Bayport-Blue Point and Center Moriches faced off in a Suffolk baseball matchup on Tuesday Bayport-Blue Point starting pitcher Cooper Fuller delivers a pitch during a Suffolk baseball game on Tuesday Center Moriches JT Bonventre lines a single into leftfield during a Suffolk baseball game on Tuesday Bayport-Blue Point's Colin Most slides safely into second base on the steal against Center Moriches during a Suffolk baseball game on Tuesday Bayport-Blue Point's Tyler McKillop lines an RBI single to leftfield against Center Moriches during a Suffolk baseball game on Tuesday Bayport-Blue Point's Sam DaVore crushes a two RBI single to the outfield during a Suffolk baseball game on Tuesday Bayport-Blue Point's Cooper Fuller drives a double to centerfield during a Suffolk baseball game on Tuesday Bayport-Blue Point's Guytano Kiesel drives an RBI single through the infield during a Suffolk baseball game on Tuesday Bayport-Blue Point's Brendan Mattimore connects for a two RBI single during a Suffolk baseball game on Tuesday Center Moriches starting pitcher Joe Hiller delivers a pitch during a Suffolk baseball game on Tuesday The Newsday app makes it easier to access content without having to log in Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months NY — A day after 11 students became sick after eating marijuana gummies at the William Floyd Middle School police are still searching for answers on how the kids obtained the edibles — and the school district is seeking to educate about the dangers "Seventh Precinct Crime Section officers are investigating," police told Patch Tuesday Ten students were transported to area hospitals after 11 got sick after eating marijuana gummies at the William Floyd Middle School Monday the William Floyd school district spoke about next steps Tuesday: "While we cannot discuss student discipline publicly due to privacy laws we take this matter seriously and there will be appropriate consequences We will continue to build upon our anti-drug programs and also continue to host grade-level assemblies highlighting the dangers of all drug use Suffolk County Police Seventh Precinct officers responded to William Floyd Middle School located at 630 Moriches Middle Island Road in Moriches police said; 10 were transported to local hospitals for evaluation according to Suffolk County Fire Rescue Services No criminal charges were immediately filed Monday and discipline will be handled at the school level a student at William Floyd Middle School handed out edible THC gummies to students who have since fallen ill," a statement from the William Floyd Union Free School District said "The Suffolk County Police Department and local EMTs responded en masse to provide care and assistance Of the students initially transported to local hospitals for assistance one was released into the custody of a parent "We are grateful to our first responders for their quick response thankful that the students will be treated and hopeful that they will recover quickly," the district said There is no additional information being released on where the gummies came from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has guidance on its website on how edibles can impact children or food and drink products infused with cannabis have some different risks than smoked cannabis," the CDC said is difficult to measure and often unknown or inaccurate as labeled on edible products." Edibles, or food and drink products infused with cannabis, have some different risks than smoked cannabis, including a greater risk of poisoning, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Unlike smoked cannabis, edibles can, according to the CDC: Some cannabis edibles have packaging designed to mimic the appearance of well-known branded snacks and candy that appeal to children "Children who consume THC-containing products can become very sick," the CDC said "They may have problems walking or sitting up or may have a hard time breathing Since adult cannabis use has been legalized in some states unintentional cannabis poisonings in children have increased sometimes requiring visits to the emergency room or hospitalization." The CDC added: "If you use cannabis products keep them in a locked childproof container and outof the reach and sight of children and pets." Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Entering the Suffolk County Class B boys soccer semifinals on Friday night, Mattituck was convinced it would not duplicate a recent 6-0 loss to archrival Center Moriches could not avoid the same fate on the Red Devils’ artificial turf field Senior forward Joe Hiller scored four goals and set up another to lead the second-seeded Red Devils (14-3) to a 6-0 win 1 Babylon in the final at Diamond in the Pines in Coram on Tuesday Third-seeded Mattituck (9-6-2) felt it could put the Oct. 17 shutout in the rear-view mirror since the squad had posted a 3-2 comeback victory over Center Moriches earlier in the season We were missing guys,” head coach Dan O’Sullivan said of the first 6-0 defeat Everybody’s 0-0 and anything can happen We had a game plan for the most part that we executed it in the first half They’re a talented team over there.”  The Red Devils grabbed a 3-0 halftime advantage and never looked back “The game just really didn’t go the way we planned,” said senior co-captain and defender/midfielder Justin Fox but we made little mistakes here and there returned after missing a few matches due to a school-related suspension “It’s definitely difficult,” he said I thought we had a really good shot of making it It was difficult for the seniors walking off the field after playing their final high school game “You never really know it’s your final game until it actually comes it really hits,” midfielder Peter Ixcotoyac-Krogulec said It’s sad knowing that you’re not going to play with these guys again.” slotting the ball past sophomore goalkeeper Cris Cuellar (7 saves) The Tuckers tried to equalize as keeper Hunter Bernhard snared a Szczotka right-flank shot at 18:36 The hosts pulled away in the final ten minutes of the half Alex Rotunda doubled the lead with a 30-yard blast that ricocheted off the inside of the crossbar before dropping into the net Hiller converted a penalty kick with 61 seconds remaining for a three-goal halftime advantage Center Moriches continued to attack in the second half Guilherme Rodrigues Dos Santos tallied from close range 1:40 into the period Hiller struck from the right side for his hat-trick less than two minutes later before adding a breakaway goal at 45:51 Six Tuckers seniors played their final game including defenders Daniel Gamboa-Boutcher guys that have been doing this for quite a few years with me,” O’Sullivan said Dan and Landon had not touched the field before this year They would be the first ones to say we might not touch the field at all but we’re going work to make everybody else better.” the Tuckers took one final bus trip back to the high school I always make the seniors speak and the underclassmen step up,” O’Sullivan said “I’m going preach the fact that they were able to bridge a group that lost 21 seniors [to graduation] and then having a group this year that was not as big Some of them had not been on a varsity field before Now we have something to look forward to.” Ixcotoyac-Krogulec echoed O’Sullivan’s remarks “The team put their whole heart into this game,” he said the ones that are going to be here for many more years I hope to see them playing here again and making it further.” A drive east from Riverhead to Orient this time of year passes row after row of farms bathed a.. who has turned around his tennis game with.. Leon Maurice Creighton of Greenport Village died Monday The scene at the Terrell River in East Moriches on Friday where a kayaker stuck in the mud was rescued A kayaker was rescued Friday afternoon after he sunk into the mud in the Terrell River in East Moriches The East Moriches Fire Department responded to a 911 call reporting a vessel stuck in the