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Times of Huntington-Northport

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From left, Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO, Gurwin Healthcare System; Arlene Markarian, Safe Observant Seniors Program Coordinator & Nassau County Elder Abuse Enhanced Multidisciplinary Team Coordinator, FCA—Family & Children’s Association; Megan Shergill, Vice President of CDPAP Services, Community Care; Laura LaFauci, LI Director of Community Outreach, Amber Court Communities; Julie Wexler MPA, Director of Business Development, The Bristal Assisted Living; Kerri Winans Kaley, Director of Business Development, Encore Luxury Living; Jennifer B. Cona, Esq. Managing Partner Cona Elder Law PLLC.
From left, Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Esq., senior partner, Cona Elder Law; Mr. David Marshall; Jennifer B. Cona, Esq. Managing Partner Cona Elder Law PLLC.

More than 200 guests and 40 elder care industry sponsors and exhibitors gathered for the annual Cona Elder Law Caregiver Conference at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington in Melville on May 8 to discuss “The Loneliness Epidemic: Tackling Isolation, Care Needs & Finances In Senior Living,”

This year’s conference focused on social senior living options and explore key differences between assisted living, independent living, continuing care retirement communities, the ALP program and the CDPAP program, allowing different options for family and financial support.

“Loneliness has been declared a public health epidemic by the US Surgeon General because it reportedly leads to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and depression,” said Jennifer Cona, Founder and Managing Partner of Cona Elder Law, located in Melville. “The majority of adults aged 65 and older report feeling lonely. For this already vulnerable population, it is critical that we consider alternatives to aging-in-place.”

Topics also included financing senior living, including asset protection planning, Medicaid planning and eligibility, and provide practical tips for determining the best way to finance needed care and services.

Presenting Sponsors Included: Cona Elder Law, Gurwin Healthcare Systems, Amber Court Assisted Living, The Bristal Assisted Living, Encore Luxury Living, Community Care Home Health Services, and Family & Children’s Association. 

Conference Sponsors included: SeniorCare Companions, Inc., Life’s WORC, Long Island Alzheimer’s & Dementia Center, Heritage Harbor Financial Associates, Jerusalem Memorial Chapels, Senior Health Plan Specialists Inc., Handled Real Estate, Centerlight Healthcare, Alzheimer’s Association, and M&T Bank.

Cona Elder Law also presented its annual Caregiver of the Year award at the conference to David Marshall, of Baldwin, a dedicated husband who has helped and supported his wife of 75 years as she lives with dementia. A WWII veteran, David was recognized for his infinite dedication and service to his wife as a model caregiver.

Photo 2: Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Esq., senior partner, Cona Elder Law; Mr. David Marshall; Jennifer B. Cona, Esq. Managing Partner Cona Elder Law PLLC.

ABOUT CONA ELDER LAW: 

Cona Elder Law is an award-winning law firm concentrating in the areas of elder law, estate planning, estate administration and litigation, and health care law.  Cona Elder Law takes a holistic approach to elder law, providing support and resources for older adults and caregivers. The firm has been consistently ranked the #1 Elder Law Firm by various publications and industry awards.  For additional information, visit www.conaelderlaw.com.

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Astronomy Day. Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt Museum

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road Centerport will celebrate Astronomy Day 2024 on Saturday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Astronomy Day at the Vanderbilt is part of an international celebration of educational programs designed to engage audiences in the awe-inspiring fields of Earth and space science. Sponsored by PSEG Long Island, activities are free to all visitors who pay general admission.

This Vanderbilt STEM education event will include exciting science, take-home materials, and engaging discussion about science and society. Participants will create nebula spin art, investigate constellations, explore craters, and much moreThese fun activities introduce guests to the ongoing research happening at NASA in the fields of Earth science, planetary science and astrophysics. Astronomy educators will perform free earth science and astronomy demonstrations for adults and children.

Toolkits for these demonstrations were developed by the National Informal Science Education Network (NISE NET).

Members of the Astronomical Society of Long Island, an astronomy club based at the Reichert Planetarium, will have telescopes on display and will be giving short presentations on how to use them.

Weather permitting, there will be solar telescopes available so that guests may safely look at details on the surface of the Sun.

