Legislator Sanin (center-right) with the Elwood-John Glenn Boys Varsity Wrestling Team; Head Coach TJ Brocking (center-left; and David Shanahan, Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics (right). Photo courtesy of Leg. Sanin's office
At a recent meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature, Legislator Rebecca Sanin proudly honored the Elwood-John Glenn Boys Varsity Wrestling Team with an official proclamation recognizing their victory as the 2025 New York State Dual Meet Champions.
The Knights dominated in the Division II final, securing a 38-29 win over Plainedge, marking a historic moment for the program. The team displayed remarkable resilience in the semifinals, overcoming a 24-4 deficit to win seven straight matches, cementing their place in New York wrestling history.
“This championship victory is not just about wrestling—it’s about determination, discipline, and teamwork,” said Legislator Sanin. “These athletes and their coaches have worked incredibly hard, pushing through challenges and showing what true dedication looks like. Their achievement is an inspiration to our entire community.”
Legislator Sanin also recognized the team’s coaching staff—Head Coach TJ Brocking, along with Assistant Coaches Ryan Patrovich and Devin Carter—for their outstanding leadership in guiding the team to victory.
The team was celebrated with a school-wide assembly at Elwood-John Glenn High School, where their championship banner was raised, marking their second state dual meet title in school history.
Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin proudly recognized Leslie Bellissimo as District 16’s Woman of Distinction at the annual Suffolk County Women of Distinction Luncheon, celebrating her lifelong dedication to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and driving meaningful change.
For over 35 years, Leslie has been a champion for families across Long Island and the New York Metro region, currently serving as the Long Island-New York Metro Regional Director at Friends of Karen. In this role, she leads efforts to support families facing the unimaginable challenge of a child’s life-threatening illness, ensuring they receive financial assistance, emotional support, and advocacy throughout their journey.
Prior to her work with Friends of Karen, Leslie played a pivotal role at the American Heart Association, where she helped secure major funding for lifesaving initiatives and spearheaded key Long Island fundraising events. A lifelong resident of Huntington, Leslie’s dedication to service extends beyond her professional career—she has volunteered tirelessly for local charities, organized community drives, and educated others in lifesaving skills like hands-only CPR.
“Leslie Bellissimo embodies the very essence of this recognition,” said Legislator Sanin. “Her commitment to uplifting others, whether through her work, her advocacy, or her community engagement, is truly extraordinary. Suffolk County is a better place because of leaders like her.”
The annual Suffolk County Women of Distinction Luncheon recognizes women across the county who have demonstrated leadership, service, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.
Pictured from left,Twila Silverman, Chair of Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Commission; Stacey Ann Caggiano, Director of Suffolk County Department of Women’s Services; Fifth Legislative District Woman of Distinction Johanna Kosak; Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright; and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. Photo courtesy of Leg. Englebright's office
At a luncheon held at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge on March 4, all 18 Suffolk County Legislators honored the county’s Women of Distinction for 2025. The county’s Department of Women’s Services asked each legislator to choose an impressive female constituent from their district who volunteers their time to make their community a better place. Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) named nonprofit founder Johanna Kosak as the Fifth Legislative District’s Woman of Distinction.
Kosak founded the Comsewogue Music and Arts Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, in September 2023 after her daughter noticed a lack of music and arts scholarships in the Comsewogue School District. The nonprofit organization assists students pursuing creative paths.
“It’s impressive that Ms. Kosak found a need in her children’s school district and took matters in her own hands to do something about it,” Englebright said. “Music and other creative pursuits are vital for the collective good of our society.”
Kosak works alongside school district mothers Secretary Michele Provenzale and Treasurer Yoon Choi-Perrone, as well as the nonprofit’s student volunteers, her daughter, Annmarie; Perrone’s son, James; and Provenzale’s son, Michael.
The volunteers organize and host 20 to 30 fundraisers annually and have raised $12,000 since September 2023. The nonprofit is present at every school concert and drama production to sell flowers and snacks, hold raffles and request donations.
The nonprofit raises funds for scholarships for Comsewogue High School seniors who plan to enroll in college music, arts, marketing, business and architecture programs. CMAC also provides opportunities for art students to promote their artwork at the nonprofit’s craft fair. Last year, the sale of artwork supplied funds for CMAC and the Arts Honor Society.
Additionally, the CMAC supports teachers by providing grants for educators to invite professional musicians and artists for workshops and career development sessions. CMAC also raises funds to reduce costs for families in financial need who wish to send younger children to music or drama programs during the summer vacation.
