This exact time last year, almost to the day, my mom called me on Saturday morning while I was delivering newspapers. Her phone call was to tell me that, after several years in remission, the doctors had found cancer in another part of her body. She was now waiting on the results of other tests they had run to come back. In order to decide the next step in the process and fight, our holiday season last year had a dark cloud of some uncertainty looming in the backdrop. After a difficult year of chemo, radiation, watching her hair and vitality be completely lost, I’m truly thankful to God first and foremost that He has brought her through another difficult bout with cancer. Her most recent tests and checkups came back with good news. She’s currently feeling pretty good, sporting her short hair extremely well and back to babysitting my nieces and nephews several times each week – something she loves and lives to do. –PJ Balzer, Sports and Deliveries
Gratitude is not measured by what we possess, but by what we have been trusted to steward. I am grateful first for family — the quiet foundation that allows every public effort to stand. In a world that often confuses speed with progress, family remains the steady force that reminds us who we are and why our work matters.
I am also deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as Publisher of The Messenger. To inform Suffolk County is not merely a job; it is a responsibility. A free and honest press is not built on noise, but on discipline, truth, and respect for the reader’s intelligence. Communities do not thrive on slogans. They thrive on facts, context, and accountability.
To have the privilege of telling the stories of our neighbors, our businesses, our schools, and our local government is something I do not take lightly. Opportunity is only meaningful when used in service of others — and for that, I remain truly grateful. –Raheem Soto, Publisher
They say that you learn something new every day.
In my job, I learn a hundred new things every day.
I’ve done the nine-to-five jobs, I’ve sat a desk, and I’ve broken my back. But none of it stacks up to this job, which is different almost every day. From traveling from one end of the county to the other throughout the week, conducting interviews with some of Suffolk’s most interesting people – from our elected officials to our World War II Veterans – crafting compelling editorial analysis, to delivering a product that someone will hang up in their home or office, it’s different every day. To have a spot on the press stage at presidential rallies, to having more connections than I know what to do with, I would have never thought I’d have this responsibility. I’m thankful not only for that opportunity but the patronage of our readers, the suggestions the community brings for content, and the cooperation from our officials, civic leaders, and PR specialists who not only make our job easier, but make each week’s print better than the last. -Matt Meduri, Editor-in-Chief
The holiday season brings a heavier work load for me each year. While it can be long and stressful, I’m grateful to have a full-time job with good pay and health benefits. Putting in the extra hard work during this time of year just means a better paycheck for future me to be able to do the things I want to do.
I’m grateful for my fiancé, Tom. After six years together, we got engaged in May. We’re in the midst of planning our March 2027 wedding. Personally, I’m having a blast since I live for that type of stuff.
I’m grateful for my family and friends who are my biggest support system in everything I do. Without them, I wouldn’t be the person that I am, or be where I am today.
I’m also grateful for my education. Three degrees later…I have a masters in journalism and I get to write about my passion each week. Sports are a major part of my life, especially women’s sports. I love getting to tell the stories of varsity sports teams at eastern Suffolk County schools. -Ashley Pavlakis, Sports
