Close Encounter & Local News

In This Issue of Patchogue Live Local

🏖️Fire Island National Seashore

🛸Close Encounter

👩‍⚖️Bellport Board of Trustees Meeting

🥍Local Sports

💸Win Big in Father’s Day Raffle
 
👗Thred to Close

 📆 Event Calendar - Be In the Know

National Seashore

Fire Island National Seashore Launches Marine Debris Educational Exhibit

The Fire Island National Seashore has introduced a series of new educational exhibits focusing on marine debris, a significant pollution issue affecting oceans and waterways. These exhibits, part of a partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, are designed to educate visitors about the sources and impacts of marine debris and encourage preventative actions.

Visitors to Fire Island can explore these displays at the Fire Island Lighthouse, Watch Hill, Sailors Haven, and the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness Visitor Center. The exhibits include informational panels on plastic pollution, microplastics, and derelict fishing gear, as well as an interactive microplastics investigation station. Additionally, a striking osprey sculpture made from marine debris collected locally is on display at the Watch Hill Dune Station.

Deputy Superintendent Scott McCormick emphasized the importance of these exhibits, stating they not only raise awareness of microplastics but also offer practical solutions for visitors to help reduce this pollution. This initiative is part of a five-year partnership formed in 2020 between the National Park Service and NOAA's Marine Debris Program, aimed at enhancing educational outreach in coastal national parks.

Katie Morgan, NOAA Marine Debris Program Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator, highlighted the value of these interactive displays in educating the public about the pervasive issue of marine debris and inspiring action to prevent it.

These educational resources, including Junior Ranger activity sheets and hands-on microplastics workstations, are now available for visitors, making a trip to Fire Island not just a scenic experience but an educational one too.

Weird Science

Close Encounter: UFO Zooms Past Blue Angels at Long Island Air Show

During the Navy’s iconic Blue Angels air show over Jones Beach this Memorial Day weekend, spectators witnessed an unexpected and mysterious sight. As the Blue Angels performed their breathtaking maneuvers, a small sphere zipped past a Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, captured in bizarre footage obtained by TMZ.

This unidentified flying object (UFO), or more accurately, Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAP), appeared in the footage for just a millisecond. However, a slow-motion replay revealed the object gliding directly in front of the jet before darting out of view. The UAP was estimated to be flying at an altitude of 36,500 to 41,000 feet, according to the National UFO Reporting Center.

New York has seen a notable increase in UAP sightings recently. In March, a commercial airline passenger claimed to have spotted a possible UFO above LaGuardia Airport. Similarly, in July 2023, an “egg-shaped” UFO was reported flying over Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, adding to the growing number of sightings around the city.

The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), established in July 2022 to investigate UAP reports, has received over 1,200 reports but has released only a handful of videos and reports. Despite numerous sightings, the origins and nature of these UAPs remain unclear, fueling ongoing fascination and speculation.

Could it be an advanced drone, a meteorological anomaly, or something otherworldly? While we may not have all the answers yet, the mystery of what soared past the Blue Angels certainly continues to captivate and intrigue.

(Original story by Richard Pollina, published May 29, 2024, in the New York Post)

Community

Highlights from the Bellport Board of Trustees Meeting on May 28, 2024

The Bellport Board of Trustees convened on May 28 to address a variety of community issues and updates. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Term Limits: The public hearing on term limits was postponed to refine the language for future discussions.

2. Public Comments:

- Noise Disturbances: Resident highlighted persistent noise issues from a nearby bus company, urging the board to address the lack of progress.

- Dock Hours: A resident requested extended hours for the local dock to accommodate early morning and late evening access.

- Community Aesthetics: Suggestions were made to enhance the entrance of the community country club with flowers.

- Browns Lane Barrier: Multiple residents expressed concerns about the safety and aesthetics of a newly installed barrier at Browns Lane, proposing alternatives like a split rail fence.

- Safety Concerns: A resident shared personal experiences, questioning the sudden focus on safety issues.

3. Capital Projects Updates:

- Browns Lane Shore Road: Guide rail installation and road widening are completed, with expected paving next week. Input on the design behind the guide rail is welcomed.

- Solar Panels: Efforts are being made to replace outdated panels at the beach.

- Village Hall: Exterior shingling to restore the building’s original appearance is ongoing, along with improved drainage.

4. Board Member Reports:

- Senior Program: Announced an upcoming cybersecurity presentation

- Architectural Review: Public participation is encouraged to streamline processes.

- Golf Course: Positive feedback received on course conditions and erosion issues.

- Tennis Shed: Newly painted, with beach dunes built up.

5. Resolutions:

- Approval of minutes from the April 22 meeting.

- Acceptance of the audit report for the year ending May 31, 2023.

- Hiring of election inspectors for the June 18 village vote.

- Approval of the 2024 agreement with the tennis director.

- Promotions and new hires within the DPW.

- Retirement acceptance and payout for DPW employee D. Pascal.

- Transfer of funds for equipment purchases and setup of multi-factor authentication as recommended by the audit.

This meeting underscored the board's ongoing commitment to addressing community concerns, enhancing local amenities, and ensuring transparent governance.

Local Sports

Bayport's Traigh Tomassone Awarded 2024 James C. Metzger Boys Lacrosse MVP Award

Bayport-Blue Point High School's junior midfielder, Traigh Tomassone, was honored with the James C. Metzger Most Valuable Player Award at the 2024 Long Island Boys Lacrosse Championships.

Tomassone's exceptional performance in the Class C game against Wantagh High School secured his MVP title. Despite a challenging game where Bayport-Blue Point nearly lost their initial 5-0 lead, Tomassone's three critical goals led his team to a 9-7 victory. This accolade highlights his pivotal role and outstanding skills on the field.

Bayport's Megan Brockbank Leads River Hawks to Historic Lacrosse Season

The 2024 season will go down in history for the UMass Lowell women’s lacrosse team, marked by unprecedented success and a series of firsts. With Bayport native Megan Brockbank as one of the team's captains, the River Hawks soared to new heights, finishing with a 12-6 record and clinching their first-ever America East Playoff appearance.

Charity

Win Big in Father’s Day Raffle and Support Animal Rescue!

Celebrate Father's Day by entering a raffle to win a $650 prize bundle and support Almost Home Animal Rescue.

The raffle drawing will be held on June 14th via Facebook Live.

Read the original post below for full details

https://www.facebook.com/AlmostHomeLI/posts/pfbid02UU5uMxJDCE5H1vMebs47xcPJTzoodMjwHMQKfVP1bV4ChfbLTQTYi8wQJerq5tuwl

Business

Thred to Close in Downtown Patchogue

Thred, the clothing boutique located in downtown Patchogue, will be closing its doors after seven years of business. Owned by Patchogue native and Fashion Institute of Technology graduate Merav Shiloni, Thred has been a staple at 7 Village Green since its opening.

Thred's final day of operation will be June 30. In the lead-up to the closure, the boutique is offering significant discounts on all merchandise, including furniture. Shiloni expressed her bittersweet sentiments, saying, “We will miss sharing those special memories with all of you. See you around town.”

See their site for sale details. https://thredny.com/ 

Upcoming Local Events

See our New Event Calendar.

Get notifications for events going on the area. Check out the event calendar at https://patchoguelocal.live/

We Need Your Input

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