Purchase General Admission Ticket for May 18

 

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Photo by Steven Zaitz
Photo by Steven Zaitz
Photo by Steven Zaitz
Photo by Steven Zaitz
Photo by Steven Zaitz
Photo by Steven Zaitz
Photo by Steven Zaitz
Photo by Steven Zaitz
Photo by Steven Zaitz
Photo by Steven Zaitz
Photo by Steven Zaitz

By Steven Zaitz

With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, Newfield Wolverine starting pitcher Matthew Hesselbirg fired a no-hitter on Friday, May 3 against Northport to keep his team alive in the postseason hunt. 

The senior righthander struck out seven Tiger batters and walked two over seven innings and despite not allowing a hit, fought through several troublesome innings when Northport put multiple men on base.

The Wolverines scored single runs in the fourth and fifth innings to secure the 2-0 win. Newfield right-fielder Brandon Seddio drew a one-out walk in the fourth and then stole second. Tiger pitchers Tyler Roethel and Vincent Staub combined to walk three batters in a row to force in Seddio and give the Wolverines a 1-0 lead. Seddio would knock in center fielder Kevin Brown in the fifth inning with a single to make it 2-0.

Meanwhile, Hesselbirg got harder to hit as the game wore on.  The Tigers had a man on second and third in the second inning but Roethel flew out to Brown to end the frame. Tiger catcher Reid Johansen reached on an error in the fourth and advanced to third on a ground out and a wild pitch. But he got no further. Hesselbirg struck out the side in order in the fifth and faced the minimum in the sixth.

He hit Tiger third-baseman Cody Hammer with one out in the seventh and allowed a walk to right-fielder Sean Buchanan to put the tying runs on base.

But Tiger pinch hitter Anthony Sylvanus hit a sharp grounder to shortstop Cayden Davis, who started a 6-4-3 double play to end the game and give Hesselbirg his no-no. 

Roethel pitched 3 2/3 innings and was charged with the run in the fourth. He struck out four. Side-armer Vincent Staub pitched the final 2 1/3 for Northport.

Newfield (7-9) needs to sweep Centereach in a three-game set this week to make the playoffs.  Centereach is the first-place team in Suffolk Conference III. Northport (10-8) has clinched a playoff spot, despite the loss, and will play Sachem East to close the season.

– Photos by Steven Zaitz

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Photo from Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve

The Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve is sponsoring a Label Design Contest for photographers and artists!! The winning image of this 18th-century tide mill will be printed on the labels of a custom brew issued by Six Harbors Brewing Company this August, and the winner will be celebrated at a special awards ceremony at the brewery.

The Label Design Contest is open to photographers and artists. We will accept one black-and-white and/or one-color entry. The label specs are 8×4.8125″ with .125″ bleed around. We will accept landscape orientation photos and drawings.  Photos and camera-ready art should be submitted to  Claudia Fortunato-Napolitano, Executive Director, at [email protected] or mailed to Lefferts Mill at P.O. Box 1482, Huntington, NY 11743, by June 30, 2024.  

If you are a photographer or an artist, be creative! It is our mission to restore the eighteenth-century Tide Mill & Dam. As such, a barge is filled with tools in front of the Tide Mill.  Your goal is to capture the essence of the Tide Mill, either with the barge or without.

“The Lefferts Tide Mill is a place where you can capture the essence of the beautiful setting that has been home to the Tide Mill for 231 years,” commented Claudia Fortunato-Napolitano, the Executive Director.

For creative inspiration, take a tour of the mill operated by the Huntington Historical Society, paddle your kayak to the end of Puppy Cove, or visit us at www.leffertstidemill.org .

The Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve is a not-for-profit organization, established in 2013, with a mission to preserve and protect an 18th century tide mill, located in the Village of Lloyd Harbor, that is the best-preserved tidal grist mill in the United States.  The mill design is based on U.S. Patent No. 3 for an “automatic mill” signed by President George Washington.  The mill pond has flourished into a haven for native and migratory waterfowl, contributing significantly to the region’s biodiversity. 

For more information, contact Claudia Fortunato-Napolitano at [email protected] . 

 

 

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Photo courtesy of ELIJA
Photo courtesy of ELIJA

ELIJA (Empowering Long Island’s Journey through Autism) officially opened its marketplace at ELIJA Farm, paving the way to employment and a pathway to adulthood for individuals with autism.

The marketplace will be staffed by individuals with autism, that ELIJA hires from funds raised during its Pave the Way to Employment campaign, which will continue through Mother’s Day. This exciting new venture will increase and enrich vocational training beyond current farming operations. Employees will learn how to prepare and store food, develop customer service and learn other skills that will get them ready for future work opportunities and assist them with living independently.