The nonprofit’s work includes supporting the Comsewogue High School Business Department by providing learning and collaboration opportunities for students interested in digital art marketing.
In addition to her volunteer work with CMAC, the mother of four works fulltime and volunteers with her husband at Infant Jesus Roman Catholic Church. Her husband serves as the organist, while she plays keyboard. A former instructor at Suffolk County Community College, Kosak also volunteered with the Suffolk Piano Teachers Foundation, serving in roles such as president, vice-president and competition coordinator.
Kosak said she was honored and humbled to be honored and credited her fellow volunteers and the community for making CMAC a success.
“This recognition was not only for me but for our entire community and a great encouragement to continue,” Kosak said.
Brookhaven Receiver of Taxes Louis Marcoccia speaks to the civic on March 3. Photo by Sabrina Artusa
By Sabrina Artusa
At the March 3 Three Village Civic Association meeting, Town of Brookhaven Receiver of Taxes Louis Marcoccia gave members valuable advice on how to wade through the thick of this year’s tax season.
Facing a group of residents who are in the midst of tackling their taxes, Marcoccia had his work cut out for him. He was quick, however, to appeal to the group, reminding the civic that Mathew the tax collector was one of Jesus’ apostles.
Brookhaven Receiver of Taxes Louis Marcoccia speaks to the civic on March 3. Photo by Sabrina Artusa
“The tax collector, out of all the elected officials, is closest to Jesus,” he said. “The most read gospel is Mathew, which is actually converted to tax code,” he added.
Marcoccia is proud of his department and the changes they have made over the years, including taking advantage of technology, thereby saving money on envelopes and allowing people to pay and view their taxes instantly. He also reduced his staff by 40% by simply not rehiring after employees left.
This year, many Three Village residents were alarmed to see a 5.47% increase in their school taxes. In the year prior, the assessor’s office mistakenly included about 30 properties in the calculations, resulting in a lower tax increase percentage for that year, so constituents paid less in taxes to the school.
“The percent was 1.27% but it should have been 2.8 so people who live there paid less than they should have and the town had to eat that,” Marcoccia said.
The bill was never sent to those 30 properties, mainly Stony Brook properties, since the tax office caught the mistake shortly after filing, but the incorrect assessment caused a shortfall that amounted to “millions,” according to Marcoccia, causing the bill to be $125 less per household.
After being filed with New York State, the tax bills are finalized. As a result, this year, the bill represents the correction from last year in the percentage, even though constituents will not be actually paying that percentage increase, as it would have broken the tax cap of 2.84%.That correction is the cause of 1.47% of the increase represented on the bill and is not the taxpayer’s responsibility.
In a letter sent by the Three Village Central School District explaining their mistake, Superintendent of Schools Kevin Scanlon explains that 0.54% of the percentage is due to a decrease in the assessed values of some properties, causing the other properties to take on more taxes. The remaining 0.32% increase is due to the senior citizen exemption. The actual tax rate increase, disregarding the correction, would be exactly 2.84%.
“Once you file it and send it to the state you are stuck,” Marcoccia clarified. “A mistake happened, but it didn’t cost you any money.”
Other News
According to Legislator Steve Englebright (D, Setauket), the Town of Brookhaven, the Village of Head of the Harbor and the Ward Melville Heritage Organization are continuing to navigate the convoluted and uncertain ownership of Harbor Road.
“A part of the controversy is who owns the road. Now the town highway department says [they] don’t own the road. It joins one village and one town together. Does Smithtown own half of the road?” Englebright asked, emphasizing the complicated discourse surrounding the issue. “Does ownership of the road mean ownership of the liability? Does the owner of the road also mean they are the owners of the land and the dam?”
Under pressure to meet the Federal Emergency Management Agency deadline to file for aid, officials met to discuss a plan forward last month.
“Time is short and now it is kind of a high wire act,” Englebright said.
Port Jefferson Village Hall. File photo by Heidi Sutton
By Dylan Friedman
The Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees held its monthly meeting Feb. 26. The meeting addressed a range of topics, including the ongoing bluff erosion issue, the financial status of the Port Jefferson Country Club and updates from the new Code Enforcement Department.
The meeting began with a moment of silence to remember long-time resident Don Pollock, who was often referred to as the “fifth trustee” for his frequent attendance and participation at board meetings.
