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Photos from Larry Hohler
Leg. Kara Hahn. Photo from Larry Hohler

Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) is a daily runner who has participated in many local races, but her effort on the Port Jefferson/Setauket Greenway on Saturday, Oct. 16 in the Annual Kenya/USA Bi-Continental race was special.  

For the last 17 years, Hope Children’s Fund, a local not-for-profit, has held a 5K fundraiser in support of the Jerusha Mwiraria Hope Children’s Home for AIDS-affected former street children in Meru, Kenya.  

Hahn came in first among the female competitors in this year’s event with a time of 28:52. The overall winner was Setauket resident Donald Dodge, with his time of 24:28.  

The Kenyan times were inconclusive, but in all of the competitions since 2005, the Kenyans have won 16 times.

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Steve Bellone. Stock photo by Rita J. Egan

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) tested positive for COVID-19.

The County Executive, who is vaccinated and has been observing mask mandates, is unsure of how he contracted the virus.

Bellone has mild symptoms and is currently not receiving any medical treatment.

“I hope this serves as a reminder to all residents that while we are making incredible progress in the war against COVID-19, we are not done just yet,” Bellone said in a statement. “I encourage anyone who is eligible to receive their booster shot to do so.”

At this point, no other members of his office staff or his family has tested positive.

Bellone said he feels in “good health and spirits,” according to the statement. He will continue to carry out the duties of the County Executive.

Meanwhile, the percentage of positive tests on a seven-day average in Suffolk County fell below 3% on Oct. 20, dropping to 2.9%, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health.

Local health care providers have been encouraged by the overall decline in positive tests, which they attribute in part to ongoing vaccination efforts.

The Food and Drug Administration provided emergency use authorization for the Moderna booster for a specific groups of people who were fully vaccinated at least six months ago. Those groups include: people 65 years and older; people 18 through 64 who are considered at high risk; and people 18 through 64 with occupational exposure.

The FDA also approved the use of a single booster dose for people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.

The FDA also allowed a mix and match approach to boosters, authorizing those who received one type of vaccination to choose a different booster. Local health care providers said studies have shown that people who received the J&J vaccine had a higher antibody response after receiving a Moderna booster.

“The available data suggest waning immunity in some populations who are fully vaccinated,” Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodccock said in a statement. “The availability of those authorized boosters is important for continued protection against COVID-19 disease.”

Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research said the FDA would gather additional data as quickly as possible to assess the benefits and risks of the us of booster doses in additional populations and plans to update the healthcare community and the public in the coming weeks.

For more information on vaccines in the area, residents can go to the web site: suffolkcountyny.gov/vaccine.

The web site also includes answers to frequently asked questions, such as: what are the side effects after I get the COVID-19 vaccine, is it safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have an underlying medical condition, and what should I do if I am exposed to COVID-19 after being vaccinated.

Early in the pandemic, Bellone remained in quarantine and managed his responsibilities from home after Deputy County Executive Peter Scully tested positive for the virus. Bellone didn’t test positive at that point, although he, like so many others in the early days of the disease, waited days for the results of his COVID test.

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April Manis with the Long Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence in Michale Malett’as health class. Photo by Julianne Mosher

Students at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School have been welcoming special guests this month in Michael Maletta’s health classes to cover real-life issues, while taking notes on preventative measures for bad situations.

On Monday, Oct. 18, April Manis, an educator with L.I. Against Domestic Violence, presented a lesson that’s timely and serious for young people — what is and isn’t normal in a relationship.

While Maletta said he’s been hosting guests on a variety of topics over the last two decades, Manis said that there has been a county-wide increase in inquiries from LIADV since the disappearance and murder of Bayport native, Gabby Petito. Petito went missing last month while on a cross-country road trip with her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie. Last week, her remains were found in Wyoming and Laundrie – who is a person of interest — has not been seen in weeks.

“With the pandemic, we haven’t been doing programs as much in-person — we still have been doing a lot of virtual — but it’s not the same. I love to see the students faces and the participation is so much better in-person,” she said. “I do feel like they get a lot out of it, and nobody teaches people how to be in a relationship, so it’s important to hear some healthy tips.”

