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Thursday, December 18, 2025 ~ Volume 71 ~ Issue Number 9 ~ $1.00

NYS Senate GOP Rallies in Suffolk Ahead of 2026

By Matt Meduri The 2026 midterm elections could not be more crucial for New York, especially for the Republican Party.

At the top of the ticket is the gubernatorial race, set to be one of the marquee races of next year’s elections.

Governor Kathy Hochul (D-Hamburg) is gearing up for a second full term. She has drawn a primary challenger from her hand-picked Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado (D-Rhinebeck).

On the Republican side, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) announced in November after months of speculation. She was joined in the Republican field last week by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R-Atlantic Beach).

Continued on page 5

(Left to right) Senator Mario Mattera and Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt (Credit - Matt Meduri)

A Civil War Christmas in Oakdale

By Madison Warren

COVER St. John’s Episcopal Church in Oakdale (Credit - Madison Warren)

FULL STORIES ON:

The Romaine Report Page 8

Oakdale Voters Approve Kiwanis Club Holds Sewer Referendum Santa Brunch Page 10

Page 15

The eighth Annual Civil War Christmas commenced this past weekend at St. John’s Church in Oakdale. The day concluded with a dessert contest, a performance by Idle Hour Elementary School Choir, and a Civil War Christmas Eve service in one of Long Island’s oldest and historically significant churches.

One of the highlights of the day was the Victorian-style dessert contest. This dessert contest was made inspired by 19th-century recipes and holiday traditions. The contest added a festive, interactive element to the day, underscoring the importance of holiday baking in the Civil War Era.

Continued on page 10

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WINTER EVENTS Port Jefferson Festival of Trees December 1-January 2, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Holiday Spectacular On Ice at The Gateway December 10-January 4 Port Jefferson Holiday Window Decorating Contest December 16- January 2 Selden Craft and Gift Fair at Newfield High School December 20-21, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Christmas with Chris Ruggiero LIVE in East Islip December 21, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Candlelight Evenings Holiday Show at Old Bethpage Village Restoration December 19-29, 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Santa Night 2025 December 20, 6:00 PM Holiday Melodies on the ELIJA Farm December 22, 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM Share The Enchantment of The Nutcracker at CM Performing Arts Center December 28, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM New Year’s Eve Dance Party Explosion 2026 at Windows on the Lake, Lake Ronkonkoma December 31, 8:00 PM Comedy Night at the Seaport Diner January 11, 6:00 PM to 9:15 PM Valentine Craft Fair at Charles B Wang Center February 7, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

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Library News Thursday, December 18, 2025

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Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Suffolk Courts Hold Ceremony to Retire Flags of Late Justice Jerry Garguilo

By Matt Meduri On September 13, 2025, Suffolk County lost perhaps one of its most venerable public servants: Hon. Jerry Garguilo.

Judge Garguilo received an outpouring of accolades from all corners of the county upon his passing. He began as a law clerk with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court before serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk. He entered private practice in 1980, relocated to St. James, and worked out of the town’s first schoolhouse. He was elected to the New York State Supreme Court in 2009, where he presided over commercial and asbestos litigation.

Garguilo’s top legal achievement, however, was his role as Coordinating Justice for New York’s landmark opioid litigation. His leadership of one of the largest mass tort cases in state history was widely recognized for his balance of efficiency, fairness, and humanity. He led dozens of counties, cities, and municipalities in their plight for accountability from major pharmaceutical companies.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Angela, daughters Nicole (Kevin), Joelle (Chris), and Jacquelene (AJ), as well as five grandchildren, Gianna, Viviana, AJ, Ava, and Anthony Gennaro.

On Tuesday, the flags in Garguilo’s courtroom in Central Islip were retired and presented to his family.

“Judge Garguilo left an indelible mark on the court system and on all those who knew him,” said Suffolk County District Administrative Judge Andrew Crecca. “While he certainly

will be remembered for his legal acumen and unwavering commitment to justice, it was really his kindness, his humility, and his compassion that truly left a lasting impression on everyone that he met. And it’s really what I remember most about him.”

Crecca said that Garguilo, while working the landmark opioid case, would stay late into the evening and worked on weekends, saying, “he embraced the enormous responsibility and enabled the court to speak with one voice on this matter of national implication.”

“He never missed a beat, Jerry, and handled all of those demands without ever losing his sharp wit, his great sense of humor, and his kind temperament,” said Crecca. “There is no doubt that Justice Gargiulo was one of the court’s most respected and cherished members. The incredible turnout at his wake and funeral was a clear testament to how widely loved and admired he truly was.”

Crecca invoked the words of Garguilo’s daughter, Nicole, “he absolutely loved the law and he understood that you can never forget the human element. He was a titan among giants.

He made people feel like they were each his favorite.”

Hon. James Hudson called eulogizing Garguilo “one of the greatest honors” of his career.

“Theologians write that virtue is not one quality, but seven. And just as Gargiulo possessed

an angelic abundance, all of the virtues, wisdom, justice, courage, temperance, faith, hope, charity,” said Hudson, who had known Garguilo for about forty years. “All I can do is describe how Jerry, over the course of his career, proved all the virtues every day to me and all who worked with him in the courts.”

Hudson remarked that Garguilo’s family described him as their “North Star”, adding that he held that title among many. He invoked the book of First Kings, in which Solomon asked God, “give your servant an understanding mind and a hearing heart with which to judge your people.”

“In Jerry’s case, that prayer was answered. He set the example for all who would wear the robe and dispense justice,” said Hudson. “In possessing all seven virtues, Jerry added an eighth, all his own, to see the best in all of us.”

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Continued from front cover

NYS Senate GOP Rallies in Suffolk Ahead of 2026

The party hopes to flip control of the governor’s mansion and occupy it for the first time since 2002, when George Pataki (R) was elected to his third and final term.

For the State Senate, a traditionally Republican body, Republicans will need a net gain of at least ten seats to take the majority back, a mantle they lost in 2018. The GOP had held the State Senate from 1966 until the 2009 Senate power crisis. Republicans would retake the majority with a power-sharing agreement brokered with Independent Democrats until the 2018 midterms. The Senate is currently divided 41D-22R. Republicans hold all but one seat within the Suffolk delegation’s five seats. Of the Nassau delegation, the GOP holds all but one seat of the delegation’s four seats.

But the GOP Conference remains determined to claw back the gavels next year, optimally riding along the coattails of a strong Republican performer at the top of the ticket.

The Senate GOP Conference held their rally amidst regional roundtables on Long Island last week at Del Vino Vineyards in Northport, which played gracious and classy hosts to the entourage of spectators fired up to flip New York.

“We need to convince everyone together so we can be successful in 2026,” said Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James).

Mattera reiterated his several rallying cries over the last year, including “we need to be vocal with Governor Hochul”, and “we need a plan, not a ban”, the latter in reference to Albany’s lofty climate and energy goals.

Nassau County GOP Chairman Joe Cairo

recalled the wise words of one of his mentors.

“Remember one thing: never lose the Senate,” said Cairo. “We finally lost the Senate [in 2018]. What happened? The world turned upside down,” he added, reminding attendees to “be hopeful” of their chances next year. Cairo hailed recent Republican victories up and down the ballot in Nassau County, with County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R-Atlantic Beach) (pictured left) having been soundly re-elected and the GOP sweeping all five council seats in the City of Long Beach.

“These individuals who are serving in the State Senate are out there protecting communities. They are fighting for our jobs, to create prosperity and economic development for our children, our grandchildren,” said Blakeman. “Too many businesses…and residents have left New York State.

We’ve got to bring them back. When you go to Texas and Florida, people are happy there. You walk around New York, people are miserable.”

Blakeman said that under Governor Hochul, New Yorkers have felt “cheated”, their “money goes to illegal migrants”, and “Democrats support criminals instead of victims.”

“I only have one issue with the Senate Republicans: there’s not enough of them,” said Blakeman.

Suffolk GOP Chairman Jesse Garcia (R-Ridge) (pictured above) touted Suffolk’s ability to remain above the blue wave that made landfall in November, as well as the accomplishments of District Attorney Ray Tierney (R) and County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches).

“Suffolk County and Long Island are the tip of the spear. We are the engine of the Republican Party in New York State,” said Garcia, adding that Suffolk delivered 160,000 more votes for Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) in the 2022 gubernatorial race. He also added that Suffolk County, the largest suburban county in the nation, is also the most populous county to have backed President Donald Trump (R-FL) in all three of his White House runs.

Executive Romaine gave a very short, yet succinct speech: “Let’s win!”

In addition to the majority of the

5

Credit - Matt Meduri

On The Campaign Trail

Senate Republican Conference, Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) was also in attendance.

“The stakes are high. The future of this state is counting on you,” Ortt told supporters. “New Yorkers deserve the same chance to grow up in the state that we grew up in. Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria) has to be the last alarm bell, the last wake-up call. Because if you don’t wake up with this, you’re not waking up.”

Ortt affirmed that the “only thing standing” in Mamdani’s “way” are the members of the Senate Republican Conference.

Editorial

6

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, December 18, 2025

2025: A Year in Review 2025 - a year for the books, no doubt.

It’s safe to say that many people are wearing an “I wish I wasn’t living through a major historical event” button on their lapels at all times. The last several years have certainly broken precedent: tumultuous elections and political upheavals, chaos in the streets and division on principle, a worldwide pandemic, and a globe that is ostensibly inching toward World War III. Tension has never been more palpable, but we look at it this way: times, just like politics and economies, are cyclical. We’re looking forward to making it out of the woods, however long that might take, to a more peaceful and less eventful world. If anything, we’re living through a period to which an entire history textbook will be dedicated and one that the future generations’ schoolchildren will be pressed to study.

But 2025 marked the first quarter of the Twenty-First Century - not such a smooth one to date - and its events have certainly broken the mold.

Here in the U.S.A. The start of the year marked the triumphant return of Donald Trump (R-FL) to the White House, making him the first Republican in history and the second president, after Grover Cleveland (D-NY), to serve two non-consecutive terms. Most of what Trump has done, for better or for worse, has rewritten the political playbook, in terms of foreign, domestic, and economic policies. We’ve seen two wars possibly ended - UkraineRussia and Israel-Hamas - although the dust is far from settled, with the implications possibly more serious than the wars themselves.

New York City elected its first socialist mayor in Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria). The entire country, but certainly the Tri-State Area, waits with bated breath to see how this remarkable political development shakes out.

The states are at “war” with each other too. We’ve spared no expense in covering the nationwide redistricting “arms race” that is currently displaying how a cooperatively federalist republic can devolve into tribal corners and paint even redder - or bluer - lines in the sand. Policies, lawsuits, referenda, and fiscal soft power is the name of the game to get one’s way; it’s a place we hoped to have not seen our country at this point in time.

The Wild West of a Cold War The U.S. has no doubt been in a Cold War with China since the earlyto-mid 2010s - at least in earnest. Even if the historians aren’t calling it that yet, that’s what it is. It’s what governed almost all of the conflicts, wars, and economic policy across the globe for the better part of the last decade. Those who don’t remember the Cold War with the USSR now get a taste of what it was like based on the U.S. and world relations with China.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has reached leaps and bounds since last year. While AI got decently impressive last year, in just a year, it’s turned downright frightening. Video/Audio deepfakes, false arrests, mis/disinformation are all off the charts, all while AI has only improved exponentially since last year and the once-questionable is now practically unmistakable - until it is.

And with little to no regulation governing it, we’re now in the middle of the free-for-all it would inevitably become. The Wild West of AI is upon us and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. We’ll likely continue to be in an every-man-for-himself environment with this earth-shattering technology, as developments occur faster than lawmakers can ascertain regulations.

While AI does certainly have its strong suits, its true potential has yet to be unlocked. The question there is, will its creators and puppeteers use these powers for good or for evil? Hint: two things can be true at the same time.

AI and high-tech are tantamount to this Cold War with China. The race to be the first in this new age has spoils and power farther than the eye can see. With that, will the absolute pinnacle of AI’s capabilities be treated as the deterrent that nuclear weapons have been since World War II? The future doesn’t depend on AI. It belongs to it.

Culture, Culture, Culture Arguably one of the largest developments of 2025’s culture corner

has been the finale season to Netflix’s smash hit Stranger Things. The 1980s-centric series masterfully dovetails the genres of coming-of-age, conspiracy-mystery, and downright horror in each episode, all while the show - even down to the very scene - is shot with The Goonies, Star Wars, and Stand By Me - and more - in mind. The first four episodes were released before Thanksgiving, with the second batch of episodes releasing on Christmas, and the series finale set for New Year’s Eve. 2025 also saw the passing of some notable celebrities, including, but not limited to, Diane Keaton, Val Kilmer, Hulk Hogan, David Lynch, Gene Hackman, Robert Redford, and, of course, the great Ozzy Osbourne.