Public safety was a key focus, with the Suffolk County Police Department providing an update on crime statistics in the village. Officer Robert Dekenipp reported that overall criminal incidents were slightly up compared to last year’s period, with a notable increase in harassment cases.
The code enforcement supervisors, Anthony Flammia and Kevin Cooper, then took to the podium to outline their activities over the past month. They highlighted meetings with local stakeholders, including the business community and residents, and enforcement actions taken, such as issuing violations for vacant storefronts without proper window displays.
Cooper emphasized the department’s focus on transparency, including the launch of an online complaint system for residents.
Additionally, a resident raised concerns about the village’s approach to the bluff erosion issue. Citing the recommendations of the bluff erosion committee, he urged the board to seriously consider a retreat plan, arguing that the current restoration efforts are ultimately doomed to fail.
“Mother Nature will eventually prevail,” he stated.
The resident also questioned the financial status of the Port Jefferson Country Club, saying that the facility is currently $700,000 in debt. “Who’s watching the ship?” he asked, criticizing the lack of transparency and calling for new elections for the club’s Board of Governors.
In response, Treasurer Stephen Gaffga acknowledged the need for greater financial oversight and transparency, noting that the board is working to correct past bookkeeping errors and improve budgeting practices.
“We are asking [department heads] to work collaboratively with the treasurer and the goal is to maintain a flat budget while still building a contingency fund,” Trustee Kyle Hill explained.
Later in the meeting, the board also addressed several action items, including approving a busking program, extending a website and social media management services contract and authorizing various budget amendments to correct past accounting issues.
Notably, the board scheduled a public hearing for March 26 to consider overriding the 2% tax cap. Gaffga explained that this is a procedural step, and the board’s goal is to maintain a flat budget without the need to pierce the tax cap.
In closing, the board appointed a local business owner, to the Public Safety Advisory Council, recognizing the value of her perspective in addressing community concerns.
The next Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees meeting will be held March 12 in the courtroom on the second floor of Village Hall.
With New York’s 2025-2026 state budget in the works, Cona Elder Law is calling on community members to take action in support of older adults by joining its letter-writing campaign to urge Governor Hochul and state legislators to fully fund Medicaid and increase reimbursement rates for nursing homes by 20% on Thursday, March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cona Elder Law, 225 Broadhollow Road, Suite 200, Melville.
Medicaid funds the care of most long-term nursing home residents in New York. However, nursing homes are currently reimbursed at only 50% of the actual cost of care, leading to staffing shortages, safety concerns, facility closures, overcrowding, and inadequate care for elderly and vulnerable residents. With a $1.6 billion funding gap, nursing homes across the state are struggling to provide the quality care that our loved ones deserve.
“Advocacy makes a difference. Elected officials rely on constituent feedback when making budget decisions,” said Jennifer Cona, Founder and Managing Partner, Cona Elder Law. “Direct outreach is the most effective way to influence policy and protect our aging population.”
Cona Elder Law is a leading elder law firm dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of older adults. The firm advocates for seniors and their families through legal services, policy initiatives, and community engagement.
Protestors line the sidewalk outside the Tesla Showroom in Smithtown. Photo by William Stieglitz
Protestors line the sidewalk outside the Tesla Showroom in Smithtown. Photo by William Stieglitz
Protestors line the sidewalk outside the Tesla Showroom in Smithtown. Photo by William Stieglitz
Protestors line the sidewalk outside the Tesla Showroom in Smithtown. Photo by William Stieglitz
Protestors line the sidewalk outside the Tesla Showroom in Smithtown. Photo by William Stieglitz
Protestors line the sidewalk outside the Tesla Showroom in Smithtown. Photo by William Stieglitz
Protestors line the sidewalk outside the Tesla Showroom in Smithtown. Photo by William Stieglitz
Protestors line the sidewalk outside the Tesla Showroom in Smithtown. Photo by William Stieglitz
Protestors line the sidewalk outside the Tesla Showroom in Smithtown. Photo by William Stieglitz
Protestors line the sidewalk outside the Tesla Showroom in Smithtown. Photo by William Stieglitz
By William Stieglitz
On Saturday, March 1, Long Islanders lined the sidewalk outside the Tesla Showroom in Smithtown to express their grievances with Elon Musk, the Tesla CEO who simultaneously oversees the Department of Government Efficiencyestablished by President Donald Trump (R) this year. Protesters stretching a quarter mile down Smithtown Bypass held signs expressing concerns over corruption and the endangerment of democracy.
