East and Sachem North. The projections have the fields to be completed in the fall. Beutel explained that the facilities are going in and working with LandTek. They have now poured cement, laid the gravel and started to put in the fences. He said that the project will be "very similar to our baseball complexes that we put in two years ago." He went on to state his excitement by saying "everything will be state of the art and we are really excited for the

Credit: landtek | Instagram

Sachem Baseball Field kids in the community." Torregrossa said that the project is now on week seven and were a little further along than the Sachem North complex. They have already begun to work on the bleachers behind home plate,

which is a special feature that not many high schools have locally. He is projecting the project to be completed sometime in late September or early October. The turf should start to be laid down in about two weeks.

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Sports

AUGUST 6, 2025

SUFFOLK SPORTS Teams, Scores, Photos, News, Columns and More

SMITHTOWN DUO EXCEL AT QB CHALLENGE A Pair of Smithtown QB's Open Eyes

Credit: @nick_devito1 | X

St. James‑Smithtown Little League Are State Champs Credit: ny35littleleague.org

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Credit: nffsuffolk | Instagram

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Suffolk Official Joins the Hall of Fame Credit: Center Moriches High School | Facebook

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