ELIJA Founder and CEO Deb Thivierge led the ribbon cutting, and was joined by ELIJA Board President Joann Scanlon, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr., New York State Senator Mario Mattera and Assemblyman Steve Stern, Suffolk County Legislators Steve Flotteron, Rebecca Sanin and Tom Donnelly, Huntington Town Clerk Andrew Raia, Highway Superintendent Andre Sorrentino, Huntington Deputy Town Supervisor John McCarron, and Kelly Smith on behalf of the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce. Also in attendance were representatives from the offices of District Attorney Ray Tierney, Congressmen Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino, and Huntington Councilwoman Theresa Mari.

A press conference to recognize and celebrate April as Autism Acceptance, Awareness and Action month, immediately followed, with remarks delivered from Thivierge and her son Jason, a 25-year old with autism that inspired ELIJA, County Executive Romaine, Sheriff Toulon and Legislator Donnelly.

In addition to creating meaningful employment opportunities, ELIJA prides itself on supporting individuals with autism throughout their lifespan and educating persons responsible for their care.

The ELIJA Foundation and ELIJA’s Transitional Programs and Services (TPS) will be hosting an inaugural conference on pathways to independence for individuals with autism, at Hofstra University on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 8:00am to 5:00pm. A network of experts will connect families for housing and employment initiatives, and talk about a variety of topics, including but not limited to transition processes, self-direction, housing, special needs trusts, and guardianship.

If you are an advocate, educator, agency, school professional, family member or other individual, navigating the pathway from school services to adulthood, then this conference is for you!

To register now or to learn more about the conference presenters, please visit: https://www.elija.org/events/view/A-Pathway-To-Adulthood-Using-Self-Direction-Transitioning-To-Independence-2024-05-11/.

“We are chipping away at the estimated 80% unemployment rate amongst individuals with autism, one person at a time,” said Debora Thivierge, Founder and CEO of ELIJA. “We all play a vital role throughout their lifespan, helping them to develop skills and preparing them for adulthood, so they can live independently.”

ELIJA Farm is located at 43 Foxhurst Road in South Huntington. For more information, call (631) 423-2379 or visit www.elijafarm.org.

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Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine stands alongside county legislators on May 7. Photo by Samantha Rutt

By Samantha Rutt

In his inaugural State of the County Address, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R) outlined a comprehensive four-year plan to revitalize and fortify Suffolk County, emphasizing key priorities such as fiscal responsibility, public safety, infrastructure enhancement and social services reform. 

“I am extremely hopeful about the future of this county and there are 18 reasons for that and they all sit around me,” the executive said of his Legislature. “I have watched this Legislature for many years. I was part of this Legislature for many years and I am so impressed with the dedication and commitment of these people,” Romaine said as he stood before the podium. 

Addressing an audience May 7 at the William H. Rogers Building in Hauppauge, Romaine outlined his administration’s achievements within its first 100 days while charting a course for the county’s future. 

“Let me start off by saying that the state of the county is good — but it can be improved,” Romaine said. “I am going to be working with the 18 people behind me, men and women of goodwill. Men and women of intellect. Men and women to lead this county forward, because I believe our best days are ahead.” 

Fiscal strength and accountability

Romaine heralded significant strides in Suffolk County’s financial standing, citing a notable upgrade in the county’s credit rating by S&P Global Ratings.

“One thing I’ve learned over a long life is all issues of government are issues of money,” he emphasized. “Right now our general obligation bonds are rated ‘AA-’. I am happy to say that we got our first upgrade this quarter and we are now ‘A+’.”

With an upgraded rating and a stable outlook, the county seeks fiscal stability and enhanced access to capital markets. 

Additionally, Romaine announced initiatives to ensure budgeting practices, including a commitment to adhere to the state-mandated 2% property tax cap and the establishment of a centralized grants office to maximize state and federal funding opportunities.

“New York State has a 2% tax cap, inflation is running a lot higher than 2%,” Romaine explained. “I will submit a budget this September for next year that will not exceed the 2% property tax cap. We cannot afford to do that.”

Investment in public safety

Recognizing the importance of public safety, Romaine announced key appointments within the Suffolk County Police Department and outlined plans to expand law enforcement capabilities. 

“Public safety is a concern — we have new leadership in our department,” Romaine said. “As I promised, I’ve hired more detectives, and we have more cops on the street. It’s important because two things that I’ve heard from the voters and residents of Suffolk County is we need the county to be safe and we need it to be affordable.” 