water around 3:18 p.m. When first responders pulled up on the east side of the river they "heard someone yelling for help" but could not see him Firefighters with the Center Moriches and Eastport departments entered the river on a pair of small boats and discovered a man and a kayak both "stuck in the mud," Ragone said "I believe he attempted to get out" and pull the kayak from the mud "and he sunk down to his upper thighs in the mud," Ragone said politics and crime stories in Suffolk County By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy The responders pulled the man out of the mud and brought him back to the shore for medical attention Ragone said the man was likely in the water 30 to 40 minutes before a 911 call was placed and first responders arrived on the scene "He was hypothermic and he couldn't really walk when we got him out," Ragone said "The water is 50 degrees...Probably another hour or so and he probably would have been in serious trouble." East Moriches Community Ambulance brought the kayaker Members of the Westhampton Beach and Mastic Beach fire departments and the Suffolk County Police Department also responded first responders reentered the water to retrieve his kayak so it was not spotted by waterfront homeowners who might then call 911 thinking someone needed to be rescued The fire chief said calls of boaters stuck in local bodies of water are "frequent" in the offseason, when warming air temperatures create an illusion of safe water conditions "People see what appears to be a nice day and they go out in their kayaks (and) canoes and they end up getting stuck or they get caught in a current and overturn," he said "The water is just too cold this time of year." Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories News 12 New YorkDownload the AppWhere to WatchTaxing Long IslandPage not foundWe’re sorry, the page you requested could not be found. 2025 at 5:25 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The incident happened at William Floyd Middle School Monday NY — Ten students were transported to area hospitals after eating marijuana gummies at the William Floyd Middle School Monday No criminal charges have been filed at this time and discipline will be handled at the school level Long Island’s oldest — and arguably best — high school soccer rivalry is back to being a competitive affair the Mattituck and Center Moriches boys’ soccer teams will tussle again for league supremacy and bragging rights in a competition that goes back 88 years the schools were separated by different classifications and leagues based on enrollment Center Moriches moved up to Class A and competed in Suffolk County League VIII Mattituck remained in Class B and in League IX “We knew that this rivalry had to stay together due to Center Moriches history,” Tuckers head coach Dan O’Sullivan said regardless of if we were in the league or not But I’m just super excited that now not only are they back in the league Mike Russo succeeded long-time Center Moriches head coach Chris O’Brien a Southold native who retired after last season and will coach in the rivalry for the first time and then Center Moriches-Mattituck boys’ soccer,” he said Past encounters, many of which were Suffolk County finals, have been intense, physical affairs with both sides attacking at will “It’s just the fact that it’s two very similar hard working-class communities that when they get on the field it’s different than the other sports that I’ve been a part of “It’s a playoff intensity from the warm-ups It’s all systems go from the opening whistle to the end The kids just know that it’s a special rivalry that they have to give it everything they have.” Last year the teams played a non-league match on Aug That game did not count in the league standings The Tuckers (10-4-2), who lost in last year’s Class B county final to Babylon, 2-0, will host the Red Devils (10-6-1) in their Homecoming Game on Friday, Sept. 20 at 5 p.m. and play at Center Moriches in the penultimate game of the regular season on Oct Mattituck prevailed in the county championship game During an incredible 27-year stretch from 1988 to 2014 either Mattituck or Center Moriches claimed the league title in all but two seasons The Tuckers won state championships in 1982 The Red Devils captured the New York crown in 2009 and 2017 The rivalry also has made for some intriguing scenarios Former Mattituck athletic director and head soccer coach Mike Huey was inducted into the Center Moriches Athletics Hall of Fame The Clayton Huey Elementary School in the town is named after his father After directing the Tuckers boys for nine successful years, Joe Vasile-Cozzo ventured west to become the Center Moriches athletic director O’Sullivan has two unique Center Moriches connections O’Sullivan was a student teacher in a fourth-grade special education class while working with Ashley Russo He also did some coaching at the school before getting a full-time job at Mattituck in 2017 they could meet for a third time in the Class B final at Diamond in the Pines in Coram on Nov Center Moriches can move again to Class A if enrollment rises above 412 students again “Last year we were in A and B in some sports,” Russo said I think we’re off by five to 10 students.” which has had dwindling class sizes the past decade could drop to Class C in the near future if enrollment dips below 249 students we’ll just have to enjoy this classic rivalry one year at a time Bayport-Blue Point starting pitcher Cooper Fuller delivers a pitch against Center Moriches on Tuesday Bayport-Blue Point righthander Cooper Fuller dialed up one more ground ball shortstop Tyler McKillop fielded it and fired to first baseman Ryan Kloss for the final out and the Bayport-Blue Point juggernaut rolled on The Phantoms downed second-place and host Center Moriches in a Suffolk League VII baseball game Tuesday afternoon Fuller’s 99th and final pitch sealed his second consecutive shutout over Center Moriches this season Bayport-Blue Point improved to 15-0 and Center Moriches fell to 12-3 Fuller got 14 outs via the ground ball and struck out three to improve to 5-0 with a 0.00 ERA “He’s been unhittable this season,” Bayport-Blue Point coach Vic Manzella said “He’s getting stronger as the game goes on and the bigger the spot Fuller has thrown 27  1⁄3 scoreless innings and allowed only 11 hits He credits the team’s defense for his success “Our defense was stellar again,” Fuller said McKillop led a flawless Bayport-Blue Point defense with three putouts and five assists The Phantoms turned double plays in each of the first three innings “We lost in the Class A final last season to Kings Park and we felt our defense needed to be better this season,” Manzella said “The shortstop moved around the field really well,” Gibson Jr Center Moriches threatened to end Fuller’s scoreless streak in the bottom of the first inning Max Rayburn and JT Bonventre hit back-to-back one-out singles to put runners at first and second Brayden Hromada drilled a two-hop grounder up the middle toward centerfield “The ball got past Coop and skipped off the infield lip,” McKillop said Bayport-Blue Point used a three-run second inning to open a 3-0 lead Colin Most singled and Brady Gelling drew a one-out walk McKillop singled through the five-hole to score Most for the 1-0 lead Sam Devore followed with a two-run single to make it 3-0 The Phantoms added a run in the fifth and three in each of the sixth and seventh innings Brendan Mattimore had a two-run single in the sixth and Fuller added a two-run single in the seventh Center Moriches starter Joe Hiller walked four and allowed four hits and three runs while striking out eight over four innings but we also scored 10 runs on 10 hits,” Manzella said Center Moriches’ pitchers recorded 15 strikeouts “We didn’t score early and then the game got away from us,” Gibson Jr 2025 at 11:15 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A Mastic man wielding a baseball made off with some cash from a Center