We’re also devastated to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wife at their home in Los Angeles. The investigation is still ongoing, but American film culture lost a titan of the industry that directed well-known titles The Princess Bride, A Few Good Men, and When Harry Met Sally, among others.

On the bright side, the legendary Dick Van Dyke became a centenarian on December 13 - a worthy honor for perhaps one of American culture’s most recognizable faces and valuable contributors.

At Home in Suffolk Suffolk’s 2025 also brought some history as well. Brutal primaries in Smithtown and Huntington this summer were unlike what many seasoned political observers had ever seen, while the key word this year was “development” - or in some cases, “overdevelopment.”

If 2025 taught Suffolk anything, it’s that balance is key.

Former Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) was sworn in to lead President Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) was elected to lead the House Homeland Security Committee - two massive developments that put Suffolk in the national spotlight and speak volumes to its microcosmic nature of the country overall.

In March, Suffolk had a brush with some brush fires out east, a rare development on the Island in general. Thanks to our top-notch Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services (FRES), and thanks to God for having the winds blow east, the Tri-Hamlet Area did not look like Los Angeles within just one weekend of the burn.

Suffolk and Nassau jointly opposed Albany’s even-year election law.

We hope New York State is more receptive to local control and Suffolk’s needs this coming session. With that, we also hope that our previously published “New York Christmas List” is heeded. Reform the criminal justice “reforms”, treat adults like adults, and most importantly, stop antagonizing crime victims.

Speaking of New York State, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) announced her campaign for governor next year. The North Country Republican seems keen to give Governor Kathy Hochul (D-Hamburg) a run for her money in what we expect to be the marquee race of the crucial 2026 midterms.

District Attorney Ray Tierney (R) and Sheriff Errol Toulon (D) were soundly re-elected without opposition - a great litmus test in balance: two parties, two positions, but working lockstep to make Suffolk safer. Gilgo Beach got closer to coming to trial and becomes the first criminal case in the state to have mitochondrial DNA evidence at the forefront of its prosecution.

Vehicular traffic, BESS facilities, “going purple”, a “plan” for New York’s energy crisis and not a “ban”, a government shutdown, the Smith Point Bridge, a “keeper” for Lake Ronkonkoma, growth at MacArthur Airport, the State’s first “Seafood Trail”, ADA playgrounds, the Kings Park rail yard, sewers in Oakdale, the Patchogue Hotel, illegal housing, the EpCAL property in Calverton, the Mill Pond and Stump Pond dams, and the Holtsville Ecology Site are just some of the biggest stories that we covered this year that all have defined Suffolk’s history in one way or another.

Even an innocuous mark in history is still a mark.

This accompanies all of our favorite stories: the ribbon-cuttings, the respected Veterans, the students who excel, parades, play reviews, local authors, and public interest stories. This is the bread and butter of Suffolk and the soul of any community. We’ve appreciated your input to hold up our responsibility as a publication to cover those events with justice.

Here’s to an equally historic, yet ideally mundane, 2026 - with even better and broader coverage brought to you by your team at The Messenger.

And who knows? With the snow we just had, we might just see Suffolk’s first “official” White Christmas since 2009.

Op-Ed Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, December 18, 2025

7

The Honor Was All Mine: The Legacy of Listening

By Julia Katz “Thank you for your service.”

Five words. Twenty-two letters. Some of the most meaningful words a person can say.

Those words were etched into my mind early in life by my mother, the only person I know who loves the American flag as much as I do. We love it because we understand the sacrifices made to protect it. The sacrifice of life, innocence, and family.

My grandfather, Allen G. James, served in the Vietnam War. Nearly forty years after returning home, he was diagnosed with bile duct cancer related to war exposure. He passed away in 2012, when I was in second grade. My mother explained to me how my Pop-Pop had gotten sick, but it didn’t make sense to me. I never once heard him talk about the “big war.”

Now, as an adult, I understand why.

In the summer of 2014, my Pop-Pop was honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, along with others who lost their lives as a result of their service. It was my first time in Washington, D.C., and my first time seeing the memorial. At ten years old, I wasn’t thinking about who I would be or where I’d be in 2025. I certainly didn’t imagine that D.C. would one day hold such a special place in my heart.

Later that year, my mother became a guardian for Honor Flight Long Island, an organization that flies Veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials dedicated to their service. The following year, my father joined as a guardian on another flight.

I grew up welcoming Veterans home at MacArthur Airport (ISP) after long, emotional days and volunteering at reunions filled with stories, laughter, and tears. A decade ago, those flights mainly carried World War II Veterans, men and women with whom my parents were honored to build lasting friendships. Today, the flights are filled with mostly Vietnam Veterans, with the same mission: to honor their service, sacrifice, and stories.

On Saturday, October 5, 2025, I was proud to finally follow in my parents’ footsteps as a guardian for the first time. You would have never known it was 3:00a.m. when the staff, guardians, and Veterans arrived at MacArthur Airport to begin the day. The excitement and energy in the room were unlike anything I had ever experienced.

After checking in, I met the Veteran I would be accompanying, William (pictured above), and I could not have asked for a better match. William was drafted and served in the U.S. Army from February 20, 1969, to February 19, 1971. From the moment we boarded our 6:05a.m. flight, the conversations began and never stopped. As the day unfolded, I felt as though he was imparting wisdom to me about life, the war, politics, career, and everything in between. I couldn’t help but wonder what conversations with my Pop-Pop would have been like if he had gotten to see me as an adult. I soaked in every one of William’s words, leaving me pondering. What I thought of most was his remark, “There’s a reason God gave you two ears and one mouth. Be quiet and listen.”

After landing in Washington, our day’s itinerary began at the Navy Memorial, followed by a visit to the National Mall, where we explored the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It was clear that most of the group had been anticipating this stop. Some had excitement, others had quiet reflection, and a few had visible unease.

As I walked alongside William and several other Vietnam Veterans down the long, black, reflective wall of the memorial, I felt his earlier words of wisdom come to life. I stopped talking and simply listened to the people, the silence, and the emotion that surrounded us. All around me were different stories.

To my right, a Veteran quietly pointed to the names of his former classmates etched into the stone. To my left, a young family, a mother, a father, and two sons, stood in front of the wall.

One of the boys asked, “These are all guys that died in the war?” His mother replied, “Yes, they died for our freedom.” In my mind, I complimented what I thought was good parenting.

Directly in front of me, another Veteran broke down in tears, leaning his head against the

wall. He couldn’t continue walking. He whispered, “This is a lot for me. I lost a lot of people… a lot of people.” Others walked by seemingly composed, though their silence was loud. I couldn’t begin to imagine what they were thinking of reliving. Then, the stories converged as individuals with different experiences comforted one another, exchanging words on understanding and encouragement.

Throughout the day, I heard stories of the war’s horrors and of the pain that followed it, of what it meant to come home to a country that did not welcome its heroes. I learned that many Vietnam Veterans had tried to bury those memories, not out of indifference, but for their mental health. For years, they were taunted and dismissed before the nation finally recognized that they had answered the call to duty.

In that moment, my mind flashed back to my childhood confusion over my grandfather’s silence about “the big war” that ultimately took his life. My hand instinctively went to the pocket of my shorts, where I carried his dog tag, a small piece of him that I had brought on the Honor Flight. I wondered what his reaction would have been if he had stood at the wall. Would he have opened up like some of the Veterans I saw? Or would he have quietly walked past alone?

The mood began to lift as countless people stopped to shake the hand of every Veteran who passed by, each offering a heartfelt, “Thank you for your service.” Smiles were shared. Tears were shed. This outpouring of gratitude, kindness, and compassion felt long overdue.

What stood out to me the most was the number of children in the crowd. They also reached out their hands to thank the Veterans. Once again, I silently commended their parents for teaching them respect and appreciation at a young age.

After visiting the Air Force Memorial and witnessing the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, we returned to the airport for our 8:25p.m. flight home. On the plane, William and I reflected on the day, the memories we had made, and the moments that would stay with us. I told him how much it had moved me to see so many children thanking Veterans throughout the day, as I strongly believe in teaching the next generation about patriotism and gratitude.

He nodded, then reminded me that the future is truly in our hands. Looking serious, he said, “People don’t go out for coffee and just talk anymore, really talk. Nobody listens and asks, ‘Why? Why do you feel that way?’”

Once again, he reminded me to listen more than I speak.

What I heard at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was a sense of connection, men bonding over shared loss and finding strength in one another through grief, understanding, and brotherhood. What I heard was something different, yet equally powerful. I heard the next generation being taught about respect and what it truly means to be a Veteran.

While we can’t undo the mistakes of the past, the next generation holds the power to ensure that history does not repeat itself. Our country is divided right now. The world is louder and more opinion-driven than ever before. Too often, people focus on headlines and “what could have been,” placing blind faith in political figures they believe can save us. It’s no wonder we feel lost. Somewhere along the way, America seems to have forgotten who the real heroes are.

We’ve allowed bitterness, hostility, and division to take over, forgetting how to listen, reason, and respect one another. Yet, every single day, Veterans continue to serve our country faithfully and with courage. They are the ones who set the example of what it means to work together for something greater than ourselves.

We need to use the freedom they’ve fought to protect, for good, and never let their sacrifices, including the loss of life, be in vain. The heroes of this nation are not the politicians we argue over. They are the men and women who have given up their own freedom to defend ours.

If you are reading this, thank a Veteran for their service and do better, for yourself, others, and our everyday heroes.

8

The Romaine Report Published by

by Messenger Messenger Papers, Papers, Inc. Inc. Published

By County County Executive Executive Ed Ed Romaine Romaine By

Thursday, December December 18, 18, 2025 2025 Thursday,

2025: A Year of Progress

recentlyhad hadthe thechance chancetotovoice voiceour ourregion’s region’sconcerns concernstotothe theNew NewYork YorkState StateSenate SenateMinority Minority I Irecently Delegation.And Andbelieve believeme, me,between betweenthe theunfunded unfundedmandates mandatesfrom fromAlbany, Albany,rising risinghealthcare healthcareand and Delegation. pensioncosts, costs,and andaalack lackofofstate statefunding, funding,there thereare aremany manyactionable actionablesteps stepsAlbany Albanycan cantake. take. pension washappy, happy,though, though,totoshowcase showcasethe theprogress progresswe wehave havemade madeboth boththis thisyear yearand andininmy myfirst firstterm. term.

I Iwas thatprogress progressthat thatcontributes contributestotomy myvision visionofofaasafer saferand andmore moreaffordable affordableSuffolk Suffolk––aablueprint blueprint ItItisisthat forother otherleaders leadersaround aroundthe thestate. state. for BondRating RatingUpgrades Upgrades Bond Theclearest clearestreflection reflectionofofthe thepositive positivebudgeting budgetingchanges changesimplemented implementedininSuffolk Suffolkisisour ourrising rising The bondrating ratingby byboth bothFitch FitchRatings Ratingsand andS&P. S&P.Both Bothagencies agenciescurrently currentlyrate ratethe thecounty countyatat‘AA-’ ‘AA-’and andhave have bond improvedthe theratings ratingson onoutstanding outstandingbonds. bonds. improved Similarly,both bothratings ratingsagencies agenciesgive giveSuffolk SuffolkCounty Countyaapositive positiveoutlook outlookgoing goingforward. forward.Backing Backingup up Similarly, thisassessment assessmentare areSuffolk’s Suffolk’slarge largereserve reservefunds, funds,conservative conservativebudgeting budgetingpractices practicesand andestimation, estimation, this andour oursizable sizabletax taxbase. base. and Infrastructure Infrastructure SuffolkCounty Countymaintains maintains1,150 1,150lane lanemiles milesofofhighways, highways,110 110bridges bridges(including (including39 39NY NYState Statebridges’ bridges’ Suffolk wearingsurfaces), surfaces),194 194culverts, culverts,57 57spillways, spillways,31 31bulkheads, bulkheads,and and44bascule bascule(movable) (movable)bridges, bridges,has has wearing oversightover over80 80priority prioritynavigational navigationalchannels channelsand andmanages managesapproximately approximately650 650traffic trafficsignals. signals. oversight Thesetasks tasksinclude includepermitting permittingand andregulatory regulatorycompliance compliancerequired requiredby byvarious variousstate stateand andfederal federal These agenciestotoensure ensuretransportation transportationremains remainssafe. safe. agencies Wesaw sawour ourDepartment DepartmentofofPublic PublicWorks Workswork workwith withregulators regulatorsininreal realtime timethis thispast pastyear yearwhen when We theaging agingSmith SmithPoint PointBridge Bridgewas wastemporarily temporarilyreduced reducedtotoaathree-ton three-tonweight weightlimit limitby bythe thestate stateDOT. DOT. the Workingwith withthe thestate, state,we wewere wereable abletotokeep keepone onelane laneopen openatat15 15tons, tons,allowing allowingemergency emergencyvehicles vehicles Working accessthe thebeach. beach. totoaccess Throughexecutive executiveaction, action,I Ihave havefast-tracked fast-trackedthe theretrofitting retrofittingofofthe thebridge bridgeand andthe theconstruction construction Through newbridge. bridge.AApress pressrelease releasefrom from2021 2021under undermy mypredecessor predecessortouts toutsthat thataanew newSmith SmithPoint Point ofofaanew Bridgewas wastotobe becompleted completedinin2024.

