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Northport Lady Tiger hoops drop opener to Walt Whitman

by Steven Zaitz - December 17, 2023

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By Steven Zaitz

Every coach on any level will tell you that there is no “I” in team.

But for the Walt Whitman Lady Wildcat basketball squad, there certainly is an Iris.

All Long Island point guard, captain and bona fide floor commander Iris Hoffman of the 2022 Suffolk County champions scorched the Lady Tigers on opening night at Northport for 23 points, including a long three-pointer to seal the game with 27 seconds remaining. The final score was 46-40 in a rematch of the county final — also won by the Lady Wildcats in comeback fashion — that took place at Stony Brook University nine months ago.

In a back-and-forth game that saw five different lead changes, the Lady Tigers — who have a star of their own in senior forward Kennedy Radziul — trimmed a six-point Wildcat lead to one in the final minute of the game. Radziul, who finished with 20 points and 13 in the 4th quarter, hit a left-handed layup, made a leaping steal at midcourt and converted a three-point play when she scored and was fouled.

All of this occurred in 15 seconds and not only brought Northport to within one point, but it also pitched the home crowd into a frenzy. Whitman called a timeout as Radziul’s teammates mobbed her for her momentum-shifting heroics. The score was 41-40 with 48 seconds to go in regulation time when the Wildcats would next inbound.

“Coming out of the timeout, I knew I was going to have the ball in my hands,” said Hoffman, who has played on the Whitman varsity team since the eighth grade. “I had an open shot early in the possession, but I didn’t take it because I wanted to run more clock. We worked the ball around, making their defense move. I got the ball again and was wide open. The second the ball left my hand, I knew it was going in.”

Hoffman was right — and it gave the reigning champs a two-possession essentially lead to seal the game.

“Iris is a special player, and she showed why tonight,” said Northport head coach Rich Castellano, who was denied his 737th career victory. “They are one of the toughest teams in the county, and we hung in against them. We just turned the ball over too much tonight.”

The Lady Tigers committed 18 turnovers as they are still trying to configure their situation at guard. Payson Hedges and Emma Kezys graduated last June and there were some definite signs of opening night jitters in Castellano’s backcourt that led to giveaways and easy baskets for the Lady Wildcats.

Despite the sloppy play, Northport took a 17-15 lead into halftime. Senior captain Kaylie Walsh hit two bombs in the first quarter and another in the second to lead all scorers in the first half with nine points. Hoffman had eight.

Whitman forward Kathleen O’Mara had two quick buckets to start the third quarter that would spark a 15-5 run and give Whitman a 30-22 lead with two minutes to go in the period. Northport would get points from only one player in the quarter, and it was sophomore forward Grace Gilmartin with 7, who showed good mobility and hustle coming off the bench.

“I told the girls at halftime that whoever won the third quarter was going to win the game,” said Castellano. “We play the same type of tight game with this team every time we face them, and two of their stars really played well in that quarter. It was too much for us to overcome.”

The senior O’Mara finished with 13 points and eight rebounds, and the lead for the team from South Huntington would balloon to 13 with seven minutes remaining in the game. It looked like things were getting away from the Lady Tigers.

But Radziul made Castellano’s prophecy come true, as this game would go down to the wire. She hit a spinner in the lane and a three pointer to make it a six-point game with three minutes on the clock.

The Wildcat lead would stay at six until Radziul’s one-person, lightning ambush to cut it one with less than a minute to go. But Hoffman made sure that was as close as the Lady Tigers would get.

“I always want the ball in that situation,” Hoffman said. “I’ve been playing point guard since my sophomore year, and I think that I thrive under the pressure,” adding, “I’m used to it.”

If there is one thing the Lady Tigers — who were 21-2 last season and undefeated at home — are not used to, it is losing.

Cergol and Cook leave Huntington Town Board with accolades

by TBR Staff - December 17, 2023

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By Sabrina Artusa

Huntington Town Councilwoman Joan Cergol and Councilman Eugene Cook received a send-off at their final Town Board meeting Tuesday, Dec. 12.

Cergol (D) joined the board in 2017 but has worked in the supervisor’s office for 16 years. Several presenters, from thankful constituents, staff and co-workers — including former Town Supervisor Frank Petrone, fellow councilmembers and former Deputy Supervisor Patricia DelCol — commended Cergol on her public service record.