Moriches resident in a burglary on Thursday NY — A Mastic man wielding a baseball made off with some cash from a Center Moriches resident in a burglary on Thursday was arrested after he went inside a Hallock Lane home and threatened a resident with a baseball bat while demanding cash at around 7 p.m. adding that the person complied and Smith bolted Smith was found a short time later and detectives from the 7th Squad in Shirley charged him with first-degree burglary Smith pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in First District Court in Central Islip and a temporary order of protection was issued He is being represented by the Legal Aid Society Babylon faced Center Moriches in a Suffolk boys lacrosse matchup on Wednesday Babylon face-off specialist Brady Shaw heads upfield after winning the face off against Center Moriches in a Suffolk boys lacrosse game on Wednesday Babylon attack Kyle Ceballos moves the ball around the outside against Center Moriches in a Suffolk boys lacrosse game on Wednesday Center Moriches midfield Gavin Javetski takes the hit from Babylon defense Aidan Winter after the shot in a Suffolk boys lacrosse game on Wednesday Center Moriches defense Mason Walsh moves the ball upfield against Babylon in a Suffolk boys lacrosse game on Wednesday Center Moriches midfield Caden Leslie tries to get past the check of Babylon midfield Kai Jankow in a Suffolk boys lacrosse game on Wednesday Babylon attack Shane Dellafranca looks to get by the check of Center Moriches midfield Gavin Javetski in a Suffolk boys lacrosse game on Wednesday Babylon goalie Kyle Wieland makes the save on the Center Moriches shot in a Suffolk boys lacrosse game in a Suffolk boys lacrosse game on Wednesday Babylon attack Kai Jankow moves the ball around the outside against Center Moriches in a Suffolk boys lacrosse game on Wednesday Babylon attack Jack Schmidt shoots and scores against Center Moriches in a Suffolk boys lacrosse game on Wednesday after winning the face off against Center Moriches in a Suffolk boys lacrosse game on Wednesday Babylon attack Corey Dellafranca heads to the net as Center Moriches defense Blake Lapp defends in a Suffolk boys lacrosse game on Wednesday wins the face off against Center Moriches defense Mason Walsh in a Suffolk boys lacrosse game on Wednesday Babylon's Brady Shaw heads upfield after winning the faceoff against Center Moriches in a Suffolk boys lacrosse game As Babylon’s boys lacrosse team headed to the bus coach Scott Jankow yelled out for his junior FOGO Brady Shaw The faceoff specialist had forgotten his stick which rested on the turf at Center Moriches High School That short stick wasn’t the only thing Shaw had left on the field on Wednesday afternoon He also left behind a lasting impression of dominance including one inside the final 24 seconds of the game to seal a 7-5 Suffolk II win for Babylon over Center Moriches Even on faceoffs he lost he often gave his teammates a chance to scoop the ground ball off the clamp “I always play with confidence,” Shaw said I always have to think I’m better than the guy in front of me Babylon opened with a two-goal lead exiting the first quarter before Center Moriches responded with a pair of goals Both teams brought physicality and familiarity with each other as two of Suffolk’s three Class D teams “Every year we feel like we have to go undefeated in [Class D] to give ourselves a chance to be in the playoffs Sophomore Keven Bonilla flashed quick passing throughout the game but made his mark as a scorer with two goals in the fourth quarter Both were fed from the stick of junior Kai Jankow who was affectionately and immediately called a “knucklehead” by father and coach Scott Jankow after the win feeding a pass off a restart to Bonilla who fired a powerful shot into the back of the cage from over 15 yards I know he was pressing a little bit because he was quiet,” Scott Jankow said Babylon freshman Kyle Ceballos helped kickstart the win with two first-half goals as one of seven Panthers to log a point and one of five to score Sophomore Caden Leslie led Center Moriches (5-4) with three goals Babylon (4-4) flexed an impressive defensive effort Junior Christian Molnar did well against Center Moriches star senior Collin Casey’s physicality and long-stick midfielder Dan Debetta was as disruptive as ever in the middle of the field and the junior knows Babylon’s county title defense rests on performances like Wednesday’s Michael Sicoli covers high school sports for Newsday He graduated from Quinnipiac in 2022 and left with a master’s degree in sports journalism in 2023 2024 at 11:32 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Spiro Laopodis died on Sunday NY — Hearts are heavy at the Greek Bites Grill & Cafe in Moriches: Friends and staff as close as family were left reeling by the news that owner Spiro Laopodis died on Sunday and his children Marianna and George are a family well-known and loved in the community — with scores of friends coming forward on social media to share their sorrow at the profound loss The Laopodis family wrote a message to Greek Bites' customers: "We regret to inform you that Greek Bites Grill & Cafe will be closed on Saturday We apologize and appreciate your understanding during this difficult time." Marianna Laopodis wrote a heartfelt note to her father on social media: "I’m sorry we have to close Our Greek Bites family is standing incredibly tall and strong They are rallying behind our family and ready You always had some sort of way of finding great people to bring into our door Anyone who currently works or has worked for you refers to you as the greatest boss they ever had — and a father figure." She added: "I promise to you and to my brother and to my mother and to our incredible customers that keep a roof over our heads that it will be business as usual — with the exception of some tears while I’m taking orders — in the future at any time.' We will not be okay — but we will make you proud." A viewing will be held at the Robertaccio Funeral Home located at 495 Main Street in Center Moriches Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m located at 77 Montauk Highway in Blue Point you are welcome with open arms to come and pay your respects," Marianna said The Laopodis family is well-loved in the Mastic and Moriches communities, as well as on the North Fork and in Southampton, where they also once had restaurant locations Spiro was known for his warm smile and the air of hospitality with which he welcomed guests to Greek Bites — the entire family is known for nourishing not just with homemade food but with bestowing a sense of belonging on all those who come in search of the perfect gyro or slice of mouthwatering pastitsio they will carry their husband and father's dream of a new larger Greek Bites forward into the future — shepherding his legacy and vision into reality with love making sure we are safe and strong," his wife Dimitra said Soto had been serving in the post on an interim basis since his predecessor abruptly resigned last August The Center Moriches school district announced Tuesday that interim superintendent Ricardo Soto has been named to the position on a permanent basis interim Center Moriches schools superintendent since his predecessor abruptly resigned last August has been appointed to the position on a permanent basis Soto will fill the district’s top seat through July 30 according to the four-year contract approved by the Center Moriches Board of Education and posted on the district's website His base salary for the 2025-26 academic year Until previous Superintendent Ronald Masera stepped down unexpectedly, effective last Aug. 6, Soto had served as the district’s assistant superintendent for student services, personnel and instructional technology, Newsday reported at the time vacated his seat close to a year before his contracted departure date of June 30 according to a 12-page agreement he reached with the district last summer reported by Newsday No