The Village Beacon Record - November 3, 2016 by TBR News Media

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BEACON

RECORD

MOUNT SINAI • MILLER PLACE • SOUND BEACH • ROCKY POINT • SHOREHAM • WADING RIVER

Vol. 32, No. 14

November 3, 2016

$1.00

Election Section See who’s running and where they stand on issues

A9-16

Through the Eyes of a Child exhibit opens in Port Jeff ALSO: Photo of the Week, LIM hosts Family Fun Day

A new shopping experience

The Shoppes opens in Wading River — A3 Photo by Rebecca Anzel

Remember – Tues., Nov. 8 is Election Day! ©152691

PAGE A2 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

Help Brookhaven Town Remembered... ensure a happy holiday

Your Family

Now you can bring your whole family together on your own Family Tree!

The Town of Brookhaven is asking for help to make sure Long Island children have a happy holiday. On Nov. 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., bring unwrapped toys, games or nonperishable food items to Brookhaven Town Hall for its Long Island Car & Motorcycle Enthusiasts food and toy drive. Cash donations will also be accepted. There will be live music and entertainment all day, and free hot dogs and beverages will be available to all those bearing gifts for the cause. Santa will arrive at noon. The annual drive is made possible by the Brookhaven Town Youth Bureau Interface program, and is sponsored by the Long Island Car Clubs, so weather permitting, you can drive your ride. There will also be an open car show, with no admission, no judging and no trophies. The event is rain or shine.

The exquisite Family Birthstone Tree, elegantly engraved in jewelers brass, beautifully framed with solid American walnut, then set with sparkling birthstones.

A heartwarming remembrance for Mom, Dad or grandparents. ©151950

rly O rder Ea for the s H oliday

A R e p u tAt i o n B u i lt o n t R u s t

Anthony Bongiovanni Jr. G.I.A. Graduate Gemologist • A.G.S. Certified Gemologist Appraiser

29 Rocky Point/Yaphank Road Suite 3, (Behind 7-Eleven)

137 Main Street (4 Doors East of Post Office)

Rocky Point

631–744–4446

Stony Brook

www.rockypointjewelers.com

631–751–3751

File photo

The VILLAGE BEACON RECORd (USPS 004-808) is published Thursdays by TIMES BEACON RECORd NEwSPAPERS, 185 Route 25A, Setauket, NY 11733. Periodicals postage paid at Setauket, NY and additional mailing offices. Subscription price $49 annually. Leah S. dunaief, Publisher. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733.

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NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A3

New shopping center celebrates grand opening By ReBecca anzel

ing stores connected by a brick walkway. Wooden benches and Adirondack chairs East Wind in Wading River hosted a grand have been placed every couple of feet. An opening celebration Oct. 28 through 31 to indoor pavilion houses a carousel with hand-made horses and figcelebrate its latest expansion ures. East Wind also fea— The Shoppes. It features tures 28 specialty retail 28 locally owned stores, eatand boutique shops, an ice eries and a carousel. cream parlor and a pizza East Wind owner Kenn place, all chosen by Barra. Barra has developed the 26“This is a totally differacre property over the past ent concept — this is a very 25 years — he started with ma-and-pa situation,” he a pizza place and added a said. “I’ve seen people now venue for small weddings that I haven’t seen in three and parties, a 50-room inn years, five years, 10 years, and Long Island’s largest strolling along, having a grand ballroom. He said the cup of coffee. Neighbors are new addition of The Shopmeeting neighbors.” pes will create more local Stores include The jobs, help the local econoCrushed Olive, The Painted my and hopefully serve as Canvas, North Fork Bridal an attraction for residents Shoppe, Little Miss Sew It and travelers from all over All and Solntse Hot Yoga. Long Island. Barra said about 70 percent “My vision was to create of the spaces are currently a destination where the local occupied. community and guests from “The grand opening of The Inn will come and enjoy The Shoppes at East Wind meeting shop owners and will usher in a new, welexploring and buying what — Kenn Barra coming, family-friendly they have to offer,” Barra destination on the eastern said. “Giving local businesspeople the opportunity to develop and grow end of Long Island,” County Executive Steve Bellone said in an email. “I conis rewarding to me.” The Shoppes is designed to resemble gratulate owner Ken Barra of East Wind the square of a small town, with freestand- Hotel and Spa for creating this addition

‘Giving local businesspeople the opportunity to develop and grow is rewarding to me.’

Photo by Rebecca anzel

above, The Shoppes in Wading River is designed to resemble the square of a small town. left, east Wind owner Kenn Barra speaks at the grand opening. of The Shoppes at East Wind. It will become a destination for local residents and tourists, and a year-round venue for local merchants and artisans to market Suffolk County-made items.” Barra was presented with proclamations from the office of Town of Riverhead Supervisor Sean Walter (R), County Executive Steve Bellone (D), Congressman

Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) and Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 28. The Shoppes plans to host programs and activities throughout the year, such as a Christmas tree lighting and an Easter egg hunt. Fall and Halloween events were scheduled during the Grand Opening Celebration Oct. 28-31.

Cappy’s Carpets Since 1946

(631)473–2600 • 440 Main Street • Port Jefferson • www.cappyscarpets.com (631) 473-2600 • 440 9–6 Main Street9–8 Port• Jefferson Hours: Mon.-Fri. • Thurs. Sat. 9:30–5 www.cappyscarpets.com • Hours: Mon.–Fri. 9–6 • Thurs. 9–8 • Sat. 9:30–5 Home Improvement Lic. # 18–817H.I.

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PAGE A4 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

O.B. DAVIS RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH J.D. POWER PRESIDENT'S AWARD

2016

Men WoMen Of

the

Year

Nominate outstanding members of the community for

The Village Beacon Record

Robert Sturges, Cindy Cavorti & Ralph Ferrara.

The Dignity Memorial Network of Funeral Providers represented locally by the O.B. Davis Funeral Homes, the nation’s largest provider of funeral and cemetery services has been recognized for its commitment to excellence in customer satisfaction recently when it received the prestigious President's Award from JD Power. The President's Award recognizes individuals or companies demonstrating dedication, commitment and continued client satisfaction in serving families. During the 40-year history of JD Power, only 12 companies have previously received the award.

O.B. Davis Funeral Homes 4839 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776 | 631-473-0360 1001 Route 25a, Miller Place , NY 11764 | 631-744-1001 2326 Middle Country Road, Centereach, NY 11720 | 631-585-8888 www. obda v i s. com

Each year, with our readers’ help, we honor the people who have contributed in the communities we serve. ❖ The honorees are profiled in a special edition at the end of the year. ❖ Nominate your choice(s) by emailing desiree@tbrnewspapers.com ❖ Please include your name and contact information, the name and contact information of the person you’re nominating and why they deserve to be a Man or Woman of the Year. ❖ DeaDline: noVeMBeR 15, 2016

2016

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NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A5

Rocky Point robotics team gets financial backing GearHeadz able to compete in FIRST Robotics Competition By Desirée Keegan desiree@tbrnewspapers.com

and consistently. The team also placed in fifth place overall. It is the second championship win in a row “It’s finally happening,” award-winning for two members, and the third championship Rocky Point-area robotics coach Chris Pinken- win for two of the founding members. burg said. “After six years in the making we will As a result of its continued growth, the have a FIRST Robotics Competition team.” GearHeadz gained a new science connection. This was the goal for him and his GearThe GearHeadz now have affiliation with Headz since day one. The team competed in the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe in lower divisions in the FIRST LEGO League to Shoreham, and the future collaboration will build experience and grow to be able to com- help the team as it ventures into the FRC. pete in the higher-level league. A more advanced team needs more space In February, the team than the Pinkenburgs’ was crowned Second basement, which is where Place Champions in the the team currently pracFLL Long Island Champitices and builds. onship Tournament and “Space is the biggest went on to represent the problem, so I approached area in the North Amerithe Tesla Science Center can Open Invitational in April or May to see if Championship Tournawould be interested — Chris Pinkenburg they ment in May. The Gearto host a robotics team,’ Headz competed against 74 teams — all re- Pinkenburg said. “They are absolutely in favor gional and state champions from the U.S. and of this. It also fits well into their plans for the Canada, as well as international guests from science center.” Germany and South Korea. The Tesla Science Center, while currently The team’s hard work paid off, as the Gear- working on turning some of the lab into a Headz claimed second place in programming museum, is also working on hosting space in its final year as an FLL team. This award for local community groups and an incubarecognizes a team that utilizes outstanding tor where scientists can conduct experiments, programming principles, including clear, con- build and share ideas. While the space is not cise and reusable code that allows their robot going to be ready for this upcoming season, to perform challenge missions autonomously which begins in January, the plan is to move

‘After six years in the making we will have a FIRST Robotics Competition team.’

File photo from Chris Pinkenburg

The rocky Point-based robotics team, gearHeadz, after competing in the north american Open invitational Tournament. to permanent housing next season. “With the Tesla Science Center we have a long-term future,” Pinkenburg said. The center’s president, Jane Alcorn, hopes the partnership will give the team more visibility and said it’s exactly the kind of thing the site wants to foster and work with and would like the team to one day be Tesla’s GearHeadz. “Since Tesla is one of the fathers of robotics it seems very appropriate,” she said. Nikola

Tesla also invented the first remote control. “Part of our mission is to have groups like this.” But besides space, an FRC team needs more money. That’s where Bohemia-based North Atlantic Industries came in. The organization contacted Pinkenburg after FIRST pointed it in Rocky Point’s direction. The company offered to sponsor the GearHeadz with up to $6,000 dollars in matching funds.