Tom Hogan, a member of the Huntington Small Business Economic Recovery Task Force, expressed his gratitude for Cergol’s achievements, which include securing millions in grant funding and for Huntington’s downtown, working to increase affordable housing and establishing a shellfish garden.

Ken Patrick Johnson, director of the African American Task Force, said, “Joan’s tenacity, no excuses, getting-it-done work ethic inspired me to get interested in how local government works.”

Town Clerk Andrew Raia (R) added, “Joan, you helped teach me how to be a better elected official when it comes to bipartisanship because you look right past the politics and get right to the issue.”

Cook (R) was elected in 2012, and during his service has maintained his contracting business. Often referred to as a “self-made man,” Cook began his career as a welder before becoming a business owner and councilmember. Petrone complimented Cook’s determination, insight and fresh approach to politics. Veteran affairs was a signature concern of Cook’s.

Richard McGrath, member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, wrote in a letter to Cook, “Your commitment to focus on public service instead of politics became good politics. … You always still seem to find the time and often the resources to help anyone who needed help and asked you.”

“You put the pieces together, and the veterans will always be grateful,” Raia said of Cook, who often worked on behalf of veterans and taxpayers. For example, he repaved the Northport VA golf course at no cost to taxpayers.

In addition to celebrating the service of Cergol and Cook, the town staged a public hearing exploring the possibility of designating two properties as historical landmarks.

Barry Lites thanked the board for their role in the receipt of a county grant of $500,000 for the development of the Huntington African American Museum. Lites is president of the museum board. Cergol sponsored the resolution to dedicate town-owned land for the museum’s 99-year lease.

Brooke Lupinacci and Theresa Mari were elected to fill the seats of Cergol and Cook, and will be sworn in at the next Town Board meeting Jan. 3.

“In the rough and tumble of politics and government you can get a little beat up, but it is worth it for times like this,” Cergol said of her farewell.

Huntington’s Polar Plungers dive deep for Special Olympics

by TBR Staff - December 16, 2023

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By Michael Scro

The Town of Huntington hosted its 3rd annual Polar Plunge event at Frank P. Petrone Crab Meadow Beach on Sunday, Dec. 10, when well over 100 participants bravely made their way into the frigid water for a worthy cause, helping to raise more than $22,000 for Special Olympic athletes.

With temperatures unseasonably warm — at high 40s, low 50s — on the cloudy December morning, the water was somewhat more tolerable but still sent most plungers into shivers and cold shock as soon as they hit the water.

Town of Huntington Councilman Dave Bennardo (R) thanked everyone for attending, including students from neighboring schools such as Elwood, South Huntington and Northport, highlighting “the real stars of the show being our friends from the Special Olympics.”

John Cronin and his father, Mark, from John’s Crazy Socks, a Farmingdale-based business that sells various themed socks and donates 5% of its earnings to the Special Olympics, co-hosted the event with the town. Bennardo also pointed out that John Cronin has done 10 Polar Plunges, prompting a round of applause.

“John is an inspiration,” Bennardo said. “If he can do all the great things he’s done, we can certainly plunge in the water once for our Special Olympic friends,” adding, “Today, we put aside differences and different sides of the aisle and focus on something that has no downside — taking care of people we love.”

With John Cronin by his father’s side, Mark asked if he was ready to take another plunge, to which he happily replied, “I was born ready.” John and his father also handed participants polar bear-themed socks to help keep them warm after the plunge.

Letters to the Editor: Dec. 14, 2023

by TBR Staff - December 16, 2023

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letters_page-scaled-1-700x467-1-1-2-2 — File photo by Raymond Janis

Café a special addition to Emma Clark Library

If you haven’t already, set aside some time to visit the new café at our beautiful Emma S. Clark Memorial Library [Level Up Kitchen Library Café]. I took some time out this morning to have a delicious breakfast with a dear friend. There are tables and chairs set up in the sunny hallway leading to the magazine room to enjoy the delicious food. This is a wonderful addition to an already spectacular library, especially now at holiday time. A perfect spot to take a break from our hectic schedules. I can’t wait to be able to sit outside on the terrace when spring rolls around.