reason was given for Masera's early exit which included a district payout of $282,366 Securing the permanent position is "something that I've been working towards .. for the latter part of my career," Soto said Wednesday in a telephone he said he is most proud of increasing communication and transparency with the community revamping the district's website and ensuring parent's are not flooded with repetitive notices home from multiple school buildings Get the latest updates on how education is changing in your district Soto’s service as our interim superintendent of schools has showcased his leadership and communication skills and his unparalleled ability to build cooperative and collaborative relationships with parents and the faculty and staff of the District," board president Lauren Slionski said in a statement Tuesday announcing Soto's appointment "There is a new energy in our District," Slionski added "a positive excitement for all that has been accomplished and a palpable confidence in all that will continue to be achieved under Dr Soto's career began as a secondary English teacher in Brooklyn for the New York City Public School System He kicked off his 21-year stint with Center Moriches as an assistant principle of the high school His other titles have included elementary school principle and district director of special education He has lived with his family in Center Moriches for the past 19 years In recent years, while he was an assistant superintendent, Soto served as the district’s DEI chair, overseeing an annual board-approved equity plan that included among other tasks a review of field trips and the appointment of DEI liaisons, Newsday previously reported he told Newsday: "We are engaged in [DEI] work to give our students every opportunity to understand the global environment that exists outside of their immediate homes." When asked about the challenges currently facing the district District voters rejected bond proposals of $45 million in 2023 and $13.9 million in 2024 Soto said he and the board of education are hoping to bolster its capital reserves and use some of those funds to "renovate our aging auditorium" at the building that includes middle and high school students he said residents can vote on the use of around $1.2 million in capital reserve funds for that project they require a tremendous amount of repair," Soto said "So we're trying to utilize our capital reserves .. to try to do some of the projects that we can do internally before we go back to our community with a possible capital bond vote." Center Moriches celebrates a point during the Suffolk Class B girls volleyball final against Southampton on Wednesday Center Moriches’ hopes of repeating as county champions seemed nearly extinguished But Erin Baldock refused to let her senior season come to an end in the Suffolk Class B championship on Wednesday evening at Hauppauge high school Karly Coonan had 10 kills and Roselyn Barturen had 18 digs and 14 assists The Red Devils jumped out to a 5-2 lead after three kills from Coonan in the fifth set Southampton tied it at 7-7 after a kill from Bailey Brown but Center Moriches scored the next eight points to grab the decisive set grabbing the final points with back-to-back kills from Baldock I’m one of the people who has been here before,” Baldock said but I also knew the feelings of what would happen when we came back.” jumping out to a 7-0 lead as Brown had two kills during the run Center Moriches pulled within three points at 11-8 but Southampton responded with four straight points to regain control Brown had four of her seven kills in the set “We knew we had to fix our communication,” Barturen said Baldock again showed off some strong hitting as Center Moriches grabbed a 20-16 lead in the third set Southampton scored five of the next six points to tie the set at 21-21 and with set point we knew this was our game to take,” Baldock said “We just had to play our game and we knew what the result would be.” Southampton held a 15-12 lead in the fourth set after back-to-back aces from Beatriz Pariz Center Moriches flipped the script this time getting three kills from Baldock and two from Bianca Butta to take a 16-15 lead and ultimately grab the set we’ve had a few five-setters,” coach Nancy Morrow said “Sometimes it seems like we’ve left the gym but we always come back and I couldn’t be more proud of these girls.” Center Moriches will face the Nassau Class B champion in the Long Island Class B championship at 7 p.m and Nayyar Imam at the East Moriches site last week With the number of Muslim burial plots on Long Island scarce developers are looking to open an Islamic cemetery at the site of a closed private airport in East Moriches identified in Brookhaven Town planning documents as Suffolk Muslim Cemetery would occupy a 28.3-acre property on Montauk Highway that has been unused since the 2016 closing of Spadaro Airport The airfield closed amid financial and legal problems including allegations it had violated town noise ordinances The cemetery — which would be the first state-sanctioned Muslim cemetery on Long Island and the second in New York — would hold up to 25,024 burial plots The developers hope to open it as soon as June Brookhaven developer Ghulam Sarwar and Nayyar Imam, an adviser for the Islamic Association of Long Island mosque in Selden, said they spent nearly two decades seeking a suitable location for a cemetery as burial plots for Muslims became more scarce Muslim population would more than double by 2050 Long Island's Muslim population has been estimated at 100,000 as well as some African Americans and Anglo Americans “People go to New Jersey and out of state [to bury their dead].” Muslims require special procedures for burial including having the person’s face looking toward the Islamic holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia Sarwar said the project would cost $10 million The cemetery requires Brookhaven approvals for its site layout and permits from the county and the state Department of State He and Imam credited Suffolk County Executive  Edward P Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico and Town Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig with helping them locate the property Dunne Kesnig said town officials support the project but preliminary plans lacked information about landscaping A public hearing will be held later this year “The town wants it to be in a more natural state,” she said a member of the East Moriches Property Owners Association civic group said he and other residents who have viewed the plans also are concerned about landscaping “It definitely was less than what one might have anticipated and certainly less than other cemeteries in the vicinity,” Gleason said adding while he understands Muslims need a place to bury loved ones “It’s very hard to see what the benefit of the cemetery would be to the community.” Sarwar said he would add landscaping to the plans "We want to make it beautiful,” he said the East Moriches site would join a graveyard in upstate Orange County as New York's only state-authorized cemeteries reserved for Muslims New York Department of State spokesperson Mercedes Padilla said in an email There also are an unspecified number of Muslim cemeteries owned and operated by religious corporations that do not require state authorization Imam said the cemetery would be run by a nonprofit organization He estimated 25,000 plots would be sufficient for 10 to 15 years He said Washington Memorial Park Cemetery in Mount Sinai is rapidly running out of plots in its Muslim section. The section had fewer than 200 plots in 2022, Newsday previously reported “People call us that somebody died in the family," he said "We were happy that we could find this place.” 