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

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

Bayport-Blue Point High School

Homecoming Celebration Take Center Stage Across Great South Bay School Districts

Posted on November 23, 2025

An Islip Terrace man was arrested today for an East Islip fire, believed to be arson, following an investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department after a structure fire took place at a popular bar/restaurant on Thursday night.

Man Arrested for Setting Fire to an East Islip Restaurant

Posted on November 21, 2025

A 17-year-old male was arrested Wednesday night for stabbing another male of the same age during an altercation that took place in Brightwaters Village, at a parking lot behind commercial buildings on Orinoco Drive.

Teen Stabs Teen in Brightwaters Village

Posted on November 20, 2025

During a routine inspection of the Smith Point Bridge on November 16, Michael Martino, spokesperson for Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, announced a three-ton vehicle limit for the drawbridge that connects Shirley to the eastern end of Fire Island, including Smith Point County Park, via the William Floyd Parkway, and has been in service for 66 years.

Weight Limits Imposed on Smith Point Bridge Prompted by ‘Structural Deterioration’

Posted on November 17, 2025

The New York Long Island Film Festival (NYLIFF) showcased 114 films at the Moose Lodge #1421 and the South Shore Theatre Experience, both located in Lindenhurst, over the five-day event.

The 7th Annual New York Long Island Film Festival Returns to Lindenhurst

Posted on November 15, 2025

Harp & Hound, the popular Irish-style pub in downtown Islip Hamlet has closed after a kitchen fire on the morning of November 12. The Islip Fire Department responded to a fire alarm at 7:34 a.m. and arrived to find smoke coming from the back of 528 Main Street. When they entered, crews saw flames coming from the cook loft above the kitchen, as well as from the building’s electrical service, according to accounts described by Islip Fire Department 2nd Chief Ferrari.

Islip Hamlet’s Harp & Hound Pub Temporarily Closed After Fire

Posted on November 13, 2025

November feels nostalgic along the Great South Bay, as the cool, salty coastal breezes blend with the scent of smoky fireplaces inviting us home. Our latest edition of Great South Bay News honors these cherished autumn traditions.

Books & Authors

TOUCHDOWN! The Rites of Autumn are Celebrated in the November Edition of Great South Bay News

Posted on November 12, 2025

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