Investments in new personnel, equipment and technologies aim to uplift public safety efforts and address emerging challenges. Notably, Romaine emphasized the significance of fair and efficient operations within the Traffic and Parking Violations Agency, a growing concern among residents across the county.

Infrastructure revitalization

Romaine touched on the imperative to modernize and maintain county facilities, highlighting initiatives to renovate and upgrade critical infrastructure. With a focus on improving constituent affairs and enhancing employee morale, the administration plans to address long-standing deficiencies in county facilities, including the Suffolk County Police headquarters and the Medical Examiner’s Office building. 

Additionally, plans to reacquire the former John J. Foley nursing home property in Yaphank signals a strategic approach to meet evolving community needs while realizing significant cost savings.

Cybersecurity preparedness

Reflecting on the cyberattack of 2022 and acknowledging the enduring threat posed by cyberattacks, Romaine outlined measures to reinforce the county’s cybersecurity infrastructure. Through comprehensive audits, strategic hiring and resource allocation, the administration shifts its aim to mitigate vulnerabilities and safeguard sensitive data.

Social services reform and environmental preservation

“Now I come to the Department of Social Services, a department that needs a little bit of attention,” Romaine shared. “When I came into office and I read the Newsday article that Suffolk County was one of the worst in the state at processing SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] applications and that we were way behind in processing social service applications … that is going to change. We are going to put staffing in, we are going to be on top of things.”

Additionally, Romaine reaffirmed the county’s commitment to environmental preservation — just like preservation was a staple of Romaine’s time as Brookhaven Town supervisor — citing investments in farmland preservation and open-space conservation as critical components of sustainable development. The county executive recently appropriated $15 million to preserve farmland across the county. Since taking office, nearly 100 acres of farmland and open space throughout the county has been preserved with additional acquisitions planned later in the year.

Looking ahead

“I believe working together, investing in our infrastructure and rebuilding what is needed in this county as our best days are ahead,” the county executive remarked.

In concluding his address, Romaine articulated a vision of optimism and collaboration, emphasizing the collective efforts needed to propel Suffolk County forward. With a dedicated team and a commitment to transparency and accountability, he expressed confidence in the county’s ability to overcome challenges and realize its full potential. 

“Let’s step up to the plate, we have a lot of challenges ahead,” Romaine concluded.

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Photo by Raymond Janis

At SBU’s Staller Center on protest night

Last Wednesday evening, May 1, my wife and I, along with our teenage grandson, went to the campus of Stony Brook University to enjoy a wonderful concert given by the Stony Brook Wind Ensemble of the Department of Music. 

Imagine our surprise, as we walked to the front door of the Staller Center and found the adjacent grassy area to be hosting a large group of pro-Palestine protesters. We had no problem telling who they were, because they were echoing chants provided by a person wielding a megaphone, most were wearing masks, the grass was covered with small tents and sheets of blue plastic, and many were holding poles flying the flags of Palestine. There were also quite a few signs and posters, carrying messages such as “From the River to the Sea,” “Globalize the Intifada” and “By Any Means Necessary.” We found the whole operation to be interesting and educational, and we approached the assemblage to observe and take pictures with our cellphone cameras. If we had any thoughts that we might be welcome, these were quickly dispelled by a young lady in the group who told us where to go (not to the Staller Center), and provided visible reinforcement by flipping us the bird, which we dutifully recorded on my grandson’s camera.

The concert featured around 65 wonderfully talented musicians, all of them students at the university, one of whom happens to be another grandson — and we enjoyed it immensely. The concert ended around 9:30 p.m., and we went outside to find the protesters still in place, practicing their chants and carrying their Palestine flags. By this time, however, they had been joined by two dozen or so uniformed members of the New York State Police, who were standing in a group and watching them. 

Everything appeared to be under control, so my grandson and I went over to the officers and started a conversation with one of them, who happened to be a sergeant. He was very pleasant and accommodating, told us who they were and why they were there, and seemed to really enjoy talking with my grandson, who is a big fan of the police. The sergeant told us that there was a deadline of 11 p.m., and the protesters would be vacating around then. That was a little late for us, since the next day was a school day, so we wished them luck and went home.

