Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate two women who stole from a Port Jefferson Station business in December.
Two women allegedly stole five handbags from TJ Maxx, located at 5125 Nesconset Highway, at approximately 10:15 a.m. on December 16. The merchandise was valued at approximately $200.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.
Update: Steven McDonald, 63, of Coram, has been identified as the pedestrian killed while crossing
Sunrise Highway in Oakdale on December 27.
Below is the original press release:
Suffolk County Police Fifth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a pedestrian in Oakdale on Dec. 27.
A male pedestrian was in the roadway of eastbound Sunrise Highway, between exit 48 and exit 49, when he was struck by a 2011 BMW 550 driven by Wayne Griffith at 9:25 p.m.
The pedestrian, whose identity has not yet been established by police, was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner. Griffith, 60, of Medford, was not injured.
The BMW was impounded for a safety check. Detectives are asking anyone with information on the incident to contact the Fifth Squad at 631-854-8552.
Gina Ireland Interiors ribbon cutting on Dec. 18. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office
Gina Ireland Interiors ribbon cutting on Dec. 18. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office
Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, New York State Senator Mario Mattera, Town of Smithtown Councilwoman Lynne Nowick and members of the St. James Chamber of Commerce welcomed At Home With Gina Ireland Interiors to St. James with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Dec. 18.
Gina Ireland is an interior designer with more than 20 years of experience specializing in both residential and commercial projects. She is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Locally she worked on Toast in Long Beach, a wedding venue, and the Waters Edge in Centerport, formerly known as The Thatched Cottage.
She has relocated her studio from Port Jefferson to St. James for more space but also to be closer to her home in Nesconset as one of her daughters has leukemia. In addition to the design studio, her shop sells furniture, artwork, clothes and accessories as well as jewelry, perfume and decorative objects for gift giving.
According to Ms. Ireland, “This store is more than a business to me. It’s a symbol of hope. It’s a place where I can share my passion for design and bring inspiration to others.”
“Gina Ireland Interiors is a wonderful addition to the other stores and art endeavors on Lake Avenue in St. James. I welcome her and wish her much success,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.
Pictured at the Ribbon Cutting for Gina Ireland Interiors are from left Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, Gina Ireland, Highway Superintendent Bob Murphy, Councilwoman Lenne Nowick, Senator Mario Mattera, St. James Chamber board members Debby and Scott Posner and Denise Day.
At Home With Gina Ireland Interiors is located at 438 Lake Avenue in St. James. Operating hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; closed on weekends.
Legislators Sanin (middle), Richberg (middle-left), and Donnelly (middle-left) with the students and coaches of the Half Hollow Hills West High School Varsity Girls Volleyball team
During Dec. 17th’s General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature, Legislator Rebecca Sanin, joined by her colleagues Legislators Jason Richberg and Thomas Donnelly, proudly recognized the Half Hollow Hills West High School Varsity Girls Volleyball Team for their extraordinary achievements during the 2024 season. The recognition ceremony took place in the Rose Caracappa Auditorium of the William H. Rogers Legislative Building.
The team was celebrated for their remarkable performance throughout the season, culminating in a hard-fought victory in the NYSPHSAA Class AA Championship. Their thrilling five-set win over Fayetteville-Manlius in Glens Falls exemplified the true meaning of resilience, teamwork, and determination—qualities that helped propel them to the top of their game and secure the championship title.
“The Half Hollow Hills West Varsity Girls team has demonstrated leadership, perseverance, and the value of working together toward a common goal,” said Legislator Sanin. “This championship win is not just a triumph for the players, but for the entire community that rallied behind them. We are beyond proud of your achievements.”
Legislator Sanin also commended the dedicated coaches, Head Coach Nils Haugen and Assistant Coaches Diana Migliozzi and William Flohr, for their countless hours of hard work, practice, and preparation. “These coaches have not only shaped these athletes into champions but have also inspired everyone here at the Legislature and the entire Suffolk County community,” she said.
The ceremony celebrated the team’s exceptional qualities of perseverance, leadership, and teamwork, which defined their outstanding performance throughout the season. Their hard work has not only earned them a championship title but also made them a source of pride for the entire Suffolk County community.
