Happy New Year! Local Stars, Skates & Service Ahead

Good Morning,

We’re kicking off 2026 with all the ways your neighbors are staying connected, healthy, and involved. From ringing in the new year on Main Street to skating with a local celeb and honoring Dr. King’s legacy, there’s a lot happening close to home. You’ll also find free health programs, community events, and a new way to stay in the loop with our VIP Wallet Pass. Let’s start the year strong, together.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

🎉 Families gathered on Main Street for Patchogue’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration, which offered a safer alternative to late-night partying with live music, games and food. Residents said the event gave peace of mind on a night known for drinking and driving, as state and local police reported over 50 DWI arrests on Long Island since Christmas Eve. News 12 Long Island

🕊️ Brookhaven Town will host its 10th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Luncheon on Monday, January 19 from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Bellport Country Club, featuring guest speakers, scholarship awards, and a student-led service project. The event, co-sponsored by the Brookhaven NAACP and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, aims to unite residents and local organizations in honor of Dr. King’s legacy. Town of Brookhaven

⛸️ Actor Jeremy Allen White, known for “Shameless” and “The Bear,” visited The Rinx in Port Jefferson last week while spending the holidays with family in Bellport Village. The rink’s owner said White stopped by quietly with his daughters after searching for local spots to skate, describing him as kind, low-key, and a surprisingly good skater. Greater Long Island

Community Resource: Free and Low-Cost Health Programs from HSS Support Wellness in the New Year

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is offering a valuable set of educational and movement programs this winter, aimed at helping community members manage joint health, mobility, and aging. These programs, many of which are free or low-cost, are open to the public and provide access to expert-led sessions on health topics that impact daily life.

Among the offerings is the Aging with Dignity Support Group, held weekly from January through June, which provides a consistent space for older adults to connect and share experiences. Movement-based classes like Tai Chi Chih and Move with Confidence: Osteoporosis are designed to improve strength, balance, and posture in a supportive environment.

For those seeking information on managing chronic conditions, free virtual and in-person sessions such as Back Pain As We Age and Shoulder & Elbow Pain present insights from HSS clinicians. Other programs, like Journaling to Health, explore how writing and reflection can support emotional and physical well-being.

All sessions are facilitated by trained educators and clinicians, and are available in both in-person and virtual formats to accommodate varying needs and access.

A full list of programs, along with registration details, is available at: https://communityed.hss.edu/en/custom-registration-from

🏀 St. Joseph’s University, Long Island held off a late rally to edge Cairn University 80–76 in a non-conference matchup Tuesday night at the John A. Danzi Center in Patchogue. Kenny Rodriguez and AJ Esposito each posted double-doubles, while Jaiden Gaston led all scorers with 23 points, helping the Golden Eagles overcome an early 11-point deficit and improve to 5-5 on the season. SJLI Athletics

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