2025 at 4:26 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Almost 1,500 vape products were seized NY — An employee at an Eastport smoke shop was arrested Tuesday after illegally selling cannabis products was arrested at Sam's Eastport Tobacco Shop Seventh Precinct investigative unit officers along with the New York State Office of Cannabis Management and the Town of Brookhaven and seized more than 1,470 flavored nicotine vape products Uceda was arrested and charged with unlawful sale of cannabis or concentrated cannabis and criminal possession of a controlled substance The business was issued violations from the Office of Cannabis Management and the Town of Uceda was released on a desk appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date 2025 at 8:05 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Thomas Valva was just 8 years old (Courtesy Suffolk County DA's Office)The following column is commentary from Patch editor Lisa Finn regarding the Thomas Valva case on its 5-year anniversary editors received a press release at about 9:40 a.m and the words were few: "Suffolk County police homicide squad detectives are investigating the death of a child that occurred in Center Moriches yesterday." The press release continued: "Seventh Precinct police officers responded to a report of an 8-year-old boy who fell in the driveway of a residence The child was transported to Long Island Community Hospital The Suffolk County Medical Examiner is performing an autopsy hurting for his family — reporters have a job to do ex-NYPD Officer Michael Valva and his then-fiance Angela Pollina would be arrested and charged with his death — after Thomas and his brother had spent an icy 19-degree January night in his father's garage sleeping on a frigid cement floor with no blankets or pillows soaked in urine and starving for food and love Valva and Pollina were both ultimately convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life testimony revealed the horror-filled lives that Thomas and his brother were forced to endure — sent to school bruised and so hungry that they desperately searched the trash for food so red from the icy nights he'd spent in the garage because school was the one place where he found love and warm jackets In the years since Thomas' death, officials have advocated for reform But those who fought fiercely for him are crying out five years later — pleading for concrete change so that no other child ever dies in a frigid garage despite months of calls to CPS "I can still hear you in my thoughts and see the smile on your face," Renee Emin East Moriches Elementary School psychologist — one of the many teachers and administrators who fought tirelessly for Thomas "You are always on my mind — it’s just a matter of are you towards the front or back of my mind I hope to one day see changes in your name because something positive needs to come out of something so horrible Emin said three bills she has advocated for, to implement concrete change, have been reintroduced, including legislation that would open sealed, unfounded CPS cases with a court order for the purpose of a grand jury investigation or charges To read about those bills, click here. Her overall focus is on the civil trial and deposition She also said that she hopes the bills will pass this year Bows will adorn Thomas' bench by the school Emin said on Facebook that she ties two large blue bows with baby's breath on that bench both on Thomas’s birthday and on the anniversary teachers at the elementary school will be wearing blue in memory of Thomas and the fight against child abuse The tower of the elementary school will be illuminated in blue in his memory his family — including his heartbroken mother who begged on social media for someone anyone to help her boys in the months before Thomas died — friends many in the public who came to love Thomas through his story will remember that Friday marks five years since a tragedy rocked souls forever Five years ago seems just a heartbeat away Get important news about your town as it happens Get the top stories from across our network Are you sure you want to unsubscribe from daily updates A family attempting to make s’mores in their backyard accidentally sparked several brush fires that burned hundreds of acres on Long Island Plumes over smoke over New York from the Long Island wildfires An aerial view of a wildfire burning on Long Island on Saturday An investigation by Suffolk County Police Arson Section detectives determined that high winds spread embers from a Manorville backyard on Cozine Road after the family attempted to start a fire for s’mores “It’s believed strong winds spurred additional fires from embers leading to the brush fires,” Suffolk County Police said Detectives are continuing to speak with witnesses and investigate tips A massive fire erupted south of the Sunrise Highway in Center Moriches at around 1 p.m. Saturday, March 8, and rapidly spread due to 35 mph winds, as Daily Voice reported igniting a massive blaze just north of Gabreski Airport The Westhampton Pines Fire burned an estimated 600 acres, prompting more than 90 different fire departments, EMS agencies, and the National Guard to respond, ABC7 reports The last of four wildfires were fully contained by Sunday morning a spokesperson for Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said Fire crews were continuing to monitor smaller smoldering areas to prevent any potential flare-ups At its peak, the wildfires stretched two miles long and 2.5 miles wide, Romaine said. Two firefighters were injured, including one who suffered a second-degree burn to their face, fire officials told ABC7 Kathy Hochul to issue a State of Emergency and outdoor burn ban through Sunday The ban was in effect for Suffolk and Nassau counties Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid any potential ignition sources 2024 at 5:55 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The bicyclist was airlifted with serious injuries NY — A bicyclist was seriously injured in a motor vehicle crash in Center Moriches Wednesday night at the intersection of Brookfield Avenue and Frowein Road Marcial Yorwin Rubi Velasquez was riding a Varun electric bike southbound across Brookfield Avenue when he was struck by a 2016 Toyota sedan traveling westbound on Frowein Road was airlifted via Suffolk County Police helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of serious injuries The Toyota was impounded for a safety check; no charges were filed in the crash Detectives are asking anyone with information on the crash to contact the Seventh Squad at 631-852-8752 2024 at 9:39 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Here's how to help NY — Help is needed for a cat shot in Moriches According to Frankie Floridia of the Strong Island Animal Rescue League a call came in about a cat needing emergency surgery after being shot by a "high-powered BB gun completely shattering his femur bone," Floridia said caring owners," Floridia said his organization agreed to take on the case and help Hopper who will be kept inside — and help to secure the surgery he needs but everyone is on board to help this awesome cat and give him the care he needs," he said The investigation into how Hopper was hurt is ongoing "We are concentrating on getting Hopper the care he needs and getting him better His surgery is scheduled for Tuesday," he said Those who wish to donate and help Hopper can click here. Around a dozen students were sickened after ingesting marijuana gummies at a Long Island middle school A student at William Floyd Middle School in Moriches handed out edible THC gummies to around a dozen students who became ill on Monday morning the William Floyd School District confirmed Suffolk County Police and medics responded to the campus at around 11:15 a.m for reports that multiple students had overdosed 11 students were taken to local hospitals for treatment “We are grateful to our first responders for their quick response and hopeful that they will recover quickly,” the district said in a statement Boys soccer: Mattituck and Center Moriches to revive rivalry ELIH Foundation gala kicks off stroke center fundraising Inaugural North Fork Jewish Music Fest