GEARHEADZ continued on page A21

Patriot Run continues to rally Shoreham community By Bill lanDOn The annual Patriot Run is more than a fundraiser, it’s a Shoreham-Wading River community get together and healer. On Oct. 30 at Wildwood State Park, over 400 runners gathered for the second annual Patriot Run to honor Thomas Cutinella, the Wildcats football player who was fatally injured in a football game in October 2014. The 2.54-mile run — 54 being Cutinella’s jersey number — is sponsored by the Shoreham-Wading River’s athletic club. Shirts and prizes were awarded to the top finishers, and there was a barbecue following the race. “We don’t advertise this, and if we did, we would have a thousand people — [The event and the turnout] is remarkable and we’re happy to be here, it’s a good time,” said Frank Cutinella, Thomas’ father. “People don’t want to forget Tom, and it’s a way to stay positive.” In a show of solidarity, the Suffolk County sheriff’s emergency response team led the race, carrying the American flag.

Photos by Bill landon

“We wanted to show that the Suffolk County sheriff’s department supports the local community,” said Michael Poetta, one of the nine members to carry the flag. “We wanted to come out and honor Thomas Cutinella’s [memory].” There were awards given out in four categories — girls and boys under 18 years old and girls and boys over 18. Runners of all ages enjoyed the unusually pleasant temperature for the race that cost $25 to participate. All proceeds benefited the Thomas Cutinella Memorial Foundation and scholarship fund. “It’s real nice that the community does this,” said Kevin Cutinella, Thomas’ younger brother. “It was [John] Regazzi’s idea — he put it together and it turned out well, so this is the second year the community comes out [to

Clockwise from left, shoreham-Wading river sophomore eric Dilisio placed first in the race; the suffolk County sheriff’s department’s emergency response team led the race with the carrying of the american flag; and runners listen to the national anthem prior to the start. continue to do] good things for our family.” Regazzi, a local community member, said he organized the event because he just wanted a nice community outing to support a worthy cause and remember Thomas Cutinella’s legacy. “It’s a wonderful community,” Regazzi said of the area. “I wanted to bring people together to do something positive in honor of Thomas Cutinella. He was a positive person, a leader in the community, and I wanted to keep that spirit alive.” First across the line was Shoreham resident Eric Dilisio, a sophomore at ShorehamWading River. He crossed the finish line in 14 minutes, six seconds, which was well ahead of

the second-place finisher. The top finisher for the girls was Emily Cook, and first across the finish line for the adults were Alana Philcox and Jeff Kraebel. Kraebel, of Rocky Point, said he only heard about the race less than a couple hours before the start and jumped on his motorcycle to cruise over, sign up and run in the race. “I’m a firm believer in contact sports and letting the kids play, but after the tragedy I loved the community’s [response] — how everyone rallied — it didn’t terminate their season, it drove the kids to play better,” Kraebel said. “It’s the power of positivity, so it was my pleasure to drop $25 to come here and run today.”

PAGE A6 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

media sales and marketing EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY For the right Advertising Professional

File photo

Police Blotter

Incidents and arrests Oct. 25 — Oct. 30 Can I see a doctor’s note?

A 31-year-old man from Coram had prescription medication without a prescription near the intersection of North Bicycle Path and Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station at about noon Oct. 26, according to police. He was arrested and charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Popped for pills

On Oct. 30 at about noon on Mount Sinai-Coram Road in Mount Sinai, a 28-year-old man from Setauket had Xanax pills without a prescription, according to police. He was arrested and charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

The sweatshirt was OK

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If you are a good communicator, energetic, and you want to earn a good living, please call Kathryn at 631.751.7744 or email kjm@tbrnewspapers.com ©152076

At a location on Thompson Street in Port Jefferson Oct. 26 at about 10:30 a.m., a 20-year-old man from Port Jefferson stole an iPhone and Apple Watch, police said. While being arrested in Mount Sinai Oct. 29, he pulled himself out of his sweatshirt and away from officers and fled on foot, according to police. He was arrested shortly after and charged with petit larceny and resisting arrest.

Booming business

A 29-year-old woman from Miller Place stole more than $50,000 from All Island Compressor Services in West Babylon, where she was employed, between January 2012 and March 2015, according to police. She was arrested Oct. 25 in Miller Place and charged with second-degree grand larceny.

Dude, where’s my car?

A 2002 Ford Focus was taken from a location on Route 25A in Rocky Point at about 5:30 p.m. Oct. 25 by a 47-year-old man from Port Jefferson and a 43-year-old man from Coram without the owner’s permission, according to police. They were arrested and each charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Cocaine crack down

On Somerset Street in Centereach at about 5 p.m. Oct. 29, a 21-year-old man from Coram driving a 2013 BMW had cocaine in his vehicle, police said. He was arrested and charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a narcotic drug.

To make matters worse

A 26-year-old man was arrested at about 9:30 p.m. Oct. 29 in Selden for an outstanding warrant. While at the 6th Precinct, police discovered he possessed heroin. He was charged with seventhdegree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

A mountain of offenses

On Adirondack Drive in Selden Oct. 26, a 21-year-old woman from Shirley was driving a 2009 Nissan on the wrong side of the road when she was instructed to pull over by police, they said. She then fled a stop sign and drove at a high rate of speed before she eventually pulled over. She was arrested and charged with third-degree fleeing from an officer in a motor vehicle.

Never saw it coming

A woman was walking on Route 25A in Setauket at about midnight Oct. 30 when she was punched by an unknown person, according to police. The victim was treated for injuries at Stony Brook University Hospital.

Knock first

At about 12:30 a.m. Oct. 30, someone kicked in the front door of a home on Private Road in Setauket, punched one of the inhabitants in the face, damaged several items and left, according to police.

Park robbery

A 17-year-old man from West Islip and a 17-year-old man from Stony Brook forcibly took a cell phone, cash, lottery tickets and other items from a person at Heritage Park in Mount Sinai at about 3:30 a.m. Oct. 30, according to police. They were arrested and charged with second-degree robbery.

Window wacked

The rear window of a 2012 Nissan was damaged while it was parked outside of a home on Ontario Street in Terryville at about 3 a.m. Oct. 30, according to police.

Tire cutter

The tires on a 2014 Ford were slashed while it was parked outside of a home on Jarvin Road in Port Jefferson Station at about 6:30 p.m. Oct. 29, police said. — Compiled by Alex petroski

NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A7

photos above and below left from stony Brook University, photo below right from mary Balint

clockwise from above, the stony Brook University women’s soccer team drafted 4-year-old Rylie Laber; Rylie stretches with the team; and stony Brook head coach Brendan Faherty places a cap on Rylie’s head after she was drafted.

SBU soccer team drafts young Rylie Laber By Kevin Redding Kevin@tBRnewspapeRs.com On July 4, 1939, New York Yankees legend Lou Gehrig stood before 60,000 fans at Yankee Stadium and confirmed his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and closed his statements by saying: “I might have had a tough break — but I have an awful lot to live for.” This sort of display of courage and determination in the face of great affliction is now being echoed by a 4-year-old girl named Rylie Laber, a student at Middle Country’s Bicycle Path Pre-K/Kindergarten Center, who loves to play soccer and takes great joy in learning new things in the classroom. Those who know her best describe her as energetic, loving, happy, competitive and sassy, with a great laugh. Her spirited personality serves as the ultimate remedy for the rare genetic disorder she’s suffered from since she was 6 months old. Called Shwachman Diamond Syndrome, the disorder causes bone marrow failure, pancreatic insufficiency, malabsorption of food and vitamins, and growth difficulties. For most of her life, Rylie’s day-to-day schedule has consisted of countless doctor and hospital appointments, infections, taking medications with every meal, bruising easily, mouth sores, and a lot of dehydration due to fevers. Even

