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Local Pulse

⚠️ A Bellport man was fatally struck by a payloader at a masonry yard in North Lawrence, according to police. Authorities are investigating the incident, which occurred at the worksite. News 12

🍕 A pizza delivery man was robbed at apparent gunpoint in Patchogue, according to police. Authorities say the suspect took the delivery worker’s cash before fleeing the scene, and an investigation is ongoing. Patch

✈️ Avelo Airlines is set to begin flights from MacArthur Airport, offering new routes to Charlotte and Wilmington in North Carolina, as well as Lakeland and Orlando in Florida. The expansion aims to provide more travel options for Long Island passengers. News 12

🔥 Burn Ban in Effect for Long Island from March 10 to March 16 due to a high risk of brush and wildfires. The ban prohibits outdoor fires for brush and debris disposal, uncontained campfires, and open cooking fires, though backyard fire pits and small contained campfires are allowed. Patchogue Village

🚔 A woman has been charged with car theft following a police search in a Mastic neighborhood. Authorities say the suspect was located after officers canvassed the area, leading to her arrest. Patch

Local Pulse

Village of Patchogue Board of Trustees Meeting - March 10, 2025 Highlights

Business Improvement District Updates

The BID is holding their meeting the day after the board meeting (March 11) at 4:00 PM to adopt their annual budget. While planning the budget, they noted they had a bit less funding available this year (a couple thousand dollars less) due to changes in the tax rolls, but they still plan to maintain all their usual services including hanging baskets and Christmas decorations throughout the village.

A significant focus of the BID meeting will be a presentation from a company called Night Scope that provides security products and services. This initiative stems from ongoing concerns about downtown safety, particularly during evening hours. Trustee Gandolfo has dedicated approximately $50,000 that could be allocated toward these security measures. After the presentation, the BID plans to assess Night Scope's offerings and determine if their security solutions would effectively enhance safety on Main Street.

Additionally, the BID is focusing on enhancing Waverly Avenue, which was described as a "major artery" into town. The western side of Waverly Avenue falls within a zone eligible for Community Development Agency funding. Plans include a sidewalk project from Main Street to M Street, with new ramps and sidewalk repairs. The BID is also considering decorative lighting, hanging baskets, and Christmas decorations for Waverly Avenue to make it more presentable and aesthetically pleasing.

Village Projects Status

1. Ball Field on Ryder Avenue Complex:

   • Current progress: Work continues on the new softball fields

   • Immediate next steps: Installation of lighting is scheduled to begin this week

   • Following phase: Turf installation will commence shortly after lighting

   • Completion target: Early April 2025

   • Additional note: The Recreation Department is receiving increased interest from leagues wanting to use the fields once completed

2. Theater Archway:

   • Timeline: Construction expected to begin by the end of March

   • Current status: Waiting for improved weather conditions to start pouring cement footings

3. Train Station Project:

   • Current status: Temporarily paused

   • Visible evidence: A trench has been dug on the western part of the parking lot

   • Expected resumption: Within the next couple of weeks

Community Highlights

• 🎬 "Friends" Nostalgia Night is set for March 26 in Patchogue, offering fans a chance to celebrate the beloved sitcom. The event will feature trivia, themed activities, and plenty of nostalgia for those who can't get enough of Ross, Rachel, and the gang. Patch

• Enjoy a night of mystery and intrigue at Murder at Hilltop Manor on March 29, benefiting Patchogue-Medford Youth & Community Services. This interactive murder mystery event promises an evening of fun while supporting a great cause!

• The R.I.N.G.O. Bingo Fundraiser is happening on March 15, 2025, in Bellport, NY, offering a fun-filled night of bingo to support a great cause. Learn more and get your tickets here.

• Step into nostalgia at the '90s Computer Lab: Video Game Cartoon Takeover on Friday, March 21, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Medford Branch! Enjoy classic Nintendo cartoons and play '90s favorites like Super Mario and Zelda—no registration required! 🎮📺

• Protect Yourself Against Bank Fraud This March Madness – Join an exclusive members' network meeting on Wednesday, March 12th, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Painters Restaurant in Brookhaven, NY. Experts from M&T Bank will share insights on fraud protection, trends, and safeguarding your assets. Enjoy dinner while learning how to keep your finances secure. $40 per person – pre-registration required. Register here.

