The Messenger Papers

Monday, September 7, is Labor Day. While not a “how-the-government-works” style column, it’s a classic piece of American heritage we find worthy of digging into this week. History and Origin Labor Day has its roots within the zenith of the Industrial Revolution. Machinery was spreading, job markets were fundamentally changing, and workers’ rights and fair wages became one of the top political issues of the late-19th and early-20th centuries.

Theresa Schoemer of Dance Elektra is a great example of a local business that adds so much to our community and our everyday lives. Theresa Schoemer owns Dance Elektra. With dance studios in Selden and Center Moriches, Dance Elektra is about to celebrate 40 years in business. Theresa acknowledges that she, at age 6, was placed in dance at the recommendation of her doctor to overcome a slight physical handicap she was born with. A few classes in, she just wanted to learn more and dance more.

By Congressman Nick LaLota For years, Democrats have insisted that concerns about illegal immigration and election integrity are exaggerated. We have been told our immigration system does not need stronger enforcement, that voter ID is unnecessary, and that requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote would place an unreasonable burden on Americans. Recent events should cause even the most partisan observer to reconsider those arguments.

Coach Ron Eden was much more than a soccer coach. He was a mentor, a Father figure, a leader, and a man who deeply cared for his community. This past weekend, Coach Eden passed away at 73 years old with family by his side. Ron Eden grew up in the Brentwood community. He played soccer in Brentwood and was a part of their first Suffolk County championship teams in 1969 and 1970. His junior year, he attempted to quit the team due to personal struggles at home.

By Anthony Cacciato ROCKVILLE CENTRE – Immigration has been a core legislative priority of the Trump Administration over the last two years, with the GOP’s common sense immigration policy propelling President Trump (R-FL) to the White House in 2024.

BROOKHAVEN, N.Y. — The Long Island Basketball Foundation (LIBF) will celebrate the remarkable legacy of one of Suffolk County’s most influential high school basketball coaches when it hosts the Coach Jim “Moose” McGowan Legacy Celebration & Fundraiser on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Painter’s Restaurant in Brookhaven.

By Jacob Infald CENTRAL ISLIP – It was a season-high 5 RBI day for Long Island Ducks’ first baseman Marcus Chui and a seven run seventh inning behind some patient at-bats that led the Ducks to a resounding 15-7 victory over the Lancaster Stormers on the Ducks’ annual Camp Day. It did not take long for Chui to have an impact on this game. In the bottom of the first, he stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and nobody out.

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026, marking a memorable milestone as seniors crossed the stage to receive their diplomas surrounded by family, friends, faculty, staff, and members of the Port Jefferson school community. The commencement ceremony honored the accomplishments, resilience, and dedication of the graduating class while recognizing the lasting impact the students have made throughout their years at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School.

Summer vacations just got a bit “breeze-ier” at MacArthur Airport (ISP). Breeze Airways, a relatively new, low-cost carrier, has just announced its tenth nonstop destination from Islip. Travelers can now embark on a direct flight to Tampa, Florida. Twice-weekly service will kick off on January 6, 2027, and will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Travelers can take advantage of now. Fares currently start at $129 at flybreeze.com.

The Calverton area, while mostly included in the Town of Riverhead, does have a small portion within the Town of Brookhaven. The Peconic River serves as the border between the two municipalities. However, it’s that same river that has been the site of a toxic plume, courtesy of the former Grumman Site on River Road.