The next day, we tuned in to News 12, and we learned that the protesters were indeed gone, with 29 of them having been arrested. I was thinking about revisiting the grassy area, to see if the protesters have returned, like the swallows in Capistrano. If they have, I was thinking of giving them a few tubes of Super Glue, so that they could glue themselves together, as other protesters have found helpful. This would present a more challenging dilemma for the police officers, but I think they could figure it out.

George Altemose

Setauket

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Northport Lady Tiger flag football. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Northport Lady Tiger flag football. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Meghan Ronan with the ball for the Lady Tigers. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Northport Lady Tiger flag football. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Northport Lady Tiger flag football. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Northport Lady Tiger flag football. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Northport Lady Tiger flag football. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Northport’s Stephanie Milonas (at right) makes stop on Makayla Morganelli. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Northport Lady Tiger flag football. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Northport Lady Tiger flag football. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Northport Lady Tiger flag football. Photo by Steven Zaitz

By Steven Zaitz

It’s a good news and bad news scenario for the Northport Lady Tiger flag football team.

Starting with good news, they clinched a playoff berth for the first time in team history and finished the year with an 8-4 record equaling a marked improvement from 2023 when they were 4-4-1.

After losing to Walt Whitman on April 10, the Lady Tigers strung together seven wins in a row, averaged 32.4 points a game during that stretch, and established themselves as a major factor on the Suffolk County flag football scene.

But that pesky bad news — in dropping their final two games of the season to North Babylon and Connetquot, scoring nary a point in either contest, Northport dropped to the eighth seed in the playoff tournament bracket and needed to win a play-in game against No. 9 Sachem East — which they did 19-14. Their reward? A date with the mighty and unbeaten Half Hollow Hills combined squad that has not lost a league game all year and has outscored its opponents 287-69. And oh yeah, the Lady T-Birds are the defending Suffolk County champs.

On a windy Saturday afternoon at Connetquot in Islandia, Tiger sophomore quarterback Grace Gilmartin, who has played brilliantly during the Tigers winning streak, was 9 for 26 for 82 yards and 2 interceptions. The second pick, by Connetquot linebacker Lilia Weeks, occurred late in the game and deep in Northport territory. Lady Thunderbird running back Ines Ruiz took an option pitch from quarterback Makayla Morganelli on the very next play 10 yards for the only score of the game. The final was 6-0.

Many of Gilmartin’s passes were knocked down or blown off course by the gusty wind in what was predictably a low-scoring affair for both sides – and is so often the case, the team that makes the biggest mistake ends up on the losing end. On this day, the pick by Weeks in the last five minutes of the game represented this mistake.

Connetquot played spoiler and they finished 3-4-2 and out of the playoffs. Northport has cleared its first hurdle with its playoff win against the Flaming Arrows. The next one against Half Hollow Hills will be higher.

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Pixabay photo

In the heart of the medical field lies the nurturing presence of nurses.

As National Nurses Week unfolds from May 6 to 12, it’s time for communities everywhere to pause and reflect on the indispensable role nurses play in our health care ecosystem. Beyond being health care providers, nurses embody the essence of compassion, advocacy and expertise. They are heroes whose contributions resonate far beyond the confines of hospital walls.

They are not just caregivers; they are companions on the arduous journey of illness, offering solace and support when it’s needed most. In moments of vulnerability, it’s often the gentle reassurance of a nurse that brings comfort and hope to patients and their families. In this role, nurses serve as a beacon of empathy, providing not just medical care but also emotional sustenance.

Nurses serve as invaluable liaisons between patients, families and the broader health care team. They bridge the gap between complex medical jargon and everyday understanding, helping patients to make informed decisions about their health. Through clear communication and advocacy, nurses ensure that patients receive the personalized care they deserve. Whether it’s coordinating treatment plans, advocating for patient rights or providing vital education, nurses are the linchpins of effective health care delivery.

In the intricacy of individualized health care, nurses act as threads binding it all together. They possess a unique ability to see patients not merely as cases but as individuals with distinct needs and preferences. By tailoring care plans to suit each patient’s unique circumstances, nurses uphold the fundamental principle of patient-centered care.

“Nurses are the lifeline and lifeblood of our Stony Brook Medicine health care system,” said Carol Gomes, chief executive officer, Stony Brook University Hospital. “They provide exceptional and compassionate care for our patients. I’m so grateful and proud of their dedication and commitment to quality care. We celebrate our team during Nurses Week and applaud their talents every day of the year.” 