2024.Unfortunately, Unfortunately,County CountyExecutive ExecutiveSteve SteveBellone Bellonedid didnot notinitiate initiate Bridge thatproject. project.Delaying Delayingmaintenance maintenanceonly onlyincreases increasescosts, costs,asasseen seenby bythe theneed needtotoretrofit retrofitthe thecurrent current that bridge. bridge.

Sewering Sewering Thankstotovoters voterswho whopassed passedthe thereferendum referendumauthorized authorizedby bythe theSuffolk SuffolkCounty CountyClean CleanWater Water Thanks Act,Suffolk SuffolkCounty Countynow nowhas hasthe therevenue revenuestream streamneeded neededtotosupport supportmany manyofofthe theambitious ambitioussewer sewer Act, projectsunderway. underway. projects VotersininOakdale Oakdaleand andGreat GreatRiver Riverapproved approvedthe theGreat GreatRiver RiverSewer SewerExpansion Expansionwith with89% 89%ofofthe the Voters vote.This Thisproject projectwill willconnect connect400 400homes homestotothe theSouthwest Southwestsewer sewerdistrict, district,with withconnection connectioncosts costs vote. coveredby bystate stateand andfederal federalgrants. grants. covered Earlierininthe theyear, year,the theForge ForgeRiver RiverSewer SewerTreatment Treatmentplant plantconnected connectednearly nearly2,000 2,000homes homesand and Earlier businessesininthe theForge ForgeRiver RiverWatershed Watershedtotothe thedistrict. district. businesses

Upand anddown downthe theisland islandboth bothhave haveambitious ambitiouswastewater wastewaterprojects projectsunderway underwaythat thatserve servethe thedual dual Up purposeofofeconomic economicdevelopment developmentand andremoving removingnitrogen nitrogenfrom fromour oursurface surfaceand andgroundwater. groundwater. purpose SocialServices Services Social Howmany manyharrowing, harrowing,horrible horriblestories storieshave havewe weheard heardon onthe thenightly nightlynews newsofofchildren childrentrafficked, trafficked, How abusedororworse worseininour ourcounty? county?Too Toomany. many. abused Myoffice officehas hasspearheaded spearheadedOperation OperationSafe Safeand andLasting LastingReturn Returntotofacilitate facilitateaamulti-agency multi-agencyeffort effort My locateand andreturn returntrafficked traffickedchildren childrenand andadolescents. adolescents.By Byexamining examiningthe theworst worstcases, cases,we wehave have totolocate identified major major gaps gaps inin communication communication between between departments, departments, law law enforcement, enforcement, and and not-fornot-foridentified profits,and andhave haveremedied remediedthese thesedeficiencies deficiencieswith withnew newtechnology technologyand andprocesses. processes. profits, Weunveiled unveiledthese thesechanges changesatatour ourannual annualchild childprotection protectionconference, conference,attended attendedby byhundreds hundredsofof We socialworkers, workers,law lawenforcement enforcementofficers, officers,and andeducators. educators. social Onother othermatters mattersofofSocial SocialServices, Services,such suchasasadministering administeringthe theSupplemental SupplementalNutrition NutritionAssistance Assistance On Program(SNAP), (SNAP),we wehave haveincreased increasedthe thenumber numberofofapplications applicationsfulfilled fulfilledininaatimely timelymanner mannertoto95.5% 95.5% Program currently,from from59% 59%ininJanuary Januaryofof2024.

2024. currently, Weaccomplished accomplishedthis thiswithout withoutany anybudgetary budgetarychanges. changes.

We Together,through throughcommon-sense common-sensepolicies, policies,we wecan cancontinue continuetotoincrease increasethe thedelivery deliveryofofbasic basic Together, governmentservices serviceswithout withoutstraining strainingour ourfinances. finances. government PublicSafety Safety Public Thesepast pasttwo twoyears, years,I Ihave haveincreased increasedthe thenumber numberofofpolice policeofficers officersand anddetectives detectivesininthe theSuffolk Suffolk These CountyPolice PoliceDepartment Departmenttotokeep keepour ourcommunities communitiessafe. safe.

County Workingwith withour ourLegislature, Legislature,I Ipassed passedlaws lawstotostop stopillegal illegalstreet streettakeovers, takeovers,prevent preventthe thesale saleofof Working illegalvaping vapingproducts productsand andprotect protectour ourcommunities. communities.Quality-of-life Quality-of-lifeconcerns concernsare areaamajor majorpriority priorityfor for illegal myadministration. administration. my Manyofofthese theseissues issueshave havereal realvictims victimsand andconsequences. consequences.For Forexample, example,aastreet streettakeover takeoverearlier earlier Many thisyear yearblocked blockedemergency emergencyresponders, responders,delaying delayingambulance ambulancearrival arrivaltotoaacritical criticalcall, call,putting puttinglives lives this risk.Likewise, Likewise,flavored flavoredvape vapeproducts productsare areactively activelymarketed marketedtotochildren, children,increasing increasinghealth healthrisks risks atatrisk. amongyouth youthininour ourcommunity. community. among Togetherwith withour ourpartners partnersiningovernment governmentand andcommunity communityleaders, leaders,I Iremain remaincommitted committedtotomaking making Together Suffolksafer saferand andmore moreaffordable. affordable.Thank Thankyou youfor foryour yourcontinued continuedsupport. support.I Iwish wishyou youhappy happyholidays holidays Suffolk andaahappy happyNew NewYear.

Year. and CountyExecutive ExecutiveEd EdRomaine Romaine(R-Center (R-CenterMoriches) Moriches)has hasserved servedas asSuffolk SuffolkCounty CountyExecutive Executive County since2024.

2024.He Hepreviously previouslyserved servedas asaaSuffolk SuffolkCounty CountyLegislator Legislatorrepresenting representingthe theNorth NorthFork Fork since from1986 1986toto1989 1989and andagain againfrom from2005 2005toto2012.

2012.He Heserved servedas asSuffolk SuffolkCounty CountyClerk Clerkfrom from1989 1989 from 2005and andas asBrookhaven BrookhavenTown TownSupervisor Supervisorfrom from2012 2012toto2023.

2023. toto2005

This Week Today Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

9

Thursday, December 18, 2025

National, State, and Local Temperature Checks

By Matt Meduri National

State The Siena College released their December poll, the first since Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R-Atlantic Beach) entered the race for governor of New York.

Siena finds that Governor Kathy Hochul (D) holds a nineteen point lead over Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) 49%-30%, with 20% undecided. They also find that Hochul has a larger lead over Blakeman to the tune of 50%-25%, with 21% undecided.

“Hochul has the support of more than three-quarters of Democrats against either Republican,” according to Siena pollster Steven Greenberg in a statement. “Stefanik leads among Republicans 82%-7%, while Blakeman’s lead is 73%-7%.”

The poll also finds that Hochul leads among

Independents against both candidates - a seven-point lead against Stefanik and a ten-point lead against Blakeman.

Hochul’s favorability sits at 43%-41% (+2), mostly unchanged from last month’s 43%-45% (-2), although she is now at a slight net-positive. Her approval rating has also slightly improved to 52%-39% (+13), up from 52%-43% (+9) last month.

Stefanik’s favorability rating is 22%33% (-11), down from 28%-36% (-8) in November. The low numbers on both sides of the spectrum reflect voters’ lack of familiarity with the candidate. Blakeman’s favorability, according to Siena, is 13%-17% (-4), with even more unfamiliarity with the Nassau County Executive.

Hochul’s most high-profile opponent in the Democratic Primary is her hand-picked Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado (D-Rhinebeck). Delgado’s favorability sits 17%-15% (+2), up from 20%-20% last month.

Hochul has a solid lead over Delgado in the June primary - 56%-13% (+43), up just three points from last month. Stefanik leads Blakeman in the GOP primary - 48%-17% (+31).

“Hochul’s favorability rating tilts slightly favorable – only the third in positive territory this year – but she has still yet to crack 50% favorability in a state where 48% of the enrolled voters are Democrats,” said Greenberg. “At the same time, Stefanik is underwater among voters who are familiar enough to have an opinion about her but is still largely unknown to more than two in five voters.

For Blakeman and Delgado, the need to become more known to voters becomes a pressing issue six months before the primaries, with each of them unfamiliar to more than two-thirds of all voters, and both of them unfamiliar to a majority of voters in their respective parties.”

Siena also tells New York City mayorelect Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria) to “enjoy the honeymoon,” as two-third of New York State Democrats view him favorably.

Independent voters now view him favorably by a six-point margin, while the inverse was true last month. However, voters outside NYC view him negatively - 61%-23%.

President Trump’s favorability rating in New York rests at 32%-62% (-30) down slightly from last month’s -26 rating. His job approval also worsened since November, now at 34%-62% (-28).

Siena also found that 45% of voters think that New York is “falling behind” other states, while 30% say the state is “keeping pace”, and 19% say New York is doing “better.” A large majority of Republicans, a large plurality of Independents, and a narrow plurality of Democrats believe New York is falling behind.

For only the second time this year, the

College finds voters thinking that New York State is on the “right track” at 44%-41% (+3), up from a -6 rating last month.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-Park Slope) favorability ratings remain underwater at 36%-49% (-13), up from a -23 rating last month.

The poll was conducted December 8-13 among 801 registered voters and has a margin of error of +/-4.1%.

Local The Suffolk County Legislature has unanimously passed a significant bill sponsored by Legislator Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point) (pictured below left).

I.R.1838-2025 will increase recordkeeping requirements and the restriction of hourly-rate operations for motels to curtail the problem of human trafficking and make Suffolk County less attractive to criminal perpetrators.

“Together we as a County are working to face the issue of Human Trafficking head on. I will lead the charge from the legislature to ensure the safety and protection of our most vulnerable,” said Lennon in a statement. “This is the first step - there will be more action to come from the legislature to fight back against anyone who seeks to traffic anyone in our County.”

According to the County, the legislation requires that information is to be kept in hotel/motel guest registers; such information be kept for certain extended periods of time; that records be made available for authorized law enforcement, rescue, and emergency personnel, and relevant municipal officials; prohibits hourly rate operations of less than six hours in duration for rooms with sleeping accommodations; and requires hotel operators to provide human trafficking recognition training in accordance with Section 205 of the New York General Business Law to their core employees.

“We are proud to stand with Legislator Lennon to pass this important measure to help fight human trafficking and to protect the most vulnerable potential victims, especially women and children, said Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) in a statement. “Trafficking is a persistent and pernicious crime that extends unfortunately to all demographics and communities. And it must be stopped.”

County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) said he will sign the bill into law.

“Suffolk County will stay vigilant and do all we can to prevent and, if needed, prosecute the heinous crime of human trafficking. Legislator Lennon’s bill is an important step in preventing anonymity and potential havens for traffickers,” said Romaine in a statement. “Too many are being harmed by some very bad people.”

Credit - Suffolk County Legislature

Credit - U.S. Congress

The world is still reeling from a harrowing terrorist attack on Sunday in Sydney, Australia.

DUring a late afternoon Hanukkah celebration attended by about a thousand people, two gunmen opened fire into the crowd, killing fifteen people, including one child. The attack occurred at Archer Park on Bondi Beach.

The New South Wales Police Force killed one shooter and apprehended the other.

Forty people, including at least two police officers, were injured. Police later found a homemade bomb in a car belonging to one of the perpetrators.

The suspected motive is antisemitism; the attack is the deadliest terror incident and the second-deadliest mass shooting in modern Australian history.

The shooters were father and son, aged 50 and 24, respectively. Police in Telangana, India, report that the father was an Indian national from Hyderabad who secured an Australian student visa in 1998. The son was born in Australia in 2001. The father was shot and killed by police.

The son was charged with fiftynine offenses, including fifteen counts of murder and forty counts of attempted murder.

The son had been known to intelligence officials since 2019 but was not deemed an immediate threat.

The House of Representatives voted to not impeach President Donald Trump (RFL) last Thursday. The motion was filed by Congressman Al Green (D, TX-09), who has filed several articles of impeachment against Trump since he first entered the White House in 2017. Green alleged in a statement, “abuse of presidential power” that, if Trump remained in office, would “continue to promote violence, engender invidious hate, undermine our democracy, and dissolve our Republic.”

Article I of Green’s resolution pertained to Trump calling for the execution of six Democratic lawmakers in wake of their calls for the military to disobey Trump’s order.

