WELCOME SUMMER
Parker Mones snapped this beautiful photo at West Meadow Beach just as the sun was going down on the first day of summer, June 20.
Send your Photo of the Week to [email protected]
Photo of the Week
TBR Staff
TBR News Media covers everything happening on the North Shore of Suffolk County from Cold Spring Harbor to Wading River.
Primary elections highlight Avlon and Kassay’s path to November
By Aidan Johnson and Samantha Rutt
Former CNN anchor John Avlon will face off against incumbent Congressman Nick LaLota (R) on Election Day, Nov. 5, after winning the Democratic primary for New York’s 1st Congressional District on June 25. Avlon garnered over 70% of the vote, with 19,026 votes in a landslide victory against opponent Nancy Goroff, former chair of the Department of Chemistry at Stony Brook University, who received 8,053 votes. There were 58 write-in votes.
The race saw its fair share of contentious moments, with Avlon and political action committees supporting him attacking Goroff on her loss in the 2020 congressional election against Rep. Lee Zeldin (R). Meanwhile, Goroff and PACs supporting her criticized Avlon on his past work for Republicans, including with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
In a speech after the results, Avlon thanked his supporters and said the next stage of the campaign has started “right now.”
He also stated that it was important to reach out to independent and center-right voters, saying most Americans want “reasoning together over a common set of facts to solve the common problems we face.”
“I’ve always believed that politics is history in the present tense, and that this is our chance to write a new chapter of the American story,” he said.
In a statement, Goroff congratulated Avlon and called for Democrats to “come together to defeat Nick LaLota and flip this seat in November,” adding that Avlon will be “a commonsense voice for the people of Suffolk in Washington and a vast improvement over LaLota, who has proven to be far too extreme for this district.”
“The people of Suffolk deserve a representative who will work hard and find solutions to the major problems facing our community, and that is John Avlon,” she said.
Kassay triumphs
In the race for the state 4th Assembly District, Rebecca Kassay, business owner, environmentalist and former deputy mayor of Port Jefferson Village, garnered nearly 64% of the vote with 3,395, outpacing opponent Skyler Johnson, who received 1,909 votes. There were 11 write-in votes.
“In this pivotal moment for our communities and our government, I am grateful to have earned the trust of voters here in Assembly District 4,” Kassay said in a statement following the election announcement. “I am entirely committed to the tireless work required to lead our district and our state through unprecedented challenges. In the thousands of conversations at the doors of district residents, one thing was clear: People want their government to focus on delivering for their communities instead of being distracted by divisive politics-as-usual.”
Kassay congratulated opponent Johnson on his campaign.
“I commend Skyler Johnson and his team for their work energizing voters and engaging more residents in the important issues facing our communities. Primary elections can be divisive, and we are grateful to have shared a positive, message-based primary here in Assembly District 4.”
Johnson congratulated Kassay on her win and has since offered his support for her continued campaign.
“I’d like to congratulate Rebecca Kassay on her win. There is a lot at stake in New York – and all that matters is defeating anti-choice, anti-Democracy politicians in November. Rebecca has my full support in this mission,” Johnson said in a statement following the election results.
The primary elections have set the stage for a dynamic and competitive general election. Avlon’s decisive victory in the Democratic primary for the 1st Congressional District demonstrates a strong mandate from his party, positioning him to challenge LaLota in November. Avlon’s call for unity and outreach to a broad spectrum of voters highlights his strategy for the upcoming campaign.
Meanwhile, Kassay’s success in the 4th Assembly District primary reflects her commitment to addressing community concerns and fostering positive political engagement as she attempts to unseat incumbent Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson).
As both Avlon and Kassay prepare for the next phase of their campaigns, their focus on commonsense solutions and effective leadership will be critical in their bids to represent the people of Suffolk County.
Letters to the Editor: June 20, 2024
Marsha Laufer endorses John Avlon for Congress
John Avlon picked up the endorsement of Marsha Laufer, former chair of the Brookhaven Town Democratic Committee. Laufer’s endorsement comes as Avlon continues to consolidate local support in his campaign to flip New York’s 1st Congressional District.