Madeline Morris

Setauket

Clarifying lawsuits against PJSD

An article in the Dec. 7 Port Times Record (“Suffolk school districts pay millions to settle child abuse lawsuits”) misstated that the Port Jefferson School District has settled seven lawsuits from former students. These cases, filed in Suffolk County Supreme Court in 2020 and 2021, are presently pending and have not been settled.

While the accusations made by these former students are certainly very disturbing, the behavior of the present Board of Education and the superintendent of schools needs to be closely examined by the taxpayers of this district since both were fully aware, since 2020, of these lawsuits and their possible financial implications.

Nonetheless, residents were asked on two occasions (in 2022 and 2023) to support multimillion dollar bonds as well as other questionable expenses (costly new bleachers and a ”security booth” at the high school, etc.), thereby depleting capital reserves, while a large legal cloud loomed overhead and was unknown to taxpayers.

The board and superintendent, understandably, could not disclose the specific details of the seven lawsuits. However, in the interest of both transparency as well as the responsibility to be diligent guardians of district funds, some indication of the possible financial implication of this situation should have been made known to taxpayers prior to costly undertakings since, ultimately, these taxpayers would have to pick up the tab. Instead, the superintendent and the board majority continued their ”heads in the sand” approach, with excessive spending despite declining student enrollment, dwindling LIPA revenue and seven pending lawsuits.

In their expose of child abuse lawsuits and settlements on Long Island, Newsday interviewed Ron Masera, of the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association, who stated (in a video interview posted on Newsday’s website), “This is the age of transparency. We’re in a place where this is not something you can or should hide from your community.”

By this standard of transparency, the Port Jefferson superintendent and the Board of Education deserve an “F.”

Charles G. Backfish

Port Jefferson

Thank you, voters

To the residents of the 12th Legislative District, both former and new.

Thank you for returning me to my fifth full term as your Suffolk County legislator. I am truly humbled and honored by the overwhelming measure of support you have provided. Having been reelected, the challenge now becomes how to govern wisely, fairly and equitably with our newly elected county executive [Ed Romaine (R)].

I look forward to continuing my efforts to preserve our suburban way of life, to keep an eye on affordability and to deliver services to our veterans and seniors and families as their needs continue to increase.

As many of you became aware, the lines of the 12th Legislative District shifted east from the Commack area, my hometown, all the way to the Centereach/Selden/Holbrook borders. I will miss my past constituents but look forward to the new opportunities and community issues to address in the upcoming legislative term.

Please feel free to contact me at my office at 631-854-3735, or at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

I wish a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, a joyous Kwanzaa and Happy Holidays to all. Remember those in need, and check on a neighbor.

With thanks and great regard,

Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset)

Suffolk County Legislator

12th District

Community vision for Jefferson Plaza

I was extremely proud of how the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville community turned out to voice their opinions at the Brookhaven Town Board meeting on Thursday, Nov. 30. It was an honor to represent the hamlet in a worthwhile discussion regarding the amount of multifamily rental units, building heights, architectural design and traffic issues along Route 112 and Terryville Road.

We are fortunate to have Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich [D] and Supervisor-elect Dan Panico [R] guiding us through the Staller redevelopment process of the Jefferson Shopping Plaza. Political leaders often do not get credit for the time and devotion they give to the constituents they represent. The Port Jefferson Station/Terryville community should be encouraged by the steady hand displayed on that long Thursday night by our elected officials who will make sure the project will be something exciting and something of which the residents will be proud.

By working with Staller Associates, our local civic association and the chamber of commerce, I have the utmost confidence the supervisor-elect and our councilmember will put in the hard work to bring quality revitalization all along the Route 112 corridor.

Carolyn Sagliocca, Vice President

Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association

Concerning incident at Village Hall

At a recent Village board meeting, I found myself at the center of a concerning situation that raises questions about the responsible use of village resources, particularly regarding the village attorney, whose fees are paid by taxpayers.

As an engaged resident deeply invested in our community’s well-being, I’ve long upheld the principles of transparency, open communication and fairness. However, a recent incident at Village Hall has given rise to deep concerns about the potential misuse of village assets for personal and retaliatory purposes.

During a routine public board meeting, legal papers were hastily served to me as I exited, raising unsettling questions. I am concerned and disheartened, as it seems there’s an attempt to force me into surrendering control of a Facebook page, a demand that holds no merit, as I am not the page’s owner. The vindictive nature of this attempt to seize control of a Facebook page, raises significant doubts about the real motivations behind such actions and whether they align with the values we, as a community, hold dear.