this weekend Where everyone gets involved: Shelter Island Recreation Dept. hosts pickup games for all ages and skills North Fork Dream Home: Bay views and three stories for your story to unfold Cook This Now! Peach and tomato Caprese The daily update is a briefing on what’s happening across the North Fork and Shelter Island ​Get the daily update delivered straight to your inbox each weekday morning by subscribing to our newsletter. Ronald Masera assumed the Center Moriches district’s top education post in July 2019 Center Moriches schools Superintendent Ronald Masera has abruptly resigned from his post for undisclosed reasons and the district has given him a payout of $282,366 who had assumed the district’s top education post in July 2019 left about a year earlier than his contracted departure date of June 30 according to a board of education agreement with him The 12-page agreement states Masera and the district agreed it is in “their mutual best interests to end their employment relationship.” The agreement does not indicate a reason for his departure Neither Masera nor school board president Lauren Slionski could be reached for comment Education experts say such payouts are not uncommon when a district and top school official decide to part ways "It does happen," said Michael Koscinski head of the Center Moriches teachers union The Center Moriches school board has appointed Ricardo Soto who was assistant superintendent for student services Soto declined to discuss the reason behind Masera’s departure I cannot provide the reason for his departure,” he said already exercised and now enjoying coffee with nature and NYT puzzles…what to do next?” The separation agreement grants Masera the remaining value of his 2024-25 salary of $227,588 the value of 14 accrued vacation days ($15,685) 10 years' worth of annual life insurance policy premiums ($17,280) and payments related to his health insurance Masera leaves as the district of about 1,500 students prepares for the Sept in a letter to the school community dated Aug “As I step into my new role as your interim superintendent and gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated group of professionals in a committed school community.” Soto included a message for the coming school year we will work towards enhancing student outcomes and addressing the challenges that lie ahead with resilience and creativity,” he said Masera’s five years as superintendent were marked by the COVID-19 pandemic He served as the president of the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association in 2020-21 Center Moriches voters rejected a $13.9 million bond issue intended to replace school boilers repair cracked sidewalks and make other improvements A bigger proposal for $45 million was turned down in October This work, East Moriches Resident Brian Mosher Retires from the New York Air National Guard After 32 Years of Military Service, by TSgt Sean Madden, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright Click here for Greater Long Island newsletters. Click here to download the iPhone app With the last of four Long Island wildfires under control in Westhampton Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said 25 detectives are involved in the investigation including arson detectives who are conducting aerial surveys by helicopter and interviewing all 911 callers who reported the fires it’s too early to tell whether this fire was started naturally or by some nefarious act,” Catalina said earlier today Dry weather and high winds — together with damage to woodland areas caused by the Southern pine beetle — created the perfect storm for fast-moving wildfires to ignite and spread across the Pine Barrens along the south side of Sunrise Highway over the weekend The blazes stretched from the Moriches area to Westhampton with the last having lingered around Gabreski Airport Over 90 volunteer fire and EMS agencies contributed to the effort “including 11 crews from Nassau County who stepped up to provide coverage for Suffolk County,” read a statement from Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services “Your dedication does not go unnoticed.” The weather will continue to be dry this week, with no rain in the forecast until Sunday, according to the National Weather Service Firefighters have gained control over much of the Pine Barrens wildfires that scorched hundreds of acres along Sunrise Highway this weekend but officials remain on alert as winds continue to pose a threat—and investigators work to determine how the fires started Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said Sunday that the fires which tore through 600 to 700 acres from Center Moriches to Westhampton he warned that conditions could reignite flames “We thought this fire would jump the highway we’d be facing big problems,” Romaine said The massive response effort to what officials are calling the Westhampton Pines Fire included 80 volunteer fire departments and 10 EMS units One firefighter suffered second-degree burns to his face requiring transport to Stony Brook University Hospital Another responder sustained a head injury and was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center investigators are working to determine the fire’s origin it’s too early to tell whether this fire was started naturally or by some nefarious act,” Catalina said and federal officials—including New York City Mayor Eric Adams Chuck Schumer’s office—with helping to bring the fires under control “This shows what we can do if we work together,” he said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico noted that the wind direction yesterday may have prevented huge losses to residential areas and business districts “While the wind fanned these flames and made the fire tougher to put out although we are sorry for what occurred in Southampton “Had this wind blown to the southwest this fire would have ravaged through potentially Eastport It could have been a very different fire had it gone into Brookhaven town.” Romaine recalled the devastating 1995 wildfire in the Pine Barrens Saturday’s fire didn’t jump across Sunrise Highway “It hit the southern part of Sunrise highway it jumped the highway and burned to the north as well as to the south So we’re very lucky,” Romaine said Crews are working to establish containment lines around the fire’s perimeter. said Suffolk County Fire Rescue Commissioner Rudy Sunderman “If we have to come back tomorrow to reach that 100 percent containment that’s with our bulldozers and payloaders from all operations and agencies going around the perimeter ensuring 100% of containment of the fire,” Sunderman said Romaine expressed concern about the longer-term threat posed by southern pine beetles which have killed “tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of trees” in the Pine Barrens over the past decade The damage from the beetle infestation provided ample fuel for the wildfires They’re fodder for a fire,” Romaine said We’re also concerned about the health of the Pine Barrens ecosystem.” Due to the lack of rain and persistent windy conditions residents are asked to refrain from all outdoor burning Top photo: Volunteer firefighters from Orient at the scene of the Westhampton wildfire Saturday evening Inset: County Executive Ed Romaine briefs the press in Westhampton Beach Long Island volunteers worked through the night in Westhampton to contain the last of four wildfires that sparked Saturday afternoon on eastern Long Island prompting an emergency response from across the region Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine is expected to update the public at 11:30 a.m Sunday from Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach emergency crews have resumed operations to address the wildfires,” according to a statement issued by Southampton Town “We are happy to report that other than some small hotspots There are hotspots and smoldering areas being addressed and emergency management is utilizing drones and air