“In the 2024 Democratic primary election for New York’s 1st Congressional District on Long Island, we are fortunate to have two strong, dedicated Democratic candidates for this highly challenging, competitive seat. I am enthusiastically endorsing John Avlon in the primary because of his extensive experience and knowledge dealing with political, governmental, and democratic issues. He presents these clearly to potential voters in his speeches and writings, where he places issues in meaningful historical contexts. John is generating enthusiasm and excitement in the 1st Congressional District, a potential key seat for Democrats to take the majority in the House of Representatives and make Leader Hakeem Jeffries the next speaker of the House. Electability is key to winning this seat, and I believe John Avlon is the candidate best able to secure the seat and make his mark as a centrist, inspiring leader in the halls of democracy,” Marsha Laufer said.
“Marsha Laufer is a legendary figure among Long Island Democrats. She was an exemplary leader of the Brookhaven Democratic Town Committee and created a culture of excellence that inspires to this day. She is wise, kind, generous, and utterly determined to defend our democracy by making Hakeem Jeffries the next speaker of the House. I’m deeply honored to have earned her support as we face a Democratic primary on June 25, and I look forward to working closely with her in the weeks, months, and years ahead,” John Avlon said.
John Avlon has been endorsed by:
NYS and Nassau County Democratic Chairman Jay S. Jacobs
Assembly Member Fred Thiele
Assembly Member Steve Stern
New York State United Teachers (NYSUT)
Riverhead Town Democratic Committee
Huntington Town Democratic Committee
East Hampton Town Democratic Committee
Southampton Town Democratic Committee
Shelter Island Democratic Committee
Southold Town Democratic Committee
Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin
Suffolk County Legislator Ann Welker
Town of Huntington Receiver of Taxes Jillian Guthman
Candidate for Assembly and Southampton Town Councilmember Tommy John Schiavoni
East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez
East Hampton Deputy Town Supervisor Cate Rogers
East Hampton Town Councilman David Lys
East Hampton Town Councilman Ian Calder-Piedmonte
East Hampton Town Councilman Tom Flight
Former NY-1 congressional candidate and Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming
Former Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman
Former State Senator Jim Gaughran
Former NY-1 candidate Perry Gershon
Former Congressman Max Rose
Former United States Senator Doug Jones
Common Sense Democrats
Parkland Gun Safety And Gun Violence Prevention Advocate and Huntington resident Linda Beigel Schulman
Marsha Laufer
Old Field (formerly)
Environmentalists for Kassay
We are reaching out to you knowing you care deeply about our environment and making sure that
our community is represented in Albany by someone who is experienced and committed to fighting climate change and keeping our state on the path to a greener and less polluting future.
As leaders of the environmental community in our area, we are writing to urge you to vote for Rebecca Kassay in the June 25 Democratic primary for New York State Assembly.
It’s time to elect another environmental leader who will work tirelessly like former Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) on behalf of clean water and clean air in our region and our state.
We represent many environmental organizations with different missions and goals, but we all agree that Rebecca Kassay, the current Port Jefferson Village deputy mayor, is the kind of dedicated public official who has a strong track record of working for a better environmental future for our planet.
As a longtime environmental advocate and educator, Rebecca created and directed a youth environmental volunteer program at Avalon Park in Stony Brook, secured federal funding for a compound flood study in Port Jefferson village, consistently implemented science-based climate resilience strategies, and worked alongside many of Suffolk County’s environmental professionals and organizations to enhance environmental stewardship across Long Island.
That’s why former Assemblyman Steve Englebright has endorsed Rebecca Kassay and is working hard with all of us to get her elected to the Assembly 4th District seat that he worked from so effectively for more than three decades. Englebright believes that we also need strong environmental leadership in Albany today.
Unfortunately, we have seen how ineffective the current assemblyman has been in representing
our neighborhoods and community, and we have seen his critical failure to bring back much-needed
environmental funding to the district for open space purchases, upgrading costly clean water infrastructure, and promoting living shorelines.
We desperately need Rebecca’s advocacy and environmental experience in Albany. While
we don’t know what will-happen in the national elections in November, it’s important for us to elect
someone now who will work in Albany to stop the rollback of many of New York’s innovative and landmark environmental laws that have kept our state a leader on the environment.