Article II alleged that Trump has “fostered a political climate in which lawmakers and judges face threats of political violence and physical assault, has made threats and vituperative comments against federal judges, putting their safety and well-being at risk, and is undermining the independence of our judiciary,” according to a statement from Green.

The bill was brought to the floor on December 11, which failed in a vote to table the motion in a 237-140 split. 47 Democrats voted “present.” 23 Democrats joined all Republicans to table the motion, including New York Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove). Many of the joining Democrats represent purple House districts set to host competitive races next autumn.

The House continues to see a flurry of retirements ahead of the crucial 2026 midterms. Congressman Marc Veasey (D, TX33) is retiring after seeking a bid for Tarrant County judge. He leaves behind a deep-blue Dallas-Fort Worth-based seat. Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D, TX-37) is retiring after being redrawn by the Texas GOP to compete against a fellow Democrat. The GOP-drawn gerrymander was recently upheld by the Supreme Court, a move after which Doggett said he would retire.

On the Republican side of recent retirements, notable maverick Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04) (pictured below left) is retiring. Newhouse was elected to his seat in 2014 and earned notoriety for being one of ten House Republicans to vote to impeach Trump in his second trial after the January 6 Capitol riot. He is just one of two House Republicans to vote for that impeachment and win re-election in 2022 and 2024.

Newhouse’s district encompasses central Washington state, with Yakima as its primary urban anchor. WA04 is the most Republican district in the state, owing to its working-class population and 40% Hispanic population.

Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) has recently announced that $187 million in counterterrorism funding has been restored for New York State. The Chair of the House Homeland Security released the statement after last week’s committee hearing.

“As a proud New Yorker and Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, protecting New York’s security is a top priority,” said Garbarino in a statement. “I appreciate Secretary Noem’s engagement and President Trump’s decision to fully restore this funding. New York’s counterterrorism capabilities are essential not just for our state, but for our national homeland security mission.”

10

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Islip Matters Thursday, December 18, 2025

Continued from front cover

A Civil War Christmas in Oakdale

St. John’s Episcopal Church in Oakdale traces its roots to more than 250 years ago, with the present church building constructed by William Nicoll in 1765, a descendant of the Islip patentee.

Originally known as “Charlotte Church,” named for Queen Charlotte of England, the structure predates the American Revolution and is believed to have been used by British troops as a barracks during the war.

Following the Revolution, the church was renamed St. John’s, reflecting the community’s shift away from its colonial ties. The historic churchyard surrounding the building contains graves dating back to the 18th century, offering a lasting connection to Oakdale’s earliest settlers. Today, St. John’s remains both an active place of worship and a cherished local landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Now bringing history back to life, the Oakdale Historical Society and community members transform a night

back into the Civil War Era with this holiday celebration. The day concludes with a Christmas ceremony that reflects how the holiday was observed in the mid-19th century.

The ceremony includes Scripture, readings, and familiar carols. This service offers a glimpse into how faith and traditions persisted during the Civil War Era. Attendees participated by singing Christmas carols together, underscoring the event’s goal of honoring history and bringing the community together.

By blending history, faith, and community tradition, the annual Civil War Christmas at St. John’s Church offers a meaningful way to reflect on the season while honoring Oakdale’s past. As families gather beneath candlelight and period carols fill the historic sanctuary, the event serves as a reminder of the enduring power of tradition and the importance of preserving local history for future generations.

Islip Town Historian George Munkenbeck (Credit - Madison Warren)

Oakdale Sewer Referendum Passes

By Matt Meduri Last Tuesday, Idle Hour residents hit the polls to pass a referendum to sewer their corner of Oakdale, in a project labeled Phase 1A. The results were overwhelming; 88% voted in favor, to just 12% against 326 in favor, 44 against - according to the Suffolk County Board of Elections.

Oakdale was chosen as a high-priority site due to its proximity to three service bodies of water, as well as groundwater. The current plan is Phase 1A, which includes the peninsula carved out by the Grand Canal. The current phase district extends an eastward panhandle from Shore Drive and Central Boulevard to Shore Drive and Vanderbilt Boulevard. Remaining sections of Oakdale are slated to be sewered in ensuing phases.

The charted area contains 420 residential lots, 8 commercial lots, and 39 vacant lots. The vacant and commercial lots will receive “stubs”, so that future construction and/or expansions can connect to the sewer line.

The plan is funded by $43 million in grant funding at no cost to the taxpayers. $39.5 million comes from the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), while $3.3 million is sourced from the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Protection Fund. The County applied for the HMGP grant in 2022 and received it in June 2025.

The initiative has been spearheaded by Suffolk County Legislator Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville) (pictured left), who led the public meetings on the project over the last couple month.

“We worked very hard on this project. It was rated as one of the most important water quality environmental projects,” Piccirillo told The Messenger. “The Connetquot River is degraded; it needs help. Being able to treat human waste before it gets into the river is the goal. All of this will add up to a clean Connetquot River and a clean Great South Bay.” Piccirillo added that Oakdale residents have been spending thousands of dollars to pump out their cesspools on a regular basis. With the sewer project, they’ll just have to pay the annual

$661 fee. The $44 million project was funded through a hazard mitigation grant through the Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA). The contractor the County is working with is P.W. Grosser Consulting, a Bohemia-based firm specializing in environmental engineering and hydrogeology that serves the Northeastern U.S. “The grant covers hookups, lawn replacements, driveway replacements, electric boxes to be installed on the sides of houses, and removing old cesspools,” said Piccirillo, noting that those costs will not be passed on to the residents.

Construction of the pipe under the Connetquot River will begin in the spring, with the estimated time to full completion being eighteen months to two years.

Phase 1B for Oakdale is already underway. Consultants have already started going door-to-door for input, and the design and leg work phase is in progress.

Grant applications for construction will be submitted in the new year.

Long Island Locavore Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, December 18, 2025

11 Credit - Nancy Vallarella

Holiday Traditions: Shaped by Hand, Passed Down with Love

By Nancy Vallarella | Long Island Locavore Some traditions sparkle on the tree.

Others simmer on the stove. Every December, families reach for the same boxes of ornaments and the same beloved recipes: glass balls gently unwrapped, handwritten index cards pulled from cookbooks, ingredients measured just “the way Nana did.” And just like ornaments come in different shapes (round, oblong, glittering, imperfect) holiday foods do, too.

What truly matters is that they’re made by hand.

This season we’re celebrating three recipes that invite children into the kitchen and keep family traditions alive with every roll, dip, stir, and sprinkle: Nana’s Potato Croquettes, Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes, and Sally’s Sweet & Sour Meatballs.

Different flavors, different shapes, one shared purpose: creating memories that last longer than the leftovers.

Nana’s Potato Croquettes From Chef Jonathan Shearman, Fyr & Salt, Cutchogue

Before Chefs Jonathan Shearman and Max Mohrmann built Fyr & Salt into a wood-fired catering business and café in Cutchogue, they were kids in Smithtown cooking in their families’ kitchens. Chef Shearman shares his recipe and memory of making Nana’s Potato Croquettes.

“Every Christmas Eve my Nana would make the most delicious potato croquettes!

The filling would always vary a little but the outcome always tasty. This is a great recipe to get kids involved in the kitchen around the holiday.” — Chef Jonathan Shearman Nana’s Potato Croquettes Yields 20–40 pieces Ingredients Filling: 4 lbs russet potatoes 1 cup parmigiano reggiano 1 cup scamorza, mozzarella, or provolone 6 eggs 1 cup crispy pancetta, prosciutto, or speck 1/2 cup chopped parsley Sea salt & black pepper to taste Olive oil for frying

Breading: 1 cup flour 4 eggs 2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs Directions 1. Bake whole potatoes at 400°F for 45–60 minutes until tender. Cool, scoop, and rice into a large mixing bowl.

2. Add eggs, cheese, meat, parsley, salt, pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated.

3. Shape into oblong croquettes; chill for 1 hour in fridge.

4. Dip each croquette in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. (Perfect kid job! Prepare for joyful chaos.)

5. Fry at 375°F until golden.

6. Sprinkle with flaky salt.

Make-Ahead: Reheat at 400°F before serving. Nana always did.

Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes (Baked)

From Chef Paolo Fontana, General Manager, St. George’s Golf and Country Club, East Setauket For Chef Paolo Fontana, the kitchen has always been more than a workspace. As the former Executive Chef at St. George’s Golf & Country Club, Paolo spent countless busy days with his children by his side, learning the sounds, rhythms, and smells of a working kitchen.

“My kids grew up among the clang of pans and the hum of service, and like most children, they wanted to be part of the action.

To keep them busy and smiling I relied on easy, delicious recipes like this one.”

These baked pumpkin donut holes are tailor-made for little helpers. Kids can measure, mix, stir, and fill the pans themselves; parents just step in for the baking. When they come out warm and soft, still fragrant with cinnamon and nutmeg, the real fun begins rolling them in cinnamon sugar “snow.”

It’s a simple recipe, but it creates something bigger: sugar-coated fingers, flour-dusted counters, and the kind of laughter that families remember long after the last donut is gone.

“Recipes like these don’t just make sweets,” Chef Paolo says. “They make memories.”

Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes (Baked) Makes about 24 mini donut holes Ingredients Donut Holes: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp each nutmeg and ginger 1/4 c unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1 large egg 3/4 cup pumpkin purée – (NOT pie filling) 1/2 cup milk 1 tsp vanilla Cinnamon Sugar Coating: 1/4 cup butter, melted 1/2 cup sugar 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease mini muffin or donut hole pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices).

3. In another bowl, whisk butter, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin, milk, and vanilla.

4. Combine the two mixtures until smooth.

5. Fill baking pan cups ¾ full using two spoons or a cookie scoop; bake 10–12 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

Cool slightly.

6. Dip warm donuts in butter, roll in cinnamon sugar.

Sally’s Sweet & Sour Meatballs

From Myra Naseem, CCG (Chief Culinary Goddess)– Elegant Eating, Smithtown Some recipes don’t just taste like the holidays. They tell the story of how families learn them. Myra’s mother Sally made these in the 1970s, using instructions from a friend who forgot to mention the bottle sizes.

“Well, it was mostly grape jelly, and they were so sweet, but she figured it out and it became a family favorite.” — Myra Naseem Kids roll the meatballs, adults stir the sauce, and everyone retells the story of the “too-sweet first batch.” That’s how traditions stay alive: through flavor, laughter, and the retelling.

Slow Cooker Shortcut 1. Use frozen meatballs, mix jelly, chili sauce, and lemon juice, and add to crockpot.

2. Cook on low 3–4 hours (or high for less time).

3. Switch to warm to serve. Garnish if desired.

Notes • Cranberry jelly can replace grape jelly & lemon juice for a festive twist.

Why These Recipes Matter One day, a child who rolled croquettes, dipped donut holes, or shaped meatballs will say: “This is how my family always made them.”

Traditions aren’t perfect. Some are oblong, some too sweet the first time, some covered in more sugar than intended, but they are ours. Just like ornaments, they are carried from one generation to the next, shaped by hand, loved into being, and remembered forever.

In the end, holiday food isn’t about perfection. It’s about the hands that shape it, the stories that come with it, and the children who stand on tiptoes to help.

Long after the croquettes are gone, the donut holes are dusted off the counter, and the meatballs have vanished from the pot, the memories remain. Recipes like these become heirlooms, tucked not in a drawer but in the hearts of the people who make them. Because the most meaningful holiday traditions aren’t bought. They are rolled, baked, stirred, shared, and passed down.

Sally’s Meatballs

Long Island Locavore was created by Nancy Vallarella, who brings farm-fresh recipes and local food knowledge to Long Island through farmers’ markets, demos, and more.

For more recipes or to connect: DM @lilocavore495 on Instagram or email lilocavore495@gmail.com

Yields 60-70 pieces depending on size Ingredients Sauce: 2 (12 oz) jars chili sauce 2 (12 oz) jars grape jelly 2 tsp lemon juice Mix above ingredients in a pot over low heat.

Meatballs: 2 lbs chopped meat 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Salt, pepper, seasoned salt, garlic 2 eggs 1 onion, minced 1/4 cup olive oil Directions: 1. Mix, roll into small meatballs, drop into sauce.

2. Cover and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes.

Happy Holidays!

12

Small Business Spotlight Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Shop Local This Holiday Season

By Messenger Papers Staff

This holiday season, The Messenger recommends shopping local for your gift, catering, and recreational needs.

Mary’s Pizza and Pasta — Mary’s is a family-owned pizzeria and ItalianAmerican restaurant serving Long Island since 2008. With three locations in Farmingdale, Islip Terrace, and Speonk, Mary’s has become a beloved staple in each community, known not only for its classic dishes but also for fostering a warm, family-centered atmosphere wherever it opens its doors.