The rally was part of the nationwide Tesla Takedown movement, which has spawned a multitude of protests since mid-February. More than 50 happened Saturday, March 1, alone, with the protests encouraging people to “sell your Teslas, dump your stock, [and] join the picket lines” in order to strike back financially against Musk. With Tesla stocks having fallen 28% last month, organizers believe it to be working. Many of these protests were also part of the nationwide Indivisible organization.
The Smithtown rally was organized by the newly created United Voices for Freedom, which describes itself as “a grassroots group that serves to amplify progressive voices in the northern central region of Long Island.” Tiffany, who founded the group and wanted her last name kept private, said, “We’re all worried about the overreach of Musk and his ransacking of our federal agencies. No one elected Musk.” The concern of Musk being “unelected” was repeated by nearly every attendee interviewed, each having a wide range of grievances regarding the billionaire.
“He has a tremendous conflict of interest,” said Deborah Roberts, an attendee who previously organized a rally for congressional town halls. “He just ended the Verizon contract and put Starlink in, he controls communications and platforms online… he’s interfering in our economy and ruining our guardrails for safety in this country, but he’s not chipping away at his welfare program for Starlink and for SpaceX. And not only that, he’s dismantling bureaucracies that have oversight for both of those programs. He doesn’t want anyone looking.”
Roberts spoke too on concerns of Musk operating within the executive branch while neither having been vetted by Congress nor having divested himself of personal financial interest. His accessing of Americans’ private information was something many there found especially dangerous. “If you wanted a template for corruption,” said attendee Paula Fries, “this is it.”
Others elaborated on issues of what DOGE is cutting, expressing fear for Medicaid and Social Security, as well as concern that DOGE, having not gained congressional approval, has no legal standing to make those cuts. Attendee Ian Wilder described DOGE as “doing things that are frightening and destructive, like taking people out of the FAA, taking people who are in charge of nuclear weapons out.” There is some concern that because federal workers in the Social Security Admisitration have been fired, Social Security checks and Medicaid payments will not be made on time to help recipients.
Laura Lesch, another attendee, said this was not the way to run a government. “It might be the way to run a tech company,” she said, “but the way he’s going about this, just slash, slash, slash, without any regard for any of the fallout, is just not acceptable to me.”
More expressed concerns over Musk and Trump’s actions being those of oligarchs, and spoke to fear of authoritarianism. Future elections, multiple people expressed, would not be a certainty with this administration, unless they were fought for. “This could be our last hope for democracy,” one person said. “Unless people mobilize in large, large numbers, we’re screwed.”
In this sense, the protest, for many, had nothing to do with partisan preference. Robert Schaller, who described himself as having formerly been a Republican his whole life, said, “The whole thing is just ridiculous. I can’t even believe if a liberal ever turned around or the Democratic Party went out there and did a Hitler salute like he did, and then they try to backtrack it. … I mean, to alienate our allies the way they’re doing, is embarrassing. If my father and grandfather and the people that fought in World War II saw this today, they would be turning over in their graves.”
This sentiment was echoed by Fries, who made a similar statement. “My father is a World War II vet,” she said. “He fought in World War II, he fought against fascism, and this is the least I can do, is to show up and protest.”
Among the American flags waved by the protesters were Ukrainian flags too, the striking yellow and blue a reminder of the incident at the White House the day before. “I was appalled by yesterday’s news conference with Zelenskyy,” said attendee Lesch. “Our entire international relationships are going to go right down the tubes. It just doesn’t make sense to abandon all of Europe, which is what we’re doing, in effect.” She elaborated how at the conference, news groups such as the Associated Press were not allowed into the Oval Office, but “the Russian press was… and when asked how they got in, the answer was they just snuck in.”
A final issue among attendees was a desire to express all these concerns at an in-person congressional town hall, which has not occurred in Suffolk County since 2017. Roberts was collecting signatures at the event to petition for one. “My congressperson is Nick LaLota of CD1,” she said, “and he never has a public town hall meeting where he answers these important questions.” The petition has gained popularity with an online version as well, which thus far has garnered over 1,000 signatures.
The rally, overall, lasted two hours with over 500 people in attendance, according to the organizer, and a follow-up is planned for later this month. At the Tesla Showroom, no one was available for comment.
Nationally, there are Tesla Takedown protests scheduled through at least the end of the month, with protests scheduled outside the United States in Iceland, Portugal and the United Kingdom as well. Responding to the nationwide presence of the protests, the United Voices for Freedom organizer Tiffany said, “I think it shows that everyone is really unhappy with this, I think that people are really concerned about the state of our democracy and that we’re quickly falling into fascism, and people feel the need to get out and stop it, or at least try to stop it.”