Please mark down Tuesday, June 25, on your calendar and join us in voting for Rebecca Kassay in the
Democratic primary for New York State Assembly.
Steve Englebright
Carl Safina
John Turner
Laurie Vetere
Malcolm Bowman
Elaine Maas
Jane Fasullo
George Hoffman
Keep the community ‘attractive’
The residents of our community know and appreciate the benefits of attractive “streetscapes.” Properties along local roadways that are free of litter and are attractively landscaped help create a “sense of place.” It boosts property values, promotes civic pride and, yes, can even calm vehicular traffic.
An increasing problem in the Three Village community, and elsewhere, is the gradual deterioration of our “streetscape” due to the number of illegally placed “lawn signs” that appear on our street corners and roadsides. There is really no escaping these inexpensive hard-plastic placards that pop up throughout the year. We now see primary election signs, general election signs, school board election signs, business signs, yard-sale and garage-sale signs, special event signs, sports camp signs, team registration signs, holiday signs — the list goes on and on.
Essentially, we the public, are given a steady, visual stream of “sign graffiti.” Is there a solution to this visual pollution? Of course.
Those insisting on using lawn signs should place them on their own private property and, with permission, the private property of their friends. And, really, anyone wanting to “message” the public, should use methods that can be as effective or probably even more effective: mailings, news advertising, flier distribution, social media, door-to-door contact, etc.
And most importantly, our Town of Brookhaven must be more involved in enforcing its own sign code. This can be as simple as directing Highway Department work crews to immediately remove any and all “street graffiti.” Wouldn’t that be something!
Herb Mones
Charles Tramontana
Patty Schindler
George Hoffman
A letter correction
Kathianne Snaden’s letter to the editor in the June 13 issue of The Port Times Record declares that “all elected trustees attended and sat at the dais,” regarding the town hall meeting about the East Beach bluff.
For the record, I was not there.
Drew Biondo
Port Jeff Trustee
Flooding in the village: a second presentation by Campani and Schwarting Architects
We are the architects working as consultants to the Village of Port Jefferson to make a Climate Resilience Plan for Storm Surge and Flood Mitigation in the watershed through a grant from New York State Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund.
We made a presentation to the community last April and will make our second presentation on Thursday, June 20, at Village Hall 6-8 p.m. We will present proposed projects to study further designs to cope with stormwater runoff from the uplands areas and the storm tide surges from the harbor. This will be an interactive workshop and we would like your input.
Hope to see you there.
Frances Campani and
Michael Schwarting
Campani and Schwarting Architects
Port Jefferson
The irony of the messenger
At a time when the military is floundering in recruitment and its disarrayed messages exhibiting a poverty of self-awareness, what is to be done to determine a better outcome in rebuilding our Armed Forces?
World War II saw no lack of individuals ready to defend our country, and the world, from forces uncompromising in their resoluteness to erase freedom from the Earth. My father enlisted at 17, with the written permission of his father. He served on a destroyer for four years, and was reticent in discussing his experiences. He took them to his grave. But I could see in his face the cloistered heartaches of humanity’s nightmares.
Wars are real; they are not distant, covert decisions of round table demagogues who deploy men and women to their potential death. As such, war must be regarded with unparalleled solemnness. To be fought during times of imminent danger to our country, to be fought with a wisdom of reflection and sobriety, and to be fought by individuals who are proud to defend a country they love.
And here we are. For several years, the message to our citizens, young and old alike, was that the United States is a country permeated by shameful deeds, past and present, irredeemable in its conduct, and those that love it in spite of these messages, those that see the good, respect the brilliant, historical creation of our government, and have hope for the future, are dangerous “nationalists.” It is in these times of promoted self-loathing of the nation, that we then wonder why so few refuse to lay down their lives for their country.
Georgia Poulianos
Port Jefferson
A poem for my grandmother
I recently shared a poem I had written for my grandmother at her wake. My grandmother saved my life. We both are addicts and survivors. She had 40 years of sobriety at the time of her death and I am approaching five years myself.