Shrimpy’s Burrito Bar — Shrimpy’s is a beach-themed, California-style restaurant with a New York twist, serving made-to-order, fresh food daily. With locations in East Islip, Northport, and Massapequa Park, the brand brings a young, energetic vibe inspired by its Long Island–raised owners. Known for its hometown-inspired menu names, Shrimpy’s offers a fun, laid-back atmosphere along with a great selection of locally brewed beers and fountain drinks.

Fearless Dance Studio — Proudly located at 408 Main Street in Center Moriches, has quickly become a cherished part of the community, creating a studio environment where families feel at home. This fall, their dancers performed at the Fall Festival, handed out candy during the “March of the Goblins” on Halloween night, and are excited to take the stage at the Holiday Tree & Menorah Lighting later this month. As they look ahead to the new year, the team is eager to bring fresh goals, enormous energy, and even more opportunities to give back to the community that has welcomed them so warmly.

Good House Collectables — Located at 967 Main Street in Holbrook, Good House Collectables has become a steady destination for collectors across Suffolk County. Owned by Jimmy Bonacasa, the shop specializes in sports cards, trading cards, memorabilia, and Pokémon products, serving both seasoned hobbyists and new collectors.

Bonacasa, a lifelong sports fan and collector, built the store around the idea that Main Street still has room for specialty shops where customers can browse, trade, and talk collecting face-to-face. Good House Collectables stocks a wide selection of modern and vintage sports cards, graded singles, unopened boxes, specialty Pokémon products, and rotating memorabilia pieces that appeal to a broad range of interests.

For local customers, the shop offers something difficult to replicate online: the ability to examine cards in person, compare conditions, ask questions, and build collections with guidance from someone who understands the hobby.

Regular customers include young collectors starting their first binders, longtime hobbyists looking for specific cards, and fans searching for memorabilia tied to their favorite teams.

Shops like Good House Collectables also contribute to the area’s smallbusiness economy. By bringing collectors into Holbrook’s business district, the store adds foot traffic and supports the commercial activity that local Main Streets depend on.

Bonacasa emphasizes service, conversation, and building a reliable place where people know they can buy, sell, or trade with confidence. For many customers, the appeal comes not only from the inventory but from having a trusted local shop owner who stands behind what he sells.

Good House Collectables continues to grow its selection and customer base, offering Suffolk County collectors a consistent and accessible place to pursue the hobby.

Karasmatic Day Spa — With locations in Port Jefferson and Bayport, give the gift of relaxation and self-care this year. Karasmatic Day Spa offers a wide

variety of massage therapy, skin treatments, and beautification specialties.

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School Highlights Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

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Thursday, December 18, 2025

Hauppauge H.S. Students Recognized for Inspiring Reflections on Democracy, Civic Duty Three Hauppauge High School students have been recognized for their outstanding participation in this year’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Voices of Democracy Essay Contest, a national program that encourages students to reflect on democracy, patriotism and civic responsibility. Their thoughtful

essays and commitment to the contest’s theme earned them top distinctions at VFW Post 10870.

Taking first place was Abiha Sadiq, whose essay explored patriotism through the lens of civic engagement, personal responsibility and a deeper appreciation for America’s justice system. Abiha reflected on her experience participating in The Justice Institute: Crime, the Constitution and the Courts, highlighting how learning directly from judges, FBI agents and legal professionals inspired her understanding of fairness and democratic values.

As the post’s first-place winner, Abiha earned a $500 scholarship and will now advance to the next level of competition. Her essay has been forwarded to VFW District 11, where one Suffolk County finalist will move on to compete for statewide recognition.

Jacob Wolmetz earned second place and a $300 scholarship for his compelling essay

emphasizing service, community engagement and living out American values through action.

Jacob wrote about the importance of ensuring every individual has a voice and described his work as vice president of Student Council and as the Suffolk County representative on the New York State Governor’s Youth Council.

He also reflected on honoring the sacrifices of his family members who served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War and on uplifting his community through volunteering, advocacy and civic participation. Jacob’s essay was also submitted to District 11 for county-level consideration.

Student Vijayababu Pranav will receive a $50 award from VFW Post 10870 for his participation and thoughtful contribution to the contest. His involvement reflects the values the VFW seeks to promote, including youth voice, reflection and pride in American ideals.

Sayville Honors Musicians At the December Board of Education meeting, Sayville Public Schools recognized an exceptional group of student musicians whose talent and commitment to their craft earned them selection into some of the region’s most competitive and respected music ensembles.

Dr. Marc Ferris, Superintendent of Schools, along with the Board of Education, congratulated the following honorees for their outstanding musical achievements.

William Mitchell and Ella Ryan were recognized for their selection to the New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA) High School Honor Band.

Cameron Dyckova and Brayden Rothstein were honored for being chosen to participate in the Long Island String Festival (LISFA) High School Orchestra.

Michael Dragotta, Christopher Larkin, Ryan Serraino, and Maybelle Valenti were

Bayport-Blue Point Board of Ed Celebrates Championship Teams At the December 9 board of education meeting, the BayportBlue Point School District honored two outstanding varsity teams for their remarkable accomplishments. The BayportBlue Point High School varsity football team was recognized for being named the 2025 Long Island Champions, while the girls varsity tennis team was celebrated for earning the title of 2025 New York State Champions.

Prior to the meeting, the community gathered along Snedecor Avenue for a spirited parade. Athletes waved from passing trucks as families, friends and neighbors lined the sidewalks to cheer on the championship teams.

The district congratulates all the athletes, coaches and supporters on these exceptional achievements.

applauded for earning placement in the Long Island String Festival (LISFA) Middle School Orchestra.

Cooper Gavin and Aaron Sacks were celebrated for being selected to the Suffolk County Music Educators Association (SCMEA) All-County Jazz Ensemble, once again led by Ms. VanBoxel.

Ava Helbock was commended for being named a Long Island Arts Alliance ScholarArtist, one of the region’s most distinguished awards recognizing excellence in the arts and academics.

“We are tremendously proud of these musicians,” said Dr. Marc Ferris, Superintendent of Schools.

“Their accomplishments reflect the unparalleled strength of our district’s music programs, and their dedication, artistry, and discipline embody the excellence that Sayville constantly strives for.”

Civics 101

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Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, December 18, 2025

The Necessary Standard for American Education White House Christmas Celebrations

This column will seek to address the long-forgotten concept of civics and how it relates to American government in general, from the federal level to the local level. This column will explore Constitutional rights, the inner workings of government, the electoral process, and the obligations and privileges of citizens.

By Matt Meduri In the spirit of the holidays, we’ll talk less law, elections, and congressional procedure.

This week, we’re looking at the history of White House Christmas Tree Lightings and the associated festivities.

A President’s Holiday Spirit

The first National Christmas Tree lit on December 24, 1923, on the White House Ellipse (Credit - National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress)

Christmas has always been more or less of a spectacle in the White House, with George Washington known for his “Twelve Days of Christmas” that featured banquets, dancing, and family, friends, and officials. George and Martha Washington were also known to send out handwritten invitations.

In December 1800, President John Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams threw the party for their four-yearold granddaughter, Susanna Boylston Adams. Government officials and their children were invited.

Andrew Jackson’s (D-TN) 1835 party is regarded, according to whitehousehistory.org, as one of the most “elaborate parties ever held at the White House”, including games, a “grand” dinner, and an “indoor ‘snowball’ fight” with cotton balls.

The first known Christmas Tree to occupy the White House was in 1853 or 1856 under President Franklin Pierce (D-NH). Details remain scarce on this account, but many estimate that it was to cheer up his wife after the death of their son prior to him taking office.

The first documented decorated Christmas Tree was put upstairs in the Second Floor Oval Room, which was used as a family parlor and library at the time, in 1889 under President Benjamin Harrison (RIN). The candles with which the tree was decorated were for the Harrison grandchildren. Documents suggest that the first tree lit with electric lights was in 1894 under President Grover Cleveland (D-NY); electricity had been installed in the White House in 1891.

Christmas trees were not always decorated at the White House, however, as this was a more common practice when children occupied the premises, and if it was in line with the First Family’s beliefs. At the turn of the century, the custom of a Christmas Tree in the house was not as widespread a custom as it is today.

This led to the myth that President Theodore Roosevelt (R-NY) banned Christmas Trees at the White House, in line with his staunch conservationist ideals. The simple truth is that his family did not traditionally celebrate Christmas with a tree.

Although, in 1902, Archie Roosevelt snuck a small tree into the White House and hid it in his closet.

When he revealed the decorated tree to his family, the Christmas Tree became a tradition for the Roosevelts.

President William Howard Taft’s (R-OH) children were the first to put a tree in the Blue Room on the State Floor in 1912. President and Helen Taft were away in Panama, so the tree was a surprise to the entire family and extended family that year. First Lady Mamie Eisenhower would also put a tree in the Blue Room in the 1950s. The Blue Room would retain its inner-White House appeal, as First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961 began the tradition of selecting a theme for the official tree in the Blue Room. Kennedy’s theme that year was toys, birds, angels, and characters from the Nutcracker Suite ballet.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt (D-NY) was known for having a Christmas Tree lit with candles in the East Hall and for reading Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol’. These family traditions were documented in Alonzo Fields’ My 21 Years in the White House (1960).

Fields was the maitre d’ and butler.

More modern presidents have also indulged their Christmas and holiday spirits. Jimmy Carter (D-GA) was the first president to light a public menorah in 1979, Ronald Reagan (R-CA) was known for dressing up as Santa Claus at White House Christmas parties, and Bill Clinton (D-AR) was known for making the reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas an annual event.

A Public Spectacle The first public National Tree lighting was held in 1923, under President Calvin Coolidge (R-MA). The idea began with Frederick Morris Feiker, an engineer who had been a technical journalist for General Electric from 1906-07 and editor of Electrical World and Electrical Merchandising from 1915-21. Feiker joined the staff for then-Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover (R-IA). The Society for Electrical Development was looking to encourage Americans to buy Christmas lights and use electricity. Feiker, along with Senator Frank L. Green (R-VT), convinced

Coolidge to start the tradition.

On December 24, 1923, Coolidge lit the tree situated on the White House Ellipse. The tree was a forty-eight-foot Balsam fir. The event was attended by about 3,000 people, according to the National Park Service (NPS).

From then until 1953, the National Tree would move around various points on the White House grounds. In 1954, the annual ceremony would return to the Ellipse and the concept was expanded. Local civic groups and businesses donated the Christmas Pageant of Peace, featuring smaller trees representing the fifty states, five territories, and the District of Columbia.

The National Christmas Tree Association has held their yearly competition since 1966 for the official White House tree each year. Growers must win their state or regional competitions in order to qualify. 2025’s tree came from Korson’s Tree Farms in Sidney, Michigan, marking the first time Michigan has supplied the White House with its Christmas Tree in forty years. The nineteen-foot Concolor fir is displayed appropriately in the Blue Room.

Other annual traditions include gingerbread houses, first created in 1969 by White House Assistant Executive Chef Hans Raffert. It was a first under the administration of President Richard Nixon (R-CA) and continues today.

The record number of trees in the White House was held by President Dwight D. Eisenhower (R-KS).

In 1959, Eisenhower’s administration filled the mansion with twenty-six trees. That record has since been surpassed by the Bushes’ Nutcracker theme featuring forty-seven trees in 1990; the Clintons’ ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas theme with thirty-two trees in 1995; the Bushes’ Home for the Holidays theme with forty-nine trees in 2001; the Obamas’ A Timeless Tradition theme with sixty-two trees in 2015; and the Trump’s forty-one trees and more than forty topiary trees in the East Colonnade in 2018.

Odds and Ends Since 1961, thirteen Blue Room trees have hailed from North Carolina. In second place is Pennsylvania with eleven trees, and coming in for the bronze is Wisconsin with eight. Washington (7 trees) and West Virginia (4) fill out the middle, with Ohio and Michigan at three each, Indiana, New York, and Oregon at one each, and Massachusetts, Missouri, and Vermont tied at one apiece. One tree was anonymously donated from New England and one tree’s origin remains unknown.

Since 1961, fifty-nine of those trees have been firs, seven have been spruces, and just one has been a pine.

Around Town Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, December 18, 2025

15

Islip Welcomes Patient Care Pavilion at Good Samaritan University Hospital On Wednesday, the Town of Islip welcomed Good Samaritan University Hospital’s new Patient Care Pavilion, a six-story, 300,000-square-foot facility that will welcome thousands of patients over the coming years to promote healing, innovation, and compassion. This marks the largest investment in Suffolk County

by Catholic Health, which has delivered this modern facility to serve the residents of the Town of Islip and support a healthier population overall.

“Good Samaritan University Hospital has been defined by healing, caring, and dignity,” said Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip). “As an institution that has served my family for more than 60 years in both happy and sad times, I am incredibly grateful to have access to this modern facility, which will benefit everyone in the community and continue to allow the hospital to deliver the highest quality care to all.”

