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Feb 7, 2024

USO PART II United Service Organization

In 1947, the USO was disbanded, due partly to lack of funds. In 1951, after the United States had entered the Korean War, Secretary of Defense George Marshall and Secretary of the Navy Francis P. Matthews requested that the USO be reactivated "to provide support for the men and women of the armed forces with help of the American people." Between 1952 and 1953, not a day went by without the USO providing services somewhere in Korea, at home or overseas. In 1952 the USO was serving 3.5 million in the armed forces using much the same methods of operation as it did in World War II.

Feb 7, 2024

The Housing Crisis -- Part I

That's what the "median home price" in Suffolk County had risen to—a record high—as was reported late last year based on data provided by OneKey MLS. (With a Long Island base in Farmingdale, OneKeyMLS describes itself as New York State's "largest multiple listing service" for real estate and the "ninth-largest multiple listing service" in the U.S.)

Feb 7, 2024

Panico's Bold Move Deserves Praise

The town council veteran outlined his plan to vastly improve the quality of life in communities such as his Mastic Beach hometown in a letter to Romaine shortly after he moved up to county executive. In what appears to be a coordinated strategy, Panico requested that the county Department of Social Services not send money to landlords for rentals that do not have town permits. These permits require inspections, and Panico went as far as offering town inspectors to assist the county in making sure rentals are up to code.

Jan 31, 2024

Estate Planning for Artists

Establishing a clear and thorough estate plan is essential for artists to maintain control over their artwork and preserve their legacy. An artist's estate not only includes physical art, but a bundle of intellectual property rights, including copyrights. Additionally many artists have art collections that include others artists' works as well as their own. The artist's own art work is generally treated differently than their art collection, but both can be hard to value at death.

Jan 31, 2024

USO - Part I United Service Organization

The USO was founded on February 4, 1941 by Mary Ingraham in response to a request from President Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide morale and recreation services to U.S. uniformed military personnel. It was established as an American non-profit-charitable corporation that provides live entertainment, such as comedians, actors, and musicians, social facilities and other programs to members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. President Roosevelt was elected as its honorary chairman. He requested that the organization bring six civilian organizations together for a start: the Salvation Army, YMCA, (Young Women's Christian Association), National Catholic Community Service, National Travelers Aid Association, and the National Jewish Welfare Board. They were brought together under one umbrella to support U.S. troops, as opposed to operating independently as some had done during the First World War. The organization was incorporated in New York on February 4th with the first facility erected in DeRi

Jan 31, 2024

Frazer Dougherty--Pioneer of Public Access TV in Suffolk

"A Celebration Of A Bold Life" was the title of a memorial for an extraordinary person—a pioneer of public access television in Suffolk County, indeed the lead creator of a model for public access TV in the nation. Frazer Dougherty died in September at 101.

Jan 24, 2024

What is Estate Planning?

A: While people are aware of the importance to execute a Last Will & Testament, they are often of the mindset that it is something to be done as they get older and as a result it gets put off. For the same reason, the value of a establishing a comprehensive Estate Plan is often overlooked.

Jan 24, 2024

The American Red Cross and the Military

Clarissa "Clara" Barton with her acquaintances founded the American Red Cross in Washington D.C. on May 21, 1881. She was a clerk in the U.S. Patent Office in Washington D.C., when the Civil war broke out in 1861. When poorly trained soldiers began pouring into the capital, Clara organized food, clothing and bedding donations to support the soldiers. She was soon transporting provisions to the front lines as well.

Jan 24, 2024

The Golden Anniversary of the Press Club of Long Island

"I love the Press Club of Long Island," said Brian Stelter. "I love journalism organizations. We need more of them. We need them to be healthy and vibrant."

Jan 17, 2024

Community Medicaid v. Chronic Medicaid

A: No, Community Medicaid will not pay for long term-care in a nursing home. Community Medicaid is the program that covers care at home, such as a personal care aide. Chronic Medicaid is the program that covers nursing home care.

Jan 17, 2024

Salvation Army Serving Our Military & Veterans

William Booth established the Salvation Army in England 1852. In 1879 he changed the name of the Christian Mission to the Salvation Army. From that point on the members were known as Salvationists. By 1885 they converted 250,000 Christians and their message spread rapidly, gaining a foothold in other countries including America. Today they are in over 100 countries.

Jan 17, 2024

50th Anniversary of Press Club of Long Island

It was 50 years ago and I was at my desk at the Suffolk County office of the daily Long Island Press reading an article about a reporter being jailed for not divulging the identity of a source. Sources, especially in investigative reporting, are invaluable, golden.

Jan 10, 2024

Can You Be Removed from a Deed Without Your Consent?

A: In general, a person cannot be removed from a deed without his or her consent and signature on a deed. Absent legal action with a court order, such as a foreclosure or a partition action, the only way an owner's interest in real property can be transferred is by a properly executed, acknowledged and recorded deed conveying that owner's interest to a new party. If two or more people own real property jointly as tenants in common, a co-owner is unable to remove the other co-owner by executing a new deed - a person can only convey what they own. A title company will search all transfers to certify the record owners and those with an interest in the property will be required to execute the deed to the purchaser.

Jan 10, 2024

History of the United Veterans Beacon House

The Beacon House is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 1994 by Frank Amalfitano, an Air Force veteran of Vietnam. Their headquarters is located at 1715 Union Blvd., Bay Shore, NY. It has established itself in veteran housing, outreach programs, and is known as a full service organization serving veterans on all of Long Island.

Jan 10, 2024

A Celebration of Non-Partisanship and Big Salute to Ed Romaine

If only Washington would be this way.

Jan 3, 2024

Navigating Trust Tax Returns: What You Need to Know

A: Yes, you should inform your accountant that you created a trust. The type of trust you have determines whether you have to file a separate tax return or report trust income on your personal return.

Jan 3, 2024

Understanding Mental Health

Our military and veterans are afraid of being labeled with a mental health problem. This results in them also being afraid to seek medical help. Part of the reason for negative attitudes and behavior towards mental illness is a lack of knowledge and fear of the unknown. Anyone can experience mental illness—it's more common than we think. So it's important to try to gain a better understanding of it.

Jan 3, 2024

The Year That Has Now Passed

The year 2023 had a stormy ending in Suffolk County, a year of great storminess in which general violence in the world—war—colored life here and widely.

Jan 3, 2024

How Presidents Past and Present Managed Israeli/Palestinian Wars

Presidents dating back to Harry Truman fought to find a balance between sound foreign policy and the political minefield surrounding Israeli and Palestinian conflicts.

Dec 27, 2023

Remote Witnessing of Health Care Proxies

A: New York State now allows remote witnessing of health care proxies. This innovation is particularly vital for individuals who, due to medical reasons, are unable to safely execute a health care proxy in the direct presence of two witnesses. A health care proxy allows you to appoint an individual you trust to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to make such decisions for yourself. This can be a family member or a close friend who understands your wishes and values.

Daily Feed

Sports

Sachem's Winter Athletes Honored

The Sachem Central School District was honored at the most recent Board of Education meeting recognizing the student-athletes, coaches and teams from both Sachem East and Sachem North for their outstanding achievements during the winter sports season.


Sports

SWR Mourns the Passing of Gilmore

Shoreham-Wading River school district lost a member of their district's family this week when Adrian Gilmore, a high school soccer coach passed away.


Sports

LoRe Adds to His Career Numbers

This week Miller Place senior goalie Christopher LoRe hit a milestone when he recorded 500th career save.