Mayor Dorman Celebrates Grand Opening of Panera Bread with “Breaking Bread” Ceremony

Pictured (from left to right): Breslin Realty Development Corp. Vice President & Director of Leasing Robert Delavale; Breslin Realty Development Corp. President Kenneth Breslin; Breslin Realty Development Corp. Vice President of Development, Construction & Property Management Bob Rosenberg; Doherty Enterprises Vice President Gregory George; Mayor Allan Dorman; Panera Bread General Manager Chris Grillo; Village Code Enforcement Supervisor Kimberly Davis; Doherty Enterprises Area Manager Dan O’Brien; Village Building Inspector Gerald Peters; Public Safety Security Officer Odell Manning and Village Fire Marshal Ronald Walker at the grand opening ceremony of the new Panera Bread location at 1900 Veterans Highway in Islandia on January 10, 2025.

On January 10, Mayor Allan M. Dorman joined local officials and representatives from Doherty Enterprises at a “breaking bread” ceremony to mark the grand opening of a new Panera Bread location at 1900 Veterans Highway.

 

The café, which features high ceilings, large windows, and a spacious patio for outdoor seating, offers a warm and welcoming environment for patrons. It is also one of only three Panera Bread locations in Suffolk County to include a convenient drive-thru, catering to the needs of busy Long Islanders.

 

“We are always happy to welcome new businesses to Islandia, especially ones that bring people together,” said Mayor Dorman. “Panera Bread offers a warm, inviting atmosphere where residents can enjoy great food and connect with one another. We look forward to seeing it become a favorite spot in the community.”

 

The opening of Panera Bread marks another step in Islandia’s continued economic growth, offering new job opportunities and a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.

5K Run/Walk Draws More Than 150 Participants on Veterans Day Weekend

The Col. Francis S. Midura Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #12144 in Islandia hosted its 1st Annual 5K Run/Walk on November 10, drawing over 100 runners from Long Island during Veterans Day weekend. Proceeds from the event went to benefit local  war veterans.

Following the race, runners and spectators enjoyed a BBQ featuring hamburgers and hot dogs. Prizes were awarded to the top finishers, and a special giveaway included tickets to the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular.

Fun Run Top Finishers:

Joshua Mazariegos
(1 minute, 26.37 seconds)
Jackson Tuhey
(1 minute, 30.18 seconds)
Jonathan Tuhey
(1 minute, 32.08 seconds)

5K Top Three Men Finishers:

Felipe Garcia
(17 minutes, 12.06 seconds)
Benjamin Vallone
(18 minutes, 59.94 seconds)
Aaron Lugo
(19 minutes, 28.91 seconds)

5K Top Three Women Finishers:

Yanira Beltre
(26 minutes, 2.55 seconds)
Melodie Nutting
(26 minutes, 21.28 seconds)
Ailien Van
(26 minutes, 31.87 seconds)

 

Slideshow Below

Village Starts Pilot Pickleball Program at Andrew T. Morrow Elementary School

Pictured with the students from Andrew T. Morrow Elementary School are (back row, left to right): Village Pickleball Group Member Jeanette Aviles, USA Pickleball Ambassador Robert J.W. Wu, Andrew T. Morrow Physical Education Teacher Kevin Gaussaint, Trustee Victor Montanez III, Deputy Mayor Tom Annicaro, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Kim Davis, Village Pickleball Group Member John Aviles, Andrew T. Morrow Teacher Shannon Johnson, Mayor Dorman, School Principal Dr. Neema Coker, and Village Manager Gerry Peters.
Pictured with the students from Andrew T. Morrow Elementary School are (back row, left to right): Village Pickleball Group Member Jeanette Aviles, USA Pickleball Ambassador Robert J.W. Wu, Andrew T. Morrow Physical Education Teacher Kevin Gaussaint, Trustee Victor Montanez III, Deputy Mayor Tom Annicaro, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Kim Davis, Village Pickleball Group Member John Aviles, Andrew T. Morrow Teacher Shannon Johnson, Mayor Dorman, School Principal Dr. Neema Coker, and Village Manager Gerry Peters.

Village officials came to Andrew T. Morrow Elementary School on November 12 to give the students the opportunity to learn about the sport of pickleball as part of a Village pilot program. Paddles, pickleballs and nets were provided to the students, courtesy of the Village. Students learned about the rules of the game, how to serve and the importance of hand-eye coordination.

The Village looks to introduce the program to other local schools in Islandia.

Village Recognizes Service During Veterans Day Ceremony

Mayor Dorman (seventh from right) is joined by members of the Col. Francis S. Midura Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #12144 in front of the Veterans Memorial during the Village’s Veterans Day ceremony on November 9.
Mayor Dorman (seventh from right) is joined by members of the Col. Francis S. Midura Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #12144 in front of the Veterans Memorial during the Village’s Veterans Day ceremony on November 9.

The Village of Islandia held its annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Triangle on November 9. Mayor Dorman was joined by village board members and local veterans to honor those who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces. An invocation was delivered by Islandia’s VFW Post Chaplain, Tom Brauner.

Bridges of Hope Pickleball Tournament Raises $14,000 for United Veterans Beacon House

Pictured (left to right): Mayor Dorman; Islandia resident Jeanette Aviles, Trustee Victor Montanez III, and Islandia residents Cathy Sciacca and Anna Triebwasser, organizers of the Bridges of Hope Pickleball Tournament; United Veterans Beacon House President/CEO Frank Amalfi tano; and Trustees Raymond Bush and Patty Peters.
Pictured (left to right): Mayor Dorman; Islandia resident Jeanette Aviles, Trustee Victor Montanez III, and Islandia residents Cathy Sciacca and Anna Triebwasser, organizers of the Bridges of Hope Pickleball Tournament; United Veterans Beacon House President/CEO Frank Amalfi tano; and Trustees Raymond Bush and Patty Peters.

The Village of Islandia held a special ceremony at its pickleball courts on October 26 to announce that it raised $14,000 for United Veterans Beacon House (UVBH) from its Bridges of Hope pickleball tournament, in which 24 teams took part on September 7. Mayor Dorman presented the check to UVBH President/CEO Frank Amalfi tano during the ceremony.

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