The health class helps to cover and address differences between caring, supportive relationships and controlling or abusive relationships in an interactive program. Manis played a game called “Stay or Go?” which consisted of several real-life experiences that show unhealthy relationship traits, focusing on power dynamics, patterns, boundaries and compromises that often arise in relationships.

“I try to keep them awake and engaged,” Manis said. “And even if they just remember one or two things, then we did something.”

Maletta said that LIADV has been coming into his class for more than 20 years and he asks them to visit because the reality is that students will be in relationships and learning about healthy habits in those relationships is important.

“I tell my parents in back-to-school nights that I want to be an advocate for them. What are some of the concerns that they have for the child because I can there for their concerns,” he said. “Fortunately, health class is wide-reaching, and we talk about things like depression, stress, bullying, suicide, drug abuse, drug use, relationships, contraception — all these different real-life situations that they’re going to go through.”

Maletta added he tries to do different things to get through to his students.

“Although the district currently provides the required mental health education by New York State Education Department, the program was initiated by health teacher Mike Maletta, as part of a series of social-emotional instruction and resources to further expand on the mental and social-emotional health of Port Jefferson \students,” said Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Nursing Adam Sherrard.

Earlier this month, Response of Suffolk County spoke to students about depression, anxiety, stress and suicide, while this week the Suffolk County Police Department will be speaking about cyber law and safety. 

In December, Outreach House will speak about drug addiction through the eyes of recovering teenage drug addicts that live at the facility.

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The Rocky Point girls’ soccer team. Photo from Rich Acritelli

These were the words of the members of the Rocky Point High School girls’ soccer team, after they completed their schedule with an undefeated season. 

The Rocky Point girls’ soccer team. Photo from Rich Acritelli

This past Monday, they gained a hard fought 1-0 victory against the talented Wildcats of Shoreham-Wading River. Within every game, the “Lady Eagles” were a confident, but not a brash group of players, that never looked past any opponent. Currently, they are amongst the highest ranked teams within the state, and they look forward to the play-offs to continue their winning ways. Coach Peter Costa explained the dominant play of his girls as a “team that never quits in any game.”

It has been a unique year for the several seniors that comprise the nucleus of this team. Watching them interact with each other, they are an extremely close bunch that have formed an enduring bond on and off the field. This was demonstrated by senior right forward Gianna Amendola who scored the winning goal against Shoreham-Wading River. Amendola has been a scoring machine, as she leads the county with thirty-one goals, and she has set the single season record for the school. Against Shoreham, with three defenders on her, she scored the winning goal. Armed with a big smile and a can-do attitude, she is looking forward to playing next fall for a dominant four-year college. 

Next to Amendola is the “comic relief” for this team in defender Victoria Curreri. She was extremely proud of the “Great Wall of Defense” that this group has established in allowing only eight goals during the season and supporting the team with ten shutouts. All the defender’s credit Junior MaryKate Abernethy’s remarkable play in the net, to only allow eight goals within 16 games. Next fall, Curreri will be playing lacrosse at Iona College in New Rochelle.

Always with a huge smile, forward Alex Kelly has been a major presence on the offense. This talented four-year varsity soccer player and track and field jumper and sprinter will be attending Princeton University next fall. She has been a dominant offensive figure in creating the greatest number of assists and ranking second in points in Suffolk County.  This young lady that is always known for her positive demeanor, is also a tenacious player that makes her presence felt on the field.  Kelly has thoroughly enjoyed her time playing since her childhood with many of these girls who are about to graduate.  

Another important member of this team is Megan Loeser. The center mid-fielder is an extremely talented player that has been an important cog towards the success of this team. Awarded All-League and Division honors, this three-year captain can always be seen hustling and pushing her teammates against the opposition. This “field general” identifies this team as the hardest working group that she has played with during her 14-year soccer career for school and travel leagues. Always an upbeat young lady, Loeser expects to continue playing soccer in college.