The involvement of the village attorney in this matter is particularly distressing. The village attorney’s role is to serve the community’s best interests, not to be manipulated for personal vendettas. Using taxpayer-funded legal resources for what appears to be a personal matter is both ethically questionable and an inappropriate use of public funds. When I directly questioned the attorney if he was acting in his capacity as the village attorney, he stated that he was “acting at the direction of the mayor.”

How can we believe the mayor’s recent proposals for a new ethics code and professing transparency while this incident clearly lacks both. It’s disheartening when actions contradict the very principles being advocated.

Moreover, it’s crucial to note that this action was taken at the mayor’s direction without the knowledge of the trustees, further clouding the transparency and accountability of village affairs.

As a concerned resident, I question the motives behind this action and the appropriateness of utilizing village resources for such questionable purposes. I hope this incident sparks a much-needed dialogue within our community about the responsible use of public funds and the imperative of fostering an environment where disputes can be resolved through open communication rather than by weaponizing the village attorney.

Let’s collaborate to ensure our village resources are used judiciously and that our community stands as a shining example of fairness, true transparency and cooperation for all residents.

Kathianne Snaden

Port Jefferson

Editor’s note: The writer served as Port Jeff Village trustee from 2019-23.

The perils of bail reform

I would like to respond to Timothy Glynn’s letter of Nov. 23 regarding bail reform [“Why cashless bail is right”]. I take exception to his statement that “New York’s vision of bail reform was limited to misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies’” and we should “take the dangerous criminal argument off the table.” He probably did not hear about the Quogue woman accused of trying to burn multiple houses in Hampton Bays as reported by News 12 on Nov. 14.

She was arrested and released without bail and less than two hours later tried to rob a Dollar store armed with a knife. I would hope Mr. Glynn would reconsider his position about what he considers a dangerous criminal. This incident was not a person arrested for shoplifting a loaf of bread. This was a person accused of three felony arson charges. I hope reasonable people can agree that is most certainly a dangerous criminal act. The “bail reform” law has been “tweaked” by lawmakers a couple of times already and still there are serious problems with it. It could be because the law was passed by one party with no stakeholder input from law enforcement or district attorneys. Passing a law with such serious implications to the safety and security of the entire state based on ideology alone is not proving to be a wise or successful endeavor. I have never seen data suggesting that a liberal state like New York had large numbers of petty criminals languishing in our jails. The one anecdote used by the more extreme proponents of bail reform cites a case about a person they say went to jail for merely stealing a backpack. Researching that case reveals misinformation. The person involved was charged with robbery, not larceny, and was held due to being on probation at the time of his arrest.

I think the solution is having a “dangerousness standard” like the other 49 states have, so a judge can ensure that dangerous criminals are held. I think reasonable people can agree to release petty criminals, but can we also agree that a shoplifter with 50 or 80 arrests is showing they don’t care about following the law. If not, we could end up like Washington, D.C., where you have to ring a bell in the store to buy a roll of toilet paper since it’s locked up to prevent theft.

Common sense should prevail.

Charles Tramontana

Setauket

Governor unveils new clean water program in Suffolk County, targets septics

by Raymond Janis - December 16, 2023

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GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES TRANSFORMATIVE $479 MILLION INVESTMENT FOR 156 LOCAL WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN EVERY REGION OF NEW YORK — Gov. Kathy Hochul announces $479 million in grants for water infrastructure projects. Photo courtesy the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

As on any other weekday, traffic buzzed along Vanderbilt Motor Parkway in Hauppauge on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 12. Yet unknown to those in their vehicles, it was no ordinary weekday.

At the Suffolk County Water Authority’s Education Center and Laboratory, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) joined public officials, environmentalists and SCWA staff to launch $479 million in grants statewide to invest in clean water.

The program earmarks $30 million for the state’s clean water septic system replacements, directing $20 million of that sum into Suffolk County. Another $17 million will support protecting drinking water from emerging contaminants, Hochul added.

The governor projected the initiative would spur 24,000 new jobs statewide and save ratepayers $1.3 billion annually.

“This is a great day for the people of this county and the people of this state,” she said. “It’s an investment in our environment. It’s an investment in justice. And it’s an investment in our future for all of our children.”

