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Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Philomena Mistretta Allegedly Ran Over the Victim with Her Car After an Argument

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Nov. 8 that Philomena Mistretta, 51, of Coram, was indicted for Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, and other related charges, for allegedly intentionally striking a 63-year-old woman with a minivan following a verbal and physical altercation with the victim at a public parking lot in Bellport.

“Using a vehicle as a weapon demonstrates a shocking disregard for human life. Fortunately, the victim in this particular case survived, but the alleged actions here serve as a stark reminder that rage behind a wheel can be just as dangerous as rage behind a loaded gun,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Today’s indictment reflects the seriousness of these allegations.”

According to the investigation, on October 26, 2024, shortly after 3:30 a.m., Mistretta was sitting in the driver’s seat of a 2004 White Toyota Sienna when she allegedly was involved in a verbal dispute with the victim who was standing next to the passenger side of the vehicle. The argument, at the parking lot of Miracle Plaza off Montauk Highway in Bellport, escalated after Mistretta got out of her vehicle then got into a physical altercation with the victim. Mistretta then allegedly returned into her vehicle, backed up, angled her car towards the victim, and then drove over her, dragging the victim for a short distance.

The victim was transported to Long Island Community Hospital with lacerations to her skull. Suffolk County Police officers arrested Mistretta at the scene.

On November 7, 2024, Mistretta was arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz for the following charges contained in the indictment:

  •   One count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  •   One count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree, a Class C violent felony; and
  •   One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony.

    Justice Horowitz ordered Mistretta held on $100,000 cash, $200,000 or $750,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Mistretta is due back in court on December 10, 2024, and faces 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count. She is being represented by Chase Brown, Esq.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Patrick J. Mullen and Scott Romano of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective John McGay of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fifth Squad.

Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

Stony Brook women’s soccer defended its home turf, defeating No. 3 Elon 2-1 on Nov. 3 in the semifinal round of the 2024 CAA Women’s Soccer Championship. The Seawolves earned a spot in the CAA Final and will face top-seeded Monmouth next weekend with a trip to the NCAA Tournament on the line.

Stony Brook broke the ice when Reilly Rich scored from the penalty spot in the 30th minute. Gabrielle Côté drew a foul in the box to create the opportunity for Rich, who converted to open the scoring on Sunday.

The Seawolves tacked on another score on a goal from Linn Beck — her ninth goal of the season — in the 40th minute. Aneta Sovakova played a picture-perfect ball into the box and behind the defense for Beck, who headed it home to pad Stony Brook’s lead.

Stony Brook’s defense limited Elon to just two shots in the first half, both of which were off target. The Seawolves’ offense generated eight chances, three of which were on net, as well as five corners in the opening 45 minutes of action.

The Phoenix finally tested Nicolette Pasquarella in the 76th minute, but the senior keeper was up to the task on Kennedy Jones’ shot. Elon got on the scoreboard with less than three minutes to play, cutting its deficit in half. The Seawolves did not allow another shot after the goal, closing out the victory in the CAA Semifinal.

“All year, since we got together in July, we prepared for those kind of games. When we started, we set a goal to make the championship game and win a championship. It always feel good to accomplish a goal,” head coach Tobias Bischof said. “Overall, I was very happy with the win.”

The team will face top-seeded Monmouth on Nov.  9 at 7 p.m. in the CAA Championship in West Long Branch, New Jersey. The match will stream live on FloFC.

Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

In their first overtime test of the season, Stony Brook football prevailed with a stop on Bryant’s two-point conversion in the extra frame to secure the 31-30 victory in Smithfield, Rhode Island on Nov. 2.

The Seawolves improved to 7-2 on the year and 4-1 in Coastal Athletic Association play, while the Bulldogs fell to 2-7 and 0-5.

Tyler Knoop led Stony Brook’s passing attack with 285 yards through the air, tossing one touchdown without throwing an interception. Roland Dempster paced all Seawolves rushers with 107 yards and two touchdowns in the contest, picking up 4.3 yards per carry. Knoop also added 23 yards on the ground.

Jasiah Williams pulled in 10 catches for 96 yards. Dez Williams made his presence felt in the passing game, recording four receptions for 75 yards. The Seawolves also added 52 yards receiving and one touchdown from Jayce Freeman in the game.

Jalen Hoyle showed out for the Stony Brook defense, collecting one interception. Dyshier Clary added three tackles, 1.0 TFL, and one sack and Rushawn Lawrence had five tackles, 3.0 TFL, and 1.5 sacks in the win.

Defensively, Stony Brook held up against the Bryant rushing attack, holding the Bulldogs to 105 yards on the ground and led the time of possession, 31:57 to 28:03. 

This is the first Stony Brook victory in overtime since they defeated UAlbany (28-21) on Nov. 4, 2017.