“This honor goes beyond just winning a championship,” Legislator Sanin remarked. “It’s about recognizing a group of young athletes who exemplify dedication, unity, and the pursuit of excellence. You’ve set an inspiring example for us all. Congratulations on a season to remember!”
Legislators Sanin, Donnelly, and Richberg presented a proclamation to the team, formally acknowledging their remarkable achievements and the positive impact they’ve had on the community.
The American Legion Wilson Ritch Post 432 Family of Port Jefferson Station along with Boy Scout Troop 377 of East Setauket recently sponsored and fed Veterans a Christmas Dinner Italian Style at the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook. The meal was well received and very much appreciated.
Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamboat Company's newest ferry,
Long Island
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG) has announced the successful delivery of the LONG ISLAND (ESG Hull 228), a newly constructed passenger and auto ferry, to the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company, a subsidiary of McAllister Towing on Dec. 20. The vessel, designed to provide seamless transportation between Bridgeport,CT, and Port Jefferson, across Long Island Sound, is the latest addition to the company’s fleet.
“This delivery is a proud moment for our team,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO and Chairman of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. “It represents our strong partnership with McAllister Towing and our dedication to enhancing the infrastructure for Long Island’s residents and visitors. The LONG ISLAND will be a critical asset, delivering safe, reliable service and embodying our commitment to quality and innovation.”
The LONG ISLAND, a 1,000-passenger ferry with the capacity to carry 124 cars and measuring 302 feet in length, is engineered to accommodate both vehicles and passengers with state-of-the-art features, including EPA Tier IV-compliant main engines, increased crew capacity, and an upgraded furnishings package.
This ferry joins two other Eastern-built vessels in the fleet: P.T. BARNUM (1999) and GRAND REPUBLIC (2003), solidifying ESG’s longstanding relationship with McAllister Towing, which has commissioned over a dozen vessels from ESG.
Buckley McAllister, the President of the ferry company, said “P.T. Barnum, the founder of the ferry, once said that the noblest art is that of making others happy. All of those who have worked to make the ferry service what it is today can be very proud of their role helping drivers on the I-95 and Long Island Expressway. Eastern Shipbuilding has provided our company with over a dozen high quality vessels and transformed the maritime services we can offer. We are very thankful to Eastern Shipbuilding and the D’Isernia family for the happiness this new vessel will bring to our employees and customers for generations to come.”
The addition of the LONG ISLAND ferry will enable a consistent three-vessel schedule during peak travel periods, enhancing the capacity and reliability of service across Long Island Sound. This delivery marks another successful chapter in ESG’s commitment to building high-quality, resilient vessels for customers across the U.S.
Update: Ashley Schreiber, the missing Medford teen, has returned home and is unharmed.
Below is the original press release:
Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a missing Medford teen.
Ashley Schreiber was reported missing by a family member on Dec. 27 after she was last seen at her home, located at 2810 Watch Hill Ave., at approximately 12 a.m. Schreiber is white, 5 feet 6 inches tall, approximately 130 pounds with dark hair with red highlights.
She texted a friend saying she was sneaking out to go to the 7-Eleven store located on Medford Avenue near the Long Island Expressway, her mother Jessica Brooks said on Facebook. The store is roughly a mile from the family’s home.
“God this is a nightmare,” Brooks wrote. “Please pray that my baby comes home safe. This is unbearable. I need her home.”
According to her mother she was least seen wearing a pair of gray sweatpants, a black Deadpool shirt and a black jacket with fur around the hood.
Detectives are asking anyone with information on her location to call 911 or the Sixth Squad at 631-
854-8652.
The Veterans History Project hosts a collections display for World War II veterans visiting the Library with the Battle of the Bulge Association, December 17, 2018. Photo by Shawn Miller.
The Ardennes Offensive, commonly known as the “Battle of the Bulge,” stands as the single bloodiest battle fought by the United States during World War II. Waged in the bitter cold of mid-December 1944, it took the Allies a month to secure victory. The cost was staggering: nearly 20,000 Americans were killed in action, close to 50,000 wounded and another 20,000 captured.
