Long Island Pol Sends Birthday Care Package To Forks, WA, Mayor, Marking Friendship, U.S.'s 250th Anniversary

FARMINGVILLE, NY — Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico strengthened a unique connection spanning nearly 3,000 miles — from Brookhaven, to Forks, WA.

And, it's not because he is a Twilight fan.

Panico sent a commemorative care package and personal letter to Forks' Mayor Tim Fletcher and the members of the Forks City Council as a gesture of friendship and national unity as part of the U.S. 250th birthday celebration.

Patch has reached out to Fletcher.

The connection between the two communities began last year when Panico and his family visited the Pacific Northwest, and while in Forks, which is best-known as the location for the Twilight book series about vampires and werewolves, he participated in — and won — the North Olympic Library System's first Summer Chess Tournament, where he experienced firsthand the warmth and hospitality of the local
community.

In Panico's letter, he reflected on how the friendships he formed and the welcoming spirit of the residents inspired this cross-country exchange and reinforced the idea that America's greatest strength lies in its local communities.

Panico wrote, "While Brookhaven and Forks sit on opposite coasts of our great nation, we are united by far more than
geography can divide. From coast to coast, communities like ours share a commitment to service, civic pride, and the enduring ideals that have shaped America for 250 years."

Brookhaven's care package featured a collection of hometown favorites and commemorative items, including:

• Tend Coffee from Shirley
• Blue Point Brewery Toasted Lager
• Brookhaven commemorative challenge coins
• Brookhaven pen sets
• Brookhaven America 250 commemorative stickers
• An official Town of Brookhaven flag
• Brookhaven America 250 t-shirts for Fletcher and each member of the Forks City Council.
• The package was intended as a symbol of friendship while showcasing a small piece of Brookhaven to a
• community on the opposite side of the country.

Panico recalled how he was welcomed warmly and met some wonderful people, including Scott Jackson from the Quileute Tribal School Chess Club, and many of their chess players.

"After a few understandably puzzled looks at someone who had traveled all the way from New York wearing a Yankees cap and a Boston sweatshirt — which, admittedly, is a combination that raises eyebrows just about anywhere — I was met with genuine hospitality and friendship from everyone I encountered," he said. "It was a wonderful reminder that friendships can be formed, through community events, and simple conversations over a chess board."

In closing his letter, Panico emphasized the shared values that unite communities across America, writing, "Please accept the enclosed gift from the Town of Brookhaven as a small token of friendship and appreciation."

"We hope it serves as a reminder that while our communities stand on opposite coasts of this remarkable nation, we remain united by our shared history, our civic spirit, and our optimism for America's future,” he added.