From left, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone; Gov. Kathy Hochul; Adrienne Esposito, executive director of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment; and Suffolk County Water Authority board chair Charlie Lefkowitz. Photo courtesy the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Outgoing Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) reported that 360,000 homes and businesses within the county operate on aging septic systems and cesspools, contaminating the sole-source aquifer on Long Island. He said this stimulus, coupled with a $10 million investment by the county Legislature, would enable the county government to fund septic replacements in 2024 and 2025.

“This is an exciting moment because we can see the path to solving the crisis,” Bellone said, adding the funds would bolster the clean water septic industry in Suffolk while advancing the administration’s two primary objectives of establishing a countywide wastewater management district and the Clean Water Restoration Fund — blocked by the county Legislature earlier this year.

SCWA board chair Charlie Lefkowitz said the funds would assist the public utility in its mission of eliminating emerging contaminants from the drinking supply.

“This announcement today is historic,” he said. “It’s historic that the sewer projects, the septics that contaminate and get into our bays and streams and harbors — we can finally address it.”

He added, “We look at some of these large infrastructure projects that we’re working on — sewer projects, the electrification of the Long Island Rail Road’s Port Jeff Branch — these are projects that when you look back 100, 150 years and none of us are here, they’ll say, ‘That group of people really did it the right way.’”

Nana Carol offers stories, crafts and support at The Next Chapter bookstore

by Tara Mae - December 15, 2023

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Above, children listen to Nana Carol read a picture book during Story & Craft time at the Next Chapter in Huntington while parents and caregivers look on. Photo courtesy of The Next Chapter

By Tara Mae

“It is the perfect job, but it is not work.”

This is how Carol Parker describes her free weekly children’s Story & Craft, which she hosts on Mondays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at The Next Chapter bookstore in Huntington.

Like any good grandmotherly figure, Nana Carol, as she is known, has a generosity and geniality to her that translates into her storytelling. Allaying any shyness and welcoming all who join her, Nana Carol strives to engage her temporary charges with warmth and wonder. Yet, Parker’s effervescent engagement is not without an outline and structure. Each session follows a loose schedule: gentle movement, spellbinding stories, and creative crafts.

“We begin with our little stretch…I lead them with a little rhyme: tall as a tree, wide as a house, thin as a pin, quiet as a mouse,” Parker, who lives in Huntington, said. “It sets the tone and they have gotten so good at it. All the kids are quite happy to sit down when I ask. We start a book, but I do not just read it, we talk as I read. As the story progresses, the children start out on carpet, then creep closer and closer.”

The attentive tykes move from their spots on the bookstore’s alphabet rug, stealthily moving forward until they are gathered around Parker, at her knee. Enrapturing them with an eclectic assortment of character voices, Parker puts her own touch on modern classics and old favorites.

Through these personifications, Parker shares stories that have a message. Her favorite books to read to the kids are from the Bad Seed series, written by John Jory and illustrated by Pete Oswald. They tell the story of a bad seed: ill-mannered and ill-tempered. Through the transformative power of will, acceptance, and personal growth, he is able to sprout a new attitude.

“I love those books…I ask them questions after every page, so they have a memory that coincides with what we are reading. Kids get what is going on; they become so excited and interact,” she said.

This aligns with Parker’s philosophy of providing the kids as well as their parents/caretakers with more than just story time: she encourages an interactive experience that ignites inceptive imaginations. Originally geared towards infants through four years old, Nana Carol wants to welcome kids of all ages to enjoy stories and a craft.

“Week to week is different since you never know the age of the kids in advance nor how long you can keep them interested,” Parker said. The average audience member’s attention span for active listening is about two books long, then it is craft time.

Crafts are primarily paper-based to limit mess and mayhem: no glitter allowed. Parker precuts the pieces and individually packs each craft in separate bags for each child. Activities have holiday and seasonal themes. In the fall, the children constructed autumnal wreathes and scarecrows.

Parker’s attention to detail extends to her craft supplies, which come from her personal collection. A couple of years ago, she found out that a nursery school was closing, and with the assistance of her daughter-in-law, rescued construction paper, markers, and other materials.

Well-versed in applying ingenuity as inspiration, Parker always plans the crafts, but may not select what to read until she is perusing the shelves of The Next Chapter.