“Ugly win, but a win is a win,” said head coach Billy Cosh after the victory. “Credit to Bryant, they played exceptional. We got to play better defensively and offensively we had a lot of missed opportunities as well that we needed to capitalize on. In November, you got to win and we found a way to win. We got a lot of things to correct moving forward, we’ll watch the tape tomorrow and move on to Albany.” 

The team  returns to Long Island on Nov. 9  to host UAlbany for the Golden Apple. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m. and can be streamed on FloFootball. 

JetBlue has announced it has officially launched service from Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), further expanding its footprint across New York.  The airline is now flying daily from Long Island to Orlando, and 4 times weekly to West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

JetBlue’s service from Islip will operate using its restyled A320 aircraft, according to a news release.

“We are delighted to bring the long-awaited JetBlue experience to Long Island,” said Daniel Shurz, head of revenue, network, and enterprise planning at JetBlue. “These flights are a testament to JetBlue’s loyal customer base on Long Island who have frequently traveled to New York’s other airports to fly JetBlue. Customers no longer have to choose between the convenience of their local airport and the comfort, connectivity and customer service they enjoy with JetBlue.”

“With JetBlue beginning flights from Islip to Orlando, West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Long Islanders have more convenient service to Florida and our local economy will benefit with new jobs and increased tourism,” said U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer. “I’ve long encouraged JetBlue to start and expand service at MacArthur because Long Islanders deserve increased travel options, and the success of the airport is key to a more vibrant Long Island economy. Under the stewardship of Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter and Airport Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken, the airport has soared to greater heights, and I applaud JetBlue, New York’s Hometown Airline, for launching this new service for Long Islanders.”

“I applaud the introduction of JetBlue service from MacArthur Airport, which will bring more travel options and convenience to Long Islanders,” said Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02). “Expanding these routes supports our community by increasing access to flights and driving economic growth.”

“JetBlue’s announcement is fantastic news for Long Island families and businesses. With more convenient travel options, this development strengthens our local economy and provides even greater access to destinations across the country,” said Congressman Nick LaLota (NY-01). “I’m proud to see our region growing as a transportation hub, making it easier for residents to connect with the people and places that matter most.”

“This JetBlue inaugural flight to Orlando is what dreams are made of. Long Islanders are passionate about JetBlue and have been asking for the airline to serve Islip’s MacArthur Airport for years. Today, those wishes would come true,” said Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. “We are thrilled to welcome JetBlue – New York’s Hometown Airline to ISP – Long Island’s Hometown Airport.”

This winter, JetBlue will continue to enhance connectivity throughout New York State, with additional service announced in Syracuse, Albany and Buffalo, including the only nonstop service from Buffalo to West Palm Beach. Additional flying will also roll out throughout New England this winter, increasing seats in that region by 20% year-over-year.

With these additions, JetBlue will average more than 225 daily flights across its network to Florida by February, bringing the airline’s average peak daily departures from the Sunshine State up eight percent compared to the same time last year and bolstering the airline’s presence in some of the country’s leading leisure destinations.

Schedule between New York (ISP) and Orlando (MCO)
Operating Daily

MCO – ISP Flight #546

ISP – MCO Flight #547

7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Schedule between New York (ISP) and West Palm Beach (PBI)
Operating Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays

PBI- ISP Flight #544

ISP – PBI Flight #545

10:55 a.m. – 1:55 p.m.

2:40 p.m. – 5:40 p.m.

Schedule between New York (ISP) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL)
Operating Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays

FLL – ISP Flight #514

ISP – FLL Flight #513

8:35 a.m. – 11:35 a.m.

12:20 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.

 

 

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Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole from a Selden store last month.

A man allegedly stole groceries from Target, located at 307 Independence Plaza on October 28 at approximately 3:10 p.m.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

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Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a man who allegedly stole from an East Setauket store in October.

The man pictured above allegedly stole shoes from Kohl’s, located at 5000 Nesconset Highway, at 4:45 p.m. on October 28.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

Suffolk County Community College Student, Stefanie Karayoff, was accepted to the Future Nobel Laureates Scholarship Program. Photo from SCCC

Stefanie Karayoff, a Suffolk County Community College student and a resident of Ronkonkoma, has been awarded admission into the prestigious EF Future Nobel Laureates Scholarship Program. Created with the Nobel Prize Museum and the Forum on Education Abroad, this student program is fueled by the belief that in order to change the world, students need to experience it.

Selected students will enjoy a fully funded opportunity that encompasses a project-based course, an immersive field study, and engaging sessions at the Nobel Week Dialogue in Sweden, centered on “The Future of Health.” In collaborative teams, they will brainstorm and present innovative solutions to urgent global challenges. Alongside the project-based course and international field study, scholars will have the chance to learn from global thought leaders, enriching their understanding and expanding their perspectives.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this scholarship,” said Stefanie. “This opportunity will not only enhance my education but also allow me to engage with diverse perspectives and contribute to meaningful conversations on global challenges.”