Next to Loeser, is her best friend and nearby neighbor in Lindsey Lucia. An aggressive defender, she has a strong understanding of this sport, especially during big games. Like many of the other girls, she began playing sports within the CYO leagues. Lucia wears a large trade-mark smile, where this genuine student-athlete has been a starting varsity three-year captain. This spirited team leader has established the Rocky Point mantra for competing against difficult teams like that of Shoreham, East Islip and Hauppauge, is to handle each game like it’s the play-offs. Lucia will be attending C.W. Post next fall, where she will be playing lacrosse in Brookville. 

The Rocky Point girls’ soccer team. Photo from Rich Acritelli

Mia Negus recalls her younger moments of being taught this game with her teammates within the fields of Frank J. Caraseti Elementary School. She is a vital member of the vaunted defense that has made it extremely difficult for opposing schools to score against Rocky Point. Negus is excited to complete her high school on one of the most successful team’s in school history.

Senior Kaitlyn Reilly could be one of the most versatile student-athletes on this team. While she is a soft-spoken young lady, Reilly is a tough defensive player, that is proud of a group that always pulls for each other. This amazing student would like to play at a respected four-year school next fall, where she would like to major in elementary education. 

Looking up the field, Reilly often passes the ball to Lilly Resciniti, who is an extremely capable mid-fielder. Resciniti like that of Loeser, Kelly and Amendola, is a dominant member of this team, where she skillfully helps the offense and defense. She views the concentration of this team as a key factor within its “mind-set” to always practice and play 110% of the time.  An extraordinary student that is academically ranked tenth in her class, this mid-fielder is looking forward to attending medical school and studying neuroscience.  

Sophia Wood is extremely pleased to be a part of the “insane talent” that has surrounded this team.  Wood is a center mid-fielder that is looking forward to playing against the best players in Suffolk County during the play-offs. Like the other girls, she is thrilled to be part of a team that is extremely close, where they like to spend time together through their weekly pasta parties.  

Wood will be playing lacrosse next fall at St. Leo University. All of the girls would like to thank their fellow senior back-up goalie Julia Darby that has played with them for the last four years. Her support has been instrumental in helping the team prepare during practices and before games against some of the best teams in the county.

Many years down the road, as these ladies pursue their own path’s in life, they will always recall this regular season, where they were undefeated before the play-offs. With a sincere affection towards each other, the comradery of this group will continue to push them through the rigors of the play-offs. 

Costa believed that the “success this year has been our team bond. The players care for each other, they cheer for each other and spend time off the field together. Every practice is fun, and it is filled with energy.”

Long time Athletic Director Charles Delargy stated that an “undefeated season is a great accomplishment. To do it in power ranking where a team has to play against 16 different opponents is even more amazing.”  

And underclass players Michalina Wojnowski and Emily Velasquez understand the sheer presence of these strong players and they have expressed their gratitude in being part of a positive team that always strives for excellence. 

Rich Acritelli is a social studies teacher at Rocky Point High School and an adjunct professor of American history at Suffolk County Community College.

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Photo courtesy of Ron Monteleone

Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa (R-Selden) hosted a “Rally for Freedom” event last weekend in Selden to support the essential workers in healthcare, education and other professions who are at risk of losing their jobs for choosing not to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

On Saturday, Oct. 16, over 250 people were in attendance, and testimony was given by teachers, nurses, first responders, elected officials including State Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) and Assemblywoman, Jodi Giglio (R-Riverhead),  along with those who lost loved ones from COVID-19.

The goal was to implore Governor Kathy Hochul (D) to listen to our communities and try to find some middle ground so that people don’t lose their jobs as a result of these restrictive mandates.

“New Yorkers, particularly those in Suffolk County and within my district, have worked hard to keep us safe during Covid by risking their lives and putting their families second for those who needed them,” Caracappa said. “Now, they feel deserted and desperate to have a voice. I want them to know that I am here to listen and stand with them against these irresponsible, unjustified and unwarranted mandates. They rallied for us when we were in need. Now we must rally for them.”

Caracappa said the event was not an “anti-vaccine” rally.

“Nothing could be further from the truth,” he said. “I personally chose to get vaccinated. And I respect those who choose not to. This isn’t a dispute about a COVID-19 vaccine. It’s about keeping our constitutional right of freedom that our Founding Fathers fought and died for. Thank you so much for the support from all of our speakers, members of the SCPD and the Selden, Farmingville, Centereach and Coram Fire Departments, DJ Top Entertainment, and for local businesses who donated food, like Slice’s Pizza, Duck Donuts and Chick-Fil-A. As I always say, you can’t spell Community without UNITY!”