An avid reader since her childhood in England — her favorite books were by English children’s writer Enid Blyton — as an adult, Parker’s tastes now gravitate towards the writings of Jodi Picoult, Kristin Hannah, and any works that cover World War II as a topic.

Parker, who came to the United States as a senior in high school, does not have many memories of being read to as a child. But, she has consistently sought to share her reverence of the written word with her kids and grandkids.

In fact it was this passion, and her frequent trips to a former local bookstore, that led to her popular moniker.

“Nana Carol came from taking my grandkids to Book Revue in Huntington all the time; the staff heard me being called ‘nana’ and just applied it to my first name,” Parker said.

Around 2018, when her grandchildren were a bit older, she volunteered her services for Book Revue’s story time. Nana Carol was an apparent natural with the bookstore’s youngest patrons, who quickly became enamored with her energy and emotional resonance.

The pandemic halted this progress; the ability to enrapture very young minds was lost in translation on Zoom. In 2021, unable to afford its rent, Book Revue closed.

What seemed like the end of a saga, was actually the start of a fresh narrative. Staff of Book Revue banded together to open The Next Chapter, and reached out to Parker, inviting her to join them in this new venture. She readily agreed, and together they have been building a literary legacy.

“They took donations of tables and chairs, set up little areas where you can sit and read; it is very homey. Book Revue was wide, The Next Chapter is long. Its’ set up is lovely,” Parker said. “On Saturdays they have a flea market in the parking lot, with artisans displaying personal crafts, artists showing art, etc. [The staff] is really trying to establish a destination like Book Revue used to be. They are so very good to me.”

And Parker is good their smallest clients. “I love kids and I love doing this…To make a child smile, make a child happy, that’s like a million dollar check to me,” she said.

The Next Chapter Bookstore is located at 204 New York Avenue in Huntington. For more information about Story & Craft with Nana Carol, other programs, and the bookstore itself, please visit www.thenextchapterli.com.

Governor Kathy Hochul Comes To Town — The Pressroom Afterhour

by TBR Staff - December 15, 2023

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Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2sbdtzM4DGXutANVleYdS7?si=ai8VPxiXQ3G7e9E2YgLevQ

Join us as Governor Kathy Hochul brings big bucks for clean water initiatives, tackling outdated septic systems in Suffolk County. Port Jefferson celebrates 60 years as an incorporated village, and we explore the grand opening of a regional veterans museum in Rocky Point. Turn the page with us for a quick dive into the week’s top stories on The Pressroom Afterhour: Keeping it Local with TBR.

Visit tbrnewsmedia.com to read these stories and more. Follow us on:

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Suffolk D.A.: Fort Salonga doctor, wife who appeared on ‘Below Deck’ charged with fake opioid prescription scheme

by Press Release - December 14, 2023

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Ray Tierney photo (1) — Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III On Dec. 14 announced the indictment of Francis and Jessica Martinis, of Fort Salonga, accused of alleged Criminal Sale of Prescription for a Controlled Substance by a Practitioner and Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, for allegedly prescribing and filling prescriptions for opioids throughout Suffolk County using the names of cast members of a reality show.

“Doctors are supposed to be trusted members of the community and with that trust comes a tremendous amount of personal and professional responsibility,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Physicians are held to a high standard, as they take an oath to uphold a number of professional ethical standards when they begin their careers. The conduct Dr. Martinis allegedly engaged in with his wife not only violated this oath, but it also violated the law.”

“The DEA is rooted in an ‘all hands-on deck’ approach to save lives from illegal drug misuse and abuse through enforcement, education, and prevention. By working with our law enforcement partners and the community, we identified two individuals who brazenly diverted controlled substances intended for medicinal purposes to the illegal drug market,” said U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “These arrests are a reminder that a doctor’s illicit drug diversion can lead to irreparable harm like the drug overdoses and poisonings currently plaguing our nation.”

According to the investigation, in January 2023, Jessica Martinis, 38, raised red flags when she allegedly tried to fill a hand-written prescription for oxycodone issued by her husband Francis Martinis, 55, a urologist, at a pharmacy in Kings Park. The prescription was unusual as most prescriptions are transmitted electronically from a doctor directly to a pharmacy. Furthermore, Jessica Martinis was allegedly not the patient listed on the prescription. The pharmacist ultimately refused to fill the prescription and called the Suffolk County Police Department.