Stefanie is currently pursuing a degree in Engineering Science at Suffolk County Community College, where she has consistently excelled in her studies and demonstrated a commitment to community service and leadership. Her passions include robotics and STEM advocacy. 

“This scholarship is a testament to Stefanie’s hard work and dedication,” said Dr. Edward Bonahue, President, Suffolk County Community College. “We are proud to have her represent the College on this international platform.”

 

 

Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth, members of the Huntington Beautification Advisory Council and local elected official doled high praise to dozens of local residents, businesses and artists during the Town’s Annual Beautification Awards Ceremony on October 29.

The 2024 Beautification Awards Ceremony highlighted more than double the homes, businesses, facades, and landscapes in its’ history with 47 awardees.

“I applaud the Town’s Beautification Advisory Council for encouraging everyone to take pride in our Town”, said Ed Smyth.  “By acknowledging and highlighting what people see from the street, we’re hopeful that it will motivate others to beautify their surroundings as well.  Congratulations to all the nights award recipients.”

Beautification Council Chairperson, Jo-Ann Raia said, “The Beautification Council’s Awards Ceremony was very successful. The 47 awards presented were the most in the history of the program. My sincere congratulations to all the awardees. They enhance our town by beautifying their properties “

Each year, for close to a decade, the Town’s Beautification Advisory Council members and members of the community search high and low, throughout the Town searching for, photographing, and awarding attractive private homes and businesses for their eye-catching curb appeal, and public art and children’s projects for the beauty they bring to the community.

The areas for consideration must be visible from the street and may be designed either by a professional landscaper or by the occupant. The candidate can be a business, private home, public art, municipal site, or other sites that enhance the Town. Home renovations must be visible from the street and before and after pictures are required.

About the Huntington Town Beautification Advisory Council:

The Beautification Advisory Council was created in 1969 to help maintain and expand upon the natural beauty and appearance of the Town of Huntington. The Awards Program was developed to spark the interest of homeowners and businesses to enhance the attractiveness of our Town by beautifying parts of their properties that are visible from the street.

File photo

Suffolk County Police Second Squad detectives are investigating a three-car crash that killed two people in Melville on Nov. 6.

Fred Goldberg was driving a 2022 Acura eastbound on Ruland Road when he lost control of the vehicle and veered through traffic, crossing a grass median on the northwest corner of the intersection of Pinelawn Road. The Acura then struck a 2018 Lexus SUV and a 2020 Ford Escape, both of which were stopped at the red light facing southbound on Pinelawn Road waiting to turn east onto Ruland Road at 1:02 p.m.

Goldberg, 92, and his wife, Leah Goldberg, 86, both of Melville, were transported via ambulance to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip where they were pronounced dead. Neither the driver of the Lexus, Geraldine Spiezo, 75, of Huntington Station, or the driver of the Ford, Dominic Massaro, 24, of Centereach, were injured in the crash.

The Acura was impounded for a safety check. The other two vehicles were released on the scene. Detectives are asking anyone with information on this crash to contact the Second Squad at 631-854- 8252.

Michael Ho will be the featured soloist. Photo from Susan Deaver

Stony Brook University’s University Orchestra will present a concert at the Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Tuesday, November 12 on the Main Stage at 7:30 p.m. Conducted by Susan Deaver, the University Orchestra will perform Gershwin’s Cuban Overture, Bartok’s Romanian Folk Dances and Dvorak’s “New World” Symphony.

The University Orchestra is a 70-member ensemble of undergraduate students from Stony Brook University. The University Orchestra presents a series of concerts each year at Staller Center including the annual Messiah Sing-Along and the annual Family Concert. Susan Deaver, conductor of the University Orchestra, has conducted orchestras in the United States, Europe and Asia and is a member of the music faculty at Stony Brook University. In 2016 she completed her 25th year as Music Director & Conductor of the North Shore Symphony Orchestra and has conducted Composers Reading Sessions with the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra and numerous festivals in New York and New Jersey.

The featured soloist is pianist and Long Island native Michael Ho who tied as 1st Place Winner of the 2024 Undergraduate Concerto Competition. Mr. Ho will perform the first movement of Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor.

Tickets are $15 adults, $10 seniors  (62+) and $5 students and are available online at www.stallercenter.com or by purchasing tickets at the Staller Box Office (631)632-2787). The Box Office is open one hour prior to the performance or you may purchase online at this link: Music Department Events

For further information about the University Orchestra, contact the Stony Brook Department of Music at 631.632-7330 or visit their website at https://www.stonybrook.edu/music.

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