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Southampton Press / Community / Community Story / 2411495

Hampton Bays Beautification Recognizes Contributions to Hamlet

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Hampton Bays Beautification Association President Susan von Freddi, center, presents a Community Appreciation Award to Gilbert Tirado of GM Painting, left, Susan von Freddi, and a Beautification Award to James Maguire of James Maguire Antiques. COURTESY HAMPTON BAYS BEAUTIFICATION ASSOCIATION

Hampton Bays Beautification Association President Susan von Freddi, center, presents a Community Appreciation Award to Gilbert Tirado of GM Painting, left, Susan von Freddi, and a Beautification Award to James Maguire of James Maguire Antiques. COURTESY HAMPTON BAYS BEAUTIFICATION ASSOCIATION

The Hampton Bays Beautification Association named MJ Spinella, left, and Barbara Skelly, right, its 2025 Angels of the Year. Susan von Freddi, the group's president, made the presentation. COURTESY HAMPTON BAYS BEAUTIFICATION ASSOCIATION

The Hampton Bays Beautification Association named MJ Spinella, left, and Barbara Skelly, right, its 2025 Angels of the Year. Susan von Freddi, the group's president, made the presentation. COURTESY HAMPTON BAYS BEAUTIFICATION ASSOCIATION

authorStaff Writer on Dec 8, 2025

The Hampton Bays Beautification Association celebrated its 40th holiday lunch and awards ceremony on December 3 at Oakland’s Restaurant, recognizing the dedication of community members who have contributed to the town’s beautification efforts.

Barbara Skelly and MJ Spinella were each honored with the 2025 Angel of the Year award. The organization’s 2025 Community Appreciation Award went to Gilbert Tirado, while James Maguire of James Maguire Antiques received the Beautification Award for service and contributions to the association.

Additional recognition was given to Jack O’Keefe, Merry Warner of Mother Earth Landscaping Design, and Tom Maloney of Shinnecock Hardware for providing lights for the business district decorations, as well as V. Allegretta Electric and Steve Bentza and his team for stringing lights on the large Christmas trees.

The event was organized by chairpersons Grace Daly and Madeline O’Keefe.

The HBBA is on winter recess from January through March, with activities resuming on April 6.

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