Following this incident, members of the Suffolk County Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Long Island District Office Tactical Diversion Squad, with assistance from Homeland Security, launched an investigation into the doctor’s most recent history of issuing prescriptions. The investigation revealed that Francis Martinis had allegedly electronically transmitted numerous prescriptions for oxycodone to pharmacies within Suffolk County.

In addition, the purported patients named on the prescriptions were former cast members on the Bravo television series “Below Deck,” none of whom lived on Long Island. Francis and Jessica Martinis had previously appeared on the reality show series.

Once transmitted to the pharmacies, Jessica Martinis allegedly picked up and paid for the prescriptions with cash. The investigation further revealed that the prescriptions were never intended for or received by the purported patients named on the prescriptions.

On December 14, 2023, Francis and Jessica Martinis were arraigned before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard Ambro, for four counts of Criminal Sale of Prescription for a Controlled Substance by a Practitioner, Class C felonies, and four counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, Class E felonies. Justice Ambro ordered that each of the Martinis be placed on supervised release during the pendency of their cases. They are due back in court on January 25, 2024, and are being represented by Peter Crusco, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Wickers of the Narcotics Bureau, with investigative assistance from the Suffolk County Police Department, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The DEA Long Island District Office TDS Group comprises agents and officers of the DEA, Suffolk Police Department, Nassau Police Department, Port Washington Police Department and HHS OIG.

Preservation Long Island announces 2023 list of endangered historic places

by Press Release - December 14, 2023

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Kings Park Psychiatric Center. Photo courtesy of Preserve KPPC

Properties in Brentwood, Huntington, Kings Park, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Riverhead, and Smithtown are included in Preservation Long Island’s biennial list of Endangered Historic Places.

Preservation Long Island’s 2023 Endangered Historic Places List features seven nominated sites that span Long Island from a lighthouse on the Sound off Kings Point, to an early power plant in Riverhead. From historic homesteads to an expansive former mental health campus, the latest list highlights the historical richness of the region.

The Preservation Long Island (PLI) Endangered Historic Places Program (EHPP) is designed to identify, highlight, and address the imminent threats faced by significant historical sites and structures across Long Island. Properties are nominated to the list by concerned citizens and groups on Long Island. The program aims to raise public awareness about the endangered status of these historical places. PLI engages in advocacy efforts to garner support from the local community and beyond, emphasizing the importance of preserving these sites for future generations.

“The program offers Long Islanders an opportunity to advocate for preservation in their communities while learning how to use tools like landmark designation, tax incentives, and public outreach,” said Alexandra Wolfe, Preservation Long Island’s Executive Director. “Our program partners receive priority technical assistance from our professional staff and their listings are featured on our website and social media.”

“Operating on two levels, the program seeks to educate and mobilize new preservation advocates while identifying endangered historic places,” said Tara Cubie, Preservation Long Island’s Director of Preservation and Advocacy. “The relationships fostered by becoming an EHPP listing site are long term. The goal is for communities to develop sustainable comprehensive strategies for the protection and preservation of their historic resources.”

A panel of Preservation Long Island staff and trustees, as well as experts in architecture, historic preservation, and other related fields selected the properties based on three key criteria: overall historic significance, severity of the threat and impact the EHPP listing will have on efforts to protect the nominated site.

In-person events are planned for the Spring of 2024 that include site tours, and panel discussions open to the public. Visit the EHPP page on our website to learn more about each of the selected sites and browse the schedule of upcoming events.

Preservation Long Island invites all Long Islanders to join us in celebrating and supporting the important sites on Long Island’s List of Endangered Historic Places for 2023:

Eliphalet Whitman House (c. 1736), Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown (part of Caleb Smith State Park). Listed on the National Register as a contributing structure to the Wyandanch Club Historic District, the house does not appear to be maintained and is showing significant signs of neglect and deterioration.

Perkins Electric Generating Plant (Riverhead Electric Co), West Main Street, Riverhead. Constructed in 1897, it was one of the earliest electric plants on Long Island. The building is vacant and deteriorating.

Steppingstone Lighthouse, Long Island Sound, off Kings Point and South of City Island (owned by Town of North Hempstead). Completed in 1877, it is one of the last offshore lighthouses in the Upper Mid-Atlantic to be built of brick and stone. The site is threatened by deterioration and neglect.