• moe. to Perform at Great South Bay Music Festival in Patchogue – Celebrating their 35th anniversary, jam band moe. will take the stage at the Great South Bay Music Festival in Patchogue, NY, on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The festival, running from July 24 to 27, 2025, features a diverse lineup, including Umphrey's McGee, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and Eggy. Get more details and tickets here.

Community Highlights

March Events at Patchogue Theatre Bring Music, Laughter, and Nostalgia

Patchogue Theatre is gearing up for a vibrant month of performances, featuring a mix of legendary jazz, beloved movie soundtracks, and family-friendly entertainment.

Kicking things off on March 13, jazz fusion icons Spyro Gyra team up with Grammy-winning guitarist Lee Ritenour for an evening of smooth, dynamic instrumentals. The following night, March 14, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band brings the timeless spirit of New Orleans jazz to the stage.

For film lovers, Dirty Dancing In Concert on March 18 promises a nostalgic experience, combining live music with screenings of the classic film. Families can also enjoy Sesame Street Live, Say Hello! on March 21, offering young audiences an interactive, music-filled adventure with their favorite Sesame Street characters.

Comedy fans are in for a treat with HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis on March 23, starring "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" legend Colin Mochrie alongside hypnotist Asad Mecci, blending mind-bending hypnosis with quick-witted improv.

On March 28, actor and musician Hank Azaria leads the EZ Street Band in a night of rock and storytelling. The excitement continues with a high-energy Celtic rock performance from Gaelic Storm on March 29, joined by Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band. Closing out the month on March 30, Rhythm of the Dance brings Irish step-dancing and live music for a dazzling cultural showcase.

For tickets and more information, visit Patchogue Theatre or contact info@patchoguetheatre.org.

Gateway Playhouse Clarifies Age Policy for ‘Frozen’ Show After Concerns from Parents

A policy at the Gateway Playhouse in Bellport sparked discussion among families attending its Broadway-scale production of Frozen. The theater initially stated that children under 7 could be asked to leave if they disrupted the audience, causing concern among parents eager to bring their young fans to the show.

Clarifying the policy, Gateway’s executive artistic director, Paul Allan, told Newsday that children ages 3 to 7 are welcome, but parents should consider whether their child can sit through the full 2½-hour performance. The production, running through April 13, is a faithful adaptation of the Broadway show rather than a shortened version designed for younger audiences. Unlike Frozen Jr. or sing-along versions, this performance maintains all the dialogue, music, and elaborate staging seen on Broadway.

Despite initial concerns, Allan reassured theatergoers that the policy has not resulted in any removals. Parents attending the first five performances have followed the guidelines, and younger children who needed a break were taken out by their parents and brought back in without issue.

Some parents on social media suggested offering a separate performance for younger children with more relaxed rules, but Gateway has no plans to do so. The theater’s policy aligns with Broadway’s standard age restrictions, which generally recommend audience members be at least 6 or 8 years old.

Gateway Playhouse’s production marks the Frozen musical’s Long Island premiere, bringing all the spectacle of Broadway—including new songs, staging, and visual effects—to local audiences. Allan hopes families will embrace the opportunity but encourages parents to carefully consider their child's readiness for the full-length experience.

Based on original story in Newsday by Beth Whitehouse

Local Sports

⚾ Medford standout recognized! Two Maritime College baseball players were honored by the Skyline Conference for their performances. Among them is a player from Medford, earning recognition for his contributions on the field. Maritime Athletics

🏃‍♀️ Bayport-Blue Point’s Sophia McInnes nominated for National Girls Indoor Performer of the Week! The Villanova signee claimed the 1000m state title with a personal best of 2:44.18, making her No. 2 in New York history and No. 8 in U.S. history. Voting closes on March 13. MileSplit

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