It was my grandmother to whom I first admitted I had a problem. She was a guiding and stabilizing force. She was the world to me. Poetry has always been my way of communicating. A way to cope. A local writer was in attendance. We met and spoke about writing, life, grief and many other things. She shared with me that maybe my poem could be helpful to others. To maybe give voice to the reverence we have for those so important to us, to give voice to our grief, I will share the poem. Thank you to those who read this little message and poem.
For AnnaLee Emery:
Your words always soothing,
This affection I embrace,
If I could change the tides for you,
Wavering at your fate,
I would grasp the sun just to stop the changing days.
Captured moon in stills and freeze expanding milky ways,
Placing a small seedling that you so slowly grew,
Imbuing me with indigo and vibrant hues of blue,
Nourishing my soul awash with your love so true,
A piece of you a part of me eternally in bloom.
Michael Jacobs
Strong’s Nec
‘Do No Harm’
In light of the recent proposal of the New York State Department of Education to eliminate the passage of Regents exams as a requirement for graduation, a large contingent of parents reached out to the Three Village board of education and central administration regarding their repeal of the “Do No Harm” policy.
In November of 2023, the board, and by association the upper administration, made this heinous decision despite parental pushback and a disregard for the detriment that this nullification would have on our children. With this week’s release of information regarding the changes that are forthcoming regarding graduation pathways in New York, a majority of parents with children in grades eight through 12 are in agreement that the board of education needs to do their due diligence and amend the blunder they made in November by reinstating “Do No Harm.”
At the board of education meeting on Wednesday June 12, board President Susan Rosenzweig made a statement specifically regarding the overwhelming response they received from district parents regarding the issue of the “Do No Harm” policy.
Following these assertions, Rosenzweig then dismissed the pleas of parents and students with a rather disparaging reply. Her statement was simply that their decision was made, a vote was taken, “a vote is a vote” and they would possibly “revisit” the policy sometime in November. No cognizance was exhibited for the fact that nearly every student who will be taking Regents exams this year has had the benefit of “Do No Harm” for the past several years.
The irresponsible decision to omit this safety net may have dire consequences on those who suffer from test anxiety and/or mental health issues, those who are ill on test day or distracted by outside issues and those who may not have the ability to regurgitate a year or more’s worth of information on one three-hour exam.
Students’ GPAs, college/university acceptances and scholarship opportunities may be overwhelmingly affected by one poor score and this is simply unacceptable. The fact that the Regents exams are highly flawed, particularly as the formats and grading rubrics are constantly overhauled from one year to the next, should be forefront in the minds of our board members and administrators yet they have failed our students with their callous repeal.
The NYSDOE does not require, nor recommend, that Regents exams be factored into final course grades. It is unfortunate that our board of education feels they know better, despite the fact that the majority of the board has never taught at the junior high or high school level.
To them, their vote to count a Regents score as 10% of a final course grade was a compromise, when in reality it was an irresponsible impugnment of our children’s capacity to be judged on four quarters of hard work and achievement. I am extremely disappointed that the board is refusing to indulge the parents and students of our district and reconsider their November decision. No student, regardless of ability level or academic standing should enter exam season anticipating the harm they may endure as a result of one three-hour test. If New York State does not require their exams to figure into final grades there is absolutely no reason that the Three Village Central School district should do so. It is my sincere hope that our children do not suffer for the resolutions made “on their behalf”.
Stefanie Werner
East Setauket
Editorial: Practicing safe swimming
As the sun’s warmth heightens, many look to the water for relief, especially here on our beautiful island. Whether heading toward your backyard haven, the Long Island Sound or the Atlantic, it is important to practice safety.
Drowning can affect anyone, but certain groups are particularly vulnerable. Children ages 1-4 are at the highest risk, often due to accidental falls into home swimming pools. Teenagers and young adults are also at significant risk, especially in open water environments.
Prevention
Supervision is the cornerstone of drowning prevention. Children should never be left unattended near water, even for a moment. Designating a responsible adult as a watcher can prevent tragedies. This person should avoid distractions and keep a constant eye on swimmers.
For those swimming in the open water, understanding the environment is crucial as rip currents are a particular hazard in the ocean. Swimmers should be educated on how to recognize rip currents and how to escape them by swimming parallel to the shore until they are out of the current’s pull.
