Old Light, New Name, and a 1940s Warning

Good Morning,

It looks liek the weather is going to be great this weekend. Get out and enjoy our towns.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🛟 Patchogue’s Sandspit Lighthouse, a beacon since the 1930s, has been restored with new ramps and railings for public enjoyment. Once a WPA project and port of entry, the lighthouse now stands as a symbol of local and federal collaboration, complete with a solar-powered light and ADA access. Fire Island News

🍹 RHUM is now Rumba! The popular Patchogue restaurant unveiled its new name and refreshed identity at a grand reopening on July 30, with owner David Hersh cutting the ribbon alongside local officials and chamber members. The rebrand marks a new chapter for the East Main Street spot, known for its vibrant island-inspired vibe. LI Life Politics

Day in History

“Screwjays” and “Screwdrivers” Beware: Patchogue’s 1940 Safety Crusade

On August 9, 1940, downtown Patchogue wasn’t just busy, it was talking back. In a memorable traffic safety campaign reported by the Patchogue Advance, pedestrians and drivers were startled to hear a mysterious voice from the air calling out “screwjays” and “screwdrivers”. These were colorful terms for jaywalkers and careless motorists. The source? A gleaming cream-colored “safety squad car,” equipped with a loudspeaker and loaned by local Shell gasoline dealers as part of a nationwide “share-the-road” initiative.

The voice belonged to a member of the Patchogue Police Department, who issued real-time rebukes and reminders as citizens crossed mid-block or attempted to double-park. While the comments may have turned a few faces red, the message was clear and delivered with a smile.

Adding to the spectacle, Chief Reynold K. Wicks organized puppet shows every half hour on East Main Street at Maple Avenue, turning the safety campaign into a family-friendly affair. A “safety meter” was also on-site, inviting drivers to test their braking reflexes. Thus bringing a bit of science to the street-side entertainment.

Though intended as a one-day effort, the campaign left a lasting impression. As one might imagine, few forgot the day their small-town sidewalk scolding came with a loudspeaker and a puppet show.

Local Pulse

Bayport-Blue Point District Lead Water Testing Issues

In a July 24 letter to the community, Bayport-Blue Point Superintendent Dr. Timothy P. Hearney reaffirmed the district’s commitment to student and staff safety, outlining actions taken to meet updated state regulations on lead levels in school drinking water. A recent Newsday story came out citing a state audit that found dozens of water outlets were either untested or improperly exempt from required sampling during a previous review period between 2020 and 2021. That audit also found that over a quarter of tested outlets exceeded New York’s then-threshold for lead.

The district had completed a new inventory of all water outlets and conducted another full round of testing. Any outlets used for drinking or cooking that tested above the updated state action level of 5 parts per billion have now been taken offline or restricted until remediation can be completed. The district stated it is moving quickly to ensure all necessary repairs are completed before the school year begins, with any unresolved fixtures remaining out of service.

The district also noted that the testing threshold was previously 15 parts per billion, making the latest results reflect a more stringent standard. In 2024, the district proactively installed filtration systems on all chilled fountains and bottle fill stations; all of these remain in compliance.

Details and the full list of affected outlets are available on the district’s website: https://www.bbpschools.org/page/safety-in-our-schools..

Community Highlights

• Catch Jellyband live on the Five Towns College Stage during Patchogue's 23rd annual Alive After Five celebration on Thursday, August 14—free admission and great jams from the Allmans to Zappa. [Patchogue Theatre]

• 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]

• The Annual Bellport Chamber Lobster Bake has been rescheduled to Wednesday, August 20th, featuring a delicious meal prepared by Avino's Italian Table at the Bellport Bay Yacht Club. RSVP by August 15! [Bellport Chamber]

• Catch My Mother’s Wedding (2025), a heartfelt comedy-drama about three sisters reuniting for their mother’s third wedding, screening now at the Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center. [Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center]

• On Saturday, August 9, join Ranger Eric and Mike Evans for the Survival Series – Fire with Friction, a hands-on workshop in Brookhaven where you'll learn to create fire using ancient friction techniques. [Forgotten Skillz]

• The Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce is hosting Circus on Main, a free, family-friendly event on Friday, August 8 from 5 PM to 9 PM on East Main Street, featuring live circus performers, food, music, and community fun. [Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce]

• The Village of Patchogue will hold a Board of Trustees Meeting on Monday, August 11 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM to discuss community matters and local governance. [Village of Patchogue]

• Catch Black Petals performing originals and rock at the Summer Bandshell Concert on Friday, August 8, from 7–9pm. [Bellport Village]

• Experience Meadow Croft After Dark on August 23 with Postcards from Papa, an evening of history, storytelling, and drinks in the Roosevelt summer home featuring guest presenter Brittany Cutrone of Laughlin Vineyard. [Bayport-Blue Point Heritage Association]

• The Bellport Village Program Fund is hosting its annual Cocktails by the Bay fundraiser on August 9, featuring oysters, hors d'oeuvres, and waterfront views in a stunning bayfront garden. [Bellport Village Program Fund]

• The PEACE Project is hosting a Scallop Shell Necklace Workshop with Shinnecock artist and educator Weetahmoe on Saturday, August 9th at PAC MoCA L.I., where participants will craft jewelry while learning about Indigenous culture and Long Island’s deep history. [Patchogue Arts Council]

• The Gateway Playhouse will present Phantom by Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit, a lush and emotional retelling of the Phantom story, running from August 1 to 31 with a 24-member cast and grand stage spectacle. Long Island Advance

• The Patchogue Arts Council is accepting submissions for Arts on Terry 2025, a curated contemporary art street fair on September 14, featuring booth space for fine artists. Artists can apply here by August 13 for a chance to showcase their work. [Patchogue Arts Council]

Community Highlights

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