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Photo courtesy of Ron Monteleone
Photo courtesy of Ron Monteleone
Photo courtesy of Ron Monteleone
Photo courtesy of Ron Monteleone
Photo courtesy of Ron Monteleone
Photo courtesy of Ron Monteleone
Photo courtesy of Ron Monteleone
Photo courtesy of Ron Monteleone
Photo courtesy of Ron Monteleone
Photo courtesy of Ron Monteleone

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Leg. Kara Hahn lighting a candle. Photo by Julianne Mosher

To honor of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, one local woman has spearheaded a county-wide event to honor and remember the little lives lost. 

Elizabeth Kennedy, of Rocky Point, shared her story nearly two years ago with Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai), sparking the Suffolk County Legislature to unanimously approve a resolution, and designate Oct. 15 as “Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Awareness Day” back in 2020.

Sponsored by Anker, it was introduced to increase awareness of the causes and impacts surrounding pregnancy and infant loss and to improve understanding, support and potential resources for those who grieve the loss of a pregnancy or an infant.

Kennedy lost her second child, who was named Grace, when she was 26 weeks and six days pregnant on Feb. 25, 2018. 

Struck with grief she felt that she needed to find an outlet to help her cope with her loss, so she began researching different infant loss support groups. Through her online search, she found the Star Legacy Foundation — a national organization whose mission is to increase awareness, support research, promote education and encourage advocacy and family support regarding stillbirth, pregnancy loss, and neonatal death.

After helping to organize a virtual candle lighting — called the “Wave of Light” — on Zoom to show respect for families and loved ones who have experienced loss last year, she and her fellow organizers decided to finally host an in-person event for 2021 at Heritage Park on Friday, Oct. 15.

At 6:45 p.m. nearly a dozen people came together to mourn and share their stories for one of the county’s first Wave of Light events at the park. 

“I think it’s important to have advocates like Elizabeth Kennedy to provide these types of events to help people understand that they’re not the only ones dealing with these challenges,” Anker said. “There are so many women, and even men, that need to understand they are not the only ones that have that have experienced the sense of tremendous loss.”

According to the Star Foundation, thousands of families in the United States experience pregnancy and infant loss each year. In the United States there are approximately 24,000 stillbirths, or 1 out of 160 births, a year. In addition to stillbirths, current research suggests that between 10% and 20% of medically confirmed pregnancies end in miscarriage.

While 2020 was the first year Suffolk County acknowledged the day, the month of October was proclaimed as “Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month” by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.2021 was special to Kennedy and her family, because they were able to stand together in-person.

“Compared to last year, this was so much better and it’s nice to have everybody here with us,” she said at the event. 

County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) also visited the ceremony and helped light candles, too. 

“No one can understand the loss of a child, but we can certainly together try to educate others and try to share our love and our support and empathy and compassion to try to help,” she said.

As for Gracie, the Kennedy family knows she’s looking down smiling. 

“She continues to inspire,” Anker said. 

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Leg. Kara Hahn, Elizabeth Kennedy and Leg. Sarah Anker. Photo by Julianne Mosher
Photo by Julianne Mosher
Photo by Julianne Mosher
Photo by Julianne Mosher
Leg. Kara Hahn lighting a candle. Photo by Julianne Mosher

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Members of the Sound Beach Civic Association during this month’s meeting. Photo by Julianne Mosher

During Sound Beach Civic Association’s recent meeting, a local resident was recognized for her community service and drive to help others. 

Ernestine Franco was honored by Leg. Sarah Anker. Photo by Julianne Mosher

On Saturday, Oct. 9, civic association member Ernestine Franco was surprised during the meeting when Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai) approached her with a county proclamation.

“I love your dedication to our well-being, while staying so humble,” Anker told Franco. “I’ve had a lot of folks that did not want to get any type of recognition. They see that as selfish, but actually it is a selfless way of being because you’re looking at other people, you’re trying to help other people and you inspire — you’re one of my inspirations.”

