Articles — Michael J. Reistetter

Best Elections/Politics Coverage — Division One

“He never gave me good advice. And the only bad advice he ever gave me was to stay with him through this.” When Mario Nicoletto, 22, of Lake Grove, accepted a job on George Santos’ (R-Whitestone) staff in December, even his wildest imaginations couldn’t predict what would happen next. In two months’ time, he would be simultaneously contemplating who could be tabbed to play him in a Netflix series…and gearing up to bag groceries for a living…
In this tell-all interview exposé, a former Rep. George Santos staffer, amidst fears of being blacklisted, details how the nationally scandalized Long Island congressman swindled his way to Washington.
“Wow. A fantastic look behind the curtains of a national scandal.” - NYPA’s ‘Celebrating Newspaper Excellence’ reviewing committee.

Best Editorial(s) — Division Two

While females are more likely than males to attempt suicide, males are four times more likely to die by suicide, according to statistics gathered by preventfirearmsuicide.efsgv.org. To prevent firearm suicide, and suicide in general, further destigmatization of mental health is required- especially as it pertains to men. Though traditional masculinity models have welcomed nuance in the 21st century, a man’s intrinsic reaction to proposals of psychoanalysis is still to run for the hills…
This personal call to action demands males to dare defy their gender’s history and emotionally express with stigma-shattering abandon.
“I appreciated this piece, as it took a close look at mental health for men — a virtually non-existent aspect of modern life,” the NYPA’s ‘Celebrating Newspaper Excellence’ reviewing committee.

Coverage of the Arts - Division One

As was the buzz around town to start off the year, suburban Suffolk County played host to a most exciting project. The holiday film Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point shot from February 15 to March 20 in Smithtown, St. James, Selden and Holbrook. Beautifully enough, it was written and executive produced by a pair of Smithtown natives who made it all the way to Hollywood, only to bring their new friends home with them for the holidays— and for their biggest project to date...
An immersive, inside access-certified spotlight of the unsung heroes—namely local businesses–powering an indie film set headed by Smithtown locals turned Hollywood producers making movie magic in their hometown backyards.
“Michael is an exceptional force whose writing clearly affects the members of his community.” – Tyler Taormina (Director, “Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point”)

Consider this: things never grew boring at “The Boardy Barn.” Also this: Alexa, play their Spotify playlist – and kick it off with “Take Me Home Tonight” because I, once again, don’t want you to let me down ‘till we see the light…
Once upon a time, I was assigned the bittersweet task of penning an obituary for Long Island’s famed party mayhem haven, The Boardy Barn. Inherent bias aside, I think I more than supplied…

On January 21, Hauppauge’s own Justin Albinder was months into his second go as Joe Pesci with the US Tour of “Jersey Boys.” The following day, due to a Covid-caused personnel shortage, the 25-year-old made his Off-Broadway debut as Frankie Valli, his dream role for as far back as he could remember…
Excerpts from a conversation between my oldest pal and I, addressing what’s become of the thespian’s acting bug he first got bit by back when we were young lads holding unnecessarily cutthroat audition sessions during elementary school recess.

Despite some light shower warnings, rain stayed completely away on a Sunday morning to remember for now-former Sergeant Carlos Bazan-Bergamino. Before a crowd consisting of 30-40 family members, friends, fellow decorated Marines and his current crop of poolee recruits, the 27-year-old Hauppauge ’14 graduate was bestowed the honor of a new rank at the Armed Forces Plaza on Veterans Memorial Highway in his hometown on July 2…
A feature spotlight on a Peruvian immigrant turned adopted Suffolk County son, who continued traveling the world as a US Marine, only to return on assignment. I break down what his title bump exactly entails, as he maps out what’s next.

“Every minute of the day I think about the time when I can step back on the mound,” Corey Phelan, of Greenlawn, exclusively told The Messenger from his hospital bedside on Wednesday…
Local standout-turned-pro ballplayer Corey Phelan’s courageous fight ended in October 2022 when he succumbed to cancer at just 20 years old. Months earlier, after making national headlines by visiting his ball club, the Philadelphia Phillies, between intense chemotherapy treatment rounds, he and his family exclusively spoke with me. They shed light on the physical burdens plaguing Corey but the virtues of faith, fearlessness and determination he embodied every step of the way. An inspiration until the very end, and still. RIP Corey.

It’s not hyperbolic to say that every standout student-athlete has dreamed the dream of becoming a physical education teacher and legend-tier coach for their alma mater. For forty-plus years, Chris Messina (Class of ‘72) has lived out this exact dream in the halls and within the walls of Hauppauge High School…
My middle school gym teacher knew I had grown to become yet another local journalist profiling his well-documented triumphs. But he was in for a surprise when he learned I also spoke with decades of Hauppauge state champions who all went to the absolute mat and came back victorious under Coach Messina’s tutelage.

(631) 833-5472 | michaeljreistetter@gmail.com