assets to identify these areas to direct response.” Arson investigators have also been dispatched to investigate the fires Click here for Greater Long Island newsletters. Click here to download the iPhone app Sunday will continue to be sunny and breezy The strong and sustained winds that helped spread the wildfires will slow down The region remains under a State of Emergency declaration Dry weather and high winds — together with damage to woodland areas caused by the Southern pine beetle — created the perfect storm for fast-moving wildfires to ignite and spread across the Pine Barrens along the south side of Sunrise Highway The blazes stretched from Moriches to Westhampton Beach Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency with the wildfires in the Pine Barrens State National Guard helicopters are providing air support and multiple state agencies are on the ground providing assistance I am issuing a State of Emergency as Suffolk County fights brush fires in the Pine Barrens. I have spoken to @ExecEdRomaine and offered any necessary State resources. We have @NationalGuardNY helicopters providing air support and multiple state agencies are on the ground One firefighter was airlifted to Stony Brook hospital with second-degree burns from battling the eastern Long Island wildfires on Saturday firefighters from across Long Island were concentrating in areas around and north of Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach The fires were “50 percent contained,” officials said “There are no residences at this time that are in the line of fire but we are monitoring that very closely from the air if that changes,” Southampton Town Police Chief James Kiernan told press assembled Saturday evening in Westhampton Beach “We’re in great hands right now; we have all our partners together working this.” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said the fires might not be under control for several hours Two commercial structures were also damaged by the fires which broke out around Center Moriches and East Moriches around 1 p.m. Authorities did not provide details about those structures It was not immediately clear on which fire department the injured firefighter hailed from The fire has drawn help from departments across Nassau and Suffolk counties Dry weather and high winds — together with damage to woodland areas caused by the Southern pine beetle — have created the perfect storm for fast-moving wildfires to ignite and spread across the Pine Barrens along the south side of Sunrise Highway on Saturday The massive cluster of wildfires is a quarter-mile wide with blazes stretching from the Hamptons to East Moriches South Shore fire departments — from Brookhaven to Hampton Bays — are battling to the blazes as massive billowing clouds of smoke dominate much of Long Island’s skyline on Saturday The smoke can be seen from as far away as the North Fork EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Manorville firefighters enter the thick of one of Saturday’s massive wildfires Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore has declared a state of emergency due to fires that started about 1 p.m. along with damage to woodland areas caused by Southern pine beetle infestation is exacerbating the conditions for dangerous wildfires,” she said in a statement “Such conditions threaten and/or imperil the public safety of the citizens of the Town of Southampton due to these active wildfires and the continued elevated threat of extreme wildfire possibility for our area.” Kathy Hochul said the New York National Guard is providing air support via helicopters and is coordinating with local law enforcement I spoke with County Executive Ed Romaine about the brush fire in the Pine Barrens and informed him that the State of New York is here to provide any resources and support he needs,” Hochul said Hochul has also deployed personnel from the offices of Emergency Management and Fire Prevention and Control the Department of Environmental Conservation state parks and state police to assist Suffolk County’s response to the crisis and I’m committed to doing everything possible to keep Long Islanders safe,” she said Police said Sunrise Highway is closed in both directions at the Railroad Avenue overpass in Manorville due to the fires which is partially to blame for Saturday’s wild fires has threatened Long Island’s pine forests and suburban landscapes since it’s arrival in the region in 2014 The beetle burrows into trees and disrupts their ability to transport nutrients Their infestation has weakened thousands of pine trees across Long Island Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico said “Thank you to all of the firefighters and first responders fighting this blaze” in a Facebook post in which he also shared a video of the fires from a helicopter Sunrise Highway east of Exit 62 closed down early on during the fires “Please stay clear of the areas,” Detective Sgt Gina Laferrera said. “Additional road closures may occur due to the ever changing situation.” Helicopters were filling giant buckets of water in nearby lakes Greater Long Island photographer and videographer Andrew Theodorakis captured video footage of the helicopters in action Greater Long Island photographer and videographer Andrew Theodorakis captured a video of helicopter battling the wildfire blazed on Long Island's South Shore on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/Vx09lk65Ll Facebook user Lisa Marie shared this dramatic photo Below is video taken by a motorist in a vehicle headed east on Sunrise Highway The photo below was taken by Bill Faulk from his neighborhood in Manorville Tap here to see what’s happening East Moriches is nestled between bigger communities along Moriches Bay and is a haven for boaters THE SCOOP Nestled between Center Moriches and Eastport along Moriches Bay East Moriches is a small community that shares shopping and entertainment with its close neighbors With a population of about 5,580 residents in its 5.6 square miles East Moriches has its own elementary school district but students then attend a neighboring high school "It's a quaint town," said Anna Fiore Fiore noted the community's proximity to the Hamptons and Smith Point Beach as well as Tanger Outlets and East End wineries For homes in the Newport Beach area of town residents have a private beach with a playground and a marina with slips and boat ramps Residents in the Newport Beach area pay $150 membership annually a real estate agent for Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate noted that the oldest fishing station on the East Coast where residents and tourists can rent boats for fishing or fun Restaurants and boutiques dot the Main Street of East Moriches and Center Moriches Popular restaurant ITA Kitchen Waterfront sits on Atlantic Avenue along the water Silly Lily Fishing Station has been in existence since 1932 an early radio station was installed at the east end of Smith Street in East Moriches which was used to communicate with ships offshore The radio waves interfered with popular radio programs at the time calling themselves the Suffolk County Radio Protective League which housed the station where the spark transmitter was used in ship communications agreed to keep silent during primetime shows but the area is still known as Radio Point frantic calls came into Suffolk County 911 reporting a plane explosion has a picnic area and children's playground Montauk Highway is home to small shops and eateries in East Moriches there were 38 home sales with a median sale price of $750,000 there were 24 home sales with a median sale price of $757,119 Monthly LIRR ticket from Mastic-Shirley or Speonk $433 Sources: 2022 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS via InfoSparks by ShowingTime; LIRR This $1.8 million East Moriches home sits on over 1 acre of waterfront property This custom home built in 2017 sits on over 1 acre of waterfront property with water views from many of the rooms 