One of the most effective ways to prevent drowning is through swimming lessons. These lessons not only teach the skills needed to swim but also instill confidence and respect for the water. It’s never too late to learn. Adults who are not strong swimmers should consider taking lessons alongside their children.
Life jackets are also an essential part in ensuring water safety — especially for young children and inexperienced swimmers. They should be U.S. Coast Guard-approved and properly fitted. In boats, around open water, or even in larger pools, life jackets can be lifesavers.
Residential pool owners should ensure they have the necessary safety equipment, such as life rings and reaching poles, readily available. Home pools must have appropriate barriers to prevent unsupervised access. Pool covers can provide an additional layer of protection when the pool is not in use.
In the event of an emergency, knowing how to perform CPR can be the difference between life and death. Many organizations, including the Red Cross, offer CPR-certification courses. These skills are invaluable and can buy crucial time until emergency responders arrive.
As summer nears, local authorities and organizations are ramping up efforts to promote water safety. Free swim lessons, water safety workshops and public awareness campaigns are being implemented across the island.
The NY SWIMS program promotes initiatives to aid safe swimming by addressing the statewide lifeguard shortage, increasing swimming instruction, and increasing amenities at pools and beaches.
The Red Cross offers “Whale Tales for Children,” a no-cost program that is designed to help children from all backgrounds in kindergarten through fifth grade learn water safety behaviors without having to be in or near the water.
YMCA Long Island offers extensive swim lesson scholarships teaching critical water safety skills.
For more information on swimming safe, please visit the NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website at parks/ny.gov/recreation/swimming.
Port Jefferson Village trustees discuss many topics at work session
By Katherine Kelton
The Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees held a work session June 12 to discuss new plans ranging from parking to funding. Mayor Lauren Sheprow spearheaded the meeting as each trustee brought their issues to the table.
Parking was one of the major plans discussed throughout the meeting as throughout much of the village parking for residents and nonresidents has not been cohesive. Trustee Drew Biondo said, “The parking committee is ongoing with their work.” Beach parking lots will become resident only and discussions for other lots are largely yet to be decided.
The parking updates will go into effect by the opening of beaches on June 22. The swimming area ropes were due to be installed June 19. The beaches remain open to all — only the parking is restrictive.
The village firework show on July 3 will be viewable from the East and West beaches. Sheprow announced that the show will have two new additions — a food truck and a DJ. To ensure safety and lawfulness, trustee Bob Juliano attended a firework committee in regards to the event. He shared once again that the event is open to nonresidents, though parking is strictly for residents only.
Sheprow also touched on difficulties the village has been having in attracting businesses. She believes there is a misconception about the village not having enough foot traffic.
“The village is packed every weekend and many nights of the week,” she said, adding she is hoping to bring in more businesses.
Juliano also shared that the repairs at Rocket Ship Park are complete, to which the board discussed the possibility of repairing the sidewalks in the area.
Another major discussion of the meeting was the recession of the East Beach bluff on top of which the Port Jefferson Country Club is located — an issue the village has been facing for years.
Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay admitted the recession is inevitable and that no amount of funding can reverse it. In the meeting, Kassay suggested making a “strategic retreat” from the bluff. Although the group did not decide what the retreat would look like, the board agreed a comprehensive plan would become necessary further down the line. However, the village will continue to fund the protection of the club for the time being as a new plan is developed.
The Board of Trustees also addressed the Long Island Seaport and Eco Center’s Whaleboat 1776 Project, which received a grant allowing construction to be completed on the historic boat in 2025.
The next trustee meeting will be held on June 26.
Northport High School coach Al Rose honored at Trinity Community Arts Center
By TBR Staff
The Trinity Community Arts Center in Northport Village hosted Alton and Carol Rose, Northport High School’s renowned girls lacrosse coaches, on Tuesday night. The event featured the presentation of a painting of Alton, based on a photograph taken by TBR News Media photographer Steven Zaitz.
The Roses founded the Northport lacrosse program in 1990 and have led the team to numerous county, Long Island and state championships.
Alton, known affectionately as “Man Rose,” was diagnosed with cancer last year. Despite this, he continues to coach as an assistant alongside his wife, Carol. The Northport community has rallied around the Roses during this challenging time.