King’s Park Psychiatric Center, Nissequogue River State Park, Kings Park. A former mental health facility established in 1884, with the oldest extant buildings dating from 1890, the complex is significant for its architecture and as a cultural historic landscape. The Master Plan for the park finalized in August 2023, proposes demolition of Kings Park Boulevard.

Coindre Hall Boathouse, Town of Huntington. Located directly behind Coindre Hall (c.1912), the boat house is a miniature replica of the mansion. No longer safe for use, the structure has been fenced in for safety purposes, and is in bad condition. Although there has been stabilization work completed, there is debate regarding whether the building should be restored or the waterfront should be turned into a nature reserve.

Shutt House, Town of Islip. The house is one of the original homes in Modern Times (1851-1864), Long Island’s utopian community (which evolved into today’s Brentwood). The structure is threatened by proposed demolition and development by the current owner.

Mill Pond House, Town of Oyster Bay. Built before 1720, the Mill Pond House is one of the oldest surviving dwellings in Oyster Bay. The building has been vacant since 2008 and continues to deteriorate.

Preservation Long Island’s Endangered Historic Places Program is made possible in part by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

About Preservation Long Island

Preservation Long Island is a not-for-profit organization that works with Long Islanders to raise awareness, appreciation, and support for the protection of our shared past through advocacy, education, and the stewardship of historic sites and collections.

Preservation Long Island’s preservation advocacy services support the work of our local partners in communities across the region. We offer consultation and strategic guidance for Long Islanders seeking help with local preservation projects, including historic resource surveys, local landmark designation, National Register listing, and restoration or adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

Preservation Long Island also maintains and interprets historic sites and collections that embody various aspects of Long Island’s history including:

Joseph Lloyd Manor, Lloyd Harbor

Custom House, Sag Harbor

Sherwood-Jayne Farm, Setauket

Old Methodist Church and Exhibition Gallery

Art League of Long Island announces the beginning of a new era

by Press Release - December 14, 2023

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Reconstruction, reopening, and calls for donations to ensure future sustainability

The Art League of Long Island (ALLI) in Dix Hills has announced the successful beginning of the reconstruction efforts following the devastating damage caused by heavy rainfall on September 29, 2023. The catastrophe led to substantial damage to all nine studios, the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery, office space, and the library.

Despite the challenges faced, the Art League community remained resilient. Temporary accommodations were arranged for classes and exhibitions, hosted by supportive partners such as Spirit of Huntington, Nassau Community College’s Art Department, Nassau County Museum of Art, and the Half Hollow Hills and Northport School Districts. Exhibitions, including one hosted by Empire Mazda of Huntington, continued to thrive. The Art League of Long Island stood firm, ensuring the continuity of its programs and events.

Reconstruction efforts, managed by Anthony Lauto of Camber Strategies, are comprehensive, including renovations to the building and grounds. Critical infrastructure enhancements, such as the installation of six catch basins, a new concrete walkway, updated curbing to the foundation, a water dam, and additional drywells. Essential repairs to the parking lot and internal spaces are also being executed, including patching of sheetrock and drywall, improved insulation, repainting of the Strolling & Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery, installation of new flooring, and enhancements to studios for better lighting and storage.

The total cost of these efforts amounts to approximately $500,000, entirely funded through internal resources. However, the Art League of Long Island continues to seek support from the community through donations to match its programs with the renewed space and to establish an endowment for future sustainability.

Executive Director, Marianne Della Croce highlighted, “Our mission, dating back to 1955, has been to provide broad-based visual arts education and serve as a platform for artists of all ages and abilities. Our vision remains steadfast in creating an art-centric community that fosters creativity and support. We are seeking continued backing from our community to ensure the Art League continues its impactful journey.”

The Art League of Long Island invites individuals and businesses to contribute through memberships, donations, and employer matching programs. Every contribution will help sustain the Art League’s mission, supporting artists’ development, outreach programs to underserved communities, and maintaining high-quality fine arts exhibitions.

For more information on how to donate and support the Art League of Long Island, please visit www.artleagueli.org.

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Preservation Long Island announces 2023 list of endangered historic places

Art League of Long Island announces the beginning of a new era

Reconstruction, reopening, and calls for donations to ensure future sustainability

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