Good Morning,

Here’s what’s happening around town this week: families can take part in a Safe Child I.D. event in Bellport, while questions grow over school absence policies in Bayport-Blue Point. The local arts scene is busy too, with Ain’t Too Proud coming to Gateway Playhouse, film screenings in Patchogue, a Cubism talk, garden tours, live music, poetry, and a special Juneteenth ceremony honoring history and community.

Brian Grant
Editor

Safe Child I.D. Event – Monday, June 22 in Bellport – NYS Senator Dean Murray and Assemblyman Joe DeStefano are hosting a Safe Child I.D. event in partnership with the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office at the South Country Library (22 Station Road, Bellport) from 11am-1pm. Parents can receive a card with their child's updated characteristics and identity information to be used by authorities in emergency situations. Learn more →

Bayport-Blue Point School Absence Policies Under Scrutiny – A 7-year-old student missed 40 days of school in six months before being killed, raising questions about district protocols. Newsday reports that while schools must track attendance and report suspected educational neglect, there is no automatic requirement to notify child welfare agencies after a set number of absences, leaving districts with broad discretion. Read full story →

• Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations – June 19-July 19 – The Gateway Playhouse in Bellport presents the Tony Award-winning musical's regional premiere. The show follows The Temptations' meteoric rise from Detroit streets to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with iconic hits including "My Girl," "Just My Imagination," and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone." Tickets available at TheGateway.org or 631-286-1133. Learn more →

• Learning to Look: Cubism – Wednesday, June 11 @ 6:30 PM – Explore the revolutionary art movement that changed how we see. This lecture covers Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque's development of Cubism, building on Paul Cezanne's late work and breaking the 500-year dominance of two-point perspective. In person at 20 Terry Street, Patchogue or via Zoom (Meeting ID: 880 1524 8901, Passcode: 419010). Learn more →

• Brookhaven Town Christmas in July Toy Drive – The annual toy drive returns July 1-31 to collect new, unwrapped toys for children in need throughout Brookhaven Town. Residents can drop off donations at various locations. Learn more →

• Now Playing at Plaza Cinema – Patchogue – Catch BLUE HERON and MICHAEL now showing, plus DISCLOSURE DAY starting Friday, June 12. The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center continues bringing independent and art house films to downtown Patchogue. Check showtimes and get tickets at their website. Learn more →

• Calling All Student Poets – Brookhaven's Got Talent Poetry Slam – Student poets are invited to enter Brookhaven's Got Talent Poetry Slam. Showcase your spoken word skills and compete for recognition. Learn more →

• Rocky Horror Picture Show Original Cast Spooktacular Tour – October 29 – Patchogue Theatre welcomes original "Magenta" actress Patricia Quinn for a special screening of the cult classic film in a new 4K restoration. The evening features a live shadow cast, audience participation, costume contest, and VIP meet-and-greet packages. Tickets ($52-$92) go on sale Friday, June 12 at 10am. Learn more →

• "Into the Woods" Garden Tour – Saturday, June 13 – The Bellport Garden Club invites you to explore majestic local gardens on a peaceful tour through vibrant flower beds, shaded pathways, and carefully curated landscapes. The tour runs from 12-4 pm with tickets at $35. No rain date. Learn more →

• This Week at Daisy's Nashville Lounge – Live music and entertainment at both Miller Place and Patchogue locations. Check their schedule for upcoming performances, drink specials, and events throughout the week. Learn more →

• SoGAR's Juneteenth Commemoration Ceremony – Friday, June 19 – The Society of the Grand Army of the Republic (SoGAR) holds its fifth annual Juneteenth ceremony at the Citizen Soldier GAR statue on Baker Street in Patchogue at 9:30 AM, featuring a reading of General Order No. 3. Later, they'll dedicate the headstone of Civil War veteran Abraham Tobias at Old Bethel Cemetery in Stony Brook. The 67th New York Infantry will serve as Honor Guard and the 6th New York Independent Battery will fire their cannon. All are welcome. Learn more →