“The Patient Care Pavilion is more than a building, it is a bold statement of Catholic Health’s vision for the future of health care delivery on Long Island,” said Patrick M. O’Shaughnessy, DO, MBA, president and CEO of Catholic Health. “This investment affirms our steadfast commitment to advancing the standard of care to ensure every patient who walks through our doors receives the best possible

outcomes, always with a level of dignity and compassion unique to Catholic Health.”

The Pavilion features an emergency department with 75 private treatment bays, with dedicated spaces for both adult and pediatric patients, and 16 advanced operating rooms. With more ambulance bays, the hospital intends to have faster response times in the event of trauma, stroke, cardiac, and other medical emergencies.

“The Patient Care Pavilion—and most importantly, its people—are evolving the state of health care on Long Island,” said Justin B. Lundbye, MD, MBA, FACHE, president of Good Samaritan University Hospital. “From the earliest planning stages, we listened to our physicians, nurses, staff, and community to design a space that facilitated the delivery of holistic, compassionate care at every encounter. Every detail has been thoughtfully planned to enhance safety, efficiency and comfort for patients, families, and caregivers.”

Kiwanis Clubs Hold Annual Santa Brunch Toy Drive

By Madison Warren The Kiwanis Club of the Islips and Bay Shore hosted its annual Brunch with Santa toy drive this past weekend in East Islip, bringing together families for a festive afternoon filled with holiday cheer and opportunities to give back to the community.

With more than 100 community members in attendance, the festive event featured raffles and a 50/50 drawing, photo opportunities with Santa, a buffet-style brunch donated by local businesses, music from a DJ, an Elvis impersonator who entertained guests throughout the afternoon, children’s crafts, and appearances by live Star Wars characters that delighted kids and families alike.

Each attendee was asked to bring an unwrapped toy for the event’s annual toy drive. The Kiwanis Club of the Islips and Bay Shore collects the donated gifts and delivers them to Pronto of Long Island, which then distributes the toys to local children and families in need during the Christmas season, helping ensure more families can experience the joy of the holidays.

The event holds special meaning for both the members of the Kiwanis Club and the Islip and Bay Shore communities it serves. Made possible through a genuine team effort, the annual Lunch with Santa relies on the continued support of local sponsors and dedicated volunteers who help bring the holiday tradition to life each year.

The Kiwanis Club of the Islips and Bay Shore is a local service organization dedicated to improving its community and the people who are part of it.

Through service, fundraising, and volunteer efforts, the members of The Kiwanis Club create a difference not just locally but nationally, as it is an international network.

Each Kiwanis Club focuses on initiatives tailored to its community’s needs, and the Kiwanis Club of Islip and Bay Shore is no exception. Throughout the year, the club concentrates on several key projects, including awarding high school scholarships and raising funds through community events such as car show fundraisers and its annual Lunch with Santa brunch.

The Kiwanis Club of the Islips and Bay Shore holds its monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at Mary’s Pizza and Pasta in Islip Terrace, where members gather to discuss upcoming projects and share ideas on how they can continue making a positive impact throughout the community. The club is led by President Sandy Flandina, who helps guide its community service initiatives and events throughout the year.

Those interested in learning more about the Kiwanis Club of the Islips and Bay Shore, or in getting involved, are encouraged to contact the organization directly. Community members can attend a monthly meeting or contact the club via its Facebook page, Kiwanis Club of the Islips and Bay Shore, to learn how they can support upcoming events and help make a difference in the local community.

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Local History Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, December 18, 2025

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Trees from Long Island

By Ellyn Okvist, B.Sc.

Every year, the local news carries the announcement that the Christmas Tree is on its way to Rockefeller Center. Lake Ronkonkoma sent its best tree to New York City in 1951, and it had a tale to tell.

The 82-foot tall born-and-raised Norway Spruce tree came from the summer estate of James Cattanach, which he planted in 1870.

Planted for his daughter, Annie, it was one of three trees the family planted close to the water of the lake. Gardeners from the Rockefeller Center Tree Committee go out to the site to accept submissions to discover a tree for Rockefeller Center. When they stopped here and saw it, it was immediately chosen as the 1951 annual tree.

It was transported to NYC by lowbed, and once steadied and secure, it was lavishly decorated for the holidays. Kate Smith was contracted to sing at the lighting, and she sang Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” while the spectators reacted when the lights went on. The event was televised nationwide, making our tree the very first to be lit on National television. It was given the nickname “The Traffic Jam Tree.” It had 7,500 bulbs, and stars with three colors only - red, green, and white. The brightness of the tree caused massive traffic jams because of the colored lights and whirling snowflakes that created such a dazzling display on Fifth Avenue. The police were called in regularly to do some traffic control.

Many may think the Cattanach tree was the first having its origins on Long Island, however there were many prior and after this Lake Ronkonkoma beauty. The tradition of a Christmas Tree was erected in 1931 during the Depression. The laborers, workers, and their families worked together and saved to buy the tree, make the garland and decorations using folded paper, cranberries, and tin cans by collecting money from the community to finance the project.

Have a tree that would make the grade? Today and in recent years, you can donate the special tree for the event. You will not receive payment for it. 1932 was much a repeat of 1931.

The first “official” tree lighting year was in 1933, and not much is known about the tree’s origins. From 1942 until the end of WWII, the tree went unlit due to blackout regulations.

The following trees are listed as they were from Long Island: 1934: Babylon sent a 70-foot, 7-ton Norway Spruce.

1942: Huntington sent a 50-foot during WWII. There were three trees that year, in sequence decorated red, white and blue, to show support for the troops.

1944: Long Island sent a 65-foot, 50-year-old Norway Spruce from “somewhere” on Long Island. It was labeled a “dark tree” as it was unlit due to the WWII regulations.

1945: Syosset sent a 55-foot Norman Spruce which was the first to be illuminated since the end of WWII. Interesting were the townsfolk who fought to stop the tree from being cut down, for the annual tradition. The tree was dug out, with an 11-feet ball so it could be replanted at the private estate it originally came from.

1946: Syosset once again, a 75-foot Norway Spruce.

1947: Deer Park sent a 65-foot Norway Spruce, and trimmings included 600 gold plastic balls and seven miles of electric wire had to be hung for the electric lights.

1949: Yaphank holds the most celebrated tree from Long Island. It was a 75-foot Norway Spruce, and 75-years old bringing its birthday to 1874. It was donated by Charles Everett Walters. The first pre-decorated tree, the tree was sprayed with two hundred gallons of silvery-white camouflage paint to look like snow before it was cut down. The five hundred plastic globes in green, yellow, orange, blue, and red were reflected by the silver ranches during the day, and 7,500 green, yellow, orange, blue and red lights lit the

tree by night. The tree also held 500 colorful ornaments. (Yaphank Historical Society).

1951: Lake Ronkonkoma sent an 82-foot tree. (pictured left) 1961: Smithtown sent an 85-foot Norway spruce that weighed two and a half tons. Its birthday was estimated around 1876, making it 85 years old. The tree came from a 138-acre former estate off Landing Meadow Road, which was being let go back to nature. The estate was owned by Mr. & Mrs. Maurice Gilmartin, who had taken down the house ten years prior.

Amazing facts regarding the tree are available. Since 2007, tree wood that has been milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity homes are stamped with the Rockefeller insignia. First appearing in 2004, the current star, the 900-pound, 9-foot-tall Swarovski crystal star, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind in 2018, sits atop a pole, not directly on the tree. The current trees use approximately 50,000 LED lights on five miles of wire, and the lights stay on 24 hours on Christmas Day. These trees, whether from far-off states or right here on Long Island, embody history, hope, and community spirit, continuing a tradition that began with local workers.

To be considered for the winning tree, gardeners from the Center go out and inspect the submissions and choose the perfect tree for the season. They may return to the tree for a few years, to monitor the growth and fill out. They notify the owner of their win, and it is up to them to make the announcement as the winner. Trees have been flown in from Ohio (1998), Canada (1966), and Stockbridge, Massachusetts, in 2004, some 65 years since a prior tree was chosen from that state. The ice-skating rink opened in 1936, and two trees were displayed to commemorate the new edition.

It is estimated that over 750,000 people come per day to visit the tree. The tree must be watered regularly, as it does pretty well since it is outside. The inaugural tree lighting was broadcast on radio in 1933. As mentioned, 18 years later in 1951, the Lake Ronkonkoma lighting was the first to be televised with The Kate Smith Evening Hour.

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Thursday, December 18, 2025

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SCWA and Utility Workers Local 393 Reach Collective Bargaining Agreement for Laboratory Employees The Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) announced that it has reached a new collective bargaining agreement with Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, Local 393, covering employees in SCWA’s nationally recognized water quality laboratory.

The eight-year agreement was approved by the union membership and addresses salaries, fair wage progression and long-term stability, with a focus on retaining highly skilled laboratory professionals who play a critical role in protecting public health.

“This agreement recognizes the specialized expertise of our laboratory staff and the essential role they play in ensuring high quality drinking water for our customers,” said SCWA Chairman Charles Lefkowitz. “It balances fair compensation with long-term stability, and it reinforces our commitment to retaining a talented workforce in an increasingly competitive environment.”

The laboratory contract follows SCWA’s recent eight-year agreement with Local 393 field employees, providing continuity and labor stability across the organization.

Together, the agreements support SCWA’s operational needs while giving employees certainty and a clear path forward.

Local 393 President Barbara Yatauro praised the collaborative tone of the negotiations and the outcome for laboratory employees. “I want to thank the SCWA Board, management and negotiating team for working in good faith to reach an agreement that addresses fair wages and long-term job security for our members,” Yatauro said. “Our

laboratory employees perform highly technical work that directly protects the drinking water supply, and this contract recognizes their value.”

SCWA Director of Water Quality and Laboratory Services Tom Schneider emphasized the importance of the agreement for employee retention and continuity in laboratory operations.

“Our laboratory staff are on the front lines of water quality protection, conducting thousands of tests each year and responding to emerging contaminants and evolving regulations,” Schneider said. “This agreement helps us retain experienced professionals, attract new talent and maintain the high standards our customers expect.”

SCWA credited Yatauro and the Local 393 negotiating team for their professionalism and partnership throughout the process, noting that the agreement positions both the laboratory workforce and the organization to serve its customers.

About SCWA The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York.

Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.

Ducks Spread Holiday Cheer at Local Pediatric Units On Wednesday, December 17, members of the Long Island Ducks visited children in pediatric units at multiple area hospitals to deliver donated toys for the holiday season.

Ducks mascot, QuackerJack, was joined by team manager, Lew Ford, and several front office staff members for the annual visits. The Ducks made stops at Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore and Stony Brook Children’s Hospital in Stony Brook.

QuackerJack and Ford visited with numerous children at each hospital and handed out gifts that were donated by Ducks fans during the month of December. Several kids and their families

took photos with the two, received autographs and talked about the upcoming season of Ducks baseball. Additionally, QJ and Ford met some of the newest Ducks fans in the NICU at South Shore University Hospital.

Staff members at all three hospitals were also excited to have the Ducks in attendance, with many taking photos with QuackerJack and Ford.

The Ducks and hospital staffers would like to thank everyone who made a toy donation this holiday season and helped bring smiles to the faces of those spending the holidays in the hospital.

For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).

Suffolk Postal Worker Arrested on Mail Theft Charges

By Raheem Soto

A Suffolk County postal employee has been arrested and charged following an investigation that alleges repeated theft from the mail while on duty at the Oakdale Post Office, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.

Jovanni Jamison-Lewis, 35, of Mastic Beach, was arrested on November 24, 2025, and later arraigned on multiple charges, including Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree and Official Misconduct, stemming from allegations that she stole gift cards, lottery tickets, and other mail items entrusted to the U.S. Postal Service.

Prosecutors allege that on November 19, 2025, Jamison-Lewis, while working as a postal clerk in Oakdale, removed two sealed envelopes from an outgoing mail bin.

Each envelope contained a greeting card with enclosed gifts intended for recipients.

Investigators say she opened the envelopes, removed their contents, and returned the empty cards to the mail stream.

One of the envelopes, authorities said, had been placed in the mail by a Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office investigator operating in an undercover capacity. That envelope contained a T.J. Maxx gift card. The second envelope reportedly contained three New York State Lottery scratch-off tickets.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, surveillance footage from the following day allegedly shows Jamison-Lewis using the stolen gift card at a T.J. Maxx store in Port Jefferson Station. Items purchased with the card were later recovered by investigators at the time of her arrest.

When Jamison-Lewis was taken into custody, investigators allege they discovered two additional pieces of stolen mail concealed in her clothing, along with four more pieces inside her pocketbook. Search warrants executed at her residence and vehicle allegedly resulted in the recovery of approximately 20 additional stolen mail items.

Jamison-Lewis had been employed by the U.S. Postal Service since November 2024.

Records indicate she resigned from her position on December 1, 2025, following her arrest.

