Local Loss, Big Cleanups & Holiday Cheer Ahead

Good Morning,

This week brings a mix of heavy news and hopeful updates. We’re covering a tragic crash in Medford, big cleanup efforts in Patchogue, and new plans to shape the future of Bellport. Plus, there's a wave of community events, volunteer opportunities, and early holiday cheer on the horizon.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🚨 A 35-year-old man riding an e-bike died after colliding with a pickup truck early Friday morning at the intersection of Route 112 and Woodside Avenue in Medford, according to Suffolk police. [Patch]

🎄 Marc Siegel, co-owner of Blum’s Lingerie and Swimwear, has been named grand marshal for this year’s “It’s a Wonderful Life in Patchogue” celebration, set for Dec. 13 and 14. A longtime local merchant and actor in last year’s event, Siegel will help lead the holiday festivities honoring the beloved classic film. [Suffolk County News]

🏘️ Bellport residents are invited to a public workshop on September 25 at 6:30 p.m. to help shape the future of the Bellport Country Club Campus, including its golf course, tennis courts, and event spaces. Those unable to attend can submit feedback online starting September 26. [Bellport Village]

🛞 Ahead of its Carriage House development in Patchogue, the Nord/Acre Development Team removed over 2,000 abandoned tires and tons of debris from a polluted four-acre site near the Patchogue River. The cleanup, done with DEC oversight, has restored the area’s environmental health and paved the way for 262 new housing units, including affordable options. [Suffolk County News]

Local Pulse

VILLAGE OF PATCHOGUE FORMS CLIMATE SMART TASK FORCE

In a press release from September 12, 2025, the Village of Patchogue has initiated a Climate Smart Task Force in partnership with New York State’s Climate Smart Communities program. The initiative, announced on September 12, 2025, reflects Patchogue’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and responsible governance.

The newly established task force will meet on the third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Patchogue Village Hall, with meetings also broadcast on the Patchogue Village YouTube Channel for public access. The first session is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 15.

Led by Chair Jonathan Keyes and Coordinator Lori Devlin, the task force includes Trustee Liaison Stephen Fuoco and members David Kennedy, Paula Murphy, Kaetlyn Jackson, August Ruckdeschel, Rick Collins, and Joshua Mains.

Their mission is to help the village achieve certification through the Climate Smart Communities (CSC) program, a state-run initiative recognizing municipalities for leadership in reducing emissions and building climate resilience. The program awards bronze, silver, or eventually gold status, based on completed climate actions.

Residents are encouraged to follow the task force’s progress and participate where possible. To learn more about the CSC program, visit climatesmart.ny.gov, or for village updates, go to www.patchoguevillage.org.

Community Highlights

Preserving the Past: Volunteers Needed for Historic Patchogue Cemetery Cleanup

Patchogue residents are being called upon to lend a hand in preserving a vital piece of the village’s history. On Saturday, Sept. 27, the Friends of Lakeview Cemeteries, a volunteer group under the Greater Patchogue Foundation, will host a community cleanup event at Lakeview and Waverly cemeteries—two of Patchogue’s oldest burial sites.

Beginning at 9:30 a.m., volunteers of all ages can assist with tasks like picking up litter, planting flowers, removing invasive plants, and gently cleaning historic headstones. Participants are encouraged to bring gloves, work shoes, and any gardening tools they may have.

The cemeteries, which include five historic burial grounds dating back to 1793, are a significant part of Patchogue’s cultural heritage. A 2023 assessment revealed that over 300 gravestones are in need of repair, highlighting the ongoing need for hands-on community support.

Original Story at: Greater Long Island

Community Highlights

• The Brookhaven Country Fair returns on Saturday, Sept. 20 and Sunday, Sept. 21 from 10am to 5pm at the Longwood Estate in Ridge, with historical reenactments, food, music, kids’ activities, and more. Brookhaven Country Fair

• Lighthouse Mission offers various community service opportunities including volunteering at food distributions, working in the warehouse, hosting food drives, or donating clothing. Perfect for fulfilling service hour requirements. Lighthouse Mission – Service Opportunities

• Habitat for Humanity of Long Island has opened applications for its Homeownership Program from Sept. 15 to Sept. 30, offering eligible participants a chance at affordable homeownership. Habitat for Humanity – Homeownership Program

• Singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier will perform at People’s Pub in Bayport on Sept. 26, joined by her partner Jaimee Harris, as she celebrates her decades-long career and recent album. People’s Pub

• The rescheduled Lone Sharks concert will take place on Friday, Sept. 19 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Bellport Bandshell, 55 Bellport Lane.

• The Bellport Village Court is holding its next session on Monday, Sept. 15 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm at 4 Bell St, Bellport. Bellport Village Justice Court

• The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 7:00pm to review the application for 80 Country Club Road. Zoning Board of Appeals – 80 Country Club Rd

• Debbie Gibson has announced her Newstalgia Live: Greatest Hits & Beyond show in Patchogue, NY on November 21 at 8 PM, with presale access starting September 11 for Diamond Debheads. Debbie Gibson Official

• Charlie Sheen is bringing his live show Alive On Stage to town on October 17 at 8 PM, with tickets ranging from $50 to $161. Buy Tickets

• The Village of Patchogue is holding a Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM to discuss local zoning matters. [Village of Patchogue]

• Celebrate the Hagerman Fire Department’s 95th Anniversary Parade on September 27 at 4:00 p.m., starting at South Country Road and Dunton Avenue and heading north. [Hagerman Fire Department]

• Grammy Award-winning artist Macy Gray is bringing her On How Life Is 25th Anniversary Tour to the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on Nov. 7. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. and can be purchased online, by phone, or in person. [Patchogue Theatre]

• Health in Harmony is offering free nutrition classes at Patchogue-Medford Library on September 19, featuring expert guidance, food demos, and tips for healthier eating on a budget. [Harmony Cafe LI]

• Gateway's Haunted Playhouse is hosting a spooky and stylish Halloween fundraiser on October 10, complete with costume contests, cocktails, raffles, and VIP access to the haunted house—all in support of local arts. [The Gateway]]

• Live For Live Music is giving away a pair of tickets to see Jeff Tweedy live at the Patchogue Theatre on October 24. enter for your chance to win!

• Bellport Village has opened registration for its Annual Scarecrow Contest 2025 . Pick up materials starting Monday, Sept. 8 and return your completed scarecrow by Sept. 29 for a festive fall display. [Village Hall]

• Hammer of the Gods: The Led Zeppelin Experience is coming to the Patchogue Theatre for an electrifying tribute show on Saturday, October 25 at 8:00pm. [BroadwayWorld]

• EagleMania: The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute is coming to the Patchogue Theatre for a one-night performance on Friday, November 14. [BroadwayWorld]

• The Patchogue Arts Council and Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce present LED: Light Evoking Dreams, October 23–28, transforming Patchogue into a surreal dreamscape with projections, performances, interactive art, and a new Let’s Get Weird Film Festival. Don’t miss this glowing celebration—mark your calendars and plan your visit! [Patchogue Arts Council]

Community Highlights

Local Sports

⛳ Manhattanville University’s Corey Popowcer shot a career-best 72 (+1) to win the individual title at Bellport Country Club, leading a field of 19 golfers. His strong back nine, with four birdies, helped the team secure a second-place overall finish. [Manhattanville Athletics]

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