WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Congratulations to our Councilwoman, Kathy Walsh for being honored as the Brookhaven Republican Woman's 2007 Woman of the Year. The gala event was held on Wednesday, December 5 at the Flaming Hearth in Farmingville. Kathy, who recently won re-election by an overwhelming margin, has been an outstanding representative of the people in the 3rd Ward. Surrounded by family and friends, and after receiving kudos from many of our elected Republican officials, Kathy promised to work even harder for the people of the 3rd Ward and expressed great joy that she will now be part of the Republican controlled Town Board.

From all of us at Mid-Brookhaven Republican Club, thank you Kathy for all you do. You truly deserve all of the accolades you received and more. Click on the title or the link below to view more pictures of the evening.
http://picasaweb.google.com/mbrcnews/BrookhavenRepublicanWomenSWomanOfTheYear

NOVEMBER MEETING

We held our November meeting on Tuesday, November 27 at Brookhaven Republican Headquarters. Among those in attendance was our Brookhaven Receiver of Taxes Elect, Lou Marcoccia (pictured at right addressing our members), newly re-elected Judge Crowley, Chairman Jesse Garcia and 3rd Ward Leader Doug Segal. Thank you to all who attended. Click on the title or the link below to view more pictures of the evening.
http://picasaweb.google.com/mbrcnews/MidBrookhavenNovemberMeeting

OUR OCTOBER MEETING

We held our October meeting at the V.F.W. in Centereach on October 30. Thanks to all who attended and special thanks to Judge Burke, Judge Crowley and our guest speaker, Ed Wendol. Ed spoke of a number of issues facing our town, especially the proposed 2% real estate transfer tax. He urged everyone to vote no, and we agree. Our thanks to the V.F.W. for allowing us the use of the room for our September and October meeting. Don't forget, starting in November we will be meeting at Brookhaven Republican Headquarters on Rte 112 in Medford. Click on the title or on the following link to view more pictures from the meeting.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mbrcnews/MidBrookhavenOctober302007Meeting

HALLOWEEN PARTY

Our Recording Secretary, Arlene Hoffman, and our Sergeant at Arms, Arlene Hoffman Jr. recently attended a Halloween party in Mastic Beach hosted by Ed Romaine and Lou Marcoccia. They are pictured here with a special guest that stopped by. No, that's not Brian X. Foley.

BRIAN EGAN PASTARIA EVENT

Members of the Mid-Brookhaven Republican Club enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Medford Pastaria in support of legislative candidate Brian Egan.

Tom Muratore Columbus Day Celebration

Tom Muratore held a Columbus Day Celebration at Villa Lombardi's in Holbrook on Wednesday, October 10, 2007. The food was absolutely delicious, which is usually the case for Villa Lombardi's. We were entertained by a magician, who was very good, but couldn't pull off the greatest trick of all.....making Hillary disappear. Thank you Tom for a great night. All of us who attended had a great time. Click on the title or the link below to view more pictures. http://picasaweb.google.com/mbrcnews/TomMuratoreVillaLombardiEvent

LOU MARCOCCIA'S OKTOBERFEST

Mid-Brookhaven was well represented at Lou Marcoccia's Oktoberfest which was held on Tuesday evening, October 9, 2007 at the beautiful Hamlet Willow Creek Country Club. It was a wonderful event and all who attended had a marvelous time. The two piece band was fabulous and kept everyone in a partying mood. Thank you Lou for a very enjoyable evening. Click on the title or the link below to view more Oktoberfest pictures. http://picasaweb.google.com/mbrcnews/LouMarcocciaSOktoberfest

MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT

Mid-Brookhaven held its "Meet the Candidates Night" on Tuesday, September 25, 2007. The meeting was held at the V.F.W. Hall on Horseblock Rd. in Centereach. Our regular meeting place, the Selden Firehouse, will not be available while undergoing major renovations. The meeting was very well attended by both members and candidates alike. Thank you to all who attended. Click on the title or on the link below to view pictures of the event.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mbrcnews/MeetTheCandidatesNightTuesdaySept252007

SUFFOLK COUNTY REPUBLICAN WOMEN HONOR MARIE ZERE

The Suffolk County Republican Women held an event at the Watermill in Smithtown on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 to honor Marie Zere. The event was very well attended and included our Councilwoman Kathy Walsh, our next Legislator from the 4th LD, Tom Muratore and other Republican candidates. Mid-Brookhaven was well represented at the event by John and Pam Rago, Arlien Cohen, Theresa Sperduto, Julia Wilson, Pat Lunetta and Anthony Scaduto. Marie is a dynamic individual and well deserving of this honor. To view additional photos of the evening, just click on the title or the following link. http://picasaweb.google.com/mbrcnews/SuffolkCountyRepublicanWomenDinner

KATHY'S "FUN NIGHT" A HUGE SUCCESS

Thank you to all who attended Kathy Walsh's "Family Fun Night" on Thursday, August 23rd. Over 150 people attended and had a wonderful time. Pictures of the evening are now available for viewing. Either click on the title of this post, or on the following link. Feel free to download any of the pictures you wish. http://picasaweb.google.com/mbrcnews/KathyWalshSFamilyFunNight

NEW FEATURE - POLLING QUESTION

In a continuing effort to understand what is on the minds of our members and neighbors, we have added a new feature to the blog. Polling. Please take a moment to participate and help us understand better what is on your mind. Just answer our polling question listed in the right column of the blog. We hope you will enjoy this new feature.

