Good Morning,

Suffolk County is changing how often it offers the police entrance exam, a Bellport food pantry is moving forward after vandalism, and summer events are filling the calendar. From boating classes and garden tours to live music, tennis, local history, and community drives, there’s plenty to know and plenty to do.

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Brian Grant
Editor

The Suffolk County Police entrance exam will be offered every two years beginning in spring 2027, ending the previous four-year wait between tests. County Executive Ed Romaine and Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina announced the change. Read full story →

Officials are investigating an act of vandalism at the Lighthouse Mission in Bellport after someone scattered nails and splattered paint throughout the parking lot. Despite the incident, the organization cleaned up and continued serving the community. Pastor Jim Ryan said they are praying for the person responsible rather than filing a police report. Read full story →

• NYS Safe Boating Class in Blue Point – June 28 – Safe Boating America is offering a NYS Safe Boating certification course on Saturday, June 28 from 9am-5pm at the Blue Point Fire Department (205 Blue Point Ave). The $85 course meets all requirements under Briannas Law for boat and Jet Ski operation. Pre-registration is required online. Upon completion, participants receive same-day certification. Learn more →

• Toad The Wet Sprocket at Patchogue Theatre – On Sale Now – The My Generation Tour featuring Toad The Wet Sprocket is coming to Patchogue Theatre. Tickets are on sale now for this popular 90s alternative rock band known for hits like All I Want and Walk on the Ocean. Learn more →

• The Oar – Now Open Mondays – The Oar in Patchogue has expanded its hours and is now open on Mondays. 

• "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 →

• 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 →

• Toast Coffee + Kitchen – Customer Appreciation Week – Toast Coffee + Kitchen in Patchogue is celebrating Customer Appreciation Week with special offers and events. 

• Old Crow Medicine Show Coming to Patchogue Theatre – September 17 – Two-time GRAMMY-winning string band Old Crow Medicine Show will perform at the Patchogue Theatre on September 17th as part of their nationwide tour supporting their new album Union Made. The band, known for hits like Wagon Wheel, is celebrating Americas 250th birthday with this special tour. Learn more →

• Bellport Village Tennis Season Now Open – The Bellport Village Tennis courts are open for the season with full service daily through Labor Day. Residents and non-residents can book courts up to 14 days in advance through the Chelsea Online Booking System or by calling (631) 776-0859. Various membership options and court fee rates are available. 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 →

• 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 →

• BBP Heritage Association Summer House Tours Begin June 6 – The Bayport-Blue Point Heritage Association welcomes summer with house tours at the historic Meadow Croft Estate. Tours begin Saturday, June 6th and continue weekends through October, Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00–4:00 p.m. Visitors can explore the main house and carriage house while learning about local history. For more information, email jtbudge@gmail.com.

• Chambers Are Wild Breakfast Networking Event – The Bellport Chamber of Commerce invites members to one of the region's most popular networking events on Tuesday, June 10 from 7:30–9:00 a.m. at the Bellport Community Center. Connect with professionals from six local Chambers of Commerce, build new business relationships, and enjoy breakfast while making valuable connections. Advance registration is required and the event fills quickly. RSVP at info@bellportchamber.org →