14-Year-Old Found, Festive Fireworks, & NY’s New Driving Rules

Good Morning,

This week, we bring you stories that inspire hope, highlight community spirit, and address important changes across Long Island. From the safe return of a missing teenager to festive New Year’s celebrations, updates on road safety rules, and heartwarming acts of kindness, there’s plenty to reflect on and celebrate. Let’s dive into the stories that matter most to our community.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

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Local Pulse

📰 An anonymous tip led Emmarae Gervasi’s father to locate his missing daughter after days of searching. The 14-year-old was found in Islip and is now safe. Greater Long Island

🎆 Patchogue's "Midnight on Main St." New Year’s Eve celebration lit up the village with music, fireworks, and a festive crowd. The event brought together locals to ring in the new year with style and excitement. MSN

🚗 A new DMV rule in New York targets repeat drunk and impaired drivers by limiting their ability to regain driving privileges. The updated regulation aims to enhance road safety and reduce alcohol-related incidents. News 12 Long Island

🚨 A pedestrian was fatally struck on Route 112 in East Patchogue. Suffolk County Police are investigating the tragic incident that occurred late Thursday evening. Daily Voice

🚨 Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and police are seeking help identifying and locating a man accused of petit larceny at a Medford store in November. The suspect allegedly stole merchandise and fled the scene. TBR News Media

🏗️ Construction is underway in Patchogue on a battery storage facility located on town property. This project is part of a broader effort to support renewable energy integration and improve power reliability on Long Island. Newsday

🎁 PSEG Long Island employees spread holiday cheer by donating over 500 toys and gifts to local children, benefiting organizations such as Lighthouse Mission in Bellport. The initiative aimed to brighten the season for families in need across the region. LongIsland.com

❤️ Volunteers brought warmth to the homeless in Patchogue this winter by serving hot meals. Special thanks to the Congregational Church and the NY Turkish Cultural Center Youth Club for their kindness and solidarity. 🌟 Embrace Relief

• Medical receptionist at Suffolk Cardiac Care PLLC

Community Highlights

• Enjoy a fun and creative evening at Paint Nite: Brand Creative Events, where you can unleash your inner artist with step-by-step painting guidance. Get your tickets here!

• The Scooter's December 2024 edition is now available, featuring the latest updates, events, and community news from Bellport Village. Stay informed on everything happening this month!

• Explore the mysteries of the universe with Ancient Aliens Live in Patchogue, NY, featuring experts discussing extraterrestrial theories and historical enigmas. Get your tickets here!

• Dive into a vibrant celebration of creativity at the ListenUp Music & Arts Festival, showcasing incredible live performances and artistic talent. Grab your tickets now!

• Start the year with love by welcoming a new furry friend into your home at Adopt Dogs & Cats 2025, a heartwarming adoption event featuring pets in need of forever homes. Learn more here!

• Help bring Nimbus home! This sweet pet has been reported missing in Patchogue, NY. If you've seen Nimbus or have any information, please visit here to assist.

• Join the Caregiver Support Group on January 27 in Medford, NY, to connect with others and share experiences, advice, and support in a compassionate environment. Find more details here!

• Attend the Architectural Review Board Meeting on January 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM to discuss the proposal for 2 Shore Road in Bellport Village. Learn more here!

• Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style at the Patchogue Shamrock Stroll, a festive bar crawl. Get your tickets here!

• Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style with the Patchogue Shamrock Stroll Bar Crawl, a festive weekend event featuring great drinks and lively fun. Grab your tickets here!

• Catch incredible live music at the upcoming concert event at People's Pub Bayport! Discover more details and join here.

• General Membership Meeting: A Gentleman from Abroad - Major General de Trobriand. Join historian George Munkenbeck at the BBP Library on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM to learn about Major General de Trobriand, a French nobleman turned soldier with remarkable contributions to American history. More details here!

• ACOUSTIC HAND will be performing live, bringing an intimate and soulful musical experience to Locale Gastro Bar and Pizzette. Learn more and join the event here.

• Enjoy an exquisite culinary experience at the Chef's Tasting Menu, featuring a carefully curated selection of dishes crafted by talented chefs. Book your spot now for a memorable evening of fine dining and exceptional flavors.

• Experience the soulful rhythms of bachata with El Chaval de la Bachata live in concert at Stereo Garden. Get your tickets now for an unforgettable night of music and dance.

• Join Rhum's Tequila Tasting Dinner featuring Tres Generaciones, and indulge in a curated menu paired with premium tequilas on January 9, 2025. Reserve your seats now for an evening of flavor and fun!
  

Local Sports

🏀 Shoreham-Wading River (9-0) secured a strong 60-40 non-league victory over Patchogue-Medford (3-8). Grayce Kitchen led SWR with 13 points, while Kady Keegan and Leslie Jablonski added 12 and 11 points, respectively. Mackenzie Hughes scored eight points for Patchogue-Medford.

🏃‍♂️ The 10th Annual Ocean Breeze Freedom Games, held on January 4-5, 2025, featured high school track and field teams from across the region, including Patchogue-Medford.

🏅 Sophia McInnes of Bayport Blue Point, NY, ran a US#1 time of 4:46.98 in the girls' mile at the Ocean Breeze Freedom Games. She led an impressive field, with five athletes breaking the five-minute barrier. RunnerSpace

Local Charity

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