Good Morning

This week brings major court news in Patchogue, fresh plans for the waterfront, and a strong showing of local pride. We are also highlighting community events, historic preservation, and the people and places that help shape life across our area.

Brian Grant

Editor

A man from Patchogue was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for kidnapping and sexually assaulting multiple women at knifepoint.

 The fair connects residents with local resources focused on physical and mental health, and Supervisor Dan Panico and Town Clerk Kevin LaValle both shared how important it is to bring these services together in one place for the community.

The  Suffolk County Police Department is hosting a vehicle auction where over 150 cars and trucks will be sold to the highest bidders.

After 26 years in business, Harbor Crab in Patchogue has closed its doors permanently. Baymen's Clam Bar is set to take over the waterfront spot and will bring a new seafood-focused menu to the area.

Talking History Spotlights Bellport-Brookhaven Museum

Town Clerk Kevin LaValle’s latest “Talking History” segment takes viewers inside the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Museum with Town Historian Barbara Russell and Tricia Foley of the Bellport Historic Society. The feature highlights the museum’s historic barn and its collection of artifacts that reflect Bellport’s maritime roots and local history, including a circa 1870 doctor’s buggy, duck decoys, early tools, textiles, antique toys, and more. The segment also shares the story of inventor Elmer Sperry and includes historic images of Bellport Harbor and Native American artifacts tied to the area’s early history.

The Friends of Lakeview Cemeteries have restored 100 gravestones at Patchogue’s Waverly Cemetery since 2023, marking a major milestone in local preservation.

This progress addresses about one-third of the urgent restorations highlighted in a recent survey.

Backed by community donations and critical grants, including support from the Gardiner Foundation and Suffolk County Parks, the group has drastically lowered the number of gravestones at risk.

Volunteers have logged hundreds of hours, cleaning headstones, maintaining grounds, and tackling persistent safety issues.

Highlights of this year’s work include clearing invasive Japanese knotweed, which uncovered 18th-century burial markers that had lain hidden for decades.

Restoration has also begun at the grave of Elizabeth Oakes-Smith, an important 19th-century writer and advocate.

Future plans extend to Union Cemetery by 2026, ensuring that Patchogue’s history is honored and protected for generations to come.

Patchogue-Medford Varsity Softball is hosting a Military Appreciation Game on Saturday, April 25 at Patchogue-Medford High School on the Navy SEAL LT Michael P. Murphy Campus, with a military recognition ceremony at 10:45 AM followed by an 11:00 AM game at the varsity softball field.

The morning will honor active duty service members and veterans from our local community, and the players will be wearing special camouflage jerseys in tribute. All active duty members and veterans are welcome to attend, and questions or RSVPs can be sent to Coach D’Onofrio at adonofrio@pmschools.org

• The 49th Eloise Staudinger Beatification Fundraiser is bringing neighbors together on Wednesday, April 29 from 12 to 8 PM at James Joyce Pub & Restaurant in Patchogue.

•Aroogas Sports Tavern & Game Room is hosting an NFL Draft watch party on Thursday, April 23, inviting Patchogue football fans to catch the draft at 8 PM with a 20 for $20 wings special.

• Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts just announced that Old Crow Medicine Show is bringing their Union Made Tour to town on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 8 PM at 71 East Main Street in Patchogue. Artist presale begins Wednesday, April 22 at 10 AM, with tickets going on sale to the public Friday, April 24 at 10 AM

• The Village of Bellport is hosting its annual Arbor Day celebration at Osborn Park near the 9/11 Memorial at the Bellport Village Marina on Friday 4/24 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

• The New York State Senate is celebrating Earth Day 2026 with its “Our Power, Our Planet” student showcase and is now accepting submissions through April 30, 2026. Students in grades K through 12 can submit an original poem, essay, or piece of artwork through the New York Senate website

• Birdies Patchogue is hosting a fundraiser supporting Autism Communities at its 17 N Ocean Avenue location in Patchogue on April 26, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Tickets are $75 per person and include a limited open bar with beer, wine, seltzer and a signature cocktail, food, live music by The Michael Friedell Duo