two hours of mindless fun at Chuck-E-Cheese kids until they were 5, but that was until they when she was only 2 years old led to a miser- learned that she had a special interest in soccer able three months of being sick with a chronic — which she’d been playing since she was 3. cold and fever. That’s when the organization touched But since late August, when she was taken base with Brendan Faherty, Stony Brook’s under the wing of SUNY Stony Brook’s wom- new head coach of the women’s soccer team, en’s soccer team through the Team Impact who, along with the student athletes, took to program, she’s turned over a new leaf and has her immediately. Rylie joins the Seawolves in something to consistently look forward to. In the weight room, goes to practice and games, turn, her involvement as an honorary team stretches with them on the sidelines, and kicks member has made life better for her family, the ball. As Balint says, everything they do, and the team itself has been impacted greatly she does. According to Faherty, it didn’t take by her fun-loving presence. long for Rylie to be herself among her new Rylie’s grandmother Mary Balint, who has friends and teammates. full custody, which she shares with Rylie’s fa“In the beginning, she was a little bit shy,” ther, said that even with her illnesses, Rylie’s he said, “but that lasted about five minutes. always been very cheerShe’s super outgoing. She ful and happy, and that’s just wants to talk to evonly increased tenfold erybody — goes from one since joining the team. player to the next — and “She is pushing forshe’s got a great attitude, ward and she absolutely and really cares about evloves her team,” Balint erybody in the program. said. “Just last month ... We try to spend as she had asthmatic bronmuch time as we can with chitis and every day she her. We went to one of her was like ‘I’m not letting soccer games and she’s this stop me. I’m going actually really good. She’s to practice. I’m going to — Lindsay Hutchinson super aggressive on the be with my team, I’m gofield and she scores a lot ing to do what I have to do,’ so she’s definitely of goals and just seems to really love soccer.” fighting through whatever she needs to fight In terms of Rylie’s impact on the students through to stay with this. She’ll do anything on the team, Stony Brook senior and teamfor them. It’s just made her so much stronger.” mate Lindsay Hutchinson said that Rylie was Because of how rare Rylie’s illness is, ev- with them for almost the entire season, and ery other year she and Balint journey to Camp every day the Seawolves spent with her was Sunshine — which provides retreat and sup- guaranteed to be a good day. The Stony Brook port for kids with life-threatening illnesses team even improved upon its record this seaand their families in Maine — for a medical son with Rylie by their side. conference. This is where Balint first heard “She just kind of puts everybody in a good about Team Impact, the organization that mood,” Hutchinson said. “Personally, it gives drafts kids from Camp Sunshine to become me a greater appreciation of life, because Rylie members of local college athletic teams. just walks around like the happiest child in the Initially, as Balint was looking into the world, even though she has a lot of things goprogram and submitting Rylie’s application, ing on — probably more than we realize. She she was told that they generally didn’t start clung to us right away. Every time she comes to

‘It gives me a greater appreciation of life, because Rylie just walks around like the happiest child in the world.’

see us, whether it’s at practice or a game, she’ll run right out on the field and give us all hugs.” For Balint, it was always important that Rylie be kept in the loop as to what was happening with her medically, rather than try to mask it, and said that she knows a lot more about her illness than a 4 year old should. At school, she stays on top of all the medication she needs to take and makes sure that she’s using her own crayon box, to avoid coming in contact with others’ germs, and even a small cold could wipe her out for three weeks straight. Being on the team is Rylie’s incentive to keep herself in tip-top shape, especially since she’s going to be part of the team again next year. “Sometimes, I sort of use it as a bargaining chip,” Balint said. “If she won’t do something that she has to do, I’ll say to her ‘you think your team would like that?’” In fact, the team has such an effect on her that she’s even developed a variety of superstitions once it’s game time. “She has to wear the strings out of her shorts,” Balint said, “and she’s gotta wear her red jersey to school and white jersey to the game. Right before every single game, she runs to the coach with a package of Scooby Doo fruit snacks and he has to eat them. It’s been her little superstitious tradition now.”

PAGE A8 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

NorthBrookhaven C H A M B E R

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November General Membership Meeting Date Information: November 21st Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: The North Tap 340 Rt. 25A Mt. Sinai, NY 11766 RSVP by Thurs 11/17/16 Contact information: Jennifer Dzvonar email: northbrookhavenchamber@gmail.com

Craig Planter of Old Town Blooms

UPS has become synonymous with shipping and the big brown trucks so, of course, The UPS Stores in Mt. Sinai and Riverhead are stores where shipping is high on the list of services. What you may not know is this is not the only service they provide. At the UPS Store, you can also ship using DHL International and the USPS (that’s right… the US Postal Service) as well to addresses all over the world in over 230 countries. Packing services are also available with careful attention given to the packing requirements of each item. The UPS Store’s Pack and Ship Guarantee ensures that the entire transaction, whenever The UPS Store packs and ships your valuables, gets to its destination intact, or you will be fully reimbursed. No item is too big… they can pack, crate, and ship items as large as a car or motorcycle. Freight services are available thru UPS Freight for those items too large to ship by regular UPS brown trucks. The UPS Store offers a wide range of services tailored to the needs of businesses of all sizes as well as your individual needs. They include Notary services, copy services (both black & white as well as color), Wide format printing, faxing, engraving, secure shredding , direct mail programs, all types of printing such as business cards and flyers, passport photos, keys and much more. Need a lawn sign or a banner? They can do this too! Starting a home based business but don’t want to use your home address? The UPS Store has private mailboxes available, with a real street address, 24 hour access, email or text notification when packages arrive for you and discounts on all services. The team at The UPS Store is a close knit group, who have been together for a number of years. Joel DeGregorio and his wife Helene are the owners, along with, Store Managers Renee and Vinny, and key associates Laura, Ramses, Andrew, Ashley, Evelyn and Kali. They have a wealth of experience and knowledge to help deliver World Class Customer Service with a smile to each customer. Owner, Joel DeGregorio, retired from Taco Bell management in 2005 after working in the QSR industry for almost 40 years. He decided to bring his years of business experience and love for customer service to the business service industry. In May of 2006, Joel and Helene purchased The UPS Store in Mt. Sinai in the Mt. Sinai Shopping Center. In October of 2012, they added the Riverhead location on Rte 58 behind the Peconic Bay Diner. Joel believes in giving back to the community and has been an active member of the North Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce since 2006. During that time he served as 1st VP, and as its President for two years. The UPS Store, 5507-10 Nesconset Hwy, Mt. Sinai (King Kullen Shopping Center)- 631.331.0560 The UPS Store, 865 Route 58, Riverhead, NY (Behind the Peconic Bay Diner)- 631.591.3090 Email address: store3167@theupsstore.com Website: the upsstorelocal.com/3167(Mt. Sinai) theupsstorelocal.com/6329(Riverhead)

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NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A9

Local Election Info For our official endorsements see page A22

PAGE A10 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

incumbent state sen. Ken LaValle, left, and greg Fischer, right, will compete to represent new york’s 1st senate District.

Photos by alex Petroski

LaValle seeks another state senate term, against Fischer By Desirée Keegan desiree@tbrnewspapers.com Ken LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) has been a New York State senator for nearly four decades, and although he’s joked about retirement, he doesn’t plan on vacating the position just yet. That won’t stop Democratic challenger Greg Fischer from trying to unseat him Nov. 8. According to a 2015 New York Public Interest Research Group Report, LaValle was ranked second of 63 legislators in words said on the Senate floor, second in bill introduction, fourth in those that passed the senate and second in those that passed both houses. “It’s a record of relevancy that I think is pretty good,” LaValle said in an interview at TBR News Media’s main office when the combatants sat down to discuss their campaigns. LaValle said he’s excited for the chance to amend the East End’s Community Preservation Fund, which is responsible for the preservation of more than 3,000 acres of vacant land on Eastern Long Island and also improves parcels of historic, recreational and environmental value. He also noted the $400 million in construction going on at Stony Brook University Hospital that will produce jobs for doctors, clerks and others.

Fischer is a business consultant who has a passion for economics, he said, and he sees the economy as the “most important issue of our day, especially for the district.” “We’re constantly on this treadmill of tax and spend, tax and spend,” he said. “And even though I’m a Democrat and you hear Democrats labeled for that, my background is in business and my background is to find the best value.” The candidates are in support of the two percent tax levy increase cap for property owners as a means to curb government overspending, though Fischer said he isn’t sure the policy goes far enough. “It’s only applying the brakes gently — it’s not fixing the problem,” he said. Fischer is running on the mantra: “It’s time for a turnaround.” His platform is about reform, which he said would be a product of his background. He’s not a lawyer like many other legislators. Fischer said he thinks new blood and a democratic representative are needed to be able to better address not just the district’s issues, but statewide issues. “There’s so much we can do, but we’re moving so slowly,” he said. “I think that’s the danger. We all know where we’re headed. People want to move out of state. Students want to be accepted out of state so they can stay out of state.” To combat that mentality, LaValle said

he’s been conducting research on millennials, regarding whether or not they want to be homebuyers or renters, or drive a car as their primary means of transportation. LaValle co-sponsored legislation to allow municipalities to continue tax exceptions for first-time homebuyers of newly constructed homes as an incentive. He is also a supporter of New York State’s School Tax Relief Program, which lowers property taxes for owner-occupied primary residences. As chairman of the Higher Education Committee, LaValle said he’s also trying to address how to minimize millennial debt. Fischer said he’s a proponent of free tuition for Suffolk County and New York State residents. Fisher has run unsuccessful campaigns for Riverhead Town and local school board offices. He previously sued the Long Island Power Authority and conducted his own audits of Riverhead school district. More recently, he filed a lawsuit claiming Stony Brook University named its football stadium for LaValle after he secured $22 million in state funds for the venue’s construction, stating in his notice of claim that “It is ludicrous for sitting legislators (seeking re-election or otherwise) to have public structures named for them for the de facto benefit of their personal political careers.” Fischer asked LaValle’s name be removed from both the Nov. 8 ballot and the sta-

dium. The arena was opened and named after LaValle in 2002. Fischer said another issue he’d like to address is corruption in the courtroom, and added he’d like to see cameras allowed in state courtrooms. “I think there needs to be more scrutiny of the judicial process,” he said. “We have a huge problem with corruption. There have been a lot of problems where the transcripts are changed after the fact, and things happen that are problematic.” Fischer also said he believes legislation takes too long in New York, and cited response to the growing opioid abuse issue as an example. While LaValle said it’s his No. 1 priority — adding that many of his colleagues say the same — he believes increased penalties for dealers could put a dent in that problem. Fischer said he understands enforcement sells, but added it’s only part of the solution. “Of course we have to do some more enforcement, but it’s a mental health issue,” he said. “We have reasons for people doing these drugs — even in the suburbs — it’s despair. By the time you’re detecting use, you’ve already got a real problem going on. We have to have a whole new way of thinking about deterrence and really scaring children into the reality that, as a first use, you could have a dependency for life.”

NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A11

Congressman. Soldier. Family Man.

LEE’S “NEW ERA OF AMERICAN STRENGTH” AGENDA: - Protecting America’s Security at Home and Abroad

• Defeating ISIS and other terrorist threats, correcting a flawed Iran Nuclear Agreement, strengthening our borders and improving relations with our allies.

- Helping Grow Our Economy

• Improving the business climate to create more good paying, private sector jobs.

- Supporting Our Veterans and First Responders

• Expanding the PFC Joseph Dwyer Program for veterans with PTSD. Standing strong with our police and first responders. Delivering the highest quality of care to our nation's veterans.

- Improving the Quality of Education

• Rolling back federally mandated testing in our schools.

- Repairing Our Nation’s Infrastructure

• Funding critical projects to maintain and upgrade our roads, bridges and other means of transportation.

- Improving Healthcare in America

• Repealing and replacing Obamacare. Advancing America’s pursuit of cures and treatments to diseases both well known and rare.

- Safeguarding Our Environment

• Saving Plum Island and protecting our water supply by passing bills like Rep. Zeldin’s Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act.

Secure Our Country. Grow Our Economy. VOTE LEE ZELDIN ON NOVEMBER 8TH Stony Brook Office - 207 Hallock Rd. | Smithtown Office - 52 N. Country Rd. | Riverhead Office - 127 East Main St. Shirley Office - 895 Montauk Hwy | Hampton Bays Office - 225 W. Montauk Hwy. WWW.ZELDINFORCONGRESS.COM Paid for by Zeldin for Congress 152226

PAGE A12 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

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assemblyman Steve englebright (D-Setauket), left, faces Steve weissbard in the race for new york’s 4th assembly District seat.

Long-time assemblyman faces prosecutor in 4th district race By Donna newman donna@tbrnewspapers.com

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There were areas of agreement and points of sharp contrast between incumbent Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) and challenger Steve Weissbard (R) when they sat down together at the TBR News Media main office to discuss their qualifications and plans for New York’s 4th Assembly District. Route 347 and its ongoing reconstruction was high on the challenger’s list of important issues. The traffic and congestion are intolerable and detract from quality of life for area residents, and the redesign has been flawed, Weissbard said. “We need to get rid of the lights and add a third lane,” Weissbard said. “There should have been more overpasses.” The incumbent said he is pleased with the changes to Route 347. Englebright noted the history of the road, which was originally supposed to be leg two of the Northern State Parkway extending all the way out to Orient. “It never happened and we have a roadway that was confused by historical events,” he said. “The first proposals put forth by the [Department of Transportation] — going back more than a decade — would have recreated the Cross Bronx Expressway. Then Senator Jim Lack and I rejected those proposals and asked for something better. The something better is in the works.” Weissbard has ideas for improving the state economy, which he said has been contracting for the last 40 years. “New York is known as the least free state, the most regulated state, the highest tax rate state,” he said. “We’re bleeding industry.” The answer, he added, quoting President Ronald Reagan, isn’t more government, but less government. Englebright offered a different perspective.

“I can’t help but notice that the largest employer is government — and the largest entity, in fact, is in this district: the State University of New York — the largest employer in the bicounty region,” he said. He argued that its presence has helped our community weather deep recessions that have affected other areas on Long Island much more profoundly. On Common Core, however, they agreed completely. “I think it undermines the fundamental relationship between teacher and student,” Weissbard said. His Democratic counterpart was equally critical of the federal program. “In the past, teaching was seen as an art,” Englebright said. “Now it’s trying to be seen as a quantifiable, robotic-like activity.” They both said they would like Common Core to be scrapped for a system that returns control to local school districts and teachers. Englebright said he hopes voters will return him to Albany for a thirteenth term. He stands on his record of accomplishment on behalf of his constituents. “I have made promises [in the past] and I have kept those promises,” he said. Although his record on environmental issues gets lots of attention, he named other legislation that made him proudest. “That the pertussis [whooping cough] legislation I sponsored with Dr. Shetal Shah has, according to his data, reduced the incidence of this killer childhood disease by at least 50 percent since the law’s passage in 2012,” he said. Weissbard said he would like to bring a new perspective to the Assembly. “As a county attorney, as a prosecutor, I’ve been in charge of both the juvenile drug court and, at times, the adult drug court, so I’ve seen the war on drugs on the Island at point blank range,” Weissbard said. “It’s a lot of first-hand knowledge that I would love to bring to the state level.”

NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A13

Photos by Alex Petroski

Congressman Lee Zeldin, above, and challenger Anna Throne-Holst, below, face off in the 1st Congressional district, which many have called a ‘surrogate race’ for the presidential election.

Congressional candidates spar ahead of Election Day By Kevin Redding kevin@tbrnewspapers.com A clashing of opinions on almost every issue gave way to a tense debate between an incumbent Republican congressman and a former Southampton Town supervisor as the race for the 1st Congressional District seat enters its final stretch. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley), who graduated from Albany Law School before serving in the U.S. Army Reserve, was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2014 and seeks to maintain that position Nov. 8. He must first win re-election, however, against Democrat Anna Throne-Holst, whose work in local government has been guided by a “people over politics” platform in an effort to make government work for everyone. The candidates sat down at the TBR News Media office Oct. 27 to square off on a variety of pressing local and national topics, like the environment, veterans issues, Planned Parenthood and the presidential election. Zeldin has accomplished plenty in his 21 months representing the district, which encompasses most of central and eastern Suffolk County, and takes pride in his willingness to work with absolutely anyone, regardless of party. He has worked hard to help veterans suffering from PTSD, secured the repeal of the saltwater fishing license fee, and fought to block the federal government’s proposed sale of Plum Island. Throne-Holst has built and run organizations mostly geared toward educational

and essential services for families in need of support, worked at the U.N. Department of Peacemaking, and wants to utilize the work she’s done abroad to fix what she calls “thorny foreign policy decisions that we are dealing with.” She’s committed to providing a service to families and young people in the community who she said have been sorely underserved. She said Congress is at an alltime low approval rating and has not done enough to deal with the critical issues the country is facing. Before the candidates focused their discussion on the environment, there were accusations from both sides regarding the Environmental Protection Agency. “All due respect, I think it’s important to note the things where funding has either been slashed or not put forward,” ThroneHolst said. “When I think about things, like the EPA, that he voted to decrease funding for … and the kind of funding that supports programs that are crucial to our residents here in district one New York, and that have been mired in partisan politics in Washington, that is part of what I think is troubling.” Zeldin refuted Throne-Holst’s statements. “My opponent repeatedly states that I voted multiple times to defund the EPA,” he said, demanding specific bill numbers from Throne-Holst. “That is not truthful. When there was a vote to cut EPA funding by 17 percent, I voted against the cut. My opponent didn’t read the bill. There are ways to improve the EPA and strengthen the relationship between the EPA and Con-

gress and the American people.” Zeldin introduced a Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act alongside Congressman Steve Israel, and said the health of the Sound would be an important issue if he secured another term. He talked specifically about his involvement in raising money for the National Estuary Program, which provides grants to states threatened by pollution and overuse, and his proposals in relation to Plum Island. “Everyone is entitled to and wants clean air and clean water, and whatever we can do to advance that is important,” Zeldin said. Throne-Holst spoke more broadly about the hazards of climate change, an issue Zeldin has questioned the legitimacy of in the past, and sea-level rise. She said there isn’t a single homeowner or business owner in the region immune to climate change. She said the federal government has a responsibility to lead the way in putting together a climate change resiliency plan, district by district. The debate turned even more contentious when the focus shifted to their respective stances on Planned Parenthood. Zeldin, who voted for a bill that would halt funding for the organization for a year, was asked whether or not he believed it should be defunded. “I respect the position amongst American taxpayers who do not want their dollars to go toward funding abortions,” he said. “I certainly have a sensitivity and respect for both sides of this issue … but the idea that it can be legal for someone to be able to decide to get an abortion in the eighth month

or ninth month, that is something that I very strongly disagree with.” When pressed for clarification on the organization’s funding, Zeldin said “as far as funding abortion services, yeah [it should be halted].” Throne-Holst called their views on the issue a very clear line in the sand. “I believe in a woman’s right to choose,” she said. “I don’t think it’s a question of a personal experience. I think it’s a question of respecting the civil rights of every American. The idea that government has any role to play in making that decision for anyone goes against any provision of humanity.” Zeldin has publicly supported Republican nominee Donald Trump in the race for the White House in the past, though he said we have two flawed options for president, referring to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton as well. He offered no defense for Trump’s well-documented controversial statements, including the Access Hollywood leak wherein Trump boasted about sexually assaulting women. He said he sides with Trump on many issues, like improving foreign, tax and immigration policies and defeating “Islamic Extremism.” He said he agrees with Trump more than he agrees with Clinton. Throne-Holst accused her opponent of going on CNN numerous times to defend Trump in the past. She said there is no excuse for overlooking the statements Trump has made and “allowing this man to be the supreme leader of this country and be the role model for our children.”

