🌱 Port Jefferson Daily: Landfill Closure + Mission Woman Case

Good day, people of Port Jefferson! Debora Whitehead here with the Monday edition of the Port Jefferson Daily.

First, today's weather:

Couple of thunderstorms. High: 57, low: 34.

Here are the top stories in Port Jefferson today:

1. Suffolk County police are searching for a Centereach woman who was last seen nearly two weeks ago. Melissa Molinari, 38, was last seen at her home Nov. 21. Police have not said if the disappearance was suspicious or criminally related, though they did say "the circumstances are under investigation." Molinari is a married mother of four with no medical issues. Police said her family was cooperating. Police ask anyone with information to call Precinct at 631-854-8652 (Newsday)
2. A 25-year-old Shirley man was found shot to death in a wooded area in Coram on Thursday morning, Suffolk police said. Officers responded to the woods behind a strip mall on Middle Country Road, after someone found Branzel Bonner Jr. shot, said police, adding that he was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Detectives are asking anyone with information about the shooting to call the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392. (Port Jefferson Patch)
3. The Yaphank community and its surrounding neighborhoods are come together this past weekend to spread some holiday cheer. The Yaphank Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary hosted its annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 4. The community showed up with enthusiasm and festive floats to celebrate the first street parade since the pandemic. (Greater Long Island)
4. The Brookhaven landfill has been the solution to many of Long Island’s garbage problems for a long time. But the massive facility is scheduled to close at the end of 2024. And the passage of time has not generated the urgency needed to deal with this looming crisis. Finally, signs of a regional response are emerging. Brookhaven and Babylon, the only local towns with active municipal landfills or ash fills, are collaborating with waste management and business specialists at Stony Brook University on a study to determine the logistical and financial challenges and possible solutions to the landfill’s closure. (Newsday)

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Today in Port Jefferson:

• Norwood Fall Picture Make-ups - Comsewogue School District. (All Day)
• Infant Massage (Comsewogue) - Comsewogue Public Library. (10 a.m.)
• Sky Color Story Craft - Port Jefferson Free Library. (11 a.m.)
• Toddler Sign Time (Comsewogue) - Comsewogue Public Library. (11 a.m.)
• Teen Munchkin Madness - Port Jefferson Free Library. (6:30 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Port Jefferson, NY: "Thank you to all whom attended our residents evening last night at The Village Center, an amazing time was had by all!" (Facebook)
• Port Jefferson, NY: "Before you retire this evening, take a moment to think of others Theatre Three Cares will be holding a TOY & GIFT DRIVE ." (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

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Events:

• WEBINAR: Deconstructing Leg Pain .(Dec. 8)
• Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty Stony Brook Holiday Boutique. (Dec. 9)
• North Shore Community Band Holiday Concert. (Dec. 10)
• Big Apple Circus is NOW OPEN in New York City! (Dec. 12)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon! If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Debora Whitehead

About me: Debora Whitehead is a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom from Coram, NY. She has a bachelor's degree in Education and loves to teach and write. Her passion for the community reflects on her volunteering work at the "Mariposa Ministry" a nonprofit family assistance program. One of her strongest believes is Jesus Christ and when she is not parenting, teaching or reading, she is writing. One of her favorites quotes is " The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."- Eleanor Roosevelt.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Port Jefferson Daily? Reach out anytime to PortJefferson@Patch.com.