❄️ First Snow, Festive Cheer & Critical Policy Changes on LI

Good Morning,

Winter is here, with snow falling on the first day. Predictions are saying a warmer than normal with average snowfall.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

 📆 New Look, Same Great Vibe! Find Local Events & Set Reminders in One Click!

Local Pulse

🚔 A driver fled the scene after crashing into a deli in East Patchogue, leaving significant damage to the building. Police are searching for the individual responsible for the hit-and-run. [News12]

💔 The father of a missing 14-year-old Patchogue girl, last seen on December 9, has expressed deep concern, fearing the worst as the search continues. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Greater Long Island

💡 Schneps Media and the Long Island Press awarded RISE Life Services a $2,500 check on Dec. 20 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in recognition of their vital work supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Operating 32 homes and various programs across Long Island, RISE was also honored as the Charity Partner of the 2024 Long Island Press Power List. [Long Island Press]

🚗 Gov. Hochul is urging suburban New Jersey and Long Island drivers to support New York City’s congestion pricing plan, emphasizing potential environmental and traffic benefits. Critics in New Jersey argue the tolls would unfairly burden commuters without offering direct benefits. [Gothamist]

🎈 Party City announced it will close all its stores, including 14 locations on Long Island, as the company begins winding down operations. The closures follow a challenging financial period for the retailer. [Patch]

🚁 Temporary flight restrictions have been imposed on drone activity near key infrastructure sites in New York following increased reports of unauthorized drone activity. The FAA granted the state a special waiver to enhance security and protect critical areas. [ABC7 NY]

❄️ Long Island experienced its first snowfall of the season, with some areas recording over 2 inches of accumulation. The winter weather brought a picturesque scene but also prompted reminders for safe driving and winter preparedness. [Greater Long Island]

📱 The Medford School District Board reviewed proposed revisions to its cellphone policy, including an "off and away" rule for classrooms with exceptions for emergencies. The changes aim to ensure consistency across schools and have received positive feedback from board members, with adoption expected soon. YouTube

🎄 Bay Shore, Islip, and Patchogue are spreading holiday cheer with festive scenes, including decorated storefronts, tree lightings, and community events. These vibrant displays are drawing residents and visitors alike to celebrate the season. [Fire Island News]

📚 Natalie Wise of Patchogue authored "Hot Cocoa Bombs: Delicious, Fun and Creative Hot Chocolate Treats," published in 2021.Her cookbook features inventive recipes for chocolate truffles filled with hot cocoa mix, including variations with mini marshmallows, salted caramel, and crushed peppermint candies.[Newsday]

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Read the holiday guide

• Intermediate youth care worker at Patchogue-Medford School District.

• Security guard at Allied Universal (College Campus, Patchogue).

• Licensed practical nurse (LPN) at Clove Lakes Health Care and Rehabilitation Center.

• Registered Nurse at Allied Digestive Health in Patchogue, NY.

• Truck Service Manager at Randstad USA in Medford, NY.

Community Highlights

• Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Teddy at Cavanaugh’s in Blue Point, NY, featuring live music and a festive atmosphere to ring in 2024 in style. Find more details here.

• Join a peaceful Christmas Eve Community Meditation with Annie Southard on December 24, offering a serene way to center yourself during the holiday season. Learn more and join here.

• Experience An Evening of Connection with Psychic Jake Vanek, featuring a gallery reading on December 27, where Jake will share messages and insights from the spiritual realm. Learn more and reserve your spot here.

• Celebrate the start of 2024 at New Year’s Eve at Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine in Patchogue, NY, with delicious food, drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere. Find more details here.

• Join a Light Cardio and Strength Training Workout on Friday, January 3, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the Main Library. This session includes cardio, strength training, balance, coordination, and stretching. Wear comfortable clothing and bring water and light weights; resistance bands will be provided. Register here.

• Ring in 2024 at Midnight on Main in Patchogue, a New Year’s Eve celebration featuring festivities, music, and a countdown to midnight for the whole community to enjoy. Learn more here.

• The Bellport Village Board of Trustees Meeting will take place via Zoom on Monday, December 23, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Click "Learn More" in the meeting link to view the full agenda.

• The Shots for Tots - Patchogue/Medford event will take place on January 14, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 54-60 East Main St., Patchogue, NY. Pfizer vaccines will be available for VFC/VFA-eligible patients, with a hard copy of the child's immunization record required. Jynneos vaccines are available by appointment only. For more details, contact the Child Health-Immunization Program at (631) 854-0222.

Local Sports

🏅 The indoor track season is heating up at the JAMBAR Coaches Hall of Fame Invitational, where Blair Bartlett of Lawrenceville, NJ, clocked a U.S.-leading 9:32.29 in the 3,000 meters. Sophia McInnes of Bayport-Blue Point impressed as well, finishing second with a remarkable 9:37.01. Runners Space

🤼‍♂️ The 32nd annual Beast of the East wrestling tournament is underway at the University of Delaware, with top Garden State wrestlers making strides in the third round. Among the results, Bellport's Camryn Howard faced a narrow defeat to Carson Walsh of Pope John, showcasing competitive action. NJ.com

Here’s your recap of recent scores for 12/18:

Wrestling
Bellport 52 H H Hills East 13
Patchogue-Medford 38 Walt Whitman 29

Girls Basketball
Sayville 53 Bayport-Blue Point 42
East Islip 47 Bellport 34

Here’s the latest update for 12/19

Wrestling
Mt Sinai 64 Bayport-Blue Point 12

That’s all for this round of sports coverage. Stay tuned for more updates on your local teams!

Local Charity

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