“This case underscores the seriousness with which our office treats allegations involving the abuse of public trust,” District Attorney Tierney said in a statement, emphasizing the reliance Suffolk County residents place on the integrity of the mail system.

The investigation was conducted jointly by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Public Corruption Squad and agents from the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG). Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the USPS-OIG Northeast Area Field Office, praised the interagency cooperation, stating that the case reflects an ongoing commitment to protecting the mail and holding offenders accountable.

On December 12, 2025, Jamison-Lewis was arraigned before Acting County Court Judge Pierce Cohalan on the following charges: Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (Class E felony), Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree (Class E felony), Petit Larceny (Class A misdemeanor), and Official Misconduct (Class A misdemeanor).

Judge Cohalan released Jamison-Lewis without bail, citing New York State’s bail reform laws, which classify the charged offenses as non-bail eligible. She is scheduled to return to court on January 6, 2026. Jamison-Lewis is represented by attorney Robert Curran, Esq. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Katharine R. D’Aquila of the District Attorney’s Public Corruption Bureau.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office is urging residents in the Oakdale postal area who believe they may have been affected by similar mail theft to contact the Public Corruption Squad at (631) 853-4626.

As with all criminal proceedings, the charges against Jamison-Lewis are allegations.

A criminal complaint is an accusatory instrument, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

18

Community Spotlight Thursday, December 18, 2025

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Hounds Town USA Sets to Open 100 Locations in 2026

By Madison Warren

Hounds Town USA, the innovative doggy daycare that began right here on Long Island over two decades ago, marked a significant milestone at its annual Townie Reunion in Texas, announcing plans to reach 100 locations nationwide within the coming year.

At the beginning of the year, we watched the doors open at the new Smithtown location and saw firsthand how Hounds Town offers a unique and fun approach to doggy daycare and pet boarding, a proper place for pets and their owners to leave happy. Including the Smithtown location, Hound Town opened 20 locations this past year, making it its best year yet.

Jackie Bondanza, Co-Founder of Hounds Town USA, told The Messenger, “People want reliable, straightforward, affordable pet care without feeling like they are being taken advantage of and price gouged. Our services have always been for the average pet owner, and we want dogs to play, interact, and have fun while they’re here. Not sit in an expensive kennel all day.”

A key differentiator Hounds Town has over its competitors is its proprietary dog-management system, which simulates natural pack behavior and allows dogs to socialize safely throughout the day without human-made toys.

Hounds Town was founded by former NYPD canine handler and Nassau County Police Department commanding officer Michael S. Gould, who started the business in Ronkonkoma years ago. Since then, Hounds Town has expanded in ways few could have imagined, while maintaining deep roots on Long Island, a connection that continues to mean so much not only to the company, but to the community members it serves.

“The first Hounds Town location was opened right before 9/11 here in

New York, and it became a critical resource for first responders working at Ground Zero who needed help caring for their dogs while working long hours,” said Bondanza. “Our founder, Mike Gould, helped launch the New York City Police Department’s canine unit and ran the Nassau County Canine Unit, so we are a New York brand, through and through. The fact that we were founded to help people by someone who was of service to this community for so long, and now are a national brand, is a testament to the heart of what we do.”

The annual Townie reunion is a way to bring the company community together. The multiday gathering brought together franchise owners, corporate leaders, and brand partners from across the country to celebrate growth, recognize standout locations, and plan for the year ahead.

“Each year, the Townie Reunion reminds us how special this community is,” said Rob Flanagan, CEO of Hounds Town USA. “This year, our franchisees were at the center of everything, from planning the agenda to shaping the content through surveys that drove 75% of the sessions and content. That level of collaboration defines who we are as a brand. As we head into 2026 and this new phase of growth, we’ll remain committed to building on that foundation of partnership and shared purpose.”

With its new locations set to open in Phoenix, Hartford, Chicago, Boston, Minneapolis–St. Paul, Kansas City, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston, the company’s Long Island roots remain at the heart of its growth.

What began in Ronkonkoma as a community-focused dog daycare has evolved into a national brand that continues to prioritize safety, affordability, and a clear understanding of what dogs need most.

Standard Advisors Group brings more than 20 years experience as one of New York’s leading public relations and crisis management firms.

555 Broadhollow Road, Melville, NY 11747 Standardadv.com | 516-373-6200

AMAC Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Overview - AMAC The Association of Mature American Citizens

Why Johnny Can’t Read

AMAC plays a vital role in helping build the services that will enrich the lives of America’s seniors. AMAC Action, a 501 (C)(4) advocates for issues important to AMAC’s membership on Capitol Hill and locally through grassroots activism. To Learn more, visit amac.us

By Stephen Moore | Outside AMAC Contributor

Reading and math scores are abysmal across the country, as national testing results keep documenting. Illiteracy rates are rising: The number of 16- to 24-year-olds reading at the lowest literacy levels increased from 16% in 2017 to 25% in 2023, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

In some inner-city schools, less than half of the kids are reading or doing math at gradelevel proficiency. Many high school grads can’t read their diplomas.

As an economist, I would submit that this is our greatest crisis. It puts the future of American prosperity in grave danger. Also, the learning gap widens income and wealth disparities.

The apparent solution among the education establishment is not to challenge kids to stretch their minds and hit the books, but rather to dumb down the curriculum so everyone passes.

I call this the “make everyone below average” solution.

Some schools are no longer requiring kids in English class to read cover to cover the classic books that students have been reading for decades. Perhaps the students don’t have the attention spans. Perhaps their reading skills aren’t up to par. Perhaps they are too busy texting or playing video games on their cellphones.

A case in point is what has happened at Alice Deal Middle School in Washington, D.C. This is one of the best public schools in the city, with reading proficiency rates at 80%, or double the D.C. District’s abysmal 38% average.

Alice Deal has decided to remove all fulllength novels from their eighth-grade English curriculum. The educrats behind this strategy claim that moving from full-length books to section readings will better prepare students for high school.

Huh? How is it better for reading proficiency and knowledge-gathering for a student to read sections of “Huckleberry Finn” or “To Kill a Mockingbird” but not the whole book? Would anyone watch only a few scenes of the movie?

It’s almost as if the school is instructing the 13-year-olds to read the CliffsNotes version of “The Scarlet Letter” or “A Man for All Seasons.”

That used to be considered a form of cheating.

But now it’s the schools that are cheating the kids.

If it is true that reading a full-length novel is now too heavy a lift for a sixth, seventh or eighth grader, Houston, we have a problem. If the kids in the top public schools can’t be expected to read a full-length book, it’s scary to think about the reading levels at the bad schools.

We solved the problem of illiteracy nearly 100 years ago. Now the problem is back.

This is yet another sad example of subjecting our children to the tyranny of low expectations.

It is sadly symbolic of all that is wrong with government-run schools.

Ironically, it is coming at a time when poor states like Louisiana and Mississippi have returned to the basics — like good old-fashioned phonics — and have seen miraculous jumps in their reading scores. They are now beating out higher-income blue states.

Raise the bar, don’t lower it. We can do this.

We all remember with fondness reading our

19

The Association of Mature American Citizens represents Americans 50 plus. AMAC is centered on American values, freedom of the individual, free speech, and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family, with benefits at all levels.

Thursday, December 18, 2025

favorite books — like “The Outsiders.” The joy of reading comes from reading a great book and learning its life message.

Kids are now being robbed of that joy.

Washington, D.C., will reap the illiteracy it sows, and my only hope is that other schools don’t participate in this dumbing down of America’s children.

Stephen Moore is a former Trump senior economic adviser and the cofounder of Unleash Prosperity, which advocates for education freedom for all children.

WHERE BROADWAY MEETS MAIN STREET

O N

S T A G E

THE MUSICAL

NOV 13–DEC 28 U P

N E X T

MAR 12–APR 26 C H I L D R E N’S

Nov 22–Dec 28

T H E A T E R

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Bits & Pieces

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Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, December 18, 2025

WORD

SUDOKU

EPIPHANY

Easy

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Download the original Sudoku.com mobile application and play thousands of Sudoku puzzles anytime, anywhere!

12/09/2025

Animated Classics series, premieres at the Carthay Circle Theatre, Los Angeles

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Quickly followed by other Southern states triggering the American Civil War. 12/09/2025

Hard

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December 23,1913: President Woodrow Wilson (D-NJ) signs Federal Reserve Act into law - creates the central banking Federal Reserve System.

Source: Onthisday.com.

Messenger Perspectives Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

21

Thursday, December 18, 2025

The Strangest of Stories – Part 3

By PJ Balzer

When we think of our personal prayers being answered, we often think of something big, something obvious and grand happening. Most people seek and keep watch for something appearing in the heavens, an outward sign; something that screams to us that God is finally sending the answer.

It was no different directly prior to that very first Christmas. Roman rule was the most powerful and dominant on Earth. They had made great advancements in travel, infrastructure, and military might.

Of course, simultaneously they were squeezing the poor and working class until they could no longer live.

“Religion” was experiencing the now-known dark ages. God had seemed silent for several centuries now. There were seemingly no prophets, no new religious texts, no voices of hope present. The common man and woman were desperate with an inner cry too deep and loud to actually be able to express with mere words alone.

That cry was being heard in Heaven though.

There were prophets of long ago who had penned that this humanity- and eternity-changing moment would happen. Yet maybe so much time had passed that the devoted had forgotten what they had read. Maybe it was so foolish and weak of an answer that they had brushed it off as something simply metaphorical. Maybe it just wasn’t the answer that they wanted. Again, humans love seeing the big and the obvious.

A newborn baby.

The most weak, helpless, and dependent of creatures that we all know. A baby has to be fed, changed, and cared for by someone else. Without someone caring for a newborn, it can’t possibly survive. God certainly wouldn’t come to us in this form. He’d of course show up as a thirty-foot-tall angelic warrior.

Going forward, the baby eventually becomes a child. It has to be taught to walk, talk, use the potty, and ride a bike. Children stay dependent on us to feed, clothe, and house them. They literally can’t do any of these things on their own without parental or external help.

As if this story we’ve been dissecting the past few weeks wasn’t strange enough. Here we are, it’s gotten even stranger. It’s no wonder that most people hurry past the Christmas manger scene on the way to Macy’s, Marshalls, Costco, and their favorite bakery. To most it’s simply an ancient decoration that stems from a nice fairytale that someone thought up long ago. Oftentimes also looking past that our time system runs by the birth of this weak and helpless baby in the poor man’s manger.

While God can certainly answer us in the most outward and obvious ways possible. He often answers us in ways that are easy to miss from the untrained eye.

This very first manger contained only a poor teenage couple and a newborn baby, with a few animals and shepherds standing nearby as the baby lays in leftover rags called swaddling clothes.

It’s a scene that was and still is easy to look past because of the lack of outward show. It’s easy to miss God’s answer when we are constantly on the lookout for something big and then bigger. But this helpless baby laying there was the One spoken of from centuries past. He is the One who is able to cleanse, change, and heal the very depths of any human heart that will turn towards Him. He’s the One who gave over His own life that we may live in eternity with Him, forever.

He’s, by far, the greatest gift we’ve each ever been given.

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:21

Congratulations Natalie Affenita: Top 40 Under 40

Natalie was recently Honored in a special edition of the Long Island Real Producers Magazine as being one of the Top 40 Under 40 Licensed Real Estate Agents

Natalie Affenita has never been one to follow a straight path. In fact, she’s taken more detours than most-including captaining a collegiate dance team, traveling the world, working as a travel agent in Florence, and selling stone in a mason’s yard before realizing that real estate was where she was meant to be.

Her journey into the industry was anything but conventional. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was working with her father in construction when a customer walked in, looking for materials. Natalie didn’t just sell him a piece of stone-she sold him on her talent. So much so that he took her to lunch the next day, not to discuss masonry but to convince her to get into real estate. After a few conversations and some paperwork, she was officially in the business, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Real estate has tested her in ways she never expected, especially when health complications forced her to undergo surgery to insert a cardiac monitor, which Natalie still has today. But slowing down? Not an option. Even during recovery, Natalie found a way to keep her deals moving, show properties, and stay present for her clients-thanks to an incredible support system of family, colleagues, and sheer determination. “Real estate doesn’t pause, and neither do I,” she says with a laugh.

Now, with Douglas Elliman Real Estate, She’s laser-focused on breaking into the luxury market, expanding her network, and making a difference through her extensive charity work. And if her track record proves anything, it’s that no matter what life throws at her, Natalie will always find a way to turn it into an opportunity.

Just Listed / Hampton Bays $869,999

Just Listed / Ronkonkoma $325,000

Just Listed / Holbrook $585,000

Just Listed / Patchogue $590,000

For Rent / Patchogue $3,800.00 per Month

Thursday, December 18, 2025

William Floyd Cheer Headed to Disney

By PJ Balzer Between their hard work in training and routines.