GOLF OUTING

The golf outing sponsored by the Brookhaven Republican Committee that was postponed because of rain on July 23rd was held on Monday, August 20th at Great Rock Country Club in Wading River. It was a huge success. Everyone had a great time even though not all of us hit them long and straight. The best thing was that even though the forecast called for rain, not a drop fell on us during the entire day. Click on the title to view more pictures of the event.

"FAMILY FUN NIGHT"

Mid-Brookhaven Republican Club and Friends of Kathy Walsh are proud to be sponsoring "Family Fun Night" on Thursday, August 23 from 7pm to 11pm at the Village Green Miniature Golf Course at 974 Portion Rd. Ronkonkoma, NY. A $10 donation entitles you to 18 holes of minuature golf on any one of three courses, refreshments, one raffle ticket, and other surprises.

Additional raffle tickets will be on sale for $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Tee signs are also available for purchase. The prices are $25 for a small sign, and $100 for a large one.

We invite you to bring the whole family to what will be a fun night for all, and at the same time, help return Kathy Walsh to the Brookhaven Town Council. Hope to see you there. To view pictures of Village Green Miniature Golf, just click on the title "Family Fun Night." Hope to see you there!

e-mail us for more information

INTEGRITY PARTY ENDORSES 2007 CANDIDATES

The Integrity Party held a fundraiser at the Dinosour Walk Museum in Riverhead on Tuesday, July 10 and picked their candidates for the fall election. Congratulations to the following Republican candidates who will be on the Integrity Party line. Robert DiCarlo, Lou Marcoccia, Keith Romaine, Irene D'Abramo, Tom Muratore, Ed Romaine, Brian Egan, John M. Kennedy, Judge William Burke and Judge Kevin Crowley. Also, running for Suffolk County Executive on the Integrity Party line is Peter Busacca. Peter has a long history with the Republican Party; most recently running against Steven Englebright in the 4th State Assembly District. Our apologies if we left anyone out. Click on the title to see pictures of the event.

A HELPING HAND

Members of the Mid-Brookhaven Republican Club gave a helping hand to our candidate for Brookhaven Receiver of Taxes, Lou Marcoccia in putting some campaign material together for an upcoming event. This took place at the home of John and Pam Rago following a strategy meeting for an upcoming fundraiser for Councilwoman Kathy Walsh. Kathy pitched in as well. This is a perfect example of the willingness of our candidates to work together and help each other during the campaign to ensure victory in November. Thanks to Kathy and all who attended this meeting. More info about the fundraising event for Kathy will be coming soon. Click on the title of this blog to view more pictures of the evening.

JUNE MEETING

Our June meeting was held on Tuesday, June 26th. Much thanks to our candidate for Brookhaven Town Council Roberta Owens. Roberta is a dynamic individual who, although this is her first venture into the political arena, is no stranger to her community and to the town of Brookhaven. She is going to make an outstanding councilwoman when elected in November. Roberta is looking for volunteers to help with her campaign. Please contact our volunteer coordinator, Joe Callari if you wish to help. Click on the title "JUNE MEETING" to view more pictures from the meeting.

MURATORE EVENT

Friends of Tom Muratore gathered at Villa Lombardi's for a gala event on Wednesday, June 13th. The overflow crowd helped kick off Tom's campaign for County Legislator from the 4th District. The highlight of the evening was a performance of the Suffolk County Emerald Society Pipe Band. To view more pictures from the event, just click on the title "Muratore Event."

PELLEGRINI VINEYARD TRIP

It was a great afternoon of wine tasting, vineyard touring and conversation for all who attended on a beautiful day on Saturday, June 2. Everyone had a wonderful time. Thanks to our First Vice-President, Gary Hudson, who arranged the tour and tasting for us with the help of his brother, Glenn. The tour was given by Mr. Peter DeMeo, Sales and Operations Manager for Pellegrini Vineyards. Peter is extremely knowledgible in the art of wine making and shared his knowledge with us. We were very fortunate to also have Glenn share is extensive knowledge of wines with us. To view more pictures of the trip, just click on the title "PELLEGRINI VINEYARD TRIP."

MAY MEETING

Our May meeting was very well attended. Thank you to all who came. Also, thank you to our guest speaker for the evening, Mr. David Gordon (top picture), CEO of the Long Island Community Credit Union. We all found what he had to say very interesting. To find out more of what Long Island Community Credit Union has to offer, just visit their website www.licfcu.org. His discussion included how to obtain a free credit score and the services offered buy his credit union.