PAGE A14 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

Three vie for state senate seat in 2nd district St. James resident Peter Magistrale, 24, is taking his first swing at elected office, challenging New York State Sen. and Majority Leader John Flanagan (R-East Northport) to represent the 2nd district. The candidates met and discussed why they think they could best represent their constituents at TBR News Media’s main office. Magistrale (D) said he is running for office because he wants to tackle political corruption. “I see government at all levels as a tool for powerful people to get what they want,” he said. Magistrale said he wants to focus on ways to reform campaign finance and laws to protect children in sexual abuse cases, among his other platform issues. Flanagan said he’s proud to be the first majority leader from Suffolk County, and proud of the legislation he has helped pass, including a package of bills to combat the county’s opioid abuse problem and restoring funding taken from school districts by the Gap Elimination Adjustment. Flanagan has served in the New York Senate for 14 years, and before that served in the New York State Assembly for 16 years. Part of Magistrale’s campaign has been dedicated to supporting the Child Victims Act, which is legislation that would eliminate both criminal and civil statutes of limitation for child sexual abuse, and provide a one-time, one-year window in the statute of limitations to enable victims whose

photos by Desirée Keegan

Democrat peter Magistrale and state sen. John Flanagan battle each other, and independent stephen ruth for the right to represent the 2nd district nov. 8. claim was time-barred by the current arbitrary limitations to revive their claim. “A child who’s sexually abused cannot come forward after they’ve turned 23,” Magistrale said. “That’s not protection. That’s protecting financial interests who do not want the law changed. To say that the current law protects children — it does not.” Flanagan agreed this is a serious issue, but did not agree with how Magistrale wants to approach the issue. “There are significant protections in the law right now,” he said. “This is a one-year opener that could bring cases going back 40, 50, 60 years. We have statutes of limita-

tions for very cogent reasons and no matter how emotional a subject may be, witness availability, evidence, all those things have a salutary effect in terms of what happens.” Stephen Ruth, referred to as the Red Light Robin Hood, is also running against the two candidates for the 2nd district seat, but did not respond to request for comment. Ruth is an outspoken critic against the red light camera program on Long Island and has been arrested for tampering with red light cameras. “I don’t believe in vigilantism,” Flanagan said of Ruth’s actions. “I don’t like red light cameras, and I voted against them.”

The state senator said that while this program was first suggested as a safety issue, it now seems like more of a measure to increase revenue. Magistrale said he agreed with most of Flanagan’s sentiments. “I think there is a good enough reason to look at if the red lights were shortened,” Magistrale said. “Shortening a yellow light is just as dangerous, and I think we ought to have an investigation to find out if they really were shorted or not.” The candidates found some common ground on education, and agreed the system is in need of improvement. Magistrale said he believes Common Core has lost the consent of the citizens. “We’ve had opt out rates, from grades three through eight, over 50 percent … what does that say?” Magistrale said. “Having standardized exams that reinforce memorization is not a way to create free thinkers. In a time in our history where crimes are being committed in the highest places of government, we need people who will ask questions, not be obedient.” Flanagan said he’s had many hearings and meetings on the subject throughout the state. “This is one subject area where I know more than frankly anybody in the Legislature,” he said. “I don’t like the exams … but all those tests are overwhelmingly mandated by the federal government.” Flanagan said despite the problems with Common Core, changes on the federal level need to be put in place to improve the current system, rather than tearing it down and starting over.

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By Victoria Espinoza victoria@tbrnewspapers.com

NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A15

North Shore voters weigh in on who they support By Kevin Redding kevin@tbrnewspapers.com As Long Island residents get ready for election day next week, some are certain for whom they will cast their ballot, and others are still undecided.

Eric Corley, Port Jefferson

Sarah Leanza, Port Jefferson

Q: Who are you voting for? A: Clinton. Not because I necessarily trust her like anybody else, but because he’s [Trump] a misogynist, crazy ... I think he’s horrific. I’m a little nervous about her, but I think she has a lot of experience at least, and I think what is wonderful is Trump has created a situation that’s going to make her make sure she’s accountable. I think she’s going to have to be very careful while she’s in office because there are so many people behind him who are so angry, so that makes me trust her situation better. He was like a necessary evil, I think.

Q: Who are you voting for? A: Clinton, because she knows what she’s doing, and there may be some stuff I don’t agree with — probably a lot of stuff — but you have to think of all the people that are going to be brought in as a result of a Clinton administration as opposed to the people who would be brought in with a Trump administration. You look at all the things that have changed over the last eight years, not all of which are good, but so much has changed and that’s all the result of who we elected. We have to think beyond the personalities and beyond whatever is in the media, so that’s why I think it’s an easy choice.

Raymond Diaz, Mount Sinai

Q: Who are you voting for? A: Donald J. Trump, because of the political corruption and the political correctness with Hillary. It just kills me all the scandals and all the people covering up for her; it’s horrible. Trump says some mean things but would you rather have someone say a bunch of horrible things to your face and be your friend or talk behind your back? Oh, it makes me sick. I am such a die-hard Trump fan, and it’s not that I love Trump. We just need change. All the corruption in the government, and she’s just a liar. Trump’s not the best guy in the world, but even if he does a horrible job, what’s wrong with wiping out the government for four years? Getting all the corrupt people out and starting from scratch.

Michael and Cindy Rawdin, Dix Hills

Q: Who are you voting for? Michael: I’d only vote for Clinton. I know she’s imperfect but I would never dream of voting for [Trump] because I know him personally and he’s a disgraceful human being. I owned a website, GoTrump.com, that we opened in January 2006. We had it for 3 years with that “lovely” man. His staff was great, he was disgraceful ... always. Cindy: We brought him into the online travel industry. He wasn’t it in then in 2006. But because of his greed as well, we did not make a lot of money because Trump cut the biggest piece of pie for himself. We really know that Clinton is the brightest and most sophisticated and most experienced, and she’s an elitist. She’s intelligent. Michael: She actually knows what she’s speaking about. The other one is faking it at all times. He didn’t even prep for the debates, which I found truly amazing. People are so desperate for change that they’ll vote for a psychopath. He’s really quite sick. The stupid things he says, the idiotic way he reacts, the fact that he screwed thousands of little guys out of their money. They’d go work at the Taj Mahal and just get screwed. He’s so unfit to be anything but a… make believe billionaire. He’s just a fraud.

Tommy Parris, Port Jefferson

Roe Waltmann, Coram

Q: Who are you voting for? A: I like Trump. I think he’s very gung-ho and I really believe that he can do the things he says he can do — unless I’m naïve. But I don’t want Hillary Clinton; I don’t want a politician. I want somebody with new blood that’s not a politician. Now, he’s become a politician along the way without him realizing, but I really think he can energize [the country, but] if he doesn’t get the Republican Senate he’s not going to do too much. Even though in his mind he’s saying he could, he can’t. And my family wants Trump too because they want somebody new, and that’s how we all feel. I think he’s so energetic and he can revitalize things, and I know he’s going to surround himself with good people. But he should keep his mouth closed sometimes.

Q: Who are you voting for? A: I actually truly haven’t decided yet. I mean, I was leaning more toward Trump initially. There’s not enough accurate information out there; a lot of the stuff that they’re putting out there is very vague, very generic. They’re not being too specific in their campaigns. Everyone’s spoon feeding everybody what they want to hear. They’re basically telling them “Oh yeah, we’re going to make more money, we’re going to fix the economy.” It’s all slogans and sales pitches. And coming from someone in sales, you can see right through that. What’s the plan that goes beyond that? I like the fact that although Trump is not as delicate as he should be or as sensitive with the way he uses his words, he’s more transparent in the sense that you know who you’re dealing with for better or worse, so you can kind of know what to expect. With Hillary, she’s more quiet, cunning; you really don’t know much what’s going on. She’s a better politician when it comes down to it. I think it would be good to have a Republican state of mind back in the office just to kind of balance things out.

Mike Barba, Malverne

Q: Who are you voting for? A: I’m actually voting for Gary Johnson, just because I don’t agree with Hillary [Clinton] on matters, and I don’t think Trump has enough political experience for it. He just talks a little too much for my liking, so I’ll be doing the alternative independent vote. Although Gary Johnson had some slipups on his foreign policy, I still think there should be more than a two-party system in the country. In the United Kingdom, they have more than two, as well as a few other countries. When conservatives and liberals are so far left and far right, it’s nice to have more of a middle ground and somebody who’s more bipartisan on a bunch of matters. Even though the independents realistically won’t win — him or Jill Stein — I think there will be enough independent votes that it will be a little more eye-opening for the country in general just to see “wow, maybe there should be a third candidate to be putting in.”

Check the reader forums Get into the mix @ www.tbrnewsmedia.com

Craig Marcott, Huntington

Q: Who are you voting for? A: It’s really an election of the perceived lesser of two evils in this case. My vote will be on the Republican ticket because I think he’s the lesser of the two evils in this one. It’s been incredible. Right down to the end, they’re just not stopping, between the email stuff on one side, the stuff on him on the other side. They’re two of the most defective candidates we’ve ever had. I’m voting more for the philosophy and for the Supreme Court justices. I don’t think our country can handle two more liberal Supreme Court justices that will rule the country for the next quarter of the century.