Coupled with their hard work raising funds for their possible trip. The William Floyd varsity cheerleading team is headed to Orlando, Florida later this winter to compete in the national cheerleading competition. These competitions are held in Disneyland venues so the team will also get to stay at and tour Disney.

Putting forth a nearly flawless routine this past week at Farmingdale State College in the regional competition.

The young ladies earned themselves a spot in the national competition as well. This is the second year the Colonials are headed down south to this elite competition and to make life long memories together.

In addition to cheer, the ladies have been working hard to raise funds for their trip. The cheer squad recently held a holiday market at William Floyd High School with a large variety of vendors, raffles and a pasta dinner being served to those who purchased a ticket. Proceeds raised this evening helped to fund the girls travel, trip and stay.

Thankfully their community certainly rallied around and supported them.

We certainly tip our hats to the cheer squad for all of their hard work both on the floor and in the community.

Best of luck in your upcoming competitions and beyond!

Photo Credit: William Floyd School District

Long Island Basketball Player of the Week - Bernard Tomlin

By Raheem Soto Some names never fade. They don’t need constant retelling to remain relevant because their impact is already woven into the fabric of Long Island basketball history. This week, we recognize Bernard Tomlin of Malverne High School, Class of 1971, as our Long Island Basketball Player of the Week—a nod not just to statistics or accolades, but to legacy.

Tomlin was widely regarded as one of the top players of his era, a time when Long Island basketball was physical, disciplined, and deeply competitive. High school gyms were packed, reputations traveled fast, and players earned respect possession by possession. Tomlin stood out in that environment, not through flash alone, but through consistency, skill, and basketball IQ. His talent carried him beyond Malverne, opening doors at the collegiate level. Tomlin went on to play at the University of Utah and later Hofstra University, continuing to prove that his game translated wherever the competition rose.

In an era before constant media coverage and highlight reels, sustaining that level across programs spoke volumes about his ability and work ethic.

But Bernard Tomlin’s influence did not end when the final buzzer sounded on his playing days. Like many of Long Island’s true basketball lifers, he gave the game back. Tomlin became a legendary coach at SUNY Old Westbury,

shaping young players not only as athletes, but as students and men. Those who came through his program often speak less about wins and losses and more about lessons—accountability, discipline, and respect for the game.

That throughline—from standout player to collegiate competitor to respected coach—is what defines basketball legacy on Long Island. It is not just about where you played, but how you carried the game forward.

Tomlin represents a generation that understood basketball as both craft and community, where mentorship mattered as much as points scored.

Recognizing Bernard Tomlin is also about remembering an era when Long Island basketball quietly produced excellence, often without fanfare but never without substance.

His story connects Malverne High School gyms of the early 1970s to college courts and SUNY sidelines, bridging generations through the same game.

This week’s spotlight is simple and sincere: spread love. Honor the players who built the foundation, the coaches who passed it on, and the history that still shapes the present.

Bernard Tomlin’s name belongs in that conversation—and always will.

23

Section XI Football: 2025 Season Awards

By Ashley Pavlakis With the varsity football season wrapped up, the annual awards were the last thing left to square away. The Suffolk County Football Coaches Association dinner took place on December 8th at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Hauppauge.

Awards and honors were handed out to some of the best players in the county for being the best at what they do.

Varsity football teams in Suffolk County are part of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA), and they compete in divisions I, II, III, & IV. The Messenger reports on Eastern Suffolk County schools. Let’s take a look at who took home the hardware this season.

The Golden Flashes of Sayville were golden indeed, taking home a handful of awards this season. Sayville finished the season undefeated, boasting a 12-0-0 record where they took home the Division III title, Suffolk County title, and the Long Island title. Sayville also took home its seventh Rutgers Award. The award is given annually to the best team in Suffolk County.

Patrick Coan, a senior quarterback for Sayville, took home the Boomer Award, given annually to Suffolk County’s Top QB. This season, Coan threw for 133 completions, ran for 1,082 rushing yards, and recorded 13 touchdowns.

Additionally, the Lehigh commit passed for 1,937 yards, threw 25 touchdowns, and had three interceptions. The numbers speak for themselves, thus earning him the Boomer Award.

The William Floyd Colonials racked up the awards as well, with three players and a coach taking home some hardware. It’s safe to say they had all positions covered. The Colonials competed in DIV I and finished the regular season 10-1-0.

Ja’Quan Thomas, a senior running back for the Colonials, took home the Carl A. Hansen Award, & the Joe Cipp Jr. Award. Thomas was a force to be reckoned with, and nobody was going to get in his way. The Hansen Award is given annually to the most outstanding player in Suffolk County. Thomas was just that, outstanding. The RB rushed for 2,082 yards, which is the best in Suffolk County, and recorded 31 touchdowns. Thomas was awarded the Cipp Jr. Award, which is given annually to the best running back in Suffolk County. Thomas also took home DIV I MVP honors, DIV Player of the Year Honors, and First Team AllLong Island & All-County Honors.

Jeru Hall, a senior right tackle for the Colonials, took home the Bob Zellner Award this season. The Zellner Award is given annually to the best offensive lineman in Suffolk County. Hall’s position as a right tackle made him an integral part of William Floyd’s core offensive line that helped average 31 points per game. Hall also earned First Team All-Long Island and All-County honors.

Jake Rivera, a junior defensive end for the Colonials, took home the Bryan Collins Award. The Collins Award is given annually to the best defensive lineman in Suffolk County. Rivera recorded 71 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery. Rivera helped the defense keep their opponents to under 12 points per game.

Last but not least for the Colonials is head coach Paul Longo. The 31year head coach took home his 19th Coach of the Year Award. At the helm,

Longo has coached William Floyd to 15 Suffolk County titles and five Long Island championships. He was also inducted into the William Floyd Athletic Hall of Fame ‘19 and the Suffolk County Hall of Fame ‘22.

Jayden Johnson and Joe Melecio also took home All-County honors for the Colonials.

Perhaps the most significant award this season was the Thomas Cutinella Memorial Leadership Award. The Award was named after Thomas Cutinella, a football player for Shoreham Wading River who passed away in October 2014 from a football-related incident. The award is given annually to the best twoway player who demonstrates character, leadership, and good academics.

Cutinella was known and respected for his leadership qualities despite being an underclassman. Jimmy Gaston Jr., a senior for the Central Islip Musketeers, took home the award.

Senior Michael Cascione is a household name in Smithtown. The West Bull took home the Tom Cassese Award, which is given annually to the most outstanding defensive back in Suffolk County. Cascione was a finalist for three other awards as well. The multi-sport athlete finished his final season repping the Bulls with 1,650 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, and received 117 yards and one touchdown.

Jake Rearick, Nick DeVito, and Nick Zins were awarded All-County honors along with Michael Cascione for Smithtown West. Will Noto was named the County Final MVP. Smithtown East saw Antonio Marrone and Charlie Weydig earn All-County Honors. First-year head coach Greg Lauri was awarded the Suffolk Conference Two Coach of the Year Award.

At Sachem North, the Arrows saw three of their own take home All-County honors. Jake Spera, Caldey Pierre, and Henry Sarro were the recipients. In addition, Alyssa Tappin was awarded the first-ever Suffolk County Football Coaches Student Media Award. Tappin is a station manager at WSHR, predominantly covering Sachem Football as a sideline reporter.

The Miller Place Panthers saw four members take home All-County honors: Shane Kiernan, AJ Rudolph, Camryn Hardy, and Bradyn Ellis. Camryn Hardy also took home the 12th Man of the Year Award, which is given annually to the player who overcame adversity.

The Commack Cougars had five Division II All-Conference members and one All-County member this season. AJ Arizonis, Mason Ruocco, Mason Justus, Eric Florentino, and Frank Vraba earned All-Conference Honors. Lincoln Riggs earned All-County honors.

Suffolk County is home to 50 varsity-sanctioned football teams. The Messenger is fortunate to be able to cover the Eastern Suffolk County teams each and every season. Congratulations to all the young men who were honored at the Suffolk County Football Coaches Association Awards dinner for the 2025 season. Your hard work on and off the field has not gone unnoticed and has finally been rewarded. Cheers to another great season of high school football, and here’s to running it back again next fall.

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Messenger Spotlight

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Wegmans

Celebrates Nearly One Year in

Lake Grove

By Matt Meduri

In February, the Village of Lake Grove became the site of Long Island’s first, and currently only, Wegmans supermarket.

The privately-owned supermarket chain opened its Lake Grove location across the street from the Smith Haven Mall, revitalizing vacant storefronts in the plaza that serves as the village’s de facto downtown.

The Messenger spoke with leadership at Wegmans to get a better look at how the community has responded to them and how Wegmans, in turn, has given back.

A Long Island Expansion When Wegmans scouts for a new location, Mandee Puleo, Senior Public Relations Coordinator, says that density and access to the freshest foods are key.

“We always look at density; what’s available and what are people looking for that we can offer at affordable prices - things they can’t get anywhere else,” Puleo told The Messenger. “We want to be a one-stop shop.”

Puleo added that being in close proximity to a college is also key to Wegmans’ scouting criteria.

The chain finds that their prepared meals and the in-store restaurant are attractive meal alternatives for the on-the-go and time-strapped college students. Employment opportunities abound for those first entering the work force as well. Puleo shared that the Lake Grove store finds that their California rolls, the Asian hot food bar, the eight-piece fried chicken platters, medium cold subs, hot pizza slices, and the selfserve wing bar have been the top-six prepared foods they sell, with a large portion credited to college consumers.

Puleo said that the fervor for another Long Island location is noticeable, and while the company will not state what exact areas are being scouted, the criteria is being “reviewed.”

“They want us in California, Florida, and Texas,” said Puleo, adding that the company is looking to open about one or two stores per year. “We’re taking our time in selecting locations and making sure that we’re meeting customer needs. It’s a small Northeastern U.S. expansion right now.”

Puleo added that many Stony Brook University students who hail from Upstate New York have been delighted to find the familiar face of Wegmans just five miles away from campus. But Puleo said that Wegmans is wanted elsewhere, as ex-New Yorkers just don’t find the same quality product with Publix, for instance, when they head south.

“There’s a lot of desire for us on the East End. We’re looking; we just don’t have any specific plans at this point,” said Puleo.

Wegmans stores are known for featuring locally-sourced products from farmers and vendors near their locations, making a hypothetical East End store a logical progression for the community.

A Community Partner Iliana Tunison, Service Area Manager for the Lake Grove store, said that the Village of Lake Grove has been more than receptive to Wegmans, and vice versa.

“Lake Grove is a tight community and that has been clear since before we opened this year. We were a part of it even before the store opened,” Tunison told The Messenger. Tunison discussed the company’s Check on Hunger campaign, an annual drive to partner with local food banks. This year’s proceeds went to Long Island Cares and Long Island Harvest. The fundraiser, hosted from October 22 to November 29, generated $3.1 million across all 114 stores, $13,435 of which came from Lake Grove’s store.

“That is a clear representation of the people in this community of how much they care,” said Tunison. “We had customers who walked in to give $100 to be part of the function. Lake Grove wants to be a part of everything going on and we are proud to be a part of the community.”

Wegmans has also participated in the classic community days, especially at Stony Brook University. The chain sets up their tent, hands out goodies, and introduces themselves to the communities. Tunison said that the university’s Homecoming Day and Family Weekend were particular hits, as they advertised Wegmans’ ability to receive mobile grocery orders for pickup.

“They love seeing the rooster and the train; they’re big attractions here,” said Puleo, referring to new customers spotting displays around the store. The rooster crows from the cuckoo clock near the entrance, while a train makes its way around the dairy section, suspended above the refrigerators on tracks.

A Drive for Quality Puleo said that Wegmans takes pride not only in the quality of their products, but a tailored shopping experience for each location.

“What sets us apart is our Wegmans-brand products. We always look to develop products that are as good or better than national brands at a favorable price,” said Puleo, adding that the company pays attention to religion-based and diet-based selections. “Having that high quality product sets us apart. We listen to our customers.

If there are specific, local products or products that are popular in an area that customers would like to see, we’ll define space for items we sell well.”

But quality isn’t constrained to the products. Employees are the company’s top priority.

“Number one: our people - making sure that our employees feel valued and have that sense of belonging,” said Puleo. “That expands to our employees providing customers an environment where they feel welcome, sane, and get products that they are looking for.”

Indeed, Wegmans has something to show for its work culture. As of this year, Forbes has ranked Wegmans thirtieth “best American company”, and ranked the Rochesterbased chain as the number-one “Best-In-State” grocer.

Wegmans also made the Fortune 100 list, ranking number six in 2025 and number one on the Best Workplaces in Retail list.

Wegmans is located at 3270 Middle Country Road in Lake Grove and can be reached at 631-285-1300. Hours are 6:00a.m. to 12:00a.m. seven days a week.