Also stopping by to visit was our next State Legislator from the 4th Legislative District, Tom Muratore, and our next Brookhaven Town Receiver of Taxes, Lou Marcoccia (both pictured with club president, John Rago). Don't forget, our next and final meeting for the summer is Tuesday, June 26th at 8 pm at the Selden Firehouse.

APRIL MEETING

Our April meeting was highlighted by the presentation of plaque expressing our appreciation to our recently retired chairman, Gene Gerrard. Pictured is club president John Rago presenting Gene with the award. To view more pictures from the April meeting, just click on the title "April Meeting."

MARCH MEETING

We had a very good meeting on March 27th. Thank you to our new Brookhaven Republican Chairman, Jesse Garcia for stopping by and addressing our club. Also, thank you to Suffolk County District Court Judge Kevin J. Crowley (he is the one with the American flag tie) for being our guest speaker for the month, Suffolk County District Court Judge William J. Burke, who made a return visit, and to Arlene Hoffman, who gave her annual income tax tips.

We also elected our slate of officers for 2007-2008. The officers are the same as last year with the exception of Tim Turner for 3 Year Director. Our induction of officers will take place at our next meeting, which is Tuesday, April 24.

ANNUAL FIRE AND EMERGENCY DINNER

On March 29, 2007, Mid-Brookhaven Republican Club member Diane Collins attended the 19th Annual Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC. The dinner is sponsored by the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy institute designed to educate members of Congress about the needs and challenges of our nation's fire and emergency services so that the federal government provides the types of training and funding needed by our first responders. Prior to the dinner, she had the opportunity to attend the CFSI Board of Directors Reception where she met Congressional Fire Services Caucus co-Chair Senator John McCain.

Diane is currently Director of Government Relations for James Lee Witt Associates (JLWA), a unit of GlobalOptions Group (OTCBB: GLOI) in its Washington DC office.

BACK IN THE USA!

Congratulations to Jason Walsh for recently returning to the U.S. from a tour in Afghanistan. Jason is the son of Kathy Bill Walsh. Kathy is our councilwoman from the Third Council District. Pictured is a jubilant Kathy and and her son, Jason.

WELCOME HOME JASON!

THANK YOU FROM A GRATEFUL NATION AND A GRATEFUL COMMUNITY FOR YOUR

BRAVE SERVICE.

STREET NAMED FOR JOHN PETER SOLTAN

A new sign was posted on Elizabeth Court in Selden on January 24, 2007 in memory of John Peter Soltan, who tragically lost his life in an auto accident on May 16, 2004 at the age or 24.

The sign was made possible through the efforts of our own councilwoman from the Third Council District, Kathy Walsh.
John Peter's Mom, Mirtha Soltan said of Kathy; "She is a terrific lady and everybody loves her." We could not agree more.

Thank you Kathy for giving the Soltan family this fitting memorial. You have brought a little joy to their lives in this time of sorrow and grief.

If anyone would like to know more about John Peter Soltan, please click on the title of this posting.

JANUARY MEETING

Our January meeting was held on Tuesday, January 30th. It was very well attended, especially for a frigid night in January. We were honored by the presence of Lou Marcoccia, Jesse Garcia and Lou Gallo, who are all candidates for Brookhaven Republican Chairman. Each one addressed the membership about their vision for our Party. All three spoke of the need for us to come together as a Pary and stand behind whoever is chosen as the next Brookhaven Republican Party Chairman. We ask this of all the candidates. Once a Chairman is chosen, let us support that individual and work together to achieve our common, and most important objective; to win elections!

Thank you to Arlien Cohen and Joe Callari for informative talk on the duties and responsibilities of being a committee person.

We welcomed two new members at the meeting; Julia Wilson and Bill Faulk.

The most emotional moment of the meeting was when Paul McCoy read a letter we received from his son Matt thanking the Club for the packages sent to his unit for the Holidays. We wish Matt and all of our troops serving our country all the best and they are all in our prayers. If you wish to donate to our Soldier Fund you may send a check made out to Mid-Brookhaven Republican Club, note "Soldier Fund" on the check and mail to PO Box 91, Selden, NY 11784.

WINE TASTING AFTERNOON

A group of approximately forty people made up of elected officials, committee people and Republican supporters gathered at the home of Julia Wilson on Sunday, January 28th for a little wine tasting, good food and conversation. Hosted by Bill Faulk, the event was a huge success and a good time was had by all.

THANK YOU GENE

As you may already know, Gene Gerrard has decided to resign his position as Brookhaven Town Republican Leader. Although saddened to see him leave, we wish him all the best. His dedication and service to the town of Brookhaven for over fifty years is remarkable and greatly appreciated. When our party needed a leader, Gene unselfishly answered the call. We at Mid-Brookhaven Republican Club were proud to have him as our leader. He knows he has an open invitation to attend our meetings, and hope he will do so. Thank you Gene.