While working with the civic, Franco was instrumental in creating and publishing a local cookbook, “Signature Dishes of Sound Beach and Beyond,” for fundraising for a tribute to the frontline and essential workers of the COVID-19 pandemic at an adopted spot the civic takes care of on New York Avenue.  

“Sound Beach would not be the beautiful, great place that it is if it were not for you,” Anker said.

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Jack Hennessy takes control for the Royals in a home game against Greenport Oct 18. Photo by Bill Landon

It was a game that began in brilliant sunshine turned to a driving rain. When the rain stopped, the wind picked up before darkness ended the contest which left Port Jefferson in a 2-2 tie with Greenport Oct. 18. 

Greenport struck first when Ricky Campos scored but Port Jeff’s Daniel Owen evened the score late in the first half. Jonah Plaster was the spark in the second half when he scored the Royals go-ahead goal at the 18-minute mark for a 2-1 lead. Declan Crowley made it a new game when he scored six minutes later. 

As daylight grew short the game went to a 10-minute overtime period without a decision for a 2-2 final in the league VII matchup. Port Jeff junior Jonathan Bosewell had five saves in net.

The Royals conclude their 2021 campaign Oct. 20 with a home game against Smithtown Christian. Game time is four o’clock.

— All photos by Bill Landon

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Port Jeff sophomore Cooper Reale maneuvers mid-field in a home game against Greenport. Credit: Bill Landon
Port Jeff sophomore Daniel Kubek heads the ball in a home game against Greenport. Credit: Bill Landon
Daniel Owens settles the ball for the Royals at home against Greenport. Bill Landon
Port Jeff senior Hugo Onghai battles for possession in a home game against Greenport Oct 18. Bill Landon photo
Port Jeff senior Jack Hennessy with a clearing shot for the Royals in a home game against Greenport Oct 18. Photo by Bill Landon
Jack Hennessy takes control for the Royals in a home game against Greenport Oct 18. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Jonah Pflaster with a clearing shot for the Royals in a home game against Greenport Oct 18. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Jonah Pflaster scores for the Royals in a home game against Greenport Oct 18. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Jonathan Bosewell with a save for the Royals in a home game against Greenport Oct 18. Photo by Bill Landon

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Mt. Sinai junior running-back Thomas Frycek bolts out of the backfield in the Mustangs homecoming football game against Babylon Oct 16. Bill Landon photo

Mount Sinai’s homecoming weekend celebration kicked off with a girl’s Powder Puff touch football game that pitted the seniors against the juniors in the 13th annual event Oct. 14. The event is run by the student government as a fundraiser that gives money to the senior class as well as local charities according to student government advisor, Roger Cardo. 

“Each person you see here paid $3 each or $10 per family and two years ago, we didn’t have it last year, we raised over $4,000,” he said. 

Two days later after the pre-game parade the Mustang’s hosted the Babylon Panthers in a Div IV matchup where the Panthers were held scoreless through three quarters of play. Senior running-back James Carretta broke the ice for the Mustangs scoring the opening touchdown off a Devin Carros pass in the opening quarter. 

Running-back Michael Trepeta scored on a 31-yarder with 8:21 left in the half followed by Carretta who got the call with a minute left, grinding his way into the endzone for the score. 

With Mount Sinai senior Verissimo Pedra’s foot, the Mustangs took a 21-0 lead into the halftime break. Carros on a keeper punched in on short yardage and with Pedra’s kick, who was perfect on the day, put the Mustangs out front 28-0. Babylon found the endzone midway through the 4th quarter for your final 28-7.

Carretta amassed 170 yards rushing on 17 carries and Trepeta carried 11 times for 105 yards in the victory.

The win lifts the Mustangs to 5-1 and are back in action with a road game against cross town rival Miller Place Oct. 23. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. 

