Local pride: A café, a guard, and going green

Good Morning,

We're celebrating a beloved crossing guard, cheering on a local chef’s big honor, and keeping an eye on safety and sustainability across our towns. Here’s what you need to know.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🛑 Rain, snow, or sunshine, beloved crossing guard Sally greets Blue Point Elementary students with warmth and dedication. She’s now being celebrated in a back-to-school tribute by Patch and T-Mobile. [Patch]

🚓 A Bay Shore man was arrested after fleeing a traffic stop and tossing nearly 3 ounces of fentanyl from his car. Deputies recovered the drugs on Sunrise Highway in Patchogue, and the suspect now faces multiple felony charges. [Patch]

Local Pulse

VILLAGE OF PATCHOGUE FORMS CLIMATE SMART TASK FORCE

The Climate Smart Task Force meeting was called to order on Monday, September 15 at 5:30 p.m., with pledge, emergency-exit reminders, and member introductions.

• New members were sworn in by Village Clerk Lori Devlin.

• An Electric Vehicle (EV) Community Campaign will be pursued with Drive Electric Long Island to earn certification points (E8); the working goal is 70 new EV registrations within the village over the next year.

• Members highlighted urgency around federal EV tax credits changing after Sept. 30 and discussed tactics like ride-and-drive events, tabling at the farmers market/library, and leveraging dealer partnerships.

• The first presenting opportunity will be the “Eco Fair” at Our Saviour Lutheran Church on Sunday, Sept. 28, where the church will also dedicate new solar panels; Drive Electric L.I. will staff the table and share Clean Energy Hub materials.

• Nonprofit/municipal solar incentives were reviewed: entities initiating projects before next July 4 (with completion by July 4, 2027) can access a 30% federal credit; the village has already used credits on arrays behind the theater (25% due to grant stacking) and at the LIRR station (30%).

• Johnson Controls (JCI) will help map completed village projects (notably the two solar arrays) to DEC certification actions; parts delays for the train-station array were resolved, with generation expected by mid-October.

• The task force is organizing around the DEC action spreadsheet: items marked “complete” still need documentation; members will identify “low-hanging fruit” and report back with feasibility and needed approvals/docs.

• Lead assignments began: Jonathan Keys will drive PE6 (land use); others volunteered for PE5/PE7/E9; EV charging at the LIRR station will be documented to capture points; discussion touched on dark-sky compliant lighting vs. safety.

  See the Meeting on YouTube

Community Highlights

Local Chef Turned Restaurateur Honored as 2025 Inspirational Entrepreneur of the Year

The Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce is celebrating a proud moment as one of its own, Stace Hanson, has been awarded the 2025 Inspirational Entrepreneur of the Year by the New York Small Business Development Center. Hanson, the passionate force behind the beloved Sunflower Café, was recognized for her remarkable entrepreneurial journey and her positive impact on the community.

Stace’s story is one of determination, creativity, and heart. With the support of her daughter Kathrine, the two have built a welcoming space that’s become more than just a café — it's a local favorite where food, family, and community come together. From navigating the challenges of launching a restaurant to becoming a thriving business owner, Stace’s success story has resonated with many and now serves as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Read more about her journey here: NYSBDC Success Story – Stace Hanson

continue to support local gems like the Sunflower Café and and celebrate those who make our community shine.

Community Highlights

• The Bayport-Blue Point Chamber is hosting its September General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, September 24 from 8–9:30am at Bayport United Methodist Church Parish Hall, featuring breakfast treats and a session on promoting your business.

• Bellport’s Environment Committee has launched the 1000 Yards Campaign to encourage residents to plant native species this fall. Help them reach their goal of 100 participating households! [Bellport Environment Committee]

• 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.

• TUSK: The Classic Tribute to Fleetwood Mac is coming to Patchogue Theatre for a one-night performance on February 20. [BroadwayWorld]

• 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

• 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!

• 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

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• Brandwide Sponsorship

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• Please email us at [email protected]for more information.