12-foot cathedral ceilings and wide-plank hardwood flooring with radiant heating kitchen and deck spanning the length of the house This $789,500 East Moriches home has an oversized pool and outdoor kitchen this renovated expanded ranch and property has three bedrooms and 1½ bathrooms the home has an oversized pool with a large eating area under a roof and a water feature on 1½ acres 2024 at 7:56 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}There have been at least three incidents so far NY — Suffolk County police are reaching out to warn residents about a new phone scam the scam involves callers purporting to be from a law enforcement agency and claiming that there is a warrant for the person's arrest if money is not sent Detectives have been made aware of at least three incidents during which a resident was contacted by phone by a caller identifying themselves as a member of the Suffolk County Police Department who said that they have a warrant for their arrest and for them to send money Detectives are not aware of anyone who has given money Those targeted report that the scammers called from what appeared to be legitimate police department phone numbers Scammers often use spoofing apps and other technology to falsely represent the numbers theyare calling from Police will ever demand money in lieu of arrest or consequence Those who believe they have been the victim of this utilize a mobile app which can bedownloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips You may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000 if your tip results inan arrest 2024 at 3:59 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Both Michael Valva and his ex-fiance Angela Pollina were sentenced to 25 years to life after Thomas Valva froze to death in his father's garage following years of abuse in the Center Moriches home (Michael Valva photo courtesy Suffolk County District Attorney's Office Angela Pollina photo courtesy Newsday pool James Carbone.)CENTER MORICHES – "It's finally over." So said the biological father of Angela Pollina's youngest daughter on Tuesday as Both Pollina and ex-NYPD Officer Michael Valva were sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty of second-degree murder and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child in the death of 8-year-old son Thomas, who froze to death in his father's Center Moriches garage in 2020 Valva was convicted in November, 2022 and Pollina, in March of 2023 During the legal proceedings, Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney Kerriann Kelly described the Center Moriches house as the "house of horrors," where Thomas, died of hypothermia after being forced to spend the frigid 19-degree January night with his brother in his father's unheated garage on a cold cement floor with no blankets or pillows Also living in that house at the time of Thomas' death were Pollina's three daughters and Valva's remaining two sons both the biological fathers of Pollina's girls and Justyna Zubko-Valva Thomas' mother and the mother to two other sons have fought tirelessly to receive full custody of their children with Judge Frank Tantone terminating Pollina's custody rights and affording those rights to both Gino Cali A decision dated August 15 said that Pollina committed acts "constituting severe child abuse," and that her three daughters were "derivatively severely abused and derivatively neglected by Angela Pollina." Custody was officially granted to Cali and Ichkhan on Tuesday Cali said he has been fighting for more than a decade for custody of his daughter "This 13-year horror show is finally over," he said "We're happy it's over now," Ichkhan told Patch confirmed with Patch that all Valva's custody rights and visitation rights were terminated in late October In a case where custody rights are terminated there can be no communication or visitation with the children and orders of protection are put in place "It's the verdict I wanted — but it doesn't bring Tommy back," he said Ichkhan, father of Pollina's twin girls, shared a statement with Patch after Pollina's sentencing: "Angela today is the moment I’ve been waiting for the last three years because in my mind I knew it was coming I’ve been struggling with it — not just for me but for my daughters Today you finally answer for your heinous acts from the past 14 years mental and emotional abuse and the disgusting and deliberate act of murder You always thought no one can touch you – well He added: “Thomas is the reason I have my daughters back as well as Cali and his partner Geri Antonacci attended the sentencing sitting together in solidarity and vowing to protect the girls forever Ichkhan said his and Cali's focus is on the girls but what happened will be with them forever Cali also spoke with Patch after the sentencing: "I want to celebrate that I have my daughter but for Thomas to have died to make it happen is just insane," Cali said Cali said: "It still won't bring Thomas back Cali and Ichkhan both vowed Pollina will never see her girls again Teachers and the principal from East Moriches Elementary School offered emotional testimony in both Pollina's and Valva's trials Detectives and others who responded to the home also testified said he saw Pollina throw a child down the stairs There was also evidence shown of texts reflecting Pollina's frustration with the incontinence of Thomas and his older brother and her stating that she did not want them in the house Valva's defense team painted an image of Valva as a man stressed over finances who had nowhere to go with his boys if he had to leave the home he shared with Pollina ADA Kelly spoke of Thomas: Describing a photo she'd shown during the trial of Thomas at school the day before he died "He thought goodness and love could return to his life But what we know from the evidence was that Thomas wasn't surrounded by love — he was surrounded by nothing other than pure evil," Kelly said "The redness of his hands and cheeks was evidence of that evil." exiled to sleeping on the cement floor of a freezing cold garage was forced to use pullups and wash in the backyard; on the morning Thomas died it was 19 degrees yet his father forced him outside naked to wash him with water from an icy spigot "Thomas was a profile in courage," Kelly said "He stared down the faces of evil he endured each day in the faces of his father and this defendant He battled and fought but ultimately lost the war." Kelly asked the judge to remember how Thomas spent the last special days of his life he was chastised because the teacher brought in sweets he was in the garage with Anthony wondering what Black Friday was she said — he never went to junior high school never had a first date or bought his first home or had children he should have looked forward to playing with his dog he was trying to figure out how to stay warm," she said screaming at him for an accident in the night She said Pollina knew Thomas was hypothermic when he kept falling but did nothing One text revealed Pollina telling Valva that she wanted all books "There should not be one thing that belongs in a bedroom in there," she wrote Pollina and Valva will have warm beds with blankets the things that were denied the boys for years In recent weeks, officials unveiled "comprehensive" changes to Suffolk County's Department of Child Protective Services what happened to Thomas Valva can never happen again Thomas' mother Justyna Zubko-Valva pleaded for help on her Twitter page before her son died. In 2020, Zubko-Valva filed a $200 million wrongful death suit Zubko-Valva has not responded to requests for comment An investigation by major case unit detectives determined John Ballard of Mastic was operating an electric skateboard when he fell Suffolk County police said Ballard was found about 4:30 a.m after a 911 caller reported that he was unconscious in the roadway Ballard was transported to Long Island Community Hospital in Patchogue for treatment of serious injuries; he later died