— Photos by Bill Landon

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Mt. Sinai senior quarterback Devin Carros rolls out of the pocket looking for a receiver in the Mustangs homecoming football game against Babylon Oct 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Mt. Sinai senior quarterback Devin Carros throws deep in the Mustangs homecoming football game against Babylon Oct 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Mt. Sinai senior running-back James Caretta scores in the Mustangs homecoming football game against Babylon Oct 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Mt. Sinai senior running-back James Caretta dives for the touchdown in the Mustangs homecoming football game against Babylon Oct 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Mt. Sinai held its 13th annual power puff touch football game Thursday Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai held its 13th annual power puff touch football game Thursday Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai held its 13th annual power puff touch football game Thursday Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai held its 13th annual power puff touch football game Thursday Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai held its 13th annual power puff touch football game Thursday Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai held its 13th annual power puff touch football game Thursday Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai held its 13th annual power puff touch football game Thursday Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai held its 13th annual power puff touch football game Thursday Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai held its 13th annual power puff touch football game Thursday Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai held its 13th annual power puff touch football game Thursday Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai held its 13th annual power puff touch football game Thursday Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai held its 13th annual power puff touch football game Thursday Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai director of guidance/assistant principal Matt Dyroff with daughters Emma (L) and Maggie at the powder puff football game Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai held its 13th annual power puff touch football game Thursday Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai held its 13th annual power puff touch football game Thursday Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai held its 13th annual power puff touch football game Thursday Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai held its 13th annual power puff touch football game Thursday Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai held its 13th annual power puff touch football game Thursday Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai held its 13th annual power puff touch football game Thursday Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai held its 13th annual power puff touch football game Thursday Oct 14. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai homecoming king and Queen. Bill Landon photo
Mt Sinai Homecoming weekend and parade Oct 16. Bill Landon photo
Mt Sinai Homecoming weekend and parade Oct 16. Bill Landon photo
Mt Sinai Homecoming weekend and parade Oct 16. Bill Landon photo
Mt Sinai Homecoming weekend and parade Oct 16. Bill Landon photo
Mt Sinai Homecoming weekend and parade Oct 16. Bill Landon photo
Mt Sinai Homecoming weekend and parade Oct 16. Bill Landon photo
Mt Sinai Homecoming weekend and parade Oct 16. Bill Landon photo
Mt Sinai Homecoming weekend and parade Oct 16. Bill Landon photo
Mt Sinai Homecoming weekend and parade Oct 16. Bill Landon photo
Mt Sinai Homecoming weekend and parade Oct 16. Bill Landon photo
Mt Sinai Homecoming weekend and parade Oct 16. Bill Landon photo
Mt Sinai Homecoming weekend and parade Oct 16. Bill Landon photo
Mt Sinai Homecoming weekend and parade Oct 16. Bill Landon photo
Mt Sinai Homecoming weekend and parade Oct 16. Bill Landon photo
Mt Sinai Homecoming weekend and parade Oct 16. Bill Landon photo
Mt Sinai Homecoming weekend and parade Oct 16. Bill Landon photo
Mt Sinai Homecoming weekend and parade Oct 16. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai senior running-back James Caretta cuts to the outside in the Mustangs homecoming football game against Babylon Oct 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Mt. Sinai senior running-back James Caretta scores a touchdown in the Mustangs homecoming football game against Babylon Oct 16. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai teachers honored for their mentorship at halftime in the Mustang's homecoming game Oct 16. Bill
Mt. Sinai senior running-back Michael Trepeta drags a Babylon defender in the Mustangs homecoming football game Oct 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Mt. Sinai senior running-back Michael Trepeta bolts up the middle in the Mustangs homecoming football game Oct 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Mt. Sinai senior running-back Michael Trepeta scores in the Mustangs homecoming football game Oct 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Mt. Sinai senior running-back Michael Trepeta scores in the Mustangs homecoming football game Oct 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Mt. Sinai senior running-back Michael Trepeta scores in the Mustangs homecoming football game Oct 16. Photo by Bill Landon
Mt. Sinai junior running-back Thomas Frycek bolts out of the backfield in the Mustangs homecoming football game against Babylon Oct 16. Bill Landon photo
Mt. Sinai head coach Vinnie Ammirato. Bill Landon photo

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Photo by Rich Acritelli

“The purpose of the Warrior Open is to celebrate those who have served our country, and to remind our fellow citizens how fortunate we are to have men and women volunteer in the face of danger.” — President George W. Bush (2011)

The former president supported a golf outing to honor the wounded warriors on the 10-year anniversary of September 11. For two decades, American soldiers from every part of this nation had served in Iraq and Afghanistan to defend the country in the face of terrorism. 