PAGE A16 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

OPINION

Images by Mike Sheinkopf

An observer’s perspective In India, 8,431 miles away and 18 way to a promising future because the world months earlier, the American election is in dire need of help. As an Indian, it is sad campaign was an obscure topic of discusto see Indian Americans — or a group of Insion for me. Things would not have changed dians back home — supporting Trump primuch to this present day had it not been so marily on the basis of their common abhormuch of a ridiculous spectacle. From the rence of Islam. However dark it may sound, outside, when you look at how a country a lot of us harbor grudges or hatred against like America would conduct its campaign, other communities or peoples or sects. But, you expect suavity for that matter. But even if a world leader starts encouraging people to a layman, what would garner attention to express their grudges overtly, that sets a is the total brashness of the nature of the dangerous example. It unites people based campaign and its controversies. on a wrong cause where the effect of such For one, Donald J. Trump has been ill preaching is not limited nationally but the star of the show with his specimen tends to go worldwide. In order to maintain of utter cloddishness and a good relationship with Inhard-hearted comments dia, his camaraderie should as a presidential candidate be toward Indians in general on topics related to Islam, and not Hindus particularly, his salacious comments on as India also has the third women and his brashness of largest Muslim population in belonging to the elite class. the world. Where on one hand, many Unlike American eleceminent leaders and visiontions, Indian national elecaries root for peace and tions do not have debates unity by bridging the gap among the candidates. between national mind-sets In India, and in numerand borders, Trump, in his — Elina Mukherjee ous other countries in the extremist self, is advocating world, candidates routinely the very opposite. Building a wall to prevent attempt to bolster their position by slanderMexican invasion of the country or putting ing others, by trading insults. In a democan extra scan on Muslims who enter the racy, I reckon, having debates between States, to only name a few, stimulate the candidates is a progressive step. However, fire. What is unprecedented is the staggergoing by the nature of the last three deing number of Trump supporters who think bates, its principal purpose seems to have him to be a fresh breath of air in the race been defeated for the most part. for the White House. Hillary Clinton, on the America has always led from the front other hand, has come out better, maintainwhen it comes to being progressive. The coring a dignified stance and prompting fewer nerstone of much of Trump’s election camfurrowed eyebrows. But overall, this election paign has been dissemination of negativity has been nothing less than a mockery to the and animosity. Many of his proposed policies world of what America has come to. are regressive to say the least. As an outsider, Dividing in the name of religion is a I — and many others like me — fear that if potential peril. The unpalatable truth for America chooses divisiveness over integrathe citizens is to understand the pressure tion, it would be a harsh moral setback for they are under, bearing the tag of being the many of the developing countries. foremost nation in the world and always beElina Mukherjee ing looked up to, its leader should lead the Stony Brook

‘... if America chooses divisiveness over integration, it would be a harsh moral setback...’

The greater of two evils I did not vote for Donald Trump in the New York primary. His comments about women are loathsome, and I believe it is likely he kissed and groped women during his television career. However, his words and actions pale in comparison to how the Clintons have treated women throughout their careers. Bill and Hillary Clinton represent what I call the Chappaquiddick wing of the Democratic Party. Under this umbrella, it does not matter how you treat women as long as you support abortion on demand and the appointment of liberal Supreme Court justices. For example, a senator from Massachusetts can leave a young woman to drown at the bottom of a pond, get re-elected, and go on to become “the Lion of the Senate.” An attorney general from Arkansas can rape a nursing home executive, get elected governor and demand that a low-level state employee perform oral sex on him. The same sexual predator can then go on to become president, use a cigar to penetrate a young woman in the Oval Office, fondle and grope a recent widow who came to him for counsel, lie under oath in a sexual harassment case, get impeached and disbarred from practicing law in Arkansas and before the Supreme Court and go on to become “first gentleman.” It is also OK for Hillary to laugh as she won her first case in Arkansas, when she minimized the sentence of a 41-year-old man who so savagely raped a 12-year-old girl that she could never have children. If you are concerned about how to explain Donald Trump to your daughters, how will you explain the Clintons? The Sunday New York Times included “I Live in a Lie: Saudi Women Speak Up.” It documents the oppression of women in Saudi Arabia. A March 8, 2015, New York Times

article (“Hillary Clinton Faces Test of Record as Women’s Advocate”) disclosed that Saudi Arabia had given more than $10 million to the Clinton Foundation. While Mrs. Clinton was secretary of state, the State Department faulted Saudi Arabia for “a lack of equal rights for women and children,” and said “violence against women, human trafficking and gender discrimination, among other abuses, were all common there.” Apparently, the Chappaquiddick wing provides cover to “fight for women” while simultaneously collecting tens of millions from Saudi Arabia and the like-minded misogynist states of the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Algeria and Brunei. Today in The Hill, Assistant FBI Director James Kallstrom (the man who headed the TWA 800 investigation) stated, “the Clinton’s are a crime family.” I am reminded of the climactic scene in “Godfather II” when — Dan Kerr Kate confronts Michael Corleone over her recent miscarriage. “Oh, Michael. Michael, you are blind. It wasn’t a miscarriage. It was an abortion. An abortion, Michael. Just like our marriage is an abortion. Something that’s unholy and evil ... It was a son, Michael! A son! And I had it killed because this must all end!” For the good of this country, I believe the “unholy and evil” reign of the Clintons must end as well. A few days before FBI Director Comey’s letter to Congress, Kimberley Strassel wrote in the Wall Street Journal, “This is how the Clintons operate; they do not change. Anyone that pulls the lever for Mrs. Clinton takes responsibility for setting the nation up for all of the blatant corruption that will follow.” The Clintons are the greater of two evils.

‘Bill and Hillary Clinton represent what I call the Chappaquiddick wing of the Democratic Party.’

These letters are representative of the opposing viewpoints on the 2016 presidential election. They do not speak for the newspaper.

Dan Kerr Stony Brook

NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A17

Watch for election results in next week’s issues and online at tbrnewsmedia.com

Sample Ballot

PAGE A18 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

sports

Photos by Bob Savage

Clockwise from above, the Miller Place field hockey team was named small school champion after shutting out Pierson/Bridgehampton 2-0; Crystal Esposito reaches for the ball; and Arianna Esposito dribbles the ball up the field.

Panthers’ Esposito sisters lead Miller Place to ‘BC’ county title Miller Place 2 Pierson/Bridgehampton 0

The Esposito sisters continue to get the job done for Miller Place. Crystal Esposito scored off an assist from her sister, Arianna, with 19:20 left in the first half. Arianna Esposito set up Jill Fazio for the other goal with 3:54 remaining in the game, to help the Panthers to a 2-0

pounding of Pierson/Bridgehampton for the Suffolk County Small School title Nov. 1. Goalkeeper Ally Tarantino needed to make just one save in the win. Prior to that, No. 1 Miller Place knocked off No. 2 Rocky Point, 2-1, for the Class B crown. In that game, Fazio scored the

game-winning goal off a deflection from Julia Burns with four seconds remaining in double overtime. Arianna Esposito added a goal and was assisted by her sister. Miller Place will compete in the Long Island championship Nov. 5 at Adelphi University at 3 p.m.

NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A19

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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Sections 264 and 265 of Town Law, a public hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Brookhaven at the Town Board Auditorium at One Independence Hill, Second Floor, Farmingville, New York, on November 17, 2016, at 6:00 P.M. to consider an application known as Whelan Land & Sea @ Mount Sinai for a change of zone from A Residence 1 and J Business 2 to J Business 2, for existing building with retail use, on property located on the s/s New York State Route 25A, w/o Mount Sinai Avenue, Mount Sinai, New York, further identified as SCTM 0200-141.00-01.00005.000 and 025.000. A more detailed diagram of the subject property is on file at the office of the Town Clerk and may be examined during regular office hours by any interested person. At said public hearing, any persons interested shall be given the opportunity to be heard.

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Dated: October 27, 2016 DONNA LENT, TOWN CLERK Farmingville, New York TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN 549 110316 1x vbr

LEGALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE IV, SEC. 8529 OF THE BUILDING ZONE ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING AND AT ONE INDEPENDENCE HILL, FARMINGVILLE, N.Y. (AUDITORIUM – 2nd FLOOR), ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2016 COMMENCING AT 2:00 P.M. TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING: VILLAGE BEACON RECORD 33. Robert Guthy, Jr., c/o Sal and

Andrew Malguarnera 713 Main St., Port Jefferson, NY. Location: Northeast corner Lower Rocky Point Rd. and Manor Rd., Sound Beach. Applicant requests rear yard variance for existing rear deck with steps. (0200 03000 0100 010000)

AUTHORIZATION TO ACQUIRE 2 PARCELS OF NEW YORK STATE OWNED LAND LOCATED IN THE VILLAGE OF MASTIC BEACH FOR OPEN SPACE PURSUANT TO SECTION 72-H OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW

CASES WILL BE HEARD AT THE DISCRETION OF THE BOARD.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Board of the Town of Brookhaven at a regular meeting thereof held on the 27th day of October, 2016, duly adopted a resolution subject to permissive referendum, the purpose and effect of which is to authorize the appropriation of funds from the Joseph Macchia Environmental Preservation Capital Reserve Fund for Acquisition of two (2) parcels

PAUL M. DE CHANCE CHAIRMAN 542 11/3 1x vbr NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM

in the Village of Mastic Beach – 24 Peconic Drive, Mastic Beach (SCTM 0209-036.00-01.00005.000) and 20 Wavecrest Drive, Mastic Beach (SCTM 0209-013.00-04.00-019.000). The subject resolution is available for public inspection between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Brookhaven Town Clerk’s office located at One Independence Hill, Farmingville, New York. Dated: October 27, 2016 At: Farmingville, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN DONNA LENT, TOWN CLERK 556 11/3 1x vbr

Legal advertisement guidelines Deadline is 12 noon, Friday 1 week prior to publication date. E-mail your text to: legals@tbrnewspapers.com For additional information please call 631.751.7744

PAGE A20 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

PeoPle

Photos from Rocky Point school district

Rocky Point High School students speak with Democrat Anna ThroneHolst, above, and U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, left, prior to the election.