The 9/11 Memorial Park in Smithtown. Photo from Town of Smithtown
The Town of Smithtown was recently selected as a recipient of National Grid’s Community Engagement Grant. The $5,000 grant will support the reconstruction of the waterfall at the 9/11 Memorial Park on Main Street in Smithtown, ensuring that this cherished landmark continues to serve as a place of remembrance and reflection for the community.
Photo from Town of Smithtown
“We are deeply grateful to National Grid for their generosity and dedication to supporting local projects that enrich our community. The restoration of the waterfall at 9/11 Memorial Park is not just a necessary improvement—it is a meaningful tribute to the heroes, families, friends and neighbors we lost on that tragic day. In Smithtown, we made a promise nearly 24 years ago to never forget the lives lost and the extraordinary acts of bravery and selflessness witnessed. This waterfall is more than a peaceful sanctuary for remembrance; it stands as a powerful symbol of that promise. It represents our unwavering unity, faith, and resilience—the same spirit that guided us through our darkest hours and continues to inspire us today,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim.
As part of the grant agreement, the Town of Smithtown and National Grid will collaborate to promote the project, highlighting the program and partnership. This initiative will include new public awareness, ceremonial ribbon cutting, and employee engagement opportunities for National Grid staff to participate in the restoration efforts.
The 9/11 Memorial Park serves as a place of remembrance, honoring Smithtown residents who were tragically taken from us on September 11, 2001. The waterfall has always been a symbolic and tranquil feature of the memorial, providing a special place for reflection and healing. The reconstruction efforts will ensure that future generations continue to have a dedicated space to honor and remember the fallen, keeping a promise to never forget.
There have been reports of deceased birds being found across the county. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recommends the following guidance if you encounter this situation on your property.
In cases where DEC field staff cannot collect samples or carcasses from the landscape, please limit direct contact with dead wildlife and keep children and pets away. To dispose of a dead bird safely, DEC provides the following guide:
Wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection, like safety glasses or goggles.
Avoid direct contact with the carcass or carcass fluids by using a shovel or a garbage bag to pick up the bird.
Carcasses should be triple bagged (garbage or contractor bags) and placed in an outdoor trash receptacle.
Remove and throw away your gloves. Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after removing gloves.
Change your clothes and wash them after disposing of the bird.
If you use a shovel, clean it with hot, soapy water and disinfect it with diluted bleach (1/3 cup bleach added to a gallon of water).
For additional information or to make a report, please call the DEC at 844-332-3267.
Updated: Supervisor Smyth Lifts Parking Fees During Film Production
Important Parking Lot Closures and On-Street Parking Bans During Filming in Huntington Village & Huntington LIRR effective Monday, March 3 – Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Supervisor Ed Smyth and the Town of Huntington have issued a press release informing the Huntington Village area of important parking lot closures and on-street parking bans due to a Steven Spielberg film production in Huntington Village.
Due to the restricted and limited parking, Supervisor Smyth is lifting metered parking and passport parking fees in Huntington Village for Tuesday, March 4 only.
The Huntington Village Parking Lots that will be closed include the New Street Parking Lot and the Chase Bank Parking Lot. These lots will be closed beginning Monday, March 3 beginning at 6 pm. through Wednesday, March 5 at 6 a.m.
On street parking will also be prohibited on:
Elm St. Between New York Ave And Nassau Rd.
New York Ave. Between Elm St and E Carver St.
New York Ave. Between Elm St and E Carver St.
W Carver St. Between Prospect St and New York Ave.
W Carver St. Between New St and New York Ave.
Green St. Between Main St and W Carver St.
New St. Between Main St and W Carver St.
New York Ave. Between Gerard St and Main St.
Main St. Between New York Ave. and Stewart Ave.
The on-street parking ban will also be in effect from Monday, March 3 from 6 p.m. through Wednesday, March 5 at 6 a.m.
Additionally, Parking Lot 22 at the Huntington LIRR Station will be closed all day on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Riders who traditionally use this lot, should find a temporary alternative on this day.
Vehicles parked in the restricted areas during scheduled times will be subject to towing.
“There is the potential that these temporary parking adjustments could impact local traffic,” the town stated. “To avoid traffic delays or parking issues, please adjust your travel routes and times, where possible. We thank you for your cooperation and understanding.”
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