As we honor National Nurses Week, let us not only acknowledge the tireless dedication and sacrifices of nurses but also advocate for the recognition and support they truly deserve. Let us continue to invest in their professional development, provide them with the resources they need to thrive and ensure their voices are heard in shaping health care policies. Because a health care system that truly prioritizes the well-being of its citizens is one that honors and uplifts its nursing workforce.

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File photo.

By Aidan Johnson

The Democratic congressional candidates for District 1 — Nancy Goroff and John Avlon — attended a meet the candidates night at C.P. La Manno’s restaurant in Miller Place April 30. During the debate, Goroff and Avlon discussed issues such as foreign aid, social media, Social Security and more. The congressional seat is currently held by Nick LaLota (R-NY1).

Introductions

Avlon, who served as an anchor on CNN before deciding to run for Congress, said that he joined the race because he “didn’t feel like this was a time for talking, I think this is a time for doing.” He also described being frustrated that the district was being seen as a battleground swing district, and that it was important to win both Democrats and Independents “to build the broadest possible coalition to defend our democracy, defeat Donald Trump [R] and win back the House.”

Goroff, who has formerly served as chair of the Department of Chemistry at Stony Brook University and previously ran for the congressional seat in 2020 against former Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-NY1), described how she co-founded a nonprofit called the Long Island Strong Schools Alliance, along with a nonpartisan political action committee to get “good people elected to the school board.” According to LISSA’s website, its mission is “to support policies that strengthen education in our public schools, with a focus on critical thinking skills, civic engagement, diversity, equity and inclusion.” Goroff said that LaLota has “not been there for the people of this district.”

Social Security and Medicare

Goroff described Social Security and Medicare as being “two of the most successful programs this country has ever had.” She said that Medicare’s age should be lowered from 65, and that the income level tax cap for Social Security, which currently stands at $168,600, should be increased.

Avlon also supported raising the income tax cap for Social Security. “The one thing we got to do is make sure we’re rebuilding and strengthening the middle class, and making sure that people have a path from the working class to the middle class, and making sure that we’re keeping our promise on a federal level with Social Security and Medicare,” he said. 

Social media

Avlon supports the law that will force ByteDance, a Chinese technology company, to divest itself of TikTok or have it banned in the United States, saying, “If you’re owning a major media platform or company, it’s reasonable that you’re not being owned by a hostile foreign power that’s trying to propagate its own disinformation.”

Goroff pointed out the distinction between “keeping platforms free and open for fair information and banning people on those platforms,” stating that having TikTok either banned or sold is about not subjecting people to disinformation, with this issue also extending to making sure that other platforms, such as Facebook and X, formerly Twitter, are “fair and open platforms.”

Ukraine and Israel

Avlon said that he would “absolutely” support funding for Ukraine. For Israel, he said that when seeing “a vicious act of terrorism like October 7, I believe instinctively and deeply that we need to stand with the victims of terrorism and not blame the victims of terrorism.” He also stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it difficult to have more broad and bipartisan support for Israel, due to his policies and the level of civilian casualties, along with “the hamstringing of humanitarian aid.” Avlon called for a two-state solution with a demilitarized Palestinian state.

Goroff also supported aid for Ukraine. For Israel, she stressed that the conflict is very complicated, with its history extending far past the current conflict. She explained that Hamas is a terrorist organization that is “absolutely not helping the people of the Palestinian communities.” However, she said that the Palestinian National Authority is not helping either, due to extensive corruption that provides no alternative to Hamas. Additionally, she said that Netanyahu has “done everything he can” to strengthen Hamas against the Palestinian National Authority. Overall, Goroff called for a regime change in Israel, and a legitimate government in the West Bank, along with Israel increasing trade with its bordering countries, and for these countries to increase trade and stop worrying about uprisings within their populations.

Water quality, septic systems and sewers

Avlon called cesspools and septic systems a “fundamental issue of infrastructure and investment that needs federal dollars.” He said that it is necessary to protect the Long Island aquifers, which will require federal investment, some of which “has already been allocated to expand our sewer system and get us off septic.” If elected to Congress, Avlon would want to serve on the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, in order to help bring solutions to these issues.

Goroff said that water quality was an extremely important topic: “Voters across the political spectrum care about what our coastline looks like and what the water that comes out of our tap looks like.” She noted that there are places on Long Island that need sewers, which could bring opportunities for businesses, but there are also some places where sewers would not make financial sense. 

The Democratic primary is on Tuesday, June 25.

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