Big hearts, bright lights, and a whole lot of pumpkins

Issue #258

Author

Brian Grant
October 20, 2025

Good Morning,

With some East Patchogue residents are still recovering after a gas explosion to heartwarming community support for local businesses, there’s no shortage of news to catch up on. We’ve also got glowing pumpkins, sweet fundraisers, and a Halloween parade you won’t want to miss.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🏚️ Residents of East Winds Apartments in East Patchogue are still shaken and frustrated days after a gas pipe explosion forced an evacuation and left them without heat or hot water. Though the bricks that caused the blast were quickly repaired, tenants say they’ve received little communication from management and are still worried about the building’s safety. [News 12]

💎 Looking for a deal? The Suffolk County Police Department is hosting a public property auction on Tuesday, Oct. 22, in Yaphank, featuring jewelry, electronics, bikes, and tools. The cash-only event kicks off at 9 a.m., with a preview available the day before.[SCPD]

🍦 The “DQ Sisters” from Medford, NY — Patty DeMint and Michelle Robey — are overwhelmed by community support after being hit with a $6M class-action lawsuit over a little-known labor law. Though they settled for $450K, the financial strain remains, with $150K still owed, but donations and kindness from customers have reignited their spirit. [Yahoo]

🎖️ VFW Post 2913 in Patchogue recently celebrated 80 years of dedicated service to veterans and the community, honored with a special proclamation from NYS Senators Dean Murray and Monica Martinez. The milestone gala recognized the Post’s enduring legacy of patriotism and sacrifice. [VFW Post 2913]

Community Highlights

  • NYS Senator Dean Murray has opened his Thanksgiving Day Student Showcase, inviting students to submit essays, poems, or artwork about what they’re thankful for by November 21. [NYS Senate]

  • The Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society is hosting a free pumpkin carving and display event for kids ages 5 and up on Saturday, October 25 with carving from 9–11AM and a glowing display from 5–9PM at 31 Bellport Ln. [Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society]

  • The Patchogue Arts Council is hosting Sweet Treat Monday: MoCA L.I.ghts Benefit Night at Ben & Jerry’s, where a portion of sales and tips will support PAC and the MoCA L.I.ghts festival. 🗓️ Date: Monday, 10/20 ⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 Location: Ben & Jerry’s, Main Street, Patchogue [Patchogue Arts Council]

  • Whiskey Neat in Patchogue is hosting a Community Buy Back on October 21 from 6–9PM, where 20% of all food and drink purchases will support ECLI/Vibes in raising domestic violence awareness. [ECLI/Vibes]

  • The Bellport Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 25 with lineup at the Bellport Firehouse at 11:30AM and festivities kicking off at noon, including safe trick-or-treating and a scarecrow contest winner reveal. [Bellport Chamber of Commerce]

  • Patchogue Arts Council is honoring David Kennedy as this year’s MoCA L.I.ghts Glow Marshal. Celebrate him by submitting a $30 “Shine Line” tribute to be projected across the Village nightly and during a special VIP party on October 25. [Patchogue Arts Council]

  • The October General Membership Meeting will take place at Cavanaugh's on October 29 at noon, featuring a presentation on the "Tax implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and discussions with local elected officials. [Bayport-Blue Point Chamber]

  • RUMBA is throwing its Rooftop Halloween Costume Party with a live DJ, island cocktails, tasty bites, and a crowd-judged costume contest for top prizes—reserve your spot now for a night of spooky fun! [RUMBA Patchogue]

  • The Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Comedy Night on Saturday, October 25th from 7–9 PM at the Bayport Fire House, featuring Carrie Karavas and friends. Bayport Chamber of Commerce

  • The Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting will be held in Patchogue on October 20 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, providing a forum for public input on local zoning decisions. [Patchogue, NY]

  • The Village of Bellport is hosting a Halloween Parade & Trick-or-Treating in the Business District with a scarecrow contest, march down Main Street, and pumpkin decorating at the Historical Society. 🗓️ Date: Saturday, 10/25 ⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM [Village of Bellport]

  • The Town of Brookhaven’s Youth Bureau and INTERFACE Program are hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive from October 14 to November 13, collecting non-perishable food items and $10 grocery gift cards to help families in need enjoy the holiday season. [Town of Brookhaven]

  • NYS Senator Dean Murray and Assemblyman Joe DeStefano are hosting their 5th Annual Trick-Or-Treat Event on Wednesday, October 29 from 6–8PM at the Medford Fire Department. A free, family-friendly night of costumes, candy, and Halloween fun.

  • Support Literacy Suffolk at Disco Bingo, a glow-in-the-dark afternoon of bingo, disco music, food, and prizes at 89 North Music Venue in Patchogue. 🗓️ Date: Sunday, 11/2 ⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM 📍 Location: 89 North Music Venue, Patchogue 🎟️ $50 includes bingo cards and entry to win [Literacy Suffolk]

  • Take a peaceful virtual stroll through downtown Patchogue in this 4K walking tour by Walking with Genny, showcasing the charm and walkability of one of Long Island’s most inviting villages.

  • The Patchogue Arts Council and Plaza Cinema are hosting the RAKU Party, a hands-on pottery experience with live music, food, drinks, and art to support local arts programming. 🗓️ Date: Sunday, 11/2 ⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM 📍 Location: Private location in Patchogue (address shared after ticket purchase) [Patchogue Arts Council]

  • The Town of Brookhaven is offering a Child Safety Seat Check with certified technicians and the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office to ensure proper car seat installation and safety. By appointment only. call 631.451.5335 to reserve your spot. 🗓️ Date: Thursday, 10/23 ⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 Location: Safety Town, 249 Buckley Rd, Holtsville, NY [Town of Brookhaven]

  • The Gateway is hosting a Not So Scary Kids Adventure every weekend through October 26, featuring a pumpkin bounce, hay maze, games, and a Halloween-themed tour perfect for ages 3–10. 🗓️ Dates: Saturdays & Sundays, Oct 11–26 ⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM 📍 Location: 215 South Country Rd, Bellport, NY [The Gateway]

Community Highlights

Local Sports

🏈 Bayport-Blue Point’s 37-game win streak against Section 11 opponents came to an end as Babylon’s Aidan Winter ran for 345 yards and four touchdowns in a dominant 26-7 win. Ranked No. 2 in Class C, Babylon handed BBP its first in-section loss since 2021. [NY Sportswriters]

🏈 Patchogue-Medford bounced back in a big way, rolling past Riverhead 26-12 for their most dominant win of the season. The Raiders, now 3-3, have won three of their last four and are building momentum heading into next week’s rivalry matchup with Sachem East. [Max Preps]

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