Local Author's New Book, Beach Service Boost, and More!

In This Issue of Patchogue Live Local

🏄‍♂️NPS Releases Environmental Assessment

🎸Adrian Vandenberg at Patchogue Theatre

 📗Bellport Author Releases Second Novel

 🚂LIRR Enhances Beach Season Service

📻Patchogue WBLI

🤝Chamber of Commerce

🥍Local Sports

 📆 New Calendar of Events in the Greater Patchogue Area!

Community

NPS Releases Environmental Assessment

The National Park Service (NPS) has issued a new Environmental Assessment for the Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Management program at Fire Island National Seashore, and is seeking public feedback. This assessment evaluates the current ORV use at the Seashore and proposes updates to regulations established in 1987, aiming to balance vehicular access, resource protection, and visitor safety.

Public comments on the proposed actions and their potential impacts are welcome from May 28 to June 30, 2024. The full assessment can be viewed at [NPS Park Planning](https://parkplanning.nps.gov/FIIS_ORV). This effort also satisfies the public involvement requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

To facilitate community participation, the NPS will host two public meetings. The in-person meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, at 7:00 PM at the Patchogue Ferry Terminal, 150 West Avenue, Patchogue, NY 11772. It will feature an open house, a 20-minute presentation, and a Q&A session. The virtual meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 12, at 6:30 PM, accessible via [NPS Park Planning](https://parkplanning.nps.gov/FIIS_ORV), with a similar format.

Community involvement is essential for this planning process. Comments can be submitted electronically, during the in-person meeting, or by mail to Fire Island National Seashore headquarters at 120 Laurel Street, Patchogue, NY 11772. The public comment period will close on June 30, 2024.

Entertainment

Adrian Vandenberg at Patchogue Theatre

Legendary guitarist Adrian Vandenberg, along with vocalist Mats Levén, drummer Koen Herfst, and bassist Randy van der Elsen, will perform hits from Whitesnake and Vandenberg at an electrifying concert on October 18 at 8 PM. Tickets are available for presale today and go on sale to the public on May 31 at the Patchogue Theatre.

Vandenberg, who exploded onto the global scene with his 1982 self-titled album, is celebrated for his international hit "Burning Heart" and his legendary lead on Whitesnake’s "Here I Go Again." Over the years, he has toured with some of the biggest names in rock, including Ozzy Osbourne, Kiss, and Scorpions, and has co-written and performed on several platinum albums.

In their latest album, SIN, Vandenberg continues to evolve, delivering a vibrant and visceral experience. Recorded with renowned producer Bob Marlette, the album features standout tracks like "House On Fire," showcasing the band's heavier, grooving foundation.

Hometown Author

Bellport Author and Retired Teacher Releases Second Novel: Bonac

Richard Weissmann, a local author and retired Lynbrook high school English teacher, has released his second novel, Bonac. Weissmann, who resides in Bellport, brings his deep connection to the region's oceans, bays, and marshes into his writing. His background includes stints as a National Park Ranger and a correspondent for the New York Times, adding rich layers of experience to his storytelling. Over the years, Weissmann has garnered several awards for his writing and has also published a memoir.

Bonac tells the story of Cal Hazen, a Navy veteran who returns to his ancestral home on Long Island for his father’s funeral. Upon his return, Cal discovers that the cherished land and waters of his childhood are under threat from development aimed at the ultra-rich. Having abandoned his life of commercial fishing and his reverence for nature two decades ago, Cal is now compelled to defend his heritage. As he takes on powerful developers, Cal faces not only the potential loss of tradition but also the ruthless tactics used to transform his sacred homeland.

LIRR

LIRR Enhances Beach Season Service with Additional Trains to Montauk

In anticipation of the summer beach season, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is enhancing its service to Montauk, providing beachgoers with more travel options. The Thursday seasonal express train to the Hamptons, departing from Penn Station at 4:07 p.m., has been rebranded as the "Thursday Cannonball."

Additionally, the LIRR has announced that the 5:13 p.m. train, which previously operated only on Fridays, will now run on both Thursdays and Fridays throughout the summer. This train operates express to Jamaica and then makes all local stops from Babylon, arriving in Montauk at 8:30 p.m.

Overall, the expanded schedule means that on Thursdays, seven trains will arrive in Montauk between 10:58 a.m. and 11:39 p.m., and on Fridays, nine trains will serve the same route within this time frame. The enhanced service ensures that travelers from Patchogue, which is on the Montauk Branch, and other locations along the route have ample opportunities to reach Montauk conveniently.

Radio

Ally Ali Secures Multi-Year Extension with Patchogue WBLI

Alexandra "Ally" Ali has signed a multi-year deal to stay on as co-host of the popular morning show on 106.1 WBLI. Ali, who initially joined WBLI in 2018 as a producer, quickly became an integral part of the team, ascending to the role of co-host in 2021 alongside Andrew "Syke" Sykora.

Chris Eagan, CMG Radio's SVP of Audience & Programming, expressed his enthusiasm about the extension, highlighting Ally's positivity and warmth that resonate deeply with the audience. VP/GM Katelin Tinley also praised Ali's energy, authenticity, and her genuine connection with listeners, emphasizing how she has become a cornerstone of WBLI's identity.

Ali, who recently showcased her talents as a contestant on NBC's game show Password, shared her excitement about continuing her journey at WBLI. She expressed her honor at being part of The Syke Morning Show.

Listeners can look forward to many more mornings filled with laughter, music, and memorable moments with Ally Ali on WBLI, as she continues to bring her unique charm and energy to the Long Island airwaves.

Networking

Bayport Blue Point Chamber of Commerce Hosts General Meeting at The People's Pub

The Bayport Blue Point Chamber of Commerce invites all members and community partners to its General Meeting at The People's Pub tonight at 6 PM. This event promises valuable discussions on future initiatives and plans.

Local Sports

Bayport-Blue Point Phantoms Face Off Against Wantagh Warriors in Playoff Showdown

The Bayport-Blue Point Phantoms (17-1) will take on the Wantagh Warriors (16-3) for the Long Island Class C championship. Happening at East Islip Middle School today at 7 PM. The teams previously clashed on March 22, 2024, with the Phantoms edging out an 8-7 victory. Get your tickets now at https://gofan.co/event/1531604.

Upcoming Local Events

See our New Event Calendar.

Soon you will be able to get notifications for events going on the area. Check out the events at https://patchoguelocal.live/

We Need Your Input

 Your thoughts are the heartbeat of this newsletter. As we wrap up this edition, we extend an invitation to you, our valued readers, to share your insights, stories, or suggestions. Whether it's a topic you're itching to read about, an experience you're eager to share, or just a bit of feedback on how we're doing, we're all ears.