In honor of the 80th anniversary of this pivotal battle, the Library of Congress Veterans History Project has launched an online exhibit to commemorate the milestone. While the battle itself is etched in the annals of history, the personal stories from those who endured it remain one of the most powerful testaments to its impact.
Photo courtesy of Library of Congress Veterans History Project #17316
The online exhibit, “Serving Our Voices,” features accounts from 12 Battle of the Bulge survivors, part of the thousands of narratives preserved by the project. These stories ensure future generations can gain deeper understanding of veterans’ service and sacrifice.
One such story includes Eliot Annable, a 20-year-old radio operator serving with the Army’s 106th Infantry Division. Just days after arriving at the western front, Annable found himself under German artillery barrages on. Dec. 16, 1944. He recalled the assault in his oral history, describing the intensity as “almost enough to knock you on the floor.”
The following five days became the most harrowing days of Annable’s military service. While on a communications mission, he became stranded behind enemy lines and spent nearly a week evading the enemy in the Ardennes Forest without food, shelter or appropriate winter clothing. After traveling more than 30 miles, he eventually safely rejoined the remnants of his unit.
Back home, Annable’s parents were gripped by uncertainty. On Dec. 31, 1944, his father wrote a letter expressing the family’s anguish and love for their son, regardless of what happened. The moving letter, coupled with Annable’s oral history, provides an intimate view into one soldier’s Battle of the Bulge experience.
Another featured veteran in the exhibit, Guy Martin Stephens, also served with the 106th Infantry Division. Unlike Annable, Stephens was captured by the Germans during battle. In his oral history, he recounted the surreal feeling of combat, the relentless hunger he endured as a prisoner of war and the lingering effects of his time in captivity.
“It’s hard,” Stephens said. “It’s something you can’t ever … your mind is just like a video, or camcorder, I guess. You put it in there. You get busy and get married. You get home, and you get an education, and get a job, and raise your family and everything like that. You can kind of gloss it over or try to push it back, but it’s always there, you know?”
Veterans who served during the 20th or 21st centuries are invited to establish a collection, including interviews (video or audio), letters and original photographs, even if they did not see combat. Families can also submit collections posthumously to honor their loved ones. To explore more veterans’ stories and learn how you can contribute to the program, visit loc.gov/vets. (Family Features)
Source: Library of Congress Veterans History Project
When the clock strikes midnight and the year turns over, celebration is sure to ensue, but it’s the moments leading up to the ball drop that can make the evening truly special.
Make your New Year’s Eve celebration unforgettable with these countdown party ideas.
Give Your Celebration a Memorable Theme
Choosing a theme for your party can add a unique twist to the celebration. Whether it’s a “Roaring 20s” party with flapper dresses and jazz music or a cozy “Pajama Party” where guests can relax and enjoy comfort foods, a theme can set the tone for a memorable evening. More ideas include a “Masquerade Ball” theme to add an air of mystery and elegance or a “Decades Party” where guests dress up from their favorite decade. Whatever theme you choose, make sure to incorporate it into your food, decorations and music.
Provide Food and Drinks to Power Through to the Countdown
Impress your guests with a menu of unique and delicious food and drink options. Consider a variety of appetizers and finger foods that are easy to eat while mingling. Mini sliders, gourmet popcorn and charcuterie boards are crowd-pleasers. For drinks, create a signature cocktail, such as a sparkling champagne punch or festive mocktail for those who prefer non-alcoholic options. Also remember to have a champagne toast ready for the countdown to midnight.
Set Up Interactive Activities to Engage Your Guests
Leading up to the countdown, arrange a series of interactive activities such as a quiz about events from the past year, a game of charades with New Year’s Eve-themed prompts or a resolution-writing station where guests can share their goals for the upcoming year. Another fun idea: set up a photo booth with props. These activities can encourage mingling and laughter while keeping the energy high until the ball drops.
Arrange Fun and Festive Decorations and Props
Set the scene for your New Year’s Eve party with decorations that sparkle and shine. Use metallic and glittery decor to add a festive feel and don’t forget balloons and streamers. Countdown clocks or timers placed around the party area can also help build anticipation as midnight approaches. Don’t forget props like party hats, noisemakers and confetti poppers.