Rocky Point hosts candid conversation with candidates In preparation for the upcoming election, Rocky Point High School’s participation in government classes recently had the chance to better understand the bipartisan stance of two House of Representatives candidates during an in-school workshop.

During separate events, Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) and Democratic challenger Anna ThroneHolst provided a brief introduction to their political platforms before answering questions posed by the students. In advance of the program, students

prepared questions related to matters of foreign policy, economics and domestic social issues. Among the topics discussed were relations with China, taxes on big businesses and issues on world terrorism. “Many students are focused on the presidential election taking place this year, so

this in-person town hall experience served as a reminder of the other officials seeking election this November,” said teacher Brooke Bonomi. “The program was also a good way for the students to become more involved and engaged in the local politics impacting their community.”

Marisa Bisiani

Photo from Stony Brook University

Miller Place resident hired at Stony Brook Photo from Town of Brookhaven

Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner, on right, helped clean up Cedar Beach with the help of Mount Sinai High School students.

Bonner aids in Cedar Beach cleanup On Oct. 23, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner (C-Rocky Point) joined more than 70 Mount Sinai High School students at Cedar Beach to lend a hand during the Environmental Outreach Club’s beach cleanup.

In addition to cleaning the beach along Long Island Sound, litter was picked up along the nature trails and roadsides. The event was coordinated by David Chase, director of the Costal Steward Marine Education Program. “We can always count on students to do

their part to clean up the environment,” Bonner said.“Cedar Beach is a very special place and it’s important that it is never taken for granted. I thank David Chase for all that he does to preserve the beauty of this beach and others throughout the Town of Brookhaven.”

Marisa Bisiani, a doctor and Miller Place resident, has been named assistant vice president for Student Health, Counseling and Outreach Services at Stony Brook University. As part of the position, she will oversee the health care, counseling and outreach services teams, including Student Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Center for Preventive Outreach and Disability Support Services and will provide leadership for the implementation of programs and services that promote healthy choices and life management strategies for students. Prior to her appointment at Stony Brook University, she served as director of Infection Prevention and Occupational Health Services at John T. Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson.

NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A21

GearHeadz Continued from page A5 “This was really great news,” Pinkenburg said. “It was the breakthrough we needed.” In order to compete in 2017, the GearHeadz must raise at least $15,000 to purchase equipment and pay the FRC fees. The six-week season begins in January, but the team must come up with the funding by midNovember. So far, the group has raised close to $3,000, and the matching grant enables the team to pay for the $6,000 registration fee that is due this month. The registration comes with a robot base kit and one competition, which will take place from the end of March to the beginning of April at Hofstra University. “We still need additional material for the robot — you are allowed to spend $4,000 but my guess is that it’ll be around $1,500,” Pinkenburg said. “We need tools — we have some promises for donations in that department already — and we would like to participate in a second competition, which is another $4,000. That’s where the $15,000 comes from. If we match the money from North Atlantic Industries we’ll be close to this.” Pinkenburg said from his team’s past experience he believes the GearHeadz are wellprepared to have a good start in its new division. Since it’s a community-based team — not limited by school district boundaries when accepting new members — he hopes that the team can continue to grow. “I hope that this will turn into something where many kids from the North Shore communities profit from,” he said. Information about the team and a sponsor form may be found on the GearHeadz’ web-

The Rocky Point GearHeadz with coach Chris Pinkenburg, a physicist at Brookhaven National Lab. site at www.rockypointroboticsclub.com. The group also set up a GoFundMe site: www.gofundme.com/Gearheadz.

“We’re excited to see what this robotics club can do, especially since they’re doing so well,” Alcorn said. “It’s very heartening to see

we salute those who On Veterans Day, we salute the American veterans and active-duty military whose courage and dedication have protected our freedom and our way of life for generations. We recognize their service and their sacrifice, their selflessness and bravery, their hard work and their faith. Please join us in celebrating the men and women of our military, past and present, this Veterans Day. Proudly fly your flag, thank a veteran and show your support for those who continue to serve today.

Thanks, Veterans!

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File photo by Desirée Keegan

kids involved in this kind of work. We’re proud of what they have been able to accomplish and we wish them more success in the future.”

served

PAGE A22 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

EndorsEmEnts

Forward with Flanagan Leave it to

We admire Peter Magistrale (D) for running against a political institution like John Flanagan (R-East Northport) at such a young age. He is very passionate about statutes of limitation regarding sexual abuse claims, an issue we’d be glad to see him continue to fight for regardless of the outcome of this election. His idealism is an asset that could serve the community in the future. We also have heard enough from Stephen Ruth to consider his cause regarding red light cameras and yellow light times something worth looking into as a community. However, we are endorsing John Flanagan to retain his seat as the state senator for New York’s 2nd Senate District. We support him both for what he has already accomplished in his 14 years in the position — like the fights he gladly took up against the Gap Elimination Adjustment and heroin abuse in his district and beyond — and for what we hope he can bring to the district in the future. He is constantly visible, available and receptive to his constituents and has helped along with State Sen. Ken LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) to make Stony Brook University what it is today, which is

LaValle

File photo

State Sen. John Flanagan, who was first elected in the senate in 2002, is seeking another term. a tremendous asset to the community. We certainly hope Magistrale continues to look to serve his community, but for this election and this seat, we enthusiastically stand by Flanagan.

Voters in the first senatorial district have two excellent candidates to choose from on Election Day. Incumbent Kenneth LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) was first elected to the New York State Senate in 1976 and has been re-elected 19 times since. He prides himself on being one of its most productive legislators in terms of bill introduction, bills that pass the Senate and bills that go on to pass both houses. He calls this a record of “relevancy” and we agree. He works hard for our district, understands its problems and thinks there’s more he can do — especially in combatting the heroin/ opioid addiction crisis and increasing environmental protections. His challenger, Gregory Fischer (D) has some interesting ideas and brings the perspective of a business background to his analysis of the issues facing the district and the state. A self-professed reformer, he believes that the Senate needs new blood — and more specifically, blood of the Democratic persuasion.

File photo

State Sen. Ken LaValle will build on 40 years of service with another term.

We endorse Senator LaValle for a 20th term because we believe he has done great work for his constituents and will continue to do so for another two years. His seniority in a body that rewards it, makes him an even more powerful advocate for our interests.

A bright future File photo by Phil Corso

Anna Throne-Holst will need to unseat incumbent Lee Zeldin to earn the 1st Congressional District seat Nov. 8.

Give her the throne Freshman Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) has done some admirable things for constituents of the 1st district. A veteran himself, with four years of active duty — including a deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and nine years in the Army Reserves — he has done a lot for Long Island veterans. He was also instrumental in the signing into law of an amendment that bears his name, allowing states to opt out of Common Core without fear that there will be any loss of federal funding as a result. That’s a victory for the nearly unanimous animus we’ve heard candidates express for the program this fall. Challenger Anna Throne-Holst (D) was elected four times to the Southamp-

ton Town Board and, as town supervisor, fixed financial problems, streamlined the budget and put the reallocated funds to use improving quality of life for Southampton residents. And she did this while in the minority, working with Republicans. Now she hopes to bring that skill set to Congress and we’d like to see her do it. These are both hard-working, dedicated politicians, but one aligns with our values and ideals better. Only Throne-Holst believes in background checks for gun purchasers, revamping the existing Affordable Care Act, protecting a woman’s right to choose and overturning Citizen’s United. We endorse Anna Throne-Holst to be our next congressperson.

Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) is the leading environmental voice in the Assembly, and with the climate of the country ever-changing, it’s a much needed one. Englebright, who serves as chairman of the Committee of Environmental Conservation and also is on the Committee on Energy, among others, has fought for preservation with tree removal possibilities looming in Stony Brook, helped welcome a new trail hub in Rocky Point, secured funding for Mount Sinai’s Heritage Park and opposes dumping of dredged spoils in the Long Island Sound. His work supporting planetary exploration at Stony Brook University, ensuring water quality and lowering the cases of whooping cough is also to be commended. He’s been a big supporter of the importance of local history and has celebrated the volunteer work of countless locals who fight to beautify their communities, educate others on the past and preserve what’s left. While we believe his Republican challenger Steven Weissbard is passionate and enthusiastic, and has some good ideas — such as better ways to manage the construction on Route 347, he’s a climatechange denier. Englebright is still currently working to halt dumping of toxic silt into the Long Island Sound and reducing nitrogen levels in our waters. We hope the assemblyman will

File photo

Assemblyman Steve Englebright’s impressive track record makes him an easy choice to represent the 4th district.

continue to be a strong voice for his constituents on these issues and fight to make new plans to mend the issues. The 12-time elected assemblyman, who was initially voted in during a special election in 1992, has continued to have the support of the 4th district. And we vigorously support him for re-election.

NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • PAGE A23

OpiniOn

Taking small steps, and stretching, to prevent big problems I

f an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, what should we be preventing? Well, we all brush our teeth. At least, we do most of the time, assuming we haven’t relaxed under the covers too long on a cold night and haven’t allowed ourselves to drift off to a wonderful, warm place where we don’t have to worry about meetings, tests, social anxiety, or delayed trains the next day. Did we also floss? That’s By Daniel Dunaief a ridiculous question for those of us who have seen the 1992 movie Prelude to a Kiss. At the end of the film, Julius, played by Sydney

D. None of the above

Walker, has returned to his body after switching with Meg Ryan on her wedding day. An older man, Julius asks if he can give the young couple a piece of advice. “Floss,” he advises sagely. Okay, so, what else do we prevent? We change the oil in our cars, or maybe a service station does that. They also probably check our brakes, realign our wheels, and check all our other fluids. That’s all good and seems necessary. How often we do that depends on our tradition and our comfort level with our vehicles. Then, there’s our bodies. Insurance plans seem to cover the cost of an annual physical. The doctor asks us about any changes, takes some samples, and gets back to us, reminding us to eat better, to sleep better and to exercise more often. Those visits can either be a source of great pride, as we walk in noticeably lighter than we were last year, or a source of frustration, as the weight we lost the year before seems to

have boomeranged back to us. For our bodies, we can also take some preventive steps. I recently endured some lower back problems. I always thought the one advantage of being on the shorter side was that I wouldn’t have to worry about the bad backs some of the tall people of the world suffer. Wrong. My lower back was so stiff that climbing out of a car took much longer than it should, while walking down steps or a slight incline caused me to wince. My chiropractor helped relieve that pain and gave me some back exercises, which I now do semi-regularly. Okay, well, I don’t do them as often as I brush my teeth, but I do take some time to stretch and strengthen my lower back. When I was young and playing sports, I used to arrive at a field and play baseball, basketball or anything else and immediately start running at top speed. I barely stretched because I couldn’t wait to play. Fast forward to today and the

true weekend warrior in me, who has endured a groin strain and a partial tear of my rotator cuff, requires at least 10 to 15 minutes of stretching. As with most life lessons, we become more aware of pitfalls and potholes after we’ve fallen into them. My experience with kidney stones means that I barely go a waking hour without drinking a cup of water. When the doctor told me that half of all kidney stone patients return within five years, I immediately decided I wanted to be in the other half, so I’m drinking water constantly. I’m sure there are other house items we should maintain, like heaters, air conditioners, dishwashers, refrigerators and other appliances. After all, even though so many of those run for long periods of time without needing any service, they probably won’t require anything major if we give them that extra ounce of preventive attention.

Some last minute thoughts on Election 2016

ne fact that we can all agree on at the tail end of this clamorous and divisive election season is how happy we are that it is almost over. In a presidential campaign that has been part entertainment, part embarrassment, only slightly about the grave issues of the day, but wholly history making, the people are exhausted. Bombarded relentlessly with political messages, robocalls, knocks at the By Leah S. Dunaief door, endless campaign literature and ugly ads, citizens are yearning for an end. May it all truly be over next Tuesday night. For all the talk, though, about how insufferable the electioneering has been, the candidates have gotten the attention, albeit negatively, of the electorate. At business lunches,

Between you and me

during hair-stylist appointments, at cocktail parties and the daily exchanges at the bus stops, the latest election tomfoolery is the topic of the day. Conversations about the weather, that perennial conversation fodder, are finally being overtaken by the latest political revelations. For a nation that has long been declared apolitical, we breathlessly keep up with who has hurled what insult at whom and what new leaks the media are revealing. It seems to matter little if the leaks are corroborated or not, and social media, the preferred vehicle for dissemination, does not automatically offer any fact checking. Anyone can get away with saying anything, and the more outrageous and indecent, the greater number of viewers. The gloves of decency and civility are off. In our presidential election, we are exploring the twists and turns of sexual accusations — out in the open for everyone to see. London’s backbenchers in Parliament pale with their insults compared to us. At least theirs are often witty. Except for Saturday Night Live, there has been little

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in these last two years of intense campaigning to earn a good laugh. Has our country demonstrated less bigotry by naming a woman as standard-bearer for one of the two major parties? Or has our obvious double standard become only more painfully obvious, with so many men declaring publicly their unwillingness to ever vote for a woman as leader? The same question, about race rather than gender, was posed eight years ago when we elected the first black president. With painful irony, amidst our self-congratulatory open-mindedness, it seems more racial incidents have played out since that election than when George Wallace stood in the doorway and refused entry to black school children. Will the same ironies ensue in the event of a Clinton victory? Perhaps it is cleansing to have our faults out in the open — acknowledgement as the first step toward healing. At least there has been no talk about ageism the way there was during the Reagan campaign in 1980. Both candidates today are within a couple of years of each

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Leah S. Dunaief GENERAL MANAGER Johness Kuisel MANAGING EDITOR Desirée Keegan EDITOR Desirée Keegan

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other and of the biblical endpoint of three score and ten. At least that is something to be grateful for. In this election season, as with every other during which we have been publishing, we have tried hard to remain as neutral as possible and present you, our readers, with the news in a balanced fashion. There are a number of local races, all critically important for their ultimate effects on our daily lives. As we have always done, we have spent hundreds of hours throughout the month of October interviewing candidates for each local office, two-bytwo, and we have asked them questions and passed the answers along to you in our election section this week. We have also distilled this information during many more hours of discussion among our editorial board members and offered endorsements on our editorial pages. In no way do we intend this to dictate how you should vote. Rather we are telling you how we will vote after the journalistic privilege of personally questioning the candidates and covering the incumbents throughout their terms. We owe you, our readers, no less.

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PAGE A24 • THE VILLAGE BEACON RECORD • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

sports

Photos by Desirée Keegan

Clockwise from left, Casey schmitt battles for the ball at midfield; Missy Carpenito races downfield with the ball; schmitt is lifted up by her teammates following the victory; and Caiya schuster and gabby sartori embrace one another.

Schmitt scores hat trick for Mustangs’ first county title By Desirée Keegan desiree@tbrnewspapers.com Captain Casey Schmitt continues to sprinkle her name throughout Mount Sinai’s record book. The senior forward scored three goals to help the Mustangs to their first Suffolk County title over Harborfields Nov. 1. Her hat trick goal was the gamewinner in the first 10-minute overtime session.

Mount Sinai 3 Harborfields 2

“It’s the greatest thing to ever happen to me,” she said following the victory. “We just made history.” The No. 4 Mustangs upset No. 1-seeded and previously undefeated Islip on penalty kicks to reach the county finals for the first time. Schmitt scored the game-tying goal in that matchup. The team then found itself up against the No. 2 Tornadoes, which hadn’t lost a game since its first matchup of the season. “A lot of the teams tend to underestimate us,” said junior goalkeeper Caiya Schuster, who made 12 saves in each of the last two games. “They say, ‘Mount Sinai, who’s that? What have they done?’ In a sense, yeah, we’re the underdogs, but we definitely don’t let the other team think we’re the underdog. As soon as we come out, we try to do all that we can. We show them this is Mount Sinai and this is what we’re capable of.” Schuster and her team did just that. She scored her first goal in the 19th minute, after Harborfields goalkeeper Ava McKane came out of the box to make a save. Schuster pushed through when McKane failed to secure the ball, just like her head coach Courtney Leonard always advises the girls to do. “The three goals speaks for itself,” Leonard said of her co-captain. “Casey knew what she had to do, and she got it done.” Schmitt scored again in the 28th minute to make it 2-0, but Harborfields’ Caroline Rosales wasn’t going to let her team go down without a fight. She scored in the 38th minute, and added the equalizer 10 minutes later when she dribbled through

Mount Sinai’s defense and beat Schuster. “Islip didn’t take us seriously, and we beat them,” Schuster said. “Harborfields thought we got lucky, but we showed them. We came out with intensity and proved to people right away why we’re here.” With the score tied at the end of regulation, two 10-minute overtime sessions ensued. Schuster scored in the first, five minutes in, and her team defended for the final 15. “We’re elated — each win gets better and better and shows that anything’s possible if you put your mind to it,” Leonard said. “It shows the leadership of this group of young women. They’ve led by example all year. From one end to the other we’re extremely strong, and [Schmitt and Schuster], along with their surrounding teammates, are so reliable. Winning the game

last Friday, today’s victory, it’s a little piece of history for Mount Sinai and I’m so proud to be a part of it. The sky’s the limit.” Mount Sinai will face Garden City in the Long Island championship Nov. 4 at St. Joseph’s College at 4 p.m. While Schuster said she’s not an emotional person, she couldn’t help but cry as the announcer counted down the final seconds. She’s hoping to come away with the same feeling Friday. “I love that my team doesn’t let the pressure and the fact that people underestimate us effect them,” Schuster said. “Everyone wanted it, not just for themselves, but for everyone else.” See more sports coverage on page A18.