From Protest Signs to Parade Hats 🎩

Good Morning,

From protest marches to parade floats, this week issue captures the local highs and lows—including a tragic fire, community rallies, and moments of joy on stage and on the field.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

😿 The fire at Happy Cat Sanctuary that killed founder Chris Arsenault and over 30 cats is officially not considered suspicious, though the cause remains undetermined. Rescuers are now working to save hundreds of surviving cats, many of which are injured or traumatized. [CBS News]

🍀 After a five-year hiatus, the Bellport St. Patrick’s Day Parade made its festive return, drawing crowds and plenty of green along Main Street. The celebration brought back a beloved local tradition with bagpipes, floats, and Irish pride. [Greater Long Island]

Local Pulse

'Hands Off!' rallies draw thousands of protesters

Patchogue filled with chants and colorful signs Saturday as over 2,000 people gathered outside Rep. Andrew Garbarino’s office, joining a wave of “Hands Off!” protests sweeping the country. Braving cold rain, demonstrators voiced alarm over federal budget cuts, the elimination of government jobs, and the influence of billionaire adviser Elon Musk in streamlining federal operations.

Many protesters cited threats to veterans’ services, education funding, and core government programs. “The dismantling of our democracy is terrifying,” said Melanie Dipalma of Melville. Lauraine Kindler of Sayville described her concern as both “angry and scared.” Their words reflected a sense of urgency shared by attendees at more than a dozen rallies across Long Island.

Organized by groups like Indivisible and MoveOn, the protest signaled growing local discontent—even in a region where a majority supported Trump in the 2024 election.

While local Republican leaders from the New York State and Nassau County GOP declined to comment, the White House responded with a statement defending the administration. Assistant press secretary Liz Huston wrote, “President Trump’s position is clear: he will always protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the Democrats’ stance is giving Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare benefits to illegal aliens, which will bankrupt these programs and crush American seniors.”

Source: Newsday By Joseph Ostapiuk

Community Highlights

• Bellport Village has opened Kids Camp Registration for summer programs, with sign-up starting April 7 for residents and April 21 for non-residents. [Bellport Village]

• The Suffolk County Department of Health Services and the Town of Brookhaven are offering free rabies vaccinations for pets on Saturday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter. [Patch]

• Pianist and composer JK Hodge will present The Deep Roots of Music on Long Island on April 13 at 2:00 PM at the Bayport-Blue Point Library, exploring the region’s rich musical history. [Bayport-Blue Point Heritage Association]

• Blues songstress Beth Hart is set to perform at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on April 22, 2025, at 8:00 PM. Don’t miss the chance to see her live! [Patchogue Patch]

• The Musical Box is performing the iconic Genesis Live show on June 18, 2025, at the Patchogue Theatre. Experience Genesis' masterpieces like "Supper’s Ready" and rarities from "Nursery Cryme" and "Foxtrot" in a faithful re-creation of their 1973 performance. Patchogue Theatre

• Living Colour is bringing their powerful fusion of rock, funk, and metal to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Time's Up on May 15, 2025. Living Colour "Times' Up" 35th Anniversary Celebration tickets range from $50 to $80, with presale starting April 2. [Patchogue Theatre]

• The Bayport-Blue Point Heritage Association is hosting The Deep Roots of Music on Long Island on April 13, 2025, featuring JK Hodge performing a live piano score to the 1926 Buster Keaton film The General. [Bayport-Blue Point Heritage Association]

• Lighthouse Mission is spreading joy to children in need by collecting Bible Baskets filled with candy, toys, crafts, and messages.—drop-offs accepted through April 12.

• The Bellport Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Easter Bonnet & Crazy Hat Parade on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Participants are encouraged to showcase their most creative and whimsical hats. The parade will begin at 11:00 AM at the Firehouse.

• The Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association is hosting Murder at Meadow Croft, a live-action CLUE-inspired mystery night on May 17, 2025, where guests can explore the historic estate to solve a whodunit. Tickets go on sale April 15 and include two evening sessions for sleuths aged 12 and up. [Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association]

• The Friends of the Bayport-Blue Point Library are hosting the Bayminster Dog Parade & Artisan Fair on April 27, 2025, from 1–4 PM, featuring a dog parade with ribbons in multiple categories and a local artisan fair. Suggested donation for parading pups is $20. [Bayport-Blue Point Library]

Local Sports

🥍 Bayport-Blue Point girls lacrosse stayed undefeated with an 11-4 win over West Islip, highlighted by a gutsy, unpracticed play that led to a key goal. Coach Ryan Gick credits intense practices and high skill levels for the team’s ability to adapt and execute under pressure. [Newsday]

🌟 Vanderbilt commit Gabby Putman led Cicero-North Syracuse to a thrilling 10-9 overtime win with a hat trick and 10 draw controls, showing why she’s considered one of the most complete players in the game. Bayport-Blue Point’s Sara Richardt also earned recognition among the top performers in the Northeast. [USA Lacrosse]

⚾ Bayport-Blue Point kicked off their baseball season with a 5-1 win over Southampton, extending their winning streak against the Mariners to nine straight games. Cooper Fuller and Tyler McKillop each went 2-for-4 to lead the offense on the road. [Team Reports]

🧤 Medford native Phallon Tullis-Joyce made six saves and earned a clean sheet in her USWNT debut, helping the team to a 2-0 win over Brazil. While head coach Emma Hayes praised her commanding presence, she noted the need for improvement in short-passing buildup play. [Front Row Soccer]

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