Father Andrew of Trinity Episcopal Church delivered the opening benediction. Bob Hendrick, who runs the center with his wife Nancy, spoke about the inspiration he drew from the photograph and the Roses’ story.
“We are here to simply say thank you to one of our heroes. It is an honor for Nancy and me to have created this work for Coach Al Rose,” said Hendrick. “Art was our way of ‘breaking bread’ with our community and honoring our local heroes, the Roses, who are two of the kindest and most caring people we have ever met. We call it game day and thanks to Maria Monda and Steve Zaitz, this all came together as it was meant to. Nothing happens by luck.”
Monda, an artist with work currently featured at the gallery on Main Street, is also the Northport Marching Band Booster Club president. She introduced Zaitz to the Hendricks.
An emotional Carol Rose spoke of her husband’s heroism, as did the four varsity girls lacrosse team captains: Kennedy Radziul, Christina Lauro, Lauren Baudier and Julia Huxtable. They shared how much Mr. Rose means to them, how he inspires them and how he has taught them to live life to the fullest and treasure every day. The team wore red ribbons in their hair throughout the season to honor Rose.
Northport girls basketball coach Rich Castellano, the entire Northport girls lacrosse team, supportive parents and other Northport residents were in attendance, including the Roses’ sons, Cameron and Cobi.
Obituary: John Murray
John Murray, of Northport, died on June 7 at 86 years of age. He was a retired NYPD detective and a proud U.S. Army veteran. He was the beloved father of the late James Murray, Anne-Marie Dolega, Frank Murray, and John Murray Jr., and the cherished grandfather of Bubba Murray, Demi McCarley, Eddie Dolega, and Fiona Dolega. He was a dear great-grandfather of Taylor, Emily, and Gabriel.
He was the fond brother of the late Peter Murray Jr., Marge Florimonte, Cathy McDonald, Betty Baccalliere, and the late “Bernie” Yacono.
Visitation took place at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport on Wednesday, June 12. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Philip Neri Church in Northport on Thursday, June 13. Interment followed at Calverton National Cemetery with U.S. Army military honors. Donations in John’s memory may be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School (stjo.org), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org), ASPCA (aspca.org), or any veteran’s charity.
Obituary: Marian C. Mulligan
Marian C. Mulligan passed on May 20 at 98 years of age. She was the beloved mother of James and Jill Marian Mulligan, the loving grandmother of James Mulligan, Brian Mulligan, Kyle Degener, Katie Degener, and Trent Mulligan, and the cherished great-grandmother of Rowan, Artie, Colton, Jackson, and Ryan. She was the dear sister of the late Jane Overend.
Visiting hours will be held at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport on Friday, June 21, from noon to 2 p.m. A prayer service will take place during visitation around 1:30 p.m. Private cremation will follow.
Brightview in Port Jefferson to host Senior Scam Prevention Program
By Emma Gutmann
To address the insidious, costly scams disproportionately affecting Americans over 60, state Sen Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) and state Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson) will be collaborating to host the Senior Scam Prevention Program on Thursday, June 20, at 3:30 p.m. The event will take place at Brightview Port Jefferson Senior Living facility, 1175 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station, and though it is geared toward seniors, anyone can attend.
“My office invites caregivers or older adults to attend the Senior Scam Prevention Program to learn a variety of information on how to stay vigilant and protect themselves and their loved ones from scams,” Flood said. “Many scammers target our seniors as easily as a brief interview to gain their financial information and it’s growing easier each day with advanced technology.”
According to the FBI’s 2023 Elder Fraud Report, over 101,000 seniors reported this crime, with an average loss of $33,915 per complainant. Tech support scams, personal data breaches, confidence and romance scams, nonpayment and nondelivery scams and investment scams are the top five most common types of fraud, in that order.
“In 2023, total losses reported to the [Internet Crime Complaint Center] by those over the age of 60 topped $3.4 billion, an almost 11% increase in reported losses from 2022,” FBI Assistant Director Michael Nordwall wrote.
The skyrocketing number of older New Yorkers who have lost thousands to remote pickpocketing prompted Palumbo’s office, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Suffolk County Police Department to band together and create the program.
