Shoshanna McCollum, Author at Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

John Philpotts-Kerr, age 65, was seriously injured on Sunday afternoon, December 21, while handling fireworks inside his residence at 138 Pine Neck Ave. in East Patchogue. The firework unexpectedly detonated in his lap, injuring his groin. He was transported via medevac helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital for emergency treatment of burns and other serious physical injuries.

East Patchogue Man Injured in Firework Accident

Posted on December 22, 2025

The Girl Scouts from across Suffolk County gathered to flip the switch on the annual Girl Scouts of Suffolk County(GSSC) Holiday Light Show on Nov. 28 at Camp Edey, at 1500 Lakeview Ave., Bayport. The highlight of the show will be “Girl Scout Way,” an area where the five winning creations from the 2025 Girl Scouts Holiday Light Design Contest will be on display. Each design was drawn by a Girl Scout, and the groundkeepers at Camp Edey custom-built them, with creations ranging from six to twelve feet tall. Local design-winners include: Olivia Castelli of Patchogue, Ciara Weisbecker of Babylon, and Amani Bradley-Coleman, Sienna Lebron, Teresa Cortez, Natalia Ciborowski, Kaylee Jimenez, Kiera Green-Wilson, Maggie Ericson, Bomi Oyewo, and Hanmi Oyewo of Lindenhurst. Launched more than 20 years ago, the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Holiday Light Show has grown into a Long Island tradition — transforming the scenic grounds of Camp Edey into an “Enchanted Forest” of lights. The show remains on display through Dec. 21.

Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Holiday Light Show 2025 in Bayport

Posted on December 18, 2025

In the heart of December, the holiday edition of Great South Bay News is on its way to newsstands, and we are confident it will enrich your celebrations.

Holiday Cheer is Here with Our December Edition of Great South Bay News

Posted on December 17, 2025

Fifth-grade students at Manetuck Elementary School in the West Islip Union Free School District kicked off the holiday season with a festive, hands-on activity, designing and decorating their own gingerbread houses alongside guests on Dec. 12.

Gingerbread Galore at Manetuck School in West Islip

Posted on December 16, 2025

Hanukkah this year began on the evening of December 14, and continues through December 22—the first full day of winter. While some villages and hamlets opted for an early start, festivities in the Great South Bay neighborhoods that land within the holiday itself.

Hanukkah in Our Great South Bay Neighborhoods

Posted on December 15, 2025

Paul Lucia, 60, of Islip Terrace was arrested on Nov. 21 on second-degree arson charges in connection with an incident that occurred the night before at Riley Fibbers bar, on Carlton Ave. in East Islip.

East Islip’s Riley Fibbers Grill and Pub is Now Reopen After November Arson Incident

Posted on December 11, 2025

Bay Shore’s high-octane hamlet needs to be fueled, and it is no surprise that coffee cafés keep sprouting up with no end in sight. However, no two are the same; each has its own distinct vibe, and all are wonderful in their own way. Enjoy our mini-guide!

Dining

The Bean Business in Bay Shore

Posted on December 10, 2025

Downtown Islip’s Harp & Hound remains closed after a damaging fire last month, which is a severe loss for the local business during the holiday season. It has affected the family-owned Irish-American pub's revenue, resulted in lost wages for staff, and deprived patrons of a popular gathering spot.

Dining

Great South Bay Community Comes Together to Support Downtown Islip’s Harp & Hound After Fire

Posted on December 8, 2025

8th Annual Suffolk Sheriff’s Office Thanksgiving Food Distribution

County, Town, and School Districts Help Bring Thanksgiving Dinner to the Table for Those in Need

Posted on December 7, 2025

The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet will host its 2025 Holiday House Tour from 12 noon to 4 p.m., with a reception until 5 p.m. Several historically and/or architecturally interesting homes will be decorated for the holidays as tour guides in Victorian dress greet you at each house. At the reception, there will be a Holiday auction, a 50/50 raffle, and refreshments. All tickets go on sale starting Nov. 3rd at Caroline’s Flower Shoppe and Maple St. Deli (cash or check only), or on our website beginning Oct. 20th via Eventbrite. Ticket donations are $35/adult (no one under age 16 permitted) and are non-refundable; a small processing fee applies when purchased through Eventbrite. Please donate a new, unwrapped toy for the John Theissen Children’s Foundation. For more information, visit isliphamlethistory.org, or call 631-559-2915.

It’s Beginning to Feel A lot Like Christmas: Things to Do this Week Along the Great South Bay During the 2nd Week of December

Posted on December 5, 2025

Emily Finn of West Sayville was a Long Island beauty who, at 18-years-old had the promise of a bright life ahead of her. Now, friends, loved ones, and people who never met her have been shaken by her tragic death.

Services for West Sayville‘s Emily Finn Conclude, but Long Island Continues to Grieve

Posted on December 2, 2025

Charity begins at home, as the saying goes, and that's why your support on Giving Tuesday is crucial. While national and international charitable organizations can make a difference across the country and around the world, your donation dollars can go further when you keep them local. Smaller not-for-profits in our own community use your support to make a measurable difference right in our neighborhoods. This list includes some of our favorites that our sister publication covers regularly because of their sincere desire to make our corner of the world a better place.

Features

Local Non-Profits to Consider for Giving Tuesday

Posted on December 1, 2025

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A Valley Stream man was sentenced to 9 years in prison for sex trafficking, prostitution, and rape charges, according to Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly.

Long Island Press

Valley Stream man sentenced to nine years in prison for sex trafficking, prostitution and rape of a minor

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