Use Technology to Enhance the Experience
Make your celebration more exciting and inclusive by leveraging technology to set up a live stream of a famous countdown, such as the one in Times Square. For a more personalized touch, create a slideshow or video montage of memorable moments from the past year. Interactive apps that allow guests to send New Year’s messages or participate in virtual games can also add a modern twist to your celebration.
Details on dates and locations for first-day-of-issue events through March also released
The U.S. Postal Service has announced more stamps it will release in 2025. This is a partial list, with additional subjects to be announced in the coming weeks and months. These designs are preliminary and may change.
Powwows: Celebrating Native American Culture
The Postal Service strives to tell the stories of all Americans on its stamps, and issuing stamps that honor the living culture and heritage of Indigenous people is an important part of that goal. These stamps celebrate powwows, Native American social and ceremonial gatherings that feature music, dance and festive regalia. For this issuance, Cochiti Pueblo artist Mateo Romero created original paintings of four powwow dancers performing their craft against brightly colored backgrounds that highlight each dancer’s movement and traditional dress. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps.
Spiral Galaxy (Priority Mail)
USPS celebrates the continued exploration of deep space with an extremely high-definition image of a spiral galaxy 32 million light-years from Earth. The image, captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, helps researchers update their models of star formation and allows them to better understand the origins of our universe. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp with an image from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the European Space Agency, the Canadian Space Agency, the Space Telescope Science Institute, Janice Lee (Space Telescope Science Institute), Thomas Williams (Oxford) and the Physics at High Angular resolution in Nearby GalaxieS Team. Upon favorable review by the Postal Regulatory Commission, the stamp will be denominated at the new Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope rate.
Star Cluster (Priority Mail Express)
Featuring a second image captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, this stamp shows a star cluster approximately 1,000 light-years from Earth. Hidden within the cloud of celestial dust are floating brown dwarfs — objects too small to be stars but larger than most planets. Studying these brown dwarfs will help scientists explore how star-formation processes operate for very small masses. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp with an image provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the European Space Agency, the Canadian Space Agency, the Space Telescope Science Institute, Kevin Luhman (Penn State University) and Catarina Alves de Oliveira (European Space Agency). Upon favorable review by the Postal Regulatory Commission, the stamp will be denominated at the new Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope rate.
Freshwater Fishing Lures
Recreational fishing attracts more than 55 million anglers to America’s lakes, rivers, and oceans each year — and lure designs for different environments are part of its growing appeal. These stamps feature brightly detailed photographs by Sarah Cramer Shields showing five lures considered icons of the sport. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps.
Battlefields of the American Revolution
Marking the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War, this pane of 15 stamps invites us to witness and remember five turning points in the fight for American independence. Watercolor paintings depicting scenes of five battles appear alongside photographs of sites involved in each battle. Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps with art by Greg Harlin and photographs by Jon Bilous, Richard Lewis, Tom Morris, Gregory J. Parker and Kevin Stewart.
Dates and Locations: January-March
The Postal Service today also announced stamp release dates and locations for January through March of next year:
U.S. Postal Service Announces More Stamp Subjects for 2025
Stamps
Release Date
City
State
ZIP
Lunar New Year • Year of the Snake
Jan. 14
Boston
MA
02205
Love 2025 Local ceremony
Jan. 17
Kutztown
PA
19530
Spiral Galaxy (Priority Mail)
Jan. 21
Big Sky
MT
59716
Star Cluster (Priority Mail Express)
Jan. 21
Big Sky
MT
59716
1794 Compass Rose (Global) Local ceremony
Jan. 24
Peachtree Corners
GA
30092
Allen Toussaint (Black Heritage)
Jan. 30
New Orleans
LA
70113
American Vistas (Presorted Standard) Local ceremony
Feb. 21
San Diego
CA
92199
The Appalachian Trail
Feb. 28
Dawsonville
GA
30534
Freshwater Fishing Lures
March 13
Springfield
MO
65801
Vibrant Leaves (Postcard Rate) Local ceremony
March 14
Strongsville
OH
44136
Betty White
March 27
Los Angeles
CA
90052
Details on first-day-of-issue cities/ceremony locations for other 2025 stamps will be released throughout the year. Dates and locations are subject to change.
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