“The program provides information on the latest scams and tips to avoid being a victim of these crimes,” a DA’s representative of the program, Chris Stazio, said. “The presentation is given by both the District Attorney’s Office and Suffolk County Police Department.”
In most cases, scammers are able to prey on a lack of understanding or awareness of current technology and common phishing tactics. For example, the FBI’s 2024 Elder Fraud Report indicates that around 12,000 victims identified cryptocurrency as “the medium or tool used to facilitate the crime.” Anyone who knows little about crypto or other elusive tech can be a much easier target.
Additionally, innocuous business email compromise scams were responsible for $382 million in losses last year, even though phishing emails can be obvious to identify once you know what to look for.
In an attempt to reach as many people as possible, numerous iterations of the program have been held in varied locations.
“Our office has had several events throughout the 1st Senate District including at the Rose Caracappa Senior Center, Peconic Landing and local libraries,” Stazio said. “We have had great attendance at each event but have found that events located at senior facilities have the best attendance.”
Flood added, “We decided on Brightview because my office is working with senior centers across the district to keep them informed of this valuable information.”
This event aims to provide clarity and thus fortify the elderly community against online attacks. Anyone seeking to learn more about the scamming epidemic is welcome and encouraged to join Palumbo and Flood at Brightview Senior Living in Port Jefferson this Thursday afternoon.
Juneteenth celebration
By Peter Sloniewsky
Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States — a “second independence day” — was celebrated on Wednesday, June 19.
Upon the release of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, slaves were legally freed throughout all of the Confederate states, but could not be fully implemented in areas still under Confederate control. Because of this, enslaved people in the westernmost reaches of the Confederacy would not be free until years later. These people were emancipated on June 19, 1865, when a group of Union troops announced that the quarter-million enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, would be freed by executive decree. This day came to be known as Juneteenth, widely recognized in African American communities but remaining largely unknown to most Americans.
On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden (D) signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law that officially made the day a federal holiday. It is intended to act as a precursor to the Fourth of July, demonstrating that the liberty we celebrate on that day was imperfect. It guides us to consider the ways that our perception of freedom has evolved, and allows new groups and generations to reflect on what more can and should be done.
Across Long Island, there were a variety of planned Juneteenth celebrations and projects that intended to honor Black history and culture.
Suffolk County commemorations
Last year, the Suffolk County Legislature created a freedom trail, inclusive of sites dating back to the 17th century, in celebration of Juneteenth. This freedom trail includes 47 sites of Black history across the county, such as churches, monuments and the site of the founding of the first African-American baseball team in Babylon.
Over the past weekend, the Hicksville Juneteenth Cultural Festival and the Elmont Juneteenth Celebration Festival provided opportunities to celebrate the holiday in Nassau County.
The role of this holiday as a time for reflection on the meaning of freedom, as well as the modern history of race relations in our country and communities, gains special importance considering the long history of discrimination across Long Island. Both Nassau and Suffolk counties remain some of the most segregated areas in the United States, according to a Nov. 17, 2019, Newsday article. Of the 291 communities on Long Island, a majority of its Black residents live in just 11 of them.
This problem has in fact worsened in past years, according to the organization ERASE Racism. Between 2004 and 2016, six additional school districts on Long Island reached a level defined by the organization as “intensely segregated.”
In fact, much of the history of many modern segregation practices were born nearby, in Levittown. Owners of the mass-produced suburb strictly abided by Federal Housing Administration codes known today as “redlining,” which kept racial groups separated, as well as including in the community bylaws that “the tenant agrees not to permit the premises to be … occupied by any person other than members of the Caucasian race.”
Civil rights activism on Long Island, mostly spearheaded by the Congress of Racial Equality — comparable to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference in the South — was regularly faced with resistance including active Ku Klux Klan membership across the Island throughout the 20th century. Even today, the white-supremacist Proud Boys have been shown to rally in Long Island communities. During the wave of Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, Proud Boys tried to forcibly block 100 protesters from marching down the streets of Merrick, which is more than 90% white.
Juneteenth remains a solemn reminder across the country and to Long Islanders specifically that the pathway to true freedom is not yet complete.
Prev
