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From the Newsroom: Choose Joy
“Perhaps you sense that we prepare for and celebrate Christmas doing the opposite of what brings peace and joy to the world. Maybe we embrace too much of the secular culture and not enough of the Gospel culture. Are we able to listen to God in the midst of all this?”
Ask Your Fellow Veteran: Suffering From Type II Diabetes
From Rev. Frederick Miller, Ph.D.: CDC research has shown that smokers are 30% to 40% more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes compared to non-smoker. Unfortunately, many of these factors are associated with military service and the life of Veterans after discharge.
Attack of the Drones!
For almost two weeks now, state and municipal governments have been pressing the federal government for explanations, yet their appeals have gone unanswered.
Healthcare CEO Assassination Rocks Big Apple
The battle for New York City’s identity feels more visceral than ever, especially in the wake of the high-profile assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He was gunned down in broad daylight.
Ask Your Fellow Veteran: Traumatic Brain Injury In Veterans, Part 2
As stated in last week's article the use of explosive materials has increased in the wars since World War I.
Highway Robbery for Long Island Roads
Fresh off budgeting $2 billion for illegal migrants, Gov. Kathy Hochul has ponied up a comparatively paltry $100 million to fix up state roads across New York, with Long Island getting money for only one small project.
Ask Your Fellow Veteran: Traumatic Brain Injury In Veterans, Part 1
Going back to World War I, many of our military in combat suffered what was called “Shell Shock.”
President-elect Trump's Cabinet Choices: A Focus on Transparency and Leadership
President-elect Donald Trump is assembling his administration, and his latest nominations highlight a deliberate effort to bring in experienced leaders, including some unconventional choices.
The Dangers of the Ukrainian War
"Aggression against the Russian Federation and its allies by a non-nuclear country with the support of a nuclear state will be considered a joint attack."
How to incorporate Charitable Giving in your Estate Plan
A: There are several ways one can make a charitable gift as part of their estate plan. First and foremost, you can always give during life. This can be done through a one-time or recurring donation to a charitable organization that qualifies as tax exempt under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Many charitable organizations have campaigns on Giving Tuesday in which a corporate sponsorship allows for any amounts donated on that day to be matched, providing a more substantial impact for your favorite cause while allowing you to receive the allowable deduction on your annual income tax returns.
Library Celebrates Grand Reopening of Modernized Main Library
Today marks a historic day for the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library as community members, library officials, and dignitaries gather for the grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the newly renovated main library located at 407 William Floyd Parkway in Shirley. The transformed 45,000-square-foot facility promises to offer patrons modernized, accessible, and innovative spaces designed to foster learning, community connection, and cultural enrichment for all ages.
What is a "SNT" and can I use it to buy food?
The acronym "SNT" refers to a special needs trust or a supplemental needs trust, a type of trust created for beneficiaries who are utilizing government benefits. SNTs allow for the beneficiary to keep their personal assets below required levels to maintain necessary government benefits while also protecting assets they earned or inherited. The type of SNT that is created depends on who is creating it and who is putting money into it.
Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library Celebrates Grand Reopening of Modernized Main Library
historic day for the MasticsMoriches-Shirley Community
The Leadership and Service of a Local Coast Guard Hero
This citation from President George W. Bush, recognized the heroic Coast Guard efforts of Nathan B. "Nate" Bruckenthal. A little over 20 years ago, this local boy, who looked like the "all-american" kid was killed defending the United States during the War on Terror in Iraq. Nate was born on July 17th, 1979, and for several of his younger years, he grew up Stony Brook. With his mom, Nate lived in a military family, and he moved to different bases in Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Virginia. Nate enjoyed playing football, serving as a volunteer firefighter, and was a member of the Navy Junior ROTC in Virginia at Herndon High School. Returning to Long Island, Nate joined the Coast Guard in 1998, where he was first stationed in Montauk, NY. While he expected to become a police officer like his father or a firefighter, Nate thrived in the Coast Guard through different jobs and deployments.
Historic Presidential Elections and Military Conflicts in our Nation
During this past week, the United States has a new Presidentelect in Donald J. Trump to lead this nation for the second time in the last three political terms. In our history, there have been major political elections that have fallen near Veterans Day. While the United States is not directly engaged in any wars, this country has openly supported the Ukrainians against Russia, Taiwan from the threats of China, and tried to mediate the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians over the Gaza Strip conflict. At this time, there are past moments that American Presidents carried out political campaigns through times of warfare and national foreign policy concerns. This process continues today through the transfer of power that will be constitutionally carried out in January. The Trump Administration will assume major concerns that were seen through the following examples of past presidential terms.
Will or Trust? Which is best?
Whether a trust or last will and testament ("will") is better for you is dependent on your assets, circumstances, and personal goals.  Every person is different and therefore every estate plan should be tailored to the individual.
Visit a Museum for Free with the Library's Pass Program
Our museum passes can be reserved by Mastics-MorichesShirley Community card holders who are at least 18 years of age. Patrons need a valid, unexpired, unblocked, adult library card with fines not exceeding $25.00 to reserve a museum pass. This includes patrons who have signed up for a temporary library card via the website. Patrons must present their library card and
Early American Republic Election Fights with our Historic Leaders
— President Abraham Lincoln, August 23rd, 1864
Visit a Museum for Free with the Library's Pass Program
Our Museum Passes can be reserved by Mastics-MorichesShirley Community card holders who are at least 18 years of age. Patrons need a valid, unexpired, unblocked, adult library card with fines not exceeding $25.00 to reserve a museum pass. This includes patrons who have signed up for a temporary library card via the website. Patrons must present their library card and
The Role of Pooled Income Trusts in Qualifying for Community Medicaid
A: The short answer is "maybe." Medicaid for long-term care for New Yorkers over 65 years old has both income and asset rules for eligibility. To qualify for services, the applicant's countable assets must be under $31,175 in 2024. Tax-deferred retirement accounts, prepaid irrevocable funeral contracts, and various other types of assets are not counted toward this limit.
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Investors Throw Millions at Suffolk
The sale of $350 million in Tax Anticipation Notes at 2.94% and $46.4 million in Refunding Serial Bonds at 2.66% was reported by Comptroller John Kennedy. He attributes the impressive number of bidders to the county’s improved credit ratings which resulted in healthy competition, and significant cost savings for the residents of Suffolk County.
History Comes Alive at Military Museum
The museum is the dream of the nearby Rocky Point VFW Post 6249 membership, whose stories are befitting of the many heroes depicted in the gallery’s hallowed halls. There’s museum advisor Joe Cognitore, the post’s commander, whose Army service in Vietnam earned him a Bronze Star with a “V” for Valor.
Fort Sumter Pilgrimage Explores Family’s Civil War Legacy
Following the War of 1812 with Britain, President Andrew Jackson realized the need to strengthen the new nation’s coastal defenses, especially to protect the Atlantic entrance to Charleston, the south’s busiest port. Millions of tons of Massachusetts granite created an island at the confluence of the Ashley and the Cooper rivers where none had been before