Olympics Start and Prohibition

Good Morning

The Olympics just got started. It just does not seem as exciting as it did when I was younger. With all the media now available, it just seems to get covered up in the noise. But, the athletes work just as hard as ever. Good luck to all our athletes representing the USA

95 Years ago, the country was in the midst of prohibition. We look at a typical story from back in those days.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

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Olympics 2024

Paris Tightens Security Ahead Olympics Opening Ceremony

As Paris finalizes preparations for the Olympics, a significant security operation is underway. With 45,000 police officers, soldiers, and private security guards deployed, the city is bracing for the grand opening ceremony, featuring over 7,000 athletes sailing down the River Seine.

On Thursday, sporting events such as archery, handball, rugby sevens, and football commenced. Defending champions Canada defeated New Zealand 2-1, despite a spying scandal impacting the women's tournament.

Meanwhile, tensions between the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) escalated. WADA is bringing USADA before the Independent Compliance Review Committee, risking the U.S.'s ability to host future Olympics. The dispute centers on WADA's handling of a 2021 case involving 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance.

In innovation news, running brand On introduced a spray-on marathon shoe, priced at $330, adding competition to Adidas' $500 marathon shoe.

Surfing will be hosted 16,000 km away in Tahiti's Teahupo’o, known for its formidable waves, from July 27 to August 5. This venue was chosen due to flat beaches in France during this season.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal addressed cybersecurity threats, affirming France’s commitment to mitigating the impact of inevitable cyberattacks on the Olympics.

In the backdrop, Andy Murray announced his final tournament will be the Paris Games, competing in doubles with Dan Evans, marking the end of his storied career.

For comprehensive coverage, visit Reuters.

Local Pulse

🚗 A woman died following a head-on crash in front of a Long Island restaurant. The tragic accident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in the area. MSN News

🏡 Familiar faces gathered at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new realty office in Suffolk County. The event celebrated the opening and underscored the community's support for local businesses. Suffolk County News

🎉 The Colonial Church in Suffolk County celebrated its 240th birthday with a special event. The church's long history and its role in the community were highlighted during the celebrations. Suffolk County News

🎶 The Great South Bay Music Festival returned for 2024 with an exciting lineup of artists and bands. This annual event continues to be a major highlight for music lovers in the area. Live for Live Music

🚔 Two men have been arrested for allegedly running a home improvement scheme targeting seniors on Long Island. The suspects are accused of scamming elderly residents out of significant amounts of money. NBC New York

🔪 A Port Jefferson man pleaded guilty to the fatal 2021 stabbing of a landscaper on the Setauket-Port Jefferson Greenway, with his girlfriend serving as the lookout. Jose Martinez-Vazquez, 25, admitted to second-degree murder and will be sentenced on August 28. Newsday

Local History

Prohibition Era Reflections: The Raid on Bell Inn

In the summer of 1929, the Prohibition era was in full swing, impacting communities like Bellport. On July 26, 1929, the Patchogue Advance reported on a notable raid at the Bell Inn, a local resort. County officers seized a significant quantity of liquor and arrested Mary McEwan, the alleged proprietor, on charges of operating a public nuisance. This raid, led by Chief Deputy Sheriff Burton G. Howe, was part of a broader crackdown that included previous raids in Bellport and Patchogue.

Mary McEwan was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Willard I. Monsell, pleaded not guilty, and was released on $1,000 bail pending a hearing. The raid, which occurred in broad daylight, was spurred by a complaint from Deputy Sheriff Charles Barcellona. Officers confiscated a variety of liquors, including Scotch, whiskey, beer, and gin, marking a significant enforcement action during Prohibition.

This raid highlights the intense efforts to curb illegal alcohol distribution during Prohibition and the community's ongoing struggle with the restrictions of the era. The Bell Inn raid exemplifies the period's tension and the law enforcement's rigorous activities to enforce the nationwide ban on alcohol.

Community Highlights

• The Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce invites you to its General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, July 31st, at noon at Momo's Too in Bayport. This event offers a great opportunity for local businesses and residents to network and collaborate while enjoying a discussion led by County Legislator Anthony Picirillo on Suffolk County's proposed sales tax increase for sewer and septic projects.

• This weekend, join the Patchogue Medford Class of 1979 for their 45th Reunion Weekend Ice Breaker at Ristegio's on Friday night from 6-8pm. Enjoy free admission and buffet for the Class of 1979 until 8pm, then all Pat Med classes are invited to reconnect until closing on the patio with live band B4 Dawn. No cover charge! Call 631-731-3663 for reservations. On Saturday night, continue the celebration at Baha Boat House on River Ave in Patchogue. All classes are welcome!

• Join the Patchogue Theatre on Monday, August 26th from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Dublin Deck for a fundraiser supporting the Act Out Theatre program. Enjoy a buffet dinner, cash bar, live music by Martin & Lucas, raffle prizes, and more for $75 per person. The Dublin Deck is located at 325 River Avenue, Patchogue, NY 11772.

• If three's a crowd, four's a party! The Fabulous Four is an uproarious comedy about life-long friends (Susan Sarandon, Megan Mullally, and Sheryl Lee Ralph) who travel to Key West, Florida, to be bridesmaids in the surprise wedding of their best college girlfriend, Marilyn (Bette Midler). Enjoy the laughs and surprises from July 26th to August 1st at Plaza MAC.

• Bellport Day is happening in Bellport Village! Join us for a day filled with fun activities, local vendors, and community spirit. Don't miss out on this exciting event!

• Plan to be at the First Baptist Church of Patchogue for a special event featuring Jason McGuire as a speaker. This event promises insightful discussions and community engagement. Don't miss out on this opportunity to hear from a notable speaker and connect with fellow attendees!

• 🏈 Bayport-Blue Point High School's 2024 football schedule has been released, featuring a series of exciting matchups. Fans are eagerly anticipating the season as the team prepares to take on local rivals. On3

• The Bellport Community is hosting a Blood Drive: Pint for a Pint on August 11th, where participants can donate blood and receive a pint of beer in return.

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