Since 2008, Rocky Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6249 has run an annual golf outing similar to that of Bush’s to show appreciation and support to our local veterans who have served under Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

This outing was established by Michael Mauro of Baiting Hollow through the simple idea of helping veterans who have fallen on hard medical and financial times as a result of their fighting time overseas.  

Photo by Rich Acritelli

As a former technical sergeant who was a heavy truck operator at the 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton Beach and a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps, Mauro initiated the local push to provide comfort to our local veterans. He was deployed to Iraq, left his newborn son and young family behind, and was wounded in that conflict.  

This golf outing emerged during the height of the costly War on Terror fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was estimated there were over 52,000 soldiers severely wounded, as many as 500,000 living with post-traumatic stress disorder, and about 320,000 service members who have suffered from brain debilitating injuries. 

With post Cmdr. Joseph Cognitore at Mauro’s side and many of the veterans from different components of the armed forces and conflicts, VFW Post 6249 has created one of the strongest golf outings on Long Island. Over the last 14 years, more than $220,000 has been raised by the participating golfers, businesses, veterans, law enforcement, union organizations and post members. 

Cognitore has taken over the responsibilities of this outing for the last two years, and has expanded on this tradition to use golf as a tool to help our veterans. And the devotion to continue these efforts toward helping hurt veterans is still a necessity, as the national chapter of the Wounded Warrior Project recorded that over 184,000 veterans, family members and caregivers are registered for financial support. 

While the fighting and deployments have ended in Iraq and Afghanistan, there are vital needs of veterans who are still handling physical and psychological ailments. This North Shore community is no different than any other part of the United States, as there are many local veterans impacted by combat. Cognitore and VFW Post 6249 are eager to help them with financial assistance.

These outings have been held at Long Island National Golf Club in Riverhead, the old Calverton Links, Cherry Creek Golf Links in Riverhead, Willow Creek Golf & Country Club in Mount Sinai and Baiting Hollow Golf Club. There has been a tremendous amount of loyalty toward this function with golfers who have attended this function since 2008.  

Next year, it is expected that VFW Post 6249 will carry out this tradition by having this event at Great Rock Golf Club in Wading River. To make this annual event possible, Cognitore counts on the support of Mike Wern, Gary Suzik, Pat Biglin, Bill Fitz, Tom and Ray Semkow, Gil Jenkins, and many of the women from the military ladies’ auxiliary.  

Photo by Rich Acritelli

This outing would not be possible without the participation of the golfers along with the businesses and organizations which have always been very generous. Financial donations have been received from B.A.C. Systems and Brian May, Landmark Industries and Mark Baisch, Stanley Steemer and Keith Burtis, the team from Drexel Hamilton and Mike Parisi from Parkside Fuel in Mount Sinai. 

Next to these participants are the former Major League Baseball players: Yankee Frank Tepedino, Met Art Shamsky, Pittsburgh Pirate Fred Cambria and longtime scout Larry Izzo. These professional baseball men have been a constant staple within this golf outing that has seen them hit long drives, strong puts and the telling of unique baseball stories from many years ago.

Cognitore has donated proceeds to local military scholarships, building homes for veterans, and has the constant goal of helping wounded service members. This is a special golf outing. 

VFW Post 6249 continues to shine as a major veterans organization that works to make this community into a better place. Through its most recent efforts to build the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Statue in Rocky Point, the Diamond in the Pines 9/11 Memorial in Coram and the Rocky Point High School Veterans Wall of Honor, this golf outing is another example of support to provide comfort to our local citizens.  

And much of these efforts are carried out by Vietnam War and Cold War veterans who have a new mission of compassion to ensure that the men and women who fought for this country are properly recognized and are never forgotten.  

Rich Acritelli is a social studies teacher at Rocky Point High School and an adjunct professor of American history at Suffolk County Community College. Members of the Rocky Point High School History Honors Society contributed to this story.

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